The sacrifice of a contrite heart in teares, meditations, and prayers. Penned by Iohn Euans minister of Gods word. Evans, John, minister of Gods word. 1630 Approx. 343 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 187 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A00452 STC 10586 ESTC S120845 99856038 99856038 21554 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A00452) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 21554) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 644:03) The sacrifice of a contrite heart in teares, meditations, and prayers. Penned by Iohn Euans minister of Gods word. Evans, John, minister of Gods word. [22], 354 p. Printed by A. M[athewes] for Richard Hamond, and are to be sold at his shop of the vpper end of Fleete lane, London : 1630. Printer's name from STC. Partly in verse. Imperfect; leaf R3 lacking. Reproduction of the original in the Folger Shakespeare Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Sermons, English -- 17th century. Prayers -- Early works to 1800. 2004-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-11 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-01 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2005-01 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE SACRIFICE OF A CONTRITE HEART : In Teares , Meditations , and Prayers . Penned by IOHN EVANS Minister of Gods Word . IAMES 5. If any be afflicted , let him pray : If any be merry , let him sing Psalmes . LONDON : Printed by A. M. for Richard Hamond , and are to be sold at his Shop at the vpper end of Fleete lane . 1630. The Contents . A Consideration of mans miseries , and Gods goodnesse . pag. 1 A Meditation for the morning . p. 10 A morning Prayer for one alone . 14 The confession of a sorrowfull sinner . 23 A Prayer vnto Almighty God. 28 A Prayer for Christian vertues . 30 A generall confession of our sinnes . 34 Another morning Meditation . 35 A prayer for the morning with company . 40 Precepts of Christian duties . 48 Another morning prayer . 53 A Meditation for the Euening . 56 An Euening prayer for a priuate person . 60 Another for the Euening . 64 An Euening prayer for a whole Family . 74 Another for the Euening . pag. 81 The repentant sheweth his vnfained griefe for offending so mercifull a God. 85 An Euening meditation . 90 A prayer for the encrease of Faith. 93 A prayer for the remission of sinnes . 96 A meditation vpon the miseries of man. 101 A prayer for the forgiuenesse of sinnes . 103 The Repentants complaint against sin . 108 A prayer for sanctificatiō of the Sabbath . 110 A prayer for godly zeale . 116 A meditation to gaine fauour from God. 119 A prayer for Faith , Hope , and Charity . 122 The sighes and complaint of an afflicted conscience . 124 A prayer for sanctification . 128 A prayer in aduersity or affiiction . 131 Meditations vpon the passion of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ. 133 What to be learned by the passion . 150 A prayer for patience vnder the Crosse. 164 A thanks giuing for Gods blessings . 172 A meditation inciting vs to seeke God. 180 A prayer before the Communion . 187 A meditation before the Communion . 192 Meditations vpon Gods mercies . 197 Lachrim . 1. Wherein the distressed prayeth for constancy and patience in his time of afflictions . 205 A thanks giuing after the Communion . 213 Another prayer after Communion . 214 A prayer for the Catholicke Church of God. 218 A prayer for the Kings Maiestie . 221 Lachrim . 2. Wherein the distressed expresseth his confidence in God. 224 A prayer for the encrease of Christ his Kingdome . 230 A prayer against Antichrist . 238 Lachrim . 3. Wherein the distressed prayeth that his faith and zeale may be encreased . 246 The complaint of an afflicted minde . 254 Lach. 4. Wherein the distressed prayeth against the dangereus sin of dispaire . 264 The Merchant aduenturer his prayer . 269 A prayer for the fruits of the earth . 274 A thanksgiuing for benefits and Benefactors . 276 Lach. 5. Wherein the distressed sheweth his desire to hold fast the promises of God. 279 A generall thanksgiuing . 283 Lach. 6. The distressed craueth pardon for his sinnes . 295 A prayer to be vsed in the time of any contagious sicknesse . 302 The prayer called , O bountifull Iesu. 305 The sicke mans prayer . 308 A prayer for the sicke . 311 Lach. 7. The distressed detesteth the world , and all worldly things . 316 The young mans prayer for a vertuous wife . 321 The mayds prayer for a godly husband . 326 The prayer of a woman with childe . 332 The 8. Lachrimae . 337 A prayer for loue and charity . 346 The 9. Lachrimae . 351 Te Deum laudamus . 352 TO AL THAT desire with faith and reuerence to call vpon the name of the Lord , by the mediation of Iesus Christ : Gods most holy Spirit be giuen for their inward consolation in this life , and their eternall peace and glory in the life to come . THe holy Prophet Dauid , in a thankfull commemoration of the in ▪ numerable blessings , hee had receiued from the hands of God , said , Quid retribuam domino ? what reward shall I giue vnto the Lord , for all the benefits hee hath done vnto me , and apprehending that God was not so well pleased with ceremoniall sacrifices , as thousands of oblations , or whole streames of the blood of young bullockes or goates , or with riuers of oyle ; as with a troubled Spirit , and a contrite and a broken heart ; resolueth therefore to humble his soule with fasting , with weeping , and with mourning , to seeke the face and fauour of the Lord , to pay his vowes , to pray vnto the Lord , to cal vpon his holy name , & to praise him for euermore , assuring himselfe that the Lord would neither reiect nor despise such a sacrifice . Good Christian Reader doe thou the like , which art as farre indebted as euer Dauid was . And seeing that Iesus Christ himselfe calleth vnto thee , saying . Come vnto mee all you that labour and are heauy laden with the burden of your sinnes , and I will refresh you : Oh ●et thy resolution be as ready as Dauids was when the Lord called , seeke my face , hee answered , thy face O Lord will I seeke , euen with my whole heart : so let thy answere bee to the Sonne of God , I come Lord Iesus , I come , I will pay my vowes promised to thee in the presence of thy people , and confirmed vnder the Sacramentall Seale of Baptisme , thy couenant of grace and mercy ; I will come and offer vnto thee my heart , I will come and praise thee for all thy benefits , I will come and hearken to thy voyce in thy most holy and blessed word , I will abandon all secure , licentious , and voluptuous liuing , and wholly delight in thy Testimonies and in thy Commandements which are not grieuous to thy children , but more pleasing then honey , or the honey combe , and more inualuable then all earthly treasure . I will come with reuerence , repentance , Charitie and Faith to receiue the cuppe of saluation at thy holy table in remembrance of thy most precious ( and for my sinnes sake ignominious ) death . And forasmuch as the Spirit is willing , but the flesh fraile and weake , pray therefore for mortification of the flesh , and that Sanctification and strengthening of thine owne inward Spirit : oh pray for the presence and assistance of Gods most holy Spirit to helpe and strengthen thine infirmities : whereby the diligent sighes & inward groanes of thy heart may cheerefully ascend and pierce the heauens for a blessing : oh stirre vp thy heart and soule to pray earnestly , offer vp thyteares with watching , with almes-deedes , with abstinence and fasting , as the repentant Niniuites : as Dauid , as Daniel ; oh breath out powerful sighes with Hannah , oh streame out riuers of teares with penitent Mary Magdalen . As some kinde of deuils could not bee cast out but by prayer and fasting ; so some sins are not eiected , nor pardon for them procured without prayer and fasting , and also bitter teares with repenting Peter . Oh pray effectually and cheerefully , and giue thy selfe continually to this diuine and holy exercise , ( for this is the alone meanes to haue heauenly conference with thy gracious God ) oh pray without ceasing as the widow , and as the importunate woman of Canaan : pray euery where , though it be in the vppenpart of thy house with Peter , or in thy chamber alone with Eliseus ; whether in the Kings chamber , or in the Lyons den with Daniel , or with Moses in the wildernesse : the blessed children prayed in the fiery furnace , King Hezekias in his bed , Ionahs in the whales belley , and our Sauiour Christ in the fields , in the gardens , on the mountaine ; euen vpon the Crosse at the time of his victorious passion : pray with Dauid either seauen times a day , and in the night let thine eyes ( like his ) gush out riuers of teares , or with Daniel thrice in the day , or with Paul continually be exercised with holy sighes and sacred meditations : let not , oh let not the dulnesse of thine heart , nor the greatnesse or grieuousnesse of thy sinnes hinder thee from this holy exercise , suffer not the Spirit of God to bee quenched in thee . To thee that art heauy laden with sin , and pressed with afflictions for sinne , doth thy sweet Sauiour call , to thee doth his promise most properly appertaine , none asketh but he that wanteth , none seeketh but he that hath lost , remember that our Sauiour came to call sinners to repentance , and to heale the sicke , and to cure the wounded , to ease and refresh all such as are laden with the insupportable burthen of their sinnes ! oh bee of good comfort , striue against thy dulnes , heare what is written for thy consolation ; whosoeuer shall faithfully call vpon the Lord , shall be saued . Let not thy afflictions hinder thee , but rather follow the exhortation of the Apostle ; if any bee afflicted let him pray , let thine afflictions encourage thee , and enflame thine heart to call vpon thy mercifull God who promiseth by his Prophet to heare thee , and to deliuer thee . You shall seeke mee saith the Lord and finde mee , because you shall seeke mee with all your heart , and I will bee found of you & will deliuer you from captiuity ; Aske therefore and you shall haue , seeke and you shall finde , knocke and it shall bee opened vnto you : oh marke & firmely beleeue the gracious promise of him that is the truth and the life , whatsoeuer you shall aske the Father in my name you shall receiue it : who was euer denied that faithfully called vpon the Lord ? The Lord is true and faithfull of his promise , both able and willing to performe , and will regard the supplications , and accept the prayers of his children ; did not the Lord heare the prayers of the Israelites , and did not hee with a mighty arme plague their enemies , and deliuer them out of captiuity and bondage : did not the red sea recoyle backe at the prayer of Moses ; yea the waters saw thee ô Lord and were afraid , and at thy appointment made a way for the safety and deliuerance of thy people : was not the plague in the wildernesse stayed at the prayer of Moses , was not Miriam by prayer cleansed from his leprosie , was not Hanna by prayer of a barren woman made fruitfull , did not Dauid by his faithfull prayer and repentance obtaine remission and forgiuenesse for man-slaughter and adulterie , did not Elias by prayer open the windowes of heauen and brought downe plentie of raine , was it not by prayer that Sennacherib & his innumerable hoast were slaine & discomfited , by the Angel of the Lord. By prayer Susanna was deliuered frō death , the blessed children from the scorching heat of the Ouen , Queen Hester and her people were deliuered from death , Ionas out of the belley of the Whale ; by prayer Leapers were cleansed , the blind were restored to sight , the Palsies were cured , many men & womē obtained health fortheir children & seruants . By prayer the lame haue beene restored to their limbs , the deafe to hearing , the blind to their sight , and the dumbe to their speech , by prayer remission of sinnes was obtained , and the holy Ghost was sent downe vpon the Apostles . What should I saye more , by prayer Kingdomes haue beene subdued , miracles haue beene wrought , the promises were obtained , the mouthes of Lyons were stopped , the violence of fire hath beene quenched , the heauens haue beene shut and opened , the dead hath beene raised to life , the Sunne and Moone haue beene commanded and stood still . O faithfull messenger , oh diuine prayer , thou wilt striue and preuaile euen with the Lord of heauen , and obtaine the blessing . Wherefore good Christian and faithfull Reader , be feruent and constant in this holy exercise . Remember that when Moses hands failed , the enemies of Gods children preuailed ; and that Sampson lost his strength and glory , when he lost his haire by the treachery of Dalilah : so when thou sufferest Gods Spirit to be quenched , thou art depriued of thy spirituall strength and heauenly glory , and her soule despoiled of her beauty and comelinesse , and thou exiled from the protection of the most glorious Angels , which are ready with all chearefull willingnesse to administer their aide and comfort vnto thee , and to beare thee safe from all thy enemies and dangers , while thou by faithfull prayer doest in the name of the Angel of the Couenant that doeth sweetely and acceptably incense all thy oblations , call vpon the name of the most mighty and most glorious God of all Archangels and men . And for that experience of my long afflictions and sorrowes haue made mee apprehensiue of the hardnes of our hearts , and our dulnesse and vnaptnesse to call vpon God in the time of our troubles . I haue composed these sorrowfull sighes , prayers and meditations , which I may well call the exercises of my sad affections ; to the end that if through Sathans buffets , the distemperature or weakenes of my corrupt nature , or the snares of euill men my poore heart should be ouerwhelmed ; yet I might haue alwayes presented to mine eye how to make my moane vnto my God. And intending to publicke my labour herein , I haue endeauoured by varietie of meditations and prayers to make it profitably vsefull for all men . Most humbly beseeching the God of mercy to accept and blesse my endeauoure herein : and grant that some glory to his holy name , and some benefite to his ch●ldren , and comfort and consolation to all that groane vnder the burden of sinne , may redound hereby , and that for the alone merits and mediation of Iesus Christ the righteous . To whom with the father and the most holy Spirit , as by the most glorious Angels in heauen , so by vs men , be rendred Halleluiah : all the glory , the praise , and the honour for euer more . Amen . Amen . John Euans . THE. CONSIDEration of our miseries , moueth sorrowfull sighes , for our enlargement from the thraledome of our sinnes . O Wretched man involu'd in crimson sin , Repent with speede , thy sinfull life . Begin Before the vials of Gods wrath , whose wine is red , Be fiercely powred down vpon thy head . The Lord is milde , and wils not sinners death , Preuent his wrath while thou hast time and breath ; If hee for sinne doe strike with dreadfull hand , Who can his fury stay ? or wrath withstand ? Conceiu'd , condemn'd for Adams ill , To God arch-traitors we continue still : Sinne lu●●'d secure by Sathans charme and guile Who watchfull is to kill our soules that while . From head to foote so leprous be our staines , That in our selues not one good thought remaines , But if we doe or thinke ought that is good , It is in vs the effect of Christ his blood . Our bloody sinnes are numberlesse and daily call , That thou in iudgement should condemne vs all . But Lord our God be hold vs in thy Sonne ; Forgiue , forget , remit what wee haue done . Corruption made vs sonnes of wrath and fire-brands of hell , Thy grace in Christ made vs thy sonnes and heires to dwell . In heauen where thy kingdome is , most glorious be thy name , Which hast in Christ elected vs , before all worlds frame . In glory thou in heauen art , in mercy heere with vs below , In iudgements with the damned crew : the seas thy wonders know . Yet sea , nor earth , nor heauens high , thy essence can containe : Thou art , hast bin , and euer shalt ( I AM ) of might remaine : Seeing thou art to vs a Father deare of heauenly might , Giue vs obedience to thy will , and in thy lawes delight . Humilitie , with godly feare , heauenly thoughts diuine ; And whatsoeuer graces else may signe and scale vs thine . Most glorious , sacred , sanctified , acknowledg'd be thy name , Amongst vs all thy children deare that doe professe the same : Although none hallowing we can adde vnto thy essence pure , Grant that our liues , our thoughts , our words , thy glory may procure , E●due vs with such godly zeale thy honour to maintaine , With reuerence due to vse thy name , and not in ieast or vaine ; Seeing that thy wisedome , greatnesse , cleare and piercing eye Beholds what 's done , or thought , both farre and nye , From swearing , lying , and blaspheming thee , Good Lord in mercy still deliuer me . By all we thinke , shall doe , or act indeed , Grant that some glory to thy name proceede : Let not our sinnes , nor Sathans strong temptation , Nor our fraile flesh gaine sinfull approbation . Come thou Lord Iesus quickly : cleanse and garnish , Our sinfull hearts , and thine kingdome establish . O Sonne of God , ô Lambe pure vndefiled , The ioy & solace which all Saints desired : Inflame our hearts , let vs not quench thy Spirit , Make good to vs what thy owne death did merit . God hath ordain'd , and thou hast dearely bought , A glorious Kingdome , by vs seldome sought , Lest from that Kingdome we excluded be , O work in vs such works as pleaseth thee . Thy will is holy , perfect , right and iust ; Our wils peruerse , possest with sinfull lust . O grant vs willing hearts for to perfome , Whatsoeuer thy good will shal vs informe . Our will 's peruerse , corrupted , full of sin , No good in act , or thought , we can begin . If any thing we doe that please thee may , It is thy grace that doth direct our way . O Lord my God , doe thou so rule my mind , That to thy will , my will be still inclin'd : Let me not thinke , nor will , nor wish to doe , But what thy wil doth wel con●ent th●rto . Thy holy words to feed our soules , and natures wants supply , For all our base vnthankefull hearts ; good Lord doe not deny . Thy blessings Lord continue still , and prouidence diuine , And when we daily call on thee , ô Lord to vs incline : It is not wealth nor ophire gold that can enrich our neede , Nor pleasant dainties that wee take , that can our bodies feede : It is thy blessing ( mighty Lord ) thy strong protecting arme , That feeds , defends , thy children dears from penury and harme . No desert wild , nor person 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 famine sore , Shall long oppress● thy children deare , or quite cosume thei●●…re . The Rock , the Rauen. Asses jaw , and eke the Lyon strong , Shall comfort yeeld vnto all those that to thy grace belong . The little birds , the dainty flowers are fed and cloth'd most gay , And euery creature in his kind feeles thee most kind alway : But we for whom this vniuerse , & all things in 't were sign'd , Doe take thy gracious benefits , and proue to thee vnkind . For sinfull debts to Iustice due , no payment can we make , Eternall death our payment is , vnlesse thou mercy take : Compassion Lord haue thou on vs , be thou a Father kind , And seal'd to vs in Christ his blood , let vs thy mercie find . The blind , the lame , the dumb , and they possest with deuils ; The leaprous sinfull stained soules , were cured of their euils . They sinned had , thy counsell was , they should not sinne againe , O soules sole cleanser , Sauiour deare , our hearts from sinne restraine . Small is the wrong that 's done to vs in body , goods or name ; By friends , or foes , we them forgiue , good Lord doe thou the same : If comfort any we can yeeld , when they be● in distresse , Grant we for thee our loue to them , may willingly expresse . Although our many grieuous sinnes deserue thy ragefull ire , Repenting hearts with mournefull soules , and mercy we desire . O let that precious blood of thine , to vs be of such force , That nothing from the loue of thee , may euer vs diuorce . Withdraw not Lord thy grace from vs , when strong temptations are , Lest grosse notorious shamelesse sinnes , how fraile we be declare : Make vs strong pillars in thine house , thy name on vs engraue , That neither Sathan , sinne , nor hell , of vs the conquest haue . Though sometime Sathan suffered is to try thy children all , Defend them Lord & succour them , when they on thee shall call . So shall the glory be thine owne , the conquest be their gaine , And Sathan with his engins all , shall know he wrought in vaine . The more assaults the Dragon makes , in conscience or in mind , The more that man if constant bee , the strength of God sh●ll finde : That soule that sacrificed is by sharpe afflictions knife , By faithfull sufferance to the end , doth gaine a Crowne of life : Most mighty and victorious Lord , that hast the conquest gain'd , Of all the foes of thee and thine , that in the world remaine : Let no temptations though full strong , a captiue make of me , But by thy strength and powerfull grace , good Lord deliuer me . O holy sacred Trinitie , that art of ●…ll might ; Instrust , direct , inspire our hearts , to pray to thee aright ▪ And whatsoeuer may aduance , or glorifie thy name , By gracious will , and powerfull might , co●…erre on vs the same . Eternall King , immortall God , all kingdomes are thine owne , Thy power , wisedome , and thy might , to vs doth make thee knowne : All honour , glory , praise and laude , be rendered by all men , Vnto thy sacred Maiestie , for euermore , Amen . A Morning Meditation . ALmighty God which hast me brought , in safety to this present day ; Keepe me from sinne in heart and thought , and teach me what to d●● and say : Prosper me Lord in all my workes , helpe me with thy continuall grace : K●… 〈◊〉 from Sathan vile , that lurkes ●… soule in euery place , Almighty Lord and God of loue , dir●ct mine heart , and guide my wayes ; Amend my misse , my minde remooue from all that from thy glory strayes ; Thou that of wisedome art true spring , and fountaine of felicitie : Let mercy meere , my prayers bring . by Faith in Christ , to sight of thee . Thou which art authour of all peace , and the true louer of concord ; Keepe me from fees , that neuer 〈◊〉 , to take my life from me ô Lord : Thy seruice is most perfect free , to know thee , 't is eternall life ; Reach out thy helping hand to mee , against my foes , that gainst me striue . O God from whom all good desires , from whom all iust workes doe proceed● ; Whose wise , great actes , all men admires , assist me in the time of neede : O Lord whose power and qualitie , is sinners trespasse to forget ; Being tied and bound with chaines of sinne , for pitty loose me , I intreat . Assist me in this mortall age , what change or chance so ere befall ; From Sathan , sinne , and enemies rage , Lord still defend me from them all : Almighty God which giu'st vs grace , now in thy name to pray to thee ; And promisest in any place , when ioynes together two or three . Thou wilt giue and grant what they request , now Lord doe the desires fulfill ; Of vs thy ser●…ts us seeme best , and most expedient to thy will : In this world knowledge vs granting , of thy pure trueth and sanctity ; And after death , let our new being , be life with thee eternally . O God that no time doest despise , the fighing of a contrite heart ; Nor the desires of sinners cries ; in troubles , anguish , griefe and smart : Assist our prayers in distresse , and graciously vouchsafe to heare ; When sudden euils vs oppresse , and subtill craf●s of foes vs fear . Let them , ô Lord be brought to nought , and by thy goodnesse scattered be ; That so to vs no hurt being brought , we may giue thankes and praise to thee : Oh God of mercy we thee pray , to looke on our infirmities ; And all those euils turne away , which we deserue cont●…llie , Grant that in troubles , and sicknes , we put our trust and hope in thee ; And serue thee in true holines , in awefull ●rueth and sanctitie , Through Christ the onely aduocate , and mighty Lord of all mankinde ; That workes Gods loue from wrath and hate , towards his elect to be most kinde . Oh God , to whom all hearts are seene , and hid desires are plainely k●owne ; My life reforme , and minde make cleane , my spirit inspire to be thine owne : That I may loue thee perfectly , and magnifie thy holy name ; Through Christ my Sauiour worthily , and all the world confesse the same . Lighten my darkenesse Lord I pray thee , from daily dangers me defend ; Let not flesh , world , nor deuill dismay me , keepe me both to , and in the end : Thy mighty hand , and arme protect mee , thy mercy in Christ be my saluation ; Lord euer let thy word direct mee , and thy Spirit giue me consolation . The peace of God which farre exceeds , all vnderstanding of mans wit ; Preserue my soule from wicked deeds , and g●ide my heart to doe what 's fit . A Morning Prayer for a priuate person . ALmighty God and heauenly Father , I make my prayer vnto thee in an acceptable time : calling most faithfully and feruently vpon thee , in the name and mediation of my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , thy well beloued Sonne , in whom thou art well pleased : trusting that for his sake , and for the multitude of thy mercies , thou wilt heare me , and grant my petitions may be acceptable in thy sight , O Lord my strength , and my saluation . Almighty , immortall , and invisible God ; who inhabitest eternitie , and dwellest in light that none can attaine vnto , whom neuer man saw , neither can see ( as thou art in thy eternall glory with this eye of flesh and liue ; ) vnto thee ( oh Lord God ) doe I prostrate and direct my selfe , most humbly confessing that I am but dust and ashes , not worthy to open my lippes to speake vnto thee , or once with my eyes to looke vp to thy heauens , to behold thy glory in thy wonderfull workes : for ( oh Lord ) I haue sinned against heauen , and against thee , and am not worthy to bee counted or called thy Sonne , being by nature the child of wrath , & a fire-brand of hell , altogether both in body and soule : begotten , conceiued and brought foorth in sinne , and have euer since my first originall , liued and continued therein , adding sinne vnto sinne , and heaping vp transgression , vpon transgression , and drinking in iniquitie as the beast doth water : so that ( oh my Lord God ) if thou shouldest but behold mee with thy pure eyes , that can abide no iniquite ; thou mightest not onely punish and afflict me with diuers crosses , with sundry paines , sicknesse and diseases in this mortall life : but ( O Lord ) thou mightest , follow and pursue mee with thy secret hatred , with thy infinite and eternall displeasure : yea and for euer giue me my part & portion with the wicked reprobates , and damned spirits in infernall darkenesse . But ( oh Lord ) though by nature and desert , hell be my portion ; yet thou hast pleased for Christ his sake , in whom alone I beleeue the pardon of all my sinnes , originall and actuall ; of omission , and commission ; of ignorance , and knowledge , and of presumption : in all which kindes I haue mightily offended thee , mine owne conscience ( beside the testimony of thy word ) bearing witnesse , which is greater then if ten thousands of witnesses should stand vp against me : But ( ô Lord ) for thy Christ his sake that immaculate and vnspotted I am be that was once sacrificed for the Redemption of the whole world ▪ doe away all my sinnes and offences ▪ and let them not at any time , through Sath●ns accusation or aggrauation , stand vp against me ; neither in conscience in this world to accuse mee , or in the day of thy second comming to condemne mee ; wash them away ( ô Lord ) in the precious blood of thy Sonne , and for his sake bee at peace with mee ; Seale vp vnto my soule and conscience this day , and while I am in this life , the assured pardon of all my sinnes ; of thought , word and deed . Let thy Spirit dwell in me , and testifie vnto ▪ and with my Spirit this day , the assurance of my Iustification and adoption . O Lord sanctifie and regenerate mee to thy Image , through thy holy Spirit , from whence through Adams sinne , and my owne actuall , I am fallen , & should for euer lye plunged therein , if thou Lord shuldest denie to reach foorth vnto mee thy mercifull hand , or thy hand full of mercy , and aboundant kindnesse in Christ. O Lord , if when we were dead in sinnes and trespasses , and ( inasmuch as in vs lay ) thy most malicious enemies , when wee were without God , and without hope in the world , and sought not after thee , till thou ( as to Adam in the garden ) didst seeke and finde vs out . How much more beeing in Christ , and in him seeking thee , wilt thou be found of vs , and nigh vnto vs , when wee call vpon thee . O Lord thou hast promised , that if wee aske wee shall haue , if we seeke we shall finde , if wee knocke it shall bee opened vnto vs ; wherefore I beseech thee pardon my weake Faith , O Lord , encrease in me godly sorrow , for all my offences past and present , ô let mee sorrow that I cannot sorrow according to the heigh●… multitude of my transgre●… Lord make mee to know my s●… , not onely open , but secret , not 〈◊〉 the highest , but euen in the lowest degree : and breed in me a perfec●… hatred of them , not in respect of punishment temporall , or eternall , but in filiall feare and godly affection : grant for thy Christ his sake , that I may hate and detest them , and my selfe in them and for them . And to this end ( Lord ) open mine eyes , that in the hearing and reading of thy word , as the linely and most effectuall meanes , I may obtaine the assurance of thy loue and fauour , and let it be that to mee , which it is in it selfe , thy strong power and mighty arme to my saluation . Let it be vnto mee the sweete sauour of life vnto life , and not at any time through my vnworthinesse , the sauour of death vnto death ; Good Lord hereby create in me a cleane heart , and renew a right Spirit within mee , that I may delight in thy word , aboue gold , aboue much fine gold ; yea , aboue thousands of gold and siluer , let thy word bee a continuall light vnto my pathe● , and a daily lanterne vnto my feet ; ôlet me not stand at a stay in grace , nor in any measure of gift of grace , much less decline or goe backe in any grace or gift of grace : but grant that I may in the vse of all holy meanes goe on in grace , till I come vnto a perfect man in Christ ●esus . Lord keepe me this day , that I may not like Lots wife looke back again , or like the vnthankful Israelites , esteeme the homely fare of Egypt , ( of this world of things of this life ) aboue the heauenly Manna ( thy word the only true food of life . ) But like Abraham & the rich Marchant , leaue & sell all that this world can affoord , to attaine the Kingdome of heauen , vnto which thou hast called mee , by faith in Christ , at this day , and for euer . Hauing begd these graces , I returne vnto thee humble thanks for all thy benefits that I haue receiued ; not onely before , but since my being , as for my election before time , and for my vocation in time , from whence haue followed my iustification , and some measure of sanctification in this life , and my assured hope of glorification in the life to come . For these inestimable blessings , which no minde can conceiue , nor tongue expresse , I returne vnto thee , all such possible praise and hearty thankes as my vnderstanding can conceiue : beseeching thee that I may this day , & all the dayes of my life , walke worthy of all these thy mercies . O Lord I thanke thee for these other inferiour testimonies of thy loue , which thou hast made more common with the vniust , then with the iust ; I thanke thee ô Father that thou hast shared mee out so great a portion , euen beyond many of thy Saints & seruants ; Lord grant that while thou continuest the trust of them in my hands ( for they are thy talents and not mine ) I may soberly vse them to thy glory , and to mine owne comfort , and the comfort of the Saints . O Lord grant I may abound in charitie to all of all sorts , that I shall behold to stand in neede of my helpe : but especially to the houshold of Faith : and grant that I may giue no reliefe in worldly ostentation , or vaine glory , to bee seene or talked of , of men , but in an vpright heart & good conscience vnto thee . And all this I beseech thee to grant , for Iesus Christ his sake my onely Lord and Sauiour . Last of all , I beseech thee as a seeling member of thy holy Church militant , howsoeuer , or wheresoeuer dispersed , scattered , or afflicted ; for all thine that suffer any kinde of sorrow , neede , sicknesse , or any other aduersitie in soule , or body , by sea or land : but especially for all thine that suffer bonds , chaines or imprisonments , ( with Ioseph ) for righteousnesse sake , mittigate all their paines and troubles , and giue them Faith and patience in all their seueral distresses as may bee most for thine owne glory and their comforts ; through Christ our Mediator and Redeemer . To thee ô Father , Sonne , and holy Ghost , the eternall and most blessed Trinitie , bee rendred all praise and glory , not onely by all men in generall , but by me in speciall , with thy holy Church , this day and for euermore , Amen , Amen . A particular confession of a sorrowfull sinner . MOst mighty , and all-knowing Lord , ●…true spring of cons●…ion ; J doe confesse with hea●t and voyce , thou art my preseruation : I haue offended gri●uously , by my transg●…ssions don● against thee ; And haue drawne downe a weight on mee , of thy great Iudgements willfully . Vnder which burden cannot I , but faint and fall in wofull sort ; Vnlesse thy hand and thy mercy , through Iesus Christ doe me support : Thou knowest good Father I am weake , and cannot beare thy heauy Ire ; Not knowing what to doe or speake , or how to escape my sinfull hire . Vnlesse thou point 〈◊〉 o●t the way , with thy wise Spirit me directing ; Vnto my foe , I am made a pray , were not thy power me protecting : Not euery one that heares thy word , can vnderstand thy wi●edome great ; Nor euery one that cries , Lord , Lord , shall enter in at heauens gate . Who is not led by better line , then doth pro●… from fle●● and blood ; Erres from the trueth and doeth decline , from right to wrong , to ill from good : Whose end is death , though for a time , seemes sweete to please the outward man ; That 's nothing else , but durt and slyme , or like a puffe , in length a span . As honour , riches , friends and health , Preferment , life , and Worlds delight ; Esteeming these true happy wealth , but the true blisse is out of sight : They thinke that sicknes , pouerty , imprisonment and enemies fell ; And worldly crosses verely , are gates and entrance into hell . So foolish and so ignorant , are those thou guid'st not in thy way ; Mong'st whom euen I , through wisdomes want , haue bin misled vntill this day : But hauing found the truth by triall , that earthly ioyes are transitory ; When they me tempt I make deniall , and onely seeke the eternall glory . Now I disclaime all confidence , in honour , health , in wealth or feature ; In wit or worldly Sapience , or yet in any earthly creature . And Lord I here doe dedicate , all thou hast giuen me to thine honour ; My selfe I wholly consecrate , to march and fight vnder thy banner . And now I bid these toyes adue , that onely-please my flesh and sences : Because they all are most vntrue , and still doe cause so great offences : Because their glorious bounty fades , and leaues nought but deformities ; Because they are nought else but shades , and bring forth grosse enormities . Because they are most false and fickle , because they are indeed hels fewell ; Because their rose hath many a prickle , because their slauery is most cruell : Because they are not firme and stable , because they are profane , not holy ; Because they are but as a fable , because they are but sottish folly . Because my soule they coll and kill , because they giue me Iudas kisse ; Because my good they spot and spill , and draw me from mine heauenly wish : Because like swords they wound my soule , because like Serpents they doe sting mee ; Because my conscience doth controule , and saith to hell gates they will bring mee . Because they doe besot my senses , because they dull my Spirits quicknes ; Because they cause so great expenses , because they cause my sad soules sicknes : Because all vertue hindered is , by this vile worlds accursed pleasure ; Because it will bereaue of blisse , and of that blessed heauenly treasure . And therefore earth and world farewell , adue fond fancies flattering fauours ; Your ioyes are toyes , your heauen is hell , I hate your poyson'd tast and sauours : And thou that art life of my life , soule of my soule , ô Iesus Christ , Point downe the period of worlds strife , thou art the Prophet , Prince , and Priest , That wentest vp to prepare that place , aboue Sunne , Moone , and Planets seauen ; O saue me by thy sauing grace , and bring me to that highest heauen : Where are such ioyes caelestiall , as cannot be exprest by pen ; Bring me from things terrestriall , to raigne with thee for aye , Amen . A Prayer vnto Almighty God to prepare and dispose our hearts rightly , vnto Prayer . O Louing God and Father deare , I humbly thee beseech and pray ; For Iesus sake my prayers heare , and harken what my soule shall say : My heart , and thoughts Lord sanctifie , thine holy Spirit inspire within me ; Me from corruptions mundifie , and let thy louing mercies win me , O let me aske and haue of thee , let me by Faith my suite obtaine ; Thy louing fauour shew to me , all other fauour is but vaine : Restraine my vaine imaginations , preuent by Grace Sathans intrusions ; Let him not taint my cogitations , nor ●●●nd mine eyes with vaine illusions . Which are the enticements and the baites , of that great ghostly enemy ; That still for worldlings seekes and waites , within which rancke , poore wretch am I : But as my mouth and lippes haue sayd , words of a faithfull seruant true ; So let my soule of Christ craue ayd , with inward spirit to liue anewe . For now my poore soule is afraid , and time mispent alas I rue ; To thee I runne imploring aid , within me doe thy Spirit renue : O Lord I see the bloody wounds , of thy sweete Sonne my Sauiour ; 〈◊〉 see thy mercies there abounds , and promised by thy fauour . And therefore I , by sinfull de●…des , that earst liu'd carelesse in despaire ; Doe flye vnto those wounds that bleedes , and plucke downe grace by force of prayer : Oh in that grace grant me to live , and in that grace grant me to die , And when I die , Lord grace me giue , to raigne with thee perpetuallie . A Prayer for Christian vertues . OH my Lord God , grant that with a sincere heart I may desire thee , and in desyring , seeke thee , and in seeking find thee , and when I haue found thee , grant that I may constantly loue thee : and not returne to that filthinesse of sinne , for which thou hatest me , and I become odious & loathsome in thy presence , that thou art constrained to withdraw thy gracious countenance from beholding so great impuritie . Giue me ô my Lord God a repentant heart , a contrite Spirit , eyes flowing with fountaines of penitent teares : quench in me all the concupiscense of the flesh , and kindle in me the fire of thy loue . Oh my Redeemer take from me the Spirit of pride , and most f●●ourably enrich mee with the treasure o● thy humilitie , remooue from me● ô my Sauior , the fury , and distem ▪ perance of choller , and graciously arme me with the shield of pati ▪ ence . O my Creator roote out o● me all ranck or and malice , and en ▪ due me with gentlenes and meek● nes , bestow vpon mee a perfec● faith , a right hope , and constan● loue . Preserue me , ô Lord , from a● vanitie , inconstancy of minde , wa● uering of heart , scossing and con● temptuous speaking , reproches tauntes and slanders against m● neighbour , busie curiositie , hun● ger of riches , extortion , ambiti● on , vaine-glory , from the vice o● hypocrisie , the poyson of flatte ▪ ry , contempt of the weake , op ▪ pression of the poore , from gree ▪ dy auarice , cankered enuy , deadly blasphemy . Deliuer me , ô Lord , from ras● boldnesse , contumacy , frowardnesse , idlenesse , negligence , sloath , dulnesse of wit , blindnes of heart , obstinacy of minde , sauage conditions , contempt of good things , the abandoning of wholesome counsell , offence of the tongue , rapine of the poore , malicious and false accusation against the innocent , violence against the impotent , neglect of inferiours , cruelty towards my family , impietie and infidelitie towards them that repose trust in me , and from vniust and rigorous dealing with all men . O my God , my merciful God , I beseech thee in thy beloued Sonne , blesse me with the workes of mercy and zeale of godlinesse , to suffer with the afflicted , to minister to the needy , to succour the miserable , to counsell them that go astray , to comfort the sorrowfull , to releeue the oppressed , to nourish the poore , to cherish and comfort such as mourne , to forgiue my debtors , to pardon them that trepasse against mee , to loue them that hate mee , to render good for euill , to despise none , but to honour them , to imitate the good , to beware of euill things , and euill vngodly societie , to eschew vice , and to embrace vertue ; in aduersitie patience , humblenesse in prosperitie , to guard the doore of my mouth , to watch the enemies that compasse my lippes , to despise worldly things , and earnestly to thirst after the heauenly . O Lord my God , blessed be thy name for euer : dispose my heart , open my lippes , and guide mee by thy holy Spirit , to a true acknowledgement of all my sinnes , and an eternall detestation , renouncing and forsaking of them , that my prayers may bee heard of thee , in the name , and for the name of thy Sonne Iesus Christ. To whom with thee and the most holy Spirit , three sacred persons , one mighty and immortall God , bee ascribed , attributed and giuen , all praise , all thankes , all honour and glory this day and for euermore . Amen , Amen . A generall confession of sinnes . OMnipotent , and gracious Father , I from thy wayes haue stray'd and err'd Like a lost sheepe , and followed rather , mine hearts deuises and prefer'd : My foolish fancies , fond desires , and broke the lawes set downe by thee ; I haue not done what thou requires , but done those things that should not be . No health in mee , but thou , ô God , haue mercy on me sinfull wretch ; Spare me , oh spare me , hold thy rod , that to offenders thou doest stretch : I doe confesse my faults , restore mee , I doe repent , ( for Iesus sake ; ) That promise euer is before thee , which thou in Christ to God didst make , And grant for his sake liue I may , a godly , right , and sober life ; To thy names glory , still for aye , possessing heauen where is no strife : All laude , and praise be to thy name , for euer and euer now and then ; To whom all nations sing with fame , sweete Psalmes of ioy , Amen , Amen . A Morning Meditation . I Laid me downe to rest and slept , and in the moring rose againe ; God me sustain'd and safely kept , and by his grace did me maintaine : His Angels pitcht me round about , sleeping and waking keeping me ; Both comming in and going out , they guard me with securitie . Lord heare my voyce in morning bright , when I my prayers doe direct ; And waite till thou the God of light , doe heare and helpe me with effect : O Father full of power and might , mercy and loue . How dare I cast ? Mine eyes vnto thy heauenly light ; if thou remember my sinnes past . How can I thinke or hope for good , on me below to come from highe ; Hauing so much thy lawes withstood , and sinn'd against thy Maiestie : Thou in thy power and knowledge deepe , Lord sees the wicked wayes of mine ; Whether in sinne I wake or sleepe , It is not hidden from thine eyne . My vaine corrupt and euill deedes , my imperfections more and more ; My daily sinnes , by which it breedes , thine anger worse then was before : Thy iudgements I might iustly feare , If thou shouldest note what 's done amisse ; Thou might'st in torture be seuere , yet giu'st th ou rest , and peace , and blisse . And hast raised me vp by thy hand , for onely thou preseruest mee ; And me defendst by sea and land , awake , or sleepe ( I seruing thee : ) Whether I walke , worke , eate , or drinke , or what ere else , doe what I will ; Thou blessest all that I can thinke , without thy blessings all were ill . For I a creature weake and faint , subiect to dangers that are rise ; And closely worke my soule to taint , in this corrupt and euill life : I lye alas in night and blindnes , and haue no watch me to defend ; Yet am preserued by thy kindnes , from them that ill to me intend , Whose owlish eyes doe shunne the light , who lay their traps and snares in darke ; But thou defend'st me with thy might , and with bright eyes their worke dost marke : Thou deare kinde Father full of loue , regard'st thy weake and little ones ; Thy many mercies doe thee mooue . to hearken to their sighes and mones . O gracious God I giue thee thankes , for all thy mercies manifold ; Saue me from all the plots and prankes , of sinne , and of that Serpent old : Forgiue me mine offences Lord , let true repentance make me right , An humbled heart , and life reform'd , I know are pleasing in thy sight . I am inclin'd to vanitie , to fall into one sinne or other ; No day nor houre from sinne scape I , since first conceiu'd in wombe of mother : With cruell foes I am beset , corruptions in me daily fight ; They labour sore thy grace to let , and make me loathsome in thy fight . Wresting my will and setled minde , from true sinceritie to sinne ; From good desires to be inclin'de , to deepe despaire , and die therein : To make me trust in blandishment , of wicked world my soule deceiuing , And in my soules sad languishment . of comforts all my soule bereauing . I flye vnto the sauctuary , of thy deare care and prouidence ; Assured I shall not miscarry , when I depend on thy defence : Keepe me therefore ô King of Kings , as precious apple of thi●e eye , This day me shrowd vnder thy wings , from sinne and Sathaus tirannie . Teach me the truth , me knowledge giue , and wisedome with all humblenesse ; Obedience , Zeale , and Faith ; relieue my soule with hope in all distresse : Change me from sinne to sanctitie , from the nights darkenes vnto light , Let my cold zeale most ardent bee ; to serue the Lord both day and night . Teach me iustly to execute , my outward calling ; giue successe , And happy issue to my suit● , aud all my lawfull labours blesse : Giue meanes with trueth and ●quitie , to me and mine with godly care ; In heart and minde true pietie , and all things else that needfull are , And let thy holy Spirit so nourish , and gouerne me that more and more ; I may encrease beare fruite and flourish , in godlinesse and goodnes store : Vntill thou shalt cut off this life , that is corrupt with deadly sinne ; And by Christs merits end the strife , of mortall warres my soule liues in . And draw me then with cordes of loue , to thee , and to thy kingdome ; The new Ierusalem aboue , where thou alone bear'st ruledome : And grant that I , may reigne with thee , with Christ and thine elect ; Sweete Father for thy mercies sake , doe neuer me reiect . Amen . A Morning Prayer to be said with a whole Family . MOst Mighty God , the Creator and Father of euery liuing thing , both in heauen , and in earth , the wonderfull preseruer , and constant vpholder of all things visible , and invisible ; not onely in the dayes of our forefathers , but in these our times . Wee thy poore sinfull seruants , doe this morning prostrate and deiect our selues , in soule and body , sorrowfully confessing vnto thee , against our selues , that wee are so loden with daily transgressions , that we know not , but with infinite shame , how to lift vp our heads and eyes towards thee , or once to open our mouths to speake vnto thee : for when wee remember how in the morning of this world , in the first beginning of mankind , thou didst make him after thine own Image , a glorious creature , and planted him in the Garden of Eden , where hee wanted nothing , but was filled with ioy and happy contentment . But he despised thy holy Commandement , aduenturing to doe that which thou hadst forbidden : whereby thou wast so displeased with him , that immediately didst banish him and our grandmother E●ah , with all vs their miserable p●steritie : then in their loynes , and vnto this day issuing and proceeding foorth , into perpetuall blindnesse and ignorance of thee , and should so for euer haue remained from generation to generation , if wee did not beleeue in thy holy word and Gospell ; in which is contained the happy and ioyfull tydings of thy euerlasting loue renewed vnto vs : as that in his seede all nations should bee blessed , meaning by his seede , the promised Messiah , which our first parents then beleeued in , for themselues , and so instructed vs their following posteritie for euer to doe the like . Wherefore , ô Lord , wee beleeuing in thyword ( our Messiah ) who in these latter dayes , hath taken our flesh , and in that nature , by which thou wast most mightily offended , hath againe reconciled vs vnto thee , and thee vnto vs , by paying that price of our Redemption , euen his most precious death & blood ; by vertue of which we first entreat thee , to par donour originall sins , and all other offences which in knowledge against the motions of thy holy Spirit , and checkes of our owne consciences , accusing vs for the least thing that wee haue at any time done amisse , or haue daily from the beginning of our manhood , vnto this present done against thee , euen thisweeke , this last day , this night , and this morning since wee arose ; yea , euen now in this instant , while we are speaking vnto thee . O Lord , for Christ his sake , pardon all our offences of dishonesty against our neighbours with whom wee liue , and conuerse in this life . O keepe vs this day most sweete Sauiour , from that odious and common sinne of lying , directly , or indirectly , from swearing , & chasing rashly , vainely or irreuerently , in , or against thy most holy name . And keepe vs from all manner of dishonesty , with our bodies , with our tongues , with our eyes , with our hands , and with our feete , vnto which wee are so exceeding prone . And that because we are thy temples , and members one of another , and of thy Sonne Christ especially . And for our helpe herein , giue vs grace , that we may euery one , seriously apply , and diligently minde the things thou hast this day appointed vs to doe in our seuerall rankes and callings : as we are either fathers , masters , children or seruants , that we may both gouerne and obey , as becommeth thy children and seruants , which feare thy holy name ; and giue vs grace that wee may this day , and all the dayes of our life , perseuere in the faith , and feare of thee , and of thy Sonne Iesus , our most louing and blessed Sauiour . And grant most louing Father , that as we haue begunne in him ; so wheresoeuer we are , at the last we may finish our mortall race in him , and change this life vnto his glory and our owne eternall comforts . Now hauing continued our accustomed suites for spirituall blessings and graces , we returne vnto thee most humble and hearty thankes for all those fauours , which as assurances of all thy loue , thou hast giuen euery one of vs here present : as in our births into this present world , thou didst safely bring vs , through the straight gates of nature ( which ●ike Herod in the act of birth , ●hreatneth nothing but present ●eath ; & in infancy , childhood and ●outh , considering our weakenes ●nd wildnes , might haue befallen ●nto vs many mischances of de●… 〈◊〉 in our bodies : so since ●e came to manhood , thou hast ●ept vs from the same dangers , a ●ousand manner of wayes , for ●hich we thanke thee . O Lord ●e thanke thee also for our daily ●ead , and conti●…all cloathing , that through thy blessing doeth daily comfort vs in this present life : for thee , and for a thousand more , of which we haue continuall experience both in body and soule , wee are bound to continue and conclude these our prayers , thankesgiuing and morning sacrifice vnto thee , for our selues , and thy holy Church , as thy Sonne our Sauiour hath taught vs , saying . Our Father which art in heauē , &c. To thee the Father , the Son , and the holy Ghost , bee giuen all honour and glory by vs and all thine this day , and for euermore . Amen , Amen . Be mercifull , ô Father , of all mercies to thy Church vniuersall , dispersed throughout the whole world , and grant th●… they that d●e confesse thy name , may agree in the truth of thy holy word , & liue in godly concord and vnitie . More especially good Lord , bee mercifull to all such as bee vnder persecution , for the testimony of a good conscience , and the profession of the Gospell of thy Sonne our Sauiour Iesus Christ. Defend and saue , ô Lord , those silly soules , which as sheepe are appointed to the shambles and slaughter , and represse the rage and tyranny of such as are bent to blood-shed , and minde nothing but murthering thy Saints and children : be mercifull to this sinfull kingdome wherein wee liue , and be good and gracious to thine annoynted , Charles our most gracious King : blesse the honourable Counsell , the Reuerend ●lergie , the Nobilitie , and Cominal●ie , of this Land ; and also blesse ●s a portion of thine inheritance , the which our Lord Iesus Christ was contented to redeeme with his most precious blood , the alone mediator of all mercies , to whom ●ith thee and the holy Ghost bee●●●l honour and glory for and euer . Amen . Amen . Precepts of duty . HIgh mighty God of righteousnes , in wrath a dread consuming fire ; Thou didst in perfect happinesse , make man that did 'gainst thee conspire : And breake thy lawes with all despight , when thou hadst made him pure and holy ; Plac'd him in garden of delight , so great and wicked was his folly . That hauing leaue to take or leaue , to chuse , refuse , or vse at pleasure ; He did himselfe by sinne deceiue , of that diuine surpassing treasure : And by his mutabilitie , ( regardlesse of thy sacred lawes ; ) He brought in instabilitie , lost his free-will by breach of lawes . Thou God of Iusti●e must doe right , man wanting grace , with want of grace ; By grace substraction didst requite , and banish him that blessed place : By meanes of which we are inclin'd , from thy behestes to run astray ; Our tongue , our heart , our soule , our mind , by sinne is carried cleane away . Thou hast vs Lord by grace elected , and thy free mercy ) to inherit Thy blisse , ( if thy blisse be respected ) and seal'd vs with thy holy spirit : Thou madest vs free by thy Sonnes blood , to th' end thou mayest be glorifi'd ; In soules and bodies for our good , his passion hath vs purifi'd . Thou freedst vs to that end we might , serue thee in holy righteousnes ; Thou gauest thy Sonne , and he vs bought , from thraldome of our sinfulnes : Thou would'st he should for all men die , to make him liue in thine elect ; And they in him to ●ructifie , and with his graces hast them deckt . By grace , and holy inspiration , rebellious nature seek'st to tame ; With precepts for instruction , and leau'st vs lawes in thine owne name ; The ready way of seruing thee , and profit to our neighbours bring ; And louing thee most zealously , who art our Father , Lord and King. Though by thy Gospell we be free , from lawes their sting and punishment ; Yet rules of life and pietie , thou hast precrib'd and to vs lent : Thereby to manage all our deeds , and guide vs lest we step awrie ; Obseruing carefull as we needs , how well to liue , and well to die . These lawes thou writ'st in Table two , with the pure finger of thine hand ; Deliuering them Moses vnto , that we thy will might vnderstand : The first containeth precepts foure , Of precepts due vnto thy feare ; The second sixe Commanrements more , of loue we should to neighbours beare . The summe and substance of them all , and that fulfilleth euery part , Is thee to loue , on thee to call , with all our soule , might , mind , and heart : To other men ( especially , ) thine houshold that are firme in faith ; As to our selues to giue supply ; with all our helpe as Scripture saith . But we are weake , the case thus stands , In this ●raile mortall life of ours ; No man can keepe these thy commands , but breakes them at all times and houres : Yet thou thy children oft doest will , themstlues to comfort hopefully ; There is left for them some measure still , to come to thee regardfully . Namely when they doe bend their strength , ( daily preuented by thy Spirit ) And stand in hope to attaine at length , ( what now they want by Christ his merit : Walking and daily going one ; by steppes thereof to Paradise ; Praising and lauding thee alone , bewailing their infirmities . The faithfull know all and beleeue , with thee our father mercy is ; Thou with thy Sonne doest all things giue , how can we then of mercy misse : Therefore my God now giue to me , all that thou giuest to thine elect ; Of thine eternall clemency , good Lord doe not my soule reiect . Illuminate my knowledge darke , possesse my heart with perfect loue ; What 's done amisse , Lord doe not marke , the guilt of sinne from me remoue : That I most constantly may walke , the steppes and pathes of thy iust lawes ; And of thy goodnesse daily talke , with feare end loue and all applause . To thee I wholly owe my selfe , for thou hast Lord created mee ; And bought me not with worldly p●lf● , but by thy Sonne hast made me free : Whence I doe also learne to loue , all men in thee and for thy sake ; Who beare thy Image from aboue , and vnto thee themselues betake . O let me thus thy fauours find , and peace of conscience vnderstand ; Thy blessings and thy mercies kind , protected still by thy right hand : That fill'd my dayes , I leaue this life , to take a life eternally ; Where Angels sing continually , all glory be to God on high . Amen , A Morning Prayer , O Blessed Lord God , great in power , fearefull in iudge●ent , and rich in mercy : which ●indest and no man looseth , and ●oo●est & no man bindeth , I yeeld ●hee most humble and hearty ●hankes , for that of thy fatherly goodnesse thou hast vouchsafed ●e this last nights sleepe in peace ●nd rest : and againe loosing the ●onds wherewith I was tied , hast ●iuen me power to see this mor●ing light . Now , ô Lord , I be●ech thee , powre vpon mee this ●y the heauenly dew of thy com●rtable blessing , that through the ●eration of thy gracious beames ●hat am a poore tree , weake and ●rren in my selfe , may bud forth ●d beare the fruits of true faith 〈◊〉 my life and conu●rsation . Continue this goodnesse and mercy towards mee , and by thy power raise me from the deepe sleepe of all vnrighteousnesse , discharge me from the workes of darken●sse , and cloath me with the armour of light , that I may walke honestly , as in the day ; and liue soberly , righteously , and godly in this present world . Grant me , ô Lord , true vnderstanding and knowledge of thy word , which is the glasse of thy will. Increase in me all godly de● sires , together with true contri● tion of heart , that I may vnfained● ly despise the pleasures of thi● world , & with hearty repentan● be conuerted vnto thee : send th● holy Angel to guide me and keep me in all my wayes , and prosp● the worke of my hands that I n● uer faile in my vocation to d● some good to all men , and esche● if it be possible all euill . O Lord , I beseech thee , p● serue and keepe my senses ●a● and soūd , that I be neither corrup ted by prosperity , nor deiected by aduersitie ; nor be too fearefull of thy iudgements , or too bould on thy mercies . But grant me grace ô mercifull Lord , that I may apprehend all that comes from thee with a religious heart , and contented minde . O blessed Lord Iesus Christ , blessed bee thy name for our redemption , great was thy loue , sore was thy passion , print in our mindes we beseech thee the continuall memory thereof , that wee may love thee which so louedst vs , and euermore praise thee that hast bought vs at so deare a price . Reiect not our prayers which we offer to bee presented to thy Fa●her , but mercifully helpe vs and heale all our infirmities , encrease our Faith and teach vs obedience , forgiue vs our offences , and hide vs in thy wounds from thy fa●hers iust wrath : make good thy ●romises vnto vs for the world to come and enable vs with thy grace for the performance of all thy Commandements : prosper ô Lord , the workes of our hands , and bring vs safe to the end of this day for thy truth , and for thy names sake . Amen , Amen . An Euening Meditation . I Lay me downe to sleepe in peace , for thou Lord onely makest me dwell In safety with great quietnes , and doest ill dreames from me expell : My body to enormities . is subiect without rest and sleepe ; Because of mine infirmities , my life and health it cannot keepe . Good Father all sufficient , my louing God I yeeld thee praise ; For this dayes blessings to me sent , and guiding me in all my wayes : In that thou hast this day now past , me strongly guarded with thy hands ; With loue refresht me , first and last , with mercies more then sea-shore sands . That hast me brought to this dayes end , blacke night and darkenes drawing neare , Wherein all creatures rest attend , and lay them downe till day appeare : I finding my debility , poore creature , run to the diuine ; O strength mine imbecility , and aide this soule and body mine . Thou hast me made of matter grosse , and brittle substance out of clay ; Which still is subiect to the crosse , a tennis ball for worldlings play : He wanting comfort cannot liue , after much sorrow and great griefe ; Therefore I doe my body giue , and soule to thee , Lord grant reliefe . O Lord I doe thee humbly pray , as thou art fountaine of all rest ; Bee thou my succour , helpe and stay , let me by thee this night be blest : Consider me in my weakenesse , and let my carefull eyes behold ; My miseries and my distresse , to cry for mercy make me bold . And since 't is time that night now brings , the bodies rest and quiet sleepe ; O shadow me vnder thy wings , let thy protection safe me keepe : Looke ouer me with watchfull eyes , when this corrupted flesh of mine ; In slumbring sleepe and dulnesse lyes , depriu'd of sense with closed eyne . Vnable my poore selfe to saue , from dangers of the darkesome night ; Keepe me , my bed else is my graue , and I shall neuer see the light : Lord thou that onely mak'st me dwell , and in sure safety to abide ; ( Thou watchest ouer Israel ) watch ouer me , be by my side . Thou art my Castle and my Fort , my sword , my buckler and defence ; My rocke , my refuge and comfort , saue me from force and violence : Alas without thee what am I ? a beast that rightly nothing knowes ; A senseles blocke , sillie flie , that no good doe , nor no good showes . Thy louing fauour Lord extend , ouer the house wherein I rest ; My bed with Angels Lord defend , and soule and body by thee be blest : Oh , lay me downe in rest and peace , in rest and peace ô let me rise ; In rest and peace , ô giue some ease , from torments , troubles , teares und cries . Let not the sleights of sinne deceiue , nor wicked practise ouertake me ; Let nothing me of hope bereaue , oh doe not thou ( though all ) forsake me : Lord I am poore , oh make me rich , with those great riches of thy blessing ; My soule , my soule is blacke as pitch , let pardon follow my confessing . In hope of this I lay me downe , depending on thy prouidence ; I care not if the world doe frowne , for I am safe by thy defence : Lord let it be , for I am thine , my rest make sweete and comfortable ; To thee I doe my selfe resigne , Lord grant all this , for thou art able . An Euening Prayer , for a priuate person . O Most holy Father , and my most gracious God which giuest vnto all men , the cheerefull light of the day , that in thine assistance they may follow their honest vocations ; and likewise sendest the silent nights , that then they my rest their wearied limbs , and busied mindes , and so returne their due thankes for thy goodnesse : I sinfull creature adore and praise thee for the totall summe of all thy mercies , whereof I haue beene this day partaker . O Lord I am vile , looke not vpon mine vnworthinesse , folly , and wickednesse : but appease thy anger iustly conceiued against me , and forgiue what hath beene amisse in me this day , or at any other time , euen for his sake who is thy well beloued Sonne , and my deare Aduocate . Roote vp ô Lord , the thornes of mine euill inclination , and affections , and in their places make the fruits of vertue to spring : inflame my heart with the desire of heauenly loue , that I may loue obedience to thy Gommandements with zeale as hot as fire , louing thee aboue all things , and my neighbour as my selfe . Giue me grace ô Lord , to serue thee in true faith , feare , and holinesse , all the dayes of my life , and to ouercome my mortall enemies , the desires of the world , the pleasures of the flesh , and the suggestious of the wicked Spirit , remembring my promise made to thee in Baptisme , for the performance whereof I depend onely vpon thy holy Spirit . O God of glorious light , let thine Angels pitch their tents round about this house , for our defence now in the time of this darkenesse , and grant that this nights sleepe may bee quiet vnto mee without griefe or trouble , preserue me and mine both in body and soule from all dangers , and offences , which may come either by foolish dreames , noysome spirits , or vncleannesse of corrupt nature ; waken me againe , ô Lord , in due time , and let me behold the light of the next day to my comfort , prepare my heart and minde to thy seruice euery day in all trueth and sinceritie , that when I haue runne the race of this life , thou mayest please to call mee to be partaker of a better . Comfort mee , ô Lord , in all those things wherein I haue beene any wayes dismayed this day : take not thy holy spirit from me , but continue the motions thereof in my heart , that when as the tempter shal● come with his assaults , I may bee furnished with the shield o● faith to quench his fiery darts . Confirme my weakenesse , and grant that this nights sleepe may be sweet and healthfull for my body , and a profitable memoriall of that sleepe which at my last end , in that great night , shall make a separation betweene my body and soule . Let alwayes thine vnspeakeable mercies preserue mee , thy endlesse sweetnesse reioyce mee , thy heauenly trueth strengthen mee , thy knowledge embolden mee , and thy goodnesse keepe me now and for euermore from mine enemies visible and inuisible , that I may awake in the morning in perfect sense and good health , and for the same bee thankefull vnto thee , and carefully betake mee to my vocation and calling for Iesus Christs sake , my onely Sauiour . Amen . Amen . Another for the Euening . MOst glorious and sacred Trinitie , the most mighty God , the Father , the Sonne , and the holy Spirit , which art the authour and originall of all things , both in heauen and in earth , and that hast appointed vnto euery thing his end and way in this life . The eyes of all things are towards thee to finish in their courses that obedience they owe vnto thee . The Sunne , the Moone , the Starres in most constant order extend their light & heate to the comforting , not onely of fowles and beasts , but specially to the direction of man , how to know thee and walke in thy wayes , as being the bookes and characters wherein wee may reade thy power , wisedome , and incomprehensible glory , for their sound and language ( as a Harold ) is gone foorth to proclaime vnto the Nations , both Pagan & Christian , that thou art the Lord God Almighty , and most worthy to be praised , as in the Morning , so in the Euening also . Therefore knowing the great dependancy , that all things caelestiall and terrestriall haue on thee , I doe humbly intreate thee to take mee into thy custody this night : knowing that if a Sparrow cannot with safetie fall to the ground but by thee , that without thee so great refreshing of sleepe cannot be attained vnlesse I begge it of thee , many are the visions of the night , as idle dreames and fancies , that would interrupt my sleepe , if thou Lord by thy gracious power and presence of thy good Spirit driue them not away . And Sathan would ( like Abi●hai ●nto Saul ) in his sleepe , with fearefull darts of despaire , strike 〈◊〉 dead at once , ( as Jacl did Sise●… ) vnto eternall death , in soule 〈◊〉 body . Therefore vnto thee the keeper of Israel , that neither slumberest nor sleepest , by night , nor by day , doe I come beseeching thee , that laying my selfe to rest in thee , I may in the acustomed time which thou hast appointed , wake again : but if thou pleasest that this night shall bee my last , and that this mortall , shall bee swallowed vppe in immortallity . O Lord grant though I die in body , yet I may awake in soule , and liue with thee for euermore ; and that my body so sleeping , yet againe may awake at the resurrection of the iust , and with those that shall not sleepe , bee caught vp , with soule vnited by the same power , by which thou ( ô Sauiour ) didst at once rise from death to life , euen as that life which thou hadst with the father , before the world was . And as thou art one with him , so grant that after my last sleepe , I may be one with thee in the presence of the Father , and the holy Ghost for euermore . But ( ô Lord ) if thou please to raise me vp againe , to spend more dayes in this vale of teares , grant that I may liue honestly in the workes of my vocation , which thou hast ordained me to liue in , or liue by . Grant that I may set thee before mine eyes , day and night , and behold thee alwayes in my presence ; that when I am tempted to any eueill , in the work of my calling , or any other wayes : I may not bee tickled with the profit or pleasures therein obiected , and so prouoked to sinne against thee . Keepe my tongue from lying , lest thereby I become the child of Sathan , for hee is a lyer , and the Father of lyes from the beginning ; keepe my tongue from swearing , and that I may not take thy name in vaine : empty my heart of couetousnesse , of pride , of vaine-glory , and let mee not respect worldly vanitie , let me not be selfe-conceited : but , ô Lord , giue mee to bee of humble , gentle , harmelesse and courteous disposition and behauiour , both in my words and deeds , to my superiours and inferiours . O Lord giue me to be of a charitable nature , and of a pittifull affection , toward all men in generall , but especially towards all those that are ( of the houshold of Faith , of broken and contrite hearts , which thou Lord hast promised , that thou wilt not despise . Grant ô heauenly Father , that Christ both sleeping and waking , in this life , and after this life may be to me aduantage . O let me not fall into a custome or habite of sinning , lest therewith my heart become hardened , that I cannot repent , but giue mee such a conscience of sinne , that I may neuer commit sin either great or small , but my heart may affright , terrific , and amaze m● ( as it did Dauid ) when he cut off the lap of Saule● garment . And when I haue sinned , let thy louing countenance shine vpon me , ( as it did vpon Peter , when hee had denied thee ) that I may poure forth a fountaine of teares . And in bed if I happen to awake at midnight , giue mee thy holy Spirit , that with sobs , sighes , and groanes , in the secret closet of my heart , I may cast vp loude cryes vnto thee , not onely for my sinnes past , in the darke night of my childhood and youth , while I knew not thee , but euen now , since I came to some groath and manhood in Christ , I haue broken all thy Commandements , thy Lawes , thy Statutes , thine Ordinances ; not in ignorance , but in knowledge : for which I haue neede againe to pray vnto thee . Wherefore Lord forgiue mee , forgiue mee for thy Christ his sake . O my Loue , my Doue ( the blessed and powerfull Sauiour of my soule ) thou knowest that I haue sought after thee , euer since I knew thee , by night in my bedde haue I sought thee whom my soule loueth . O my Sauiour , since thou hast first drawne mee with the cordes of thy loue , let the strength thereof hold mee so fast , that I may for euer abide constant , in the like loue to thee againe ; Thou hast promised , that him thou once louedst , that thou wilt loue him vnto the end . Good God in thy loue keepe mee this night in soule and body : and not onely mee in mine owne person , but all that belong vnto mee , for the loue of thy onely Sonne Iesus , to whom with the Father , and the holy Ghost , be all honour and glory by mee and all thine , this night & for euermore , world without end . Amen , Amen . An Inuocation to God , humbly praying for remission of sinnes . VVEll-spring of bounty , God of feare , beginning that mak'st all begin ; With what oblation to appeare , t' appease thy wrath that 's due for sin : I know the blood of bulls and beast , or sweetest Incense that doth rise ; From earth of old they were the least , and are not now of any prise . O how should I be reconcil'd , againe vnto thy louing fauour ; How long Lord , shall I be exil'd , from my sweete Lord , and onely Sauiour : How long , oh ! haue I call'd to thee , to thee in name of thy deare Sonne ; Yet what I ask'd , thou gau'st not mee , and what I would is left vndone . I long haue knocked at thy dore , of mercy , but no ●n rance finde ; Sorrowes and troubles more and more , increase and vexe my soule and minde : I daily waite most wofull motall , before thy seate of clement grace ; But may not peepe within thy portall , nor see thy glorious beauteous face . I sighe , I mourne , my teares are seas , I sinke vnder the burdenous load ; Of sinne and shame , and finde no ease , prouoke me forward with thy word : My selfe chastising I desire , to quench thy wrath with floods of teares ; Yet still encrease thy fearefull fire , and so eucrease my daily feares . By prayers thee to presse who dares , except by thy Sonnes mediation ; To seeke thy glory 's all our cares , and the end of earthly mens creation : What course should I then poore wretch take , to doe , or aske that 's good and iust ; But vnto thee my prayers make , and onely in thy Sonne put trust . If that my sinnes shall thee offend , then all thy creatures rage and storme ; And all conspire by thy command , to punish me poore silly worme : Where shall I be , or whether flie , from sight of thine all-seeing eyne ; As Noahs Doue , on earth am I , and cannot looke against thy shine . But if thou show thy louing face , all creatures on my seruice tend ; Men , beasts , and Angels , doe me grace , to helpe me all their powers doe bend : What should I then , say , giue or doe ? what paine can gaine thy fauour lost ; Riuers of oyle , or ought thereto , they are thine owne , and of thy cost . Accept yet Lord the sacrifice , of heart , and calues of lippes vnfain'd : This is that offering thou didst deuise , to haue thy grace to be obtaind : The free-will offerings of my zeale , in sense of sighing still ascending ; They to thy mercies seate appeale , and would make peace for mine offending . Although mine heart and tongue doe falter Yet through my Sauiours blest mediati● ; Receiue this offering on thine alter , with all my best imagination : Heare me in him , in him relieue me , for without him no helpe can bee ; None can my soules , or hearts ease giue me , nor can I inward comforts see . Till I know that thy wrath 's appeas'd , and haue thy Charter for my pardon ; Then shall I finde my heart so eas'd , that I desire no further guērdon : And now I most vnhappy man , that did offend my God so kind ; By grace in him in all I can , I le seeke with heart , with soule and mind To honour , serue , obey and please , him that is my gracious maker ; Whom I beseech to grant me peace , and make me of his ioyes partaker . An Euening prayer to be said with a whole Family . O Most blessed Sauiour , b● whose merits alone , the● is graunted vnto vs this prese● libertie , to approach vnto the F● ther , and in thy name , after th● end of our labours this day accomplished : by which through thy goodnesse wee haue profited our selues , and furthered the continuāce of humane society , which by no meanes could continue , if wee did not seriously apply our selues in the workes of our vocation , in which thou hast ordained , that euery man should liue , not onely to his present necessity , but vnto the furthering of the welfare of our children and alliance , which accordingly wee haue this day done , so farre foorth as the approaching ●ight would suffer , and as our fraile bodies , soone spent and tired with the cares and labours of this world would giue vs leaue . And seeing thou hast ordained the night for man , by sleepe to refresh himselfe ; Lord we intreate thee to giue vnto our bodies , such rest and sleepe this night , that the day following , wee may be raised strong in minde , and body , to goe on , in our seuerall labours , honest businesse , and employments , in moderation , wisedome , and discretion , as may bee most to thy glory , and to the honour of thy great name . O Lord wee beseech thee , let not our sinnes , of which wee bee many wayes guilty : cause thee to remooue away our sleepe from vs , nor frustrate this dayes endeauours : let no blasting or mildewe , or any the euill that walketh in the darkenesse hurt the fruite of our labours . Let no sons of Belial , when we are in our fast sleepe , come in vpon vs , to spoyle without , nor steale within , that which thou through our honest endeauours , or the gift of our parents , hast blessed vs withall for as the beastes of the forre●… which are of sauage nature , hunt after the prey : so wicked me● that aske not their bread of thee , doe in the night by violent hands , robbe and spoyle thy people . O Lord , we know not , but that for the wickednesse of our hearts , hands , and liues , by which wee haue this day offended thee , iniured and oppressed others , but that thou mightest ( as on Iobs children ) suffer the deuill , by his instigation of wicked men , to robbe and spoyle vs , not onely of our goods and cattell , and other our personall estates , but also of our liues . But ( ô our good God ) wee are confident that through thy mercy and loue in Christ , no euill shall come vnto vs , for thou hast promised , that thou wilt bee a refuge and fortresse , to keepe safe all those that trust in thee : not onely from the arrow of the day , but from the terror of the night , which thou at thy will and pleasure sendest for the punishmēt and correction of our sinnes ( as thou ●iddest Shem●i with his rayling ●ongue to a●●●ict Dauid . O Lord , for the w●rthinesse of thy Sonne our Sauiour , in whom onely wee lay down our bodies to rest , turne backe this night , and at all other times of our sleepe , all the euill and wicked purposes of those that intend vs any hurt in our bodies or goods ; and send thy holy Angels to protect vs with their hands , as they did thee our Sauiour against the prince of darkenesse , when he had ended on thee his three temptations in the wildernesse . And as they fought against the Assirans hoaste , that proudely boasted themselues against thy seruant Hezekiah : ( So ô Lord ) let thine Angels fight against all our enemies , and the enemies of thy church , not of flesh , but of Spirit , which resolue our hurt , whether walking in the day , or sleeping in the night . And though our sinnes , in which wee so much abound , haue deserued that thou shouldest send those ministring Spirits , as on Egypts first borne in the night , to take away this our dying life , or life full of death : yet for thy mercies sake let them be our gardians , not ouely this night , but all the dayes and nights of this life , for euer to further our soules and bodies , in thy obedience ; and in , and after death to conduct them to Abrahams bosome , to rest in ioy and blisse with thee for euermore ; yea let thine Angels of light , that continually behold thy face in heauen , bee about our bodies night and day , and with louing and kind assistance , keeping euill from vs , and vs from euill : not onely of sinne , but of temptation , with which that worldly Gouernour , and Prince of the Ayre neuer cea●eth millions of wayes to withdraw vs from thee : if he cannot through couetousnesse ( as Iudas , ) ●or through the world ( as De●as and Achan , ) yet through pleasure , ( as into our first mother , Eue , Dauid , Solomon , Sampson ) hee will a thousand to one , craftely enter , and seate himselfe in our hearts . O Lord , if by thy holy Spirit , we happen to be so strong as by none of these baites to bee caught , then hee laboureth by temporall crosses , and afflictions of body and minde , ( as on Iob ) to draw vs to distrust and dispaire in thy mercie and loue , in all which assaults let thy grace , and our faith keepe vs , that we may not bee ouercome , but as valiant souldiers in Christ , and through the Armory of God , in which by our holy calling we are girt , we may leade captiuitie captiue , and bee more then Conquerours through him that loueth vs. So that neither the feares of the day , nor the terrours of the night , of death , and hell , should separate vs from the assured guard of thee , and thy Angels , the conductors and furtherers of our saluation . This thy great helpe , and especiall assistance , wee are continually enforced to craue , not for our owne sakes : but for thy Sonne his sake , and that as hee himselfe hath taught vs in his most holy word , saving , Our Father which art in heauen , &c. To the Lord of Hoastes and God of glory , our Creatour : to thee ô Christ Iesus our Mediator , thee most holy Spirit proceeding from the Father , and the Sonne , bee ascribed all praise and glory this night and for euermore . Amen , Amen . Another for the Euening . O Eternall God , and most mercifull Father , wee acknowledge and confesse against our selues , that our hearts and hands are full of all filthinesse and sinnes whatsoeuer , and we are altogether vnworthy to speake vnto thee , or to come neere thy presence : Neuertheles being so much boūd vnto thee , as this day past and all other times of our liues doe witnesse : we most humbly offer vnto thy holinesse ( by the hands of Iesus Christ our Mediatour ) our humble duties of praise & thanksgiuing for our Creation , Election , Redemption , Vocation , and Sanctification , with all other good graces appertaining to this life , or that which is to come . And namely , ô Lord , our tongues , and lippes shall glorifie thee , sitting aboue the Cherubims , for preseruing vs this day past , from so many miseries , and casualties whereunto wee might iustly haue fallen , if thou wouldest haue entered into iudgement with vs : but Lord , thou art mercifull , and passest by our manifold offences , to winne vs by thy long sufferance : we beseech thee make vs thankefull for thy mercies and carefull to doethy will. O Lord , pardon and forgiue v● all our sinnes , and grant vs euery day more and more the sight o● them , true , vnfained sorrow , an● repentance for the same . Giue vs faith and grace to beleeue all the sweete promises that thou hast made to vs in Christ Iesus , both for the remission of our sins , and the hope of a better life , strengthē vs from aboue with thy mighty hand to walke in euery good way ; and to bring forth the fruits of a true & liuely faith in our liues and conuersation all the daies of our pilgrimage here . Arme vs , ô Lord , with thy grace and holy Spirit against all the corruptions of the world , the temptations of the deuill , & the allurements of the flesh , and settle our mindes to the continuall exercise of deuout prayer , with the hearing of thy sacred word , watching for thy comming both publicke and priuate . Continue thy goodnes towards vs in prouiding for vs such things as are necessary for the maintenance of this present life , & blesse the same vnder our hands , that the little which wee haue by thy goodnesse may be encreased , and the encrease may serue as well to furnish our necessary vses , as to minister vnto the necessitie of others , according to our abilities . Keepe vs Lord this night from all euils , which may happen either to our bodies or soules : Extend thy goodnesse towards all those that depend vpon vs , or wee on them . Giue vs quiet sleepe and rest , and when we shall awake , let all our thoughts and cogitations be holy meditations on thee and thy law . Blesse vs , ô Lord , all the nights and dayes of our liues , and at the end thereof , send vs a blessed departure , and afterward a ioyfull resurrection vnto life eternall , grant vs these good things most mercifull Father , and all other needefull graces for Iesus Christ his sake , in whose name wee further call vpon thee as our Lord and Sauiour hath taught vs in his Gospell , saying . Our Father which are in heauen , &c. A godly Meditation , wherein the distressed sheweth his vnfained griefe and sorrow , for hauing offended so powerfull a God , and so-mercifull and gracious a Father ALas that I offended euer , this God of gods , this Lord of powers ; That can in peeces all men shiuer , and ouerturne the stateliest towers : Ah , woe is me that I offended , and iustly God stirr'd vp to ire ; Who by his Law hath sinne condemned . vnto the pit of endlesse fire . I daily see Gods creatures all , iustly for sinne displeas'd with me ; Mens hearts are hardned and with gall , feede me that haue offended thee : My God thy blessings all on earth , tho duoest with-hold and from me keepe , Alas my soule sustaines a dearth of grace , vnto thy grace I creepe . But what to doe , or what to say , I know not Lord , but I know this ; My griefes encrease more day by day , my mirth is moane , bane is my blisse . One euill doth another call , like waues on waues in raging seas ; My weary burthen makes me fall , I finde no comfort , helpe , nor ease , I hope of helpe , but that hope quailes , in crosses are my comforts ended ; I flie to Faith , but then Faith failes , when I neede most to be defended , As if I were the onely man , prepos'd by thine intendement ; Whom heauen ond earth must curse and ban , as subiect of all punishment : Thy iustice damnes me , I appeale to mercy , then appeal'd I feare To be reiected , thus cold zeale , and secret sinnes with griefe I beare . Shall I thinke it a fruitlesse taske , vnto my God for to repaire ; That sinners cals and bids them aske , and they shall haue all things by prayer : Can it be bootelesse downe to fall , before his throne of Maiestie ; And with repentant tongue to call , for pardon for mine iniquitie . May not vnfaigned cries , at last preuaile with him that 's pittifull , To pardon mine offences past , reuiue my soule which now is dull : I le frame my heart to meditate , my tongue to vtter what may please Him , whom best knoweth my estate , and seeke his wrath for to appease . To him I le goe in Christ his name , in whom I know he is well pleas'd ; And will confesse my sinne with shame , and so mine heart shall sure be eas'd : For Christs sake looke on me againe , he is God all-sufficient ; He doth behold and see my paine , my inward faithfull hearts intent . He knoweth what I goe about , all I thinke , speake , or doe amisse He writes or notes without all doubt , in his remembrance booke it is : I know he will in worth accept , what iustly I intend to be ; And cannot it performe , except he put his helping hand thereto ; He knoweth that I am but flesh , and what is flesh but fraile and ill : And what is man , a lumpe of trash , whom vaine desires doe fully fill : And will this God Iehouah high , so strong and powerfull set his might ; Against a worme so weake as I , a silly man , a shade of night . What conquest can there be in God , to worke reuenge on me poore soule ; Who still corrects me with his rod , whose Iustice doth my sinnes controle : Shall I dispute with thee , nay rather , poore wretch I should fall prostrate downe , And humbly kneele vnto my Father , and pray with teares when he doth frowne . If he afflict more , be it so , if further plague me , le't be so , If he will kill with paines and woe , doe what he will , let it be so : For I am his , doe what he will , with me and all that mine can bee ; It is his owne , and must be still , there 's no disputing ( Lord ) with thee . There is no Art , or Eloquence , can quench thy coales of burning ire ; It is not words can make defence , nor friends can saue me from the fire : Nor take me from thy powerfull hands , so full of might , force , strength and power ; Or breake in sunder , thy strong bands , nor ease one minute of an houre . I le yeeld me therefore to his will , Lord doe what thy good pleasure is ; Turne me as may , thy minde fulfill , I le waite the time of happy blisse : I le waite thy pleasure , time will come , wherein I may the issue see Of my afflictions all and some , and what thy purpose is with me . The meane time I will with thy word , consult and vse my exercise ; And comfort take through hope ô Lord , refresh dull spirits , and cleare dimme eyes : With dewe of thy sweete promises , laying aside all fleshly aide ; I onely rest on thy mercies , in holy word as thou hast saide . And in true faith will I remaine , and seeke thee ( being the true way ) Wherein who walkes , at length shall gaine , true blisse and happinesse for aye : Who this embraceth shall not erre , wherein who liues , shall neuer dye ; But weare a crowne past reason farre , and liue with God eternally . An Euening Meditation . O Most deare Lord Iesus , to whose euerlasting goodnes wee are daily engaged for all the good things we haue , which hast granted the cheerefull light of the day vnto all men , both good and bad , to follow their affaires and seuerall employments in : and mercifully giuest the sweete stilnesse of the night , to refresh their wearred bodies , and to put away the cares of their mindes , and to asswage their sorrowes wee ●…seech thee that those things 〈…〉 haue done amisse this day 〈…〉 our common imbecillit 〈…〉 gence , ignorance , or ●…g 〈…〉 rash and vnaduised presumpti●… 〈…〉 wherein we haue offended 〈…〉 cred eyes , they may be pa●… and forgiuen for thy 〈…〉 goodnesse sake , and according 〈…〉 the innumerable multitude 〈…〉 mercies . And grant herewithall that this night may be blessed and prosperous vnto vs , safe by thy protection ouer vs , and free from the dangerous illusions of wicked spirits : so as this refreshment by quiet rest and sleepe may make both our bodies and mindes more cheerefull to morow , and we the more enabled to doe thee seruice , and faithfully to follow those employments thou hast appointed for vs , blesse vs ô Lord , and water vs with the dew of thy blessings , and let the drops of thy Sonnes blood , shed for our sinnes , and yet crying for mercy , distill into my heart by a liuely Faith for the comfort of our soules , and the amendment of our sinfull liues , wee beseech thee , ô Lord , take from vs all manner of darkenesse , misbeleefe , infidelitie , carnall lustes and affections , and so strengthen vs with thy grace , that the Barke , of our weake Faith sinke not through the stormes of Sathans temptations : nor our hopes be ouer whelmed through the weight of our vnworthinesse , n●r any of thy good graces in vs extinguished or blemished by the waues of a wicked conuersation . Enter thy Iudgements into the tables of our hearts , that wee may bee content to spare of our ordinanary sleepe , to muse of all thy Cōmand●ments , and that wee may bee more earnest vpon the meditation of thy sacred word , then the Kings of the Nations haue beene to turne ouer their Records in the night season . Be mindfull of vs when wel appen to forget our selues , and think vpon vs , ô Lord , sleeping and waking . Keepe vs , O Lord , this night present , euen vs , and ours , that we bee neither disquieted by dreames , nor surprised by any sudden violence , nor affrighted by any terrour : but graunt vs this fredome & libertie , that wee may lye downe in peace and rest , and rise vp againe in due time , safely ; to the honour and glory of thy name , and the managing of our worldly businesse in thy feare , through Iesus Christ our onely Lord and Sauiour , Amen . A Prayer for Faith. O Lord our God , thou hast re●ea●ed in thy word , that the iust should liue by Faith , and that without ●aith it is impossible to please thee , and although a●… not faith , yet as many as are ordained to eternall life , by thy power and gift doe truely beleeue . O Lord , I doe beleeue , encrease my faith , and helpe my vnbeliefe ; and grant that through hearing & reading of thy Word , I may grow stronge in this grace , and encrease from faith to faith . And open my heart , O Lord , as thou didst Lydias , that I may beleeue the Word to be thy Word , and thy promises therein contained , to be giuen not vnto others but vnto me : And that when thy word saith , Beleeue and yee shall be saued , my heart may presently answer thee , Command or say what thou wilt , I beleeue Lord , not historically , but sincerely from the bottome of my heart , Lord helpe my vnbe●eefe . And , O heauenly Father , grant for thy Sonne , my Saviours sake , that when stormes of temptations shall fall vpon me , as on Peter on the water , yet beyond his example , hauing thy Word to support me , I may beleeue in thee ; and though with the eyes of my flesh , I see no hope , but that my faith may frustrate mee ; yet like Peter I may not sinke , but seeke for further helpe from thee : and being assured that euery word of promise is most certaine , let me still , aboue hope , and beyond hope , beleeue in thee : yea , and though with holy Iob thou kill my body , yet will I trust in thee , for I know thou wilt saue my spirit and vnite them againe , in the day of the Lord. Sweet Sauiour , whensoeuer I shall bee stung with the remembrance of my present , or passed sinnes , graunt I may like the faithfull ●sraelites in the wildernesse , looke vnto the pillar of thy Crosse on which thou suff●redst death for my sinnes , and through the vertue thereof apprehended by faith ( like the diseased Woman in her bloudy issue , and perishing griefe , ) with one glance and touch of sincere and iustifying Faith , be suppled , comforted , and cured , of my troubled spirit and wounded conscience : O heauenly Father grant that the oyle of Faith in mee , may neuer thorow temptation bee weakened , much lesse vtterly decayed ; but as the oyle in the widowes Cruse , through thy blessing , bee more and more encreased : this graunt for the honour of Iesus Christ my Lord and Sauiour . Amen . A Prayer for the Remission of sinnes , O Lord God in greatnesse infinite , in power omnipotent , in Counsell wonderfull , and in Iudgement t●rrible , Although 〈◊〉 miserable sinner , haue by thy iustice truely deserued everlasting damnation for my horrible sinnes , yet I bese●ch thee cast mee not away with th●m that haue not knowne thee , or such as forget God , or such as runne on in their wickednesse and neuer say what haue I done ; for I appeale from thy rightfull iustice , to thine vnspeakable mercy , and humbly cast downe my selfe , at thy feete , and confesse my sins , bese●ching and begging compassion and pardon : behold , O Lord , I am a piece of that purchase that cost so great a price , as the bloud of thy deare Sonne , my body and soule are the Temples of the holy Ghost , the postes whereof are sprinkled with his most precious bloud , which cryeth for mercy : And therfore enter not into the course of iudgement with me ( for there I know I shall bee ouerthrowne ) but forbeare mee , forgiue mee , and acquit me vpon that satisfaction which he hath made for penitent sinners . O Lord , though the stipend of my sinne be death , and the merit of my transgression , eternal perdition , yet is thy mercy aboue all thy iudgements , and thou canst forgiue more then I can offend ; Wherefore I pray thee set thy deare Sonnes Crosse and Passion betwixt thy iudgements and my soule : Looke vpon me with the eye of mercy and compassion , as thou didst vpon the sinnefull Woman at the banquet , and the Publican in the Temple , whole pardons are registred in thy Booke for my Comfort . O Lord bow downe the height of the Deitie , to behold my vilenesse and misery ( a liuely image of the prodigall Sonne ) who knew no other helpe but onely thee my most loving Father , whom I haue so highly offended ; powre the oyle of mercy into my defiled and fainting heart ; search it that I may not flatter my selfe to extenuate my sinne , cleanse it , and season it with the oyle of thy grace , to receive and retaine all goodnesse heereafter . Lord , I thanke thee for thy patience , and long suffering , that thou hast not suddenly ( after my desert ) taken vengeance on mee , but giuen mee a longer time of repentance : wherfore I beseech thee appease thine anger towards mee now , loose in me the workes of darkenesse , create in me a newe heart , and because thou expectest my amendement , that I may haue thy fauour ; I beseech thee graunt mee thy fauour , that I may amend : giue me grace to rep●nt vnfainedly with fasting , weeping , and mourning , and make my faith liuely to beleeue that I am forgiuen in Iesus Christ. Let not the faults of my Forefathers light vpon my head , who haue walked in their sinnefull steps , neither be angry with mee for their sakes ; but let the wel-doing of Iesus Christ , who hath shed his bloud for me , succour me and procure my pardon , for giue all my sinnes of youth and age , negligences and ignorances , thoughts , words , and deedes , and keepe mee from presumptuous sinnes . O Lord , looke not vpon the Pharisie , for he dissembleth , nor vpon the Publican first , for hee sayeth little for himselfe in outward shew , nor vpon Mary Magdalen onely , for she had but seuen deuills ; but looke vpon me , that of sinners am chiefe , worse then either Pharisie , Publicane , or Marie , who haue as many sinnes as haires vpon my head , and a greater clogge vpon my Conscience , then any burthen that man hath to beare , and doe therefore openly , earnestly , vnfainedly and continually call vpon thee . O Lord keepe vnder Satan that hee compell not my conscience to dispaire , quench all the euill motions of my minde , striuing against thy diuine pleasure , and restore in me the Image of thy Sonne , that I may liue in thy feare , dye in thy fauour , rest in thy peace , rise in thy power , and remaine in thy glory , for Iesus Christ his sake , our onely Lord and Sauiour . Amen . In this Meditation , the distressed humbly confesseth his sinnes , and the vanities of his former times , lewdly mispent ; and resolueth ( and exhorteth all others ) to returne vnto God with speedy , true and vnfained repentance . AN heart that 's broken and contrite , to God is a sweet sacrifice , Repentant sinners him delight , farre more then iust men in their eyes : What I haue bene , my God hath knowne , What I now am , the Lord doth see ; What I shall bee to him is showne , from him no secret kept can be . How I consum'd so many yeares , mispent so many months and dayes . Both houres and minutes all appeares , to God who markes my life and wayes : Time is the meane that all things tries , Time worketh what mens wits deuise . Time with his swiftnesse euer flyes , And Time in time will make men wise . Fly from me follies of my youth , packe hence my sinnes that burd'ned me , Welcome to me is Age and Truth , now I by faith in Christ will be : Whose sinnes doe make my heart to bleed , let them examples take by me Whose wickednesse all mens exceeds , come Lord in mercy : pardon me . Lord now let me depart in peace , I ●●ele thy rod , I finde thy loue : My paines doe grow , my ioyes encrease , this mercie comes from thee aboue : My sicknesse is a present meane , to heale and cure my wounds of sinne : Lord purge all my corruptions cleane , and let my death my life beginne . A Prayer for the forgiuenesse of Sinnes . ETernall God and louing Sauiour , before thy Baptisme , thou didst send Iohn the Baptist to preach remission of sins , through repentance and faith in thy name : And after thou wert Baptized , and entered into thy Ministrie , thou that didst exhort all that were weary , and laden with their sinnes , to come vnto thee , saying , that thou cammest to call sinners to repentance , and that the whole had no need of the Phisitian , but the sicke . Wherefore , o Lord , being deadly sicke , with the sence of my sinnes , and with the Samaritane wounded vnto death : I entreate thee in the teares of a sorrowfull heart , to wash me , not onely my hands , feete , and head , but also my heart from sinne . O Lord powre into my wounds the oyle of mercy , that it may pacifie and quiet my minde in thee . O Lord wash me with the bloud of thy Sonne , as with Hysop , for I haue with the Prodigall sonne , and Lost sheepe erred in the vanitie of my minde . But , ô Lord , as Philip found Nathaniel , when hee looked not for him ; So by true repentance , and hearty confession , let me be found of thee , and in thee , now seeking after thee . O Lord I thirst after thee , and for thee , wherefore send thy holy Spirit into mee , to mollifie and comfort my hard and vnrepentant heart . O Lord , it cannot by nature , enter into my minde , that I am so wretched a sinner , but by thy word as vnto Nichodemus , thou hast made me to see , that except by true repentance I be regenerat , and so , as it were , borne againe , I cannot enter into the Kingdome of heauen ; that is , possibly be saued . But , ô Lord , thou hast made me to know sinne , and how sinne became sinne , by the reuerent vse of thy word , for though there be sinne in vs , before the knowledge of thy Law , yet sinne without thy Law was not imputed : but thou hast giuen vs Christians , this thy law as a touchstone , to know sin , and that sinne is the transgression of the Law , for if there were no Law , there would be no transgression , wherefore thy Law which was ordained vnto me vnto life , by the search thereof , hath slaine mee vnto death , and made me immeasurably sinfull , for by the Law , thou hast made mee to know sinne , which by no other meanes I could know , or should euer haue found out , for how should I haue knowne lust to be sinne , if thou hadst not said I should not lust . Wherefore , O Lord , seeing it is so with me , that I doe the euill which I would not , and leaue vndone the good that I would , binde this strong man in mee , that though Sinne dwell in mee , yet hee may not raigne ouer or rule in mee , yea mortifie the wicked deeds of my flesh , by thy holy word , and mighty operation of thy spirit . O grant that by the dying of the Lord Iesus , sinne in all his kindes and force , may be subdued , and dye in me : lest that thereby I be made to come short of thy glory , which thou hast promised to all repentant sinners . Good God grant , that I may not yeeld my members , seruants vnto sinnes , but reserue them seruants vnto thee , in true righteousnesse and holinesse , all the dayes I haue to liue in this life . O Lord , as Ammon hated his sister Tamar , after hee had abused her with himselfe , and himselfe with her , so that hee could not abide ●ere , ( nor ( well might ) himselfe ) by reason of himselfe : giue mee grace , I may hate sinne , not onely after , but before it is committed with no lesse indignation then they did each other , and thou them both . O Lord let the old man that is in me , be so crucified with Christ in the power of his death , that I may henceforth be no more seruant vnto sinne , for that thou hast said , that a carnall man liuing in sinne , cannot please thee . O Lord giue me thy spirit that I may hate the things of the flesh , which are nothing but san against thee , and loue the things of thy spirit , as ioy in the holy Ghost , peace of conscience , long-suffering , patience in bearing , and forbearing wrongs , with faith and the like graces and fruits of thy most holy spirit . O Lord , seeing I haue , to the subduing of sin , desired the gift of thy holy spirit , let mee be carefull , by the vse of all holy meanes , to walke in the spirit . And seeing thou hast condemned sinne , in him that knew no sinne , for my sake , O Lord condemne it not in me againe ; and as the first birth is nothing but sinfull Adam , Lord graunt that by this my second birth , I may be a continuall liuing spirituall man in Christ : thus hauing confessed my sinnes with hearty sorrow , I beseech thee , for my Sauiour his sake , to forgiue me my sinne , and to strengthen mee all the dayes of my life to come , that with the man in the Gospell I may follow thy heauenly counsell and sinne no more , neither in action , affection , nor intention , lest this my confession and contrition should be in vaine , which , O Lord forbid , for thy Christ his sake . Amen . Amen . The Repentant complaineth of the grieuousnesse of his sinnes , and desireth mercie and pardon , and to be deliuered from Sinne , and the guilt and punishment thereof . HIdden , O Lord , are my most horrid sinnes , vnto the world , though open plain to thee , He neuer betters , that no time begins , corruption killeth all good thoughts in me . What sinne doth dwell in this vild flesh of ours , but doeth encrease like monsters huge in me , Committing them , both minuts , dayes & houres as swift as time , so fast grow they in me . Rent thine own flesh , & teare thy wretched haire , scrape clean corruptions marrow frō thy bones : Put out thine eyes , cut off thy tongue stop eares ; lame all thy senses , to kill sinne at once . I faine would walk , that know not how to creepe , I am opprest with such most hainous crimes : When I should walk , sin drowneth me with sleepe , for one good thought I sinne a thousand times . Sigh , O my soule , weepe , sorrow , and lament , and seeke for helpe , if any hope be left , Pray vnto Christ for grace thou mayst repent , before his merits from thee be bereft . Though by his rod , afflictions humble thee , and for thy sinnes thou suffer grieuous paine , Yet with his flesh he still vpholdeth thee , frō deepe despaire , in bliss with him to raigne . All glory be to God on high , and to his Son , our Sauiour wise and iust : To whom with ioy , still pray and sing will I , and to my Comforter the holy Ghost , Whose being was from all eternity , one Deitie distinct in persons three , According to the blessed Trinity , distinguisht to three , yet one in vnitie . Abba , ben , Ruach , sacred trinitie , one drop of Nectar Lord on me bestow , That glorious blood to cure sinnes miserie , that all mankinde thy loue to me may know . Let not sinnes hire , nor grieuous punishment be condemnation to my stained soule , Be pleased with Christ his all-sufficient payment , who ransom'd vs from sinnes eternall thralls . A prayer to be said on a Sunday morning , for the right sanctifying of the Sabbath . O Lord of Sabbath , that in the beginning after the finishing of the sixe dayes workes , in which by thy most mightie word , thou didst create the heauen and the earth , and produce all this wonderfull variety of things which wee perceiue euery day most admirably to be made , not onely in the sensible , but also in all insensible liuing things : of all which workes , thou hast caused man , chiefely to excell , hauing in him most curiously epitomised all the glory of this earthly fabrick , and for all this thy great goodnesse , thou hast done vnto him , hast onely required of him , that he in the contemplation of these created things , not only without , but within himselfe , might finde out thee , a louing Father and Creatour ; and doe vnto thee that high homage , that thou hast commanded on this day , not as slaues , and seruants , but as sonnes filled with all duty & obedience , which that wee might doe , thou hast charged vs , on the seuenth day to remember our Creatour , not onely by refraining our seruile labour , which in the sixe dayes thou hast appointed vs , but by leauing the wicked workes of darknesse , vnto which we are by nature , and wicked desires , so much addicted . O Lord graunt that I may sequester my selfe , this day vnto thy praise , not onely in thy holy Congregation , but in the secret cogitations of my heart . And graunt that euery word , or thing that I shall this day , heare with my eares , or see with my eyes , may be so digested in my soule , as fit subiects , out of which I may bee occasioned to magnifie thy praise and glory . O heauenly Father , graunt that all those Sabbath dayes which haue passed in my youth and manhood , while I knew thee not , may be now recalled , by double diligence , in the deuout hearing of thy Word , receiuing of the Sacraments , and calling vpon thy name , which on this day thou hast for euer commanded to bee done vnto thee in thy Church and holy Congregation . And , O Lord , let my heart depart , edified in thy most holy feare , not for the present while I am hearing , but for euer while I shall liue , and let some part of thy holy Word , which I shall heare expounded this day , abide in me , that at all times , when I shall haue occasion , or be called thereunto , I may bee fitted and furnished , to giue a full account , and reason , of the hope I haue in thee . O Lord , thy Apostles haue called this day , not now the seuenth day from the Creation , but the first day , and the Lords day , putting vs in mind of that high and admirable benefit of our Redemption , as on this day accomplished by his glorious resurrection , for the which wee can neuer rēder too much thanks , neither publick nor priuate . O Lord , make my heart like the good ground , mentioned in the Parable , that when it had receiued good seede , it brought forth , thirty , sixty , and an hundreth fold : so most sweet Sauiour graunt , that I may haue thy Word so deepely rooted , by the power of thy holy spirit , this day sent downe into my heart , that I may bring it forth in an hundreth fold , thy power in my saluation . And let it abide this day and euer in my soule , the most sweet sauour of life vnto life : O Lord driue from mee all impediments , arising from the thoughts of the world , the flesh and the deuill , by which Sathan laboureth , to frustrate in me , the sauing hearing of thy Word : and make me to heare thy precious Word with all reuerence and humility , not as the word of man , but as it is indeede the word of God. And seeing thou hast said , not the hearers of the law , but the doers of the law are iustified : O Lord make me a doer of the law . And as thou hast againe said , Blessed are yee , if ye doe these things . Wherefore Lord that I may bee capable of thy blessing , graunt that this day , when I haue heard , I may doe the things , and ( as thy blessed Mother ) pondered all thy sayings , and layd them vp in her heart , to remember them . O sweet Sauiour , helpe me this day and other dayes and times , so often as I shall heare thy word , or reade the same , that my memory may be so quicke and fresh , that I may retaine and remember all , that shal most especially concerne me : and not to be filled with idle knowledge , but with constant doing , that I may be accepted among those builders , that set their house vpon the rocke , most blessed Lord let me not be so simple , as to thinke my selfe blessed , by bare looking into thy law , by an outward conformity , in comming to thy Church to heare , lest in so doing , I become as a forgetfull hearer , that offers to thee a sacrifice of fooles , and so in sanctifying this thy Sabaoth so idely , thou cast mee out among the hypocrites , the chiefe profaners of the Sabbath in the burning lake , and vnquenchable fire . O Lord , let no wicked temptation of sathan , or of my flesh , enter into my minde in the hearing of thy Word , to make it vnsauourie , or bitter vnto my soule , but let it be this day and euer , more sweet vnto my soule , then honey vnto my lips . O Lord , let it be in some measure , my meate and drinke to doe thy will ; and graunt that I may this day , learne so much thereof , that I may become wiser then my Teachers , or those that regard not to keepe thy law , graunt all these my requests , most louing Lord , both to mee and all thine , this day and for euermore . Amen . Amen . A Prayer for godly zeale . O Lord , knowing that zeale doth sauour our knowledge , sweeten our vnderstanding , confirme our faith , and make acceptable all our sacrifices and seruices vnto thee ; and being a most excellent and perfect gift that commeth from thee , the Father of gifts , and how all thy seruants , Moses , Iosuah , Phineas , Sampson , Dauid , S. Paul , and Stephen , and all the rest of the Prophets and holy Martyrs , both ancient and late haue abounded herein . I doe prostrate and cast downe my selfe , before thy most high Maiestie : beseeching thee to giue mee this coale from thine Altar , that I may delight my soule to be talking , and singing thy continuall praise , and inflame my spirit , ( like the men that trauailed to Emmaus ) to be astonied in admiration and contemplation of thy exceeding loue . O God my Sauiour , let not my zeale be headie , preposterous , or ignorant zeale , that there with I may neither offend thee , disquiet thy Church , or afflict my selfe , as the Scribes and Pharisees in Ierusalem , and the Israelites in the absence of Moses , at mount Sinah : or as Saul in his Pharisaicall deuotion , giue me not knowledge without zeale , nor zeale without knowledge , and that all my vnderstanding in thy Word , may euermore bee mixed with true zeale : O let not my zeale be aboue knowledge , lest while I thinke to serue thee in the breath of charity , by the distemper thereof , I bee inforced to dishonour and blaspheme thee , as the blinde Heathen , ignorant Papists , or vndiscreete Protestants at this day doe . Graunt this , O Lord , for the honour of my Aduocate and Mediatour Iesus Christ. Amen . A feruent Prayer vnto God , that the repentant may finde fauour in Christ. ATtend vnto my teares , O Lord , regard my wofull moane : And seeke to saue me by thy Word , or I am ouerthrowne . For sinne doth so oppresse my minde , that I am damn'd to hell , Vnlesse by Christ I fauour finde , whose wounds must make me well . Cure thou my soule so sicke with sinne , by merits of thy Sonne : Marke not the estate that I liue in , but marke what he hath done . Most perfect hee ( though I be vilde ) to please when I offend : He sits with thee , ( though I exilde ) in glory to the end . My nature is inclin'd to euill , though his with good accord : My sences seeke to serue the deuill , his will to please the Lord. Wherefore , O God , that art most iust , in him my debts to pay : In his desert my soule doth trust thy wrath for to allay . O Father , full of knowledge deepe , thou searchest secrets of each heart ; Beholdst desires wee priuate keepe , with hidden silence in the darke : But yet thou doest thus much require , thy children should know and confesse : Thee for to be their lightsome fire , that iudgest their workes in righteousnesse . As thou hast fram'd in man a heart . wherewith his Maker to beleeue , A tongue , and lips , and euery part , wherewith he glory may thee giue . And thou doest chalenge at his hands , free sacrifice of prayers praise : And honours due throughout all lands , that all men canst deiect and raise . Thy Children must not in their minde be dumbe , nor in their tongues be mute , When they should seeke thy helpe to finde , and by petition shew their suite . Thy Sonne doth bid me aske and haue , and finde to seeke , to knock to enter . What they doe want , that they may craue , by faith in him they may aduenture . Thou still art ready to be found , and helpe thine owne in their distresse , That in their faith are constant found , and patient in their heauinesse . Therefore , deare Father , I beset with many miseries distrest : Come vnto thee thine ayde to get , and after trouble to finde rest . And haue thy Grace without , within : but I that am of sinners chiefe : Because thou hat'st in me my sinne , they doubt thou wilt not giue reliefe : Alas poore wretch what shall I doe ? to aske I am so farre vnfit , Vnapt , my God , to aske vnto , vnworthy to haue benefit . Of what I craue , or doe desire , and yet to cry I will not linne : Till thou doest send refining fire and purifie me from my sinne . A Prayer for the obtaining of Faith , Hope , and Charity , and all Christian vertues . O Lord , and Father of lights , from whom proceedeth euery good and perfect gift : I beseech thee to blesse mee with all spirituall blessings in heauenly things in Christ. Increase the little graine of my weake and feeble Faith , direct it to the true obiect , the merits of Christ Iesus , and let it not be bare and bad , but effectually working by loue . Make me strong therein , and constant to giue credit to thy Word without doubting , and protect mee among the diuers and manifold errors , sects , and heresies of this world that fight against the foundation . Lord let me not be disappointed of my hope which I haue in thee : but make good thy promises vnto mee , and so worke in my heart , that I may haue courage in conflict , patience in trouble , and comfort in all things . Keepe mee from insolencie and pride , and graunt mee true humility , and lowlinesse of minde , that I bee not puffed vp to contemne my brethren , but giue mee that due consideration of my owne vilenesse , and infirmities , that as dust and ashes I may tremble , and stand in awe of thy Iudgements , and as a sinfull man , esteeme better of others then my selfe . O deare Father , when Sathan shall accuse mee , my owne conscience beare witnesse against mee , the whole world forsake mee , and all things set themselues against mee for my sinnes ; then strengthen mee in thy Faith , that I fall not from thee : inflame my cold heart with the vnfained affection of heauenly loue , that I may loue thee ( O blessed Trinity ) withall that I haue , aboue all , & my neighbour as my selfe . Graunt me a compassionate and a charitable minde , to helpe and succour others to my ability , to forbeare and forgiue them though they bee mine enemies . Inflame me with loue and charity towards all men , to forgiue and forget , to doe good , to pray for them , that I may follow the steps of my Sauiour : open the eyes of my vnderstanding , and helpe me to examine my selfe , concerning my knowledge , faith , and repentance : send me the hunger and thirst after righteousnesse , and make mee verily and fully partaker of all the benefits of that bitter passion of my Lord & Sauiour Iesus Christ , To whom with thee and thy most holy Spirit , be all honour and glory , this day and for euermore . Amen . Amen . The sighes and meditations of an afflicted conscience . O Most mercifull God , which by the sending of thy Sonne into the world , hast brought to passe , that where sinne abounded , there grace abounded much more , I forlorne wretch disquieted in minde and afflicted in conscience , for feare of thy Iudgements vpon my sinne , doe with bended knees and teares vnfained , a most humble Suppliant , begge and craue of thee some succour and reliefe ; open , open the gates of thy mercies to the greatnesse of my miseries : my abiect countenance witnesseth my distressed minde . My spirit is sorrowfull , my heart is heauie , my words are stopt with sighes , and my plants watered with teares : to thee I hold vp my hands , to thee I lift vp my heart , to thee 〈◊〉 pray , requiring thee of mercie , O Lord , what shall I desire of ●hee , that deserue nothing at thy ●ands ? What can I hope for that ●m euen heartlesse ? Lord , if thou ●ast said , Shall not my soule be ●uenged on such a one as this ? remember thy promise elsewhere ; I will haue mercy on him that could finde no mercy , and let it light vpon me : if Sathan prefume that GOD hath forsaken him , thinke vpon the decree for the seede of the woman , and let the power of thy sonnes passion , defeat all the deuises of the deuill against me . O Lord heare me speedily : if thou doe not , I shall be helplesse and hopelesse , for my conscience accuseth mee , my memory giues euidence against me , and my reason condemneth me . My spirit is weary of this bondage , and I haue bid my life farewell . My conscience is clogged , when I behold the bloudy wounds of my soule the voyce of ioy and mirth 〈◊〉 gone from me , I am deepely plu●ged in discomfort , I haue neithe● worth to appease thy wrath , no patience to endure thine indigna●tion . I pray thee therefore sen● the comfort of thy holy Spirit i● to my heart , and strengthen my faith , that I be not swallowed vp with ouer much heauinesse . O Lord , let thy maiestie appeare in thy mercy , forgiue my sinnes , the vnhappy ground of all this woe , and I am recouered of all mine infirmities . Try not the law with me , lest I come to Iudgement , sanctifie all those good meanes vnto me wherein I seeke reliefe , as prayer , reading , and hearing of thy holy Word : moderate and mittigate my vexation , encrease faith , establish hope , graunt patience , and keepe me from dispaire . Take away this Cup from mee if it be thy will , if not , suffer me not to be tempted aboue my strength , I haue an humbled and contri●e heart ( O Lord ) looke vpon me : I goe mourning all the day long , & am like to him that is at the point ●o dye . O Lord comfort me , thou ●hat wilt not breake a bruised ●eed , spare me , thou that deligh●est not in the death of a sinner , reuiue mee , though my heart condemne me , yet good Lord acquite mee , relieue mee , release mee , say vnto my soule , I am thy saluation . Hearken Lord vnto my Prayer , and graunt my requests , for Iesus Christs sake . Amen , The distressed prayeth to be sanctified , and to enioy the renued graces of regeneration . O Lord , me throughly sanctifie , vntye my tongue , open my lips : I cannot silence keepe , for why my conscience euery houre me whips . My miseries growe more and more , within my bones I finde no rest : Thy grace a-new to me restore , and let me speake what likes thee best . Let thine eares euer be enclinde , to my extreame and dolefull cries : Let me thy mercies ready finde , to take my teares from weeping eyes . Thou euermore do'st heare the cries , of all that feare thy holy name ; And com●ortst them with thy mercies , that trust in thee , and begge the same . Their soules thou doest from death defend , and cheeres their heart in time of neede : To me therefore thy comforts send , and giue thy helpe with louing speede : Thy seruants cannot hold their tongue , though oft they muse , and cannot see : Why th●i● afflictions last so long , and they for mercy ●rie to thee . Till at the length the fire of zeale , doth kindle , then it out must breake : Tongue cannot hold , but must reueale , their groanes , & gri●fes , & needs must speake , To shew their hope which like to fire , none can suppresse when they beleeue . T will pearce the cloudes , to thee aspire , yet thou doest seeme no helpe to giue . At last thy goodnesse doth appeare , and thou embracest him with ●…y : Time of del●uerance draweth neere , and thou Lord freedst him from annoy : Good God how commeth this to passe , that I so long haue sought to thee : And thou still seem'st to hide thy face , and keep'st thy graces still from mee . How long haue I vnto thee pray'd , and thou seem'st not to giue me eare : This makes mine heart and thoughts afraid , ready to faint with deepe despaire . I ready was for to surcease , the suite which I so long had sought , Made vnto thee , for to appease thy wrath by Christ that hath me bought . O Lord my God thy promises , and louing kindnesse onely feede And comfort me in heauinesse , with neuer dying hope in neede , I know expected time will come , when thou for getting all my sinne , W●lt see my sorrowes , all and some , and free the bondage I am in . A Prayer in affliction or aduersity . MOst mercifull Redeemer , which art alwayes full of compassion , thou art alwayes our preseruer , whether thou sendest vs aduersity or prosperity , for great is thy mercy and compassion , in that thou healest the inward man by outward afflictions , as it were by bitter medicines , and preparest vs to euerlasting ioyes , by temporall troubles . And forasmuch as thou thy selfe hast traced vs out this true way to felicity by thine owne footesteps : graunt that I may patiently and obediently drink this cup , which thou reachest vnto me . Grieuous indeede are these things vnto my nature , but yet thou hast suffered grienouser things for mee : and I haue deserued farre grieuouser things then these , for I haue deserued hell fire . Notwithstanding , ●hou knowest the frailtie of mans estate ; and therefore like the mercifull Samaritane , thou powrest wine into our wounds , which maketh our vices to smart , but yet thou alayest it with the oyle of thy comfort . If thou think meet to encrease our griefes , encrease thou also the gift of patience , and graunt that these afflictions may turne vs to the amendment of our sinfull deedes : or if thy fatherly louing kindnesse thinke this thy gentle chastisement to be sufficient : let this storme●p●sse , that although heauinesse endure for a night , a moment , ioy may come in the morning ; graunt vnto vs in both respects a reuerent thankfulnesse , as well for amending and reforming thy vnprofitable s●ruant by gentlenesse ; as also for that thou hast remooued the cup of affliction , or allayed the bitternesse of it , by the sweetnesse of thy mercie . To thee therefore bee thankes and praise for euer . Amen . Amen . Meditations vpon the passion of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ. VVHat man is this , whom I behold all bloudie , bowing down his head for weaknesse towards his shoulders , his body all tormented with s●ourges , stripes , & grieous wounds , crowned with a Garland of thornes , pricking and piercing to the braine , and thus fastned to an ignominious Crosse ? What heauie or haynous crime hath hee done , to deserue this intollerable and vnspeakeable torment ? What Iudge could bee so cruell to sentence him to it ? or what remorcelesse or mercilesse Executioners could be found to deale so outragiously with this tender and peerelesse body . Notwithstanding the deformity of these bloudie wounds , yet is this matchlesse body fairer then the Sonnes of men . Surely it is Iesus Christ the Sonne of the liuing God : Oh hee is my Lord and Sauiour Iesus that is thus crucified for my sin , and for my sake . Oh , art thou he that excellest all men in beauty 〈◊〉 in whose lippes was neuer fou●… guile , and from whom proceeded such gracious words as neuer man spake ? where then is that beauty of thine ? where is that grace of thy lippes ? Oh , I see it not , I finde it not , fleshly eyes conceiue not so great a mysterie : open thou the eyes of my minde , bring thy diuine light neerer vnto me , and bring mee powerfully and more seriously to behold thee in this thine agony and passion . I see it is Iesus the Son of God , the vnspotted Lambe , without sinne , without fault , without offence , which tooke my wickednesse vpon him , to the intent that I being set free from sinne , might bee brought againe into Gods fauour , rise againe from my fall : returne home againe from banishment , and attaine the end for which I was created : that which I deserued , he suffered , and that which I could neuer attaine vnto , ●e giueth . O my Redeemer , deliuerer , and Sauiour , draw me to thee , that being alwaies mindfull of thy death , trusting alwayes in thy goodnes , and being alwayes thankfull for thy vnspeakeable benefits , I may bee made partaker of so great reward , and not bee seperated from thee , through mine owne vnthankfulnesse : Oh let not thy most humble inuestment of humanity bee in vaine in respect of me , nor thy vnspeakeable ( and by thee alone endured ) torments be in-effectuall , but valuable and all-sufficient for the eternall saluation of my soule and body : whom thou hast redeemed and sanctified with that thy most glorious and inestimable blood , shed at the time of Passion vpon the Crosse. 2. Oh , I behold thee , crucified for my soule : Oh that thou wouldest also crucifie mee with thee , that I might vtterly die in all carnall affections , and so liue to thee , or rather my sweet Sauiour thou in me , then should I rest perfectly assured ( as by faith in thee and thy promises I doe ) to liue in thee , and to arise by thee and with thee to life euerlasting : thy flesh is crucified , O Christ : crucifie thou the power of sinne that raigneth in mee : graunt I may put off the old man , and vtterly abollish the whole body of sinne , and be freed from all wickednesse , vnbeliefe , hardnesse of heart , and dominion of all manner sinne and Sathan . Let thy yoke become sweet , and thy burthen lightsome to mee , through thy most grieuous Passion . 3. O most high & mighty singular obedience , where-through thou diddest submit thy selfe to innumerable torments , yea euen to a most grieuous , most bitter and most reproachfull death , because thy heauenly Father ( for the Redemption of mankinde ) had decreed it so . O splendour and brightnesse of thy Fathers glory , O Sun of righteousnesse , alwayes shining full of grace and glory , shew vs where thou feedest in the heat of the day , and where thou shrowdest thy Sheepe from the colde , and thy little Lambes from the stormes of thy Fathers burning wrath and fearefull indignation : Oh that wee might bee transformed into that liuely and sensible Image of thy Passion , that wee might alwayes dwell in thee , and thou in our hearts by faith , rooted , and grounded in charity , so as wee might with all thy holy ones , comprehend the length , bredth , height , & ●eepnes of thine agony & bitter passion . 4. I see a wonderfull kinde of loue , thy highnesse boweth down the head , that wee might be certainely assured that thou wilt graciously heare vs and helpe vs , thou offerest the kisse of reconciliation and attonement , yea and that of thine owne accord , being the party grieued and wronged , vnto vs that haue done the wrong . Thou reachest out thine armes to embrace vs : thou stretchest out thy bored hands to giue vs all things abundantly without holding any thing back : thy side is open to thine heart to receiue vs in thither , if wee will enter in at the open dore , thy feete are fast nailed to the intent , that wee may know thou wilt neuer depart from vs , if wee depart not from thee . O Father and Lord of ours , thou seest the hardnesse of our heart , and much rather the dulnesse of it . It is not enough for vs to bee allured and called so gently , so sweetly , and so louingly ; but thou must bee faigne euen to draw vs , pull vs , and violently hale vs vnto thee : create new and obedient hearts in vs , for this wee haue is more vngentle then the cursed Iewes , and more hard then the stones that cloue in compassion of thine innocent and yet most cruell Passion . 5. O Lord Iesus Christ , the euerlasting sweetnesse , and triumph of them that loue thee , exceeding all ioy and all longing , thou sauer and louer of repentant sinners , which doest acknowledge thy delight to be among the children of men , and therefore in the end of times becammest man for mans sake : Remember all the sorrowes which thou didst endure , euen from the instant of thy conception in thy humane nature , and from thy cradle to thy crosse . Remember the bitter sorrow which thou didst suffer and endure when thou saydest , My soule is heauy euen vnto death . And at the institution of the commemoration of thy death , when thou didst wash thy Disciples feete , & comforting them sweetly , toldest them of thy Passion that was at hand : Remember the sorrow , anguish , and griefe , which thou didst suffer throughout thy whole tender body , before thy suffering vpon the Crosse , at such time as after thrice praying , thou didst sweat water like to blood , was betrayed by one of thine owne Disciples , apprehended by thine owne chosen people , accused by false witnesses , condemned wrongfully by three Iudges in thy chosen Citie , at the time of the Passeouer , in the flourishing youth of thy body : and being vtterly guiltlesse , was deliuered to the cruell Iewes , bespetted , stript out of thine owne garment , cloathed with another bodies apparell , buffeted , blinde-folded , and smitten with sinfull fists , bound , scourged , and crowned with thornes . 6. O most sweet Iesus , I beseech thee make mee mindfull of these thy paines and sufferings which thou hast endured for my sinnes , that I might bee discharged , and set free from them , and my reconciliation and peace bee made with thy Father through thy chastisement , by whose sorrowfull stripes wee are healed : make mee to abhor all such hatefull sinne , and cursed disobedience , which could not be put away , without thy so grieuous punishments . Make me to be heartily sorrie , for my sinfulnesse , and to eschue mine offences , which draw thee to the suffering of so great torments : make mee mindfull of thy great loue to me , and to all mankinde , and let the infinitenesse thereof kindle an vnfaigned loue in me towards thee and my neighbour . Let this thy vnmeasurable goodnesse breede in me a willing minde , and desire to abide all things patiently for thy sake , and for the truth of thy Gospell : And let it ingender in mee , a despising of all worldly and earthly things , and an earnestly longing , and endeauour to attaine to the heauenly inheritance for the purchasing whereof vnto me , and for the bringing of mee thereunto , thou hast indured these , & al other thy most bitter , and intollerable torments , at the time of thine agony and passion . Wherefore I beseech thee grant me true repentance , amendment of life , perseuerance in all goodnesse , a stedfast faith , and a happy death through the merits of thy sufferings , that I may a so bee made partaker of thy blessed Resurrection . Amen . 7. O Lord Iesus , the very freedome of the Angels , and the pleasure of Paradise , remember the terrour and griefe which thou didst endure at the time , when as all thine enemies stood round about thee like a sort of roaring Lyons , vexing thee with buffetings , spettings , scratchings , and other intollerable dealings , and martvring thee with reproachfull words , grieuous stripes , and most grieuous torments . I beseech thee , O Lord , for thine owne sake , and for thy exceeding great mercies sake , which caused thee to endure and suffer these things , for our redemption ; deliuer mee from all mine enemies , visible and inuisible , and graunt that I may finde protection in this life , and endlesse felicity in the life to come . Amen . Amen . O Lord , the Creatour and framer of the world , whom no measure can comprehend within bounds , and which holdest the earth in thine hand ; call to minde thy most bitter paine which thou didst endure , when they nayled thy most holy hands to the Cross , and likewise pearced through thy most tender feete , making thy wounds still more and more painfull , and so drawing and stretching out thy body to the length and breadth of the crosse : I beseech thee graunt that my continuall minding of this thy most holy and bitter paines vpon the Crosse , may also cause me to stand in awe of thee , and also to loue thee with an vnquenchable loue . 8. O Iesus , the heauenly Phisitian , remember the anguish , paine , and griefe , which thou diddest suffer by the renting , crucifying , & tearing of all the parts of thy body , when thou wert lifted vp , and nayled to the Crosse : insomuch as there was not any one of them whole and vnbruised , so that there was neuer any paine found like vnto thine : for there was not any place of thee left whole , from the sole of the foote , to the crowne of the head , and yet euen then ( vnmindfull of all thy paines ) thou prayedst earnestly and mildly for thine enemies , saying : Father , forgiue them , for they know not what they doe , I beseech thee by thy louing kindnes and mercie , which caused thee to suffer these paines for my sake , let thy passion be the full satisfaction , absolution , and pardon for all my sinnes . Amen . 9. O Iesus , the mirrour of eternall brightnesse , and fountaine of vnconsumeable goodnesse , which crucifying vpō the Cross , didst thirst for the saluation of mankinde . I beseech thee kindle in vs the desire of all good works , & quench in vs the thirst and concupiscence of all fleshly lusts , and both coole and kill in vs the loue of all worldly delight . O Princely Iesus , the strength and triumph of our minds , which for our sakes didst suffer such anguish of heart , that the bitternesse of thy death , and the exclamation of the Iewes , vpbraiding and reuiling thee , made thee to cry out with a loude voyce : O God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me ? I beseech thee forsake mee not in my distresse ; but bee at hand to comfort mee , and deliuer me , especially at the time of death . O Iesu , the bottomlesse sea of all mercy , I beseech thee by the deepe wounds , which pearced through thy flesh , into the marrow of thy bones , and into the very bowels of thee ; pull me out of the gulph of my sinnes , and hide mee in the holes of thy wounds , from the sight of thy Fathers iust wrath , vntill his displeasure be ouer-past . 10. O Lord , the mirrour of truth , the standard of vnity , and the bond of charity , remember thine innumerable wounds wherwith thou wert torne from top to toe by the wicked Iewes , so that thou wert all on a gore blood : which torment thou didst suffer in that most holy body of thine for our sakes : O most sweet and milde Iesus , leauing nothing vndone on thy behalfe , that might be for our benefit . I beseech thee write the memoriall of these thy bloody wounds in my heart , with thy most pretious blood , that in them I may reade thy great loue towards mee : let the remembrance of them be layd vp continually in the closet of my heart , that the consideration of the paines and griefes which thou sufferedst for my sake in thy passion , may make mee to loue thee more and more , and neuer to giue ouer , vntill I be come vnto the treasure of all goodnesse & ioyes , which I beseech thee to graunt me for thine owne sake , O most sweet Iesus . Amen . 11. O Iesu , the onely begotten Sonne of the heauenly Father , and the brightnesse and Image of his substance , remember thy heartie commending of thy spirit into thy Fathers hands , when hauing thy body all torne , and thy heart full of anguish , and sorrow , and the curse of our bloody sinnes pressed thee euen to the death , and to the expiration of thy humane soule . I beseech thee for this thy pretious deaths sake , O King of Saints , giue mee strength to withstand the deuill , the world and the flesh , that being dead to the world , I may liue onely vnto thee : And whensoeuer this wayfaring and banished poore soule of mine , shall depart hence , I beseech thee receiue it home into the hands and protection of thy mercy , and graunt it may be deare and pretious in thy sight , and liue and remaine with thee in glory for euermore . Amen . 12. O Iesus , the true & fruitfull vine , remember the abundant flowing out , and shedding of thy blood , which thou didst send out of thy body most plentifully , as out of Grapes , pressed at the wine-presse , at which time as thou didst tread the wine-fatte alone , and begannest to vs of the cup of water and wine , which streamed forth out of thy most glorious side . I beseech thee O most sweet Iesus , by this most bitter death of thine , and by the shedding of thy most pretious blood : wound my heart with such repentance of my sinnes , and ●oy of thy loue , as my teares may be my food , day and night . Turne ●hou mee wholy vnto thee , that my heart may dwell with thee continually , and my conuersation be acceptable vnto thee : And let my life bee such , through thy goodnesse , as I may praise thee ●or euer , with all thy Saints in the ●ife to come . Amen . O Lord Iesus Christ , the Son of the liuing God , who thirsting ●or the full accomplishment of mans redemption , didst taste of ●he vinegar and gall despightfully offered vnto thee , and diddest dy●ng vpon the Crosse , commend ●hy spirit into the hands of thy heauenly Father : So doe I betake my soule into thy mercifull hands , beseeching thee both to preserue it here from all sinne , and in the end to receiue it in peace into the company of thy chosen that are departed , that I may with them praise thee euerlastingly , which liuest and raignest with the Father and the holy Spirit , coequall and coeternall , one glorious , wonderfull , and immortall God , for euer and euer . Amen Amen . In the pangues of death , and in all tribulations , the Remedies to be learned in the sufferings of Christ. VVHat 's death ? a seperation of mortall body from our breath , What 's that ? but a cessation , from cares , and from a liuing death . What 's that cessation ? Why , it is a sleepe , by which we wholly are refreshed : Yea but in sleepe , who shall vs keepe ? euen he that guards his owne redeemed . But who made death ? it was made by sinne , and what is sinne ? the lawes transgression : Of that how should I vantage winne ? all sinne is weakened by confession . But by death's dint , 't is ouercome , and whence came sinne ? from hell beneath ? When was 't first bred ? in Mothers wombe : when will it end ? not till our death . This seemeth strange , but this is true , by nature sinne is hatch'd in vs , Old Adams Rules , till God renue . Why then I see the case stands thus . As sinne goes in , so life goes out : as sinne goes out , so life comes in : So by the Lord 't is brought about , sinne conquers life , life conquers sinne . Though life by sinne be still annoy'd . and sinne of death by strength and sting : Yet viprous sinne by death 's destroy'd , life killeth death , when death kills sinne , The death of body , or of nature , is that where to all subiect bee : Cause sinne hath taintod euery creature , according vnto Gods decree . When bodies life doth ●ade away , and we giue vp our dying ghost : And th●… our corpes is clad in clay , and vnto God our soul●s doth post : It is ordained and decreed , that all men by necessity , Through that first Adams sinfull deede , are subiect , made the death to dye . To dye for sinne , 't is due for sinne , to aye in sinne a heauie case , To dye to sinne is to beginne , to leaue our sinne and liue to grace ; The death in sinne without repenting , in affect , effect , and aspecting In thinking , doing , and frequenting , and offered grace of God reiecting . I wretched wofull execrable , haue plague of God , by sinne , for sinne , Of miseries most miserable , to them that liue and dye therein : But he that dies , before he dies , when he is dead , he is not dead , But old age dies , and he shall rise , with glory from the graue his bed . And he that 's toucht with conscience pricke , whose sence of sinne is sharpe and quicke , That man is sicke ere he is sicke , and when he 's sicke , he is not sicke . I looke poore wretch on mine estate , and others monish by mine harmes : That was neere death but now of late , by sinne enchanted by her charmes . Had I not dyed , sure I had dide , O happy Phaenix liuing death , Still let my flesh be mortifide , O let me breath a liuing breath . Sweet Iesus thou didst dye for me , and in thy death with thee I dide , O liue in me , and I in thee shall liue , and euermore abide . And wormes meate thou , durt , clay & slime , kill carnall lust thy soule to saue : Quaile vild affections , whilst hast time , that life through death , by grace maist haue : Shake hands with sinnes and all offences , and learne to dye , before thou dye . When bidst adiew vnto thy sences , then shalt thou liue eternally . The cause of death . The cause of death is wicked sinne , for out of sinne , our death did flowe : From thence did all our plagues begin out of this tree , our ills did growe . Hunger , fire , death , and all , created were for punishment : And layd on man for Adams fall , and was the cause of our torment . God said to Adam , Scripture saith , what houre soeuer thou shalt eate , Thou shalt be sure to dye the death ; doe thou not taste forbidden meate : Through enuious malice of the deuill , into the world came this estate : Sinnes entered with all actions euill by Adams fault , not by our Fate . Two sorts of death , from death by sinne , proceedes as effects from their cause : The death of nature , doth begin , and death of grace next by Gods lawes . By which we are made slaues for euer in darknesse , called death eternall : From worme of conscience freed neuer , depriu'd of all the ioyes supernall . As by example euident , two sorts of death approued well : The glutton rich to hell was sent , his body buried quick in hell . And Lazarus poore beggar dead , to Abrahams bosome carried is : With Angels wings with glory spread , where is true ioy , and comforts blisse : The one hath heauen , the other hell , the one hath blisse , the other bale : The one in heauen still must dwell , and the other deuils pull and hale . He died with his conscience euill , in death he sawe his wickednesse : And his damnations with the deuill , as holy Scriptures doe expresse , This is the consolation great , of them that in their death-beds lie , Their mindes flie vp to the mercy seate , and there for mercy lowdly crie : By Christ which death abollished , and sinne that 's cleans'd by his blood : Whose merits , pardon purchased for all our sinnes , and death withstood . To vs his goodnesse is imputed , to him the sinnes that we committed : And we for righteous are reputed , and all our sinnes they are remitted : For he alone by death hath bought vs from power and paine , of deuill , of hell : Beat Sathan downe with iron rod , to place where damned spirits dwell . Eternall death could not preuaile , 'gainst him , nor ouer him haue power : Christ strengthned those whom sinne did quaile ; his might ; the mighty did deuoure . O're death , o're sinne and hideous hell , he gaue vs life and victory : To all those that keepe his precepts well , and them enstalls in endlesse glory . For as by Adam all men dyed , for sinne and by iniquity : In Christ shall all men be reuiu'd , to liue with him eternally : The godly and iust people haue most comfort , though with paine and griefe : They suffer death , and lye in graue , and seeme forsaken saue reliefe . They are sheepe which men ordaine , to death and slaughter to be put : As silly guiltlesse Lambes are slaine , when Butchers knifes their threats doe cut : For we which liue shall giuen be , to death , for Jesus Christ his sake , If they doe not dispaire in thee , no feare of death can cause them quake . But rest assured they shall passe , through death to life eternally : Who aske for mercy and for grace , and vnto God for Faith doe cry . They suffer both his hand and rod , and when he strikes , are patieut : They put their hope , and trust in God , who comforts them with hearts content . Their death is good and of great price , they also know through Christ his passion : Death 's ouercome in wonderous wise , and so receiue they consolation . If any touch'd in latest paines of dire full death this faith holds fast , In midst of death his li●t attaines , and shall haue lasting life at last : The Christians surely doe beleeue , that when they seeme to be most dead , That then they most of all doe liue , and so with ioy lift vp their head , Christ calls the death of godly men a sleepe , his owne a death , and why ? The souldiers speare was made a pen , his blood the Inke to write thereby Quietus est , for-Christians all , and then the same to vs was sealed : A sleepe he iustly may it call , cause by his stripes our wounds were healed . His was a death , cause death was due , in him di'd all , he died for all : Gods Iustice vs to death doth sue , he pay'd it , and repair'd the fall , That we might sleepe , he suffered paines , that we might laugh he oft did weepe : His was the losse , ours was the gaines , thus did he change death to a sleepe . To Christ did Stephen yeeld vp his spirit , for he 's the way , the truth , the life : He purchast life by death and merit : the husband's he , the Church his wife : He is that Noah , his Church the Doue , that holds his hand for to receiue vs ; He bids vs come to embrace his Loue , we flye to him when all deceiues vs. The heauens , the earth , the Lord commands , to him all creatures runne but wee : None can vs take out of his hands , in life and death to him we flee . Pillar of faith : Basis of blisse , of true Religion , true supporter , The point of Resurrection is , in death it is the chiefe Comforter , If this doe fall , all faith may faile , what Article doth vs refresh : When life , and health , and strength doth quaile , the Resurrection of the flesh . Our bones shall blossome as the grasse , we shall be raised out of dust : The body that before time was , by Christ his power arise it must : The first fruits Christ the head is rais'd , the members shall the same likewise : The Lord God for the same be prais'd , we know that we shall also rise . If he ad aboue the water be , how can the body then be drowned , We shall arise , and Iesus see , and with him shall be Kingly crowned . Of life and death the true directour , who in his life and in his dying , Of our misdoing is Correctour , and into all our actions prying . Christ is afflicted for our sake , left vs example that we should Follow his steps , and his way take , thy crosse to beare with courage bold . Our Sauiour Iesus teacheth thee , how can that be ( say'st thou ) behold Example , if thou punish'd be , with sicknesse , hunger , thirst and cold : With thy selfe reckon and account , how it cannot compared be With his thornes , his nayles surmount , the greatest paine that paineth thee . Art thou restrain'd of thy desire , and lusts that draw thou know'st not whither : Thinke on Christs Crosse , his wrath and ire , and put his tortures all together . If pride puffe vp thy minde with motions , looke on Christ nayl'd on the Crosse : And thinke as bound by due deuotions , of our great gaine , by his great losse . If thou in filthy lust doest burne , or any other ill desire : Thinke but how Christ his flesh was torne , to saue thy soule from flames of fire . With stripes thrust through , and all to broken his drinke was Eysell mixt with gall , With his last gaspe , the earth was shaken , who suffered for the sinnes of all . If enuie , hate , reuenge thee grieue , thinke with thy selfe how Christ did pray : O Father , doe them all forgiue , for them that tooke his life away . God vs commanded to forgiue , and sayeth then we shall be forgiuen : Without offence no man can liue , and God his ballance hangeth euen . He ●hat doth not forgiue his brother , will then the Lord his faults remit : No , as he de●…h with another , another shall repay , 't is sit . And when you kneele to God , and pray , forgiue , if you haue any thing Gainst any liuing man that day , that Christ may you remission bring : And when thy gift thou do'st present , and on the Altar sacrifice : First with thy brother make consent , and him forgiue in any wise , When thou to Christ wast enemie , and strengthened in great extreames : Yet then did he giue remedie , and o're thee spread his mercy beames : He gaue to thee his holy spirit , to guide and leade thy soule aright : And gaue thee heauen there to inherit , all ioyes and blisse aye in his sight . When thou from him was gone astray , be sought thee out , and did thee finde , And finding thee , brought thee away , vnto his fold he thee resignde : Thanke God therefore , and render praise , exalt and laude his holy name : Vnto the heauens sing alwayes : All men on earth doe yee the same . Henceforth my soule walke in his path , and erre not from him any more : Lest thou prouoke his heauy wrath , and then art worse then wert before . Let not Gods gifts be giuen thee , to worke thy condemnation : With feare and trembling walke sincere , confirming thy Saluation . Shunne thou all wicked Company , with doers ill associate not : Lest thou from faith should'st fall and 〈◊〉 , and soule and body soile and spot . But blesse his name who called thee , vnto the state of righteousnesse , And thy sinnes vengeance tane hath he , to giue thee heauens happinesse . Blesse thou his blessed Holinesse , his praise let heart and minde record : And let thy tongue and voyce confesse , the gracious goodnesse of the Lord , Prostrate thy selfe downe at his feete , offer thy seruice with free heart : O yeeld God all , for 't is most meete , since he made , sau'd , and blest each part . Who spared not his onely Sonne , but let him dye thy soule to saue : To pay and ransome thy faults done , and to redeeme thee from the graue : So in the Prayer of our Lord , we doe forgiue what 's done against vs : As God forgiuenesse shall afford , our Sauiour Christ doth teach vs thus . A Prayer to beare patiently the Crosse of Christ or any affliction : And if God so please to call vs to that triall , euen to reioyce in Martyrdome . O Almighty God , most mercifull and louing Father , that hast decrced , that through manifold tribulations and afflictions in this world , we that trust in thee , must enter into the Kingdome of heauen . And those that will follow thee my Sauiour , and be thy Disciples , must take vpon them by the constraint of the world , as Simon of Cyrene to beare thy Crosse , and to follow thee , and those that liue godly in thy Son , must suffer reproach and affliction . And that there is neuer a Son whom thou louest , but must like Peter drinke of thy Cup , and endure chastening . And in so doing , thou offerest thy selfe an assured louing Father , and assurest vs that wee are thy sonnes : because it is giuen vs , not onely to beleeue in thee , but also that wee should suffer for his names sake . O Lord , I am willing not onely to liue with thee , but also to dye with thee . My Spirit is willing , though my flesh bee weake . Wherefore if it bee possible , let this bitter Cup passe from me , or if thou please , and hast appointed , that I by death should glorifie thee , and with my blood seale and confirme thy truth : sweet Iesus giue mee strength , comfort , and patience , blessed be thy name , and thy most holy will be done . O Lord manifest thy power in my weakenesse , and strengthen me , that I may by the same power , whereby thou raisest thy selfe from death to life , patiently beare , and willingly suffer that for thy name sake , which otherwise for flesh and blood seemeth fearefull to be endured : O Lord , when I consider the hazards that wee runne through , for the obtaining of these present profits , and delights of this life , and with what vnwearied paines wee prosecute the winning of this worlds vanities , that in the end are nothing worth , but to pamper the body , and make it vpon euery slight occasion most willing to deny thee . O Lord , when I consider the pleasure of this world , and the abundance of content I haue in this life , wanting nothing for my bodie . Oh what a Coward doth it make mee , that with the young man , that was most ready to follow thee ; yet when thou biddest him sell all his worldly riches , and follow thee , ( O simple man ) hee neuer came at thee more : So me thinkes I feele Sathan to say vnto me ; What a foole art thou to leaue father , or m●ther , wife , and children , houses , lands , & goo●s , a certainty for an vncertainty to follow thee . O Lord , how am I tempted by the Papists , the Enemies of the Gospell , to think this way foolishnesse , a Sect and heresie lately risen , and seperated from the Church , meaning themselues . Oh how they doe tempt mee by the examples of my ●ore-fathers , that for many gen●rations , time out of minde , haue liued and died in the Romish Religion , and why should I thinke my selfe wiser then they . O heauenly Father , see and behold these subtill instruments of Sathan , and keepe me that these crafty baytes of Sathan arising from the flesh and the world , preuaile not ouer me , ( that like Peter in the water ) or the young man I let goe my true faith , not to beleeue in lyes and errours , and so finally forsake thee , who hath so dearely loued me , and bought me . But O God my Sauiour , strengthen my faith that I be not moued , to let goe my first loue , with which I haue been so much comforted in thee . O strengthen me , that neither Sathan by himselfe , nor by his Antichristian Instruments , which hee ruleth at his pleasure , preuaile against me , either to doubt of my faith , much lesse to denie thee my Lord and Sauiour , but as thou for my sake , didst not contemne nor despise the reproach of the wicked , nor yet the cursed death of the Cross : but for the ioy that was set before thee , and which thou hadst with the Father before the world was , endured the same , and though thou wert reuiled , yet thou reuilest not againe , but with infinite patience committed thy cause to thy Father : So , O Lord , graunt that by my faith in thy power , I may bee no lesse assured of patience , in the greatest torment , that shall be inflicted vpon my body . For I know that although they kill my body , yet they cannot touch my soule , but that it shall liue with thee for euer . And in despight of their malice , while they thinke to destroy my soule with death , they shall extract my spirit into glorious life , with God the Father , and his Christ for euermore . Sweet Sauiour , as Sampson in his death triumphed most gloriously ouer his enemies : so graunt to me that they seeing my patience , and beholding my vnmoueable hope , may be so ashamed , and in their conscience so affrighted ( that they may like Saul , at the death of Stephen ) be conuerted , and after their change of minde , magnifie as most pretious the death of thy Saints , and by preaching the truth , strengthen the brethren , and stand fast in the Faith vnto the end . O Lord strengthen mee , that I may not faint vnder the crosse , because thou hast appointed vs thereunto , that in thy crosse , wee should be more then conquerours , and by his example , whose steps we should onely follow , account our selues most happy , that thou wilt call vs , and grace vs , to lay downe our liues for his name sake , as thou hast layd downe thy life for our sakes . O God , if the righteous scarcely be saued , ( as it seemeth vnto the world , through these bitter torments , with which wee are to be scourged , and made cleane vessels to serue thee in thy Kingdome ) where shall the wicked and sinners , which regard not thy crosse , appeare ? O Lord , being confident of thy mercy , in the merits of thy Sonne , doe I submit my selfe in soule and body , to doe seruice and sacrifice vnto thee , as vnto a faithfull Creatour , knowing that a crowne of glory remaineth for mee . Father , into thy hands doe I commend my spirit , Lord Jesus after death receiue my soule , as thou hast all those braue champions , that were slaine with the sword , that wandered about in Sheepe-skins , and Goat-skins , and thought it better to liue with beasts in woods and dennes to enioy thee , then to liue among men , Gentiles , and Antichristians , and denie thee , being destitute , afflicted , and tormented , wandering in Desarts , mountaines , and dens , and holes of the earth , to auoyde the beastly and cruell enemies of thy word . O Lord , as thou hast made thy wrath smoke against the Heathens , the Assirians , the Egyptians , the Moabites , the Ammonites , that first trampled vnder foote the blood of thy Saints , by labouring an vtter consuming of them : So , O Lord , either graunt the conuersion , or else let thine indignation appeare in these our dayes , against the Turkes , Heretikes , Athiests , and all Antichristian enemies , that like Herod and Iulian , obstinately persecute and scorne thy name . And this , though a most vnworthy Suppliant , I beseech thee to graunt , and that for the honour of thy great name , in which thy true Church doth onely trust . Amen . Amen . A thanksgiuing for Gods temporall and spirituall blessings . O Most bountifull and kinde Creatour , vnto thee in Christ Iesus doe I come , and returne most humble and heartie thankes , not onely for the generall goodnesse , which thou hast extended vnto all mankinde , but for that especiall part , which thou hadst diuided vnto mee in more speciall manner . O Lord , I giue thee most humble thankes and praise , for that portion of thy blessings , set forth vnto mee to my present vse and comfort in this life : as for thy daily preseruations of mee , not onely in the wombe of my parents : but for my safety in my birth , that I was not mishapen in breeding , nor in comming forth into this world , and that after my birth , in the time of my swadling bands , infancie , childhood , and youth , no mishap , nor mishape befell me , to the defacing of that perfect shape , in which at first thou broughtest me forth . O Lord , how many children and youth , haue beene maymed at nurse , and through the carelesnesse of those vnto whom they haue beene committed vnto trust , how many haue fallen into the fire , and beene burned no● onely in some part , but in th● whole body vnto death , and by other chances , whereof thi● world is full , as drowned , bruised broken in the body , armes , backe legges , thighes , feet , in the eyes nose , and face . O Lord , how innumerable ar● the perils and dangers of this life vnto which euery man is subiect and doth continually run throug● in euery state and degree of thi● present age and life , and yet re ceiue no dammage . O Lord , fo● these deliuerances from dangers through which I haue passed an● receiued no hurt , and for whic● I haue neuer giuen thee thanks , 〈◊〉 now returne humble and hearty thanks . O Lord , diddest thou no wonderfully in this life , protec● vs of thy selfe , and with thy holy Angels , it were not possible , fo● any man to liue one day in health or life . O God , I thanke thee fo● the continuall blessings which 〈◊〉 haue receiued euery day & night of this present life , and for thy liberality in giuing me such plenty of foode and rayment , not onely for my necessity , but for my plenteous and free liuing , not onely in health , but in sicknesse : And I thanke thee that thou hast giuen me such plenty , that I may be able to lend , and do good vnto others , and that thou hast made my Cup to ouerflowe , and hast giuen mee discretion to vse them soberly , thankfully , and honestly , and that thou hast giuen me a heart , to take my part of them , and kept mee from prodigall , vaine , and wastfull spending of them : so that my family haue not wanted in due season , that portion that hath bin fit for them to haue , and mee to giue them . O Lord I thank thee , that since I came to mans estate , thou hast kept me from vaine and idle courses of liuing , and that I haue not diminished thy blessings , but encreased them ; for it is thou , O Lord , that giuest meanes and power , not onely to keepe the patrimony of our Fathers , but to encrease it . Yea , it is thou that giuest power vnto our hands , to get goods , thou makest wise , thou makest simple , thou makest rich and poore , thou makest noble and ignoble , wee liue , moue , and haue our Being all in thee , and from thee , and what soeuer we are in this life , wee are at thy will and pleasure , and thine especiall appointment : for though we rise early , and goe to bed late , yet without thy blessing wee labour in vaine , and haue but paine and sorrow the reward of our desires . Wherefore ( O Lord ) I thanke thee againe and againe for thine vnspeakeable loue which thou hast manifested vnto mee , not onely in blessing mee with an honest vocation and meanes , in this world to liue , and maintaine my charge , at home and abroad , in honest profits and recreations , whereby thou hast made my life pleasant , and comfortable vnto me : but aboue all , I thanke thee for thy mercy in Christ Iesus , wherewith thou louest mee both before , and since my being , and that thou hast so especially cared for my soule , while I knew thee not , neither cared for to know thee ; for I was so dead and hardned in the custome of sinning , so that I could not , nor did care to call vpon thee , but followed the concupiscence of my owne carnall and fleshly desires , sauouring nothing , but that which did altogether offend and displease thee , hating thy word not onely in it selfe : but also the Ministers thereof , and professours thereof , because of it whom otherwise I should haue loued : vntill it pleased thee , by the power thereof , to illuminate my blinde vnderstanding , and made mee to see the wretchednesse wherein I lay , for want of thy grace . O Lord , such was and is thy loue , that when with the sight of my wretchednesse , I began to dispaire , thou didst reueale thy Sonne vnto me , and promised mee , that though my sinnes were as red as scarlet , yet if I did beleeue in thy promises , confesse my sinnes and forsake them , they should bee forgiuen : which I did , and euer since through thy grace haue done , and will doe : hereby hast thou iustified mee , and sanctified me , and giuen me an assured hope of my glorification . And thus of the member of Sathan , hast thou made mee , of thine owne free adoption , a member of Christ. Wherefore ( most louing Creatour ) support mee , by the assistance of thy holy spirit , that I may stand fast , and perseuere in these Graces and gifts of grace , the seales of my adoption , vnto my liues end : And may abound in all fruits of righteousnesse , sanctification , and holinesse , vnto a perfect man in Christ Iesus . This is that mercy of mercies , surpassing all others , which onely maketh mee happy , in whatsoeuer outward wants , or condition I shall be in this life , and though thou gauest mee all my desire , which this world can afford , yet without it I should still remaine most miserable , though in neuer so great an estate , or esteeme of the men of this world . Therefore for this blessing , whereby thou hast pleased to saue me by faith and repentance , I doe praise and thanke thee , not with the tongue and lippes onely , but with the whole man. Let all that is within mee praise , praise thee ; O Lord , while I haue breath , I will praise thee , for thou onely art worthy to bee praised : yea , my soule praise thou the Lord : To thee most glorious Trinity , be giuen all possible praise , might , and maiestie , in heauen and in earth , by thine elect Angels , and vs men , in our bodies and spirits for euermore , Amen . Amen . This Meditation inciteth vs to repaire vnto God , in Prayers , in silent sighes , and in inward desires and groanes . O Father , full of knowledge deepe , thou searchest secrets of the heart , Behold'st desires wee priuate keepe , with hidden silence in the darke . But yet thou doest thus much require , thy children should knowe and confesse Thee for to be their light some fire , that iudg'st their workes in righteousnesse . As thou hast fram'd in man a heart , wherewith his Maker to beleeue : A tongue , and lips , and euery part , wherewith he glory may thee giue , And thou doest challenge at his hands , free sacrifice of thankes and praise : And honours due throughout all lands , that all men canst deiect and raise . Thy children must not in their minde be dumbe , nor in their tongues be mute : When they should seeke thine helpe to finde , and by petition shew their suite . Thy Sonne doth bid me aske and haue , and finde to seeke , to knocke , to enter : What they doe want , that they may craue , by faith in him they may aduenture . Thou still art ready to be found , and helpe thine owne in their distresse : That in their faith are constant found , and patient in their heauinesse . Therefore , deere Father , I beset , with many miseries distrest : Come vnto thee thine ayde to get , and after trouble to finde rest , And haue thy grace without , within : but I that am of sinners chiefe , Because thou hat'st in me my sinne , may doubt thou wilt not giue reliefe . Alas poore wretch , what shall I doe ? to aske I am so farre vnfit , Vnapt my God to seeke vnto , vnworthy to haue benefit . Of what I craue or doe desire , and yet to cry I will not linne : Thy mercies great I will admire , and craue to cure my wofull sinne . O let thy spirit me sanctifie , vntye my tongue , open my lips : I cannot silence keepe , for why , my conscience euery houre me whips . My miseries growe more and more , within my bones I finde no rest ; Thy grace anew to me restore , and let me speake what likes thee best . Let thine eares euer be enclinde , to my extreame and dolefull cries ; Let me thy mercies ready finde , to take my teares from weeping eyes . Thou euermore doest heare the cries , of all that feare thy holy name . And comfort'st them with thy mercies , that trust in thee and begge the same . Their soules thou doest from death defend , and chear'st their hearts in time of neede : To me therefore thy comforts send , and giue thy helpe with louing speede . Thy seruants cannot hold their tongue , though oft they muse and cannot see . Why their afflictions last so long , and they for mercy cry to thee : Till at the length the fire of zeale , doth kindle then , it out must breake : Tongue cannot hold , but must reueale their groanes , & griefes , & needs must speake . To shew their hope which like to fire , none can suppresse when they beleeue . 'T will pierce the clouds , to thee aspire , yet thou doest seeme no helpe to giue . At last thy goodnesse doth appeare , and thou embracest him with ioy : Time of deliuerance draweth neere , and thou Lord freedst vs from annoy . Good God , how commeth this to passe , that I so long haue sought to thee , And thou still seem'dst to hide thy face , and keep'st thy graces still from me . How long haue I vnto thee pray'd , and thou seem'st not to giue me eare . This makes mine heart and thoughts afrai'd , ready to faint with deepe despaire I ready was for to surcease , the suit which I so long haue sought : Made vnto thee for to appease thy wrath by Christ that hath me bought . O Lord my God thy promises , and louing kindnesse onely feede : And comfort'st me in heauinesse , with neuer dying hope in neede . I know expected time will come , when thou for getting all my sinne , Wilt see my sorrowes all and some , and free the bondage I am in . Thou art my God , thy helpe is at hand , thou art a Father , thou know'st when To giue the State , doest vnderstand of richest Kings , and poorest men . The things most fit thou do'st be stowe , and helpest when all helpe is missing . Those could not creepe thou mak'st to goe , and powrest downe on them thy blessing . Therefore O God all sufficient , repleate with merey , full of loue , I doe not presse to know the intent , but pray thee doe what mercy moue . To say come now , or then , doe this , for the time , where , when , what , and how : What thou doest ayme , my marke may misse , me to thy prouidence I bowe . Yet be not ouer long away , for thou doest know my feeblenesse : Thou seest my troubles day by day , bow'd downe to extreame wretchednesse . Without hope of recouerie I fall : alas what shall I doe ! There is no trust , but trust in thee , for helpe and ayde , and succour to . I know by proofe that thou art bent , to heare poore sinfull wretched men When they are truly penitent , and when they pray deliuer'st then . From troubles , strife , and all debate : from sicknesse , death , and deadly paine : From enuie , malice , sinne , and hate , the contrite heart thou'lt not disdaine : But who is righteous in thy sight , or in thy Judgements cleane are seene : Angels before thee are not bright , much lesse we wretches righteous beene : But all are sinners , all transgresse , our elder Fathers were impure : All haue offended more or lesse , yet was thy promise firme and sure . And did obtaine mercy and grace , reliefe , hope , strength , saluation : They sawe the brightnesse of thy face , thou gauest them consolation . Our Fathers , Lord , were comforted , strengthened , relieu'd , and blest Onely by grace , and iustified , as righteous men in Iesus Christ. Impute not sinne vnto my charge , not for my merit and desert . But for thy Sonne my soule enlarge , and giue to me a spotlesse heart . Thou Lord , full of compassion , and in thy mercies infinite , Beare with my imperfections , and let me in thy lawes delight : Couer my sinnes , as righteous take me , and righteous shall I euer be : That righteous am not , righteous make me , in Christ , O Lord , consider me . O Lord , what can it profit thee , me to for sake or leaue in thrall , As though thou didst disualue me , my daily cries , and offerings all . My troubles yet continue still , I seeke thee , and am yet denied : Of earthly blessings doe thy will , thy name be alwayes glorified . Wretch that I am what end shall be I still complaine , I sigh , and crie ; I crie , and call , yet hear'st not me , I still will seeke thee till I die . Thou mayest be found be as thou wilt , into thy hands I me commend : Thou full of mercy , I of guilt , in faith and hope doe still attend . A Prayer for the worthy receiuing of the Lords Supper . OMost louing Sauiour , how great and wonderfull is thy loue to thy Church , that before thou didst leaue this world in thy humanity , didst not onely send vp loud cries and teares vnto thy Father ( for them which did , and which after thy departure , should beleeue in thee ) but didst also ordaine a perpetuall commemoration of thy death and passion , through the institution of the Sacramentall signes of Bread and Wine , at the last Supper of the Passeouer , in the same night thou wast betrayed , charging , in thy Apostles , thy whole Church vnto the worlds end , to doe it in remembrance of thee , assuring vs that as often as wee did eate that bread , and drinke that wine , according to thy appointment , that thereby wee should shew thy death vntill thou didst come , and so keepe a perpetuall remembrance of thee , not onely in our hearts , but in our eyes , as if wee sawe thee crucified vpon the Crosse. O Lord , examining my selfe , of my faith , my repentance , and loue , I finde that my faith is weake , my repentance slacke and dull , and my loue colde , or but luke-warme ; so that of my selfe ( O most mercifull Lord ) I durst not presume to come vnto thy table : but O Lord , for this I iudge my selfe , that I may not be iudged of thee , the worst and vnworthiest of all those that come vnto thy table : For vnto this present , through the multitude of my sinnes , with which I am laden , I haue ( like Iudas ) done nothing but betrayed thee , and pricke thy head , and pierced thy side more cruelly , then the thorns or speare wherewith thou wast crowned and pearced , and so in as much as in mee lieth , I am guilty of the blood shedding , and death of my Lord. But ( most heauenly Father ) as the Israelites stung with the fiery Serpents , looked vnto the Serpent , Moses set vp : so , O Lord , smarting in soule with the anguish of my sinnes , by which I am continually guiltie of thy death , and so againe ( like Iudas ) worthy of eternall death , much more violently to be inflicted after the taking of the sop . Yet doe I looke vnto thy Crosse , on which thou sufferest for me , humbly beseeching thee , for that obedience by which thou hast satisfied Gods wrath and iustice , to doe away my sinnes ( as Dauids after his adultery and murther ) that I may become a worthy partaker of the body & blood of my Lord , and the Sacramentall Bread and Wine , after which I haue so earnestly thirsted , may not ( like the Israelites Quailes , sticking in their teeth ) become neither my bodily nor spirituall death , nor ( like the vnworthy Corinthians ) for my carelesse and negligent receiuing by the suddaine hand of sicknesse , be struck vnto death , but as the faithfull Iewes in their constant and conscionable celebration of their feast of Passeouer by them kept , a perpetuall remembrance of their Egyptian deliuerrnce from Pharaohs bondage , were exceedingly edified , & confirmed in the promises of thy loue , that thou wouldest be their God , and they should be thy people , which they sawe fulfilled in their Fathers , and still continued vnto themselues , through the hope of the Messiah , by whom they expected their greatest safety and deliuerance . Graunt vnto mee , O heauenly Father , that as the Minister of thy Word and Sacraments , setteth a part the Bread and Wine , so I may remember the eternall loue , by which in the beginning thou diddest set a part thy Sonne , through faith in him to be my saluation , promising that whosoeuer beleeueth in him , should not perish , but haue euerlasting life . And as I see the Wine powred out , and the Bread broken : so I may remember thy patient enduring the breaking of thy body , and shedding of thy blood , whereby thou hast payed the price , and satisfied the punishment that was due vnto me , and as the Bread & Wine doe presently comfort and refresh my body : so most sweet Sauiour , let me feele my soule so comforted and edified this day , and so often as I shall thinke of thee , and thy mercies hereby promised and assured ; yea , graunt that being made one with thee by spirituall vnion , I may liue in thee , and thou in me , in the encrease of a godly life , to the honour of thee my Sauiour . To whom with the Father and the holy Ghost , be giuen by me and all thine , both present and eternall praise . Amen . Amen . Another godly Meditation before the receiuing of the holy Communion . O Almighty God and mercifull Father , I am a secret sinner , and my heart is a bottomlesse pit of all corruptions : wilfully and foolishly ; ignorantly and obstinately haue I sinned against thee , vnto whose eye all the secrets of my soule lye open , but now I come vnto thee as the sick man vnto the Physitian , as an vncleane man vnto the Well of mercy and grace , offered in the pretious blood-shedding of Iesus Christ , and represented to my soule in this blessed Sacrament . Haue mercy vpon mee ( O Lord ) haue mercy vpon mee , and forgiue mee all the euills that I am guilty of . Giue mee grace that I may discerne the Lords body , and so receiue it in this Sacrament , with such chastity of body , humblenesse of minde , thankfulnesse of soule , hearty contrition , dread and reuerence , as is meete for such a mysterie . O Lord Iesus , it is truly said of thee , that thou didst receiue sinners , and eate with them , and I verily beleeue that thou art the same still , full of goodnesse and mercy : wherefore I beseech thee leaue me not to my selfe , reiect me not from thy Table , come into my heart , and purge me from all filthinesse of the flesh and of the spirit . Enter into my soule , seale and sanctifie me , both within and without . Inflame me with loue and charity towards all men , to forgiue and forget : to doe good , to pray for them , that I may follow the steps of my blessed Sauiour . Open the eyes of my vnderstanding , and helpe mee to examine my selfe , concerning my knowledge , faith , and repentance . Send mee the hunger and thirst after this righteousnesse : satisfie me with this heauenly foode , make mee verily partaker of all the benefits of his Passion . Oh deare Lord Iesus , since thou hast suffered so many things for my sake , and hast commanded mee not to dispaire , nor distrust thy goodnesse , graunt me grace to eate of this bread , and to drinke of this Cup worthily , that I may continually remaine in thy grace and fauour . O Lord God the Father , giue mee the full consolation of this mysterie and commemoration , that my faith may be encreased , my hope confirmed , my charity enflamed , my weake conscience comforted , all dangers repelled , and my soule assured of her saluation in the blood of Christ , let no profanenesse enter into my heart , so long as I am about this holy action ; but giue mee grace to receiue with purity of heart , and cleanenesse of soule , with loue , dread , and stedfast faith ; haue mercy vpon me good Lord , that by vnworthy receiuing , I be not guilty of his pretious body and blood , who came downe from heauen , liued with men , and swamme through a red sea of blood in his agony and passion to bee my Redeemer . Haue mercy vpon the whole Church , and to this purpose , haue mercy vpon this place , and this companie , that they may serue and please thee in this holy seruice , and all other actions of their life . O Lord , be not angry with mee a barren and dry tree , a creature with a face of brasse , and heart of flint : I haue not so many teares as are sufficient to wash thy feete with Mary Magdalen : but thou hast shed as much of thine owne blood , as surficeth to wash away all the sinnes of mee , and all the world : then be not angry with mee , O Lord : but let thy grace supply my wants : let thy mercy pardon my sinnes : let thy holy spirit prepare my soule , thy merits enrich my pouerty , and thy most pretious blood wash away all the spots of my life , that I may worthily receiue this heauenly Sacrament : so that I may bee strengthened thereby , & throughly filled with the heauenly foode of thy body and blood : for the mortification of the old man , the confirmation of my faith , and the finall saluation of my soule . O Lord heare my prayers , & graunt my requests I beseech thee . Amen . Godly Meditations vpon the loue and mercy of God in bestowing ( together with his Sonne ) these holy Mysteries vpon vs : the commemoration whereof may moue vs to an awefull reuerence in the participation of the same . O Father of mercy , and God of all consolation , seeing all creatures doe confesse thee to bee their Gouernour and Lord , it becommeth vs the workmanship of thine owne hands , to reuerence and magnifie thy godly Maiestie . First for that thou hast created vs to thine owne image and similitude : but chiefely because thou ●ast deliuered vs from that euerlasting death and damnation , into which Sathan drew mankinde by the meanes of sinne , from the ●ondage whereof , neither man , nor Angell , was able to make vs free . But thou , O Lord , rich in mercy , and infinite in goodnesse , hast prouided our redemption to stand in thine onely and welbeleued Sonne , whom of very loue thou didst giue to bee made man ( perfect in all things , freely exempted and excepted from sinne ) that in his body he 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 bring againe life vnto the world from which the whole off-spring of Adam was most iustly exiled . O Lord , we acknowledge that no creature was able to comprehend the length and breadth , the deepenesse and height , of that thy most excellent loue , which moued thee to shew mercy where none was deserued : to promise and giue life , where death had gotten victory : to receiue vs into thy grace when wee could doe not hing but rebell against thy maiestie . O Lord , the blinde dulnesse of our corrupt nature , will not suffer vs sufficiently to weigh these thy most ample benefits : Yet neuerthelesse , at the commandement of Iesus Christ our Lord , wee present our selues to this his Table , which hee hath left to be vsed in remembrance of his death , vntill his comming againe , to declare and witnesse before the world , that by him alone we haue receiued liberty and life : ●hat by him alone thou doest acknowledge vs to be thy children and heires : that by him alone we 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 , with whom wee haue our conuersation presently in heauen , and by whom our bodies shall be raised vp ag●ine from the dust , and shall be placed with him in that endlesse ioy , which thou O Father of mercy hast prepared for thine Elect , before the foundation of the world was layd . And these most inestimable benefits wee acknowledge and confesse to haue receiued of thy free mercy and grace , by thine onely beloued Sonne Iesus Christ : for th● which we therefore thy congregation , mooued by thy holy Spirit , render vnto thee all thanks , praise , and glory for euer . What tongue , or what heart , can worthily giue thee thankes , O Lord Iesu , for thine vnspeake● able loue towards vs ? who to th●● intent to redeeme mankinde forl●rne , didst vouchsafe to become man , and to take all the miseries of our estates vpon thee , insomuch that in the end , thou being a pure and vnspotted Lambe , wast contented to bee made a sacrifice for vs vpon the Altar of the Crosse , and to abide the punishment due for our sinnes , that thou mightest reconcile vs to thy Father , yea and both in life and death thou didst spend , giue , and bestow thy selfe wholy vpon vs , and for vs. And thy gracious goodnesse was not so contented , but also lest we might at any time perchance forget so great a benefit , or at least our trust in thee might at any time quaile , euen now raigning in heauen , thou refreshest our soules from time to time with the foode of thy body , and chearest them vp with the holy Cup of thy blood . Wherefore I beseech thee , let thy spirit cleanse my heart , that I may not come vnworthily to that heauenly feast , and to the table , whereat euen the very Angels doe tremble : but that by thy shedding thy selfe into my b●wels , I may growe manly in thee , and become the liuelier by spirituall encreasements , so as I may continue vnto the end , in the blessed fellowship of thy mysticall body , whom it is thy will to haue all one with thee , in such wise as thou art all one with the Father , by the knitting of the holy Ghost , to whom be praise and thanks for euermore . Amen . I yeeld thee hearty thankes , O Lord Iesus Christ , for thine vnutterable loue , in vouchsafing to redeeme mankinde by thine own death : And I beseech thee suffer not thy most holy blood to haue beene shed in vaine for mee , but that I growing vp in thee by continuall encrease of heauenly strength , may become a fit member of thy mysticall body , which is the Church , and neuer swarne from that most holy couenant , which thou madest with thy chosen Disciples in thy last Supper , by distributing the bread vnto them , and by reaching them the Cup : and by them to all those that by a liuely faith apprehend the merits of thy most pretious death and passion . My Lord Iesus Christ , what am I that thou shouldest vouchsafe to come vnder my roofe ? Can a sinfull man deserue such grace ? O Lord my God , I am certainly altogether vnworthy . Am I better then all my Fathers were , thou wouldest not shew thy selfe to Moses one twinkling of an eye , and how happeneth it that thou humblest thy selfe so much , as to come to a man that is both a Publican and a sinner ? And thou vouchsafest not onely to eate with him , but also to giue thy selfe to be eaten of him . Haile O bread of life , which cammest downe from heauen , and which giuest life to as many as receiue thee worthily . Surely whosoeuer receiueth thee w●rthily , although his soule be seuered from his body by temporall death , yet shal he not die for euer , because that the separation is not a death , but a passing from death to life : by reason whereof , hee that eateth thee worthyly , beginneth to liue with thee for euer when he dieth in this world : thou art the bread of the Angels : the very sight of thee doth solace and glorifie the Angels : thou art the food of the soule , the glory of heauen , the solace of all Angels & Saints . ( O most holy food ) by the eating whereof by a liuely faith , is set free from all euill , is filled with all goodnesse , and is vndoubtedly made immortall , O sacred foode of our pilgrimage , by the strength whereof wee passe out of this naughty world , to the glorious company in heauen . Goe on therfore , O beleeuing and faithfull soule , be merry , and reioyce in God thy Sauiour : take thy fill of this feast wherein the body of thy Sauiour is set before thee to feede on : man fell from God by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree , but by this foode hee is redeemed againe to endlesse glory . These ●achrymae following , containe godly and de●out Prayers for constanc●e in aff●ictions , and to beare malicious slanders pati●●tly . O Lord how doe my woes encrease , how many are my miseries : My troubles rise and neuer cease , men iudge thou wilt not heare my cries : They say thou wilt me quite forsake , that there 's no helpe for me in thee : But ( Lord ) they are but such that make their censure with a carnall eye . And doe not spiritually discerne , thy secret purpose and intents : Correcting them whom thou wouldst learne , to know thy Law and Commandements . Chastising them whom thou do'st loue , and scourging them oft with thy rod : That thou their hearts and mindes may'st moue , to feare and serue thee mighty God. The wicked outward meanes preferre , and worldly helpes at neede they muster : And not to God themselues referre , nor comfort take from heauenly lustre : Who workes by meanes his sacred will , and without meanes brings to effect : And against meanes can saue or kill for those him serue , his true Elect : Therefore let not their malice moue , nor yet their taunts di●may my minde . I will hold fast by God aboue , whose promise iust and true I finde : I striue thy statutes Lord to keepe , what thou command'st I will performe . Direct me right to thee I creepe , O Lord doe thou my life reforme . Defend me Lord from their despight . that watch to catch me in their snare : And to entrap me day and night , with nets and ginnes ere I beware ; And scoffe me basely with reproach , with shamefull scandalls and disgrace . With thy protection Lord approach , and let thy mercy me embrace . Let not me come within the reach , of their inuentions and deuice , Whose facts are foule , they faire in speech , and by base flattery me entice . Nor such as lye in wayte for me , obtaine their wish : who doe desire Fit time and opportunity to worke the euill they conspire . O let me tread in the right path , and walke from faith to faith in loue . Obserue thy lawes , and shunne thy wrath , and forward to all vertue mone . And let my conscience witnesse beare , of my saith and integrity : Let all men see the Christall cleare , of my poore hearts sincerity . Though I good Father , cannot liue free from all sinne , and all offence : And some take cause , though I none giue , yet keepe thou cleare my conscience . Shall I deserue still as I doe mens iust reproofes , through indiscretion : And that against my meaning too , and suffer carnall mens oppression : That breake forth into bitternesse , against me that am weake and lame : And vomite out their filthinesse . What thou hast done , they count my shame . And take it as an argument , that I am in deiection : And thinke it is thy full intent , to keepe me from protection . Indeede , O Lord , I must confesse , my sinnes deserue sharpe punishment . Worthy of more and not of l●sse , then all the plagues on me hast sent . I more should taste then I can beare , or able them for to endure . Thy mercies yet they doe me spare , and make me cleane that am impure . But in my weakenesse of behauiour , I this haue done which caus'd me fall , But yet I trust in Christ my Sauiour , his p●●tious blood hath payd for all . Depending on thy mighty power , to saue , keepe , and deliuer me , Lest miseries doe me deuoure , and enemies my sorrowes see . And take o●casion to pursue , pretending to my soule no good : In●etered hatred they renue , to eats my flesh , and spill my blood : Therefore consider my great groanes , preuent the dangers comming nigh me . My heart is rent with sighes and moanes , J flye to thee , O Lord , stand by me . Why standest thou a loose alas , seem'st not my troubles to regard : Why turn'st thou Lord away thy f●c● , mine heart doth hope for some reward . Why hidest thou thy selfe me fro , when troubles are so much abounding : As though thou Lord d●dst me not know , thy darts are alwayes mine heart wounding . There is no helpe for m● in thee , they say , thou nothing do●st respect me . I neuerthelesse will come to thee , for Christ his sake thou wilt not reiect me . The rather therefore me relieue , that righteous men may well percei●● , Thou ready art thine ayde to giue , and their desires wilt not deceiue , And not to fa●nt when they are tride , with like afflictions any wayes . But shall with patient minde abide thy will , and giue thy name the praise . The dullest hearts thou doest prepare to call on thee , and thou againe Doest heare their cries , and them do'st spare , and easest them of griefe and paine . How long , O Lord , how long wilt thou forget me , and how long shall I Seeke to be heard , and know not how , to make thee listen to my crie . How long shall I thy counsell seeke , yet ignorant what course to take : I pray thee O Lord most meete , with sighes and groanes which neuer slake : My heart with griefe and heauinesse , powres forth complaints continually . Before thee in my great dis●…sse , yet inward light obtaine not I , That lighten should my pensiue soule , and comfort mine afflicted heart : Thy wrath with rigour doth controle my forward hopes , and causeth smart . Thou threatn'st sorrowes to encrease , to such as seeke to other gods . Why should not then my torments cease , that child-like feare thy awfull rods : Sith I in thee my faith repone , why should I then true wisedome want . It being sought from thee alone , why do'st thou then refuse to graunt ? Thou didst create all men at first , and doest preserue , and all maintaine : Thy Sunne doth shine on best and worst , the same to all thou do'st remaine . But sith to thee alone I kneele , and onely vnto thee doe call : O let me Lord thy mercies feele , and let thy drops of mercy fall , With thee there is redemption , and thou deliuerest all that trust In Christ for their saluation , by whom the sinfull are made iust : Thou keep'st them safe vnder thy wings of fauour , from the mercilesse . Thy fauour giueth all good things , to thine Elect in their distresse : O therefore be my rocke where on I may both safely build and rest , Castle of refuge , Arke alone , in which I am in safety blest : For thou hast promis'd in thy loue , that they that put their trust in thee : Like Syons mount which doth not moue , shall safely stand eternally . Breake thou the chaines which haue me tide , remoue the sorrowes from my heart : Wherewith ( Lord ) all my vaines are dried , and I am parcht in euery part . That I walking at liberty , with a free spir●● may salue my sore , My hope may liue , and crosses die , and I sing praise to thee therefore . And let my ●oes no more preuaile , that Lyon-like doe me destroy : And like to Wolues they me ●ss●ile , that spoile the Sheepe , the Shepheards ioy . O carry me ( Lord ) in thine armes , throug● out these miseries cleane away , And saf●ly ke●pe me from all harmes , that now sticke fast in mire and clay . Let no vntimely sudd●ine Fate , cut off my dayes ere fully spent : Or raging floods sinke mine estate , nor swallow me incontinent . But rather ( Lord ) returne them backe , these swelling waues that reare and rage : On euery side to worke me wra●ke , their gusts and tempests Lord asswage , Let me passe on my mortall course , and finish these my dayes of life , Of thy meere loue and kinde remorse , in peace and loue , from hate and strife . A thanksgiuing after the receiuing of the Lords Supper . O Heauenly Father , I thanke thee that thou hast made me this day to sit downe with thee , at thy heauenly Table , and hast giuen me the bread of God , that came downe from heauen , not as ▪ the Mannah , which being eaten , afterward did perish , and the eaters too , and hast made this Sacramentall body and bloud of thy Sonne , to be meate indeede , and drinke indeede , farre surpassing the olde carnall Mannah , which extended but vnto the body , but this spirituall foode which thou hast giuen mee with thi●e owne hand , hath in it a quickning life for the present , and an assurance of an eternall life , in the life to come . Wherefore hauing fed on thee this day , by faith in my heart , let the sweet comfort thereof so cheare my soule , that I may more and more thirst after thee , and by godly liuing expresse my dwelling in thee , and so be more and more assured that thou art that Christ , and Sonne of the liuing God , my Sauiour and Redeemer in life and death , and for euermore after death : for vnto this end O God the Father , thou hast sealed thy Sonne , to be my Sauiour , in thee will I for euer trust , in this life to be pardoned my sinne , & through thee in the life to come , eternally to be saued . Amen . Amen . Another Prayer after the receiuing of the holy Communion . O Iesus , the Sonne of God , my Lord and Sauiour , with all humble and hearty thanks I praise thee , for suffering death vpon the Crosse for my sinnes , and admitting me a miserable sinner , to the participation of this blessed Sacrament , the memoriall of my Redemption . Let mee , O Lord , finde and feele in my heart , the inuisible power of thy heauenly grace , effectually working the transformation of mee into thee , the wonderfull vnion of me with thee , and the spirituall habitation and aboade in me . Apply all thy merits and good things vnto my soule , let me neuer doubt the forgiuenesse of my sinnes : but euer open the doore of this Sanctuarie vnto me , that I may runne thither in my greatest neede , and apprehend thy gracious pardon , ratified by this scale of thy couenant . Quicken me , O Lord , in this life , r●●●ue and renue mee , that I may disclaime my olde conuersation , and become a new man : keepe mee that I slippe not cut of this building , nor become as a branch cut off , and good for nothing , but as thou hast seuered mee from the wicked , in calling mee to the knowledge of thee , so keepe mee from all their corruptions : giue me a perfect loue towards thee , that I may not delight in any thing but in thee , nor seeke any other honour but thine . O Lord Iesus , I meekely beseech thee , let thy holy Spirit strengthen mee against my frailty , thy power and strength defend me against worldly troubles and aduersities , thy merits purchase my needefull pardon , and thy blood be the medicine for all my sores , euen for thy truth , and for thy names sake . Amen . O Iesus Christ , the Lambe of God , which hast so loued mankinde , that thou hast beene contented , not on ly to become one with him , but also mea●e vnto him , and to dye for him vpon the Cr●sse ; graunt I bese●ch thee , that this my receiuing of this Sacrament , may be a true testimony vnto my conscience that I hau● , through faith in thee receiued full remission of all that is past , and am become ( as it were ) a new creature in thy sight . O sweet Iesus , which hast vouchsafed mee such fauour and honour , as to come to thy Table and feede vpon thee , graunt mee grace I humbly entre●te thee , so to performe , and fulfill my duty as this honour which thou hast done mee requireth : Linke mee vnto thee , and giue mee power and strength to beleeue thy promises without distrust , and to shew my religion , by my good life and conuersation . Ass●st mee with thy grace , that I may walke worthy this blessed Sacrament , to loue thee and thy children vnfai●●dly , and vtterly to forsake all va●ity , idolatry , carnall desires , and all the workes of the deuill . O Lord God , so moderate and ord●r all my affections , that I may be ioyned with the brethren together in holy loue , which is the bend of peace , and truly fastned vnto thee my Head for euer . Stirre vp my minde , that I may alwayes consider the bitternesse of thy death , the greatnesse of thy loue , & neuer forget to be thankfull vnto thee . O blessed Lord , preserue and maintaine this ordinance amongst vs , that it may be alwayes a note and a badge of our publique profession : and giue vs all one heart , and one minde in the vnity of the Spirit , for the reuerent and worthy receiuing of the same , whensoeuer we shall come to thy holy Table againe . Amen . A Prayer for the Catholique Church , and all the estates thereof . O Most glorious , euer liuing , and euer louing Lord God , the iust Master of the Vineyard , and louing Head of the Church send thy holy Spirit into the hearts of all them that teach o● professe thy most holy truth , al● men , religious or secular : Yea ▪ men and women , Princes and subiects , rich and poore , euen all the people beleeuing in thy name , and depending vpon thy grace and mercy . Giue vnto them all , O Lord , one law , one baptisme , one hope , one spirit , that there may be but one voyce among all that professe the Catholique faith : Keepe backe the famine of thy word , and send such labourers into thy haruest , as be sound in doctrine , faithfull in their worke , and godly in their conuersation , that they may be in number many , and in power wonderfull . Open , we beseech thee , the hearts and eares of the people , for the receiuing of thy Word , that it may dwell in them plentifully in all wisedome , and bring forth fruit against all the cares , crosses , and courses of this wr●tched world . O Lord , thou hast found iniquity in thy Saints , and the heauens are not cleare in thy sight : Oh then correct vs in thy iudgement , not in thy fury , lest wee should be consumed , and brought to nothing . Purge the garden of the Church , and let no weedes ouergrowe the flowers : suffer neither sinne nor superstition , to choake the good growth of faith or manners in thy people , bu● keepe them from all heresies phanaticall opinions , se ●ucing spirits , & deadly contentions . Keep● our neckes from the grieuou● yoke of Antichristian bondage● whose Religion is rebelli●n● whose faith is faction , and whos● practise is the murthering o● soules and bodies : good Lord re ▪ presse the fur●ousnesse of all Tyrants , which labour nothing bu● the spoile of the Church , and th● abolishment of true doctrine prayer , and true Religion . O Lor● Iesus , amend all that is amisse , an● graunt vs thy grace all the daye● of our life , euen for thy truth , an● for thy names sake . Amen . A Prayer for the Kings Maiestie . O Almighty God , King of all Kings , the fountaine , rule , ●nd stay of all soueraignty : wee most humbly thanke thee , that ●hou hast not left vs vnto our ●elues , to doe what seemeth best ●nto vs in our owne eyes : but ●ast set ouer vs a noble , wise , and ●racious-King thy seruant Charles , ●ame head next vnder ●hee . Lord make all thy good to ●oe before him day and night , ●phold his Crowne , maintaine ●is estate , giue him continuall ●eace , long life , and much happi●esse . Endue him with such wis●ome and vnderstanding , to doe ●ch things both in the Church ●d C●mmon-wealth , as may be ●ceptable in thy sight , profitable 〈◊〉 his Subiects , and hurtfull to ●one that loue thy truth : merci●ly heare him in all his petitions , and effectually work for him in all dangers in the day of battell in his greatest consultations : in the time of his recreations , from all plots of Treason , and in phe houre of death . Make vs thankfull for all thy preseruations of him , both ●t home and abroad in this Kingdome and else-where : Blesse , preserue , and keepe his Royall Consort Queene Mary● Frederick , the Prince Elector Pa●atine , the Lady Elizabeth his wife , with all their Prin●… Let our noble King still embrace the truth , and manfully maintaine it , against all treacherous plot● and 〈◊〉 perswasions , distasti●● as he hath alwayes done , both alteration of true Religion , and to ▪ leration of any other . Let thy po ▪ wer alwayes goe forth with hi● Armies , and giue them gloriou● victories : banish from his Cou● all priuie foes , forraigue and do ▪ mesticall ; graunt that hee ma● with vprightnesse and true since rity , both with heart and minde obserue and keepe thy lawes , and that his Highnesse and all his subordinate Magistrates may indifferently and faithfully minister iudgement and iustice to all his people . Wee bese●ch thee ( O Lord ) preserue his body in health , his minde in quietnesse , and both , in ●ll sincerity and godlinesse : that ●y his good example , hee may both stop the mouthes of his ad●ersaries , and winne the hearts ●f all those that beleeue . Make his ●ayes , O Lord , as the dayes of ●eauen , that he may raigne many ●cares ouer vs , and wee his Sub●ts may long liue a peaceable ●nd qui●t life , in all godlinesse and ●onesty vnder his happy gouern●●nt . Graunt vnto him wife , and ●●ithfull Coun●ellours , louing and ●bedient Subiects , dutifull and ●ue seruants . Deliuer him , O ●ord , from all conspiraci●s , trea●s , and other dangers , & graunt him alwayes a glorious victory ouer all his enemies : pardon and forgiue him all his sinnes : make him walke all the dayes of his life in the way of thy commandements , that hee may liue in thy feare , and dye in thy fauour , and that in the resurrection of all flesh he may receiue a crowne of righteousnesse , through the merits and mercy of Iesus Christ our onely Lord and Sauiour . Amen . Amen . LACHRIM . 2. Herein the distressed expresseth his hope and confidence to be in God alone , and not in man , nor in any other externall meanes . I Cannot Lord excuse my sinne , most infinite before mine eyes . And many more are me within , I haue forget , which secret lyes , of life , am weakened in beliefe : Our Fathers pray'd with trust in thee in dangers , out of troubles all Being deliuered and set free , and were rais'd vp when they did fall : Thou hearest them when they thee sought , and didst them lend thy ayding hands : When they almost to death were brought , and them deliuered out of bands . Great was thy fauour , Lord , to all them that tooke hold on thee by faith : But what am I that am so small , a worme , no man , as Dauid saith . Yet I beleeue , helpe vnbeliefe ; Lord I am couered with shame . Be thou my glory , ease my griefe , that I may magnifie thy name . The wicked worldlings me contemne , because thou hid'st thy face from me Deriding grace , and me condemne because of imbecility . My neighbours that should me assist disdaine me : my familiars all That should me comfort , doe desist their helpe to raise me from my fall . They say of me my hopes are vaine , my kinsfolkes who should yeeld me ayde , In my necessities refraine , to come to me they are afraide : And tauntingly they scoffe and say , deseruedly he thus doth suffer : Is iust , he wrought his owne decay , none other kindnesse they me offer : I know 't is thou that sitt'st on hie , doest send and suffer maladies : And therefore I on thee relie , to remedie my miseries . My woes , O Lord , by such encrease , as should in friendly wise relieue me : They that should seeke to make my peace , they are the men that most doe gritue me . But I that taste the Cup , will say 't is thou hast don 't , and I will beare it : When 't is thy will , who can say nay : 't is out of loue , why should I feare it : Relieue my soule with timely dewe , and comfort me restore . Restore my soule vnto those ioyes , the which I felt to fore . Now after stormes Lord send a calme , and graunt me peace yet now at last . And I will praise thee with a Psalme , with thankes for all thy fauour past . I le magnifie thy name for aye , that bring'st such wonderous things to passe : That worldlings neither thinke nor say nor know why 't is , or how it was . The iust shall heare , and Saints be glad , when wicked men shall faint and quaile , To see what fauour I haue had , and all their hope doth quench and quaile : Whom they so long haue scorn'd and deem'd , euen through afflictions cast away For thy name sake , Lord me esteem'd , their night is past , they haue their day . Respect my meditation , helpe me in time conuenient : Lord graunt my supplication , thou know'st and tri'st my hearts intent . Let not the righteous be dismaide , nor wicked triumph in my fall : Nor yet let sinners be afraide , in time of neede to thee to call . And let me put my confidence , direct my faith , erect my hope Vnto thy gracious prouidence , this of my prayers is the scope . A Prayer for the calling of the Iewes , and the continuall encrease of Christs Kingdome among all Nations . ALmighty & euerliuing God , who after the floud , didst preserue Noah , and our Fathers , Sem , Iapheth , Terah , Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , from the perishing waters , and from the continued deluge of sinne , which remained in the families of Ham and Canan , his wicked posterity : and of thy abundant mercies , pittied the blind ignorance , in which they had plunged themselues through Idolatrous superstition , and didst seperate our Father Abraham , and made of him a peculiar people , a royall Nation , and chosen generation , that for euermore should serue thee . And that they might neuer forget thy great goodnesse , it pleased thee to bring them into Egypt , that after the fauour of Pharaoh was expired , they should suffer hard and cruell bondage the space of foure hundred yeeres , and then in the power of God , with a mighty hand and out-stretched arme , in the sight of King Pharaoh , thou wouldest bring them to their Fathers promised inheritance , through the red Sea , and waste Wildernesse , to the mount Syon , the hill of God , where thou diddest appeare vnto them in a glorious manner , to renue and continue the couenant made vnto their Father Abraham , that thou wouldest be their God , and the God of their seede for euermore . Wherefore thou diddest out of the midst of the flames of fire so speake vnto them , that they might liue , and know that thou louedst them , as thou hadst done their Fathers , that first came into Egypt , that thou wert the same Lord , and that there was no other God besides thee , in heauen or in earth . Yet for all this great loue , of which the like was neuer heard , thou didst onely require them to keepe thy statutes , thy lawes , and thy commandements , promising it should goe well with them for euermore : but they started aside like a broken bowe , and cast thy promises , and law behind their backes , and forsooke thee the guide of their youth , and in their olde age , euen when they were growne fat , and full fed , with the abundance of thy blessings , they still spurned & kicked against thee , and though thou didst early and late ( in the time of the Iudges and Kings which they so much desired ) send them Prophets : yet they cast thee off , and forgot the Lord that made them , and serued other gods of the Heathen , whom their Fathers neuer knew . Yet at last when they had killed thy Prophets and stoned thy seruants , thou in infinite loue , sent thy Sonne , saying , that they would honour him . But O Lord , how much more cruelly did they behaue themselues towards thee , calling thee a sinner , and friend of Publicans and sinners , and the Prince of the deuils , and would haue throwne thee the Lord of life ( as Sathan did the Heard of Swine ) from the Rock into the Sea. And at last , when nothing tooke effect , according to their malicious minds , they came out against thee , as against a malefactour with clubbs , and staues , and tooke thee , and carried their expected Messiah , before Herod and Pontius Pilate , and brought false witnesse against thee , and preferred a murtherer before thee , and though indeede thou wert their King , yet in mockage they put vpon thee a purple roabe , and in thy hand a Scepter of reede , & on thy head a crowne of thornes , then buffetted they thee , and spet vpon thy face , contemning both thy princely , priestly , and propheticall offices , in which thou wast their perfect Sauiour . Then disroabed they thee , and carried thee without the gates of the Citie , and after an ignominious manner , with two theeues , vnto Golgotha the place of common execution , and nayled thee to a woodden Crosse in the middest of them . And after they had wounded thee in sundry places , yet againe in their malicious and cowardly fury , they pierced thy side with a speare , euen when thou sighedst , groanedst , prayedst vnto thy Father to forgiue them their sinnes , and to accept thy sacrifice . Yea , all this while they mocked thee , and bid thee come downe from the Crosse , to saue thy life as thou sauest others : and wrote a title ouer thy head vnto all Nations in contempt of thee ; and when in the pangues of thy passion thou didst thirst for their pardon , then they ranne and flapped in thy mouth ( not to comfort thee , but to prolong thy sorrowes ) an hysope spunge dipt in vinegar : and after thy death ( to make them sport ) they cast lots for thy garments . O sweet Sauiour , being thus abused by thy once peculiar people , thou hast most righteously , according to their wish , brought vpon them and their children , the reward of thy innocent blood , and done iustly in forsaking the house of thine honour , and put it into the possession of the Gentiles , to bee battered downe , that there might not bee left one stone vpon another , and to scatter them into perpetuall captiuity , as at this day we doe behold . But O heauenly Father , thou hast made knowne vnto vs Gentiles , that beleeue in thee according to thy Word , that they did no more , then what they hand and counsell had determined long before to be done . And had they knowne that they had crucified thy Sonne , the Lord of glory , no doubt they would not haue done it , for in ignorance ( as did their Fathers , they haue done it ) wherfore , O God , for the respect thou bearest to Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , and for thy seruant Dauids sake , as thou hast promised ( that a remnant should be saued ) euen as many as thou wilt call , and the first fruits being holy , the branches descending thereof should be holy , haue respect vnto them , that with the fulnesse of vs Gentiles , they may come againe into the folde of Christ. O Lord our Sauiour , open their eyes , that they may beleeue the Scriptures , and so come againe , and be grafted into their owne Oliue stocke , for thou , O God , art able to graffe them in againe , for thy gifts and calling are without repentance . Wherefore take from them their vnbeliefe , that wee both Iewes & Gentiles may be saued through thy mercy . O sweet Sauiour , haue mercy on them , & call them home againe , that wee and they may make one sheepe-fold , and like good sheep , know thy voice , and follow thee our louing Shepheard , in the sincere obedience of thy Gospell . Heauenly Father , blesse thy Church vniuersall , that it may stand fast in the obedience and faith of Christ : giue thy Gospell a free passage in it , & among all people , that yet know not thee . O thou which art the Lord of the haruest , send forth diligent and painefull labourers into thy haruest . Blesse all the reformed Churches in these westerne parts , but especially this church of England , that it bee an ensample of sound doctrine , and godly life , vnto all other Churches . And graunt that the Kings , Nobles , and Senators , may remaine , and succeede nursing Fathers in it for euermore . O Lord , let not the wilde Boares of the Forrest , the Turke , nor Antichrist , supplant the faith established among vs , nor roote vp the vine , that thine own right hand hath planted , but continue the light among vs which now liue , or hereafter shall liue , euen as long as the Sun or the Moone shall endure . O God , as thou hast promised for thy Elect sake , finish these dayes of sinne , and hasten thy comming vnto glory . And as by all thy workes in generall , so by vs men in speciall , yea by me with the residue of thy holy Church be especially giuen , both now , and for euermore , all honour and glory world without end . Amen . Amen . A Prayer for the discouerie and desolation of Antichrist . O God of Hoasts , the omnipotent , inuisible , and incomprehensible , the Father , the Son , and the holy Ghost , the eternall Creator , and most mighty vpholder of all things in heauen , and in earth , and by whom Kings ruie , and Princes raigne , heare me a poore sinfull subiect of thy great dominions , grieued and distressed in soule , to behold how the enemies of thy trueth doe bandy themselues against thee , and thy Christ , the Annoynted of the Lord , and the only King of Kings , the wonderfull Counsellour , the mighty God , the euerlasting Father , the Prince of peace . Looke downe , and discouer the haters of thy Word , those that haue cast thy lawes behinde their backes , and scorne to be ruled by the sincere trueth of the same : yet shame not to take thy lawes in their mouthes , though they hate to be reformed thereby . O God we haue heard with our eares , and our Fathers haue tolde vs , that in the last dayes shall bee perilous times , in which men shall be louers of themselues , couetous , proud , boasters , blasphemers , disobedient vnto superiours , vnthankfull , vnholy , without naturall affection , truce-breakers , false accusers , incontinent , fierce , despisers of those that are good ; traytours , heady , high minded , louers of pleasure more then of thee , hauing a forme of godlinesse ( a great shew of righteousnesse ) wanting the power thereof , being in trueth , nothing but scoffers , and walkers after their lust : forbidding meates , drinkes , & marriages , which with thanksgiuing thou hast made holy and honourable , being indeede giuen to adulterie , fornication , lasciniousnesse , Idolatry , witchcraft , hatred , variance , emulations , strifes , wrath , seditions , heresies , murthers , drunkennesse , reuilings , and infinite the like , whereby it is come to passe , that there is none righteous no not one , none that vnderstandeth , none that seeketh after GOD aright , but haue stumbled at noone-day , euen against that rocke of life , & thereby haue vsed their tongues to deceit , and opened their mouthes full of cursing and bitternesse , and haue runne as Caine with their feete to shed innocent blood , yea most watchfull to shed the blood of the righteous : destruction and misery are in their wayes , and the way of peace they doe not know . For the feare of God is not before their eyes , euery one deuiseth to worke mischiefe , putting farre away the euill day , professing themselues wise , till they became fooles . O Lord , thou hast iustly done to the men of this world , in these our dayes , as vnto the ancient Philosophers , who mightily boasted themselues of their wisedome & generall knowledge , and yet were ignorant of thee , euen as the Antichristian enemies doe at this day boast themselues to be the onely true Church . Yet because they knew thee in word and not in deede ; therefore thou gauest them vp , vnto their owne hearts lusts , to worship and serue the creature in steed of the Creator , adoring the bread in the Sacrament for Christ himselfe , and honouring the Pope a mere man , as God himselfe , saying hee is God , euen as the heathen Gentiles vnto their wooden Gods sometime said : thus , O Lord , because the Antichristian enemies haue agreed with the heathen to contemne thy Word ; thou hast iustly done to giue them vp vnto a reprobate minde , to worke all manuer of vnrighteousnesse , as at this day wee see , the Romish Bishop , Prelates , Clergie , and Professours to be , the man and men of sinne that should sit in the Temple of God , and in doctrine speake blasphemies and wicked vntrueths . O God , in thy Word thou hast euidently marked him out , shewing that hee should pretend chastity in heart and body , but indeede haue nothing lesse : to claime all spirituall power , to open and shut the gates of thy Kingdome at his owne will and pleasure , and against whom hee lust , to bee vniuersall Bishop through the whole world , and supreame head of the Church , and Kings and Princes to be his vassalls , and at his making and deposing . O Lord , hee thrusteth out of the Church as heretickes all that speake against his blasphemies , denouncing damnation to all that will not beleeue his exposition of thy Word , saying , that hee hath alwayes the holy Ghost in his breast , and that hee cannot erre . He hath forbidden the publique reading of thy Word , as hereticall and dangerous , especially for simple people , and ordained thy seruice in an vnknowne tongue , that the people might offer vnto thee the Sacrifice of fools : & in stead of the Sacrament , which wee should often receiue , he hath brought into the Church a superstitious sacrifice of the Masse , in which they pretend to offer thee ( O Christ ) againe for the sinnes of the people , and the Priests eating is sufficient for all the rest of the Church , be they neuer so many ; or if they receiue it in one kinde , it is enough for them , saying , that the body is no● without the blood , quite gaine , saying thy commandements , drink yee all of this . Hee teacheth for sound Doctrine , that wee must be cleansed in Purgatory , in which he can giue indulgence to release whom he will , and that wee are saued by our good workes ; that wee may keepe perfectly all the commandements , and so deserue our saluations by our owne merites , and that in Prayer we should call on the virgin Mary , as Queen of heauen , to command her Sonne to heare vs : teaching vs , that she is our Aduocate , that pleadeth for vs. He teacheth Pilgrimages , worshipping Images , keeping Reliques , and that euery man hath ●is peculiar Saint in heauen , to whom he liketh best to commend his sutes by : saying , that it is presumption to approach to thee on●y in thy Sonne , though thou hast ●id , There is no name in heauen , ●r in earth , whereby wee should ●e saued but onely by the name of ●esus , to whom thou hast ordai●ed euery knee to bow , and onely ●or to come . By these , and infinite of Romish forgeries and blasphemies ●ath this strumpet of Babylon , ●…de drunke the Kings and Prin●s of the earth , by those abomi●ble and lying wonders , and mi●cles , hath hee blinded the eyes 〈◊〉 Christian Kingdomes and Na●ons , that they doe not know ●w to serue thee the Lord. Wherefore ( O Christ and most ●ly Lambe of GOD ) against ●…m he hath so long time war●d , as it were drunke with the bloud of the Saints . Yea ( O Lord with the brightnesse of thy comming , let the violls of thy wrat● be powred out vpon her , to he● vtter desolation : that the soule● of iust and righteous men , tog● ther with the Angels , in the vnit● of the spirit , may sing a song 〈◊〉 Halleluiah ; saying , saluation , gl● ry , honour , and power , be to th● Lord our God , to the Lambe , a● holy Spirit for euermore , Ame● Come Lord Iesus , come quickl● Amen . LACHRIM . 3. Wherein the distressed prayeth for faith zeale , and strength , in vndergoing Gods corrections . O Lord , I lift , my heart to thee , my soule in thee doth euer trust : O let me not confounded be , but make me righteous with the iust : Let men not haue their wills ' gainst me , but powre on me thy comforts sweet . Thy sauing health Lord let me see , who prostrate begge it at thy feete . Let thy right hand and prouidence , be stretched out to hold me vp . And giue me grace and patience , in lowlinesse to taste thy cup : So shall I sit on surest rocke , and strength and power to me get , And stoutly shield mine enemies stroke , though round about they me beset . For why , my comfort is in thee , and on thy prouidence I depend , O keepe me safe in liberty , till all my troubles come to end : From perils sixe hast me deliuered , I know therefore thou wilt from seauen , From earthly thoughts let me be seuer'd , and conuersation haue in heauen . I know that loue a multitude of shamefull sinnes doth closely couer : Within the gates I me include , thou art my soules true spouse and louer . The faithfull thereby may take hold , of hope to haue a prosperous end : Of their desires this makes me bold , for ayde and comfort to attend . And with all patience to perseuer , I know thy word it is most sure : Poore penitent by faith , I le euer stand firme , and to the end endure . Alas , deere God , I nothing crane , to haue of thee by mine owne right : But in Christs name I le aske and haue , for he is most gracious in thy sight . Yea for his merits thou do'st loue me , in him I know thou art well pleas'd . And hearest sinners when they moue thee : for giu'st their sinne , and they are eas'd . Amongst whom , Lord , I am the chiefe , and of good things am ignorant : Yet on the Crosse didst saue the Thiefe , for Christ his sake me mercy graunt , In this world vanities most vilde , I liue and haue no taste of truth : I knew not I was in exile , but did in folly spend my youth . Of thee alone I knowledge haue , ( for of my selfe I am but weake ) Thou art my God that strength me gaue , to worke , to rest , to liue , to speake . For of my selfe is miserie , and of my selfe is all that 's ill : But from thee Lord comes all mercie , and perfect power to worke thy will Within , to consolation , of my sad soule and wounded heart Without , to preseruation of my weake body in each part . Therefore teach me the truth , O Lord , ( O sacred truth ) teach me thy wayes That I should walke , led by thy Word , and to thy glory spend my dayes : Lord keepe from wicked thoughts mine heart , mine hands that they commit none ill : Mine eyes , my tongue , and euery part , Lord graunt they may performe thy will : My feete from falling still preserue , as of my selfe regard me not . Deale not with me as I deserue , as are my sinnes reward me not . Behold not my deformities , but looke on me in Christ by loue , My sinnes and all enormities , as mists and cloudes from me remoue . Thou righteous art and gracious , reformest sinners , sinnes forgiu'st : O be to me propitious , to liue in thee that euer liu'st . Keepe thou my soule , let me not perish , nor vtterly to be confounded That trust in thee , but my soule cherish : and ioy mine heart which thou hast wounded . Thou art my strength and sure defence , in time of dangers imminent , Though all helpe faile , experience hath taught me , thou art permanent . I goe vnto thine Oracle , and from thy word I counsaile take , And finde a wonderous miracle , thou neuer do'st thine owne forsake . Thy seruants that in thee doe trust , thy Tabernacle shall them shield : In secret thou do'st hide the iust , that are not with foule sinne defilde . Hearken , O Lord , hearken and heare , vnto my voyce that call and crie : O let thy loue towards me appeare , with streames and floods of thy mercie . Thou sayest , O Lord , seeke yee my face , what is it ? but in my distresse , To crie for helpe , and craue thy grace , and ayde in time of heauinesse : My soule by the pure priuiledge of thy free spirit which teacheth trueth , My heart prepared with knowledge and faith , and hope vnto thee sueth . My tongue doth speake , mine heart doth mutter , and euery member in his place , Doth striue to speake , and these words vtter , helpe me opprest : hide not thy face . Though father that did me beget , my mother that from wombe me bare , And all my friends forsake me yet , thou Lord of me tak'st charge and care . O Lord thou wilt me not forsake , for so hast promis'd in thy Word : In all distresse no feare I le take , but forthwith flie to thee O Lord , Thou giu'st not like our earthly Sires , nor wants suppliest like carnall friends . That would but cannot our desires , performe in deedes as heart pretends . Hopelesse I should downe faint , and fall , did I not in thee surely trust : That holdeth no respect at all , but vnto those whom Christ makes iust . And thou acceptest not vaine glory as worldlings doe , nor things externall : Thou look'st not to things transitorie , but to the things that are internall . A lowly and obedient heart , a trembling spirit thou doest elect : Of poore opprest thou tookst the part , and proud men downe thou doest deiect : Frame thou therefore my inward zeale , that outward businesse me deceiue not Of comforts which thou doest reueale to thine , and me of ioyes bereaue not . When at thy mercy gate I knocke , doe not as rich men vse the poore , That 'gainst them faest the gates doe locke , but quickly Lord set ope the dore : Let not my miseries depriue my heart of ioy , or soules comfort : Let not vaine things ill men deuise , draw me to be of their consort . Make strong my faith , and hope Lord giue me , and I le take hold of thy protection . Be my defence and Pa●…oplie , and guide me safe to thy election . Thou hast , O Lord , my troubles scene , hast knowne my soule in bitternesse . Thou hast mine helpe and succour been , O helpe me now in my distresse . In mercies thou hast mightily . sau'd me from perils infinite : My life consumes , my heart doth die , my yeares doe waste , my day is night : The day tells day , the night the morrow , the base reproach of my disaster : Yea friends and foes adde griefe to sorrow , and each base mate doth me o're-master . I am now at the point to pine , O let it be thy blessed pleasure : To ease my griefe for I am thine , my paines asswage Lord in some measure ; For thou my paines hast measured , and all that 's good for those that feare , Lord thou in store hast treasured , to me Lord , let the same appeare . In sight of those that are my foes , that thinke there is no period : Of all my tortures , paine , and woes , graunt this for Christ his sake , O God. A Prayer of an afflicted minde . O Lambe of GOD which takest away the sinnes of the world , haue mercy vpon mee , a most vile and wretched sinner , wounded euen vnto death eternall ; if thou Lord in whom all fulnesse of mercy and compassion doth dwell , doe not relieue and comfort mee . O Lord how am I assaulted by the crafty and subtill temptations of Sathan , that cunning serpent , that seeth all my weaknesses , both of soule and body , and neuer ceaseth night nor day , sleeping , waking , eating , drinking , hearing , and reading , mourning and laughing , but alwayes followeth & doggeth me , with fearefull temptations , telling mee that I am but an hypocrite , and that all my repentance hath beene but in words , and not in heart , in outward shew , but not in trueth : and that my sinnes are greater then God can or will forgiue , that I am none of his Elect , that I haue no true faith , saying , That those that truely beleeue , neuer doubt , that I doe not vnderstand Gods word aright , and that it doth nothing appertaine vnto mee , no more than vnto Iudas ( who for all hee was an Apostle ) yet was reprobated and cast away ; and how knowest thou , but that thy faith is presumption , seeing neuer any man but St. Paul , had such assurance of faith . Yea , thou doest not delight in Gods word , nor so loue his Ministers as thou shouldest , thou doest not abound in good workes , all thy righteousnes is pharisaicall , thou art a louer of the world more then of God : doest thou not see how thou art continually punished , plagued , and smitten of God , neuer without one crosse or other , on thy selfe , thy wife , children , and seruants : on thy cattell , goods , and aduentures , at home and abroad , and in other businesses : Yea , in euery thing thou puttest thine hand vnto , thou seest how God is against thee , and cannot abide thee : yea , euen in thy Prayers thou mayest feele how the spirit of God hath left thee : therefore deceiue not thy selfe , thou art none of his ; if it were otherwise , thou shouldest not be so afflicted in euery thing as thou art . Deceiue not thy selfe , God doth not loue thee , if he did , hee would neuer haue suffered thee to commit so many sinnes , as thou hast done , by lying , by swearing , by drunkennesse , by whoring , by fornication , by adulterie , by murther , and the like , and to haue liued so long in them as thou hast done : Yea , what a prophaner of the Sabbath day hast thou beene ? what filthy & vncleane thoughts , what scurrilous Songs , and vnsauourie speeches haue issued out of thy heart and mouth , and how hast thou beene swallowed vp in pleasure and pride , all the dayes of thy youth . And how many of Gods good creatures hast thou prophaned in thy belly , on thy backe , on thy neck , to pranke thy Iezabels face , thinking nothing good enough , and fine enough to pamper thy earthly carcasse : And doest thou thinke that God will now in thine olde age , accept thy blinde seruice . Thy repentance comes too late , God will not regard thy sacrifice , but as thou regardest not him , when hee called in thy youth ; so now he will not regard thee in thine olde age , though thou make many cries vnto him ; yea , there is no sacrifice can cleanse thee from thy sinnes , thou hast cast Gods law behinde thy backe , and committed the sinne against the holy Ghost , so that it is in vaine for thee to hope for mercy , thou canst not be forgiuen , though with Esau thou sh●d neuer so many teares . Thou art a reprobate by Gods decree , and what knowest thou , but that thou art in hell already , so that do what thou wilt , thou canst not be saued . And therefore drowne , or hang thy selfe , or cut thy throat : O Coward , kill thy selfe , and so shalt thou rid thy selfe out of this present paine . O heauenly Father , look down vpon this my wounded spirit : and ( O Lord ) driue away Sathan , that he preuaile not in these temptations against my soule . O Lord , so strong and violent are his temptations , that I know not how to resist them , but by the strength of thy holy Spirit , which I beseech thee , O Lord , may powerfully and comfortably ayde & assist me now and for euermore . Lord for thy Christ his sake , in whom I onely trust to obtaine thy mercy , doe away my sinnes , and speake peace vnto my soule , against this lying serpent , that thou art and wilt be my saluation : O Lord. create in me a cleane heart , and renue in me a right spirit , that I may learne to feare thee according to thy word : deale bountifully with me thy seruant , that I may escape these temptations , and in spight of Sathan , liue to keepe thy word : let not such contempt & reproach come vpon me , but saue mee out of the iawes of hell , and from the power of Sathan , for thy names sake , and for thy mercy sake , and for thy Sonne his sake , O Lord I beseech thee . And though my soule through these temptations , cleaue vnto the dust , yet quicken thou mee according to thy word , and though the sorrowes of death hereby compasse mee in on euery side , and the terrours of hell haue now caught hold on mee , yet O Lord I beseech thee to deliuer my soule . And though Sathan hath compassed me with the multitude of his temptations , yet in thy Name , O Lord , I am confident , that I shall ouercome them . And though thou hast suffered Sathan for a time to buffet me ; yet I beseech thee as thy Sonne Iesus my Sauiour hath taught mee , in this last petition of his holy Prayer ; let me be neither further led , nor come into temptation , but as in the wildernesse , after Sathans three-fold temptation of thee , thou by faith in the Word of thy Father , didst resist him , that in the end hee left thee , so that thy Angels ministred comfort to thee : so most sweet Sauiour help me , so by the same skill of thy holy Word , that I may resist Sathan , and after the battell be comforted and confirmed in obedience , by the most sweet comfort of thy holy spirit . O Lord my Sauiour , how did he tempt thee , to make away thy selfe , but could not preuaile ? So ( O Lord ) strengthen mee by the same power of thy Godhead , and a true liuely faith , by which I am ingrafted into thee , that I may neuer by Sathans power , be forced against , nor with my will , to commit the wickednesses wherewith hee tempteth mee . O Lord , hee could not enter into the Heard of Swine , vntill thou gauest him leaue : wherefore by thy vnlimitted power , curbe and restraine him , that hee enter not into mee , much lesse worke his will of mee , as he did of them . He faine would haue killed thy seruant Iob , as hee had done his children , seruants , and cattell , but thou wouldst not giue him leaue : So ( O Lord ) he hath striuen to doe with me , but thou hast kept mee , and resisted , and rebuked him in my behalfe : he striueth like a roaring Lyon , to make mee his prey , and beateth hard to enter into my heart , which thou hast swept and garnished , to be a receptacle for thy selfe ; wherefore ( O Lord ) let that stronger man , euen thy holy Spirit , keepe sure my soule vnto thee , that I be not ouercome with his furious assaults , and temptations , to let goe my hope in thy mercies : thou delightest not in the death of a sinner , but rather to shew mercy , that hee may be saued : Lord for thy mercy sake , saue mee , and helpe mee , for thy Sonnes sake keepe mee , from the rage and fury of this my great oppressour . O God , he would fame play the lying spirit vnto my soule , that he might plunge me in thy great displeasure : but ( O Iesus I beseech thee ) saue mee , and driue Sathan away from me , that hee neuer come at mee more . O God , he continually striueth with mee for my soule , as hee did with thine Angell , for the body of Moses , but as then thou didst defend it , and thine Angell , and in the end rebuked Sathan ; So ( O Lord ) defend me , & rebuke Sathan , that he preuaile not against me , neither in health , in sicknesse , nor yet at the point of death ; but send thine Elect Angel of the couenant ( Christ Iesus ) my annointed Sauiour , and his innumerable heauenly Souldiers , here to keepe me , and at my end to conduct my soule , to that place of rest , where this champion of hell , shall not once dare to defie it , or cast forth any wicked accusation against mee : and that for the merits of thy dearest Son , and sprinkling of his bloud , vnder which I expect my safety and saluation , both heere in the Church militant , and for euer in thy Church triumphant , therefore to thee most holy Trinity , and Lord God of Sabbaths , be giuen by me , and all thine , both present , and eternall praise . Amen . LACHRIM . 4. Wherein the distressed prayeth GOD to keepe him from despaire , howsoeuer men goe about to ruine him or his estate : not regarding ( so God in his mercie and protection be with him ) who or how many rise vp against him . IN thee , O Lord , I put my trust , and yet there are which daily say , There is no helpe for me vniust , but Lord thy word cannot decay : Thou art my God , how can they then , proue that thou wilt none helpe me send : I am brought low in sight of men , there 's none will helpe or comfort bend : My basket and my store is spent , they say it was by thee accurst : Thou didst at take that h●dst it sent , but they take all things at the worst : At me they gape , at me they wonder , as at a monster seldome seene : On all their workes and words I ponder , what I now am , what I haue beene . I faint at nought , thou know'st my smart , th' art my Father , and doest me foster : What words or works , can daunt my heart , I am in thee become a boaster . These men thy might and power disable , or else thy loue to man diminish : Or else they thinke thou art vnstable , and doest begin , and wilt not finish : Or that the poore wilt not support , nor helpe the needie in distresse : But as thou knowest what they report , so make them feele their wickednesse . But I doe know thou failest neuer , them that in thee their trust repose . If they be constant and perseuer , all things are for the best to those . Thou art indeede a iealous God , and first thy children thou doest monish : Thou bear'st with loue , and beat'st with rod , if they mend not , wilt further punish : Yet call'st thy chosen children backe , by gentle stroakes , from running ryot , And sufferest them to suffer lacke , and doest prescribe to them their diet : We may condignely then deride , the iudgement of such foolish men , That vnto thee Lord will prescribe , the measure what , and the time when . Such fleshly men by wealth and woe , censure thy loue , or thy displeasure : As Natures friend , or Graces foe , by humane reason all things measure . They thinke thou lou'st whom thou feed'st fat , with plenty , pleasures , worldly riches : And that all others thou doest hate , these world , flesh , and deuill bewitches : And great is this temptation , vnlesse our natures thou assist : Infeebled with affliction , whose helpe doth rest in Iesus Christ. When thou therefore do'st me correct , with one hold , hold me with the other : Let fasth in thee make thee accept me for thy Sonne , by Christ my brother : Lay not vpon me greater loade , then I poore wretch can well endure . If I doe sinke , stay my aboade , and if I fall , then keepe me sure . Thou know'st Lord whereof I am made , I am a silly simple man : A worme , a flea , a puffe , a shade , that no good doe , nor no good can . Try by the Crosse , true to the Crowne , that we may proue by want and losses : But to dispaire , pull me not downe , but vnto comforts , turne my crosses : I am not able to beare thy yoake , vnlesse Christ thy Sonne doe with me draw : I am not able to fend thy stroke , vnlesse he ( O Lord ) doth ward the blow . Lord with thy mercies compasse me , protection draw out of despaire : O let me thy saluation see , and all things fit obtaine by Prayer . Thou shewest mercy to the meeke , that trust in thee in all mens sight : There children shall finde what they seeke , thou shalt to Sunne-shine turne their night . A place whence worldlings are excluded , and all the hellish rable out . Though here on earth they haue intruded , to roote Gods faithfull children out : And such as haue with hate pursu'd , and trusted in the arme of flesh : And haue their hands in bloud imbru'd , shall say in iudgement they were rash . God's on my side , who can ouerthrowe me ? Christ pleades my cause , can God refuse me , As iust in Christ : the Lord doth know me , he doth acquite , who can accuse me . We thought that this mans life was madnesse , then shall the wicked worldlings say : But see his words are turn'd to gladnesse , whom we haue deem'd a cast-away . His hand hath wrought what he would haue , yea I my selfe shall say I err'd : That thought thou wouldest me not saue , because my ioyes were then deferr'd : I thought my cries thou would'st not heare , when I thee sought , thy selfe did'st hide : When I complain'd , thou cam'st not neere , as though thou could'st me not abide : But now I knowledge and confesse , thy wisedome great in humbling me : Thy loue sustain'd me in distresse , thy prouidence releeuing me . This pass'd all iudgement and conceit , of learnedst , grauest , wisest men : Therefore , deere Father , I will waite , take thine owne time , how , where , and when I will not with thy will indent : nor thee direct the manner how . Thou should'st me helpe , 't is mine intent , vnto thy will to bend and bowe . Hereafter I will hold my peace , though men shall say yet still of me : And though their tongues will neuer cease , ( there is for me , no helpe from thee . ) 〈◊〉 Prayer for a Merchant , that God would blesse his Sea aduentures . O Almighty God , the Creator of heauen and earth , and that ●ath made the round world , and 〈◊〉 that is therein , that stretcheth ●t the North ouer the empty ●aces , and hangeth the earth vp● nothing , that hath set the Sea ●s bounds , vntill night and day ●me to an end ; that diuideth ●e Sea , and bindeth the floods ●om ouerflowing : that looketh 〈◊〉 the ends of the earth , and seeth ●e whole fabrick of heauen , and ●e earth , and all things therein : ●t maketh the waight for the windes , and knoweth the measures of the waters , that hath since the dayes of Noah , shut vp the Sea , with barres and dores , saying , hitherto shalt thou come , and no further , and heere shall thy proud waues be stayed ; yet fo● the families of Jacob , at their departure from Egypt and Pharaoh Court ; thou didst once againe interrupt the boundes of the Seas and made them to stand on heaps that Israel might escape from their cruell and bloody pursuer● The waters saw thee ( O God ) th● waters saw thee , & were afraid a● the presence of the Lord God A● mighty : vnto thee most might Jehouah doe I come , beseechin● thee to prosper my aduentures a● the Sea : thou art the same Lor● that didst prosper the ancient a● uentures that thy seruant Salomo made to Opher in the land of Hau● lah toward the East . O Lord , beseech thee , that when the wi● shall arise , the Seas roare , t● flouds raise them vp into heauen , and cast them downe againe into the bottome of the deepe , threatning nothing but death and destruction : keepe them that they perish not in the proud waues thereof , by falling into sands , nor by running against the hard rock : Keepe them safe in their persons ●nd goods , as thou didst Salomons Marriners , and the rich treasures 〈◊〉 their vessels . O Lord , let no ●obbers , nor Pirates at Sea , attach ●heir persons or goods , but pro●ect them safe out of their hands , ●hat I and they being made well 〈◊〉 liue , may returne thankes , and ●●sse thee all our dayes , both pri●ately and publiquely in thy holy ●ongregation ; for they that goe ●to the deepe , see the wonders 〈◊〉 the Lord , & thereby are taught ●w to praise thee . Sweet Sauiour , as thy Disci●s with thee in the Shippe , in ●eir extreamities called vpon ●ee to helpe them , that they might not perish : So , O Lord , I● cail vpō thee , beseeching thee to heare me for them , and them for , themselues , and say vnto the Seas peace , and be still : for they are at thy command to obay thee , and therefore subiect at thy rebuke to be still . O Lord , as thou didst reach forth thy hand vnto thy Disciples , and to Peter at midnight , when they were in distresse , in the raging waues , and by calling vnto thee were comforted : So , O Lord , put into their hearts such a reuerend feare of thee , that in any danger or extreamity by sea or land , they may call vpon thee and be comforted O Lord , though they bee compassed about with death on euery side , yet there is assured safety in thee ; wherefore keepe firm● their tacklings , that they deceiu● them not in the raging windes nor mountaine billowes that bea● against their sides , that their Ship in which they are , be not broken O Lord , if thou force them to cast out their goods for safety , yet will it not auaile , vnlesse therewith they cast forth by vnfained repentance their loades of sinnes , through which bodies and goods are made to sinke . And let them be in safety , as the Marriners that were trauailing from Ioppa to Tarsus , when they had cast forth rebellious Ionas . O Lord of hoasts , and God of heauen , send thy Angels with them , to guide them forth , and conduct them safe in their return , & be with them in their greatest necessities , as thou wast with thine Apostle S. Paul , in his dangerous voyage to Rome . This temporall blessing , and all others that are needfull , and that thou knowest better to giue , then I to aske ; ( though a chiefe of sinners , and therefore most vnworthy ) yet I begge & aske it , if it be thy good pleasure , for thy Sonne Iesus sake , my only Lord and Sauiour . Amen . A Prayer for the fruits of the earth , and other nourishments of this mortall life . O Eternall God , which feedest with thy blessing euery liuing thing : and satisfiest the desires of thy seruants , with thy bountifull goodnesse , wee wretched sinners , vnworthy of the least of thy blessings and benefits , doe most humbly beseech thee to be pleased , to blesse all the fruits of the earth , that wee and all thy seruants may be partakers of thy comforts therein , for the nourishment of this life . Giue vs , O Lord , this day our daily bread , prepare our ground , and prosper our corne . Blesse the seede time with the first and latter raine , and meete temperature of ayre . Keepe our fruits while they bee in the earth , from haile and thunder , from excessiue droughts , and immoderate raines , from mildewes , and all noysome wormes . Send vs a ioyfull Haruest , and giue a blessing to that which wee shall reape , that for our vnthankfulnes it waste not away without our reliefe . Increase our cattell , with all other our prouision , which we shall carefully labour for . Replenish our basket , and blesse our store , that wee may haue wherewith , as to furnish our selues , so to giue some reliefe vnto others . Protect our seruants and workefolkes , that they may be strong to labour , wise to forecast , and faithfull in their businesse . Keepe our Garners , Barnes , and Store-houses , from fire , and boysterous windes , Theeues , and suddaine inundations . Prosper our workes and trauels , whether by sea or land , and blesse and prosper all them that any way labour for any of those things that we shall haue occasion to vse . Send remedy , O Lord , for all hardnesse and misery , turne our dearth into cheapenesse , and our scarcity into plenty . Open the hearts of rich men , to whom thou hast giuen much , that they may haue a charitable respect of the poore at all times . Helpe vs ( O Lord ) and giue vs such things as we stand in neede of , and make vs to desire such things onely as may bee pleasing vnto thee , to search them wisely , and to finde them easily . Oppresse vs not with too much pouerty , neither puffe vs vp with too much plenty ; but giue vs a competent store of things necessary for this life , and grace to vse them soberly to thy glory , and our comfort , through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen . A thanksgiuing for our Benefactours . O Lord , which hast said , that hee that giueth vnto the poore , lendeth vnto the Lord , and looke what he layeth out , it shall be payd him againe : wee beseech thee to be gracious and mercifull to all those , for whom wee are bound to pray by nature , by desert , or any other duty whatsoeuer . Of thy especiall fauour remember all our Benefactours and friends aliue , euen all those our Parents , kinsfolkes , and others , which haue brought vs vp , taught , promoted , or any way relieued vs. Blesse them with all blessings , that haue done good , either to our bodies with temporall benefits , or our soules with profitable instructions . Bless their estates , that in their godly dispositions they may haue alwayes wherewith to relieue and comfort others in their discretion : giue them the consolation of the holy Ghost , to the keeping of faith and a good conscience : And as they haue shewed mercy vnto vs , and comforted vs : so Lord , helpe and comfort them in their greatest needes , that both they and their families may both haue comfort in their estate and condition heere , and finde mercy with thy Sonne our Sauiour Iesus at the latter day . Lord let all their almes-deedes , and prayers , be alwayes in thy sight , as those of Cornelius ; that as they haue been vnto vs an odour that smelleth sweet , whereby we haue receiued plenty , and beene filled , so they may bee as sacrifices acceptable and pleasant vnto thee . Vouchsafe vs this grace , O Lord , that wee be not guilty of any ingratitude towards them , but rather ready according to our abilities , to recompence them , if neede require . Let not that which they haue bestowed vpon vs bee cast away , but make it fruitfull & vs worthy of it . Graunt this , O thou God , which doest good both to the just and vniust , for Iesus Christs sake , our only Lord & Sauiour . Amen . LACHRIM . 5. Wherein the distressed sheweth his desire to hold more fast the promises of God. O Lord , thou art my hope and strength , thou help'st in trouble , doe not hide Thy selfe for euer , but at length for men distrest doe thou prouide , For I by thee will hold most fast , I le trust in thee while I doe liue : And till those stormes be ouer-past , I le neither faint , nor feare , nor grieue . Tremble thou earth : rage sea and land , winde , tempest , stormes , and all about : I see thee ( Lord ) hold out thy hand , for my defence , I le neuer doubt . What though hills quake , & staggering stumble , and fall into the midst of seas . Though waters roare , rage , and tumble , thou canst this change , and all appease , Should I then faint at troubles small , which like small darts thou throw'st at me In loue , but not to kill at all , but make me leaue my vanity . Forsake my follies euery deale , reclayming errors to the truth : T is thou didst hurt , and thou canst heale : thou hast preseru'd me from mine youth . I must confesse I merited , the death of death , with paines of hell : And to be disinherited of heauens high , where iust doe dwell . But Lord doe mittigate thine anger , and turne thy heauie wrath to loue : Deliuer me from all this danger , let thy compassion mercy moue . And with true comforts Christ all fountaine , my dry and thirsty soule refresh : And powre on me from holy mountaine , sweet dewes to glad my soule and flesh . Thy darts in me , O Lord , sticke fast , O pull them out , cast them away , And cure my wounds , to helpe make hast ; binde vp my sores , soules sorrowes stay . Cleanse the corrupt affections , of my defiled wicked heart : Prosper and blesse mine actions , lighten my knowledge grosse and darke . O Wash me from impi●ti● , exhilerate my sicke soules sadness●… . In darknesse let me light espie , in midst of sorrow graunt me gladnesse , On fruitfull ground Lord doe me plan● ▪ and build me vp on surest r●cke . Annoyes to ioyes , to wealth turne w●… from future ills me keepe and locke , As trees that grow by waters side , whose leaues and blossomes freshly flourish ; For euer let my state abide , thy loue reuiue , thy grace me nourish , Let thy spirit daily spring and bud , with faiths pure branches from my heart : Let dewes and drops of Christs deere blood , feede vaines of hope from sinners dar● ▪ My store is decayed , thou canst renew it : my basket's empty , thou canst fill it : Refresh my heart , againe reuiue it : reuiue it Lord , for thou didst kill it . Thou help'st the simple , poore , and needie , thou seest my state , thou canst all m●nd : I know thou know'st when to be speedie , and knowest thy time when to defend . Helpe , helpe , O Lord , else downe I fall , hold me fast by thy strong hand , And lift me vp against them all , that by opposing me withstand . Thy promise ( Lord ) thou●…o st performe ; thy words are deedes , thou 〈◊〉 and do'st , A happy end thou doest returne , and graunt to those that on thee trust : My safety ( Lord ) thou hast ordain'd , by faith my hope doth mount and ●lie , And by that hope I am sustain'd , if that were lost my soule would die . My faith hath fixt an obiect right , my will doth farre my power exceede : But ( Lord ) I know that in thy sight , the will is taken for the deede . Then ( Lord ) for deede my will doe take , and I secured shall be then . O graunt me this for Christ his sake , to whom be praise for aye . Amen . A conuenient Prayer for all times , either for a priuate person , or a whole family . MOst mighty God , & Father of our Lord Iesus Christ , most louing Sauiour and Redeemer , and most blessed Spirit , proceeding from the Father and the Sonne , the eternall , most glorious Trinity , which in the beginning didst create the heauen and the earth , with all the hoasts of them , and from time to time , vnto this present moment of their being , vpheld and preserued them , and all creatures , that thou diddest then make , haue euer sithence obayed thy first institution , man onely ( for whom thou madest all things ) excepted , which when we doe consider ( O Lord ) we cannot , but be much deiected in our selues , to thinke that wee whom thou hast adorned with thine owne Image , should bee fallen backe in our obedience , and become worse then the worst of thy creatures : thou gauest vs disposition to obay thee , but wee haue despised thee , and cast away from vs the yoke of obedience , yet so great is thy mercy , that though we haue reiected thee , yet thou hast not reiected vs , but hast continued all thy couenants in full force vnto vs , as in the beginning vnto our fore-fathers . O Lord , from the wombe of our Parents are we risen a rebellious seede , and like the prodigall sonne , haue in the vaine imaginations of our hearts wandered from thee , so that thou canst take no pleasure nor delight in vs , or in any thing we doe : but ( O Lord ) wee cast downe our selues in thy sight , and presence , earnestly be●eeching thee ( as on the poore Publican ) to haue mercy vpon vs , and pardon all our sinnes which wee from time to time haue done against thee . O Lord pardon our sinnes of ignorance , of omission and commission , in the duties commanded & forbidden , which wee haue neglected and not done . O Lord pardon our sins of knowledge , by which wee haue often grieued thy good spirit , that would haue hindered and detained vs from them , if wee out of the loue to them , had not too much delighted in them , & stopped our eares against his holy motions and directions . O Lord , pardon our sinnes of presumption , by which wee haue most mightily offended thee : and so hardned our hearts , as wee could take no delight in the exercise of thy worship or seruice , as by the contempt of thy most holy Word and Sacraments , in our owne conscience , and in the sight of thy holy Church , vnto whom we are knowne , is most mani●est : yet ( O our most good God ) doe away all our transgressions , at what time or place so euer they haue beene committed or done . ( O Lord ) seperate them as farre from thee , as the East is from the West , binde them in a bundle , and drowne them from thy sight , as thou diddest the sinnes of the old world : O Lord drowne them in the huge sea of thy mercy , so as they may be cleane forgotten , for wee confesse , that if thou shouldest call vs to a reckoning and account for them , there is not the least of them , but like mill-stones tyed about our neckes , in the midst of the sea , would drown vs in eternall death , & cōdemnation of body & soule for euermore . But ( O Lord ) we beseech thee to naile our sinnes vnto the Crosse of thy deare Sonne Iesus our Sauiour , and Redeemer , and for his sake , we onely entreate thee to be at peace with vs , and thy whole Church , throughout the world . Wash our sinnes away in his most holy bloud which he shed for his Churches sake , in his agony on the mount before , and in his death on the Crosse , for hee is the Lord our righteousnesse , who in thy secret counsell was slaine , from the beginning of the world , that wee which trust in him , by his stripes and wounds , might of our sinnes bee healed . O Lord , I beseech thee , heare these our petitions ; which much like forlorne beggers , wee put vp vnto thee in thy Sonnes name , being imboldened , and encouraged this to dee , from that promise of thine , which in thy holy Gospell , thou hast giuen vs , saying : Aske and yee shall haue , seeke and yee shall finde , knocke and it shall be opened vnto you . Yea , thou hast encouraged vs heere vnto , saying ; Can you that are euill , giue good gifts to your children , when they aske ; and shall not I giue the holy Ghost to my children when they aske of me ? And thou hast said , that hauing giuen thy Sonne vnto vs , that thou wilt with him giue vs all things else , and for his sake deny vnto vs nothing : in conscience of the truth of this thy holy word , wee pray thee to heare vs , and to settle our hearts & mindes in the knowledge , loue , and obedience of thy word and commandements to the end , and in the end of this our fraile and weake life . O Lord , considering our weakenesse , and how vnable wee are to stand in temptation : and considering how many and how great our temptations are , both in things spirituall , and things temporall ; and how the deuill as a wandring and raging Lyon , raigneth throughout the world , and in the Church especially : seeking whom hee may deuoure , and considering how subtilly hee vseth , and offereth this world vnto vs , ( as hee did vnto thee in the beginning of thy Ministerie , which thy Father had appointed thee in his Church ) euen so by the profits and pleasures which he profereth vs , would hee cunningly steale our hearts from thee , and thy worship vnto himselfe , which we abhorre as most wicked and vngodly : And considering how hee stirreth our vncleane hearts , and wicked corruptions , as a stinking puddle to breath forth many noysome and loathsome cogitations , and euill actions , whereby he would brand our consciences , not only to doubt of our redemption by Christ , but also of thy mercy , which is so exceeding comfortable . For all these considerations wee entreate thee to heare vs , helpe vs , and strengthen vs , in all these seuerall temptations ; and as in these , so in all other , of what nature or kinde so euer they are , or shall be in this world : and that not onely in prosperity , but in aduersity , and in the strength of Sathans temptations , especially when thou shalt haue cast vs vpon the bed of sicknesse , and bring vs vnto the point of death , when we are most weake , and Sathan in his greatest insolencie . Wherefore , O Lord , giue vs grace , that in the time of this life , we may not be negligent , but most carefull in the vse of all good meanes , whereby wee may finish our saluation in feare and trembling , for of our selues we cannot moue one foot forward vnto thy Kingdome , without thy helpe to stirre vs , inwardly by the motions of thy spirit , and outwardly by the hearing and reading of thy word , with conference , meditation , and prayer . Let not thy grace be absent at such times , but goe on with vs in blessing , helping , and guiding vs , till wee haue obtained full assurance , euen the testimony of thy holy Spirit , in our hearts witnessing vnto vs , and with vs , that thou art our God , and wee thine adopted sonnes and children ( in Christ Iesus our Lord ) and so may bee enabled to stand fast in loue and charity , as to all men in generall , so especially to thy Church , which are onely the houshold of faith : O make me mercifull to the fatherlesse , to widowes indeede , to captiues , bondslaues , and all sorts that suffer aduersity in soule or body . Hauing prayed for our selues , and such things as concerne this present life , as feeling members of the misticall body of thy Church militant dispersed , and scattered throughout the whole world , we entreate thee to haue mercy vpon it , and blesse it by strengthening those that thou hast called , that we may stand fast in the profession of thy Name , and not bee ashamed of that inseparable yoke-fellow , thy crosse , vnder which thou hast caused vs as spirituall souldiers alwayes to warre . And graunt that by no temptations inward or outward , wee be forced to faint ; but enable vs , that fighting against our most subtill aduersaries , flesh or spirit , our corrupt nature , men , or the deuill , being Lords of the whole world , that i● wicked , carnall , and vnregenerate men , that are wholly led of Sathan , and the power of darknesse● Heauenly Father , I beseech thee ▪ more particularly to looke downe vpon the reformed Churches ▪ and among them more especially vpon the Churches of England ▪ Scotland , and Ireland , and all othe● our owne and neighbouring Nations , that we may enioy the promises of the Gospell , as long as the Sunne and Moone endure● And graunt that out of those Churches may be spread farre and wide among the Iewes and Heathen that are called , the amiabi● tidings of the Gospel , that thereby the Kingdome of thy Sonne may be more and more enlarged To this end , blesse all Christian Kings , Princes , and Potentates ▪ but especially thy seruant Charle● our King , that by thine appointment , at this present doth rule and gouerne vs ; encrease in him ▪ ●nd them , religious , zealous , and ●incere hearts : so as hee and they ●ay goe before all other Kings ●nd Princes , in m●st holy , wise , & Christian life , ministring iudgement , and iustice , without respect ●f persons . O Lord make our King , and all other Kings strong ●aintainers and defenders of thy ●ue , ancient , Catholicke , and Christian faith , now established 〈◊〉 these his Dominions ; that no ●olicie of man , nor subtilty of Sa●han , may preuaile against it , but ●hat his Maiestie by the tempo●all sword , and the Ministers of ●…e Word by the spirituall sword , ●…e preaching of the Word , ( as ●…ttle Dauid ) may preuaile against ●…l the enemies thereof , secret or ●pen , abroad or at home , within ●…ese his owne Dominions . Hea●enly Father , send him wee be●…ech thee , ( if it be thy will ) No●…e and Royall issue , that after him 〈◊〉 euery Age , they may sit vpon ●…e Throne of this Kingdome , r●le , and gou●rne it vnto the comming of thy deare Sonne our Sauiour vnto iudgement . O Lord settle about him and them , i● euery age and generation , a god ▪ ly , learned , religious , truly noble and wise Counsell : And graun● that both hee and they may truly loue and aduance , vnto , and in gouenrnment , a learned and religious Ministerie , and Magistrac●… within thy Church of great Brittaine especially . And most migh● ty God , I pray thee perpetually to looke downe vpon all men , bu● especially vpon our owne Country men , that are in any aduersity by sea , or land , and in their seuerall trialls and crosses of this life● giue them patience to beare , 〈◊〉 deliuerance , in , or out of them , 〈◊〉 may be best vnto thy godly wise dome , as may make most to th● glory , and their comforts . 〈◊〉 these and all other blessings spirituall and temporall , beyond th● wee are able to aske and thinke we pray thee to hear● vs , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 onely and alone , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Son●e our Sauiours sa●e 〈◊〉 ●hom with thee , and thy ●…t holy Spirit , be 〈◊〉 ho●… and glory , from this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and for euermore . Amen . LACHRIM . 6. In which the distressed craueth pardon for his sinnes , the cause of all his miseries . O Had I wings like to a Doue , then should I from these troubles flie : To wildernesse I would remoue , to spend my life and there to die . Mongst bushes thicke , and branches tall , of mighty Cedars huge and hie : With sauages and wilde beasts all , for to auoyde my miserie . But why thus wish I , Lord ▪ alas , that am vaine man of flesh and blood : Thou God that bring'st all things to passe , doest know , this sorts not for my good . For were ●…in vaste wildernesse : in furthest part of earth or ayre : I could no whit my case redresse , as being in thy power there . Were I in bowells of the earth , were I in sea , in cloudes or skie : With sorrow , griefe , with ioy or mirth , there Lord thou art with powerfull eye , There canst thou also finde me out , and visite there my foule effence : Thou art my pathes and bed about , t is vaine to hide or feele defence . Then let me at thy footestoole fall , and there acknowledge mine amisse : For pardon begge , and mercy call , and pray for griefe and heauenly blisse : And that thou bridle my desires , cleanse mine affections with thy spirit . Inflame me with thy holy fire , in nought but thee let me delight . Lord can the fiercenesse of my heart , r●forme my words , my mouth , my speech : Thou fountaine of all wisedome art , therefore true wisedome doe me teach . In vnderstanding truth instruct me , vouchsafe me perfect patienc● : And to freedome Lord conduct me , where is no loss nor paine of sence . And from these dangers Lord me free , which most I feare , and soon'st possesse : The comforts most desir'd by me , and so enioy true happinesse . O make not Lord thy absence long , but hasten my deliuerance . Against my foes Lord make me strong , which doe themselues 'gainst me adua●ce . That ready are with onset new , for to assault my silly soule : Wearied with stormes that doe accrewe , and plung'd with waues which o're me roule . Wherefore hast thou left vnto vs , by thy word a commandement , To cast our care on thee which thus with weighty burthens vs torment . With promise to vs helpe and ease , thou seest and know'st Lord our desire : Our secret hearts , and all our wayes . all 's plaine to thee as light , as fire . If therefore I should iustifie my selfe , I should condemned be : Thou find'st me out , and do'st me trie , my righteousnesse is nought to thee , Disclayming my integrity , I cast me downe Lord at thy feete : And pray for pure sincerity , that I doe all in all that 's meete . Wherefore thou art most mercifull , when wants and weakenesse we confesse : Yea , then thy gifts are plentifull , vs to relieue in our distresse . On thee my burthen Lord I lay , for well I know thou c●r'st for all That thee beleeue : loue , feare , obay , and for thy grace and mercy call . My faith and hope is all in thee , I am of imperfections full , I aske why thou doest visite me ? should I that blockish am a●… dull , Defil'd within , and eke without , plead duties done , ●r else be mute : It is in vaine to goe about , with thee , O Lord , for to dispute . Who euill am in my best way , in purest thoughts yea most impure : Pardon my weakenesse Lord I pray . and giue me zeale and truth to endure : With humblenesse and perfect loue , which Lord thou doest of me require : Instruct me God , with wisedome moue , me guide and leade to thy desire . Shew me the way that tends to blisse , after this my long straying h●●re , And bring me home where all peac●●s , let thy free fauour Lord appeare . Wherein is life and liberty , comfort , ioy , and societie . With rest , peace , and tranquility , for them that liue in piety . O happy he whom thou protectest , most happy he whom thou doest loue : He is happy and sure whom thou respectest , he is fed and clad from thee aboue . In all good things he is rich indeede , when he doth call , thou doest him heare : What he doth aske , thou giu'st at neede , he seekes and findes them euery where . When he is sicke thou doest him ●ure : when poore , thou doest his wants supply : When he is sad he shall be sure , thy sauing helpe and health is ni● , When he is troubled doest defend him , in danger doest securenesse giue him : When men him hate , thy loue wilt send him , when almost dead , life doth reuiue him . And giu'st him then such ioyes for euer , as no mans wit can apprehend : Me fauour graunt , Lord bring me thither , to these thy blessings without end . This fauour Lord vnto me shew , and blesse my contemplation , Onely in heauen and hee , I know is perfect contentation . My sorrowes shall be turn'd to ioy , my wants vnto sufficiencie : My teares to gladnesse , from annoy , mourning to mirth and melodie . My soule keepe safe from death and hell : my feete from sliding and from falling : Let m● vprightly walke and dwell : and on thee still O Lord be calling . Who do'st performe thy promises , and let'st none empty part away : That with their hearts seeke thy mercies , or doe for helpe or comfort pray . Send helpe therefore and saue me , from them that would me quite de●o●re : And daily grieue me , and depraue me , my soule 's with Lyons euery houre . I wads as through the raging sea , I dwell amongst them set on fire : Whose teeth are spears , whose tongue beares sway , like two-edg'd sword with wrath and ire . Thy mercy therefore and thy truth , let be my bucklen and strong s●…ld : Hast beene mine hope euen from my youth , let troubles cease , new ioyes me yeeld . Set me vpon thy rocke for 〈◊〉 , of perfect loue and true reliefe : Let rest and refuge faile me n●uer , and thy protection saue from griese , Bring thou to passe what 's fit for me , what thou doest know expedient : That righteous men th●●nd may see , and how my hope ob●●in'd con●●nt . That they may of thy glory talke , and speake of thy eternall praise ▪ All men shall say that see me walke ; doubtlesse God will the righteo●s raise . There is a God th●●'s gracious go●d ▪ to them that be of perfect heart : When he hath all their foes with stood , heauens ioyes to them he will impart . A Prayer in the time of plague , or other extraordinarie sicknesse . O Lord our GOD , in whose name standeth our helpe , and who ( amongst other euills ) hast promised vs to deliuer thy people from the 〈◊〉 of the Hunter , and the noysome Pestilence , wee beseech thee take this thy Plague away from vs : And as the stench of our sinnès hath ascended vp into thy nosthrills , to prouoke thy wrath against vs : so let our humble supplications come before thee , to procure our happy and speedie release from it . Lord call backe thine Angell , and cause him to sheath the sword againe . We are thy children , the worke of thy hand , we are sorrie for our sinnes , which are the cause of all this : and wee purpose amendment : wee are but men , dust and ashes , not able to beare long ; therefore Lord haue mercy vpon vs , and that soone , send vs comfort , and suffer vs not to perish after so miserable a sort . We thanke thee , O Lord , that thou hast not left vs altogether comfortlesse , without hope , but hast somewhat withdrawne thine hand , and spared many hundred of vs , in comparison of those whom thou slewest before : and now wee reioyce at this abatement , yet stand in awe , we presume vpon this thy fauour , but with feare and trembling : wee trust it shall be euery day better , yet we are carefull to winne it by pleasing thee . Wherefore , O Lord , wee beseech thee blesse vs , and all those that depend vpon vs ; set thy sauing marke vpon our houses , as thou didst for the Israelites , and giue or er to the destroyer that hee hurt vs not . Put thy strength to our medicines : guard our regard which wee haue of our selues : let thy good blessings make the preseruatiues of the Physitians , and our shifting places for more security , profitable vnto vs , and let vs not trust too much to outward means , but chiesely in thy mercy , and blessing vpon them . Keepe vs downe-lying and vp-rising , and protect vs walking in our vocations : haue pittie vpon our distressed brethren , comfort the desolate widowes , prouide for all fatherlesse children . Gather vs together againe , that by these meanes are dispersed , and continue thy mercifull worke in deminishing our dead numbers , till wee may iustly say in confidence and thankes with the Prophet , we shall not die but liue , and declare the workes of the Lord. The ancient Prayer , called , O bountifull Iesus . O Bountifull Iesu , O sweet Iesu ▪ O Iesu the Sonne of the Virgine Mary , which art full of mercy and truth : O sweet Iesus haue pittie vpon mee , according to thy great mercy . O benigne Iesu , by the same pretious blood which thou wast contented to shed vpon the Altar of the Crosse for vs miserable sinners : I beseech thee vouchsafe to cast all mine iniquities out of thy sight , and despise not mee that thus humbly begge of thee , crying and calling ▪ vpon thy holy name IESVS : This name IESVS is a sweet name , this name IESVS is a name of saluation , for what is IESVS but a Sauiour . O good IESVS , which hast created mee , and redeemed mee with thine owne blood , suffer not mee whom thou hast made of nought to be damned ; O good IESVS , let not my wickednesse haue power to destroy me whom thine Almighty goodnesse hath made . O good IESVS , reknowledge that which is thine in mee , and that which is not of thee , take that away from me , O good IESVS , euen now while the time of mercy is , haue mercy vpon me , and let mee not be con●ounded at the day of thy fearefull iudgement . O good IESVS , although I vile sinner , by thy straite ●ustice , haue deserued to bee punished euerlastingly , for my most grieuous sinnes , yet hauing sure confidence in the trueth of thy righteousnesse , I appeale to thine vnspeakable mercy : I am sure thou wilt haue mercy vpon mee like a louing Father , and a mercifull Lord. O good IESVS , what profit is there in my blood , if I descend into the pit of eternall corruption ? for surely they that be dead , shall not magnifie thee , or any that goe downe into the place of silence . O most mercifull IESVS , haue mercy vpon mee , O most sweet IESVS deliuer m●… O most holy IESVS be mercifull to me a sinner . O IESVS accept me wretched sinner , among the number of them whom thou hast elected to saluation . O IESVS the health of all that hope in thee , the life of all that beleeue in thee , haue mercy vpon mee . O sweet IESVS , the remission of all my sinnes . O IESVS , the Sonne of the virgine Mary , powre thy grace into my heart , endue mee with wisedome , charity , chastity , and humility , and in all mine adversity , graunt me holy , inuiolable , and stedfast patience , that I may perfectly loue thee , and haue my onely delight and a●●iance in thee , world without end , Amen . The Sicke-mans Prayer . O Louing Lord , and most holy Father , I poore wretch thy seruant , feeling in this sicknesse which thou hast layd vpon me , the punishment of that corruption and transgression that is in me , and all flesh , doe most willingly submit my selfe to thine holy ordinance , to beare this crosse , and taste of this bitter cup which I haue deserued , and much more , so that I may follow thee whither thou art gone . Therefore , O Lord , since thou hast not yet called mee to the barre of death , but sent thy Heraulds to summon me to a triall : I beseech thee looke on me with thine eye of mercifull pittie , and helpe me in this day of visitation : powre out thine oyle of grace into my wounded conscience , purge my defiled soule , forgiue mee all my sinnes , and giue mee competent comfort and consolation in this distresse : let me not dye ere I begin to liue ; giue mee time to repent , and occasion to amend : but if thou wilt needes put any more of thy wine of correction into my festered sores ; lay no more ( O Lord ) lay no more vpon me , then I shall bee able to beare : Make good vnto mee that goodnesse , which thou hast graunted me vnder the great seale of thy promise : Supply my want , pardon my sinnes , and ayde me against all temptations , and I am recouered of all mine infirmities : I offer here vnto thee ( O Lord ) a penitent heart for the time past , and promise through thy grace amendment , if it shall please thee to draw out the threed of my life any longer : yet I neither desire the continuance of this mortality , nor a more speedy deliuerance , otherwise then as thou wilt : Lord looke not vpon my merits , for they are either none or not good ; nor vpon my life , for it hath been naught ; but looke vpon Christ thy deere Sonne , who from the Altar of the crosse , cried vnto thee on my behalfe , and accept his satisfaction for my sinnes . Arme mee with patience to take vp my crosse & follow thee , euen to beare my visitation willingly ; and giue mee strength by faith , to resist the Aduersary in the brunt of temptations . With my sorrow and paine encrease thy grace , that when I am in greatest agony , I may find comfort , beleeuing and saying with the holy Prophet , My flesh faileth , and my heart also , but God is the strength of my heart , and my portion for euer . O Lord , if thy decree be gone forth , as it was to H●z●kiah , that I shall dye and not liue , giue me grace to put in order my things of this world , that I may depart in more peace ; and when the pangues of death haue shut vp the eyes of my body , and taken away the vse of my tongue , I beseech thee let the eyes of my soule still behold and looke vpon thee , so that when I shall leaue my earth to earth , and my body to the graue , thine Angels may carry vp my soule vnto thee , and be par●aker of a ioyfull resurrection , through Ies●● Christ our Lord. Amen . Amen . A Prayer for the sicke . O God most high , mighty , and i●uisible ; I thy vnworthy seruant , not worthy for my selfe to be heard in any request vnto thee , for I am a sinner . Yet Lord being confident of the pardon of my sinnes in Christ , in whose power is onely to forgiue sins , I am bold to come vnto thee , to begge the pardon of my sins , & as of my sinnes , so of the sinnes of this thy weake and sicke seruant , that lyes pained and diseased , not onely in the outward members , but in the inward parts of the body : And though thou hast depriued him of experience in naturall Physicke , whereby his skill to doe himselfe good : yet good Lord be thou his Physitian , and let thy helpe and assistance neuer faile in this his weakenesse to doe him good , and strengthen him . And if it be thy will , O Lord , restore him againe vnto that health , which her●tofore to the comfort of himselfe , and many others , hee hath enioyed : O Lord , thou art able not onely with meanes ▪ ( as vnto Hezekia● ) but without meanes as vnto Malchus eare , and blinde Bartimaeus , but euen against meanes , as vnto the widdowes sonne going vnto his Graue , and the Sunamites sonne , at the Prayer of Elisha . O Lord , thou didst beyond all hope , and expectation , raise Lazarus stinking in the graue , and Peters wiues mother of a burning beauer , and the woman of her bloudie issue , and the man that was irrecouerable of the dead Palsie , onely by thy vertue and power . O Lord , now when all meanes seeme to faile , that wee know not whither to goe but vnto thee , I beseech thee if it be thy will , let thy secret and hidden power , in which there is more ver●ue , then in all mineralls & plants , be extended forth to his comfort & reliefe , that he again may come into thy house , and magnifie thy mercy for his renewed strength . O Lord , as hee hath abounded with charity , and compassion vnto others , in their extreamities of sicknesse : so likewise ( as thou hast promised ) let this thy mercifull seruant , in his languishing paines , obtaine mercy from thee , that art most mercifull , and as hee hath heard the lamenting cries of others : so Lord doe thou heare his mournefull and lamenting sighes vnto thee , for thou art very pittifull , and of tender mercy . O Lord , he humbleth himselfe in thy sight , wherefore I beseech thee to raise him vp againe , if any man be sicke , thou hast willed vs that be well , to pray one for another , assuring vs that the Prayer of the righteous , if it be seruent , auaileth much ; In confidence and full assurance , that thou wilt make good thy word : O Lord , I earnestly beseech thee , to restore my sicke and weake friend ( N ) vnto his perfect health ( if it may bee thy good pleasure ) and this I aske as one not without hope , for I beleeue , that as Iesus died and rose againe , euen so by his power shall this my sicke friend doe at the last day . Yet , O Lord , for the perfecting of that which is wanting in his faith , repentance , and good works ; I earnestly beseech thee to adde some more vnto the number of his dayes , haue mercy vpon him , and restore him againe to strength , & his former health . But most mercifull Father , if thou please through this his sicknesse , to finish his dayes : graunt that he may in quiet minde , and stedfast faith , commend to thee , the care of all his worldly charge , because thou hast promised to be a Father vnto the widdowe , and the fatherlesse . And it is thy wil , that wee should cast our care on thee , not onely in life , but in death especially . O Lord , when death that cruell tyrant , sinne , the graue , the deuill , and all the fries of darknesse , shall assault his body , and affright his soule with distrust in thee , and of his part in the glorious resurrection ; then strengthen him , by the power of thy Sonne my Sauiour , that hee may no lesse triumph ouer all the terrours and feares of the graue , of hell , and death , as all the Saints in like case haue done , and then I my selfe may doe , in the same houre of my departure ; which I beseech thee to graunt , through him that hath loued vs , euen Iesus Christ my most absolute and perfect Sauiour . Amen . Amen . LACHRIM . 7. Wherein the distressed detesteth the world and wouldly things , and desireth heauen and heauenly things . MY soule doth long , and shall depend on God for euer , euerliuing : God shall begin and make an end , that hath giuen all , yet euer giuing . I sigh and groane for to appeare , before his gracious mercy seate : As thirsteth the Hart for water cleare , so long I for thy m●rcy great : I am quite tyred with my groanes , I faint vnder mine heauie loade : Of miseries , breaking all my bones , layd on me iustly , by my God. O God the rocke of my whole strength , Lord of mercy , behold mine anguish : O graunt me helpe and ease at length , I faint , I fall , I figh , I languish . Why doe I daily weepe , and mourne , and haue no comfort , helpe , nor ease : Why do'st not heare , but from me turne , why doe my woes , and foes encrease ? Sith I doe seeke thee vnfainedly , defend me , Oh defend me in This dangerous time of misery , layd iustly on me for my sin . Preserue me from men mercilesse , hard hearted , bloudy minded , cruell : Blesse me with thine hid blessednesse , giue me thy fauour my soules i●well : The man of earth layes load on loade , as on an Anuile stroke on stroke , Within , without , at home , abroad , mine head to the heele bowes with the yoke . I am reproach to neighbours all , I am ashamed men should see me , They scorne and laugh to see my fall , but this mine hope doth comfort me : That thou from them wilt set me free . And thee triumphant shall behold . In shining Throne of Maiestie , where 's neither hunger , thirst , nor cold . No want , nor sinne , nor ignomie , nor sicknesse , death , nor deadly paine : But fulnesse , mirth , ioy , victory , with thee in glory I shall raigne : And if it be thy will , O Lord , now after all this sturdy storme : To my most troubled soule afford thy peace , and pitty mee poore worme . Free me from death that 's mors Gehennae , giue peace , ioy , rest , not transitorie : I take it as an earnest pennie , of perfect blisse and endlesse glory . And I le here praise thee : men among that they may see , marke and consider : T is thou canst onely right our wrong , and from all troubles vs deliuer : Thou canst and wilt vs saue and keepe , though much we suffer in this life , Thou art our Shepheard , wee thy Sheepe , saue me from hate , enuie , and strife : So shall I also giue thee praise , my mouth continually thee laude : My soule and inward part alwayes , thy wonderous workes shall still applaude . I will be glad and ioy in thee , reioyce yea , and againe reioyce . Abiect though I , yet comfort me , I le praise thee with minde , heart , and voyce : Awake therefore , in time awake , preserue me that I perish not : I am if thou do'st me forsake , but as a dead man cleane forgot . And censured a cast-away , among such as see me depriu'd : Of present helpe , for these men say , my soule can neuer be reuiu'd : One sorrow doth encrease another , all hope on earth turnes to distrust , Of ayde from neighbour , friend , or brother , hide not thy face my God most iust . Forget not mine extreamities , Lord free me from in fernall hells Of torments , and of miseries , which comes from thee , and from none else , My soule is beaten to pits brimme , my heart doth faint , my hands grow weeke : My knees doe faile , mine eyes growe dimme , my tongue is dumbe , and cannot speake . And each part of my body vext , I daily moane my miseries . Looke on me Lord , I am perplext : O ease my griefe , and heare my cries : Though thou by Iustice made the wound , and by correction grieu'd mine heart : If thou wilt cure , salue soone is found , with spirituall comfort ease my smart . Doe not withhold such things are good , which for thy children are ordain'd : Turne thou thy face with Christes blood , cleanse all the spots my sinnes hath stain'd . Rise vp , O Lord , rise vp I say , with thee doth Loue and Bounty raigne : I am throwne downe , I thee obay , therefore rise vp , raise me againe . Although my sinnes like swords doe cut , me from thy fauour and thy grace : Let righteousnesse of Christ be put , to hide my sinnes before thy face . Unite me vnto thee againe , in such sort Lord , make me so fast : That I with thee may still remaine , and ioy in ioyes , that aye shall last . The young mans Prayer for a vertuous wife . O God the euerliuing , and only wise , the Author , and giuer of euery good and perfect gift , looke downe vpon mee , a● thou didst vpon Abimelech Abrahams seruant , when he prayed vnto thee , to guide and prosper him , in the great trust , that was committed vnto him , in the choise of his Masters sonnes wife : as thou wast pleased to heare him , for his Masters sonne ( O Lord I beseech thee ) to heare me for my selfe . Thou hast taught in thy Word , that he that cannot abstaine , let him marrie , and that he that marrieth sinneth not , that it is better to marrie then to burne ( in vnchast and vnbrideled lust ) and for auoyding of fornication , let euery man haue his owne wife , yea and that it is not good for man to be alone ; and woe to him that is alone . In the beginning thou madest both male and female , and didstordaine , that for this cause man and woman should leaue father and mother , and become one flesh : and that hee that hath not the gift to abstaine , should haue a care , that he be not vnequally yoked : but that he marrie in the Lord , and thus to liue is a bed vndefiled , and most honourable vnto all . Wherefore , O Lord , I beseech thee , to guide me vnto a wife , and a vertuous woman , for thou hast said , that a vertuous woman is a crowne vnto her husband ; And though she bee comely and beautifull , and therefore of many much desired : yet ( O Lord ) guide mine eyes , that I may not thus onely looke vpon a woman ; for thou hast said , if shee haue not discretion , she is but like a iewell in a swines snout , not to be regarded . But a wise woman buildeth her husbands house , not onely with children , but with her prouident care and discretion , in the right gaining , and a right vsing of the things of this world . Vnto such a family ( O Lord ) direct my footsteps , and keepe mee from the strange woman , a contentious and angry woman , the woman of brawling lips , with whom there is no comfort , nor content in this life to dwell , neither for ciuill nor religious respects . Heauenly Father , if it be thy will ( for thou knowest what is better for mee then I doe my selfe ) graunt that the woman that I shall chuse , and by thy prouidence thinke fit to take to wife , may bee chast not onely of body , but of spirit , and adorned with the hidden man of the heart , a meeke and quiet spirit , and one who trusteth in God , and delighteth in thee , well reported of for good workes , and loueth children , one who in her wisedome affecteth modesty in all things ; as in her apparell , and behauiour , and is in her countenance sober and shamefast , and one who delighteth in her home , and loueth the affaires of her house ; and with watchfull eyes will be carefull for her children and seruants . This ( O Lord ) though no way worthy , I beseech thee to graunt vnto me : houses , lands , or other portions of thy blessings , thou hast appointed our parents to bestowe on vs , but ( this blessing ) a wise , chast , sober , and religious woman , thou hast kept , as a most speciall gift , from thy selfe vnto vs , and not in our parents or friends , but thou bestowest it on him whom thou louest , as a choise and most speciall fauour . O Lord , this is she that Salomon among many women , could hardly finde ; yet graunt that I may finde her , and being vnited in holy band , may loue her both in sicknesse and in health . O Lord graunt that I may walke with her , as a man of knowledge , readie in all things to teach and instruct her in thy commaundements , as being heires together of the grace of life , and make mee as truely to loue her , as thou doest thy Church : this great gift and chiefe blessing of this life , I beseech thee ( if it bee thy will ) for the honour of thy Sonne to bestow vpon me . Amen . Amen . The Uirgine or the Widdowes Prayer for a godly Husband . ALmighty GOD the eternall Creatour of heauen & earth , the giuer & disposer of all things , that are done heere on earth : Looke downe on mee thy sinfull Handmayd , not worthy of any fauour spirituall , or blessing temporall : Yet ( O Lord ) I beseech thee , to giue vnto mee thy seruant , such wisedome , that in all things I may be aduised by them whom thou hast appointed to haue care of my welfare , and in nothing to bee so headstrong and aduerse , as to follow my owne foolish and sinfull appetite : and aboue all , make me most dutifull , in referring my selfe vnto the louing and carefull choise , that my parents or guardians shall make , in giuing me to an husband . Heauenly Father , graunt that they may not like of any without mee , nor that I may choose any without them . Direct them that they may chuse one in the Lord , and that I may like him that is so chosen of them : Let not my minde be so wanton , as onely to like or dislike for want of beauty or comelinesse of person : but if the feare of the Lord , the beginning of wisedome , appeare vnto mee , graunt that I may perswade my selfe , that hee is the man , that thou hast appointed me . O Lord , I haue neither wit nor skill how to discerne , or make an assured godly choise . And thou knowest how cunning and subtill men are , to entice and abuse my simple heart , and how easily we are ouercome , with their vaine complements , and flattering words , in which they promise much comfort and contentment : but when their vnchast desires are satisfied , how doe they cast off , and scornfully and sinfully reiect those whom they haue abused and allured to folly , so they leaue them to perish , not onely in worldly misery through outward necessities , but for want of teaching and instruction in the Lord , Sathan falleth vpon them , and through their weakenesse maketh them a prey vnto wickednesse . But ( O Lord ) though their foule hearts are so deceiptfull , that both I and my friends may be deceiued ; yet thou , O Lord , canst not be deceiued , for thou art the searcher of the hearts , and thou knowest what is in man ; therefore in this weighty worke , in which consisteth my worldly weale or wee , I doe onely ( O Lord ) cast my selfe on thee : beseeching thee as thou gauest Euah vnto Adam , a man then of innocencie and righteousnesse : so thou wilt giue me an honest hearted man , and one that truly loueth and feareth thee : O Lord , if thou haue appointed , as is my desire , that I shall marrie , then I beseech thee send vnto mee a man of good behauiour , of good report , no extortioner , no couetous person , no chollericke , no quarelsome person , no drunkard , not couetous of filthy and dishonest gaine , no prodigall or vaine person , no proud man , no adulterer , fornicatour , whoremaster , no swearer or blaspheamer , no kinde of inordinate liuer , no Papist nor Infidell , no Hereticke , Schismaticke , no traytour vnto his Prince or Countrey , no louer of the pleasures of this world , either aboue or more than thee ; no hypocrite , vnnaturall , false-hearted person vnto mee , his parents , or friend : heauenly Father , for my Sauiours sake , heare me in these my requests , and graunt that if I shall marrie , and beare children , that my husband may be wise , graue , and sober , and one that knoweth how to gouerne , and rule his houshold , children , and seruants , in faith and good conscience . O Lord , let him be one that is stedfast in the faith of Christ , following righteousnesse , loue , faith , patience , and meekenesse , and one delighted in good workes and hospitality , courteous vnto all men : O Lord , make him a louer of good men , and make him iust , holy , and in all things temperate , euer walking in grace , & abounding in the fruits of the Spirit : O good God send mee such a yoke-fellow , that knoweth how to loue me , not onely by the guide of carnall affection , as for beauty , comelinesse of person , money & goods which thou hast giuen me , or for that I haue good friends and kindred , whereby he hopeth of this worlds preferment and ability ; for if all these faile , for the which he onely loueth , then will his pretended loue be gone , and I shall be exposed to the necessity of this world , and for want of meanes be tempted to dishonest courses : but most sweet Father , as thou hast promised to be a Father vnto the fatherlesse , vnto the Widdowes and Orphanes : So be a Father vnto mee , thy silly Handmayd , whose trust is alwayes in thee . And send mee such an one , as knoweth how to loue mee in thee , and for conscience sake : yea , that will striue to loue me as Christ hath , doeth , and euer will doe his Church , to loue me as his owne body , This fie●h , yea , as himselfe . And keepe mee that I may doe nothing to hinder this his loue , or to make him bitter vnto mee ; but that I may obay him , ●care him , and loue him in all things , that are comely in the Lord , and according as thou hast commanded mee in thy holy word , and that for Christ Iesus sake , to whom with thee and the holy Ghost , bee giuen by mee all praise & glory , both now and for euermore . Amen . Amen . The Prayer of a Woman with child , that defireth safe deliuerance . O Almighty God , that after the floud , didst command Noah , and his posterity , liuing in chast matrimony , to replenish and fill the earth ; I thy poore and most weake seruant , haue as thou didst ordaine , by the will of my parents , embraced the holy and honourable estate of married life , and now by thy blessing , am made a mother of the liuing , through that hopefull ●ruit , which after much sorrow and paine in breeding , thou hast caused to spring in my wombe , by which I am assured it is a liuing soule , for which worke of thine , I giue thee most hearty thanks , still beseeching thee , that as thou hast begun this good worke in mee , that thou wilt goe on and finish it , vnto a perfect birth , in all right shape and comelinesse , not onely in the outward feature of the body , but in the inward parts of the minde , that it may growe on vnto such a perfect man , as may occasion , honour and praise vnto thy great name , so long as it shall please thee , to giue it life and being . And seeing ( O Lord ) thou hast for our first sinne in Paradise , so wofully afflicted vs with many sorrowes in conception , and with farre greater in bringing forth of our posterity in this life : I beseech thee for Christ his sake to pardon my sinnes , and to asswage those violent and raging paines , that they neither deface , deforme , destroy mee , nor yet that which is in my wombe . O Lord , let the power of the most high , euen thy holy Spirit enter into me , to strengthen and to vphold me , that I faint not in my paines , nor in my faith , but that if I dye in this my child-bearing , yet thy goodnesse supporting me in faith , charity , and sobriety , I may as thou hast promised bee assured of my saluation . O Lord , if thou please to spare the tree , and take the fruit , which I beleeue by faith in Christ that thou hast made holy : yet I will giue thee thankes , because by reason of my sinnes , thou mightest most iustly curse mee , and my fruit ( as thou didst the figge tree ) to perpetual death . But most high & heauenly Father , I thanke thee that thou hast made thy promise so stable , that not onely we of ripe yeares , that doe beleeue , but euen our children , as they are our seede , are included in the couenant of grace ; that if they dye , yet being borne of holy parents , who are ingraffed through faith into the body of Christ , they are saued , not onely as being a part of vs in Christ , but as true and reall members of Christ , vnto whō through faith , into which they are baptized with vs , & made one with Christ , that with his comming , they may bee raised at the last day . Yet ( O Lord ) notwithstanding this assurance , I entreate thee to graunt me ioy and comfort of them , that trayning them vp , in their youth in thy feare , they may bee as a staffe in olde age , in this life to comfort me , an● their Father , as the children of Noah and Iacob did ; yea ( Lord ) if it be thy will , I desire to liue , to bee a fruitfull vine , on thy house side ( thy Church , to breede , to beare , and bring forth children , to multiply and accomplish thy glorious Kingdome , visible and inuisible , in earth and in heauen for euermore . O Lord , hauing taken away from mee , the reproach of a barren wombe , so much lamented by holy women : graunt that after my dissolution , my children may continue like oliue plants , and flourish a seede mighty on earth , not as the Giants in the olde world , strong in sinne , but valiant and bold in the profession , and confession , and practise of righteousnesse , and good conuersation , yea , let them be a generation of vpright men and women , and such as may remaine an heritage of the Lord , as ( Isaac to Rebecka ) a blessed fruit of my wombe . O Lord , thou art my God , heare the voyce of thine handmayd , in thee is my trust , heare my supplications , and let not my soule faile of these her desires , and that for Iesus Christes sake , which was borne of the virgine Mary for my saluation . Amen . Amen . LACHRIM . 8. The penitent acknowledgeth mans vildnesse , and Gods mercies ; by faith and example of Gods prouidence , relieth on his goodnes . O Lord , thy name 's most excellent , in all the world thy glory is spread ; Through heauens and the firmament , and by all creatures vttered . In vniuersall harmonie , extoll'd in heauen and in earth : Exprest in song and melodie , with all alacritie and mirth . What thou bestowest , what man can number vpon vs slaues , and sonnes of men : Who by our sinnes are put asunder from thy deare loue , by acts vncleane , Forgetfull , and so capeable of sinne as powder is of fire . In all our workes and words vnstable , and know not what we should desire . Aboue all creatures we forget , thy grace are proue to disobay : And if thy mercy did not let , all Adams broode thou shouldst destroy . And I for my part me confesse , guilty of all sinnes , and all euills . And that I haue deseru'd no lesse , then to be damn'd amongst the deuills . The world for disobedience didst punish , and thou moughtest subuert . But chiefely me for negligence , mayest plague with all plagues , 't is desert . I am not worthy to breathe in ayre , nor haue the vse of any creature : Much lesse to thee to make my prayer , cause 'gainst my God I am a traytour . Thou worthily me do'st afflict , at me thou takest iust offence : All punishments thou doest inflict , because thy wrath I did incense . My trespasses doe more offend , then I can please with my best zeale : The worthinesse I best intend , I not performe , my soule Lord heale . I shame at mine vnworthinesse , yet faine would be at one with thee : Thou art a ioy in heauinesse , a succour in necessity , To them that doe their liues reforme , and rightly frame their penitence : Sincerely follow and performe , thy will without all negligence . All this to doe I doe desire , and what thou sayest I doe beleeue : Thy pardon graunt me I require , release and pardon Lord me giue . O be with them that doe thee seeke , and yeeld them helpe that hold by thee : Instructing humble men and meeke , that wisedome seeke by thy mercy . Sith I so long to thee haue cried , so long thee sought , yet hope I will : Though my sad soule in silence bide , in constant Patience I wayte still . Thou rightly hear'st my inward groanes , my sorrowes , fighes , wants and desire : And doest respect the outward moanes , of men distrest that feare the fire . Though in their lips they mute doe seeme , and doe speake nothing with their tongues . What they conspire , thou doest it deeme , and present art to right my wrongs . But loe the time is not expir'd , of mine ordained punishment : Nor of that freedome I desir'd , I le waite by hope in languishment . My helpe , my comfort and my life , saluation mine depends on thee : Within my conscience stint the stri●e , and giue me grace and liberty . My life , my comfort , helpe , and all saluation , on Christ dependeth : 'T is he doth raise me when I fall , he all begins , and he all endeth . I will not murmure , neither grudge , nor seare , nor faint ; but alwayes waite : He is my Sauiour , and my Judge , his grace decreed , who can retrait . Is there not an appointed time , for all things that by God be wrought ? Iob was brought low , at last did clime , to wealth and honour he was brought . And Ioseph was afflicted long , by brethren , and by false accuse : He was shut vp in prison strong , didst all his cause and wrongs peruse . At length brought'st him to honour great : and Dauid was at fi●st cast downe , And then inthroan'd in Princely seate , and long enioyed the royall Crowne . Poore widdowe of Sarepta shee , and hers were ready for to pine : Her barrell and her Cruse by thee were blest , and that Prophet thine , Her meale and oyle did neuer faile , thou send'st that Saint euen to that end , That they in dearth should neuer quaile , so didst from famine her defend . Wherefore a little while I le waite , I know the appointed time will come : I shall be freed from sinnes de●eite , wilt mercies send in miseries roome . Thou art my portion and my strength , my defence , and saluation : Thou seest my troubles , and at length wilt giue me consolation . Thou sena'st them not as ignorant , of them , thou know'st thou didst me make : Therefore what 's needfull God me graunt , good Lord d●● neuer me forsake . I am brought to the very pit , of all confusion men suppose : Thou hast decreed the time most sit , of my deliuery from my foes . To me vnknowne that being seene , I may attribute to thee then , The praise who praised ere hast beene , without the ayde of mortall men . Which I haue sought so long in vaine , yea while I called thee vpon : Let me acknowledge helpe againe , to come from thee or else from none . And all that the world can afford , be but the effects of thy deare Loue : Thy power , thy prouidence , thy word , doe send me comfort from aboue . O blessed man whom thou doest chuse , and callest by crosses vnto thee , Whom thou by death seem'st to refuse , by secret sweetnesse liues by thee . With inward consolation , fed with the Manna of thy loue : Who dwells in thy protection , with liuely hope , can neuer moue . He fainteth not at mightiest frowne , so I ( O Lord ) assured rest : Thou art my portion and my crowne , to dignifie those loue thee best . Thou tendrest me as a deare sonne , though thou me visite with thy rod : Yet suff●rest not me for to runne with sinners , and to fall from God. Although I seeme of hope depri●'d , and that my wented comforts past : Yet I ( O Lord ) shall be reuiu'd by thee , and by thy grace at last , For all my long and instant cries I will not shrinke ; though knowing this Thy wonderous power and great mercies , most infinite thy mercy is . If thou mad'st the rocke a water spring , thy thirsty people to refresh : From mine hard hearted foes canst wring some comfort , for my woes re●resse . If thou rain'dst Manna from aboue , and Rauen sent thy Saint to feede : Thousands of men didst feede with loue , when there was little shew of bread . If to thy people thou sendest Quailes , in desert where all foode was scant : And since thy goodnesse neuer failes , should I suppose that I should want . Confirme my faith for euermore , that I most constantly beleeue , Thou canst and wilt encrease my store , and all good things thou wilt me giue . All power belongeth vnto thee , who can imagine or will say : Thou canst not in my neede helpe me , or that thy loue is tane away . Sith thou hast done such mighty things , so freely for men in distresse : Should not I flye with swiftest wings , to thee in time of heauinesse . But loe , O Lord , all things are thine . the heauens are thine , the earth also : The cattell , fowles , the shrubs , the vines , all things in heauen and earth belowe . All things aboue , all things beneath is thine , who truly then can say ? Thou canst not giue , or them bequeath , to whom thou wilt , who can say nay ? Thou mak'st the corne to spring and grow , and waterst the earth with thy sweet showres : Thou causest beasts with thanks to lowe , with dewes thou water'st fr●grant flowres . Since then thou art the Lord of all , sith thou command'st , and doest forbid . The rich and poore makest , proud men fall , that downe canst throwe and raise at neede . Sith that thou try'st and wilt reward , sith thou doest what shall please thy will : And in what manner wilt regard , and whom thou wilt canst saue or spill . No liuing man commandeth thee , not all the world can thee controle : O Lord I still will pray to thee , for health of body and of soule . Let it be thus , O Father deare , for Christ his sake , thy dearest Sonne , That dy'd , and rose my soule to cleare : in all things ( Lord ) thy will be done . All glory to the Trinity , to Father , Sonne , and holy Ghost : Combin'd in holy vnity , of power , and might , and glory most . A Prayer for loue and charity . O Almighty God , the Author and giuer of all things , of grace especially , vnto thee , a most vile & wretched sinner , and chiefe of sinners , doe I prostrate my selfe , and confesse , that my heart is so hardned in euill custome of sinne , that when it commeth vpon me , by the motion of thy spirit to desire to doe good , I finde no meanes in my selfe , to doe any thing that is good , neither for the vertue it selfe , nor as it is thy commandement ; so that thou mightest most worthily cast mee off , as thou didst that vnmercifull seruant , into bonds of death , and imprisonment of hell for euermore . But , O Lord , it is thy property alwayes to haue mercy . Wherefore I beseech thee to bestowe this gift of loue on me , that through thy acceptation , it may couer in mee the multitude of my sinnes , for vnto whom thou forgiuest much , much is returned to thee againe : wherefore ( O Lord ) let this gift of loue , bee mighty and strong in me , that I may loue thee againe , as thou hast loued me , and expresse my loue , by being ready to forgiue all wrongs and offences of my brother and neighbour , and not vnto seauen times , but vnto seauenty times seauen . O let mee loue thee and my neighbour out of a sincere faith , and loue vnfained , and at all times as thou hast forgiuen mee , my debts , offences , and trespasses : So ( O Lord ) make me ioyfull and willing to forgiue , as I desire of thee to be forgiuen . And seeing it is the end of thy Commandements , and the fulfilling of the law ( O heauenly Father ) let this gift of loue , through the operation of thy spirit , bee neuer wanting , or absent in this life , nor in the life to come . O Lord graunt that this marke of Adoption , and stampe of Regeneration , may encrease in mee , not onely to my friends in affinity , and consanguinity , and acquaintance , but vnto all men in generall , as my owne flesh , and thy image , by which bonds thou hast commanded mee to doe good , vnto all of all sorts , that shall stand in neede of my helpe , saying , Be you mercifull , as your heauenly Father is mercifull , who doeth good vnto all , in outward things of this world , causing his raine to raine , and his Sunne to shine vpon the vniust as vpon the iust . And in the endeauour of doing this generall good , ( O Lord ) let mee not forget , to doe most good vnto the Saints , and dye in loue to all men in thee , and for thee : and that through the loue of thee , and my onely Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , and the holy Ghost for euermore . Amen . Amen . LACHRIM . 9. The poore and distressed soule being loaden with the burthen of his sinnes , ●eruently prayeth vnto God for his remission thereof . O Lord come pittie my distresse , see how I sigh and groane : With teares and floods of heauinesse , my heart is ouerthrowne . No hope I finde , no helpe I feele , no cure nor salue I see . None can my sinnes corruptions heale , sweet Iesus comfort me . My wounding sorrowes neuer cease , my griefes growe more and more : What I should kill , doth still encrease , Lord saue my soule therefore . I liuing dye , yet dying liue : in life , yet daily dye . I sigh and groane , yet cannot grieue , sinne makes this mysterie . Lord let me liue , yet hourely dye , in loue , yet daily hate : Let me embrace , yet still defie , let peace breede all debate . O let me liue , yet neuer liue , aliue , yet euer dead . O let me grieue , yet neuer grieue , fed with thy liuing bread . Let passions passe , let groanes be gone : let m●anes be turn'd to mirth : I liue and dye to Christ alone . Let sorrowes sinke to earth . An exhortation to praise God , and to acknowledge our Thanksgiuing to him without ceasing . VVE praise thee God , we acknowledge thee , our onely Lord and Christ to be : The earth and world doe worship thee eternall Father , heauenly King , To whom aloud bright Angels sing : the Thrones and powers thee magnifie . The Cherubins and Seraphin , to crie to thee doe neuer linne : Holy , holy , most holy Lord of Sabbath , God of maiestie . Heau'ns full of thy glory : all Nations laude thy name and word . The glorious ' postles companie : the goodly Prophets vnitie : The holy Martyrs noble Armie : the holy Church , the world throughout , Doth spread the Gospell all about , the Father of true pietie . Thy sacred , true , and onely Sonne , the holy Ghost vs comfort wonne . Thou art of glory King , O Christ : thou art the euerlasting Sonne Of God , whose blessed will was done , by thee all people to deliuer . Thou didst not the 〈◊〉 the virgins wombe abhorre , nor loath that sacred To●…be Till thou wast borne : from God sent hether . when thou th● serpents head hadst broken : The Heauens Kingdomes gate set open , for true beleeuers to come thither . Thou si●s● on Gods right holy hand , thy Fathers will doest vnderstand : Whence thou shalt come our Iudge to be : we therefore thy poore seruants pray , Thy succour , helpe , and ayde that day , whose pretious blood redeem'd vs free . Let them with Saints be numbered , in endlesse glory comforted . Thy people Lord keepe , saue , and stay , blesse , saue thine owne inheritage . Lift vp their hearts from age to age , we magnifie thee day by day . We worship thee world without end . This day from sinne Lord vs defend . Haue mercy , mercy on vs Lord. Lord let thy mercy on vs light : Our trust is on thee day and night . We trust in thee with one accord : O Lord I put my trust in thee : Let neuer me confounded be . All glory to the Trinity , to God the Father and the Sonne , And holy Ghost all praise be done , for euer and euer eternally . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A00452-e940 Psal. 51. Math. 26 1. Cor. 14. Math. 5. Acts 10. Iona. 3. 1. Thess. 5 Actes 10. Daniel . 6.