Mr. EDWARD DERING, HIS Godly private Prayers for Christian Families. Whereunto is annexed, his brief and necessary Catechism for Householders. Mark 11.24. Whatsoever you desire when you pray, believe th●t ye shall have it, and it shall be given unto you. ●om. 10.13. Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord, shall be saved. LONDON, Printed by Isaac jaggard, 1624. A PREFACE describing the Glorious estate of the Saints on earth and the true Nature, and Right use of Prayer. To the excellent that are on earth, all things pertaining to life and glory through the spirit of Grace and Supplication. Beloved in the Lord jesus, AS the love of God hath herein exceedingly abounded unto us, that we are called the Sons of God; so there is not a more pregnant Emblem of our Adoption to be his Children, then that we cry Abba, Father; nor a more lively pledge of our love unto God, then that we do cast ourselves into the arms of his mercy, by faithful prayer. Oh how much better is it to be a doorkeeper in the House of God, then to sit on the Throne with Princes? How exceeding were the riches of God's mercy towards us, that spared not his only Son unto death, to restore us from death, to life? That the Lord of Glory became a Servant unto all, that he might redeem us from the bondage of sin, into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God? That life itself became death, that he might deliver us from death unto life: That he that knew no sin, but was perfect holiness itself, yet became sin for our sakes, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Surely, if David thought it an high advancement to be the son in law to an earthly & wicked King, How much more glorious is our advancement, that we are become the adopted sons of the Almighty, and Holiest God, who is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords? And if the Queen of Saba counted the servants of Solomon happy, because they enjoyed his presence and were partakers of the worldly and fading Comforts as abounded in his Court: Oh how much more happy is the condition of the Saints of God that do not only enjoy the gracious presence of God with open face, in whose favour is Eternal life, but are thereby translated into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of GOD, that so they may be made meet partakers of that glorious inheritance with the Saints in light; even that light which is immortal and undefiled, which fadeth not? If to be rich in faith & good works be the true and durable treasure which faileth not; If the joy of the Spirit be that which none can take away from us; If all earthly honour be as dung in comparison of that inward glory wherewith the King's daughter is adorned; If their safety be impregnable, which have a wall of fire to begirt them, & therein walking most secure that have the Lord of Hosts to protect & guide them; then happy surely, and thrice happy is the condition of God's Children, who have God to be their Portion, and may enjoy durable riches, pure and everlasting Comfort, honour that never fadeth, and security without security. For as our security in God makes us watchful over our own ways, and jealous of our own inability, so hereby are we daily cast upon the riches of Christ, and from him increase and grow in grace. And as we grow in grace so do we attain to, and prosper more and more in peace of conscience, and thereby abound with joy in the holy Ghost. And the more we are filled with joy and peace in believing, the more do we glorify our God in cheerful obedience, and so as members are more entirely interessed in the glory of our head, approaching hereby nearer to the life of Glory, the more we triumph over all our oppositions, and are more throughly abased and excluded of all glorying in ourselves, that so doing all things to the glory of our God, we may be advanced by him in abasing our sel●es, and weaned from all carnal & fading glory, that we may be fitted for the glory of the life to come. And what can now hinder us heerefrom, whereto all things shall further? No trouble can do it, seeing it prepares thereto: No, not sin shall hinder, because it is not imputed; but rather avails to the imputation of righteousness, that so the sting of sin may be removed. It is not life can do it, because we are dead unto sin; neither shall death avail hereunto, seeing we are alive unto GOD. Much less may Angels hinder, because they are ministering spirits for our good, to keep us in all our ways: Nor Principalities can prevail, because the Kingdoms are the Lords, and so overseers to the Saints: It is not powers shall hinder, seeing all power is given to our Head; and so in him we are able to do all things: Neither things present should aught avail hereto, because we live by Faith, & not by sight, and so can lay up a good Foundation by them against the life to come. Neither shall things to come hinder us, which are already ours by Faith, whereby we apprehend them, though yet we enjoy them not, and so in patience wait for them; and so by continuance in welldoing, make ready for them. And how shall height hinder us who have the Highest to be our hope, whom lowliness advanceth, and highness abaseth? Can depth prevent us, when our Head is above water, nay above the highest Heavens, whether he will draw us up all after him, out of the deepest snares? No, no, it is not hell can hinder us seeing it is destroyed, nor Satan shall prevail, for seeing we have the shield of Faith to resist him, he will fly from us Behold the wonderful and glorious privileges of the sons of God And by this we know, that we have this glorious union and fellowship with God, even by his Spirit that he hath given us. And hereby we know effectually, that the Spirit dwelleth in us even by this blessed liberty and boldness in pressing to the throne of Grace, crying Abba, Father, with all Sonlike importunity; and challenging his promise in Christ jesus. Thus by the Spirit, we know our Adoption, and by the Spirit of Prayer, we plead the same. And can we be denied when the Spirit helps our Infirmities, and knows our Wants? Shall we not prevail above whatsoever we can ask or think, seeing our Saviour is our Advocate to make intercession for us, who knows what is best for us, who hears before we ask, and asks that we may be heard? Behold here the ground and necessity of Prayer. If the Spirit be in us, we shall pray in the Spirit; and if we pray in the liberty of the Spirit, we are set at liberty thereby, even the liberty of the Sons of GOD. Only be we wise to try the Spirit by the Spirit, that so we may not offer the sacrifice of Fools. 1. It is the Spirit of knowledge, and so we must pray in knowledge. 2. It is the Spirit of Christ that is in us, and so we must pray in the Name of Christ by the Spirit. 3. It is the Spirit of Faith, and so we must pray in Faith without doubting. 4. And it is the Spirit of Patience, and so we must wait in Prayer. 5. It is the Spirit of Wisdom, teaching us what to pray for, & so we must pray in wisdom for such things as be most sovereign and necessary. For spiritual graces absolutely, for temporal with condition. 6 It is the Spirit of Humility, teaching us to deny our own wisdom, and not rest in our own righteousness, and so to submit to the will of God, as not to faint in our labour, although we fail in our particular desire. 7 It is the Spirit of Perseverance, and so we must pray continually, and persevere therein with all thankfulness. 8 It is a quickening & powerful Spirit, working mightily in us, and so we must pray in all zeal and fervency of the Spirit, because if they be fervent, they shall prevail. 9 It is the holy and blessed Spirit, and therefore whosoever calleth on the name of the Lord must departed from Iniquity; if we regard iniquity in our hearts the Lord will not hear our prayers. Thus may we pray in the Spirit. Neither may such prescript form of Prayer prejudice or stint the same. But we must be careful of the sense of our particular wants, and apprehension of God's favour in jesus Christ, to pour out our hearts unto our GOD, who is only privy hereunto, and loveth truth in the inward parts: so shall the words of our mouths be acceptable unto him, whether we speak by the mediate direction of holy men, who are inspired by the holy Ghost, or immediately by the inspiration of the holy and blessed Spirit. 1 Being wise in either to avoid formality, customaries, & superstition, as if the thing how soever done, would prevail. 2 Labouring still to quicken up our hearts in the love of Christ, that so we may continue with all patience and perseverance therein. 3 Using carefully to search and prepare our hearts, when we come before the Lord. 4 Preparing our hearts by holy Meditation of the Majesty, power, and goodness of God, to quicken our faith, and confound carnal Wisdom. 5 Renewing our Vows and Covenants with the Lord, when soever we look to speed well from him. 6 And yet not building any further in the issue upon our God, then may stand with his good pleasure for our chiefest good in his Time and Manner, which shall be fittest for us. 7 Comforting ourselves rather in the sense of that divine assistance, quickening our requests, and continuing powerfully therein, then in any present sensible issue concerning ourselves: that still we may have to rejoice in our God, and not in ourselves. 8 And so quieting our hearts that we have done the will of our GOD, that the will of God may be done in us, to the satisfying of our best desires in that manner and measure, as best pleaseth him for our main and principal good. Thus may we prevail in Prayer. And to this end mayest thou make use of these helps, rather as Directions to inform thee aright in the matter and order of Prayer; them any strict bounds to confine thee to the letter thereof Wishing thee in the fear of God, so to make use thereof, as to make them rather means to stir up the Spirit in thee, then to stint or prescribe the same. Which thou shalt do, if that thou dost seriously meditate on each particular Model before thou use the same to inform thine understanding, & kindle thine affections to the love thereof: & then so use the Form as not to rest herein, but rather to propound it as a pattern for thy better direction in the like, and so to sample it as near as thou mayst, or rather even to put life unto it, and better the same. And so the Lord give thee understanding in all things, in whom I rest. Tho: Cooper. ¶ A Table of all the several Prayers contained in this Book. A Brief Prayer upon the Lord's prayer. 64 Another Prayer more at large upon the Lord's prayer. 76 A Confession of sins with Faith and repentance. 101 A prayer for the prosperous estate of the whole Church. 110 Morning prayer for private houses and Families. 125 Evening prayer for the same. 135 A form of prayer daily to be used of all faithful Christians in their houses, or elsewhere. 144 A special Morning Prayer for the Sabbath. 184 Evening prayer for the Sabath. 205 A Prayer to be said before the hearing or reading of the holy Scriptures. 222 A Thanksgiving after the hearing or reading of the word of God. 230 A Prayer before the receiving of the Sacrament. 236 A Prayer to be said after the receiving of the Sacrament. 238 A Prayer for constant perseverance in praying, when we are dull to prayer. 240 A Prayer for all times. 245 A prayer for all estates. 250 A Prayer to be confirmed in the knowledge of God. 255 A Prayer for the obtaining of saving Faith. 258 A Prayer to feel in heart spiritual comfort, and the lively sense of our Adoption by Faith. 274 A Prayer against doubting, whereby to strengthen a weak Faith, and to persevere therein. 278 〈◊〉 Prayer for obtaining of Trial, and cherishing of the holy Spirit of God. 302 A Prayer for obtaining of a lively Hope. 322 A prayer for the obtaining and increase of Love.. 330 A prayer to obtain and preserus the fear of God, that we may b● kept constant thereby in holiness' to the end. 3●● A prayer for the obtaining of grac● and wisdom. 34● A prayer to walk faithfully an● fruitfully in our Civil and personal Callings. 35● A prayer before the taking of journey. 36● A Thanksgiving for good succe●● therein. 3●● A Prayer for a Woman in Tr●uaile. 3●● A Thanksgiving after safe De●uerance. 3●● A prayer for those that assist a travailing woman. 3●● A Thanksgiving for their g●● success. 3●● A prayer for such as in this w●● be very rich. 391 A prayer for such as be poor and needy. 395 A prayer to obtain grace of God, against the assaults of the world, the flesh, and the devil. 397 A Thanksgiving after blessings obtained, to acknowledge them as from God. 409 A prayer for patience in Tribulation, and that God may be glorified thereby. 412 A prayer for Mortification & holiness. 417 A prayer for the feeling of the sin of Hypocrisy, that we may direct our life according to the prescript rule of the Word. 424 A prayer against the secret venom and great danger of prosperity. 431 A prayer against Whoredom and Uncleanness. 439 A prayer against Covetousness and Ambition. 443 A prayer against usual and common Swearing. 446 A Prayer against Pride. 449 A prayer against Gluttony and Drunkenness. 455 A prayer against Idleness and Sloth. 460 A prayer against Infidelity & despair, necessary for a troubled and wounded Conscience. 464 The END of the Table. A brief and necessary Catechism: Very meet to be known of every one, before they be admitted unto the Supper of the Lord. Question. WHat is the chiefest thing which every one ought to be most careful of, as long as they live? An. Every one ought to be most careful of these two points. First and chiefly, ●ow we can be saved in the day of judgement, before God's judgement seat, and so come to life everlasting. Secondly, how to live according to God's holy will during our life. In which two points wholly standeth the glory of God, so much as of man ought to be sought for. Que. How can we know this how we are discharged before God's judgement seat? An. We can never know how we be discharged before the judgement seat of God, until such time as we know our own miserable estate by reason of the greatness of our sins, and the horrible punishment, which we deserve for them. Que. How dost thou know the greatness of thy sin, and the horrible punishment due to the same. An. The greatness of my sin, and the horrible punishment thereof, I know ●y the Law of God, rightly understood, the sum whereof is contained in the ten Commandments. Quest. Rehearse the ten Commandments. An. God spoke all these words, and said, I am the Lord thy God, which brought ●hee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the House of ●ondage. 1 THou shalt have none other but Gods me. 2 Thou shalt not make to thyself any graved Image, nor the likeness of any thing that ●s in Heaven above, nor in the ●arth beneath, nor in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them: For I the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the Fathers upon the children, to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and show mercy unto thousands, in them that love me, and keep my Commandments. 3 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy GOD in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain. 4 Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day, six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it, thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, & thy son, and thy daughter, thy manservant, and thy maidservant, try cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days, the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seaventh day, and hallowed it. 5 Honour thy Father & thy Mother, that thy days may be long in the Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 6 Thou shalt do no murder. 7 Thou shalt not commit Adultery. 8 Thou shalt not steal. 9 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 10 Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbour's house: thou shalt not covet thy Neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid, nor his Ox, nor his Ass, nor any thing that is his. Qu. What is the first Commandment? An. Thou shalt have no other Gods but me. Que. What is the meaning of this Commandment? A. The Lord God straight chargeth us in this first commandment, that we worship God alone, which worship standeth in three points. First, that we love God above all. Secondly, that we make our prayers to none but to God. Thirdly, that we acknowledge God alone to be the guider and governor of all things, of whom we receive all the benefits we have, and therefore that we trust and stay upon him alone. Que. What is the second Commandment? An. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graved Image, or the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, etc. Qu. What is the meaning of this Commandment? An. In this second Commandment be contained three things. First, that we should not think God to be like either man or woman, or any other thing, & therefore, that we make no image of God in any case. Secondly, that we make no image of any other thing, either to worship the image itself, either God, Saint, or Angel by the image, neither yet to this end, to be the better put in mind of God by the Image. Thirdly, that we worship not God in any other outward worship, according to our own fantasies, but as God commandeth us in his word. Que. What is the 3. Commandment? An. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Que. What is the meaning of this Commandment? Ans. God chargeth us in this third Commandment, these three things. First, that we use with a most high reverence the name of GOD, whensoever we either speak or think upon him. Secondly, that we never blaspheme the name of God in our common talk, although the matter be never so true: but only where the glory of God is sought, or the salvation of our Brothers, or else before a Magistrate in witnessing the truth when we are thereunto lawfully called. In which causes we must only swear by the name of God. But as for Saints, Angels, Rood, Book, Cross, Mass, or any other thing, we ought in no case by them to swear. Que. What is the 4 Commandment? An. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day. Que. What is the meaning of this Commandment? An. The hallowing of the Sabbath day, is to rest from our labours in our Calling; and in one place to assemble ourselves together, and with fear and reverence, to hear, mark, and lay up in our hearts, the word of GOD preached unto us, to pray all together, that which we understand, with one consent. And at the times appointed, to use the Sacraments in Faith and Repentance, and all our life long to rest from wickedness, that the Lord by his holy Spirit, may work in us his good work, and so begin in this life the everlasting rest. Que. What is the fift Commandment? An. Honour thy Father & thy Mother. Que. What is the meaning of this Commandment? An. The meaning of the fift Commandment is, that we should honour, that is to say, love, fear, obey, and relieve our Parents, or any other that are unto us in their stead. As our Princes, Rulers, and Magistrates, our Pastors and Teachers, our Masters, and all other which are above us in any calling, placed by God: the Aged and ●ray headed: and, that all Superiors do show themselves indeed Parents, in defending and guiding their Inferiors. Qu. What is the sixth Commandment? Ans. Thou shalt do no murder. Que. What is the meaning of this Commandment? An. First, the Lord God forbiddeth us in this Commandment, all kill, fight, and quarrelling, all reproaches, mocks, and taunts. Secondly, he forbiddeth all kill in heart, that is, all anger and malice, all desire of revenge. Thirdly, on the other side, he commandeth us to preserve life, by exercising the works of mercy & compassion towards our Brethren, yea, even towards our Enemies. Fourthly, to love one another inwardly in heart, as ourselves, yea even our enemies, and them that hate us. Que. What is the seaventh Commandment? An. Thou shalt not commit Adultery. Que. What is the meaning of this Commandment? An. We are forbidden in this seaventh Commandment, first, all Adultery, Fornication, and all other uncleanness in our bodies. Secondly, all unpure thoughts, and lusts of the heart. Thirdly, all other things which might entice to such uncleanness; as all unchaste behaviour, filthy talk, and songs, wanton apparel, lewd and idle pastimes, gluttony, drunkenness, houses of open whoredom, and whatsoever else may allure us to uncleanness. Fourthly, on the other side he commandeth us to keep our bodies and souls chaste and pure, as Temples of the holy Ghost. Or if the gift of Chastity be not given us, then to use the lawful remedy appointed by God, which is marriage. Que. What is the 8. Commandment? An Thou shalt not steal. Que. What is the meaning of this Commandment? An. In this eighth Commandment, the Lord God forbiddeth all stealing and robbing in outward deeds. Secondly, he forbiddeth all stealing in heart; that is, all desire of any man's Goods wrongfully. Thirdly, he forbiddeth all false and wrongful dealing. Fourthly, on the other side, he chargeth us that we be content with the portion of goods which the Lord giveth us, to apply ourselves in our vocation and calling, to get our own living, and live of that which is our own, and also to be helpful to others. Que. What is the 9 Commandment? An. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour. Qu. What is the meaning of this Commandment? Ans. The Lord God in this ninth Commandment doth command us: first, that we should never speak falsely in witness-bearing. Secondly, that not only in witness-bearing, but also in other matters, we should never lie, flatter, or dissemble. Thirdly, that we should never tell any false tales behind our neighbours back, or hear them of others: that we should never believe any evil spoken of them behind their backs, until we fully know the certainty. Fourthly, in private offences, to speak nothing, although it be true, to the hurting of our Brothers good name, if by private admonition he may be won. Que. What is the 10. Commandment? Ans. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house. Que. What is the meaning of this Commandment? An. Hee●e the Lord God in plain words, doth forbid all inward desire, whatsoever is unlawful to be done, although we never consent unto it, as the rebellion of the flesh, all corruption of the old man, all blot of original sin, so that by this Commandment, most clearly we may see the Image of that man that pleaseth God, even such an one in whom nothing is impure, neither in will, nor nature. Que. Canst thou fulfil all these Commandments of God, without breaking any one of them? An. These are the Commandments of Almighty God, the perfect fulfilling whereof, no flesh can attain unto: No, although I do all that I can, yet I break them daily, both in thought, word, and deed. Que. What punishment doth God appoint for breaking any one of these? An. The punishment for the breaking of the least Commandment, even in thought, yea, if it were but once broken in all my life, is the everlasting curse of God, which containeth all the torments that can be devised both of soul and body, and in the Scripture is called by diverse names to express the pain, as hell fire, the worm that never dyeth, utter darkness, burning Lake, second death, damnation, and such like. Queen Is there nothing which a man can do in the World, to serve as a sufficient recompense to God for one sin? An. No, although I should give all my goods unto the poor, or suffer my body to be whipped all my life long, or suffer any other punishment which might be devised: it is not sufficient for one of my least sins. Que. Yea, but God is merciful, will he therefore punish sin so sharply thinkest thou? An. Our God indeed is merciful, but he is also just and true, and therefore must needs of justice and truth, punish man's sin, with the punishment which he hath appointed. Que. Seeing then this punishment must needs be suffered, are we in ourselves able to suffer and overcome it? An. None is able to suffer and overcome this great punishment of sin, being only man. Quest. Is there then no means at all, whereby we may be saved from those pains everlasting? An. The pains which our sins deserve, must needs be suffered by man, because that God of his justice must needs be suffered by man, because God of his justice must needs punish sin in man, which was committed by man: and therefore our Saviour Christ being everlasting God, became also man, and hath fully suffered whatsoever was due for man's sin. Que. Are not then all people discharged, seeing the punishment is paid? An. None are discharged, saving those that take hold upon Christ, and his merits with a true Faith. Que. What callest thou this true Faith? An. This true and lively Faith, is a full persuasion & assurance of my hart, grounded upon the promise of God, and wrought in me by the holy Ghost, whereby I am fully assured, that whatsoever Christ hath wrought for man's salvation, pertaineth not only to others, but even to me, and is wholly mine, as surely as if I performed the same in mine own person. Que. How can it be that thy sins are forgiven thee, & yet according to God's truth fully punished, with the punishment which God hath appointed for sins? An. By this my true faith, I see my sins both to be forgiven, and yet fully punished; for in jesus Christ, to satisfy God's justice, they be fully punished, and yet to me they be forgiven, because in me they be not punished, but in Christ for me, to set forth God's mercy, and therefore shall never be laid to my charge. In this manner therefore, I see the Lord my God to be both merciful & just. Que. Yea, but although the punishment of my sins be paid in Christ, yet seeing there can no unrighteousness dwell with God, how canst thou stand before God's judgement seat, as righteous and just, s ing thou hast no righteousness; but such as is stained with so many sins? An. I stand as just & righteous before the Throne of God, not clothed with mine own righteousness, which I have wrought in mine own person, but with the righteousness of jesus Christ. Which righteousness being taken hold upon by a true faith, is made mine: thus am I just in the sight of God, not in respect of mine own works which I have done, but taking hold upon Christ his Works, to be mine by Faith. Quest. Doth not this make men to run into all sin & wickedness? An. No: for this true faith as soon as it hath wrought in us through the holy ghost doth frame our hear●s anew, and causeth us to detest, hate loathe, and abhor sin in all men, but especially in ourselves, and maketh us to have our whole delight and joy in those things which be agreeable unto God's Will, and causeth us likewise, to show and express the same in our life and conversation, or else it is no true Faith, but a dead Faith. Que. Rehearse the sum of this faith. An. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, which was conceived by the holy Ghost, borne of the Virgin Marie. He suffered under Pentius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, he descended into hell, and the third day he rose again from death. He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence shall he come, to judge both the quick and the dead. I believe in the holy Ghost. The holy Catholic Church. The Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins. The resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. So be it. Que. What is the effect of this Creed? An. This Creed containeth four especial points. First, what we ought to believe concerning God the Father. Secondly, concerning God the Son. Thirdly, concerning God the holy Ghost. Fourthly, concerning God's people, called the Church. Que. What believest thou in the first part, concerning God the Father? An. First I believe, that God the Father through Christ, into whose body I am grafted by faith, is not only a Father of other faithful, but even my Father, & therefore loveth me. Secondly, that he is Almighty, that is, that he hath all power in his hand, guiding and ruling all things, so that nothing can be done in heaven, earth, or hell, without his providence. Que. What believest thou in the second part concerning God the Son. An. I believe that jesus Christ one God in substance with the Father and the holy Ghost, took flesh of the Virgin, and is become perfect man as I am in all things sinne only excepted, and in my Nature hath wrought for me, whatsoever was needful for my salvation. Que. What meanest thou, when thou sayest, He suffered under Pontius Pilate? Ans. Because that manner of death which men do suffer by the sentence of the judge, and under the Title of justice, is more shameful, slanderous and terrible, then if a man should dye naturally in his bed. Therefore Christ took on him our person, to show himself before an earthly judge, and to be condemned by the mouth of Pilate, he being then judge, that thereby we might be cleared before the judgement seat of God. Que. What meanest thou, when thou sayest, Christ was crucified, dead, and buried. An. First I mean, in that he was crucified, that he suffered the death of the cross, which was an abominable and cursed death, to deliver me from the curse which was due for my sins. Secondly, forasmuch as death was a punishment due unto man for sin, therefore our Saviour did suffer death and by suffering, overcame death. For in his death doth lie the principal point of our salvation: for, if he had not been truly dead, we should be yet subject to eternal death and damnation. Thirdly, he was buried, for the more greater confirmation of his death and Resurrection. And in the intent to make it more certainly known unto us, it pleased him also to be buried after the common manner of men, and that by two notable persons, Nicodemus, and joseph of Aramathia, which was done also by the will & consent of Pilate, who caused the body to be delivered to them. Que. What meanest thou concerning this, that Christ descended into hell? An. Where it is said, that Christ descended into Hell, thereby I believe, that Christ did not only suffer in his body the punishment due to my body; but also in his soul the punishment due to my soul, which was, the Torments of hell, second death, sorrows of death, and abjection from God, as it doth appear by the anguish of his soul in the garden, when drops of blood issued out of his body, and also upon the Cross by his lamentable cry to his Father. For in miserable case had we been, if he had suffered only the punishment due to our bodies, and not to our souls. Que. What fruit hast thou by the death of Christ? Ans. First I believe, that this death and punishment, which Christ suffered, is the appeasing of God's wrath, & a full satisfaction to God for all my sins. Secondly, that as he is dead for sin, so he will cause sin to die in my mortal body. Que. What profit hast thou by the rising again of Christ? An. First, I am assured by his rising from death, that he hath overcome death, hell and sin, and hath finished my justification. Secondly, that as he is risen from death so he causeth me as a member of him, to rise from sin, and delight in righteousness. Thirdly, his rising again, is a sure pledge to me, that my body shall in like manner rise again. Que. What is the meaning of this, that Christ ascended into heaven? An. Christ as touching his manhood, is only in Heaven, but in his Godhead and comfort of his holy Spirit, he is with us to the end of the world. Que. What good gettest thou by the ascending of Christ into heaven. An. First, Christ his ascending into heaven, is a sure pledge unto me, that I shall in like manner as a member of him, by his power, be received into heaven, in that same nature wherein he is ascended. Secondly, Christ having ascended into Heaven, maketh continual intercession for me. Que. What is the meaning of this, that Christ sitteth on the right hand of God the Father? An. Christ sitteth on the right hand of the father, that is, hath all power given him of the Father over all things whatsoever. Que. What fruit dost thou receive by this, that Christ shall come to judge the quick, and the dead. Ans. To me that am a member of Christ, it is a singular comfort, when I know assuredly, that none shall be my judge but he that is my Saviour. But terrible it will be to those that flee from Christ, when they shall see him come to judge them, whom they in their life time refused. Que. What believest thou in the third part, concerning God the holy Ghost. An. I believe that GOD the holy Ghost, sealeth into my heart all Christ's benefits to be mine, and maketh sin to dye in me, and stirreth me up to righteousness, and holiness of life. Que. Seeing there is but one only God, why namest thou the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost? An. Because God hath so opened himself in his Word, that these three sundry persons are in substance but one true and everlasting God. Que. Now let us come to the fourth part: What callest thou the Catholic Church? Answer. The Catholic Church, is the whole company of faithful people, that ever were since the beginning of the world in all places, which also be now, and shall be to the end of the world. Of the which number, I believe that I am one: I believe that God knoweth them all, and hath a most tender care over them. Que. What callest thou the Communion of Saints? An. The Communion of Saints, is the society that all we which believe have one with another, as members of one head jesus Christ: whereby we are ready to communicate all God's benefits, both Spiritual and Temporal, to the mutual health and comfort one of another, according unto the measure which we have received of God in this life. Que. What is it to believe the forgiveness of sins? An. I believe, that jesus Christ hath wholly appeased God for my sins, & paid the full punishment due to them, and therefore that they be freely forgiven me, and shall never be laid unto my charge. Que. What believest thou of the rising again of the body? Ans. I believe, that after this life ennded, my soul shall go to God that gave it, and my body shall rest in the grave until the appointed time: and then, I shall see God in my flesh, and mine eyes shall look upon him: and this my body, shall be made like to the glorious body of Christ, without all corruption. Que. What is it that thou sayest of Life everlasting? An. I believe, that when God shall raise again this my body, and join it again together with my soul, that then I shall live with Christ for ever, in his everlasting kingdom of glory. Que. By what means do we attain to this, which thou hast here confessed? An. The holy Ghost hath appointed the preaching of the word to be the ordinary means, whereby he worketh in our hearts this true and lively faith, and without this preaching of the Word we can never have faith. Que. After that GOD by the means of his word, hath wrought in our heart's faith, by what means afterward doth he strengthen the same? An. This faith doth God strengthen in us by the self same preaching of the word and also, by the use of the Sacraments. Que. What callest thou the Sacraments? An. Sacraments be outward signs ordained of God, for the greater assurance and strengthening of our Faith; being unto us, sure pledges of these benefits of our Salvation, which we receive in Christ to be ours, and are represented unto us by the outward signs of water in baptism, and Bread and Wine in the Supper of the Lord. They serve also for a mark of our profession, whereby we differ from other people which be Heathen. Qu. How many Sacraments be there? An. There be two Sacraments, that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord. Qu. What strength of faith hast thou through Baptism? Ans. I am taught and assured by Baptism, that my sins are forgiven me: for as the water washeth away the filthiness of my body, even so should I through the holy Ghost, be thereby fully certified and persuaded that the blood of Christ, being sprinkled upon my soul by the hand of Faith, hath washed away both the guiltiness of my sin, and the punishment due unto the same: the fruit and effect whereof appeareth herein, that through the power of Christ his death and resurrection, I am dead as touching sin, and raised up again in newness of life: which two things, in whomsoever they appear not, they may well have the name & title of Baptism, but indeed they are no Christians. Qu. What strength of faith do we find in the use of the Lords Supper? Ans. The Supper of the Lord, through the holy-Ghost, doth strengthen my Faith, that I should not doubt, but as surely as I receive the Bread and Wine into my body, to become wholly mine, so my soul receiveth withal Christ, with his passion and righteousness to be wholly mine, as surely as if I had wrought them mine own self. Que. Are not then the bread and wine in the supper of the Lord, turned into the body and blood of Christ? An. The bread and wine as touching their nature and substance are not turned: but as touching the use of them, they differ from common Bread and Wine, in that they are appointed of God, to serve unto us as Seals & pledges of those benefits which Christ in his body hath wrought for us. Qu. In what manner oughtest thou to prepare thyself to the receiving these mysteries? An. In preparing myself to receive the supper of the Lord, I ought diligently to observe these three things. First, to examine myself whether I stand in faith or no, which I shall know, if I feel my hart assured by the Spirit of God, that the punishment of my sins is fully discharged in Christ, and that whatsoever he hath done, pertaineth not only to others, but even to me. Secondly, to examine myself whether I find my hart inwardly sorry for my sins, with inward hatred and loathing of sin, and an earnest desire, and sure purpose wholly to conform myself to the will of God's word. Thirdly, if any offence be betwixt others and me, that I reconcile myself unto them. All these things, although they ought earnestly to be considered in the whole course of our life, yet then especially, when we come to the supper of the Lord. Que. Now seeing we be saved, by Christ's Works, without our deservings, whereto then now serveth our well doings, or what availeth it to do good works? An. We must do good works, not to deserve our salvation by them, but by our works to glorify God in walking as becometh God's Children, declaring thereby our thankfulness to God for our redemption. Secondly, by our works to make our election more certain unto ourselves. Thirdly, to win others unto Christ, by our holy life and conversation. Quest. What works callest thou good works. An. Our works can never be accepable and good in the sight of God, unless in doing them we keep these two things. First, that they be framed according to the rule of God's laws & Commandments, & not after our own device. Secondly, that they proceed from an heart purged by faith. If either of these two points be lacking, our works are abominable in the eyes of Almighty God, although they appear never so glorious in the sight of men. Que. Because prayer is one especial means which Gad will have us use to increase our faith, tell me what belongeth to true prayer? An. It is requisite in true prayer, that we observe these five things. First, that we make our prayers only to God, through Christ, and not to Saints. Secondly, that we be inwardly touched with need of the thing we ask, having our mind wholly bend thereupon, and not carried away with by-thoghts. Thirdly, that our prayers be grounded upon God's promise, with full assurance that they shall be granted, so fare as the Lord doth know them to be meet and needful for us. Fourthly, that we continue in prayer, although we have not our requests at the first. Fiftly, that we ask not those things which we think good in our own fantasy, but only that which God commandeth us to ask of him: All which things be contained in the Lord's prayer. Quest. Rehearse the Lords prayer. Answer. Our Father, which art in heaven hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen. Qu. What dost thou desire of God in this prayer? An. First, I desire of our heavenly Father, that his name may be hallowed: First, in his excellent works, which is, when we acknowledge his mercy, wisdom, justice, and providence, that he alone worketh ell things, and that only the Lord God be had in honour, all other set aside. Secondly, that his name may be glorified in our godly living, and conversation. 2 In the 2. petition, we desire that God his Kingdom may come, that is, that he will declare himself to be King over his Church, in guiding and defending it, in increasing the number of the faithful, in thrusting forth Laborers into the harvest, and blessing their Labours, and suppressing the rage of the wicked Tyrants. Secondly, that he will exercise his kingdom severally, in every one of his, killing sin in us, and all worldly care, and renewing of us to righteousness of life. 3 In the third petition, we desire that Gods will may be done, that is, that we may willingly in every thing resign ourselves unto God's will, without murmuring or grudging. 4 In the fourth petition, we pray that he will give unto us, walking faithfully in our calling, our daily bread, that is, all things needful for our living in this present life. 5 In the fift petition, we pray that our sins may be forgiven us, that he will not lay to our charge our sins, nor the punishment due unto them, but that he will accept the death and passion of Christ, as the full satisfaction for our sins, and that we may hereof have just assurance in our Conscience, that the punishment of our sins is fully discharged in Christ, and therefore freely forgiven unto us, as surely as we do forgive others: and that we may love one another from the bottom of our hearts, all desire of revenge set aside. 6. In the sixth and last petition, we do pray God that he will not lead us into temptation, but deliver us, that is that he will not bring us further into that battle with our spiritual Enemies, than we by his holy spirit shall be able to prevail and overcome. Que. And why is this added. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. An. Not only to kindle in our hearts to desire the glory of God, but also to teach us that this Prayer is grounded upon none other, than God only and that we should not think the kingdom of God to be weak and void of force & might. Also that he is not only to be honoured, praised, and glorified, and that his power is infinite, perpetual and everlasting. And in this word Amen, is expressed the fervent desire to obtain those things which we ask of God, and our hope is confirmed, that those things which we ask be granted unto us, by which our consciences are pacified, and so we end our prayers. Qu. Tell me now briefly the effect of all thou hast said. An. By the ten Comdements, I see my miserable estate, that I deserve death, damnation, and the curse of God, which must needs be paid, because God is just: & whereas I myself am not able to pay it, the holy ghost through the preaching of the Gospel, worketh in me Faith, which assureth me, that the Son of God being made man for me, hath even in my nature suffered whatsoever my sins deserved, and hath made me with him the child of God, and heir of everlasting Life. Whereof, lest I should doubt or waver, he hath appointed two Sacraments, as outward signs and Tokens to be seen and felt of me: that as surely as I see myself made partaker of them outwardly: so the holy Ghost inwardly be partaker of Christ himself, with all his benefits, his ransom, righteousness, and holiness to be mine, that in him, & through him I shall have life everlasting. And thus being borne anew into this lively hope, by the holy ghost, my ways should be directed & guided by the same Spirit, to walk in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life. So be it. A prayer containing the effect of this Catechism. O Merciful and heavenly Father, for so much as at every light occasion, I am withdrawn from thy holy laws to the vanities of this life, unto all sin and wickedness: I beseech thee in mercy set before mine eyes always the remembrance of thy judgement seat and my last end, whereby I may be daily stirred to consider in what great danger I stand, through the horrible punishment due for my sins, that daily groaning under the burden of them, I may fly for succour to thy beloved Son jesus Christ, who hath fully paid, suffered and overcome the punishment due to them, and through the working of thy holy Spirit in me, I may be fully assured in my soul and Conscience, that the curse, condemnation, and death, which these my sins deserve, is fully paid, suffered, and overcome in Christ, that his righteousness, obedience, & holiness is mine, and whatsoever he hath wrought for man's salvation, is wholly mine. Strengthen this faith in me daily more and more, that I may inwardly feel comfort and consolation in this, that I feel thy holy Spirit bear record unto my spirit, that I am thy Child, grafted into the body of thy Son, and made with him fellow heir of thine everlasting kingdom. So work in me by thy holy spirit, that daily more and more, I may feel sin die in me, that I do not delight therein, but daily may groan under the burden thereof, utterly hate, detest, and loath sin, set myself and all the powers of my soul and body against sin, and have full delight, joy, comfort, and pleasure in those things which be agreeable to thy will, that I may walk as becometh the child of light, looking still for that good time, when it shall please thee to call me unto thine everlasting kingdom, for jesus Christ his sake, Amen. FINIS. GODLY PRIVATE Prayers for Householders to Meditate upon, and to say in their particular Families. Made by Mr. Edw. Dering: sometime Reader of the Divinity Lecture in Paul's. Mark 11.24. Whatsoever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye shall have it, and it shall be done unto you. LONDON Printed by Isaac jaggard, 1624. Godly private Prayers, to be said at all times, in Christian Families. A prayer containing the effect of the Householders Catechism. ALmighty God, and most merciful Father, I see in thy blessed Laws and Commandments, the greatness of my sins and wickedness: yea, I see O Lord my God, the whole course of my life to be almost nothing else, but a continual breaking of thy holy Laws and Commandments. The thoughts of my heart (either in vanity, or else open wickedness) are in number infinite, daily in the abundance of them, causing my mouth to speak, and my body to execute, and do contrary to thy holy will. And again, O Lord, I see thy heavy wrath, vengeance and judgement against sin, to be intolerable, that even the least wicked thoughts, and most secret cogitations of my heart, procureth thy heavy wrath and everlasting curse, the torments of hell, and everlasting fire, even although I had but once in all my life broken any of thy Commandments, so much as once in thought. And I know, O Lord GOD, that thou art true and just, and canst not abide sin and wickedness, but will justly punish every sin, even with the selfsame torments of hell, which thy justice hath appointed. This O Lord my God, throweth me down, and even amazeth me so that I know not what to do. I look into myself, viewing mine own power, whether I am able to overcome this punishment of my sin or no: and I see that all, even the most exquisite punishment which I can device of myself, in whipping of my body as long as I live; wearing Haircloth, pining myself with fasting, or any other pain. I see, I see, O Lord, that all this punishment is not sufficient for one of my least sins, because it deserveth even the everlasting pains of hell. I look to Heaven, I see there is no Saint, nor Angel, able to abide and overcome this punishment of sin; I look to men in this wo●ld, even to the Pope's Treasure, that wicked man of sin, and I see that neither his Mass, nor Purgatory, Pilgrimage, Pardons, Penance, Satisfactions, nor any of such like wicked stuff, alas, I see they are nothing for the satisfying for one of my least wicked thoughts, seeing the punishment is due by the just decree and sentence of thy everlasting curse. Wherefore I am driven out from myself, and all that I can do, to seek this punishment discharged other where, or else to quail under the burden; I see there is no help for me in Angels, Saints, nor Mortal men, but only in that perfect man Christ jesus thy dear Son, in whom I see the full punishment of my sin wholly paid, satisfied, discharged, and overcome: death vanquished, the pains of hell in victory swallowed up, the curse satisfied, and the eternity of the punishment (through his everlasting power) overreached. This I see (O Lord) by the eyes of faith, being through thy holy spirit, wholly assured, that all the whole punishment of sin paid by my Saviour Christ, is not only paid for other men, but even also for me and my sin. This assurance of faith being thine only, work in me, I beseech thee in mercy to strengthen and increase, for I feel it often full of wavering and doubting. Grant that I may daily more and more in my soul and conscience, feel myself knit and engrafted into the body of thy Son, whereby I may be assured that whatsoever he hath done, pertaineth to me, and is fully and wholly mine: that I may through the power of his death, feel sin daily dye in me, and through the power of his resurrection feel myself risen from sin, to have my full joy and comfort in those things which be agreeable to thy holy will, only detesting, hating, and abhorring from my heart, all things which be contrary to thy will and pleasure: that even in this life I may still look for his endless joy & felicity, using the things of this world, as though I used them not, till that good time that it shall please thee to call me to thine everlasting kingdom of glory, there to reign with my Lord and Saviour jesus Christ for ever and ever. Amen. A Prayer upon the Lord's prayer. The first petition. Our Father which art in heaven. O Most mighty Lord and eternal God, who hast by thy dear son Chrtst jesus our Lord and Saviour, reconciled unto thyself all things in Heaven and earth, and in him hast made an everlasting bond and Covenant with us thy faithful Children, that thou wilt not only be our God, but also our most loving and merciful Father, whereof as a pledge uhou haste given us thy holy spirit of adoption, whereby we may with boldness and full trust and confidence come to thee by hearty prayer, as unto our most loving and merciful Father, being assured that thou wilt not deny aught which thou knowest shall be expedient for us: grant we beseech thee dear Father, that being fully persuaded in our hearts of this thy Fatherly love and affection toward us, we may be stirred up to make our petitions with such an affection, ardent desire, love, and reverence to thy Majesty, that our minds be not carried away with by-thoughts creeping in, but without all wand'ring may be fully bend and attentive to the things we ask, and fully stayed upon thy merciful and just protection. Hallowed be thy name. WE then beseech thee (dear Father) that thou wilt strengthen our hearts with thy holy spirit, that considering thou hast made all things for the glory of thy name, so we may in all our doings, enterprises, counsels, and purposes, chiefly above all things seek thy glory: that we may fully acknowledge thee not only the Author of all things, but the Ruler, Guider, and Governor of all things, both in heaven and earth: that we never diminish thy incomprehensible glory, by attributing unto ourselves any power, strength, or ability to do, will, or think that which is good: but from our hearts we may acknowledge all our goodness to come from thee, yielding for the same continual praise & thanksgiving to thy glorious Name, that we never by distrusting thy merciful providence, dishonour thy Name; but that even in our greatest desires we may put our full confidence in thee, not looking upon our weakness, but staying upon thy power & promises, by hearty prayer, flying unto thee our only refuge: that our whole life may be framed, according to thy holy will in all points, that thy glorious name in us may be sanctified, and that we be not an occasion that thy holy Name be any way blasphemed through our wicked life and conversation. The Second Petition. Thy kingdom come. LEt thy Kingdom most merciful Father, appear and manifestly be declared in all the world, but especially amongst thy Church & faithful Flock: declare thyself Lord and King over them, ruling them by the sceptre of thy holy word & force of thy holy spirit. Increase the number of faithful Pastors and Preachers among the people: bless their labours, to the increase of this kingdom of thy dear son jesus Christ, and to the destruction of the kingdom of Satan and Antichrist. Suppress the rage of the Enemies, that they m●y know that thou (O Lord) dost reign in all ages, to the behoof of thy Church, and terror of thin● enemies. Grant these mercy's good Lord, not only to a whole Church in general, but especially to every one of us thy Children particularly, grant that we may affectually feel the force of this thy kingdom in our hearts. Beat down in us our old Adam. with all sinful delights, thoughts, motions, and desires: and renew in us day by day, our spiritual and inward Man, that we may be wholly bend to delight, think, desire, & do those things which be acceptable in thy sight. The third petition. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. FRame our hearts good Lord with such humble obedience to thy holy will, that we may be heartily well content with whatsoever it pleaseth thy goodness to lay upon us: that we never cease in our miseries, but continually call on thee by hearty prayers athough we feel no release at all; yet that still patiently we may abide and quietly wait for thy good leisure, and appointed time of deliverance, when thou knowest it shall be most expedient for us. The fourth petition. Give us this day our daily bread. GRant us dear Father, that all our Counsels, studies, labours and endeavours, being by thy holy spirit guided and framed, we may every one in that vocation in which thou hast placed him, so fairhfully travail to the discharging of our Consciences, and edifying of thy Church: that our account may be found acceptable before thy Throne & judgement seat. So bless our labours and travails, that we may have sufficient for the preserving of this present life and be content with those benefits which thou shalt bestow upon us, whether they be many or few, acknowledging them to be received of thee: not greedily to care for them, or vainly to delight in them, and thankfully esteem of them as thy benefits bestowed upon us, and as faithful Stewards moderately to use them to the relief of our brethren and discharge of our consciences. The fift petition. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. Increase in us O Lord, the gift of Faith, that we may daily more & more in our Souls and consciences be assured; that our sins be defaced, clean blotted out, and covered with the full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice of thy dear son Christ jesus our Lord and Saviour once made for us: that we are united, knit, and made one body with him partakers of his righteousncs, justification, and holiness, and even fellow-heirs with him of everlasting life: that we may unfeignedly from the bottom of our hearts love thee for this thine unspeakable goodness and mercy, forgetting from our hearts our Brothers that do offend us, pray for them, love, cherish and comfort them as fellow members all of one body, with perfect natural love and compassion linked together unto our head Christ jesus. The sixth petition. Led us not into temptation STrengthen us good Lord with thy holy Spirit, that we be not overcome with the subtle suggestions and sinful motions of Satan the devil, hold us up with thy merciful hand, that we sleep not in sin, that we be not drawn away with the wicked world nor the enticements of the flesh, to delight in Wickedness: but so arm us with thy mighty power, that we may strongly abide all the assaults and subtle sli●hte● of our ghostly enemy, and sincerely to walk befo●●●●ces both in prosperity and adversity, to thy honour and glory, the health of our souls and profit of thy Church, through jesus Christ our only Lord and Saviour, Amen. The Lord's Prayer more at large. The first Petition. Our Father, which art in Heaven. MOst mighty and eternal Lord God, who of thine infinite love to mankind, hast given us thine own eternal Son Christ jesus our Lord, to be made man for us, in the similitude of sinful flesh, to become flesh of our flesh, & bone of our bones, in all things like unto us, sin only excepted: who being thy true and natural Son, hath made us with him sons, children, and heirs, to thee our most merciful Father, giving us by thy grace, that which is his by Nature: And by his due alone, once suffered sufficient Sacrifice, hath paid the ransom of our sins, before thy divine Majesty, to satisfy thy justice upon sinful flesh. Which debt being paid for us, he hath brought us in favour with thee, so that we may now with boldness and trust come to thee, as unto our most merciful and loving Father, with full assurance, that as thy soul is so much greater, and more excellent towards us, than all love of eatthly Parents toward their Children, as thou passest all men in goodness and mercy; so thou wilt deny us nothing which shall be expedient for us. So that, although all the Fathers that are in earth, having shaken off all seeing of Fatherly naturalness, would forsake their children, yet wouldst thou never forsake us, because thou canst not deny thyself. Who promisest, that if earthly Fathers being evil can give good gifts to their Children: how much more wilt thou our heavenly Father, being altogether goodness itself, give good things to them that ask in thy Son's name? And that although a Mother should forsake her Children, yet wilt thou not forsake us thy children, whom thou hast before the beginning of the World, in thy dear Son jesus Christ, chosen to be thy children & heirs with him of thine immortal Kingdom. Whereof that we ourselves might be sure and certain, and out of all doubt that we are the children ●nd heirs of everlasting life, thou hast given into our hearts thy holy Spirit, as a true pledge and earnest of our inheritance, which Spirit doth assure our spirits, that we are thy children, and thou therefore crieth in our hearts Abba, Father. Grant this for thy dear Son jesus Christ our Saviour, Amen. The Second Petition. Hallowed be thy Name. We therefore as thy dear Children, ransommed and bought by thy dear Son, fly to thee our most loving ●nd merciful Father, who in goodness art infinite; in mercy, abundant; in substance, incomprehensible; in immortality, everlasting: who by thy mighty power, and singular providence rulest all things according to thy heavenly Wisdom, beseeching thee, for thy dear Son Christ jesus his sake, that as thou hast sufficiently set forth thy glorious name in making and framing the whole world, heaven, earth, and all the things therein contained: so we may in beholding & viewing thy Creatures, the works of thine hands may be lifted up to thee our Lord God the Creator and maker, and in them glorify thy holy name, acknowledging in them thy singular goodness and love towards man, for whose use thou hast created all things both in heaven and earth: & that we may for the same, even from the bottom of our hearts, yield due honour, praise and thanksgiving unto thee dear Father, all the days of our life. Grant most merciful Father, that we may in heart and mind be fully assured, thou by thy heavenly providence, rulest and guidest all things in heaven and earth; so that nothing in the whole world cometh to pass, but according to thine appointment: that thou guidest and framest the affairs & doings of men; that thou hast even their hearts, and all their powers in thy merciful hand, to turn them which way soever it seemeth best unto thy godly wisdom: so that, whether we be in prosperity or adversity, we may acknowledge both of them to be thy work in us: and therefore, be no less thankful for sickness, then for health; for sorrow, then for comfort; for a troubled mind, then for a quiet; for imprisonment and banishment, then for liberty; especially seeing we know, that thou turnest them all, seem they never so sharp, to the comfort and commodity of thy children, which fear thee: and that in all things which shall befall unto us; whether they be grievous or joyous, prosperity or adversity, life or death, thy holy name may be sanctified in us by yielding due and continual praise and thanksgiving, to thy eternal Majesty: that we never cease to put our full trust and confidence in thy mercy, who hast promised to be our defender, buckler, and shield; to keep us as the apple of thine eye, to deliver us when we call upon thee, to open when we knock, to give when we ask: that we knowing our own weakness, that of ourselves we have no power or strength to do, no not so much as to will that which is good, we may acknowledge all our strength comfort, joy, faith, love, hope, and confidence to be thine only gift and work in us. And for the same, and the increase of the same, and for all thy benefits in us, whereof we feel ourselves destitute, we may constantly flee unto thee by hearty prayer, requiring the same at thy merciful hand. And having felt thy merciful dealing towards us, we may always to the end of our life continue thankful unto thy blessed name: that we never speak or think of thee (O LORD GOD) without high reverence, and an obedient fear unto thy glorious Name. The third Petition. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. ANd forasmuch (O Lord God) as of ourselves we be nothing but stubborness and rebellion, against thy holy Majesty, we beseech thee (dear Father) that as thine Angels in heaven do willingly obey thy holy and most blessed will without any resistance, so we thy most vild and unworthy Servants and Children in earth (all stubobrnesse rebellion & pervesnes, by thy holy Spirit in us being utterly extinguished and quenched) we may willingly submit ourselves, resign and yield our whole affections to thee, O Lord, to be governed after thy blessed and heavenly will. That we may feel in ourselves no other motion or desire, than a meet consent to thy holy will: that whatsoever affections in us fight against thy holy will, thou wilt utterly make them void. That we never will any thing of ourselves, but that thy holy Spirit in us may govern our hearts, by whom inwardly being taught, we may learn to love, embrace, and take comfort in those things that please thee, and to hate those things that displease thee; That our hearrs, minds, and wills, being wholly subdued to thy blessed will, we may willingly be content with that estate of life which it pleaseth thy goodness to excercise us withal in this world, whether it be in adversity or prosperity, in sickness or health, in ignominy or glory, in quietness or trouble, in sorrow or gladness. Grant us dear Father, this willing and patiented mind, that even in our greatest distress, we may be content with thy good will, and not to murmur or grudge against thy Majesty, knowing that thou wilt lay nothing upon us, but that which shall turn to our goodness and profit. And that we may patiently abide whatsoever it shall please thee to lay upon us: that we be assured in our hearts, that thou wilt lay no more unto us, than thou wilt give us strength to bear, & even in our greatest afflictions will't find a way for our deliverance, and that thy power and strength is more fully declared, when we feel ourselves utterly void of strength, and see no way of deliverance, that we may in our most grievous assaults, conflicts, and anguish or mind submit ourselves wholly to thy blessed will, and look for our deliverance at thy hand, when thou knowest it most expedient for us, and most for thy glory, leaving the time and means of our deliverance to thy good will and pleasure, and that in the mean time, we never cease but call upon thee by hearty prayers continually as thou hast commanded, until such time as thou shalt hear our petitions. And although after many and sundry callings upon thee thou seem not to regard us, but rather deal more extremely with us, yet notwithstanding strengthen us so with perseverance in prayer, that we faint not, but still continue in prayer, being assured that although we feel ourselves nothing released, yet we may quiet ourselves herein, that we as thy Children have laid our complaints, griefs, and sorrows in the bosom of thee our heavenly Father, who will as a loving Father, when he seethe it most convenient help us. And although thou seem nothing to grant our requests, yet we honour thee in calling upon t●y name, seeing thou dost accept it as a most chief honour to be called upon in the day of truble. The fourth petition. Give us this day our daily Bread. ANd forasmuch dear Father, as thou dost by thy mighty power, nourish, feed, sustain, preserve, and maintain all living Creatures, yea even the very young flocks and Beasts, we beseech thee to send unto us thy Children, (over whom thou hast a more special care) all things necessary for this our present life: that we having sufficient may walk every one in our calling, in sincerity and pure holiness before thy face acknowledging all our benefits of riches, health, wealth, meat, drink, apparel, and all our substance to be thy mere gifts bestowed upon us, and delivered unto us from thine hands: that we be not drawn from thee, through setting our minds too much upon them, but so moderately use them, as thy benefits for a time bestowed upon us, knowing that thou wilt at our hands require an account how we have used them. That we do not carefully gape or seek after them, but discreetly to thy glory use them, acknowledging in them thy goodness and liberality towards us. And seeing most merciful Father, that it is not our travel, labour, pains, study, or endeavour, which is able to get us our living, but only in so much as it pleaseth thy goodness to bless and prosper them: we beseech thee that yet through our great Travaily and pains, we be yet still poor, and in mean estate, that thou wilt give us a contented heart, knowing that thereby thou lettest us understand, that it is thy good will and pleasure, so to keep us under, that we more effectually may give ourselves to serve thee. Or if it be thy will and pleasure more abundantly to bless us, and our travail, to send us abundance of all things, we beseech thee dear Father give us a thankful heart to acknowledge them to be thy good gifts, and frame our hearts with such liberality, that we may be contented to distribute them according to the necessity of thy children, being assured, that thou hast to this end made us Stewards over them, that mayst at his hands require much, on whom thou hast bestowed much: so that we having the due estimation of thy benefits which we ought to have, may both reverence thy goodness in thy benefits, and supply the want of our brethren, to the relief of their necessity, and furtherance of thy glory. The fift petition. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. AND whereas most merciful Father, thy Son our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ hath in our nature paid the ransom and debt of all our sins, which we have from the beginning of our life committed and do daily commit, we beseech thy gracious gooodesse, that thou wilt by thy holy spirit in our hearts, assure our souls and consciences with a lively faith, that by that same one only sufficient sacrifice, the punishment of our sins is paid, thy wrath appeased, and thy justice satisfied: whereby our consciences may be quieted & set at peace with thee our merciful Father and God. Let us dear Father feel in our souls and consciences, that we are united to thy dear Son jesus Christ and made one body with him, and heirs with him of everlasting glory: so coupled and joined with him, that we are members of his body, so that whatsoever he hath done in his body, we may be assured that it is ours: that his righteousness is our righteousness, his sanctification and holiness is ours: the curse condemnation, and death, which he suffered, is the same curse, condemnation, and death due for our sins: that we know that our sins be done away, and clean forgotten and forgiven by thy merciful love & goodness declared in offering up thy Son to death for us, we may be driven to love thee unfeignedly from the bottom of our hearts, for this thine unspeakable love. And considering that thou hast in mercy pardoned so many our heinous offences, we may gladly be moved to forgive one another their offences, and put out of our heart all rancour, malice, & hatred, toward ou● Brothers, knowing that we are all members of one body, Christ our Saviour that so surely as we have forgiven them that offend us we may be so certainly assured that our merciful Father hath forgiven us, like as we have forgiven our Brothers. The sixth petition. Led us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. ANd for as much most heavenly Father, as we of ourselves be feeble, and frail and weak, and have a strong and subtle Adversary, Satan the Devil, who goeth about continually like a roaring Lion, seeking whom he may devour: we beseech thee strengthen us by thy holy Spirit, that we may withstand his subtle suggestions and motions: hold thou us by thy merciful hand, and keep us always in thy safeguard and protection, that we be not overcome in the mighty assaults of our adversary. And forasmuch as he often useth ever our own flesh, armed against us to conquer us, we beseech thee dear Father, mortify, subdue, and kill in our flesh all subtle suggestions, and sinful motions of Satan, that we yield not ourselves as slaves thereunto, but continually fight against them, and bring them into subjection of the Spirit. Grant unto us dear Father, that we may not be drawn through the subtle and slily torments of Satan to have our delight & pleasure in the vanities of this world, but by thy grace, might, and power, may so in the prosperity of this life be upholden, that our minds with full joy and comfort may be lifted up to our perfect consolation in our Lord and Saviour Christ: and in him, take our full and perfect joy and consolation, so that no vain delight of this world put us from the same, neither any sharp aduersaty, as poverty, misery, or calamity, through the malice of the devil, drive us to despair of thy merciful goodness towards us: but always being through thy grace and assistance defended, we may be fully & perfectly armed against all the subtle intrappings of Satan, and rest wholly in thy merciful defence and aid. For thou hast (O Lord and eternal God) in thy government, all things in heaven and earth, all power & dominion over all creatures, Angels and devils, to rule them according to thy good pleasure and will, to the profit and commodity of thy Church, and every faithful member thereof, and to thine incomprehensible glory: that in all things, in all ages, for ever and ever, thy glorious Name may be exalted, and thy faithful flock edified through Christ our Lord, Amen. A Confession of sins with Faith and Repentance. O Merciful and heavenly Father, we thy Servants do humbly prostrate ourselves before thy Majesty, acknowledging here in thy sight, our heinous offences committed against thy Majesty, seeing and beholding thy heavy wrath against them: we feel ourselves laden, O Lord our God, with a huge company of horrible sins, whereof the very lest, being but conceived in thought, is sufficient in judgement to throw us down to the everlasting burning lake. Our own consciences (O Lord) do bear witness against us of our manifold transgressions of thy blessed Law, of our security, senseless blindness, running headlong to destruction, committing sin after sin, although not notorious to the world, yet horrible before thine eyes. The thoughts of our hearts rise up in judgement against us: the vanity of our talk before thy Majesty condemneth us, the wickedness of our deeds from thy sight rejecteth us: all our wicked thoughts, words, and deeds; with the inward corruption of our nature, do altogether as it were a whole lump & load of sin, lie heavy upon us, and with their intolerable weight, do even press us down to Hell. We do daily groan under the burden of them, inwardly lamenting our own folly, too greedily running into them. In heaven, earth, or hell, we see none able to sustain the weight of them, but even thy dear beloed Son jesus Christ, who in mercy infinite, and compassion endless, hath sustained and overcome that endless punishment due unto them in him therefore, in him most merciful Father, and through him, we come to thee, being fully assured according to thy promise, that thou wilt accept & take that full recompense which he thy dear Son hath made for us, as a just ransom for the sin of all those, who with a true Faith take hold on him. In him therefore we see thine anger towards us appeased, thy wrath satisfied, and our debts paid. Increase in us good Lord we beseech thee, this lively and feeling; faith for we feel it oftentimes in us very weak, and troubled with many doubts: Increase it in us O Lord, that we may through thy holy spirit be assured; that the punishment of our sin is fully in thy Son discharged. Make us, O Lord our God, to feel the same in our souls and consciences, that I●sus Christ is ours, and all that he hath done. that we are engrafted into his body, and made one with him, and therefore fellow-heires with him of everlasting life. Let us not only have these words in our mouths, good Lord, but through thy holy Spirit, let us feel the comfort of them in our hearts, fully sealed & settled in us, that we feeling ourselves inwardly before thy judgement seat discharged, and our consciences towards thee appeased, may be swallowed up with an unfeigned love towards thy heavenly Majesty, and towards our Brothers for thy sake. Make sin to die in us daily more and more, that we may hate, detest, and utterly abhor all sin and wickedness in all men, but especially in ourselves, that we m●y strongly, through thy holy Spirit set ourselves in open defiance against all sin and wickedness: that we please not ourselves in our sins, but straightly examining sin by the just rule of thy holy Laws, we may utterly from the bottom of our hearts condemn even the least sin in ourselves, having our whole joy, comfort, and consolation, upon those things which be agreeable to thy blessed will, always being afraid to do any thing contrary to the same: that we may even from the bottom of our hearts, examine and try our thoughts before thy presence, that they be upright & unfeigned, not hypocritical in outward show only & appearance, but that even all the corners of our hearts being opened and disclosed before thee, we may even as though it were openly before the face of the whole world, bring them in show, knowing that a double heart is destitute in thine eyes: and that we may walk always as before thine eyes, not only before the eyes of man, being more careful to walk circumspectly in this respect, that we have thee to be a viewer of our doings a thousand fold more than the eyes of man. That thus we may walk as becometh thy Children, not only in outward show, but also in sincerity of hart, abhorring even the least sin in ourselves, striving, resisting, and fight against sin, not nourishing the same in our breast, but earnestly embracing, and studiously seeking after those things which be pleasant in thine eyes: that neither the fear of man, nor loss of goods, life, lands, possessions, or friends, draw us away from thee to do any least thing contrary unto thy will and pleasure: neither the favour and friendship of man, nor yet the flattering enticements of this World, nor the vain promotions of the same, do move us ●ny whit from the true and endless joy, delight, & pleasure which we ought to have in those things which be agreeable to thy will, and the constant performance of the same: but that always to the end of our life we may continue in thy paths, growing and increasing from faith to faith, from strength to strength, till at length, we shall come to thine everlasting rest, Amen. ¶ A Prayer for the prosperous estate of the whole Church. O Lord our God and heavenly Father, forasmuch as by thy holy word, we are commanded in our Prayers, not only to be mindful of ourselves, but also of all other thy children: yea, even of our enemies, we commend unto thy divine Majesty, all thy whole true and Catholic Church, and every member thereof, that as it hath pleased thy goodness by the bright beams of thy holy word to shine over the whole world, whereby thou hast expelled, driven away, & caused to vanish the dark and misty clouds of ignorance and superstition: so thou wouldst vouchsafe by thy holy Spirit, to touch the hearts of men, that they may joyfully embrace that thine so high a Treasure sent amongst us, that through our unthankfulness, we provoke not thy Majesty in anger to take it from us. Crush, bruise, and destroy with the breath of thy mouth the mighty power of that man of sin, which so proudly exalteth himself above all that is called God. Let not thy simple flock (dear Father) in whose consciences he so long time hath, & yet doth sit as God, be any longer poisoned with his sweet enticing poisons: but so lighten their hearts, that they may perceive his jugglings, & embrace the sweet and comfortable doctrine of life everlasting revealed in thy glorious Gospel. And forasmuch as it hath pleased thee in mercy above all Nations of the earth, to pow●e down the sweet showers of thy heavenly graces upon this our English Nation abundantly; in more plentiful wise, watering the same with the gifts of thy holy Spirit, in promoting thy Gospel, and overthrowing Idolatry, we beseech thee continue thy favour towards the same, and uttery root out all Remnants, Relics, and Monuments of Idolatry, that thy glorious name may be throughly exalted in sincere, pure, and holy worship. And as thou hast in mercy from amongst us in this thy Church, utterly banished all false, venomous, and poisonful doctrine, wherewith the souls of thy Children heretofore have been wounded ●o death, and in place thereof, hast placed the true and comfortable doctrine of life everlasting; wherewith the souls of thy children may be fed and nourished to everlasting joy: so in like mercy and favour we beseech thee, dear Father, establish in the same thy Church, a true, perfect, and sincere regiment thereof, according to the prescript rule of thy blessed Word, all fantasies of man's brains, and dreams of humane policy utterly abolished, that thy glorious Majesty only may be exalted in the light of thy glorious Gospel: and that thy Church may flourish & increase, being through thy protection aided, supported, maintained, and defended: we beseech thee ●●thy holy Spirit, guide and rule every part and member thereof, especially thy servant james, our King, whom thy gracious favour and merciful providence hath appointed a chief member of the same: under whose wings (next unto thy protection) it hath a chief succour and support. Grant unto him, O Lord, a pure and perfect zeal, above all things to promote thy glory: first & chiefly in labouring and endeavouring of himself earnestly in wiping away and purging out of the Church all blots and deformities, to reduce the same to a pure & sincere form of worship, agreeing to thy blessed word, utterly to remove all stumbling blocks, which stay and hinder the course of thy Gospel. Give in like manner, O Lord GOD, the spitit of wisdom, discretion, & government, that with equity and justice he may see this whole Realm, which thou hast committed to his charge, peaceably & quietly governed: that he may studiously labour, that as well through the whole Realm virtue be exalted, & vice abandoned, as especially in his own house and Court, that all wicked vanities of this world, all licentious and inordinate life, all flattering and dissimulation being utterly banished, the flare of thy glorious Majesty may so reign in the hearts of all within his Highness' Palace and Court, that their lives and conversation may be agreeable to thy blessed will, in sincerity and true holiness, and integrity of life, that from them, as from the head, may shine purity of life and conversation as an example and pattern of true godliness to the whole Realm. Preserve him we beseech thee, good Lord, from all conspiracies and Treasons, that if it be thy good will he may have a long & quiet reign over us, to the benefit of thy Church, and advancement of thy glory. Endue the whole Counsel good Lord, with true and perfect wisdom, that in all their consultations & Counsels, having thee present before their eyes, they may consult of those things which principally & chiefly may be for the advancement of thy glory, and the commodity of thy Church, and next for the quiet peace and gracious government of this his Realm. So lighten all inferior Magistrates of this Realm, good Lord, with brightness of thy holy Spirit, that understanding thy will, they may zealously defend, maintain, and further the course of the Gospel, with the sword of justice cut off the wicked and cherish the godly. Defend and govern by thy holy Spirit, the Pastors of thy Church, and labourers in thy vineyard, that ●hey may zealously, earnestly, and diligently feed thy flock committed unto them, with the food of life, thy bl ssed word, wherewith their souls may be nourished to life everlasting. Increase the number of them dear Father, place over every flock, a godly, learned, and painful Pastor, who may painfully & carefully travel every one in his charge, to bring thy people (which now alas in many parts do wander and go astray like lost sheep) to the true knowledge of their Lord and God, and of thy dear Son jesus Christ their Saviour. And for thy mercy, we beseech thee to take pity upon thy poor and simple flock, root out all ravening wolves, which have craftily crept into thy sheepfold, and do make havoc of the souls of thy simple Flock. C●st out all hirelings, timeservers & dumb Dogs, which to fill their bellies only, have thrust themselves among thy sheep, and do pitifully suffer the Flock of Christ thy Son, to be devoured and scattered of the Wolf. Stir up good Lord, and place in their rooms faithful Shepherds, which diligently, painfully, carefully, and earnestly may labour in thy Vine-yard, seek to win the souls of thy people, out of the tyranny and power of Satan, to the freedom of thy dear Son Christ jesus our Lord. And that thy Church may better be furnished with godly learned Pastors, we beseech thee good Lord, to prosper and increase in all Godly knowledge all schools of learning: especially the two Universities Cambridge and Oxford. Grant dear Father unto all the students of the same, that the chief end of all their studies, may be to the furtherance of thy Church, and maintenance of the commonwealth. Bless their studies (dear Father) that all vain studies set aside, they may so fructify in all profitable and godly Sciences, that hereafter they may become profitable members of thy Church & godly Upholders of the Commonwealth. Grant (good Lord) to all the whole Commons of this Realm, that their hearts being touched with a sincere fear and reverence of thy Heavenly Majesty, acknowledging thy mercy in placing over them a godly & Religious Prince, they may every one in their callings walk in all true and humble obedience unto him, in thee, and for thee without resistance, tumults, Insurrections, conspiracies, or rebellion's know● gr●at to resist the higher Powers, is to rebel against thy Majesty. Finally we beseech thy goodness, so to giude & govern the hearts of all the whole Realm of every degree, that every one in his calling, being by thy holy wisdom supported, may so occupy his Talon, that thy glory in all things may be advanced, thy church enlarged, & this whole Realm into sincere godliness virtuously reduced. Moreover, we beseech thee (O Lord our God) in Mercy to behold all those which suffer persecution for thy glorious words sake, whether it be imprisonment, death, or banishment, or whatsoever else, strengthen them good Lord, that they having thee always before their eyes, and the glory laid up for them in the life to come, may continue constant in defending thy truth without fear of man, or vain allurements of the world, that whether it come by life or death, they may glorify thy holy Name in continuing in the truth to the end. Preserve in like manner we beseech thee, all others thy Children, whom it hath pleased thee with any kind of Cross to chasten for their amendment, whether by pestilence, famine, war, poverty, Imprisonment, sickness, or banishment, trouble of conscience, vexation of spirit, unquietness of mind, want of spiritual comfort, or whatsoever kind of affliction of body or mind thou dost try them with: that by thy holy spirit being fully assured that thou by this thy correction mindest to call them back to a feeling of their sin, & due consideration of their life & conversation, they may patiently abide thy Fatherly trial, looking for aid, help, and comfort from thee, when it seemeth most convenient to thy holy wisdom: and being by thy merciful hand once delivered, may acknowledge thy singular power and work, giving all laud and praise to thy glorious name: and afterwards all the days of their life, study and live before it he in sincerity and perfect holiness, even to their life's end. This O Lord, we beseech thee in Mercy to grant, for thy beloved Son's sake, jesus Christ our Lord, and only Saviour, Amen. Morning prayer for private Houses and Families. O Gracious God, and loving Father, according to thy commandment, we do here present ourselves before the throne of thy mercy, acknowledging and confessing from the bottom of our hearts, that we be miserable sinners, daily breaking thy commandments, both in thought, word, and deed, wherein we justly deserve everlasting damnation, and to be utterly thrown from thy presence: yet O Lord, we see thy goodness again toward us, who not suffering us thus to perish in our sins, hast sent thine own dear Son jesus Christ, to take upon him whatsoever is due, to reconcile and make us at one with thee again. In him therefore good Lord, and through him, do we come unto thee, beseeching thee for his sake, that we feeling the grievousness of our sins, and groaning under the burden of them, may feel the release & ease of them, in that we be through thy holy Spirit assured, and steadfastly believe, that Christ hath borne the burden of them even for us. Grant likewise, O most merciful Lord & heavenly Father, that we being assured hereof in our consciences, may through thy holy Spirit be renewed in the inner man, to hate, detest, and abhor sin, and to study to live according to thy blessed will during our whole life. We do not only pray for ourselves, but also for all thy whole Church, especially such as be persecuted for thy word: grant unto them, that whether it be by death or life, they may glorify thy Name to their life's end. Be merciful to this Church of England, Scotland, & Ireland, we beseech thee good Lord, & preserve every part and menber of the same, especially thy servant james our King: grant him all such gifts as be needful for so high a calling, to the advancement of thy glory, and benefit of this Common wealth, to the establishing of a perfect government of thy Church, according to the prescript rule of thy blessed word, to the rooting out of all superstition and relics of Antichrist, to the governing of his subjects in all peace and tranquillity. Defend him, O Lord, from all conspiracies, treasons, & rebellions, and so work in the hearts of all his subjects, that knowing his authority doth come from thy heavenly Majesty, they may with obedient hearts humbly obey them in thee, and for thee. Preserve the whole Council and the Magistrates of the Realm, that being lightened through thy holy Spirit, they may defend the truth, suppress wickedness, and maintain equity. Behold all the Pastors and Preachers of thy word, bless their labours, increase the number of them, place over every Church a painful watchman, remove all idle lubbers, and confound the power of Antichrist, and turn the hearts of the people that they may be obedient to thy truth. Bless the two famous Universities, Cambridge and Oxford, & all the students of the same, with all Schools of Learening. Behold all those that be afflicted with any kind of cross, that they may profit by thy correction in newness of life. Lastly, for ourselves here gathered, we humbly (O Lord) crave at thy hands, that it would please thee to make us thankful unto thy Majesty for all thy loving kindness showed unto us even from our infancy: especially, that thou hast this present night delivered us from all dangers both of body and soul, whereinto many have fallen, as we in the like manner should have done, if we had not been stayed with thy merciful hand: that thou hast also granted unto us so sweet & comfortable rest, and hast now presently brought us to the beginning of this day. For these things, good Lord, we yield thee most hearty thankes, beseeching thee to make us more & more daily thankful unto thy Majesty for them, and pardon our unthankfulness. And as thou hast safely preserved us unto this present hour from all the dangers of this life: so we beseech thee continue thy favour towards us this day, and the whole course of our life. Defend us, O Lord, that we now entering into the affairs of this day, be not drawn away with the vain allurements of this world, to sin and wickedness: that we walk not in the shadow of death, that we be not entangled in the snares of sin, that we stumble not at the blocks of iniquity, that we finally fall not into the pit of death and destruction: but being shadowed under thy wings, we may cheerfully & constantly go on forward to the end of our course. Grant unto us, O Lord our God, that this good time which thou grantest unto us in this life, be not idly, or vainly of us consumed, but that every one of us may be diligently exercised in his calling this day, and all our life long, being assured that thou wilt once call us to yield an account of our Stewardship. Endue us, we beseech thee, with those gifts and graces which be needful for us in our calling, & that with a pure heart & sincere conscience, we may use them to the benefit of our brethren, and discharge of our own conscience before thy Majesty. We beseech thee, O Lord, that in all our consultations words and works this day, and the whole course of our life, we may always have thee presnet before our eyes, knowing that thou seest even the very deep thoughts of our hearts, which always may be as a bridle to pull us back, that we neither do, nor yet consent to any sin or wickedness, but that always we may be so exercised in the affairs of this life, that we look still to the end of our course, when it shall please thee to bring us through the pilgrimage of this life to our everlasting rest with thy dear Son jesus Christ our Saviour. In whose Name for these mercies and whatsoever thou knowest to be needful for us, & for thy whole Church we pray unto thee, as he himself hath taught us in his holy word, saying. Our Father, etc. The Lord bless us & save us, the Lord make his face shine upon us, and be merciful unto us, the Lord turn his favourable countenance towards us, & grant us his peace. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the most comfortable fellowship of the holy Ghost, be with us, preserve us this day and evermore, Amen. Evening Prayer for private Houses and Families. O Gracious God and loving Father, according to thy Commandment we do here present ourselves again before thy Majesty, humbly prostrating our sinful selves before the Throne of thy mercy, acknowledging and confessing from the bottom of our hearts, that we are miserable sinners, daily breaking thy Commandments, both in thought, word, and deed; wherein we justly deserve everlasting damnation, and to be utterly thrown from thy presence. Yet (O Lord) we see thy goodness again towards us, who not suffering us thus to perish in our sins, hast set thine own dear Son jesus Christ, to take upon him whatsoever is due, ●o reconcile and make us at one with thee again. In him therefore (good Lord) and through him, do we come unto thee, beseeching thee for his sake, that we feeling the grievousness of our sins, and groaning under the burden of them, may feel the release and ease of them, in that we be through thy holy Spirit assured, and steadfastly believe, that Christ jesus our Lord, hath borne the burden of them, even for us. Grant O Lord, that we being assured hereof in our Consciences, may through thy most holy and blessed Spirit, be renewed in the inner man, to hate, detest, and utterly abhor all sin, and that we may study to live according to thy blessed will, during our whole life. And now (O Lord God) we pray not only for ourselves, but likewise for all thy whole Church, especially for such as be persecuted for the testimony of a good conscience: Grant unto them, O Lord, that whether it be by death or life, they may glorify thy Name to their life's end. Bless these Churches (good Father) wherein we live, and therein our gracious Sovereign, and thy servant james, King of Great-Britaine, France and Ireland. Keep him, O Lord, from all Conspiracies, Treasons, and Rebellions. Preserve the Noble and hopeful Prince Charles; the illustrious Prince Palatine, the Lady Elizabeth with their Princely Issue. Bless the Lords of his Majesty's most honourable Privy Counsel, the Magistrates & Ministers of this Land. Shower down thy blessings (O Lord) upon both the Universities) and all Schools of Learning Comfort all those that be afflicted with any kind of cross, that they may profit by thy correction, to newness of life. And lastly (gracious Lord God) we come unto thee for ourselves here gathered together, rendering unto thy glorious Majesty, most hearty Thanks, which hast hitherto from our infancy presetued us by thy mercy from all perils and dangers both of soul and body, whereunto frail man is subject, that thou hast sent unto us every thing necessary for this present life, as health, food, apparel, and such like, which many of thy dear Children do want, being notwithstanding, as preciously bought with the precious blood of thy dear Son, as we be, & yet be in misery and calamity, oppressed with poverty, nakedness, imprisonment, and banishment; in whose case also (dear Father) thou mightest have brought us; save only that thou dealest herein more favourably with us, then with them. For the which thy loving kindness, we give thee hearty thankes: desiring thee, that as thou hast hitherto thus favourably in mercy preserved us by thy protection, and even presently this day hast brought us past all dangers thereof, so we beseech thee (good Lord) in like favour to behold us this night, that we taking our natural rest and quietness, may through thy protection, be defended; that our Bodies resting, our souls may be occupied in beholding thy favour and mercy towards thy Children, still looking for the coming of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ for our full Redemption. Grant that our sleep be not immoderate, according to the lust of our flesh, but as much as is sufficient to refresh our weak nature: that being thus refreshed, both the body and the mind, may be more able to do their several office and Function, in that Vocation wherein thou hast placed us. Grant, that we laying our bodies down to rest, m●y be thereby put in mind o● our long rest of death, that as we do now lay down our bodies in bed, so we may be thereby admonished, that hereafter they shall be laid down in the Grave, to be consumed to dust, earth, & ashes; from whence they were taken: That we having this before our eyes, may be stirred up in mind, warily to walk in this our Pilgrimage, not knowing when the time shall be of our departure, but always to be found ready with ou● Lamps of pure faith clearly burning, that we may be accepted to meet the Bridegroom, when our mortal, earthly, and corruptible Bodies shall be made like to the glorious body of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, there to reign with him, in perpetual joy and consolation, together with all the Elect children of God; continually lauding with thy Heavenly multitude, the glorious Majesty of thee our Lord God and heavenly Father, in our God and Saviour, jesus Christ. For these, and whatsoever else thou know'st to be needful for us, and thy whole Church, we pray unto thee, as he himself hath taught us saying, Our Father, etc. The Lord bless us, & save us, the Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be merciful unto us: The Lord turn his favourable countenance unto us, and grant us his peace. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the most comfortable Fellowship of God the holy Ghost, be with us, preserve, and keep us, this night forth, and for evermore, Amen. A form of Prayer daily to be used of all faithful Christians, in their houses, or elsewhere. ALmighty God, and merciful Father, in and through jesus Christ our Lord; in whom, and by whom, we trust that thou art our God and Father; we most humbly here prostrate ourselves before the Throne of thy Majesty, beseeching thee first (good Father, and God) to pardon all our sins, which we confess and acknowledge against ourselves, beseeching thy gracious Spirit, to work in us the knowledge of them daily more and more, that thereby we may co●e vnt● true Repentance for them; & together therewith, unto the knowledge of the height, breadth, depth, and fullness, in all sorts of thy grace and mercy, whereby through jesus Christ thou hast forgotten them, and removed them as fare from us, as the East is from the West. And, although we know by them too well (good Lord) that we have, as much as in us lay & lieth, laboured to provoke thine anger against us: heaping sin upon sin, and multiplying offences and transgressions against thy high grace and Majesty, breaking thy holy word & Commandments: yet thou (O Lord) hast not been as Man, nor thy affections as the affections of the Sons of men, but hast continued gracious and merciful, and bountiful unto us, in pardoning our sins, and daily renewing in us with the morning, thy graces diverse and manifold. Therefore we beseech thee most merciful Father, so to give us thy holy Spirit, that we provoke thee no more, that thou rise not against us to destroy us as we have deserved: for we have been, & are dry as stubble, and yet thou hast not dispersed and consumed us, we have been unfruitful, and thou hast not cut us down: yea Lord, we have brought forth wild and sour Fruit, corrupt, and detestable, and yet thou lettest thy rain to fall, and Sun to shine upon us. Make us therefore we beseech thee sorry as becometh thy Children, for that we have disobeyed thee, so merciful and loving a Father, and frame us daily, and fashion us to the likeness of thy well beloved Son, jesus Christ our Lord: that in knowledge and true holiness, we may glorify thee before the world, and by the fruits of godliness and righteousness, be assured and made certain of thy holy Spirit, and of the love wherewith thou lovest us. Make us thankful dear Father, for the infinite & unspeakable benefits of our election to life and everlasting glory before all time and for our creation, redemption, and sanctification, in time to bring thy glorious counsel to pass. Work in us certain faith, and assured hope in thy promises, the true fear of thy Majesty, perfect hate and detestation of all disordered and sinful affections. Work in us eternal love of thy truth and Gospel, sincere affection and love towards thy Children, and amongst ourselves patience, knowledge, virtue, love, compassion, with all graces of thy kingdom, that in all on behaviour, thou O God mayest be glorified in us. Also we beseech thee most merciful Father, for the benefits of this life. That as thou art not only the God of our spirits and souls, but also of our bodies: so it would please thee, notwithstanding our sins, to grant us thy blessings of health, peace, and maintenance, of which (by thy gracious providence) some of us do feel the want, and some of us have for long time enjoyed and used the same; that together with them, we may have thy Spirit to instruct us, as well in the wants, as in the true & lawful use of them: that we may more earnestly and seriously study and labour in these vocations wherein thou hast set us, through thy great mercy, to the promoting and increasing of thy Kingdom, to the benefit and comfort of thy Children. And we pray not only for ourselves, but beseech thee make us earnest and fervent in prayer unto thy Majesty, even for others also, yea, for all men: that as thou art the Creator of all, so thou wouldst mercifully regard them, and continue thy gracious goodness & mercy, in adminstring & ordering the world, so that by no Tyrants nor wicked men, that order which thou hast established be overthrown: but the spring and harvest, the rain & fruitful times, and the joy which thou showest and givest by them, may provoke all men continually to fear and love thee; yea, to seek thee and find thee. That not in those outward blessings alone, but much more in thy Spirit, they wh●me thou hast there-unto ordained, may rejoice in thy Fatherly goodness by jesus Christ. And that to this end, it may please thee to pour out thy graces upon men, that they may be instructed and framed meet instrtments, for the calling of all such as thou hast appointed to be of thy Church. That these builders may be cunning and expert. That these Gardiner's, may be wise to plant & water, with judgement and discretion; that these Stewards of thy mysteries, may so behave themselves in thy Church, that they knowing how and wherewith to feed thy house, the glory & beauty thereof may appear in the eyes of all the world, which thou hast before so long time promised, and which to see the eyes dazzle & faint with looking for. And although we know well, O Lord, that the cause of all miserable disorders, deformities, and breaches now adays, is in ourselves, which shut up thine hand, & (as it were) bind thine arms from reaching them out unto us, for our salvation and comfort, yet let the Lord arise and be merciful unto Zion, & have pity on the ruins thereof. For the time is come, our own Country and people are before our eyes continually, whose sin and disorder, whose Ignorance and stubbrnoesse, whose negligence and contempt of thy word, thou hast now long time punished, withdrawing thy hand from doing them good. For by thy just judgement now many years, thou hast plagued them, and us, with idle, profane, unlearned, and unskilful Pastors: Guiders thou hast given them, but to their ruin: Feeders, but of themselves, not of thy flock: Teachers and Doctors, who have mouths but speak not, turns but see not, neither have they judgement to instruct thy people, nor wisdom, how to go out and in before them; and that which is most fearful, thy good hand is not wi●h those Prophets which are amongst them, who do sow indeed, but the earth giveth not her increase. They water, but thy plants rise not in any number. They feed, but thy flock is poor, not fat nor beautiful. O let the Lord forget the sins of his people. Why hath he bound them upon his hand to look upon them for ever? Why hath he set them day and night in the sight of his countenance? We confess and acknowledge against ourselves, O Lord, all our sins, we judge and condemn ourselves, yea we testify against ourselves, that we have deserved that even those sparks of thy fire and heavenly light which are amongst us, should be quenched and put out, that the smoke of thy glory which is still in thy Church amongst us, should rise up and vanish away from amongst us as the dew of the morning; that the same building which as yet standeth, were to be thrown down, that the Lord should mount upon his Chariot, and flee from us. But shall the Lord deal with his people by weight and measure? shall he use judgement, and not mercy? shall our Father forget his Children, although we provoke him? shall not the sighs & groans of them that bewail Zion, come before him & enter into his ears? O Lord, let the judgement ●nd severity which we have deserved, be stayed: let Chariots and Horses be loosed, let the Armies of the Lord be discharged, and let the Lord ungird himself, and forget his counsel, and turn and be merciful & gracious unto them acknowledge and confess their sins. Let the Angels that be the destroyers, go from before thy face, to overthrew and cast down all that standeth to hinder thy glory, and to maintain sin and Ignorance, Pride, and Vanity. That thy good Angels may follow, to meet out and describe all things that pertain to the building of thy Temple. Let them lay to it the square and plummet, and let all thy people stand and shout and sing glory, at the laying of this foundation. Let thy Spirit guide all those good Lord, that in fear and reverence before thee, walk in their vocation. In the Universities and in all parts of the Realm, yea, of the earth, looking & labouring for this work, & increase the little number, as the thousands of Ephraim, & the ten thousands of Manasses, and those that laugh at, and hinder, & draw back this work, let them be ashamed and confounded, and all thy marvellous blessings be showed in the success thereof. But let them have no force nor strength to hinder it: so shall jacob rejoice in thy mercy, and Israel in thy everlasting truth. So shall our eyes see thy glory, O Lord, and we sing perpetually to thy praise. So shall jesus Christ delight in the beauty of his Church, and his people be a people meet to serve him, decked and adorned with his gifts, labouring and studying to please him, that in them his love may rest. To this end, good Lord, show thy mercy upon all Princes and Magistrates of the earth, that belong to thy election: turning the hearts of all those that hitherto have not known thy truth, but lent their power and might to Satan and Antichrist, to persecute thy people, to the great dishonour of thy name. That yet now at the last, they may b●e brought home into thy sheepfold, and in stead of persecutors, become Nurse-fathers', and Nurse-mothers' to thy Church. But especially, we most humbly beseech thee for all such Princes and Magistrates, as have received thy truth. And namely, for our dear Sovereign Lord, the King's Majesty, whom thou hast placed over us in this Realm, & for his most honourable Counsel, and all Magistrates therein, that thou wouldst augment the graces of thy holy Spirit in him, and in them: especially, the spirit of wisdom, counsel, and power: that he and they may go forward in the work of the building up of thy Church, in all obedience to thy will, speedily, and constantly, and perseverantly, that thy people the Sheep of thy pastors, whom thou hast committed to him and their government, may godly and peaceably live and dye to thee, & with them and for them, glorify thy most holy name for ever and ever. We beseech thee also good Lord our God, for all our Brothers wheresoever, that those which are in thy Church in peace and safety, may prosper and go for, ward, and stand in thy truth for ever, that thy goodness may be assured unto themand that thou wouldst keep their place, and maintain their cause, against all that labour to trouble them. And for such as do yet labour under tyranny and affliction, whose sufferings thou knowest, O Lord, better than we can declare: It may please thee to break the rod of their oppressors, to quench the fire of their adversaries, & to lighten, or rather clean take away that burden, that they so press them withal; that they together with us, may join in thy Congregation, and feed safely. So that there may be none to scar us. Let thy Spirit of comfort possess our hearts, that all trouble may seem less than thy truth and glory, & so lighten our eyes, that in our darkness we may have such sight of thy glory, and of jesus Christ, who is in that high Mountain where he is now so glorious, that our griefs may be swallowed up. A Special Morning Prayer for the Sabbath. MOst Mighty, and glorious Lord of Hosts, & God of Sabbaths. Who though thou didst rest from all thy works of Creation, yet daily workest in all the world, disposing and preserving all things therein, by thy general providence: and especially rulest in thy Church and Children; doing all their works for them, and daily preserving them from the evils of the time: encouraging them daily by the renewing of thy mercies to seek thy face, & refreshing thy Beloved (daily) from Sabbath to Sabbath with the fruits of thy house, that they may be fitted to rest for ever with thee in thine eternal Sabbath. It is thy singular mercy, & great patience (O Lord our God) that thy unworthy & unprofitable servants, having so often provoked thee, to call us to an account and take our Talents from us; are yet respited to a further use of thy blessings, and redeeming of the time in better husbanding thereof. But (O Lord our God) how wonderfully and (above all other) unspeakable is this thy goodness, that though we have no better then profaned this thy holy day, generally heretofore by speaking our own words, and thinking our own thoughts therein; so far from being bettered by thine ordinances, that we still remain more hardened and inexcusable thereby, more leavened with hypocrisy and worldliness, more barren in uprightness and holiness of conversation, and so deserve for ever to be plucked up by the roots, and cast out of thy presence. Yet hast thou offered us once again this gracious opportunity of thy blessed Presence, and to draw near unto thee, his thy day in the use of thy holy ordinances. How justly mightest thou long since, either fatted up our hearts, and so given us up to our own lust, and reprobate ways, that all good motions might be utterly quenched in us, all desire of thy presence wholly extinguished. Or though we had any desire, yet thou mightest justly hide thy face from us, and turn this day of our visitation into a perpetual night. Hast thou not thus reckoned with our neighbours round about? And what mightest thou find in us (O blessed Lord) that any way could stay this fearful reckoning? Is it, because we have enjoyed more favours longer than they have done? Lord, what may we truly expect herefrom, then to be beaten with more stripes? And though thy patience be more enlarged towards us, yet shall not the reckoning be the more intolerable? Or is it not thy singular wisdom, to warn us graciously by our Brothers harms, and humble us the more by the sense of our unprofitableness, as if our case were bootless, & desperate? Or is it because thou hast given us some remorse of josephs' affliction, and enlarged our hearts with some compassion towards them. Oh how doth this continue our cruelty towards them, that while we seek to ease them of their smart by our cold compassions, we yet encourage them by our example in sin? How doth this challenge our want of mercy to ourselves, while we more harden our hearts hereby in wickedness, as if we were more righteous than they, because we are spared, and they are punished; and so heap up more wrath against ourselves by our impenitency, while we labour to reclaim others from the fury thereof. Thus find we nothing by ourselves, why we far better than others; but that our best fare is like to prove our deadly bane. Only in thee (O our God) there is absolute power to do with thine own what thou wilt, with thee there is free mercy, to spare whom thou pleasest; In thee, there is infinite wisdom to draw thy Children unto thee, by contrary means; some by fear, plucking out of the fire; alluring others by thy tender compassions, that thou only mightest have the glory of all thy works; melting some by thy patience, which harden others, and hardening some by thy corrections, which soften others. Meditate (O my soul) on this Power, Wisdom, and mercy of thy glorious God. Exalt him and say; who is like our God, that spareth and punisheth whom he pleaseth; that punisheth by sparing, and spares by punishing? And solet thy heart begin this day with such devout Meditation and ravishment therewith, that it may truly cast thee down before his glorious presence, and utterly cast thee out of all carnal confidence, and so wholly cast out of thee all vain and earthly thoughts, that may interrupt thy sweet fellowship with thy glorious God, while thou labourest to power out thy soul before him in judging thyself, & justifying his free goodness for thy former preservation, and crying for acceptance in thy Saviour for the pardon of thy sins, and to be clothed with his righteousness, that thou mayest appear all fair in the presence of thy God, and so be safely carried by his Spirit, into the Chamber of thy Mother, there to suck and be satisfied. O grant us (gracious God) thus to begin this day in thee, and with thee. And that we may be better quickened and enabled hereunto, and set to the spending thereof wholly in thy fear. Persuade our hearts, we pray thee (Blessed Lord) of the morality and equity of this thine own ordinance: that what thou hast for thine own entire and solemme worship so unchangeably ratified, we may not esteem common and indifferent, as either to seek myself any whit therein, or else not to seek thee in all thy ways: as if either thou hadst imposed rest from our worldly employments, because idleness pleaseth thee, and the ease of the flesh were part of the worship; or else might excuse us from spiritual employments: or else, that herein also we might take our ease, and serve ourselves, refreshing the labours of our souls, by satisfing the flesh. But cause us (gracious God) to know, that therefore, in thine infinite wisdom thou hast now restrained us from bodily labours, that we might be there by freed from all encumbrances of care and worldly mindedness, and so might wholly apply ourselves both to the public and private means and practice of thy worship therein, even all the day: and that we may so do, O grant us we humbly pray thee, to call thy Sabbath a delight, to consecrate it glorious unto thee; eschewing our own ways, and renouncing our own will, forsaking all vain and ordinary words, giving no way to any lose or worldly thoughts: but we may bind ourselves to an entire and constant following thee, in all the ways of thy worship, as may any way seem to the sanctifying of this day. And because I am like to meet with many hindrances herein, both within and without: mine own heart within, repining hereat, as an heavy yoke, and pleading for unseasonable and carnal liberty: The world without, alluring by cunning pretences and contrary example, and scorning my strictness and scrupulousness herein. O arm me strongly (gracious God) against all these enchantments, and foolish scarecrows; That I may not lean to mine own wisdom, but to thy sacred word, studying the more carefully to please thee in all things, that I may stop the mouths of gainsayers, or glo●ie herein the more, that they are still opened against welldoing, & shall provoke thee justly to stop their mouths in due time, with confusion. O persuade my heart (as thou hast taught me) that thy yoke is easy, thine ordinances not grievous: and grant me to try mine ease, by the diseasing of my flesh; and to prepare for comfort therein, by grief for my fayllings, which may still provoke me to continue therein: and the subduing of my flesh may better fit me to the cheerful undergoing thereof: and the more I feel mine own wants and grieve therein, the more I may hunger after and value thy sweet ordinance, whereby my wants may be supplied, and sorrows refreshed: that so in the denial of myself, I may be still found of thee in Christ, and by his power may be still enabled to go through the spiritual occasions of the day, and nourished with hope of the acceptance of my weak endeavours therein. So grant me (loving Father) when I speak unto thee, to speak even from thee. From the sense of thy Majesty, to abase me humbly before thee: from the light of thy Truth, to discern my special wants by the light of faith, to apprehend thy special favour in Christ, to cast me out of myself, and cast me boldly upon thee, and by remembrance of thy former mercies and faithful promises, to assure me good success in presence with thee, and so from the sense of thy love, to offer a sacrifice of praise unto thee, that I may still receive from thee by emptying my soul in compassion to others may be more replenished by thee. O grant me (Blessed Lord) that when thou speakest to me, I may hear thee only, and alone by thee. Let thy key open my heart that it may receive thee inwardly: Let it shut my heart again that by meditation, I may retain thee constantly. Let it open my heart again, by applying thine ordinance to my present and special wants; and so break the stony rock again, that the tears of hearty Repentance may gush out plentifully. O then let it shut my heart fast by confidence in thee, that I sink not in despair; And then let it open and enlarge my heart again, with joy unspeakable and glorious, in the sense of thy rich mercies. And now let it shut up my heart again, against self love & spiritual pride, that so it may be opened by special grace, to all gracious and constant duties to thee, myself, and my neighbour. And when we are to meet thee together in that holy communion: O prepare the room for thyself, that thou mayest delight to feast with me, and give me an heavenly appetite, that I may desire to feed on thee. Humble my soul before thee, that thou mayest stoop unto me; and ease my soul of its heavy burden, that it may ascend unto thee, and so knit my heart hereby unto thee in an everlasting fellowship. When I observe thy church enlarged by the admission of new members, the breach of mine own Vow, to consider my decay and backe-slydings from thee; and in the sense thereof, to pray more earnestly for thy Blessings upon thine own Ordinance, rejoicing for the increase of thy Church hereby, and yet preparing unto the bloody Baptism, and so hungering af●er the full consummation of thy Chosen. When I join with the Congregation, either in giving thee praise, or in prayer ●o receive from thee (O grant) me to join of conscience not custom, to the satisfying of the flesh, to humble each other, that we may have mutual comfort, to labour with one mind & end, that our pains may not be tedious or fruitless. Give me so to praise thee, that I be more humbled in myself, so to give thee thankes, that I part not stakes with thee: so to sing unto thee, that I may sorrow for my sins, so to rejoice before thee, as that I may still hunger after thee, and long for thy everlasting presence. So enlarge me from thy bounty, to all occasions for thy sake, to fill the empty, to empty the gorged stomach, to raise the humbled, recall the wand'ring; confirm the weak●, inform the ignorant, convince the obstinate, comfort the abject, and reconcile the averse: & in all these, give me, good Lord a cheerful heart, rather choosing to prevent, then be prevented. herein rather striving with the last, then giving over with the first. And so what I have found a broad, O grant me to communicate at home with my God in prayer, to bless it unto me; with myself in private application to be bettered thereby, with my family in conference and instruction, to increase the kingdom of Christ, still raising my soul higher from the world, by meditation of the wisdom and goodness of my God, in his wonderful works, & so still more abasing my flesh, in the view and sense of mine own unprofitableness in the best I have done: yet comforting my soul in the promise of my God, that he will require no more than he gives, and show his power in my weakness; that though I find no more in my rekconing, but a dearer and more deep sense of my corruption, as this day to discern & detest the same: so this deep sense of corruption, may enable me to prepare more conscionably against the more public occasions, and provoke me more earnestly to hunger after the everlasting Sabbath. And even so grant me (Gracious God) thus to end the day with thee, as I have endeavoured to begin, and continue the same in thee. O pardon, I humbly pray thee, whaesoever hath been mine, and accept graciously, and crown thine own work in me, who am thy servant and the Son of thy handmaid. And so do hearty commend myself, and all mine, into thy special tuition, beseeching thee to give me my full acquittance before I meet thee in public, that I may approach thy presence with comfort, and partake thine own ordinances as my appointed food, make such benefit by them as may satisfy me with thy fullness, to the rejoicing of my soul in the light of thy Countenance, and to provoke me to long for thine everlasting presence, and fit me daily to meet my Saviour in the Clouds, in whose worthiness, I humbly pray thee to accept thine unworthy servant, and his weak prayers, to whom with thine own Majesty, and God the blessed Spirit, three glorious Persons, one God in unity, might, and Majesty, be ascribed as most due, all glory and Power, and Majesty, & Dominion, with all fear & hearty obedience, of us and the whole Church of God now and for ever, Amen. A Prayer for the Sabbath Evening. ALmighty and everliving Lord God, F●ther of our Lord jesus Christ, & in him our most loving and gracious Father, whose faithfulness is everlasting, & loving kindness past finding out: it is thy good providence (holy Father) that we thine unworthy Servants, have had this opportunity to commerce with thy glorious Majesty this day, in thy holy ordinances, and now are to make up our reckoning for our employment therein, in the shuting up thereof, and it is thine infinite mercy & tender compassion towards us, that thou hast yet respited us to the end of this thine holy Sabbath, to make our peace with thee, that so we may lie down in thy favour, and so be sealed up hereby unto thine eternal Sabbath. For we unfeignedly here confess before thee, O thou thee searcher of our hearts, that though thou hast offered thyself most graciously unto us this day in all thine ordinances, to the reclaiming of us from our vain and perverse ways, as also to allure us to constant and cheerful obedience, yet Lord, thou knowest what little power we have found to subdue the rebellions of our proud spirits, how little comfort we have reaped from thence, to arm us against temptation, and stay us from sinking therein: Nay, our wisdom hath the more opposed thy Spirit, by how much the more it hath been convinced there by, and our wounds have more stunk and putrified, the more thou hast laboured to lance and cure them. How slightly did we prepare ourselves to thy public worship, being only formal and customary in the private: rather standing upon the adorning of our stinking carcases to please men, then to humble our souls that we may be accepted of thee. How careless have we been in exhorting and pressing thy Family, that they together with us, might go up with confidence to the house of God, and so be there refreshed with the fatness of thy house. And as we took not he●d to our feet when we should come before thee, so when we came, our footing deceived us; and though we saw our face in thy glass, and were justly abased at the foul spots therein, yet we forgot presently the true hue thereof, and so lose ourselves at home, even when we sought to find thee abroad, departing always without sound comfort from thy presence, because we could not endure to be thoroughly abased in ourselves before thee. And thus hath it befallen us (holy Lord) even while we have endeavoured to honour thee in thine Ordinances; that while, we have rather sought therein our own glory, than thine; and desired rather the outward credit of Profession, than the power of Conversion, and renewing of our inward spirits. Though thou gavest us our desire to be seen of men, yet thou didst send leanness into our soul; denying us justly, the true comfort which we did not chiefly desire, or indeed were not fit for. For (alas) what leave could we expect from thee, or at all in thee, who while we tendered with the Harlot offerings of peace and made glorious shows of loyalty unto thee; yet did no better than usurp upon thy honour by our hypocrisy & vainglory, and (as much as lay in us) challenge most blasphemously thine omniscienced righteousness; as if either thou didst not discern our inward rottenness, or didst approve of our outside and bodily worship. And did ever any fight against God, and prosper? Even so (Lord) hath it fared with me this day: Mine own proud heart hath fought against thee in the use and sense of all thy Blessings, seeking to serve myself by them, and not thy glory, and so to harden my heart therewith, that though thou fillest the hungry with good things, yet didst thou send me away empty of true comfort, because my proud and swollen heart utterly excluded the same. And so it justly befell me, according to thy word, that it carried me from the presence of thy grace. While I stood in the presence of thy Ordinances, Lord how my mind wandered from thee, while my body was before thee. Nay, my disharted mind perverted my body also, that even with much deadness of the outward man, much drowsiness and irreverence, I behaved myself so before thee, as I durst not before my Friend; as I might give just advantage to mine Enemy: rather thinking the time too long, because my mind was on my belly, yea sometimes wishing mine cares shorter, and more slow to hear, that so I might not conceive what was contrary unto my corruption: that I might (as it were) bless my soul in my shallow and counterfeit holiness? And what I yet conceived, how quickly either did I lose it, that I might not find myself: or how foolishly did I turn it, to the puffing up of my flesh, with a conceit of knowledge, or to the adoring of the vessel that yielded the Treasure, that so he also might cloak & magnify me? O Lord, how my deceitful heart cozened itself herein? Either in applying what I heard to others, as if myself were not aimed at, that so I might hereby commit two Evils, both to condemn others, and justify myself: Or else, in misapplying what I heard unto myself, fastening on such Comforts as did not belong unto me, or slighting such Terrors, as specially aimed at my sore. What should I say unto thee (O thou more inward with me, than mine inmost parts) Though mine ear was sometime tickled, yet mine heart was not moved at all, or more hardened by its contrary motion: Though mine heart was stricken for the present, and shaken by thy Terrors, yet it was calmed again by the enchantments of Hypocrisy and Security. And although I saw my true face in thy glass, yet I stopped mine ears from the hearing of thy Law; and therefore thou didst also hide thine ears from my Prayers, which I afterward made before thee in private, and deniedst thy gracious blessing to my endeavours, in the informing of my Family, and conferring of what I had heard, for their further building up in knowledge and obedience: and because I had been so careless in attending thee; therefore thou didst justly leave me to the neglect of my duty to myself, and mine; that so in our failing each other, wherein happily we might be more confounded, as making this the main of our Religion, rather to be honoured of each other, in mutual help, then to honour thee our God, in seeking help from thee alone, we might know the true cause, why thou didst fail us in the public, even because we sought ourselves, and not thy Glory. Oh the infinite riches of the wisdom of God How wisely didst thou abase thy Servant at home, where he sought to advance himself in private by profiting others, who neither sought thine honour abroad, nor how to benefit himself by the public Ordinances. And yet how mercifully didst thou herein deal with him, by calling him to account, and charging him as an unprofitable servant, for his unworthy walking before thee in the public, while he was casting up his peniworthes at home, and expiated the approbation and recompense of a profitable servant. Even thus, O Lord my God, fared it with me at home, the best that I reaped was accordingly as I had sown. As I sowed to the flesh abroad, so of the flesh I reaped corruption and confusion at home: and while I endeavoured to heal the wound, and mend myself, by imparting of my b●d pennyworths to others, it was more increased by their drowsiness and deceitful chaffering with me, yielding me no better than the chaff and refuse of bodily and formal attendance for all my Lip-labour and cold devotions bestowed upon them. And this is all that I can truly account with thee (O thou Searcher of my secret parts) for all the goodness I have received from thee this day, even to account myself unworthy of the least of thy mercies, not able to answer thee one for a thousand, if thou shouldst enter into judgement with me. But herein yet have I boldness before thee, & comfort from thee, that in this I do unfeignedly judge myself, that thou mayest not condemn me, that in the judging of myself I desire to give thee the only glory of all thy mercies vouchsafed unto me this day in acknowledging myself unworthy of the least of them, that so still I may be found of thee in jesus Christ; not having mine own righteousness, and so in his Peace, may find peace and comfort with thee. O pardon therefore (I humbly pray thee) the manifold wander of thy poor servant from thee this day, even while he hath been with thee, and discharge him of those fearful reckonings which he hath had with his own soul, because he hath reckoned without thee, & not measured himself by his acceptance with thee, but rather by what he hath slightly performed unto thee. Accept me therefore in the righteousness of my Saviour, and cover all mine imperfections, with the perfect holiness of my Redeemer, that in him I may appear all fair before thee: And speak unto my poor soul, by the testimony of thy good Spirit, sealing up unto me, the forgiveness of my best endeavours; that so the conscience of my manifold wander, and backslidings from thee, in my vain & worldly thoughts, carnal walking, and behaviour fare unbeseeming either this day, or thy presence, may not confound me in thy presence, while I sue out my discharge from thee. O give me to mourn unfeignedly for grieving thy Spirit so often this day, and dishonouring thy great name, wherein I have sought to honour thee: and make me to abhor myself before thee in a just detestation of my best endeavours, as to be justified thereby; that so I may be acquitted by thy free mercy in jesus Christ, and in him may find peace & comfort in thee: both that my failings are not imputed unto me, and that my poor endeavours being the work of thine own Spirit, may be accepted of thee. Let this comfort me (O my God) that I have desired to walk before thee this day in the truth of my heart: and let this still humble me before thee, that I have not answered my desires herein, that so I may have comfort in thy free acceptance, above all that I could do, or desire. And so in this comfort, grant me to repose myself wholly, in thy free Grace, both to refresh me in the night season, that I may not sleep in death; and so to raise me up again to a wise redeeming of the time of my civil Calling, & therein to lay up a good foundation, for better preparation against the next Sabbath, and so to be prepared to my eternal Sabbath with thee for ever in thy glorious kingdom. Hear me (O Lord) in these my supplications, pardon the weakness of my sinful prayers, accept my person in the Son of thy love, and answer me above all that I can ask or think, even for the only merit of thy dear Son my only Saviour jesus Christ, in whom thou art well pleased, Amen. A Prayer to be said before the hearing or reading of the holy Scripture. O Heavenly Father, whatsoever I am, whatsoever I have, whatsoever I know, it is only by thy grace: for by nature I am the child of wrath, and I am not borne anew of flesh and blood, neither of the seed of man, or of the will of man. Flesh & blood cannot reveal the mystries of thy heavenly kingdom unto me: but by thy blessed will I am that I am, and by the same know I that I know. Therefore, O Father, do I commit into thy hands only, my salvation. If my knowledge be small, yet I doubt nothing but that I am the child of thy everlasting kingdom: and therefore by thy mighty power, I shall grow (when it shall be thy good will and pleasure) to a more full and riper knowledge, as of a more perfect age, wherein my faith shall be fully able to comprehend and perceive the breadth, depth, height, and largeness of thy great mercies and gracious promises. But seeing, O Father, this power of full knowledge and perfect revelation, passeth all power natural, and remaineth only in thy power, and light of thy Spirit: O Lord, do thou whatsoever it shall please thee, to open unto me and all the rest of thine elect servants and children, depending upon thee, so much of the light of thy countenance, as may be most for thy glory, and our comfort: yea, and at such time as shall seem good to thy wisdom and fatherly mercy. In the mean while, thus resting wholly upon thee, neithet can I despair, neither will I be too much careful, although I cannot attain to the knowledge of many of thy works, neither to the understanding of many places of thy Scriptures. But I will confess unto thee the weakness of my faith, waiting always for the further revealing of thy glorious light to be uttered unto me thy poor servant, when thou shalt think (of thy Fatherly benevolence & goodness) meet and convenient. I knowing most assuredly, that thou wilt pity my weak imbecility and childish infancy, and cause the same to serve for thy glory, and my great commodity: seeing that I err as a child before such a Father, which canst not but off thy Fatherly pity and compassion, but rather as thou hast bought me unto thee, to be an heir of thy kingdom by the blood of thy natural Son my Saviour jesus Christ: so am I sure that thou wilt lighten me in the end, with full fruition of the bright light of thy countenance, that I may see thee, and know, that as this thy Son knoweth thee: yea, see thee and know thee my Father face to face, to know th●e as I am known. Thus rest I only in thy hands (O my God) craving of thee to increase my knowledge in thy holy word, whereby I may know thy good will & pleasure. And knowing the same, give me, O Lord, thy holy Spirit to conduct and lead me in the same all the days of my life; that in sincerity of faith, and pureness of living and conversation, thy glorious Majesty be magnified in me for ever. Give me grace therefore (most merciful Father) that for so high a treasure left among us, as is this thy most holy word, I may be thankful, reverently embrace, accept, and esteem of the same, as the most precious jewel in earth, be there●n confirmed more strongly, that all things therein contained to be most certain and undoubtedly true, not by any mortal man, but by thy most holy Spirit in man, penned and written to the comfort and behoof of man: that I may most humbly, lowly, and with most high reverence, submit myself thereunto, as becometh thy Majesty, and thy word proceeding out of thy most blessed mouth: that I may reverently with humbleness and obedience, read, hear, and occupy myself in the same, to the comfort of my soul, and increase of thy glory. Lighten mine understanding, most dear Father, with thy holy Spirit, that I may learn, clearly to conceive, and understand the things therein contained, which no mortal man can conceive, save those who have learned of thee, & whom thou by thy holy Spirit dost lighten and instruct. Guide me (deer● Father) with thy holy Spirit, that having the true understanding of the mysteries therein contained, I may be fully established and confirmed in the true knowledge of thee my dear Father, & of thy beloved Son jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour, throughly in conscience persuaded that I have my full and perfect salvation & life everlasting in him, and through his atonement, made through his death and passion, that I do not vainly abuse the knowledge of thy sacred word, to satisfy vain curiosity, or brag of knowledge: but only to the relieving of my hungry and wounded conscience, to the losing of my fettered soul, and the appeasing of my sorrowful heart: that I may to the end of my life, walk in sincerity before thee, my heavenly Father, in the comforts of thy dear Son our Saviour, upholden still by the merciful power of the holy Ghost, to thine everlasting praise and glory, world without end. Amen. A Thanksgiving after the hearing or reading of the word of God. O Eternal God, and most merciful Father, I yield unto thee most hearty thankes, for all thy benefits bestowed upon me, especially that it hath pleased thy heavenly goodness to shine into my heart through the light of thine holy Spirit, in the Mysteries of thy holy word, and that thou hast framed my heart and mind to take such unspeakable joy, and comfort in thy most blessed & holy word, and the embracing of my salvation therein offered unto me. For these thine unspeakable mercies, I beseech thee, O Lord, make me thankful, that I may acknowledge the great benefit thereof, and esteem of so inestimable a treasure, above all earthly possessions or treasures. And, O Lord my God, for so much as I wander in this present life, among many and infinite dangers, whereby I am every moment in peril of sliding back, and falling from this fervent zeal of thy everlasting truth, which thou hast kindled in my breast, if otherwise thou do not stay me by thy merciful hand: and for so much as I learn out of thy most blessed and holy word, that it is not sufficient to have begun well unless I continue to the end, not sufficient to hold my hand to the plough, and look back: I crave at thy hands, in the name of thy beloved Son, my Lord and Saviour Christ, that this thy work which thou hast begun in me, thou wilt in mercy increase in me, more and more, and continue it even to the end of my life: that I do not wax cold, secure, dull, or faint, but continually increasing in true zeal, I may still more and more be delighted with reading, hearing, and meditating of thy holy word: I may thereby also daily increase in true knowledge of thy blessed will, from faith to faith, that I may even from the bottom of my heart, so sincerely profess thy true Religion, that all hypocrisy, vainglory, and feigned holiness, utterly through thy holy Spirit rooted out of my heart: I may only hold myself contented, that I may have the eyes of thy Majesty, beholding my inward heart & mind, whereby I only studying to be allowed before thy Majesty, may utterly reject all the vain praise of men, which might puff me up; or the scoffing jests, taunts, or reproaches of the , which might else drive me down. To this end (O Lord my God) that I may increase, and daily more and more be confirmed in thy mercies begun in me. I beseech thee stir up true & sincere Preachers, and Messengers, who daily may stir up my mind and heart, otherwise by nature dull, to the joyful embracing of the glad tidings of peace. Leave me not destitute, O Lord my God, of the means which thou hast appointed for the increase of a lively faith, & true zeal; which mean, is only the Ministry of thy blessed and holy word: but make me always careful for the seeking of it: and so provide, O Lord my God, that I may always have it, comfortably receive it, and sweetly digest it. Keep me by thy holy Spirit, O Lord, that I never be seduced by erroneous doctrine, but that only I may give ear unto thy voice, that cleaving only unto thee, I may in this present life which thou hast given me, so occupy myself, and use this good time which thou hast appointed, that I may still look for the coming of thy dear Son, to receive me into the everlasting rest, prepared for all the elect and chosen, whereby I shall for ever remain together with my Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, to whom with thee & the holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end, Amen. A Prayer before the receiving of the Sacrament. O Lord jesus Christ, which art the sweet comfort of all that call upon thee, and the sure succour of all such as sue unto thee; behold me a most sinful creature, and foul offender, which bowing the knees of my heart with all humility before thee, confess unfeignedly, that I am not worthy to entertain and receive thee into my sinful & unclean house. Nevertheless, most loving Lord, which hast said, that who so eateth thy flesh, & drinketh thy blood, shall dwell in thee, and thou in him, have mercy upon me, O have mercy upon me most merciful Saviour, and behold me most miserable sinner, prepared at this present, not only to let thee in under the roof of my mouth, but also to lodge thee in the house of my heart. O bountiful jesus, be my gracious Redeemer, and grant that I receive not the Sacrament of thy body and blood unworthily, purchasing thereby unto myself death and damnation, but rather be made through faith in thee, a worthy receiver, & a meet member of thy blessed body, and so by the strength of this heavenly food, may not only be enabled to cast away all my former sins, and most beloved corruptions; but may also walk before thee, in all constant holiness, to the making sure of mine election. Grant this I beseech thee, for thine own mercy sake, Amen. A Prayer to be said after the receiving of the Sacrament. O Sweet Saviour, which with thy precious salve of compassion, curest the foul and filthy sores of our sins, and providest for us all necessary preservatives against the poison of the soule-infecting maliciousness, hear I beseech thee, the humble supplications of me thy poor servant, which here present myself before thee at this present, and grant that this my receiving of the Sacrament of thy blessed body and blood, may be a true testimony unto my conscience, that I have through faith in thee, received full remission of all my sins and offences past: and am now become (as it were) a new Creature in thy sight: I beseech thee likewise grant, that casting away all my former works of wickedness, I may henceforth walk in newness of life, and godly conversation, bringing forth such fruits of true conversion, as may move others by my example, to honour & praise thy holy name. And that running the whole race of my life in dutiful obedience toward thee, I may when it shall please thee to think meet, received among the number of thine elect, into that everlasting happiness where we shall be perfect in holiness, Amen. A Prayer for Constant perseverance in praying, when we are dull to prayer. O Lord God, most merciful Father, according to thy commandment, in mine afflictions, and necessities, I seek to thee for succour by continual prayer & calling upon thy Name. I call upon thee in the day time, and in the night season do I pour out my prayers unto thee, and yet for all that I feel me nothing released, but oftentimes worse and worse, which maketh me many times dear Father almost to doubt of thy goodness, that thou dost reject my Prayers, and givest no heed unto them, whereby I do almost think that it is no boot for me to pray, seeing I feel no release: but (O Lord) this is but weakness in me, and the frailty of flesh, which will not willingly be subdued unto thy Spirit: which my frailty, I beseech thee O Lord, forgive me. For thou dost O Lord God see my conflicts, and lookest upon my continual sighs and petitions, but thou dost defer & prolong thy help the longer: & dost not at first help me, to this end, that I may see fully mine own weakness, learn by little and little to subdue my rebellious will to thy good will, who knoweth better what is meet for me then I myself. Therefore (O most dear Father) strengthen me by thy holy Spirit, that I may still persevere and continue in prayer, and with longing desires patiently wait for thee O Lord, being assured that although it appear not, yet thou art always present with me, and hearest my sighs and complaints, and will't when thou seest thy time declare thyself manifestly in the renewing my heart with spiritual joy: stir up O Lord my dull & sluggish nature, to call upon thee continually, appointing thee neither time, nor the means of my deliverance, but leaving all to thy good will and pleasure: I may in the mean time, never cease my continual prayer, to call for thy merciful help, until such time as it shall please thy goodness to send me full deliverance. I feel myself (O Lord) oftentimes very unwilling to pray, for that I do not fully perceive my prayers to be heard, but do go on still languishing in my sorrows, as though thou hadst no care of me. But this my dulness, I beseech thee, O merciful Father, pardon in me, and grant that I may be raised up to pray for aid and relief of thee continually, although I should see no sign of favour: yet that I may continue still, with the faithful Woman of Canaan, and never cease in heart, mind, and mouth, till thou grant my requests at thine appointed time, when thou knowest it shall be most for my behoof, and for thy glory. And that when thou shalt mercifully look upon me to deliver me: I may then fully with my whole heart acknowledge thy goodness toward me, and let it never stir out of my heart, but continue thankful for the same all the days of my life, whereby thy glory in me may be declared, and my soul relieved through Christ my Lord and Saviour, Amen. A Prayer for all times. O Lord God, Father of mercy, and God of all consolation, without whom we have neither hope nor comfort, we poor wretched sinners beseech thee of thy Fatherly goodness, to look upon us, and to make us partakers of thy gracious goodness, so that evermore we may set forth thy honour and glory: let our conversation be such, that a great many beholding our good works, may glorify thee our heavenly Father: and so direct our ways, that we may hold forth the profession of thy Gospel, as a Lantern to lighten the steps of a great many, that they may turn to the, and praise thy name in their visitation. Thus (O Lord) we beseech thee to deal with us, that in deed we may be vessels of honour unto thee, now to set forth the glory of thy name, and after this transitory life, to behold thy glory, who hast immortality alone, and dwellest in light, that no man hath approached unto: remove fare from us our sins and iniquities, that they may not separate between us and thee: blot out of us our offences, and make our prayers righteous, that thou mayest favourably grant our requests: look upon us with thy favourable mercy, that thou mayest have pity upon us, and behold us in the righteousness of thy beloved Son Christ jesus; and that we may be presented faultless in thy sight: and thou accepting us as holy, we may have the grace evermore to set forth thine honour and glory, and to speak of thy praises in the midst of all thy people. Let us love (O Lord) the things that are good, and hate the things that are evil, let us delight in all things that may please thee, and let us be grieved with whatsoever is displeasant in thy sight. And to the intent we may have true understanding, and be able to discern between things, what is good or evil, we beseech thee, let thy word dwell in us plentifully, that it may guide our understandings so that we may abound in all knowledge, and do according to that which is righteous. And in this estate of true Christianity, being instructed in mind, and ready in body in all holy obedience, we beseech thee make us to grow and increase from grace to grace, from faith to faith, until we come unto the fullness of age, to be perfect members of the body of Christ, waiting for the blessed hope of thine elect, and sighing in spirit until the time that thy Children be revealed. In the mean season, let us sigh with all those that have received the first fruits of thy spirit, that these days of sin may cease, that Satan be trodden down under feet, that Antichrist may be revealed▪ yet to many thousands that be in ignorance, that the number of thine elect may be full, the body of thy Saints made perfect, all tears wiped from their eyes; even then when thy Son shall appear the second time, to judge the quick and the dead: which time (O Lord) send quickly, according to thy good will, and teach us to pray with all thy Saints, Come Lord jesus, come quickly. Grant this, O most merciful Father, for thy Son's sake, in whose name we pray unto thee. And although we be but earth and ashes, yet we are bold to say unto thee, (the God of all glory) even as he hath taught us. Our Father which art in heaven, etc. A Prayer for all estates. O Lord God, Father of light, with whom is no change, neither yet shadow of change, but hast established thine appointed counsels, which shall not be changed for ever: thou O God, hast made among us this diversity of estates and degrees, according as every Commonwealth needfully requiteth, keep us all, we beseech thee, that we may walk obediently in our calling, and follow the steps that thou hast set before us, even from the highest to the lowest: let us accomplish that duty unto which thou hast appointed us, and with a faithful remembrance of thy promise made of old to our Father Abraham, that thou art his exceeding great reward, we may likewise depend on thy providence, and seek not any shameful ways to get our living, wand'ring from the righteousness of our vocation, into the manifold errors of sin and iniquity. Look upon us (O Lord) & enrich us with thy grace; make us obedient to our superiors, meek towards our enemies, faithful to our friends, true and just towards all men, that we may dwell steadfastly rooted in the hope of thine ●lect: until thou shalt make an end of all our labour: look upon our most excellent King, and Prince, with his Highness' honourable Counsel; as thou hast called them to the highest rooms, so give unto them the greatest measure of grace, that they faithfully dispense the Talents committed unto them: Led them with good King David into the Sanctuary, that they may see thy loving kindness, which is better than life, and say with the Prophet, All flesh is grass, and the glory of man is as the flower of the field, & so consecreate themselves to do thy will, offer up their bodies to be holy, living, and reasonable sacrifices unto thee, that they may be nurse-fathers' unto thy Church: look also we beseech thee, upon the Ministers, whom thou hast appointed to the preaching of thy Gospel, make them (O God) faithful dispensers of thy mysteries, without respect of persons, to do the work unto which thou hast appointed them, that they may convert sinners, and have their glory perfect in the day of Christ: & knit us together in peace and love, that they may be full of compassion one towards another, to rejoice with them that rejoice, and mourn with them that mourn, especially to instruct one another in the way of righteousness, that by our mutual help we may the better withstand our enemy, and dwell safe in hope of thine elect, till our days shall be full, and we shall walk in the ways of all the world: which time we beseech thee bring us happily unto, even for thy Son's sake, we beseech thee, to whom with thee, and the holy Ghost, three persons and one God, be all honour and glory, now for ever, & evermore, Amen. A Prayer to be confirmed in the knowledge of God. O Most mighty, and eternal God, thou that by the creation of the world, the Sun, the Moon, and Stars, the Earth, the Sea, and all that therein is, hath sufficiently declared thyself to be the everlasting & Almighty God, for that these things do fare pass the reach of man's wisdom. And not herein only hast thou declared thyself to be a God: but in that also, that thou dost continually guide and govern all things of thee created: It is thou therefore that thunderest from heaven, that with lightnings and tempests, and of waters & winds, showest thy terrible vengeance upon sinful flesh. It is thou (O God) which lettest us feel sensibly in ourselves, thy mighty power and working, not only in that, that thou hast made our bodies and souls: but especially, that thou makest us even of force to confess thy eternal Spirit in us, who so mightily fighteth against the assaults of the enemy, that of force we are driven to acknowledge that it is thy working in us, and not we ourselves. Seeing therefore, O most merciful Father, that we have both in thy creatures, and also in ourselves so manifest testimony, that thou only art the eternal and everliving God, which reigneth in all thy creatures, guiding them by thy heavenly providence: grant we beseech thee, that our hearts may be hereof fully assured, to acknowledge thee not only to be God eternal. who hath created all things: but also that we may in heart be fully persuaded, that thou O Lord God, dost govern all things according to thy most blessed will, so that nothing can be done in the world without thine appointment, and that thou hast such a singular care over thine elected people, so that not so much as an hair of their head shall fall without thy providence: that thou so guidest all their doings, that all things shall turn to their commodity, and thy glory. Grant O Lord God, that hereof we may be fully assured in our hearts and souls, that we may in all our doings set thee before our eyes: acknowledging thee to be our only Lord and Father, and by the working of thy holy Spirit in us, may be confirmed in Faith, and comforted in soul, and lightened in understanding, that always here upon earth, we may glorify thy holy name, and after the dissolution of this body, we may attain to everlasting joy, through our Lord & Saviour jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth world without end, Amen. A Prayer for the obtaining of saving Faith. O Eternal God, and merciful Father, who in the riches of thy mercy, hast ordained thine only Son jesus Christ, to be the propitiation for the sins of thine elect: that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life: that so many as receive him, and believe in his Name, may have power from him, to be the Sons of God, and heirs with him of eternal glory. And in thine infinite wisdom, hast so disposed of me thy Creature, that being first estated by thee, in a condition of holiness, and falling willingly from the same, by mine own rebellion, into a most fearful & desperate estate of sin and damnation: I might be restored again to a better condition of life and immortality, by the death & passion of thy dear Son. Look down I humbly pray thee, with the ●ies of thy mercy upon me thy most unworthy servant, who doth unfeignedly here confess before thee: that, though I am by Nature most sinful and miserable; yet such herein is my desperate case: that through the blindness of my mind, and hardness of heart, which cannot repent, I am so fare from knowing my misery, much less how to help myself out of this woeful estate, that the very wisdom of my flesh, is enmity against thee. And myself, not only rebelling against the means, which might discover unto me my misery, but most desperately perverting those means, to the further hardening of my heart, and so to the more desperate enwrapping me in the bonds of damnation, by heaping up wrath against the day of wrath. And therefore, First I humbly pray thee Blessed Lord, who hast the key of David; that openest and no man shuts, that shuts and no man openest; to open the blind eyes of my mind, that I discern the wondrous things of thy law; that so in the true glass of thy holy law, I may clearly discern mine own miserable estate, and by the hammer of thy Law, my hard heart may be throughly broken, with the sense of my sins: that so feeling my sin a burden, which I am not able to bear; I may be wholly confounded in myself, as discerning myself to be an utter cast-a-way, and reprobate branch, fit for nothing, but for the unquenchable fire of thy jealousy. O make me Lord, to see the inward vildness of mine heart, and that all the thoughts, and imaginations thereof, are only evil continually: that though I may be happily free from gross evils, and seem to show forth some civil goodness, yet those may be convinced to be most abominable, because they proceed from the filthy sink of my heart: and the less I discern the evil of my ways the more I may acknowledge the deceitfulness of mine heart, the more I may convince the obliquity thereof; that howsoever I seemed to be alive, as being ignorant of my misery: yet now discerning myself in thy righteous Law, I may not only acknowledge myself dead in sins and trespasses, and so utterly senseless and unable to help myself; but also, may renounce utterly mine own wit and wisdom to any good, as being no better then desperate Rebellion against thee. Thus being confounded, and wholly cast out of myself, and finding my case to be out of measure sinful, and so altogether desperate in regard of any ability as of myself, to my recovery: O let me not sink utterly under this insupportable burden, but put thine holy hand under me, to prevent utter despair: and sustain me secretly by thy mighty Power, that I be not swallowed up in death: Oh raise me up I humbly pray thee, with the hope of thy mercy, and lead me by the hand of thy grace, to seek it where it may be found. Bring me into the secret Chamber of thy gracious Presence, where I may behold thy face in my Saviour, and grant me to admire thine infinite wisdom and mercy, in providing so sovereign a remedy, for my distress. O give me, to be ravished with thy love, in the exceeding riches of my Redeemer, and make me so to value the worth of his Merit, as for the obtaining thereof, to resolve on utter renouncing and parting with whatsoever I have, to obtain the same. And so finding now by thy Grace, what need I have thereof; oh work in me a secret hope that thou mayst be reconciled if I can fasten on the means thereto, and grant me above all, to hunger after his righteousness, that so mine iniquities being thereby covered, I may draw near with confidence unto the Throne of Grace, to beg unfeignedly, even with strong cries, the pardon of my sins. And though I receive not a present answer to my desire, yet sustain me I pray thee with thy gracious Spirit, that so I may with patience wait thy good leisure, and never give over, till thou hast said unto my Soul, I am thy Salvation. And though I do not presently feel this testimony of thy Spirit, sealing me up to the day of Redemption, yet grant me (I pray thee) to be strong in Faith, believing what I feel not as I would, and hoping for what I do not yet enjoy, that so thereby being knit unto Christ my Saviour, and made one with him, I may thereby draw virtue from his death, to the mortifying of my corrupt Nature, and killing of those special lusts that do hinde● this sense of thy love in him towards me; that so feeling in me a dying to corruption, I may also thereby apprehend more fully, the discharge of the guilt of my sins, in the merits of my Saviour: and so thereby renewing my peace with thee my gracious God, I may rejoice in the hope of that glory, which he hath purchased for me. And so in the hope of that Glory, grant me (I humbly pray thee) to draw virtue from the Resurrection of my Saviour, that so I may be raised up with him to newness of life: whereby I may render thanks unto thee for this unspeakable gift, and to be made meet for the same, in the acceptable time. And that I may not be disappointed of my Hope: Oh grant me still to live by faith in the Son of God, daily denying mine own righteousness, that still I may be found acceptable with thee in him, above all worthiness in myself, of my imperfect endeavours, only in his righteousness, and so thereby may be prepared to the hope of Glory. And seeing I am like to meet with many hindrances in pursuit of this Glory, both from the World without, either detaining me in the way, or drawing me from the mark; as also from mine own deceitful heart within, as discouraging me in my course, and laggering me in my pace; and sometimes also blinding me either not to discern, or mistake the goal. Oh grant me to walk by faith and not by sight, as to rest on the foundation which stands sure, the Lord knoweth who are his, though sometimes in the building I may miss of it: so to walk as a stranger & Pilgrim in the world, not clogging myself in my journey with unnecessary luggage, and fretting cares, nor setting up my rest in any present Inn of outward happiness, or inward means thereto, but still casting away every thing that presseth down, and the sin that hangeth so fast upon me, I may run with joy the race that is set before, looking unto Christ jesus the Author and finisher of my Faith; and so by him seeing within the rule into the glory that is set before me, I may despise the shame, and wait with patience, the great recompense of Reward. That so neither riches may daunt my Faith by presuming too fare, nor depth may quail it, by stooping too low: That Principalities may not shake it by force of tentation, nor Powers overcome it by their violent impressions: that neither things present may abase it by grovelling thereon, nor things to come may deject it by doubtings or false fears: That neither life may corrupt it by doting thereon, nor death may confound it by unpreparedness thereto: That nothing may separate me from the love of God in jesus Christ, in whom (by Faith) I am more than Conqueror over all things. Thus grant me (gracious God) to walk by Faith, and not by sight. And that I may receive the end of my Faith, even the salvation of my soul, Oh keep me by thy mighty power through faith unto salvation, and guide me by the word of Faith in all my ways, that I may not lean to mine own wisdom, burr to thy sure Word, as to a Light shining in a dark place, that so I may daily grow in knowledge, and in the grace of jesus Christ from Faith to Faith; filled with all joy and peace, in believing & abounding in all fruits of righteousness and perfect holiness, that so I may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing, waiting for the appearance of jesus Christ; that so my Conversation being in heaven, an entrance may be thereby made unto me, into the everlasting kingdom of thy dear Son, even to take possession by faith in this life thereof, and to see a fare off by faith, into the fullness of that glory, that so I may fight the good fight of Faith, and lay hold of eternal life, in full assurance of what I have already the earnest of by Faith; and so in that h●pe daily purging myself of all wickedness of the Spirit and of the Flesh, that I m●y grow up to perfect holiness in th● favour of GOD, waiting daily by Faith the adoption of the sons of God, and labouring to attain the resurrection of the dead; that so I may be kept blameless, in Soul, Body, and Spirit, unto the coming of my Saviour jesus Christ. Grant these things (gracious Father) even for his sake in whom thou art well pleased, jesus Christ the righteous. To whom with thine own blessed Spirit, one glorious Vnitive Trinity, be glory, and praise, & Dominion, now and for ever, Amen. A Prayer to feel in heart Spiritual comfort, and the lively sense of our Adoption by Faith. O Lord God, most merciful Father, now I fully perceive & know, that the heart of man is not in his own hand, for thou hast taught me by diminishing thy Spirit of comfort in my heart, that it resteth wholly in thy power to make joyful the heart of man, and to diminish the same joy according to thy good pleasure and will. For if (O God) it had been in mine own power and will, to have received comfort in thy holy word, or to have believed thy promises from my hart, I would long since have enjoyed comfort, and been confirmed in faith: but I cannot (most merciful Father) it is thy mere work, I look therefore, O gracious God, for thy blessed comfort & strength of faith, which I beseech thee, O Lord, send into my heart to fill the same with spiritual joy, that by the working of thy holy Spirit in me, the comfortable promises of thy merciful protection may be throughly sealed in mine heart, and sink down deep into my soul, that I may be fully assured that thou art my strong rock and house of defence, that thou dost keep me as the apple of thine eye, as thou hast promised in thy blessed word, that thou wilt not lay more upon me, than thou wilt give me strength to abide, and that thou wilt assuredly at thine appointed time renew my heart, & the whole powers of my mind, that I may fully glorify thy holy name. But in the mean time (O Lord) alas, my heart is clean void of spiritual joy, yea, even as hard as a stone, so that the loving promises of thy holy word (although I know them to be true) yet they cannot sink into my hard & stony heart, until such time as thou by increasing of thy holy Spirit to me, shalt mollify and make tender my hard heart, that it may be meet to receive the sweet comfort of thy Spirit. Thy holy Spirit, O Lord, in me, which is the assurance of my salvation, doth continually send forth unspeakable sighs and long, for thy full & joyful presence. I beseech thee therefore (dear Father) for thy Son Christ jesus sake, hearken unto my prayers, and grant my requests, make tender my hard and stony heart, by thy holy Spirit, that I may from the bottom of my heart, acknowledge thee to be my most merciful God and Father, and all things in thy holy word contained, to be most certain and true, reverently embrace the same, and into my soul take comfort and joy in the same: that I may, dear Father, even unto my life's end, walk before thy face in sincerity of heart, being assured of my salvation, through that one alone sufficient sacrifice for my sins, made by thy dear Son Christ jesus, to whom with thee, and the holy Ghost, be all honour, and glory, world without end, Amen. A Prayer against doubting to strengthen a weak Faith, and to persevere therein. GLorious and mighty Lord, who by ●hy Sovereign, & All-sufficient power, as thou madest all things of nothing, so thou callest those things which are not, as if they were, and dost command light to shine out of darkness, that so we might be translated out of darkness, into this marvellous light. Holy Father, it is thine unspeakable mercy, that I thy most unworthy servant, being once the child of hell, yea darkness itself, am now through thy free grace, illightning mine heart by Faith, enabled to behold thy face in jesus Christ, and so through this light, am become light in the Lord: being enabled by faith, to discern the great Mystery of Christ, and so by faith to lay hold thereon, as to be freely thereby discharged from the guilt of my sin, and to be invested with the perfect righteousness of my Saviour; that so I might be found acceptable unto thee. Holy Father, how unspeakable herein have been thy mercies to me a vild sinner; that passing by the wise and noble of the world, it hath pleased thee of thy free grace to visit me, a very reprobate branch, with thy saving health, and to send the Spirit of thy Son into my dead heart, whereby thou hast quickened me by faith in the merits of my Saviour, enabled me with boldness to draw near unto thee: and to cry with confidence, Abba, Father. O how hast thou shed thy love abroad in my heart by the holy Ghost, which thou hast given me, whereby, though I have been in great heaviness through many temptations, especially with the sense and horror of my sins; yet hast thou wonderfully refreshed my fainting spirit, and caused me to rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious. O how have these holy ravishments, taken me up into the third heavens? How hath my soul now longed to put off this corruption, and to be taken up, for ever to enjoy thy glorious presence? How gladly would I now have obtained the mark, before I had run my race? How willingly would I have the crown, before I had finished my course? O the unspeakable riches of the wisdom, and mercy of my God toward me! Didst thou not put this precious treasure of faith into an earthen vessel, that the glory might be of God, and not of man: didst thou not Redeem me out of the hands of our enemies, that so I might pass the time of my pilgrimage in fear, and magnify thy power daily in mine infirmities, daily denying mine own righteousness, that still I may be found of thee in Christ, that still I might live by faith, in the Son of God, and grow up in him to perfect holiness. Surely blessed Lord, when I consider mine own corruption, daily more and more appearing in me, and rebelling against thy righteous will, and casting up daily mists to dim the eye of my Faith, that I cannot so clearly discern the light of thy countenance: yea, sometimes so leading me captive into sin, that I am many times to seek of the sense of thy Love: I am many times put to question the truth of my faith, and to distrust myself whether I have any faith, or no. For alas Lord, I must needs confess, to thy glory, that although thou commandest me to believe perfectly in thy Son, and to be strong in faith, yet I find on the other side, such strength of corruption, prevailing over me, and commanding me forcibly to give way thereunto, and so not only interrupting the sense of thy love unto me, but also challenging my love unto thee, that I am forced many times to fear, whether I am led by the Spirit truly of faith or no; whether ever thy love were shed abroad in my heart: if ever I loved thee in truth, seeing it seems unto me, that my love unto sin is not altogether quenched: nay, I feel the power of corruption, carrying me so violently after the lusts of my heart, that as I find myself less cheerful and constant in thy service, so on the other side, I sometimes find myself less able to resist temptations: more apt and inclinable to such lusts which heretofore I have subdued, yea, often more foully overcome and foiled by them. What shall I say unto thee (O thou searcher of my heart, and preserver of my soul) dost thou not see how cold sometimes I am in prayer? How dull in the hearing of the word? How careless of thy Sabbaths? How unconscionable and negligent in my calling? How rebellious and inordinate in my affections? O how often have I grieved thine holy Spirit, by neglecting the good motions thereof, yea many times willingly crossing the same, and entertaining contrary suggestions of my cruel enemy? How careless have I been to examaine my heart, and renew my covenant with thee? How deceitful or careless, in breaking often my vows which I have made unto thee against special corruptions, for renuwing of decayed graces? O How often have I been ready to give way to such cursed thoughts of blasphemy, and fearful impiety, which might even quench thy Spirit, & lead to the dispighting thereof? How have I sometimes been ready to violate my Conscience, by rushing on desperate evils? yea, how fearfully have I wounded the same by committing gross sins, and to make up the measure of my misery? How have I hardened my heart by sleeping in sin, and neglecting the saving means of deep humiliation, to awaken me to repentance? Alas (Lord) thou knowest full well that though thou hast followed me with many secret and open afflictions to rouse me out of this sleep of Security, yet either it hath proved but a dream, and so I have fall'n asleep again; or if my heart hath been awake, yet it hath not been unto thee to make my sound peace, but rather unto my Enemy, to cease his violence; yea, sometimes to the World, to procure some temporary lenity rather to ease my present pain, then to heal me thoroughly. And surely (righteous Lord) even thus it hath befallen, that such as I have sown, I have often reaped even more hardness of heart, less sense and remorse for sin, more boldness thereto, and more ease therein; less delight in holy duties, less life in prayer, less conscience in the word, more slights in my calling, more distraction in my reckon, and more confusion in my Spirit. Yet still (O Lord) I hear a voice behind me, saying; This is the way, walk in it. Yet still I find thy hand over me to stay me from sinking; still my better advised heart tells me, it was better with me formerly then now, when I had comfort in thy presence, and conscience in thine Ordinances. Still thy Spirit is ready to revive me with hope, that I may recover again, and my hope is confirmed hereby, that the means are still offered me, and I am capable of them. But (alas Lord) instead of comfort by them, I reap nothing but further confusion, because as I am unable to apply them to myself, so indeed I am not now fit for that comfort which I seek for in thee. For what peace can there be to me, while my corruptions stink before thee? Or how can I look for comfort, b●fore I be sound healed? O the unspeakable Riches of the wisdom and mercy of my God how insearchable are thy Counsels, and thy ways past finding out? As thou didst bring light out of darkness in calling me from darkness unto light; so dost thou cause thy light to shine in darkness, that thy glory may be perfected in my infirmities. And therefore, though I am now thy Creature, renewed after thine own image, yet seeing thou wilt have the only glory of thy work, therefore as the light of the righteous must shine more and more unto the perfect day; so the darkness of corruptions must not be dispelled utterly at once; but daily be banished more and more unto the coming of Christ. Therefore is it (blessed Lord) that though thou hast canceled the guilt of my sin at once by faith in Christ, yet hast thou wisely left the corruption of sin to be abolished by degrees, that so I might still live by Faith in the death of Christ for the mortifying thereof, that I might daily; grow up in Christ to perfect holiness, & therefore though corruption remain in me, yet seeing it doth not reign in me, here is my comfort, that I am not under the Law, but under Grace, & though I am sometimes as no better than lost in myself: yet, this is that I may still deny mine own righteousness, that I may be found of thee in Christ: for the concerning of present corruption, & for the avesting of my person in him, to be enabled thereby to perfect holiness. Only gracious God, grant me here I pray thee, still to justify thy wisdom, in condemning mine own folly, and to advance thy free and constant grace, in the acknowledging of mine own corruptions. True it is holy Father, that as thou madest man righteous at the first, but he sought many inventions to his own overthrow, so didst thou so restore me again by thy power of Christ unto a more durable state of holiness, that neither shall I ever fall away from thee finally, neither though thou hast left corruption in me: yet, seeing thy end herein was to make me still deny myself, that I might stand fast in Christ, in whom thou hast engrafted me, therefore neither might I have fall'n at all into such fearful distraction, if I had kept me close unto my hold, neither though I have fallen by letting go my hold, yet shall not my falling make thy truth without effect; nay, rather shall prove a means to make good the same. And therefore I do here unfeignedly acknowledge before thee (blessed Lord) mine own folly in letting go my hold; thou hast not been wanting with all means to preserve me upright; but I have been wanting to the means, and so I have been wanting unto thee and to myself. thou hast willed me to live by faith, even when I have feeling of thy love; and my inward pride hath perverted thy gracious feeling to make me live by sense, and behold the Sun when it shineth: and so by perverting the comfort of thy Spirit, as an occasion to the flesh, I have justly grieved thy Spirit, and so thou with drewest thy face from me, and I have been troubled. Troubled in my soul for the loss of thy favour, troubled of the world by seeking false remedies there from: troubled in my Spirit, by the confusion of those remedies, as breeding some time's hardness of heart, and so bringing forth troubles, by exposing to outward evils, and hindering in the use of spiritual remedies: sometimes hereupon breeding further trouble and inward horror and anguish of spirit, many times laying the axe to the very root, & challenging the main. And yet in all this, fare less than I have deserved, that so I might have hope in thy free grace for my recovery. And in all this, advancing thy righteousness, in abasing my folly, that so I might still renounce mine own righteousness, and labour to be found in Christ for my recovery and perfection. Only keep me here (holy Father) from presumptuous sin, that it may not have dominion over me to turn thy grace into wantonness, and then lead me into thy privy Chamber: & stay me with thy flagons, that I may not only not sleep in death, but also awake and sing out of the dust, and out of the deep; to admire thine infinite wisdom, and to see thee who art invisible, that I may be raised up again. O give me therefore (most mighty Lord) to condemme mine own folly, for being wise in mine own eyes, in turning thy favour as an occasion to the flesh: grant me to thank myself, that of the flesh I have reaped such confusion, and give thee thankes, the more thou hast sustained me in the grave. Grant me out of experience of mine own foolishness, to give thee the glory of thy free goodness, and out of the experience of thy power, in my weakness, to comfort myself, that thou wilt return again. And that thou mayst undoubtedly return with speed: O strengthen my weak faith I humbly pray thee, with thy precious promises, that thy foundation stands sure, whatsoever my building may be: thou knowest who are thine. O let it comfort my fainting spirit, that all things shall work together for the best, to those whom thou hast chosen, that so I may wisely compare one thing with another: things past, with things present, & by those things to come, that so I may live by faith, in the judging of my present estate, by looking behind and before, and not be cast off my hold, either by present temptations, or future fears. O establish me with thy precious promise, that thou wilt keep me to the end, that so I may live by faith, in casting myself upon thy mighty power, and committing myself in welldoing into thine holy hands. Teach me to deny mine own wisdom, that I may trust perfectly in thy mercy, and grant me in things to rely upon the wisdom of thy word, which is able to make me wise and perfect to salvation. Let thy word keep me in all my ways, that I may not decline to the right hand or to the left: and let my supplications be always manifest at the throne of grace, that so I may be careful for nothing. O let me not in any case, grieve thine holy Spirit any more, but grant me to entertain and cherish the motions thereof, by turning them into fervent prayers, and conscioamble practices, seasonable to the occasion: wean me from the love of the world, that I may have fellowship in thy love: and purge my heart from secret wickedness, that it be not stolen away from thee. keep me always close unto thee, that I may not fall into open wickedness; and give me grace always to remember my end, that I may be still prepared, against the coming of my Master & Saviour jesus Christ. And so still accept me (gracious Father) as I am in him and not in myself, as I would be in thee, and not what I am in corruption; as I shall be with thee, not what I am in this present world: enabling me still to desire above what I can do, and to believe above what I can think or desire, and so lead me forward by thy power, through the valley of tears, that though I sometimes slip, yet I may up again: though I stray a while, yet I may thereby mend my pace, & follow close after the mark, not looking on myself, & mine own worth or inability, but still looking unto jesus the Author and finisher of my faith: that so I may in him be more than Conqueorr, and so fight still the good fight of faith, I may finish my course with joy, and lay hold of eternal life in due season. And so fill me (O God of grace) with all joy in believing, that so I may live by faith, that I may be readier to die in faith, and to give up my soul by faith into thy holy hands, apprehending by faith, the Resurrection from the dead, that so I may be translated from death to life, and enjoy for ever thy glorious presence. Grant these things (O Gracious Lord) according to thy goodness, in jesus Christ my Saviour, and blessed Redeemer, Amen. A Prayer for obtaining Trial, and cherishing, of the holy Spirit of God. GLorious and everlasting Lord God, Father of all Spirits and souls of the righteous, who hast revealed thyself in thy sacred word to be a Spirit, holy, and incomprehensible, eternal, infinite, immortal, & all-sufficient; and therefore wilt be worshipped in Spirit, and truth. And hast in the riches of thy mercy, promised to send thy holy Spirit the Comforter, into our hearts, to lead us into all truth, and to comfort us in all our tribulations, and so to seal us up to the day of Redemption. Look down graciously upon me thy poor and forlorn servant, whose portion is in this valley of misery, to wander in darkness, and walk many times in the valley of the shadow of death, altogether ignorant of my way, and so subject to continual error, and wholly destitute of all direction therein, and so necessarily exposed to continual danger. For mine own heart within me, is no better than a guide to betray me to error, and the glory of the world is nought else then a bait to deceive me, either by clogging me in the way, that I may faint in my journey, or diverting me from my right home, that I may set up my rest in mine Inn, or build my foundation upon the sands. And mine old adversary still compasseth and watcheth all opportunities from both: either to sink me with despair, that I may perish in the way, or to swell me with presumption that I may not enter into the strait gate. And even so did it far with me, (Blessed Lord) all the days of my vanity, before I knew thee in Christ. As mine own heart misled me into all error, through my wilful ignorance, so it betrayed me hereby, to all occasions of sin without, which I swallowed more greedily than my appointed food, and blessed my soul therein as my chiefest happiness, and so was faster bound in the chains of Satan, as being led captive at his will, to every lust, and rejoicing therein as my greatest liberty. And so also hath it in part befallen me since my liberty in Christ, by whom though I received the free Spirit to lead me in the way of thy statutes, and so have sometimes obeyed the motions thereof, to the evidencing of my glorious liberty; yet such hath been the power of my corruption prevailing over me, that I have many times grieved thy good Spirit, by my manifold back-slidings, and to my sense and apprehension, seemed utterly to have quenched the same: so strong have I found my corruption, to lead me captive into many desperate evils: so little life and comfort have I found in prayer, hearing thy word, especially, in my endeavour to repentance; either to resist temptations, or release myself out of the snares thereof. And yet thou hast promised, that thy Spirit shall abide with me for ever; and still methought in my greatest wanderings, on the right hand, and on the left, methought I heard the voice of thy Spirit behind me, saying, This is the way walk in it. Methought I have heard the voice of my beloved, many times knocking at the door of my heart, when I have been asleep in the bed of my security, saying, Open unto me, my Love, my Dove, my undefiled; yea, I have felt him putting in his finger at the hole of the door, to open it for me, that so I might arise and let him in? And have I not many times arose to entertain him, and lo he was gone? Did I not follow after him to seek him, and yet found him not? Have I not many times smarted sound for my folly, because I would not open betimes? Have not the watchmen that should have cherished me, wounded me justly for my carelessness? Have they not plucked away my veil to discover my nakedness the more, that so my face being covered with shame, I might seek thy face more humbly? And yet (O my God) I am still to seek of thee, though thou still callest on me to seek thy face, and my heart in some poor measure, answereth, Thy face Lord will I seek. Yet what fellowship can there be between light and darkness, what hope have I to find thee, seeing I want my guide unto thee: yet thou art not wanting unto me, to tender this holy guide: and my guide is not fare from me, though I know it not; yea, thou art ever with me, to keep me from utter fainting, and thine holy Spirit is within me, helping me to cry unto thee. O hearken therefore I humbly pray thee, unto the groans of thine own Spirit, and have mercy upon thine own servant, for grieving the same. Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, that I may discern the seal of thy Spirit, and establish me with thy free Spirit, that I may ever be with thee. O make me wise to try the Spirits, whether they be of God or no, that neither I may be deluded by a Spirit of error, and withal may be able to discern the work and evidence of thine holy Spirit, from the motions and testimony of mine own ignorant and deceitful heart. Grant me therefore (Gracious Father) to plead mine interest in thy Spirit, by such true means and endeavours, as may undoubtedly avouch it to proceed from thee: and may apparently convince, that it dwelleth in me. Give me to discern the means whereby thy Spirit is conveyed unto me, that after I have heard thy word, and believed therein, than I have been sealed with the Spirit of promise: grant me to discern the manner how it took possession of mine heart: that, to make way for it fit habittation, it cast down every Imagination that enabled itself against thy wisdom, that it only might rule and govern me Spiritually (and that withal) thereby my house was swept and cleansed from the Dominion of sin, that jesus Christ thereby might wholly govern me. And grant me to avouch the truth of thy Spirit dwelling in me, not somuch by my entertainment and apprehension thereof, because it bloweth where it lifteth: and though I may hear the sound thereof; yet I know not whence it comes nor whether it goes: but rather by the nature and quality of thy Spirit; which will leave it true stamp in my received Spirit, in every quality thereof, for the assuring my possession thereof, by resemblance thereto, though yet surely and absolutely according to the Nature of the Spirit: neither working it at all times alike, nor at any time in full measure: but still working according to the capacity of the vessel, and the main end, the glory of God, that still it power may be seen in my weakness, that the glory may be of God, and not of Man. And therefore, as I may not challenge a right in thy Spirit, unless I find some lively resemblance and effects of it holy nature in me, as to be Holy, Meek, Peaceable, Sincere, and the like: so I may not challenge the truth thereof in me, though I find not at all times a like measure of it working, nor at any time in this life may express the full Image thereof, seeing it worketh freely, and so cannot always be apprehended alike: and it worketh freely, that it only may have the glory of the work, and therefore so still worketh, that it power may be in weakness, and it glory perfected by infirmity. And therefore as I may at all times find the like working of thy holy Spirit, so if I feel, in regard of this different working thereof, a different apprehension of the seal: as sometimes not to feel it at all, sometimes more or less to apprehend the same: yet grant me (holy Father) not to challenge the working of thy Spirit, because it is free and wise, working according to what is best for my present state, which is not sometimes fit for comfort, and yet absolutely in it good pleasure, even then suspending comfort, when I have long fitted myself thereto. But rather, specially to condemme mine own folly, in depriving myself of such effect of it, working above all; to adore the infinite wisdom and power of thy Spirit, working yet in these greatest desertions so with me, as to keep me from utter fainting, and further my chief good, to raise me up again by repentance, that I may be fit for comfort: and yet when I have done my best, to suspend what I most desire, that so in the best, I may acknowledge myself an unprofitable servant, and so still labour to be found in Christ, to be lead along to perfection. Thus grant me (gracious Father) to make trial of Spirits, and when I have found by some such lively evidences, that thine holy Spirit dwelleth in me: O make, me I humbly pray thee, wise to cherish and retain this blessed guest, that I may never break through by grieving the same, that not departing from it guidance, it may never departed from me: and therefore give me still, to hearken to the call of thy Spirit, showing me the right way, and enable me to submit myself to the yoke of thy Spirit, howsoever irksome and unsavoury to my rebellious corruptions. Let me not consult at any hand, with flesh and blood, in the motions of thy Spirit; neither let me turn the comforts of thy Spirit, as an occasion to the flesh: keep me I beseech thee from Spiritual wickedness, that I may not abuse thy blessed Spirit, and enable me to avoid gross offences, lest I offer violence to thy Spirit, and drive it from me. Above all keep me I pray thee, f●om wisdom in sin, either to commit it upon carnal grounds or ends, which thy word alloweth not; or to lie in it by presumption, or security lest I waste my conscience, and so quench thy Spirit. O make me still jealous of myself and best ability, that I may not challenge the power of thy Spirit, and give me conscience even of secret thoughiss, that I may tremble at, and abominate them, lest I grieve thy Spirit, make me to startle at the motion of such sins as the world makes a sport of, lest I startle thy good Spirit. and grant me to be humbled in my best endeavours, that so the Spirit of Christ may help me for the acceptance thereof. O give me to make my requests manifest daily unto the throne of grace, lest I be distracted in all things, and so grieve thy holy Spirit: and in all things grant me to resign up myself, to the guiding and tuition of thy blessed Spirit, that so in all occasions it may go well with me. Thus grant me (gracious Father) to retain th● comfort of thy Spirit, by entertaining all good occasions to cherish the same. And seeing I must needs acknowledge, that by my neglect of these duties, I have much grieved thy Spirit, and have done what lies in me, even to quench the same. O grant me (blessed Lord) to recover thy Spirit again, and so to enjoy the most powerful presence thereof. And therefore give wisdom herein seriously to enter into mine own hart, and to judge myself for grieving thy Spirit. Enable me with strong cries to cause the return of thy Spirit, and give me patience to endure such afflictions, as my wantonness hath procured me: Make me wise to remember the times of old, when thy face did shine upon me, and give me comfort in the present, that it is fare better with me than I have deserved. It is thine infinite mercies that I am not swallowed up of despair, that hence I may gather hope of the return thereof again. Grant me to stir up thy Spirit in me, by communing with mine own heart, and submitting the same wisely to the search and censure thereof, and make me more vile in myself, because I have so abased thy Spirit, that thou mayest have the glory in the denial of myself. O let me never give over until thou hast spoken peace to my soul, and thy good Spirit hath answered me, That thou art my salvation; and grant me to esteem highly, and so make use of the least glimpse of thy favour, even in the meanest & unlikeliest occasions, as undoubted Emblems of a greater supply in thy good time. And so teach me to wait thy good leisure, in healing my soul of that stinking rottenness that hath grieved thy Spirit; yet to be led meekly by thy word, that so I may be fit for comfort, and then to wait thy good pleasure, when thou wilt refresh me: Yea, though I find not haply such return all my life long, which formerly I have had; yet grant me to wait all the days of my mourning, upon thy holy hand, who knowest what is best for me, and to live still by Faith in the Son of God, that although thou kill me, yet I I will trust in thee, that thou which art coming, wilt come, and the just must live by Faith. Even so (O Father) keep me by thy mighty power, when I seem lost in myself, and that through Faith in thy Son jesus, that I may still be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, and that I may be kept unto salvation by the power of his merit. Unto whom with thine own glorious Majesty, and God the blessed Spirit, be ascribed as is most due, all honour, and power, and praise, and obedience in all the Churches, Amen. A Prayer for the obtaining of a lively Hope. O God of hope, who art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and in thy special wisdom, as thou hast commanded us to believe in thy Son, that so we might have everlasting salvation; so hast thou enjoined us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling; and that we may not faint in our endeavours, nor be to seek of what we yet enjoy not: hast promised an Anchor of hope, both to give us some security, amidst the manifold troubles of this life, and to give assurance also unto us, that we shall at length attain the haven. Have mercy upon me thy poor servant, and vouchsafe me this grace of hope, to establish my wavering spirit: that neither things present may discourage me from the hope of a good issue, nor things to come may confound me, in the pursuit thereof, as being so fare above my capacity, so exceeding my desert. For I confess (O Lord) unfeignedly before thee, by reason of this body of sin which I carry about me, I am a stranger from thee, as all my Fathers were: and in regard of my inward blindness, cannot see afar off, to the price of the high calling that is set before me, and therefore am subject to many distractions, & slavish fears; both to divert or stay me in my journey, and to disappoint me of the mark which I should hasten too, so that I manytimes miss of my way, and manytimes am ready to give over in the midst of my race. O grant me the refore (holy Father) to live by hope in what thou hast promised, that I neither may be confounded in any present distress, nor yet may rest in any present comfort whatsoever, that I may not be deceived with the counterfeit thereof, nor yet may settle myself in any true measure of the same. O grant me a lively hope, that I may not fear in death, and give me to apprehend that blessed hope, of the appearance of jesus Christ, that I may attain to the resurrection of the dead. And that I may improve my unfeigned hope in thee alone, O strengthen my weak Faith, to see more clearly within the veil, that so I may be strong in hope, to enjoy, what yet I see not: & make me more acquainted, with the secrets of thy special providence, that by mine own experience of thy wonderful dealing, in bringing contraries out of contraries, even light out of darkness, I may hope for the accomplishment of thy promises, though never so impossible to humane capacity. Above all, make more expert the riches of the glory of that great mystery, even Christ in me, the hope of glory, that so I may not be weary nor faint in my mind: let the aim of my hope be, to see thee, who art invisible; and in thee, those unspeakable mercies which as yet I do not see. And grant me (blessed Lord) an undaunted and invincible hope, even to hope above hope, that no oppositions may confound me. Let my hope be patiented, that I may wait for that I yet enjoy not, and purify my hope daily, in the expectation of what I shall be, that so I may be purged and fitted to the enjoying thereof: season my hope with joy, that I may not quail in any present troubles, and quicken my weak & fainting hope, with the strong cries and groans of thy blessed Spirit, that I may fasten on the inestimable glory which is laid up for me: let the hope of the life to come, establish me in thy blessed fear, and so make me lively and diligent in all present occasions, enableing me to hold fast the profession of my hope without wavering, and to sanctify my God, in giving a reason of my hope, with meekness and fear to those which may demand it. And that I may not be disappointed of my hope, comfort me (O Lord) with the sweet and glorious fruits thereof; that seeing it is the hope of salvation and eternal life, which is surely laid up for me in the highest heavens: grant me in all occasions to lay hold upon eternal life, that I may not be ashamed of my hope. O let me have hope even in death, because I have hope in the resurrection from the dead. And let the hope of what I enjoy not, humble me daily in the sense of my imperfections, which are the cause thereof, that so I may daily fear, and departed from evil. And seeing I am a prisoner of hope, O grant me daily to groan under this body of sin which I carry about me; that so I may long for my glorious deliverance from this body of death; and in the hope of this deliverance, cause me in all my troubles, to commit myself in well doing, into the hands of thee my faithful Creator, that so I may be kept by thy mighty power through Faith. Grant me these things (O God of my hope) even for thy dear Son jesus Christ his sake, the hope of mine endless glory, to whom with thee (O righteous Father) with God the blessed Spirit the Comforter, be ascribed all glory, power, dominion, and thanksgiving for ever and ever, Amen. A Prayer for the obtaining and increase of Love.. HOly Father, who out of the boundless riches of thy free Grace, didst so love me, that thou gavest thine only Son to death for me, that being redeemed from the bondage of sin, and snares of destruction, I might be translated from death to life: and therefore didst love me first, that I might serve thee in love, and offer up myself a Offering, gracious and acceptable before thee in all holy obedience; and hast hereby assured me, that I am beloved of thee, if all my works be done in love; loving thee for thyself, and all other things for thy sake. Look graciously upon me thine unworthy servant, and shed thy love into my heart by thy blessed Spirit, that I may love thee above all things, and all things in & for thee. And that I may so love thee, that I may be more united unto thee, and fully at the length enjoy thee: O grant me first to know thee in jesus Christ the Son of thy Love, that so I may know, what love in him thou hast showed me; that when I was dead in sin, thou didst raise me up in him from dead works, that I might serve thee the living God, in the newness of Spirit, that so discerning in this lively Mirror of thy Love unto me, mine own unworthiness of thy love, and inability to love thee again, I may wholly deny myself, that I may be found of thee in Christ, and by his power be enabled to love thee again. Grant me therefore, (gracious God) to trust perfectly in jesus Christ, that I may feel myself to be beloved of thee in him, and inflame my hart with the love of Christ, that so in him, I may love thee again. And seeing nothing in me was able to hinder this thy love in him to me, Oh grant me, that nothing within me, or without me, may hinder or separate my Love from thee. And seeing, of thine own free grace thou didst love me in him, oh grant me for his sake only to love thee: seeing he thought nothing, no not his precious blood too dear to express his love unto me; oh let me think all things base in comparison of my love unto him. he loved me in deeds, not only in words, both doing for me what I could not do, and suffering for me what I could never have endured; oh grant me to love thee again, not in words, but in deeds, both doing what thou commandest with all sincerity and diligence, and suffering what thou imposest with all joy, cheerfulness, & patience: so to love thee for thy mercies, as to fear to offend thee in regard of my corruption: so to fear in respect of mine own aptness to offend thee, as to love thee for thy free grace in Christ, accepting me in him, above mine own unworthiness, not imputing my sins unto me, and for his sake accepting my willing mind, to do what I cannot, and enabling me daily in him to do above what I am able in myself, yea, doing in him all my works above the worth thereof; yea, doing wonderfully by him in me above what I presently can discern: yea, above whatsoever I am able to ask or think: that thou in him mayst have the glory of all thy goodness. O let thine unspeakable love unto me, enlarge my heart from thee to the love of the Brethren: that so I may know hereby that I am translated from life to death. Grant me so to love thine own Image, wheresoever I find it stamped on Man; that I may love him best, that is most like unto thee: and yet loath that in him which is unlike unto thee. Give me to love him with a pure heart as thou lovest me, and to affect him fervently, as thou affectest me. Grant me to do the best good to him, as thou gavest the best for me: and yet not to neglect to do the least, as thou failest not me in the least occasions. Give me to love him constantly, as thy love to me continues: and not to be weary of well-doing, that I may obtain the reward. And as thou lovedst me, when I was thine enemy: so grant me to love my enemies, & pray for them that persecute me, because they carry thine Image, & are thine Instruments to do me good; that so I may overcome evil with good, & heap coals of love upon their heads. And seeing I am yet a stranger and sojourner in this world: O grant me not to love the world, nor the things therein; but so to use them as if I used them not: and yet thereby be stirred up to love thy most wise providence, who hast made all these things for me, that I therein serve & honour thee: and that I may so do, O knit my heart fast unto thee by this hand of love, that I may love thee more, the more thou openest thine hand to fill me with them, and yet love thee more constantly, the more thou sustainest me without them, still returning thee the praise both of giving them to me, and taking them from me; that nothing may b●e able to separate me from thy love, that I may daily more and more hate my corruption, and all occasions thereof; so to hate my sin that still I may more love thy mercy in pardoning thereof, more admire thy wisdom in turning it to my good, more love and long for the appearance of jesus Christ, for the full abolishing of the same. That so living in thy love, I may die in thy favour, and dying in love I may live for ever with thee, to love and glorify thee my blessed God in jesus Christ, with the blessed Spirit, one glorious God in three persons, blessed for evermore, to whom be praise and Dominion, with all hearty love and obedience, of all that love the coming of jesus Christ, Amen. A Prayer to obtain and preserve the Fear of God, that we may be kept constant thereby in holiness to the end. GLorious and everlasting God, whose Love is as thyself free & unchangeable, and because thou art not changed, therefore the Sons of jacob are not consumed, and that they may not miscarry thou hast promised to put thy Fear in their hearts, that they shall not departed from thee. And having accepted the blood of thy Son as a sufficient satisfaction for their sins, dost daily accept also the cry of that blood to preserve them in thy fear, & to present them blameless at the glorious appearance of thy righteous Son jesus. Have mercy upon me thy poor servant, and put thy Fear in my heart, that I may cleave fast unto thee and never departed from thine holy Covenant: for I confess unfeignedly (O Lord my God) that as mine own unbelieving heart doth daily misgive me, and is ready to betray me to such occasions as may withdraw me from my steadfastness: So there is no occasion without; which without thy special Grace is not likely daily so to enueigle and estrange my heart from thee, as that it may stagger and utterly deny thee. For if I look on the right hand to fair shows of the world, what are they else but so many baits to ensnare my wavering spirit, and steal it from thee? If I look on the left hand to the sorrows and storms thereof, are they not either as so many billows to overthrew my weak Bark in the first setting out, or else to sink or swallow up in the midway? Above all (O Lord) my own deceitful heart is so subject to presumption and security, that I am in danger, either to be split upon the Rocks, even at the shore, or else to be swallowed of quicksands in the very haven. Against all which seeing thy name (O Lord) is a strong tower, and as thy name, so is thy Fear. O grant me in all things to fear thy great and glorious name, to stand in awe of thy Majesty that I may daily fear my own self, and so distrusting mine own inability, I may both fear to offend thee, and in all things may study to please thee: and that I may so fear thee, as still to rely upon thee, and draw near with confidence to thee. O grant me to fear thee for thy mercies, that I may love thee in the entertainment of them, so to be afraid of thy judgements, as to take warning by thy threatenings that I may avoid them, as to answer thee by repentance that I may not be swallowed up of them. Give me so to fear thee, as not to be daunted with things present, lest my life be unprofitable and uncomfortable, neither to be distracted with things to come, lest I be unprepared to mine end: And that I may be continually prepared for thee, O grant me daily to make even reckoning with thee by repentance, that I be not taken tardy, and to renew my life daily in Christ, so living by Faith in him, that I may work out my salvation in fear and trembling, both renouncing the worth of whatsoever good I have or can do, as to be justified thereby: yea, though I know evil by myself, yet not standing upon my clearing, because thou knowest all things, and also not resting in any present measure, as if I had attained or were already perfect, but forgetting what is behind & hastening that which is before, I may press towards the mark, for the price of the high calling of God in jesus Christ. That so being daily dead to sin, yea, to myself, and having my life hid with Christ in God, when Christ which is my life shall appear, I may also appear with him in glory. Grant this gracious Father for jesus Christ his sake my only Advocate and Redeemer, Amen. A Prayer for grace and wisdom. O Most mighty God and merciful Father, pour into my heart thy heavenly grace & wisdom. Comfort my sinful soul with thy heavenly Manna, mollify and make soft my hard heart with the sweet & pleasant oil of thy most holy word. Suffer me not (O merciful Lord) to swerve or slide from the ways of truth, but grant help of thy holy Spirit, that I may walk in the same unto my life's end, and let not thy heavenly wisdom departed from me at any time during this life. According to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences. Preserve me from this my youth and infancy, under thy favourable protection. Give me grace (O Lord) that I may even to the grave continue a faithful and manly Sould●er in defence of thy truth, and that I may in all my life, daily grow to the ripe perfection of godly wisdom, and truly and justly, acknowledge thee mine only God. Deut. 6. That I may only fear thee and honour thee. That I may cleave fast unto thee. Deut. 10. That I do not after the abomination of any idolatrous people, worship stocks or stones. Deut. 8. Nor let me not (O Lord) hearken to any false Prophets that teach their own imaginations, and not the word of God. Deut. 13. Now vouchsafe (O Lord God) to hear me, and let thy wisdom govern me. I know (my God) that no creature can truly say, I have done my duty in the service of the Lord: neither is it in the power of man (who is so deeply subject to sin) to escape all those stumbling blocks which have made our ways dangerous and perilous through those innumerable practices, wherewith Satan our great enemy through his malice and craft, hath devised to entrap our sinful souls to our utter destruction. Lord of thy great mercy root and pull out of my heart all the works of Satan, namely, fornication, adultery, uncleanness, wantonness, pride, envy, unnatural desires, unpure thoughts, lewd behaviour, idleness, and all other vicious and naughty actions, which being followed according to the pleasures and delights of the world in this life; bring with them everlasting damnation of body and soul, in the world to come. Increase in me (O Lord) such abundance of thy grace, wisdom, and heavenly blessing, that through the operation of the same in me, I may prove a true workman in thy harvest, such a servant as occupieth his Master's Talon unto gain, a witness that beareth testimony of Christ, to all people, at all times, and in every place, continue constant in the truth, during the whole course of this my mortal life. In thy truth (O God) do I delight, therefore make me perfect in the same. In thee alone do I repose my whole trust and confidence, save me (O God) of all mercy, and defend me against my enemies. Establish and confirm me (O Lord) in faith towards thee. Keep thou my lips, and govern my tongue. Suffer not my heart to purpose any thing that may displease thee, nor my tongue or lips to speak aught whereby I should purchase thy wrath. Whosoever doth trust in thee (O God) shall understand thy truth, and the faithful shall have rest in thy favour: but the according to their own wicked thoughts shall find corruption. The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the force of death shall not touch them. All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and hath been with him always, and is with him from the beginning, Eccle. 1. The fear of the Lord doth expel sin. Lord of thy mercy grant me thy heavenly wisdom, whereby I may truly learn to know thee rightly, and be diligent to perform thy precepts effectually. Lord leave me not in my young days, let thy wisdom enter into my heart, and make her habitation in my soul; so shall I live in thy favour, and persever in thy laws through thy grace. Let not them that trust in thee (O Lord God of Hosts) be ashamed: let not those that seek thee be confounded, O God of Israel. Lord I make my prayers unto thee in an acceptable time: even in the multitude of thy mercies. O God, hear me in the truth of thy salvation. In thee alone (O heavenly Father) are all things generally: and what is not of thee, is altogether naught. Replenish and bless me (O Lord) with all good gifts: show thy loving countenance towards me, govern me by thy grace, continue me in thy favour, and protect and defend me now and evermore, under the wings of thy manifold mercies, so shall no vile temptation have power to prevail against me. Such is the force of thy heavenly wisdom (O God) that whosoever obtaineth the same, and directeth his life accordingly, shall prosper and see good days. Whosoever pleaseth thee (O Lord) from the beginning, are made whole through wisdom, Sapient. 9 Which of thy mercy (O my God) vouchsafe to grant unto me, for thy dear Son jesus Christ his sake. To whom with thee, & the holy Ghost be all glory, honour, and praise, now and for ever, Amen. A Prayer to walk conscionably in our civil and personal Calling. O Most glorious and wise God, who in thine infinite wisdom, hast ordained, that every Son of Adam should eat his bread in the sweat of his face, and so hast wisely fitted each man in his several place, with several and particular gifts, of nature, experience, and grace, that so he might glorify thee in some special calling: not willing that any should live idly, like an unprofitable burden of the earth, mispending his precious time, and wasting away thy Creatures, neither doing good to humane society. And herein hast given us a pattern from thyself, who even workest hitherto: and albeit that thy great business of Creating all things, ended with those first six days, in which every particular was brought forth by thee in his proper kind, yet thy providence is never intermixed in it, neither slumber nor sleep over taketh thee. And so also thy dear Son jesus Christ, whilst in the days of his flesh h●e humbled himself to live as man upon the earth, both in his private life attended upon a painful trade, and when the time came of his manifesting himself to the world, went about doing of good; yea, & with that cheerfulness, that it was his meat and drink to do thy will, and to finish the work of him that sent him. And all thine holy actions, also in continual action, obeying the voice of thy word and ministering for their sakes, that shall be heirs of life; nay, doth not every Creature in his place obey this thine ordinance, the Sun, the Moon, & all those heavenly Orbs? Do they not execute their operations faithfully, and finish their Revolutions in their seasons? Do not these inferior things daily perform thy will herein? Who am I that (Blessed Lord) that I should not rejoice, that it hath seemed good unto thee, to make me among other of thy servants, and to set me as it were my proper task upon which to give my faithful attendance. Grant me therefore I pray thee, not to repine heereat, as at some uneasy burden put upon me, but that I may contentedly and comfortably under go it, even like that glorious creature the Sun, who having his Tabernacle set him in the heavens, rejoiceth like a mighty man to run his race. And seeing thou hast not placed me (O Lord) in this calling, for mine own p●●uate good alone, but also fo● a more public and common benefit; give me such an honest, sincere, and charitable heart, that I may determine with my s●lfe never to seek, no not yet willingly to receive that gain which cometh by the wronging, or loss of others. Let me ever have in mind that golden rule, whatsoever I would that men should do unto me, of doing even so unto them. Let it never slip out of my mind, that the wages of unrighteousness is put into a broken bag. And that as the good man shall give inheritance to his children's Children, so the riches of vanity shall diminish, and that thou wilt draw even out of the belly of the oppressor the substance which he hath devoured; or if it do continue with him, it shall be for his great hurt, his own ease shall slay him, and his prosperity shall be his destruction. Grant me therefore I humbly pray thee, rather to choose a little with thy blessing, then great revenues with thy curse & vengeance accompanying the same. And if it shall be thy good pleasure to bless my basket and my store, & to increase my portion by my honest industry: O keep me I humbly pray th●e, that I may not set my heart upon it, let not my riches be my strong City, or as an high wall in my Imagination: so I may be more and more afraid of myself, lest the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, should choke in me the seeds of grace, and steal away my mind from better things: and therefore make it my care (good Father) to follow my calling with that holy wisdom, as that I may not so fare ensnare myself into the business of it, that I should abridge and scant myself of convenient opportunities for heavenly and Spiritual employments. And as I shall feel thy hand to be opened unto me, so open my heart and hand towards others, knowing that he that scattereth shall be more increased. so he that spareth more than is right shall surely come to poverty: ever make me to consider thy allseeing presence, that all things are naked and open before thee, and that thou wilt surely bring forth to judgement every seceret thing. That so I knowing thee to be a witness to all my courses, my care may be to walk as in thy presence, and to approve myself unto thee by an even and upright behaviour, so walking still in my civil calling, as that I may begin and sanctify the same by my spiritual: so carrying myself therein, as still to look higher to the things above, still to look low to what may befall me, preparing for want in my greatest abundance, and abounding with content in my greatest wants, humbling myself in my disappointment herein for my negligence in better things, and comforting myself in my spiritual thrift, that all shall work for the best: using diligence in what is set before me, and leaving the issue to thy wise providence, not indenting with thee for what measure thou shalt bestow, but still labouring to attain to the greatest measure of grace, that it may be sufficient for me in all occasions, so grant me to commit myself in well-doing into the hands of thee my faithful Creator, and so try my thriving in these outward things, by my thriving in grace and holiness in the fear of thee our God, and so hastening in all these things, which can give me no sound comfort nor true contentment, to the life of glory, wherein I shall be fully satisfied, with thy fullness, who art all in all, God blessed for ever and ever, and with jesus Christ thy Son our blessed Saviour, to whom with thee, and God the holy Spirit, be all praise, glory, and honour for ever, Amen. A Prayer before the taking of a journey. ALmighty and most holy Father, who hast promised to be with thy Servant, whither soever I go, and to attend me with ●●o●●o ministering Spirits thine holy Angels, to pitch their Tents round about me, and bear me in their hands. Unspeakable as thy goodness herein, O Lord unto me, wh●●●● by nature a child of wrath, and a mere slave of Satan should be assured of so ●igh an hand of heavenly protection. Make good (I pray thee) now at this time this thy mercy women, being my necessary business, to navel from mine own place. Many are the perils which both by nature and desert I am subject; no man is able to number them, or ●y his own strength or policy, to avoid them. Compass thou me with thy favour as with a shield: Go before me as thou didst of old before thy people in the wilderness: it is only thou that canst make me go and come in safely. Some put their ●rust in outward help, but cause thou me to remember thy Name, and to make thy truth to be my shield and buckler. A horse is a vain help, and shall not deliver any by his great strength, neither is the mighty man saved by his power: it is better to trust in the Lord, then to have confidence in Princes. If thou (O Lord) be my sight & my salvation, whom shall I fear? If thou be the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Let this I pray thee be the Anchor of my soul both sure and steadfast: suffer no power of Satan to remove my faith from this foundation. Howbeit (gracious Father) if it shall be thy pleasure in this my journey to bring some cross upon me, either by making me a prey to spoilers, or by some other hazard, I beseech thee prepare me to it, give me patience and comfort in it, and an holy assurance, that no outward inconvenience can separate me from thy love in jesus Christ. Make me always mindful of this, that thy favour must not be measured by these outward accidents, and cause me ever to hold fast this Rule, that all things shall work together for the best unto thy servants. And as in my travails I am desirous of thy favour, so teach me (good Father) I humbly pray thee to make conscience of thy Fear. That as I expect and crave protection from thee, so I may apply myself to yield obedience unto thee. Wherefore when I am journeying on earth; grant me to mind my departure from the world, and my journey to Heaven: when I am alone grant that I may possess my heart with holy thoughts, and may diligently watch over myself, for the preventing of all unclean and worldly cogitations. Let me never presume upon the advantage of my secrecy, seeing thou art in my secret parts: nor that I am unknown in the places where I come, as to do aught unbeseeming the profession of a Christian: seeing in all places I am known to thee, and would be known and approved of thee. And if I light into the company of others, make me still careful to seek and entertain all good opportunities of doing or receiving good; that I may never conform myself to the humours of profane persons, but in a godly discretion may so carry myself, as that I may neither wilfully make myself a scorn to the wicked, neither yet may any why be offensive to the godly, either by wounding them by my scandalous carriage, or wounding mine soul by communicating with their evils, but either may win or bridle, or at least make them inexcusable, either bettering them, or being better by them; not returning to them, if they will not return to me. This grant me gracious God in an assured expectation of thy gracious guidance to betake myself to mine intended journey. And so I commend both myself and it, together with these my suits unto thee my loving Father, in the name and worthiness of jesus Christ my only Mediator and Redeemer, Amen. A Thanksgiving after a journey. IT is thy great mercy (O Lord my God) that as I craved thy assistance in my journey, so it hath pleased thee to give me good success therein, and to bring me safe again unto mine own home: and it is my duty as I have obtained favour from thee herein, so to return thee the only praise and glory thereof. For thou (O Lord) hast only prospered my occasions, thou only causest me to go forth and return in safety. Gracious hast thou been unto me even from the womb unto this present, delivering me out of all my troubles, supplying all my wants, and doing all my works for me: above all crowning thine own graces in me, and accepting both me and all my service above the worth thereof, in the merit of my Saviour, in whom thou hast pardoned all my sins, and sanctified my afflictions: yea, my very sins unto my good. There is no day, nor hour of the day, nor minute of the hour, no occasion that hath befallne me in any moment of time, in which thy blessings are not renewed towards me. O that I could be so lively and effectually thankful unto thee as becometh me. O that my heart within me might even melt with grief, that I have passed over so many of thy favours without due regard. And yet behold, how now also thou provokest me to this duty. O quicken me, I humbly pray thee hereunto. Make me diligently to look back into the course and order of the whole journey, and to observe by degrees, how thou hast been good unto me: how thou hast blessed my going out, and my coming in, & hast brought me in peace to my resting place. Many dangers might have swallowed me up, which yet (through thy great goodness I have happily escaped:) sundry times hath there been (such is the brittleness of this house of clay which I bear about me) but even a st●ppe between me and death, out of the jaws whereof thy right hand, and thine own only arm hath saved me. I can ascribe nothing to myself or mine own providence, neither can I say that my safety is the reward of mine own deserving. Not unto me (O Lord) not unto me, but to thy Name doth belong the glory, for thou hast preserved me (O God of truth.) And now grant (I beseech thee) that the sense of thy love, may beget in me such a love of thee, and of that which thou commandest, that I may willingly & cheerfully and with full purpose of heart, dedicate myself to thy service: accounting as my life now renewed unto me, so every new kindness is as it were a new bond and a fresh encouragement hereunto, that I may walk before thee daily in newness of life, passing the time of my pilgrimage in fear, and going on from strength to strength till I appear before thee my God in Zion, even that new jerusalem which is above. Grant me these things gracious Father, even for thy dear Son sake, jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. A Prayer for a woman in time of her travail. RIghteous and holy Lord God, I do now find by experience the fruit of my sin, that I must travail in sorrow, and bring forth in pains: and I unfeignedly adore the truth of thy Sacred word, as certifying unto me, that sorrow must be in the Evening: so comforting me also against the Morning, that a Child shall be borne. Willingly, do I desire to submit myself in hope into this thy chastisement; and to learn the desert of my sin, horrible in themselves, that these temporal pains, are forerunners of eternal: and yet by thy mercy may be so sanctified unto me, as not only to prevent eternal vengeance, but also prepare for eternal comforts, even to be Sacred by bearing of Children. Grant me therefore (gracious Father) true repentance and pardon for my sins past, that they may not stand at this time in this my need between me and thy mercy. Give me a comfortable feeling of thy Love in Christ, which may sweeten all other pangs, though never so violent or extreme: make me still to lift up my soul unto thee, in my greatest agonies, knowing that thou alone must give a blessing to the ordinary means for my safe deliverance. Lay no more upon me than I am able to endure; and strengthen my weak body to the bearing of what sorrow soever, by which it shall seem good unto thee to make trial of me. Grant me to consider that howsoever it be with me, yet I am always as thine hand, whose mercies fail not, who will be found in the Mount and greatest extremity, and to whom belong the issues of death: so prepare me therefore to death, that I may be fit for life, even to yield fruit alive unto the world, and to be renewed and enabled to nourish the same. And when thou hast safely given me the expected fruit of my womb, make me with a thankful heart, to consecrate both it and myself wholly to thy service all the days of my life, through jesus Christ mine only Saviour and Redeemer, Amen. A Thanksgiving after safe deliverance. O Blessed for ever be thy great & glorious Name (most dear and loving Father) for thy great mercy to me most weak and sinful woman. Wonderful art thou in all thy works (O Lord) the riches of thy mercies are past finding out: thou hast plunged me with great afflictions, and yet thou hast returned & refreshed me again: thou hast brought me to the fear of the grave, and yet thou hast raised me up again to life. O how hast thou shown thy power in my weakness? How hath thy loving kindness prevailed against my unworthiness? Thou mightest for my sins have left me to perish in mine extremities, but thou hast compassed me about with joyful deliverance: thou mightest have made my womb a grave to bury the dead: or in affording life to another, thou mightest have procured my death, but yet thou hast not only made my womb a wellspring of life, but restored life unto me also, for the cherishing thereof. Marvelous (O Lord) are thy works; infinite are thy mercies, my soul by present experience knoweth it well. O my soul praise thou the Lord, and all that is within me praise his holy Name. My soul praise thou the Lord, and forget not all his benefits. Thou hast heard my prayers, and looked upon my sorrow, thou hast redeemed my life from death, and healed mine infirmities, and crowned me with thine everlasting compassions. O give me, I humbly pray thee, a thankful heart, not only now while the memory and sense of thy favour is fresh before me, but continually even so long as I have any being. Grant that I may learn by this lively evidence of thy power and mercy, for ever hereafter to depend only on thee. Quicken me also to all holy duties, that my thankfulness may appear in my pure and Christian carriage. Make me a kind and careful mother, willing to undergo the pain and trouble of education. Let no niceness or curiosity hinder me from those services, to which both nature and religion hath appointed me: let me also be careful when time requireth, to season the fruit thou hast given me, with the saving knowledge of thee, and thy dear Son, that my desire may manifestly appear to be set for the increase of thy Kingdom. Vouchsafe so to order my affections and to bring them in obedience under thee, that if it should be thy pleasure, either now or hereafter to take this Infant from me, I may as willingly part with it as thou freely gave it me. And now (O God) perfect in me that strength which thou hast begun, make me to grow in care to serve thee faithfully, both in the duties of piety, and in other business of my place and calling, that I may be a comfort to my husband, and example to my neighbours, a grace to my profession, and a means of glory to thy Name, through jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour, Amen. A Prayer for those who are employed in the assistance of a travailing woman. HOly Father, who hast commanded us to serve one another in love, and hast made this the trial of our true love unto thee and our neighbour, that we help them in the time of need. Be present we pray with us, ●y thy gracious Spirit, to seal up the pardon of our sins, that they hinder us not in this business; and to assist us with such conscience and diligence, that our labour may not be in vain. We confess (O Lord) that we are not worthy of ●ny g●●d for ourselves, much less that we should smother the good of others: neither that any labour of ours can further thy good without thy special Grace enabling us therein, and accepting the same. Accept us therefore we pray thee, in the blood of thy Son, & shed thy love into our hearts by thine holy Spirit, that all our labour may be done in love. In love to thy Majesty, who enablest us to all good, and in love to our Christian Sister, especially to her soul. And therefore keep us we pray thee, from all idle savours and superstitious conceits, as available hereunto: from all rotten and unsavoury speech which may interrupt the work; and teach us to seek help only from thy Grace, using all gracious communication both among ourselves, and to the comfort of the distressed, that she may only depend upon thy mighty power, applying all diligence and wisdom, in affording seasonable help for the easing of the pain, or furthering of the birth. Furnish us with skill, and her with strength, patiently to await the appointed time of her deliverance: and knit all our hearts unto thee, that we may fear thy Name; observing the passages of thy providence in this, and all other thy great works; and studying to give thee praise and glory for the same, in jesus Christ our only Lord and Saviour, Amen. A thanksgiving upon the blessing of their labour in the Deliverance. HOly Father, who hast revealed thyself in thy word to be a God that hearest prayer: and hast now made good this promise unto us thine unworthy servants in hearing our prayers, in the behalf of this distressed woman. Give us hearts we humbly pray thee, to conceive wisely of this thy great kindness: and open our mouths, we beseech thee, that we declare this thy goodness for the comfort of others, that by this lively example, we may believe in thy great Name. What hast thou not done herein (O Lord) even abundantly above what we could think or ask? And what can we repay unto thee worthy of so great salvation? We confess ourselves unworthy to ask, much less to obtain for ourselves, & yet behold, thou hast heard our cries, and relieved this thy desolate servant. It is not enough, that thou hast given ease and deliverance to the Mother, unless also thou didst live to her Babe, that so in it her life might be again received: yea, thou hast made our cup to run over with joy and gladness; who were almost overwhelmed with sorrow and despair. Thine (O Lord) be the only glory and praise hereof: O fill our hearts with thankfulness, that our rejoicing may be in truth, and humble us unfeignedly in the consciences of our own unworthiness, that we may give thee the only glory of all thy mercies. Let our humility appear in serving each other in love, and let our love be manifest in provoking each other to trust in thee alone, for the time to come: let our confidence in this prepare us to this or the like occasion, that so we may find a gracious issue in our greatest extremities. And let our experience of thy good hand herein wean us from the love of the world, wherein we are like continually to meet with what will oppose or ensnare us: and provoke us to long for our dissolution when all tears shall be wiped from our eyes. And let our desire to be with thee, make us always ready for thee, in all sobriety, modesty, humility, patience, and perseverance, that so we may be found faithful when our Master cometh. And that we may be found in peace at his glorious appearance, O grant us daily to deny ourselves, that still we may be found of thee in the righteousness of our Saviour, may by the power thereof be daily accepted of thee by the efficacy of the same, may be more and more conformed to thine holy Image, and so may at length be fully satisfied therewith. And as thou hast now added one unto the number of mankind, showing thy wisdom and power in the framing of him in the womb, & in bringing him forth into thy light; so in thy time add him also to thy Church, and beget him again unto a lively hope, by the immortal seed of thine holy word, delivering him from the power of darkness (in which by nature we are all) into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God. And if it shall seem good unto thee, to lay any further trial, either of sickness, or death upon this thy servant, or the fruit of her womb: prepare us all to a quiet and patiented bearing of thine holy hand, and to a comfortable and contented resting upon thy providence: assuring our selves, that all things shall turn to the good and benefit of thy chosen. And so into thine holy hands we commend ourselves, with thy servant and her issue, together with hers and our Families, and that great Family of thy chosen, wheresoever distressed and dispersed, to be kept by thy mighty power through Faith unto salvation. Grant us these things (O God of our salvation) for the merit of thy beloved Son our Lord and Saviour, Amen. A Prayer for such as in this world be very rich and wealthy. Eternal GOD, and most merciful Father, from whom all good things do come and proceed, who in thy wisdom distributest thy benefits, and bestowest thy blessings manifoldwife, as seemeth good to thy heavenly will, to some more, to some less, as thou (who knowest all things) seest it to be best for every one. I give thee hearty thanks, in that it hath pleased thee to bestow upon me, a most unworthy sinner, such large blessings of earthly treasures and riches in this life, most humbly beseeching thee for thy great mercy's sake, to give me grace to use them to thy glory, and to the help and comfort of those that have need, knowing that thou hast given me this abundance, to the end that I should be aiding and helpful to others, upon whom it hath pleased thee to lay the cross of poverty: and that I am but as a Steward from thee which must render account how I have bestowed them, I beseech thee also good Lord, that while I live and possess plenty of all things from thee, I may be careful to do good unto all men, but especially unto them that be of the household of Faith, according as thy holy word hath commanded me, laying up thereby a good store of myself, against the day of wrath, and to make me friends of unrighteous Mammon, that when I depart hence, they may receive me into everlasting habitations. And as these thy good gifts, O heavenly Father, so I beseech thee, that I abuse them not, either by getting, retaining, or otherwise by mispending of them. Let not my heart at any time be affected towards them, nor my mind drowned in the delight of them, but that always I may esteem both them and all things else, as vile dung and filthy dirt in respect of thee. And in the midst of mine abundance, keep me (O Lord) that I advance not myself vaingloriously above my Brethren, that I be not puffed up, nor high minded, & that I consume not thy treasure upon pride, whoredom, gluttony, drunkenness, or any other wickedness else whatsoever, thereby purchasing thy heavy judgement against me for the same. But grant good Lord, that as thou hast made me rich & wealthy in worldly substance, so thou wilt make me much richer in all goodness, righteousness, holiness, and innocence of life, through jesus Christ our only Mediator and Advocate: to whom with thee and the holy Ghost, be praise for ever, Amen. A Prayer for such as be poor and needy. O Eternal and everliving God, who appointed diverse & sundry states and conditions of men, some rich, some poor, some high, some low, and hast notwithstanding commanded every one to be content with his estate and calling, without repining or grudging against thee for the same. I poor wretch and miserable caitive, whom it hath pleased thee to place in the lowest and meanest degree, most entirely beseech thy Fatherly goodness, to give me grace to be well contented with the s●me, to submit my will to thy will, to depend wholly upon thy providence, to cast all my care upon thee (who hast promised to care for me) to repose all my affiance, trust, and confidence in the●, and none else, and to look for all good things from thy merciful hands. And though I be poor and needy (O Lord) yet I beseech thee, let me not despair of thy help, nor yet attempt any unlawful or unjust means to maintain my estate withal, contrary to thy will. But grant that I having all things necessary in this life for body and soul, may neither be swallowed up, nor choked with the cares of the world, nor yet remain barren, and destitute of good works, through jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the holy Ghost, world without end, Amen. A Prayer to obtain grace of God, against the assaults of the world, the Flesh, and the Devil. O Lord God of eternal glory, and Father of endless mercy, we thy unworthy Creatures, are bold in the name of thy beloved Son, to represent ourselves before thee, humbly beseeching thee for his sake, that thou wilt vouchsafe to send down thy holy Spirit into our hearts to guide and govern us in all our godly ways, and to defend us from all manner of temptations of this world, and the assaults thereof. Lord God of thine unspeakable goodness, grant that thy grace may continue with us always, and that at no time we swerve nor fall from thee. Let thy truth evermore be with us, and make us constant in the same, that we never be afraid of any thing which lieth in the power of man over our bodies, but always confessing, that whomsoever thou pleasest to defend, no Tyrant shall be able to destroy. Strengthen and increase Faith, Love, and Charity, in the hearts of all people. Make us able to resist the vain pleasures of the world, let not the perilous allurements have any power to conquer & overcome us, nor the subtleties thereof be able to deceive us. Defend us also (O Lord) from the many perils and temptations, which the devil our adversary practiseth against us, lest we fall into his snares. Let neither his endeavours, nor the wanton enticements of our own flesh prevail against us. We know (O Lord) that without thy sufferance, he of himself can take no hold on us, nor be able to diminish the least hair of our head. Give therefore unto us, such grace from thee, that we may be willing to strive against the world, the flesh, and the devil, and such strength, as we may be able to break and beat down the forc● and vehemency of their strong temptations. Grant us thy heavenly light, whereby we may perfectly see and perceive, those malicious and cruel engines which they lay to entrap us, least unawares we fall into the fame. Even now (O Lord) in these perilous days, the devil and his ministers do most busily seek to sift us by all means and ways possible, namely, by pride, envy, malice, covetousness, gluttony, drunkenness, fornication, and all other evil works whereunto he doth move us, and by him thrust into our hearts, and whereby (without the assistance of thy grace) he doth bring us within his baits and snares laid for our souls. And contrariwise we of ourselves have no ability nor any means to prevail against them, unless thou of thy mercy vouchsafe to be gracious unto us, to strengthen us by thy power, and to defend us in all temptations which he worketh against us, that he may not triumph over us, to ou● destruction. We beseech thee from the bottom of our hearts, to vouchsafe to be our comfort in all our troubles, to defend us against all temptations, and that it would please thee to lead and govern us in all our thoughts, words, and deeds, so shall we dwell in safety. O Lord thou knowest that among all Creatures man is most rebellious against thee, and his offences and transgressions against thee most manifold and contrariwise, every one creature in his kind, doth most worthily show thy pow●r, might, and praise: and by them is thine omnipotency declared: but we in our lives do show ourselves most unkind and unnatural children towards thee, daily offending thy divine Majesty, and every minute transgressing against thy Laws and Commandments, nothing regarding thy judgements, which might in a moment destroy us. But thou (O Lord) in thy mercy dost vouchsafe notwithstanding to spare us, admonishing us to repentance and newness of life, that through our faithful conversion we may be saved. Raise us up therefore good Lord, from our drowsy sluggishness and careless security. Suffer us not any longer to wallow and tumble ourselves in our grievous Iniquities. Let not sin have so much power over us, or increase in us. Destroy and overthrow Satan and his wily policies. Root out of our hearts, all works of the world, wicked motions of the flesh, and pernicious practices of the Devil, that we may no longer offend thy goodness. And plant in us such good thoughts, good motions, and good endeavours, that we may diligently serve thee in all things according to thy will, and embrace with willingness thy holy word, to the comfort of our Souls, and setting forth of thy glory. Open thy bountiful hands O Lord, and bless us with all good gifts, give us obedient hearts and willing minds, to search and seek out the truth of thy holy word: strengthen us with constancy in the same, that in all things we may lead our lives accordingly, not as professors alone, but as faithful performers of the same, to the utter diligence of our power. Confirm and establish us in all good works, that we may as true Christians, sow such Seeds of thy known truth, that others from whom the brightness of thy Gospel hath been concealed and kept unknown, may by our good example, take such happy fruits thereof, that they may know thee, and be brought home to thy Fold as lost Sheep. Be thou (O Lord) our Shepherd, and let us be then sheep of thy Fold, and remain in thy protection, both now and always to the end. Increase the number of the faithful: diligent, and careful Ministers, Preachers, and distributers of thy holy word and Sacraments, and give unto them a single heart towards thee. Let them not be such as do only preach and teach thy word with their lips and tongues, and have their hearts fare from thee, but that they inwardly with all their soul, in perfect faith cleave unto thee and thy truth, and accordingly show the same in their life and conversation. Drive also out of thy Church, all Buyers and Sellers, and such as like ravening Wolves seek to live by the spoil of thy sheep. Cast out (O Lord) we pray thee, such idle Pastors as are crept into thy Church, who more respecting gain then grace, employ their study for promotion, and leave the flock unfed which is under their charge. Lord of thy unspeakable Mercy, deliver us from such careless keepers, and blind guides, lest we also being made blind by their negligence, may be kept blind in ignorance, and so with them fall into the dangerous pit of thy deep and heavy displeasure. Rehearse and pardon us all our offences, teach us to serve thee as we ought, make strong our faith and hope in thee, endue us with thy heavenly light, that we may perfectly see our foul and manifold enormities, and examining our own conscices, and discerning our imperfections, we may learn to amend our lives. Make us willing Followers of thee, and diligent lovers of thy Law. Make us penitent for our sins past, and continue in us thy fear. Let us not fall inro any manner of temptations, but by thy mighty power deliver us from all evil. To thee alone (O Lord) belongeth mercy and forgiveness, and thou only art our loving Saviour. Purge us and make us clean, that we may be found chosen vessels, fit to serve thee in this life, and after to obtain perfect salvation at thy merciful hands, & enjoy everlasting rest in thy Celestial habitation, prepared for thy faithful and elect people, and with thy holy and blessed Angels may sing praise unto thy holy name for ever. These blessings (O Father) we beseech thee to bestow upon us for jesus Christ his sake, in whose name we pray unto thee as he himself hath taught us, Our Father, etc. A Thanksgiving after blessings obtained, to acknowledge them a● from God. BLessed Lord, I feel in myself how mercifully thou hast dealt with me, grievously I was troubled, and now by thy goodness partly released how dangerously I was assaulted, and now by thy mercy partly delivered: this relief (although I must needs confess by infallible arguments ●o be thy only work in me yet such is the pride of my rebellious flesh, that it will not suffer me to as●●●●e fully) the same to proceed of thee, and thine only goodness but seeketh out other feigned causes, according to the vain devices of my mind, therefore I beseech thee most gracious Father, that thou wilt so frame my heart, that I may with my whole heart and mind, & with all the powers of my soul, acknowledge a● my comfort and aid to be thy only work, wrought in me by thy holy Spirit, and that I may be thankful for the same all the days of my life (O Lord) thou hast sworn by thy holiness, that thou wilt not give thine honour to any other. Seeing then dear Father, that thou hast sent me this strength: let me be persuaded fully in my heart (dear Father) that it cometh from thee, that to thee I may render due honour, praise, & thanksgiving for the same, and the rest of my life, that I may be assured in heart of thy merciful defence, in mine extreme dangers, as thou hast many times wonderfully delivered me, and thou wilt according to thy promise so continue thy merciful aid, whereby thy name in me may be glorified, my soul in mercy preserved, and thy whole Church edified, now & for ever, Amen. A Prayer for patience in tribulation, and that God may be glorified thereby. GRacious and merciful Father, who hast from time to time, in all ages exercised even thy most dear children with grievous afflictions, and sharp corrections, to draw their minds from too much love of earthly pleasures, to delight in heavenly joys, and spiritual comforts of the soul: grant I beseech thee, that I even from my heart, may acknowledge this affliction, which doth now grievously pierce my soul, to be thy Fatherly correction, and scourge of thy mere mercy and love, laid upon me, to put me in mind of my duty towards thee, lest else, with too much quietness, I should have been drawn through the flattering pleasures of this vain world: from the remembrance and delight of my spiritual joy in heavenly things, to have had my sinful delight in this vain world and so should have run headlong to everlasting damnation with the wicked world. But that thou (O Father) hast called me back by this thy Fatherly rod, whereby thou mindest to let me see, that of myself I have no strength unto goodness, but that it was thou, who by thy abundant mercy, hadst before time replenished my heart with joy, that I took great pleasure and comfort in reading and hearing thy holy word, and receiving other benefits: which spiritual comfort and quietness of mind, because I did not fully acknowledge to be thy good gift in me, thou hast now taken from me (for a time) that I may effectually perceive and learn by the lack of it, that it was thy work in me: and when thou restorest the same again, I may more abundantly glorify thee in thy manifold mercies. But while it shall be thy good will & pleasure, (O Lord) to exercise me with this thy loving correction: give me grace that I may patientiy abide, whatsoever it shall please thee to lay upon me for my amendment, strengthen me (O Lord) that I do not faint under the burden of affliction: but being upholden by the strength of thy holy Spirit in me, I may never cease calling upon thy name, with full persuasion that thou wilt at thy time appointed, send me full assurance, to my singular comfort, and thy eternal glory. And when it shall please thee (O Lord) fully to deliver me: I beseech thee so work in my heart, that I may acknowledge the same to come from thee, and to be thy only work, that I may be thankful for thy so great mercies in all the days of my life, and I never forget thy loving and Fatherly dealings towards me, but so to the end of my life I may live in thy fear and love, that thy holy name in my life may be glorified, and after death, I may be received to that full joy, which thou hast prepared for thine elect children, through our only Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, Amen. A Prayer for mortification and holiness. BLessed Lord God, and most merciful Father, I do acknowledge unto thee, that I am unworthy to appear before thy high Majesty, to offer up unto thee a sacrifice of prayer; being full of sin and corruption, naturally glad of evil, and unprofitable to good. Yea, being so miserable, yet I see not my misery, I feel it not, I bewail it not as I ought to do, but multiply mine iniquities, provoking thy just judgement against me. My zeal is cold, my love feeble, my exercises of Religion faint and few, and I take no way but that which leadeth from evil to worse, and finally, would lead me from sin, to the reward of sin. All this is true, dear Father, yet my heart is not moved with fear: all this is true, yet I do not sorrow for it, but walk with joy, where I must (if I continue) reap affliction: therefore be merciful unto me, and bless me: be merciful unto me, & in Christ jesus, wash away all mine iniquities; be merciful unto me, and create in me a new heart, and prepare it to prayer, and to thy holy service; for thou alone (O Lord) art my hope, and the mighty God of my salvation. Thou hast given me a desire to serve thee, O teach me that I may do it: and the good work which thou hast begun, make it perfect in me, that I may no more love wickedness, & follow vanity, but that my good desires in thee may be increased, and all of them accomplished; so shall I praise thee and magnify thee for ever. For there is no honour but thy honour, no glory but thy glory: O Lord, it is vain to trust in Princes, but truly to trust in the Lord bringeth plentiful salvation. From age to age it hath appeared, that thou (O Lord God) art merciful, and that in thy Courts there is nothing but truth and holiness. This world is full of vanity, full of pride, full of rebellion, and the flesh also. The world hath many baits of destruction, and the flesh doth delight in them▪ they are sworn together to betray us to Satan; yea, we betray ourselves, therefore (dear Father) by the cross of Christ, mortify in us the deeds of the flesh and crucify in us the deeds of the fl●sh, and crucify both us to the world, and the world to us, that our souls may live. In our general calling make us obedient to serve th●e in holiness and in righteousness all the days of our life: in our particular callings, also make us faithful, that we may neither put away a good conscience, nor make shipwreck of faith. I believe, O Lord, help my unbelief: in the day of peace and prosperity make us sober, in the day of trouble and adversity, make us look up, and cheerefuly to wait and trust in thee for our deliverance, that our enemy's mouths may be stopped by our godly conversation, and their hearts pricked with zeal to turn unto thee. Neither do I pray (O Lord) for myself alone, but for the whole body into the which I am grafted by Christ jesus: that is, for thy Church (O God) for thine inheritance, that rhou wouldst increase it from one end of the world to another, that all Nations may worship before thy footstool. Especially (O Lord) I pray for them that profess thy Gospel, as for this our Nation, that thou wouldst be merciful unto it, turning our hearts to thee: for our gracious Sovereign the King, and for all our Council, that thou wouldst pour thy graces upon them, to discharge of their duty and our peace: for all the holy Teachers in the Church, that thou wouldst bless them and their labours: for the peace and full beauty of this Church, for the peace and wealth of the Commonweal. We pray thee also for to bless all the means to bring this to pass. Also we pray thee for our Parents, for all others to whom we own special love or service: but principally we beseech thee to show thy compassion upon all that are in persecution for thy Gospel: O Lord, increase and renew their strength, give them victory, and turn their adversary's hearts, if they pertain to thy holy election, otherwise (O Lord) bring upon them the confusion that they would bring upon others, & into the pit that they have digged, let them fall and never rise up again. O Lord, hear us in these suits: pardon our dull spirits in prayer, and give us these and all other graces needful for us, and the Church, to thy glory, for our Lord jesus Christ, in whose name we pray as he hath taught us, saying: Our Father, etc. A Prayer for the feeling of the sin of hypocrisy, that we may direct our life according to the perscript rule of the word. RIghteous Lord God and heavenly Father, which art a just ●udge to punish all them that do continue to offend thee: as thou art a Father most pitiful, to receive to mercy all those which give over themselves to please thee: show me thy grace and favour, To that I may be truly touched with inward displeasure of my sins, and that in the place of flattering myself, to sleep in sin, I may be so cast down in heart, that the rather I may truly with mouth confess, most humbly to give thee the honour, glory, and praise, due unto thy holy name: and that as thou of thy great mercy, dost instruct thereunto by thy holy word, so (for thy mercy's sake) make that the same may so lighten and clear our conscience, that in due examination of our life, we may truly learn to be angry and displeased with all our former and corruptible living. O that it may please thee to draw near unto us, in addressing and guiding our footsteps, in the true and perfect way of obedience to thy holy Laws and Commandments. Send thy holy Angel to pitch his Tents round about us, that Satan, and his infernal army never prevail against us, but that always with strong faith, we may through jesus Christ withstand all his crafty engines and snares, knowing undoubtedly, that thou never forsakest them that put their trust in thee. O let us not be led by the infirmity of our outward flesh, but strengthen us by the virtue of thy holy Spirit. Suffer us not to lie under thy heavy wrath, and vengeance through hypocrisy: but rather touch us so inwardly, that we may without ceasing, sigh and groan unto thee, by true and unfeigned repentance. And although we be not always so well disposed to ask and pray as we ought to do, yet (good Lord, for thy glorious Names sake) stretch out thy mighty hand, that by the gracious working of thy holy Spirit, our minds and hearts, may be drawn from all earthly and corruptible things, so that our prayers unto thee, may proceed of an inward, earnest, vehement affection, so that we never presume to come before the throne of thy Majesty with a double heart, knowing, that whosoever asketh and prayeth for any thing of thee, not ask in faith, cannot obtain. Increase therefore (sweet Lord) our faith that we presently may lively feel the benefit of remission, and pardon all our sins through the merits and death of Christ jesus our Saviour: and so work in us for ever hereafter to live in thy fear, and to stand in awe of thy displeasure, that thou mayest continue our merciful Father, world without end, Amen. O Shepherd of sheep, seek out me thy wand'ring sheep. And being found, lay me upon thy blessed shoulders, and bring me home to the very fold of thy flock, heal my sick soul: feed my hungry soul, yea, almost dying through hunger: watch over the same (O sweet Lord) lest the ravening Wolf do invade my soul, and so slay it to utter destruction. Wherefore, O most dear GOD) be merciful to me a wretched sinner, and grant pardon to him that repenteth; give not forth the voice of thy sentence according to my demerits, but like as thy mercy before hath done in the beginning of my life, so let it conclude the end thereof, to remain with thee, world without end: Amen, dear God, Amen. Forasmuch as in this life, holy Scriptures doth promise trouble, penuries, oppressions, increase of grief, and abundance of temptations, vouchsafe (O most loving Lord GOD) to prepare my heart to all possible patience, lest I do faint in thy foote-path: compel (my sweet Lord) this stubborn and rebellious flesh of mine, to be subject to thy holy Spirit, beyond all expectation, so that I may possess my soul in patience, and keep the same continually in thy everlasting service: to the which purpose thou of thine infinite goodness and mercy hast created the same. Wherefore, (O Lord GOD) show thine almighty power unto me most wretched sinner, that so long as I fight in this wretched life, I may obtain victory against mine enemies, (thou being my defence) for there is none other that fighteth for me, but only thou O God. Now I say, repress the violence of mine enemies, and vouchsafe with great effect to bring into bondage my miserable flesh, that tormenteth my soul. So that obtaining victory, I may give praise to thee my only deliverer, in perpetual eternity. Amen. A prayer against the secret venom, and great danger of prosperity. O Lord, prepare my heart to wisdom, prepare it to prayer, and teach my soul to feel all the dangers wherewith it is beset on every side: and grant good Father, that I m●y not pray in words, or in sound of speech, but in Spirit and Faith. I acknowledge to thee O Lord, thy great mercies toward me at this time; for beside the unspeakable graces of my redemption, and of my holy calling in the Gospel, (which are evermore good) thou hast given me a large measure of earthly blessings, my table is richly and daintily furnished, my Cup over-floweth, mine enemies are chased away, and I feel no want, no affliction, no sorrow. My prosperity leadeth me, as by the hand, from one delight to another, and from one pleasure to another. In the morning, peace is at my right hand, and at night quietness at my left. O Lord are not these thy blessings? Hast not thou opened thy merciful hand, and filled me with all these comforts? True it is, O Lord, that they came all from thee, and for them I am indebted unto thee, and give thee hearty thanks. But alas, O Lord, I find by experience that prosperity (such is our infirmity) carrieth us too too fare away, it feedeth us from day to day, and from time to time, with new delights, it engendereth also secretly such peace and confidence in these things, which are but as a reed to lean upon, that we are carried away, we forget not thee only, but ourselves also. But the day of adversity, the day of sickness, the day of trouble, that layeth open our weakness, it causeth much care to be released, it provoketh many prayers for relief. O it is a happy day, a day of returning to the Lord, a day of repentance, as in Sackcloth and Ashes. O how may my soul praise the day of affliction, wherein I called upon the name of the Lord, and he heard me, and I found that his rod comforted me. Nevertheless, O good Lord, consider and help: two days of health, take away the fruit of many days of sickness: we are as men Sea-sick, that coming on the shore, presently return to joy and mirth, and forget both dangers on the Sea; and dangers on the Land. So came it to pass from age to age in thy people of Israel, being tied fast in misery, and iron, they called upon thee and received mercy; being delivered, they soon turned back like a bow, and became drunken with prosperity. Then thy face was against them, thy anger was kindled, and they cast into affliction again: but in their miseries they renewed their prayers and thou didst renew thy grace: but new prosperity brought new rebellion, and new rebellion new punishments, and new punishments new conversation. The house of mirth was to them, and is to all, a bait to wantonness: but in the house of sorrow, a provocation of humility and prayer. Prosperity is as a Cup of wine mingled with poison, as a bed of security, and a way to destruction. Therefore, O Lord with the fullness of earthly things, give me also the fullness of spiritual things, that I forget thee not in vanity of life, or in the false delights of sinful flesh. O keep my heart that it be not made drunken with prosperity: but grant me in soberness to use thy blessings to thy glory, and to the relief of my Brethren: and when I rejoice, not to rejoice in these base things (for that rejoicing is evil) but to rejoice in thee, turning my mirth from wanton Dances, from vain Songs, from other carnal delights, to exercises of Religion, to helps of knowledge, & singing of Psalms, with melody to thee in my heart. Finally, O Lord, seeing that in this earthly prosperity there is so great abuse and so present danger for want of grace to abuse them: O Lord teach me the true use of them, that I may not set my heart thereon, but in thee, giving thee thanks for them: and labouring with all diligence through thy grace in jesus Christ, that they be not through my wickedness turned into curses. As Solomon teacheth wisdom, to take heed of an Harlot, so teach me to take heed of vain pleasures, in worldly matters, that I be not bewitched with prosperity, and forget thee, bathing myself in pleasures, and never setting thee before mine eyes. O merciful Father for thy dearly beloved Son jesus Christ, work this in me, that I may be rich in good works: that I may have, as not having: that I may use the world, as not abusing it, but using it to thy glory and praise, through jesus Christ our Lord and only Saviour, to whom with thee and the holy Ghost, three persons, and one God, be all praise, honour, and glory both now and for ever, Amen. A Prayer against Whoredom and uncleanness. O God, which by thy holy word hast commanded, that for the avoiding of the filthy sin of fornication, every man should have his lawful wife, and every woman enjoy her lawful husband, threatening death and damnation to all such as seek to live contrary to thy commandment herein: I humbly beseech thee for Christ's sake, that thou wilt mortify and kill in me all carnal concupiscence, filthy motions, and fleshly desires, by the operation of thy holy Spirit in me, that I never defile either my body or soul in this loathsome and stinking sin of whoredom, adultery, fornication, Incest, or other uncleanness of body whatsoever, but living purely & unpolluted therewith all the days of my life, I may practise to please thee in all my proceed. I know (O Lord) that flesh and blood, (the filthy unclean works of flesh and blood) cannot enter into thy habitation, nor yet possess any portion in thine everlasting kingdom of glory: & therefore whensoever the devil, his wicked members, the world, or the flesh, shall tempt and provoke me to preparation hereto, give me power and strength to withstand their assaults, and put into my mind to consider that thine eyes do behold me, and thine holy Angels look upon me also: that the horrible company of devil's compass me about, ready to register my filthy fact in a book of memorial against the great day of the Lord. And so by thy gracious assistance, and th●se good considerations, I may be● partly terrified, and partly ashamed for ever to commit the same; knowing that thou who sparedst not the former world, but destroyedst Sodom and Gomorrha with fire & brimstone from heaven, the whole world with water; the City of the Sichemites with the edge of the sword, and the children of Israel at sundry times, slaying infinite Millions of them for this horrible vice, wilt not spare me a most wicked and abominable sinner, if I commit the like offence. Wherefore (blessed Father) suffer me not thy dear Child in jesus Christ, bought with thy most precious blood, to be once spotted, stained, or blemished, either in body or mind, with this filthy stinking sin of whoredom & fornication, that I appearing clean in thy sight, may after this life ended live with thee, thy Son jesus Christ, and the holy Ghost: one true and ever living God, world without end, Amen. A Prayer against Covetousness and ambition. ALmighty God, and most merciful Father, who hast commanded every man to labour and travail in his vocation and calling, thereby to relieve his necessities, and to maintain his estate, and hast promised thereto thy blessing. Bless I beseech thee, all my actions and labours which I shall at any time take in hand in thy name, and thereby I receiving sufficient sustentation & maintenance for mine estate and calling, may be free from the insatiable desires of covetousness, ambition, avarice, and all desire of unlawful gain; knowing that those that desire to be rich, fall into diverse tem●ptations and snares of the devil. From which contagious infection, I beseech thee so much more warily to keep me, by how much more I find the same forbidden in thy holy word. The holy Apostle calleth it idolatry, worshipping of Idols, and the root of all evil, excluding them out of the kingdom of heaven that be infected therewith. And thy dear Son jesus Christ telleth us, that it shall be easier for the Camel to go through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man (that is a covetous rich man, whose affiance is in his riches) to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Wherefore (good Father) keep me fare from this filthy vice of covetousness and ambition, & grant that I having food for my body, and for my back, with all other necessaries incident to this life, may be well contented therewith, not coveting or desiring any more: and all the days of my life in true simplicity of heart, may give thee praise for the same. Finally, grant that I seeking the kingdom of heaven and the righteousness thereof, as thou hast commanded us in thy holy word, may receive the reward of thy promise, that is, all things necessary for this life, and in the life to come everlasting glory, through jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, Amen. A Prayer against usual and common swearing. Eternal God and lou●ng Father, in thy holy word, the word of truth, thou sayest that the man who useth to swear much is accursed, and the plague shall never departed from his house: and in thy holy Gospel hast said, that we shall render account at the day of judgement for every idle word that we shall speak. O how much more shall we give accounts of every profane, blasphemous and bloody oath, that we swear? And therefore to the end we might avoid thy vengeance against that day, thou hast commanded us not to swear at all, but that our communication be yea, yea; nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than that, cometh of evil. Wherefore I beseech thee (good Lord) in the bowels of mercy, so to dispose & order my tongue and mouth (the use whereof thou hast given me above other creatures to glorify thee withal) that thereby I abuse nor blaspheme not thy holy name. For true it is (O Lord) that swearers & blasphemers of thy holy name, as much as lieth in them, do crucify thy Son afresh, and are as guilty of his blood as judas was that betrayed him, or the cursed jews that slew him. And seeing that to swear by thee, whose blessed name is never to be thought of, nor yet once called into question, but with great reverence, fear, and dread, is most horrible blasphemy, and to swear by any creature else, is most detestable Idolatry, keep me I beseech thee from all manner of unlawful swearing, and from all wicked bloody Oaths, that both my heart, tongue, and mouth, and all parts else both of body and soul, may be instruments of praise to set forth thy glory, all the days of my life, through jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, Amen. A Prayer against pride. HOly Lord, thou hast in thy blessed Gospel commanded us by all means possible, to eschew the filthy vice of pride (which is a certain rebellion of the heart against thee) and above all things to embrace and ever hold fast the anchor of humility. A perfect pattern whereof we may learn in thee (O blessed Saviour) who was humble, lowly, courteous, gentle, merciful, pitiful, full of compassion, and all goodness, not disdaining the vilest person, or loathsomest Lazer that ever lived, if he faithfully believed in thee. Thou humbledst thyself, that we might be exalted: thou becamest poor, to make us rich: thou camest down to the earth to live in humility, that we might be exalted to live in felicity. Thou wast poor in estate, mean in attire, and base in all things before the world, in respect of thy humanity: but before thy heavenly Father, in respect of thy Deity, most magnifical and glorious. And therefore not without cause, thou biddest us learn of thee, saying, Learn of me, for I am humble & lowly, & your Souls shall live. Thou overthrowest the proud in their own imagination, and givest grace to the humble, yea thou so much abhorrest pride, that thou judgest them to eternal damnation that offend therein. If we would consider with ourselves our own misery, we should have no cause to rise up into pride. For in respect of our bodies, are we any thing else then vile dung and ashes? And in respect of our souls, till they be regenerate by the Spirit of God, are they not bondslaves to Satan, receptacles to fiends, and subject to everlasting damnation? What have we now that we have not received? Or whereof may we be proud? Wherefore (O my God) I beseech thee who art the true mirror of all humility, give me the spirit of meekness, humbleness, and lowliness of heart, and keep me from all filthy pride & arrogancy of body or mind, that I never lift up myself into pride against thee, or think of myself above that which I am of myself, but that I casting down myself, and distrusting mine own worthiness, may be by thee advanced to eternal glory. Grant that those things which thou gavest me for necessities sake only (as thou didst my apparel to hide my shame withal) may never be abused of me as instruments of wickedness. And those things which thou gavest me to praise and glorify thee withal, as thou didst my heart, my tongue, & mouth, I never abuse to thy dishonour. And as it may please thee to endue me with this true humility of mind towards thee, so I beseech thee to give me the true humility of body and mind towards my brethren also, that I be not puffed up, nor advance myself above them, disdaining or contemning them, though otherwise never so mean or contemptible before the world. And whensoever the Enemy assaulteth me to stir me up to pride, I beseech thee, whose power is incomprehensible, to strengthen me to withstand his temptations, and set before the eyes of my mind, the examples of thy judgement inflicted upon the children of pride in all ages, as namely, how thou threwest down Lucifer a bright Angel in heaven into hell fire, how thou condemnest Adam and all his posterity. How thou destroyedst Nymrod that huge Giant, Goliath that fierce monster, Nabuchadnezar that ambitious & bloody tyrant, Herod that arrogant miscreant, and many others, who through the sin of pride rebelled against thee, and may by these examples be terrified from committing that great & heinous sin against thee: that I humbling myself in this world, after the consummation of this life, may be exalted in the kingdom of heaven, there to reign with thee for ever and ever, Amen. A Prayer against Gluttony and drunkenness. BLessed Lord, as thou hast created man after thy own similitude and likeness, and hast given him a perfect body like unto thy Son jesus Christ; so thou hast ordained and provided for him ordinary means, as meat, drink, flesh, fish, herbs, oils, wines, & what not, to keep and sustain the same. And hast commanded these thy creatures to be moderately taken, to the sustentation of the body, with praise and thanksgiving to thee, accursing them to hell, who by abusing, not lawfully using these thy blessings, make them instruments of sin, and so consequently of damnation to themselves. Give me grace I beseech thee that I may never abuse thy gifts through gluttony, drunkenness, riot, or excess, but that I living in all godly temperance and sobriety, may be thankful unto thee for them, and also use them for my necessity. Knowing that our meats without thy blessing, cannot nourish the body, but destroy it rather, as experience daily teacheth. Make me (O Lord) to loath and detest this horrible vice so much the more in respect of the filthiness of the same, for besides that, it transformeth man into the Image of a beast, or rather maketh him worse than a beast (for they neither eat nor drink, without measure) it also blindeth his eyes of reason, that he seethe not the wickedness that he committeth. And therefore Let being drunk, perceived not his incestuous fact committed with his two Daughters. The Israelites swelling in gluttony and drunkenness, perceived not their grievous sin of Idolatry which they fell into. The rich glutton, drunken with the abundance of all things, perceived not his contempt of the poor, nor yet their great want: and therefore thou in thy great wrath tookest him away from the face of the earth. By these and the like exampes of thy judgements (grant O heavenly Father) that I being admonished, may be careful and studious, never to be culpable in this filthy vice, lest in thy wrath thou deprive me of the use of thy creatures in this life, and in the world to come, give me my portion with the wicked in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, that never shall be quenched. This is the reward thou threatnest in thy holy word, to all drunkards, gluttons, and riotous persons, saying by the mouth of the Apostle; neither whoremongers, adulterers, gluttons, drunkards, nor such like, shall ever enter into the kingdom of heaven. Wherefore most dear Father, I beseech thee to deliver me in mercy, that I never be stained therewith, but may always use thy gifts to thy glory, the relief of mine own necessities, and the help & comfort of others that do want the same. And grant, that I seeking after not only this corporal food which perisheth, but also that sweet Ambrosia and heavenly Nectar, the word of life, which never decayeth, may after the end of this life, have the full fruition thereof, to my eternal comfort: and for ever laud and praise thy blessed name, through jesus Christ our Saviour and Redeemer, Amen. A Prayer against idleness and sloth. MOst holy Father, after thou hadst created man, thou placedst him in paradise, commanding him for the avoiding of idleness, to dress and manure the same. And afterward being cast out of paradise for the sin of transgression, and sent into the world, thou enjoinest him in the sweat of his face to eat his bread, to the end he should not at any hand be idle, and so minister occasion to the enemy to invade him: for man being idle and inclined to sloth, the devil he besiegeth us with a thousand of temptations, our flesh lusteth to evil, & our minds are inflamed to all kind of wickedness. Wherefore most merciful Father, I most hearty beseech thee, that duting the short course of my life in this world, I may be always godly occupied, and virtuously exercised in the affairs of this life, and in all manner of good works before thee, that my enemies the Devil, the World, nor the Flesh, prevail not against me. And considering that I must render account of all my actions whatsoever, and of every minute of an hour, or jot of time lent me in this life, I beseech thee give me grace to spend my time in such godly actions, as may please thee, & not in idleness, sloth, or in any wanton, lewd, lascivious, or wicked exercise, that being found faithful and vigilant in my calling, when the day of Tribulation cometh, when every man shall be rewarded according to his deeds, I may obtain everlasting life. And as it may please thee to keep my body from idleness & sloth, so vouchsafe I beseech thee, to exercise my soul in godly contemplations and virtuous Meditations of thee, and of thy holy and blessed word: together with the heavenly joys and beatitudes prepared for all those that unfeignedly long for thy coming. In the practising whereof, make me to love nothing but thee, to honour and obey thee, to fear, dread, and reverence thee, and to desire and covet nothing but thee, that I dwelling with thee in mind only during this life, may after the dissolution of this earthly tabernacle, dwell with thee both in body and soul, world without end, through jesus Christ our Lord and only Saviour, to whom with thee, and thy holy Spirit, be all praise and glory, now and for evermore, Amen. A Prayer against Infidelity and despair, necessary for a troubled and wounded spirit. GLorious Lord God, and our most tender Father in jesus Christ, in whom thou hast elected us before all worlds to life and glory, and in thy due time hast called us to a lively hope of eternal happiness, that we might walk before thee in holiness and righteousness: and in thine infinite wisdom hast so disposed of us in this estate of holiness, that thou mayest have the glory of thy free grace: and therefore as thou hast discharged us freely of the guilt of our sin by the blood of thy Son, and accepted us perfectly righteous in his obedience, so also thou hast left corruption in us, to be daily mastered and subdued, that so being thereby daily conscious of our own unworthiness and unsufficiency; and subject in regard thereof to much distraction and infidelity, we might learn still to live by faith in the Son of God, denying our own righteousness, that still we may be found in him, to the glorious praise of his free grace, and so may be kept by his mighty power through faith unto salvation. Look graciously upon me (thine unworthy servant) who do here unfeignedly acknowledge before thee, that thy Foundation stands sure, thou knowest who are thine: yet my faith is so weak, that I ofttimes am to seek whither I am thine or no. For such is my ignorance of what I should know, that I sometimes grope at the light in the noon day: neither knowing the worth of my holy calling, nor being able to use the means which may truly inform me therein: but sometimes over value mine estate, as if it were better with me than it is: and sometimes abase myself to be worse than indeed I am, or should be. And my corruption sometimes breaking out into gross rebellion, doth so hinder and obscure my spiritual eye of faith, that I can neither truly discern whereto I am come, neither can see afar to what I should attain: yea many times it fareth so ill with me, that for want of speedy endeavour to recover myself by repentance, I do not only plunge myself deeper into the snare of sin, by not applying the true remedy aright, or stumbling upon vain helps: but hereby many times am cast into such straits, that I not only question all former truth of thy grace, as if I were no better than an hypocrite, and had builded on the sands, but also am ready to give over all hope of attaining the same: as if either it did not belong unto me, or else it were too late to pursue and apprehend the same, as if thou hadst forgot to be merciful, because I feel myself so miserable: as if thy compassion were clean gone, because my rebellion seems so desperate. Hence it is (O my God) that I turn all thy comforts to be corrasives unto me, and esteem all thy threatenings no better than flashes of hell and entrances to eternal vengeance. Thus am I bceome (O Lord) as one forlorn and out of mind, free among the dead, no better in mine own account then a mere abject and cast away, whose hope is not only perished from the earth, but without hope or help from thee my God. And all this is justly come upon me by reason of mine own foolishness, who have neglected my watch, and so have fallen from thee, and have been careless of the means to restore me speedily again, whereby my wounds have festered, and seem to be incurable, and so my anguish is greater than I can express: my sins are become a burden that I am not able to bear, my heart within wasteth with continual sorrow, and I daily receive a sentence of death. And yet though all this be come upon me, yet thy foundation standeth sure, thou knowest who are thine: though thou hast chastised me sore for my folly, yet thou hast not given me over unto death, and therefore yet there is hope; though I have received a sentence of death: yet it is that I might dye to mine own confidence, and trust in thee the living God, who raiseth up from the dead: the more I feel my sins a burden which I am not able to bear, the more dost thou invite me to come unto thee, that I may be raised: and therefore I must find myself, daily lost in myself, that I may be found of thee in Christ, not having mine own righteousness. Though thy law doth thunder nothing but vengeance against me, yet thou commandest me still to believe in thy name, and therefore though thou kill me, yet I will trust in thee. For thou (O my God) wilt be found in the issues of death: thou lovedst me even when I was thine enemy, and therefore canst not reject me now I se●ke thee in truth. Thou hast embraced me with everlasting compassions, and therefore canst not, neither wilt forsake me in my great extremity: and thou hast many times heretofore delivered me from the Lion and the Bear, from many desperate snares thou hast many times rescued me, and wilt thou not deliver me from every evil work, and preserve me constantly unto thy glorious appearance? yea certainly (blessed Lord) I believe, help my unbelief. I believe, that thou art able to do wonderfully above what I can think or desire, and therefore that thou wilt not deny me what I ask in thy name. I believe that thou canst bring light out of darkness, and therefore thou wilt turn my darkness into light. I believe that all things shall work together to the best, to those which are called according to thy purpose, and therefore that thou wilt turn this my greatest abasement, to my greatest comfort. Only I humbly pray thee, give me patience to wait upon thee until thou come and comfort me: submit me to thy wise physic, whereby thou mayest heal me, that so being healed, I may be fit for comfort. O heal me therefore I humbly pray thee, by the blood of thy son, wash me throughly from all my sins, and cleanse me from all mine iniquities. Create in me (O Lord) a clean heart, that I may appear all fair before thee, and renew a right spirit within me, that I may worship thee in spirit and truth: Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, that I may be persuaded of thy love unto me, and establish me with thy free spirit, that I may unfeignedly love thee again and never departed from thy holy covenant: grant me to renew my covenant daily with thee, that thou mayest be for ever with me, to keep me in thy fear: and keep me daily lowly in mine own eyes, that still I may be accepted of thee in thy beloved. Give me trust in thee, by distrusting mine own deceitful heart, especially in time of temptation: and teach me to rely on thy mighty power by faith, even when powers and principalities do most oppose me. O strengthen me with the strong cries of thy blessed Spirit, that I may be fervent in prayer, to wrestle with thy Majesty, that so thou mayst hasten thy work to comfort me, And though I find not that comfort I have had, or desire: yet let this comfort me that I have done thy will, and let it humble me still, that I am not fit for the comfort I do desire, that so with patience I may wait for the same, comforting myself, that seeing this is the time of my warfare, and not of my crowning, therefore if I wait for what I am not fit for, yet there is enough before me to satisfy me abundantly: and therefore grant me still to forget what is behind, and to hasten to what is before: to wait for the coming of my Lord and Saviour, and so prepare myself daily to his glorious appearance. And even so, come Lord jesus come quickly, Amen. FINIS.