CERTAIN GODLY EXARCISES MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS, VERY necessary and profitable for all persons and for all times, set forth by certain godly learned men, to be used daily as you shallbe godly disposed, and shall feel need thereunto. And also the Litany daily used in Churches annexed to the end hereof. Ephesians. vi. &. i. Timothe. two. ¶ Pray always every where with all manner of prayer, and that in the spirit, lifting up pure hearts and hands, with out wrath or doubting. ¶ IMPRINTED. London in Fleetstreet at the sign of the George near to saint Dunston's church by William powel. ¶ Use often and hearty prayer to God, knowing that it is no less necessary for your soul thereby to live and continue in godliness, than water is for the life of fish, or dew is for the growth of grass and herbs: but if you will have your prayer accepted of god, see that you accept his word. For accursed be they (saith salomon) and their prayer, that will not hear the word of god. If I behold with favour any wickedness (saith David) in my heart, god will not hear me, for he heareth no such sinners as retainethe still the purpose to continue it sin, as he stopeth not his ears to hear the prayers of the poor penitents, but often before they pray he granteth them their hearts desire. I B. ¶ occasions to meditate & to stir up the heart to prayer. IN your prayers think upon the remission of sins promised by and for christ, and let there be in your remembrance some most evident and plain sentence to inflame & stir up the mind, as this. Ask and ye shall have. etc. And verily verily I say unto you, what so ever you shall ask the father in my name, he will give it you. etc. Ask all spiritual gifts without condition, and all temporal upon condition. As Christ did: Father if it be thy will let this cup pass from me. etc. God commandeth us to ask of him. We break his commandment in not asking. We do his commandment in ask of him. He promiseth to us our asking. He is debtor to us till he fulfil our asking. We make god a liar if we mistrust to obtain our asking. He is glorified in his son by giving us our asking. He longeth to have us ask of him, & looketh for it at our hands. If we therefore turn not our ears from his law, but call upon him with a strong Faith, he will most gladly give us our asking. Because we are negligent in asking he doth of his fatherly goodness by necessities and troubles, drive & provoke us to ask of him. And because we are ignorant in asking, he teacheth us by his holy spirit sent into our hearts, and by the prayer that therefore is called the lords prayer how & what we should ask of him. Let us therefore in our necessity and troubles, ask of god our father and he for his sons sake will give us our asking, whose very nature and property is to relieve such as are in necessity, and in deed our necessities are as loud cryings in his merciful ears. A meditation upon the lords prayer. QVr father which art in heaven. We gloriously form unto the Image of thy divine majesty, created by thy gracious goodness unto highest honour, how be it by our own sinfulness diffigured with vileness deserving damnation, and yet by Christ's death redeemed and restored unto grace to be Citizens with saints of the family of God: Now altogether in Christian unity as members of one body, we pray, desire, and trust to obtain of thee our heavenly father, according unto thy gracious goodness mighty power, and faithful promise, unto us that ask, abundance of thy grace. That, thy name may be hallowed. That thy divine power, and glorious majesty, may be certainly known and reverently honoured. That the hearts of us men by thy word and prayer may be sanctified from all sin and vanity, so that we with all that we have serving thee in holiness & righteousness, may so shine afore men upon earth, that they thereby may be occasion to honour thee our father which art in heaven. Thy kingdom come. Thy word be so fruitfully preached amongst us thy people, that we may be thoroughly instructed & taught to bridle our sensual appetites by natural reason, and to submit our wits & reasons unto a good godly spirit, and to try our spirits by the true scriptures. So that within us may reign the kingdom of God, which is neither meat nor drink which is neither superstitious ceremonies, voluptuous pleasures, nor vain glory, but righteousness, peace, & comfort in the holy ghost, by the which we now tasting of thy heavenly joys, may be made from henceforth weary of all worldly vanities, continually looking & praying for the appearance and coming of thy eternal and everlasting kingdom. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. In heaven the angels of reverent love do thy will and commandment, with comfortable courage & joyful pleasure. In hell the wicked spirits through malice and envy, repininge and grudging, do torment and vex themselves, what so ever they be doing. And upon earth, men being subject unto sin, do think it a labour and pain, to be occupied in any thing that is good and godly. Wherefore we pray that the grace of thy heavenly spirit, may so work in our earthly bodies, that we being delivered from sin and vanity, may freely delight and take pleasure to do thy will and commandment, being men upon earth, as thy glorious angels do which be in heaven. give us this day our daily bread. We having great need, not able of ourselves to deserve any thing, beseech the of thy fatherly goodness, to give freely unto all us in general: So that none be hurt nor hindered severally this day when as we cry constrained by present need, not craftily craving for vain care against to morrow, our daily bread, our daily and necessary food & relief, both bodily and ghostly. And especially so: that the spiritual food of Christ's flesh and his blood, by daily preaching of the gospel, and ministration of the sacraments, may replenish our hearts & minds with continual remembrance of Christ's death, and his passion, daily to be used for necessary and spiritual consolation. forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. give unto us that feeling and knowing our own sinfulness, do need, and desire thy merciful forgiveness of our faults & trespasses, which we have committed against thee, so that we freely forgiving all other, that have offended us in any thing what so ever it be, may be sure that mercy springing in thee hath proceeded unto us, and being graciously offered of thee, hath been thankfully received of us, and being charitably used of us towards other, shall most certainly be confirmed and enlarged of thee toward us: So that by free mercy springing and proceeding from thee, all faults may be freely forgiven: even as those which other hath committed against us, so likewise those which we have done a 'gainst thee. And lead us not into temptation. Suffer not the devil by the abuse of thy benefits, to lead us captives into deceitful and damnable temptation, drawing us by dainty meats, unto greedy gluttony, by money and richesse, unto unsatiable covetousness, and by wealth and prosperity, unto pride & vain glory, and by all thy godly gracious gifts, unto every devilish abominable sin. But deliver us from evil. Deliver our goods from abuse, our bodies from corruption, our souls from damnation. Deliver us by Christ jesus, from the bondage of sin, unto the liberty of the Gospel, so that from all danger of devilish temptation, training and enticing men toward damnation, we may be delivered to serve thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life, with most certain and sure hope of everlasting salvation, thorough Christ jesus, in whom our hope and thy promise is most certain, that is to say. Amen. Your time is short, your dangers be great: you are well warned by God's word written. Mar. xiii. Take heed, watch, and pray. Take heed, that your hearts and minds be not made heavy, hard, and dull, with meats and drink, vain pleasures, or worldly cares. Watch, with dyllygence to do your own duties, in desirous looking for Christ'S coming. Pray, that ye may escape all dangers, and stand in grace and favour afore the face of Christ, at his coming. T. Lever. APOCAL. XXII. Behold I come soon. ¶ A prayer to be said in the morning. O Almighty and most gracious God, we heartily thank thee for the sweet sleep & comfortable rest which thou hast given us this night, and for as much as thou haste commanded by thy holy word that no man should be idle, but all occupied in godly and virtuous exercises, every man according to his calling, we most humbly beseech thee that thine eyes may attend upon us, daily defend us, cherish, comfort, and govern us, and all our counsels studies and labours, in such wise, that we may spend and bestow this day according to thy most holy will, without the hurting of our neighbours, and that we may diligently and warily eschew and avoid all things that should displease thee, set thee always before our eyes, live in thy fear, working that may be found acceptable before thy divine majesty, through jesus Christ our lord. So be it. ¶ A Confession of our sins. O Merciful and most loving father, whose Love is infinite, whose mercy endureth for ever, we sinful creatures trusting in thine unspeakable goodness & love towards us, do appear this morning before thy divine majesty, most humbly confessing our manifold sins and innumerable transgressions of thy commandments and fatherly will: against thee only, against thee O lord, have we sinned. we acknowledge our offences, we accuse ourselves unto the O merciful lord, and will not hide our unrighteousness, we find in our selves nothing but ingnoraunce of thy will and disobedience, mistrust, doubfulnes in thy goodness and incredulity, hatred & contempt of all spiritual things, self love, confidence in ourselves, and fervent lusting after carnal things of this world: and this tree of our corrupt nature, bringeth forth continually in us, none other fruits, but rotten and unsavoury works of the flesh, in thoughts words and doings unto condemnation. Wherefore we humbly beseech thy fatherly goodness, even for thy son jesus Christ's sake (whom thou hast set forth for a purchaser of mercy unto us through faith in his blood) make our hearts clean, take away our stony hearts, and give unto us a true & a lively faith, which shall work continually by love through Christ, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins for thy sons sake, certify our consciences of remission of the same by thy holy spirit, by whose operation so mortify in us, our old man, the whole body of sin, that we continually dying unto sin, may walk in newness of life to the glory of thy holy name, through jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. ¶ Before thou prayest, believe that god is not only almighty to help and to deliver thee: but also that he is gracious and faithful to fulfil all his promises made unto us. Then forgive if thou hast any thing against any man, And remember that thou comest not to god with a double heart, but lift up pure hands with out wrath or doubting. O Almighty eternal & everliving god. 1. 2. Corin. 1. and. 2. 1. the eternal father of our Lord jesus christ which haste made 2. heaven and earth, 2. Ictes. 4. the sea, and all that therein is, and of thy great goodness, didst open thyself from heaven, & madest proclamation of jesus christ, saying. 3 this is my dear son hear him, 3. Matth. 3. thou maker of all things, preserver & helper, 4. Philip. 2. Ebre. 1. with thy. 4. coeternal son our lord jesus Christ reigning with thee, and manifested in jerusalem, and thy holy ghost poured on the apostles, O most wise, good, merciful, righteous judge, and also strong, which hast said by thy prophet. 5. Ezechi. 18. 5. I will not the death of a sinner, but that he convert and live: I thy poor creature and work of thy hands, do acknowledge and confess unto thee my manifold sins and offences, which I from my youth up unto this time, have grievously committed against thee, in thought, word, & deed, & am now taught & moved by thy word & grace, to be heartily sorry for the same, desiring thee (which hast said. 6. Psal. 50. 6. call upon me in the day of thy trouble, and I will hear thee, and deliver thee) for the precious blood shedding of jesus Christ thy sons sake our lord, whom thou wouldst to be made a slain. 7. Eb. 9 ●. 10 7. sacrifice for our sins, to have mercy upon me, and forgive me all those mine offences according to thy great mercy & promise, which haste said. 8. Eze. 18. 8. at what time so ever a sinner doth repent him of his sin from the bottom of his heart, I will put all his wickedness out of my remembrance. O lord I acknowledge and confess that I was borne in sin, 9 Psal. 51. Ephe. 2. Rom. 7. and. 9 conceived in wickedness, and am by nature a. 9 child of wrath, for that in my. 9 flesh (as saint Paul saith) dwelleth no good thing, and that of myself I am not able to think a good. 10. thought that can please thee, 10.2. Corin. 3. much less to wish, and least of all to do that thou in thy law requirest of me to be done, for. 11. Gala. 3. Rom. 7. 11. thou hast said, cursed is he that continueth not in all things that are written in the law to do them: again, thy law is. 11. spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin: therefore o lord I call unto thee for grace (which haste said. 12. Math. 7. 12. ask and ye shall have, seek & ye shall find, knock, and it shallbe opened unto you) to prevent and draw my will to all goodness, (for none can come to thee, 13. Iho. 3. ●. 6 except he be drawn. 13. again except we be borne from above we cannot see the kingdom of god) assist therefore and guide me also with thy holy spirit from time to time, draw me there fore and I shall run after thee, & give me strength and ableness through christ our lord to accomplish and fulfil the same, Canti. 1. lord make me to become poor in spirit, vile and low in my own sight, that I lift not up myself above my brethren, Ihon. 1. but that I esteem myself to be as a servant to all men to do them good, after the example of christ, which came not to be ministered unto but to minister, for he hath said. 14. Math 5. james. 4. 14. Blessed are the poor in spirit: again, thou resistest the 14. proud, but givest grace to the humble, give me therefore thy grace, that when so ever I be over taken with any kind of sin and wickedness either in thought, word, or deed, or that I feel my own infirmity or weakness, I may immediately with hearty repentance. 15. 2. Timo. 2 15 (which is also thy gift) return to thee again, and not to lie still in the security of sin. Take from me my stony, unbelieving, blind, doubtful, unfaithful, & unthankful heart, and. 16. repose in me an heart of flesh, to bow and incline to thy will: my carnal, idle, secure, & impenitent heart, take away from me, & give me an heart to fear thee, to love thee, to trust in thee for ever, writ thy law in my heart, grave it in my mind, that I may believe, trust, and live in thee euere. Deliver me from the spirit of pride and vain glory, all haughtiness of mind, presumption, self love, and self trust, that I stand not to high in my own conceit, but that I may be willing rather to learn then to teach. Lake from me that wicked spirit of suspicion and envy, evil jealousy, vain surmisings, murmuring, and grudging, whispering, or backbiting of any, especially such as be in authority, and ministers of thy word. O lord keep me from all wrath, malice, and hastiness, all respect of persons in the faith, all lying, evil words, contention, flattering, dissimulation, I potresy, blasphemy, and vain swearing by that name of god, his works, or creatures, from all lightness, idle words, and all unstableness of heart. O lord deliver thou my heart from all filthiness both of the flesh and spirit, as heresy, and errors, from all unclean thoughts and unlawful desires, evil concupiscence and lusts of the body. Lake from me also covetousness and inordinate care of riches, all deceit and guile in my calling and office, all idleness and sloth, and give me not over unto an unshamefast and obstinate mend. Make me able and contented to bear occasions with pactence when they be offered or given me, and not to recompense evil for evil, neither to swell, nor to murmur, nor to be solemn, nor angry. Good lord make me very loath to give occasions of evil to any man, & if I chance to give any, make me willing to confess my fault & to amend it. Grant me grace that I may be willing and free to give, but loath to take & receive, because it is more blessed to give than to receive. give me thy grace that I never envy any good man's love or woman's, because they do either love god & his people more than I, or else that they be beloved of him or his more than I. make me to rejoice in other men's gifts, & not to envy them, because they be better than mine, but rather to give thanks for than with all my heart, desiring that they may be increased in them & in me. Oh lord take fro me a careful heart in all worldly things, & grant the neither poverty oppress me & drive me to dispatre or falsehood, neither riches lift me up to forget thee or myself, but that in prosperity I may be thankful, & in adversity patient & humble. Lord make me merry without lightness, sad without mistrust, sober without dullness, true without doubleness, fearing thee, with out desperation, trusting in the without presumption: give me also the spirit of humbleness, simplicity, meekness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulues, and truth, Braunt me O god the bowels of mercy and loving kindness toward my brethren, long suffering & patience to bear all things well that thy providence shall see metee to lave upon me, regenerate my heart with the spirit of grace daily more and more, give me an inward taste and feeling of thy favour & mercy towards me in Christ jesus our lord, that I may know thee to be my god and father, and myself to be thy child for ever more. Lord merease this my faith in thee and in christ thy son my redeemer, increase and confyrine my hope in thy promises touching my salvation. Oh god make perfect my love toward thee and to my reademer and justifier, give me a true and unfamed love to all virtue & godliness, and to all thy chosen people where so ever they be dispersed throughout all the world, increase in me strength and victory against all temptations and assaults of the flesh, the world, and the devil, 18. 1. corin. 1 that according to thy promise I be never further proved or tempted than thou wilt give me strength to overcome. give me grace to keep a good conscience, give me a pure heart and mind, and renew a right spirit within me, give me also the true understanding of thy holy word, that I may never serve from the true sense and meaning thereof, and that my chief felicity may be in the same, in hearing, reading, talking, watching praying, fasting, mortifying, and subduing mine own will and membres. O gracious lord jesus Christ, son of the living god, which waist. 16. crucified and raised again for us, 10. Act. 2. &. 3 20. Act. 2. &. 7 21. Psal. 68 Ephe. 4.22. 1. Timo. 2 1. Ihon. 2 which now sit test and reignest on. 20. the right hand of the father that thou mayst. 21. give gifts unto men, and art appointed to be the only. 22. mediator and advocate for us unto god, have mercy upon me, & pray for me to thy eternal father, and sanctify me with thy holy ghost, as thou hast promised saying, I will not leave you. 23. comfortless, but will send you the spirit of truth which shall abide with you for ever. 23. Ihon. 14. Kindle my mind and heart with thy holy spirit, that I may truly believe in thee, acknowledge and call upon thee, give thanks and obey thee, for I feel myself so clothed and cloyed with infirmities and sin, that I know not what to do, but even to offer up myself wholly with all my crooked and corrupt nature, so much as it is in will and works, unto thy mercy to be corrected & reformed at thy own will and pleasure. Most mighty god and father, through our lord jesus christ thy eternal son, with thy holy spirit, govern and keep thy holy catholic & apostolic church, & every member of the same, as thou hast promised saying, this is. 24. isaiah. 56. 24. my covenant with them, my spirit which is in thee, and my word which I have put in thy mouth, shall not departed from the mouth of thy seed for ever, lighten us always with thy gospel, rule & confirm our hearts with thy spirit, lest the hypocrisy & superstition of papists, & other heretics, or the errors & wicked life of Epicures & Lybertynes, cause us to fall. Govern therefore that studies of thy church, & defend the policies of those realms & cities which give harborough to thy people, 25. Sacha. 12. 25. power upon us the spirit of grace and prayer, make us diligent and happy in the works of our vocation, take into thy custody for ever our souls and bodies, our lives, and all that ever we have. Be gracious and favourable (O lord) to all jews, Turks, Infidels, heretics, and even our very enemies, and according to thy good will and purpose forgive them their sins. Convert unto thy truth all those whom thou hast appointed in jesus christ to salvation. Be merciful also (O lord) to all our brethren and sistern that suffer any kind of persecution or affliction, whether in mind or in body, especially such as suffer for thy name and gospel, give them patience, constancy, and steadfast hope till thou send them full and good deliverance of all their troubles. Be gracious to all those whom thou hast coupled and linked to us in love & friend ship, whose hearts thou hast moved to pray for us, to wish us good, to succour and help us in our necessities, grant us all thy blessing and holy spirit, to sanctify us in the unity of faith, and dwell in us for ever. Finally oh lord have mercy upon my wife, children, and family, which thou hast given me, and increase thy fear in our hearts that we may truly love thee, and one of us an other in thee, so that we may be pure both in soul and body, and bring them up in virtue, nurture, and information of the lord. Plant and sow in my heart all virtues that be necessary and required in a christian man, namely wisdom, discretion, temperance, patience, strength, and boldness, and give me grace so to use them and all other gifts which I have received at thy merciful hand, as may be most to thy glory and praise, to my consolation & salvation, and to the profit of thy Church. 26. isaiah. 64. which petitions and requests I do not make (O Lord) trusting in mine own righteousness (which I do acknowledge with thy prophet to. 29. be stained & defiled) no but only in thy great mercy and promise. O hear me lord, forgive me lord, consider me, and tarry not over long, but for thy own sake do it, and for thy son jesus Christ'S sake (in whom all thy promises are, yea and amen) which is our only reademer, saviour, and justifier, to whom with thee o father and the holy ghost be all glory & praise now and for ever. Amen. Lord let it be so. Robart Coles FINIS. A morning prayer. WE humbly and heartily give thanks to thee (O merciful father) in and by thy dearly beloneb son jesus Christ our only saviour, that to thy innumerable benefits hitherto powered upon our souls and upon our bodies, thou hast vouchsafe to keep us all this night past, from many evils, spiritually and corporally, and now of thy mercy dost offer and give us time to repent, & to amend our lives, so that we might live hence forth not as we will, but as thou wilt: and as our bodies do draw continually nearer and nearer their end, (the grave I mean) so our souls might approach to their end, that is, heaven & not hell (For in one state we stand not still, but either we are nearer & nearer the happy state of life, or else the infortunate or unhappy condition of death eternal) Therefore we beseech the to be merciful unto us good father, that is we pray thee, as of thy goodness thou givest us time to repent & to live godly, so of the same thy goodness in christ, we humbly beseech and pray thee to give us thy gracious gift of true, holy, perfect and perperpetuall repentance, that we may more and more lament our former sinful life, trusting unfeignedly in thy rich mercy, through the merits of jesus Christ, for the pardon of all our sins, and that we may unfeignedly purpose & effectually labour to amend our lives this day and so long as we have to live, in all our doings and words, and even in our very thoughts, to the praise of thy holy name, & good example of our neighbours and brethren. And for as much as thou knowest our weakness, our ignorance, & great untowardness to carry any geeat cross or affliction, we beseech thee our sweet father, so to temper and order all things towards us this day and for ever, that we be never further proved and tempted, than thou wilt so help us in the same, as may be most to thy glory and our salvation, through jesus christ our lord. Amen. R. Coles. ¶ An Evening prayer. Most merciful God and tender Father, which besides thine inestimable mercies declared & given unto us in the making of the world for our sakes, in redeeming of us by the death of thy dear son jesus Christ, in the calling of us to the knowledge of thy blessed word, in keeping of us hitherto in thy holy Catholic church, & in the most gracious governing of us and all things hitherto for our most weal, hast also most fatherly cared for us, and kept us this day from all dangers both of soul and body, giving us bealth, food, apparel, & all other things necessary for the comfort & secure of this poor & miserable life, which many other do want: for these and all other thy good gifts and gracious benefits, which thou of thine own goodness only, & fatherly providence, for Christ's sake hast hitherto powered upon us, & dost presently power upon us, and many other, we most humbly thank thee & praise thy holy name, beseeching thee even for the same thy Christ, to pardon our unthankfulness, our neglecting and abusing of those thy benefits, and all our sins which this day or any time heretofore we have committed against thy holy commandments. And as now we purpose to lay our bodies to rest, so grant the guard of thy good Angels to keep the same this night and for ever. And where or when so ever our last sleep of death shall come, grant that it may be in thee, good father, so that our bodies may rest both temporally and eternally, to thy glory and our joy, through jesus Christ our Lord. So be it. R.C. ¶ Certain exercises to meditate, very profitable to every Christian. Watch and Pray, Part. 4. that ye enter not into temptation. etc. For the devil your adversary goeth about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Commit thyself, and all thy doings unto god, with fervent and faithful prayer: and then doubt nothing at all of the good and profitable success of the same. Pray before thou comest into any company, that thou give no offence in word or deed, but rather mayst give good example to edify. Pray also that thou mayst mark well and imitate that which is well done and spoken, and that thou mayst forget and fly from that which is evil done or spoken of any one where thou shalt come. Pray when thou art come alone from company, with any that god will make them to forget the evil example thou hast given in word or deed. In every prayer beg of god the spirit of grace and prayer, zacha. 12. that thou mayst have delight in prayer and talking with God, ask (I say) continually his holy spirit with increase of Faith & Hope. In every benefit behold god's grace and stay not the considering of the same till thou comest to the original & rote, that is the grace of god in Christ, before the world was made: so shall every benefit confirm thy Faith. Speak, think, and do all things as in the sight of god, and as unto god. Of all thy thoughts, Eccle. 7. words, and deeds, consider the end: and thou shalt never do amiss. Trust in god when thou feelest no cause in thyself: for that is the greatest honour thou canst give unto him, and a sure token that thou art his Child for ever. When thou beholdest any of the works of god, beware thou do it not to comprehend him, for so thou losest thy labour: but look upon them, to behold him to be a God of might and power, in the diversity of them to be exceeding wise, by the multitude of them, to be good and gracious, which hath so done them that they ought to be had in remembrance of us: And when thou hast this profit by them, then be thou thanckful to god who hath given it thee. The more sure we are of our salvation & that we be the children of god, the temples of the holy ghost, & the inheritors of heaven, the more we cannot but love & long for the dissolutions of our bodies. Use therefore to beg of god by continual praicr his spirit to confirm you in this certain persuasion that god loveth you. In the law behold god to be thy god, to be holy, to be just, and severe against sin: and thyself unholy, unjust, and full of contumacy, & therefore not meet, nor worthy, to be where god is: but to be rejected from him, and worthy damnation, & therefore fear him & sin not. In the gospel behold god to be thy father, to love the everlastingly, to for give thee all thy sins, to give thee eternal salvation through his son jesus Christ, who hath overcome sin, death, and hell, for thee, & hath brought life & ymmortalitie unto light: & therefore love him as a son, love him, for he loved thee first, love him (I say) in and for his Christ, love his Christ, love him ever: Only believe in him, forget not to be thankful to him, for that he is thy god, and thy father, for his love, for his Christ, for thy salvation, for the forgiveness of thy sins, for thy deliverance from despair, for the sure certificate of thine election, for the deliverance from error into his truth, for calling the into this grace wherein thou standest: and therefore rejoice in hope of the glory of God. R. Coles A Complaint of the Tyranny used against the saints of god, containing a confession of our sins, & a prayer for the deliverance and preservation of the Church, and confusion of the enemies. ** Eternal and everlyvinge god, father of our lord jesus Christ, who hast commanded us to pray, and promised to hear us, even when we do call from the pit of desperation: the miseries of these our most wicked days compel us, to pour forth before thee, the complaints of our wretched hearts, oppressed with sorrow. Our eyes do behold, and our ears do hear the calamities and opressions which no tongue can express, neither yet (alas) do our dull hearts rightly consider the same. For the Heathen are entered into thine inheritance, they have polluted thy sanctuary, profaned and abolished thy blessed instytutions, most cruelly murdered, and daily do murder thy dear children. Thou hast exalted the arm and force of our enemies, thou hast set us forth as a pray, to ignomy and shame, before such as persecute thy truth. Their ways do prosper, they glory in mischief, & speak proudly against the honour of thy name. Thou goest not forth as a captain before our hosts. The edge of our sword, which sometime was most sharp, is now blunt, and doth return without victory in battle. It appeareth to our enemies (O lord) that thou hast broken that league, which of mercy & goodness, thou hast made with thy church. For the liberty which they have to kill thy children like sheep and to shed their blood, no man resisting, doth so blind and puff them with pride, that they are not ashamed to affirm, that thou regardest not our entreating. Thy long suffering and patience maketh them hold from cruelty, to proceed to the blasphemy of thy name. And in this mean season (alas) we do not consider the heaviness of our sins, which long have deserved at thy hands, not only these temporal plagues: but also the torments prepared for the inobedient. For we knowing thy blessed will, have not applied our diligence to obey the same, but have followed for the most part, the vain conversation of the blind world: and therefore in very justice hast thou visited our unthankfulness. But O lord if thou shalt observe and keep in mind for ever the iniquities of thy children, then shall no flesh abide, nor be saved in thy presence. And therefore convicted in our own consciences, that most justly we suffer, as punished by thy hand, do nevertheless call for mercy, according to thy promise. And first we desire to be corrected, with the rod of thy children, by the which we may be brought to a perfect hatred of sin, and of ourselves: & therefore that it would please thee, for Christ jesus thy sons sake, to show to us & thy whole church universally persecuted the same favour and grace, that some times thou didst, when the chief members of the same, for anguish and fear, were compelled to cry: why have nations raged? why hath the people made uproars? and why have princes & kings conjured against thine anointed, Christ jesus? Then didst thou wonderfully assist and preserve thy small and dispersed flock: then didst thou burst up the bars, and gates of iron: then didst thou shake the foundations of strong prisons: then diddest thou plague the cruel persecutors: & then gavest thou some tranquillity and rest after those raging storms and cruel afflictions. O Lord, thou remainest one for ever: we have offended, and are unworthy of any deliverance, but worthy art thou to be a true and constant god, and worthy is thy dear son Christ jesus, that thou shouldest glorify his name, and revenge the blasphemy spoken against the truth of his gospel, which is by our adversaries damned as a doctrine deceivable & false: yea, the blood of thy son is trodden under feet, in that the blood of his members is shed for wytnessyngs of thy truth. And therefore, O lord, behold not the unworthiness of us, that call for the redress of these enormities, neither let our imperfections stop thy mercies from us, but behold the face of thine anointed Christ jesus, and let the equity of our cause prevail in thy presence. Let the blood of thy saints which is shed, be openly revenged in the eyes of thy Church: that mortal men may know the vanity of their counsels, and that thy children may have a taste of thine eternal goodness. And seeing that from that man of sin, that Roman Antechriste, the chief adversary of thy dear son, do the all iniquity springe, and mischief proceed: let it please thy fatherly mercy, more and more to reveal his deceit and tyranny to the world: open the eyes of princes and magistrates, that clearly they may see, how shamefully they have been, and are abused by his deceivable ways, how by him they are compelled most cruelly to shed the blood of thy saints, and by violence refuse thine eternal testament: that they in deep consideration of their grievous offences, may unfeignedly lament their horrible defection from Christ jesus thy son, from henceforth studying to promote his glory in the dominions committed to their charges, that so yet once again the glory of thy gospel may appears to the world. And seeing also that the chief strength of that odious beast consisteth in defension of princes: let it please thee, O father, which haste claimed to thyself to be called the God of peace, to unite and knit in perfect love, the hearts of all those that look for the life everlasting. Let no craft of sathan move them to war one against an other, neither yet to maintain by their force and strength, that kingdom of darkness, but rather that godly they may conspire (illuminated by thy word) to root out from amongst them, all superstition with the maintainers of the same. These thy graces, O lord, we unfeignedly desire to be powered forth upon all realms and nations, that they may be firmly united and godly knit together in the unity of thy word: that in their godly concord, thy name may be glorified, and thy dispersed flock comforted and relieved. The common wealths, O lord, where thy gospel is truly preached, and harborowe granted to the afflicted members of Christ's body, and specially according to our bounden duty this out country of England, we commend to thy protection and mercy. Be thou unto them a defence & buckler: be a watch man to their walls, & a perpetual save guard to their cities, that the crafty assaults of their enemies repulsed by thy power, thy gospel may have free passage from one nation to an other: & let all preachers & ministers of the same have the gifts of thy holy spirit, in such abundance, as thy godly wisdom shall know to be expedient for the perfect instruction of that flock, which thou hast redeemed with the precious blood of thy only and well-beloved son jesus Christ. Purge their hearts from all kind of superstition, from ambition & vainglory, by which sathan continually laboureth to stir up ungodly contention, and let them so consent in the unity of thy truth, that neither the estimation which they have of men, neither the vain opinions, which they have conceived by their writings, prevail in them, against the clear understanding of thy blessed word. And now last, O lord, we most humbly beseech thee, according to that prayer of thy dear son our lord jesus, so to sanctify and confirm us in thy eternal verity, that neither the love of life temporal, neither yet the fear of torments and corporal death, cause us to deny the same, when the confession of our faith shall be required of us: but so assist us with the power of thy holy spirit, that not only boldly we may confess thee (O father of mercies) to be the true god alone, and whom thou hast sent our lord jesus to be the only saviour of the world: but also that constantly we may withstand all doctrine, repugninge to thy eternal truth, revealed to us in thy most blessed word. Remove from our hearts, the blind love of ourselves, and so rule thou all the actions of our life, that in us thy godly name may be glorified, thy church edified, and sathan finally confounded by the power & means of our lord jesus Christ: to whom with thee, and the holy spirit, be all glory and praise before thy congregations, now and ever. So be it. Arise, O lord, and let thine enemies be ashamed: let them flee from thy presence, that hate thy godly name: let the groans of thy prisoners enter in before thee, and preserve by thy power, such as be appointed to death: let not thine enemies thus triumph to the end: but let them understand, that against thee they fight: preserve and defend the vine, which thy right hand hath planted: & let all nations see the glory of thine anointed. Hasten lord and tarry not. A prayer against the obstinate enemies of the truth. Most righteous judge, god of all mercy and comfort, which by thy secret judgement and wisdom, dost suffer the wicked to triumph and increase for a time, for trial of the faith of thy well-beloved little flock, and the mortifying of their lusts, but at length to the utter confusion of the enemies, & joyful delineraunce of thy people: look down we beseech thee on thy dispersed sheep, out of thy holy habitation in heaven, and strengthen our weakness against their furious rages, abate their pride, assuage their malice, confound their devices, wherewith they lift up themselves against christ jesus thy son our Lord and Saviour, to deface his glory and set up Antichrist. We be not able of ourselves to think a good thought, much less to stand against their assaults, except thy undeserved grace and mighty arm defend and deliver us. Perform thy promises made to jacob, and stop the mouths of the cursed Edomites, call them to repentance whom thou hast appointed to salvation: bring home them that run astray, lighten the blind, and teach the ignorant: forgive all those that wilfully & obstinately rebel not against thy holy will, let thy fearful threatenings pierce our stony hearts, & make us tremble at thy judgements. Make the examples of them whom thou hast overthrown in their own devices, as cain, Cham, Nimrod, Esau, Pharaoh, Saul, Achitophel, judas, & such other to be a warning for us, that we set not up ourselves against thy holy will: grant free passage to thy holy word, that it may work effectually in us the work of life & blessed hope of our salvation, to the eternal praise of thy majesty, through our mediator Christ jesus, to whom with the father and the holy ghost three persons and one god, be praise and thanksgiving in all congregations world without end. So be it. ja. P. ¶ A prayer for the common peace and quietness of our country, necessary for this our tyme. MOst merciful god, which hast created man after thine own likeness, to live thereafter in godly peace and concord, take away all strife and debate, not only in private causes betwixt man and man, but especially betwixt realm and realm, country and country, douchsaf to pacify the troublous affections of worldly men's hearts, who inflamed by that spirit of discord, labour to break that godly knot of peace and concord, which most beseemeth thy elect servants and disciples to perform. guide thou us in the unity of thy spirit, that we may in thee be of one mind, aswell in matters touching the truth of religion: as also outward & civil, that all manner grounds of discord and war being taken away, we may live in holy peace & quietness to the advancement of thy glory, and the setting forth & spreading abroad of thy gospel. give good success (O Lord) to the travails and counsels of our governors, directed to the safety & quietness of this realm. Defend and aid the ministers, and travailers about the same. Bring to nought all the subtle devices of Satan, of Antichrist and his members, devised against the verity of thy word, overthrow their counsels, and bring their conspiracy to nought, beat back their proud boldness in advancing lies, and suppressing of the truth, and so make an end at last of their outrageous tyranny, that we thy servants may quietly consent and rest in thy truth, having both the inward peace of mind and conscience, & also the outward concord aswell amongst ourselves, as with all foreign nations and countries: grant this O lord, for jesus Christ's sake. Amen. ¶ A prayer for the whole church of christ. and for every state and degree thereof according to the petitions of the lords prayer ⸫ ALmighty god our heavenly Father, since thou hast promised graciously to hear us and grant our requests, which we shall make unto the in the name of our Lord jesus Christ thy well-beloved son: Ihon. 16. And we also are taught by him and his apostles to make our common prayer in his name, promising that he will be among us, Math. 18. and make intercession for us unto thee, for the obtaining of all such things as we shall godly desire here in earth: And moreover since thou hast commanded us to pray for such as thou hast appointed rulers, and governors over us, 1. Timo. 2. and also for all things needful for thy people: we therefore conceavinge boldness through thy holy word; and leaning assuredly unto thy most undoubted promises, do make our earnest supplication unto thee our most merciful god, & bountiful father, that for jesus Christ's sake our only saviour and mediator, it would please thee of thy infinite mercy, freely to pardon our offences, and in such sort to draw and lift up our hearts and affections towards thee, that our requests may both proceed of a fervent mind, and also be agreeable unto thy most blessed will and pleasure. We beseech thee therefore (O heavenly father) as touching all princes and rulers, unto whom thou hast committed the administration of thy justice, and namely as touching the estate of our most gracious Queen, that it would please thee to endue her and all her honourable Counsel with thy plentiful grace and principal spirit, and increase the same from time to time in her, that ●e may with a pure faith acknowledge jesus Christ thy only son our lord, to be the king of all kings, 1. Timo. 6. Act. 17. Math. 28. and governor of all governors, even as thou hast given all power unto him both in heaven and in earth, and may uprightly and zealously seek and earnestly maintain thy true glory, minister justice, punish sin, and defend the right, ruling her subjects which be thy creatures, and the sheep of thy pasture, even as she is taught and commanded by thy word. We beseech thee also (most dear father) for all Pastors and ministers, unto whom thou hast committed the charge of men's souls, and the ministry of thy holy gospel, that it would please thee so to guide them with thy holy spirit, that they may be found faithful & zealous of thy glory, directing always their whole studies unto this end, that the poor sheep which be gone astray out of the stock, may be sought out, & brought again unto the lord jesus (who is the chief shepherd & head of all Pastors) whereby they may from day to day, 1. Pe 5. grow and increase in him unto all righteous●nes and holiness. And on the other part, that it would please thee to deliver thy church from the danger of such idols shepherds, ●●che. 11. wolves, and hirelings, as seek themselves and their bellies, and not the setting forth of thy glory and the safeguard of thy flock. Moreover we make our prayers unto thee (most merciful father) for all men in general, the as thou wilt be known to be the saviour of all the world by the redemption purchased by thy only son jesus Christ: even so such as have been bytherto holden captive in darkness & ignorance for lack of the knowledge of thy gospel, may through the preaching thereof, and the clear light of thy holy spirit, be brought into the right way of salvation, which is to knowledge that thou art only very god, and that he whom thou hast sent is jesus Christ. Iu. 17. Likewise that they whom thou hast already endued with thy grace, and whose heart thou hast lightened with the knowledge of thy word, may continually increase in godliness, and be plenteousely enriched with spiritual benefits: so that we may altogether worship thee both with heart and mouth, and render due honour and service unto thee accordingly. In like manner (O lord of all true comfort) we commend unto thee in our prayers all such persons, as thou hast visited and chastised, by thy cross and tribulation, all such people, as thou hast punished with pestilence, war, and famine, and all other persons afflicted with poverty, imprisonment, sickness, banishment, or any like bodily adversity, or hast otherwise troubled and afflicted in spirit, that it will please thee to make them perceive thy fatherly affection towards them: that is that these crosses be nothing else, but fatherly chastisinges for their amendment, to the intent that they should unfeignedly turn unto thee, that they cleaving unto thee, may receive full comfort, and be delivered from all manner of evil. Finally most dear father we beseech thee to grant, that we may knowledge truly without hypocrisy bow miserable a state of perdition we are in by nature, and how worthily we procure unto ourselves everlasting dampnation● heaping up from time to time thy grievous punishments towards us, through our wicked and sinful life, to the end that seeing there remaineth no spark of goodness in our nature, and that there is nothing in us (as touching our first creation, and that which we receive of our parents) meet to enjoy the heritage of god's kingdom, we may wholly render by ourselves with all our hearts, and with an assured confidence, unto thy deroly beloved son jesus Christ our lord; our only saviour & redeemer, to the end that he dwelling in us may mortify our old man (that is to say) our sinful affections, and that we may be regenerated into a more godly life: whereby thy holy name (as it is worthy of all honour) may be advanced and magnified through out the world and in all places: so that thou having the tuition and governance over us, we may learn daily more and more to humble and submit ourselves unto thy majesty, in such sort that thou mayst be counted king and governor over all, guiding thy people with the sceptre of thy word, and by the virtue of thy holy spirit, to the confusion of all thine enemies, through the might of thy truth & righteousness: so that by this means all power and height which withstandeth thy glory, may be continually thrown down and abolished, unto such time as the full and perfect face of thy kingdom shall appear when thou shalt show thyself in judgement: whereby also we with the rest of thy creatures may render unto thee perfect and due obedience, even as thy holy angels do apply themselves only to the performing of thy commandments: so that only thy will may be fulfilled without any contradiction, & that every man may bend himself to serve and please thee, renouncing their own wills with all the affections and desires of the flesh. Grant us also good lord, that we thus walking in the love and dread of thy holy name, may be nourished and sustained through thy goodness, & that we may receive at thy hands, all things expedient & necessary for us, and so use thy gifts peaceably and quietly, to this end that when we see that thou haste care of us, we may the more affectuousely knowledge thee to be our father, looking for all good gifts at thy hand: and withdrawing and pulling back all our vain confidence from creatures, may set it wholly upon thee, and so rest only in thy most bountiful mercy. And for so much as, whiles we continue here in this transitory life, we are so miserable, so frail, and so much inclined unto sin, that we fall continually and serve from the right way of thy commandments: we beseech the pardon us our innumerable offences, whereby we are in danger of thy judgement & condemnation, and forgive us so freely, that death and sin may hereafter have no title against us: neither lay unto our charge that wicked rote of sin, which doth evermore remain in us: but grant that we may forget and forgive the wrongs which other do unto us, & in stead of seeking vengeance, may procure the wealth of our enemies. And for as much as of ourselves, we are so weak that we are not able to stand upright one minute of an hour: and again so belaid & assaulted evermore with such a multitude of so dangerous enemies, that the devil, the world, sin & our own concupicences, do never leave of to fight against us, Let it be thy good pleasure to strengthen us with thy holy spirit, & to arm us with thy grace, that thereby we may be able strongly to with stand all temptations, & to endure constantly in this spiritual battle against sin, until such time as we shall obtain the full victory, & so at length may triumphantly rejoice in thy kingdom with our captain & governor jesus christ our lord. Amen. Who can tell whether the lord will turn again and have compassion upon us, and leave a blessing behind him. joel. 2. ¶ A prayer meet for this present time, that god would turn away his plagues hanging over us for our sins. OH lord God, strong and mighty, great and fearful, which dwellest in the heavens, and workest great wonders, we thy miserable children here upon earth, do most humbly beseech thee to be merciful unto us, to pardon our offences, & forgers us all our sins. O Lord enter not into judgement with thy servants, for if thou do, there shall no flesh be saved in thy sight. O Lord we confess and acknowledge that it is our sins that hath caused thee to be moved unto wrath, & to show such tokens of thy displeasure towards us in these our days, fyrfte with fire from heaven, which did betoken thy hot burning indignation, and wrathful displeasure for sin which aboundeth at this day, & then with such horrible and monstrous shapes against nature, as was never seen in our days, nor in no time before us in this miserable country of ours: which all do betoken to us none other thing, but thy plagues to come upon us for our degenerate and monstrous life and conversation: and our wonderful and terrible destruction and desolation (unless we speedily repent and turn to thee) because we have been so long taught out of thy most holy and sacred word, and yet no fruits of repentance or Christian life will appear. Woe and alas to these our days, that neither preaching by word most comfortable, nor preaching by fire most terrible, nor preaching by monsters most ugly & horrible, will flyrre up our stony hearts, and awake us from our sins. We fear (oh Lord) that the turks with all the rest of the unbelieving will condemn us in the last day: which if they had been so long instructed by the comfortable preaching of thy word, and sweet promises of thy gospel, or seen the wonders which we have seen, no doubt their righteousness would have shined at this day, to our great shame and confusion. Thou hast no less warned us (oh Lord) of thy fearful displeasure & heavy plagues at hand for our great wickedness, than thou didst the Israelites of that horrible destruction which came upon them: whom thou first in mercy didst call to repentance by the preaching of thy word, but when no warning would serve, thou didst send them monstrous and fearful signs and tokens, to declare that thy visitation was not far of. But they, like unto us at this day, did always interpret these things after the imagination of their own vain hearts, promising to themselves peace when destruction was over their heads. Which things when we do call to mind (for as much as they are written for our learning, example, and warning) it maketh us to tremble & quake for fear of thy just judgements. For if thou hast thus dealt with thine own dears & chosen children, in token of thy great wrath against sin, what shall we look for? who do no less deserve thy fearful scourge (and of mercy it is that thou dost thus lenge forbear us) but live as though there were no god at all to be revenged upon our sins. It maketh us to fear and cry inwardly in our souls: Come lord jesus, Apor. 22. holy and trus in all thy doings, and shorten our days, bring this our pilgrimage to an end, suffer us not to heap sin upon sin unto the day of vengeance, lest we be taught up amongst the numbered of the wicked and reprobate, which shall never see thy loving countenance. It maketh us to cry to thee (o lord) Let thy kingdom come & end this our sinful life, wherein we do nothing but rovoke thee to wrath. Psal. 6. correct us not O lord in thine indignation, neither chasten us in thine heavy displeasure: & though to us belongeth nothing but shame and confusion, though our offences have deserved to be visited with the rod, and our sins with scourges: Psal. 89. yet in mercy lord and with fatherly correction chasten us, and thy loving kindness take not away from us. To thee we flee for secure, under the wings of thy mercy shall be our refuge until thou turn thy wrathful countenance from us. Psal. 57 We know that thy mercy is above all thy works, and even as great as thyself. Eccle. 2. Therefore will we say with holy job, though thou kill us, yet will we put our trust in thee. Thou camest to comfort, and pluck out of the dungeon of hell, such wretches as we are: Luke. 10. thou art the good Samaritane that camest to heal our deadly wounds: thou art that good physician that camest to cure our mortal infirmities: thou art the good shepherd that camest to seek us wandering and lost sheep, Luke. 15. and to bring us to thy fold again: and more than that thou art our brother, Eph. 5. flesh of our flesh, and bone of our bones; which haste tasted of our infirmities, Esa. 53. felt our temptations, and borne the burden of our sins: Therefore at thy hands we look for mercy against the day of vengeance. And though thou punish us, yet our hope is and ever shall be, that thy rod shall no further touch us than shall make to thy glory, our commodity, & the streng thening and increase of our faith. Let this thy preaching sundry ways (O lord) be sufficient for our warning, and grant that we may speedily and from the bottom of our hearts repent, endeavour to do thy righteous and blessed will revealed in thy word, and frame our lives according to the same: that we may here live in thy fear all the days of our life, and after this our sin full course is ended, may dwell with-thee in thy blessed kingdom, through the death and merits of jesus Christ our only redeemer. So be it. When thy wrath is kindled (O Lord) blessed are all they that put their trust in thee. Psal. 2. ¶ A prayer for fair weather. O God and merciful father, we acknowledge that we through our manifold sins have deserved to be sharply rebuked and corrected of thee. But if thou shouldest deal with us after our sins, we are not able to abide thy wrath & heavy hand. Wherefore deal mercifully with us (O Lord) after the greatness of thy goodness, and the multitude of thy mercies, that we rather may rejoice and be thankful unto thee for the abundance of thy great mercies, and loving kindness, then be cast down and discouraged by the heavy weight of thy hand. In thy hands (O lord) are both heaven and earth: So govern them therefore, we beseech thee for thy name's sake, that we may have seasonable weather to receive the fruits of the earth. Stay the immoderate plenty of rain and unseasonable weather, and power rather upon us the plentiful dew of thy spytite, that we may daily grow to the perfection of christian men. Take away from us our stony hearts, & give unto us in the stead thereof, hearts of flesh, that we may cease at the length thus to provoke thy wrath to bring upon us either this so great a plague as the loss of the fruits of the earth, either else other plagues of thy just judgement. Grant that we may so repent us of our former evils, that hereafter the worthy fruits of true repentance may continually appear therein, and so to pass over and to end this our mortal life, that at the last we may attain unto the blessed resurrection and life everlasting through jesus Christ our lord. Amen. ¶ A Prayer to be said before the receiving of the communion. O Father of mercy and god of all consolation, seeing all creatures do knowledge and confess thee to be their governor and lord, Apoc. 5. it becometh us the workmanship of thine own hands, at all times to reverence and magnify thy godly majesty: first, Gent. 1. for that thou hast created us to thine own image and similitude, but chief because thou hast delivered us from that everlasting death and damnation, Ephe. 2. Gal. 1. Gene. 3. into the which Satan drew mankind by the means of sin: from the bondage whereof neither man nor Angel was able to make us free, Act. 4. Hebre. 1. Apoc. 5. but thou (o lord) rich in mercy and infinite in goodness, haste provided our redemption to stand in thine only and well-beloved son, whom of very love thou didesst give to be made man like unto us in all things, john. 3. Hebre. 8. Hebre. 4. 1. Pet. 2. Es. 43.53. Mat 3.17 jere. 31. Heb. 8. Rom. 5. Heb. 2. john. 6. Gene. 3. Rom. 5. Ephe. 3. sin excepted, that in his body he might receive the punishment of our transgression, by his death to make satisfaction to thy justice, and by his resurrection to destroy him that was author of death, and so to bring again life to the world, from which the whole offspring of Adam was most justly exiled. O lord we acknowledge that no creature was able to comprehend the length and breadth, the deepness and height of that thy most excellent love which moved thee to show mercy where none was deserved, Ephe. 2. Io. 6.17. Ephe. 2. Gene. 6. Rom. 3. isaiah. 64. Psal. 5.12 Rom. 7. Mat. 10. 1. Cor. 2 Luke. 11. Mar. 10. Math 26. Luke. 22. 1. Cor. 11. to promise and give life, where death had gotten victory: to receive us into thy grace when we could do nothing but rebel against thy majesty. O lord the blind dullness of our corrupt nature will not suffer us sufficiently to weigh these thy most ample benefits: yet nevertheless at the commandment of jesus Christ our lord, we present ourselves to this his table (which he hath left to be used in remembrance of his death until his coming again) to declare and witness before the world, that by him alone we have received liberty and life: Io. 8. Gal. 5. Ro. 8. 1. Pet. 1. Ephe. 5. Ephe. 2. Heb. 4. Ro. 3. Mat. 25. john. 14. Luke. 12. Luke. 22. Apo. 2. Phil. 3. Ephe. 2. Ephe 1. Apo. 13. that by him alone thou dost acknowledge us to be thy children and heirs: that by him alone we have entrance to the throne of thy grace: that by him alone we are possessed in our spiritual kingdom, to eat and drink at his table, with whom we have our conversation presently in heaven, and by whom our bodies shall be raised up again from the dust, and shall be placed with him in that endless joy, which thou (O father of mercy) hast prepared for thine elect before the foundation of the world was laid. And these most inestimable benefits we acknowledge and confess to have received of thy free mercy and grace, Ro. 3. Ephe. 2. Tit. 3. by thine only beloved son jesus Christ. For the which therefore we thy congregation, moved by thy holy spirit, Ro. 8. render to thee all thanks praise and glory for ever and ever. ¶ A thanksgiving after the receaviuge of the communion. * Most merciful Father, we render unto thee all praise, thanks, honour and glory, for that it hath pleased thee of thy great mercies to grant unto us miserable sinners so ercellent a gift and treasure, as to receive us into the fellowship and company of thy dear son jesus christ our lord, 1. Cor. 10. whom thou hast delivered to death for us, and haste given him unto us as a necessary food & nourishment unto everlasting life. Rom. 4. Io. 6. And now we beseech thee also (O heavenly father) to grant us this request, the thou never suffer us to become so unkind, as to forget so worthy benefits, but rather imprint and fasten them sure in our hearts, that we may grow & increase daily more and more in true faith, Luke. 17. which continually is exercised in all manner of good works: Gala. 5. and so much the rather, (O Lord) confirm us in these perilous days and rages of Satan, 1. Tim. 4. Ephe. 5. 2. Pet. 3. Mat. 5. 1. Pet. 2. that we may constantly stand and continue in the confession of the same, to the advancement of thy glory, which art God over all things blessed for ever. So be it. ¶ A prayer to be said before meat. ** O Eternal god, Ebre. 13. the very god of peace & all consolation, which broughtest again from death our lord jesus the great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us fruitful in all good works to do thy will, & work in us that which is acceptable in thy sight: sanctify us throughout, and keep our whole spirit, soul, and body faultless unto the coming of thy dear son our lord jesus Christ. Thou art faithful O father who haste promised this, who also shall bring it to pass, to thee therefore be given everlasting praise, honour, and glory. Amen. ¶ A thanksgiving after meat. Most bountiful & gracious god, which feedest all flesh, and haste promised that ask of thee, we shall not lack, if we first seek thy kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, we feeling presently the benefit of this thy gracious promise in feeding our bodies with these corporal benefits, do render unto the most hearty thaks for the same, beseeching the likewise to feed our souls with that heavenly food which perisheth not, Ihon. 6. but abideth into everlasting life: so that we being nourished by thy goodness both in body and soul, may be apt and ready to do all good works which thou hast prepared for us to walk in, through jesus Christ our Lord. Unto him that loved us & washed us from our sins in his blood and made us kings & priests unto God his father, 1. Pet. 5. be all glory, power, and dominion for evermore. Amen. ¶ A prayer for true mortification. O God my creator, preserver, & everlasting defender, where first in my creation I was made like unto thine own likeness: the devil (alas) hath since by Adam's fall, made me oughlye, monstrous, and like evil favoured to himself. For what are now lord mine earthly members, Colo. 3. but as is written in the iii to the Colloss. adultery, whoredom, uncleanness, unnatural lusts, evil concupiscence, covetousness (which is the worshipping of Idols) and such other, for the which thy wrath is wont to come upon the children of unbelief. Nevertheless (lord) of thy great mercy and goodness against this very great mischief, a much greater remedy thy fatherly providence hath ordained. 1. Io. 3. For thou hast sent jesus christ thy dear and only natural son into this world, the vale of miseries, to lose the works of the devil, and to take away my sins. Therefore Satan hath now nothing to brag of, for through Christ all that believe in thee and so become thy children, 1. Ihon. 5. do overcome the world the flesh and the devil. 1. Ihon. 5. And this is the victory which overcometh them all, even our Faith. Io. 3. That Faith I mean which is perswaden that who so ever be leaveth in christ shall not perish but have everlasting life. 1. john. 5. That faith which beloveth the testimony to be true which thou (God the Father) dost testify of thy son, so making thee no liar, and this is that testimony, that thou haste given us eternal life. Ro. 8. That faith wheche believeth that thou father, who raysedst up Christ from death shalt also quicken our mortal bodies through thy holy spirit dwellig in us. Io. 14. That faith which believeth it to be true which thy son Christ affirmed, with a double oath, saying: Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth in me the works that I do, the same shall he do, and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my father. john. 12. And finally that faith which believeth, that now Christ hath been lift up on the cross, he shall draw all things unto him: this faith (I say) is the victory which overcometh our enemies, the devil, the world, and our flesh. john. 14. Thou therefore (lord father) which hast promised to give what so ever I shall ask in thy dear Son jesus name, for thy great mercy and infallible truths sake, do now in me the thing that he came for: lose in me the works of the devil, 1. Iho. 3. and take away my sins I beseech thee, make steadfast my Faith confidence in thy promised mercies & merciful promises: john. 3. so that I assuredly believing in thee may have (as thou promisest) everlasting life, & making thee (dear God) no liar, may believe, feel, and know in my heart and conscience, the the same everlasting life is thy mere & free gift unto me, yea already of thy great goodness, undoubtedly given me, being now translated from death to life. Of a thanckefulnes whereof Lord cause me now daily to mortify my earthly membres. Ro. 8. Yea (dear father) sith thy spirit which raised up Christ from death, dwelleth within me, do thou (who raisedst Christ from death) quicken my mortal body through thy spirit so dwelling in me, I beseech thee. john. 14. Yea lord jesus according to thy promise (because thou art now gone to thy father) make me work this wondered great work the thou speakest of: I mean, make me, Collo. 3. being of myself but a lump of sin and a monster most ugly (as the vices whereon the membres of my earthly body above declared to be compact do prove) make me (I say) yet through thy grace, to hate, abhor, flee and subdue all adultery, whoredom, uncleanness, unnatural lusts, evil concupiscence, unordinate desires, wantonness, tenderness, delicateness, idleness, drunkenness, gluttony, slothfulness, distrust, despair, ignorance, weakness, wilfulness, Idolatry, superstition, hypocrisy, heresy, error, sects, variance, strife, wrath, envy, slanders, lying, swearing, cursing, vain glory, pride, covetousness, theft, deceit, flattery, and what so ever else (lord) feighteth or rebelleth against thy holy spirit. And then (lord Father) I will boast and make vaunt against mine enemy the devil, that I have done greater works than thy dear son jesus did, at what time he spoke these words among the jews, because, john. 14. albeit he vanquissehed Satan, yet in as much as he himself was utterly without sin, the victory seemed the wore easy: But I to vanquish sathan, being myself altogether sinful, yea contrary to my most sinful nature to subdue sin, the devil, and mine own flesh, it seemeth a more victory and greater work than the other. For the which nevertheless, I will with all submission acknowledge unto thy divine majesty taht the whole victory lord in deed is thine, and thy holy spirit the beginner and fynisher both of the will and work. Now therefore, Lord jesus, strengthen me with thy grace & might, that thou mayst by me a most sinful wretch, draw all these my earthly membres and horrible vices before rehearsed, under my feet, that I may not only mightily fight against them, but also subdue them, so that they may all turn to the best for me, Rom. 8. Io. 12. as meet matter whereon I may exercise my faith power forth hearty prayer, and give thee most hearty thanks for victory: whereby I may learn & have experience that thou haste in me drawn allthings unto thee in so much as thou thus (lord) of thy divine power, drawest both the devil and the sin that dwelleth in me, to set forth thy honour and glory. which thing for thy mercy's sake bring to pass, O God my creature, preserver, and everlasting defender. ¶ A Prayer of a christian man, expressing his great anguish & heaviness of mind that he had before time for his sins, & for that he felt not his heart comforted in the joy of gods great love towards him, with the manner of his prayers & groanings which he then made, & now poureth forth again unto god for his grace & assistance in his new assaults. whereby the broken hearted & afflicted for their sins may learn to stir up & strengthen their faith and hope in like dangers and trouble of conscience. 1. EVen in the mids of the desperate assaults of my soul, the intolerable heaviness of my mind hath heretofore (Lord) cried as shrill in thine ears as though I had shryked and with lamentations cried out, saying: Help, help me my god, my creator, my most provident keeper, and everlasting defender, for behold I perish. 2 On this occasion (Lord) that heaviness of mind did heretofore assault me I remembered that thou hadst many times set before mine eyes the wonderful greatues of thy most tender love towards me by great multitude of thy benefits powered upon me, which benefits every of thy works (as they came before mine eyes) gave me just occasion to be mindful of. 3 Would not (thought I) if I had in a manner any grace at all, would not such love bring now into my heart a wonderful delectation, comfort & joy in god for the same? 4 And again, could such delight in gods sweet mercy and tender love towards me (if I were not as evil as a cast away that were none of god's children) be without loathing of my sin, and lust & desire to do gods holy will? And these things thought I (fie upon the unthankful wretch) are either not at all in me, or else in deed so coldelye and slenderly that they being truly weighed and compared to righteousness, Esa. 64. are more vile than a sylthye cloth starched in corrupt blood. 5 Oh (thought I) I am afeard I have deceived myself: for thy servants at all times (I trow) feel otherwise then I now do, the fruits of thy spirit: as Love, joy, Peace and such like. But my love (alas) towards thee, what is it? my joy (oh woe is my heart therefore) is not once almost felt of me, for my very soul within me (as David in his heaviness said) refuseth comfort, and fareth as though it did utterly despair. Psal. 77. And what peace can I feel then, or certainty of thy favour and love? justly may I power out this dolorous lamentation of Zion: the lord hath forsaken me, isaiah. 49. and my lord hath forgotten me: 6 Even in the mids (I say) of these my former desperate assaults, mine in tolerable heaviness cried to my god, and from heaven he heard my groanings, & thereupon first prepared my heart to ask comfort of him, & then he heard my prayer and gave me plentefully my ask. 7 Oh my soul, consider well that thou art never able to declare the exceeding goodness of god in this that he heard the very desires of thee being afflicted. who is so ready favourably to grant the requests of the afflicted, that often times he tarrieth not until they do call, but or ever they call upon him, he favourably heareth them: as the psalmist saith, the desires of the afflicted thou hearest (O lord) thou preparest their hearts & thine care heareth favourably. Psal. 10. 8 Oh lord my god, marvelous things are these, whether I consider this marvelous manner of thy hearing, or else the marvelous nature and property of thy goodness. marvelous (no doubt) is that thy hearing, whereby the very desires of the afflicted are heard, but much more marvelous is this thy goodness which tarrieth not until the afflicted do desire thy help, but prepareth first their hearts to desire, and then thou givest them their desires. 9 Yea Lord (worthy of all praise) it can not otherwise be. For how shouldst thou do otherwise then thy nature and property is? art not thou very goodness and mercy itself? how canst thou then, but pity and help misery? 10 Art not thou both the creator and also the conserver of all things? In so much as the lions whelps roaring after their prey do seek their food at thy hands, Psa. 104. Psal. 147. and the ravens birds lacking meat do call upon thee. 11 If than thy fatherly providence and tender care (O lord) upon all thy creatures be so great, that the very beasts & fowls have this experience of thy goodness in their necessities, that their roringes and criynges have the strength of earnest callings and besechinges: how much rather do these sighings, groanings, and desperate heaviness of men, but chiefly of all those which believe in thee, cry & call loud in thine ears, though they speak never a word at all? 12 Should I then now despair of thy fatherly mercy, whiles presently I feel thee stir up my soul & heart to crave help at thy hand? Psal. 77. should I think that thou wilt absent thyself for ever? that thou wilt be no more entreated? that thy mercy is clean gone, and thy promise come utterly to an end, and that thou wilt now shut up thy loving kindness in displeasure? 13 Nay god forbid: for all alterations are of thy right hand and turn away to the best, to them that fear thee. All this is no more but mine own infirmity, Psal. 77. for god is ever one, his promises be unfallible, and his love towards his everlastingly during. 14 I will therefore in this my present temptation and grievous assault, power out my heaviness of heart before thee (dear father) yea I will with groanings lift up my soul unto thee, from whence I assuredly know my help is coming. I will also for my present comfort, Psal. 77. call to remembrance (O lord my god) thy tender mercies towards me already showed, the multitude of thy benefits, the greatness of the same, the long continuance of them, even from my conception until this instant, and finally thy continual lust and desire to power them upon me. 15. And moreover sith thy goodness is so great (O lord) that thou dost not only pity misery, but also callest the heavy hearted and afflicted unto thee, promising that thou wilt ease their misery: and for as much as, Mat. 11. by the motion of thy good spirit I loath & abhor my sins, I felt the grievousness of them, and thy heavy wrath towards me for the same, and finally what need I have of thy gracious aid and succour: therefore (Lord father) in thy son Christ's name, with sure confidence and trust in thine infallible promise, in this mine anguish and trouble I come unto thee at thy merciful calling, and crave comfort at thy hand. For this I know well, that when I loath my sins, thou dost utterly forget them, when I feel the grievous burden of them, thy mercy swalloweth them up, when I feel what I want, thou wilt assuredly grant it me. For sith thou movest my heart to desire help, how should I mistrust but thou wilt for thy truths sake, give me mine asking? 16. Yea, where I know not how or what to desire as I ought, thy holy spirit graciously working in me, maketh intercession mightily for me, Rom. 8. with groanings which can not be expressed, & there withal certifieth my spirit that by adoption, through thy great mercy and goodness, I am become thy child and heir. 17. Why should I not then be of good comfort & joyful in thee my God? For if thou be on my side, who can be against me? Rom. 8. who diddeste not spare thine own son, but gavest him for me, even when I was thine enemy, how shalt thou not with him now that by his death I am brought into thy favour, give me all things with him and for his sake? who shall lay any thing to the charge of thine elects? it is thou lord that justifiest me, who then shall condemn me? It is Christ that hath died for me, yea rather that is risen again for me, who also is set on thy right hand, and hath taken possession, yea and perpetually maketh there intercession for me, until that joyful day be come when I shall have full fruition of the most glorious presence of thy divine majesty in that kingdom which thou hast prepared before the beginning of the world, Ephe. 1. but in time (to thy gracious goodness thought best) made known to me by giving thy holy spirit into my heart, whereby when I first Lord believed thy holy word (which is thine own power to save all that believe) I was sealed, Rom. 1. confirmed and stablished in certainty of that thine everlasting kingdom and inheritance. For the which inestimable benefit of thy rich grace (Oh Lord my God) I beseech thee (even for the love thou barest to Christ jesus thy son, and the mercy thou hadst on him when he cried on the Cross, Mat. 27. my God my God why hast thou forsaken me) help, help I say, and inflame my heart with love so plenteously towards thee again, that I may be even swallowed up in the joyful feeling of the same, in such sort that I may of very thankfulness love thee my God alone, thee I say my dear God, and nothing but thee and for thy sake. Oh holy spirit whose work this is in me, increase this thy work, of thine infinite mercy, & preserve me that I never become unthankful unto thee therefore. Amen, dear god. Amen. ¶ Remedies against sinful motions and voluptuous temptations. 1. FIrst remember that sin is so heinous a thing that god by his justice might worthily damn the for the same, and is therefore to be abhorred as a sweet poison; a flattering death & destruction of thy soul, which would cut thee of from god thy saviour, and make thee bond slave to Satan thy deadly enemy. 2 Avoid therefore even at the first, the occasions thereof, and betimes quash out the brains of the children of Babylon against the hard stones, Psal. 137. whiles they be yet young & weak, lest when they be grown elder & stronger, they dash thee to pieces. 3 And for remedy against the same, flee unto god, who commandeth thee to call upon him in thy troubles, and promiseth to deliver thee, and will not suffer thee to be further tempted than he will make away out whereby thou shalt escape: 1. Cor. 10. & doubt not but he that causeth thee to hate the sin which thy nature is to love, will deliver thee also from the danger thereof, and make thee to triumph over Satan, to his confusion, to god's glory, and to thy great comfort. which are the causes that our tender loving father sendeth temptations unto us & and he that is not tempted, what is he? 1. 〈◊〉. 1 4 Now after thou hast obtained the victory; remember two things, first to give most hearty thanks to god for his grace and assistance, whereby thou haste overcome, and he not unthankful in any wise: and then, that he who continually goeth about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, will not be long or far away from thee, but will attempt again the same or as evil ways to overcome thee. Watch therefore and pray. ¶ A prayer for present help in temptation. ** Dear father, to whom it is more easy to do all things then for me to think any one good thing, Lo do thou but speak a word and thy deadly sick servant my soul shall be made whole. Help (O Lord) & let thy strength suffice against my weakness, and thy holy spirit against my sinful flesh and old man. Thou art true and faithful (O Father) who hast promised that I shall not be tempted further than thou wile make me able to bear. 1. Cor. 10. give therefore thy power unto thy servant, that I may with a strong faith in thine infallible truth and promised mercy, vanquish & subdue what so over rebelleth against thy most blessed wills Do this O Father, for thy son jesus Christ's sake our dear Lord and gracious redeemer. Amen ¶ A Prayer to God the Father for the true knowledge of the mystery of our redemption in Christ. O almighty God and father of our lord jesus Christ, and by him also our father, the father of all mercy and god of all consolation, have mercy upon us and hear our prayers. We most humbly beseech thee for thy dear son jesus Christ'S sake, his merits and cruel death, which he suffered to deliver us from eternal death and the power of darkness, give into our hearts the spirit of truth, to work in us a true, lively, and steadfast faith, that the clear light and brightness of thy gospel the glory of Christ, may shine unto us and lighten our minds, that we may learn & understand the wonderful and unspeakable richesse of the misteric of our redemption in Christ and by christ. O father of glory give unto us the spirit of wisdom, & bring us unto the true knowledge of this thy beloved son jesus Christ and the knowledge of thyself. Open and lighten the eyes of our minds and understanding, Ephe. 1. that we may know what the hope is whereunto thou hast called us, and how rich the glory of thine inheritance is upon thy saints, and the exceeding greatness of thy power towards us: that by true faith, understanding and knowledge of thine eternal wisdom (which is jesus Christ) we may be in deed as we are called, true christians and unfeigned professors of thy holy name, to worship thee in spirit and truth, and to set forth the glory of thy grace given unto us in Christ jesus our lord. Amen O dear father write in our hearts love to thy law, hate to all sin, thankfulness of heart and continual heat of thy holy spirit for thy son jesus Christ's sake. To whom with thee and thy holy spirit be all honour, majesty, glory, thanks, rule, empire, and dominion for ever more. ¶ A prayer to be used of all sorts of men and at all times. O Lord God for thy great mercy's sake, grant unto me these my petitions which I shall make unto the in jesus Christ's name, and endue me with thy grace that I may ask of thee in such sort as thou requirest, to the honour, glory, and praise of thy holy name, to the furtherance of thy word, the profit of thy people, and to my consolation and comfort, through jesus Christ our only saviour and readeuter. So be it. O Lord thou great and terrible god, thou that keepest covenant & merry with them that love thee and do thy commandments, let thine ears be open that thou mayst hear the prayers of thy servant, which I make before thee at this time, have mercy upon me thy poor creature, & work of thine hands, for I have sinned, & done wickedly, and have offended thy majesty grievously, in that I have gone back, & departed from all thy precepts and judgements, & have not followed thy servants the prophets the spoke unto me in thy name, but have from day to day provoked thy just wrath and indignation against me. O Lord I knowledge and confess my manifold sins and wickedness, the which I have unrighteousely committed against thee in thought, word, & deed, fro my youth up until this day, for the which I am heartily sorry, and do unfeignedly repent, purposing evermore through the assistance of thy grace, to walk in a new life. Remember not lord the numbered of my misdeeds I beseech thee, but according to thy great mercies think upon me. Call to remembrance for Christ's sake thy loving kindness and thy tender mercy, the which hath ever been of old. Hide not thou thy face from me, nor cast not of thy servant in thy displeasure, for I confess my sins unto thee, and hide not mine unrighteousness. For thy mercy's sake deliver me from all my sins, and make me not a scorn unto the foolish. Turn not away thy mercy from me, but let thy most loving kindness & truth always preserve me. Help me for thy name's sake, and deliver me in thy strength. Hear my prayer (O lord) and consider the words of my mouth, for my misdeeds prevail against me. O be thou merciful unto my sins. Let the sorrowful sighing of thy prisoner come before thee, and according to the power of thine arm preserve those the be appointed to die for thy just cause. O Lord comfort the soul of thy servant, for unto thee do I flee for secure. Teach me to number my days that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. Satisfy me with thy mercy, and that soon, so shall I rejoice and be glad in thee all the days of my life. Look not extremely what is done amiss in me, for I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: yet lord of thy great goodness, power down some of the crumbs that fall from thy children's table and make me as one of the least of them. Reward me not according to my deservings, for than I must needs perish: for unto me pertaineth nothing but open shame, confusion, and damnation: but with thee there is mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. O Lord therefore do I come unto thee, not hoping in mine own righteousness, but trusting only in thy great mercies and promises made unto me in christ jesus my lord, for whose sake, I beseth thee to cleanse me from all my sins, and do away all mine iniquities. For thy tender mercy sake, lay not my sins to my charge, but forgive that is paste and give me grace to amend my life, to decline from sin, and incline to virtue, that I may walk in a perfect heart, a cleave comience, and single eye before thee this day or night and evermore. Remember not ford mine offences, nor the offences of my forefathers, neither take thou beingeance of my sins, spare me good Lord, spare me, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blond, and be not angry with me for ever: spare me good lord, spare me. Put me not from thy presence (oh thou god of all comfort) but incline thine ear unto my calling. Strengthen thy Servant with the power of thy right hand, and help the Son of thy handmaiden. Replenyshe my heart with grace wisdom and understanding. Comfort my soul with thy sweet promises, and let thy mercies cover my infirmities. For the death and bloodshedding of thy Christ (O Lord) consider mine infirmities, which are many, and help to heal mine imperfection, & deliver me from all kinds of evils, that I do not obey unto them: as from adultery, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness, idolatry, good lord deliver me. From witch craft, lying, hatred, variance, zeal, wrath, strife, sedition, good lord deliver me. From sects, envying, whispering, backbiting, bringing up of evil tumors, good lord deliver me. From murder, drunkenness, gluttony, and from the spirit of evil telosie, good lord deliver me. From envying of other which love thee & thy people more than I, or be beloved of thee or of thy people more than I am: from swelling at other men's gifts, good lord deliver me. From surmising, murmuring, lowering, grudging, muttering when words be not spoken to my mind, good lord for thy great mercy's sake deliver me, and give me grace that I do at no time envy any good man or womaunes love, but labour to increase it, that their prosperstie in word & praise of other may be my consolation and rejoicing. O lord grant me that I may be low in mine own sight, to submit myself to bear all occasions, to wrestle with flesh and blood and get the victory. Grant me this gift that I may be swift to hear, slow to speak, & slow to wrath, that my heart do not go after any evil and wicked imaginations. give me grace to walk so that I give none evil occasions, and to avoid all suspicious things whereby evil occasions may grow. O Lord assist me with thy spirit, that I may labour to maintain peace, to increase love, and to further virtue. Grant (O merciful father) that I may prosper in all virtue, in long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance, strength, and patience, with all such like virtues as are commanded in thy holy law for me to walk in. O lord give me joy in thy holy spirit, that I may rejoice in thy holy scriptures, that all my whole pleasure, felicity, and consolation, may be in thy holy word night and day, in reading, thinking, & talking of the same, to thy glory and my edifying. Assist thy servant against this world with the vain pomp, pleasure & beauty thereof, that it may be unto me as vile dust, slime, filthiness, and ashes, that I may use it as though I used it not, and that it may serve me, and I not it, that I may take my part thereof unto my necessity, with thanksgiving, that I do not use thy creatures voluptuousely, but that I may at all times live righteously, soberly, and godly in this life. give me grace to walk with a good conscience both before thee and towards all men, in buying and selling, and in all other my doings, to cast away allyinge, craft, and deceit, that I be not a reader of thy holy word, and a talker only, but that it may appear also in my life and conversation. O Lord grant unto thy servant the strength of thy holy spirit, to subdue this body of sin with the wheel lusts thereof, that it may be made obedient both in will, mind, & membres, to do thy will, that it may be weak, vile, simple, and of no reputation in itself by the way of fasting, prayer, and meditation of thy law, that I may be low hearted, humble minded, gentle spryted and to all virtues obedient. give me grace O lord to bridle my mouth from all vain and light communication, and give me an understanding heart with such discretyon, that neither filthiness nor foolish talking, nor jesting which are not comely, proceed out of my mouth, but rather giving of thanks. O Lord my saviour, increase my faith in thee, and in thy Christ, and make it strong to believe thy promises. O Lord my redeemer, increase in me a love to do thy will, and to thy righteous people. O Lord my justifier, increase in me a sure hope of my salvation without doubt or wavering in adversity, & with out pride or presumption in prosperity: so that in adversity I may be patient, and give thanks in prosperity, & serve thee with reverence and godly fear all the days of my life. Increase in me Lord all other virtues agreeable to a godly life, for I come unto thee my god as unto the well & everlasting fountain of health and salvation. O heavenly father, grant unto me & all other, wheresoever they be dispersed throughout the whole world, which profess thy holy word, so to live that we may die to sin, and lead a godly conversation walking innocently before thee. Preserve and defend thy servant from all false opinions, that I be not deceived and carried away in error of the wicked, but that I may grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ. O Lord give me a reverent and pure understanding of thy holy word, that I may thereby avoid all rash judgement and perverse interpretations. O Lord give me wisdom knowledge and understanding to perceive those false, lying, & flattering spirits, which do deceive the hearts of innecentes and beguile unstable souls. O Lord make me to be content with this woman which thou hast given me to be my wife that we may godly live together according to thy holy ordinance. give her an heart of understanding, and set thy fear always before her eyes, that she may be obedient in word, deed, and thought to all that is thy wil O Lord give us the power of thy holy Spirit, to rule, govern, and bring up these our children and family, in all god lie fear and knowledge of thy holy word, and that we may be unto them an example in all godliness and virtue, to the praise of thy holy name. Save my soul (oh my God) whether it be through prosperity or adversity, loss or gain, sickness or health, life or death. Aid, strengthen, succour, and defend thy servant, in all adversity, tribulation, and temptation, and suffer not him to be tempted above his strength. Increase my joy, that I may rejoice in persecution, & embrace it to my consolation & comfort, & think my self happy and blessed, when I am counted worthy to suffer rebuke for thy name's sake. Take from my heart the care of all worldly things, only set before my eyes the joy of the cross of Christ, that I may take comfort therein, and despise the shame, for the great reward that is laid up in heaven for all those that with patience suffer in adversity, & continue in well doing unto the end. O Lord neither lay thou presumption unto thy servants charge, nor look not upon my vileness, which am but dust, earth, and ashes: yet lord I have taken upon me & am bold to come unto thee, through the merits of Christ'S death and blood shedding, to lay my prayers before thee, requiring merry, pardon, and forgiveness of all my sins, and also the assistance of thy grace, to do thy will all the days of my life, and to obtain all these my petitions, through jesus Christ thy dear son, & my only saviour: To whom be all honour and glory now and ever. Amen. john Lydley. ¶ A Godly Prayer for all Christian men. O Almighty & ever living god, thou God of all power, before whose eyes all things lie naked and bare, have regard unto me, most miserable sinner, & shows me the light of thy mercies, let my prayers ascend up before thy presence, and be accepted in thy sight, for jesus Christ's sake. give thy holy spirit into my heart (Oh Lord) and lighten my understanding that I may dwell in the fear of thy name all the days of my life, that I may know thee, the only true god and jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. For I come unto thee (Oh Lord thou lover of our souls) not hoping in mine own righteousness, but trusting only upon the multitude of thy great mercies which thou hast laid forth before the eyes of all people, offering salvation to the whole world, and haste promised that who so ever he be of the whole generation of man, that will obey to thy grace, Repent, and turn unfeignedly from his sins, he shall have free remission and forgiveness through jesus Christ our lord, which is our only advocate and mediator, in whom our salvation lieth, of whom thou hast said: This is my dear son, in whom I am well pleased, & well pacified. For this thy sons sake (by whom I am bold to come unto thee, which appeareth now inthy sight, making continual intercession for us) Have mercy upon me (O thou mighty God) and forgive me all my sins, which I have unrighteousely committed against thee, in thought, word & deed. Oh let me feel thy mercies towards me, for I do confess my sins unto thee (Oh lord) and hide not mine unrighteousness, I do acknowledge mine offences, and accuse myself before thee of all my misdeeds. Help me, O God my saviour for the glory of thy name: O deliver and forgive me my sins for thy rich mercy's sake. Remember not the offences of my youth (O Lord) but think upon thy great mercies and covenant, made unto me in Christ jesus. O most merciful father consider mine infirmities, which are many and great, and bear mine imperfection for thy son my Saviour jesus Christ's sake, which had good erperience of our infirmity, that he might be merciful unto all them that are tempted: consider how the enemy hath gotten an open way into my flesh, wherein I confess that there dwelleth nothing but sin wretchedness, and misery. Therefore I come unto thee (O Lord my God) desiring thee for Christ's sake, to renew in me a right spirit, that I may receive strength and ableness to do thy will, and to stand against all the assaults of the devil, that they may have no place in me, but that the old man which I bear about in my body, may be crucified, and daily die in me, that the lusts of sin may utterly be destroyed, that I may evermore be renewed in the spirit of my mind: that the life of Christ may always appear in me. Good lord deliver me from all kinds of evil, as fornication, covetousness, malyciousnes, envy, murder, debate, deceit, from whispering, backbiting, contempt of the & my neighbour, good lord deliver me, from evil jealousy, from doing of wrong, pride, boasting, from adultery, vain glory, hypocrisy, wantonness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred variance, zeal, wrath, strife, sedition, sects, envying, drunkenness, gluttony, and other such like. Good lord for thy great mercy's sake, deliver me and grant me grace to have thee always before mine eyes, that I may also have a respect unto thy judgements, that whatsoever I say, think or do, may be agreeable to thy holy word, that I be not minded as the ungodly & wicked men are. Let me have no pleasure in such things as please them: make me low in mine own sight (O lord) that pride & self love overtake me not. Let not the hand of the ungodly cast me down, but bow my heart always unto thee, that I may serve thee without fear all the days of my life in such holiness and righteousness, as is acceptable before thee. Remove from me all vanities and lies, take fro me the jousts of the body, let not the desires of uncleanness take hold upon me, and give me not over unto an unshamefast or obstinate mind, but hold me always under thy nurture and correction. Of thy fatherly mercy leave me not to myself, but stand thou always by me: for I am to weak of mine own power to do any thing that is good, but my righteousness & strength lieth only in thee. Therefore (O lord) I come unto thee, requiring mercy in thy sight, and the assistance of thy grace, that I may be strengthened with power in the inward man, & be armed with thy holy armour, which is the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of Faith, the hope of salvation for an helmet, and the sword of the spirit, which is thy holy word, that I may stand perfect in all that is thy will, and be found worthy through christ, to receive a crown of life which thou hast promised to all them that love thee in pureness of mind. O Lord plant in me true obedience to thy holy law & let not the cares of this world choke thy word in me. Keep me all so from all desceitefulnes of richesses and unclean desires, that all virtues may be planted in me. Good Lord give me grace to walk before thee all the days of this my Pilgrimage with good conscience and pure mind, that when thou shalt appear to reward every man according to his deeds, I may rejoice and not be ashamed of the at thy coming. Increase my faith (O Lord my saviour) in thee and in thy Christ. Increase my love (O my Redeemer) to thee, and to thy righteous people. Increase a sure hope in me of my salvation, O my justifier. Increase strength in me to overcome sin, and to stand against all evil temptations that they have no place in me. Increase in me true understanding and pure judgement in thy word, that I be not deceived and carried away in the error of the wicked: But grant (O lord) that I may grow in thy grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord & Saviour jesus Christ. Let thy kingdom come unto me, which is righteousness, peace, and joy in thy holy ghost, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance, strength, & patience, with all such like virtues as are prescribed unto me in thy holy word, that in prosperous things I may give thee thanks, and in adversity be patient: that I be not lifted up with the one nor oppressed with the other. Oh let all worldly things be vile unto me for thee. Let me not be merry with the joy that is without thee, and let me desire nothing beside thee. Make me to lift up my heart oftentimes to thee, and if I chance to fall or slip, make me to think on thee, and be sorry with a steadfast purpose of amendment. O Lord I gene over myself into thy holy hand, desiring thee for Christ's sake, that I may remain under thy mighty protection and strong defence of thy power, and that thy holy angel may always pitch his tent round about me, and compass me always. Good lord give me joyfulness of heart, and peace of conscience, continual gladness and consolation in thy word & promises, that I may evermore be thankful unto thee, and praise thy name for ever. O Lord think upon all thy people, which are strayed here and there from the farthest part of the earth, which be entered into covenant with thee, and are minded to walk after thy will, grant (Oh lord) that we may grow together in love through the knowledge of thy word to keep the unity of the spirit, through the bond of peace, to the utter confounding of error and all false opinions, and to keep us clean from hypocrisy and superstition, and to make us strong in persecution. We beseech thee favourably to hear us good Lord, and grant our requests. give praise to god. I. H. ¶ A Prayer for the forgiveness of our fins and avoiding of the plague due and at hand for the same. O Lord most mighty and fearful God, to all them that hate thee and follow their own ways, and seek not to do thy holy will, we thy poor creatures, which labour & do desire to do thy will, do see by thy righteous judgement of thy word, thy fierce wrath and terrible indignation ready to fall upon this realm of England, for despising of thy Preachers and Messengers, and for the unthankful receiving, yea treading underfoot of thy most holy word. Unworthy were we of such a jewel, therefore worthily was it taken away from us, & less worthy were we to have it restored to us again, but now least worthy of all are we to enjoy the benefit thereof. And now we see thy wrath is kindled (O Lord,) who shall be able to quench it? For our parts we do confess that we be worthy of all the plagues that thou haste devised against us: yet nevertheless we beseech thee unworthily to be called thy children: look not upon our deserts or worthiness, but upon thy christ & thy favourable mercy, which thou hadst in the old time upon thy children of Israel if they repented and turned unto thee. O Lord thou didst preserve them, & keep them from captivity of all other nations, and didst ever provide them a faithful governor or ruler. And furthermore most merciful father, although they were destroyed for their wickedness, and left but a small people: yet nevertheless when they turned unfeignedly to thee, thou ever gavest them the victory over all their enemies, so that they might dwell as brethren together peaceably in their own land which thou gavest them. Thou art the same lord and thy mercy endureth for ever. And now (O lord) we that seek to do thy will being but a small people, do beseech the of thy great mercy for jesus Christ's sake our only Peace maker, to turn away thy great wrath and terrible indignation which we have deserved in this realm of England, & show thy compassion upon us (as thou didst upon the children of Israel in the old time) though not for our sakes which have so wickedly deserved thy wrath, but for thy most mighty and glorious names sake. For if thou shouldest destroy us and bring us unto desolation as we have deserved, than should thy most mighty name and thy holy word be evil spoken of, through us in all the world. Therefore we beseech thee most merciful father to chasten and correct us, not as we have deserved, but according to thy favourable mercy: not in thy fury, but with thy fatherly pitis: & deliver us not over into the hands of our enemies, neither take thy holy word from us O lord, though of all other we do most deserve it, and have most unreverently and unthanckefully abused the same. And here we confess unto thee all our iniquities, the which are more in numbered than the hears of our heads, and they press us so down, that our hearts fail us and we dare scarcely presume unto thee: yet nevertheless through Christ which is our righteousness & hath pacified thy wrath, we are bold to come unto thee (O lord) being sorry for our faults even from our very hearts, desiring thee for his death and passion sake, to forgive us all our sins that ever we have committed either in thought, word, or deed. O lord, we give over ourselves into thy holy hands, & with all our hearts do desire to do what so ever thy good will is that we should do, beseeching thee, to assist us with the grace of thy holy spirit, that we henseforth may live according to that thy most godly and blessed will, and labour and study to serve thee in newenes of life, taking up thy cross & following thy steps (O lord Christ) willingly & cheerfully all the days of our life. And furthermore (O lord) we beseech thee to give us grace to be always thankful both in heart & in our conversation & living, for all the great benefits that we have received at thy hand, so that we may enjoy them to thy glory, and our comfort: even as at this present we render unto thee most humble thanks, first for thy goodness in the work of our creation: secondly for that, when we were fallen into everlasting destruction through our consenting to the subtlety of the enemy, thou of thy great mercy through jesus christ didst raise us up again: & thirdly that it hath pleased thee to suffer thy holy word, the food of our souls, to have free passage ones again amongst us, and hast given us an heart and a will to seek it, to believe it, and to follow it in our living and conversation. Moreover we render unto thee most hearty thanks (O heavenly father) for Elyzabeth our gracious Queen and governor, whom in much mercy thou didst deliver with thy mighty arm from the hands of her enemies and from the lions mouth, and we beseech thee so to work in her heart, that of a thankfulness towards thee for this her great deliverance, and thy syncculer blessing, considering whose minister she is, she may sincerely seek and zealously promote thy true honour and glory, build up thy house, confound thy sworn adversaries, and carefully travel to bring thy people committed to her charge, remaining yet almost in all parts of this realm either in miserable blindness and dark ignorance, or wilfully & stubbornly kicking against the prick, to the true knowledge of the and thy blessed word. Make all that are in authority under her upright & faithful in their calling, favourers and furtherers of thy holy gospel, followers & practisers thereof, maintainers and defenders of the Preachers and ministers of the same, and such as in singleness of heart will seek, not themselves but the commodity of thy people: & grant that we may all live as faithful subjects, in all godly & due obedience, first to the Queen as supreme head and governor, and then to all other, according to their degree and calling. Finally we beseech thee O lord, that we may altogether both high & low walk in a life and conversation worthy for our profession, to thy glory the good example of other, and the stopping of the mouths of thy enemies and ours for thy truths sake, that where as they slander us as evil doers they may see our good works & praise the in thee day of visitation. Amen. ¶ A prayer necessary to be said at all times. O Bountiful jesus, O sweet saviour, O Christ the Son of god, have pity upon me, mercifully here me & despise not my prayers. Thou haste created me of nothing, thou haste redeemed me from the bondage of sin, death, and Hell, neither with Gold nor Silver, but with thy most precious body once offered upon the cross, and thine own blood shed once for all, for my ransom. Therefore cast me not away, whom thou by thy great wisdom hast made, despise me not whom thou hast redeemed with such a precious treasure. Nor let my wickedness destroy that which thy goodness hath builded. Now whiles I live, O jesus have mercy on me: for if I die out of thy favour, it will be to late afterward to call for thy mercy. Whiles I have time to repent, look upon me with thy merciful eyes, as thou didst vouchsafe to look upon Peter thine Apostle, that I may bewail my sinful life, and obtain thy favour and die therein. I acknowledge that if thou shouldest deal with me according to thy justice, I have deserved everlasting death. Therefore I appeal to thy high throne of mercy, trusting to obtain thy favour not for my merits, but for thy merits (O jesus) who hast given thyself an acceptable sacrifics to thy father to please his wrath, and to bring all sinners truly repenting and amending their evil life, unto his favour again. Accept me (O Lord) among the number of them that shall be saved, forgive me my sins, give me grace to lead a godly and innocent life, grant me thy heavenlies wisdom, inspire my heart with Faith, Hope and Charity, give me grace to be humble in prosperity, patient in adversity obedient to my rulers, faithful unto them that trust me, dealing truclye with all men, to live chastely in wedlock, to abhor adultery, fornication and all uncleanness, to do good after my power unto all men, to hurt no man that thy name may be glorified in me during this present life, & that I afterward may attain everlasting life, through thy mercy and the merits of thy grievous Passion. Amen ¶ A Prayer for true mortification and quietness of the heart in God. Most blessed Lord jesus, grant me thy grace that it may be alway with me, work in me and persevere with me unto the end, and that I may ever desire and will that is most pleasant and most acceptable to thee: thy will be my will, and my will always to follow thy will: be there always in me one will and one desire with thee, so that I may have no power to will or not to will, but even as thou wilt or wilt not, and grant me that I may die to all things that be in the world, and for thee to love & be glad to be despised, and to be as a man unknown to this world. Grant me also, above all that can be desired, that I may rest me in thee, and fully in thee may pacify my heart: for thou lord art the very true peace of heart, and the perfect rest both of body and soul, and without thee all things be grievous and unquiet. Wherefore let my heart find peace and comfort in that peace that is in thee on high, one blessed and one endless goodness, & rest therein for evermore. So be it. ¶ A prayer to be said before the hearing or reading of god's word. ALmighty God and most merciful father, whose word is a lantern to our feet and a light unto our steps, we most humbly beseech thee to illuminate our minds, that we may understand the mysteries contained in thy holy law, and into the self same thing that we godly understand, we may be virtuously transeformed, so that of no part we offend thy divine majesty, through our Saviour jesus Christ. An prayer for remission of sins. WHen we look back and behold our sinful life paste (O Lord) what a dungeon of errors, vice, and wickedness openeth itself unto us? so that there is no man but he must needs be ashamed of himself, when he calleth to mind what he hath been: and tremble when he considereth the wickedness and sinful course of his life to come. For who shall undertake that the rest of our life shallbe any better than that is past? how can we then sufficiently magnify and praise thy great mercy which haste differred thy punishment so long? beholding therefore this our dangerous & miserable state, we come unto thee (O thou great & mighty judge) in trembling & fear, humbly besechig thee not to heap upon us thy deserved vengeance, but let thy tender kindness and love thou bearest to jesus christ thy dear son our gracious lord & redeemer, cover our iniquities: for whose sake (though we deserve all extremity) thou dost pardon us. If thou lord shalt straightly mark our iniquities (O lord) who shallbe able to abide it? Psal. 130. A prayer against our spiritual enemies, the devil, the world, and the flesh. O Lord god, the devil goeth about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, the flesh lusteth against the spirits, the world persuadeth unto vanities, that we may forget thee our Lord God and so for ever be dampened. Thus are we miserably on every side beset and besieged of cruel and unrestful enemies, and like at every moment to perish if we be not defended with thy godly power against their tyranny. We therefore poor & wretched sinners, despairing of our own strength (which in deed is none) most heartily pray thee to endue us with strength from above that we may be able through thy help with strong faith to resist Satan, with fervent prayer to mortify the lusts of the flesh, with continual meditation of thy holy law to avoid the foolish vanities and transitory pleasures of this wicked world: that through thy grace being set at liberty from the power of these our mortal enemies, may live and serve thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. work this in us O holy and blessed spirit, together with the Father & the son one true and everliving god, full of majesty and power, which with thy heavenly inspirations quickeneste the minds of them that afore were dead in sin, makest joyful the hearts of the faithful penitent, bringest into the way of truth all such as have erred and gone astray, comfortest the souls of them that hunger and thirst after righteousness, and plenteously enrychest those with diverse gifts which ask them in jesus Christ'S name: purify our hearts we beseech thee, inflame them with the fire of thy love, arm us against the crafty assaults of subtle sathan, against the vain plcsures of the wicked world, & against the sinful lusts of filthy flesh, the we being endued with grace from above by thy holy inspiration, may walk forwards in newness of life, in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Fill our hearts with new afctes and spiritual motions, & renew us both in body and soul that we may die unto old Adam; & live unto righteousness through a lively faith which worketh by Charity: which singular gift of faith grant unto us, that we truly believing in thee (O eternal God the father the son and the holy ghost) and fully persuaded of the truth of thy holy word, may be made thy sons and inheritors of the everlasting joys: which as they are great and unspeakable, so are there few that do enjoy them. For strait is the way & narrow is the gate that leadeth thereunto, & few there be that find it. notwithstanding O god thou hast a little flock, to whom it is thy pleasure to give that joyful kingdom, whose names are written in the book of life. Make us therefore of that number (for jesus Christ's sake) & place us amongst those thy sheep which shall stand on thy right hand to receive that blessed inheritance and dwell with thee for evermore. another prayer. Remember not O lord god our old iniquities, but let thy mercy speedily prevent us, for we be very miserable: help us god our saviour, and for the glory of thy name deliver us, be merciful & forgive our sins. Let not the wicked people say, where is their god? we be thy people & the sheep of thy passture, we shall give thanks unto thee for ever: from age to age we shall set forth thy laud and praise: to thee be honour and glory world without end. Amen. 2. Peter. 3. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in the which day the heavens shall perish with terrible noise, and the Elements shall melt with heat, and the earth with the works that are therein shall burn up. seeing therefore that all these things shall perish, what manner persons ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the day of God. ¶ The Litany and suffrages. O GOD the father of heaven: have mercy upon us miserable sinners. O God the father. etc. O god the Son redeemer of the world: have mercy upon us miserable sinners. O God the son redeemer. etc. O God the holy ghost proceeding from the father, and the son: have mercy upon us miserable sinners. O God the holy ghost. etc. O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three persons and one god: have mercy upon us miserable sinners. O holy, blessed, and glorious. etc. Remember not Lord our offences nor the offences of our forefathers, neither take thou vengeance of our sins: Spare us good Lord, spare thy people whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever. Spare us good lord. From all evil and mischief, from sin, from the crafts & assaults of the devil, from thy wrath and from everlasting damnation. Good lord deliver us. From all blindness of heart, from pride, vain glory and hypocrisy, from envy hatred and malice, and all uncharitableness. Good Lord deliver us. From Fornication, and all other deadly sin, and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Good Lord deliver us. From lightening and tempest, from plague pestilence and famine, from battle and murder, and from sudden death. Good Lord deliver us. From all sedition and privy conspiracy, from all false doctrine and heresy, from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word and commandment. Good Lord deliver us. By the mystery of thy holy incarnation, by thy holy nativity and circumsition, by thy baptism fasting, and temptation. Good Lord deliver. By thine agony and bloody sweat, by thy Cross and Passion, by thy precious death and burial, by thy glorious resurrection and ascension, and by the coming of the holy ghost. Good Lord deliver us. In all time of our tribulation, in all time of our wealth, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgement. Good Lord deliver us. We sinners do beseech thee to hear us (O Lord God) & that it may please the to rule and govern thy holy church universally in the right way. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to keep and strengthen in the true worshipping of thee, in righteousness and bolines of life thy servant Elizabeth our most gracious Queen and governor. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please the to rule her heart in thy faith, fear, and love, and that she may evermore have affiance in thee and ever seek thy honour and glory. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to be her defender and keeper giving her the victory over all her enemies. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to illuminate all bishops Pastors and ministers of the church with true knowledge and understanding of thy word, and that both by their preaching and living, they may set it forth and show it accordingly. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to endue the lords of the counsel, and all the nobility, with grace, wisdom, and understanding. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to bless & keep the Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice and to maintain truth. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to bless and keep all thy people. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to give to all nations, unity, peace, and concord. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to give us an heart to love and dread thee, and diligently to live after thy commandments. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to give all thy people increase of grace to hear meekly thy word, and to receive it with pure affection and to bring forth the fruits of the spirit. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred and are deceived. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to strengthen such as do stand, and to comfort and help the weak hearted, and to raise up them that fall, and finally to beat down Satan under our feet. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to succour, help, and comfort all that be in danger, necessity and tribulation. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to preserve all that travail by land or by water, all women labouring of child, all sick persons and young children and to show thy pity upon all prisoners & captives. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to defend, and provide for the fatherless children and widows, and all that be desolate and oppressed We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers, and to turn their hearts. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so as in due time we may enjoy them. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. That it may please thee to give us true repentance, to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances, and to endue us with the grace of thy holy spirit, to amend our lives according to thy holy word. We beseech thee to hear us. etc. Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us. Son of god we beseech. etc. O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world. Grant us thy peace. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world. Have mercy upon us. O Christ hear us. O Christ hear us. Lord have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Our father which art. etc. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen. The versicle. O Lord deal not with us after our sins. Answer. Neither reward us after our iniquities. Let us pray. O God merciful father, that despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as be sorrowful, mercifully assist our prayers that we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities when so ever they oppress us, and graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtlety of the devil or man worketh against us, be brought to naught, and by the providence of thy goodness they may be disperied, that we thy servants being hurt by no persecution, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy church through jesus Christ our lord. Amen. O Lord arise, help us, and deliver us for thy name's sake. O God we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared unto us the noble works that thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them. O Lord arise, help us, and deliver us for thy honour. Glory be to the father. etc. As it was in the beginning. etc. From our enemies defend us, O Christ. Graciously look upon our afflictions. pitifully behold the sorrows of our heart. mercifully forgive the sins of thy people. Favourably with mercy hear our prayers. O son of David have mercy upon us. Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ. Graciously hear us, O Christ, graciously hear us, O Lord Christ. Versicle. O Lord let thy mercy be showed upon us. Answer As we do put our trust in thee. Let us pray. WE humbly beseech thee (O father) mercifully to look upon our infirmities, and for the glory of thy names sake, turn from us all those evils, that we most righteously have deserved. And grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory through our only mediator and advocate jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ¶ A prayer for the Queen's Majesty. O Lord our heavenly Father, high & mighty, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the only Ruler of Princes, which dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon the earth: most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favour to behold our most gracious sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, and so replenish her with the grace of thy holy spirit, that she may alway incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Endue her plentifully with heavenly gifts: Grant her in health and wealth long to live, strength her that she may vanquish and overcome all her enemies. And finally after this life, she may attain everlasting joy and felicity. Through jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ¶ A prayer for pastors and ministers of the Church. almighty and everlasting God, which only woorkest great marvailes, send down upon our Pastors, and ministers and all congregations committed to their charge, the healthful spirit of thy grace, and that they may truly please thee: power upon them the continual due of thy blessing: Grant this (O Lord) for the honour of our advocate and mediator jesus christ. ¶ For rain if the time require. O God, heavenly Father, which by thy Son jesus Christ hast promised to all them that seek thy kingdom, & the righteousness thereof, all things necessary to their bodily sustenance: Send us we beseech thee, in this our necessity, such moderate rain and shewres, that we may receive the fruits of the earth to our comfort, & to thy honour, through jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ¶ For fair weather. O Lord God, which for the sin of man diddest once drown all the world except. viii. persons, and afterward of thy great mercy didst promise never to destroy it so again: we humbly beseech thee that although we for our iniquities: have worthily deserved this plague of rain & waters, yet upon our true repentance thou wilt send us such weather, whereby we may receive the fruits of the earth in due season, and learn both by thy punishment to amend our lives, and for thy clemency to give thee praise and glory, through jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ¶ In the time of dearth and famine. O God heavenly father, whose gift it is that the rain dooethfal, the earth is fruitful, beasts increase, and fishes do multiply: Behold, we beseech thee, the afflictions of thy people, and grant that the scarcity and dearth (which we do now most justly suffer for our iniquity) may through thy goodness be mercifully turned into cheapness and plenty, for the love of jesus Christ our lord, to whom with thee and the holy ghost, be praise for ever. Amen. ¶ In the time of war. O Almighty GOD, king of all Kings and governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful unto them that truly repent: Save and deliver us (we humbly beseech thee) from the hands of our enemies, abate their pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices, that we being armed with thy defence may be preserved evermore from all perils to glorify thee, which art the only giver of all victory through the merits of thy only son: jesus Christ our lord. Amen ¶ A prayer of Chrisostome. almighty God which hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplycations unto thee, and dost promise that when two or three be gathered together in thy name, thou wilt grant their requests: fulfil now O lord the desires and petitions of thy servants as may be most expedient for them granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen. FINIS.