The Alphabet of Prayers, very fruitful to be exercised and used of every Christian man.. Newly collected and set forth, in the year of our Lord, 1564. ¶ Seen and allowed according to the order appointed in the Queen's majesties Injunctions. Luke. 11. Every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth. IMPRINTED AT LONdon by Henry Denham, dwelling in Paternoster row, at the Sign of the Star. The Glory of the Honourable, is, to fear God. Ecclesi. 9 HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE It is good for every estate These few lines to imitate. R Remember thy calling. O Obey thy Prince. B Beware of Ambition. A Aduenge not thy cause R Regard thine estate. T Take council of the wise D Deserve no evil report. V Use justice. D Defend the right. L Letoy wisdom rule thee. E Embrace Honour. Y Yield to Truth. To the Right high and Honourable, and my Singular and very good Lord, Lord Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Baron of Denbigh, and Knight of the most Noble order of the Garter. THE chief and Principal thing (most Noble Earl,) appertaining to every Honourable parsonage (which thing it is good to see that your Honour doth well consider) is to walk in the Garden of Humility, and the high or direct Ecclesia. 11. way to the same, is to pass by the gate of Virtue, whose foundation is anchored and linked to the fear and love of God: for as by the one is Ecclesia. 1. covered the multitude of sins, so by the other is obtained blessedness, wisdom, and knowledge. David that noble king and prophet, after Ecclesia. 25. that he had long travailed and had passed thorough the gate of virtue, entered the fair and pleasant garden of humility, And his walking and continuance therein, so much pleased God, that God said of him by the mouth of his Prophet. I will set up thy seed after thee, which 2. Kings. 7. Psalm. 89. shall proceed out of thy body. Which sentence most worthy Earl (although not spoke of your Noble parentage) in your honour may be approved, which I doubt not your honour considereth. Knowing therefore most honourable, the great love and effection which your honour ever hath and doth bear to Virtue and good Letters, I was thereby moved the more boldly after I had gathered together this small handful of flowers (named the alphabet of Prayers) to dedicate the same to your Honour, as the fruits of my labours, nothing doubting, but that it shall most acceptably come into your favourable and sure protection. And for so much as Prayer is the key that openeth to Virtue, I thought good most honourable, to set forth to the open show of the world and to th'increase of Virtue, this little Volume or Treatise, most humbly beseeching your Honour to accept it as my good will, craving your pardon if any thing have escaped me for want of Learning. And I according to my bounden duty, shall call daily (with my most humble and hearty Prayers) to Almighty God to finish that he hath begun in you, with prosperous preservation of your health, long to live in Honour, joy and Felicity. Amen. james Canceller wisheth continual health. To the Reader. IT is written (gentle Reader,) that in the beginning, in the days of Seth the son of Adam, the people first began Genesis. 4. to invocate and call on the name of God, which is to say, by devout Prayer they did require and ask all things of him, praised him, trusted in him, and gave to him the honour and worship that belonged unto him. And this manner of praying, was used among the Fathers from Noah, unto the coming of Christ: And they did frequent & use the same as a special mean and way to crave of God, his mercy, his grace and his assistance. By Prayer also they did set forth the glory of God, appeased his wrath and displeasure, and rendered him thanks for his benefits received. Christ our saviour after his coming taught it Math. 6. 7. john. 16. also, as a most necessary and comfortable doctrine, whereby we might crave of his heavenly Father, not only all things necessary and needful for us (as appeareth in his Prayer taught to his Disciples) but also forgiveness of sins, to the attainment of eternal Life. And therefore may we well say, that as the use thereof is worthy praise, so is the want thereof to be lamented. For where as Prayer is not frequented, there God is not called upon for his grace and assistance, neither is he thanked for his gracious benefits, the free gift of his mercy is not desired, neither is the horrible punishment of his justice feared. Right well therefore may we in this our age (wherein sin so much aboundeth, and the ordinary use and time and place of Prayer so much neglected) lament the lack of the use thereof in all degrees, with the lose life of men, which is so frail, so weak, so perverse of nature and so prone to evil, that almost none in manner showeth in living to fear God. Who is afraid to offend him? or who refraineth to blaspheme his holy name? who seeketh to subdue the flesh to the Spirit? yea rather who seeketh not to lay the bridle. of liberty at length, freely and without stay to follow sin, the cause whereof is (as I have said) the want of true and unfeigned calling on God in devout Prayer: For by it is wrought in us, the hate of sin, and by it is driven from us, all other occasions that might provoke the wrath of God upon us. And therefore it may be called our speedy messenger or trusty Ambassador, which doth obtain 1. Kings. 2. for us a gratyous audience before the Majesty of God, presenting to him the fruits of our contrite hearts. But who may not now trowest thou (Gentle Reader) rightly say to the world, as jonas said to the Ninevites: There is yet forty days, and the world Luke. 11 shall be destroyed. The Ninevites, as soon as the Prophet had proclaimed destruction to come on them for their sin, they immediately at the first crying of him, with trembling and fear turned to God, believed him, feared his justice, confessed their sins, and with penitent hearts craved his mercy. But thou, O England, whom it hath pleased God to call, not by the mouth of one man, as he did the ninevit's, but he hath called thee by divers other and sundry means: as first by giving thee a most virtuous & gracious Queen, who for her worshipping of God and setting forth his name and glory, may be compared with josiah king of juda: for her virtues, policy, & wisdom, with Judith: & for the cares toward her peopte, with humble Hester. He hath not (as I say) called thee, by this his good gift of so merciful and gracious a Queen, but also hath called thee by the Preachers of his word, by death and famine, otherwise by fire from Heaven, by motion of war, and lastly by mortality of Pestilence, yet nothing (O England) dost thou regard his calling: wherefore to thee it may be said, the more he seeketh thee the more thou shunnest him, the more he loveth thee the less thou regardest him, the more thou needest him the less thou thinkest on him: so that by thy great unkindness God is compelled to say unto thee, as he said to the Israelites: I am overwearied with bearing and long suffering of thy wicked and sinful living. If thou therefore, do desire to be free from the horrible plagues and threatenings of GOD, thou must like a true Ninivete, with a broken and penitent heart, call on God with continual Prayer, craving of him his mercy, grace and assistance, which if thou ask with a sure Faith, he will grant it thee. And therefore when thou dost pray, thou must (after the mind of the Apostle) ask with a steadfast faith, james. 1. not wavering nor doubtful, and thy request shall be granted thee. He therefore that asketh as he ought, receiveth: and he seeketh well that seeketh with continual desire: and he knocketh well which doth provoke God's goodness to hear him, as did the Woman of Cananie, unto whom Christ said, after her petition made: O Woman great Math. 15. is thy Faith, be it unto thee even as thou hast desired. Thus (gentle Reader) if thou love thy health, if thou long to be acceptable to God, if thou desire to be sure from the grins of the Devil, from the storms of this World, from the way of thine enemies, if thou covet to be happy at the last, let no day pass thee, but that thou once at the least do present thyself to GOD by Prayer: And falling down before him with an humble affect of devout mind (not from the extremity of the lips only, but out of the inwardenesse of the heart,) cry with the Prophet: O Lord, the offences of my Youth and mine ignorance, remember Psalm. 25. thou not: but after thy mercy and goodness O Lord remember thou me. And thus the holy spirit that prayeth for thee, and eke thine own necessity, shall every hour put thee in mind what thou shalt pray for, and what you shall desire of God. Who therefore that will persist and continue in Prayer, shall not only be unto God daily more and more grateful and acceptable, but shall also daily proceed further and further from virtue to virtue, and shall be made like unto the heavenly and Angelical minds, which daily behold the presence of God. And because all the felicity of the soul, standeth in the clear beholding of the fruition of God, and for that our felicity shall be everlasting with him, let us rejoice and say with the Prophet: Thou shalt (O Lord) fill us full of gladness with thee, which is no more but that our felicity is fulfilled in the seeing and beholding of God and our nature in Christ, sitting in heaven on the right hand of his Father, so that our reward is, that we may behold God and jesus Christ his son, whom he hath sent: to the which reward he bring us that sitteth there and prayeth for us, Amen. Certain Sentences set forth after the order of the alphabet, very necessary to meditate in mind. Ask with a sure Faith. Be fervent in Prayer. Confess thy Sins. Do well to all men. Envy no man. Forgive them that hate thee. Give alms to the Poor, Hurt not thy enemy. In adversity be patient. Keep the Commandments. love Virtue, and hate Vice. Mourn with them that mourn. Never be ashamed of well doing. Obey God and thy Prince. Put the fear of God before thee. Quicken thyself with God's promises Remember the end, ere thou begin. Secure the poor and needy. To all men be Indifferent. Use often and hearty Prayer. When you begin to pray, think upon the remission of Sins promised in Christ jesus, and let not this sweet Sentence spoken of our saviour, be left out of your remembrance, which is I say unto you, whatsoever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. A Prayer for the Morning. Almighty and most merciful God, I hearty thank thee for the sleep and quiet rest which under thy protection I have received this night, and for that it hath pleased thee safely to bring me to the beginning of this day: I wretched Sinner most humbly beseech thee to defend, cherish, comfort and govern me, and all my counsels, studies and labours, in such wise, that I may spend and bestow this day according to thy most holy will, without the hurting of my neighbour: and that I may evermore by thy governance, do that is thy will and pleasure, hate wrong and love justice. Also I beseech thee most merciful GOD, strength and keep me in the Faith of the Catholic Church, and kindle in me the love and light of thy holy spirit, that I may walk in the truth of thy word. Grant this merciful God, for thy dear Son jesus Christ's sake. Amen. ¶ The first Psalm, wherein the penitent requireth of God to walk in his Commandments. BLessed are all those that are undefiled in the ways of the Lord: and blessed are they that keep his Testimonies, and seek him with their whole heart. Cause me thy Creature and handiwork therefore (O Lord) diligently to keep thy Commandments: and so direct my ways, that I may keep thy Statutes. Do so unto thy servant (O Lord) that I may live and keep thy most holy word. Ever with my lips will I be telling of the judgements of thy mouth, that I may have delight in the way of thy Testimonies, as in all manner of riches. For so shall I not be confounded, while I have respect unto all thy Commandments. Give me understanding I beseech thee O Lord) and I shall keep thy law: yea, I shall keep it with my whole heart. Hear my voice (O Lord) according to thy loving kindness: and quicken thou me, according as thou art wont. O Lord, stablish thy word in thy Servant, that I may fear thee: and open thou mine eyes, that I may see the wondrous things of thy law. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen. R D Reward me not O Lord according to my deserving, for if thou do then must I needs perish: Wherefore to thee I come most merciful Father, not trusting in mine own righteousness, but in thy great mercy and promises made in Christ jesus thy Son: For whose sake, O Heavenly Father, I humbly beseech thee to pardon and forgive me all mine offences. Amen. O God my Refuge and my strength, which art the author of all Godliness, be ready to hear the devout Prayers of thy servant, that those things which I ask fayhfully, I may obtain effectually, thorough jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Behold not good Lord, that which is amiss in me, for if thou do, I shall no more be worthy to be called thy Son: yet of thy great goodness (O Lord) pour down of the crumbs that fall from thy children's table, that I may be the least among them. Amen. ASsist me thy Servant (O Lord) against this World, with all the vain pomp, pleasure and beauty thereof, that it may be unto me as vile dust, filthiness and ashes, that I may use it, as though I used it not, and that it may serve me, & I not it, that I may take my part thereof unto my necessity, that I do not use thy creatures voluptuously, but that I may always live (in this short life) righteously, soberly, & justly. Amen. REmember not O Lord, the number of my sins, but according to the multitude of thy mercies, deliver me from the pains due for them. Grant this O Father, for thy dear son jesus Christ's sake: Amen. TEach me good Lord to number my days, that I may apply my heart to learn thy Wisdom, and so strengthen me with thy Spirit, that I serve not from thy law. Amen. Do not with me O lord, as I have deserved, but call to remembrance (for thy son jesus Christ's sake) thy tender mercies, which have been ever of old: and cast me not from thee, in thy heavy displeasure, least I be consumed and brought to nought. Amen. Unto thee (O thou God of my comfort) I wretched Sinner do come, craving of thee thy mercy: Incline therefore thine Ear unto my calling (O Lord,) and consider the request of my heart, for jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Dear Father, to whom it is more easy to do all things, than for me to think any one good thought, give power unto thy servant, that I may with a strong faith, vanquish and subdue, whatsoever may cause me to rebel against thy blessed will. Amen. Lord grant unto me thy servant the strength of thy holy Spirit, to subdue the body of Sin, with the whole lusts thereof, that it may be made obedient in will and mind to thy laws. Amen. Every one that saith Lord, Lord, shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Strengthen therefore (O Lord) thy servant with the power of thy right hand, against all the malignity of the old wily serpent: replenish my heart with thy wisdom, comfort my soul with thy sweet promises made in Christ jesus, and let thy mercies cover mine infirmities. Amen. YN all these my Meditations (O Lord,) let thine ears be open, that thou mayst hear the prayers which I thy servant have made before thee this day. And grant that I may always ask of thee in such sort as thou requirest, to the honour, praise & glory of thy name, to the furtherance of thy word, to the profit of my neighbour, and to my consolation and comfort, thorough jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. ¶ The second Psalm, of thanks giving after Adversity. AFter that I had long looked for thee O Lord: at the last thou didst attend unto me, and heardest my Prayers. Blessed art thou Lord, which haste not holden back thy mercy from thy servant: but hast taken me out of the lake of miseries, and set my feet upon a rock, and made my steps sure. Conjoin thyself (O God) unto my soul, & make it strong, lest mine Enemies overcome me, and the companies of tyrants overwhelm me. Dominion, power, & glory be thine, for thou haste made all things: and because thy will is so, they do still continue. Even thou (O Lord) haste done many things, wonderful and great: and there is none that can be like▪ unto thee in thy works. For thou helpest them, whose hearts be broken with sorrow: and bearest up with thy hand, them that be contrite in Spirit. Go not from me, O thou God of mercy: for thou art my sure refuge, and the strength of my hope. Have thou in remembrance (O Lord) the rebuke that thy servant hath been put to: and how furiously my enemies have persecuted me. I have tasted and felt of thy sweetness: truly blessed is that man that trusteth in thee. Keep thy mercy for me (O Lord) my strength and my praise: thou haste brought down mine Enemies, which art a judge from the beginning. Lord, there shall no good thing▪ be lacking to them that seek thee: and they▪ that fear thee, shall not be helpless. My soul therefore shall never cease to speak of thy righteousness & of thy benefits, which be so many that I cannot number them. No man may help me O Lord, but thou, who hast brought my soul out of Hell, and haste helped me up from falling into the deep, from whence no man returneth. O Lord, thus haste thou revenged the wrongs that mine enemies have done to me, thus hast thou been my comfort in the time of my trouble, and haste been merciful unto me. Put away from me O Lord, that which is evil, for thou art holy, & save thy servant which ever hath trusted in thee. Quicken me in thy righteousness, and so shall I triumph and rejoice in thy mercy, for that thou haste looked upon my necessities, and haste regarded my soul in my great distress. Remember Lord, that thou of thy own will & mind didst give strength unto my soul: but when thou hiddest thy face from me, I was astonished. Send forth therefore (O Lord) thy light and thy truth: and they shall lead me unto thy holy Hill, and into thy holy Tabernacle. Then shall I have joy for the days wherein I was in sorrow: and shall rejoice, that thou hast remembered the rebuke that thy servant hath been put to. Verily, I was afraid that thou (O Lord) hadst cast me out of thy presence: yet it hath pleased thee to hear my Prayers, and according to thy great mercy, haste taken me again unto thy grace and favour. Wherefore (O Lord) thy name be blessed, praised, magnified, both now and ever: as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The Prayer. I Give thee thanks, O God almighty, which not alonely hast delivered me from many dangerous perils & troubles of Enemies, but also haste endued me with the gifts of nature, as reason, power, and strength, and with all other needful things thou haste possessed me. I acknowledge therefore (O Lord) and confess with the Apostle, that these are thy gifts, and that there is no perfect and good gift, but it cometh from thee (O Father almighty) which givest freely, and casteth no man in the teeth. I acknowledge with the Prophets also, that Gold is thine, and Silver is shine, and thou givest it to whom it pleaseth thee. Wherefore my most merciful God, I humbly beseech and desire of thee that the increase of these thy gifts draw me not from thee, but that thou wilt frame in me, with thy holy Spirit, a true and faithful heart and ready hand to good works, that I lay not up treasure here, where thieves may rob, and Moths corrupt: but in thy Heavenly Kingdom, where neither Thief may steal nor Moth corrupt. Grant this dear Father, for thy sweet Son jesus Christ's sake▪ Amen. ¶ The third Psalm, of Confidence and trust in God. ALthough (O God) never so strong Enemies shall pitch their Tents against me, my heart shall not be afraid: for this is certain, that all they which trust in thee, shall not be confounded. Break not therefore (good Lord) the covenant that thou hast made with thy Servant: and change not that which hath issued out of thy mouth. 'Cause that thy holy Angel may direct and guide me, that my soul may trust in thee: for thou art the fountain of Life, and my recreation in adversity. Deliver me from the snares of the hunters, and from the perils of my persecutors: and make a shadow▪ for me under thy shoulders, and I shall be harmless. Evil men are risen up against me, yet thy truth shall be my shield & buckler: and therefore if my enemies come against me, I will not fly nor turn my back. For who is he that hath trusted in thee, and is confounded: or who hath called upon thee, and thou haste despised him? Go not from me (O Lord,) for like as the Hart when he is chased, coveteth to the rivers of water: even so my soul desireth to be with thee. How great pleasures hast thou (O Lord) prepared for me in heaven: that I should delight in no earthly thing, but in thee? I will therefore acknowledge, that I have all my strength of thee: for thou art my hope, my protection, my God and my Saviour. Keep me O Lord, for in thee my health and glory doth consist: thou art my comfort, my strength and helper, in whom I do trust. Let all them O Lord, rejoice and be glad, which seek thee: and let them which love to have Salvation of thee, say: Magnified be the Lord for ever. Glory be to the father. etc. The versicle. O Lord hear my Prayer, The Answer And let my cry come unto thee. The Prayer. O Most gracious & most wise guide, my saviour Christ, which dost lead all them that truly and unfeignedly trust in thee, the right way to immortal blessedness: Grant me, that like as I am weak and feeble, so I may take and repute myself, that I presume not as of myself, to see myself, but so far to see, that I may always trusting in thee, have thee before my eyes, to follow thee being my guide, to be ready at thy call most obediently, & to account myself wholly unto thee: that thou which only knowest the way, mayst lead me in the same way to thy heavenly joys, where thou design'st God everlastingly. Amen. ¶ The fourth Psalm, of Mercy. To be said before the receiving of the Communion. ¶ O Merciful jesus, Have mercy upon me, according to thy great mercy: and according to the multitude of thy mercies do away all mine offences. O Sweet jesus. I Have sinned against thee, and done evil in thy sight: that thou mayst be justified in thy saying, and mayst overcome when thou art judged. O Christ the Son of God, Look on me with the eyes of thy mercy, the unknown things of thy wisdom haste thou revealed unto me: if thou therefore sprinkle me with hyssop, I shall be cleansed, if thou wash me, I shall be whiter than Snow. O my Saviour, MAke thou a pure heart in me, and look no more on my sins: but after thy mercy and great goodness, put out of thy sight all mine offences. O my Redeemer. NO man can help me but thou, cast me not therefore from thy presence▪ and thy holy Spirit take not from me. O my Maker, OUt of the bowels of thy mercy give me comfort, and thy help: so shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, that they may convert unto thee. O King of Kings. PUt from me Bloudgyltynesse, thou that art the hope of my health: and my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness. O jesus, Quench the desire of Sin in me, and open my lips, that my mouth may set forth the worthy praise of thy name. O marvelous Creator, REmember, thou desirest not the Sacrifice of Calves, nor delightest in whole burnt Offerings, yet haste thou pleasure in a lowly Spirit, and a contrite and humble heart, dost thou not despise. O Holy of Holiest. Send down thy favourable benevolence upon Zion thy holy habitation, and build up the walls and pillars thereof: then shall the acceptable sacrifice of righteousness be laid upon thine altar. O Holy Father, PRaise be to thee, and to the Son and holy ghost: as it was in the beginning is now, and ever shallbe world without end. Amen. The versicle. O Lord jesus have mercy, The Answer. Which came down & suffered for me. The Collect. O Sorde jesus Christ Son of the living God, set thy holy Passion, Cross, and death, between thy judgement and my soul, both now & at the hour of death. And moreover vouchsafe to grant unto the living mercy and grace, that after this life they may have rest & quietness in thee: And to thy whole Church grant peace and concord, that all the members thereof may live & joy in thee for ever, which livest and reignest with the Father and holy Ghost world without end. Amen. The Prayer. O Lord jesus Christ the only stay and defence of my mortal state, my only hope, my only salvation, my victory, my glory and my triumph, who in the flesh, (which thou hadst for my only cause taken upon thee) didst suffer thyself to be tempted of Satan, and who only and alone didst utterly overcome and vanquish sin, death, the world, the Devil, and all the kingdom of Hell: And whatsoever thou haste so overcome for my behouse, it is thou that haste overcomed it alone. Give me therefore I beseech thee (O Lion most victorious of the tribe of juda) strength against the deceitful waiting of the most subtle Serpent, which daily seeketh to devour my soul. Thou being a Lamb as white as Snow, the vanquisher of Satan's tyranny, give unto me (thy little one,) the strength and virtue of thy Spirit, that being of myself weak and feeble, but in thee strong and valiant, I may withstand and overcome all assaults of temptation, so that my ghostly Enemy the Devil may not glory over me, but being a conqueror thorough thee▪ I may give thanks to thy mercy, which never leavest him destitute that putteth his trust in thee, who livest and reignest God for ever without end. Amen. When thou shalt receive the Communion, say thus. O Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, who in thy last Supper with thine Apostles didst give unto them in a Sacrament, thine own body and Blood, to be the food of their souls: Grant me I beseech thee, ever steadfastly to believe, and kindly to acknowledge thy Infinite and Almighty power, and thine incomprehensible love toward me, and that I may always worthily receive the same blessed Sacrament and memorial of thy death, according to thy holy ordinance, that it may work in me increase of all Godliness, in unity of spirit, with thee our head, and by thee and thy spirit, with all the company of them that be truly thine, which be thy spiritual and mystical body, and my spiritual and Christian brethren. Hear me my Saviour and my Christ, for thy name's sake. Amen. After the Communion fay thus. O Lord jesus Christ, which hast vouched safe Spiritually to give unto me in these holy mysteries, thy body and blood, mortify whatsoever is evil in me, and garnish me with thy merits and virtues, that thou mayst delight to abide and dwell in me. Renew my spirit, my soul, and my body, with thy excellent grace, that I may be made like unto thy holy humanity, frame me after thine own hearts desire, knit me unto thee most nearly, that I may be changed altogether into thee. And grant that I may do nothing, speak nothing, nor desire nothing, but that which may be acceptable unto thee, which art my God, my Saviour, and Redeemer, to whom with the Father & holy Ghost, be all honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. ¶ The fift Psalm, for the Remission of Sins. ALmighty God, Lord of Lords, great and dreadful is thy name: which by thy word haste made Heaven and Earth, and all things contained in them. All things be under thy dominion and rule, both man and beast, and all other living creatures: and thou haste mercy on whom thou wilt, and haste compassion on whom it pleaseth thee. Against thee holy Father, against thee have I sinned & done evil: I have been an offender even from my cradle, and since I sucked my Mother's breasts I have not seized to do evil. But what am I (Lord) that I dare speak to thee: I am thy poor creature, and a worm most abject. Behold Lord, I have nought, and of myself I am nought, thou art only good, righteous and holy, thou orderest all things, thou givest all things, & thou fulfilest all things with goodness. Behold I am thine (O righteous Father,) and one of them whom thy only dear Son hath redeemed: and of thee, which art judge of all men, I ask mercy. Cast not away (O Lord) a contrite and penitent heart, humbly calling upon thee: but turn the eyes of thy mercy towards me, and forgive me the sins of my youth. Cast not thy darts at me, nor lay not thy heavy hand upon me (O Lord,) for I have borne thine anger a long while, and of the Cup of thy displeasure have I drunk very deep. Cast me not away from thy presence, neither take thou thy holy spirit from me: but give me the comfort of thy help, and stablish me in thy truth. Destroy me not (O merciful Father) because of mine iniquity: but be thou merciful unto me, for thy Son jesus Christ's sake. Destroy me not utterly, nor leave me in my sins: for thou art a God full of mercy, and very gracious to them which trust in thee. daily, sorrow overcometh me, and sadness possesseth my heart: I look for a time of health, but my grief continueth still. Enter not Lord into judgement with thy Servant: for if thou accuse me, I shall never be quite, and if thou mark my sin and iniquity, no man shall deliver me. Except thou help me of thy goodness and mercy: how may I which have offended thee, be raised up from my sins. Even of thee therefore (O holy Father) which art the God of mercy, I wretched sinner do ask mercy: and for the glory of thy name, be no longer angry with me. For as thou art God, so art thou gracious and merciful, and patiently sufferest sinners, and wouldst that no man should perish: but that all men should turn to penance. For albeit that no man is able to bear the punishment, which thou dost threaten against Sinners: yet thy mercy which thou haste promised, is great and unsearchable. Forgive for thy name sake (O Lord Almighty) all my sins: and put out of thy sight all mine offences Give me a new heart, and take from me all wicked desires, that I may evermore know, what thing is acceptable in thy sight. Give light (O Lord) to mine eyes, that I sleep not in death: and then my sins shall not prevail against me. Grant me (holy Father) that I may ever desire and will that, which is most pleasant and acceptable in thy sight: and that I have no desire to will or not to will, but as thou wilt. Glory be to the Father. etc. As it was in the begin. etc. The versicle. Cut Lord my sack of sorrow in pieces, The Answer. And cloth me with gladness. The Prayer. ALmighty and most merciful Father, I wretched sinner most humbly beseech thee, that thou of thy goodness wilt not remember the offences of my youth, but that according to the greatness of thy mercy, thou wilt turn fro me the pain, that I have justly deserved for sin, and that by thy grace I may (while I am in this vale of misery,) evermore be renewed in the spirit of my mind, that a pure life may always appear in me. Amen. ¶ The sixth Psalm, wherein he desireth to be heard of God. HOw long (O Lord) shall my mind be troubled with painful sorrows and heavy thoughts: how long shall careful cares torment my heart? How long (O God) wilt thou reject my prayers which daily I pour out before thee: wilt thou Lord hear me at no time, or wilt thou now cease to show mercy? Haste thou (O Lord) cast me away for ever, or wilt thou never hereafter be pleased with me? Thy hand is not weakened but it may help, and thine rares be not stopped, that they refuse to hear. I beseech thee (O righteous father) for jesus Christ's sake, that the sighings and inward desires of my heart, may move and incline thee to hear me. I have been an untrue and froward child to thee, I have not feared thee, nor showed due reverence unto thee, but have been ever disobedient & stubborn against thee. I am in prison and bound in fetters of sorrow: till thou with thy gratyous presence vouchsafe to visit me, & bring me again to liberty and joy. Keep thy mercy therefore for me always O Lord: and the covenant which thou haste made with me, let it be surely performed. Keep me Lord from sin, and I shall then dread neither death nor Hell: and as thou always hast been merciful to penitent sinners, so now good Lord forgive my sins. Keep my heart in thee, and then shall I rejoice in thy mercy: for that thou hast looked on me and hast regarded my soul in my great distress. Let me never hereafter go away from thy ways: nor leave me not now in the deepness of my troubles. Lo, now be the days of health and grace, now is the accepted time: for in death who shall remember thee (O Lord) or in Hell who shall praise thee? Lord behold therefore my weakness and frailness, best known unto thee: and look down from Heaven upon the sorrow and heaviness of me thy poor creature. My life is as it were in the midst of fierce Lions: whose teeth are like unto spears, and the sharpness of them like unto the sting of Scorpions. Mollify my heart (O Lord God) that I may return to thee and walk in all thy ways: for I have wandered overlong in the way of sinners. Make a perpetual league and covenant with me, that thou wilt put thy fear into my heart: that I never serve from thee again. No man may so hide himself from thee, but that thou mayst see him: who dost fulfil both heaven and earth. Nevertheless I will speak unto thee, and will not hold my peace so long as the breath is in my mouth: but still shall call on thee for thy mercy. Nothing is able to resist thy power, thy mercy is above all thy works: and thou art gracious and merciful to them which diligently observe and keep thy laws. O Lord my Prayers be ever unto thee, let thine anger be turned from me, that I may find favour in thy sight. O Lord look thou not upon the hardness of my heart: but like as thou hast many times showed mercy, so now be merciful and forgive that I have offended thee. O Lord my God, which tenderly lovest mankind, and art a most rightful judge, spare me I beseech thee: and show on me the abundance of thy mercy Glory be to the Father. etc. As it was in the bigin. etc. The Versicle. Turn not thine eyes from me O Lord. The Answer. But teach me to do that is pleasant in thy sight. The Collect. O Merciful God, which by thy son Christ hast taught us to call on thee in our necessity, give me grace I beseech thee, to acknowledge mine own infirmity and weakness, that I depending on thy merciful goodness, may (with a strong and steadfast faith) continually call on thee with a true repentant heart, for thy grace, mercy, and pardon, that after this corruptible life I may behold thee in thy everlasting glory, where thou reignest God everlasting. Amen. The Prayer. O Lord our God, thou that broughtest thy people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, with tokens and wonders, with thy great power and stretched out arm. Before thee O Lord my God, have I sinned with my forefathers, & have done wickedly, behaving myself ungodly in all thy righteousness. Turn thy wrath from me O Lord, and hear my Prayers and Petitions for thine own sake; and bring me home again which long have been astray, that they that hate thy name, may know that thou art the Lord my GOD, and that I have called on thy name. O Lord look down upon me thy poor creature, incline thine ear and hear me, for the dead that be gone down to their graves, and whose souls are out of their bodies, ascribe unto thee O Lord, neither praise nor righteous making, but the soul that is vexed for the multitude of her sins, which goeth on heavily and weakly, whose eyes begin to fail, yea such a soul (O Lord) ascribeth praise and righteousness unto thee. I therefore O Heavenly Father require mercy in thy sight, not for any goodness that is in me, but for the merits of thy dear Son jesus Christ's sake, to whom with thee and the holy Ghost, be laud and praise for evermore. Amen. ¶ The seventh Psalm, for the obtaining of Godly Wisdom. Preserve me O God, for in thee do I trust: let thy Wisdom rule and guide my thoughts, that they may always praise thee. Put thy word in my mouth, and fasten thy wisdom in my heart: that other also may be converted unto thee. Pluck me from mine heinous offences, and heal my soul which hath offended (O God:) that I may be free from the guilt of my transgression. Quicken me (O Lord,) as thou art wont to do thy chosen: and let thy hand direct my ways, that I may walk in thy statutes. Quicken me, that I may live and keep thy words: that my soul may praise thee, and that thy judgements may help me. Quicken me also with thy loving kindness: and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth. Remember me O Lord, for thy goodness sake: and for the great love that thou bearest towards me. Remember that thou haste made me of the earth: and that I shall return into the dust of Death. Remove me therefore good Lord from the way of sinners: & strengthen me with the power of thy right hand. Show me the ways O Lord, and send forth the hot flames of thy love, to burn and consume the fantasies of my mind. Satisfy me with thy mercy, & that soon: so shall I be glad and rejoice in thee all the days of my life. Show now good Lord, and declare thy goodness unto me: send down from Heaven the spirit of thy Wisdom, and replenish my heart with knowledge thereof. Thou fulfilest the desires of them that fear thee: and hearest the Prayers of them that call on thee with their whole heart. Thou leadest strait in thy judgements, them that be mild and tractable: and teachest them that be meek, thy words and Testimonies. Thou holdest up all them which else should fall: and all that are fallen, thou liftest up again. Up Lord, and help thy servant, thou art my hope and refuge, thou art my strong hold and castle: for thy name's sake lead and guide me. verily if thou show me thy goodness and manifold mercies, I shall flourish as the Olive tree, that bringeth forth fruit in due season. verily my soul hath special respect unto thee (O Lord,) for that my health, my strength, and my glory, cometh from thee. Which hast saved my life from destruction, and showed me thy grace and mercy. Which haste satisfied my desire with good things: and shalt once restore to me my youth again. Wherefore to thee most loving Lord and for these thy mercies, I offer to thee the Sacrifice of laud and praise: Giving thee thanks now and evermore world without end Amen. Lord have mercy upon me. Christ have mercy upon me. Lord have mercy upon me. OUr Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. The versicle. Destroy me not O Lord for my Sins. The Answer Neither reserve eternal punishment for them. The Prayer. MOst righteous God, for thy great mercy's sake, hearken to these my humble Prayers, which I make before thee: & consider merciful Lord the desire and thought of my heart. Let my loud cryings come unto thee, and let my unfeigned Prayers entre into thine ears. Heart me O Lord, for I am destitute of thy help. Take care for my soul, save me thy Servant which wholly must in thee. Have mercy O Lord have mercy upon me, for I will never rea●●● crying to thee for thy help & mercy. In the day time I will call on thee, and in the night my cry shall not be hid from thee. O thou God of the Heavens, the maker of the waters, and Lord of all Creatures, hear me a most wretched sinner calling on thee, & take 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 me all my sins, and make steadfast my faith and confidence in thy merciful promises, that I putting my trust in them, may have as thou hast promised, everlasting life, thorough Christ jesus thy Son our Lord. Amen. another Prayer. OLorde and heavenly Father, plant in me true obedience to thy holy laws, and to my Sovereign and Grations Lady Queen Elizabeth, whom thou hast set to reign over me. And let not the cares of this world deceive me. Keep me also good Lords, from all unclean desires, and grant me thy 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 receive at thy hand the reward of one that hath not been ashamed of thee in this life. O Lord increase my faith, increase my love, increase in me a sure hope of my salvation, O Lord my Saviour increase strength in me to overcome sin, & to stand against all temptations: let thy holy Angel always keep & conduct me, that I may evermore be thankful unto thee in Christ jesus our Lord, to whom with thee and the holy Ghost be all honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. ¶ Here followeth the Litany with certain other Godly Prayers. O God the Father of Heaven, have mercy upon us miserable sinners. O God the Father of Heaven, have mercy upon us miserable Sinners. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world: have mercy upon us miserable sinners. O God the Son, redeemer of the world: have mercy upon us iniserable Sinners. O God the holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, have mercy upon us miserable sinners. O God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from. etc. O Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three persons and one God, have mercy upon us miserable sinners. O Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity. etc. Remember not Lord our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers, neither take thou vengeance of our sins, spare us good Lord, spare the people whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, & be not angry with us for ever. Spare us good Lord. From all evil and mischief, from sin, from the crafts and assaults of the devil, from thy wrath, and from everlasting damnation. Good Lord deliver us. From blindness of heart, from pride, vainglory and hypocrisy, from envy hatred and malice, & 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 lightning & tempest, from plague, pestilence and famine, from battle and murder, and from sudden death. Good Lord deliver us. From all sediction 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 & circumcision, by thy baptism, fasting, and temptation. Good Lord deliver us. 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) and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy church universally, in the right way. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to keep and strengthen in the true worshipping of thee, in righteousness and holiness of life, thy Servant Elizabeth, our most gracious Queen and governor. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to rule her heart in thy faith, fear, and love, and that she may eucrmore have affiance in thee, & ever seek thy honour and glory. We beseeh thee to hear us good Lord▪ 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 good Lord. That it may please thee to illuminate all Bishops, Pastors and ministers of the Church, with true knowledge & 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 good Lord. That it may please thee to endue the Lords of the Counsel, & all the Nobility, with grace, wisdom, & understanding. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to bless & keep the Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintainetruth. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to bless & keep all thy people. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to give to all nations▪ unity, peace and concord. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to give us an heart to love & dread thee, and diligently to live after thy commandments. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to give to all thy people increase of grace, to hear meekly thy word, & to receive it with pure affection, & to bring forth the fruits of the spirit. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth, all such as have erred and are deceived. We beesech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to strengthen such as do stand, and to comfort & 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 good Lord. That it may please thee to secure, help and comfort all that be in danger, necessity, and tribulation. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. 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 and captives. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to defend, and provide for the fatherless children & widows, & all that be desolate & oppressed. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers, and to turn their hearts. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. 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 good Lord. That it may please thee to give▪ us true repentance, to forgive us all our sins, negligences & ignorances & 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 good Lord. Son of god: we beseech thee to hear us. Son of God▪ we beseech thee to hear us. 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. 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 in. etc. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen. The Versicle O Lord deal not with us after our sins. The 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 & adversities, whensoever they oppress us, & graciously hear us, that those evils, which the craft and subtlety of the devil or man worketh against us, be brought to nought, and by the providence of thy goodness, they may be dispersed, that we thy servants being hurt by no persecutions may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church, thorough jesus Christ our Lord. O Lord arise help us and deliver us, for thy name sake. O God we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared unto us the noble works thht thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them. O Lord arise, help us, and deliver us for thine honour. Glory be to the father, and to the son, and to the holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. From our enemies defend us, O Christ. Graciously look upon our afflictions. pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts. 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. The Versicle O Lord let thy mercy be showed upon us. The 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 & pureness of living, to thy honour and glory, thorough our only Mediator and Advocate jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Prayer for the Queen. O Lord jesus Christ, most high, most mighty, God everlasting, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the only ruler of Princes, the very son of God, on whose right hand sitting dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth: with most lowly heart I beseech thee vouchsafe with favourable regard, to behold our most gracious sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, and so replenish her with the grace of thy holy spirit, that she alway may incline to thy will, and walk in thy way: keep her far of from ignorance, & thorough thy gift let prudence & knowledge always abound in her royal heart: so instruct her O Lord, reigning upon us in earth, that her humane Majesty, alway obey thy Divine Majesty in fear and dread. Endue her plentifully with Heavenly gifts. Grant her in health and wealth long to live. Heap glory and honour upon her. Glad her with the joy of thy countenance. So strengthen her, that she may vanquish and overcome all her enemies, and be dread and feared of them: and finally after this life, I beseech thee good Lord, that she may attain everlasting joy and felicity where thou reignest God with the Father and the holy Ghost. Amen. A Prayer to be said in the time of extreme Sickness. O Lord jesus, which art the only health of all men living, and the everlasting life of them which die in thy faith, I wretched Sinner give and submit myself wholly unto thy blessed will. And I being sure that the thing cannot perish which is committed unto the mercy, willingly therefore beseech thee most merciful Lord jesus Christ, that thou wilt by thy grace make strong my soul against all temptations, and that thou wilt cover and defend me with the buckler of thy mercy, against all the assaults of the Devil. I see and acknowledge that there is in myself no hope of salvation, but all my hope, confidence & trust, is in thy mercy: I have no merits nor good works which I may allege before thee: of sins and evil works (alas O Lord) I see a great heap, but yet thorough thy mercy I trust to be in the number of them that shall be saved, to whom thou wilt not impute their sins, but take them to everlasting life. Thou Lord wast borne for my sake, thou didst suffer hunger and thirst for my sake, thou didst pray and fast for my sake, finally thou didst all good works and deeds for my sake, and gavest thy most precious body to die, & thy blood to be shed on the cross for my sake. Now therefore most merciful Saviour, let all these good things profit me, which thou freely hast given me, that hast given thyself for me. Let thy blood wash and cleanse away the spots & foulness of my sins, let thy righteousness hide and cover mine unrighteousness, let the merits of thy passion and blood be the satisfaction for my sins. Give me O Lord thy grace that my faith and salvation in thy blood waver not in me, but ever to be firm and constant, that the hope of thy mercy never decay in me, that charity wax not cold in me, finally that the weakness of my flesh be not overcome with the fear of death. Grant also merciful father, that when Death hath shut up the eyes of my body, yet that the eyes of my soul may still behold and look upon thee, that when death hath taken away the use of my tongue and speech, yet that my heart may cry and say unto thee: O Lord into thy hands I give and commit my Soul, and with thy holy Martyr Steven beholding thee in my soul, may say: Lord jesus receive my soul unto thee, which livest and reignest God everlasting, with the Father and Holy Ghost. Amen. ¶ A Prayer of chrysostom. ALmighty God which haste given us grace at this time, with one accord, to make our common supplications 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. ij. Corinth. xiii. THe grace of our Lord jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the holy ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen. Evening Prayer. The Anthem. REmember not O Lord, mine offences, nor the offences of my forefathers, neither take thou vengeance of my sins, spare me good Lord, whom thou haste redeemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with me for ever. ¶ The first Psalm at Evening Prayer. AGainst thee (O Lord, against thee have I sinned, & done wickedly before thee: and thou seest also that mine iniquity is great. Behold good Lord, I am sold under sin: and in my flesh I find not that which is good. Comfort therefore (O Lord) the soul of thy servant: for unto thee do I lift up my heart and mind. Do thou show on me thy mercy (O Lord:) and grant unto me thy salvation. Early in the morning do I cry unto thee: because of thy righteous judgements and mercy. For thou Lord art good and gracious, and of great mercy: unto all them that call upon thee. Give light unto mine eyes, (O Lord) for I have slept to long in death: and my sins have prevailed against me. He that liveth (O Lord) he that liveth shall praise thee: and shall make thy mercy known. In thy Tabernacle (O Lord) will I dwell for ever: and my defence and covering shalt be under thy wings. Glory be to the Father. etc. ¶ The second Psalm. Lord deliver me from among the wicked: that I may give thanks to thy holy name, and make my boast of thy praise. Make all nations whom thou haste made, to rejoice and worship thee: that they may praise and glorify thy name. Now teach thou me O Lord, that I may walk in thy truth: and knit my heart unto thee, that I may fear thy name. O Lord fourne thee unto me, and have mercy upon me: give thy strength unto me and secure me. Praised be thy name O Lord my God: for thou hast set thy glory above all the Heavens. Quicken my soul O God, and all the powers thereof: that it may cleave fast and be joined to thee in joyful gladness of Ghostly ravishings. Regard O Lord the Prayer of thy servant: and hide not thy face from me, in the time of my trouble. Show some good token upon me, that they that hate me may see it and be ashamed: because thou Lord hast helped and comforted me. Thou Lord art good and gracious: and of great mercy, unto all them which call upon thee. Unto thee therefore O Lord, will I perform my vows: & I will give thee thanks both now and evermore, world without end. Amen. The Anthem. Save me good Lord waking, and keep me sleeping, that I may wake in Christ, and rest in Peace. The Versicle. Blessed be the name of the Lord The Answer. From this time forth for evermore. The Collect. O Lord God I beseech thee to lighten my darkness, and deliver me from all the dangers of this night, O merciful Lord, thorough thy Son jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee in unity of the holy Ghost, world without end. Amen. The Anthem. O Lord grant me thy light, that I being delivered from the darkness of sin, may come to the very eeight which is Christ. The Versicle. Lord hear my Prayer. The Answer. And let my cry come unto thee. The Collect. LIghten my darkness I beseech thee, O Lord, and by thy great mercy defend me from all the perils and dangers of this night, that after my sleep I may safely awake, to the praise and glory of thy name, thorough Christ thy Son our Lord & Saviour. Amen. The Prayer. O Merciful God and Heavenly Father, whether I sleep or wake, live or die, I am always thine. Wherefore I beseech thee heartily that thou wilt vouchsafe to take charge and care of me & not to suffer me to perish in the works of darkness, but to kindle the light of thy countenance in my heart, the thy Godly knowledge may daily increase in me, thorough a right & pure faith, and that I may always be found to walk and live after thy will and pleasure, thorough jesus Christ our Lord & Saviour. Amen. A Prayer for the Queen. O Heavenly Father, God almighty, whose Kingdom is everlasting & power infinite, which of thy goodness haste vouchsafed to restore unto us of the English nation the light of thy holy Gospel, by thy chosen servant and Minister Elizabeth our most gracious sovereign Lady. I beseech thee O good Lord so to rule her heart, that she knowing thy will, may always incline to do the same effectually. And grant that we her Subjects, duly considering her Regal authority and power, which thou hast given her, may truly and faithfully serve, honour, and humbly obey her, in thee, and for thee, according as thou haste commanded us in thy blessed and holy word, thorough jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all honour and glory, for ever and ever Amen. ¶ A Psalm and Prayer against the Enemies of the Catholic Church. ARise O Lord, and stretch forth thine hand, the Heathen are fallen into thine heritage: thy holy Temple have they defiled, wherein thou haste put thy name, and made of it and heap of stones, Behold the dead bodies of thy servants have they given to the Fowls of the air, to be devoured: and the bones of thy Saints have they consumed with fire. Cruelly have they (on every side) shed like water the blood of thy Faithful: and have despised to bury them. Deceytfullye have they crept into thine habitation: and with scorn and derision, have they (O Lord) spoken against thee. Even in the midst of thy Temple have they (O Lord) blasphemed thy name: and have not ceased to do wickedly. Forget not I beseech thee (O Lord) how cruelly this wicked people have devoured jacob thy chosen: and laid waste thy dwelling place. Give glory therefore to thy name (O God everlasting) and let the vengeance of thy servants blood which is shed, be openly showed upon the wicked in our sight, that we thy people and sheep of thy pasture may joyfully say: blessed be our God jehova, for ever and ever. Amen. The versicle. Lord utterly destroy thine enemy. The Answer. Which hath polluted thy Sanctuary. The Prayer. Deliver thou us O Lord, from these ungodly and stiff-necked persons, for thou seest, that in their hearts they imagine mischief, and have pleasure to eat up and devour thy chosen. Their tongues be more sharp than the sting of Adders, and under their lips, lurketh poison. But O merciful Lord, let us not fall into their hands lest they handle us after their own lust. Look down from Heaven thy habitation we beseech thee, on thy dispersed sheep, and strengthen our weakness against their furious rages: Abate their pride, assuage their malice, confound their devices, wherewith they life up themselves against Christ jesus thy Son our Lord. We be not able of ourselves to stand against their assaults, except thy undeserved grace and mighty arm defend and deliver us. Perform therefore thy promises made to jacob thy Servant, and stop the mouths of thy cursed Enemies. Call to repentance thy silly sheep, and forgive all those that wilfully & obstinately rebel not against thy holy word. Look also we beseech thee upon thy poor dispersed, which for thy truth sake are compelled to wander from place to place, and rid them out of their daily grievances, that we may all with one voice and upright heart, and pleasant countenance, extol and magnify thy holy name. Amen. another Psalm for the Church, under the borrowed speech or name, of a vineyard. Hear O thou shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest jacob like a flock of sheep: how long wilt thou be angry over the Prayers of thy people. In Egypt thou hadst a Uineyard, which thou broughtest among the Heathen, thou plantedst it there, and it took root: so that the whole land was covered withal. Lo the hills were covered with the shadow of it: and so were the strong cedar trees with the bows thereof. marvelous was the increase of it, after it had taken root: and so was the name of it, among all nations. Nevertheless thou haste suffered the hedge thereof to be broken down, so that the wild Boar out of the wood hath routed it up: and the beasts of the field have devoured the Grapes thereof. O Lord, thou God of hosts, let them perish in thy wrath, that thus have destroyed and laid waste this thy pleasant vine: whose branches spread from see to see. Prevent we beseech the O Lord, the malicious enemies of this thy vine: and so shall we with voice and heart, laud and praise thy holy name. Amen. The versicle. Turn thee O God, look down from Heaven. The Answer. And behold the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted. The Prayer. A Rise O Lord, look on thy vinyeard, that it be not devoured of the wicked haters thereof. Let thine enemies be scattered, the righteous (O Lord) make thou pleasant and merry, let them blow abroad thy Magnificence let them sing praises & pleasant songs unto thee, let them most highly advance thy Majesty, let thy glory grow, let the Kingdom of Christ from Heaven among the chosen be enlarged: be thou (O Holy Father) the Protector of them, namely, whom the world forsaketh and pursueth for Christ's sake. How dry O Lord is the flock of thine heritage? pour down largely we pray thee therefore, the showers of thy grace, that the Church thy Spouse may deal large spoils of the conquered Satan. In thy house O Lord, let us dwell in peace & concord: give us all one heart, one mind, and one true interpretation of thy word, that all that believe in thee by Christ our Lord, might lift thee up with praises. And give to thy people cunning and power to withstand sin, and to obey thy word in all things. Grant it so to be most merciful Lord, for thy Son jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Here followeth certain Prayers very profitable to be exercised. ¶ A Prayer to God the Father for the obtaining of mercy for his Son Christ's sake. O Holy Father, remember not the offences of my youth, but think upon thy great mercies and covenant made unto me in Christ jesus thy Son my only Advocate and Mediator. He it is (O holy Father) whom thou didst send to be the obtainer of mercy for my sins. He was made weak to make me strong. He was wounded for mine offences. He gave his body to be beaten and his Cheeks to be stricken. He turned not away his face from them that scorned him & spit upon him. He gave himself to death for them which were offenders. Thorough his love and mercy, he hath redeemed them that were lost, and by his bloodshedding on the Cross he hath pacified all things in Heaven and in Earth. Behold holy Father therefore, who it is that thus hath suffered, and forgive the sin of him that is redeemed. O Heavenly Father, for this thy Son jesus Christ's sake, writ in my heart, love to thy law, and hate to all sin, that I may be worthy thorough the merits of his death and passion, to dwell with him and thee everlastingly, to whom with thee and the Holy ghost, be all honour praise, and glory. Amen. ¶ A Prayer for the obtaining of a good Life. O Heavenly Father, God Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth and all things contained in them. I beseech thee, that thou wilt vouchsafe of thy goodness, to direct, sanctify and keep my heart and body, my senses, my doings, my talk and communication in thy holy laws, and in the works of thy Commandments: and that thy holy Angel may be with me, to direct my feet into the way of peace, truth, and health, that I may deserve to be whole, safe, and free, in thee and by thee, both here and in the world to come. Thou that art the Saviour of the world, and king of glory, hear me & save me, which livest and reignest God in perfect unity world without end. Amen. A Prayer to the Father, wherein we desire to do those things that may please him. O Heavenly Father, have thou pity and compassion upon the weakness of me thy unworthy Child, be thou priest and ready (O holy Father) to help me, always showing thy mercy upon me, and prosper thou me in whatsoever I Godly go about, so that thou giving me light, I may see what things are to be accepted before thee, and thou encouraging me, I may have an earnest desire to do the same, and thou being my guide I may come where to obtain them: for I having nothing but mistrust in myself, do yield and commit myself full and wholly unto thee alone, which workest all things in all creatures to thy honour and glory. Amen. ¶ A Prayer to Christ the Son of God. O Bountiful jesus, O sweet Saviour, O Christ the Son of God have pity upon me, mercifully hear me and despise not my Prayers. Thou hast created me of nothing, thou hast redeemed me from the bondage of sin, death and Hell, neither with gold nor silver, but with thy precious blood, which thou offeredst upon the Cross for all mankind. Cast me not away O Lord, whom thou by thy great wisdom hast made, nor let the wickedness of my youth, destroy that which thy goodness hath builded. Whilst I am here (O jesus) have thou mercy on me, and whilst I have time, give me thy grace to repent. Look upon me, O Lord, with thy merciful eyes, as thou didst vouchsafe to look upon Peter thine Apostle, that after his example I may bewail my sinful life, that obtaining thy favour, I may die therein. I acknowledge that of myself, I have deserved everlasting death, but yet I appeal to the high throne of thy mercy, not doubting but that thou wilt have mercy on me: Thou hast O Lord jesus given thyself an acceptable Sacrifice to thy Father to appease his wrath and to bring all sinners truly repenting unto his favour. Accept me therefore sweet jesus, truly repenting my sins▪ among the number of them which shall be saved, and that I may lead a Godly and innocent life, so that after this life I may attain life everlasting thorough the merits of thy death & Passion. Amen. ¶ A Prayer to Christ our Saviour. O My Saviour Christ jesus, which didst say: I will not the death of a sinner, but that he live and convert. Vouchsafe I: beseech thee to look upon me most wretched sinner with those merciful eyes, with which thou once didst behold and look upon Peter bitterly weeping in the court of Pilate, wherewith also thou didst look upon Mary Magdalene the penitent, at the feast of Simon, likewise upon the Thief hanging on the cross: and cause me thorough thy great goodness, that I may worthily bewail my sins, and weep with Peter, and with Mary to love, thee with a pure and perfect love, and with the Thief that I may behold and see thee, which with God the Father and the holy Ghost raygneste GOD, world without end. Amen. ¶ A Prayer to Christ our daily to be said. O Merciful Lord jesus, I beseech thee to be merciful unto me a wretched sinner: as for all my iniquity and my negligences, and all my immortifications, I put them all into thy most precious wounds. O Lord put away all my sins, wash me clean with thy precious blood, sanctify me with thy bitter passion and death, cleanse me perfectly, restore again unto me the innocency which thou (O Lord) gavest me in baptism, that I may truly please thee. I worship, and land, and glorify thee, I praise and give thanks unto thee my Lord jesus Christ, for all thy mercies and benefits which thou daily bestowest on me. I thank thee O son of the living God, which for the exceeding great charity that thou didst bear toward me, haste vouchsafed to be made man. Thou wouldst for my sake be borne in a stable, and as an infant be wrapped in clothes, to be swaddled and laid in a manger, to be fed with the little milk of the Maiden and Virgin thy blessed Mother. Thou didst for my sake suffer needynesse and poverty, and many other agonies didst thou suffer (O Lord) for my sake: as to be apprehended and taken shamefully, and to be bound unworthily, and to be condemned unjustly: thus with innumerable sorrows, wast thou brought, to the shameful death of the Cross, whereupon for my sake thou didst shed thy most precious blood. Grant me therefore most merciful Christ, always to acknowledge thy great love and kindness toward me, which hast suffered for me, that I may after this life live with thee everlastingly. Amen. ¶ A Prayer to the blessed Trinity. O Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, three persons and one God, have mercy upon me. Lord omnipotent and everlasting God, without beginning or ending, whom we do confess one in Trinity and three in unity, I praise thee I worship thee, I glorify thee, and give thanks unto thee, for thy merciful goodness and clemency, which wouldst that I being in the darkness of all error and ignorance, should be made partaker of thy grace & mercy. I beseech thee also most blessed and glorious Trinity, bring to pass the work of thy merciful goodness begun in me, and lead me in all piety and Godliness, and cause me always to think, speak, and do those things which shall be acceptable in thy sight, that after this life I may have the fruition of thy deity, which livest and reignest God in perfect unity, world without end. ¶ A Prayer upon the Petitions of the lords Prayer. O Almighty and Eternal God, which vouchsavest that we, as it were thy heavenly children, should every one of us, call thee our heavenly Father: grant that among us by pureness & example of living, thy most holy name may be sanctified, that all other nations, beholding our virtuous deeds that thou workest in us, may be stirred to bless and glorify thee. Grant O Lord, that the Kingdom of thy grace and mercy may reign continually in our hearts, so that we may be partakers of the Realm of thy glory and Majesty. Grant that unto the very death we refuse not to follow thy Divine will, and that we (according to the example of the Celestial Citizens, agreeing together quietly) united in spirit, all controversy in opinions laid apart, the lusts of the flesh being subdued, and all flattering assaults of the world and the Devil overcome, never wrestle against thy most holy will. Grant (O Lord) for our body needful sustenance, that we may the more freely serve thee. Give us we beseech thee (O merciful Father,) that heavenly bread, the body of thy son jesus Christ the very food and health of our souls. Give us the bread of thy Divine precepts, that we may truly walk and live in them. Give us the bread of thy heavenly word, which is the strong fortress & sure defence of our souls, that we being well fed and filled with this food, may worthily come to the celestial feast, where as is no hunger. Grant (O Lord) that we patiently bear and suffer our Enemies and such as hurt us, and willingly forgive the offences committed against us, that so we may find thee (O Lord), mild and merciful in forgiving us our trespasses. Grant O Lord, that we be not utterly led into temptation, that thereby we should be lost: but in all perils of temptation, and in the middste of the stormy tempests of tribulations, let us thy children perceive and feel thy Fatherly succour ready to help us, lest that we (overcome with the naughty crafts and deceits of the tempters,) should be drawn into everlasting destruction: but when we be well assayed, approved, and purged with the fire of temptation, then let us finish our course, and so well and valiantly fight, that we may for evermore live with thee in that heavenly City, where and against the which, no manner of temptation can prevail. Finally grant (most merciful Father) that we thorough thy benign goodness, may be delivered from all evils present and to come, both of body and soul: and that at the last the yoke of the fowl fiend being shaken of, we may possess the heritage of thy heavenly Kingdom, which thy Son with his precious blood, bought for us thy Children: and there for ever to have fruition of Celestial delectations, accompanied with Angels and blessed Saints, thorough the help, benignity and grace of our Saviour jesus Christ, to whom and to thee our Father, & the holy Ghost, be glory and honour now and ever. Amen. ¶ A comfortable Meditation of the reconciliation and atonement made by Christ, to God the Father, OAlmighty God, father of my lord: behold, the most high and precious thing that I can find, the same have I offered unto thee, the thing of most estimation that I could find, have I humbly presented unto thee, which is thy dear son Christ. I have left nothing, but in him I have declared it, to thy Divine Majesty. There is nothing remaining that I may add more, because I have committed & betaken my whole hope unto him. I have I say (O holy Father) sent unto thee my advocate and spokesman, even thy well-beloved son. I have sent thy glorious child to be a mediator for me: I have sent him as an intercessor, by whom I trust to get pardon & forgiveness of my sins. I have sent (O merciful Father) word unto word, that is, God unto God, according to the saying of thine Apostle: In the beginning was the word & the word was with God. etc. which word I believe was sent down from thee for my mysdeedes, and did take upon him my humanity & nature, in the which he thought not scorn to suffer buffets, bonds, spittings, and mocks. Yea, he took upon him to suffer the cruel pains of the Cross, nails, and dart, & after divers punishments, gave up his most holy spirit, and was reckoned among the dead. Look merciful Father here upon thy Son, whom thou diddest beget, and bond servant whom he redeemed. Behold here a Creator, & do not refuse a Creature. receive the shepherd welcomed with a gentle and loving countenance, and mercifully look upon the sheep which he hath brought home to the ninety and nine. Behold (O Lord) my King and my God, which like a good shepherd, rendereth to thee that which thou didst commit to his charge. I was able (O holy father) by myself to offend thee, but I was not able of myself to appease and pacify thee. If thou therefore despise me (as it were right) for mine iniquity, yet at the least wise, mercifully look upon me, for the charity of thy well-beloved Son. Look (O Holy Father upon the Sacrifice of flesh, and pardon the offences of flesh: and because flesh hath stirred thee to anger, let flesh (I beseech thee) move thee to mercy, that like as flesh hath seduced and led me to sin, so flesh may get and obtain for me, remission for sin. For certain it is, much that mine iniquity hath deserved, but yet much more it is, that the goodness of my redeemer may even of right require. Mine unrighteousness is great, but yet holy Father, his righteousness is greater: wherefore most noble Creator of light, pardon mine offences, for the miserable travails and pains that thy beloved Son did sustain. Now I beseech thee (O merciful Father) let his goodness be set against my wickedness, his modesty and temperance, against my ungracious naughtiness, and his meekness against my fierce cruelty. Let his humility recompense my pride, his patience, mine impatience, his gentleness mine unkindness, his obedience, my disobedience, his quietness, mine unquietness, his pleasant towardness, my bitter frowardness, his sweet facilitle and gentleness, mine anger and fretting fumes. To conclude, O holy Father, let his charity make amends for mine unmercifulness. To whom with thee and the holy Ghost be all honour and glory, both now and ever, world without end. Amen. FINIS. Imprinted at London by Henry Denham, dwelling in Paternoster row, at the Sign of the Star. Anno. 1565. Septembris. 3.