A premeditation or consultation , what are the best things , men in this life should principally ayme at , to attaine vnto highest happinesse ; which are , hearing the Word , and faithfull prayer .

EVery man by nature hath in himselfe a desire of the best things , and in heart wisheth , and endeauoureth to obtaine them , wherin euery man hath his priuate and peculiar affection , according to his inward qualification . But as Nature and Grace , mans corruption and Gods holy Spirit doe differ in euill and good so doe mens desires differ in choyce of things , yet all seem to tend to the attaining of the things they conceiue to be best , and they are such as may giue them the content they ayme at , which they account happinesse . And the most of men in stead of true happinesse , desire and seeke things not only , not best , but meerely hurtfull : things subiect ●o the outward senses , which are often deceiuing , taking that for best that is to bee abandoned , and reiecting that which is to bee chiefly imbraced as truest happinesse .

The best things are such as the eye sees not , the mouth tasteth not , the handes h●ndle not , neither are they subiect to natures vnderstanding : For the things wee see , touch , or taste , haue neither true goodnes , such as to giue a man best content , nor continuance to tarry with them ; and therfore are but shadowes of seeming happinesse , which by experience are found fickle and vanishing Beautie , Health of the body , Riches , Honour , high Office , Long life , Delights & Carnall pleasures , Humane wisdom , and Naturall Literature , are things much esteemed . But what happinesse is there in any of these ? Beautie decayes , Health impayreth , Riches vanish , Honour is enuied , Offices dangerous , Long life a burden , humane wisdome foolishnesse , naturall Learning , a puffe of vaine glory . Wee may therefore conclude , that if a man haue all the former seeming contentments , yet may he not be happie for euery of them drawes with it , as many disasters , as variable accidents , & as many peeuish passions of the minde , which draw him into as many calamities and miseries . And therefore doth no truely wise man thinke , that these are worthy the name of happinesse , for then had many Heathens attained vnto that best . But true happinesse consisteth onely in the enioying of Gods graces , and Spirituall blessings , which carnall men , who enioy onely the former , haue not : But are possest with an erronious opinion of those things which seeme best , rather by an implicite conceit , following ▪ and allowing that for happinesse whi●h the most hold so ; and to attaine the same , they vse all meanes , labours , and endlesse trauailes to get that , which indeed is not of the world to be had ; no maruell then they finde it not , and yet perswade themselues , they haue in some measure what they desire , euery man in his peculiar affection , and well may it bee sayd in some measure , for that in what measure soeuer they haue , that they craue , yet they want the fulnesse of what they desire : And therefore can there be no full content , for where there is wanting some thing , the want of the thing desired , is a kinde of ineuitable miserie , and distraction of the minde .

These things duely considered , a kinde of voluntarie blindenesse , or rather desperate madnesse seemeth to appeare in the most , who contrarie to the aduice of the Apostle ( that willeth to vse this world as if wee vsed it not ) vse onely this world and the vaine pleasures of the same , as if they perswaded themselues , that either they shall euer remaine here , or that after this , there will be no other being whereas the contrarie is most apparent , For this world passeth away and the glorie thereof , and therefore should we so liue , as only to passe thorow it , as the Jsralites thorow the Red-sea ; that we may arriue in Heauenvly Canaan , the place of true Felicitie , Happinesse and absolute content in deed : for the greatest pleasures and deerest delights that this world can yeeld , are like the vnsauorie waters of Asphaltis , or the sea of Sodome , whereof who so drinketh , infatuateth or dieth instantly : And yet wee see , that hee is accounted the happiest man that is euen drunke with this worlds vanities . Therefore doe the truely Wise passe by them , as it were disdayning to stoope to such deceiuing alurements stopping their eares with Vlisses , least these forbidden vanities should inchant them and with their seeming sweet infecting harmony , draw them to the gulfe of perdition ; for the vanities of this world bewitch the mindes of carnall men , who though they reade and heare their danger , it takes no impression in their obdurate hearts : they reade seldome , and heare , and vnderstand not ; they yet know too much of that wherof the practice doth shew they are not wise to saluation , which indeed is , that absolute happinesse , that the truely Wise doe onely seeke ; knowing that it auayleth them not , to gaine the whole world , and to take all the pleasures and delights of the same , & to lose their owne soules .

The best thing then , that we are to seeke to be happy , is to be assured in this life of the Kingdome of God , and our saluation to come , and to labour for the righteousnesse thereof ; for if worldly men take so much paines for the getting of the vanishing things of this world , counterfeit happinesse , it may well be imputed , not onely as a shame vnto vs , but a iudgement vpon vs , if wee neglect , the absolute best thing , the saluation of our soules . And therefore Saint Paul exhorts vs to the studie of righteousnesse and hatred of sinne , the contrary ends of both being set before vs ; namely as touching sinne , wherein the best man hath once defiled himselfe , how much more the wicked ? What fruit had they in it ? Onely shame , and griefe , and in the end death eternall , without repentance , therefore it behooueth vs now to cast off sinne , The vanities of the world , the lusts of the flesh , the pride of life , to which things whosoeuer is , or hath beene seruant , while he liueth therein is free from righteousnesse : but now let vs seeke to bee freed from the seruitude of sinne . and to become seruants vnto God , so shall wee haue our fruit in holinesse , and in the end euerlasting life , which is the gift of GOD through Iesus Christ , which is the greatest happinesse that we can desire or attaine vnto , either in this life , or that which is to come ; for the obtayning whereof , euery Christian is to be carefull to auoide the vanities of this world , and the seruice of sinne in the same , indeuoring to become the seruant of God , which consisteth in an holy and heauenly conuersation here , to which is required , the due and diligent hearing of God in his Word : and the true practise of the same , and faithfull prayer to him .

By these two rules rightly obserued , a man becomes by acceptation perfect , and by imputation iust .

To attaine vnto this degree of perfection and happinesse , it lyeth not in our owne powre ; wee cannot heare without the Word preached , and none that heareth vnderstandeth ; but he whose eares the Lord openeth . Carnall men may heare indeed , but not profit by hearing , vnlesse God open also their hearts , as hee did the heart of Lydia , for both the Word , hearing , vnderstanding and practise are all the gifts of God .

Prayer also is the gift of God , so is Gods Spirit , by whom wee pray , and faith in which we pray ; and the assurance , to obtaine that for which wee pray . How many men yet are there of conceit , that they can pray when they list , and how they list ? as if earnest and truely cordiall prayer , were as familiar with them , as to tell a tale : Liplabour babling indeed , is as easie , as to speake any thing else . But this kinde of saying prayers , is not indeed prayer , but prattle , a mocking of God , and hee deceiueth himselfe , that so speaketh prayers . A great man would take scorne to haue a tale told him , when hee that tells it speakes he knowes not what , his minde being vpon some other matter , will God then accept of those prayers , which onely are from the lippes , when the heart thinks of nothing lesse , then what the mouth speaketh ? Their words may bee the words of holy prayer indeed , but if the heart consent not , nay , if the Minde , the Will and Affections , and the Vnderstanding agree not with the mouth , though the words bee good , the prayer is counterfeit . True and feruent , faithfull and feeling prayer , will easily bee diserned from cold and counterfeit , for whereas a man may fluently without stoppe or stagger , powre forth many and good words , either by heart or booke , thinking that God hath enough , if hee haue many and good words , he cannot but acknowledge that he doth but flatter God , & so commits sinne , instead of a sacrifice ; But the prayer that pleaseth God , and profits a mans selfe , comes from the heart to the lippes , or the heart it selfe , sighes and groanes vnto God , in such vehemencie of spirit , as if not with outward teares , yet doth the heart rent it selfe within , through the feruencie of zeale , and power of a liuely faith , which kinde of prayer is effectuall , and pleasing to God

It behooueth therefore euery man to be warie how hee prayeth , least hee offer the sacrifice of fooles , and so instead of being heard , to his comfort , hee be reiected with shame . Prayer consisteth not in the motion of the tongue , onely which is proper as well to the wicked as to the godly : But prayer is a diuine exercise of a sanctified heart And therefore before we presume to approch into the presence of God with our Petition , we must duely and reuerently consider , to whom we speake , what we speake , and how we speake ; wherein we may not consult with our owne fantasies , and so vnsanctifiedly , to rush vpon the holy Throne of Iehouah , but with the Word of God , wherein is layde downe the persons , to whom , the manner , how , and the things for what we should pray .

These things being vnderstood , it behooueth vs also to looke into our selues , whether this great worke of diuine prayer bee within the compasse of our owne vnderstanding , what to pray for . Saint Paul was a man Diuinely qualified , and yet hee accounteth himselfe of the number of them that know not what to pray , as hee ought : what then ? Should wee not pray at all , because wee know not how , or what to pray as we ought ? God forbid , wee haue a promise that the Spirit of God shall helpe our infirmities , and shall make request for vs vnto God . How then can our prayers but bee heard and answered , seeing they proceed from Gods own Spirit , that dwelleth in vs ?

The truely faithfull in deed haue a promise , that if they open their mouthes , God will hil them And what is it but to assist them in their prayers ? And therefore not euery one that seemeth to pray , prayeth in the Spirit , yet this promise may also appertaine vnto , and in time , be felt of them that yet want him . Therefore , let euery man indeuour to be assured , that the Spirit of God is in him , which hee shall finde by the feruencie of his heart in prayer ; although he be not at all times a like powerfull in vs , but retires himselfe for a time , to make vs to acknowledge the want of him , and to thirst the more eagerly for his presence againe , which euery faithfull soule exercised in this diuine dutie , apparently apprehendeth ; for the Spirit by degrees , as it were , mooueth our dull spirits , and at length sheweth himselfe strong and powerfull in vs , for when we finde a will , and an inclination to pray , though wee be dull , not able to open our mouthes , if we continue in desire , lifting vp our hearts to God ; wee shall feele , and that sensibly the Spirit , to beginne to worke and to touch our hearts , that at length , we shall , not onely bee able to speake with our tongues , but the same Spirit will frame such an holy forme of words , that of our selues , wee were-neuer able to vtter : which I confesse to the praise of God , I haue found by most comfortable experience , and therfore to my more effectuall motiue , I haue framed by the ayde of the same Spirit , this Meditation and Prayer following , which may bee also vnto others , that delight in this holy exercise , some meane to suppresse their dulnesse , and to stirre vp their affections to an vnexpressible zeale .

A motiue to a prayer against the tentations of Sathan , who alwaies endeauoureth the hinderance of prayer , and all other diuine and holy exercises in the children of God , wherby their happinesse may bee made certaine .

IT is impossible that any man , be he neuer so deuout and religious , that takes any action in hand , tending either to Gods glory , or his owne soules saluation , that can p●rforme it ; but that Sathan , that malicious enemy of mans saluation , will endeauour to peruert it , or altogether to hinder it . As when Iehoshua the high Priest was standing before the Lord to pray , Sathan stood at his right hand to resist him , Zach 3.1 . And therefore shall any man thinke that though he be strong in faith , and feruent in zeale to pray vnto God , for any holy and heauenly gift , that he shall haue no opposition by this ougly Dragon , and subtill inuisible Serpent ? nay , the more faithfull , the more zealous , and the more strong a man seemeth , ( or indeed is ) in any holy and diuine exercise ; so much the more mad and malicious is Sathan to oppose him , especially when he betaketh himselfe to holy prayer , whereof no true child of God is , or can be ignorant : he cannot but find that Sathan , thogh vnseene , standeth at his right hand , at his elbow , laying before the eye of his mind , infinite idle and vnholy thoughts , not to be numbred or declared ; either to peruert or vtterly to hinder his faith & zeale ; & that sometimes with seeming ( though counterfeit ) diuine thoughts . As when , in the mayd , he spake ( seeming commendably ) crying of Paul and other Apostles , saying , These men are the seruants of the most high God , which shew vnto you the way of saluation , Act 16.16 17. But what intended he by this his flattery ? onely to hinder Paul & the rest from prayer , a worke that offends him most , and makes vs most happy . Therefore when he flattereth a man most , as perswading him that hee hath graces and holy giftes enough : hee needs seeke no more of God , he may saue his labor of praying ; he may take his case and betake himselfe to his wonted worldly affaires ; he needs not bee so curious in reading the Word , or hearing Sermons , he hath knowledge sufficient , and in the right way to happines , and may take more pleasure and delight in many other things to his better content . And thus are too many ouermuch lulled asleepe by these most dangerous inchantments of Sathan , especially when he coueteth to deceiue by his crafty vndermining men , vnder his counterfet shew of being an Angell of light .

Hauing then such a dangerous enemy , more malicious then the red Dragon , more wi●y and subtill then the crooked Serpent , and more strong then the roaring Lyon . We had need to craue wisedome , to preuent his subtilties , and strength to withstand his forces : for being ignorant of his stratagems , and weake to encounter his malice , we can neither speake vnto God in our prayers , which are the principall weapons to wound , and put backe the force of this enemy , nor with true desire , attentiue eare , a feeling heart , constant resolution , & firme faith , heare God spea●e vnto vs by his holy Messengers and Ministers , the life of our soules , and truest happinesse .

It behoueth vs therefore to labour , to haue the eyes of our minds inlightned , and to be filled with all spirituall prudence and wisdome , that wee may bee able to discouer his deceiuing intisements , to auoyd h●s forged ●la●teries , and to withstand his deadly tentations : let vs indeauor by continuall prayer to God , that in vs may be created and confirmed a strong and liuely faith , p●rfect and constant zeale to serue the liuing God , and an holy iealousie ouer our selues , lest Sathan cir●umuent vs with his secret and subtill intisements , in stealing away our mindes , and estranging our thoughts from heauen and heauenly things , from God in Christ , in our holy Meditations and Prayers .

A Prayer for Gods holy assistance , against Sathan , who indeauoureth to hinder our most godly prayers , fit to bee said in all tentations .

O Holy , mercifull , louing , and most powerfull Lord God , who sittest in the heauens , and extendest thy power ouer all the powers in heauen & earth , who hast the rule and absolute gouernment of all thy creatures ; and to whom all Principalities , Powers , Angels , and spirits doe obey : Consider , I humbly pray thee , the malignity and malice of that reprobate infernall spirit , that falsely pretendeth dominion in the earth , and in the ayre , and how he enuieth and opposeth , as much as in him is , euery good dutie and seruice which thy dearest children owe and endeauour to performe vnto thee ; and aboue all other duties , tending to thine owne glory , and mans saluation , he seeketh to hinder none , with more bitter violence , with greater enuy , & more wicked and subtill wiles , then this of diuine prayer , and endeauoreth to draw thine owne dearest children into manifold sinnes . But Lord , as thou hast commaunded vs to call vpon thine holy Name , to pray vnto thee for faith , repentance , obedience , and other graces and blessings : So according to thine holy ordinance , I fall downe prostrate vpon the knees of mine vnfayned heart , praying thee to prepare mee to this holy dutie , thou sayest , Open thy mouth , and I will fill it . O Lord open thou my mouth , and fill it with heauenly words , furnish and fill my heart with a strong , powerful , and liuely faith , constant and firme obedience , that without wauering , and straying thoughts , I may at this time make my prayers & supplications vnto thee , through thy Spirit . And thou , O inuincible Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah stand vp for me , against my most mortall and most malicious enemy , satan , who among his own is strong and powerfull , but where thou my Captaine Christ Iesus appearest , he is weake , he cannot enter the house where thou dwellest . O fortifie therfore , O Lord , and barre vp the doore of my soule , that hee enter not , nor preuaile against it with the fire of his tentations . Lord thou knowest , hee is enemie to thee , how much more vnto mee ? Hee tempted thee , but preuayled not , but his tentations flesh and blood cannot withstand . Therefore arme thou me against him , with heauenly weapons , and hee shall neither stoppe nor hinder mine intended prayers , as he desireth and laboureth to doe . Let my spirit , O Lord , bee strongly assisted by thy Spirit , and my prayers shall be faithfull , my heart shall entertaine no wandering , wauering , vnholy , or prophane thoughts , euill cogitations , or wicked motions , though I bee an vnholy lumpe of my selfe by nature , prompt and more ready to thinke , or doe euill then good : yet by thy Grace , Satan shall slie , sinne shall die , and thy Spirit shall be liuely in mee , and my prayers powerfull and effectuall to thee in my mediator Christ Iesus .

O let thy heauenly helpe , Lord , in Iesus Christ descend into all the powers and parts of my soule and body , that in speaking vnto thee , I may feele the worke and operation of thy Grace so sufficient in my heart , that I may obtaine a victorious conquest ouer satan , sinne and mine owne corruptions , and bee assured , through Christ Iesus my Sauiour , to bee either freed from his preuayling tentations , or to bee able to resist them ; that all my prayers at all times may bee such , as thou maist Fatherly accept them in thy beloued Sonnes mediation for mee , howsoeuer weake and imperfect they bee in respect of my selfe , who am full of imperfections , which I humbly pray thee to grant for his sake , who hath conquered him , that couets my finall destruction . Amen .

Lord euermore strengthen and increase my faith in Iesus Christ .

A meditation or motiue , when wee are dull to pray , a most necessary preparatiue , to prayer .

AS it is my griefe , O Lord , to consider the hardnesse of my heart , my faintnesse and dulnesse to pray : So can I not but comfort my selfe , in the consideration of thy great mercie towards mee , in often remouing my dulnesse , and in steed thereof , to giue mee thy holy Spirit , and by him power effectually , to call vpon thy holy Name , which effectuall fauour of thine , I haue oftentimes found and felt , when I haue had an inward motion , tending to a desire to pray , and yet no power or ablenesse to open my mouth , or aptnesse to mooue my tongue , which hath caused mee many times to thinke that thou my God , hast beene angry with me , and in that thou hast with-holden thy Grace so long , that thou hadst forsaken me . So that I haue bee●e info●ced oftentimes to keepe silence , when I would haue prayed , and to close my lippes , when I would haue spoken .

Thus good Father haue I beene many times , as I am presently troubled , and inwardly greeued , euen in my soule , at the hardnesse of my heart , and dulnesse of my spirit . And yet at length I haue felt as it were the fire of feruent zeale so inflaming my heart , as I haue suddenly spoken with my tongue , I haue prayed vnto thee , and thou hast heard me .

This holy and heauenly worke of diuine Prayer , I finde to bee farre from mine , or the best mans owne power ▪ it is the onely worke of thine owne spirit , which I haue many times formerly discerned , for when I haue beene most dull , and most vnapt to pray , thou , euen then , euen in my silent musing , and meditation hast enabled mee , to breake forth into words , through faith , which haue pierced the very heauen of heauens , euen vnto the Throne of thy great Maiesty , where Christ my mediator stands at thy right hand , presenting in my behalfe , my weake Petitions euen in his owne name ; and obtayneth mine humble desires , according to thine owne will which worketh bet●er things for mee , then I can wish or will .

I am not therefore discouraged , good Father , thogh I seeme dull in spirit , and as it were cleane destitute of faith , for I know thy guifts are without repentance , and though I feele not this heauenly worke of thy holy Spirit , at all times a like in mee : yet doe I assure me , hee is in mee , and will worke againe , the same heauenly effects , for where thy blessed Spirit hath once taken habitation ; and once sanctified the soule , that soule is so effectually possessed by that ●pirit , and that Spirit so possesseth that soule ; that he may be assured , neuer to bee absolutely dispossest of the same , howsoeuer hee may for a time seeme absent . It is but to mooue mee to seeke him , finding the want of him , to long for him .

Though therefore deare Father , my heart bee hard by nature , and my spirit d●ll to euery holy and heauenly dutie , so that I cannot outwardly vtter , what I inwardly conc●iue and desire , with such earnestnesse and feruencie of spirit , as I would ; but weakly and coldly : yet doe I assure my selfe , that thou considerest mine inward desires , and hearest my most secret sighes , as plainely , as if I cryed vocally and aloud vnto thee .

I cannot therefore but confidently assure my selfe , that according to thy promise thou wilt heare and consider , that I hunger and thirst for thy Grace , that my dulnesse being remooued , I may conceiue in my heart , and frame with my lippes mine humble Petitions , which thou hast promised to heare , especially such as thine owne Spirit composeth in mee .

Deny not therefore good Father , thy holy Spirit to me , that faithfully craue him onely to be enabled effectually to pray vnto thee : for thou hearest not the best man , nor the best ma●s best prayers , for his , or his prayers sake ; but for thy best beloued So●nes sake , and such onely prayers as proceed from thine owne Spirit . Fulfill therefore good Father , all my godly desires , through Christ Iesus . Amen .

Let vs pray , that wee may pray .

A Prayer to God for the helpe of his holy Spirit , and other blessings , Spirituall and Corporall ; comprehending the most needfull blessings , fit at all times for all men to bee desired .

GRacious Lord God , and most louing in Iesus Christ , thou hast of thine owne free fauour , willed all men , in all their troubles , dangers , and wants of Spirituall and corporall things to come vnto thee , to aske in the Name of thy Sonne , and they shall receiue whatsoeuer they faithfully pray for , to seeke helpe of thee , and they shall finde it , in due and conuenient time , to knocke and they shall be admitted into thy holy presence .

But good Father , as thou hast thus commanded me , worke in me power , truely to performe what thou commandest ; to pray , I am of my selfe dull ; to seeke , I am by nature blinde ; & to knock , I am weake ; and therefore thou seemest to command things to mee impossible to be effectually performed : say therefore vnto mee , and performe it , namely that thy Spirit may bee a sufficient helpe vnto me .

Thou well knowest mine insufficiencie Lord , for I cannot of my selfe thinke a good thought , how then can I of my selfe , pray and obtaine , seeke , and finde what I want , or knock , and bee heard . This sacred vertue none by nature hath , it is of thine owne free Grace , and they onely to whom thou vouchsafest thine owne Spirit , to helpe their weakenesse , such in deed can faithfully aske , such can dilligently seeke , and constantly knock , they onely obtaine what they aske , they finde what they seeke , and they are heard and admitted into thy presence when they knock .

Oh! admit me Lord into the number of them , to whom thou hast vouchsafed this blessed priuiledge , for they belong onely to the truely faithfull , to such as thou hast chosen of thine owne purpose , whom thou hast made fit to aske , apt to seeke , and constant to knock .

Apt I am to aske many things , because I want manie , and I know thou art able , and willing to grant euery good thing . But I am ignorant so to aske , as I may obtaine , for I know not what to aske as I ought , and therefore though I often aske , I receiue not , because I aske amisse ; tending my prayers rather to the obtayning of carnall , then Spirituall and heauenly riches , and finde them not ; because thou seest the granting of them , rather hurtfull then profitable vnto me .

Send therefore deare Father , send downe thine holy Spirit , who onely knoweth how , and for what to pray , though I bee ignorant of , hee knoweth thy will , though I bee weake , he is powerfull ; and though I be corrupt , He is holy , as thou art holy : ●ee onely knoweth my wants , and how they may bee supplied . Therfore none but he Lord can make my Petitions effectuall , none but he can speake for me , with me , and in me . Good Father denie him not vnto me , leaue mee not destitute of his helpe .

When he commeth , he shall teach mee all things , fit for mee to learne , hee will prompt , and tell mee what is fit for me to aske , he will prepare my heart , hee will rectifie mine affections , he will abandon my darkenesse , deadnesse and dulnesse , he will vntie my faultring tongue , and open my closed lippes , hee will inlarge my knowledge , and increase my faith .

If I pray without the helpe of this thy blessed Spirit , I doe but vtter a bare voyce , O Lord , which cannot come into thy presence , nor returne any comfort to mine owne soule , but speaking in and by him , I shall assuredly bee heard , for when I pray sinceerely and effectually in deed , it proceedeth not from mee , but from thine owne Spirit that speaketh in mee , and beareth the greatest burden of my prayers , though the words passe thorow my lippes , they are not mine , but his .

Holy Father , euer louing ; louing in Iesus Christ , inkindle mine inward godly desires , through the heauenly heate of that Sacred fire , touch my tongue , with that celestiall cole from thine Alter , then shall my heart be prepared ; then shall my lippes be opened , then shall I speake with my tongue , according to the meaning of thine owne Spirit ; then shall mine vnderstanding be inlarged , then shall I app●ehend thy mercie , and fully enioy thy fauour in Christ my Redeemer ; then shall I finde and feele in my heart , an assured testimony , that my prayers are come vp into thy presence , then shall my guilty conscience , burdened with sinne be eased ; and all my wants spirituall and corporall , outward and inward , bee fully and timely supplied , and all my feare bee remooued ; and all things , howsoeuer seeming contrary , shall worke together , yea together , to my perpetuall peace and comfort in thee . Then shall I receiue in this corrupt and weake vessell of dust , the Image of my Redeemer ; bring forth the fruits of his Kingdome , and euen here , feele and be assured , to bee sealed vp in the number of thine Elect Saints ; and enioy the glorie of that future Kingdome in full , which heere I partake and know but in part , according to that measure of knowledge which it hath pleased thee , through thy holy Spirit to reueale vnto mee , in this mortality , where yet I finde the merits of my Redeemer preuayling , to the washing away of my sinnes . I heare his voyce , and heere desire to follow him , and to obey thee in him , submitting my selfe to vndergoe whatsoeuer crosse for his sake , as hee endured the death of the Crosse for mine ; euermore looking for , & longing to be dissolued , freed from this worlds vanities , and to bee partaker of the glory , which by his death , hee hath purchased , for all that in faith , and holy desire ; Looke for his second comming : for which all that are guided by that thy Sacred Spirit , inwardly and dayly cry , Come Lord Iesus , come quickly , and end these dayes of sinne .

In the meane time , thou knowest louing Father , that I am inforced to bee combred about manie things of fa●re inferiour condition , following the things of my worldly calling , which much hinder mee in the performance of better things , and which often hinder the liuely working of thy holy Spirit in me .

I am much and often oppressed with the strength of mine owne inherent corruption , often assayled by that my deadly enemie Satan ; who seeketh by all meanes to stop the course of thy Spirit in mee . But thy Grace is sufficient to preuent him for me .

Thou knowest also deare Father , that I am much and often afflicted heere , and stand subiect to many and seuerall tryals , as to Sicknesse of the body , danger of the decay and losse of my Limbes , and the vertue and vse of my Senses , vnto Pouertie , Enimies , and Persecution for the constant profession of thy sincere Religion , vnder the burden and feare of these ineuitable miseries , I should faint , but that I know thee and whome thou hast sent Iesus Christ , and haue the assistance of thy blessed Spirit , testifying vnto my spirit , that thou art the whole and sole disposer of all these , and that all things worke together for the comfort of all that loue thee , knowing and being assured of thy presence and prouidence , I will not feare whatsoeuer befall mee ; for all troubles , crosses and miseries , I finde to bee but holesome medecines , tempered and gently prepared by thine owne hand for the cure and preseruation of my sicke and sinnefull soule , from eternall death .

I humbly therfore , deare Father , pray thee , so to moderate my troubles and afflictions , as by the helpe and aide of thy holy Spirit , I may with patience and an heauenly kinde of alacrity vndergoe them . And according to thy good pleasure continue the health of my body , the vse of my senses & limbs , peace with thee my God and with all men as becommeth mee , still guided by thy Spirit , that I abuse none of thy blessings , through 〈◊〉 corruptions .

And while I liue here in this earthly pilgrimage , as a stranger , vouchsafe me , with thy heauenly Spirit to giue mee a competent portion to sustaine me , and those whom thou hast committed vnto my charge , both in spirituall and corporall sustinance .

Let not too heauie tentations ouer-presse me , let too much want , and too heauy crosses ouer-afflict me , but lay vpon mee what thou wilt , and neuer take from me thy holy spirit , so shal I be able to beare what soeuer thou thinkest fit to be laid vpon me ; for by the strength of thy preuayling spirit , I shall vndergo what thou in loue ( as indeed it is ) shalt lay vpon me .

By promise thou carest for me , and hast willed mee to cast my care vpon thee , which I haue done euer since it pleased thee to reueale thy selfe vnto mee in thy beloued Son : and thou hast not deceiued me ; for I haue euer found thee true , in performing whatsoeuer thou hast promised , euen in sending that Comforter , who hath euer assisted mee in reuealing thy Son , in whom thy continual fauour I haue euer found most certaine , secret , & sweet , so enabling me to speake vnto thee , as when I haue offended thee by my sinnes , I haue felt the pardon of them in my conscience by the blood of that Lambe , testified vnto mee by thy blessing and sanctifying Spirit . When I haue been sicke , thou hast healed me ; I haue been in mortall danger , and thou hast preserued me ; I haue had enemies , and thou hast defended mee ; and often haue I been in distresse and want , and thou hast without my desire or desert plentifully releeued mee : yea Lord , thou hast giuen when and what I haue not asked ; thou camest and soughtest mee first , Lord , I sought not thee : thou aboue all shewedst thy selfe most louing vnto me , in sending me thy heauenly spirit , without whose ayd I could neither aske nor receiue , I could neither seeke nor find comfort ; neither could I knock , or deserue to enter into thy fauour . By his presence I haue felt the fulnes of ioy and gladnesse : And therefore as thou hast graciously begun , Lord , so continue thy grace in mee , and thy loue towards me alwayes , in all places , among al men , in all my labours , iournies , and lawfull and godly endeauors , for thou hast commaunded mee while I liue ●eere , not to rest idle , but to bee doing that which is good .

Thou hast giuen mee a calling , wherin without thy blessing I may labour , and yet lacke ; I may ayme by good intent , and yet erre , without the gracious direction of thy Spirit : I am ignorant of , and dull to performe that which may bee either well pleasing vnto thee , or truly profitable to my self . But by the blessing of thy holy spirit , I shall please thee in Christ , who pleaseth thee for mee ; and then whatsoeuer I thinke , speak , or doe , shall prosper , and yeeld mee supply in all my wants both spirituall , and corporal , and that from day to day , which by thine owne promise shall be sufficient for the day .

O holy and heauenly Father , hold me euer in thine ●bedience , shelter me vnder ●he shaddow of thy protecting wings , stop the whole course of sinne in mee , and continue thine holy spirit euermore in me , that he being my guide in all mine actions , I may finish the course of this my pilgrimage in all sinceritie , sanctitie , and safetie , and in the end obtain the glory which thy Sonne my Sauiour hath purchased for mee by the shedding of his blood vpon the Crosse ; and that euermore while I liue , I may hunger and thirst for righteousnesse , vntill I become a perfect man in Christ Iesus , that leauing this mortall life , I may ioyfully enter into that euerlasting rest , Amen , Amen in Christ my hope , my strength , and my assured and faithfull Redeemer .

Lord euermore increase and confirme my faith , and continue that holy spirit in mee .