mee the deedes of â—e flesh which are these â—dultery fornication vncleaâ—â—sse wantonnesse idolatry â—itchcraft hatred variance wrath strife sedition sects eâ—uying murther drunkennesse gluttony and such like anâ— plant in mee the fruites of thâ— Spirit as loue ioy peace long suffering gentlenesse faithfuâ—nesse meekenesse and tempâ—rance As concerning the coâ—uersation in times past giueâ— grace to put off the old mâ—â— which is corrupt through tâ—â— deceiuable lusts and to be â—â—nued in the spirit of my mindâ— and to put on the new maâ— which after the image of Goâ— is shapen in righteousnesse anâ— true holinesse Suffer me not to lie buâ—â— speake truth vnto my Neigâ—bour For as much as wee â—â— members one of another Suâ—â—â—â— me not to be angry that I 〈◊〉 let not the Sunne goe down vpon my wrath neither let 〈◊〉 giue place vnto the back-biter Grant that he which afore hath â—â—ollen may from henceforth â—teale no more but rather laâ—or with his hands some good â—hings that hee may haue to giue vnto him that needes Let â—o filthy communication proâ—eed out of my mouth but that which is good to edifie withâ—ll when neede is that it may â—â—ue fauour with the Hearers Let all bitternesse fiercenes â—nd wrath roaring and cursed â—peaking bee put away from â—â—e all maliciousnesse Make â—â—ee curteous to all men and â—ercifull forgiuing euen as God for thy sake forgaue me As for fornication and all vnleannesse or couetousnesse let â—â— not bâ—e once named among â—s as it becommeth Saints â—either filthy things neither foolish talking neither iesting which are not comely but rather giuing of thankes Put vppon me tender mercy kindnes humblenesse of minde meekenesse long-suffering forbearing my Neighbour but abouâ— all these thingâ— put vpon mâ— loue which is the bond of perfection grant that the peacâ— of God may euermore rule â—â— my heart and that I may bâ— thankefull for all thy benefitsâ— Finally whatsoeuer thing are true whatsoeuer things aâ—â— honest whatsoeuer things aâ—iust whatsoeuer things 〈◊〉 pure whatsoeuer things pâ—â—tain to loue whatsoeuer thingâ— are of honest report if there bâ— any vertuous thing if there â—â— any laudable thing grant thâ—â— I may haue them in my minde and practise them in my conuersation and liuing that whatsoeuer I breathe think speake â—or doe all things may bee done â—nto the honour glory and praise of thy name who liuest and raignest with God the Father and God the Holy Ghost true liuing and euerlasting GOD World without end Aâ—en A Prayer for Faith VVEe are taught by thy holy Apostle O most louing Sauiour that whatsoeuer is not of Faith is sinne and that it is impossible to please thee without faith and therefore they that come vnto thee must beleeue that thou art God yea and sâ—ch a God as is both able and also will aboundantly reward all them that with true faith seeke thee For thy eyes O Lord looke vpon Faith and thou doest appeare and shew thy selfe vnto them that haue faith in thee yea through faith thou being the King of glory art married to the soules of thy faithfull makest them partakers of thy diuine nature through the wonderfull working of thy blessed Spirit Through Faith so many as beleeue are iustified made the soâ—nes and heires of God and haue euerlasting life By Faith we obtaine of God all good things euen whatsoeuer wee doe aske in thy name Seeing that Faith is so precious a Iewell in thy sight that without it nothing is acceptable vnto thy diuine Maiestie and I of mâ—ne owne nature cannot haue this most singular gift except thou giuest it vnto mee from aboue and doest breathe it into my heart by thy holy Spirit for of my selfe I am blind ignorant foolish and by no meanes can perceiue the things which pertaine to the Spirit of God I most humbly beseech thee to take away from me all infidelitie and vnfaithfulnesse which I receiued of old Adam and to plant in me true faith vndoubted beliefe that I may bee throughly perswaded that thou art the Sonne of the liuing God very God and very Maâ— our alone sweete smelling sacrifice our alone Mediatour Aduocate and Interceâ—â—or ouâ— alone wisdome righteousnâ—â—â—â— â—anctification and redemptiâ—â—â— by whom alone and for whose sake onely thy Heauenly Father is well pleased with mee whereby my sinnes are remitted grace and euerlasting life is giuen me O Lord God suffer mee not to leane to mine owne wisedome nor to beleeue as blinde flesh fansieth nor to â—eeke saluation where superstitioÌ„ dreameth but let my faith onely be grounded on thy Word And giue me grace truly to beleeue in thee with all my heart to put my trust in thee to looke for all good things of thee to call vpon thy blessed name in aduersitie and with a ioyful voice and more merry heart to praise and magnifie it in prosperitie Suffer me not to doubt neither of God my Heauenly Father â—or of God his Sonne nor of God the Holy Ghost but earnestly to beleeue that they being distiâ—ct persons are notwithstanding one very God beside whom there is no God neither in Heauen nor in earth Grant also that I may assuredly beleeue whatsoeuer is contained in the Holy Scriptures and by no meanes suffer my selfe to bee plucked from the veritie thereof but manfully and stedfastly abide in the same euen vnto the death rage World â—oare Diuell And this Faith O sweete Iesuâ— encrease thou in me more and more that at the last through thy goodnesse I may be made perfect strong in thy holy Religion and shew my selfe both before theâ— and the World truly faithfull by bringing forth plenty of all good workes vnto the gloriâ— and honour of thy name which with God the Father and God the Holy Ghost liuest and raignest true God World with out end Amen A Prayer vnto GOD that weâ— may liue in his feare and that he will turne his plagues from vs. O Heauenly Father most merciful Lord deale not thou with vs after our sinnes neither reward vs after our iniquities Indeed thou in thy holie Law doest thereaten to punish with plagues noysome diseases such as neglect and set at nought thy will word and liue licentiously according to their owne lusts and appetites to send vpon them great plagues with many other innumerable and vnknowne infirmities as iust punishments for their iniquities Yet O Father of mercy and Lord of all comfort I beseech thee inspire into my heart such a regiment of feare to offend thy diuine Maiesty that thereby I may turne vnfeinedly vnto thee and serue thee truly learning to liue according to thy law louing one another as Christs true children in deede and not spoiling or deuouring one another For hee that loueth not his brother though he liue yet he abideth in death and hee that hateth his Brother is a Man-slayer and killeth him in his heart but loue shall couer â— multitude of sinnes and so also God shall bee glorified and shall
onely Sauiour so loue thee that all mine affections may bee set on thee alone and so embrace true godlinesse that our whole life may be a cleere mirrour of all vertue and goodnesse so shall wee through thy mercie bee found worthy guests of this thy Table and receiue these holy mysteries to the saluation of our soules Yea so shall we be well assured of the remission and forgiuâ—nesse of all our sinnes By the breaking of thy blessed bodie and the shedding of thy precious blood our consciences shall bee quiet our hearts shall be filled with all true and spirituall ioy we shall triumph ouer Sathan sinne death hell and desperation wee shall be partakers of all the fruites and merites of thy blessed passion bee made one body with thee fellow-heires in euerlasting glorie O Lord God let it so come to passe for the honour of thy name Amen A Thankesgiuing after the receiuing of the Communion VVEe thanke thee O Heauenly Father for the blessed passion and glorious death of thy dearely beloued Sonne our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ by whose holy wounds we faithfully beleeue and are assuredly perswaded that thy wrath is not onelie pacified towardes vs buâ— that thou also are now become our most mercifull Father and hast freelie forgiuen vs all our sinnes Restore vnto vs thy heauenlie grace and make vs sonnes and heires of thine eternal glorie And because wee should not doubt of thy Fatherlie goodnesse rewards vs 〈◊〉 in the deâ—th of thy 〈◊〉 the same Son Christ 〈◊〉 Lord hath lâ—â—t vnto vs not onely his holy Word but also a blessed memorial of his death and passion set forth 〈◊〉 the holy bâ—â—ad and wine which weat this present haue receiued both for a remembrance of the breaking of his blessed body and the sâ—edding of his moâ—â— prâ—â—inâ—â— blood 〈◊〉 also for the quietnâ—sse of our â—â—onscience and â—â—â— the 〈◊〉 of the remissiâ—â— of our â—â—â—nes through faithâ—â—â—â—â— We 〈◊〉 thee O Heaâ—â—enly Father that we be neuer vnmindefull of this thy exceeding great kindnessâ— not vnthankefull for thy maâ—ifolde blessings vnspeakable mercies declared vnto vs in the glorious death of thy welbeloued Sonne but so worke thou in vs through thy holy Spirit that wee may be made worthy members of that bodie whereof thy Sonne and our Sauiour Christ Iesus is the head And that we may so faithfullie beleeue in thee and so â—eruently loue one another alway liuing in thy feare and in the obedience of thy holy law and blessed will that wee being fruitfull in all godly and Christian workes may traine our liues according to thy good pleasure in this transitorie World and after this fraile and short life obtaine the true and immortal life where thou with thy dearely beloued Sâ—nne our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ and the Holy Ghost that most sweete Comforter liuest and raignest one true God in all honour glorie World without end Amen A Prayer to be saide at the receiâ—ing of the mysterie of Christs Bâ—die in the Communion O Heauenly and blessed Father â—â—render vnto thoe most hearty thankes for all thy benefits which thou hast shewed vnto mee a most wretched sinner but especially for that most sweete smelling sacrifice which thy onely begotten Son offered vnto thee on the Altar of the Crosse by giuing his most pure and vndefiled bodie vnto the death for the redemption of Mankinde in remembrance whereof according to thy wellbeloued Sonnes ordinance I now receiue this holie bread most entirely beseeching thee that I may both be partaker of the merites of thy deare Sonnes Body-breaking and also leade a life worthy so great a benefit to the glorie oâ— thy name Amen A Prayer to be saide at the receiuing of the mysterie of Christs bloud in the holy Communion O Blessed and mercifull Father thy loue towards mee sinful Creature is so exceeding great and vnspeakable that I cannot but giue vnto thee most humble thankes namely for the shedding of the most precious bloud of thy deare Sonne Iesus Christ by the vertue whereof thy wrath stored vp against me wretched sinner is pacified my ransome is paide the Law is fulfilled mine enemies are ouercome put to flight In remembrance of this so noble a victorie and of so great a benefit I am come vnto this Table O merciful Father to drinke of this Cup desiring thee that as my outward man is comforted by the drinking of this wine so likewise my inward man may bee comforted and made strong by true faith in the precious blood of thy most deare Sonne O Lord and my Heauenlie Father giue me thy holy Spirit which may so rule gouerne my heart that I neuer bee vnthankefull nor forgetful of this thine exceeding great kindnes but so traine my life according to thy blessed will that whatsoeuer I doe speake or thinke may bee vnto the glory of thy most blessed name and the health of my soule through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen A Morning salutation to GOD for wisedome for grace and forgiuenesse of sinnes MY Soule O Lord hath desired thee in the night season and I haue also waited for thee in spirit and minde all the morning beseeching thee that thy presence which I sore haue longed for may expell from me all my sinne Lord water the secrets of my heart with thy manifolde graces and mightily enâ—â—â—â—e the same with thy loue And now my most sweete Lord Iesus Christ I rise and come early to thee in the morning and pray thee from the bottome of my heart that thou wilt hearken vnto my prayers and godlie requests which I doe most humbly in heart offer vnto thee for thou art the wisdome the eternall brightnesse and verie figure of the substance of the Father who hast created all things of nothing And because thou wouldest bring againe Man to the pleasure of Paradise thou camest downe from Heauen into this vale of miserie and by thy holie conuersation thou hast shewed and trod him the path thereunto and for ransome of all Man-kinde thou wouldest bee offered to thy Father as a most immaculate Lambe Open by thy Holy Spirit my stony and hard heart that with the eies of a perfect beliefe â— may alwaies behold thee who art King of Kings and Lord of Lords Giue mâ— wisâ—dome truly to consider of thy â—eath and passion that thereby I may profit in thee onely who art as a Booke of charitie for me Grant mee that I be vtterlie destitute of all vanities that now I be not he whom heretofore I haue beene but doe thou alwaies abide in me that so linked vnto thee I neuer sâ—verue or decline from thee Send downe good Lord thy wisedome from the seate of thy Maiestie that shee may labour and be with mee that I may know what is acceptable in thy sight that my heart and senses may bee enlightened whereby I may vnderstand how to bee a true follower of thy Precepts O my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ who art most sweete vnto mee
vnto his ende Here good Reader is both the manner the method the forme the fashion how to meditate and what to meditate as time and necessity shall require with a requisite regard and serious consideration that our holy meditations may bee the more gracious in the eyes of God and successefull in our desires and occasions that God may blesse both them and vs with an happy Earnest in this World of the eternity in the World to come whether by his blessed will so prospering this intended meanes that it may be able to bring vs to the blessed Hauen of rest and endlesse ioy The Lord of life and death in whose hands is the breath of euery liuing thing so direct vs that wee may learne to number our dayes that wee may run out the short race of our sinfull Pilgrimage in godlinesse of holy meditation with much patience looking to Christ Iesus the Authour and finisher of our faith that when we shall haue finished these dayes of sinne wee may bee translated to a better life in the Kingdome of Glory which GOD hath purchased to vs in the blood-shedding of his beloueâ— Sonne To whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost be rendered all glory maiesty power and dominion now euer Amen Thine in the Lord Henry Thompson What the Soule loseth by mortall sinne THe grace of the Holy Ghost The friendship and familiaritie with God All mortall vertues infused and of Gods Spirit The inheritance of the Kingdome of Heauen The portion of Gods children and patronage of his Fatherly prouidence which he hath ouer the iust The peace and quietnesse of a good and cleere conscience What misery the Soule gaineth by mortall sinne COndemnation to eternall paine to bee quite cancelled out of the Booke of life To become of the childe of God the thrall of the Diuell To bee changed from the Temple of the Holy Ghost into a denne of theeues a nest of vipers a â—inke of corruption How a Soule is prepared to Iustification by degrees Faith setteth before our eies God is a iust Iudge Angry with the bad Mercifull to the repentant Of this Faith by the gift of God Spirit arises a feare by coÌ„sideratioÌ„ of Gods Iustice and Our owne sinnes This feare is comforted by hope grounded in Gods mercie and The goodnes of Christ Of this hope ariseth loue and charitie vnto Christ For louing vs without desert Rredeeming vs with so much loue Of this loue followes sorrowe for offending Christ of whom we haue been so mercifully Created Redeemed Sanctified and called to his Faith Of this sorrow ariseth a firme purpose to auoide all sinne which GOD aboue all â—things detesteth The Diuel aboue all things desireth And aboue all things hurteth the soule THE SOVLES Alarum-Bell CHAP. I. That GOD his beginning was without beginning and is and shall bee euer without end THere was euermore a Thing being and that Thing that was euer before all other things must needs be without be ginning and must be the first Maker and the first Cause of all things which hath no maker nor no cause out of whom as out of the verie fountaine and will of all causes euery thing taketh his being So that Thing which was first being must needes bee the Exo. 3. 14. cause and foundation of all things and of all beings and that First cause or Maker is among all people called Ioh. 8. 58. God Then sith God is the first cause of euery thing Iob. 1. 2. 3. 4. and the first principall cause of the being of euery thing it requireth that there bee in him such a being that it must bee the most perfect most substant all being and the most sure being that is or can bee which shall neuer haue end For if it shall haue an end it is not the most perfect most substantiall and most sure being for it must bee such a being which excludeth euery imperfection that soonest tendeth to Not being There is no time past in which hee was not no time present in which he is not nor no time to come in which he shall not bee So that of necessity it followeth that his being was euer without beginning and is and shall bee euer without end therefore conueniently God is called Omnipotent as being of most power and might Then sith God is the cause of all things and Gen. 1. 1. euery thing taketh his effect by God and commeth of God as of his first cause Pro. 8. 22. and euery thing that taketh any effect hath neede of the cause for without the cause the effect could neuer haue Iohn 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. been Therefore it must follow that euery thing hath neede of God and that God hath neede of nothing And likewise that thing that Act 〈◊〉 14. 24. hath no life nor neuer had life may not by his owne Ephes 1 11. power make a thing to haue life But wee see in this world man beast to haue life which life proceeded and came first from that Creator which is very life in whom first must needs bee life Then sith God is first Creator and causer of euery thing which hath life it followeth that in him there was euer a life And as I haue said before because the being of God is the first being and cause of Gen. 1. 7. the being of euery thing the most perfect most substantiall and most sure being and because that thing which hath being and life also is more worthy then that thing which hath but being onely as the trees herbes which haue a quicknesse of life whereby they grow and increase haue a more noble and worthy being then a dead stocke or a dead stone which grow not and as the brute beast which hath a life sensitiue and power to moue it selfe and memory hath a more noble and worthy being then the Tree or herbe which hath but quickning and growing without power to moue or memory and also as the being of man which hath both life sensitiue power to moue memory and vnderstanding hath a more worthy being then the brute beast which hath but life sensitiue power to moue and memory without vnderstanding so it must needs follow that vnderstanding is the cause of the most worthy being And sith that God hath the most noble and worthy being that can bee it must needs follow that in God there must bee knowledge and vnderstanding and that the same being of God must bee with the same knowledge and vnderstanding And then if the being of God as I haue proued before be without beeginning and ending eternall infinite without measure and his being is and hath been euer most perfect and as hee himselfe may bee himselfe so may he himselfe vnderstand himselfe so that his being cannot bee seuered from his knowledge and vnderstanding nor his knowledge and vnderstanding seuered from his being it must follow that hee vnderstandeth all knoweth euery thing that was
Anâ— thou must purpose with thy selfe to doe â—othing that day which may displease God but meditate in thy minde some godly meditations desiring his assistance for the furtherance of the true seruing his omnipâ—tent Maiâ—sty â— A Prayer before wee settle our selues to our Deâ—â—tions O Most gracious Lord giue me leaue to present my selfe before thy diuine Maiestie and to poure out my vnworthy prayers in the sight of thy most mighty and glorious presence Behold mee O Lord not in my merits but in the multitude of thy mercies I now comâ— to make manifest my necessities and to vtter my griefeâ— vnto thee I come as a poorâ— and needy wretch vnto â— God of infinit glory I comâ— as a worme of the Earth vnto my Soueraigne Makeâ— and Creatour I come as â— guiltie hainous offendeâ—â— I am not worthy to lift vâ— mine eyes to Heauen muâ—â— lesse to open my mouth in thy glorious presence oâ— presume to talke with â— Lord and King of so great â— Maiesty being my selfe buâ— slime and ashes but ô Fatheâ— of mercies and God of all comfort thou promisest that who asketh shall receiue â— who knocketh shall bee leâ— in who seeketh shall findeâ— Thou inuitest the greatest â—inners and refusest not to â—eelde thy assistance to any â—hat will vse it grant mee â—herefore grace now to pray â—nto thee as my duety and â—hy desert requireth grant â—e a pureintention a ferâ—ent deuotion and an attenâ—â—ue mind that it be not carâ—ed away with impertinent â—oughts nor any other diâ—raction but with humble â—eart firme hope and perâ—ct charity I may effectualâ—e pray vnto thee and aske â—f thee that which thou seeâ—t most for thy glory and â—y good graâ—t Lord I beâ—ech thee that thou wilt â—elpe mee to pray worthily â—at thou maiest mercifuâ—ly â—rant my Petitions keepe â—y thoughts from wandring râ—straine my imaginations and preserue my sences from being distractedâ— defend O Lord my weakâ— heart from ghostly assaultsâ— and so fixe my minde vpon thee that I be not carrieâ— away from consideration oâ— thy presence grant mee distinctly to pronounce my words attentiuely to apply my thoughts and to bee wholly rauished and possessed with zeale and true deuotion O Lord grant me to aske forgiuenesse with â— deepe contrition and fulâ— purpose of amendement â— grant me to craue thy benefits with hearty thankfulneâ—â— for those which I haue receiued Grant mee to pray for my selfe with a perfect resignation vnto thy will and â—or all others with true chaâ—itie and sincere affection Affoord O Lord such comâ—ort to my soule as thou â—eest fit â—or mee and by the â—ssistance of thy spirit inspire â—hy good motions into mee â—hat I may feele them forciâ—ly accept them thankefulie and fulfill them effectuâ—llie Finally I humbly beâ—eech thee of thy mercy and goodnesse that I may praise â—hee with a true repentant â—eart to appease the fury of â—hy anger against me whereâ—y I may come to enioy â—ith thy Maiesty eternall â—lorie without end Amen A Morning Prayer O Most gracious LORD and Omnipotent Father thou which madeâ—â— Heauen and Earth the Sea and all that is therein together with thy dearely beloued Son IESVS CHRIST and with thy holy Spirit thou hast brought vs to the beginning of this day thorow thy goodnesse now we beseech thee that this day wee fall into no sinne buâ— that we may accomplish thy holy will by directing ouâ— words framing our thoghts and disposing our doing accordingly Helpe vs anâ— further vs O Lord in all ouâ— Prayers that whatsoeuer wâ— doe may alwaies take beginning from thee and being so begun wee may proceede in true seruing of thee who art the Fountaine 〈◊〉 light and most peerelessâ— spring of Wisdome LORD vouchsafe that the beames of thy wonderfull glorie may beate against my darke and smal vnderstanding and driue from me two kinde of mists to wit sinne and ignorance wherein I was borne Thou O Lord that makest the tongues of little Infants to be eloquent teach me to rule my tongue and let thy grace and blessing bee pouâ—ed on my lippes Giue mee sharpnesse of vnderstanding thy heauenly word and ability to retaine it a facility to serue a good kind of interpretation a good place to vtter my words and that they may tend to thy glory and guide my entrance to the matters I speake of direct my proceeding in the same and make perfect my conclusion Come Holy Ghost fill my heart with thy faith and kindle in mee the fire of thy loue doe thus good Lord who diddest bring the Gentiles to the vnity of thy saith by all kindes of diuers and strange languages send out Lord thy holy Spirit and all things shall be created and thou shalt make fresh the face of the Earth and thou that hast taught the Hearts of thy faithfull by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost giue mee the same spirit right vnderstanding and alway to reioice in thee make mee forsake Sathan and cleaue to thee ô Christ who art the way truth and life shew me thy wayes ô Lord and teach me thy pathes direct my steps according to thy word that no vnrighteousnesse reigne ouer mee Maâ—e my going perfect in thy wayes that my steps be not moued Lord whi hart the Father of grace anâ— mercie desend me from my enemies and receiue mee at the houre of my death Good Lord grant I may depart in a good houre out of this World and that I may arise from the death of sinne and walke in newnesse of life that when I shall rise againe at the latter day when our life shall be seene manisestly of all men I also may bee openly but fauourably seene of thy glory who liueâ—â— and reiguest one GOD World without end Amen Another Prayer for the Morning O Lord God and my heauenly Father I do here present my selfe with my morning sacrifice vnto thy Omnipotent Maiestie crauing thy mercifull aide for the strengthening of my weake faith at this present that thereby I may be made the more apt and able to serue thy heauenly Maiesty in all holinesse and true sincerity of heart And now that the time allotted for my feeble senses is expired and that the spring of the morning approacheth I offer vp my bounden duety of praise and thankesgiuing to thy euer blessed and glorious Maiestie vpon whom all the houres and moments of life depend for adding yet more space vnto my daies for granting me a larger time of repentance for the obtaining of thy grace and exercise of vertue and amendement of my sinfull life O eternal and euerliuing God who art the guardian to all true beleeuers make me euermore to magnifie and extoll thy mercies and in true token of this my thankefulnesse hauing nothing more neere vnto me then my selfe I here offer and present my selfe body and soule vnto thy heaâ—enly will and pleasure beseeching thee to dispose of me as of thine owne to direct the remainder of my life to thy Honour and seruice
most blissefull wisedome the Word of the Father the beginning and ending of all Creatures cast thine eyes of mercie vpon me I pray thee for I am but flesh ashes and I fully perswade my selfe that it lieth not so much in me either to will any thing or to runne but all power commeth from thee whose mercie assisteth vs all Lord consider I pray thee my weake and fraile flesh and what of my selfe I am not able to performe by reason of my sinfull flesh I beseech thee to helpe and assist mee and graciously to continue such good will as thou hast shewed mee O my merciful Lord forsake mee not ô my Refuge depart not from mee ô my deliuerer make hast to succour me in thy mercies and mortifie me to the World Saue me from all deceipts of mine enemies that neither life nor death nor no hap or chance seuer mee from thee but that my loue continue both now euer and bee nothing diminished by death it selfe Lord giue me that wisdome that attendeth on thee and put mee not away from amongst thy children for I am thy seruant and sonne of thy handmaide send downe thy wisedome from thy heauenly seate that shee may be with mee and labour with mee for I am thy seruant Therefore O Lord replenish mee with the gifts of wisedome and vnderstanding for thou art my succour and onely helper in all distresse I beseech thee for thy mercies sake to pardon those sâ—nnes which I a most vile wretched sinner haue committed keepe me from all euill acts and from all dangers direct my path to a good end whilest I am tossed in the waues of this life and grant I may come to the possession of eternall glorie I haue loued wisdome more then health or any beauty Lord come and teach me the way how to attaine to thy wisedome Heare my prayer O God and let my criâ— come vnto thee O LORD who by thy wisdome which is eternall as thou thy selfe who hast created Man who before was not and when he was lost through thy loue diddest most mercifully redeeme him againe grant I beseech thee through the inspiration of thy wisedome that I may loue thee with all my soule and let me know the way wherin I may walke for I haue life vp my heart vnto thee Deliuer me from mine enemies O Lord â—â—flie to thee for succour teach 〈◊〉 to doe thy will for thou art my God Wisedome passeth wickednesse and spreadeth from coast to coast who doth strongly sweetely place all things in order Let the brightnesse of thy eternall wisedome ilâ—uminate mine heart that it be not dimmed with the darknesse oâ— this World but that I may come to that Countrey where is perpetuall light Lord let thy Holy Spirit bring mee to that right light that leadeth to tread the path of righteousnesse Lord bring my sonle out of all miserie and in thy mercie destroy all mine enemies and them that trouble my soule for I am thy seruant and will surely reioice in thy name and patiently looke for thee O Lord thou art my helpe and refuge my heart doth reioice in thee and I doeput my trust in thy holie name Giue eare to me O merciful God and infuse the brightnes of thy wisdome into my mind that I may receiue thee and haue fruition of thee and see the light of thy wisedome that I may know thee truly and â—aithfully loue thee Thou O Lord hast sent redemption to thy people thou hast commanded thy Testament not to bee violated but kept for euer thy name is holy and terrible and ought still to be feared and serued in all reuerence for the feare of the Lord is the beginning of wisedome vnderstanding is good to all such as doe exercise it in his feare All wisdome commeth from thee O Lord who art the brightnes of euerlasting light the glasse of eternall Maiestie who art cleere without any spot O Orient brightnesse of the eternall Light and Sunne of Iustice come and lighten me that sit in darkenesse and in the shadow of death Cast me not away from thy face and take not from mee thy holy Spirit restore mee to the gladnesse of thy saluation strengthen mee with thy Spirit and lighten mine cles that I neuer sleepe in death lest mine enemie at anie time say I haue preuailed against him They that persecute me will reioice if I bee moued but I trust in thy mercie my heart shall reioice in thy saluation I will sing vnto thee O Lord who hast giuen mee good things and I will sing to the name of the Highest who teacheth sobrietie rightâ—ousnesse and vertue then the which nothing is more commodious in the life of Man O glorious King who art alwaies praised among thy chosen and yet no man can speake so worthily of thee as thy Maiestie requireth Thou Lord who art among vs and whose holy name is called vpon by vs forsake vs not but at the extreame day of iudgement vouchsafe to place me among thy chosen seruants mercifully looke vpon my frailtie and fauourably giue mee a taste of thy celestiall wisdome that when I haue tasted of the maruellous sweetnesse thereof I may despise all worldly vanitie and continuallie with a burning desire cleaue vnto thee who art the cheefest goodnesse that may be who liuest and raignest one GOD World without end Amen A Prayer for the King O Almighty GOD King of Kings Lord of Lords which by thy diuine ordinance hast appointed temporall Rulers to gouerne thy People according to equitie and Iustice and to liue among them as a louing Father among naturall Children to the aduancement of the good and punishment of the euill We most humbly beseech thee fauourably to behold IAMES thy seruant our most gracious King and Gouernour and so breathe into his heart through thy holy Spirit that wisedome that is euer about the Throne of thy Maiestie whereby hee may be prouoked moued and stirred to loue feare and serue thee to seeke thy glory to banish idolatrie superstition and hypocrifie out of this Realme and vnfeinedly to aduance thy holie and pure Religion among vs his Subiects to the example of other forraine Nations O Lord defend him from his enemies send him a long and prosâ—erous life among vs and giue him grace not only in his owne person godlilie and iustlie to rule but also to appoint such Magistrates vnder him as may bee like affected both towards thy holy Word and toward the Common-wealth that we his Subiects liuing vndâ—â— his Dominion in all godâ—â—nesse peace and wealth may passe the time of this our short Pilgrimage in thy feaâ—e and seruice to the glory of thy blessed name which alone is worthy of all honour for euer and euer Amen A deâ—oute Prayer to our LORD O Good gracious Lord most mercifull and blessed Father O sweete Sauiour â—esus Christ I wretched sinner that am vile earth and ashes doe yeeld thee most humble heartie thankes for that it hath
and fansies which beare away the due reuerence wee owe vnto God For when we haue praied to GOD that hee will giue eare vnto our requests and receiue our petitions they are sonegligently done that we had need pray againe to desire him that hee will out of his bountifull loue and great mercy cast his eye of pitty and not of anger vpon the great offence which was committed in the idlenesse of our prayers and supplications made by vs vnto his diuine Maiestie and that he will forgiue vs our sins committed in our prayers because wee thinke then leasâ— of him at the time we make our prayer vnto him neuer remembring the Maiestie of his person to whom weâ— speake nor the Excellencie of the worke wee take in hand neuer rowsing vp the spirit of a sorrowfull repentant heart for our former offences committed but if we â—hance then to stirre vp ouâ— deuotion to prayer we leaue them halt and lame bodie without soule or soule without deuotion sound of lips without the heart one part of our selues without the other or the whole without a whole clamour without intention But Dauid practised true repentance which may not bee repented of and such were the panges and prickings of Iobs heart vnto GOD My groanings saith he come forth before I eate and my roarings are powred forth Not onely groaning nor crying but also roarings with a continual inundation as one waue dasheth forth another Now when the soule is thus prepared to speake the eares of the Lord are euer open to heare the true penitent sinners cry These are wonderfull passions The hungry Lyon in the desert opprest with extremitie of suffering want neuer roared so much for his prey nor the Hart braying after the water brookes as the goodnesse of the Lord in the soule of the faithfull He is the mighty LORD of Heauen and Earth whose name be blessed and hallowed for euer in Earth as it is in Heauen and blessed are all those that are in loue with his goodnes and traâ—â— nearest vnto his steps And to giue vs a further example in his owne cause when his soule was hedged in and enuironed round about with vexation euen vnto death when anguish sorrow incompassed him round about as also then in his greatest agony when he cried with a great voice not for particular persons as before hee wept but vndergoing the burthen and punishment of all the sinnes and sinners in the World My God my God why hast thou forsaken me and crying againe with a great voice gaue vp the ghost Therefore the blessed Apostles mentioning the daies of his humanitie and the exercise of his godly and sacred life and fruite of his lips and the passions of his spirit thought it not enough to giue notice to the World that he prayed to his Father that hee praied with teares which trickled downe his blessed cheekes and watered the ground nor of a cry alone weakely sent out but of a vehement and strong cry which if Heauen were brasse were able to pierce through it and find way into the Sanctuary into the eares of the Almighty Such a prayer as it ascends lightly vp borne vpon the wings of Faith so it eueâ— comes laden heauily downe with a blessing on the head of him that first gaue it flight This Lanthorne of our direction and composition of humilitie and goodnesse this glorious and neuer enough admired LORD of life who prest opprest with the weight burthen thereof groaned vnder the affliction of our sinnes in a most perfect forme of exact obedience with his bleeding teares for vs shewed vs the right forme of faithfull supplications for our selues Let vs then bee importunate and feruent in our praiers that our Petitions may wrestle with GOD and ouercome him For if our praiers bee powred forth in the â—eruentnesse of zeale without wauering then let vs make no doubt but hee wil graciously receiue them into his armes of mercie Way hâ—e thus grieueâ— for vs and shall not wee grieue for ourselues groaned hee vnder the weight of our sin being himselfe without sinne onely in compassion and pitty towards vs why then doe not we continuallie groane and grieue It is so farre from vs that in no way wee giue his heauenlie Maiestie his due except in committing finne and drinking it downe the throate with greedinesse and a desiring thirsting appetite euen as Beheâ—â—th drinketh down Iâ—rdan without sense sorrow or griefe for the same The true consideration hereof will enforce and procure in vs a more perfect desire to follow the true prescription that our Sauiour hath prescribed for vs in his holy Gospell which commandeth vs by expresse words to bee importunate and feruent in our prayers that our Petitions may ascend vp to GOD our Lord and onely Sauiour and there to be receiued into his bosome to preâ—rent a further and greater danger before the dreadfull Maiestie of the omnipotent LORD of Heauen and Earth who with the breath of his nostrels is able to destroy our bodies and soules change the World and the beauty thereof into a Chaos and â—eape of confusion turne the Sunne into darkenesse and the Moone into blood and alter the property and being of all the Creatures in the World at the twinckling of an eye Considering what we are that speake that offer vp the calues of our lippes and the fruites of our repentance poore naked impotent vnworthy wretches wee should be importunate and with a feruentnesse of zeale poure out our supplications vnto GOD that he wil mercifully heare vs and gently receiue our supplications and according to his wonâ—ed goodnesse satisfie our faithfull requests poured forth vnto him in the name of CHRIST IESVS our Lord and onely helper in all distresse But our wretchednesse and mortality our nakednesse in good workes towards him is such that if there were any spark of true faith in vs it would make vs ashamed as it did our first Parents when they bidde themselues from the presence of their GOD. The view of our sinnes is exceedingly sinful the number the weight the danger thereof hang about our neckes like milstones that we are notable nor worthy to cast vp our eyes to heaueÌ„ for our sinnes are so exceedingly miserable that the Prophet of GOD being astonished to see either man or the Sonne of man so kindly visited biddeth vs be feruent in our Petitions to GOD. And we must expect an happy successe of our supplications vnlesse we wil cal in question or doubt of the promises of God which are more stable then the pillars of the Earth or the basis of the surest foundation except we will cast our graine into the earth and expect no haruest plant Vines and not drinke the Wine thereof If wee meane to receiue that at GODS hand we doe expect to haue then wee must prepare our selues in another forme to poure out our vnworthy plaints and petitions and thinke that GOD either heareth not or regardeth not at all the
zeale of â—ur importunity wâ—ll proâ—ure his Omnipotent Maieâ—â—ie to graâ—t audience If our words and prayâ—ers will not preuaile then â—et vs ioine thereto our â—eares that GOD may say to â—s as he said to Ezekiah I â—aue seene thy teares They â—re so powerful messengers â—hiefly if they be done in the â—â—nceritiâ— and singlenesse of â—eart No sooner can the thought â—ppeare crauing his merciâ—ull aide but the eye of his compassion and goodnesse â—s vpon them Then who is it that wilâ— not worship and serue thiâ—â—ouing Master being so readie at our call to receiue ouâ— Petitions into his hands oâ— mercie Dâ—â—id saith that God haâ— heard the voice of his weepingâ— Teares and sorrow for ouâ— sinnes doe cause the eares oâ— GOD to open vnto our godâ— lie requests Therefore let vâ— glorifie this good GOD with our bodies in true humilitie and serue him in spirit and lift vp our soules with Dauid and our hands with Moses our eyes with Peter â—â—d our voices with Dâ—bâ—râ— Thus seeking wee shall find thus knocking it shall bee oâ—ened vnto vs. â—et vs giue our Petitious but the â—â—ght voiâ—e to aske with guestionlesse there is no â—oubt but GOD will heare â—s in his mercie to our imâ—easurabâ—e comfort and â—oy It must not be the dumbe â—nd silent which must giue â—n eye to seeke with it must â—ot bee the blinde and careâ—esse which giues an hand to â—nocke with it must not â—eare to molest and disquiet â—ot onely the doores but all â—he Treasures and Iewels in â—he Kingdome of Heauen â—hich will bee opened vnto â—hose his chosen And whiâ—her our blessed SAVIOVR â—oth hâ—â—â—elf iâ—nuite vs Come â—nto â—ee all 〈◊〉 that labour â—nd are laden O this is a loue withouâ— example where the King â—imselfe not onely comman deâ—h but desireâ— our appearance Who then shall keepâ— vs backe where he comman deth Open ye gateâ— of rightcousnesse and be ye opened ye euerlastiâ—g doores O what a blessed and comfortable saying is this vnto sinnefull man by so great â— Lord and King Who theâ— shall oppose themselues against vs What need we to haue a Mediatour an Intercessor or friend when bee himselfe hath giuen his voice and freely calles vs to himselfe alone Though the frankenesse and bounty of his loue hath yeelded acceâ—â—e vnto hiâ— heauenly Maiesty this great 〈◊〉 four good GOD vnto â—â— must not eâ—bolden vs with â— lesse respect or reuerence in shewing our dutie in the true seruing of him which loue of his doth deâ—erue more in a farre greater degree then our vaine and â—raile flesh can yeelde vnto â—is Omnipotency and State that fitâ— in glory at the right â—and of his Father And whereas we are poore â—ormes creeping vpon the â—oote-stoole of this Earth â—ray wee that his Maiestie will bee so gracious as to â—ouchsafe we should speaâ—â—â—nto him as it were face to â—â—ce to poure out our petitiâ—ns with our owne voices â—â—to his most blessed and saâ—â—ed earâ—â— All know by 〈◊〉 experâ—ence that the Kings of thâ— earth keep themselues witâ— in a strict watch and waâ— râ—gard and their persons aâ—â—â—ull of Maiestie and terroâ— and not spoken vnto bâ—â— with difficulty and frienâ—ship besides the infinite dâ—straction of suites and buâ—â—nesses more then the cares 〈◊〉 any mortal man can receiuâ— driue them of necessity 〈◊〉 the deputation of subordâ—nate Ministers But in GOD who rideâ— vpon the Cherubins aâ—â— maketh his enemies 〈◊〉 foote stoole there is neithâ—â— dange of his person nor dâ—fect in his hearing For hâ— that â—lanted the eare doâ— he not heare He that stâ—â—deth and knocketh at 〈◊〉 〈…〉 for â—â—â—rance when wee knocke at â—is will he not grant enâ—rance In earthly Courts among which wee liue wee may haue many impediments â—ew will hardly fauour vs but many may hinder vs before we can deliuer our message But at these Heauenlie Gates at which we must alwaies call the LORD alone â—s Porter For when the friend knocked in the Parable of Luke â—t mid-night the heauiest 〈◊〉 deadest houre of the night â—e who was neerest the gate â—irst awaked if hee slept at all and first answered How willing is hee to grant that is so willing to â—e disquieted Now glad to heare our knocke that hatâ— placed his bed so neere thâ—â— gate Hew truly may we say that hee was not oneâ—â— nâ—cre the gate but thâ—â—ord himselfe and the verâ— gate who when his Chiâ— dren were fast asleepe thâ— cares of Angels and Saint shut vp hee first and at thâ— veâ—y first call nâ—y onely he among the rest made answâ—â— vnto it The LORD is alwaieâ—â—eerer vnto vs then we arâ— vnto him Psal 10. Hee â—â—â—reth the desire of the poore Hâ— first prepareth the heart anâ— setteth it on worke to pray and when hee hath so donâ— he bendeth his care vnto â—â— giuing vnto vs both thâ— cause and the effect boâ— the blessing and meanes â— â—e blessings The true stand â—ost effectual messenger we â—aue to send our Petitionâ—â—y is Prayer poured forth â— the zeale and singlenesse four hearts If we send vp merites the â—arres in Heauen will disâ—aine it that we who dwell â—t the foote-stoole of GOD are presume so farre when â—e purest Creatures in Heaâ—en are impure in his fight If we send vp feare and diâ—rust the length of the way â—ill tire them out and with â—he weight sinke to the â—round before they come â—alfe way vp to the Throne of saluation If wee send vp blasphenies and curses all the Creautes in Heauen and Earth â—ill set themselues against vs the Sunne and the Mooâ— will raine downe bloud thâ— fire hot burning coales thâ— aire thunderbolts vpon ouâ— heads But Prayer is a Messenger freed from all these imperfections whom neitheâ— the irksomnesse of the way or tediousnesse of the passage can hinder from hâ— purpose quicke of speedâ— faithfull of trust able â—â— mount aboue the Eagles â—â— the Skie into the Heauen 〈◊〉 Heauens as a Chariot of fiâ—â— leading vs alost into the prâ—sence of GOD to seeke hâ—â— assistance and grace The least finger of hiâ— right hand is of more puissance then the whole arâ—â— of flesh or armie of spiritâ— yea then the whole liueâ— hole substances of Angels Men of siluer gold silke â—urple and all other Creaâ—â—res So that Prayer shall walke â—â—rough life death withâ—ut controllement If it find Angelâ— Principâ—â—ties Powers things present â—nd things to come or any â—ther Creature in the World â—opping her passage and reâ—uking her forwardnesse â—â—e shall cleere her way notâ—ithstanding and climbe â—â—to the presence of her GOD and in his eares deliâ—er her message Be wee in sicknesse To â—im the true Phisicion that â—nowes both the cause and â—he cure shee comes for â—ealth Be wee in imprisonment There she sollicites a releaâ—â— from him the Lord of libeâ—tie Be we opprest with pâ—uertie or want The Earth the LORDS and all thâ—â— dwell therein to him she comes for the blessing 〈◊〉 the Lord maketh rich Are wee afflicted aboâ—â—
of friendship and amitie betwixt vs. Namely that thou wilt be my mercifull Father and that againe I may be thy obedient childe Lord thou soest I doe not aske of thee riches honours or long life but onelie this euen this thing alone which with all possible importunity I vrgâ— and neuer wil cease to craue that from this present houre to my liues end I may neuer more offend thy diuine Maiestie nor defile my conscience with anie mortall ofsence O Lord grant â— poore sinner this his humble suite for Christ Iesus his sake my alone Sauiour and Redeemer Come holie Spirit the sweetest comforter of Mankinde I beseech thee take the possession of my soule purge and cleanse mee of all sin sanctifie me throughout wash what is corrupted water what is dried heale what is wounded bow what is â—â—iffened warme what is cooled call home what is straied make mee â—rulie humble and resigned â—hat thou maiest bee pleased â—o stay and abide with thy seruant O most blessed light and glorious lampe illuminate my minde with the heauenâ—ie beames of thy wisdome O Paradise of pleasures â— Fountaine of purest deâ—ights my God giue me thy â—elfe In flame my soule with â—hy celestiall loue teach me â—ouerne me direct and proâ—ect mee through the whole â—ourse of my life Establish my mind against â—ll elusions and inordinate feare grant me a right faith an assured hope a siâ—cerâ— and perfect charity and that I may preferre thy blessed will pleasure before aâ—â— things in Heauen and Earth And now sweete Iesus vpon the knees of my heart I humbly craue pardon oâ— these and all other my trespasses knowne and vnknowne yea so inspire my heart with thy spirit that seriouslie I may resolue of amendement of life for the time to come That I may carefullie reforme my selfe of those vsual errors into which this day past and so often as heretofore I haue beene accustomed to fal that I may renewall my good purposes and intentions and accordinglie put them in practise that so finallie after this my short life spent in thy seruice I may at length close vp my daies in peace and happilie end in thee who art blessed for euer Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liuest and raignest euer one God World without ende Amen A Prayer for Night O My most Soueraigne Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ Lampe of light truth I miserable wretch most humbly beseech thee to with-draw and keepe my minde from wandring thoughts distractions this night Lord heare the groâ—nings of those who vnder then of sinne and infirmitiâ—â— crie vnto thee Lord loose â—he bonds and shackles of iniquitie wherewith I haue bound my selfe and out of the darke prison of wickednesse whereinto I haue run and captiuated my selfe deliuer my sinfull soule O Lord As thou art my skilful Phisician and best knowest my diseases take me to thy cure O Soune of God my Creatour Redeemer and Sanctifier let thy vnspeakable loue remaine in my soule for euer that I may enioy thee and ioy in thy countenance Thou that leddest the Israelites thy seruants throgh the red Sea and deliueredst them from the bondage of Pharâ—ah and his cruell Ministers discharge mee of the grieuous weight of my sins where-with my soule is so heauilie laden Thou that desendedst Daniel in the Lions denne desend me this night and euermore Thou that pardonedst Dauids vnspeakable sinnes be mercifull vnto me thou Sonne of God and Sauiour of the World in whom 〈◊〉 lie is my saluation by whom I may become an Angell in Heauen and without whose mercie am a diuell in hell Good God looke graciouslie vpon mee wash me O Lord whose iniquities are as red as bloud and I shall appear before thy almighty Throne as white as snow Lord deliuer mee now this night and in the houre of my death from all the malicious temptations of the old Serpent my enemie adopt mee here thy sonne below that I may become thy seruant aboue and liue with thee and raigne with thee in those ioies which are euer during who with the Father and the Holie Ghost euer liuest raignest World without end Ameâ— O Lord looke downe from Heauen vpon mee miserable wrâ—tch that lie here prostrate at thy feete crauing mercie of thy Omnipotent Maiestie for those sinnes which I haue committed this day against thee I humblie beseech thee O Christ which aâ—â— my onelie Sauiour and Redeeâ—â—er to extend thy accustomed goodnesse to me this night that I may bee defended from the danger of the enemie and all euill which may befall mee this night good Lord take mee into thy protection of safegard that I may take safe and quiet rest this night to the end I may be the better enabled the next day to serue thee in all godlinesse holinesse of liuing whereby I may haue thy blessings powred downe plentifullie vpon me to the reliefe of me and mine and that after this painefull life ended I may dwell with thee in life euerlasting Amen A Praier to GOD for grace and to dâ—spâ—se the vanitie of the World O Gracious and Omnipotent Father haue merâ—ie on mee and forgiue me the great offences which I haue done in the sight oâ— thee Grant me grace for the loue of thee to despise sinneâ— and all worldlie vanitieâ— helpe mee to ouercome all temptations to sinne and the malice oâ— my ghostliâ— enemies and to spend my time in vertue and labouâ— acceptable to thee Repressâ— the motions of my sinfuâ—â— flesh that mine hâ—art may bee enamoured of vertue to liue to thine honour and to the comfort of my soule O Father strengthen mee in soule and bodie to execute the workes of godlinesse to the glorie of thy blessed name and profit of my Christian bretheren whereby I may come to thy euerlasting ioy and feliâ—itie Grant me a firme purpose most mercifull Lord to amend my life and to make recompence for those yeers which I haue misspent to thy displeasure in euill thoughts delectations consentings wordes workes and euill customes whereby I haue deserued damnatioÌ„ Lord make mine heart obedient to thy will comfort mee and giâ—e mee grace to haue my most ioy and pleasure in thee giue me heauenly meditations gostlie sweetenesse and zeale of thy glorie Rauish my soule with a burning desire to the heauenlie ioy where I shall euerlastinglie dwell with thee â—rant me sweet Sauiour contempt of all damnable pleasure of sinne and misery grant mee a true remembrance of my saluation with a feare of damnation and 〈◊〉 remembrance of thy goodnesse thy gifts great â—iâ—dnesse shewed to me from my creation vntill this present houre O Lord reduce into my minde my sinnes and disobedience whereby I haue offended thee Lord grant me a right spirit and perfect contrition to obtaine thy grace and from filthy sinne to purge mee O God make mee constant and stable iâ— faith hope and charity with continuance in vertue direct my will that it may not offend thee but
passe thou through thy vnspeakable power makest easie in them and bringest to a fortunate end Wee therefore being fullie perswaded of thy bent and readie goodnesse of thy present helpe of thy sweete comfort in all miseries and necessities knowing also by the testimonie of thy Word how great intollerable the paines of Women are that trauell of childe if through thy tender mercies they be not mittigated and eased most hâ—mbly pray thee for Iesus Christ his sake thy Sonne our Lord that thy louing kindnesse may make that easie and tollerable which sinne hath made hard and painefull Ease O LORD the paines which thou most righteouslie hast put vpon all Woemen for the sinne and disobedience of our Grand-mother Eue in whom all wee haue sinned and giue vnto all such as haue conceiued and bee with childe strength to bring forth that Childe which thou wonderâ—ully hast wrought in them be present with them in their trouble helpe them and deliuer them Let thy power bee shewed no lesse in the safe bringing forth then in the wonderfull fashioning of the Childe that that which thou hast begunne in them may come vnto good successe Make them glad and ioyfull Mothers that they through thy goodnesse being safely deliuered and restored to their olde strengths may liue and praise thy blessed name foâ—euer Amen A Thankesgiuing vnto GOD for their deliuerance O LORD GOD among other thy great benefits yea and those innumerable which thou daily bestowest vpon vs thy needy and poore Creatures this is not the least O most mercifull Father that thou of thy tender goodnesse doest vouchsafe for the conseruation of mankind to preserue the Woemen that are with childe and to giue them safe deliuerance of their burthen by this meanes making them glad and ioyfull Mothers For these thy benefits and good will towards vs wee so heartily thanke thee as heart can thinke beseeching thee to worke such thankeâ—ulnesse in the hearts of all Mothers that they being not vnmindfull of this high benefit of their safe deliuerance wrought onely by the Sauiour of all mankinde may shew themselues thankeful vnto thee for this thy goodnesse and neuer forget that thy present helpe and most sweete comfort which thou mercifullie shewest vpon them in their great trauailes labours and paines when they fled vnto thy holie name for succour as vnto a strong bull-warke and holie deâ—ence Continue thy fauour towards them O Lord by making them ioyfull Mothers of many children and indue them with long life that they may see their Childrens Children And the Children that thou gauest vnto them make thou as in age so likewise in wisdome and in the aboundance of thy holy Spirit to encrease that they may haue fauour both with thee and with all good men vnto the glory of thy most blessed name one GOD World without end Amen A Prayer for a sicke Man O Almighty GOD and all full of mercie which art the onelie Father of helpe and true Physician of our bodies soules in thy hands are life and death thou bringest to the graue and pullest backe againe Wee came into this World vpon a condition to forsake it whensoeuer thou wouldest call vs and now the Summoners are come thy fetters hold mee and none can loose me but he which bound me I am sicke in bodie with paine and in soule for feare of condemnation LORD thou hast stricken me but in iudgement shew mercie I deserued to die so soone as I came to life but thou hast preserued me till now and shall this mercie be in vaine as though we were preserued for nothing Who can praise thee in the Graue I haue done thee no seruice since I was borne but my goodnesse is to come and shall I die before I beginne to liue But good Lord thou knowest what is best of all and if thou conuert me I shal be conuerted in an houre and as thou acceptedst the will of Dauid as well as the act of Solomon so thou wilt accept my desire to serue thee as well as if I did liue to glorifie thee The spirit is willing but the flesh is fraile and as I did liue sinfully whensoeuer thy Spirit was from me so I shall die vnwillingly vnlesse thy Spirit prepare me Therefore deare Father giue mee that minde which a sicke man should haue and encrease my patience in my paine and call vnto â—y remembrance all that which I haue heard or read or felt or meditated so strengthen me in this houre of my trauaile that I which neuer taught any good while I liued may now teach others to die to beare their sickenesse patiently Applie vnto mee all the mercies of thy beloued Sonne as if he had died for me alone be not from me when the enemy comes but when the Tempter is bustest let thy Spirit bee busiest too and if it please thee to loose me out of this prison and when I shall leaue my earth to earth let thy Angell carry vp my soule as they did Lazarâ—â— and place me in one of those mansions which thy Sonne is gone to prepare for me This is my Mediator which hath reconciled mee and thee when thou diddest abhorre me for my sinneâ— and thou diddest send him from Hâ—auen to vs to shew that thou art bound to heare him for vs. Therefore in him I come vnto thee in him I call vpon thee O my Redeemer my Preseruer and my Sauiour to thee bee all praise with thy Father and the Holy Spirit for euer and euer Amen A Prayer to be saide before the receiuing of the holy Communion THy loue towardes vs O most gentle Father is so great and vnmcasurable that it can by no meanes be expressed by mouth nor sufficiently conceiued in heart and this thy loue is without any deserts on our behalse freely and willinglie O Heauenly Father thou hast sent downe thy only Son Christ Iesus from the glorious seate of thy diuiâ—â—e Maiestie to take our flesh vpon him and to become perâ—ect man of the substance of a pure and vndefiled Virgiu Mary through the operation of the Holie Ghâ—st O thou that art this our Mediatour thou taughtest the will of thy Heauenly Father confirming the same with wonderfull mercies vnto the great comfort of many which then liued and vnto the perfect establishment of our faith which liue at this present aâ—ter thou haddest trauelled in this World certain yeeres the time afore appointed from euerlasting of thy Heauenly Father drawing nigh that thou mightest giue thy selfe an oblation and sweete smelling sacrifice to God the Father for the sins of the whole World euen so many as repent beleeue and amend willing that so noble and worthy a benefit of our redemption should not bee forgotten nor fall out of remembrance who art the sole Authour of our saluation and the onely comfort of weake consciences when thou hadst eaten the Paschall Lambe with thy Disciples according to the appointment of the Law thou tookest bread into thy hand gauest thankes