THE PRINCES PRAYERS. THE FIRST AND second Part. containing CHRIstian and zealous Meditations for every Day in the week, Morning and evening. The second Edition, corrected, enlarged, and much more perfected then before. LONDON Imprinted by John Windet, for Ieffrie Chorleton. 1610. TO THE HIGH AND mighty Prince HENRY, eldest son to the Kings most excellent majesty: Prince of great britain and Ireland, Duke of Cornwall, &c. and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter. out of the dear and duteous affection, which both by the laws of God, iustice of nature, and vnreproueable rule of rightful obedience, I owe unto your most royal Father, my dread sovereign, and next unto your Princely self; I offer to your gracious acceptance this poor and homely present, more rich in substance, then in outward appearance, & yet far more highly dignified, if it be b●t deigned your royal fauo●r. I haue been so bold,( by aduise of good iudgement, and in regard of some small merit, which these Prayers and Meditations are thought to carry) to entitle them, The Princes Prayers. Not presuming to square you a method for meditating, or imagining them any way worthy your use, but onely, as another small Treatise of like nature, which hath long time been extant, under name of The Kings psalms and The queens Prayers, haue had happy passage in the world, &( no doubt) done much good: even so, your Princely name, but gracing these religious exercises, and they bearing your countenance to future continuance, more profit may arise( by thē) then can be rashly promised, and renown your virtues beside, to endless remembrance. I must confess( and am the more sorry for it) that the Book comes not in such seemly maner, as I could haue wished, or as befitted so princely a patrons view, both in regard of mine own slender ability, to perform matter of such moment, with answerable style and phrase; as also the Printers too many imperfections, which although they haue unwillingly( I dare say) escaped, yet might haue been far better respected. But if your Grace shall please to bury both our defects, in the truly royal affability of your Princely mind, and in place of all wants, to let good will supply the room; I haue what I desire, and which I will endeavour also hereafter much better to deserve. Remaining now & ever in hearty prayer, for your health and happiness: That no foul heart or hand at any time come near you; no annoyance disturb you, or evil thought offend you; but the hand of heaven for ever to bless you, and this land of Great britain long to enjoy you. Your Graces loving Seruant, desirous as yet to pass( publicly) vnnamed, till better means may make him worthy. A TABLE PVRPOSELY GATHERED, FOR the more easy finding out any such Prayer or thanksgiving, as a man shall please to seek for, according to such several occurrences and occasions, as( in the time of meditation) shall be thought meet●st. our Lords prayer with a brief Paraphrase thereon. fol. 1. A prayer when a man is going to Church. fol. 7 For assistance of the blessed spirit of grace, to make our prayers effectual. fol. 9. Sunday. A Prayer for the Morning. fol. 13 thanksgiving for our Creation. fol. 17 A prayer for the remission of our sins. fol. 21 For the prosperous estate of Gods Church. fol 25 For the Ministers of Gods word. fol. 29 Against Sects and false Doctrine. fol. 37 A prayer for the evening. fol. 41. monday. A Prayer for the Morning. fol. 45 thanksgiving for our Redemption. fol. 49 To obtain true faith. fol. 53 For the kingdom of God. fol. 57 For the Magistrate. fol. 61 For Subiects. fol. 65 Against the enemies of Christian faith. fol. 68 A prayer for the evening. fol. 72 Tuesday. A Prayer for the Morning. fol. 77 thanksgiving for our Sanctification. fol. 81 A prayer for the obtaining of firm Hope. fol. 85 To haue true humility. fol. 89 For such as are married. fol. 93 For Children and Youth. fol. 97 Against the kingdom of satan. fol. 101 A prayer for the evening. fol. 104 Wednesday. A prayer for the Morning. fol. 109 thanksgiving for our knowledge in Christ. fol. 113 A prayer to obtain true charity. fol. 117 For the fruits of the earth. fol. 120 A prayer for sinners. fo. 124 For such as are sick and diseased. fol. 128 Against the temptations of the divell. fol. 132 A prayer for the evening. fol. 139 Thursday. A Prayer for the Morning. fol. 140 thanksgiving for the nourishment of our bodies. fol. 144 To haue unity in Faith. fol. 147 For peace. fol. 151 For Infidels and wanderers from Faith. fol. 155 For our benefactors. fol. 159 Against the temptations of the World. fol. 163 A prayer for the evening. fol. 167 Friday. A prayer for the Morning. fol. 171 A prayer to haue true repentance. fol. 179 A prayer to haue patience, in all times of tribulation. fol. 183 For women great with child. fol. 187 For prisoners & captives. fol. 191 Against the temptations of the flesh. fol. 191 A prayer for the evening. fol. 195 Saturday. A prayer for the Morning. fol. 199 thanksgiving for the great mercies of God. fol. 203 A prayer for a happy and blessed departing out of this life. fol. 207 For our daily sustenance. fol. 211 A prayer for any one, that is grievously anguished, or afflicted. fol. 293 A prayer to bee used when it Lightens, Thunders, or in any other dangerous tempests. fol. 294 A prayer to bee used, in the time of pestilence, or any other mortality. fol. 302 A prayer against the Turk, or any other persecutors. fol. 306 A general confession of sins, with prayer to obtain pardon for them. fol. 309 A prayer to be said before receiving the blessed Sacrament of the Lords Supper. fol. 313 Another prayer to the same purpose. fol. 317 thanksgiving to bee used after receiving the blessed Sacrament. fol. 322 Another thanksgiving to the same purpose. fo. 326 A prayer for one that is sick. fol. 330 Another to the same purpose. fol. 332 Another to the same purpose. fol. 334 A prayer for him that comes to visit the sick person in his extremity. fol. 337 Other Godly and Christian Prayers, for particular purposes. A prayer for Souldiers, that serve as Sentinels, in keeping watch, or in the Court of Gard. fol. 339 Another prayer to be used by them in the evening. fol. 342 A prayer to bee said before a man begins his work, or any labour. fol. 346 thanksgiving to bee used after his labour or work is finished. fol. 349 A prayer for a young man, that prepares himself for marriage. fol. 352 A prayer for a young maiden, or a widow preparing to Marriage. fol. 357 A prayer fitting a Father of a Family. fol. 360 A prayer fitting a Mother of a Family. fol. 361 A prayer for a Child, when his parents provide him or her a master or mistress, to learn any mystery. fol. 363 A prayer befiting any Father and Mother, sending their Children forth to school. fol. 365. A man seruants prayer. fol. 367. A maid seruants prayer. fol. 370 A prayer for Children to use, when their Father is forth on any voyage or journey. fol. 372. THE PRINCES PRAYERS. Our Lords Prayer, with a brief Paraphrase thereon. our Father which art in heaven: that is to say: Gracious, good and almighty Father, thou art every where with us, albeit thy majesty doth most principally declare itself to bee in heaven. Thou hast created nourished, maintained and defended us: Thou hast commanded us to pray and beg of thee, and hast likewise most benignly promised us assistance, succour and deliverance in all our necessities. Hallowed bee thy name: As much to say, As, do thou cause, that thy blessed name and thyself may be rightly known, even according as thou hast manifested the same in thy holy word. That thou maiest also be esteemed, valued and honoured: according as thou oughtest to bee, both in our words and works, as also in our holy and Christian conversation. Thy kingdom come Herein wee say, Grant Lord unto us, that thy sacred word may be in perfect efficacy among us: so that we may receive it, cleave fast unto it, and increase daily in the knowledge of those things, which therein are revealed unto vs. grant likewise, that others( yet wandring) may agree and join themselves thereto, and that it may haue a powerful passage, through the world: yea in such sort that all may bee reduced to the kingdom of thy grace, to bee truly partakers of their redemption and ●aluation. Thy will bee done in earth as it is in heaven: That is to say: Let thy will only bee done, and not the will of the devill, or of thy other enemies: that exalt themselves against thy word, to hinder or oppress the power thereof. Bee thou the means, that wee may daily employ ourselves, to do what then wouldst haue us to do: according as the Angels, and other celestial creatures, do evermore readily addict themselves thereto. And that( by patience) wee may either suppress, surpass, or overcome, whatsoever we are to suffer under the same. give us this day our daily bread: Herein we desire that it would please thee( as thou dost for the soul) so likewise to provide for the body, all such things as are necessary belonging thereto. As, in giuing us nourishment, clothing, peace, direction, good famed, wholesome seasons, and all other gracious blessings, for maintenance of this life. forgive us our trespasses, as wee forgive them that trespass against us: Hereby wee entreat thee that thou wilt take no note of those faults, errors or transgressions, which every instant is to be found in us: but rather to take pity and compassion vpon us, and to give us( by thy grace) remission of our sins, promised and assured unto us in thy holy gospel. Assist us also( O Lord) that( after thine example) every one of us may willingly, and from the bottom of our hearts, pardon all such as haue offended against vs. lead us not into temptation. Hereby we understand that during this life, we are ordinarily to bee assailed by our own flesh, and many other wicked sinful desires, whereunto wee are by nature inclined. Wee are likewise oftentimes solicited to such offences, both by evil company, and lewd examples: For the world takes delight to heat our blood, firing us with impatience, and provoking us to bad actions. The devill also( as a busy intermedler) casts his empoisoned arrows amongst us, and by them he wounds us very often. he labours to get Faith, hope and charity from us, and to throw us headlong into incredulity, desperation, blasphemy, denying of God and such like detestable iniquities. Wherefore( dear Father) most humbly wee beseech thee, that thou wilt never suffer us to fall by any of these temptations. But deliver us from evil: As much to say. As, do thou( Lord) aid and assist us, for no way else can wee escape all those evil inconveniences, whereinto our aduersaries labour to deject vs. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever: Amen. hereby( Lord) wee truly know, that all power is only thine and therefore thou hast both power and will to help us: For thine authority is over all things. Thou art merciful, and hast promised to hear vs. Wee do then assure ourselves, and never will doubt of in, but thou wilt grant us any thing, which thou dost know( much better then we) to be needful for vs. A Prayer at entrance into Church. ALmighty God & heavenly Father, trusting in the multitude of thy mercies, dutifully do I enter into this thy house, and( in thy fear) do I prostrate myself in the palace of thy holinesse. Oh thou that art eternal, conduct me in thy righteousness: prepare thy way, and make it perfect before me: lead me in the path of thy holy ordinances: For thou art my God, and the Lord of my salvation. I love thy house and gladly desire to bee in the assembly of thy Saints, such as confess and sing thy praises. Oh Lord God o● hosts, how amiable are thy tabernacles and dwellings? my soul is earnestly covetous, to bee but in the Porch of any one of them. Come then let us altogether worship and fall down before the lord that hath made vs. For he is our God, and wee are his people, yea the sheep of his pasture. exalt the name of the eternal, our God, and let us prostrate ourselves before his footstool, for he is holy. O my God, in the assembly of thy Saints, here do I present my petitions unto thee, in the time of thy good pleasure, hear me: according to thine own great goodness, and the fidelity I do constantly repose in thy succour. So bee it. For Assistance of the blessed Spirit of Grace, to make our prayers effectual. eternal and most merciful God in regard wee neineither know, or can comprehend, what wee ought to demand, or how we should direct our prayers unto thee, because thou art always ready to give us much more, then wee understand how either to deserve or desire: Wee humbly beseech thee, that( according to thine own promises) it would please thee to overspread us( at this instant) with thy good spirit of grace and prayer, to the end, that, with unspeakable sighs and groans, it may make intercession to thee for us: and so enable us, that in true zeal, both with our hearts & mouths wee may call vpon thee, offering thee the sacrifice of praise and prayer, which is most pleasing and acceptable unto thee. Lord, open thou our lips, and then our mouths shall sound forth thy praise. Awake our dull souls, that we may not presume to approach near thee, with vain lippe-labour, or sole honor of the mouth, our harts being too far off from thee. But give us the grace, that wee may call vpon thee as true worshippers do in spirit and truth, using all the parts of our affection, understanding and thoughts, without any appetite to hypocrisy or vainglory. Let our desires bee such, as are conformable to thy heavenly will, the illustration of thy glory, and for the salvation of our own souls. Grant also( good Father) that our faith in praying may bee firm, not any way wavering or doubtful, but that wee shall effectually obtain from thy bounty, whatsoever( in duty) wee can desire of thee. Let not us( lord) prescribe thee any times, or means for attention to us: but at all seasons and in all occasions, in firm hope, patience and humility of heart, wee may submit ourselves to thy good pleasure, which evermore best becometh true Christians. give us grace that in presenting our supplications to thee, we neither build nor put any confidence in our own righteousness: but in thy boundless compassions and the name of thy beloved son Iesus Christ, through whom, we haue boldness to present ourselves before thy throne, and in the confidence of children, dare call thee our Father, So confirm us, dear Father, that our unworthiness, nor any other sinful considerations, whatsoever, be any hindrance or impediment to our prayers. Assist us O most loving God in such sort, that we( in all places) lifting up unpolluted hands to thee, without bread or distrust: and( insisting vpon prayers, supplications and thanksgiving for all men) may( according to thy promises) receive from thy benignity, al good gifts whatsoever, both spiritual and corporal. So be it. A Prayer for the morning. EVerliuing lord God, Sunday. heavenly Father, thy great and Almighty name be evermore blessed, thy goodness and mercy endlessly praised, thy wisdom and truth eternally honoured: For thou( with thy hand) hast covered us this perilous night past, suffering us to rest and sleep safely under the shadow of thy wings Thou hast fatherly preserved us from all the snares of the wicked enemy: wherefore we laud thy name, for the goodness and marvels which thou workest for the children of men. Wee will praise thee in the congregation, and thy worthiness shall bee evermore in our mouths. Our souls shall bless thee( O Lord) & al that is within us shall celebrate thy name: never forgetting or being unmindful of the good which thou hast done daily for vs. Let then this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, delivered from our mouths, and which wee present unto thee this morning in true simplicity of our hearts, bee gracious and acceptable in thy sight. Wee cry unto thee with all our might, that thou wouldest likewise this day defend us, from all dangers both of our bodies & souls give charge to thy holy Angels, that they may keep us in all our ways. cover us with thy buckler of saving health, and guide us in the paths of thy commandements: that wee may bee vnreprooueable in thy service according to thy will, and walk as becometh the children of light. keep far off from us spiritual deceiuings, & al the scandals of the world, strengthening us in such sort: as they may get no victory over us, to make us wilfully sin against thee, or urge thy displ●asure by our iniquities. Direct us by thy holy Spirit, to the end that wee may never undertake, do, think, or speak any thing, but what may be pleasing ●o thee, and answerable to the glory of thy great majesty. behold( O our lord God) here do we commit and offer ourselves unto thy will, our souls, our bodies, with all their power and faculties inward or outward: Let us bee to thee( dear Father) living, holy and pleasing sacrifices, rendering unto thee such service as is reasonable and acceptable in thy sight. Suffer us( O Lord) to be thine own inheritance: and so govern our hearts, souls, and spirits, that( above all things) wee may onely know thee. Now carely in the morning listen to our cries, from the break of day, haue wee waited and attended on thee Wee will celebrate thy praises every morning, and never cease until the evening, give us grace( O thou that art eternal) to perform this duty daily. So be it. thanksgiving for our Creation. OMnipotent God and heavenly father, that wast not created nor born, but hadst thy being from all eternity even before there was any beginning at all: we adore laud, and glorify thee, rendering thee thanks from the bottom of our hearts, for all thy great blessings and benefits. More especially, in that( by thy divine word and power) thou hast made the heauens, the earth, the Sun, the moon and al creatures whatsoever that hath life or being, maintaining and ordering them by thy great wisdom, wee give thee thankes also( eternal Father) because by thy goodness and mercy, thou hast ordered & divided the earth with al creatures breathing thereon, making them serve for the use of man. But yet more principally wee praise thee our Creator and Lord God, that we being thy creatures thou hast endowed us with reason, and hast formed us after thine own Image and fashion, giuing us bodies and souls and all the members beseeming the body, beside understanding, iudgement and all the senses, which hitherto thou hast and dost most graciously maintain in vs. Thy goodness is very admirable, and great on our behalf, for when wee were enclosed within our mothers wombs, even there thou didst preserve and nourish vs. When it pleased thee to fetch us thence, in grace thou lokedst on us and hast not made us blind, deaf, dumb, impotent, or imperfect. In thy mere mercy, thou wouldst not suffer us to be bruit beasts, destitute and deprived of reason. But what is he that can declare the marvelous works of the Almighty, or sufficiently extol his gracious goodness? who shall recite his worthy praises? There is no one that can recount his wonderful blessings. Now albeit wee ourselves are poor and wretched sinners, and cannot so sufficiently praise thee, as either wee ought to do, or as thou worthily deservest: yet will we not be silent, or hold our peace, but perpetually applaud thy holy name, and( to our uttermost) express thy great mercies. We will proclaim thy Iustice, loving kindness, and limitlesse compassion, so long as wee shall live: and never will wee forget thy many blessings bestowed on us, while any iote of breath remaineth within vs. Our mouths shall recount daily, thy gracious deliverances, albeit wee are not able to number them or name them: And these tongues which thou hast created in us, shall bee employed to publish continually thy great glory, saying. Wee will give thanks to our Lord God in his holy place, we will praise him in his outstretched power, we will laud his name in his wonderful works, and( according to the height of his majesty) let all things that do breath, praise the Lord. So be it. A Prayer for the remission of our sins. MOst merciful God and loving Father, our sins are grievous, our iniquities are multiplied, growing very powerful, and our transgressions are not to be numbered. For from our youth, all our thoughts and cogitations haue been inclined to evil, and who is he( Lord) that can count how oftentimes he hath offended? Wee know our own iniquities, and our sins are evermore before vs. Chiefly against thee haue wee transgressed, and done that which hath been displeasing in thy fight: That thou mightest bee known for just, when thou speakest and found clear, when thou judgest or givest correction. But wee beseech thee( O our Lord God) for thy great mercies sake, that thou wilt not enter into iudgement with us thy poor seruants, for( before thee) no man living can be found righteous If thou that art eternal, haue an eye to our misdeeds, who is able to endure it? And if thou contend with wretched man of a thousand Articles who can answer poor one? For the very justest of al our actions whatsoever, in thy sight are like to a foul sullied cloth, Take pity therefore vpon us, according to thy own benignity, and in the multitude of thy mercies wipe out our iniquities. O Lord heal our fainting sick souls, dying: because wee haue so grievously sinned against thee. Bee mindful our Lord and saviour. So be it. For the prosperous estate of Gods Church. FAther of all mercy, that assemblest and maintainest here vpon earth, a sanctified congregation or church, by thy word and blessed spirit: wee pray unto thee for thy poor and little flock, which( by thy grace) hath received, embraced, honoured, and advanced thy word, And that it would please thee, daily to continue it firm and constant unto thee, with pure, sound and wholesome doctrine: as also the true usage of thy Sacraments, even against the gates of hell the fury and outrages of the devill, and the malice or tyranny of this wicked world. preserve thy little Ship, and all thy faithful seruants sailing in the midst of this tempestuous Sea: bless it as it floates on the raging billows, that it sink not, perish not, nor bee overwhelmed. Let thy Church continue constant and immovable vpon that foundation whereon shee is builded. Oh God of Hosts, return wee beseech thee, look down from heaven, see and visit thy Vine: making daily those grafts to prosper which thy right hand hath planted, and those to spread fairly, which thou hast elected: that their branches may extend forth both in length and strength. Engirt it round about with thy shield of defence, and receive us( a parcel of thy poor flock) into thy protection, that none may make spoil of us, or take us out of thy hands. preserve us from all them that labour to tread down thy truth of doctrine, thereby to establish and confirm their own abominable Idolatries. The light of thy divine word, whereby at this instant our steps are so brightly directed: O bee thou our soul and safe defence, that it may never bee suppressed or extinguished. Thy arm being so strong and powerful, extend it forth so far in thy Churches behalf, that in the midst of so many troubles and temptations, which it suffers here beneath and amongst us: yet thine own chosen may ever know thee, & religiously seru thee to the honor, worship, and glory of thy holy name. Lord deal not with us according to our sins deserving, for thou hast often heretofore pardonned the iniquities of thy people, thou hast withdrawn thy great conceived displeasure, and moderatelie abated thy just anger. Oh God, in whom alone consisteth the salvation of us all, appease thy fury, and come and comfort vs. Defend thy poor Christian flock, whose dependence is onely vpon thee, and who hath no other support or protection but thee. Wee beseech thee then( O everliving Father) that for the sake of thy dearly beloved son Iesus Christ, it may please thee to lend attention to our prayers and not to be silent when wee complain unto thee: that thy blessed name may never be blamed, or the wicked say: Where is now their God? So bee it. For the Ministers of Gods word. ALmighty God, who by thy best beloved son Iesus Christ, hast commanded us to pray unto thee, that thou wouldest sand workmen into thy harvest and also hast most benignly promised to hear us: wee beseech thee for thy dear sons sake, that it would please thee to bestow upon thy Church a bountiful number of faithful Ministers and Preachers of thy word. Make them wise and skilful in the sacred Scriptures, due them with thy sanctified Spirit: enrich them with true understanding of thy word, to the end that they may expound the Scriptures without corruption, instructing us in the true way to eternal life, and admonishing us how to beware of false religion, and traditions of men, with all other venomous poisons of the soul, that wee may continue safely in the soundness of true doctrine and faith. For otherwise how should wee beleeue, what we never heard before? and how should we hear, but by thy Preachers? and how should they preach, except they bee sent? ordain then( dear Father) such Bishops in thy Church, as may bee taught of thee, good Doctors and Preachers of sound doctrine, faithful pastours, who being instructed effectually by thy blessed Spirit, may maintain thy Church which thy son hath dearly bought with his most precious blood. Let them publish and proclaim thy truth with effectual fructifying, for the glory of thy holy name, and aduancement of the gospel, which is thy faithful and most worthy word. Let them give assurance and consolation to distressed consciences against all the temptations of satan, and this wicked world. Make them( Oh God) powerful in exhorting by sound doctrine, and vanquishing the gainsayers, to stop the mouths of thy aduersaries, and utterly to ruinated, conquer, & overcome the kingdom of the devill. Let them likewise give good example to the Church, by their own honest conversation: that all scandal may bee avoided, and no person may receive occasion, to fall off from faith, by the bad life or lewd behaviour of any one. merciful God let us never be afflicted with famine or scarcity of thy word, and suffer us never to be unprovided of sincere Preachers. Let not thy truth bee taken from us by our ingratitude and preserve us from false teachers, unfaithful hirelings, and all such as come of themselves, without thy sending. hear us O heavenly Father, in the name of thy son Iesus Christ. So be it. For such as are hearers of gods word. GReat God, and most loving Father in mere bounty and charity, hast thou clearly manifested and given unto us thy divine word, the wholesome doctrine of the gospel: which is the spiritual sustenance of our souls, and a powerful or heavenly virtue for the salvation of al believers For thy son himself saith: Blessed are they which hear the word of God, and keep it. Also, If any one keep my word, he shall never see death. Wee pray unto thee then( Oh God) for all the hearers of thy holy gospel. Open both our hearts and ears, that they and we may with profit, listen unto thy word: and having heedful regard thereunto: wee may diligently apprehended and retain, whatsoever is therein required of us, for the confirmation of our faith, and amendment of our sinful lines. Make thou thy word to dwell plenteously in us, with all wisdom, and give strength( by thy blessed Spirit) to the preaching of thy Gospel: that we may receive the doctrine thereof, not as merely from men but as being thy sanctified word. And so walk worthily hereafter as best becometh thy dear children, and maketh most for the glory of thy holy name. O Lord our God, make the seed of thy saving Doctrine, to take deep roote in our hearts, and plentifully to bring forth fruit. Chase away and bridle the devill. that he steal not this living seed out of our hearts: neither suffer us not to bee as forgetful hearers therof, but that we may effectually put thy word to the proof. Let us never be inconstant, wax weak, deny or forsake our faith in the times of temptation, adversity, or persecution: but give us thy gracious assistance, that this sanctified seed of thy heavenly word may not bee choked or smothered up, by the solicitudes treasures or voluptuousness of this life. preserve us so( good God) that we may never be found in the company of contemners or mockers: who walk securely after their own concucupiscences, and listen unto thy word with perverted hearts, and stiff-necked understanding, even for their own proper ruin and condemnation. eternal Father, give us grace to receive with ioy, zeal and good devotion, all sound Doctrines, admonitions or faithful reprehensions, tending to our lives amendment: laying them up in a good & honest heart and bringing forth the fruits thereof in hope and patience. lord, let us persevere therein, even unto the end, that wee throwing off all the soil and superfluity of sinful wretchedness: may entertain the sweetness of thy word, and haue it soundly planted in us, which only can save our souls in Iesus Christ our Lord. Against sects and false doctrine. merciful God, thou hast carefully admonished us, to take heed of false Prophets, which come unto us in sheeps clothing, and yet are inwardly ravenous wolves. Thou hast likewise told us, that in the latter daies,( wherein wee now live) there shall bee troublous times: satan transforming himself into an angel of light, and false teachers,( workers of deceit, making semblance to bee the Apostles of Christ) shall haue an outward appearance of piety, and yet deny the mighty power thereof. Thou didst also foretell us, that there shall bee a revolt and apostasy from pure Doctrine, and that the man of sin, the son of perdition, namely Antichrist, shall then be revealed. Assist us therefore( Oh eternal God) that wee( embracing the direction of thy truth) may shun and escape all lying Spirts, the efficacy of falsehood and foul error, whatsoever apparance it show itself unto us in. That wee never turning from true faith, or drawn from that soul aim of our salvation, may constantly continue in thy word unto the end, and not suffer ourselves to bee seduced by any one, either by signs, virtues or lying miracles, or any other trains and deuiles alluring to iniquity. Grant( O Lord and father of lights,) that we may never be lead by every wind of Doctrine, the subtleties of men, and cunning craft in false seducing: but roundcircle thine elect in this wicked world, that they may never be induced to error. Shorten the sinful daies of these perilous times, and( by the breath of thy mouth) destroy lying Antichrist, the author of deceit and seducing and make an end of all, by the coming of thy best beloved son. Defend us also from those spirits, which raise up sects an divisions, those blood-thirsting wolves, that make no spare of thy flock, those dispersers of false Doctrine, that draw disciples after them? who being of a broken and confused sense, do raise up nothing but scandals and divisions. deliver us from the darnel, which the enemy soweth, and from all theeues, or murderers of souls. aid us in such sort, that wee listening onely to thy voice, and pursuing the same in heart, with true faith and sincere obedience: thy word may be our certain rule, our touchstone to try and approve all Doctrines by, that we avoiding all strangers voices, may bear no affection to any other, or shake hands with iniquity grant us( dear Father) good courage to the end, and in the end, and when Iesus Christ our Lord shall come at the last day, strengthen us, and let us never be confounded. So be it. A Prayer for the evening. eternal God and most gracious father we lift up our hands to thee, as an evening sacrifice, praising, blessing, and yielding thee thanks with our harts, because thou hast so lovingly preserved us this day, and all the whole time of our lives hitherto, by the ministry of thy holy Angels, from all harms and annoyances, of bad and wicked spirits. Wee humbly beseech thee to pardon al our sins, and whatsoever we haue committed against thy divine will: that thy blessed Angels abiding this night and evermore by us: may pitch their camp about us, watching for us and our security shielding me from the snares, gins and deceits of evil spirits, and( wee thy poor creatures) may ever bee defended by thy goodness and mercy. preserve us by thy power, for in the night season, will we call vpon thee with our souls, and our spirits shall wait and watch continually for thee. Constantly do we attend on thy goodness, and our souls put their trust in thee the living God, because thou art our refuge and faithful saviour. Behold Lord, whether we wake or sleep, wee are only thine, whether wee live or die, thou art evermore our God, and he that hath made us: Therefore we cry unto thee, desiring that thy grace may never be far off from us, but that thy buckler of defence, may always protect us: be gracious unto us, that we may lye down quietly, sleep sweetly, & wake again healthfully. In the evil times, withdraw us into thy secret dwelling, keep us securely within thy pavilion, and lift us up vpon thy rock, that wee may not bee afraid of any thing. And although we walk in the vale and shadow of death, yet will wee not fear any mischance: For thou art with us, thy rod and shepherds crooke doth continually comfort vs. give us grace, that though our bodies( by sleep) do take their natural rest, that our souls may evermore watch with thee, retaining thee daily in our hearts, and never parting from thee in our spirits. deliver us from lewd & dishonest dreams, from unquiet and turbulent slumbers, from vain cares and cogitations, from dread full & displeasing thoughts and such like offensive torments. Oh Lord God, into thy holy protection, we commit both our souls and bodies, our Children, Bretheren, Sisters, and all our kindred, alliance, friends and acquaintance. shadow us all this night with thy benignity, environ us round about with thy grace, and in thy mercy so protect us: that our souls and bodies may be safe, and free from al dangers. So be it. monday. A Prayer for the Morning. MOst loving GOD and heavenly father, by thy holy Law thou hast appointed to thy people, that every morning they should offer sacrifice unto thee, thanking thee for their safe protection. Now therefore at this instant, wee present thee our Sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving that is to say, the fruit of our lips and hearts together, blessing thy holy name because( by thy great mercy) thou hast preserved us this night past, from all inconveniences and mischances. Thou hast kept our souls and bodies, and most Fatherly hast defended them, against the wicked spirit our deadly enemy: For if thou hadst not been our shield and soul preserver, infinite mishaps had laid hold vpon us, and never could wee haue risen in safety. By good right therefore ought we to give thee thankes, for thy most gracious and loving protection. again do wee cry unto thee dear Father, even from the bottom of our hearts, and present our prayers and supplications unto thee this morning, humbly entreating thee, that this day also and evermore hereafter, thou wilt defend us together with all that are appertaining to us, from the crafty and subtle policies of satan: delivering us from sin, shane, & dishonour, and al evils whatsoever. Go thou before us( by thy grace) this morning, for( without thee) wee are able to do nothing. Assist us( O Lord God) that this day we may happily begin, and Christianly finish all our actions in thy name, for the glory of thy divine majesty, and saving health of our neighbours. Safe keep( wee beseech thee) our souls, our spirits, our senses & our thoughts, and so order whatsoever we shall do, or leave undone, that the devill may haue no power to endanger vs. deliver us from that evil which offendeth people at mid-day, and preserve us from all our enemies visible and invisible: that neither publicly or privately they hurt or endanger us, by their craft, subtlety, conjurations, treacheries, or any other wicked power and mischief. O Lord God, Father and Master of our lives, defend us also from shameless and immodest regards, and destroy in us al wicked desires not suffering us to fall either into gluttony, or drunkenness, theft, or such like sins, nor let our hearts be proud or vainly puffed up. Assist us, that we may pluck out and cast from us our offensive eyes, and all those members that would scandalise us: rooting up all evil and dishonest desires out of our hearts, and banishing far from us, whatsoever is to thee displeasing, or to ourselves prejudicial. And grant us grace, to do what thou wouldest haue us do, and is most behouefull for us, to the end that we may serve thee in true faith and fear. behold( O Lord God) here we surrender and commit ourselves this day wholly unto thee, to order and guide our steps by thy will and direction: let us be to thee an acceptable sacrifice, and our service answerable in Iesus Christ our onely saviour. So be it. A thanksgiving for our Redemption. LORD Iesus Christ, son of the ever living God, that art the bright splendore of thy Father, and the true stamp of his person engraven in thee. Thou wert neither made nor created, but begotten of him before all worlds: having the same essence and likeness, in majesty and glory with him We adore, laud, praise, and honor thee, yielding thee most humble thanks for all thy blessings: but more especially, because in the fullness of time( according to thine own good will) in the unity of thy person, thou didst please to take human nature vpon thee, and wert born of the ever blessed Virgin mary. Oh our dear Lord, when we were lost and condemned, even then didst thou buy, save and deliver us from sin, death, and the power of the divell: not by any price of gold or silver but with thy most holy and precious blood, yea, by thy passion and most innocent death. All which thou didst merely in charity, favour & mercy, without any worth or merit at all remaining in vs. Oh Lord our God, how great was thy love unto mankind, that thou being just, wouldest die for the wicked and unjust? What charity can bee greater, then for a man to lay down his life for his friends? But much more didst thou manifest thy most perfect and unspeakable love unto us, because thou diedst not, when we were thy friends: but even then when wee were wretched sinners and thy mortal enemies. By thy death didst thou make reconciliation with thy Father, thou didst appease his just anger, and hast canceled the heavy scroll written against vs. whatsoever consisted in severe ordinances, and made quiter against us, thou didst fasten to thy cross and there utterly deface it. Thou didst despoil the principalities and powers of darkness, &( as triumphal trophies therof) didst bring them forth to apparent sight. By thy glorious resurrection from the dead, thou didst also bring back true righteousness, innocency, salvation, and eternal life, for us, and for all such as in their hearts do steadfastly beleeue in thee. Oh most faithful saviour, suffer not thy dolorous passion to be indignified, or unworthily regarded, by most poor and miserable sinners: but assist us with thy grace, that henceforth wee live not more to ourselves then to thee, that didst suffer so sharp death and rose again for vs. Let us rise also from our sins, to live onely in thee and for thee. Let us live under thee in thy kingdom, & serve thee in eternal righteousness: for thou art ascended up into heaven, and sittest at the right hand of thy Father, world without end Amen. To obtain true faith. LOrd God most mighty, Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of change at all, from whom also every good and perfect gift descendeth down vpon us: We humbly beseech thee,( considering that faith consisteth not of all things,) that it would please thee by thy blessed spirit, to plant and preserve in our hearts, the true knowledge of thy son Iesus Christ, and so to increase it day by day, that being replenished with the knowledge of thy will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: we may walk worthily as it becometh us and grow fruitful in every good work, increasing in faith, being so strengthened by the same, that it may work in us thy glory, in all mild sufferance and patience of spirit. give us grace answerable to the richness of thy goodness, that we may bee powerfully fortified in the inward man, and that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith. In regard also( O good God) that no man knoweth the son but by thee, and no one can know thee( dear Father) but by the Son, and such unto whom thou dost reveal him: we humbly entreat thee, that thou wilt draw us to him, that thereby he may conduct us to thee: so to obtain the knowledge of salvation, which( in him) is the full remission of our sins. Strengthen in our faith, whatsoever is infirm, though it be much less then a grain of mustard seed: make thou it so to increase, that thereby we may be rooted and builded in thee, there to remain safe without any shaking. O Lord our God, who hast kindled in us the sparks of faith, and there hast begun so gracious a good work, wee cry unto thee, that it would please thee to perfect & supply the same unto the end, that wee waxing more and more enriched in all knowledge and experience, and continuing pure, without any reproach: may be filled with the fruits of righteousness, vnt●ll the day of Christ. advance and maintain the work thou hast begun in us, that our faith may never fail in any afflictions or temptations. But make us constant in the true christian confession, thereby to attain to the proposed end o● eternal salvation. preserve us( O Lord God) that amid so many errors, partialities and heresies as are in the world, our souls may never be seduced. keep us from Idolatry superstition, all false service, and likewise from falling into error, or doubt of any point or Article of our faith. grant us the grace also that the same may never die in us, without works and virtues: that they being never idle, but working and declaring themselves by charity, we may finally obtain the true end of faith: namely the salvation of our souls. So be it. For the kingdom of God. merciful God, all good & most wise, who hast instructed and commanded us before all other things, to seek thy kingdom, & the righteousness thereof: we beseech thee grant us the grace that thy sacred word may be sincerely preached through the whole world. Also that our natural reason, may be lead as prisner by obedience to faith: in regard, we ought to live holily as thy children, so that thy kingdom may come, to be advanced in and amongst us, and that many other which as yet, likewise do not believe in thy word, may be won thereto by our sanctified conversation. For we haue been freely delivered from the power of darkness, and brought to the kingdom of thy beloved son Iesus Christ: in him wee haue redemption by his blood, and free forgiveness of al our sins Assist us therefore( O good God) that wee may evermore abide in thy kingdom by persevering constantly in pure and sound Doctrine, & walking as becometh the right equally distributed to every one: and wee( abiding in safe protection) all things may redound to thy honour and glory, the utility and prosperity of us that are Subiects, in all civil manners, goodness and honesty, and the aduancement and flourishing estate of the weal public. So that whatsoever we possess or enjoy, may be in safety and assurance, and wee lead a peaceable life in all piety and virtue. But because the heart of the King, and of all men beside, is in thy hand, to order and dispose them, as best pleaseth thee: we beseech thee( Oh most good and gracious God) that( in mercy) thou wouldest benignly alter the hearts of terrible outrageous Tyrants, and inhuman governors. So soften and assuage them, that they may undertake no unnecessary warres: whereby the passage of thy gospel may be impeached, and peace impaired or destroyed. Let them never torment the poor or miserable, or afflict them by any unjust charges: but give them consideration, that they themselves haue also a Lord in heaven, who makes no regard of mens outward apparance, And that they shall one day come to yield him an account, of whatsoever they haue done here vpon earth. Assist them O King of Kings, and( in the favour of thy son Iesus Christ, who is judge both of the dead and living) give them grace, to be mindful of thee in all things. So be it. For Subiects. GOD and most loving Father thou hast appointed to all Subiects, that every one should obey the Magistrate, that hath command or authority over him: cosidering, they do it not onely for the prevention of punishments, but also for the keeping of a good conscience. Most hearty wee beseech thee, to give grace to us and al subiects, in the true knowledge of this thine own ordinance, let us so understand it, that each one of us( in simplicity of heart) may be obedient to his ordinary Magistrate, in al things that are not contrary to thy word. Let us honor him, as being holily appointed and placed by thee. Let us pray for him, giuing him readily and willingly, whatsoever in duty we stand bound to do. eternal God assist us, that none of us either misprise our superiors, or speak evil of them in our heartes: for thou hast name them gods, and placed them thy lieutenants, to rule and govern under thee vpon earth. Therefore all such as rebel against them, do bring a heavy condemnation on themselves, because therein they resist against thy divine ordinance. give grace likewise unto all poor subiects, that they may not bee charged with new exactions, or hard seruitudes, neither oppressed, over constrained or despoiled of their poor means, by any violence, extortion or tyranny. But if there be any, that are afflicted by their Gouernours, either with unjust exactions, or over strict commands: give patience( good father) to those poor subiects, and let them support that cross, as a proof of their faith and obedience to thee. hear Lord their cries and prayers, judge their cause, and mercifully look vpon them: even as sometimes thou hadst like care of the miserable calamity, and grievous oppression of the children of Israel, and deliveredst them( at length) by thy own strong hand, from the most cruel servitude of hard hearted pharaoh. merciful God, preserve us from pagan and vnchristian Magistrates, and suffer us never to be subject unto strangers, Infidels or Idolaters: that may bee a scandal to thee, to us or our posterity, and so procure us to fall off from thy true religion. Defend us also from every sinful yoke, that we apply not our members to the service of iniquity, or suffer sin to haue any rule in our mortal bodies, thereby to haue both body and soul overcharged: But be thou our fortress of defence in all our necessities, through Iesus Christ our Lord and saviour. So be it. Against the enemies of Christian Faith. LOrd God, wherefore are the wicked grown furious without any cause? And why do the mighty mutiny, consulting together against thee, and thy son Iesus, whom thou hast anointed: O thou that art eternal, how are our enemies increased? Many lift up themselves against thy word, to abase and oppress it( and in stead therof) to advance their own abominable and false Doctrine, even in thy Church. They invent crafty devises, to confounded them that confess thy truth, their thoughts are set vpon evil doing, they grow great with this travell: But do thou disappoint them in their birth-bringing forth, and set them never see the end of theie hellish enterprises. They look daily upon us as lions after their prey, and are desirous to entrap our souls, they open their throats like a gaping grave, seeking daily to swallow us up. But Lord do thou deliver bs from their intentions: For this perverse company say in their hearts, that thou hast forgotten us, and hidest thy countenance from us, purposing never more to look vpon vs. Lift up therefore( Lord) thy powerful hand, and bee not unmindful of thy poor people. Awaken thyself, why dost thou sleep? Come and be present with us: Oh delay not so long, why shouldst thou turn away thy face, as forgetful of our miseries and heavy oppressions? up Lord up, help and deliver us for thy goodness sake, let not our enemies haue any power to hurt us, nor the wicked any means whereby to endanger vs. Defend us out of strangers hands, whose religion is vain, and their works merely false: For they will not listen to any instruction, whereby to do good, and they refuse to respect thee, who art Lord over all, neither make they any account of the works of thy hands. Lord God of Hostes, fight against our offenders, grant our christian magistrates victory against the aduersaries of thy name. For conquest cometh from on high, and is not to be won by might or multitude: in regard that thou canst save and defend with a few, when others repose their trust in many break therefore the arm of the ungodly, overthrow their enterprises, that they may execute nothing without confusion. It is meet and convenient, that such as hate thee, & hope to exterminate thy heavenly word: should fall backward in their attempts, and fly as chaff before the wind, thy holy angel shal smite them a far off, because they shall not glory against thee saying: This our hand and power hath done. Bee thou therefore( Oh Lord) onely honoured vpon earth, and sand us always succour for thine own names sake, least it should bee blamed or blasphemed. So bee it. A Prayer for the evening ALmighty God, the euer-liueing Father of Iesus Christ, we render thee most hearty thankes, because by thy most gracious protection, thou hast lovingly preserved us all this day past, from any damage, distress or danger. That fire hath had no power to offend us nor the waves of water any strength to swallow us: savage beasts haue not devoured or torn us, keen-edged weapons haue not wounded or smitten us, our enemies haue not slain us, nor wicked people hurt vs. On the way, theeues and robbers haue not assaulted us, neither hath sudden death or any evil prevailed against vs. In brief, it is by thy great mercy and goodness, that wee haue escaped all perils of life and body. And therefore( of duty) wee ought to give thee most humble thankes, for it is thou that hast kept us in all our ways. In confession of these unspeakable graces, wee are bold( dear Lord) to pray unto thee, that it would please thee, to pardon all our iniquities, whereby in thought, deed or word all this day wee haue sinned against thee. This night likewise and all the time of our lives, defend us under thy merciful favour, with all our children kindred friends, and acquaintance: Keep them, and us from the deceits, and subtleties of satan, whereby night and day he labours to entrap vs. Defend us from the dangerous plagu which walketh in darkness, and preserve us from the enemies snares, that follow swiftly to surprise our souls. bless us from horrid visions, dreadful dreams and ghastly appaitions, with all other evils of soul or body: For thou hast been our powerful defender, our only strength our shade against heat, our feete-guide from falling, our support and protection from all inconveniences. In brief, the assurance of me and of us all consists onely in thee. Be thou then( O faithful God) the watchman over us, circled us with thy safeguard, that the devill gain no means to endamage us: For wee haue none other but thou that can save vs. Wee lift up our eyes, only unto thee, for thence cometh our salvation, our help consisteth in the Lord of life, who hath made both heaven and earth. And even as the eyes of seruants, do wait on the hands of their masters, or those of the handmaid, on them of her mistress, even so( O eternal God) do and shall our eyes attend vpon thee, until such time as thou please to take pitty vpon vs. Come near unto us then( dear Lord) in thy compassion, for wee are poor, wretched and miserable: show the brightness of thy loving countenance vpon us, and lighten our darkness, that wee sleep not in death, or any other danger of body or soul. So be it. Tuesday. A Prayer for the Morning. PRaised be thou( O God) Creator of heaven and earth, blessed be thou( eternal Father) that onely workest wonders, for ever be thy name sanctified and celebrated. For thou( in thy wisdom) hast Created and distinguished day from night, yea, thou hast ordained, that so much as the earth containeth, no part thereof shall fail or perish, because man may safely in the night season receive his rest, and rise the next day to his labour again. Oh omnipotent wisdom, how wonderful are thy works? in thy discretion all things are made, & the earth is full of thy rich bounty. Wee ought therefore to render thee most hearty thankes( even from before the sun rising) for all thy gracious blessings, and to present ourselves before thee, so soon as day light begins to show itself. In regard whereof, at this instant, we magnify thy holy name because this night thou hast suffered us to rest and sleep securely, and hast wakened us again with ioy & sound health. Thou hast fatherly defended us from the power and malice of the enemy: Now therefore wee beseech thee to embrace and hug our souls within thine own hands, keep our bodies in good health, according to thy gracious pleasure, preserve us from all annoyance and damage, and protect us as the signet vpon thine own finger. O our good God, since the hover is now come, and time calleth us to awake out of the slumber of sin and all other iniquities, signifying salvation to bee near us, the night now past, and clear day approaching: Assist us now dear Father, that wee may cast aside the works of darkness, and cloath ourselves with the armour of light, walking honestly as fitteth day time Not in drunkenness, or surfeiting, not in dissolutens or chambering, notin dissent●on & enmity: but as newly reu●sted with faith, and a sanctified conversation in Iesus Christ our saviour. Lord do thou awake us every morning, open our ears, that with a believing heart, we may listen to thy word, and keep it in continual memory. Let them also be inclined and attentive, to the cries and complaints of the poor afflicted, and never to for sake them in their necessities. hear likewise( O God) the voice of our supplications, when we cry unto thee in all our anguishes, and misconceit not our sighings, in the extremity of our lives. Let our prayers come before thee early in the morning, and fill us with thy graces by the break of day so shall we rejoice and bee glad in thee all our life time, through thy son Iesus Christ our Lord and saviour. thanksgiving for our sactification. O God the holy Ghost, which proceedest from the Father and the son, being united with them in the selfsame eternity, power and divine essence: we praise, adore, laud, glorify and thank thee, from the bottom of our hearts, for all thy great blessings. And principally, because thou hast called and conducted us,( by thy grace) to be true members of the Christian faith. Thou hast Communicated thyself unto our souls in holy baptism, and pursuest still to complete thine own good work in us: because by the power of our own proper reason, wee could haue no means how to believe in Iesus Christ, or ability else to come unto him. We humbly beseech thee that it may please thee to instruct and guide us in al truth. Nourish and augment firm faith in us, and grant us the right understanding of thy word: sanctify us in calling vpon and believing in thee granting us the inward peace of conscience, with a settled consolation, courage and perseverance. And because thou art the finger of God, writ thou Iesus Christ within our hearts, assuring us by thine own testimony, that thou art our comfort against the fears and infirmities of the flesh. Faithfully defend us against all accusations of the evil spirit, and confirm us so against despair, that( thorough thy gracious promises) we may be fortified in in faith, because thou art our onely earnest, for inheriting redemption. Grant us also true devotion and zeal in praying, so that in the full assurance and confidence of children, we may cry and call to thee, saying: Abba dear Father. And because at the baptism of our Lord Iesus Christ in jordan, thou diddest show thyself in the form of a dove: Grant us in heart the true simplicity of doves, without any gaule or bitterness, that so receiving thy holy unction, the fire of ardent charity may be kindled in us, even as in the likeness of fiery tongues, thou diddest descend vpon thine holy Apostels. renew us in the inward Man, and make thy word and Sacraments of such efficacy in us, that wee being newly regenerate, may be preserved from all idolatry, false doctrine, error and heresy. cleanse the impurity of our understanding, kill and quench in us all disordinate desires of the flesh, suffer not the affections of sin to reign in our bodies: But making thine own abiding in us, do thou bear sway in all our members, and guide us to thy true eternal inheritance. So be it. A Prayer for the obtaining of firm Hope. O Lord our God, Creator of heaven and earth, in thee haue we put our trust, let us never bee confounded. Thou hast been our hope and confidence from our youth, from our Mothers womb haue we put our assurance in thee. Fill thou our hearts with ioy and peace in believing, that in the virtue of thy sanctified Spirit( by patience and consolation in the Scriptures) we may plenteously abound in hope, & therein be so surely settled: that no despair shall take hold on us in miseries or afflictions, but we to continue still fervent in Spirit, joyful in hope, and patient in all tribulations whatsoever. Let thy word be our sole guide, to the end wee may live, and never see confusion in the least part of our hope. Strengthen us therein( O Lord) more & more, that continually wee may take delight in thy salvation: For thou art gracious to him that dependeth vpon thee, and to the soul that longeth after thee. It is a most precious thing to bee patient, and constantly confident in the Almighties assistance: for he is never unmindful of the poor, and the hope of the afflicted shall not be lost for ever. Our forefathers did put their trust in thee, & were always delivered, when they called vpon thee, their assurance was in thee, and they were not confounded. Therefore shall our hope bee also in thee, and come life or death, we will never fly from thee. whatsoever is in our hearts, wee will declare unto thee, for thou art the GOD of our hope, there is mercy and redemption in abundance with thee. Thy hand is not yet shortened, but of infinite power in assisting: wherefore it is good to trust in the eternal, and never to put any confidence in men. mischief waits on them that trust not in God, or doubts of his certainty, and on the wicked, that haue no hope at all. wretchedness follows false and faint hearts, for they do not beleeue, and therefore they cannot bee comforted. misery swallows up such as make shipwreck of patience, for what else in the end shal become of them, but death? Cursed is he that trusteth in man, yea, in any other Creature, or any of his own works: for the hope of the hypocrite shall perish, his assurance shall be frustrated, and his confidence quail like the Spiders web. O Lord our God, let it be our resolution, that thou only art merciful, and let our hearts rejoice in nothing else, but that thou wilt ever gladly help us confirm this in us, that we obtaining the hope proposed for us, and cleaving thereto as the sole Anker-hold of our souls: Our assurance may rest in thee, perfectly purified, as thou thyself art, and finally to receive in full possession, that which we haue altogether hoped for here. so be it. To haue true humility. almighty God, the proud hart is an abomination to thee, and cannot long escape unpunished: for pride goeth before perdition, and height of spirit runs before ruin. O Lord of Hosts, thou hast always reproved, and finally confounded the proud and arrogant. Thou dispersest the proud in the thoughts of their own harts: but givest grace to the humble, and liftest up the lowly out of the dust. Therfore we beseech thee, to give us true christian humility, that wee may learn to bee humble, and meek in heart, after the example of our saviour Iesus Christ: who being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be equal with God, and yet notwithstanding, he abased himself, and took vpon him the shape of a seruant. He was thus dejected to lift us up into eternal life, and to leave us an example of humiliation: wherefore preserve us( O God) from all carnal and spiritual pride let it never over master our hearts, or words, because it is the beginning of all evil. arrogancy never did any good, there can nothing but wickedness come thereby, and whosoever is addicted thereto, must needs commit many abominations. O give us grace therefore to haue always in remembrance, that wee are but earth: then why should dust and ashes proudly exalt itself? What profit is there in pride, or what availeth the vanity of riches? they do all pass away even as a shadow. Keep us therefore( O our God) from spiritual pride and presumption, which never did good to any one, but hath caused many mischiefs one after another. Let not us grow arrogant, or be puffed up by any of thy blessings bestowed vpon us, to the end wee abuse them not, or blame them in others. For we haue nothing as of ourselves, but whatsoever we enjoy, proceedeth from thee. Let no man then grow proud of that, which he hath but received. Assist us therefore dear Father, that wee may not presume further then wee ought to do, but showing ourselves modest, we may aclowledge our sins, having humble, contrite and lowly hearts, which thou never didst or wilt despise. preserve us also from the arrogant, that we may never bee the mockery of vainglorious men, or our souls sullied with the despisings of the high minded. But being delivered from their oppressions, both we and all other may so humble ourselves under thy mighty hand, that thou mayst exalt us when thou thinkest it meet time. So be it. For such as are M●ried. ALmighty god and most merciful Father, thou hast instituted and ordained marriage, and takest delight, when husband and wife do love each other, dwell peaceably together, and( by generation of children) do increase the world, for enlargement of thy Church, that thy blessed name may be eternally praised. Therefore wee beseech thee, in regard that Satan is contrary to all thy holy ordinances, opposing himself powerfully against that sanctified estate, ever pursuing to overthrow it: That it would please thee to give grace to all married Christians, to take knowledge, that thou art the author of their condition, and to bee also assured in their consciences, that they live in a good estate, which is acceptable to thee. Also, that therein they may do thee good service, and bee saved, when they cheerfully perform what is required of them, and willingly follow the vocation appointed to them. Let them always fear thee, and( in concord and kind amity) live christianly together: that eating their bread in the sweat of their brows, they may bring up their children in all piety, and support( with equal patience) such afflictions, as usually keep company with that estate. Bridle thou( O Lord) the enemy to marriage, that he endanger not or destroy this thine own ordinance: by making the married to hate or contemn their condition: or by catching them in his nets thorough incredulity: or by sowing his seed of dissension and enmity between them, when any unkindness or cross accidents happen unto them, moving them then to commit adultery, or forsake one another. Let him not seduce them, to fall into any deadly sin, disgrace or foul offence, or to live in any dissolute sort, against God and a good conscience, either in quarrels, hatreds or contentions: whereby prayer, and other good exercises of piety may be impeached, thy Church scandalized, and thy holy Spirit displeased. But merciful God, let all married couples, dissenting or disagreeing, be reconciled in thy name, pardoning one another from the bottom of their harts, calling to remembrance, the league and promise which they made before thee, when they contracted holy marriage. Let them live together in love and true loyalty, having thy word in due honor, and diligently to live thereafter. Let them always hope and trust in thee, whensoever they are afflicted, ever honouring and praising thee by their conversation and prayers: that( according to thy will) they may always be found here in thy service, and after this transitory lifes conclusion, be accompanied in thy kingdom, with all the faithful that lived in marriage. So be it. For Children and Youth. merciful God and everliving Father, thou lovest children, and didst command them to be brought into thy presence: because out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, thou preparest the accomplishment of thine own praises. Thou hast also( for the same occasion) commanded, that Children should be brought up in thy fear and knowledge, a matter no way to bee neglected. Wherefore in favour of thine own dear son, who( for our good) was born a young infant, and shed his most precious blood on the three of the cross, as well for the least as for the greatest: we beseech thee give grace to all Fathers and mothers of families, Masters and Mistresses of schools or otherwise, to bring up their children, youth and household carefully, in sound doctrine and knowledge of thy will, to teach them good sciences all virtue and honesty, for the glory of thy divine majesty, and salvation of their souls. So that even from their infancy they may learn to know thee their Creator and Redeemer, to fear thee with all their harts, to trust in thee, and to live according to thy holy commandements. Suffer not youth to bee seduced by false doctrine, or service that is contrary to thy will, neither by any vnchristian conversation: preserve them from evil companies, drunkenness, slothfulness and uncleanness, and let them not bee scandalised by lewd examples. give grace to all children and youth, to learn, and be obedient to their fathers, Mothers, Superiors, and Teachers: to receive instruction from them in simplicity of hart, that they may grow wise in the fear of God. And because the heart of man is in such sort perverted, by the fall of our first parents, that the imaginations and thoughts of our harts, are vile and wicked even from our very youth: May it please thee, to pluck up those sinful weeds in the hearts of youth, that they give not the bridle over boldly to original sin and corruption, whereby their wills do wax wandring, giddy and obstinate. Oh good God, plant in the harts of youth, a reverend fear of thy name, and that the sanctifying Spirit( which they received in holy baptism) may guide and led them to all good: And learning thy word, law, and commandements even by heart( as it were) like precious ornaments, they may wear them about their necks, serving thee in true faith and christian obedience here beneath, till thou take them up into all eternity. So be it. Against the Kingdom of satan. LORD Iesus Christ, GOD most gracious, in regard, that the Diu●ll is the Prince of this world, hath a mighty Army for defence of his dwelling, and augments or fortifies his kingdom continually by false doctrine, Idolatry, lies and all other kinds of contagious sins: we beseech thee therefore dere Father,( because thou art stronger then he, and hast vanquished that infernal goliath, taking his weapons feom him, bringing away his spoils, and utterly weakening his kingdom of darkness) that henceforth it would likewise please thee, by thine omnipotent and divine power, to destroy all the works of the divell, and to keep us from his cruel kingdom, wherein there is nothing but darkness, incredulity, vices, sins, and all sorts of abominations. Lord Iesus Christ, Son of God, that art our true samson, our puissant and victorious Prince, by thy death thou hast swallowed up eternal death in victory, taken his sting from him, destroyed hell, delivered them that were bound in the chains of darkness, and hast gotten from the enemy all power and authority. give us grace wee beseech thee, that we may by true faith continue in thy kingdom, and even as when wee received holy baptism, we bound ourselves by oath and obligation, to thee and thy sacred gospel, renouncing then, & denying the devill with all his works: So strengthen us to continue still constant in that bond of assurance, for if thou by thy virtue( O God) do support us, we shall stand upright, but if thou withdraw thy hand from us, wee fall down flat. Thou therefore, that camest into the world to save thy people from their sins: wee call onely vpon thee, for us and all them, for whom thou hast paid thy most precious blood: Oh let us never see condemnation. Root up whatsoever sinful nature first planted and hath since perished in us, and new stock the ground again, with thy vndecaying graces. Oh suffer not sin to reign in our mortal bodies, thereby to obey his covetous desires, or make our members instruments of iniquity, so to bee sold as vassals and slaves to sin: But let our hearts be utter enemies to all unrighteousness, that flying from it as from hell, wee may offer ourselves wholly to thee, O our God, and bee altogether dedicated to thy divine service. So be it. A Prayer for the evening. O Lord and most gracious God holy Father, since day began haue we lifted up our voices unto thee calling on thee onely when we are in any distress. And now at night also wee remember thy favour and fidelity, whereof we haue al day tasted very bounteously. But at this instant( as best becometh us) wee magnify thy most glorious name, because in thy mere goodness, without any deserving or merit in us, thou hast fatherly defended us this day past, from an infinite number of damages and dangers, whereinto we might haue fallen, but onely by thee. For it comes from thine own most loving kindness, that satan hath not smiton us, with sudden and unprovided death, that we haue not been consumed by tempests, storms, thunder and lightnings: that great gustes of whirl winds haue not torn us, that the subtle enemy hath not deceived and destroyed us, by mingling poisons in our meats and drinks, or by his other infinite treacheries: But that wee remain safe in soul and body. For all which great graces, now and at all times else we most humbly thank thee, & pray thee in the dolorous passion of Iesus Christ, to pardon us all the faults which wee this day committed against thee and all the whole time of our lives hitherto. Continue the like care over us( good father) this night and evermore, bless us from our deadly adversary the devill, from all terrors and dreadful accidents of this night, and let us not be troubled with vain dreams or delusions keep our persons, and all appertaining unto us, from all mischances of fire or water, & from all other evils, either of soul or body. Suffer us to sleep peacefully, without solicitude or vexation: And that even in the midst of the most horrid darkness, with the eyes of our souls we may dscerne the bright splendour of thy grace clearly shining vpon us, for thou art the true and very light indeed, clearing all obscurities that can engirt vs. Lord God, thou art with us, thou art our rock, our castle, our Protector and saviour, of whom always wee remain assured: yea, thou art our shield, the horn of our salvation, and our only defence. Oh everliving God, this night we lift up our hands unto thee, hast thee to succour and preserve us that our soul sleep not in sin, nor any casualty happen to our bodies. Wake us in time convenient, that( according to thy good pleasure) in safety wee may see to morrow morning: For thou art he that keepest our life, and fillest us, with every happy blessing, through Iesus Christ our Lord and sole Redeemer. So be it. Wednesday. A Prayer for the Morning. OMnipotent & most gracious God, all creatures ought continually to celebrate thy name, and the feathered fowls of the air( in their flying under heaven) do that way employ their pains, singing melodiously every morning( according to their manner & language) the praises of thee their Lord and Creator. We heartily pray thee by the glorious resurrection of Iesus Christ from the dead, that thou wilt yet further defend us, with all our children kindred & friends from any disaster or evil whatsoever. Replenish also our souls this morning with thy mercy, that wee may pass this day in honest contentation, without contradicting thy commandements or falling into any deadly sin. show us thy gracious countenance, as a faire cloud in the morning, or like a fresh spreading Rose that throws his sweet verdure vpon the earth Spread thou likewise on us the sweet semblance of thy goodness, refreshing and cheering our souls when they sit fainting, that wee may willingly and with courage accomplish thy will. govern us by thy sanctified spirit, to serve thee, with a good heart, in true righteousness and holinesse, which always are most pleasing to thee. So order and direct us, that this day wee sin not presumptuously against thee, neither soil our souls, with carnal covetousness, which holds a shrewd combat against the conscience. keep our lips from evil, and our tongues from talking false or fraudulently: because fond and foolish words are unfitting for Christians, and therefore let them bee far enough from vs. Assist us good Father, that we neither scandalise, blame, judge, or condemn any person by our words for gladly would we haue a watch before our mouths and a lock of wisdom fastened on our lips, leas● they should make us fall suddenly, and our tongue prove to be our overthrow. give us grace( eternal God) to acknoledge and condemn our own imperfections, least thou take occasion to judge us or display thy rigorous vengeance against vs. These and all other things, which thy wisdom knows to be more needful for us then wee can either deserve or desire grant them for thy Sons sake, Iesus Christ our saviour. So be it. thanksgiving for our knowledge in Christ. FAther of heaven and earth, wee give thee hearty thankes, that not with standing we are poor and contemptible: yet thou hast revealed thy holy word, and precious Gospel unto us, for in them all the riches of wisdom and knowledge is contained, which was hidden from the skilful and wise men of this world, according to thine own good will and pleasure. For which and all other thy benefits, continually will I praise thee. Beside dear father thou hast made us to bee born of christian parents whereby( next to thine own assistance) wee haue been brought up in the true faith. Thou hast lightened the darkness of our hearts, by the blessed brightness of thy glory, thou hast delivered us from all false doctrine and idolatry, thereby to make us sons and heires of the promise in Iesus Christ, by his holy gospel. Where the incomprehensible treasures of thy grace is contained, and laid down as an apparent evidence before us, imparting plainly that mysterious secret, which to former ages was hide and concealed. Thou hast bestowed on us all spiritual blessings, in those heavenly benefits which we enjoy by Christ: For thou didst respect us all in him, before the worlds foundation was laid, and gavest us knowledge of thy secret will, according to thine own good pleasure, directing it before by him, to the end it might now bee preached, that the time is accomplished. By him wee hear the word of truth, the sacred gospel of our salvation, and we haue boldness and firm confidence, thorough faith which we enjoy in him. For there is no salvation in any other, or any other name given to men, whereby to be saved, but the name of Iesus: who is the way, the truth and life, the door and entrance into the kingdom of heaven, which he purchased for us, without any merit or work in us, by the sacrifice of his own body, which( without spot or blemish) is our eternal redemption. Thou didst rise again from the dead, and sittest on thy Fathers right hand in heaven, whereby all principalities, power, might, dominion, and whatsoever else can be name in the world, remaineth in thee that art once more to come. wherefore we beseech thee( O Father of lights) that thou wouldst continue us evermore, in this true faith and saving knowledge: For, to know thee aright, and understand thy virtue or power, is the direct rule of eternal life. So be it. A prayer to obtain true Charity. LOrd Iesus Christ son of the ever living God: mirror bright resplendance of the divine majesty: thou hast loved us even to the end, and in most zealous charity didst suffer sharp death for us poor sinners upon the cross, by which means thou deliveredst us from eternal death, and gavest us an example of sincere charity which we ought to exercise one toward another. We entreat thee( by thine own faithful promi●es) to warm our heartes with the fire of thy divine love: that we may love thee above all things and with our whole hearts: as being true God with the Father and holy Ghost in one eternal and indivisible essence. That we keeping thy word and cordially loving one another according to thy new commandement and example: may thereby testify that we are truly thy disciples, and good Christians, regenerated, not by any corruptible seed, but incorruptible, namely thy living word, which abideth eternally. Let every faithful man employ himself for others in brotherly charity, and hearty faithfulness as being members all of one and the same body. Let this charity in us be true, without fraud, cunning or hypocrisy: that we love not one another in tongue and words onely, but in effectual works and truth. inflame our heartes by thy holy spirit, that imitating thine example, we may love our very enemies, and do good, to such as hate or persecute us, committing( patiently) reuenge of all wrongs into thy hands. O son of God, put far off from us all hatred, envy, rancour, all bitterness and dishonesty, that the bond of perfection bee not untied or broken by vs. Lend us thy holy help, that we may pardon one another, as thou hast pardonned us and suffer not the sun to set on our anger, neither let us give any place to the backbiter or slanderer. Graciously aid us to serve thee in true faith, which working by charity, we may remain always in thee, and thou in us in such powerful sort: As neither life nor death, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor height, nor depth or any other creature whatsoever, may separate us from our love in thee. So be it. For the fruits of the Earth. LORD God Almighty King of heaven and earth, thou( by thy incomprehensible bountye and goodness) dost adorn and fill the earth with all kinds of fruits, for the nourishment both of men and beasts. Wee humbly beseech thee, that( in mercy) it may please thee, to bless our land the better to make her bring forth her fruits. For of ourselves( O Lord) we cannot cause it to yield one small grain of any thing, or add any strength thereto except first thou bestow thy blessing thereon. sand us then such seasons, as are aptest for our fruits, that they may increase and grow to good. preserve them from hail, tempests, destruction of fowls or beasts, or any other annoiances. Suffer not our grounds to rest in thy displeasure, thereby to continue desert or unfruitful. Shut not up the heauens in thine anger, by reason of our sins, that they should appear as iron towards us, and the earth be as brass: But graciously sand us the evening and mornings rain, with all other prosperous and fertile seasons, that thou visiting the earth, it may grow great in goodness, and be amply every where enriched. Lord let wheat and all other grain thrive and prosper: For it is thou that preparest the earth, waterest her hard knots, plainest and laiest even our fields, and by thy gentle showers, dost loften and givest success to our seed. crown this year with thy blessings, and let fruitfulness attend on thy footsteps: so shall the desertest dwelling yield plenty of grass, and all our coasts bee ingirt with gladness: The fields shall be newly appareled with fair flocks, and our very valleys covered with wheat, so that every one shall sing and rejoice. gracious God, we commit all our seeds into thy safe keeping, and all the fruits of the earth beside, preserve them from colds, frosts, hails, yces, snows, winds, heats, droughts, fierce rains, and all other hurtful times, to the end they may not bee spild or spoiled. Keep us from barrenness, famine, dearth and such like afflictions. Wee confess our sins before thee, in compunction of heart, wee cry unto thee( O God) that thou wouldest hear us from heaven and the place of thy abiding, to pardon the iniquities of thy people. Oh suffer us never to be unfurnished of bodily sustenance, but still bestow thy blessings vpon us: So in all things( with thanksgiving) shall we aclowledge thy power and mercy: yea, we will sing praises incessantly unto thee, because thou hast plentifully fed us both in soul and body, for the maintenance of this life, and that which is everlasting. So be it. A Prayer for Sinners. ALmighty God and most gracious Father, that delightest not in the death of a sinner, but rather that he should return from his wicked ways and live. We pray unto thee for all those whom the divell hath blinded, holding them as captives in his kingdom, and there living in all sorts of sins. They are drunk with the fleshly pleasures of this world, their understanding is filled with darkness, they are addicted to whoredom and wickedness, and overwhelmed in all kind of filthiness. Grant them grace that( being withdrawn from the snares of Satan, and reduced to the knowledge of thy heavenly will in those things which concern the salvation of their souls:) they may confess their own blindness, and the overgreat iniquities wherewith they were entangled, declaring true and hearty repentance therfore. eternal God, take from among us, & utterly cease idolatry, sorceries, blasphemies, vain and rash oaths, and all offences to thy sacred name: as also contempt of thy word, disobedience, murders, hatreds, envying enmities, adulteries, thefts immodesty, bribery, avarice, usury, lying, deceiving, defaming, pride, scorning, gluttony, drunkenness, and such like wicked sins, whereby thy blessed name is blasphemed, young and simplo people scandalised or seduced. Root up obstinacy out of mens hearts, and such as are stony, soften them by thy sanctifying Spirit. give grace unto us all, to sigh and sorrow in soul for our sins, that thereby we may come to the true knowledge of ourselves, and of thy infinite mercies, which( in mere grace) thou offerest and extendest, to all such as convert and turn to thee. Assist us,( O Lord) that wee( casting off the old man, concerning our present conversation, which cannot but bee corrupted, by those covetous desires that daily seduce us) may contrariwise bee renewed in the spirit of our understanding, and clothed with the new man, created according to thee( O eternal God) in holinesse and true righteousness. Let all us( dear Father) bee free from lying and falsehood, every one speaking the truth to his neighbour, because we are members of one another Let him that did steal, steal no more, but rather labour honestly, and perform some good actions with his hands, to the end he may impart thereof to him that hath need. dear Father, grant us these things, and whatsoever is profitable, wholesome or serving to edification, for our Lord Iesus Christs sake: who liveth and reigneth with thee, in unity of the holy spirit true God, world without end. So be it. For such as are sick and diseased. GOD, strong & most mighty thy virtue perfects itself by infirmity. Thou art also the strength of all them that put their trust in thee, and an assured defence for all necessities in time convenient. Wherefore we pray unto thee, for all such among us, as are sick, who being charged with bodily infirmities, are daily in danger of death. May it it please thee therefore, to make thy holy will known unto them, and grant them grace. to receive, support and suffer all with patience. Let thy blessed spirit cherish and comfort them on their sick beds, and give ease to those diseases wherewith they are afflicted. According to thy great goodness, take compassion on them, and in favour of that dolorous passion which thy dear son Iesus Christ endured: pardon all the transgressions, whereby they haue offended thee, and( perhaps) may bee some occasion of this their sickness. relieve, heal and raise them again in soul and body, if it be not contrary to thy will or prejudicial to their eternal salvation, for if thou wilt thou canst wipe away al their iniquities, because thou art our good physician, our sovereign assurance: and even then most willingly helpest, when humane means do fail and are weakest. look down from heaven, and consider the miserable condition of all sick persons, take pitty on them, by thy divine wisdom, enable them with d●rection and lawful means, for their speediest recovery. aid them with thy strong arm, and restore them to health. But such for whom it is more necessary( according to thy good pleasure) to depart from these miseries, then longer to sail on this vast sea of afflictions: Call them home unto thee, and continuing them firm in faith, and constant in holy hope, by a happy ending, bring them to ioy without ending. Let thy sanctifying spirit bee neearest to them, when the hour of departing draws most vpon them, give them then grace well and willingly to prepare for death: That being provided of those things which thou hast ordained for confirmation of their faith, they may be desirous to dislodge, and to be with thee in company of thine elected children. Shorten their sufferances and distresses, aid them to overcome all the anguishes of death, passing thorough them with a christian courage, and then to bee possessed of life everlasting. Change their grief into such gladn●s, as shall never be taken from them. Let earth take their earthly bodies, but receive thou their souls into thy hands because thou didst create and redeem them, in Iesus Christ our Lord and saviour. So be it. Against the temptations of the devill. GOod God & heavenly father we are admonished by thy blessed word, that the old dragon and subtle Serpent, our adversary the devill, runs about us like a roaring lion, daily seeking to devour some of vs. He useth all his sleights against our souls, with an infinite number of hellish stratagems, to make us fall into sin or despair. He practiseth to surprise us: by riches, by poverty, by voluptuous and wanton pleasure, by greedy desire after honor and worldly dignities, by coveting earthly goods and possessions: by care for the belly, and provision therefore, with al other unrighteous and sinful affections. he cunningly casts abroad his gins & snares, to entangle us night and day in our words or works: So that wake we or sleep we, he is before, or behind us, with a wide open throat seeking to swallow vs. Lord who can escape? for he is continually watching and never at rest. We are likewise so fainted by our own sinful flesh, as( without thy succour) wee can make no resistance. Open thou our eyes, that we may comprehend, how mighty and crafty our enemy is. For we are not to ●●ght against flesh & blood, ●ut against satan, who is the Prince of this world therefore( O faithful God) take pitty vpon vs. Make us strong in the power of thine own strength, put vpon us thy defensive armor, to resist manfully against the ambuscadoes, & tantelous devises of the devill. give us thy weapons, gird our rains with the girdle of truth, put on our breasts the breast plates of righteousness, let our feet be shod with evangelical peace, and( above all things) let our heartes bee defended with the shield of faith: So shall we bee sure to quench al the fiery darts of the devil. always provided, that our heads be covered with the Helmet of salvation, and our hands hold fast the sword of the Spirit, which is thy most holy and never failing word. By these means wee shall be enabled to do any thing, and valiantly( through thy aid) vanquish the devill our adversary: For( in thy very name) wee shall strongly withstand him. Bee thou but our succour, and no fear can assault us, stand thou but by us, and though the world should bee overwhelmed, and the Mountaines tumbled into the midst of the Sea, yet safety shall circled us, for thou art our assistance, that livest and reignest eternally. Amen. A Prayer for the evening. BLessed Trinitye, Father, son, and holy Ghost, thou art our life, saving health, and everlasting comfort: we praise and render thanks to thee, both with mouth and heart, because( all this day) thou hast in mercy most lovingly never left vs. Let us entreat thee, in thine unspeakable goodness, to cover all our iniquities: more especially those which this day wee haue committed against thee and thy holy commandements: either by our tongues, in uttering vain and offensive speeches against our neighbors or transgressing in any other sinful manner. May it please thee to preserve us this night en●uing from all damage and danger bodily or ghostly: For our confidence is only in thee, thou art our Lord and God, we commit both body and soul into thy hands. That thy divine majesty may bless us, the holy Trinity defend us, the eternal unity sustain us, thy infinite mercy preserve us, thine unspeakable benignity bless us, thine endless sweetness support us, the high truth of God shadow us, the bottomless knowledge of Christ strengthen us, and the incomprehensible goodness of the Lord keep vs. That the grace of the Father may govern us, the wisdom of the son restore us, the virtue of the holy Ghost lighten us: our Creator still to assist us: our Redeemer to save us: and our holy comforter never to forsake vs. eternal God, let thy loving countenance shine vpon us: thy good graces be always with us: thy peace be propitious for us: and thy loving kindness ever live with vs. Let this our invocation vpon thee the only and everliving God, stand between us and our aduersaries visible and invisible: that they never may come near us, or haue any power to hurt or offend vs. Be thou a wall of fire, separating us from all our enemies, to keep them off from touching us: even as the pillar of the cloud did set itself in the wilderness between the Egyptians army and the camp of the Israelites, to the end they might not come near one another, nor the children of Israel be any way endangered. Protect us also at the ending of our daies, when our eyes can see no more, our ears hear, our tongues speak, our hands feel, nor our feet walk: Assist us then O sacred Trinity that the devil our enemy never prevail against vs. So be it. Thursday. A Prayer for the Morning. LORD Iesus Christ that art the true eternal light: overcoming the nights darkness: and the shadows of death: wee laud thy name, celebrate and yield thee most hearty thanks, because thou hast so blessedly kept us this night, and hast brought us thorough darkness to behold bright day. Thou hast preserved us from the terrors of the night: from the fearful threatenings and illusions of satan: from the dangerous pestilence which walks in the shades and darkness of night, and from many other contagious diseases, wherewith we might haue been assailed and surprised. Thy shield hath round ingirt our souls, and thou hast watched over us as a good shepherd doth over his flock: thy great mercy also hath preserved safe and sound all that we do possess. Thy name for ever be praised honoured and exalted, not only for so lovingly defending us, but for infinite other benefits beside, which wee day by day do receive from thy liberal bounty. We will speak of thy power, and magnify thy mercy every mouring: for thou art our principal assurance, our invincible fortress, our strong defender and our faithful. God in whom we only put our trust: thou fillest our harts with gladness and makest us to haue a cheerful countenance. We beseech thee( O Son of God) by thy holy nativity, and because it pleased thee, to receive our human nature in the unity of thy person: that thou wouldst let thy mercy lighten on us this day as the dawning of the morning, when it begins to appear bright and clear, and rain down thy blessings vpon us, like the spring-time showers. Illuminate our blinded nature with thy splendour and our darkened understanding with thy bright beams of mercy: that thou maiest shine in our souls like the clear morning star, and the light that leads men into eternal life. Protect us this day from all evil whatsoever and Lord be favourable vn to us, for wee rely vpon none but thee, our souls wait on thee this morning and always as our onely deliverer and defender in all times of tribulation. preserve our bodies and souls that no evil come near us, or any wounds light vpon vs. keep the infernal fiend far off from us, let not the wicked touch vs. Stand between us and the evil doers and let our enemies haue no dominion over vs. O Lord our God, prosper the works of our hands, teach our hearts thy obedience, and our fingers thy commandements that this day wee fall into no sin against thee. grant us these graces for thy mercies sake, which is perpetual and never hath ending. So be it. thanksgiving for the nourishment of our bodies. KING of glory Lord of heaven and earth, wee humbly thank thee, because most fatherly thou hast fed us from our infancy, even until this time, abundantly furnishing us every day with meats, drinks, garments and whasoeuer is necessary for the maintenance of this life. For wee issued forth of our mothers wombs, and came stark naked into the world, miserable and full of many necessities, but thou didst provide us all things needful. O Lord our God, great are thy marvels, none is like unto thee: We will declare and speak of thy works, although they are not to be numbered. Wee ought not to bee silent, or conceal thy praises, but to recount thy goodness to our Childrens Children, and to speak of thy faithfulness to such as shall succeed us, even so long as the world shall endure. Wee beseech thee that hereafter thou wilt not forsake us, but give us bread to feed us, and raiment to cover us, for thou knowest what need we haue of thy blessings, for maintenance of our lives, considering, that of ourselves, we haue nothing. But when thou givest we receive them, and when thou openest thy hands, every thing living is filled with thy blessings. give us grace, that by sin we misu●e not thy gifts, that wee attempt not beyond measure, nor suffer our hearts to bee charged with gluttony, drunkenness, and the cares of this life: And so become slaves to witches, fall headlong into the snares & temptations of satan, with many other dangerous desires, that plunge men suddenly into perdition. keep us from covetousness, the roote of all evil, let us hold firm footing, and never fall from thy faith, so to bee shut up in endless sorrows. O good God, assist us, that wee may cast all our care vpon thee, and haue recourie to thee in all necessities: As to our loving Father, which art in heaven, from whence thou givest us our daily bread, and all thy other good blessings beside, through Iesus Christ our Lord and saviour. So be it. To haue unity in Faith. merciful God, thou hast called ●s to an especi●ll hope of our vocation. For as there is no other but one Lord, one faith, one Bapt●sme, one God and Father of us all, even as thou art( O Father) one with thy dear son and the holy Ghost: so ought we all to be united in thee. Wherefore we pray unto thee to knit together the hearts of all the faithful, that they may be all of one affection in thee, and feel one comfort among them from thee in Iesus Christ, and in the union of true faith. maintain us in true understanding of the holy Scriptures, that wee may nourish no opinions or partialities: but use the same words in the same sense: being of one consent and careful to keep the unity of the spirit, by the bond of peace: that thereby our harts may meet in charity, even until we all meet together in the last unity of perfect faith and final knowledge of thy dearly beloved son, who is the only head of the Church. It is also he that assemblies all bodies in one, that( as his living members) we should cleave one to another, every one lending a hand to his neighbour, to do him service, according to the gifts and graces which haue been done unto vs. Suffer not among us, a diversity in opinion and understanding of thy word, thereby to raise pernicious sects and divisions: Neither let us do any thing for private contention, or vain glory, as despisers and haters one of another. Put far off from us all carnal zeal, envy, malice, pride and curiosity in foolish and unprofitable questions: which engender nothing but debates, and give occasion also of cont●ntio●s, whereby wee grow to back biting, and even eating up( as it were) one of ●●other. Hinder the 〈◇〉 power, and all the po●●●ies of th● pe●uerse, which desire to break the bonds of concord. O Lord our God, grant that all such as are wanderers from the truth, and are of a broken sense or understanding, being lead by errors, divisions and heresies: may attain to knowledge and return to the right way. keep us from confused and troublesone spirits, that thy Church may not be offended, and simplo innocents scandalized or seduced by sweet speeches of the proud and arrogant. aid us O God, Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, to praise, love and laud thee, with one consent both of mouth and mind. Amen. For Peace. gracious God and merciful Father, thou art the God of peace, thou lovest it, and from thee cometh all concord: Therefore we pray unto thee, to bless, maintain and defend all christendom against thy enemies and blood-thirsting people, that it being preserved in peace and quietness, we may always serve thee in safety, ioy, pureness of doctrine, and holy conversation. give grace, that all the Potentates and Rulers of christendom, may live peacefully together in piety and honesty: So that good manners, order and civil policy bee not impeached or perverted, Churches and schools of learning ruined, and kingdoms destroyed, or made miserable desolate. Let every one be contented with his own, and suffer not any to cover or desire countries and people, which no way appertain unto them: either thorough avarice, pride, appetite of vain glory, curiosity, enmity, envy, or by any such like causes, to raise wars, troubles or seditions in their own kingdoms. preserve us from dissensions and effusions of blood, overthrow all evil counsels and malcontented meddlers, whose harts can fasten vpon no goodness: Let confusion follow their enterprises, their consultations begin in sorrow, and end in fear and shane. Let thy arm be advanced in our defence, seeing thy name is honoured among us, and suffer not thy heritage to be wasted. Assist thy faithful that put their trust in thee, and call earnestly vpon thee. Answer us in the day of our distress, and let thy name be our support: sand succour from thy holy place, and evermore strengthen vs. Be good to countries and cities wherein thy blessed word is embraced: Let peace dwell within their walls, prosperity and plenty within their palaces. O good God, incline the harts of all men to love peace and unity, chiefly those, whom thou hast called by thy word and gospel. If there do happen any trouble or dissension among any people: do thou so provide, that( by good means) it may be quickly appeased, for the glory of thy names sake, the aduancement of thy word, and the salvation of all Christians. So that poor countries may rejoice in thee, and glorify thy name: Because thou art he that onely workest wonders, and dost manifest thy power vpon all nations. So be it. For Infidels and wanderers from faith. LOrd and Father everlasting, wee pray unto thee in thy dearly beloved sons name Iesus Christ our saviour, that it would please thee to take compassion on al Infidels and vnbeleeuers, in what place, or of what condition soever they be, that wander as yet in darkness without any light of thy holy gospel. The divell hath smitten them with blindness, detaining them( with hardened har●s) in obscurity, through ignorance remaining in them, they are mere strangers to life, which life( O eternal God) thou thyself art. They run after dumb idols, even according as they are led, and( thorough their misbelief) blame and blaspheme thy dear son Christ Iesus the only throne of grace. Wherefore O faithful God, take away from vnbeleeuing Iewes, the coverture that lies vpon their hearts, making them to offend against the stumbling ston, and rock of contempt. Illuminat their eyes, that they may see and aclowledge the true messiah, the saviour of the whole world. Call home all pagans and Infidels to thy true sheepfold. Such as hold thy word for folly, assemble them with Christians, and the communion of thy Saints: That they may honour, praise, and pray with us and all the faithful to the Father and son, and to the son with the Father and holy Ghost, one true God and Lord everlasting. Open the understanding of all them, that repose not confidence for their salvation, vpon the true foundation & corner ston Iesus Christ. Let them know him whom thou hast sent, and( in firm faith and belief) receive him for th●ir Lord and redeemer: Who by his obedience fulfilled the law, and by most grievous death, purchased our eternal redemption. Let it please thee also good Father, to bring back into the way of thy true word, al such as haue strayed from Christian faith, erring in some certain points, by being possessed with false Doctrine. Most merciful God, take pitty on them that are not in true religion, but do sit in the shadow of death, and walk evil ways, according to the blindness of their sense. seek them that are lost, gather them that haue strayed, lighten them that are in darkness. Open the ears of the deaf, the mouths of the dumb, and al such as haue not known thee. Strengthen them that stand, restore such as haue fallen, seek all the scattered, and assemble the dispersed: Finally, in this life make us all of one faith, and fellowes of one inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. So be it, For our benefactors O Lord our god because wee understand by thy holy word that thou holdest all ingratitude in detestation, and punishment shall never depart from the house of the unthankful. In regard also, that the hope of the ingrate, shall suddenly melt itself, like ye before the beams of the sun, and glide away like water, that brings no profit with it: We humbly beseech thee, to grant us grace, that at al● times, and from the depth of our hearts, wee may aclowledge and thank th●e for all thy benefits: and that wee may never be unthankful toward such as haue done us any good, least we fall into thy iudgement and just vengeance. Wee render thee thankes( O Lord and omnipotent Father) for thou art most benign, thy mercy endureth for ever, thou art faithful and keepest promise to a thousand generations. To thee O God, King eternal, immortal invisible, and onely wise, be al honour and glory for evermore. We direct our prayers also unto thee, for all those that haue holpen, nourished or brought us up, from our infancy, that haue taught, corrected, instructed, and done good to us, either by words or works. More especially wee pray to thee for all those for whom wee stand most obliged to entreat thee, of whom( very well) thou knowest the names, and their condition. O good God, we humbly commend them all unto thee, to bless them in body and soul, while they abide here beneath, and afterward to crown them in thine eternal kingdom. Assist us with thy grace and blessings, that( in due time) we may some way recompense their good turns. If not to them, yet to their children. And that, as we haue received benefits, so we may likewise( to our power) bee beneficial and serviceable to others: that our leaves do not whither, or ourselves be pluck● up like unprofitable trees, which carries no fruit, and fits nothing but the fire. Let not the ingratitude of others be hurtful to us, thereby to become slothful and negligent, in doing good to all men, but especially to the household of faith. And because thou art so gracious, O heavenly Father, as to let thy sun shine both on good and bad, and the rain to fall both on just and unjust: give us grace, to imitate this thine example of mildness: thereby to testify, that we are truly thy children, and in our doing good, we may stop the mouths of ignorant and foolish men. And that it may bee done in such sort, as thy sacred name shall never bee profaned, but sanctified by us and ours: For thou livest and reignest our true Omnipotent God, world without end So be it. Against the temptations of the world. eternal GOD and heavenly father, there is( alas) no thing 〈…〉 no in this world, whatsoever is therein, is nothing else but desire of the flesh, concupiscence of the eyes, and pride of life: the whole world is swallowed up in wickedness, and is filled with sins or scandals. Wherefore wee pray thee, to turn us from all earthly occasions, and let our desires be onely to thee that we be not abused by the world, nor linked in affection thereto or any thing therein: because the world and whatsoever it contains must pass away. Assist us that wee bee not offended by the wicked examples of the perverse, which it grieves us daily to behold: neither let us enter at the wide gate, or walk the broad way, whereby the world marcheth, which leadeth to eternal ruin and destruction. O gracious God, thou hast raised and severed us from the world, to the end, that our affections should not dwell on earth. But rather the conversation of our spirit to be in heaven, seeking those things which are above, and not here below on earth. give us grace, never to conform ourselves to this world, or walk after his steps: But that we may bee changed, by the renewing of our understanding, to approve entirely & perfectly, what thy heavenly will is, and so become agreeable thereto with our whole heart, walking on wisely redeeming the time. Let us never bee sundered from thee, by love or hatred, favour or disfavour of the world: but let the world bee crucified to us, and we also to the world, that renouncing and abstaining from all the desires and filthiness thereof, wee may be thoroughly dead thereto. When the world doth hate or persecute us, lift us up( O God) with thy right hand, that we be not discouraged, or become impatient, For the world held thy dear son Iesus Christ in hatred, long before us, therefore let his example comfort us, and settle our assurance never to bee of this world. merciful God, help us altogether, that we forsaking incredulity & worldly affections: may live soberly, justly, and religiously, attending in blessed hope, the glorious coming of our Lord and saviour Iesus Christ: who gave himself for us, that we might be redeemed and purified from all iniquity, and be a peculiar people to himself, and careful in the accomplishing of all good works. So be it. A prayer for the evening. praised be God the Father, by Iesus Christ with the holy Ghost, the only true eternal God, who of his great goodness, notwithstanding we are poor miserable sinners, hath most lovingly preserved us this whole day, from al the fiery darts of the divell, wherewith continually he wanders about. Also he hath kept us from all contagious diseases, which destroy at mid-day, from sudden death and all other inconveniences. Thou art merciful, and all thy works are worthy to be praised, therfore( most gracious God) we beseech thee to forget and forgive, whatsoever we haue this day committed against thee, in works words or thoughts. Stretch forth thy mercy again over us, and grant us quiet rest and sleep this night approaching: that we may never be forsaken of thee, because thou art the everlasting rest. By faith then let us abide in thee, and remain in assurance under thy protection, that the wicked spirit haue no power to come nea●e us, or presume any way to fear or affright vs. eternal God thou art our continual light and salvation, what then shall we doubt? Thou art the strength of our life, who then shall dismay us? Our hearts repose themselves on thee, and dreads no danger, for thou art our comfort, and alone defender. confirm thy grace in us, let thy right hand hold us, and thy strong arm for ever bee our refuge. behold O our God, early in the morning did we cry unto thee, and thou didst answer, now at night also will wee not cease, but lift up our voices for thou wilt hear us, when we lay us down in our heads, we are mindful of thee, and when wee awake, we speak in heart to thee: because thou art our aid, and under the shadow of thy wings will wee rejoice. Our souls draw near unto thee, thy right hand holds us from falling, and when the dark night shall ouer-shadow us, yet thou( being eternal) art the light of our salvation. O good God grant us grace, that when the hour of our departing approacheth, and we must be laid in the bed of death, for everlasting repose: that yet( through thine assistance) we may happily sleep in true and firm faith, and wake again afterward to life eternal. In the mean while, bee merciful unto us, that wee may bee always watchful, living modestly and soberly, in a true Christian preparation because we know not when the hour of thy coming will be, or when thou wilt take us henceto thee. Make us then worthy to stand before thy son, and in iudgement let us never be confounded. So be it. friday. A Prayer for the Morning. PRaise be given to thee, O God our Creator, saviour and comforter, that givest us life, health and benediction. Thou art our support and protector, thou hast preserved us this passed night by thy great mercy, from many secret attempts of Satan, & sound, and safely hast brought us to behold this day. heavenly Father, wee beseech thee by those bitter anguishes, wherein the very sweat of Iesus Christ thy dear son, falling on the ground, became like knotted clods of earth: that this day thou wilt receive us into thy safeguard, defending us both without and within, that no maner of evil happen unto vs. For into thy hands, both now and ever, wee commend and commit our poor souls, our miserable bodies, our life subjecteth to many necessities, our senses, our reason, our understanding, our enterprises, our thoughts, words and works. In brief, all our affairs, our entrance and issue, our going forth and returning back again, our disposing of any thing, either walking, sitting, or lying down, our will, counsel, deliberation, faith confession, and whatsoever is within or without us, the ending of our life, the day and hour of our death: yea, our death and resurrection, O our Lord God, do thou with us in all these, even as thou wilt, knowing them best for thine own honour, and our salvation. keep us in thy faith, fear and true knowledge, presetue us from the works of iniquity. And if( thorough infirmity) we fall into sin: yet do not thou withdraw thy mercy from us, or turn away thy comfortable countenance, least we perish: by being unprovided of thine assistance. For there is no other God and saviour but thou, there was none before thee, neither shall bee any after thee, thou art the first and the last, the beginning and ending: Therefore we cry and call onely to thee, to haue thy blessed spirit always with vs. Guide thou our feet in thy right paths, least wee walk after the counsel of the wicked, or tread in the ways of sinners, or sit in the chair of the scornful. Let our delight be only in thy word and commandements, therein to exercise ourselves day and night, thorough our Lord Iesus Christ. So be it. thanksgiving for the Passion of Christ. LOrd Iesus Christ true GOD and man, we render thee most hearty thanks, that wee being poor wretched sinners, and subjecteth to damnation: yet it pleased thee in mercy( without any work, worth, or merit in us) to redeem us by thy blessed passion, death, and bloodshedding. O Lord Iesus, thy sufferings were most grievous thy pains intolerable, thy torments multiplied, thy wounds made deep, thy death most bitter and dolorous. Great was that love, whereby thou didst yield to appease thy Fathers wrath towards us: when on the mount of Oliues, the extreme agonies of death did enforce a bloody sweat, which fell from thy amiable face, in great drops upon the ground. alas, dear Lord, thou wert forsaken of all thy disciples, and willingly didst thou deliver thyself( for us) into the hands of the hard hearted Iewes: who most cruelly bound thee, and then( without any mercy) led thee from one wicked judge to another, where thou wert falsely accused, condemned, spit upon, mocked and buffeted. Thou wast wounded for our iniquities, and by the burden of our sins, wert beaten, whipped, crwoned with thorns, and most miserable handled: resembling rather the true shape of wretchedness, then the glorious figure of a man. For thou wast made most contemptible, despised, burdened with dolours and disgraces, and that in such sort, as the heart of a very pagan was moved to compassion, saying: Behold, what maner of man is this? For our transgressions, thou wert reckoned among malefactors, and hanged between two of them, as a thing accursed, having thy hands and feet pierced thorough with nailes. moreover, in thy extreme drought, they gave thee vinegar and gaule to drink, and thou didst render up thy spirit in most woeful anguishes: only to satisfy for our offences, and that( in thy wounds) our sick souls might be healed. Wee render thee praise and thanks, from the bottom of our heartes, for these sufferings, and all other pains by thee endured, beseeching thee never to permit, that thy holy and most bitter passion, may be as lost on our behalf: But rather that we may make our glory therein, as having no other true comfort in the world beside. Let us consider and meditate thereon in such sort, that all wicked desires may bee quailde or quenched in vs. And contrariwise, all virtuous and good deliberations there deeply grounded. Let such increase arise thereby to us and ours, that dying to sin, wee may live to righteousness, following the trackes of our fore-leaders footing: supporting every injury with patience, and suffering all outrages with a good conscience. So be it. A prayer to haue true repentance. O God most pitiful and merciful, thou art patient, exceeding in kindness and fidelity. Thou callest us daily by the gracious preaching of thy word, to a Christian conversation, proclaiming in thine own name, repentance and remission of sins to all people and nations. Thou hast been yet more patient with us, by thy long forbearance and unspeakable mercy, deferring to deal with sinners suddenly, or to punish them in thine indignation( according to thy just iudgement) so soon as their transgressions are committed. But thou hast given them leisure for their conversion, so that no one can take occasion( any way) to complain of thee: because it is no part of thy will, that any one should perish, but rather( by repentanc( e he should convert and haue eternal life. O good GOD, thou knowest what the slowness of our flesh is, as also the dulness of our harts: for we are become so corrupt in our nature, and fallen so far down into the depth of sin, that we are no way able( of ourselves) to get back or bee holpen. Wherefore we beseech thee, in the wide wounds of our Lord and saviour Iesus Christ, to convert us unto thee, and wee shal bee converted, heal us, O Lord, and we shall be healed, raise us by thy hand, and we shall bee raised. Behold, wee are as scattered or lost sheep, seek after us good shepherd, for wee are thy wandring, disobedient seruants, let us never more bee unmindful of thy commandements. Circumcise the foreskin of our hearts, cleanse us from our sins, that wee may bee clean, wash us, and wee shall bee whiter then snow. Create a new heart within each of us, and a spirit of assurance. Cast us not away out of thy presence, neither take thy sanctified spirit from vs. Look vpon us( O God) as thou didst behold mary Magdalen that penitent sinful woman, when shee lay at thy feet, bitterly mourning for her sins: Or as on the publican, that fell on his face in the Temple, beating his breast, and begging thy mercy. Grant us true contrition, and hearty sorrow in soul for our sins, make our faith stable, and give us firm confidence, to apprehended and lay hold on thy graces, and to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. Assist us, to aclowledge the time of our visitation, that we may not misprise the riches of thy graces: that wee neglect not the acceptable time, or day of salvation: that we be not slow in converting to thee our Lord and God neither put off our repentance from day to day. But that even this very day, nay, this instant hour, and hence forward: we may repent and amend thorough Iesus Christ our only Redeemer. So be it. A Prayer to haue patience in all times of tribulation. almighty God and loving Father, thou art the strength of the weak, the health of the sick, the support of the miserable, the consolation of the afflicted, the ioy of the desolate, the refuge of the forsaken: the aid of such as are tempted: the life of the dying: and the God of patience and all comfort. Thou knowest, that by nature we are infirm, feeble, and of slender ability: So that we cannot undergo any tribulation, without thy help and divine assistance. Therefore, whensoever thou visitest us with sickness, or any other adversity: wee haue recourse to none but thee. Entreating, that it would please thee, to make us continue firm in faith, and constant in patience: that we may endure thy hand and fatherly visitations, with a patient heart and peaceable spirit. give us patience, for we haue great need thereof in times of affliction: to the end we may do thy will, and receive thy promise. Teach us, O God, to be quiet in thy presence, when any adversities do come vpon vs. Let us esteem or reckon tribulations, not to be as signs of thy displeasure, neither let us murmur in heart against thee or be any way impatient. Let us aclowledge and confess( O Lord) that such as thou lovest, thou dost chastise for their amendment: Because tribulation produceth patience, patience proof, proof hope, and hope can never bee confounded. Blessed is he( O God) whom thou dost chastise, for none ought to refuse the chastisements of the Almighty. Because thou makest the soare, and hindest it up again: thou woundest, and thy right hand healeth, thou deliverest us from six tribulations, and in the seventh no evil shall touch vs. help us then( O eternal and merciful God) to possess our souls with patience, and to continue constant in hope, so that in the boldness of children, we may aclowledge thee our everlasting Father, and remember the heavy burden thou didst bear for us, vpon thy glorious cross. Grant that we may be fortified in all strength, according to the greatness of thy glory, and that wee may persevere in all sufferings, with a contented, patient and joyful spirit, rendering thee thankes in all necessities whatsoever. That suffering here beneath with our Master Christ, both we and all others may bee lifted up with him into eternal glory. So be it. For women great with child. most mighty and everliving God, who in thy eternal wisdom, didst appoint, that women should bring forth children in pain and travail. We pray unto thee, that thou wouldst suffer such to know( as either are great with child, or near their time of travail) thy holy and blessed will, that they may support with patience their dolours and distresses. May it please thee also, to change their heaviness into ioy: granting them grace, with comfort to see the fruit of their travail, and to conquer their bitter pains and anguishes with joy, that a human creature is born into the world. Help then( O most merciful God) both the mother and child, for without thy succour( whatsoever can else be done) all i● but in vain: although the whole world were present there. Vouchsafe that their children may come into the world alive, healthful, vnbrused, and without any defect or imperfection. Hinder the divell, who labours so much as he can that no child should come living into the world, because they may prove no enemies to his kingdom. preserve all Christian women traveling with child, that their births bee not abortive, or they bee terrified by the sight of any hideous shapes. Bee gracious likewise to young children, that after their natural nativity, they may receive holy baptism, bee made new Creatures in Iesus Christ and ordained for the life eternal. Bee merciful to them that lye in childbed, or give suck, that having recovered their weakened strength, and being restored again to perfect health: They may only praise thee therfore, as being that God, that hath been their sole defender and helper, learning always to put their trust in thee, who art evermore near to them that truly call vpon thee. But if( by thy permission, or secret and incomprehensible will) some disaster do happen in the childbirth: give grace to the Father, Mother, and kindred, to endure with patience that heavy cross, and not to distrust therefore thy mercy. But rather to receive and entertain it, as a trial of their faith and patience, holding and acknowledging thee always, for their most gracious God, ready to pardon sinners: and that in midst of thine anger, ever thou remembrest mercy. For when thou afflictest any one, soon after thou makest him or her to rejoice again. Because grace is always found after chastisement, thorough the merites of Iesus Christ our saviour. So be it. For Prisoners and Captaines. eternal & most merciful Father, thou art the God of heaven, and governor in all Kingdoms. Might and majesty is in thy hand, and there is none that can resist against thee. Wee humbly pray unto thee, for all such as are Prisoners, either for the truth of thy holy word, or otherwise are detained as captives, under the turk, and such like infidels, gricuouslie tormented, charged and oppressed with most painful servitude. May it please thee to comfort them with thy blessed Spirit, and deliver them by thy power and mercy out of those wretched bonds, and ouerweighty yoke of woeful captivity. sand them some means( according as thou canst, and best dost know how) ●or their redemption and deliverance. O Lord, gather together those prisoners, and such as are far dispersed, for the love of thy name: that they may render thankes unto thee, and recount thy holy praises after their imprisonment. It is most certain, that the Lord understandeth poor prisoners sighings and delivers such as are carried to death. He can set at liberty his captive people, so that the miserable or afflicted shall rejoice, and( with greatness of ioy) pass over grief like a dream. Their mouths shall bee filled with laughter, and their tongues, with thanksgiving, that it may be said among all Nations: The almighty hath done great things for us: wee were in misery, but now we rejoice. Lord, take away captivity from the afflicted, for thou art their only helper, and the God of hosts. But if there be any, who( according to thy divine providence) are to endure a longer time of thraldom, for trial of their faith, and to exercise their patience: dear Father comfort them, ease the burden that they bear, and let them find some grace among them, to whom they are prisoners, with a certain hope and full persuasion, that thou wilt not reject them for ever. And above all, continue them in true Christian faith, against all false Doctrines and opinions: that they may most comfort themselves & rejoice, that thou hast delivered their souls from eternal imprisonment, and from the chains of hell and darkness. O good God, set free our souls likewise from the bonds of misty error, and captivity of death: Because thou pronouncest deliverance to captives, and enlargement ●o prisoners, having also commanded, that the gracious pleasing year of thy benevolence, should be openly preached. Assist us likewise that haue the benefit of liberty, whereby our Lord Christ did first enfranchise us: And let us never more fall under the yoke of servitude, to be as bondslaves and vassals to sin and satan. So be it. 7. Against the temptations of the flesh. merciful God and gracious Father, we aclowledge & confess, that no goodness at all abideth in our flesh: because wee were altogether conceived in iniquity, and engendered out of sinful seed. Yea, our flesh and blood is in such sort depraved, as wee can neither understand or comprehend( by our own reason) any thing of the blessed Spirit. We beseech thee therefore, to grant us true knowledge of thy beloved son, to the end, that we may not judge by our carnal sense, of those affairs which are spiritual, or of thy word, neither suffer our affections to be guided by the flesh. help us to bring our bodies in servitude, and compel or crucify our corrupted flesh, with all the delights and desires therof. That thy holy Spirit may lead us, and we follow his footsteps in true righteousness. Confessing, that wee( who appertain to thy dear son Iesus Christ) ought not to bee carnal, but spiritual: being debters, not to live after the flesh, but according to the Spirit, to the end that wee may not die, as concerning our souls. But because the flesh combatteth continually against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, being evermore contrary, battailing the one against the other: help us, O faithful GOD, that the Spirit which thou gavest us by thy blessed word in baptism, may reign in us over the flesh, and wee become subject thereto. And that by virtue thereof, we may mortify the works of the flesh, with all the sinful desires thereof: so that we may not walk hereafter according to our own will, or in the vanity of our weak understanding. If wee chance at any time, to be surprised by flesh and blood, or( thorough infirmity) do fall into iniquity: Lift us up( Lord) with thy right hand, that by thine aid, and inspiration of thy holy Spirit, we may at length bee able to rise up again. Suffer not our bodies to be dissolute or out of order, but that by living soberly and modestly: wee may bring them under the yoke of thy sacred ordinances. And being truly humbled, thy grace may then cleanse us, from all corruption of the flesh and spirit, perfecting our sanctification in thy fear. So that both our spirit, soul and body may be preserved vnreproueable, in the great day of our Lord Iesus Christ, & then to partake with thee in thy eternal glory. So be it. A Prayer for the evening. glory bee to thee, O eternal God, that onely workest wonderful things, blessed for ever be thy glorious name, and let all the earth bee filled with thy might and majesty. All the day long will we celebrate thy praises, and in the evening our mouths shall render thee thankes continually. For when we cry unto thee, thou hearest us, and when wee make complaint, thou gently enclinest thine ear unto vs. Thou listenest to our voice when we pray unto thee, being our onely refuge, strength and succour in all our distresses. Gracious God, wee give thee praise and thanks, because thou hast so fatherly preserved us this whole day, from all evil and mischances, which might haue happened unto vs. Our harts are joyful, and our souls do bless thee, for all thy great gratuities and mercies. Let our tongues never cease to talk of thee daily, saying: Blessed bee the Lord our God, praised be his holy name. Wee humbly beseech thee, to pardon all the sins which wee haue this day committed, and likewise to defend us this night drawing on, with all them that do appertain unto vs. Be thou our warrant, shield and safeguard, preserve us from all evils, keep our souls in thy protection, and be favourable to vs. For our hope is in thee that art Eternal, and we call vpon thee, O Lord our God, who onely canst give end to all our afflictions. he that hath been always, and yet is our defender, sleepeth not at all, he that keepeth Israel, doth never slumber: he will confirm our footing in a good way, to the end that wee may not serve, and he will not suffer our feet to slide, for his word is a lantern to our steps. Therfore when wee shall lay us down in our beds, wee will not bee dismayed or terrified: but sleep fondly, without any dread of sudden astonishments, or any assaults of the wicked to come vpon vs. O Lord our God, let the brightness of thy face shine vpon us, that wee may lye down, rest and sleep in peace: being assured of thy protection, because thou onely art our helper. Wee will lay us down in our beds, repose and close our eyes in thy name, thou art our everliving Lord: Thy grace shall waken us again in the morning, to express the praise and glory of thy divine majesty, through Iesus Christ thy dear son our saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in unity of the blessed Spirit. So be it. Saturday. 1. A Prayer for the Morning. TRue and eternal God, Father of our lord Iesus Christ, we lift up our spirits unto thee, with hearty thanksgiving: for we cannot conceal thy righteousness in our harts, but wee must declare thy faithfulness and saving health, even in the greatest congregations. And wee will never bee silent, but openly report what good thou hast done unto vs. For it is a commendable thing to celebrate thy praises, and sing psalms in thy name: That every morning thy goodness may be declared, and thy fidelity be spoken of, till dark nights approaching. Behold then wherefore our souls do praise thee, because by thy great mercy, thou hast defended us all this night. Lord God of Hostes & Armies, hallowed bee thy name, because thou showest thyself gracious, to all such as seek thee and love thy salvation. Thy great name( which ever hath been our protection and succour) be blessed over all the world, and those works which thou hast done for the children of men, let them live in endless holy remenbrance. This day likewise Lord wee pray thee to preserve us, that the wicked spirit work no evil against us, nor the hands of the ungodly do any way touch vs. Lord God our saviour, we wake this morning to look vpon thy wonders. From break of day haue we cried unto thee, to bee our helper: That with diligence and faithfulness, we may follow the works of our vocation, according as thou hast commanded: for thy honor, and the benefit of our neighbors. Let us no way misuse the light of this day, nor any of thy other creatures by sinful means. Let our words and works be free from thy displeasure, and let us not violate the league we made to thee in baptism. Grant us grace also, to keep ourselves from those six things which thou hatest, and from the seventh, which is abomination to thee: To wit: proud lofty looks: a false deceitful tongue: hands that shed innocent blood: a heart that deviseth actions of outrage: feet swift and speedy in running to evil: a false witness, that dares boldly utter lies: and he that sets debate among his brethren. Oh good God, preserve us from these sins, and from such as any way do resemble them: Giuing us grace, that our life and deeds may be acceptable to thee, in Iesus Christ thy dear son our saviour. So be it. thanksgiving for the great mercies of God. HOly trinity, and true unity in three distinct persons, thou art one sole essence, one Lord and God, of one and the self same majesty and excellency. We call vpon thee, and yield thee thanks from the depth of our harts, for all thy blessings bestowed vpon vs. For it is a matter most wholesome and reasonable( O holy Father) that we should be thankful to thee at all times, and in all places, by our Lord Iesus Christ: Because the Angels do praise thee, the Archangels adore thee, and all the heavenly Armies, powers, principalities of the celestial regions, with all virtues on earth( especially thy holy Christian Church in all places of the world) incessantly do laud and glorify thee. grant us grace also, that our voices may bee joined with theirs, and that( with them) thou wilt bee pleased to receive our prayers, praises and giuing of thankes: which now at this instant wee offer unto thee, for thy manifold great mercies which every day are dewed down vpon us, so high as heaven is from the earth. For when we were dead in sin, thou didst quicken us again together in Iesus Christ, and hast shown us the most excellent treasures of thy grace, only in thy mere goodness O Lord. How great are thy mercies? And how kind art thou to them that turn unto thee? Who can recount thy numberless benefits, or who can add any jot unto them? They do even equal thyself in greatness: for thou reprovest, chastnest, instructest, and hast care of such as are thine, even as a good shepherd hath of his flock. Thou hast compassion on all them that first do suffer themselves to bee drawn, and then are desirous to hear thy word. even as a dear Father is sweet in affection towards his children, so is the Lord our eternal Father, towards all them that fear him. Lord who is like unto thee? Thou takest away iniquity, and passest over the misdeeds of the remnant of thy heritage. Thou delightest not to be angry for ever, because thou art merciful, and wilt take pity again vpon us, treading down our offences, and throwing our sins into the bottom of the Sea. From generation to generation, will we remember and praise thy mercies, which haue been from the beginning of the world, and shall endure for ever. We will extol thy name, because thou art gracious, loving, of infinite goodness and mercy: Which likewise( good Father) wee pray thee to bestow vpon us, as we doubt not to obtain the same, in the merits of Iesus Christ our Lord and saviour. So be it. A Prayer for a happy and blessed departing out of this Life. MOST gentle God, thou hast set a limit on the life of man, which no one can exceed or go beyond: For his dayes are determined, and the number of his months is before thee. Thou hast counted all our daies, which nevertheless do pass away suddenly like a stood of water, as if wee ourselves did hasten his departure. All our yeeres are as smoke, or like a shadow immediately vanishing. Man is equalled with the herb, that presently drieth, or as the flower of the field, which forthwith withereth. Teach us then( O most gracious God) to know and consider that we must haue an ending: that our life is limited, and must be hence dislodged. Behold thou hast reduced our daies to the measure of a span, and the date of our life( before thee) is as nothing. It is most certain, that all in man is but vanity, let him live in never so confident assurance. Teach us therefore( O lord) to aclowledge and confess, that death is ordained for us, and that our walking here is but as on a Pilgrimage: for no permanent City is here appointed for vs. Let us truly understand the brevity and uncertainty of our life, and often to haue a care of our ending: that during the time of our abode here in this world, wee may live, not properly to ourselves, but rather live and die to thee, attending always in faith and ioy, the hour of our departure, and the coming of Iesus Christ thy beloved son, in a perfect preparation thereunto, by holy conversation and works of piety. O our God, grant us grace to die happily, and when the day of our concluding cometh: to make our ending in understanding, and true confessing of our sins: That our apprehension and senses may be no way wandring, whereby wee shall utter most idle or blasphemous words, against thee and our own salvation. preserve us from sudden and unprovided death as also from eternal damnation, and suffer us not to bee taken unprepared: But by true repentance let us daily be in a readiness, according to the instruction of thy holy word. Assist us when the hour shall come, to bee then cheerful and void of fear: For we are to suffer but a temporal death, which shall be the gate of entrance into life eternal. Let us then with courage say as blessed Simeon did. lord now let us thy poor servants depart in peace: For our eyes haue seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared for all thy people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and to bee the glory of Israell thy people. Let our last words, be the very same, which thy dear son our saviour spake vpon the cross. Father into thy hands we commend our spirits. And when we shall be able to speak no more, in our latest sigh and gasp, receive our souls up to thee in Iesus Christ. So be it. For our daily sustenance. ALmighty God, wee thy poor children, that are here on earth, do cry to thee our Father that art in heaven, that( in thy infinite mercy) thou wouldst give us our daily bread, and all things requisite to supply our bodily necessities. Extend thy benediction over all our tillage and harvest increase, as also vpon all trades, labours, handicrafts and honest endeavours. bless the works of our hands: For it is thy blessing onely that enricheth, and except thou build the house, all other that go about it, do but labour in vain. help us, O God, that( in thy name) we may cast forth the nets of our vocat●ons, and that our labours and endeavours may sort to good success. preserve all voyagers, that travail far by land or by water, seeking their own sustenance, and bringing us home necessary merchandises: keep them and their means from all distress and danger. Be aiding to all such as deal in buying and selling, give them grace to trade faithfully with a good conscience, without fraud and deceit: Let every one deal justly in all good affairs, that God thereby may bless them, to bestow somewhat vpon the poor. Wee commend to thee in mercy, all thy faithful seruants, using manual trades, or any other kind of mystery: strengthen them in soul and body, and preserve them from false and untrusty seruants. Grant us grace, to use all thy blessings with thanksgiving, that we overcharge not ourselves with unrighteous Mammon, or with the wretched cares of this frail life, as infidels and misbelieving Pagans are wont to do. give patience to the poor, in their want and indigence, least they should murmur against thy will: Let them carry no envious spleen towards the rich, neither any way transgress thy divine commandements. So rule likewise the hearts of rich men, that they may not be high minded, neither put any confidence in the uncertainty of their riches: But onely in thee our everliving God, that givest abundantly whatsoever we enjoy. Assist them also, to do good with their goods, make them rich in good works, ready in distributing, and communicating to thy Saints: enriching themselves with a good foundation to come hereafter, that so they may bee assured of everlasting life. Two things( O our Lord God) we humbly desire of thee, and never to deny them us during our lives. Vanity and speaking of lies set far off from us: give us neither poverty nor riches: sustain us with the bread of our own earning. Least being glutted, we deny thee, faying: Who is the Almighty? Or being over poor, we fall to stealing, and so take the name of our God in vain. preserve us O Lord, from these extremities, for Iesus Christs sake, thy dear son and our saviour. So be it. For those that are in anguish or heaviness. heavenly lord and Father, in regard that the divell our enemy hath sworn, never to leave distressed heartes without his temptations, and hath made a custom of misusing our necessities, pressing them down more heavily vpon us, for his own vile advantage: Tormenting us also with strange and unusual thoughts, to make our consciences fearful, and thereby to get us into his gulf of despair: Most humbly wee beseech thee,( in mere pity to us poor distressed mortals, for whom Iesus Christ suffered, and did sweat that bloody sweat, which ran al over his most precious body,) to take compassion vpon all such as are anguished or tempted: assuaging( by thy sanctified word and spirit) the grieved consciences of the infirm and afflicted. provide for their necessities, according to thy fatherly will: wipe away the tears from their eyes. Glad their souls with thy inward consolation: arm their hearts with confidence and holy hope: That they may never be trodden down, either by the greatness of their afflictions, the subtle inspirations of the enemy, or the infirmity of their own flesh. Let them not fall into any great and spiritual danger of their souls: as into incredulity, contempt despair, or into any other grievous sin. O most faithful God, that sufferest none to be tempted above their strength, but with the temptation hast also given the issue, in whatsoever grief is to bee endured: we cry aloud to thee, praying thee to bruise under our feet, the malicious head of the old Serpent. Weaken, or bring to nothing, the violence and devises of the divell, which daily he worketh against poor Christians: coveting to fift them like unto corn. assist weak mankind, with the favour of thy dear son, who was tempted for us and for our good, in his own human nature. aid us, O most loving God, that in all necessities whatsoever, our hearts may receive consolation, by the most certain promises of thy divine succour. So that being really and thoroughly provided of thine assistance, by firm and immovable faith, wee may repulse the violent assaults of satan: valiantly surmount them by thy virtue: in the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our witness, to wit, by thy gospel. To the end, that Kingdom, power and glory, may remain onely to thee our God world without end. So be it. For widows and orphans. GOod and gracious God, thou hast name thyself, Father of the fatherless, and judge of widows, promising withall, to take their cause into thine own hands, and to do them iustice. Thou hast also commanded us in thy word, that wee should not afflict them, neither do them any evil: Because already they are too much tormented, and despised of the world. Therefore wee beseech thee, graciously to receive into thy blessed patronage, all poor widows and distressed orphans: To provide them of sustenance raiment, and whatsoever else is necessary, to defend and maintain them against their afflicters. Let them find grace before all Magistrates, that right may be done to the fatherless, and the widows cause be kept from oppression. Let their true right bee no way wronged, but always delivered from their enemies, and find lawful defence in all equity. Be so assistant to them, that their Tutors or Guardians may deal justly for them in their affairs, and every one do good unto them. preserve us also( O Lord) that we sin not against them, or offer them any shane or disgrace: but rather to extend all amity to them. Considering, that it is true and vnblemishable Religion, to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulations, and to keep ourselves vntaxed of the world. give grace to all widows, that in all their distresses or temptations, they may ever trust in thee the living God, that art their Lord and Father: Let them day and night persevere in prayer, thanksgiving, and al good actions: as is seemly for widows that live in Gods fear. Let them keep themselves from wanton allurements, giuing no scandal, or occasion of evil opinion towards them, by lewd words, vnbefitting behaviour, or other evil examples, which may induce others to sin. help likewise all orphans, that they may bee brought up honestly, in thy fear, piety, modesty, and all virtues. Make them obedient to their Tutors, Masters, and other Superiors: suffering themselves to bee instructed, to increase thereby in all honesty, and to make profitable use of all good admonitions, faithful counsels, or fatherly reprehensions, which are done unto them, onely to preserve them from lewdness and dishonour. In like manner, good Lord, defend all that are married, and their children: To the end, that in thy displeasure( by reason of their sins) neither by the sword, or otherwise by the over sudden death of father and mother, they may become either widows or orphans. Good Lord take pity vpon us all, in the passion of thy dear son Iesus Christ. So be it. Against Desperation. merciful God, having often( thorough too much boldness) broken thy holy commandments, and having contemned, displeased, and grievously offended thee our Lord and God: Our consciences are in such sort charged and wounded, as in extremity of anguish, we find ourselves to bee utterly desolate. And yet we know, that( of thy meet mercy) forgiveness of our sins is promised us in thy sacred word. But our faith being very weak, the wicked spirit is too too ready, to rent and tear out of our hearts, all comfort and inward consolation. For this cause therefore, dear Father, we call vpon thee, humbly entreating thee, never to leave us in despair, or destitute of thy heavenly grace: Least we fall and give our consent to that grievous sin of infidelity and desperation. confirm us so strongly, that even in the midst of death, our hope may be in thee that art our life. Let us never distrust thy succour and mercy, or say with cursed cain: Our sins are so great, that they cannot be pardonned. O Christ, Son of God, the living source of all grace, from whom the streams of mercy do spread forth on all sides: We beseech thee with all our souls, to augment in us that settled faith, which wee haue grounded vpon thy holy death & passion. For it is a matter most clear and evident, that one onely drop of thy precious blood, shed for our sake: is much more excellent in greatness of virtue, then all our heinous, foul & enormous sins are in pollution. Look then( dear Lord) vpon us with those eyes of mercy, which thou didst cast back vpon S. Peter, after with execrations he had denied thee: That we may not despair with the traitor Iudas, nor sin against the holy Ghost. O blessed Spirit, the treasure of all sweetness, help us in our latest necessities. When the foul fiend shall accuse us, our own consciences declare us guilty, hel terrors astonish us, and we shall be environed on all sides, with horrible anguishes and temptations of death, the whole world forsaking us, and all things turning against us Then: Oh then dear Father comfort vs. and set our trust in thee never be confounded. Enable our harts by thy seals & testimonies, that our hope in thee may not be doubtful for the remission of our sins. For both to us, and to all other, that depend vpon thy will and providence, they do remain in full and steadfast promise. Let us then also remember the bonde which wee made to thee, when wee received the Sacrament of baptism: And to comfort ourselves even then, with thy blessed promise thereto annexed, namely: whosoever believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. So be it. A Prayer for the evening. MOST high and immortal GOD, thy name be praised, thy goodness and mercy extolled for ever, thy wisdom and eternal truth always remembered: because this day thou hast kept us from all dangerous evils. May it please thee to finish the good work thou hast begun in us, suffering us this night to rest in thy safe protection, and under the wings of thy all-shielding mercy. Let our safety be in the shadow of thine arms, then can no harm happen unto vs. keep us as the apple of thine eye, for thou Lord art our portion and inheritance, our salvation consisteth onely in thy hands. Assist us by thy goodness, that fear or trembling come not vpon us, nor the dreads in dark nights do any way annoy us: But take pitty vpon us, for our souls wait only vpon thee, and gathers themselves under thy secret coverture. We sought the Lord in our distress, we put forth our hands in the night to find him, and could take no rest: For our souls haue no other comfort, neither know wee any other assistance in heaven or on earth, but onely thee O Lord. When wee awake at midnight, wee remember thy name, because thou art gracious: And then thinking on thy everlasting goodness: wee hold it but right and iustice to praise thee therfore: whensoever we are sad, wee call for thy comfort, when our hearts are in heaviness, we speak to our saviour for succour: for thou drawest our souls out of perdition, and deliverest them from the snares of death. Night & day do we cry unto thee our Lord God, that in pity it would please thee to pardon all the iniquities, whereby we haue sinned against thee this whole week past: As also whatsoever wee haue misdone this day. O God, Father of lights, deliver our soul●s from all deadly dangers. Thou art pitiful and just, made all of mercy, and in that mercy preservest the simplo. We became as wretched caitiffes, yet thou broughtest us back from straying. Therefore we will be joyful, and praise thy name walking and on our bed: Accounting it as our chiefest consolation, that thou art Lord both of our life and death. Now therefore we commit both our souls and bodies into thy hands, be careful of them this night and evermore: For thou God art faithful, and thou hast redeemed us through Iesus Christ our onely saviour. So be it. The end of the week. THE SECOND PART OF THE Princes Prayers. containing DIVERS COMFORtable Prayers, to be used by and for such particular persons: As their several directions do best declare themselves. A Prayer for our gracious Lord King james. gracious God, and loving Father, who in thy sacred word hast commanded us, to make prayers, intercessions and supplications, for Kings and Rulers vpon earth, and to yield thee continual thankes, for their peaceable, godly and gracious government. Wee( who haue more especial cause, then any other Nation beside, in regard of thin● infinite blessings and mercies, so long time continued unto us) do give thee most hearty thankes, for sending thy seruant and our dread sovereign King james, to rule and reign over us his own appointed people. Furthermore wee pray unto thee, to bless him with long life, health and happiness for the advancement of thy glorious gospel, the welfare of thy Church, and the endless comfort of all his true hearted Subiects. Defend him as thou hast donc, from all foreign practices, homebred conspiracies, and all other treacherous intentions whatsoever. Let him for ever say with david: The snare is broken, the blood thirsty are disappointed, I will therefore rejoice in thy strength( O my God) for ever and ever. Be thou always with him( Lord) wheresoever he rides or goes: thy holy angels protect him, and thy loving countenance shine vpon him. In his delights and exercises, let no evil come near him, and waking or sleeping, let no harm befall him. The king shall rejoice in thy strength,( O Lord) exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation. Thou hast given him his harts desire, and not denied him the request of his lips. Thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness, and shalt set a crown of pure gold vpon his head. Thou shalt give him everlasting felicity, and make him glad with the ioy of thy countenance. And why? because the King putteth his trust in the Lord, and in the mercy of the most high he shall not miscarry. Be thou( O Lord) for ever exalted in thine own strength: So shall we sing and praise thy power. So be it. For our most virtuous queen Anne. almighty and everliving God heavenly Father, wee confess and aclowledge, that every good and perfect gift descendeth down from thee, and we( wretched sinners) cannot bee capable of the very meanest of them, but only by thy gracious help and sufferance. We know, that Kings and queens are seated and established here vpon earth by thee, to be nursing Fathers and nursing Mothers to thy Church and people, to propagate thy truth, and to defend their subiects in peace and tranquillity. Therefore most humbly we do entreat thee, to bless our royal and virtuous Queen Anne, whom thou hast given as a help and comfort to our sovereign Lord King james. due her with all thy gifts of grace, enable her in all good and godly actions: that she may make the King to rejoice in thy blessings, and our Land to bee happy by her royal issue. Let love, concord, and sweet agreement, continually live with the King and her. Make her fruitful like the Vine, and plenteous like the spreading olive three: For therein are Kingdoms happy, and the people blessed. keep treason and treachery far off from the king and her, let their daies be spent without greeuance, and their nights without the least annoyance. Let safety circled them abroad and at home, and wheresoever they be, thy blessed Angels be always their defenders Make her a glad mother of many children. In the time of conception be helpful to her, and till the hour of deliverance still preserve her. That no harm happen to the Infant or her, but that then she may see the fruit of her travail with ioy, and the child to bring comfort both to Father and Mother. hear us( O heavenly Father) in these our requests, for thy dear Sons sake Iesus Christ, our Lord and saviour. So be it. For the right royal and towardly young Prince Henry, and the rest of his majesties princely Issue. O God of Gods, and King of kings, that dost dispose and order all things vpon earth, according to thy heavenly will & wisdom. Thou that blessest kingdoms with godly, religious and virtuous governors, and for the further comfort of them and their people, sendest them such children & issue, as may illustrate thy glory, and maintain thy truth, even from one generation to another. We laud and magnify thy gracious goodness, for bestowing vpon this our land, so hopeful a Prince as young henry is, and such royal seed beside, as the residue of the King and queens most royal Issue are: Whereby such faire and cheerful comfort is promised, that peace for ever shall dwell within our walls, and plenty flourish in our palaces. keep them all( good Lord) as the apple of thine eye, or as the signet vpon thine own finger. Enritch their young hearts with thy faith, fear and favour. And as they shall grow in yeeres, so let them daily wax older and older in goodness, grace and all other virtues. We must and do confess( O heavenly Father) that both to the King, Queen, all them, and us, thou hast declared thyself a great and gracious God. Their and our deliverance was wonderful, beyond mens apprehension or expectation, and so evident a testimony of thy might and mercy: that for ever we are bound( on our knees) to aclowledge it, and to yield thee thankes therefore, both we and our posterity. O Lord, continue this care over them and us stil: bless them from all Traitors and treasons. confounded all devilish devises intended against them: and( as of late) so let us always see, the downfall and destruction of such as seek their harm. give the King thy judgements, O God, and thy righteousness unto the Kings son. Then shall he judge the people according to right, and defend the poor that are oppressed. The mountaines also shall bring peace, and the little hills righteousness unto the people. In their time shall the righteous flourish, and peace shall abound so long as the moon endureth. There shall bee heaps of corn in the earth high vpon the hills: his fruit shall shake like Libanus, and shall be green in the City, like grass vpon the earth. Blessed bee the lord our God, even the God of Israel, who onely doth wonderful things. And blessed be the name of his majesty for ever, & all the earth shall bee filled with his majesty. Amen. Amen. A Prayer for him that is a Preacher or Minister. MOst merciful God, and loving Father, thou hast called me( thy poor and unworthy seruant) to the holy ministry of thy word: ordaining me to be a fisher for men, to catch and conduct many souls to the kingdom of heaven. Thou hast separated me by thy ordinary means, to bee a Preacher of thy gospel to thy people. Wherefore I beseech thee, because I am unapt and unable of myself, to fit and furnish me with thy graces, to do the duty of thy new Testament. To the end, that I may bee a faithful Minister, and a true dispenser of thy sacred mysteries, to execute justly my charge, not by constraint, but voluntarily: not for dishonest gain, but with a cheerful courage, and for the love of thy holy name. With wholesome doctrine, and faithfulness in duty, let me feed thy poor flock committed to my care: To strengthen the dismayed: to give physic to diseased consciences: to bind up the griefs of such as are wounded: to bring back those that haue strayed, to seek them that are lost: and to recover by the spirit of mildness, those that are taken in any transgression. sand me thy sanctifying spirit, which is able to give me utterance and wisdom, for distinct deliverance of thy word: That it may work powerfully by me thy poor instrument, & a bountiful increase to arise by my labours. O good God, thou hast made me a watchman over thy people, help me then I entreat thee, that I may admonish the wicked, and instruct the transgressors of thy holy ways: so that sinners may be converted to thee, and many won to eternal life. give me grace also, to live conformablie to thy blessed word, that I may be an example to my flock, not preaching salvation to others, and damnation to myself. Let me give no occasion to aduersaries, to blaspheme thy sacred name, by any conversation vnbeleeming a Christian, or any way to render them matter of scandal. But grant both to me and all my Auditors, thy holy Spirit: to the end, that we increasing in thy fear, true faith and charity: may continue to our lives end, firm in constant hope, which always ought to bee accompanied with unfeigned repentance. So shall we receive together, the precious and vnualuable crown of glory, when the Prince of Pastours, Iesus Christ our saviour shal appear in majesty: Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in unity of the blessed Spirit, world without end. So be it. 3. A Prayer for him that is a hearer of Gods word. eternal God and heavenly Father, I pray unto thee for my pastor and Teacher, that thou wilt grant him grace, to preach thy Word with courage, cheerfully and zealously: Against all errors, false Doctrine and abusive instruction, so that he may let me and others truly know, the mysteries of thy holy gospel, and roote up all evil opinions out of our hearts. preserve him in the purity of Doctrine, & Christian conversation, that he may show us the way to eternal life. Maintain him in health, that he may long time instruct with faithful increase. Let him deliver thy holy word without any doubting, fear, hypocrisy, and without self-pleasing affection, hatred, malice, or greedy desire after particular profit. Let him preach the truth purely, and reprove sins as becometh him: So that I and many others, may thereby bee wun to thy euerduring kingdom. Open mine heart and ears, that I may take pleasure in hearing thy heavenly word, with devotion, attention, and cordial affection: So to live holily thereafter, according as I ought, and to bring forth fruits to thy divine glory. Grant me grace, that thy holy word may never be delivered to me in vain: But that it may work thine own will in me, and accomplish the issue which thou sendest it for. Cleanse my heart from all negligence, slothfulness and contempt. Make my spirit to haue a holy hunger, and a quenchless desire to the most ample riches of thy graces, as they are proposed in the pure preaching of thy word. Let me haue a reverend acknowledgement of my pastor, and esteem him as thy Minister, and dispenser of thy sacred mysteries: receiving thy word from forth his mouth, even as it were delivered out of thine own: showing myself no way to misprise thy holy ministry, albeit thou hast conferred it vpon weak frail men. Let me never esteem thy word the worse, for the imperfections or debility in such as deliver it: But grant me such assistance, that I may hear and embrace it willingly, thankfully accepting all reprehensions, or Fatherly corrections & admonitions, which my pastor shall think fittest for me. Let me take all in good part, desisting from sin, and pursuing a new conformity: For such corrections are most convenient for me, and those kind reproofs are sweeter then kisses. Keep us all in true faith and Christian life, that believing firmly, and growing strong daily, wee may hold on constantly to our ending: And obtain salvation everlastingly, in thy dear son Iesus Christ our saviour. So be it. 3. A Prayer for him that is a Magistrate, or placed in any degree of Authority. MOst high God, Lord of heaven and earth, thou hast called me to the charge of a Magistrate, and hast given me power over such people, as by thee I am appointed to govern. I beseech thee, to give me also a wise and an understanding heart, to the end I may judge thy people, to discern between good and evil, and pursue that which is right, without any fear or acception of persons. give me counsel and strength, to do what thou wouldst haue me: profitable for them under me, and always tending to public peace. Grant me grace to consider, that from thy hand( O most high God) I received the authority which I haue, and that the iudgement which I exercise, is not from men, but of thee onely. Yea, thou art seated in iudgement with me, to oversee whatsoever I do, and one day thou wilt make a strict inquiry, and look into every action of mine. In regard, that I am but an vnder-Officer of thy kingdom, and cannot long live or continue in so weighty a charge: for ordinarily it comes to pass, to day a King, to morrow dead. Now because it is ordained, that more narrow and severe iudgement will be had of us that are above others, and do not execute our authority directly, or govern ourselves according to thy will, O God. In regard also, that the mighty shall be rigorously punished, because thou( being Lord over all) makest spare of no person, neither dreadest the power of any one( considering thou madest both great and small, and hast an equal care of all:) help me( O most merciful and eternal God) I beseech thee, that I may never go proud or presumptuous, but suffer myself to be taught and corrected by thy word. That I may truly do my duty, and not bee transported or lead away, either in doing, or suffering shane & outrage to be done to any one. And that I may never consent to iniquity, neither decline or turn out of the right way. I am thy seruant, Son of thy seruant, a weak man, of slender continuance, and very vnskilfull in the knowledge of thy right and laws. Therefore, sand down wisdom from thy heavenly throne, that she may be with me and aid me: that shee may instruct me in those things, which are acceptable in thy sight. To conduct me discreetly in all my doings, and keep me ever in awe of thy majesty: that all my actions may be pleasing to thee, in Iesus Christ my Lord and saviour. So be it. 4. A Prayer for a subject. MOst meek and merciful God, who hast established all Rulers and Magistrates, having confirmed them also by thy sacred word. I pray unto thee for that body politic, under whose protection & government thou hast appointed me to live. May it please thee, to preserve the chief head & main pillar therof, constant in true knowledge of the Christian faith. bless him with long life, peaceable government, and all other graces or prosperities of body and soul: To the end, that under his rule, wee may led a tranquil and peaceful life, in all godliness and honesty, for the glory of thy blessed name. Grant good God to our Magistrate, wisdom & knowledge, to do what thou likest, and leave what thou hatest: to be always ready in those things, that bring the benefit of peace, and are profitable for increasing our general good. maintain him in the charge thou hast committed to him, let thy grace defend him against all his enemies: that either openly do endeavour, or privately practise to take away his life, or seek to trouble the State by treasons and treacheries. help him, good Lord, patiently to endure all travails or afflictions, that may happen to him in so great a charge: And be as gracious to his children or heires, blessing them with long life, firm faith and fear of thee. Grant unto me, and all such as are subiects, as I am, obedient hearts, dutiful to aclowledge our Magistrate, and such Officers as he sendeth. Especially they that hold place in this estate, according to thine ordinance: Let us honor them, respect them, obey them in all humility, and keep ourselves from offending or rising against them. For they that resist the Magistrate, do resist thy ordinance, and purchase condemnation against themselves. give me grace likewise, to render to my superiors, and such as haue power over me, whatsoever is my duty to yield them, with a voluntary hart, and free from any falsehood. For it is said unto us: give unto all men, that which ye owe them, tribute, to whom tribute belongeth. &c. preserve us from mutinies, convert such as are rebellious. Be assistant to us, that we may render to thee our good God, obedience above all other, and next thee, to our Ruler and Magistrate: that departing out of this mortal life, we may come together into thy kingdom, through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 5. A Prayer for him that is a Husband. ALmighty and most merciful GOD, thou hast instituted holy marriage, and honoured it with the first miracle of Iesus christ thy dear son. approving it an estate most acceptable to thee, and wherein many patriarches and Prophets lived holily, and to thy good liking. Thou hast likewise called me to this condition, and dost take delight in three things, namely: when brethren live in unity together, when neighbours love equally: and when man and wife agree in the bond of concord. I beseech thee then( from the bottom of my heart) to grant me grace, that I may live with my wife in love and Christian concord, behaving myself discreetly towards her, as being the weaker vessel. But yet in such sort to respect her, as being fellow heir with me to life eternal. grant that I may instruct her, with our children and family, in thy holy knowledge and fear, with all honesty & modesty: And so assist her, that she may be obedient to me in all things, tending to goodness and godliness. keep far off from us the enemy to marriage, that he raise not troubles or dissensions between vs. But if( through infirmity) wee fall at any time into some household quarrel: help us, good God, wee beseech thee, to be soon reconciled again in thy fear, that our prayers may not be hindered, or wee give scandal to any other. govern so my heart, that I may bear no especial affection to any, but my wife onely, or look vpon a woman with a lustful eye: but keep me ever truly to mine own. preserve me, my wife, children and family, from hurtful sicknesses and diseases, according to thine own good pleasure. And grant unto me thy seruant, that I may carefully follow the works of my vocation: to eat my bread in the sweat of my brows, and never to bee idle: because I was born to work and labour, according to thine appointment. Extend thy benediction over all my good means, that they may grow great and increase, without wrong or prejudice to others. Let me haue such men-seruants, maidservants, and other workmen, as are true and faithful: both to keep my house, and whatsoever else thou hast here lent me, from pilfery, robbery, and all other inconveniences. help us patiently to undergo the burden of all crosses, and gather us together( after this life) in thy heavenly kingdom, with all those that haue here lived in honourable marriage. So be it. 6. A Prayer for her that is a Wife. MY God and faithful Father, seeing thou hast bestowed so great grace vpon me, as to call me to the sanctified estate of marriage, wherein I may serve and be acceptable to thee: Be further yet gracious to me thy poor seruant, that I may haue the fear of thy holy name continually before mine eyes: that I may love thee and( above all things) trust in thee my Creator and Redeemer. Let me be constant in thy faith, dilection, sanctification and fear, and( next unto thee) that I may respect, honour, and love my husband, without bearing affection to any other. Assist me good GOD, that following thy holy ordinance, my will may bee subjecteth to my husbands, to obey him in all uprightness: And that the inward part of my hart, may be adorned with a sweet and peaceful spirit, and all other holy virtues beside. Answerable to those holy women heretofore, who were wives to the blessed patriarchs: going decently appareled, trusting in God, and always being subject to their own husbands. Grant unto me thy seruant, a chast & honest conversation, with true fear and humility, to the end: That in all piety( with gentle and affable words) I may appease my husbands displeasure, and appear before him in all plesing manner. Let me bring up and instruct my children, with the rest of my family, for the glory of thy name: and let their hearts bee willingly obedient to me, in whatsoever is good, and I to prove stil a faithful helper to my husband. In the ordering of our household, & dispensation of those blessings, which by thy grace thou hast bestowed vpon us: So govern me, O Lord, that nothing may be lost through my negligence: But that I may be honestly sparing, helping my husband to labour, doing all things seemly for my vocation, that I may the better haue means, to respect others necessities, and open my hands wide to them that be poor. preserve us from unfaithful followers, men-seruants or maide-seruants, who easily may waste and lessen our best means. give me grace also, equally to endure all adversities incident to marriage: not over grievously to bee sm tten down, when tribulations come vpon us: neither too proudly exalted, when prosperity shineth. Considering that by adversities & temptations, our faith is best proved, and our patience exercised. O Lord my God, I commend myself, my husband, my children, and all my people into thy powerful hands: Defiring thee to keep us from sin, shane, and all other inconveniences, for the love of Iesus christ our saviour. So be it. 7. A Prayer for a child, son or Daughter. gracious God, and heavenly Father, thou hast enjoined Children always to honor their Fathers and Mothers, and takest delight( for thy dear Sons sake Iesus Christ) in the service & obedience they render unto them: having promised to recompense this just duty, with long life and other benedictions beside. Therfore from the lowest depth of my heart, I most humbly entreat thee, to be so lovingly gracious unto me: as to bless with long life my Father and Mother, and them whom thou shalt think meet to succeed in their places: evermore defending them from all dangerous diseases, and all other afflictions, casualties or damages. give me likewise an understanding and willing hart, to obey them in al dutiful humility, and also all other, who( by their appointment) shall haue authority to command me. Let me honour them with works, words & patience, that their blessing( begged of thee) may come vpon me. provide so for me good Lord, that I may be able to compass some honest means, whereby to succour my Father in his aged yeares, & never to grieve him al the daies of his life. Let me bear with his infirmities, and never despise him, though he fall into childhood again, and I be better able in gifts or knowledge then he. Let me likewise never make sad my dear Mothers heart, that bare me with great pain and grieft so long in her womb, and suffered much more care in bringing me up. Let me never forsake either of them any one day of my life, least their bitter curse do fall vpon me. moreover I beseech thee( O good God) that if heretofore I haue been disobedient, or rebellious against my Father & Mother: it would please thee to pardon me in thy great mercy. Impute not the sins and iniquities of my younger daies unto me, neither bee mindful of my ignorances & stubborn transgressions: But grant me grace to aclowledge my folly, repenting whatsoever I haue displeased them in. Conuerting now to thee by true faith, & an inward penitent heart: As having wary regard to that example, which our saviour Iesus gave to all children, who in his youth was subject to his Mother and joseph. even so let me always be found in Christian obedience. merciful God, preserve me from the evil company of wicked people, that I may never be seen among them. But if they seek to 'allure, draw, or forcibly compel me, that yet the fear of thee may keep back my feet, and I not walk with them the way of perdition. As thou encreasest my yeares, so( good God) bless me with increase of wisdom and grace towards thee, and the love of all good men, for thy dear Sons sake, Iesus Christ my saviour. So be it. A prayer for a Man or Maid Seruant. merciful God thou hast redeemed me, by the passion and death of thy dearly beloved Son from eternal servitude, the dominion of sin, the power of darkness, and the most cruel tyranny of the divell, crowning thyself as Lord and Master, with victory over death and hell. I beseech thee to be so gracious to me, as not to forsake me in this condition of bodily service whereto thou hast appointed me a while here on earth. Let me not murmur( thorough impatience) against thine ordinance, nor cast an envious eye at a place of higher reckoning, wherein( by thy will) others are constituted. But let me willingly( and with a good heart) submit myself to thine appointment: as being persuaded, that my service is not done to men, but to thee my God, who art in heaven. eternal and sovereign Lord of heaven and earth, be helpful to me, that I may serve, obey, fear, and love thee, above all other things in this world, reposing the whole hope of my salvation in thee. Let me also be obedient in all things( that are not against thine ordinance) to my Master and mistress: not onely when they be kind and gentle, but likewise when passion makes them fierce and angry. rendering them my service in dutiful fear and true simplicity of heart, as to my lord and Master Christ: Not with any eye-seruice, as desirous to please men, but with a faithful heart, in regard of thine ordinance and commandement. grant me grace, to bee true and loyal in whatsoever is commanded me, that I waste not or destroy any thing, and that no loss or damage happen by my improvidence. Let me never be desirous of others goods, being but given me in charge, and not( by me) to be impaired or injured dishonestly. preserve me in health, and all the parts of my body, give me also wisdom and understanding, to do the business of my Master or mistress as I ought, & to increase their means by thine aid and furtherance. So that they( being blessed by my diligence, multiplied, and no way diminished) may also haue comfort of mine honest endeavours. And that whatsoever I take in hand or execute, may redound to the glory of thy blessed name, and make an holy exercising of my faith, thorough Iesus Christ our Lord and saviour, who liveth with thee in the unity of spirit, world without end. So be it. A Prayer for a young Man, or a young maid. LOrd God Almighty, who art pure in essence, eternally chased, without spot or blemish, and takest delight in clean hearts, and sanctified conversation. I humbly beseech thee, to create in me a pure heart, and a settled spirit of assurance: to the end, that I may serve thee in true faith and fear, and love thee withall my heart and strength. preserve me from all wicked desires, and from all immodest or unchaste behaviour. Let me meddle with no vain commixtious, or be covetous after strange beauty and complexion: neither let me bee licentious, in affecting carnal pleasures which make way to sin, and nourish uncleanness. Stifle all inordinate desires in my heart, and quench in me the flames of fleshly concupiscence: that I may always turn mine eyes from corrupt entiseings, and gaze vpon noface to bee lustfully kindled. When thou sufferest me to walk abroad, let me meet with no evil disposed company, that give themselves to impudency and blushlesse behaviour: Neither let me then fall by surfeiting and drunkenness, wherein is no mean but all dissoluteness. Stop mine ears against vain words, vile proffers, and uncivil communication, which better doth beseem the Heathen, then to be used in Christian assemblies. keep me from pride, rioting, negligence and slothfulness, which are the traps and snares of satan. Guard me from those places, persons and all occasions, that may move and solicit me to vnshamefastnesse: Least by such wicked conversation, I make the members of Christ no better then an harlots. Assist me then, that I may render thee service in true faith, with an undefiled soul, and a spotless body, like as chast joseph did in egypt. At what time( in thy good pleasure) thou shalt like to call me to the blessed estate of marriage: then let thy grace so guide me, that I may enter the same in thy fear. Not for vain affection, or immodest curiosity, but according to thy sanctified ordinance, and for the love of children, to magnify here below thine everliving name. grant me a good and honest yoke-fellow, with whom I may live happily in peace and concord: For thou knowest the hearts, and understandest the thoughts, properties and conditions of all human creatures. Houses and riches, they do commonly come from the inheritance of Parents: But a wise husband or wife, do come from thee O Lord, it is a gift which thou bestowest vpon none, but them that fear thee. For this cause therefore I cry unto thee, beseeching thee in mercy, to keep me from the wicked, riotous, and such as are addicted to sin: for Iesus Christs sake, my Lord and saviour. So be it. A Prayer for a woman great with child. almighty and most merciful God, Creator of heaven and earth, it was thy will( by reason of sin) that I and all other women, should bring soorth children with pain and travail, and in that kind to increase the world. Now albeit this thy will is irreprehensible, good and holy, in regard that whatsoever thou didst make or ordain, is most good: yet I humbly beseech thee( poor wretched creature as I am) to be so gracious unto me, that I may retain thy faith firm and constantly, which is grounded vpon thy great mercy, in Iesus Christ my saviour, that so never distrusting thy grace, thy right hand always may bee my helper. Assist me with patience to support all mine anguishes, and in the needful time, benignly deliver me of the burden wherewith I am laden. Let me see( with ioy after grief) the fruit which thou hast created in my womb, thereby to convert my moans into mirth. But in mean space, preserve both me and mine infant, from all evil and inconveniences. turn away mine eyes, that I may never see any deformed shape, and that( thorough over great or violent imagination) myself prove not the cause, that my fruit shal be imperfect or misshapen. So order my behaviour, that( by neglect in slipping or falling) I receive no hurt any way, neither let me( thorough extreme choler or otherwise) bring any prejudice to the poor infant in my belly, or disastrous chance any way to annoy it. Let me haue a care, how I go or walk abroad. And when the hour for deliverance cometh, be thou then strongest of all for me. That I may lye down in ioy, without any fear: and calling truly vpon thy name, I may comfort myself in thy holy promises of assistance bringing into the world a living human creature, well formed and fashioned after thine own Image. grant the child such grace, that it may receive blessed baptism: to the end, that being regenerated by water and the holy Ghost, for life everlasting: It may also be an heir of thy heavenly kingdom, serving thee in true knowledge and sanctified conversation. O Lord God, most gracious Father, preserve me from all untimely and abortive childbirth. Thou art my God and faithful saviour, in all necessities whatsoever, my hope and life is onely in thee, and though thou shouldst kill me, yet will I trust in thee. Therfore I commit myself wholly to thy will, which is evermore the best for me: Entreating thee to haue care of me, and the fruit in my womb, for love of the most bitter passion, and innocent bloodshedding of Christ my Redeemer. So be it. A Prayer for a man or woman, being in the estate of Widowhood. TRue, faithful and eternal God, Father of our lord Iesus Christ, by whose will it is, that I should fall into the miserable estate of widowhood, in taking my dear yoke-fellow from me by death. I cry unto thee in this mine affliction, humbly entreating thee, that thou wouldst take compassion vpon me, and( in thy great goodness) pardon all the sins which I haue committed against thee. confirm my faith by thy blessed spirit, that it may never be weakened, for thou art my eternal saviour and comfort. turn thy loving countenance, and be merciful to me, because I am alone and afflicted, which am to bee holpen by none but thee. sand me maintenance, as thou didst provide for the widow of Sarepta, to whom thou didst sand the Prophet Elias, and miraculously gavest her nourishment in the time of famine. Haue care of me, and be my comforter, understand my need, and deliver me in adversity. Let me find grace among all Magistrates, that they knowing and judging of my affairs rightly, may defend me from all injury and violence. Raise me up such friends and benefactors, as either in charity or fidelity, may take my cause into their hands, and assist me thoroughly with counsel in my necessities. preserve me from lying tongues, which are sharpened like a razor, or resemble an arrow, let loose with great strength. deliver me from the calamities and wicked speeches, of such as give themselves to vanity: who deliver lewd words as out of a bow, having taught or accustomend their tongues to detecting. I desire of thee also( O my Lord God) that I may carry myself well and holily in my widowhood, keeping a chast conversation, and yielding good example to others. In all adversities, let my trust be onely in thee my saviour: without any impatient behaviour, incredulity, or weakness of courage in mine afflictions: but rather strengthened in faith, praying ever to thee both night and day. As the eyes of the handmaid waiteth on the hand of her mistress: so do mine eyes attend vpon thee the eternal God, until thou shalt take pitty vpon me. Therefore( O Lord) take pitty on me: For I haue my fill of contempt. My soul is ouerglutted with mocks and scorns, which proud men,( wallowing on their beds of case) do daily throw at me. hear then my requests, for thy dear Sons sake Iesus Christ. So be it. A Prayer for a quarreler by Sea or Land. ALmighty God in thy name will I travail vpon the way, beginning the voyage which I haue undertaken, with invocating thy great mercy. For thou art our God, that lookest unto the beginning and ending, thou settest our feet in the right path, to the end wee should not slide or fall. lead me then on the way in thine own ordinances, and preserve me from all false opinions. May it please thee, to accompany me with thy holy Angells, giuing them charge and commandment, to keep me wheresoever I go: Conducting me by good ways, to mine in tended place of travail, and then to bring me back safe and sound, to mine own dwelling, louers and friends. deal with me as thou didst with young Tobias, who was guided by thy angel Raphael to Rages in Medea, and afterward safely returned home again. O Lord my God, so order my footsteps, that I neither slip, slide, or hurt myself by falling. Let me not wander out of my way, and so be endangered by waters, woods, theeues, or any lewd company: keep wild beasts far off from me, and all other molestations of body or soul. Let me meet with honest people, that may kindly entertain, lodge, and exercise the works of mercy towards me. Yea, so assist me, that I may well and happily accomplish mine affairs, and afterward( in peace) return home to my house. Be near unto me, in all my foorth-gooings and back returninges. even as thou wast with the holy patriarch jacob, when he iournyed into Mesopotamia: And as thou spakest to him, when he went into Egypt, saying: I will descend with thee, and also cause thee to bee brought back again. Or as thou didst accompany the children of Israell thorough the read Sea, and likewise all along the inhabitable comfortless desert: walking before them all day in the pillar of the cloud, and in a fiery pillar by night, to direct them their way. May it please thee( in like maner) to be with me, walking before me in all this journey: accompanying and defending me from losing my way, from meeting with any evil accident, and from all other dangers whatsoever. provide all necessary occasions for me, and never do thou abandon or forsake me: but always be my good shepherd and conductor. I recommend my body and soul into thy hands, my wife, children, house and household family, and all that else appertaineth to me. Be gracious to me, that I may return safely, to find all mine in health, and my goods in security. So be it. A Prayer for any one, that is grievously anguished or afflicted. LOrd, rebuk me not in thine indignation, neither punish me in thy heavy displeasure. For thine arrows are fixed fast in me, and thine hand presseth me down. There is no health at all in my body, by reason of thy threatenings, neither is there any rest in my bones, in regard of my sins. My heart trembleth, my strength forsaketh me, and my sight faileth me for very trouble. Afflictions( without mean) haue round engirt me, my sins haue ensnared me, exceeding in number the hairs on my head. The chains of death haue bound me fast, and the pains of hell enclosed me about. Behold, mine own conscience witnesseth against me, I feel nothing else but the sorrows of death: nor can I take any rest, in fearful consideration of hell torments. I am as in deep waters, where I feel no bottom, or as sticking fast in the mud, and no way able to get out. My soul is overcharged with miseries, and my life draws near to hell gates. I am accounted as one of those that go down into the pit: My heart is anguished within my body, and the fear of death is fallen vpon me. O lord God deliver me, hast, hast, hast thee to help me. pluck back my soul from the torments of hell, pardon me all my sins, and those grievous iniquities which I haue committed against thee: For satan makes great mountaines of them, to the end that I may gain no sight of thy grace. Suffer me( at least) to haue some understanding of thy mercy, and leave me not unprovided of thy fatherly favour. Comfort me again, O my God, that my heart may be appeased and quieted, for thou art much greater then my heart. And although it do accuse me, yet by the blessed tidings of thy evangelical Doctrine, thou canst assuredly comfort and strengthen me. Albeit my sins are without measure, and as read as blood: yet art thou far more mighty, & hast the means to make them as white as snow. Rest thyself then, O my soul, wherefore art thou astonished, and so troubled within me? await on the Lord thy God and helper, he will draw thee out of anguish, and lodge thee in a more spacious place. He will bestow all goodness vpon thee, because in him alone grace, succour & deliverance aboundeth. he takes no delight in the death of a sinner, but rather that he should convert and live. He hath redeemed thee from all thy sins, and will preserve thee from every evil: in Iesus Christ his dear son, and thy saviour. So be it. A Prayer to be used when it Lightens, Thunders, or in any other dangerous Tempests. ALmighty God, it behoveth that all those that hold any authority vpon earth, should glorify thee, and reverendly prostrate themselves daily before thee. For thou being eternal, and mounted vpon the throne of thy Holinesse dost show thy might and power in all places. The voice of the Lord soundeth like unto great waters, the God of glory maketh thunder. The voice of the eternal is strong and magnificent, the earth is shaken and trembleth, and the foundations of the mountaines are removed. smoke cometh forth of his nostrils, and a devouring fire out of his mouth, even as when it lightens and thunders. Thy tabernacle is round environed with darkness, and clouds which are both thick and black: Wherein thou hidest thyself, treading all obscurity underneath thy feet, and from the brightness which is before thee, the clouds are scattered and dispersed. Great God, thou thunderest in heaven, and makest thy voice to be heard on earth: thou drivest the winds out of their secret caues, and makest them return into their places, after they haue executed thy command. All things are subject to thee, they aclowledge thee for their Creator, and they tremble before thy most high majesty. The loftiest mountains and the very lowest deeps, are amazed when thou wexest to bee displeased: the whole earth quaketh, the Sea and all other waters fly before thine anger. The voice of the eternal shivers the flames of fire in sunder, he makes the Deserts tremble, and the Lord is King for ever. He will give strength unto his people, and( with peace) extend his blessings vpon them. gracious God, preserve us from thy insupportable anger, pardon us our sins, let thine amiable countenance shine vpon us, and always be near unto vs. Spare us good Lord, that this grievous, sudden and terrible tempest may pass away, without doing any damage. keep our bodies, our houses and al our goods, from lightning, firing or any such like destruction. preserve the fruits of the earth, that they may not bee spoiled by frosts, storms, floods of water, or any other inconveniences: And bless us all from evil, sudden and unprepared death. O God the Father, who didst cause thy dear son to suffer the torments of the cross for me: be my defender. Iesus king of the Iewes, that dyedst a most bitter death for me: be my protector. Holy Ghost, which art the Spirit of adoption, and rendrest testimony to my spirit, that I am the Child of God: be ever my keeper, that no harm or mischance happen unto me. Amen. A prayer to be used in the time of Pestilence or any other mortality. EVerliuing God, we humbly confess, that by our sins we haue too often offended against thee, justly deserving all kindes of punishments whatsoever. For alas, we haue altogether gone astray, and are become utterly unprofitable: in that neither our fathers, or we haue kept thy commandements, laws, and statutes: But with most contrite and repentant hearts, wee do now entreat thy great mercy, in favour of Iesus christ thy dear son: And not to deal with us as our sins do deserve, but( according to thy long forbearance and compassion) to take pitty vpon vs. Come a little nearer Lord, and( in thy fatherly affection) withdraw from us this horrible plague of pestilence, and let us not die of this dreadful death. Take us not away in thine anger, neither assemble our souls among sinners, or our lives with the wicked, but let thy fury and indignation cease and bee appeased. What, wilt thou be angry with us for ever? And shall thy rage pass so violently against us, as to make an end of us altogether? Wilt thou not restore us again, that thy people once more may rejoice in thee? Lord show us thy favour and wonted assistance, remember thine old loving kindness and mercy: even for thine own names sake bee mindful of it. O good God, thou art just, and all thy iudgments are vnreproueable: For we haue sinned, and provoked thy just displeasure against us, so that( even in mere right) this heavy rod is come vpon vs. But pardon the transgressions of thy people, and take away from us this sudden contagion. In regard of the most grievous passion of Iesus Christ, preserve us from al evil, sudden death & everlasting damnation. But if it bee thy blessed will, by this plague to chastise us yet more for our iniquities: give us grace & strength, patiently to endure thy fatherly hand, and no way to despair by reason of thy punishment. For when we are judged, we are then taught by thee O Lord, to the end, wee should not be condemned with the world. And much better it is for us to be temporally corrected, then eternally in the other life to come. Wee rather desire then( most loving Father) to fall into thy hands, then the hands of men, because thy grace and mercy is great. Let us therefore continually hold firm faith in Iesus Christ, who is the everlasting propitiation, and most perfect sacrifice for all our sins. So be it. A Prayer against the turk, or other persecutors. ALmighty God, King of Kings, Lord of heaven and earth, wee aclowledge, that we and our fathers haue committed multitudes of sins against thee. We haue filled up the mouth of iniquity, and shown ourselves so wicked, that( having provoked thee to wrath) wee haue not only merited temporal, but also eternal punishments. But yet wee beseech thee with penitent hearts, that( in grace) it would please thee, and for thy dear Sons sake: to pardon all our sins, and defend us against the horrid tyranny, and mighty power of the turk. Thou seest Lord, how far he is entred vpon thine inheritance, hoping to defile thy Church, and reduce whole Cities and towns into heaps of stones. The bodies of thy seruants, hath he given to bee fed on by the fowles of the heaven: and the flesh of thy Saints, to the beasts of the field. He hath powred out the blood of Christians like water, not suffering any one to bury their bodies. Permit not us( Lord) in like maner to be a by-word, mockery, and contempt to our neighbours. How long( O lord) wilt thou bee offended? shall thine anger consume like a quenchless fire? Remember not our precedent iniquities, but hastily take compassion vpon us, for we are become but few and poor. O God of our salvation assist us, reuenge us, and discharge us of our sins, even for the love of thy glorious name. Why dost thou suffer Pagans to say: Where is now their God? Let vengeance for the blood of thy seruants( which hath been so lavishly shed by them) bee manifested vpon them in our presence. Let the sighings of poor Christian prisoners, come up before thee, and by thy great power, preserve them that are marked out for death. Let Turkes loose their courage, as having neither hart or hardiness, and shrink up the sinews in their arms. De●end thou us, O great God of battailes, show us thy succour: to the end, that there may be matter of rejoicing by the well doing of thy people, and wee with thy whole heritage, to glorify thee. Be always at hand with us, for thy names sake, because there is no other that can fight for us, but onely thou O God. Lift up thy strong arm against those strangers, to the end, that they may know what wee know, namely: That there is no other God beside thee. So be it. A general Confession of sins, with prayer to obtain pardon for them. IVst God and merciful father, I confess that not only I was conceived and born in sin: but that all the whole time of my life( even from mine infancy until this present) I haue( alas) committed many and most great iniquities. For I haue not( O my God) neither loved, feared nor obeied thee, as I ought to haue done: nor haue I put my trust in thee, with all my heart, with all my soul, with al my strength, and with all my understanding faculties. I haue not called vpon thy name, neither glorified thy sacred majesty: but rather haue abused it, by cursing, swearing, lying and evil speaking. I haue often neglected the preaching of thy holy word, Or when I haue been attentive thereto, my amendment of life hath been little bettered thereby. I haue been disobedient to my Father, Mother and superiors: Nor haue I loved my neighbour as myself, but rather haue hated, despised, and done him much damage. I haue shown myself vnshamefaced in words and deeds, and in my practise or vocation, I haue addicted myself to sundry deceits and subtle beguilings: contrary to the charity due to my neighbour. I haue defamed, & slandered those that haue conversed with me, & haue been covetous of many things not appertaining to me. I haue been proud, avaricious, unchaste, choleric, gluttonous, envious and slothful. Nay, I haue given occasion to my neighbours whereby to sin, & haue violated the league or bonde made to thee in my baptism. I confess then( with sorrow and unfeigned repentance) the sins which I haue directly committed against thee, in words, works, or thoughts, openly or privately: yea, all my secret faults, wherein thou knowest, better then I do, how guilty I am. I am an unprofitable seruant, that haue trespassed against heaven and before thee, I am not worthy to be called thy child, neither to lift mine eyes up unto thee. For I haue offended thee by many great and enormous iniquities. I haue charged my soul and conscience, with a weightier burden then I am able to bear. Yet notwithstanding all this, I humbly appear before thy throne of grace, appealing from thy severe iustice, to thy more mighty mercy. O Lord my God, be near to me a poor wretched sinner, pardon my transgressions, and receive as a full satisfaction for them, the innocent death of thy dearly beloved son Iesus Christ. granting me grace hereafter, and hence forward to amend my sinful life. So be it. A Prayer to be said before receiving the blessed Sacrament of the Lords Supper. lord Iesus Christ, eternal son of GOD, who didst suffer death in thy human nature, to redeem us from sin and endless destruction. In the last supper which thou hadst with thy Disciples, it pleased thee to ordain and establish, a perpetual memory of this thy loving faithfulness. To the end, that it might never be forgotten. There thou didst institute a new league or bond, whereby the sins of the faithful are for ever canceled. And didst likewise appoint us, to eat in the bread( by faith) thy true body, and to drink in the wine, thy precious blood: Adding thereunto a gracious promise, of full forgiveness of all our sins. Wee poor and miserable humane creatures, come now unto thee( as to the source or fountain of all grace) Entreating that it would please thee, to wash us from all our sinful blemishes, to make clean our souls, and new create them. To the end, that with true penitence, in firm faith, honour and reverence( being worthily prepared) wee may receive those blessed viands of our salvation. Grant that by this mystery of the new Testament, our faith may be increased, our hope strengthened, our charity enflamed, our weak consciences comforted, and all temptations surmounted. So that being thoroughly assured in our souls, of thy divine favour and eternal salvation, wee may feel that supernal grace, which is veiled or hidden under this blessed Sacrament. Most gentle Lord, let the eyes of our spirits bee illumined, to know what the hope of our inheritance is, and the vnualuable riches of this most excellent banquet. Wherein, with thy precious body and blood, thou communicatest unto us, and freely appropriatest to every one of us, all the treasures of celestial happiness: To wit, remission of sins, true righteousness, and life everlasting. Assist us, that with good desires and holy affections, wee may often and worthily partake of this blessed Sacrament. Roote out of our harts all corruptions that displease thee, and may impeach or turn us away from thee. Enlarge the way of thy g●ace before us, for our more near approaching to thee. To the end, that being partakers of the fruit of this holy Table: Our souls( famished and ouerpressed with hunger before) may be filled and fully satisfied. And eat with thee likewise( in the life to come) the bread celestial in thy heavenly kingdom. So be it. Another Prayer for the same purpose. lord Iesus christ, I am unworthy to open my mouth, & receive the blessed Sacrament of thy body & blood. For I am a poor sinner, and thou art such a Lord, as the heaven of Heauens cannot comprehend thee. How is it possible then, that a wretched humane creature, who is but dust and ashes, should any way be worthy to receive thy precious body and blood? I know very well, and do confess it, that the multitude of my sins is great, and even( for this occasion) I am most unworthy of all other, to present myself at this celestial Banquet. In the mean while nevertheless, I beleeue in my heart, and confess it with my mouth, that( by thy grace) thou canst make and render me worthy. For thou art almighty, merciful, & hast the means to make pure and holy, whatsoever cometh from unclean seed. Men and women, that are wretched sinners by nature, thou canst deliver them for just and holy: When( by grace) thou hast quitted their sins, and renewed them by thy sanctifying Spirit. Therefore I most humbly entreat thee, that by thy virtue and divine charity, thou wilt grant me grace to bee prepared, or poorly worthy, to present myself before thy Table. Not to presume thither as an intruder, for so I should come most unworthily, and bee guilty of thy body and blood, and receive death in stead of life. Assist me then, that I may aclowledge myself to be a poo●e wretched sinner, and that I may take a true examination of myself: Whether I haue hearty contrition for my sins or no, and whether I discern rightly thy precious body and blood. O my God, let me always submit my reason, sense and understanding, to thy divine word, and strengthen me by thine aid, with all my might to amend my sinful life. To the end, that in this blessed Sacrament, I may not receive onely by my mouth thy body and blood: But that in true faith, I may also receive my saviour and Redeemer, locking him up fast in my heart, as having in him all life and salvation. For thou art the living bread, that didst descend down from heaven, and givest life to all men. They that come to thee, shall never more be hungry: they that beleeue in thee, shall never more thirst: and they which eat thy flesh and drink thy blood, shall remain in thee, and thou in them, and to haue life eternally. Most gracious lord, like as the Hart desireth the water brook: even so my soul longeth after thee. My soul is thiestie for my God, who is the living God, when shall I come to the place, where I may see thy face? O my GOD, replenish me with thy heavenly favour. Amen. thanksgiving to be used after receiving the blessed Sacrament. IEsus Christ, our true sovereign and eternal Sacrifice, thou art seated at the right hand of God, vpon the throne of majesty in heaven: having the administration of all goodness to come, and of the true Tabernacle, which is not made by hands. Thou enterdst once( by thy precious blood) into the holy places, and hast obtained eternal Redemption: when without any spot( by the blessed Spirit) thou didst sacrifice thyself unto the Father: to cleanse our consciences from all dead works, to the end that we might serve the living God. Therefore we give thee thanks with all our harts, because, by wiliing obedience to thy Father( even in ardent charity, mighty integrity, and unspeakable patient humility) thou didst suffer a most ignominious death on the cross for us poor miserable and wretched sinners. moreover, thou hast instituted this blessed Sacrament, for an eternal memory of thy faithfulness and favour on our behalf: leaving it likewise, as an earnest penny, seal or testimony, for the remission of our sinners. Thou hast called and brought us to the Communion of this wonderful feeding. To the end, that we might refresh our hungry souls, languishing thirstily after life everlasting. O Lord my God, great is thy love, thy mercy vnexpressable, and thy grace incomprehensible. Thou despisest no persons coming to this heavenly banquet, except they exclude themselves, or intrude thither unworthily. If any one do hunger or thirst, here he is fully satisfied. Such as are in necessity, may here find the riches and treasures of life. The desolate, here meet with comfort: The sick, here find physic and health for their souls. Such as are overladen with their sins, are here disburdened in their consciences: And they which are assaild by death, do here meet with life that cannot be molested. help us then, O good God, that this blessed Sacrament which wee haue received, may avail to our salvation: And that hereafter, wee may retain the fullness of our hope: without any wavering, because thou art faithful in all thy promises. And let us haue care one of another, such as may incite us to charity and good works, never forsaking our holy assembly, but always comforting one another therein. And this is to be done so much the more respectively( because we see the day draweth on, and the end of our life approacheth near) Onely to make us the more able, to await( in joyful expectation) thy blessed and most gracious coming. So be it. Another thanksgiving to the same purpose. lord Iesus Christ, lamb of God, I render thee most hearty thankes, because thou didst offer thyself to thy loving Father, a sweet smelling Sacrifice for our sins, and hast appeased all the wrath and displeasure, which was justly heaped up against vs. Thou didst institute this blessed Sacrament, to make us remember and assure ourselves thereof: By giuing us therein thy true body to eat, and thy very blood to drink, to the faithful receiver. Thou didst speak it: do this at all times in remembrance of me. Giuing us thereby to understand, that so oftentimes as wee eat of this bread and drink of this Cup, we are bound to declare thy death. As also to publish and make known, what thou hast won and conquered for us: namely, forgiveness of our sins, endless life and salvation. I beseech thee by thy bitter passion and death, to assist me, that I may partake more often in devotion, true zeal, and worth of this holy Banquet. And that I may consider, how much thou hast laboured for me: what pains thou hast suffered to redeem me, and how great charity thou hast shewed unto me. So that I may bee the more excited thereby, with heart and mouth daily to thank thee, for all thy graces & benefits. loving thee reciprocallie, with all my might and uttermost power, and so bee found vnreproueable in the path of thine ordinances. If I chance to slip or fall by infirmity, give me grace to rise again quickly to thee. And that I may bee thoroughly comforted in this new and perpetual league, or covenant of thy heavenly charity and goodness towards me. Grant that by this blessed Sacrament, I may bee united and incorporated, into one selfe same flesh and blood with thee. That I may follow thee patiently in all adversities, continually seeking those things which are above, and adhering by firm faith to thee, as to my only head and Lord. moreover, because( by this Sacrament) wee are bound to brotherly love, and to bee faithful one to another,( in regard, that as the bread and wine is made of many grains and grapes, so we in like maner( being many) ought also to be united with thee, in one and the same spiritual body) Strengthen us, that we participating of one bread, and of one Cup: may likewise entirely love one another, even as thy true members. And that( above all things) we may throw off all anger, hatred, or envy, heartily pardoning others, as thou already hast pardonned vs. To the end, that living henceforth together in brotherly love and loyal affection: We may enter at the last day, with thee our bridegroom, to the eternal Banquet in thy heavenly kingdom. So be it. A Prayer for one that is sick. LOrd and heavenly Father, thou art a just God, and sufferest none to be tempted beyond their power: But with the temptation thou givest the issue, so that with patience they may support it. I heartily pray unto thee, that in my great necessities and griefs, my burden may not be over big or weighty Strengthen me in such sort, that I may patiently bear all, and never bee distrustful of thy mercy. Iesus Christ, Son of the living God, who for me didst suffer the torments of the cross, and last of all dyedst a most bitter death f●● my sins: I cry unto ●●ee from the depth of my heart, to take pitty on me a poor miserable sinner. Pardon me al my transgressions, which in my whole life time I haue committed against thee, and let me never fail in faith towards thee. God the holy Ghost, in all distresses the truest comforter, preserve me in patience and right calling upon thee, sanctify me by steadfast confidence. And never leave me in my latest necessities: but then lead me out of this vale of misery, to thy heavenly Kingdom my true home. So be it. Another to the same effect. ALmighty God and heavenly Father, thou hast commanded us, to call vpon thee in all our necessities, and hast promised to hear us, and give us cause to glorify thee. I call unto thee now in my grievous affliction, desiring thee in Iesus Christ thy dear Son, never to forsake me a poor miserable sinner. And if this sickness of mine be not deadly, give me grace to recover again by thy mercy. To the end, I may tell and recount to others, the power and virtue thou hast exercised on me. But if it bee better for me, to die speedily, then longer time to abide in this miserable life: Lord let thy will bee done on earth, as it is in heaven. Let me always( as is best for me) commit myself wholly to thy will, and preserve me to my ending, in true faith, memory, and Christian knowledge. Let me never be sundered from thee, but receive my soul up into thy kingdom: for thy dear sons sake Iesus Christ my saviour. So be it. Another. MOst powerful GOD, that art gracious, merciful, patient, of great goodness and faithfulness, in pardoning our sins and iniquities: I humbly beseech thee,( in grace) to forgive me all mine offences, confirming and keeping my soul, against all temptations whatsoever. Come to mine aid and assistance, that my faith waver not: my hope fail me not, nor my charity wax cold: neither suffer me through humane infirmity, to fall by the dreadful terrors of death. Likewise, when mine hour shall be come, let me depart in peace, for mine eyes haue seen thy saving health: which thou didst prepare before all peoples faces: a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel. I hope and trust in thee my saviour, Lord let me never fall into confusion, for thou art my help and strength. Behold me with the eyes of thy mercy, and turn thy fatherly countenance towards me: in Iesus Christ thy son, who by his passion and death, purchased eternal redemption for me. So be it. Another. FAther of all grace, take pity on my poor soul, pardon all the sins, which I haue committed against thee. Despise not thy poor creature, neither cast me away, that am the work of thy hands, let not that bee lost, which thou hast made and created. For I trust in thee, thou art my GOD and helper. Christ my true saviour, the lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, and hast washed and cleansed me in thy blood: I pray thee by thy passion, which thou didst principally suffer, when thy noble soul departed out of thy most holy body: to take compassion likewise on my poor soul, when it shall part hence, and be lead by thee to everlasting life. God the holy Ghost, thou most kind comforter, preserve my hart against all temptations of the wicked enemy: and so confirm my confidence, that I may undoubtedly beleeue, the forgiveness of my sins, and hope for life eternal. O blessed Trinity, I commend my spirit into thy hands: thou God art faithful, and thou that hast redeemed me, livest and reignest in all eternity. So be it. A Prayer for such as do come to visit the sick person in his extremity. GOod and omnipotent God, that preservest our lives in death, we pray that it would please thee, to turn the eyes of thy mercy towards this poor sick man, ease his afflictions in soul and body, and( in grace) forgive him all his sins. Accept the sacrifice, of the innocent death of thy dear son Iesus Christ, as a full satisfaction for all his iniquities: For he was baptized in his name, and is washed and made clean in his precious blood. assuage his pains and anguishes, keep him from all accusations of conscience, and the subtle temptations of the wicked adversary: that he may valiantly fight in firm faith, hold out to the end, and obtain the victory. Grant him a happy entrance into endless life, & sand thine Angels to conduct him into the assembly of thine elect, through Iesus Christ our Lord and saviour. So be it. OTHER GODLY AND CHRISTIAN Prayers, for particular purposes. 1. For Souldiers that serve as Sentinels, or keep watch in the Court of guard. O Our GOD, Father and saviour, since it hath pleased thee to bee so gracious to us, in safety to suffer us to overpass this night, and bring us once more to behold the cheerful day light: wee render thee thanks therfore, from the bottom of our hearts. And humbly beseech thee, that as thou sufferest the sun to shine vpon the earth, lending us thereby our bodily light: so thou wouldst illuminate & prepare our souls, by the bright splendour of thy blessed Spirit, to follow the direct way of righteousness, under thy holy conduct and protection all our whole life time, pardoning us all our passed offences, for Iesus Christes sake our Lord and saviour. moreover, since it pleaseth thee to employ us this day, as guard to this city, town or place, let thy grace effectually persuade vs. that this is an acceptable service to thee: in discharging the same so faithfully as wee ought to do, and not grudging, that wee watch when others are at quiet rest, who likewise are ready to do as much for vs. Seeing also, that we are taught and assured by thy holy word, that all vigilancy, industry and might of men is unprofitable, and can serve to no use, except thou( O God of Hostes) lay too thy helping hand, for without thy sacred providence, wee can neither watch, ward nor war: May it therefore please thee, to be the chieftain in our company, as well to give us wisdom, aduise and direction, for the better ordering of our charge: as also to make benefit of our labour, thou continuing still with us, and day by day defending us under thy protection. So shall we haue cause, to bless. thy sacred name here below in thy Church, and afterward( above) in all perpetuity. Through our lord Iesus Christ: who hath taught us how to ask these things, and all other that are needful for us, and generally for all of Christian faith, in saying: O our Father. &c. For the evening. LOrd God and Father, wee render thee hearty thanks, because( by thy goodness) we haue so well passed this present day, following the charge whereunto it pleased thee to call vs. But because there are many defaillanees in us, and that if thou shouldst judge us according to thine own uprightness, thou wouldest find us guilty of many great faults: wee do therefore here humble ourselves in thy presence, confessing, that we are poor and miserable sinners. We beseech thee also, according to thine own blessed promise, in the name of Iesus Christ, thy onely son and our onely mediator: to cover and hid all our iniquities, even as now thou wrappest up the earth in the cloudy obscurity of dark night, giuing us grace, that during this dim season, and the whole remainder of our lives hereafter, we may walk in the fear and reverence of thy holy name. moreover, in regard we are to watch this night, to give leisure and respite for the whole body of the city to repose themselves: wee beseech thee to enable us, to perform our duty cheerfully and with good courage, that the watching appointed to us, may not seem painful or burdenous: but each one to keep his order peaceably, and all to hold good agreement together. O thou great GOD of Armies, suffer us not to use the darkness of this night dishonestly, vnfaithfully, or as a cloak to idle slothfulness: but let us know that thou art an eye witness of all mens actions, in all places where & howsoever, let us walk then in thy fear, according to the direction of thy holy word. Because also thou reseruest unto thyself, the honor of guarding Towns and cities, as in mere right it appertaineth onely to thee: we entreat thee, to bee President in the midst of us, give direction to our Vigilance, and make it so prosperous, that wee may aclowledge in all humility, we neither can or ought to depend vpon any, but only thee. send down thy holy Angels, and let them pitch their Tents round about this town and us all, to preserve it and us from foreign invasion: Let their mighty power protect and guide us, least it and we be vanquished, and overrun by the enemy. Let them watch also with us, and keep us in safety. Defend and preserve us, from the hands of our enemies visible and invisible, and keep us continually in thy safeguard: that wee may evermore praise thy name, and render thee thankes in Iesus Christ our Lord. So be it. A Prayer to be said before a man begins his work, or any Labour. O LORD, our good God and Father, since it hath pleased thee to command, that all humane Creatures shall labour, and eat their bread in the sweat of their brows, while they remain in this life, & yet seeing( without thy blessing) no one can prosper, or receive any good success in his affairs: we humbly beseech thee, that thou wouldst bless our labours in such sort, as thereby wee may haue just occasion to confess the goodness, assistance, and fatherly care which thou takest of vs. moreover Lord, let thy holy Spirit be our director, to the end wee may faithfully exercise the works of our estate & vocation, without any fraud, collusion or deceit. And give us grace, rather to regard the following of thine ordinance, then to satisfy the appetite of our own sinful flesh, which covets to enrich itself by any means whatsoever. nevertheless, and if it be thy pleasure, to prosper our endeavours, grant us also cheerful dispositions, to help and succour such as are needy, according to thy talents bestowed vpon vs. And let us keep within the bounds of humility, not puffing ourselves up above the poor, by that which we enjoy, but by thy bounty and goodness. But if it be thy will so to deal with us, as to abase and impoverish us, far beyond the frail affections of fleshly nature: yet vouchsafe to enrich us another way, with cleaving faithfully to thy promises, whereby wee shall no way fall into distrust, but rather be more certainly assured, that thou wilt never forsake us in the extremity of our wants. Enable us patiently to attend thy leisure, when thou shalt again replenish us with thy graces, not only temporal, but also those which are spiritual: receiving thereby daily more ample occasion, to give thee praise and thanks, and to expect all things from thee. hear us Father of mercy, in Iesus Christ, thy son and our saviour. So be it. thanksgiving to be used after his labour or work is finished. O Lord my God, I render thee hearty thanks, because thou hast preserved me from infinite dangers, which might haue happened to oppress and ou●rwhelme me, all the while I haue been about my business, if thou( Lord) hadst not carefully regarded, and kept me from any evil inconveniences. now therefore, most loving Father, I humbly entreat thee for Iesus Christes sake, to pardon all the faults which I haue offended thee in, during the time of my labour, or otherwise. Punish me not in thine anger, nor reprehend me in thy heavy displeasure: although I haue shown myself worse then I ought to haue done, both towards thee, and on my neighbours behalf. work in me so by the efficacy of thy blessed Spirit, that henceforward I may walk in much greater integrity, and re●pectiuely perform those duties, which are required in the vocation of true Christians: to the end, that though I travail in body, yet in spirit and affection I may serve thee O God, and glorify thy name in all mine actions. give me grace( willingly) to offend no person, but rather let me endeavour to edify every one, by those means which( in this life) thou hast lent me. lead and guide me by thy word and sanctifying Spirit, in all truth and honest conversation, never swerving from the direct path of thy commandments: that finally, it may bring me to life everlasting, through Iesus Christ my Lord and saviour. So be it. A Prayer for a young man, that prepares himself for marriage. LOrd God, eternal & most powerful Father, here I prostrate my ●… e befrre thee, giuing ●… ee thanks with hart and ●… uth: for forming me in ●… e womb of my Mother, ●… d suffering me to bee ●… me such as I am, main●… ning me likewise from ●… outh to this instant, 〈…〉 preserving me from infinite evils. For it is 〈…〉 thy providence ●… nd Fatherly blessing, that I haue attained to the yea●es I now am in: and in that time by thy holy word● thou hast taught me to kn●we, thy beloved son Iesus Christ, the onely happiness that a Christian can haue, because( in the true knowledge of him) eternal life consisteth, and therefore I cannot sufficiently praise thee, 〈◇〉 all the great benefits thou hast bestowed on me. nevertheless, because thou hast commanded us, to call vpon thee in all our necessities, & most lovingly also hast promised to hear us, let it now please thee graciously to help me. For I haue found and proved, that in regard of mine own natures corruption, I cannot continue chased and blameless: except I use the means which thou hast instituted, and by thy holy word hast also approved the same, saying: To avoyde whoredom, let every man haue his wife, and every woman her husband. Then I beseech thee, in mercy, to lend me thy helping hand, and so to bless me and my Parents, that in this intended matter, we may not be abused by any exterior appearance, either of beauty, riches or deceiving speeches, which may fore-runne or precede this business. But, as thy word saith: A virtuous wife is a gift which comes onely from thee: And as it is most certain, that not onely thou gavest eve to Adam: but didst likewise conjoin Abraham with Sara, isaac with Rebecca, and jacob, with his best esteemed Rachel: even so I entreat thee, O Father of lights( from whom every good and perfect gift proceedeth) not onely to be my Father, but also to appoint me my fellow-partner, in regard, thou oughtest to be the author and actor in so weighty a business. sand down thy holy Angels, to bee my guide and leader toward her, whom thou hast prepared for me, as thou madest them( in like case) seruants to Abraham & young Tobias. Then let me meet her, enjoy her, and live with her, in thy fear and favour. O lord Iesus Christ, may it please thee with thy benediction, to be present at my marriage, as thou didst vouchsafe to honour that at Cana in Galilee. grant that those waters of misery, affliction and temptation, which may seek to drown so blessed a dignity: by thy power and most gracious goodness, may bee changed into good and delicious wines, to bear us above all extremities with patience. Chase away Asmodeus, the enemy to marriage, and all other malicious fiends far from our dwelling, & give us grace, that wee fearing thee, O Father, son and holy Ghost, may walk faithfully in thy ways. To the end, that we may obtain the largess of those things from thee, which thou knowest much better then wee can, or do, to be necessary for this life, and that which is to come. So be it. A Prayer for a young Maiden, or a widow preparing to marriage. ALmighty God, who onely makest mens endeavours to prosper in this world: for without thine aid and blessing, whatsoever they do, cannot come to good. I thy poor creature, whom nevertheless thou hast vouchsafed, to receive into thine alliance, by the holy Sacrament of baptism: do here present myself before thee, beseeching thee, in the name of Iesus thy beloved son, to stretch forth thy hand and help me. To the end, that if it bee thy will I shall marry, thou mayest guide and led me to a virtuous yoke-fellow, with whom I may live according to thy will, so long as we shal continue together. It was thou O God, that gavest eve to Adam, and didst address the seruant of Abraham towards Rebecca, that shee might bee wife to the Patriarch isaac. Thou didst send thine Angel with young Tobias, to deliver Sara the daughter of Raguell, out of the poor, desolate and opprobrious condition wherein she then lived, and to match her in marriage with the said Tobias. This is not a case of chance or fortune, neither guided by mens wisdom, or heaping up goods together. It often comes to pass, that after one hath plodded, and carefully considered all circumstances and causes ther, Lord, and saviour of all Christian women, and wilt make them partakers of thy graces joys and comforts eternal: wherefore my husband, my self, my children and all mine, I commend now and evermore into thy hands. So be it. A Prayer for a child, when his Parents provide him or her a master or mistress, to learn any mystery. eternal Son of God, who was born in poverty and misery, to the end we might be enriched, and in thy youth did willingly humble thyself, to learn and exercise the trade of a Carpenter, submitting thyself there in to joseph, and to the most blessed virgin thy Mother. My dear Parents, at this instant, are likewise appointing me to a mystery and service, which I beseech thee( good-God) that I may learn diligently, labour in faithfully, behaving myself always like an honest child: and that( in recompense of my Parents love and pains) I may be able to stand them in some helpful stead, when they grow into yeares or other infirmities, to repay back some small portion of their tender care over me, in my younger yeares. Thou gatherest and asemblest thy Church by thy word, even of all sorts of people, & thou wilt be served, honoured and praised, as well by men of trade or occupation, as any other beside, because thou hast no respect of persons by outward appearance. therefore I assure myself, that thou wilt not reject my prayer, but listen unto it in thy mercy, and in the name of Iesus Christ my alone saviour. So be it. A Prayer befiting any Father and Mother, sending their Children forth to school. O God, Creator of heaven and earth, the ordainer & preserver of marriage, since in thy great mercy thou hast given us children, and hast likewise received them into thine alliance, regenerating them by water & the holy Ghost in blessed baptism, to the end, that they might be thy children. And in regard withall, thou hast very seriously commanded, that they should be brought up in thy fear, and according to thine instruction: Behold Lord, those children which thou hast given me, I am sending them forth to school, to be taught and instructed as best becometh them. But because without thine aid●, we can do nothing, Lord God, Father of lights, to thee I commend their studies: for it is onely thou that canst make them wise, learned and happy. give them thy sancified Spirit, and make them organs of good endeavours, to glorify thee, serve in thy Church, and raise up to us comfort and contentment. Thou didst teach and instruct the Prophet Samuel, in the school of Heli, and madest him become an excellent parsonage: as thou didst the like by King Salomon, enstructing him in the school of the Prophet Nathan. Then safely may I recommend to thee,( thou Lord of all learning) these children of mine: in the name of thy dear son Iesus Christ, the principal doctor of all the faithful, who bless and bring them up in his fear and truth. So be it. A man Seruants Prayer. LOrd God, everliving Father, who hast appointed, since sin first entred into the world, that there should be Maisters and Seruants, and didst hear Abrahams seruant crying to thee: I now address myself to thy divine majesty, because service is necessary for me, to maintain me in this life, and beseech thee, O most loving Father, to provide for me among good people, that may not hinder me from hearing thy word, but rather give me occasion by their good example, to seek those things which appertain to my salvation. Assist me also by thy holy Spirit, that I may render them good & faithful service, and truly take charge of whatsoever they trust me withall. bless( O God) my labours, and extend thy benediction on those affairs I shall manage: that thy grace governing me, while I serve here on earth, I may afterward be an heir and fellow citizen( by Iesus Christes means) in the kingdom of heaven. Thy mercy was so great, to the Centurions seruant of Capernaum, that he found a good master. Thou didst likewise so lovingly respect poor joseph, when he was a seruant, that all things prospered under his hands: I say no more, dear saviour, but be as merc●full to me a poor willing Seruant, and as thou hast appointed, let me rest contented. So be it. A Maid Seruants Prayer. MY Lord and saviour seeing thou hast called me to this estate and condition, that I must serve to sustain life, and gain those benefits necessary belonging thereto: I submit myself gladly to thy providence and appointment. For I know, thou didst not despise to speak to poor. Hagar, who was Abrahams seruant, & thou didst likewise provide good Mistresses for Billha and Zilpha. Let me then poor maid entreat thy majesty, to provide an honest place for me, where too much rigour, severity and hard usage may not be shown me. give me grace also, to render them faithful service, carrying always a good conscience, and keeping myself chast and honest: with dutiful obedience to my mistress, using her children lovingly, and ordering my Maisters business as it becometh me. Extend thy blessing on all my endeavours, that I neither wast, spoil or destroy any thing. Let fire or other casualties( through my negligence) no way harm my Maisters house, and set a lock vpon my lips, that by evil words, I give no occasion of strife or dissension, but rather, that I may procure peace, amity and concord, so much as lieth in my power to do. Thou knowest, O God, much better then I, what is needful for me, and thy word teacheth me, that with th●e there is no respect of persons: but thou hearest the small, as well as the great, the poor as the rich, when they pray unto thee, in the mediation of Iesus Christ. So be it. A Prayer for Children to use, when their Father is forth on any voyage or journey. ALmighty God, heavenly Father, who hast graciously promised us, that whatsoever we ask in the name of thy son Iesus Christ, it shall be granted us: Thou knowest and perceivest, that wee haue now very great occasion to pray unto thee: because our loving and dear Father, is at this instant from his own home, and in what peril or danger wee know not, only to support his honest vocation, and to supply what we shall haue need of. We entreat therefore thy heavenly majesty, to bless and keep him in all his ways, in every place where he travails, and all occasions he is employed in. send down thy holy Angels, to preserve him from harms, and as young Tobias was assisted by raphael the Archangel: so give grace to our kind Father, that he may well and happily perfect his affairs, and then return home safe and in health to his house. For he hath instructed, and brought us up in thy fear, and provides at all times what is expedient for vs. send him home successfully( O Father of heaven) let our Mother meet him lovingly, our kindred greet him hearty, ourselves and his whole household welcome him dutifully, and all of us live together in ioy and prosperity, through Iesus Christ our Lord. So be it. FINIS.