The soules lamentations, and loue to God Preces & lachrymae. Dumps and teares of repentance. B. L., fl. 1614. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A04962 of text S100180 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 15104). 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. 91 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 77 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A04962 STC 15104 ESTC S100180 99836031 99836031 274 2240928189

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 Early English books online text creation partnership. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A04962) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 274) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1314:20) The soules lamentations, and loue to God Preces & lachrymae. Dumps and teares of repentance. B. L., fl. 1614. [152]+ p. Printed by Tho: Purfoot, London : An. 1614. "To the sinner" (leaf A4) signed: B.L. Signatures: A⁴ B-G¹² . Imperfect; all after p. [152] (leaf G12) lacking. Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library. eng Repentance -- Early works to 1800. eebo The soules lamentations, and loue to God. Preces & lachrymae. Dumps and teares of repentance. B. L., 1614 153 17144 2 0 0 0 0 2 351.14 F The rate of 351.14 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2012-10 Assigned for keying and markup 2012-10 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2013-02 Sampled and proofread 2013-02 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2014-03 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE SOVLES Lamentations , and loue to God .

Preces & Lachrymae .

Dumps and teares of REPENTANCE .

Aut ora , aut abi . Aut Poenitendum , aut pereundum .

LONDON , Printed by Tho: Purfoot . An : 1614.

To the Christian READER .

THinke not ( good Christian READER ) that these Prayers may only be appropriated vnto my selfe . They are not onelie the Anatomie of my Soule , and the discouery of my life ; but whatsoeuer poenitent & true hearted Christian shall light vpon them , I doubt not but he will thinke they were deuized & ordained of God for him . By them thou maist find the Scripture verified , which saith ; To the weake I become as weake , that I may winne the weake , 1. Cor. 9 22. Or rather that , Whether wee be afflicted , it is for your consolation and saluation ; or whether wee bee comforted , it is for your consolation & saluation , 2. Cor. 1.6 . If God bring some to the gates of death for the comfort of others ; what account wee all ought to make joyntly of our selues , and what possible comfort to minister one vnto another severally , in temptations , in afflictions , in pouerties , in necessities , in all the worlds jniuries wherewith wee are vexed euery day , thou seest . Seeing also wee esteeme nor to discouer our nakednesse , and to set our jnfirmities vnto the view of men for his servants sakes , that their ioy may be full ; knowing that if they be weake , so are wee , if they be strong , so are we : if they be sinfull , so are we : if they be poenitent , so are we . Let God be glorified , and let euery sorrowfull soule triumph in Christ vpon the view of our weaknes . For he that refused not vs , refuseth none of his that come vnto him , call vpon him faithfully , turne from jniquity , and worship him in spirit and in truth . This one thing I entreat of thee , Aske not my name : it will not profit thee ; I am thy fellow seruant , let that suffice thee : In thy praiers remember me for a while , if thou know mee , and know me by thy selfe , and it shall satisfie me to the full : I doe & will pray for thee . Our Lord Iesus Christ be with thy Spirit . Amen .

To the Sinner .

CHristian Sinner : bee not offended at the passions of these Praiers . Thou wilt not : thou canst not : if euer thou hast felt either thy sinnes , or thy sauiour ; the one to afflict and affright thee , the other to ease & refresh thee . There is no greater burden then the burden of sin : There is no greater ioy then the ioy of the holy Ghost , giuen and inspired of God through Jesus Christ our Lord , The one is hell , and the other is Heauen here on Earth . The spirit of a man will sustaine his infirmity : but a wounded spirit who can beare ? And so contrary : The hart that is possessed with The peace of God that passeth all vnderstanding ; no doubt , reioyceth with ioy vnspeakeable and glorious . Adde hereunto : Jf the deare Saints of God , ( especially the holy Prophet Dauid , ) forced not , as it were , to shunne themselus in the eye of the world , that they might satisfie their Consciences , and glorifie God ▪ Jt ought not to seeme strange to any sanctified soule , that the Author hereof hath made himselfe ( in a manner ) a gazing stocke to the world , to Angels , and to men : To become weake vnto the weake that he might winne the weake ; all to all , that at the least hee might gaine some . Jt is no matter what shame be poured on the face of a sinfull , miserable , and mortall man : so that one soule thereby may be gained to Christ . And J like exceedingly of that excellent resolution of supereminent Saint Augustine . Confitebor infirmitates meas oraturis pro me fratribus . Be thy discretion what it will , this is mine in God . And so I wish thee the comfort of heart in the Sau●o●r of the world ; of whome I am sure thou hast great need , as well as I.

Thine in truth and charity . B : L.
DEVOVT PRAYERS .
A Confession , lamentation , and submission to God .

O Lord , my God : I haue sinned , and done wickedly , I haue grieuouslie sinned , & done excéeding wickedly : my sinnes are in number infinite , and most abhominable in nature . Oh good Lord : I haue prouoked thine excellent Maiestie , and thy strong power , and thine vpright Iustice , to condemne me bodie and soule sodainly . Surely it is of thy mercy that I am not already consumed : I haue deserued presently , euen now ( Lord ) before the next nioment , to bée deliuered vp into the hands of hell , and of the Prince of darknesse , the Tyrant of the soule of man , Satan the Deuil . For I haue serued him and neglected thée : I haue from my youth obeyed him and despised thy Maiesty ( oh most glorious , mightie , and terrible God ) thy power , and thy Iustice I haue despised and set at naught : And yet if this were all : I had committed but small offence in respect of that which I haue done . For thy mercy , thy mercie ( oh Lord ) thy compassions ( oh good God ) thy compassions infinite , and vnspeakable , and vnconceiuable , euermore alluring me , calling me back , & euen beséeching me ( my Conscience bearing witnesse ) to refraine from iniquitie , I haue cast behind me , and most vile wretch , then whom there is none liueth more wretched that shall be saued , I haue troden and trampled vnder my féet . True it is ( my God and my mercifull Redéemer ) it is most true : that when thou hast offered mee grace , I haue refused it , & when thine Angell hath stood on my right hand , and Satan on the left , I haue reiected thine Angell , and turned aside vnto Sathan , I haue leaned vnto the left hand , and not vnto the right . So I haue traiterously misused thy Maiestie , & haue shewed my selfe a notorious , wilfull , and vnrepentant rebell : yea as a swift Roe of the Forrest , or as a Dromedarie of Midian , or as a wild Asse of the Wildernes , that snuffeth vp wind at pleasure : I haue runne hastily and headlong from the right and high way of life , into by-paths of death and destruction : I haue entred league with sins , and haue trauailed quietly hand in hand with the Princes of euerlasting darknesse : I haue suffered my selfe to be led by them vnto the bottomles pit : & therein I had almost plunged my selfe vnawares : I was euen cleane gone from thy presence , and remembred thée no more : Then , euen then ( oh sweet God ) when I was held in chaines of darknes , thou didst send thine Angell and deliuer me . What shall I giue vnto thée ? How shall I be thankfull ? I will praise thée with ioyfull lips : I will sing to thée from the ground of my heart . Accept the sacrifice of praise , I will take the cup of saluation , and pray vnto thée . Behold I come vnto thée right humbly , oh Lord heare me , oh Lord heare me : O Lord despise me not . If thou makest as though thou hearest not , I die , and what profite is there in my bloud ? Spare me ( good Lord ) spare me Heare and forgiue , I present vnto thée Christ Iesus , hée came into the world to saue sinners : of whom not S. Paul , but I , euen I the slaue of sinne that now am before thée , I am the chiefe : which I speake not ( Lord ) for fashion , but from the depth of an oppressed and wearied Conscience thou knowest : It is time for thée now to lay to thy hand : for they haue destroyed thy law within my soule . They , euen mine enemies , & thine enemies , my sinnes and villanies haue destroyed thy law . I am brought euen hard to deaths dore , and Sathan , yea truely many Sathans , and many fiends , and furies , and concupiscences , and Legions of Diuels in me haue almost made an end of mée . My soule is a pray vnto them . O Lord deliuer mée , and bée mercifull vnto me . Deliuer my soule from the iawes of the Lyons . Deliuer me for Iesus Christs sake , sprinckle his bloud ouer my scorched Conscience : yet if thou suffer me to lye a while in these flames , Lord grant mee patience , and I willingly suffer . Thy will bée done . I know thou wilt deliuer me , for thou hast promised and canst not lye , and thou art able readily : For thine is the kingdome , the power , and the glorie , for euer and euer . Amen .

A wrestling with hardnes of heart , and a betaking of the Soule vnto Gods dispose .

OH mercifull Lord God , I am vtterly ashamed & confounded : I am grieued at the very heart : my Soule is heauie and full of sorrow ; my bones are dryed , and my sight fayleth me , because of my sinnes . I lye in the midst of my cruell enemies , and the snares of Hell doe hold my heart in heauinesse : it grieueth me to confesse , it grieueth me very sore , the remembrance of mine iniquities is a vexation vnto my soule , the shame of them which yet I haue not shamed to commit in thy sight carelesly , commonly , presumptuously , and péeuishly , doth euen astonish and amaze my wounded and languishing conscience : Yet I must confesse and will not deny vnto thée ( Oh my God ) I haue sinned excéedingly . Ah Lord God shew me thy countenance , and turne thy louing and fauourable face towards me , giue eare vnto my prayers , and consider my meditations ; my mournfull meditations , how I mourne in my selfe , and am vexed . Héere ( Oh Lord ) yet vouchsafe to heare my request , vouchsafe to heare the confession of my sinfull and vngodly life , of my wanton , and wicked behauiour ; of my vile and abhominable sinnes and transgressions wherby I haue dismayed my heart , daunted my courage of faith and godlinesse , & euen ( without thée ) dammed my selfe body and soule . Heare I most humbly beséech thée ( most louing Father of heauen ) who neuer disdainest nor scornest them that come vnto thée . Heare my sinnes , my sinnes , my sinnes . Alas : how can I repeate them ? how can I remember them ? they are moe in number then the haires of my head , and my heart hath failed mée . I am euen already in the hell , and I lye couered with them and blinded ( O God ) I cannot sée thy face . If not now , euen when thou wilt . If thou neuer wilt , I know it not , for who hath knowen thy mind ( O Lord ) or who hath béene thy Counceller ? Yet seeing I know not whether thou wilt shine vnto mée in the face of Iesus Christ , or no : I will therefore trust in thee , and rest vpon thée , & bequeath my soule vnto thée , though thou kill mée . And now according to my duty I will confesse , if hatefull heart filled with sin do say not for my duties sake , yet for the ease of my stomacke : and if I so hate my selfe , and enuy mine owne ease , yet euen for spite to my corrupted conscience ; I will confesse my wickednesse , and I will lay open my abhominations , that I may delight in their remembrance , not that I delight in them , but that I abhorre them , and my selfe for them , and therein I take delight . Wherefore I confesse vnto thine eternall Maiestie fréelie without constraint , willingly without compulsion , gladly , and ioyfully , ioyfully that so much grace is left vnto me to confesse , but sorrowfully to my soule , ( and woe worth my soule that euer I haue so abused , defaced , wounded it ) but I confesse , I confesse , & where shall I begin : I confesse I haue sinned against Heauen , and against thée , against Earth , & against thée , against my selfe , and against thee , against all men , and against thée , against the whole course and order of nature , and against thée , against my creation , and against thée , against my redemption , and against thée , against my Iustification , and against thée , against my Sanctification , Preseruation , Faith , Hope , Charitie , godlynesse , vertue , all grace that euer was giuen me ( and it hath béene giuen in great measure ) and against thée ; against thée ( Oh heavenly Father ) and thy Maiestie , mercy , and glory , and power , and Iustice , and goodnesse , I haue offended and trespassed most haynously & villanously . Oh Lord pardon me , Oh Lord forgiue me , forgiue my pride , and arrogancy , forgiue my negligence , contempt , and security ; forgiue my idlenes , and vanity ; forgiue my prophanes , & impietie ; forgiue my vncleanenesse , and vnchastity ; forgiue my oppression , & iniury ; forgiue my grosse , and godlesse , and shamefull , and vnnaturall , and vnmeasurable , and vnsatiable wickednesse . Accept my confession , accept my contrition , accept my acknowledgement , accept my iudgement , and condemnation of my selfe ; for mine owne conscience hath condemned me , and my ouer-many , and out-crying sinnes haue witnessed against me , if thou ( Oh mercifull Iudge ) pronounce the sentence of damnation against mée , it is thy mercy that thou hast staied thy fierce wrath , & ten thousand times deserued vengeance thus long : yea verily , that thou didst not forthwith passe thine irreuocable sentence , it is thy great mercie . If now thou wilt do it and shew mee mercy no more , thou mayest do it in very equitie of Iustice , thou hast my confession , it doth me good that I haue béen vexed therewith , would it might please thée I might be more vexed vntill my hatred be perfect against vngodlinesse ; thy will be done . I commit my selfe into thy hands . Do with me as seemeth good in thine owne eies , thou art a gracious God . Death is my desert , I am euen glad and it reioyceth me , that yet in one thing I can be obedient vnto thèe , euen in yéelding my soule to thy holy will though it bee to throwe downe to hell . Hell is my right and my portion , the enheritance that I haue deserued . If I be cast thereinto I must bée content : But yet there is hope . I deale with a mercifull Iudge ; well : let there be no hope , Take my confession O God of my soule , do thy pleasure , if I dye I die worthie of a thousand deaths , none more worthy . Alas my soule , alas my soule , Come swéet Iesus , come quickly , the pit is déepe , it is bottomlesse , despaire hath taken hold vpon me , and it draweth me , Lord shall I be damned indéed ? oh take the sacrifice of a contrite spirit : oh remember the bloud of Iesus Christ : oh wash me , and cleanse me , and thou shalt find no wickednesse in me . Lord shal I be damned , that sometime haue trusted in thée , and haue hoped in thy holy name ? I commit my soule into thine hands ; oh remember thy son Christ ; and so I commit it into thy mercifull hands again : For thine is the kingdome , the power , and the glory , for euer and euer . Amen .

A comfortable conceit vpon review of the soule vnder Gods protection : And an earnest entreatie for godly perseuerance .

I Committed my soule into thy hands ( oh Lord thou GOD of mercie ) render it , restore it now ; nay thine it is and kéepe it I beséech thee , and let mée haue a sight of it . Oh thanks bée vnto thy diuine Maiestie and vnspeakable mercy , that yet once againe thou hast washed , and cleansed it , that thou hast sprinckled the bloud of Iesus Christ ouer it , that thou hast adorned and beautified it with glorious grace , and hast not taken thine holie Spirit from me . Lord pardon my vnthankfulnes . Goe my soule vnto thy God at all times , for he loueth thée , he hath once loued thée , and he loueth thée for euer . Goe vnto him , and tye thy selfe , be not separated oh my soule . He is thy God , he is thy Creator , he is thy redéemer , he is thy Sauiour . O worship thou him in the beautie of holinesse . Oh mercifull Lord God haue pittie yet againe on my distressed , forlorne , and forsaken soule . It is wonderfully wounded vnto the death . Oh saue me , saue me oh Lord , why am I thus ? why art thou angry with me for euer ? I will hope in thy holy name , oh let me not go away ashamed because I haue put my trust in thée . Who euer trusted in thée , and was confounded ? And shall I ? Surely thou wilt heare mee , thou wilt helpe me , thou wilt comfort me ; My heart telleth mée : thy spirit beareth witnesse vnto me , that I shall bee relieued , and comforted , and made glad , and excéeding ioyfull , with the light of thy countenance . Behold , euen as the eyes of a seruant doe looke vnto the hand of his maister , and the eyes of a maiden vnto the hand of her Mistres , euen so mine eyes wayt vpon thée my God , vntill thou haue mercy vpon me . Make spéed O Lord and be not slack , it is time , it is high time I beséech thee Lord let me beg my soule out of the hands of Satan , for Iesus sake , and draw my soule ( oh louing Father ) vnto Iesus Christ : let him command Satan to yéeld it vp againe . Seeing he hath no title , no interest , why should hee haue any possession , oh that it were wholy imployed in thy seruice . Heare then Lord , and forgiue all my sinnes past , my Rose-coloured and bloud-red sinnes : remember thy mercies in Iesus Christ my only Sauiour & most louing Redéemer ; to whome with thée and the holie Ghost , one God Almighty , eternall , and most mercifull , bee praise , and glorie , for euer and euer . Amen .

An excellent wrestling with Iesus Christ .

OH swéet Iesu Christ sonne of God , sonne of the Father , lord of life , sonne of Dauid , redéemer of the world haue mercy vpon me miserable sinner . I haue defaced the glorious Image after which I was created : I haue peruerted my wayes , and deliuered my soule into the power of Satan . I was held captiue , and bound in the chaines of euerlasting darkenes , yet thou ( Oh Lord ) didst redéeme mée with thy most precious bloud : thou didst deliuer me , and set me at libertie : thou diddest offer vp thine owne body vpon the crosse , and submit thy selfe vnto the death for my sake , and this my redemption thou didst seale in my heart by the most comfortable gift of Faith , and other Christian vertues attending therevpon : so that I gaue my selfe to loue thée , and chéerefully to serue thée ; and call vpon thée : then didst thou answere me againe , and filledst my heart with gladnes ; yea ( swéet Iesu ) thou knowest that my heart within mée hath leaped , and daunced for ioy of thy louing countenan e , and vnspeakable mercies . May it please thee , I know it doth please thée ( Oh mercifull Redéemer ) to continue thy louing kindnes towards mée . I know , and I confesse ( for if I deny I am a lyer ) that I haue notwithstanding thy tender loue towards me , in redéeming my sinfull and wretched soule , greatly , and notoriously abused , and contemned thy goodnes ; wantonly , and wickedly kicked , and spurned against thy holie grace , the seale of mine eternall election , and redemption , wonderfully , and strangely , ( oh good Christ ) thou knowest most villanously , presumptuously , and almost despightfully defacing and rasing out the print thereof by most heinous transgressions heaped vp together , & encreasing in great measure in most vile and abhominable sort ; so that I had almost lost faith , and fallen from grace : But continuall and euerlasting praise bée giuen to thée : thou hast lifted me vp from the gates of death , from the pit of hell , and power of the Diuell . The slye and subtill snares of damnation were spread vnder me , and I stumbled , and fell ; and now was hell and death , and damnation , preparing a triumph ouer my soule , now was the Diuell stepping with his gréedy téeth to teare ; and loe , thou sonne of God , thou sauiour of men , thou strong and mighty by thy mighty power , whereby thou art able to subdue all things vnto thy selfe , didst pluck me out of his téeth , and deliuer me . What shall I render vnto thy Maiestie ? thy power , thy goodnesse , thy mercie , thy most vndeserued ( true Lord , and most true ) compassion , and pittie ? What shall I render vnto thée for all the good that thou hast done vnto me ? Surely I will confesse vnto thée my wickednes , and be sorrie for my sinne . I will magnifie and praise thy name for euer . I will speake of thy louing kindnesse , and make mention of thy saluation ; Oh Lord , who is like vnto thée , that deliuerest me from him that is to strong for mée , and spoileth mee ? My soule shall make her boast of thée , and shal not be ashamed , because thou Lord hast holpen me , and comforted me . Moreouer ( oh my Iesus ) I will not cease to pray vnto thee , dispose me therevnto I most humbly beséech thée , for without thée I can doe nothing . Oh let my prayer come before thée , and enter into thy presence , Let me neuer be so mightily ouercome , and so shamefully ouerthrowne as I haue béene . Giue me thy constant spirit : bréed in my heart and Conscience a deadly hatred , and desperate enmity of sinne and wickednesse : let me neuer be reconciled vnto them againe : Oh let my soule loue thy most precious blood , by which it is washed and cleansed from most vile corruptions . Let me die ( oh Lord ) and depart this life before I so contemptuously , as indeede I haue done , tread , and trample it , as it were vnder my profane féet . Oh let me die first I vnfainedly desire thée ( my swéet Sauiour : ) For why should I liue to dishonour thée in such sort ? Why should I liue still to prouoke thy wrath , and mine owne vnquietnesse ? I haue profaned thy sanctified and sanctifying blood , I haue buffeted thée on the face ; I haue whipped and scourged thée most cruelly : I haue by most odious impiety crucified thée afresh vnto my selfe . Ah sinnefull wretch laden with iniquity ; heauie laden ; Oh laden , oh when wilt thou refresh me ? quicken me in thy righteousnesse , and clense me from all my filthinesse , oh clense me & I shall be cleane , whiter than snow , clearer then glasse , acceptable to the righteous Iudge God our Father , louing , and mercifull , who neuer refuseth thée ( oh Christ ) his welbeloued Son . I beseech thée , I beseech thée restore mee ; make glad my heart againe , render now thy grace , which I haue lost by my trespasse ; and from presumptuous sinnes ( oh Lord ) keepe me : set Angells about me to draw me by violence from such vngodlinesse . If thou wilt thou canst make me cleane , and thou art mercy it selfe , and yet hitherto none hath trusted in thée , and béen sent away empty , and thou art able , For all power is giuen to thée in heauen and in earth ; and at the name of Iesus euery knée must bow , both of things in heauen , and things in earth , and things vnder the earth : now I commit my cause vnto thy diuine wisedome , and vnspeakable mercy : now I craue pardon , now I craue grace , and continuance therein , and in thy good time thou wilt not fayle to giue , ( oh Lord ) strengthen my patience , and increase my faith , for thine is the Kingdome , the power , and the glorie , for euer and euer Amen .

A comfortable confession and Supplication .

O Lord God , great and fearfull , most mighty , and full of strength : Behold how I mourne in my prayer , and am vexed , my sorrowes are gone ouer my head , my sinnes are bound vp in a bundle to be layd vppon mée , nay to be repeated , my soule is payned and pined away through my dayly complainyng , and yet thou ( oh righteous Iudge ) continuest holy , and iust in thy iudgements . Thy punishments are inflicted vpon me ; thine arrowes sticke fast in mée , thou hast wounded me sore ; but in mercy thou hast chastened me , my rebellious haue deserued much more , nay infinite ; and yet it pleaseth thy Maiestie to be mercifull vnto me , euen so Father because it is thy good pleasure to saue sinners , of whom I am the chiefe . O God of mercies and compassions ; of Father , and Spirit of all comfort , and consolation , heare thy seruant that putteth his trust in thee ; heare , and giue eare : thy mercies haue drawne me vnto thée , and thine innumerable compassions haue constrained me to acknowledge vnto thée Holy , holy , holy , true in promise ; faithfull in mercy ; full of kindnes , long suffering and of great goodnes , wonderfull in pity , and most wonderfull , thou sparest when we deserue punishment , and in thy punishment thou art not cruell , but seuere ; nay rather gentle , and mercifull : euen gentlenes , and mercy , and méekenes , and patience , and tender loue , and kindnes it selfe . I see it , I find it , I confesse it , I giue thanks for it . What shall I render to thée ? I will thanke thée , for thou hast wounded , and thou hast cured , and thou hast healed me , thou hast suffered me to slip into the gates of hell , and thou hast deliuered me . Oh ye that feare the Lord , magnifie ye the lord with me , oh let vs come before him in the beautie of holinesse ; for hee hath regarded the contemned estate of a sinner , and he onely forgaue my sinne : my soule doth testifie & make her boast of the Lord , I sought him early and late , in the day time and in the night season ( this was my dutie , this was my necessity : ) for a while he hid his face from me , and I was troubled ; for a while he was angrie , and I consumed ; for a while he held my sins before me , and I was amazed , ashamed , and confounded : but he turned his mercie toward me , and I receiued comfort , I conceiued hope , I perceiued that of very faithfulnesse hee caused me to suffer griefe ; O magnifie the Lord with mee . He woundeth , and maketh whole againe ; he afflicteth , and he deliuereth out of affliction ; he hath shewed me sorrowes , and yet in the multitude of the sorrowes that I had in my heart , his comforts haue refreshed my soule . What comforts ? Christ my Redeemer : my Sauiour , my King , and my God . Verily a King . Hee hath taken my sins , my presumptuous sins , and defaced them . Hee hath entred into my soule , and dispossessed Satan , Legions of Deuils hee hath chased , and gotten himselfe the victorie . Reioyce in the Lord thy King ( oh my soule ) he ruleth in the midst among thine enemies . They are brought to nothing that sought to destroy thée . Iesus is in the midst of thée , euen in thy heart , and in thy soule to saue , he sitteth there , euen there also in thy conscience . Oh my redéemed soule betwéene the Cherubins ; Behold thy king , behold , and be glad , his traine is with him , his Angels minister vnto him , & about thee they stand to driue away the fiends of hell , and to defend thée . Why then art thou so sad oh my soule ? what aileth thée ? Canst thou not rest vpon thy sauiour , thy horne , and thy buckler , and the strong God of thy saluation ? O put thy trust in God ; be strong , and of a good courage , and he shall establish thy heart , euen Iesus that deliuereth thée from the wrath to come , hee shall so establish thine heart , and saue thée . O blesse his holie name . Oh praise him , and magnifie him for euer , he onely is the Lord , he onlie is the King , and there is none but he ; Oh Iesu I adore and worship thée . Oh Christ I praise , & giue thanks vnto thée , Oh Redéemer I confesse vnto thée , mine is the shame , thine is the glorie , mine is the weaknes , thine is the power , the kingdome , the dominion , and rule ouer sinne and Satan , death , and hell . Sit still while thou art there ; behold I scorne at sin and Satan , they cannot enter . Auant Satan . Iesus is the Lord , thou hadst miserablie spoiled me ; but loe my Redeemer is come ; Auant Satan . Swéet Iesu ; mightie Lord ; my king ; thy mercie is swéet , thy might is inuincible , the scepter of thy kingdome is a scepter of holinesse ; holinesse the life of the soule , the seale of life , the earnest of inheritance in the kingdome of Heauen . O King in my heart sit still , rule still , liue still . And of a truth will God dwell with man ? I thanke thée , I honour thée , I adore thée . Oh King liue for euer . Amen , Amen .

A verie devout and zealous complaint against Inconstancy & Hyppocrisie .

I Said I would forsake my wickednesse , and eschew mine iniquitie in thy sight , I resolued from a perfect and vpright heart ( oh my GOD thou knowest ) to giue an euerlasting farewell to my sinne , I promised thy most sacred and excellent Maiestie from the ground of my grieued Conscience , that I would neuer returne as a Dog to my vomit , or a Sow that is washed to the wallowing in the myre . But alas how weake ? how faithlesse ? how inconstant ? how forgetfull am I ? how soone am I caried aside , and turned out of the way ? how is my soule become a snare to take my selfe ? how is my body a verie bondslaue to the filthy desires of my soule ? how am I altogether corrupt and abhominable as before ? I hate my sinne , and I commit my sinne , I abhorre my rebellion , and yet yéeld to my rebellion . How is my soule pained , and my bodie pined by reason of my sinne ? I haue fasted , and watched , and praied , and wept , and confessed , and craued pardon many times , carefullie , zealouslie , vehementlie : and haue receiued comfort , conceiued hope of thy constant spirit , and yet my sinne remaineth . O vile wretch ! O slaue of sinne ! O drudge of transgression ! O vassall of Satan that I am ! what shall I doe ? whither shall I flie ? to whome shall I resort for deliuerance ? If I say vnto my bodie doe not yéeld , it resisteth ; If I say to my soule be not ouercome , it denieth . I am wholie euill , and there is no good thing in me . And yet my soule is more abhominable then this : for it flattereth me as though it would be obedient to thy spirit ( oh God ) but it dissembleth with me . It is a very hypocrite , in nothing constant , in nothing stedfast but in hypocrisie , and in deceipt , it promiseth , and it performeth not . Why art thou so wicked oh my soule ? why art thou so false vnto me ? why dost thou suffer Satan thine enemie & murderer to poyson thée , and so to kill thée ? Oh miserable soule ? why wilt thou dye ? oh Iesus my life why am I departed from thée ? Oh Iesus come vnto me whom my soule loueth . One depth calleth another : the depth of misery , the depth of mercy . My misery is déepe , but thy mercie is bottomlesse , & I know no end therof . What then ? be of good cheere my soule , go , seeke thy sauiour , follow after him . Thy sinnes are many , and thou canst not number them , they are heynous , and odious , and thou canst not esteeme the abhomination of them : but he hath numbred them , and he knoweth their quality , and his mercies are without number & measure . Infinite and not definite to any persons ; thou art not excepted ; to any times this day thou shalt be accepted , as it is written . At what time soeuer , &c. oh put thy trust in God , and in the mercie of the most high , thou shalt not miscarry , he is the helpe of thy countenance , and thy God . Trust to him , rest in him , depend vpon him ; follow after him , wrestle with him , pray vnto him , and leaue him not till hee bestow a blessing : till he change thy heart , and make it new , be not faint , neither forgetfull ; without him thou shalt haue no rest , and in him thou shalt find rest , and ease , and comfort , and ioy , and eternall life , and euerlasting felicitie , thou knowest my Soule when thou art with him thou art quiet , and glad because of the light of his countenance , when thou art from him , thou art sad because thou art from thy ioy . Oh séeke thy Redéemer ; forget not thy Sauiour , his mercie is thy life , oh life grant mercie . Oh Christ saue . I am a Leaper , if thou wilt thou canst make me cleane . I am the Publican , oh Lord bee mercifull vnto me a sinner , a great sinner , a grieuous sinner , the chiefe of sinners . Truth , oh truth , oh faithfull and true , oh swéet Iesu , who hath néed of thy mercie as I haue ? Thou canst not bestow it on a more néedy begger ? One drop of thy mercie swéet Iesu , sweet Iesu . Amen , Amen .

The dumpe or dampe of despaire : whereout the sinner labouring , pittifully complaineth and cryeth vnto Christ Iesus to be refreshed and comforted .

DAy by day haue I cryed vnto the Lord , and in the night when I was waking I thought vpon his mercies , and called for them . For I saw the vglie shape and innumerable multitude of my sinnes crying vengeance day and night . I perceiued I was afflicted , my soule was heauie , and my bodie pined away , I cherished my flesh , and it would not remaine , it rotted , and decayed . For the anger of the Lord , & the indignation of the most high , I brought my life down vnto the ground , and my sorrows were encreased in my heart . For I was pained within me , and straightned in my owne bowels , then spake I to the Almighty , and sayd as the Prophet taught me . When thou with rebukes doest chasten man for sinne , thou makest his beautie to consume away as it were a moath fretting a garment , & I said , My wounds stincke , and are corrupt through my foolishnes , and I said , Thine arrowes sticke fast in me , and thy hand presseth mee sore . For I prayed daily , and yet my sinne remained , and the punishment of my sinne was hard vpon me . The Almightie had couered his face with glorie , and I was troubled , I found no rest in my selfe , no refuge in any creature . Then I stood amazed in the presence of my God . For I could not speake , my sinnes were vnfolded , and layed open in his sight , & he remembred them . So I drew néerer and néerer vnto the pit , and accompted my selfe among the wicked . I was silent before the high Maiestie and most excellent glorie , for I could not speake , yea , my heart wandred too and fro , and I sought to hide me from his presence : But it would not be . The eye of iealouzie séeth all things , and the eare of iealouzie heareth all things , and my sinnes were bound vp in a bundle before him , and the punishment for them lay sore vpon me . Then I said againe . Lord doest thou so correct thine own children ? Where shall the wicked appeare ? Surely they shall vanish away like smoake when thou appearest to them in glorie . But I said of my selfe I am cast out of thy presence , and I am numbred with the reprobate generation . Neuerthelesse , when I saw I could not lie hid , neither could auoid the righteousnesse of the righteous Iudge , neither yet was able to pacifie my vexed conscience , because I found no meanes in my selfe to forsake mine owne iniquitie , wherewith I am cloathed as with a cloake . When I perceiued indéed , and knew throughly the most poore , wretched , and miserable estate of my soule , inclinable to no goodnes , but most vehemently with might and maine striuing against it : I came trembling vnto the Lord Iesus , I made my complaint and powred out my supplication before him , in this manner . Oh Iesu Christ the onlie Sauiour , annointed of the high God : Lord of life , of consolation , and eternitie , Redéemer of the world , reconciler of man vnto God : priest , and mediatour for euer , cloathed with the flesh of man to deliuer man from hell beneath . Oh mercie , and goodnesse , and compassion it selfe , thou makest friendship betwéene life and death , mortalitie , and immortality , corruption , and incorruption ; Heare me ( O Lord ) and cast me not away : wherefore didst thou die , but for sinners ? why didst thou come into the world but to saue sinners ? To what purpose didst thou deliuer thy selfe into the hands of sinners ? Was not this the cause of thy obedient life , and cruell death , the wretchednes of sinners ? Why then ( oh Iesu ) I am a sinner . Why art thou absent from me ? Thou camst not to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance ; call me then vnto thée , and draw me : For I cannot come of my selfe , I cannot come when I am called , except I bee drawen ; without thée I can doe nothing : I cannot come vnto thée , Call me , draw me , come for me . I lie in the pit , I am spoyled of robbers : I am robbed of thy robes , mortification , and sanctification . The spoilers are my sinnes , my concupiscences , my corruptions within me . They ( oh Iesu ) euen they haue spoiled mee , dis-robed me of thy graces , disfurnished mee of thy riches , and vertues ; Oh good Samaritan while I am weltring in my bloud , Oh while I am in my bloud , despise me not , passe not by me , haue pittie , and compassion vpon me . Bring thy bloud , thy most precious bloud , precious , because not to be valued at any price , better then the balme of Gilead , powre it into my wounds , it is wine , it is oyle , it hath a sauing vertue , O saue me my Sauiour , Iesu the sonne of Dauid haue mercy vpon mee , I thirst for thée , I long for thée , I faint for thée . Iesu thou sonne of Dauid haue mercie vpon me , I haue hoped in thy holie name . For why art thou the sonne of Dauid ? Is it not because of thy sure mercies to Dauid ? and to his seed for euer ? And who is the séed of Dauid ? are not they that call vpon thée , that rest in thée , that haue no other saluation but thée , the séed of Dauid ? O then I haue no helper , no sauiour , no redéemer , but thée , ( oh Lord of life . O Prince of peace , oh GOD my righteousnes . ) I haue none but thée . I am then the seed of Dauid , performe to me the holy things of Dauid , the promises of eternall life . O sonne of Dauid haue mercie vpon me . If thou wilt , thou canst make me cleane , purge me oh Physition of the soule : purge mee , and make mee cleane , let thy blood wash mee throughly , and I shall be cleane ; I haue deserued thy iust conceiued fury : no reason thou shouldst heare & saue , but thine owne mercy , & thine own loue : I appeale vnto them : wherefore hast thou called me , and taught me thy truth ? In vain ? O let it not be in vaine . Wherefore do I beléeue thée to be sauiour of sinners ? in vaine ? O let it not be in vain But if I be not saued I belieue in vaine . Lord heare my praier , and let my sorrowfull sighing come before thée . So I trust . I will not distrust , Helpe my vnbeliefe : I will lay my saluation on thy shoulders , oh Christ Iesu . For thine is the kingdome , the power , and the glory , for euer , and euer . Amen .

An humble suite for a liuely fayth .

OH Almighty God , and most mercifull Father , thou knowest my sorrowes , and my rowling repentances within me ; how I am grieued , and vexed that I haue transgressed against thée , oh Lord thou knowest . The terrors , and troubles of my heart are all open before thy Maiestie , whom that I haue prouoked to take swift vengeance vppon me I confesse , yea ( oh mighty Monarche of heauen and earth ) I confesse freely and willingly , that damnation of body and soule is my due , and the rather for that by mine iniquities best knowen vnto thy sacred Maiestie , I haue refused Faith in the blood of thy Sonne Iesus Christ . I haue hardned my heart , and encreased my contempt against him . Now Lord , séeing it hath pleased thée to call to my remembrance , and consideration my transgressions , to giue me grace to confesse and acknowledge them in a detestation of them : to seeke and sue for thy Sonne Iesus Christ in whom thou art well pleased , I beseech thée ( oh Father ) good Father as thou hast loued mankind fréely ; so giue me the most excellent and comfortable gift of Faith , in the death and passion of Iesus Christ , that I may beleeue stedfastly to my comfort in him , that he is the Sauiour , & Redeemer ; not onely of others but of me also , euen of me ( oh Father ) thy Creature , though miserably deformed by sinne . Oh send thy holy spirit of grace into my heart , that I beeing dead & stinking in the graue of my wickednesse ; yet may arise , and liue to thée , and thy glory for euer , through the powerfull might of Iesus Christ , by an vnfained and setled faith in my heart . Oh heauenly Father , I am almost swallowed vp of despaire , thy punishment doth so amaze me ; Oh deliuer my soule from that fearfull monster . I am ashamed and confounded before thee , my sins are so many since my youth vp , & now thou callest them to thy remembrance , and I cannot answere one for a Thousand . I will therefore lay mine hand vpon my mouth , and kéepe silence before thée , wayting for thy deliuerance , and for faith in Iesus Christ ; oh send me faith , liuely and working , and comforting , that I may goe forward couragiously in the path of sanctification all my life long . Grant this oh Father , that I may glorifie thy name , and reioyce in thée and in thy sauing health Iesus Christ my onely Lord , Redéemer and Sauiour . To whom with thée , and that desired and longed for holy Ghost , thrée persons , and one Coequall , and Coeternall God , be all glorie and praise , and Dominion and Maiestie , and thanksgiuing from henceforth , and for euermore , Amen .

A gladsome thanksgiving for the tast of Gods mercie .

ETernall GOD , whose habitation is in heauen , and whose wonderfull and gratious prouidence in all the world : thanks be giuen to thy most sacred Maiestie , that being so high , thou hast respect vnto the lowly : that being so powerfull and mighty , thou hast regard to my misery . Oh gratious and most louing Father in Iesus Christ my Sauiour , hath it pleased thee indéed to take the prey from the mighty ( my soule from Satan ) and to let the iust captiuitie goe frée ? my sinnefull soule and body indéed , and truth , snared and captiued of the Prince of darknes , to be loosed from the chaines of hell , infirmitie , enormity , presumption , custome of iniquitie ? it is true , it hath pleased thée ? euen so Father , because it was thy good pleasure . I acknowledge , and confesse that this hath procéeded of thine euerlasting and neuer dying mercies . I will therefore take vp the cup of saluation , that thou hast reached vnto me , and drinke it vp , health vnto my bones , to my bowels , to my nauill , to my soule . I haue sucked the dregs of the cup of trembling ; but the cup of trembling is taken from me , now thou hast refreshed me with chéerefull wine , the bloud of Iesus Christ . I will make mention of thy righteousnesse alwayes , I will sing praise & honour vnto thée with my whole heart : I was dead , but I am aliue , I was withered like haye ; but now I shall flourish as a gréen hearb , beyond all hope . Loe : this this is the portion of them that turne from iniquity in Iacob , and feare the Lord seruing him in vprightnes and truth . Thus is the Lord mercifull vnto his seruants whome he hath chosen : He kéepeth them that they do not fall for euer . Thus is hee mercifull vnto them for his owne sake . O King of Kings , thou dweller in eternitie , séeing so farre it hath pleased thée to visite the distressed estate of a sinner , and to lead me in the path of righteousnesse , thou art vnchangeable , one and the same , and hast neuer vsed to repent thée of thy compassions , heare me , and giue eare , and looke vpon mee through thy sonne Iesus Christ , and please thy selfe with me . Grant that I béeing continually couered with his obedience ( as with a cloake ) may be euer acceptable in thy sight , accompanie me the whole race of my mortall life , with his , and thy most sacred and wise grace , that so it may appeare to the ioye of my sorrowfull heart , and peace of my conscience ; as also to the sight and perfect knowledge of men , that thou art mercifull vnto mee of a truth , that thou hast lifted me vp ; that in thy wrath thou didst punish me : but in thy mercy hast compassion on me ; because I haue hoped in thy holy name , and haue waited for thy saluation . And as for me ( my God ) performe the worke of comfort , which thou hast begunne in mee , and encrease the ioy of my spirit from day to day , and bring me forth into the light , a mirrour of thy mercies , & a spectacle of thine vnspeakable and rich compassions , through Iesus Christ our Lord and only Sauiour . Amen .

The Sinners deniall of himselfe , and lowlie petition to bee accepted of God , and receiued into his conduct .

O Almightie God , Father of mercies , and God of all consolations : I haue now séene , and had experience in déed and truth , that in me , that is in my flesh , there dwelleth no good thing . For the very fountaine is corrupted , euen my heart within me , the fountaine of all my actions . I find it indéed full of filthinesse in it selfe : full of rebellion against thée ; hating thy most excellent Maiestie , and euen wishing that thou werest no God at all , that it might the more francklie , and fréely set on fire the whole course of nature in me , and so draw me body and soule into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone , Fier that neuer goeth out . I doe heere therfore fréely acknowledge and confesse , that my destruction is sought mightily & maynly by my selfe : but my Saluation is of thée . I doe vnfainedly repent me of my wicked heart , and as héeretofore I haue in vprightnes & truth dedicated and deuoted the same vnto thy heauenly protection : ( as thou knowest ) : so now in like manner I wholy resigne my selfe into thy hands , beséeching thée to take this vngodly heart , and frame it anew , to make it pliable , and fit for thy selfe . I know thou hast no néed of my seruice , for thou canst command the stones , and they will arise and prayse thée . But yet seeing I wholy deny my selfe , and betake my life to the good gouernment of thy Sonne Iesus Christ my blessed Sauiour : I beséech thée , oh Lord I beseech thée accept the soule of thy servant . Let me now sée and experience the power of Christ against Satan . I haue experienced mine owne power which is weaknesse , not able to encounter with the strong man . The life that héereafter I shall liue , let me liue it wholy , ( oh mercifull Father ) by the faith in the death of Iesus Christ , and let Christ liue in me by his gracious and sanctifying spirit , that from henceforth I may vnfainedly detest , and abhorre my former wickednes and may be renewed as a garment , and receiue the Kingdome of Christ in my conscience as a Child , euen so ( Father of heauen ) : so be it . For thou hast magnified thy mercies in me , and so magnifie them for euer . Thou hast disappointed Satan of my soule , and so disappoint him still ; of a truth I perceiue that thou art faithfull , and true in thy promises , and louest thy Children with an euerlasting loue . Glory , and honour , and great worship , and all power , might , and Maiestie , be ascribed vnto thée . For thou art worthy oh GOD most high . Amen .

In the instant and vrgent assault of Temptation , a very earnest prayer .

LOrd , why abhorrest thou thy seruant ? why hidest thou thy face from me ? Heare thou in heauen , thy dwelling place , thou possessor of heauen and earth , thou maker of all things , thou louer of men , thou sauer of soules heare and giue eare , and let my prayer enter into thy presence . The tempter is ready , my heart is weake , my soule is wicked . I shall conspire against thee with Satan , I shal enter a league with death and hell : I am fettered in the chaines of eternall damnation : Oh Lord God Almighty , strong , and mercifull , heare thou in heauen thy dwelling place : Behold mine owne desires are confederate against me , and mine inward affections conspire together to ouerthrow mee . Now euen now , am I ready to be taken away : now my sinful body vexeth my simple soule , now my simple soule enthralleth her selfe to my sinfull body : Now heare , and helpe , oh God of heauen : my Sauiour sayd it ; I surely find it : The spirit is willing , but the flesh is weake . Satan is strong , hee is very strong , he hath strengthened mee against my selfe . Oh strength of Israel , strength of thy Chosen , strength of thy Children , strengthen me for my selfe , as Satan hath strengthened me against my selfe . If thou my God , my rocke , my refuge will saue , who can destroy ? If thou wilt deliuer , who shall imprison ? If thou wilt but say the word : let the iust captiuitie goe frée : giue mee the soule ( oh Satan ) that I haue loued for euer , that I haue elected before the world ; that my sonne hath redéemed with his precious bloud : what Satan ? What sinne ? What death ? What hell ? What hatred ? what curse ? what law ? what guilty conscience ? what despaire ? what damnation can hold it backe ? Thou art Almighty , thou art All-sufficient , mighty against all that resist thy might , and therfore all these : sufficient for all that band themselues against thy sufficiency , and therefore for these . For these ( O Lord God most mercifull and louing Father ) whether they be in mee , or about mee , thou art Almighty , thou art all-sufficient . Wicked sinne , a guiltie conscience , a despairing soule , these are within me ; O God dispossesse them . Lawe , and curse , hatred , and hell , death , and diuell , and damnation it selfe ; these are about me : Oh Lord disperse them . Arise ( Lord ) and let thine enemies be scattered : let these that hate thée flée before thée . Oh deliuerer of the captiues , helper of the afflicted , relieuer of the oppressed , comforter of the grieued , my temptation is at hand , my temptation is at hand . I fall , I fall , Lord lift me vp . Lord lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon me . Where art thou my God ? Oh my soule what doest thou ? where art thou my God ? My soule whither wilt thou ? what haue I done vnto thee ? why doest thou betray me ? But where art thou my God ? Oh heare me now I call . O helpe me now I cry vnto thée . The assault is grieuous , the violence is villanous , the danger is desperate , oh wretched creature that I am : Who shall deliuer me from this body of death ? Oh I am weake hearted . I am soule sicke . I am faint spirited . I finde no meanes of resistance . Now I fall , now I yéeld , now I am tempted , now I am taken , now I consent , now I runne headlong vpon mine owne damnation . Oh my breast is pinched , my heart is pained , my soule afflicted , my infirmitie surprized , my conscience vexed , mine affection enflamed , my presumption encreased , I yéeld , I fall , I sinne , I dye . Oh God , oh good God , oh gracious God heare me : oh spirit , oh holy spirit , oh comfortable spirit ( thy name is the comforter ) oh come and assist me . O Iesu , sweet Iesu , Iesu that deliuerest vs from the wrath to come . Come heare me , come helpe me , come saue me , come stand by me . Rebuke Satan , rebuke sinne , I beséech thee ( my Sauiour , my gentle Sauiour ) rebuke my sinfull soule that resteth vpon thée , reforme my soule that longeth for thée : Suffer mee not to bée tempted aboue my strength , of my self I haue no strength ; Bee thou my strength , my castle and deliuerer , at this time , and at all times , in my perplexities , assaults , and temptations : So be it , euen so bee it , so I trust , and so I rest . Iesu that deliuerest vs from the wrath to come . Amen .

A prayer for grace and diligence to pray .

OH most mercifull God , and louing Father : I confesse , & acknowledge my negligent and carelesse behauiour towards thée , as in all the course of godlinesse , so chiefly in deuotion and godly praier . Haue mercy vpon me , and forgiue my securitie . I haue hindred many good things from my selfe that I haue not prayed for . I haue thereby vilified thy heauenly blessings , and riches of thy mercie : I haue brought leauenesse vnto my soule : Oh gracious God , stirre vp my dull and dead spirit , and quicken me in thy holinesse , that my breast being set on fire , and enflamed with thy manifold mercies and graces , I may diligently direct my petitions vnto thée , and so obtaine according to my necessitty . Open mine eies O Lord , that I may sée my wants clearly , touch my heart that I may pray vnto thee faithfully , feruently , & continually . Heare me ( oh good God ) and quicken me according to thy mercie . Oh disperse mine iniquities as a cloud after a great raine . Now after the time that thou hast visited my sinne vpon me , returne , returne I beséech thée in great compassion . My soule is afraid of thy iudgements , I am beaten backe with feare of thy wrath ; when I thinke to pray , my heart is cold within me , I am astonied , and sodainly cast downe . LORD , lift me vp to thy throne in prayer , thou that hast lift me vp from the gates of death . Where is thy liuely spirit ? Swéet God , Iesus my Sauiour promised me the comfortable spirit . In his name I beséech thée send it into my heart . It will teach me and warne me to pray : so shal I be sure to obtaine my prayers . Heare me ( O Lord ) for my Sauiour Iesus sake , to whome with thée , and the holie Ghost be all honor , glorie , and praise . Amen .

A thankfull acknowledgement of diuine mercies in Iudgements .

OH most mightie Lord God , Creator , Gouernour , and possessour of Heauen and earth : Wisedome is about thy throne , and thy kingdome is established in iudgement . Whatsoeuer pleaseth thee , that dost thou in heauen and in earth , and in all déepe places . Thou beholdest , and considerest the waies of men : and thou rewardest euery man according to his workes . Thou callest for punishment , and it runneth like the swift lightning vpon the transgressors . Thou commandest vengeance , and vengeance entreth into all places , the stately pallaces of Princes , and the beggarly cottages of the poore . There is nothing hid from the brightnesse of thy presence . Thine eyes in euery place ( a thousand times brighter then the Sunne ) behold the euill and the good . There is nothing can be deliuered from the fircenes of thy wrath . It burneth like fire euen to the bottome of hell . Thou dost correct the wicked with the vengeance of eternall fire . Thou dost chasten thine own children ( when they goe astray and wander in the pathes of the vngodly ) with the corrections of men , Infamy , pouerty , sicknesse of bodie , weaknes of mind , imprisonment , banishment , persecution , and temporall death . Oh Lord our gouernour how excellent is thy name ? how woonderfull are thy iudgements in all the world ? And yet for all this how few there are , euen a very few , that consider thy worke that is done vnder the Sunne ; that ponder thy iudgements though they be vpon themselues ? Oh palpable blindnesse , oh dull forgetfulnes , oh great security , oh grosse impietie , thou smitest , and no man regardeth , thou punishest , and no man considereth , thou layest thy iudgements to the view of all men , and no man layeth them vnto his heart . Blessed is hee whome thou instructest by punishment , and guidest in the way of iudgement . Surely this is a great mercy , and it passeth all thy workes , O teach me thy iudgements , thy louing corrections haue made me glad : To me thou hast reuealed mercy in iudgement , thou hast assured consolation by correction . Why so ? For I prayed vnto thée in the sorrowes of my soule . Correct mee O Lord yet in thy judgement , not in thy fury , &c. So I prayed , for I was content to beare thy punishment , because I had sinned against thée . This my prayer thou hast graciously granted vnto me , thou hadst respect vnto the humble suite of a sinner . Therefore in thy fury thou didst not correct me with violent fire which doth deuoure the Aduersary , with euerlasting paines thou didst not reward mee as I deserued : but in iudgement thou hast punished me , with the corrections of men : Infamy , pouerty , sicknesse , weaknes ; and such like , and so thou hast graunted my petition , thou Lord hast receiued my prayer , thou hast chastned me with thy Children , least I should be condemned with the reprobate . And thus to me thou hast reuealed mercy in iudgement . Thus thou hast assured consolation by correction . Héere is thy mercy ( oh mercifull God ) to graunt mee my request this was thy mercie to giue eare in this thing vnto a sinner , this was thy great mercie , I grant it , I confesse it , I professe it , I praise thy name for it : Oh Iehoua . This is the garment of gladnesse for the spirit of heauinesse , oh God my heart is ready , my heart is ready , I will sing & giue prayse . Awake my glorie , awake my grace , awake my soule , all the secrets of my Soule awake . I my selfe will awake right early . Reioyce ( my deere Soule ) in the Lord thy God , and againe I say reioyce . Oh righteous Father : thou hast executed thy iustice , and extended thy mercy vpon me both together . Who can declare thy noble Acts , and shew forth all thy prayse ? who can doe as thou dost ? can a Man ? can a Saint ? can an Angell ? can any powre , and Principality , any throne , or dominion bring good out of euill , swéet out of sowre , honor out of shame , life out of death , out of vengeance mercy , as thou dost ? To thée therefore ( oh Iehoua ) and to thée alone shall all flesh come , shall all creatures in heauen , and in earth , and vnder the earth be subiect , to thée shall my soule and all the secrets of the same be dutifull , and obedient from henceforth and for euermore . I will sing vnto thée among much people , and will not be ashamed . I will speake of thy praises in the congregations , my Soule shall make her boast of thée , and I will euer remember this , that in wrath thou thinkest vppon mercy . I will remember and not forget : euen so be it ( oh Father of heauen ) through Iesus Christ thy onely Son , in whom thou art well pleased , my onely Sauiour in whome I am fully comforted . So be it .

A Meditation sealing Eternall Election by the consideration of good Education .

O Most gracious God , and louing Father , who in thy sonne Iesus Christ before the world was made diddest predestinate , & foreappoint some men to life , and some to death , some to glory , and some to contempt , some to saluation , and some to condemnation , euen of thy good pleasure . I giue thée most humble , and hearty thankes that thou hast chosen me to life , glory , and saluation , fréely , and of thine owne accord , when it might haue pleased thée to reprobate mee for euer . Euen so ( Father ) because it was thy good pleasure : a tast of this loue and fauour thou hast giuen me by the reuelation of Iesus Christ . Hereby I am assured that I am predestinate vnto eternall life , that I haue faith in the death & bloodshed of Iesus Christ . O Lord encrease my Faith . Moreouer this thine ancient loue , eternall , and without beginning is manifested to me more perfectly , for that it pleased thée that I should not only be borne of godly parents embracing thy truth , but also by them bee brought vp and trained from my child-hoode in a course of godlinesse and vertue , that so comming vnto riper yeares I might bee grounded & established in thy holy waies . Oh mercifull father , my conscience and sinnes doe testifie against me that I haue not deserued the least of thy mercies that thou hast enriched me withall from my youth vp , much lesse this so great and inestimable a grace to bee followed with thy louing kindnesse , and attended vppon by thy grace through good education all my life long to this present houre . For ( to confesse a truth ) I haue not ceased to prouoke thée continually , I haue not ceased to transgresse against thy holy Maiesty , in thought , word , and déed euery day , yea Lord in great and grieuous sort , early and late , in child-hood , in youth , in middle age , ignorantly , and wittingly , weakly and presumptuously , in such sort ( O Father ) that it is maruaile I am not already consumed , already condemned . Yet for all this , thy louing fauour hath accompanied me euermore ; and now I perceiue the good fruit of godly education . Oh my God what shal I render vnto thée ? how shall I bee thankefull ? what recompence dost thou looke for ? behold I will thanke thée in Christ Iesus thy beloued Sonne , and my blessed Sauiour : I will trust in thy mercie for euer through him . I will liue in thy feare by his power , I will serue thée with an vnfeigned heart , and glorifie thée in my body , and in my soule , by the working of his grace and spirit all the daies of my life . Oh continue forth thy louing kindnes towards me from henceforth , and for euer , that being conducted and guided through this vale of misery ; after I haue a little recouered my strength in bodie and spirit , performed my duty , patiently suffred , and endured the appointed crosse for me : I may in the end receiue the end of my faith and hope : euen the saluation of my soule , and at that great day the glorification of both body and soule through the same , my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , to whome with thée , and the holy Ghost , be eternall and equall praise for euer . Amen .

In weeping , mourning , and bitter anguish , a confession and prayer .

OH Lord God , what shal I say vnto thée ? O father of Heauen how shall I entreat thée ? I am horriblie affraid of thy iudgments , I am wonderfully abashed at thy glorious presence , I am vtterly ashamed of mine own basenes , vilenesse , wretchednesse , dust , & ashes : flesh and blood , filth and froth , swill , and sinne that I am , who shall giue me accesse and entrance before thy Maiestie ? who shall helpe me to entreat for thy mercy ? The blood of thy Son I haue polluted and profaned , the holy spirit of grace I haue refused and despighted . I confesse my wickednesse , and I am sorie for my sinne . The remembrance therof is grieuous vnto me , the burthen thereof is intollerable . Albeit my due desert is hell , death , and damnation : Yea , and perpetuall vexation and terrour of heart , vntill the sentence of destruction and eternall confusion be executed vpon me , a spirit of vnquietnesse to trouble mee ( like the spirit of Saul ) from henceforth euen for euer : Yet I will hope in the multitude of thine vnspeakable mercies vouchsafed to all sinners in their déepest distresse and miserie . In most humble wise as it becommeth an inferiour vassall to his puissant and Almighty prince and leige Lord ; as it becommeth a Malefactor to an vpright and most wise Iudge , as it becommeth a very disobedient & stubborne seruant to his carefull Maister , and finally a prodigall and wilfull Child to his most kind and louing Father : I submit my selfe wholly distasted of mine owne deserts , and vtterly detesting mine owne abhominable conceits , words , and workes against thy holy will , and commandement , in the wound of conscience , and from the depth of a mind throughly grieued with my rebellions I most submissely and earnestly call and cry vnto thy most gracious Maiesty and mercy , for pardon and forgiuenes of my hainous crimes and innumerable transgressions , in all humility and tribulation of spirit , beseeching thy fatherly goodnes to lay them vpon the backe of thy deare sonne Iesus Christ , that All-sufficient Redéemer , Reconciler , and Sauiour of all those that put their trust in his most absolute merits , and perfect obedience . O my God : my sure trust is in him , that he will be pleased to accept me for one of those whome he calleth in the Gospell , labouring and heauie laden with their sinnes to be relieued , and eased ; Not for any other reason , but because hee is the right hand of thy mercy , reached out vnto fainting and languishing sinners , whereof I am one . Wherfore ( oh deare Father of Heauen ) despize me not approaching to the throne of grace in his only name , but let me be possessed with the spirit of assurance of faith sprinckled in my heart , from an euil conscience , that I may find grace to helpe me now in this time of néed . I doe féele certainly , I do find the gnawing Worme eating vp my heart , the venome of thine arrowes drinking vp my spirit , the rigour of thy iudgements perplexing my thoughts , the seuerity of thy punishment astonishing and amazing my weake and féeble wits , so that I know not , either what course to take to ease my selfe , either what words to vse to entreat thy mercie . O Lord God , great and fearfull , bee not as a Lyon vnto mee , doe not set me as a marke to shoot at , for thou neuer failest to hit where thou aymest , thou hittest full and home , thy shot is of an Archer of perfect strength , thy strokes are deadly strokes , thine arrowes are venomed with the fire of wrath that burneth for euer . Who is able to abide ? wilt thou still hold my sinnes before my face ? wilt thou still encrease the sorrowes of my heart ? Alas what is my strength ? What is my faith that thou tryest me ? Surely thou canst find nothing in me ; but exceeding weaknesse , a daunted Spirit , a dispairing soule . The thought of all my sinnes since my youth vp being now set in order before me , doth quench the light of the assured faith which I hoped was within mee . O good Father prooue mee but this once , and withdraw thy punishment from me . Let not this fit of thy lasting indignation make an end of mee . I know assuredly thou hast , and daily dost forgiue sinne , greater and more hainous sinne then mine . For in the very depth of my disobedience I haue alwaies restrained the vnbridled affection , and surely thou hast neuer suffered me to this houre to giue my full and whole consent to any sinne whereinto I haue fallen since I was borne . In consideration whereof ( sithence I haue the sure testimony of a good conscience , that I am one of thy chosen ) I humbly entreat thy Maiesty to encline thine eare to my supplication , and to deale with mée , as with a sonne remembring himselfe , and returning vnto thée in wéeping , & great mourning . Let the griefe of my heart , and the teares of mine eies be accepted for all that I can do , and lay all the burden of my transgressions : late , and long since past , vpon the backe of my blessed Sauiour Iesus Christ , who for such as I am dyed , and suffered the bitter cup of thy wrath . O be thou pacified , and well pleased in him , who suffered the Iust for the vniust , and endured causeles , and vndeseruedly all extremities , to the end thou ( O righteous father ) shouldst be pacified and well pleased , with all penitent & belieuing sinners , notwithstanding the multitude , magnitude , and turpitude of their transgressions . Were mine abhominations now to be committed , though I might conceale them from the world , I would not performe them in the presence of thy Maiesty , because thou art a God of pure eyes , and canst not behold iniquity . I feare thee . I loue thée . I doe reuerence before thée . I adore thy purity , integrity , thy perfection . I am desirous to bée like vnto thée , O thou that dwellest in the heauens . My soule hath desire and a longing to please thee , & perseuere in thy waies , and to be renued in righteousnes , and true holines , after thy blessed Image . When my sinnes are forgiuen , and my transgressions wiped out of the score of thy iudgements ; then shall mercy embrace mee , and louing kindnesse compasse mée , euery morning , then shall my faith worke by thy loue , shed abroad in my heart through the holy Ghost , then shall my wonted strength , and much more also possesse , & enarme my soule against all my deadly foes , then shall I be clensed and made fit for euery good worke . So shall the Comfort of my heart bée restored vnto mée againe , and I will serue thée in Spirit and truth all the daies of my life . And doe render vnto thée in the meane time , nothing doubting of thy frée pardon , all honour , glory , praise , power , dominion , & thanks , now and for euermore . Amen .

A De-profundis full of hope , and godly resolution .

OH Lord my God the comforter of all the chosen , from whose only throne procéedeth ioy & gladnesse , peace and comfort , and euerlasting felicitie , in whose presence is the fulnesse of ioy , at whose right hand there are pleasures for euermore , without whose chéerefull countenance , and pleasant aspect nothing is amiable , no Soule is ioyfull ; vouchsafe to shine into my woefull heart , euen pined & consumed with griefe , through my dayly complayning : miserably rent , and torne in péeces through continuall mourning day & night , perplexed and distracted vnto the very death through perpetuall tribulation , and anguish without ceasing . I know that one fauourable aspect of thy grace vpon me can restore me to vnspeakable gladnesse . Oh that it were thy pleasure to afford it me , to bring mée backe from the graue , which I behold as it were already opened for my transgressions . In truth my griefe is not conceiued of me ; yet it doth astonish me . I find my selfe in farre worse case then euer in my life , neuer was I pierced so much at the heart roote . I haue not heretofore receiued so déepe , and desperate , and deadly wound in my conscience . If thou ( Lord ) vouchsafe to rid me out of this thraldome , and euen hellish captiuity , being fast bound in the chaines of damnable thoughts , O my Lord , my good God , my heart & tongue shall sing for euer vnto thy prayse . I will publish thy mercies , I will teach thy iudgements vnto thy people . I will praise thée in the great congregation . I will wholy consecrate and deuote my selfe vnto thée all the daies of my life . Oh Father of heauen giue & bestow fréely vppon mée the most excellent gift of an vnfained Faith , that my sinnes are forgiuen me for thy déere sonne Iesus Christs sake : let me fully be assured thereof by the Spirit the comforter . Indéed it doth not belong vnto mée I confesse , I confesse , I will not deny . For I haue behaued my selfe more like a reprobate , and damned creature then one of thy children . Surely such Carrion curs as I am , that trample the blood of Iesus Christ , and despise the spirit of grace so sinfully , so shamefully , so often , so odiously , so presumptuously , so intollerably , as I haue done , are not worthy the least crum of thy mercifull comfort : yet Lord , sith I am but dust and ashes , and through the frailty of the old Adam , I haue thus abused thy goodnes , refusing and vexing thy holy spirit , for which damnable insolency , I am now most wofully distracted , and almost bereft of my small wits ; the déepe thoughts whereof doe so dangerously assault mee ; O my Father , and my God : contend not with me any longer ; I shal surely despaire , and bée damned , if thou send me not ayd and peace of Conscience spéedily ; How can I lye in these scorching flames ? Oh consider mine exceding weaknesse , Oh good Samaritane : powre wine and oyle into my bléeding wounds . Oh swéet Iesu let me not be cast away , because I haue put my trust in thée . I will not let thée go vntill thou blesse me . ( Now blessed Sauiour ) many of my prayers haue béene refused let this be accepted ; sith thou hast giuen me a time to repent , with most humble thanks giue me leaue to accept it . Cast me not out of thy presence . I desire to be at rest in my spirit , that I may go chéerfully forward in the holy seruice . What shall I say ? how shall I entreat ? good Lord haue mercy vpon me . Oh let thy tender mercies comfort my distressed , and heale my wounded heart , one drop of thy mercy swéet Iesu , swéet Iesu , mercy or no mercie , all honour , and glory , and praise , and powre , might , and Maiestie be ascribed vnto thée for euer and euer Amen .

A true penitents confession , and petition for grace .

O MOST mighty Prince & Potentate of Heauen and Earth , Lord God of hostes , inuincible & incomprehensible Spirit , whose wisedome is infinite , whose power vnresistable , whose mercie vnspeakeable , haue mercy vppon me most wofull Captiue & Caitife , enthralled to sinne , to Satan , to the powers of darknesse , to the sorrowes of soule , to the tribulations and anguish of a guilty Conscience , by my most heinous offences , and criminous enormities , most ridiculous , and absurd vanities , wherein once I found some fond delight ; but now I find no sound comfort , only discontentment , indignation , woe , and shame . I am abashed , and confounded , and in a wonderfull perplexed agony , that I should so déepely , so deadly , so often , offend thy most excellent Maiestie , who art a God of pure eyes , and canst not behold iniquity . For albeit such is the drouzie dulnes of our cursed corruption , that wée cannot , and the saucy presumption of our wilful inclination , that we will not set thée before our eyes , when we are tempted to sinne , and moued to transgression : yet certaine is it , that thine eare of ielousie heareth all things , and thine eye of ielouzie séeth all things and nothing is hid from the brightnes of them , ten Thousand times brighter then the Sun , but whatsoeuer worke is in our hands , whatsoeuer word in our mouthes , whatsoeuer thought or imagination in our hearts , thou O Lord knowest it altogether . And as all our ways & works , are all naked and open before thy sight ; thou louest righteousnes , and hatest iniquity , therefore when we are sinfull , yet thou continuest holy , excellent in glory , vpright in iustice , Almighty in power ; as thou many times sparest when we deserue punishment ; so thou many times woundest with thy iust reuenge when wee feele it not till afterwards , we flatter our selues in our own sight , till our abhominable sinnes be found out , till thou reprooue vs sharply , and seuerely set before vs the things that we haue done , till thou makest a Catalogue and roll of our offences , & settest our secret sinnes in order before vs , and presentest thy selfe withall a iust reuenger , our manifold breaches , of thy holy Commandements , and manifest contempt of thy bl●…ed word , of thy iust iudgements and of thy louing mercies , consider not in our hearts , our most accursed , and damnable estate wherein wee dayly plunge our selues most odiously , and abhominable , yea though our sinnes be not of the smallest ; but great and grieuous , and heynous and enormous abhominations ; yet either such is the grosse darknesse , and palpable blindnes of our minds , and vnderstandings , or such is the deadnes of our infected consciences , that wee runne on still from one iniquity to another , till we sodainly fall into thy heauie displeasure , till thine indignation and fiery wrath breake forth like fire vpon vs , and we be not able to quench it . Hence is it that wee are plunged into many fearefull gulfes of desperation . Wée are affrighted with many vgly sights of our sinnes , hence we are wounded at the very heart with many distrustfull thoughts of thy mercies , and as many desperate imaginations of thy vengeance The paines of hell get hold vpon vs , and the feare of thée doth vndoe vs , before either wée stand in awe of thy Maiesty , or séeke after thy mercy ; Oh my God and Sauiour I confesse vnfainedly this my case : so I haue transgressed , so little I haue regarded , so I am oppressed ; Wherefore O Father of mercies , and God of all consolation , who hast appoynted repentance for sinners , who dwellest in eternity , and yet in the humble and contrite spirit : In the name of thy holy , and blessed , and onely beloued sonne our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , who hath promised ease to all that labouring and heauy laden , come vnto him : who cannot breake the bruized Reed , and will not quench the smoaking flaxe , I most humbly and earnestly beséech and entreat thy fatherly goodnes to forgiue me all my sins , to lay them vpon his backe , the true scape-goat , and send them into the wildernes , the land of obliuion , that my Conscience through faith in his most precious bloud and meritorious sacrifice may bée fully discharged of them all . O Prince of peace , send peace into my heart : the peace that passeth vnderstanding , that peace which thou gauest for a Legacy to thy Disciples , when before thy death thou diddest make promise of that spirit the Comforter . O holie spirit of Comfort , the onely ioye of thine elect , let thy blessed presence so chéere and glad my soule , that being assured of thy sauing health , I may delight to serue thée , and to sanctifie my selfe more and more with all allacrity and pleasure of my spirit attending on thy will , & walking in thy wayes all the residue of this my pilgrimage , & mortalitie . Grant this O Father , Sonne , and holy Ghost , holie , blessed , and eternall Trinity , the Author of Life , the giuer of grace , the God of power , whose wisedome is péerelesse , whose dominion is endles , whose mercie is bottomlesse : To whom be all praise , honour , and glorie , for euer , and euer , world without end , Amen .

A speciall forme of submission , and supplication to the Almighty .

IT cannot bee denied ( oh Lord GOD almighty ) it is too well knowne to thée , and too too lamentably experienced in our selues , that we are nothing else but a sinke , and swill , and puddle of sinne , a masse and lumpe of rebellion . That there is no light in our vnderstanding , no good inclination in our good will , no grace in our life : we haue erred , and straied from thy waies euer since we were borne , through the originall Concupiscence and Corruption wherein wee are conceiued , we haue neuer ceased to breake thy holie Commandements , and to runne headlong into all manner of disobedience . When the tempter is ready wee are fit to bee tempted , as he is neuer vnready ; so wee alwaies are tempted , and taken in most dangerous and deadly gins . Woe and alas to our most weake & féeble soules , wherin there is neither power , nor will , nor wisedome to withstand the fierce and violent assaults of the spiritual wickednesses that fight against vs , that entrench , and encampe themselues round about vs ; when wee thinke that all is safe , then rush they vpon vs , as the Philistims did vppon Sampson , & we through dalliance with this wanton Delilah of our owne flesh , and filthy vanitie of this wicked world are lulled a sléep in carnall security , and haue lost our spirituall strength of Faith , hope , and godlinesse , and so are taken , and bound , and blinded , and lead away Captiues , & held in thraldome , and scorned of those wicked and hellish fiends , who greatly delight in the destruction and confusion of thy children , which thirst and long after our eternall damnation . In tender and bitter consideration whereof most lamentably complaining vnto thy most excellent and incomprehensible Maiesty , ( oh Lord God of hoasts ) thy most distressed and forlorne seruant , and adopted sonne sheweth , and openeth his grieuances : and being tyred , wearied , and ouerburdened with most cunning crafts & subtile sleights , as also most outragious tyrannies , and impetuous violences of his implacable , infernall foes : in all humility and lowlinesse of mind with no lesse griefe and sorrow of a perplexed heart , most submisly , deuoutly , and feruently beséecheth thy supereminent , & far most excéeding excellent Highnes , to send out thy most mighty and powerfull spirit to ayd and assist mee in these assaults . Oh let thine Angels pitch their tents round about me to discomfite all those that haue euill will at my soule . Of thy goodnesse beate them backe that annoy me . I am sore troubled and hindered in that course of godlines wherein I would walke . Oh let me runne the way of thy Commandements , and set my heart at liberty . My soule hath a desire and a longing to be pertaker of thy strength : I know none so weak , yet none so desirous to bee strong in thée . Oh my God set me not against thée as a marke , my building is of the clay , my foundation is in the dust . How can I choose if thou deliuer me into the hand of tempters , but fall away presently ? Arise ( O God of my Saluation ) and let mine enemies be put to flight , let me not be ouerthrowne , because I haue hoped in thy holy name . Let no temptation ouercharge me , because my trust is onely in thy mighty hand , and out-stretched arme . Were it that I rested in my selfe at all , or that I did not wholy renounce mine owne strength , which is very féeblenesse it selfe ; I should not dare to call vpon thée : but sith I am wholy discouraged and cast downe in my selfe , and indéed I labour with temptations , and am heauy laden with many sinnes , I presume in all possible obiection , and prostration of my soule and body , from a broken and a contrite spirit , which thou neuer vsest to despise , to entreat thy fauour and fatherly protection , that ( according to his most gracious promise ) I may be refreshed and eased by thy blessed Son my onely hope and Sauiour . I doe very well know , and in all dutifull thankfulnes vpon mine owne experience I acknowledge , that the holy spirit the comforter proceeding from you both , is of All-sufficient and inuincible force and wisedome to withstand , and confound all those that come against my soule . Be they neuer so many Legions of vncleane and wicked spirits : yet one only comfortable Influence , and Inspiration of that your mighty and victorious spirit of Grace is fully able to mortifie , and kill all the venemous contagions and infections wherewith they haue empoysoned my séely soule . Wherfore ( O Father of eternall mercies ) who lookest vpon the abiect and forlorne offenders , with a louing and compassionate aspect , who art woont to be entreated of broken hearted wretches , I beseech thée , I beséech thée , with distilling teares I humbly , heartily , and earnestly beseech thee hide not thy face , withdraw not thy helping hand from me ; but in tender consideration of my excéeding griefe , and distraction of mind for my sinnes past , mine apparant frailnes , and admirarable weaknesse , to resist assaults and temptations to come ; be present with me thou guide and gouernour of my life , to smite the enemie at his approach . Enter into me O spirit of power , and rule within mee mightily ; Kéepe the Sconse , the Fortresse , the Bulwarke , the Castle of my heart : vnite , and knit my will and thoughts vnto thée , and enable me with a garrison of heauenly graces , that I may not onely defend my selfe ; but plague them that hate and hurt my soule . For I am thy seruant , and so wil be for euer . All other fréedome is but bondage and slauery , thy onely seruice is perfect fréedome , and therefore vnto that doe I betake my selfe . Receiue me ( O Lord ) and cast me not away . I will fight in thy field , and dwell in thy house all the daies of my life , because to feare thée , and loue thée , and liue after thy will is my whole delight , and perfect ioy . And glory be vnto thée , O God most high ; euen all glory , honour , and praise , now and for euermore . Amen .

A petition for a feeling Conscience .

I Am now determined and fully resolued , Lord God eternall , most gracious and mercifull Father , to giue an euerlasting farewell to all mine impious and presumptuous designes . Haue mercy vpon me , haue mercy vpon me : ayd and assist me with thy constant Spirit . There is no beginning , there is no ending , there is no procéeding in a godly course without thy speciall helpe . Satan by the world and originall corruption is able to ouerthrow the strongest soule . But the strength of one of thine Angels is farre beyond all power of Satan . How much more the powerfull inspiration of the spirit of grace ? Now Lord , I am perswaded by the same that I am fully reconciled vnto thée : that my many and mighty sinnes are vtterly defaced , and rased out of the Booke of the memoriall of thy most iust iudgements . Wherfore in assured confidence of thy manifold mercies , and full assuranre of thy louing fauor ; in all humility and lowlines of heart I submit my selfe to thy most mighty Maiesty , beséeching the same to look vpon my misery , whereinto I haue plunged my selfe by my follie ; and put the most holy spirit of Comfort , Christian courage , and Constancy vpon me : And let it rule within me to the ouerthrowing of the kingdome of Sinne and Satan in my Heart and Conscience , in my Life and Conuersation continually . It is well knowne vnto thée , and I doe acknowledge , that such , and so great are , and haue béene , mine enormities from time to time , that they are able to breake the stoutest heart ; the remembrance