A Beautifull baybush to shrowd us from the sharp shovvers of sinne containing many notable prayers and meditations, being very profitable for all true Christians that delight to laud the Lord.

A Beautifull Baybush to shrowd vs from the sharpe showers of sinne . Containing many notable prayers and meditations , being very profitable for all true Christians that delight to laud the Lord .

LODON , Printed for Ed. White . 1610.

To the right honourable and vertuous Ladie the Lady Frances , Countesse of Hertford , his very good Lady and Mistresse .

AS Christian modestie ( right vertuous Ladie ) mooued a Gentleman , the first authour hereof , not onely to conceale his name , but also to cease from setting foorth any thing in the praise of that , which in dutie deserueth to be commended of euery one : So Christian iustice and equitie , which willeth vs to giue to euery thing his due , would not suffer me to let that passe without some commendation , whereunto I am notable sufficiently to giue any . But considering , that slightly to commend a thing were the next way to discōment it , except with all it were shrowded vnder the patronage of some great person , and thinking it vnmeet to let that go like an Orphan abroad , which had a father at home , I presumed to commit vnto your honourable patronage not a bare Lawrell , which of it selfe for the greenesse ( when other be withered ) may seeme to be accepted , but the same decked and adorned with most spirituall and beautifull bushes . So that as I cannot thinke if your L. were presented with a materiall Lawrell ( wherein besides naturall greenesse were but this necessarie vse , that it could defend you in your garden from the heat of the Sunne ) but you would accept , if not of the gift yet of the good will of the giuer : So relying my selfe on your accustomed fauour and clemencie , I hope you will affoord some fauourable acceptation hereof : For herein is not that greenesse , which consisting of naturall qualities , must then wither when all things haue their ending according to their nature , but the flourishing greene promises of the conuenant of God , which ( as God himselfe ) last alwaies immutable and vnchangeable : here are not the beautifull bushes of a materiall tree , which delight onely the outward sight , but a most familiar view of God himselfe in Christ euen to the delight of the soule , and the inward comfort of the spirit , which take pleasure onely in heauenly things , withstanding the inuasions and subtile practises of Sathan , which daily striueth against them , to bring them to destruction . To conclude , here you are not shrowded from the heat of the sunne , but shall find most coole shade from the parching heat of sinne , from the which , God in this life shield & defend you , & in the life to come graunt you euerlasting rest .

Your honors most humble and dutifull seruant . Iohn Wolfe .

Ianuarie hath xxx . dayes .

1 A New yeares day . New yeares day Otherwise calle● The Circumcision of Christ . 2 b Oct. of Stephen . 3 c Oct. of Iohn . 4 d Oct. of Inno. 5 e Titus Paul dis. 6 f Twelfe day . The twelfe day . Otherwise called The Epiphanie . Faires at Bristow , an● at Salifburie . 7 g Trans . William . 8 A Felix and Iana 9 b Lucian . 10 c Paul first here . 11 d Ignius mart . 12 e Archademar . 12. The Sunne in Aquarius . 13 f Hillarie mart . 14 g Felix priest . 15 A Isidorie mart . 16 b Maurice . 23. Terme begin . 17 c Dep. of Autho. 18 d Prise martyr . 19 e Wolstan bishop . The xxv . day , being the conuersion of Saint Paul . Faires at Graues end , at Bristow , at Churchingford at Northalerton in Yorkshire , where is kept a faire euery wednesday , from C●r●stmasse vntill Iune next following . 20 f Fabian and Sc. 21 g Agnes vir . 22 A Vincent martyr . 23 b Emerice . 24 c Timoth. disc. 25 d Conu of Paul . 26 e Policarpe mart . 27 f Chrisosto . doctor . 28 g Theodor. 29 A Valerie bishop . 30 b Bartilde Queene . 31 c Saturnine .

Februarie hath xxviii . dayes .

1 d Briget . Fast . 2 e Puri . of Mary . 3 f Blase martyr . The i. day a faire at Bromlie . 4 g Gilbert confessor 5 A Agathe virgin The ii . day faires at Maidstone , at Bathe , at Linne , at Brickelsworth , and at Budworth . 6 b Amandus bish. 7 c Dorothe virgin 8 d Angule virgin 9 c Paul bishop 10. The sunne in Pisces . 10 f Appoline virgin 11 g Scolastice 12 A Eufrase virgin Terme ends . 13 b Wulfrane bishop 14 c Valentine mart . 15 d Faustine bishop 16 e Iulian virgin The xiiii . being S. Valentines day , a faire at Feuetsham . 17 f Policron bishop . 18 g Simeon martyp 19 A Shroue Sunday Vpon Ashwednesday Faires at Lichfield at Ro●sten , at Dunstable , at Exceter , ●t Ciceter , at Tamworth , and at Abington . 20 b Sabin & Iulian 21 c Mildred virgin 22 d Policarpe Fast 23 e Matthie apostle 24 f Lxix Martyrs Matthias apostle . Faires at Heuley vpon Thames , at Towkesburie , and at Baldocke . 25 g Peters chaire 26 A Augustine bishop 27 b Oswald bishop 28 c

March hath xxxi . dayes .

1 d Dauid bishop . 2 e Chadde confess . The iiii . Sunday in Lent at the Mount , and at Bodmin in Cornwall . 3 f Martine . 4 g Adrian martyr . 5 A Phocas and Eus. The v. Sunday in Lent at Grantham , at Salisburie , and at Hertford . 6 b Victor and Victs 7 c Perpetue . 8 d Apoline martyr . 11. The Sunne in Aries . 9 e Agapit virgin . 10 f Gregorie bishop . The xii . day at Stamford , and at Cudburie . 11 g Aggens proph. 12 A Theodo●e mact . 13 b Leo bishop . The xiii . day at Wie . 14 c Peter martyr . The xx . day a faire at Durham . 15 d Longin martyr . 16 e Quintin martyr . 17 f Gertrude virg. On the Monday before our Ladie day in Lent at Wisbich , at Kendall , at Denbigh in Wales . 18 g Edward king . 19 A Ioseph Ma. hus . 20 b Cuthbert bishop . 21 c Benedict abbot . 22 d Affrodose bish. The xxv . at Northampton , at Newcastle , at Malden , at great Chart , and all the Lady daies at Huntington . 23 e Theodore priest . 24 f Init. Reg. Iacob 25 g Annun . of Marie . 26 A Castor mart . On Midlent Sunday at Saffron Walden . 27 b Ludger bishop . 28 c Dorothe martyr . 29 d Victorine . On Palmesunday euen , at Pomfret . 30 e Sabrine virgin . On Palmesunday at Worcester . 31 g Adelme bishop .

Aprill hath xxx . dayes .

1 g Theodore virgin 2 A Mary Egyptian The v. day at Wallingford . 3 b Richard bishop 4 c Ambrose bi●●op The vii . at Darby . 5 d Marcian & Mar. The ix . day Bicklesworth , at Billinsworth . 6 e Se●tus martyr . 7 f Euphemie virgin 8 g Deuyse mart . The x. day at Euesham in Worcestershire . 9 A Perpetu●● bishop 10 b Marcus martyr . 11 c Gathelaake 10. The sunne in Taurus . 12 d Apoline mar ty . 13 e Sother mart . On tuesday in Easter weeke at Nort●fleet , at Rochford , at Hitchin . 14 f Tyburt martyr 15 g Osmound bishop 16 A Isidore bishop The third sunday after Easter at Louth . 17 b Anicate bishop 18 c Eleuther bishop The xxii day at Stabford . 19 d Tyburtius con. Vpon Saint Georges day faires at Charing , at Ipswich , at Tamworth , at Amhill , at Hinningham , at Gilford , at Saint Pombes in Cornwall . 20 e Hermogenes 21 f Quintine 22 g Clete bishop 23 A George martyr 24 b Wilfride confess . 25. S. Marke Euangelist . At Darbie , at Donmowe in Essex . 25 c Marke Euang. 26 d Anastace bishop 27 e Vitalis martyr The xxvi . day at Tenderden in Ken. 28 f Peter of Milan 29 g Clete bishop 30 A Dep. of Erken .

May hath xxx . daies .

1 b Philip and Iacob . 2 c Athanasius bish. Philip and Iacob , at Rippon , at Perin i● Cornewall , at Ossestrie in Wales , at Lexfield in Suffolke , at Leicester , at Brickhill , at Stowe the old , at Reading , at Maidstone in Rent , at Chenseford in Essex , a●● Blackborne in Lancashire . 3 d Inn. of the crosse . 4 e Christoper . 5 f Goddardarchbish . 6 g Iohn port latin . 7 A Iohn of Beu●r . 8 b Appe of Michel . 9 c Tr●n . of Nicho. 10 d Gordaine . 11 e Pancra●e martyr . 12 f Victorius martyr . The iii. day at Elstow , at Bramyard . at Heningham . 13 g Sernaeius con. 14 A Boniface mart . 15 b Sophia virgin . 16 c Brandon bishop . The vii . at Beuerley , at Newton , at Oxford . 17 d Trans . of Bard. 18 e Dioscor . martyr . 12. The Sunne in Gemini . 19 f 20 g Dunstone onfess . On Whitson euen , at Skipton in Crauen . 2 A Barnardine . 22 b Helene Queene . On Ascension day at Newcastle , at S. Edes at Chappelfrith . 23 c Petronill . 24 d Iulian virgin . Monday in Whitson weeke at Agmundsham , at Excester , at Bradford , at Rigate , at Burton . 25 e Desiderie mart . 26 f Adelme con . 27 g Augustine con. Tuesday in Whitson weeke at Roch forth , and at Canterburie . 28 A Gesmaine b sh. 29 b Nicomede . On Trinitie sunday at Kendall , and at Rowell . 30 ● Corane martyr . 31 d Felix bishop .

Iunne hath xxx . dayes

1 e Nicodeme . 2 f Crasimus The ix . day at Maidstone in Kent . 3 g Basill . 4 A Mercell martyr 11. The sunne in Cancer . 5 b Petrocius confes . 6 c Boniface bishop The xi . S. Barnabie , the longest da● in the yeere , at Okingham , at Newboroug● at Maxffeld , at Holt in Wales . 7 d Medarde & Gill 8 e Trans . Edmond 9 f Yuan confess . 10 g Trans . Wolstan The xxiii . at Shrewsburie , at Sain● Albons . 11 A Barnab . apost. 12 b 13 c Antonie con. The xxiiii . at Horsham , at Wakefield , at Colchester , at Reading , at Bedford , at Barntwell , at Crambrooke , at Glocester , at Lincolne , at Peterborough at Windsor , at Harslone , at Lancaster , at Westchester , at Hallisax , at Ashborne . 14 d Basilides con. 15 e Vite modeste 16 e Trans . Richard 17 f Botolph confes . 18 g Exuperie bishop 19 A Gernasiue martyr 20 b Trans . Edward 21 c Walburge virgin 24. S. Iohn Baptist . At Colchester , at Wakefield . 22 d Albane martyr 23 e Fast . The xxvii . at Folkstone . 24 f Iohn Baptist . The xxviii . at S. Pombs . 25 g Trans . of Elegie 26 A Iohn and Paul 29. Peter Apost . At Sudburie , at Peterfield , at Woodhurst . 27 b Crescens martyr 28 c Fast . 29 d Peter and Paul . 30 e Comme Paul .

Iulie hath xxxi . dayes .

1 g Oct. Iohn Bap. 2 A Visita . of Mary . The ii . day at Congreton , at Ashton vnderline . 3 b Trans . Tho. Apo. 4 c Trans . of Martin . 5 d Oct. of Peter . The xi . day at Partnie , a horse faire at Lid. 6 e Zoe virg. mart . 7 f Depo . Grimbal . 12. The Sunne in Leo. 8 g Cirill bishop . The xv . at Pinchbacke . 9 A vii . brethren mar . The xvii . at Winchcombe . 10 b Dog dayes begin . 11 c Nabor and Felix . The xx . day at Tetbury , at No●thbridge in Cheshire , at Cheswicke , at Vxbridge , at Harlbrough , at Winchester , and at Colchester . 12 d Trans . of Benedi . 13 e Prinata marti . 14 f Transi Osmond 15 g Kenelme king . 16 A Eustacii . 17 b Arnulph martyr . 18 c Rufine and Iusti . 26. Iames Apostle . At S. Iames beside London , at Douer , at Bristow , at Ipswich at Darby , at Northampton , at Dudly in Staffordshire , at Reading , at Malmsbury , at Chilham , at Louth , at Liuerpoole , at Chichester , at Aldergam . 19 d P●arede virgin . 20 e Marget virgin . 21 f Apolinares virg. 22 g Mary Magdalen . 23 A Christine virgin . 24 b Fast . 25 c Iames Apostle . 26 d Anne mo . Mary . 27 e Seuen sleepers . The xxvii . day at Canterbury , at Richmond in the Noth . at Horsham . 28 f Samson bishop . 29 g Felix and his fel. 30 A Abdon and Se n. 31 b German bishop .

August hath xxxi . dayes .

1 c Lammas day On Lammas day at Feuersham , at S. Edes at Excester , at Dunstable , at Bedford , at Norham Church , at Wisbi h , at Yorke , at Romnie , at Newton in Lancashire . 2 d Stephen bishop 3 e Finding of Ste. 4 f Iustine priest 5 g Festum niuis 6 A Trans . Christ 7 b Feast of Iesus . 8 c Ciriack & his fel. The x. day at Waltham , at Blackmore , at Bedford , at Waiton , at Hungerford , at Cro●ly , at new Brainford , at S. Laurence by Bodwin . 9 d Romaine martyr 10 e Laurence martyr 11 f Tiburte martyr 12 g Clare virgin 13 A Ypolite virgin 14 b Exalta crucis 15 c Assum . of Mary 16 d Roche martyr 17 e Octa. Laurence 13. The Sunne in Virgo . 18 f Magnus martyr 19 g Barnard confess . The xv . day at Carlile at Dunmow in Essex , at Preston , at Wakefield the two Lady daies . 20 A Dog daies end 21 b Lewes martyr 22 c Octa assump. 23 d Timothy Fast . 20. Dog daies end . 24 e Bartholom . apost . 25 f Lews king 24 Bartholomew apost . At London , at Teuksbury , at Nātwitch , at Beggers bush besides Rie , at Sudburie , at Norwich , at Northarleton , at Douer , at Rie , at Bromley . 26 g ●euerine 27 A August ne con. 28 b Ioh●s beheading . 29 c Rusine martyr 30 d Felix and Adacte The xxvii at Ashford . 31 e Cathberd virgin

September hath xxx . dayes

1 f Giles bishop . 2 g Anthonie mart . The i. day in S. Giles in the bush . 3 A Luper bishop . 4 b Trans . of Cuthert 5 c Bertine abbot . The vii . day at Wakefield , at Sturbridge , at Southwarke , at Snide , at Reculuer , at Reugh both the Lady daies , a● Gisborough , at Partnie three Lady daies , at Blackborne Gisborne in Yorkshire , at Chalton . 6 d Eugenie confess . 7 e Enurcius bishop . 8 f Nati . of Mary . 9 g Siluius bishop . 10 A Gorgony mart . 11 b Porthy & Iacint . 12 c Martiman . 13 d Amanti . 14 e Holy Rood . 15 f Lambert . 16 g Edith virgine . 17 A Timotheus . The xiiii . day , being Holy Roode day , at Richmond in Yorkshire , at Rippon a horse faire , at Waltam abbey , at Chesterfield . 18 b Victor & Coron. 19 c Ianuarie mart . 20 d Fast . 21 e Matthew apostle . 22 f Mauricius . 14. The Sunne in Libra . 23 g Tecla virgin . 24 A Andochius mart . Matthew apost . At Marlborough , at Bedford , at Croiden , at Sittingborne , at Douer , at Shrewsbury . 25 b Firmin bishop , 26 c Cipr●an and Iust . 27 d Cosme & Damia . 29. Michael archangel , At Canterburie , at Blackborne , at Westchester , at Cockermouth , at Leicester . 28 e Ecuperie bishop . 29 f Michael Archan . 30 g Ierom priest .

October hath xxxi . dayes .

1 A Remigius bishop 2 b ●eodagare mart . The iiii . day at Michel . 3 c Candidie matyr The vi . day at S. Faiths besides Norwich , at maidestone . 4 d Francis martyr 5 e Faith virgin The viii . day at Harnord , at Herbrough , and at Bishop Stapford . 6 f Gerionis 7 g Marcie & Mart. On S. Edward● day at Graues end , at Marshfield , at Windsor , at Colthester , at Charing , at Roiston . 8 A Apolonaris mart . 9 b Pelagi virgin 10 c Linus confessor 11 d Deny●e & his fel. 14. The Sunne in Scorpio . 12 e Nichasins bishop . 18. Luke Euang. At Cely , at Wrickle , at Vpan , at Thirst at Friswides in Oxford , at Tisdale , at Bridgenorth , at Scanton . 13 f Wilf●ide bishop 14 g Trans . Ed. king 15 A Ealixt bishop 16 b Wolfran bishop at Burton vpon Trent , at Charlton , at Wigan in lancashire , at Holt in Wales . 17 c Michael of the mo 18 d Luke Euang. 19 e Etheldrede vir . 20 f Frideswide virgi The xxi . day at Saffron Walden , at New Market , at Hertford , at Ciceter , at Stokecley . 21 g Austreberte vir . 22 A Xi . M. virgines 23 b Mary Salome 24 c Romaine bishop 25 d Maglory bishop 26 e Crispin and Cres . 27 f Fast . 28 g Simon and Iude On all Saints euen at Wakefield , at Rithen . 29 A Narcissus bishop 30 b Germane confess . 31 c Fast .

Nouember hath xxx . dayes .

1 d All saints . All Saints . 2 e All Soules . 3 f Menefriede virg. The ii . day at Blechingly , at Kingstone , and at Maxfield . 4 g Amantius . 5 A Lete priest . 6 b Leonard . The vi day , being S. Leonards day , at Salforth , at Stanly , at Tregnie , at Newportpond . 7 c Wilbroade . 8 d Foure crowned . 9 e Theodore . 10 f Martine . The x. day Lenton . 11 g Martine bishop . The xi . day at Marlborough , at Douer . 12 A Brise bishop . 13 b Paterne martyr . 13. The sunne in sagittarius . 14 c Trans , Orknew . 15 d Macure bishop . 16 e Dep. of Edmond . The xiii . day at S. Edmonds burie , at Gilford . 17 f Init. regni . Elizab. 18 g Oct. Martine . The xvii . day at Low , at Hide . 19 A Elizabeth martyr . 20 b Edmond king . The xix . day at Horsham . 21 c Pres of Mary . The xx . day being S. Edmonds day , at Hytch , at Ingerstone . 22 d Cicely virg. 23 e Clement martyr . The xxiii . day at Sandwich . 24 f Grisogon martyr . 25 g Katherine virg. 26 A Line martyr . 30. Andrew apostle . At Colingborough , at Rochester , at Peterfield , at Maidenhead , at Bewdly , at Bedford in Yorkshire . 27 b Virales confess . 28 c Rufus martyr . 29 d Saturnini . Fast . 30 e Andrew apostle .

December hath xxxi daies .

1 f Elegie bishop 2 g Libane martyr The v. day a faire at Plucklie . 3 A Dep. of Osmond 4 b Barbara virgin The vi day at Spalding , at Arnedale , at Sinook , at Exceter , at Northwich in Cheshire . 5 c Sabba bishop 6 d Nicolas bishop 7 e Octa. Andrew 8 f Conc. of Mary The vii . day at Sandhurst . 9 g Cyprian bishop 10 A Enlalie virgin The viii . day , being the conception of the Virgine Mary , at Clitherall in Lancashire and at Malpas in Cheshire : 11 b Antippe 12 c Damase confess : 13 d Lucie virgin 14 e Nirasius virgin 15 f Otholie virgin 16 g O Saplentia 13. The Sunne in Capricornus . 17 A Lazarus confess . 18 b Gracian bishop S. Lucie the shortest day in the yeere . 19 c Venetia virgin 20 d Fast . 21 e Thomas apost . 22 f XXX . Martyrs 23 g Victor virgin 24 A Fast . 25 b Christmas day 26 c Stephan martyr 27 d Iohn Euangelist 28 e Innocents day 29 f The xxix day at Canterburie , at Salisburie . 30 g Trans . of Iames 31 A Siluester mart .

A beautifull Baybush .

A prayer for morning .

MOst gratious God & deare Father , we yeeld vnto thee from the bottome of our harts most humble thankes , in that it hath pleased thee not onely to defend and preserue vs this night from all our enemies both ghostly and bodily : but also of thy fatherly pittie to giue vnto these our ear●hly and languishing bodies such sufficient sleepe and rest , as hath satisfied the earnest desire of our weake and feeble nature . And as thou of thy mercie hast safely brought vs to the beginning of this present day , and shewed vs the light thereof : so wee humbly beseech thee ( O God ) graunt that our soules may be spiritually lightened with the brightnesse of thy word and sacred misteries , wherby we may walke in the steps of Christianitie , & lead a life agreeable to our vocation in Christ Iesus our Lord . Assist vs also with thy grace and holy spirit O God that we may neuer shrinke from thee for any earthly torments , but dilligently applie our selues to the performance of thy will , and giue our selues wholy therevnto , hauing a strong and stedfast faith in the truth of thy promises . Indue vs with wisedome from aboue , that wee may dasly increase in the fulnesse of our sauiour Christ . Beholde vs with the eye of thy mercy , and vouchsafe to defend vs that commit our selues wholly vnto thee both now and euermore . Giue vnto vs a heart alwaies affected to honor thee , a mind euer meditating of thy righteousnesse , and a spirit burning with zeale of thy worship , that wee may warily stand vpon our guard , and neuer yeéld to the trecherie of the aduersarie : Blesse and prosper our enterprises O Lord , that whatsoeuer we take in hand , we may by thy direction bring it to good successe , and euermore praise thy holy name for thy gratious assistance and singular goodnes : grant this O father for Iesus Christ his sake our only sauiour and redeemer .

An Euening prayer .

GOod God the creator and maker of all mankind , seéing it hath pleased thee of thy deuine prouidence , to ordaine the night as a meane to deliuer vs from the trauailes of the day , and to minister ease and gladnes to the wearied lims of our bodies , to the great comfort and refreshing of the same , by the fruition of quiet sleep and rest , according to humane nature , wee beseech thee therfore O Lord of thy vnspeakeable goodnes and mercy , to be our watchman and defender this night , that we be not ouercome by fantasies , dreames , or other illusions : but that through thy permission , we may take such quiet rest and voluntarie sleepe as nature requireth , and though our grosse sences are at such times stopped , yet vouchsafe euer to graunt vs the assistance of thy grace and holy spirit , that our soules may respect the comming of thy sonne our sauiour Iesus Christ , that at what time soeuer he calleth , wee may bee found watchfull , and continually ready to performe his will , that after this life ended , we may eternally rest in glorie : and as the brightnesse of the sunne doth in the morning disperse the darke cloudes and thicke mistes from the face of the earth , whereby the same was before couered with darkenesse : so wee humbly beseech thee vouchsafe to disperse and burie our sinnes ( in the blend and obedience of thy deare sonne ) which doe as it were shadow vs from the bright beames of thy fauourable countenance , and euermore assist vs with thy gratious goodnesse , that our sleepe may be so healthfull vnto vs , that we with willing minds arising in the morning , may vtterly shake off al maner of drowsinesse , and make hast to exercise our selues in such Christian labours , as thy deuine prouidence hath ordained vs vnto , to the aduancement and renowne of thy holy name , credit of thy Church , comfort & reliefe of our Christian bretheren , and our euerlasting saluation . In mercy graunt this O Lord we beseech thee for Iesus Christ his sake , our onely redeemer and sauiour , vnto whom with thee and the holy Ghost , be all power and dominion for euer , Amen .

Twentie and one godly and necessary praiers , gathered out of the Cxix . Psalme , wherein are contained petitions , crauing aid of Gods spirit against Sathan and al wickednesse : complaints against the rage of the vngodly : thanksgiuing f r our deliuerance and consolation in aduersitie , for that God both can and will assist his people .

1. A Prayer for the assistance of Gods holy spirit for to direct our mindes after his holy lawes .

GRatious God , so blesse me I beseech thee , thy poore seruant , that out of the hidden treasures of thy word , I may gather such fruitful delights that I may walk vprightly , and lead a blamelesse life in thy sight , in keeping those precepts which thou O Lord God hast therein appointed . Oh how blessed are those which obserue thy statutes vnto the end , seeking thee with a pure heart , and carefully obeying thy eternall maiestie : may it please thee therefore so to guide my waies , that I quaile not in my course , neither bend my selfe to follow after vnrighteousnesse , but faithfully perseuer in that perfect path which thou hast enclined me vnto , out of thy holy word : and thou being a righteous and euerlasting God , doest not command me to followe any thing which is not lawfull in thy sight , nor redounding to my saluation . Erect my heart continually to the contemplation of thy blessed lawes , whereby my dealings may be ordered through thy gouernance , that I may immitate and carefully keepe the same all the daies of my life , with zeale and obedience towards thy diuine maiestie , then shall all things according ●o thy will , goe well with me , and I shall turne mine eies to beholde that thing , which is good and laudable in thy fight , yea and euermore worship thee with an vpright minde , in spirit and truth , as becommeth thy child , without all dissimulation and hipocrisie , Lord I am fully purposed to keepe thy statutes euen by the direction of thy spirit , for my trust resteth in thee .

2. A prayer to withstand the frailty of flesh , & cleaue vnto the Lord .

GOuerne and direct mee O Lord , according to thy worde , that I may order my life by the rule therof , and by the direction of thy holy spirit , dilligently obserue those thinges which thou hast commanded me : I haue sought thee O God with my whole heart , let me not therfore goe astray from thee . And though by frailety of my flesh I haue vnaduisedly heretofore fallen from thee , yet I beseech thée of thy endlesse mercy , slay me that I be not cast downe for euer , and quicken me that I wander not any longer from thy precepts : vnite my minde to thy sacred misteries , that I may lay vp thine euerlasting promises in my hart , least through the vaine entisements of my ghostly enemies , I be enforced to forget & negligently ( for want thereof ) to offend thy diuine maiestie : for except thou O Lord which art altogether mercy , dost guide and teach mee to leade my life aright , truely my weakenesse would not permit mee to ioy , or preuaile in that which is good : teach me therefore O Lord zealously to keepe thy statutes , that I may boldly speake to the land & praise of thy name , and openly shewe foorth thy holy word and blessed will , graunt that I may take more delight in the keeping of thy exhortations and commandments , then in al maner of earthly treasures , and may meditate continually in thy precepts : endue me with heauenly wisedome that I may vnderstand thy lawes aright , and be euermore occupied therin vnto my liues end Amen .

3. A prayer to be guided in all puritie and godlinesse .

GIue eare I most humbly beseech thee O Lord , vnto the prayers that I offer heere vnto thy deuine maiestie . Continue thy fauour towards me , in directing me with thy holy spirit , that I may ouercome that which sauoureth of euil , and imbrace those things which thou hast commanded . Abandon from the eies of my soule , the vale of darknesse , that I may view and beholde the true light , and see the wonderfull secrets which euermore shine out of thy heauenly doctrine , and lead my life in quietnesse , to thy honor and glorie . Thou knowest that I am a stranger , and vnacquainted on the earth , and that I desire to be brought to another place , euen to thy heauenly habitation : wherfore I beseech thée O God encline thine eare towards me , hide not from me thy statutes , neither yet take thy holy spirit from me , that should leade me to imbrace thy righteousnesse . I am desirous with great care to liue acording to thy lawes and to keepe thine ordinance , both in prosperitie & aduersity , wherfore O Lord I beseech thee , let this zeale consume me . Thou rebukest and destroyest the proud persons and such as stubbornely striue against thee , and appointest destruction and bitternesse vnto those that refuse to keepe thy precepts . Though all men enuie me , and haue me in despight for the truthes sake , yet thou in thy good time wilt remoue them far from me , because I thy humble seruant doe put my trust in thee , let my mind & heart be euermore occupied in meditating on thy statutes , for therein is my delight .

4. A prayer in affliction .

GOod God , of thy infinite mercie , I beseeche thee poure vpon me the oyle of thy grace , whose soule is grieuously tormented with daily afflictions , for I am like one without life , and fastened to the sepulchre , but my trust is in thee O my good God , that thou wilt assist me in my necessitie , and restore me thy poore seouant vnto life againe , that I may laud and praise thy holy name euen in the middest of the congregation , for euer and euer . Quicken mee I say according to thy word , I will open vnto thee my complaints : giue eare therefore vnto me , and still encourage me in the way of thy truth , and teach me thy statutes . Enflame my heart with the loue of thy wisedome , & raise me vp that am now fallen , for my soule melteth away for very heauinesse . Exempt from me whatsoeuer may withdraw me from thy lawes , and graunt that I may continue in that good way which thou hast imprinted in my heart . Giue vnto me I beseech thee a willing and zealous mind , to cleaue fast vnto those thinges which are approoued by thy testimonies , and that I neuer shrink from thee , so shall I not be confounded : drawe me out of the straights of sin , into the euident and broad place of righteousnes that I may finish the whole course of my life by the instinct & direction of thy holy spirit , and this life being ended , I may foreuer enioy thy eternall saluation , through my Lord and sauior Christ Iesus .

5. A prayer against the assaults of Sathan .

GVide me O Lord in the way of thy statutes , that I may euer order my life a●cording to the rule thereof by the prouident direction of thy holy spirit , without the which my insufficiencie shall not be once able to performe the same in thy sight : and euermore assist mee with the knowledge o● thy word , that I may fully with vnderstanding obserue and keepe the same with my whole heart . Instruct me daily O God , that am now entred into the way of thy precepts , quench in my minde the desire of filthie sucre , couetousnes & vsurie , which would draw me to all sinne and iniquitie , and incline my heart to those things that may please thee best , that I imbracing the same sincerly , may fructesie in good workes & newnesse of life , to thy glorie . O my good God , keepe backe mine eies that they bee not deceiued with the enticing shewes of lewd vanities , that would withdraw me from the bright beames of thy incomparable maiestie ●leade me O Lord into the true life , that I may zealously followe thee my guide , confirme me in thy truth as thou hast promised turne away reproche and shame from me , because I feare and loue thy iudgements , & I desire nothing more then the encrease of thy grace , and the keeping of thy commaundements : saue me therfore O Lord , and keepe me both now and euermore , that I neuer haue occasion to sin against thee , but that I may still trust , and euermore depend vpon thy mercies to be defended from all dangers .

6. A praier for perseuerance in the right way of godlinesse .

GVard me on euery side O Lord with thy louing kindnes and omnipotent power and graunt mee thy saluation , wherby I may be defended from al my enemies , and be able to answere them in thee my sauior , for I doe wholy depend vpon thy wordes : let me not be assaulted with deadly iniuries , neither let me in my afflictions be vnpatient : let not the truth of thy holy worde be taken or estranged from me , but let my mouth still set forth thy glorie : quicken mee therefore in thy lawe , for I doe wait for thy iudgements vpon the vngodly , and I will keepe the doctrine which thou hast giuen mee for euer and euer , and walke at liberty with a quiet minde , because thou hast indued me with a desire to thy commandements , graunt that I neuer shrinke from thy truth , but with all boldenes of spirit endeuor my selfe to dispute of those thinges that concerne thy law , euen before the mighty princes of the earth : let my whole delight be in thy precepts O Lord , which are most deare vnto me , and encrease my zeale in thy worde for I haue loued it with my whole heart aboue all earthly felicity . I will lift vp my hands vnto thee , and before thy face will I present my selfe , beseeching thée to endue me with thy grace and holy spirit , that I may walke in thy fight according to the prescribed rule of thy precepts that thou hast shewed me , and fi●e my whole delight & comfort for euer in meditating vpon thy statutes , O God that liuest for euer .

7. A prayer for pacient abiding Gods good pleasure .

GRaunt that I by experience may perceiue that thou art mindeful O God of those thinges which thou hast spoken vnto me thy seruant , and doest command me to trust in : for in al my miseries this is my stedfast comfort , that thou wilt in thy good time both helpe and succour thy seruant that trusteth in thee , for though the prowd and vngodly person haue me in derision for thy names sake , yet will I euer depend vpon thy holy word , for thy promises haue quickned mee , and when I think vpon the mercies which thou hast shewed vnto me , in punishing them according to their deserts , I am indued with great comfort : thou knowest O God what feare incloseth me , when I heare the wicked bl●spheme thy holy name , and forsake thy diuine precepts , being by thy spirit enformed of the euils that hang ouer their heads . Let thy statutes Lord be my delight , that during the time of my wearie pilgrimage in this earthly tabernacle , I may neuer cease to sound thy praises with zealous harmonie , but set my whole care in the commemoration and calling vpon thy holy name , and watchfully thinke how I may behaue my selfe to keepe thy lawes : for at midnight haue I erected my minde vnto thee , and haue not ceased at all times to poure out my praiers before thee , the which thy spirit had motioned me vnto , because I haue alwaies had an especiall care to keepe the precepts which thou hast appointed me .

8 A consolation that God hath holpen vs , and a prayer for his grace so to continue .

GOod God , thou art my portion , and the expected land of my inheritance , graunt therefore that I may haue thy word to direct me , and when I poure foorth my praiers before thee , with speed I beseech thee giue eare vnto me , & vouchsafe to assist mee with thy holie spirit , and according to thy promises ( vowed vnto thy seruants ) haue mercie vpon me : let me not be enclined at any time , to forget thy goodnes , but continually quicken mee in thy truth and graunt mee O Lord God such an vnderstanding hart , that I neuer swarue from thy testimonies , but endeuour my selfe with all speede to the keeping of thy commaundements : instruct me continually more and more , and defend me from the noisome snares of the wicked that conspire against me , and intend to suppresse in mee the good blessings which thou hast lent moe . At midnight will I rise to giue thankes vnto thee in commemoration of thy great kindnesse shewed vnto me , and with true zeale will I frequent thy temple , to praise thee for thine aboundant graces extended vnto me , for thou of thy mercy hast blesse● me in all my dooings , deliuered me out of troubles and euermore defended me from mine enemies . Let me put no trust in the vngodly , but let me ioyne with such as feare thee , and haue a loue to thy statutes : the earth O Lord is replenished with thy endlesse mercy , O teach me thy lawes wherein I ought to walke .

9. An acknowledgement of Gods mercy , and that by affliction man is taught true wisedome .

GRatiously in mercie hast thou dealt with me thy poore obedient seruant , according to thy worde , yet further I desire thee O Lorde , that thou wouldest teach mee that true and sincere knowledge ioyned with iudgement , that I may discerne all thinges aright , as it were by tasting a sauorie thing : for vppon thy commaundements doe I depend . Before I was camed by the efficacie of thy rod , I wandred to and fro , but now am I quickned and haue learned therby to obey thy commaundements : be gratious vnto mee O Lord , and teach me thy statutes . The vngodly haue euer practised mischiefe against me , but haue failed , for that I endeuored myself to keep thy commadem rnts , and they thus neglecting their callings and being puffed vp with the vaine estimation of themselues , are become dull and foolish , but in thy law is my whole delight , and therein wil I meditate all the day long . It was therefore for my commoditie that thou didst chasten me , for that I zealously do learne to immitate thy statutes , for the doctrine and precepts that thou hast by thine owne mouth reuealed before the face of thy people , and deliuered vnto me , is of more estimation then the finest pearle , or greatest heapes of golde . Therefore O Lord , direct me thy poore seruant , with thy holy spirit , that this thy sacred word may be so firmely and effectually grafted in my heart , that I may cleaue vnto thee for euer .

10. A prayer to be strengthned in well doing .

GIue vnto mee that am the worke of thy hands , I beseech thee , O God , such vnderstanding , and so continue thy fauourable mercies daily towards thy seruant , that I may learne thy commandements , so shall it come to passe , that all they which feare thee , shall reioyce at my state , and giue due thankes vnto thee that hast in mercie vouchsafed to preserue me who haue alwaies trusted in thee : and by experience I finde , that thou , O Lord , doest nothing vniustly in visiting my offences with thy scourges , for thy iudgements are vpright and nothing repugnant to thy truth , but let thy mercie be euer ready to comfort me according to thy promises : let thy endlesse mercie be euer present , that my spirit may be reuiued , and that I neuer faint vnder thy fatherly hand , séeing that thy doctrine doth euermore delight me and that therein is my continuall exercise . Let the vngodly be ashamed and altogether frustrate of their intent , who deale frowardly with thy seruant , and pretend the ruine of my zeale , and let me safely meditate on thy commaundements , that all such as feare and loue thee vnfainedly , may be comforted by my example . Wherefore I humbly beseech thee , O God , increase my knowledge in thy statutes , that I mny keepe the same with a pure and vpright heart to my soules health : and graunt , O my good God , that I neuer be ashamed of thy eternall truth , but that I may perseuere therin vnto the end .

11. A lamentable petition for aid in meere distresse .

GOne is my strength O Lord , and my soule fainteth because of thy saluation , which I daily expect , yet will I still wait for my deliuerance , because of thy promise graunted vnto me out of thy sacred word : yea , mine eyes do faile mee for the long looking after those thinges which thou hast spoken vnto me , and I doe quaile vnder my heauy burthen : I am constrained often times to expresse my misery in these wordes : Alas , alas , Why doest thou not quickely come and comfort me ? I am like a bottle dried in the smoake , for very heauinesse and anguish of my soule , yet doe I not forget thy euerlasting promises and statutes : how long shall my griefe endure ? And when shall the sorrowfull daies of thy seruant cease ? Shall not thy punishments proceed against them that persecute mee ? The enemies of my soule digge pittes and lay snares for me , contrarie to thy law . All thy precepts O Lord , are true , though the wicked in their furie doe persecute me , and goe about to séeke the decay of my zeale . Wherefore , O Lord , in thy good time helpe me that vnworthily am oppressed , and although they haue cast mee downe and almost brought me to nought , yet haue I not forsaken thy precepts : erect and restore me to life , O my good God , euen for the singular loue that thou bearest vnto thy seruants , that I may obserue the thinges that thou hast appointed me out of thy holy worde , and carefully keepe them for euermore . Graunt this , O Father , for Iesus Christ his sake our onely Sauiour and redeemer . Amen .

12. An extolling of Gods vnspeakeable goodnesse , with thanksgiu●ng for his mercie shewed .

GOod God , why should I seeme to doubt of the certentie of thy promises , seeing thou art altogether righteousnesse , and thy word doth endure for euer in heauen ? Yea , thy truth I know assuredly shall neuer faile in any age , for the very body of the earth doth so abide , as it was established by the mightie hand of thy power vpon her foundation : & all other things , O Lord , do so continue & euidently stand as they were ordained with thee from the beginning , both in qualitie and estate , obeying theé as their Lord . Now therefore O God , giue me an vnderstanding heart , that I may faithfully loue and obey thee , for except I had trusted in thee , and had a delight in thy law , I had been enuironed with destruction in my troubles being plunged in the net of calamities . Let me not therefore , O Lord , forget thy eternal precepts for in obseruing of them , I am restored to life . Saue me therefore , for I am thine , and make me perfect in thy statutes , so shall I still meditate in thy precepts , and with zeale seeke and loue thy commaundements : though the wicked goe about to destroy my soule , yet doe I yeelde my minde to be occupied in thy statutes , for I see that all thinges heere on earth , be they neuer so perfect and absolute , are brought to an end : neuerthelesse thy precepts and holy word are prolonged without measure , and endure for euer and euer , worlde without end . Amen .

13. A worthy meditation and ioyfulnes for receiuing true vnderstanding .

GReat is my loue vnto the sacred words of thy mouth , O Lord , yea I consume whole daies in meditating vpon the same , and I doe find by experience , that I haue not done this in vaine , seeing that by thy precepts I haue proued to be much wiser then all my aduersaries , yea and thou O my God , hast giuen me an vnderstanding heart , in feeling thy goodnesse towards me , and euer making thy testimonies thy meditation , yea thou hast quickned me and made me more skilfull then the graue men of vnderstanding , because I was bent to knowe thy precepts , and incitned to keepe them indeede , for I held backe my feete from euery euill way , that I might tread the path which thou hast now alreadie declared vnto me out of the treasures of thy eternall testament . Strengthen me O Lord , that I turne not from thy lawes , but that I may meditate therein night and day to my incomparable comfort , whereby through thy direction I may zealously perseuere in the knowledge of thee , and euermore abide constant in thy truth to my eternall saluation : let me be occupied continually in thy worde , for I feele the same to be an euerlasting comfort to my soule , and of more sweetnesse then if I had tasted of hony , and by obseruation of thy precepts haue I gotten wisdome , and therfore I do vtterly abhorre the entising shewes of worldly vanities , which are nothing but falshood .

14. A prayer for Zeale and constancy .

GRaunt I beseech thee , most mercifull God , that thy holy word opening & dispersing the darksome clouds of my mind , may declare such light vnto my footsteps , that all my waies may be safely guided , according to the sincerity of thy lawes : and let this light O Lord , so illuminate my heart and vnderstanding , that I may by a solemne vow binde myselfe for euer vnto thee , and obteine abilitie from thee with all humillitie and quietnes of life to performe the same that I haue promised vnto thee . Thou seest O Lord how sore I am afflicted and vexed on euery side , wherefore saue me and quicken me according to thy eternall verity : accept the prayers and vowes of my mouth that I now offer vnto thee , and teach me thy statutes more and more : and extend thy mercies , O Lord , vnto my miseries , for my life is laid open to all troubles and danger , as though I did cary it in my hand , but let not the same , O God , pull backe my zeale from thy law . The wicked haue imagined deceit against me , yet will I not wander from thy precepts . Blesse me I beseéch thee O deare Father , with thy grace , that I make no estimation of worldly thinges , but that I may accept thy testimonies as mine inheritance foreuer , for they are the ioy of my heart : instruct me to apply my minde for euer . euen to my last gaspe , to obserue thy statutes . Amen .

15. A prayer to flie worldly vanities , and to delight in godlinesse .

GRant I beseech thee , O God , that I may hate the vaine inuentious of such as wander from thy truth , and account thy doctrine most dear vnto my soule Be thou ( most mercifull Lord ) my refuge and shield whereunto in my grieuous distresse and daunger I may alwaies flie for succour . Let thy word O God be my trust vnto the end , and banish the wicked out of my company , that I may euermore keepe thy precepts more purely . Establish and quicken me , O Lord , according to thy promise , that I may be vpholden least I perish : let me not be disappointed of my expectation , but strengthen me in thy good time , I most entirely beseech thee , and holde me vp with thy mercifull hand both now and euer , that I being safe , may delight continually in thy eternall statutes : let the crafty practises of them that contemne thy lawe , be brought to naught , and take away the wicked that infect the people , euen as drosse with the pure mettall , that my zeale in thy testimonies may be full . Thy iudgements O Lord are of such power , that they not onely teach me obedience , but cause me to feare , considering mine owne weakenesse , thereby enclining me to repentance and amendment of life , for the which O Lord , I thy poore seruant do render vnto theé most humble and hearty thanks , beseeching thee stil to increase my knowledge in thy sacred misteries . Amen .

16. A prayer to deale vprightly and not to be put to shame by the vngodly .

GOod God , in thy great mercie teach me thy lawes , ●hat I oppresse no man with vnrighteous iudgement , but that I may deale iustly and truely with all men in thy sight , that I be not slaundered of mine enemies , neither brought to open shame . Assist me O Lord with thy power , & stand on my side against the vngodly , that they triumph not ouer me , for my verie eyes do faile me in waiting for my deliuerance , and my strength quaileth in expecting thy promises , deale not with me thy vnworthie seruant according to my deserts , but of thy endlesse mercie teach me thy statutes , for thou art my eternall Lord , and I am thy seruant , graunt therefore that I neuer swarne from thee , but that I may know thy will , and faithfully imbrace thy testimonies . In thy good time arise , O Lord , and destroy the wicked that goe about to bring thy lawes into vtter ruine and decay , and pretend the confusion of my zeale , for I will loue and firmely cleaue to thy precepts , aboue all treasure and fine gold : yea , and my whole delight shall be therein for euer : For I know that thy commaundements are altogether equitie and truth it selfe , yea and a certaine rule for me to trast vnto , therefore do I abhore whatsoeuer dissenteth from the hidden priuitie of thy word , beseeching thee , O Father , still to increase in me the desire that I haue vnto thy sacred mysteries .

17 A meditation on the excellencie of Gods holy word .

GRatious God , thy testimonies containe such high mysteries , and are of such excellencie , that I am mooued with admiration and reuerence , when I doe thinke thereupon , and therfore are they so precious vnto my soule , that it greatly desireth to imbrace and keepe them aboue all earthly treasures : for the entrance into thy holy word is so vnspeakeable , that it giueth light to them that are indarknes , and instructeth the simple in the knowledge of thy will , it stirreth vp quietnes , and moueth peace in conscience : therefore , O Lord graunt me vnderstanding , and open my mouth , that I may with vnfained lippes euermore praise thee , and swallow thy precepts euen as the thirsty man doth earnestly desire to drinke : looke on thy seruant , O Lord , both now and euer , and be mercifull vnto me , as thou vsest to doe vnto thy elect & them that loue thy name . Direct my pathes , O God , and lead me in the way wherein I ought to walke , that If all not into the snares that the wicked haue laid to entrap me withall , but zealously perseuer in thy commaundements , and let not afflictions assault me aboue my strength , but deliuer and defend me from the baites of my enemies , that I may serue thee : shine on me with the euerlasting light of thy fauourable countenance , and teach me thy statutes : mine eyes gush out with teares , when I do heare thy enemies , how contemptuously they speake and intend to subuert thy law , that endureth for euer .

18. A prayer to beare the crosse of affliction and reproch patiently .

GOod God , thou art altogether iust and righteous , and all thy ordinances are truth and equitie : grant that I may obserue thy lawes dilligently as a most iust and perfect rule of thy truth and sincere religion , for thy wordes and sweete promises . O Lord are so ioyful vnto me that the ●oue therof doth consume me , because the vngodly doe despise thy precepts , yet shall thy truth for euermore endure and flourish in puritie , wherefore extend the same vnto me , and quicken thy seruant therein for euer , that I may imbrace it with vnderstanding , and though the wicked therefore haue me in no estimation but account me an abiect yet will I not thereby be exempted from the studie of thy commaundements , nor neglect my so necessary a calling : for thy righteousnesse O God , is an euerlasting righteousnesse , though other ordinances and lawes which mans wisedome hath set downe are subiect to innumerable changes , and at length come to an end and the zeale of thy word induceth such comfort vnto my soule , that in afflictions when troubles and anguish oppresse me , I am busily occupied in repeating the same in my songs : oh how excellent is thy sweetnesse vnto them that are in miserie , yea thou hast prepared a blessed and an euerlasting fountaine in heauen , for them that loue thee . Graunt me vnderstanding therefore , especially in thy truth , that I may liue with thee for euermore .

19. A prayer for helpe in aduersitie .

GIue eare o Lord I beséech thee , vnto the crie and lamentable voyce of my sorrowfull heart , for I haue called vpon thee with my whole heart day and night , graunt that I may dilligently obserue thy statutes , and in all my dangers vouchsafe to send mee thy aide and assistance whereby I may continually be stirred vp to meditate on thy testimonies , let my praiers preuent the early light of the morning , and in the night-watches O Lord quicken my minde with the commemoration of thy goodnes , and hearken vnto my earnest petitions , acording to thy louing kindenes extended vnto thy children , and as thou hast promised , restore me to the inioying of thy fauour , that am without life : thou seest how neere they assault me which are continually giuen to iniquitie , and earnestly bent to destroy thy testimonies , praising thee with their lippes , but in hart , are farre from thee . But my trust is onely in thee , O Lord , that thou wilt cleaue vnto thy seruant , and increase my zeale more and more . Teach mee I beseech thee most mercifull God , the assured way of thy commaundements , for I know certainely , that by the obseruation of thy testimonies I shal neuer be in error , neither ye● frustrate of my hope which I haue in thy mercy . For thou hast established the same for euer and euer . Heare me , O Lord God I most humbly beseech thee , and assist me euermore with thy grace and holy spirit , that I may rest with thee eternally .

20. A prayer for to be strengthned being weake .

GOod Lord I most humbly beséech thée , regard me that am sore oppressed : and in thy good time deliuer me which doe not forget the doctrine that thou hast taught me . I appeale for mercie vnto thy soueraigne bountie , pleade thou my cause therefore and be my Iudge , and in thy good time preserue and defend me : For saluation is farre from the vngodly , because they neither feare thee nor obserue thy statutes . I expect thy mercies , O Lord , and not mine owne righteousnesse to helpe me . Quicken me therefore according to thy iudgements , and although they that vniustly persecute me , are many in number , and mighty , yet do I incline my heart to the obseruation of thy testimonies , and euermore delight in thy precepts , yea I haue had such a loue to thy law , that I neuer conceiued more griefe of any thing then when I did euidently perceiue these men to despise thy words and neglect thy law , but let thy mercie take hold on me , that haue had my felicitie in thy commaundements , and accounted them most deare vnto me : increase my zeale O Lord , and saue me that I perish not , vouchsafe to assist me with thy perpetuall graces , that I may walke vprightly before thy presence , seruing thee continually with feare and reuerence , and esteeming the wordes of thy mouth to be the ordinary meane to bring me vnto saluation , for they are infallible , and thou hast ordained them to stand for euer : therefore are they the eternal and vnchaungeable rule of thy iustice world without end .

21. A ioyfull reckoning vp what spirituall comfort and how precious we enioy by Gods word .

GRatious God , the threatenings and iniurious persecutions of the mightie ones of this world , could not make me once to deny thee , for my heart stood more in awe of thy most sacred worde , then of their indignation ; continue still thy assistance therefore towards me thy poore seruant , that by the vertue of thy holy spirit working in my heart , I may enioy and take more delight and comfort in thy sacred worde ( which quickneth me in all troubles ) then in all the kingdomes and vaine treasures in this world , and that I may willingly reiect & abhorre all manner of deceit and wickednesse , euer imbracing thy most comfortable testimonies : for when I doe narrowly see into thy iudgements & sacred mysteries , how excellent they are , I am often and sundrie times enforced to land and praise thy holy name : the loue of thy heauenly lawe bringeth into great prosperitie all such as retaine the same , for they doe zealously search out the secrets thereof , and are in their consciences assured that they please thee , therefore graunt O Lord that I may faithfully beleeue in thee , and still depend vppon thy saluation : giue me euer patience in my troubles , and let me still obserue and keepe thy testimonies , and haue a continuall loue thereunto : graunt that I may haue no respect vnto men , but to set thee alwaies before my eies , as the iust Iudge of all my doings . Amen .

A prayer to be kept vnder the protection of the most highest .

GIue eare , I most humbly beseech thee , O God , vnto the complaints of me poore sinner , and graunte mée the true vnderstanding of thy diuine precepts , oh let my supplications come before thee , and saue me O Lord that put my whole trust and confidence in thée , according to thy promise , that I may ioyfully yéeld vnto thee vncessant praises , and obserue thy statutes , ( wherein thou hast instructted me ) with diligence for eu●r . Let nothing cause me to quaile , O God , but that the words of my tongue may set forth thy vpright iuddements and glory , for thou art my louing God , on whome I euermore depend , and my comfort consisteth in thy precepts : erect thy hand to helpe me poore sinner , for I haue not neglected thy statutes : let my whole life depend vpon thee for euer and let me seeke comfort at thine onely doctrine , let my life be prolonged and couered vnder the shadow of thy wings , that I being deliuered by thee , may render continual thankes vnto thee , and zealously imbrace thy testimonies : ah alas how haue I gone astray and wandred too and fro like a lost sheepe from his shepheard , being readie to fall into all daungers , and to be deuoured of the enemie , but of thy mercie , O Lord , thou hast called me home vnto thy sheepefold and restored me againe to the knowledge of thy heauenly doctrine : wherefore O God , so guide me with thy grace , and instruct me with thy holy spirit , that I may continue therein for euer .

A prayer that we may only delight in Gods lawes .

WIth thy grace and holy spirit assist me , O God , that I walke not in the steppes of the vngodly , neither followe after their wicked and licentious counsell : Let me not stand in the waies of impudent sinners , neither yet sit or kéepe company with such as deride thee and blaspheme thy holy name , but graunt , O God , that my whole delight may be fixed in the keeping of thy sacred lawes , and that my mind may meditate therein night and day . Make me , O God , as a fruitfull tree planted by the water side , that being alwaies refreshed with thy grace , I may bring forth the fruits of repentance , and daily proceed in newnesse of life to thy honour and glory , so that what businesse or affaires soeuer I take in hand , it may prosper : but scatter thou the vngodly like chaffe before the wind , and let them tremble at thy righteous iudgements , that they stand not in the assembly of the iust , for thou like a mercifull God wilt allow and maintaine the life of thy children , but the euill life of the wicked shall vtterly perish in thy presence , yea , and in the end they shall go to destruction , therfore will I trust in thee for euermore .

A praier for boldnes and courage in standing to the truth .

FAile me not , most mercifull God , for there are many that rise vp against me vexing my soule continually : yea , they assault me with diuers temptations , saying , there is no helpe nor victorie for him in his God , but yet in thy good time thou wilt send nourishment and succour vnto thy seruant , and defend me on euery side from them that cruelly seeke my destruction , yea thou art my glory , and thou in mercy wilt lift mee vp when I am fallen , therefore will I still call vpon thée , o Lord , for I know thou wilt heare me out of thy eternall tabernacle , and seeing thou art my good God , I will lay me downe and rest in peace , and arise again because thou defendest me : the remembrance of thy promises and trial thereof haue so increased my loue and faith to thée , that though many thousands pretend my vtter ouerthrow , yet will I not be affraid , for thou art the God of my force : come forth therefore , O Lord , and helpe me , and in thy good time beate downe my enemies , and strike them vpon the iawes that seeke to do me euill : break thou the teeth of the vngodly , and confound all such as daily go about to slaunder me without a cause : it is in thee , O Lord to free me from distresse , and to deliuer me from the snares of my oppressours , for thy blessing is vpon thy people , and thou wilt relieue them in their necessitie : wherefore extend thy mercie towards me : and defend me both now and euer , that I may yéeld continuall praise for euer .

A praier to be deliuered from Gods wrath .

ASsist me , O Lord , with thy grace and holy spirit , and rebuke me not in thine anger , neither chasten me in thy displeasure , but haue mercie vpon me that am vtterly destitute of strength and reliefe : heale me O God , for my soule is grieuously vexed because of my sinne , and sore shaken through mine iniquities , my heart sigheth being now touched with the feare of thy iudgements , wherefore incline thee to helpe me , and saue me for thy mercies sake , for they that are in the graue cannot praise thee : O Lord , in mourning I faint , and in remorse my sorrow increaseth , I weare away because of the lewdnes of my aduersaries and am sore vexed by reason of the miseries wherewith I poore sinner am oppressed , but away from me yee wicked , for the Lord hath heard my voice and wofull crye , yea the Lord hath heard my praier and humble sute , and he in his great mercie will confound my enemies , and send me reliefe in my greatest necessitie , and will put to flight all such as worke my decay or séeke to doe me euill . Increase thy loue in me , O Lord , that I may render due thankes vnto thée for thy continuall assistance , and praise thy name because of thy louing kindenesse shewed vnto me , in depending wholly vpon thy merites for euer and euer .

A prayer not to be ouercome of the wicked .

REgard , I most heartily beseech thée , O God , the humble petitions and praiers of thy seruant , for vnto thee alone do I lift vp my hart and soule , beséeching thee to extend thy mercy and pitie towards me , that haue euermore put my trust & confidence in thee : let not mine enemies reioice ouer me , neither suffer me thy seruant to be put to confusion , because my hope resteth onely on thy saluation , but euermore retaine me in the faith of thy promises , that I swerne not on any side , guide my steps in thy truth , and instruct me in the rule of thy will , for thou art the God from whom I expect and looke for my deliuerance : be mindefull of thy mercies which thou hast often shewed vnto thy seruants , and of thy manifold benefits which thou from time to time hast declared vnto all ages . Remember not the lewdnesse of my youth , but in thy mercies think vpon thy seruant , instruct me in thy laws , and teach me to be humble , be merciful to mine iniquities , for they are great , and by the direction of thy holy spirit conduct me in the right way , that my soule may dwell at ease and inherite the land which thou hast prepared for them that serue thee : reueale vnto me , O God , the secrets of thy holy word that I may be endued with vnderstanding : turne thy face vnto me , and extend thy mercie towards me , looke vpon my afflictions , and release me of my sinnes , and deliuer Israel out of all his troubles .

A praier for reliefe in sicknes and anguish of spirit .

HEarken vnto my humble suit , O Lord , & in thy mercy giue eare vnto my praiers , I doe not here plead for my selfe , neither do I refuse to be reprooued of thee , but beseeching thee not to rebuke and chastise me in the heat of thy wrath , for thy hand and heauie yoake oppresseth me , and the sense of thine ire worthily kidnled against me , endureth so grieuous vpon me , that my whole bodie consumeth for the aboundance of my wicked offences , yea my wounded conscience is ready to putrifie through sin , and I dare not but with heauie countenance lift vp mine eies towards thee : my heart and reines doe burne , O Lord , with intollerable paine , and there is no part of my body free from griefe . I wholly languish & faint for very sorrow of my heart , thou knowest my desire , O God , and my sighing is apparant vnto thée my heart panteth , my strength decayeth , and my eyesight now faileth me , many there be that séeke my destruction , and there is none to helpe me but thou alone , wherfore on thee will I waite and abide thy good time for my succour , helpe me therefore that now calleth vpon thee , lest I be brought into decay : and let not my ghostly enemies triumph ouer me , who desire to see my ouerthrow . In thee O God haue I euer trusted , forsake me not therefore , but of thy gratious goodnesse send me speedie comfort : O mercifull Lord be not far from me in my distresse , but hast thee to help me . Amen .

A thanksgiuing for deliuerance from sickenesse and pa●ne .

EXtend thy grace and holy spirit towards thy seruant , O Lord , that I may daily magnifie thee , for thou art my deliuerer and hast not suffered my foes with pride to triumph ouer me . I cried vnto thee in my troubles , and thou like a mercifull God diddest deliuer me , thou hast defended me from daungers of death , and renewed me alwaies with comfort : therefore shall I sing praises vnto thy diuine maiestie for euer , thine anger endureth but a while , but thy fauour to the end of our life : and though sorrow abideth in the euening , yet ioy commeth in the morning , and in my prosperitie I said , I shall neuer be moued , but so soone as thou didest restraine thy fauour from mee , I was stricken , then did I returne to thee , O Lord & praied , what profit is therin my blood when I am slaine ? or shall my body made of dust sing praises vnto thee , or declare thy truth and faithful constancie in performing thy promises . O Lord , heare me and receiue me to thy fauour , helpe me good God I beseech thee , and haue mercie vpon me , and loe thou hast turned my mourning into ioy , and remooued the sorrow of my heart to gird me with gladnesse , yea thou hast made thy louing kindnesse so ioyfull vnto me , that I do meditate of thy goodnesse all the day long , therfore shal my tongue be wholly consecrate both now and euer to set foorth thy praises . O Lord my God , on whose mercie dependeth my saluation , I will giue thankes to thee for euer and euer .

A prayer that God according to his mercifull promise will deliuer him from his enemies .

HEarken I most humbly beseech thee , O God , vnto my complaint , and incline thy eare vnto my lamentable sighs , for my soule is now oppressed with troubles , and grieuously wounded through sinne , wherefore release my heauie burthen , and mitigate my tormenting paines , for there is none to helpe me but thou alone , that art the God of my might , mine eies cannot rest , nor mine eyeliddes slumber , because of my heauinesse , but so soone as I record thy greate goodnesse shewed vnto me of old , how is my soule comforted , and how quiet is my conscience within me , deliuer me therefore according to thy wonted mercies , and let me neuer be vnmindefull of thee , but that my spirit may still reioyce , and be indued with a stedfast hope of thy promises , and though the wicked seeke my decay , yet let my trust be wholly fixed vpon thee : giue me vnderstanding and knowledge from aboue , that I may faithfully obserue thy fatherly precepts : be not long absent from me O God , neither let thy sweete promises faile me , but in thy mercy respect me thy seruant , and poure on me thy heauenly blessings : grant me the direction of thy grace and holy spirit , that with all humilitie and perfect patience , I may stand fast in the day of my trouble , and after this wretched life ended , indue me O Lord , with thy eternall rest to dwell with thee for euer .

A gratefull extolling of Gods inestimable benefits .

FRom the very inward part of my heart , O my soule , praise thou the Lord , and all that resteth within me praise his holy name , for all his graces , mercies , and manifolde benefites that he in great mercie hath bestowed vpon me , for he hath couered the filthinesse of my iniquities , altered my naturall wilfulnesse , and healed my broken heart , and the bloudie wounds of my conscience : O my God thou hast redeemed my life from destruction , and of thine infinite mercies doest alwaies satisfie me with good thinges : thou renuest my soule like the youth of an Eagle , and hast reuealed vnto mee thy way and holy word : thou art altogether mercie and full of compassion , slow to wrath , and of great kindenesse to all such as come vnto thee , thou wilt not alwaies lowre , nor keep thine anger for euer , neither dost thou deale with me after my sinnes , nor reward me according to mine iniquicies : for thou in mercie wilt set my sinnes so farre from me as the East is from the West , and neuer thinke vpon them any more : thou shewest thy selfe to be a most gratious father in extending thy bountiful beneuolence vnto such as honour thée , for thou knowest that we are but dust and like the flower of the field , alwaies ready to be carried away with light blastes of winde to all manner of vanities , but thy mercie ( O my good God ) and louing kindnesse endureth for euer . Let thy righteousnes hold me vp both now and euermore , that I may feare thee and keepe thy commaundements in continuall remembrance to do them , that after this life ended I may gaine the fruition of thy kingdome . which for thy elect thou hast prepared in heauen , to sing praises vnto thee with thy holy Angels , and to enioy thy presence O Lord which raignest and rulest for euer . Amen .

A praier to be deliuered from his aduersaries .

REgard my humble petitions and prayers , most gracious God , and in thy mercie giue eare vnto my requests , for vnto thee alone doe I come in the time of my necessitie , accept therefore I beseech thee the cryes that I hee reoffe● vp vnto thee , rule thou my thoughts , and guid my waies aright , that my heart be not inclined to euill , and so procure me to runne vnaduisedly to doe the workes of iniquities : but let the iust man with discretion reprooue me , that I by his exhortations may discerne and knowe the snares that the wicked haue laid to entrap me withall , and not onely shunne them my selfe , but admonish others in like manner to eschew the same , who seeing the vngodly with grieuous torments to be miserably afflicted , may with humble and penitent hearts returne vnto thee O Lord , and acknowledge theé to be their onely stay and succour in al their actions : my life , O God , is exposed to all miseries : neuerthelesse I most earnestly beseech thee to be my protector , and though my state be slipperie , yet let thy right hand support me , and thy louing kindenesse enclose me about , and when my hands are erected to call vpon thy name ( being full of hope ) graunt speedie release vnto me , least I fall into the net that the wicked haue laid for me , that I being gouerned and directed by thy mighty power , may for euer henceforth extoll thy glorious name , whilest the wicked are together entangled in their owne mallice : graunt this O father for thy deare sonne our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ .

A prayer to perceiue his owne fraile estate .

TEach me O Lord to ord●r my steppes according to the rule of thy holy word , that the wicked entrap me not in my dealings , Let the number of my daies be knowne vnto me , and make me I beseech thee more and more seriously to consider how transitory this life is , that I may apply my heart continually to the contemplation of thy hidden secrets and deuine mysteries , for the length of my yeares is but as a spanne , and all earthly things are nothing but meere vanitie in thy sight , therefore as the chased Hart desireth to be refreshed by the aid of the water brookes , so longeth my soule after thee , O God : therefore let not thy graces and holy spirit O God , be taken from me , but extend thy hand to deliuer me from all inconueniences , that I become not an open rebuke vnto mine enemies , take those plagues and seuere punishments from me that my sinnes do deserue , and let thy mercie be an eternall comfort vnto mee , graunt me vnderstanding and send me knowledge from aboue , that I may see into the cause of my afflictions , and neuer murmure at thy fatherly chastisements : heare my praier and in thy mercy take pittie and compassion vpon me , asswage the great heate of thine anger towards me , and release the troubles of my heauy heart , and grant me a space of repentance before the time of thy fatherly calling , that I may rest with thee for euer .

A prayer for iourneying .

I Commit this my iourney and corporall trauell , most merciful father , vnto thy heauenly direction to guide and gouerne me therein as shall seeme best to thy onely goodnesse and godly wisedome : and as this my troublesome and weary life is nothing els but a pilgrimes passage , and onely a span from birth to graue , so graunt , that I may alwaies consider of it . And I beseech thee O my God , that as to Iacob iourneying into the East , & praying reuerently for thy gratious protection , thou diddest fauourably and of thine infinite mercie minister all thinges necessary to his safety , so thou wilt now mercifully beholde me , a member of thy little Israel , and safely keepe and preserue me in my iourney , that the same may tend to the honour of thy name , and to the comfort of my conscience both now and euer , that like as Iacob saide thou shouldest be his God , so we knowing that in all thinges thou art more good and plentiful vnto vs a thousand fold then we can deserue , may for thy heauenly graces and continuall goodnesse sing laud & praises vnto thy holy name ; o God , that for euer liuest , one in trinitie & thrée in vnitie , Amen .

A prayer out of the Cxlv. Psalme .

FRom the bottome of my heart , O my God , will I ertoll thy name , and render thankes vnto thee for euer and euer . I will consecrate all the daies of my life to set forth thy glory , and to yéeld praises vnto thee continually , for thou art great O Lord , and there is no praise sufficient for thee , yea the memoriall of thy name will I cause to endure from one generation to another , neither shall I alone labour to doe this my dutie , for verily there will be alwaies some assembly which will by all meanes testifie the remembrance of my deeds and peculiar goodnes , and openly declare thy vndoubted promises , remaining vnto all ages , namely that thou art most mercifull and gratious vnto such as trust in thee , and thy louing kindnesse endureth for euer , neither is it manifest whether thou art either more slowe vnto wrath , or more proue to pardon , for thou , O Lord I knowe art good to all men , and thy mercies are aboue thy workes , yet is thy name , O God , extolled in thy workes , and the praise of thy glorie appeareth in all thy creatures : thou staiest vp euery one which els should fall , and grauntest releefe vnto such as are already fallen , yea thou giuest help continually vnto those that loue thee , but destroiest the wicked , and therefore by good right , O Lord , will I sound foorth thy praises for euer and euer .

A prayer to be said before the receiuing of the Lords Supper .

LOuing Lord and my most merifull father , in wonderfull mercy , I acknowledge it hath plesed thée to purge me silly wretch by the death & bloody passion of thy sonne , from al my sins and iniquities , to haue adopted me thy childe , and giuen me the earnest of my saluation , touching my heart with an infallible sence and feeling of thy mercies and setled confidence in thy promises , so that euen now , in the commemoration of thy vnspeakeable blessings my soule is newly entred into thy house , to take the holesome cup of eternall saluation , and to call vpon thy holy name : assist me therfore with thy spirit , O Lord , & giue me a wise and vnderstanding heart , that I may conceiue rightly of thy sacred mysteries and deuine precepts , discerne them secretly , and receiue them effectually , not with rashnes of minde , but with sobriety , in righteousnes and holinesse of life , vnto the perfect consummation and finishing of that happy building , which thy worthy goodnesse in mercy hath prouidently begunne in me , yea vntill I be come to the measure of the eternall age and fulnesse of my Lord and sauiour Iesus Christ Amen .

A godly prayer for such things as be needefull both for soule and bodie .

Extend thy fauourable pitie towards me , O Lord , and in thy mercie doe away my iniquities , take from me al hardnes of heart , and indue me with thy grace and holy spirit , that my delight may be in thy lawes : blesse and prosper I beseech thee , my bodily labours , and send mee such necessarie reliefe both for my soule and bodie , as shall seeme most expedient to thy deuine wisedome . O God keepe me vnder the shadowe of thy winges from all the afflictions of this wretched life , and defend me from the naughtie dealing of lying lippes and slandering tongues : let me not doe any thing contrary to thy will , O Lord , but keepe me in such good order of life , that I be not defamed of the wicked and vngodly person . Confirme me in the knowledge of thy law , and send me spéedie reliefe in al my troubles : giue me good God a feeling of my sinnes with earnest repentance , and that I may perseuer in newnesse of life , to thy honor and glorie : let me auoid the company of such as be euill , and let my whole delight consist in the secrets of thy sacred mysteries , that I may openly set forth thy praises , and yeelde vncessant thankes vnto thee : graunt that I may escape the net that the wicked haue priuily laid to intrap me , for my hope consisteth in thy saluation , and when my weary daies , O Lord , shall draw to an end in leauing this life and earthly pilgrimage , graunt me a strong and stedfast faith with speech and memorie euen to the end , that so departing in peace , I may rest with thee for euer . Amen .

A prayer to be saide in any kinde of affliction .

ETernall God and father of all mercies , I humbly beseech thée to bow down thine eares & hearken vnto me poore sinner , whose state is weake and feeble because of thy heauy displeasure , but I confesse and acknowledge , that it is a iust reward for my iniquities committed against thee , respect me neuerthelesse in thy mercie , and thinke not vpon my transgressions , deliuer my soule , endue me with all spirituall graces and consolation , and continually keepe me in true faith and humble obedience towards thee , neither let me murmure at thy chastisements , but with patience endure thy correction : it is in thée to deale with me at thy pleasure , since thou createdst me of dust and slime of the earth , and gauest me life and breath in my mothers wombe . Wherfore , O Lord , I beseech thee , suffer me not to be tempted aboue my strength , neither yet to be holden downe with greater afflictions then my weak nature is able to endure , but rather a●cording to thy tender mercie support and relieue me , that neither the flesh , the world nor the diuell triumph in my weakenes , giue me a feeling of thy mercies , that thy graces neuer depart from me , and when it pleaseth thee , O Lord , to bring to an end this miserable life , graunt that I may with humble obedience towards thee , and perfect faith in thy diuine promises , neglect the state of this wretched world , and rest with thee O Lord my God , in that euerlasting kingdome which thou hast prepared for thy elect from the beginning of the world , where I shall continually yeild praises vnto thee , together with all the host of heauen for euer and euer . Amen .

A prayer of thanksgiuing to God for his benefits .

COntinue thy goodnesse stil towards me O Lord , that I may daily haue occasion to extoll thy praises , for great cause doe I already retaine to land thy glorious name for euer , because thou alone act my ioy and saluation , and the strong citie whereunto I alwaies flie for succour , thou hast euer bene my rocke and tower of defence , open now therefore the gate of righteousnesse , that I poore sinner may enter therin as one of thy children , so shall I be preserued in peace . I haue alwaies put my trust in thee , stregthen me therefore I beseech thee , with thy holy spirit , and as thou art altogether righteous and iust , so vouchsafe to instruct me in the path wherein I ought to walke , for my soule reioyceth in thy truth , and desireth thee in the night season , yea and my spirit shall seeke thee in the morning : how mercifully dost thou nourish thy people , and how glorious doest thou make thy elect ? when I was in distresse I called vpon thee , and when thou diddest chastise me , I poured forth my prayers , and thou like a louing Lord diddest shew mercy on me according to thy great kindenesse . O deare father , my soule now replenished with griefe , because of my sinnes , desireth to be receiued into thy eternall rest . I was dead & putrified through my sinnes , and enuironed with dispaire because of my fall , but thou of thy goodnesse diddest yeeld reliefe vnto me , and made me aliue againe , yea thou hast eleuated my soule out of the darknesse of death and ministred light vnto me , that I might regard my footesteps : thou hast vpholden my life from daungers , and preferred me against the enuious mindes of the wicked , thou hast defended me from such as rose vp against m● , and sent me reliefe in my greatest necessitie , yea thou hast plenteously indued me with all things and giuen me a tast of thy goodnesse . Wherfore O most merciful God , assist me with thy holy spirit , that I neuer be vnmindfull of thy mercies , but may extol thy glorious name for euer and euer . Amen .

A prayer to be vsed before a man doth begin to trauell or take any iourney in hand .

REspect me thy vnworthie seruant , O Lord , with the eye of thy mercie , for on thee dependeth my saluation , and there is none but thou alone can bring sufficient reliefe and succour vnto my afflicted spirit . Wherfore , O God be mercifull vnto me , and rule my heart in thy faith , feare , and loue , with a carefull keeping of thy commaundements , guide thou my footesteps , O God , and gouerne me with thy mightie hand , that I fall not into the pit of destruction , assist me with thy grace and holy spirit , that I may both discerne and reiect those thinges that are contrary to thy law , and saue me O God , from the cruelty of such as seeke to oppresse my soule : send me knowledge from aboue , that I may conceiue rightly of thy heauenly mysteries , and teach me O Lord so to order my life , that acording to the precise rule of thy holy word and deuine precepts I may daily proceede in newnesse of life to the honor and glorie of thy name . Indue me with all spirituall graces to stand against the subtile assaults and temptatious of my ghostly enemies , that I may neuer quaile by his tirannie , but giue him his finall repulse and vtter ouerthrow , be thou my protector and defender , most louing father , that in all my waies I may be safely directed by thy mighty prouidence , for thou art my refuge in all my troubles , and in thy mercie will I stay my selfe for euer , and my hope shall still rest in thee , O God , that liuest for euer .

A prayer for a man that is beset with aduersaries .

I Call and crie to thee , O God with mourning voice , beseeching thee to hearken vnto my groning sighes , deliuer me from my troubles , that oppresse mee grieuously , for misery is come vpon me , and there is none but thou alone can helpe me : guide me , O Lord in thy truth and lead me foorth in the pathes wherein I ought to walke , thou art the onely rokce whereunto I must cleaue , and in thy good time thou wilt vphold my state against my enemies that enuiron me about , they haue cast snares in the way to entrap me , and by crueltie haue daily sought my decay . Wherfore I beséech thée O God , come quickly and succour me , put forth thy mightie arme , and deliuer me from them that rise vp against me , pretending my vtter ouerthrow . Conduct me in thy truth , that I be not intrapped in my waies , nor holden in the earke prison of this miserable worlde , from the view of thy deuine maiestie , but that I may be compassed with the assembly of thy elect to reioyce in thee O my good God , for my deliuerance , and to sing continuall praises vnto thy holy name for euermore with a chéereful voice preserue me from destruction ; and vouchsafe , O Lord , to forgiue me all my offences , that I may stand stedfast in thee , and neuer be put to confusion , but to rest with thee eternally , Amen .

A prayer to be said at all times .

I Most heartily beseech thee , O thou God of al mercy & power , to make strong my soule against all the troublesome and most dangerous assaults and temptations of the world the flesh and the deuill : confirme my beliefe and faith in thee , and make me , good Lord , one of the number of thy elect , and graunt that all my sinnes may be cleansed in the blood of my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ . O deare Father , let thy graces and blessings be continually poured vpon me , and shine on me with the comfortable beautie of thy cheerefull countenance , and graunt me in this life the perpetuall direction of thy holy spirit , and in the life to come eternall rest with my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ . Amen .

A charitable prayer to be vsed at any time for the benefit of such as liue amisse .

O Lord thou hast euer bene our safe hauen and habitation , and thy louing kindenesse hath beene plentifully shewed vnto vs and our elders , from one generation to another : thou art a God that raignest and rulest for euer , without beginning or ending , yea thou didst create vs of dust and slime of the earth , and we being most miserable cretures so soone as thou takest thy spirit from vs , are euen then immediatly dissolued into dust againe , for as a watch in the night , so doth our life passe away , and as a tale that is told , so do we vanish : we grow vp like the hearb which at the rising of the sunne doth flourish , but in the euening is cut downe and withereth : graunt therefore O God that we neglecting all idle imaginations , may account the dayes of our earthly pennance how short they are , that our mindes by this cogitation beeing brought from the troublesome care and vaine hope of earthly felicitie , as also called away from all those entisements whereby we wander out of the right path of thy truth , may aspire to true wisedome , in applying our hearts wholly vnto thy eternall testimonies : be mercifull vnto vs , O Lord , and ●a●e vs from all the assaults and temptations of our ghostly enemies , conduct vs with thy mighty hand , we beséech thée , in all our dealings , that we may walke vprightly in our estate and vocation without fraud or deceit , grant that after so long and innumerable troubles as we haue sust●ined , thy goodnesse may shine vnto vs like a most pleasant light , that we being satisfied with the comfortable nourishment thereof may enioy thy true and eternall consolation , and like as with many miseries thou hast corrected vs , so we beseech thee of thy eternall goodnesse to comfort vs againe , and in the middest of all our troubles restore vs to ioy and gladnesse , that from the bottome of our hearts we may yeeld continuall praises vnto thee : accept vs amongst the number of thy hea●enly armie , and let the voice of our humble petitions , O God , ascend vp vnto thee , make vs continually thankfull for our election , and let vs neuer forget that thou hast taken vs into thy family , to be cared for of thee , yea let this thy glory shine forth to our posteritie , and let thy exceeding goodnes beautifie & adorne vs : gouerne thou our counsels from thy sanctuary , and let our enterprises be acceptable in thy fight , O God , that liuest for euer . Amen .

A prayer for the assistance of Gods power and holy spirit against our enemies , and the dangers of this world .

ETernall God , I most humbly beseech thee giue eare vnto the prayers and dolefull cries which I heere poure foorth before thee : strengthen me , that I may walke in thy waies , and carefully auoid the path that the oppressors tread . Accept the requests , of thy seruants , vouchsafe , O Lord in mercie to relieue them that trust in thee , against such as resist thy doctrine : keepe me as the apple of thy eye , and euermore defend me from my enemies , euen vnder the shadow of thy winges , for they are full of enuy , and their cruelty cannot be satisfied but with my death , neuerthelesse my hope dependeth only vpon thy assistance , that thou wilt stand on my side , whereby I may vtterly vanquish and ouerthrow their force , for thou art my fortresse and strength in whome is no variety , in thee will I trust O God of my saluation , yea I will call vpon thee and praise thy name for euermore : preserue me therefore and assist me in the day of my daunger , let not the vngodly man preuaile against me , but preuent their wicked deuises that intend my destruction , indue me plentifully with thy graces , that I may take delight in those things that may please thee , and bestow such good gifts as thou hast lent me , to the vse of my Christian bretheren that stand in need therof : let thy spirit scale the assurance of thy election in my heart , that I neuer decline from the true seruice of thee , but with all constancie giue my selfe wholly to the loue of thy law , and perseuere therin vnto the end , for thou art my portion and the lot of mine inheritance , let me not be oppressed by any earthly penury , least through frailety of my flesh I be enforced to fall from thee , but teach me continually by secret inspirations ( the right way to attaine to the fruition of thy blessings ) that I may at all times sing praises vnto thee : be thou alwaies at my right hand , O Lord , that my course may be directed by thy godly assistance , and deliuer me out of all troublsome daungers , that I may reioyce both in body and soule for thy gratious protection : sh●w me thy fauour , O God , in all things that I take in hand , and let the successe of my trauels fail out as my hope expecteth , to the great comfort of thine elect , and the exceeding ioy of all that put their trust in thee , let not the cruelty of the enemy preuaile against me , least he say that he hath ouercome me , and they that oppresse me , reioice in my fal , for my trust is wholy in the truth of thy promises , neither shall my heart dissent from the hope of thy mercy and defence in all my enterprises but being at the length deliuered by thee from the dreadfull daungers of earthly casualties , I will not cease to land and praise thy holy name in the midest of the congregation for euer and euer . Graunt this , most mercifull Father , I humbly beseech thee , for Iesus Christ his sake , my onely Sauiour and redeemer . Amen .

A prayer to be said at all times .

WIth the eie of mercy , most louing father , beholde my care and inward griefe , and hearken I humbly beseech thee to my complaint and lamentable sute , my soule cryeth out to thee for mercie , extend therefore thy louing countenance and fauour vnto me that am sore plunged in the gulph of calamities , yet do I confesse & acknowledge that I haue and doe deserue most extreame punishment for so grieuously offending thee my louing Lord , but if thou shalt euer marke what is amisse in me , how am I able to abide thy frowning countenance ? but with thee is alwaies mercy and redemption , yea thy seruants continually do , and will for thy great goodnes feare and loue thy holy name , my soule also knowing thy singular bountie , in that it hath euer tasted of thy incompatable sweetenes , shall stil trust in thee , for thou diddest defend and nourish me when I was destitute of helpe , therefore will I wait for thy saluation euen from the morning vnto the euening , and from the euening likewise vnto the morning againe , for there is no night-watcher that in greater desire longeth for the dawning of the day , then dooth my soule expect the comming of thee my Lord and God , for great is thy pittie vnto all such as with true repentance and hearty prayers doe come vnto thee : Go too then O my soule now reioice , & comfort thy selfe in the Lord for euer , serue him with feare and reuerence , and be readie for his comming , sith no varietie resteth in him , but that he is good and mercifull , and hath often redeemed and deliuered thee from the daunger of hell : haue mercy vpon me now therfore , O deare father , and forgiue me my sinnes , cast them from thy presence , & thinke vpon them no more so shall my soule reioyce and be glad in thee for euer .

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

NOw bewailing my sinfull life past , most louing father , I doe here in humble wise desire thy gratious fauour : haue mercy on me , poore sinner , that cleaueth wholly vnto thee , and in the multitude of thy mercies doe away the heauy burthen of my iniquities : wash me from my sinnes , and clense me from my offences , wash me againe and againe , O Lord , that all my sinnes whatsoeuer lyeth hid within me , may be done away at once . O most merciful father , against thee onely haue I sinned most grieuously and done wickedly in thy sight , yea , and those thinges are most iustly decreed of thee which thou hast pronounced against me . And I must needes confesse , that nothing is faultie amongst thy iudgements , for I was corrupt and guiltie in my mothers wombe , and repleat with sinne , euen from my cradle : what haue I to alledge for my selfe ( knowing O Lord , what a wretched case I stand in ) or what excuse can I make to thee , O heauenly iudge : wherefore in thy fight doe I remaine the greatest of all sinners , purge me with the true Isope ( which in thy mercy thou hast sent vnto sinners ) euen the blood of thy deare sonne my Lord and Sauior Iesus Christ , that al my filthinesse may vanish cleane away : restore me , O Lord , vnto that vnspeakeable ioy wherwith they are indued that are shrowded from the bonds of sinne and death , and receiued into thy fauour againe , hide thy face away from my sinnes , and race out of thy tables all the wickednesse that I most grieuously haue committed against thee : let thy holy spirit so direct me , that I may from hencfoorth giue my selfe to thy commaundements , then shall I teach thy waies vnto the wicked , and sinners shall be conuerted vnto thee : deliuer me from sinne that my soule may praise thee continually : open my mouth , O Lord , that my tongue in Psalmes and Himnes may set forth thy glorious name . For thou desirest not sacrifice , but a sorrowfull minde and cont●ite heart , with the true feeling of sinnes and inward repentance and vnfained turning vnto thee , which oblation , O Lord , I now offer vnto thee , humbly beseeching thee to accept thereof , and incline thine eare thereunto for Iesus Christ his sake my only Sauiour and redéemer . Amen .

A prayer very godly and necessary to be vsed at all times .

LOrd graunt me the assistance of thy grace and holy spirit , that my soule vnto thee may yeeld continuall praises , let my whole life extoll thy great kindnesse alwaies shewed vnto me , for all praise belongeth vnto thee , thou hast indued my heart with ioy , and lifted my soule out of the mixe , wherefore I will not seeke to any mortall man , for their state is slippery , and their life consisteth in their breath : whereof being bereaued , they are resolued againe into dust , but let my trust be in thee O God , on whose mercie dependeth my saluation , for thou O God , art exceeding good and gratious vnto all such as come vnto thee , great is thy power , oh how wonderfull is thy handie worke in thy creatures , thou bearest a great zeale vnto thy seruants , and keepest promise with thine elect , thou openest the eyes of the blinded soule , and gi●est vnderstanding to the simple , thou diddest arme my soule when I fainted in misery , wherefore giue me vnderstanding , that I may diligently search to knowe thy will ; thou diddest defend and nourish me when I was destitute of thy helpe : thou comfortest the fatherlesse and widdows , but in iustice ouerthrowest the wicked . O Lord I see that all flesh is grasse , and the riches of this world are nothing but vanitie , but thy riches are euerlasting : wherefore graunt that I may be plentifull in all good workes , and lead a life in this world agreeable to thy will , that the same being ended , I may rest with thee for euer .

A godly prayer vnto almightie God against all assaults of Sathan .

I Humbly craue and beseéch theé , most mercifull God , in fauour to behold my troubled heart , and giue eare vnto my lamentable cries , for vnto thee alone do I offer vp my prayers , desiring thee , in mercy to respect thy seruant that now caleth for thy direction : let my pathes be guided according to thy will , for thou art a God most pure , and canst abide no iniquitie at all to raign in thy fight , neither the vniust person to stand in thy presence , wherefore , O Lord , endue me plentifully with thy graces , that haue no spark of goodnesse , in me , send me knowledge from aboue , and direct me with thy spirit , that I be not vtterly cast away for euer , but pardon my iniquitie , that I may draw neare vnto thee , and with reuerent feare extoll thy glorious name . Let not Sathan my mortall enemy preuail against me , but deliuer me from the snares that he daily layeth for me , replenish me , O Lord , with vnderstanding , that I may safely walke in thy lawes , for the enemies of thy truth , and disturbers of my soule are many , they dissemble in heart , and with their lippes they flatter daily , but my trust is in thee O Lord , that thou wilt confound their deuises , so shall I reioyce in thee , because thy hand hath deliuered me , and my tongue shall neuer cease to extol thy praises and exceeding goodnesse , because thou hast defended me with the shield of thy mercy , and redeemed my soule from deadly daunger . Amen .

A prayer to be saide in any kinde of affliction .

RElieue me G God , I most humbly beseech thee from al the tyrannous inuasions of my ghostly enemies , the worlde , the flesh , and the deuill , and behold the carefull heart of him whome thou hast stricken and visited according to thy heauenly will and because man in his owne nature is nothing but blindnesse and folly before thee , and therefore cannot possibly conceiue rightly of the things aboue : renue therfore thy spirit in thy seruant that the same instructing my heart daiely in true wisedome and feare of thee , I may come to the feeling of mine owne euils , and know the cause of thy scourge , that so my wound being apparant to mine eyes , I may with all speede see to the cure thereof , and deferre no time to seeke the salue to heale it . Heare the voice of thy seruant , O God , that crieth vnto thee , consider my complaint , and weigh my inward woe conceiued through hate of mine owne infirmities , and for want of thy knowledge , for I flie from my selfe as from an vnwalled castle , fearing my footsteps , euen as though I walked on thornes : deale not with me in thy displeasure , neither let my sinnes seperate thy fauour from me , but quicken me in my afflictions , and make me ware wise by thy punishments : giue me such a sence of my infirmities , and so perfect a perseuerance of my rechlesnes in seruing of thee , that I may dispose my selfe to contrarie order , erecting my mind vnto thee , and thereunto so ioyne the increase of thy grace and strenghtning spirit , as that I may be able therby to performe my race , and continue in that good way which thy goodnesse hath mooued me to : in the times of my heauinesse be neere vnto me , and open my eyes of faith to behold thy eternall loue , so that I be not too much shaken by the enemies assaults , but may be replenished with abilitie , constancie , and patience , to giue him his finall repulse and ouerthrow . Amen .

A prayer for our Soueraigne Lord King Iames.

MOst mightie God of maiestie , and heauenly father deare , vnto the humble sutes of vs thy seruants poore giue eare : that call on thee still to maintaine and blesse with thy great power , our noble King and his ofspring , our stay & gouernour : whome thou ouer thy little flock vnto our comforts great , ordained hast to fit vpon the high and princely seat : from forraine force of foes vouchsafe good God to guard his grace : that all their subtile sleights and snares he doubtlesse may deface . Lend vnto him long life O Lrod , and eke a royall raigne , and grant that he thy graces great for euermore may gaine . Thy blessings bountifull bestowe vpon him we thee pray , that his delight may be to loue thy lightsome law for aye . And earnestly for to imbrace thy Gospell pure at large , vnto the comfort of thy church committed to his charge . Vnder the shadow of thy winges Lord keepe him to the end , and from conspiracies also vouchsafe him to defend . Conuert or els confound all such as mischiefe do deuise , against his grace , and to thy truth are vtter enemies , God graunt him peace in conscience and health without annoy , that we long time and many yeares his presence may enioy . Amen .

The confession of a Sinner .

RIghteous God , thou that art the father of all mercies , and comforter of all mankind , euen of thy tender loue behold me poore sinner that haue straied from thy precepts through ignorance and frailtie of my flesh , and most wickedly erred from thy holy commaundements like vnto a wandring sheepe hauing no shepheard . O Lord I do confesse I haue followed too much the deuises and desires of my vnrighteous heart , whereby I haue at sundry times grieuously offended thy maiestie in breaking and neglecting thy holy lawes which thou hast commaunded me to keepe , and contrary to thy will , followed these vngodly actions which I ought not to doe , leauing vndone those good thinges that thy sacred word hath taught me , so that in me there is no goodnes , except thou , O Lord , do speedily looke vpon me , and in thy great mercy pardon my hainous offences . Forgiue me , O deare father , and forget my iniquities , I most entirely beseech thee , that here with a sorrowfull heart confesse my faultes vnto thee , O God , requesting thee of thy fauorable goodnesse to restore me that am penitent , and in thy mercy send reliefe vnto thy seruant , satisfie my soule with thy fauour againe , according to thy promise , which thou hast declared vnto an such as come vnto thee in the name of thy beloued sonne Iesus Christ my sauiour : wherefore , O my God , I come vnto thee with an humble minde , beseeching thee from the very inwards of my soule , to graunt me the assistance of thy grace and holy spirit , that I may euer hereafter in newnes of life liue as becommeth thy seruant , vprightly in thy sight , and deale faithfully with all men , to thy honour and glory and the comfort of my soule . Amen .

Another prayer vnto almightie God .

IN mercy , O Lord , vouchsafe to heare my prayers , and let my cries haue accesse vnto to thée : hide not thy face from me , I beseech thee , in the time of my trouble , but with speed incline thine eares vnto me when I call : behold , there is no certenty in my flesh , for my life consumeth as the smoake , and my daies do wast in sorrow , mine enemies lie in wait for me , and they that rage against me , haue conspired my death : wherefore the feeling of thy wrath and heauie displeasure hath quite consumed me , but thou , O Lord , ( whose promises I know endure for euer ) continuest all one God in mercy vnto such as call vpon thee , therefore do I flie vnto thee in my distresse , beseeching thee to assist me with thy grace and holy spirit , that the cause of my mourning and piteous complaints being taken away , I may daily proceed and goe forward in newnesse of life , to the honour and glory of thy holy name . Confirme thy good worke begunne in me , O God , and let me neuer want thy assistant aid therein , lest it be vtterly frustrate Let not mine iniquities be any hinderance to thy bountiful goodnesse , neither yet my negligences ( in seruing of thee ) mooue theé to detract the operation of thy holy spirit in thy seruant , but with speede consider my frailty , and pardon my offences for Iesus Christ his sake so shall I declare thy worthinesse , and extell thy great kindenesse shewed vnto me at all times . Haue mercy vpon me , O God , haue mercy vpon me according to thy eternall promises , make me plentifull in all good workes to doe thy fatherly will , and let thy commandments be my whole delight , refresh my hart with the fruition of thy blessings , and let me not at any time be vnmindful of thy goodnes , but yeeld continuall thankes vnto thee for thy great benefits extended towards me , take me not away O God , in the middest of my daies , but prolong my time , and conduct my footsteps , that hauing viewed at full thy graces inestimable kindenesse , I may neuer cease vntill the last gasp to sing praises vnto thy holy name for euer and euer . Amen .

A prayer to be vsed when a man is in any kind of trouble .

COnsider , O my God . I beseech thee , the wofull complaints and prayers that I here offer vp to thy diuine Maiesty , vnto thee alone doe I sue for helpe , remit therefore my iniquities , for the multitude thereof doe speedily craue thy aid , and in thy mercy be fauourable vnto me , as thou hast euer beene , for though I were driuen to seeke the farthest parts of the earth , yet will I call for thy direction , yea when I am tormented with cares , I haue no other refuge to flie vnto , but onely to thee , O my God wherefore in mercy looke on me , and in thy good time take me vp into the place of ioy prepared for thy elect , where I may praise thee for euer , for how hast thou in great mercy dealt with me , in being vnto me an euerlasting tower of defence against mine enemies , and though by reason of the retchlesnesse and frailty of my corrupt nature , I haue eftsoones swarued from thy holy word , yet I beseech thee , O deare father , deale fauourably with me , and lay not my offences vnto my charge but shew thy selfe a louing and mercyfull God towards me , and pour on me thy gifts of grace , that I may be holy vnto thee , and accepted in thy fight , so shall my life be prolonged , yea & so happy indeed , as it shall neuer decay , and I shall resort to thy tabernacle in peace , where I shall be satisfied with the fruition of thy fauour , and be sustained with mercy and truth for euer : direct me continually with thy holy spirit , and teach me , good Lord , to hate the waies of the wicked , erect my minde to the contemplation of thy heauenly mysteries , and receiue me both now and euer into thy gratious protection , for my aduocat Iesus Christ his sake , Amen .

A prayer against the feare of death .

O Eternall God and mercifull father , from the depth of my weake heart doe I laud and glorifie thee for all the benefits bestowed on me from the beginning of my life vnto this present , especially for the blessings of my election , redemption , vocation , iustification , and sanctification in Christ Iesus . Thou hast deliuered me from the cruelty of my aduersaries , and made me an inheritour of thy kingdome , and thy childe by adoption , yet thou hast giuen me ( notwithstanding my vnthankfulnesse ) the earnest penny of my saluation , and in mercie hast reconciled me in Christ , whilst I was yet a grieuous enemie vnto thee , thou tookest me out of the blinde dungeon of carelesse ignorance to render thankes vnto thee , and to call vpon thy name , in all which thou hast caused me to proceed and profit vnto this day , wherein thy pleasure seemeth to incline me towards the greatest benefit that euer I yet tasted , that is , to free me from the extremities of this life and to bring me to that heauenly liberty where shall be no bitternesse . Now therefore , O deare Father , for Iesus Christ his sake erect my mind towards thee , and as at all times of my life hitherto thou hast nourished and preserued me , so now in my last need visit and regard me , O God , that as the enemie will now bend his force against me , so thou with thy louing protection and holy spirit wilt comfort me , and with thy presence defend me , that my faith still increasing , with armed patience , I may dispise the feare of this bodies death , knowing that it is the vnauoidable way that thou hast appointed to doe away my mortalitie , and to bring my soule to rest , to yelde praises vnto thee in ioyes euerlasting , which thy prouidence hath ordained me vnto : so instruct me therefore to number my daies , that I may apply my heart to thy eternall wisdome : teach me , sweet Lord as heretofore to liue , so now to frame my end , that it may redound to thy glory , whereunto with a fighting heart , I humbly beseech thee , that my vnderstanding may alway be lightned with the feeling of my owne infirmitie , and that in all perfect humilitie I may flie from the mind of all earthly stay , and so not fainting in my farewell , but cleaning to thy promises , and apprehending thy saluation with sure hope , I may expect the dissolution , so beholding thee with the eyes of my faith , I may grow as by degrees weaker in bodie , so fuller and stronger in spirit , so that when the last breath is passed , my soule in the bosome of Abraham may ioyfully respire the triumphant odors of an endlesse life . Amen .

A prayer for Chirurgians .

O Most mer●ifull God and louing father we most earnestly beseech thee let the eye of thy mercie behold vs , and harken to the humble sutes of thy poore seruants , that with penitent hearts doe appeale before thee , requiring pardon for our iniquities committed daily against thy diuine maiestie : vouchsafe , O Lord , of thy wonted goodnesse to extend and shew thy fauourable pittie and compassion towards vs , and lay not our sinnes vnto our charge , but put them quite out of thy memory for Christ his sake thy dearely beloued sonne our sauiour , and graunt that we may render vnto theé continual thanks for thy manifold benefits and eternall mercies that thou of thy tender loue dost daily bestow vpon vs . Assist vs also with thy grace , that we may neuer cease to sing praises vnto thee for our election , creation , and redemption : we beesech thee , O Lord , to giue vs the true knowledge of that Art whereunto thou hast called vs , thereby to maintaine our selues and our families from the extremities of this sinnefull world and momentaneous life , for we doe not onely depend vpon thy fatherly prouidence , but doe confesse , O Lord , that euery good and perfect gift commeth from thee : therefore be mindfull wee beseech thee of thy seruants , and indue vs with thy blessings of wisdome and vnderstanding , sith that thou alone hast elected and ordained vs as instruments to minister those thy rich and plentifull gifts which thou hast appointed for the health and reliefe of mankind , vouchsafe to giue vs the gift of heal●ng , that we may frame our selues to doe thy will therein , and be a comfort to such as lie in miserie and cruell paine by occation of bodily sicknes and externall casualties , and hereunto so ioine the increase of thy grace & holy spirit , that all our actions may be guided according to the rule of thy deuine precepts and commaundements , that our consciences be not spotted in thy sight , but may remaine pure and holy , euen as thou , O Lord , art holy , alwaies reuoking to memorie our duties and necessarie vocation , whereby our hearts may be continually stirred vp to call for thy assistance , remooue from vs all hatefull and euill thoughts , with the couetous desire of filthie lucre , and incite in vs a consideration of the wofull estate of the poore and needie , that we may relieue their necessitie with such good things as thy fatherly goodnesse and vnspeakeable prouidence in greater measure hath blessed vs withall . Respect vs , O Lord , in thy mercie , that those things which we goe about may prosper with us , and that all our labours which we shall take in hand , may be blessed and brought to good successe by thy assistance and fatherly protection , to the honour and glorie of thy holy name , credit of thy church , comfort of our Christian brethren and our owne saluation : graunt vs this , O Lord , for Iesus Christ his sake , our only Sauiour and redeemer . Amen .

A prayer for penitent sinners .

MOst mightie , God and eternall king of maiestie , how can I hide my selfe away from thy presence , or with what pretence might I couer my shame from the piercing fight of thine eye , since there is nothing in me but a whole heape of sinne , whereby I am almost driuen to the dore of dispaire . Erect therefore thy mighty hand to helpe me , O Lord , for if thy wisedome prouide not for me , I am alwaies in daunger , for vnrighteousnesse in this my cortuptible bodie raigneth as a king , wherefore when my enemies enuiron me , I wonder that thou doest not destroy me , considering the lewdnesse of my liuing and the multitude of my grieuous offences . But thus thou vsest to comfort thy children , and my soule but for this reliefe , O God had perished long agoe , therefore from the bottome of my heart crie I vnto thee , take me not away I beseech thee , O Lord , in my sinnes , neither let me reape the portion of the wicked : thou hast shewed me the daies of comfort , and often deliuered my soule from the Lion , and because thou in great mercie hast let mee see this goodnesse , and also made me reioice therein , increasing light afterdarkenes , I will neuer cease to call vpon thee in my afflictions , but continually expect the good houre in my danger , increase my faith , settle me in the knowledge of thy will , and plentiously blesse me with thy grace and holy spirit both now and euer , for no place is free from the rage of thy aduersaries : assist me in my infirmities , that I may euer gaine a double reioycing , and that the most subtile assaults of the enemies may alwaies fall out to be his foulest foile , through Iesus Christ my onely Sauiour . Amen .

The true knowledge of afflictions and tov what end they are sent .

THe Scriptures of God in sundry places doe manifestly declare vnto vs the healthfull effect of afflictions , in calling them a cup , or drinking glasse : for like as the expert Phisition giuing vnto his patient such quantity of medicine as he thinketh good , the patient must of necessity yeeld the choice of his fancie to the skilfull prouidence of him that ministreth : euen so our good and gratious Lord , knowing farre better what is profitable and most expedient to cure the infirmities & maladies of our soules , tameth our affections with such cups of afflictions as his wonderfull wisedome in mercie foreseeth to be most behooueable for vs . In like manner are they also called in another sence his artillerie , his speares and his swords , wherewith to fight and ouerthrow his enemies : and euen as these definitions touching their ends are not alike , but very diuers , so likewise are the afflictions of God sent both to the godly and vngodly , but to two sundrie ends , for by the one sort of affliction , God exerciseth the patience of the faithfull handling them for the most part more roughly than he doth the wicked The other he vseth both to testifie vnto vs , that iniquitie cannot raigne vnpunishable , as also to hold them vnexcusable , and that is the full end of all afflictions , extended to the infidell or reprobate . The cuppes therefore and afflictions of God , as they are not sent to all men to one end , so do they not worke one effect , but for all them the lewd person remaineth still vngodly , sicke he was before he tooke the medicine , and in like manner sicke or rather more vncurable he goeth foreward after it , he feeleth himselfe smitten , but considereth not in truth who smote him , so exceeding farre is he from the perfect perusing of his owne life , and oueruiweing of his former daies thereby , he imputeth his crosse to fortune , rather than smelleth his owne sinnes or intendeth to change his life , and if his crosse endure but a little , he chafeth at God and reiecteth his corrections , he amendeth not at all but waxeth worse and worse : farre contrarie is the effect of those afflictions which Gods elect sustaine , for his children so soone as they feele his crosse by any meanes layed vpon them , they by and by without delay bethinke themselues of their sinnes , remembring that the hand of God is come vpon them for the same in which feare with all humilitie and reuerent trembling casting downe euery height within them , they throw themselues flatlong at the footstoole of Gods Maiestie , reckoning vp all their hainous crimes to their power , acknowledging their faults , and beseeching God in mercie to giue them a feeling of their sinnes , that he will pierce their eares , and in such wise open them , that their affliction may turne to the comfort of their consciences : this case is cleane contrarie ( as is said ) to the fearefull punishments of the reprobate , they being hardened like Pharao thereby , for lacke of his second grace , which is the softening of mans heart and sobernesse of his nature by the holy Ghost , from the free goodnesse of our eternall God . Those being opened in their hearts by such grace and feeling of Gods chastisements , are spéedily taught to mislike of themselues for their loose life and offences , to sigh and grone for them , and to flie to the mercie of God for refuge . Now by these conferences appeareth a certaine rule or touchstone , ( not without an vnspeakeable comfort ) to Gods elect , for in as much as God punished Pharao , and softened not his heart withall , he intended to leaue him inexcusable to his deserued destruction , but in that he afflicted Iob , he did it to the bettering of his life , mollifying his heart to his saluation : and hence we gather two points of comfort to be noted and obserued : the one is , that when God maketh vs to feele his hand , so that we are humbled vnder the same , it is a speciall priuiledge and sure token of his good will , and which he neuer sheweth to any but to his owne children : and the other is , since we are punished but to the amendment of our liues and drawing vs backe from our sinfull waies , we liue therefore in happie case , for that it declareth vnto vs that the Lord will not be angrie with vs for euer , but doth as it were hedge in both the sides of our race , euen because he loueth vs , so that we haue no cause to doubt of Gods fauour , but rather to be fully resolued , that when he punisheth vs , he holdeth vs not for his enemies , but by t●●t meane procu●eth our saluation : and thus we see ( as S. Paule saith ) our victorie consisteth in taking hold of this loue of God in Iesus Christ , being euermore throughly perswaded , that God hath adopted vs to bee his children and heires of his kingdome , which principle wee once hauing , ought not to be led aside nor dismayed with any affliction , for seeing that God beareth such exceeding loue towards vs , we shall neuer be confounded , and so little in very deed shall our afflictions hinder our welfare , that they shall turne to our furtherance , and vndoubtfully prooue vnto vs , that Christ his yoake is sweet and easie , and not onely bringeth vs to the obedience of Gods will , but to eternall happines . Thus afflictions are in truth our medicines to driue vs to God , to tame the pride of our nature , to kill our vices , to make vs know our selues , loath our sinnes vnfainedly , flie from our owne waies , seeke strength of the Lord , and so from vertue to vertue ascend to the height of our saluation : Finally , as to the impatient reprobate they are the fearefull comets of their destruction , so to the number of Gods elect they are the infallibly pledges and sure ensignes of their continuall victory and future triumph in Iesus Christ . The life and healthfull afflictions of Iob and Dauid in aboundont manner do testifie the louing end of Gods afflictions , and in them may we find infinit testimonies , to prooue how profitable are the fatherly chastisements of our good God , who by them dooth euermore scoure vs from the rust of our naturall disposition , and fineth vs like pure gold in the furnace : briefely , by them he violently breaketh into the heart of old Adam , and there bursting the corrupt ends and coates of his veines , by his wonderfull operation powreth a new spirit into his arteries , which creeping through the sences with a liuely moisture , as by a certaine heauenly Analogie or proportion , doth in settet sort dispose vs to contemne this vile place of miserie , and to eleuate our minds to God , that so framed vs , and so forsaking our sinfull waies and hatefull affections , indeuour with all newnesse to serue & worship him in righteousnesse and holinesse of life , and with all patience looke for the reuelation of the elect children of God , against which new birth and inuincible hope before time reserued vnto vs by the good purpose of the father in his sonne Christ , and now vndoubtedly confirmed in our consciences , by the badges of this fatherly handling shall nothing auaile vs , for all the dartes of affliction in what kind soeuer assaulting vs , shall be so farre from preuailing to ouerthrow our faith and libertie ( as the enemy would ) as that they shall flue-fold redouble the force thereof with exceeding ioy against them , so that the very subtilest engines of Sathan shall make vs the more inuincible , and his force the more contemptible . Thus I say , shall Gods fauoureble exercises intermedled with his graces , worke the same effect in our soules , as our meat and drinke doth to our bodies : And like as all such nourishment is the right and ordinarie meane whereby our bodies in this earthly tabernacle doe daily increase and grow in strengthfull habite of health : euen so by the other , our soule is visited , strengthened , and increased , and we are brought by the mercifull hand of God euen as by degrees and from step to step , till at length we come to the fulnesse of our redeemer Christ Iesus , to appeare before the Lord in Sion .

A prayer for Saylors .

THou God , that art the Creator and maker of al things , behold vs that here prostrate our selues at the footstoole of thy maiestie , crauing pardon for our sinnes , gouerne vs thy people , O Lord , that by thy permission do most daungerously trauell the boisterous seas , according to the office and vocation whereunto thou hast called vs , for except thy mightie hand do stay vs , we shall perish , yea , we are alwaies in danger to be ouerwhelmed with the perillous waues of the s●a , and to be swall●wed vp in the deepe gulfes thereof : behold vs therefore , O Lord , in thy mercy , that in these ●ur enterprises we may receiue the fruition of thy blessings : when thou , O God , art angry with vs for sinne , thou makest the stormes to rise , and the seas to rage , in such sort , that they enforce vs to quake and tremble , and when we cease from sinne , thou causest them in like manner to cease , for thou appointest to the sea his course , and keepest it euer in his bounds , yea thou hast ordained vs to trauell thereon , to see thy maruellous workes and excellent greatnesse , as also to declare thy wonders amongst the children of men , thou hast oftentimes for our disobedience and inordinate liuing caused vs to feele thy wrath and grieuous scourge , the dangers whereof haue almost brought vs to our wits end , but when we turne vnto thee with repentance thou wilt not onely bring vs to a safe harbour to ease our weary bodies , but also when our painefull daies are spent and ended , receiue vs into the blessed hauen of eternall rest , the which , O Lord , graunt vs to come vnto for Iesus Christ his sake .

Grace before meat .

TO thee , O Lord God , we render most hearty thanks for these thy blessings of meat and drinke , which thou in mercy doest now bestow vpon vs , beseeching thee to graunt that we doe not abuse them immoderately by surfetting or gluttony , but onely to feed thereon with sobrietie , thereby to sustaine our feeble flesh and hungry desire , and so frame our speeches , O God , that thy name therein may be glorified , and our Christian brethren edified : preserue most louing Lord , our gratious King , with thy vniuersall Church : graunt vs , we humbly beseech thee , the continuance of thy glorious Gospell to be truely and sincerely preached amongst vs , and make vs faithfull followers thereof in righteousnesse and holinesse of life : vouchsafe , O deare father , to defend and euermore to keepe our Realme from the inuasion of forraine enemies , and send vs a perpetuall peace in conscience , through Iesus Christ our Lord .

Grace after meat .

GRations God and most louing father , we thy poore seruants yeild vnto thee in humilitie of heart all praise and thankes , in that it hath pleased thee of thy inestimable goodnesse at this instant to refresh and relieue the appetite of our earthly bodies with this food of meat and drinke , which thy diuine prouidence . O Lord , in plentiful measure hath bestowed vpon vs , and as these thy creatures are by thy permission ordained to nourish our mortall bodies , euen so in mercy vouchsafe to graunt that our soules may be fed and comforted with the diuine food of thy glorious Gospell , and that it may so shine in our hearts and sences , that we by the direction of thy grace and holy spirit , may proceed in newnesse of life , to the honour and glory of thy holy name . Call vs not , O deare Father , to account of the vaine and idle speeches that we haue at this present , as also at other times of our life , vndiscreetly vsed , but in fauour remit the same , and graunt that we with willing minds may remember and helpe our needy brethren , who feele the want of that which we haue had at full . In mercy , O Lord , preserue thy Church , our King and Realme , increase the number of thy seruants , and blesse vs with peace of conscience and health of body , thorow Iesus Christ our Lord .

Earnest and zealous meditations on the seuen petitions of the Lords prayer .

O Lord thou art the father of all mercies , and God of all consolation , behold vs that with lowly hearts come vnto thee , euen as children doe to their naturall fathers : our onely trust is in thy mercy , for thy goodnesse exceedeth all earthly fathers , with reuerence therefore , and humilitie of heart , loue , obedience , and faithfull dutifulnesse , as becommeth the children of so louing a father , doe we call for thy helpe and comfortable assistance , for who is like vnto thee , or can bring to effect the thing which thou canst doe ? thy seat is in heauen where thou raignest in all dignitie for euermore , thy power is in heauen and earth , and in the sea , yea and thy regiment appeareth in all places , thou seest all things , thou hearest all things , and by thy eternitie gouernest all things , and we thy poore children doe craue succour of thee onely , beseeching thee , O Lord , to raise our hearts from earthly things , and vnite our minds to the contemplation of heauenly things , and make vs ready at all times with stedfast hope to expect our heauenly inheritance : praised be thy name , O Lord , which aboue all other names ought to be had in reuerence , for thou art altogither holy , graunt therefore that we may vtterly detest and abolish the names of all faigned gods , and euermore vouchsafe to assist vs in mercie with thy grace and holy spirit , that we may refraine the company of such euill persons as vnreuerently blaspheme thy name , neither suffer vs by retchlesnes to dishonour thee our God in any of our actions : moreouer , graunt we most humbly beseech thee , O Lord , that thy kingdome may euer remaine amongst vs , and that thy truth and holy word neuer depart from vs , but abide in our hearts by thy inspiration , as a fruitfull doctrine daily instructing vs , wherby we may with more earnest zeale walke as Christians in newnesse of life to the honour and praise of thy name , that all men seeing the same , may truly turne vnto thee , in hope to attaine thy euerlasting kingdome . O most gratious God , let thy blessed will be done in all things with vs both now and euer , and as thou art our heauenly father , so graunt that we may not request any thing contrary to thy will , but accept whatsoeuer thou sendest with reuerent minds , saying with chearefull heartes , Thy will be done , O Lord , for euermore here on earth , as it is in thy holy sanctuary of heauen : quicken vs , O Lord , that we may learne more and more to be obedient vnto thy heauenly will in all things as becommeth thy deare children , and euen as thy holy Angels and blessed companie doe obserue the same with ioy : so direct our inward affections , that we may wholly apply our selues thereunto , and that our whole felicitie in this life may be altogether imployed in meditating on thy sacred Scriptures , which thou in mercy hast sent and left amongst vs , to the comfort of our soules and our eternall saluation : and euermore in mercy , O deare Father , vouchsafe of thy prouidence to nourish and comfort vs continually with such things as thy onely goodnesse doth know to be most expedient both for our soules and bodies , whereby we may goe foreward with a quieter conscience to serue thee so that we in this life may be maintained and preserued , wherby we may be helpfull vnto our Christian brethren , & not chargeable vnto them any waies , especially , good Lord , graunt that we abuse not thy blessings of meat and drinke , but vouchsafe that we may thankefully receiue thy fatherly benefits in such modest sort , that thy name may be glorified , our soules and bodies gratiously comforted , and if it shall please thee at any time to lay thy rodde of correction vpon vs for our disobedience , and so to afflict vs with any kind of penurie , yet graunt to vs such grace that we may continually with all humilitie be thankefu l vnto thee without either murmuring or grudging and with armed patience st●ll abide thy leisure , for thou of thy fatherly goodnesse hast willed vs to lay our care vpon thee , who art able in thy good time to relieue our need : but aboue all things , O mercifull God , graunt that our soules may be nourished and spiritually fed with the liuely word of thy glorious Gospell , which giueth knowledge vnto such as delight therein , and leadeth to life euerlasting : behold , O Lord , our weakenesse , for thou knowest our frailty , and the wickednesse of our youth is not hi● from thee : we confesse that we were conceiued and brought forth in sinne , so that through our corrupt nature we daily and hourely offend thy diuine maiestie by Sathans interceptions in breaking thy commaundements , and neglecting our dutie towards thee , but , O our good God , we most humbly beseech thee with sighing hearts to giue vs a feeling of our infirmities , and stirre vs vp with all speed in the times of our triall to seeke after thee , and to proceed in repentance and amendment of life , for thou art our mercifull Lord , more ready to forgiue than we for to aske , and therefore we come to thee alone , for none in heauen nor in earth , Saint nor Angell , can forgiue sinnes , but thou onely , through Iesus Christ our redeemer , who hath suffered the paine due vnto our sinnes : and furthermore we craue of thee , O deare father , so to assist vs with thy holy spir●t , that we may put out of our hearts all manner of mallice , debate , and thoughts of reuengement , and with Chr stianitie , from the very inwards of our hearts forgiue them that trespasse against vs , that with stedfast hope we may craue at thy hands forgiuenesse for our sinnes : thou most mightie God , direct our paths and guide o●r waies , stretch foorth thy right hand to succour vs , that we may be euer armed with thy defence against the violent snares and manifold temptations of the world , the flesh , and the diuel , stay vs good Lord that we perish not through their cruell inuasions , nor turne from thee to our owne destruction , for except thou doest still continue a good father vnto vs , in protecting and defending vs thy children , and blessing vs with thy spirituall graces , we shall suddenly fall into all iniuries : wherefore our hope both now and euer shall wholy depend vpon thy mercies , with full assurance , that thou wilt in thy good time not onely deliuer vs from all euill , but also nourish and preserue vs in our necessitie , and s●ue vs from such cruell and grieuous afflictions as are readie to molest vs either in body or mind . Thy kingdome , O deare father , we faithfully confesse and acknowledge is an heauenly and euerlasting kingdome , and thy power is exceeding infinite , yea and thy glorie so incomprehensible , that it passeth mans reason and the limits of his vnderstanding to attaine to the knowledge , therefore we most entirely beseech thee graunt vs these things that we haue faithfully asked in humilitie of heart , according to thy wil , and giue vnto vs , O Lord , such grace , that our prayers may be alwaies directed in perfect faith vnto thy diuine maiestie , without wauering or doubting of thy assistance , remembring thy promises , that so praying vnto thee with a stedfast hope , we may expect the speedie approach of thy euerlasting comfort in Christ Iesus , Amen .

A prayer or thankesgiuing for Gods benefits bestowed vpon vs .

COnduct and preserue me , O Lord , for in thee alone doe I trust , thou art my health and the portion of my inheritance , yea , thou hast blessed me with increase , and allotted vnto me a faire heritage , graunt therefore O Lord , that with reuerence I may render vnto thee due thankes for all the blessings which thou hast lent me , and may imploy the same to the benefit of thy children : let thy feate be euer apparant before mine eyes , that I may liue vprightly in thy sight : saue me , O God , from the daungerous euents of this trou●lesome and wretched life and hold thy hand continually ouer me , to defend my cause against the furie of my aduersaries : guide me , O God in all my wayes , that my course may be ruled according to thy word , whereby I may faithfully perseuere with all dutifull obedience in that necessarie vocation whereunto thy onely goodnesse hath ordained me : for so long as thy graces haue dom●nion ouer me , I am altogether stedfast and immouable , wherefore I reioyce bo●h in bodie and soule at thy wonderfull workes established within me , thou quicknest me from the mind of earthly carefulnesse , and makest me oftentimes to feele thy mercy , and relieuest my conscience with the reuelation of thy word , wherefore with delight shall I declare thy goodnes and praise thy name for euer and euer .

A prayer for aid in the time of afflictions .

COnsider my crie O Lord , and giue eare vnto me that am oppressed : helpe me , O God , and deliuer me against them that doe iniuriously resist me , preserue thy seruant that flieth vnto thee , and respect me in mercie that am continually conuersant in calling vpon thee , refresh my soule which is lifted vp vnto thee , for vnto thee alone doe I call and crie . Thou art verily good and mercifull , and vsest great clemencie vnto them that call on thee , giue eare Lord vnto my prayer , and hearken vnto my meditation , for in the day of my trouble I will call vnto thee , yea all nations shall extoll thy name , because of thy wondrous workes : teach me the way of thy righteousnes , and I will walke therein , knit my heart vnto thee , that I may feare thy holy name . I will praise thee , O Lord my God , with all my heart , yea I will alwaies glorifie thy name , for great is thy mercie towards me , and thou hast deliuered my soule from the lowest graue . O gratious God , the prowd are risen against me , & the assembles and iniurious dealings of violent men haue sought my soule , to destroy it vtterly , and haue not set thee before them , but thou , O Lord God , on whom onely I doe depend , art kind and mercifull , not hastie vnto anger , but full of truth , take care now of me therefore O Lord and helpe me for thy mercy sake , graunt finally that I may manifestly know and perceiue that thou louest me , that my enemies may be grieued and ashamed of themselues , when they see that thou doest yeeld comfort and help vnto me , so shall I be endued with greater ioy to serue thee and to yeeld vnto thee eternall praise and vncessant thankesgiuing for euer , Amen .

A prayer crauing aid of God against all our enemies .

WIth speed , O Lord come forth to deliuer me , make hast to helpe and succour me , my God , let them be confounded and put to shame that pretend to doe me euil , and let them be turned backward and put to endlesse confusion that desire my death : let them turne home with shame as a recompence , disappointed of their purpose , which haue vaunted a-against me , as though I had bene quite confounded , and graunt thou , O Lord , that not I alone , but all they also that haue a desire to worship thee , may with a lowe voice ascribe all glorie vnto thee , in reioycing , and that they may delight to giue solemne and euerlasting praises vnto thee , who hast in mercie deliuered thy seruant . In the meane season I stand here all alone , oppressed with the approach of daily sinnes , and destitute of all succour , yea , and continually grieued with the troublesome assaults of Sathan , which keepeth the soule in perpetuall bondage , wherefore make hast and draw neere to helpe me , O mercifull God , for vpon thy gratious aid doe I onely depend , O God , my deliuerer : O Lord . I beseech thee , delay not longer , but graunt me thy heauenly assistance , that I feeling thy great kindnesse , may henceforth applie my selfe wholy to the obseruation of thy lawes , through Iesus Christ my onely Sauiour , vnto whom with thee and the holy Ghost be all power and dominion for euer .

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

WIth the eye of mercy , O God , see into my sorrowfull soule , and gratiously behold my inward cogitations : and as thou hast oftentimes shewed thy selfe a most louing and mercifull Lord vnto thy seruants , euen so with humble heart I earnestly beseech thee O God , satisfie my mind with good things , and couer my sins in the multitude of thy mercies , change the frowardnes of my corrupt nature , & release thine anger pretended towards me , that I may worth●ly praise thee , shew me thy mercy , O deare father , and grant me thy saluation : instruct me continually by thy holy spirit in the reuelation of thy lawes , that I may thereby perceiue thy will in all things , and so lead a life acceptable in thy sight , and vouchsafe , O Lord , euermore to graunt me thy heauenly wisdome , that I may not be enclined to follie , but knowing whereunto thou hast created me . I may diligently proceed in that necessarie vocation that thy diuine prouidence hath called me vnto , seruing thee in righteousnesse and holinesse of conuersation all the dayes of my life . Graunt also , O Lord , that I may altogether imbrace thy true and a heauenly doctrine & eschew all such things as are contrarie to thy will , that so leading a life agreeable to my calling , I may in the end attaine to the ioyes euerlasting .

A prayer and thankesgiuing vnto God , to be vsed of euery man that hath been either troubled in body or mind .

TO thee O Lord , doe I render continuall thankes , for thou in mercie hast heard my voyce , and inclined thine eare vnto the prayers and petitions of my mouth , and therefore will I call vpon thee so long as I liue , for when the most cruell snares of death compasseth me , and when the dreadfull anguish of the graue held me , being ouercome with the troubles of my sorrowfull heart , then I called vpon the Lord , saying : O Lord , I beseech thee , come speedily and deliuer my soule , and thou like a mercifull father didst send and and reliefe vnto me : verily thou , O God , art mercifull and righteous , full of truth and compassion , for I wa● in misery , and thou didddest saue me : O my soule enter now therefore into the place of rest , seeing the Lord hath beene so beneficiall vnto thy safetie , for he hath deliuered my life from death : thou hast staied mine eyes from breaking out into teares , and thou hast established my feet in such a perfect path , that I may walke now safe and sound amongst the liuing , for I haue euermore beleeued the promises of the Lord , and therefore did I speake , euen my aith min●string voice and words to me , being opressed with sorow , and thou didst ouercome the dangerous attemps of my foes , quickening me for thine infinite mercies sake : what shall I render vnto thee therefore for all thy benefits which thou hast bestowed vpon me , I will giue thee the sacrifice of praise , and call vpon thy name with reuerence , yea I will pay my vowes vnto thee , which I haue promised euen in the m●dst of thy faithfull congregation for euer and euer , Amen .

A prayer vnto God , desiring him to defend vs from the malice of our aduersaries .

MOst mercifull God , I beseech thee for thy names sake , saue me and deliuer me ( being an innocent ) by thy power , giue eare vnto the wordes of my mouth , and refuse not my prayer that I here present vnto thy diuine maiestie , defend me O Lord , from the wicked and such as rise vp against me , confound their deuices , and let the snares that they haue set to imtrap me , be as a sword lighting vpon their owne heads , cut them downe according to thy promises which thou hast made to thy children that I being deliuered by the extended force of thy right hand , may willingly performe my vow and solemne promise vnto thee , and celebrate thy praises , seeing there is nothing more bountifull nor more excellent than the worthinesse of the power , namely in that thou hast saued me from all distresse , and graunted me my desire on my enemies : graunt this , O father , for Iesus Christ his sake our onely redeemer , Amen .

A prayer for such as intend to enter into the estate of matrimonie , made at the request of M Ed. Fenton .

MOst mightie God and heauenly father , from the bottome of my heart I yeeld all honour , land , praise , and thankesgiuing vnto thy diuine maiestie , for those thy riches , blessings , and benefits which thou in mercy hast bestowed vpon me : O Lord , that by thy incomprehensible power madest Adam out of the dust and slime of the earth , and createdst him to thine own image , behold me thy seruant whom thy good pleasure hath called to the honourable state of matrimony , and as by thy most excellent prouidence thou diddest giue vnto Adam , Eua to be his helper , and immutably ordainest them to become one flesh , from whom proceeded all mankind , so , O my good God , in thy mercy graunt that this woman whom thou hast giuen me , may be vnto me a helper , and that we may be a comfort one towards another , euen as Abraham vnto Sara , and Isaac to Rebecca , and not to fulfill our vngodly affections , nor the corrupt and filthie desire of our fleshly appetites , but to loue and liue together withall humble obedience and reuerent feare towards thee as becommeth thy seruants , without strife or debate , and for the procreation of children , to the increase of thy kingdome : which if it please thee to blesse vs withall , grant that we may bring them vp in thy feare and true religion : Lord behold vs , that with one heart and voi●e doe most humbly beseech thee so to endue , direct , and sanctifie vs with thy holy spirit , that all our actions may stand with thy honour and glory , credit of thy Church , and our euerlasting saluation : and graunt that we with all modesty may liue together with continuall peace of conscience and health of body , vntill we become aged , that we may see our childrens children , and thy name eternally aduanced in the Church and congregation , and when thy goodnes , hath finished our dayes in this life , conduct our soules in safetie vnto that spirituall kingdome which thou hast ordained for thine elect , to rest with thee for euer . Graunt , O most mercifull father , that those things which we haue faithfully asked , according to thy will , may effectually be obtained , that we thy lowly and obedient children obtaining the perpetuall fruition of thy fauour , may for thy gratious assistance and inestimable treasures yeeld vnto thee eternall praise , power , and dominion , with vncessant thanksgiuing both now and euer , thorough our onely mediatour and aduocate Iesus Christ , Amen .

A prayer for a woman that is barren , and desireth the fruit of her bodie .

O Lord my God , most gratious and louing father in Iesus Christ , behold me , poore wretch , whom thy hand hath hitherto humbled as it were in the sight of all the world , at the length take away my reproch , I acknowledge thy hand to be vpon me : for none in heauen or earth , saue thy maiestie only , is able to withstand the particular effect of that thy generell commaundement , Bring foorth fruit and multiply Thou onely ( deare father ) canst doe it , because of thy almightinesse : and thou also doest it euen in thy children , according to the most holy decree of thy vnsearchable wisdome : now , because when thou v●sitest thy children with any wants of outward comforts and blessings , thou doest it not ( deare father ) for any lacke of loue to them , or as though the blessings also of this life pertained not to them , for in Christ Iesus , who is Lord of all , they are likewise our right , the vngodly being meere vsurpers of them , but thou doest it to draw them by some temporal want and short restraint of their desires to , seeke at thy hand some eternall blessings , which they stand more in need of , that thereby in the end thou mightest be seene to multiply thy rich mercies towards them euery way . Of which thy wisdome thou hast left vs a leagible euidence in the story of thy seruant Iob : who ( after thou baddest taught him more humilitie ) thou enrichedst also , as his heart could desire . Now because thy waies are all iust , O Lord , and thou walkest euer like thy selfe , haue mercie on me thy seruant , I beseech thee giue me to vnderstand that which thou wouldest haue me to see in this my affliction , and sith through the darkenesse of my mind , it is hard for me ( O Lord ) to espit out the deformities and wants that are in me , may it please thee to vouchsafe me the especiall guiding of thy holy spirit herein : so as by it I may make a through visitation of my selfe both for my outward deeds and for my inward affections , vntill I shall find out the thing that may please thee , and may also be yet further blessed of thee , euen in this thing which my heart desireth , so shall this thy louing returne wipe away my reproch , thy bounteous dealings with thy seruant , be ioyfully praised among thy Saints , and as for me , whose head thou hast thus lifted vp , I will neuer cease talking of thy goodnesse , and informing those who shall in like case of thy liberall kindnesse towards all that wait on thee , and thy most wise and righteous iudgements which thou exercisest amongst those also that feare thy holy name , Amen .

A prayer for iourneying .

O Most louing and tender Father , I commit this my iourney and corporall trauell vnto thy heauenly direction , to guide and gouerne me as shall seeme most expedient to thy godly wisdome : and as this my troublesome and wearie life is but a pilgrims passage , and a spanne from birth to graue , so graunt that I may alwaies consider of it , and I beseech thee , O my God , that as to Iacob iourneying into the East , & praying for thy gratious protection , thou didst minister all things necessarie to his safetie , so thou wilt mercifully behold me , a member of thy little Israell , and prosper me so in my iourney , that all things according to thy heauenvly wil may go well with me , to the honor and aduancement of thy holy name , that like as Iacob said thou shouldest be his God , so we knowing that in all things thou art more rich and plentiful vnto vs ( a thousand fold ) than we can deserue , may for thy continuall goodnesse sing land and praise vnto thy holy name , O God that for euer liuest one in trinitie , and three in vnitie , Amen .

A godly prayer to be vsed at all times .

O Most mercifull father , from thy holy sanctuarie looke downe , I beseech thee , vpon me , and behold me , poore wretch that am oppressed with the burthen of daily sinne , and be wrapped in the bonds of mortall misery , prisoned in the fetters of originall wickednesse , and hauing in mine owne body the traiterous affections of concupiscence , alway conspiring to betray my soule into the hands of the aduersarie : behold me ( I say ) in the bright beames of thy louing countenance with thy eye of mercy , see into the troubles of my spirit , and lay thine eare vnto the mournefull grones of the same , my soule howleth out vnto thee euen from the gulph of deepe calamities , pressed with the prouision of temporall things , vrged with the spightfull watching of the hatefull , pricked with the presumptuous pride of worldly benefites , and wounded with the venomous dart of Adams transgression : my battailes are full of difficulties , my victories compassed with treason , and my dwellings in the dores of death . O my God , what felicitie can the poore seruant find in this irkesome life ? Or what comfort can bring sufficient reliefe to the afflicted spirit , but the true platforme of our pathes , and the sweete scope of our pilgrimage , euen Iesus Christ thy dearely beloued sonne our sauiour . Wherfore I poore sinner humbly beseech thee not to carry long , or deferre my deliuerance from this wearie iourney . Let not my soule alway be clad with mourning , and my bones witherwith anguish , thou Lord hast created me of nothing , and thou gauest me life in my mothers wombe . Thou hast chosen me to be of thine , and thou hast giuen me thy holy spirit the testimony : O deare father , let not thy graces be in me in vaine , let me not be ouerwhelmed with the iniquities of this troublesome world : but preuent me with the extended force of thy right hand , and saue my soule , O God , my rocke of strength : Behold not that which is amisse in me , neither let my sinnes and infirmities make separation betweene thy mercy and me : driue out , or at the least wise hold downe in me the cruell sting of raging concupiscence , by the increasing might of thy holy spirit impresse in my heart a feare of thy lawes , and instruct me so to number my daies , that I may applie my selfe wholly to thy statutes . Also ( O most mercifull father ) as the dore of thy mercy is alwaies open , and as thou wilt neuer refuse humble sutes of thy seruants : heare me , O Lord , in my earnest petition , for thy little Church of England let me neuer see it gouerned againe with the mistie cloud of deepe ignorance , suffer me neuer to see thy holy temple and sanctuary defiled with the beastily superstition and blasphemous idolatrie of Antichrist : strike not the lampe out of our hands in thy wrath , and so make vs go groping in palpable darkenesse : I must needs confesse ( O deare father ) that the multitude of our sinnes ( which are growne in such ripenesse ) due worthily deserue thy grieuous plagues : euen from the highest to the lowest we haue all gone astray , and prowdly breaking our allegiance , haue disol eyed thy precepts . But yet ( O mightie Iehouah , who admittest dust and ashes to speake vnto thee ) heare thy poore seruant , I beseech thee , euen with the teares of a sorrowfull heart , appease thine anger , hold thy heauie rod , shed not the violl of wrath vpon vs in thy furie , let not thy spirit be mooued with man because he is but flesh , correct vs not in thine anger , least we be consumed and brought to nothing , but conuert vs , O Lord , and we shall be conuerted , change vs , and we shall be changed , for thine elects sake , O father , spare this Realme of England . Deferre the day of reuenge , and so much more plenteously poure thy pretious spirit into the hearts of thy children , which now alreadie feele thy fatherly calling , that they with all speede making hast into thy vineyard , may painefully sweate in dunging , earthing and priming the trees , to the increase of thy vintage , to the glory of thy holy name . Lord heare me I beseech theé , and so kindle in the hearts of thy children the loue of thy law , and zeale of true profession , that we may walke together in all brotherly admonition and Christian exhortation that we all striue to goe before others in godly zeale , and flourish in the fruits of perfect faith : That we vse not our liberty to the infirming of the weake , but euery one burne in desire to winne a soule vnto thee . Finally , that our stedfast going forward and continuall increase may be to the strengthening of the weake and comfort of the strong , to the sifting out of Wolues , & defence of the Lambs , to the shining credite of thy Church , and finall confusion of Antechrist , that so turning from vs thy heauy displeasure , and vnbending the bowe of thy wrath , thou maiest imbrace vs in thy armes of mercie , where gaining the fruition of thy fauour , in all patience and thanksgiuing we may expect the day of our liberty , which we shall one day obtaine by the dissolution of this life , and entrance into that vnspeakable rest , that Christ our sauiour hath purchased and entred into by his pretious blood , to whom with the father and the holy spirit be all praise and thankesgiuing for euer , Amen .

Godly meditations to be vsed at all times .

O Eternall God and heauenly father , whose wisdome and power is infinit , and yet whose mercie surmounteth all , in whome all creatures haue their being , and from whom all goodnesse floweth as from a fountaine : I humbly beseech thee giue eare vnto the groning requests of my spirit , and pittie the salt streames that ( for the sight and sence of mine owne infirmities ) flow from the inwards of my consuming heart . And also I aske nothing but that which soundeth to the glory of thy holy name , and to the credit of thy Church : shew thy selfe , O father , as willing as able , that my spirit being refreshed , and my heart receiuing comfort , I may boldfast the reioysing of my hope , with a sound and setled conscience to the end .

Against temptation .

O Thou maker of heauen and earth , deliuer me from the continuall and most dangerous assaults of Sathan , who priuily layeth baites , and secretly diggeth pittes for my soule , leauing nothing vnattempted that might worke my destruction , and I feeling my selfe nothing but a masse of infirmities , and ready to decline at euery stroke that he giueth , cannot but mistrust my selfe altogether , and wholly flying vnto the sea of thy mercie , power and wisedome , doe beseech the vncessant supplie of thy gifts , in the continuall accesse of thy holy spirit , that in the throng of temptations I may be deliuered and stand victorer in Iesus Christ .

For patience .

O Most louing Lord suffer me not to be tempted aboue my might : neither by affliction of bodie or soule , neither by whatsoeuer earthly penurie the enemie would presse me with , but euen in the middest graunt me patience to suffer thy fatherly tryals thankefully and without all grudging , as worthily may beseeme the childe of so louing and mercifull a father .

For increase of faith .

O God , thou creator of al mankind , increase my faith , and purge me of vnbeliefe , that I alway calling to mind thy wonderfull louing worke of our redemption , may with all boldnesse of spirit in the blood of Iesus Christ so apply thy comfortable promises to the saluing of my sores as that in vsing of the same pretious oyle of thy grace , I may alwayes feare to make wast thereof .

For sanctification .

O Thou mightie God of Israell , graunt me such an vnderstanding heart , and so instruct my sences to be studious and capable of thy heauenly mysteries , that according to the right rul● and perfect platforme of thy prouident direction . I may loue in all singlenesse and humilitie of heart , as a feeling member of Christ Iesus , suffer in him mutually and fructifie in all aboundance of godly life to thy honor .

For temporall benefits .

O Father of all mercies so moderate thy mercifull hand in blessing me with the benefits of this temporall maintenance that neither through aboundance old Adam may set vp his feather , nor yet thy vertues be in me through scarcity obscured .

For thankfulnesse .

O Thou comforter of the comfortlesse , rend out of my heart all fleshly thornes and impediments , that would at any time incline me to forget thy goodnesse , or neglect to serue thee , and giue me a heart alwaies affected to honour thee , a minde euer meditating vpon thy mercy , and a spirit burning with zeale of thy worship , that daily I may pay my vowes vnto thee , and speake to thy praise in the midst of the congregation .

For mortification and resolution .

O Most bounteous God , so mortifie old Adam in my members , and redouble the strength of the inner man , that despising this momentanous life , I may not sticke in the ioy of any earthly pleasure , or yeeld my selfe to the delight of this present life , but alway refusing to endeuour my selfe in an vncertaine hospidge , and knowing that I am here but as a pilgrim . I may shun my acquaintance with all things of fickle stay , and fixe my heart , my solace and delight , vpon the hope of beholding the maiestie and beautie of thy glorie euen as it is , where my ioy shall be full , and nothing wanting for euer : which ioyes , as my spirit groneth to see , so , O Lord I beseech thee with expedition finish thy good workes in me , and shortly bring to an end my sorrowfull daies , that my soule as a doue may once take her flight from this earthly tabernacle , and being receiued in to the bosome of thy deare sonne , may be placed in that most happy rest which he hath purchased for the same , with the price of his most pretious blood , to whom with thee , O father , and the euerlasting comforter be all praise , dominion and power euermore ascribed , Amen .

A prayer against the feare of death .

O Eternall God , my most louing and mercifull father , I praise and glorifie thee euen from the depth of my infirme heart , for all the benefites and riches of thy goodnesse bestowed vpon me , from the beginning of my life vnto this present time : but especially for the blessings of my election , redemption , vocation , iustification and sanctification in Iesus Christ , in all which thou hast in part taken me out of this world , and giuen me the pledge of thy holy spirit , which witnesseth vnto my spirit that I am thy childe , thou hast ( I say ) giuen me the earnest peny of my saluation , and whilest I was yet thine enemie , hast reconciled me in Christ : yea , thou tookest me out of the blinde dungeon of carelesse ignorance , to serue thee in simplicity , to feare thee in loue , and to call vpon thee in spirit and truth , and in all these ( most louing father ) hast then made me proceed and profit vnto this present day , wherein happily thy good pleasure seemeth to incline me towards the greatest benefi● that I euer yet tasted , that is , wholly to free me from all the miseries of this present life , and to bring me to that heauenly liberty where my ioy shall be full , and no t●st of mixture with bitternesse . Now therefore deare father , for Iesus Christ his sake , I beseech thee , respect me thy vnworthy seruant , & as all times of my life thou hast fatherly fedde , nourished , preserued , and defended me , so now in my last need visit and regard me : that as the enemy will now with all rage bend his force ag●inst me , so thou with thy fatherly and mighty protection by thy holy spirit wilt comfort me and with the comfortable presence of thy maiestie strengthen me , that my ●●●th still increasin● with armed patience I may despise the fe●re of this bodies death , knowing that it is the vnauoidable way that thy good pleasure hath appointed to doe away our mortalitie , and to bring vs those ioyes , which thy vnspeakable prouidence hath ordeined vs vnto , without all deseruing on our parts : teach me new therefore so to number my daies , that I may apply my heart vnto thy wisdome : teach me ( sweet Lord ) as heretofore to liue , so now to frame to die to thy glory , whereunto I , poore wretch , doe with a sighing heart beseech thee neuer ●o forsake me with thy holy spirit , but that mine vnderstanding may alway be lightened with the feeling of mine owne infirmities , so that in all perfect humilitie I may flie from the mind of all earthly stay , and cleauing inseparably to thy promises , and apprehending my saluation with sure hope , I may expect the dissolution : so beholding thy maiestie with the cleare eyes of my faith , I may grow , as by degrees weaker in body , so fuller and stronger in the spirituall body or inner man : so that when the last breath hath passed , my soule may ioyfully respire the triumphant odours of an endlesse life , in the bosome of Abraham withall thy saints : whereto hasten me , O deare louing father , euen for Iesus Christ his sake our sauiour , to whome with thee and the holy Ghost be all power , glory , and dominion , now and for euer . Amen .

A prayer to be said in affliction .

O Thou onely wise God , and most louing and mercifull father , I thy vnworthy seruant doe humbly beseech thee to look down from heauen , and beholde the wounded heart of him whome thou hast stricken and visited , according to the good pleasure of thy will , and because man in his owne nature is nothing but blindnesse and folly before thee , and therefore cannot poss●bly conceiue rightly of the thinges that are aboue , it may therefore please thee according to thy wonted mercy towards me , to renew and refresh thy spirit in thy seruant , that the same instructing my heart in true wisdome , and feare of thee , whereby I may willingly and obediently studie thy commaundements , and exrecise my selfe in thy Statutes , I may come to the vnderstanding of mine owne euils , and feele the cause of thy scourge , that so my wound being laid open to mine eyes , I may deferre no time to seeke the salue to heale it : My good God heare the voice of thy seruant that crieth vnto thee , consider my complaints , and weigh mine inward wo conceiued through hate of mine owne infirmities , for I flie from my selfe as from an vnwalled castle , and I feare all my footings as though I walked on thornes . O Lord therefore deale not with me in thy displeasure , neither let my sinnes separate thy fauour from me , but quicken me in my afflictions , and make me waxe wiser by thy punishments , giue me such a feeling of my infirmities , and so perfect a perseuerance of my great negligences in seruing of thee , as that I may wholly dispose my selfe to a contrary order , and thereunto so ioyne the encrease of thy grace and strengthning spirit , as I may be able thereby to perfourme my race in that good way , which thy goodnesse hath mooued me to . And that I may not be a vaine beholder of thy workes , a momentaneous ●iewer of thy graces , but diligently noting the effectuall working of thy wisdome , and making due obseruations of thy profitable exercises in thy children , I may locke them in the closet of my heart , and make store of them for mine owne vses in the time of my triall : in which times also , O mercifull father be neere vnto me with thy ioyfull countenance , and open my eies of faith to behold thy loue , so that I be not too much shaken by the enemies assaults , but may be furnished from thee , both with abilitie , constancie , and patience , to giue him both his daily and finall repulse and ouerthrow , which that I may doe to the greater credit of thy Church , and increase of thy kingdome : make , O sweete Lord ( now and the rather for that I haue had triall of my enemy his sleights already ) me thy seruant to arise out of all the fathers of sloth , and neuer to trust hereafter to the the trecherie of the enemy , but to stand warily vpon my guard , and neuer to discend from the watch tower of my health , but there night and day to vse the counsell of thy spirit , and to exercise my selfe in the spirituall weapons of my saluation , that when I haue spent my youthfull daies in the vigilant watch of my charge , as thy mercy and louing kindnes shall inable me , when thy sonne our Generall shall come to take account , I may be indued with the daies of rest , which he hath purchased for me with the price of his most pretious blood , & receiue at his hands the priuiledged rod of liberty for euer . The loue of our good God that created vs , the grace of our Lord Iesus who hath redeemed vs , and the assistant fellowship of the Holy Ghost , who hath sanctified vs , gouerne and continue with vs euen all thy Israel for euer .

Before we receiue the Lords supper , it shall be profitable thus to meditate .

ALl the righteousnesse that may rise vnto man , or can be in vs , we haue it neither from the East , nor from the West , but from the body of Christ , neither is therein the world any other sanctification , so that all we that be here this day , and all people els of the world , except we know perfect manhood , and our owne nature to be really vnited to the person of the sonne of God , who hath sanctified himse fe for vs , there is no sanctification for vs vnder heauen . Euen as our hands and armes and other members are not nourished but onely by the meat receiued by the head , so our spirituall meate of righteousnesse and life is not giuen vs but from our head Iesus Christ . And as the veines are meanes by which nourishment is conueighed to euery part , so faith is the meanes by which we reteine from Christ all that is healthfull vnto vs . And as by ioynts and sinewes our members are really knit and made a body vnto the head , so really , truly , and indeede , by one spirit we be knit vnto Christ , as perfectly and substantially made one with him , as our members are one with our head .

A praier before the receiuing of the Lords supper .

O Almighty God and my most mercifull father , in wonderfull mercy ( I acknowledge ) it hath pleased thee to purge me vnworthy wretch by the bloody passion of thy sonne from all my sinnes , to haue adopted me thy child , and g●uen me the earnest of my saluation , touching my heart with an infallible feeling of thy mercies , and setled confidence in thy promises : in the ioyfull commemoration of which thy vnspeakeable blessings , my soule is now thirstingly entred into thine house , to take the wholesome cup of saluation , and to call vpon thy holy name , giue me now therefore , O Lord , a wise and vnderstanding heart , that I may conceiue rightly of thy sacred mysteries , discerne them secretly , & receiue them effectually , to the perfect consummation and finishing of that happy building which thy worthy goodnes ha●h begun in me , yea vntill I become to the measure of the age and fulnesse of my Lo●d and Sauiour Iesus Christ , vnto whom , with thee , O father , and the Holy Ghost , be all power and do●inion for euer , Amen .

of my health in this life . ( O sweete Lord ) I take no care , so that thy good pleasure be therein fulfilled , for if thou wilt I liue and recouer of this my bodely infirmitie , I haue iust cause to be thankefull vnto thee therefore : and if thy wisdome hath now determined to finish in me these daies of sinne , I haue double cause to poure forth the teares of a melting heart for ioy , not because I would leaue these daies of paine and sorrow ( which my sinne ten thousand times double deserueth ) but that I would cease to displease so deare a Lord , and louing a father , and that being transported into that heauenly life of thy immortall children , I may praise and serue thee in that sweet societie of Angels , where the burthen of this flesh shall find no place to encumber me for euer . Thither therefore , O Father , if thy wisdome haue so determined , speedily conduct me : in the meane time make , that this my bodily affliction may conduce to thy glory on earth , and my saluation in heauen , by the conduct of thy holy spirit , through Iesus Christ my onely aduocate and mediatour , Amen .

Godly petitions to be vsed of euery Christian .

O My God , accept thy most vnworthie seruant here humbly falling downe before thee , I acknowledge thy great mercies , and ( in sundry sort ) thy extended goodnesse towards me , yet in feare of mine owne frailety , I eftsoones present my selfe before thy maiestie , to looke fauourably on me alwaies , and to open mine eyes more clearely to see thy maiestie , for the little tast that thou hast giuen me , hath perswaded me alreadie that thou art sweet , yea and the more that I discerne thy sweetnesse , the more I see also my vncleannesse : the knowledge of thee therefore ( I confesse ) is the leader to saluation , for the consideration of thy greatnesse , maketh me despise my basenesse , and thy puritie my filthinesse , and thy wonderfull goodnesse my monstrous vnworthinesse . Forgiue me then , O Lord , my sinnes , and let them not hold backe thy bounteous hand , now begunne to be opened towards mee , ( I say begun , my Lord , because my selfe hath but now begun to see it : ) giue me a wise vnderstanding heart , and send me knowledge from aboue : driue from my mind the mistes of fleshly darkenesse , and make me capable of thy heauenly riches , fill my mouth with good things , for I will open it to receiue of thy blessings . Let me not die , but liue and declare the praises of my Lord . Why hast thou made me , but to glorifie thee ? Why hast thou enlightned me , but to loue thee ? yea , why hast thou redeemed me , but to saue me ? And for what cause hast thou sanctified my heart but to make me fit for those good things that thou purposest to bestow vpon me ? O sweete Father , thy loue is not to be expressed : Now therefore goe forward , and cease not with thy poore seruant , performe that good building which thy spirit hath begun in me , thou hast made me thirst for thy righteousnesse , replenish now therefore my heart with gladnesse , make my flesh to vanish , and the new Adam to rise vp in strength , tha● I may be discreet in my waies , and stand in the continuall search of thy iudgements . And when thy mercie thus ha h enlarged me , as a full cloud , so shall I declare thy kindnesse , and as the sauour of Myrrhe , so shall my lippes send vp thy praises . Blessed be the Lord who ha●h hidden these things from the wise of the world , and reuealed the way of righteousnesse vnto the simple , Lord I thy handmaid or sonne of thy handmaid will attend vpon thy will , and repose myselfe vnder the shadow of thy wings both day and night . Thou art my wisdome , my power , my beautie , my strength , my riches , my glory , my king , my God , and my saluation . The grace of God the Father , the peace of Christ Iesus our sauiour , through the comfortable fellowship of the holy Spirit , be with me , preserue & keepe me this day , this night , and euermore , Amen .

A godly prayer to be said at all times .

O Eternall God and most mightie King of maiestie how can I hide my selfe from thy presence , or with what cloake or pretence might I couer my shame from the piercing fight of thine eye , since I haue nothing , O Lord , but a guiltie conscience , intollerably oppressed with the heauie but then of sinne , by which I am almost driuen to the dore of despaire , if thy mightie hand stay me not , I fall , and if thy wisdome prouide not for me , I am alwaies in daunger . The sorrowes of my heart are enlarged , for my daies consume in sinne , and the graue gapeth to receiue me , before I gaine the gift of loue : Vnrighteousnesse raigneth as a king in this my corruptible body , and concupiscence deceiueth my sight till I be entraped : verily when I come to fight , I wonder that thou diddest not destroy me , saying , O Lord , who is able to number his sinnes , or what soule is righteous in thy sight ? shall man striue with God ? who can say I will be saued , sith thou art iust ? Why diddest not thou cut my thred whilest I prouoked thee ? why diddest not thou send me to the inheritance of the wicked , but thus thou vsest to comfort thy children in their great necessitie , and my soule had perished but for this reliefe long agoe , therefore crie I vnto thee from the depth of my heart : take me not away , O God , in my sinnes , neither let me reape the portion of the wicked : thou hast shewed me the dayes of comfort , and often deliuered my soule from the Lion . And because thou in thy great mercie hast let me see this goodnesse , and also made me to reioyce therin , increasing light after a darkenesse , and doubling ioy to my paine I will neuer cease O deare father to call vpon thee in my afflictions , and to looke for the good houre in my daunger , increase my faith , and settle me in the knowledge of thy will : Plenteously blesse me with thy grace , and let thy spirit be my protectour : for misery O Lord , is threatened vnto thy children , and ruine to the faith of the younglings , no place is safe from the rage of thy aduersaries , but thou art the God of might , and hast power to preserue our peace . Oh if I might aske the death of this old Adam , so that all concupiscence might vanish as a smoake , then sure ( say I ) I would wholly be exercised in the law of my God , and at all times would I sing praises vnto his name , but I will not presume about thy seruant Paul , whom thy wisdome thus answered , My grace is sufficient for thee : thus will I beseech thee whi●e I liue , that this balme of thy grace may alwaies be poured fresh into my wounds , that euen in my infirmities I may euer gaine a double reioycing , and that the most subtill assaults of the aduersarie may alwaies fall out to be his foulest faile , and my weakenesse my wisedome by the renuing of thy grace and enlightning my spirit with the sweete balme of thy lou●ng countenance , through thy most tender mercie in the purchase of thy beloued sonne our deare Sauiour Christ Iesu , vnto whom with thee and the holy spirit be all power and dominion for euermore , Amen .

A prayer for women with child .

O Eternall God , and most mercifull father , who notwithstanding my manifold and grieuous offences hast of thy gratious goodnesse in marriage made me fruitfull , which I take as thy great blessings and benefits bestowed vpon me , beseeching thee now most humbly to helpe me thy poore handmaiden in these grieuous paines of trauaile and childbirth . Thou hast willed vs to call vpon thee in all our needs and necessities , and hast promised in thy great mercies neuer to faile them that call vpon thee : helpe me now , wretched sinner , in these intollerable pains , that I may ouercome them with patience , and euermore praise thy maiestie . Comfort me with thy holy spirit , that I sinke not vnder this heauie burthen . And as gratiously thou hast blessed me hitherto from time to time in giuing me children , so mercifully sanctifie them to thy vse , and increase of thy congregation . And as hereby I feele thy heauie iudgements vpon me for sinne , in feeling those grieuous paines , and am put in minde of the old disobedience of our parents Adam and Eue , ( the very cause of these punishments ) lighting iustly vpon me , being a braunch of that poysoned stocke . So O deare father , let me feele againe thy mer●y , who through thy beloued Sonne hast wrought my deliverance from the punishment of that disobedience to wit , from sinne death and damnation , so that now my transgressions are remooued from me , the damnable sinne of my filthie concupiscence by nature is turned into a sanctified blessing , and we both made heires of euerlasting glorie , helpe me therefore , O God of comfort , and giue me safe deliuerance , that I may dedicate that which thou hast giuen me wholly to thy seruice . I know Lord that as many as thou hast tak●n to thy selfe , to them thou hast giuen this honour , that they be made thy children and beleeuers of thy name , which are not begotten of blood , nor of the lust of the flesh , nor of the desire of man , but of thy selfe . whom thou fashionest according to thy will . Thou therefore which hast promised not onely to be my God , but the God of my seede , seale this assurance of thy election in this feuit of my wombe , to the glory of thy name , mine owne comfort and the benefite of thy church . Grant these things , O father for Iesus Christ his sake , to whom with thee and the holy Ghost be all honour and glorie , Amen .

A prayer made for the Church and all the estates thereof . I. F.

LOrd Iesus Christ sonne of the l●uing God , who was crucified for our sins , and did rise againe for our iustification , and ascending vp to heauen , raignest now at the right hand of thy father , with full power and authority ruling and disposing all things according to their owne gratious and glorious purpose , we sinfull creatures , and yet seruants and members of thy church , doe prostrate our selues , and our prayers before thy imperiall maiestie , hauing no other patron nor aduocate to speed our sutes , or to resort vnto , but thee alone , beseeching thy goodnesse to be good to thy poore church militant here in this wretched earth , sometimes a rich church , a large church , an vniuersall church , spread farre and wide through the whole compasse of the earth , now driuen into a narrow corner of the world , and hath much need of thy gratious helpe . First the Turke with his sword , what lande , nations and countries , what emp●●es , kingdomes and prouinces , with cities innumerable , hath be woon , not from vs , but from thee : where thy name was woont to be inuocated , the word preached , thy sacraments administred : there now raigneth barbarous Mahomet , with his filthie Alcoran . The flourishing churches in Asia , the learned churches of Grecia , the manifold churches in Africa , which were woont to serue thee , now are gone from thee . The seauen churches of Asia , with their candlestickes ( whom thou diddest so well forewarne ) are now remooued . All the churches where thy diligent Apostle Saint Paule , thy Apostle Peter , and Iohn and other Apostles so laboriously trauelled , preaching and writing to plant thy Gospell , are now gone from the gospell . In the kingdome of Oyria , Palestina , Arabia , Persia , in all Armenia , and the Empire of Capadocia , through the whole compasse of Asia , with Egypt and Africa also vnlesse amongst the far Ethiopians some old steps of Christianitie peraduenture yet doe remaine ) either else all Asia , and Africa thy church hath not one foot of free land , but all is turned either to infidelitie or to captiuitie , whatsoeuer pertaineth to thee . And if Asia and Africa only decaied , the decay were great , but yet the defection were not so vniuersall . Now in Europe a great part also is shrunke from thy Church . All Th●acia with the Empire of Constantinople , al Grecia , Epirus , Illyricum and now of late al the kingdomes almost of Hungaria , with much of Austria , with lamentable slaughter of Christian blood , is wasted and all become Turkes .

Only a little angle of the West pa●tes yet remaineth in some profession of thy name . But there alacke commeth another mischiefe as great or greater than the other . For the Turke with his sword is not so cruell , but the Bishop of Rome on the other side is more fiecce & bitter against vs , st●r●i●g vp his Bishops to burne vs , his confederates to conspireour destruction , setting kings against their subiects , and subiects disloyally to rebell against their Princes , and all for thy name . Such dissention and host lity Sathan hath set amongst vs , that Turkes be not more enemies to Christians , than Christians to Christians & Papists to protestants : yea protestants w●th protestants doe not agree , but fall out for trifles . So that the poore little flocke of thy church , distressed on euery side , hath neither rest without nor peace within , no place almost in the world where to abide , but many crie now from the earth , euen as thine owne reuerence cried once from the crosse : My God , why hast thou forsaken me ?

Amongst vs Englishmen here in England , after so great storms of persecution , and cruell murther of so many Martyrs , it hath pleased thy grace to giue vs these Ascion daies , which yet we enioy , and beseech thy mercifull goodnesse st●il they may continue . But here also alacke what should we say ? So many enemies we haue that enuie at this rest and tranquilitie , and doe what they can to disturbe it . They which be friends , and louers of the bishop of Rome , although they eate the fat of the land , and haue the best preferments and offices , and liue most at ease and alle nothing : yet are they not therewith content . They grudge , they mutter and murmure , they conspire and take on against vs . It fretteth them that we liue by them or with them , and cannot abide that we should draw the bare breathing of the aire , when they haue all the most libertie of the land . And albeit thy singular goodnesse hath giuen them a King , so calme , so patient , so mercifull , more like a naturall father than a Prince to gouerne ouer them , such as neither they nor their ancestors euer read of in the stories of this land before : yet all this will not calme them , their vnquiet spirit is not yet content , they repine and rebell , and needes would haue with the frogs of Esope a Cicema , an Italian stranger , the Bishop of Rome , to play Rex ouer them , and care not if all the world were set on fire , so they with their Italian Lord might raigne alone . So fond are we Englishmen of strange & forraine things : so vnaturall to our selues : so greedie of newfangled nouelties , neuer contented with any state long to continue , be it neuer so good : and furthermore so cruell one to another , that we thinke our life vnquiet , vnlesse it be seasoned with the blood of other . For that is their hope , that is their golden day , their day of Iubiley which they thirst for so much not to haue the Lord to come in the clouds , but to haue our bloud and to spill our liues .

That , that is it which they would haue , and long since would haue had their wils vpon vs , had not thy gratious pittie and mercie raised vp to vs this our mercifull King , thy seruant Iames , somewhat to stay their furie . For whom as me most condignly giue thee most heartie thankes , so likewise we beseech thy heauenly Maiestie , that as thou hast giuen him vnto vs , and hast from many daungers preserued him to the comfort of thy seruants : so now in his royall estate he may continually be preserued not onely from their hands but from all malignant deuises , wrought attempted , or conceiued of the enemies , both ghostly and bodily against him . In this his gouernment be his gouernour we beseech thee : So shall his Maiestie well gouerne vs , if first he be gouerned by thee . Multiplie his raigne with many daies , and his yeares with much felicitie , with aboundance of peace , and life ghostly : that he with his Braunthes may flourish in this land , vntill the consummation of the world .

And because no gouernment can long stand without good counsell , neither can any counsell be good , except it be prospered by thee , blesse therefore , we beseech thee , both his maiestie , and his honourable counsell , that both they rightly may vnderstand what is to be done , and he accordingly may accomplish that they doe counsell , to thy glory and furtherance of thy Gospell , and publicke wealth of this realme .

In generall , giue to all the people and the whole state of this Realme such brotherly vnitie in knowledge of thy truth , and such obedience to their superiours , as they neither prouoke the scourge of God against them , nor the Princessword to be drawne against his will out of the scabard of long sufferance , where it hath beene long hid , especially giue thy gospell long continuance amongst vs . And if our sinnes haue deserued the contrarie , graunt we beseech thee with an earnest repentance of that which is past , to ioine a heartie purpose of amendment to come .

FINIS .

LONDON , Printed by Ed. All , for Ed. White . 1610.