decorative border THE POESY OF Flowered Prayers. Containing sundry Meditations and Prayers: gathered out of the sacred letters and virtuous Writers: disposed in form of the Alphabet, of the most virtuous Lady, the Lady Elizabeth's name. Set forth by Sir JOHN CONWAY. Multae tribulationes justorum, & de omnibus liberabit eos Dominus. Psal. 34. AT LONDON, ¶ Printed for Va. Sims, and are to be sold by Ed: White. An. 1611. decorative border TO THE MOST Gracious Lady the Lady ELIZABETH, eldest daughter to our Sovereign Lord the KING. I MAY NOT doubt (most gracious Lady) but certainly believe, that as decorative border you are religiously devoted: so you are sufficiently stored with Meditations, Prayers, and Supplications of Saints, best befitting your Royal Estate: So that by reprinting of these ancient Prayers, and causing them to be disposed to your Grace's Name, I may seem to offer a needless decorative border Supply: Nevertheless, presuming upon your welknowen, Princely, and gracious acceptance of all that which proceedeth from well-meaning minds, I have adventured in all humility to offer them unto your most Royal Service, to be respected, or rejected at your pleasure; for decorative border whose most happy continuance in this world, and participation of perfect joy in the world to come, I also will not cease to pray to almighty God. Your Grace's most humbly, VALENTINE SIMS. decorative border HONI · SOIT · QVI · MAL · Y · PENSE Royal arms of King James I of England. decorative border decorative border Prou. 31. Beauty and favour, are things deceitful & vain, but the heart of a woman that feareth the Lord, her body is a rich portion, and she is worthy to be honoured: for she openeth her mouth with wisdom, & in her tongue is the Law of grace. decorative border Prou. 16. Confess thy works unto the LORD, and look what thou devisest, it shall prosper. Esay. 58. THy light shall spring out in the darkness, and thy darkness shall be as the noon day. Pro. 28. HE that hideth his sins shall not prosper: but who so acknowledgeth them, and forsaketh them, shall have Mercy. decorative border A Morning Prayer. O LORD jesus Christ, which hast redeemed all mankind from sin, Death, and Hell: thou which hast said, I am the way, truth, and life: A way in doctrine, commandments, and examples: Truth in promises: Life in reward. I come unto thee, early now this morning I pray thee by thine ineffamable love, wherewith thou hast vouchsafed wholly to bestow thyself for our security, that thou wilt not suffer me ever decorative border to stray from thee, because thou art the way; nor at any time distrust thy promises, which art Truth, and performest whatsoever thou promisest: neither let me rest in any other thing, because thou art eternal life: without the which there is nothing that aught to be desired, neither in Heaven nor in Earth. But let me learn as thou hast exactly taught what to believe, and what to do, what to hope for, and in whom we ought to rest. Thou which by the examples of thy life hast showed us the way to immortality: and by thy steps hast restored to decorative border us a plain, easy, and profitable way, out of an uneven and rough way. Uphold me in thy benignity with thy sure promises, that after this life I may enter into thy heavenly heritage. Therefore whilst I am in this journey, be a sure hope unto me, to be in steed of a staff unto me wherewith I am sustained. O Lord that knowest the weakness of my flesh, in the mean time with the comfort of thy Spirit so refresh my strength, whereby I may run cheerfully. And as thou being made unto me a way, dost drive away all error. So being made Truth, take away all decorative border distrust. Finally, being made life unto us, I beseech thee revive me dead in sin, to live by thy spirit, relieving all things, until in the resurrection, all mortality utterly abolished, I may always live with thee, and in thee, when Christ shall be to us all in all. For eternal life is, to know the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost to be one true God, whom now through Faith we behold only in a glass and Riddle: and then seeing more felowly the glory of the Lord, we shallbe transformed into the same Image. Therefore I beseech thee decorative border most merciful Saviour, that thou wouldst nourish Faith in thy Servant, that I may never waver in thy heavenly doctrine. Increase obedience, that I never turn from thy Precepts. Fortify constancy, that entering into thy steps, it be not pulled back, nor through the terror or enticements of Satan overthrown, but may persever in thee, which art the true-waye unto life. Build my sure trust, that being accustomed with thy promises, I never wax old in the exercise of Virtue: but forgetting those things which are past, I may continually decorative border strive to come to perfecter. Accept my contrite heart, the wonted sacrifice of thy delight, and the oblation of these my Petitions, granting the sum of my requests. Blot out all my offences for thine own sake; defend me this day with thy mighty hand, & increase thy grace in me, that I may in all things carry upright sway, and equal judgement; living with thy people in the light of thy word, and fear of thy Laws. And daily more & more die to myself, and live and be lead by thy Spirit, fearing nothing but thee, than the which nothing is greater or mightier: loving decorative border nothing beside thee: than whom, nothing is more to be beloved: glorying in nothing but in thee, which art the glory of all Saints: requiring nothing beside thee which art the best: desiring nothing but thee, which art the full, and perfect felicity with the Father and the holy Ghost above the Starry Firmament: to whom be praise both now and ever, Amen. decorative border ¶ A discreet and wise woman is an high portion: she honoureth GOD, and beautifieth the world: upon her right hand standeth joy and Peace, and upon her left hand, Riches and Honour: her body is the sweet tree of long life to him that layeth hold on her, and blessed is he that keepeth her fast. ¶ A Prayer for the Evening. O Gracious GOD and most merciful Father, being infinitely bound unto decorative border thee for thy manifold mercies extended towards me, I humbly give thee thanks among the rest, for thy protection of me this day: And I most humbly pray thee to forgive me all my sins and naughtiness, whereby I am made unworthy of thy further goodness and mercy. O Lord receive the intercession of thy Son for all mine offences. Accept this sacrifice of my soul and body, which I offer to be: disposed off at thy pleasure. Consider the unfeigned sighs which I send from my heart, for that I have offended thee, and give ear to my prayers which I power decorative border forth before thee to obtain thy pardon. Give me a true and lively faith, whereby I may lay hold upon the merits of the death and passion of my Lord and Saviour jesus Christ: Let his righteousness make satisfaction to thy justice for my unrighteousness: and his obedience, procure pardon for my disobedience; and his holy perfection, help and amend my unholy imperfections. Protect me this night with thy mighty hand, and bring me to the light of the next day. Renew in me a right spirit, that I may receive strength and ability to do thy decorative border righteous will, and to stand against all the assaults of Satan, that the old man which I bear about in my body may be crucified daily in me, and the desire of sin and error of worldly vanities may be destroyed, and the life of my Saviour may always appear in me. Lord grant me these and all other good graces, even for jesus Christ's sake, my only Lord and Saviour, in whose name I humbly beg them at thy hands, saying as he hath taught me, Our Father, etc. decorative border ¶ A Prayer for the Morning. O Lord thou high, and mighty, whose Glory and Majesty may not be comprehended, whose word is true, whose commandment is strong, thou that ride upon the Cherubins, and fliest with the wings of the wind: Thou God of all mercy, most worthy to be sought, before whom the Hosts of Heaven stand with trembling, whose Ordinance is dreadful, whose Looks drieth up the depths, whose hands ruleth decorative border the starry Firmaments, whose goodness only giveth the fruits of the Earth, whose wrath maketh the Mountains to melt, and consumeth the wicked, whose truth beareth witness, and mercy saveth the sorrowful Sinner: Thou, thou incomprehensible Creator, that never tookest beginning, and wantest end: Sith of nothing thou hast wrought me (with the wonders of the world) to thy most seemly shape, and vouchsafest thy dreary Death and passion, to drown the danger of my sinful deserts, and hast as a careful Captain, cherished my body with comfortable decorative border gifts unto this present day: Continue (oh God) such goodness towards me unworthy, which do here with a contrite heart and bowed Knees, appeal to the height of thy mercy and loving kindness, to accept my unequal thanks for the same: humbly beseeching thy Fatherly goodness, that thy holy hand may still renew in me thy former gifts, plenteously powered upon me from the prime of my birth unto this present: not remembering (good Lord) my unworthiness of the same, nor frailty of my passed years that speaketh against me, but altering the ministers of thy wrath into decorative border mild mercy. Grant I beseech thee, that through the assistance of thy holy Spirit, I may be led to correct what is amiss, and that I may now this day and ever hereafter persever in setting, ordering, and performing all my travails, counsels, and studies as best may accord with thy blessed will, and cancel the hands of my heavy charge. Assist me (oh Lord) of all power, with thy prudent skill and heavenly grace, that I may be truly able to advance justice, and to hate wrong, and so be found faithful in all that I take in hand. Plant I beseech thee, by thy decorative border heavenly grace, and fear, with obedience in me, and kindle in me the love of thy holy spirit, that I may persever in the truth of thy word, without doubt or wavering, to the end. Grant this, oh mighty God of Hosts, for the Merits and Passion of thy dear Son, my Lord and Saviour jesus Christ. Amen. ¶ A Prayer for the Evening. O Most merciful GOD and loving Father, with fear and reverence I approach decorative border to thy throne this night that stealeth on me like a thief. I thank thee for preserving me this day past, and I beseech thee suffer me not to fall into the horrors of the night. Forgive me the innumerable offences that I have committed this day; & those also which (if thy Grace prevent me not) I am like to fall into this night. Pardon them (oh Lord) they are more in number then the sand in the Sea, and more heavy to me then if Mountains were laid upon my breast: But I beseech thee receive me to mercy, and give me grace to be more careful of the performance of thy decorative border holy will. Suffer no unclean thoughts to pollute my body and soul: and whether I sleep or wake, give thine Angels charge over me, that at what hour soever thou callest me, I may like a faithful soldier be found ready to attend thee my Lord and God, even for jesus Christ's sake my only Lord and Saviour, Amen. ¶ In the multitude of thy mercies will I enter into thy house (oh GOD) and in thy fear lift up my hands and heart, towards thy sacred seat, and honour thy Holy name. decorative border ¶ The Confession of a Sinner. O Most blessed Father of everlasting bliss, and gracious giver of all goodness, I say most precious Patron of all Princely power, and God of all mercy, I wretched sinner, and unclean Creature, with so much humility as possible in me is, and with full trust in thy goodness, do prostrate myself before thy Sacred seat: confessing my grievous, huge, and deep offences, wherewith I have offended thee, my most loving decorative border Father, even until this hour: I have not feared to commit those execrable wicked deeds, which thy only beloved Son my humble Lord and Saviour, by his bitter bloodshedding hath washed, and with so pinching pangs purged. I confess also unto thee, most merciful father, my great and horrible ingratitude wherewith I unworthy creature, have ever most unthankfully answered thee, and thy Son, in lieu of all the love, goodness, and fidelity, which thou hast bestowed on me: which now, so long and many years hast spared my wickedness and sin, and benignly decorative border suffered all injury, and contempt offered thee, through my disobedience and wilfulness. Yea, thou hast required me to repentance with great gentleness, that thereby thou mightest win my heart to deck thy Habitation therein, with the Boughs of thy love. And how often (oh Lord GOD) haste thou knocked at the Door of my Conscience, by thy inspiration: wooed me with thy benefits: cheered me with thy comforts, and most mightily put to flight my dreadful dangers: yet hast thou suffered repulse, I have always turned nigh back to thee, and decorative border thou notwithstanding haste meekly suffered it. Oh how justly couldst thou have thrown me to Hell: yet mercifully hast spared me. Truly it is marvel (most sweet Saviour) that my heart breaketh not through vehement sorrow, when I recount these things. Neither is Hell itself, with all his pains, of force to correct my malicious wickedness, I am unworthy to be called thy creature, or one whom the Earth should sustain, or nourishmentes yield their natural food. Marvel it is (oh Lord) that thy Creatures and Elements, do not revenge the injury, and decorative border contempt which I have made thee through my manifold iniquities. But now, most loving Father have mercy (I beseech thee) on me, and to me miserable and desolate sinner. Turn the eyes of thy divine favour, and with the wings of thy mercy cover my infirmity. Open unto me the Bowels of thy benignity: and receiving me into thy favour, forgive my slackness in turning to thee: Open to me thy bosom of bounty and loving kindness, and replenish me with the nourishment and solace of thy grace. I beseech thee, Lord God, sith decorative border of thy mercy, and for thy sons sake, thou hast hitherto spared me; confirm now that swiftly in me, whereunto from the beginning I am ordained. And woe to me unhappy sinner, that have left so loving and merciful a Father, who ever tendered me. Yet have I denied thee in my heart, wherein thou hadst determined the Tabernacle of thy delight, and have defiled it, and made thereof a vessel of iniquity, and a den of unclean Spirits. I confess myself (oh Lord) the most wicked of all that the world sustaineth: But nevertheless, I trust in thy goodness: decorative border For as my sins be above number, so is there no number of thy mercies: O most loving Father, if it seem good to thee, thou canst make me clean: heal my soul, I confess I have sinned. Remember Lord those comfortable words, which thou spakest by the Prophet, saying: Thou hast done wickedly with many, yet turn to me and I will receive thee. Truly most merciful Father, I trust assuredly in these sweet words, and with my whole heart turn me to thee, as though thou hadst spoken these words to me alone, and wouldst call none other, for I am the unclean decorative border and unfaithful soul, the prodigal and wandering Son, who hath alienated myself from that Father of Light, from whom all goodness springeth, losing and neglecting all thy large gifts, which of thy bountiful liberality thou hast granted: I have strayed from thee like a wandering sheep. I have forsaken thee the fountain of Living Water, and digged to myself muddy pits: seeking outward comforts which hold no water, have followed Temporal and transitory delights, which vanish swiftly as smoke. I have left also the bread of Life, and decorative border eat the dregs of Swine, following mine own sensual appetite and beastly affections. I have forsaken thee, the chief, most perfect, and continual good, and have inclined to terrestrial and transitory things. Therefore I am become Naked, Poor, Miserable, and unclean, and as a Calf tied, do festure through mine own infirmities. But I pray thee (oh Father) remember not the contempt and Injury thou hast received of me; pardon the passed faults of my tender years: let not the old sores of wandering youth in settled years break out to new bleeding decorative border wounds. Accept the pitiful passion of thy dear Son, in satisfaction of my former heaped evils, & grant Lord to me sorrowful sinner, the assistance of thy holy Spirit, to continue this I have begun, to the health of my Soul and quietness of mind, and my tongue and heart shall speak the Triumph of thy loving kindness and mercy, both now and ever. Amen. Eccles. 4. Deliver him that suffereth wrong, from the hands of the oppressor, and be not fainthearted when thou sittest in decorative border judgement, decide Law with Equity, and justice with mercy, be favourable to the Fatherless, and be in stead of a Husband unto their Mother, so shalt thou be blessed in sight of the Highest, and he shall love thee more than doth thy Father and Mother. Eccles. 9.12. Day and night let the broad Gates of thy bounty be open to the Discreet and Virtuous. Set honour always upon the head of the lowly. But to the proud and ambitious, keep thyself secret and strange: give not thy decorative border bread unto him, lest he become mightier than thyself, nor trust not thine Enemy, at any time: for like as Iron cankereth, so doth his wickedness, though he humble himself greatly, yet lock up thy mind and beware of him, set him not by thee, nor on thy right hand lest he turn, get into thy place, take thy room, and possess thy Seat. Pro. 16. The cheerful countenance of the King, is Life: his loving favour, is as the Evening dew. decorative border L Love God above all. A Accept the wise D Do no man wrong. I In mercy delight. E Expect a reward. E Increase Knowledge. L Letoy virtue guide. I In Prayer persever. Z Zealously ask. A Acknowledge sin. B Beware of presumption. E Envy no man. T Tender the Helpless. H Hope for Heaven. decorative border Holy, brief, and comfortable Meditations, or Prayers discifering in Alphabet form, the gracious name of the Lady Elizabeth. L LOath not the Prayer of one that is in trouble: turn not away thy face from the needy: despise not the silly sewter: nor grieve the heart of the helpless: for if he complain in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall be heard, even he that made him shall hear him. LIghten in me (oh decorative border God) the Image of thyself, though I looked back from thy Laws, chastise me to amendment: but suffer not the work of thy hands to perish. Thou hast created my heart, and given me a will to order the same: so Lord I most meekly yield the same again into thy hands. I pray thee by thy holy spirit, so direct my ways, counsels, and works, that they may be of chief regard with thee, good God the giver of all mercy, suffer not my Soul to perish through the infirmity of my flesh. For thy sons sake; and decorative border thine own glory, set both now and ever his death and passion between thy just judgement and the peril of my soul. I thirst after thee, oh God, and sith thou seest my hearty desire is to serve thee, and live in thy rule, and to die in thy Faith and favour, allow of me, and with thy mighty hand assist me. Grant that the Celestial kingdom of thy grace and mercy ever occupy my heart, and worthily purchase me the sweet participation of thy glorious Throne and Majesty. Deliver me Lord through thy grace: for in all my proper decorative border works and devices can be found no sure shield of defence for me. Cast not away my sorrowful soul: Remember the pitiful Passion of thy dear Son, and suffer it not to perish. Guide my feet in the shining light of thy Verity: carry me aloft from the snares of the ungodly: and from the traitorous traps of the malicious save me. Suffer not thou (oh Prince of all power, who rulest the heavens and earth) that any cankered, or malicious stomach rebel, or increase against me. decorative border Pardon my cursed crimes: release my direful debts: give me again thy grace: wrap up my woeful wounds that fester in my feeble flesh: graff me a new with the garnishing of thy grace: so shall thy glory grow, and my gained gladness heal my groaning griefs. If I deserve the fullness of thy fury to fall upon me, yet as a loving Saviour rule over the roughness of thy rage, and let thy most meek mercy measure my pain, as thou haste done unto numbers. Grant most gracious God of all victory, that I may ever decorative border have thy power, and right hand to be my resident Rock of refuge. Give gracious ear to my requests, be thou my stay in every storm and peril, for all man's stays are unsteady. Beat down therefore mine enemies with thine own hand and Sword, which art mine only aid and Protector: give me thy grace, and I shall never cease to give thee glory: both with my tongue and heart shall I joyfully sing. Dominus illuminatio mea, & salus mea, quem timebo? Dominus Protector Vitae me, à quo trepidabo? The Lord is my light and my salvation, decorative border whom then shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom then shall I be afraid? Amen. A ALL thy delight being in equity and justice, incline thine heart to me cy: then shall thy light break forth as the morning spring, and thy health flourish: thy righteousness shall preserve thee, and the glory of the Lord shall embrace thee. ASsist me (oh God) with thy grace, and enrich me decorative border with thy Spirit: illuminate my mind with thy understanding: be unto me a sure salvation, and whom should I fear. Truly neither will I fear any bodily or ghostly enemy, thou being the strength of my life. Though innumerable hosts do rise against me, my Spirit shall trust in thee, and in my heart will I never be afraid. Arm me with strength of war (oh GOD) and teach my hands to wage battle. And I shall lay flat the enemies of thy truth, and joyfully decorative border resist all those that rise against me. My life shall ever declare thy saving health, and my soul shall not cease to sing thy praise. Thou haste delivered me from the chains of Hell: and when I have been wrapped in the dangers of death, thou hast cleared my paths of all stumbling blocks, and made thy rich mercy my Candle. Lord, if I have been unthankful, a broken mind shall be thy sacrifice: my heart shall ever dwell in the house of thanksgiving, and my sptrit still mourn for her unkindness. decorative border Save me Lord I beseech thee, in the day of my distress, for thou art the Horn of my health, the shield of my glory, and bearest up mine infirmity. Let them be consumed in their devices, that shall work against me, and fail of their force in the hour of their pretence. power upon them the Vial of thy wrath, let them sink by themselves, and save thy Servants that trust in thy mercy. I will honour thee for my saviour, and praise thee for a God above all Gods. Amen. decorative border D doubtless, God is gracious and merciful, he forgiveth sins in time of trouble, and is a defender of them that seek him with hearty prayer, and wholly put their trust in his mercy and truth. DIrect my feet (oh Lord) in the ways of peace, and keep my hands clean from innocent blood. Lord give me grace to perform the travails of this Pilgrimage before thee, with a pure mind and clear conscience, decorative border that when thou shalt show thyself towards every creature according to their deeds, I may be rich in thy mercy, and not dread thy presence. To thy mercy I appeal, I fly unto thee, I depend on thee, fearing thee, and reverencing thee, loving thee, and trusting in thee. If thy wrath wax hot against me, I cannot withstand. If thou punish me according to my deserts, I cannot bear: deal mercifully therefore with me, heal my sores, and pardon my sins. Whilst I tread this weary Labyrinth, leave me not decorative border Lord to myself, but grant me thy continual grace for my staff. I am not of might in myself to do any thing that is good: my righteousness and glory stand in thy hand. Therefore (oh Lord) I appeal to thy mercy, and pray thy grace, that I may in mind be made strong with thy holy Armour, which I desire may be thy righteousness for my Breastplate: firm faith for my Target: hope of mercy for my Helmette, and true knowledge of thy word for my Banner: so that I may stand here strong and perfect against thine enemies, and decorative border in a new life participate thy joys. I will blow thy wondrous name through thy people, and will praise thee amongst all the faithful. My praises shall have being unto the farthest part of thy congregation, and my vows will I perform in the sight of all them that fear thee. I will endeavour that the ends of the World shall remember themselves, and will do my best to turn them unto thee. Give me therefore joyfulness of heart, rest of conscience, continual comfort in decorative border thy word and truth, and that I may with a thankful mind, advance thy name for ever. y YEa, in the fear of God who so liveth, shall gather his Fruits in a pleasant Garden of blessings; it giveth thee true Honour, Glory, Triumph, and joyful Crown. YEa, in the multitude of all my sorrows that ever I have had in my heart: Thy comforts (oh Lord) have ever refreshed me. Such is thy loving kindness decorative border and above all, thy mercy: that if I should stray farther in my unthankfulness, mine own thoughts would accuse me. Therefore I do come unto thee to be taught thy Testimonies, that I may make thy Laws my delight. Truly hoping of thy grace for my assistance, I do mean to make thy commandments an Alley of my pleasure to walk in, and the Truth of thy words will I wear on, as an Armour against mine enemies. Guide my fleshly eyes (oh Lord) lest they behold vanities, and my heart in thy righteousness. decorative border Pluck my feet into the paths of thy Precepts when they would wander: print the remembrance of thy goodness always in the table of my heart, and let my power fail to offend thee. Heap my hands with sure hope of my salvation, satisfy my faith in the forgiveness of my sins, that my frail flesh waver not in thy mercy. Temper my tongue (oh Lord) that it always teach thy Testimonies, lock up my lips, that out of my mouth do not proceed neither blasphemy of thy name, Hazard to my soul, nor hindrance decorative border to any creature. Bow down thine ears (oh Lord) and strengthen me in these requests. For behold, I bow the knees of a contrite heart, and with assured mind do hope them for the truth-sake, which I will everlastingly praise. To thee be glory for ever and ever. Amen. decorative border E EXercise mercy, and set thy bread and Drink upon the table of the poor and hungry: cover the Naked with thy clothes, and these shall deliver thee from Sin, and Death, and not suffer thy Soul to come in darkness. EZechiell the Prophet saith, When the wicked turneth from his ungodliness he hath done, he shall save his Soul. With thy Servant Esay, therefore I say (oh Lord) thou art a great, and fearful God. Thou keepest covenant, and mercy with them which love decorative border thee, and keep thy commandments. And with thy Apostle Barnaby, I acknowledge I have sinned, I have offended, I have been disobedient, and gone back, yea, I have departed from all thy paths, and judgements. Lord to thee belongeth righteousness and Mercy, to me shame and destruction for my Iniquity. Yet Lord enter not into judgement with thy servant, for no flesh is righteous in thy sight: neither correct me in thy wrath, for than I shall not abide it. Have mercy upon me, (oh decorative border Father) from the depth of thy mercy take pity upon me: forgive (Lord hear my Prayer) and blot out mine offence. Let thy loving face shine over the work of thy hands, that lieth waste: Lord for thy own sake do it. Incline thine ear and hear me, behold how desolate I am, stretch out thy hand and help me Lord, I desire to come to thee, and my weakness is such, as without thy help, I am not able to raise myself unto thee. Therefore Lord remember thy sweet promises, tarry not overlong, strengthen me with thy holy Spirit, hear my decorative border Prayers, and wash me in thy righteousness. I cast not these petitions before thee, hoping in mine own Merits, which, are are none, but trusting in thy great mercy, and sweet promises. Wherefore Lord hear me, and forgive me, and I shall live for ever. L LEt Enmity pass, which seeketh Death and Destruction, and before thou prayest, forgive, else thou heapest vengeance on thyself. LOrd make thy ways known unto me, that I may decorative border walk so perfectly, that no kind of Sin overcome me. Thou leadest strait in judgement, and givest sight to the blind. Thou art near unto them that call upon thee with faithful heart: have mercy upon me, hear me, and give me a Heart to pray unto thee. Say not against me my sins past: but for thine own sake forget them. I understand not all mine errors, my sins have taken hold on me, and of myself I am not able to return. Send me therefore thy holy help, to strengthen mine infirmity. decorative border Keep my mouth and lips: and let the thought of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. Permit not the word of Truth to departed my breast: suffer not Malice to dwell in my heart. Deliver me from false surmises, and accusations of men: rule me after thine own will and pleasure. Remove from me vanities and let not the foot of Pride take hold on me, so shall I be free from the greatest sin. Stay and keep me from every evil way, for in thee I trust, it is thou only that canst help, Look unto me decorative border with thy mercies, and grant me grace in thy sight. Amen. I IN equity, Love, and Truth, gather all thy riches: in the hands of the poor lay up thy Alms, and these shall defend thee from evil: fight for thee against thy enemies, better than the strength of mighty men, preserve thy favour as the apple of an Eye, and rise with thee in the day of judgement, to pay thy reward on thy head. IN hope of thy mercy, and forgiveness (most mighty decorative border and dreadful God) whose truth is unspotted, I am bold to come before thee. My trust is good, I shall be heard, for that thou hast ever been the true head of all justice, and delightest in truth. Deny thyself thou canst not; for thou hast promised, In what time soever a Sinner doth with a broken heart, repent his wickedness: at that instant thou wilt cansell the records of thy remembraance: and the foulness of his fault shall remain no blemish to his soul. Hear me now therefore (oh Maker of Heaven and earth) I acknowledge I have decorative border sinned, and done unpleasant things in thy sight. I confess the misdeeds, which rebel against my Soul, with Saul, saying: I have sinned, I have played the Fool, and have erred exceedingly. And with like humble, lowly and faithful heart, as did King David: who unfeignedly cried out his Sin, and became thy servant. So (most Holy) in hope of the same hire, with contrite heart I sigh and say: I have broken thy Laws, and not walked in thy Commandments. If I should now recite, decorative border and number the Mountains of my misdeeds, which overwhelm my body, and that are eager enemies to my pining Soul, the day were too short. Lord I need not, thy blissful Seat is above the starry Firmament, and thou sittest on high beholding what is done amiss in the Earth below. My wickedness that I most secretly have committed to th● Celestial eyes: have been manifest. Forgive me good Lord, that my tongue may justify thy everlasting Truth, that others beholding in me thy manifold decorative border mercies, may likewise with me be ashamed of their evil, and seek after thy mercy. Woe am I, that my heart hath been so long unacquainted with the wellsprings of thy Truth, that my hands have wrought unrighteousness, and heaped sin upon sin. Turn away from the sight thereof, the fullness of thy fury. Exchange the roughness of thy rage into meek mildness, before thou correct me, most loving Saviour. I am not able to abide thy heavy displeasure: if thou chastise me with thy rod of decorative border justice, I perish. I have not one good deed to prefer, mine offences bear number with the flowers and blossoms of the Spring: my truth is no whit, and with unrighteousness all is defiled. Forgive me oh Heavenly King: forget, thou that art the sweet spring of my soul. Give me thy holy Spirit, that it may be with me, and labour with me to attain thy blessed favour: for mine ignorance cannot desire that I ought, neither can my feeble strength without thine aid, raise me unto thy presence. decorative border Thy Spirit will help my debility, and make right intercession for all my necessities. Thy Spirit will make me pray with such humbleness of heart, and sorrowful sigh, as no tongue can tell. That gift most precious, will hold me up, where flesh would fall, and guide my feeble feet in the light of the Lord. The Spirit (I say) will purge me from all earthly affects, and lift me up to heavenly things. Therefore conjoin me (oh God of all mercy) to thy holy Spirit, to teach me to decorative border tread the steady steps of thy worthy will. So shall I lead my Life in the true Law of thy loving kindness, and with a strong and stable mind, persever in Prayer unto the end. Grant me therefore for thy Truth and sons sake, that I may enjoy this sweet possession of thy holy Spirit, which may always lead my labours after thy liking, and keep my heart in thy fear. Sweet jesus make a covenant with me, that I never may become an enemy unto thee any more, neither be found unworthy of thy rich mercy and bountiful benefits: but decorative border that the remainder of my life employed in thy Service, may justly move thee to forget the iniquity of my tender years. Continue thou God of all comfort with increase, by the assistance of thy grace, what I have begun: So shall I live to glorify thy might and mercy for ever and ever. Amen. decorative border Z Zeal, anger, carefulness, and sorrow, cause celerity of old Age, justice, mercy, equity, and truth, make glad the holy Ghost and to a merry heart is given long life, & sweet taste. ZAcharie spoke from thee (O Lord) saying: Like as I devised to punish you, what time your Fathers provoked me unto wrath, and spared not: Even so am I now minded to do well unto the house of juda and Jerusalem, therefore fear it not. decorative border Now the things you shall do (saith the Lord) are these: speak every man the truth to his neighbour, execute judgement truly and peaceable within your Ports, none of you Imagine evil in his heart, and love no false oaths. O Lord, of myself I am so sinful and ignorant, that I cannot speak nor think a good thought, much less to do well in deed. Assist me therefore with thy grace, that I may do as thou hast commanded. And let me comfort myself with thy sweet words by thy Prophet, which are, That as decorative border the house of juda and Israel were accursed amongst the heathen, so thou dost promise to make them a blessing. Am not I an Offspring of that seed (O Lord) to whom thou didst promise this blessing? Or were not these things written to put me in mind of thee, and cause me turn from my wickedness, and trust by thy mercy to obtain favour again? Remember then O Lord) in thy Mercy. Turn me, and I shall be turned: say to my Soul, I am come unto thee, thy health and thy salvation. decorative border A A Double tongued man is to be abhorred: and he that beareth hatred, can neither pray rightly, nor speak truly, of whom beware, for the malicious & double tongued, hath overthrown high palaces, & laid waste strong Cities: who so hearkeneth to them shall never find rest, nor dwell in safety; near the Prince they are more perilous than a Fistula in the breast to the health of Man. AVenge not thy cause decorative border on me thou God of all justice: forgive me my contempts of thy Commandments, and omission of prayer. If thou give me equal pay of my Merits, I perish. Forget my wickedness I beseech thee, and cloth me with the comfort of thy compassion. Purify my Soul and Body, wash away my wickedness with the blood breaking from the Wounds of my Saviour Christ, and I shall no more be unkind. Give me Wisdom to know all thy precepts and pleasure: grant thy mercy ever to keep me, and thy grace to guide me. decorative border It irketh me that ever I did forsake so sweet a Lord and Saviour: my sorrow wasteth me, and my sighs overwhelm my heart. Have me in remembrance therefore, for I tremble and quake: were not thy mercy known, I should utterly despair. Turn away the stroke of thy vengeance from me, bring my mind out of trouble, into rest. Fetch now again (thou most precious Prince of all power) that which thy puissant might hath shapen. Restore (Son of the Father Almighty) that which decorative border thou hast so well guided, and bought with terrible torments. Take again into the Sacred seat of thy blessed custody (Lord God Holy Ghost) my Body and Soul, that have wandered. Thou hast pitifully preserved them long from the violence and utter destruction of the wicked Serpent, and throws of worldly chance. Most mighty God sith thou hast advanced thy Glory by such compassion, continue in me hearty Prayer: put about me the girdle of thy grace, and link my love in the lore of thy laws, and my heart shall decorative border be thankful. Day and night will I say, blessed is the Lord. And will praise thy Name, and magnify thy mercy for ever and ever. B BE ashamed of sins and unrighteousness: be ashamed to turn thy face away from thy friend in his need: be ashamed to obbraide thy friend with thy gifts: be ashamed to take, & not to give: but be not ashamed of the truth of god & his Covenant: but do thy best to fulfil it, and thou shalt live. BE my comforter in decorative border all counsels and dangers (oh God) make clear my understanding and heap my Fort with new effects, and Spiritual motions. Renew my Body and spirit, that all sin fly from me, and grant that I live to righteousness. power upon me the Spirit of thy grace: lead me with the True knowledge of thy word. Hold my heart always in thy fear, build a true faith, and hope of thy promises and mercy, in the Bowels of my breast. The heavenly Father of our Lord jesus Christ, hath promised decorative border it unto me, for his son's sake I seek it: and for that thou mayest overcome when thou art judged, deny me not. Though there belong nothing to me but confusion and shame, yet (Lord) correct me not in thy dreadful displeasure, but with the loving favour of thy face, look upon my festered wounds. heal them (good Lord) from the bottom let them be healed. Mingle thy mercy and precepts, and sow the seed of them so deep in my heart, that no burning blasts of persecution make ashes thereof: neither any thorny cares of this life do decorative border choke it: but that it may bring forth, as thou hast appointed like good ground, thirty six, and an hundred fold. The fruits of my harvest Lord, shall be the flowers of thy glory: my tongue shall always speak of thy marvelous works, and my heart shall keep thy Laws. I will not deny thee (my God) for the power of any wicked, but will seek thy grace, hope of thy mercy, and say: The mighty God of Israel is to be loved, feared, and obeyed, world without end. Amen. decorative border E Evil seeds see thou sow not in the Purrowes of unrighteousness, so shalt thou not reap thee sevenfoulde labour: sue not unto man for any Lordship, neither unto the King for the Seat of Honour. EStablish my heart (oh Heavenly Father) in league and love with thy laws: print thy Precepts in the bowels of my breast, and sequester my mind from all thoughts, studies, and labours, that may draw me from thee. decorative border My soul consumeth in care to be with thee, and my bodily eyes tremble to behold thee: only because thou hatest sin, and abhorrest iniquity. Alas there is nothing in me but unrighteousness, and the examples be dreadful, which declare how grievously thou hast punished sin. Thou didst drown the world for sin: Thou didst send fire upon Sodom & Gomorrha: Thou didst cast forth Adam and his offspring out of Paradise for sin: Thou didst grievously punish thy servant David notwithstanding his hearty repentance: Yea thou persecutedst Solomon in decorative border himself and his Posterity, with many other to our example, and all for shameful sin. Lord sith these examples are true, and mine iniquity equal with theirs: what should become of my Soul, if I had not amediatour, Christ, whose bloody Passion then appeased thy wrath when nothing else could. By his Death I am once redeemed, (oh God) therefore let me not now be consumed, bearing thy Image: but grant the pains of his pitiful Passion, may put out all mine offences. With my voice I will spread thy mercies over all decorative border Nations: my Life shall glorify thy name, and all that thou givest me, I will acknowledge to be thine, with everlasting praise. Amen. T THe greater thou art, the more humble thyself in all things, and thou shalt find favour in the sight of God: for great power belongeth only unto God, and he is honoured of the lowly. Turn away thy face from mine unrighteousness: Lord, no Creature is clear in thy sight. decorative border If thou shouldest call thine Angels to the Bar, they might not abide the Sentence of thy just judgement. I come unto thee for secure, Lord under the wings of thy mercy receive me. Thou delightest not in any Sacrifice or Offerings: but thy accustomed condition hath been ever to accept a sorrowful Spirit, and a broken heart. Lord, if thy loving kindness be such: I hear present thee with a heavy heart, a broken body, a martyred mind, and a sighing Soul. These all appeal to thee (O Lord) for thy mercy, and cry decorative border out with the Prodigal Son, saying: I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee: wash me therefore with thy rich mercy, not that any good in me doth deserve it, but because thou art God of all mercy, and it declareth thy mightiness to forgive. Thou didst show compassion upon the woman of Canaan for her great Faith, and from the beginning thou hast not rejected the effectual prayers of a single heart. Lord I give glory to thy name with the highest: thy mercy stretcheth above the Firmaments: the sure hope and trust I have in thy unspeakable decorative border truth and compassion, is equal with the strong Faith of the Cananite woman. I confess my sins are manifold: But Lord I know thy mercy and saving health are infinite: Lord, sith thou art of power to forgive above that I can offend: for thy name's sake, release my sorrow, cut the sack of my sins, and make me strong in thee. So shall I live, and all my thoughts acknowledge thy praise. Amen. decorative border H HAppy is the man that hath not fallen with the Word of his mouth, and is not pricked with the conscience of sin, that hath no heaviness in his mind, and is not fallen from his Hope. HOw mighty thou art (oh God of Hosts) in thy precelling power: by Creating this world of nothing, we are taught to know. Thou dost govern the same and puttest down with thy hand the proud and traitorous Tyrants thereof. decorative border Thou destroyest their devices, & keepest the raging Sea within her bounds. These and such like declare thy power over all. The plenty of thy bountiful hand giveth not only increase of things; but also the increase of every kind of thing show forth thy loving kindness. Thou dost multiply yearly and daily these kinds: how many seeds (good Lord) dost thou increase of one seed, Lord what manifold springs cometh thereof. These cannot but keep us mindful of thy exceeding Riches and Mercy. decorative border Lord, if to thy enemies (as to the greatest number of the world which love thee not) thy condition be to deal thus bountifully, what shall I deem, resteth with thee for thy friends? Truly such blissful joys and rest as maketh me only desire of thee to be dissolved from this earthly and unclean body when thy pleasure is. I am the fresh Image of thyself, and the work of thine own hands, take me therefore unto thee, burnish me a new, free my soul from the poisoned prison of sin, that it may give equal thanks decorative border unto so sweet a Lord and guide. Whilst I abide in this wretched body of Sin, I cannot see thee (oh Lord) yea it is a heavy habitation, and depresseth down sore my Spirit from the familiarity which it else should have with thee my loving Father. Lord this world and life, is a Dungeon of Darkness, a Mountain of miserable martyrdoms, a lewd Labyrinth of loathsome Lusts, a cankered course of choking Calamities: being void of all virtues to gain eternal Life. Make me therefore strong to walk upright in this wretched wilderness, and decorative border arm me with the gift of thy grace, against the power of Satan my Ghostly enemy. Here is nothing where I am Lord, but daily assaults of Temptations, troubles, torments, careful calamities, contention for thy word, horrible hatred, and worldly ambition: against which Lord perfect me in knowledge and strong faith, and with thy right hand beat down mine enemies, that thou mayst be known to be my God and Shield. decorative border ¶ The Versicle. FOR thy dear. sons sake (O Lord) hear and receive my Prayers. ¶ The Answer. AND in thy truth and mercy pardon mine offences, and grant me thy grace. ¶ The Collect. O Lord jesus Christ, Son of the pure Virgin Marie, thou art not only the sweet spouse of my soul's decorative border health, but with God the Father a most meek Mediator, full of mercy and truth, wash away my sins with the most precious blood of thy holy passion: make me rich in thy mercy, and my faith so strong in thee, that assisted with thy grace and holy Spirit to all duty, and works in this life towards thee, I may enjoy afterwards the glory of thy blessed kingdom, with thy holy Saints, in everlasting honour and triumph. Amen decorative border L Loving Father, plant thy grace so surely in me, (oh Lord) that from this day, I never become enemy with thee again, but that I may only rest in thee. Guide me with the clear light of thy word through the dark deserts of this wretched world. here no misery nor trouble lacketh: Here every place is full of snares of mortal enemies: yea, here one trouble decorative border and temptation being overpassed, an other ensueth, and after the first enduring, a new battle suddenly assaileth, whereby I never have peace, and want wherewith to war. O Lord keep me, help me, save me; regard me (oh Lord): Lord assist me with the power of thy holy Spirit; and as thou hast commanded I come unto thee, praying for the gift of all these my requests; and specially Lord, I require the Sword of my saviour Christ, true and firm Faith, that established in thy Truth, holding that for my defence, I may be safely armed against all mine decorative border enemies, and strong to cut down the thorns which shall spring in my way of passage unto thee, in whom sweet Saviour, above all honour, glory, triumph, sway, rule, power, and dignity, make me settle all my joys: yea, above all health, riches, beauty, fame, and felicity, to desire thee, love thee, and magnify thee which givest all: and therefore of all to be beloved and sought, art most worthy. Amen. decorative border A ARise (O Lord I beseech thee) and ease the pains I suffer, and the troubles of my soul: let the fountains of thy grace overflow my barren body, and the floods of thy mercy strengthen my feeble Spirit: let thy loving kindness cover mine infirmities, and thy suffered drops of dew upon the Cross, drown mine iniquity. Thy word is Truth, and thou hast said, thy delight is not in the death of a Sinner, but wouldst decorative border he should convert and live. Teach me therefore to number my days in the love of thy Laws, that I may always thirst after thy kingdom, and never forget thee: but in this, that I have here begun, may persever and increase, setting at nought all worldly pomp, respect of persons, and man's help, and only cleave to thy Omnipotent power, mercy, strength, and goodness: wherein Lord make me so rich, that I never may have power to swerver from thee, nor want thy grace to resist all temptations, neither yet thy strength to tread down mine enemies, and so my heart shall decorative border joyfully live, and give thanks to thee my God of all truth, mercy, and victory. Amen. D Dear God thou merciful father of my redeemer Christ, which hast promised to hear the petitions, of them that ask in thy son's name, give down thy fear into my heart: conjoin thy holy spirit to the fellowship of my soul, power upon me the blessed dews of thy grace: enrich me with thy high understanding, and send wisdom decorative border in her glory from thy Sacred seat to dwell in me that she may giude me, uphold me, and labour with me, to the end, that in all my traveles, enterprises, proceedings, and studies, I may prevail to thy glory. Do this dear Father, for the triumph of thy name. Bow down thine ears, and mercifully hear, and receive the sum of all my requests, & grant that all things which I ask according to my necessity, I may effectually obtain to thy glory, and profit of my soul, through jesus Christ my only Lord & Saviour. Amen. decorative border I I Give and commit into thy hands my Spirit, yea rather I may say thy Spirit: seeing thou hast given it me, link it to my body for a season, and seeing it is thy image and Figure, made after thine own likeness, seeing thy dear Son did climb the direful steps of death for redemption thereof. O most favourable Father and meek God of all mercy and compassion, I eftsoons commend this my Spirit into thy hand, decorative border I am thine whatsoever I am, receive thine. I beseech thee preserve me, and comfort me, for no man can help me besides thee. Only thou art the surest resister of all mischief, thou art (oh God) the readiest help in all trouble, thou art my hope & strength. In thee do I put my trust, let me not be confounded, let me never be rebuked: thou art my strong rock and my Castle, thou art my saviour, my portion is in thy hands. Lighten thy face upon thy Servant, and save me (O Lord) in thy mercy. Amen. decorative border E EVen now I see that no brickle nor corrupt gold or Silver hath redeemed my soul (O Heavenly Father) but the precious blood issuing from Christ as of a lamb undefiled and without spot, make me therefore (O Lord) for his sake to put on his humility, patience, virtue, and unspotted life, rendering such account of this my pligrimage as best may agree to his merit and thy mercy. Let me not be found unthankful to so sweet decorative border a Lord and Saviour: what is most righteous, acceptable, and pleasant in thy sight, let me always (O God) prefer in faith and works: and whatsoever is to approve me unworthy of his tender and surmounting love, that may alter his loving kindness, or exchange his wont compassion towards me, Lord let me ever fail in strength to do it: but assisted by thee, I may everlastingly be found to live in him. Amen. decorative border E EVery one, that sayeth, Lord, Lord, shall not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore confirm my Faith strong in thee, O heavenly Father, and in my Saviour jesus Christ: quiet my mind with sure hope of his promises, and thy Salvation. Destroy in me the kingdom of Sin, the power of Satan, the desires of the world, & the delights of the flesh. Guide decorative border my feet in the paths of thy precepts: bring the conflicting days of mine enemies to an end. Make me, that am weak in myself, strong in thee, to conquer the force of their arms. So shall my lips power out continual praise unto thee, O god of my Salvation, and magnify thy Majesty, world without end. Amen. L Look not extremely what is done amiss in me, for no flesh is righteous in thy sight. I offer up myself wholly decorative border with all my unsavoury, and corrupt abuses: both in will & works unto the flowing fountain of thy mercy, to be chastised, polished, and washed, and made clean even at thine own will and pleasure. Wherefore impute not the frailty of my tender years unto my charge, but that thou mayst overcome when thou art judged. Forgive me, receive me, and so arm me with thy holy Spirit, that I may tread the rest of my days with an upright sway, a clear conscience, and a single heart, to thy Glory, and profit of my Soul. Amen. decorative border I I Live (Oh God) in a most wretched Vale of misery, where continually thy creatures are stained with sin, assailed with affliction, vexed with troubles, choked with cares, infected with ambition, vexed with temptations, blinded with errors, overcome with vanities of the world and miserably wrapped in all untruth, and wretchedness, wherefore (O Lord) arise, stretch out thy hand, help, and comfort me. Assuage my decorative border sorrow, assist me with thy Holy Spirit, that mine own substance overcome me not: this glittering vain world of infinite sorrows and few felicities deceive me not: that Satan supplant me not: but give me invincible power to encounter them: patience in suffering them: & in thy word, constancy in persevering to the end, Amen. Z Zeal, anger, hatred, and from respect of any persons in judgement, LORD decorative border make me free. Arm me with the patience of my Saviour Christ: give me the Breastplate of his righteousness, & the helmet of his equity. Make me to exercise his Mercy, Truth, meekness, Faithfulness, Temperance, and Humility. Cast out of my heart, all that may offend thee, and disprofit my soul. Let all worldly things be vile unto me: for thy sake let me rejoice in nothing without thee, nor love nothing, but to thy glory. So shall my heart keep thy laws, and my mouth for ever and ever speak thy praise Amen. decorative border A Accept me (Lord) in the number of thy elect: behold in me the Image of thyself, and the work of thine own hands: remember thou hast given thy dear Son to the bitter Passion of the Cross for my redemption. Let me not be rewarded therefore according to the deep sea of my sins, for than I perish. But for thy Truth, Mercy, and dear sons sake, correct me, strengthen me, and embrace me: yea, link me so decorative border surely to the love of thy laws, that I never leave thee: and in the day of my trouble, and hour of death, Lord deliver me: so shall I live, and glorify thee, through all worlds, Amen. B Behold my infirmities (O Lord) and consider my frailness, best known unto thee. So oft as I shall fall, make me lift up my heart again unto thee, seek thee, fear thee, and love thee, and ever to be sorry with so steadfast decorative border a purpose of amendment, that my earnest desire may rightly stir up thy mercy, and procure me the assistance of thy grace to conjoin me to all Heavenly things, and to destroy all earthly affections and temptations, that daily pluck me back, and rebel, not suffering my soul to live in rest. Against which, build thy fear in my breast: true knowledge of thy word in my heart: fortify my faith with sure hope of thy Heavenly bliss: & enter the shining light of thy word so deep in my mind, that all my studies & thoughts being only occupied therein, my other parts decorative border may ever want power to offend thee, and my tongue and lips ever be singing thy laud and glory. Amen. E enrich my Soul with the continual fellowship of thy Holy Spirit, whose divine humanity may so temper my gross substance with true condition, that always I may seem low in mine own sight, and neither pride nor self love overtake, or at any time allure me to exercise the unseemly pleasantness of decorative border nature, but ever preferring a pure and chaste life, may win the victory of all uncleanness, and glorify thee, which art the head and Patron of all mercy, truth & singleness, whose triumph my tongue shall never cease to advance. Therefore most loving Saviour, leave me not to myself, but stand always by me, and with thy strong hand make my ways sound and perfect, & confound mine enemies in their devices. Amen. decorative border T THou hast said (most sweet redeemer Christ) that the Mountains shall remove, and the Hiles shall fall down, but thy loving kindness, word, mercy, & truth shall not move: and also, that the band of thy peace shall not fail us. Dear Father I beseech thee for thine own truth and mercies sake, remember this thy promise & Covenant, grave it so deep in the inward parts of my heart, that I may never forget, neither decorative border fall from thee, but ever acknowledge thee mine only God and Saviour: Love thee with all my heart, & thy people for thy sake: exercising justice, mercy, and Truth to all thy Creatures, and never suffering me to do that may move thy wrath, but more and more assisted with thy grace, may increase thy love and liking, and finally obtain thy joys everlasting. Amen. H Hear these my Prayers, (sweet Lord jesus) decorative border and for thy exceeding Love, which brought thee from the Sacred seat of thy Father's breast into the womb of the blessed virgin, to banish death and Sin, to redeem man's nature, whereby in thy austere Passion, as thou hast restored me and with so blessed a Shield defended mine eternal death: by the self same Love call me (that have wandered) home again to thy Fold: renew me with thy spirit: confirm me with strong faith: nourish in me, such thy abundance love: garnish me with thy plentiful grace: lad me with infallible hope of thy mercy: finally restore decorative border all parts in me which are decayed, and quicken in me, what so is dead, & should live, that my spirit set at liberty from Terrestrial things, thou mayst ever dwell in me. And my Soul and body assisted with thy rich gift of all these, may fully, purely, safely, and strongly settle them in thee. To whom be praise both now and ever. Amen. ¶ A Prayer. Almighty God, which fliest with the wings of the Air, rydest upon the Cherubins, and hast Empire above the Starry Firmaments. decorative border Thou that sittest in Sacred seat most high, beholding the wretchedness of man in this low Earth, attending through thine own love his deserts, when with any occasion thou mayst offer thy mercy, Bow down thy pitiful eyes, and favour in me the Image of thyself, as thou didst vouchsafe in Zache when thou called'st him out of the Fig tree: enrich my ears with the same voice of Remission and Gladness, as thou didst his: incline thine ears and hear these cries, (oh Lord redeemer) for though I am but Dust, Earth, ano Ashes, yet I am bold (strengthened decorative border with thy truth and the merits of Christ's death and passion) to lay my prayers before thee, requiring mercy and forgiveness of all my sins, and also the assistance of thy grace, to do thy will all the days of my life, and to obtain all these my petitions, through jesus christ thy dear Son and my only saviour: to whom with thee and the holy Ghost be all honour, power, dominion, and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. decorative border A MEDITATION upon the Lord's Prayer. ¶ Our Father which art in Heaven. Truly, thou (O Almighty Father) hast just Cause to execute thy severe judgement upon us sinners, decorative border which so often and grievously move thy wrath and indignation against us, but sithence by thy mercy they dost not only pardon, but also commandest and teachest by thy Son jesus Christ, that we should hold thee for a father, we pray thee through him that thou wilt give us a full and sure trust in thy Fatherly clemency, and that we may likewise feel some taste of that security which thy Children have, and with joy call thee Father, acknowledge thee, love thee, and in all our troubles call upon thee: defend and guide us that we may perpetually abide thy Children, decorative border and let us not go out of thy protection. Though we be the Children of wickedness, yet let us not hold thee in steed of a severe judge, when thou wilt that we shall not only call thee Father, but our Father: and that we pray not in our own name alone, but in the name of all thy Children. Give us therefore an uniform and brotherly love that in deed we may perceive ourselves to be Brothers & Sisters, and thee our general Father. Let us pray for all the rest, no otherwise then Fathers were wont to pray for their Children: neither suffer any of us to seek his decorative border own, and forget his brother: but taking away what envy, hatred, or discord, so ever reigneth among us, that as becometh God's children, we may mutually love one another, and truly call thee not Father, but our Father. Of our carnal and earthly father we receive this brickle body, and he is such a one as is subject to death, neither are we sure how long he shall remain a Father. Furthermore if adversity happen, he can not change that, but thou art a heavenly Father, truly far better and more Nobler. So much more right is it then, that we contemn decorative border for thee, our Father, Country, kindred, Riches, Flesh, Blood, yea and whatsoever is in this world under the scope of Heaven. This also grant to us, that we may be thy heavenly Children, whom thou dost teach, that we shall regard nothing but the soul's health, and that heavenly Heritage, lest in this carnal and earthly country, deceived, stirred, up, or letted by riches, we become heirs of sensuality, but trwely let us say our heavenly Father, and that truly we may be thy heavenly Children. decorative border Hallowed be thy name. ALmighty GOD heavenly Father thy holy name is miserably profaned many ways in this world, scorned, taunted, and blasphemed, when it is applied to those things, in which is no glory of thy Deity: yea many abuse it, employing it to sin, and truly that unworthy life in a christian man, deserveth to be called a Profanation of thy holy name: grant therefore to us good Lord, through thy mercy, that decorative border we may beware of all those things, by which the honour and glory of thy name is diminished, and purify us that the Arts of Magic may be abolished, let people cease to enchant Devils or other creatures, by thy name, see that all disturst and superstition perish. Heresy and wicked doctrine also (which notwithstanding they prefer thy name, yet they deceive many) let them perish & be brought to nothing: grant that thy people be not deceived through any outward show only of Truth, righteousness, or holiness. Suffer not any man to forswear himself, lie, or decorative border deceive others, by thy name. Take from us (O Lord) all false aids, which take upon them a show of thy name: remove from us that Spirit of Pride and vain glory, and the study of praise and glory. Grant that in all our troubles and evils we may call upon thy holy name, yea in the fear of our conscience and even when death assaileth, let us not be forgetful of thy holy name. See that in all our success both in words and deeds, we may praise & worship thee only, and not seek out of these, ours, but the glory of thy name, which alone possessest all things: take from decorative border us (O Lord) that most foul vice of ingratitude: Plant in us such good works and life, that others may be alured to us, not to our, but unto thy praise and glory. Lord let not other be offended, through the vices or evil works which yet remain in us, lest thy name for our sins should be ill spoken of, or not henceforth praised. Suffer us not to ask any thing of thee, either momentary or eternal, which agreeth not to the glory of thy holy name and praise: if we do ask any such thing of thee, in that hear us not: grant us so to live as becometh God's Children, that we seem decorative border not unworthy of thy holy name. Thy Kindgome come. IN this miserable and wretched life all kinds of sensual appetite & wickedness bear rule in us, and the evil spirit, head, and fountain foe all siin, hath government. But in thy kingdom (O Lord) grace and virtue guide the sway, & jesus Christ thy dear son true patron of all grace and virtue, holdeth empire. Thou therefore dear Father, favour us with thy grace: Give unto decorative border us a true and constant faith in Christ, fortify us with a firm & sure hope in thy mercy, where with our weak and feeble conscience may be raised up from the feeling of sins: load us with an earnest love, both towards thee & all other thy good Creatures. Take from us distrust, desperation, and hatred, remove from us the delights of the flesh, and plant in their steed an earnest study of chastity, with perfect faith in thee, which may worthily win the reward of undefiled battle. Make us free (O Lord) from discords, ambition, war, and dissension, and let thy kingdom decorative border come, & let us lead a peaceable, mutual, and quiet life. Grant, that neither zeal, anger, or other vices (with the which dissembling & hatred are nourished) rain in us: but a mild simplicity, brotherly love, all kind of duties, contentment, and humility, suffer us not to be afflicted with immoderate sorrow and heaviness, but let us feel the pleasantness of thy grace and mercy: and that in fine, all our sins may be taken away, and we abounding through grace and virtue, in our good works, may be thy kingdom. I say, our mind, our soul, with all our strength, decorative border which thou hast powered on us, may obey thy commandments, and bear thy government, & neither follow themseules, the world, the flesh, nor the Devil. See Lord that this thy kingdom happily begun in us, may so grow, & be increased, that we be not unadvisedly oppressed of sin, neither causeless do cease from good works, for so it may come to pass that we shall labour in vain. Give therefore unto us a firm faith, wanting no strength, which not only may instruct us to a better kind of life, but also in that same may happily go forward and ever amongst us increase decorative border as the Prophet saith, Psalm. 13. Illuminate mine eyes that I sleep not, lest whilst the Christian life is but begun, we negligently go forward, and finally come again into Satan's power. Grant that we may constantly endure, and thy kingdom to come, may perform and consummate the rule begun in us. Take us from this life which is full of sin and dangers: make us to desire that other life, and let us begin and continue to hate this: grant that we do not fear death, but rather wish and desire it: let us cast out of our mind the love of decorative border this life, thot thou only mayst reign in us. Thy Will be done. IF we should confer our will with thine, it is always nought, but thy will is ever best, which deserveth that we should love and desire that. Therefore have mercy upon us dear Father, and let not any thing be done after our will. Grant if any thing happen contrary to that we would, we may patiently bear it: temper so our brickle metal, being the work of thy decorative border hands, that if any either speak or hold his peace, do or omit any thing contrary to our will, that thereby we be not provoked to anger and impatience. Let us not blaspheme, complain, cry out, judge, condemn, or maliciously accuse others therefore, but grant that we may quietly give place to those which work contrary to our will, & praise them, giving thanks as to those which stir up thy will which is good, against ours which is ill. And further, assist us that we may patiently bear all trouble, need, poverty, sickness, slander, imprisonment and all other discommodities, decorative border and acknowledge all these to happen unto us by thy will, that our will may be mortified: let us patiently bear injuries, and take from us the desire of revengement: suffer us not to encounter one evil with another, nor resist force with strong arms, but grant thy will which hath thrown us into those evils may satisfy us, and that with thanksgiving, we may bear adversities. If any ill come contrary to that we would, grant we beseech thee, that we judge not that calamity to proceed either of Satan our wicked enemy, or of ill men, but of thy divine will which decorative border doth minister all things, so that it may let our will, whereby thou mightest the better reign and bear rule in us. Grant that we may patiently and with joyful mind die, lest any being overcome with impatience or desperation, we seem less obedient to thy will. Grant that all members of our body, eyes, tongue, heart, hands and feet, follow not their own delights, but overcome and constrained, may do all things after thy will. Take from us O Lord a hardened and an untractable heart, free us from frowardness, obstinate and stubborn minds, grant that we may obey decorative border thy will, that we commit ourself wholly to thy judgement in all things, whether they pertain to the body or the soul, whether they be momentary or eternal: take from us these horrible vices, that we impeach not the fame of any, slander any, rashly judge, accuse, or condemn them, that vice of the tongue (I beseech thee) amend in us: and teach, that if others commit any evil, we may retain and hide it, to thee only let us show it, and leave it to thy judgement, that we may remit what is committed against us: and let us take pity upon them, teach us to know decorative border that none can hurt us, but he shall more disprofit himself before thee, that we may be the rather stirred to mercy then to anger: in any thing let us not rejoice, if they be thrown into calamity, which either have not obeyed our will, or whose life hath been little allowable to us, neither let us hate their good success. decorative border Give us this day our daily bread. THe Bread is our Lord jesus Christ which feedeth and refresheth the soul. Thou therefore heavenly father, grant us this through thy mercy, that the life, words and deeds of Christ with his Passion may be every where truly preached, acknowledged, followed & kept. Grant that both his doings and sayings may be example to us, to the which we may compare our life, & live more rightly. decorative border Confirm us that in calamity and trouble, his Cross and passion may strengthen and comfort us. Assist us, that by his death our death may be overcome in true faith, that we may constantly follow him being our Captain to eternal life. Bring to pass that they which have taken upon them the ministery of thy word, may happily teach, and with the great profit of the hearers, work that those which hear thy word acknowledge Christ, and diligently go forward. Let it come to pass, that the strange and wicked sects, who teach not Christ be thrown out of his Church. decorative border Let the true understanding of thy word so shine in Bishops and Pastors, & likewise upon all Magistrates, whether they have care of the body or soul; that being illuminated with thy grace, they may rightly teach us, and be example unto us, as well in doctrine, as in pure life. Let not the weak in faith be offended through the Sins of the Magistrates. Purge us (O Lord) from all heresies and wicked faith, that we may be single and daily fed with one bread, and may abide agreeable in Christ's words, teach us by thy grace that we may well study upon Christ's Passion, and rightly decorative border hold that, and let his imprinted steps stick and be found in us. Grant that the Ministers of the Church may treat, and use the holy Sacrament worthily, and to the great profit of thy Church. And furthermore that we, and all Christians may in his kind worthily & to his soul's health, receive the Sacrament. Give us peace and concord; take from us wars, contention, ambition, privy hatred, bloody hearts, usurping hands and all other kind of strifes, that those things which we have to the sustentation of our body, we may enjoy with decorative border thanks giving. Give unto thy servant james our most gracious King and Governor, thy equal gifts to his estate and dignity, with upright judgement in all things, and to all Magistrates true faith, and single judgement, with loyal minds to keep the public peace, that his joys and rule may long stand and multiply. Take from all Subjects, Sedition and Disobedience: Teach us by thy holy Spirit to order our household affairs, that we may instruct our Children and families to worship, praise, and glorify thee. Grant O good Father, that our Children and Family decorative border fall not into any sin and wickedness, neither be overthrown in any danger or calamity, whether it be either of body or Soul. Comfort, & deliver thou most loving Father the Captive, the hungry, thirsty, naked, oppressed, miserable, the comfortless widow, the orphan, sick, and the sorrowful, and defend the fields and cattle from tempest, venomous worms and wild beasts. decorative border Forgive us our rrespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us, GOD will that we patiently bear all things, and requite not evil with evil, nor revenge injury done against us, but that we should return a benefit for an injury, after the example of our Father, which suffereth his Sun to shine as well on the evil as on the good, and poureth down his rain both upon the thankful, and unthankful. O good Father stir up decorative border our conscience, both now and in the end of our life, which is grievously feared with the sight of our sins, and dread of thy judgement: make our hearts quiet and sure, that with joy we may expect thy judgement when thou shalt judge, for in thy sight shall not any man be found righteous, teach us to learn, not to our our own good works and merits, but to thy unmeasured mercy, and thereunto let us wholly commit us: likewise suffer us not to fall into desperation for our sins committed, but grant that we may perceive and feel thy mercy to be far more ample, greater, decorative border and stronger, than our wicked led life. Be present with all those which are either in danger of death, or afflicted with desperation. Forgive us, and even our sins, comfort us, and bring us again into thy favour. As thou hast commanded, so render thou also good for ill unto us: beat down Satan that horrible false detractor and accuser of our life, both now and at the hour of death, & in all other anguishs of our conscience, Satan doth accuse us, our conscience likewise doth accuse us. But thou (Lord) dost not judge after their sentence, hear not the voice decorative border E Engrave thy laws in the depth of my heart (O lord) that being instructed in thy commandements, I may serve thee in fear, and rejoice in thee with trembling, & take hold upon thy discipline in all things. Lest at any time thou become angry, and I perish from the right way Amen. decorative border L LOrd give me help from my trouble, for vain is the help of man: in thee I have strength, and thou bringest unto nothing those which trouble me, let my soul be subject unto thee, for from thee proceedeth my patience, for thou art my God and Saviour, my helper, and I will not departed from thee. In thee is my health & my Glory, thou art the God of my help, and my hope is in thee, Amen. decorative border I I Have broken thy fold, and wandered long as a lost sheep, let me return again O Lord, because I have not forgotten thy commandments, the misdeeds and ignorances of my tender years, remember not Lord, according to thy mercy, have mind on me. For thy goodness (O Lord) keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed because I have trusted in thee. Turn my heaviness into joy, cut off my sack of sorrows, decorative border and gird me with gladness, that my Glory may sing unto thee, and I shall not be grieved. Z ZOrobabel King of juda, in the depth of thy displeasure tasted of thy mercy, & received by the mouth of Aegeus thy Prophet, sweet comfort & knowledge of thy favour and grace; yea, after thy determination to destroy the whole kingdom of the Heathen, thy right hand did preserve him, and thy incomparable decorative border mercy did choose him for a seal to thyself. Lord this happy King in thy goodness was but an earthly Creature, and then could he have no righteousness in himself to move such thy compassion. If it proceed from the multitude of thy mercies, that surmount the iniquity of the whole world, & that thou didst only vouchsafe to behold in him the Image of thyself: Bow down thine eyes Lord, and behold the self same in me: Certify my conscience with remission of my sins, that my sorrowful Soul be at rest within me; send down thy holy decorative border Spirit to remain with me, that I may become with that good king thy chosen seal and servant. And so govern me always, that I may never deserve further, then to taste of thy rod of favourable correction, but that all my labours and studies may ever bend to the performance of thy holy will, and discharge of my duty. Amen. decorative border A ARise and illuminate my mind (most benign Saviour) that I sleep not at any time in death, lest mine enemies say they have prevailed against me. They which trouble me will be glad if I be cast down: but I have fixed my hope in thy mercy. Enter not into judgement with thy servant, for no living creature shall be justified in thy sight, I will ever look upon the Lord, for he shall be on my right hand, that I be not moved: decorative border for this my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoiceth, yea moreover, my flesh shall rest in hope, Amen. B BE thou unto me (O lord) in the day time a defender, and in the night season a place of refuge, that thou mayest save me: for thou art my strength, and unto thee I fly, Lord God deliver me from the hand of sinners, and from the Lawbreaker, & the wicked doer: for thou Lord art my patience, thou art my hope decorative border even from my youth; in thee I am confirmed even from my mother's womb, thou art my protector: in thee shall be my song for ever and ever. Amen. E EVer my tongue shall be telling of thy rich mercy and wondrous works (O Lord) for thou hast caused me to pass through fire and water, and hast lead me into a fresh place: thou hast given my Soul life, and hast not suffered my feet to fall. According decorative border to the multitude of my sorrows, thy comforts have made my soul merry. My soul is like a Sparrow taken out of the fowler's snare: Thou hast hitherto preserved me, that I may please thee (O Lord) in the light of the living, Amen. T THou art just (O Lord) & all thy commandments be true, and all thy ways mercy, truth and judgement. And now (Lord) be mindful decorative border of me: take not revengement of my sins: remember not mine offences, neither the offences of my Fathers, because we have not obeyed thy precepts. Give me an heart of understanding, & set thy fear always before mine eyes, that I may be obedient in word, deed and thought, to all that is thy will. Lord give unto me the power of thy holy Spirit, to rule and govern myself in all good fear and knowledge of of thy word, and that I may be unto all an example in all godliness and virtue: to the praise of thy holy name, Amen. decorative border H heal me (Lord) and I shall be healed: save me and I shall be saved. My life cleaveth unto the earth; Quicken me according to thy word, and according to thy mercy relieve me, and I will keep the testimonies of thy lips: Help me (Lord) so shall I be safe, and I will from henceforth study thy righteousness: thy mercies are many (O Lord) according to thy word restore my health Amen. decorative border JOHN. I. SI confiteamur Peccata nostra, Deus fidelis est & justus, ut remittat nobis Peccata nostra, & emundet nos ab omni iniquitate. Si dixerimus, quoniam non peccavimus, Mendacem facimus eum, & Verbum eius non est in nobis. JOSVE. Fili mi, da Gloriam Deo Israel, & confitere, atque indica mihi quid feceris, ne abscondas. decorative border AUGUSTINUS. COnfessio est salus animarum, dissipatrix vitiorum, restaurattix Virtutum, expugnatrix Daemonum. Quid plura? Obstruitos Inferni, & Paradisi portas a perit. Cassidorus super Psalm. 77. OBeata Confessio, quae aeternum tollit opprobrium. Nam quicquid Rearum invenerit Poenitentia, perpetuis Seculis reddit absolutum. decorative border An inward speech wherewith Christ doth comfort the Soul of the sinner desiring to live better. Gathered out of the works of sundry holy Writers. I Love them saith Christ, that seek me, and my delight is among the Children of decorative border men. Sic dilexi mundum, ut in mortem darem animam meam, ut non pereat, sed habeat vitam aeternam, quicunque in me crediderit. I have so loved the world, that I gave myself unto death, that who so ever believed in me, should not perish, but have everlasting life. O thou Soul, O Daughter, I have laboured, hungered, thirsted, I have been despised, and suffered persecution for thy sake: I am wounded for thine iniquity, I am wearied through thy wickedness, I am dead for thine offences, and risen again for thy justification: the love which I decorative border bear to thee, hath forced me to do & suffer all these things, and to make choice of thee for my Child. Wherefore amend thou, and return to me, wash thee in the blood of my wounds and deck thee with virtues and merits of my life. All these things I willingly give, nay rather as a most loving Father offering these things, I run to embrace thee, and receive thee with embracing and kissing, assuring thee to love me: again return daughter, and be clean. Praebe cor tuum mihi, quia praeter hoc aliud abs te non desidero. Be sorry that thou hast sinned because thou hast decorative border offended me, or at the least, sorrow because thou canst not perceive thyself pensive, for oft it cometh to pass, that it better pleaseth me, and is more profitable to man, to have a will to be contrite and denout, then to perceive contrition or devotion: Because this contrary desire of willing and unwilling engendereth affliction of mind. Therefore be sorry and angry with thyself, yea judge thyself worthy to be damned, because thou hast sinned, and art not sorry as thou oughtest. This contrition although it be not sensible, yet it is such, although thou suffer persecution, decorative border as will bring thee to health eternal: for I know your misery, your weakness and necessity, so that in no wise a willing mind ought to despair whatsoever oldness or coldness of conscience he feel. But thou wilt say, I have committed innumerable offences: how shall I particularly sorrow every one of them? O my daughter needest thou comfort: let only truth comfort thee, if thou hast many sins, have also one general Contrition, in the which thou wilt include all & every offence, so that there be no sin: which (although it came unto thy mind,) thou decorative border wouldst exempt from thy penitency & which thou wouldst not eschew and forsake. For this general contrition extendeth itself to all and every offence, yea unto those which thou hast forgotten and canst not remember, neither do I require that you should necessarily have for every offence several contritions, according to the number and manner of your sins: for thus I have spoken of Marie Magdalene, I have forgiven her many offences, for that she loved much. I said not because she loved oftentimes, neither could this Magdalene in so sudden a compunction decorative border be otherwise sorry then for all together. Thou likewise to be sorry for all, that there be no sin which may delight thee, whether generally or particularly it come into thy mind. Sorrow not out of measure, nor suffer such imaginations and fantasies take place, as though I were so angry that I would not be pleased, pardon nor receive thee again into favour, for these are the suggestions of the wicked Serpent, wherewith he endeavoureth to train thee to desperation, whose custom is in the beginning of his illusions to pluck the remembrance of me from their decorative border hearts, to promise my mercy to them that sin, and confirm the security, boldness & obstinacy of an ungodly will, but afterwards finding them declining, and that they will forsake him (if by other means he cannot procure them to evil,) he setteth upon the weak and fearful minds with the assault of Desperation, he persuadeth to unbelief, he telleth them that evil custom cannot be overcome, he feareth them with the greatness of their sins committed, & like a liar telleth, that I will not forgive sin. But thou my Daughter, believe him not whatsoever decorative border thou feelest, fall not into Desperation. This Contrition sufficeth that it pitieth thee of mine anger, wishing thou hadst not transgressed: and determinest not to sin any more. But if thou do err, yet rise again, yea again with hearty repentance, purpose to sin no more: if thou fall the third time, yet rise again, if the fourth or fift time: yea lastly, if thou fall seventy times seven times, so often return to me, and I will receive thee. Is it not better that I should receive thee, then lose thee, together with all my labours and pains which for thy redemption I have suffered? Let nothing decorative border O Daughter call thee away, O Daughter let nothing keep thee from me, which art redeemed with my blood: though thou hast given thyself to the Devil, denied me an hundred times, taken my name in vain, spit at me, slandered my holy word, only be forie from thy heart that thou hast done this, and I will forgive thee. Let no offence be so great in thine eyes, that it pluck away the hope of pardon: no sin so ponderous, that it may be able to overcome my mercy: I make no difference, whether from few or many sins I deliver thee: all have need decorative border of my mercy, which floweth abundantly to every man faithfully ask it. Thy wickedness cannot exceed my mercy, the more thou hast sinned, the more willingly I forgive thee being penitent: for the greater the sinner is on whom I bestow my compassion, so much the greater is my glory, I am not hard nor sparing, but liberal and bountiful to thee (my Daughter) if thou only hadst committed all the offences that be, and I forgave them, my mercy is no whit the less. There is peradventure some other thing that feareth thee, yet when thou wert overpressed with sin, decorative border that which thou didst then willingly commit now against thy will, are compelled to bear whatsoever unwillingly thou sufferest, shall not damn thee nor spoil thee of my grace, for sin must be so voluntary, that if it be not voluntary, it is no sin: bridle therefore thy will from consenting, and then suffer the Flesh and the Devil to rage, and though by thy former life and conversation, thou hast deserved evil, yet because thou truly repentest thereof, and dost study to live better, thou shalt not be guilty of that thou sufferest, so thy will consent not. And if at any time the Devil suggest decorative border thee with blasphemous or cursed thoughts against me and my Omnipotency, be not therefore troubled or faint hearted. For so long as thou hast not voluntarily erred or performed consent, thou dost rather suffer, then do offence: when these things bring thee rather heaviness, and affliction, than delights, they are no way to be feared, but I suffer thee to feel them, and they to molest thee, that thou mightest be rather thereby defiled. Therefore truly the Devil stirreth up those things that whilst thou go about to resist them, thou mightest be hindered and letted from the decorative border taste of my love: and being so much astonished, fear to come to me. For he rejoiceth when thou wallowest in doubts, & troubles: but thou Daughter, fear no such thing, look not toward them, answer them not, strive not against them, nor take any heed to them: but rather as one untroubled, go forward in thy exercise, passing by, and contemning such chances, as the barking of dogs and hissing of geese: for if thou wouldst renew, dispute, fear and discuss them, thou dost always more print them in thy mind, and tangle thyself in greater trouble. decorative border The penitent Soul, after it hath taken some knowledge and taste of my goodness, considering that I am so good and so merciful: and finally that I am so slow to impute sin, that I do not only pardon it, but also receive him into my favour and friendship, as though he had never sinned: I comfort him, and bestow on him gifts. Thus whilst the afflicted conscience doth meditate, yea even of his fall, I say, he getteth to himself a great occasion of ferventness, and thankfulness towards me: a far greater occasion of hatred and displeasure towards himself, decorative border whilst he rigorously accuseth his own folly, for despising me a God so merciful unto him, as whom justly I might both condemn and destroy, I spare, comfort, and deal bountifully with: so that how much the more he perceiveth my mercy to him, so much the more is he moved with greater zeal of justice against himself, and in a manner desireth to be revenged on himself, for the contempt of me: whereby it cometh to pass, that he doth not only desire pardon and reconciliation for his sins, but suffereth the dignity of my justice: humbleth himself, and punisheth decorative border himself, because he hath wickedly lift up himself against me, whereof proceedeth, that how much the more he perceiveth himself comforted of me, so much the more he abhorreth and detesteth his own unworthiness, and with sorrow disdaineth the enormity of his sins, marveling how he could be so ungrateful to me. As a drop of water on the burning fire, so are the sins consumed of that Soul, which is come to this zeal, that it no less loveth my justice, than mercy. Therefore amongst all kinds of repentance, there is not a better for decorative border man, then continually to consider my great love and fidelity towards him, and contrarily his own infidelity, ingratitude, and frowardness towards me. The Devil is so envious to my Servants, that he omitteth no time in tempting them: and even when they are about to repent, and bewail their sins, he chief casteth in doubts, causing them again and again to confess their faults, that thereby they might never attain to any quietness, but distrust all their confessions, when they find any circumstance or offence neglected, whereof they have decorative border not made mention. But beware O my Daughter, thou fall not? I am thy Confessor. It is only I that can ease thy burden, cure thy wounded conscience, and refresh thy hungry Spirit. Oh how it grieveth me to see thee always conversant in corruption, and troubled in recounting thy sins to him, that cannot forgive thee! Wherefore cast thyself on me only, and I will deliver thee; for if a thousand years thou wouldst search thyself, and be confessed of ten thousand, thou shalt not be cleansed. Quando enim exhauries Abissum: decorative border Therefore commit thyself to me only: I will make thee safe, whensoever with all diligence thou shalt go about to confess thy fault: let me alone with Mercy to thee, acknowledge that thou canst not cleanse thyself, say that thou hadst need of my mercy, confess that thou canst not answer one word to a thousand things wherewith I might charge thee: but art in every work unsufficient, and hast need of my Mercy. Wherefore trust not to thy Confessions, but in my Mercy, for by it thou shalt be justified. And whilst thou art too much conversant in the care decorative border of thy sins, thou mightest turn unto me, and enjoy my gracious presence. Dost thou not note the subtlety of the enemy? To this end he suggesteth thee with the number of thy sins, and thoughts of thy wickedness, that thou mightest neglect things to thee more wholesome. Know thou this therefore chief, that my delight is that thou shouldest think of my goodness, & seek me in simpleness. Thou shalt find me gentle, godly, full of compassion, and chief in mercy: trust in me, hope in me, seek my favour, seek my friendship, and familiarity: and for the better obtaining decorative border of these, direct thy exercise in holiness. Thou shalt undoubtedly feel a far more beautiful fruit, if thou diligently care how to love, please, and follow me, then by bruising thyself with scruples of thy confessions, for deeming to search out and abolish doubts, thou dost rather engender to thee doubtfuller things: thou canst not think me too pitiful, or merciful, so that thou do not presume upon my mercies, neither canst thou give me over much credit. Wherefore accustom thyself to think well of me, and believe that I will not condemn thee: For decorative border truly, whosoever is willing to correct his life, and despaireth not, him will I save. I am well pleased, O Daughter, that thou art so sorry thou hast offended, and that thou wilt not sin hereafter. Now thou art in State of salvation, why fearest thou? I am rich in infinite mercies. Thus think of me, for thereby thou dost me more hodour, then if thou didst imagine me cruel, and hard, or shouldest so much fear, as though I watched only to entrap men, in this or that doubt or circumstance, they had omitted: But yet when any great offence cometh in thy mind, decorative border confess thy fault with all humility, and sorrow of heart, and desire grace to amend, and after rest in peace, and cast all the Devilish doubts upon me I desire thee. I am willing to enjoy thy friendship, I require to be loved of thee: see therefore that thou answer my good will. Understand, know, and judge thyself to be a sinner. Say in many things thou hast offended, that thou art most ingrateful, a Rebel, spiteful, and blasphemous against thy Commandments and will: And hereof so much humble thy self, that thou dare not once lift up thine eyes decorative border before me, since thou art full of loathsomeness, and abominations. There be certain so esteeming their committed evils, that they are moved with them either to pleasure and delight, or contrariwise to desperation, or some such like inconvenience. But thou, when thou wilt think thyself a sinner, and humble thyself, shake off the dreams of thy sins, and turn unto me: confer with me touching thy sins and infirmities: power out thy complaints before me: reason with me: accuse thyself to me of thy crimes committed so shall thy accusation of decorative border sins be converted into prayer. Wherefore when thou hast turned to me, plead thy cause in Prayer: for by this means thy conscience shall be made clear and quiet, thy affection also to me directed, shall be by me inflamed. But now of Satisfaction for Sins: Embrace this counsel. That whatsoever thy hand is able to do, that instantly work: yet not with that mind, or to that end, as though therewith thou couldst make satisfaction for thy sins: For to the accomplishing of this, thou oughtest to think all thy works too unworthy, decorative border and far unable. But do that thou canst every way to please me whom thou hast offended: desire me that with the merits of my passion, and most holy life, I will punish thine offences, and satisfy my Father for them. This humility, this sure trust in me, with which thou debasest thyself & thy works, and extollest me and my merits, excelling the works of thy satisfaction, since that one drop of my blood is of more value to Satisfaction, than all man's deserts, which hath already made Satisfaction for the sins of the whole world. Such humility allureth me decorative border to thee, and causeth me to communicate with thee the treasure of my merits. Wherefore let this chiefly be thy study, that thou neglect not my good pleasure, but continually to think on me, desire me, love me, and whatsoever I command and will, diligently perform: then if thou hadst infinite heaps of sins, I will forgive them all, as freely as if thou hadst but one, neither is it less easy for me to forgive many, than few: It is a marvelous thing that I will say, but yet most true and certainly to be believed: if the whole world were a fiery Globe, and in decorative border the midst of it were thrown a bundle of Flax: this of his natural effect should not so soon receive the flame of fire, as I will receive the repentant and sorrowful sinner to mercy, for in that natural act is required some tarriance, though very little and peradventure not to be perceived, but here is no tarriance at all, between the penitent and him that forgiveth, between the sorrowful and him that heareth the sighs. Thou therefore daughter, reject all inordinate fear, desirous to please me with thy holy heart: study to be holy, for I am holy, willingly offend decorative border not, though in never so little or light a thing, but shun the occasion so much as in thee lieth, wisely withdraw thyself from the society of man's superstitious communications and from unprofitable and evil occupations: be not solitary, be not idle, spend the time thriftily to my honour: occupy thyself in reading the Holy Scriptures, where thou shalt find my Life and Passion. Plant in thy heart my trouble, Cross, and persecution, walk before me in Holiness, with fear, and reverence, persuading thyself that I am never absent from the Godly, but do decorative border instantly hold them, diligently bridle and keep thy senses and tongue, if thou love much babbling, thou canst not profit, embrace soberness and reasonable continences, shun vanity, and the pomp of pride: sensuality and unlawful pleasures see thou follow not: but diligently endeavour to keep thee undefiled: fight courageously against vices, & faithfully pray to me that thou mayest break and overcome the wicked passions and inclinations: do as much as thou art able, yet trust not to thy endeavour, but to the help of my Grace, for if thou trust to thyself, and to thine own decorative border industry, thou shalt easily fall: thy well doing never ascribe to thyself, nor usurp any thing upon my gifts, for of thyself thou canst not but offend, of thyself thou hast nothing but sin, which is proper to thyself, desire not vainly to please any mortal man, wish rather to be known of sew then many, and to be despised rather then praised, never esteem thyself any thing worth nor think thy worthiness of any value, but without saying account thyself ungrateful, unworthy, and the vilest creature alive: Humble, and embase thyself beneath all men for my sake, love all men decorative border with a pure love, yea those also which persecute thee, wish the prosperity of thy brother: despise none, despair not at the well doing of any: slander none, judge no man, what thou seest & hearest of others, interpret it to the best, with all study mortify thine own appetite, and singularly embrace my will gladly, and willingly obey me in all things, and men in those which be lawful: leave thine own will and deny thyself; commit & yield thee wholly to my providence, with firm trust in me, in all temptation, peril & necessity, for I have care of thee, and diligently attend thee, as decorative border if thou only livedst: Daughter, learn to receive every adversity and affliction, no otherwise then as from my hand sent only, and patiently bear it to the end for my sake, for trouble is the cup of blessing, whereof I have made all my chosen to drink. There hath not been any of mine, which outwardly or inwardly hath not suffered some trouble. Wherefore rejecting all weakness, whatsoever cometh to thee, take it in good part, & believe it to be sent to thee for thy health, for the great love I bear thee: suffer adversity, it is the kingly way which leadeth to heavenly heritage, decorative border walk therefore in it, rejoicing, and give me thanks that I have so regarded thee, that I would give thee somewhat that thou shouldest suffer when any do molest thee, and work thee injury or spite, think him sent by me to prove thee. be not aggrieved with him, give him not sharp and bitter words, neither think of revengement, mark not the man (which is my Instrument and scourge) but attend on me, which suffer such things to be done by man. O Daughter, in every trouble and sorrow be patiented, resigning thyself to me, for I purge thee by afflictions, and decorative border make thee apt and worthy to be married to me. But if of thy human infirmity, or other defect thou fall to impatience, be not discouraged, neither waver despairing in thy good endeavours: but forthwith arise, turn to me, and call upon me, with a sure hope of pardon, I know the general weakness of man, I know also thy peculiar frailty, trust to me, thy hope and full trust cannot be too assured in me, if thy life and repentance be good. Wherefore hastily fly unto me, I will take thee up, heal and defend thee, what dost thou fear yet? O Daughter, why dost thou decorative border not even now desire death, for what evil can death bring thee? Truly after thou hast bequeathed thy carcase to the ground, thou shalt no more offend me: thou shalt no more be defiled with sin, if thou love nothing in this world, Death can take nothing from thee: if thou love any worldly thing, wilt thou stand to the danger, nay rather thou lovest thine own perils. Therefore before thou die, cease to love worldly and transitory things, if thou fear not too much to die, yea if thou love me alone in this life, be glad thou shalt die, for but by death thou canst not get what decorative border thou lovest. But I know what thou fearest, truly nothing in this world thou lovest, nothing thou dost possess, that either thou carest to enjoy, or wouldst sorrow the loss, but trembling and fear vexeth thee because thou knowest not whether thou be worthy love or hatred. Thou knowest not how thou shalt be received of me, either to rest or pain: None of these shalt thou know O Daughter, as thou wooldest know yet. Though thou fear, yet abide in hope and sure trust in me, whether thou live or die: of thyself thou canst neither live nor die well, both decorative border thou hast of me, if I give thee to live well, shall not I also grant thee well and happily to die? seeing therefore thou hast all of me, seeing thou lookest for all things at my hand, how is it then that thou hopest one thing, and dispayrest another? Trust then & cast all thy thoughts & care upon me, as living thou art able to resist no temptation, nor avoid any sin, so neither dying art thou able, if faithfully I prevent temptations, and moderate them in thy life, the same will I do in thy death. Never enter battle with thine own force and arms, but leave it unto decorative border me, and leaning unto me, I will fight for thee, and I fight for thee, and defending thee, what cause hast thou of fear, neither doubt thou of the condition or kind of death. Nullum est genus mortis, quod nocere potest justo. No kind of death is able to annoy a just man: for the just with what death soever he be beset is in safeguard, Therefore be nothing careful whether at home, or abroad, in bed or in field thou shalt die, neither fear whether thy death be natural or violent: but as the Apostle counseleth, study to live soberly, justly and godly, decorative border that thou mayest well and happily die. An evil death doth not follow a good and just life, but the death of the just is precious in my sight, howsoever they end this life, whether in the water, in the fire, or in bed they Dye. decorative border A Sweet and comfortable Consolation for all weak minds, to confirm and strengthen them against Desperation. WHo soever refusing the hope of pardon, runneth headlong into the gulf of desperation: doth not only distrust the omnipotency of decorative border God, persuading himself that there is some crime which he is not able to extinguish: but also maketh him a liar. By the mouth of his Prophet he hath promised a free remission of sin so soon as the offender bewaileth: but frowardly doth the posterity of Cain say: Such is mine iniquity as I shall never obtain remission. What sayest thou caitiff? If God be not able to pardon because of the greatness of thy sin, thou robbest him of his Omnipotency. If he will not do that which he can do, he is a Liar, and too light, not to perform the thing decorative border which so oft he hath promised by the mouth of his holy Prophets. It is said of the Psalmist: God is gracious and merciful, long suffering, and of great goodness. The Lord is loving to all men, and his mercy is over all his works. Is there any thing then more admirable, than the Creation of the heavens, with so many shining bodies? then the making of the earth with such singular variety of living creatures, Trees, plants, Fruits, and all other things? then the fabrication of so many pure Celestial Souls? so that who durst be bold to affirm (had not the Prophet decorative border manifestly spoken it,) that the mercy of God doth excel the glory of his handy works. Holy Scripture sometime termeth the mercy of God great, sometime too great, & sometime it amplifieth the force thereof by the name of multitude or number. The Kingly Prophet David in one self place comprehendeth both the greatness and multitude of Heavenly mercy, saying: Have mercy on me O God, after thy great goodness, and according to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences. Where great iniquity is, decorative border there needeth much compassion. If thou do but weigh how heinous the offence of David was, thou wilt acknowledge the greatness of God's goodness: If thou consider how oft he offended in that sin, thou shalt see the multitude of his mercies. That GOD which is our King, our Father, our Master, our Spouse, prescribeth no determinate number of offences, but as oft as through true Repentance we return to him, he forgetteth and forgiveth the punishment which he threateneth to us: he entertaineth us amongst his Family, leadeth us into the decorative border Chamber of his Love, and receiveth not us only, but forgetteth our offences: He bringeth the lost sheep upon his shoulders, to the staules, and biddeth the Congregation of the Chosen to his rejoicing. He goeth to meet the Prodigal Son, returning from his long and loathsome journey, and putteth a rob & a King upon him, and commandeth the fattest Calf to be killed for him. What other thing doth this signify but the Immense, or as I may say, the overmuch mercy of God? It is no marvel, though his mercy exceed which loveth us so exceedingly. decorative border Paul feareth not to write thus to the Ephesians. We are (saith he) by Nature become the Children of wrath: But God which is rich in mercy, for his tender love, wherewith he loved us, when we were lead to sin, hath raised and reconciled us again to Christ. Saint john in his Gospel more plainly expresseth the marvelous Love of God our Father towards us, saying: So God loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that who so believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. Whereunto Paul aptly agreeth, He decorative border that spared not his only Son, but gave him for us all: hath he not given us all things together with him? This so great love: this so great kindness, doth it not worthily appear unmeasurable, because we have nothing which we have not freely received of God. Whatsoever we do, whatsoever we possess, it cometh by the mercy of God: Yea it is the mercy of God that made the Angels, and created the world. If he had wrought it to himself, his power and policy might have been praised: but sith to our use he hath framed all these things, decorative border shall we not acknowledge his mercy to be marvelous. For whom have the Celestial Airs their course: to whom dareth the Sun his beams by day: the Moon with the Stars, their brightness by Night, but for Man? For whose use made he these things of nothing? For whose sake, but for man's only, do the hanging clouds give their shade, and bedew the pleasant fields? Why blow the winds? why flow the Rivers, why spread the springs, why increase the Seas but for the use of man? Who reapeth the commodities of the fertile earth, decorative border which engendereth so many living things, such wealthy store, but man? There is nothing that God hath not made Subject to man: only he would that man should be obedient unto him. Many times our merciful God sendeth adversity, either to clear us of our transgressions, or to deter us from sin, or to minister occasion of well-doing. Thus was Abraham tried: so was job proved with many miseries: thus is every one which liveth in jesus Christ tried in this world with sundry afflictions, as the Gold with the fire. Where are those that decorative border murmur against GOD, when either infirmity of health, or death, and loss of wife and Children, or decay of worldly wealth happeneth to them: no thing knowing that these are the manifest signs of a merciful God. Let us give ear to the counsel of Solomon, My Son (saith he) Despise not the word of God nor forsake his correction: For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth and delighteth in him, as a Father in his Son. The Apostle Paul hath the like saying to the Hebrues. Whom the Lord loveth, he correcteth, and rebuketh every Child that he decorative border receiveth. Then (by Paul's Counsel) when any storm of adversity ariseth, let us stand fast in the Truth, knowing, that he offereth himself to us, as to his Children, like a merciful God. If the love of God lend us prosperity, let us give him thanks, and be careful that we abuse not his bounty. If misery oppress us, let us nevertheless give thanks to him, and commit our selves to his judgement. To obtain health thou givest thyself up to the Physician: thou yéeldest thyself to the chord, Saw, and Searing of the Chirurgeon: And decorative border to enjoy everlasting health: fearest thou to trust thy Creator, thy Master, thy Father, and only Saviour? Thou darest not say to the Physician, thus & thus cure me? And wilt thou prescribe to God the means of thy saving health? Let every one of us descend into the depth of his conscience: let us consider how oft, and how grievously we have offended God, how his benefits are defiled with our iniquities, and so we shall see, how much we are indebted to his infinite mercy, which hath borne with our frailty so gently, which by so many means calleth us to repentance: decorative border which so wllingly pardoneth the penitent, and convert. Truly he is greatly to be lamented which refuseth the fountain of everlasting life, and never by repentance returneth whence he departed. The Prodigal Child strayed far, left and forsook his Father's House, & yet returned. Peter was far gone when he denied his Master thrice: but yet remembering the words which jesus spoke to him, he recanted, and wept bitterly. How gently doth the Lord in Hieremie under the decorative border person of the wife (which having forsaken her husband, & gave herself to every man) Call his people to repentance: Return my Children and be converted (saith he) because I am your husband. But oh wretched is the man that stoppeth his ears at this voice of the Lords. To day (saith the Psalm) If you hear my voice, harden not your hearts. This is our day as long as we live, in which the Lord ceaseth not to call bpon us to repentance, offering us prepared pardon. God himself in Ezechiel doth not only promise remission to him that forsaketh decorative border his evil, but voweth oblivion of all his former offences. For after he had reckoned all the errors which man fell into, he added: If the wicked man will be sorry for his sins, keep my commandments, & do the thing that is right, he shall live and not die; and I will not remember aught that he hath done. Have I pleasure in the death of a Sinner, (saith the Lord God) or rather would I not his conversion from his evil ways, that he might live? And again he sayeth, Return and repent you of your faults, and your iniquity shall not prevail against you. Cast away evil decorative border cogitations, and take you a new Spirit. And why wilt thou die, O house of Israel, I will not the death of a sinner, return and thou shalt live. O wretch, why despayrest thou, sith to this end GOD sent his Son into the earth, that thou mightest have comfort? This is the love of God, whereof David speaketh saying: We have seen thy loving kindness, even in the midst of thy Congregation: be early at the church occupied in prayer: abide in the Apostolic Faith: beware of Idolatry, embrace the loving kindness of God who crieth uncessantly: I will not decorative border the death of a Sinner, but rather he convert and live. Hark to this sweet Oracle, shake off the drowsiness of error: and rise with Christ, that thou mayest live in him. Mark how liberally he promiseth: At what hour soever a Sinner shall repent, I will put all his wickedness out of my remembrance. He hath no respect to the nature of thy faults, he forceth not the greatness, or number of thine offences: repent but as thou oughtest, and he will blot thy wickedness out of memory. That our Prayer may be decorative border more acceptable to God: the Prophet O see telleth us how we should pray: Return unto the Lord and say to him: Lord take away mine iniquity, and receive (if I have any) my goodness, and I will give thee the batlinges & sacrifice of my lips. Let us revert that have shamefuly erred, to him which taketh away the sins of the world, and let us say: Take away from us the evil which we have done, and accept this good: What good? Even the sacrifice of our Lips: We give thee thanks mighty God, to whom we own all that we have. Take from decorative border us which is ours, & accept of us that which is thine own. Return (saith joel) to your God, because he is loving & gracious, long suffering, and of much mercy, and ready to pardon mischief. Though the weight of sin astonish thee, yet let the mightiness of God's mercy uphold thee, which the Prophet doth many ways exaggerate. God (saith he) is gentle: which he addeth, that we should not despair of pardon: God (saith he) is gracious, that we should understand how he not only helpeth us, but that he pitieth our miseries. And thinking not this sufficient, he decorative border adjoineth Long suffering. And yet art thou doubtful, sinner? Hearken then what followeth: And of great mercy, If thy faults be many, care not, great is the goodness of God. What remaineth now, but that thou turn and go to him that inviteth thee? thou wilt say, the horrible threatenings of punishment fear me: Give ear and mark: And he is ready to pardon mischief: that God which is so often stirred to anger: of his own accord moveth thee to repentance: calleth thee to forgiveness, forgetteth his threats, denieth thee the decorative border torment of Hell: in stead of punishment, giveth thee his blessing: not only turneth to thee that repentest, but willingly goeth to meet thee, & embraceth thee. This is it which was promised by Zacharie; Turn unto me (saith the Lord of hosts) and I will be converted unto you: What meaneth he by Return unto me? that is acknowledge thy weakness and ask mercy. And what is meant by this? And I will be converted unto you: That this, of a revenger I will become a helper: I will assist your endeavours, and look what through your own decorative border strength you can not bring to pass, thou shalt attain to buy my favour. No man can freely hate his own sin: unless God mollify his stony heart, and give him a fleshly heart: unless for a defiled Conscience, he make a clean heart, unless for a corrupt soul, he renew a right Spirit in him. Peruse and read the conversation and life of Christ, there thou shalt find nothing, but of his everlasting mercy towards all men. He freely healed the sick: fed the hungry: delivered them that were in danger: cleansed the Lepers: gave decorative border sight to the Blind: restored the Lame: cast out Devils: raised the dead to life: and pardoned the wicked. Search again the universal discipline of GOD, what other thing containeth it, than the marvelous compassion of the Almighty? doth he not inculcat into our minds by parables, to the intent we should not fall by any means? To that end serveth the Parable of the lost sheep, which was brought again on the shepherds shoulders: the Parable of the lost, and found groat: of the whole man that wanted not a Physician: of the Servant to whom his decorative border debts were forgiven, of the Publican and the Pharisee, of the broken man whom the Samaritane cured, of the good Steward towards his debtors, and of the crafty Steward towards his Master: of the Prodigal Child taken again into favour. As touching the bare name of the Gospel, doth it not promise mercy? Yes, it giveth light to the blind, liberty to the Captive, health to the broken, and last of all a grateful gain to the Lord, who thirsteth nothing, but the Salvation of sinners: Likewise the name of jesus, that is (of a Saviour) what else doth it decorative border promise to the Sinner, but mercy and blissfulness? If he had come representing the Majesty of a judge, there had been some cause why every one might have feared: but knowing him to come as a Saviour, dost thou despair Salvation? for the surer hope of Salvation, the Son of God suffered death, and offered up himself a valiant sacrifice for the sins of man. And hanging on the Cross, prayeth for his persecutors: and thinkest thou that he will deny thee forgiveness of thy sins, that dost acknowledge thy wretchedness, and crave remission? Trust him that is decorative border merciful, and thou shalt find compassion. A sure hope obtaineth any thing at Christ's hand: who so mistrusteth the Physician, hindereth his own health. The woman of Canaan cried, and her daughter was cured: The Centurion believed, and his Servant was made whole again. The Father prayed, and his Son was cleansed of the foul spirit. The Apostles cried out, Help Lord for we perish, and they were delivered. And we see that in diverse he hath not respected the prayers of the mouth, but only the Faith. He did but perceive decorative border the faith of the people, and said to the sick of the Palsy, Be of good cheer my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. The Mother and her companions do but weep, and her Son is raised from death to life: Martha and Mary did but mourn, and Lazarus was received: Marry the sinner bewaileth, he anointeth her, kisseth her and saith, Thy sins are forgiven thee. He sufficiently asketh, that confesseth his infirmity: he asketh effectually, that lamenteth & believeth. The woman troubled with superfluity of blood, secretly touched the vesture of jesus: decorative border and immediately she felt the force of his mercy. We read also of many others that were healed by touching his garment: so never unprovided is his goodness, and at all times he giveth comfort to the weak. If thou be afraid to call upon jesus: if thou canst not come unto him, yet at the least touch the edge of his garment. Read the Scriptures, follow the doctrine of the Apostles: for by them he often showeth his virtue, and telleth of thy saving health. O blind & unthankful, which despise the grace of God so ready to be obtained! But O thrice wretched, decorative border which despair in that which is willingly and freely offered! he is easily pacified, that is revenged against his will. What other meaning hath this Phrase, but that the Lord leaveth no way unsought for, to bring us to Salvation, and we wittingly forsake the hope of Salvation? And why wilt thou die O house of Israel? with tears he lamented Jerusalem, which heaped vengeance unto itself by their malicious errors. O jerusalem (saith he) how often would I have gathered thee together, as the hen gathereth her Chickens, and thou wouldst decorative border not? Our humble Saviour weary, because he may not save us miserable sinners, and we despair in him as though he would not save us, who have deserved his fearful judgements for our iniquities committed against him All the House rejoiced where the Son which died was revived, and received again that perished. That good Father calleth the company of the Heavens to rejoice over the penitent Sinner: and thou wretch despayrest, envying both thine own safeguard, and the gladness of God. Shall we believe that he decorative border will not pardon malefactors, who lamenteth the death of a Sinner, and rejoiceth at the conversion of the Penitent? He calleth all men to the marriage Feast: he would have his house filled with strangers: maketh the Blind and the lame to come in: And why stayest thou Caitiff? Why forsakest thou not thy Swinish soil? Why strivest thou against the mercy of God? there can be no greater folly, then for vain and variable things to forsake Eternity. There is no greater wisdom then for a little sufferance, to gain immortality. Great is their ignorance decorative border therefore, which persevere in their naughtiness: But greater is the wisdom of those that live in newness of life. O what cost we bestow, what pains we take in finding corruptible metals, and how little we care for the treasure of God's mercy, which is laid open, and freely offered to us. The Lord is rich in mercy. The treasure of worldly wealth may be wasted by profuse expense: but the bounty of God's goodness hath no bottom. God hath assured his Faith to man, and (as Paul writeth) he cannot deny decorative border himself. He offereth to be challenged and reproved, if he hath not performed his promises. For thus he speaketh in Esay to a wicked generation: Lift up yourselves and be clean; take away the thought of evil cease from mischief, learn to do good: seek judgement, help the oppressed, judge the innocent: defend the widow, & come and reprove me (saith the Lord.) Hearest thou now wretched man? what else requires our gracious God of thee, but amendment of life? And that the enormity of thy heinous crimes may not exanimate decorative border thee, attend to the ready remission. If thy sins (saith he) were as red as scarlet, I will make them as whit as Snow, and if you will hearken to me, you shall eat the Fruits of the earth. O cursed Progeny of Eve, why dost thou yield to the deceitful promises of the Devil, that allureth thee to destruction? and art deaf at the Son of God, which would associate thee with everlasting joy? Repent (saith he) for the kingdom of God is at hand. The Son of God promiseth, the Father commandeth thee, the holy Ghost inviteth thee, and yet thou art decorative border scrupulous to receive that which is offered. The voice of the Apostles, is the voice of God, and they cry, Repent and be baptized in the Name of jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Forsake your foul, filthy, and abominable traditions, and seek the kingdom of Heaven. There run unto Christ, Soldiers, Publicans, Harlots, Idolaters, manslears, sorcerers, bawds, Incestuous persons, none are exempted, all have free course to the mercy of God; their former life is not imputed to decorative border them, if they repent and amend their lives. Like as the ground often moistened with heavenly dew, & yet yieldeth his tiler nothing but thorns & brambles, is worthy to be had in contempt, and to be given to the fire: So God many times, for the contempt of his goodness, giveth Sinners up to their reprobate sense. wherefore it is best to leave off procrastination of amendment of life: and when the Lord calleth us to cast of the Old man with his deed, and concupiscences: lest God, which hath been denied to be hard, as the least refuse to hear our complaints. Horrible is the voice decorative border wherewith he threasneth those which will not hear him, that so graciously calleth. Because (saith he) I have called, and you have refused: I have stretched out my hand, and there was no man that would look: because you have despised my counsel, and set at nought my admonitions, I will laugh at your destruction, when that shall come to pass which you feared, when abortive misery shall come upon you, & the storms of destruction shall prevent you: when sorrow and anger shall possess and oppress you; then will you call upon me, & I will not hear: they will rise betime in the morning, but decorative border they shall not find me, because they have hated my discipline and have been void of the fear of God, have not hearkened unto my counsel, & have defiled my correction. In this life there is hope of mercy. Wherefore while thou livest, call for the grace of God, and amend thy life. The careful God of our salvation hath suffered mighty and marvelous men to err, that we by their example might have comfort, and not despair in hope of pardon. In Holy Scripture who is more commended than King David, who was both a King & a Prophet, a chosen man after decorative border the hearts delight of God? out of whose stock came the Saviour Christ. But into how. many and grievous crimes fell so mighty a man: Yet hearing Nathan pronounce the grievous threatenings of God, cried out, Lord I have sinned. And Nathan said, But the Lord hath taken away thy sins, thou shalt not die. God suffered Peter to offend grievously, and yet when he had lamented, he obtained mercy. When he gave him charge over the sheep (for which he shed his precious blood) was it likely that he meant to remember the denying of him thrice? no, decorative border no, he had so freely forgotten it, that there remained no jot imprinted in the memory of our loving God. We have many examples of Sinners, and not a few of the penitent: the example of none ought to move us to sin: let us not too much try God: if any man be encumbered with iniquity, he hath examples of repentance: let him not despair. They do evil which will not repent with them whom they have transgressed withal. After David had willingly confessed his fault, and acknowledged the just judgement of God: behold what great hope he conceived of the mercy of decorative border God: Sprinkle me O Lord (saith he) with I soap, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. By the sprinkling of the blood of the immaculate Lamb, he promiseth to himself clearness too, though he acknowledge his conception to be sinful, yet by this washing, he hopeth after the whiteness of iunocency, which passeth the whiteness of the Snow. And he trusteth not only in the innocency, but looketh to see his doubtful penitency turned into heavenly joy. Thou shalt make me hear joy and gladness (saith David) that the bones which thou hast decorative border broken may rejoice. Give me the comfort of thy help, and 'stablish me with thy free spirit. O singular faith of a sinner, what man hath at any time cried, jesus have mercy on me: but forthwith he hath obtained grace. Take pity Lord, (sayeth the woman of Canaan) and her daughter was was healed. The blind poor man cried out, O Son of David have mercy on me, and he received sight. Let us hearty, zealously, constantly call on him, and in the midst of our miseries say, jesus thou Son of David have compassion upon us. And of poor decorative border impotent beggars he will make us fellow heirs with him of the kingdom of Heaven. He hath opened the sanctuary of his holiness, and thou runnest into the dungeon of despair: he hath stretched out his hand to thee, & thou turnst away thy face: he openeth the gates of Heaven, and thou hastest to destruction: behold the bosom of his goodness, and thou creepest into the lake of unhappiness. The Thief that hung on the Cross heard him saying, This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise: and thou offerest thyself to the Devil. decorative border The mercy of God came unto us, when he sent his Son into the earth: Let us therefore go to it: Let us incline to him, as he did to us: The way is first to leave our life. For first the Physicians use to purge the body, that they may minister wholesomer Medicines. Forsake O thou Sinner, thy wicked imaginations, which fight against God: leave to lust, be not covetous, refrain riot, fly arrogancy, that God may power his blessings upon thee. He that persisteth in his wickedness and calleth for grace, is like to an enemy, decorative border which being ready armed, asketh peace of his Master: he that asketh receiveth: he that seeketh findeth: and he that knocketh hath it opened unto him: if thou wilt desire mercy, crave it truly: if thou seek it, seek it indeed, if thou knock at the gate of forgiveness, knock earnestly. If thou require an example of one that faithfully craved the favour of God, Mark the Prodigal Child, who leaving his Swine, returned to his Father, and said: Father I have sinned against Heaven, and against thee, make me as one of thy hired servants. Mark the Publican, decorative border which for the guiltiness of his conscience, dare not lift up his eyes to heaven, dare not come to his redeemer, but standing a far off, he knocketh his breast, and saith: Lord be merciful unto me a Sinner. S. Hierome affirmeth the offence of judas to be greater in despairing the mercy of God, them in betraying Christ, as Cain stirred God to anger, more through desperation of pardon, then by the slaughter of his brother Abel. Many which have persecuted Christ being converted, & believing in him have obtained pardon, & are made examples to man, that he ought not to distrust decorative border the remission of his wickedness, seeing the death of our Saviour is forgiven to the penitent: Wilt thou hear saith Augustine the mercy of God, leave thy abomination & he will forgive thee? Wilt thou see the truth of God, do good, & thou shalt be crowned with justice? God is not so merciful to use unjustice, nor so just to be unmerciful: but some man will say, men increase their offences by too much hope: but how much do they enlarge their guiltiness by distrust of remission? If there were no forgiveness, than thou wouldst rage's & say, I am wretched, I am condemned: why is not my decorative border law: why shall I not fill myself with satiety? if after this there be nought but torment: this would be thy saying, O worse than despair itself. He doth better therefore that correcteth thee with promise of forgetfulness, and saith, I will not the death of a finner, but that he convert and live. God by his promise would not have sinners to presume: but his will is, they should not in any wise distrust: and therefore he hath made them ignorant of the day of their death: if thou repent, present pardon is provided: no day is prefixed. Wherefore to conclude, if decorative border thou hast lived well till this day, and still abidest in this life, live well, amend thy life, and behold forgiveness, and be sure that what he hath pardoned, shall not be imputed to thee again, which for his merry he grant that taketh away the Sins of the world, Amen. decorative border CONSOLATIO. NULLA maeroris magnitudo, nulla angustiarum acerbitas, nulla defectuum multitudo, nulla scelerum enormitas, te ad desperationem, nimiamve pusillanimitatem adducat; Quantumcunque peccaveris semper Dej misericordia in infinitum excedit decorative border tuas iniquitates: Quantumcunque infirmus sis, semper illius benignitas a diuvare parata est tuam fragilitatem. Vult, & potest Deus sanare, ac liberare te, si ad eum verè converteris, atque humilis factus, ipsum piè inuocas, & speras in eo. O quam homini salutaris & Deo grata est spes, atque confidentia illa, quam Dei amor, sanctaque humilitas parit, & quae hominem non ad negligentiam vel incuriam sese emendandi, neque ad facilitatem peccandi pertrahit, sed magis ad conatum proficiendi extimulat. decorative border THE authors Prayer. IN the depth of thy mercy (O Lord) bow down thine eyes, & behold, incline thine ears and hear, stretch out thine Arm and help, for I am thine unworthy creature, and hapless man, that thorough thy rod of wrath have experience of most wretched misery. Mine enemies pursue me with gaping jaws, decorative border and whetted teeth, saying within themselves, let us now devour him for the time that we looked for is come, we do find and see it. They have fortified round about me, and have enclosed me with torment and travel. My flesh and skin are made old, my bones are bruised, they have hedged me, that I cannot get out, & have said heavy links upon me. Help Lord thy servant whom thou never failest, I cry and call piteously, yet am I not heard: my innocency is trodden down, and my life suddued with like surmises. My mourning they daily hear, but comfort I find decorative border far off. They have stopped up my ways with quartered stones, and made my paths crooked. They lay wait for me as wild Bears and devouring Dragons with open mouth: deliver me from their greedy gripes, and free my feet from the paths of such venomous Serpents. O Lord thou seest they have stopped up my well-springes of truth, how they have broken me in pieces: preferred their guils, & altogether laid me waste: I am made their mark to shoot at: their strongest Bows have been against me out of their malicious quiver, they have shot their sharp decorative border shafts of eager envy, yea, even into my rains. They laugh me to scorn in their dissembling hearts, and yet bear me fair countenance. No regard is had of my Truth, and utter confusion is come upon me, thy gifts Lord proper to myself are holden from me, and I perish in want, having of mine own. The leaven of my bread is made with cruel cares, and my drink mingled with salt tears: they have overwhelmed me with heaped stones, and have buried my innocency in shameful grave, I am sequestered from all fréedxme, and thou Lord knowest I am decorative border not guilty. Correct me not in thy justice, for in my misdeeds towards thee Lord, but in the mildness of thy mercy: for I acknowledge I have done things unlawful against thy throne, and am no more worthy to be called thy Child. Yet Lord from the bottom of a broken heart I ask thy pardon, and my Spirit trusteth in thy mercy, & requireth that mine enemies may no longer triumph over mee. Lord look down and remedy my misery and thraldom. Remember how long I have been fed with sorrow & care, how my body wasteth, and my Soul decorative border melteth away. I fear Lord thou hast forsaken me, and set up the horn of mine enemies, that thou givest them this long Glory over me. O merciful Father, do not so I beseech thee. If my scourge be determined (with thee) for any my contempts of thy will: yet deliver me from the hands of the malicious. I acknowledge my faults towards the Celestial Seat, and say: my righteousness all is stained, I appeal to thy mercy, for thy truth and sons sake. But Lord if my breast ever harboured any unjust pretence, or act against thy seruaant james my gratiova decorative border King and Governor, as a joyful pray bestow me amongst mine eager enemies. To this day from my birth, thou knowest Lord, I have honoured him with loyal love & served him with true heart, and innocent hands. Now Lord if such discharge of duty hath ever won victory over any his worthy thoughts, I beseech thee not in my deserts to thee, but for my truth to him: multiply in secret breast such thoughts to sure increase of firm belief, as through thee inspired with my large truth, which might never boast herself: I may be saved from the snares of decorative border the malicious, and my innocency known to him. Wake Lord I beseech thee, and renew on me thy mercies, and help, as ever thou hast done of old. My Soul saith within me, thou Lord art her only portion: and therefore she will hope in thee. And my body hast thou always delivered in greatest peril whensoever I have put my trust in thee. Arise most mighty helper and aid thy Servant, who only seeketh succour of thee. Sure I am in mine enemy's pits, thou wilt not that mine Innocency perish: neither destroy me utterly in mine unrighteousness towards decorative border thee: for that my contrite heart appealeth to thy mercy: and thy condition is not to seek the death of a sinner, neither to be found untrue in thy promises, wherein my spirit only trusteth. Amidst my sorrowful plaints and scorching sighs, Lord power out the comfortable dew of thy compassion: for in no other help will I trust but in thine, though the whole Earth would assure me: mine enemies swarm as Bees to the Hieve, and spread as flowers of the spring: my friends walk in single number, and hundreds that erst professed saith, deny their sentence: decorative border such as would me good, want the mean thereto: and those that best may, with Fortnes threats are beaten down, and made lame. Wherefore Lord wash the understanding of my gracious Governor with the flowing springs of thy Truth. Cause him with speedy hand to comfort the comfortless: Guide his mind still in thy love and fear, with such perfect wisdom, true justice, and pitiful compassion, showing whose member he is that hath thus worthily preserved thy people. Yea further Lord, guide so his course on earth, that thou mayst afferwardes of decorative border right equal him in joys with the blessed Cherubins about the high heavens. Continue in him thy grace, which givest every good gift: that as he is thy chosen vessel, no usurping heart, nor bloody hand may ever have power against him. But replenished with thy holy Spirit, may execute thy will, and walk in thy paths, never wanting the strength of thy right hand to beat down his enemies. But found worthy of thy rich goodness, we may long enjoy so matchless a head and Governor: grant this Lord I beseech thee, with exchange of my hard state into decorative border better, even at thine own will: and my Spirit shall never cease to give praise and thanks to holy Name, Amen. To the Reader. MY willing mind sundry ways a●oied in the purpose of my pen, is forced here to offer thee courteous Reader, in supply of void paper, these few selected Sentences out of decorative border Holy Scripture, and other divine & ancient writers which for their worthiness, thy behoof and less labour, if thou accept better placed than barren paper, and grant their once reading I have my desire. after I deem, that if knowledge of Virtue may allure thee, or view of vice abash thee, thou wilt often read and unread them, to embrace the good, and eschew the evil, which the heavenly Father grant us all his grace to fulfil. decorative border Sentences out of the Holy Scripture. THe fear of God is worship & triumph, gladness, and a joyful crown: yea, who so feareth the Lord, shall be happy, and when he hath need of comfort, he shall be blessed. decorative border The Seed of them which fear the Lord shall be brought to honour: but the generation of the proud, deceitful and malicious, shall perish with the shame of their wickedness. Labour to get thee a good Name: for that shall continue by thee surer than a thousand greater treasures of gold: A good life hath a number of days, but a good name endureth for ever. The untruth of a lying tongue murdereth the Soul, upon the head of the backbiter, & blasphemer, with terror shall the Lord send the thunder of his wrath, and consume them hastily. decorative border He that loveth Riches shall not be justified: & who so followeth corruption, shall perish in the same. Gold and Silver is the tree of falling to every one, that greedily seeketh the same: blessed is the Rich, which is found without blemish. Travail and carefulness for riches taketh away the sleep, and maketh the flesh to consume: they help not in the day of judgement: Righteousness shall crown thee: Through thy evil got goods, shalt thou perish. The joy and cheerfulness of the heart, is the pure life of man: And his clear conscience decorative border a sure fortress against death. The tree of the field is known by his fruit: So are the rotten thoughts of the dissembling person by his open deeds of malice. Forgive thy Neighbour the hurt that he hath done thee: so shall thy sins be forgiven thee when thou prayest. Remember the end, and let enmity pass which seeketh death and destruction: abide in the commandment of thy God, that thou mayest reap his blessing. They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous, shallbe taken decorative border in the snare, anguish of heart shall consume them before they die. Wrist not thou the Law: nor know any person, neither take any reward: for gifts blind the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous: that which is just follow, that thou mayst live. He that leadeth a godly life, and speaketh the truth: he that abhorreth gain won by violence and deceit: he that keepeth his hand, that he touch no reward: which stoppeth his ears that he hear no counsel against the innocent blood: which holdeth down his eyes that he see no evil: decorative border he it is that shall dwell in high, whose safeguard shall be on a Bulwark of rocks, and his joys incomprehensible, Esa. 33. The Congregation of dissembling Hypocrites shall be desolate and unfruitful, and the fire shall consume the houses of such as are greedy to receive gifts, the dissembling person conceiveth cravell, and beareth vanity, and their body bringeth forth deceit. job. 15. There be many that for their sundry friendshipps, and benefits which are diversly given unto them, be ever the more proud and high minded, decorative border and undertake not only to harm the benefactors, but are unthankful for their received goodness, go about to escape the judgement of God, whose eyes vieweth all virtue: seeks to punish all wickedness, be not in the number of such. Hester. 16. My right hand shall not spare the sinners, & my sword shall not cease over them that shed the innocent blood upon earth, Esdras. 15. Despise not a man that turneth himself away from sin, and cast him not in the teeth withal: but remember we be all frail and offenders. Eccle. 8. decorative border Three things there be that my Spirit favoureth: the unity of Brethren, the love of Neighbours, and a man and wise that agree well together. Three things there be which my soul hateth: a rich man covetous, a poor man proud, and an old man that is unchaste. Eccle. 25. Oppress not thou the law, nor know any person, neither take any reward, for gifts blind the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous: that which is just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live. Levit. 19 See that thou know no faces decorative border in judgement, nor do any unrighteousness in judgement in meat yard, in weight or in measure, true Balances, true weights, a true Epha, and a true line shall you have to all men, Ibidem. Thou shalt not favour the poor, nor honour the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. Ibidem. Thou shalt not avenge thyself, nor be mindful of a wrong, but shalt love thy Neighbour, even as thyself. James. 21. As the Sun riseth, is heat, and the Grass withereth, & decorative border his flower falleth away, and the beauty of the fashion of it perisheth: even so shall the malicious, rich, unrighteous, and dissembling person, perish in the wickedness of his ways. judge nothing before the time, which will lighten things that are hidden in darkness, and open the counsels of the hearts, so shall every man have praise of God. Cor. 4 See thou rob not the poor, because he is weak, and oppress not the simple in judgement, for the Lord himself will defend their cause, and do violence to them that have used decorative border violence. Pro 22. God resisteth the proud, & giveth grace unto the lowly, james 4. Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord: neither despair when he giveth thee adversity: for whom the Lord loveth, him he chasteneth: yea he scourgeth with affliction every Son that he receiveth. Heb. 12. Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not that which is righteous before God: wherefore lay apart all malice, and with all meekness of heart, exercise truth and quietness. decorative border James. 1. Lay aside all maliciousness, and all guile: feignedness, and envy: all backbiting: and as new born babes desire ye that milk, not of the Body, but of the soul: which is without deceit, that ye may grow thereby unto Salvation. 2. Ep. Peter. The eyes of the Lord do govern the Righteous, & his ears open unto their Prayers. Ibid. Cap. 3. The desire of the Lowly is acceptable, and the Lord will increase it: but the hope of the Proud, is the Indignation: and in the freshness of their Labours he will root decorative border them out. He that casteth out his words rashly, worketh care to his life, but who so through silence seasoneth his thoughts with wisdom, is the Author of long rest. Every labour giveth forth his fruit, only lip labour destroyeth time, and bringeth forth penury. The days of adversity are a blessing of God, and a clear conscience is a continual Feast: A malicious man kindleth strife. A Fool uttereth his wrath in haste: but a discreet person covereth wrong. The Lord abhorreth the Prayer of the malicious: but decorative border who so humbleth his Prayer in faith and Charity, shall find his desire. The desires of the Covetous man, bring upon him confusion, but who so gathereth his riches with love and favour, shall prosper. Through Mercy and Truth sins are pardoned, and through Righteousness and Faith are thy Prayers heard, and evil eschewed. Righteous lips are pleasant unto Kings, and dissembling tongues overthrow high Palaces. Better it is to be of humble mind with the lowly, then to divide the spoils with the decorative border proud. presumptuousness goeth before destruction: and after a proud stomach followeth a foul fall. Mercy & faithfulness preserveth the King, and with loving kindness his seat is holden up. Who so followeth Righteousness and Mercy, shall find both life, righteousness, and honour. Like as the golden pillars are upon the Sockets of silver: so are the beautiful parts of the Body upon a woman that hath a constant mind. The heart of the foolish is like a Cart wheel, and his thoughts run about like decorative border the Axletree. The wiseman tempereth his rage with Patience, and seasoneth his words with wisdom. Who so is merciful and giveth Alms, that is the right thanks offering: but he that stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, shall be cast down: cry himself, and not be heard. All that is of the each, shall turn to the earth again: all brides and unrighteousness shall perish: but Faithfulness and Truth shall endure for ever. Rewards and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and make decorative border him run that he cannot tell men their faults. Let not thy mouth be accustomed with swearing, for in it there be many faults. The heaviness of the heart is all the punishment, and the wickedness of a woman goeth above all. Like as to climb up a sandy way, is to the feet of the aged, even so is a wife full of words to a still quiet man. That woman that hath been unfaithful to the Law of the highest, and hath broken Covenant with her husband, her children shall take no root: and as for her branches, they shall bear no fruit: A shameful decorative border report shall she leave behind her: and her dishonour shall not be put out. Like as the Sun when it ariseth, is an ornament in the high Heaven of the Lord: so is a virtuous wife the beauty of all her house. Perpetual are the foundations that be laid upon a whole stony Rock: so are the commandments of God upon the heart of a holy woman. Whatsoever happen unto thee, receive it: suffer in heaviness, and be patiented in thy trouble. For like as gold and silver are tried in the fire, even so are acceptable men in decorative border the furnace of adversity. God is gracious and merciful: he forgiveth sins in the time of trouble, and is a defender to all men that seek him in the truth: Woe be to him that hath a double heart, wicked lips, and evil occupied hands, and to the sinner, that goeth two manner of ways. The blessing of the Father buildeth up the houses of the Children: but the mother's curse rooteth out the Foundations. Who so honoureth his father, his sin shall be forgiven him, and when he maketh his prayer, it shall be decorative border heard. He that forsaketh his Father shall come to shame: and he that defileth his mother, is accursed of God. The more greater thou art, the more humble thyself in all things, and thou shalt find favour in the sight of God: for great power belongeth only unto God, and he is honoured of the lowly. Seek not out things above thy capacity, nor search the grounds for such things as are too mighty for thee: many things showed unto thee, that be above the capacity of men. Be not ashamed of thy decorative border friend in his adversity, and keep not back thy counsel when it may do good: neither hide thy wisdom in her beauty. For righteousness and truth, strive unto death: and God shall fight for thee against thine enemies. Make no tarrying to turn unto the Lord, and put not off from day to day: for suddenly shall his wrath come, & in the time of vengeance he shall destroy thee. Trust not in wicked riches for they shall not help thee in the day of punishment, and wrath: equity, mercy, justice, and Truth shall deliver decorative border thee. In the beautiful days of thy prosperity forget not the foggy mists of adversity: and when it goeth not well with thee, have a good hope it shall be better. Happy is he that hath no heaviness in his mind: and is not fallen from his hope. Let not to pray always, & stand in fear reform unto death: for the reward of God endureth for ever; and unto them that will repent, he hath given the way of righteousness. Note all these hither, to be out of Ecclesiast. decorative border A dissembling person will unfold thy Secrets: But he that loveth thee in truth, will faithfully stand with thee in peril. Through the lying lips of the malicious, the innocent is destroyed: But in the beauty of his truth, time shall deliver him. The innocent dealing of the just, shall lead them: But the wickedness of such as dissemble, shall be their own destruction. The Lord abhorreth them that be of feigned heart: But he hath pleasure to increase the seed of the humble and faithful. decorative border Every man shall enjoy good according to the sayings of his mouth, and after the works of his hands: Do they some righteousness, & speak the Truth. The Innocent person shall be delivered out of trouble: & the double dealer shall come in his stead. Mercy and faithfulness let never go from thee, bind them about thy neck, and write them in the Tables of thy heart. Pro. 3. Be not wise in thine own conceit, but fear the Lord and departed from evil: So shall thy virtue shine, and thy healths grow Ibidem. decorative border These six things doth the Lord hate: A proud look: a lying tongue: hands to shed innocent blood: an heart that goeth about with wicked imaginations: feet that be swift in running to do mischief: a false witness that bringeth up lies: and such a one, as soweth discord amongst brothers. Pro 6. Dissembling lips keep hatred secretly: evil will stirreth upstrise, but love covereth the multitude of sins. Prou. 10. The patiented abiding of the Innocent shall be turned to gladness: and the days of his trouble are the sure signs decorative border of his Savation. Ibidem. The peril that the ungodly are afraid of, shall come upon their heads: but the faithful, and the righteous shall inherit their desires. He that by violence sheddeth any man's blood, shall be a runagate to his grave, and his posterity shall be confounded with shame. A man that dealeth faithfully, shall be filled with blessings: and he that maketh too much hast to be Rich, shall not be unguilty. Like as Hell and destruction are never full: even so the eyes of the covetous men can never be satisfied. decorative border The Seat of the King, that with justice and equity faithfully judgeth the poor, shall increase and stand for ever. Many men like the Bread that is gotten with deceit: but at the last their mouths shall be filled with gravel. These three, Proverb. all. No force is left unprepared against the day of Battle: But the Lord giveth the victory. He that soweth the seeds of malice, shall reap sorrow: and in the harvest of his cruelty, shall he perish. The end of Equity, justice, Patience, and Truth, is decorative border riches, honour, prosperity and health. Who so giveth Rewards shall obtain victory, and triumph: but he taketh away the soul of such as receive them. Rejoice not thou at the fall of thine enemies, and let not thy heart be glad when he stumbleth, lest the Lord when he seethe it, be angry, & turn his wrath from him to thee. He that turneth away his ear from the needy, or from his Neighbour in necessity, his Prayer shall be abominable. Sow no evil seeds in the decorative border furrows of unrighteousness, for the lucre of any other man's Lordship, labour not unto the King for the Seat of Honour: so shalt thou go untouched of any misfortune. Ecclesiast. 7. Who so unjustly challengeth rule to himself, shall be hated of the people. Ecclesiast. 20. Carry thy wrongs with patiented heart, and think of no revenge: the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of anguish, and to reserve the malicious unto the day of judgement. Peter. 4. If our hearts condenm us not, then have we trust to decorative border Godward, and whatsoever we ask, we receive of him. job. 3. For this purpose appeared the Son of GOD, to lose the pains of Hell, and the Works of the Devil. Ibidem. Wars with great discretion ought to be taken in hand, for through strength of good Counsel, things prosper that men devise. Pro. 24. When thou goest to battle against thine enemies, and also, seest Horses and charets, and people more than thou, be not afraid of them, for the Lord thy God is decorative border with thee. Deu. 20. If you go to war against your enemies that vex you, you shall blow with the Trumpets, and you shall be remembered before the Lord your God, to be saved from your enemies. Num. 10. The Victory of the Battle standeth not in the multitude of the host, but the Strength and Triumph cometh from Heaven. Macha. 3. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart, and that hath not lifted up his mind to vanity, nor sworn to deceive his Neighbour: he shall receive decorative border the blessing from the Lord, and victory of his enemies, and righteousness from the God of his Salvation, etc. Psalm. 24. decorative border Here followeth the Litany, to be used upon Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and at other times when it shall be thought convenient. O God the father of Heaven have mercy upon us miserable Sinners. O God the Father of, etc. decorative border O God the Son redeemer of the World, have mercy upon us miserable Sinners. O God the Son, etc. O God the holy Ghost proceeding from the Father and the Son, have mercy upon us miserable Sinners. O God the holy Ghost. etc. O holy blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons & one God have mercy upon us miserable Sinners. O holy blessed, etc. Remember not Lord our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers, neither take thou vengeance of our Sins: spare us good Lord, spare thy people whom thou hast redeemed decorative border with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever. Spare us good Lord. From all evil and mischief, from sin, from the crafts & assaults of the devil, from thy wrath, and from everlasting damnation. Good Lord deliver us. From all blindness of heart, from pride, vain glory, and hypocrisy, from envy, hatred, and malice, and from all uncharitableness. Good Lord deliver us. From Fornication and all other deadly sin, and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh and the devil. decorative border Good Lord deliver us. From lightning and tempest, from plague, pestilence and famine, from battle and murder, and from sudden death. Good Lord deliver us. From all sedition and privy conspiracy, from all false doctrine and heresy: from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word and commandment. Good Lord deliver us. By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation, by thy holy Nativity and circumcision, by thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation. Good Lord deliver us. By thine Agony and bloody decorative border sweat, by thy Cross and passion, by thy precious death & burial, by thy glorious resurrection, and ascension, and by the coming of the Holy Ghost. Good Lord deliver us. In all time of our tribulation, in all time of our wealth, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgement. Good Lord deliver us. We sinners do beseech thee to hear us O Lord God, and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church universally in the right way. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. decorative border That it may please thee to keep and strengthen in the true worshipping of thee, in righteousness and holiness of Life, thy servant james our most gracious King and Governor. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to rule his heart in thy faith, fear, and love, & that he may evermore have affiance in thee, and ever seek thy honour and glory. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to be his defender and keeper, giving him the victory over all his enemies. We beseech thee, etc. decorative border That it may please thee to bless and preserve our gracious Queen Anne, Prince Henry, and the rest of the King and queens royal Issue. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to illuminat all Bishops, Pastors and Ministers of the Church with true understanding and knowledge of thy word, and that both by their preaching and living, they may set it forth and show it accordingly. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to endue the Lords of the Counsel, and all the Nobility with decorative border grace wisdom and understanding. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to bless and keep the Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to bless and keep all thy people. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to give to all Nations, unity, peace, and concord. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to give us an heart to love and dread thee, and diligently to decorative border live after thy Commandments. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to give to all thy people increase of grace, to hear meekly thy word, & to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruits of thy spirit. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth, all such as have erred and are deceived. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to strengthen such as do stand, and to comfort and help the weak hearted, and to raise up them that fall: and finally, decorative border to beat down Satan under our feet. We befeech thee, etc. That it may please thee to secure help, and comfort all that be in danger, necessity, and tribulation. We beseech thee, etc. That it may pleafe thee to preserve all that travel by land or by water, all women labouring with Child, all sick persons and young Children, and to show thy pity upon all prisoners and captives. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to defend and provide for the fatherless children and widows, and all that be desolate decorative border and oppressed. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers, and to turn their hearts. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so as in due time wae may enjoy them. We beseech thee, etc. That it may please thee to give us true repentance, to forgive us all our sins, negligences and ignorances, and decorative border to endue us with the Grace of thy holy Spirit, to amend our lives according to thy Holy Word. We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. Son of God we beseech thee to hear us. Son of God we beseech thee to hear us. O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world. Grant us thy peace. O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world. Have mercy upon us. O Christ hear us. O Christ hear us. decorative border Lord have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Our father which art in heaven, etc. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil, Amen. The Versicle. O Lord deal not with us after our sins. Answer. Neither reward us after our iniquities. Let us pray. O God merciful Father, that despisest not the decorative border sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as be sorrowful, mercifully assist our prayers, that we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities whensoever they oppress us, and graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtlety of the Devil, or man worketh against us be brought to nought, and by the providence of thy goodness they may be dispersed, that we thy servants being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church, through jesus Christ our Lord. O Lord arise, help us, and decorative border deliver us for thy Names sake. O God we have heard with our ears, and our Fathers have declarud unto us the noble works that thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them. O Lord arise, help us, and deliver us for thine honour. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, etc. From our enemies defend us O Christ. Graciously look upon our afflictions. Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts. decorative border Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people. Favourably with mercy hear our Prayers. O Son of David have mercy upon us. Both now & ever vouchsafe to hear us O Christ. Graciously hear us O Christ, graciously hear us O Lord Christ. The Versicle. O Lord let thy mercy be showed upon us. Answer. As we do put our trust in thee. decorative border Let us Pray. WE humbly beseeth thee O father mercifully to look upon our infirmities, and for the glory of thy names sake, turn from us all those evils that we most righteously have deserved, & grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory, through our only mediator and advocate jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. decorative border ¶ A Prayer for the kings Majesty. O Lord our heavenly Father, high and mighty King of Kings, Lord of Lords the only Ruler of Princes, which dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth, most hearty we beseech thee with thy favour to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lord King james, and so replenish him with the grace of thy holy Spirit, that he may olway incline to thy will, and walk in thy way: decorative border endue him plentifully with heavenly gifts, grant him in health & wealth long to live, strengthen him that he may vanquish and overcome all his enemies, and finally after this life, he may attain everlasting joy & felicity, through jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. A Prayer for the Queen, and Prince, and other the King and Queen's Children. ALmighty God, which hast promised to be a father of all thine Elect, and of decorative border their seed, we humbly beseech thee to bless our gracious Queen Anne, Prince Henry, and all the King and queens Royal Progeny, endue them with thy holy Spirit, every them with thy heavenly Grace, prosper them with all happiness, and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom through jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. ALmighty & everlasting God, which only workest great marvels, send down upon our Bishops and Curates, and all Congregations committed to their decorative border charge, the healthful Spirit of thy Grace, and that they may truly please thee, power upon them the continual dew of thy blessing: grant this O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, jesus Christ, Amen. A Prayer of chrysostom. ALmighty God which hast given us Grace at this time with one accord to make our common Supplications unto thee, and dost promise, that when two or three be gathered together in thy Name, thou wilt decorative border grant their requests: fulfil now O Lord the desires and petitions of thy servants as may be most expedient for them, granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting, Amen. THe Grace of our Lord jesus Christ, and the Love of GOD, and the Fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore, Amen. decorative border For Rain if the time require. O God Heavenly Father, which by thy Son jesus Christ, hast promised to all them that seek thy Kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, all things necessary to their bodily sustenance: sand us we beseech thee in this our necessity, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth to our comfort, and to thy honour, through jesus Christ our Lord Amen. decorative border For fair weather. O Lord god which for the sin of man didst once drown all the world except eight persons, and afterward of thy great mercy didst promise never to destroy it so again: we humbly beseech thee, that although we for our iniquities, have worthily deserved this plague of rain and waters, yet upon our true repentance, thou wilt send us such seasonable wether, whereby we may receive the fruits of the earth in due season, and learn both by thy punishment decorative border to amend our lives, and for thy clemency to give thee praise and glory, through jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. In the time of Dearth and Famine. O God heavenly Father, whose gift it is that the rain doth fall, the earth is fruitful, beasts increase, and fishes do multiply: behold we beseech thee, the afflictions of thy people, and grant that this scarcity and dearth (which we do now most justly suffer for our iniquity) may through thy goodness decorative border be mereifully turned into cheapness and plenty, for the love of jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the holy Ghost be all honour, etc. Amen. In the time of war. O Almighty God, King of all Kings, and Governor of all things, whose power no Creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish Sinners, and to be merciful to them that truly repent: save and deliver us (we humbly beseech thee) from the hands of our enemies, abate their decorative border pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices, that we being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee which art the only giver of all victory, through the merits of thy only Son jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. decorative border In the time of any common plague or sickness. O Almighty God, which in thy wrath, in the time of King David, didst slay with the plague of pestilence threescore and ten thousand, and yet remembering thy mercy didst save the rest: have pity upon us miserable Sinners, that now are visited with great sickness and mortality, that like as thou didst then command thine Angel to cease from punishing: so it may now please thee to withdraw decorative border from us this plague and grievous sickness, through jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. O God whose nature & property is ever to have mercy, and to forgive, receive our humble Petitions, and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy lose us, through jesus Christ's sake, our Mediator and Advocate, Amen. decorative border A Thanksgiving for Rain. O God our heavenly Father, who by thy gracious providence, dost cause the former and the later rain to descend upon the earth, that it may bring forth fruit for the use of man: We give thee humble thanks that it hath pleased thee in our greatest necessity to send us at the last a joyful rain upon thine inheritance, and to refresh it when it was dry, to the great comfort of us thy unworthy servants, and to the decorative border glory of thy holy Name, through thy mercies in jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. A Thanksgiving for fair weather. O Lord God who haste justly humbled us by the late Plague of immoderate rain and waters, and in thy mercy hast delivered and comforted our Souls by this seasonable & blessed change of weather: we praise and glorify thy holy name for this thy mercy, & will always declare thy loving kindness from generation to generation, through decorative border jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. A Thanksgiving for Plenty. O Merciful Father, which of thy gracious goodness, hast heard the devote prayers of thy church, and turned our dearth & scarcity into cheapness and plenty: We give thee humble thanks for this thy especial bounty, beseeching thee to continue this thy loving kindness unto us, that our land may yield us her fruits of increase, to thy glory and our comfort, through jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. decorative border A Thanksgiving for peace and victory. O Almighty God, which art a strong Tower of defence unto thy Servants, against the face of their enemies: We yield thee praise and thanksgiving for our deliverance from those great and apparent dangers, wherewith we were compassed: we acknowledge it thy goodness, that we were not delivered over as a prey unto them, beseeching thee still to continue such thy mercies towards us, that all the world may know, that thou art our Saviour & mighty deliverer, through jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. decorative border A Thanksgiving for deliverance from the Plague. O Lord God which hast wounded us for our sins, & consumed us for our transgressions, by thy late heavy, and dreadful Visitation, and now in the midst of judgement, remembering mercy, hast redeemed our souls from the jaws of death: we offer unto thy Fatherly goodness, ourselves, our souls & bodies, which thou hast delivered, to be a living sacrifice unto thee, always praising, decorative border and magnifying thy mercies in the midst of the Congregation through jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Or thus. WE humbly acknowledge before thee, (O most merciful Father) that all the punishments which are threatened in thy Law, might justly have fallen upon us by reason of our manifold transgressions and hardness of heart: yet seeing it hath pleased thee of thy tender mercy, upoo our weak and unworthy decorative border Grace after meaet. GOds Name be blessed for his benefits now and ever bestowed on us. God send the King long life, the Realm good peace, the gospel continuance: increase our faith, and comfort all those, that be comfortless, and give unto us & our friend's health, and prosperity, peace & truth, in Christ jesus our Lord, Amen. decorative border Grace before meat. BLessed Lord, that fillest with thy blessing every living thing, sanctify thy gifts which we shall receive to the nourishment of our mortal Bodies. Remove away thy judgements far from us: prepare our hearts to serve thee in all righteousness and holiness: Prosper us in our lawful affairs, and grant us life everlasting Amen. decorative border Grace after meat. BLessed be the name of God for his blessings now and ever bestowed on us. God preserve the Church universal, our gracious King james, the queens Majesty, and the young Prince of Wales, with all the royal issue. God send us health, and holiness in jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. FINIS. decorative border decorative border decorative border Sententiae Divinae, é Sacris Scripturis, Patribusque collectae. Deus. DEus est Spiritus, qui adorant eum oportet ut spiritu ac veritate eum adorant. Alanus de conquestione Naturae. Deus est splendor nunquam decorative border deficiens, vita indefessa non moriens, fons semper scàturiens, seminale vitae feminarium, sapientiae principale principium, initiale bonitatis initium. August. super illud Pater Nost. Deus est in seipso, sicut Alpha, & Omega: in mundo, sicut Rector & Auctor: in Angelis, sicut Sapor & Decor: in Ecclesia, sicut paterfamilias in Domo: in Anima, sicut sponsus in Thalamo: in justis, sicut adiutor & protector: in reprobis, sicut pavor & horror. August super Io. Ser. 29. Deus tibi totum est: si esuris, decorative border panis tibi est: si sitis, aqua tibi est: si in tenebris es, lumen tibi est: si nudus es in mortalitate, tibi vestis est. Christus. Io. 8. EGo sum lux mundi, qui sequitur me, non ambulabit in tenebris, sed habebit lumen vitae. Ambro. in quodam ser. Omnia habemus in Christo, & omnia in nobis Christus. Si à vulnere curari desideras, medicus est: si febribus aestuas, fons est: si graveris iniquitate, justitia est: si indiges anxilio, decorative border virtus est: si tenebras fugis, lux est: si Coelum desideras, vita est: Si cibum quaeris, alimentum est. August. super Mat. 155. Ego sum via, veritas, & vita: tanquam diceret, qua vis ire, ego sum via: quo vis ire, ego sum veritas: ubi vis permanere, ego vita. August. super joan. Ambulare vis, ego sum via: falli non vis, ego sum veritas: mori non vis, ego sum vita. Homo. job. 14. HOmo natus de Muliere, brevi vivens tempore, repletur decorative border multis miserijs: qui quasi flos egreditur, & conteritur, & fugit velut umbra, & nunquam in codem statu permanet. Bernardus. Video hominem prius quatuor virtutibus amictum: quid huic decrat, quem misericordia custodiebat, veritas docebat, justitia regebat, pax fovebat. Aristoteles interogatus, quidnam esset homo? respondit, imbecillitatis exemplum, temporis spolium. Fortunae Lusus, inconstantiae Imago reliquum verô, pituita & bilis. Bernar. de consid. utili. humanae. Septem sunt de essentia hominis, decorative border quae si homo consideraret, jn aeternum non peccaret. Scilicet materia vilis, operatio turpis, exitus flebilis, status instabilis, mors tristabilis, dissolutio miserabilis, damnatio detestabilis, & consideratio gloriae ineffabilis. Peccatum. Io. 1. Cap. 1. SI dixerimus peccatum non habemus, ipsi nos seducimus, & veritas in nobis non est. Hieron. lib. 1. super Amos. Primum peccatum, est cogitasse quae mala sunt. Secundum, cogitationibus acquievisse perversis. decorative border Tertium, quod mente decreveris opere complevisse. Quartum, post peccatum non facere poenitentiam, & in suo complacere sibi delicto. Cass super Psa. pro eo ut me diligerent, detrahebant. Tribus modis omne peccatum contrahitur. Primus gradus delictorum est, non reddere bona pro nobis. Secundus, reddere mala pro malis. Tertius est, tribuere mala pro bonis: contra haec sunt tria laudabilia. Primum, impendere bona pro bonis. Secundum, malum pro malo non reddere. Tertium, perfectissimum virtutis genus est, bonum pro malo tribuere. decorative border Poenitentia. Luc. 5. NOn veni vocare justos, sed peccatores ad poenitentiam. Luc. 15. Dico vobis, quod ita gaudium erit in Coelo super uno peccatore poenitentiam agente, quàm super nonaginta novem justis qui non indigent poenitentia. August. lib. de poenitentia. Poenitentia languores sanat, leprosos curat, & mortuos suscitat, sanitate mauget, gratiam conseruat, claudis gressum, aridis copiam, coecis restituit decorative border visum, vitia fugat, virtutes exomat, mentem munit ac roborat. Conversio. Ezech. 33. IN quacunque hora ingemuerit peccator, salvus erit. Ambros. Si aurum tibi offeram, non mihi dicis, cras veniam, sed am exigis: nemo differt, nemo excusat: redemptio animae promittitus & nemo festinat. August. In inferno erit poenitentia, sed sera, ergo infructuosa: Vis ut sit fructuosa, non sit sera: decorative border hody te corrige, qui vivus es: nam qui judex tuus futurus est, ipse hody tuus advocatus est. Oratio. Mat. 26. VIgilate & orate, ne intretis in tentationem. Io. 6. Si quid petieritis patrem in nomine meo, dabit vobis. Gregor. in moralibus. Ille Deo veram orationem exhibet, qui semetipsum cognoscit, quia pulvis sit humiliter videt: qui nihil sibi virtutis tribuit, qui bona quae agit, esse de misericordia conditoris agnoscit. decorative border Isiodor. de Sum. Bon. Lib. 3. cap. 8. Oratio Cordis est, non Labiorum, ne quc verba deprecantis Deus attendit, sed orantis cor aspicit: Melius est cum silentio orare cord sine sono vocis, quàm solis verbis, sine intuitu mentis. Cassiod. Oratio est Consolatio flentium: Cura dolentium: sanitas aegrotorum Haec Animae remedium: haec Miseriarum omnium cognoscitur esse suffragium: nam qui tali munere privatur, ab omni benificio Consolationis excluditur. decorative border jeiunium. Tobias. 12. BOna est Oratio cum jeiunio, & Eleemosyna, magis quàm thesauros Auri re condere: quoniam Eleemosyna a morte liberat: & ipsa est quae purgat peccata, & facit invenire vitam aeternam. Orig. sup. Leuit. Hom 10. Vis tibi ut ostendam quale te oportet jeiunare leiuntum? jeiuna ab omni peccato: nullum Cibum sumas Malitiae: nullas Epulas Voluptatis: nullo Vino luxuriae concalescas: jeiuna à pravitatibus: abstine à malis decorative border Actibus: contine à malis Sermonibus, imò à cogitationibus pessimis: noli contingere panes furtivos perversae Doctrinae: non concupisces fallaces Philosophiae Cibos, qui te Authoritate seducant. Tale leiunium Deo placet. August. in Ser. de jeiunio. jeiunium purgat Mentem, sublevat sensum, Carnem spiritui subjicit: Cor facit contritum, & humiliatum: Concupiscentiae nebulas dispergit: Libidinum ardores extinguit: Castitatis verò Lumen accendit. decorative border Eleemosyna. Proverb. 2. QVi obturat aurem suam ad clamorem pauperis, & ipse clamabit, & non exaudietur. Petr. Rau. in quodam Ser. Manus pauperis est Gazophylatium Christi, & quicquid pauper accepit, Christus acceptat. Da ergo pauperi Terram, ut accipias Regnum: da Micam, ut accipias totum: da Pauperi, ut detur tibi. Omnia quicquid pauperi dederis, tu habebis: quod pauperi non de deris, habebit alter. jean. Chris. sup. Mat. ser. 9 decorative border Eleemosyna amica Dei consistit, & semper ei propinqua est pro quibuscumque volverit, facilé manus gratiae impetrat: vincula peccatorum dissoluit: fugat tenebras: extinguit ignem, Huic cum multa fiducia portae Coeli aperiuntur. August. Eleemosyna mundat Peccata, & ipsa interpellat pro nobis ad Dominum: quia quicquid pauperibus de derimus, ipsum integrè posside bimus. Charitas. Pau. ad Collos. ca 2. SVper omnia autem haec Charitatem habere, quod est vinculum decorative border perfectionis. Aug. de doctrina Christiana. Sola Charitas est quae vincit omnia, & sine qua nihil valent omnia, quae ubicunque fuerit trahit ad se omnia. Scientia si sola sit, inflat: quia verò Charitas aedificat, scientia non permittit inflari. Gregor. in Pastor. Nihil perfectius Deo, virtute Dilectionis. Nihil desiderabilius Diabolo, extinctione Charitatis. August. ad Martianum. Dilectio est pacis unda, Ros gratiae, Charitatis Imber, semen Concordiae, affectus Gentium, amoris Fructus, & ad summum, Dilectio Deus est. decorative border Vbi Charitas non est, non potest esse justitia, Dilectio enim proximi malum non operatur. justitia. prover. 10. BEnedictio Domini super Caput justi: Os autem impiorum operit iniquitas. Memoria justi cum laudibus erit, & nomen impioroum subvertetur. prover. 21. Facere justitiam, & judicium magis est apud Deum, quam immolare Hostias. Gregorius. justitia omnium virtutum princeps, tuta & fida comes humanae vitae, ea enim imporia, decorative border regna, populi, Civitates reguntur: quae si è medio tollatur, nec constate posset hominum societas. Cassid. sup. illud Psal. & operatur Iust. justitia non novit patrem, non novit matrem, Veritatem novit, personam non accipit. Deum imitatur. Ambros. de Offic. Bonus circuitus est, si justitia quaerit: prudentia jnuenit: Fortitudo vendicat: Temperantia possidet: ut justitia sic in affectu, prudentia in intellectu, fortitudo in effectu, temperantia in usu. Menander. Vir justus est qui non injuria decorative border afficit, sed qui injuria afficere potens, non vult. Budaeus. In justitia administranda, secundum merita causae, non sanguinis Gradum, Affinitatem, Nobilitatemque agendum. Lex. Esaias. 10. VAe qui condunt Leges iniquas: & scribentes injustitiam: scripserunt, ut opprimerent Pauperes in judicio. Paul. ad Collos. 3. Lex est vinculum Perfectionis. Marcus Tullius. Lex vinculum Civitatis est: decorative border Libertatis fundamentum: Fons aequitatis: Mens, Animus, Consilium, ut corpora nostra sine ment: Sic Civitas sine Lege, suis, partibus ac Nervis, Sanguine, & Membris uti non potest. Cicero 2. de Legibus. Legis virtus est imperare, vetare, permittere, punire, persuadere aliquid, non omnia vi, ac minis cogere. Cassiod. jura publica certissima sunt humanae vitae solatia, Infirmiorum auxilia, & potentium siaena: undè & Securitas venit, & Conscientia proficit. decorative border judex. Exod. 23. NOn declinabis in juditium pauperis: insontem, & justum non occides, nec accipies munera, quae excoecant etiam Prudentes, & subvertunt verba justorum. Levit. 19 Non facies quod jniquum est, neque jniustè judicabis: non consideres personam pauperis, nec honores, vultum Potentis, justè judica Proximo tuo. Gregor. in Moral. judicare dignè de subditis nequeunt, qui in subditorum decorative border causis non Merita, sed odium vel gratiam sequuntur. Isio. de sum Bon. Ca 58. li. 3. Quatuor modis humanum pervertitur judicium, Timore Cupiditate, Odio, Amore▪ Timore, dum metu Potestatis alicuius veritatem loqui crubescimus: Cupiditate, cum premio Muneris alicuius corrumpimus: Odio, cum contra quenlibet adversarium molimur: Amore, dum Amico, vel propinquis placere contendimus. Innocentius de miseria Hom. 6. judices mali non attendunt merita causarum, sed Pecuniarum merita: non jura, sed Munera: non justitiam, sed pecuniam: decorative border non quod ratio dictat, sed quod voluntas affectat: non quod Lex sentit, sed quod mens cupit: non inclinant adjustitiam animum, sed justitiam declinantab animos non ut quod licet hoc libeat, sed ut liceat quod libet. Isiod. de Sum. Bono. Lib. 2. Gravius lacerantur pauperes à pravis judicibus, quàm à cruentissimis hostibus. Cassiodor. Si judicas, cognosce: si regnas, jube. Qui justificat impium, & condemnat justum, uterque abhominabilis apud Deum. decorative border Acceptio Personarum. Deut. 11. NVlla erit distantia personarum, ita parvum audies, ut magnum. Hier. super Amos. Quicunque consanguinitate, aut amicitia, vel è converso, hostili odio, vel jnimicitijs in judicando ducitur, pervertit judicium Dei Christi, qui est justitia. Hiero. in Epist. Alienum te à personis omnium redde judicio: ac propter Iniustitiam in judicio Pauperem ne defendas, nec propter decorative border gratiam Diviti indecentér assistas: aut fi non potes facere, cognitionem respue causarum. judices iniqui errant à veritate sententiae dum intendunt qualitatem personae, & exulcerant saepè justos, dum improbè defundunt iniquos. Isiod. Lib. 4 de Sum. Bon. Dives cito muneribus corrumpit judicium, pauper dum non habet quid offerat, non solum audiri contemnitus, sed etiam contra veritatem opprimitur. Inno. Li. 4, de Huma. Con. Pauperum causam cum mora negligitis, Divitum causam cum instantia promovetis, in illis rigorem ostenditis, in decorative border istis ex mansuetudine dispensatis: illos cum difficultate respecitis, istos cum facinore tractatis, illos negligenter auditis, istos auscultatis subtiliter. Adulatio. Ecclesiast. 28. LIngua duplex multos commovit, eosque exalia in aliam gentem transtulit, Civitates muratas Principum destruxit, & Domos magnatum effodit Lingua duplex strenuas profligavit Mulieres, suisque laboribus defraudavit. Qui attentè audit eam tranquilitatem non inveniet, nec decorative border quietam vitam. Hieronim. Adulatores sunt Hostes & scintillae Diaboli. Ecclesi. 18. Est qui nequiterse humiliat, interiora eius plena sunt dolo. Alanus de Complaust. Naturae. Adulatores à voluntate vultum, ab animo verbum, à mente linguam, ab intellectu loquelam amplo dissensionis interuallo dissimulant, plerumque enim exterius plausibiliter applaudendo collaudant, quos interius contradictoria derisione defraudant, foris vultu applaudant virginaeo, intus scorpionis pungunt aculeo, decorative border foris adulationis mellicos compluunt imbres, intus detractionis evomunt tempestates. Ambitio. Regum. 14. COntentus esto Gloria, & sede in Domo tua. Eccle. 7. Principatum à Domino ne petas, nec à Rege sedem Magnificam. Gal. 6. Non afficiamur inanis gloriae cupidi, invicem provocantes, invicem invidentes. August. sup. Psal. Quoties hominibus praeesse desidero: Toties Deo meo decorative border praeire contendo. August. Diabolus ruit, quia elegit potius praeesse quam subesse. Innocen. de Vilit. conditionis Humanae. Ambitiosus semper est pavidus, semperattentus, ne dicar, quod desiderat, humilitatem simulat, honestatem mencitur, affabilitatem exhibet, benignitatem ostendit, subsequitur & obsequitur: cunctos hoc norai, universis inclinatur, frequentot curias, visitat optunates, assurgit & amplexatur, applaudit & adulatar, unde novit illud Poëticum. Et si nullus erit pulver, tamen execute nullum. decorative border Ibidem. Ambitiosus statim ut est ad honorem promotus, in superbiam extollitur, iactantia effraenatur, non curat prodesse, sed praeesse gloriatur, praesumit se meliorem, quia cernit se superiorem, priores dedignatur Amicos, notos ignoros, externos comitatur, contemnit antiquos, vultum avertir, Cervicem erigit, faustum ostendit, grandia loquitur, sublimia mediatur, subesse non patitur, praeesse molitur, subditis onerosus, omnibus infestus, praeceps, molestas, artogans, gravis, & importunus. decorative border Superbia. Ecclesi. 10. INitium Superbiae hominis apostatare à Deo. Cas. super Psal. 18. Superbia de Angelo Diabolum fecit, & homini mortem intulit, & concessa beatitudine vacuavit, omnium malorum mater, scaelerum fons, vena nequitiae. Hugo. Quatuor sunt, quae editionis curnam trahunt, amor dominandi, amor propriae laudis, contemptus, & inobedientia: rota verò sunt, iactantia mentis & arogantia, verbositasque decorative border levitas, Auriga in hoc Curru est spiritus superbiae. Amatores Mundi sunt, qui seruntur in hoc Curra, infraenes sunt equi, volubiles Rotae, auriga perversus, & qui portatur, infirmus. Cass. in Epist. Humanae Con. Omnis ferè vitiosus diliget sibisimilem, solus superbus odit elatum: unde inter Superbos sempet sunt iurgia. Euripides. Quum videris in sublime quempiam elatum, splendidis gloriantem opibus, ac genete supersilioue supra fortem suam fastuosum, illius celerem divinitùs exspecta brevi vindictam. decorative border Ne sis superbus Sapientia: neque fortitudine: neque divitijs, unus Deus est sapiens, potens, & Beatus. Avaritia. Luk 12. CAvete & videte ab omni Avaritia, quia non in abundantia cujusquam vita eius ex ijs qui possidet. August. de verbo Domi. Rapit semper Avarus & nunquam satiatur: non Deum timet: nec Hominem reveretur: nec Patri parcit: nec Matrem cognoscit nec Fratri obtemperat: nec amico Fidem decorative border servat: viduam opprimit: pupillun invadit: liberos in servitium revocat: Testimonium falsum profert, res Mortui occupantur, quare & qui faciunt non moriuntur? Quae est illa animarum insania? amittere Vitam: appellare Mortem: acquirere Aurum: & perdere Coelum. Bernard. super Canti. Ser. 38. Avaritia rotis vehitur quatuor vitiorum: quae sunt, pusillanimitas, inhumanitas, contemptus dei, mortis oblivio. Porro iumenta trahentia, tenacitas, repacitas, & hic unus auriga ambobus praesidet: Ardor habendi, hic auriga ad urgendum decorative border trahentia flagellis utitur acerrimis, libidinae acquirendi, & metu amittendi: haec sola Avaritia, quia conducere plures non patitur, uno contenta est servitore. Hugo Lib 2. de Claustro animae. Duo sunt quae illicité solent acquirere. Scilicet, Superbia & cupiditas: & duo quae malé fruuntur acquisitis, Gula, & Luxuria. Duo sunt qui malè possidere volunt: Scilicet prodigus, & Avarus, unus ut congreget, alter ut dissipet, & duo quae possessi defendunt: Scilicet, intemperantia, & prudentia. Mundi superbia à Diabolo clausit Coelum. Gula primo decorative border parenti abstulit Paradisum, Avaritia Diviti aperuit Infernum, Intemperantia verò adhuc corrumpit Mundum. Hiero. in quodam Ser. Cum caetera vitia senescente homine senescant: sola Avaritia in venescit. Ibidem. Nihil aliud esta varus, quam bursa principum, cellarium latronum, rixa parentum, sibilus hominum. Cupiditas. Pau. ad Tim. 1. Ca 6. FOns Perditionis est Cupiditas, quam quidam appetentes decorative border erraverunt à Fide, & inseruerunt se doloribus multis. Petr. Rau. in Ser. Omnium malorum radix est Cupiditas, transgressionis Mater, Magistra nocendi, primipilatis Iniquitatis, Auriga malitiae, Sicaria virtutum, Seditionis origo, Fovea scandalorum. Innocen. Tria maximè solent homines affectare. Opes, voluptates, Honores: de Opibus, prava: de voluptatibus, turpia: de honoribus, va va procedunt. Nam opes generant Cupiditatem & Avaritiam: Voluptates pariunt Gulam & Luxuriam: Honores nutrivnt superbiam, & decorative border jactantiam. Innocen. de Vilitate Conditionis Humanae. Radix ne quitiae est Cupiditas, haec sacrilegia commitat & furta, Rapinas exercet & praedas, Bella gerit & Homicidia, Simoniacè vendit, & emnit, injquè petit & recipit, injusté negotiatur & foeneratur, inst●t dolisque imminet fraudibus, d ssolvit peccatum, & violat Juramentum, corrumpit Testimonium, & pervertit judicium. Ira. Proverb. 15. SIcut fremitus Leonis, ita & regis Ira: & sicut Ros super decorative border herbam, ita & Hilaritas eius. Ecclesi. 25. Non est Caput nequius super caput Colubri, jta non est Ira, Ira jaimici perniciocior. Gregor. li. 5. Moral. Per Iram justitia relinquitur, quia dum perturbata mens, judicium fine ratione exasperat, omne quod furor suggerit, rectum putat: per Iram, gratia vitae socialis amittitur, quia qui se ex humana ratione non temperat: necesse est, ut bestialiter vivat, per Iram mansuetudo amittitur: per Iram concordia rumpitur: per Iram Lux veritatis amittitur, quia menti Iracundia confusionis decorative border tenebras incutit: Huic Deus radium suae cognitionis abscondit. Grego. 26. Moral. Si is qui corrigere nititur, Ira superatur: opprimitantequam corrigat, nam dum plus quam debet, accenditur sub justae ultionis obtentu ad immanitatem crudelitatis effraenatae. Cass. Psal. Irascimini. Vbi est fervida vindicta, non est temperata justitia. Gregor. Quoties Ira animum juvadit, mentem edoma, vince tejpsum, differ tempus furoris: quum tranquilla mens fuerit, fac quod placet. decorative border Euripides in Aeole. Quisquis Irae preccps jndulget, in malum finem eruit. Invidia. jam. 3. VBi zelus & Invidia, jbi jnconstantia & omne opus pravum. Isiod. in Syno. Invidia cuncta bona devorat ardore pestifero: Invidia animae Tinea sensum comedit, Pectus urit, mentem affligit. Cor hominis, quasi quaedam pestis depascit. Sen. in Episto. Venenum quod serpentes in alienam perniciem effundunt, decorative border sine sua continent, non ita utium jnvidiae continentur: nam invidus torquet & macerat, bona odit & extenuat, Injurias verò dilarat & auget. August. super johan. Tolle invidiam, & tuum est quod habeo: tollam invidiam, & meum est quod habes. Valerius Max. li. 4. de Amicitia. Nulla tam modesta foelicitas, quae maligintatis dentes vitare possit. Phocylides. Ne invideas bona socijs, ne maculam cantrahas: sine Invidia coelestes etiam inter se sunt: non invident Luna multò prestantioribus solis Radijs: decorative border non Tellus Coelestibus altitudinibus, cùm subter ipsa sit: non flumina, Pelagis sed semper concordiam habent. Malitia. Reg. 1. cap. 22. SI perseveraveritis in Malitia, & vos, & Rex vester pariter peribitis. Bernard. super Can. Habet Malitia Curnim suum Roris quatuor consistentem: saevitia, Impatientia, Audacia, Impudentia: valdè enim velox est Currus iste ad effundendum sanguinem, qui nec innocentia sistitur, nec Patientia retardatur, nec Timore decorative border fraenatur, nec Pudore inhibetur: Trahitur autem duobus pernicibus Equis & ad omnem peniciem paratissimis, terrena potentia, & Seculi Pompa. Porrò president his duobus Equis Aurigae duo, Timor, & Livor: Timor quidem pompam: Livor, potentiam agit. Gregor. li. 12. Moral. Mens prava semper in laboribus est, quia aut molitur mala, quae inferat: vel me tuit, ne sibi ab alijs inferantur, & quicquid contra proximos cogitat hoc contra se cogitari à proximis formidat. Sene. in Epist. Malitia ipsa maximam partem veneni sui bibit, at venenum decorative border quod serpentes in alienam perniciem perferunt, sine sua continent: non est huic simile hoc, habentibus pessimum est. Idem in Prover. Malefacere qui vult, nusquam non invenit causam: malevolus sempersua natura nititur. Calumnia. Malach. 3. ACcedam ad vos in judicio, & ero Testis velox Maledicis, & Perjuris, & qui calumniantur mercedem Mercenarij. Herodot. li. 3. Calumnia res est gravissima: decorative border in qua duo sunt qui iniuriam faciunt, unus qui afficitur: Calumniator enim Iniuriam facit, non presentem accusans, & similiter, qui Accusanti fidem habet antequam verè rem cognoscit: Qui autem abest, iniuriam patitur tum ab illo Calumniatore, tum ab eo, qui ipsum, aures Calumnianti prebens pro malo reputat. Theocrit. in Epist. Ea est Calumniatoris natura, in crimen vocare omnia: probare verò nihil. decorative border Loquacitas. Prima. Petri. 3. QVi enim valt vitam diligere, & videre dies bo nos, coerceat linguam suam á malis, & labia sua, ne loquatur dolum. Eccle. 41. Non duplices sermonem auditus de revelatione sermonis absconditi, & invenies gratiam apud omnes homines. Bern. in quodam Ser. Lenis quidem Sermo, quia leniter volat: sed graviter vulnerat: leniter transit, sed graviter urit, leniter penitrat amicum, decorative border sed non leniter exit: leniter prosertur, sed non leniter revocatur, facilè volat, adeò Charitatem facilè violat. Gregor. lib. 8. Moral. Lingua sub magna moderaminis liberatione servanda est, non insolubiliter obliganda, ne aut laxata in vitium defluat, aut restricta etiam ab utilitate torpescat. Hugo lib. 2. de Anima. Lingua labitur ut Anguila, penetrat ut sagitta: tollit Amicos: multiplicat Inimicos: movet Rixas: seminat Discordias: uno ictu multos percutit, & interficit: blanda est, & subdola, & parata ad exhaurienda bona, & miscenda mala. decorative border Qui custodit Linguam suam, custodit Animam, quoniam Mors, & Vita in potestate Linguae est. Taciturnitas. jacob. in Epist. cap. 1. SIt omnis homo velox ad audiendum: tardus ad loquendum, & tardus ad iram. Ambr. li. 1. de Off. Silendi patientia, oportunitas loquendi, & contemptus Divitiarum, sunt maxima fundamenta virtutum. Proverb. ca 25. Sicut Vrbs patens, & absque murorum ambitu, ira vir, qui non potest in loquendo cohibere decorative border Spiritum suum. Hieron. in quodam Epist. Div considera quid loquendum sit, & adhuc tace provide, ne quid dixisse poeniteat, sapiens ut loquatur multa prius considerat, quid, aut cui loco vel tempore dicat. Humilitas. Luc. 1. DEposuit potentes de Sede, & exaltavit Humiles. Quanto maiores, eò te geras submissius, & gratiam apud dominum reperies: multi quidem altitudine fortunae, gloriae que excellunt, sed mansuetis revelantur Arcana, decorative border Quoniam pontentia domini magna est & ab humilibus gloriam consequitur. Pet. 1. ca 5. Luc. 7. & 8. Dominus superbis resistit: Humilibus dat gratiam, Et omnis qui se exaltat, humiliabitur: & qui se humiliat, exaltabitur. Bern. sup. Can. Ser. 45. Scio neminem absque sui cognitione salvari, de qua nimirum mater salutis, Humilitas oritur, & timor Domini, qui & ipse sicut injtium Sapientiae, ita & salutis est. Bernar. super Miss. est. Non magnum est esse humilem in abjection magna, prorsus & rara virtus, Humilitas decorative border honorata. Valerius in quodam Sermone. Humilitas in paupere grata est, in divite gloriosa: Humilitas inter jnimicos, blanda: Superbia inter amicos, ingrata: blanda est & officios semper humilitas, in amicitijs grata, in contumelijs otiosa non extollitur prosperis, non mutatur adversis, non extorquet servitium, non requirit voces Adulantium. Bernard. in Epist. Fode in te fundamentum Humilitas, & pervenies ad fastigium Charitatis: vis capere celsitudinem Dei? cape prius humilitatem Christi: sola est decorative border virtus humanitatis, reparatio laesae charitatis. Amor Proximi. johan. Apost. Epist. 1. ca 3. QVi diligit fratrem suum, in lumine manet, & scandelum in eo non est, qui autem odit fratrem suum, in tenebris est, & in tenebris ambulat, & nescit quo eat, quia tenebrae obcoecaverunt oculis eius. Grego. li, Moral 4. Duo sunt precepta Charitatis, dei: videlicet, & Amor Proximi: per amorem Dei, gignitur amor Proximi, & per amorem Proximi, Dei amor decorative border nutritur: Nam qui amare deum negligit, perfectè diligere proximum nescit. Et tunc plenius in Dei dilectione proficimus, si in dilectionis gremio, Proximi charitatem colligamus. Basil. in Hepam. Thesaurus indeficiens, est amor Divinus: quem, qui habet, dives est: quo, quicunque caret, pauper est. August. Vbi Charitas non est, non potest esse justitia, dilectio enim proximi, malum non operatur. Amicitia. Proverb. 12. & 17. QVi negligit damnum proper Amicum, justus est. decorative border Omni tempore diliget qvi Amicus est, & frater in Augustijs comprobatur. Ambrose Officior. Lib. 3. Pietatis custos, Amicitia est, & equalitatis magistra: ut superior inferiori, & equalem se exhibiat, & inferior superiori. Ambrose ibidem. Solatium huius vitae est, ut habeas cui peotus tuum aperias, cui Arcana communices, cui secreta tui pectoris committas, ut colloces tibi fidelem virum, qui in prosperis gratuletur tibi, in tristibus compatiatur, in persecutionibus adhor tetut: facilis vox & communis, decorative border tuus sum totus, sed pautior est affectus. Ecclesiast. 24. Qui denudat arcana Amici, fidem perdit, & non inuniet Amicum ad animum suum. Ecclesiast. 12. Fidem posside cum Amico in paupertate illius, ut in bonis illius laetaris. In tempore tribulationis illius permane illi fidelis, ut in Haeriditate illius cohaeres sis. job. 6. Qui tollit ab Amico misericordiam, timorem Domini derelinquit. Ecclesiast. 6. Amicus fidelis medicamentum Vitae, & immortalitatis & decorative border qui metuunt Dominum, invenient illum. Fides sive Fidelitas. john. 22. QVi crediderit in me, etiam si mortu vs fuerit vivet, & omnis qui vivit, & credit in me, non morietur in aeternum. Mar 9 Si potes credere, omnia possibilia credenti. Ambro. li. de Cain & Abel. Fides radix omnium virtutum, & quod super hoc fundamentum aedificaveris, hoc solum ad operis tui, fructus & virtutis proficit mercedem. decorative border August. de verbis Domini. Nullae maiores Divitiae, nulli Thesauri, nulli honores, nulla huius mundi major est substantia, quàm est Fides Catholica, quae peccatores homines salvat, Coecos illuminat, Infirmos curat, Cathecuminos baptizat, Fideles justificat, penitentes repanat, justos augmentat, martyrs coronat, Virgines & Viduas, Coniugales casto pudore conseruat, Clericos ordinat, sacerdotes consecrat, in haereditate aeterna cum Sanctis Angelis collocat. Ambr. lib. 1. Officiorum. Liquet in bello fidem, & justitiam observari oportere, fundamentum enim justitiae est Fides. decorative border Aug. de fide ad Petrum. Hoc est humanae salutis initium, sine hoc nemo ad filiorum Dei numerum potest pertingere vel pervenire, sine hoc onnis labor hominis vacuus est. Conscientia. 2. Corinth. 1. GLoria nostra haec est, testinonium Conscienciae nostrae, quod in simplicitate cordis, & sinceritate Dei, & non in sapientia Carnali, sed in gratia dei conversatisumus in hoc mundo. Hugo. lib. de Anima ca 9 Conscientia bona titulus est decorative border Religionis, Templum Salomonis, Ager Benedictionis, Hortus Delitiarum, Aureum Declinatorium, Gaudium Angelorum, Arca Foederis, Thesaurus Regis, Aula Dei, Habitaculum Spiritus Sancti, Libet signatus, & clausus, & in Die judicij apperiendus. Bernar. li de Conscientia. Bona Conscientia quotidiè virescit, laboribus non affligitur, denique afficit gaudio viventem consolatur morientem, aeternumque durat. Misericordia. Luk. 6. EStote Misericordes: sicut & pater vester Misericos est. decorative border Proverb. 2. Misericodia & veritas custodiunt Regem, & roboratur clementia Thronus eius. Chrisost. super Matheum. Misericordia est salutis praesiduum, Fidei ornamentum, Propitiatio peccatorum: haec est quae justos probat, Sanctos roborat, dei cultores ostentat. Misericordiae virtus tanta est ut sine illa, coetera, & si sint, prodesse non possunt. Quamvis enim aliquis Fidelis sit & castus, & sobrius, & alijs majoribus ornatus insignibus, si Misericors tamen non est, Misericordiam non meretur. Aug. de servo. domini. decorative border Beati illi qui subveniunt miseris quoniam eis rependitur, ut per misericordiam Domini de miseria liberentur. Nam id ipsum videtur justum, ut qui à potentiore adiuvari vult, adjuvet inferiorem, in quo est ipse potentior. Cass. in Epist. Benigni Principis est, ad clementiae commodum transilire terminos Acquitatum: quando sola est Misericordia cui omnes virtutes honorabiliter cedere non recusant. Veritas. Psal. 116. VEritas magna est, & fortior prae omnibus. Omnis decorative border terra Veritatem invocat: Veritas domini manet in aeternum. Eccle. 4. Non contradicas verbo veritatis ullo modo, & de Mendatio incruditionis tuae confundere. Bernard. in Serm. Veritas sola liberat, sola salvat, sola lavat. Bernard. de Gra. Humana. Cum sint tres gradus, seu status Veritatis, ad Primum ascendimus per laborem Humilitatis: ad secundum, per affectum compassionis: In primo veritas reperierur severa: in secundo, Pia: in Tertio, Pura. Ad primum ratio ducit qua nos discutimus: ad secundum affectus producit, quo alijs miseremur: decorative border ad tertium puritas rapit, qua ad jnvisibilia sublevamur. Christ. de Laudibus Pau. Hom. 3. Talis est conditio Falsitatis, vel Erroris, ut etiam nullo sibi adsistente consenescat, ac defluat. Talis autem è diverso Veritatis status ut etiam multis impugnatibus suscitetur, & crescat. Seneca in Epist. Magna est Veritas, quae contra omnium Ingenia, Caliditatem, solertiam, & contra fictas hominum Infidias facilè se per sejpsum defendit. decorative border Castitas. Tim. 5 & Sapien. 4. TEipsum Castum custodi. O quàm pulchra est Casta Generatio cum Claritate. Immortalis est enim gloria illius: quoniam & apud Deum nota est, & apud homines. Corinth. 7. Qui Matrimonio jungit Virginem suam, benè facit: & qui non jungit, melius facit. Cypr. de xij. Abusionibus. Castitas est ornamentum Nobilium, Exaltatio Humilium, Nobilitas Ignobilium, Pulchritudo vilium, Solamen decorative border Merentium, Augmentum omnis pulcritudinis, Decus Religionis, Minoratio Criminun, Multiplicatio Meritorum, Creatoris omnium Dei Amica. Bernard. in Epist. ad Sevon. Sola est Castitas, quae in huius, Mortalitatis, & loco, & tempore, flarum quendam Immorralis gratiae representat, in qua, nec nubent, nec nubentur. Bernard in Epist. Castitas, sine Charitate, Lampas est sine Oleo: Subtrahe Oleun, Lampas non lucet: tolle Charitatem, Castitas non placet. Ibidem. Quid Castitate decorius? quae mundum de immundo conceptum Semine: de Hoste domesticum, decorative border hominem, denique Angelum facit? Virginitas. VIrginitas, Thesaurus incomparabilis est, & Mons altus, ad quam Angelus hortatur. Gregor. sup. Ire. Flos est Virginitas: Flos Martirium: Flos Actio bona: In horto Virginitas: in Campo Martyriam: bonum opus in Thalamo. Bosus. Maior est victoria Virginun, quàm Angelorun. Angeli enim sine Carne vivunt: Virgines verò in Carne triumphant. decorative border August. Virginitas est Soror Angelorum, Regina virtutum, Possessio omnium bonorum. Virtus. johan. Epist. 3. cap. 1. OVi benefacit, ex Deo est: qui malefacit non videt Deum. August. in Epist. ad Macedonium. In hac vita Virtus non est, nisi diligere quod diligendum est: id diligere, prudentia est: nullis jnde averti molestijs Fortitudo: nullis illecibris temperantia est, nulla Superbia, justitia est. decorative border Senec. Epist. Virtus extollit hominem, & super Astra Mortales collocat. Senec. in Epist. 75. Virtus, Regna, Vnbes, Provincias temperat, fert Leges, colit Amicitias. Non minor est si ex altiore fastigio in privatum, ex Regio in humilem subducitur, ex publico, ex spatioso rure, in angustas Domos vel Angulos coit. Cicero in Lib. Amicitiae in Princi. Virtute ipsa non tam multi prediti esse, quam videri volunt. Hos delectat assentatio. Boetius. imperant, florenteque nequitia, decorative border virtus non solum Praemijs caret, verum etiam Sceleratorum pedibus subiecta calcatur, & in loco Facinorum suppliciam luit. Post Cineres virtus vivere sola facit: virtus nullius Fortunae Incommodis obnoxia. FINIS.