A pensiue mans practise Very profitable for all personnes, wherein are conteyned verie deuout and necessary prayers for sundry godlie purposes. VVith requisite perswasions before euery prayer. VVritten by Iohn Norden.

¶ A pensiue mans practise . Before we pray we must forgiue , if we haue any thing against any man , otherwise our heauenly Father will not forgiue vs . Mar. 11.

A prayer to Christ .

O Sweete Iesus , who haste taken vppon thee to bee our intercessor & Aduocate , vnto God thine heauenlie Father , vouchsafe ( I humbly be secche thee ) to accompanye me , in these my supplications and prayers , presenting them vnto his heauenlie maiestie , in such sorte as for thy sake ( sweete Iesus ) they may be acceptable vnto him , to the washing away of my sinnes , & obteining thinges necessarie for me and all men , according vnto his will in all things . Amen .

O Lord increase my faith .

O Lorde open thou my lips , that my mouth may extoll thee with prayse , and bee thankfull vnto thee for thy benefites , & grant that I speake nothinge but that which may bee to thine honour & glorie , to the reliefe of our necessities bodelye and ghostlie . Amen .

O Lord make speede to sende vs helpe & succor , from the Tower of thy strength .

O Lord let thine heauenly kingdome bee alwayes readie to receiue vs to eternall saluation .

Eternall praises be vnto thee oh God . So be it .

A praier for the assistaunce of Gods holy Spirite . Aske what thou wilt and thou shalt haue , If thou in Christ the same doo craue : For Christ thy Mediator sees ▪ When thou to him doost fall on knees .

ASke and yee shall haue , seeke and yee shal finde , knocke & it shal be opened vnto you . Matt. 7.

If yee that he euill , can giue vnto your Children good giftes , when they aske them , how much more shall our heauenlie father , giue his holie spirite to them that faithfully desire it . Luk. 11.

We knowe not what to aske , nor how to pray , as we ought , but the spirite it selfe maketh request for vs , with sighes which can not be expressed . Rom. 8.

Seeing therefore our prayers be vaine , and of none effecte , without the grace and assistaunce of Gods holie spirite , let vs fail downe vnto the throne of his Maiestie , praying faithfullie for the same , and it shall be giuen vs .

O Almighty God & omnipotent father who comfortest such as be sorrowfull , and who giuest all good and perfect giftes : as thou of thy free fauour and loue hast willed vs , in all our afflictions and necessities and as often as we finde our selues burdened with any kinde of tribulation , or affliction , either of bodie or minde , to call for ease at thy mercifull handes : So vouch safe to heare my crye , and to consider the secrete groanes , sighes and sorrowes of my sillye soule . Oh blessed and eternall God , ( loe heer before the throne of thy mercy , euen at the gate of thy sweete promises ) I thy silly creature & worke of thine owne hands , prostrate my selfe in hearte , most humbly beseeching thee , to sende downe vppon my darke vnderstanding , the bright beames of thine holy spirite to lighten me , and to direct me in all my supplications , and prayers , and especially , at this time ( Oh Lorde ) for that thou knowest my weakenes , wickednes , and ignoraunce , to be such , as I am altogether vnable , to frame my requestes according to thy will , or to seeke , that is truelie for mine owne soules health , and am altogether ignoraunt of the right gate to knocke at , without thine especiall grace , directing and assisting mee : Wherefore I most humbly beseeche thee , to addresse and prepare mine heart , to the true vnderstanding of thy will , and my tongue , and lippes ; to the pure and vnfeyned calling on thy holy name , euen for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake , our onely Mediatour , and Aduocate , for whose bitter deathes sake , I humbly beseeche thee , of thy meere fauour , and louing kindnes , to wasn me , and to make me cleane , by the operation of thine holy spirite , that beeing sanctified ▪ I may vtter those thinges , which may bee vnto thee , an acceptable sacrifice , through the same thy sonnes mediation , and intercession ; And that nothing passe the bandes , of mine vnsta●ed lippes , but that which may beseeme a single heart , alwaies sounding to thine honour , and setting foorth of thy most woorthy prayse , both at this time , and at all times ; Let th●ne holie spirite ( Oh Lorde ) come vnto me , let it continue with me , worke and preuaile effectuallie in me , vnto the ende , that I may both at this time beginne , and for euermore continue , as thou willest I shoulde , namelie in faith , that I fall not in anie temptations ; In hope , that I may constantli● looke for , and faithfully attaine vnto perfit vnderstanding of thy will , and ablenes in all thinges to fulfill the same : Make me also ( good Lord ) feruent in charitie , that I may freelie and vnfeynedlie , euen from mine heart forgiue and forgett , all iniuries , wronges , and euill dooings , of such , as by any meanes haue ostended me , with hartie prayer for their amendment : that I approching vnto the throne of thy mercie , in a pure and simple hart , may hartelie , as wel for all others as for my selfe , for thinges necessary , both for bodie and soule ▪ say that prayer ▪ which thy deerlie and well beloued sonne Iesus Christ , taught vs to say ▪ Oh our Father which art in heauen . &c.

Oh Lorde increase our faith ▪

A shorter prayer to the like purpose .

OH God almighty , most louing and moste righteeus , who vouchsafest to instill into the heartes of thy chosen seruauntes , grace , vnfeynedly to serue thee , and to call vpon thine holy name , in their necessitie and distresse . Uouchsafe I humbly beseeche thee , ●f thy méere mercie , to expell out of mine heart , all naturall dulnes , misbeléefe , and blindnes of error . And through thine holie spirite to plant in steede thereof , perfect zeale , and vnfeyned desire , to prostrate my selfe in heart before thine heauenlie Maiestie , in fayth vnfeyned . That at thys time it may please thée , so to accept these my supp supp〈…〉cations and prayers , as I may obteyne at thy mercifull handes , what soeuer thou seest necessary bothe for body and soule , through Jesus Christ our onely Sautour and Redéemer . Amen .

Oh Lord increase my faith .

A morning prayer for the working day . Before thou d●o thy worke beginne , Thanke God : craue pardon for thy sin ▪ And then thy worke shall prosper so , As want shall neuer breede thee woe .

WHat a great benefit we receiue at the handes of almightie God , by our naturall sleepe , none is ignoraunt what perrils wee escape , in the darke & dolefull night , wee may easilie iudge . And what fauome the almighty extendeth towardes vs , in giuing vs lodging , not in the fieldes but in houses , not vpon the harde and colde grounde , but vppon softe pillowes , warmelie couered ▪ experience teacheth : What thankes for this so bountifull benefits of his , we are daily bounde to yeelde , I woulde we allknewe , and had will to yeelde them accordingly . as did Dauid who Psal. 55 in the morning , at midday and at night , calling on the name of the Lord , with thankes sayde , Psal. 143 ▪ 6.

Lord let me heare thy louing kindnesse betimes in the morning , for in thee is my trust .

So let vs yeelde his maiestie due prayses for his continuall louing kindnes towardes vs saying .

OH almightie God , father of our lorde Iesus Christ , who hast vouchsafed ( of thy thy great fauour & loue ) euen from my childhood vnto this day , to take such fatherly care of me , that nothing hath destroied , or hurte me , but haue beene saselie preserued bothe day and night , from sodaine death , and from all other perrils and dangers incident vnto mankinde , & haue all my life beene preserued : And of thy free fauour and loue ( without a●●e deserte or merite of mine to my great comforte ) enioyed the sweete benefite of sleepe and rest , which is most wholesome , for my poore and weake body , yea and so good a nu●●iture therevnto , as good soile , to the barraine field , or thy timely showres to the dry ground , or meate acceptable to the hungry stomacke .

Oh sweete Lord , such hath beene thy fatherly care of me , this night past that the sleepe which thou hast giuen me , is most confortable , bothe to my bodie , and soule , in so much , as I am the more aptly giuen to the execution , of my worldlie busines , and the seruice of thy diuine maiestie this morning , wherein asist me ( sweete Lorde ) with the helpe of thine holie spirite , comfort and defende me this day and euer , with thy mercifull ayde , that none affliction , hurte , or misfortune , dismay me , no tribulation or anguish of minde draw me from thee , no worldlie care , delight , or fantasie , carrie me at any time into anie wicked cogitation , action , or speeche , for ( Lord ) I knowe that it is not thy wil , that any euill shouldedwell in vs , or that we shoulde at anie time offende thee , but to keepe our hearts pure and vndefiled , as a fitte receptacle for thy Maiestie . Yet thou sufferest sometimes , vnlawfull affections to haue the vpper hande , to the end , that we ( feeling our weaknes , and corruption ) should wholie confesse , all our strength , all our godlie cogitations , and workes , to proceede from thee . And for that all flesh is full of sinne , and that the iust fall seauen times a day , forgiue ( Lord ) my wickednes , mine offences , and sinne committed , either this night past , by foolish dreames fantasies , or other temptations , or at anie time since I came into this miserable worlde , beeing a moste sinfull creature : and that ( beeing pardoned by thy mercie in Iesus Christ , I may proceede in the residue of my dayes ( gouerned by thy holie spirite ) voyde of all offences , vsing my vocation and calling so , as may be to the setting foorth of thy glorie , maintenaunce of thy fauoure towardes me , and getting those thinges which may be sufficient for the maintenaunce of mine estate heere , and for the reliefe of such as are committed to my charge ; And graunt me alwaies , such regarde of seruing thee , as thine hande may alwaies directe mee to good and happy successe , in all mine affayres ; Blesse thou the worke of mine handes ( good Lorde ) and graunt mee so to flye ydlenes , the mother and Nurce of all euill , that both this day and all my life , I may , by godlie care and trauaile , get me a sufficient , & competent liuing heere , that I be no burden and charge to such as are rich and welthie , nor depend vpon the succor , helpe ▪ and furtheraunce of others , whose helpe is moste slippery and deceitfull Least that in hope thereof , I giuing my selfe to ydlenes , and loytering ( when their helpe shal be with-holden from me ) I be driuen ( as the wise man sayth ) to goe in a ragged coate , & to want my foode . But contrary wise ( Oh Lorde ) graunt that I may so imploy my selfe , to laboure , and dilligent execution of thy busines , this day and euer , that , I may ( through my blessing ) luckelie prosper therein , and shew my selfe so helpefull to the poore impotent and needy , as the fruite of my trauaile , shall extende vnto . That thou maiest fulfill in me , that most sweete promise of thine . That who so considereth the poore and needye , thou wilt deliuer him in the tyme of trouble . Lord thy mercie is infinite , and thy loue towardes vs vnspeakeable , wherefore giue me grace , alwayes to serue thee , yea at all times and in all places both in laboure and rest , welth , and pouertie , sicknes and health , yea all my life and at the howre of my death , that I may passe this day , and all the rest of my transitorye life , in the fulfilling of thy lawes , and be readie at thy fauourable becke and call , to come and appeare before thy throne of mercie , in perfect hope , of thy louing receiuing me into the bosome of thy sweete imbracinges , not for my woorthines or d●serces , ( which is but corruption ) but for the merites of thy sonne Iesus Christ , there to rest , inioying the fruites and benefit of his death and bitter passion in whose name , I referre my selfe and all mine , both this day and euer , vnto thy Fatherlie protection , humbly beseeching thee , to direct almy thoughtes , wordes and actions , vnto my liues ende . Good God .

Amen . Oh Lorde increase my fayth .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

I Thanke thee most mercifull Father , my maker and preseruer , that thou hast so louinglie vouchsafed to tender my safety this night past , giuing me sweete sléepe , to the refreshment of my feeble and weake bodye . So ( of thy goodnes vouchsafe ) to extend the like louing fauour , to wardes me this day , whereby I may bée both safelie preserued , from all kinde of euill , and imploy my selfe , dilligentlie vnto the execution of my vocation , to the releefe of mee and mine , and to thy glory .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my faith .

A prayer for the Queene . What so thou he , pray God alwayes , To blesse our Queene with happy dayes : Whose wisedome ( vnder God ) so long , Hath kept this Realme from sorrame wrong .

THe vnspeakeable benefite of our long peace , and gratious tranquilitie , may ( without manie circumstaunces or manie wordes ) suffice to mooue thankfull mindes to praise the God of Heauen , for his vnspeakable loue , towardes vs , in giuing vs so gratious a gouernesse , vnder whom we haue not only these xxv . yeeres , peaceablye liued but enioyed the comfortable passage and foode of the gospell , when manie other nations haue wanted the same , to the famishing ( as it were ) of their poore soules , wherefore , considering , that wee may ( if not the more to our shame ) feede thereof at ful , and thereto freendlie intreated , and inioyned , not onelie ( which is generall ) by the word it selfe , but by seuerall iniunctions sette forth for the furtheraunce of Gods glorie and our profit by her maiestie , in England onelie : And therefore ( as we ought for all men ) so especiallie we are commanded to pray for the good & prosperous estate of Kings and Princes , and those in authoritie . 2. Tim. 2. Let vs , as we haue vnspeakable cause , beseeche God of his goodnesse , fauourably to looke vpon our most gratious Queene Elizabeth , & to graunt vnto her a prosperous raigne , with manie and happie dayes , to the plesure of him , and comfort of vs , Let vs not forgitt it , leaste God forgett vs .

ALL possible thanks we giue vnto thee , Oh Lord of mercy , King of all the Kinges , and kingdomes of the earth , for that thou hast vouchsafed to place ouer vs , thy little flocke of thys Realme , so pure a guide of true religion , Elizabeth ( by thine heauenvly prouidence ) our Queene , vnder whom , enioying the free libertie of the true seruice of thee , we rest in a quiet estate bothe of bodie and minde . We humbly pray thy fauourable regarde , to beholde with mercifull eies , the same thy seruant our soueraigne Lady , and gouernes . And so fructify her heart , with the good graine of thine holye spirite , that she alwayes inclined ( by the working thereof ) to the settinge foorth of thy worde , may walke according to the truth of the same , sincerelie , that we thy seruants , and vnder thee her subiects , seeing her godly example , may be ashamed to fall from that due forme , of honouring thy name , which for thy glory , shee hath through thy grace , by the rule of thy worde , prescribed vnto vs . Banish good Lord from her heart , all ignoraunce , and print therein perfect wisdome , and knowledge of thine heauenly will , giue her an obedient minde , abounding withall humilitie towardes thy diuine maiestie : Saue and defende her from the tyrannie of forraine power and authoritie , and from all such , as profesle not inwardlie vnfeyned zeale of thy Gospell , giue her godlie Counsellors , and such zealous and true harted ministers of thy wyl , that she and we , according to the trueth , of euerye our seueral functions , may truelie serue thee , in this life , and in the ende , for euermore raigne with thee in thine heauenly kingdome , for Iesus Christes sake , our only Redeemer Aduocate , and sweete Sauiour .

Amen . Oh Lord increase our fayth .

A prayer for the Sunday morning . Let labour passe ▪ let prayer bee , This day the cheefest worke for thee ▪

AS the Lorde hath assigned vnto man sixe dayes of seauen for his necessarie trauaile . So hath he expreslie commanded Gen. 2. the seauenth to be hallowed and kept , onely for the seruice of him , wher in ( all busines sette aparte ) we should referre our selues to prayer , to the hearing or reading of the worde of the Lorde , without any vngodlie exercise at all : wherfore as did Dauid , Psal. 55. 6. euery day , so let vs , especiallie this day , instantlie call vppon the name of the Lord and he will heare vs . And with Esay . Esay . 26. Let our soules with a longing desire in the night , seeke vn to the Lorde , and in the morning earelie call vppon his name , so shall our dooings please him , & all shall goe well with vs . And especiallie vpon this day which the Lord hath reserued for the seruice of himselfe . Nu. 1● . Punishing such , euen with death , who breake the same , as appeareth in the booke of Numbers , by him who was at the commaundement of the Lorde , stoned to death , for gathering stickes on the Sabaoth day : Esay . 56. Blessed is the man that keepeth the Sabaoth day vndefiled , seruing the Lorde in prayer . Esay . 58. Not in seeking his ownewil , nor speaking a vaine word . Pray that it may bee honoured , and not abused & dishonoured as it is : least God the Creator of it and vs , punish our disobedience .

OH almightye Father , most wholesome protectoure , & keeper , both of soules and bodyes of the faithfull . I yeelde the humble and hartie thankes , for defending & sauing mee , thy sinfull creature , this night past , and all my life hethervnto , from suddaine death , and from other perrils & daungers , wher into my sillie soule and weake bodie are subiecte to fall . And wherewith I am so besette , that ( had I not beene preserued by thee ) it could not otherwise haue beene , but my bodie had perished , and my sillie soule beene carryed into eternall perdition .

But most sweete Lord , my strong Castell & defence , my shield & buckler , my sure refuge , and succour , who hast continuall regarde of the safety of thy seruants , that thou neuer sufferest them to bee ouercome with any kinde of euill , nor to fall into any kinde of daunger : vouchsafe to forgiue me what soeuer I haue committed , and doone against thy diuine will , eyther sleeping or waking , this night or anie time ( secretlie or openlie ) heeretofore , by reason of the corruption which remaineth in me .

And vouchsafe , that as I haue quietlie passed this night , so I may enioy , at thy merciful hands whatsoeuer thy fatherlie prouidence , shall thinke meete and conuenient , for mine owne , and for the releefe , of such as thou hast committed vnto my charge , and gouernement .

Establish ( good Lorde ) within my weake & feeble bodie , strength , to withstande all euill motions of the flesh , all vngodlie desires of the minde , & worldlie vanities , that I may feruentlie ( as I ought ) continuallie , both in the morning and at night , and at noone day , yea and at all times , and in all places , truely serue thee , without hypocrisie , dissimulation , or mallice . And for thy mercies sake , keepe mee this day , and all the rest of my transitory life , from suddaine and vnprouided death , keepe my tongue and lips , that I speake or vtter nothing , which may be eyther vncomelie to be spoken , or whereof may redownde hurt , or hinderaunce to my selfe or others , but that I may endeuoure ( as much as in me lyes ) to speake and vtter those thinges , which may be , to the setting foorth of thy glorie , maintenaunce of peace and concorde , and to the reducing such into the right way , as wander and goe astray ; As for slaundering , lying , backbyting , falsewitnes bearing , enuie , and such like , ( good Lorde ) take vtterly from me . And keepe mine heart and minde , from the moste damnable sinne of murmuring against thee , and from dyspayre , that in all aduersities , tribulations , and troubles , I may alwayes , beare , a patient , contented , faithfull , and a thankfull minde , with full perswasion , that if thou suffer , mine aduersaries ( being maliciousliebent against me ) to reuile me , persecute me , to molest or hurte me , or if thou permitt either fire to consume me , or my substaunce , or any other casuall meane to diminish mine estate , and stay of my liuing , or if I sustaine losse of freendes , sicknes of bodie , or hurt of my limmes , it proceedeth not but by thy diuine prouidence , yea onelie of thy meere loue , and fatherlie care , which thou hast of mine amendment : for nothing happeneth to those whome thou louest ( breede it within theyr weake mindes neuer so great greefe , or fall it out neuer so contrary , to theyr desires ) but it bringeth with it some secrete working , for their good . Wherefore in the name of thy sonne Iesus Christ , I most humbly beseeche thee , that thou wilt vouchsafe , to settle in mine heart , such perfection of patience , as what soeuer , eyther this day or heereafter shall happen or befall vnto me , I may accept it as a most wholesome medicine , for my so deadlie disease of securitie , and so in hope of thy louing kindnes , and mercie to goe forwarde this day , and all my life , in perfect loue , vnfeyned zeale , and continuall obedience to thy will . In hearing thy worde attentiuelie , in reading the same dilligentlie , in following it effectually , and in praying vnto thee zealously , and faithfully , imbracing all goodnes willingly , and auoyding all euill watilie , that so spending this day , I may the better proceede to the execution of my calling , this weeke following , to the releefe of my necessitie , & furtheraunce of my neighbours ; That so continuing vnto the ende , I may receiue the reward of thy celestiall kingdome , which thy sonne Iesus Christe hath purchased with his bloode , for all true beleeuers in thee . In number of whome ( sweete Lorde ) for the merytes of him thy sonne , make me , that I with them , and they with me , may continually sing laude and prayse vnto the Trinitie eternallie , which graunt for thy sonne Iesus Christ his sake .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my faith .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

ALL possible thankes , I render vnto thee , most louing and moste mercifull Father , that it hath pleased the● to bee my carefull watchman , this night , preseruing me from many euils , vouchsafing sleepe vnto mine eyes , to the vnspeakable comfort of my poore bo●●e . Let it likewise please thee , I humbly beseeche thee , to giue me grace , according to thine heauenly will , 〈◊〉 expresse commaundement , ( as at all times ) so this day especially , to imploy me to the seruice of thee , in all godlines , and purenes of life , leauing all bodily labours and exercise , as to the Sanctetie which thou in the beginning g●uest vnto the day , when thou had●est finished all thy worke , dooth instly deserue . Amen .

Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A confession of sinnes . Confesse thy sinnes to God on hie : Who pardons sinners when they cry .

FOr asmuch as all men by nature are sinners , and none , ( Christ excepted ) euer liued without man folde offences , Let vs with Dame●l ●●●esse Da. 9 that we haue sinned , that we delt wickedlie , in tr●sgressing the lawe of the Lord. Pro. 28. For who so hideth his sinnes shall not prosper : but he that confesseth them and forsaketh them , shall finde mercie . For when Adam Gen. 3. had broken the commaundement of the Lorde , be excused his fault , & was accursed . But Dauid confessing his wickednes found fauour The lost sonne Lu. 15. after long going astray , at last returned , confessing his fault and obteyned pardon . Iohn Baptist. Mat. 3 , when hee first preached the gospell , he baptized none , but such as confessed theyr sinnes : wherefore let vs faithfully , and continually vpon our knees , acknowledge our sinnes , and prepare our selues to vnfeyned repentaunce , and vndoubtedlie we shal obteine mercie at the hands of the Lord For if we acknowledge our sinnes . 1. Iohn . 1. he is faithfull to forgiue them , according to his promise . Say with Dauid . Psa. 23. I will acknowledge my sinnes vnto the Lord , and will not hide mine iniquitie from him , yea confesse against thy selfe , and he wyll forgiue thy sinnes .

OH omnipotent father , and euerliuing God , from whose wisedome & foreknowledge , no secretes are or may bee hidden : but doost plainely consider & behold the workes wordes , and thoughtes , of all creatures , I most humbly beseeche thee of thine infinite mercye to haue compassion vppon my sinnes , which are so great and greeuous , so many , and they so vile , and lothsome , to thine heauenlie eyes , that thou canst not abide to turne thy louing countenaunce towardes me . Oh Lorde I doo confesse , that my conception , my birth , yea and all my life , hath beene in sin , our Fathers and mothers sinfull , euen from the stocke of our great Grandfather Adam , whose blindnesse shoulde haue beene our light , and whose sight was turned to our blindnes & darknes , by the deceitful & most vile alurings of that enemie of ours , the wilie and moste subtill serpent sathan , by whose ●ntisements , our forefather ( beeing clothed with innocencie and simplicitie , in most pure & vnspeakable happines ) was mooued to the desire of the knowledge of that , that thou woldest he should haue beene ignorant of : And which thou haddest vtterlie forbidden him . By breking of which thy commaundement , he with Eue ( whome thou hadst ordeyned out of hys owne flesh , to be his companion and comfort ) where with thine Angell ( according to thy determinate will ) driuen out of Parradice , a place of ioy , to a pitte of sorrow , from good to euill , from ease to laboure and trauaile , from quietnes to trouble , from wealth to want , from light to darknes , from myrth to mourning , from succoure to be succourles . In so much ( Oh Lord ) as he , our father , purchased for vs his children , none other possession or inheritaunce , but the vnhappy enteraunce into sinne and corruption ; And we his children , beeing by succession ingrossed in this detestable stocke of sinne , haue hethervnto ( notwithstanding thy most louing , and by so sundry meanes , calling vs by thine holye Gospell of comfort ) continued therein , to our vtter perdition , deserued death and distruction , confessing and acknowledging our selues , runnagates , outcastes and trewantes , and of our selues altogether vnable , to cast away and lay aside , these workes of darknes , and to obteine againe the Lanterne of light . Yet for as much as I am most sorry from the very bottome of mine heart , that I haue offended thee , wilfully , and disobedientlie strayed from the wayes of thy Lawes . And doo vnfeynedly condemne al my former life , to be most vile , determining in heart , ( by thy grace ) to forsake sinne , and cleaue vnto godlines , and purenes of liuing , to decline from euill , and to doo good , I most humbly ( euen vpon the knees of mine heart ) beseeche , thine almightye Maiestie , to lysten with a moste willing and attentiue eare , vnto my groninges , secrete sighes , and vnfeyned repentance , and with the eyes of thy mercye , to beholde my lamenting spyrite , and so vouchsafe to accept the same ▪ as it may bee vnto thee a sufficient sacrifice for all former euills . That I beeing free from sinne , ( not by any deserte or meryte of mine owne , but onely by the death and passyon , of thy Sonne Iesus Christe , may take perfecte holde of the remission thereof : and fully perswade my selfe , that through the death of him thy sonne , I am agayne restored to the former happines , and blessed estate which oure first parent Adam , was in the beginning placed in .

And the heade of that subtill Serpent sathan , ( who so wylilye deceyued him ) by the seede of the Woman , to bee altogether bruzed , troden downe , and vanquished , and his power quite taken from him . So that hee is not able anye more , to lifte him selfe vppe againste the Chyldren of Fayth , as hee seeketh and desyreth , yea and often preuayleth againste the weake and feeble ones .

Vouchsafe ( sweete LORDE , and moste loouing Iesus ) to consider my weakenesse , and frayltye , and mortefye in mee all delightes of thys miserable worlde , and the corrupt fleshe . And stande betwene mee and Sathan , that hee preuayle no further agaynste mee , then I shall bee able to resyste , for wee can not stande , but doo continually yeelde , vnto the deceiueable showes of this worlde , the false motions of the fleshe , and temptations of Sathan , without thy continuall ayde and assistaunce , wherewith ( I beseeche thee ) both at this time and euer , a●me me , wash me with thy bloode , and purge me with thy grace , that I may nowe beginne , and for euer continue , in liuing according to thine holy and heauenly commaundement , to the prayse of thy name ; and mine eternall saluation , sweete Sauiour .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my fayth ▪

A short prayer to the like purpose .

OH Father of mercie , and God of all goodnes , I confesse vnto thee , the corruption which from Adam to vs remaineth in our flesh , whereby wee daily rebell against thy diuine Maiestie , vouchsafe Oh Lorde , I humbly beseeche thee , for Jesus Christes sake , to forgiue my sinnes , and to pardon mine iniquities . And instill into my heart , vnfeyned repentaunce , that the death of him thy Sonne , may take away the hea●e burden , which the fall of our first Parents layde vpon vs ▪ Amen .

Oh Lorde increase my fayth .

A praier for the euening . When thou betakst thee to thy rest , Commit thee to tha'lmighties hest : For when thou lyest downe at night , Thou art not sure to see day light .

ALthough that wee can not at all times , duely examine our selues as concerning our life past , yet once in the day it is most requisite to consider , howe we haue spent the time past : namely at night to weigh what we haue doon the day before , and in the morning , to consider , howe we haue past the night . For although the night was ordeyned for rest , yet as sayth Paule . 1. Thes 5. we should then watch and bee sober , singing prayses vnto the Lord , as Dauid did , Ps. 42 giuing him thankes for the helpe of his presence , that is to say , for his protection , the day past , praying the same in the darke night , when all th●●●es by reason of the darknes are hidden , and when the wicked god about theyr euill pretended purposes , to the disturbance of the godlye . Therefore , whatsoeuer thou doo Dan. II , whether thou lie downe or 〈…〉 , be medita●●ng the law of the Lorde .

OH heauenlie God and eternall Father , giuer of all good thinges , and protectour of all that loue thee , I yeelde thee moste humble and harty thankes , for thine inestimable benefites , not onely for keeping and preseruing me this day , but all my life , that neither mine enemies haue preuailed against me , as they sought and desired , nor anie other misfortune which within this world is incident vnto mankinde , hath ouercome me , but hast like a moste louing father , and carefull Puruey or , giuen and prouided for me all thinges necessary . In somuch as I haue beene well refreshed and replenished , with thy great benefit of feeding me , and with thy gracious benefite of clothing , me , so that I haue not sayn●ed throughe want of so●de , ●●t beene ●●●resie● with ouermuch colde for lacke of ravment , as with mine eyes ( to my great greefe ) I may and doo beholde a number da●●e , in diuers corners of the streetes , and wayes as I passe , who are most greeuously tormented , with hunger , colde , sores , and sicknes , ( lamentable to see ) whom also thou hast bought m●st deerelie , and yet s●sterest them to be oppreiled , and I , who haue deserued no lesse , nay rather good Lord , a great deale more , then some of them haue , by thy fatherly goodnes , not onely escaped those afflictions , but receiued at thy mercifall handes , infinite good gifts , and vnspeakable benefites , for which thine inestimable loue , I cannot sufficientlie prayse thee . Oh Lorde forgiue mine offences , which this day I haue committed & doone against thine almightie maiestie , whether they be secrete and vnknowne , or open , whether they were doone in my youth , or at any time since , pardon them Oh GOD , for Iesus Christes sake , and vouchsafe me thy grace , to amende my life , and to returne vnfeynedly to the seruice of thee . And for asmuch as I can not continue without thy continuall protection , vouchsafe to extende the same vnto me thy wretched creature , this night , that I may quietly take my rest , which thou haste appointed for a refreshment of our wearyed members , and hast ordeined the night and darknesse as a time most conuenient to take the same in , beeing a time , wherein we shoulde , to that ende cease from our labours and daylie affayres ; And vouchsafe vnto me thy poore creature , ( who am of my selfe , neyther of power to lye downe , nor beeing layde , able to rise vppe ) thine especiall assistaunce , and helpe , that in thy name I may lie downe , and receyue at thy mercifull handes , sweete and comfortable reste , not according to the greedines of my corrupt nature , but as shall be onely expedient for the refreshment of my weake body .

And for as much ( good Lorde ) as thou knowest with what mortall foes , wee are continuallye assaulted , both sleeping and waking , who endeuor by all meanes , to entrappe vs by some euill or other , which wee heare or see , in thys vale of vanitie , to our delighte , ( though contrarye to thy will ) wherevnto we often yeelde , and that in the day time : much more in the darke and lothsome night , wherin all thinges are couered and hidden ▪ and when the heauines of drowsie sleepe , keepeth downe our vnderstanding ; in which time of darknes , such as intende ▪ to worke wickednes , are most ready with dilligence ( abhorring the light ) to put in practise theyr mischeuous deuises . Therfore I most humbly beseeche thee , Oh God almightie to preuent them in their euill imaginations , that in no wise they hurt me ; And to graunt ( though sleepe to my bodie sufficient and not ouermuch ) yet to my poore soule watchfull and dilligent waking , that I fall into no daunger , by yeelding to any euill in the sleepe of my bodie ▪ vouchsafe also to garde and defende me , that nothing hurte me this night , that fire consume me not , nor anie thing that belongeth vnto me , nor any other daunger whatsoeuer dismay me . Keepe me also ( good Lord ) from suddaine and vnprouided death , and preserue me so by the watch of thine holie Angells , that I may take my rest in quiet , vntill the morning , and then giue my selfe , vnto the finishing of my duetie , to the discharg of my vocation , and fulfilling of thy will , vnto my lines ende : for which thy fauour , and for all things els necessary , for me and all other , for whom thou hast commaunded vs to pray : as for ▪ all such as are in anie kinde of affliction , in bodie or minde , for the testimonie of thy trueth , that thou wilt strengthen them , and thine whole Church , in pure religion . For all such as are sicke and diseased , that thou wil● , eyther restore them to health , giue them patience , or receiue them vnto thy selfe , for the preseruation of our Queene and gouernesse , Elizabeth by thy dinine prouidence , ferre ouer vs , that shee may continue to thy pleasure , long and prosperously ouer vs , and for this whole Realme of England , that thou wilt graunt vs all true repentaunce , for our Parents ▪ Brethren , Sisters , Kins●olkes , Neighbours , and all them that thou wouldest wee shoulde commende vnto thee in prayer ▪ Giue mee grace to say that prayer , which thy sonne Iesus Christ taught vs , saying : Our Father which art in heauen ▪ &c. And for as much as we cannot pray effectually without thine especiall gift of faith , vouchsafe to ingraffe the same in mine heart , that I may both nowe , and euer , make vnseyned confession thereof , as thine Apostls haue sette downe in these wordes . I beleeue in God . &c. Oh Lord , now vouchsafe to imbrace me with the Armes , of thy mercie , vouchsafe to receiue me into the bosome of thy loue , shaddowe me with thy winges , that I may safely take my rest this night , in peace , in the name of thy sonne Iesus Christe : in whose name I referre me wholie into thy louing protection , beseeching thee , that when my last sleepe shall come , I may take mine euerlasting rest with thee in thy celestiall kingdome , sweete God . Amen . Oh Lord into thine handes I commend my selfe .

Oh Lord increase my faith .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

OH almightie Lord God , I thanke thee that this day past , thou hast of thy meere mercy vouchsafed vnto me , thy poore creature , not enelie protection , against all daungers and euills : But also all thinges necessary . So I humbly beseec●● thee , of the same thy mercy , and for thy sonne Jesus Christ his sake , to 〈…〉 dethe like protection and fauour , towardes me this night , that I may enioy at thine handes , safe and quiet rest , to the comforte and refreshment bothe of my bodie and soule , for Jesus Christes sake . Amen .

Oh Lorde increase my fayth .

A prayer for the increase of Fayth ▪ If thou wilt haue , what thou doest craue : Pray thou in saith , the Gospell sayth ▪

FAith ( as saith S. Paule vnto the Hebrues ) Heb. 11 is a sure foundation of thinges hoped for & an euident feeling , of the manifolde promises , which God the father hath made vnto vs , 1. Pet. 1 touching our saluation , in his sonne Christe our sauiour : and whereby also , wee already inwardely taste of the vnspeakable toyes wher of wee shal be heereafter made full pertakers Heb. 11 in Heauen : without it wee can doo nothing : But by it Gal. 3. wee are blessed of him : and by it 1. Pet. 1 we are saued : by it Eph 6 are all the fiery darts of hell and sathan quenched . The iust man Aba. 2. shall liue by fayth : the daughter of the woman of Canaan , Ma. 8. was healed by the faith of her mother . Elias the Thesbyte , 3 Kin. 16. 17. through fayth was fed with Rauens in his distresse and hunger , hee prayed for rayne , and through fayth obteyned it : by his faith was the Oyle of the widdowe of Zarphat encreased , Dan. 6. & her child raysed from death to life : The three Children were deliuered from the whot fornace by fayth , and Daniell out of the Lyons denne : by sayth the sinfull woman , Luk. 7. obteyned pardon : the Apostles by sayth . Act. 3. healed sundry diseases : Nowe wl at greater Iewell can there be had at the handes of God , then fayth : for haue fayth and all thinges foode sent from heauen : defence from Lyons : saftye from fire in the whott Ouen : forgiuenesse of sinnes : and whatsoeuer els , concerneth eyther body or soule : And therefore let it be a principall requeste vnto his Maiestie , that he will vouchsafe that gift . Without wauering aske it , and God will giue thee it aboundantly ▪ Without sayth Heb. 11. it is impossible to please God . Neyther can we haue accesse to Christe , Eod. without it , who is the Mediator betweene God the Father and vs .

O Halmighty God , and father of our Lord Iesus Christ by whose worde we are taught , that to loue thee , feare thee , and serue in trueth , godlines , and sinceretie of life , is the onely way and meane to continue thy loue and fauour towardes vs , without the which , wee can not but perish . And beleefe and confidence in thy sonne Iesus Christe , the onely meane of our redemption , and attonement with thee , the onely holde of our saluation ; whereof we can not be sufficiently assured , without thine especial gift of faith , which is the ancor , wherevnto the cable of our saluation is fastned . And beeing broken , the hope also of our saluation , decayeth & waxeth of none effecte plant therfore ( most merciful God ) one sparcke of true faith , in mine harte , that I may certainlye know thee , perfectly loue thee , and duely feare thee and vnfeynedly acknowledge Iesus Christ to bee sent into this miserabl● world to saue vs miserable sinne●s , & for vs by his bitter death , to purchase thy fauoure and loue againe , which we had loste by the fall of our Father Adam . Oh Lorde graunt me to take such holde , of his death , passion , resurrection , and assention , as by his death we may haue pardon by his resurrection , rise to righteousnes , & by his assention , ascende with him to celestiall glorie , and finally attribute the cause and meane of our saluation , to proceede onely by his passion . Increase this faith in vs ( good Lord ) dayly more and more , that it may growe , by the working of thine holie spirite , to full perfection , accompanied with good workes and godlie behauiour , without the which ( I can fesse ) faith cannot be , that I may bothe in life and conuersation , fulfill thy diuine will in all things , with-holde not from me ( good Lorde ) that singuler gift of thine which is the stay of our happines , & the want therof , a most certaine token of our perdition . It is the strength of the weake & feeble ones , the staffe & stay that guids the blind , the onlie way that leads vnto the vnspeakable ioies of eternal blisse , the meane to obteine , possesse , & enioy , the only good , which is the knowledge of thy will , the bande of mutuall peace , the Forte , the Castell , and comfort of a distressed minde , and the onelie harbour of a sorrowfull soule , no good thing wanteth to him , on whom thou vouchsafest to bestowe the same , to whom all thinges are light , in whom remaineth no darknes at all .

Banish therefore ( sweete Lorde ) all misbeleefe , all wauering , and doubting , out of mine heart , and plant insteede thereof , vnfeyned fayth , that applying the same to euery affliction , both of bodye and minde ; I may vanquish and ouercome sathan , with stande the delightes of the worlde , and suppresse the corruptible motions of the flesh , ouercome my bodely enemies , and enioy at thy good pleasure , health of bodie , soundnes of minde , perfection of limmes , and all thinges els requisite for me , as no thing is impossible to him , that enioyeth this thy gift estecttually indeede : a most precious iewell ▪ an vnspeakable good thing , for thou sayst ; Who so heareth thy word , and beleeueth in Iesus Christe whome thou haste sent , shall haue euerlasting life . Then Lorde ( on the contrary ) he that beleeueth not , is in daunger of euerlasting death . Oh Lord increase my faith , wher by I may beleeue in that thy sonne , and take hold of all his promises , who said : That who so beleeueth in him , shall want no manner of thing that is good . ( Lord ) I beleeue , helpe mine vnbeleefe . Giue mee fayth but as the grayne of a Musterde seede , and I shall be able to doo great wonders , yea I shall bee able to remooue sathan , out of his desired habitation , expelling him and his ministers out of my minde , and walke no longer according to the will of the flesh , but casting away the workes of darknes , enioy the pure light of the Gospell , and perseuer and abide therein , enioying thy fauour & loue , vnto the ende , without fainting , in anie tribulation , or vexation of Spirite , going forwarde , in hope , in feare , in loue , and vnfeyned zeale towardes thee . That I may obteine at thy mercifull hands , whatsoeuer is necessarie in this life ▪ or for the obteyning of the life to come , and after this life ended , enioye thy celestiall purchased inheritaunce , sweete Sauiour

Amen . Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

I Humbly beseeche thee Oh mercifull God , for thy sonne Jesus Christes sake , to powre into mine heart , by the operation of thine holie spirite , one sparckle of true sayth , whereby I may truelie beleeue in thy Son Jesus Christe , as our onelie mediatour and ●duocate , through whose death and passion , we are restored to our former happines , wherein we were in the beginning placed , which none can beleeue , but through the holie ghaste . Encrease therefore my faith , that working by charitie , I may doo that which may be acceptable vnto thée , all the dayes of my life , Through Jesus Christ . Amen .

Oh Lord increase my faith .

A prayer against the deuill , the world , and the fleshe , very necessary to bee often sayde . If thou these Captaine foes wilt flye : Thou must craue ayde of God on hie .

THe deuill , who is Prince of darknes , Eph 6. and wbo ruleth in this world , goeth about , seeking whom he may deuoure , and leade headlong into destruction : by putting before our eyes the vaile of the vanities of this worlde , that we should not see the light of the trueth , but to continue in darknes ; in hautines and pryde , as bondslaues and captiues to him , whose children they are 2. Tim. 2. that continue in voluntarye blindnes , whose end shal be the fire euerlasting . Ioh. 8. prepared for him and his Angells . Mat. 25.

Pray that the worlde ouercome you not . 1. Ioh. 5. wherein resteth nothing but wickednes and sinne .

The whole world , 2. Esd. 4. is full of vnrighteousnes and wickednes , which who so loueth , is an enemye to God .

They that are in the fleshe can not please God : Ro. 8. but shall die . E●de . That is , such as yeelde them selues to followe the lustes thereof , shall haue the rewarde of the wicked , in eternall perdition : Praye therefore that ye enter not into temptation , but that yee may walke godly , as the seruauntes of Christe , and not as the seruants of sinne .

OH Christ sonne of the liuing GOD , who in the time of thy humanitie , when thou walkedst heere in the vaile of this miserable worlde , in the forme of a seruaunt , in the substance of mankinde , art not ignoraunt , of the sundrye greeuous assaultes , and temptations wherewith sathan , that monstrous enemie to mankind , tryed thee , thou beeing altogether cleane and cleere from all corruption , yea , without all desire of sin , yet hardlie assaulted by sundrie meanes , to procure thee to yeelde to his allurings , wherby ( sweet Iesus ) thou haddest sufficient try all , and experience of his like assaultes , vnto our corruptible and weake flesh , who are by reason of the fall & wilfull transgression of our great Graundfather Adam ( as thou knowest ) moste easie to bee ouercome , who in all assaults , haue none other refuge or defence , but onely to flie vnto thee , and to reste vnder the shaddowe of thy winges , which is so sure a ha●bour , and so strong a defence , as who so faithfully betaketh him vnto the same is safe from al the raging stormes of sathan , the deceites of the worlde , and motions of the vnbrideled fleshe , all which are , vnto our soules , moste monstrous , mortall , and most cruell enemies .

Oh Lorde let thine holy spirite dwell in mee , let it neuer depart from the inner part of mine hearte , but decking the house of my soule , with the flowres of loue , faith , and vnfeined zeale , it may please thy diuine Maiestie , to settle thee , and frame thy selfe therein to abide , that thy presence may bee so terrible vnto his assaultes , as he approching neere vnto me , seeing thee , and hearing thy name ( Oh Iesus ) may flye away , as hee did from thee , in the wildernesse , as hee dyd from thee , on the Penicle , and in all his temptations ; Thou wert pure at that time , without spotte of sinne , I am sinfull and full of corruption . He could not ouercome , or preuaile against thy sanctetie , but I am prone to fall , & therefore easie to be ouercome ; strengthen me therefore , stande with me , fyght for me , that he take mee not captiue , and make me a bondslaue of sinne : keepe me free out of his clawes ( sweet Iesus ) let the brightnes of thy grace , so shine about me , that his darknes come not neere me to ouershadowe mee , with the darknes of iniquitie , Let thy sauour bee a wall a bulwa●ke and strong buckler for my defence , for Lorde , thou knowest that his force , is so great , his will so ready , & his doings so wily , as if thou doo but pluck backe thine hande , he striketh vs , if thou turne thy face , he winneth vs to his will , and if thou depart vtterlie from vs , we shall runne headlong into moste horrible destruction . Wherefore ( Oh sweete Iesus ) saue me , sweete Iesus keepe me , sweete Iesus imbrace me , holde thine holy hand ouer me , conducte me , and leade me in the middest of the path of truth to celestiall happines , and let me not bee drawen awrye to the left hande , or to the right , but keepe a middle and directe course , vntill I come to the place of celestiall blisse , where neither sathan shall ouercome me , the world deceiue me , nor the fleshe procure me to sin , but be in the light of thy most glorious presence , with the residue of thy saints , singing eternall praises vnto thee . But Oh my most louing redeemer , my time is not yet come my iourny is not yet at an end , my daies ( which though they be but a span long ) are not yet finished . And vntill this body of mine shal passe to the graue , my poore soule must haue and abide continuall conflictes , with the deuil the king and Emperor of this world , and with as many his ministers , as my tongue can not number , and principally with the world , who setteth before mee insteede of diuine and heauenly contemplations , worldlie vanities , insteede of celestial and true comfort , worldly delights , insteede of heauenly hope , worldly and vnauailable promises , to bring ( as much as in him lyeth ) my godly enterprises , to wicked end Lord he labours by all meanes to drawe vs into dispayre , by loding our mindes with too much doubt of the performaunce of thy most comfortable promises But sweet Iesus , though his power be in show great , thine is in deede greater , though he be strong , thou art stronger , though his instigations & prickings for warde to wickednes be many , thy louing and father lie callinges to grace are more . Thou hast promised vs thy helpe , and that most merueylous to our eyes , for thou hast said , that thou wilt giue vs power to doo , not onelie as thou didst , but more , and greater , which is so straunge to the dulnes of our vnderstanding , that we can not but meruaile , that we , who are nothing but corruption , nothing but an heape of sinne , shold doo greater thinges then thy self , ( sweete Iesus ) who are onelie God , onely pure , onely holynes , and onelie grace and power it selfe . Oh Lorde make this perfectlie known vnto me , make me faithfull & then I know I shal rightly vnderstand it . Lord if we that are sinful & ful of frailtie , giue sathan the repulse , dispise the world , and withstande the euill motions of the fleshe , wee doo that which thou dyddest not , in respecte that thou beeing pure and without sinne , or will to sinne , were not so soone to bee wunne , as wee whose strength is weaknes , whose holines is meere corruption , & therfore was thy victorye lesse then ours : Sweete Iesus giue me thy strength , thine helpe , and the lighte of thy grace , to obteyne the victory , and to auoide his tyrannie . Saue me from the detestable crue of his ministers , for great are the conflictes which dayly arise in our consciences , betweene thy grace and sathan , betweene thy soirite , and our flesh , betweene thy diuine will , and the wicked worlde . Oh what an heauy burden is it , to beare the innumerable temptations which the deuill , the world and the fleshe doo ofter ? and especially to those , that take not holde by the An●or of patience , and who settle not themselues within the harboure of thy seate , but giue the raines of their vngodlie desires scope to runne , whether the force of euery vnlawful motion of the wicked f●end , the vaine world , or the corrupt flesh , shal mooue and driue them .

Oh sweete Iesus , guide the raynes of the bridle of my desires , that I runne not headlong into any vngodlie action , but beeing lead by the hande of faith , vnder the conduct of patience , I may ouercome this capitall , and archenemy of mine , that hee beeing once vanquished , his ministers may quaile and be discomfited , their craftie wilines wexe of none effect , and mine hope in thee , my loue towards thee , and my feare of thee , daily increase . That the world with the desires therof , may die in me & I to it , that the vain dissembling showes therof , draw me not out of the way of truth . Strengthen me ( sweete Iesus ) in my conflictes , and temper them so with patience ▪ that they may rather be Medicines , then maladies to my poore soule , and healthfull exercises that I neeuer thinke my selfe to be secure , but alwaies subiect to try all , for without exercise wee remaine vnskilfull , and without an enemie , we prepare not weapon , neither is victorie gotten without battaile , nor rewarde without victorie . Yet though we ouercome , the victory is not ours , but thine who fightest and ouercomest for vs , and yet such is thy loue , that thou giuest vs the rewarde , & crown , of victory . Make me strong ( sweete Iesus ) fortefye the Castell of my soule , with spirituall weapons , as with fayth , loue , hope , peace , long suffering , gentlenes , humblenes , thankfulnes , meekenes , strength , and patience , and such like , that I may continually withstand the prowde attemptes of these my ghostlie enemies , through thee , and by thee , sweete Iesus , mine onely sauiour and redeemer .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A short prayer to the same effecte .

I ●oore and wretched sinner ( Oh mercifull God ) humbly beseeche thee , to sende me from thine holy heauens strength , to withs●and the assaultes of the wicked fiend sathan , who go●th aboute like a roaring Lyon , seeking by many mea●●s to d●●our● me . Lorde giue me like wis● gra●e , to resist the raging and vn●aciable lustes , and desires of the corrupt flesh , and vanities of the worlde . That bee●●g through th●ne helpe acquitted , from the force of these my mortall enemies , I may serue thee in holinesse and righteousnes , all the dayes of my life . Amen .

Oh Lord increase my faith .

A prayer for the helpe and assistance of God in all our dooyngs , and that wee doo nothing , but in his feare and due obedience . Doo nothing ▪ but see ●●st thou craue Ayde ●●●m the Lord ▪ good ende to haue : So ●halt thou haue su●●●●le alwaies , As thou w●●t wish : and happy dayes .

DAuid considering the frayltye of mans nature , & his insufficiencye , of hym selfe to doo anye thing arighte : wylleth vs to committe our wayes vnto the Lord , Psalm . 37. and to put our truste in him , assuringe vs , that in so doing , God will brynge our matters to good effect , and blesse all our godly endeuours . Our forefathers trusted in God , and were not confounded . Eccl 2. They continued in his feare , and were not ●orsaken : they called vppon him & were not dis●●sed . Sym●on feared the Lorde . Lu. 2. in all his doings , and the holy ghost came vpon him & reuealed vnto him , that he should not die before he had seene the Messias , euen Christ our sauior . Corneli us with his whole houshold , feared the Lord , Act. 10. & an Angel came to him and tolde him , that his prayers & almes , were come before the lord , yea the mercie of the Lorde , is from generation to generation , vppon them that feare him , and walke in his wayes , hee taketh great delighte in the people that stande in awe of him . Den 5. Iudith feared the Lord , Iudith 8. and none had the power somuch as to r●yse vp an euill reporte of her : All thinges goe well with them that feare the Lord , and who so craueth faithfully the assistaunce of the Lorde , shall ( doubtles ) neuer d●o amisse , for he reuealeth hys secretes vnto them Psa. 25 which feare him , and maketh them to vnderstand his couenaunt . Wherefore , trusting neither thine owne wisedome , thine own wealth , nor helpe of man , seeke the assistaunce of the Lord , and that faithfullye , and he will rightly directe thee for his eye , Psal. 33. is alwayes vppon him that feareth him , and trusteth in his helpe .

OH God of most excellent wisedome , vnspeakable mercye tender loue towardes vs , & meruailous foreknowledg of all thinges , who hast commanded vs at al times to direct our doinges by the rule of thy lawes . I humbly beseech thee to direct al my counsails , studies & labors deuises & determinations so as they may bee alwayes measured and guided by thine almighty wisdom , & that I take nothing in hand , disagreeable to thy wil , but may alwaies faith fully craue & fauourably obteine thine assistaunce helpe & furtherance therin That whatsoeuer I do , it may come to such end & take such effect as may be to the glory of thy name to the health & benefit of my soule & pro●ite of my neighbors . That I at no time , rashly , or vnaduised ly , leudly or loosly attempt or determine any thinge without thine especiall feare , duelie considering that thou art the author of all good thinges , and bringest prosperously to passe all godlie actions , attemptes , and purposes : And whatsoeuer is doon in secrete , or in intent to hide it from thy knowledge , which none ( work he neuer so secretely ) can doo although for a time it haue some sweete tast , namelie a fleshly delight some sauour , or likelyhoode of happy successe : yet is the ende thereof , bitter and most perilous , insomuch as it bringeth shame and confussion , to the so vnaduised enterprisers of the same . Lord thou sayest that a Sparrow can not light on the grounde , without thy permission , and prouidence , which is a creature of small value , in respect of man , whom thou hast made to thine owne image and likenes , and whom thou accountest of more value then many Sparrowes : in respect whereof ( good Lord ) and for thy meere mercies sake , extende so thy fauourable care vnto me , thy frayle creature , that all mine intents may haue theyr beginning , by the working of thine holie spirite and mine actions end in the same , and not according to the motions , of mine owne foolish desires . Thou like a most louing father willest vs to take counsaile at thee , in all our exercises , concerning either bodie or soule , before we proceede too farre in them . Oh Lord blesse me , with thine heauenly inspiration , that my minde imagine nothing but what is according to the Lawe of righteousnes : Oh Lord blesse the workes of mine hands , the sight of mine eyes , blesse mine eares , that they hearken not but to the hearing of godly and vertuous communication , and thine holie word , my tongue & lippes with decent speeche , and my feete that they may keepe the way of righteousnes . And place within the secret corners of my heart , such due regard what I goe about , or determine , as before I proceed to farr in request of good & luckie successe , I may vnderstand by the secrete working of thine holie spirite , whether my request bee according vnto thy will : And graunt that I neuer absolutelie craue thy furtherance , in accomplishing any my desires , vntil by the same spirite , I be truelie resolued , that my desires be lawfull , consonaunt , and agreeable to thy diuine wyll , but may faithfully referre all my matters vnto thee , whether they be heard or not heard , whether presently or tarrying long , not giuing ouer , feeling in my selfe by thy grace , that it pleaseth thee , constantlie continuing , thy good pleasure , though it come not as I wish , let me not by and by fall from my good beginning , but perseuering in continuall prayers , for thine assistaunce , and fatherly helpe vnto the end , for thou hast promised neuer to deceiue our godly disires , nor to sende them away frustrate , mercifully heare me ( Oh Lorde ) in time conuenient . And attentiuely heare me , approching vnto thee , with vnfeyned desire , and hope of thy helpe , that when any plague , any affliction , misery or vexation shall come vpon me , when the want of any necessary thing oppresseth me , or accomplishing of any lawfull sute mooueth me , I flying vnto thee , as the fountaine from whence floweth all true helpe , all perfect assistaunce , all good successe , and prosperous euents of all godlie endeuours , not seeking any other by meane , either to auoide the one or to obteine the other , then thy fatherly directions and spirituall motions , I may obteyne the same , according vnto my necessities , and in thy good time oh heauenly God , for thy sonne our Lorde Iesus Christes sake , graunt this , sweete God .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

COnsidering mine owne blindnes , ignoraunce , and the wilfull obstinacie of my corrupt nature , which seeketh rather the fulfilling of the fantasticall deuises of mine owne brayne , then thy diuine will . And to vse humaine ayde , rather then to craue thine helpe , vouchsafe I humbly beseeche thee , to establish godlie feare in mine heart , and vnfeyned obedience , to thine holy ordinaunces , that in all mine enterprises , which in thy name I take in hande , thou wilt vouchsafe to direct me , according to thy will , and to giue me prosperous successe , for thy sonne Jesus Christes sake . Amen .

Oh Lord increase my fayth .

The sorrowfull sinner , afflicted in conscience , by reason of his sinnes , may say thus . If thou with sinne , afflicted be : Oh then ( saith Christ ) come thou to me .

LEt vs acknowledge our selues to bee wretched sinners , and with feare fall downe before the mercies seate of the highest iudge . Contemning our selues ▪ to be moste vnrighteous , and iustly deseruing confusion . And then , ( as S. Iohn sayeth ) 1. Ioh. 1. 9. wee shall finde God moste mercifull vnto vs : who is most faithfull and iust to forgiue vs our sinnes : and to clense vs from al our vnrighteousnes for hee desireth not the death of a sinner , but that he turne from his wickednes and liue . And therfore as Ezekiell sayth , Ezek. 23. Turne you , turne you ▪ from your wicked wayes , for why sayeth he , wil you dye in your sinnes : And againe Ioell sayth . Ioell 2. 13. Rent your hearts and not your garments , and turne to the Lorde your God . Because hee is gentle and mercifull , and of much mercy , and such a one as is sorye for your afflictions , wherefore if thou bee afflicted in conscience by reason that thou haste beene a notorious offender , remember Mary Magdalen , whose wickednes was great , vpon repentaunce , receyued pardon , as also the theefe and the Publicau and many other : Dispayre not , but in heartie prayer , and by vnfeyned repentaunce , turne to the Lord .

O Almighty god father of merci , who art more ready to giue , then wee to aske , more apt to pardon then we to repent , more willing to receiue the contrite in heart , into thy fauour and mercy againe , then they to offer themselues by vnfeyned repentaunce . Lorde I come heere prostrate in hearte , before the throne of thine infinite mercie , & louing kindnes , as one altogether ashamed , to looke vpon the detestable , vile , and abhominable offences , which I haue doone against thee , beeing so heauie a burden for my poore soule , that the shoulders of my poore diseased conscience , beginne to sincke vnder the same , and am altogether destitute of any proppe or meane , to support the same , or to ease me therof , but onelie thy death and bitter passion ( sweet Iesus ) who camest into this worlde to call ( not the righteous but sinners to repentance ) Lord I bewayle mine he●nous offences , and am moste sorye for my sins , which are so vile , & the burden of them so intollerable , that when I turne mine eyes but to the beholding them a farre off , I am by and by , stryken with so great dreade that I am driuen to most heauie sighes , greeuous groanes , and thinke my life an enemie vnto mee , wishing the beginning of my dayes , had beene the day of my departure out of this miserable worlde . But ( moste sweete Lorde ) when I note them perfectlie in my minde , & take as it were a straight account , what the deedes of my youth haue beene , ( beeing indeede ) most lewde , most euill , most vile , and sinfull , what a terror doo I suffer in minde ? what a dungion of dollours , doth open it selfe ( as it were ) to swallowe mee vp ? what gryping greefes doo torment my poore conscience ▪ in so much as I am at the pittes brincke , of dispayre , wauering in minde to and fro , seeking rest , but loe ( Lorde ) vnquietnes of minde , oppresseth me so sore , that considering with my selfe , what I haue beene , and what I am , a greate matter vexeth me ▪ But when I looke into the time to come , the time wherein all mine offences , and faults shall bee manifested and laid to my charge . Oh then whether shall I flye thinke I ? whether shall I conueygh my selfe ? who shall hide mee from thy presence ? who shall saue me from thy iust iudgement ? Oh sweete Lord I am euen at my witts ende , wishing for death and ende of my dayes ; And yet then the feare of the torments of hell fire , so striueth in me to the contrarie , that I quake at the rememberaunce thereof . And when I couet to liue longer , and see more daies , Lord then I am striken with doubt , and imagine , that as my life hath beene ( euen from my byrth ) giuen and inclyned , so greedelie to sinne , and that , the cause of my present dread ▪ I then loath and abhorre my longer continuance heere , fearing least the aptnes of my corrupt flesh , by the dayly rebellion thereof , against the spirite , heape greater plagues vpon my poore soule : What shall I doo Lorde ? feare and dispayre thus oppressing me on all sides , all hope of comfort hath left me , onely greefe and sorrowe remaineth , knowing not to whom to flie for succour , or to whom to make my mone . If to man , I knowe his strength , pollicie and wisedome , and comfort to be vaine ▪ his nature inclined to weakenes , and wickednes , as mine , and in him to be no helpe And seeking any wo●ldly meane , for pardon and remission of my sinne , I acknowledge it altogether transitory , superfiuous and to no purpose . But the seeking therof to renue and increase my greefe , that I shoulde leaue and giue ouer , the true and onely platforme of my deliuery , and seeke to a counterfeyt showe of ayde . Oh God forbid that euer I shoulde , but onely seeke for pardon of thy self , whom most greeuously I haue offended , and therefore to thee I fall prostrate euen in heart ( sweete Iesus ) the onely Phisition of all sicke soules , in whose power consisteth the alone forgiuenes of sinnes ▪ be they neuer so many or great . I come , I come , though altogether ashamed , vnto thee my sauiour Iesus Christ , who haste promised to be a Mediatour for the penitent , vnto God the father . It is thy property to call home such as wander and goe astray , and to traine them vp in new wayes , be theyr sinnes as redde as Scarlet , thou hast sayde thou wilt make them as white as snowe , and were they as purple , thou canst make them as white wooll . Oh most sweete promise , Oh comfortable saying , Oh voyce of heauenly consolation , whereby I am comforted , whereby I am reuiued , yea nowe is my conscience lightened , now haue I founde the true & onely Phisition of my long disease poore soule , euen thy self ( sweet Iesus ) who callest mee , I come , I come Lord stretch forth thine hand and receiue mee , giue mee perfecte hand fast of thys moste comfortable saying of thine : let mee enioy the true working of this most singuler medicine , thy death and bytter passion ( sweete Iesus ) who sufferedst for our sinnes , & camest to take away the punishment due for our transgression , and to call vs to repentaunce , without which there is no hope , of remission of our sinnes . Thy mercy is infinite , thy loue vnsearchable , and wisedome incomprehensible , whereby thou callest vs , whereby thou louest vs , and whereby thou guydest vs : And euen of meere loue , which thou haste to the saluation of my poore soule , whom thou wouldest rather should conuert then perish , thou hast stirred vp in mine heart , a lothing of my sinne , wherein I haue walked , and imbraced the same , euen with greedines : Oh that I were as ready to come , as thou to call ; So willing to leaue , and giue ouer the fulfilling of vnlawfull desires , as thou art to forgiue the same ; So apt to serue thee , as thou art to saue me . Then should sinne no more dwell in me , nor I in it , but should enioy thy continuall fauour , and rest vnder the winges of thy mercy . Oh Lorde , I humbly beseeche thee , that as it hath pleased thee , to stirre me vppe at this time , to repentaunce , as thou hast called me home from the wildernes , of wickednes , from deepe dispayre , so to place me in the pleasaunt fieldes of sinceritie , trueth , and godlines , as thou hast pluckt me out of the clawes of sathan , so vouchsafe to holde me , vnder the shaddow of thy winges , and to imbrace me with the armes of thy mercy , that I runne no longer , after the vanities of this world , nor yeelde vnto the vngodly motions of the fleshe , that my minde beeing free , from all sinfull cogitations , I may keepe my bodie an vndefiled member of thy Church vnto my liues ende . And although , til thine appointed time , this miserable vale , must be my continuing cittie . And although I must be driuen to vse this worlde according to the necessitie of worldlye causes , as thy prouidence hath assigned , euery man to exercise his vocation , yet graunt that my minde may be continually conuersant , in heauenly things , and though my bodie wander in earth , my soule & spirite , may haue theyr perfect beeing , and abyding , by perfect faith in heauen , where thou sittest & raigneth for euer .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my faith .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

OH God whose propertie is euer to haue mercye , yea whose mercy is infinite , and loue incomprehensible , and who haste not delight in the death of a sinner , looke fauourably vpon me , who haue so deepely offended thine heauenlie maiestie , that I confesse nothing but condemnation due vnto me , for my so manifolde iniquities , my conscience accuseth me , and mine heart bewraieth my disobedience , beeing but a cast away , vnlesse it may please thee , for Iesus Christes sake , to turne away thine indignation , and to take away the plagues which I haue iustly deserued , and punishments for the same which thou hast ordeyned . Lord cease to be angry , and according to thy mercy , not to thy iustice , deale with me , but according to thy most louing promise , my sinnes béeing as red as Scarlet , may through my fayth , in the death of Iesus Christ , as white as Snow . And as I haue hetherto folowed , euen with greedines , that which I should not , giue me nowe grace to followe and imbrace that which thou commaundest , in thy sonne Iesus Christ , vnto my liues ende . Amen .

Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A prayer for a competent and necessary lyuing , The God aboue vouchsafeth store , To him ( in faith ) that prayes therfore .

ALthough thy store increase , & so greatly multiply , that thou be sayne to enlarge thy roomes to bestowe thy fruites : thinke thee not discharged of this most necessary exercise of praier , but so much the more bound thervnto , ●for it is not the increase of fruites the labour of thy handes or store of wealth that mainteyneth thy lyfe , and feedeth thee , vnlesse it be seasoned wyth the word of God , which preserueth all that faythfully trust in him . Matth. 24.

For thou canst not liue by Breade alone ( which is ) with thinges necessarye for thy bodie , but by the worde of almightye GOD : And yet we are not onely licensed and permitted , but most louinglye called to come vnto our heauenly father , for whatsoeuer we want : as did Iacob Gene. 28. who prayed for foode and apparell , and obteyned it with aboundance God seeth before wee aske , what we want , and yet to show our dutiful obedience & to acknowledg our helpe to come from hym , wee must prostrate our harts be fore him in fayth , asking and he will giue , knocking and he will open , seeking & we shall surelie finde what we want . Dut. 20. For God of his meere mercy feedeth the fatherles , voucbsasing vnto them al good thinges wherefore , whatsoeuer thou be , pray faythfully , vse the giftes of God thankfully , and reuerenly , and thinke not that thy freendes can helpe thee , thy fruites satisfie thee , or laboure preuayle thee , without the blessing of God . Tim. 6. wherby enioying foode and apparrell , be therewith content , and in any case dispayre not ▪ for the prouidence of God is great , to giue foode and things necessary , to such as trust in him . And it is not daintye feare that feedeth so much as the trust in God can releeue with a small & simple dyet , as doth appeare in the 1. of Daniell , by them that were so well replenished with pulse and water ?

OH almighty God and louing father , who of nothing hast created all thinges liuing , whose care is , so great ouer them all , that thou sufferest not the moste vile or symplest of them , to perishe for want of foode , and thinges requisite for them , but seeking the same at thy handes , thou gyuest it them , in due season : And by thyne vnsearchable wysedome haste appoynted to euerye liuing creature , an abyding , according to his kinde . But such was thine vnspeakable care of man , whome thou hast created to thine own image , that he is as a king and gouernour ouer all , the rest of thy creatures , whome thou haste sette & appointed vnder him , beeing so farre inferiour vnto him , as where thou haste planted in him reason , wysedome , and gouernment , in them brutishnes , beeing altogether vnreasonable , and where they liue & haue there beeing vppon the tops of cold mountaines in desartes , vpon hilles on hie , and in vallies below , and in sundry other vncouth and vnknowne places , where tempest & heate , hardnes and colde , and other continual dangers oppresse them , thou hast giuen and prouided for man , houses , castelles , and townes to preserue them from the force of windes , tempestes , and stormes , and from the assaultes of wilde beastes of the fielde , in the night and darknes quietly to rest : And although born naked , thou giuest him ray ment to couer and to clothe him , hearbes for his vse , and oyle to make him a cheereful and glad heart , and ioyfull countenaunce . Besides all this of thy meere goodnes , haste giuen him the beastes of the fielde , the fowles of the ayre , and fishes of the sea , to be his foode and sustinaunce , yea ( Lorde ) such is thy fauour towardes man , that all the rest of thy creatures , thou hast ordeyned for his vse and seruice , wherfore I thy sillie creature and worke of thine handes , humblie prostrate my selfe in heart , beseeching thee fauourably to looke downe , vpon my necessitie , and graunt me whatso euer thou seest necessarie for me , euen a competent and necessarie portion heere , not ouermuch , least I wexe prowde , or disdaine mine inferiors , and if it be thy will , vouchsafe vnto me , not ouer little , least vrgent necessitie driue me to ouer much care , & ouer much care carry me to vnlawful means , & so runne headlong into thy dis●auor . But fill my Baskett , & blesse my store Oh Lord that I may enioy at thy mercifull handes , sufficiencie for my selfe , & for the releefe of such as thou conmitted vnto my gouernment : and for as much ( good Lord ) as all mine industry , carke , and care , & great trauaile , can not any thing furder me , releeue or satisfie me , in my necessitie , vnlesse thou vouchsafe therevnto good successe , for thy mercies sake , blesse me in all mine affayres , blesse my fruites in the field , my cattell , and all other thinges , belonging eyther to my selfe , or any other thy seruauntes , as by the fruites thereof , I and they may be releeued . Blesse the workes of mine handes , that they may prosper , blesse my sences that they wexe not dull , but be alwaies capable of such thinges , as belong vnto my vocation , effectually to execute the same , both according to thy lawes , and the trueth of that which I take in hand , for without thy blessing and fatherly furtheraunce , I can not sufficiently execute , neither can that prosper , where vpon the whole state , of my liuing and maintenaunce dependeth . Wherefore ( good Lorde ) guide mine handes , and blesse mine vnderstanding , to the prosperous execution of all thinges , concerning my vocation , that I may gett those thinges , which may be sufficient , for the releefe and maintenaunce of me and mine , to the profit of my neighbours , and glory of thy blessed name . And what so euer dooth happen vnto me , pouertye or ritches , make me ( good Lord ) of a patient , contented , and thankfull minde , that in aduersitie , I runne not headlong into such meanes as are vngodlye , neither in prosperitie , wexe the prowder , but waight thy good pleasure in them both , with thankfulnes , & euer more liue in thee , & by thee , & in the end raigne with thee in heauen , where thou sittest as Author and giuer of all thinges , graunt this for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake , to whom with thee , and the holie ghost , be all honour for euer .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A prayer necessarie after the hearing of the word of God . Attende vnto the Ghospell bright , Heare it , and reade , and liue vpright .

Consider when thou hearest the worde of God preached , it dooth but as it were beat thyne eares : and rendereth no further benefitt vntyll by the workyng of GODS holye spyrite , it bee inwardlye reuealed , vnto thee . For GOD by two meanes speaketh vnto vs , namely by the Preacher whome hee sendeth , to teache vs . And by hys holy Spyrite , wherby hys doctrine is so setled in our heartes , that we inwardly enioy the true benefit therof . For wythout the helpe of the holye ghost , the voyce of the preacher vanisheth , and the hearers profite nothing at all , S. Iohn saith , That he that knoweth God , heareth his word , 1. Iohn . 4. but he that is not of God heareth it not . wherby the spirite of trueth is discerned from the spirite of error . For the word of God is liuelie , Heb. 4. and effectuall , and pearceth more then a two edged sword , entring euen into the diuision of the soule & the spirite . &c. wherefore pray that as the Lorde sendeth his messengers to showe his will . So you may both heare it , vnderstand it , & purelie liue thereafter , pray for fayth , For without fayth Heb. 4. the hearing of the word , profiteth nothing .

OH heauenlye Father , who hast not onely vouchsafed to make vs , to thine owne image , and likenes , but also to sende thy sonne , Iesus Christe into this worlde , for our saluation , and hast by him , not only , giuen vs knowledge , of thy diuine will , heere on earth , and lefte it for our learning . But also freely taken away our synnes , and sette vs downe the perfecte rule to directe all our ▪ actions and dooinges by the same , which yet neuertheles continues harde and darke , to such as neither by thy grace haue beene inlightened , nor by the preaching of such as thou hast sent , beene taught , which also is of none effecte , without thine especiall grace , working to the true setling thereof , within the bowells of the inner man , for ( Lorde ) although wee heare with our eares , wee can not conceiue it in our heartes , nor showe it in conuersation , without the especial woorking of thine holie spirite , within vs . Oh Lord I thanke thee that thou haste vouchsafed vs to liue , in the time wherein darknes and ignoraunce is so much defaced , and superstition suppressed . That thy trueth , the word of life , the seede of our saluation , is bountifully distributed , throughout this our Countrey , to our vnspeakable comfort , and greate terrour of such as hate the same : Lorde I thanke thee , that it hath pleased thee , to feede vs at this time , with the wholesome bread of life , the heauenly Manna , the word of eternall trueth , wherewith graunt vs , so to be replenished , and fedde at full , that we may loathe and abhorre all thinges , which are not of the true table of our saluation , the gospell of thy sonne Iesus Christ .

But forasmuch ( Oh mercifull Lord God ) as wee may heare , and not perceiue , and reade , and not vnderstand , without the light of thine holy spirite guiding and instructing vs , I humblie beseeche thee to inspire our heartes , with a true vnderstanding of that which this day we haue hearde , with our outward eares , pronounced by the Messenger and Preacher of thy worde , and graunt that it may so worke to the amendment of our liues , and the increase of our faith , feare , and loue , of thee , continually abyding with vs , and to our great comfort , effectually worke in vs vnto our liues ende , accepting the same , at the mouth of thy messenger , as deliuered euen , by thine owne heauenly voice ( as indeede it is ) as long as it differeth not from thine holye worde and gospell , giuing all the prayse and glory vnto thine owne selfe , for he is but a Minister to declare thy will vnto vs , who are the grounde , and thy word the seede , which beeing sowne in our hearts , by this thy minister may , not onely take some roote , but grow vppe effectually , to our comfortable edification and learning , beeing so liuely and effectuall , as it entreth euen into the diuision of the soule and spirite : giue vs grace ( Oh heauenly God , in this so pernicious a time of sectes , scismes , and daungerous controuersies , that we may beare constant hearts , carefull and deuoute mindes , to the trueth , auoyding ( with dilligence ) the perswasions of such as seeke to sette vppe superstition , and to maintaine errours , and vntrue doctrine ; And as the Niniuites at the preaching of Ionas , repented their sinnes , so giue vs grace , not only to repent , for a time , but earnestly to bewaile our manifolde offences , and wholie cleaue to fulfill the trueth of thy lawes , to the saluation of our poore soules . Let not sathan ( sweete Lorde ) at any time wrest thy trueth sowne in our heartes , neither let him , nor his ministers preuaile , in sowing tares , cockle , or Darnell , among the good Wheat of thy gospell , as they continually seeke and desire , to marre the Haruest of our good fruites , which ( though they be fewe , by reason of our owne corruption ) which we haue gathered by the hearing of thy ghospell , yet ( sweete Lord ) vouchsafe to increase them , by vertue of thine holie spirite , working within vs . And let not our desire of seruing thee , be either choaked or snared , with the vnlawfull desires of this moste wretched worlde , but rightly and truely discerning the trueth , from false doctrine , may vnderstand who are thy true ministers , with earnest attentiuenes vnto the vtterance of thy wil by them , carefully & warily auoyding the counterfeit barking of such as speake for their own benefit , hauing further respect to their owne pleasure , profit , and commoditie , then to the edifying of our poore soules , whom thou resemblest to Wolues , taking vppon them ( vnder the shaddow of simplicitie , and feyned show of innocencie ) to guide thy flocke , who ( indeede ) are moste detestable Hipocrites , and deuourers of thy sheepe , whom I beseeche thee to cutte off , from that godlie and diuine function , and office of preaching , that thy trueth , beeing at all times , purely vttered by godly and deuout Pastours , wee thy poore flock may for euermore be truely edified , and continue within the Hardels of sincere conuersation , and godlie liuing , to the prayse of thy holy name , and to the attainment of our heauenly inheritaunce for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake .

Amen . O Lord increase our fayth and make vs euermore attentiue hearers , true conceiuers , and dilligent fulfillers of thy will . Amen .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

OH Lorde vouchsafe , that as of thy goodnes thou hast , through thy sonne our Sauiour , left for our learning , and to our vnspeakable comfort , the word of trueth , the gospell of our saluation , which none can learne vnlesse he be sent , I humbly beseeche thee to giue me thy grace , that as I haue heard the same , at this time by thy minister and messenger . So I may be able , perfectly to retaine the same , in the inner part of mine hearte , according to the trueth , and that I may expresse the same , in my conuersation and life , dooing all thinges according to thine heauenly will , vnto my liues ende . Amen .

Oh Lorde increase my faith .

A thankes giuing to God , for his benefites . Blesse thou the Lord , that giueth blisse , Heblesseth him that thankfull is .

BE thankfull vnto almightie God Ephe , 5. for all thinges , in the name of our Lorde Iesus Christe , who hath left vs a perfecte patterne of thankfulnes , Mat , 26. alwayes lifting vp his eyes vnto heauen , giuing thankes vnto his heauenvly father . So must we beare alwayes a thankfull heart , as a testimonye of our good wills , for the benefites of God toward vs let vs pray alwayes , 1. Thes 5. let vs alwayes reioyce , & without ceasing giue thanks , for it is the will of God the father , in hys sonne Iesus Christ , towardes vs , Saint Augustine breefely in this wise exhorteth vs to bee thankfull , namely , hartelye to say , God be thanked . A sweete sauour ( no doubt ) it is in the nostrelles of hys heauenly Maiestie , and an acceptable sacrifice . Chrisostome also willeth vs to giue thanks vnto the Lord , and to blesse him , yea although euill chaunces happen vnto vs , and then shal those euills be taken away , and on the contrary , ( as it must needes follow ) he saies that if prosperous thinges happen vnto vs , and we continue vnthankfull , our prosperitie shal be turned in to aduersitye . So pure a balme and sweete odoure , is giuing of thankes , that the Lord taketh it , as a moste acceptable recompence , for all his benefites , which as wee can not otherwise deserue , let vs continually say the name of God be praysed . Although it bea terme sometimes vsed of the wicked , who haue their reward with Hipocrites , but blesse the Lord in fayth , and thou shalt be blessed .

OH God of vnspeakable mercie , & father of meruailous louing kindnes , the onelie giuer of all good and perfect giftes , who art more readie to giue then we to aske , hearing befor we cal , and giuing before we desire , thinges necessary for vs ▪ I yeelde thee humble thankes , for thy continuall fauour , and louing kindnes , towards vs thy creatures , for whose saluation when we were lost , thou wast contented euen of thy meere loue , to sende thine onely , delight into this world , thy sonne Iesus Christe , taking humaine nature vpon him , and abyding the most bitter pangs of death vpon the Crosse , to redeeme vs againe , into thy fauour , which by our disobedience was lost , from darcknes ( wherevnto our blindnes had broughte vs ) into the lighte of trueth , from ignoraunce and errour , to wisedome & knowledge . Oh what greater comfort , what greater ioy , what a greater benefite , coulde thy diuinitie haue bestowed vppon silly man , then being of a castaway , to bee made a saued soule , of a lost sonne , made the child of God : and of a poore banished wretch , to bee made an inheritor of the kingdome of heauen , ( Lorde ) if it were possible for vs to yeelde vnto thee , as manie thankes and prayses , as coulde fill euen thine eates , at the ful , & did yeelde our bodies and soules to bitter torments in hell , for thy sake , from which thou hast redeemed vs , it were nothing in recompence of the least parte of thys thy loue , in giuing this sacrifice thy sonne , in whom , was thine onely and whole delight , to pacifie thine owne displeasure , and to purchase thy fauour and loue againe a thing most merueilous , that the offended , shoulde seeke tha'ttonement with the offendour , and after so vnspeakable a meane , and yet requiring nothing at our hands , but thankfulnes & obedient harts . Lord I yeelde thee all possible thanks , I yeelde thee thankes , euen from the bottome of mine heart , from the very depth of mine vnderstanding , who hast deserued more then we can by any means , in desire satisfie , or any way requite , not onely in gyuing thy sonne for vs , but in leauing vnto vs a continual rememberance of the same thy gospel , wherin consisteth the rule for our direction vnto thee , euen thy word , which ( although heauen and earth passe and perishe ) yet shall not one iotte thereof ( as thou hast promised ) deminishe or decay , without the which we shoulde haue continued in our accustomed blindnes . These thy benefites are vnspeakable yet sweete Lord , the creating of vs after thy likenes , & making vs after thine owne image , deserueth no lesse praise and thanks , where it lay in thy power to haue fashioned vs , after sundry other formes , as of wormes in the earth , fishes in the sea , & beasts of the land , most owgly , and most straunge , hauing neither the knowledge of thy will , sence , or seeling of thy goodnes ( which is the sweetest comfort in the world yea without the which , is no true comfort at all ) nor enioy any quality either of body or minde , which is any thing at all comparable to the gifts which thou hast endued mankinde withall , I thanke thee also sweete Lord , for all other thine vnspeakable mercies & benefits , as for feding vs , clothing vs , & protecting vs hetherto , giuing vs al things necessary both for our soules & bodies , & lord as of thy free fauor & meere mercy , thou hast vouchsafed vnto vs thy creatures , all these , and many other vnspeakable benefittes . So vouchsafe the like loue and tender care towardes vs alwaies , that we may prosper in our vocations & goe forward in the daily seruice of thee , and through the merites of thy sonne Iesus Christ , obteyne pardon for our sinnes past , and liue in thy faith , feare , and loue heereafter , enioying all thinges requisite for mine owne , and for the releefe of those whom thou hast committed vnto me , and also for all other thy seruauntes , so that we may haue sufficient , and not be chargeable , but rather helpfull to others , for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake , graunt it .

Amen . Oh Lorde increase my fayth .

A deuoute prayer , or Meditation , that we may alwaies haue consideration , that we must dye , which , as it is good at all times , so especially in the time of any common plague or sicknes , a godly meditation . Remember as thou art a man , So must thou dye , none helpe it can : No thing more sure , the time vnsure , Wherefore take heede , liue not secure .

SYlenas the Philosopher ( hauing it but by the instinct of nature , before the publishing of the gospell ) could see furder into the estate of man , in those dayes , then wee endeuour to vnderstande ( liuing too securelye ) nowe in the cleere light of the same . For his opinion was , that if wee consider , with our selues , what we are , whereof we are , and what we shall be , wee coulde not but lament , our miserable estate . This saying of his was meruailous then , when men liued in darknes , but muche more meruailous that it is no better considered , nowe in the time of the light of truth . For wher we shoulde haue great care to liue well , wee liue in wicked securitie , and where we shoulde haue greater care to dye well , wee foolishlye thinke to liue for euer . But let vs perswade our selues , and not only perswade , but fully resolue our selues , that we shall dye , and let vs endeuour to make a good ende , for a good ende excuseth a badde life paste .

And euen so likewise is an euill ende a greate argument of an euyll life . For sake sinne and imbrace deathe wyllynglye , so shalt thou seeme happye in this life , and not vnhappye at the howre of death . In the morning , thinke not to liue tyll night : and at night , thinke not to liue tyll morninge . So shalt thou lyue so muche the more cyrcumspectlye , and bee alwayes readye to dye .

Account thy selfe in thys worlde but as a gueste , that lodgeth for a nyght , and departeth in the morning , and as a wandryng Pylgrime of no certayne abode , lyst vppe thy mynde to God , Ecclesi. 4 , hauing heere no certayne Citty , for if thou liue tenne , or an hundred or a thousande yeeres , there is no helpe but the graue muste bee thine end . Blessed are they Reu 14. that dye in the Lorde . Wherefore prepare thy selfe to dye , not in your owne wisedome , for that will deceiue you .

But in the wisedome of GOD , that your hope may be sure , his ioyes yours , and his goodnes your inhearitaunce .

OH God the onely giuer of life , the mainteyner , and preseruer thereof , and the life after death , graunt me continuall due consideration , that as this bodie of myne , is builded , vpon an earthly foundation , and framed of the substaunce of dust , and clay , which is not durable , the glory thereof vanishing , like the flowre of the fielde , which is soone cutte downe and withered . So the same beeing the mansion , or rather the Prison of my poore soule , so frayle , weake , and feeble , subiect to so many infirmities , diseases , greefes , and maladies , yea to so many causes , that procure the dissolution of bodye and soule , that it often happeneth , when we think least thereon , it commeth sodamly , as the lightninge , and taketh vs vnwares .

Wherefore grant Oh GOD of my life ) that I may haue such continuall care , foresighte , and dylligent respect vnto the direction of my dealinges , cogitations , and wordes , that I loade not , my poore soule so muche with the burden of scenlesse securitye , sinne and iniquitye , that the bodye beeing sodainly intangled with the snare of deathe , it bee carryed where there is no reste , no ioye , no comforte , or consolation , but continual mourning weeping , and anguishe of minde , as the Glutton spoken of in thine holy Gospell , who going on blindly , loosly , and carelesly , without regarde , eyther of thee , or remem braunce of his ende , in moste detestable couetousnes , and all kinde of wickednes , was sodainly taken from hys mucke & wealth which he had wrongfully gotten , and myserably whorded vppe , and yet denying poore Lazarus the croomes that fell , and were taken from his table , but was carried by the deuyll and his Angells into euerlasting and moste bitter tormentes , where was weeping and gnashing of teeth .

Oh my sweete Lord let not mine heart be so blinded , with the vale of vanitie , nor nouseled in the delightes of this world , so intangeled in the nette of concupiscence , nor clad in the weedes of wilfull forgetfulnes of mine estate , that I bee taken as the ritch man , who deuising within him selfe , to enlarge hys Barnes , wherin he might conuey his graine , so much encreasing , who standing in his euill conceite , of couetousnes , ( thinking himselfe most secure ) was taken vnawares from his aboundaunce , and left hys riches he knew not to whom ( Oh most gratious and most louing God ) a most vnhappy end , wherin steed of heauenly contemplations , and godly cogitations ( which thou requirest at al times of such as are thine but especially at the houre of death ) there appeared a most horrible intent of couetousnes , which thou vtterly abhorrest , a manifest token ( good Lorde ) of forgetfulnes of his ende , and an argument , that hee was the childe of Sathan . But thou shewest mercye to as many as conuert and turne to thee .

Oh my most louing father , lighten mine eyes , that I sleepe not in sinne , nor wander in darknes , according to the will of the fleshe , that I fall not vnawares into the dungion of distruction , death , and hell , but make me alwaies ready and willing , to come vnto thee , euen with desire when it pleaseth thee to call me , by laying thy hande , by any plague or sicknes vpon me , let me not drawe me ( as it were ) backwarde , when thou inuitest me , to the sweete banquet of thine heauenly kingdome , as by the worde and gospell preached , and reueiled vnto vs , which is an especiall calling vs , or when I feele my selfe distempered , greeued , or vexed , with any kinde of sicknes , plague or disease , which is another of thy callinges , and an especiall warning that we must dye , or when by course of time , in extreame age , wee may imagine our ende to be neere , but ( Lord ) when I am at my dayly busines , and laboure , when I eate or drinke when I am in my best temperature & health in childehoode and young yeeres , at all times , and in all places , giue me grace to thinke , that death standeth at mine elbowe , alwayes ready to strike mee , that I sleepe not in sinne and securitie , till the time sodainly come of my departure , and so be taken vnprouided , and perish withour repentaunce , who can perswade him selfe , to liue long and see many daies , especially , in daungerous and contagious times of sicknes , and seeing so many examples dayly to the contrary , euen in the most temperate time of health , some we see at their Mothers pappes , by humaine indgement likely to liue , sodainely to giue vppe the ghoste , some in theyr youth , some in middle yeeres , yea & when grauest experience aboundeth , to be sodainly called away , & to be no more seene . Al which , notwithstanding ( Oh Lord ) such is the blindnes of our nature , that we think this world a continual being for vs , and couer ( euen with greedines ) to see many dayes , where we heape sinne vpon sinne , to the ouerburdening of our poore soules , seldome , or not at all thinking to dye .

Graunt ( sweete Lorde ) that as I desire to liue , so I may haue a greater desire to liue well , that I may make an happy ende , abandoning all feare of death , that the cogitation thereof , may dwell in peace , with in the mansion of mine heart , and when it shall approche neere vnto me , I flie not from it , but may goe foorth with ioy to meete the same , considering that it is a meane , to ende my cares , and to begin my ioy , it is the finishing of sorrow , and enteraunce into blisse , which made thy seruaunt Paule to say , That he desired to be deliuered of the burden of this life , and to be with thee , where is nothing but ioyes vnspeakable ▪ and contrarie , heere on earth , nothing but care , and woe , which mooued thy seruaunt Iob , to call this life a warfare , and this world a wildernes , and vale of misery , where is nothing but conflictes , betweene the flesh and the spirite , dayly increase of sinne , and continuall care , of vanities . Oh good God giue vs carefull hearts to loue thee while we liue heere , giue vs continual feare , vnfeyned zeale , perfit faith , godly care ▪ to doo good to all men , and earnest desire to come vnto thee , who art the ende of all trouble and laboure , and the beginning of ease , the ende of strife and the beginning of peace , the ende of all misery , and the beginning of all blisse , wherevnto sweete ( Lord ) graunt , that with vnseyned desi●e , we may faithfully endeuour our selues , to come , and to take possession , of that thy most glorious kingdome , where thy sonne is gonne before , to direct vs the way and where thou sittest to iudge , according to euerye mans desertes , making all those that thou findest with the Lampe of true faith , burning in their harts , partakers of the euerlasting ioyes thereof . In number of whome , ( Oh sweete Lord ) accept me heere , that I may appeare among them , in the world to come , through Iesus Christ our Lorde , in whose name , I commend my selfe into thy handes ▪ to liue for euer in thee , sweete God .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

OH God , in whose handes , consisteth the life of all mankind , for thy Sonne Jesus Christes sake , vouchsafe to giue me grace , to sett before mine eyes , ( as a most certaine mark where vnto this frayle body of mine must tende it selfe ) the Image of that which is to the faythfull the ende of payne , and beginning of pleasure , the ende of misery and beginning of blisse , but to the secure and careles , the ende of their pleasures , and beginning of eternall paynes . Ueuchsafe me therefore earnest desire of seruing thée , and leading my life according vnto thy will , that when so euer it pleaseth thee to call me , I be not through feare striken with doubt of condemnation , but euen at my laste gaspe , through vnfayned faith in Jesus Christ , may take and haue a taste of eternall saluation , that death bee not terrible vnto me , but rather when it commeth , I may ▪ with ioy receiue the same , in the name of Jesus Christe , mine onely sauiour and redeemer . Amen .

Oh Lord increase my faith .

A praier vppon the Lettany , or praier for all men , at all times necessary . Pray thou in faith , for eache degree . As God by Iames commandeth thee ▪ So shalt thou prosper in thy wayes , And liue both many and happy daies .

THe Lettany beeing a moste singuler & deuout praier for the estate of all men in generall and sette out for the vse of the whole congregation , as it were with one mouth , & one voyce to be pronounced begging at the handes of God , not onely pardon for such seuerall offences as are therein expressed , but also crauing thinges necessary , as well for them that are absent as present , yea for all men a thing most commendable & godly , praying one for another , as S. Iames willeth Iam. 5. vs to pray one for another , that wee may be hearde of God , for the prayer of the righteous auaileth much . And because the zealous may ( without the so often repitition of these wordes . Good Lorde deliuer vs , and we beseech thee &c. ) priuatlye vtter his godly desire of the prosperitie of his Christian bretheren , without answering himselfe in those respectes , I thought it not much amisse , to contriue it into this prayer following , the which I pray the Reader willingly to accept .

OH almighty God , and father of all that beleeue and trust in thee , Oh Lorde God , sonne , redeemer , & aduocate of all them who faithfully serue thee , Oh God holy ghoste , who proceeding from the father and the sonne , santifiest the elect and chosen ones . Oh blessed & most glorious Trinitie , three personnes , and yet but one God , haue mercy vpon vs , who most miserablie haue offended . Remember not our offences nor the offences of our fore-fathers nor punishe vs according to the multitude of our sins . Spare vs good Lorde , whome thou hast redeemed , and so directe all our cogitations , and actions , that wee giue none occasion of thine anger towardes vs , for euer , mercifully saue , and defende vs , from sinne & mischeefe , from the craftes and assaults of sathan , from thy displeasure and eternall damnation , good Lorde for thy mercies sake deliuer vs , from darknes of misbeleefe , from hautines of minde , from mallice , enuie , hatred , and double dealing , from euill motions of our corrupt fleshe , and from all worldly vaneties . Saue vs from plague pestilenee , from extreame hunger , and famine , from sodaine death , from heresie and false doctrine , and graunt vs alwayes will , and ablenes , to fulfill all thy most godly commaundementes , with a cleane and a pure heart .

Oh sweete Iesus deliuer vs from all euill , euen by thy death and passion , by thine anguish of mind , by thy bloody sweate , by thy glorious resurrection ▪ from the deepe of death and hell , and by thine assention , into thy celestiall kingdome ; Bee present with vs ( good Lorde ) in all our troubles , vexation of minde , & at the howre of our departure hence . And for thy meere mercies sake , be thou fauourable vnto vs , in the day , when we must giue account for our life past , that we be not rewarded according to our desertes , but by thy merites may enioy eternall saluation . Oh most mercifull and euerliuing God , wee most miserable and most wretched sinners , heere humbly prostrating our selues before thee , beseeche thee to listen to our petitions , and graunt vnto thine vniuersall Church , godly & deuout preachers of thy word , and gospel , that it may dayly increase in vertuous and godly gouernment , dayly growing and proceeding , from faith to faith , truely knowing thee , and vnfeynedly seruing thee . Graunt vnto thy seruaunt Elizabeth , our Queene , true vnderstanding of thy will , and vnto her counsaile , knowledge and wisedome . That vnder her , for her , and in thy name , they may establish godly Lawes , statutes , and ordinaunces , for our good and godly gouernment , and vnto vs thy people ▪ grace continually , to follow , and fulfill the same . Be thou ( good Lord ) her defendour in all aslaultes of her enemies ; and so rule her hearte in thy faith seare and loue , that she may alwaies seeke to aduaunce thine honour and glory , deface superstiton , errour , and false religion , and euer be able to vanquish and ouercome such as rise vp against her , to seeke the contrary . Lighten the hearts of all Byshops , ministers , and Pastours of thy church , with ▪ right vnderstanding ▪ and knowledge of thy worde , that they may not onely in speeche , & doctrine , but also by their conuersation and life , soundly and sincerely vtter the same , to the true edification of thy people . Oh Lord let not such as are put in authority to see the due execution of thy lawes , be slowe , negligent or ignorant therin , but endued with grace wisdom & vnderstanding , & boldnes , may execute iustice , & maintain thy trueth , without affection , fauor , or respect of persons , vouchsafe to endue vs all with continuall vnfeined good will , one towards another that wee may liue all the daies of our life in vnitye , peace , & godly agreement , pleasing thee , by liuing according to the rule of thy blessed commandements . Graunt vs Oh Lord , feruent desire , to be where thy word & gospell is preached & taught , and endue vs with thy grace to heare & to beare away , & not only to heare and beare away , but to expresse the same in our life & conuersation , that the truth of thy gospel , which is the fruit of thine holy spirit , may dailye increase in vs : & call home all wandring soules , which are carried into blindnes , by the subtiltie , & procurements of sathan , & his wicked ministers , following strange Gods & worshipping that , that cannot auaile them in their distresse , and giue them ( Oh Lord ) repenting heartes , conuerting the soule . Shewe them thy true light , that they seeing it ( though a farre off ) may by little and little , attaine vnto the perfit enioying of the same . Strengthen al them that haue taken holde of thee by true faith , and pure religion , that they fall not from thence , by any deceiuable show of any counterfeit secte , comfort those that are weake , & lift vp those that are downe , that they by thee , & thou in them maist beate down , & keepe sathan vnder their feete . Vouthsafe good Lord to giue succor , help & confort to all such as are in any kind of affliction , daunger , necessity , or tribulation , preserue and keepe safe , all such as labour & trauaile , by sea or land , for the benefit of our common weale .

Strengthen all women with child , and sende them good deliueraunce ; comfort all them that are sicke , and giue them either patience to beare it , or mittigate their greefe , giue health and nourishment to al young children , and graunt them grace , to goe forward in nurture and knowledge of thy will . Lorde we beseeche thee , to showe compassion , vppon all such as suffer impty sonment , and giue them deliueraunce , at thy good pleasure . Prouide ( good Lord ) for such poore children , as are fatherles , or helples , consider the cause of all VViddowes , and be helpfull vnto them in their distresses . Lord haue mercy vpon all men , forgiue our enemies , and such as persecute vs , and if it please thee , turne the heartes . Fructifie those thinges on earth which thou hast appoynted for our vse , and so increase the same , that we may enioy the fruites thereof , with sufficiencie , for our necessities in time conuenient . And vouchsafe to giue vs grace , to fall downe vppon the knees of our hearts , with vnfeyned repentannce of all our sinnes , that we may obteyne at thy mercifull handes , pardon for our offences , negligences , and ignoraunces , and vouchsafe , to endue vs with thine holy spirite , that we may goe forward in daily amendment of our liues , & gouern the same according to thy wil. Amen . Oh sonne of almighty God , we beseeche thee to heare vs . Oh Lambe of God , that takest away the sins of the world , graunt vs thy peace , and haue mercy vpon vs .

Oh Lord increase our fayth . Amen .

A prayer for the fulfilling of the tenne Commaundements . Pray that thou maiest fulfill the will , Of him whose hand defends thee still And these precepts forget thou not , Which Moyses for thy safety wrot .

BLessed is the man ( as sayth Dauid ) Psalm . 1. 2. that delighteth in the Lawe of the Lorde , and meditateth therein day and night , he shall be blessed in his goodes , in all that hee taketh in hand , at his going out , and his comming in , and in all thinges . But contrariwise , he that declyneth from his commaundements and neglecteth them , shall be accursed in all his waies , and nothing shall prosper with him , although for a tyme it flourishe in showe heere , the ende of the same will be euill . And therfore Dauid in all his prayers , ( considering his owne infirmitie ) besought the Lord to instruct him , in his commaundements , saying make mee Oh God to vnderstand thy lawes , and I will meditate vppon all thine wonderous works . Yea his delight was in the commaundements of God . And Saloman sayth , Pro. 28. that hee that turneth away his eares from hearing the lawe , his prayer shall be abhominable . For it is the loue of God that we should keepe his commaundements . 1. Ioh , 5 , Praye therefore that God will stirre vp in you , an vnfeyned zeale in all your dooings and enterprises , to obserue the law of the Lorde .

OH almighty Iehouah , God of heauen & earth , who haste promised thy selfe , euen from the beginning to be our Lorde and our God , our shielde and our Fortresse , our buckler and defence , our Castell and refuge . And who hast brought vs with a mighty and strong hand , with an outstretched Arme , out of the Lande , wherein wee were straungers , wherein we liued in bondage , vnder the yoke and tytannye of Antechriste and sathan , into the lande land that floweth with the Milke and Honny of true religion , wherewith thou feedest the soules of thy faithfull ones .

Grant that as through thy meere mercye and loue , thou vouchsafest to bring vs into this worlde , and to frame vs to thine owne image and likenes , So we may account thee as our onely God , worshipping none other besides thee , making vnto our selues , none image of any likenes , either of thinges aboue , or thinges beneathe , nor bowe or seeke helpe at the handes of any ( as a God ) beside thee , who as by thy mightye power , thou broughtest the children of Israell out of Egipt , by the handes of Moses and Aaron , where they were in bondage , where they were continually oppressed with sundry kindes of vexations both of body and minde . So hast thou vhuchsased to bring vs and to deliuer vs from a greater bondage , seruitude , and stauery , euen from the power of Sathan , vnder whose tyranny we rested , and now escaped , not by the pollicie , strength , or power of any Moyses , but by the blod shedding of thine only son Iesus Christ , who tooke vpon him the death of the crosse for our sakes , to bring vs from darknes , wherein we walked according to the will of the flesh , vnto the true knowledge of thee againe ▪ & to redeeme vs out of the bondage of sin , into the land of righteousnes , from blinde ignoraunce , to the bright shining day-starre , of thine heauenly will , who art not onely a most loouing and gentle Father , but also a moste sharp punisher and reuenger , who art not onely desirous , that we should come vnto thee , but art also most ielious ouer vs , least we should seeke or follow any other God besides thee , yea in all our afflictions and troubles , to seeke onely vnto thee , and beeing releeued , to attribute the onely meane thereof vnto thy selfe , whereby thou hast promised to bee mercifull vnto thousandes that loue thee , feare thee , seeke thee , and truely take hold● of thee , as theyr onely God . And againe , threatnest thy vengeaunce , and heauy displeasnre , to continue vppon the thirde and fourth generation , of them that hate thee , and folow straunge Gods ▪ ( Oh sweete God ) vouchsafe that it may be farre from our mindes to haue any desire , once to put our foote towardes any straunge Gods , appeare their helpe ▪ neuer so likely or plentifull , but that it bee bothe now and euer in our hearts , to confesse both in word and conuersation , that there is none other God besides thee , who art most glorious and a most louing Father , haue mercy vpon vs . And so vouchsafe to direct vs in all our dooinges , cogitations and wordes , as we may alwayes and in all thinges , fulfil thy will , neuer taking thine holy and most glorious name in vaine , by blasphemous speeches , dishonouring the same . Keepe vs moste louing Father , not onely from the most detestable sinne of periury , whereby thine holy name is often defaced , and ( as it were troden vnder foote , as in making it the author of abhominable falshoodes and lyes , but from all friuolous and vaine othes , which ( to the great greefe of thy children ) are moste vncomly in the mouthes of such as vnreuerently and rashly vse it , euen in common speeches , without any vrgent cause or matter forcing , wherby they fal into the most hemous sinne , of taking thy most glorious name in vaine , but that we may vse such a reuerent manner , & godly order of vsing thy name for trial of any matter in lawfull causes , as thou maist alwaies find vs true hallowers of it therby . And forasmuchas thou within sixe daies didst finish al things in the be ginning , & in the seauenth day didst rest from the same labor , commanding vs likewise to obserue the sanctification of the same for euer , and to rest from all labours , trauailes and worldly busines and not onely our selues , but all other whom thou hast committed to our charge , as seruaunts , Oxen and Asses , and such like ? graunt that wee may not onely lay aside all worldly cares , and busines on the Sabaoth day , resting our wearied members , but may in all thinges sanctifie it and keepe it holy , with godly exercises , diuine prayers , and heauenly meditations with carefull and diligent regard , to the auoyding of all wanton pastimes , foolish and vncomly exercises , and vnlawfull practises , whereby ( oftentimes ) the affection beeing mooued to impatience , powreth forth chollour to the dishonoring of thy name . Let our conuersation be altogether modest , mortefiing our own desires , wholy appliing our selues , not onely on the Sabaoth day , but all the weeke , yea all our whole life , to the sreuice of thee , to the honouring and glorifying of thy name , to the benefit of our soules , profit of our neighboures , and due reuerence to our parents , whom thou hast commaunded vs to honour , loue , and obey , as the instruments of our beginning , thou beeing the workman . Graunt , Lord that we may truly and vnfeynedly , reuerence them as thou willest we should , that we may long continue vpon the earth , not in the number of careles and disobedient Children , in whom resteth no thankfulnes for so great benefits had and receiued at the hand of their parents , from whom thou hast saide , thou wilt with hold thy blessings , and altogether depriue them of theyr liberty and liuing .

But graunt that we may so order our selues , by thy grace , both to them and to other our Superiours , as wee may bee blessed with many good giftes , and length of dayes heere according to thy will .

And that it may please thee , so to confirme theyr blessings in and vpon vs , as that it may goe well with vs all the dayes of our liues . Take from vs sweete Lorde ) all desire of reuenge , all rancor , malice and hatred , least the deuill , ( who redily standes to prick vs forwarde to a desperate minde ) procure vs to slay the innocent , we beseeche the Lord , let not ( at any time ) such euill imaginations enter into any parte of our heartes , least we ( giuing our selues ouer thervnto ) lose the raynes of our naturall disposition , which is so inclined to wrathe , that vnlesse the strength thereof be subdued , or the venoumous sting thereof pluckt out , by vertue of thine holy spirite , it wil ( no doubt ) prouoke vs to wait oportunity to wreake our mallice with violence , vppon such as by slight occasions , haue offended vs , yea and by little and little , breake out into the flame of deadly hatred , and so seeke to destroy the innocent most wickedly .

Oh Lorde forbidde it , and keepe vs from the most pernicious sinne of adultery , which being so odious in thy sight , thou causedst to fall in one day , for the same three and twenty thousande . Oh Lorde indue vs with thine holie spirite , that we may keepe our bodies cleane and vndefiled members of thee , beeing indued with perfect chastitie , may abandon all occasions , that may procure vs to offende thee , reteyning a godly behauiour , which thou so deerely louest , and expell euill concupiscence which thou so much abhorrest .

Oh mercifull God , vouchsafe to keepe vs from taking any thing , by secrete meanes , or otherwise from our neighbours , whom we ought to loue as our selues , The desire whereof ( good Lord ) proceedeth often by scarcitie and want , by pouertye and neede , which ( indeede ) thou art able and willing to releeue without any such vnlawfull meanes . And therefore I beseeche thee to graunt vs a sufficient & necessary portion , or els constancie and vnfeyned hope in thee , to be relieued in thy good time , and vtterly to derest the horrible sinne of stealing for thou hast promised neither to faile vs nor forsake vs , calling faithfully vpon thee . And as we ought to beware of taking any thing from others by stealth , so likewise vouchsafe vs grace , when any occasion serueth , or matter forceth , to beare witnes of the truth , in any controuersie betweene bretheren , graunt vs heedefull mindes , to depose and testifie that , which is trueth , according to our knowledge , without respecte either of the ability freendshippe , or fauoure of the one , or the enuie , malice , or pouerty of the other . And graunt that we rayse no false accusation or slander vpon any man , considering that the same faulte , whereof we wrongfully accuse another , shal be imputed as great vnto our selues , but that wee may keepe our mouthes , from speaking any thing hurtfull vnto others .

And like good men muse and meditate , before hand , what we ought to speake , not letting the brydell of our lippes loose , to babble out that which first commeth into our mindes , and that we may content our selues with our estates , whatsoeuer thou sendest , without any vngodly desire of any thing that belongeth vnto our neighbours . And graunt vs thine especiall grace , euer more truely to obserue , and faithfully to fulfill all thy most godly commaundements . In the name and for the sake of thy Sonne Iesus Christ , in whose name , as well for grace to keepe thy lawes as also for all necessaries for body and soule , I hartely pray thee , by that prayer which he hath sette downe vnto vs in these wordes . Our Father which are in heauen . &c.

Oh Lord increase our faith .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

FOr as much oh God of all wisdome , and mercy , as thou for our direction and godly lyuing , hast by the handes of thy Prophet set downe and prescribed vnto vs , godly institutions for vs to followe , considering our corruption , and naturall declination , from following thy Lawes , and howe we are inclined to the thinges forbidden by thee therein . I most humblye pray thee , to vouchsafe me not onely dilligent care , and daily endeuour , but especiall grace to fulfill them , according to thy blessed will , in all thinges , through Jesus Christ . Amen .

Oh Lord increase our faith .

A prayer for the true ordering of worldly riches , very necessary for such as God hath endued with the wealth of this world . Euen as thy wealth increaseth , so Pray that , them wel thou mayst bestow . For they that haue theyr wealth at wyll . Are plagued worst , ( vsing it ill . )

OVr Lord & sauiour Iesus Christ . Ma. 19 the fountaine . Mar 10. of all liberality Lu. 18. an hundred folde in this life , and life euerlasting in the worlde to come , to all such as for his sake● , shall forsake all worldly goods to followe him . But let not ( sayth he againe ) Matth. 7 thy left hand know what thy right hand giueth ▪ Giue , Luk. 6. and it shall be giuen thee , and minister vnto the holye ones of God . Ro. 12. and it shal be rewarded thee . Breake thy breade vnto the hungry , Esa. 58. giue drinke vnto the thirstie . &c. And take heede , that when thou doost intend to giue 1. Cor 7. let it be for Gods sake , who hath giuen thee store , to the ende that thou shouldest extende thy liberalitye to the releefe of the necessity of his Saintes , neyther grudgingly nor by compulsion , nor for praise or vaine glory , but with modesty & zeale , concealing thy good deedes , and thine heauenly father shall reward thee , Couet not to be rich , leaste thou fall into temptations , snares , and into many foolish and noysome lustes , which drowne men in perdition and destruction , for the desire of mony , is the roote of al euill , and causeth men to fall from fayth , to pearce themselues with many sorrowes . Trust not in vncertaine riches , but in the lyuing God whose hands preserueth the poore aswell as the rich , ye● respecteth the cause of the needy that trust in him , and sendeth the secure rich men emptye away at the last . Therefore to doo good and to distrybute forget not . Heb. 13 for with such sacrifice God is pleased .

OH bountifull God , and most merciful father , naked came I into thys worlde , bringing with mee not a clothe or ragge to couer this silly and weake body of mine , wanting sustinaunce and foode , without the which ( sweete Lorde ) life can not endure , which I haue receiued at thy merciful hands and that most largely the one to couer & keepe my naked members , and weake bodye from parching heate in the sommer , and extreame colde in winter , and the other to feede and nourishe the same , in so much as it hath by neither of these extremeties , fainted or decayed to this day . I thanke thee ( sweete lord ) that I haue not continued in nakednes , wherein I was born , but in warme and necessarye clothing , not in hunger , but in fulnes , not in scarcety but in aboundaunce , and sufficiency of all things , not in want but in wealth , not in labour but at ease , not amonge the lowest , but with the highest , which blessings of thine ( Oh Lorde ) I confesse were not gotten by mine owne industry & paines , not by mine owne pollicie or wisedome , nor bestowed on mee for mine owne sake or desertes ▪ who am borne in sinne , but as sent from thee , as thine owne free blessings farre passing the capasity of man , by wisdome to comprehende , by labour to gette , or by pollicye to purchase , but onely by thy blessed prouidence , setting thine helpinge hande vnto the godly industrye of such as by their vocation and iuste trauaile shall endeuour to gather the same , which is thine onely and bountifull gift , as also where thou giuest and blessest the children with the inheritance of theyr parents , which also is thine vnspeakable blessing ; graunt Lord , that as all those thy giftes , come altogether without our desertes , so we neuer abuse the same , but duely considering , the mutability , the ●lyperie hold , and vnconstancie of worldly treasure , and that the feare of the alteration thereof , doth often loade and encombe● our mindes , with so many & sundry cares , that we seldome rest without some doubte and perturbation of minde , breeding also within vs diuers other great inconueniences , as hawtines of minde , contemning others of inferior conditions , with a grudging disdaine of them , in respect of ourselues , puffing vp our hearts with arrogancie , vaine glory , excesse , glutionie , and finally , leading a man to all kind of vices , making him euen to forget himself & thee , beeing lead by the indirect rule , of their owne proper nature , which is altogether , contrary to thy will , wherefore , forasmuch as these our worldly riches , doo ●ende eyther to the winning or loosing of thy fauour and loue , and thy loue , the end of our happines . Graunt me thy grace and assistaunce , in bestowing , ordering and occupying , those terrestriall things , that neither the loue of worldly commendation or prayse of men , make me prodigall in spending them ; nor the care of coue●ousnes , draw me to whorde and lay them vppe , to canker and rust , & where it may be taken by theeues , but as I haue plentifull , so I may be liberall , distributing according to the portion thereof , vnto the necessity of others , as the cause of their neede , and mine hability shall require ; And as it pleaseth thee to increase my store , so make me more and more thankfull , and more and more ready to giue , enduing me with the more humility , gentlenes , & pittie , stretching foorth mine hande with a glad heart , to helpe the helples , to feede the hungry , to clothe the naked , to comfort the comfortles , that these thy bountifull giftes , be not bestowed vpon me in vaine That I be not in the ende , in case like the rich man spoken of in thine holy gospell , turning mine eyes from the begging cryes of poore Lazarus , but may willingly impart , such thinges , both of my table and store , as it pleaseth thee to bestoweon me , vnto the necessitie of the poore all my daies : and take from me all hardnes of heart , and extreame dealing to wardes such , as by any light offence haue displeased me . Graunt that I may consider of my self , and way of my selfe , as one of the lowest , meanest , and weakest , and not to disdaine the simplest , alwaies considering my beginning , my present estate , how it may please thee to alter it , and what may befall vnto me , before or in the ende , as also to be mindfull of such as are of a lower estate and calling , yea of the worste and poorest , and to doo for them as I may , and as occasion shall require , without ouercharging any that for their releefe seeke any thing at mine hands . That in the end I may be found a good and faithfull Stewarde of that tallant which thou hast put me in trust withall heere .

Oh Lorde make me willing to forgiue them that offende me , acknowledging my selfe a thousande wayes offencible vnto thy maiestie , pardon mee Oh God of thy mercy , and giue me grace to amende mine euill and corrupt life ; And let me not by misponding and abusing thy gifts heere , make forfeyture of so precious a dwelling place , as thou by the blood of thy sonne Iesus Christ , hast purchased for all such , as showe themselues faithfull Stewardes heere . Make mee to consider ( good Lorde ) the vanities of this wretched world , and giue me thy grace dayly to contemplate and in faith to beholde , the fayrenes , beautie , and certaintie of thine heauenly kingdome , that I may dailie grow in hatred and contempt of this vale of misery , and the vaine pleasures thereof , and be readie at thy fatherly call to come vnto thee , willingly ▪ bearing the burden , which this this world continually chargeth me withall . Oh almightie and mercifull God , giuer of all good things and the take● of them away againe at thy good pleasure , make me in prosperity alwayes thankfull : and if thou visite me with pouerty , endue me with perfit patience , that the delight of the one ●ull mee not and rocke me a sleepe , in the Cradell of security , not the heauines and greefe of the other , waking mee with the daungerous dartes of dispayre ; Strengthen me ( good Lorde ) for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake , and helpe me in this my great account , which I haue to recken for , at my last and finall ende , and that before thee , the Lord of our soules , when and where there shall be no thing left vncharged , but shall bee forst to account for those receytes , & actions which we little thinke on now , and prooued euen then to be parcell of that whereof thou madest vs Stewards heere .

And therfore grant that I may not bestow my Tallaunt , as to mine owne vse and behoofe onely but to the furtheraunce and helpe of them that stand in neede thereof . That in the ende thou mayest with that comfortable saying , receiue me ( saying ) Oh thou faythfull Stewarde , seeing thou hast beene faithfull ouer a little , I will make thee Steward of a great deale , euen partaker of that place which thy sonne hath purchased . In hope whereof , I doo wholy yeelde and commende my selfe and al that I haue vnto thine hands , praying thee to direct me , by thy grace & wisdome , to the bestowing it according vnto thy will . In the name of thy sonne Iesus Christe , to whome with thee and the holy ghost , bee continuall laude and prayse , for euer and euermore

Amen . Oh Lord increase our fayth .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

OH God almighty , the gyuer of all good thinges , the onely stay of mankinde , their guide and comfort , giue grace vnto mee thy seruaunt , that as thou hast blessed my store , and increased my wealth , in somuch as I haue not onely that which may suffice ▪ mine owne necessary want , but haue also sufficient to releeue others in neede . Driue from mine heart , all naturall desire of more , and giue me a will to distribute , and according to the aboundaunce of my wealth , to feede the hungry , cloth the naked , and to doo all thinges els which thou requirest of them , on whom thou bestowest thy blessinges , to the furtheraunce of godlines , and not to liue to my selfe , and for my selfe onely , but to the helpe of all that want my furtheraunce . That laying vppe a good foundation in the ende , I may leaue the world willingly , and purchase through Jesus Christ , thy kingdome eternallie . Amen .

Oh Lord increase my faith .

A prayer to be sayd of a woman with childe . As Eue thy Grandame causde thy thrall , Pray to the Lord , case it he shall . For as by Eue thy thraldome came ▪ Christ Iesus ( since ) to ●ase the same .

PRay that GOD may mittigate the paines of your trauaile which by reason of the transgression of your Graundmother Eue , God hath pronounced to be great , saying vnto her and in her , vnto you all , in sorrowe Gene. 3. shall you bring foorth Childe . And you daily see that th' extremity thereof , doth often ende the dayes of manye a sister of yours : ( before that howre healthfull and strong . )

And therfore I thinke it a parte of great wisdome to prepare & addresse yourselues against that howre euen to giue vp the ghost , for without the mercifull helpe and fauor of almightye God , you can not escape death : wherefore I wish , as many as are in that case , to betake them humbly on their knees vnto him , in harty praier , without whose outstretched arme no womans helpe can bee auailable in that behalfe : pray therfore pray , that God of his tender mercy , will vouchsafe you an howre , wherin you may be happily deliuered .

OH mercifull God and omnipotent father maker and Creatour of all thinges , who in the beginning haddest placed mankind , in most vnspeakable happines , where they should haue continued had not our first parents brokēthy precept and will , wherby they procured thine heauy indignation against them selues , & their posteritye for euer , so that the earth for their sakes was accursed denying thinges necessary for their vse with out their great labour , industry paines , and sweat of body . And vnto vs the daughters of Eue for her ▪ transgression thou haste appoynted moste greeuous paines and torments of body , in the trauaile of childbirth , saying that in sorrowe and great paynes wee shall bring foorth childe . Oh sweete Lord , for as much as thou art almighty and bringest all thinges to passe , according vnto thy good pleasure , and shewest thy selfe in no thing more omnipotent , then in the conceyuing , forming and bringing mankinde into the world , which ( although it were in the beginning ordeyned most easie ) by the subtilty of our continuall enemy sathan , in causing our first parents to transgresse thy commaundement , and to breake thy will , by tasting the forbidden fruite ) it is nowe most painfull , greeuous and perilous . In so much ( Oh sweete Lorde ) as without thine especiall grace , fauour and mercy , it is altogether impossible to bee brought to pas●e , our imperfection and feeblenes is such that of ourselues we are not able to endure the least of all the panges and sorrowes that dooth accompany this kinde of trauaile . Wherfore ( sweete Lord ) mine humble and moste hartie desire vnto thy maiestie , is that thou wouldest vouchsafe to extende vnto me , and to all women in this my like case thy mercy and louing fauour to mittigate the paines thereof , that we may be able , patiently to endure and continue the panges of the same , at the howre appointed .

Make that easie and light vnto vs , which our desertes haue made burdensome and heauy , that the burden wherewith I am now loden , may fortunately be deliuered , from the shoulders of my weake body . Sende vs all ( good Lorde ) happye deliueraunce , that we may be made ioyfull mothers . And vouchsafe vnto me , and to all that haue conceiued , and be with Childe , strength to bring foorth , that which thine omnipotencie hath so wonderfully wrought in vs .

Be present with vs in our trauailes Oh Lorde helpe vs most mercifull God , and mightily deliuer vs . Let thy power , might and loue , be no lesse manifested , in the deliuery , then in the forming of thy creature , that beeing through thy goodnes , made glad and ioyfull mothers , we may obteyne our perfect strength againe , and liue to prayse and please thee for euermore .

Amen . Oh Lord increase our fayth .

A short and most necessary prayer , alwaies to be sayd of one with child .

OH Lord , whose goodnes we haue offended , and deserued infinite plagues , looke vpon me and pardon me , laye aside thy iustice , and shewe thy mercy , let me haue the benefit of thine helping hande , and not feele the wright of thine heauy hande . Fauourably lighten me of this burden , in thy good and gratious time , and in the howre and instaunce of my deliuery , be present with mee ( Lorde ) and tender my safety , through Jesus Christe Amen .

Oh Lord increase my faith .

A thankes giuing to God after the deliuery . As God hath now deliuered thee , So , well thy prayse deserueth hee : For if he had not stoode thy freende , These panges of thine , had wrought thine end

FOr asmuch as it hath pleased almighty God , of his great goodnes to giue thee good deliuerance and to ridde thee from the great paynes & perril wher with thou were euen nowe afflicted . Fall down , humble and prostrate thy selfe in heart , with the reste that are present , giuing no lesse vnfeyned thanks vnto his omnipotent maiestie , for his holy help in sauing thee then thou diddest or oughtest to pray for his aide , happely to deliuer thee , and let not the ioy or glad tydings of a son or a daughter born into the world or the departure of them so much possesse thine heart , but that it may be alwayes ready to gyue prayse : o God for thy safe deliuery , as did Hannah , who being deliuered of a sonne , giue harty thankes to God . And thinke not that ( the extreame plunges of the very birthe beeing past ) thou art presently acquited of al daunger , for the weaknes frailty & rawnes of your health , is many dayes after great . And therefore what soeuer thou be , tendringe thine owne safety , prayse God continually , praying for strength , and he will giue it thee : for vnthankfulnes is a meane to purchace ( in stee●e of Gods fauour his indignation , to punish a newe .

OH almightye and merciful God the onely aide stay & comfort of all those that trust in thee ? the principall helpe , of them that feare thee , we giue thee most humble hearty and v● fe●●ed thankes , for that thou haste vouch●●fed to deliuer this w●●●ā M. thy seruant , from the great paines and trauaile of childbirth , which are so great , so greeuous and so daungerous , that e●en by thine owne wordes they are sayd to be moste greeuous : In so much ( sweete Lord ▪ as whensoeuer thou settest foo●th in thine holy scripture any gr●at paine or dang●r thou resemblest it alwaies to a Womans paine in trauaile

Therfore we confesse & acknowledge that wee in the behalfe of thys our Syster , are so much the more bounde vnto thee , so farr extending thy furtheraunce and helpe to her deliuery from such extreamitie and anguish , we fall downe euen vppon the knees of our heartes , with vnfeyned thanks for this most mercifull worke of thine , but most louing and mercifull God , thou knowest that although she bee deliuered of this heauy burden , yet the paynes some thing continue , which without thy most sweete mitugation thereof , will driue her to further greefe and sorrow . We humbly beseeche thee therefore to consider of the estate of this thy poore seruaunt by thy goodnes , thus deliuered , that thou wouldest vouchsafe to mitugate and asswage her paines and greefe , that she may be able to beare the same with perfect patience , and continuall thanke , for her happy deliuerance . a a 〈…〉 te the rest 〈…〉 Child be de 〈…〉 ying the 〈…〉 pray●r . and 〈…〉 at the ●ude 〈…〉 prayer . And forasmuch ( sweete Lorde ) as the tendernes & misery of mankinde is such , that they can not of long time after their birth , attaine to any meane to helpe themselues , but wanting the 〈…〉 ayde and attendaunce of the mother and 〈…〉 they soone perish . Wee beseeche thee to 〈…〉 gthen this little infant , and tender babe , nowe 〈…〉 e into this vale of misery , and if it be thy good pleasure , to vouchsafe it life and longer abyding heere , graunt it ablenes and strength ▪ to receiue such foode , and nourishment , as thy prouidence hath assigned , for such little infants and sucklinges . And so increase within the pappes of the mother or Nurce such nu●riture , as may be sufficient for the maintenaunce of the life and health thereof , working with such effect within the bowels of the tender infant , as it may thereby growe more and more , to the estate of man , according to thy good pleasure , and strengthen bothe the mother and the infant , that they may bothe grow ▪ to such perfect health and ablenes , as the one may giue , the other take , sufficient sustenaunce for the preseruation of life , and increase of strength , through the mighty power and working of thee .

For which ( sweete Lorde ) and for all thinges els necessary , for them and for all other in their like case , we pray vnto thee , as thy sonne Iesus Christe hath himselfe taught vs , saying , Our Father &c.

Oh Lord increase our fayth . And receiue this woman thy seruant , and euer more mightely defend her . Oh Lord blesse this little babe , and receiue it into the number of thy children . Oh Lord guide it euermore to the full obteyning of thy fauour & mercy , & to the perfit fulfilling of thy wil , all his daies . Amen . To thee be all prayse for euermore Amen .

A praier for wisdome . As worldly wisedome seeketh nought , ( In time of neede , ) auayling ought , So heauenly wisdome worketh still , The things that please gods heauenly wil.

WIsdome ( as sayth S. Augustine ) is the knowledg how to choose those things that are good , and to auoyd those thinges that are euil . And Aristotle defineth it to be a vertue of the mind wherby these graces are obteyned , which tend to the felicity of this life and the life to come . Thomas Aqu●nus sayth , that wisdom is the meane wherby we are reconciled vnto God . If so , then what a precious iewel is this ▪ what more excellent gyft can wee craue at the handes of God , then that whereby we may doo that onely which is good , & such things as are tending to eternall felicity , and which reconcile vs to God our maker , through Christ our redeemer and Sauiour ? the beginning whereof is the feare of the Lorde , whose loue towardes vs is so greate , that he wylleth him that wanteth wisedome I am , 1 , to aske at his handes , and he wil giue the same most aboundauntly , ( asking it in faith ) as hee gaue it vnto Salomon . 1 Kin 3 so plentifully and in such sort , as they came from the fardest partes of the world to heare the same .

Pray therefore that thou mayst obteyne it , it is better then golde or precious stones . Pro. 16 , and more sweeter then honny or the honny combe .

OH almighty and euerliuing GOD , whose gift it is that babes sucklings and men of base degree , haue the knowledge & vnderstanding of thy will , and men of profounde learning , deepe study , and worldly experience often want the same . Oh God which expellest darknes & giuest light , which takest away ignoraunce & plantest knowledg & wisdome , denying the same to none that vnfeynedly asketh it at thine handes , without the which nothing can be obteyned which good is , nothing auoyded , which is euill , nothing continue safe , bee it neuer so durable , nor any enterprise either rightly begun or happily ended without the same , which Salomon considering ( hauing promise at thine handes , that whatsoeuer he asked hee shoulde obteyne ) aboue all thinges , aboue wealth or riches , worldly praise , renowne or glory , beauty or strength , yea aboue possessions or kingdoms he onely requested wisedome , which thou so aboundantly bestowedst on him , that they repayred and came from farre to heare the same , which is none other thinge ( sweete Lorde ) but the knowledge of thy diuine wil & heauenvly misteries , it is the knowledge how to chose the good & auoid the euill , it proceedeth onely from thee , and with thee it hath beene from the beginning .

Sende it downe from heauen , where it attendeth about thy seate , replenish mine hart with the knowledge thereof . Giue me a newe heart , and a right spirite , for mans vnderstanding faileth in many thinges , but thy wisedome instructeth the simple , & maketh the tongues of infants eloquent , directing the steppes of the blinde . Wherefore Oh Lorde , I most humbly beseeche thee , to establish the same in my spirite , and wryte thy Lawes in mine heart , that I walke not in the way of error , but may abstaine from sinne , cleaue vnto righteousnes , and walke in innocencie , all the dayes of my life . Oh sweete Lord graunt me this thine especiall gift of heauenly wisedome , that I may perfectly knowe , what thy diuine will and pleasure is , that I may alwaies directe my waies , according vnto the same , louing thee in all thinges , and aboue all thinges , continuing moste thankfull , for all thy fatherly benefits , bestowed and conferred vpon me . And that prosperity ouercome me not , nor in aduersity be foolishlie mooued , to seeke reamedie or releefe els wher , but at thine hands onely ▪ who a●t my God and my sauiour , and who hast promised , to giue wisedome to all them that faythfully aske it .

Oh Lord heare my prayer , and let my cry come vnto thee Giue me perfect wisdome , wherby I may truely discerne the difference betweene thine heauenly reuelations , ( which is wisedome from aboue ) and vaine cogitations of worldly wittes , considering that the one in all thinges , as well in aduersitye as prosperity , in sicknes as in health , in anguish of minde , trouble or greefe of bodie , as in wished estate and pleasure , continueth most constant , stable , patient and firme , with due consideration , that it can not be but good , whatsoeuer thou sufferest to light vpon vs ; But contrariwise ( sweete Lorde ) the other seeketh with more dilligence , to auoyde afflictions , troubles , and worldly calamities , the crosse sweete Lord which thou layest vpon thy children , then wisely to auoyde thy heauy displeasure . And that by worldly deuised meanes , as by riches , freendship , pollicy , and strength , with this deceiuable and fonde conceite , that Fortune where she fauours , there is plenty and peace , but where she frownes there is continuall want and trouble . But my most sweete Lord and heauenly comforter , graunt that it may be farre from mine heart to thinke , that any thing commeth to passe , otherwise then by thine almighty prouidence , who willest nothing , nor doost any thing but what is most expedient and necessary , for the vse both of ourbodies and soules , which we can not rightly conceiue ▪ without this especiall gift of thine , wherewith for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake , endue me , that I be not lead by fonde conceyte , or deceiue my selfe with worldly experience , but gouerning my life according vnto thy wyll , measuring all mine actions , wordes and thoughtes , by the right rule of knowledge , and weying them in the balaunce of perfit wisedome , in the ende , I may be founde in the number of those discreete Virgins , who had theyr Lampes continually readie , and not in the number of those that were taken vnprouided . That the comming of thy son Iesus Christe bee not terrible vnto me as to the loytering seruant , for want either of the light of a pure life , or gaines by my tallant , but most acceptable and ioyfull , hauing the Lampe of loue , & the candle of a true faith , continually burning , with in the secrete Closset of mine heart ,

That in the ende I may haue free enteraunce with thine elect , into that most glorious kingdome which thy sonne Iesus Christe purchased with hys blood , for me and all beleeuers .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

AS long as we beare about vs this frayl● bodye , imprisoning the soule , our natures seeke by all meanes , that which is contrarye to the spirite , accounting that wisdome which is meere foolishnes , where fore ( good Lord ) vouchsafe to sende downe that wisedome which wayteth about thy throne .

And plant the same in mine heart , that measuring all my dooinges , and deuises , by the rule thereof , may alwaies doo and intende , that which liketh thee , and shunne the contarie , through Jesus Christ our onely Sauiour and redeemer . Amen .

Oh Lord increase our faith .

A praier in miserie and trouble , Though thraldome thou doo heere abide , Be patient , God will soone prouide , To ease thee , or to ende thy dayes . Beare thou his crosse , and giue him praise .

LIke as the fornace tryeth and seasoneth the Potters vessell , Eccl. 27. and as the fire purifieth the Syluer from the drosse . So dooth aduersitye season & purifie the harts of christians , from the drosse of security . For by crosses and many troubles ▪ Ro , 5. commeth patience , and by patience hope , through tryall , and therefore shoulde wee thinke it an exceeding ioy when troubles assaulte and pennurye pricketh vs , Iea. 1. according to the will of God , whereby we are stirred vppe , to committe our soules to Gods protection and wyll , by well dooing , manfully bearing all afflictions all extreametyes of thys world , and keepe ( as it were ) secrete the sorrows which calamitye bringeth vnto vs , 3. Esd 10. and that with patience , wherby thou shalt appeare an happy man , & receiue a crown of life , which God thy faithfull Creator , hath promised to all those that beare his Crosse with patience . And thinke not that want of releefe in pouerty . Lacke of comfort in sicknes , vexation of enemyes , slaunders misreportes , contempts , or any other kinde of trouble , eyther of body or mynde , happeneth vnto thee by Fortune ( as it is among such as haue not the feeling of the trueth ( commonly termed ) But by the prouidence of God , and that for thy good , if with wisedome thou weigh the same by patience , accepting it , as a fatherly louing correction , putting thee in minde of thine offences , and vncertenty of worldly vanityes : and be not dismayde , but turne from thy wicked wayes , cleuing and referring thee by hearty prayer , vnto God ( whose wyll it is for thy better profi●te , that such thinges shoulde light vppon thee ) without ircksome taking it , or with greater desire to dye , then had S. Paule , when he prayed to be losed and to bee wyth Christ . Stand fast , stande faythfull , and take patiently all crosses , all afflictions , all temptations and calamities heere , being a ready way to patience , and pray for the ayde of almightye GOD , whose hande is alwayes readye to helpe such as are afflicted heere for his Christs sake . By many trybulations wee muste enter into the kingdome of heauen . Call vpon God , Psa 7. in the day of trouble and he will deliuer thee . The Lorde heareth the cryes of the righteous Psal 34. and deliuereth them out of all theyr troubles .

But if thou crye , and bee not heard ( I meane ) presently releeued , think not much at it , it is for the best , wherfore accept it willingly and make of necessity a vertue , which is , take patiently that which of thy selfe thou canst not auoyde .

MY God my God , vouchsafe to turn thy loouing and fauourable countenance towards me , thy pore creature , who am brought very low , and mine enemies , laugh & reioyce at my fal . I am like an Owle in the desert , that the birdes , of the airegaze & wonder at , mine estate is altered , my store is turned into scarcity , and my wealth into want , my plenty into pouerty , and ioy into sorrowe & sadnes . Oh sweete Lord , my prosperity is turned into aduersitye , my freendes haue forsaken me . And where they haue often promised to helpe mee , they doo not onely , not performe the same , but they disdaine my company , they loath and abhorre my presence . I am vtterly refused of al mine acquaintaunce , and they that were before my familiars , are now my deadly foes . Sweete Lorde thou seeest howe I am clapt vp in cares , howe I am inuironed with a thousand causes , that procure intollerable greefe , bothe in body & minde . Oh Lorde I haue no refuge , I haue no place of defence . I haue no meane to helpe my selfe , I am so bewrapped in calamitie , that I can not enioye any liberty either of body or minde , but moste sweete Lord , most loouing and moste fauourable , most able and moste ready to helpe , such as come to thee loden with distresse , loe heere I lye at the gate of thy mercy , knocking for ease , humbly crauing thine assistaunce , who hast willed such as are heauy loaden to come vnto thee , I come , I come , sweete Lorde , as one burdened with greefe , receiue me and helpe me , showe thy louing countenaunce , & extend the helpe of thine holy arme , and I shall be safe , mercifully heare me after thy wonted goodnes , consider my distresse weigh mine afflictions , & looke vpon my troubles . So shall my sorrowe be turned againe into ioye , my pouerty shall bee releeued , with sufficiency , and all shall goe well with me , for ( sweete Lord ) although when I consider mine estate ▪ when I viewe my present mysery and feele my want I be striken with greate sorrowe in minde , and vexed with intollerable greefe : yet when I consider , the cause of my troubles , with due consideration of thine intent therein . Then can I not but comfortably resolue my selfe , Then doth inwarde comfort asswage the extreamitye of my greefe and sorrowe , remembring that thou hast sayde , that whome thou louest , thou punishest .

Wherfore I cannot but giue thee thanks ( sweet Lord ) for this thy fatherly correction , in altering mine estate , for better try all of my patience . That by patience I may take hold of hope , that so by hope of thy goodnes , louing kindnes , and fatherly promises , which deceiuest no man , that vnfeynedly dependeth vpon thee ) I may enioy a moste comfortable renuing of mine happie estate againe , at thy good pleasure . I cast all my burden vpon thee , as thou willest all those that are heauy loaden to doo . Refresh me most louing and mercifull God refresh me with the timely showers of thy fauour and loue . That the ioy and gladnes of mine heart , may growe vppe and choake the weedes of sorrow , and anguish of mind . Oh my surpassing comforter , leaue me not distitute of thy defence , and patronage , vouchsafe euermore to be present with me , in all my troubles , that I faint not , but may rather reioyce in tribulation , knowing , that a crowne of life , is layde vppe in store , for as many as beare thy yoke with patience . Assist me therefore ( good Lord ) in all these vexations and temptations of mine , that I may patiently looke for thy good deliueraunce , which although it come not as I wish , yet that ( staying thy leasure ) in thy good time , I may bee satisfied of my godly desire , which thou hast promised neuer to defraude vs off , nor suffer vs to depart empty away .

There was neuer any confounded that trusted in thee , nor any forsaken that called on thine holye name . Thou raisest the simple out of the myre and dust . Thou puttest downe the mighty from theyr high seate , and exaltest such as are meeke and of a lowly minde .

Lord I cleaue vnto thee , I trust in thee , I depend onely on thee , beeing poore , thou rich , I weake , thou strong , I blind , thou giuing sight , mine ayde is of thee , my comfort in thee , and all my ioye commeth from thee ; Graunt therefore sweete Lorde , that I thinke not the continuaunce of this my hard estate to be long , or burdensome vnto me , but may willingly accept the same , as most sweete light and wholsome for me , and of a short time , alwaies referring it , to thy good pleasure , whether thou wilt rayse me vppe or keepe me lowe . Thou knowest what is most necessarie and expedient for me : And therefore doo with me what thou wilt , sende mee helpe when thou wilt and as thou wilt . Loe heere I lye at the gate of thy goodnes and mercy , still looking for thy stretched out arme , to remooue that , which not of mallice , but of loue , thou hast layde vpon me . Good Lord for thy mercies sake , giue mee not ouer , leaue me not altogether helples , take not thy fauour vtterly from me . But as thou hast fatherly corrected me , so vouchsafe louingly to embrace me againe , sweete God for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake .

Amen . Oh Lord increase our fayth .

A short praier to the like effect often to bee sayde .

WHen thou wilt Oh Lorde remooue this heauy burden from me , renue my comfort and driue away the cares of mine heart , by the hand of thy louing kindnes , whom by my sinne I haue offended , come againe vnto me Oh Lorde in loue , and shewe me thy louing countenaunce , take away these miseries which I haue deserued , and as in loue thou punishest , to the ende I shoulde conuert from sinne . So Lord I beeing sory for my sinnes , hartelie pray thee to giue me grace , and comfort againe , through the same thy loue , for Iesus Christes sake . Amen .

Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A prayer to be defended from enimies . If thou take God to be thy stay , Thy foes shall not thy soule dismay .

IF it be possible ( as much as in thee lyeth ) haue peace with all men . Rom. 12. And offende none but if it fall out that the worlde hate thee , take it not greeuously , Ioh. 15. ( if thou haue not deserued it ) but if thou haue deserued it , be sorry and seeke vnity & concorde quickly , least sodainly thine aduersaries entrap thee in thy wayes , and so●● scredite thee . The most iuste men haue beene wrongfully accused & haue ( guiltles ) beene condemned , in many & sundry thinges as Christ himselfe , the patterne of all integritie , the sauior of the worlde was accused of drunkennes of working by the power of deuils , & such like yet prayd he for his enemies , so likewise pray for thine enemies , & do for them what lyeth in thee , as to seede them when they bee hungry Ro. 12. giuing them drinke when they bee thirsty , clothing them & harboring them . Blesse them that cursse you Mat. 5. doo good to them that hate you , & pray for them that hurt you , so shal you haue recompence at the handes of God . And in any wise seeke not to reuenge , for it is the office of God . Serue him & he wil blesse thee & will laye his ●nrsse vpon thine enemies , Pro. 30. & will saue thee out of theyr handes . Saule could not hurt Dauid in respecte that Dauid put his trust in God , although hee were his mortall enemye . 1 , Sam. 18. Reioyce not at thine enemyes fall , nether be thou glad when hee decayeth . Pro. 24. but praye for his amendment . And GOD as hee hath promised will bee thy rocke , thy deliuery , thy shield & horne of thy saluation , and thy refuge from cruell enemies . 2. Sam. 22. for in fearing him , thine enemies shall feare thee . Fyue shall chace an hundred , and an hundred shall putt tenne thousande to flight , Le. 26 for the Lorde hath respecte to them that loue him and keepe his couenaunt ▪ he wyll aryse and scatter theyr enemies , yea as the smoak vani sheth , so shall hee driue them away , Psal. 48 & as waxe melteth at the fire , so will he make thyne enemies to perish at his presence , trust in him faithfully , & feare not thy foes .

KEEpe me Oh God from the hands of such as goe about to doo mee hurte and vndeseruedly to take away my life , for manye there be , that hate me , seking my shame , my distruction , and ouerthrow , in so much as without thine assistance , thy protection and ayde , I shall not escape theyr hands , I shall not auoyde their tiranny but that they wil obteine thier desires , and accomplish their deuises , to mine vtter vndoing ▪ they are good Lord many and more then I can number that seeke to doo me euil yea my neghbours & familiars , & not the leaste of them but is of power and ablenes to destroye me , yea as it were to eate me vp , vnlesse thou take part with me against the furiousnes of mine enemies . But Lorde why should I feare ? why shold I say in mine heart , they are so many & so mightye that I can not resiste them ? so furious that I can not escape ●hem ?

So pollitique that I can not preuent them ? my trust is in thee , and vnto thee I flye , in all theyr assaultes , who art a Castell and fortresse so strong , that there is none , bee hee neuer so victorious , that can preuaile against the leaste that trusteth in thee , and resteth vnder the shaddow of thy winges , wherfore Lord for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake receiue me , who come vnto thee as the strength of my beeing , humbly beseeching thee to loke vpon my cause , to consider my troubles & to weigh the sorrowes of mine hearte , lift vp thy self against the furiousnes of myne enemies , driue backe and con found mine aduersaryes , uersaries thine own selfe fight thou against them , that fight against mee . Turne theyr deuises and wicked imaginations from me to their owne hinderance , let the weapons , which they lift vp to hurt me withall , pearce themselues , and the malicious wordes which they vtter to my reproch redownde to their owne shame , let such as seeke to persecute me without a cause , bee discomforted , & dryuen backward , & giue me patience to beare their cruelties considering , that ther was neuer any ( no not the most righteous ) but were subiect to the euil deuises , slanderous wordes , & wicked practises of the wicked , whose tongues were full of guile , and the poison of Aspes was vnder theyr lips , who were not ashamed to speake most approbriously of thine owne selfe , sweete Iesus , who wast void of all offence , yet slewe they thee ▪ & thine Apostles , I cannot therfore ( Oh merciful God ) but take these extreame dealinges of mine enemies with the greater patience , with greater humilitie and more heartie thankes , for accepting mee as worthy to bee of the number of such as the wicked doo hate & grudge at .

But most ( sweete Lorde ) as thou sufferest for a time such raylynges , backbytinges , menacing words euill opinions , and euill dealinges , to preuaile against me , for the better envring my fraile nature to beare greater burdens . So vouchsafe to preserue me from all such enuious heartes and malicious tongues , and defend me from all blood thirstie men , and from the handes of such as goe about to hurt me . And in steede of them ( if it so please thee ) vouchsafe to chose out and appoint for me , such as may be faythfull , godly , vertuous , religious , louing and freendly , that both in the feare of the one , & loue of the other . I may beare my selfe , by thine example and grace , so vpright in al my doings , as mine aduersaries take none aduantage against me , but that seeing the sincerity of my life , and soundnes of my conuersation , mine enemies may be altogether ashamed , so much as to mutter any thing against me , much lesse to deuise any thing to hurt me withall , or to ouerthrowe my goings : and the godly glad and reioyce at my well dooing . Oh Lord strengthen my saith , and arme me with continuall hope in thee , whereby I may be able to withstande all the cruelties of mine aduersaries , in such sort as they may knowe it to be thy selfe , who fightest for me and defendest my cause against their fury . Behold ( Oh Lord ) my trust is in thee , thy rod comfort me , and thy staffe stay me vp that I fall not into their handes , by trust in mine strength , which is as a broken Reede in mine own policie or wisdom which is foolishnes before thee ▪ or in the helpe or freendship of man , which is vaine & fallable . But leade thou me and guide me in all my doinges , cogitations and words , least I erring from thy commaundements , inclining mine heart , to vaneties , and vice , mine enemies take iust occasion to say , ah ha , wee sawe it with our eyes , & bring vp an euill report of me , and that vndeseruedly : Oh Lord guide me in all trueth , establish in mine heart , true desire to walke vprightly in all my waies , in humblenes of minde , not in pryde , least they say he is so hauty he knoweth not himselfe , preserue me from drunkennes , least they say he is nowe out of the way of discretion , he is beside himselfe , we haue now sitte oportunity to worke our wills on him , and so sette on me to hurte me , vouchsafe also to keepe me from the daungerous desire of fleshly lust , from haunting the places suspected , or poluted with vncleannes , least they ( taking iuste occasion by my lewde behauiour ) speake that which indeede may redowne to my shame , and deserued infamy . Finally Oh lord keepe me from all euill , that although , by reason of my corruption , I be naturally inclined to wantonnes and excesse , thou wilt giue me sobriety , lowlines loue , ( euen to mine enemies , ) chastity , wisedome , and discreete vnderstanding , bothe of theyr wills , and mine owne weaknes , that through thy grace framing my dooinges according to thine heauenly will in all thinges , leading the whole course of my life in cinserety and godly behauiour , the righteous may be glad and reioyce thereat , magnifying thine holy name , who , so regardest the prosperity of thy seruaunt , that thou sufferest him not , to fall into the handes of such as woulde eate him vp : ( And let not the aduersaries of thy trueth ( Oh Lord ) vniustly reioyce ouer me , tauntingly , and contemptuously mocking me . But Lord I am in thine handes , & doo confesse it to be great and good reason , that thou shouldest doo with mee , what best seemeth to thy f 〈…〉 erly will , accounting this thy tryall of my patience , to proceede euen of thy meere loue , And therfore ( if thou wilt that they sette vpon , or followe , to kill me , to persecute me , to laugh and scorne at mee , to frame approbrious speeches , and deuises againste me ) vouchsafe to continue my defence , my strong Castell and ( as it were ) the piller of a clowde standing betweene me and them , as thou stoodest in the wildernes , betweene the Tents of the Egiptians , and the Tentes of the children of Israell , so that the Egiptians , could not preuaile against them .

Lorde ( if thou wilt ) thou canst turne theyr heartes , thou canst molisye the hardnesse thereof , thou canst turne theyr hatred into looue , and theyr mallice into good will , and giue them in steede of heartes to worke wickednes , mercifull and godly mindes , I refer it to thine heauenly prouidence , and wholy commit my selfe into thine handes , humbly praying thee for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake , to deale with me and them according to thy mercy , and louing kindnes , & not after our deserts : be thou mercifull vnto me , and euermore mightely defende me , vnto my liues ende , conducting me vprightly in all my wayes , for Iesus Christes sake .

Amen . Oh Lord increase our fayth .

A short prayer to the like purpose .

LOrd I am a sinfull creature , and haue deserued thine indignation against me , yea I confesse that I haue deserued many and great punishments , yet Lord for thy mercies sake , turne thee vnto me , and haue mercy vpon me , let not mine enemies preuaile in theyr mischeuous deuises against me . I am in thine hand , and they are within the compasse of thy power , stay theyr furye , let them not take effect in theyr deuises against mee , but for thy sonne Jesus sake stand betweene me and them and put them backe , and as I haue offended thee , by naturall blindnes , so by the working of thine holy spirite I shall ryse to thee , and liue in thee againe , through Jesus Christ our Lord , which vouchsafe to graunt , that they may not onely , not preuaile but be ashamed , and flye , swéets God Amen .

Oh Lord increase my faith .

A prayer when a man taketh a iourney . Before thou take thy iourney pray , That God , by Christ , will guide thy way

FOr asmuch , as the earth is replenished with many perrils and sodaine daungers , haue diligent regarde , that when thou takest thy iourney , to desire instantly the almighty God , to conduct thee , as he vouchsafed to conducte Tobye , by the hande of hys Angell Raphaell , in his iourney to Rages , Toby . 5 , defending him from many daungers , and especially from the fishe , which was like to haue deuoured him . So shall hee likewise sende his Angels to take charge of thee that no kinde of danger shal preuaile against thee , if thou hartely praye his ayde , behauing thy selfe godly and vertuously , not prouoking his anger , by enterprysing that which is either vncomly or vnlawfull , but be dooing good , as S , Paule in all his ●●urnyes saying faithfully and often , the right hand of the Lord mightely defend me . Act. 1

ALmightie God , & most mercifull father , who guidest and defendest all those that in thy name walke & trauaile in this world , vouchsafe to stretch forth thine hand ouer me , thy poore creature , leade mee and conducte me , in thys my iourney , which vrgent occasion forceth , & considering ( good Lord ) that the pathes , ( yea euerye corner of thys wretched vale of miserye ) is replenished with innume rable perrils and dangers both of bodye and soule , whereinto without thine assistaunce , protection & ayde , without the helpe of thy mighty hand , and out stretched arme , wee can not but fall and perish , walking and wandring , in the troublesome and daungerous coastes of the earth , where robbers , theeues , and euil affected persons , in greate number , secretely lurke , violently to take , not onely our proper substaunce and goods , which by the great labour and sweat of our bodyes , we haue gotten , or otherwise by thy prouidence , giuen vs , but out liues , also if we be not preuented , and by thy good and fatherly prouidence defended . Wherefore I humbly beseeche thee . Oh God almighty , if any such lye in wayte in my waye at this time , graunt me foreknowledge thereof , that of thy meere mercy ▪ I may happily auoyde theyr pretended euill , either by betaking me another way , or may bee defended vnder the shaddowe of thy winges , and so encounter with them , that by the force of thy right hand , I may ouercome them , beeing of mine owne selfe , of no force , neither lyeth it in the strength of our owne handes , to put backe or ouercome such , as in this wicked intent , arise vppe against vs . It is not the sword ( good lord I confesse ) the speare , nor strength of the Horse , but thine owne power that ouercommeth for vs . Vouchsafe therefore ( Oh Lord ) thine holy Angell to goe with me , let him goe before me , to direct me , to saue me preuenting me from all daungers , as he did thy seruant Toby , going into a straunge Countrey . Conduct me safely ( sweete God ) in the name of thy sonne Iesus Christ , that my busines may take good successe , and I make a safe and prosperous returne , without hurte either by the merciles and great waters , by wilde Beastes of the fielde , saue me from the stroke of Thunder , from lightning and tempest , preserue and keepe me , as the apple of thine eye , vnder the shaddow of thy winges , from the wayes of the wicked that accomplishing the end of my iourney , I may effectually finish , and with happy successe ende my busines , and by thine omnipotent conduction , prosperously returne againe , according to thy wil ( sweet God .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A thankes giuing , after returne . At thy returne giue God the prayse . Who still conducts thee in thy wayes .

COnsider what daungers thou hast escaped , in passing the pirrilous places of this worlde ( no place or tyme beeing without his danger ) And therefore at thy returne , eyther vnto thine owne home , or to any other place of rest : Bee not vnmindfull to giue God , hartye and vnfeyned thankes for his gracious protection , and fatherly conduction . So shall he , our heauenly protectour , euermore bee mindfull to directe thee in all thy wayes .

I Thanke thee Oh most louing and most mercifull God , that it hath pleased thee to giue mee prosperous and happye returne , from thys my iourney , escaping dyuers and sundrye daungers . which doo abound in all corners of the earth , and hast giuen mee such successe , in my busines , as ( I trust ) shal be for my best , and hast of thy goodnes & meere mercy , brought mee againe vnto myne owne home , and dwelling place , to recreate my wearied members .

Also I thank theee ( Oh mercifull God ) for protecting and sauing mee , thy silly creature , from all pirrills , as from drowning by water , from the stroake of thunder , and blastes of lightning , from the clawes and iawes of wilde beastes of the feelde , and for defending me from theeues , robbers , and men of blodie conditions , which ( and sundry other ) mishaps , I haue ( in thys my iourney ) escaped , and whereby I haue bothe seene and hearde of diuers other to haue perished , acknowledging it thine onely goodnes , thine vnspeakable loue , and meere mercy , not able sufficiently to prayse thee for the same , nor to yeelde sufficient thankes for thy fauour therein . To thee ( sweete Lord ) be all honoure , pray se , dominion and glory , for euer and euermore .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A thankes giuing to God the Father , God the Sonne , and God the holy ghost , worthy to be often sayde . Giue thankes to God who did vs make , And to his sonne so deere : Who did our raunsome vndertake , With tho'ly Ghost so cleere .

ALthough we can not sufficientlye prayse God , our heauenly father , for his exceeding loue in making & creating vs in the beginning to , hys owne image & likenes ( and that when we were not ) let vs ( yet ) humble our selues with dutifull obedience , as good children to a louinge father praying for grace to set forth ( as much as in vs lyes ) his praises with Dauid who saide . Psam 145. great is the lord & merueylous woorthy to bee praised , who made heauen & earth the sea & al that is therein who keepeth his couenaunt & fidelity for euer , giuing vs , for his son Iesus Christs sake al things for our vse in time conuenient , as by the placing the stars in heauen with the son & mone , their course & orderly motions , the hearbs of the field and due manner of their spring fading & withering agayne . The sea so inuironed , compassed , & notwithstanding , the rage & force thereof , kept within his limmits & appointed bounds with the fishes so infinit therein both smal & great , & the ebbing & flowing therof which all serueth only for the vse & seruice of man , yea & with out the which man coulde not continue , yet especially & aboue al things , so great was his loue that he spared not for our sakes , to giue his only son euen to dye most vndeseruedly vpon the crosse for our redemption , which loue of the father therin , as it moueth ( or shold moue ) a great desire of thanksgiving in vs , so doth the obedience of the son , giue vs a greater occasion of thankes giuinge then the tongue of any mortall man can expresse , by whose acceptance of the pangs of death came the remission of al our sins as witnesseth the holy ghost the water of life ▪ which beeing sprinckled in our harts procureth vnfeyned looue , whereby wee haue accesse to Christ our onely mediator , to God the father . Prayse God the father , who made vs , prayse God the sonne , who redeemed vs , and is our continuall aduocate to his heauenly father , prayse God the holye Ghoste , who hath sanctified gods electe , and gyueth light vnto the hearts of all such , as serue the Lord vnfeynedly .

OH almighty God , maker and creator of all thinges , conseruer of all that thou hast made , and protector of all that loue thee , who in the beginning , madest all thinges of nothing which al rest in thine handes , haue their continuaunce , & beeing , & without whose prouidence , they shold conuert againe to nothing , we yeeld vnto thee al lawd , praise and glory , & vnto thee ascrib al power maiesty , & dominion , who rulest all things , workest al things , & disposest all things after thy wil , to thine owne glory , & to our vnspeakable & vndeserued confort , who are as Pilgrims and strangers , & without the same thy continuall protection as creatures forsaken , & castawaies , Lorde thine hand guideth al thinges , preserueth al thinges & guiueth all thinges for our vse , most disobedient , & stifnecked children who not withstanding thou through thy meere mercy & loue vouchsafed , in the beginning to place in the garden of happines where we shold haue continued , had not our firste parent , by transgression made forfeiture therof , & so highly displeased thee , that thou ( repenting of the making of vs ) didst drown the whole world , for our sins sake , & yet so tender was thy loue , so soone was thine anger conuerted into a desire of our saluation , that thou vouchsafedst to sende into thys world , Iesus Christ , to redeeme vs into thy fauor again , ( a surpassing loue where the offended , shold seek attonement wyth the offendour ) for which thy singuler loue , & mercy in finit , we can not sufficiēly thanke thee , ( god of our confort ) nor thee sweetsaui our Iesus christ , for thine obedience , for thine vndeserued humility , and ardent desire of our reconciliation , and eternall saluation ▪ Lorde increase my faith , sende mee thy grace , and endue me with thine holy spirite , that I may hartely render , and continually yeelde ; all possible thankes vnto thee , not onely for creating keeping and preseruing vs hethervnto , but also for reaching vnto vs thine hande of loue againe , after our so greate and long disobedience ) I thanke thee ( Oh sauiour Iesus Christe ) redeemer and sauiour of our soules , who refusedst not , but most wilingly acceptedst ( for our sakes ) for our redemption , from hell and eternall death , beeing then thine enemies ) the approbrious death of the crosse , among notorious offenders , beeing often spightfully intreated , buffeted , spette at , reuiled , and most iuiuriously handled , not for thine owne ( sweete Iesus ) but for our offences , for our sinnes ( yea ) to purchace that by thine obedience , which we lost by willfull rebellion against thyne heauenly fathers precept and will . Oh good Iesu , we thanke thee , that it hath pleased thee , to leaue the sacred mansion of thy Fathers right hand , thy celestiall beeing , and to put on the base attyre of a seruaunt , to walke in the troublesome pathes of this miserable world , and yet thinking it no robbery to be equall with God , though leauing his heauenly habitation for a time , ( according to his prouidence and heauenly knowledge ) to suffer heer in this vale of misery , in this desert of sinne , moste cruell and most shamefull abuses , onely for our sins , which were so odious and vile , in the sight of our good God , that no sacrifice or oblation coulde appeaze his wrath , and deserued displeasure ▪ towardes vs for the same , but thy death onely , and sacrifice of thy precious and vndefiled body vpon the Aulter of the crosse , who willingly sufferedst the same for our sakes , notwithstanding they were so greeuous , so in tollerable , and odius , that by reason of the extremitie and anguish rhereof , thou werte constrained , to sweat water and bloode .

Oh surpassing loue , Oh loue without the which , the hatred of thine omnipotent father , had not been appeazed , nor remooued from vs . Oh loue , without the which we had beene barred of all accesse vnto the seate of mercy and woonted fauour of almightye God , and continued in his heauy displeasure for euer to our vtter distruction , death and damnation . Oh sweete Iesus , Oh healthfull comforter , and giuer of health and restorer of life , howe can wee but prayse thee ? how can we but loue thee ? howe can wee but magnifie and extoll thine holy name for euer ? who haue receiued at thy mercifull handes so vnspeakable a benefitt , yea and who so tenderly louedst vs , that by thy meanes , ( without our deserts ) we are restored from death to life , from the deserued displeasure of our creator , to his vnspeakable loue and fauour without which we had perished both body & soule , we haue attonement now with him , that before we had so greatly offended , euen God our maker , without whose fauoure wee fall , and without whose helpe wee perishe , and passe to naught .

Oh sweete Iesus thou haste also taken vppon thee , not onely to dye for our redemption , and rise againe for our Iustification , and to place vs in the sweete mansion of thine heauenly knowledge .

But haste also promised , to continue our mediatour to thine heauenly father for euer , while wee mortall men liue sinners on earth , making continuall intercession for vs , that he will vouchsafe neuer , to withdrawe his louing countenaunce from vs , his poore creatures , but to be our Castell , staye , and strong refuge vnto the ende . Oh Lord Iesus Christ we giue thee thankes , not onely for that thou haste beene for a time heer present with vs on earth , to manifest thy selfe vnto vs , by the visible showe of thine humanity ▪ but in making the cause of thy comming certainly known vnto vs , which was ( indeed ) in that thou wast verie God ) to call vs from blindnes & error ( wherein we walked according to the will of sathan ) to take hold of thy miracles , & wonders , which thou so apparantly diddest worke , to declare and manifest thy selfe , to be our redeemer and aduocate , and to confirme the same in our heartes by faith , as thou diddest in the heartes of thy Disciples , who ( notwithstanding there beeing present with thee , continued yet neuerthelesse in darknes and misbeleefe , without the working of thine holy spirite in them , whereby they confessed thee to be very Christe , son of the liuing God , and onely sauiour of the world ; Among all which thy great benefits ( Oh good Iesus , ) we yeelde thee all possible thankes , for that it hath pleased thee , to leaue vnto vs after thy departure vnto the right hande of thy father , the Lanterne of light , the Gospell of comfort , the word of trueth , the foode whereon our soules may continually feede at full , without the which wee had beene left vnto our former darknes , walking in error , & in our wonted ignoraunce . And for that thou knowest vs from the beginning to be carryed into blindnes and error , wrongfully interpreting the parrables , & darke sentences of thy gospel , through the same thy loue , hast left vs a continuall conforter , euen thine holy Ghoste , proceeding from thy father & thee , who in the likenes of a Doue discended from heauen vpon thee , showing himselfe vpon the Apostls in fiery tongues ; Oh holy ghost our conforter , we yeeld thee most humble thanks that through the gift of thy grace we haue our harts prepared our understanding lightned , & mouthes opened , to conceiue rightly thy word , to declare abroad the wonderfull thinges of thy lawe , and to manifest the secrete misteries of the kingdome of God . Thou ●rt the true light , and the light of trueth , without the which , it is impossible to please God the father , nor haue accesse to God the Sonne , who , together with thee ( Oh holy ghost ) are but one God in essence though three in person .

Make our heartes pure , make vs cleane , sanctifye vs , and seale vs among the number of the electe and chosen , that when wee shall approche vnto the seate of iudgment , we may receiue ( through the merittes of Iesus Christ ) not onely the stipende of seruants , but the rewarde of obedient children , euen the inheritaunce of the kingdome of heauen . There to rest with thee Oh Father , our maker , with thee ( sweete Iesus ) our Sauiour ▪ and with thee Oh holy ghoste our comforter , and sanctifier , for euer and euer . To whome bee all prayse and eternall glory , world without ende .

Amen . Oh Lord increase our fayth .

A praier to be saide before the receiuing of the Communion .

THere is sayde sufficient in a certaine exhortation set downe in the booke of common prayer , to stirre vppe the minds of all well disposed persons , willingly and zealously to come to this holy table , wher vnto before we come , wee ought to addresse and prepare our hearts , to put of all rancor mallice , wickednes , and all kinde of vice , with the fruites of the olde man , which is disobedience and sinne , and to put on the newe man , which is righteousnes , comming therevnto in a pure & cleane hart , abounding with loue , peace fayth , & charity that wee may receiue it to our comfort : Reade the 11. chap. of the firste Cor. from the 20. verse vnto the 29. and there shall you finde , not onely the manner of the institution and celebration thereof , but also howe to receiue it with heauenly profit , the daunger in the vnreuerent and vnfaythfull receyuing of the same : ( to the cosort of the Godly , & shame of the wicked . )

SWeete Iesus , sonne of the euerliuing and omnipotent GOD , vouchsafe I humblye pray , and beseeche thee euen for thy death sake , to instill into mine hart , the gift of thy grace , whereby approching vnto the sweete banquet of thine holy body & blood which thou vouchfafest to giue , for the redemption of vs miserable sinners , I may by faith , eate and drinke the same , and be made a fitte and faithfull member of thy misticall body , laying aside the darknes of olde Adam , embracing the light of thine obedience , loue , and patience , that , that most preacious bodye of thine , bee not giuen not thy blood shed for me in vaine , but may direct the whole course of the residue of my life , by thine holy spirite according to thine heauenly wil , in all thinges , that after this life ended , I may appeare before the tribunall seate of his high and heauenly maiestie , as a faythfull member of thine , and enioy that heauenly enhearitaunce , which thou our head and guide hast purchased for all true beleeuers in thee .

Amen ▪ Oh Lord increase my fayth .

At the receiuing of the breade , say thus .

Vouchsafe ( oh sweet Iesus ) that as thou hast giuen thy flesh to be the breade of our eternall saluation . So vouchsafe to worke in me by a liuely faith , that I receiuing the same , may be , and euermore continue one in thee , and thou in me Amen .

Oh Lord increase my fayth .

At the receiuing of the cuppe , say thus .

Oh lorde vouchsafe that as thy blood was shed for me a sinner , So graunt that it may through a liuely faith , wash me from the filth of sinne , and renue in mee the fruites of righteousnes , that I may become a fitte member of thee , liue and dye in thee , for euermore . Amen .

Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A prayer after the receiuing of the Communion .

VSe not the manner of many who in the day wherein they repayre vnto the holy table of the Lorde , doo not onely lightlye esteeme the weightines of the matter , but lewdly gyue themselues to wanton companyes , gadding heere & there to banquets , tauerns , & loosly ( aboue other dayes ) giue them selues to wanton behauiour but remember thy promise that thou hast made to god to become a new man , to 〈…〉 all wantonnes , and cleaue vnto godlines of life . Be not like the dog that 〈…〉 ●o his vomit , or the ●●w to her wanted wallowing in the dyrt of sinne , 〈…〉 ●e holy , as your heauenvly 〈…〉 er is holy . Seeke the 〈…〉 me of God , and the 〈…〉 thereof , and all thinges shall bee gyuen ●●u , and as the true members of Christ , in the ende r●igne with him in eternal glory .

OH omnipotent & most mercifull father , I thy silly creature praise thee , not able to yeeld thee thanks sufficiently for thine vnspeakable fauour , and louing kindnes , in feeding mee at this time with the spiritual foode of the body & blood of thy sonne our sauior Iesus Christe , whom thou vouchsafest to send for our redemption into this miserable world and to giue him euen to the death , in remembraunce whereof , vntyll his second comming , hee hath willed vs to eate his bodye and to drinke hys blood , to th ende by sayth we should be vnited and knitte vnto his body and beeing washed from all our sinnes , to leade a new life , vouchsafe I humbly beseeche thee , for his sake to endue mee with thine holy spirit , wherby heerafter , casting aside the workes of darknes , I may from hencefoorth walke in the light of thy Gospell , in the number of thy chosen , wayting faithfully when he shall come again for our deliueraunce out of thys mortall life . And whilest I liue heere , vouchsafe mee an vnfeyned desire to be partaker of that his holy institution , and through thine holy spirite , to leade my life according vnto thine heauenly will in all thinges , keeping my body vndefiled , as a fitt receptacle for so heauenly foode , that my soule may enioy the benefitte of the mistery thereof by saith , according to thine heauenly prouidence , through Iesus Christ our sauiour and redeemer .

Amen . Oh Lord increase my fayth .

A deuout meditation or confession of our sinnes , with humble request vnto almightye God , that he will vouchsafe , to establish true repentaunce in our heartes , and of his mercy , turne away his plagues which we iustly haue deserued for our manifold iniquities . Let vs fall downe with weeping eyes , With one consent ( from heart ) on knees : Our sinnes haue so deserued th●all , Nothing so sure as sodaine fall .

LEt vs sette as a glasse before the eyes of our heartes , the cause of the firste floode ( which was falling from God , & working iniquity ) where in the whole worlde ( Noe wyth a small number of persons only excepted ) perished . Gen. 6. Let vs likewise call vnto our remembraunce the sodayne distruction of Sodom & Gomorra with sue and brimstone from heauen , for disobeying the voyce of the lord ▪ pronounced by Lot for their repentaunce , wherein we may as it were beholde before hand what will become of vs without our spedy repentance , neglecting ( as we do ) the words & message of the Lord reuealed vnto vs by his prophers & prechers threatning plagues to follow our wilful ●e●ellion , let vs not be like vnto the deaf Adder , stopping our eares from hearing of our iniquiry which wee embrace with such greedines , but like relenting harted Niniuits , put on the sackcloth of vnfeined repentance , mourning for our many thousand sins , with fasting & earnest praier , from the lowest to the high est , & after the good example of Dauid & Iob prostrate our selues in hearte , with lamenting spirits vnto the mercies seat of our good god , who as he is not hastye in plaging ( expecting our repentaunce ) so will his punishment bee the greater without our harty & speedy conuersion , let vs not therfore be slowe to turne vnto him , let vs not deferr from day to day , for sodainly wyl the wrath of god come , when we think not of it , & in hys vengance wil be destroy vs vnawares . Pa●● . 7. yet so louing is he & merciful , that if we cal vpon his name , making our prayers vnto him vnfeinedly repenting vs of our sins from the bottome of our harts , he will heare vs from his holy heauens & receiue vs again , vnto hys mercy Esd 10. according to his promise vnto Israell , let vs remember the wicked king Achab who humbling himselfe , and clothing himselfe in Sackcloth , & sleeping in heirecloth , obteined pardon for his sinnes . The mercye of the Lorde is so great towardes them that repent , that the examples thereof are infinite in the scriptures . Wherefore let vs speedely for sake our sins , and more and more growe in hatred therof , Eccl 17. vnfeynedly cleauing vnto rightcousnes , and holynes of trueth . Eph. 4. Repent repent , for the kingdome of God is at hand . Mat. 3.

OH Lorde vouchsafe to poure thine holye spirite into our heartes , whereby we may sighe , lament , weepe and euen rent our hearts , at the consideration of the wicked and abhominable estate of this world , which is so farr gonne with the child of selfe loue , that without thine vnspeakable mercy , it is euen at the point to be deliuered into the pitt of eternall perdition , wherefore gyue vs grace ( wee humblye beseech thee ) from the high est to the lowest , from the greatest to the leaste , to repent vs of our sinnes and heartily to turne vnto thee , whose high displeasure wee haue deserued , through our manifolde transgressions whom thou hast ( in respecte of our disobedience ) pronounced rebels , bastards , & children of the bondwoman , & without repentance , barred , from the inheritance which thy son Iesus Christe hath purchased for all true beleeuers ; Lord what shall become of vs , we haue so much yeelded our selues to the desire of sin , & walked according to the conuersation of the olde man which is corruption , so far degenerating from thy lawes & diuine institutions fellowing so much the wil of sathan the lusts of the flesh & the vile alluringes of the wicked world , that thou hast caste vs off as none of thy children in so much as when wee consider , the heauy & intollerable burden , which by our vnrighteousnes wee haue deseruedly heaped vpon our selues in loosing the fauour of so louing and bountifull a father , and so sweete a sauior , it driues vs into a greate feare and terrour , procuring a great dislike and lo thing of our selues , for the time ; but our nature beeing nothing but corruption , falleth into a present forgetfulnes of our ende , and turneth forthwith vnto his vomitt againe . But most louing God & euerliuing , when the deserued punishments which hangeth ouer our heades , shall light and fall vppon vs for the same , what shall wee doo ? It is prepared , and it is comming , we can not ( by any deserts of ours ) but onely by the intercession mediation and desertes of Iesus Christ ( which neyther auaileth without our true repentaunce ) auoyde it .

Mollifie therefore our harde and stony heartes , ( Oh Lorde ) for the same thy sonne Iesus Christes sake , giue vs lamenting spirites , endue vs with vnfeyned sorrow for our sinnes , and make vs wylling and ready to returne vnto thee ; our nature beeing so vile , and our blindnes so great , that we are moste apte , euen with great obedience , care and dilligence , to serue , to please , and to obey , men of Aucthoritye heere , in thys world , ( by whose dis●auour there can aryse but some smal ( or no ) hurte or punishment at all ; And neuer giue our selues , ( or very seldome ) to the fulfilling of our duties to thee , by executing those thinges which thou commaundest vs wherby we breake and forfeit that bande , which thy sonne Iesus Christe sealed with his preacious blood , vpon the crosse , therby confirming for euermore a league , and peace betweene thee , and such as forsake sinne , and cleaue vnto righteousnes and trueth . Oh vnhappye creatures that we are , who beeing in the very bosome of so louing and so mercifull a God , shoulde by yeelding vnto the desires of the fleshe , the vanities of the world , and the will of sathan , bee thruste out of thy presence , wherein consisteth all peace , all loue , all hope , quietnes of minde , patience , long suffering , meekenes , and all good whatsoeuer . But wandring and going astray , after our owne corrupt desires , what remaineth in vs , but strife , hatred , misbeleefe , dispayre , couetousnes , adultery , witchcraft , contempt of thy Lawes , and all kinde of euill ? and rest as accursed . Lord we acknowledge that sinne & iniquity hath gotten the highest roome , it sitteth , and ruleth in all corners of the earth , and righteous dealing , simplicity , and innocency , is condemned of many .

Roote out therefore ( good Lorde ) roote out of our heartes , all hautines , deceit , wrongfull dealinges , and euill imaginations , and plant in steede thereof , humility , ius●●ce , and ●●leyned good will , and helpe one towardes another . Let not sathan rule , let not the flesh p●●●ai●e against the spirit , let not the world beguile vs , who are our enemies , our mortall enemies , most strong , 〈…〉 ost weake , in so much as they are not so ready to encounter with vs , as wee are ready to yeeld , they are most pollitique , we most ignoraunt , forgiue vs Lord , forgiue vs , for thy son Iesus Christes sake , strengthen vs ( good Lord ) strengthen vs with thy grace , we haue erred , we haue doon amisse , we haue followed too much the will of sathan we haue yeelded too much to the motions of the flesh , and too much embraced the pleasures of thys world : whereby we haue lost the most sweete comfort of thy celestiall promises , who hast sayd , that who so obeyeth thy voyce , in keeping and fulfilling thy Lawes , shall be most blessed , yea in al his wayes , in his going foorth and comming in , and in al thinges which he taketh in hand . Oh sweete Lord , howe can we therefore , but lament our estates , how can we but sigh and sorrow , that wee haue made forfeyture , of so many and so sweete blessings , and incurred the penalty of infinite curses of thine , by disobeying thy will , and precepts , which thou mioynedst vs , in all thinges to fulfill and obserue : Vouchsafe ( good Lorde ) vouchsafe of thy mercye for Iesus Christes sake , to turne away thine heauy displeasure , and punishment which we haue deserued , that they lighte not vpon vs , for our misdeedes : Blot out all our iniquities , lay not our vnrighteousnes , our vnthankfulnes , and wilfull rebellion against thee , to our charge , for if thou shouldest , ( Lord ) what should become of vs ? what might we looke for ●as our ●●●st rewarde but death and damnation .

Oh Lord we doo confesse , that for so sundry and bountifull beuefits , receiued at thine handes ( such is our corruption ) that we doo not onely take them without thankes , vse them without feare , but moste foolishly , and wrongfully , attribute the gift thereof , to some creature , and cast the prayse vpon him , or els we receiue them as giuen , by fortune , and take not onely the due honour from thee , but make the creature the Author of that , that commeth onely from thee , the onely creator , and giuer of all thinges Oh most sweete Lord , such is our ignoraunce , such is our blindnes , and such is the error that resteth and remaineth in vs , ( from Adam ) through our voluntary blindnes , which ( though we imbrace ) thou offerest light , we refuse the same , we are ignorant thou giuest wisedome , & we neglect the same , we go astray , thou callest vs , but we refuse to come : Lord wee are like the vntamed Heyser , which resuseth the yoke , wee are like the deafe Adder , which resuseth to heare the voice of the Charmer , charme he neuer so wisly we harden our hearts as the Adamant , we will not receiue thy gentle callinges , thy fatherly admonitions , and louing corrections . Thou commaundest vs to cast away the darknes of ignoraunce , and to put on the light of thy Gospell , but wee stoppe our eares , we refuse to heare , opening our eares to pleasures , and fyxing our eyes vppon vanitye , erring , in the pathes of vngodlines , drinking the puddelles of iniquity . and dispising the sweete water of life . Our heartes are alwayes ready to embrace delightes and fantasies , vtterly dispising nurture , correction and knowledge : we remember the time present , the time past , for which we haue to aunswer , & the time to come , in which we must aunswer . ( Good Lord ) we think not on , we consider not that our time is like the flowre of the fielde , to day fresh and fayre , & to morrow cut downe , dryed vppe and withered , we conceiue not , that we passe as dooth the shaddowe , and vanish as the bubble of water , as the smoake , and waues of the sea .

( Oh Lord ) notwithstanding all this , we folishly deferre th amendment of our liues , vpon hope of thy long sufferaunce , and consider not that thy wrathe commeth sodainly , wee consider not the sodaine death of sundry , beeing nowe most lusty , gaye , and strong , and by and by dead , and layde with the substaunce of theyr owne flesh , euen the earth , where the wormes possesse that , that they so da●ntily fedde with sundry fine delicates , & clothed with nice , monstrous and gorgious sutes of apparrell , sumptuous attyre , broidered heire , and setled themselues in s●ately high houses , euen to the skies , theyr soules departing with the glutton , where is not water to coole the heate of thy displeasure against them . Oh Lord , thou laughest at our vanitie ; yet most sorrye to see vs so ledde by the direction and hand leading of sathan , whose desire is to deuoure ( if he could ) euen thy chosen ones . Thou wouldest not that we should perish , thou desirest rather that we should conuert & liue , thou reioysest not at the death of a sinner , but there is great ioy in heauen of his repentance , where vnto though louingly thou cal vs , we goe still in our wickednes . Thou gyuest vs knowledge of thy will by preaching , and thine omnipotencie thou manifestest by thy creatures , bothe in the firmament aboue and in the earth and Sea belowe . But we vnderstand it not , we beare it not away , we consider it not . The good which we should doo , we doo not , but the euil which we should not , that we greedelie followe , notwithstanding all which our corruption , our disobedience , and wilfull wickednes , thou ( of thy mercy aboundaunt ) so intirely louest vs , that thou gauest thine onely begotten sonne , to suffer the most shame full death of the crosse , for vs , and hast sette him as equall with thy selfe , euen at thine owne right hand , to the ende he might make continuall intercession for vs , vnto thee , and that through him we might haue attonement with thee , and accesse vnto thee for euer . Wretched sinners that we are , if we by our wickednes , rebellion , and loosenes of life , loose so great a benefit , which he so deerely purchased for vs , euen thy woonted mercy and louing fauour , and make of none effect his dying for vs , what remaineth for vs , but the most fearefull sentence of iudgement , in the day when all secretes shall be opened , and euery man receiue according to his deserts ? to whom thou wilt say : Goe yee cursed into the flames of eternall fire , prepared for the deuill and his Angels , which neuer shall be quenched ▪ where shall be continuall weeping , wayling , anguish , and gnashing of teeth . when we shal be , neither our selues able to pleade to the contrary , nor haue any aduocate to gaine saye thee in thy iustice . Then shall we be sory , then shall we lament ( but too late ) Then shall wee heare the most comfortable entertainment of the godly , when thou shalt say : Come yee blessed , possesse yee the kingdome prepared for you from the beginning , where shal be nothing but ioy , without ceasing , continual gladnes comfort , and vnspeakable consolations , euen for such as clothed thee , fedde thee , lodged thee and visited thee , beeing in prison . Them shalt thou embrace , them shalt thou meete in the clowdes , with most sweete wordes of comfort , but such as haue seene thee ( euen the poore and little ones ) to bee sicke and comfortles , and haue denyed them helpe , releefe and ayde , or hungrye , and haue with-helde foode , Thirstye , and haue not giuen drinke , naked and haue not clothed them . Such ( sweete Lorde ) shall suffer hunger , colde , nakednes , and thirst , with vnspeakable greefe of conscience , which shall neuer haue ende . Oh that it woulde please thee therefore ( Oh mercifull God ) of thy greate goodnes , fauour and louing kindnes , to consider of these latter dayes , and perrilous times , wherein we liue , wherein eniquitie hath gotten the vpper hand , charity waxing cold , and loue banisht from amongst brethren , and thy selfe ( sweete Lorde ) euen thy poore and little ones , the Orphanes and Widowes , not onely , not releeued , not comforted , not defended , but troden vnder feete , neglected , and forgotten , euen of such as haue aboundaunce .

Vouchsafe , vouchsafe good Lorde , ( according to thy promise ) to shorten these dayes , least also thine elect , be seduced , with vanitie , and forsake thee theyr onely comfort . It is come to passe which thou hast sayde . That as towardes the Summer , trees and plantes of the earth doo budde , so before thy comming ( to make vs so much the more prepared ) thou hast promised to sende vs foreknowledge , by sundry signes and tokens , bothe in the earth belowe , which ( hath by thy passing ( as it were ) by vs ) quaked already at thy presence , as also by the Sunne and moone , & other thy creatures , apparantly showing thy rodde of vengeaunce , to be ouer our heades , ready to strike . Oh Lorde wee cannot but looke for vtter distruction , according to the weight and aboundance of our sins , and iniquities , vnles it may please thee to show thy mercy for Iesus sake in conuerting vs ▪ we haue sinned , we haue gonne astray , we haue wrought wickednes , in yeelding to the will of the flesh , but most sweete Lorde , let thy light so shine into our hearts , that we may now beginne , to seeke onely thy kingdome , & leaue the darknes of sinne growe to all goodnes , and be mortefied as touching the olde man , which is corruption , dye to the world And remooue sathan , that with godly desires we may attayne vnto the perfecte feeling of thy grace , that hauing obteined the pure vnderstanding of thy word , we may guide our liues by the rule therof , that after the finishing of this our pilgrimage , we may thorow the merites of thy sonne Iesus Christ ) enter into thy kingdome of eternall glory , there for euer and euer to raigne , enioying the sight of thee , and to thy name , with the rest of thy saintss , sing laude and prayse eternally .

Oh Lord increase our fayth , and giue vs grace vnfeynedly to repent vs of our sinnes . Amen .

A praier necessarie to bee sayd , after and at the end of all our prayers .

VOuchsafe Oh Lord and mercifull Father , in whose handes resteth the harts of all men , who knowest what wee want before we pray , what wee will aske before we speake , & what wee doo in al thinges ; Vouchsafe to forgiue mine ignorance , dulnes , and slacke comming vnto thee , the fountaine of all health and helpe , encrease my faith dayly more and more , and kindle in me the perfecte gift of prayer , that I may at all times serue thee in trueth , and whatsoeuer I haue asked , according vnto thy wyll , at this time , giue me , and what I haue omitted vnrequested for my selfe , or any for whom thou wouldest we should pray for , for thy sonne Iesus Christes sake gratiously graunt , for which and for al thinges els , necessary for mee and then , for body or soule , I pray thee as thy sonne taught vs , saying :

OVr father which art in heauen , hallowed bee thy name . Thy kingdome come . Thy will be doone in earth as it is in heauen . Giue vs this day our daily breade . And forgiue vs our trespasses , as we forgiue them that trespasse agaynst vs . And leade vs not into temptation , but deliuer vs from all euill . Amen .

Oh Lord increase our fayth , and continue the same effectually in me & all men vnto the end . Amen . Great plagues remaine for the vngodly : but who so putteth his trust in the Lorde , mercy imbraceth him on euery syde . Psal. 32.

PAule before he would presume to eate gaue thanks , Act. 27 , 35 , Christ likewise , before hee gaue the bread and Fyshes to them that were wyth hym in the wyldernes ( yea although he were Lord of all ) looking vppe to heauen , from whence commeth all goodnes , blessed it and gaue thankes , and brake it vnto them , Mat 14. the store beeing small , replenished many thousandes , and left many Baskets full : wherefore take the blessings of God with thankes .

A prayer before meate .

OH bountifull GOD , vouchsafe to looke downe with thy fauourable eyes of pittie vpon our weaknes , and want , and giue vs at this time those things which may be to our confort , sanctifie these thy gifts , that our bodyes beeing replenished , we may be thankfull , and enioy at thy mercifull handes , the bread of eternall life , to the releefe of our poore soules , through Iesus Christ our onely Sauiour Amen .

God saue and still increase thy flocke , Keepe vs within thy folde : Vouchsafe to heare when wee doo knocke , Oh Lord our strongest holde . Preserue our Queene , be thou her stay , This Realme of thine defend : Indue vs with thy grace for aye , On thee we all depend . Oh Lord increase our fayth .

WHen God hath fedde your poore bodyes , bee not therewith puft vppe with forgetfulnes , what he requireth at our handes , for his blessings , but in a reuerent and deuout manner giue thankes that he may continue his louing kindnes to your comfort vnto the ende .

A thankes giuing after meate .

WE thanke thee most bountifull Lord , for this thy fatherly feeding our hungry bodies , so vouchsafe to feede our silly soules with the breade of eternall life . That after this life ended , we may ascend where Christ is gonne before . Amen ▪

Sith God hath fedde our bodyes poore , Which els would soone decay : Remember such as lye at doore , Say not their cryings nay . God saue his Church , our Queene defende , this Realme preserue for aye : And graunt vs all a godly ende , And ioyfull rysing day . Oh Lord increase our fayth .

FINIS .