endeauour euen to rent our hearts and to be truly humbled before the Lord with godly sorrow 10. Qu. How shall wee bring our hearts to this heart-renting sorrow An. The remembrance of Gods great kindnesse and our owne wretched vnthankefulnesse but especially our looking vpon Iesus Christ pierced for our sinnes Zach. 12.10 and seriously considering what he endured to redeeme vs from death 2. Cor. 7.10 are chiefe meanes to bring vs to this godly sorrow causing repentance not to be repented of 11. Qu. What may we expect vpon this humiliation A. If being thus humbled in our selues we shall repaire to God and as in Dan. 9. EZra 9. and Nehem. 9. we haue presidents shall penitently confesse our sinnes with hearty prayer to God for pardon and grace and with a thorough resolution to forsake all our euill wayes and henceforth to liue in obedience to Gods holy will we may haue assurance that our sinnes are pardoned and shall finde grace renewed in our hearts to make vs to performe what wee haue resolued and promised 12. Qu. How serueth the outward ceremonies of rest and abstinence to this inward substance An. The bodily exercise of Rest and Abstinence is of profitable vse 1. In respect of time which is thereby gayned for the better dispatch without distraction of such holy duties 2. For the duties themselues whereunto these outward obseruances serue more or lesse either as signes to testifie or as helps to further our humiliation prayer and true repentance Adde here that for the better examination of our hearts and liues as is required in the ninth Question it may bee fit for people who are more ignorant to take a view of the explication made by M. Perkins of the breaches of the seuerall Precepts in his little Treatise of the nature and practise of repentance as also it will be expedient for the same purpose to obserue as keyes to open vnto vs the more full knowledge of the Commaundements the Rules set downe in the section following F. SIxe generall Rules for the better vnderstanding of the true meaning due extent and binding power of the ten Commaundements for the better discouering of the knowledge of sinne according to that ground of truth and definition of sinne set downe by S. Iohn 1. IOHN 3.4 Whosoeuer committeth sin transgresseth also the Law 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For Sinne is the transgression of the Law THE Rules are these following 1. Where any a Mat. 15.4 and 4.10 duty is enioyned the contrary sinne is forbidden and where any b Eph 4.28 1. Thes 4 3.4 5. sinne is forbidden the contrary duty is required 2. Vnder one maine c 1. Ioh. 3.15 duty or crime expresly mentioned all degrees and branches of the same kinde are either commaunded or forbidden together with all d Pro 23.31 1. Thes 5.22 occasions or means furthering thereto and all effects signes or proper consequents of the same 3. The Precepts being giuen generally doe binde all estates and persons without exception e Rom. 3.19 Col. 3.25 both themselues to keepe them as also to take heede how they make themselues f 1 Tim. 5.22 Ephes 5.11 Rom. 1.31 accessaries to others breaking of them 4. None can g Iam. 4.12 dispence with any Commandement but God onely nor can any h Gen. 22.2 Exod. 12.35 36. breake them without sinne except by Gods speciall warrant to the contrary nor can any be held i Iam. 2.10 Psal 119.6 Luk. 18.21 22. conscionably to obserue any of them that hath not a due respect to all of them 5. The least breach of any precept is k 1 Ioh. 3.4 sinne and in it selfe l Rom. 6.23 mortall deseruing euerlasting wrath yet in each Commandement are different m Math. 5.22 Math. 7.2 degrees of sinne and the breaches of the Cōmandements of the n Mat. 22.38 1. Sam. 2.25 first table greater comparing them in a lik◠degree then of the second 6. One and the same duty or crime may be in different respects referred to o Pro. 25.18 Mal. 3.5 diuers Commandements and the breach principally of one table be in other respects the breach also of the other The Scriptures cited in the margent being well considered may giue some light for the iustifying and clearing of these Rules propounded G. THe knowledge of the Law hauing a two-fold vse the one to humble vs by sight of sinne vnto repentance and the other to guide vs being qualified by the Gospell in the way of righteousnesse Concerning the practise and power of the former of these two viz. repentance wee may take it briefely in these words of Salomon PRO. 28. 13. He that hideth his sinnes shall not prosper but who so confesseth and forsaketh them shall finde mercie 14 Blessed is the man that feareth alwayes but hee that hardeneth his heart shall fall into euill Agreeing whereunto see those counsels and comforts annexed Jsai 55.6 7 8. Seeke ye the Lord whilst c. Isa 1.16.17 18 19. Wash you make you cleane c. As also that excellent place 2. Cor. 7.10.11 where are set downe the seauen properties of true repentance an exposition whereof may be found in that plaine but profitable and powerfull Sermon of Repentance made by M. Dent which together with his booke of the Plaine Mans Path-way deserue to be recommended to ignorant persons and all yong beginners in the wayes of godlinesse to awaken them vp to some light and loue of life and saluation H. FOr further encouragement hereunto let vs lay vp in our hearts the tenour of the new and comfortable couenant of grace with the stipulation on our part by GOD required EZEK 36. 25. Then wil I sprinkle cleane water vpon you and yee shall be cleane from all your filthinesse and from all your Idols will I cleanse you 26. A new heart also will I giue you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stonie heart out of your flesh and I will giue you a heart of flesh 27. And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and ye shall keepe my iudgements and doe them 28. And yee shall dwell in the land that I gaue vnto your Fathers and ye shall be my people and I will bee your GOD. After which followeth the stipulation or condition on our parts required 31. Then shall ye remember your owne wicked wayes and your doings that were not good and shall loath your selues in your owne sight for your iniquities and for your abominations 32. Be it knowne vnto you that I doe not this for your sakes saith the Lord therefore be ashamed and confounded for your owne wayes O house of Israel The summe of which said couenant see also excellently expressed by the Prophet Ieremie Ier. 31 33 34. Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will make a new couenant c. And againe Ier. 32.38 39 40 41. And they
perfect heart and a willing minde that thou mayest blesse him and his Throne for euer Blesse also our gracious Queene and giue her an vnderstanding heart to knowe the Truth and with Mary to chuse the better part that she may bee an helper also and furtherer of thy glory Blesse the rest of the Royall Familie the Counsell Ministery and Magistracy in this whole Land and all that haue place of command charge or gouerment ouer others in the Church or Common-wealth Particularly O Lord blesse we beseech thee all our Kindred and Friends and specially vs of this Family that we may liue in thy feare and bee blessed with all things necessary both for our soules and for our comfort in this present life And now as thou hast added this day vnto the dayes past of our life Lord adde our repentance wee beseech thee vnto the day and let vs rest in peace this night vnder the shaddow of thy winges that being refreshed by thy good blessing of sleepe which our beds cannot giue vs but thou O Lord who giuest thy beloued rest we may be inabled the better to serue thee in our callings the day following to thy glory for others good and our owne comfort through Iesus Christ our Lord in whose name we conclude our prayers as himselfe hath taught vs saying Our Father c. A priuate Prayer framed for the most part out of the precedent Scriptures and especially the 51. Psalme O Lord God mercifull and gracious that forgiuest iniquity and yet wilt by no meanes cleare the guilty I thine vnworthy and sinfull Seruant am bold to come before thee in confidence of thy mercy but with all humble and free acknowledgement that I am greeuously guilty and that by reason of the sinne both of my nature and life For I was shapen in iniquitie and in sinne did my Mother conceiue mee And this sinne wherein I was conceiued enough of it selfe to condemne me hath bene too to fruitfull in bringing foorth both sinnes of Omission and Commission in the whole course of my life whereby it hath come to passe that I haue neither denyed vngodlinesse and worldly lustes nor liued soberly righteously and godly in this present world I haue not knowne thee my God so much as I might nor serued thee so well as I ought but haue greatly failed euen in the most principall duties not Reading thy Word so diligently not hearing it so heedfully not receiuing the Sacrament so preparedly not keeping the Sabbath so conscionably not calling vpon thy Name so often and earnestly as I should haue done much lesse haue I regarded that extraordinary seruice of Fasting and humiliation though so many weightie occasions both publique and priuate haue called vpon mee for it And when I haue at any time performed these duties it hath not beene with so perfect an heart and so willing a minde as thou requirest but there hath bene much both heauinesse and hypocrisie in my best Deuotions I haue too to much distasted and shunned the narrow way not walking in my Calling so faithfully not vsing Recreation so moderately nor thy Creatures so soberly and inoffensiuely nor carrying my selfe towards my Neighbour for the good both of his soule and body and state so religiously Charitably and iustly as it had beene meet I should But besides this want of delighting in thy Law and holy duties I haue committed many grieuous sinnes against thy Maiestie following very fearefully especially in the time of You h and ignorance both the Company and the Counsels and the Courses of Wicked men and so instead of bringing forth the holy and pleasing fruites of the Spirit haue wrought and brought foorth the fiâ—thy and noysome workes of the Flesh Yea O Lord against thee against thee haue I sinned and besides Common euils an guilty as holy Dauid of bloud of some notorious and speciall prouocations Nor haue I beene thus sinnefull O Lord for want of instruction and meanes to be better for thou hast taught me wisdome and made known thy Word vnto me wherby I might haue bin cleansed and amended but it is because I haue wanted care haue not taken heede to my wayes according vnto thy Word nor laid vp that word of thine in my heart whereby I might haue beene kept from sinning against thee So that I can by no meanes iustifie my selfe nay O Lord I am so farre from that that say what thou wilt against mee in thy Word lay what thou wilt vpon me with thy Hand I doe freely confesse Thou shalt be iustified when thou speakest and cleare when thou iudgest Neuerthelesse O gracious Father since thou hast proclaimed thy selfe to be a God that pardonest iniquitie and transgression and sinne Let me finde grace I beseech thee in thy sight and pardon my iniquitie and my sinne I haue nothing to plead for my selfe but Haue mercy on me O God according to thy louing kindnesse according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions I cannot deny O Lord but I am a great Sinner but I know that the bloud of Iesus Christ cleanseth vs from all sinne Purge me therefore with that Hyssop and I shall be cleane wash me and I shall be whiter then the Snow So make me to heare the voyce of ioy and gladnesse that my heart afflicted with sinne may reioyce in thee It s true O Lord thou art a GOD that doest by no meanes cleare the guilty yet haue mercy on mee while by this meanes the guilt of sinne is remoued from me Nor doe thou onely Hide thy face from my sinne O Lord and blot out all my iniquitie but together with the guilt of sinne take away the filthinesse likewise Wash mee throughly from mine iniquitie and cleanse me from my sinne yea Create in me a cleane heart O God and renew a right spirit within me Vouchsafe vnto mee the benefit of the new Couenant of grace working that grace in me that thou requirest of me Take away more and more the stony heart out of my flesh and giue me an heart of flesh that so I may remember my former euill wayes and my doings that were not good and loath my selfe in my owne sight for my iniquities and my abominations Together with this Repentance yea that I may haue this Repentance worke in mee that Faith whereby the House of Israel enquires after thee and whereby I a wretched Sinner finding my selfe heauy laden may so come vnto thee as to haue ease from thee And because none shall haue mercy but hee that forsaketh his sinne as well as confesses it Giue me so much grace as to forsake my wicked wayes yea and all my vnrighteous thoughts that so thou mayest haue mercy on me and abundantly pardon mee And because forsaking of sinne is not enough neither without returning vnto thee my Lord and my God make mee I beseech thee to goe in the pathes of thy Commandements and so put thy Spirit within me as to cause mee to walke
Lord thy God require of thee c. Mica 6.8 He hath shewed thee O man what is good c. Eccles. 12.13.14 Let vs heare the conclusion of the whole matter c. All which as they prescribe what God expecteth yeelding reason to moue vs to be thereof carefull so do they also administer both motiues and matter of prayer to make vs earnest with God for his strength and grace to enable vs for a meete performance B. THe sinners suite or Dauids repentant Prayer after his fall for himselfe and the Church not vnfit to be vsed in our daily deuotion in regard of our continuall failing in the precedent duties PSAL. 51. 1. Haue mercy vpon me O God according to thy louing kindnesse according to the multitude of thy compassions blot out my transgressions 2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse mee from my sinne 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sinne is euer before me 4. Against thee thee only haue I sinned and done euill in thy sight that thou mayest be iustified when thou speakest and be cleare when thou iudgest 5. Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sinne did my mother conceiue me 6. Behold thou louest truth in the inward affections and hast made mee to know wisedome in the secret of my heart 7. Purge me with a That is with the bloud of Christ sprinkled on my leaprous soule by the holy spirit Dauid for the strēgthning of his faith alluding to that ceremonie in cleansing the Leaper Leuit 14.67 As see 1. Pet. 1.2 1. Cor. 6.11 Hysope and I shall be cleane wash me and I shall be whiter then snow 8. Make me to heare ioy and gladnesse that the bones which thou hast broken may reioyce 9. Hide thy face from my sinnes and blot out all mine iniquities 10. Create in mee a cleane heart O God and renew a right spirit within me 11 Cast mee not away from thy presence and take not thy holy spirit from me 12. Restore to me the ioy of thy saluation and stablish mee with thy free spirit 13. Then will I teach transgressours thy wayes and sinners shall be conuerted vnto thee 14. Deliuer me from b That is the guilt of bloud being the particular sinne that mostwounded Dauids conscience as we vnder this terme may pray against that particular sin which woundeth vs most is to vs as bloud was to Dauid bloud O God thou God of my saluation and my tongue shall sing aloude of thy righteousnes 15. O Lord open thou my lips and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise 16. For thou desirest no sacrifice else would I giue it thee but thou delightest not in burnt offrings 17. The sacrifice of God is a contrite spirit a contrite and broken heart O God thou wilt not despise 18 Be fauorable for thy good pleasure vnto Sion build thou the walls of Hierusalem 19. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousnesse with c These Dauid mētioneth according to the condition of those times answering whereto are now the holy ministery of the word the Sacramēts with prayer praises thanksgiuing As see Hos 14. 2. Heb. 13.15 burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings then shall they offer young bullocks vpon thine Altar And now to direct and encourage vs to this continuall duty of holy prayer one most vsefull forme to furnish vs both for words and matter whereunto may be as I conceiue this blessed Psalme to that end proposed take notice farther of these prescripts promises and presidents Math. 7.7 8. Aske and it shall be giuen you c. Psal 50.15 Call vpon mee in the day of trouble c. Rom. 8.26.27 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities c. Jsai 65.24 Yea before they call I will answere c. Dan. 9.20.21 And while I was speaking and praying c. Ver. 23. At the beginning of thy supplication the Commandement came forth c. All assuring vs of Gods readines to heare when euer by his grace he stirreth our hearts to pray whereby wee may euen prophesie of the successe of our desires according to that acknowledgement Psal 10.17 O Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble thou preparest their hearts and then causest thine eare to heare C. DAuids blessed man pointing out yet more particularly the right path to life in renouncing euill wayes and cleauing vnto Gods word PSAL. 1.1.2 1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsell of the vngodly nor standeth in the way of sinners nor sitteth in the seate of the scornfull 2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law doth he meditate day night Agreeing hereunto see likewise Iob 22.21.22.23 Acquaint now thy selfe with God and be at peace c. Ephesi 5.8 11. Yee were darknesse but now are light in the Lord walke as children of the light And haue no fellowship c. As also Psal 119.1.2.3 26.4.5.6 All warning vs if euer we would be happy aboue all to flye as wee are still in Scripture warned the contagion of ill company Pro. 1.10.4.14.23.20 that fixing our delight vpon Gods law 2. Cor. 6.14 we may entertaine familiarity and fellowship with the Lord our both Sunne and shield Psal 84.11 Psal 16 11 in whose presence is fulnesse of ioy and pleasures at his right hand for euermore D. THe Doctrine and vse of the holy Sacrament of the Lords Supper together with an adioyned direction for a meete preparation thereunto deliuered by St. Paul 1. COR. 11. 23. For I haue receiued of the Lord that which I also deliuered vnto you that the Lord Iesus in the same night that he was betrayed tooke bread 24. And when hee had giuen thankes hee brake it and said Take eate this is my body which is broken for you this doe in remembrance of me 25. After the same manner also he tooke the Cup when he had supped saying This Cup is the new Testament in my bloud this do yee as often as yee drink it in remembrance of me 26. For as often as ye eate this Bread and drinke this Cup ye doe shew the Lords death till he come 27. Wherefore whosoeuer shall eate this Bread and drinke this Cup of the Lord vnworthily shall be guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord. 28. But let a man examine himselfe and so let him eate of this Bread drink of this Cup. 29. For hee that eateth and drinketh vnworthily eateth and drinketh damnation or iudgement to himselfe not discerning the Lords body THe direction for preparation in the twelue questions following 1. Quest How may a Christian fit himselfe for the Lords Table A. He must consider 1. why 2. how he shold come thereunto 2. Q. Why is he to come An. In obedience to Christs commandement who hath bidden vs so to doe in remembrance of him 3. Q. What profit may hee expect hereby to make him come willingly A. He is called
Dauid and Daniel thrice a day yet at least Psal 55.17 Dan. 6.10 morning euening ordinarily to come before God on bended knees as well taught children to aske blessing Math. 6.11 and their daily bread of him our heauenly Father and moreouer often and still vpon more speciall occasions in secret Psal 62.8 to poure out their soules to God for such graces and blessings as they stand in neede of or to render humble thanks for his receiued fauours and benefits As helps to the weaker sort in which holy exercise and perhaps necessary In M. Hierons helpe to Deuotion and The Practise of Piety as Truckles are to young children to learne them to goe there want not many good wholsome formes of prayers already penned for seuerall purposes But knowledge in the word with a right vnderstanding of the Lords prayer and Psal 51. gotten into their heart to such as haue receiued of God the spirit of Grace and Prayer Zach. 12.10 will bee the best Schoolemaster to helpe their infirmities Rom. 8.26 and to teach them how to make suites to God no matter though in broken English so it bee with contrite and broken hearts according to the will of God so as he the searcher of the hearts Verse 27. may know and graciously accept them in Christ Iesus 3 Besides these there is one other duty of prayer which concerneth chiefely the gouernours of families of whatsoeuer estate or condition who would haue the commendations giuen Cornelius a Act. 10.2 of fearing God with all their housholds carefully to see performed in their families euery day morning and euening whereunto at times as their occasions callings may permit some b Deut. 6.7 reading in the word and c Col. 3.16 singing of Psalmes with Catechising and instructing of their children and seruants Act. 17.11 repetition of what they haue heard and such like holy exercises should be profitably adioyned especially on the Sabbath day For this as it will approue them a Gen. 18.19 children of Abraham and men of b Iosh 24.15 Ioshuah his godly resolution and make their houses rightly accounted as the faithfull ones by c 1 Cor. 16 19. Coloss 4.15 Saint Paul saluted as little Churches so will it not only free them from that execration made by the Prophet d Ior. 10.25 against such families as call not on Gods name but giue them farther hope of Gods blessing as sometimes c 2 Sā 6.11 on Obed Edoms house for the presence of the Arke vpon them and theirs and f Iob 5.24 Gods peace to rest and abide vpon their dwellings Which religious duty of family-prayer together with thanksgiuing or Grace alwayes at our meales by our Sauiours owne example Ioh. 6.11 1 Tim. 4.5 and his Apostles both prescript and president recommēded to vs howsoeuer either through ignorance it bee in Act. 27.35 many places vtterly vnknowne or out of prophanenesse or want of ability for performance it be wofully neglected in most families yet being a seruice so well pleasing vnto God and of such speciall consequence I cannot but heartily wish that it may be henceforward by all that would be held to feare God more conscionably practised yea euen among such ignorant ones and in such small poore families where through weaknesse and want of skill in any to reade they bee able to doe no more then kneele down with their folke and ioyne together in rehearsing the Lords prayer and praying God to blesse and keepe them and if they can get that also into their heads and hearts making vse of the 51. Psal before to that end proposed or of some other good forme of prayer The helpe to Deuotion The Practise of Piety such as those that are added in the end of our Bibles and booke of Common Prayer or which may bee found in other approued Anthors or if they want others these short formes which for Conclusion of these directions shall here bee annexed A short Morning Prayer for a Family O Most holy and glorious Lord God and in Christ Iesus our most gracious and mercifull Father as In thee we liue mooue and haue our being and from thee doe dayly receiue our well-being and all our good So is it meet and our bounden duty by humble suit vnto thy Maiestie and hearty thankesgiuing to acknowledge and professe the same vnto thy praise Wee therefore thine vnworthy seruants prostrating our selues here before thy foote-stoole doe render vnto thy Maiestie all hearty thanks and praise for all thy mercies and blessings continually bestowed vpon vs both in regard of our soules and bodies euer since we were born vntill this present and in particular we blesse and praise thy Fatherly goodnesse for safe keeping vs this night past by thy watchfull prouidence when wee could not keepe our selues refreshing vs comfortably with thy good blessing of sleep and raising vs vp againe in some measure of health and strength this day to doe thee seruice Now O Lord we beseech thee take vs into thy fauour and Fatherly protection and keepe vs continually in thy most holy feare Pardon graciously and forgiue vnto vs for Christ Jesus his sake all our sinnes past put them quite out of thy sight and purge them cleane out of our hearts and so sanctifie vs throughout with the grace of thy holy spirit that we may take no longer delight to walke after the lusts of our owne wicked hearts but may giue vp our selues hence-forward wholly in obedience to thy blessed will so doing in particular this present day the duties both of our generall speciall callings as that by thy blessing and prouidence being vpon vs wee may be preserued from all dangers that otherwise might befall vs and finde much comfort in thy seruice so as that at night wee may againe returne with reioycing and thankefull hearts to resigne and giue vp our selues both soules and bodies into thine hands Meanewhile and euer remember also we most humbly beseech thee most mercifull God and Father together with our selues thy whole Church on earth and all thine afflicted Children and in particular this Land and Christian Countrey wherein we liue Herein blesse the Kings most Excellent Maiestie together with the Queene and the Princes the whole Royall Family with the Nobles and all set in Authority and place of Charge or gouernment ouer vs either in the Church or Common-wealth Our priuate Friends also kindred and godly acquaintance who are by any bond more neere vnto vs or haue desired to be in our prayers remembred by vs. In speciall manner blesse O Lord this whole Family with all that belong thereto or are therein giuing vs all grace to liue in thy feare and to doe thee seruice so knowing our places and endeauoring with sincerity and singlenesse of heart to doe our duties that wee may bee for comfort each to other and all of vs in all things to thy glory
through Christ Iesus our blessed Lord and alone Sauiour In whose holy Name wee continue to call on thee and recommend our selues vnto thee in that perfect prayer which himselfe did teach vs saying Our Father which art in heauen c. A Grace or blessing before Meate GOod Lord forgiue vs all our sinnes that make vs vnworthy of any of thy blessings and remooue from vs all thy Iudgements which are vpon vs or due vnto vs for the same blesse and sanctifie vs euer for thy seruice and thy good creatures at this present for our vse giue them strength to nourish vs and giue vs grace for them and all thy mercies to bee thankefull to thee and to receiue them as tokens of thy loue towards vs through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen A Thankesgiuing or Grace after meate O Lord wee giue thee humble thankes for all thy blessings bestowed vpon vs both for our soules and bodies in regard of this life present that to come and in particular for refreshing vs at this present with thy good creatures We beseech thee continue thy fauour vnto vs and keepe vs euer in thy feare Blesse thy whole Church this Land the King Queene and all the Royall Family our friends and all that are deare vnto vs. Grant thy Gospell a free and a fruitfull passage comfort all thine aflicted seruants and guide vs in the right way to euerlasting life through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen A Prayer for a Family in the Euening O Lord God gracious and mercifull by whose watchfull prouidence wee thy poore and vnworthy seruants haue been this day preserued and with thy rich and vndeserued fauours many wayes comforted and blessed wee returne to render vnto thine holy Maiestie all humble and hearty thanks for these and all thy benefits and blessings out of the euer-flowing fountaine of thy loue towards vs in Iesus Christ aboundantly powred downe vpon vs. O Lord we doe confesse wee be not worthy of the least fauour nay hauing beene sinners from the wombe we deserue wrath and daily goe on to prouoke the eyes of thy Maiestie to displeasure by our manifold sinnes and sinfull corruption still vnto this day remaining in vs and oft-times euery day breaking out vpon vs to thy dishonour We acknowledge O good Lord our ignorance and much want of desire endeauour after the sauing knowledge of thy blessed will reuealed to vs in thy holy word and wee haue iust cause to bewaile the prophanenesse and stubborne pride and disobedience of our hearts which make vs daily to rebell against thy most righteous lawes both by leauing vndone the duties which thou enioynest and aduenturing vpon those euill courses which thou forbiddest yea O Lord our vile hypocrisie in our best seruices our wretched vnthankfulnesse for thy coÌ„tinuall blessings our murmuring impatience vnder thy fatherly chastisements and tryals our contempt and abuse of thy sacred Gospell our blaspheming of thy glorious and fearefull name and prophaning of thy blessed Sabbaths our selfe-love and high-mindednes our worldlinesse and wicked couetousnesse our wantonnesse voluptuousnesse and other vncleane and sinfull lusts our wrathfulnesse and maliciousnesse our vnmercifulnesse and impenitencie and hard-heartednes and earthly mindednes and a whole world of wickednesse notwithstanding all the meanes of grace vouchsafed still abounding in vs How doe they testifie against vs to our face and in thy sight that wee are most wretched and miserable sinners deseruing in thy iustice shouldst thou enter into iudgement with vs tenne thousand deaths and euen damnation in hell for euer Howbeit since we perceiue euen hereby that it is of thine owne free goodnesse and gracious mercy that we are not consumed because thy compassions faile not but are towards thine renewed euery morning and doe continue with them to the euening We are emboldned to looke vp to thee and in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ in whom alone thou art well pleased to beseech thee for his sake to forgiue vs all our sinnes to wash vs cleane in his bloud and to assure our conscience by the witnesse of thine holy Spirit of the full discharge and pardon of them all Mercifull Father wee most humbly pray thee for his sake to put them all euery one of them great and small out of thy sight and withall by thy blessed Spirit purge them more and more out of our hearts O Lord giue vs grace euery day more and more our selues to see them and the vilenesse of them and how base and filthy they make vs in thy sight and giue vs hearts to bee vnfainedly sorrie that wee haue by them offended thee our so gracious God and grieued thine holy Spirit whereby wee are sealed to the day of redemption Worke in vs an hatred and detestation of all sinnes whatsoeuer giue vs grace for the time to come to striue and labour against them those especially whervnto we are by age education complexion company or any other occasion most enclined as against the deadliest enemies of our soules Yea O Lord God graunt that for this purpose wee may carefully shunne all occasion of euill such as are idlenesse ill company prophanenesse wantonnesse and the like and may more conscionably entertaine and vse all good meanes of grace such as are the hearing reading and meditating in thy holy Word the often calling vpon thy holy name the keeping of thy holy Sabaths the receiuing of thy blessed Sacraments the ioyning our selues in familiarity and fellowship with thy faithfull children and the like that by thy blessing hereupon wee may encrease and grow together with our yeares and age in faith patience and humility in meekenesse temperance and sobriety in loue vnto thee and to thy truth and to other for thy sake in a contempt of this wretched world which will shortly leaue vs and a longing after the ioyes to bereuealed in thy Kingdome and all good fruites of thy sanctifying Spirit which may faâ—ther our reckoning and seale vp our saluation vnto the day of Christ Meane while wee continue our prayers most mercifull God for thy whole Church and all the rest of thy chosen children who are our fellow heires of future glory whersoeuer they be scattered especially all those who being in misery whether in their soules or bodies doe want thy more speciall comfort O Lord instruct them that yet are ignorant conuert those that are prophane raise vp the fallen strengthen them that stand and keepe vs that we neuer fall but that our end may bee better then our beginning and our workes better and more at the last then at the first Be gracious and good vnto all Christian Churches that professe thy Truth restore peace if it be thy blessed will in thy good time to them which are troubled and continue peace and the light of thy Gospell for euer vnto this wherein wee liue Blesse herein wee beseech thee our Gracious King and giue him an heart to feare thee and seeke thy glory to knowe thee and serue thee with a
in thy Statutes to keepe thy iudgements and to doe them Thus make me by thy good graces meet to receiue the benefit of thy gracious promises And by that good grace of thine doe thou more and more so enlighten mee and so sanctifie me as that I may know thee the God of my Fathers and serue thee with a perfect heart and a willing minde and that both in the duties of my generall and particular calling Graunt that for the time to come I may reade thy Word and marke it that I may heare thy word and keepe it that I may call vpon thy Name and bee watchfull in it that I may receiue thy Sacrament and prepare for it that I may keepe thy whole Sabbath and delight in it that when thou callest to Fasting I may come to it willingly and when thou requirest the Sacrifice of Thanksgiuing I may offer it freely Graunt that abstaining as a Pilgrime and Stranger from fleshly lusts I may daily bring forth the fruites of the Spirit striuing mainely to enter in at the narrow gate and being in the number of those violent ones that take the Kingdome of heauen by force For which purpose doe thou O Lord so preuaile with me as that the power of Religion may be seene in all the passages of my particular calling graunt that I may carrie my selfe faithfully in it and vse onely such lawfull and moderate Recreations as may bee helpfull vnto it and thy creatures so temperately as that I may not bee hindred at any time froÌ„ performing seruice to thee Thus let mee obserue the lesson that Grace teacheth carrying my selfe conscionably towards thy Maiesty and iustly and charitably towards my neighbour and in my conuersation so soberly and with Christian modesty that I may expect the comfort that Grace promiseth looking with all assurance for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Sauiour Iesus Christ In whom being assured while I endeauour to offer the Sacrifice of a contrite heart that thou wilt not despise mee I make bold euen as my own sins put me in mind which help to make vp that heape of sins which prouoke thee to punish thy whole Church to entreate thy fauour in the behalfe of thy Church and children Doe good in thy good pleasure vnto Zion and build thou the walls of Jerusalem Bee mercifull to thy Church in other parts Make them carefull to bee holy as thou their God art holy Where thou hast giuen prosperity continue their comforts where thou hast sent aduersity sanctifie their crosses make them gracious by their sufferings and in thine owne good time glorious by deliuerance But in speciall manner I beseech thee be gracious vnto thy Church within these his Maiesties Dominions and in particular to this our Land Aboue all things continue the light the purity and the power of thy Gospell amongst vs and giue vs grace to bring forth better fruit of it then we haue done that it may not be taken away from vs and giuen to another people Herein amongst and aboue the rest let all thy blessings be powred downe vpon the head of our gracious King Enrich him with all Princely gifts and sauing graces Preserue his life from destruction and crowne him with louing kindnesse and tender mercy Blesse together with him his royall Consort and let the Queene be all glorious within Blesse the Nobles with grace together with their greatnesse that they may be powerfull instruments of thy glory and thy Peoples good Blesse the Magistrates of this Land and make them zealous All thy Ministers likewise and make them faithfull that so by the power both of the word and sword wee may leade a quiet and a peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty Be graciously good to all those to whom I am any way tyed either by the bond of nature or grace or loue or duty Sanctifie them by thy good Spirit Prosper them by thy good prouidence and graunt that they may first seeke thy Kingdome that so other things may bee cast vpon them Be mercifull especially vnto all that be afflicted in such sort as that in the end euery one of thine may say It is good for me that I haue beene afflicted yea so and so long afflicted Lastly O Lord I desire as duty bindeth me with all thankfulnes to acknowledge thy manifold great fauours Blessed especially be God and the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ for spirituall blessings in heauenly things and for giuing vnto such vnworthy wretches as I am Iesus Christ and together with him all things also euen all those outward blessings for which likewise O gracious and mercifull Father I desire to blesse thy Name to wit for the blessing of health the benefit of peace and liberty the comfort of friends that fatherly portion and fit allowance of outward things which it hath pleased thee out of thy wisedome and goodnesse to allot vnto me and for that contentednesse which together with it thou hast bestowed vpon mee O Lord I am lesse then the least of all thy mercies yea in stead of being thus blessed I deserue to bee euery way accursed But bee graciously pleased Father of Mercies to continue vnto mee these thy good blessings out of the same fauour of thine whereby thou didst at first sâ—nd them yea and to adde vnto them likewise what thou seest needfull for me that so enioying from thy good hand all prosperity and good content my heart may be lift vp in thy wayes so as to performe vnto thee all cheerefull and acceptable seruice Graunt this O most mercifull Father for Iesus Christes sake our alone Mediatour and Aduocate vnto whom with thee O Father thy blessed Spirit I humbly render and ascribe and desire to be giuen and ascribed all honour praise and glory power might dominion and Maiestie by mee and thy whole Church now and henceforth for euermore Amen PSAL. 119.130 The entrance into thy words sheweth light and giueth vnderstanding vnto the simple FINIS