Certayne Godly exarcises [sic] meditacions and prayers very necessary and profytable for all persons and for all times, set forthe by certayne godly lerned men, to be vsed dayly as you shalbe godly disposed, and shall feele nede thervnto. And also the letany dayly vsed in churches annexed to the ende hereof.

Certayne Godly exarcises [sic] meditacions and prayers very necessary and profytable for all persons and for all times, set forthe by certayne godly lerned men, to be vsed dayly as you shalbe godly disposed, and shall feele nede thervnto. And also the letany dayly vsed in churches annexed to the ende hereof. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A00481 of text S115579 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 10617). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 147 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 65 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A00481 STC 10617 ESTC S115579 99850797 99850797 16024 2240889971

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A00481) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 16024) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 566:17) Certayne Godly exarcises [sic] meditacions and prayers very necessary and profytable for all persons and for all times, set forthe by certayne godly lerned men, to be vsed dayly as you shalbe godly disposed, and shall feele nede thervnto. And also the letany dayly vsed in churches annexed to the ende hereof. [128] p. In Fletestrete at the sygne of the George neere to saincte Dunstons churche by VVyllyam Powell, Imprinted at London : [ca. 1565] Almost half of the selections are reprinted in STC 4028, 4029.5 and following, but not in the section called "Lydlyes prayers", a title W. Powell entered in 1562-63 and 1565-66--STC. Suggested publication date from STC. Signatures: A-H. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Prayers -- Early works to 1800. eebo Certayne Godly exarcises [sic] meditacions and prayers, very necessary and profytable for all persons and for all times, set forthe by certayne godly [no entry] 1565 130 26822 7 0 0 0 0 0 2.61 B The rate of 2.61 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2012-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2012-07 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2012-09 Colm MacCrossan Sampled and proofread 2012-09 Colm MacCrossan Text and markup reviewed and edited 2013-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

CERTAYNE GODLY EXARCISES MEDITACIONS AND PRAYERS , VERY necessary and profytable for all persons and for all times , set forthe by certayne godly lerned men , to be vsed dayly as you shal be godly disposed , and shall feele nede thervnto . And also the Letany dayly vsed in Churches annexed to the ende hereof .

Ephesians . vi . & . i. Timothe . ii .

¶ Praie alwaies euery where with all maner of praier , and that in the spirite , lifting vp pure hartes and handes , with out wrath or doubtinge .

¶ IMPRINTED . London in Fletestrete at the sygne of the George neere to saincte Dunstons churche by Wyllyam Powell .

¶ Vse often and hartye prayer to God , knowing that it is no lesse necessary for your soule therby to liue and contynue in godlines , then water is for the life of fishe , or dew is for the growth of grasse and herbes : but if you wyll haue youre praier accepted of god , se that you accept his worde . For accursed be they ( sayth Sallomon ) and their prayer , that wyll not heare the worde of god . If I behold with fauour any wyckednes ( saith Dauid ) in my hart , god will not heare me , for he heareth no such synners as retainethe styll the purpose to continewe it sinne , as hee stoppethe not hys eares to heare the prayers of the pore penitents , but often before they pray he graunteth them their hartes desire .

I B.

¶ Occations to meditate & to stirre vp the harte to praier .

IN your praiers thinke vpon the remission of sinnes promysed by and for Chryste , and let there be in your remembraunce some most euidente and playne sentence to inflame & stirre vp the mind , as this . Aske and ye shal haue . &c. And verely verely I saye vnto you , what soo euer you shall aske the father in my name , he wyll geue it you . &c. Asking al spiritual gifts without condicion , and all temporall vppon condicion . As Christ did : Father if it be thy wyl let this cuppe passe from me . &c.

God commaundeth vs to aske of him .

We breake his commandment in not askynge .

We do his commaundement in asking of hym .

He promiseth to vs our askinge .

He is debtour to vs tyll he fulfill our askinge .

We make god a liar if we mistrust to obteine our askynge .

He is glorified in his sonne by giuing vs our askynge .

He longeth to haue vs aske of him , & loketh for it at our handes .

If we therfore turne not oure eares from his lawe , but call vpon him wyth a stronge Faythe , he will moste gladly geue vs our askynge .

Because we are necligent in askinge he doth of his fatherly goodnesse by necessities and troubles , dryue & prouoke vs to aske of hym .

And because we are ignoraunt in askinge , he teacheth vs by his holy spirite sent into our hartes , and by the prayer that therfore is called the lordes praier how & what we shulde aske of him .

Let vs therefore in our necessitie and troubles , aske of god our father and he for his sonnes sake will geue vs our askinge , whose very nature and propertie is to relieue suche as are in necessitie , and in deede our necessities are as lowde cryinges in his merciful eares .

A meditation vpon the Lordes prayer .

QVr father which art in heauen .

We gloriousely formed vnto the Image of thy deuine maiestie , created by thy gracyouse goodnesse vnto highest honour , how be it by our own sinfulnes diffigured with vilenes deseruinge dampnation , and yet by Christes death redemed and restored vnto grace to be Citizens with sainctes of the family of God : Nowe altogether in Christian vnitie as members of one body , we pray , desyre , and trust to obtayne of thee our heauenly father , accordinge vnto thy gracious goodnes mighty power , and faithefull promise , vnto vs that aske , aboundaunce of thy grace .

That , thy name may be halowed .

That thy diuine power , and glorious maiesty , may be certainely knowne and reuerently honoured . That the hartes of vs men by thy word and prayer maye be sanctified from all sinne and vanity , so that we with al that we haue seruing thee in holinesse & righteousenesse , may so shine afore men vpon earth , that they therby may be occasion to honoure thee our father which art in heauen .

Thy kyngdome come .

Thy worde be so fruitfully preached amongest vs thy peple , that we may be throughly instructed & taught to brydle our sensual apetites by natural reason , and to submit our wyttes & reasons vnto a good godly spirite , and to trye our spirites by the true scriptures . So that within vs may raigne the kingdome of God , which is neither meate nor drink whiche is neither supersticious ceremonies , voluptuous pleasures , nor vayne glory , but righteousnes , peace , & comforte in the holy ghost , by the which we now tasting of thy heauenly ioyes , may be made from henceforth wery of al worldly vanities , continually loking & prayinge for the apperance and comming of thy eternall and euerlasting kyngdom .

Thy wyll be done in earth , as it is in heauen .

In heauen the angelles of reuerente loue do thy will and commaundement , with comfortable courage & ioyful pleasure . In hel the wicked spirits through malice and enuye , repininge and grudging , do torment and vexe them selues , what so euer they be doinge . And vpon earth , men being subiect vnto sinne , do thinke it a labour and paine , to be occupied in any thing that is good and godly . Wherfore we pray that the grace of thy heauenly spirite , maye so worke in our earthly bodies , that we being delyuered from sinne and vanitie , may frely delite and take pleasure to do thye wyll and commaundement , being men vpon earth , as thy glorious aungels do whiche be in heauen .

Geue vs this day our dayly breade .

We hauinge great nede , not hable of our selues to deserue any thing , beseche the of thy fatherly goodnes , to geue frely vnto all vs in general : So that none be hurt nor hindered seuerally this day when as we crye constrained by present nede , not craftely crauing for vayn care against to morow , our dayly bread , our daily and necessarie foode & reliefe , both bodely and ghostly . And especially so : that the spiritual foode of Christes flesh and his bloud , by dayely preachinge of the gospell , and ministracion of the sacramentes , maye replenishe our hartes & mindes with continual remembrance of Christes deathe , and his passion , dayly to be vsed for necessary and spirituall consolation .

Forgeue vs oure trespasses , as we forgeue them that trespas against vs .

Geue vnto vs that feling and knowing oure owne synfulnesse , do nede , and desire thy mercifull forgeuenes of oure fautes & trespasses , which we haue committed against thee , so that we frely forgeuing all other , that haue offended vs in any thyng what so euer it be , may be sure that mercy springyng in thee hathe proceded vnto vs , and being graciousely offred of thee , hath ben thankefully receaued of vs , and beinge charitably vsed of vs towardes other , shal most certainly be confirmed and enlarged of thee toward vs : So that by free mercy sprynging and proceding from thee , al fautes maye be freely forgeuen : euen as those which other hath committed against vs , so likewise those whych we haue done a gainst thee .

And leade vs not into temptation .

Suffer not the deuyll by the abuse of thy benefites , to leade vs captyues into deceitefull and dampnable temptation , drawing vs by deinty meates , vnto gredy glotony , by money and richesse , vnto vnsaciable couetousenes , and by wealth and prosperity , vnto pryde & vayne glory , and by al thy godly gracious giftes , vnto euery dyuelishe abominable sinne .

But deliuer vs from euill .

Deliuer our goodes from abuse , our bodies from corruption , our soules from damnation . Deliuer vs by Christ Iesu , from the bondage of sinne , vnto the lybertye of the Gospell , so that from all daunger of diuelishe temptation , trayning and enticing men toward damnation , we maye be deliuered to serue thee in holinesse and ryghteousenesse all the daies of our life , with most certaine and sure hope of euerlasting saluation , thorow Christ Iesu , in whom our hope and thy promise is moste certaine , that is to say . Amen .

Your time is short , your daungers be great : you are well warned by Goddes worde written . Mar. xiij . Take hede , watche , and praye .

Take hede , that your hartes and mindes be not made heauy , hard , and dull , with meates and drink , vaine plesures , or worldly cares .

Watch , with dyllygence to doe youre owne dewties , in desyrous lokynge for Chrystes comming .

Praye , that ye may escape all daungers , and stande in grace and fauoure afore the face of Christ , at his comminge .

T. Leuer . APOCAL. XXII . Beholde I come sone .

¶ A prayer to be sayde in the mornynge .

O Almighty and moste gracyous God , we hartely thancke thee for the swete slepe & comfortable rest whiche thou hast geuen vs this nighte , and for as muche as thou haste commaunded by thy holy worde that no man shoulde be idle , but all occupied in godly and vertuous exercises , euery man according to his calling , we most humbly beseche thee that thine eies may attende vpon vs , dayely defende vs , cherishe , comforte , and gouerne vs , and al our counsayles studies and labours , in suche wise , that we maye spend and bestowe this day accordynge to thy moste holy wyll , without the hurtynge of our neighbours , and that we may diligentlye and warely eschewe and auoyde all thinges that shoulde displease thee , set thee alwaies before our eies , liue in thy feare , workyng that may be founde acceptable before thy diuyne maiestie , through Iesus Christ our lord . So be it .

¶ A Confession of our synnes .

O Mercifull and most louing father , whose Loue is infinite , whose mercye endureth for euer , we sinfull creatures trustinge in thine vnspeakeable goodnes & loue towardes vs , do appere this mornynge before thy dyuyne maiestie , most humbly confessing our manifold sinnes and innumerable transgressions of thy commaundementes and fatherly wyll : against thee only , against thee O lord , haue we synned . we acknowledge oure offences , we accuse our selues vnto the O mercifull lord , and wyl not hyde our vnrighteousnesse , we fynde in our selues nothinge but ingnoraunce of thye wyll and disobedience , mistrust , doubfulnes in thy goodnes and incredulitie , hatred & contempt of all spirituall thinges , selfe loue , confidence in our selues , and feruent lustinge after carnall thinges of this worlde : and this tree of our corrupt nature , bryngeth forth continually in vs , none other fruictes , but rotten and vnsauery workes of the fleshe , in thoughtes wordes and doinges vnto condempnation . Wherfore we humbly beseche thy fatherly goodnes , euen for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake ( whome thou hast set forth for a purchaser of mercye vnto vs through fayth in hys bloud ) make our hartes cleane , take away our stony hartes , and geue vnto vs a true & a liuely fayth , whych shal worcke continually by loue throughe Christ , haue mercy vppon vs , forgeue vs our sinnes for thy sonnes sake , certifye our consciences of remission of the same by thy holy spirite , by whose operation so mortifye in vs , our olde man , the whole body of sinne , that we continually dyeng vnto sinne , may walke in newnesse of life to the glory of thy holy name , through Iesus Christ our Sauiour . Amen .

¶ Before thou prayest , beleue that god is not onely almighty to helpe and to delyuer thee : but also that he is gracious and faythefull to fulfill all his promises made vnto vs . Then forgeue if thou hast any thing against any man , And remember that thou commest not to god with a double harte , but lyfte vp pure handes with oute wrathe or doubtinge .

O Almighty eternal & euerliuing god . 1. 2. Corin. 1. and. 2. 1. the eternal father of our Lorde Iesus Chryst whych haste made 2. heauen and yearthe , 2. Ictes . 4. the sea , and al that therin is , and of thy great goodnes , didst open thy selfe from heauen , & madest proclamation of Iesus christ , saieng . 3 this is my deare sonne heare him , 3. Matth. 3. thou maker of al thinges , preseruer & helper , 4. Philip. 2. Ebre . 1. with thy . 4. coeternal sonne our lord Iesus Christ raignyng with thee , and manifested in Ierusalem , and thy holy ghost poured on the apostles , O most wise , good , mercifull , righteous iudge , and also strong , which hast sayde by thy prophet . 5. Ezechi. 18. 5. I will not the death of a sinner , but that he conuert and liue : I thy pore creature and worke of thy handes , do acknowledge and confesse vnto thee my manifold synnes and offences , which I from my youth vp vnto this time , haue greuously committed against thee , in thought , worde , & dede , & am now taught & moued by thy word & grace , to be hartely sory for the same , desiring thee ( which hast sayd . 6. Psal. 50. 6. call vpon me in the day of thy trouble , and I wyll heare thee , and delyuer thee ) for the precious bloudde sheading of Iesus Christ thy sonnes sake our lord , whom thou wouldest to be made a slaine . 7. Eb. 9. ● . 10 7. sacrifice for our sinnes , to haue mercy vppon mee , and forgeue me all those myne offences according to thy great mercy & promise , whych haste sayde . 8. Eze. 18. 8. at what time so euer a sinner doth repent him of his sinne from the bottom of his hart , I will put al his wickednes out of my remembraunce . O lorde I acknowledge and confesse that I was borne in sinne , 9. Psal. 51. Ephe. 2. Rom. 7. and. 9. conceiued in wickednes , and am by nature a. 9. childe of wrath , for that in my . 9. fleshe ( as saincte Paule saith ) dwelleth no good thing , and that of my selfe I am not able to think a good . 10. thought that can please thee , 10.2 . Corin. 3. much lesse to wishe , and least of al to doe that thou in thy lawe requireste of me to be done , for . 11. Gala. 3. Rom. 7. 11. thou hast saide , cursed is he that continuethe not in all thynges that are written in the lawe to do them : againe , thy lawe is . 11. spiritual , but I am carnall , solde vnder sinne : therfore o lorde I call vnto thee for grace ( whyche haste saide . 12. Math. 7. 12. aske and ye shall haue , seeke & ye shall finde , knocke , and it shal be opened vnto you ) to preuent and drawe my will to all goodnes , ( for none can come to thee , 13. Iho. 3. ● . 6 except he be drawne . 13. againe excepte we be borne from aboue we cannot see the kingdome of god ) assiste therfore and gyde me also with thy holy spirite from time to time , drawe me there fore and I shall runne after thee , & geue me strength and ablenes through christe our lorde to accomplyshe and fulfill the same , Canti. 1. lorde make me to become poore in spirite , vile and lowe in my owne sight , that I lift not vp my self aboue my bretherne , Ihon. 1. but that I esteme my selfe to be as a seruaunt to al men to do them good , after the example of christe , which came not to be ministred vnto but to minister , for he hathe sayde . 14. Math 5. Iames. 4. 14. Blessed are the pore in spirite : againe , thou resistest the 14. proud , but geuest grace to the humble , geue mee therefore thy grace , that when so euer I be ouer taken wyth any kinde of synne and wickednes eyther in thought , word , or dede , or that I fele my owne infirmitie or weakenesse , I maye immediatly with harty repentaunce . 15. 2. Timo. 2 15 ( which is also thy gyfte ) returne to thee againe , and not to lie stil in the security of sin . Take from me my stony , vnbeleuing , blynd , doubtfull , vnfaithfull , & vnthankeful hart , and. 16. repose in me an hart of fleshe , to bowe and encline to thy wil : my carnall , idle , secure , & impenitent hart , take away from me , & geue me an hart to feare thee , to loue thee , to truste in thee for euer , write thy lawe in my harte , graue it in my mynde , that I may beleue , trust , and liue in thee sor euere. Deliuer me from the spirite of pryde and vaine glory , all hautines of minde , presumption , selfe loue , and selfe trust , that I stand not to hye in my owne conceyt , but that I may be willing rather to learne then to teach . Lake from me that wicked spirite of suspicion and enuy , euil gelousy , vaine surmisings , murmuring , and grudging , whispering , or backbiting of any , especially such as be in auctority , and ministers of thy word . O lord kepe me from al wrath , malice , and hastynesse , all respecte of personnes in the faith , all lying , euill wordes , contention , flatteryng , dissimulation , I potresy , blasphemy , and vaine swering by that name of god , his works , or creatures , from all lightnes , idle wordes , and all vnstablenes of hart . O lord deliuer thou my hart from all filthynesse both of the flesh and spirite , as heresy , and errours , from al vncleane thoughtes and vnlaufull desires , euil concupisence and lustes of the body . Lake from me also couetousnes and mordinate care of riches , all deceit and guile in my callinge and office , all idlenes and slouth , and geue me not ouer vnto an vnshamefast and obstinate mende . Make me able and contented to beare occasions with pactence when they be offred or geuen me , and not to recompence euyll for euyll , neyther to swell , nor to murmure , nor to be solemne , nor angry . Good lord make me very loth to geue occasions of euil to any man , & if I chaunce to geue any , make me willyng to confesse my fault & to amend it . Graunt me grace that I may be wylling and fre to geue , but loth to take & receaue , because it is more blessed to geue than to receiue . Geue me thy grace that I neuer enuye any good mans loue or womans , because they do either loue god & his peple more than I , or els that they be beloued of him or his more than I. make me to reioice in other mens gyftes , & not to enuy them , because they be better then mine , but rather to geue thankes for than with al my hart , desiring that they may be incresed in them & in me . Oh lord take fro me a careful hart in al worldly thinges , & graunt the neyther pouerty opresse me & driue me to dispatre or falsehod , nether riches lift me vp to forget thee or my self , but that in prosperitie I may be thankefull , & in aduersitie pacient & humble . Lord make me mery without lightnes , sad without mistruste , sober wythoute dulnes , true withoute doublenes , fearing thee , with out desperation , trusting in the without presumption : geue me also the spirite of humblenes , simplicitie , mekenes , gentlenes , goodnes , faithfulues , and truth , Braunt me O god the bowels of mercy and louing kindnes toward my bretheren , longe suffering & pacience to beare al things well that thy prouidence shal se metee to lave vpon mee , regenerate my hart with the spirit of grace dayly more and more , geue me an inward taste and feling of thy fauoure & mercy towardes me in Christ Iesu our lorde , that I may know thee to be my god and father , and my selfe to be thy chylde for euer more . Lorde merease this my faith in thee and in christ thy sonne my redemer , encrease and confyrine my hope in thy promyses touchinge my saluation . Oh god make perfecte my loue toward thee and to my reademer and iustifier , geue me a trewe and vnfamed loue to al vertue & godlines , and to all thy chosen people where so euer they be dispersed throughout all the worlde , encrease in me strength and victory against all temptations and assaultes of the fleshe , the worlde , and the deuill , 18. 1. corin. 1 that accordinge to thy promise I be neuer further proued or tempted then thou wilt geue me strength to ouercome . Geue me grace to kepe a good conscience , geue me a pure hart and minde , and renue a right spirite within me , geue me also the true vnderstandinge of thy holy worde , that I maye neuer swarue from the true sense and meaning thereof , and that my chefe felicitie may be in the same , in hearing , reading , talking , watching praying , fasting , mortifyinge , and subduinge mine owne wyll and membres . O gracious lord Iesus Christ , sonne of the liuing god , which wast . 16. crucified and raysed againe for vs , 10. Act. 2. & . 3 20. Act. 2. & . 7 21. Psal. 68. Ephe. 4.22 . 1. Timo. 2 1. Ihon. 2 which now sit test and raignest on . 20. the right hande of the father that thou mayste . 21. gyue giftes vnto men , and art apointed to be the onely . 22. mediatoure and aduocate for vs vnto god , haue mercy vpon me , & praye for me to thy eternall father , and sanctify me with thy holy ghost , as thou hast promised sayinge , I will not leaue you . 23. comfortlesse , but will sende you the spiryte of truthe whyche shall abyde with you for euer . 23. Ihon. 14. Kindle my mind and hart with thy holye spirite , that I maye truely beleue in thee , acknowledge and call vpon thee , geue thankes and obeye thee , for I feele my selfe so clothed and cloyed with infirmities and synne , that I know not what to do , but euen to offer vp my selfe wholy wyth all my croked and corrupte nature , so muche as it is in wyll and workes , vnto thy mercy to be corrected & refourmed at thy owne wil and pleasure . Most mighty god and father , through our lorde Iesus Chryste thy eternal sonne , with thy holy spirite , gouerne and kepe thy holye catholyke & apostolike church , & euery member of the same , as thou hast promised saying , this is . 24. Esai . 56. 24. my couenaut with them , my spirite which is in thee , and my word which I haue put in thy mouthe , shal not depart from the mouth of thy sede for euer , lighten vs alwayes with thy gospell , rule & confirme our harts with thy spirite , least the Ipocrisy & superstition of papistes , & other heretikes , or the erroures & wicked life of Epicures & Lybertynes , cause vs to fal . Gouerne therfore that studies of thy church , & defend the policies of those realmes & cities which geue harborough to thy people , 25. Sacha . 12. 25. powre vppon vs the spirite of grace and prayer , make vs diligente and happy in the workes of our vocation , take into thy custody for euer our soules and bodies , our liues , and al that euer we haue . Be gracious and fauourable ( O lord ) to all Iewes , Turks , Infidels , heretikes , and euen oure very enemies , and according to thy good wil and purpose forgeue them their sinnes . Conuert vnto thy truth all those whom thou haste apoynted in Iesus Chryste to saluation . Be merciful also ( O lord ) to all our bretherne and sisterne that suffer anye kynde of persecutyon or affliction , whether in mynde or in body , especially such as suffer for thy name and gospell , geue them pacience , constancy , and stedfaste hope till thou sende theym full and good deliueraunce of all their troubles . Be gracious to al those whom thou hast coupled and linked to vs in loue & frend shippe , whose hartes thou hast moued to praye for vs , to wysshe vs good , to succoure and helpe vs in oure necessytyes , graunt vs all thy blessing and holy spyrite , to sanctify vs in the vnity of fayth , and dwel in vs for euer . Finally oh lord haue mercy vpon my wife , children , and famely , which thou hast geuen me , and encrease thy feare in our hartes that we maye truely loue thee , and one of vs an other in thee , so that we maye be pure both in soule and body , and bryng them vp in vertue , nurture , and information of the lord . Plant and sowe in my harte all vertues that be necessary and required in a christian man , namely wisdome , discretion , temperance , pacience , strength , and boldenes , and geue me grace so to vse them and all other giftes whyche I haue receaued at thy mercifull hand , as may be most to thy glory and praise , to my consolatyon & saluation , and to the profyte of thy Churche . 26. Esai . 64. which peticions and requestes I do not make ( O Lorde ) trustinge in myne owne ryghteousnesse ( which I do acknowledge with thy prophet to . 29. be stayned & defiled ) no but onely in thy great mercye and promise . O heare me lord , forgeue me lorde , consider me , and tary not ouer long , but for thy owne sake doe it , and for thy sonne Iesus Chrystes sake ( in whome all thy promyses are , yea and amen ) whych is our onely reademer , sauiour , and Iustifier , to whom with thee o father and the holy ghost be al glory & prayse now and for euer . Amen . Lord let it be so .

Robart Coles FINIS .

A morninge prayer .

WE humbly and hartely geue thankes to thee ( O merciful father ) in and by thy derely beloneb sonne Iesus Christ our only sauiour , that to thy innumerable benefites hitherto powred vpon our soules and vpon oure bodies , thou hast vouchedsafe to kepe vs al this night past , from many euils , spiritually and corporally , and nowe of thy mercye doest offer and geue vs time to repente , & to amend our liues , so that we might lyue hence forth not as we will , but as thou wilte : and as our bodies do drawe continually nearer and nearer their end , ( the graue I meane ) so our soules myght aproche to theyr ende , that is , heauen & not hel ( For in one state we stande not styll , but eyther we are nearer & nearer the happy state of life , or els the infortunat or vnhappy condicion of death eternall ) Therefore we besech the to be merciful vnto vs good father , that is wee praye thee , as of thy goodnes thou geueste vs time to repente & to liue godly , so of the same thy goodnes in christ , we humbly besech and pray thee to geue vs thy gracious gift of true , holy , perfect and perperpetuall repentaunce , that we maye more and more lamente our former sinfull life , trusting vnfainedly in thy rych mercye , throughe the merytes of Iesus Christ , for the pardone of al our sinnes , and that we maye vnfainedly purpose & effectually labour to amende our liues this day and so long as we haue to liue , in al our doinges and wordes , and euen in oure very thoughtes , to the praise of thy holye name , & good example of our neyghboures and bretherne . And for as much as thou knowest our weakenesse , our ignoraunce , & great vntowardnesse to cary any geeat crosse or affliction , we besech thee oure swete father , so to temper and order all thynges towardes vs this day and for euer , that we be neuer further proued and tempted , then thou wilt so helpe vs in the same , as may be most to thy glory and our saluation , thorough Iesus Chryste our lorde . Amen .

R. Coles .

¶ An Euening praier .

MOste mercyful God and tender Father , whiche besides thyne inestimable mercyes declared & geuen vnto vs in the making of the world for our sakes , in redemynge of vs by the deathe of thy dere sonne Iesus Christe , in the callynge of vs to the knowledge of thy blessed worde , in keping of vs hitherto in thy holy Catholike churche , & in the moste gracious gouerninge of vs and all thinges hitherto for our mooste weale , hast also most fatherly cared for vs , and kept vs this daye from all dangers bothe of soule and body , geuing vs bealth , foode , apparell , & al other thinges necessary for the comforte & succour of this poore & miserable lif , which many other do want : for these and al other thy good giftes and gracious benefites , which thou of thine owne goodnes onely , & fatherly prouydence , for Christes sake hast hitherto powred vppon vs , & doest presently powre vpon vs , and many other , wee most humbly thanke thee & prayse thy holy name , beseching thee euen for the same thy Christ , to pardon our vnthanckefulnes , our neglectynge and abusing of those thy benefites , and all our sinnes whiche this daye or any tyme heretofore we haue commytted againste thy holy commaundementes .

And as nowe we purpose to lay our bodyes to rest , so graunte the garde of thy good Aungelles to keepe the same this night and for euer . And where or when so euer our last slepe of death shal come , graunte that it may be in thee , good father , so that our bodies may reste bothe temporally and eternally , to thy glory and our ioye , through Iesus Christ our Lorde . So be it .

R.C.

¶ Certaine exercises to meditate , very profitable to euery Christian .

WAtche and Pray , Part. 4. that ye enter not into temptation . &c. For the deuyll your aduersary goeth about lyke a roaryng lion , seking whom he may deuoure .

Committe thy selfe , and all thye doinges vnto god , with feruent and faithfull praier : and then doubte nothing at all of the good and profitable successe of the same .

Pray before thou comest into any company , that thou geue no offence in worde or dede , but rather mayst geue good exaumple to edyfie .

Pray also that thou mayst marke wel and immitate that whiche is well done and spoken , and that thou maist forget and flie from that whiche is euyll doone or spoken of any one where thou shalte come .

Pray when thou art come alone from company , with any that god wyl make them to forgette the euyll example thou hast geuen in worde or dede .

In euery prayer begge of god the spyrite of grace and prayer , zacha. 12. that thou maist haue delight in praier and talking with God , aske ( I say ) continually his holy spirite with encrease of Faith & Hope .

In euery benefite behold goddes grace and stay not the considering of the same tyll thou comest to the oryginall & rote , that is the grace of god in Christ , before the worlde was made : so shal euery benefite confirme thy Faith .

Speake , thinke , and do al thinges as in the sight of god , and as vnto god .

Of all thy thoughtes , Eccle. 7. woordes , and dedes , consider the ende : and thou shalt neuer do amisse .

Trust in god when thou felest no cause in thy selfe : for that is the gretest honour thou canst geue vnto him , and a sure token that thou arte his Chylde for euer .

When thou beholdest any of the workes of god , beware thou do it not to comprehende him , for so thou loosest thy labour : but loke vpon theym , to beholde him to be a God of might and power , in the diuersitie of theym to be exceadynge wise , by the multitude of theym , to be good and gracious , whiche hath so done them that they ought to be had in remembraunce of vs : And when thou hast this profite by them , then be thou thanckful to god who hath geuen it thee .

The more sure we are of our saluation & that we be the children of god , the temples of the holy ghost , & the inherytours of heauen , the more we cannot but loue & long for the dissolutions of our bodies . Vse therfore to beg of god by continual praicr his spirite to confirme you in this certen perswasion that god loueth you .

In the lawe behold god to be thy god , to be holy , to be iust , and seuere against synne : and thy selfe vnholy , vniust , and full of contumacie , & therfore not mete , nor worthy , to be where god is : but to be reiected from him , and worthy dampnation , & therfore feare him & sinne not .

In the gospell beholde god to be thye father , to loue the euerlastingely , to for geue thee all thy synnes , to geue thee eternall saluation through his sonne Iesus Christe , who hath ouercome sinne , death , and hell , for thee , & hath brought lyfe & ymmortalitie vnto light : & therfore loue him as a son , loue hym , for he loued thee fyrst , loue hym ( I say ) in and for his Christ , loue his Christ , loue him euer : Onely beleue in him , forget not to be thanckefull to hym , for that he is thy god , and thy father , for his loue , for his Christ , for thy saluation , for the forgiuenesse of thy synnes , for thy delyueraunce from dispaire , for the sure certificate of thyne election , for the delyueraunce from errour into his truthe , for calling the into this grace wherin thou standest : and therfore reioyce in hope of the glory of God .

R. Coles

A Complaynt of the Tiranny vsed against the sainctes of god , conteyning a confession of our sinnes , & a praier for the deliuerance and preseruation of the Church , and confusion of the enemyes . **

ETernall and euerlyuinge god , father of our lord Iesus Christ , who hast commaunded vs to praye , and promised to heare vs , euen when we do call from the pyt of desperation : the miseries of these our moste wycked dayes compell vs , to poure forth before thee , the complaintes of our wretched hartes , oppressed wyth sorrowe . Our eyes do beholde , and our eares do heare the calamities and opressions whiche no tongue canne expresse , neyther yet ( alas ) doo oure dull hartes rightly consider the same . For the Heathen are entred into thine inherytance , they haue poluted thy sanctuarye , prophaned and abolished thy blessed instytutions , moste cruelly murthered , and dayly doe murther thy deare children .

Thou hast exalted the arme and force of our enemies , thou hast set vs forth as a praye , to ignomy and shame , before such as persecute thy truth . Their wayes do prosper , they glory in mischefe , & speake prowdely agaynste the honoure of thy name .

Thou goest not forth as a captaine before our hostes . The edge of our sword , which somtime was most sharp , is now blunt , and doth returne without victorye in battaile .

It apereth to our ennemies ( O lorde ) that thou hast broken that league , whiche of mercie & goodnes , thou hast made with thy churche . For the libertie whiche they haue to kil thi children like shepe and to shed their bloudde , no man resistinge , doth soo blynde and puffe theim with pride , that they ar not ashamed to affirme , that thou regardest not our intreatinge . Thy longe suffering and pacience maketh them hold from crueltie , to procede to the blasphemy of thy name .

And in this meane season ( alas ) we do not consider the heauines of our sinnes , which longe haue deserued at thye handes , not onely these temporall plagues : but also the tormentes prepared for the inobedient . For we knowing thy blessed will , haue not applyed our dilygence to obey the same , but haue folowed for the most parte , the vaine conuersation of the blind world : and therfore in very iustice hast thou visited our vnthanckfulnesse . But O lorde if thou shalt obserue and kepe in mind for euer the iniquities of thy children , then shal no fleshe abide , nor be saued in thy presence . And therfore conuicted in our own consciences , that most iustly we suffer , as punished by thy hande , do neuerthelesse cal for mercy , according to thy promes . And first we desire to be corrected , with the rod of thy children , by the whiche we maye be brought to a perfect hatred of synne , and of our selues : & therfore that it would please thee , for Christ Iesus thy sonnes sake , to shewe to us & thy whole church vniuersally persecuted the same fauoure and grace , that some times thou diddest , when the chiefe members of the same , for anguish and feare , were compelled to cry : why haue nations raged ? why hathe the people made vprores ? and why haue princes & kings coniured against thyne anointed , Christ Iesus ? Then diddest thou wonderfully assiste and preserue thy smale and dispersed flock : then diddest thou burste vp the barres , and gates of yron : then dyddest thou shake the foundations of stronge prysons : then dyddeste thou plague the cruell persecutours : & then gauest thou some tranquilitie and rest after those ragyng stormes and cruell afflictions .

O Lord , thou remainest one for euer : we haue offended , and are vnworthy of any deliueraunce , but worthy art thou to be a true and constant god , and worthy is thy deare sonne Christ Iesus , that thou shouldest glorify his name , and reueng the blasphemy spoken against the truth of his gospell , which is by our aduersaries damned as a doctrine deceiuable & false : yea , the bloude of thy sonne is troden vnder fete , in that the bloud of his members is shedde for wytnessyngs of thy truth . And therefore , O lorde , beholde not the vnworthines of vs , that call for the redresse of these enormities , neither let our imperfections stoppe thy mercies from vs , but beholde the face of thyne annointed Christe Iesus , and let the equitie of oure cause preuayle in thy presence . Let the bloudde of thy sainctes which is shed , be openly reuenged in the eyes of thy Churche : that mortall men may know the vanity of their counsels , and that thy children may haue a tast of thine eternal goodnesse . And seing that from that man of sinne , that Romayne Antechriste , the chyefe aduersary of thy deare sonne , do the all iniquitie springe , and myschyefe procede : let it please thy fatherly mercy , more and more to reuele his deceit and tiranny to the worlde : open the eies of princes and magistrates , that clearely they may see , how shamefullye they haue bene , and are abused by his deceiuable wayes , how by him they are compelled most cruelly to shede the bloud of thy sainctes , and by violence refuse thine eternall testament : that they in depe consideration of their greuous offences , maye vnfaynedly lament their horrible defection from Christ Iesus thy sonne , from henceforth studieng to promote his glorye in the dominions committed to their charges , that so yet once againe the glory of thy gospell may appears to the worlde . And seing also that the chiefe strength of that odious beaste consisteth in defension of princes : let it please thee , O father , whiche hast claymed to thy selfe to be called the God of peace , to vnite and knyt in perfect loue , the hartes of all those that looke for the life euerlastinge . Let no craft of sathan moue them to warre one againste an other , neither yet to mainteine by their force and strengthe , that kingedome of darkenesse , but rather that godly they may conspire ( illuminated by thy word ) to roote out from amongest them , al supersticion with the maynteyners of the same .

These thy graces , O lord , we vnfainedly desyre to be powred forth vppon all realmes and nations , that they may be firmly vnited and godly knitte together in the vnitie of thy worde : that in their godly concorde , thy name maye be glorified , and thy dispersed flocke comforted and relieued .

The common wealthes , O lord , where thy gospell is truely preached , and harborowe graunted to the afflicted members of Christes body , and specially accordinge to our bounden duetie this out countrey of Englande , we commend to thy protection and mercy . Be thou vnto them a defence & buckler : be a watch man to their walles , & a perpetual saue garde to their cities , that the crafty assaultes of their ennemies repulsed by thy power , thy gospell maye haue free passage from one nation to an other : & let al preachers & ministers of the same haue the giftes of thy holy spirite , in suche aboundance , as thy godly wisedome shal know to be expedient for the perfect instruction of that flocke , whiche thou hast redemed with the preciouse bloud of thy onely and welbeloued sonne Iesus Christ . Purge their hartes from al kind of superstition , from ambicion & vaine-glory , by whiche sathan continually laboureth to stirre vp vngodly contencion , and let them so consente in the vnitie of thy truthe , that neither the estimation whiche they haue of men , neyther the vaine opinions , whiche they haue conceyued by their writinges , preuaile in them , against the cleare vnderstandyng of thy blessed worde .

And nowe last , O lorde , we most humbly beseche thee , according to that praier of thy dere sonne our lord Iesus , so to sanctifie and confirme vs in thy eternal veritie , that neither the loue of life temporall , neither yet the feare of tormentes and corporall death , cause vs to denie the same , when the confession of our faith shal be required of vs : but so assist vs with the power of thye holy spyrite , that not onely boldely we may confesse thee ( O father of mercies ) to be the true god alone , and whom thou haste sent our lord Iesus to be the only sauiour of the world : but also that constantly we may withstande all doctrine , repugninge to thy eternall truthe , reueiled to vs in thy most blessed worde .

Remoue from our hartes , the blynde loue of our selues , and so rule thou all the actions of our life , that in vs thye godly name may be glorified , thy churche edified , and sathan finally confounded by the power & meanes of our lorde Iesus Christe : to whom with thee , and the holy spirite , be all glory and prayse before thy congregations , nowe and euer . So be it .

Arise , O lord , and let thine ennemies be ashamed : let them flee from thy presence , that hate thy godly name : let the grones of thy prisoners enter in before thee , and preserue by thy power , suche as be appointed to death : let not thyne enemies thus triumphe to the ende : but let them vnderstande , that against thee they fight : preserue and defend the vine , whiche thy righte hande hath planted : & let all nations see the glory of thine annoynted .

Hasten lord and tary not .

A praier against the obstinate enemies of the truth .

MOste righteous iudge , god of all mercy and comforte , whiche by thy secrete iudgmente and wisedome , doest suffer the wicked to triumph and increase for a tyme , for triall of the faith of thy welbeloued little flocke , and the mortifyinge of theyr lustes , but at length to the vtter confusion of the enemies , & ioyfull delineraunce of thy people : loke doune we beseche thee on thy dispersed shepe , out of thy holy habitation in heuen , and strengthen our weakenes againste their furyous rages , abate their pryde , asswage their malyce , confound their deuises , wherwith they lifte vp them selues against christ Iesus thy sonne our Lord and Sauiour , to deface his glory and set vp Antechrist . We be not able of oure selues to thynke a good thought , much lesse to stand against their assaultes , excepte thy vndeserued grace and mighty arme defend and deliuer vs . Performe thy promises made to Iacob , and stoppe the mouthes of the cursed Edomites , call them to repentance whom thou hast apointed to saluation : bringe home them that runne astraye , lyghten the blind , and teach the ignoraunt : forgeue al those that wilfully & obstinately rebell not against thy holy will , let thy fearefull threatninges pearce our stony hartes , & make vs tremble at thy iudgementes . Make the exaumples of theim whom thou haste ouerthrowne in their owne deuises , as Cayn , Cham , Nimrod , Esau , Pharao , Saule , Achitophel , Iudas , & such other to be a warning for vs , that we set not vp our selues against thy holy wil : graunt free passage to thy holy word , that it may worke effectually in vs the worcke of life & blessed hope of our saluation , to the eternal praise of thy maiestye , throughe our mediatoure Christ Iesus , to whom wyth the father and the holy ghost thre persons and one god , be praise and thankesgeuing in all congregations world without ende . So be it .

Ia. P.

¶ A prayer for the common peace and quietnes of our countrey , necessary for this our tyme .

MOst mercifull god , which hast created man after thyne owne lykenesse , to lyue thereafter in godly peace and concorde , take away all strife and debate , not onely in priuate causes betwyxte man and man , but especially betwixt realme and realme , cuntrey and cuntrey , douchsaf to pacify the troublous affections of worldly mens hartes , who inflamed by that spirite of discorde , labour to breake that godly knotte of peace and concorde , which most besemeth thy elect seruauntes and desciples to performe .

Gide thou vs in the vnitie of thy spirite , that we maye in thee be of one mynde , aswell in matters touching the truth of religion : as also outward & ciuill , that all maner groundes of discorde and war being taken away , we may liue in holy peace & quietnes to the aduauncement of thy glory , and the settyng forth & spreading abrode of thy gospell . Geue good successe ( O Lorde ) to the trauayles and counsailes of our gouernoures , directed to the safety & quietnes of this realme .

Defend and aide the ministers , and trauailers about the same . Bryng to naught all the subtill deuises of Sathan , of Antechrist and his members , deuised againste the veritie of thy word , ouerthrow their counsailes , and bring their conspiracye to naught , beate backe their proud boldnesse in aduancing lies , and suppressing of the truth , and so make an ende at last of their outragious tiranny , that we thy seruauntes may quietly consent and rest in thy truth , hauinge both the inwarde peace of minde and conscience , & also the outward concorde aswell amongest our selues , as wyth all forren natyons and cuntreis : graunt this O lord , for Iesus Christes sake . Amen .

¶ A praier for the whole church of christ . and for euery state and degree therof accordinge to the petitions of the Lordes prayer ⸫

ALmighty god our heauenly Father , since thou hast promised graciouslye to heare vs and graunte our requestes , whiche we shal make vnto the in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ thy welbeloued son : Ihon. 16. And we also are taught by him and his apostelles to make our common prayer in his name , promisyng that he wyl be amonge vs , Math. 18. and make intercession for vs vnto thee , for the obteinynge of all suche thinges as wee shall godly desyre here in earth : And moreouer since thou hast commaunded vs to pray for such as thou hast appoynted rulers , and gouernours ouer vs , 1. Timo. 2. and also for all thynges nedefull for thy people : we therfore conceauinge boldnesse throughe thy holy worde ; and leaninge assuredly vnto thy most vndoubted promises , do make our earnest suplication vnto thee our moste mercifull god , & bountifull father , that for Iesus Christes sake our onely sauyour and mediatour , it would please thee of thy infinite mercye , freely to pardon our offences , and in suche sorte to draw and lifte vppe our hartes and affections towardes thee , that our requestes maye bothe procede of a feruent mynde , and also be agreable vnto thy moste blessed wyll and pleasure .

We beseche thee therfore ( O heauenly father ) as towchinge all princes and rulers , vnto whom thou hast commytted the administration of thy iustice , and namely as towchinge the estate of oure moste gracious Queene , that it woulde please thee to endue her and all her honourable Counsaile with thy plentiful grace and principal spirite , and increase the same from time to time in her , that ●e may with a pure faith acknowledge Iesus Christ thy onely sonne our lorde , to be the kynge of all kynges , 1. Timo. 6. Act. 17. Math. 28. and gouernour of al gouernours , euen as thou hast geuen al power vnto hym bothe in heauen and in earthe , and may vprightly and zelously seke and earnestly maynteine thy true glory , minister iustice , punishe synne , and defende the ryght , rulynge her subiectes whiche be thy creatures , and the shepe of thy pasture , euen as she is taughte and commaunded by thy worde .

We beseche thee also ( most deare father ) for al Pastours and ministers , vnto whom thou hast committed the charge of mennes sowles , and the ministery of thy holy gospel , that it wold please thee so to guide theim with thy holy spirite , that they may be founde faythfull & zealous of thy glory , directing alwais their whole studies vnto this ende , that the poore shepe which be gone astray out of the stocke , may be sought out , & brought againe vnto the lorde Iesus ( who is the chiefe shepeharde & head of al Pastours ) wherby they may from day to day , 1. Pe 5. growe and increase in him vnto all righteous●nes and holines . And on the other part , that it wolde please thee to delyuer thye churche from the daunger of suche idols shepehardes , ●●che . 11. wulues , and hirelynges , as seeke them selues and their bellyes , and not the settinge forthe of thy glorye and the safegarde of thy flocke .

Moreouer we make our prayers vnto thee ( most mercyfull father ) for all men in general , the as thou wilt be known to be the sauiour of all the world by the redemption purchased by thy onely sonne Iesus Christ : euen so suche as haue ben bytherto holden captiue in darcknesse & ignoraunce for lacke of the knowledge of thy gospell , maye throughe the preaching therof , and the cleare light of thy holy spirite , be broughte into the righte way of saluation , which is to knowledge that thou art only very god , and that he whom thou haste sent is Iesus Christe . Iu. 17. Likewise that they whom thou hast already indued with thy grace , and whose hart thou hast lightened with the knowledge of thy word , may continually encrease in godlinesse , and be plenteousely enryched wyth spirytuall benefytes : so that we may altogether worshippe thee both with hart and mouthe , and render due honour and seruice vnto thee accordingly .

In like maner ( O lord of al true comforte ) we commend vnto thee in our prayers all such persons , as thou hast visited and chastised , by thy crosse and tribulation , all such people , as thou hast punished with pestilence , warre , and famin , and all other persons afflycted with pouerty , imprisonment , sickenesse , banishmente , or any like bodely aduersitie , or hast otherwise troubled and afflycted in spirite , that it will please thee to make them perceaue thy fatherly affection towardes them : that is that these crosses be nothinge ells , but fatherly chastisinges for their amendment , to the intent that they should vnfainedly turne vnto thee , that they cleauinge vnto thee , maye receaue ful comfort , and be deliuered from all maner of euill .

Finally most deare father we beseche thee to graunt , that we may knowledge truely without hipocrisie bowe miserable a state of perdition we are in by nature , and how worthely we procure vnto our selues euerlastinge dampnation● heapinge vp from time to time thy greuous punishmentes towards vs , through oure wicked and synfull life , to the ende that seing there remayneth no sparke of goodnes in our nature , and that ther is nothing in vs ( as touching our first creation , and that which we receaue of our parentes ) mete to inioye the heritage of gods kingedome , we may wholy render by oure selues with all oure hartes , and with an assured confidence , vnto thy deroly beloued son Iesu Christ our lord ; our only sauiour & redemer , to the ende that he dwelling in vs may mortefy our olde man ( that is to say ) our sinneful affections , and that we may be regenerated into a more godly lyfe : wherby thy holy name ( as it is worthy of all honoure ) may be aduaunced and magnified through oute the world and in al places : so that thou hauing the tuicion and gouernaunce ouer vs , we may learne dayely more and more to humble and submyt our selues vnto thy maiestie , in such sort that thou maist be counted king and gouernour ouer al , guiding thy people with the scepter of thy word , and by the vertue of thy holy spirite , to the confusion of all thine enemies , through the mighte of thy truth & righteousnes : so that by this meanes all power and heighte which withstandeth thy glory , may be continually throwen downe and abolyshed , vnto suche time as the full and perfecte face of thy kingdome shall apeare when thou shalt shewe thy selfe in iudgement : whereby also we with the reste of thye creatures may render vnto thee perfecte and due obedience , euen as thy holy aungells do apply them selues onely to the perfourming of thy commaundementes : so that onely thy will may be fulfilled without any contradiction , & that euery man may bend him selfe to serue and please thee , renouncing their owne wylles with all the affections and desires of the fleshe .

Graunte vs also good lorde , that wee thus walking in the loue and dreade of thy holye name , maye be nouryshed and susteyned through thy goodnesse , & that we may receue at thy handes , all things expediente & necessary for vs , and so vse thy giftes peaceably and quietly , to this ende that when wee see that thou haste care of vs , wee maye the more affectuousely knowledge thee to be our father , lokinge for all good giftes at thy hand : and withdrawynge and pullinge back al our vaine confidence from creatures , may set it wholly vpon thee , and so rest onely in thy most bountiful mercy . And for so moch as , whiles we continue here in this transitory life , we are so miserable , so frayle , and so much inclyned vnto synne , that we fall continually and swarue from the right way of thy commaundementes : we beseche the pardon vs our innumerable offences , whereby we are in daunger of thy iudgemente & condempnation , and forgeue vs so freely , that deathe and synne may hereafter haue no title against vs : neither lay vnto our charge that wicked rote of sinne , whiche dothe euermore remaine in vs : but graunt that we may forget and forgeue the wronges whiche other do vnto vs , & in stede of seking vengeaunce , may procure the wealthe of our ennemies .

And for as muche as of our selues , wee are so weake that we ar not able to stand vpright one minute of an houre : and again so belaid & assaulted euermore with such a multitude of so daungerous ennemies , that the deuyl , the world , synne & our own concupicences , do neuer leaue of to fyghte against vs , Let it be thy good pleasure to strengthen vs with thy holy spirit , & to arme vs with thy grace , that therby we may be able strongly to with stand al temptations , & to endure constantly in this spiritual battaile against syn , vntil such time as we shal obteine the ful victory , & so at length may triumphantly reioyse in thy kingdome with our captain & gouernour Iesus christ our lord . Amen .

Who can tel whether the lord wil turne againe and haue compassion vpon vs , and leaue a blessinge behynde him .

Ioel. 2.

¶ A prayer mete for this present tyme , that god woulde turne away his plagues hanging ouer vs for our sinnes .

OH lorde God , strong and mighty , great and fearfull , whiche dwellest in the heauens , and workest great wonders , we thy myserable chyldren here vpon earth , do most humbly beseche thee to be mercifull vnto vs , to pardon our offences , & forgers vs all our sinnes . O Lord enter not into iudgement with thy seruauntes , for if thou do , there shall no fleshe be saued in thy sight . O Lord we confesse and acknowledge that it is our syns that hath caused thee to be moued vnto wrathe , & to shewe suche tokens of thy displeasure towardes vs in these our dayes , fyrfte with fire from heauen , whiche did betoken thy hotte burning indignation , and wrathfull displeasure for synne whiche aboundeth at this day , & then with such horrible and monstruous shapes against nature , as was neuer sene in our daies , nor in no time before vs in this miserable countrey of oures : whiche all do betoken to vs none other thinge , but thye plagues to come vppon vs for our degenerate and monstrous lyfe and conuersation : and our wonderfull and terryble destruction and desolation ( vnlesse we spedely repent and turne to thee ) because we haue ben so longe taught oute of thy most holy and sacred worde , and yet no fruites of repentaunce or christyan life will appere .

Woe and alas to these our daies , that neyther preachinge by worde most comfortable , nor preaching by fyre most terrible , nor preaching by monsters moste ougly & horrible , wil flyrre vp our stony hartes , and awake vs from our sinnes .

We feare ( oh Lorde ) that the turkes with all the rest of the vnbeleuing will condempne vs in the last day : whiche if they had ben so longe instructed by the comfortable preaching of thy word , and sweete promises of thy gospell , or seene the wonders whiche we haue seene , no doubt their righteousenes woulde haue shined at this day , to our greate shame and confusion . Thou hast no lesse warned vs ( oh Lord ) of thy feareful displeasure & heauie plagues at hande for our great wickednes , then thou dyddest the Israelites of that horryble destructyon which came vpon them : whom thou first in mercy diddest call to repentaunce by the preachinge of thy worde , but when no warnynge wolde serue , thou diddest send them monstrus and feareful signes and tokens , to declare that thy visitation was not farre of . But they , like vnto vs at this daye , dyd alwaies interprete these thinges after the imagination of their owne vaine hartes , promysynge to them selues peace when destruction was ouer their heades .

Whiche thinges when we do call to minde ( for as muche as they are written for our learnynge , exaumple , and warnynge ) it maketh vs to tremble & quake for feare of thy iust iudgementes . For if thou hast thus dealt with thine owne dears & chosen chyldren , in token of thy great wrathe against synne , what shal we loke for ? who do no lesse deserue thy feareful scourge ( and of mercy it is that thou doeste thus lenge forbeare vs ) but liue as though there were no god at all to be reuenged vpon our sinnes . It maketh vs to feare and cry inwardly in our sowles : Come lord Iesu , Apor . 22. holy and trus in al thy doinges , and shorten our dayes , brynge this our pilgremage to an ende , suffer vs not to heape synne vpon synne vnto the day of vengeaunce , leste we be taught vp amongest the numbre of the wicked and reprobate , whiche shall neuer see thy louyng countenaunce .

It maketh vs to crye to thee ( o lorde ) Let thy kingdome come & ende this our synfull lyfe , wherin we do nothing but rouoke thee to wrath . Psal. 6. Correcte vs not O lorde in thyne indignation , neyther chasten vs in thine heauy displeasure : & thoughe to vs belongeth nothinge but shame and confusion , though our offences haue deserued to be visyted with the rodde , and our sinnes with scourges : Psal. 89. yet in mercy lorde and with fatherly correction chasten vs , and thy louinge kindenes take not away from vs .

To thee we flee for succour , vnder the winges of thy mercy shall be our refuge vntill thou turne thy wrathfull countenaunce from vs . Psal. 57. We knowe that thye mercy is aboue all thye workes , and euen as great as thy selfe . Eccle. 2. Therfore wil we say with holy Iob , though thou kill vs , yet wyll we put our trust in thee .

Thou cammest to comforte , and plucke out of the dungeon of hel , such wretches as wee are : Luke . 10. thou art the good Samaritane that cameste to heale our deadlye woundes : thou art that good phisition that camest to cure our mortal infyrmities : thou arte the good shepeherd that camest to seke vs wanderinge and loste sheepe , Luke . 15. and to bringe vs to thy folde againe : and more then that thou art our brother , Eph. 5. fleshe of our flesh , and boane of our boanes ; whiche haste tasted of oure infirmities , Esa. 53. felte our temptations , and borne the burden of our synnes : Therfore at thy handes wee looke for mercy againste the daye of vengeaunce . And thoughe thou punyshe vs , yet our hope is and euer shall be , that thy rodde shal no further touche vs then shall make to thy glory , our commoditie , & the streng thenyng and increace of our faythe .

Let this thy preaching sundry wayes ( O lord ) be sufficient for our warning , and graunte that we maye spedely and from the bottome of our hartes repent , endeuour to do thy righteouse and blessed wyll reueled in thy word , and frame our lyues accordinge to the same : that we maye here liue in thye feare all the dayes of our lyfe , and after this our sin ful course is ended , may dwel with-thee in thy blessed kyngedome , throughe the death and merites of Iesus Christe our onely redemer . So be it .

When thy wrathe is kendeled ( O Lorde ) blessed are all they that put their trust in thee .

Psal. 2.

¶ A prayer for fayre weather .

O God and mercifull father , we acknowledge that we through our manifolde sinnes haue deserued to be sharpely rebuked and corrected of thee . But if thou shuldest deale with vs after our synnes , we are not hable to abyde thy wrath & heuy hand . Wherfore deale mercifully with vs ( O Lorde ) after the greatnes of thy goodnes , and the multitude of thy mercies , that we rather may reioyce and be thankeful vnto thee for the aboundance of thy great mercies , and louing kindenes , then be caste downe and discouraged by the heauy waight of thy hande .

In thy handes ( O lord ) are both heaven and earth : So gouerne them therfore , we besech thee for thy names sake , that we maye haue seasonable weather to receaue the fruites of the earth . Stay the immoderate plentie of rayne and vnseasonable weather , and powre rather vpon vs the plentyfull dewe of thy spytite , that we may daily grow to the perfection of christen menne . Take awaye from vs our stony hartes , & geue vnto vs in the stede therof , hartes of fleshe , that we may cease at the length thus to prouoke thy wrathe to brynge vpon vs eyther this so great a plague as the losse of the fruites of the earthe , eyther elles other plagues of thy iuste iudgement .

Graunte that we maye so repente vs of our former euils , that hereafter the worthy fruites of true repentaunce may continually appere therin , and soo to passe ouer and to ende this our mortall lyfe , that at the last we may attaine vnto the blessed resurrection and lyfe euerlasting through Iesus Christ our lorde . Amen .

¶ A Prayer to be said before the receauing of the communion .

O Father of mercy and god of all consolation , seinge all creatures doe knoweledge and confesse thee to be theyr gouernoure and lorde , Apoc. 5. it becommeth vs the workmanship of thine owne handes , at all times to reuerence and magnifie thy godly maiestie : Fyrste , Gent. 1. for that thou hast created vs to thine own ymage and similitude , but chiefly because thou hast delyuered vs from that euerlasting deathe and dampnation , Ephe. 2. Gal. 1. Gene. 3. into the whiche Sathan drewe mankinde by the meanes of synne : from the bondage wherof neyther man nor Angell was hable to make vs free , Act. 4. Hebre. 1. Apoc. 5. but thou ( o lorde ) ryche in mercye and infinite in goodnes , haste prouyded our redemption to stande in thine onely and welbeloued sonne , whome of verye loue thou diddeste geue to be made man lyke vnto vs in al thinges , Iohn . 3. Hebre. 8. Hebre. 4. 1. Pet. 2. Es. 43.53 . Mat 3.17 Iere. 31. Heb. 8. Rom. 5. Heb. 2. Iohn . 6. Gene. 3. Rom. 5. Ephe. 3. synne excepted , that in his body he mighte receyue the punishement of our transgression , by his death to make satisfaction to thy iustice , and by his resurrection to destroye him that was authour of deathe , and so to bringe againe lyfe to the worlde , from which the whole ofspring of Adam was most iustely exiled .

O lord we acknowledge that no creture was able to comprehende the length and breadth , the depenes and heighte of that thy most excellent loue whiche moued thee to shew mercy where none was deserued , Ephe. 2. Io. 6.17 . Ephe. 2. Gene. 6. Rom. 3. Esai . 64. Psal. 5.12 Rom. 7. Mat. 10. 1. Cor. 2 Luke . 11. Mar. 10. Math 26. Luke . 22. 1. Cor. 11. to promise and geue life , wher deathe had gotten victory : to receiue vs into thy grace when we could do nothing but rebell against thy maiestie . O lorde the blinde dulnes of our corrupt nature wyll not suffer vs sufficiently to weigh these thy most ample benefites : yet neuerthelesse at the commaundemente of Iesus Christ our lorde , we presente our selues to this his table ( whiche he hath lefte to be vsed in remembraunce of his deathe vntyll his comminge againe ) to declare and witnesse before the worlde , that by hym alone we haue receiued lybertie and life : Io. 8. Gal. 5. Ro. 8. 1. Pet. 1. Ephe. 5. Ephe. 2. Heb. 4. Ro. 3. Mat. 25. Iohn . 14. Luke . 12. Luke . 22. Apo. 2. Phil. 3. Ephe. 2. Ephe 1. Apo. 13. that by hym alone thou doest acknowledge vs to be thy chyldren and heires : that by hym alone we haue entrance to the throne of thy grace : that by him alone we are possessed in our spirituall kingdome , to eate and drinke at his table , with whom we haue our conuersation presentely in heauen , and by whom our bodies shal be raysed vppe agayne from the dust , and shal be placed with him in that endeles ioye , whiche thou ( O father of mercie ) hast prepared for thine elect before the foundation of the worlde was layed . And these most inestimable benefites we acknowledge and confesse to haue receiued of thy fre mercie and grace , Ro. 3. Ephe. 2. Tit. 3. by thine only beloued son Iesus Christe . For the whiche therfore we thy congregation , moued by thy holy spiryte , Ro. 8. render to thee all thanckes prayse and glory for euer and euer .

¶ A Thankesgeuinge after the receauiuge of the communyon . *

MOste mercyfull Father , we render vnto thee all prayse , thankes , honour and glory , for that it hath pleased thee of thy great mercies to graunt vnto vs miserable sinners so ercellent a gift and treasure , as to receaue vs into the felowship and company of thy deare sonne Iesus christ our lord , 1. Cor. 10. whom thou hast deliuered to death for vs , and haste geuen him vnto vs as a necessary fode & nourishment vnto euerlasting life . Rom. 4. Io. 6. And nowe wee besech thee also ( O heauenly father ) to graunt vs this request , the thou neuer suffer vs to become so vnkind , as to forget so worthy benefites , but rather imprint and fasten them sure in our hartes , that we may growe & increase dayly more and more in true faythe , Luke . 17. whych continually is exercised in all maner of good workes : Gala. 5. and so muche the rather , ( O Lorde ) confirme vs in these perilous dayes and rages of Sathan , 1. Tim. 4. Ephe. 5. 2. Pet. 3. Mat. 5. 1. Pet. 2. that wee maye constantly stande and continue in the confession of the same , to the aduancement of thy glory , which art God ouer all thinges blessed for euer .

So be it .

¶ A prayer to be sayde before meate . **

O Eternall god , Ebre . 13. the very god of peace & all consolation , whych broughtest againe from death our lorde Iesus the great shepherde of the shepe throughe the bloud of the euerlastinge couenante , make vs frutefull in all good workes to do thy will , & worke in vs that which is acceptable in thy sighte : sanctify vs throughout , and kepe our whole spyrite , soule , and bodye fautlesse vnto the comming of thy deare sonne our lord Iesus Christ . Thou art faythfull O father who haste promysed this , who also shall bringe it to passe , to thee therfore be geuen euerlasting praise , honour , and glory .

Amen .

¶ A Thankesgeuing after meate .

MOste bountifull & gracious god , which feedest all fleshe , and haste promised that asking of thee , we shall not lacke , if we first seke thy kingdome , and the righteousenes therof , we felinge presently the benefite of this thy gracious promise in feeding our bodies with these corporall benefites , do render vnto the most harty thaks for the same , beseching the likewise to fede our soules with that heuenly fode which perisheth not , Ihon. 6. but abideth into euerlasting life : so that we being noryshed by thy goodnes both in body and soule , may be apte and redy to doe all good workes which thou hast prepared for vs to walk in , through Iesus Christ our Lorde .

Vnto hym that loued vs & wasshed vs from our sinnes in his bloud and made vs kinges & priestes vnto God his father , 1. Pet. 5. be all glory , power , and dominion for euermore . Amen .

¶ A prayer for true mortification .

O God my creatour , preseruer , & euerlastinge defendour , where fyrst in my creation I was made lyke vnto thyne owne likenesse : the deuyll ( alas ) hath synce by Adams faule , made me oughlye , monstruous , and lyke euyll fauoured to hym selfe . For what are now lord mine earthly membres , Colo. 3. but as is written in the .iii. to the Colloss. adulterie , whoredome , vncleannes , vnnatural lustes , euyl concupiscence , couetousnes ( which is the worshippynge of Idoles ) and suche other , for the whiche thy wrath is wont to come vpon the children of vnbelefe . Neuerthelesse ( lorde ) of thy gret mercie and goodnes against this very great mischiefe , a much greater remedy thy fatherly prouidence hath ordeined . 1. Io. 3. For thou hast sent Iesus christ thy deere and onely naturall sonne into this worlde , the vale of miseries , to lose the workes of the deuyll , and to take away my sinnes . Therfore Sathan hath now nothing to bragge of , for through Christ all that beleue in thee and so become thy children , 1. Ihon. 5. do ouercome the world the fleshe and the deuyl . 1. Ihon. 5. And this is the victorie whiche ouercommeth them all , euen our Fayth . Io. 3. That Faith I meane which is perswaden that who so euer be leueth in christ shal not perishe but haue euerlasting life . 1. Iohn . 5. That fayth whiche beloueth the testimonie to be true whiche thou ( God the Father ) doeste testifie of thy sonne , so making thee no lyer , and this is that testimonie , that thou haste geuen vs eternall life . Ro. 8. That faith wheche beleueth that thou father , who raysedst vp Christ from death shalt also quicken our mortall bodies through thy holy spirite dwellig in vs . Io. 14. That faith whiche beleueth it to be true which thy son Christe affirmed , with a double othe , saying : Verely , verely , I say vnto you , he that beleueth in mee the workes that I do , the same shall he do , and greatter workes then these shall he do , because I go vnto my father . Iohn . 12. And fynally that fayth whiche beleueth , that now Christ hath ben lifte vppe on the crosse , he shal draw all thinges vnto hym : this fayth ( I say ) is the victory whiche ouercommeth our ennemies , the deuyll , the worlde , and our fleshe . Iohn . 14. Thou therfore ( lorde father ) whiche hast promised to geue what so euer I shall aske in thy deere Sonne Iesus name , for thy great mercy and infallible truethes sake , do nowe in mee the thynge that he came for : lose in me the workes of the deuyl , 1. Iho. 3. and take away my synnes I beseche thee , make stedfast my Faithe confidence in thy promised mercies & merciful promises : Iohn . 3. so that I assuredly beleuing in thee may haue ( as thou promisest ) euerlasting lyfe , & makynge thee ( deere God ) no lyar , maye beleue , feele , and knowe in my hart and conscience , the the same euerlastyng lyfe is thy mere & free gift vnto me , yea already of thy great goodnesse , vndoubtedly geuen mee , beinge now translated from death to life . Of a thanckefulnes wherof Lorde cause me now dayly to mortifie my erthly membres . Ro. 8. Yea ( dere father ) sithe thy spirite which raised vp Christ from death , dwelleth within mee , do thou ( who raisedst Christ from death ) quicken my mortal body through thy spirite so dwellyng in me , I beseche thee . Iohn . 14. Yea lorde Iesu according to thy promise ( because thou art now gone to thy father ) make me work this wonderful great worke the thou speakest of : I meane , make me , Collo. 3. being of my self but a lumpe of synne and a monster moste ougly ( as the vyces whereon the membres of my earthly body aboue declared to be compacte doo proue ) make me ( I saye ) yet throughe thy grace , to hate , abhorre , flee and subdue all adultery , whoredome , vncleannes , vnnaturall lustes , euyl concupiscence , vnordinate desyres , wantonnes , tendernes , delicatenes , idlenes , drunkennes , gluttony , slouthfulnes , distruste , dispaire , ignoraunce , weakenes , wilfulnes , Idolatry , superstition , hypocrisie , heresye , errour , sectes , variaunce , strife , wrath , enuie , slaunders , lyeng , swearing , cursyng , vayne glory , pride , couetousenes , thefte , disceite , flattery , and what so euer elles ( lord ) feighteth or rebelleth against thy holy spirite . And then ( lorde Father ) I will boast and make vaunte agaynste myne ennemie the deuyll , that I haue doone greater workes then thy dere sonne Iesus dyd , at what tyme he spake these wordes among the iewes , because , Iohn . 14. albeit he vanquissehed Sathan , yet in as muche as he hym selfe was vtterly without synne , the victorie semed the wore easy : But I to vanquishe sathan , being my selfe altogether synful , yea contrary to my most synfull nature to subdue synne , the deuyll , and myne owne fleshe , it seemeth a more victorye and greater worke then the other . For the whiche neuerthelesse , I wyll with all submission acknowledge vnto thy diuyne maiestie taht the whole victory lord in deede is thine , and thy holy spirit the begynner and fynisher bothe of the will and worke . Nowe therfore , Lorde Iesu , strenthen me with thy grace & myght , that thou mayste by me a moste synfull wretch , drawe al these my earthly membres and horrible vices before rehersed , vnder my feete , that I maye not onely mightely fyght againste them , but also subdue them , so that they may al turne to the best for me , Rom. 8. Io. 12. as mete matter wheron I may exercise my fayth powre forth harty prayer , and geue thee most hartye thanckes for victorie : whereby I maye learne & haue experience that thou haste in me drawen althinges vnto thee in so muche as thou thus ( lord ) of thy diuine power , drawest bothe the deuill and the synne that dwelleth in mee , to set forth thy honour and glory . whiche thyng for thy mercies sake brynge to passe , O God my creatoure , preseruer , and euerlastinge defendour .

¶ A Prayer of a christian man , expressing his great anguishe & heuines of minde that he had before time for his sinnes , & for that he felt not his hart conforted in the ioy of gods great loue towardes him , with the maner of his prayers & groninges which he then made , & nowe powreth forth againe vnto god for his grace & assistance in his new assaultes . wherby the broken harted & afflicted for their sinnes maye learne to stirre vp & strengthen their faith and hope in like dangers and trouble of conscience .

1. EVen in the myddes of the desperate assaultes of my soule , the intollerable heuinesse of my minde hath heretofore ( Lorde ) cryed as shrill in thine eares as thoughe I had shryked and with lamentations cryed out , saying : Help , helpe me my god , my creatour , my most prouident keper , and euerlasting defender , for beholde I peryshe .

2 On this occasion ( Lorde ) that heauines of mynd did heretofore assault me I remembred that thou haddeste manye tymes set before myne eyes the wonderfull greatues of thy most tender loue towardes me by great multitude of thy benefites powred vpon me , whiche benefytes euery of thy workes ( as they came before mine eyes ) gaue me iuste occasyon to be mindefull of .

3 Wolde not ( thought I ) if I had in a maner any grace at all , wolde not suthe loue brynge nowe into my harte a wonderfull delectation , comforte & ioye in god for the same ?

4 And againe , coulde suche delyghte in goddes swete mercy and tender loue towardes me ( if I were not as euyll as a cast awaye that were none of goddes chyldren ) be without lothing of my syn , and lust & desire to do goddes holy wyl ? And these thinges thought I ( fye vpon the vnthankeful wretche ) are either not at all in me , or elles in deede so coldelye and sclenderly that they beynge truelye waied and compared to righteousenes , Esa. 64. are more vile then a sylthye clothe starched in corrupte bloudde .

5 Oh ( thought I ) I am aferd I haue deceyued my selfe : for thy seruauntes at al times ( I trowe ) feele otherwise then I nowe do , the fruites of thy spirite : as Loue , Ioye , Peace and suche lyke .

But my loue ( alas ) towards thee , what is it ? my ioye ( oh woe is my hart therefore ) is not once almost felte of me , for my very soule within me ( as Dauid in his heuynes said ) refuseth comfort , and fareth as though it dyd vtterly despaire . Psal. 77. And what peace can I feele then , or certaintie of thy fauoure and loue ? Iustely may I powre out this dolorous lamentation of Sion : the lorde hath forsaken me , Esai . 49. and my lorde hath forgotten mee :

6 Euen in the middes ( I say ) of these my former desperate assaultes , myne in tollerable heuines cryed to my god , and from heauen he heard my gronynges , & therupon first prepared my hert to aske comfort of him , & then he heard my praier and gaue me plentefully my asking .

7 Oh my soule , consider wel that thou art neuer hable to declare the excedynge goodnes of god in this that he heard the very desires of thee being afflicted . who is soo redy fauourablye to graunte the requestes of the afflicted , that often tymes he taryeth not vntyll they do call , but or euer they cal vpon him , he fauourably heareth them : as the psalmist saith , the desires of the afflicted thou heareste ( O lorde ) thou preparest theyr hartes & thine care heareth fauourably . Psal. 10.

8 Oh lorde my god , marueilous thinges are these , whether I consyder this marueilous maner of thy hearing , orels the marueilous nature and propertye of thy goodnes . Marueilous ( no doubt ) is that thy hearinge , wherby the very desires of the afflicted are hearde , but muche more marueilous is this thye goodnesse which taryeth not vntyl the afflicted do desire thy help , but prepareth first their hartes to desyre , and then thou geuest them their desires .

9 Yea Lorde ( worthye of all praise ) it can not otherwise be . For how shouldst thou do otherwise then thy nature and propertie is ? art not thou very goodnes and mercy it self ? how canst thou then , but pitie and helpe miserie ?

10 Art not thou both the creatour and also the conseruer of all thinges ? In so much as the lyons whelpes roaryng after their pray do seeke their foode at thy handes , Psa. 104. Psal. 147. and the rauens byrdes lackyng meate do call vpon thee .

11 If then thy fatherly prouidence and tender care ( O lorde ) vpon all thy creatures be so great , that the very beastes & foules haue this experience of thy goodnes in their necessities , that their roringes and criynges haue the strengthe of earnest callinges and besechinges : how muche rather do these syghinges , groninges , and desperate heuines of men , but chiefely of all those whiche beleue in thee , crye & call loude in thine eares , though they speake neuer a word at all ?

12 Shulde I then nowe dispeire of thy fatherly mercy , whiles presently I feele thee stirre vp my soule & harte to craue helpe at thy hande ? Psal. 77. shulde I thinke that thou wilt absent thy selfe for euer ? that thou wylte be noo more intreated ? that thy mercy is cleane gone , and thy promise come vtterly to an ende , and that thou wilt now shut vp thy louing kindnes in displeasure ?

13 Nay god forbydde : for all alterations are of thy right hande and turne away to the best , to them that feare thee . All this is no more but myne owne infirmitie , Psal. 77. for god is euer one , his promises be vnfallible , and his loue towardes his euerlastingly duringe .

14 I wyll therfore in this my present temptation and greuous assault , powre out my heuines of hart before thee ( dere father ) yea I will with gronynges lifte vp my soule vnto thee , from whence I assuredly knowe my helpe is comming . I will also for my present comforte , Psal. 77. cal to remembraunce ( O lorde my god ) thy tender mercies towardes me alredy shewed , the multitude of thy benefites , the greatnes of the same , the longe continuaunce of theim , euen from my conception vntyll this instante , and fynally thy continuall lust and desyre to powre them vpon me .

15. And moreouer sith thy goodnes is so great ( O lord ) that thou doest not only pitty misery , but also callest the heuy harted and afflicted vnto the , promising that thou wilt ease their misery : and for as muche as , Mat. 11. by the motion of thy good spirite I loth & abhorre my sines , I felt the greuousenes of them , and thy heauy wrath towardes me for the same , and finally what nede I haue of thy gracious aide and succoure : therfore ( Lord father ) in thy sonne Christes name , wyth sure confidence and truste in thine infallible promise , in this mine anguish and trouble I come vnto thee at thy mercyfull calling , and craue comfort at thy hand . For this I know wel , that when I loth my sinnes , thou doest vtterly forget them , when I fele the greuous burden of them , thy mercy swalloweth them vp , when I fele what I wante , thou wylt assuredly graunt it me . For sith thou mouest my harte to desire helpe , how should I mistrust but thou wilt for thy truthes sake , geue me mine askinge ?

16. Yea , where I knowe not howe or what to desire as I ought , thy holy spirite graciously workinge in me , maketh intercession mightely for me , Rom. 8. with gronings which can not be expressed , & ther withal certifieth my spirite that by adoption , through thy great mercy and goodnes , I am become thy childe and heire .

17. Why should I not then be of good confort & ioyfull in thee my God ? For if thou be on my side , who can be againste me ? Rom. 8. who diddeste not spare thine owne sonne , but gauest him for me , euen when I was thine enemy , how shalt thou not with him nowe that by his deathe I am broughte into thy fauoure , geue me all thinges with him and for his sake ? who shal lay any thing to the charge of thine elects ? it is thou lord that iustifiest me , who then shall condempne me ? It is Christe that hath died for me , yea rather that is risen againe for me , who also is set on thy right hande , and hathe taken possession , yea and perpetually maketh there intercession for me , vntil that ioyfull day be come when I shall haue full fruition of the most glorious presence of thy diuyne maiestie in that kingedome whych thou hast prepared before the beginning of the world , Ephe. 1. but in time ( to thy gracious goodnes thoughte best ) made knowen to me by geuinge thy holy spyrite into my hart , wherby when I fyrste Lorde beleued thy holy worde ( whych is thine own power to saue al that beleue ) I was sealed , Rom. 1. confyrmed and stablyshed in certaynty of that thyne euerlastynge kingdome and inheritaunce .

For the which inestimable benefite of thy rich grace ( Oh Lorde my God ) I beseche thee ( euen for the loue thou barest to Christ Iesu thy sonne , and the mercy thou haddeste on him when he cryed on the Crosse , Mat. 27. my God my God why haste thou forsaken me ) helpe , help I say , and inflame my hart with loue so plenteously towardes thee againe , that I may be euen swallowed vp in the ioyful feling of the same , in such sort that I may of very thankfulnesse loue thee my God alone , thee I say my deare God , and nothinge but thee and for thy sake . Oh holy spirite whose worke this is in me , increase this thy worke , of thyne infinite mercy , & preserue me that I neuer become vnthankfull vnto thee therefore . Amen , deare god . Amen .

¶ Remedies against synfull motions and voluptuous temptations .

1. FIrst remember that sinne is so heynous a thing that god by his iustice might worthely dampne the for the same , and is therfore to be abhorred as a swete poison ; a flattering death & destruction of thy sowle , which wold cutte thee of from god thy fauiour , and make thee bonde slaue to Sathan thye deadly enemie .

2 Auoyde therfore euen at the first , the occasions thereof , and betymes quashe out the braines of the children of Babylon against the hard stones , Psal. 137. whiles they be yet younge & weake , least when they be growne elder & stronger , they dashe thee to peeces .

3 And for remedy against the same , flee vnto god , who commaundeth thee to call vpon hym in thy troubles , and promiseth to delyuer thee , and will not suffer thee to be further tempted then he wil make awaye out wherby thou shalte escape : 1. Cor. 10. & doubte not but he that causeth thee to hate the synne whiche thy nature is to loue , wyl deliuer thee also from the daunger therof , and make thee to triumphe ouer Sathan , to his confusion , to gods glory , and to thy great comforte . which are the causes that our tender louynge father sendeth temptations vnto vs & and he that is not tempted , what is he ? 1. 〈◊〉 . 1

4 Nowe after thou hast obteyned the victory ; remembre two thinges , first to geue most harty thanckes to god for his grace and assistance , wherby thou haste ouercome , and he not vnthanckefull in any wyse : and then , that he who continually goeth about lyke a roaryng lyon seekyng whom he may deuoure , will not be long or farre away from the , but wyll attempte agayne the same or as euyll wayes to ouercome thee .

Watche therfore and praye .

¶ A prayer for presente helpe in temptation . **

DEare father , to whome it is more easie to do all thinges then for me to thyncke anye one good thing , Lo do thou but speake a worde and thy deadly sicke seruaunte my soule shall be made whole . Helpe ( O Lord ) & let thy strength suffise against my weakenesse , and thy holy spirite againste my synfull fleshe and olde man . Thou art true and faithfull ( O Father ) who hast promysed that I shall not bee tempted further then thou wile make me able to beare . 1. Cor. 10. Geue therefore thy power vnto thy seruaunt , that I may with a stronge fayth in thyne infallible truthe and promysed mercy , vanquishe & subdue what so ouer rebelleth against thy most blessed wills Do this O Father , for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake our deare Lorde and gracious redemer . Amen

¶ A Prayer to God the Father for the true knowledge of the mystery of our redemption in Christ .

O Almyghty God and father of our lorde Iesus Christ , and by hym also our father , the father of all mercy and god of all consolation , haue mercye vppon vs and heare our prayers . We most humbly beseche thee for thy deere sonne Iesus Chrystes sake , his merites and cruel death , whiche he suffered to delyuer vs from eternall deathe and the power of darkenes , geue into our harts the spirite of truth , to worke in vs a true , liuely , and stedfaste faithe , that the cleare lyghte and brightenesse of thy gospell the glorye of Christ , may shyne vnto vs and lyghten our myndes , that we may learne & vnderstande the wonderfull and vnspeakeable rychesse of the misteric of our redemption in Christ and by Chryst . O father of glory geue vnto vs the spirite of wisedome , & brynge vs vnto the true knowledge of this thy beloued sonne Iesus Christe and the knowledge of thy selfe . Open and lyghten the eyes of our mindes and vnderstandinge , Ephe. 1. that we maye knowe what the hope is wherunto thou hast called vs , and howe ryche the glory of thine inheritaunce is vppon thy sainctes , and the excedinge greatnes of thy power towardes vs : that by trewe fayth , vnderstanding and knowledge of thine eternall wisedome ( whiche is Iesus Christe ) we may be in deede as wee are called , true christians and vnfained professours of thye holy name , to worshippe thee in spirite and truthe , and to sette forthe the glory of thy grace geuen vnto vs in Christ Iesus our lord . Amen

O dere father write in our hartes loue to thy lawe , hate to all synne , thankefulnesse of heart and continual heate of thy holy spirite for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake . To whom with thee and thy holy spirite be all honour , maiestie , glory , thankes , rule , empire , and dominion for euer more .

¶ A prayer to be vsed of all sortes of men and at all times .

O Lord God for thy great mercies sake , graunt vnto me these my petycions whych I shall make vnto the in Iesus Christes name , and endue me with thy grace that I maye aske of thee in such sorte as thou requirest , to the honour , glory , and prayse of thy holy name , to the furtheraunce of thy worde , the profitte of thy people , and to my consolation and comforte , throughe Iesus Christe our onely sauiour and readeuter . So be it .

O Lord thou great and terryble god , thou that kepest couenant & merry with theym that loue thee and doe thy commaundementes , let thyne eares be open that thou mayst heare the praiers of thy seruaunte , which I make before thee at this time , haue mercy vpon me thy pore creature , & worke of thine handes , for I haue sinned , & done wickedly , and haue offended thy maiesty greuously , in that I haue gone backe , & departed from all thy preceptes and iudgementes , & haue not folowed thy seruauntes the prophets the spake vnto me in thy name , but haue from day to day prouoked thy iust wrath and indignation agaynst me .

O Lorde I knowledge and confesse my manifolde sinnes and wyckednesse , the whiche I haue vnrighteousely committed against thee in thought , worde , & dede , fro my youth vp vntill this day , for the which I am hartely sory , and do vnfainedly repent , purposing euermore through the assistaunce of thy grace , to walke in a newe life .

Remember not lord the numbre of my misdedes I besech the , but accordinge to thy great mercyes thinke vpon me .

Call to remembraunce for Christes sake thy louing kindnes and thy tender mercy , the which hath euer bene of olde .

Hyde not thou thy face from me , nor cast not of thy seruaunte in thy displeasure , for I confesse my sinnes vnto thee , and hide not mine vnrighteousnesse .

For thy mercies sake deliuer me from al my sinnes , and make me not a scorne vnto the folyshe .

Tourne not away thy mercy from me , but let thy most louing kindnes & truth alwaies preserue me .

Helpe me for thy names sake , and deliuer me in thy strength .

Heare my prayer ( O lord ) and consider the wordes of my mouth , for my misdedes preuayle agaynst me . O be thou mercifull vnto my sinnes .

Let the sorowfull sighyng of thy prysoner come before thee , and according to the power of thyne arme preserue those the be appoynted to dye for thy iust cause .

O Lord comforte the soule of thy seruant , for vnto thee do I flee for succour .

Teache me to number my dayes that I may apply my hart vnto wisdome .

Satisfie me with thy mercy , and that sone , so shall I reioyce and be gladde in thee all the dayes of my lyfe .

Looke not extremely what is done amysse in me , for I haue sinned againste heauen and before thee , and am no more worthy to be called thy sonne : yet lorde of thy great goodnes , powre down some of the cromes that fall from thy childrens table and make me as one of the least of them .

Rewarde me not accordyng to my deseruings , for then I must nedes perishe : for vnto me perteyneth nothinge but open shame , confusion , and damnation : but with thee ther is mercy , forgeuenes , and saluacion .

O Lorde therefore doe I come vnto thee , not hopyng in myne owne righteousnes , but trusting onely in thy greate mercies and promises made vnto me in Chryst Iesu my lorde , for whose sake , I beseth thee to clense me from al my sinnes , and do away all mine iniquities .

For thy tender mercy sake , lay not my sinnes to my charge , but forgeue that is paste and geue me grace to amende my lyfe , to declyne from sinne , and incline to vertue , that I may walke in a perfect harte , a cleue comience , and single eye before thee this daye or nyght and euermore .

Remember not forde myne offences , nor the offences of my forefathers , neyther take thou beingeance of my sinnes , spare me good Lorde , spare me , whome thou hast redemed with thy most precyous blonde , and be not angrye with me for euer : spare me good lord , spare me .

Put me not from thy presence ( oh thou god of al comfort ) but incline thine eare vnto my callyng .

Strengthen thy Seruaunte with the power of thy right hande , and helpe the Sonne of thy handmayden .

Replenyshe my hart with grace wisedome and vnderstanding .

Comforte my soule with thy swete promyses , and let thy mercies couer my infirmities .

For the deathe and bloudshedynge of thy Christ ( O Lord ) consider myne infirmities , which are many , and helpe to heale myne imperfection , & delyuer me from al kyndes of euilles , that I do not obey vnto them : as from adultery , fornication , vncleannesse , wantonnes , ydolatry , good lord deliuer mee . From witch craft , lyeng , hatred , varyaunce , zeale , wrath , strife , sedition , good lorde delyuer mee . From sectes , enuiyng , whyspering , backebityng , bringing vp of euyll tumours , good lorde delyuer mee . From murther , drunkennes , gluttony , and from the spirite of euyl telosie , good lorde deliuer me . From enuiynge of other which loue thee & thy people more then I , or be beloued of thee or of thye people more than I am : from swelling at other mennes giftes , good lorde deliuer mee . From surmisynge , murmuringe , lowring , grudging , mutteringe when wordes be not spoken to my mind , good lorde for thy great mercies sake deliuer mee , and geue me grace that I do at no tyme enuye any good man or womaunes loue , but labour to increase it , that their prosperstie in worde & prayse of other may be my consolation and reioysynge .

O lord graunt me that I may be low in myne owne syght , to submit my self to beare all occasions , to wrestle wyth fleshe and bloudde and get the victory .

Graunt me this gyfte that I maye be swyft to heare , slowe to speake , & slowe to wrathe , that my hart do not go after any euyll and wicked imaginations .

Geue me grace to walke soo that I geue none euill occasions , and to auoid all suspitious thinges wherby euyll occasions maye growe .

O Lorde assist mee with thye spirite , that I may labour to mainteyne peace , to increase loue , and to further vertue .

Graunte ( O mercifull father ) that I may prosper in all vertue , in long suffering , gentlenes , goodnes , faithfulnes , mekenes , temperaunce , strength , and pacience , with all suche like vertues as are commaunded in thy holy law for mee to walke in .

O lorde geue me ioye in thy holy spirite , that I may reioyce in thy holy scriptures , that al my whole pleasure , felycitie , and consolation , may be in thy holy woorde night and daye , in readinge , thinking , & talkinge of the same , to thy glory and my edifienge .

Assist thy seruaunt against this world with the vaine pompe , pleasure & beautie thereof , that it maye be vnto me as vile dust , slime , fylthynes , and asshes , that I maye vse it as thoughe I vsed it not , and that it may serue me , and I not it , that I may take my part therof vnto my necessitie , with thankesgeuing , that I do not vse thy creatures voluptuousely , but that I may at al tymes liue righteously , soberly , and godly in this lyfe .

Geue me grace to walke with a good conscience bothe before thee and towardes all men , in bying and sellinge , and in all other my doinges , to cast away allyinge , craft , and disceite , that I be not a reader of thy holy worde , and a talker onely , but that it may appere also in my lyfe and conuersation .

O Lorde graunte vnto thy seruaunte the strengthe of thy holy spirite , to subdue this bodye of synne with the whele lustes therof , that it may be made obedient both in wyll , minde , & membres , to do thy will , that it may be weake , vile , simple , and of no reputation in it selfe by the way of fastinge , prayer , and meditation of thy lawe , that I may be low harted , humble minded , gentle spryted and to all vertues obedient .

Geue me grace O lorde to brydle my mouth from al vayne and lyght communication , and geue me an understanding hearte with suche discretyon , that neyther fylthynes nor folishe talkinge , nor iestinge whiche are not comely , procede out of my mouthe , but rather geuing of thankes .

O Lord my sauiour , increase my faith in thee , and in thy Christe , and make it stronge to beleue thy promyses .

O Lorde my redemer , increase in me a loue to do thy wyll , and to thy ryghteous people .

O Lorde my iustifyer , increase in me a sure hope of my saluation withoute doubt or wauering in aduersitie , & with out pride or presumption in prosperytie : so that in aduersitie I maye be pacient , and geue thankes in prosperitie , & serue thee with reuerence and godly feare all the dayes of my lyfe .

Increase in me Lord al other vertues agreable to a godly lyfe , for I come vnto thee my god as vnto the wel & euerlasting fountaine of health and saluation .

O heauenly father , graunt vnto mee & al other , wheresoeuer they be dispersed throughout the whole world , which professe thy holy worde , so to lyue that we may dye to sinne , and leade a godly conuersation walking innocently before thee .

Preserue and defende thy seruaunte from all false opinions , that I be not deceyued and caryed awaye in errour of the wicked , but that I maye growe in grace and knoweledge of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ .

O Lord geue me a reuerent and pure vnderstanding of thy holy word , that I may therby auoyde al rashe iudgemente and peruerse interpretations .

O Lorde geue me wisedome knoweledge and vnderstandinge to perceyue those false , lying , & flatteryng spirytes , whiche doe deceyue the hartes of innecentes and begyle vnstable soules .

O Lorde make me to be content with thys woman which thou hast geuen me to be my wyfe that we maye godly lyue together accordynge to thy holy ordynaunce .

Geue her an hearte of vnderstanding , and set thy feare alway before her eyes , that she may be obedient in word , dede , and thought to all that is thy wil.

O Lord geue vs the power of thy holy Spirite , to rule , gouerne , and bryng vp these our children and familie , in al god lye feare and knoweledge of thy holye worde , and that we maye be vnto them an example in all godlynes and vertue , to the prayse of thy holy name .

Saue my soule ( oh my God ) whether it be throughe prosperitie or aduersitie , losse or gayne , sickenes or health , life or deathe .

Ayde , strengthen , succour , and defend thy seruaunt , in all aduersitye , tribulation , and temptacion , and suffer not him to be tempted aboue his strength .

Increase my ioye , that I may reioyce in persecution , & embrace it to my consolacion & comfort , & thinke my felfe happie and blessed , when I am counted worthy to suffer rebuke for thy names sake .

Take from my hearte the care of all worldly thinges , only set before my eies the ioye of the crosse of Christe , that I maye take comforte therin , and despyse the shame , for the great rewarde that is laide vppe in heauen for all those that with pacience suffer in aduersitie , & continue in well doinge vnto the ende .

O Lorde neither lay thou presumption vnto thy seruauntes charge , nor loke not vppon my vilenes , whiche am but dust , earth , and ashes : yet lorde I haue taken vpon me & am bolde to come vnto thee , throughe the merites of Chrystes death and bloud shedyng , to lay my prayers before thee , requiringe merry , pardon , and forgeuenesse of all my sinnes , and also the assistance of thy grace , to do thy wyll all the dayes of my lyfe , and to obteyne all these my peticions , through Iesus Christ thy dere sonne , & my onely sauiour : To whom be all honour and glory nowe and euer .

Amen . Iohn Lydley .

¶ A Godly Prayer for all Christen men .

O Almighty & euer liuynge god , thou God of all power , before whose eyes all thinges lye naked and bare , haue regarde vnto me , moste miserable synner , & shews me the light of thy mercies , let my praiers ascende vp before thy presence , and be accepted in thy sight , for Iesus Christes sake . Geue thy holy spirite into my heart ( Oh Lord ) and lighten my vnderstanding that I maye dwell in the feare of thy name al the dayes of my life , that I maye knowe thee , the onely true god and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sente . For I come vnto thee ( Oh Lorde thou louer of our soules ) not hoping in mine owne righteousenes , but trusting onely vpon the multitude of thy great mercies whiche thou hast layde forthe before the eyes of all people , offering saluation to the whole worlde , and haste promysed that who so euer he be of the whole generation of man , that wyll obey to thy grace , Repent , and tourne vnfaynedly from his synnes , he shall haue free remission and forgeuenes through Iesus Christ our lord , whiche is our onely aduocate and mediatour , in whom our saluation lyeth , of whom thou hast sayde : This is my deere sonne , in whom I am well pleased , & well pacifyed . For this thy sonnes sake ( by whom I am bold to come vnto thee , whiche appereth nowe inthy syght , making continuall intercession for vs ) Haue mercy vpon me ( O thou mightye God ) and forgeue mee all my synnes , which I haue vnrighteousely committed against thee , in thoughte , worde & dede . Oh let me feele thy mercies towardes mee , for I do confesse my synnes vnto thee ( Oh lord ) and hide not mine vnrighteousenes , I doo acknowledge mine offences , and accuse my selfe before thee of all my misdeedes . Helpe me , O God my sauioure for the glorye of thy name : O delyuer and forgeue me my synnes for thy riche mercies sake .

Remember not the offences of my youth ( O Lorde ) but thinke vppon thy great mercies and couenaunt , made vnto me in Christ Iesus .

O most merciful father consider mine infirmities , which are many and great , and beare myne imperfection for thy sonne my Sauiour Iesus Christes sake , which had good erperience of our infirmitie , that he might be merciful vnto al them that are tempted : consider how the ennemye hath gotten an open way into my fleshe , wherein I confesse that there dwelleth nothynge but synne wretchednes , and miserie . Therefore I come vnto thee ( O Lord my God ) desiringe thee for Christes sake , to renewe in mee a right spirite , that I may receaue strength and hablenes to do thy wyll , and to stande againste all the assaultes of the deuill , that they maye haue no place in me , but that the olde man which I bear about in my body , may be crucified , and dayly dye in me , that the lustes of synne maye vtterly be destroyed , that I maye euermore be renewed in the spyrite of my minde : that the lyfe of Christ may alwayes appeare in me .

Good lord deliuer me from all kyndes of euyll , as fornycation , couetousenes , malyciousnes , enuy , murder , debate , deceyte , from whisperynge , backbitinge , contempt of the & my neyghbour , good lord deliuer me , from euyll ielosie , from doinge of wronge , pride , boasting , from adultery , vaine glory , hipocrisie , wantonnes , ydolatry , witchecrafte , hatred variaunce , zeale , wrath , strife , sedition , sectes , enuying , drunkennes , gluttony , and other suche lyke .

Good lord for thy great mercies sake , deliuer me and graunt me grace to haue thee alwaies before myne eyes , that I may also haue a respect vnto thy iudgementes , that whatsoeuer I say , thincke or do , may be agreable to thy holy word , that I be not mynded as the vngodlye & wycked men are . Let me haue no pleasure in such thinges as please them : make me lowe in mine owne sighte ( O lorde ) that pryde & selfe loue ouertake me not . Let not the hand of the vngodly cast me downe , but bowe my harte alwaies vnto thee , that I may serue thee withoute feare all the daies of my lyfe in such holinesse and righteousenesse , as is acceptable before thee . Remoue from me al vanities and lies , take fro me the iustes of the bodye , let not the desires of vnclennes take holde vppon me , and geue me not ouer vnto an vnshamefast or obstynate minde , but holde me alwayes vnder thy nurture and correction . Of thy fatherly mercy leaue me not to my self , but stand thou alwaies by me : for I am to weake of myne owne power to do any thinge that is good , but my ryghteousenesse & strength lyeth onely in thee . Therfore ( O lord ) I come vnto thee , requirynge mercy in thy sight , and the assistance of thy grace , that I may be strengthened with power in the inwarde man , & be armed with thy holy armour , whiche is the brestplate of ryghteousenes , the shylde of Fayth , the hope of saluation for an helmet , and the sworde of the spirite , whiche is thy holy worde , that I may stand parfecte in al that is thy wil , and be founde worthy through Chryst , to receyue a crowne of lyfe whiche thou hast promised to all them that loue thee in purenesse of mynde .

O Lord plant in me true obedience to thy holy lawe & let not the cares of this world choke thi word in me . Kepe me al so from all desceitefulnes of richesse and vncleane desyres , that all vertues maye be planted in me . Good Lorde geue me grace to walke before thee all the dayes of thys my Pilgrimage with good conscience and pure minde , that when thou shalt appeare to rewarde euery man according to hys dedes , I may reioyce and not be ashamed of the at thy comming .

Increase my faith ( O Lorde my sauyour ) in thee and in thy Christ . Increase my loue ( O my Redemer ) to thee , and to thy ryghteous people . Increase a sure hope in me of my saluation , O my Iustifier . Increase strength in me to ouercome synne , and to stande agaynste all euil temptacions that they haue no place in me . Encrease in me true vnderstanding and pure iudgement in thy worde , that I be not deceaued and caryed away in the errour of the wicked : But graunte ( O lord ) that I may grow in thy grace , and in the knowledge of our Lord & Sauiour Iesus Christ . Let thy kingdome come vnto me , whiche is righteousnes , peace , and ioye in thy holy ghost , longe sufferyng , gentlenes , goodnes , faithfulnes , mekenes , temperaunce , strength , & pacience , with all suche like vertues as ar prescribed vnto me in thy holy word , that in prosperous thinges I may geue thee thankes , and in aduersitie be pacient : that I be not lifted vp with the one nor oppressed with the other . Oh let al worldly things be vile vnto me for thee . Let me not be mery with the ioy that is without thee , and let me desire nothing beside thee . Make me to lift vp my hart oftentimes to thee , and if I chaunce to fall or slip , make me to thincke on thee , and be sory with a stedfast purpose of amendmente . O Lorde I gene ouer my selfe into thy holy hande , desiryng thee for Christes sake , that I maye remayne vnder thy mighty protection and strong defence of thy power , and that thy holy aungel may alway pitch his tent rounde about me , and compasse me alwaies . Good lorde geue me ioyfulnes of harte , and peace of conscience , continual gladnes and consolation in thy worde & promises , that I may euermore be thanckefull vnto thee , and prayse thy name for euer .

O Lorde thinke vpon all thy people , which are straied here and ther from the farthest part of the earthe , which be entred into couenaunte with thee , and are minded to walke after thy will , graunt ( Oh lorde ) that we may grow together in loue throughe the knoweledge of thy worde to keepe the vnitie of the spirite , through the bonde of peace , to the vtter confounding of erroure and al false opinions , and to kepe vs cleane from hipocrysy and superstycyon , and to make vs stronge in persecution . We besech thee fauourably to heare vs good Lorde , and graunt our requestes . Geue prayse to god .

I. H.

¶ A Prayer for the forgeuenes of our fynnes and auoydinge of the plague due and at hand for the same .

O Lorde most mighty and feareful God , to all them that hate thee and followe theyr owne waies , and seke not to doe thy holy wil , we thy poore creatures , which labour & do desire to do thy wyl , do se by thy righteous Iudgement of thy word , thy fyerce wrath and terrible indignation readye to fall vpon thys realme of Englande , for despising of thy Preachers and Messangers , and for the vnthanckful receauing , yea treading vnderfote of thy most holy word . Vnworthy were we of such a iewell , therfore worthely was it taken away from vs , & lesse worthy were wee to haue it restored to vs agayn , but now least worthy of al ar we to injoy the benefite therof . And now we se thy wrath is kyndled ( O Lorde , ) who shall be able to quenche it ? For our partes we do confesse that we be worthy of al the plagues that thou haste deuised agaynste vs : yet neuerthelesse we besech thee vnworthelye to be called thy chyldren : looke not vpon oure desertes or worthynesse , but vpon thy Chryst & thy fauourable mercy , which thou haddest in the olde tyme vpon thy chyldren of Israell if they repented and turned vnto thee . O Lorde thou diddest preserue them , & kepe them from captiuitie of al other nations , and dyddest euer prouide them a faythful gouernour or ruler . And furthermore most merciful father , although they were destroyed for their wickednes , and left but a small people : yet neuerthelesse when they tourned vnfaynedly to thee , thou euer gauest them the victory ouer all their enemies , so that they might dwel as bretherne together peaceably in their own lande whiche thou gaueste them . Thou art the same lorde and thy mercy endureth for euer . And nowe ( O lorde ) we that seke to do thy wil being but a smal people , do beseche the of thy great mercie for Iesus Christes sake our only Peace maker , to tourne away thy great wrath and terrible indignation which we haue deserued in this realme of Englande , & shewe thy compassion vpon vs ( as thou dyddest vppon the children of Israell in the olde time ) though not for our sakes whiche haue soo wyckedly deserued thy wrath , but for thy most mighty and gloryous names sake . For if thou shuldest destroy vs and bringe vs vnto desolation as we haue deserued , than shuld thy moste mighty name and thy holy worde be euyll spoken of , through vs in al the worlde . Therfore we beseche thee most mercifull father to chasten and correcte vs , not as we haue deserued , but accordynge to thy fauourable mercy : not in thy furie , but with thy fatherly pitis : & delyuer vs not ouer into the handes of our ennemies , neyther take thy holye worde from vs O lorde , thoughe of all other we do moste deserue it , and haue moste vnreuerently and vnthanckefully abused the same . And here we confesse vnto thee all oure iniquities , the which are more in numbre than the heares of our heades , and they presse vs so downe , that our hartes fayle vs and we dare scarsely presume vnto thee : yet neuerthelesse through Christ which is our righteousnes & hath pacified thy wrath , we are bold to come vnto thee ( O lord ) being sory for our faultes euen from our very hartes , desyring thee for his death and passion sake , to forgeue vs all our synnes that euer we haue committed either in thought , worde , or dede . O lord , we geue ouer oure selues into thy holy hands , & with al our hartes do desyre to doe what so euer thy good wyll is that wee shoulde doe , besechinge thee , to assist vs with the grace of thy holy spirit , that we henseforth may liue accordyng to that thy most godly and blessed wyll , and laboure and studye to serue thee in newenes of lyfe , taking vppe thy crosse & folowing thy steppes ( O lord Christe ) willingly & cherefully al the days of our lyfe . And furthermore ( O lord ) we beseche thee to geue vs grace to be alway thankefull both in hart & in our conuersation & lyuynge , for al the great benefites that we haue receiued at thy hand , so that we maye enioy them to thy glory , and our comforte : euen as at this presente we render vnto thee moste humble thanckes , fyrste for thy goodnes in the worke of our creation : secondly for that , when we were fallen into euerlastinge destruction through our consentynge to the subtilte of the ennemie , thou of thy great mercy through Iesus christe didst raise vs vp agayn : & thirdly that it hath pleased thee to suffer thy holy word , the foode of our sowles , to haue fre passage ones agayne amongest vs , and hast geuen vs an harte and a wyl to seeke it , to beleue it , and to followe it in our liuing and conuersation .

Moreouer we render vnto thee moste harty thanckes ( O heauenly father ) for Elyzabeth oure gracious Queene and Gouernoure , whom in muche mercye thou dyddest delyuer with thy myghtye arme from the handes of her ennemyes and from the lyons mouthe , and we beseche thee so to worke in her harte , that of a thankefulnes towards thee for this her great deliueraunce , and thy syncculer blessing , consideryng whose minister she is , she may sincerly seke and zelously promote thy true honour and glorye , buylde vppe thy house , confounde thy sworne aduersaries , and carefully trauell to brynge thy people committed to her charge , remaynyng yet almost in al partes of this realme either in myserable blyndenes and darke ignoraunce , or wylfully & stubbernly kickynge against the pricke , to the true knowledge of the and thy blessed word . Make all that are in auctoritie vnder her vpryght & faithfull in their callyng , fauourers and furtherers of thy holy gospell , followers & practisers therof , mainteyners and defenders of the Preachers and mynisters of the same , and suche as in synglenesse of heart wyll seeke , not them selues but the commoditie of thy people : & graunt that we maye all liue as faythefull subiectes , in al godly & due obedience , firste to the Quene as supreme head and gouernour , and then to al other , according to their degree and callynge .

Fynally we beseche thee O lorde , that we maye altogether bothe highe & lowe walke in a lyfe and conuersation worthy for our profession , to thy glory the good example of other , and the stopping of the mouthes of thy ennemies and oures for thy truthes sake , that where as they slander vs as euyll doers they maye see our good workes & prayse the in thee day of visitation . Amen .

¶ A prayer necessary to be sayde at all tymes .

O Bountiful Iesu , O swete Sauioure , O Christe the Sonne of god , haue pitie vpon me , mercifully here me & despyse not my prayers . Thou haste created me of nothynge , thou haste redemed me from the bondage of synne , deathe , and Hell , neyther with Golde nor Siluer , but with thy moste precious bodye once offered vpon the crosse , and thyne owne blood shed once for al , for my raunsome . Therfore cast me not away , whom thou by thy great wisdome hast made , despise me not whome thou hast redemed with suche a precious treasure . Nor lette my wickednes destroye that which thy goodnes hath builded . Nowe whiles I liue , O Iesu haue mercy on me : for if I dye oute of thy fauour , it wyll be to late afterwarde to call for thy mercy . Whiles I haue time to repente , looke vppon me with thy mercifull eies , as thou dyddest vouchsafe to looke vpon Peter thyne Apostle , that I maye bewayle my synfull life , and obtaine thy fauour and die therin . I acknowledge that if thou shuldest deale with me according to thy Iustice , I haue deserued euerlastynge deathe .

Therfore I appeale to thy high throne of mercy , trusting to obtaine thy fauour not for my merites , but for thy merites ( O Iesu ) who hast geuen thy self an acceptable sacrifics to thy father to please his wrath , and to bryng al sinners truelye repenting and amendinge their euil life , vnto his fauour agayne . Accept me ( O Lorde ) among the number of theym that shall be saued , forgeue me my synnes , geue me grace to leade a godly and innocent life , graunte me thy heauenlys wisedome , inspire my hart with Faith , Hope and Charity , geue me grace to be humble in prosperitie , pacient in aduersitie obedient to my rulers , faithful vnto theym that truste me , dealing truclye with all men , to lyue chastlye in wedlocke , to abhorre adulterye , fornication and all vncleanes , to doo good after my power vnto al menne , to hurte no man that thy name maye be glorified in me duringe this present lyfe , & that I afterwarde maye attayne euerlastinge lyfe , through thy mercye and the merites of thy greuous Passion . Amen

¶ A Prayer for true mortification and quietnes of the harte in God .

MOste blessed Lorde Iesu , graunt me thy grace that it maye be alwaye wyth mee , woorke in me and perseuere with me vnto the ende , and that I maye euer desire and will that is most pleasaunt and moste acceptable to thee : thy will be my will , and my will alway to followe thy will : be there alway in me one will and one desire with thee , so that I maye haue noo power to wil or not to wil , but euen as thou wilt or wilt not , and graunt me that I may dye to all thinges that be in the world , and for thee to loue & be glad to be dyspised , and to be as a man vnknowen to this worlde . Graunt me also , aboue al that can be desired , that I may reste me in thee , and fully in thee may pacify my hearte : for thou lorde art the very true peace of harte , and the perfect reste both of body and soule , and without thee all thinges be greuous and vnquiet . Wherfore let my hart finde peace and comfort in that peace that is in thee on highe , one blessed and one endlesse goodnes , & reste therin for euermore . So be it .

¶ A prayer to be sayd before the hearing or readynge of goddes word .

ALmighty God and most mercifull father , whose word is a lanterne to our fete and a lighte vnto oure steppes , we most humblye besech thee to illuminate our mindes , that we may vnderstand the mysteries conteyned in thy holy lawe , and into the selfe same thing that we godly vnderstande , we maye be vertuousely transeformed , so that of no parte wee offende thy dyuine maiestye , through our Sauiour Iesus Christ .

An prayer for remission of synnes .

WHen we loke backe and behold our sinfull life paste ( O Lorde ) what a dungeon of errours , vice , and wickednes openeth it selfe vnto vs ? so that ther is no man but he must nedes be ashamed of him self , when he calleth to mind what he hath bene : and tremble when he considereth the wickednes and sinfull course of his lyfe to come . For who shall vndertake that the rest of our lyfe shal be any better then that is past ? howe can we then sufficiently magnifie and prayse thy great mercy which haste differred thy punishement so longe ? beholdynge therfore this our daungerous & miserable state , we come vnto thee ( O thou great & mighty iudge ) in tremblyng & feare , humbly besechig thee not to heape vpon vs thy deserued vengeaunce , but let thy tender kyndnesse and loue thou bearest to Iesus christ thy dere son our gracious lorde & redemer , couer our iniquities : for whose sake ( though we deserue al extremitie ) thou doest pardon vs .

If thou lord shalt straitly marke our iniquities ( O lord ) who shal be hable to abide it ? Psal. 130.

A prayer against our spiritual ennemies , the deuyll , the worlde , and the fleshe .

O Lorde god , the deuyl goeth about lyke a roaryng lyon sekyng whom he may deuoure , the fleshe lusteth agaynste the spirits , the worlde perswadeth vnto vanities , that we maye forget thee our Lorde God and so for euer be dampned . Thus are we miserablye on euery syde beset and besieged of cruell and vnrestfull ennemies , and lyke at euery moment to perish if we be not defended with thy godly power agaynste theyr tyranny . We therfore poore & wretched synners , dispayring of our owne strength ( which in dede is none ) most hartely praye thee to endue vs with strength from aboue that we may be hable through thy helpe with stronge faith to resist Sathan , with feruent prayer to mortifie the lustes of the fleshe , with continual meditation of thy holy lawe to auoyd the foolyshe vanities and transitorye pleasures of this wicked worlde : that through thy grace beinge set at lybertie from the power of these our mortall ennemies , maye lyue and serue thee in holynesse and ryghteousnesse al the dayes of our lyfe . worke this in vs O holy and blessed spirite , together with the Father & the sonne one true and euerliuing god , ful of maiestie and power , whiche with thy heauenlye inspirations quickeneste the myndes of them that afore were dead in sinne , makest ioyful the hartes of the faythful penitent , bringest into the waye of truthe al suche as haue erred and gone astray , comfortest the sowles of them that hunger and thyrst after ryghteousnesse , and plenteously enrychest those with diuerse gyftes which aske them in Iesus Chrystes name : purifie our hartes we besech thee , inflame them with the fyre of thy loue , arme vs against the crafty assaultes of subtyl sathan , agaynst the vayne plcsures of the wicked world , & agaynst the sinfull lustes of fylthy fleshe , the we beynge endued with grace from aboue by thy holy inspiration , may walke forwardes in newenesse of lyfe , in true holynes and righteousnes all the dayes of our lyfe . Fyl our hartes with newe afctes and spirituall motions , & renewe vs both in body and sowle that we may dye vnto olde Adam ; & lyue vnto righteousenes through a liuely faythe whiche worketh by Charitie : whiche synguler gyfte of faythe graunt vnto vs , that we truely beleuing in thee ( O eternal God the father the sonne and the holy ghost ) and fully perswaded of the truthe of thy holy word , may be made thy sonnes and inheritours of the euerlastynge ioyes : whiche as they are great and vnspeakeable , so are there fewe that do inioy them . For straite is the way & narrowe is the gate that leadeth therunto , & fewe there be that fynde it . Notwithstandinge O god thou hast a lyttell flocke , to whom it is thy pleasure to geue that ioyful kingdome , whose names are wrytten in the boke of lyfe . Make vs therfore of that nombre ( for Iesus Christes sake ) & place vs amongest those thy shepe whiche shall stande on thy ryght hande to receiue that blessed inherytance and dwell with thee for euermore .

An other prayer .

Remember not O lorde god our olde iniquites , but let thy mercy spedely preuent vs , for we be very myserable : help vs god our sauiour , and for the glory of thy name deliuer vs , be merciful & forgeue our synnes . Let not the wicked people saye , where is their god ? we be thy people & the shepe of thy passture , we shal geue thankes vnto thee for euer : from age to age we shal set forth thy lawde and praise : to thee be honour and glory world without ende . Amen .

2. Peter . 3.

The day of the Lord will come as a theefe in the night , in the which day the heauens shall peryshe with terrible noise , and the Elementes shall melt with heate , and the earth with the worckes that are therin shal burne vp . Seinge therfore that all these things shall perish , what maner persons oughte ye to be in holy conuersacion and godlines , loking for and hastening vnto the day of God .

¶ The Letany and suffrages .

O GOD the father of heauen : haue mercye vppon vs myserable sinners .

O God the father . &c.

O god the Son redemer of the worlde : haue mercy vpon vs myserable sinners .

O God the sonne redemer . &c.

O God the holy ghoste procedinge from the father , and the sonne : haue mercye vpon vs myserable sinners .

O God the holy ghost . &c.

O holy , blessed , and glorious Trinitie , three persons and one god : haue mercye vpon vs miserable sinners .

O holye , blessed , and glorious . &c. Remember not Lorde oure offences nor the offences of oure forefathers , neyther take thou vengeaunce of oure synnes : Spare vs good Lorde , spare thy people whom thou hast redemed wyth thy most precious bludde , and be not angry with vs for euer .

Spare vs good lorde .

From all euyl and mischiefe , from syn , from the craftes & assaultes of the deuil , from thy wrathe and from euerlastynge dampnation .

Good lorde deliuer vs .

From all blindnes of hart , from pryde , vayne glorye and hipocrisie , from enuie hatred and malice , and al vncharitablenes .

Good Lorde deliuer vs .

From Fornication , and al other deadly synne , and from al the deceyptes of the world , the fleshe , and the deuyl .

Good Lorde deliuer vs .

From lightnynge and tempeste , from plague pestilence and famine , from battel and murder , and from sodain death .

Good Lorde deliuer vs .

From al sedicion and priuie conspiracy , from all false doctrine and heresy , from hardnes of harte , and contempte of thy worde and commaundement .

Good Lorde deliuer vs .

By the mistery of thy holy incarnacion , by thy holy natiuitie and circumsition , by thy baptisme fasting , and temptacion .

Good Lorde deliuer .

By thyne agony and blouddy sweat , by thy Crosse and Passion , by thy precious death and burial , by thy glorious resurrection and ascention , and by the commyng of the holy ghost .

Good Lorde deliuer vs .

In al time of our tribulation , in al time of our wealth , in the houre of death , and in the day of iudgement .

Good Lorde deliuer vs .

We synners do beseche thee to heare vs ( O Lorde God ) & that it may please the to rule and gouerne thy holy churche vniuersally in the right waye .

We beseche thee to heare vs . &c.

That it maye please thee to keepe and strengthen in the true worshippinge of thee , in ryghteousnes and bolines of life thy seruaunt Elizabeth our most gracyous Queene and gouernour .