A LADY'S LEGACY TO HER DAUGHTERS. In three BOOKS. Composed of Prayers and Meditations, fitted for several times, and upon several occasions. As also several Prayers for each day in the Week. By Madam Elizabeth Richardson, wife to the late Sir Thomas Richardson Knight, Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench. LONDON, Printed by Tho. Harper, and are to be sold at his house in Little Britain, 1645. royal blazon or coat of arms VIRTUTE HONOS ACQVIRITUR The Contents of the Prayers contained in these three Books. BOOK I. A Preface, or inducement to Prayer. Pag. 7 1. A preparation to Prayer. 11 2. A Prayer to the Holy Ghost. 12 3. A Preface to any Prayer. 13 4. A confession of fins, etc. 14 5. A Prayer for the Lords day, before we go to Church. 16 6. An entrance to Prayer. 18 7. A short thanksgiving at the first sight at the morning light. 19 8. A private morning Prayer. ibid. 9 A thanksgiving. 21 10. A Prayer for the afternoon. 22 11. A short Prayer for the night. 24 12. A short Prayer in bed before sleep. 26 13. A Prayer before the receiving the Sacrament. ib. A short meditation, direction, or preparation, etc. 29 14. A thanksgiving after the holy Communion, etc. 32 15. A short Prayer for conclusion to any Prayer. 34 16. A Prayer for the Lords day in the afternoon, etc. 35 17. A Prayer to the Trinity for direction and acceptance from God of all our Prayers. 38 18. Another Prayer for the afternoon for many several blessings. 39 19 A Prayer of three petitions to the blessed Trinity, etc. 42 20. The conclusion to this book. etc. 45 21. A thanksgiving to Almighty God, for his most merciful preservation of my noble kinswoman, etc. 47 22. A Petition of the Author for herself. 48 BOOK II. AN Exhortation concerning Prayer. Pag. 53 1. A short Petition to precede any other Prayers. ib. 2. A Prayer to God the Holy Ghost, for the true spirit of grace in Prayer. 54 3. A short preface before any other Prayers for the Lords day. 56 4. A Prayer for the Lords day at first awaking. ibid. 5. A Prayer for the Lords day in the morning, etc. 58 6. A Prayer to be said at the Church, etc. 60 7. Another shorter Prayer to the same purpose. 61 8. A prayer afer the Sermon is ended, etc. 62 9 A prayer for the Lords day at night, etc. 63 10. A prayer for Monday to God the Father, at first awaking. 65 11. A morning prayer for Monday to God the Father. 66 12. A prayer to God the Father for Monday night. 69 13. The conclusion for Monday, to be said last. 72 14. A prayer at first awaking for Tuesday. ibid. 15. A prayer for Tuesday morning. 73 16. A prayer for Tuesday at night. 76 17. The conclusion for Tuesday, to be said at night, etc. 79 18. A prayer for Wednesday at first awaking. 80 19 A prayer for Wednesday morning. 82 20. An evening prayer for Wednesday. 85 21. The conclusion for Wednesday night. 87 22. A prayer for Thursday morning at first awaking. 89 23. A prayer for Thursday morning. 90 24. A prayer for Thursday night. 93 25. The conclusion for Thursday night. 95 26. A prayer for Friday at first awaking. 96 27. A morning prayer for Friday. 98 28. A prayer for Friday night. 101 29. The conclusion for Friday night. 103 30. A prayer at first awaking for Saturday. 104 31. A prayer for Saturday morning. 105 32. A prayer for Saturday night. 108 33. The conclusion for Saturday night, etc. 111 BOOK III. 1. A Short Preface before any other prayers or petitions. 113 2. A short thanksgiving at first sight of the morning light. ibid. 3. A prayer for help in present temptation, etc. 114 Monday. 1. A thanksgiving to the blessed Trinity. 116 Tuesday. 2. A prayer for grace and true faith 117 Wednesday. 3. A prayer for charity. 119 Thursday. 4. A prayer for spiritual graces. 120 Friday 5. A prayer for defence, etc. 123 Saturday. 6. A prayer for the true spirit of prayer, etc. 124 A short prayer to be joined to the former prayers, etc. 125 7. A prayer containing 7 humble petitions, etc. 126 1. A sorrowful widow's prayer, etc. 133 2. A prayer for mercy in time of affliction. 136 3. A prayer for due preparation before the Communion of the Lords Supper. 140 4. An humble thanksgiving after the receiving, etc. 145 1. A meditation concerning death. 147 2. A prayer to live blessedly, and die happily. 154 3. A prayer to be prepared for a happy death, etc. 156 4. A prayer in sickness, etc. 159 5. A prayer in the time of sickness to be fitted, etc. 161 6. My prayer of thanksgiving, etc. 165 7. My conclusion, etc. 167 8. Another short prayer. 168 A LADY'S LEGACY TO HER DAUGHTERS. MY dearly beloved Daughters (of which number, I account my two son's wives, my daughters in law, the Countess of Marlborough, and Mrs. Francis Ashbournham, to be mine also) assuring myself of your loves and kind acceptance, I present this little Book unto you all, which being mine, I hope you will carefully receive it, as coming from my love and affection towards you, and that you will please for my sake, the more to employ it to your good; to which I will (while I live) daily add my prayers and blessing for your present and future happiness: and that this my poor labour may prove a happy furtherance to all your good endeavours towards virtue and piety: Therefore let me as a Mother entreat and prevail with you to esteem so well of it, as often to peruse, ponder, practice, and make use of this Book according to my intention, though of itself unworthy; for you shall find your greatest happiness will be in the true fear, constant love, and faithful service of Almighty God, which never faileth of comfort and reward, he being the only and most liberal giver of all good gifts and blessings, both spiritual and temporal; to whose infinite mercy and gracious guidance, I most humbly commend you all, and daily will do the like in my prayers so long as I live. And further, most dear hearts, consider, That these Petitions are presented to a most bountiful and all-sufficient Lord, that vouchsafeth in Christ to make us his adopted children, and to be our Gracious Father, who gave his only Son for us, in whom he will deny us nothing: And greater benefits than here are asked, cannot be received; therefore give me leave, since I have such great interest in you, to persuade and obtain of you all, often to beg these blessings of God, by these prayers faithfully offered up unto his Majesty: Whereby you shall glorify his holy Name, make yourselves eternally blessed, and bring much joy and comfort to Your most affectionate Mother, ELIZ. ASHBOURNHAM. I Had no purpose at all when I writ these books, for the use of myself, and my children, to make them public; but have been lately over persuaded by some that much desired to have them. Therefore I have adventured to bear all censures, and desire their patience and pardon, whose exquisite judgements may find many blameworthy faults, justly to condemn my boldness; which I thus excuse, the matter is but devotions or prayers, which surely concerns and belongs to women, as well as to the best learned men: And therefore I hope herein, I neither wrong nor give offence to any, which I should be very loath to do. This Book was written at Chelsey in the year 1625. by E. A. at the Duke of Buckingham's house, a part whereof was lent me by the good Duchess, my most honoured Lady, when the great sickness was in London. A Letter to my four Daughters, Elizabeth, Frances, Anne, and Katherine Ashbournham, of whom three were then unmarried, only Anne was married to Sir Edward Deering Knight and Baronet. My dear Children: I Have long and much grieved for your misfortunes, and want of preferments in the world: but now I have learned in what estate soever I am, therewith to be content, and to account these vile and transitory things to be but vain and loss, so I may win Christ the fountain of all bliss, wishing you with me, to condemn that which neglecteth you, and set your hearts and affections on better subjects, such as are above, more certain and permanent; and fear not but what is needful for this present life shall be supplied by him who best knows our wants: and had it not been for your sakes (whose advancements love and nature bindeth me to seek) I had prevented the spite of my enemies, and forsaken the World before it despised me: But though I am so unhappy as to be left destitute, not able to raise you portions of wealth, yet shall I joy as much to add unto the portion of Grace, which I trust, and pray, that God will give to each of you, to whose mercy I daily commit you, nothing doubting but that he will receive you into the number of those fatherless he graciously taketh care of, if you omit not to serve and depend upon him faithfully, for he never faileth them that trust in him. God is as free and ready to give as we to ask, and contrary to the World, he grows not weary of importunate suitors, but often deferreth his blessings to make us the more earnest for them. Neither hath the Lord withdrawn his favour so from us as to leave us utterly desolate to despair, but hath graciously raised us comfort by honourable friends to be careful and dear parents unto us, whom God preserve and show mercy to them and theirs, as they have done to us. And here I send you a motherly remembrance, and commend this my labour into your loving acceptance; that in remembering your poor mother, you may be also put in mind to perform your humble duty and service to our heavenly Father, who hath created us to his own glory and service; and all we can perform, comes far short of what we own unto him; yet is he well pleased, if we return (for all his mercies) but obedience, and the sacrifice of praise and calling upon his holy Name. Now prayer being the winged messenger to carry our requests and wants into the ears of the Lord (as David saith) he will praise the Lord seven times a day, and prevent the light to give thanks unto God; and indeed, who can awake to enjoy the light and pleasure of the day, and not begin the same with entreaty of the Lords gracious direction in all things, and desire of his blessing upon us, and all that we have or do? Or how can we possess or hourly receive so many favours and benefits from God, and not offer unto him an evening sacrifice of thanksgiving? Or who dares adventure to pass the dreadful night, the time of terror, and yield themselves to sleep, the image of death, before they are at peace with God, by begging pardon for their sins, and craving his protection and care over them in the night? I know you may have many better instructers than myself, yet can you have no true mother but me, who not only with great pain brought you into the world, but do now still travel in care for the new birth of your souls; to bring you to eternal life, which is my chiefest desire, and the height of my hopes: And howsoever this my endeavour may be contemptible to many, (because a woman's) which makes me not to join my sons with you, lest being men, they misconstrue my well-meaning; yet I presume that you my daughters will not refuse your Mother's teaching (which I wish may be your ornament, and a crown of glory to you) who I hope will take in the best part my careful industry, for your present and future happiness, towards which I have not failed to give you the best breeding in my power, to bring you to virtue and piety, which I esteem the greatest treasure; and sure I am, it leads you to him that is the giver of all good things, both spiritual and temporal; to whose infinite mercy I most humbly commend you, who I trust will fulfil all your necessities, through the riches of his grace, and make you perfect in all good works to do his will. And the God of peace sanctify you throughout, that your whole spirits, souls and bodies, may be kept blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, which shall be the endless 1 Thess. 5. 23. joy of your most loving Mother, Eliz. Ashbournham. A Preface, or inducement to Prayer. THe great God, and Lord of Heaven Acts 17. 2●. 27. 8. Cap. 23. 14. 17. Rom 1. 19, 20. and Earth, whose we are, and whom only we ought to serve, hath not left himself without witness: For as much as that which may be known of God, is made manifest unto us, for the invisible things of him, that is his eternal power and Godhead, are seen by His power Godhead. Rom. 5. 5. 8 9 the creation of the world, being considered in his works, to the intent we should be without excuse. Also the infinite love of God is shed abroad in His love, Redemption. Jo. 3. 16. Jo. 4: 9 10 3. 16. Jo. 15, 23. 10. 15. our hearts, and set out towards us in the most gracious work of our redemption, in that Christ died for us being sinners, and when we were enemies, God reconciled us unto himself by the death of his only begotten Son, whom God sent into the world that we might live through him, and be saved by his life, Christ's love. greater love than this can none have, to lay down his own life for us. Now there are three special things amongst many that do always bind and urge us to the acknowledgement of God, to the love of his Majesty, and the often His benefits. Of our sins▪ calling upon his holy Name, viz. First, the multitude and greatness of his benefits towards us, for which we ought to give him continual thanks. Secondly, the infiniteness of our grievous sins, Our m●●●; ● 〈…〉 ne●●ssi●i●●▪ for which we must of necessity daily ask mercy, and pardon from him. Thirdly, our own manifold miseries and infirmities, for which we are constrained to seek relief and remedy. The first of th●se David considered, saying, What shall I render unto the Lord for all Psal. 116. 12, 13. his benefits towards me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name 9 1. of the Lord, I will praise him with my whole heart all the days of my life. All his Psalms are full of thanksgiving. To the second, Christ inviteth us saying, Come unto me all ye that are weary and Matth. 11. 28. heavy laden, and I will ease you. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just: He is the 1 Jo. 2. 1. 2. 1. reconciliation for the sins of the whole 9 world: And if we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. For the third, we are encouraged by God himself, saying, Call upon me in the day of trouble, so will I deliver Psal. 50. 15. Isay. Matth. 8. 17. thee, and thou shalt glorify me; for he will have mercy upon us, and heal all our infirmities; and when we are in misery, he saveth and delivereth us. Now for the performance of our duty in thanksgiving, the blotting out of all our offences, and the release of our miseries, with the continuance of God's grace and favour in all things, the chief and only way to find and obtain all, is rightly to seek, and truly to serve the Lord by prayer, who is the author and fountain of all goodness, grace and mercy; Every good gift coming from above, even from him that freely saith, Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that is Lord over all, is rich unto all that call upon him in truth; and the prayer of the faithful, avails much, if it be fervent; for faithful and devout prayer is a continual intercourse and communion betwixt the Lord and us; and it is like jacob's ladder, by which our prayers make our wants ascend unto God, and his mercy descend down upon us; for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth we confess unto salvation; but take heed in sending up thy desires, prefer the good of the Col. 3. 2. soul, before the pleasures or content of thy body; and set thy affections on things that are above: First, seek the Kingdom Mat. 6. 33. of God and his righteousness, and all other wants shall be supplied by his mercy, according to his will, and our necessities. And when thou interest into the house of God, take heed thou offer not unto him the sacrifice of fools, but before thou prayest, prepare thyself, Col. 3. 2. Eccles. 4. 17. 18. 22. thy heart and tongue, as David did, lest thou tempt God to displeasure: Be not rash with thy mouth, nor let thy heart be hasty to utter a thing before God: But ere thou presume to present thyself, Psal. 108. 1. or service unto the Lord, meditate upon these three things: First, of the reverence we own to the great Majesty of God, Psal. 104. in whose presence we are, and to whom we must speak; this brings humility and lowliness of spirit, which makes us acceptable unto him. Secondly, of our knowledge and belief of the Lords Esay 65. 24. Job 15. 16 sweet and gracious promises, which causeth boldness to come unto him, with sure confidence of being heard. Thirdly, of our unworthiness, and what apprehension we have of our own wants and miseries, and the great necessity of God's help and mercy to relieve us. This makes us to know and hate ourselves, and to love and honour God, in whom is all our help, hope, and happiness; therefore with devout reverence, zeal, humility, and true faith, fly unto his mercy, and cease not to call often (as David did) seven times a day upon the holy Name of the Lord, Psal. 119. 164. by whom we shall be saved, Rom. 10. 13. 1. A preparation to Prayer. O Everlasting fountain of all goodness, and wellspring of grace, without whose special assistance, we are altogether unapt and unable to perform any duty or service that may be acceptable unto thee: Vouchsafe therefore (dear Lord) to help mine infirmities, who cannot of myself pray as I ought, but let thy holy Spirit direct and teach me truly to call upon thy divine Name, with a penitent and faithful heart, an humble, contrite, and lowly spirit, a quiet, observant and recollected mind, freed from the vanities and cares of this vild world, or the love of this present life; so as I may dedicate myself wholly unto thee a living sacrifice, faithfully and devoutly to serve thee now, and all the days of my life. O Lord, make me to lift up innocent hands, with a pure heart; and guide thou my lips with wisdom, and set a watch of grace before my mouth, that my tongue may not offend thee at any time, but duly praise thy glorious Name, now and for ever, Amen. 2. A Prayer to the Holy Ghost. O Gracious Lord Holy Ghost, I humbly beseech thee to fit and prepare my heart, and to direct and assist me in the right and true performance of this duty and service now of prayer towards my God: Thou understandest my disability of myself to any goodness: neither know I how to pray as I ought, except thy holy Spirit teach me: Therefore I earnestly and humbly pray thee to give me thy grace and true spirit of prayer, that so I may now and at all times offer up my petitions and praises, in calling upon thy great and glorious Name, in a right faithful and acceptable manner, to the glory of God, and the good and comfort of me thy poor servant, in soul and body, with the furtherance of my salvation, through Jesus Christ, my blessed and only Saviour, Amen. 3. A Preface to any Prayer. O My Lord, in all humility I come unto thee, the giver of all grace; thou knowest my unaptness to any goodness, thou hast given me an earnest desire to please thee, make perfect thine own good work, and grant me a ready will and ability to perform my humble duty herein aright, that so I may sincerely and entirely love, fear and honour thee above all, and most carefully obey thy blessed will in all things: Good Father, let thy manifold mercies cover my infinite offences from thy Allseeing eyes, and by thy grace cast all vain thoughts, and sinful hindrances out of my soul, that thy sacred Spirit may direct my spirit to pray with due reverence to thy Majesty, confidence in thy mercy, with sure trust in thy promises, and fear of thy judgements. And that I may offer up all my supplications unto thee, with unfeigned zeal, true faith, humility and repentance: Sweet Lord, make me hearty thankful unto thee for all thy blessings, and let all my petitions tend to thy glory; so as I may find favour with thee, that thou wilt be graciously pleased to hear and accept of me and my prayers, that they may enter into thy presence, and obtain pardon of all my sins past, with grace to frame my life in true obedience to all thy Commandments, the rest of my days to come, that so my last end may be happy, and after death I may enjoy the felicity to live with thee, my Lord, for evermore, through the merits and passion of my only Saviour Jesus Christ, So be it. 4. A confession of sins, with a prayer for remission, taken partly out of the prayer of Manasses. ALmighty Lord God of our fathers, who hast made heaven and earth, with all the ornaments thereof, who hast bound the sea by the word of thy commandment, whose terrible and glorious Name all men do fear, and tremble before thy powerful judgements; for the displeasure of thy great Majesty cannot be borne, and thy angry threaten against sinners is importable, and who can stand in thy presence when thou art offended? But yet (O Lord) thy merciful promises to penitent sinners are unmeasureable, and unspeakable; for thou art the most gracious Lord, full of mercy and great compassion, and of long suffering, that desires not the death of a sinner, but that he should repent and live, who of thy great goodness hast promised to give repentance and forgiveness to them that sin against thee, that they may be saved. Now thou therefore (most dear Lord) who camest not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (of whom I am the chief) thou of thy infinite mercy (I trust) hast appointed repentance and remission unto me, whose sins are in number above the sands of the sea, or the hairs of my head; I have committed much evil, and have omitted to do the good I ought, for I have neglected all my duty and service towards thee, and am not worthy to be called thy servant, nor to behold the height of heaven, or to look up unto the place where thine honour dwelleth, for the multitude of mine iniquities have bowed me down, and as a weighty burden are too heavy for me; I am depressed with the load of my sins, and oppressed with the fear of due punishment for them; for I have justly provoked thy wrath (O God) and multiplied my transgressions before thee: I have not done thy will, neither thy holy Commandments have I obeyed. Now therefore (O my Redeemer) to thee I humbly bow the knee of my heart, imploring thy mercy, and beseeching thee of grace: I will confess my sins against myself, and will not hid my unrighteousness from thee: I have sinned (O Lord) I have grievously sinned, & I acknowledge my manifold offences; for which I have nothing to answer, but (like the Publican) Lord be merciful unto me a miserable sinner: Wherefore I most humbly entreat thee to forgive me, my sweet Saviour forgive me, and destroy me not with mine iniquities, be not angry with me for ever, neither condemn me in thy displeasure to the lower part of the earth, and reserve not evil for me hereafter: But (dear Father) make me of that blessed number, to whom thou imputest not their faults, and whose sins by my Saviour's righteousness are covered; for thou art the God of the just, and the God of them that will repent, and in poor me, thou wilt show all thy goodness and pity: for thou wilt pardon and save me that am so vild and unworthy, even of thine own great grace and mercy: Therefore I will turn my steps into thy ways, and will seek thy will, and obey thee with my whole heart: I will praise thee all the days of my life, and for ever: And let the heavens and the earth praise thy eternal Majesty; for thine is all glory for ever, Amen. 5. A Prayer for the Lords day, before we go to Church. O Eternal God, most high Creator; preserver and disposer of all things: to thee is due all praise, honour, and worship, for thou art our gracious Lord, the only author of all our good, by whom we live, move, and have our being. O with what humble reverence, and devotion ought we to prepare our ears and hearts, to hear, receive and perform any thing which concerneth thy most sacred Majesty; and even to take heed unto our feet when we enter into the house of God, that our ways may not offend thee: Neither ought we to presume to take thy holy Name into our mouths, except we endeavoured ourselves to be reform by thy laws. Thou, O God, art Lord God of Sabbath, and hast ennobled this day by the glorious resurrection of thy Son our Lord Jesus, and by the guidance of the Holy Ghost in thy blessed Apostles, and Catholic Church, hast ordained it for thy public service, honour and worship: so make me to serve thee therein with due fear and reverence. I most humbly beseech thee to sanctify my heart and soul to the true performance of thy blessed will in rightly observing the same; and leave me not unto my own weakness and disability, who can of myself neither think well, nor do any thing that is good, for all my strength and righteousness is in Christ my Redeemer: Assist me therefore (sweet Saviour) with thy Spirit of grace to cease from sin, and all worldly works, or earthly cogitations this day, that may withdraw me from thy fear and service: And give me an attentive ear to hearken diligently to thy divine word: Open my heart as thou didst the heart of Lydia, that with true understanding, I may receive, and faithfully keep the same, with a conscionable care to practise what I shall learn thereby, devoutly calling upon thy most holy Name. and using due reverence in all my actions before thee: And good Lord, bless thy servant whom thou hast appointed this day to instruct and direct us in thy word and will; open to him the door of utterance, and give him the true understanding of thy holy word, that according to thy gracious pleasure all may be saved that come unto the knowledge of thy truth, and that he may be faithful in thy service, rightly to dispose thy divine mysteries, and to teach in faith and verity: And grant that I may hear with due attention, and resolve to follow and practise all good instructions, with true intention to thy glory, and the furtherance of my salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 6. An entrance to Prayer. O God of mercy, thou wilt not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wicked ways and live: Vouchsafe to knit (dear Lord) my soul unto thee, that I may truly fear thee, and unfeignedly love thee, dedicating myself unto thy service, and setting mine affections and desires in all true obedience, to seek above all things thy glory, thy Kingdom, and thy righteousness; that so all thy graces may daily increase in me, and my humble and unperfect service in calling on thy holy name, may grow daily more faithful and fervent, now and at all times to be acceptable unto thee, through the merits of thy dear Son, and my only Saviour, in whom thou art well-pleased, Amen. 7. A short thanksgiving at the first sight of the morning light. O Lord, I bless thee for my health, rest and preservation this last night, and all my time past: And now most humbly pray thee give me grace so to spend this day, that some glory may redound unto thee by my service, some benefit and good unto them with whom I live, by my example, and some further assurance unto myself of thy favour, and my eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ my Redeemer, Amen. 8. A private morning Prayer. Eternal God, and my most loving Father, in all humility of soul, and unfeigned acknowledgement of my bounden duty, I humbly present my sinful self here before thy Throne of grace and glory; beseeching thee to strike an awful reverence into my heart, lest my presumption and want of due respect towards thy great Majesty; should turn my prayers into sin. And seeing without faith it is impossible to please God, endue me, good Lord, with true faith to believe, and apply unto my own soul, all thy most gracious promises in Jesus Christ, whom thou hast appointed to be my righteousness, redemption, and the reconciliation of my sins; his precious blood I know is all sufficient to satisfy thy just displeasure against me, and to make me, through him, to appear pure, holy, and acceptable before thee: But of myself, alas, I confess that I am poor, wretched, miserable, and wholly corrupt both in soul and body, the chief of all sinners, guilty of the breach of all thy Commandments, such an one as in whom is no goodness, and to whom there is nothing due, but shame and utter confusion for ever! Lord give me a lively apprehension and sight of my woeful estate, that with true faith, contrition, and unfeigned repentance, I lay hold on thy mercy and gracious pardon, in thy beloved Son my only Saviour, humbly beseeching thee (O dear Lord) to accept his blessed death, as an absolute discharge for all mine offences; so as my sins may never be imputed unto me, but that all my infirmities may be healed by his wounds; for I know thy mercy is above all thy works, and thou delightest not in the death of a poor sinner. Therefore I will wait for thy salvation, rely on thy gracious promises, and trust in thee for ever and ever, Amen. 9 A thanksgiving. I Will praise the Name of the Lord because he is good, and his mercy endureth for ever; for thou hast many ways extended thy great goodness towards me, thine unworthy servant, which I acknowledge with all humble thankfulness; for who am I, that thou shouldest be mindful of me in mercy, to refresh me this night passed with quiet rest, and to defend both my soul and body from all the perils thereof, preserving me by thy gracious providence all my life hitherto, from many evils and just punishments that my sins have deserved, should have fallen upon me: And thy mercies are renewed every morning: O Lord, thy compassions fail not, but thou hast multiplied thy benefits towards me, both spiritual and temporal; which I beseech thee for Christ Jesus sake still to continue and increase, especially thy favour in bestowing all spiritual graces on me needful to salvation. O let thy holy Spirit direct me in every word and good work, and fill me with the fruit of righteousness, so as I may have a holy care this day and ever, to live as in thy sight, and to study to please and obey thee in all things, with reverence and fear, in a pure, holy, and blameless conversation. O God, knit my soul unto thee, and create a new and upright heart within me, and sanctify me throughout, in soul, body and spirit, that I may give up myself a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto thee, and may be preserved from all sin and evil, this day and for ever: crucify my sinful flesh with the lusts thereof, and withdraw mine affections from the love of this vile world, and fix my desires on things that are above, where my Saviour sitteth at thy right hand, who is my treasure, my hope and help, with whom I trust to live for evermore, Amen. And further I beg all these blessings in the name, merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, concluding in that perfect prayer which he hath sanctified and left us saying, Our Father, etc. 10. A Prayer for the afternoon. MOst Gracious God, and my merciful Father in Jesus Christ: how exceedingly are we wretched creatures bound unto thy excellent Majesty for that unspeakable privilege which thou vouchsafest unto mortal man, to have free liberty and access (through Christ) unto thy gracious presence, there to unfold our woes, to pour out our souls, and lay open our griefs and desires before the immortal God, who is ready to hear, and art both able and willing to relieve and help us? This imboldneth me (unworthy wretch) to present my person and petitions unto thy grace, and to call upon thy holy name through thy beloved Son: Lord let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be always right and acceptable in thy sight, my strength and my Redeemer; for thou knowest my nature and substance, being but flesh and blood, how corrupt and frail it is, so that I am not of myself able to perform any holy duty as I ought, neither to will or do any thing that is good, without thou grant me the assistance of thy holy Spirit, to sanctify my thoughts, to guide my tongue, and to help my infirmities: what am I but dust and ashes, a most vile and miserable sinner, conceived and borne in iniquity, and my transgressions are daily multiplied, adding sin unto sin till they be innumerable? how have I misspent this present day, the sins whereof, may justly provoke thy heavy displeasure against me, having throughout my whole life, committed all evil, and omitted all good, and have neglected the performance of my bounden duty and service towards thee upon every flight occasion; and which is worst of all, custom of sinning, hath seared up my conscience, and deprived me of the true sight and sense of my sins and woeful estate, and bred such a fearful hardness in my heart, that I cannot duly repent as I ought, and as the greatness of my fault requires? Thou hast called often, and sought to reclaim me, and hast waited to have mercy on me, but I have refused, and hated to be reform, carelessly neglecting thy infinite patience, long sufferance, and goodness towards me. But now to thee, O God of mercy, I bring my heavy laden soul, casting myself down at thy feet, beseeching thee, O Lord, to receive me to grace and favour, and reject me not as I have deserved, but convert thou me, and I shall be changed: make me turn unto thee in true contrition, that thou mayest return unto me in gracious compassion, to forgive all mine iniquities, remit my ungratefulness, and remember my offences no more. O wash and cleanse my sinful soul in the pure blood of that innocent Lamb, that I may feel the virtue of his death, to slay all sin in me, and the power of his resurrection to raise me to newness of life, in true obedience to all thy Commandments; and with a childlike love, fear to offend thee, striving to please thee in all things, that so I may obtain favour and mercy in thy sight, both for thy blessing in this life, and eternal salvation after death. through thy dear Son, and my only Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen. 11. A short Prayer for night. O God, the fountain of all goodness, I humbly and thankfully acknowledge, although I am altogether unworthy of the least of thy manifold mercies; yet have I great experience of thy infinite goodness, bounty and favour, both towards my soul and body all my time past, this day, and always, preserving me from all the evils which sin and nature have made me subject unto, with a gracious supply daily ever since I was born, of all things needful for this present life: For all which I humbly bow the knee of my heart and soul unto thy glorious Majesty; but especially for all thy grace's furthering my salvation by Jesus Christ, I bless and praise thy most holy name, yielding all possible and hearty thanks for all thy benefits vouchsafed to me, the continuance whereof▪ I humbly beg at thy gracious hands, commending and committing my soul and body into thy merciful protection this night and ever, praying thee to preserve me therein from all perils, sin or evil, for thou Lord only keepest me in safety: now stretch out thy wings of grace and mercy over me, that while sleep seizeth upon my body, let not security oppress my soul, but so sanctify all outward refresh unto me, as thereby I may be the more fit and able to serve thee faithfully all my life to come, that taking quiet rest, because thou Lord sustainest me, I may also when this life ceaseth, lay down my head in thy peace, and be made partaker of thy glory, through thy mercies and Christ's merits, with the assistance of the blessed Spirit. To whom, O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be all praise, power, dominion, and glory now and for ever, Amen: Continuing my prayers further as Christ hath taught us, saying, Our Father, etc. 12. A short Prayer in bed before sleep. Dear Lord, receive me this night and always, into thy gracious protection, to give me now health, safety, and rest, if it be thy will: And dear God, when I shall enter into my long sleep of death, vouchsafe to sanctify, and prepare my soul for eternal life, by the assistance of thy grace and holy Spirit, before thou call me away hence; and grant me a happy and blessed departure out of this world, that thou mayest receive me into thy favour and mercy, to be with me in my death, that I may die in the Lord, and rest in peace, and obtain a blessed resurrection, that so I may be accepted to live with thee, to praise thy great and holy name for ever, Amen. 13. A Prayer before the receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. O Most sweet Saviour Jesus Christ, and my dear Lord, who art the author and finisher of my faith, redemption, and salvation, the life and food of my soul: I most miserable sinner, presuming nothing at all on mine own merits or worthiness, but trusting wholly in thy infinite mercy and goodness, do fear and tremble to appear before thy Majesty, or to come unto the table of this heavenly banquet: But thou Lord Jesus who graciously callest me, and all heavy laden sinners, accept in mercy the will for the deed, in that I am unworthy and ill prepared to presume into thy presence; and vouchsafe me the assistance of thy divine Spirit, I humbly beseech thee, in this holy action, that my duty and service therein may be acceptable in thy sight: And pour down thy heavenly blessing upon this thy holy Ordinance of thy Word and Sacraments, that they may be effectual to revive, strengthen, and supply in me all sanctifying and saving graces needful to the due and right performance of this sacred duty in an acceptable manner, whereby to enlighten my understanding with thy grace to the right knowledge of thee and thy truth; and work in me a lively true faith, wherewith I may lay hold and apply unto my sick soul all the sweet and comfortable promises and benefits purchased by the bitter death of my sweet Saviour: Endue me also with most unfeigned and hearty sorrow and repentance for all my great and grievous sins and offences committed against thee; for all which I most humbly beg thy gracious pardon: and grant me such perfect love and charity, that I may sincerely, with all due reverence and devotion, love thee, my God, with all my heart, soul and strength, and may love my neighbour as myself, yea my very enemies for Christ's sake; that so I may rightly receive this blessed Sacrament, being prepared by thy grace as I ought to be: And let, O Lord, thy precious blood shed for me, cleanse and wash away all my sins, and the breaking of thy precious body, heal all the wounds of my corrupt soul, that by the gracious operation of the Holy Ghost, I may be inwardly and inseparably joined to thee my head Christ; that thou mayest supply all my weakness and defects in soul or body, out of thy infinite fullness of grace and mercy; that being clothed with thy righteousness, I may be accepted by thee, and through thee; and so be accounted worthy to be partaker of all thy merits, that with the outward sign of bread and wine, I may blessedly receive the true signified Christ, with all his benefits, and may have grace to hunger and thirst after the spiritual food of Christ's body and blood, to nourish my soul unto eternal life, and to make me become a new creature in holiness of living, with all true and humble thankfulness, to thy glory and my everlasting salvation: beseeching thee to accept my poor endeavours for perfect performance, and reach forth thy helping hand from heaven to save me, thy unworthy servant, pardoning my sins, and covering my imperfections, with the pure innocence of that immaculate Lamb, Jesus my Saviour. And so I humbly commend myself unto thy mercy, who art able to do abundantly, above all that I can ask or think; to thee be all honour, power, and praise for evermore, Amen. A short meditation, direction, or preparation before you presume to enter into the presence and sight of God, to approach unto the heavenly banquet, humbly desiring this, or the like by prayer. As thou drawest near unto the holy table, pray earnestly in thy heart unto Christ: THat he will draw near by grace unto Knowledge of God and ourselves. thy soul, to strengthen thee with knowledge, true faith, unfeigned repentance, and perfect charity, that thou mayest rightly, reverently, and faithfully receive this holy Sacrament to God's Ps. 14. 22. 1 Jo 1. 8. glory, and thine own comfort, and salvation. Now when thou comest to communicate and receive this blessed Col. 3. 2. Rom. 12. 1. 2. & 1. 15. Sacrament of the Lords Supper: First, banish all vain and earthly thoughts, and recollect thy heart to the serious meditations, of that which is the life of the 1 Tim. 2. 4 Humility. 1 Pet. 5. 6. 1 Jo. 2. 2. & 4. 14. Sacrament, even the death of thy Saviour; and humbly and devoutly present thyself and service to the Redeemer of thy soul, and Lord of the feast, the only saviour of mankind, Jesus Christ our righteous Lord. Then apply thy mind to these contemplations: First, remember with great reverence the infinite Majesty of God, his mercy, True repentance. 1 Jo. 9 Prov. 28. 13. goodness, and justice, in whose presence we are. Secondly, consider thine own vileness, misery, and unworthiness, being wholly corrupt both in soul and body. Thirdly, confess all thy sins True faith 1 Pet. 1. 18. 19 21. 2. 14. 1. 3. 21. plainly, for in hiding our sins this work will not prosper; but with most hearty and unfeigned sorrow, in all humility cast thyself at Jesus feet, earnestly begging for pardon, with hatred to all sin, and purpose of amendment: For who 1 Pet. 3. 22 Heb. 12. 24. 1 Jo. 2. 3. so confesseth and forsaketh their sins shall find mercy. Fourthly, try and acknowledge thy faith, and steadfast belief in Christ Jesus (the blessed Son of God the Creator) to be the only Saviour 1 Tim. 21 5. Jam. 1. 17. and Redeemer of the world, who died for thy sins, and risen again for thy justification, and is ascended up to heaven for thy salvation, where sitting at God's right hand, he maketh intercession for 1 Tim. 21 5. thee, and poureth down all graces and blessings upon thee, who giveth himself with all his merits, unto thee in this Sacrament, covering all thy offences with Jam. 1. 17. his perfect obedience: So making thee righteous, and leaving thee a pledge and Sanctification. 1 Jo. 17. 19 Heb. 13. 12. seal of thy future and eternal happiness, this his holy institution, which the divine word hath sanctified to that end and purpose. Now call to mind the exceeding love of God and Christ towards thee, the one in sending his only dear Son, to become man and suffer death: The fifth, in giving his most precious body and blood, to be crucified God's love to us. and shed upon the cross, to satisfy the just wrath of God due for thy sins; of which this bread broken, & wine poured out (that we see) is a remembrance which we ought often to celebrate, and set our hearts and souls duly and truly, Our love to God. to love and honour this gracious God and Lord, who hath loved us first, and done such great things as to give himself for us. 6. Ponder well in thine heart 1 Ja. 4. 9 10. all the divine mysteries of this holy Sacrament; to which heavenly banquet, Jesus thy Saviour now inviteth thee, taking away thine hateful iniquities, and Jam. 2. 8. clothing thee with his innocence; so Jo. 15. 12. Charity to our neighbours. 1 Jo. 4. 21. to make thee acceptable in the sight of God the Father, and by the gracious operation of the Holy Ghost, joining thee unto himself, as thy head, and all of us in true love one to another, as members of one body, to walk in newness of life the rest of our days. 7. And Amendment. 1 Jo. 33. 10. 1 Pet. 4. 2. lastly, forget not to be ever truly thankful for these inestimable benefits of God the Father, of the blessed Trinity; and of Jesus Christ our Lord towards us, who hath laid down his own life to redeem us, such vile and miserable sinners, all which the Holy Ghost applieth unto us. Thankfulness. 1 Jo. 5. 7. Eph. 5. 20. 1 Thess. 5. 18. Infinite mercies, we are never able sufficiently to acknowledge and admire. Prepare not thy belly, but thy soul; believe, and thou hast eaten; this saith St. Augustine. 14. A thanksgiving after the holy communion of the Lords Supper. OH! blessed and praised for ever, be the Name of the Lord my God, who hath done great and many things for me; and holy is thy gracious and glorious name, and let thy mercy and thy truth (O Lord) never forsake me, but vouchsafe to continue thy goodness and loving kindness towards me for ever, and say unto my soul thou art my God, my help and my salvation for evermore. And now especially (O Lord) as I am infinitely bound, I render unto thy divine Majesty all humble and possible praise and thanks for this present and particular favour showed unto me thy unworthy servant, in feeding my soul to eternal lfe, with the most precious food of thine own sacred body and blood, blotting out all my sins, and sanctifying me by thy holy Spirit, imputing to me thy righteousness, and admitting me (so unworthy) to be a happy partaker of this blessed Sacrament: The benefit whereof is unspeakable, and the mercy therein unexpressable; only I admire thy goodness towards mankind, and magnify thy great mercy, beseeching thee (my God) as thou hast vouchsafed to accept me at this holy Table; so (good Lord) let me not departed without a blessing, but be pleased to receive me into thy gracious care and favour, that I may live and die therein; and give me grace to spend the rest of my time in a careful reformation of all evils passed, a diligent performance of thy most holy will in all things, and true obedience to all thy Commandments, with a faithful and right application of all thy mercies and merits; so that I may feel thy bitter passion (O Lord) sweet unto my soul, and by the assistance of thy Spirit, bring forth the fruits of amendment of life, and most hearty thankfulness all my days; that at the end of this life, I may obtain a blessed room in the Kingdom of glory, there to praise thy holy name for evermore, Amen. 15. A short Prayer for conclusion to any prayer. O God the Father, bless and govern my soul and body, in all things to thy service: O Lord the Son my Saviour Jesus, protect me, and direct me at all times to do thy will: O holy Ghost, blessed Spirit, preserve me from falling into any sin or evil: but instruct, sanctify and lead me into the ways of truth and righteousness, that I may live in thy fear, and die in thy favour, and may continue in thy right Church and true faith unto my end: So that in the hour of my death, and in the dreadful day of judgement, I may find grace in thy sight that thou mayest pardon and pass by my sins, and receive me to mercy through Jesus Christ, that I may live with thee my God for evermore, Amen. 16. A Prayer for the Lords day in the afternoon when you are from Church; being seven humble petitions from a poor sinner to our Saviour Jesus Christ, the Lord and fountain of mercy, prescribed and allowed by sacred Scripture. MOst great and gracious Lord, and 1. Remission of sins, and amendment of life. Luke 18. 13. Rom. 6. 6. my only Saviour Jesus Christ, whom the Angels do admire, all the Saints do magnify, and at thy name (O Jesus) doth every knee bow in heaven and earth: I most humbly beseech thee, to have mercy on me that presume to speak unto thee, who am but dust and ashes; yet Lord I beg of thee to forgive all my grievous and manifold offences, and cast all my sins out of thy sight, and not only to pardon all my past misdeeds, but also by thy mighty power and spirit, to slay all sin in me for the time to come. And of thy gracious favour vouchsafe while I live in this world to make me a blessed partaker in the first resurrection 2. To rise from sin, Rev. 20. in this life▪ to arise here, from remaining or lying dead in sin, and so the second death shall have no power to hurt me, but by thy 3. In death Rev. 14. 13 21. 3. 4. Luke 22. 32. 36. grace and assistance, I may become a new creature in all holiness of life before thee, that I may daily be raised from sin by thy holy Spirit to a new life of grace in Christ. But when the appointed time of my death doth approach, sweet Jesus leave me not, but keep and deliver me from that great hour of temptation, when Satan will sift me, and seek my destruction, then dear Lord, pray for me that my faith may never fail, neither let my soul's enemies prevail over me, but make thy poor servant one of those blessed that shall die in thee, O Lord, whose tears God will wipe from their eyes, and they shall rest from their labours, and their works follow them. Now, good jesus, grant also in the last day and hour of death, 4 The first judgement. Mat. 25. 34. 41. when I shall come to my first account before the Throne of God, and the dreadful Majesty of the Father; O my Saviour, appear with me, that by thy gracious mediation I may find favour in his sight, and through thee obtain to be received into the society of thy Saints and servants; and also by thy infinite mercy and bitter passion, that I may in and through thee have my sins covered and pardoned, and may be accounted worthy to escape thy just and great wrath, which my iniquities have deserved, and say always unto my soul thou art my God, and my salvation for ever. And so I miserable sinner, through thy merits, sufferings, and unspeakable mercy, may be made able to stand before thee the blessed Son of God and man, at my appearance in thy glorious and awful presence when thou comest to judge the world, and hast full power to save or to condemn us, then look Saviour on me as one of thine. And sweet 5. At the last judgement, 6. Is after death. Rev. 8. 20. 15. Saviour, I further beseech thee by thine own former and free election and mere grace towards me, vouchsafe in the dreadful time of thy great visitation, that my poor name may be found written in heaven in the book of life, so as sin nor Satan may not be able to blot me out; but that thou, gracious jesus, wilt be pleased to acknowledge me (thy most unworthy servant) to be thine, before God and all his holy Angels. Now lastly, Lord by thy great goodness and The 7th. For eternal life, John 17. 22. 24. Ps. 16. 11. Conclusion. mercy, that I may be received into thy grace and favour, and so accepted as to enjoy that most happy place and heavenly inheritance of everlasting glory, which thou our jesus hast dearly purchased for us: that where he my blessed Saviour is, I may live with him, who loved me so much as to die for me, and through him being admitted into the glorious presence of God, which is the fullness of joy, at whose right hand are pleasures for evermore: I shall there eternally serve, praise and magnify his most holy name, who liveth for ever and ever, Amen. 17. A Prayer to the Trinity for direction and acceptance from God, of all our prayers. MOst glorious God, and our heavenly Father in Christ, I most humbly pray thee for his sake to hear and accept me, and my supplications that I offer up unto thy Majesty in the name of thy beloved Son: And I beseech thee sweet jesus, in thy love and mercy, which made thee become our Redeemer; vouchsafe also to be my gracious advocate, and to direct and receive my petitions, and present them to the Father, for by and through thee only, I must obtain acceptance. Now further I beg of thee, Lord Holy Ghost, who best can teach us to pray as we ought, to take compassion on my frailties and infirmities, to heal and help them, and be pleased to sanctify and assist my heart and soul to perform this duty and service at all times, rightly, faithfully, and constantly; to God's glory, and mine own comfort and furtherance of my eternal salvation in Christ my Saviour, Amen. 18. Another Prayer for the afternoon for many several blessings. OH most dear Lord, who knowest my manifold infirmities, and innumerable miseries: In mercy let thy gracious care and holy hand be over me now and ever, to guide me into thy right paths, that I may walk in the ways of thy Commandments, and keep them with my whole heart unto my end. And vouchsafe, good God, to cleanse and change the thoughts of my corrup heart from vain and idle imaginations, to good and godly meditations, which may produce ● me by thy assistance, holy actions agreeable to thy most blessed will; and by thy spirit let my affections be reform, and my love withdrawn from the vanities of this vile world, and may be fixed on heavenly things above, that there may be my heart and only joy, where my Lord Christ sits in glory at the right hand of his Father; and so I may with blessed Mary choose the better part, to forsake all the world, and myself also, to follow and hear jesus; and first and chief so to seek as to obtain that which is most needful, even thy glory, O God, thy Kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, and leave all other things to be bestowed on me as shall seem best unto thee. And Lord grant that my understanding may be enlightened to discern, embrace, and practise the holy works of thy blessed Spirit, and that my memory may be strengthened to retain and make right use of all the good instruction that I hear or read according to thy will, and make my heart the store-house of all thy divine precepts, that by thy grace I may bring forth good fruit in my life; and make me able rightly and reverently, to read and hear thy holy word, and heavenly will daily as I ought to do, and by thy grace to frame my life thereafter; and direct thou me thy poor servant in all I go about to do that which is best, and most to thy glory, that howsoever all the powers and faculties of my soul, or the members or senses of ●●y body may be decayed or lost by age, grief, or licknesse, for the occasions of this life, yet so Lord all that is needful for thy constant service, I beseech thee, continue to my last breath. And also be pleased to grant, that my death be neither sudden, nor unexpected, nor my pains violent, whereby to be made unable earnestly and faithfully to pray and call upon thy holy name; but if it be thy will, give me knowledge of my death when thy time is come to call me out of this world, and assist me fervently to cry unto thee for grace and mercy, in the needful time of dread and danger; then (dear Lord) fit and prepare me for thyself, and give me a blessed departure hence to die in thee, my Lord, and so I shall remain safe and ever happy; and sweet jesus, make me pray unto thee with my last breath, and yield up my spirit to God that gave it with praises in my mouth unto my gracious God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Now vouchsafe, good Lord, while I live, to endue me thy most unworthy servant with thy grace and holy Spirit, whereby devout love, and fear of thy Majesty, with true faith, steadfast hope, perfect charity, and unfeigned repentance, with all other saving graces, may be daily renewed and increased in me, towards thee, to thy glory, and the furtherance of my salvation through Christ: O sweet Saviour, who hast performed and suffered great and many things for me; dear Jesus, continue thy infinite favour, and finish thy work of mercy towards me the least of thy servants, still to call and draw me daily unto thee, and make me faithful, constantly, and wholly thine, in all humble obedience and true humility to serve thee in uprightness of life, and a holy conversation towards all so long as I live, and wilt assure my soul, that thou art my merciful God, and after death, make me a happy partaker of thy everlasting Kingdom of glory. So be it. Amen. 19 A Prayer of three petitions, to the blessed Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, for the spirit of prayer, for repentance and remission of sins, and grace to amend and lead a new life. O My Lord Holy Ghost, our sanctifier and comforter, and preserver, the giver of all heavenly gifts and graces, and the director and assister of us to all goodness: I most humbly pray thee to endue me thy poor sinful servant, with thy true spirit of grace and prayer, to help and teach me how to pray as I ought, and to drive away, and banish from me in the performance of this my duty, all evil temptations, and wicked hindrances that seek to pervert and withdraw my heart and soul from the true service of my God; and suffer not the world, the devil, nor any his agents to have power over me, or part in me, to prevail against me, and to cause God to turn his ear and face of mercy, from hearing and receiving my prayers and supplications: but Lord, by thy grace make my petitions now and always right, faithful, and acceptable to Almighty God, through jesus Christ my blessed Saviour. But O my God heavenly Father, the original of all goodness, and mercy, who graciously commandest us to call upon thee in the time of trouble, that thou delivering us, we may glorify thee; what greater misery and danger, than a heavy load of sins that will not easily be cast off, and a wounded spirit who can bear it? for I confess I have most grievously sinned against thee, and my iniquities are multiplied before thee, as the stars which cannot be numbered. O Lord, whose compassion never faileth those that seek and trust in thee, as thy mercy exceedeth all thy great works, so let that through thy dear Son move thee to release me of this intolerable burden; which else will throw me out of thy presence and favour, wherein is the fullness of joy; and press me down to hell into everlasting torments amongst the enemies of God and man. Now merciful God, who hast pity on thy poor creatures, and delightest not in the death of a sinner; Lord turn me from all my evil ways, that I may be converted unto thee, to fear, love, and obey thee unto my end: And vouchsafe to pardon all my transgressions past, and remove my sins from me as fare as the East is from the West, and bury them in oblivion, that they may not be able to separate my God from me, as far as heaven from hell: but Gracious Lord, be pleased to give me, thy unworthy servant, the blessed gift of true sorrow and repentance to salvation, to fit me for thy mercy, and prepare me with grace by the amendment of all my misdeeds, for thy loving acceptance of me in thy favour again, and say to my lost soul, I am thy God, and thy salvation for ever; and so thou working in me, both the will and the deed, the praise, honour and glory be only thine, for evermore. Now sweat Jesus, the fountain of mercy, and Saviour of all that trust and believe in thee, who graciously callest all heavy laden and penitent sinners to come to thee, that thou mayest ease them; have mercy on me, and heal my sinful soul with thy most precious blood; and thy righteousness I know is alsufficient to cover a world of sins, if thou please to impute it unto me. O shroud me under thy innocent wing, that the great wrath I have deserved may never fall upon me: but vouchsafe, dear Lord, to receive me sinful creature into thy favour, as thou didst Mary, to become wholly thine, and be thy faithful disciple so long as I live; and stretch forth thy hand of mercy, as thou didst to Peter from sinking in the sea; so Lord save me thy unworthy servant, from perishing in my sins; and by thy assistance, according to thy blessed advice, that I may make my peace here, where I have transgressed, before I go where the utmost farthing must be paid. O Lord, by thy grace make me a new creature, daily to work out my salvation, with sorrow for my time lost, fear to offend again, and trembling at the heavy judgements due unto me, and striving to make my calling and election sure, by a holy life and godly conversation both towards God and man all the rest of my days. And make me cast utterly off all love of this deceitful world, which is but lost, and my own vain desires that hang so fast on, and only apply my heart and soul to seek after thee and thy Kingdom, with the righteousness thereof, and then I shall obtain the end of my faith and hope; even thy glory, and my own salvation, through thee only dear Jesus, my blessed Lord and alone Saviour. To whom with God the Father, and the Holy Ghost, three Persons, one eternal God and glorious Trinity, be rendered as is due, all praise, honour and glory, for ever and ever, Amen. 20. The conclusion to this book. A short Prayer so to perform our duties here towards God, that we may obtain heaven hereafter. OH most merciful Lord God, thou knowest my unaptness to any good: I humbly pray thee to give me thy poor unworthy servant grace so truly to fear thee, as not to offend thee; so constantly to believe in thee, and confidently to rely upon all thy gracious promises, in all my troubles and necessities; and so entirely and sincerely to love and honour thee above all things, that nothing in this world may withdraw my mind from thee, nor any vain hopes, or earthly desires make me neglect my service to thee; but that I may daily study and strive, rightly and carefully to obey thee my Lord at all times, diligently to seek thee, and know thy will, and faithfully to serve and please thee as I ought to do as long as I live. For thou, O God the Father, lovedst us first, and sent thy dear Son out of thy bosom to redeem us, and our sweet Saviour Jesus in his love gave himself, and laid down his own life to save us from eternal death; greater love cannot be found then for one to die for a friend, but thou Lord diedst for thine enemies; much more having now reconciled us to the father, and to thyself: I trust being united to thee also by the Holy Ghost, by sanctification and true faith wrought in me by that blessed Spirit, I shall obtain mercy through the merits and sufferings of my dear Jesus, to live with thee in heaven hereafter, to glorify the great Name of God, the eternal Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to whom be all praise and honour for ever; and let heaven and earth, Saints and Angels, and all creatures, give glory to him for evermore, Amen. Here is one Prayer more which I join to these, because it concerned one of my daughters, to whom this Book belonged, though it was lately penned upon a very strange accident. 21. A thanksgiving to Almighty God, for his most merciful preservation of my noble kinswoman the Lady Eliz. Feelding, and of my own daughter, the Lady Eliz. Cornwalleis, from drowning under the Bridge, and was long under water: and one worthy Gentlewoman in the company could not be recovered. This may serve upon any such fearful accident. MOst Mighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, and the only disposer of all things therein, thou art the defender and protecter of all thy children and servants, and the gracious preserver of all those that depend upon thee: thy power ruleth both by sea and land, and thy all-guiding providence directeth all things in the world, according to thy own high will and good pleasure, and for the good of all them that trust in thee. Whereof thou hast given many, and me the unworthiest of thy servants, an especial testimony of thy infinite mercy towards my dear daughter and kinswoman, in that great and miraculous deliverance lately of them, in the dreadful danger of sudden death by drowning in the Thames; for thou didst mercifully provide and take care to save their lives, when they were past sense to take care of themselves, or to call upon thee for help; yet beyond all hope, thou didst bring them bacl from the gates of death, praised for ever be thy most glorious Name; and let neither us, nor any of our generation forget this thy great mercy. Now Lord, make us duly to acknowledge all thy benefits, and let us not pass them out of our minds without true thankfulness for all thy favours continually vouchsafed unto us undeserved: for all which we poor creatures have nothing to return to thee, but devout love, faithful service, and careful obedience, with the humble sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; which by thy assistance, I will perform towards thee with a grateful heart, so long as I live, and for ever, Amen. 22. A Petition of the Author for herself. O Lord, as Paul said, he would readily perform the duty in his charge that lay upon him, lest while he preached to save others, himself should become a castaway: so dearest Lord, I having taken pains to compose many Prayers for the use of others (under my care) to further them in the constant performance of this duty of prayer; which being rightly used, will draw many blessings from thee: Almighty God, I most humbly beseech thee, to hear and receive their supplications, that call upon thee by these Prayers. So, Gracious Lord, suffer not me to neglect my duty and daily service herein, towards thy Majesty, but make me carefully, rightly and reverently to offer up due praises and prayers, daily unto thee in a faithful and acceptable manner all the days of my life. And give me thy poor servant the assistance of thy grace and holy Spirit, to reform all my ways before thee; to suppress and overcome the corruption of my heart, the vanity of my mind, and to forsake and abandon the love of this vile world, with all the deceitful vanities thereof, and to cast off those great & superfluous cares and desires after the things of this mutable life, which pass away like a shadow or dream. Wise Solomon that had the plenty, and trial of all things under the Sun, tells us what it will prove, only vanity of vanities, and vexation of spirit. Wherefore let me learn with Paul, in what estate soever I am, therewith to be content, and to submit with humble patience to thy pleasure in all things thou sendest, who knowest what is best and fittest for me; and keep me for repining and despairing in thy chastisements; for thou canst heal as well as wound, when thou pleasest. Therefore I will dedicate my heart and soul, and all my endeavours unto thy faithful service, striving to make my calling and election sure, by looking after thee my God, thy Kingdom, and thy righteousness, which is the only thing needful: This grace grant unto me, O God, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. The end of the first Book. BOOK II. THis Book I began to write at my house at Barking in Essex, where I retired myself in solitariness, after the death of my worthy and dear husband, Sir Thomas Richardson, Knight, Lord chief Justice of the King's Bench: who died at Candlemas, 1634. Where shortly after I finished these Prayers following for my own private use; being the fittest employment for my time, who was then in so much heaviness- I call this Book a weekly exercise of Prayer, either for a private person, or in their own family: To which there are added some other necessary Prayers, very useful for those particular occasions, whereto they are directed: which I shall be very glad and joyful, if my children, grandchildren, kindred, friends, or any good Christian that shall peruse them, may make a good and right use of them to God's glory: And I do most hearty and humbly pray, that God will vouchsafe to hear in heaven, and to receive, accept, and grant their just requests, to his own honour, their comfort, and my great happiness, who am a wellwisher, and true lover of their souls in the Lord. Eliz. Richardson. THese Pr●●●●● I composed for the instructions of my children, & grandchildren, after the example of my dear parents, Sir Thomas Beaumond, and his Lady, of Stoughton in the County of Leicester, who I think were as careful and industrious to breed up their children (which were living) in the instruction and information of the Lord, to serve and obey God, as any parents could possibly be, which made them take much pains with us, more than is usual, by their endeavours to bring us to know and fear God, and to keep his Commandments: Which Solomon saith, is the whole duty of man. But when parents have done the best, and all we can, it is God's grace and blessing that must perfect the work: which I humbly pray him to add to accomplish my desire, to their eternal happiness. An Exhortation concerning Prayer. BEfore thou goest to pray: consider seriously of these three things, which are very necessary to fit and prepare thee the better for that holy and blessed exercise: First, ponder with thyself, into whose presence we come, and to whom we presume to speak, being before the great Majesty of God Almighty. Secondly, in what manner we pray, and to what end our prayers tend, which must chief respect the glory of God and his service; and then out own desires and necessities, both for soul and body. Thirdly, weigh well what good or hurt, what benefit or danger may ensue, by the performing of this duty carefully or negligently. 1. A short Petition to precede any other Prayers. O Lord Holy Ghost, who knowest my corrupt heart, and the frailty of my soul, which can perform no good but by thy grace. Vouchsafe, my Lord, to sanctify, assist and teach me the unworthiest of thy servants, by thy holy Spirit, so to pray now and always, that my supplications may be faithful and acceptable to my God, to his glory, and the comfort and good of myself, both in soul and body for ever, Amen. 2. A Prayer to God the Holy Ghost, for the true spirit of grace in prayer. O God Holy Ghost, the giver of all good gifts and graces, give me thy true Spirit Lord, who art the comforter and sanctifier of thine Elect: thou knowest my great and manifold infirmities, and frailties; all which, I humbly pray thee in thy love and mercy to heal and help. And Lord give me power, strength, and grace, by thy assistance, to resist and overcome all wicked assaults and temptations of the devil, that seek to draw me from God and goodness, and lead me to all evil: but vouchsafe Lord, I beseech thee, still to be present with me in this holy exercise, and endue thy poor servant with thy blessed Spirit and gift of prayer to call upon thy glorious Name faithfully and sincerely, whereby my unworthy petitions (though full of imperfections) may be received and accepted by thee. And Lord, banish all wand'ring thoughts, and wicked hindrances from my soul, in the performance of this my bounden duty and service, that I own unto thee, my God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: And be pleased Lord, to assist me now and ever with thy grace to worship thee at all times, in spirit and truth, as thou requirest: and not to present a dead, dull and corrupt offering unto my Lord, of the lips without the heart, or by joining in my thoughts God and the world, or mammon together, which thou hatest, and so make my prayers abominable to thy Majesty; for thou hast made the heart, who ought and must be served and honoured with it. Therefore I humbly pray thee, to enable me by thy assistance, to offer unto thee, my God, a holy and living sacrifice, of myself, my prayers, and praises daily, in a right and acceptable manner, not looking so much to the benefit and recompense of reward that shall be received thereby from thy merciful hands to my own good, but chief for the honour and glory of thy great Name, whose I am, and whom I am bound to serve, and from whom I have already received so many great blessings and benefits both spiritual and temporal: for which I render most humble and hearty thanks unto thy Majesty. Now lastly, dear Lord Holy Ghost, I earnestly beg of thee, daily to unite me unto thy glorious head, and only Saviour Jesus Christ, that so I may perform with true faith, good devotion, humility, and sincerity, this, and all other holy duties and services, according to thy blessed will and word, to thy glory and my great comfort; now and for ever: So be it. 3. A short preface before any other Prayers, for the Lords day. ALmighty Lord God, in whose glorious presence I am, presuming to take thy sacred name into my sinful mouth: before thee, Lord, I most humbly prostrate myself; thou seest the heart, and knowest our wants before we ask, yet hast thou commanded us to ask in thy Son's name, promising for his sake, to grant us all needful blessings both for soul and body. O Lord, thou understandest my great weakness and disability, who can do no good, but by thy assistance: I now most humbly pray thee, to keep all evil interruptions from my heart and soul, and so to endue me with thy true Spirit of grace and prayer, in performing this duty and service to thy glorious Majesty; that so all my supplications may now and at all times be right, faithful, acceptable, and pleasing unto thee: and by thy great mercy also, prevailing for my good, and furtherance of my salvation, through my only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 4. A Prayer for the Lords day at first awaking. O Most glorious Lord God, the high and gracious Creator of heaven and earth, with all things therein; Thou didst finish that mighty workin six days, and rested the seventh, commanding thy Church and people of the Jews to keep holy the seventh day, to thy due service and praise. But our Lord Jesus having finished the redemption of mankind by his cross and passion, and bitter sufferings, didst bury that Sabbath in his grave upon that day, and by thy Spirit didst guide thy Apostles and Christian Church to sanctify and keep holy this first day of the week, in perpetual memory of his glorious resurrection and eternal rest from that labour, and suffering for our redemption, to thy due service and praise; blessed be thy holy name therefore. And now, dear Lord, for all my former neglects of my duty herein; for Jesus his sake, pardon my sinful breaches of this, and all other thy holy Commandments heretofore: and vouchsafe, O God, always to knit my straying heart, to the true fear of thy great name, to keep me from offending thee, and fill my soul with the infinite love of thy divine Majesty, that I may daily strive to lead the rest of my life in all obedience to thy holy will. And Lord, vouchsafe to inspire me thy most unworthy servant, I humbly pray thee, with thy blessed Spirit, that I may withdraw my mind this blessed day, from all worldly cogitations, thinking my own thoughts, speaking my own words, doing my daily works, or going my own ways; but assist me with thy grace, that I may apply my heart and soul wholly to meditate of thy wonderful works, and manifold mercies, with thankfulness, and to attend thy service either public or private, with care and faithfulness, and to obey all thy Commandments henceforth with diligence, and constantly serving thee all my life to come, that so I may praise and glorify thee, and thou mayest pardon my sins, and save my poor soul, through thy great and unmerited mercy in Jesus Christ, my Lord and only Redeemer, Amen. 5. A Prayer for the Lords day in the morning before going to Church. My soul praise thou the Lord, and all that is within me praise his holy name, who is most worthy of all honour and glory. ALmighty God, our heavenly Father in Jesus Christ thy beloved Son, who of thy infinite goodness by thy great power and divine word, didst in six days create heaven and earth, the sea and the whole world, with all things therein, and resting the seventh day, didst bless and hollow it, commanding all thy people in purity after thine own image, to keep the same holy to thy due honour and praise; having also given us six days for our own occasions: and after this great and unexpressible work, thou didst also in thy appointed time accomplish by thy beloved Son Jesus, that happy redemption of mankind, who were lost by sin, and fallen from thee; which unspeakable mercy and benefit was as upon this first day of the week consummated by the miraculous blessed resurrection of our Saviour, which we Christians now keep in commemoration of these thy infinite benefits; that according to thine appointment thy servants may rest this holy Lords day, from all worldly affairs to thy honour and glory: blessed and praised now and for ever, be thy glorious Name, for these thy marvellous works. Therefore I most humbly beseech thee, O Lord, of thy great mercy, by thy Spirit of grace, to sanctify me thy most unworthy servant, both in soul and body, that I may at all times, but especially this Lord's day, and upon all other days consecrated by thy Church to the memory of any of thy blessings, benefits and deliverances, wholly devote myself, to thy true fear, holy devotion; and faithful service, in performance of thy blessed will and commandment: And so thy worthy name may be glorified, my salvation furthered, and thy favour and blessing rest always upon me and mine. And likewise I most humbly pray thee, O God, for thy Son Jesus sake, to forgive all my sins done in my whole life past, in breaking this and all other thy divine Laws, that through the death and bitter passion of my dear and innocent Saviour, which he suffered to redeem us, thou wilt vouchsafe to be reconciled unto me, thy guilty and sinful creature; that as this is a day of rest to thy due praise, so by thy mercy it may be a happy day of joy and peace to my poor soul and conscience, through my only Lord and blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen, Amen. 6. A Prayer to be said at the Church, as soon as we are come into our seat. O Lord our God, who art here present amongst us, thou seest and understandest all things, and knowest my heart; prepare, sanctify, and assist my heart and soul, with thy grace, so to behave myself, both outwardly and inwardly, as in the presence of thy glorious Majesty, in this thy blessed house of prayer and hearing thy word, with such due reverence, fear, humility, true faith and devotion, as may be best pleasing and acceptable unto thee, and most profitable and available for the good of mine own soul. O God, endue thy servant the Preacher, with thy holy Spirit, to teach thy saving truth rightly and sincerely, that it may be powerful to our edification, and effectual to the beating down, and banishing of all sins from our souls, and the increase of faith and grace in us that hear him; to thy glory, and the furthering of our salvations, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 7. Another shorter Prayer to the same purpose. GOod Lord, that knowest my infirmities, prevent and remove all sin and evil hindrances and impediments of drowsiness, and wand'ring thoughts from me frail sinful creature, and open my ears and heart like Lidiees to attend and mark diligently what is taught out of thy most sacred word. enlighten, Lord, my understanding, to conceive rightly what I hear, and keep my mind wholly intentive upon thy faithful service; in hearing thy holy word with true devotion before thee; and make my memory retentive of all the good instructions that I learn, and give me grace carefully and conscionably to practise them throughout my whole life, to the honour of thy great name, the performance of thy most holy will, the amendment of all my faults; and finally, the salvation of me thy poor servant; through my Saviour Jesus Christ's merits and mercies, Amen. 8. A Prayer after the Sermon is ended, before we go out of the Church. MOst Gracious Lord God, I humbly beseech thee, to pardon all my sinful neglects, defects, and want of due preparation, or any infirmities that have overtaken me in the performance of my duty towards thee, in this thy house, and blessed exercise of Prayer, and hearing of thy divine Word. And let me not departed out of this holy place without thy blessing, whereby my knowledge, faith, holiness, and comfort in thee may be daily increased in me: And Lord, add thy grace to what I have now heard, that by thy gracious assistance, it may bring forth plentiful fruit in me, to the reformation of my life and conversation, in avoiding all evil, and doing all good, which may be serviceable and acceptable to thy Majesty, and best pleasing in thy sight, through Jesus Christ, my only Saviour. Amen. A Prayer for the Lords day at night, of three Petitions. FIrst, thankfulness for benefits already received, with prayer for the continuance of all God's mercies. Secondly, for repentance, true faith, remission of sins, and amendment of life. Lastly, so to live and die unto God here, that after death, we may live with him in heaven for ever. 9 The Prayer. MY soul praise thou the Lord, and forget not all his benefits, which forgiveth all thine iniquities, and healeth all thine infirmities, which redeemeth thy life from death, and crowneth thee in mercy and compassion, who provided a ransom for thee, before thou hadst being to understand thine own wretched estate. Oh, my Lord God how good and gracious hast thou ever been in all thy mercies both spiritual and temporal towards me, the least and unworthiest of thy servants, before I was borne, and ever since, from time to time? Now Lord, I humbly pray thee, in the same love and favour, from which I have hitherto received so many and great benefits, vouchsafe thou always to continue thy blessings unto me, especially in daily renewing all spiritual graces in my soul, for the true performance of all holy duties and service, in a right and acceptable manner towards thy Majesty: and Lord, make my humble thankfulness unto thee, appear in my true obedience of thee in all things, that I may duly praise and glorify thy name for ever. Now dear God, let not thy mercy in prolonging my days, increase the number of my sins, and so to heap up wrath unto myself against the day of wrath, by drawing upon me due punishments for my offences; but merciful God, add thou grace unto my days; and for Jesus sake, forgive all my sins past that I have done before thee in my whole life time, especially in my many breaches of this holy and blessed Lords day, which we keep in remembrance of our Saviour's resurrection; with all my neglects and defects in the performance of my duties towards thee this present day, and heretofore, according to thy Commandments. And grant, O God, through thy mercies, and my Saviour's merits, that my iniquities may never be imputed unto me; but Lord, let thy goodness, patience, and long sufferings, lead me to daily and unfeigned repentance: and give me true faith in all thy gracious promises, and by the assistance of thy holy Spirit, to bring forth amendment of all my former faults, with true obedience unto thy blessed will, and holiness of living all my life to come: That so I may obtain grace and favour in thy sight, to prevent and keep me hereafter from all sin and evil, or offending thee, my God, in thought, word and deed; and direct thou my ways right before thee, in all godliness and uprightness of heart, that I may be enabled through my Lord Jesus Christ, to do every good work, and by thy grace to live here according to all thy Commandments; and when thou pleasest to call for me ●ut of this wicked world unto thyself, Lord assist me with thy spirit and grace to make a blessed end, and to die in thee, my Lord, and so I shall find mercy through the merits of my Saviour Jesus, after death to be accepted and received into the Kingdom of heaven, and through Christ my Saviour, may be admitted into thy glorious presence, O God, where is the fullness of joy, and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore, of which Lord make me a happy partaker, when this life is ended. Amen, Amen. 10. A Prayer for Monday to God the Father, at first awaking. I Will praise thee with my whole heart, for thou hast dealt lovingly with me. Blessed and praised now and ever, be thy most glorious Name, O my God, heavenly Father, for all thy great and manifold mercies and blessings, both spiritual and temporal in soul and body, vouchsafed unto me thy most unworthy and sinful servant, before I was borne, and hitherto, this last night, and all my life past; for thy favours have ever been right, good and gracious towards me, having done great and many things for me, praised be thy most holy Name, who hast been my only stay, succour, help and comfort in this world; and thy infinite mercy in Ghrist, is all my hope and confidence, for the life to come. Now Gracious Lord, who hast been my good God and guide from my youth, have pity upon my infirmities: and for Jesus sake, forgive all my sins that I have committed before thee in my whole life past, and let thy mercy and truth, never leave me nor forsake me, neither in life, in death, nor in the last judgement, but be pleased by thy Spirit, to say always unto my soul, especially at my death, thou art my God and my salvation, for in thee will I trust so long as I live, and for ever. So be it. A short supplication before the weekly Prayers. 11. A morning Prayer for Monday to God the Father. Hear me when I call upon thee, O God of my righteousness, have mercy upon me, and hearken unto my prayer. Most Gracious Lord God, and my heavenly Father, in Christ Jesus my Saviour; thou knowest my great and grievous infirmities, that I can of myself neither will nor perform any good, nor think a good thought, but by thy grace; therefore I most humbly pray thee to endue me thy poor unworthy servant with thy holy Spirit, whereby these and all other my prayers and petitions, that I presume to offer unto thy Majesty, may by thy assistance be made in a right manner, and in an acceptable time, when thou wilt please to be found of me, and graciously to hear and receive me and my supplications. And now vouchsafe, dear God, to sanctify, prepare and assist my heart and soul, with thy true Spirit of grace and prayer, to drive away all vain and wand'ring thoughts, sluggish dulness, and all evil temptations out of my mind; and knit my heart and soul to the true fear of thy great Name, and to the devout love of thy divine Majesty; and teach me with all due reverence, and such true humility and devotion, as is fit to appear in thy sacred presence, that I may rightly, faithfully, and humbly, now and at all times, call upon thy holy Name as I ought to do, and daily pray unto thee, O my blessed Lord God, who hast awaked me in health and safety to this day's light, which I most thankfully acknowledge, with all other thy blessings and benefits, both spiritual and temporal, bestowed on me thy sinful servant, from time to time; beseeching thee of thy infinite mercy always to continue them unto me. And as thy gracious providence hath brought me to begin this new day, so Lord, by thy power defend me therein from falling into any sin or evil, to offend thee; but give me grace at this present to perform, and ever continue to lead a new, a holy, and an upright life in thy sight, all the rest of my days to come, to frame my heart, and reform my ways in all true obedience hereafter to thy most holy will and Commandments. And further, I humbly praise thy glorious Name, for thy gracious preservation of me and mine, and all other thy benefits vouchsafed me the last night, and all my life passed unto this instant hour, having hitherto given me health, maintenance and safety; which, I pray thee, whilst I live, still to vouchsafe me, and make me truly thankful to thee for all thy mercies; and let thy benefits never slip out of my mind, but that I may daily and duly acknowledge them to the true praise of thy most holy Name. And grant me grace to spend the rest of my time to come more carefully and faithfully than I have formerly done, to seek, serve, fear, love, obey, and please thee my Lord, in all things as I ought to do, so that it may be more than meat and drink unto me, to do the will of thee my heavenly Father. And I most humbly beseech thee, O God, the fountain of mercy, to forgive and pardon all my sins and offences past that I have committed against thee, either in soul or body throughout my whole life; Lord blot them out of thy remembrance, with the most precious blood of thy dear Son, my only Saviour Jesus Christ; and grant through thy mercies, and his merits, and sufferings, that my iniquities may never be imputed unto me. But vouchsafe, O God, now and ever, to keep me thy poor servant, as the apple of thine own eye from all sin and shame, and hid me under the shadow of thy wings from falling into any evil or danger this day; especially, O Lord, preserve me always from the great wickedness of committing any presumptuous sin before thee, and from the fearful sin against the Holy Ghost (which is unpardonable) and from the dangerous sins of neglect towards thee, hardness of heart, senseless security, or falling into wicked despair, whereby I may prevent my soul of thy mercy in Christ for my salvation. But, good God, direct thou my thoughts, desires, words, and deeds, to be ever agreeable to thy most holy will, and obedient to all thy Commandments, that I may henceforth live before thee with an upright heart, daily studying and striving to serve and please thee in all things, so long as I live, that after death, I may praise and magnify thy Name in heaven among thy Saints and servants, for ever and ever. These great mercies, O gracious God, with all other thou knowest needful for me, either for this life or the life to come, I further beg of thee, in the name, merits and mediation of thy dear Son, and my sweet Jesus, concluding in that perfect form of prayer, which he hath taught us, saying, Our Father, etc. 12. A Prayer to God the Father for Monday night. O Lord my God, how excellent is thy name in all the world, who hast done great works, and brought mighty things to pass. ALmighty Lord, and my heavenly Father in Christ, most high and mighty God, Creator, possessor, preserver, and disposer of heaven and earth, and all that is therein, the fountain of grace and mercy, and Father of light, from whom cometh all good and perfect gifts: I most humbly pray thee of thy great goodness to give me thy poor sinful servant, thy grace and holy Spirit, to direct my heart and all my ways aright in thy sight, and to guide me in the paths of truth and righteousness; and Lord, lead me into that straight way, and through that narrow gate, which bringeth unto life eternal; that so of thy infinite mercy through Christ, I may enter in (though most unworthy) with them that obtain grace to find it, and there to live with thee, my God, in joy and bliss for evermore. And further, I yield and render unto thee, my Lord, all humble and possible praise, honour, and thanks, for all thy great and manifold mercies and benefits, spiritual and temporal, vouchsafed unto me thy most unworthy servant in soul and body from time to time; and also for thy gracious preservation of me and mine, and all other thy blessings bestowed upon me this day past, and all my life hitherto. Now, good God, for Christ's sake, I humbly pray thee, to forgive and pardon all my sins and trespasses that I have committed before thee, inwardly or outwardly in soul or body, by thought, desire, word or deed, this present day, or any time of my life heretofore. Merciful Father, wash away all my sins out of thy sight, with the most precious blood of that All-sufficient sacrifice, the innocent Lamb of God, Jesus, who was slain for our transgressions: hid all my sins in his wounds, and bury them in his grave, so as they may never be able to rise in judgement against me, either to accuse or to condemn me. But Lord, make me of that blessed number, whose sins thou wilt cover, and whose iniquities thou wilt pardon. And vouchsafe also to forgive my omission of all those good deeds I ought to have done, and my sinful neglect in the true performance of all duty and service that I own unto thee; especially my wicked negligence in calling upon thy holy Name, and daily praising thee for all thy mercies: and likewise I beg pardon for my often omitting, or slightly performing this duty of praying unto thee as I ought, now and at all times; which Lord give me grace more carefully, faithfully and devoutly to perform towards thee, by the assistance of thy holy Spirit ever hereafter, that so of thine infinite mercy thou mayest b●ing me to that eternal Kingdom which thou hall prepared, O God the Father, before the world began, for all that truly love and believe in thee, to thy great praise and honour, and my salvation i● Christ, through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, to whom be glory now and ever. Amen. 13. The conclusion for Monday, to be said last, or in bed. O My God, I most humbly commmend and commit myself both body and soul, my children and grandchildren, my kindred, friends and family, and all that doth belong unto me, here or else where, with all my fellow members in thy whole Church, into thy most gracious protection and preservation, this night and always. Good God, I beseech thee, vouchsafe to bless, sanctify and keep our souls and bodies in thy true faith, fear and favour, with safety, this night, and to our lives end. Amen. 14. A Prayer at first awaking, for Tuesday, to our Saviour Jesus Christ. MY soul shall magnify thee, O Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour, who hath done and suffered great and many things for me, blessed be thy most holy Name for thy infinite benefits and blessings, both spiritual and temporal bestowed upon me thy unworthy sinful servant from time to time. And chief (Gracious Lord) for thy accomplishment of my redemption before I had any being: who didst vouchsafe to come into the world amongst evil men, and to be borne of a Virgin, to take the shape and nature of man upon thee, and in our flesh didst work and perform all righteousness to be imputed unto us; and also submitted thyself to suffer the most bitter and ignominious death of the Cross, to free us from that eternal death, which our sins have deserved; and also risen again from the grave the third day, to overcome sin, death, the grave, hell and Satan, with all other things for us. And so thou, sweet Jesus, art become our reconciliation, redemption, righteousness, and justification, with hope also through thee of salvation and glorification hereafter. Of all which thy inestimable benefits, I humbly pray thee, O Lord my Saviour, of thy infinite mercy both in this world, and after this life is ended, to make me thy poor unworthy servant a happy partaker amongst thy Saints and servants, that I may live hereafter with thee and them, to praise and glorify thy Name, my dear Jesus, for ever. Amen. 15. A Prayer for Tuesday morning, to God the Son, our Redeemer. I Know that my Redeemer liveth, and shall stand the last day upon the earth, to judge the world in righteousness, and all the people with equity. O sweet jesus Christ, who art my Lord and perfect Saviour, the beloved Son of God, the blessed Redeemer of the world, the only searcher of man's heart, before whom all things are manifest, all desires known, and from thee no secrets can be hid: Lord cleanse and reform the thoughts of my wicked corrupt heart, by the inspiration of thy most holy Spirit, to purge my heart, soul and conscience from all sin, evil, and dead works, rightly and faithfully, to fear and serve thee, the true and living Lord, that I may unfeignedly love thee, and constantly praise and magnify thy holy and blessed Name all the days of my life, and for ever. Now, Gracious jesus, grant that the words of my mouth, and the thoughts, and meditations of my heart, in these and all other prayers and petitions that I make unto thy Majesty, may be always guided by thy blessed Spirit, and that all my ways and actions; be directed according to thy holy word, and so by thy merciful assistance, all things I go about, shall be ever right and acceptable in thy sight, O Lord God of truth, that art my strength and my Redeemer. And dear Saviour, who knowest the infinite corruption of my wretched nature, and my unaptness to all goodness, vouchsafe to draw and knit my heart and soul, to thy true fear and faithful service, and suffer no worldly respects, regard of persons, nor any pleasures, to withdraw my mind, or hinder my soul from the true performance of my daily duties and service towards thee, my God, with due observance of thy great Majesty, faithfully, devoutly and constantly serving thee, and calling on thy holy name, now and at all times, and daily worshipping thee in spirit and truth, as thyself hast commanded. And be thou pleased, dear Lord, by thy grace, to guide and direct my heart, soul, and body, with all my desires, ways, and works, according to thy own good will and pleasure; for I humbly commend and commit myself, my children and grandchildren, with all belonging to me, and all things that any way concerneth me, to thy most gracious protection, direction, and disposing, now and ever. And I humbly pray thee, O my sweet jesus, so to prevent me with thy holy Spirit, that I be led into no temptation this day by the devil or his evil agents, the vain world, or my own corrupt flesh, neither suffer any sinful thoughts to possess my soul; but assist me, I beseech thee, to set a watch over my heart and ways, and before my mouth, and set a seal of grace and wisdom over my soul, and upon my lips, that I offend not with my tongue, or in my actions, either against thee my God, my neighbour or my own soul; but Lord, make my heart clean and upright before thee, and keep me from falling into my former sins again, but endue me with grace so to number my days, that I may apply my heart to wisdom and goodness, and daily endeavour and strive to lead a new and godly life in thy sight; and make me firm, steadfast, and constant in thy right Church, saving truth, and true faith unto my lives end, to live and die therein; but if I hold any errors contrary to thy will and word (O Lord) speedily convert my soul unto thee, and show me the paths of life, and teach me thy truth, and suffer me not to slide from it, but so long as I live here, constantly to set my whole heart, soul, and delight, to seek, to serve, to love, and to fear thee, my Lord, in all true obedience, humility, repentance, and purity, with steadfast faith in thee, and true holiness of living, as is required of thy children and servants, through the assistance of thy blessed Spirit, and the blessing of thy heavenly Father, who liveth and reigneth with thee, three Persons, and one true eternal God, blessed for ever. Amen. Concluding my humble petition, with that perfect prayer, which Christ our advocate hath sanctified, and taught us saying, Our Father, etc. 16. A Prayer for Tuesday at night to our blessed Saviour, for myself and children. O Sweet jesus Christ, that art both God and man, my blessed Saviour, Redeemer, and Mediator, who understandest all things, and seest what we want before we ask, and knowest best what is in miserable mortal man, that is made of earth, how corrupt my nature and substance is, how many and great my frailties and infirmities are, and how subject I am to fall into all manner of evil both in soul and body, if thy grace uphold me not: therefore I most humbly beseech thee, O Lord, to receive me and mine now and ever, into thy provident and gracious care, to protect and direct us in all our ways to do thy blessed will, and to live in all thy holy fear, to save and guide us waking from all sin and shame, and to keep and defend us sleeping from all perils and dangers either of soul or body, that so by thy mercy we may rest in peace and safety this night, and also awake in thy grace and favour, and do all things to thy honour and glory, and may live and die thy true and faithful servants; and after death vouchsafe, dear Lord, by thy merits and sufferings to give us eternal life with thee in heaven, which thou hast dearly purchased for us. Now sweet Jesus, vouchsafe to endue and assist me with thy grace and holy Spirit, that I may be able rightly, faithfully, and confidently (as I ought to do) to cry and pray unto thee, my God, for grace and mercy, that I may find favour in thy sight, and that my trust in thee may never cease, that so I may obtain true contrition for all my offences, and pardon for my sins past, with all saving graces for my salvation both in life and death, and assured hope of everlasting life when this is ended, through thy precious death and bitter passion, sweet jesus my Saviour. Now, good Lord, endue me with grace, to fit and prepare my soul as I ought, before my day of death approacheth, that I be not taken unprovided; but assist me with thy blessed Spirit to work in my heart a true and lively faith, to lay fast hold upon all thy mercies, merits, and gracious promises, and rightly to apply them to my own soul. And further give me, I humbly pray thee, unfeigned repentance and remission of all my sins, with other needful graces for the performing of all holy duties to thy Majesty, that so I may be enabled rightly and faithfully to serve and please thee while I live here; and also make me carefully to fit and prepare my soul for thy merciful acceptance, before thou call me to thyself out of this vale of misery; and give me grace daily to die unto this world, and forsake it while I am in it, that I may live more and more in true holiness and righteousness before thee; and so I shall obtain blessedness here to be directed by thee in all things, and to have thy protection over me to die happily in thee, and live eternally with thee, who art my only Saviour and Redeemer, jesus Christ the righteous, to whom be all glory for ever and ever. So be it. 17. The conclusion for Tuesday, to be said at night or in bed, to the Son, for myself and children. MY sweet jesus, by thy grace and holy Name, keep me thy poor servant, and all mine from all sin and shame, and by thy bitter death and passion, save us from thy great wrath, and endless damnation, and by thy powerful resurrection, raise us daily from sin to grace and newness of life, and by thy glorious ascension, draw me thy unworthy servant continually to heaven after thee by a holy life and godly conversation; and of thy great mercy, after death, reserve me to be where thou art, and make me partaker of thy everlasting salvation; and in all my troubles, sorrows and distress, do thou my griefs redress, and be my blessed consolation; and vouchsafe to receive me this night and always into thy merciful preservation: for now I will lay me down in peace, and also rest and sleep, because thou Lord, dost only me sustain, and wilt in safety keep: for on thee alone I wholly do depend, who art all my hope, help, comfort, and confidence, sweet jesus my Saviour. Amen. 18. A Prayer for Wednesday to the glorious Trinity at first awaking. GReat is our God, and worthy to be praised, I will speak of all thy marvellous works, for thou hast done great things, and holy is thy Name. To thee O God, heavenly Father, our gracious Creator of all things; with God the Son, that blessed Redeemer of mankind, and God the Holy Ghost the sanctifier of thine elect; unto thee, O Lord, three Persons, one true and everliving God, be given and rendered as is due by me, and all other thy children and servants, all humble and possible praise and thanks, now and ever. For I thy most unworthy servant, do humbly and thankfully acknowledge, that I find thy blessings and benefits both spiritual and temporal, sleeping and waking, daily and hourly, to be renewed towards me, for which I bless and magnify thy holy Name, especially for those spiritual graces thou hast vouchsafed unto my soul from time to time, before I had any being, for my election by the whole Trinity, and my creation by God the Father, which thou didst fully perform in thine own innocent person: but chief in that infinite love token unto mankind, of God the Father in ordaining and sending thy dear Son out of thy bosom into the world; and thou, O Christ, in coming amongst wicked men, to put thyself into their cruel hands for our redemption, and so become our righteousness, justification, and salvation, which thou hast dearly purchased for us with thy own blood. And since I was borne, O blessed Spirit, for my continual preservation, and daily supply of all needful blessings for my soul and body, especially for my vocation, and calling to the right knowledge of God and his saving truth, with some measure of true faith, sanctification, and regeneration from sin to grace, all wrought in me by the holy operation of thee Lord Holy Ghost; by whom also we are united unto our Lord and head Christ Jesus, from whom Lord let me never be separated. Now vouchsafe O God, still to continue all thy mercies towards me; and chief in giving me daily a supply and increase of all heavenly gifts, and spiritual graces, whereby I may be able rightly, faithfully, and constantly, to fear and love, to seek, serve, and please thee my God, in all things as I ought to do; that so I may obtain thy grace and favour (by thy assistance) to live a holy life here according to thy will, that thou of thy infinite mercy, Almighty God, and glorious Trinity, mayest make me partaker of thy heavenly Kingdom of glory hereafter. Amen. 19 A Prayer to the Trinity for Wednesday morning. O God the Father of heaven, the gracious Creator of all things, the righteous judge, that searcheth the heart, and trieth the children of men, and beholdeth all our ways; and knowest my substance is but dust, flesh and blood, and my nature as it is corrupted by sin, is of itself, earthly, sensual and devilish, and can merit nothing from thee, O Lord, but condemnation. Dear God, the original of all goodness, I most humbly beseech thee to have mercy upon me miserable sinner, and enter not into judgement with thy poor servant, for no flesh living is righteous before thee; neither reward me after my wickedness, for I am a wretched and most sinful creature, and have done exceeding much evil in thy sight; but I humbly pray thee, O God, for thy dear Son and my Saviour's sake, to withdraw thy great wrath and heavy displeasure from me, which my sins have justly deserved; and if it be thy will Lord release my present afflictions, which now and long have lain upon me: and vouchsafe also to prevent and remove those weighty judgements, that hang over my head for my iniquities, that by thy unspeakable mercies I may escape them; yet if thou please further to visit me with fatherly chastisements for the amendment of my faults; Lord give me wisdom and patience to bear all things as I ought to do, without offence towards thee, and by thy grace to make the best and rightest use of all thou sendest, so as in the end they may turn to thy glory and the furtherance of my salvation in Christ my Lord. O God the Son, Redeemer of mankind, who didst vouchsafe to be borne of a woman, to become man for our redemption, and camest into the world to seek and save all those that were lost by sin, that they might live by faith in thee; which Lord grant unto me, sweet Jesus my Saviour, and have mercy upon me a wicked sinner, to forgive and pardon all my sins and offences that I have done before thee all my life passed in thought, word and deed; and impute not my iniquities unto me, neither destroy me with my transgressions, nor let thy heavy displeasure reserve evil for me hereafter: but dear Lord, of thy great goodness grant me thy poor servant true faith, and unfeigned repentance, with thy gracious remission of all my trespasses, and wash my sins out of thy sight with thine own most precious and innocent blood, which thou didst so freely shed for our redemption; nail all my offences upon thy cross, and bury them in thy grave, so as they may never be able to come in judgement against me, either to accuse or shame me in this world, or to condemn and confound me in the world to come, for thy mercy's sake, sweet Jesus my Saviour: But I most humbly beseech thee, O Lord, ●● sanctify and cleanse my heart and soul from all sin and evil, by thy holy Spirit, that I may be upright in thy sight, to reform all my ways before thee, and let thy grace and holy Spirit lead me into the paths of truth and righteousness all my life, that after death thou mayest of thy infinite mercy bring me to that everlasting inheritance of happiness which thou hast so dearly purchased for us with thine own blood, in whom is all my trust, who art my only Saviour, Mediator and Advocate for ever. O God the Holy Ghost, our comforter, preserve and sanctify thou my heart and soul, that I may unfeignedly love thee, truly fear thy holy Name, and faithfully serve, please and obey thee, as I ought to do now and all the days of my life: And vouchsafe, O blessed Spirit, to instruct and enlighten my soul and understanding, with the true knowledge, devout love, and steadfast belief of thy sacred truth, and keep me therein for ever. O Holy Ghost, vouchsafe to make thy seat and dwelling in my soul, and let thy holy Spirit take full possession of my heart, and abide always with me to fill me with all saving graces, whereby I may be preserved from falling into any sin or evil, and be enabled to do all good that may be best pleasing unto thee, and to perform all duty and service (by thy assistance) in an acceptable manner unto my gracious and Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, three Persons, and one ever glorious Trinity, to whom be rendered all praise, honour, power, and thanks, as is right due, for ever and ever. Amen. 20. An evening Prayer to God the Holy Ghost for Wednesday. O God the Holy Ghost, blessed Spirit, by whom we are sanctified and sealed unto the day of redemption, and by whose holy operation, we are joined unto our blessed Lord and head Christ Jesus; from whom let nothing in heaven or earth ever separate me: And merciful Lord I humbly pray thee, cast me not in thy displeasure out of thy care and favour for my sins, and withdraw not thy grace and holy Spirit from me, neither forsake me, nor leave me to myself, who am wholly subject to all wickedness. But I most humbly beseech thee, to create in me a new, a clean, an upright, a faithful and perfect heart in thy sight, to walk in all true holiness before thee, as thou requirest, all my days to come; and good Lord, daily renew thy grace, and a right holy spirit within me, to sanctify and cleanse my soul from sin, to preserve me from falling into evil, and to guide me into the ways of truth and righteousness. Now dear Lord, mark me thy poor servant for thine own, and prevent me with thy grace that I never grieve, despite, or neglect thee my God in any thing, neither to resist or quench the good motions of thy holy Spirit in my heart at any time; but I most humbly pray and desire to be led and directed in all things by thee, who best knowest my frailties and infirmities, that I can (of myself) neither will nor perform any good at all, much less call upon thy holy Name as I ought, all my best works and endeavours, being full of imperfection and corruption; but I humbly beseech thee, good Lord, to accept in me the will for thee deed, the affection for the action; and vouchsafe to heal and help my great disability to any goodness, and teach, and assist me rightly, faithfully and constantly, to pray unto thee my God, now and at all times according to thy holy will, and daily to call upon thy great Name in truth and sincerity. And be pleased, O Lord Holy Ghost, to prepare, assist and lift up my heart and soul towards thee, and bend down thine ear of mercy to hear me, and vouchsafe thou blessed Lord, to make request by thy grace in me, with such inward and faithful devotion, humility, sighs and groans as cannot be expressed, that so my supplications may be acceptable to God my heavenly Father, through the merits and sufferings, of my dear Saviour Jesus, and the holy working of thee O God the Holy Ghost, my comforter, who art the sanctifier and preserver both of my soul and body; I humbly pray thee to inflame my heart and spirit with fervent zeal and unfeigned devotion to the true and constant performance of all duties and services that I own unto thee my God. And vouchsafe Lord, by thy holy Spirit to infuse into my soul everlasting and devout love towards thy Majesty, with Christian charity towards all my brethren, thy children and servants: And Lord, put thou a right and steadfast hope into my heart that my trust in thee may never fail, till I have attained to the eternal felicity, which God the Father hath prepared, and our blessed Saviour hath purchased, and thou blessed Spirit by thy holy assistance wilt bring us unto, to glorify the Name of my God in heaven hereafter for ever. Amen. 21. The conclusion for Wednesday at night, to the blessed Trinity. Merciful God, heavenly Father, blessed Son, and Holy Ghost, who hast appointed the night for all mortal creatures to take rest, without which our weak natures cannot subsist: I am now in health by thy gracious providence, by thy favour, and laid down in my bed, which representeth the grave, and by thy mercy hope also to take quiet rest and sleep, that is the image of death, from which I know not whether ever I shall awake again to this world's light, for my life dependeth on thy good pleasure; therefore I most humbly pray thee of thy infinite mercy, O God, to forgive all my sins past that I have committed against thee, this present day or heretofore, through the merits and sufferings of my Redeemer Jesus; and vouchsafe heavenly Father to be reconciled unto me, thy most guilty sinful servant, in and through thy dear and innocent Son, who is my righteous Saviour: And grant while I live here, that in Christ I may hereafter live to thee, and thy faithful service; and when I sleep, Lord let me safely rest by thy blessed preservation, and by the assistance of thy holy Spirit, that I may continue in thy true faith, fear and favour with a good conscience unto my last breath; that so if thou call me away this night, or any other time in my sleep, thou wilt in Christ pardon my sins, and after death receive my soul to thy grace and mercy, to remain with thee for ever, and may praise thee, my God, everlastingly. Amen, Amen. 22. A Prayer for Thursday morning at first awaking to God the Father. MY God, I hearty praise thee for my present health, rest and preservation this night and formerly, and safe approach by thy providence to this light. I humbly beseech thee, vouchsafe this day and always, to be my present help in all dangers, and my merciful God to pardon all my sins and wickedness, that I have done heretofore, and to prevent and to protect me by thy grace and favour from falling into any sin or evil to offend thee hereafter; and direct me by thy holy Spirit in all things I go about, to do that which is acceptable in thy sight (through Christ) and to the best for my own soul. Dear Lord, give me thy sinful servant thy grace, whereby I may be able rightly and faithfully to seek, serve, and please thee my God, as I ought to do, this day and at all times throughout my whole life: These great blessings I beg of thee, O God the Father, by thy gracious assistance, in, and through, and for the sake of thine own dear Son, and my only Saviour, Jesus Christ the righteous. So be it. 23. A Prayer for Thursday morning to God the Father. MOst mighty God, and my merciful Father, the giver of all good gifts: grant me thy grace and the light of thy countenance, to guide me this day and ever, to walk in thy paths of truth and righteousness all my life, and to run in the way of thy Commandments unto my end; for thy beloved Son hath taught us before all things to seek that which is most needful, even the Kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof, and then our heavenly Father will supply all things else which he knoweth to be necessary for us: Good Lord, make me (with Mary) to choose the better part, to seek, hear, and follow our Saviour Jesus, and let that never be taken from me thy poor servant. To which end, I humbly pray thee, O God, to wean and withdraw my heart and soul, from the cares, love or liking of this vild world, and all the vanities thereof, all which like a dream and shadow fade away: And Lord, drive all wicked thoughts out of my mind, and banish covetous desires (the root of all evil) from my heart, and make me ever consider what it would advantage me, if I could win the whole world, and should lose my own soul. Therefore I beseech thee, O Lord, by thy holy Spirit, to settle my heart and soul, my desires, affections, and delight, only upon thee my God, thy glory, thy Kingdom, thy righteousness; and make me to account all earthly things but dross and dirt so that I may win Christ, and attain to the excellent knowledge of Jesus my Saviour, who is the Lord of life, him chief, O God, let me find and obtain to be mine, with whom I shall have all other good things, by thy infinite mercy I beseech thee, that so I may be able rightly and faithfully to serve and please thee as I ought, while I live hear, that after death thou of thy unspeakable goodness, mayest make me partaker of thy heavenly Kingdom of glory. And now, dear God, vouchsafe unto me thy most unworthy servant the grace of daily and unfeigned sorrow and repentance for all my sins, with a sound sense and feeling of them in a contrite spirit, with care to reform all my former faults in the rest of my life, and make me strictly to examine my own heart, soul, knowledge, and conscience, of all the evils I have done before thee, and severely to judge, hate and condemn myself for them, that so I may escape thy great wrath, and may not be judged and condemned by thee in thy heavy displeasure, which I am not able to bear; for who can stand in the sight of thy great Majesty when thou art angry? therefore I most humbly pray thee, good God, in the multitude of thy mercies, to forgive and grant me thy grace and pardon of all my sins and offences past that I am guilty of, for thy beloved Son's sake, that so my iniquities may never be imputed unto me; but Lord give me true faith to lay fast hold upon thy mercies, and all thy gracious promises, and the merits and sufferings of Ghrist, with grace rightly to apply them to my own salvation, through Jesus my Saviour; that so I may be quit through him, and freed of my account with thee before I die; and grant that I may daily die unto the world, and hate all the vain pressures thereof, and may live more and more unto thee in all righteousness and true holiness of living before thee as becometh thy Saints: that so when thy appointed time is come for me to enter into my long sleep of death, that thou wilt be pleased by thy holy Spirit to fit and prepare me, and to give me a happy and blessed departure out of this life, to die in the Lord that I may rest in peace and safety, and be raised up by my Saviour to grace and glory, that thou pardoning all my sins, and receiving me to mercy, thou mayest wipe all tears from mine eyes, and remove all sorrow from my soul, and for Jesus sake to admit me into thy glorious presence, and there to enjoy eternal felicity, and be a happy member of thy blessed Church triumphant to praise thee there for evermore. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the eternal Father, the beloved Son, and the Holy Ghost, be ever with me, to sanctify, bless and preserve my soul and body in thy fear and favour, and true faith, steadfast hope, and perfect charity unto my life's end. Amen. 24. A Prayer to God the Father for Thursday night. HAve mercy upon me, O Lord, and hearken unto my prayer, for I know thou Lord wilt bless the righteous, and with thy favour wilt compass him as with a shield. Lord thou lovest not wickedness, neither shall evil dwell with thee, thou shalt destroy them that speak lies, for thou abhorrest all them that work iniquity: yet thou desirest not the death of a sinner but that he should return and live; therefore dear Lord, deliver my soul and save me in thy manifold mercies, for I have grievously sinned before thee, and my iniquities are gone over my head into thy presence, and are too heavy for me to bear. But I most humbly beseech thee, for thy beloved Son Jesus sake, to give me unfeigned sorrow and repentance for all my sins past, which are great and many, and grant me thy gracious pardon and remission for all my offences committed this day or heretofore against thee; and Lord, endue me with true faith to lay hold of all thy mercies, and my Saviour's merits and sufferings, with grace to amend, reform my life, according to thy most holy word and Commandments, all the rest of my days to come: to which end Lord give me a soft, a penitent, upright and contrite heart, with a tender conscience, and a true and sound sense and feeling of all my sins, infirmities, and spiritual wants, with grace earnestly and faithfully to cry and pray unto thee for mercy and relief in all my necessities, and chief for all spiritual graces to my soul. And as I trust thou wilt awake me from the dulness of this night's sleep in safety to the morning light; so dear Lord, by thy holy Spirit daily quicken my soul from the deadness of sin, to newness of life, and raise me up in mercy hereafter, from the darkness of death, unto light and life eternal, to live with thee my God for evermore. Now gracious Lord, receive me with all that doth belong unto me into thy merciful protection now and always, to keep and deliver us from all sin and evil, giving us this night quiet sleep, health and rest if it be thy will; and grant whether I sleep or wake, live or die, I may be wholly thine, and do all to thy honour and glory; that so both in life and death, Christ may be to me an advantage, through thy infinite mercy, O my blessed Lord God. Now I humbly pray thee, so to enlighten the darkness of my soul and understanding with thy grace, that I may see clearly the right way to heavenly happiness, and by thy assistance follow hard after it until I have attained to it; and also for thy holy Names sake defend me from all perils and dangers of this night either to my soul or body, to me or any of mine, for the love of thy only Son, my dear Saviour Jesus Christ: for whose sake, grant me also the guard of thy holy and good Angels now and ever, that they may pitch their tents about me to preserve me from all my enemies bodily and ghostly; and commit me Lord to the custody of thy blessed Spirit to keep me from falling into any sin or evil, and to guide my ways into the paths of truth and righteousness, that I may live in thy holy fear, and die in thy faith and favour; and good God, grant that in the hour of my death, and in the day of judgement, thy dear Son and my sweet Jesus, may be my merciful judge and Saviour, to pardon and paste by all my sins, and cover them with his righteousness, that after death I may be received and accepted into thy grace and favour, to live and remain in joy and bliss eternally with thee my God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Now, O God, who canst do abundantly, more than I can ask or think, to thee be all praise, honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 25. The conclusion for Thursday night in bed. O Lord my God, I thank thee for all thy mercies vouchsafed unto me this present day and formerly: and now be pleased, O Lord, by thy holy Spirit to sanctify me thy poor unworthy servant, in soul, body and spirit throughout, to thy right faithful and constant service all my days; and assist me with thy grace that I may daily confess, lament, hate, leave and amend all my former misdeeds, and may become faithfully and unfeignedly thine in all true obedience and sincere and perfect love toward thy Majesty, both living and dying, and for ever; that through thy mercy and Christ's merits, I may be found blameless at the appearance of my Lord Jesus, by whom I trust to obtain to live in heaven with thee, and to be presented by my Saviour unto thy gracious acceptance in that great day of the Lord, to remain with thee my God for ever. Amen. 26. A Prayer for Friday at first awaking to God the Son. Dear Saviour Jesus, have mercy upon me a miserable sinner: Thou immaculate Lamb of God, that knewest no sin, but diedst for our transgressions, and shed thine own most precious blood to cleanse us from sin: I most humbly praise and magnify thy holy Name for all thy mercies who hast done and suffered great and many things for me, but especially I bless thee for those spiritual blessings thou hast bestowed upon me before I was borne, and hitherto. Now sweet Jesus, who knowest my frailty, I do most humbly pray thee never to leave me to myself, nor to my soul's enemies, neither while I live, at my death, nor in the great and dreadful day of judgement, when all things shall be made manifest before thee, and it will be wholly in thy power to save or to condemn; then Lord Jesus look in mercy on me as one of thine, whom thou lovest to the end, to pardon and cover all my sins, and receive me into thy grace and favour, for by thee only cometh my salvation, and in thee, O Lord, is my whole trust: Therefore vouchsafe Lord, to continue thy goodness, thy favour, and thy loving kindness towards me this day and for ever, in forgiving all my iniquities, that I have committed in my whole life past; and also my sinful omission of those duties and good works, which thou hast commanded, and I have wickedly neglected. But I most humbly beseech thee, my Saviour, to endue me thy most unworthy servant with thy grace and holy Spirit, to direct my heart, and all my ways aright before thee, and preserve me at all times in the sincere and perfect love of thy divine Majesty, and in thy fear and favour, with unfeigned repentance and amendment of life, that I may obtain thy gracious pardon for all my offences; and Lord, give me true faith, steadfast hope, and perfect charity unto my li●●● end. These great mercies I ask at thy gracious hands, dear Jesus Christ, who art my only Saviour, Redeemer, Mediator, and Advocate; to whom be all praise and glory for ever. Amen. 27. A morning Prayer for Friday, to God the Son. SWeet Saviour, none can come to the Father but by thee; and whosoever cometh unto thee thou castest not away, but wilt raise him up at the last day unto eternal life. Now dear Jesus, thou blessed Son, and innocent Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the sins of the world, who graciously callest unto thee all heavy laden and penitent sinners that thou mayest ease and refresh them; have pity on me, and vouchsafe to sanctify and cleanse my soul and body, from all sin and evil by thy holy Spirit, and make me pure and upright in thy sight, and be pleased to protect and direct my heart and soul, and all my ways before thee, and to endue me with thy blessed Spirit, to preserve me from falling into any sin or offence towards thee; but assist me with thy grace in all things I go about to do, that I may do that which may be most acceptable and best pleasing in thy fight. Now Lord, I confess that I was conceived and borne in sin, and I am a miserable and wretched sinner above all others, and unto whom should I come, but to thee the Saviour of mankind, who camest into the world to save sinners by thy grace, of whom I am chief? O fountain of mercy, who didst vouchsafe to be borne of the blessed and pure Virgin Mary, (to become man) and tookest our wretched nature upon thee, therein to suffer death, to reassume us from eternal death, sin, the grave, hell and Satan, and didst willingly lay down thine own life for us, which no man could take from thee, that we might live by faith through thee; and also thou hadst power to take it up again, and didst rise from the grave the third day for our justification, and to vanish all our spiritual enemies: and lastly, thou our Lord, didst gloriously ascend into heaven, there to take possession, and make intercession for us unto thy heavenly Father, with whom thou dost reign in heaven for ever, whither thou dost graciously and daily draw to thee all those that truly believe in thee, there to live hereafter with thee; of which number, dear Lord, in the fullness of thy mercies make me one. Now I further humbly pray thee, sweet Jesus, the Saviour of all that trust in thee, that thou wilt have mercy on me, to forgive and pardon all my sins and offences past, and present, both original and actual, of omission and commission, of infirmity or presumption, whatsoever I stand guilty of before there, and even those secret sins, that none but thy Allseeing eyes, and my own conscience can testify against me, which is more than a thousand witnesses: I humbly pray thee to cast them all behind thy back into the pit of oblivion, never to come in remembrance with thee; and wash all my faults out of thy sight with that blessed stream of thine own most precious blood, which thou didst so plentifully shed for us in thy most bitter passion. O blessed Lord, let not all these thy mercies and benefits which thou hast done and purchased for mankind, be fruitless or in vain towards me, thy poor unworthy servant, whose confidence is only in thee, that thou wilt make me a happy partaker of all thy great benefits and favours: And sweet jesus, grant through thy mercies, merits and infinite sufferings, that my transgressions may never be laid to my charge: for there is no other name under heaven but thine only, blessed jesus our righteous Lord, by which we can be saved. To thee be rendered as is due all honour, praise, thanks, and glory, for ever and ever: Concluding my petition with that perfect Prayer, which thyself hast taught us, saying, Our Father which art in heaven, etc. 28. A Prayer for Friday night, to God the Son, our blessed Saviour. I Will love thee dearly, O Lord my strength, for thou art my helper, my refuge, and the lifter up of my head, and I will praise thy name so long as I have breath. O Lord Christ, by whom was fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, and in thee all the promises of God are Yea and Amen, to the glory of God the Father, and the comfort of all thy servants; thou art that pure and innocent Lamb of God, that was killed and is alive, to thee was given all power, honour and glory, who liveth and reigneth for ever in heaven and earth, of whose Kingdom there is no end; to thee Lord be all possible praise and thanks for ever. This is my only Lord and blessed Saviour Jesus Christ the righteous, who died for our sins, and risen again for our justification, and art our Advocate in heaven; so that whatsoever we shall ask the Father in thy name, according to thy will, if we believe, we shall obtain it for thy sake, who art the beloved Son of God, in whom only he is well pleased. My dear God, have mercy upon me a most grievous sinner to pardon all my offences past, in soul or body, of ignorance or wilfulness, of frailty, neglect, contempt or wicked stubborness; bury them all, sweet Jesus, in thy grave, and cleanse them from before thine eyes, with thy most precious blood, which thou didst of thine own accord and infinite love shed for us, to free us from eternal death which by our sins are due; therefore gracious Lord, grant through thy merits, and manifold sufferings, that my iniquities may never be able to appear before thee against me, either to accuse or condemn me, neither in this life, at my death, nor in the great and last judgement: but in that dreadful day, Lord by all thy mercies I beseech thee, show thyself my loving Saviour, to pass by & cover all my misdeeds with thy righteousness, that so I may escape thy just wrath which my transgressions have deserved. Now, dear jesus, while I live here, make me thy unworthy servant wholly thine, to be thy faithful and constant disciple, and so to love thee as to keep thy Commandments which are not grievous, but in obeying them there is great reward; and let me so follow thee here, as to be lowly and meek, to forsake myself and the world, and to take up all my crosses with patience, and strive to go after thy steps, though I be fare unable to drink of that heavy and bitter cup of God's wrath of which thou so deeply tastedst, who art the propitiation for our sins to deliver us from that fearful condemnation due unto us: my offences Lord, I confess did add unto that weighty burden of God's heavy displeasure, and our grievous sins which thou didst bear upon the cross for all true believers, who shall pass from death, to life eternal, which thy sufferings, O Christ, hath purchased for us; whereby I, the unworthiest of thy servants do also hope to follow thee hereafter, from the grave to heaven at the resurrection of the just, that according to thy will declared before thy death, all that are thine shall be with thee, even where thou art to enjoy all bliss and happiness; in thine own love by thy unmerited mercies, we shall be made partakers with thee of thy heavenly Kingdom of glory, there to serve and praise thy glorious Name, who art most worthy, world without end. Amen. 29. The conclusion for Friday night. LOrd jesus, vouchsafe to receive me this night into thy gracious protection both in life and death: And dear Lord, I humbly pray thee to enlighten me with thy grace rightly and faithfully to serve and obey thee in all true devotion, and with due submission to thy holy will in all things so long as I live; and now Lord, I am in health laid down in my bed by thy loving permission, hoping to take quiet rest and sleep, which I beseech thee to give me, and also I trust by thy mercy to a wake in thy grace and favour to the morning light again, because thou gracious Lord, dost only me sustain, and wilt in safety thy poor servant keep; who do most humbly commend and commit myself, my soul and body, my children and grandchildren, and all I have to thee, from whom I have received all the good I do enjoy, for thou hast showed great mercies unto me; for which I bless and praise thy holy Name, beseeching thee to give me grace, never to forget thy benefits, but to continue Lord thy true and faithful servant unto my death, and for ever. Amen. 30. A Prayer to the blessed Trinity, at first waking for Saturday morning. I Will praise the Lord because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever; by whom we live, move, and have our being, our maintenance, safety and preservation. Now glorious Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I humbly pray thee, vouchsafe unto me thy most unworthy servant, such grace and favour to knit my heart and soul fast to there, so that my sins, nor my soul's enemies, the wicked world, my own corrupt flesh, nor the malice of the Devil, may not be able to pluck me out of thy merciful and powerful hands; but Lord assist me with thine own blessed Spirit, that I may daily continue and increase in all sincere and perfect love and obedience towards thy Majesty; and in thy fear and favour, and all other saving graces, to have a good conscience before thee, with true faith, steadfast hope, and perfect charity unto my life's end. Amen. 31. A Prayer unto the Trinity for Saturday morning. O Lord our God, how excellent is thy Name in all the world, for thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of thy hands, and thou didst create, and dost govern, dispose and rule the whole world, with all things therein, according to thy good pleasure. O most divine and adored Trinity, Father Son and Holy Ghost, three persons, but one true, eternal and everliving God, to whom be all praise, honour and glory as is right and due for ever. Thou only by thy word and power didst make all things for thine own glory, especially mankind after thine image in purity and holiness to thine own service; for by thy ptovidence and mercy cometh all good gifts and blessings unto us, and also deliverances only from thee, of those evils and dangers which sin hath made us subject unto in falling from thee, and our first integrity, by the subtillty and malice of Satan and our own frailty, yet of thine own free grace thou didst elect a number by thee selected of thy chosen servants to inherit an eternal Kingdom, with and through thy beloved Son, whom thou didst ordain and send into the world at thine appointed time to be the redemption of all that believe in thee. O God the Son our blessed Lord Jesus Christ, it is written of thee that thou shouldest do the will of God the Father, who ordained thee to be our Redeemer, and wert made of God unto us, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and salvation, with glorification hereafter. Now dear Jesus, who hast paid our ransom, even the all-sufficient and acceptable sacrifice of thine own precious blood to wash away our sins, who was lifted upon the cross between heaven and earth to make an atonement betwixt God and man, his heavy wrath and our grievous offences, and so thou art become our Priest, to offer up thy innocent self to cleanse us from our sins, who art our Prophet to instruct and teach us and direct our ways aright, to show us the path of life, and make the way plain before our faces, and by thy example, to bear our cross patiently, and follow thee that art the way, the truth and the life, to lead us to eternal salvation; also thou art our King to protect, defend, and reign over us in mercy, truth and righteousness, till thine enemies be made thy footstool, and all that hate thee be destroyed before thee, for God hath put all things in subjection under his feet, then shalt thou judge the whole world in righteousness and equity, and wilt bring thy servants, to that eternal inheritance, which thou hast by thy merits and sufferings so dearly purchased for us, who wert borne unto us to be the joy and comfort of all people, and the glory and salvation of all that truly believe and trust in thee our Saviour. O God Holy Ghost, the giver, worker and sealer of all graces unto us; by thee we are called to the knowledge of God and his saving truth, sanctified to the performance of his will and Commandments certified by the holy Spirit of our salvation in Christ Jesus, and by thee applied unto us to be regenerated and borne again by thy holy operation from sin to grace, to thy glory and our endless felicity. And thy Spirit also witnesseth to our spirits that we are the children of God and heirs with Christ of the Kingdom of heaven to the eternal comfort of all thy servants, being by thee also united to our blessed Christ, and sealed to the day of redemption, and continually assisting us to all goodness. Now great and glorious Lord God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, thou hast plentifully poured down thy manifold mercies and favours upon us, and multiplied exceedingly thy blessings and benefits spiritual and temporal towards us before we had being in the world, since we were borne, and after death thou hast laid up an eternal weight of glory for all those to possess that truly believe in thee, which give me grace to do, for none hath or ever can deserve them. Oh the abundant mercy, bounty, and goodness of our gracious God towards mortal mankind! who can declare the height and depth of God's unspeakable love, or be sufficiently thankful to him for such unexpressible benefits; but with David, we may say (Lord) What is man that thou art mindful of him? Or what shall we render to thee for all thy mercies, having in us no good at all, but what we receive from thyself? therefore Lord, add this further grace unto thy former favours, by the assistance of thine own Spirit, to make us thy unworthy servants, able, rightly, faithfully, and constantly to fear, love, honour, serve, obey and praise thy most glorious Name while we live, and for ever and ever. Amen. 32. A Prayer to God the Holy Ghost, for Saturday night. O God Holy Ghost, the giver of all graces and and my gracious sanctifier, comforter and preserver, thou knowest my infirmities, my inclination to all evil, and backwardness to any goodness: vouchsafe Lord, to sanctify me thy poor sinful servant, in soul, body and spirit throughout, to thy true fear, entire love, and right faithful and constant service, all my time to come: And be pleased Lord, by thy grace to enlighten my dull soul and understanding, with the sound knowledge, sincere love, and steadfast belief of thy saving truth, and keep me ever constant therein. And vouchsafe, dear Lord, to enrich me thy poor unworthy servant, with the infinite treasure of that heavenly wisdom from above, which waiteth about thy Throne, that may teach me thy holy will, and what is good and acceptable unto thee; and enable me with grace to do it, that so I may discern between good and evil, and make me shun and hate that which is evil, and follow and cleave unto that which is good; and to withdraw my love from this vain world, and fix my affections upon thee my God, and on heavenly things that are above, that my chief treasure may be settled there in heaven, and my heart also; and so I shall first seek to obtain that which is most needful, even thy glory, thy favour, and thy blessed Kingdom, and then Lord, I know thou wilt supply all the defects of grace in my soul, and heal all the infirmities of my body; but chief vouchsafe daily to continue and increase all spiritual graces in my soul by thy mercy and mighty power, O my blessed Lord God: to which end, O gracious Spirit, give me an upright and penitent heart, an humble and lowly spirit, a quiet recollected mind freed from the vanities and cares of this present world, and the love of this vile life; but Lord teach me with Mary first and above all things to seek after thee my God, thy Kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, so that I may have grace wholly to devote and dedicate myself, my time and best endeavours unto thy true and faithful service, and daily study and strive to do thy holy will in all things, and seek thy glory here, that so I may be partaker of thy heavenly Kingdom hereafter. And dear Lord Holy Ghost, inspire me with thy grace daily to hear and read thy holy and blessed word as I ought to do, and that I may so employ my time therein as to frame my life hereafter to thy glory and my souls good. And grant me graciously, O God, to choose, to speak, and to walk in the ways of truth and righteousness, and to set thy heavy judgements against sin continually before my face to deter and make me daily to remember my own last end, and by thy assistance to prepare for it, and to consider the end in all my actions before I do them, that I may never do amiss; and let me still remember thy allseeing eyes are ever upon our ways that I may not displease or offend thee in any thing: But Lord, endue me with thy holy Spirit to direct my heart and all my ways aright before thee, that so thou mayest witness to my spirit that I am the child of God, and ever continue unto me that unspeakable comfort to give me the joyful hope of my salvation, through my Lord Jesus Christ, unto my end: and in my end especially establish me with thy free spirit to work in my soul all saving graces that may make me acceptable in thy sight, through my Lord Jesus Christ, for whose sake I beseech thee further to extend thy goodness towards me, to forgive all my sins and offences that I have done before thee in my whole life past, and preserve me in soul and body from all sin and evil, either committing or falling on me; but dear Lord, vouchsafe daily to supply and bestow upon me all the benefits and blessings necessary for this present life; but chief be pleased to sanctify my soul and body unto thy faithful service, and endue me with all saving graces for my salvation both in life and death, that so I may be able rightly and constantly to serve and please thee whilst I live here, that also by thy gracious assistance I may obtain a place hereafter to live with thee eternally, O Holy Ghost, and my blessed Lord God, to whom be all thanks and praise for ever. Amen. 33. The conclusion for Saturday night in bed to the week's Prayers for mornings and nights. I Most humbly beseech thee, my Lord God, mercifully to look upon me and my manifold infirmities, and for Jesus my Saviour's sake, vouchsafe to forgive and pardon all my sins and grievous offences that I have committed in thy sight all the days of my life past; and in thy great mercy turn from me all those evils that my transgressions have justly deserved; and Lord, grant me thy preventing grace and fatherly providence to be still with me to preserve me at all times from falling into any sin or evil, either to offend thee my God, or to hurt my own soul. And vouchsafe, Lord, so to direct and dispose the heart and ways of me (thy most unworthy servant) towards the right performance of all duties and services that I own unto thee my God, and the happy obtaining (by my Lord jesus) of everlasting salvation to my own self; that amongst all the changes, chances and adversities of this miserable, mutable, and mortal life, I may ever be defended by thy ready help and favour from falling into sin, shame, harm or danger, either in soul or body, and may be directed and assisted by thy grace and providence to walk in the ways of righteousness and true holiness before thee, that thou my Lord Holy Ghost, mayest guide me in all things I go about, to do that which may be most serviceable, acceptable, and best pleasing in the sight of my Lord God, to whom be all praise, honour, power and eternal glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The end of the second Book. BOOK III. Short Prayers which may belong to any the three Books, when time serves, not for longer devotions. 1. A short Preface before other prayers or petitions. O Lord Holy Ghost, who best knowest my manifold infirmities, have mercy and pity upon me; and vouchsafe to prevent, or to banish and drive away all evil hindrances and temptations that may withdraw my heart from God in the offering up of my prayers and humble petitions unto thy Majesty; and be pleased Lord, to sanctify, teach and assist me herein with thy holy Spirit and grace, that I may rightly and faithfully perform this duty and service before thee, to thy glory and my good, and comfort of my soul through Christ Jesus. Amen. 2. A short thanksgiving at first sight of the morning light. MY blessed Lord God, I most humbly praise thee for thy gracious preservation of me with quiet rest and health this night past, and bringing me in safety to this light; Lord bless and sanctify me this day and ever unto thy faithful service, and keep me always in thy true faith, fear, favour and ready obedience; and make me constantly and unfaignedly thine all my life time, but in my death especially, that when it pleaseth thee to call for me out of this miserable world, thou mayest bring me to eternal salvation by thine own merits and mere mercy, sweet Jesus, I most humbly beseech thee. So be it. 3. A Prayer for help in present temptation, in the time of prayer to our Lord Jesus, who overcame and subdued the old tempter, the subtle Serpent our everlasting enemy, from whom God defend us. OH my God, heavenly Father, who hast made and seest all hearts, and knowest my great affection and fervent desire rightly to serve thee, and my weakness and frailty in performance thereof, have pity on my infirmities, and assist me with thy grace. And sweet Jesus my Saviour, who didst suffer thyself to be tempted by the Devil, that thou mightest overcome the tempter, and secure all those that are tempted; to thee Lord, I call and pray, for help and defence against this malicious adversary. O God the Holy Ghost, endue me with thy blessed Spirit and power so to resist him that he may fly from me, and banish thou Lord, all wicked hindrances and temptations away from thy poor servant in performing all my duties towards thee. Now dear God, have mercy upon me most miserable sinner, and in thy infinite mercy drive away this subtle enemy of my poor soul, with his pernicious agents, the vain world, and the corruptions of our own nature, let them not prevail over me at any time, for these are very ready to assault, tempt and draw my mind from thee in all my devotions and services that I endeavour to offer unto thy Majesty; and to make my prayers vain and void, and drive me to fall into wicked neglect towards my God, whereby to prevent, destroy, and divert all my comforts and hopes in thee O Lord, which is the whole life of my soul. But Gracious God Almighty, whose power and strength is above all, vouchsafe to overcome and banish all from me, never to return again; and let thy blessed Spirit rest constantly in me to withstand all disturbances in the performance of my duty before thee; and dear Lord, make new, clean, and upright my heart, and frame it to thy holy will, that so by thy gracious assistance, I may faithfully serve and honour thee, please and praise thee my God, now and at all times, in this life and for ever, to thy glory, and my eternal comfort. Amen. The afternoon prayers at four a clock for each day in the week. Monday. 1. A thanks giving to the blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. O My good and gracious God, great and many are thy mercies and blessings I have received from thee both spiritual and temporal, from time to time; and now what shall I render unto thee, having no good to return, but the poor fruit of my lips, which is nothing unto thee but the performance of our duties to praise thy great Name, and to acknowledge all thy benefits? therefore now I will give thanks to God the Father, our gracious Creator, who so loved us when we were his enemies, and had lost ourselves by sin, that he ordained, and after sent his only begotten and beloved Son into the world, that whosoever, believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life; Christ being the propitiation for our sins, that we may live by faith through him. And also I yield all possible praise unto my blessed Saviour, who became man, and in his infinite love willingly laid down his life for us, and washed away our sins with his own precious blood, and made us by his merits and sufferings, Kings and Priests unto God, and adopted children to his Father, and heirs with himself of an eternal Kingdom, by whose resurrection we have a lively hope of an inheritance that cannot be shaken, and withereth not, reserved in heaven for us. Now to thee Lord Holy Ghost, the preserver, sanctifier, and comforter of mankind, by whom we are sealed unto the day of redemption, and by whose holy working we are united unto Jesus our blessed head, and are certified by thy Spirit, witnessing to our spirits that we are the children of God to our great comfort; and further by thy assistance and grace, our weak prayers are rightly and effectually offered up unto the Lord our God. Now to thee, Almighty God, three Persons and glorious Trinity, but one true and everliving God, from whose merciful hands we daily receive all the good we do enjoy in this present world, with further and full assurance of far greater happiness by thy infinite mercies in the life to come, be all praise and glory. Amen. Tuesday. 2. A Prayer to the Trinity for grace and true faith. O Sweet Jesus Christ, Son of God, who art the divine word, without whom nothing was made, and being made had been utterly lost, hadst thou not been our powerful and merciful Redeemer; thou art the way, the truth, and the life, and thou who hast said, that no man can come unto the Father but by thee, who camest into the world, and didst willingly lay down thine own life only to save sinners by thy grace, of whom I am chief; have mercy upon me miserable sinner, who can of myself neither will nor perform any good work towards God as I ought to do▪ but vouchsafe Lord, to endue me with grace to serve and obey thee, to learn thy will and to do it, and through faith to lay hold of thy mercies, that so thou my Saviour mayest in thy righteousness present me to thy heavenly Father, that he may look upon me poor sinful creature, through thee his dear Son, and for thy sake to receive and accept me into his gracious favour, to pardon all my sins, and save my soul, through thy perfect righteousness, and manifold sufferings all performed for me. Now thou Lord hast further said that none can come unto thee except the Father draw him, therefore I most humbly pray thee, O God the Father, by that infinite love to wards mankind, which caused thee to send down thy beloved Son out of thine own bosom into this wicked world, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life: I earnestly pray thee, O God the Father, to draw me to thy Son Jesus, that I may lay fast hold by faith on him to be my Saviour, and to be his faithful and constant servant, and to be made through him, and by thy mercy a happy member of him our blessed head, & then I shall be sure never to fall into condemnation, but by steadfast faith in him obtain eternal salvation: And dear Lord Holy Ghost, the giver of grace, by whom we are joined to our Lord and head Christ, and sanctified to a new and holy life: Lord cleanse and frame my heart and soul by the holy working and assistance of thy Spirit and grace, unto the right, faithful and constant service of my Lord God my Saviour Jesus, with thee O Holy Ghost, so long as I live: Lord daily increase my faith and all saving graces in me for my salvation, and may by thee be directed and lead into the ways of righteousness, until thou hast brought me unto endless happiness through Jesus Christ. Amen. Wednesday. 3. A prayer to God for charity. O Merciful Lord God, the giver of all graces, I humbly beseech thee to frame my heart, will and affections, in all ready obedience to thy most holy will and Commandments in all things, especially in the works of mercy, and charity, they being a sweet smelling sacrifice wherewith thou art well pleased, and wherein we may imitate thee, and shall thereby gain the honour to be made like unto thyself, and be known to be one of thy disciples if we love our brethren as ourselves. O God, as thou hast blessed me of thy mere goodness with an estate above some others, to give me the grace of compassion and charity, and enlarge my heart towards thy service, to show mercy unto them that want, as thou hast been merciful unto me, that I may willingly distribute, communicate to those that are in need, and be liberal of my earthly vanishing wealth to relieve thy children's necessities, for thy sake, that are dear unto thee, who wert free of thy very blood, and sparedst not thine own life to ransom them and me from utter destruction: and so the loins and bellies of the poor shall praise thee and bless me in their comforts; and thou mayest vouchsafe to receive and accept at my poor hands that small mi●e of thankfulness and obedience towards thee my God, from whose most gracious hand I have received many bountiful blessings and benefits throughout my whole life, which let me never forget, gratefully to acknowledge while ● have breath, and to praise thy holy Name 〈◊〉 ●ll thy mercies now and for evermore. Amen d●●re God. Amen. Thursday. 4. A Prayer to the Trinity for spiritual graces. MOst gracious Lord God, who didst create man of the dust of the earth, and knowest we are by nature the children of wrath, and wholly inclined to evil; for thou best understandest how unapt and unable I sinful creature am to do any good before thee, much less to call upon thy great and glorious Name as I ought to do, yet thou in mercy hast appointed prayer to be the chief means betwixt thy great Majesty, and the unworthiness of us thy poor sinful servants, whereby to declare our wants, griefs, and desires unto thee, who art our only hope and help: Therefore dear Lord, endue me thy unworthy servant with thy true spirit of grace and prayer, to teach me how to pray as I ought, that thereby I may have power and strength to withstand all evil temptations that seek to draw me from thy service, and by thy assistance that I may be able so to resist the Devil that he may fly from me in the performance of all duties towards thee; and give me grace with faith and fervency, humility and true devotion, to cry and pray daily and constantly unto thee for relief and distress in all my troubles and wants, and faithfully to call and rely upon thee for all thy blessings and benefits both spiritual and temporal, to be bestowed on my soul and body as thou shalt think fittest; that so I may render all thanks and magnify thy Name, as I am right bound to do, for all thy mercies and favours vouchsafed unto me the most unworthiest of all thy servants from time to time. And I humbly pray thee, O Lord, to give me the blessed gift of true faith, without which it is impossible for me to please thee my God, but thereby I may lay hold, and rightly apply unto my own soul all the infinite benefits purchased by the bitter death and passion, and precious bloodshedding of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that I may bring forth the fruits of righteousness and true holiness before thee as becometh that Saints and servants; whereby I may glorify thee, and have assurance to my own conscience that I am thine by constantly obeying thy will: And also Lord grant me hearty and unfeigned repentance and true sorrow for all my sins original and actual, in omitting the good I ought to do, and committing the evil I should not do against thee, that so I may obtain pardon of all my trespasses, through the merits of Jesus Christ the righteous; and let thy blessed Spirit produce in me amendment of my life all my time to come, and assist me with thy grace to shun and hate all approaches of evil, and Lord show me the way of life, and turn my steps into the right paths that I may wallke in true obedience to all thy holy Commandments. Now dear God of thy mercy, give me the true fear of thy holy Name, with assurance of thy gracious favour towards me, and continual joy and comfort in the Holy Ghost, that I may strive always to keep faith and a good conscience before thee towards all; and endue me with grace, will, understanding and ability, to do good works to thy glory, and bring comfort and profit to my soul in praying, reading, and hearing of thy most holy word at all times, and most devout love towards thy Majesty, with affection to all my brethren, thy children, servants and all the days of my life to come, by thy gracious assistance dear God. Amen. Friday. 5. A Prayer for defence against our soul's enemies, in all temptations. GOod Lord God, who knowest the power and great malice of our spiritual enemies, from whom none can defend or deliver us, but only thou, O Lord, whose power and strength is over and above all; and if thou please to receive me into thy gracious protection, who can hurt or pluck me out of thy merciful hands? Therefore I most humbly beseech thee, O God, to defend me both in soul and body, in life and death, from all the temptations of my own wretched nature within me, the wicked enticements of this vain world round about me, with the malicious snares, and evil temptations of the Devil that are ever at my back ready to entrap me, and draw my soul from thee my God and all goodness, and to lead me captive into all wickedness, sin and evil, to separate me from thee, all which like roaring Lions seek to devour and destroy me everlastingly. But I most humbly pray unto thee, O Lord, who understandest my frailties, to preserve and deliver me from all their assaults, that they may never be able to prevail over me to draw me to sin against thee my God, in any thing; neither suffer them to prevent, hinder, disturb or carry away my mind, or possess my vain heart with wand'ring thoughts in the performance of any holy duty or service towards thy Majesty; nor give them power to bring those harms, dangers or mischiefs upon me either in soul or body which they desire to do. But let thy blessed Spirit so fully possess me, and ever direct and assist me in all my ways, to do all things in a right, faithful and acceptable manner before thee, that so at all times thy Spirit may witness unto my spirit, that I am thy child and servant; and of thy infinite mercy good Lord, vouchsafe thou always to say unto my soul, especially at my death, that thou art my God, my help and my salvation for ever: and by thy grace make my heart and soul to answer and perform unto thee again, that I am, and will be thy true, faithful and obedient servant unto my last breath for ever. Amen. Saturday. 6. A Prayer for the true spirit of prayer, or a meditation. With a short prayer to Jesus our Saviour. Dear Lord Holy Ghost, the helper of our infirmities, the preserver and sanctifier of mankind, I most humbly beg of thee to endue me thy unworthy sinful servant, with thy true Spirit of grace and prayer, that I may rightly perform that duty towards thee of calling upon thy holy Name, and all other thy service this day and at all times, with true and right devotion, that so my petitions being humbly presented to thy great Majesty lowly and meekly on the knees of my heart & body; they may by thy merciful assistance be lifted up and ascend by the wings of faith and devotion unto the highest heavens, and there with confidence through my Saviour Jesus, enter into the glorious ears and presence of Almighty God, where all mercy, grace and goodness aboundeth. And then my supplications by thy favour, may be heard and accepted by thee my God, to prevail and draw down from thy merciful hand all graces and blessings needful, upon me thy poor creature both in soul and body; and so my unworthy sacrifice of due praise and thanks that I offer unto thee may be received and accepted by thee, the Lord of all mercies, who doth often take in good part even the will for the deed, from thy frail unworthy servants, and then my poor prayers shall bring much joy and comfort to me, and give glory to thee, my Lord. To whom (as of right belongs) be all honour and praise, for evermore. Amen. A short Prayer to our blessed Saviour Jesus, to be joined to the former prayers. OH my dear Lord Jesus, who didst in thy infinite mercy give thy innocent self to death for me a poor miserable sinner; Lord by thy grace make me to dedicate and offer up myself a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto thee, in daily striving rightly and faithfully to serve and obey thee, that I may be wholly thine; and as thou hast bought me with an unvaluable treasure, even thine own most precious blood, so sweet Jesus by thy holy Spirit unite me unseparably unto thee, my blessed head; and by thy assistance, that I may become a new creature, to hate and forsake all sins, the vain world, and my wicked self, and to be a true, careful and constant servant unto thee, to fear, love, honour, and glorify thy great and heavenly Name, who art the comfort and salvation of all that believe and trust in thee, which Lord, let me unfaignedly do, so long as I live. 7. A Prayer to God, the Lord of all grace and mercy, containing seven humble petitions from a penitent sinner: 1. For true faith. 2. For the Holy Ghost. 3. For wisdom. 4. For the fear of God. 5. For the love of God, and charity to our neighbours. 6. For repentance and true contrition of heart. 7. And for the grace and right spirit of prayer. O Most bountiful Lord God, which giveth to all men liberally, and reproacheth none, if we ask in faith and waver not: and our blessed Saviour maketh us a large promise, saying, Ask and ye shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you: And whatsoever you shall ask in my Name I will do it, if you believe when you pray that you shall have it; for your heavenly Father if you ask in my name, will give the Holy Ghost to them that desire him, and wisdom to such as ask it of God, and no good thing shall be wanting or withheld from them which fear the Lord, and walk uprightly in his sight; so that we may well say with David, What is man that thou Lord art mindful of him, and dost visit him with thy mercy, and crownest him with glory and honour? Most merciful Lord, these thy gracious promises and great goodness towards mortal man, imboldneth me, though a miserable sinner, and most unworthy of thy favours, now to offer up my supplications, and become an humble suitor to thy Majesty, to beg these great blessings at thy hands, who have justly deserved grievous punishments from thee for my offences. But of thine own mere mercy, dear God, who desirest not the death of a sinner, but our repentance, conversion, and salvation; and for thy best beloved Sons sake, in whom thou wilt deny us nothing, vouchsafe to incline thine ear to receive the humble petitions of me thy poor servant, who presumeth to crave of thee, the Father of mercy, and the original of all goodness, from whom only cometh all good and perfect gifts, the seven spiritual and heavenly graces, wherewith to vanquish and banishus from the seven dangerous deadly sins, which like Serpents slay and destroy so many souls, the least sin we commit, being sufficient to condemn us for ever. And now first, Good God, I humbly pray thee to bestow upon me the blessed and most needful gift of true faith, without which it is impossible to please thee, whereby I may steadfastly believe and trust in thy goodness, and lay fast hold of all thy mercies and gracious promises, especially upon the merits and sufferings of thy dear Son, and my Saviour Jesus for my redemption, and by thy grace rightly to apply them all to my salvation. And grant I may with thy assistance, bring forth such fruits of true holiness and righteousness, as may be most to thy glory and the peace and comfort of mine own conscience. And since I have begun to speak to thee, O Lord, who am but dust and ashes, vouchsafe for Jesus sake, further to give me the most excellent gift of the Holy Ghost, to unite me inseparably to my blessed head and Saviour Christ, and inspire my soul with all saving graces, which may change all the evil in me to goodness, darkness to light, vices to virtues, and so wholly to cleanse and sanctify my soul, body, and spirit, throughout, that I may be made perfect to every good work, and renewed and enabled to all obedience, godliness and holiness of life before thee: and I also most humbly beseech thee (O gracious God) to enrich me thy poor unworthy servant, with the unvaluable treasure of that heavenly wisdom from above, which abideth about thy Throne, to direct and reform my heart, and all my ways aright in thy sight, and to teach me thy holy will, and what is good and acceptable unto thee, and enable me with grace to do it; and likewise Lord endue me with the true understanding of thy holy Laws, that I may keep them with my whole heart unto my end? Now, O my Lord, we are taught by Solomon, That the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and the knowledge of divine things, true understanding; therefore I do most humbly entreat thee to knit my rebellious heart to the holy fear of thy glorious Name, who only art to be feared, with the due consideration of thy righteous and terrible judgements, who canst cast both body and soul into hell; let this detain me from falling into any evil or offence towards thee, and thereby also draw my sinful soul unto thy faithful service, with true contrition for all my past transgressions against thee. But especially, good God, be pleased to endue my poor soul with the infinite gift and blessing of thy sincere and perfect love of thy divine and heavenly Majesty who art the true and only good. And, O God, grant that I may love and honour thee above and beyond all other things, with all my heart, all my soul, all my strength, and with all my mind, setting my affections not on things that are below, but upon heavenly treasures that are above, which are permanent and fade not, where my sweet Saviour who died for me on earth, now liveth and reigneth with thee in heaven for ever, and maketh intercession for me there, that by thy assistance I may continually study and strive, carefully and willingly to perform all duties towards thee in obeying thy Commandments with an upright and perfect heart before thee: and in all true charity being ready to do good to others as thou commandest, and to love my neighbour as myself, even my enemies for thy sake. Most merciful Lord, who knowest our frail and wretched natures, and desirest the conversion, & not the confusion of poor miserable sinners; thou sweet Jesus, camest to call, not the righteous, but sinners to repentance, such as I am, and to save that which was lost; Oh let not my poor soul be lost which cost thee thy dear precious blood to save; but Lord, make me by true faith lay hold of my redemption by thee, and all other thy works of mercy; and though I have grievously offended in thy sight, yet I beseech thee, withhold not thy favour from me thy poor sinful servant, but give me the grace of unfeigned sorrow and repentance, with a true contrite spirit, and a broken heart for all my sins committed before thee, from the greatest to the least, wherein I have displeased thee, by thought, desire, word or deed; hating, judging and condemning myself, for so offending thee my Lord God; and most earnestly and humbly crave thy assistance, that I may now happily return to thee with a penitent and grieved heart, from whom I have so unhappily gone astray by a vain corrupt mind and sinful soul, whereby I hope in thy great mercy to escape thy just wrath and condemnation due to my grievous offences; and may also obtain thy gracious pardon for all my passed misdeeds, with the assistance of thy holy Spirit, which I most humbly crave, to amend my former faults, and to reform my ways the rest of my life in all things according to thy blessed will. Now lastly, O gracious Lord our righteousness, my sure hope and heavenly Father, the fountain of all goodness, in whom is all mercy and compassion, from thee only we receive all good gifts and graces; for thou hearest the prayers, and to thee shall all flesh come, who understandest our wants before we ask, and knowest our wretched natures and disabilities to all goodness, so that thy grace only must work both the will and the deed of all that is good in us, and then of thine own mercy accept the same through the merits and mediation of our Saviour Jesus; so doubling thy favours towards us miserable mortal creatures, whose hearts are vile and false unto ourselves and to thee also, and our thoughts are only evil continually: Therefore sweet Jesus the mirror of mercy, vouchsafe to hear and help me, to call and draw me to thyself, and knit fast my heart and soul unto thy true fear, devout love, and faithful service for ever; that so by thyself. I may be enabled to run willingly and joyfully after thee, rightly and readily to perform all duties towards thee, and keep all thy Commandments constantly. Oh gracious Lord Holy Ghost, our blessed preserver, comforter and sanctifier, soften thou my hardened heart by thy grace, and enlighten my dull and sinful soul, with all the powers thereof, my understanding, memory, will and affection, with all saving graces; especially as the chief means to gain the rest, vouchsafe to inspire me with thy true spirit of grace and prayer rightly, humbly, fervently and faithfully to call daily on thy sacred Name, and to worship thee in spirit and truth, even as thou requirest to be served, that so by thy favour I may obtain grace, power and strength, to banish all wand'ring thoughts, and to vanquish and resist all wicked hindrances cast in by the devil or his agents, the world, and mine own corruptions, which distract and disturb my serious and devout attendance of both soul and body in rightly performing this du●y of prayer unto my Lord God, whereby I may be duly thankful for all thy benefits and mercies, already bestowed on me and mine, and also to beg and obtain the gracious countenance of all thy blessings spiritual and temporal, in whatsoever thou seest necessary for this present life, and that which is to come; but more especially in giving me all saving graces, which may fit, prepare and further me here for thy heavenly Kingdom hereafter. To which my Saviour and Redeemer bring me by all the merits and sufferings, and in the fullness of thy mercies, I humbly beseech thee, dear Jesus. Amen, Amen. 1. A sorrowful widow's prayer and petition unto the gracious protector and defender of widows, and father of the fatherless, which I composed shortly after the death of my dear husband: And this may also serve any other upon the like occasion. ALmighty God, and most gracious Lord, who art full of pity and goodness, vouchsafe to hear, assist, and accept the humble devotion and supplication of me thy poor unworthy servant, in Jesus Christ thy dear Son. Most mighty God, whose mercies are above all thy great works, and whose power and divine providence directeth and disposeth all things to the best, for those that do love and depend upon thee. Thou hast ever been pleased to show mercy unto me thy poor handmaid, the most sinful of all thy servants, and hast taken care of me even from my mother's womb, and vouchsafed me many benefits and blessings, and delivering me out of very great crosses and troubles, still holding me up by thy gracious hand from sinking in the midst of a sea of sorrows; and like a most loving Father in my divers change of fortunes, hast at all times provided for me and mine beyond our deserts, or the world's expectation, having in thy merciful goodness made me see with comfort all my children, who were left destitute, now by thy provident provision and blessing, well settled for this life: All which by thy infinite favours, Lord make me ever thankfully to acknowledge, and grant that I and all mine, may serve, obey, praise, and glorify thy great and blessed Name for ever, and ever. And as thou Lord, hast stretched forth thy hand of bounty to supply all my worldly wants; so dear God, vouchsafe more especially to extend thy gracious care over my soul, to prevent and keep me from sin, and endue me with all spiritual graces, so that my whole life and ways may ever be serviceable and acceptable to thy heavenly Majesty. And now, O Lord, since it hath been thy will and pleasure, to take away, and call to thyself my dear husband out of this transitory life before me, and to bereave me of him who was my chief comfort in this world: I humbly beseech thee, vouchsafe to take me into thy care, and give me grace to choose with Mary. that better part which may never be taken from me, chief to serve and follow thee, that so I may turn this freedom from the bond of marriage only the more to thy service, and may become thy bond woman to serve and praise thee day and night like Hanna, so long as I live. And Lord, assist me with thy grace to obey thee in all things according to thy holy will, daily endeavouring to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, and continually striving by a godly life and holy conversation, to make my calling and election sure, which is one of the chiefest things needful. Now dear God, make me to change and far exceed the fervent affection and careful observance I have lived in towards my husband, into a holy fear, with devout and sincere love of thy Majesty and service, and due watchfulness over myself, that I displease not thee my God in any thing. And good God, by thy holy Spirit, withdraw my heart from the covetous seeking, desiring and longing after the vanities, riches, delights, preferments, or vain pleasures of this wicked deceitful world, but instead of my former care and troubles in worldly businesses, to please my husband, and for the good of my children, let me now bend my mind, and wholly set my heart and soul, to seek after thee my good God, thy glory, thy Kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, that so I may walk before thee all the rest of my days, with an upright, faithful, and perfect heart in thy sight. Lastly, endue me with true thankfulness to thy gracious Majesty for all thy manifold mercies vouchsafed unto me, Lord give me grace to use those benefits thou bestowest on me conscionably as may be best pleasing unto thee, and to employ all I have to thy glory, the relievement of thy truest servants, and my own comfort, especially the good of my soul in performing my duty towards thee, in striving to do all the good I can, while I have time, for I desire so to use and receive thy blessings here, as I may be also received into the place of eternal blessedness hereafter, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Finally, I most humbly beg that thou wilt vouchsafe to be a loving and gracious Father in thy care and comfort to me, and all mine, and let thy mercy, blessing and favour, rest always upon me, my children and grandchildren kindred and friends, with all that thou hast given thy poor servant, who doth in all humility commend and commit myself, my ways and works, wholly to thy most blessed protection, and direction, to dispose according to thy good pleasure; that so I may do all things to thy glory here, and by thy mercy be a happy partaker of thy eternal Kingdom of glory hereafter, through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen. 2. A Prayer to the God of mercy in time of affliction. O Most gracious Lord God, the original of all goodness, and fountain of mercy, thou hast commanded thy poor servants to call upon thee in the day of trouble, that thou mayest deliver us, and we may glorify thee; great are the troubles of thy children, but thou deliverest them out of all; thine eyes, O Lord, are upon thy servants, and thine ears are open to their cry, for thou art near unto all that call upon thee in truth, and wilt save such as be afflicted in spirit: the sorrows of my heart are increased, Lord draw me out of my troubles; the poor crieth, and the Lord heareth, he prepareth their hearts, and bendeth his ears to them, and delivereth them out of all their fear and care; for the hope afflicted shall not perish before thee for ever. The Lord also will be a refuge in due time, even in affliction, and they that know thy Name will trust in thee, for thou wilt not fail them that seek thee: have mercy upon me, O Lord, consider my troubles which I suffer of them that hate me without cause, thou hast been my defence, and hast lifted me up from the gates of death: O Lord my God, in thee I put my trust, save me from them that persecute me, and deliver me in thy good time. But, dear God, I most humbly confess that my sins are so many and grievous, as they have deserved fare greater punishment than I am able to bear, and I can hope for no help or release but from thine own goodness, who art my only hope and sure refuge; for thou hast mercy on whom thou wilt have mercy, and takest compassion on whom thou pleasest; but I acknowledge that my sufferings are not answerable to my sins, for thou hast corrected me with favour, not in rigour; therefore if thou shouldest kill me, yet will I trust in thee, for thy mercy exceedeth all thy works, and under the shadow of thy wings will I rest in confidence, till all my afflictions be overpassed. Yet Lord, if it seem good unto thee to continue these heavy troubles and visitations, that now lie sore on me, I humbly pray thee to sanctify all my afflictions unto me thy poor servant, which I hope are but fatherly chastisements for the amendment of my faults, and not the fearful judgements and ensigns of thy wrathful displeasure; from which Lord, for thy Son's sake, preserve me ●●y poor sinful creature, and lay no more upon me then thou wilt make me able to undergo as I ought to do, saying with Ely, It is the Lord, let him do what he pleaseth: and make me to consider like Job, that naked I came into the world, and naked I shall return, the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken, praised be his name for ever; but thou Lord art my strength and my stay in all distractions. I further humbly beseech thee, to give me grace and patience in all things, and at all times, to keep myself from any offence towards thee, by repining at thy just and favourable corrections for my transgressions; but grant that I may as Christ hath taught us, meekly and humbly, submit myself to thy most righteous and blessed will, that so I may (by thy assistance) make the best and right use of whatsoever thou sendest, that all may be to the best for thy honour, and turn to my good when thou art pleased to give a happy issue to this temptation, and in thy good time to ease and deliver me out of these great adversities to thy glory. But I know that the afflictions of this present world, are not worthy of the glory that shall be revealed to us hereafter; yet I humbly desire if it so please thee, that I may live the rest of my days in peace and quiet, constantly to attend thy service, and seek after my own salvation. Lord be merciful to this whole Kingdom, now in very great distraction, distress and misery, and also to all my fellow members in thy whole Church universal, wheresoever any of us are afflicted, inwardly or outwardly in body or mind, grant us either speedy delivery, or else grace to perform thy good pleasure, and with patience to wait thy leisure, until thou please to have mercy on us to our release and comfort, and to thy own praise and glory, who never failest those that depend upon thee. Now I most humbly acknowledge with all possible praise and thanks, which I am bound ever to render unto thee, that thou hast formerly delivered me out of many sorrows, ears, troubles and vexations, both in body and mind, and also I bless and magnify thy holy Name for all thy great and manifold blessings which thou hast bestowed upon me, thy most unworthy servant; and I pray thee Lord, of thy infinite goodness, not to let my sins and wickedness hinder thy mercies towards me, but pardon and cast all my offences out of thy sight, through Jesus Christ my Saviour; and vouchsafe always to continue thy grace and favour to me, and especially in daily renewing all spiritual graces in me, that so, when, or how soon soever thou hast appointed an end unto my days here, I may then obtain the end of my faith and hope, even thy glory and my own salvation, through thy beloved Son and my only Saviour Jesus: for whose sake, Lord hear me, and grant these my humble requests, with all things else which thou best knowest necessary either for my soul or body, for this life, or for the life to come, in which, dear God, make me in thy manifold mercy's partaker of eternal happiness, for evermore. Amen. 3. A Prayer for due preparation before the holy Communion of the Lords Supper. O Most gracious God, and our heavenly and merciful Father in Jesus Christ, who hatest nothing thou hast made, and desirest not the death of sinners, but that we should return to thee and live; thou absolvest all those that truly repent and believe thy holy Gospel, and didst send thine only and beloved Son Jesus into the world, to seek those that were lost, and to save sinners by thy grace, of whom I am chief. O sweet Jesus, thou callest to thee, those that are heavy laden and truly penitent, and weary of their burdensome sins, that thou mayest mercifully ease and refresh them; thou camest to call sinners to repentance, and restore us that were lost by sin, and to lay down thine own life to redeem mankind from eternal death, and hast left us a gracious remembrance thereof in thy most holy Supper of that unspeakable work of our redemption, which we are exceedingly bound often to celebrate, in acknowledgement of thy unexpressible mercy and favour towards us. But oh my Lord! I tremble and fear, knowing that I am a wretched and wicked sinner, and my offences have made me abominable in thy sight, being wholly corrupt both in soul and body, from the crown of my head, to the sole of the foot, the worst deserving of all thy servants, and if thou shouldest strictly mark what I have done amiss, or enter into judgement with me, how should I dare to come into thy presence having nothing to answer for myself, but (to cry with the Publican) I have grievously offended, Lord be merciful to me a sinner? (and as another saith of himself, how should I presume to appear in the presence of God, can the Lord be merciful to so miserable a sinner as I am?) But Lord, I have learned, and do believe that there is mercy with thee, and plentiful redemption; therefore we are infinitely bound to love and fear thee; but I do humbly confess that I am altogether unworthy of myself to approach unto thy blessed table, but thou Lord that givest both the will and the deed in all good works, so Lord I pray thee to work in me a due preparation for thy acceptance, and then enable me to perform my duty herein in a right and faithful manner, for there at thy heavenly banquet, thou Lord, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, art present in thy great Majesty beholding our unperfect devotions, wants in preparation, and manifold infirmities; but thou Lord by thy powerful grace cleansest us from sin, and changest us into new creatures, and in thy highest bounty giving thyself really unto us to be received spiritually by faith, and by the working of the Holy Ghost; thou art the heavenly food of our souls unto eternal life, pouring such great and wonderful treasure into poor earthen vessels, as we are, and and so making us partakers of all the benefits of thy unspeakable merits, and bitter passions and sufferings. Oh Lord, who invitest me thither, continue thy mercy to perfect the good work thou hast begun for my salvation, and heal thou my corrupt soul, converting my straying and deceitful heart, and knit it unto thee my God, and by thy grace prepare and fit me, rightly, reverently, faithfully and worthily, to receive that high and divine mystery, in all humility, contrition, true faith and charity, with such devotion as I ought to do. Now dear Lord, give me grace rightly to understand, and duly to consider and ponder of thy greatness to fear thee, of thy goodness to love thee, of thy power and manifold mercies towards me, ever to believe and trust in thee: And also to look into my own rebellious disobedience, and shameful ingratitude towards thee, and my most miserable estate, who am in danger of everlasting damnation by my innumerable transgressions committed against thee; Lord touch my hardened heart with the oil of thy grace, that it may be fastened to receive a sound and sensible feeling and sight of all my grievious sins passed, both in committing the evil I was forbidden, and omitting the good I am commanded, with a true sense of thy just wrath against me for the same, which may work in me by thy assistance, such unfeigned sorrow and penitency, even to break my stony heart with hatred of myself and all sin for so offending thee, with such true contrition and repentance unto salvation, as I may obtain thy merciful pardon sweet Jesus, that by thy wounds I may be healed, and all my offences hidden, never to be imputed unto me hereafter; and by thy grace hearty purposing, constantly to endeavour the amendment of all my misdeeds for the time to come, and by thy help to lead a holy and a sanctified life so long as I live. Now I humbly beseech thee, oh dear Lord, to endue me also with the blessed gift of true faith, which is the only hand to lay hold of thee, and all thy mercies whereby thou mayest dwell in me, and I in thee for ever; I believe, Lord help my unbelief, and strengthen and increase in me a right hope, and lively faith, steadfastly to believe, and rightly to apply to my own soul all thy gracious promises, benefits, merits and sufferings for me to my salvation. Oh my God Holy Ghost, vouchsafe to inspire my heart with true and perfect charity towards all my brethren and neighbours, yea even to my very enemies for thy sake, that I may forgive them, as thou dost pardon me. And thou Lord, preserver of mankind, by thy gracious operation in this blessed Sacrament, join me an unworthy member unseparably unto thy blessed head Christ Jesus, especially at this time, grant that through thy holy working and assistance, I may be a happy partaker not only of the outward signs, but also of the inward and inestimable graces bestowed upon our souls by the real body broken, and precious blood shed of our dear Saviour Jesus, which was crucified for us, to be the precious food of our souls, all which Lord rightly apply unto my soul, with all other benefits thereby signified and assured unto us, and through his righteousness and merits, that I may be reconciled and accepted by God our heavenly Father, to my eternal comfort and happiness; that so I may devoutly and everlastingly love and honour, magnify, and admire the infinite mercy, love and favour of God, the Father, our dear Saviour Jesus, and of the Holy Ghost, to whom be all praise and glory for ever. Now Almighty God, grant me thy poor servant grace to live in true faith, ready obedience, and continual thankfulness all the rest of my days here, that I may live hereafter in heaven with thee, in joy and bliss for evermore. Amen. 4. An humble thanksgiving after the receiving of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. I Yield unto thee my merciful Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, all humble and possible praise and thanks, for all thy great benefits and loving favours vouchsafed unto me, thy poor sinful creature both spiritual and temporal all my life hitherto; and dear Lord, the fountain of all mercy, thou hast been exceeding good and gracious towards me, which I humbly acknowledge, especially in vouchsafing so great and manifold blessings to me thy most unworthy servant in this thy present favour, which thou hast been pleased to make me partaker of amongst thy children. Now, dear Lord, make me ever truly thankful with all my heart and soul unto thee for all thy mercies bestowed on me, who with shame and sorrow do confess, I have deserved no good, but all evil at thy hands by my manifold offences committed against thee; therefore in all humility I do beseech thee, to cast all my sins and wickedness out of thy sight▪ and let them be no hindrance to thy grace and mercy towards me; but Lord still continue and increase thy fatherly care and loving kindness both to my soul and body to prevent and preserve me from falling into any sin or evil; and vouchsafe to bestow all spiritual graces on me, that may enable me to live a more holy and acceptable life before thee ever hereafter; and seal thou my pardon for all my sins past, for Christ Jesus sake, who died for me, and with his own unvaluable blood paid my ransom, and fully satisfied thy great and just wrath against me. But gracious God, how unspeakable is thy goodness and infinite favour towards mankind, that instead of pouring down punishments upon us for our great offences against thee, thou didst thyself in thy tender love ordain the means for our redemption, justification and eternal salvation, through Christ thine own dear Son: praised be thy glorious Name for ever, and chief at this time I magnify thee sweet Jesus (the mirror of mercy) who before thou hadst finished the great work of our redemption, didst also institute the blessed Sacrament of thy holy Supper that inestimable benefit, to all thy servants which rightly receive the same, it being a pledge of thy love, a remembrance of thy mercy, a renewing of grace in us, a testimony of thy favours, a confirmation of our faith, a uniting of us (by thy Holy Ghost) to our blessed Lord and head Christ Jesus, and all our fellow members in perfect charity one towards another, with assurance thereby of the pardon of all our sins, and eternal salvation to our souls: the great benefit thereof is beyond my expression, of which this day thou hast graciously vouchsafed to make me (though unworthy of myself) yet by thy favour a happy partaker. Now dear Lord, enlarge thy goodness further toward me thy poor servant, to give me daily the spiritual gifts of sound repentance, increase of true faith to believe all thy gracious promises, with grace rightly to apply them to my own soul, and all the infinite benefits which thou my dear Saviour hast purchased for me, that so this Sacrament may work those good effects in me which thou hast therein offered unto us, and that I may by thy assistance, bring forth the fruits of righteousness, obedience, and true holiness of life, all the rest of my days, and to make such thankful and constant acknowledgement and right use of all thy mercies, as I may glorify thy blessed Name; reform my ways, and frame my heart in all things to be faithfully and constantly thine, and then I know that thou wilt ever be my gracious God, to thy honour and my endless felicity, through my Lord Jesus Christ the righteous. Amen. 1. A meditation concerning death. O Lord God Holy Ghost, our sanctifier, preserver and comforter, who best knows my corrupt nature, that cannot of myself perform any true service towards God, being inclined to all evil, and unapt to any goodness, I humbly beseecb thee, that understandest my manifold infirmities, be pleased to endue me with all saving graces in the performance of all holy duties towards God. And I humbly pray thee sweet Jesus to call and draw me daily unto thee; and vouchsafe Lord by thy holy Spirit to possess my heart and soul, to make me wholly and constantly thine, truly to fear and love thee, to serve and obey thee in all things, that so thou in thy infinite mercy mayest never leave me, but be my gracious Lord, and merciful God for ever. And I humbly pray thee Lord Holy Ghost, to sanctify and assist me thy poor sinful servant, with all spiritual graces for my salvation in Christ, both living and dying, that I may strive to become what I ought to be, and to do thy holy will in all things while I live. Now O good God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, thou knowest that many and evil have been my days in this world, and by thy providence I have attained to a great age, but have not performed the ends for which I came into the world, who being made only to serve God in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives to his glory, and our salvation, which is the chief thing needful; but alas, for the most part it is the least regarded or thought upon, where I confess (with sorrow) that I have been too much neglectful, having sometimes been drawn by the cares and troubles of this life, which necessity brought upon me, to set my heart ever carefully upon earthly things, and likewise, too often have I been carried away with the vanity of my own heart in following after the preferments, or vanity of my own heart, in following after the preferments, or delighting in the pleasures of this vile world, all which perish in the using, by which delusions and deceits, that old subtle serpent Satan (that first wrought our ruin) he now steals away our time and hearts, only to make us lose our souls also. But dear Lord, though I have too long gone astray, yet while I am going towards my God, Lord let it be thy work of grace and mercy to make me see and understand when I am out of the right way before I go too far to fall into irrecoverable danger, from which I cannot return. Oh show me the paths of life and lead me into the true way to heaven that I may first turn to thee in true faith with a contrite spirit, and a broken heart for my lost time past which I have misspent, that so I may obtain pardon for all my sins formerly committed before thee, and then I know thou wilt receive me as one of thine, and in mercy bring me to thy salvation. Now Lord, although our times are only known to thee, yet I cannot have long to live, for the life of man is but short, and old age laden with infirmities and sickness is a sure messenger and forerunner of death, and then draweth near the first appearance when my breath ceaseth, of my poor soul before the tribunal seat, of thy great Majesty, O God, and before all thy holy Angels there to be called to give an account of all my life and time misspent: Alas, how can I answer one thing of a thousand; now what should I do, if I had not there in heaven an All-sufficient Saviour, who is also my blessed advocate to mediate for me, in whom is all my trust, comfort and confidence; therefore gracious Lord Jesus help me now while I am here, and assist me to make my peace (as thou dost advise) while I am in the way before the grim and cruel Sergeants of sickness and death lay hold upon me to prevent me of the freedom, and ability of my senses, and spirit, being aided with thy power, strength and grace by unfeigned repentance, and true faith to obtain through Christ my release, and pardon of those grievous debts and trespasses that I stand guilty of before God, which I am no ways able to satisfy, but only by thee my Saviour Jesus, or else I shall be thrown into that dreadful dungeon, from whence there is no escaping: Therefore now I do most humbly beg and pray thee, that I may find such favour in thy sight, knowing my own disabilities, that thou Lord wouldst knit and prepare my heart and soul, for thine own merciful acceptance, before thou call and seize upon me by death, to take me out of this life, and make me continually mindful of my last end while I live in health, and of that strict reckoning which then I must make unto thee, the great God of heaven and earth, who seethe and knoweth all things of all my life past, even to my very words. And let me still remember that thou Lord searchest the hearts and triest the reins, and beholdest all our ways, and will bring each work to judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil: Therefore I most humbly beseech thee, while I am in this world, give me the grace of daily and unfeigned repentance for all my sins past, with care to amend all my former faults in the rest of my life, and narrowly to examine my own heart, soul and conscience of all the evils I have done before thee, hating and severely judging and condemning myself for them, that so I may escape thy great wrath, and not be judged and condemned by thee, O Lord, in thy heavy displeasure, which I am not able to bear; for who can stand in the sight of thy great Majesty when thou art angry? Therefore gracious God, let me here obtain thy merciful pardon for all my offences past, with grace to reform my former misdeeds, and by thy blessed assistance become a new creature all my days, that so I may gain a blessed end, through my Saviour to die in him, and make my peace with God here, before I go hence and be no more: To which purpose I humbly pray thee while I live, to make me a true and faithful member of thy right Church & Kingdom of grace here to profess and practise true Religion, and all holiness of life to my last end; but chief, Lord, give me a blessed part in the first resurrection, that I may not lie dead in trespasses and sins, but may by thy holy Spirit be daily raised from the grave of sin, and enabled to live the life of grace, that so the second death may have no power to hurt me; and at the last when it shall please thee to appoint a stop to my days, and to set a period unto my time, grant that my death be neither sudden, nor unexpected, neither my pains violent, whereby I should be unable, faithfully, earnestly and constantly to cry unto thee my God, and call upon thy holy Name, for relief and comfort in that great and dreadful day and time of death and danger, when my soul's enemies will seek my utter destruction; then Lord, depart not from me, but pray that my faith in thee fail not, and strengthen my weakness by thy power, and supply my soul with all saving graces, and defend me from the malice and subtle temptation of my spiritual adversaries, that they may never be able to prevail against me in any thing. But I humbly pray thee sweet Saviour, to grant that in the day of thy great visitation, my poor name through thy unspeakable goodness, may be then found written in thy blessed book of life, so that my sins, nor my soul's enemies, may not be able to blot it out; but that by thy infinite mercy and favour, sweet Jesus, unto me, I may then be accounted in thee worthy to escape thy just wrath, and by thy power and clemency, who didst vouchsafe to be borne of a woman, and shalt be judge of the whole world, grant through thy mercies, merits, and manifold sufferings, that I poor sinful creature, may be made able to stand before thee the blessed Son of God and man in that great and dreadful day of judgement, when all our secret wickednesses shall be made manifest, and thou Lord, to whom all judgement is given by the Father, art to give our final sentence: Oh then dear Jesus, in whom only I trust, receive me into thy gracious favour as one of thine, that my sins may be covered with thy righteousness, that so I may be preserved from thy wrath, and that woeful doom, Go ye cursed into hell fire, appointed for the Devil and his Angels; but Lord, in the fullness of thy mercy, make me one of that happy chosen number, to whom that joyful call shall belong, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit, and enter into that Kingdom, which he hath prepared for you before the beginning of the world; and also thou our Saviour hast purchased for us; then Lord in thy infinite love grant me a part in that everlasting happiness, to live with thee, and glorify thee there, for ever and ever. Amen. 2. A Prayer to live blessedly, and die happily. OH gracious Lord God, who didst create all things by thy omnipotent power, and lastly made mankind! thou best knowest the frailties and corruption of our wretched nature which we inherit from our first parents, whose substance was but earth, and we are of ourselves inclined only to earthly and evil things, and such is the condition of mortal man, that all that are borne must die, and return to dust from whence they came, but the spirit returns to thee, O God, that gave it, to receive either joy or bliss with thee for ever, or else eternal banishment from thee, who art the only good; therefore I do most humbly beseech thee, dear Lord, to look mercifully upon me, to help my manifold infirmities, and daily to prevent and keep me from falling into any sin or evil to offend thee. But especially in the time of my death, dear Lord, be merciful unto me a most miserable sinner, to forgive all my sins and offences past, that I have committed against thee my God, my brethren, or my own soul; and grant through the merits, and many sufferings of thy beloved Son, and my only Saviour Jesus, that they may never be imputed unto me thy poor servant, but vouchsafe good God, in thy manifold mercies to endue me thy most unworthy suppliant, with all saving graces leading to my salvation both in life and death; for we daily see by example how suddenly death may surprise us when we least expect it; therefore while this life is in being, and I am going on in the way of all flesh, which can be of no long continuance; Lord teach and assist me to make my peace for my offences with thee my God while I am here, who else wilt take an account of me in a dreadful place, and art able if thy wrath be not pacified, to cast me into hell fire, from which there is no redemption; therefore have mercy on me, sweet Jesus, that I may by thy help, grace and assistance, rightly fit and prepare myself for thy acceptance before sickness lay hold on me; for when death seizeth it will carry me immediately before the judgement seat of thy great Majesty: Oh there let me find thee, dear Jesus, to be my gracious Saviour and Advocate, and so I shall obtain mercy and favour, and by thy sufferings, my offences pardoned, and Gods severe justice satisfied. And thus in thee and through thee only, my blessed Redeemer jesus Christ, I shall be received to grace and mercy, and made partaker of eternal life, and remain with Almighty God, in whose presence is the fullness of joy, and at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore, which Lord make me partaker of, there to glorify the Name of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for ever. Amen. 3. A Prayer to be prepared for a happy death, and to gain a joyful resurrection. MOst glorious Lord God, who didst make all things, thou well understandest that we poor creatures (how highly soever we are conceited of ourselves) are but dust and ashes, and must return to earth from whence we came; our lives and times are in thy hand and power, and what thou hast appointed we cannot change, and all things to ourselves are most uncertain; for when thou with just rebuke dost chastise man for iniquity, thou makest his strength and beauty to consume away like a flower of the field that withereth and falleth: for when thou callest, man cannot retain the spirit, nor add one hour to his time, but it returns to thee that gave it, and he goeth down to the grave, from which he shall not return again till this world is at an end: Therefore, dear Lord, I now most humbly beseech thee, for thy beloved son's sake, who hath satisfied thy just wrath by his infinite and innocent sufferings, and redeemed me from sin and Satan by his death, Lord forgive and pardon me all my sins and offences past, either in soul or body, that I have committed against thee ever since I came into this miserable world, which I confess are innumerable, more than the hairs of my head, or the sand upon the Sea shore, but vouchsafe, O merciful God, to be reconciled unto me a wicked sinner, in thy dear and righteous Son Christ jesus my only Saviour, who hath paid my ransom with his own precious blood, wherewith, oh God of mercy, blot my debt to thee by sin, out of thy sight; and also he did fulfil all righteousness for me, who is now my blessed Mediator in heaven, to impute all this unto me: Therefore, dear Lord Holy Ghost, by thy gracious and holy Spirit, join and unite me unto my Lord and head Christ, never to be separated from him while I live here, and when I go from hence carry me to be where he is, and give me grace and faith in and through him, to make my peace while I am in the way and passage of this life, and while I have breath to call upon thee, before I am laid into the dark dungeon of the earth, when the worms shall eat my corrupt flesh; yet I trust and do believe through him, that hath overcome death, the grave, and hell for me, that at the blessed resurrection of thy children and servants, that my corruption shall put on incorruption, and I shall see my blessed Lord and Saviour with these my eyes, who did redeem me, and shall be my merciful judge to save me; therefore I have sure confidence in his favour, and under the wings of his mercy shall I rest in safety. Now I humbly pray thee, O God the Holy Ghost, to sanctify, fit, prepare, and assist my heart and soul with thy Spirit, to fill me with all saving graces for my salvation; while I live, to enable me to call, pray and strive to please thee here in all things; but especially Lord at my death stand by me and pray for me that my faith fail not: fit and prepare me for thy gracious acceptance, before thou call and seize upon me to take me out of this present life; and make me always mindful both in health and sickness of my own last end, and then of my appearance before thee, to make answer before the great God of Heaven & Earth (from whom nothing can be hid) of all my life and deeds past, even to my very words; for thou art only and above all to be feared, who canst both save and kill, and cast both soul and body into utter perdition in hell: Therefore Lord, vouchsafe to assist me with thy grace to work in me all things which may make me acceptable unto thee before the day of my departure, that when it doth approach it may not be fearful and terrible, but happy and comfortable unto me in Christ Jesus my Lord, that through him, my last day may be my best, and most welcome to my soul; that I may then call and pray, and say with confidence, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly, for into thy hands I most humbly commend my spirit, for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth; and vouchsafe thou even to my last breath, always to say unto my soul, thou art my God, and my salvation for ever. Amen. 4. A Prayer in sickness, with expectation of death. OH heavenly Father, who hast been my gracious God before I had being, and my merciful guide from my youth, be pleased especially now at the hour and point of my death which I shall shortly expect, to be merciful, O God, unto me a miserable sinner, to pardon for Jesus sake all my sins and iniquities that I have committed formerly; and vouchsafe to heal and save my wretched soul that hath infinitely offended thee, and strengthen my weakness with thy power, and supply all graces wanting in me by thy mercy, and defend me from all my spiritual adversaries, who will endeavour my destruction if they can, but let them not prevail against me; and Lord Jesus, be not fare from me, neither forsake me in a time when so much trouble and danger is about me; but in the multitude of thy mercy, Lord pray for me that my faith fail not, and stretch forth thy hand to save me, as thou didst to Peter, lest I perish. Now, O God, give me such sound and unfeigned repentance, as may obtain from thee remission of all my sins, with true faith to lay hold of all thy gracious promises, and a right and a steadfast hope in all thy mercies; but chief endue me with devout and perfect love toward thy Majesty, which may make me faithfully and constantly thine to serve and obey thy holy will in all things, with Christian charity towards all my brethren: but Lord, if it be thy will give me knowledge of my death when it is near, that I may faithfully pray unto thee, and call on thy most blessed Name with my last breath, and may joyfully and willingly yield up and commend my spirit bacl to thee my Lord, who gave it unto me: And dear Lord, prevent and remove all evil hindrances in my way to heavenly happiness, that through Christ Jesus my Saviour, I may be received amongst thy children and servants, and admitted into the presence of thy Majesty, O heavenly Father, there to enjoy eternal felicity with thee in heaven when this life is ended by death. But if thou shouldest please at this time to continue and prolong my days upon earth; Lord, so long as I live, teach me by thy grace so to number my days that I may apply my heart to wisdom and godliness and holiness of life, seeking to redeem my lost time past which I have misspent, by daily repentance and amendment of life, striving to make my calling and election sure, by a holy and good conversation the rest of my time to come, that by thy mercy, and merits of my Saviour Jesus I may be freed of my trespasses, and heavy account with thee before I die, and may escape thy just and great wrath which is due for my manifold transgressions. Now Lord Jesus, I willingly submit myself to thy good pleasure to dispose of me as thou seest best: but I most humbly beg of thee, when my last and appointed hour is come, that I shall enter into my long sleep of death, and go to lie down in the dust; dear Lord, give me a happy departure out of this life, that I may die in thee, O Lord, to rest in peace and safety, and may be raised up by thee at the last day to grace and glory, that thou receiving me into thy mercy▪ and favour, I may live and remain with thee in eternal happiness to glorify thy blessed Name, and sing hallelujah amongst thy Saints for ever and ever. Amen. 5. A Prayer unto the Lord of mercy in the time of sickness to be fitted for death, and assisted in that dreadful hour against all temptations, to gain a blessed passage out of this world at God's appointed time. O Great and merciful God, who reignest and disposest of all things in heaven, and in the whole world as it pleaseth thee, and understandest all the passage here below on earth, be it never so secret, and by thy mercy and power dost work all things to the best for those that love and depend upon thee; for thou art full of goodness, patience and long-suffering towards us poor weak and frail creatures, and thy abounding mercy, doth exceed all other thy great works in pardoning sinners; but beyond all other thy favours towards us, thy infinite love to mankind did most appear in sending thine own dear Son into the world to save sinners by thy grace, that all that believe in him might be saved; without which thy mercy, what hope, comfort, or help were there left unto us miserable sinful creatures; for the just man falleth seven times a day, but the wicked much more, and if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear, such as I am? Therefore I come and cry and pray unto thee, who only canst relieve me, in all humility, contrition and confession of my manifold transgressions, and in the blessed Name of thy dear beloved Son, my only Saviour, I do beg and beseech thee, O Father, full of compassion, not to enter into judgement with me, nor to remember what I have done amiss; but to consider what thy Christ hath done and suffered for me, and looking on me through him, have mercy and pity upon me a most grievous sinner; I know too well, how justly thou mayest condemn me; but Lord, to save a poor sinner by thy grace is fare greater honour and glory unto thee: And gracious God, who of thine own mere mercy didst give us thy most dear Son to be our reconciliation and redemption when we were thine enemies, much more being reconciled, and having performed all things for us, thou canst deny us no good thing that we ask in his beloved Name: Therefore, O God, for Christ innocent sake, vouchsafe to be reconciled unto me, thy most unworthy sinful servant, and cast all my offences into his grave, where my Saviour paid the last part of my ransom; and by his power rising again the third day from death, he conquered and overcame all my soul's enemies, sin, death, hell and Satan; and dear Lord, with his precious bloodshed upon the cross, wash my soul clean before it appear in thy presence, and take away all my iniquities out of thy sight, never to come in remembrance before thee, so that Christ may be unto me both in life and death an advantage. And now most dear God, my life and time here is only in thy hand and pleasure, and thou hast cast me upon the bed of sickness, from which I know not whether I shall recover, or rise any more while I live in this world; therefore I most humbly pray thee, sweet Jesus, never to leave or forsake me, but stand thou always in mercy by me, and let thy right hand uphold and sustain me to preserve me from all my spiritual enemies that wait to destroy my soul: But thou my Lord, art sufficient for me, O Lord, vouchsafe me thy grace to direct my heart and words towards thee, and by thy ready help to assist me in all things, and at all times, that in thy mercy at the last thou mayest finish all thy favour in me, which is the accomplishment of my faith and hope in thee: And Lord grant that I may willingly and readily come unto thee when thou callest; and vouchsafe, O blessed Spirit Holy Ghost, to fit and prepare me by unfeigned repentance to obtain remission of all my sins that I have done before thee, with true faith to lay hold of all the mercies of my God in Christ, and with steadfast hope to rest on all thy gracious promises, O Lord, who never failest those that trust in thee. Now Lord, give me strength and patience to wait thy good leisure and pleasure, until thou have pity and compassion on me, either to recover and restore my health here (if it be thy will) that I may live and glorify thee longer in this life, or else that thou wilt please to receive and prepare me for thyself, and give me all saving graces for thine own merciful acceptance, when thou pleasest to call and take me to thee out of this wretched world, that so my faith and sure trust in thee may never fail unto my last breath. Now lastly, Lord grant, that as the outward man (the body) decayeth and groweth weaker, so the inward part (the soul) may by thy gracious assistance grow together in faith and confidence towards thee, with full assurance of thy Spirit within me of thy favour to me for my eternal salvation: Then come Lord jesus when thou pleasest, for into thy hands I humbly commend my spirit, that when this life shall leave me, thy grace and mercy may receive me into that endless happiness in heaven, which my Lord and only Saviour hath purchased for me, that I may praise God everlastingly. Amen. 6. My Prayer of thanksgiving after my long and great fit of sickness, which begun on Twelfth day at night and held me till Whitsuntide: This may serve upon any other occasion. MOst gracious Lord God, I bless and praise thy great and holy Name, for all thy blessings and benefits both spiritual and temporal vouchsafed to my soul and body; but especially. I magnify thy glorious Majesty for all those spiritual graces thou hast bestowed upon my soul before I was borne and hitherto, which I beseech thee of thy mercy daily to continue and increase towards me: Now dear Lord, make me thy unworthy servant ever truly thankful to thee for all thy goodness extended towards me, and grant me grace to make such right use of all thy mercies as may be most to thy glory, and my salvation in Christ. But now, O Lord, that art my God, I must at this time render thee humble thanks in particular, and not forget to acknowledge thy benefits, and to praise thy holy Name for all thy mercies showed unto me; for in my late and long sickness thou hast heard my groans, and taken pity on me, and released me from all my pain and griefs, for thou dost visit my transgressions with favour (not in wrath) and hast always been my stay and comfort from my youth, and thou art my deliverance and ready help in all my adversities, thou didst bring me down for my sins almost to the grave, and hast in mercy lifted me up again from the gates of death, and restored me to health, who healest all my infirmities, pardonest all my iniquities, and givest me present supply in all my necessities, blessed be thy glorious Name for ever. Now O God, as thou art pleased to prolong my days on earth, so especially I humbly pray thee daily to increase all saving graces in me for thy true and faithful service, and vouchsafe always to continue all thy goodness and mercies towards me, that I may truly fear, perfectly love, and carefully obey thee in all things; and by the assistance of thy holy Spirit, make me to become, and ever to continue to be more and more thy unfeigned servant: And now I am aged, and fit to leave the world when thou pleasest, yet while I am in it, Lord make me continually to grow from grace to grace unto the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, with faith in him rightly to please and praise thee so long as I live. And gracious Lord vouchsafe never to withdraw thy grace and favour from me, until thou hast finished thy greatest work of mercy, and the height of my hopes, and happiness, which is the salvation of my poor soul, through thine own dear Son, and my only Saviour Jesus Christ; and when it shall please thee to call me away to thyself out of this vain world, be pleased to give me a happy and blessed departure to die in my Lord Jesus, and in thy true faith and favour, that thou having pardoned all my sins, and passing by my unworthiness, in Christ, thou mayest after death receive and accept me poor sinner into thy grace and favour, though thy dearly beloved Son, in whom only thou art pleased, who is my righteousness, Lord, and my Redeemer; and so when I have left this life, I shall rest in peace and safety, sleep in Christ, and be raised by him hereafter to great glory amongst his servants, and may obtain favour to be accepted into the society of holy Angels and blessed Saints, and admitted into the glorious presence of Almighty God, there to praise and magnify his Name, for ever and ever. Amen. 7. My conclusion. A Prayer to my blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. OH my dear Lord Jesus, I most humbly beg for thy love and mercy's sake to pardon all my sins past, that thou mayest look down in pity and compassion on me, to hear the prayer of thy unworthy sinful servant, who doth earnestly entreat thee, to vouchsafe me thy gracious and continual help, protection and direction, in all my weak endeavours, wants and troubles, that so all my desires ways and actions, being begun, continued, and ended in thee, I may be able rightly and faithfully to serve and please thee at all times, really to love and honour thee above all things, truly and carefully to fear and obey thee according to thine own will; confidently to rely upon thee, and willingly to submit to thy pleasure in all my crosses and calamities; and constantly to praise and magnify thy most worthy and holy Name, for thy great and manifold blessings and benefits bestowed upon me of thy mere grace and mercy: O my blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who art the author and finisher of my good, and finally of my eternal salvation, to thee be all praise, honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 8. Another short Prayer. O Lord my God, have pity upon me that am a most miserable sinner, and full of frailty, unapt and unable to do any good, I earnestly desire rightly to serve thee, but without thy grace and help I cannot do it, a fit subject for thy great mercy. Dear jesus, pardon all my sins past, and give me grace henceforth to become a new creature in thee, daily to attend thy service constantly, and to perform all holy duties which jowe unto thee faithfully; and to shun and resist all sinful neglects towards thee carefully; that so while I live, I may duly fear and obey thee rightly and truly to love and praise thee, here and for ever. Amen. FINIS.