Maister Bezaes houshold prayers translated out of French into English. Bèze, Théodore de, 1519-1605. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A09974 of text S1181 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 2023.7). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 167 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 186 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A09974 STC 2023.7 ESTC S1181 21541070 ocm 21541070 24771 2264185870

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A09974) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 24771) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1720:14) Maister Bezaes houshold prayers translated out of French into English. Bèze, Théodore de, 1519-1605. [368] p. By V.S. for Iohn Barnes ..., Printed at London : 1603. Title and text within ornamental border. Signatures: A⁸(-A1,A8) B-P¹² Q¹⁰. Reproduction of original in the Cambridge University. Library. eng Prayers. eebo Maister Bezaes houshold prayers translated out of French into English. Bèze, Théodore de, 1603 372 31355 1 0 0 0 0 4 383.03 F The rate of 383.03 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2012-11 Assigned for keying and markup 2012-11 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2013-01 Sampled and proofread 2013-01 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2013-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion
To the honourable and most vertuous , Mistrisse Francis Smith .

I Doe heere offer vp vnto your vertue ( which dooth yet make you more worthy then the worth of your most Honourable birth ) these vn-Frenched Prayers , which the religious zeale of that reuerend man , Beza of Geneua , hath in his priuate Exercises powred out vnto GOD . To commend their excellencie vnto you , by my iudgement , were to commend them to little ; and therefore , let your owne iudgement ( as it can best ) conceiue their worth ; and your godly deuotion , in making vse of them , supplie whatsoeuer want of grace is come vnto them , by my changing theyr language , in the weight and life which your vtterance shal giue them . To none could they be addressed by mee , so fitly , both in respect of your vertue ( prone to affect such religious exercises ) and for the respect & seruice I owe your woorthie Husband , ( whose fauour towardes me doth iustly challenge a most grateful acknowlegement ; ) And therfore if you will be pleased graciously to receiue these Prayers at my hands , you shall adde to their number this one , That God ( to whom they are sent ) will , both heere on Earth , & in Heauen , blesse you with vnspeakeable felicity .

At your commandement most humbly I. B.
A Table of the Praiers contained in this Booke . 1 A prayer vppon the Lordes prayer . 2 A prayer vppon the Beliefe . 3 A prayer vppon the tenne Commaundements . 4 A prayer to one only God in Trinitie of persons . 5 A prayer to knowe God in Iesus Christ . 6 A prayer for obtaining of the gift of the Holyghost . 7 A prayer to God for the light of his word . 8 A prayer that wee may not depart from the holy Church . 9 A prayer to obtaine the efficacie of holie Baptisme . 10 A prayer for the Communion of the holie Eucharist . 11 A prayer to giue thanks after the Communion . 12 A praier to obtaine the gift of Faith . 13 A prayer to obtaine the vertue of Hope . 14 A prayer to obtaine the virtue of Charitie . 15 A praier for the wel vsing of afflictions . 16 A praier to obtaine the virtue of patience 17 A praier for the wel vsing of mans life . 18 A praier vpon temporall death . 19 A prayer vpon heauenly life . 20 A prayer vppon eternall death . 21 A morning prayer . 22 A prayer among a Family . 23 A Prayer beefore meate . 24 A Prayer to giue thanks after meate . 25 An euening praier among a family . 26 A Prayer for him that suffreth much by sickenesse . 27 A prayer in the Visitation of the sicke . 28 A prayer for him that feeleth him selfe to be neere death . The end of the Table .
To al Christians , zealous in holy Prayers . Luke 21.

The Kingdome of God is at hand , watch therfore , praying at all times .

IF wee are indued with the true knowlege of our estate , and condition , as also , the efficacie of holy prayers , wee shoulde not neede to be aduertised often , to present our selues before God , to offer vnto him our vowes , and to beseech his fatherly loue , or dilection , for guiding vs , by his good spirit , vnto the light of his trueth , to encrease in our heartes , faith , loue , constancie , humilitie , and other his heauenly giftes , to forgiue vs our debts , to mortifie the corruptions of our nature , to clothe vs with his spirituall armour , against the assaults of the diuel , the world & the flesh , to prouide for our necessities , to preserue vs from infinite dangers , which compasse vs round about : to be short , to graunt vs his holie spirite , to guide the whole course of our life , to the glorie of his name , and the peace and saluation of our owne soules . For , he who hath not a feeling of the great want of all these graces , or blessings , and consequently , the necessitie of praiers vnto God , for obtaining the same , knoweth not himselfe , but is senslesse and voyd of all feeling . By prayer wee blesse God for his goodnesse , power , wisedome , iustice , and mercy towardes vs : because of our prayers , he blesseth vs , in doing vs good , and distributing his benefites amongest vs : it is vnto vs , as the soule of our soules : for that prayer quickeneth our affections , and lifteth vppe our heartes vnto heauen ; which otherwise wold be dead in sinnes and trespasses , by following the vanities of this wicked world . Prayer is as it were the key which openeth vnto vs the treasury of our heauenly Father , as faith is the hand , laying holde vpon those sure and permanent possessions of eternall life , the desire whereof , should cause vs continually to pray vnto , and feruently to loue God . Prayer maketh , that in the miseries of this life , wee comfort our selues , by looking for the benefites of the kingdome of God . Prayer refresheth vs through the remembrance of his gracious promises , which confirme vs in the same , and of the blessings already receiued at his hands , which moue vs in our necessities , to hope for the like , and wait for it , with al patience . It augmenteth in vs , a desire to be conioyned with him , throgh our Lorde Iesus Christ , in whome all our good doth consist . It cheereth vs in those workes , which the holy ghost worketh in vs , & by vs , yeelding a sweet smell to our souls , and is moreouer vnto vs , as a strong Tower , and most assured fortresse , against all that might astonish vs , in this our earthly habitation : yea which is more , prayer doth somtimes stand vs insteede , to obtaine of Almighty God , most euident testimonies of his glorie , in matters supernaturall , which our reason should iudge impossible , as it befell vnto Moses , praying for the victory of the Israelites , against the Amalekites : to Ioshuah when at his praier , the course of the Sunne was stayed : to Elias , bringing fire down from heauen , and to Ezechias restored to helth after sentence given of his death : not that wee should simply attribute so great and profitable effects to the woorke of prayer : but to the goodnesse , loue , power , and counsell of God , who worketh so , and by such meanes as hee pleaseth in his creatures : and of his free mercie , crowneth the prayers of his elect with rewardes , and with grace for grace . These therefore are the fruits and benefites we are to looke for from our good god and father , when reposing our selues vpon his loue in Christ , and with humble and penitent hearts , wee doe prostrate our selues before his face , to sanctifie his name , crauing his mercie , and beseeching him to blesse vs , teach and guide vs as his children , to beleeue his word , euen as he whom we cal vpon , doth desire our good , bicause he loueth vs , may giue vnto vs that we aske , because he is almighty : and is willing to heare vs , for his Sonnes sake , because hee hath so promised . But it is also most true , that acording to his wisdome , he knoweth the time and conuenient meanes , to let vs fully enioy the efficacie of our praiers . Let vs perseuer , only asking those things which are to his glorie , and hee will not faile to helpe vs in all our necessities . Wee are moreouer to note , that it is not the sound of the lippes which the Lord requireth of vs , vnlesse the same be also guided with the holy affections of the soule : for he harkneth rather to the heart than to the voyce , and giueth to vs openly that which he seeth vs in secret to desire with our affections mortified in his sight . Therefore wee must ( praying carefully ) lift vppe our heartes with a true zeale to GOD , banishing out all other thoughts , abandoning Sathan with all his baites , opening our harts , that our Heauenly Father may thereinto infuse and powre downe his blessings . Neyther ought our prayer to bee bare or naked , but conioyned with reading , and meditation of Gods holy worde , as also fruitfull in all goodnesse .

But alas , if it bee most true , that in all our exercises of piety wee be neuer able to seperate our selues from our selues , but that our corruption wil stil euidently appeare , it is sure , the same will especially befall vs , when wee prepare our selues to pray vnto God , and frame our petitions , according to his will : for besides that the diuel doth at al times lie in waite , to seduce vs , so doeth hee , especially , at such times , seeke to creepe into our minds , to diuert our thoughts elsewhere , that they may bee polluted with many blemishes : notwithstanding , that they of themselues , sufficiently goe astray : yea our vanitie , imperfection , and coldnesse , doeth many wayes bewray it selfe , that we may well say , in one word : no man prayeth rightly , but he , whose mouth and minde Christ doth direct with his spirit . And therefore hath he deliuered vnto vs , a sacred forme , for all holy prayers , in that prayer which is vsually termed , The Lords Prayer , wherein , hee hath set downe , the perfect rule , whereby , we may rightly forme our petitions , and keepe them within their bounds : that is , the glory of God , & our saluation . And this are wee dilligently to note , as being assured , that so we shall be heard , albeit our frailty do hinder vs , from praying with that zeale , feeling , and feruency of faith , which true prayer doth require . Let vs winne from our selues so much as wee may , calling to minde , for our comfort , that we do offer our prayers , to the father , in the name of his wel-beloued sonne , and by his own mouth , couered with his righteousnesse : who therefore will accept of them , according to his promise , but withall , let vs also remember , that such , who vse many times to say , O Lord help vs , do not , notwithstanding , thereby obtaine saluation : but they , who doe his will , and to that end , doth he command vs , that we haue his word dwelling peaceably in our hearts , that we may be ready to performe euery good worke .

These things , therefore , being by God conioyned vnto prayer , let vs take great heed , that wee seperate them not , considering , that by the same , we conuerse with our father which is in heauen , and so enioy , the fulnesse of his blessings : for whensoeuer we apply our eyes , or our eares , to those things , which he declareth vnto vs , in the holy scriptures , hee speaketh vnto vs , and calling vpon his name , we speake vnto him .

Moreouer , in asmuch as , naturally wee are but little inclined , or rather vtterly carelesse , of these spirituall exercises , it will not be amisse , if we restraine our selues , to praier , at certaine houres of the day : not for superstition , but to withstand our slouth , slackenesse , and other worldly matters , which otherwise might induce vs , to ouerslippe diuerse dayes , without any practise of this duetie . Dauid bearing vppon his shoulders the burden of a great Kingdome , prayed , morning , at noone , and at night : yea seauen times a day , did he sing praises to God , day and night meditating in his Lawe . Nowe therefore ( gentle Readers ) feeling my self toward the declining euening of my dayes , with a taste of so many solide , and permanent ioyes , as are daily to be found in prayer : & withall , being inflamed with a desire , to finish the rest of my course , in this sweete labour , which I finde to be accompanied , with so large a recompence , I haue here formed for my selfe , and for any other , that list to reade it , this small mannell , of holy , short , and familiar prayers , grounded vpon the texts of scriptures , such as are indeed , to instruct , comfort , and make vs perfect , in faith , loue , constancy , and to be short , in all christian life . Be of good cheere then , ( all godly soules ) and let vs vnite all our petitions , in this so deuoute , and profitable an exercise , of all true faithfull people . Let vs pray , and meditate , if not incessantly , yet at the least , dayly at certaine set houres , and as often as wee may , as well in the congregation , as in our families , morning , and euening amongst our houshold , as also in our secret chambers . Thus shall wee with our lippes , vpon the Altars of our hearts , offer vp , many acceptable sacrifices of sweete sauor before his presence , whereof , the benefite will redound to our selues , in that God will blesse vs , in our vocations , workes , and labors . Oh , how happy shall these men then be , whom the Lord shall finde thus watching , and praying ! for they shall depart vnto him in peace , in the contemplation of his glory ; which grace , God graunt vnto vs all . Amen .

Royal seal E R HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE

Holie Prayers of a faithfull Soule . For the Consolation and Perfection of a christian life .
The first Prayer , Vpon the Lords Prayer .

When you pray , vse no vaine repetitions , as the Heathen : for they thinke to be heard for their much babbling . Be yee not like them therefore : for your Father knoweth whereof yee haue neede before yee aske of him . After this maner therefore pray yee :

Mat. 6.

Our Father which arte in Heauen :

O Lord God almightie , the knowledge of whome is life , whome to serue , is to raigne , and vnto whom to pray , is the ioy and peace of the soule , wee cannot knowe thee , but in thine owne image Iesus Christ , and that by the operation of thy spirit : neither serue thee , except wee follow thy word : neither call vpon thee , but in the name of the same Christ , and according to that forme , which himself hath prescribed vs . Thus euerie faithfull creature sayeth vnto thee . Our Father , giue vnto vs , forgiue vs . For thus hath thy sonne , the head of that vnion , which is among al christians , commanded , that our prayers should bee common for al thy people ; as being all one body , which thou gouernest by one onely spirite : and forasmuch as our being dependeth vppon thee onely , and being in our birth corrupted by sinne , thou makest vs to be renewed vnto righteousnesse , through the same eternal word , wher by thou hast created vs , we doe rightly cal thee , euen by a double right , Our Father . A happie , and louing beginning of prayer , wherin the new man , reconciled vnto thee , in Iesus Christ , thus speaketh to thee his father : I do beleeue that I am of the number of thy children , through thy mercy , which it hath pleased thee to vouchsafe me ; and therfore ( O my God ) I cannot see doubt hereof , but that thou dost louingly heare me , and art inclined to helpe me , and to relieue me in all my necessities , considering thou arte in heauen , euen according as being in al places , thou art as it were in no place , for thou art wholie an infinite spirite , and inaccessible light , whose name is ( I am ) namelie of a sole , true essence , eternall , immutable and incomprehensible , and from whom , all nature , whether celestiall , or terrestriall , doeth , through grace , borrowe his essence and subsistence . Thus arte thou aboue , in such wise , that being out of euery place , thou art aboue all this great vniuersall world , in the seate of thine own glory , from whence , thou doest embrace both heauen and earth , and with thy prouidence , sustaine them . As also , in some sorte thou art aboue al things , because they doe all depend , and beare themselues vppon thee , who likewise , dost by thy subtilitie pierce into them , more neerly vnto euery creature then the same is to it selfe . Howbeit , thou art in heauen , so far forth , as that the exquisite workes of thy hands , do the better appeare therein . And thou doest in an especiall maner inhabite the high heauen : for there doeth thy Maiestie shine with open countenaunce : beside , thou art with thy gracious presence in the soules of the righteous , which do harbour thee as a Father in their heartes .

[ Hallowed be thy name . ]

FOr , O Lord , sith thou art my father , reason requireth , that aboue all things , I should desire thy honour . But euerlastingly , for euer and euer , thy name is holy , & the glory therof infinit . My praier then bringeth nothing to thy greatnes and excellencies : but yet I may heere desire , that thy name , both of it self , and by it selfe , most holy , may be sanctified , and exalted in me , and in all men , and in all places : whereby my selfe do also obtaine that holines , which is conuenient for the true childe of such a father , vnto whome all vncleanenesse is displeasing .

[ Thy kingdome come . ]

But who can impeach thy Kingdome , O eternall God , who hast created al things , for thy seruice ? Thou raignest ouer al ; for the heauen is thy throne , and the earth thy foote-stoole : Yet I beseech thee , be vnto me , as a father in mercy , not as a Iudge in thy iustice : thou raignest in thy worde , which thou hast reuealed , and inspired , and I beseech thee , euen for thy glory sake , that this thy booke of life , may bee opened to all people , that thereby all nations may worship thee : thou raignest in thy Church , and I pray , that the number of thy elect may be shortly fulfilled . Thy kingdome is thy grace , and I beseech thee to make mee as capable thereof , as thou art liberall .

[ Thy wil be done in earth as it is in heauen .

MY will , O Lord , is altogether peruers and depraued , except it bee formed by thine , wherin resteth and consisteth all my good : create in me this holy will , and giue mee grace to fulfil it , in al my thoghts & workes : ( for what can I haue , but what thou giuest mee ? ) To the end that in obedience of faith , I may doe that which shall bee acceptable in thy sight , euen as the Angells in heauen do obey thy voyce .

[ Giue vs this day our dailie bread .

FOR Christ our Lord and Doctour , hath so contriued the petitions which we make vnto thee , that in seeking first the glorie of thy name , hee will , that with al , we should haue experience , of the riches of thy goodnesse , in all things necessary for this life . Thus wilt thou ( O merciful Father ) recompence with infinite benefits , euen our simple cogitations of the brightnesse of thy glory , and crowne thy giftes in vs with grace for grace . We do therefore dayly craue our bread , and thou dost also giue it vs , that is to say , euen all that is necessarie for our maintaynance heere beneathe : yet doest thou present vs with one bread farre more excellent and profitabl , euen the bread of angels , and of the blessed spirits : giue mee therefore ( O Lord ) Iesus Christ , God and man , that of him I may liue for euer , that my vnderstanding may bee enlightned with his truth , and my heart kindled with the fire of his loue , that I perish not .

And forgiue vs our trespasses as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs .

OVr sinnes as debts do bind vs to death ( which is their rewarde ) and to hell ( which is their graue ) they are as a strong barre , to keepe vs from comming to thee ( O most holy God ) yea which is more , they are as a clowde that shadoweth thine eyes , from looking fauourably vpon vs . And therefore the most conuenient preparation to prayer , is with an humble , and truely penitent heart , to feele and confesse our sinnes : for so thou wilt vouchsafe to grant vs remission of the same , in the name of thy sonne our Sauior , in imputing vnto vs his righteousnesse . Yet herein ( O Lord ) is thy free mercy very great , that thou also giuest vs power to pardon those that doe offend vs , and by so dooing , to obtaine thy grace : for what offence can any man commit against vs , ( poore worms of the earth ) considering that we do so often , and so grieuously offend ( O King of glory ) and in such sorte , that if euery creature should arme it self to hurt vs , yet would not the least iniurie that we commit against thee be sufficiently reuenged . Yet dost thou vouchsafe thus to testifie thy infinite goodnesse , accepting as a sweete sacrifice , the oblation of our harts reconciled , and fully vnited with our neighbours , like as contrarywise no part of a hateful and peruerse heart can delight thee .

And leade vs not into temptation , but deliuer vs from euill .

FOr , as through thy mercy , thou sufferest not Satan ( the author of all temptations ) to seduce thy children , neither sinne to ouercome them , so when thou wilt punish man in thy iustice , they remaine depriued of thy protection , and vnder the power of the diuell to be subiect to his tyrany , and to liue in a reprobate sence , hereof doe we therefore reape this singular consolation , that this great aduersarie of our saluation can doe nothing against vs , vnlesse thou giue him leaue : and whereas sometimes thou causest vs to be tempted , thou doest it as a father , to chastice vs for our transgressions , or to make vs more triumphant and victorious in the triall , which it pleaseth thee to make of our faith , and hope , for thy glory , and our owne good , or for the edification of our neighbours .

For thine is the kingdome , the power , and the glory , for euer and euer .

LIke as ( O my God and father ) I began my prayer , by the hallowing of thy name , so is it meete and iust that I should end it , by the exaltation of the same : as thy children , who bounding their vowes , with the onely care of thy honour may assure themselues to obtaine the fulfilling of the same in the sole perfection of thy glory . So be it .

The second Prayer , Vpon the Symbole or Articles of Beliefe .
I beleeue in God the Father Almightie : &c. 1. Cor. 15.

Before all things I haue deliuered vnto you , that which I haue receyued , namely that Christ died for our sinnes , according to the scriptures , and that hee was buried , & that he rose againe the third day .

O Lord God gouernour of the whol world , immortall , invisible , and onely wise , for whose glory al things are . It hath pleased thee , according to the decree of thy vnserchable counsel , that man , formed after thy image , & falling through mistrust and curiositie , should , by faith , be restored to the excellency of his nature ; & as he sought knowledge aboue thy commaundement , and so strayed from thee , and wandred out of thy kingdome , so he should be revnited , and reduced into the path of saluation , by beleeuing thy onely word in the promised Messias , bending the power of his soule , to the knowledge of thee , in embracing the preaching of the crosse , which the world would accompt folly . But because we al are borne blind , & corrupt in our vnderstanding and wil , it therfore followeth , that all the imaginations and thoughts of our hearts are at all times nothing but euill , our knowledge but vanitie , our learning but ignorance , our iudgment but errour , our virtue but pride , our wisedome but folly , the viuacitie of our spirit but the instrument of ruine , our delight but filthinesse , our faith but incredulitie ; our hope but fancie , our charitie but coldnes , to be briefe , our pietie but hipocrisie or superstition ; and our righteousnesse but couetousnesse or ambition . So ( O Lorde ) we of our selues are not capable , somuch as of any good thought , vntill thou that knowest how to drawe light out of darkenesse doest returne to recreate'vs , and by thy spirit to shine in the firmament of our soules , to the end to frame vs to euery faithfull disposition , and obedience , and so to make vs beleeue in the gospell of thy grace , and in the mysteries of our saluation . I doe therefore beseech thee ( my God ) according to the'fficacy of thy vertue , to change in me all that I haue of my selfe , euen my rockie and stony heart , and to make it pliable , and flexible , vnto the voice of my Redeemer , who is come according to thy promise , to the end , that with a ful and liuely faith I may cleaue to his eternall truth , for to comprehend , according to the measure of the gift of thy grace , the summe and perfection of al spirituall wisedome , which is taught vs in the articles of the true faith and sound principles of religion . Surely my soule is ouermuch enclined to incredulity and mistrust , neither is it any way able to pierce into these high and profound secrets of pietie , where we haue a full declaration of all the figures , and prophesies of the Lawe , with a most pure and perfite doctrine of foure pointes , which are the end of all religion , and in regard whereof it is called Catholike . For we find thee there ( thou only and true God ) the Father , authour and gouernour of all things by thy almightie power , goodnesse , and prouidence . Next is our Lord Iesus Christ ( thy word and eternall wisedome ) therein taught vnto vs , together with the holy history of our redemption . Thirdly , wee there find the Holy-ghost ( the infinite vertue of thee the father , and of the sonne ) three persons , of one sole , and simple essence , and in equality of glory . And finally therein is shewed vnto vs , the Church , with a description of these celestiall graces , which thou pourest vpon her , whereof the forgiuenesse of sins is the summe , and life euerlasting the onely scope . Giue therefore vnto me ( O merciful father ) of this thy spirit of reuelation , of grace , and of mercy ; to the end that the brightnesse and operation therof may make my soule capable of these great mysteries of thy Kingdome , so farre forth as may be expedient for me to know , for the seruice of thy glory , and my owne saluation , that I may obtaine the onely true and sound knowledge , whose subiect and end is the onely true , solide ; & soueraign good , both of men and angells , namely to know thee , to glorifie thee , and him whome thou hast sent , the Sauiour of the worlde . So that with my hart I do belieue before thee , and before al men , I do with my words and workes , confesse this acceptable message of the Messias come , borne in the Cittie of DAVID , which is CHRIST the lord God , manifested in the flesh , iustified in the spirit , seene of the Angelles , preached to the Gentiles , beleeued by the elect , and exalted into glory , for our righteousnesse , holinesse , and glorification : And further also ( O Almightie Lord ) print in my heart the feeling & knowlege of this thy vnspeakable goodnesse and loue , extended vnto vs miserable sinners , in that thou hast giuen vnto vs in sacrifice , thy only Sonne , sauing vs by the onely merits of his death , to the end , that as the efficacie of thy loue hath redounded vnto mee wretched creature , so I may also sufficiently meditate vppon thy great mercie , incessantly yeelde thankes vnto thee , and feele thy eternall consolation , vntil that I departing in peace towardes thee my Father , which art in Heauen , may obtaine full knowledge of those things that thou hast giuen me to belieue , and in the perfect contemplation of the same , the soueraigne good of Angells and Saints . So be it .

The third Praier . Vpon the Decalogue , or ten Commaundements .

[ God spake all these words , saying , Heare O Israel : I am the Lord thy god , that hath brought thee out of the land of Egypt , out of the house of bondage : Thou shalt haue none other Gods before me , &c.

Exod. 20. ]

O Lord GOD Almightie , the Author of all righteousnesse , and perfection of life ; Yea euen thou that arte essentially Iustice , perfection and life . I doe truly know , that man created righteous & perfect , and by cleauing to thee , blessed ( but free and mutable ) hath , through sin , turned from thee , plunging himselfe headlong into the sinke of vnrighteousnesse , imperfection and death . The which hath depriued him of all power to obey the Law , and consequently beereaued him of the reward of eternall blessednesse . And albeit of especiall grace thou doost call vs , by the Gospel , to the free righteousnes of Christ , to the end , that beleeuing in him , wee might confesse him , for the obtayning of saluation ; Yet are we neuerthelesse so much inclined to distrust , corruption , and disorder , that hardly we are entred into the waie of his vocation , but we retyre immediatly , straying out of that course which might purchase vnto vs the prize ; and so through our workes , denie our faith , and our profession . Now as the first & principal manner of thy honour ( O onely true GOD ) consisteth in beleeuing , & reposing our whole confidence in thee alone : so the second and inseperable from true faith , resteth in obedience to thy holy and good will . For we must be doers of that which thy holie worde teacheth vs , and not hearers only , deceiuing our selues . Thou hast chosen and adopted vs to be thy Children : but it is vpon this condition , that wee should be reformed to the Image of Iesus Christ , the first borne , & inheritour of all things . Thou hast chosen vs to be his Temple : now his habitation cannot be but holy : for thy spirit dwelleth therein . Thou hast redeemed vs with the price of his blood , and that to the ende thou maist bee glorified , both in our bodies and soules . Thou hast freed vs from sinne , euen to the ende we might be seruants to righteousnes . Thou hast giuen vs the Sauiour of the World , to be our iustification : but to the end also that we possesse him in sanctification . Thou wouldest that he should die for all men , euen to make him liue in thy elect , and they in him . And this is the reason wherfore the institution of our faith , together with the spirituall consolations that support the same , is accompanied with the ten precepts of thy law , the certaine and assured meanes to honor and serue thee , in liuing religiously to thy glory , & vprightly to the profit of our neighbours . For albeit in the Gospel wee be free from the rigor & punishment of the Law , yet neuertheles , the rule of pietie and holie life contained in the Decalogue , abideth with vs , as a perpetuall patterne , whereby to frame our temporall course of life . And accordingly we do also consider of it in two partes , according as it pleased thee , O Lord , to write it with thy finger , and to deliuer it vnto Moses , in two tables of stone , for thy people , whereof the first containeth foure Commandements , of our duetie towardes thee , and the second , sixe , of that which wee owe to our neighbors : Also the summe & fulfilling of all these holy precepts importeth that wee loue thee , ( O onely true GOD ) with our whole heart , soule , and thought , and then all other men , ( especially the houshold of faith ) as our selues . But O Lord , such is the weakenesse of all flesh , that there is no man able to attain to the perfection of thy Law : and yet thou willest , that here in , thy children shoulde comfort themselues , that there is left vnto them , some measure to approach thervnto , and so to bee acceptable vnto thee ; namely when with their whole strength , preuented by thy grace , they studie to attaine the end of thy word , walking & going forward by the steps thereof , & still with sighing for their infirmities . For al the faithfull may so belieue , that with thee their Father there is mercy for them , in thy welbeloued sonne Iesus Christ . I beseech thee therfore , O my God , to cast vpon me , the eye of thy clemencie , and goodnes , therby throgh th' effects of thy spirit , to restore in my soule , the breaches of sinne , to illuminate my vnderstanding , and to possesse my hart with the loue of thy truth , to the end that in all knowledge and obedience of faith , I may constantly walke in the paths of thy lawe ; so that I may worship , scare , & loue thee , as the Lord , to whome I wholy owe my selfe : for thou hast created mee , and which is more , redeemed mee from eternall death , whence I do also learne to loue all men in thee , & for thy sake , because they beare thy image , so that perseuering thus in the duty of my vocation , I may so much the rather feele thy peace in my conscience , and thy blessing vppon all the workes of my hands ; that filled with dayes , I leaue my life , to enioy rest eternally . Amen .

The fourth praier . To one only God in Trinitie of persons .

God in the beginning created Heauen and earth , The word was with god , and this word was God : And the spirit of GOD mooued vpon the waters .

Gen. 1. Iohn . 1.

O Eternall , true , and only God in three persons , coequall & almightie , of one sole , and simple essence , inuisible , and infinite . The Father , the word and the holy Ghost , who being the soueraign good , sufficient to thy selfe , needing no newe matter , wouldest not for euer inioy thy glorie alone , but according to thy vnmeasurable & altogether incomprehensible goodnesse , reueale thy selfe at thy good pleasure , in foure workes altogether diuine & singular . ( The creation of the world , & of all nature : the redemption of mankinde : the building thy church , & thy graces the same : ) O Lord , who only art in trueth , permanent and stable ; through whome euery thing is that is , in respect of whome , all is lesse then nothing , who giuing by thy word beeing to that that was not at all , hast , out of a confused , voyd , and dark substance , drawne light , beauty , and order , stretching forth the heauen as a vault or tent vnder the same , the earth , and the inhabitants thereof , who hast made al things in number , weight , and measure : & from whose prouidence doeth proceede , the moderation and gouernement of all that is , whether it liueth , feeleth , or vnderstandeth : O holy , thrice holy , admirable , and amiable , who being righteous , wouldest not suffer man , made after thy image , to go vnpunished when he had sinned , and who , beeing mercifull , hast not left him without grace : who , being good , hast not neglected the least of thy works , euen to the haire of a beast , the lightest fether of a fowl , and the least flower or leafe of grasse , in euery of these things , grauing certaine tokens of thy glory and maiesty by the harmonie & agreement of al these smal creatures with the greatest of the world : O Father , and moderator of all things ! I beseech thee , let thy eternall wisedome reach to me euen through the light of thy spirit which seeth all things , which soundeth all thinges , which searcheth into all things , and which , with his presence of grace , maketh his residence , in al peaceable cogitations , to lift them vp by the effects of his gifts , vnto the fanctuarie of thy supercelestiall pallace , there to make them see , heare , and worship , in spirit & truth , the diuine maruels of thy Kingdome , & the mysteries of the adoption of thy elect . So that being thus taught by the most sacred Oracles , I belieue in hart , and with vnderstanding meditate vpon the true & eternall existence of thee ( O Father ) borne of none , the first Soueraigne and Almighty cause of al things and especially of our saluation throgh thy loue : Of thee ( O Sonne ) eternally begotten by the Father , and by whom he hath made all his works , who art the principall cause , which giues vs life & happines , according to the fulnesse and perfection of thy loue , and of thee ( O Holy Ghost ) from al eternitie proceeding from the Father & the Son , and by whome all creatures doe subsist , and saluation is communicated vnto vs ; three persons , of properties distinct , yet not seperate ; in vnitie of essence , and equalitie of glory : in thee one , and true God , not created , infinit , and almighty , & the God of thy people . And that through this healthfull knowledge , I doe worship , serue and call vpon thee only for euer , without declining from thy word . Wherupon likewise , through a stedfast faith in thy promises , depending vppon an assured hope , and true loue , I doe more and more draw vpon my self the sauour of thy holie blessings : to the end that as the Angels aboue doe praise thee , the powers of heauen do blesse thee , & all the spiritual armies do magnifie thee , I likewise may heere belowe haue this felicitie , to finish my course in singing thy praises , and so leauing this terrestriall life , to ioyne my selfe altogether to the celestial , with those blessed spirits in the ful contemplation of thy face , to sing with them without ende this song of perfect ioy ( Glory be to the Father that hath created vs ; Glorie bee to thee Sonne that hath redeemed vs ; Glory be to the Holy-Ghost that hath sanctified vs ; Glorie bee to the most high Trinitie , one onely God and Lord , whose kingdome is euerlasting .

The fift Prayer , For the obtaining of the knowledge of God in Iesus Christ .

The word was made flesh , and dwelled among vs , full of grace and truth , the Image of the inuisible God , which is Christ the Lord ; who by himselfe hauing purged our sinnes , sitteth at the right hand of the Maiesty : in the highest places .

Ioh. 1. Col. 1. Lu. 2 Heb. 1.

O GOD and Father of our Lord CHRIST IESVS , & of all them whom in thy loue thou hast giuen to him to be his brethren , it hath beene thy good pleasure , to settle our true and only felicitie in the knowledge of thy holy name , and the effects of thy grace . But we are vnable to know thee , or to feele the efficacy of thy loue towards vs , but only in the same Christ , who is the brightnesse of thy glory , and the engrauen character of thy person , God with thee , and man with vs . By this thy eternall word thou hast created all the world , giuing vnto vs the first testimony of the manifestation of thy wisedome and prouidence . But thou giuest vnto vs , a more singulare benefite in the miraculous worke of our redemption , which doeth moreouer represent vnto vs , both thy great goodnesse and loue , and thy Iustice , & infinit power . Thy loue , in that thou hast vouchsafed freely to redeeme man , who prowde and vnthankefull , withdraweth himselfe from thee his Father and Benefactor , to surrender himselfe vnto Sathan the ennemy to our saluation , and of the honor of thy name . Thy Iustice , in that thou hast not spared the blood of thy innocent sonne , to the end in his sufferings to iustifie thy goodnesse and mercie . Thy power , in that for the accomplishing of this supernatural worke , thy word , which from all eternitie was resident in thy bosom , of one essence & glory with thee was made flesh . Neuerthelesse I doe very well know , that the depth of these profound mysteries cannot bee discouered to our sences , likewise that the treasures of thy wisedome , of thy counsell , & of thy iudgements , are a very bottomlesse gulph , and thy wayes vnpossible to bee found out . Also , O Lord I doe not rashly enter into that place , which is forbidden mee , neither will I imitate my first Father Adam , who coueting to knowe too much stretched forth his hand vnto the forbidden tree , & desiring one onely fruite , was depriued of all the rest . I doe onely with flexible heart embrace , and carefully in my cogitation , according to the measure of thy gifts , meditate vpon that secret of godlinesse , which I haue receiued by the preaching of thy gospell , and doe in part know it : attending , vntil that beeing deliuered from sinne & corruption , I may see thee face to face , and in presence behold , that which now I see as it were in a very darke Glasse . I beseech thee therefore , my God , vouchsafe , by the light of thy spirit , to addresse and guide mee to the faithfull knowledge of this great Sauior , whom thou ( Father ) hast promised from the beginning , and in the latter times reuealed , in signes and wonders surpassing all miracles , to the end that being instructed by his doctrine , I may , by him , and in him , know thee to be the eternall liuing God , and the God of thy people , that according to his word I may worship and serue thee in spirit and trueth , and in his name call vpon thee only in full confidence of thy mercy , accompting him the onely subiect thereof , and the onely mediatour of my saluation , who died for my sinnes , and rose againe for my righteousnesse : euen ( O Lord ) because it pleased thee in this maner to ordaine of the estate of humane nature , the worke of thy hand . For who was thy councellor ? and what haue wee that wee haue not receiued ? graunt me therfore in the study and meditation of so manie mysteries , so high and so wholesome , that I may humbly condiscend to thy diuine counsells , in worshipping them with this resolution of thy Apostle , that I will not knowe any thing but Christ , neither possesse any thing but him , sith that in him , the treasures of all wisdome doe consist , and that they who lodge him in their harts , haue thee , O God , verily present , and doe enioy thee and thy benefites . Make mee also to feele and confesse this necessitie common to all the children of Adam , that for the cancelling of this obligation , which held vs bound to eternal death ( the iust reward of sinne ) wee were forced to haue this great King of heauen , holy , innocent , and seperate from all sinners , to be our high Priest , our sacrifice and oblation , vppon the Altare of the crosse , to the end , O Lord , that according to thy vnsearchable decree , grounded vpon mercy & iustice , thy welbeloued sonne hauing to himselfe vnited our nature the bondslaue of sathan , might leade it to the combate , directing it how to ouercome this great aduersarie : And this hath he done , obtaining for vs the victory , when he brake the sting of death , and the bonds of hell , and that hee rose out of the sepulchre , carrying with him this humane nature as the earnestpeny of our hope , to thy right hand into heauen . Of this so singular a benefit , let the remembrance be alwaies before my face , that I may offer vnto thee ( O my God ) the sacrifice of thanksgiuing all the dayes of my life : so that hauing my redeemer for a perpetuall obiect , and sure foundation of my Faith , in the knowledge of thy name , I may throughly learne Christ , not onely to beleeue by his word the sacred history of his conception and birth , with his office of a soueraigne King , great Prophet , and perpetuall law-giuer of his church , also his passion , death , resurrection , and ascention , but also , that in ful assurance in his promises , I may appropriate to my selfe the gifts and graces which he purchased for vs , by fullfilling that charge that he had receiued from thee , O father , to th' end , through him , to make vs worthie of thy saluation : so as I may comfort and wholy repose my selfe vpon his obedience and righteousnesse , shewing forth and sealing this my hope by good workes , to thy glory , O eternall God , and the peace of my conscience . So be it .

The sixth Prayer , For obtaining the gift of the Holy-ghost .

By the eternall Spirite , Christ hath offered himselfe to GOD , the Spirit which soundeth the profound things of God : which also testifieth with our spirit , that we are the children of God .

Heb. 9.1 . Cor. 2. Rom. 8.

O Lord God almightie , wee doe learne in thy word ( the vnchangeable trueth ) how without confounding any thing in the three persons of thy most simple Deitie , or separating the onelie and indiuisible substance thereof , each person retaineth that which is proper to it selfe in the workes of thy hands , especiallie in that which concerneth our saluation . So the beginning of all and euery action , is properly attributed vnto thee , O Father of the whole world , and to Iesus Christ , the wisdome , the counsel , and the order , to dispose all things , and to the Holy-ghost , the virtue and supporter of all thy workes . According whereunto we also doe acknowledge from thy loue , and from thy eternall decree , that which thou hast prouided for vs in thy sonne ( very God made very man ) such a mediatour and sauiour , as was necessary for vs : and we do render vnto him the honour of the fulnesse of thy loue towards vs , and of that perfect obedience which he hath yeelded to thy ordinance , euen to the death of the crosse for vs in most bitter anguish , as also from the vertue of the Holy-ghost , wee doe confesse the efficacie , and healthfull application of this great & principal worke-manship of our redemption .

But thy wisdome , O Lord , resteth wholy in mysterie , that is to say , it is hidden , except vnto those to whom thy spirit giueth sight . For true it is , that Christ calleth all men vnto him by his Gospel , spreading forth to that effect , his light throughout the whole world . Whoso followeth him , shall not walke in darkenesse ; for hee is the Sunne of righteousnesse , and the way to go to heauen : But his sheep only do heare his voice , and follow him ; as also hee knoweth them and giueth vnto them life euerlasting : euen by the meere efficacie of his spirit which quickeneth & lighteneth all thy elect , O God , to make them in thy word to behold the onely lampe of thy kingdome , the knowledge of saluation , the stedfast good of the soule , and the sure and only means to obtaine the same : all people may reade thy sacred writings , only they can gather the sence to the peace of their soules , whom it pleaseth thee , as a Father to illuminate from aboue . For so may they see howe in the crosse of Iesus they doe obtaine their triumph , in his shame , their glory , in his paine , their peace , in his teares , their ioy , in his sorrowe , their comfort , in his death their life , in his resurrection , the fulnes of their hope . I beseech thee therefore , my God , to powre vpon me this thy spirit of wisdome , and reuelation , and grace , and mercie , through the force of his beames , to scatter the darkenesse of my vnderstanding , and with the propertie of his fire , to purifie my peruerse affections , with his celestiall lamp to kindle in my hart the true zeale of his glorie , with his holie oyntment , to enbaulme my conscience , with his sacred oyle to reioyce and refresh my bowells , and with his vertue to renew in me an vpright spirit , to the end that my soule thus cleansed from the dead workes of the flesh , may be replenished with faith working all righteousnesse , whereby to ouercome all the enemies of my peace , ( Sathan , the flesh , the world , and my owne lusts . ) But aboue al things , O Lord , make that by the efficacy of thy holy spirit , I may obtaine the true and firme consolation of the faithful soule , the height of his ioy , of his quiet and content , and the infallible direction to his perfection , namely , the assurance that thou , my heauenly Father , hast adopted mee into the number of thy children , by that grace that thou hast giuen vs in Christ , who was made our wisdome , righteousnesse , sanctification , and redemption . And that being so ouershadowed with the hope of Christians which neuer at all confoundeth , I may bee supported , euen to the end of my dayes , by thy holy spirite , which then especially may help my weakenesse , that I may yeeld vnto thee , O my God , my last groanes , to thee acceptable , and to me salutiferous , as being in the throne of thy glorie approoued capable of the contemplation thereof in the heauenly Ierusalem , through thy goodnesse and mercy in Iesus Christ our Lord : To whom with thee , O Father , and the holy spirit , one onely God , bee all honor , glory , and dominion for euermore . So be it .

The seuenth Prayer , To craue of God the light of his word .

God hauing at sundrie times , and in diuers manners , spoken to our Fathers by the Prophets . In these last dayes hee hath spoken vnto vs by his Sonne . All Scripture is giuen from aboue by inspiration , and is profitable to teach , to conuince , to correct , and to instruct in righteousnesse , that the man of God may be accomplished , and perfectly instructed to al good workes .

Heb. 1. Tim. 3.

LOrd GOD eternall , who knowest that euerie man is but flesh , and that flesh is but corruption , so that although thou hast endued him with a reasonable soule , which doth distinguish him , from other creatures , yet his light is notwithstanding conuerted into darknes , when therby he seeketh to penetrate into the glorie of thy kingdome , and the mysteries of thy grace : who knowst that this poore blind borne , destitute of thy supernaturall light , doeth in lieu of his God , forge to him selfe an idol , and instead of truth , taketh lies , for thy worde , his owne inuentions , for goodnesse vanitie , and for the path to life , the way to death . And albeit thou hast euen from the beginning made thy selfe as it were visible to man , in the table of the Vniuersall worlde , that thou hast many times reuealed thy selfe vnto him in a liuely voyce , by thy eternall worde in Heden , Horeb , in the burning bush , and elsewhere , afterward by thy prophets insinuating thy selfe by thy spirit into their harts & thoghts , to the end by their ministrie to instruct thy people : and finally that thou hast also manifested thy selfe in greater light by thy owne worde made flesh for our redemption , and speaking vnto vs by his mouth : Yea which is more , that thou hast so farre graced vs , that this thy word of life hath beene , and stil remaineth among vs , faithfully collected in the sacred registers of the holy scripture , so to be vnto vs , the image of thy glory , the Lawe of thy Kingdome , the ladder to Heauen , the gate to paradice , the trumpet of saluation : to be briefe , the treasury of piety , vertue , wisdome , consolation , and perfection : Yet the flesh neuerthelesse ignorant , rash , and peruerse , hath neither eyes to perceiue these spirituall riches , nor eares to heare the wholsome doctrine , but dooth rather disdaine it , as it were some deuised discourse , & vnprofitable voice : or howsoeuer it be , suffering it self to be carried away with it owne & feeble imaginations , taketh in this verely , the thorne for the rose , the leafe for the fruite , and the huske for the kernell . And thus are wee all borne in this error , in this calamitie , in this waie to mortall ruine , vntill that thou , O mercifull God , makest vs to be borne againe , of the spirite , and in will to make our thoughts capaof the light of thy word ; & through true faith , to apprehend the mysteries of thy kingdome , the couenant of life , the gospel of thy peace , and the assured testimonies of thy mercies . Vnto this grace of inestimable valewe doth my timerous soule direct her vowes in searching thee ( O great king of Heauen ) throughout the course of thy faithfull testimonies , which minister wisedome to the ignorant [ the holie Scriptures ] I beseech thee therfore ( my God ) vouchsafe to direct and guide mee in the vnderstanding of this eternall trueth , through the operation of thy spirit , ( the true teacher of our soules ) that being by him instructed , I may accomplish and make my selfe perfect in these foure cheefe principles of the doctrine of Saluation , which are fullie taught at large . ( The knowledge of thee the true God , and the God of thy people : the knowledge of faith , of pietie , and of righteousnesse . ) Whereby I may obtaine the end of my being , and therein euen my Soueraigne felicitie , which is to know thee , to glorifie thee for my GOD , to beleeue thee , and in thee , Iesus Christ , and in Iesus Christ , to loue , feare , and serue thee , according as thou doest commaund vs , and in all things to obserue equity towardes all men . For thus are thy children bound to learne , according to the measure of the gift of thy grace , thy fatherly loue , in thy welbeloued sonne , namelie by conioyning thereto the feare of thy name ; that is to say , that reuerence , that causeth vs in humilitie , and obedience , to shunne euil , and do good , and to embrace righteousnesse , and charity . Walking in this sort , O Lord , vnder thy conduct , in the Communion of Saints , I shall want nothing to my comfort or perfection ; & in good time , a depart ( my life beeing ended ) to receiue peace and perfect ioy , in the eternall habitation of the blessed soules . So be it .

The eight Prayer , That we may not depart from the Church .

Christ hath loued the Church , and giuen himselfe for her , to the end hee might sanctifie her , after he hath purged hir by the washing of water , through the word . Shee is the house of God , the prop and piller of truth : the gates of hel shall not preuaile against her .

Eph. 5.1 . Tim. 3. Ma. 16.

ALmighty God , righteous , and mercifull , who in thy iustice & wrath , for the iniquitie and disobedience of man diddest once smite the world with the ouerflowing of waters , and in thy mercie and loue diddest extend thy singular fauour vppon the Arke of thy seruant Noah , sauing him and his family from the generall inundation , intending in that small flocke of the faithfull to preserue and keepe thy chosen people that they might for euer serue to thy glory I learn out of thy word , that thou wilt no more destroy the earth in that maner , and therefore thou hast left vs the rainbow to remaine for a signe . Neuerthelesse what else is our poore life languishing in the infection of sinne , but a deluge of euills , and running streame of miseries that falleth vpon al men , & indifferently leadeth them vnto death ? In one onelie thing therefore must my soule take comfort , that as Noah was preserued from the vniversall shipwracke , in his wodden Mansion by the promise that he kept in his heart , so that a thousand falling on his right hand , and a thousand on his left hand , hee remained sound and safe vnder thy wing , euen so I hold my selfe assured against the assaults of sin , and in the middest of the woefull rockes of this world , yea euen in the straits of the graue , that thou wilt alwayes preserue from all calamities and miseries , those who stand fast in the Arke of thy Church , grounded vppon thy word in the gospel of reconciliation to the Lord Iesus , and depart in his faith . For as likewise , according to thy Iustice , thou diddest euen from the beginning pronounce the sentence of death against our Fathers , because of their transgressions , euen so it pleased thee , euen then also to comforte them in thy mercie , with the promise of life in this great Redeemer to come , to the end , that embracing him by faith , they and their children holding this foundation , should erect vnto thee a temple of liuing stones , holy , and stedfast for euer , for the sanctification of thy name , and the blessednesse of thy elect . And these are they ( O Lord ) who first in the time of the Patriarks , then vnder the law , and lastly , vnder the gospel , beleeued thy word , worshipping thee according to the same , in certaine mysteries of religion , in all places , whither it pleased thee to call , gather and sanctifie them , by the remission of their sinnes , in the blood of thy sonne , regenerating them to euery good worke , by thy holy spirit , & of the same grace , giuing them from age to age diuerse visible signes for sacraments in thy Church ; so indeede she is thy house , and the pallace of thy glory , where thy truth is lodged , which shee vpholdeth and aduaunceth by her holy ministery ; preseruing it also that it should not fall into decay , and that the remembrance thereof should not bee lost from among men . Whereof likewise proceedeth the stabilitie of the Church , which the endeuours of sathan cannot shake , because the foundation of her faith & doctrine is grounded vpon the true , and immooueable rocke , euen the pure confession of the name of Christ . I do therefore beseech thee , my God , inasmuch as thy mercy and goodnes hath brought me in , and hetherto held me vp , in this mansion house of thy graces , that thou wilt vouchsafe more & more to illuminate my hart & minde , to make me see and meditate vpon the spirituall magnificence of this thy habitation , to the end that the sacred porches thereof may bee all my loue , and the only delight of my eyes , & her canticles the sole harmony of my eares : and that I may so affectionate my selfe to her celestiall beauty and riches , that I may hold one day in thy Church more deere , then a thousand elsewhere . That this so sweet company , I say , of thee ( O our Father ) of thy Sonne our redeemer , of the holy-ghost our comforter , of so many thousands of Angels , & of elect , which lived here beneath in the visible kingdome of thy glory , and by infinite wonders in the Communion of saints , may be my whole desire , and the sole subiect of my delights , that I may neuer depart therfrom , notwithstanding whatsoeuer assaults and temptations I am to endure according to the condition of the militant Church , and vnder this her gallant poesie ( To beleeue , to doe well , and to suffer affliction ) sith that namely there is not any such mishap , or so much to be feared , as to be out of this holie Temple , wherein onely abideth all light , truth , saluation , and life : and in all other places , darkenesse , lying , shipwracke , and death , haue their dwelling . For so through thy grace , O my God , praying and meditating , I shall spend my dayes in ioy , expecting , in peace , my last hower , to participate in the triumph of the same Church aboue , and to liue eternally in thy rest , Amen .

The ninth Prayer , For the obtaining of the efficacie of holy Baptisme .

Iesus comming to his Disciples , spake vnto them saying : All power is giuen vnto me both in heauen & in earth . Goe yee therefore , and teach all nations , Baptizing them , in the name of the Father , and of the Son , and of the Holy-ghost , and teaching them to obserue all that I haue commaunded you .

Mat. 28.

O Eternall God , only good , & wise , thou hast vouchsafed by thy Sonne , that great prophet , to teach vs , that whosoeuer is not borne of water and the spirite , cannot enter into thy kingdome ; and that flesh and blood are not capable of the sight of thy glorie . Thou , O Lord , art essentially holinesse and righteousnes . How then can vncleanenesse , and iniustice approach neere vnto thee ? So it is that wee are by our nature corrupted , and by sinne polluted , wherby the Sentence of death , both first and second , hath ouertaken all men ; howbeit , of thy infinite mercy , thou hast vouchsafed to saue from a gulph of miseries , those that in thy vnsearchable counsaile are predestinate to life , redeeming them from hell , and making them to bee borne againe in Iesus Christ , thy eternall woorde , by the which thou haddest first giuen them beeing . And these are they that are borne of water and the spirit into thy church through the efficacie of the sacred mysteries of thy grace , & specially of holie Baptisme ; that being clothed anew in the nature and righteousnes of Christ their Sauiour , they may become new creatures , pure and pretious before thee . Nowe through thy great mercy ( O my God ) I haue , in thy holy Temple , receiued this sacred pledge of thy couenant , and of our new birth in thy name , and in the name of thy Sonne , and of the Holy-ghost , according to thy ordinance , as it hath pleased thee in the renewing of thy Church , by the preaching of the Gospel , to manifest thy selfe farre more cleerely in three persons of thy deitie , then vnder the figures and shadowes of the Law . For in Christ , replenished with grace and trueth , thou hast made thy selfe visible , who hath reuealed himselfe , and the Holy Ghost also , by plentifully spreading the beames of his glory vpon vs , through the brightnesse of his works , altogether diuine and miraculous . Wee cannot so much as apprehend the vertue and efficacy of the sacrament of baptisme , vnlesse wee begin by the meditation of thy free mercie in thy Sonne , and so doe proceede in the contemplation of him , performing his office , euen so farre forth , as to die for vs : and with him wee doe conioyne the Holy-Ghost , through whome Christ dooth wash vs in his blood , regenerateth vs , and maketh vs partakers of all his benefits . This , O Lord , I knowe by thy word , that like as the sacrament of baptisme is vnto mee a certaine earnest penie of my saluation : so must it in my own conscience , and before men , be vnto mee a perpetuall testimonie of my faith and of my hope . So onely dooth this sacrament obtaine his perfection and fulnes , namely , when that shadowed in the washing of my body with the signe of water , is effectually wrought within my soule , throughout the whole course of my life . For in like manner was the shadow of the couenant fulfilled , in cutting awaie the fore-skinne from the Children of Israel , when by the circumcision of their harts , they became carefull to walke in the statutes of Gods Lawe . I beseech thee therefore , O my God , as I carrie in my forehead the holy marke of Christians , so vouchsafe , with thy finger , to graue in my hart this diuine Character , to the ende that I may euermore beare and bring forth such fruite and effects , as may be acceptable in thy sight , and profitable to my selfe ; that as my Lord Iesus , by his spirite working in mee , washeth away my sinnes and regenerateth my soule , so I may likewise , by the efficacie of his owne vertue , and receiuing from him , grace , perseuere in the faith of my Baptisme , readie to euery good worke . And that as I was baptised into his death , so likewise to be buried with him , by being dead vnto sin , so that I may bee grafted with him to the similitude of his resurrection in glory , liuing no longer to sinne , but to righteousnes , whereby thy name , O eternall God , may be sanctified , and I crowned in my latter day with the crowne of immortalitie amongest the company of thy blessed ones . So be it .

The tenth Prayer , For the Communion in the holy Eucharist .

Iesus tooke bread , and when he had giuen thanks , he brake it , and gaue it to his disciples and said ; Take , eate , this is my body . Then taking the cup , and giuing thankes , hee gaue it them , saying , Drinke yee all , for this is my blood , the blood of the Newe Testament , which is shed for many to the remission of sinnes .

Ma. 26.

ALmightie & euerlasting god , according to thy loue and infinite goodnesse , it hath plesaed thee , that not onely to redeeme vs from sinne , from death , and from hell , and in all points to make vs blessed , thy onely sonne ( the brightnesse and fulnesse of thy glory ) should take vpon him humane flesh , and after hee had taught vs the way to heauen , should die vppon the crosse , for the accomplishment of his office , but also that this great benefite might still bee present to our perpetuall comfort , and for the encrease and support of our faith , that his body risen againe in glory for our righteousnesse and perfection , ascended into heauen , and sitting at thy right hand , should also bee communicated vnto vs here beneath in thy Church , in the mystery of the Eucharist , to bee our foode and nourishment vnto holy and eternall life . Thus is there sealed in our hearts that promise that hee hath made vnto vs in the gospel , that hee will , at all times , make vs partakers of his flesh and of his blood , and in this Communion giue vnto vs the true and sound foode of our soules , that in him ( who is the liuing bread , discended from heauen ) wee may obtaine our peace and felicitie . O mightie prouidence of the Lord , who called vs to communicate in his body before his death , to the end to shew vs , that by death he should not be destroyed , and that he would neuer leaue his Church ; O what a refreshing is this , in this our earthly pilgrimage , and what a delicious banquet , in the bread and wine , consecrated by the word of Christ , to eate his glorious flesh , and to drinke his precious blood : when by faith in his promises , and by the vertue of his holy spirit , hauing our hearts cleansed and lifted vp on high , his life , together with all his graces and blessings is made ours ! O infinite blessed is that flocke that hath so liberal a shepheard , that will norish it with his bloud , to the end it may liue in him , and of him , free from all languishing and miserie ! O what a comfort is it in this vally of teares , to finde meanes to feede vpon such food as will not perish , but reioyce all our sences , and make vs to liue eternally ! For so and with such efficacie ( O Lord ) doe wee communicate in the bodie of thy Sonne crucified and risen againe , and in his bloud shed for the washing of our soules , when at his holie Table the sacred signes are , by his ordinance , deliuered vnto vs , and that we doe receiue them as hee hath commanded , expecting that aboue in heauen without any exterior meanes , we may eate this bread of life , and drinke this sweete drinke in the company of the Angels , & of all the blessed , then at the ful inioying of our vnion with thee , O great God , and the ioy of our beatitude accomplished . O most desired daie , wherein we shall be fed and satisfied with this celestiall bread , that we may neuer die , nor thirst againe in this newe life , where thou , O eternall God , shalt bee wholy in vs . Oh happie are wee already , who already in Christ , in the communion of the faithfull , do taste the sweetnes of this celestiall banquet , wherin we shall see thee , and face to face contemplate [ Father , Word , Spirit ] one only and true God , beeing filled with thy glory in endlesse peace . To the end therfore that according to thy Commaundement , O Lord , I may worthily present my self to this holy banquet of sacred foode , which the Angelles doe admire , and honour , which also thou dost not communicate but to thy flesh , I beseech thee giue mee grace well to discerne the bodie of my Sauiour , in trying my selfe according to his word , so as my hart may be cleansed from sinne , and vncleanenesse , and replenished with thy loue , and with euery other spirituall vertue , to the end , that euen this day , harbouring therein this great King of heauen , I may encrease in the faith and hope of my saluation , by his holines and righteousnesse . I haue reposed al my confidence in thy mercy , I neither seeke nor hope for any good or grace , but from thee ( my God ) and in thy sonne , and for his sake , I doe desire in my place , with simplicitie , to celebrate the remembrance of his death in the holy church to the glory of thy name , and the peace of my soule . I renounce the deadworkes of the flesh , and the lusts thereof , I doe put off all enmitie and malice , with a good intent to embrace the liuely workes of the spirit , and to dwell in loue and charitie with my neighbours , I do belieue in the promises that Christ ( the infallible truth ) hath pronounced with his owne mouth ; That at his holy table , he will truely make me partaker of his body and blood , to the end I may possesse him wholy , and in such sorte , that being made flesh of his flesh , and bone of his bone , he may liue in mee , aad I in him for euer . Helpe O Lord the weakenesse of my faith , support mee in my infirmity , and in that desire which thou giuest me , to profit in the sound knowledge of thy mysteries , and in the practise of the pathes of thy kingdome , conioyne vnto the same desire , the performaunce of the deede . For it is onely by the vertue of thy spirit , in sinceritie of heart , that I shall this day receiue from the same Iesus , the effect of his word , in participating truely in his new and eternall testament , the couenant of grace , so to perseuer in this blessed societie of his Bodie , that from him I may incessantly gather strength and life , and vnited with him , I may also attaine to bee one with thee ( my Creator . ) Grant mee therefore , that in this maner I may , with thy Church , celebrate the most holy remembrance of our Lord , and of the worke of our redemption , to the end , that so receuing this great sacrament of his body , with a newe augmentation in all heauenlie grace , with so much the greater confidence I may againe call vpon thee my God , and my Father , and more & more glorifie my selfe in thy mercies . So be it .

The eleuenth Prayer , For thanksgiuing after the Communion .

And when they had sung a Psalme , they went out vnto the Mount of Oliues .

Mat. 26.

O Lorde , my God , & my Father , euen from the bottome of my heart , and with all my soule , I yeelde thee praise and thankes , for that it hath pleased thee to enlarge so great a benefite to mee miserable sinner , as to haue drawn , and receiued mee into the sacred Communion of thy son Iesus Christ my sauiour . The heauen of heauens are not able to comprehend him , yet doth he so farre honour vs , as to vouchsafe to communicate with vs , yea euen to enter into vs ( poore wormes of the earth . ) For such was thy good pleasure , ( O Lord ) to deliuer him once to the death , for the redemption of thy elect ; and as to euery one of them , so doest thou this day giue him to mee , to be my foode and spirituall sustenance , that I may liue of him , and in him , blessed both in body & soule eternally . I beseech thee therefore , O mercifull Father , so to blesse in me , this holy and mysticall action , that my vnworthinesse make it not vnprofitable vnto me , & that the pretious bloud of thy sonne , bee not in vaine shed for mee , and offered me to drinke : but that washed in the same , and cleansed from my sinnes , I may obtain that iustification , and holines , that beseemeth thy children , who haue this most holy one to be their hoste , and head , & thy spirit for their light . Let me not be so wretched , as to abuse these sacred meates , which thou dost communicate to thy houshold of faith onely , the prouision whereof cost thy welbeloued son Iesus so deere . Rather ( my God ) grant that in true efficacie I may participate in this sacrament of his body to encrease in faith & loue , and all other thy gifts , that I may neuer abandon thy holy couenant . Alas ! whither should I go but to thee , the fountaine of eternall life , by Christ , who is the fulnes thereof , and by whom it runneth into vs ? Cast from me all carnall cogitations and delights , and all these earthly baites , which turne to gall and corruption , because I haue in my bowels an incorruptible foode , more sweeter then honny , the bread of Angels , the bread of heauen , the bread of life , which with out any sacrament wee shall feede on aboue , without ende ; where Christ , according to his promise , shall , with vs , drinke the fruite of the new vine , yeelding vppe vnto thee , the kingdome , O eternal God , that thou maist be all in all . I doe therefore resigne my self into thy hands , and vnder thy conduct , that I may runne my race in ioy , and a good conscience before thy face , and before men : And that I may departe in peace , when my houre is come because Christ is my life . To thy name therefore , ( O almighty Creator ) to thee Redeemer of the elect , to thee Comforter of the faithfull , who by thy secret vertue doest worke this vnspeakeable and miraculous coniunction of our soules with the body of the Lord . To thee Trinity ( Father , Word , Spirit ) one only and true God , be all honour and glory . Amen .

The twelfth Praier , To obtaine the gift of Faith .

The law was our schoolmaister , to bring vs to Christ , that wee might bee iustified by faith . Abraham beleeued in God , and it was imputed to him for righteousnesse : Yee all are the children of God by the faith that is in Iesus Christ

Galath . 3. Rom. 4.

ALmightie and eternal god , it hath pleased thee in thy vnsearchable counsaile , for a time , to giue vnto men , the Lawe , to the end to guide them to IESVS Christ , vnder a schoolehouse of figures and shadows , euen those whom thou of thy grace hast called into the faith of this promised Sauior , to obtaine in him their iustification and saluation . And when in the fulnesse of time hee appeared vnto vs , clothed in our nature , for the accomplishing of thy great and precious promises , this iustification of thy elect was fully reuealed & made ours , by beleefe in his Gospel . But , O Lord , thou doost well know , and euery man in himselfefeeleth , the incredulitie , and weaknes of man , who being but earth , and flesh , cannot climbe vp into heauen , and to the spirit of life , so to confesse and apprehend these deepe mysteries of thy loue . And indeed it is an ancient and common complaint of thy Prophets and Apostles , who manie times haue said as much ( O Lord who hath belieued our preaching ? ) Also there be so many impostures in the worlde , so many dreames , so many inuentions ; yea which is more , so many assaults , so many snares , and so ordinary miseries that shake the best : To bee briefe , so great is the vanitie , ignorance , and infirmitie of our nature , that if thou ( O most mercifull God ) workest not that in vs , which thou commaundest vs to doe , if thou doost not teach vs that wee may knowe , if thou doost not conuert vs , that wee may cleaue to thy worde , if thou dost not giue vs to thy Sonne , that hee may keepe vs thine , if hee bring vs not cloathed in his righteousnesse to the throne of thy grace , and if thy spirite leadeth vs not in the paths of thy Kingdome , holding vs fast in the effects of his gifts , vppon the way of thy trueth , wee cannot harken to this voyce of the shepheard of our soules , neither in our harts conceiue such and so liuely a Faith , that all vncertainty might be banished , and the same sealed with his owne efficacie : much lesse can we feele the peace and ioy that true faith bringeth with it . For that cause , ( O Lord , ) in thy loue hast thou promised to poure vpon thy children and seruants this spirite of thy strength , light , mercy , and perfection , to forme in their heartes this thy singular gift , which vnto vs , is a subsistance of the things that wee hope for , and a demonstration of those that wee see not . By this so holy and necessarie an ornament of the faithfull , wee doe in all assurance , crie vnto thee , [ Abba , Father , ] and in our consciences feele , that wee are at peace with thy maiesty , throgh Christ , beeing iustified in his blood , that wee may liue religiously and holily according to his worde . I doe therefore beseech thee , my GOD , to accomplish , in my soule , these great effects of thy loue , newe cloathing me with the light and vertue of thy holie spirit , that after the measure of the gift thereof , I may be able , with a true and liuely faith , to penetrate into the secret of my calling , and to that end , vouchsafe so to augment in mee this faith , that by the degrees of the perfection thereof , it may appeare in all her fruites , causing mee to worship , inuocate , and serue thee according as thou commandest , that my vnderstanding may be withdrawne from the seduction of errour , and my wil from carnal concupiscence , also that my hart may infinitely bee comforted with the feeling of this , that by christ I am reconciled to thee to holinesse of life , and eternal beatitude : so that dayly encreasing in this all spiritual vertue , I may attaine to some portion of thy Soueraigne wisedome , and perfect righteousnesse , to the ende , that when my soule shall forsake this fleshly habitation , the same faith may be as wings to transport it into thy bosome , to the celestial rest of the Angels and Saints , there to possesse the fulnes of her peace , and of all ioy . So be it .

The thirteenth Prayer . To demaund the vertue of hope .

God , by his great mercy , hath regenerated vs to a liuely hope , by the resurrection of Iesus Christ from the dead . To the end , that being iustified by his grace , we should be made heires according to the hope of eternall life , which hope maketh vs not ashamed .

1 Pet. 1. Tim. 3. Rom. 5.

O GOD , all good and wise , it hath pleased thee , by certaine meanes , & proceedings , to work in thy elect , regeneration necessary for their saluation , whereby they do in themselues feele the old Adam to die with his lusts , and the newe man to encrease in the desires of righteousnesse , when the Holi-ghost euen this day plucketh out of their hearts , vice , and insteade thereof , planteth vertue , making it to bring forth fruite , furthering therby daily , the rooting out of sin , and encrease of the gifts of thy grace . I beseech thee ( O Lorde ) that as it hath pleased thee , freely to iustifie me by the singular gift of faith in our Sauiour Iesus Christ , granting me peace with thy Maiestie through his sacrifice : so thou wouldst vouchsafe to illuminate the eyes of my soule , as to make mee knowe , to the sanctification of thy name , what the hope of those is , whome thou hast called to the incorruptible inheritance of thy glorie . Graunt ( my God ) that my thoughts may be replenished and contented with this stedfast hope in thy loue , which thou offerest vnto vs in the gospel , with this holie desire , I say , supported with an assured expectation one day , and for euer to obtaine the celestial riches , which thou hast graunted mee to beleeue , which no eie hath seen , no eare hath heard , nor no vnderstanding hath comprehended : namely , that I may be able to behold thy countenance and liue , to participate without ende , thy kingdome aboue , to enioy there the societie of the angels , to be there a fellow heire , with the glorified spirits : Finaly , there to bee fully vnited vnto Christ , & by him , to thee , O Father , the fountaine of eternal life , and so to possesse the soueraigne good eternaly . Let this holie meditation , and the hope to enioy that full and perfect contentment , so occupy my senses , that it may be my thought , my pleasure , my labour , my habitation , and my most ordinary vacation . Also that all the cares of the world , and the affections of my flesh , which might diuert mee from so christian a resolution , may giue place to this spiritual vertue , the anker wher of resteth in heauen , that it may lodge wholy and for euer in the secret of my heart ; sith it is verie true that it will yeeld as certainely his solide and sole good , in fulnesse of time , as if already I did possesse it , vniting mee vnto thee , ( O Lord ) by the holy misteries of thy grace . Also thou art the beginning and the ende of our hope of eternall life , because thy loue is powred vpon vs by the Holighost , whom thou hast giuen vs , and thy Sonne Iesus is the mean and fulnesse , according as in him doth remaine all that is beautifull , delectable , peaceable , rich , permanent , and glorious aboue in Heauen , which thou hast promised vs . Of which treasure of inestimable valew , thou doest thus euen already graunt mee the vse , by the effects of thy diuine vertues , which make mee to pierce through the heauens with my imagination , and to establish my soule in thy peace , as if in my bosome I kept the full fruit of thy promise , and did alreadie liue there aboue in like estate as the Angells . For ( O eternall God ) thy mercy is vpon me , as I doe trust in thee . And therfore , albeit I creepe here vp and downe , through manie infirmities ; Yet will I in patience abide the appearing of thy glorie in the daie of the comming of thy Sonne , to iudge the quicke and the dead , as being thorowly assured , through thy grace , in the end of my course , to obtain the diadem wherewith thou crownest thine ; and at the last day , and euer in my flesh , to behold that great Sauiour of the elect , who liueth with thee and the Holyghost one god eternally Amen .

The fourteenth Prayer , To obtaine the vertue of Loue .

God is loue , and he that dwelleth in loue , dwelleth in God , and God in him . The end of the Law is loue out of a pure heart , and a good conscience , and faith vnfained .

1. Ioh. 4. 1. Tim. 1.

O Eternall , who art al loue , and who according to the infinite vertue thereof hast loued vs before we wer , as also since the time that wee were thy enemies , vnthankefull sinners ; adiudged to death , and to the paines of hell , thou hast , I say , freely so loued vs , that thou hast giuen thy onely sonne to the world , to redeeme vs , with the price of his blood , and for vs to purchase righteousnesse , and a blessed life . This being so , O Lord , the original and fountaine of loue , make it with efficacy & reflection to shine into al places , whither the knowledge of thy grace shall come ; likewise , that where thou doest more neerely communicate thy selfe , by making the flames of thy loue to bee more liuely felt , graunt also , that there by the effects of thy spirit , the greater loue towardes thee may appeare . I beseech thee make mee more and more to meditate and comprehend this thy admirable loue , that I may accordingly frame my selfe , to that loue thou requirst of thy children , & truely faithfull , which is also the end of the whole law , and precepts of the gospell : So that in purenesse of heart , with an vpright conscience , and with a true and liuely faith , I may attaine to the knowledge of thy truth and will , to the end , in all , & through al , to obey thee with a quiet conscience , the same being the chiefest , the highest , and the most perfect degree of loue , that we can testifie vnto thee ( O our God ) and that which leadeth vs to the perfection of Christian life , which of mortall men maketh vs as it were Angels , which albeit wee liue vppon earth , maketh vs Cittizens of heauen : to bee briefe , it is that which in the secret of our hearts , giueth vs a sweet feeling of thy peace , which surmounteth all the reason of our vnderstanding . That also thereby I may learne , that there is none that can loue thee perfectly , vntill he hath bin preuented by the sweetnesse of thy vnmeasurable loue , and kindled with the flame . That we loue thee ; because thou first louedst vs , & like as also through thy grace thou makest thy selfe & thy benefites knowne vnto vs . The more therefore that wee finde our selues disposed to loue thee , the more shuld we beleeue that thou makest thy selfe to be felt in the inwarde partes of our soules , to bee our God and our Father , and that therefore wee haue the greater cause to confirme and comfort our selues in the loue that thou bearest vs . O Lord make me also to vnderstand , that as Christian charitie doth especially regard and looke vppon thy holy deitie ( Father , Son , and Holy-ghost ) one onely God , that we may loue thee with our whole hearts , mindes , and strengths : so hath shee a like regard to her neighbour , that in thee , and for thy sake , because he beareth thy image , we may loue him as our selues : for in these conioyned and reciprocall things also Christ teacheth vs the bond of perfection , euen that wee shall indeede be his disciples , if we loue one another , because he so shal fullfill his loue in our hearts . But being , O Lord , very true , that the faith which thou giuest vs doth singularly vnite thy familie together , graunt me the spirite of loue , which leading me to doe well to all men , doth teach me principally to loue the houshold of thy Church , that I may with a ready will , yeelde them all helpe in their necessities . In asmuch also as our redeemer ( the perfect pattern of charitie ) hath loued his enemies , procuring them good for euill , and blessing for iniurie , I beseech thee , my GOD , giue me grace , to extend my loue to those that hate mee , that without hypocrisie , or vaine glory , I may , to my power , help forward their good and saluation . And so that I may beare an vpright and lowly heart to all men , whereby all the faithfull may be edefied and comforted ; and others , seeing my good works , rather thine than mine , may be constraind to glorifie thee , O our father which art in heauen . &c.

The fifteenth Prayer , That we may well vse afflictions .

If any man will follow me , let him forsake himselfe , and take vp his crosse and follow me . By manie tribulations wee must enter into the Kingdome of heauen . Hee chastizeth him whom he loueth , and scourgeth euerie childe that hee receiueth .

Mat. 16. Act. 14. Heb. 12.

O Lord , my GOD and my father , I learne in thy worde that none be true Disciples of Iesus Christ , but they that followe his steppes , wherof he hath deliuered vs a sure marke in these two chief points ( the renouncing of our selues , and the voluntarie enduring of the crosse . ) For naturallie we are inueagled , with a disorderly loue to our selues , and doe presume too much of our owne persons . It is therefore necessarie for vs to renounce our own nature and reason , and to abandon our owne affections , to suffer thee & thy loue ( O our God ) to liue & raigne in vs . Then must we proceede to the other point , that is , cheerefully to beare out the afflictions and miseries of this life , wherein it pleaseth thee especially to exercise thine , vpon diuerse good considerations , namely to make them conformeable to the image of thy Sonne , to the end , that suffering with him , they may also raigne in his glory . For it is very true , that al men by sinne , doe eate the fruites of the earth in labour , and bread in the sweate of their browes : that they all liue in a sea , tossed with many stormes , & crossed with many anguishes . But all haue not the gift of thy spirit , to learne by his doctrine , that the bread of affliction doeth nourish and strengthen the faithfull soule , that the cup of bitternesse is therunto a sweet and wholesome drinke , and all tribulation a spirituall medecine , to purge it from the leauen of sinne , and so to forme euery true Christian to godlinesse and holinesse of life .

For indeede the sundry temptations thy Children do endure , are not properly a punishment for sinne , but profitable corrections of thy hand , to make the triall of their faith to redound to their commendation & profit that their hope may encrease in the expectation of the beatitude to come , that their loue may kindle , through the Fatherly care that thou takest of them , in holding them vnder the bridle of thy discipline , and that they may bee the more pricked forward to pray vnto thee feruently , and more and more to reuerence thy power . But principally that they comfort themselues in this lesson of the Apostle ( that the easie afflictions of thine , which doe but euen passe ouer them , do bring forth an eternall weight of most excellent glorie . ) True it is , that by the miseries of this world , the outward man declineth , but on the other side , the inwarde man reneweth himselfe with grace in the goods of the soule , so long vntill by degree hee be accomplished and obtaine his perfection . So that if our bodies doe languish , our soules doe quicken , if wee sustaine losse of terrestiall things , thou ( O Lord ) dost present vnto vs thy Kingdome of heauen ; and if this affliction befall , that any man put vs to death , he doth but hasten our passage to the true eternall and blessed being . I beseech thee therefore ( O mercifull Father ) to giue mee grace to acknowledge , and well to taste so many sweete and profitable fruits , as these thy Fatherly corrections doe bring with them : constantly meditating , that the eyes of those that looke vnto thee in a christian hope , doe neuer faile , that their expectation hath not confounded them , that the number of thy consolations haue surmounted their sorrowes : and that the end of thy visitation hath alwayes beene profitable and happy vnto them . For thou delightest in mercy , and thy compassion is vppon all those that call vpon thee in their distresse . Let therefore the inuocation of thy name be vnto me a strong tower , to defend me against all feare , and temptation , as being assured that hauing reposed my confidence in thy grace which is purchased for mee in Christ , I shall , in my necessitie , find thy fauorable hand , by thy vertue to ouercome all the enemies of my peace . But especially graunt , O Lord , that I may attaine to this reason of true wisedome , alwayes to bee content with thy will , the soueraigne and iust cause of all things ; namely , in that it pleaseth thee , that the liuery of thy houshold should consist in carying their crosse after thy son , to the end , that I should neuer but be seasoned to drinke the wholesome myrrhe which purgeth the soule from the lusts of the flesh , and replenisheth the same with the desires of eternall life . Also that I learn in whatsoeuer my estate , cherefully to submit my selfe to the conduct of thy prouidence , as beeing wel assured , that whatsoeuer I suffer , all the crosses of my life shal be vnto me so many blessings & helpes from thee my Father , to make me goe the right way into thy kingdome , and increase vnto me the price of glory in the same . For it is very true , that euery one shall freely receiue his reward according to the burthen that hee hath borne here below . Amen .

The sixteenth Prayer , For obtaining the Vertue of Patience .

Al things written , are for our learning , that we , through patience and comfort of the scriptures , might haue hope , patient in tribulation , perseuering in praier .

Rom. 4. & 12.

O GOD of pacience , and of all consolation , the iust dispencer both of calamities and benefits , and that all to one end , euermore happie to those whom thou louest in thy eternall sonne , our Lord Iesus Christ , as there is nothing in thy worde , but serueth to our learning , and to the guiding of our temporall life , as a meanes to obtaine the possession of heauenly ioyes : so doeth it principally insist in this , to lift vp our heartes to an earnest meditation , and firme expectation of eternall life , standing vs in steede , in regard of the same , among the thorns of this worlde , to the attaining of a constant patience , and therein confirming vs by holie consolations , to the ende , that hauing doone thy will , O Lorde , we may reape thy promise . This vertue therefore is the firme piller of our hope , and which teacheth vs , not to loue the things of the earth , as any felicity , but constantlie to looke vp into heauen , where our peace and ioy dooth remaine . But because the effect of so holy a resolution doeth far surmount our owne forces . I beseech thee , ( my God ) to graunt me this true patience of the faithfull , which is so necessary for me , namely with a meek and moderate heart , to beare all aduersitie , also that I may learn to humble the pride of my nature , which otherwise is excessiue , and not to be tamed , that so I may acknowledge and knowe howe to contemne the vanitie of the flesh his reasoning , which together with the lusts therof is with sweete and delicate thinges nourished vnto death : and that contrariwise I may affectionate , and strengthen my selfe with goodlie meditations of the spirit , which sustaine themselues with hard and sharpe things , to a holie and heauenly life . That going forwarde , I may reioyce and take comfort in these sacred oracles : That affliction in the house of the righteous , is a secret mercie which thou giuest him , as prosperitie with the wicked is a hidden indignation of thy countenance : That the present sorrow of thy Children , is vnto them the watch of some future ioy at hand , and that at all aduentures , the last of their most painefull dayes , is the first of their eternall rest , in the second life . If therfore I beare any sicknesse , or other miserie in my flesh , let it bee borne with patience , as knowing very wel , that the reward of sinne is death , and the sorrows and distemperatures of the bodie are the heraults , and necessary fore-runners , euen acceptable to all true faithfull people , because they call and dispose them to departe from labour to rest , from a mortall estate , to immortalitie of life . If I haue but fewe of these goods and vaine honors of the world , that doe so vex worldly men , I doe liue in the greater content , not subiect to their enuie , but taking comfort in the true and only goods of the soule , wherof , O Lord , thou art the liberall giuer , as also of grace , to those that are thine , because thou art their Father . O Lorde our Redeemer , if I loose some of my friends , euen of those that are very neere me ; yet can I take it peaceably , because their felicitie is hastened , in that they departe in Christ , and that I can loose , neither thee , nor the consolation of thy spirit , for that I shal soon after follow them into heauen , whereby I shall therefore bee the rather mooued to giue thee thankes for the time that thy goodnesse hath giuen mee to enioy their presence to the comfort of my life , and not as it were by a certaine kinde of ingratitude towards , both thee and them , mourne for their ioy and felicitie . In all other forrowes and griefes that should lesse trouble vs , giue me grace , my Lord , that I be not mooued to bitternesse or anger , but that with a quiet minde , I may beare al , and tread vnder feete the thornes of my life , as being assured in the end , to finde both the costs , and reward . To the same end also touch my heart earnestly with the feeling of thy benefits ; namely , of those which thou hast liberally granted vs , for the necessities of this life , lest , as an ingrateful wretch I should forget them , after the maner of carnall men that are neuer content with thy benefites , but doe enioy them without any acknowledgement , and which is more , are ready to complain if they haue not all their vanities at a wish : yea which is worst of all , when they haue often eaten at the table of thy Sonne , doe lift vp their heele against him , wherein they are worse then beasts , that doe acknowledge those that feede and dresse them , and doe humble themselues in their presence . O most mightie GOD , deliuer mee from the counsell of these wicked ones and hypocrites , and let mee not sit vpon the seate of these scorners , with whom godlinesse is folly , and the equitie of thy law but a sporte . But whether I walke , or stand stil , whether I do , or suffer , grant , O Lord , that I may alwaies walke as in thy presence , to the glory of thy holy name , and that my soule may take counsaile , and be satisfied in thy righteousnesse , whilst in all patience I waite for my deliuerance from all paine , and the perfection of my felicity , at my departure from this carnall habitation , when according to thy promise I shall be receiued into thy kingdome , in the company of the Angels & Saints , there to behold thy glory eternally . So be it .

The seuenteenth Praier , For the good vsage of mans life .

Thus sayeth the Lord , let not the wiseman boast of his wisedome , neither the strong man of his strength , neither the rich man of his riches : but let him that boasteth , doe it because hee hath vnderstanding , and knoweth me , that I am the Lorde who shewe mercie , iudgement and iustice vpon the earth .

Ieremie . 9.

O Lord , great & wonderfull in thy works , thou in thy wisedome hast made and ordained them all ; wherevpon the heauens , without speaking do declare thy glory , and the earth is full of thy riches . But especially vppon man hast thou powred forth thy most aboundaunt treasures , in that thou hast created him to thy likenesse , excellent in all good things , and established him the possesser of the world , Lord of all other creatures , the mirror of thy wisedome , the beames of thy light , the pattern of thy goodnes , and the most noble instrument of the sanctification of thy name : therfore hast thou endued man with an immortal spirit , capable of reason , to the end , I say , that in beholding here beneath the exquisite workes of thy handes , and vsing them without interruption , hee might knowe , loue , feare , and honour thee as his father and benefactor ; Yea cleaue vnto thee for euer , vsing his lif according to the principall end thereof . True it is , that by originall sinne wee are all fallen from the most singular qualities , necessarie for the holding of our right course to so great felicitie : Yet haue we not so put them off as to rest altogether naked , for all that is re-established in vs , and in a farre better condition , by thy grace in our Lord Iesus Christ who cloatheth vs anewe with the newe man in a quickening spirite , and furnisheth vs with his light , to the end , that in the serious meditation of thy visible workes , & in the right vse of the benefites which wee taste therin , we might apprehend the celestial inuisible things , and acknowledge thee the authour and perfection of all that is . That is , how the heauens appearing to our eyes , and the greatnesse and the beautie , and the motions therof in so many sorts , so wel ordered , & so profitable , do make vs , with our inteligence , to penetrate euen vnto thee , the admirable creator of all things ; and in the excellencie of the same , to meditate vpon the height and depth of thy excellency , to the end , to sing vnto thee , Psalms of thanksgiuing , and in the selfe same , to finde rest and comforte for our souls . Also wheras the sunne lighteth and warmeth vs , the day reioyceth vs , the aire quikneth vs , the earth feedeth vs , the water moysteth vs , and the night ministers to vs rest from our labours : and which is more ( O Father of all the world ) whereas thou maintainest orders and gouernments , that thou pullest down the prowd , and exaltest the humble , that thou extendest thy punishments vppon the earth , and the inhabitants thereof , that thou visitest them with mercy exercising thy iudgements vpon small families , as well as vpon great Monarchies , ( according as there is nothing in nature that taketh place , more or lesse , in respect of thy infinite glory : ) surely in all these things , O inuisible GOD , thou makest thy selfe to bee seene , and giuest vs cause to sing to thy name , with a most excellent inducement to passe ouer our life soberly . But if wee turne vnto our selues to consider our owne nature , especially the faculties of the soule , and the reason thereof , which directeth the body , and giueth diuerse vertues to all the senses , and that we represent to our selues the admirable coniunction of the immortall essence with the mortall : Indeed ruminating these workes of thy hands , and vnable to comprehend the causes and secrets of the same , wee yeeld our selues ouercome , that we may preach forth the victory of thy soueraigne wisedome , and say with the Prophet ( Thy knowledge is too maruelous for vs , and so high , that we cannot approch thereto . ) But if proceeding beyond this Booke of Nature , wee come to reade in the Booke of the Lambe slaine for our ransome , and to see and meditate vpon the husbandrie of thy sheepefold , and the aboundance of celestiall blessings in the same , O Lord what height and depth of wisedome , of charitie , of mercy of iustice , is in the same ? O the greatnesse of ioy and peace to the illuminate hearts , that can penetrate into all these diuine mysteries , when we come to thy church to learne thy law , to heare the gospel , to worship and call vpon thee , and to sound forth thy praise , wee are as it were in the sanctuary of thy kingdome , and before thy face among the Angels to contemplate and celebrate thy glory .

Also when wee doe communicate in the sacred signes of thy couenant , we see , wee touch , we taste with our eyes , with our hands , & with the pallat of our soules the water of washing & regeneration , and the bread of life ( the foode of the sanctified spirits ) whereof wee liue , and shal liue for euer blessed . Besides ( O heauenly Father ) it pleaseth thee to giue vs heere belowe in the following of our course , a conuenient leisure , to meditate vppon the most wonderfull effects of thy spirite in vs , the singular woorke of our new birth , the progresse of our faith , the fruites of our loue , the feeling of our peace in the hope of our saluation to come , when wee shal , by Christ , be wholly vnited vnto thee alone . I beseech thee therefore , my GOD , to giue mee grace in these godly and spirituall considerations , to acknowlege thy great benignitie in the gift and vse of this humane life , and to know how I am to cherish and nourish the same , because it is vnto vs as a treasure , abounding in al excellencies , riches , and prerogatiues , which it hath pleased thee to impart to our nature , the Image of thy glory . So that remaining constant in my vocation , in the pathes of thy Kingdome , and free from the cares of the world , and all the vanities therof , I may so loue this life , that it may bee wholy deare vnto me , onely to know , worship , and serue thee , and my neighbours , according to the place whereto thou dost call mee ; and carefully to meditate to the same end , how thou doest alwayes minister iustice , iudgement , and mercy , whereby I may learne to liue content in thee onely , and of thy goods , vsing the same with acknowledgement and alwayes reioycing in well doing , alwayes assured that thus fighting a good fight , and keeping the faith , I shal obtaine the crowne of eternall righteousnesse in the kingdome of glory . So be it .

The eighteenth Prayer , Vpon temporall death .

Our life is but a vapour which appeareth but for a while , and then vanisheth away . For the reward of sinne is death , and the sting thereof is sinne . But thanks be to God , who hath giuen vs victory , through our Lord Iesus Christ .

Rom. 6 1. Cor. 15.

O eternal god , with whom a thousand yeares are as one day , & one day as a thousand yeres , and whose iudgements so diuerse , are holy , iust , and incomprehensible . Where is the man so gallant or prowd , who thinking vpon the vanitie and shortnesse of his life , doeth not easily asswage his pride and presumption , euen to the end that hee extend not his temporall cogitations too farre , but keepe them bounded within the limits of thy law , and referre the euent to the good pleasure of thy will ?

The vertue of our fairest daies is but affliction of minde , and miserie of our flesh , we fall as by a gushing of waters , wee passe away as a dreame , or a smoake , our eares doe consume like grasse , that withereth from night vnto morning , and the longest time of our course , ( whereof sleepe nibleth awaie a good part ) is but threescore and tenne yeares , or foure-score for the strongest bodies , whilest in euerie moment of life , the nearest and sinallest daunger that threatneth vs , seemeth to be death , which as our shadow , followeth vs at the heeles , and laugheth at our goodly deuises , vntill she hath scattered them in the winde , & brought vs into ashes . But which is worse , where is the man , so holy and perfect , that doth not tremble and quake , if there bee represented vnto him , ( O Lord ) the tribunall seate of thy soueraigne iustice , where we all , after death , must appeare ? Thy indignation against sinners is manifest ( and there is none righteous ) thy vengeance is readie against rebellion ( whereof wee bee all guiltie ) which doth also cause , that death is vnto vs , not only as a temporall ending as concerning the flesh , ( whereat nature is mooued and abashed , ) but also an interior feeling of the curse fallen vppon sinne , yea euen an entry into eternall death , vnlesse there be for vs with thee our Father , Redemption in our Lorde Iesus Christ . I beseech thee therfore , my God , to giue mee grace to knowe , how to meditate euerie day of my life vpon this sentence of the holy ghost . ( That it is decreed that al men shal die once , and after that shall the iudgement followe , ) to the ende that while I creepe vppe and downe in this earthlie myre , I suffer not my selfe to be deceiued with the deceiptfull baites of the pleasures of this worlde , neyther with the allurements of the diuell , who still seeketh by his suttleties to race out of our hearts the remembrance of death , so for to detaine vs in the thoughts of vanitie , and to entangle vs in the snares of our Iusts . Grant me rather ( O Lord ) to knowe the vilenesse and bitternesse of this miserable life , to the end that withdrawing my affection from mortall things , I may bee able to direct and stay my selfe in things stedfast and eternall . And also that therby the remembrance of death , may daily be vnto mee , as a trumpet to waken and call mee , to the pursuite of my life , in the path of thy truth , & to kindle in mee a holie desire , soone to departe out of the world , wherin , the longer a man soiournes , the more is hee loaden with infernall Marchandize ( which is the filthines of sinne ) and the more he cutteth him selfe off from that portion of soueraign felicitie which is in the life to come . Truely he that hath most yeares hath most iniquitie , and hee that croucheth most in the mire of the world , rotteth most . And therfore to the Children of darkenesse , the vncleannes of the flesh is a pleasant habitation : But to the children of light , to the immortall spirites , to the regenerate heartes , heauen is much more desiderable . Grant therfore , my God , that as I dayly grow towards my end , so I may liue the more cheerefully , learning in thy schoole , to preferre thy eternal life , before the light of the Sunne , the glory of heauen , before the vanitie of the earth , the glorious habitation in paradice , before the painefull tumults of the worlde , the societie of Angells , before the fellowshippe of mortall men , the onelie blessed and permanent life , before the passing shaddowe of this life , which is fruitfull in anguishes , ryotes , and labours , the triumph before the combat , the present possession of soueraigne good , before the hope of enioying : and that attending this hauen of health , I may know how to prepare my selfe by continuall meditation in these excellent Christian consolations , that happy are they that die in the Lord for they rest from their labors : That death is to them no death , but a sleepe , in regard of their bodies , then freed from the miseries of life : and that , as for the soule , which findeth it selfe deliuered from the tyrannie of sinne , it is to her a change to a better life : That this death is to all faithfull , the time of receiuing the garlands for their race , & the crowns of their labours . That to them shee is an acceptable issue of a laborious trauell , their deliuerie from all terror and feare , and the stedfast accomplishment of their vocation to felicitie : which made the Apostle to say , ( Alas ! wretched man that I am , who shall deliuer me from this bodie of death ? I desire to bee dissolued , and to be with Christ ) howbeit if notwithstanding in the infirmitie of my flesh , the fearefull Image of death trouble me in the straites of my departure , If the world that doth alwayes too much bewitch vs , maketh my thoughts then bowe to his will : If Sathan pitcheth his assaults , and snares , and vpon the remembrance of my sinnes , setteth hell before my face : moreouer , if my owne perturbations keepe me from apprehending thy eternall consolations , in such most necessarie extremities , vouchsafe ( my good God and father ) in these anguishes , to approach vnto me , to saue me from the running and swift streame of such brookes , that they may not carrie meaway to perdition , illuminate my thoughts with thy spirite , waken my soule out of the sleep of death , renew my hart by the vertue of thy spirit , and put into my hands , the staffe of thy assured conduct , to bring mee out from the laborinth of this sorrowful passage , causing me , with the eyes of my faith , to behold my righteousnes vpon the crosse of my Sauiour , the discharge of my debts in his sacrifice , my victorie in his combats , my life in his death , my glorie and ioy in his resurrection ; that so replenished with peace , I may cheerfully resigne my bodie to the earth , as assured that it shall rise againe , and my soule to heauen , with these last words of Christ , [ Into thy hands , O Father , I commit my spirit . ] So be it .

The nineteenth Prayer , For heauenly life .

Hee that heareth my worde , and beleeueth in him that sent me , hath life euerlasting , and I wil raise him again at the latter day . Father , concerning those whome thou hast giuen me my desire is , that they may be where I am , that they may be with me to beholde my glory .

Iohn . 5. & . 6. & . 17.

O Soueraign Father of al thinges , & by a singular priuiledge , Father of the children whome it hath pleased thee to adopt in our Lord Iesus Christ , to be coheires with him in the celestiall life , I learne in thy word , that this inheritance & blessed estate is acontemplation of the glory of this great Sauiour of the elect , in an vnspeakeable beatitude , onely worthy to be loued , and to bee sought incessantly night and day , with the lamp of thy trueth . Which is to see him as he is ( true God , and true Man ) and perfectlie to enioie his presence with communicating of all his goodnesse , to be in the ioy of his Lord , as a loyall seruant , and to beholde him face to face in his diuine essence , one with the father , and with the holy ghost , one onelie God in soueraigne Maiestie which is to be vnited and conioyned with him , and by him ; vnto thee , O eternall GOD , who art all light and life , of the soule at her departure out of her earthly habitation , afterward reuested with it flesh in that great day of the glorious comming of the same Christ , when hee shall wholy render vppe vnto thee the kingdome of thy grace , that thou maist be all in all : To be briefe , ( which is both in body and soule ) to be in him , and to liue of his glory . And this also is the eternall life , a life accomplished in knowledge , in loue , in righteousnesse , in rest , in honour , in beautie , in constancie , in ioy , felicitie , and peace , a life wherin the Angels and Saintes incessantly do sound out and celebrate , O Lord , thy great name , in perfect and rauishing melodie , replenished both with a desire , and a fulnesse of the celestiall bread ( Iesus Christ God & man ) without this desire breeding any griefe , or this fulnesse any molestation . In summe , a life , which by the full view that wee shall haue of thy eternall deitie ( O almightie GOD ) shall make vs knowe thee , as thou hast knowne vs , and as thou art in Trinitie of persons ( Father , Word , Spirit , ) and in vnitie of essence : likewise to loue thee according to the excellency of thy nature with our whole heartes and thoughts , and our whole strength , and might , and in this loue to obtaine our perfect & full contentment . To this heauenlie life , O Lord , my soule directeth her flight , this is the marke that shee aymeth at , the end whereto shee tendeth , and the reward that she , by thy grace , promiseth her selfe , for seeking after thy welbeloued Sonne , in whome it pleaseth thee to be my God and my Father . Oh! I shall indeede goe and liue in this holy and sacred place of the habitation of thy glorie , and there shall contemplate that which neuer eye sawe vnder the heauen , neyther eare hath heard , nor heart comprehended , of the solide Riches whiche thou doost keepe from all eternitie for thy children .

I shall see , I say , these diuine wonders in thy sanctuary , in thy light inaccessible for all flesh , knowing in the brightnesse of thy countenance thy infinite power [ O Father ] thy incomprehensible wisedome ( O Sonne ) and thy incomparable vertue ( O Holy-ghost ) one onely true God . A knowledge so singular and pretious , that therein resteth all the felicitie of the Angels and saints , their only plentiful reward , their scepter , the diademe of their glory , and the full and perpetuall ioy that couereth their heads as with a crowne of victory , in a peace durable for euer . I beseech thee therfore , O Lord , to giue mee grace , that withdrawing my affection more and more from the darke cloysters of the earth , sprinckled with teares , I may lift vp my desires to the lightsome habitation of thy deitie , where the treasures and incomparable ioyes of thy paradise do remaine in an eternall life . So that I may finishe my course in an earnest and perpetuall meditation of this angelical and diuine being , and comforting my self incessantly night and day , in that the promise is made vnto mee through my sauiour Iesus Christ , to the end , that in my last hower ( come out of my misery and entered into my felicitie ) I may with a happy flight goe take my rest aboue in thy peace , O my God , which surmounteth all vnderstanding , and for to sing Psalmes of thanksgiuing vnto thee without end . So be it .

The twentieth Praier , Vpon eternall death .

Of those that sleepe in the dust of the earth , some shall awake to euerlasting life , others to rebuke and shame without end . Their worme shall not die ; and their fire shall not be quenched : there shal be weeping & gnashing of teethe .

Dan. 12. Esay . 66. Mat. 15.

ALmighty god , for whose glorie all nations are created . Thou which art the mightie and the faithfull God , keeping thy couenant , and free mercy with a thousand generations of those that loue thee , and obey thy commandements , & which giuest againe the very same vnto those that hate thee , and rebell against thee with euery of them euen to their face , whose will is the iust and soueraigne cause of all that is done in heauen , and in earth , whose counsailes are vnsearchable , and iudgements most profound and admirable . O Father and gouernor of all things , thou hast euen from the beginning of thy vnspeakable goodnesse framed man , and reclothed him with such an excellency , as did sufficiently preach forth the infinite power of thy hand , which had created him such a one . I wil not , neither can I ascend higher then thy word teacheth me , to enquire wherefore thou wouldest not so establish the blessed being of this the greatest and chiefest of thy visible workes , that he might not fall , I haue matter enough to occupy the strength of my soule , to meditate vpon , to haue in detestation , yea euen before thy Maiestie to accuse the pride of our nature , which thought not it selfe in honor sufficient , vnlesse it were equall with thy deitie , freeing it selfe from all feare , and obedience vnto thee , and by that rash ingratitude cast himselfe headlong from innocency into sinne , from life into temporall and eternall death . To thee , O Lord , belongeth righteousnesse , and to man confusion & shame , and thou , after thy good pleasure , shewest mercy to whom thou wilt shew mercy . The vaine Philosophie , and foolish curiositie , which is not content with the simplicitie of Christian faith , retained within the limits of thy sacred Oracles , shal make much enquiry about this fall of Adam , to the end ( if she could ) to penetrate into thy secret counsaile , about the creation and end of thy workes ; yea euen in that which toucheth the election and reprobation of mankind shee dareth in this bottomlesse pit to dicourse of thy infinite iustice , & the argument of thy incomprehensible glory , measuring both the one and the other , with her terrestiall conceits , for to declare in her imaginations , thy grace to the elect , and thy iudgement against the reprobate , daring to pleade their cause , as also she will resolue of their estate after this life , and of the qualitie of their punishments . But thy children , O heauenly Father , instructed by thy doctrine through the light of thy spirit , will in their hearts humblie reuerence thy decrees , which are alwayes iust , euen in the first condemnation of al mankinde , and will be content to magnifie thy goodnesse , for the grace that it hath pleased thee to bestow vpon them in Iesus Christ , adopting them by him of thy free mercy into thy family . For they haue learned in thy schoole that the inaccessible brightnesse of thy iudgements , dazleth the best sighted mindes and spirits : yea wasteth and consumeth them when they presume to approach to enquire the secret causes . This doe I know , ( neither will I know any more ) that all things doe worke for the best in thy elect , because that hauing known them before all ages , thou hast also predestinated them to be made conformable to the image of thy Son , called and iustified them to be glorified . The vessels of wrath prepared to perdition , do feele none of these free mercies and celestiall riches , whereof it comes , that when they thinke vpon death , they see nothing but feareful , horrible , damnable , all intollerable paine , without diminution or end : an infernall diuelish , and endlesse torment , a gnashing of teeth , with blasphemy and dispaire , a perpetuall disquiet both in body and soule , an eternity to their woe and damnation ; and which is worse , a most merciful God , whom they shall know to be in heauen , and yet not to bee their God , but their aduersary , & soueraigne Iudge , to be as seuere and rigorous to them , as he shall be gentle and fauorable to his children . This is in summe , all that the reprobate may expect or hope for in death . This also maketh , that when they find they are vtterly destitute of the pledge of their fredome , which thy elect ( O Lord ) doe carry with them , in this sinne of nature ( namely faith in Christ ) dead for their sinnes , and risen againe for their righteousnesse ; these miserable men departe this their earthly habitation , with great griefe and trembling , vsually at the hower of death casting forth many woeful sobbes , infallible fore-runners of their misery at hand : As in truth they want no more thereof but the proofe that they are going to make , of the eternall torments with the diuells in the burning lake of fire and brimstone , which is neuer quenched , giuen to the soule presently vpon the temporall death , and to both body and soule in the day of the resurrection of all flesh , I say in the second & eternall death , a death which continueth without dying , and without consuming , or destroying , that which it makes to languish for , euer in a furnace , always burning , deuouring and consuming : amongest which vnspeakeable torments ( yea such as mans thought is not able to conceiue ) this paine is not the least to the damned ( but rather an other cruell death ) that they neuer haue any motion of the spirit to repent or conuert vnto thee the onely and true God . I beseech thee therefore , O Lord , that as thou hast giuen me grace to belieue that by thy grace I am made a vessell of mercy , I may liue in the life of the righteous , sanctified by the spirit of Christ , to depart happily in him , and so to ascend vnto thee into thy new Sion , and there to receiue the price of the victorious crown , which this great Sauior of the elect hath purchased for the perfection of their glory . So be it .

The one and twentieth Prayer . For the Morning ,

O Lord , euen in the morning heare my voice : Earlie in the morning will I direct my praier vnto thee , and will looke vp . O Lord I crie vnto thee , and earlie shall my praier come before thee . Let my helpe and beginning be in the name of god ( Father , Sonne and holi-ghost ) who hath made heauen and earth .

Psal. 5. & 88.

O Lord my God eternal and almightie , to whom I owe all glory and obedience , I doe humbly prostrate my selfe before thy face , and lift vp my heart and voice to thee my Father which art in heauen , to sanctifie thy name , to craue thy mercy , and to giue thee thankes for thy benefits . I acknowledge of thy prouidence and benignitie , that hauing passed this night vnder thy gard and protection , I may yet see the light of the day , & in the workes of thy hands , contemplate the greatnesse of thy power , and here below enioy those temporall benefites that thou powrest plentifully or largely vppon thy creatures .

But because of thy vnmeasurable bountie , thou makest earthlie things common to all men , and that the effects of the Sonne doe stand vs no steede but for the life of the bodie , I beeseech thee ( merciful Father ) more and more to raise vpon my heart thy eternall light ( our Lord Iesus Christ ) and by the vertue of thy spirit , so to scatter the darkenesse of my vnderstanding , and to breake the hardnesse of my heart , that so farre as it may suffize for my saluation , I may apprehend the glorie of thy Kingdome , and the mysteries of christian faith , together with the dutie of my calling , that I may constantly walke in the same , in a good conscience and as before thee , the searcher of our harts with all my thoughtes worshipping and louing thee in spirit and trueth according to thy word : louing also , in thee , my neighboures as my selfe , to pleasure them so farre forth as I may , by thy grace : but because my ignorance and imperfections , doe carrie mee far from such wisdome , and fulfilling of righteousnesse , beeing a poore sinner , weake in faith , slowe in hope , colde in charitie , and polluted with many offences that make mee worthie of death and of hell . I beseech thee , my God , in thy fatherly loue to bear with these my defects , and to forgiue mee my trespasses , in the name of thy Sonne our Mediator and Sauiour , accepting his sacrifice as a full satisfaction for my sinnes , and imputing vnto mee his righteousnesse , to life euerlasting .

Yea and to the same end also , vouchsafe to encrease in my soule the giftes of thy Spirite , so as I may from better to better , prosecute my life in the path of thine elect , being through thy power freed from the temptations of the Diuell , the worlde , and my owne flesh , and by thy blessing preserued from the dangers and miseries of this poore life , alwayes notwithstanding content with whatsoeuer it shall please thee to bestow on me .

Sith thou art my Father , I cannot but expect a happy end of all my estates hauing alredy receued of thy mercy , the assured pledge of saluation ( forgiuenesse of sinnes ) But Lord , graunt especially that this thy grace in Iesus Christ , may be vnto mee a comforte , and light all the dayes of my life , especiallie in the darkenesse of my death , to retaine and holde me fast in the hope of my saluation , that with a liuelie faith at my last gaspe I may speake these words of my Sauior vpon the crosse , ( Into thy handes , ( O Father ) I commend my spirite , ) whereby my soule also inwardly may heare the same Christ saying vnto mee , as vnto the poore penitent theefe ( Sonne , reioyce , this day thou shalt be with me in Paradice ) so that full of peace , by the effects of thy spirit , I may cheerfully leaue my body to the earth , assured of the resurrection , and that my soule may , by the angels , be guided to the rest of the blessed , and vouchsafe , O Lord , to do the like fauor to all men , euen as I craue these thinges , in the prayer which thy Sonne hath taught me . [ Our father , which art in heauen , hallowed be thy name . Thy Kingdome come . Thy will be done , in earth as it is in heauen . Giue vs this daie our dayly bread , and forgiue vs our trespasses , as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs . And leade vs not into temptation , but deliuer vs from euill . For thine is the Kingdome , the power and the glory , world without end . Amen . Likewise ( my God ) encrease in me , faith working euerie good worke , and giue me grace constantly to perseuere , and therof to make confession euen to my last gaspe , saying . [ I beleeue in God the father almightie , maker of heauen and earth . And in Iesus Christ his only Sonne our Lord , who was conceiued by the holie Ghost , borne of the Virgin Marie , suffered vnder Ponce Pilate , was crucified , dead and buried , hee descended into hell , the third day hee rose againe , from the dead : he ascended into heauen , and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almightie . From thence hee shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead . I beleeue in the Holy-Ghost , the holy Catholike Church . The communion of Saints , the forgiuenesse of sinnes . The resurrection of the flesh , and the life euerlasting . ] This is my faith O Lord , wherin I will liue and die , as also in the obseruation of thy holy commandements , comprized in these two ( That wee loue thee with all our hart , with all our soule , with all our strength , and with all our thoughtes , and our neighbours as our selues . Thus thy grace , O my God and Father , be with me , and thy blessing vpon all the workes of my hands . So be it .

The two and twentieth Prayer . Among the Family .

At noone , at night , & in the morning will I crie vnto God , and the Eternal shall deliuer me . I wil make a noise , and hee shall heare my voyce ( saide Dauid ) and Daniel kneeled down three times a day in his house , prayed vnto , and magnified his God .

Psal. 55. & 18. Dan. 6. Our help and beginning be in the name of God .

O LORD our GOD , and our Father , onelie great in glorie , & of infinit power . It hath pleased thee so far forth to honour men ( poore Wormes of the Earth ) that they may in ful confidence , in thy loue and bountie , present themselues before thy face , to magnifie thy name : to talke of thy beneficence , and to craue thy mercy . Wee humblie beseech thee therfore by thy spirit to dispose of our souls , our hearts , and our lips to glorifie thee , and so to call vppon thee , that our vowes may be acceptable vnto thee , and our prayers heard , wee confesse our selues , in thy presence , to bee so great sinners , that our vnworthinesse will not suffer vs to look vp vnto heauen , without feare that thou shouldest , in thy iust wrath thunder vpon vs : neither can wee cast our eyes vpon the earth , but we shall see as it were hel open for the reward of our wickednesse : for we are , not only as the children of Adam , conceiued and borne in sinne , worthy of thy curse , but also , by our owne faults , lusts , vncleanenesse , bad thoughtes , and wicked works , whereinto throgh our corruption and frailtie , wee doe daily fall , which also in our consciences are so many witnesses to condemne vs , and as it were heraultes that doe denounce vnto vs death and hel : But ( O Lord ) thy mercies do infinitely exceede our malice , and thy eternall compassions , are vppon sinners that conuert and turne vnto thee . Thou art that pittifull Father , that gladly receiued his prodigall and vnthriftie Son . That louing shepheard that carefully seeketh the lost sheepe ; that charitable phisition , that freely commeth to the sicke to cure them . Wee therefore the children of thy loue , the sheepe of thy folde , and the poore in spirit , doe most humbly beseech thee in the name of thy welbeloued Sonne our mediator Iesus Christ , to vouchsafe to take away all our calamities in pardoning our sinnes , because thou hast giuen vs this great Sauiour in the worlde , to the end , that whosoeuer beleeueth in him , should not perish , but haue life euerlasting . We are baptized in his name , wee haue receiued his gospell : and he giueth vs his body in thy church for spirituall foode , that we may liue in him , and of him for euer blessed . Giue vs grace therefore , O our God , with a true and liuely faith , vphelde by hope , and doing euery good worke , to apprehend , to the glorie of thy name , and the peace of our soules , these great benefits that are purchased for vs , in the death and passion of the same our redeemer , that wee may incessantly yeelde praysings vnto thee , and liue in holinesse , according to thy worde . For the performance hereof vouchsafe to encrease the giftes of thy spirit in our hearts , whereby the desires of the flesh , and vanities of the worlde , may bee mortified , and the pure fire of thy loue so kindled , that we may loue , honour and serue thee , with all our soules , with all our strengths , and with al our mindes , and louing our neighbours as our selues , to pleasure them in all dueties of loue to our power . Strengthen vs likewise with thy vertue , O almightie God , against the temptations and assaults of Sathan , deliuering vs victoriously , preseruing vs also from such dangers and miseries , as euery where follow vs at the heeles in this life : and aboue all , giuing vs grace , in whatsoeuer estate wee be , still to be content with thy will , which can neuer be other than good and iust , and to vs profitable , because wee are of the number of thy children . So let thy peace be in vs , and vpon all the workes of our handes , that wee may happily passe the rest of our dayes , walkeing euery of vs in his familie , in the duty of our vocation , in a good conscience , as before thy face , to whom nothing is hid : and meditating diligently , vpon the shortnesse and afflictions of this our life , that so wee may aduance thee , and finally end in the wisedome of true christians : whereby wee may principally learne to desire heauen , and patiently to take all humane crosses , and whatsoeuer may seeme to vs most greeuous to the flesh , knowing that all things shall turne to our good ; alalwayes prouided , that constantly we perseuere in thy seruice , for so shal wee liue and die with Christ , that we may enter into his ioyes in heauen , there to behold his glory . Furthermore , howsoeuer vnworthie sinners wee are , yet O Lord , in as much as thou hast commanded vs to pray one for another , to the aduancement of thy Kingdome , wee pray to thee for all men , that it may please thee so to worke , that they who as yet haue not the knowledge of thy holy gospel , may , by the preaching thereof , and the illumination of thy holy spirite , be brought to know thee the only and true GOD , and him whome thou hast sent , Iesus Christ , to saue the Worlde . Also that they whom thou hast already visited with this grace , as our selues , may dayly encrease in thy spirituall blessings : So that altogether we may worship thee with hart & mouth in one spirite , one faith , and one baptisme . And sith thou hast also ordained gouernements and callings , that all people may be gouerned in the feare of thy name , and to common commoditie . We beseech thee to inspire , guide and blesse our Queen , and all Princes , Magistrates and Superiours , that haue the gouernement of thy sword vpon earth , that euery of them raigning in godlinesse and righteousnesse , may employ their power which they hold from thee , to cause thee to be serued & honored , and to the tranquillitie , peace and reliefe of their subiects , wholy submitting themselues and their people , to thy holy word . Likewise for the publishing of thy word in al places , vouchsafe more & more with thy giftes to enrich the Pastors and Doctors of thy Church , and daily to raise vp more to execute in a good conscience their charge , to the edification and perfection of thy holy Temple , whereof , in generall ( O Lorde ) and of euerie faithfull , vouchsafe to shewe thy selfe the Almighty protector , to the confusion of all the aduersaries of the name of Christ , and of his holie Church .

We also pray thee for all those whom thou visitest with tribulation , whether it be sickenesse of body , or anguish of soule , that thou , O mercifull Father , vouchsafe to giue them comfort & patience , to the bearing of their calamities , and deliueraunce from their afflictions . Asking all these things of thee in the name of thy Sonne our Mediatour , and as he hath taught vs to pray Our Father which art in heauen , &c. We also besech thee O Lord to encrease , and confirme vs in the Catholike Faith of thy Church , to the end it may take liuely roote in our soules to fructifie , to all righteonsnesse and good workes : and that euen to our last gaspe , we may make like confession thereof , as we doe now both with hart and mouth . ( I beleeue in God the Father Almighty , &c. ) And because the faith of thy children , O Lord , is inseperable from the obedience due to thy word , especially in the tenne commaundements of the law , and that thou doest ordaine , that wee should haue them perpetually in our hearts and mouthes , to keepe them , and to teach them to our families , giue vs grace , to our powers , to conforme our selues to the same , euen as wee vnderstand that they were deliuered from thy mouth , saying .

[ Heare Israel ] I am the Lord thy God , that brought thee out of the land of Aegypt , out of the house of bondage .

1 Thou shalt haue no other Gods before mee .

2 Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen Image , or the likenesse of any thing that is in heauen aboue , or in the earth beneath , or in the water vnder the earth . Thou shalt not bow downe to them , nor worship them , for I am the Lord thy God , a iealous God , that visiteth the sins of the fathers vppon the children , to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me , & shew mercy vnto thousands , of them that loue me and keepe my commandements .

3 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine , for the Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine .

4 Remember that thou keepe holy the Sabaoth day , sixe dayes shalt thou labor , and doe all that thou hast to doe , but the seauenth day is the Sabaoth of the Lord : In it thou shalt do no manner of thing , thou and thy sonne , and thy daughter , and thy man-seruant , and thy maide-seruant , and the stranger that is within thy gates : for in sixe dayes the Lord made heauen and earth , and the sea , and all that therein is , and rested the seauenth day , wherefore the Lord blessed the seuenth day , and hallowed it .

5 Honour thy father & mother , that thy dayes may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giueth thee .

6 Thou shalt do no murther .

7 Thou shalt not commit adulterie .

8 Thou shalt not steale .

9 Thou shalt not beare false witnesse against thy neighbour .

10 Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house , thou shalt not couet thy neighbours wife , nor his man-seruant , nor his maide-seruant , nor his oxe , nor his asse , nor any thing that is his .

And the summe of all these commandements is this : That wee loue thee O Lord , with al our hearts , and with all our mindes , and our neighbours as our selues . Thy blessing therefore , O our GOD and Father , with the peace of our Lord Iesus , and the comforte of the Holy-ghost , be thus giuen vnto vs by thy grace , and remaine with vs for euer . Amen .

The three and twentieth Prayer , Before meate , among the Family .

The eyes of all creatures looke vp vnto thee O Lord , thou giuest them meate in due season , thou openest thy hand , and fillest with thy blessing euery liuing thing , &c.

Psal. 145.

O euerlasting GOD and Father , we beseeche thee to extend thy blessing vppon vs thy poore children & seruants , and vppon the foode , which it pleaseth thee , of thy goodnes , to giue vnto vs for the sustenance of our life , that we may vse the same soberly and with thanksgiuing , as thou hast commanded . But aboue all things , giue vs grace to desire , and especially to seeke the spirituall bread of thy word , wherewith our soules may be fed eternally in the name , & to the glory of the Father , Sonne , and Holy-ghost , one only and true God , who liueth and raigneth world without end . Amen .

The foure and twenieth Prayer . After meales among the Family .

Whether wee eate or drinke , or whatsoeuer wee doe , we must doe all to the glory of God .

1. Cor. 10.

O Eternall God , our Father , we yeeld thee thanks , for that it hath pleased thee to nourish and feede vs , ministring vnto vs all that is needefull for this life , and making vs to enioy so many temporall benefites as thou doest largely poure vppon vs thy creatures : wee beseech thee of thy goodnesse , vouchsafe to continue them the rest of our dayes . But aboue al , wee praise thee for the spiritual foode , that by thy word thou giuest to our soules , to the ende they may for euer liue in blisse , through Iesus Christ our redeemer : to whome with the Father , and the Holi-ghost one onely and true God , be all honour and glory for euer . Amen .

The fiue and twentieth Prayer . Euening Prayer for the Houshold .

It is a good thing to giue thanks vnto the Lord , and to sing praises vnto thy name , O most high ! to tell of thy trueth in the night season . I will lay me downe in peace , and take my rest , for it is thou Lord onelie that makest mee dwell in safetie .

Psal. 92. & 4.

O Lord our god and Father , as thy people of Israel offered vnto thee their euening sacrifice , so doe we offer vnto thee , the oblation of our humble and contrite heartes , that wee may glorifie thy name , and obtaine remission of our sinnes . We praise thee therefore and yeeld thee thanks for thy benefites , namely for that it hath pleased thee to let vs passe this day , vnder thy protection and safegard , without the which wee might haue incurred manie miseries and dangers . But , because by our corruption and frailetie we haue diuersly offended thee , in thought , worde , and deed , and that thy mercie is vppon all those to whom thou vouchsafest to be a Father , in our Lord Iesus Christ , and that call vpon thy name , wee beseech thee to forgiue vs our sinnes , and to accept of his righteousnesse , in the merit of his death , in discharge of our debts : so that as euery thing is nowe hidden from our eies by the night which thou giuest vs for the rest of our bodies , so our offences may be buried out of thy sight , in the sepulchre of the same Christ , whereby our soules may haue in him their spirituall rest . Alas , we know that Sathan the Prince of darkenesse , lieth alwaies in waite to hurt vs , seeking principally to make a breach into our hearts when we stand least vpon our guarde : but ( O Almightie God ) in thy presence also are the thousands of Angels , to watch on those whome thou hast called to the inheritance of thy saluation , of which number wee doe beleeue our selues to be , through the mercie which it hath pleased thee to shewe vs . Giue vs grace therefore to be deliuered from the temptations of the diuel , from vncleanenesse , and troublesome dreames , whereinto our infirmity doth leade vs , and also from all other dangers , to the ende our bodies receiuing , through thy blessing , a peaceable and quiet sleep for their ease , our mindes may watch more freely vnto thee , ( who art their rest and their life ) and in the meditation of thy loue , that to morrowe wee may arise so much the readier , to glorifie & serue thee , euery one in his vocation . Thus running our race , in the path of thy elect , we may with ioy expect the desired hower for our flesh to rest in the earth , that our soules may be lodged in heauen , and at the last day be raised againe in glory , with al the Saints , to enioy the accomplishment of our felicitie . Howbeit in the meane time , whilst we comfort our selues in this hope , ( O heauenlie Father ) we doe recommend vnto thee the peace & preseruation of thy church , the estate of this Kingdome , and all such as be afflicted with sicknes or anie other tribulation : beseeching thee to giue to thy children and seruants , whereof to take comfort , and alwayes to reioyce in thy goodnes . This is it that we doe beleeue in thy worde : Yea this is it , that wee doe craue of thee , in the name of our mediator Iesus Christ , by that Prayer which hee hath taught vs . [ Our father which art in heauen , &c. ] Thy blessing therefore O our God and Father , the peace of our Lorde Iesus , with the comfort of the holy Ghost be giuen to vs by thy grace , and remaine with vs for euer . Amen .

The sixe and twentieth Prayer , Of him which suffered much by sicknesse .

When you shal be sicke , be not slowe to pray to God , and he will heale thee . Hee healeth those that are broken in heart , and cureth their greefes . If they touched the gates of death , and crie vnto the Lord in their distresse , hee will deliuer them from their troubles .

Eccles. 18. Psal. 147. & 107.

O Lord , my GOD and father , now it is , that in these griefs and paines that oppresse me , I doe better then heretofore I haue , acknowledge the corruption and frailtie of my nature , and the iustice and goodnesse of thy hand that visiteth mee . The originall of all flesh is in infection , his temporall habitation is in dust , continually tossed to and fro with stormes : her end is a prey to the wormes , and all hir glory is buried with her in the earth . Yet is man so blinde , and depraued , that for a shorte time , wherein he enioyeth any prosperity & health , hee looseth the knowledge of his fraile condition : he swells and strayeth from the principall end of his being , and slideth away into the follies and vanities of the world . Thus might I many times haue made ship wracke among these lamentable rockes , haddest not thou my GOD , stretched forth thy rod of tribulation vpon mee in my most happy prosperities to preuent my ruine . It is , as euen to this day thou doest admonish me of thy discipline , which maketh me to humble my selfe in thy sight , and to feele my misery , that with heart and voyce , I may confesse that thou art iust ( O soueraigne iudge ) and good ( O gentle Father ) who wilt thus with one medecine , castize and cure the vlcer of my sins : Come therefore thou vapor of the earth , thou shadow of life , thou corruptible flesh , sith God for thy instruction and amendment giueth thee trauaile , put off thy selfe , and submitte thee to his spirite , and thy spirite to the Father of spirits , and thy affections to his will . Thus with all thy strength and minde , lift vppe thy selfe towards this Fatherly hand from whence the stripe commeth that grieueth thee , towards this arme of the almightie that hath cast the stone that bruseth thee : towards this great God , who being pittifull , doeth see and heare thee in thy sufferings , who vnder his hand holdeth both the disease & the cure , the paine and the rest , life and death , to make the one as profitable and heathfull vnto thee as the other . Then will I say with a contrite heart , yet full of confidence : I haue sinned against thee , O my God , I haue grieuously offended thee , I deserue to be throughly chastized , and the diuells that I doe endure , are farre lesse then my offences , which onely death and hell are able to counterprise . But thy grace and compassion greater then my sinnes , are eternall vpon all those whom thou hast washed , fructified and iustified in thy welbeloued Sonne Iesus Christ , of which number I doe belieue I am , and that in him , and for his sake thou wilt make me blessed : forgiue mee my debts in his name , and ease me of my anguish wherein I remaine without strength . I beseech thee , from the botome of my thoughts , in the bitternes of my hart , and with the words of Dauid , ( O eternall God heare my prayer & petition , & let nothing hinder my crie for comming vnto thee , hide not thy face from me , bend downe thine eare vnto me in the day of my trouble , make haste and deliuer me in the day that I call vpon thee , for my dayes are vanished like smoake , and my bones are dried like chaf : my heart hath bin smitten , and withered like the grasse , that I haue forgotten to eate my bread . O Lord , all my desire is before thee , comfort the soule of thy seruant : shall any man tell of thy mercies in the sepulchre , or thy faithfulnesse in the graue . Thus then , O mercifull God , bearing my self in thy chastisements , I will in all patience waite for the seasonable succour of thy hand , as being well assured , that while it is in comming , thou wilt not suffer thy spirit of consolation to forsake mee in the middest of my tribulation , that my present heauinesse shall be vnto mee the watch of some ioy at hand : and that at all aduentures , the last of my sorrowefull dayes , shall be the first of my rest in eternall life . And therefore I will againe say with the Apostle . Behold I am here , deale with me at thy pleasure , and with thy seruant Iob , ( Albeit God should slay me , yet will I trust in him , and reprooue my wayes in his presence ) & with Saint Agustine ( O Lord smite here , cutte here , burne here , so that thou doost pardon mee for euer , ) Amen . Our Father which art in heauen , &c.

The seauen and twentieth Prayer . At the visitation of the sicke .

Is there any among you sicke , let him call the elders of the Church , and let them pray for him , and annoint him with oyle , in the name of the Lord , and the prayer of faith shall saue the diseased , and the Lord shall raise him vp , and if hee haue committed any sinnes , they shall bee forgiuen him .

Iames 5.

O LORD our GOD , who art all righteousnes & goodnesse , we knowe , that among thy corrections wherewith thou wakenest vs to our duties , it pleaseth thee many times to tame our flesh with sundry diseases : for thou dost , by the pains that we suffer , aduertize vs of the cause of our euills , which is sinne , and of the punishment due to the same , namely death , whereof the infirmities of the body are the ordinary meanes : And also thou doest withall put vs in minde of the great day of thy Iudgement , which after death doeth ensue to life euerlasting , full of glory and beatitude to the elect , and of reproach and torments to the rebrobate .

But of these things , the flesh , so long as it feeleth it selfe at ease , hath least care to heare : Sith therefore it hath pleased thee , ( O iust and mercifull Father ) with thy rod to visite this poore sicke person here present , afflicting him for his offences , as himselfe doth with vs confesse , we beseech thee that in pardoning him for the loue of thy welbeloued Sonne Iesus Christ , thou wilt make this chastizement to profit him to his correction : so that he may with quiet obedience beare thy visitation , submitting himselfe volunrarie with all his heart to thy holy will , who strikest him , not as a seuere iudge , but as a most merciful Father , whereby he may learne to repose his whole trust & assurance in thy loue , & as in him that art the author of his lif , & canst preserue him , whither it be to abide below here in thy church , or that thou wilt gather him into thy kingdome of heauen . Thus Lord , on th' one side awakning in his soule by his sickenes , on th' other , the feeling of humane miseries , make him , with the eies of his faith , to behold the eternall blessings thou reseruest for him in thy Paradice , to liue happy for euer : so that he may with patience , easly digest the bitternesse of that potion that thou hast powred foorth vnto him , bending his principall desire to enioy thy presence in heauen . But thou knowest , O mercifull Father , that the spirit of thy children is willing , but their flesh is alwayes frayle , and full of great mistrust , especially in the bitternesse of afflictions .

Assist , therefore this sicke person with the plentie and strength of the giftes of thy spirite , that he may ouercome all the enemies of his peace : and be thou his shield , against the assaults & terrors of death , especially if his conscience do trouble and accuse him for his inward and hidden sins , which are open in thy sight . Then let the holy Ghost ( the perpetuall comforter of all faithfull soules ) vouchsafe to represent vnto him for his defence the passion and sacrifice of our Lorde Iesus , who hath himselfe borne vpon the crosse al our iniquities , that so he might absolue and discharge vs , before thy iudicial throne ( according to the infinite merite of his righteousnesse ) and open the gate of thy Kingdome to all that shall beleeue and be baptized in his name . Thus this poore patient being comforted in feeling , through a liuely & stedfast faith , the fruite and vertue of that earnest penie of saluation that Christ hath left vs in his Church , namely remission of sinnes for his sake : also that this hope which is neuer confounded , doth keepe his spirit quiet , that he may call vpon thee , O Lord , and sanctifie thy name , euen to his last gaspe , neuer fearing the temptations of Sathan , of death , or of hel , as beeing assured , that Christ hath ouercome them , & ledde them in triumph , breaking their bonds , so that he may , in all Christian confidence , cry out with thy Apostle , O death , where is thy sting ? O hel , where is thy victory ? In this manner , ( O mercifull God ) let this sicke person be , by our prayers , commended vnto thee : and vouchsafe , if it be thy pleasure , to restore him to health , with encrease of thy graces , that he may yet amongest vs serue to thy glory . If not , but that thou hast otherwise appointed to bring him into thy rest , thy will bee done , and accepted both by him and vs in al quiet obedience . Receiue him into thy heauenly Hierusalem , for hee hath his whole recourse vnto thee by one onelie mediatour Iesus Christ , and all his confidence is in thy mercy . In steade of bodilie death graunt him the life of his soule amongest thy Angels , vntil that by the resurrection of all flesh , in the great day of the LORD he may liue a whole man in the contemplation of thy glory . And to vs all heere present likewise graunt thy grace , that we may as we ought , beholde in this myrror , the shortnesse and vncertainetie of our dayes , that hereafter we may not desire anie thing so much as to employ them carefully to thy honour and seruice . For all these thinges doe we pray vnto thee in the name of thy Sonne , in that Prayer which himselfe hath taught vs ; Our father , which art in heauen . &c.

The eight and twentieth Prayer , For him that feeleth his death at hand .

Wee knowe , that if this earthly tabernacle be destroyed , we haue a building giuen of God : that is , a house not made with hands but eternall in the heauens . The body is sowen in corruption , it shall rise againe in incorruption .

2. Cor. 5. 1. Cor. 15.

O GOD my God and FATHER , iustly was man , thy creature , when by sinne he had turned from thee ( who art the life ) cast headlong into the curse both of temporall and eternall death : for thy Maiestie being infinitely offended , ought also in iustice to require a punishment without end , which beginneth euen in this life in many miseries , and is perpetuated hell , whereto death is as it were the gate . O Lord ! The cause of so lamentable a mishap is in our nature : But in thee is pittie and compassion , O mercifull Father , who after thy vnspeakeable goodnesse , makest the temporall death , which to all men is ineuitable , and to the reprobate an entry into hel , to change his qualitie concerning the Elect , beeing vnto them a ioyfull passage to that happinesse which is in heauen : For Iesus Christ thy eternall Son , to purchase vs this benefit , did put on our flesh , and therein healed the wound of sinne by his righteousnesse : and by his oblation satisfied for our debt , triumphing by his resurrection , ouer Death , Sathan , and Hel , for the saluation of those to whome thou giuest grace to belieue in his name . Now then , my God , sith it hath pleased thee of thy great loue , thus to accomplish the high mysterie of our redemption , I beseeche thee , grant mee to feele the fruite and efficacy thereof , through the vertue of thy spirit , euen to the last gaspe of my life , that then I may render to thee my soule in peace . For I am baptized in the name of Christ , I belieue his holy gospel , and am fed with his body and blood in the holy Church . True it is O Lord , that the remembrance of my sins , whereof my conscience doeth accuse mee doeth greatly trouble me ; for the darkenesse of my vnderstanding hath kept me from knowing thee aright , and the corruption of my heart from worshipping thee in spirit , and truth , according to thy word ; I haue neglected this pretious treasure , euen the voice of my Redeemer , and by my slackenesse , made the seede therof vnfruitfull in my soule , many times preferring the loue of my selfe and the vanities of the world , before the loue that I owe vnto thee ( my Creator ) and my neighbour for thy sake . I haue not affected the crosse of thy Sonne , that I might cheerefully carry mine after him , in renouncing all my concupiscences : neyther haue I applied thy chastizement to an vpright amendment of life : I haue beene weake in faith , slow in hope , cold in charitie , vnpatient in tribulation , and more stiffe in retaining other mens offences against mee , then ready to pardon them , what more shal I say , my God ? Also many other sins which I cannot expresse , which being euen at this day hidden from mee in my infirmities doe ouerwhelme my soule , were it not for the repentance that thou grauntest mee , and the trust that I haue in thy mercy , through the righteousnesse of my Sauiour Iesus Christ , which it pleaseth thee in thy Fatherly loue to make mine ; I see nothing but matter of dispaire . His sacrifice giueth mee peace with thee : his blod cleanseth me : his obedience absolueth me : his woundes doe cure mee : In his torments my soule findeth her rest : for of all these benefites doe I feele thy promise sealed in my heart by thy spirit , which maketh me to crie vnto thee ( Abba Father ) and assureth me , that thou wilt of thy free mercy , in the name of thy Sonne , and for his sake , giue mee remission of my sinnes , and eternal life , being illuminated ; therefore , by this celestiall light , I doe with the eies of my mind behold the ship that shall carry me ouer from earth to heauen , no farther off from the presence of my Redeemer , then was that of his Disciples , when they rowed against the tempest , to whom he said ( feare not , for it is I. ) For in like maner commeth hee to meete mee , to say vnto me ; Feare not , assure thy selfe , be constant ; It is I , not the death which thou maist peraduenture feare , but hee that hath broken the sting thereof , that hath led it in triumph , that hath broken the barres and bonds euen in hell ; and who therefore doeth make thee to ascend from the graue into the Pallace of my glorie .

Thus , my God , strengthened by thy grace with Christian hope , which is not confounded , and couered vnder the buckler of Faith , which the darts of the diuell cannot wound , I am able with a strong motion to pa●●e in peace from this prison of nature , with these last words of Iesus Christ vpon the crosse ( Into thy hands , O LORD , I commend my spirit ) and the same Christ saying vnto me , as to the poore theefe that was dying ; Sonne reioyce , this day thou shalt be with me in Paradice .

FINIS .