INSTITUTIONES PIAE or Directions to Pray also A short exposition of The Lords Prayer The Creed The 10 Comandements Seven Penitential Psalms and Seven Psalms of thanksgiving. by HIGH. O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness And declare the wonders which he doth for the children of men Ps: 107: 8. LONDON Printed for Henry Seile 1630 To the Christian Reader. COurteous and Christian Reader, accept I pray thee, these few observations and collections, of Meditations and Devotions; which at the first, I intended for my own private use: but since, considering with myself, that Bonum quò communius eò melius, Every good thing is the better for being communicated. I thought to publish it for the public use of them, who shall afford themselves so much time, as to perform those Duties, which are contained in it. The Heathen man could say, A jove principium: to the shame of many (I will not say) of those, who profess themselves, and would be called Christians: who are so fare from beginning all their actions with God's service, as that it is a rare thing, to see them attend it at all. It is no marvel then, if God withhold his hand of goodness from our Land, or if (according to the Prophet) He hide his face from us. Psal. 88 14. when we are so remiss, so dull, either in serving him with the Duty of Praise and Thanksgiving for his Benefits past, or with the Service of Prayer, for his Providence and Goodness to come. We can talk of Comets and apparitions in the air, and be stricken with wonder: we can speak of unseasonable and tempestuous times, and bethink ourselves of what diseases, famine, and the like judgements, may ensue thereupon, with grief: we can discourse of wars, rumours of wars, and mighty preparations abroad, with fear: and yet we are so stupid, and senseless, that we cannot see or discern, the true cause of all these occasions of wonder, grief, and fear, namely our sins: at least if we do, yet we set not ourselves, to take away the cause, by that wholesome remedy, which God himself hath prescribed to remove it, if we would but apply and use it. We think it enough, if we can talk of the medicine (and it is somewhat if we do that) and have the speculation how to rid ourselves of the disease: but for the practice of it, it fares with us, as with those, who have an infirmity growing upon them, and know the remedy; but either for want of leisure, or for the queasiness of the stomach, or the bitter or unpleasing taste of the medicine, they forbear the taking of it, till the disease grow incurable. We are content to hear, what the Physician of our souls prescribeth us, but we neglect the Diet, which he enjoineth us. All our Religion dependeth on the Ear: and (so it had pleased God to have given us but an Ear to hear) he might have spared the tongue and lips to praise him, and all the other parts to worship, and reverence him: we could have been well enough contented, with that member alone. But (beloved) let us not deceive ourselves: for he that hath made the Ear to hear, what good he hath done unto us, hath made the tongue also, to confess, his due praises, for that which he hath so done. And if we neglect to give him due thankes for his Mercy; it will come to pass, and that (to be feared) very speedily, that we shall be forced, in bitterness of soul, to confess his justice, when we shall find, that he justly turneth his Blessings into Curses and plagues, and be compelled to acknowledge and say, Just art thou O Lord, and righteous, and just are thy judgements. And therefore in time, let every one of us recollect himself, and in his private closet or chamber with himself, and in the Church with the Congregation humbly confess his sins to God, desire pardon for them, praise him for his blessings, pray him to continue them, and deprecate his just anger from us: and then no doubt, but he will be graciously pleased, to be merciful to us, and hear us, and avert those judgements from us, which we most justly have deserved. Which let us all, again and again, beseech him to do, for the merits and intercession of his Blessed Son, and our alone Saviour, jesus Christ. Institutiones piae: OR DIRECTIONS to Pray, etc. A general exhortation to Prayer. FOr as much, as the best of God's Children, are subject to many infirmities: and even the just man, falleth seven times a day; Pro. 24.16. and that man's life (by reason of sin) is exposed to many dangers, troubles, and afflictions: Therefore it standeth us much upon, and concerneth us nearly, to seek out some remedy, as well to strengthen out selves, against the assaults of our spiritual enemies, that (as near as may be) we fall not: as to raise us again, when we are cast down and dejected, either by the sight of our sins, or by the crosses and afflictions of this life. And in this distress, what course shall we think upon to relieve us, or what means shall we find out to aid and succour us? Certainly no other, then that, which God himself, of his goodness, hath prescribed, and commended to us, In regard of God's Precept. yea, and hath commanded us to have recourse unto, whensoever we shall be thus afflicted, namely Prayer to him. Call upon me (saith he) in the day of trouble. Psal. 50.15. Come unto me (saith Christ) all ye that labour and are heavy laden. Mat. 11.28. Seek ye the Lord (saith he by the Prophet) and call upon him. Esa. 55.6. And is any afflicted? ja 5.13. (by the Apostle) Let him pray. And the better to stir us up to this duty, God hath added to this Precept of his, a promise also: His promise. that we shall not lose our labours, or pray to him in vain. For no sooner shall we ask, but he will give, Mat. 7.7. Io. 16.23. Psal. 91.15. no sooner call, but he will answer and deliver: Nay more, for if God perceive our inclination to pray unto him, he will prevent us: and before we call, he will answer, Esa. 65.24. and while we are speaking, he will hear. Christ's example. And as we have God's precept and promise, to provoke us to Pray unto him, so also have we the Example, (not only of all the Saints of God, but) of Christ jesus himself, Mat. 14.23. 26.39. Io. 11.47. Mar. 1.35. who while he was conversant in the flesh upon Earth, (though he were wholly without spot or blemish, wholly innocent, and immaculate, yet) often, and earnestly prayed. The Necessity. Among all the Evangelicall Precepts or Counsels, there is not any one Duty, upon which our Saviour more earnestly beateth, or to which, he, with more fervency inciteth his Apostles and Disciples, then to this, of Prayer. The necessity whereof, he enforceth (amongst other places of Scripture) in the parable of the unjust judge, Luc. 18. and the poor importunate widow: intimating thereby unto us, that of necessity (if we hope to receive any good, or avoid any evil) we must keep ourselves, to this holy Duty, of earnest Prayer. The Dignity. And if there were no necessity imposed on us to pray, yet the Dignity and Honour we receive by prayer, is sufficient to incite us to it. For Prayer, (as a father well saith) is a familiar conference with God. Ep●…. By it, we talk with him (as it were) face to face. By other of his Graces, (as in the Word and Sacraments) he vouchsafeth to speak to us, by this, we have access, and speak to him, for what we stand in need of. And what greater Dignity, what greater privilege, can be afforded, to poor sinful creatures (Dust and Ashes as we are) then familiarly to talk with so great and powerful a God; and to have daily, so free, and easy admittance to his presence, to manifest our necessities to him, and to crave his supply and secure. Then, The Benefit. if we consider the profit, which ariseth by the due performance of this Duty, we shallbe the easilier drawn to perform it: for if nothing else quicken us, yet matter of Benefit doth usually work with us. And assuredly, the benefit which ariseth by it, is, and ever hath been, great. For by prayer, we do not only obtain of God, all good things pertaining to this life, as the necessaries thereof; and to the life to come, as the gifts and graces of his Holy Spirit: but also we avoid, prevent, and remove by it, all the dangers and evils of both lives; as the losses and dangers incident to this life, and the punishment due to our sins hereafter. If you please, you may take a short view of the wonderful effects which have been wrought, and the benefits, which have been obtained; and the punishments, which have been averted, in former times, when recourse was had to God, by Prayer. By it The jews overcame The Amalekites. Exo. 17. Samuel overcame The Philistines. 1. Sam. 7. judith overcame Holofernes. judeth 13. The Reubenites overcame The Agarens. 1. Chr. 5.20. Asa overcame The Ethiopians. 2. Chro. 14. josaphat overcame The Ammonites. 2. Chro. 20. Ezechias overcame Sennacherib. 2. King. 19.15. Manasses was restored to his kingdom. 2. Chr. 33.15. By it Hanna became fruitful. 1. Sam. 1.9. Elias obtained fire from Heaven, 1. King. 18. as also rain and fair weather. james 5. By it The rebellious jews escaped Punishment. Exod. 32. Num. 21.7. The Ninivites escaped Destruction. jon. 3. Ezechias escaped Death. 2. Kings 20. The 3 Children escaped The fiery Furnace. Dan. 3. Daniel escaped The Lions. Daniel 6. jonas escaped The Whale. jon. 2. The Disciples escaped Drowning. Mat. 8.25. Peter escaped Bonds. Acts 12. Paul and Silas escaped Imprisonment. Acts 16. David stayed the Pestilence. 2. Sam. 24. The Lepers were cleansed. Luc. 12. The Centurion's servant was healed. Mat. 8. The blind received sight. Mat. 9.20. Luc. 18. The woman's daughter. The man's son. were delivered from the devil. Mat. 15.17. By it The sick were made whole. Act. 28. The widow of Sarepthas' son 1. King. 18. The Shunamites son 2. King. 14. The Ruler's daughter Mat. 9 Dorcas. Act. 7. were revived. The Publican obtained Remission of sins. Luc. 18. The Thief obtained Paradise. Luc. 23. St. Stephen obtained Heaven. Act. 7. Directions how to pray. Now seeing, that for these respects Pray we must, in the next place we are to consider, How prayer is to be made, that it turn not to sin. 1. To God only. First, prayer must be made to God, and to none other. 1. Because God hath so commanded. a Deut. 6.13. For prayer is a part of his Service and Worship: And his Service and Glory he will impart to none else. b Mat. 4.10. Him only shalt thou serve. And c Io. 19.23, Io. 4.21. whatsoever you shall ask of my Father, not of Angels, Saints or the like. 2 In regard of his Glory and Majesty, Psal. 24.8. 96,6. 99,2, 104.1. wherein he excelleth all others, and aught therefore above all, to be prayed unto. 3 In regard of his Singular Knowledge; Lue. 11.13. for he knoweth our necessities, better than we ourselves. 4 In regard of his Power and Ability to help us. Esa. 40.10.12. Psal 66.2. Psal. 17.6, 18,6. 103. Esa. 46.4. 5 In regard of his willingness and readiness to relieve us. 6 In respect of the practice of all the Saints, and of Christ himself. Of a 1. Sam. 1 15. Hanna. b Psal. 25,1. 73,25 5.1, 77,1. David. c Psal. 22.4. of the Saints. d Mat. 14.23 of Christ. 7 In regard of the absurdity in praying to those, which cannot help themselves, much less us. For to which of the Saints or Angels can be properly said, Our Father which art in Heaven, or hallowed be thy Name etc. But to God alone, Esa. 43.11, 45.5. is this service to be done; for he only saveth us, and besides him is no Saviour. 2. In Faith. Secondly, our prayers ought to be made in Faith: for whatsoever is not of faith, is sin: and whosoever desireth to have good success in his prayers, aught to believe, and not to pray waveringly. Our Saviour said to the petitioner for his deaf and dumb son, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mat. 9.23. And to his Disciples. 21.22. All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing, ye shall receive: which lesson also Saint james teacheth in his first Chapter. ja. 1.5.6. If any man lack Wisdom, let him ask of God, etc. But let him ask in faith. 3. In Hope. Thirdly, as faith is the foundation, and first virtue required in prayer. So Hope, certain and assured, is to be fixed and settled in us (when we Pray) that God will perform the promises which he hath made, Psal. 22.4.121. and that he will hear and grant those things, which we shall desire, according to his Will. 4. In Charity. And that our prayers may the better ascend, they are to put on the wings of Charity, which is one of the fruits of the holy Spirit: Gal. 5.21. For without this quality, our prayers will prove cold, heavy, and lumpish; and will return empty unto us. This Charity is two fold. First, towards God. Secondly, towards our Neighbour. 1. Towards God, in keeping his commandments: for our Saviour saith, Io. 14.21,23. He that keepeth my commandments, is he that loveth me: and the Apostle saith, 1. joh. 3.22. We receive of him, because we keep his commandments: that is, we love him so, that we are loath to offend him. 2. Towards our Neighbour: which Charity, is also manifested two ways. 1. In forgiving all injuries received from him, or by his means after our Saviour's rule. Mat. 11.25. When you stand praying, forgive, if you have aught against any: that your Father also, which is in Heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. And again, Mat. 6.14.15. if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses: neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 2 Secondly, in praying for his wants, and supplying them to our powers, according to Saint james direction. ja. 5.16. 1. Tim. 2.1. Pray for one another. And to Saint Paul, I exhort, that first Prayers etc. be made for all men. And to encourage us to relieve them, our Saviour pronounceth a blessing to all that are charitable in that kind. Blessed are the merciful, Mat. 5.7. for they shall obtain mercy. So that by this, we may plainly see, that if we be uncharitable; our prayers willbe barren, and unfruitful. 5. Humility. Fifthly, with these, Humility must go along: for by it, we acknowledge with the Publican, Luc. 18. (whom our Saviour commended to us for a pattern) our own unworthiness to deserve any favour; which Humility (as appeareth by that story or parable) made his prayer more acceptable to God, than the vaunting and boasting of the proud Pharisee. And David saith, Psal. 51.17. A broken and contrite heart, O God thou wilt not despise. And the Son of Sirach. The prayer of the Humble pierceth the Clouds. Ecclus. 35.17. And the Virgin Mary, he hath exalted the humble and meek. Luc. 1.52. And this Humility, is likewise two fold. First of the Spirit. Secondly, of the Body. 1. For by the Humility of the Spirit, we acknowledge the impurity of our souls, and confess ourselves wicked, miserable and wretched in our own sight, and that our strength is not worth the boasting of: which kind or manner of praying, hath ever wrought effectually with God: as by the Prophet Esay he confesseth. To this man I look, Esa. 66.2. even to him, that is poor and of a contrite Spirit. And the Psalmist testifieth how propense, and propitious God is to such kind of petitioners. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, Psal. 34.17. and will save such as be of an humble Spirit: and the Blessed Virgin acknowledgeth that she found the fruits of her Humility. Luc. 1.48. He hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden. 2 Secondly, we must show our Humility, by a reverend posture of the Body too. For it was ever the ancient and usual custom in prayers and supplications, to use the most humble and decent gesture of body, that might be, thereby to testify the Sympathy of the Body with the Soul. a 1. King. 8.22. Solomon, at the dedication of the Temple, stood before the Lord, and spread forth his hands to Heaven. b Luc. 18.13. The Publican stood and smote his breast. c Exo. 17.11. Moses held up his hands to Heaven. d Dan. 6.10. Daniel. e Act. 7.60. Stephen. f Act. 9.40. Peter. g Paul kneeled. h Psal. 95.6. David kneeled and lifted up his eyes. i Matth. 26.39. Lastly our Saviour Christ, (every one of whose actions ought to be a rule to us) sometimes fell on his face, sometimes k Lue. 22.41. kneeled, and sometimes l 10.11.41. lifted up his eyes when he Prayed. And to this reverend gesture of the Body, must be added the unconering of the head. m 1. Cor. 11.4. Our heads must be bare, and not pray so familiarly, as if we were speaking to our equals: for the higher and more eminent the person is, whom we petition; the more reverend, and submiss, ought our behaviour to be to him. 6. In Perseverance. In the next place: we must resolve with ourselves, not to be impatient of delays, (as we call it) if God seem not to hear us presently. But we must Pray with perseverance. Our Saviour himself (immediately after he had prescribed unto his Disciples that absolute form of prayer) taught them also (and us in them) the effects of this perseverance, by the Example of the friend that came in the night to borrow loans. Luc. 11.8. Which effects also, Psal. 40.1. David and the woman of Canan felt. Matth. 15.28. Wherefore not without good reason, did Saint Paul so often counsel this assiduity, Colloss. 4.2. and instancy in prayer. 1. Thess. 4.17. If therefore our prayers be not heard (as we conceive) at the first, second, or third time, shall we then give over? Surely no, we must not leave so. For no doubt, but he which said, Luc. 11.9. Ask and ye shall have, will also give what he hath promised; when he thinketh expedient, that we should receive it. O tarry thou the Lords leisure, saith David. And let not us prescribe to God, Psal. 27.14. either time, place, or manner; but let us in all modesty, willingly and patiently attend his good pleasure. For he many times de●…yeth us, and putteth us off, either to prove our faith, perseverance, and patience, and so to reward us the more plentifully; or else, lest we should loathe, or little esteem his Blessings, by obtaining them too easily. Fervency and ottention. Two other qualities there are which seem to depend upon this virtue of perseverance, namely fervency of the Spirit, for what we crave: and Attention and regard, to what we crave. For it is not a i'll and cold Perseverance, or expectation, that will serve our turns, to prevail with God, but a fervent Spirit to pursue, the same. For God heareth not, at least regardeth not, cold, faint, and drowsy prayers, nor loud crying, long babbling, or many tautologies or repetitions; (not intending or minding what we pray for) which proceed only from the lips: but it is the affection, and zealous desires of the devout, mixed with sighs, tears, Ro. 8.26. and groans, not to be uttered, which move, and prevail with him. For God (being a Spirit) looketh to be worshipped in Spirit. To which purpose it is, that our Saviour Christ adviseth us, when we pray, to enter into our Closets, and to s●ut the door: intimating to us thereby, Mat. 6.6. that (we being alone, and private) should cast away all public, wandering, and worldly thoughts, which trouble our devotions; and hinder us from lifting up our hearts unto God: and wholly, fervently, and considerately, bend our thoughts and desires unto him. And these retired Soliloquies, and private meditations and conferences, between God and our souls, and between our selves and our souls, have ever been much approved by the Ancients. Our prayer (saith an ancient Father) ought to be in such manner, Ephr. Syr. 1. Sam. 1. as Hannas was. She wept & prayed, and her lips only were perceived to move. Let every one hear this, and imitate it; especially they, who with extreme babbling, without all modesty, yet with loudness of voice, make their prayers. Let us therefore pray with sighs and groans: But withal taking heed (as much as we can, with God's assistance and our own endeavours) that in the time of our prayers, no extravagant thought steal upon us, least happily we have one thing in our hearts, and another in our tongues. And to this purpose also speaketh Saint Basile. Basil Serm. in Martyr. julittam. All our prayers ought to be made, not in syllables, but in the hearty affection of the Soul. For how do, or can we think, that God will give us that, for which we pray, when by our behaviour and gesture, our faint and weak solicitation, we seem to him, that either we do not want, what we pray for, or, that he will upon every sleight and cold motion, be persuaded to give us, what we desire? Or how can we expect, to be heard of God, when we ourselves (not being serious in our devotions, but diverted with other fantasies:) hear not, nor know what we do petition for? The wise man therefore, giveth us good, and wholesome counsel in this matter; Before thou prayest, Ecclus. 18.23. prepare thyself, and be not as one that tempteth the Lord. Of the Time and Place for Prayer. 1. The Time. TAke a little taste of the Time when, and the Place where, our prayers are to be offered up to God. For the Time in general, the places before named, do, and may direct us. a 1. Thess. 5.17. Pray without ceasing. b Colloss. 4.3. Continue in Prayer. And c Eph. 6.18. Luc. 11.18. Pray always. More particularly, d Num. 28.3. Twice a day (that is, Morning and Evening) The sacrifices were to be made. David prayed thrice. e Psal. 55.18. In the Evening, Morning, and at noon day: And f 119.164. Seven times in a day. g Dan. 6.10. Daniel prayed thrice. In the morning before day h Mar. 1.35. Christ prayed. David prayed i Psal. 63.1. early. k Act. 2.15. The Apostles at the third hour of the day. l 10.9. At the Sixth hour. m 3.1. The ninth hour. And David at n Psal. 119.62. midnight. 2. The Place For the Place. In all places saith a Exo. 20.24. God. Every where saith b 1. Tim. 2.8. Saint Paul. Christ prayed in c Mat. 1.35.35. the desert. On a d Matth. 14.23. mountain. e Matth. 26.36. In the Garden. f Gen. 24.63. Isaac in the field. g Act. 10.9. Peter prayed on the house top or tarris. h Psal. 111.1. In the congregation saith David. To the Temple went i Act. 3.1. Saint Peter Saint john, and Saint k 22.17. Paul. And Christ bids us, when we would be private in prayer, and not be molested, to go to our l Matth. 6.6. Closets. So that it appeareth, that there is no Time, nor Place unseasonable, to offer up our Prayers unto God, as occasion shallbe offered, though the chief place for public prayer, is the Temple, and for Private our Closets. How to pray aright. To pray aright But it may come to pass, (though we be prepared and fitted with all the former circumstances) that we may pray, and not be heard) if (in the last place) we do not carefully consider to pray for those things, which are fit and requisite for God to give, and for us to receive. For as Saint james saith, many times we ask and receive not, ja. 4.3. because we ask amiss. For our better instruction therefore, we are to consider, that there be two sorts of blessings, to be required of God. First Spiritual. Secondly Temporal. Spiritual Blessings. 1. The first part, pertain to Gods own honour, and the good of our own souls: as Faith, Hope, Charity, Thankful hearts, Remission of sins, and other of the same kind, which are merely, Spiritual, and Heavenly. And these Blessings we may (without doubt) safely and confidently beg at God's hands, and he will not deny them. Temporal. 2 The Second, are Temporal and Indifferent; as Riches, Honour, Health, Peace, Seasonable times, Children, and the like. And these are not to be prayed for, but (according to Christ's pattern of prayer) with thy Will be done, Matth. 6.10. or according to Christ's practice) with a not as I will, 26.39. but as thou wilt: or with the Leper in the Gospel, Mat. 8.2. Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. Bern. Serm. 5. in quadrag. Saint Bernard disposeth these into three heads. Two, for blessings of this life, for the Body, and Soul, and the third, for the life to come: and in praying for these, he giveth three Cautions, with his Reasons. First, that our prayer for Temporal blessings, which the Body wanteth, be restrained to things needful: because many times we pray for things superfluous, to satisfy our pleasures. Secondly, that our petition for the Graces of the soul, be free from impurity, because we oftentimes desire to have them for Ostentation. Thirdly, that our request for the blessing of eternal Life, be in all Humility: because many require it at God's hands, as presuming upon their own merits. Our Prayers being thus qualified, being preferred only to God, in Faith, Hope, Charity with God and our Neighbour, Humilitiy of body and soul, perseverance, fervency of Spirit, our souls and bodies attending to what we pray for, and in due time and place, praying aright, both for temporal and Spiritual blessings, we shall (no doubt) by the mercy of God, through the mediation, intercession, and merits of jesus Christ, obtain (in his good time) all things which shall be needful, and expedient for us. Prayer divided into Parts. Devotions and Prayers are either Private or Public. 1. Private Prayers are, whereby every particular man prayeth to God, for those things, which he wanteth. In which kind of devotion, we ought at all times to exercise ourselves, because at all times, we stand in need of God's particular assistance: and therefore, we are tied or limited herein, neither to time, nor place; for whether it be in the night, or morning, midday or evening, at home or abroad, in the City or Country, in our beds or at our work, if we call upon him faith-fully, he will hear us. 2. Public prayers are, whereby the whole Congregation meet in a place, dedicated to God's honour, aswell to praise his Name, as to pray for those things, which shall be needful. For although Christians ought to pray privately, yet ought they not in the mean time, to neglect the public worship and service of God in the Church. For from the beginning it was held and observed, as a Duty required: and therefore, before the erection and dedication of Temples and Churches, the patriarchs, and holy men, erected Altars in certain places, where at set times of the day, they might offer Sacrifices, Exo. 29.39. and Public Prayer, to God. In the 2. joel 2. of joel, you shall find a set and prescribed form of prayer, for the Minister to use, together with the place and the Congregation, that were to assist. In the New-Testament also, Mar. 18.10. our saviour Christ himself (to encourage this holy duty of public prayer) hath promised his presence, amongst those, that shall be assembled and gathered together after this manner. Therefore, whosoever shall neglect these public assemblies, showeth and discovereth thereby, how little he regardeth Christ's company, or presence. These prayers are also distinguished into these parts. 1. Invocation. 2. Confession. 3. Thanksgiving. part 1 Invocation consisteth of. 1. Petitions, for the good of our own Souls in Spiritual things Bodies in Temporal things 2. Intercessions, either in praying for the good or against the evil of others. 3. Deprecations, against evil, Spiritual. Temporal. part 2 Confession is threefold. 1. Of our Faith. 2. Of the Glory of God. 3. Of our own sins. part 3 Thanksgiving is either 1. For deliverance from evil. 2. For Benefits received. To these may be added. part 4 Imprecation either. 1. Against the enemies of God 2. against the enemies of our souls incorrigible and irreconcilable. So that these rules be observed. 1. That it be not used for private hate or revenge: 2. That we rejoice not in any man's destruction. 3. That we aim at their correction. The use of the Lords Prayer. BEcause that our SAVIOUR CHRIST hath taught us how to pray, and hath put the very words (as it were) into our mouths, which we should use in praying. I think it necessary to begin with the same, which he hath so left unto us. 1. In respect of the Excellency of the Author of it, who, was no less than God. 2. In respect of the perfection of the work itself, (the prayer) for it comprehendeth in it petitions for all things, which we stand in need of. 3. In respect of the Efficacy of this prayer in working: for it cannot choose, but prevail and work much with God, for none knew the mind and disposition of God, better than he which composed it, which was God. And let it not lose any part of the due praise which belongeth to it, in regard of the compendiousness or shortness of it, for it deserveth the more henour, because though it be short, yet is also copious, and plentiful in matter, and therefore the more absolute and perfect. It is not therefore without cause that the Ancients have given so many excellent Attributes to it. As the Abridgement of the Gospel and our Faith. The Interpretation of our desires and hope. The very Bond of Charity. And an inexhaustible Treasury. Yet let not any man think, that our Saviour prescribed us this prayer, as that we should use no other, but be tied to the very words contained in it: but this we must conceive, that he made it, to bridle our desires; that though we make our petitions, and frame them according to our several necessities; yet, to keep us in compass: that we exceed not the limits, nor vary from the extent and bounds of this prayer. The use of it is two fold. 1. That we might be instructed by it, what is necessary in general to require of God, and not without need, seeing wee (being naturally blind in spiritual things) know not what is fit to ask: and many times, we crave those things (as Zebedees' children did) which are unworthy both of God and ourselves, Mat. 20.21. and might prove hurtful also to us, if they should be granted. And therefore (under certain general heads) he hath bounded the desires of the flesh, and taught us, after what man●… and rule, we should square all our petitions. For whatsoever we shall desire against the directions therein contained, disagreeth from the will of God, and therefore is neither good, holy, not profitable. 2. That we may be able thereby, to conceive, frame, and make all our prayers according to our several necessities, and after that petition, which fitteth us, as our occasions shall alter. The Lord's Prayer analysed. Our father. 1. Chr. 29.10. A Father, not a judge. One, being a name of goodness. Comfortable. The other, of Power. Terrible. Who durst be so bold, as to call thee Father, but that Christ did command it? For exceeding great is thy Majesty. And exceeding great is our Poverty. But we are bold to do it: for we come not of ourselves, thy Son Christ hath taught us the Form. Take notice of the words, they are thy Sons. Father Luc. 3.38. 1. Of all Creatures. In Creation. Preservation. Governing. 2. Of Mankind: which he form after his own Image. Gen. 1.26. 9.6. 3. Of Christians more especially, by Grace, Regeneration, Eph. 1.4,5. jam. 1.18. 1. Pet. 1.23. and adoption by jesus Christ who was the Son of God by Nature. Father. There is no Father like unto thee. When my Father and mother forsake me, Psa. 27.10. than the Lord will take me up. Thou art our Father, Esa. 63.16. though Abraham be ignorant of us. 49.15. Though a woman forget the Fraite of her womb, yet will not I forget thee. A most indulgent Father: To whom the prodigal son arose and went, Luc. 15.18. whom the insoluant servant besought. Mat. 18.27. Though thou be an angry Father, yet, a Father thou art. Though I be a wasteful and disobedient son, yet a son I am. Though I have lost the duty of a son, yet hast not Thou lost the compassion and Love of a Father. Father. Whom we find so to be, By his inciting us to good. Confirming us in it. Delivering us from tentations. Reclaiming us from sin. Crowning us with blessings. 1. If thou our Father. Then are we sons. How great, what manner of Love hast thou bestowed upon us, 1. joh. 3.1. that we should be called the sons of God? 2. If thou our Father, and we the sons of God. How great is the Honour, that we are, as it were Gods. 3. If thou our Father. Then are we brethren to Angels, as also to Men. Heb. 2.12. Saints, as also to Mean men. Christ himself. as also to Poor men. How great ought our Charity be? Let no man therefore extol himself above his Brethren, nor be ashamed to call any man Brother, whom God hath vouchsafed to call son. 4 If thou our Father: How great is our Hope? What are we to expect from thee? Even all things which a Father giveth to his Children. Mat. 7.11. What are we to render unto thee? Even all Duty and Obedience belonging to Children. Malach. 1.6. 1. Pet. 1.17. Our father. In no part of this prayer is found either the word Mine, or J. Our, is a word of Charity and Unity. Let every one therefore, not only pray for himself, but for others also; considering, that in so doing, he prayeth for him, whom Charity hath made as himself. Christ bore us all in his body, let us do the like to one another, in word and deed. For ourselves, Necessity compelleth us to pray, My Father. For our brethren, Charity inviteth us to pray, Our Father. In these two words, Our and Father, is comprehended the Law and Prophets. In Father, the Love of God. In Our, the Love of our Neighbour. And in these two words, is the Sum of the Gospel contained. In Father, our Faith. In Our, our Charity. Which art in Heaven. There are Earthly Fathers. These leave and forsake us: Their hands be shortened. We call not to them, but to thee, which art in Heaven: Esa. 66.1. Mat. 5.34. Psal. 19.1 Heaven is thy Throne. The Heavens declare the Glory of God. Not, that thou art only included in the Heavens: for (as Solomon said) the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain thee: 1. King. 8.27 but, as if that were thy Royal Palace, where the Elect shall enjoy thy Blessed presence. Thou art every where By thy presence. jer. 23.23. Esa. 66.1. In Heaven By thy excellence. In Heaven. A word of Hope. For if thou be our Father, and Lord, and King of Heaven, than our hope is, that our Inheritance is there also: That thou wilt not deny us an Inheritance, that hast vouchsafed to us the Title of Sons. Let us therefore take the wings of the Eagle, and be lifted up in our meditations to Heaven, being made heirs thereof. Let us look up to Heaven while we are on Earth. By Hope By Meditation Psal. 25.1. Unto thee O Lord do I lift up my Soul. Psal. 121.1. 123.1. I will lift up mine Eyes to the hills, whence comes my help. Psal. 130.1. Out of the deep have I called to thee O Lord. A word of Power. In Heaven. For thou art in that place, from whence, at all times, Thou canst send us help in danger good things in our need. plagues for our offences. Let us therefore be respective of his awful Majesty, and make our petitions to him, in fear and trembling, in all humility and reverence. And let us not beerash with our mouths, Eccles. 5. nor our hearts hasty to utter any thing before him: for God is in Heaven, and we (poor creatures) upon earth: which is but his footstool. Hollowed be thy Name. Being thus entitled and dignified with the Honour of Sons, we ought presently to consider our Duties, what we should render back. And what can a Son desire more, than the Honour of his Father. Blessed be thou our Lord, who hast given this power to men To Hallow To Magnify To Glorify Thy Name, which in itself is Holy. Which all thy works in general do sanctify. Psal. 103.22. 104.31. 145.10. Esa. 43.20. Psal. 97,5,6. Which all the unreasonable Creatures do hollow and praise. Which all reasonable Creatures as Angels and Men do glorify. The Angels and hosts of heaven. Esa 6.2,3. Psa. 103.20,21. Men. In Heaven already: In Earth, By their works. Mat. 5.16. In the Congregations. In Afflictions. job 1.20. Let us therefore do it. And that not contemptibly or slightly: but Holily and Carefully, in Thought, Word, and Profession. Thine And Lord, Ezech. 36.23 let thy Name be sanctified by others beside us, dilate this Power of Sanctifying thee: communicate thy Name more and more to the Gentiles; Exod. 9.16. make thy Gospel to spread to the ends of the earth; from the rising of the Sun, to the going down of the same, let thy Name be great among the Gentiles. Psal. 115.1. Not to us Lord, not to us, but to thy Name be the Glory. Thou art worthy O Lord to receive Honour and Glory. Reuel. 4.11. And thy Name ought to be sanctified by us above all things, for all other things are for us, and we for thy Glory only. Not that God shall get any thing thereby, or that he hath need of our sanctifying. But in regard of the Benefit, which will accrue to us by it: for this honour, will be an honour, to him that giveth it. Them that honour me I will honour, 1. Sam. 2.30. saith God. 2. Thes. 1.12. Thy Kingdom come. In this Petition we pray, First, for the coming of God's Kingdom. That he only may rule over us. Secondly, for the destruction and eversion of the kingdom of Satan. The Kingdom of God is threefold. First, of Glory, Secondly, of Grace. Thirdly, of Power. 1. Of Glory (hereafter) which indeed should be the scope of our desires, for we ought so to live here, that we may desire (without fear) the coming of this Kingdom. So to be affected at our death, that we may say; Lord now lettest thou thy Servant departed in peace. Luc. 2.29. So to be affected in our life, that we may often say, when shall I appear before the Lord? I desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ. Phil. 1.23. Come Lord jesus come quickly. Reuel. 22.20. 2. Of Grace, in this life in us. Luc. 19.11. That we be not of their minds who said, we will not have this man reign over us. But subject us O Lord to this Kingdom (that easy yoke of thine) that in all things we may be obedient to thee. Govern us, and reign in us, that Satan or sin reign not in our members. If thou be pleased so to rule in us here, we shall reign with thee hereafter. 3. Of Power, for there are many Rulers in this world, which oppose thy Kingdom. Arise O Lord, and take the Rule into thine own hand. Reign thou over us. Govern us within and without. Let thy Kingdom come, and that it may come in us, let it come into our Rulers. Make them like to thee in their government. Let them rule to thee, not to themselves. Let thy Kingdom be in them. And because, when this earthly Government is at the best, it is laborious and unperfect: Hasten thy Kingdom of Glory we beseech thee, in which will be no cause of complaint, but all things will be absolute and perfect. To which all the Creatures together with us, Rom. 8.18. earnestly wait even with groans. For all the votes and desires of the a Esa. 64.1. Luc. 10.24.2.19. Old Testament, were pitched upon the first coming of Christ: and all of the b 2. Tit. 13. New: upon the second looking for that blessed Hope, 2. Tim. 4.8. and Glorious appearing of the great God, Reuel. 22.20. and our saviour jesus Christ. Come. Come to us, but not upon us. Certainly it will come, will we, nill we. Let it come to us, not against us. Let us feel the happiness of it, O Father, in coming, not the violence of it, in rushing upon us. In the mean time let it come to us here, though not in the full fruition: yet in the certain hope and expectation, say unto each of our souls, Psal. 35.3. I am thy salvation. Thy will be done. Thy absolute and Eternal Will, which none can oppose or withstand. Esa. 14.24,27. Thy revealed Will, which we may contradict. Let both be done. Let us show our obedience to thee here, Psal. 103.20. as the Angels do in Heaven. All other Creatures obey thy Will, Mat. 18.10. only Man is disobedient to it. Thy Revealed Will, which commandeth us to be humble in conversation, firm in faith, just and charitable in works: true in words; to love thee with all our hearts as a Father, to fear thee as a God: to prefer nothing before Christ, (who preferred us before all things) and the like. Thy Will, and all thy Will, without exception. Thy Will, and not our Will. a Act. 21.14. The Lords Will be done. b jam. 4.15. If the Lord will. Thy Will be done, in all things, as well in things pleasing, as displeasing to us: but especially, let it be done in us. That our blind and perverse will may be led, by thy most holy Will. If our wills be refractory to thine, root out, dissipate ours, and establish thine. Turn our Nill, into thy Will. In earth as it is in heaven. In earth as in Heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. In earth as in Heaven, Thy Kingdom come. In earth as in Heaven, Thy Will be done. Let Heaven be the pattern and Rule, to Earth, in all things. Let us begin to be on Earth, as we would be in Heaven hereafter. In earth. In Earth, in all the Earth. But especially in this part of the earth, where we live. We are of this Earth, let thy Will be done in us. As in heaven. As in Heaven, not as much, or as well: But let us imitate, though we cannot equal. We beg thy grace, to do thy Will, as thy Angels and Saints do it. But because many things hinder us, we say with Saint Aug. Aug. Give us power and ability to do thy commands, and then command us what thou pleasest. And if our condition in this life, will not admit so much, yet Lord accept our desires, which cry to thee, Thy Will be done. And if our desires be also unperfect, yet hear our cry, in the Prophet's words. Our souls have longed to desire thy Laws and Commandments always. Psal. 119. Give us this day our daily Bread. Here we may consider the excellent Order of this Prayer, for what ought a Son before all things with more fervency desire, than the Honour of his Father, the prosperity of his Kingdom, and obedience to his Will? And in the next place, what is more proper to children, then to ask Bread of their Father? There is in us a double nature or substance, which requires two sorts of Bread. 1. The Soul hath her viands to be provided. a Esa. 55.2. The Bread of Angels. b jer. 15.16. Psal. 65.4. Heb. 5.13.14. The Bread of heaven, the Word. c joh. 6.33.35.48. The Bread of Life, Christ jesus in the flesh. Lord give us of this Bread evermore. joh. 6.3.4. 2. The Body, also cryeth for her sustenance, her Bread, that is, all the necessaries of this life: Psal. 132.15. for except it be satisfied likewise, it draweth our minds from thee. Thou hast promised O Father, to add all other things to us; Mat. 6.33. if we first seek thy Kingdom. Behold we have sought it, give us therefore Bread either fine, middlesort, or course, which of them shall seem good to thee. And which may feed, and not choke us, either with the care of them, or neglect of thee. With Bread, give us O Lord, a Levit. 26.26 1. King. 19.8. The staff of Bread. b Psal. 6.2.91.16. Health of Body. Wholesome Air. c Pro. 15. Content in mind. Convenient dwelling. Peace in our days, and the like. Our Bread. Ours: gotten, either by a Mat. 7.7. Prayer, or b Gen. 3.19. Labour. Ours: 2. Thes. 3.8. as first Thine: Thine, by Gift, Ours, by Use. Not due to us, but of thy mercy and bounty, given to us. Ours: 1. Thes. 5.14 So, as if we have more than we need, we are to communicate it, to those which want. Ours: that being contented with our own, we covet not other men's. Daily Bread That we daily wanting, might daily pray for it, and that we daily receiving, might daily praise thee for it. To put us also in mind of the the uncertainty and shortness of this life, that begging Bread, but for a day, it may be perhaps enough, for the time we have to live. Bread. For our necessity, not for superfluity. Which may profit the Soul, and not hurt the Body. Which may nourish the Soul, and not destroy the Body. If the Lord will be with me, Gen. 28.20. and will keep me in the way that I shall go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I return in peace, than the Lord shall be my God. Two things have I required of thee, Pro. 30.7,8,9 deny me not them before I die; Remove fare from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty, nor riches, feed me with food connenient for me: lest I be full and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor and steal, and take the Name of my God in vain. Give. Give it thou. Bless the labours of our hands. Break it thou, and give it: Let not us take it: for if thou give it, thou wilt give it in time, place, and measure. Whereas, if we take it ourselves, we observe none of these rules, but take it, to the destruction of our own souls, and bodies. To us. Not only to me, and my family, but to all thy servants that need it. This day. That is this day of our life. This time. For we being uncertain of our Days, Heb. 3●… why should we beg bread for uncertain times? For we are not assured of an age, a year, or a day. Our life is but a day; and a day is the resemblance of our life. Yet for all this, Providence is not hereby forbidden, or that none should lay up with a Gen. 41. joseph, or with the b Pro. 6.6. Ant. Give us O Lord, Bread convenient and meet, to serve us to day, and to morrow also. And forgive us our trespasses. Esa. 27.9. This is all the fruit, to take away sin. Esa. 59.2. Our iniquities have separated between us and our God, and our sins have hid his face from us, that he will not hear us. jer. 5.25. Our iniquities have withheld good things from us. Lam. 3.44. Thou hast set our sins as a Cloud, that our prayers might not pass through. joh. 9.31. We know that God heareth not sinners. As long as our sins stand up against us, and are not forgiven, we are out of hope, of receiving any good at God's hands. Forgive. Therefore O Lord, not only give, but forgive also. The Gild. The Punishment. And in this, thy mercy is manifested, that thou givest to those, who, after they have received, must crave forgiveness. Give unto us, who are thine enemies, and when thou hast given, forgive us also. Thou hast not dealt so with Angels. Their sins are not, jude 6. will not be forgiven: ours may, in thy good pleasure. We are unworthy: Let us not be unthankful. Our trespasses or debts. We become debtors or trespassers, as often as we omit, and leave undone, those things which thou commandest us to do: and commit those things which thou forbiddest. And of these, some are done Ignorantly others Of our own knowledge. Unwillingly others Wittingly & greedily. Before our calling others Being called. Against God others Against our neighbours and ourselves. In heart others In word & deed. By ourselves others By others as authors or provokers Of Commission others Omission. Secretly. others Of which our heart reproveth us. Forgive them O Lord, retain not the offence, exact not the punishment. Be reconciled unto us, By laying aside thy displeasure: By receiving us to Grace. Forgive. Acts 7.60. 2. Tim. 4.16. And as thou forgivest us. So also forgive our enemies As we forgive them that trespass against us. Not to prescribe an example to God, to imitate us, nor, that we merit in forgiving others, but to testify, how great a matter, it seemeth to us, to forgive offences. Blessed be thou O Lord, for propounding to us, so easy a condition. To forgive a mite, and be forgiven a Talon. Oh happy exchange, to receive gold for dross. Herein O Lord, thou dealest wonderfully and mercifully with us, that we daily praying thus, are daily to forgive, and to be forgiven. And thou dost bind us, by this condition of mutual forgiveness. For he that forgiveth not, doth pray against himself, and in effect doth pray thus. Lord forgive not me, for I do not forgive. Grant us therefore grace, to follow thy Example; fully and freely to forgive the offence, and not retain the punishment, or any malice, against those, whom we seem to forgive. As we. Not so much in quantity: but the like in quality. For we forgive imperfectly, thou absolutely, and perfectly. And lead us not into temptation. There are two sorts of Tentation. 1. Of Trial. 2. Of Deceit, or Seducing. 1. That of Trial is, when God doth any thing to prove the constancy, and affections of his Servants, and this is good. As of a Gen. 22.1. Abraham, of b job 1. job, of his c Exo. 15.25.16.4.20.20. people. 2. That of seducing, is, when we are tempted by the Devil, his ministers, or our own flesh, Deut. 8.2.16.13.3 to forsake God, and his Commandments, and this temptation, we pray against. For what Benefit will redound to us, in forgiving our old sins, if we contract new. O Lord, not only pardon that which is past, but prevent us from committing the like. Let us not be encouraged to sin, because of thy bounty, in blotting out our former offences, but rather to Thankfulness, and care to offend thee no more. Deliver us from that which is past. Subuention. Keep us from that which is to come. Prevention. Let us not turn with the dog to the vomit, or the Sow to the mire. 2. Pet. 2.22. It is enough, 1. Pet. 4.3. that we have spent the time passed in the works of the flesh. For the enemy is never readier, or nearer to us, then when the house is clean swept. Mat. 12.44. Therefore, the danger being so near us, give us grace, to be the more wary of him. For behold O Lord, he is at hand to ensnare us, either with his own Malice, the delights of the World, or the pleasures of the flesh. If he cannot prevail by fair means, yet by force to compel us. If he cannot puff us up with delight, yet to deject us with sorrow. Wherefore O Lord forsake us not: and by forsaking us, Led us into tentation. For of ourselves without thee, we have no power to resist Satan: neither hath Satan without thee, any power to Tempt us. Let no Tentation, but such as is common to man, 1. Cor. 10.13. take hold on us. Give us a happy issue with our Tentation: let it be to the Trial of our faith, and the Confusion of Satan. Led us no further in, than thou wilt bring us out again. Thou O Lord leadest none in, but who first leadeth in himself, nor hardnest any, but those, who first harden themselves. Ecclus. 3.26. Let not us be rebellious, and provoke the Tempter, nor love danger, lest we perish therein. It is a dangerous thing to be tempted for the uncertainty of the victory. It is Presumption, to desire it: but Humility, to decline it. It is joyfully to be endured, but by no means, to be desired. But deliver us from evil Not only Led us not: That is not sufficient, except thou deliver us also. If we cannot be free from Tentation, yet deliver us from the Evil of it. From Tentation that is Evil. From evil. All things are Evil, which divert us from Thee, but especially, That Evil enemy of thine, and for Thy sake, our Enemy: for he is not our enemy, in respect of ourselves: for we are not of such strength, as that he should desire to oppose us, but he is our Enemy, because we are thy children, and belong to Thee. Deliver us O Lord, from his bondage. Psal. 68.1. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered. Psal. 89.23. Let not the enemy be able to do us violence, nor the son of wickedness, hurt us. Psal. 86.13. Deliver our Souls O Lord: From the nethermost Hell. Psal. 22.20. From the power of the dog. Psal. 22.21. From the Lion's mouth, and the horns of the Unicorns. Psal. 69.15. Out of the mire, that we sink not. Psal. 69.16. From the deep, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon us. And not only deliver us from Him, but from his Malice also. From whatsoever poysou, he hath breathed on the Creatures. From the Enmity of the World. From whatsoever is ill in our flesh. Deliver us also O Lord, from the Evil of Punishment, from the Evils, and miseries of this life: Especially of the life to come. Amen. Behold O Father, we have (according to thy Son's Directions, and form) presumed, to crave those things, which we want: we have made our need known unto thee. We desire of thee O Father, that thou wouldst grant us those things, which we have craved of thee. We sigh and groan to thee, and pray thee to confirm our votes and wishes, with thy Seal, So be it. Grant us our petitions for his sake, that is a true and faithful witness, and in whom all thy promises are Yea, and Amen. Honour him in us, who deserve of ourselves (without him) no good, but much evil at thy hands. And say to our petitions, Amen. So be it. Our Father which art in heaven. O Almighty Lord and our Heavenly Father, whose Fatherly power and goodness, is seen, in the Creation, preservation, and governing of all things, and upon whom, as a Father, we wait and depend for all that is good: who art in all places, by thy presence, but especially in Heaven by thy Excellence. We thy poor children, whom thou hast preferred before the rest of thy creatures, Psal. 8. do, from the bottom of our hearts, Hallowed be thy Name. wish and desire, that thy Name may be Hallowed, glorified, and magnified, from the rising of the Sun, to the going down thereof, even through all parts of the world: and that it may the better spread, from one Nation to another, give us grace (who have received the adoption of Children) so to walk before thee, Eph. 1.4. in holiness and righteousness, that the Heathen, Mat. 5.16. who have not known thy Name, seeing our good works, may glorify thy Name together with us. Thou seest O Lord, Thy Kingdom come. that we have many Tyrants amongst us in this life, as the Devil malicious and cruel: the World vain and curious: the flesh frail and deceitful: and our own Will vile and corrupt, all which do impetuously tyrannize over us, and oppose themselves against thy Kingdom. Arise therefore O Lord, and suppress these Tyrants, and rule over thine and our enemies, by thy power, and in us by thy Grace, that we may hereafter be subjects in thy Kingdom of Glory. Let thy Kingdom come, and govern us by thy Providence, defend us by thy Might, lead us by thy Spirit, and teach us by thy Word Drive fare from us, the Prince of this World, and do thou only Rule in us. Thy Will be done in earth as it is in heaven Give us grace, to follow the example of thy Blessed Angels, and all other thy Creatures, who readily, and joyfully do thy Will. Let our wills follow thine in all things, and let nothing be displeasing to us, which thy Will hath decreed, either for our prosperity, or adversity. Let us do nothing contrary to thy Will, but let the performance and execution of thy Will, be the whole scope and aim of our thoughts, words, and actions. And to this end, give unto us thy holy Spirit, which may direct our Wills, enlighten our understandings, mollify our hearts, and make them obedient to thy Will. Give us this day our daily Bread. We further cry unto thee O Lord (who givest food to every living Creature, and feedest the young Ravens that call upon thee) and pray thee, Psal. 145.15.147.9. that thou wouldst likewise, give unto us this day our daily bread. First, and above all, the Bread of Life, which may nourish us spiritually: and after that, Bread for our bodies, to sustain nature. Give us we beseech thee, all things necessary (not superfluous) for this life: and grant, that we, using thy blessings as becometh us, may be strengthened and enabled, to pass this life quietly, and soberly, and at the end of these our days, by the merits, and intercession of our Saviour jesus Christ, obtain life eternal. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And for as much O Lord as we know, that thou hearest not unrepentant sinners, and that our sins have (long since) prevented our prayers, and ascended into thy presence, to stop the current of thy mercies, and to call for vengeance against us: O Lord behold, that we earnestly repent us of them, and are hearty sorrowful for them. Wherefore we humbly pray thee, for thy great mercies to mankind, in thy Son Christ jesus, that thou wouldst be pleased, to be reconciled unto us, and to forgive us our trespasses. Enter not into judgement with us, Psal. 130. for if thou do, no man is able to abide the mildness of thy justice, much less the severity of it. Give us also grace, to follow the Example of our blessed Saviour, who forgave his enemies, and prayed for them, that we may forgive them that trespass against us. Lest, when thou comest to judgement, thou dealest as severely with us, as thou didst with him, Mat. 18. who had much forgiven, and would not forgive a little. And lead us not into temptation. Thou knowest O Father, how unapt we are of ourselves to think a good thought, much less, to resist so great enemies, as are hourly ready to assail us: suffer us not therefore to be tempted above our abilities; Neither (by forsaking us, or withdrawing thy hand of protection from us) Led thou us into tentation: but Lord so strengthen us, (that although it be not good for us, to be altogether free from tentation, yet) by thy aid and Grace, we may have a happy issue, and joyful deliverance from it. But deliver us from evil. And as, we have humbly prayed thee, not to lead us in: So we further desire thee to deliver us out, of all evil. For as long as we remain in this flesh, we shall have continual strive & wrestle, with divers evils, but especially, with the Evil spirit, the enemy to Mankind, who omitteth no opportunity to bring us into his bondage. But we are comforted O Lord, with the assurance of thy mercy, which can effect, & work more to our Salvation, than his Malice to our Destruction. Grant therefore O Lord, that we may be delivered from all evil, and from all our enemies spiritual and temporal, that so, we may serve thee ever hereafter, in holiness, and righteousness, Luc. 1.15. all the days of our life. Amen. Having thus discovered, and laid open our necessities to thee O Lord, in that form and manner, which thy Son directed us, we humbly pray thee, to say Amen, to all our petitions. In his Name, and for his merits sake, we pray thee, to grant them. For, though we have no deserts to challenge them, yet his Merits are numberless, by which we plead for them. And with this Sacrifice, and Oblation, we are bold to come unto thee, not only craving pardon for our sins, but supply of our necessities. We come not to thee of ourselves, presuming of any thing in us, but we are sent by thy Son jesus Christ, who hath commanded us, with confidence to press unto thy Throne, and in his Name to ask, whatsoever we shall need, either for this life, or the life to come. And as he hath sent us, so hath he also, put into our mouths, words, meet for our requests. O Lord take notice of the Style, it is his own, and for his sake, say to what we have required, Amen. So be it. And thou O Blessed Saviour, God and Man, intercead (we beseech thee) for us: for thou only art our Advocate, Mediator, and Intercessor, to the Father. Cover our imperfections, and nakedness, with the Robes of thy Righteousness, and supply our poverty, with the Riches of thy Merits: and cast not those from thy favour and grace, whom by Nature, thou of thy goodness, hast vouchsafed to make thy Brethren. Who livest and raignest, with the Father and Holy Spirit, now and for ever Amen. Petitions for Spiritual Graces. Psal. 119.5. OH that my ways were directed, to keep thy Statutes O Lord. Psal. 94.12. Blessed is the man, whom thou teachest, out of thy Law. Psal. 119.18. Open mine eyes, that I may see the wondrous things of thy Law. Psal. 143.10. Teach me to do thy Will, for thou art my God, let thy good spirit lead me, into the land of Righteousness. Give me grace O Lord. Rom. 7.18. To know, that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing. To abstain from fleshly lusts, which fight against the Soul. To keep in mind always, that the world passeth away, and the desires thereof, and that, the benefit which a man getteth by the world, is nothing but destruction. Truly to say, Psal. 119.52. I have remembered thy everlasting judgements, and my Soul receiveth comfort thereby. O Thou that a 1. Pet. 5.5. givest grace to the humble, give me grace to be humble. Give me a good heart, which, Luc. 8.15. hearing thy Word, may keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. O Lord, Gen. 6.8. let me find grace in thine eyes. Heb. 12.17. Let me find a place, and time of Repentance. Let me not receive thy Grace in vain. 2. Cor. 6.1. Let Heb. 12.15. me not fail, or fall from it. But Act. 13.43. let me continue in it. And 2. Pet. 3.18. let me grow in it. To the end of my days 2. Cor. 7.11. Give me O Lord the works of Repentance. Carefulness. Defence or clearing myself. Indignation. Fear. Vehement desire. Zeal. Revenge. Phil. 4.8. Give me Grace to think upon & do Whatsoever things are True, Venerable, Honest, Just, Pure, Lovely, Of good report. Give unto me o Lord Humility of heart, Charity to my Neighbour, Patience of mind, Temperance of life, Chastity of body, Contentedness of mind, Alacrity of Spirit. Give unto me, good Lord. Perfect knowledge of my sins, Hearty sorrow for them, Perfect hatred against them, Fervent love to all goodness, True obedience to thy Will. 2. Pet. 1.5. Give me grace O Lord to add. To faith, Virtue. To Virtue, Knowledge. To Knowledge, Temperance. To Temperance, Patience. To Patience, Godliness. To Godliness, Brotherly Kindness. To Brotherly kindness, Charity. Gal. 5.22. Give unto me o Lord the fruits of the spirit Love, joy, Peace, Long suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance. Give unto me good Lord. Contempt of the world, Hatred of sin, Loathing of the flesh. Desire of Heaven. Give unto me O Lord. A right Faith, to live well. A sure Hope, to persevere well. A perfect Humility, to obey well A true Charity, Never to be divided from thee. Give me grace O Lord, To be content with that which ●s necessary: To despise that which is superfluous. Grant O Lord, That I may so live, that I repent not to have lived. That I may so live, that no man may know, I have lived amiss. That I may so live, that I may always live. Luc. 2.29. That dying I may live, and living I may dye, and say with a cheerful Spirit, Lord now lettest thou thy Servant departed in peace: Phil. 1.23. I desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. Prayers for Spiritual Graces. O Blessed LORD jesus Christ, who art my only Tutor and instructor, and from whom I have learned, whatsoever I know, I beseech thee, that thou wouldst further teach me those things, whereof I am ignorant, and which are necessary for my Salvation: that thou wouldst keep me in those things which I have already learned, and rectify me in those matters, wherein, as a man, I err: strengthen me, and make me firm, whereinsoever I waver, and am doubtful, and keep me from that, which is erroneous and hurtful. Above all things O Saviour, strengthen my Faith, and give me grace daily to profit in the knowledge and understanding of thy Holy Word, and so govern all my actions by thy Holy Spirit, that my life may be answerable to my knowledge, and that I may show the fruits of whatsoever I have learned, by my good and religious conversation. Give me a firm and assured hope in thee, and thy gracious promises, that in all my troubles and necessities, I may have an assured confidence in thy mercy. Be unto me a strong tower of defence, against mine enemies: that whether the world allure me, the Devil assail me, or the flesh rebel; I may fly unto thee for refuge. And although thou presently put not forth thy hand to help me, but defer thy comfort according to thy good pleasure, yet keep me from doubting or despairing of thy aid, because thy promises are sure. Give me a fervent love, and perfect charity to my neighbour, that I may be as kind to him, and as careful of him, as of one, who is a member with me, of the same body, whereof thou (O sweet Saviour) art the Head. Let my love to him, be sincere and unfeigned, which may charitably, relieve him in his wants, patiently bear with his infirmities, and willingly forgive him all his trespasses against me. Create in me I beseech thee, a pure, mild, peaceable, and humble heart, which may think harm to no man; nor recompense evil for evil, but good, for injuries. Cleanse me from all unclean and earthly desires, and lift up my heart to thee, and Heavenly things: and so write thy Laws in it, that I may wholly bend myself, to keep them, and please thee, persevering in the same, to my life's end. Give me O Lord, true Compunction of heart, and so water it, with the dew of thy heavenly Grace, that I may in the bitterness of my soul, with abundance of tears, sighs, and groans, bewail and lament, all my heinous and grievous transgressions against thee. Give me grace O Lord, that I may not boast in any merits, or works of mine own, or have any confidence in them, but let me glory in this alone, that I am a member of that Body of thine, which was crucified for me, and did sufficiently satisfy, for all the sins of the world. If thou O Lord look, or expect or any merits from me, behold I tender unto thee thine own merits, the merits of thy death and Passion, which thou hast vouchsafed to make me partaker of; by virtue whereof alone, I dare boldly appear before thy Tribunal. These merits, I set between my sins and thy justice, and otherwise, or in any other manner, I dare not, I will not, contend with thee. O sweet jesus, I desire thee, to offer them to the Father, as a propitiatory Sacrifice, for all my great and grievous offences: that when my soul shall departed from this body, it may by the same, be freed and delivered, from all the judgements, and punishments, which are due unto it, for sin: and be carried to that blessed Place, where there is no sorrow, but endless felicity, where thou, together with the Father, and the blessed Spirit, livest and raignest for ever. Before Prayer. O Almighty and everliving God, Heavenly Father, to whom it is manifestly known, how inconstant, and wandering, the minds of Men are, in any good actions, and how easily we suffer ourselves to be carried away, from the contemplation of thee, by diversity of distractions, and unseasonable thoughts, which take hold of us, in the time of our devotions and prayers unto thee: who also (by thine only begotten Son Christ jesus didst prescribe unto his Disciples, a form of Prayer, to be offered up to thee, and hast derived the same from them, to us. Behold me, most wretched sinner, wholly depraved and corrupt, entreating thee, by the same Son, that for his sake, thou wouldst infuse thy holy Spirit into me, which may adopt me, into the number of thine Elect: that it may teach me how I ought to pray, according to thy Holy Will: that it may allay all troublesome and wandering thoughts in me, while I offer up my prayers and praises unto thee: Suffer me not to serve thee with my lips, and be absent in heart from thee: but create a right spirit within me, that I being sensible of all thy graces, and comforts, may with joyful and holy zeal, perform my duty to thee: that so, my prayers and desires may appear before thee, and in thy Son's Name, I may effectually be heard, and my petitions may be granted, to the glory and honour of thy most Holy Name, and the endless comfort of mine own Soul, through the same our only Lord and Saviour jesus Christ. Before a Sermon. O Most loving SAVIOUR, I most humbly entreat thee that rhou wouldst be pleased, at this time, to enlighten my understanding, and to open my inward ears, with the grace of thy holy Spirit, that I may hear the Sacred Word, with an humble heart, and rejoice in it, in the obedience of the Spirit: that I may be fully instructed thereby, how to do good, and avoid evil; and bring forth the fruit thereof in my life and conversation: that thy Honour and Glory may be thereby increased, the Devil, and all other the enemies of my soul, may be vanquished, my Soul may be saved, and at the last, I may appear with boldness, before thy Tribunal, and receive the reward of a good and faithful servant, even his Master's joy, everlasting Blessedness, and that, by thy merits only, O Blessed Saviour. Petitions for Temporal Blessings: In which we are to desire of God: THat he would be pleased to continue unto us: The Blessing of a good King, just, and religious. To give unto us: Magistrates and justices upright, and careful, to see good Laws duly executed. Teachers, to direct us in the Truth. That he would bless us with Length and goodness of Days, Health of Body, Contentedness of Mind, Competency of Estate, Food and Raiment, Conveniency of Dwelling, wholesomeness of Air, Fruitfulness of Cattles, That he would make us happy In Wedlock, In Children, In Faithful friends, In Peaceable & loving neighbours In Honest Servants, In Skilful Physicians. That he would preserve Our Goods, Good Name, Our Senses and understanding. That he would protect us, From Trouble, From Enemies, From Dangers, From Losses, From Sicknesses. That he would give Peace To all Nations, To our Land, In our private dwellings. Rules to be observed in the Morning. WHen thou awakest in the Morning, shut and close up the entrance to thy heart, from all unclean, profane, and evil thoughts, and let the consideration of God, and goodness enter in. When thou art arisen, and art ready, retire thyself to thy Closet, or other private place, and offer to God, the first fruits of the Day, and in praying to him, and praising him, remember: 1. To give him thankes, for thy quiet rest received, for delivering thee from all dangers, ghostly and bodily, and for all other his benefits to thee. 2. Offer unto him thyself, and all things that thou dost possess, and desire him, to dispose of thee and them, according to his good pleasure. 3. Crave his Grace to guide thee, and to strengthen thee from, and against all Tentations, that so thou mayest do nothing, the day following, contrary to his will. 4. And lastly, beg of him, (according to the Rules before prescribed) all things needful for the Soul and Body. To which purpose pray as followeth. Morning Prayer. I Thank thee O Heavenly Father, LORD of Heaven and Earth, for all thy Blessings, which I (undeservedly) have received from thee; that thou gavest me a being, from honest Parents, and in that part of the world, where thy Son Christ jesus, is purely professed: that thou didst endue me with reason and understanding, and didst also give me perfect members and senses: that thou hast preserved me since my birth, and vouchsafed me health and liberty, and a competency of means, to maintain me, and those, whom thou hast placed under me: that thou hast Elected me in thy Love, Redeemed me by thy Son, Sanctified me by thy Spirit, and kept me this night passed from all perils of body and Soul, and given me a sweet and comfortable rest. O Lord, I commend into thy hands, my soul and body, thoughts, words, and actions, and humbly beseech thee, that thou wouldst guide and order them all, to thy honour and glory, and my endless and eternal happiness. Enlighten my mind, that (the Darkness and cloudy mists of mine offences being dispelled) I may walk before thee, in my vocation, without offence, as in the day, clean, unspotted, and unblameable. Give unto me thy Holy Spirit, which may bridle my vain cogitations, and headstrong desires; and order thou (I beseech thee) my words, and rectify all my actions. O Lord, as thou hast of thy bounty, raised up my body from sleep, so stir up my drowsy soul, from the sleep of sin, and carnal security. Let my body be ever assistant to my soul, in all good actions in this life, that they may both be partakers of life everlasting. Thou O Lord hast promised (to those which shall faithfully ask) all things necessary for this life: give I beseech thee unto me (if it seem good unto thee) such a competent estate, as shall be expedient, to support my life, in a civil, modest, and religious manner. Give unto me that, which shall be convenient, but especially O Lord, 1. Tim. 6.8. a heart and mind contented, with whatsoever thou shalt be pleased to allot unto me. Grant O Lord, that in thy Name, I may cast forth my net, into the Sea of this world, and diligently, carefully, and with an upright conscience, follow that vocation, in which thou hast placed me, that by thine aid and assistance, I may prosper, and have good success, in all my affairs. Bless O Lord, the King's Majesty, govern his heart in thy fear, and guide his understanding, to do those things, which shall be acceptable to thee, and profitable to his kingdoms. Give him loving and loyal Subjects, and suppress his open, and secret enemies. And (together with him) bless his Queen, make her as the fruitful Vine on the house top. Psal. 128.3. Bless all the estate Ecclesiastical and Civil, from the highest to the lowest. Comfort the comfortless and helpless. Bring all Travellers to their own beings in safety, and direct all upon the Seas to their safe Ports. Show the light of thy Truth to those which wander out of the right way. Give to all sinners true and hearty repentance, strengthen those which have begun well, and give them thy assisting grace, that they may persevere in goodness. To all my friends, kindred, and enemies, and to those which pray for me, give all thy good blessings: Keep us all, from all evil, and make us to continue in thy Service, to our life's end; and after the course of this miserable life ended, bring us to thine everlasting Kingdom through jesus Christ our Lord. Or thus. ALmighty and Everlasting GOD I praise and bless thee, from the bottom of my heart, that of thy infinite goodness, thou hast preserved me this night past, and hast, with the impregnable defence of thy Providence, defended me, from the power and malice of the Devil, and kept me, both in soul and body from all his devices, and snares, and raised me from sleep (the Image of death) and not left me, to be stifled in the darkness of my sins, but hast given me a longer space, to repent me of them. I humbly entreat thee that thou wouldst not withdraw thy hand of Protection from me, but take me into thy Tuition. Watch over me with the eyes of thy mercy, and direct me in the way of thy Commandments. Endue me with those graces of thy Holy Spirit, which may assist me to pass this day, and the rest of my life, to the praise and glory of thy holy Name, the benefit of my Neighbour, and the salvation of my sinful soul. Keep me O Lord, from all sin, bridle and mortify my flesh, that I offend not, nor fall into any transgressions, which may provoke thy wrath against me. Direct my soul and body, my words and actions, according to the rule of thy Will. Divert my heart, from fastening too much on transitory pleasures, and convert it, to the delight of eternal joys. And because I am not worthy O Lord, that thou shouldest hear me, poor wretched sinner; behold I set before thee, the merits of thy only Son, who is the propitiation of our sins: look upon him, and for his Righteousness, pardon the offences of thy Servant: and grant to me Those things, by thy mercy, which by the strict Rule of thy justice, are not due to me. Defend me O Lord, from all mine enemies, Arm me with thy Spiritual weapons, put on me the Clothing of wisdom and strength; Ephes. 6. the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Helmet of Salvation, the Shield of Faith, and the Sword of the Spirit, that in this earthly Pilgrimage, I may manfully oppose the enemies of my Soul, the Concupiscence of the Flesh, Tentations of the World, and Malice of the Devil; that so having finished valiantly, the course of this Terrestrial warfare, I may hereafter praise thee in thy Celestial Kingdom. And thou O Lord, who givest food to every living Creature, Psal. 147.9. and feedest the young Ravens which call upon thee, be merciful unto me, in the supply of those necessaries, which I daily want. Preserve me in health, 1. Tim. 6.8. give me food and raiment, and sufficient to maintain me in that course of life, to which it hath pleased thee to call me: that having sufficient in all things, I may abound in good works. And grant that I may lead a quiet life, in all Godly conversation: that having and using thy blessings worthily, I may pass this life, with joy and comfort till it please thee, to call me to a better. Give thy blessings to the King's Majesty, the Queen, and the whole estate of this Kingdom, and grant that we all may bend our thoughts and studies to please thee, that at the last, by the merits and intercession of jesus Christ, we may be received to thy Heavenly Kingdom, Amen. Or thus. O Almighty Lord God, which day after day, dost minister to sinful man, infinite occasions, whereby he may be stirred up, to praise thy holy Name, and art most plentiful in pity, and favourable to those, which with pure hearts, and unfeigned faith, call upon thee: behold me, thy poor unworthy servant, with the eyes of compassion, that at this time a●… bold, to offer up unto thee, a morning Sacrifice of praise and thankes, for all thy blessings: and amongst the rest, for that thou hast vouchsafed after a sufficient and quiet sleep, to raise me safe from my bed again, which favour thou hast not afforded to many others, who in fare greater measure have deserved it, than myself; for which mercy of thine, I am not able (through my insufficiency and weakness) to give unto thee due praise, and thanksgiving. I pray thee therefore, in thy dear 'Zounds Name, (In whom thou art well pleased) to accept these poor and weak thankes, and for his sake also, to be further aiding and assisting unto me, this day following, in whatsoever I shall take in hand. For thou knowest O Lord, how feeble man's nature is, insomuch, that if he trust to his own strength, of necessity he must fall into many miseries, errors and dangers. Have mercy therefore upon mine infirmities, and be propitious and helping to me; that by thine Illumination, I may discern and perceive, good from evil; and by thy leading and direction, may follow the one, and avoid the other. Lord so guide me with thy Holy Spirit, that I may neither do, speak, nor think, any thing this day, contrary to thy holy Will. Behold O Lord, I offer myself, a Living Sacrifice to thee, and humbly pray thee to aceept it. Good God, direct my soul in the way of thy Commandments, increase my faith, strengthen my Hope, enlarge my Charity, and infuse all the good graces of thy Holy Spirit into me. Give me grace so to remember my sins, as that thou mayest forget them; and so to forsake them, as that thou mayest forgive them. Instruct me in all goodness, and give me the grace of Perseverance, that I fly not back, from any good courses in this life; but that I may go forward, and continue in them, to the end of my days. O Lord, who hast promised, the necessaries of this life, to those which shall first seek thy Kingdom. I humbly entreat thee, to give unto me this day, all things necessary for my sustentation; as food, raiment, health of body, joy of heart, peace of conscience, and a blessing to all my endeavours: give me a mind contented with that which shallbe sufficient, and not desirous of that which is superfluous: that I may pass the rest of my days on earth religiously, honestly, and soberly, as becometh thy servant, to thy honour, and my endless comfort. Be gracious to the Kings most excellent Majesty, his Royal Queen, the whole Estate, Clergy, Nobility, Gentry, Magistrates, and Commons; give us all grace, in our several places, to do our Duties, as in thy sight; that at the last (by the merits of jesus Christ our Saviour) we may receive the reward thereof, in thy Eternal Kingdom, where thou raignest together with the same our Lord jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, World without end. Morning Prayer for a Family. O Almighty Lord God, heavenly Father, we give thee most humble and hearty thankes, in that thou hast not only, of nothing created us after thine own Image, Gen. 1.9.6. but also hast from time to time, most graciously preserved us, even to this present Morning, from all dangers and terrors; and hast given us, this night past, sweet sleep & comfortable rest, whereby we are refreshed and fitted to our bodily labour. We thank thee, O Lord, for all thy spiritual blessings, for our Regeneration, justification, Sanctification in some measure, and our Redemption by jesus Christ. We praise thy Name, for thy bountiful supply of all things necessary for this life, as also, for thy patiented and long expectance of us, in our Conversion. O Lord, we confess, that we have been so fare from the serious consideration of thy favours to us, and from rendering due thankes unto thee for them, that in stead thereof, we have continually grievously offended thy Majesty, with most abominable and vile sins, notwithstanding thou hast sought to reduce us to thy obedience, by the good motions of thy Holy Spirit. As often O Lord, as we look about us, either with the eyes of our bodies or minds, so often do thy fatherly and innumerable benefits appear unto us. For all which, we render again and again, from the bottom of our hearts, infivite thankes unto thee; and humbly desire thee, for thy mercy's sake in Christ jesus, to pardon all our ingratitude and rebellions. Englighten us, we pray thee, with thy holy Spirit, that we may see our imperfections; kindle our zeal towards thee: rule and govern our minds, wills, affections, and actions, that we may not willingly offend thee any more: And give us Grace, that we may always think, speak, and do, whatsoever shall be pleasing unto thee, and abstain from all things, which shall displease or offend thee. It is more then enough, O Lord, that we have been hitherto so rebellious against thee: It is too much, that we have been so negligent to serve thee, and so ingrateful to thee, for all thy blessings. Let all evil and wickedness now departed from us, and let new manners, new affections, and new hearts be renewed in us. We commit ourselves, O Lord, wholly into thy protection, this day and the rest of our lives, and most humbly desire thee of thy infinite goodness, that, as now thou hast put good thoughts into us, thou wilt be pleased to perfect them in us: so, that being led, by thy holy Spirit, we may do that which is acceptable to thee, and love, serve, honour and praise thy holy Name all the days of our lives. And for as much, O Lord, as thou hast promised to those that love thee, all things necessary for this life, we call and cry to thee, O our Father which art in heaven, to Give us this day our daily bread, even whatsoever is needful and expedient for our sustentation. Give us, O Lord sufficient for our maintenance, lest we take evil and indirect courses, or blaspheme, or murmur against thee: and not too much, lest we forget from whose hands we receive it. Give not only that which shall be necessary, but contented minds also with it. Bless, O Lord, the labour and work of our hands, bless us at home and abroad, and grant, that every one of us, may truly (as in thy sight) walk in our several vocations, and diligently and carefully intent the same; making a conscience of all our ways, that by thy gracious favour, and our own endeavours, we may have prosperous success, in all things, which we shall undertake. Continue O Lord thy Gospel among us. Bless our gracious King, with the Queen, the Prince Palatine and the Lady Elizabeth, with their Princely Issue: the whole Land, and all sorts and conditions of people in it. Bless all that travel by Sea or Land, and take into thy protection, all Orphans, Widows, and all that suffer wrong: Give health and strength to the sick and weak, and joy and comfort to the sorrowful and afflicted. Bless us O Lord with healthful and sound bodies, keep our good names unspotted, and unblemished. Bless the fruits of the earth, and give us wholesome, peaceable and seasonable times. These and all other thy blessings, which thou knowest better to give, than we to ask; vouchsafe (if it seem good to thy Majesty) to give us, for the worthiness of thy Son jesus Christ our Lord, in whose blessed Name, and absolute prayer, we close up our imperfect prayers, and say as he hath taught us. Our Father etc. Rules for Evening and Night. As we usually twice a day at the least, take our bodily sustenance, so should we be no less careful, for the refreshing of our Souls; but twice a day likewise (Morning and Evening, if not oftener) dispose ourselves to Devotion and Prayer. When thou therefore retirest thyself (as in the Morning) remember. 1. To give God thankes, that he hath delivered thee from the dangers of the day past, prospered thee in thy affairs, and given thee necessaries for thy sustentation. 2. Examine thy Conscience narrowly, and consider wherein thou hast (the day passed) offended God, either in thought, word, or deed: and having set thine offences before thee, confess them to him, (and in the bitterenesse of thy Soul) repent thee, be sorry for them, and crave Pardon for them, and Grace, that thou offend no more in the like. 3. Pray to God, to continue his care over thee, the night following, and to defend thee from all perils and dangers. So that going to thy rest, with these good actions, and thoughts, thou shalt do the like to those, which rake up fire in the Embers over night, that they may the more readily find it in the morning. In the Night. WHen thou awakest in the night, call upon God likewise (for the night was not made wholly for sleep) praise him, contemplate, and meditate upon his works. Sometimes weep for thy sins, according to the practice of David. For as the nightly Dew refresheth and tempereth the Earth, Psal. 6.6. so do our nightly tears, assuage our concupiscences. (And sometimes rejoice in the Lord, according to that of the Psalmist) for the great benefits thou hast received from him. Psal. 149.5. By these means, keeping thyself to one holy exercise or other, thou shalt be sure, to avoid the Devil's tentations, whose chief time of setting upon us, fitteth best with his works, which are usually styled the works of Darkness. Evening Prayer. Psal. 42.10. The Lord hath granted his loving kindness in the day, therefore in the Night will I sing of him, and make my Prayer to the God of my Life. O Lord God, Father everlasting, I yield thee most humble and hearty thankes, that thou hast not only averted thy punishments from me, which my grievous sins have deserved, but instead thereof, hast preserved me from all dangers, and supplied me with all necessaries of this life. O Lord I confess, that I have so highly offended thee this day, that all the punishments which may be inflicted, upon vile and miserable sinners, are due to me. I confess O Lord, that I have offended thy Majesty in— Repeat the sins thou canst call to mind. And not only these do I acknowledge, but all the rest, which I have committed from my Infancy, to this present hour, wittingly or ignorantly, in thought, word, or deed, against Thee, my neighbour, and myself. O Lord, I confess my weakness, I do not that which I should, Rom. 7.19. and would do: but that which I should not, and am unwilling to do, I do: not regarding or fearing, thy incomprehensible glory, venerable presence, terrible power, exquisite justice, nor thy goodness unspeakable, for which, if thou shouldest enter into judgement, what would become of me? But O Lord, for as much as thou art a Father of mercies, and dost not desire the death of a sinner, if he return unto thee by unfeigned repentance: I most humbly (in the Name and Mediation of our blessed Saviour Christ jesus) crave pardon for them. Lord I repent, help my impenitency, and hear my request. Be merciful to me a sinner, and pardon all my offences, whereof thou, O Lord knowest me to be guilty. And I beseech thee O Lord for the time to come, to mollify my heart, water it with the dew of thy heavenly Grace, that I may not always bring forth Thorns and Weeds, fit for nothing but the fire. Convert me O Lord, & I shall be converted, open mine eyes, direct my heart and ways: Draw me after thee, and being converted, suffer me not to return again with the Dog to his vomit. 2. Pet. 2.22. And for as much O Lord, as thou hast appointed the Night to refresh our bodies, I humbly pray thee, to defend me (as well sleeping as waking) from the snares of the Devil. Psal. 31.5. O Lord into thy hands I commend my Spirit, which thou (by thy precious death and passion) hast redeemed. Suffer it not to sleep in sin, and in it to lie languishing unto death, and so be buried in the grave of thy judgements: but watch over it I beseech thee, and defend it under the shadow of thy Wings. Let me not be oppressed with unnecessary sleep, but raise me in due time, to thy Service and Praise. Thou knowest O Lord, that of myself, I have no strength waking, much less when I sleep: I humbly therefore pray thee to defend my soul, body, goods, (and all things which thou hast bestowed upon me) this night, from all evil and damage, and so to dispose of me, that I be not troubled with any terrors, terrified with any vain fantasies, weakened by any sickness, or impoverished with any casualties or crosses. Keep me O Lord from all evil dreams, and unclean thoughts, and compass me with a wall of thy mercies, that the Tempter approach not to my Bed: so that being preserved by thy protection, and refreshed with comfortable rest, I may arise, and offer unto thee, my daily bounden duty and service, even praise and thankes to thy most Holy Name. Or thus. O Blessed Lord jesus Christ, to whose inexhaustible bounty, we own all honour and praise, I give thee all possible thankes, that thou hast vouchsafed, to keep me this day from all evil, so that none of thy fearful judgements (to which I was justly liable) have fallen upon me, but of thy unspeakable mercy, thou hast preserved me from them, and hast also liberally, and with a bountiful hand, supplied me with the necessaries of this life, notwithstanding my great and manifold sins committed against thee. O Lord I confess, that I have wasted the time, (which thou hast given me for repentance) altogether idly, vainly, and unprofitably, not so much as considering or taking notice, that this day might have been the last of my life, but have added and heaped up sin upon sin, in thy all-seeing sight, as if I had stood in no fear of thee at all, daily renewing (as much as in me lay) thy torments and passions: for which, I have deserved, that the earth should open unto me, and hell devour me: and which, that it is not come to pass, I ascribe (withal thankful acknowledgement) to thy infinite mercy and goodness. O Lord I acknowledge, that it is of thy goodness alone, that I am thus preserved from all thy judgements, seeing that many calamities have befallen diverse others, who have less deserved them, than myself. That therefore some have perished by water, some by fire, some by sword, others by sudden and violent death, and that I live: that some have been taken blind, some lame, some distracted in their senses, that others have sustained much damage in their worldly estate, and I have escaped, and not been punished in any of these kinds, to what shall I ascribe and attribute the cause? surely to thy mercy alone, for which I cannot give unto thee, sufficient thankes. But O Sweet Saviour, as thy mercy exceedeth, so do our necessities increase, thou canst not want matter for thy mercy to work upon, by reason of our inabilities to help ourselves: wherefore, I further pray thee, that this night following, may be also safe and prosperous unto me, that by a sweet sleep, and comfortable refreshing, I may be fitted, when I awake, to serve thee, with a thankful, and cheerful heart. And because O Lord, that this life hath not one certain hour, Psal. 13.4. I beseech thee to enlighten mine eyes, that I sleep not in death, and grant, that after I have rested quietly, I may by thy grace and mercy arise, to serve thee, in singleness of heart. Lighten (O Saviour) my darkness, and mercifully keep me from all dangers of this night. Save me waking, and keep me sleeping, that I may watch in thee, and rest in peace. There is nothing that more resembleth our life, than the Day; nor Death, than the Night; nor the Grave, than our Beds: O Lord therefore, when I am laid down, and by sleep made unable to help myself, being like unto a dead man, defend me then, by thy power, from the crafts and assaults of the enemy, that he do me no harm; so that (though my body sleep) my soul may watch unto thee, and contemplate of the life to come. And grant, that having passed the night quietly, I may arise as well from the sleep of sin, as from my natural sleep; and with all alacrity, pass the day following, in thy service, and in the end of my pilgrimage (by thy merits) receive the Crown, which thou hast promised to those that love thee; in that day, which no night shall follow, and in that heavenly Kingdom, where thou raignest, together with the Father, and the Blessed Spirit, world without end. Evening Prayer. Psal. 141.2. LEt my prayer O Lord, be set forth in thy sight as the incense, and let the lifting up of my hands, be an evening Sacrifice. Psal. 55.18 In the Evening, Morning, and at noon day, will I pray, and that instantly, and thou Lord shalt hear my prayer. Psal. 91.5. Blessed be thou O Lord, who hast preserved me from the arrow that flieth by day, and from the sickness that destroyeth in the noon day. Esa. 38.12. Who hast not cut of my life like a weaver, nor made an end of me. O Lord I confess, that as my days have increased, so hath my sin multiplied. Pro. 24.16. The just man falleth seven times a day: But I miserable sinner, seventy seven times seven times. But I return to thee O Lord, and repent: Luc. 17.4. Let not the Sun go down in thy wrath. O Lord, whatsoever good I have done this day, I acknowledge, that thou hast wrought it in me, and desire thee graciously to accept of me for it, as thy Instrument only. O Lord, whatsoever evil I have committed this day, I confess it, to be the work of mine own hands, and hearty pray thee to pardon it. O Lord, which givest the sleep of health, to them that love thee, and causest those that fear thee, to sleep confidently. Psal. 13.4. Lighten mine eyes that I sleep not in death. Keep me from the terrors of the night, and from the works of darkness. Psal. 91.5. Lord though I sleep, yet let my heart watch to thee: and when I wake, let me be presently before thee, let my thoughts ascend to thee. Grant, that I may always remember, that the night is no night with thee, and that the darkness and light, are to thee alike. Psal. 139.12. Grant, that I may always meditate upon the long and last sleep, the sleep of death, the bed of my Grave, and the Covering of worms and dust. Let my sleep be a cessation from sin, and let me not in my sleep, do or think any thing, that may offend thee, or defile myself. And grant, that after the sleep shall departed from mine eyes, I may remember thee, search my reynes, and try my heart. O Lord, I commend myself, and all that (of thy bounty) is mine, to thee. In thee, I put all my trust and confidence. Thou seest in what dangers we are, what snares the Devil layeth for us. I humbly therefore pray thee to defend me from him. And grant me so to order and end my life, that I may sleep peace, and take my rest with thee, for the merits of jesus Christ, etc. Psal. 4.9. I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest, for it is thou Lord only, that makest me dwell in safety, Evening Prayer for a Family. O Almighty and everlasting God, who hath appointed all times and seasons to succeed in their due course; and hast ordained the day for the works of the day, and bodily labour, and the night to take our quiet rest and refreshing: by whose providence and mercy, we have been preserved this day from all dangers, and have been furnished with all things necessary for this life: we humbly pray and beseech thee, that now, in this time of night and darkness (wherein we poor and miserable sinners stand in most need of thy help and aid) thou wouldst be pleased, to keep us from all dangers spiritual and temporal. O Lord, we confess, that we have not deserved the least of thy favours; nay, if thou shouldest with strict eye, examine our actions, how we have spent this day, and the rest of our days past, we should not be able to stand in thy sight; much less beg any further blessings of thee. For (notwithstanding thy manifold and daily favours) we have in all things been rebellious and repugnant to thy blessed Will; and obedient and comformable to the command of our enemies, the Flesh, the World, and the Devil: in so much, as we have lost our liberties, and are become servants and slaves unto them. For we have wholly given ourselves to serve the pleasures of the Flesh, in concupiscences and other carnal Acts: we have harkened too much to the delights of the World; in covetous desiring that, which is not our own, in abusing the Creatures thereof, which were created for our necessary use, and not for our wanton and insatiable desires: and we are become the servants of Satan, in not opposing and resisting his unclean and wicked tentations. Our sins are infinite, and our iniquities are numberless, so that we cannot, nor are any way able to recount them unto thee. We have fled from thee, seeking us: neglected thee, Loving us: stopped our ears to thee, speaking to us: turned our backs to thee, reaching thy hand to us: forgotten thee doing good to us: and despised thee correcting us. Yet O Lord, we humbly entreat thee, to show thy accustomed mercy to us, poor and miserable sinners, who in grief and anguish of soul, confess these our offences, and earnestly and bitterly bewail them. Look upon us with the eyes of compassion, not for any thing in us, but for the love and respect which thou bearest to thy Son Christ jesus, in whom we verily believe, that thou art fully reconciled unto us. Take away our sins, and the punishment due unto us for them. Let thy wrath be turned from us, and destroy us not together, with our manifold transgressions. Lord thou seest our wickedness, and withal, how, and in whose name, we crave thy mercy. Turn thee O Lord, from thine anger, which thou mightest justly power upon us, and be gracious unto us, according to thy wont goodness, who abhorrest nothing which thou hast made. Create also, we beseech thee, in us, new hearts, hearts fit to serve thee, and write thy Law in them, with the finger of thy Holy Spirit, that all our desires and all our actions, may be conformable to thy blessed Will. And now again O Lord, we desire thy Majesty, to take our souls and bodies into thy protection this night following: suffer us not to sleep in sin, but watch over us, and defend us under the shadow of thy wings: Let not our sleep be excessive or immoderate, but raise us again in due time, that after a quiet and moderate sleep, we may arise to serve and praise thee joyfully; begin and perfect our works justly: labour in our vocations truly: and seek thy Kingdom earnestly: that at the last, by thee, with thee, and in thee, we may come unto the same Kingdom, by the merits of our Saviour jesus Christ, in whose Name and Prayer, we are bold to call further upon thee saying, Our Father &c, Prayers for several Persons. For a married man. O Heavenly Father, Maker and Preserver of Heaven and Earth, who in the beginning, didst institute Matrimony, foretelling the mystical union of the Church, with our Saviour Christ: who also, in the time of his being upon earth, did honour Marriage, with his first Miracle: joh. 2. and hast appointed it also for a means whereby mankind is propagated, Gen. 2. for a remedy to avoid unlawful lust, and for the mutual comfort and consolation of thy Children: I humbly entreat thee, to give me the assistance of thy divine Grace, that I may live according to thy commandments, with my wife, whom thou hast given for my help and comfort, in this world. Mortify in me all unclean, dishonest, and fleshly lusts, let not the heat of unlawful concupiscene, take hold of me, but make me to be fully pleased, and satisfied with her love, and to love her, as Christ loved his Church, to cherish and comfort her, as mine own body, and to have as great a care of her health, as of mine own. Grant, that we may live in peace, without debate; in unity without discord, like the members of one body, equally desirous to praise thy holy Name. And as thou hast (O Lord) bestowed many children upon us, give us discreet hearts, and understanding minds, to bring them up in thy Faith and Fear, in a religious, honest, and civil manner. Give them obedient hearts to thee, and to thy commandments, and to all that thou requirest of them, to be performed in duty, towards us their Parents: Keep them from those, which are ready to seduce them, and so lead them in thy Faith, Fear, and Knowledge, that they prove not a curse, but a blessing unto us; and thereby attain to that blessing, which thou hast promised to those, which honour and obey their Parents. Grant likewise O Lord, that I may guide and instruct the family which is under me, in thy fear, and in honest and careful manner provide as well for their bodies, as their souls. And give them the like Grace, O Lord, to perform their duties, in fear and obedience, not as eye-seruers, but in simplicity of heart, as in thy sight. And give us (O Lord) a competency of estate, to maintain ourselves, children, and family, according to that rank or calling, wherein, thou of thy goodness hast placed us, without excess, riot, or vainglory, and in singleness and pureness of heart, with all humility, relying upon thy blessed will, who knowest better then we ourselves, what is needful for us, To thee be all Honour and Glory, now and for ever. For a married Woman. O Merciful and loving Lord God, who in the beginning, for the propagation of mankind, didst take Eve out of the side of Adam, Gen. 2.22. and gave her to him as an helper. Gen. 2.20. I give thee humble thankes, that thou hast vouchsafed to call me, to the honourable estate of Matrimony. Give me grace O Lord, that I may lead a life, worthy thereof, that I may love my husband, with a pure and chaste love, acknowledge him for my Head, and truly reverence and obey him, in all good things: that thereby, I may please him, and live quietly with him. Grant, that I be not carried away, with the vain fashions of this World, but may put on such habits, as shallbe agreeable, and suitable, with the estate of my husband, and may become a modest woman to wear. Help me O Lord, that I may, under him, prudently and discreetly guide, and govern his household and family: and carefully look, that nothing be either carelessly lost, or wickedly committed in my house. Fit me with those good Graces, which the wise man described in a good woman, Pro. 31. and Saint Peter, in Holy and Sanctified Matrons. Give me such care, 1. Pet. 3. concerning the education of my Children, as belongeth to my part, that I may live, to see them prosper in this life, and afterwards we may all be received to thy eternal Kingdom, through jesus Christ our Lord. For a Child. O Almighty Lord God, to whom the obedience of Children to their Parents is most acceptable, and all disobedience most displeasing, who hast promised a Blessing to the dutiful, and threatened a curse, Exod. 20. to the disobedient children. I beseech thee, to put away from me, the detestable sin of disobedience, and rebellion against my Parents, and give me grace, to observe them, with all kind of duty, to obey them, in all their just commands: and to be aiding and helpful to them, at all time of their need. Give me grace, to bear all their reproofs, and errors patiently, and not to grieve them, by stubborn and evil courses. Let me not be so fare deprived of thy Grace, that I scoff or deride them, though by age, or infirmity, they shall fail in their judgement or Reason: but cause me to supply their wants, lest, that I having plenty, and (they being in any need or distress) I not supplying it, nor succouring them, their lives, to whom I own mine, may be in danger to be shortened. Lord forgive all the offences, which I have heretofore committed against them. Increase the number of their days: keep them safe, in body and mind: let them see their children's Children, to their comfort, and thy Glory. Let them govern us, and the rest of their family, with wholesome Discipline, and good example: that at the last, they may, in their due time, depart this life in peace, and come to thy Kingdom unspotted, through jesus Christ our Lord. For a woman with Child. O Blessed Lord God, who for the offence of the first woman, Gen. 3.16. didst denounce, and impose an inevitable curse, upon all her posterity, namely that they should conceive in sin, and be subject to many grievous pains, and should bring forth their children, with great danger. Assuage I beseech thee of thy goodness, the sharpness of that decree, and preserve me, that I may overcome and escape this great danger, and be delivered of the fruit of my body, without peril of death; and that it may safely be brought, to the Sacred Font of Baptism, and be regenerated and ingraffed into the mystical body of Christ, and be made partaker of his death and passion. And as thou hast of thy bounty, given bodily life to it, and me: so grant to us both, life spiritual: and so Sanctify our Bodies and Souls here, that hereafter we may live among thy blessed Saints for ever, in the life to come. For a young man, or Maid. O Lord, forasmuch as I am (at these years) in the heat of the flesh, and in the most dangerous time of my life, I beseech thee, take not thy mercy and fatherly providence from me: but, by how much the greater danger of tentations I am in, with so much the more care, let thy grace preserve me: lest happily, I become a prey to mine enemies, who go about to load me with so many sins, that if they prevail; I shall never of my self, to get from under the burden of them. But O merciful Father, (distrusting in mine own strength) I betake myself wholly to thy protection, and desire thee both now, and ever, to keep me. Let me not get that habit of sinning, in my younger years, that I be forced in my age (if I be not stifled before, in my offences) to be wail the sins of my youth, and to say with David. Remember not O Lord, Psal. 25.6. the offences of my youth: but rather accustom me, from this time forward, to all goodness, that I may daily more and more profit therein: and that (serving thee with a pure heart now) I may in mine age say with good King Ezekias, O Lord remember I beseech thee, Esa. 38.3. how I have walked before thee in truth, with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. Most loving Father, who takest care of all men, I commend unto thee, my soul, as a child, that can of himself do nothing: defend me I pray thee, from all mine enemies, spiritual, and temporal. keep my body and soul pure, chaste, and undefiled, that I offend not, either in obscene speech, impure thought, or unclean act. My chastity, is a more precious jewel, than I can keep, without thy help. I therefore beseech thee, who lovest the pure in heart, to keep my heart pure: be thou my guide and preserver, lest in the heat of concupiscence, I forget thee. Give me grace O Lord, to serve and obey my Parents, and those to whose government I am committed, and that, in all humility. And grant, that if thou shalt be pleased to call me to the honourable estate of Wedlock, I may be matched with one, with whom I may serve thee in peace, and holiness, all the days of my life, & at the last, rest with thee, in thy heavenly Kingdom, through jesus Christ our Lord. For a Servant. BLessed Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, who, when thou wert the Son of God, and Lord of all the World, didst take upon thee the form of a Servant, Phillip. 2.7. that by thy obedience, thou mightst work the salvation of all people, as well bond as free: I pray thee, that, since thou hast been pleased to call me to the stare of a Servant, thou wouldst give me an humble and obedient heart, and make me contented with this condition of life; as allotted to me by thy providence. Grant, that I may with gentleness of Spirit, and singleness of heart, and willingness of mind, serve those, under whom I am placed: and that I may not either murmur against them, or envy those that seated in a higher estate: that I may obey them, in all their honest commands in all fear, and true respect, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, Col. 3.22. but withal my heart, and the rather, because thy commandment bindeth me so to do. Grant, that serving them diligently, faithfully, and carefully, I may avoid their displeasure, and obtain thy favour and blessing, and at the end of my days, come to that blessed place, where Thou, with the Father and blessed Spirit dost reign world without end. Before a journey. ALmighty & everlasting God who art the Way, the Life, and the Truth, behold, I beseech thee, amongst how many dangers of the World, Flesh, and Devil, I am to pass, so that without thy aid, I cannot safely pass through this vale of misery. Led, guide, and direct me therefore (O Lord) in the high and right Way, whither I would go, that I turn neither to the right hand, or the left, nor become a prey to mine enemies. O Lord, thou hast a general care over thy creatures, I therefore (in this my journey) commend unto thee, my soul and body: defend me from all perils, I beseech thee. O Lord, which didst send thy Angel, as a Companion or Fellow-traveller, with the Son of Tobias, Tob. 5.4. and didst preserve Abraham, and all other thy Servants, in their travels, vouchsafe thy blessed Angel, to guide and conduct me. Be thou my comfort in the way, and a defence in all dangers. Prosper the business which I go about, and make this enterprise successful to me. And grant, that my affairs being dispatched, I may return home safe, in body and mind. Preserve (in my absence) my family, & all I possess: that I, being returned in safety, and they, securely preserved, we may all together, give thankes to thy glorious Name, through jesus, etc. After a journey. I Give thee thankes, O gracious Lord, for thy great mercies to me all the days of my Life. Thou art he, which created me, and thou art also he, that preservest that which thou hast created. How often O Lord, hast thou turned thine eyes from my sins, and made as though thou didst not see them? How often (and that justly) mightst thou have withheld thy hand of preservation from me, and yet thy patience hath been so great towards me, that thou hast suffered no harm to befall me? And as I own thee many thankes for thy former preservations, so now I am further obliged to thee, in that thou hast at this time, not only guided me to the place, whither I intended to go, but hast also brought me back in safety, and in my absence, hast preserved all things unto me. Good Lord give me grace, to be always mindful of these, and all other thy benefits to me, and to be truly thankful to thee for them. And grant, that as by thy mercy, I have well ended my affairs abroad, and am safely returned to this temporal habitation, so my Spirit (after this Pilgrimage) may return to thy Heavenly Mansion, and there abide with thee for ever: and that, even for the merits of our only Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, Amen. Intercession. IN which we are to pray, For all Mankind. For the conversion of jews, Turks, Heathen to the truth. For all Christians. That they may be strengthened, that stand. That they may be converted, that are in error. For the Churches throughout the World, that they may be united in Religion, For our Church: that, whatsoever is amiss in it, may be amended. For the King's Majesty, and his prosperity. For all Kingdom's Christian. For Ours, and each part of it, that it may flourish in peace. For the Clergy: That they may Teach, Live, well. For wisdom, in the Counsel. Integrity, in the judges. Strength, in our Armies. Discretion, in the Magistrates. Obedience, in the People. For the prosperity and good success: Of Merchants. Husbandmen. Artificers. Tradesmen. And that they may live carefully, and honestly, in their vocations. For the prosperous education of Youth, either in Universities. Schools, or Other parts of the Kingdom. For our Parents; Kindred; Friends; Neighbours; and Benefactors. For those, of whom we have the charge committed to us. Either in Church. Common wealth, or, Families. For our Enemies, especially those, that hate us without cause; that God would convert them. For those, that commend themselves to our prayers: and whose affairs and troubles, will not suffer them to pray, as they ought. For those, who are in affliction of Body, or Mind. Who are in danger, or want; in Prison; or condemned to Death. For those, that Excel: In qualities of the mind. Strength of Body. Abundance of Wealth. That they exalt not themselves above their brethren. For those, who undertake any notable Action, which may redound To the Glory of God. The Peace of the Church. The Honour of the Kingdom. Deprecation. Psal ●…38. 1 O Lord rebuke me not in thy wrath. Psal 44.23. Cast me not off for ever. Psal 51.11. Cast me not away from thy presence. Psal 69.17. Hid not thy face from me. Psal 40.11. Withhold not thy mercy from me. Psal 38.11. Forsake me not, O Lord. Psal 119.31. Put me not to shame. Psal 119.39. Turn away reproach from me. Psal 25.2. Let not mine enemy's triumph over me, Psal 27.12. Deliver me not over to their will, Psal 64.1. Preserve my life from them. Deliver me O Lord, From Eph. 4.19. hardness of heart, to impenitence. Act. 28.27. Grossness of heart. Prou 7.13. Impudence of countenance. Esa 48.4. Hardness of countenance. From a seared conscience. Tit. 1.16. A reprobate mind. 1. joh. 5.16. Sin unto death, Viz. Mat. 12.32. against the holy Ghost. From ja. 1.21. all superfluity of naughtiness. Heb. 12.1. The weight of sin. 1. joh. 2.16. The lusts of the flesh and eyes, and pride of life. All wicked & vain desires. Hurtful & unclean thoughts Desire of Vainglory. From a deceitful tongue, Mat. 6.2. Ecclus. 51.5. Unpure lips, Hands stretched out to covetousness. Feet swift to evil. Eyes open to Vanity. Ears open to Toys. From blindness of heart, Inconstancy of mind, Scurrility of speech, Intemperance of the belly. From desire of Riches, Reproach of my neighbours, Contempt of the poor, Oppression of the weak, Rancour of mind. Root out of me, O Lord. Profaneness and Superstition. Pride and Vndecency. Anger and Contention. Swearing and Cursing. Passion and Corruption. Fraud and Rapine. Lying and Slander. Envy and Malice. Take from me The sin of Gluttony. Give to me The Virtue of Abstinence. Take from me The spirit of uncleanness. Give to me The Love of Chastity. Take from me The Desire of the World. Give to me Content of Mind. Take from me The heat of Anger. Give to me The spirit of meekness. Take from me The Care of this Life. Give to me Thy SPIRITVALL joy.. Take from me Haughtiness of Mind. Give to me Compunction of Heart. Deliver me O Lord, From All evil and mischief, All noisome diseases, All things hurtful to my Soul, Health, Estate, Quiet. From all Scandal, Grief, Infamy. From all enemies, Secret, Open, Crafty, Potent. From Sudden death. Violent death. In all my Prayers, and petitions. Distresses, and dangers. Infirmities, and need. Tentations, and tribulations. Good Lord deliver me, and help me. From the Terrors of Hell. Eternal Damnation. Apo. 6.6. The angry countenance of the judge. The fearful sentence of Mat. 25.41. 8.12. Depart from me into utter darkness. jude. 6. The chains of everlasting darkness. The Apo. 20.10. Lake of Fire and Brimstone. The Apo. 14.11. smoke of the torment which ascends for ever. Good Lord of thy great mercy deliver me. In Affliction. MOst merciful Redeemer, always loving to us, whither thou sendest us heaviness, or joy: for thy mercy is great, whilst by afflictions (as by bitter pills) thou curest the inward diseased man, and by temporary troubles thou preparest us, and makest us fit, for joys Eternal. Grant O Sweet Saviour, that I may drink of this cup of adversity, and all others, as reached to me, by thy hand. Thou knowest O Lord, that they are bitter to flesh and blood, yet withal I know, that thou didst endure fare greater things for me, and that I have deserved, to suffer much more, than thou hast laid upon me. O Lord, thou knowest also the weakness and frailty of man's nature, and therefore I do assuredly believe, that thou (the good Samaritan) will't not only cleanse the wounds of my sins, Luc. 10.33. with the sharp Wine of thy justice, but wilt also add, the oil, of thy Mercy, and comfort, whereby I may be strengthened again. If thou thinkest not yet sufficient, or that enough, which thou hast laid upon me, yet add patience I beseech thee, to my further grief: and grant that these thy punishments, may provoke me to true repentance, whereby I may (by thy merits) obtain remission of my sins. But (if thy Fatherly clemency, shall be contented with this gentle and mild chastisement) take off thy corrections, and heavy hand from me: that so I may for both thy mercies to me, praise thy holy Name: as well, that thou hast so gently dealt with me, in amending me so unprofitable a Servant, as, that thou hast in time, taken of the bitterness of affliction, and not utterly confounded me: in the first, of thy works of mercy, respecting my Necessity, and in the last, not forgetting my Infirmity. To thee O Saviour, with the Father and Holy Spirit, be all Praise, Laud, and Glory, now, and evermore. Amen. In time of Pestilence. O Lord God, who reiectest none, that trusting in thy goodness, and believing in thy promises, come to thee for succour and help. Behold we beseech thee, with the eyes of compassion and mercy, thy poor, sinful, and miserable people; who now are much afflicted and visited, with the Plague of Pestilence, with the scourge of thine angry hand. Our streets are full of grief, and our houses are filled with heaviness; and all our joy, is turned into mourning; by reason of thy heavy wrath, and hot displeasure which now is gone out, to destroy and consume us from the face of the earth. We confess O Lord, it is but just, that all thy Creatures should rebel against man, and oppose themselves against him, who hath so desperately rebelled against thee, his Creator: for they are all obedient to thee, only Man, sinful and wretched Man, is continually stubborn and rebellious, daily abusing thy Blessings, and hourly transgressing thy Commandments, not leaving his evil ways for fear of thy threats, nor being alured to goodness, with the hope of thy promises. We daily hear by thy messengers, and read in thy Sacred Word, what thou hast threatened of old to thy rebellious people, and in them, to us. How, that if they kept not thy Commandments, thou wouldst send upon them the Sword, Levit. 26.25. to avenge the quarrel of thy covenant; and when they should be gathered in their Cities, jerem. 14.12. thou wouldst send the Pestilence among them, and they should be delivered into the hands of the enemy: and yet we have hitherto been so senseless thereof, that we fear not to add sin to sin, and to multiply iniquity upon iniquity. And now O Lord, we reap the just reward of our impiety, and feel (too soon) that we are justly plagued, for our disobedience. O Lord, we confess, that thy judgements are just, and withal, humbly acknowledge our misdeeds, and hearty repent us of them: and earnestly beg and crave, that thou wouldst in mercy pardon them, and remit the punishment which, in justice, is due unto us for them. O Lord In thy just anger remember thy mercy, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and upon our repentance and humiliation, remove this thy punishment, which in thy displeasure, thou hast begun to inflict upon us. Command thy destroying Angel to spare us, Ezech. 9 and not to strike us to utter desolation. Be merciful unto us, who are every hour, in danger of thy heavy judgements. Take away the unwholsomnesse of the air, and purify our dwellings unto health and safety. Keep those which are well, and release those, upon whom, thou hast laid the rod of thy afflictions. Thou hast promised O Lord, that if at any time thou sendest the Pestilence among the people, 2. Chro. 7.13 14. If that people do humble themselves, 1. Kings. 8. and pray, and seek thy presence, and turn from their wicked ways, thou wilt hear in Heaven, and be merciful to their sin, and heal their Land. we humbly pray thee O Lord, to make good thy promise, and ease us of our afflictions. For behold O Lord, we humble ourselves under thy mighty hand; we bewail, and lament our sinful lives passed; and humbly beseech thee, to give us thy assisting Grace, that we may henceforth order our ways, to please thee. Then shall no Contagion hurt us, Dan. 9.18. but we shall live to praise thy Name: and all the world shall know, that thou art our God, and that thy Name is called upon by us. Hear us O Lord, and be merciful to us, even for jesus Christ's sake the Righteous. To whom with thee, and the Blessed Spirit, be ascribed all honour and zpraise, now, and for ever Amen. Confession of Faith. Mar. 9.24. Lord I believe, Help thou my unbelief. In God, The father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, In which words I consider his natural affection. his saving power. his Providence in disposing preserving governing all things. Eph. 1.10. Who in the dispensation of the fullness of times, will gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and earth. In jesus Our Saviour, Christ, The Anointed, His only Son Even of God the Father, Our Lord, By creating and redeeming us. 1. Who was conceived by the holy Ghost. To purge the uncleanness of our conception. 2. Born of the Virgin MARY. To purge the uncleanness of our Birth. 3. Suffered under Pontius Pilate. Those things which we should have suffered: that we might not suffer them. 4. Was crucified, To take away the Curse of the Law. 5. Dead, To take away the Sharpness of death. 6. Buried, To take away the corruption of the Grave. 7. Descended into Hell. Wither we ought to have gone: that we might not go thither at all. 8. The third day he rose again from the dead, That he might raise with him our nature, being made the first fruits of them which sleep. 1. Cor. 15.20 9 He ascended into Heaven, To prepare us a place, whereto we had no right. 10. He sitteth at the right hand of the father, Incessantly to intercede for us. 11. From thence he shall come, To receive us, 12. To judge both the quick and the dead. Even to the consummation of all things. In the Holy Ghost. In whom I consider a power, sanctifying from above, and quickening to immortality, working powerfully, and invisibly in us. By the Illumination of knowledge. Luc. 12.12. And Infusion of grace 1. joh. 2.27. b Io. 16.8. In reprehending things evil in us, c Io. 14.26. Teaching us things we know not, Suffering and forbearing us. d Gen. 20.6. Preventing us from doing evil. Ro. 8.26. Encouraging us us to do good. Assisting us in our Prayers. Striving for our good. joh. 14.16. Comforting us in our necessities. All these being Graces and fruits of the Holy Spirit. 4. The Holy Catholic Church. Which is the mystical body of the head Christ jesus, composed of all people, throughout the World, which are called by the Spirit, to the Belief of Divine Truth, and holiness of Conversation. And of all these members of his body, there is a reciprocal participation to the Communion of Saints and Forgiveness of Sins For the present. To the hope of The resurrection of the body and Life everlasting hereafter. Lord I believe. Help the defects of my faith. That I may love thee, as a Father. Reverence thee, as Almighty. Commend myself to thee, as to a faithful Creator. That I may be mindful, to give thankes, to Thy only Son: As to the purger of our nature, In his Conception and Birth. As to our deliverer, In his Passion, Cross, and Death, As to the triumpher over Hell, In his Descension. Over death, In his Resurrection. As to our fore runner, In his Ascension. As to our Advocate, In his Session. As to the establisher of our faith, In his Second Coming. That he may be fashioned in me. That I may be made conformable to him. To his Conception, To his Nativity, In Works. In Faith. In Humility That for his Passions. 1. I may Sympathise with him, as with one, that suffered for me, and be ready to suffer of him, and for him, when it shall be his good pleasure. 2. I may have an Antipathy with sin, as being the cause of his Sufferings, and be Revenged of, Crucify, Mortify, Bury, Sin in myself. 3 I may conform myself. 1. To his descension into Hell. By often descending thither in meditation. 2 To his Resurrection. By rising to newness of life. 3. To his Ascension. By savouring and seeking those things which are above and nearer to my Salvation. 4. To his judgement. By judging myself, lest I be condemned with the World. That when I am cold in Prayer, and want any Spiritual grace or comfort, I may remember thy Session, and Intercession. And when I am fervent in any evil affection, or concupiscence, I may not forget, thy fearful and terrible judgement Seat, and the sound of the last Trump. That for thy only Son Christ's sake, I may also receive thy Unction, even thy saving grace; the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, and never a 1. Thess. 5.19. extinguish, b Eph. 4.30. grieve, c Act. 7.51. resist, or d Mat. 12.32. reproach it. That so I may be called into thy Catholic Church, where I may be partaker of the Persons, Actions, prayers, and Examples of Saints. To the assured belief, of Remission of sins. To the hope, of Resurrection, and Translation, to Life everlasting. Lord increase my Faith, Luc. 17.6. Mat. 17.20. as a grain of mustard seed. Not Dead, Temporary, or Hypocritical: But a 1. Tim. 1.5. Pure and unfeigned, most ᵇ Holy, c Eph. 3.11. Lively, and d ja. 2.26. working by Charity. Confession of Faith. O Almighty, and Eternal Lord God; I poor, unworthy, and wretched sinner, and bold to renew that covenant of Faith, which in my Baptism, I made unto thee. I believe, and confess, that all those things, which thy most beloved Son Christ jesus did, suffered, and taught, while he was conversant in the Flesh, here upon the Earth, are most most true, and certain. I profess, that I believe, all the Articles of the Apostles Creed, and the Holy Gospel of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, which is preached through all the World. To this Faith, I bind myself, and purpose (God's grace assisting me) never to departed from it, and acknowledge, that without believing thus, I cannot be saved. I am hearty glad (O Heavenly Father) even in my soul, and give thee all possible thankes, that into this Faith I was Baptised: and do most humbly pray thee O Lord, that this Faith may not fail me, during this life, nor at the hour of death. And if I shall at any time hereafter, either by the temptation of the Devil, imperfection of my senses, pain of any disease, weakness, or any other means, speak any thing, in any other manner, then shall be agreeable to this Faith, I renounce all such words, as none of mine, and desire thee O Lord, to forgive them, and pray all those, which shall hear them (if any such shall be) to account them, as none of mine. This I protest, thy Grace aiding me. To thee, be all Honour, and Praise, from this time forth, for evermore Amen. Confession of God's Glory and Praise. FOr his great and wonderful works. Of Gen. 1. Creation. Ecclus. 43. Preservation. Psal. 145. Governance. Rom. 1.20. joh. 17.5. Gen. 14.18.21.33. Luc. 1.37. Gen. 18 4. jer. 23.24. Psal. 13 9 joh. 21.17. 2. King. 8.39 Rom. 11.33. Psal. 117.2. Mat. 24.35. Psal. 111.3. For his Goodness. The excellency of his Glory. His Highness. His Eternity. His Omnipotence. His Omnipresence. His Omniscience. The height of his Wisdom. His Truth. His Exquisite justice.. His Psal. 119.456. 130.4. 17.7. 13.6. Great Plentiful Wonderful Everlasting Mercy. For his Gen. 3.15. Promise of the Seed. For performance of that Promise. For sending his only Son out of his bosme, to work the great work of our Redemption. In being Luc. 2.7. borne in poor and humble manner. In being conversant on earth, in painful manner. Matth. Mar. Luc. joh. In suffering Death, in grievous manner. For all that he did or suffered For us on Earth. For all his comfortable Parables of mercy. Of the Mat. 18.23. Two Debtors. Luc. 18.10. Publican and Pharisee. Luc. 15.4. The lost Sheep. Luc. 8. The lost Groat. Luc. 11. The Prodigal Son. Mat. 20.9. Those that were called at the eleventh hour. For his comfortable sayings of Mercy. joh. 3.17. God sent not his Son into the World to condemn it. 12.47. I came not to judge the World, but to save it. Luc. 9.56. The Son of Man, came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. Luc. 5.32. Mat. 9.23. I am not sent to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Mat. 18.11. Luc. 19.10. The Son of man came to save, and seek that which was lost. Mat. 11.8. Come unto me all ye that labour etc. joh. 6.37. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. Luc. 23.74. Father forgive them, etc. Luc. 23.43. This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. For his examples of mercy. Mat. 15.28. The Woman of Canaan. joh. 4. Samaria. Luc. 8.48. With the bloody issue. joh. 8.11. Taken in Adultery. Luc. 7.48. Marry Magdalen. Luc. 19.5. Zacheus. Luc. 23.43. The Thief. Luc. 22.62. Peter. Act. 9 Paul. Heb. 12.3. Sinners contradicting Him. Luc. 4.29. That would have destroyed him. joh. 8.59. 10.31 That stoned him. Mar. 27.39. Luc. 23.34. That reviled and blasphemed him. Act. 2.23. 3.15.19. That crucified him. Luc. 15.2. This Man receiveth sinners. For the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament. Gen. 1.2. By moving on the waters. By sending it into living creatures. By inspiring it into man. By descending on the Prophets. In the New Testament visibly. Mat. 3.16. In the shape of a Dove at Christ's Baptism. joh. 20.22. By the gift of Christ to the Apostles. Act. 2.3. In the shape of fiery tongues to them. Invisibly. In Luc. 1.35. the Virgin's Conception of Christ. Upon Act. 4.31. the Congregation in prayer. Acts 10.44. Cornelius and others. Acts 19.6. The 12. Disciples at Ephesus. joh. 14.26. 16.14. Luc. 12.12. ●. joh. 1.27. For his care over us. For the Illumination of understanding. 1. Cor. 6.11. joh. 3.5. Gal. 5.22. Psal. 143.10. Act. 2.4. Rom. 8.14. joh. 14.16.26. Eph. 13.13.14. Rom. 5.5.8.26. Act. 9.31. In our justification. Our Regeneration. Governing our Actions. Comforting us in tentations. Strengthening us in tentations. Eph. 13.13.14. Rom. 5.5. 8.26. Act. 9.31. Bearing witness with us, and Rom. 8.16. Assuring us, that we are Gods Children. joh. 16.8. Reprooving us in evil Actions. Rom. 8.26. Assisting us in good works. joh. 14.26. Putting good things into our remembrance. Rom. 6.26. Interceding for us with groans unutterable. Motives to Repentance. FOr as much as it is beyond the compass and power, of the Natural man, not to sin at all, but that we add daily, sin to sin, and iniquity to iniquity, and that it hath pleased God (of his mercy to mankind) to promise forgiveness to those, which shall truly and faithfully repent them, of the same. Therefore the duty of Repentance, of all other parts of Devotion, is most necessary for us: seeing that by it, God in Christ jesus, is reconciled to us, his anger towards us is appeased, and we are restored to his favour. Certainly it is a blessed thing to confess our own wretchedness; for whosoever humbleth himself, and penitently bewaileth his sins, shall be heard by God, and by him be delivered from the punishment due for them: Origen. for a contrite heart suffers no repulse. Saint August. saith Aug. that daily repentance, is necessary, for daily sinners: for in many things we offend daily, which are also daily forgiven, if we continually repent us of them. Greg. To repent, is to bewail and grieve for our sins already committed, and not to commit again the sins we bewail and grieve for. For he that mourns for his sins, and leaves them not, incurs the greater punishment. For Aug. Repentance, consisteth not, in the often repetition, and confession of sins, without forsaking them: for that is but a simple profession of them, not a repenting of them. But this is true Repentance, when that seemeth grievous and bitter to our Souls, which in the evil act, was sweet and delightful: and when that ill, which was formerly pleasing to us, doth now grieve us at the heart. And this is the fruit of Repentance (as the Baptist calleth it Mat. 3.8. ) lamenting for sins past, and utterly forsaking them for the time to come. For Confession of offences, is never perfect and good, till absolute profession and purpose to forsake them, be joined to it. And as Repentance in itself is necessary to be thought upon, so is it also in time to be considered of. For although the bounty of God, despiseth not a sinner Repenting, even in the article or point of death, and that, true Repentance never comes too late in this world, as appeareth by the Thief on the Cross: Luc. 23. yet on the other side, the example of the foolish Virgins, Mat. 25. aught to dissuade us from protraction, and putting it of. Saint August. saith, Psal 110. God hath promised thee pardon: but no man can promise thee to live while to morrow. If therefore thou hast lived ill hitherto, begin to live well even to day. Therefore we must have a special care, that we defer not our Repentance from time to time, lest we be taken in a time, when we least expect, and (with the Virgins) hear that bitter saying, I know you not. Mat. 25.12. Yet many there are, and those too many, that so largely promise to themselves God's expectance and patience, and thereupon so long continue in their evil courses, that they are (by his indignation at their procrastination) so prevented, that they neither find time to convert, nor the Benefit of Remission. Wherefore the wise man giveth good and safe counsel, Ecclus. 5.7. Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not of from day to day, for suddenly shall the wrath of God come forth, and in thy security, thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the day of vengeance. Neither is it so acceptable to God, if thou put of thy Repentance till thou art old, as if thou returnedst to him in thy days of strength: for if thou repentest when thou canst sinne no longer, thy sins leave thee, and not thou, them. Lastly, the most powerful act of Repentance with God, is, unfeigned sorrow, with sighs, groans, and weeping, accompanying it. For tears, are even as the blood of a wounded soul, and ascend up to the nostrils of God, as the Odour of a sweet smelling sacrifice: neither do Tears (which are shed without hypocrisy) fall to the ground, but (as David saith) Psal. 56.8. God telleth and gathereth them, and putteth them into his bottle. The tears of penitent sinners work much upon God's mercy. Peter having denied our Saviour thrice, wept bitterly, but said nothing. We find that he wept, Luc. 22. we find not what he said, yet we see, that he made choice to repent, rather with tears, and no words, then with words, and no tears: Marry Magdalen said nothing, but she wept, and Christ said unto her, Luc. 7.48. Thy sins are forgiven thee. Ezechias wept sore, and the Lord said Esa. 38.5. I have heard thy prayers, and seen thy tears, behold I will add to thy days fifteen years. Of tears there are three sorts. 1. Natural, which in themselves are neither good nor bad: such are those, which we spend for the loss of goods, friends, or the like. 2. Evil, as the tears of the Hypocrite, Harlot, and other the Devil's Instruments. 3. Good, and they are of two kinds. First, of Hatred or grief, such are the tears we spend in bewailing our sins. 2, Of joy or Love, either for that Comfort which we receive in our Souls, by the Hope, that God in Christ jesus, is reconciled to us: or for the Love, and earnest desire we have, to see God in the Communion of Saints: Otherwise, Tears in themselves, are nothing else, but plain water, flowing from the Conduits of our heads, by the pipes of the eyes: a mere excrement. The Duty of Repentance. THis Duty of Repentance, consisteth of two parts. 1. Mortification of the old man, which is the first degree of Regeneration. 2. Quickening of the New, which is the second. Mortification, is an act of the holy Spirit in us, Rom. 6.4.5.6. who doth by little and little, quench, and abate in our souls and bodies the natural strength of our corruption, which was crept into us, partly originally, by Adam's fall, Colos. 3. (which is that we mean by the old man) and partly that Sin, which we have actually increased, by our own frailty. It consisteth, 1. In our acknowledgement of Sinne. 2. In our Contrition and Sorrow for it. Both which, Psal. 38.18. are set down in one Verse of the Psalmist. 1. Our acknowledgement is either 1. Inward. 2. Outward. 1. Inward acknowledgement, is when we feel the burden of our sins, pressing us down, our consciences accusing us, Psal. 38.5. Rom. 2.15. and our thoughts testifying against us. 2. Outward, Psal. 38.39. is when we make Confession of them, by speech, or other outward actions. And this Confession of Sin, is a Publication, or manifestation of our unworthiness and guilt, whereby we testify and bewail, that we have sinned against God, and have (withal) a settled resolution and purpose, to offend him no more. Confession is either Public Private. Public Confession is, when upon the Sabbath day, or other days appointed for God's worship, we, in the open Congregation, together, or after the Minister, do confess our sins to God. Private is, either 1. To God in our Closets, or other private places, as Psal. 32.5. 38.9.18. 41.4. 51. 2. Sam. 24.10. Dan. 9 2. To men. jam. 5.16. 2. Contrition, is a sorrow, and grief of the conscience, and mourning of the Soul, because we have offended God, having also joined with it, a displeasure against ourselves, and a true humiliation both of souls and bodies, as, jam. 4.9. Esa. 66.2. Ezec. 36.1. 41.10. jon. 3.8. 2. King. 22.19. Mat. 5.4. 2. Cor. 7.9,10,11. Quickening of the new man, is, when we, returning to God, live spiritually, and have a desire (for the time to come) to please Him: this is also called a Conversion to God. And this we do, 1. By avoiding evil, 2. Following that which is good. Both comprehended. Psal. 34.14. Esa. 1.16,17. The Benefits we receive by Repentace are: The deferring of God's punishments due for sin. Psal. 95.10. The mitigation of his displeasure. Psal. 89.32.33. 2. Chr. 30.8. jon. 3. Ezech. 33. joh. 3.10. 1. King. 21.29. Dan. 4.27. The averting of his judgements, The escaping of eternal death. The prolonging of our prosperity. The attaining of Eternal Life. Confession of sins. jer. 9 WHo will give Water to my Head, or Tears to mine Eyes, that I may, day and night, bewail my sins, and ingratitude against thee, O GOD, my Creator? Many things there are, which terrify men's consciences, and bring them to the true sense of their sins, but nothing is so available thereunto, as the contemplation of the greatness of thy goodness, and the multitude of thy Benefits. That therefore O Lord, my poor wretched soul, may the better see, and consider, in what state it stands, I will recount, thy manifold Blessings, and (withal) the number of my sins, that thereby also, I may more clearly understand, who thou art, and what I am: how gracious a God thou hast been to me, and how vile and rebellious a sinner, I have been to thee. There was a time O Lord, (as thy divine Majesty best knowest) when I was not, and thou tookest me out of the dust of the earth, and gavest me a being; creating in me, a soul after thine own similitude and likeness, and made it capable of thy Glory. Thou didst create my Body, with all the members and senses thereof; Thou didst create my Soul, with all the powers and faculties thereof. And as thou didst create me, so (of thy especial goodness) thou didst preserve me in my mother's womb, that I might come safe into this World, and receive the Mark and Badge of all thine, even the Sacrament of Baptism, whereby I was cleansed from the guilt of original sin. Amongst a multitude of Infidels, dispersed over the face of the Earth, thou wouldst have me in the number of the faithful, even of those, to whom so happy a lot hath fallen, to be thine, regenerated, with the water of Baptism: from which time, I was taken to be Thine, and that admirable and happy contract was made between us, that thou shouldest be my Lord, and I thy Servant: thou my Father, and I thy Son: that thou shouldst perform and show to me, the Love of a Father, and I to thee, the Duty of a Son. Further O Lord, thou didst descend from heaven to earth, for my sake, seeking me, in all the ways, wherein I had lost myself. With thy Humanity, thou didst ennoble my nature, and by thy bonds, didst deliver me from bondage. Thou didst challenge me from the power of the Devil, by delivering thyself into the hands of sinners, and didst destroy sin, by taking upon thee the form of a sinner. With what reverence shall I speak of, that other Blessed Sacrament, which Thou also O Lord hast instituted and ordained, for a remedy of all the miseries which have befallen me, and the many sins I have committed since my Baptism, and for a Salve and cure for all my spiritual diseases, even the Sacrament of thy most precious Body and Blood? And as thou hast bestowed on me all these divine and heavenly blessings: so likewise in plentiful manner, hast thou heaped on me, temporal favours. Thou hast from my birth to this hour, preserved, nourished, clothed & fed me, in most abundant manner, giving to me the use of all thy creatures, for my sustentation. Nay, what couldst thou have done more for me, than thou hast done? Or what couldst thou have given me more, than thou hast bestowed upon me, either of Blessings of this World or of the World to come. Now, having received, all these mercies and favours from thee, how have I, on my part behaved myself in thankfulness to thee for them? Have I returned due praise unto thy Majesty for them, or carried myself, and ordered my life, like to one, that might any way deserve them? O Lord I confess that I have not; for such hath been the malice and corruption of my heart, that in stead of showing myself conformable to thy will, I daily add sin to sin, and iniquity to iniquity, Rom. 2.5. heaping up wrath for myself against the day wrath. How can I without tears remember, how often thou mightst justly have slain me, and yet (notwithstanding my sins, which call for vengeance) no evil hath happened unto me? How many souls burn in Hell fire, which have sinned fare less than I, and yet I remain alive? What had become of me, if thou hadst taken me away with those, at the same time? How strict had my judgement been, if thy justice had laid hold on me, laden with so many sins? Who then, O Lord, hath bound the hands of thy justice, who hath deprecated for me, when I lay thus lulled a sleep, in the security of my sins? What hath pleased thee in me, that thou shouldest deal more mercifully with me, then with those, who, in the midst of their days, in the heat of their youth, are taken away from amongst us? My sins cried out against me, and thou stoppedst thine ears; my offences daily increased against thee, yet thy mercy daily abounded towards me. I sinned, thou didst expect me, I fled from thee, and thou followedst me: I was weary in offending thee, and thou not weary in expecting me. And in the midst of all my sins, I ever received many good inspirations, and godly reproofs, from thy holy Spirit, which checked me, in the dissolute course of my life. How often hast thou called me with the voice of Love? How often hast thou terrified me with threats and fears, laying before me the peril of death, and the rigour of thy divine justice? How often hast thou followed me with thy Word preached, invited me with thy Blessings, chastened me with thy Scourges, compassing me about, that I could by no means fly from thee? And lastly, (which is not the least of thy mercies) with what patience hast thou waited for my serious repentance? Psal. 116.13. What then O Lord shall I render back to thee, for all that thou hast done unto me? In that thou hast created me, I own thee all that I am created, In that thou hast preserved me, and thus long expected my return to thee, I own thee life, and all that I am. But, in that thou hast regenerated, sanctified, and redeemed me, and left those excellent pledges for my Salvation, I know not what to render unto thee. For if the lives of all men and Angels, were in my power, and that I could offer them unto thee for a Sacrifice of praise and thankes; yet were it nothing, being compared to the least of all thy Spiritual blessings, bestowed on me. Who therefore will give a flood of tears to mine eyes, that I may lament my great Ingratitude, and unjust retribution, for for all these thy manifold blessings, heaped upon me? Help me thou O Lord, help me, and give me grace, that I may hearty confess, and grievously bewail, my heinous offences, and transgressions, against thee; that thou mayest be reconciled to me, and in thy abundant Mercies, show some pity to me for them. I am thy Creature O Lord, made after after thine own Likeness and Image: acknowledge thy workmanship, for it is thine own. In taking away the soil and filth, wherewith it is defiled and stained, thou shalt soon perceive it, to be thine own handiwork. Art not thou a Father of mercies, 2. Cor. 1.3. which have neither number, end, nor measure? Although I have shaken off, the duty and obedience of a child towards thee, yet cast not thou off, the Love of a Father toward me, I beseech thee. Although I have done many things, whereby thou mightst justly condemn me, yet thou hast not lost the means, whereby thou mayest mercifully save me. If thou forsake me, to whom shall I fly? who is there to help me, besides thyself? Acknowledge O Lord, a straying Sheep: Behold, I come to thee all wounded, thou canst heal me: blind, thou canst enlighten me; full of leprosy, thou canst cleanse me: and am wholly dead, yet thou canst revive me. Thy mercy is greater than my sin: thy clemensie, more than my wickedness: and thou canst remit, more than I can commit. Do not then (O Lord) put me back from thee: look not so much upon my sins, as upon thy infinite mercies, who livest and raignest God of all mercies, world without end. Another. O Almighty Lord God great in thy Power, Exo. 34. and terrible in thy judgements, who madest the Heaven, the Earth, the Sea, and all things in them, by thy Word, whose Power cannot be resisted, and whose mercy is over all thy works. Psal. 145.9. All things are under thy Power and Rule, both in Heaven and Earth. Thou showest mercy on whom thou wilt, and art pitiful to whom thou pleasest, and wouldst not the death of a sinner, neither delightest in the destruction of any. O God, rich in mercy, who, Eph. 2.4. out of thy extraordinary Love to mankind, even when we were thine enemies, Rom. 5.10. didst send thine only Son into the World, that every one that believed on him, might not perish, but have life everlasting. Have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, according to thy mercy, and according to the multitude of thy mercies, Psal 51. do away my offences. Holy Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee; Luc. 15.18. and am no more worthy to be called thy Son. I have turned from thee, and have broken all thy Commandments. I have not walked aright, but have gone after mine own lusts, Esa. 65.2. choosing those ways, which thou hast forbidden me, to tread in. Neither O Lord, have I feared thine anger, but have been in all things disobedient unto thee, and have hardened my heart against thee. I have hated Instruction, and cast thy sayings behind me. Truth hath found no place in me, and my hands have been the workers of much wickedness. I have spoken vainly, idly, and wickedly: have brought forth deceit, and meditated the way of untruth. I have provoked thy wrath against me, by accustoming myself to do the works of the flesh, and rejecting the good motions of the Spirit. Woe unto me rebellious wretch, Esa. 30.1. that I have committed these wicked acts, against thee, so loving, so good, so gracious a God; to the utter destruction of my soul, without thy mercy in Christ jesus. In remembrance, and confidence whereof, O Lord, I come to thee, and humbly entreat thee, that thou wouldst not reject, a contrite, humble, miserable, and repentant sinner, who at this time earnestly invocateth thy Name. Psal. 7.9. Return a little O Lord; and be entreated, for my manifold sins, do not unto me, according to the multitude of them, neither reward me, according to my transgressions. Let my humble prayers, sighs, and groans, come into thy presence; and according to thy promises, receive me again into thy favour. For O Father, I am one of those, whom thy only Son redeemed with his most precious blood. O Lord, my soul doth loath my life, by reason of my manifold sins, and I humble myself under thy mighty hand, 1. Pet. 5.6. because I know, that in thine anger, thou showest mercy, Abac. 3.2. and in time of trouble, thou dost forgive offences: And behold O Lord, that I confess my sins, beseeching thee for thy goodness, to do unto me, according to thy wont mercy. I am confounded, and ashamed, to lift up mine eyes unto thee, because my sins have prevented my prayers, and have ascended up to thee, before them. Against thee, O Lord, have I sinned, Psal. 51. and done much evil in thy sight; yet wherefore should I dye in my sins, seeing it is not thy pleasure, that any sinner should dye, Ezech. 18. but turn unto thee and live? For thou art good and gracious, and savest those, who are altogether unworthy, out of the abundance of thy mercy in Christ jesus the Righteous. For although thine anger against sinners is unsufferable, and who may abide it? yet thy mercy towards offenders is unsearchable, and who can find out the depth thereof or describe it? Psal. 22. Our Fathers in their troubles cried unto thee and thou didst deliver them, they put their trust in thee, and were not confounded. And though they, by their offences had justly provoked thine anger, yet (upon their humiliation) thou didst remember thy covenant, and ease them of their afflictions. O Lord, be merciful also unto me, for I am miserable and wretched. Heale my soul, Psal. 41.4. for I have sinned against thee. Psal. 6.3. My soul is very much disquieted within me, how long Lord will it be, Psal. 13. ere thou look upon me and deliver it? Lighten mine eyes, Psal. 13.3. for I have (too long) slept in death, and my sins have (too long) had domminion over me. Return O Lord at the last, and be gracious unto me. O deliver my soul, and have mercy upon me: And all my bones shall say: Lord who is like unto thee? To thee be all Honour Praise and Glory, world without end, Amen. Another. O Lord jesus Christ, the only Physician of sick souls, who in the fullness of time, came into this World, not to call the Just, but sinners to Repentance. Mat. 9.13. Behold me, the most wretched of all sinners, who (with as much humility as I am able) in the confidence of thy great goodness, cast myself before the footstool of thy Majesty, confessing my great, and grievous offences. And, if the Publican in the Gospel durst not lift up his eyes to Heaven, Luc. 18. but stood a fare of, and smote his breast, saying, Lord be merciful to me a sinner, what shall I do, whose sins surpass the greatest sinners offences? For all my inward and outward parts, are wholly depraved, and nothing that is good, remaineth in me. And, when I look, into the book of my conscience, I find, that I have abominably polluted that garment of innocency, which I received at my Baptism. I have put all my strength to offend thee with all the members I have. For, my feet, Rom. 13.15. have been swift to evil, and slow to good: mine eyes, open to Vanity, and shut, to that, which is truly amiable. My hands, stretched to covetousness, and closed from the works of mercy: mine ears, ready to hear evil, and stopped to the good motions of the Spirit: and my Soul (the noblest part in me) which hath eyes to contemplate the Glory of thy Majesty, I have turned away from the consideration of thy Excellency, to vain, and transitory things of this life, I have given liberty, to whatsoever mine eyes have desired, and have not resisted the unclean passions of my heart: so that the whole course of my life, hath been, a continual warfare against thee. How often have I returned as a dog to the vomit, and as a Sow washed, 2. Pet. 2.22. to the mire? I am that Foot, which hath said in his heart, Psal. 14. there is no God. For I have lived so dissolutely, that I have made plain demonstration by my behaviour, that I believed, Thou either wert not at all, or else couldst do nothing at all. Thou O Lord, hast often called me, and I have neglected thy voice: Thou hast expected me, and I have abused thy patience. Thou hast given me the treasure of a long time to repent, and I have consumed it wastefully. Thou hast stricken me, and I have not been sensible of thy hand. Thou hast afflicted me, and I have made no use of thy correction. Thou didst sweat, to make me clean, and I still remain in my pollution. I am hardened, as well with thy punishments, as with thy blessings: being rebellious to the one, and unthankful for the other. And what shall I further say? but that my heart, soul, thoughts, and body, are all impure and defiled, and that of all sinners I am the chief, 1. Tim. 1.15. unworthy, that the Earth should any longer sustain me, or that I should expect any thing from thee, but thy severest judgements. For it thou sparedst not Lucifer and his Angels, for one only sin of Pride, but didst cast them from Heaven, jude. 6. to be reserved for everlasting chains of darkness, unto the judgement of the great day: what can I hope or look for, that have offended thee, not in one offence alone, but in all kind of transgressions? For my sins are in number, numberless; in so much, that I hate myself, for my madness, that from so noble a liberty, I am fallen into so base a servitude: and find myself overwhelmed with the horrible dread of thy fearful judgements. Psal. 55.5. Yet when I behold and consider that infinite mercy of thine, which surpasseth all the rest of thy works, Psal. 145.9. I am a little refreshed, and my soul is a little comforted and revived: for, as by the examination of the heinousness of my sins and the strictness of thy justice, I did almost despair: so considering and weighing, the testimonies of thy Servants, left upon record, Ezech. 18. joel 2. for the comfort of poor distressed souls, I am somewhat again, cheered and raised up. For, besides those places of consolation, and many more, I find, by divers Parables and similitude of thine own, how ready and propense thou art, to receive and pardon the penitent. As, Luc. 15. by the lost penny, the lost sheep: and by the Prodigal Son, whose Image I find in myself, and whose life, mine doth fully parallel. Wherefore O Lord, I humbly entreat thee, to restore me (thy lost Son) to thy favour: and withal, to give me true sense and knowledge of the Innocency, I have lost. I do not desire, that thou shouldest deal so kindly with me; as that Father did with his Son: but I shall be happy and glad, if thou wilt entertain me, as one of the meanest of thy hired Servants. My hope and confidence is, that thou wilt pity me, because thou art the fountain of pity, and compassion. Behold me therefore, with the eyes of pity, look on me, and ease me, who come unto thee laden with the heavy burden of my sins: pardon them, Mat. 11.28. and save me, for thy infinite mercy: and remember not my sins, but thine own sufferings: think not on me, as a proud and rebellious malefactor, but as an humble and penitent convert. Look on me, with those eyes of compassion, wherewith thou didst sometime behold, a Luc. 7.48. Marry Magdalen, b Luc. 22.62. Peter, and c Luc. 23.43. the good Thief: give me true knowledge of my sins, with the first; true contrition, with the second, and receive me with the third, into thy Heavenly Paradise. Let thy obedience satisfy for my rebellions, thy innocency for my guilt, thy humility for my arrogancy, thy fasting for my intemperance, and thy justice for my iniquity. Mat. 26.39. Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me whole, and rerestore me to thy former grace. Purify, purge, and cleanse me from my offences, & open mine eyes, that I may clearly see mine own pollution: and make me to grieve, that I have not grieved for my sins, as I ought to have done. And as thou hast, by thy long suffering, hitherto expected my repentance, so, of thy infinite mercy and goodness, pardon me, repenting: and grant me grace, that I may be afraid to offend thee hereafter. Hear me O sweet Saviour, and make intercession for me to the Father, with whom and the Holy Spirit, thou dost live and reign coequal and coeternal Lord God, World without end. Amen. Confession of sins. I confess, O Lord, That job 14.4. I was borne in uncleanness. That Psal. 51.5. I was shaped in wickedness, and in sin my mother conceived me. Deut. 29.18. That I am a root of bitterness, Deut. 32.32. A wild Vine of Sodom, Rom. 11.24. A branch of the wild Olive, Eph. 2.3. The child of wrath, A Vessel of dishonour and perdition, That Osee. 7.16. my heart is rebellious, like a starting Bow. That Psal. 5.10. my throat is an open sepulchre, venting all folly. That Esa. 6.5. I am of polluted lips. That Psal. 144.11. my tongue talketh nothing but vanity. That Mat. 7.22. mine eyes are evil, prove to lust. That Psal. 58.4. mine ears are uncircumcised, and like to the deaf Adder. That jer. 3.3. I have a Forehead of brass, and a neck of iron. That Heb. 12.12. my hands are slow to good, That Rom. 3.15. my feet are swift to evil. I have sinned against thee O Lord, and in thy sight, not fearing thy Majesty. My sins are: In quantity, Esa. 57.8. Psal. 25.11. Large, and of a great size. Of long continuance, From my mother's breasts. Hos. 9.9. Deep. Heavy. Like a Psal. 38.4. Burden. Like Zach. 5.7. Lead. Stretching to heaven with their cry. jer. 30.14.15. Many in number: Like the Stars: Psal. 40.12. More than the hairs of my head. Esa. 57.20. Oftentimes reiterated. jer. 6.7. As a Fountain casting out water. Till they become as a habit. Esa. 1.18. As red as Scarlet and Crimson. Rom. 7.14. 1. King. 21.25. I am sold under sin. Till they become natural to me. jer. 13.23. Like the Aethiopians skin, The Leopard's spots. In quality, The worst of sins. Strong, Esa. 5.18. like Cords & Cartropes. Rom. 6.21. Gaining nothing thereby. For Ezech. 13.19. a handful of Barley, a little bread. Committing Eph. 4.19. sin with greediness, sin upon sin. jer. 3.3. with impudence. 6.15. not being ashamed. Gal. 2.18. ja. 4.17. knowing it to be sin. Mat. 18.7. giving offence thereby. Rom. 1.21. unthankfully. 2. Pet. 2.22. like the Dog to his vomit: the Sow to the mire. Psal. 119.137 Therefore O Lord, because thou art Just, and thy judgements true. I reap the fruit of my foolishness. Rom. 6.21. For what fruit have I in those things whereof I am ashamed? My days are consumed in vanity, and my years in the bitterness of my Soul. Psal. 38 3. And now there is no health in my flesh, because of thy displeasure: neither is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sin. My heart trembleth also, with remembrance of thy judgements. I feel bitterness above the bitterness of death, in that I have forsaken thee, O God, and that thou hast forsaken me. Woe unto me rebellious wretch, for thus doing. See and consider, O Lord, how vile I am become, for my soul abhorreth to live. Psal. 38.8. I have roared for the disquietness of my heart. And what shall I now say, or wherein shall I open my mouth? what what shall I answer, seeing I have done these things? job. job. Miserable man that I am, who shall deliver me out of this body of death? When I have not what I can further say or do, this only remaineth, this is my last refuge, that I direct mine eyes to thee. Psal. 130. Out of the deep have I called to thee, O Lord: Lord hear my voice. If thou Lord shouldest be extreme to mark what is done amiss, O Lord who may abide it? Enter not into judgement with thy Servant O Lord for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. Wherefore O Lord, I appeal from Thee, to Thee, From Thee: a Just judge, To Thee: a merciful Father. From the Throne of thy justice. To the Seat of thy Mercy. O Lord he pleased to admit of this appeal. If thou do not, I perish. Mat. 8.25. And O Lord, carest thou not if I perish? 1. Tim. 2.4. 2. Pet. 3.9. Who wouldst have all to be saved, none to perish. Psal. 119.94. I am thine, O save me. 138.8. Despise not the work of thy hands. Wisd. 11.24. Who hatest nothing which thou hast made. Psal. 116.15. I am thy Servant and son of thy handmaid. Dan. 9.19. Thy Name is called on by us. Heb. 11.16. Thou art not ashamed to be called our Lord. I am the price of thy Son's blood. O spare thy workmanship, thy Child, thy Name, the price of thy Son's blood. But I am a sinner, and joh. 9.30. God heareth not sinners. Yet I pray thee remember of what I am made, that I am but Psal. 78.40. flesh, and a wind that passeth away and cometh not again. Take notice of the matter of which I am made. Remember Psal. 103.14. that I am but dust. Frail Flesh. Light Wind. Lose Dust. And wilt thou O Lord: job 13.25. break a leaf driven with the wind to and fro? and wilt thou pursue dry stubble? Behold O Lord, though I have sinned, yet 1. Pet. 5.6. I humble myself under thy mighty hand. Spare the humble and contrite. 2. Sam. 19.19. David spared Shemei that railed on him. And David was a man according to thine own heart. Therefore do thou spare me. Ahah King of Israel, forgave the King of Syria his offence, 1. King. 20.31. upon his humiliation. Was there ever King of Israel more merciful than thou? Thou forgivest the same Ahab 1. King. 21.29. (who had sold himself to sin) when he humbled himself. Spare me also I beseech thee. Psal. 80.4. O Lord how long wilt thou be angry with thy Servant which prayeth. Surely Lord job 31.3. I hide not my sins like Adam, but confess them. Behold 1. Cor. 11.31. 2. Cor. 7.11. I judge myself. Accept O Lord the Sacrifice, Of a troubled Spirit, A contrite heart. A grieved soul. A wounded Conscience. Though I have sinned against thee. It hath ever been thy Practice to be merciful. Psal. 22.4. Our fathers trusted in thee, they trusted and were not confounded. Thy mercies Psal. 25.6. have been ever of old. Psal. 89.49. Lord where are thy former loving kindnesses? Syr. 2.10. Look at the Generations of old, and see, did ever any trust in the Lord and was confounded, or whom did he ever despise that called upon him? It is due by thy promise. Psal. 119.49. Remember thy Word unto thy Servant; upon which, thou hast caused me to hope. Psal. 119. 41. Let thy mercy come unto me O Lord: even thy Salvation, according to thy Word. Tit. 1.2. God hath promised, which cannot lie. Heb. 6.17. Rom. 3.3. And confirmed it with an Oath. Which promise the unbelief of men cannot make void. 2. Tim. 2.13. If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful, he cannot deny himself. There will arise no benefit by my destruction. Psal. 30.9. For what profit is there in my blood, if I go down into the Pit? Psal. 6.5. For in death is no remembrance of thee, and in the Grave who shall give thee thankes? Psal. 88.10. Wilt thou show wonders to the Dead? or shall the Dead arise and praise thee? Psal. 88.11. Shall thy Loving kindness be declared in the Grave, or thy faithfulness in destruction? Esa. 38.18. The Grave cannot praise thee, Death cannot celebrate thee: The living, the living, he shall praise thee. Psal. 118.17. I will not dye but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Psal. 34.8. 1. Pet. 2.3. O taste and see how gracious the Lord is, blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Thy mercies O Lord are Psal. 109.2. Sweet. Psal. 67.17. Comfortable. Psal. 63.4. Better than life. Psal. 5.7. 51.1. Many. A multitude of them, Psal. 130.6. Plentiful. Luc. 1.78. Rom. 5.20. 1. Tim. 1.14. Psal. 17.7. Tender. Superabundant. Wonderful. Psal. 71.13. 86.1. 119.156. 103.12. Eph. 3.18. Infinite. Great. Broad. From the East to the West. Long. Eph. 3.19. Deep. Psal. 36.5. High, To the Heavens. Above the Heavens. Psal. 108.4. Past Knowledge. Psal. 25.5. 103.17. 136. 89.2. Eternal. Of old. For ever. Psal. 79.9. Preventing. Psal. 23.6. Following. Psal. 32.11. Compassing. Psal. 103.13. Pardoning. Psal. 103.4. Crowning. Psal. 145.9. Over all thy Works. Rom. 5.20. Our sins. ja. 2.13. Thy justice. 2. Cor. 1.3. Thou art the Father of mercies. Thou art our Patient and slow to anger. Wisd. 11.23. Thou winkest at the sins of men, because they should repent. Psal. 95.10. Sparing thy people forty years. Psal. 78.39. Many times thou didst turn thy wrath away, and wouldst not suffer thy whole displeasure to arise. Lam. 3.22. It is of thy mercy, that we are not consumed. Gentle in correcting, insomuch as thy justice is not without mercy. Psal. 89.32.33. I will visit their offences with the rod, and their sin with scourges, nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him. Psal. 103.10. He hath not dealt with us after our sins. Hos. 11.8. How shall I smite thee O Ephraim? Placable and easy to be pacified. Psal. 103.9. He will not always he chiding: neither keepeth he his anger for ever. Psal. 30.5. His wrath endureth but the twinkling of an eye. Esa. 54.7. For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. Abac. 3.2. In anger he remembreth mercy. 2 Sam. 12.13. David said I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said to David, The Lord hath also put away thy sin, thou shalt not dye. Esa. 30.18. The Lord waiteth to be gracicious unto us. Compassionate. Thy Compassions are called Luc. 1.78. bowels of mercy. Psal. 106.43. Mat. 15.32. When thou didst see the misery of thy people, thou hadst compassion on them. Mat. 18.27. Then the Lord of the Servant moved with compassion, loosed him, and forgave him the debt. Not only ready to forgive, but profuse in mercy. Psal. 130.7. With thee is plenteous Redemption. Luc. 15.22. The father of the Prodigal, not only pardoned him, but put on him the best Robe, and a Ring, and killed the fat Calf for him. Luc. 15.7. He will have joy in Heaven, for a sinner repenting. Thy pardon extendeth, not only to small, but great sins and sinners. Such as Peter, Luc. 26.74. who forswear thee. Paul, ●. Tim. 1.13. who blasphemed thee. The Luc. 23.43. Thief on the Cross. The joh 8. Adultress. Luc. 7.36. Marry Magdalen. jer. 3.1. They say, if a man put away his Wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again, shall not the Land be greatly polluted? But thou hast played the harlot with many Lovers, yet return again to me saith the Lord. Luc. 6.35. He is kind to the unthankful and evil. But all these are recapitulated, and summed up in Christ jesus. 1. Pet. 1.4. In whom he hath given us great and precious promises. 2. Cor. 1.19. And in whom all the promises of God are Yea, and Amen. In joh. 16.23. naming of whom it will be sufficient. Mat. 15.22. jesus thou Son of David have mercy on me. Mat. 1.21. Which name jesus, was given unto him, because he saveth us from our sins. Aug. Lord, do not so earnestly mark our sins, as that thereby thou forget thine own Name. Thou Son of David 2. Sam. 19 (who forgave Shemei his sworn enemy reviling him.) Forgive me. O Christ hear me. Intercede for me. Make the Father propitious to me. Say unto my Soul Psal. 35.3. I am thy Salvation. Let not thy Apostle comfort me in vain, when he saith: 1. Tim. 1.15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Rom. 5.20. Where six hath abounded, there grace hath superabounded. God hath concluded all under Rom. 11.32. sin, that he might have mercy upon all. Rom. 5.10. When we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him, by the death of his Son. Let not another of thy Apostles say in vain. 1. Pet. 3.18. Christ once suffered for sin, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. Let not the third. ja. 2.13. Mercy rejoiceth above judgement. Let not the fourth. 1. joh. 2.1. If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father Christ jesus the Righteous. 1. joh. 2.2. And he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world. Let not thine own Words be spoken in vain. Mat. 11.28. Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest. Luc. 5.32. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. joh. 12.47. I came not to judge the World, but to save it. These things are not, cannot be spoken in vain. Psal. 94.19. Wherefore in the multitude of the sorrows that are in my heart, thy comforts (O Lord) have refreshed my soul. Heb. 4.16. Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find Grace to help in time of need. Which I beseech thee to grant me. For thy great and many mercies. Thy Names sake. The Glory of thy Name. Thy promise sake. Thy practice sake. My misery. My infirmity. Even for thy Son jesus Christ's sake. The seven penitential Psalms analysed. 1 Psalm 6. 1 O Lord my God, rebuke me not I beseech thee, in thy fierce indignation against my sins, either in this life, or at the day of judgement, neither chasten or correct me in thy hot displeasure, by condemning me to eternal death. 2 Have mercy and compassion upon me, according to thy accustomed goodness O Lord, for I am weak and frail by nature, strengthen me therefore by thy Grace, O Lord, and heal me, by curing the infirmities of my soul, for they are multiplied so greatly upon me, that my bones, and all my inward parts are vexed, and disquieted, with the remembrance of them. 3 My sinful Soul, considering my manifold offences, and trembling at the thought of thy just anger against them, is also (like as is my flesh) sore troubled, and almost at the point of desperation: but thou O Lord, that desirest not the death of a sinner, how long will it be, ere thou look upon me, and bring me out of this misery. 4 Return from the rigour of thy justice O Lord, to the sweetness of thy mercy, and deliver my soul, from the bondage of sin: O Lord save me, from the assaults of the Devil, not for any merits of mine, but for thy mercy's sake, in Christ jesus my Saviour. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee, to praise and glorify thy Name: and who, surely none there is, that shall give thee thankes, or celebrate thy goodness, in the Grave of Hell, where nothing is to be heard, but weeping, gnashing of teeth, and blasphemies. 6 I am weary and faint, with my groaning and sighing, for my transgressions, every night, when I should take my rest, I wash my bed, weeping for them, and I water my couch, the place of my rest, with my tears of unfeigned repentance. 7 Mine eye of reason and understanding, is consumed and groweth weak, because of the grief I take, fearing thy judgements: yet it waxeth Old, and I continue in sin, because of the united forces of all mine enemies, the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. 8 Depart therefore fare from me all ye mine enemies, which are, and have been the workers and causers of mine iniquity, by your tentations, and evil examples: for henceforth, I will have no more to do with you; for my conscience assureth me, that the Lord, of his infinite goodness, hath heard, and pitied the voice of my weeping: and therefore I should be unthankful to him, to return to those sins, which he, in his mercy, hath forgiven. 9 The Lord, I cannot repeat it too often, hath graciously heard my earnest supplication, for the pardon of my sins, and he The Lord, plentiful in pity, hath not only now, but will also hereafter, receive my prayer, whensoever I call faithfully upon him. 10 Let all mine enemies therefore, who have sought my destruction, be ashamed at my conversion, and be sore vexed and troubled at the consideration of God's judgements. Let them no longer delay, but repent and return to the Lord, and be ashamed, that they have so long deferred their conversion, and suddenly, without any longer delay, make their peace with him, by unfeigned repentance. Glory be to the Father, etc. 2 Psalm 32. BLessed is he in this life, in assured hope, and thrice blessed, in full and perfect fruition, in the life to come, Whose transgression, by God's mercy, is forgiven, in respect of the offence: and whose sin, by the imputation of Christ's righteousness, is so covered in this World, that it be not laid open, at the day of judgement, in respect of the punishment. 2 Blessed and happy is the man, unto whom, in regard either of offence, or punishment, the Lord, accepting the merits of Christ, imputeth no sin, but giveth so ample a remission of them, that he taketh no notice of any sin in him: and in whose Spirit, as well as outward show, is no guile, but penitently, without hypocrisy, bewaileth his offences. 3 When I myself (I speak by experience) kept silence, dissembling and covering my sins, wherewith my conscience was oppressed, my bones, and inward parts, waxed old and feeble through my roaring, which God regarded not, though I cried all the day long, and that, because I confessed not my sins aright unto him. 4 For day and night, continually, thy hard hand of affliction was heavy upon me, to punish my obstinacy, and to reduce me to repentance; and by reason thereof, my moisture and vigour, which I formerly had, is turned, like to the drought of Summer, and is almost withered, and dried up. 5 My sin therefore, at the jest, being thus handled by thee, did I resolve to acknowledge unto thee, in contrition of soul, and mine iniquity, which I formerly concealed, I have not any longer hid, but humbly confessed unto thee. 6 I further said within myself, when thy grace began to work in me, that I will no longer continue in my rebellion, but penitently confess all my transgressions, and iniquity unto the Lord, gracious and merciful: and I had no sooner done it, but thou (of thy wont compassion) forganest the iniquity, and punishment of my sin, committed against thee. 7 For this remission of fin, as it was necessary for me to pray for it, so shall every one, of what condition soever, that is godly, (for the just also fall) pray unto thee, O Lord, in a time, when thou mayest be found, in a fit season. But in the greatest danger of Floods, and swelling of the great waters of afflictions, God will so preserve the just man, that they shall not have power to come nigh unto him, to oppress or overwhelm him. 8 Thou O God, art my hiding place, and refuge, in all tribulations, thou (for in none other will I trust) shalt preserve me by thy power, from trouble and adversity. Thou shalt compass me about with thy mercy, and I will sing unto thee, Songs of praise, for my deliverance. 9 I will instruct thee (saith God) O man, if thou wilt be ruled by me, and teach thee in the way of righteousness, which thou shalt walk in, without erring. I will guide thee, in the right way, with mine eye of providence, that no evil shall happen unto thee. 10 Be ye not therefore O foolish men, (since I am so careful over you) without reason, as the unruly Horse, and dull Mule, which have no understanding, to bridle their headstrong desires: Whose hard Mouth must be held in with strong hand, and with bit and bridle, and you, with tribulations and afflictions: if you be, than (as they must be held in, lest they come near thee, and fall upon their rider, or kick at them, so) shall you be forced by adversity, to know yourselves, lest you oppose God your Creator. 11 Many sorrows either in this world, or torments in the world to come, shall be to the obstinate and unrepentant wicked: but he that with his whole heart dependeth on, and trusteth in the Lord his God, the Mercy of God shall compass and defend him on every side, from all dangers. 12 Be glad then, Oye servants of the most High, in the salvation of the Lord, and not in your own strength, and rejoice, in fervency of spirit, ye that are just, and righteous: shout for joy, in the comfort of a good conscience, all ye that are upright in heart. For that the Lord is gracious to those that love him, and hath delight in the prosperity of his Servants. Glory be to the Father, etc. 3 Psalm 38. 1 O Lord, I do not altogether decline from, and refuse thy corrections, only this I require of thee, that thou, rebuke me not in thy fierce wrath, by condemning me with the reprobate: neither chasten me, poor sinner, too severely, by the extraordinary afflictions of this, as if it were in thy hot displeasure. 2 For it is not without cause, that I should thus deprecate thine anger, for thine arrows of grief and anguish, stick fast in me, and are sore upon me, already, and thy hand of present affliction presseth and troubleth me sore. 3 There is no soundness nor health in my flesh, because of the vehemency of thine anger, against me: Neither is there any rest or quiet in my bones, and inward parts, when I consider, that thy displeasure ariseth to ward me, because of the gricuousnesse and wickedness of my sin. 4 For (having recollected my thoughts) I find, that mine iniquities (which hitherto I regarded not) are so many, that they are gone over my head, they are passed my understanding, for quantity and quality, and as a heavy burden, for the weight of them, they are become too heavy for me to bear any longer: they press me down so much, that I cannot look up to heaven or heavenly things. 5 My wounds, which sin hath made in my conscience, stink in the nostrils of God, and they are so abominable, that now, they corrupt, and putrify in mine own sight: and all this is come upon me, because of my foolishness, that have let them go so long unsearched, (unrepented of) that they are almost past cure or remedy. 6 I am troubled notwithstanding, that I have so long put of my conversion, I am bowed and pressed down, with the weight of my transgressions, and am humbled in soul, for them greatly, and crave pardon for them. I go mourning and grieving all the day long, bewailing the former time of my life misspent. 7 For my loins are filled, and infected with a loathsome disease of carnal concupiscence: and there is no soundness nor goodness at all, in my flesh, for that it rebelleth against the Spirit. 8 I am feeble in body, and sore broken in mind, in so much, that considering with myself, how grievously I have offended thee, I have roared and cried bitterly, by reason of the disquietness of my heart: O Lord therefore forgive my offences. 9 Lord, who knowest all things, and dost search into the hearts of all men, all my desire to be reconciled to thee, and to lead a new life is before thee, thou knowest it, and my groaning and earnest Prayer mingled with sighs and tears, is not hid from thee, but (I hope) is ascended into thy presence. 10 My heart, which hath lost the peace of conscience, panteth, with fear of thy judgements, my wont strength faileth me, and I am grown weak: as for the light of mine inward eyes, wherewith I was wont to discern good from evil, it is also dim, and gone from me, and I am become, like to them, that walk in darkness. 11 My Lovers, and those which I took for friends, because they see me go about, to forsake my evil courses, stand aloof of from my sore, & in stead of giving me comfort, become mine adversaries: and my kinsmen, who in my prosperity fawned on me, now stand a fare of, and leave me comfortless. 12 They also of mine enemies, that seek after the overthrow of my life, and eternal happiness, lay snares and tentations for me: and they that seek my hurt, in bereaving me of my good name, speak mischievous and false things to my reproach, and imagine deceit, how to divert me from the right way, all the day long. 13 But, I, being resolved to persist in the way of repentance, and to trust wholly in the mercy of God, behaved myself to them as a deaf man, giving no ear to their allurements, and made as though I heard them not: and I was in my behaviour to them, as a dumb man, that knew not how to speak, and that opened not his mouth. 14 Thus careful was I, lest mine enemies should entrap me, and I continued still, as a man, that heareth not, nor is moved with their tentations: and in whose mouth, (notwithstanding their evil deeds to me) are no reproofs. 15 For in thee O Lord, (let them do what they can,) do I hope, and put my confidence, that thou wilt keep thy promise, and hear me, when I call upon thee, O Lord my God and Saviour. 16 For I said in my prayer to thee, hear me O Lord, lest if thou forsake me, they should rejoice and triumph over me, for when, and as soon as my foot of faith slippeth never so little by infirmity, they presently imagine, that thou hast forsaken me, and magnify themselves as though they had obtained a great victory against me. 17 For I cannot marvel, that they should so do, considering, that when I feel the weight of my sins, I myself am ready to halt, and despair: and the reason of my sorrow is, because thy judgements are ever before me, and in my thoughts. 18 For remedy whereof, I will declare, and confess to thee O Lord, in the bitterness of my soul my iniquity, and take revenge of myself for it: yea I will be, (as long as I live) hearty sorry, and much grieved for my sin past, though it be forgiven. 19 But mine enemies, think not of forsaking their ways, they are lively and merry, and cry peace, peace, to their souls: and they are strong to do evil: and they also that hate me (because they see my conversion) wrongfully, and without cause, are multiplied, and exceedingly increased. 20 They also, that unthankfully render evil to me, for the good, which I have done unto them, are also become mine adversaries, and do unto me, all the mischief they can, and why? because they perceive my conversion, and that I follow and love, the thing that good is, which they hate. 21 Forsake me not, either in tentation, or tribulation, though they persecute me, O Lord, the author of my salvation: O my God, whom I desire to serve, be not fare from me, by withdrawing thy grace from me, 22 Make haste (lest I faint under the burden of my sins) to help me, against my enemies, O Lord, who art my only stay in this life, and my Salvation, in the life to come. Glory be to the Father etc. 4 Psalm 51. 1 Have mercy upon me miserable sinner, O God, full of mercy and compassion, according to thy loving and infinite kindness, to the sons of men: and as my sins are infinite, so according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, which thou hast ever showed to penitent sinners, blot out of the book of thy remembrance, my innumerable transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly, with the blood of thy dear Son, from mine iniquity, whereby I have so often offended thy Majesty: and cleanse me, in the fountain of thy mercies, from my sin, whereby I have also offended my neighbour. 3 For behold O Lord, I hide not, nor excuse, but in the bitter tears of repentance acknowledge and confess, my horrible transgressions against thee: and my grievous sin, in which I did for a time take delight, is grown odious to me, and is ever before me, in remorse of conscience. 4 Against thee, most merciful Father, only, have I sinned, and though I were ashamed to commit sin in the sight of men, yet I have done this great evil in thy all-seeing sight: yet O Lord be merciful to me, and pardon it, that thou mightst be justified, and found true and faithful, when thou speakest (as thou hast often done) of mercy and forgiveness to the penitent, and be clear from the imputation of injustice, when thou art arrogantly and falsely judged for severity, thy punishments being just, though the eyes of our understanding, be not so clear, as to perceive the justice of them. 5 Behold O Lord, that I, as all mankind, was shapen in the iniquity of original sin, from which fountain, springeth my misery: and in sin, and concupiscence, did my mother conceive me, from whence, groweth the infirmity of my flesh. 6 Behold also O LORD, I know, that thou desirest Truth, Faith, and Integrity, in the inward parts of my conscience: and in the hidden parts of me (my Soul) thou shalt make me, by the illumination of thy Holy Spirit, to know Wisdom, to eternal life. 7 Purge me, leprous sinner with spiritual Hyssop, the blood of thy Son, in stead of the Hyssop, which was wont to cleanse the leprous, in the law: and by that blood, I shall be clean, and purified, from the leprosy of sin: Wash me, in the fountain of Grace, and then, by the tears of repentance, and the merits of my Saviour, I shall be whiter in thy sight, than Snow. 8 Make me poor wretch to hear, and sensibly feel, the joy and comfort, of remission of my sins: and let me find gladness in the promise of life eternal, that the Spiritual bones of my soul, which thou hast broken with tentations and afflictions, may rejoice, and give thee thankes and praise. 9 Hide and turn away thy face, and wrathful countenance, from my sins, lay them not to my charge: and blot out of thy Register, all mine iniquities that they never appear to condemn me. 10 Create an new form in me (polluted sinner) a clean and pure heart: O God, the Creator of all things, and renew by thy Grace, aright, and sanctified Spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away, into the pit of desperation, by debarring me from thy presence, where (only) is fullness of joy: and take not for ever, thy Holy Spirit of comfort, from me. 12 Restore unto me rather, the unspeakable joy of thy Salvation in Christ jesus, which they feel in their consciences, to whom thou remittest their sins: and when I am re-instated in thy favour, uphold and keep me, from falling again, with thy free, powerful, and saving Spirit. 13 Then, even when I shall be so restored, I will, by word of exhortation, and example of conversation, teach transgressors, how they shall keep thy ways and commandments: and by that means (thy Grace assisting) they, which now are sinners, shall forsake their wickedness, and shall be truly converted to thee. 14 Deliver me, and quit me, from my former bloody offences, and keep me henceforth, from blood guiltiness, and carnal corruptions, O God, my protector: Thou God, which art my Redeemer, and Author of my Salvation: and all the days of my life, my tongue, for joy thereof, shall sing unto thee, and that aloud, and cheerfully: and praise thy Name, by extolling of thy righteousness, who dost justify sinners, and art merciful to the penitent. 15 O Lord, who givest wisdom to the simple, Open thou my lips, which are closed by sin, from doing any service unto thee: and then, with boldness, my mouth shall utter, and show forth thy praise, for to thee alone, belongeth all Honour, and Glory. 16 For thou O God, desirest not, that I should offer the Sacrifice of Goats and Calves, to expiate my offences, else would I willingly give it, and lay it on thy Altar: but thou (having by sending thy Son Christ jesus, abrogated the ceremonies of the Law) delightest not any longer, in offerings, but in obedience to thy Commandments. 11 The Sacrifices accepted of God, and whereby we are in Christ reconciled to him, are a broken and humble Spirit, dejected with the sight of sin: a broken and contrite heart, truly mortified and repentant, O God, thou hast promised, that thou wilt not despise, but lovingly accept. 18 Do good O God, in thy good pleasure, and be favourable and gracious, unto Zion, thy Catholic Church: Build thou, upon a sure foundation of religion, and establish the hearts of thy Saints, and Servants, the walls of thy Church jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou, in Christ jesus, be pleased with us, and with the Sacrifices of Righteousness, in thy Congregation. And with Offerings and Oblations of our hearts. Then shall they, thy Servants thus established, offer bullocks, the Sacrifice of praise, upon thine Altar, in thy presence, to the honour of thy most holy Name. Glory be to the Father, etc. 5 Psalm 102. 1 Hear my prayer, which in the bitterness of my soul, I make to thee, O Lord, whose mercy, is the Sanctuary of distressed sinners: and let nothing stand between that mercy and me, which may hinder my cry to come to thee. 2 Hid not thy face, turn not away thy countenance from me, as if thou wert offended at me, but rather, in the day of adversity, when I am in trouble and sorrow, incline thine ear of pity unto me, and that right soon, and speedily. 3 For my days, which I have misspent, are consumed away like smoke, which for want of substance, resolveth to nothing: and my bones which by my broken spirit, are dried up, are burnt up as a firebrand. 4 My heart is dejected and smitten with the thought of thy justice, and it is withered, with remembrance of thy judgements, like grass, without juice or sap: so that, in this anguish of soul, I forget, and loath to eat my bread. 5 By reason of the grievous voice of my groaning, sighs, and tears, I am so consumed away, that my bones for want of flesh, cleave to my skin, and I am nothing, but skin and bone. 6 I am (for shame that I have offended thee) become in condition, like a Pelican, that liveth solitarily in the Wilderness: and I am like an Owl, not daring to be seen, but that avoideth the light, and is continually, in the desert, shunning the company of other birds. 7 I watch, and sleep not, for the thought of my sins, and am as a sparrow, that caring for no company, sitteth alone, making grievous lamentation, in a mournful note, upon the house top. 8 Mine enemies, seeing me thus penitent, reproach me, with opprobrious speeches, all the day continually, deriding me: and they that (while I was their companion in sin) applauded me, are upon my conversion, mad against me, and do combine, and are sworn, to do me mischief, and to that end, set themselves against me. 9 For this cause, taking no pleasure in this world, I have eaten ashes, and fed upon course meat, like as if it were fine bread, and dainty fare: and I have mingled my drink with tears, weeping, and lamenting for my sins. 10 Because of thine indignation at me, for them, and thy wrath against my life past, all this evil, and more, hath befallen me, for thou hast lifted me up very high, and from thence, hast cast me down, that my fall might be the greater. 11 My days, few and evil, are passed like a shadow upon a sun-dial, that declineth toward the evening: and I, that lately seemed to flourish, am withered, and dried up, like grass without sap, for want of thy comfort. 12 But thou O Lord, which wert, and art, shalt continue immutable, and shalt endure for ever, while all transitory things pass, and come to nothing: and thy glorious works, shall be had in remembrance, unto all generations, even unto the end of the world. 13 Thou O Lord, who seemest to men to sleep, shalt arise, in thy strength, and have mercy and compassion upon Zion, thy Church militant, now oppressed, with the tyranny of Antichrist: for the time, to look upon her, and favour her, is at hand, yea the set time, which thou hast decreed for her deliverance, is, or will not be long, ere it come. 14 For they which be thy true and faithful Servants take pleasure and delight, in her stones (their fellow Servants) and are glad when they see them prosper: and favour and pity, the very dust, and ruins thereof, when they see them under persecution. 15 So, that when they shall be delivered from their misery, the very heathen shall fear and tremble, at the Name of the Lord, and be converted to him: and all the Kings, and Potentates of the earth, which now oppose the Truth, shall acknowledge thee O Lord, to be King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and be afraid, at the greatness of thy Glory and Majesty. 16 When the Lord, by his almighty power, shall build up Zion, and repair the ruins of his Church, he shall then, to the confusion of his enemies, appear in his glory, which they shall not be able to endure. 17 He will then in mercy regard, and hearken to the prayer of his poor servants, and the destitute of his help: and not any longer seem to turn away his face from them, nor despise their prayer, and earnest supplications. 18 This mercy of his, shall then be recorded, and written, as a remembrance; for the generations to come, even to the end of the world, which shall attempt the like against his Church: and the people, yet unborn, that shall succeed, and be created, in ages to come, shall praise, and magnify, the Lord, which only, doth marvelous things. 19 For he hath in mercy by sending his Son Christ jesus, looked down from the height of his Sanctuary, his holy place: even from Heaven, his Father's bosom, did the Lord jesus behold the earth, and had compassion upon all the Sons of men. 20 To hear, and pity the groaning of the prisoners, such as did groan under the burden of the law, and to lose, and set at liberty by his passion, and intercession, those of the posterity of Adam, that are appointed to suffer death, for not fulfilling the same. 21 To the end, that they being so delivered, may declare, and show the power, and the Name of the Lord, which is jesus the Saviour, in Zion, his Church: and magnify and extol his praise, in jerusalem, his holy habitation. 22 When the faithful people, which are yet dispersed over the face of the earth, are gathered together, and made one congregation, and the Kingdoms of the earth, which are yet in darkness, are instructed, to serve thee, the only Lord of Heaven and earth. 23 He even the Lord, in the time of this expectation, hath weakened and abated my strength, so that I can do no good of myself, in the way of this my earthly pilgrimage: he hath shortened and cut off my days, by afflicting me for my sin. 24 I said yet, in this weakness and anguish of my soul, O my God, withdraw not now thy mercy from me, and take me not away out of this world in the midst of my days, in the chief time of my strength: as for thy years, as they are from all eternity, so shall they endure, throughout all generations, even for ever. 25 Of old, at the beginning of time, hast thou of thine own power, laid and created the foundations of the earth, the visible world, anwd all things in it: and the heavens and firmament thereof, are the only work of thy almighty hands and power. 26 They, even heaven and earth, and all things in them shall pass away and perish, from the form they now have: but thou O Lord, the creator of them, shalt endure immutable. Yea, without all doubt, all of them, as thou hast decreed, shall wax old, and consume with age, like a garment, long worn, and as a vesture or garment shalt thou, by the sound of the last trump, change and dissolve them, and they shall yield to thy power, and be changed. 27 But thou O Lord art the same, always unchangeable: and thy years, being from all eternity, shall have no end, but continue for ever. 28 The children and posterity of thy faithful Servants, begotten by the seedes-men of thy Word, shall continue in grace in this life: and their righteous seed shall stand fast, and be established for ever, together with them in glory hereafter, and enjoy everlasting happiness before thee in thy blessed presence. Glory be to the father, etc. 6 Psalm 130. 1 Out of the depth of tentations, dangers, and sorrows for my sins, wherein my Spirit is almost overwhelmed, have I, by fervent prayer, cried, and called unto thee O Lord, who only art able to give me relief. 2. Lord, of thy mercy haste thee, and hear my voice and petition; and deliver me from my misery. O my God, Let thine ears of pity and compassion, be attentive to consider and well weigh the lamentable voice of my humble supplications, and let not my prayer, return unpitied or unheard of thee. 3 If thou Lord, contrary to thy disposition, shouldest be so exact and extreme, as in the rigour of thy justice, to mark the iniquities, which we, by our natural corruption, daily fall into, and punish us accordingly: O good Lord, who? none, not the most upright, shall be able to answer one for a thousand, or stand before thee, (without much horror,) at thy judgement seat. 4 But, for the comfort of poor wretched sinners, and to keep us from utter desperation, we find it recorded, by the holy Spirit, that There is forgiveness of sins, and mercy towards sinners repenting, with thee, by jesus Christ, who came to save sinners: and yet, this mercy of thine, is tied with such conditions, that thou, who also art Just, mayest be also feared, lest thy lenity be abused. 5 I, for my part, wait and confidently expect, for the Lord, to receive mercy from him: My sinful, but repentant soul, doth wait, to receive consolation: and in his Word (whereby he promiseth mercy to repentant sinners,) do I hope, and place my whole confidence, because I know, that he which hath promised, is Just. 6 My sinful Soul, in this expectation, waiteth for the Lord, and tarrieth his good pleasure, to comfort it, more earnestly than they that in a disconsolate long night, watch for the morning: yea (I say it again) more zealously, than they, that are weary of the night, and watch for the light of the morning. 7 Let Israel and all Gods faithful people, hope still, and put their trust in the goodness of the Lord: and not without cause: For with the Lord, though he justly take vengeance on us, for our sins, yet there is, ever was, and will be found, Mercy towards penitent sinners: and with him, by jesus Christ, is not only forgiveness for a few sins, but plenteous redemption, from the captivity of the Devil and sin. 8 And he, even jesus Christ, by his merits and intercession, shall redeem and save Israel, and each of his faithful servants, from all his iniquities, and the punishment due for them. Glory be to the Father, etc. 7 Psalm 134. 1. Hear my earnest and humble Prayer, O Lord, which in misery, I make unto thee, Give ear, and be not deaf, to my supplications, in the time of my distress: but in thy faithfulness and truth, which endureth for ever, answer me, and grant my petition, which I make, not trusting in any merits of mine own, but in thy righteousness. 2 And my further petition to thee is, that thou enter not into the throne of thy judgement, by strictly examining my misdeeds, and dealing rigorously with me, thy poor Servant, who hath misspent his talon: for in thy allseeing sight, shall no man living in this vale of misery, be justified or found innocent. 3 For the old enemy of mankind, the Devil, hath by his malice persecuted, and sought to entrap my soul, to separate it from the love of thee: he hath smitten, and cast my life and soul down to the ground and filled me full of earthly desires, he hath made, and caused me to dwell, and take pleasure in, the darkness of my sins, as those, that are without sense, and have been long dead. 4 Therefore O Lord, considering my desperate estate, is my spirit overwhelmed with grief within me, and my heart, is disquieted within me, and is also desolate, and sore troubled. 5 I yet, in the midst of the sorrows that are in my heart, do remember what I have read and heard, what thou hast done in the days of old, how that thou hast been gracious to the penitent, and severe against the unrepentant sinner. I meditate also, on all thy works, but especially on that of thy mercy, and I muse, and exercise myself, in contemplating on the work of thy hands, admiring thy Power, and Wisdom, in the creation of all things. 6 I stretch forth, and lift up my hands in my prayers unto thee O Lord: my soul (which is dry for want of the dew of thy grace) thirsteth after thee, for the water of life, as a thirsty land, in a time of drought. 7 Hear me, and answer me speedily, delay not O Lord for my spirit waxeth faint, and faileth me in my devotion: Oh hide not thy face and loving countenance from me miserable sinner▪ lest it come to pass, that I be like in condition, unto them, that go down headlong after their own inventions, into the pit of destruction and perdition. 8 Cause me by thy spirit, to hear and feel, thy loving kindness and mercy in the morning speedily, lest I perish: for in thee only, and not in the help of men or Angels, do I place my whole trust and confidence: cause me by thy grace, to know and learn the way of thy testimonies, wherein I should, and aught to walk, without declining to the right hand, or the left. For I lift up my soul by prayer and repentance unto thee, who only canst direct me aright. 9 Deliver me O Lord, by thy power, from all mine enemies, visible and invisible, for I fly, and make haste for succour unto thee, as to my protector, to hide and defend me from their violence. 10 Teach and instruct me, (that am ignorant) to do thy Will; and those things, which thou commandest, for thou art my God and director: Thy Spirit is good, and all sufficient for me: Led me therefore by it, into the right way, which bringeth, into the land of righteousness and truth. 11 Quicken me again O Lord, and revive me, from the death of sin, for thy Names sake, which is jesus, and for thy righteousness sake, and love to goodness, bring my soul by thy grace, out of the trouble and anguish whereinto my sins have brought me. 12 And of thy tender mercy and compassion, cut of, and kill in me, mine enemies, the concupiscences of the flesh, and destroy and confound all them, that with injuries and tentations afflict and disquiet my soul, which is wholly devoted to thee: for I am thy Servant, and Son, of thy handmaid, and desire to serve thee, in holiness and righteousness, all the days of my life. Glory be to the Father etc. Directions before receiving the Holy Communion. AS many as desire to be partakers of the holy Sacrament, of the Body and blood of Christ, (as of necessitte every one must be, that intendeth to receive benefit by him) ought, before the taking of it, to prepare his soul, and fit it, for the due receiving of it, and not come to it carelessly, without due examination of himself, and respective consideration of the excellency and worth thereof. And therefore, before the time of communicating, we ought to spend some time, or days, (the more, the better) In meditating upon the great and unspeakable love and mercy of God, toward us. miserable sinners, in ordaining so powerful a means, to purge and cleanse us, and bring us to him: In believing all his promises made to us in Christ jesus: in applying them to ourselves: in performing the works of charity: in examining, in what estate our souls do stand: in calling to mind our sins, and confessing them to God: in grieving and repenting for them, and that in all humility and Godly sorrow: in a Luc. 15.20. returning with the Prodigal: smiting our breasts with the Publican: b Luc. 18.13. weeping with Mary Magdalen: begging mercy with the thief on the Cross, Luc. 7.38. and lastly, in promising to God, to lead a better life, for the time to come. Thus if we do, no doubt, but we shall be welcome guests to this feast, as being of that number, for whom it was prepared. For by how much the more, we come prepared to take this Sacrament, so much the greater, shall be the grace, which we shall receive by it. There are four Duties required in every Communicant. First Faith to believe, that jesus Christ did, and suffered all things, which are written of him in the Holy Scriptures, for the Redemption of mankind. Secondly Repentance, by which a man (confessing his sins to God, with a purpose to lead a new life) is reconciled to him. Thirdly Reverend behaviour, that in all humility, we make ourselves fit guests for such a feast. Fourthly Meditation and Attention, that we, during the time of the administration of the Sacrament, attend no earthly thoughts, but wholly fix our souls, upon our Saviour Christ, and meditate on nothing, but this great and high benefit, and thereby be inflamed with a hearty love, and thankful mind to God, not only for his infinite love, in suffering so great things for us, but also, for instituting this blessed Sacrament, to remain to the end of the World, as a sure pledge of his continuance amongst us, and perpetual care over us. After we have communicated, and are refreshed, we ought also, to be thankful to God, for so great a benefit (thankfulness being, not the least duty of this service. The Sacrament itself, being called Eucharistia, which is thanksgiving) and to strive, to imitate him, as well in life, as death: to live purely, and not to defile our souls again, being purged and cleansed, by the powerful operation of this blessed Sacrament: that so, by Examination, meditation, thanksgiving, faith, and constant resolution of amendment. We may worthily receive Christ into our souls, and be made members of his mystical body. Meditations and Prayers before the Communion. WHat am I O Lord, that I should be so bold as to come near to thee? what am I, that should attempt, to receive this, so great and high a mystery? what is man by nature, but a vessel of corruption? unapt to any good, and propense, and most ready for any evil. What is man, but a creature, of all others, most wretched? blind in judgement, inconstant in his actions, unclean in his desires, and (though small in desert, yet) proud, and great in his own conceit? Thou seest O Lord what I am. But thou O Lord, art great, good, wise and eternal: omnipotent in strength, wonderful in wisdom, deep in thy counsels, terrible in thy judgements, and absolutely perfect in all thy works. How then dare I, that am so base and unclean a creature, approach to the Feast of so great a God, and a Lord of so great Majesty. Behold, the Heavens are not clean in thy sight, job 15.15. and the pillars of Heaven shake and tremble at thy nod. Saint john the Baptist (who was sanctified in his mother's womb) professed himself not worthy to unloose the latchet of thy shoes. joh. 1 27. Saint Peter cried out to thee, Luc. 5.8. to departed from him a sinful man. How then, can I, the chief of all sinners, but tremble at thy presence? O LORD, I fear that (being thus wretched and unfit) I shall not be admitted to this Feast, but rather be repelled, for want of a wedding garment, Mat. 22.22. even the garment of a Sanctified soul. For my whole life, hath been so wretchedly and lewdly spent, and my days have been so wickedly wasted, that I hourly seemed, to renew thy passion. Many a time, Mat. 26.14. I have (with judas) sold thee, for a small sum of pleasure or profit, and now in coming to receive thee unworthily, what do I else, but with him, betray thee with a kiss? How then shall I dare to receive thee, Mat. 26.26. in so desperate and wicked estate. How canst thou abide, or dwell in so loathsome a Dungeon, wherein, there is no part, room, or corner clean? O Lord I acknowledge mine unworthiness, and yet with all thy mercies are not hid from me: and by them, I am encouraged to come, with confidence unto thee: for by how much the unworthier I come unto thee, by so much the more, will thy mercy be glorified, if thou do not reject me. Lord, thou art not wont to put sinners back, but to call, and set them forward to repentance. Wherefore O Lord, animated by thy calling, and invitation, I come unto thee, overburdened with the weight of my sins, hoping to find ease and relief of thee. Thy custom (while thou wert upon earth) was to receive sinners: Luc. 15.2. and to eat with them: and thy delight was to be with the Sons of men. If thou O Lord be still pleased with such guests, behold one here at this time, of that kind, a notorious sinner. I verily believe, that thou tookest more pleasure, in the tears of the sinful woman, then in the great feast of the proud Pharisee, Luc. 7.38. and for a few tears of hers, didst forgive many sins unto her. Luc. 7.47. Behold O Lord, new matter offered for thy great mercy to work upon. Here lieth a sinner, who hath many more sins than she, but fewer tears by many: who, though he hath more grievously offended, yet doth more carelessly bewail his offences then she did. She was neither the first, nor the last, who thou in thy mercy didst receive to favour. O Lord, let me also be one of the Subjects of thy mercy: and although I have not tears sufficient to wash thy feet; yet thou hast shed drops of blood more than sufficient, to cleanse my sins. I read O Lord in the Gospel, that all that were diseased, flocked to thee; Luc. 16.17.18. and (by that Virtue which came out of thee) were healed: and I verily persuade myself, that thy Nature is not changed: for in thee is, and will be, to the end of the world, health and remedy for all griefs: and thou art readier to make us whole, than we are to ask health of thee. I know O Lord, that this Sacrament (which I so earnestly look after) is not only meat for those that are in health, but Physic also for the sick: and doth not only refresh the Righteous, but cleanseth those that are Sinners also. If I be weak, by it I shall be strengthened: if in health, in health by it I shall be preserved: and if dead in sin, by it I shall be revived. I humbly therefore entreat thee O Father, that (as David did admit Mephibosheth to his table, 2. Sam. 9 for his Father's sake: so thou wouldst suffer me to be partaker of thy Heavenly Table, for thy Son's sake, who with so great labour and sorrow, did regenerate us, by his death on the Cross, who liveth and reigneth with thee, and the Holy Spirit for ever. Prayers before the Communion. O Almighty Lord God, Father of all mercies and consolation. I humbly beseech thee to behold with the eye of pity, my poor and wretched soul, which, though thou didst create after thine own Image, and washedst with the blood of thy dear Son, yet I have so abominably defiled and defaced with the stain of sin, that it can hardly be known. O Father, I was thy Son, whom thou didst so lovingly embrace and load with blessings, and who was in thy house in great honour and dignity: In the Sacrament of Baptism, thou didst adopt me, and gavest me the inheritance of a Son and heir, but I unthankfully, and prodigally, by my evil life, have wasted my Patrimony: I have wickedly abused the flower and prime of my youth, and the good parts and faculties of my soul and body, with the pleasures of the flesh, pride, surfeiting, envy, lust, covetousness, idleness, rebellion, and disobedience: and now, at the last, I find that all the temporal delights of the flesh and the World are altogether vain, and vanish like smoke. For all flesh is grass, Esa. 1. Pet. 1.24. and all the Glory of man, is but like the flower of the field, and is suddenly gone. He that is rich to day, to morrow becometh poor and miserable: he that walketh in health, and strength of body to day, to morrow is (by sickness) made feeble and weak: he that liveth to day, the next day dieth: and he, which to day, glorieth in the greatest pomp, to morrow is laid in his Coffin, and carried to his Grave. Therefore O Lord, consider the weakness and frailty of man, and turn away I pray thee, thy face from my sins, and remember not them so, in thine anger, that thou forget either thine own mercy, or my weakness▪ By mine own fault, I confess O Lord, and by my evil conversation, I have made myself unworthy of thy favour, and by my evil concupiscences, I have grievously wounded my conscience. I have often grieved thy Holy Spirit, by not harkening to the good motions thereof, but yielding to my sensual lust, and beastly appetite. Yet O merciful Father, cast me not utterly from thy sight: for from the beginning of the world, it was not heard, that thou didst reject any sinner, that, with a contrite heart, came unto thee. Behold I come unto thee in great necessity, and cast myself at thy feet, confessing thy greatness, and multitude of my sins. They have brought me into that evil state and condition, that I am not worthy to be called thy Son, Lue. 15.21. yet I pray thee receive me into the number of thy hired servants. Give me grace, hearty to repent me of my sins, feed and cherish me with the bread and drink of the body and blood of thy Son Christ jesus, that by thy mercy, I may be received to grace, and restored to the former dignity, from which I am worthily cast, and to the inheritance of thy everlasting kingdom, through the same our Saviour jesus Christ. Another. O Blessed Saviour, I poor unworthy sinner, have a great desire and earnest longing to come to thy Table, but considering my many and grievous sins, tremble, and fear to approach unto it. For when I consider thy words to thy Disciples, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, joh. 6.53. and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. And on the other side the words of the Apostle, Whosoever shall eat this bread, 1. Cor. 11.27 and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. I am in such a straight, that I know not what to do. For gladly would I receive this Sacrament, being desirous to live: but fearful I am, to take it unworthily, trembling at thy Commination. I come therefore to thee, the fountain of mercy, hoping that thou wilt wash me: I come to thee the good Samaritan, Luc. 10.34. hoping that thou wilt cleanse my wounds. I open my grief, and discover my iniquities to thee: I look upon my fins, great and grievous, and thereupon tremble: Yet beholding thy mercies, great and plentiful, I am therewith again refreshed. Remember O Lord, how many drops of Sweat and Blood, thou didst shed, How many Pains and Sorrows, thou didst sustain, to expiate my sins. I entreat thee therefore by them, to purge and purify me, that I may worthily be incorporated into thy body, which is thy Church, and may worthily also receive this blessed Sacrament: that so, together with thy whole Church, I may give thee praise everlastingly. Or thus. O Merciful Lord jesus, I confess myself to be a most grievous and wretched sinner, not worthy to approach into thy presence, altogether unfit and unmeet, Luc. 7.6. to receive thee under the roof of my soul; in respect of the stains and pollutions thereof, and that it is not decked and fitted, with such good graces, as thy Majesty and presence requireth, and therefore am afraid to come near unto thee. Yet O Lord considering thy comfortable saying, that Thou dost not desire the death of a sinner, Mat. 11.28. but that he should turn unto thee and live; and thy blessed invitation, how lovingly, with the arms of thy mercy stretched out, thou hast called all, that are heavily oppressed, with the burden of their sins to come to thee for comfort and ease. And lastly, thy usual practice, in pitying and relieving those, which were cast down, with the thought of their misdeeds: as the a Luc. 23. Thief on the Cross. b Luc. 7. Marry Magdalen. c joh. 8. The woman taken in adultery, the d Luc. 18. Publican. e Luc. 26. Peter and Paul (all of them grievous sinners:) I am comforted and emboldened to come unto thee, assuredly trusting, that thou wilt (of thy goodness) supply my defects; and make me a worthy receiver of the high mystery and benefit, of thy blessed Sacrament, whereof of myself I am altogether unworthy. Stretch out thy right hand, O sweet jesus, to me, thy poor servant, and give out of thy rich store-house of mercy, what I want: that thereby I may be made a living Temple to thee, and an acceptable habitation for thine honour to abide in. And grant, that being cleansed by thy mercy and goodness, I may by thy grace and power, persevere in all godliness and holiness of conversation, to the end of my days, and attain to that blessed place, where thou raignest, with the Father and holy Spirit, world without end, Amen. Meditations and Prayers after the Sacrament received. IF all the Creatures in the world should offer themselves together with me, to praise thee, O Lord, yet is it certain, that we could not give thee sufficient thankes for the least of thy mercies: and if together we cannot sufficiently praise thee for the least, how much less can I alone perform so great a duty, for such inestimable blessings, as I have, at this time received: for vouchsafing to visit me, comfort me, & honour me with acceptance and admittance of me, to thy blessed Table. Luc. 1.43. If Elizabeth the mother of john Baptist, (upon the Virgin Mary's entrance to her house) said, Whence is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me? What shall I say, whom the Lord himself hath visited, and united to him, by his blessed Sacrament, being a vessel and receptacle of all impurity, who hath so often offended, despited and neglected him? King David wondered Psal. 8. why God should so esteem of, or visit man. But I wonder much more, why he should be made man for man, abide with him, suffer death for him, and give himself to him for spiritual food. Solomon after he had built a Temple to God, reasoned thus: 1. Kings 8.27. But will God dwell indeed on the earth? Behold the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much less, this house, that I have builded: May not I much more marvel, that God will not disdain to come and abide, in this my poor and wretched soul? What greater benefit or grace, what greater argument of his love is there, can there be showed to me? Oh my soul, if thou wouldst but throughly conceive the happiness that cometh to thee by this holy Sacrament, then consider and well weigh, what benefits it bringeth with it. By it the sons of men are made the Sons of God, and all that is earthly or carnal in us, is mortified, that the Deity may live and abide with us. What therefore O my Lord shall I do? What thankes shall I render to thee? with what fervency shall I love thee? For if thou, so mighty a Lord, hast vouchsafed to love me, poor wretched creature, how should it be, but that I should return love again to thee? And how shall I express my love better, then in forbearing those things which thou dost abhor, and following those things which thou dost command? Give O Lord to this end, thy concomitant grace to me, whereby I may return a reciprocal love to thee, and love those things, which are acceptable to thee, and avoid those things, which are to thee unpleasing. Give me a heart which may love thee, with so true, faithful, and constant affection, as that nothing under the Sun, may separate me from the love of thee. Rom. 8.39. Let me not follow the love of the world, or delight in the vanities of it any longer: but give me power, to kill and quench all other love and desires: and to love thee only, desire thee only, and only think of thee, and thy Commandments: that all my affections and thoughts may be fixed on thee, that in all tentations and adversities, I may have recourse to thee only, and receive all comfort from thee alone, who livest and raignest one God, world without end, Amen. Another. I Humbly thank thee, O sweet Saviour jesus Christ, that thou hast so plentifully refreshed my dry and fainting soul, with the holy Sacrament of thy precious body and blood. I earnestly entreat thee further, that whatsoever is in me vicious, or contrary to thy blessed will, may, by virtue of this Blessed Sacrament, be rooted out of me, that my soul may become a fit habitation for thy holy Spirit. Let it be to me the absolution of my sins, the confirmation of my faith, an increase of all thy graces in me, the viands of this my peregrination and pilgrimage, the only delight of my soul, peace and joy in tribulation, health and strength in affliction and tentation. Let it be a light and guide to my actions, and my only comfort in the day of my dissolution. Let the Palate of my soul, be so changed thereby, that it may relish nothing besides thee. Grant also, that I may hunger and thirst after this bread of life, and cup of salvation, and that I may with a pure mind, and chaste affection, receive it often, that thereby, my soul and body may be preserved to life everlasting. To thee be all praise, power, and dominion ascribed now and for ever. Or thus. I Yield thee all possible thanks, O merciful Lord, that of thy own mere goodness, and without any merit of mine, thou hast so plentifully at this time satisfied me, with the extraordinary food of my soul, thy blessed body and blood. O Lord, I hearty repent me of my many sins past, and am hearty sorry, when I consider, how unprofitably and wickedly, I have spent my life hitherto: I desire O Lord to amend what is amiss in me: be thou aiding (I beseech thee) to me, that I may not only duly bewail, and lament for that which is past, but take heed to my ways, for the time to come. And to this end O Lord; do thou strengthen me with thy spiritual aid, for without thy help, and the direction of the Holy Spirit, I shall not be able, to do any good thing, or perform that, which is pleasing to thee. Grant O Lord, that I may hereafter, faithfully follow and serve thee, who hast at this time so lovingly vouchsafed to come to me. And because (through my infirmity) I cannot follow thee as I would, be pleased to assist me, with thy power, and draw me after thee, Let my soul be so strengthened by virtue of this Sacrament, that it may esteem nothing pleasing or delightful, in comparison of thee: that it may lust after no transitory thing, nor be disquieted, with any worldly cross, but by thy assisting grace, I may overcome all the difficulties of this life, and bless thee in the life to come, Or thus. O Blessed Lord jesus, who, of thy unspeakable love, hast condescended to my infirmity, and vouchsafed in these mysteries to come unto me, and hast made me partaker of thy blessed body and blood, I humbly entreat thee, of thy infinite goodness, not to look back upon my sinful life passed, and to give me grace to obey thy Commandments hereafter, 2. Pet. 2.22. and not to return to those former sins as a dog to his vomit. Grant, that this most holy Sacrament, may be, to me, life and Salvation, and not turn to my greater punishment, and condemnation. Grant, that it may cleanse my soul from sin past, and strengthen me against all tentations to come. Grant, that it may be so wholesome and nourishing to me, that I may walk in the strength thereof, all the days of my life: and at last, be brought by thy merits, to that place of Glory, where thou dost reign, together with the Father and the Blessed Spirit for ever. Psal. 103. Praise the Lord O my Soul, and all that is within me, praise his holy Name. Praise the Lord O my Soul, and forget not all his benefits. Which forgiveth all thy sin, and healeth all thine infirmities. Which saveth thy life from destruction, and crowneth thee, with mercy and loving kindness. Which satisfieth thy mouth with good things, etc. Motives to thanksgiving. IT is not the least part of the Duty of a Christian, in the sight of God, to be thankful to him, for the benefits, he daily bestoweth upon us. For as God is kind, merciful, and loving to us, so he expecteth, that we should render back thankes to him, for those blessings, which we receive from him. For we have nothing else to retribute to him, but a thankful memorial of his blessings. And this King David well understood, when he said what shall I render to the Lord, Psal. 116.12.17. for all the benefits he hath done unto me? I will offer to thee, the Sacrifice of thanksgiving etc. As therefore, we ought to be diligent in Prayer, for those things we want; so ought we also, to be perpetually thankful for them, when we have obtained what we desire. And when we have done all that we can, we cannot give him due praise and thanks for the least part of that, which we daily receive. For if we respect that which is past, present, or to come, we shall still meet with matter enough, which expresseth his goodness and love to us, and exacteth this Duty from us. If we consider that which is past, than we shall soon perceive that, but for him, we had not been, at all, nor been preserved hitherto, amongst so many dangers, without his protection: if that which is present, we cannot but acknowledge, that by his alone goodness we live, and enjoy those blessings, wherewith we are loaded, beyond desert: if that which is to come, he is our hope, of all good things, which we desire, or expect, either for this life, or for the life to come. And as God accounteth Thanksgiving a Duty, Psal. 50.23.15.14 so he taketh it for an Honour done unto him, if we perform it. He hath so much esteemed of it, always, even from the beginning, that he reputed and accounted it, above the rest of the Sacrifices offered unto him. Ose. 14.2. Mala. 1.11. Besides, we may consider, that, in the Law, God himself instituted a peculiar and special Sacrifice of oblation of thankes. For the Feast of the Paschall Lamb, was no other thing, but an Eucharistical or thankful service, Exo. 12. in remembrance of the wonderful delivery of the jews, from their servitude. Our Saviour also, instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist, Luc. 22. for a perpetual remembrance, and memorial, of all his benefits, to mankind, especially, of our Redemption by his death. Hester established a feast, Hest. 9 to preserve a thankful memory of the jews deliverance from the plots of Haman. And in brief, it was generally, evermore the practice of God's Saints, to express this Duty as may be seen, by many Songs, Hymns, Psalms, and Prayers of thanksgiving, which are left unto us in the Scriptures, as patterns for us to imitate: Of a Exo. 15. Moses and Miriam. b Deut. 32. Of Moses alone. c jud. 5. Of Deborah. d 1. Sam. 2. Of Hanna. e Psal. 34.96.103.107.111.113 etc. Of David. in divers places of the Psalms. f Esa. 18.10. Of good King Ezechias. g Io. 2.3. Of jonas. h Abac. 3.2. Of the Prophet Habacuc. i Dan. 3 Of the three Children. k Luc. 2.19. Of the Angels. l Luc. 1 68 Of Zachary. m Luc. 1.46. Of the Blessed Virgin Mary. n Act. 4.24. Of the Church. o Rene. 5.12. And of the Elders. And after those examples, of necessity we must frame ourselves: for be sure of this, That whensoever praise and thankes shall fail, and he wanting on our parts, towards God, then presently, God will withdraw his hand of mercy, and bounty, from us. Thanksgiving. I Thank thee, O merciful Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for all thy mercies and favours, continually heaped upon me: for that thou hast, not only created me after thine own Image and likeness, Gen. 9.6. and given to me a body, with all the parts and members thereof, and a soul with all the powers and faculties thereof, that with them and by them, I might know, love and serve thee, but that thou hast so graciously preserved both body and soul, from time to time, from all dangers. Thou hast always been my refuge in tribulations, and my defence and succour in adversities: When I went astray, thou didst reduce me into the right way; when I offended thee, thou didst gently correct me; when I was sad, thou didst comfort me; and when (for the grievousness of my sins) I was ready to despair, thou of thy mercy and compassion didst strengthen me, and keep me from utter ruin. I acknowledge O Lord, thy more than fatherly indulgence toward me, from my birth to this present time: for volesse thou of thy goodness, hadst upheld me, I had long ere this time, been drowned and overwhelmed in the bottomless gulf of my sins. But thou hast delivered me from the jaws of the roaring Lion, who hath daily sought to devour me, 1. Pet. 5.8. and hast defended me, from all his snares and assaults. And as thou hast of thy mercy preserved my soul from destruction, so thou hast oftentimes delivered my body from the gates of death, when many sicknesses and infirmities took hold of me. I thank thee also O Lord, for all other thy temporal blessings, which thou in plentiful manner hast heaped upon me, as food, raiment, wealth, possessions and children: For my health and liberty, for the prerogative which thou hast given me over all thy creatures, in their subjection to my service and use. I thank thee also O Sweet Saviour, for the infinite work of my Redemption, and for thy exceeding great love, in accomplishing that great work: that thou wouldst suffer so many torments, sorrows, labours, and griefs; yea so bitter and disgraceful a death, even the death of malefactors, to Redeem me, from a most desperate and certain state of damantion, (which I must justly have fallen into) to a state of Glory, and Immortality, which I by no means could have deserved. I thank thee also O Lord, most holy, for all other thy Spiritual graces and blessings, as my Regeneration, Vocation, Sanctification, for thy blessed Sacraments, for my preservation, and hope of glorification. O Lord, I am not sufficient, to render unto thee condign thankes and praises for all these thy mercies: yet accept I humbly pray thee, these poor and weak thankes which I offer unto thee, according to my bounden duty and Service. For as there is no hour of my life, wherein I do not enjoy thy favours, and taste of thy goodness, so (if my frailty would permit) I should spend no time of my life; without remembering them, and praising and blessing thee, for the same, Glory be therefore to thee O Lord my Creator: Glory be to thee O jesus, my Redeemer. Glory be to thee O Holy Ghost my Sanctifier. Glory to the high and undivided Trinity, whose works are inseparable, and whose dominion endureth world without end. Another. Almighty and everliving God: I humbly thank thy heavenly Majesty, for all thy blessings, which thou hast vouchsafed to me, poor and sinful creature: that thou hast created me, and given to me, a body, the workmanship and excellency whereof when I behold, and well consider, I find, so many several benefits received, as I have members, veins, joints, sinews, and nerves: all which discover and manifest the wisdom, and power of the Maker of them: The benefit of which several parts, none can so well know, as they, which want any of them, or are grieved with the infirmity or weakness of them. I therefore bless thee, that thou hast not created me blind, lame, deaf, or dumb, evill-shaped, or weak in my senses, but hast given me a sound and right mind, in a healthful body. I further praise thy name O Lord, for that thou hast infused a soul into this my body: a work so glorious and transcendent, that, if I were not altogether stupid, and void of all judgement, I would not, by my actions, account so basely of it as I seem to do, nor defile it with such impure, contemptible, and vucleane works, as I daily commit. I thank thee O Lord, that I was not borne among Infidels; and amongst those, who do not truly call upon thy Name: but in that part of the world, where thy Gospel is truly preached, and thy Sacraments duly administered. I thank thee also, for thy gracious preservation of me, from my birth to this present hour: I confess O Lord, that it is of thy mercy and goodness that I am thus preserved: for if thou shouldest but withdraw thy hand of preservation from me, it could not be, but, that in the twinkling of an eye, I should miserably perish, and return to nothing. I thank thee, that thou hast of thy providence, appointed all thy Creatures for my sustenance, and service: some for health, and some for delight: Grant O Lord, that I may use them to those ends, for which thou hast created them: and that by them I may be moved, truly to meditate on thy goodness, and seriously praise thee for them. I further thank thee O Father, that, when as by our first parents fall, all mankind was in the state of damnation, it pleased thee (not to deal with us, as thou didst with Lucifer, whom thou utterly expelledst thy presence, but) to send thy only Son from thy bosom into this world, that by his bitter death, we might be restored to our former estate. I acknowledge O Lord that I own much unto thee for my Creation, but much more for my Redemption. For what would it have profited me, nay, what misery should I not have suffered, to have been borne, and afterward to be condemned for ever? I thank thee O Lord, that thou hast also vouchsafed to call me out of the depth of darkness, and shadow of death, wherein I lay, by the admirable light of thy justifying Grace, to the true knowledge and love of thee. It is not the least of thy benefits O Lord, it showeth not the least part of thy power, that thou hast called me from so vile an estate, whereinto I had cast myself after Baptism, (and in the same had continued many years rebelliously) to the estate of Salvation. For it must needs be acknowledged, that thy mercy is great, in pardoning sinners their offences: but withal, it cannot be denied, but that thy power is greater, in making sinners righteous and just. Great was the benefit of my Creation, but by that act, I was only made the Son of man: but greater is the benefit of justification, for thereby (in Christ) I am made the Son of God. Great is the benefit of Redemption (and indeed the greatest of all others:) but without Vocation and justification, it had availed me nothing. Great is the benefit which ariseth by the Expectation of Glory: and no less is this of justification: for it is a work of no less power to make a Just man a sinner, then to make a Just man happy and blessed: for as much as, the difference between Sin and Grace, is more, then between Grace and Glory. I acknowledge therefore O Lord, that the benefits which arise by these Heavenly gifts and graces, are so great, that my tongue faileth, and my heart wanteth ability, wherewith sufficiently to praise thee for them. I praise thee also O Lord, for thy Blessed Sacraments, for that of Baptism, whereby I was cleansed from the guilt of original sins, and regenerated and adopted, into the number of thy Children: and for the other, of the Blessed body and Blood of our Saviour jesus Christ: the Sacrament of Grace, Unity, Charity, and Remission of sins, the food of our Souls in this Pilgrimage, and the Conduit, through which, all graces are conveyed to our fainting Souls, Lastly I thank thee, for thy preservation of me in thy Grace, by which I am restrained from returning to the mire, with the washed Sow, 2. Pet. 2.22. and to the Vomit, with the Dog: and by which I am strengthened, to do something, acceptable and pleasing unto thee. I confess O Lord, that whatsoever good I have done, is wrought in me by thee: and whatsoever tentation or evil I escape, is merely by thy providence. O Lord continue and keep me still in this Grace, that I may so use all thy blessings, and so keep them in mind, that they may stir up in me, a more ardent desire to magnify thy Blessed Name, and a great care of ordering my ways hereafter: that I may no more grieve thy Holy Spirit, who with thee, Eph. 4.30. and thy Blessed Son, our alone Saviour, liveth and reigneth one God, world without end. Another. ALL praise, honour, and glory be given to thee, O Lord God, Father almighty, for all thy inestimable benefits bestowed upon me, and all mankind, whether private or public, general or particular, spiritual or temporal. Who is able to reckon up or declare the several kinds or parts of them? for creating the world, for beautifying, enriching and making it fruitful for the use of man: for giving unto us souls and bodies, and adorning them, with infinite faculties and gifts: and (which exceeds the rest of thy blessings) for delivering us from the power and servitude of sin and the Devil: for forbearing and expecting our repentance so long, preserving us from all dangers, and furnishing us with all things necessary for this life. What praise shall we render to thee, O Sweet jesus, for all that thou hast done, and suffered for us: we praise and bless thee, for thy Incarnation and Birth, for all the labours, pains, sorrows, wounds and disgraces, together with the vile and ignominious death which thou didst suffer, to reconcile us to thy Father's favour, from which, our sins had justly excluded us: for which thy great love to the Sons of Men, Blessed be thy holy Name. O Holy and Blessed Spirit, who in the beginning of time, didst move upon the face of the Waters: Gen. 1.2. at our Saviour's Baptism, Mat. 3.16. in the shape of a Dove: Act. 2.3. and on the Apostles in the shape of fiery tongues, we praise and worship thee, for enlightening our understandings: for fitting and making us apt to conceive the mysteries of life eternal: for converting us from evil conversation, to newness of life; and for Sanctifying us to life everlasting: for directing us in the works of truth, and governing us, in our temporal affairs. O Glorious and Sacred Trinity, infuse into us we beseech thee, such measure of thy Grace, that we may be daily mindful, of all these thy Blessings. Pardon all our former ingratitude and negligence, in that we have been no more zealous to love thee, nor more careful to serve thee, and so forgetful to thank thee, for all thy benefits and mercies. Illuminate our hearts, that we may firmly believe in thee, devoutly call upon thee, and obediently execute thy Holy Will, that at the last, we may by the merits and passion of thee O Saviour, attain to that heavenly Mansion, where thou O blessed Trinity in Unity, and Unity in Trinity abidest world without end. I thank thee O Lord, For my Creation. my Being. my well being. That I am endued with Reason. That I am A Civil man. A Christian. Free borne. Ingenious. Of honest Parents. That I am sound in mind. Senses. Body. That I am well brought up. taught. I thank thee, For thy gifts of Nature. Grace. Estate. For delivering me from Danger. Infamy. Trouble. For the health of my Body. A Competency of Estate. Friends. Children. Kindred. I thank thee O Lord: For my Redemption. Regeneration. Instruction. Vocation. Consolation. Illumination. justification. Hope of Glorification. For thy Patience toward me. Grace preventing me. Governing me. Continual care over me. Strengthening me in tentation. Reproving me in ill. Assisting me in good. For the Compunction of my heart. The hope of pardon for my sins. For the Benefits I have received. For any good done by me. For all those that have done me good, by their Writings. Sermons. Conferences. Prayers. Examples. Reproofs. Injuries. For all, and every of these, and for all other, known, or unknown, remembered, or forgotten. I confess, and will confess thee. I bless, and will bless thee, I thank, and will thank thee, as the Author, and Giver of them all. SEVEN PSALMS OF THANKSGIVING, analysed 1 Psalm 8. 1 O Lord our God, Creator and Preserver of all things, how excellent, glorious, and reverend is thy great, and holy Name, not in one particular nation only, but in all the Kingdoms of the earth: who, as thou hast magnified thy Name in the earth, so hast thou set and extolled thy glory above the heavens also. 2 Out of the mouths and tongues of babes and sucklings, even very infants, hast thou, because men of riper years and understanding, neglect thy Glory; ordained strength, and given little children ability, to praise thee, because of the malice of thine enemies, the principalities of this world: that thou mightest, by this thy great wisdom, and power, still the tongues, and suppress the blasphemous speeches, of the enemy and avenger: when he shall see, that by such weak means, thou canst effect, so great matters. 3 When I consider, and duly weigh, thy Heavens, and the Glorious frame thereof, the work of thy fingers made and created only by thee: together, with the Moon, and the Stars, and other beautiful lights of Heaven, which thou, at the beginning of time, hast ordained of nothing, I cannot, but in the depth of admiration, say: 4 What is man, for whose use and service, thou hast made them, and all things in this world, and him, to serve thee? That thou, so great and glorious a God, art mindful of him, in so large a manner: and what is the Son of man, the posterity of sinful Adam, that thou, in such measure of mercy, visitest and regardest him? 5 For if I look unto his creation, and consider whose Image he beareth, I find, that thou hast made him in all respects, very little lower in degree, than the pure Angels, who are honoured with thy presence: and hast, of thy bounty and especial favour, crowned him with Glory and Honour, in making him so glorious a Creature. 6 Thou madest, and hast appointed him also, the vicegerent on earth, to have dominion, and command over thy Creatures, the works of thy hands, and creation: thou hast subjected, and put all things which thou hast made, under his feet to obey and serve him. 7 All Sheep, and Oxen, Beasts for his food and sustentation, yea and not those only, but the untamed beasts of the field also, hast thou made pliable, and serviceable to him. 8 The Fowl of the Air, some for food, and some for pleasure, and delight, and the fish of the vast Sea, which is stored with variety, and whatsoever else passeth, swimmeth, or liveth, through the unknown paths of the Sea, are also created by thee, to serve him. 9 O Lord our Lord, when I seriously consider, thy power and wisdom, in thy work of creation, and the especial honour and favour thou she west to mankind, in giving him this large commission over the rest of thy Creatures, I cannot but admire, and say, how excellent, and great is thy Name, and power, in all the kingdoms of the World, there is none O Lord, worthy to be compared to thee. Glory be to the Father etc. 2 Psalm 30. I Will extol thee and praise thy Name O Lord, as long as I live, and not without great cause, for thou in thy mercy hast lifted me up, and endowed me with thy blessings: and hast not made, no, nor suffered my foes, who intended, if thou hadst forsaken me, to rejoice and triumnh over me. 2 O Lord my God and Saviour, I cried, and made my humble supplication unto thee, in my trouble and adversity and thou, of thy accustomed goodness, didst graciously hear me, and hast healed me, of all mine infirmities. 3 O Lord, thou, by the power of thy grace, hast brought up, and restored to life my sinful Soul from the Grave of perdition, whereinto my sins had well nigh cast me: Thou hast in thy love to me, kept me alive, and preserved me, from my dangerous sicknesses, that I should not yet go down into the pit of death, but live, and praise thy Holy Name. 4 Sing and rejoice unto the Lord our God (O ye Saints, and faithful people of his, who have with me, felt and tasted of his mercy) and give thankes together with me, at the remembrance, and consideration of his holiness. 5 For his anger and displeasure endureth towards sinners, but a moment, and short space, if they truly turn unto him: and if we truly consider his mercies, we shall find, that in his favour is life to those, that lie desperately sick in their sins, if he but touch them, with his finger of Grace: as for weeping, heaviness, and affliction, it may, and of necessity must, sometime befall his servants, but yet it shall endure, and afflict them for a night, a little while only: but joy and comfort, cometh again to refresh them, in the morning by sending the light of his countenance upon them. 6 And before I fully understood, how God used to deal with his Servants, I was so confident of myself, that in my prosperity, when I felt the grace of God abundantly in me, I said, and presumed, that I was so fully settled in God's favour, that ● shall never fall, or be removed from it. 7 Lord, by thy favour and goodness, thou hadst fixed, and made my mountain of Grace, to stand so strong, that I concei●…d myself so secure, that I could not slide back, or fall away: yet after a while, I found by exp●… that I was in an error, for thou didst but hide thy face, and a little while obscured thy Grace from me, and being left to myself, I found such an alteration, and defect in me, to do good, that I was therewith sore troubled, and disquieted. 8 I thereupon presently recalled myself and cried earnestly by prayer to thee O Lord; and betook myself unto the Lord, who never utterly forsaketh his Servants, and to him I made my earnest supplication, never ceasing, till I obtained his return, and thus I said in my prayer. 9 What profit O Lord is there, can there be, in my blood, or death, when I go down into the pit, or if I die in my sins: surely none to thee, for thou delightest not in blood, or in the death of a sinner. Shall the dust, or they which are resolved thereinto, before repentance, praise thee? or shall it declare thy Truth, and show thy Glory? nay verily they shall rather, in the horror of punishment, blaspheme thy Name. Suffer me not therefore, O Lord, to be of that reprobate number, of which I must needs be one, if thou absent thyself, or withdraw thy Grace any longer from me. 10 Hear me therefore O Lord, and that right soon, for my spirit waxeth faint, for want of thy Gracious assistance: and have mercy upon me, in this distress. O Lord, I renounce all further confidence in mine own strength: be thou my only stay and helper. Upon this petition The Lord heard my request, and thereupon I turned my prayer into a song of praise, and said; 11 Thou O Lord, art worthy of all honour and praise, for thou hast turned for me, and for my good my mourning for thy absence, into dancing and joy for thy gracious presence: thou hast made me, to put of my sad habit of Sackcloth and sorrow, and in stead thereof, hast girded and apparelled me, with a vesture of gladness, even the peace of conscience. And all these things hast thou done for me, 12 To the end, all my sorrow being removed, and I being delivered from all fear, my glory, tongue, and heart together, may sing praise and thankes to thee, who hast done so great things for me: and that I should not be silent, in extolling thy mercy. And therefore O Lord my God, as thy goodness deserveth, and my duty requireth, I will, with all the affections and faculties of soul and body, give thankes unto thee, and praise thy Majesty for ever, as the only author, and finisher of my Salution. Glory be to the Father etc. 3 Psalm 34. 1 I Will bless and praise the Lord, for all that he hath done unto me, at all times; as well in adversity, as prosperity: and his praise, as it shall ever be in my mind and heart, so shall it be continually without intercession, in my mouth, by declaring it, to others. 2 My Soul especially, shall make her boast, and glory in the Lord, and not in any thing that is in me: so the humble, and they which are any way dejected, when they shall hear thereof, how gracious God hath been to me, shall in hope of the like mercy to them, rejoice, and be glad also. 3 O ye, whosoever have felt God's favour, as I have, magnify, and extol the mercies of the Lord with me for his goodness: and let us joyfully with one accord, exalt, and praise his Name together. 4 I myself, when I was in trouble, sought the Lord by prayer, and humiliation, and he rejected not my petition, but graciously heard me, and granted it: yea, and he not only delivered me from the danger I was in, but from all my fears also, which I conceived at it. 5 They also, that lived in former Ages (our Forefathers) whensoever they were distressed, looked up and cried unto him: and were relieved by his mercy, and lightened by his grace: and their faces were not any whit ashamed, because they did put their trust in him. 6 This poor man (even myself) cried (by their example) in my distress: and the Lord, plentiful in compassion, graciously heard him: and caused and delivered him immediately out of all his troubles and calamity. 7 The good Angel of the Lord deputed by him, for each man's protection, encampeth, and fortifieth round about them, that with an unfeigned heart, fear and serve him: which Angel preserveth them in all their ways, and delivereth them from all the machinations of the Devil and his Angels. 8 O taste ye therefore, and see, make experience, and you shall soon find, that the Lord is good and loving to those, that faithfully call upon him: and you will also confess with me, and say, Blessed and happy is the man that layeth aside all confidence in himself, and that in all his necessities, trusteth in him, and his protection. 9 O fear, reverence, and love the Lord, all ye, that by truly believing in him, become his Saints, and observe his Commandments: for take this, as an infallible truth, that, There is no want to them, they shall lack nothing, that is needful for them, that with an upright heart, fear and serve him 10 The young Lions, and mighty men of this world, although they think themselves happy, yet do they lack true peace of conscience, and suffer hunger, and want that which is truly good: but they, which with a pure heart and humble spirit, seek the Lord, and desire to please him, shall not want any good thing, when the Lord in his Wisdom, shall think it needful for them. 11 Come therefore, O ye children, that desire to be informed: and with attentive minds hearken, and give good ear unto me, that am experienced in the mercies of the Lord, and I will teach and instruct you, in the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. 12 What man is he, among the sons of men, that desireth to live a good life: and loveth to spend many days so in this life, that he may see, and enjoy good, and happy days hereafter. 13 Keep first of all, thy tongue from speaking evil, let that member do no man wrong, and preserve thy lips, from speaking guile, or that which is false, though it be to thine own prejudice: for the Lord abhorreth lying lips. 14 Depart from evil, avoid all things which thou knowest displeasing to God, and yet think not that sufficient, except thou also apply thyself to do that which is good, and acceptable to him: Seek peace, between God and thyself, thyself and thy conscience, thyself and thy neighbour: and if thou shalt find that peace, in any of these particulars, shall fly from thee, pursue it with all thy might, that thou mayst recover it. 15 The provident eyes of the Lord (for thy comfort, in taking this course) are ever fixed upon the righteous, to preserve them from all evil, and to confirm them in all good: and his ears of compassion are always open unto their cry, to deliver them, from all distress. 16 The face of displeasure, and the angry countenance of the Lord, on the contrary, is set and bend against them that forsake good and do evil, without remorse of conscience, to cut off, and root out, not only such wicked persons themselves, but the very remembrance of them from the face of the earth, that there shall remain no memorial of them. 17 The righteous in their affliction cry, and fly unto God for succour, and the Lord, in mercy, heareth their prayer, yea, and in his good time, delivereth them, out of all their troubles, either, by aiding them with spiritual comfort, that they faint not under them, or by removing their afflictions from them, or them, from their afflictions, by taking them into Heavenly joys. 18 The Lord (who hath a continual care over his elect) is ever nigh unto them, in comfort, that are of a broken and humble heart: and always saveth such, (and no other) as are of a contrite and bruised Spirit, that they fall not into desperation. 19 Many in number, and great in weight, are the afflictions, and troubles of the righteous, for they that will live godly in Christ, must suffer persecution: but the Lord, of his infinite goodness, forsaketh him not, but delivereth him in due time, out of them all, that they shall not be able to do him harm. 20 He, even the Lord, keepeth and preserveth all his bones, which though the wicked go about to break, yet, notwithstanding all their attempts, not so much as one of them is, or shall be broken, by them: and not only so, but the hairs of his head, are numbered also. 21 Evil, on the other side, shall slay the wicked, and turn them to destruction, and they, whosoever they be, that hate the righteous, whom the Lord loveth, shall be desolate, and deprived of the comfort of Gods Holy. Spirit. 22 The Lord, by his power, and goodness, redeemeth, and saveth the Soul of every one of his Servants, from all evil: and none of them, that put their trust and confidence in him, and his mercy, shall be left desolate, or without consolation. Glory be to the Father etc. 4 Psalm 103. 1 BLesse● and magnify the Lord, thy Creator, O my soul, for all his mercies and favours extended to thee, and all that is within me, holy, and pure, give praise unto, and bless his holy and great Name. 2 Bless the Lord O my Soul, I say again, as well for thy creation, as for all his other great and glorious works, and at any hand take heed, that thou be not ingrateful to him, and forget not, nor let slip out of thy remembrance, all, or any of his benefits, not only in forming thee after his own Image, as in his continual care and preserving thee, from many dangers. 3 Who, only by his power can, and of his mere mercy and goodness forgiveth all thine iniquities, pardoneth all thy sins, as well actual, as original, how great so ever, how many so ever, as often, as with a pure heart, and humble spirit, thou repentest thee of them. Who, like a good Physician, healeth all thy diseases, and thy infirmities, by the regeneration, and renewing, of his holy Spirit in thee. 4 Who, only redeemeth and saveth thy life from destruction, and utter ruin, and who, instead of taking just and severe revenge of thee, for thy sins, crowneth and compasseth thee, with loving kindness, many blessings, and comforteth thee, with his tender mercies, which are above the rest of his works. 5 Who, in his providence, satisfieth, and filleth thy mouth, and desire, with all good things, necessary for thy sustentation: so that thy youth, by his power, is renewed like the Eagles, by curing thy weakness, and infirmity, and making the lusty and strong. 6 The Lord relieveth them that suffer wrong; and executeth Righteousness and judgement, without respect of persons, and standeth for all, that are unjustly oppressed, against those, that are too mighty for them. 7 He, in former times, at the publishing of the Law, made known his ways, and taught his Commandments unto Moses, by whom, he gave directions to succeeding ages, what they were to follow, and what to avoid: and his mighty acts were well known unto the children of Israel, by their many and great deliverances. 8 The Lord our God, is merciful in forgiving offences, and gracious, in not imputing our sins unto us: he is slow to anger, expecting the conversion of sinners: and plenteous in mercy, exceeding in his love, and liberal in his benefits, to those that fear him. 9 He will not always chide, nor be ever displeased with his children: neither will he remember our sins, and keep his anger against us for them, for ever, but in his wrath, he will ever be mindful of his mercy. 10 He hath not dealt with us, nor punished us rebellious wretches, after the quality of our sins, wherewith we have daily offended his patience, nor hath he rewarded or retributed to us, according to the heinousness of our iniquities: for he knoweth, that, if he should strictly enter into judgement with us, no flesh could be saved. 11 For like as the Heaven is high as we see, and fare above the earth: so great is his mercy above his justice, towards them that fear him, and in remorse for their offences, truly turn unto him. 12 As fare also in distance, as the East part of the world, is situate from the West, which by reason of their separation, can never come near to each other: so fare, at the least, hath he removed, and put away our transgressions, and sins from us, that they never shall come near unto us to do us any harm. 13 Like as a tender and compassionate Father, pitieth his disobedient Children, and upon submission, receiveth them again to Grace: so the Lord, who is the Father of mercies, pitieth, and grieveth to see the afflictions of them, that in fear and trembling, for their sins, return unto him. 14 For he, the Lord, which knoweth all things, knoweth also our frame, that we consist of flesh and blood, subject to corruption and frailty, and he with all remembreth, and considereth, that we are but even Dust, fashioned out of the earth, and therefore, must needs partake and savour, of earthly substance. 15 As for wretched and frail Man therefore, his days are but as grass, which is green in the morning, and before night is cut down and withered: and as a fading flower of the field, which for a while only, in the spring time, is beautiful, and afterward, is cropped or decayeth: even so, and in no more assurance, is he, that in the greatest prosperity flourisheth. For after a while in a short time, he is no more seen, nor his remembrance, shall be no where found. 16 For as the Wind and Stormes passeth over it, and presently it is gone, and withered, and the place thereof where it grew, shall not know it, nor bear it no more: So man, after he hath a while, left the troubles and storms of this world, shall soon die, and be forgotten, and the place of his being, will be no more known. 17 But yet the mercy, and loving kindness of the Lord, to the Sons of Men, is, and was from everlasting, and shall continue to everlasting, to the end of the world: and shall ever be upon them, especially, that which unfeigned hearts, serve, love, and fear him: and his righteousness in all his promises, shall be accomplished to his servants, and unto their children's Children, their posterity, through many generations. 18 To such especially, as forget not his Commandments, but faithfully keep, and observe his Covenant: and to those, that remember and be mindful of his Commandments, and frame themselves, to do them. 19 The Lord, who commandeth the observance of his Laws is most worthy of all Honour, and not to be neglected: for he hath (before the foundations of the World) prepared his Throne, and seat of Majesty in the Heavens, where he is attended on, by the glorious company of Angels, and his Kingdom, is not straightened, or limited, to one peculiar place, or country, but he Ruleth, and commandeth over all people, and nations. 20 Bless therefore the Lord, that is so mighty, ye, that be his holy Angels, magnify, and laud his holy Name, ye, that excel in strength, and that gladly do, and execute his Commandments, and that, by harkening unto, and obeying the voice of his Word, willingly execute his Will, and pleasure. 21 Bless ye and praise I say, the Lord, your, and our God, all ye his heavenly Hosts, ye blessed Angels, ye that are Ministers, and Servants of his, that willingly and gladly execute, and do his pleasure. 22 Bless and praise together, with one accord, the Lord, our God, all his works, which he hath created, for the celebrating of his Glory, where so ever ye remain, in all places of his Dominion, every where: and lastly, as I began with thee O my Soul, to stir thee up to his praise, so I end with the same excitation, Bless, Praise, Laud, and Magnify the Lord, thy God, O my Soul, to whom, he hath ever been so gracious, and merciful. Glory be to the Father etc. 5 Psalm III. 1 I Will praise the Lord, and give thankes unto his holy Name, with my whole heart, and that, not only in my private devotions, but in the public assembly and meeting of the upright in heart: and in the congregation of the faithful, the Church also. 2 The wondrous works of the Lord, our God, even from the beginning, through all ages, even to this time, are so great, and glorious, that worthily, he alone deserveth to be magnified for them; they are sought out, and searched into, of all them, that have pleasure and delight, in meditating, and contemplating therein. 3 His work, in the creation and fabric of the universe, is honourable and glorious, of all his creatures worthily to be admired: and his righteousness, and equity, his care and providence, in the preservation and government of it, is likewise to be magnified, because it is permanent, and endureth for ever. 4 He hath made and perfected his wonderful works, with such wisdom, and power, that they ought to be remembered, and his Name to be celebrated for them: And as he is omnipotent, so the Lord is also gracious, and loving to his Servants, and full of compassion, plenteous in mercy, to every repentant sinner. 5 He hath of his providence and bounty, ever, given meat, and all other necessaries, to them that fear and serve him: yea, and he, as he hath formerly, so, will he ever, to the end of the world, be mindful of his Covenant of Grace, to his servants. 6 He hath showed and manifested to his people, his elect, the power and efficacy of his great works, not only in the creation, but in the Redemption of mankind: that he may give unto them, that are in Christ, the heritage of the heathen, according to the promise, made to our forefathers. 7 The works of his hands, all his actions, are done in verity and judgement: and all his Commandments are sure, just, holy, and worthy to be observed. 8 They stand fast, and are settled firm for ever and ever, to the end of the world: and they are done, and commanded, upon good grounds, in truth and uprightness, as being enjoined by the author of truth and equity. 9 He in the fullness of time, sent Redemption and Salvation unto his Elect People, by jesus Christ: he hath commanded his Conenant of the new Testament, for ever to be observed by them: and it concerneth them carefully to keep it, because he, which commanded it, is a jealous God, and severe to transgressors, and Holy and reverend is his Name. 10 The filial fe are of the same holy and reverend Lord, is the beginning & Basis of all true Wisdom: which who so ever hath not attained to, is not really wise, how so ever he may be esteemed by the world: but a good and perfect understanding have they, and they are truly wise indeed, that do his Commandments, and keep his precepts: his praise and remembrance endureth for ever, and continueth throughout all generations. Glory be to the, etc. 6 Psalm 138. 1 I Will praise and bless thee O Lord, with my whole heart, with all my strength: yea, before the Gods, in the presence of thy holy Angels, will I sing praise and laud unto thee. 2 I will worship in fear and reverence, towards thy holy Temple, dedicated to thy honour and service, and I will praise thy holy and great Name, for two of thy blessings especially, namely, for thy loving kindness in comforting distressed sinners, and for thy Truth, in performing thy promises: for thou thyself hast preferred and magnified thy Word of Truth, abone all the attributes of thy Name else, whatsoever. 3 In the day and time of my affliction, when I cried unto thee, by earnest prayer, thou didst not stop thine ears, but graciously answeredst me: yea and strengthnedst me with thy Grace, and strength in my soul. 4 All the Kings and mighty men of the earth, be they never so high in condition, shall, and may worthily praise thee, without disparagement to themselves: when they, by the preaching of the Gospel, hear, the words of thy mouth, which are nothing but Truth. 5 Yea, they shall sing and rejoice, in exercising themselves in the ways and Commandments of the Lord: for great and unutterable, is the Glory and Majesty of the Lord of Hosts. 6 Though the Lord our God be high, and his Majesty be above all things, yet, in his abundant mercy, hath he respect unto the lowly in their own eyes; and the more humble they are, the more he regardeth them: but as for the proud, and those which exalt thhmselues, he despiseth them, and knoweth them, as it were a fare off. 7 Though I walk and live, in the midst of trouble and sorrow, and in the shadow of death: yet, when so ever I call upon thee faithfully, thou wilt (I know) revive and raise me up: thou shalt also stretch forth, and reach unto me, thy hand of power, against the wrath and malice of mine enemies, and bridle their fury: and thy right hand of omnipotence, shall save me, from all their erterprises. 8 The Lord of his goodness, will perfect and finish, that which concerneth me, and my Salvation: thy mercy and loving kindness O Lord, never faileth, but endureth from generation to generation, even for ever: withdraw not therefore, that mercy of thine from me O Lord, and forsake not thou, the work of thine own hands, not made by any strange God, but by thee, the only, and true God. Glory be to the Father etc. 7 Psalm 145. 1 I Will extol and praise thee, my God, and Creator, O King of Majesty and Glory: and I will bless and magnify thy Name, O preserver of mankind, for ever and ever, even all the days of my life. 2 Every day, not a day shall pass over my head, but I will bless thee, and be speaking of thy mercies: and I will praise and give thankes unto thee, and to thy Name, for ever and ever, as long as I live. 3 Great and glorious is the Lord, fare exceeding all the false gods of the heathen, and greatly is he to be praised for all his works: and his greatness, hath neither end, nor beginning, but is unsearchable, and past man's finding out. 4 One generation and age, shall praise, and leave the memory of thy goodness, and thy works of power, wisdom, and mercy to another succeeding generation: and shall declare to posterity, the remembrance of thy mighty acts. 5 I myself, as well as I am able, will, as I have good cause, speak of, and extol, the glorious honour, and the exceeding greatness of thy Majesty: and tell unto the people, the excellency of thy wondrous works. 6 And not only I, but all other Men, shall be forced to confess, and speak of the exceeding might, and the wonderful effects of thy terrible acts, against thine enemies: and I, according to my poor ability, will declare unto posterity thy Greatness and Majesty. 7 They even all people, which are governed by thy power, and satisfied with thy goodness, shall abundantly utter, and continually with praise acknowledge and keep the memory of thy great and superabundant goodness and mercy: and shall, in all assemblies and congregations, sing, and rejoice, because of thy Righteousness, when thou rulest, and disposest all things. 8 The Lord our God, notwithstanding our grievous sins, is gracious, and loving, yea and full of compassion by nature, evermore slow and unwilling to wreak his anger upon us, it being an act contrary to his disposition: and in stead of punishing, he is of great mercy, and ready to pardon the repentant. 9 The Lord is also good and gracious, not to any particular person or people only, but to all that turn unto him, and if we shall consider his tender mercies, to the sons of men, they are over, and exceed his justice, and all his other works. 10 All thy works and creatures shall therefore praise, and magnify thee O Lord, in general: and above the rest thy Saints, and Servants to whom in particular thou extendest thy mercy, shall bless and continually praise thee, for the same. 11 They especially shall not be silent, but speak of, and declare unto those, that have not known thy Name, the Glory, and Majesty of thy Kingdom, which is above all the kingdoms of the earth, and shall, wheresoever they come, talk of, and set forth, thy mighty power, which no potentate is able to resist. 12 To make known and to make manifest thereby, to the sons of men, even all the graciousness to come, his mighty and wonderful acts, which he hath done in our time, and in the ages foregoing: and also the glorious Majesty, and super-excellency of his Kingdom and power. 13 Thy kingdom, O Lord is not temporary, or of short continuance, but it is an everlasting Kingdom, was without beginning, and never shall have end: and this thy dominion and rule endureth firm & stable, throughout all generations, to the end of the world. 14 The Lord in his mercy, upholdeth and lifteth up all those that fall by frailty and weakness: and raiseth up by the grace of his holy Spirit, all those, that be dejected, bowed and cast down with the thought of their sins. 15 The eyes of all creatures wait and are fixed upon thee, as upon their careful father, for sustenance and help: and they, no sooner call unto thee, but thou of thy providence, suppliest their wants, and givest them their meat, and all things necessary for them, not only in due proportion, but in due season and time also. 16 Thou openest thy hand of bounty, and satisfiest the insatiable desire of men, which nothing but thyself can satisfy, and of every other living thing beside. 17 The Lord is only righteous, just and unreprovable, in all his ways, and actions: and it is he only, that is holy, and pure, in all his works. 18 The Lord is nigh and ready at hand, unto all them, that in distress, call upon him, and seek unto him, for help. Yea, to all, without respect of persons that call upon him in truth, faith, and uprightness of heart. 19 He is so gracious, that he will not only hear them, but grant their petitions, and fulfil, and satisfy the desire and request of them that fear and serve him: he also, will hear their cry, in time of affliction, and will save, and deliver them, out of all their trouble. 20 The Lord, by his omnipotent power, preserveth and keepeth all them, that love him sincerely, and obey his Commandments, but as for all the wicked, and unrepentant, obstinate sinners, those will he destroy, from the face of the earth. 21 My mouth shall, as long as I have any being, speak of, and declare the praise, and Majesty of the Lord, most mighty, and as I do, so, Let all flesh, people, nations and kindreds, from the rising of the Sun, to the going down thereof, bless, land, and magnify together with me, his holy and great Name, even for ever and ever, from this time forth for evermore. Glory be to the father ' etc. Imprecation. THis part of Devotion, (or of zeal as I may call it) although it seem harsh and not well to stand with the Charity of a Christian, yet in these Cases, it hath been, and may be lawfully used. 1 When the Church of God, in any part of the World, lieth (as it were) at the stake, and groaneth under the burden of Persecution, and the enemies thereof are incorrigeable, and not to be reconciled, in this case, not only a private man, in his Devotions, but the Church also, in general, may use these Imprecations, to the end, that the Church, may by these kind of Prayers and Gods assistance, recover its former peace and quiet. 2 When, as a Christian man shall perceive, that his enemies aim altogether (against the Rules of Charity,) at his utter subversion, both in Body and Soul, in this case also, a man may (without breach of Charity) use these Imprecations. And in either of these Cases, if the children, either of Gods, or our own enemies, shall join, assist, or persist maliciously in the steps of their Parents, they are, in our estimation, to be accounted of no better, nay, not so well, as the very Heathen, who have not known the name of God at all. And to this end, I have only given you a taste, of some of the zealous wishes, and earnest desires, or Imprecations of some Holy men, Prophets and Apostles, which are set down, in sacred Scripture, and left (no doubt) for our imitation, in the several Cases before named. Imprecations against the enemies of God and his Church. REspect not thou their offering. Num. 16.15. The Lord shall trouble thee. Ios. 7.25. Destroy them, Psal. 5.10. let them fall by their own counsels. Break the arm of the wicked. Psal. 10.15. Break their teeth, O God. Psal. 58.6. Let them be scattered. Psal. 68.1.2. Let them flee. Drive them as Smoke, melt them as wax. Pour out thy wrath upon them. Psal. 79.6. Make them like a wheel, Psal. 83.13. and as the stubble before the wind. Burn them as the fire burneth the wood. Psal. 83.14. Persecute them with thy tempest. Psal. 83.15. Fill their faces with shame. Psal. 83.16. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever. Psal. 83.17. Let them be as grass on the house top. Psal. 129.6. Grant not their desires. Psa. 140.8. Let the mischief of their own lips cover them. Psa. 140.9. Let burning coals fall upon them. Psa. 140.10. Let them not be established upon the earth. Psa. 140.11. Let evil hunt them. If any man love not the Lord jesus Christ, 1. Cor. 16.22 let him be Anathema Maranatha. If any man preach any other Gospel, Gal. 1.9. etc. Let him be accursed. I would they were even cut off. Gal. 5.12. Against the enemies of our Souls. Let them be confounded and put to shame, Psal. 35.4. that seek after my soul. Let them be as chaff before the wind. Psal. 35.5. Let the Angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery. Psal. 35.6. Let the Angel of the Lord persecute them. Let Destruction come upon them. Psal. 35.8. Let them be confounded and ashamed. Psal. 40.14. Let them be driven backward. Let them be desolate. Psal. 40.15. Let death seize upon them. Psal. 55.15. Let them go down quick to Hell. Let them be covered with reproach and dishonour. Psal. 71.13. Set a wicked man over him. Psal. 109.6. Let Satan stand at his right hand. Let his prayer become sin. Psal. 109.7. Let his days be few. Psal. 109.8. Let his children be fatherless, Psal. 109.9. and his wife a widow. Let his children be vagabonds and beggars. Psal. 109.10. Let the extortioner catch all he hath. Psal. 109.11. Let there be none to extend mercy to him or his children. Psal. 109.12. Let his posterity be cut of. Psal. 109.13. Let the iniquity of his Fathers be remembered. Psal. 109.14. Cast forth lightning, Psal. 144.6. and scatter them, shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS analysed THe Law of the Two Tables, was written by the a Deut. 4.13.10.3.4. Finger of God, and delivered, and promulgated, by the Ministry of b Exo. 19.24. Moses, and c Act. 7.53. Gal. 3 19 Heb. 2.2. Angels, and contained summarily, what God commanded the people to observe, and what to avoid. It is divided into two Parts. Our Duty towards God. Our Duty towards our Neighbour. The four first Commandments enjoin the first Duty. The six last, the last. And thus follow. The preface Exo. 20. God spoke all these words saying. I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. God spoke, etc. This Preface belongeth to all the Decalogue, and containeth a description of the Person, who gave the Law. Who being God, the Creator, and disposer of all things, is to be obeyed: neither are we, to make any scruple, or doubt, but that, all things which he commandeth us in his Law, are just, and Holy. I am the Lord. Who only, is Omnipotent, and was from all Eternity, from whom, all things that are, had their beginning: and who hath absolute and sole power, to command, and prescribe Laws, unto us. Thy God. Psal. 144.15. Happy is the people, who have the Lord for their God. By these words (thy God) every one of us, may receive particular comfort, that, as he is able, so he is willing, and ready, (by making this covenant to be ours) in his particular providence, and care, to do good to every one of us, in our need, if we keep his Commandments. God. A God, to relieve and aid us, not a severe judge to condemn us. Let us therefore, With all reverence serve him, as a Lord. With earnest desire, repair to him in our need, as to a merciful God. With hearty zeal, love him, for his goodness. With trembling, fear to offend him, for his justice. Levit. 20.7. And let us be holy, as he is holy. Which brought thee, etc. In this delivery of the jews from their servitude, is his infinite Power described: whereby, he is declared to be, as well able to save his Servants, as to confound his enemies. And this deliverance, is foretold and paralleled by the Prophet, as a Type of our deliverance, Esa. 52. from the servitude of sin. The first Commandment. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Thou shalt have no other Gods. Having (as it were) settled in our hearts, his Authority and Power, to prescribe and make Laws unto us, his first precept is, that we have no other Gods before him. 1 Neither by abating any reverence due to him. But to worship him with all our heart. By acknowledging him to be the only true God. By honouring, serving, and praising him, above all things. By trusting and relying wholly upon him. By expecting all good from him. By humbling ourselves before him, and patiently bearing, whatsoever he shall please to lay upon us, and subiecting our wills wholly to his. 2 Nor by attributing any honour to other Gods, or Idols, or putting any confidence in Saints or Angels, Earthly pleasures, Riches, Honours, or the like, lest we offend thereby. As Rachel did, Gen. 30.1. by ask children of jacob. As the King of Syria, 2. Kings. 5.6. by desiring joram to heal Naaman's leprosy. As Asa, 2. Chr. 16.12. by too much trusting to his Physicians. As the Fool in the Gospel, Luc. 12.16. trusting to his riches. Before me. Neither secretly in thy heart. Nor in the view of God, and the World openly. Not, but that God is every where, and seethe into the secret corners of our hearts, and is omniscient: but to set a note or brand of impudence upon us, for our indignity to him, if we shall make open profession of our Idolatry, to any false God, or Idol, in worshipping it, or of our excessive love, or doting, upon any Creature, by putting confidence in it, and neglecting our dependence on God, who is only able, by his omnipotency, to relieve us. The second Commandment. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graved Image, etc. AS in the first Commandment, God requireth, that we worship him only, so in this, he forbiddeth all undue and indirect worshipping of him: and enjoineth us, not to make any resemblance, to worship him by; because he is a Spirit, and is only to be worshipped in Spirit and Truth. Thou shalt not, etc. 1 Therefore we are not to grave, or make any Image, or resemblance of him. For when he gave the Law, (saith Moses Deut. 4.15. ) he appeared in no manner of similitude. Esa. 40.18. To whom then will ye liken God? or to what likeness will ye compare him? 2 Neither are we to make the likeness of any thing, to worship it. For as we ought not to make any resemblance of him: so neither when we make the similitude of any thing else (the true use of making pictures, and the like, being lawful) not to worship it, or attribute any honour to it. Saint Paul saith, Rom. 1.23. that the Gentiles changed the Glory of the incorruptible God, into an Image like to corruptible man, and to Birds and four footed Beasts, and creeping things; wherefore God gave them up to uncleanness, etc. Thou shalt not bow down, etc. 1 Either by bowing the body, uncovering the head, or bending the knee to them. 2. Or by setting the same in any eminent place to worship them, bestowing extraordinary cost on them, making Pilgrimages to them, or dedicating Altars, Lamps, or the like, to them. For I the Lord, etc. By this Commination, he showeth his Power to punish offenders, and that he is able, and all sufficient, to supply our wants likewise. Am a jealous God. And suffereth no Corrival, Competitor, or sharer in his Service. My Son give me thy heart: thy whole heart. And visit the sins, etc. Punishing them, that run after false Gods, in many descents, even as long as they shall continue, in their Idolatrous courses. As the jews in general. Solomon, and others. 1 To show how odious Idolatry is to him. 2 To force men (who naturally have a love and care to their posterity) by this commination, to abstain from it, lest their issue be plagued. Psal. 97.7. Confounded be all they that worship carved Images, and that delight in vain Gods. And showing mercy, etc. The mercy of the Lord is a Psal. 145.9. over all his Works. b ja. 2.13. over his justice. For whereas he punisheth Idolaters in his justice, but to three or four generations. He is merciful to thousands of those that worship him aright, throughout all generations. Luc. 1.50. His reward is always greater, than his punishment. It is his proper work, Esa. 28.21. and suitable to his nature, to have mercy, but he is hardly drawn to punish, as being a work altogether unsuitable to his disposition. To them that love me. With their whole heart, without hypocrisy, and do not impart that worship to others, which is due to him. And keep my Commandments. In obedience, walking in his ways. All his Commandments, but chiefly this, concerning his worship. The third Commandment. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his Name in vain. THe Name of the LORD, which in itself, is Holy, True, and Just. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord in vain. And therefore we ought not to profane it, or take it in our mouths, lightly, or upon every small occasion. Herein we offend. When we Blaspheme God, either openly, or in our hearts. When we use his Holy Word to any profane, scurrilous, or impure end. When we commit Perjury. When we murmur against him. When we leave his Providence, and consult with Witches, or the like. When we swear, upon trivial, and light causes. When we curse, or use unlawful Imprecations. When we perform not that, which we faithfully promise. When we (in any action of our own) detract, from God's Glory, and attribute, and arrogate too much to ourselves. For the Lord will not, etc. The Lord, and judge of Heaven and Earth, who seethe, and observeth all our actions, is so fare from conniving at this sin, that without repentance, he will condemn every one, that offendeth therein. Saul, 1. Sam. 14. ●…. for unadvised Cursing and adjuration, lost a victory against the Philistines. 1. Sam. 14.24. For consulting with a Witch, 31.4. was with his sons, brought to untimely ends. Sennacherib, 2. Kings 19.10. for blaspheming God: was slain, by his own sons. Ananias, Act. 5.5. for lying to the holy Ghost, died suddenly. The fourth Commandment. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day, etc. IN this Commandment are two things contained. 1. A Precept, or declaration of the will of God. To set apart some day, 1. To the public worship of God. 2. In ceasing from our labours. 2. A Reason, of the Commandment. 1. Because God after the Creation rested on the seventh day. 2. Because he also blessed and Sanctified it. Remember Let not worldly cares put it out of thy mind, but observe it with all care and Religion. 1. Not without great cause was this Precept so strictly urged. 1. Because by the neglect of it, ariseth the neglect of all Spiritual duties. 2. Because that in it was contained a Type or shadow, of the great and everlasting Sabbath, which is our Sanctification. 3. Because that we have thereby, some time to show mercy to our servants and beasts, wearied with labour. That thou keep holy, etc. In frequenting the Church, and there to exercise thyself, In Prayer. Hearing the Word. Receiving the Sacraments. In pious and religious works, as Visiting the sick. Relieving the poor. Meditating on God's work. Praising him for them. In refraining from sin. In resting from servile labour. And although that part of the jews Sabbath be abrogated, which respected the Seventh day, Sacrifices, and other exterior acts of God's worship, commanded, and enjoined to the jews: yet the Church hath appointed in stead thereof the Lords day or Sunday (called the first day of the week) wherein all Christians are bound to retain and observe all the duties of the first Sabbath, Reve. 1.10. Act. 20.7. 1. Cor. 16.2. avoiding the jewish strict and superstitious Ceremonies. Six days, etc. In following the vocation appointed there by God, wherein thou art to omit nothing, necessary for the sustentation of thy family. And not to spend those six days wholly in idleness, pleasures or excess. Nor in the public duties of the Sabbath, and thereby neglecting the care over thy family. But the seventh day. In that day, neither thou, nor any of thy family, or cattles, shall do any servile labour, (except in case of necessity, and preservation of God's Creatures from damage or loss) but ye shall spend it in those religious duties, formerly set down. In case of necessity ( Mar. 2.27. The Sabbath being made for man, and not man for the Sabbath) we are to conceive, that it was ordained not to destroy, but to preserve him, and therefore all works are not forbidden that day. 1. As dressing of meat. Numb. 28.1. By the example of the Priests, who on the Sabbath killed the Beasts, for sacrifice, and dressed the rest. And of Christ's Disciples, plucking ears of corn; Mat. 12.1. and Tertullian saith, that the Ancient and Primitive Church never fasted on the Sabbath day. De Coron. militis. c. 3. 2. Ministering Physic to the sick. Luc. 6. By the example of our Saviour healing on that day. Io. 5. 3. Saving Corn, Hay, Houses, and the like from perishing. By our Saviour's question to the Pharises. Mat. 12.11. 2. The Reason why God commanded the observation of the first Sabbath, was, 1. Because, after God by his Word, had created the universe of nothing: he rested himself, from all the work that he had made. Gen. 2.2. 2. Because this day was by him blessed and sanctified. And the Reason why the Seventh day was changed into the first day of the week, upon which the Christians Sabbath is observed: was, in remembrance of our Saviour's Resurrection, (which happened on this day) as may be gathered by Christ's selecting that day to appear twice to his Apostles after his Resurrection. joh. 20,19.26. The second Table. The fifth Commandment. Honour thy Father and thy Mother, that thy days may be long in the Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. AS the first Table, teacheth the Honour and love of God, so doth the second, the Duty we own to our Neighbour. And the first Commandment of this Table, enjoineth us to honour and reverence our Parents, as being the thing, which God esteemeth next in degree to his Honor. And it containeth, First, A Precept. Secondly, A Promise. 1 The Precept, is General, and Particular. 1 The General comprehendeth our Duty to all our Elders, and Superiors, whom God hath set over us, for our government and preservation: which duty, is of necessity to be performed, in respect of the upholding of Politic government. 2. The particular Precept, containeth our duty to our natural Parents, Father and Mother, of what degree, estate, or condition soever they be. Whether Poor or Rich, Good or Bad, this Commandment layeth hold on us. Honour thy Father and Mother. That which we are enjoined to do by these words is to Reverence them: as from whom we received our being. Love them: for their care, sorrow, and pains in our education. Obey them: in all lawful things, as being appointed by God, to command over us. Be thankful to them: In requiting their charge and love: In ministering to their necessities. Be patiented with them: In their Correction, and bearing with all their Infirmities. That which we are forbidden to do against them, is Exo. 21.17. Levit. 20.9. Not to speak evil of them, or to curse them. Mat. 15.5. Mat. 7.11. Not to see them want. Not to be ashamed of them, for poverty, or other cause whatsoever. That thy days may &c. 2. The Promise, is made to all such, as shall keep this Precept, which is Long days, of life here, and happy too, else they would be no better than a Curse. Long days hereafter, for ever in bliss, which is the highest blessing that can befall to any. This Promise God made. 1. To provoke us to that Duty, of reverencing and obeying our Parents, and Superiors. 2. To show, how highly he esteemeth of it. The sixth Commandment. Thou shalt not kill. THis Commandment followeth properly and in order, in the next place: for man's life, being the most previous thing in this world, and upon which all other things depend, God seemeth to take care, by this Commandment, for peace and quietness, whereby man's life may be preserved. Thou shalt not kill. Neither thyself nor others. Neither shalt thou have any desire to do any such act. Under this Commandment are diverse other particulars forbidden: for as God forbiddeth the Act: so doth he command that all occasions or means to execute that Act, be forborn, and taken away. If God command us not to kill, than he prohibits: Anger. Quarrelling. Chiding. Hatred. Mat. 5.22. And all other things of this nature, which may be as provocations ro slaughter. And on the contrary, he enjoineth us. To love our neighbours as ourselves. To live peaceably and quietly with them. To do good for evil. And all this because: Man is the Image of God. Flesh of our Flesh. The thing, that Christ paid so dear for. The seventh Commandment. Thou shalt not commit Adultery. Thou shalt not commit adultery. THe chief aim and scope of this Commandment is, to preserve the marriage bed inviolate. And with great reason it is placed next to the prohibiting of homicide: because, that next and dearest to a man, after his own life, is the preservation and Honot of his wife; for they two are but one flesh. Gen. 2.24. And by this Commandment, is also implicitly and secretly forbidden Whoredom. Incest. Sodomy. a Rom. 1.26. Sins against Nature. b Mat. 5.28. Unlawful desires and affections. Uncleanness. Evil talk. Obscene songs, and impudent behaviour. uncivil sights. Lascivions Pictures. Intemperance of diet. Delicacy and excess in Apparel, and the like, being provocations, to the Sin here forbidden. And as we are prohibited these things, so are we commanded hereby. To live Chastely. Temperately. Mat. 5.8. Modestly. and Purely in heart. For by these Virtues (as our Saviour telleth us) we shall come to the beatificiall vision of God, and enjoy that Blessedness, which he hath promised to those, that in pureness of heart, love and serve him. The eight Commandment. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not steal. THat is, thou shalt not take from another, any thing which is not thine own. And against this Commandment we may offend diverse ways. By committing Sacrilege, taking any thing, from the Church. By with holding that which is due, to King, or Prince. By robbing on the high way, or out of houses. By deceiving any man. In bargaining. In false weights and measures. In being bankrupt without cause. By oppressing the poor, or keeping his pledge. By encroaching upon the possessions of any other, either by violence openly, or by fraud, in removing Land marks etc. By keeping that which is found, from the true owner. By denying, or concealing a trust. By detaining the Laborers hire. By Living idly, and eating, out of another man's labour. By neglecting a Master's Service, and mispending his goods. The Ninth Commandment. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour. Thou shalt not bear false witness, etc. THou shalt not give false evidence before a judge, against any man. Whosoever doth so, is not only guilty of the breach of this Commandment, but of the Third also, in committing Perjury. Neither is false Testimony with an Oath, forbidden only, but also, without an Oath. 1 Thou shalt not accuse thy brother unjustly. Slander him. Revile him. backbite him. Abuse him by uncivil jests. 2 Thou shalt not lie or equivocate. Either for sport. Or to avoid danger or loss. For although some seem to approve: Of jacob, Gen. 27.19. in lying to his Father that he was Esau. The Midwines, Exo. 1.19. to save the Children. Rahab the Harlot, Iosu. 2.4.5. to save the spies. Michol, 1. Sam. 19.14. to save David her Husband. judith, jud. 11.5. to deceive Holofernes. Aug. Yet it is safer (with Saint August.) to hold, that all lies, being directly opposite to truth, must needs be sin. The Tenth Commandment. Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbour's house. Thou shalt not, etc. THis Commandment, is directly against Covetousness, or evil Concupiscence, the issue of Original Sin, which was derived to all mankind, after the fall of Adam. Not Covet. No man ought to covet or desire (no not so much as in his heart) any thing, which belongeth to another man, and whereby, he may receive any damage or detriment. Neither his house, which is his inheritance, and his defence, against the heat of the Sun, and the sharpness of the cold. Nor his wife, which is bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh. His partner as well in sorrow, as pleasure. Nor his Servants, without whose help and labour, he cannot dispatch his affairs. Nor his Cattles, which do his work. In conclusion, nothing, which may any way prejudice him. Now, seeing that ja. 2.10. He, which is guilty in breaking one part of the Law, offendeth in all, and that, to the keeping of it, the whole inward and outward man is required: and that the flesh (while we are in this world) is wholly opposite to the Spirit: It is impossible for us, to fulfil the same by our own endeavours. For it is with us, as it was with Saint Paul. Rom. 7.18. In our flesh dwelleth no good thing, and the good that we would, we do not, but the evil which we would not, that we do. And seeing also, that Rom. 3.20. by thee deeds of the Law, no man can be justified: not that the Law is in fault (being good of itself) but our own flesh, Rom. 8.7.8 the carnal mind being enmity with God, and they which are in the flesh, not being able to please him: for the comfort therefore of all, when as neither the works of the Law could justify us, nor we were able to fulfil the same: God of his infinite mercy, sent his Son Christ jesus, into the world, Galat. 3.13.14. that he suffering death for us, might redeem us from the curse of the Law, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit, through Faith. For in him, all the Promises, Ceremonies, and the Law itself, were fulfilled and ended. 1 The Promises. As Gen. 1.15. the seed of the woman shall break the Serpent's head. Gen. 22.18. In thee shall all the Nations of the Earth be blessed. 2 The Ceremonies. The Priesthood, by his eternal Priesthood. Psal. 110.4. The Sacrifices, by his own Oblation. Heb. 7.27. Circumcision, Luc. 2.21. 3.21. by his Circumcision and Baptism. Passeover, by the Eucharist. Mar. 14.22. 3 The Law. By his satisfaction, and absolute fulfilling of it, in whom was no sin, nor spot; Cant. but an absolute and perfect Righteousness. which Righteousness, he hath of his free will and mercy, imputed to us, and made ours, if with a lively Faith, we apprehend him, and believe on him. And in this respect, it may be said, that he observeth and fulfilleth the Law of God, who (not trusting to himself or his own works) commendeth himself wholly to the Grace of God, Rom. 8.3.4. 2. Cor. 5.21. and seeketh all his righteousness by Faith, in Christ jesus. So that we are to rely on those words, which Saint Paul spoke in his Sermon at Antioch. Be it known unto you therefore, Act. 13.38. men and brethren, that through this man (Christ jesus) is preached unto you, the forgiveness of sins: And by him, all that believe, are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses. But yet, we must take this along with us. That this Faith, whereby we believe, that Christ satisfied the Law, and is become our Righteousness and Perfection, is merely by God's Grace and Favour infused into our hearts by the Holy Spirit: which stirreth up in us a love, and desire, to keep the Law of God: which though the same desire never attaineth to perfection, while we live in these earthly tabernacles, for the frailty and indisposition of the Flesh, yet God in his mercy, accepteth the same, for Christ's sake. For the better conceiving of the drift and scope of these Commandments, we are to take notice of two things. 1 Whereas, in every Commandment, the grossest sin, tending to the breach of that commandment, is only forbidden by name, yet we are to conceive, that all sins of that nature, (though lesser in degree, and not named) together with the provocations thereunto, are likewise inclusively contained, in that prohibition. 2 And where any Virtue is commanded to be observed, there all the Vices and Sins, contrary to that Virtue, are forbidden. And where any Vice is prohibited, there all opposite Virtues to it, are enjoined. Meditations of Death. THat all men must dye, being long since enacted by Statute in the Parliament of Heaven, unrepealed: and the knowledge of the day of Death, being by God kept from us, Aug. in Psal. 34. Conc. 1. lest we should promise to ourselves any thing for future time: I shall not need, to spend many words, to prove either the absolute necessity of the one, or the uncertainty of the other. Only give me leave, to conclude this work, with a few meditations, and Prayers, which may serve as well for those, who feel the hand of God by sickness: as for those which are in perfect health, to meditate and think upon, that they be not taken unprovided. And this exercise of Meditation of death, and resolution to die, ought not to seem strange, or hard to Christians. For the Philosopher in his time, accounted all days spent, without serious consideration of our end; to be but fond consumed, and affirmed that the whole life of a wise man, Plato. was nothing but a meditation of death. And therefore it hath been observed, that Abraham, Gen. 23.3: 19 when he was in the Land of Canaan, purchased no more Land, than would serve to bury his dead. To teach us, that we should not fix or fasten our minds, upon the transitory things of the World, but have our affections bend, upon another world, and meditate upon the day of our death, which bringeth two benefits with it; first it delivereth us out of many cares, and troubles, and secondly it leadeth us to joys unspeakable. The first of these benefits, the Heathen man, could see, Artabanus to Xerxes. Herod. l. 7. by the light of Nature, when he said, that No man lived in so flourishing estate, who, if not often, yet once i● his life, did not desire rather to die, then to live. For the unavoidable calamity and grievous diseases incident to this life, do so often disquiet, and vex a man, that notwithstanding our life is naturally short, yet sometime it seemeth over long unto him. And therefore (saith he) Death is the most acceptable and wished for Sanctuary, and place of refuge, for a life, full of misery and grief. And for the second take (amongst many) that of Saint Cyprian. Cypr. We pass by death to immortality, neither can we come or attain to eternal life, but by leaving this life. Nor is our corporal death to be accounted, an end or period of life, but a passage to a better, for by this temporal journey, we pass to Eternity. For this separation of the soul and body (commonly called Death) if we consider the true scope and aim of God in it, is not inflicted by him, as a severe judge, to punish the Elect, but as a most merciful Father, who only calleth his Children, from a dungeon of misery, to a place of all felicity and happiness. And this is that, which hath always made the Godly to leave this life, with such willingness and joy: and to endure with so great courage and constancy, all their greatest agonies. Meditations for the sick. Set thy house in order for thou shalt die. Esa. 38.1. job. 19.25. I Know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. job. 19.26 And that I shall be again clothed with this skin, and in my flesh I shall see God, job. 19.27. whom I myself shall see, and mine eyes shall behold. This hope is laid up in my breast. Lord let me know mine end, and the number of my days: that I Psal. 39.5. may be certified, how long I have to live. Psal. 39.6. Behold thou hast made my days as it were a span long, and mine age is as nothing in respect of thee, and verily every man living is altogether vanity. Psal. 39.7. For man walketh in a vain shadow, and disquieteth himself in vain, he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them. Psal. 39.8. And now Lord what is nay hope? truly my hope is even in thee. Psal. 39.9. Deliver me from all mine offences, and make me not a rebuke to the foolish. Psal. 3911. Take away thy stroke from me, for I am consumed, by the means of thy heavy hand. Psal. 39.12. When thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin, thou makest his beauty to consume away, like a moth fretting a garment: every man therefore is but vanity. Psal. 39.13. Hear my Prayer O Lord, and with thine ears consider my calling: hold not thy peace at my tears. Psa. 39.14. For I am a stranger with thee: and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. Psa. 39.15. O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength, before I go hence, and be no more seen. job 13.23. Answer me, O Lord, How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgressions and my sins. job 13.24. Wherefore hidest thou thy face from me, and holdest me for thine enemy? job 13.25. Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble? Psal. 71.8. Oh cast me not away in my weakness, forsake me not when my strength faileth me. Though I be afflicted, yet let me not be distressed: Though in want of some of thy comforts, yet not of all: Though chastened, yet not forsaken. Psal. 94.12. Blessed is the man whom thou chastnest O Lord, and teachest him in thy law, Psal. 94.13. That thou mayest give him rest in the days of evil. Psal. 119.67. Before I was troubled I went a stray, but now I shall learn thy Word. Psal. 25.7. O Lord remember not the sins and offences of my youth. Nor judge me according to my works: For I have done nothing worthy of thy sight, but of eternal death. Wherefore I pray thee, Psal. 51.1.2. blot out all my offences, and wash me throughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. job. 7.20. I have sinned, what shall I do unto thee, O thou Preserver of men? Why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden unto myself? job. 7.20. And why dost thou not pardon my transgressions, and take away mine iniquity? for now I shall sleep in the dust, and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be. job 10.20. Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little. job 10.21. Before I go, whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and shadow of death. job 10.22. A land of darkness, as darkness itself, and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness. Psal. 89.27. What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death, shall he deliver his Soul from the hand of the grave? Psal. 55.4. The fear of death overwhelmeth me, and my heart is disquieted within me, for that I have daily sinned and not repent, considering that from the Infernal pit there is no redemption. But be thou merciful to O Lord, and save me for thy Names sake, and in thy strength deliver and comfort me. Psal. 119.75. I know O Lord, that thy judgements are just, and that thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled. Oh let this light affliction (which will quickly be gone) cause unto me afterward a more excellent and eternal weight of glory. 2. Cor. 4.17. Psal. 94.19. In the midst of the sorrows that are in my heart, let thy comforts O Lord refresh my Soul. job. 10.8. Thine hands have made me and fashioned me round about, yet thou dost destroy me. job. 10.9. Remember I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay, and wilt thou bring me into the dust again? job. 10.10. Hast thou not poured me out like milk, and curdled me like a cheese? job. 10.11. Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and fenced me with bones and sinews. job. 10.12. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my Spirit. O Lord, thou numbrest my job. 14.16. steps, and dost set a watch over my sin. job. 17.1. My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the Grave is ready for me. job. 14. I have said to corruption, thou art my Father, and to the worm, Thou art my Mother and Sister. job. 7.1. Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth, and are not his days as the days of an hireling. job. 9.25. My days are swifter than a Post, they flee away and see no good. job. 30.23. I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appoinfor all the lining. Woe is me therefore O Lord, that I have sinned. What shall I do? whither shall I fly? but to thee O Lord my God. Be merciful to me in the last day. My soul is very much disquieted within me, but Lord, I require thy aidee and comfort. Be mindful O Lord, of thy Psal. 119.49. Word, wherein thou hast caused me to put my trust and let thy mercy come unto me according to thy Promise. For thou art my maker, and I am the work of thy hands. Deliver me O Lord, from eternal death, in that day, wherein Heaven and Earth shall be dissolved, when thou comest to judge the Earth. I am affrighted when I consider that day, the day of thy wrath, the day of misery, that great and exceeding bitter day. O Lord in that day where shall I hide myself from the face of thine anger. O Lord, when thou comest to judgement, condemn me not I beseech thee, but deliver from the gates of hell, my poor soul, which I commend unto thee. Acknowledge then O Lord thy Creature, not made by any strange gods, but by thee, the true and living God. Make my Soul joyful with thy presence, and remember not my sins, but according to thy great mercy think upon me in that day, for the merits of my Blessed Saviour jesus Christ, Amen. A Prayer for the Sick. Almighty and most merciful Lord God, who by the infirmities of this life, dost put us in mind of our mortality, and by these outward afflictions, dost call us to inward Repentance: I cry unto thee with my whole heart: Psal. 6.1. Rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy displeasure. Psal. 6.2. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are vexed. Thou art He, O Lord, a job. 5.18. That woundest, and healest again, b 1. Sam. 2.6. that killest and revivest, that leadest to the gates of Hell, and bringest back again. If this my sickness O Lord, be not unto death, help me on this my bed of infirmity, and strengthen me. If thou thinkest expedient rather, that I should die then live, do with me according to thy good pleasure, and receive my Spirit to thy peace, which I commend into thy hands, who livest and raignest God of all mercy, world without end, Amen. Or thus. O Merciful Lord God, who of thy great mercy dost forgive the offences of those who truly repent: mercifully look upon me thy poor Serand hearken unto me, who humbly crave of thee, remission of my sins. Renew O Lord in me whatsoever is corrupt and decayed, by the Devil's malice, or mine own frailty. Pity my sighs, pity my tears, pity my groans; vouchsafe to be reconciled to me, that have confidence in nothing, but thy mere mercy. O Lord, it griveth me, that I have offended thy Majesty, and it grieveth me much that I can grieve no more than I do. And I humbly pray thee, by the Death, Passion, and Intercession of thy Son Christ jesus, to pardon my offences: promising, that if I recover my former health, thy grace assisting me, to abstain from displeasing thy Majesty hereafter. I willingly O Lord, and freely from my heart, for thy sake, forgive all offenders and offences against me, and I hearty desire all those, whom I have any way offended, to forgive me. O Lord, though my natural man trembleth at the thought of death, yet I profess, that I am willing to die, if it be thy good pleasure. I have received life, and all the blessings of this life from thee, what shall I render back to thee for them. I will willingly receive this Cup of death and praise thy Name. Psal. 31.6. I commend into thy hands my spirit, and whither thou disposest of me to live or die, I resign it to thy good will and disposition; and humbly pray thee, that if thou seest it good, for me, to prolong my days on earth, that thou wouldst renew my conversation, by the direction of thy holy Spirit, that I may pass those days, in thy fear: if thou be otherwise pleased to dispose of me, take me I beseech thee into the arms of thy mercy, for jesus Christ's sake my only Saviour and Redeemer. Or thus. O GOD of all consolation, who hast promised to hear all those, that faithfully call upon thee, and not to reject any, that with a contrite heart, and penitent soul, shall humble himself before thee: I humbly entreat thee in the name and mediation of thy Son jesus Christ, that thou wouldst be pleased to be merciful to me, thy poor Servant, at this time afflicted with sickness. O Lord pardon, forget, and blot out of thy remembrance, whatsoever I have committed against thee, in the whole course of my life. Seal and confirm unto me (by thy Spirit) a pardon unto me for all my offences, that I may thereby receive such comfort in my soul, that I may with all joy and willingness, depart out of this life, unto thee. Let me be certified, that there is Rom. 8.1. no condemnation to those which are united and engrafted into jesus Christ by Faith: that I may be confident, 32. that neither my sins, death, the Devil, nor ought else can draw me away or separate me from thee: and that I may be assured, that thy Throne will not be to me a Bar of severity, but a Haven of safety, and a sure Sanctuary and refuge for me to fly unto. Strengthen this Faith in me, which may serve as a Buckler to defend me from all tentations: and that forsaking the confidence or strength of all other things, I may fly wholly to thy mercy in Christ jesus, whereby I may be protected, from the Terrors of thy judgement. Grant unto me distressed sinner, these graces, even for the same jesus Christ his sake, who with thee, and the Holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth for ever. Or thus. Almighty and everlasting God, whose years fail not, and who hast determined the days of man, which he cannot pass, yet thyself endurest for ever, and thy Throne from generation to generation: Remember, that I am but dust, like grass, and my days, as the flower of the field, which flourisheth in the morning and in the evening is dried up and withered. Psal. 39.5. O let me know my end, make me mindful of my mortality. Psal. 39.14. I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner as all my fathers were, and cannot promise myself one hour, much less, any days, or years in this my Pilgrimage. Psal. 6.2.3. I am like a tottering wall and a broken fence, give me grace therefore, that I trust not in the uncertainty of this life, like the rich fool in the Gospel, but that I may every hour, Luc. 12. prepare myself in thy fear, to pass out of this frail mansion; and to expect thee, with a solid faith, and firm hope, waiting cheerfully, for the day and time of my dissolution. Tit. 2.13. And looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our saviour jesus Christ. Make me like the faithful and wise servant) ever ready and prepared for the coming of my Lord, lest being suddenly prevented, I be taken like a Bird in the snare of the Fowler. O Lord, thou hast by this gentle correction, put me in mind of my mortality, give me also Grace, that I may make good use of it, that I may cast of all the cares of this world, and wholly betake myself, to make my peace with thee. And I humbly pray thee, that thou wouldst not forget me in my pains and miseries, in all my infirmities: be not fare from me, when, by reason of the terrors of death, and assaults of the enemy, I shall have most need of thy help: but strengthen my soul with thy holy grace, against all tentation that my Faith fail me not, but that, thy holy Spirit assisting me, I may overcome my spiritual enemies, and at the hour of death. Lord (I beseech thee) let thy servant departed in peace according to thy Word. Luc. 2.29. Or thus. BLessed Lord jesus Christ, the only comfort of the living, and the eternal life of those which die in thee. I wholly submit myself to thy blessed Will, whether it please thee to suffer my soul any longer to live, in this earthly Tabernacle to serve thee, or to have it departed out of this transitory world: being certainly assured, that it cannot perish, being committed to thy keeping. O Lord, I put of this frail flesh with a willing mind, in the hope of the Resurrection of it, at the last day, together with my soul, when it will become much more glorious and happy, then now it is. I beseech thee O Lord jesus, strengthen me with thy Grace, against all temptations, and defend me with the shield of thy mercy against all the assaults of the Devil. I know that of myself I have no strength: wherefore, my whole confidence is in thee. I have no merits of mine own to allege, for I see many, yea, too many of my sins, to stand up against me: but by thy mercy, I trust, that thou wilt repute ●…e amongst the Just. Thou wert borne for me, didst hunger, thirst, fast and pray for me, thou didst many good works and suffered'st many bitter things for my sake. Let thy blood wash away the spots of my offences; Let thy justice, cover my unrighteousness, and thy Merits plead for me before the great and severe judge. And as my sickness increaseth, let thy Grace increase, that my faith fail not, my hope waver not, nor my love to thee wax cold. Let me not be cast down, or dejected, with the terror of death; but when death shall seize on the eyes of my body, let the eyes of my soul, look to thee, and when the use of my tongue shall fail me, let my heart cry unto thee, Psal. 31.6. I commend my spirit into thy hands O Lord, who livest and raignest etc. Psal. 23.4. Although thou kill me, yet will I trust in thee, and though I walk in the midst of the shadow of death, yet will I not fear, because thou Lord art with me. A short Table of the chief Heads contained in this Book. A General Exhortation to Prayer. page 1 In regard of God's Precept. 2 Promise. 3 Christ's example. ibid. The Necessity. ibid. The Dignity 4 The Benefit. 5 Directions how to Pray. 1. To God only. 8 2. In Faith. 9 3. In Hope. 10 4. In Charity. ibid. 5. In Humility of Spirit. 12, 13 Of Body. 14 6. In Perseverance, 15 with fervency and attention. 17 The Time for Prayer. 20 The Place for Prayer. 21 How to pray aright. 22 Prayer divided into Parts 25 The use of the Lords Prayer. 28 The Lords Prayer analysed. 32 Petitions for spiritual Graces 68 A Prayer before Prayer 78 Before a Sermon 80 Petitions for temporal blessings. 82 Rules for the Morning 84 Morning prayers private. 85 For a Family 97 Rules for the Evening and Night. 102 Evening prayers private 105 For a Family 116 Prayers. For a married man 121 For a married woman. 124 For a Child 126 For a woman with Child 128 For a young man or maid 129 For a Servant 132 Before a journey 133 After a journey. 135 Intercession 137 Deprecation 140 In affliction. 145 In time of Pestilence. 147 The Creed analysed. 152 Confession of God's Glory. 164 Motives to Repentance. 169 The Duty of Repentance. 175 Confession of sins. 179 Seven Penitential Psalms analysed. 218 Direction before the Sacrament. 259 Meditations and Prayers before the Sacrament. 263 Meditations and Prayers after the Sacrament. 276 Motives to Thanksgiving 285 Thankesgivings. 289 Seven Psalms of Thanksgiving analysed. 305 Imprecation. 345 The Ten Commandments analysed. 350 Meditations of death 384 Meditations for the sick 387 Prayers for the sick. 395 FINIS. Faults escaped. Page 38. line 16. in the margin read Hallowed. p. 80. l. ●…. r. thou. p. 97. in the mar. r Gen. 1.26.9.6. p. 114. l. 7. r. seventy times seven. p. 116. l. 9 r. sleep in peace. p. 119 l. vlt. r. power. p. 130. l. 1. r. self be able to get. p. 144. l. 13. r. sentence, Depart. p. 156. l. 9 put out us. p. 164. l. vlt. r. bosom. p. 169 l. 9 r. who. p. 178. l. 5. r. Repentance. p. 190. l. 6. r. I have brought forth. p. 211. l. 15. r. art patiented. p. 267. l. 16. r. long. p. 271. l. 6. r. the greatness. p. 291. 17. r. damnation. p. 297. l. 16. r. Just man of a sinner. p. 307. l. 23. r. thy vicegerent. p. 309. l. 15. r. triumph. p. 314. l. 8. r. to the end that all. p. 323. l. 17. for not only r. as well. p. 328. l. 23. r. felt. p. 329 l. 7. r. with. p. 340. l. 13. r. wherewith p. 341 l 26. r. generations. p. 345. l. 14. r. incorrigible. p. 374. l. 10. r. beatifical.