make clere my mind and soule and make it syngle and lyghten it Graunte me free inturning vnto thee O my Lorde God O my very vnchāgeable goodnesse fulfyll me with thine owne selfe Leade me into the clere bottome of my soule and bringe me from thens into thee my originall Knitte me vnto thee moste nerely and chaung trāsforme me altogether into thee that thou maiest haue thy delyte in me Here me graciousely Lorde here me graciousely not at my will but at thy blessed pleasure Oh Lorde teache illumine directe and helpe me in all things that I maye doe nothing I maye speake nothinge I maye thinke nothinge nor desyre nothinge but that whiche maye be acceptable before thee Then to haue in minde our blessed ladye O Blessed MARIE O moste sweete Virgine haue pitye vpon me moste vile sinner I salute I honour thee Oh blessed ladie optaine for me of thy blessed sōne full remission of all my synnes optaine for me perfect mortification and forsakinge of my selfe Optaine for me very and true humilitie patiēce charitie refrainyng and temperance of my tong and of my sences Obtaine for me puritie simplicitie freedome of minde and that I maye bee once accordinge to the hartes desire of thy sonne Take in mynde all Saintes O All ye blessed saintes of God and blessed spirites Angelicall whome God with his melly fluous countenance and blessed presence maketh ioyfull and euerlastingely glad praye ye for me I salute and honour you I geue lauds thākes vnto our Lord which hath chosen you and hath preuented you in his benedictions Oh optayne for me forgeuenesse optayne for me grace and to be made one with God O Moste benigne moste mercifull IESV haue mercie vpon thy churche haue mercy vpon this place and congregacion Graunte that here be cotinuallie humilitie peace charitie chastitie puritie Graunt that we all maye worthily amende and correcte our selues that we feare thee and serue thee faithfully that we maye loue thee and please the. I commende vnto thy mercie all our businesse our necessities Lord haue mercie vpon all for whome thou haste shed thy moste holie blood Oh Lord conuerte turne and call agayne all miserable sinners graunt vnto the quicke forgeuenesse grace vnto the dead rest and light euerlasting Amen A prayer for schollares before they goe to schoole for obtayning vvisdome learning and knovvledge COme O holy spirit replenishe the harts of thy faythfull lightē in vs the fyer of thy loue which by diuersitie of all languages haste assembled and gathered the people in the vnitie of fayth O God which by the brightnes of the holy Ghost hast instructed the hartes of the faythfull graunte vs that in the same spirite we maye knowe that whiche is ryghte and truth and alwaies to be ioyfull in his consolation Amen Holesome Meditations vvich you may vse at night before you goe to reste 1 VVhen thou wouldest goe to bedde thou shalt yelde thankes to God for his greate mercy that he hath so preserued thee that daye wherein dyuers throughe their sinnes hane fallen headlonge into hell 2 Then after reuolue and call to minde diligently all the sinnes whereby any way thou hast offended God or thy neyghbour that daye and aske God mercye for them 3 Fynally thou shalte praye to God with thy hart that he would vouchsafe to haue care ouer thee and that he would not suffer thee to perish in workes of darcknesse and by these or other lyke prayers folowinge thou shalte call for the ayde and succour of our Lord and Sauiour An Eueninge prayer to be sayed as thou goest to bedde Ex viridario spirituali A Lmyghtye and euerlastinge God I render thee most hartye thankes for that thou haste vouchsafed of thy greate mercye and goodnes to preserue me this day frō all euil And I beseech thee more-ouer for thy bitter death and passion moste mercifully to pardone me wretched sinner all mine offences that this day I haue committed by thought worde or deede and hereafter to preserue and keepe me from all daunger as well of body as of soule to the end I may rise agayne in health to prayse the name of thy maiestie and ioyfully serue thee in thankes gyuinge with a chaste body and a cleare harte Amen Our Father c. Hayle Marye c. O Mary the mother of grace And of mercy mother also Defend me from the cruell foe And at my death my sou'e ēbrace I Beleeue in God the Father c. An other prayer for the night O Lord God and my heauenly Father forasmuch as by thy diuine ordinance the night approcheth and darknes begynneth to ouer whealme the earth and tyme requireth that we geue oure selues to bodylye reste quietnes I render vnto thee moost hartie thankes for thy louynge kyndnes whiche haste vouchsaued to preserue me this day from the daunger of mine enemies to geue me my healthe to feede mee and to sende me all thinges necessarie for the cōforte of this my poor eand nedye lyfe I moste humblie beseche thee for Iesus Christes sake that thou wilte mercyfullie forgeue me all that I haue this daye committed againste thy fatherlie goodnes eyther in worde deede or thoughte that thou wilt vouchsafe to shadow me this nyght vnder the comfortable wynges of thy almightie power defende me from Satan and from all his craftie assaultes that neither he or anye of his ministers haue power ouer eyther my bodye or my soule But that althoughe my body thorowe thy benefyte enioyeth sweete and pleasaunt slepe yet my Soule maye continuallye watche vnto thee thinke of thee delight in the and euermore praise thee that when the Ioyefull light of the daye returneth accordinge to thy godlye appointemēt I maye ryse againe with a faithfull soule and vndefiled bodye and so afterwarde behaue my selfe all my life time according to thy blessed will and commaundement by casting away the workes of darkenes and putting on the armoures of light that men seeing my good workes may therby be prouoked to glorifie thee my heauenlye Father which with thy onely begotten sonne Iesu Christ our onely sauiour and the holy Ghost that most sweete comforter lyuest and raignest one true and euerlasting God world without ende Amen A prayer to thy good Angell thy gardiane Ex hortulo animae secū vsum Leodiens I Beseech thee O holy Angell to whose protection and custodye I wreched sinner am committed continually to defende ayde and garde me from all inuasion and assaultes of the deuill where-soeuer I be both waking and sleepinge dryue away from me through the vertue of the holy Crosse †al the temptations of Satan that which through the deserts of mine owne merites I can not doe by thy praiers obtayne at the handes of the highest and dreadfull ludge that he may haue no place in me Amen A prayer as thou entrest into thy bed F. Sonnius tract 3 Cathe IN the name of our Lorde Iesus Christe that was
world lyueth Bowe downe thyne eares O mother of pitye and mercy vnto my poore prayers and be to me wretched sinner a pitiouse helper in all thinge O most Blessed Ihon Euangelist the farnyliar frend of Christ which of the same Iesu Christ our Lorde was a chosen Virgin amonge all others muche beloued and aboue all others instructed and learned in heauenly Secrettes and mysteries thou was made his Apostle and Euangelist moste excellent therefore I call vpon the and Marie the mother of the same Lorde Iesu Christ our Saniour that thou and shee would vouchsaf to help me O ye two heauēly Gemmes Marie and Ihon. O two diuine Lampes euer shyninge before God dryue away with your blessed bearnes the darke cloudes of my sinnes for ye are the two in whom the onely begotten sonne of God for the merit of pure virginitie confirmed the priuilege of his singuler loue while he was hanging on the crosse saying thus to the one of you VVoman beholde thy sonne and after to the other Beholde thy mother Therefore in this sweetenes of such sacred loue wherin ye were then conioyned by the mouth of our Lorde as Mother and Sonne to you two I moste wretched sinner commend this day my body and soule that in euery houre and momente inwardly and outwardly ye woulde vouchsafe to be my suer keepers and pitifull intercessors to God for me Aske I beseech you health of body and soule for me Helpe I praye you helpe with your gloriouse prayers that the holy Ghost the noble gyuer of graces woulde wouchsafe to visite adorne and inhabite my harte to purge me from all filthe of sinne to bewtifye me with all holy vertues and make me stand perfectly and perseuer in the loue of God and my neyghbour And after the course of this lyfe I may be ledde to the ioyes of the elect by the same holy Ghost who with the father and the sonne eternally lyueth and raigneth one God almightye worlde without ende Amen A prayer to all the holy Angelles Victor Vticensis libr. de persecutione Vandalica HEare vs O holy Angells of our God whose ayde neuer faileth for you are constituted in your seruice for them that shal be heires of euerlasting saluation watch and take heede and behold howe Sion the Citie of our God is become of litle estimation and as it were polluted with infection amongest her enemyes the enemy hathe abused and wastfully occupyed all her pleasaunt beautyfull ornamētes for he hathe seene infidelles and vnworthy persones assaile enter within the gates whoe our Lorde had commaunded should not enter into his Churche Saye vnto God our protector euen as those whiche haue a sure trust to obteyne that whiche you require that his Church is afflicted trauelled her wombe sore troubled with her outcries for she is set amongest infidels doth find no rest not any to comfort her She hathe soughte who woulde mourne with her but coulde finde none she hath sought who woulde gyue her comforte but no person was to be founde euen when shee dyd eate Gaule in her meate and in her thirst tooke vynager for her drincke folowinge the Passion of her spouse and Lorde who suffred for hyr to the end that shee might followe his steppes A prayer to S. Iohn Baptist Ludo. carthusianus li. de vita Christi O Moste blessed Iohn the forerunner of Christe the crier of the Iudg frend of the spouse voice of the diuine word which haste deserued to declare fortell the ioy and comfort of our redemption obtaine for me poore and miserable sinner of the same Lord Iesus by thy most holy prayers that my harte being clensed from vice and adorned with vertues I may according to thy hoolsome admonitiōs prepare the way of our Lord and make streyght his pathes in suche sort as in the laste and finall Iudgemēt when he shall clense the floore of his Church shall seperate the good corne from the chaffe I may deserue to be found amongest the wheate his elect with thē may be layde vpp in the barne of his heauenly mansion Amen A prayer to any of the Apostles O Lord God which amongest al and aboue al thy other saintes haste moste maruelouslye chosen thy moste blessed Apostles to be the firste pillers and foundation of thy Church and before all other haste firste sent them to preach thy Ghospel through the whole world confirminge and establishing their doctryne by maruelous workes wounders and miracles and thou more-ouer by the same Apostles haste sought allured and inuited vs Gentyles to the knowledge and prayse of thy holy name VVe humblye beseech thee O Lorde mercyfully to graunte that we beinge by thee founded vpon the rocke of the Apostolicke confession and in the vnion of the same fayth are chosen and called to obeye prayse thee perpetually be neuer seperated from thee through any errour or temptation make vs pertakers of the intercession of S. N. and of the twelue Apostles in the strength and fortification of a true fayth amendment of our lyfe and auoyding and eschueing of all euil through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen A prayer to any of the holy Martyres Hora B. virgi secund vs ord D. Bene. O God which haste so strenghthned in thy fayth and loue thy blessed Martyr S. N. as no fleshlye delites no threatninges of tyrantes no sworde or torture of tormentors could withdraw him from the worshipping of thee graunte vnto vs miserable sinners by his worthy merites and intercessions helpe in tribulation comforte in persecution that we may manfully fighte against all the deceites of the deuill despise the worlde and all that is in it that we may feare no aduersitie but may obtaine that which by thy holye inspiration we doe desire through Christ our Lorde Amen A prayer to any Confessor Petrus Canisius li catho prec ALmightye and euerlasting God which art the wounderful light of thy beloued saintes and principally thou haste appoynted for vs blessed bishopps pastors doctors and confessors as burninge lightes in thy house and by their doctrine exhortations writinges and testimonies recallest and reducest sinners from euill to good VVe humbly beseech thee that thou wilte vndoe lose the bonds of our sinnes and although we be vnworthie yet make vs partakers of that intercessiō of blessed S.N. all thy holy confessors that we forsakinge our sinnes and walking in true fayth and charitie folowinge them in good workes may at laste enioy their companie in the eternal beatitude through Iesus Christ our Lorde Amen A prayer to any holy Virgin Idem in eodem lib. O God which amongest the other miracles of thy power and might doest gyue and graunte in a fraile sex to all virgins wydowes matrones the victorie of martyrdome and immaculate chastitiye mercyfully graunte that we which amongest thy other holye virgins and widowes do celebrate the memory of thy blessed sainte N. may by her example and intercession despise the allurements of the flesh
touchinge in thinking in slepinge in working all wayes in which I frayle man and most wretched sinner might sinne my defaulte my most greuous default Therefore I most humblye praye besech thy gentlenes which for my health descendedst from heauen whiche diddest holde vp Dauid that he shoulde not fall into sinne haue mercy on vs O Christe the which diddest forgeue Peter that did forsake thee Thou arte my creator my helper my maker my redemer my gouernour my Father my Lorde my GOD my king Thou arte my hope my truste my gouernour my helpe my strength my defence my redemption my lyse my health my resurrectioÌ„ Thou arte my stedfastnesse my refuge or succour my light and my helpe I moste humblie and hartely desier and praye thee helpe me defende me make me strong coÌ„forte me make me stedfast make me merye geue me lighte visite me reuiue me againe whiche am dead For I am thy makinge and thy worke oh Lorde despise me not I am thy seruaunt thy bondeman although euill although vnworthy and a sinner But what soeuer I am whether I be good or bad I am euer thine Therefore to whome shall I flie except I flie vnto the If thou caste me of who shall or will receiue me If thou despise me and turne thy face from me who shall looke vpon me and recognise and knowledge me although vnworthy coÌ„ming to thee although I be vile and vncleane For if I be vile and vncleane thou canste make me cleane If I be sick thou canst heale me If I be dead and buried thou canst reuiue me For thy mercy is muche more than myne iniquitie Thou canst forgeue me more than I can offend Therfore O Lord doe not consider nor haue respect to the number of my sinnes but accordinge to the greatnes of thy mercy forgeue me haue mercie on me most wretched sinner Saye vnto my soule I am thy healthe which sayedst I will not the death of a sinner but rather that he lyue and be conuerted turne to thee O Lorde bee not angry with me I praye thee moste meeke father for thy greate mercie I most humblie deseech thee that thou bring me to the blysse that neuer shall cease Amen THESE PRAYERS FOLOVVINGE are to be sayed at Masse Confiteor Deo omnipotenti c. Misereatur tui omnipotens Deus c. VVhen the Preist is at Confession O Lord God almightye longe suffering and much mercifull I haue sinned without mesure and still mine iniquities do dayly encrease I haue prouoked thine anger by coÌ„mitting euill wilfully in thy sight as it were determininge naughtinesse and multiplyinge offences I haue sinned O Lord I haue sinned and I acknowledge mine iniquitie But thou O God of thy greate goodnesse hast promised to the penitente remission of their sinnes I therefore now bow the knees of my â—arte beseeching mercy of thee O Lord and willingly detecting and detesting the sinfulnes of my conscience I say with the penitent Publicanne saye this thrise * Be mercifull O God vnto me a sinner * Do not destroy me together with my iniquities nor reserue my punishmeÌ„t to be perpetuall but saue me thy vnworthy seruaunte according to the multitude of thy mercies and I shall prayse thee all the dayes of my lyfe because all the powers of heauen prayse thee and to thee belongeth honour and glorie for euer and euer Amen VVhen the Preist goeth to the Alter after Confession TAke from vs all our iniquities O Lord that we may be worthy to enter into heaueÌ„ say this thrise * Haue mercy* on thy people o Christ whom thou haste redemed with thy preciouse blood Lord haue mercy vpon vs. Christ c. Lord c. Amen VVhen the Priest sayeth Gloria in excelsis Deo GLorie be to God on highe and in earthe peace to men of good will we prayse the o Lorde we worship thee we magntfie the we adore the we glorifie the we thaÌ„ke the for thy great glorye o Lorde God heaueÌ„ly king God the father almightie Lorde Iesu Christe the onely begotteÌ„ sonne and the holy ghost Lord God Lambe of God sonne of the father whiche takest away the sinnes of the world haue mercie vpon vs who takest awaye the sinnes of the worlde heare our prayers who sittest on the right hand of God the father haue mercy vpon vs because thou only arte holy thou onely arte Lorde thou only art moste highest Iesus Christ with the holy ghost in the glorie of God the father Amen ALmightie and euerlasting God I moste humbly beseche thee vouchsafe to looke vpon this congregation mercifuly accept the prayers of thy churche made vnto thee for vs all by the ministerie of this Priest therby for thy mercies sake geue vs remission of all our sinnes integretie of mynde healthe of bodie necessarie susteÌ„tatioÌ„ peace in our daies temperate ayre fruitefullnesse of the earthe vnitie of faithe rootinge out of all heresies destruction of all wicked councels encrease of true religioÌ„ earnest charitie sincere deuotion in prayer patieÌ„ce in troubles Ioye in hope and what soeuer is for our soules health nedefull and moste belonginge to thy glorie through Iesus Christ our Lorde Amen At the Epistle O God which hast fully accomplished in perfecte veritie that whiche the lawe dyd foretell and vnder a wounderfull SacrameÌ„t hast left vs the memorie of thy Passion Graunt vs we beseche thee so to worshipp the holy misteries of thy blessed body and bloode that we may alwaye feele the fruite of thy redemption in vs who liuest and raignest with God the father and the holy ghost in perfecte vnitie for euer Amen After the Epistle O Glorious Trinitie o venerable vnitie by the we are created to true eternitie by the are we redemed to true charitie defend saue deliuer protect clense all thy people O God almightie we adore thee O God the father we praise thee O God the soÌ„ne we thanke the o God the holie ghost to whome thre personnes and one God be all honour and glorie for euer and euer Amen O Lord deale not with vs according to our sinnes nether reward vs accordinge to our iniqui-quities Lorde remembre not our former offences but thy mercies spedely preueÌ„t vs because we haue greate neede thereof helpe vs O God our sauiour and for the glorie of thy name deliuer vs O lord and be mercyfull to vs for thy name sake After the Ghospell Credo in Deum Patrem c. GOod Lord graunt that we may all contine we in the true and sincere profession of the holy Catholicke fayth to the ende of our lyues and that we may therin fight a good battell exercisinge our selues in all holinesse and godlinesse to the end that after this lyfe we may receaue of thee O Lord a crowne of righteousnesse which thou haste layed vp for all thine electe Amen At the offertorie O lord holy father who through Iesus Christ thy onely sonne haste taught a newe oblation of a new
suggestion doo plucke mee away from the and a harte soo stable that no troubles maye ouercome mee so free from all vice that sinne maye chalenge nothinge in me Graunt mee O my Lord God vnderstanding to know thee diligēce to seke thee wisdom to finde thee conuersatiō to please thee faithfullie to perseuere looking after thee finallie thorough hope to imbrace thee in respect of thy most grieuouse paines suffered vpon the Crosse for mee that I maye willingly suffre penaunce and all tribulation for thee Also through thy grace to enioye the graciouse benefittes here in this transitorye lyfe and in the world to come to be partaker of thy rewarde heuenlye ioyes throughe the precious bloude of that immaculat lambe our onelye Sauiour Iesus Christ to whome with the father and the holy ghost three personnes and one God be al honour and glorie worlde without end Amen A prayer to God that he vvill vouchsafe to preserue the fruites of the earth Ioan Ferus in lib. prec O Omnipotent euerlasting and mercifull God we beseeche thee consider our daylye needes shewe vs thy mercy and gyue vs a sufficiente harueste for our dayly necessities graunt that corne trees and other fruites of the earth may by thy holy benediction growe encrease and multyplye Turne backe and with-drawe from the fruites of the earth all that may be dammageable as tempestes ouerflowing of waters coldnesse hayle and other lyke thinges which are anye waye hurtfull Through our Lorde Iesus Christ thy sonne the euerlasting lyfe Amen A prayer to desire that vve may vse all temporall thinges for the health of our soules onely Thomas de Camp in lib. de Imit Christ I Beseeche thee moste inercyfull God vouchsafe to preserue me from excessiue cares of this lyfe that I be not to much encombred with many thinges concerning the necessitie of my body and that I be not ouertaken with any voluptuousnes of these thinges O my God my ineffable sweetenes chaunge and turne into bitternesse all my carnall consolations which withdraw me from the loue of celestiall thinges Suffer me not my God to be conquered not to be ouercome of fleshe and of blood Suffer me not to be deceyued of the worlde and of the transitorie glory thereof nor that the deuill through his subtiltie ouerthrow me to the grounde Gyue me strengthe to resist pacience to endure and cōstancie to perseuer for meate drincke clothes and all necessayrie things to vpholde the bodie are painfull troublesome for that person that hathe a deuout spirite Therefore graunt me Lorde to vse these thinges moderatly and that my harte be not to much encombred with the desyre of them The holy law forbiddeth vs to require superfluous thinges and suche as are more delectable than profitable for otherwyse the fleshe should be ouer burdenouse to the spirit And alwayes I request that thy holy hande may gouuerne instruct me that I doe nothinge excessyuelie Amen The ende of the fifth Chapter THE SIXTE CHAPTER CONTEYNINGE HOLESOME prayers of the lyfe and passion of our Sauiour and redeemer Iesus Christ A prayer to be sayed before the Crucyfix Cuthbertus Tunstall in lib. bell prec O Mercyfull crucifix the redeemer of all people whose heade was filthely lacerat torne with a croune of thorne whose hands feete extended vpō a crosse were through-bored with nayles whose whole feble bodye was hanged on highe and twoo theues to his ignomie shame fastened on his righte and lefte hande of the whych the one dispised thee the other knowleged thee to be a kinge whose spirit cōmēded vnto the father was gvuen vppe to redeme vs withall And being deade thy side thorwe-pearced gushed poured outewater and bloude VVhat toung can worthely expresse what minde can cōceyue those innumerable paynes the which thou an innocente haste suffered VVee beseeche thee for these so exceding great tormentes to illuminate our soules with the lyghte of thy knowledg to moderat our vnderstāding to strengthen our handes too good workes to conuerte our feetesteppes and goinges to thy wayes to directe our thoughtes wordes and deedes and laste of all to bringe vs wretches vnto thy kingedome where that wee with thy holye Angells maye haue thy fruition the which doest liue and raigne God with God the father the holy ghoste through all worldes So be it A prayer acknovvledginge that man vvas the cause of Christs suffering Io. Fab. ex 7. Medit. B Augustin VVHat hast thou done sweet chylde that thou shouldest haue this iudgement VVhat haste thou done that thou shouldest be thus streitly delte-with what is thy offēce what is thy gilte what cause of thy death what occasion of thy condemnation I truly I am cause of thy trouble my fault hath made thee to be slaine my defert hathe brought thee vnto this deathe vēgeance is taken of thee for my haynouse gilte thou art thus tormēted for me and I the occasion of all thy smart O maruelous sorte of iudgement order of the vnspekeable diuine misterie The wicked sinneth and the iuste is punished The gilty offendeth and the innocente is beaten The sinner transgresseth and the godly is condemned That whiche the bad hath deserued the good suffreth for that wherin the seruaunt hath done euill the maister maketh recompence for that the man hath committed the sonne of God is plagued how farfurthe thou sonne of God how farfurth hathe thine humilytie descended what hathe feruente loue enforced the to doo Howfarfurthe is thy mercye extended how doth thy bountie encrease how far furth hath thy loue reached Vnto what passe is thy compassion come For I haue done wickedlie and thou art punished I haue committed a greuous faulte and it is layed to thy charge I am the offender and thou arte put to the torture I was pufte vp in pryde and thou imbaced and made of no reputation I was disobedient thou sufferest the paine of my disobedience I haue pampered my selfe with delicat fare thou therfore redie to perishe thorow hunger My affectiō through concupiscence had made mee to doo thinges vnlawfull and perfect charitie in thee hath brought thee to suffer vpon the crosse I presumed to doo that I was forbidden and thou submittest thy selfe to receyue rebukes and punishemēts therefore I delight in all banquettinge and pleasure and thou art put vnto miserable paynes vppon the Crosse I lyue at ease and thy hādes and feete are persed with nayles I tast the plesaunt aple and thou the bytter gaule Eua laugheth and reioyseth with mee blessed Marye lamenteth soroweth with thee Beholde O Kinge of glorie Loo what myne iniquitye is and howe abundant thie mercie is Loo what myne vngodlines is and how meruailouse thy rightuousnes is O my King and my God with what maye I possible recompence thee for the greate goodnes shewed towardes me Mannes harte is not able to thinke what maye be worthelye gyuen in recompence for so great benefites For is ther any such fines of witte in man
Lyons R. Amen Deliuer O Lorde the soule of thy seruaunt as thou deliueredst the three Children out from the fiery fournace and from the hands of the cruell vnmercyfull Kyng R. Amen Deliuer O Lorde the soule of thy seruaunt as thou deliueredst Susanna frō the crime with which she was falsely charged R. Amen Deliuer O Lorde the soule of thy seruaunt as thou deliueredst Dauid from the handes of kinge Saul and Golias R. Amen Deliuer O Lorde the soule of thy seruaunt as thou deliueredst S. Peter and Paule out of pryson R. Amen And as thou deliueredst that blessed Virgin and Martyr Tecla from her moste cruell torments so vouchesafe to deliuer the soule of this thy seruant and make him partaker of the euerlastinge ioyes in heauen with thee R. Amen Lett vs praye VVE commend vnto thee O Lord the soule of thy seruant beseeche thee sweete Lord lefu Christ Sauiour of the worlde that thou doe not refuse to place hym in the bosome of thy Patriarches for whom thou descēdedst mercifully into the earth Acknowledg O Lord thy creature created not of any straung gods but of thee alone the true and lyuinge God for there is no other God but thou O Lorde and there is none according to thy woorkes O Lord make his soule reioyse in thy sight and remembre not his olde iniquitie and drunckenesse whiche inordinate concupiscence and raginge lustes dyd rayse in hym Albeit he sinned yet he denied not the father the sonne and the holy Ghost but belyeued stedfastly in them and he had the zeale of God in his harte and adored the God that created all of nought R. Amen Lett vs praye REmembre not we beseech the O Lorde the sinnes and ignoraunces of his wylfull youth but according to thy great mercie bee myndefull of him in the glorye of thy eternall deytie Let the heauens bee opened vnto hym Lett thy Angels reioyse of hym O Lorde receyue thy seruant into thy kyngdome Lett holy Michaell the high messenger of God that hath deserued to bee the chiefe all the holye cōpany of Angels receiue him Let all the holy Angels of God come forth and meete him conducte him into the heauēlie Citie Hierusalē Lett blessed Peter the Apostle who had the keyes of the kyndom of God delyuered vnto hym receyue hym Lett the holy Apostle S. Paule who was woorthy to bee a chosen vessell receyue hym Lett S. Iohn the elect Apostle of God to whome the heauenly secret mysteries were reuealed receyue him Lett all the holy Apostles who receyued of Christ power to loose and bynd praye for hym Lett all holye Saincts who haue sustained tormentes for the name of Christ pray for him that after he is loosed out of the pryson of this mortall flesh he may be founde woorthy to come to the glorie of the heauenly kyngdome by the assistance of our Lord Iesus Christ who with the father and the holy Ghost lyueth and raigneth worlde without ende Amen Into thy handes O Lorde we cōmen his soule O Lorde God of truth thou haste redeemed hym Lett that sweete voyce of thyne O Lorde Iesu sounde in his eares This daye thou shalt bee vvith me in Paradise Amen The ende of the tvvelfth Chapter THE THYRTIENTH CHAPTER CONTAYNING DEVOVT praiers healthfull for the departed soules An exhortation by the vvhich vve are shevved and admonyshed to praye for soules departed in the Catholicque Church Clemens I. Ponti Max. Ca. 47. lib. 8. constit Apostol MY brethren lett vs praye for our brother that resteth in Iesu Christ to the ende that our good God which hath recieued his soule may forgyue him all his sinnes willingly or vnwillingly committed and that he obteining forgyuenes may be receyued into the kingdome of the blessed in the bosome of Abraham Isaac and Iacobe with all those that from the begining haue pleased God and haue done his will from whom all sorow griefe and payne is secluded Commendations of the soule that is lately departed Albertus Castella Sacer. Rom. part 1. O Lorde we commend the soule of thy seruant that being latelye departed this lyfe he may lyue in thee and according to thy mercye pardone him his sinnes which he hath committed throughe humayne frayeltie VVe commende O Lorde the soule of this thy seruante into the handes of the holy and moste gloriouse virgin Mary the mother of mercye and clemency Also into the handes of all the holy Archangels Angels and celestiall courte of heauen into the handes of the holy Patriarches and prophets into the handes of the blessed Apostles Euangelistes and disciples into the handes of the martyrs and confessors into the handes of the virgins widowes and all votaryes who-soeuer And finally we commend the soule of this thy seruaunt into the hands of all such thy blessed saynts and seruaunts as haue pleased thee from the first creatiō of the world that by their intercession and succour he may be deliuered from the prince of darknes and from all dreadfull torments graunt this O God almightye omnipotente and full of mercy through the bitter passion of thy sweet sonne our sauiour Iesu to whom with thee and the holy Ghost be all honour and glorye for euer and euer Amen A prayer for the faythfull soule departed Precat Ecclesi in Missa O Eternall and almightye God to whom we neuer pray without hope of mercy Haue mercy of the soule of thy seruaunt N. and make him to bee vnyted to that companye of Saintes which is deceased from this life in the confession of thy name through Iesus Christe our Lorde Amen Another prayer Pontifical Rom. part 3. O God by whom all thinges lyueth and through whom our bodies diminisheth not in dyeng but are chaunged into better we moste humblye beseech thee to commaunde the soule of thy seruant to be receyued by the handes of thy holy Angels to bring him vnto the bosome of thy friend the Patriarch Abraham to ryse againe at the laste greate iudgement day pardonning him mercyfully all his sinnes which he hath committed throughe the false deceiptes and suggestion of the deuill through Iesus Christe our Lorde Amen Another prayer Clemens Aposto discip lib. 8. cap. 47. constit Apostol O God of Abraham God of Isaac God of Iacob which art God of the liuinge and not of the deade for as much as all soules of the righteouse lyueth with thee and are in thy handes they shall not be touched with any payne or torment Looke bountifully vpon this thy seruaunt which thou haste receyued into another lyfe pardone him that which he hath committed through the frayeltye of his will Appoynt him thy louing Angels to carye him into the bosomes of Patriarches Prophetes and Apostles and of all those that hath pleased thee from the begining of the worlde where is neither sorowe griefe nor horrour but an assemblye of Saintes whiche are reioysing in the countrye of the happye and iuste seeing the glory of thy Christ through whom be to thee glory honour seruice and adoration
folio 119. A prayer to the holy Ghost folio 120. The eleuenth Chapter conteyning Christian Catholicque prayers to Saints and Cytyzens of the glorie of heauen A Prayer vnto the holy Virgin Mary folio 122. An other prayer to our B. Lady and to S. Iohn EuaÌ„gelist called O intemerata folio 123. A prayer to all the holy Angells folio 124. A prayer to S. Iohn Baptiste folio 125. A prayer to anye of the Apostles folio 126. A prayer to anye of the holy Martyrs folio 126. A prayer to anye Confessor folio 127. A prayer to any holy Virgin fol. 127. A prayer to anye one of the holye Saintes folio 128. A prayer to all the blessed Saintes in heauen folio 129. The tvvelfth chapter contayninge aduertismentes and consolations vvithe prayers and suffrages for the sicke AN aduertisment for the sicke diligently to prepare hym selfe to dye well folio 131. A protestation very profitable to be made by the sicke folio 133. Prayers in sicknesse folio 133. Another prayer folio 134. Another prayer folio 135. Another prayer folio 136. Prayers and suffrages to be sayd for one lyeing in death bedde folio 137. A prayer for the same folio 139. Another prayer folio 140. Another prayer folio 143. Another prayer folio 143. The thyrtienth chapter contayning deuout prayers healthfull for the departed soules AN exhortation by the which we are shewed and admonyshed to praye for the soules departed in the Catholicque Churche folio 145. Commendation of the soule that is lately departed folio 145. A prayer for the faythfull soule departed folio 146. Another prayer folio 146. Another prayer folio 147. A prayer for the soule of thy father folio 147. A prayer for the soule of thy mother folio 148. A prayer for thy parentes departed folio 150. A praier for thy friende departed folio 150. A prayer for the lyuinge and the deade folio 150. A prayer for the departed to be saied at Masse folio 150. The ende of the Table Certaine differences betvvene loue tovvardes God and loue tovvards creatures and vvhat loue he hath and vvill haue to those that vvill perfectlye loue and serue him 1. IF I loue a creature it can not know how much nor in what maner my loue is but yf I loue God he knoweth better the loue of my harte then my selfe 2. If I loue a creature oftentimes I receyue no rewarde or recompence but if I loue God he rewardeth a hundreth folde 3. If I loue a creature I finde it not at al times nor so often as I would and I can not speake to it so often as I desire and as neede requireth neither doeth it harkeÌ„ to my wordes as I wishe but yf I loue God I haue hym at all times with me I maye speake with hym as often as I please and at all times he harkeneth to my wordes yea and to the desires of my harte 4. If I loue a creature often times it putteth me to trouble is hindrance to me in my praiers for that I think of it but yf I loue God he bringeth peace into my harte and conscience if I thinke on him as I ought in my praiers he gyueth to me hym selfe whiche is soueraigne sanctitye 5. If I loue a creature oftentymes I haue care of it but if I loue God he hathe a care ouer me 6. If I loue creatures I knowe not their secrets but yf I loue God he openeth often to me the trueth of all hydden and secret things 7. If I loue a creature it yeldeth not my hartes desire but yf I loue God he will gyue me wholy all my desires 8. If I loue a creature it is out of me but yf I loue God he dwelleth in me and I in hym 9. If I loue a creature it knoweth not all my affaires nor the thinges to me appartaining but yf I loue God he knoweth theÌ„ better then I doe my selfe 10. If I loue a creature sometimes it deceiueth me but if I loue God he will truely assure me 11. If I loue a creature oftentimes it moueth me to heauinesse greife but yf I loue God he gyueth me ioy and consolation 12. If I loue a creature it seeketh at my hand a profit and gayne to it selfe but yf I loue God he wisheth my profit and commoâ—ytie 13. If I loue a creature often it departeth from me and for that cause I haue short ioy and pleasure of it but yf I loue God he remaineth with me so long as I am without deadly sinne from whome I haue all ioye and pleasure 14. If I loue a creature I knowe not yf I be loued of it but yf I loue God I am assured of his loue 15. If I loue a creature it perisheth or decayeth but yf I loue God he dwelleth withe me euerlastingly 16. If I loue a creature I finde it often a lyar variable and inconstant but yf I loue God I finde him moste trew and his will firme and constant 17. If I loue a creature I see often in it that displeaseth me but yf I loue God nothinge that I see in hym can displease me 18. Therefore I take and choose for my Louer Spouse our Lord Iesu Christ who through his owne pleasure is myne and so am I his none is to me so good so faire so sweete so riche so noble so myghty so wise so piteouse so benigne nor so amyable as is my harty louer Iesus VVho liueth and raigneth with the father and the holy ghost worlde without ende Amen CERTAINE DEVOVT AND GODLY Petitions commonly called IESVS PSALTER Nomen datum Non est aliud hominibus Act. 4. IHS There is none other name vnder heauen geuen vnto men in vvhiche vve must be saued Act. 4. CVM PRIVILEGIO Anno. 1583. Â
crucified for me I goe into my bedde let him blesse me †gouerne me and defende me and bringe me into lyfe euerlastinge Amen A prayer to be sayed as thou seitleste thy selfe to sleepe L. Viues in precibus general O Iesu Christ our safegarde receaue me into thy protection and graunt that when my body is a sleepe my soule may watch to thee and that it may ioyfullye and gladlye beholde that blessed moste ioyfull and heauenly lyfe where thou art gouernour together with the Father and the holy Ghost and where the Angels with the blessed soules are citizens for euer and euer Amen An exhortation to watche taken out of holy Scripture The day of our Lorde shall come as a theefe in the night Thes 1. v. 5. VVatche ye therefore because ye knovve not the day nor the houre Math. 25. v. 13. And that vvhich I say to you I say to all vvatche Marc. 13. v. 37. The ende of the first Chapter Moste holesome meditations vvhich vve ought day and night to haue before our eyes and alvvayes to haue in remembraunce VVe onght continually to remēber these three things that is to saye Tyme Paste That vve haue vnprofitably spent That good vvhich vve haue left vndonne That euill vvhich vve haue committed Tyme Present Of the shortnes of mans lyfe Of the difficultie to be saued Of the small number that shall be saued Tyme To come Of death moste miserable Of the last Indgement most horrible Of the paynes of hell intollerable THE SECONDE CHAPTER CONTEYNINGE GOODly deuout prayers to be sayed before at after the holy Sacrifice of the Masse A prayer vvhen thou doest enter into the churche Ex hortulo animae OH take from me moste mercifull Lorde all mine iniquityes to the ende I may with a pure and contrite harte enter into the holy of holyes O Sauiour of the worlde which lyuest and reignest with the father and the holy ghost A prayer to styrre vp the minde to deuotion before Masse Io. Fab. ex Aug. 33. medit ALmightye and moste mercifull Father vnto thee all the heauenly companie of the celestiall citie all the blessed orders of saued spirites doe incessantly with due reuerēce sing continuall glory and euerlasting prayse Thee O Lord all saintes and soules of holy men doe laude and magnifie with moste worthie and condigne honour as to whome all prayse honour and glorie is most iustly due Nor there is any creature be he neuer so worthy that can sufficiently accordinge to thy worthynes geue vnto thee worthye and sufficiente prayse For thou arte that vnspeakeable vncomprehensible and euerlastinge goodnes Thou good Lorde hast made me thou haste through the merites of the bitter passion of thy moste blessed Sonne which he vouchesafed to suffer for man-kind restored me to the state of saluation To thee onely is due all laude and honour if anye good thinge be found in me Oh good Lord I miserable wretche a creature of thy makinge a poore woorme of the earth haue good will to laude and magnifie thee with all my minde whole intent but without thy speciall grace I finde my selfe fainte and wonderfull weake wherfore I come to thee my God my lyfe my strength my hope and onelye comforte to craue thy mercie and grace to geue mee power to praise thee Graunte of thy vnspeakeable mercy that I may worthelie prayse honour thee and that what I doe therin may be pleasing acceptable to thee Graunt me the light of thy grace that my mouth maye speake my harte studie thy glorie my tounge may be occupied only in the song of laude praise But because all praise in a sinners mouthe is vyle and I must of force confesse my selfe manifoldelie to haue offēded with my lippes clēse thou o good Lorde my harte from all filthe and sinne Sanctifie me moste mightie Sauioure bothe inwardlie and outwardlie and make mee worthy to magnifie thee receyue of thy infinite goodnes the sacrifice of my lippes and make it acceptable in thy sighte lett the sauour therof be plesaunte well smelling vnto thee Let thy holie swetenes possesse wholie my mind and feade my soule with the fulnes of inuisible thinges lett my soule good Lorde bee quite cutte from visible things all whollie geuen to the studie of inuisible thinges cleane seperat from earthlie things and wholie addicted to heauenlie meditations make my soule see the wonderfull sight of thy Maiestie O almightie God enspire thou my harte that I maye continuallie geue thankes vnto the and honour thee for euer Graunt mee the grace that in my pilgrimage and vale of miserie I may so praise thee that through thy mercie grace I may bee associat to their holie fellowshippe whiche see the euerlastinglie singe prayse to thee worlde without ende Amen A deuoute prayer necessary to be sayed euery Sunday Cornel. Donters in his contemplations of the Passion MY most louing God and Lord and my creatour I miserable sinner doe presente my selfe this day before thine eyes beseeching thee humblye that through thine infinite bountye thou wouldeste vouchsafe to geue me grace that I may keepe holy this Sunday according to thy commaundement and the precept of our mother the holy Church geuing me true contrition of all my sinnes that I haue committed against thy diuine Maiestie and against my neighbour by thoughts wordes and deedes and by omission of good workes which I ought to haue done And I most humblie beseech thee most sweete Iesus that thou wouldest not consider the multitude of my sinnes but remember thine infinit mercy and vouchsafe to graunte me grace to spende this weeke folowing without mortall sinne and for the honour of thy death and passion to geue to al sinners knowledge and grace to do penaunce in this worlde and generally to haue mercy of al those that our mother the holy Churche desireth this day to pray for that with her we all may be partakers of thy sorowfull passion Amen A prayer to be vsed before confession or before Masse if time serue OH maker of heauen and earth king of kinges and Lorde of Lords which of nothing diddest make to thine image and lykenes and diddest redeme me with thine owne precious bloude whom I a sinner am not worthye to name neither to call vpon neither with my harte to thinke vpon humbly I desire thee mekely pray thee that gently thou do beholde me thy wicked seruaunte and haue mercy on me which haddest mercye of the woman of Canane and Mary Magdalene which diddest forgeue the Publicane the thefe hanging on the crosse vnto thee I confesse most holy Father my sinnes whiche if I woulde I can not hide frō thee Haue mercy on me O Christ for I wretche haue sore offended thee in pryde in couetousnesse in gluttony in lechery in vaine-glory in hatred in enuy in adultery in thefte in lyinge backebitinge in sporting in dissolute and wanton laughing in Idle wordes in hearinge in tastinge in
testament which the Church receauinge of thy holy Apostles offereth through-out the whole world to thee O God the creator of all things offring vnder a hidden misterie the first fruites of thy creatures and giftes to witt bread and wyne mingled withe water streight-wayes to be consecrated into the flesh and bood of thy welbeloued sonne that by the same oblation he may represente him whoe is the lyuely bread descendinge from heauen geuing lyfe to all the worlde who by the bloode and water which flowed from his side did washe vs from our sinnes vouchsafe almighty God mercifully to accept this oblatiō which thy Catholicke Church offreth to thee by the Prieste for all thy people whom thou haste purchased with the pretiouse bloode of thy deare-beloued sonne our lord Iesus Christ Amen VVhan the Priest turninge desireth the people to pray for him OVr Lord send thee helpe from heauen and protect thee Our Lord be mindfull of this thy sacrifice and receiue it at thy handes to the laud and glorie of his name to the healthe and comfort of our soules the soules of all faithfull liuing and dead Amen O Lorde whiche Iustyfiest the wicked and gyuest life to the dead quicken and raise me o Lord gyue me compunction of hart and teares to my eyes that I maye euer bewayle the wickednesse of my hart with humilytie Let my prayer come before thy presece O Lord Yf thou be angrie with me o god what helper shall I seeke or who shall haue mercie vpō mine iniquities remēber O Lorde that thou didst call the woman of Cananea the Publicane to repētance didst receiue Peter after his teares Receiue also my praiers O God my Sauiour who liuest raignest for euer Amen VVhen the Priest saith Sursum corda O God father moste highe lyfte vp our hartes and minds I beseche the from the cogitations of earthly cares to the meditation of heauēly loyes that we may thinke and speake of thee onely and maye in all our lyfe expresse thee and after may enioy thee for euer Amen Then say vvith the Priest IT is meete and iust righte and necessarie that we alwayes and in all places geue thee thankes O holy Lord Father almighty euerlastinge God through Iesus Christ our Lorde by whome the Angells praise thy Maiestie the dominatiōs adore the the powers tremble the vertues of heauen and the heauens and the blessed Seraphin with mutual gladnesse gyue praise vnto the with whome we beseche the that thou wilt commande our prayers to be receiued sayeing with humble confession Holie Holie Holie Lord God of Sabaothe The heauens earth are full of thy glorie Glorie be to God on the highest blessed is he that commeth in the name of our Lorde O sanna in the highest Amen At the holy Canon O Moste high Priest and true Bishoppe Iesus Christ who hast offred thy selfe to God thy father vpon the alter of the Crosse a pure and immaculate Hoste for vs wretched sinners who hast left vnto vs thy flesh and bloode in a Sacrament which is made by thy diuine omnipotencie hast ordeyned this Sacrament whiche thou commaundest to be offred in remembrance of our saluatiō by the same thy almightie power I beseche thee that thou wilt graunte me poore sinner worthely to remember thy blessed Passion and to resigne and consecrate my selfe all that I haue wholly to thee who art my Lorde and redemer to be present at this heauenly sacrifice with feare reuerēce with puretie of hart plenty of teares with spirituall gladnesse and heauenly Ioye lett my minde taste the swetenesse of thy blessed presence and perceiue the troupes of thy saints and Angells which are about the. Amen SPeake with me o blessed Virgin Mary that my prayers may take effect before thy sonne our Lorde and Sauiour Iesus Christ Entreate for me O ye Apostles make intercession for me O ye Martirs praye for me all ye Confessors and all the holye companie of heauen the prayers of such O Lord thou despisest not Inspire thē therefore to praye for me O Lord which liuest and raignest one God for euer and euer Amen Here meditate vvith your selfe till the Eleuation ANd thinke your selfe vnworthie to be present amonge so many thow sande of Angelles and saincts as are there although inuisiblie to vs tending vpō him with all reuerence whom we through our sinnes caused to die a moste bitter deathe whome through our euell lyfe we from time to time as much as in vs lyeth do crucifie Thinke how great his loue is to vs which by this dayly oblation woulde preserue vs in that estate whervnto he once brought vs. These benefittes others as time will suffer considered lett vs examine our selues our behauiour to so gracious a Lord and say with the Publicane O God be mercifull to me a sinner O Moste mercifull Lorde Iesus Christ in the remembrance of thy most blessed incarnatiō death Passion wounds sorrows greeues sighes teares and drops of thy most precious bloode and in remembrance of thy moste infinite loue to mankinde and in the vnion of this oblation and of that sacrifice by the whiche thou did offer thy selfe on the Altar of the Crosse I doe offer my selfe to thy laud and glorie humblie besechinge the to gyue to the lyuinge grace to the deceassed peace and rest and to vs all mercie and life euerlasting And I commende vnto the O Lord my soule and body all that is within me moste humblie beseching thee to haue mercy vpon me and vpon all those whome I am bounde in respect of nature or frendshippe to praye for as N. and N. c. At the Eleuation of the Host I Adore thee worshipp the O Christ with all praise benediction For by thy bitter deathe Passion thou haste redemed my soule from endlesse afflictiō Haue mercie vpon me deare Iesus and graunte that thy deathe be neuer found frustrate in me I most humblie beseche thee Amen At the Eleuation of the Chalice AL hayle moste precious and blessed blood flowinge out of the side of my Lorde and Sauiour Iesus Christ washinge awaye the spottes both of the olde and new offence clense sanctifie and keepe my soule I beseche thee to euerlastinge life VVE thanke the O Lord God mercifull father that thou did vouchesafe to send thine onelye begotten sonne Iesus Christ into this wretched worlde to die for vs all the most shamefull death of the Crosse to the end that he myght offer him selfe to thee through the holy ghoste a moste pure cleane holy and acceptable sacrifice for our sinnes and might so purge oure wicked conscience from all spottes of vncleanenesse By this thy exceding great loue to vs and by these moste cruell tormentes of thy sonne our Sauiour we moste humblie beseche the that thou wilt preserue in vs cōtinuallie those most noble fruites of his redemption and make vs also daylie to die with him to the worlde and to be crucified
For I haue abused thy fatherlie clemencie mercifull pitie to mine vtter vndoing Accepte me o Lorde for one of thy hyred seruauntes and feede mee with the comfortable bread of thy heauenlie grace that I beinge refreshed therwith maye humblie serue the in thy house in cleanes of lyfe and puritie of conscience all the dayes of my life O sweete Sauiour Christ I humblie beseche the for thy bitter Passion blessed mothers sake by that Marie Magdalene whiche soo feruentlie loued thee whose sinnes all thoughe they were manie yet thou forgauest them and madest her pertaker of thy heauenlie glorie receyue mee vnder the wynges of thy mercie take compassion vpon mee Take from me the fonde loue of this transitorie world quenshe in me all fillthie lustes of the fleshe and enkindle in my soule a burninge desire of thy gloriouse blesse Graunte mee almightie God true repentaunce for my sinnes graunt me thy grace to lameÌ„te in mee my wante of sorowe for my offences make my harte pure nette that my soule beinge cleane maye vtterlie abhorre and hate sinne Graunte mee reconciliation to thee throughe the comfortable Sacramente of penaunce to bee receiued into the blessed coÌ„panie of thy chosen Gyue mee an earneste desire to amende my life that I beinge holden vp withe thy grace may continue in holines of lyfe to the ende of the same and lastelie may attaine to thy heauenlie tabernakle where I maye praise and honoure thee world without ende Amen A prayer of penitent sinner acknovvleginge his vilenesse in the sight of God Imit Christ lib. 3. ca. 9. SHall I Lorde Iesu dare speake to the that am but dust ashes verelye yf I thinke my selfe any better then ashes and duste thou stâ—ndest against mee and aâ—so mine owne sinnes beare witnes againste mee that I may not with saye it but yf I despyse my selfe and set my selfe at naught and thinke my selfe but dust and ashes as I am then thy grace shal be nyghe vnto mee and the light of true vnderstandinge shall enter into my harte so that all presuÌ„ption pryde in mee shal be drowned in the vale of meeknes throughe perfecte knowledge of my wretchednesse I haue lost thee also my selfe by inordinate loue that I haue had to my selfe and in seking of thee againe I haue found bothe thee and mee and therefore will I more depelye from hencefourthe sett my selfe at naughte more diligently seeke thee than I haue done in time paste for thou Lord Iesu thou doest to me aboue all my merites and aboue all that I can aske or disire But blessed bee thou in all thy workes for though I be vnworthye any good thinge yet thy goodnes neuer ceaseth to do well to me and also to many other which be vnkinde to thee and that are turned righte far from thee Turne vs Lorde threfore to thee againe that we may henceforward be louinge thank full meeke and deuout to thee for thou arte our health our vertue and all our strength in body and in soule and none but thou To thee therefore be ioye and glory euerlastingly in the blisse of heauen Amen A confession of a mans ovvne vngratefulnes tovvardes God vvhereupon the sinner beinge turned vnto pennaunce prescribeth to himselfe a certaine course of lyfe Margarita euangelica ca. 3. li. 4. O God I am the prodigall child which hath sundrie wayes offended thee who being created of thee in the state of innocencye haue notwithstandinge that without all shame most vily gyuen my selfe ouer to all diuelish and lewde conuersation Thou wast crucified and did dest humble thy selfe for me and I haue swelled vppe with pryde Thou haft shewed thy selfe naked and nedy and couetousnes hath ouerwhelmed me Thou suffredst smarte and payne but I lyue in wanton delicatenes Thou wast serued with esyll and gall but I lye in bestely drounkeÌ„nes Thou wast alwayes well occupied in vertuouse exercise but I alwayes idle and neuer well occupied Thou didest pray for thine enemies and I haue bene so far from the prayinge for mine enemies that I care little for my frendes But alas what shall I do shall I fall in despayre No God forbyd Iron that is rustie may be clensed skowred cleane from rust and I will cleanse my selfe from the ruste of conscience with contrition coÌ„fession satisfaction And as I haue through pryde lyfte vp my selfe so will I plucke downe my harte by humilitie become a mockingestocke and skorne to the worlde And because I will auoyde couetousenes I will quite abandone all desire of worldlie and transitorie thinges against the wantoÌ„ones of the fleshe I will hamper my fleshe with continuall sobbing and sighing for my sinnes By the burning compassion of thy brotherlie loue and feruent charitie and the denyinge of thine owne will for thy bitter Passion haue mercie vpon mee Amen An humble confession of sinnes vvith desire of mercy and grace O Lorde creator of heauen and earth king of kinges and Lord ouer all dominion power which haste made mee of naught euen vnto thine owne likenesse by memorie vnderstandinge and will wherby I may knowe worshippe and loue thee hast also redemed mee with thy most precious bloud whome I detestable wretche and wicked creature am not worthye once to name muche lesse to call vpon thee the rather for that I do acknowllege confesse my selfe I haue bene am an horrible greuouse sinner haue so haynouslie transgreffed in the sight of thy Diuine maiestie that I aÌ„ not worthy to be called thy soÌ„ne no not so much as to haue the name of thy meanest or simplest seruant nether yet that the earthe should beare my footesteppes but rather for my wickednes to open her mouth to deuoure and swallowe me vppe to be eternallye tormented in the bottomlesse pyt of hell How muche lesse then maye I presume to offer vppe vnto thee anye sacrifice of prayse or thankes geuing For if thou hast not spared the naturall braunshes creatures of so great excelleÌ„cie that is to say Lucifer his wicked fauourers but for the offences of one rebelliouse proude thought and that scarse of so longe continuance as the minute of an howre thou haste throwen them downe from the high habitatioÌ„ of heauen euerlasting ioye felicitie vnto whiche they were created into the vale of euerlastinge darcknes there to be eternallie tormented in the flames of vnquenshable fire Alas what shall I then moste wretched sinner saye or what iuste excuse may I alledge whiche haue not offended in one sinne onely but in many and that in heapinge sinne vpon sinne from daye to â—â—y without anye repentaunce But yet most merciful father because thou arte the father of mercie and that it is thy propertie alwayes to take mercie despisest not the sighing of suche as are vnfeynedlie cotrite in harte and willeste not the death of a sinner but rather that he maye be turned againe vnto thee lyue therfore I
cheeflie hauinge assured confidence in thy superabundaunt mercie doo humblie prostrate my selfe before thy mercie-seate instantlie beseeching thee to graunt mee pardon and remission of my wretched wickednes and greate offences with which I haue so greuouslie offēded thy eternal goodnes wittinglye or ignorauntlie as thou beste knoweste from the beginninge of my lyfe vntill this presente and speciallye with suche a person in such a place these manye times in this manner this suggestion mouinge me this longe continuing without repentaunce and by my euill example geuinge such and such occasion to sinne Here call to minde particulerly in what thou haste offended God VVith whom thou hast sinned VVhom thou haste iniuryed How often and how longe thou haste continued Of all whiche moste mercifull Father it maye please thee to perdon mee moste fillthie sinner and abhominable lyuer and also all other sinners whiche either I haue entised vnto sinne or gyuen exāple of sinning likewise all those whiche haue gyuen mee occasion of sinninge absoluinge and deliuering vs from the grieuous heauye bandes thereof throughe the mercifull merites of the moste bitter Passion of thy onely sonne and our redemer Iesus Christe who suffered moste cruell and vyle deathe to saue sinners For otherwise what shoulde become of mee in that moste dreadfull iudgmente daye when the booke of conscience shal be opened whē it shal be sayed of me beholde the persone and his woorkes at which time all the iniquitie that I haue committed from the first daye of my lyfe both in harte worde and woorke shal be made open to heauen and earth all those my sinnes shal be there presente to accuse mee moreouer the dyuell and conscience redye to beare wittnes therevnto allso thou my wratthfull iudge vppon their iuste accusation thy iustice enforcinge the same redy to gyue the terrible sentence of eternall death againste mee and finallie the horrible pitte of hell continuallie gaping and opening his vnsatiable mowthe desyrous to swallow mee the dredfull consideration wherof would make mee O Lord to despaire if I didde not call to minde the infinitenesse of thy mercie my moste mercifull redeemer For the sinnes of men be they neuer so manie are to be numbred but thy mercie Lorde God is infinite and without numbre and thy mercie great aboue all thy woorkes for thy excedinge great mercie throughe effusion of thy moste precious bloude and voluntarie death hath purchased pardon and forgiuenes for vs before wee were suters for it yea when wee were thyne enemies and gonne farre awaye frō thee howe muche more rather shall wee obtaine it when wee through thy grace now being reconsiled vnto thee with our vnfeined repētante hartes incessantlie doo sue and with bytter teares humblie craue it VVherefore O Lorde of mercie deale not with mee after my desertes but accordinge to thy great mercie remēbre not sweete Iesu thy seuere Iustice against the sinner but be mindfull of thy longe sufferinge goodnes towardes thy creature Remembre not thy wrathe against the offendour but be mindfull of thy mercie towardes the repentant sinner Remembre not my disobedience whiche hath prouoked the but respecte him which in great sorow and heuines of harte for his offēces calleth vpon thee For what is Iesus but a Sauioure Therefore O Iesu for thine owne sake I beseech thee rise vppe to helpe mee and say vnto my soule I am thy sauing health I presume muche of thy goodnes O merclfull Lord being there vnto imboldened forasmuch as thou thy selfe teachest mee to aske to seeke to knocke VVherfore beinge admonished through thy teachinge I aske I seeke and I knocke and thou Lorde whiche commaundest mee to aske graunte me to obteine and thou whiche counsaylest mee to seeke graunte mee to finde And thou which teachest mee to knocke open vnto mee at my knocking 's make mee beinge sicke in soule to be whole restore mee againe beinge as one forlorne and a caste-awaye Raise me vppe beinge deade throughe sinne from death and vouchsafe to gouerne and directe all my senses thoughtes woordes and actes so as they maye be pleasaunt in thy sight that frō henffourthe I maye trulie serue thee lyue to thee and cōmitte my selfe wholy vnto thee and to delight in nothinge but in thee and for thee For I knowe O Lord that forasmuche as thou hast made mee Lowe vnto thee my selfe and because thou haste redemed mee and wast made man for mee I owe vnto thee more then my selfe if I had de it by so muche as thou art more woorthie then I for whome thou being the sonne of God and second person in Trinitie wouchsafest to suffre for my sake most grieuous tormentes and shameful deathe Yet Lo more thē my selfe I haue not to gyue neither yet I can gyue that vnto thee without thee wherefore doe thou receiue mee draw mee through thy grace vnto thee that I maye aswell bee thine by loue and imitation as I am thine by calling and creation VVhich liuest reignest for euer and euer vnto whome be all honour glorie world without ende Amen A prayer for a penitent sinner after his relapse or falling to sinne agayne Antonius Hemert in Speculo perfectionis O Lorde Iesu Christ I vnhappie sinner most vile and vnthankfull Lo now againe I have offended thee by this worde N. or by this sinne N. I haue dishonoured thy maiestie haue reiected thee which aboue all thinges ought to be to me most deare and agreable Thou knowest O Lord how muche I am yet Carnall how litle mortyfied how full of euell concupiscence how I am flootinge in externall pleasures how often enwrapped in vayne fansyes how negligent in spirituall exercises how light in laughing and dissolution how harde difficult in wepinges and cōpunction how euell aduised in speakinge how impatient in kepinge silence how much gyuen to eating and drinckinge how deafe and dull in hearinge godly admonitiōs how attētife to babling how sluggish to heare dyuine seruice how sodaynlie I am troubled and letted to doe good how manye things I purpose wherof I accomplishe none O my Lord my God I am full of Sorowe grief for that I haue sinned also for that I haue too-to litle compunction I desire with all my harte that thou wouldeste wounde my hart with the sorowe of moste perfecte contrition And for asmuch as perdition and offence proceedeth from me and grace and mercy from thee I purpose from this time forwards beinge assisted by they grace from hence foorth to keepe my selfe from all misdeedes and to auoyde all occasions of sinne Amen A moste profitable protestation to be made vvhyles vve are yet in healthe and prosperitie Cornelius Donters in his contemplations vpon the passion O Lord God almighty to whom all thinges are manifeste and knowne O eternall Sapiēce which preserueth all things I poore wretched creature in despite of mine enemy make protestation whyles I am in good health and perfecte memory wherein I stande at this present through
that is able to make it selfe equalle with the mercie and compassion of God Or can man imagine whiche waye to doo such dewtifull seruice as might iustlye requite his readie succoure prouident care continuallie hadde for man There is trewlie sweet Soone of God there is thorough this thy meruailouse dispensacion wherin manes frayltie maye in some thing do that which maye be acceptable vnto the that is to saye if thorough compunction of harte stirred vp by thy visitacion he doo crucifie his fleash with her concupiscences and vices whiche thoroughe thy grace being brought to passe then beginneth he to be a sufferer with thee for whose offences thou vouchsauedst a vile deathe to dye So by the victorie of the inwarde man throughe thee beinge his eaptaine he shal be armed vnto the outwarde victorie that after conqueste made of the spirituall enemie he shall not feare for thee likewise to dye and for thy sake to offer his bodye to be hewed in peeces by the matteriall sworde Thus the smalnes and simplicitye of mans condition and state yf it maye so please thy godlines shal be able accordinge to his litle power in some parte to be aunswerable to the greatnes of the creators goodnes This sweet Iesu is the heauenlie medicine and a preseruatiue of thy loue I beseeche thee therefore for thy noble mercies sake powre that into my festred woundes that may clense me from the corruption of the Serpentes venemouse poyson restore mee againe to my former healthe that tastinge the pleasaunte liquour of thy sweetnes it maye cause me to sett at naughte all the wanton intisements pleasaunt allurements of the worlde and for the loue of thee not to feare anye aduersities threatnede by it and that hauinge in remembrance the perpetuall blessednes I make none accōpt of the raginge stormes of this transitorie tyme. Let nothinge like me lett nothinge be preciouse in my sight but that whiche is pleasinge vnto thee Also I praye thee let all thinges besides thee seeme fylthie vnto mee and of no reputacion cause me likewise to abhorre all thinges whiche is offensiue vnto thee and my desire neuer to be satisfied in seking to do those things whiche are pleasing vnto thee Let no ioye delight mee that is without thee and lett mee reioyce in all troubles I suffer for thee Lett the remembraunce of thee bee my solace and thy blessed name my consolation let my teares be nourishment vnto mee both daye and night in seking after thy righteousnes Lett the lawe of thy mouth be more preciouse vnto mee then thousandes of golde or siluer lett it be delectable vnto mee to obey thee and detestable to committ ought against thy diuine pleasure I humblie beseeche thee my onely hope for all thy mercyes sake thou wilt be mercyfull vnto mee and pardonne all mine iniquitie From the bottome of my harte I desire thee to open mine eares to heare that thou commandest and suffre not my harte to decline frō thee nor through woordes of wickednes to seke excuses for my sinne Finallie I beseeche thee for thy meruailouse humilitie let no pride raigne in mee nor the power of the sinner feare mee But that I may all waye kepe my selfe vndefiled for thee which lyuest and raignest for euer and euer Amen A prayer vvherein man doth offer to God the Father the passion of his sonne our Lorde and sauiour Christ B. August cap. 6. Medit. BEholde O holye Father thy derely beloued sonne so cruelly tormented for me beholde moste mercifull king who it is that suffreth and remember for whom he suffereth Is it not O Lorde thy moste innocent sonne whom thou haste gyuen to death that he might redeeme thy feruaunt is it not the Authour of lyfe who being ledde as a sheepe to the slaughter and made obediente vnto thee euen vnto death spared not the moste cruell kynde of death Call to minde O distributor and gyuer of al goodnes that this is he whom although thou haste begotten of thy diuine powre and vertue yet notwithstanding hast made him partaker of my infirmitie and weaknes verely this is thy deytie which being clothed with my nature ascended the gybbet of the crosse vpon the which he suffered moste dolorous death O Lorde caste the eyes of thy Maiestie vpon the worke of thy ineffable bountie beholde thy most sweete sonne with his whole body stretched out beholde his innocent hands besprinkled with moste precyous blood and mercyfully pardon those faults which with my handes I haue committed looke vppon his naked side pearced with a speare and renewe me with that sacred fountayne which I beleeue did issue from thence Consider his vndefiled footesteps which neuer stood in the way of sinners but alwayes walked in thy lawe howe with sharpe and longe nayles they are fastened to the crosse guyde my stepps in thy path and make me hate the wayes of iniquitye and chuse euermore the way of trueth O Kinge of Angels and saints I beseech thee for this holy of holyes for this my redeemer to make me runne in the waye of thy commaundementes that I may be vnited and ioyned to him whoe hath not disdayned to be cladde with my fleshe O blessed Father wilte thou not behold the head of thy dere sonne with his necke as whyte as snowe resolued to dye beholde moste meeke creator the humanitye of thy beloued sonne and haue mercy vpon the frayltie of thy frayle creature his whyte breast is naked his blody side is read his stretched bowels dryed vppe his fayre and bewtiful eyes waxt dimme his roiall and princely visage is pale his marble-white leggs hange downe the streames of his precious blood doe water his feete quyte perced thorowe Beholde O glorious Father the rente and torne members of thy welbeloued sonne and benignely remember what my substance is beholde the paine of God and man and release the myseryes of man thy creature beholde the punishment of the redeemer and forgyue the offence of the redeemed this is he O my Lorde whom thou haste smytten for the sinnes of the people although he was thy beloued in whom thou waste well pleased this was that innocēt in whom their was foūd no guyle yet was he reputed amongst the wicked A deuoute prayer vvith the remembraunce of the passion of our sauiour Iesus Christ to obtayne succour and fauour of him Io. Fab. in preca Christ O Moste sweete Lorde and my redeemer whiche was by the heauenly Father sente downe into this worlde and haste willingly of thine owne accord suffered moste cruel bitter paines vpon the crosse and haste carried the same Crosse vpon thy blessed shoulders to the ende that this thy patience mighte be vnto vs saluation and a myrrour and finally thou diddest consente vpon that tree to dye and redeeme vs. I moste poore miserable and wretched sinner most humbly beseech thee for the incredible pacience which thou didst show in the course of thy whole lyfe and then especiallye when the vngracious
present death I beseech thee O Lorde to succour and helpe me and iudge me not accordinge to my workes for I haue not bene obediente to thy commaundements but thou which louest repentance haue mercy vpon me which before thy face make confession of all my sinnes and as Dauid prayed O Lord for the loue of thy holy name wype awaye my sinnes so I beseech thy diuine Maiestie to blotte out all my offences Make me to abyde in thy holy Catholike Church with an vndefiled faith a pure hart firme deuotiō continuall loue and to perseuer in good workes deliuer me from the eternall fyre euerlasting payne from all torment which thou haste prepared for the wicked graunte this for our good and blessed Sauiours sake by whom to thee al laud honour power and glorye be for euer and euer Amen A prayer to God the Sonne called O bone Iesu O Bountifull Iesu O swete Iesu O Iesu the sonne of the pure Virgin Marie full of mercy and trueth O swete Iesu after thy great mercy haue pitie on me O bening Iesu I praye thee by the same precious bloude which for vs miserable finners thou wast contente to shed on the aulter of the crosse that thou wouldest vouchsafe to auoid clene all my wickednes and not to despise me hūbly asking pardō calling vpō thy most holy name Iesus This name Iesus is the name of health what is Iesus but a Sauiour O good Iesus that hast created me with thy precious bloude redemed me suffer me not to be dāned whom of nought thou hast created O good Iesu let not my wickednes destroye that which thy almightie goodnes hath made and formed in me O good Iesu reknowlege that which is thine in me wipe cleane away that which is not thine in me O good Iesu while time of mercy is haue mercy on me and cōfound me not in time of thy terrible iudgment O good Iesu if I wretched sinner for my moste grieuous offēces haue by thy verye iustice deserued eternall paine yet I appeale from thy verye righteousnes and stedfastlye trust in thine ineffable mercy so as a mylde father mercyfull Lorde oughte take pitie on me O good Iesu what profit is in my bloud since I muste discende into eternall corruption they that be dead shal not magnifie thee nor lykewyse all they that descende to hell O moste mercyfull Iesu haue mercy on me O most sweete Iesu deliuer me O moste meke Iesu be vnto me comfortable O Iesu accepte me a wretched sinner into the number of them that shal be saued O Iesu the health of all them that truste in thee haue mercy vpō me O Iesu the sweete forgyuenes of all my sinnes O Iesu the sonne of the pure Virgin Marie endue me with thy grace wisdome charitie chastitie and humilitie yea in all myne aduersities with stedfast pacience so that I maye perfectlye loue thee and in thee to be glorified and haue myne onely delight in thee worlde without ende Amen A prayer to the holy ghoste Io. Fab. cap. 9. mechta COme O holy spirite the moste sweete comforter of the sorrowfull and desolate the loue of the diuine puissance the holy communication of the almightie and omnipotent father and of his most blessed sonne descende with thy mightie power into the entralls of my harte lighten and bewtifie the darke closetts of my desolate harte with thy cleare brightnes and that which with continuall filth of my vnfruitfull lyfe is dryed vppe vifit thou and make fruitfull with the aboundant dewe of thy grace Touche and wounde my harte with the darte of thy loue inflame my dull and slouthfull harte lighten the inner partes of my soule withe the heate of thy holye fyre make me to drincke of the riuer of thy sweetnes that hereafter I may feele no taste in any worldly delyte which is venimous O holye spirite O excellente workman whomsoeuer thou doest inhabite thou buildest a lodginge for the father and the sonne come therfore O moste sweete comforter of my sorowfull soule defende me in all tribulation come O purifier of our sinnes and saluer of our deadly sores come O strength and fortitude of the weake and guide of the humble come meeke father of the fatherlesse and sweete Iudge of the widowes Come O soueraigne hope of the poore and comforter of the weake come O bright starre of faylers and sure porte of the shipp wracte come O singuler bewtie and ornament of the liuing and onelye saluation of the deade come moste holy spirite come and haue mercy vpon me make fitt and accomodate me to thee condescend benignely to me accordinge to the multitude of thy mercy that my littlenes may be agreeable to thy greatnes and my imbecillitye and weakenes to thy diuyne puissance through Iesus Christ our Sauiour Amen The ende of the tenth Chapter THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER CONTAYNINGE CHRIstian Catholicke prayers to Saintos citizens of the glorie of heauen A prayer vnto the holy virgin Mary Cuth Tunstall in lib. prec Luke 1. ALl hayle vndesiled Virgin Marye mother of the sonne of God elected and chosen aboue all other Virgins the whiche euen from the wombe of thy mother Anna a woman moste holy hast bene of the holy Ghost so fanctified illuminated and so greatly defended with the grace of God almightie that vnto the conception of oure Lord Iesus Christ thy sonne and whilest thou didest conceyue hym and vnto the tyme of his birthe whylest thou didest beare him and continuallye after his byrth thou continuedst and remaynedst a Virgin of all other that be borne moste chast most vncorrupte and of bodie and soule all thy lyfe moste immaculate and vnspotted For truely thou haste far passed all other Virgins how many soeuer haue bene hetherto syns the beginninge of the worlde or euer shal be to the later ende therof in a sincere conscience of an impolluted minde By these thy most excellent gyftes of heauenly grace infused into thee by God very singulerly O Virgin and mother Marie aboue all other women and Virgins wee praye thee which art vnto vs miferable mortal men a mercyfull patronesse that thou wilt voutchesafe to make intercession to God the Father omnipotente and to his sonne Iesus Christ begotē certenly as cōcerning his Diuinitie of the Father before all worlds borne of thee cōcerning his humanity to the holy Ghost proceding from the father and the sonne that our sinnes may be forgeuen vs and that wee throughe thy intercession maye meryte continuallye to reioyce with thee O holye Virgin and to prayse thee in the kindome of heauen without ende Amen A prayer to our Ladye the blessed virgin Mary and S. Iohn Euangelist S. Edmundus Arch. Cantuarienfis author scribitur O intemerata O Vndefiled for euer blessed singular and incōparable Virgin Marie mother of God his most pleasaunt Tēple the noble Shryne of the holy Ghost the Entree and Gate of the kyngdome of heauen by whome next after God all the
the pleasures of the worlde and in true fayth to passe all perrils of soul and body and exercyse our selues daily more and more in thy seruice in such sorte that with them afterwards we may haue the fruition of ioye and solace eternall Amen A prayer to any of the holy Sayntes Ex tabella quadam Coloniae in templo S. Vrsul O Holy and blessed S. N. I humbly beseech thee that thou wilt haue me poore and wretched sinner in remembraunce before the face of my God and sauiour that by thy merites and intercessions I may be preserued from all daungers bodyly and ghostly that I may dayly more and more increase in vertue and good workes and at the houre of my death and departure out of this worlde vouchsafe to succour and defend me against the assaultes and deceites of mine ennemies and bring my soule deliuered and made free from all tribulatiō to the ioyes of the heauenly paradyse Amen Pray for vs O holy S. N. that we maye be made worthye of the promisses of Christ VVe humblye beseech thee O Lorde God father omnipotente to receiue the prayers of thy seruants that we worshipping the memorye of thy blessed S. N. by his merites and intercessions may be delyuered from al bodyly aduersities and that our hartes may be clensed from all euill and idle thoughtes through Iesus Christe our sauiour Amen A prayer to all the blyssed Saintes in heauen Ex herae B. M. ad vsum Sarum O All yee holy electe of God vnto whome almightie God hathe prepared his eternall kingedome from the beginninge I beseech you through the charitie by the which God dyd loue you that you doe sucker mee moste miserable sinner before death doe take mee awaye oute of this wretched world and reconcile mee vnto my creator before that hell deuoure mee O blessed Marie mother of God the mediatrix for sinners vnto Christ heare mee kepe mee saue mee O thou sweete Lady obtaine to mee righte faithe firme hope perfecte charitie true humylitie chastitie and sobrietie after the course of this lyfe the felow shippe of the euerlasting blyssednes Thou also holye Michaell with all the thousandes of Angells praye for mee that thou mayest take keepe mee from the power of my aduersaries helpe mee obtaine for mee the loue of God purenes of hart strength of faith and the pleasure of heauenlie glorie Also yee holy Patriarkes and Prophetes procure for mee of God pardon penaunce continencie and godlye perseuerance and also lyfe euerlastinge O yee blessed Apost'es of God vnlose mee from my sinnes defende mee from the paynes of hell and take mee from the power of darkenes bringe me vnto the euerlastinge kyngdome I beseche you also yee holy Martyrs of God that perfecte charitie syncere loue a pure minde a chaste lyfe and remission of my sinnes be gyuen of almightie God vnto mee O yee glorious Confessours of God praye for mee that through you the desire of heauenly thinges and reuerence of maners washinge away of my misdeedes bee of God graunted vnto mee Likewise I praye you all holy Virgines of God that you doe ayde mee to thintent I may haue a good minde and health of bodie and soule humilitie chastitie after the course of this my miserable lyfe fellowshipe of the perpetuall blessednes O all yee Saints of God I do pray and also do make humble supplication that you will woutchsafe to helpe mee and haue compassion vpon me most pytyfully and pray for mee instātly that through your intercession a pure conscience bee ingrafted within mee with compunction of harte for my sinnes and laudable endinge of my lyfe so that through your merites I maye bee able to come vnto the countrye of eternall blessednes almyghtie God graunte it Amen The end of the eleuenth Chapter THE TVVELFTH CHAPTER CONTEYNING ADVERtisments consolations with prayers and suffrages for the sicke An aduertisment for the sicke diligently to prepare him selfe to dye vvell Lud. Blosius cap. 1. posterioris li. Ench. paruulorum VVhoe soeuer doethe loue God dutifullye being at anye time ouertaken with sicknes whereby deathe is feared to be at hand let good heede be taken that with diligēce thou prepare thy selfe to end well discharge thy harte of the cares troubles of this world receiue deuoutly the Sacramentes of the Church to the ende thou maiest purchasse succour strēgth to passe through thy iourney and wholly recommende thy soule to God Remember the passion of our sweete Sauiour and redeemer embrace in thy hart his holsome crosse kisse his ruddy woundes and thrust thy selfe with all thy power into them that beinge hidden in them thou maiest be safe and happely escape from all the snares and entysmentes of the deuill humblye beseech our Sauiour Iesus Christ that he would wouchsafe to washe thee with his precious blood and that he woulde whollye abandonne all thy sinnes And for wante of meritoriouse good workes offer to God the father the merites of Iesus Christ offer him his moste holy and sacred conuersation death and passion offer him the merites of his moste sweete mother the wirgin Mary of all Saintes for so it shall come to passe that thou which art poore naked and miserable of thy selfe shalt appeare maruelously adorned with spirituall ornaments recommende thy selfe also to our blessed Ladye the glorious virgin and mother of God and to the other Cytizens of heauen and principally to that saint which thou haste accustomed most to pray vnto hoping and beleeuing certainly that they heare thy prayers and that if thou call vpon the blesse virgin with all thy hart and turne moste humbly and assuredly thy selfe to her she will without doubt make thy entraunce into the kingdome of heauen where otherwise it may be through the diuine iustice of God that thou canst not enter because of thine iniquitie for she is the mother of mercy and the Porte of of heauen Then folovveth this protestation or such lyke very profitable to be made by the sicke Lud. Blofius cap. 3. lib. sup I wicked sinner moste vnworthy redeemed with the preciouse bloode of our Lorde Iesus Christ doe confesse openlye that with an entyer and pure harte I forgyue all those that haue at any time euer offended me or done me iniurye in what maner soeuer desiring moste humblye all and euerye one that I haue offended iniuried grieued or any way angred whyther they be present or absent that they would vouchsafe also to forgyue me Here let the sicke call to minde his sinnes in particular and aske God forgynenes purposing firmely by God his grace neuer to commit sinne agayne and though his sinnes be neuer so many and the maner of his offences neuer so horrible and grieuouse yet he is to trust in the omnipotency of God whose mercyes are innumerable and to take hope and comfort in the passion of Christe our redeemer Sayeng I beleue in God the father almighty c. A prayer for the sicke person to saye