our hope be fully sixed vpon him In whome it hath pleased him that the fulnesse of his grace shuld dwel that from thence wee might all drawe as out of a most plenâ—ifull fountaine the waters of eternall lyfe This secrete and greate mysterie is reuealed to such onely whose eies the Lorde hath opened to see light in his light Therefore since we are taught by faith that whatsoeuer wee haue need of and is wanting in vs the same is laid vp with God for vs in Christ it remaineth that wee seeke it in him and with prayer craue it of him The Apostle therefore to shewe that true faith cannot be separate from the inuocation of Gods holie name hath set this order that as faith commeth by the gospell so by the same faith our heartes are stirred vp to call vpon the name of God and therefore he saith that the spirite of adoption which sealeth in our hearts the witnesse of the Gospell raiseth vp our spirites that they dare with boldnesse shew foorth their desires it stirreth vpon vs vnspeakable gronings and causeth vs to crie with confidence Abba Father By the benefit of prayer therfore we attaine to those riches which God hath laid vpon store for vs for thereby we haue familiar accesse to God and boldlie entring into the sanctuarie of heauen we put him in mind of his promises so that now by experience we feele and finde that to bee true indeed which by the word we did before but onely beleeue now we inioy those treasures by praier which by faith wee did before but onelie beholde in the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Now howe necessarie and profitable this exercise of praier is appeareth in that the Lord himselfe witnesseth our whole saluation to consist in the calling vpon his name wherby he is whollie present with vs namelie by his prouidence fatherly care by the which hee watcheth ouer vs by his power by the which hee sustaineth and succoureth our weaknesse being euery moment readie to perish and by his goodnes mercie by the which he receiueth vs into fauour being miserably loaden pressed downe with sin And hereby groweth singular rest and quiernesse to our conscience For when we haue disclosed to him our necessitie herein wee finde most ioyful and perfect quietnesse that none of our euils are hidden from him whom we are perswaded to bee-both most willing and also most able to help vs. Now that our praiers may be made in such wise as it ought to be first we must see that we be in heart and mind no otherwise prepared then be commeth those that enter into talke with God as we are taught Eccl 28 Before thou pray prepare thy self and be not as one that tempreth God We must consider therfore when we pray in whose presence we stande to whome wee speake and what we desire We stand in the presence of the almightie Creator of heauen and earth all things therin contained to whose eternall Maiestie innumerable thousands of Angels do assist serue and obey we speake vnto him who knoweth the secrets of our harts before whom nothing is more odious thé hypocrisie and dissimulation we ask those things which be most to his glory and the comfort of our consciences We must therefore diligentlie endeuour our selues to remoue all such things as may offende his diuine Majestie And first that wee be free from all worldlie cares and fleshlie cogitations wherby our minds are caried hither thither and being drawne out of heauen and from the pure beholding of God are pressed downe to the earth And heere let vs call to mind howe vnreuerently we abuse the great goodnes of god calling vs into familiar talke with him wheÌ„h we haue not that reuerent fear of his sacred Maiestie that we would haue of an earthly creature or a worldlie prince but suffering our hearts to be carried away with wandering thoughts and worldly imaginations are otherwise occupied and forsake him in the mids of our prayer As God is a spirite so will he be worshipped in spirite and truth that is in the inward affections of the heart and with a true faithful vnfained kind of worship And therefore as at all other times hee requireth the heart so specially in the time of prayer when we shew our selues in his presence enter into communication with him and therupon when he promiseth to heare all those that call vpon him he maketh a restraint saith that call vpon him in truth Seeing therfore that the chiefe dutie of praier consisteth in the heart we must with our whole hart pour out our prayers vnto God the searcher of hearts and with a syncere vnfained ardent affection opening of our heart before god call vpon him or els we shal not find him Let vs knowe therefore that none prepare themselues rightlie to prayer but such as haue a reuerende feare of Gods Maiestie which they cannot haue that come not to iâ— vnburthened of earthlie cares and affections And this is it that is meant in the Scriptures by the lifting vp of handes that we should remember our selues to bee farre off from God vnlesse we lift vp our harts and minds also on high And therefore it is said in the Psalme To thee haue I lifted vp my soule 〈◊〉 Scripture vseth also this maner of speeche To lift vp prayer that they which desâ—â—e to be heard of God should not haue their mindes carried away with earthly cogitations and vanitie And though it bee hard to bee so bent to praier but that we shal find that manie by-thoughtes will creep vpon vs to hinder our praier yet the more harde it is the more earnestlie wee must wrastle to ouercome al lets and hindrances labour withinward groaninges vnto the Lorde that he will linke our hearts fast vnto him and not suffer vs to bee ledde awaie from him by the vaine suggestions of Sathan who at all times compassing vs about is neuer more busie then when we addresse our selues to prayer secretelie and subtillie creeping into our breasts calling vs back from God so that oftentimes when we with all reuereÌ„ce shuld speake to God we finde our hearts talking with the vanities of the worlde or with the foolish imaginations of our owne hearts Finally we must be in christian charity loue and concord with al men seeking vnfained heartie and brotherlie reconciliation if we haue offended any man before we enter into prayer or els God wil not heare our praiers yea they are otherwise execrable and ful of damnable hypocrisie in Gods sight And this that is spoken of praier may bee saide also of hearing of Gods word or anie other seruice of God We must therefore laie aside all malice enuie wrath grudge contention wrangling dissimulation all guilefull craftie and subtle dealing and with a single heart doe to other as wee would they shoulde doe to vs Peter willeth that such as haue once tasted how good and bounteous
and made such fatherlie prouision for vs poore sinners that of thy louing kindnesse we haue rich portions not onely in the creatures of heauen and earth but also in that plentifull redemptioÌ„ which thy most deare Sonne Iesus Christ hath purchased for vs grant vnto vs O merciful father the assistance of thy grace and holy spirite that as our bodies shall nowe take their natural rest euen so our soules and mindes at the beholding of thy goodnesse towardes vs may quiet themselues in thee conceiue such inward pleasure heaueÌ„ly sweetnes in thy loue that whatsoeuer we shal from henceforth either thinke speak or we it may be all to the honour of thy holy name through Iesus christ thy deare sonne our Lorde and onely Sauiour Amen Thy mightie hand and outstretched arme O Lord be still our defence thy mercie and sâ—â—ing kindnesse in Iesus Christ thy deare sonne bee our saluation thy trueth and holy worde out instruction thy grace and holy spirite our comfort and consolation vnto the end and in the ende A prayer for the remission of sinnes O Almightie and euer liuing Lord God the deare father of our Sauiour Iesus Christ which hast made heauen and earth the sea and al that therein is which art the only ruler and gouernour conseruer keeper of all things together with thy dearely beloued Sonne Christ Iesus our Lord and with the holy Ghost our comforter O holy righteous a wise O strong terrible mightie fearefull Lord God gouernor of the whole world iudge of al meâ—â— O exorable patient most gracious Father whose eies are vpon the wayes of all men and are so clean'â— that they cannot abide impietie thou searchest the hearts and triest the verie thoughtes and reines of all men thou hatest sinne abhorrest iniquitie For sinnes sake thou hast greeuously punished maÌ„kinde thy most deare creature as thou hast declared by the penalty of death laide vpon all the children of Adam by the casting of Adam and his ofspring out of Paradise by the cursing of the earth by the drowning of the worlde by the burning of Sodom and Gomor by hardening the heart of Pharao so that no miracle could conuert him by the drowning of him and his people in the red sea by the ouerthrowing of the Israelites in the wildernesse so that of fire hundreth thousand there were but two that entred into the land of promise by reiecting Kingâ— Saul by the punishmentes vpon thy seruant Dauid notwithstanding his heartie repentance by greeuously afflicting Salomon in himselfe and his posteritie by the captiuitie of the ten tribes and by the thraldome of the Iewes wherein vntill this present day they continue a notable spectacle of thy wrath to the worlde against and for stâ—ne But of aâ—â— spectacles of thy anger against sinne the greatest and most notable is the death and bloudie passion of thy dearely beloued Sonne Iesu Christ Great was thine anger against sinne when in heauen earth nothing could be found which might appease thy wrath saue the bloudshedding of thine onely most dearely beloued sonne in whom was and is all thy delight Great was the sore of sinne that needed such a salue mightie was the maladie that needed such a medicine If in Christ in whome was no sin thy wrath was so fierce for our sins that he was constrayned to cry My God my God why hast thou forsaken me How great importable then is thine anger against vs which art nothing but sinfull They that are thy children through the contemplation of thine anger against sinne set forth most euidently in the death of Christ doe tremble and are afraide lamenting themselues vpon him and heartily crying for mercy wheras y â— wicked are altogether carelesse and conteÌ„ptuous nothing lamenting their iniquities or crying to thee heartily for mercy and pardon Amongest whom wee are rather to be placed than amongest thy childreÌ„ for that we are so shamelesse for our sinnes carelesse of thy wrath heaping dailie sinne vpon sinne so that the measure hath ouerflowed and ascended vp to heaueÌ„ brought thy heauy plagues vpon vs which are but earnest for geeater to ensue therefore to vs pertaineth shame and nothing else is one but confusion What shall we doe what shall wee say who shall giue vs peniteÌ„t harts who can open our lippes that our mouthes might make acceptable coÌ„fession vnto thee Alas of our selues we caÌ„not think any good much lesse wish it and least of all we it As for Angels or any other creatures they haue nothing but that which they haue receiued and they are made to minister vnto vs. So that where iâ— passeth the power of the maister the minister must needes want Alas then what shall we doe Thou art holie and we vnholie thou art good and wee nothing but euill thou art pure we altogether impure thou art light and we most darke darkenesse howe then can there be any agreement betwixt vs O what now may we do Dispayre No. for thou art God and therfore good thou art mercifull and therefore thou forgiuest sinnes with thee is mercie and propitiation and therefore thou art worshipped When Adam had sinned thou gauest him mercy before hee desired it wilt thou deny vs mercy which now desire the same Adam excused his fault and accused thee but we accuse our selues and excuse thee and shall we be sent emptie away Noe founde fauour when thy wrath abounded and shall wee seeking grace be frustrate Abraham was pulled out of Idolatrie when the worlde was drowned therein and art thou his GOD onely Israel in captiuitie in Egypt was graciously visited deliuered deare God the same good Lord shall we alwaies be forgotten Now often in the wildernes didest thou deferre spare thy plagues at the requestes of Moses wheÌ„ the people themselues made no petition to thee and seeing we not onelie now make our petitioÌ„s vnto thee through thy goodnesse but also haue a mediatour for vs farre aboue Moses euen Iesus Christ shall wee I say deare Lorde depart ashamed So soone as Dauid said I haue sinned thou diddest forthwith answere him that he should not die thou hast takeÌ„ away his sinnes and gratious God euen the selfe same God shall not wee not we which now with Dauid gladlie confesse that we haue sinned shal we I say not heare by thy good spirit that our sinnes bee pardoned O graunt that with Manasses wee may finde fauour and mercie Remember that thou hast not spared thine owne onely deare Sonne Iesus Christ but giuen him to die for our sinnes to rise for our righteousnesse to ascend for our possession taking in heauen and to appeare before thee for vs for euer a high priest after the order of Melchizedech that through him we might haue free accesse to come to thy throne now rather of grace than of Iustice RemeÌ„ber that thou by him hast bidden vs aske promised that we shoâ—lde receiue saying Aske and yee shall haue seeke and yee
shall finde knocke and it shall be opened vnto you O deare God and most meeke and mercifull father we heartily beseech thee to be mercifull vnto vs for this thy Christs sake for his deaths sake for thy promise trueth mercies sake Haue mercie vpon vs pardon and forgiue vs all our sinnes iniquities and trespasses whatsoeuer we haue committed against thee in thought word or deed euer or at any time hitherto by any meanes Deare father haue mercy vpon vs. Though we be poore yet our Christ is rich though wee be sinners yet hee is righteous though wee be fooles yet he is wise though we be impure yet he is pure and holie for his sake therefore bee merciful vnto vs. Call to minde how thou hast promised that thou wilt powre out of thy cleane waters wash vs from our filthe and cleanse vs from our euils Forget not that thou hast promised to take from vs our stonye heartes and to giue vs soft heartes newe heartes to put in the middest of vs right spirits Remember thy couenant namely that thou wilt be our God and wee shal be thy people that thou wilt put out of thy memory for euer al our vnrighteousnesse and hast promised to write in our mindes and hearts thy law and testimonies Remember that thou doest straitly charge vs to haue none other Gods but thee saying that thou art the Lorde our God O then declare the same to vs all we heartilie now beseech thee Forgiue vs our sinnes forget our iniquities cleanse vs from our filthines wash vs from our wickednesse powre out thy holy spirite vpon vs. Take from vs our harde heartes our stonie heartes our impenitent heartes our distrusting and doubtfull heartes our carnall our secure our idle heartes our impure malitious arrogant enuious wrath full impatient couetous hypocriticall and epicurall hearts and in place thereof giue vs new harts soft harts faithfull hearts mercifull hearts louing obedient chast pure holy righteous true simple lowly and patient hearts to feare thee to loue thee to trust in thee for euer Write thy law in our hearts graue it in our mindes we heartilie beseech thee Giue vs the spirite of prayer make vs diligent and happie in the workes of our saluation sake into thy custodie and gouernaunce for euer our soules and bodies our liues all that euer we haue Tempt vs neuer further than then wilt make vs able to beare and whatsoeuer thou knowest wee haue neede of in soule or bodie deare God gratious father vouchsafe to giue vs the same in thy good time and alwayes as thy children guide vs so that our life may please thée and our death praise thee through Iesus christ our Lorde for whose sake wee hartilye praye thee to graâ—nt these thinges thus asked and all other things necessarie for soule bodie not onely to vs but to all others also for whome thou wouldest that we should pray specially for thy children that bee in thraldome in exile in prison misery heauinesse pouertie sickenesse c. Be mercifull to the whole realme of England and graunt vs all true repentance and turne from vs the euils that wee so wickedlie haue deserued Pardon our enemies persecutors slaunderers and if it bee thy pleasure turne their harts Bee mercifull vnto our parents brethren and sisters friendes kinsfolkes and familiars neighbours and such as by anie meanes thou hast coupled and lincked to vs by loue or other wise and vnto vs poore sinners here gathered together in thy holie name graunt thy blessing and holie spirite to sancâ—fie vs dwell in vs as thy deare children to keepe vs this day and for euer from all euill to thy eternall glorie and euerlasting comforte and the profite of thy Church which mercifully maintaine cherish and comfort strengthenning theÌ„ that stand so that they neuer fall lifting vp them that bee fallen and keepe vs from falling from thy trueth through the merits of thy dearelie beloued sonne Iesu Christ our onelie Sauiour which liueth and raigneth with thee and the holy Ghost to whome bee al praise and honour both now for euer Amen I. B. A prayer for the true knowledge of the mysterie of our redemption in Christ O Almightie God and father of our Lorde Iesus Christ and by him also our Father the Father of all mercy God of all consolation haue mercy vpon vs and heare our praiers wee most humblie beseeche thee for thy deare sonne Iesus christ his sake for his merites and cruell death which he suffered to deliuer vs from eternal death and the power of darkenesse sende into our hearts the spirit of truth to worke in vs a true liuely stedfast faith that the cleere light and brightnesse of thy Gospell the glorie of Christ may shine vnto vs and lighten our minds that wee may learne and vnderstand the wonderfull and vnspeakeable riches of y e mystery of our redemption in Christ and by Christ O Father of glorie giue vnto vs the spirit of wisedome and bring vs vnto the true knoweledge of this thy beloued Sonne Iesus Christ and the knowledge of thy selfe Open and lighten the eyes of our mindes and vnderstanding that wee may knowe what the hope is whereunto thou hâ—st called vs and howe rich the glorie of thine inheritance is vpon thy Saints and the exceeding greatnesse of thy power towardes vs that by trne faith by vnderstanding knowledge of thine eternall-wisedome which is Iesus Christ we may be indeede as wee are called true Christians and vnfained professours of thy holy name to worship thee in spirit and trueth to set forth the glory of thy grace giuen vnto vs in Christ Iesu our lord Amen O deare father write in our harts loue of thy law hate to al sin thankfulnesse of heart and continual heat of thy holie spirite for thy sonne Iesus Christs sake To whome with thee and thy holy spirit be al honour maiestie glory thanks rule empire and dominion for euermore Amen A forme of thankesgiuing for our redemption and prayer for the strength increase of faith Lord incrâ—ase our faith Luc. 17. ETernall praise and thankes bee giuen vnto thee deare God and Father of our Lorde Iesus Christ which hast blessed vs with all spirituall blessings in heaueÌ„ly things by Christ in that thou hast chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world was laide that we should bee without blame before thee through him by whom we haue redemption through his bloud euen the forgiuenesse of our sinnes in whome after we heard y e word of truth the Gospell of our saluation wherein we beleeued we are sealed with the holie spirite of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance which spirit hath and doeth beare witnesse vnto our spirits that we are thy children and therefore crieth into our harts Abba Father And thus most gracious father when thou hast once giuen the earnest penie of our saluation into our heartes thou doest not repent
vertue may lighten and cheere vs that the want of feeling of our sorrow maye to recompensed plentifully with the liue y â— senâ—e of hauing thee to our eternal ioy therefore thou swarest that in thine euerlasting mercy thou wilt haue compassion on vs. Of which thing to the ende we might bee most assured thine oth is to bee marked for thâ—n sayâ—stâ— As I haue sworne that I will neuer bring anie more the waters to drowne the world So haue I sworne that I wil neuer more bee angrie with thee nor 〈◊〉 thee The mouâ—t◠〈◊〉 shall 〈◊〉 the hilles shall fall downâ— but my louing kindnesse shall not mooue and the bond of my peace shall not faile thee Thus saiest thou the Lord our mercifull redeemer Deare Father therfore I praie thee remember euen for thine owne trueth and mercie sake this promise and euerlasting couenaunt which in thy good time I may thee to write in my hart that I may know thee to bee the onely true God and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent that I may loue thee with all my heart for euer that I may loue thy people for thy sake that I may bee holie in thy sight through Christ that I may alwaies not onely striue against sin but also ouercome the same dayly more and more as thy children do aboue al things desâ—ring the sanctification of thy name the comming of thy kingdome the doing of thy will heere on earth as it is in heauen c. throguh Iesus Christ our redeemer mediator and aduocate Amen I. B. A praier against our spirituall enemies the diuell the world and the flesh O Lorde God the diuell goeth about like a roring Lyon seeking whome hee may deuoure the flesh lusteth against the spirite the worlde perswadeth vnto vanities y â— we may forget thee our Lord God so for euer ve damned Thus are we miserably on euery 〈◊〉 befet and â—eâ—â—eged of cruell a vnrestful enemies and like euerie momente to perish if we be not defended with thy godly power against their tyrannie Wee therefore poore and wretched sinners despayring of our owne strength which indeede is none most heartily praie thee to indue vs with strength from aboue that wee may bee able through thy helpe with strong faith to resist Sathan with feruent praier to mortifie the lustes of the fleshe with continual meditation of thy holie lawe to auoide the foolish vanities and transitorie pleasures of this wicked worlde y â— through thy grace wee beeing set at libertie from the power of these our mortall enemies may serue thee heere in true holinesse and righteousnes and after be partakers of the euerlasting ioyes prepared for thy children which as they are great and vnspeakeable so are there fewe that doe inioy them For straite is the way and narrowe is the gate that leadeth therunto and few there be that find it Notwithstanding O God thou hast a litle flock to whom it is thy pleasure to giue that ioyfull kingdome whose names are written in the booke of life Make vs therefore of that nuÌ„ber for Iesus christes sake place vs amongest those thy sheepe which shal stand on thy right hande to receiue that blessed inheritaunce and dwel with thee for euermore A prayer for present helpe in tentation DEare father to whom it is more easie to doe all thinges then for mee to thinke anie one goodthing Loe doe thou but speake a worde and thy deadlie sicke seruaunte my sonle shall be made whole Helpe O Lorde for the great mercy sake for thy trueth sake and for thy deare sonne Iesus Christs sake set thy sterngth suffice against my weakenesse and the holy-holy-spirit against my sinfull flesh and olde man Thou art faithfull O Father who hast promised that I shall not bee tempted further than thou wilt make me able to beare Giue nowe therefore thy grace and strength vnto thy seruaunt that I may with a strong faith in thy in fallible trueth promised mercie vanquish and subdu whatsoeuer rebelleth against thy most blessed will Preserue and keepe holie my soule and bodie and let them not bee defiled and made a dangeon of diuels wicked spirits through delectation in sinne Behold deare Father the postes thereof are sprinkled with y e precious bloud of thy deare son and of thy great mercy that are made the temple and tabernacle of thy holy spirit Shall nowe alas the Diuell the worlde or the flesh plucke from thee that thing which presently cryeth to thee with assured trâ—st in thy promised helpe Nay father but graunt that I may by thy mightie power turne al their crafts decrits and raging assaultes vnto the increase of my faith and that by experience of thy fatherlie assistance in this my present temptation I may with assured hope and trust in thy readie helpe and comfort ouercame my saide enimies heereafter in like assaults prayse thy holy name for the victory through Iesus Christ our Lord. My sonne if thou wilt come into these rule of the Lorde stande fast in righteousnes feare and prepare thy soule to tentation Eccles 2. Remedies against sinfull motions and tentations First remember that sinne is so hainous a thing that God by his iustice might worthilie damne thee for the same and is therefore to bee abhorred as a sweete poyson a flattering death destruction of the soule which woulde cut thee off from God thy Sauiour and make thee a bondslaue to Sathan thy deadlie enemie Auoide therefore euen at the first the occasions thereof betimes quash out the braines of the childreÌ„ of Babylon against the hard stones whiles yet they bee young and weake least when they be growne elder stronger they dash thee to peeces And for remedie against the same flee vnto God who commandeth thee to call vpon him in thy troubles and promiseth to deliuer thee and wil not suffer thee to be further tempted than hee will make away out whereby thou shalt escape and doubt not but he that causeth thee to hate the sinne which thy nature is to loue will deliuer thee also from the daunger thereof and make thee to triumphouer Sathan to his confusion to Gods glorie and thy great comfort which are causes that our tender louing father sendeth tentations vnto vs he that is not tempted what is he Nowe after thou hast obtained the victory remember two thinges first to giue most heartie thankes to God for his grace and assistance whereby thou hast ouercome and bee not vnthankefull in anie wise and then that hee who continually goeth about like a roring Lion seeking whome he maie deuoure wil not be long or farre away from thee but will attempt againe the same or as euill waies to ouercome thee Watch therefore and praye A prayer for the auoiding of Gods heauie wrath and vengeance for our sins OH Lord God strong and mighty great and feareful which dwellest in the heauens and workest great wonders we thy miserable children heere vpon
to resist to whom it belongeth iustly to punish sinners and to be mercifull vnto them that truly repent we confesse thou doest most iustly punish vs for vnto haue uâ—â—ously finned against thee and wee acknowledge that in punishing vs thou doest declare thy selfe to be our most merciful father aswell because thou doest not punish vs in any thing as we haue deserued as also because by punishing vs thou doestcal vs and as it were drawe vs to increase in repentance it fayth in prayer in contemâ—ing of the world and in heartie dâ—â—â—ing for euerlasting life thy blessâ—â— presence 〈…〉 therefore gracious 〈…〉 Lorde thankefully to acknowledge thy great mercy which hast thus fauourablie dealt with vs in punishing vs not to our confusion but to our amendement And seeing thou hast sworne that thou wilt not the death of a sinner but that hee turne and liue haue mercie vpon vs and turne vs vnto thee for thy dearelie be oued Sonne Iesus Christs sake whom thou wouldest should be made a slayne sacrifice for our sins thereby declaring thy great and vnspeakable anger against sinne and thyne infinite mercy towardes vs sinnefull wretches And for asmuch as the dulnesse blindnes corruption of our hearts is such that we are not able to arise vp vnto thee by faithful and heartie prayer according to our great necessitie without thy singular grace and assistaunce graunt vnto vs gracious Lord thy holy and sanctifying spirite to worke in vs this good work with grace to weigh and consâ—â—r the neede and greatnesse of that we doe desire and with an assured faith trust that thou wilt graunt vs our requestes because thou are good and pracious â—ueÌ„ to young Raunes calling vpon thee much more then to before whoÌ„ thou hast made al things yea and hast not spared also thyne than deare Sonne because thou hast commaunded vs to call vppon thee because thy throne wherto we come is a throne of grace and mercie because thou hast giuen vs a mediator Christ to bring vs vnto thee beeing the way by whome we come being the doore by whom we enter and being our head on whom we hang and hope y t our poore petitions shall not be in vayne through him and for his names sake Wee beseech thee therefore of thy rich mercie wherein thau art pleÌ„tifull to al them that call vpon thee is forgiue vs our sinnes namely our vnthankefulnesse vnbeleef self loue neglect of thy worde security hypocrisie coÌ„tempt of thy long suffering omission of prayers doubting of thy power presence mercy and good 〈◊〉 towardes vs vnsensible of thy grace â—â—â—patience â—c to this thy benefit ofim correcting vs adde thy gracious gift of repentance sayth the spirit of prayer e the contempt of this worlde and heartie desiringâ— for euerlasting life In due vs with thy holy spirit according to thy couenant and mercy aâ—â—el to assure vs of pardon and that thou 〈◊〉 accept vs in thy fauour as thy 〈◊〉 children in Christ for his sake as to write thy same in our hearts 〈◊〉 to worke in vs that wee may nowe begin and go forwarde in beleeuing â—uing fearing obeying praying hoping a seruing thee as thou doest require most fatherly most iustire of vs accepting vs as perfect in thy light through Iesus Christ our lord â—men A Praier of the afflicted for the profession of Gods worde O Gracious God which seekest almeanes possible how to bring â—y children into the feeling and â—re sence of thy mercie and therfore then prosperity wil not serue then â—ndest thou aduersity graciously corâ—ting them heere whom thou wilt 〈◊〉 elsewhere to liue with thee forâ—er we poore wretches giue huÌ„ble â—aises thanks to thee y t thou hast â—â—ched vs worthy of thy correctioÌ„ at 〈◊〉 preseÌ„t hereby to worke y t which 〈◊〉 in prosperity liberty did neglect For the which neglecting and many other our greeuous sinnes whereof we now accuse our selues before thee Most mercifull Lorde thou oughtest most iustly haue giuen vs ouer and destroied vs both in soule body But such is thy goodnes towards vs in Christ that thou seekest to forget all our offences and as though we were far otherwise than we bee indeed thou wilt that we should suffer this crosse now layd vppon vs for thy trueth and Gospels sake and so be thy witnesses with thy Prophets Apostles Martyrs and Confessors yea with thy dearely beloued Sonne Iesus Christ to whome thou doest now heere beginne to fashioÌ„ vs like that in his glorie we may be like to him also O good God what are we on whâ— thou shouldest shew this great mercie Oh louing Lord forgiue vs our vnthankefulnesse and sinnes Oh faithfull Father giue vs thine holie spirite nowe to crie in our heartes Abba deare father to assure vs of our eternall election in Christ to reueale more and more thy truth vnto vs to confirme strengthen and stablish vs in the same that wee may liue die in it as vessels of thy mercy to the glorie and to the commoditie of thy Church Indue vs with the spirite of thy wisedom that with good conscience we may alwaies so aunswere the enimies in thy cause as may turn to their conuersion or confusion and our vnspeakable consolatioÌ„ in Christ Iesus for whose sake wee besâ—â—che thee hence foorth to keepe vs to giue vs patience and to will no otherwise for deliuerance or mitigation of our misery than may stand alwaies with thy good pleasure and mercifull will towards vs. Graunt this deare father not onely to vs in this place but also to all others elsewhere afflicted for thy names sake through the death and merites of Iesus Christ our Lorde Amen I. B. A praier to God the Father the Sonne and the holie Ghost O Almighty and euerliuing God the eternall Father of our Lord Iesus Christ which of thy vnmeasurable goodnes hast opened thy self vnto vs and with a loude voyce hast saide of thy sonne Iesus Christ our Lorde Heare him O maker and prâ—seruer of all thinges with thy coeternall sonne our Lorde Iesus christ which raigneth with thee and was manifested in Ierusalem with thy holie spirit which was powred vpon the Apostles O wise God mercifull Iudge and mightie Lorde which hast saide As truelie as I liue I will not the death of a sinner but rather that he should conuert and ameÌ„d which also haste saide Call vppon me in the day of trouble and I will deliuer thee haue mercie vpon vs for Iesus Christes sake whome thou wouldest of thy meruailous incomprehensible counsaiâ—e shoulde be made for vs a staine sacrifice mediatour reconciler and peacemaker to the ende that thou mightest shâ—we â—hine exceeding great wrath against 〈◊〉 and thine in estimable mercy towards mankind Sanctifie illuminate our hearts and soules with thy holy spirit that wee may trulie â—eleeue in thee call vpon thee bee thankeful vnto thee and obedient 〈◊〉 thy holy will Defende gouerne â—nd cherish thy church as thou hast
â—â—omised saying This is my couenant â—â—at I haue made with them my spirite â—hich is in thee and my worde which I haue put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy feede for euer Preserue those kingdomes common weales which giue harborough to thy people and maintaine the ministerie of thy holy worde and Gospell that the kingdome of thy sonne Iesus Christ may increase and shine throughout all the world O Iesu Christ Sonne of the euerliuing God crucified for vs and raised also from the dead and nowâ— raigning at the right hand of thy father that thou maist giue giftes vnto 〈◊〉 which hast saide Come vnto mee all yee that labour are heauie loaden and I will refresh you Hauâ— mercie vpon vs praie for vs vnto thy eternall father sanctifie and gouerne vs with thy holy spirit helpâ— and succour vs in all our necessitieâ— as thou hast promised saying I willâ— not leaue you comfortlesse O holy and blessed spirite together with the father and the son one true and euerlasting God full of maiestie and power which with thy heauenly inspiration quickenest the mindes of those that afore were dead in sinne makest ioyfull the heartes of the faithfull penitent bringest into the way of truth all such as haue erred and gone astray comfortest the soules of such as hunger and thirst after righteousnesse and plenteously inrichest those with diuers giftes which aske them in Iesus Christes name purifie our heartes wee beseech thee and inflame them with the fire of thy loue replenish them with thy heauenly benefites and spirituall blessinges that they may bee made meete temples for thee leade â—s into all truth which art the onely fountaine of truth and mortifie in vs whatsoeuer proceedeth not of thee Or else pray thus O Holie spirite powred vnto the Apostles which hast promised vnto vs by the Sonne of God our Redeemer to kindle in vs a true knowledge and inuocation of God as it is written I will poure vpon you the spirit of grace and of compassion make to arise in our hearts a true feare of God and faith and knowledge of thy mercie which the eternall father of our Lord Iesus Christ hath promised vnto vs for his sonnes sake Be our comforter in all our counsels and daungers Illuminate our vnderstanding and fill our herrtes with newe affections and spirituall motions and renewe vs both in soule and bodie that wee may die to sinne and liue to righteousnes and so in true obedience may praise the father of our Lord Iesus Christ and his sonne our redeemer and thee also our comforter euerlastingly A thanksgiuing to God the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost VVE render thanks vnto the O Almightie and eternall God with thy deare sonne our Lorde Iesus Christ and with thy holy spirite for that of thine exceeding great goodnes thou hast made thy selfe knowen vnto vs by most assured and euident testimonies and for that thou hast gathered and chosen vnto thy selfe a perpetuall Church and wouldest that thy Sonne our Lorde Iesus Christe shoulde suffer death to restore vs from death to life for that thou hast giuen to vs thy Ghospel the Holye Ghost for that thou forgiuest vs our sinnes deliuerest vs from the power of the deuell and from eternall death and giuest vnto vs euerlasting life finally for that thou hast visited vs with manye great benefites giuing vs life foode doctrin peace in such places as we haue liued in hast diminished the pains which we haue iustly deserued Wee giue thankes vnto thee O Lorde Iesus Christ sonne of the liuing God crucified for vs and risen againe because thou hast coupled vnto thee our humaine nature and of thy inestimable loue didest giue thy selfe to death for vs turning vppon thee the greate wrath of GOD the Father conceiued against vs to reconcile vs vnto him and to purchase vs eternall redemption because thou hast brought vs to this grace wherein we stande and reioyce in hope of the glorie of GOD because thou dost preserue cherishe and defend thy church against the Diuell and all thine enemies because thou giuest and renewest often the light of thy Gospell and maintainest the ministerie of thy worde because thou doest forgiue vs our sinnes and giuest vnto vs euerlasting life because thou art our mediatour and makest continuall intercession for vs and finally because thou dost succour and preserue vs in all our necessities dangers and afflictions Wee giue thankes also vnto thee Oh holy spirite the giuer of life which wast powred vppon the Apostles because thou kindlest thy light in our heartes because thou rulest instructest admonishest and helpest vs because thou gouernest and guidest the labours and workes of our vocation and sanctifiest vs to eternall life A prayer to God for his helpe and Protection against the obstinate enemies of the truth MOst righteous Iudge God of all mercie and comfort which by thy secret iudgment and wisedome doest suffer the wicked to triumph and increase for a time for trial of the faith of thy welbeloued little flocke and the mortifiing of their lusts but at length to the vtter confusion of thy enemies and ioyfull deliuerance of thy people looke downe wee beseech thee on thy dispersed sheepe oute of thy holy habitation in heauen and strengthen our weakenesse againste their furious rages abate their pride ass wage their malice confound their deuises wherewith they lift vp them selues against Christ Iesus thy sonne our Lorde and Sauiour to deface his glorie and to set vp Antichrist Wee be not able of our selus to thinke a good thought much lesse to stande against their assaultes except thine vndeserued grace and mightie arme defende and deliuer vs. Performe thy promises made to Iacob stoppe the mouthes of the cursed Edomites Cal them to repentance whom thou hast appointed to saluation bring home them that runne astray lighten the blinde and teach the ignorant forgiue all those that wilfully and obstinately rebell not against thy holie will Let thy fearefull threatninges pearce our stâ—nie heartes and make vs tremble at thy iudgements Make the examples of them whom thou hast ouerthrâ—wne in their owne deuises as Cain Cham Nymrod Esau Pharaoh Saul Achitophel Iudas such other to be a warning for vs that we set not vp our selues against thy holy will Grant free passage to thy holy worde that it may worke effectually in vs the worke of life and blessed hope of our saluation to the eternall praise of thy maiestie through our mediatour Christ Iesus to whome with thee and the holy ghost three persons and one God bee praise and thankesgiuing in all congregatioâ—s world without end So be it A praier for the afflicted and persecuted vnder the tyranny of Antichrist O Mercifull Father who neuer doest forsake such as put their trust in thee stretch forth thy mightie arme to the defence of our brethren by the rage of enimies persecuted and
members of the mysticall bodie of Christ Iesus wee made out requestes vnto thee O heauenly father for all such as are afflicted with any kinde of crosse or tribulation as war plague â—â—mine sicknesse pouertie imprisonment persecution banishment or my other kinde of thy rooddes whether it be griefe of bodie or vnquietâ—es of minde that it would please thee to giue them patience and constancie till thou sende thein full deliuerance out of all their troubles Finally O Lord we most humbly beseech thee to shewe thy great mercie vpon our brethren which are persecuted cast in prison and dayly condemned to death for the testimonie of thy trueth and though they be vtterly destitute of all mans aide yet let thy sweet comfort neuer departe froÌ„ theÌ„ but so inflame their harts with thy holy spirit that they may boldly cheerefully abide such trial as thy godly wisedome shall appoint so that at length aswel by their death as by their life the kingdome of thy sonne Iesus Christ may increace shine throughall the worlde In whose name wee make our humble petitions vnto thee as he hath taught vs saying Our father which art c. A praier to be said before the receiuing of the communion O Father of mercie and God of al consolation seeing all creatures do acknowledge and confesse thee to be their gouernor Lord it becommeth vs the workmanship of thine own hands at al times to reuerence magnifie thy godly maiestie First for that thou hast created vs to thine owne image and stmilitude but chiefly because thou hast deliuered vs froÌ„ that euerlasting death damnation into which Sathan drew mankind by the meanes of sinne from the bondage whereof neither man nor Angell was able to make vs free but thou O Lord rich in mercy and inâ—â—nite in goodnesse hast prouided our redemption to stand in thine onely wel beloued sonne whom of verie â—oue thou diddest qiue to bee made man like vnto vs in all things sinne excepted that in his bodie hee might receiue the punishment of our transgression by his death to make satisfaction to thy iustice and by his resurrection to destroy him that was the author of death and so to bring a gaine life to the worlde from which the whole ofspring of Adam was most iustly exiled O Lorde wee accknowledge that no creature was able to comprehende the length and breadth the deepenesse and height of that thy most excellent loue which mooued thee to shewe mercie where none was deserued to promise and giue life where death had gotten victorie to receiue vs into thy grace when wee could doe nothing but rebell against thy Maiestie The blinde dulnesse of our corrupt nature will not suffer vs suffâ—â—antly to weigh these thy most ampâ—â— benefites Yet neuerthelesse at the commaundement of Iesus Christe our Lorde wee present our selues to this thy table which hee hath left to bee vsed in remembrance of his death vntill his comming againe to declare and witnesse before the worlde that by him alone wee haue receiued libertie and life that by him alone thou doest acknowledge vs to be thy children and heires that by him alone wee haue entrance to the throne of thy grace that by him alone wee are possessed in our spirituall kingdome to eate and drinke at his Table and with whome wee haue our conuersation presently in heauen and by whome our bodies shall be raised by againe from the dust shall be placed with him in that eâ—dlesse ioye which thou O Father of mercie hast prepared for thine elect before the foundation of the worlde was laide And these most inestimable benefites wee acknowledge and confesse to haue receiued of thy free mercy and grace by thine onely beloued son Iesus Christ For the which therefore we thy congregation moued by the holy spirite doe render to thee all thanks praise and glory for euer and euer A thankesgiuing after the receiuing of the holy Communion MOst mercifull father wee render vnto thee al praise thankes honour glory for that it hath pleased the of thy great mercies to grant vnto vs miserable sinners so excelleÌ„t a gift and treasure as to receiue vs into the fellowship and companie of thy deare son Iesus Christ our lord whom thou hast deliuered to death for vs hast giuen him vnto vs as a necessary foode and norishment vnto euerlasting life And now wee beâ—â—ech thee also O heauenly father to grant vs this request that thou neuer suffer vs to become so vnkind as to forget so worthie benefits but father imprint and fasten them sure in our hearts that wee may grow increase daily more and more in true faith which continually is exercised in all manner of good works and so much the rather O Lorde confirm vs in these perillous daies â—ages of Sathan that wee may constantly stand and continue in the confession of the same to the aduancement of thy glorie which art God ouet all thinges blessed for euer A lamentation of a sinner afflicted in consciencâ—â—â— his offences IN the midde stâ—â— the desperate assaultes of my soule the intollerable heauinesse of my minde hath hereto fore LORD cried as shrill in thine eare as though I had shriked and with lamentations cried out saying Helpe helpe me my God my creator my most prouident keeper euerlasting defender for beholde I perish On this occasion Lorde when heauinesse of minde did heeret ofore assault mee I remembred that thou haddest many times set before mine eyes the wonderfull greatnesse of thy most tender loue towardes mee by the great multitude of thy benefites powred upon met which benefites euerie of thy workes as they came before mine eies gaue mee iust occasion to be mindfull of Would not thought I if I had in any manner any â—â—â—race at al would not such loue brinâ—â— nowe into my heart a wonderâ—â—â—â—electation ioy and comforte in God for the sameâ— And againe coulde such delight in Gods sweete mercie and tender loue towards mee if I were not as euil is a cast-awaye that were none of Gods children bee without loathing of my sinne and lust and desire to doe Gods holy will And these thinges thought I fie vpon mee vnthankefull wretch are either not at all in mee or else in deed so coldly and stenderly that they being truely weighed and compared to right cousnesse are more vile than a filthy cloth starched in corrupt bloud O thought I Iain afraid I haue deceiued my selfe for thy seruantes at all times I trowe fâ—â—â— otherwise than I now doe the fruitâ— of thy spirit as loue ioy peace such like But my loue alas towardes thee what is it my ioy is not once almost felt of mee for my very soule within mee as Dauid in his heauinesse said refuseth comfort and fareth as though it did vtterly despaire what peace
can I feele then or certaintie of thy fauour and loue Iustly may I powre out this dolorous lamentation of Sion The Lorde hath forsaken me and my Lorde hath forgotten me Euen in the middest I say of these my former desperate assaultes mine intollerable heauines cryed to thee O my God from heauen thou heardest my gronings and thervpon first preparedst my heart to aske comfort of thee and then thou didst accept my praier and gauest me plentifully my asking Oh my soule consider well that thou art neuer able to declare the exceeding goodnes of GOD in this that hee heard the verie desires of thee beeing afflicted who is so readie fauorably to grant the requests of the afflicted that oftentimes he tarieth not vntil they doe call but or euer they call vpon him fauourably hearest them as the Psalmist sayth The desire of the afflicted thou hearest O Lord thou preparest their heartes thine eares heare them Oh Lorde my God meruailous things are these whether I consider this meruailous manner of thy hearing or else the meruelous nature propertie of thy goodnes Meruailous no doubt is that thy hearing whereby the very desires of the aflicted are heard but much more maruailous is this thy goodnes which tarrfest not vntil the afflicted do desire thy helpe but preparest first their hearts to deâ—â—re and then thou giuest them their destres Yea Lorde worthy of all praise it cannot otherwise â—e For howe shouldest thou do otherwise than thy nature and property is Art not thou verie goodnesse mercy it selfe How canst thou then but pitie and helpe miserie Art not thou both the creator and also the conseruer of all thinges In somuch as the Lyons whelpes roaring after their praye doe seeke their foode at thy handes and the Rauenes birdes lacking meate do cal vpon thee If then thy fatherly prouidence and tender care O Lorde vppon all thy creatures be so great that the verie beastes and foules haue this experience of thy goodnesse in their necessities that their roarings and cryings haue the strength of earnest calling and desires howe much rather doe these sighinges groninges and desperate heauinesse of men but chiefely of thy children crie and call lowde in thine eares though they speake neuer a word at all Should I then now despaire of thy fatherly mercie whiles presently I feele thee stirre vp my soule and heart to craue helpe at thy handeâ— Shoulde I thinke that thou wilt absent thy selfe for euer that thou wilt bee no more intreated that thy mercie is cleane gone that thy promise is come vtterly to an ende and that thou wilt now shut vp thy louing kindnesse in displeasure Nay Lorde for all alterations are of thy right hande and turne al waye to the best to them that feare thee All this is but mine owne inffrmitie for thou art euer one thy promises bee infallable and the loue towardes thine euerlastingly during I will therefore in this my present tentation greeuous assault powre â—ut the heauinesse of my heart before thee deare Father Out of the deep wil I crie and lift by my soule vnto thee from whome I assuredly knowe my helpe is comming I wil also for my present comfort call to remembrance O Lord my God thy tender mercies towards mee already shewed the multitude of thy benefits the greatnes of the same the long coÌ„tinuance of them euen from my conception vntill this instant finally thy continuall lust desire to powre them vpon me And moreouer fith thy goodnesse is so great O Lord that thou doest not onely pitie miserie but also callest the heauy hearted and afflicted unto thee promising that thou witt ease their miserie for as much as by the motion of thy good spirit I loath and abhor my sâ—nnes feele the gree uousnesse of them and thy heauie wrath towards mee for the same finally what neede I haue of thy gracious aide and succour heresore O Lorde in thy sonne Christes name with sure confidence and trust in thine infallible promise in this mine anguish and trouble I come vnto thee at thy mercifull calling craue comfort at thy hand For thou hast promised that when I loath my sinnes thou wilt vtterly forget them when I feele the greeuous burthen of them thy mercie swalloweth them vp when I seeke that I want thou wilt assuredly grant it me For â—â—th tthou moouest my heart to desire help how should I mistrust but thou wilt for thy trueths sake guie mee my asking Yea where I knowe not how or what to desire as I ought thy holy spirite gratiously working in mee maketh intercession mightily for me with gronings which cannot bee expresseth and therewith certifieth my spirite that by adoption through thy great mercie and goodnesse I am become thy childe and heire Why should I not then bee of good comfortand ioyfull in thee my God For if thou bee on my doe who can be against mee Since thou diddcst not spare thine owne sonne but gauest him for mee euen when I was thine enemie howe fhalt thou not with him nowe that by his death I am brought into thy 〈◊〉 giue mee all thinges with him and for his sake Who shall lay any thing to the charge of thine elect It is thou Lord which iustifiest mee It is Christe that hath died for mâ—e yea ratheâ— that is risen againe for mee Who also is set on thy right hand and hat taken possession yea and perpetually there maketh interrcession for mâ— vntill that ioyfull day be come whâ— I shall haue ful fruition of the most glorious presence of thy diuine maie sty in that kingdom which thou hast prepared before the begining of the world but in time to thy gratious goodnesse thought best make known to me by giuing thy holy spirit into my hearte whereby when I first Lorde beleeued thy holy worde which is thine owne power to saue al that beleeue I was sealed confirmed stablished in the certaintie of that thine euerlasting kingdom and inheritaunce For the which inestimable benesite of the rich grace Oh Lorde my God I beseech the euen for the loue thou barest to Christ Iesus thy son and thy mercie thou haddest on him when he cried on the crosse My God my God why hast thou forsaken mee Helpe help I say inflame my hart with loue so plentifully towardes thee againe that I may be euen swallowed vp in the ioyful feeling of the same in such sort that I may of very thankefulnesse loue thee my God alone thee I say my deare God and nothing but thee and for thy sake O holy spirite whose worke this is in mee increase this the work of thiue infinite mercie preserue mee that I neuer become vnthankefull vnto thee therefore Amen A praier for the sicke O Most merciful God which according to the multiude of thy mercies doest so put away the sinnes of those which truly repeÌ„t that thou rememberst them no more open thy
Teach mee to doe the thing that pleaseth thee for thou art my God let thy good spirit leade me vnto the land of righteousnesse A prayer for deliuerance from sinne to be restored to Gods grace fauour againe OH Almightie and euerlasting Lorde GOG which hast male heauen and earth and all thinges therein contained O incomprehensible vnitie Oh alwaies to bee worshipped most blessed trinitie I humblie beseech thee and pray thee by the assumption and crucified humanitie of our Lorde Iesus Christ that thou wouldest incline and howe downe the great depth of thy Deitie to the bottomlesse pit of my vilitie Driue me from al kind of vice wickednes sin Create in mee a cleane heart and renue in me a right spirit for thy holy names sake Oh Lorde Iesu I beseeche thy goodnesse for the exceeding great loue which drew thee out of thy Fathers bosome into the wombe of the holie virgin and for the assumption of mans nature wherin it pleaseth thee to saue mee and to deliuer mee from eternall death that thou wouldest drawe mece out of my selfe into thee my Lord God and graunt that this my loue may recouer againe to me thy grace to increase make perfect in me y t which is wanting to raise vp in me y t which is faln to restore to me that which I haue lost and to quicken in mee that which is dead shoulde liue so that I may become comformable vnto thee in al my life conuersatioÌ„ thou dwelling in me I in thee my heart being coupled with thy grace setled in thy faith for euer Oh my God loose and set at libertie my spirit from al inferior things Gouerne my soule and so work that both in soule and body I may be holie liue to thy glorie world without end Amen I. B. A prayer necessarie to be said at all times O Bountifull lorde Iesu O sweet Sauiour O Christ the sonne of God haue pittie vppon mee mercifully heare mee and despise not my prayers Thou hast created mee of nothing thou hast redEemed mee from the bondage of sinne death hell neither with gold nor siluer but with thy most precious body once offered vpon the crosse and thine owne bloud shed once for al for a ransome Therefore cast me not away whome thou by thy greate wisedome haste made Despise mee not whome thou hast redeemed with such a precious treasure nor let my wickednesse destroye that which thy goodnesse hath buâ—lded Now whiles I liue O Iesu haâ—e mercie on mee for if I die out of thy fauour it wil be too late afterwarde to call for thy mercy Whiles I haue time to repent looke vpon mee with thy mercifull eies as thou diddest vouchsafe to looke vpon Peter thine Apostle that I may bewayle my sinful life obtayne thy fauour to liue and by therein I acknowledge that if thou shouldest deale with me according to thy iustice I haue deserued euerlasting death Therefore I appeale to thy highe throne of mercy trusting to obtayne thy fauour not for my merites but for thy desertes O Iesu who hast giuen thy selfe an acceptable sacrifice to thy father to appease his wrath to bring all finners truly repenting amending their euil life vnto his fauour againe Accept mee O Lorde among the number of them whom thou hast in Christ elected and chosen to saluation Forgiue me my sinnes giue mee grace to leade a godly and innocent life graunt mee thy heauenly wisedome inspire my hearte with faith hope and charitie giue mee grace to be humble in prosperity patient in aduersity obedient to my rulers in al my doinges faithfull dealing truly with al men to liue chastly in wed locke to abhore adultery fornication and al vncleannesse to do good after my power vnto al men to hurt no man that thy name may be glorified in me during this presentlife that I afterward may attain euerlasting life through thy mercie and the merites of thy death and passion Amen A prayer for grace and remission of sinnes O Lorde God mercifull Father I poore wretched sinner come vnto thee in the name of thy dearely beloued sonne Christ Iesus my Sauior beseeching thee for his sake to be merciful vnto me to cast all my sinnes out of thy sight euen through the merites of his bloudie death Powre vpon mee O lorde thy holy spirite of grace and wisedome to gouerne lead my body and soule in thy holy work commandements Shew thy mercy vpon mee so lighten the natural blindnes and darkenes of my heart through thy grace that I may daily be renewed by thy holie spirite Open my heard heart grosse eares to heare and reade thy worde and heauenly voyce and to beleeue and followe it in my conuersation and euer to hold fast that blessed hope of euerlasting life Mortifie and kill all vice in mee that my life may expresse my faith in thee Mercifully heare the humble supplications of thy seruaunt and graunte mee thy peace al my daies Graciously pardon my infirmities and defend mee in al daungers hath outwardlie in my bodie goods and name and inwardlye in my soule against al euil temptations and subtile baites of sathan that roaring Lyon seeking whome hee maye deuoure Graunt O Lorde that I and euery member of thy Church in his vocation and calling may trulie and godlilie serue thee Graft in my hearte the loue of thy name increase in mee true religion replenish mee with all goodnesse and of thy greate mercie keepe me in the same vnto the ende Giue vnto mee the spirite of praier true humilitie perfect patience and continuall ioy in the holy Ghost I commend vnto thy pratection O Father my house all that thou hast giuen me my whole family my wife children and mee that I may wel and holily gouerne nourish and bring them vp in thy feare seruice And forasmuch as in this worlde I must alwayes be at war not with one sort of enimies but with an infinite number not only with flesh bloud but with the diuel which is the prince of darknes grant mee thy grace that being armed with thy defence I may stand in this battaile with an inuincible constancy against all corruption which I am incompassed with on all sides vntil such time as I hauing ended the combat which during this life I must sustaine in y e end I may attaine to thy heauenly rest which is prepared for mee through Christ our Lorde and Sauiour Amen A praier taken out of the first Psalme ALmightie and moste gracious GOD take away from vs all euil counsel and then our sins sufer vs not to runne into an vngodlye and wicked life and finally keepe out mindes farre from the contempt of godlinesse and scorning of vertue 〈◊〉 in the steade of these euils grant 〈◊〉 we may continually bee occupied in thy law and sacred scriptures that we be not carried about like the wicked as like dust and fruitlesse chaffe with
els but to sinne So that the best parte in man before regeneration in Gods fight is not onely an enemie but enimitie it selfe One man therefore which iâ— regenerate may well bee called alwayes iust and alwayes sinfull iust in respect of Gods seede and his regeneration sinfull in respect of Sathans seede and his first birth Betwixt these two men therefore there is continuall conflict and war most deadlie The flesh and the olde man by reason of his birth that is perfect doe often for a time preuaile against the new man being but a childe in comparison and that in such sort as not onely other but euen the children of God themselues thinke that they be nothing els but old and that the spirit and seed of God is lost and gone away where yet notwitstanding the truth is otherwise the spirite and the seed of God at the length appearing againe and dispelling awaye the cloudes which couer the Sunne of Gods seede from shining as the cloudes in the aire doe the corporall Sunne so that sometimes a man cannot tel by any sense that theâ— is any sunne the cloudes and windes so hidetâ— it from our fight Euen so our cecitie or blindnesse and corrupt affections doe often shadow the sight of Gods seede in Gods children as though they were plaine reprobates Whereof it commeth that they praying according to their sense but not according to the trueth desire of God to giue them againe his spirite as though they had lost it and hee had taken it away VVhich thing God neuer doth indeed although hee make vs to think so for a time for alwaies he holdeth his hand vnder his children in their falles that they lie not still as other do which are not regenerate And this is the difference betwixt Gods children which are regenerate aud elect before all times in Christ and the wicked cast awayes that the elect lie not still continuallie in their sin as doe the wicked but at the length doe returne again by reason of Gods seede which is in them hid as a sparke of fire in the ashes as we may see in Peter Dauid Paule Marie Magdalen and others For these I meant Gods children God hath made all things in Christ Iesu to whome hee hath giuen this dignity that they should be his inheritance and spouses This our inheritour Christ Iesus God with God light of light coeternall consubstantiall with the father and with the holie Ghost to the end that he might become our husband because the Husband and the Wife must be one body and flesh hath taken our nature vpon him communicating with it and by it in his owne person to vs all his children his diuine maiestie as Peter saith and so is become flesh of our flesh bone of our bones substantiallie as wee are become flesh of his flesh and bone of his bones spiritually al that euer we haue perteining to him yea euen our sinnes as all that euer he hath perteining vnto vs euen his whole glorie So that if Sathan should summon vs to answere in our debts and sinnes in that the wife is no suable person but the husband wee may well bid him enter his action against our husband Christ and he will make him a sufficient answer For this ende I meane that wee might be coupled and maried thus to Christ and so be certaine of saluation and at peace with God in our consciences God hath giuen his holy word which hath two parts as now the children of God doe consist of two men the one part of Gods word being proper to the old man the other part of Gods word beeing proper to the newe man The parte properlie pertaining to the old man is the lawe the part properly perteining to the new man is the Gospell The law is a doctrine which commaundeth and forbiddeth requiring doing and auoyding Vnder it therfore are conteined al precepts threatnings promises vpon conditions of our doing and auoyding c. The Gospell is a doctrine which alwayes offereth and giueth requireng on our behalf not as of worthinesse or as a cause but as a certificate vnto vs and therefore vnder it are contained all the free and sweet promises of God as I am the Lord thy God c. In those that be of yeares of discretion it requireth faith not as a cause but as an instrument whereby we ourselues may be certaine of our good husband Christ and of his glorie and therefore when the conscience feeleth it selfe disquieted for feare of Gods iudgement against sin she may in no wise looke vpon the doctrine pertaining to the olde man but to the doctrine onely that pertaineth to the newe man in it not looking for that which it requireth that is faith because wee neuer beleeue as wee should but onely on it which it offereth which it giueth that is on Gods grace and eternall mercie and peace in Christ Iesu So shall she be in quiet when she looketh for it altogether out of her selfe in gods mercy in christ Iesu in whose lap if she lay her head with S. Iohn then is shee happie and shall finde quietnesse in deede When she feeleth her selfe quiet then in Gods name let her looke on the lawe and vpon such things as it requireth thereby to bridle and keepe downe the olde Adam to stay the Goliah froÌ„ whom she must needs keepe the sweet promises being the bed wherein her spouse she 〈…〉 lie together For as the wife 〈◊〉 keepe her bed onelie for her husband although in other things she is contented to haue fellowship with others as to speak sit eate drinke go c. so our consciences which are christs wiues must needs keep the bed that is goes sweet promises all only for our selues and our husband there to meete together to imbrace and laugh together and to be ioyful together If sinne the lawe the deuill or any thing els woulde creepe into the bed and lye there then complaine to thy husbande Christ and foorthwith thou shalt see him play Phinees part Thus my dearly beloued I haue giuen you in few wordes a summe of all the Deuinity which a Christian conscience cannot want FINIS The Table AN introduction to praier 17 A meditatioÌ„ coÌ„cerning praier 49 A meditation vpon the Lords praier 68 Priuate praier for the morning euening and other thâ—eâ— of the day 132 VVhen you avvake out of your sleepe cod VVhen you behold the daie light 134 VVhen you arise 135 VVhen you apparell your selfe 136 VVhen you are made readie to beginne the day vvithall 138 Cogitation meete to begin the day vvithal 139 VVhen you goe foorth of the doore 143 VVhen you are going anie iourneie 145 VVhen you are about to receiue your meat 148 In the meale time 150 After your meat 152 VVhen you come home againe 155 At the Sunne going dovvne 156 VVhen the candles bâ— light 158 VVhen you make your selfe vnreadie 160 VVhen you goe into