A right godly rule how all faithfull Christians ought to occupie and exercise themselues in their dayly prayers. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A11180 of text S105748 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 21446.7). 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. 164 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 189 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A11180 STC 21446.7 ESTC S105748 99841474 99841474 6059 2248579475

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A11180) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 6059) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 717:06) A right godly rule how all faithfull Christians ought to occupie and exercise themselues in their dayly prayers. [382] p. By F. Kyngston, Imprinted at London : 1602. Largely based on prayers in STC 16060: An vniforme and catholyke prymer in Latin and Englishe. Identified as STC 21056b on UMI microfilm. Running title reads: Godly prayers. Signatures: A-2A(-2A8). Some print blurred; A1-3 mutilated at lower right corner; 2A7 partly torn, with some loss of text. Reproduction of the original in the Folger Shakespeare Library. eng Prayer -- Early works to 1800. Christian life -- Early works to 1800. eebo A right godly rule; how all faithfull Christians ought to occupie and exercise themselues in their dayly prayers. [no entry] 1602 378 29818 146 0 0 0 0 4 451.41 F The rate of 451.41 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2012-06 Assigned for keying and markup 2012-06 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2012-08 Sampled and proofread 2012-08 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2013-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

RIGHT GODLY RVLE ; How all faithfull Christians ought to occupie and exercise themselues in their dayly prayers .

Luke . 22. Matth 26.

Christ teacheth vs in his Gospel 〈◊〉 Watch and pray , least yee f●●● into temptation .

Imprinted at London by F. Kingston . 1602

GODLY PRAYERS .
For Munday . Morning Prayer .

O Most louing God and gracious father in Christ , wee thanke thee for that sweete sleepe and comfortable rest , that thou hast giuen vs this night : and forasmuch as thou ha●t commaunded vs by thy 〈◊〉 w●rd , that no man s● bee idle , but alwaies oc●pied in vertuous exercises , euerie man according to his calling : wée most humblie beséech thée , that thine eies may attend vs dayly , and defend vs , and in sorrowe succour , cherish , and comfort vs . And so gouerne ( good Lord ) all our counsailes , studies , and labours , that wee may spend this day according to thy most blessed ●●ll , without hurting of our ●●●●hbour , yea that 〈…〉 diligently and warily eschew and auoyd all things that should displease thée , set thée alwayes before our eyes , and liue in thy feare , and euer worke thou so in vs , that wee may bee found continent , pure of liuing , temperate , and acceptable before thy diuine Maiestie , vnto the praise of thy most holy & blessed name , through Iesu Christ our Lord and Sauiour . Amen .

For Tuesday . Morning Prayer .

SEeing that thou ( oh heauenly Father ) art that one and alone Almightie God , which art in euerie place , & beholdest the counsailes , deuices and workes , yea the very thoughts of all men , and giuest to euery one ●●cording to their déedes : wee humbly beseech thee for Christ Iesus his sake , to giue vs this grace , that forasmuch as thou hast graciouslie preserued vs this night past , wee may not spend this day present , nor any other day of our liues , after our owne mindes and pleasure , which is alway euil and wicked , but more earnestly looke vpon and diligently follow thy fatherly will , thy euerlasting counsaile , thy faithfull word and pleasure , which is alwaies good , perfite and holy , and performe the same with chearefulnes , that thy diuine name may alway bee sanctified both now and euermore of vs miserable sinners , thorough thy dearely beloued Son Iesus Christ our Lord and Sauiour . Amen .

For Wednesday . A Morning prayer .

O Lord Iesus Christ , which art the bright Sun of the world , euer rising , neuer falling , which with thy wholesome looke , preseruest , nourishest , and makest ioyfull all thinges that are in heauen and earth : shine fauourablie , I beséech thée , into my spirite , that the night of sinnes , and mists of errors , being driuen away by thy inward light , I may walke this day , and all the daies of my life without stumbling or offence : comely as in the day time , being pure from the works of darknesse . Grant this ( O Lord ) which liuest & raignest with God the Father in vnitie of the holy Ghost , world without end . Amen .

For Thursday . Morning Prayer .

O Lord Iesu Christ , to whom & before whom all things are manifest and plaine , which also sufferest not a Sparrow to light on the grounde without thy prouidence : and which in times past , by thy holy Spirit diddest guide our forefathers Abraham , Isaac and Iacob , in thy pathes and waies , & in a strange countrey didst appoint the same thy blessed Spirit and messenger to bee their guide : Graunt me this day most wretched sinner ( whom by thy word thou doest encourage to call vpon thee in all time of neede & necessities ) that I may haue the same thy holie Spirit to direct my pathes and waies this day , that I may walke according to thy godly will and pleasure , to the profite of my neighbour , and glorie of thy name , which liuest and raignest world without end , Amen .

For Friday . A Morning prayer .

O Mercifull Lord God & heauenly Father , I render most high lande , praise and thanks vnto thée , for that thou hast preserued me both this night and all the time and daies of my life hetherto vnder thy defence , & hast suffered me to liue vnto this present hower : I beséech thée heartilie that thou wilt vouchsafe to receiue me this day , and the residue of my whole life from hencefoorth into thy tuition , ruling and gouerning mee with thy holie Spirite , that so all manner of darkenes , of misbeliefe , infidelitie , carnall lustes , and affections , may bee vtterly chosed & driuen out of my heart , and that I may be iustified and saued both body & soule , through a right and stedfast faith , and so walke in the light of thy most godly truth , to thy glorie & praise , and to the profit and furtherance of my neighbour , through Iesus Christ our Lord and Sauiour . Amen .

For Saturday . Morning Prayer .

O Heauenlie Father , which like a diligent watchman , attendest alwaies vpon thy faithfull people , whether they wake or sleepe , and mightily defendest them , not only from Sathan that old enemie of mankind , but also from al their aduersaries ; so that through thy godly power they bee preserued harmelesse : I humbly thanke thee , for that it hath pleased thy goodnesse so to take care for me thy vnprofitable seruant , this night past , that thou hast both safely kept me from all mine enemies , and also giuen mée swéete sléepe , vnto the great comfort of my bodie . I farther entirely beseech thée most mercifull and swéete father , to shewe the like kindnesse towardes me this day in preseruing my bodie &

For Sunday , or the Sabboth . Morning Prayer .

O Gracious Lord God , and heauenly Father , I humblie beséech thée in Christ so to sanctifie me thoroughout in body , soule , and spirit , that I may religiously kéep and sanctifie this Sabbath vnto thee , according to thy holy word , not thinking therein mine own thoughts , nor speaking mine owne words , nor doing mine own works , but thinking , speaking and doing that which is agréeable to thy blessed will : Giue me grace , carefully to frequent the publike assemblies of thy Saints , and diligently to profite by all holy exercises there . Graunt me a religious heart to consent to the praiers of the Church , and an attentiue minde , to heare and vnderstand the good things of truth and life , that shal be deliuered to mee out of thy word . And assist me so further , that when I shal depart from thy people , I may call mine owne heart to account in the thinges I haue heard , and may confer christianlie with others , for the strengthening of our faith in our hearts , and for a glorious confession of the same with our mouthes , to the euerlasting praise of thy glorious name , and the eternall saluation of our soules , through Iesus Christ thy deare son , & our only mediator and aduocate . So be it .

A generall Morning prayer .

O Almightie God and our most mercifull father in Iesus Christ , I confesse and acknowledge that I am a miserable & a wretched sinner , and haue manifold waies most grieuously transgressed thy most godly and blessed commaundementes , through wicked thoughts , vngodly lustes , sinfull words and déedes , all my whole life .

In sinne was I conceiued and borne , and there is no goodnesse in mée , insomuch that if thou shouldest enter into thy narrow iudgment with mée , iudging mée according vnto the same , I were not able to suffer or abide it , but must needes perish , and be damned for euer . So little helpe , comfort , or sucour is there either in me , or in any other creature whatsoeuer . Only this is my confort , O heauenly father , the thou diddest not spare thy only & dearely beloued Son , but diddest giue him vp vnto the most bitter & most vile and slaunderous death of the Crosse for mee , that so hee might in his obedience pay the ransome for my sinnes , satisfie thy iudgement , still and pacifie thy wrath , reconcile mée vnto thée againe , & purchase mée thy grace and fauour , and euerlāsting life .

Wherefore through the merites of his most bitter death and passion , & through his innocent bloudshedding , I beséech thee , O heauenly Father , that thou wilt vouchsafe to bee gracious & mercifull vnto mee , to forgiue and pardon me all my sinnes , to lighten my heart with thy holy Spirit , to renew , confirme and strengthen mee with a right and stedfast faith , and to enflame mee in loue towardes thee and my neighbour for thy sake , that I may henceforth with a willing and a glad heart walke as it becommeth mee , in the obedience of thy most godly and most blessed Commandements , and so glorifie and praise thée euerlastingly , and also that I may with a frée conscience , & a quiet spirit in al manner of temptations , afflictions and necessities , and euen in the very pangs of death , boldly & faithfully say :

I beleeue in God the Father almighty , maker of heauen and earth . And in Iesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord , which was conceiued by the holy Ghost , borne of the virgin Mary . Suffered vnder Ponce Pilate . Was crucified , dead , and buried . Hée descended into hell . The third day hée rose againe from the dead . Hee ascended into Heauen , and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almightie , from thence he shal come to iudge the quicke and the dead . I beléeue in the holy Ghost . The holy Catholike Church . The communion of Saints . The forgiuenesse of sinnes . The resurrection of the bodie . And the life euerlasting . Amen .

But ( O Lord ) heauenly Father , to comfort my selfe in afflictions & temptations , with the assured féeling of these Articles of the Christian faith it is not in my power : for faith is thy gift . And therefore forasmuch as thou wilt be praied vnto , and called vpon for it , I come vnto thée to pray and beséech thée , both for that & for al my other necessities , bodily and spirituall , euen as thy dearely beloued sonne our Sauiour Christ Iesus himselfe hath taught vs , and from the very bottome of my heart , I cry and say vnto thée .

Our Father , which art in heauen , halowed be thy name .

Thy kingdome come .

Thy will bée done , in earth as it is in heauen .

Giue vs this day our dailie bread .

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

And lead vs not into temptation .

But deliuer vs from euill .

For thine is the kingdome , the power , and the glorie , for euer and euer , Amen .

vnto the lappe of thy pitie . For loe thou art my hope and trust , in whom I onely repose my selfe , hauing in thee ful confidence and faith , so that now I may say with a very faithfull heart , trusting in thy mercie : I beléeue in thee , O God the Father , in thee O God the Sonne , and in thee O God the holy Ghost , thrée persons and one true , and also verie God , besides whom I acknowledge none other God in heauen aboue , nor in earth beneath : And yet I poore sinner cannot but accuse my selfe vnto thee ( deare Father ) that I haue sore and grieuously offended thy almightie goodnesse and Maiestie , in the committing of mine exceeding grieuous and manifold sins and wickednes . For I haue not kept the least of thy most godly and blessed commaundementes , like as thy righteousnes may require & indéed doth demand the same of me , I haue not ( I say ) honoured thee like my God , dread thée like my Lord , loued thée like my father , nor trusted in thee like my creator & my sauiour . Thy holy and dreadful name , vnto which al glory & honour belongeth , haue I vsed in vaine . I haue not sanctified the Sabboth day with workes which bee acceptable to thée , nor instructed my neighbour in vertue accordingly . I haue not honored my parents , nor bin obedient vnto them , through whom ( as by an instrument ) thou hast wrought my comming into this world .

The high powers and rulers , which receiue authoritie of thee , I haue not willingly obeyed . I haue not kept my heart pure and cleane from malice and manslaughter : yea , had not thy grace and mercy defended mee the better , I should haue committed the verie deede also . I likewise am not pure from theft , nor from adulterie , nor from false witnesse bearing , but haue in my heart and mind wished and desired my nighbours goods and thinges : I haue followed the great Prince of this Worlde Sathan , which hath been a lyer from the beginning , in concupiscence of the flesh , in pride of liuing , in deceiptfulnes , in lecherie , in hatred , and also enuie , in backbiting , in despaire , and also misbeléefe . And as I haue abused my will & vnderstanding , which are faculties and powers of my soule : so my senses also , which thou hast giuen mee to vse to thy glorie , and my neighbours good , and mine own lawfull delight , I haue misused and mispent , in hearing , séeing , smelling , tasting , and feeling also , things that I should not , or else suffring them to be too violently caried to things I might haue vsed .

But in what manner soeuer that I haue offended and sinned against thy eternall Maiestie , ( for no man knoweth throughly his sinnes , as the Prophet witnesseth ) whether it hath béen by day or else by night , yea euen from my childhood vnto this day , were it in workes , wordes , or thoughts , secretly , or openly , O my mercifull God , I am sorie for it , euen from the very bottome of my heart , yea my soule mourneth for very sorowe , most mercifull Father , that I am not a thousand times more sorie than I am : howbeit , in token of great repentance , though all hearts bée knowne well enough vnto thée , I doe knocke & strike my breast , and say in bitternesse of heart and soule , Lord GOD the Father , Sonne , and holy Ghost , haue mercie . Spare mee of thine infinite mercie ( deare Lord ) now and all the daies of my life , & let me bee made partakers of thine abundant grace , in such sort that I may chaunge my sinfull life , and put thou out of mee the olde man , with al his concupisences and lustes : graunting mee grace dayly to die vnto the world , and that the world may bée crucified vnto mee and I so dayly goe forward in newnes of life . Strengthen mee O Lord , in a true humble heart , in sound loue , hope , and trust in thée : giue my soule grace to desire , in thée onely to reioyce and repose my selfe , & that I may vtterly renounce and forsake the vaine assistance of this world , so that thou mayst finde me readie to méete thée in ioy , and the right vse of al thy gifts , with the good seruant in the mid night of death which shall suddenly steale vpon me like a theefe , ere I beware . Be thou to me at that time of neede ( O Lord ) a tower of strength , a place of refuge , and a God to defend mee euery manner of way , and namely against that face of the feend , who like a roring lion will be then ready to deuoure me , & against desperation , which then wil be ready to grieue & assault me .

Let them thy comfort cleaue fast vnto mee , thy mercie kéepe mée , and thy grace guide me . Then especially recouer againe Lord God the Father , that which thy puissant might hath shapen . Fetch then againe Lord GOD the Sonne , that which thou hast so wisely gouerned , and bought with thy precious bloud . Take againe thou Lord God holy Ghost , that which thou hast kept & preserued so louingly in this region of sinne and vale of miserie , three persons and one very GOD , vnto whom be praise and honour for euer and euer . Amen ,

A Psalme wherein the sinner desireth ot bee heard of God .

HOwe long ( O Lord ) shall my mind be pressed downe with painefull sorrowes ?

How long ( O God ) wilt thou reiect my prayers which daylie I powre out before thée ? wilt thou Lord heare me at no time , or wilt thou now cease to shew mercie ?

Hast thou ( O Lord ) cast me away for euer , and wilt thou neuer hereafter bee pleased with me ?

Thy hand is not weakned but it may helpe , and thine eares are not stopped that they should refuse to heare .

I beséech thée ( O my God ) for Iesus Christes sake to regard the teares that fall : & let the sighings and inward desires of my heart , mooue & incline thée to heare mee , I haue béen a stubborne & froward childe to thée , I haue not feared thée , but haue béen euer disobedient & stubborne against thee .

I am in prison and bound in fetters of sorrow , and so shal be til thou with thy gracious presence shalt vouchsafe to visite mee , and bring me againe to libertie & ioy .

Keepe thy mercie therefore for me always , O Lord , and the couenant which thou hast made with mée , oh let it be surely performed .

Keepe mee , Lord , from sinne , and so shall I dread neither death nor hell ; and as thou hast béen alwayes mercifull to penitent sinners , so now good Lord forgiue me my sinnes .

Keepe my heart to thee , and then shall it reioyce in thy mercie , because thou hast looked on mee , and hast regarded my soule in my great distresse .

Let mee neuer hereafter goe away from thy waies , and leaue me not now in the déepenes of my troubles .

Loe now be the daies of health and grace , now is the accepted time , for in death who remembreth thee O Lord ? or in hell who shall praise thee ?

Lord beholde therefore my weaknesse and frailnesse best knowne vnto thee : and looke downe from heauen vpon the sorrow and heauines of me thy poore creature .

Mollifie my heart ( O Lord GOD ) that I may returne to thee , and walke in thy waies : for I haue wandred too long in the way of sinners .

Make a perpetuall league with me that thou wilt put thy feare into my heart , that I neuer swarue from thée againe .

O Lord my prayers be euer vnto thee , let thy anger bee turned from mee , that I may finde fauour in thy sight .

O Lord , looke thou not vpon the hardnes of my hart , but as thou art a mercifull God , so now bee mercifull vnto me , and forgiue me that wherein I haue offended thée .

A Prayer .

MOst righteous God , and merifull father in Christ , for thy great mercie sake hearken to these my humble prayers which I make before thée , and cons●der Lorde , the desires and thoughts of my hart . Let my loud cryings come vnto thée , & let mine vnfained prayers enter into thine eares . Heare me ( O Lord ) for I am destitute of thy helpe . Take care for my soule , saue me thy seruant which wholly trusteth in thee . Haue mercie O Lord , haue mercie vpon me , for I will neuer cease crying vnto thée for thy helpe and mercie . In the day time ●ll I call on thee , and in the night my crie shall not be hid from thee .

O thou God of the Heauens , and maker of all creatures , heare me a most wretched sinner , calling on thee , and take away from mee all my sinnes , and make stedfast my faith and confidence in thée , & in thy merciful promises , that I putting my trust in them , may haue , as thou hast promised , euerlasting life , thorough Christ Iesus thy Son our Lord . Amen .

A Psalme that may bee sayd . For Euening Prayer .

COnsider and heare mee ( O Lord my God ) lighten the eies of my soule , that I sléepe not in death : for if I bee cast downe , they that trouble me , wil reioyce at it .

Defend mee therefore ( O God ) from the way of the vngodly , and out of the hands of the vnrighteous and cru● man , deliuer me .

Euen in thy feare doe I worship ( O Lord ) toward thy holy temple : bee mercifull vnto me , and heare the request of my heart .

For happy are they whom thou hearest , and regardest in the needfull time of trouble .

Haue mercy vpon me ( O God ) haue merce vpon me : euen as thou hast promised to them that loue thy name .

I will call on thée , O Lord my strength , I 〈◊〉 trust in thée , O thou ground of my saluation .

Keepe thy seruant therefore ( O Lord ) from presumptuous sins , lest they get the dominion ouer mee : and so shall I be vndefiled , & innocent from the great offence .

Let I beséech thee ( O Lord ) the words of my mouth , and the meditation of my heart bee alwaies acceptable in thy sight , O Lord God my strength and my redéemer .

●●t my prayers bee set forth in thy sight as the incense , and let the lifting vp of my hands be an euening sacrifice .

O Lord graunt mee thy light , that I being deliuered from the darknesse of sinne , may come to the very light which is Christ .

Turne thee vnto mee ( O Lord ) and shew mee the light of thy countenance .

Yea Lord heare my praier also I beséech thée . And let my crie come vnto thée .

O Lord God , I beséech thée for Christ Iesus sake to lighten my darknes , both outward and inward , & of thy great goodnesse to deliuer me from all the dangers of this night either bodily or spirituall , that thou being my sauiour in watching , and my kéeper in sleeping , I may wake in Christ , and rest in peace , through thy sonne Iesu Christ , who liueth and raigneth with thee in vnitie of the holy ghost world without end . Amen .

O Lord , into thy handes I commend my spirit , for thou hast redeemed mee ( O Lord ) thou God of truth .

A prayer of a sinner to be sayd dayly before hee goeth about any worldly busines .

O My celestiall Father , be now mercifull vnto mée thy repentant sinfull seruant , fled from mine enemies to thy helpe and succour . Impute not vnto me my sinnes for Christs sake , for I haue heard thy Fatherly voyce , and yet it soundeth daylie in my eares out of heauen , promising mee , and affirming constantly thy selfe to be appeased , pleased , and at one with mee for thy Sonnes sake , whome thou commandest me to heare and beléeue , whom I am sure is made of thee , my righteousnes , my satisfaction , my reconciliation , my peace maker , my mediator & intercessor , with his praier , my fulfiller of the law , my deliuerer , & my whole holy accomplisher of all my iust desires , & my Sauior Christ Iesus , God & man , in whose name this day I attempt & take in hand all my iust doings according to my vocation , for his glory : & my neighbours profit , desiring thy gracious goodnes most merciful Lord and father for thy dearly beloued sons sake to prosperit , & to giue it happie encrease , & whatsoeuer I take in hand according to thy will , graunt me grace to finish the same . O holy father , blesse all things I take in hand , with thy blessed increase , and let mee not séeke mine owne will , but euer to pray that thy will be fulfilled in all thinges , now and for euer . So be it .

Thou maiest , if thou wilt , after this say the Lords Prayer . And so hauing commended thy selfe to almighty God , maiest fall to some honest and vertuous exercise according to thy calling : but whatsoeuer thou doest , doe it with purenes of heart , and with singlenes of eie , yea so doe it , as though God were present and looked vppon thee , as vndoubtedly he doth .

A Prayer .

HEare vs O heauenly King , Father of mercie , our life , our swéetnes , our hope : for vnto thée doe we crie euen we which are the banished children of Eua , vnto thee doe we sigh , wéeping and wayling in this vale of lamentation : come therefore our aduocate , cast vpon vs those mercifull eyes of thine , and after this our banishment , shew to vs the glorious light in thy heauenly kingdome . O mercifull , O holy , O swéete Sauiour , in all our troubles , and heauinesse , O Iesu our health and glorie , succour vs . Amen .

Another Prayer .

O Iesu Christ the Son of God , our Redéemer , which deiectedst and humbledst thy selfe from that glorious state and shape of thy Godhead , to the shape of our vile seruitude , because thou wouldest reconcile vs ( being the children of wrath and damnation ) to thy father , & so make vs the children of grace : wee beséech thée graunt vs such an excellent measure of thy grace that wee may euer followe euen thée thy selfe in all blessed obedience , and may euer finde and féele thée to be our present mediator before our father , for all ghostly giftes , whom wee acknowledge with perfect faith to be our Sauiour , which art the liuing God with the father and the holy Ghost , liuing and raigning without end . Amen .

A Prayer .

O Pitifull Lord God , alwayes shewing thy mercie vpon me a grieuous sinner , I humblie acknowledge the same , yet Lord notwithstanding I cannot but hartily pray thée to heare my prayer : though I haue bin a sinner , I am now thorough thy grace sorie therefore , and purpose by thy goodnes & assistance to take no more pleasure therein , but am glad and willing to exercise the trueth , and to forsake all vaineglorie . Wherefore therein I humbly pray thée to fortifie mée with thy grace , to withstand my secret enemie in all my temptations : and to assist mee so , that thy most holy spirit of sapience and vnderstanding , may haue continuall dwelling in mee , direct mee vnto the obedience of thy pleasure and will , that so I may at the last inherite thine eternall rest .

Another Prayer .

OMnipotent and mercifull God , Father eternall , which doest not despise sinners , bewayling with contrite heart the offences , which they haue committed against thy high Maiestie , wée pray thée by thy grace to drawe vs néere to thée and heare our prayers , and forgiue vs our offences , comfort vs in our afflictions : and forgiue Lord them that oppresse vs , and graunt that our ghostly enemie haue no power to deuour vs , as he desireth , but that we strongly withstanding his fraudes and snares to our comfort , may die in the true Catholique faith , and rest with thée eternally our Lord Iesu Christ . Amen .

Sundrie holy petitions to our Sauiour Iesus Christ .

LOrd Iesu haue mercie on mée , and forgiue mee my great offences , which I haue done in thy sight .

Grant mée grace also for the loue of thée , to despise all sinne , and worldly vanitie . Lord Iesu inable mee to withstand and to ouercome the temptation of sinne , and the malice of my Ghostly enemie , to spend my time in vertue and labour acceptable to thée .

Lord Iesu strengthen me in soule and bodie , to performe the works of godlynes and vertue , to the glory and praise of thy name , and that afterwards I may come to euerlasting ioy and felicitie .

Graunt me a stedfast purpose , mercifull Iesus , to amend my life , and recompence those yeares which I haue mispent , to the displeasure of thée , in euil thoughts , delectations , consentings , words , workes , and euill customes , and also in b●eaking thy lawes : whereby I haue deserued damnation .

And good Lord inlighten me so with thy ghostly wisedome , that I may knowe thy goodnes , & those things which are most acceptable to thée : and confirme me so with thy grace , that I may giue good examples to all men . Make me profitable that none be hurt by mee : & guide me to help those with good counsaile which haue offended thee : make me proceede from vertue to vertue , vntill I shall cléerely sée thée in thy Maiestie . Let mee not returne to any of my wonted sinnes , specially those sinnes which I haue sorrowed for , and by confession haue iustly accused my selfe of .

Let not the horrible sentence of endlesse death , nor the terrible iudgement of damnation , nor thy wrath , ire , and indignation ( mercifull Lord ) fall vpon mée . But let thy mercie and merits ( my Sauiour ) euer bée betwéene them and me .

Lord Iesu graunt mee grace to flie euill company , and when I come among them , for thy passion I beséech thée to preserue mee , that no occasion of any eyther mine owne , or their sin ouercome mée , and send mée ghostly comfort & strength by the true loue of thy worde , and power of thy spirit , shed abroad into my heart . Kéepe my mouth ( good Lord ) from slaunderous speaking , lying , false witnesse bearing , cursing , swearing , vncharitable chidinges , dissolute laughing & words of vanity , make me , blessed Lord , with child-like reuerence to remember , that thou presently hearest mee , which of al my words shalt iudge me .

Lord Iesu make me to perseuer in the blessed seruice of thée , in religious exercise , & all holie and vertuous affaires . Lord keepe my soule and bodie , make me flée sinfull delectation , and patiently to suffer iniuries and rebukes , as which my disobedient heart to thée haue deserued more than all men can inflict or lay vpon me : prouide ( good Lord ) that state of life for mee , which thou knowest shall most tend to thy honour and my eternall felicitie .

Lord Iesu graunt mee grace at all times , but specially in the time of prayer to fixe my minde on thée , & then also effectually to remember my wretchednesse , & faithfully to call for helpe of thée . Yea , good Lord , giue me grace to order my life , and the workes of my body & soule with actuall intent to please thée , that through thy merites and mercie , at the end I may obtaine the reward of thy infinite ioy , and eternall felicitie . Let the water and bloud which can from thy blessed heart , bee powerfull to wash my soule from sinne and iniquitie , and to purchase mee abundance of thy grace , faithfully to serue thée . O my Lord , my might , my life , my light , lead me , féede me , and spéede me in the pilgrimage of this mortalitie : graunt me ( O Lord ) by the merits of thy passion , and power of thy most excellent and glorious godhead , whatsoeuer thy Wisedome knoweth most expedient for me , which howsoeuer in my miserable life I am most vnworthy of , yet vouchsafe them vnto me , all the time of my pilgrimage , but specially at the houre of death ; when I shall be accused before thée , haue mercie on mee , breake my froward heart , and make it obedient to thée . Preserue me also good Lord , from sodaine and vnprouided death , and of thy owne singular grace and goodnesse , graunt mee these supplications in this prayer , which now I haue made to thée according to thy will . Yea by thine owne mediation , purchase for mee , and bestow vpon mee a holy life , and blessed ending , and grant I beséech thée , after my bodily death , euerlasting life with endlesse blisse and felicitie , thorow thy merites and bitter passion : O Lord Iesu , who with the Father and the holy Spirit , liuest and raignest euer one God , world without end .

Holy Trinitie one very God , haue mercie on me . Amen .

A deuout prayer to our Lord Iesu Christ .

O My soueraigne Lord Iesu , the very sonne of almightie God , and of the most cleane , and glorious virgin Marie , who sufferedst bitter death for my sake , and all mankind , and diddest rise againe the third day : I beseech thée Lord haue mercie vpon me , that am a wretched sinner , but yet thy creature : and for thy precious passion saue mee , and kéepe me from al perils bodily and ghostly , and specially from all things that might turne to thy displeasure . And with all my heart I thanke thee most mercifull Lord , for thy great mercies that thou hast shewed me in the great dangers that I haue béen in , as well in my soule as in my body : and that thy grace and endlesse mercie hath euer kept me , spared me , and saued me , from the houre of my birth to this present time . For these I say , and al other thy mercies , I humblie thanke thée , Lord Iesus Christ , further desiring thée that thy mercie may preserue me alway . And I crie thée mercie with all my whole heart , for my great offences , for my great vnkindnes , & for all my wretched and sinfull life , and for this in particular , that I haue not , or cannot leade my selfe as becommeth thy seruant . I thanke thée also with all my heart my most gracious Lord , for the benefites and graces that thou hast giuen mee so largely in this world afore many other of thy creatures , vpon whom ( if it had béene so thy good pleasure ) thou mightest a thousand times better haue bestowed them , than vpon me . But most gracious Lord , I wot and knowledge verily , that it commeth of thée : wherefore with all my heart I thanke thee continually crying and saying : all honour , praise , and glorie bee vnto thée O Iesu , with the Father and the holy Ghost , for euer and euer . Amen .

Another prayer for an householder .

O Lord GOD almightie , most mercifull and heauenly father , thorough Christ I fréely confesse , that thou art my life , my soule and my bodie : yea al the good which I haue and all whatsoeuer is mine , hast thou giuen vnto me , & that of thine owne singular grace and goodnes . Now sith of thee I haue receiued it , and in me there is corruption to abuse it , make vpright and order thou ( O Lord God of heauen ) all that is in my house . And teach mee and mine to handle and guide all these outward things , after thy godlie will , we being thereby more and more prouoked to loue thée , and in thée , and for thée , euery one of vs to profit another . I say vnto thée , I beléeue , Lorde helpe my vnbeléefe . And yet in this weakenes I cannot but intreate thée , not to forsake me , nor my wife , my children , nor any of my householde . Defend vs Lord from sin before thée , from shame in the world , and from sicknes in our selues , according to thy good pleasure . Send vs thy holy Angell to guide and guarde vs , that so wee may be defended in the whole course of our liues , and may be lead forth the right way , so as we may not talke , doe , or thinke any thought against thy holy commaundements and will , but thereafter to liue , worshipping thée , and praising thée for euermore , thorough Christ Iesus our Lord thy onely welbeloued Sonne . Amen .

Blessed be the Father , the Son and the holy Ghost . Let vs praise him and exalt him world without end . Amen .

An other Prayer .

ALmightie GOD our heauenly Father in Iesus Christ : wée vnfeinedly confesse before thée that thy mercie and goodnes towards vs is infinite , and without measure .

It is thy mercie and no goodnes that is in vs or of vs which mooued thée to send into the worlde thine onely begotten and eternall Sonne , to take our nature vpon him , and therein to worke the mysterie of our redemption and saluation , as thou hadst appointed , and spoken before by the mouthes of all thy Prophets which were from the beginning . And likewise it was thy blessed will , thy mercie and goodnes towardes vs , that thy heauenly Sonne did suffer persecution , trouble , and aduersitie , was betraied of his owne friend and disciple Iudas , traiterously taken & caried awaie , to bée falsly accused , and vniustly condemned , to bee cruelly beaten & scourged , and finally , with most scornefull rebukes , to be put to the most painfull & shamefull death that could bée deuised . All this ( O heauenly Father ) was doone through thy mercy and blessed will for our sakes , & that not only to answere and satisfie thy iust wrath and anger which we had deserued , and dayly doe deserue , both for the offences of our first parents , & our actuall transgressing of thy holy commandements , but also to restore vs againe to thy grace and fauour , to indue vs with thy heauenly gifts , that wée might serue thée in holynes and righteousnes all the dayes of our life : And finally to make vs by the benefite of thy dearely beloued Sonnes passion , and also through the price of his most precious bloud , partners with him of his infinite , and vnspeakeable glory and blisse in heauen . Wherefore , O heauenly Father , wee béeséech thée powre vppon vs thy holy spirit and make vs in our hearts clearely to sée , comfortably to féele , and most stedfastly to beléeue this thine infinit gracious goodnes , shewed and giuen vnto vs in thine owne sonne our Sauiour Iesus Christ : and with this beliefe make vs to put all our confidence and hope of saluation in him alone , whom thou hast appointed to bee our onely redéemer and Sauiour . Make vs alway readie and able to render vnto thée most humble and heartie thankes , for this thine incomprehensible mercy and goodnes towardes vs : finally , so to make vs professe the death of thy dearely beloued Son , that wee renounce and forsake all sinne , yea , that wée may alwaies féele it in our selues , and plainely shew it forth to others , that wee arise with him in newnes of life , in righteousnes , innocencie , and all true holines , & after this life may raigne with him in euerlasting glorie : heare vs O heauenly Father , for our Lord Iesus Christes sake . Amen .

ALmightie God our heauenly Father , wée beséech thy gracious goodnes now and at all times so to assist vs , that like as thy onely begotten , and dearely beloued sonne our Sauiour Iesus Christ , according to his blessed will , suffered death willingly , and bitter passion for our redemption , and saluation , hauing thereof foresight , & perfect knowledge : so in like maner when it shall please thée so lay any crosse , and afflictions vpon our backs , that we may both willinglie vndergoe it , & patiently beare it , & powerfully ouercome it , to thy euerlasting glorie , other mens spirituall benefit , and our owne endlesse saluation through Christ . Heare vs herein , O heauenvly father , for our Lord Iesus Christs sake . Amen .

O Our Sauiour and redéemer Iesus Christ , which in thy last Supper with the Apostles , didst giue thy blessed bodie & blood vnder the visible elements of bread and wine , graunt vs grace wee beséech thée , euer stedfastly to beléeue , and sincerely to acknowledge in this most blessed Sacrament not onely thine infinite and Almightie power , but also thine incomprehensible loue towards vs , yea assist so , that when we come to the participation of these blessed mysteries we may alway worthily receiue the same , according to thy holy ordinances in such sort , as that thereby we may alwaies obtaine strength of faith in the truth of thy promises , & encrease of holines by the vniting of the spirit with thee our head , and by thee and thy spirite , with all the company of them that bee truely thine , which bee thy spirituall and mysticall bodie , and our spirituall , and Christian brethren .

Herein heare vs O Christ our Sauiour for thy names sake . Amen .

ALmighty GOD and our most louing Father in Christ , whose holy Apostle Peter presuming of his owne power & strength did miserably fall not onely in the deniall of his maister Christ , for feare of an handmaide , but also in sorswearing , and cursing himselfe , if euer he knew him : grant vs grace we beseech thee mercicifull Father , that we neuer presume of our own might & power , but that being in our own harts humble & lowly , and acknowledging our infirmitie , frailtie , and weakenes , we may euer in all our affaires , receiue at thy hand outward & inward strenght & confort also , and may thereby bée inabled vnto the acceptable performance of thy holy and blessed will . Heare vs O heauenly Father , for our Lorde Iesus Christs sake . Amen .

O Our blessed Sauiour Iesus Christ , which in that great heauines of thy soule & intolerable anguish , which thou sustainedst before thy passion , diddest fall down vpon thy face in praier vnto thy heauenly Father , giue vs grace also , & the aide of thy holy spirite , that wee likewise in all heauinesse of minde , and troubles of this world , may run euermore by most humble and constant prayer , vnto the onely ayd , strength and comfort of thée our heauenly father , heare vs our Sauiour Christ , for thy names sake . Amen .

ALmighty God eternal father , we doe remember that in the condemnation of thy onely and dearely beloued innocent Lambe , our Sauiour Iesus Christ , the Iudge did sitte , witnesse was brought , Christ himselfe was presented and condemned , and all truth there was troden vnder foote , all vnrighteousnes did raigne , and innocencie comdemned . In consideration whereof we cannot but intreat thée , O most gracious Lord and Father , to graunt vnto our heads and rulers such a notable measure of grace and assistance euen from thine owne selfe , that they may euer in all their iudgements , iudge according to true iustice and equitie , without corruption , partialitie , and wicked dissimulation , and that to the beating down of wickednes and sinne , and to the maintenance of thine euerlasting truth , iustice , honour and glorie . Heare vs our heauenly Father , for our Lord Iesus Christs sake . Amen .

A prayer for trust in God .

O Most gracious & most wise guide , and our almightie Sauiour Iesus Christ , who doest lead them the right way to immortall blessednes , which truly and vnfainedly trusting in thee , commit themselues to thée , grant vs grace we pray thée , not only to sée this , that we be blinde and féeble indeede , but also that we may so take and repute our selues : that so wee may not presume of our selues , to sée to our selues , but may alwaies wholie commit our selues vnto thee , to bee guyded by thee , and from thee may bee inabled so far to sée , that alway wee may haue thée before our eies , to follow thee being our guide , to be ready at thy call most obediently , and to commit our selues wholy vnto thée , that thou which onely knowest the way , and art alone the way indéed mayest lead vs the same way to all heauenly desires . To thée with the Father and the holy Ghost , be glory for euer . Amen .

A prayer of any captiue , according to the forme of Dauid , when he was hid in the caue .

WIth my voyce I crie to thée , afore thée I open my lamentations , in thy bosome I disclose the secret words of my heart , my dolours and griefs I shew vnto thee , my heart is almost like to brust , so great is my discomfiture . Thou knowest all my fashions ( O Lord ) and thou séest well enough how the vngodly haue laid their snares for me .

Loe , I cast mine eyes on this side & that side , as well on my friends as kinsfolkes : but all is in vaine , none of them all helpeth me . And againe , I cannot run away , I am so laden and ouercharged with yrons . O Lord my maker , and father , vnto thée I crie , thou art mine onely shot-anker , defence & helpe . Thou art my portion & heritage in all countries , yea , I haue none other possession but thée onely . To thee therefore I sticke altogether , knowing certainly that nothing can goe amisse with mee , when I am vnder the shadowe of thy wings , and thou guidest me . Consider then my lamentable complaint , behold howe I am lowe brought by the cruell pursuers , which bee much more of power than I am , defend me , deliuer me from all this prison , & horrible feare of sinne & death , that I may set out thy name . This once obtained , the godly folke shall flocke about me , and shall not stint to giue thee thankes , when they sée that thou riddest me forth of these dangers to the high praise of thy name .

Lord bee mercifull vnto vs , take part with vs , then we shall for euer lift vp and magnify thy glorious name Amen .

A prayer for patience in trouble .

HOw hast thou O Lord humbled and plucked me downe ? I dare now vnneath make my prayers vnto thée , for thou art angrie with me , but not without my deseruing . Certainely I haue sinned , Lord I will confes it , I wil not deny it . But O god pardon my trespasses , relese my debts , make me to féele again , and the effectually & continually also thy grace within me , stop my wounds for I am all to plagued and beaten , yet Lord this notwithstanding , I do abide patiently , and giue my attendance on thée , continually waiting for helpe at thy hands , & that , not without som knowledge & beléefe of thy truth , for I haue receiued a token of thy fauour and grace towardes mée , I meane thy word of promise concerning Christ , who for me was offered on the Crosse , for a ransome , sacrifice , and price for my sins . Wherfore according to that thy promise , defend mee Lord by thy right hand , and giue a gracious eare to my requestes , bee thou my stay in perils , for all mens stayes are but vaine . Beate downe therefore my enemies , thine own selfe with thy power , which art mine onely ayd and protector , O Lord God almighty . Amen .

The humble confession of Iob in his most grieuous aduersitie , and losse of goods , children and all . Iob. 1.

NAked I came out of my Mothers wombe , and naked shall I returne againe : the Lord gaue , and the Lord hath taken away , as it hath pleased the Lord , so is it done : now blessed be the name of the Lord . Amen .

In great trouble of conscience . Psal. 143.

LOrd heare my prayer , receiue my supplication , hearken to my plaint for thy righteousnes .

Trie not the law with thy seruants , for truly then shal no liuing man be found vnguiltie , yea , not one of the saints should escape quit at the bar , vnlesse thou graunt him thy gracious pardon , in so much as the very starres be not pure and faulties before thée , in the Angels thou foundedst sin . O Lord mine enemies grieuously hunt my soule , they beate & driue it downe , they thrust it into darke dungeons , where fellons ( conuict and condemned to death ) were wont to be kept , my spirit is sorowfull , my heart is heauy & sad within my breast , to thée I hold vp my hands , requiring thee of mercie . For like as the dry ground longeth for a shower of raine , so my soule thinketh long til it hath thy help and succour , heare mee therefore spéedily : if thou do not , I am in despaire , my spirit is all weary of this bondage . I haue bidden my life fare well . Wherefore ( O God ) hyde not thy face that I bee not likened to those that be hurled into the pit of damnation : after this night of miserie ouerpassed , let the pleasant morning of comfort graciously shine vppon mee , that betimes I may heare and féele thy goodnes , for in thée is al my trust : point me the way that I shall walke in , for if thou bee not my guide , I must néedes wander and stray out of the way .

To thée ( Lord ) I lift vp my soule , and that with all mine heart . I beséech thée take mee foorth of mine enemies handes .

Thou onely art my succour and sauegard , teach me to worke whatsoeuer shall be thy pleasure , for thou art my God , let thy good spirite conduct mée into the land of the liuing , raise vp my spirite within mee : for thy names sake bring me foorth of all these troubles , for thy righteousnes deliuer mee : destroy mine enemies as thou art gracious & fauourable towards me .

Those that wil worke me any sorrow or griefe , pluck foorth of the way , for I am thy seruant , for thy sake suffer I al this hurly burly . As thou art God almighty and most mercifull , so helpe thou me , thy vnworthy seruant , who stand in neede of al supportation from thee .

A prayer in aduersity .

O Lord God , without whose will and pleasure , a sparrow doth not fall on the ground , seeing it is thy wil and blessed ordinance that I should be in this miserie and aduersitie , seeing also thou dost punish mee with aduersitie , not to destroy and cast me away , but to call me to repentance and saue me : for whom thou dost loue , him dost thou chasten . Furthermore , séeing affliction & aduersitie worketh patience , & who so patiently heareth tribulation , is made like vnto our Sauiour Christ our head . Finally , séeing that in all trubulation and aduersitie , wee are in assurance of comfort at thy gracious hands , for thou commandest mee to call vpon thée in the time of tribulation hast promised to heare and succour me : graunt me therfore ( O almighty God ) and mercifull father , in al trouble and aduersitie generally , and euen in this particularlie to bee quiet without discouragement , and patient without distrustfulnes , that so I may haue grace to praise and magnifie thée and to put my whole trust and confidence in thee : because thou neuer forsakest them that trust in thee-but workest all for the best to them that loue thee , and seeke the glorie of thy name . To thee be glorie for euer . Amen .

A thanksgiuing , and prayer also to be vsed , in the time of prosperitie .

I Giue thankes vnto thee ( O God almighty ) which not onely hast endued mee , with the giftes of nature , as reason , power and strength , but also hast plenteously giuen me the substance of this worlde . I acknowledge ( O Lord ) that these are thy giftes , and confesse with the holy Apostle Saint Iames that there is no perfect nor good gift but it commeth from thee ( O Father of light ) which giuest freely , and castest no man in the téeth : yea I further in particular acknowledge with the Prophet Aggeus , that gold and siluer is thine , and to whom it pleaseth thee thou giuest it , to the godly , that they may be thy disposers & distributers thereof , and to the vngodly to heape vp their damnation withall . Wherefore sith I feele in mine owne heart an inclination , to abuse these as other good things , I cannot but humblie beseech and desire thée most mercifull God , and louing father to frame in mee with thy holy spirite a faithfull heart , and ready hand to distribute these thy gifts according to thy pleasure , that so I may not lay vp treasure here , where théeues may rob , and moathes corrupt , but may lay vp treasure in thy heauenly kingdome , where neither théeues may steale , nor moathes corrupt , and that onely to mine owne comfort , whom of thy mercie thou hast promised to rewarde , therefore neither yet alone to the good example of the humble and meeke of thy congregation , but also to the glorie of thy name , to whom bee all honor and praise world without ende . Amen .

The prayer of Manasses King of Iuda .

O Lord almightie , God of our fathers Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , and of the iust seede of them : which hast made heauen and earth , with all the ornaments thereof , which ●ast ordained the sea by the word of thy commaundement , which hast shut vppe the déepe , and hast sealed it for thy fearefull and laudable name dreaded of all men , and honorable before the face of thy power , the firie anger of thy threatning is aboue all measure heauie to sinners , but the mercie of thy promise is great and vnsearchable , for thou art the Lord God most high aboue all the earth , long suffering , and excéeding mercifull , and sorie for the malice of men , I haue prouoked thine anger , and haue done euill before thee , in committing abominations , and multiplying of offences . And now I bowe the knées of my heart , requiring goodnes of thee : O Lord I haue sinned , Lord , I haue sinned , and knowe my wickednesse , I desire thee by prayer , O Lord , forgiue mee , O Lord , forgiue me , and destroy me not with mine iniquities , neither doe thou alwayes remember my euils , to punish them : but saue me ( which am vnworthie ) after thy great mercie , and I wil praise thee euerlastingly , all the dayes of my life : for all the power of heauen prayseth thée , and vnto thée belongeth all glorie , world without ende . Amen .

A prayer of Ieremy . Iere. 17.

HEale me ( O Lord ) and I shall be whole , saue thou me , and I shall bee saued : for thou art my praise . Be not thou terrible vnto me ( O Lord ) for thou art he in whom I hope . When I am in perill , let my persecutors be confounded , but not me . Thou shalt bring vpon them the time of their plague , and shalt destroy them right soone . Amen .

A prayer of Ephraim or Israel in the Prophet Ieremie . Ierem. 31.

O Lord , thou hast chastened me , and thy chastening haue I receiued as an vntamed calfe , conuert thou me , and I shall be conuerted , for thou art my Lord God : for as soone as thou diddest turne me , I repented my selfe : and when I vnderstood , I smote vpon my thigh , I confessed and was ashamed , because I suffered the reproach of my youth .

The prayer of Iesus the sonne of Sirach , in necessitie , and for wisedome . Eccles. the last chap.

I Thanke thee ( O Lorde and King ) and praise thée O God my Sauiour , I will yéeld praises vnto thy name . Thou hast deliuered my body from destruction , for thou art my defender and helper , from the snare of the false tongue , and from them that are occupied in lyes . Thou hast béene my helper from such as rose against me , and hast deliuered me according to thy great mercie , and thy holy names sake : thou hast deliuered mee from the roaring of them that prepared themselues to deuoure me , out of the hands of such as sought after my life , from the multitude of them that trouble me , and went about to set fire vpon me on euerie side , so that I was not brent in the middest of the fire . From the déepe of hell thou deliueredst mee , from the vncleane tongue , from lying words , from the wicked iudge , and from the vnrighteous tongue . My soule shall praise the Lord vnto the death , for my life drew neere vnto hel downeward , they compassed mee round about on euery side , and there was no man to helpe mee : I looked about mee if there were any man that would succour mee , and there was none . Then thought I vpon thy mercie ( O Lord ) and vpon the acts that thou hast done of olde , namely , that thou deliuerest such as put their trust in thée , and riddest them out of the handes of the false Paynimes . Thus lifted I vp my prayer from the earth , and prayed for deliuerance from death , I called vpon the Lord my Father , that hée would not leaue mee without help in the day of my trouble , and in the time of the proude , I will praise thy name continually , yéelding honour and thankes vnto it , and so my prayer was heard . Thou sauedst me from destruction and deliueredst me from the vnrighteous time . Therefore will I acknowledge and praise thee , and magnifie the name of the Lord .

When I was but young ere euer I went astray , I desired wisedome openly in prayer . I came therefore before the temple and sought it very busily , and I will séeke for it to my last houre . Then will it flourish vnto me as a grape that is soone ripe . My heart reioyced in it , then went my feate the right way : yea , from my youth vp , sought I after it , I bowed downe mine eare a little and receiued it : I found in myselfe much wisdome , and prospered greatly in it .

Therefore will I giue the glorie vnto him that giueth me wisedome , for I am aduised to doe thereafter . I will be iealous to cleaue vnto that that is good , so shal I not be confounded . My soule hath wrestled with it , I lifted vp my hands on high , then was my soule lightened through wisedome , that I acknowledged my foolishnes : I ordered my soule after it , I found her in cleanenesse , I had my heart in it from the beginning , and therefore shall not I be forsaken . My hart longeth after it , and therefore I got a good treasure . Through it the Lord hath giuen mee a new tongue , werewith I will praise him : Oh come vnto me yee vnlearned , and dwell in the house of discipline , withdraw not your selues from it , but commune on these things , for your soules are very thirstie . I opened my mouth and spake , O come and buy wisdome without money , and bowe downe your necke vnder her yoke , and let your soule receiue discipline , it is euen at hand , and readie to be found . Behold with your eyes , how I haue had but little labour , and yet haue much rest . Oh receiue wisedome , and you shall receiue plentie of siluer and golde in your possession : let your minde reioyce in her mercie , and be not ashamed of her praise , worke your worke betimes , and shee shall giue you your reward in due time .

A prayer to our Lord Iesus Christ .

MOst mercifull Lorde Iesus Christ , which wast sent from the most highest tower of the father almightie , into this world to relieue sinners , to gather together them that were scattered abroade , to redeeme them which were punished , to loose them that were in prison , to their countrie againe , to heale them that were sore , to comfort them that were wayling and sorrowful . Vouchsafe I beseech thée of thy singular goodnes to comfort mee in the punishment that I am in . And thou Lord Iesu Christ , that diddest restore mankind in peace and concord , to the high inheritance of Paradize , whom thou boughtest with thy precious bloud , and diddest make peace betwéene God & men , vouchsafe to assure euen thy singular mercie towards me , & cause me to féele reconciliation betwéene me and mine enemies , and vouchsafe to shew thy glorie vpon mee , and to quench the anger of them al , and put away from me their hatred , and cease the malice that they beare against mee , and as thou diddest not onelie allaie Esau his malice against his brother Iacob , but also diddest deliuer Iacob from the same : so asswage the rage of my enemies , and deliuer me with thine almightie power , from them that owe mee malice , and from their laying await and desires , as thou diddest deliuer Abraham from the hands of the Chaldées , and Ioseph from the hands of his brethren : Lot , from the citie of Sodome : thy seruants Moses and Aaron , from the power of Pharao , and from the bondage of Egypt : King Dauid from the power of Saul , and Goliah the Giant : Daniel from the den of lions : the thrée children from the fornace of flaming fire : Peter from hands . Euen so vouchsafe to deliuer me thy seruant from all troubles and anguishes , in which presently I am : yea deliuer mee from all my sinnes , which haue pulled downe vpon mee all these myseries , and frée me from the laying awaite , and from the desires of all mine enemies vsible , and inuisible . And thou Lord Iesus Christ of thy singular goodnes , diddest saue that which the olde serpent did hurt , and destroy by suggestions and wicked councell vouchsafe mee such a notable measure of thy grace and defence that I may auoyde from the diuellish counsell which mine enemies haue done & would doe against mee : and frustrate and auoyde all their euill counsailes , as thou diddest ouerthrowe the counsels of Achitophell , which gaue counsell to Absolon against his father Dauid : Amen .

A fruitfull meditation not to bee sayde with the mouth lightlie , but to be cried with heart , and minde , oft and mightilie .

O Most excellent goodnes , withdrawe not thou thy mercie from mee , O most mightie maker , despise not me , which am the work that thine own hands haue made . O most prudent redéemer , suffer not to perish that which thou hast bought with so deare a price O most holy and heauenly host and guest , both purifie , saue , dresse , and keepe thy house , and dwelling place , the which thou hast sanctified and dedicated to thy selfe , by thy word and spirit .

When shall I loue thee ? when shall I bee sorie and contrite for my sins ? when shall I turne to thee by grace ? when shall I remember thy benefits , thy méeknes , thy pouertie , and thy painfull and bitter passion , thy patience , thy obedience , thy loue and thy charitie ? when shall I sanctifie , worship , magnifie , and loue thée ? If thou be most dreadful , where is my dread O Iesus Christ ? If thou bee a most louing father , where is my loue ? If thou be my Lord , and redeemer , where is my seruice ? If thou be mine host , and dwel in my soule by thy grace and mercie , where is my holines and cleannesse , according to such an host ? Now therefore good Lord Iesus Christ , drawe my hart after thée , with the sound loue and féeling of thy sufferings , moysten my mind with thy most precious bloud , that whithersoeuer I turne me , I may behold about me and féele within me the merites of thy death , that thus beholding thée , I may not with delight fixe my sight in any thing but only in thée , which liuest and raignest God , world without end . Amen .

A godly and deuout prayer .

GRaunt mee mercifull Lorde God to desire feruently , to search wisely , to knowe truly , to performe effectually all things that thou hast giuen mee in charge , by thy holy word : and giue mee grace to doe them simply and onely , for the glorie and lawde of thy holy name , good Lord direct and order the state and maner of my liuing . And all things thou wouldest I should doe , grant ( I beséech thée ) that I may know it , will it , and haue power to doe it , and giue me grace to execute it , as I should doe and as it is expedient for thy glorie , and the comfort of my soule . My way towards thee , let it be faire , right , and well performed , not fayling , nor wauering betwixt prosperitie , and aduersitie , but guide me so good Lord that in prosperitie I may continually and vnfainedly giue thée thankes , and may bee inabled by thée to hold patience in aduersitie ; in all estates so carrying my selfe that I bee not exalted in any pride , when prosperitie aboundeth , neither in the dayes of danger and distresse be depressed by any deiection or heauines of minde aboue that is meete . Let mee inwardly ioy in nothing but in that , that serueth and promoteth vnto thée : neither suffer me to be sorie for any thing but that , that leadeth and withdraweth from thée : let me couet to please no man but in thée , nor feare to displease any for thy sake , but onely thée : let all transitorie things be vile vnto me , good Lord , for thy sake , and all things that belong to thee , let them bee daintie and deare vnto mee , and thou good Lord God most deare of all other . Let mee bee wearie of that ioy that is without thee , and al rest and quiet that is not in thee , let it bee tedious and painfull vnto me : grant me most to addresse and direct my hart to thée , and when I doe amisse , giue me grace to know and consider it , yea worke in mee for it a godly sorrowe with a full purpose and intent of amendment of life . Make me now sweet Lord Iesu , méeke without any fayning , glad and chéerfull without dissolutenes , sorrie without excessiue heauines or distrust , sad and sober without hypocrisie , quiet , and merry without lightnes , trusting in thée without presumption readie alwayes to tell my neighbour his fault without neglect of mine owne , and without dissimulation and feare , as in regard of him , labouring alwayes in charitie to edifie him in word and deede .

Make me obedient without contradiction , patient without murmuring , content with mine owne without couetousnesse . Giue me ( most louing Father and God ) a waking , and a diligent heart , that no vaine or vncleane cogitation withwrawe it from thée : giue me a noble heart that no vnworthie affection plucke it downewardes to earthly things , giue me a firme and constant heart alwayes labouring to breake , or ouercome euill : giue mee a frée heart , yea , a heart of such libertie , that no wicked thought , or euill thing , hold it at any time in bondage or slauerie . Grant to me my sweet Lord God , vnderstanding , that I may know thée , diligence , that I may séeke thée , wisdome that I may find thée , conuersation , that I may please thée , long perseuerance , that trustily I may abide for thée , and sure hope , that finally I may embrace thée . Grant that I be not here so afflicted with paines , and torments in the way of this life , that I should any maner of way be drawen from thee : but so Lord let mee haue the vse of thy benefits here by grace , that also I may haue fruition of thy ioyes and rewards in thy heauenly kingdome & euerlasting glorie , thorow Iesus Christ . Amen .

A godly prayer to desire the life to come .

THis my body is the verie darke and filthie prison of my soule , this world is an exile and a banishment , this life is care and miserie . But where thou art O Lord , there is the very countrey and kingdome of libertie and euerlasting blessednesse : stirre our mindes therefore continually to remember so great felicitie : powre into our hearts a desire of such precious things , and of all things most to bee desired . Giue quicknes vnto our minde , and grant that euen in this life wee may haue a good taste of euerlasting ioyes , whereby these things of the world may séeme filthie and be loathsome vnto vs . And howsoeuer we doe now too earnestly and too gréedily séeke for them , yea account them as if it were our strong rocke , yet giue vs grace in respect of thée and eternall blessednes to refuse and despise these bitter and filthie things , and most feruently to desire the swéetnes of thy familiaritie , in the which all goodnesse is contained . To thée be honour and glorie for euer . Amen .

A thankes giuing , and also an intercession and prayer vnto our Sauiour Iesus Christ .

O Most mercifull Iesu , my swéet sauiour , and most gratious Lord God , I thanke thee hartily for that thou hast created and made me of nought , & for thy manifold benefits and graces that thou hast giuen vnto me here in this world before many other , not onely preseruing me from vile and loathsome sicknesse , from shame , and many grieuous daungers besides , but also giuing to me most vnworthie , many great and irrecompensible , yea and incomprehensible gifts also . All which gifts , most swéete Iesus , I know full well , and méekely acknowledge to come of thy goodnes only , and nothing of my deseruing , nay , indeede without yea contrarie to my deserts . Wherefore most mightie Lord God my creator , my redéemer , and most mercifull Sauiour Iesus Christ , which when wee were lost , boughtest and redéemedst vs againe with thy owne most precious bloud , haue mercie on mee most vnworthie wretch , which haue committed , and done many great sinnes and trespasses against thy mercifull goodnesse , and haue mispent thy giftes of grace , that thou so louingly and bountifully diddest giue to me , and I for my part haue so vnkindly behaued my selfe to thée , that surely I am much vnworthie to bee called thy sonne : yet most benigne Iesu , thou art so bountifull of thy mercy and pittie , that notwithstanding mine vnkindnes towards thee , yet thou wilt still haue mercie , and during my life , wilt also I hope assist me to put all my whole trust and confidence in thy mercy . O Lord thou commandest ( I wot ) to cry and call vpon thee , that thou thereby mightest haue occasion to giue vnto vs thy most gracious gifts . Wherefore most glorious Iesu , which forsakest no sinner , but gladly receiuest to thy mercie all them that will méekely call for it : giue me euer grace in earnestnes and feruencie of heart to call vpon thee for thy goodnesse . And assist me so , that I may continually dread thee , loue thee , and serue thee with all my heart and minde , with all my will and reason , with all my might , power , and strength of body and soule , and graunt mee grace good Lord , that of all my acts and deedes done to thy will and pleasure , I may render all the honor and praise vnto thee , as to whom alone of verie dutie it belongeth : And further I beséech thee ( gracious Lord ) of thine infinit mercie , that all my mispent life in times past may bee forgotten before thee , which I cannot but confesse that I haue consumed and spent very euill , and yet I pray thee pardon and passe by it for Iesus Christ sake , assisting me to walke in better courses euer hereafter : yea worke in me the gift of good perseuerance in vertuous liuing , that I may now from henceforth order my life here in this world to thy pleasure . Also ( my swéete Sauiour ) graunt me not onely time and space heere to repent , before I depart out of this world , but also that I may truly repent , and that so , I may be assured that I am thy seruant to the comfort and saluation of my sinfull soule . And ( most mercifull Iesu ) I humbly pray thee to preserue mee from sodaine death , and so to stand by me , at my departing , out of this transitorie world , that I may not onely haue a stayed memorie and fruitfull vtterance , but also may bee indued with stedfast faith , very true hope , and feruent charitie : and most swéete Lord Iesu Christ , giue me now whilest I liue , thy mercifull ayde , and grace to pursue and followe alwayes thy will and commandements , and so to eschew mine owne fraile will and wicked desires , and the diuels false inticements , that in thy sight I may appeare and be found to be ( as I am named ) thy sonne , and a true Christian man , and after this present life I may come to the sight of thy most glorious face in heauen . Amen .

We worship thée Christ , with praise and benediction , for thou redéemest the world through thy passion .

Another Prayer vnto our Sauiour Iesus Christ .

O Maker of heauen and earth , King of Kings , and Lord of Lords , which of nothing in comparison diddest make mee to thy image and likenes , and diddest redéeme me with thine owne precious blood , whom I a sinner , am not worthie to name , neither call vpon , neither with my heart to thinke vpon : humbly I desire thée , and méekly I pray thée , that graciously thou wouldest behold mee thy wicked seruant , and haue mercie on me , which haddest mercie on the woman of Canaan , and Mary Magdalen , which diddest forgiue the Publicane , and the théefe hanging on the Crosse , vnto thee I confesse ( most holy father ) my sins , which ( if I would ) I cannot hide from thee , because all things are naked before thee , with whom I haue to deale : haue mercie therfore on mee , Lord Iesu Christ , for I a wretch haue sore offended thee , in pride , in couetousnes , in gluttonie , in lecherie , in vaine glorie in hatred , in enuie , in adulterie , in theft , in lying , inbackbiting , in sporting , in dissolute and wanton laughing , in idle words , in hearing , in tasting , in touching , in thinking , in sléeping , in working , yea euery manner of way , in which I ( fraile man and most wretched sinner ) might sin . My default , my most grieuous default , I vnfainedly confesse before thee , and doe humbly pray and beseech thee , which for my health descendedst from heauen , to haue mercie vpon me miserable wretch that I am . And as thou diddest forgiue Peter that did for sake thee . So vouchsafe graciously to pardon and passe by my grieuous iniquities . Thou art my creator and my helper , my maker , my redéemer and gouernour , my father , my Lord , my God , and my King . Thou art my hope , my trust , my gouernour , my helpe , my strength , my defence , my redemption , my life , my health , and my resurrection , thou art my stedfastnes , my refuge or succour , my light and my helpe . Therefore I most humbly and hertily desire and pray thée helpe me , defend mee , make me strong and comfort me , make mee stedfast , make me ioyful and cheareful , giue me light and visite me , reuiue me againe which am dead : for I am thy making and thy worke ( O Lord ) therefore despise me not , I am thy seruant I confesse it and thy bondman : although euil , although vnworthy and a sinner . But whatsoeuer I am , whether I be good or bad , I am euer thine . Therfore to whom shal I flée except I flée vnto thée . If thou cast me off , who shal or will receiue me ? If thou despise mee , & turne thy face from me , who shall looke vpon me ? therefore recognise and knowledge mee , for thine owne , although vnworthie , comming to thée , yea although I be vile and vncleane ? For though I be vile & vncleane , yet thou canst make me cleane . Though I bee sicke , thou canst heale me . Though I bee dead and buried , thou canst reuiue mee . For thy mercie is much more then mine iniquitie . Thou canst forgiue me more then I can offend . Therefore ( O Lord ) do not consider nor haue respect to the number of my sins and to the grieuousnes therof , but according to the greatnes of thy mercie , forgiue mee , and haue mercie on me most wretched sinner . Say vnto my soule , I am thy saluation , and the rather speak this again because thou hast said and alwayes performed it , I will not the death of a sinner , but rather that hee liue and bee conuerted , and turne to me . O Lord , be not angrie with me , I pray thée most meeke father , for thy great mercie sake : yea I most humbly beseech thée , that thou wouldest for Christ Iesus sake vouchsafe to bring me to blisse that neuer shall cease . Amen .

Another Prayer .

O Bountifull Iesu , O sweete Iesu , O Iesu , the sonne of the pure Virgin Mary , full of mercie and truth , after thy great mercy haue pittie on mee . I pray thée by the same precious bloud , which for vs miserable sinners thou wast content to shed on the altar of the crosse , that thou wilt vouchsafe cleane to remoue and take away all my wickednes , and not to despise mee , I humbly requiring this , and that in , and for thy most holy and blessed name , O Lord Iesus . This name of thine , Iesus , is the name of health : what is Iesus , but a Sauiour ? O my Sauiour Iesus Christ that hast created and redéemed me with thy precious bloud , suffer me not to be damned , whom thou hast made of naught , and whom thou hast redéemed with a most precious ransome . Oh let not my wickednesse destroy , that thy almightie goodnes hath made and formed . Lord Iesu reknowledge , that which is thine indéed , and wipe cleane away that which withdraweth or withholdeth me from thée . Now and in all time of mercie haue mercie one mee and confound not me in the time of thy terrible iudgement . And though I wretched sinner for my most grieuous offences , haue by thy very iustice deserued eternall paine , yet I doe appeale from that exact righteousnesse of thine , to thy singular goodnesse , and stedfastly trust in thine vnspeakeable mercie : wherefore I pray thée , as a louing father and mercifull Lord to take pittie on me . Lord Iesu , what profit is my bloud , séeing I must descend into eternall corruption eternally ? They that bee dead shall not magnifie thee , nor likewise all they that go to hell . O most mercifull Iesu , haue mercie on me therefore , and deliuer me , yea , be alwayes comfortable vnto me and accept me a wretched sinner into the number of them that shall be saued . And sith thou art the health of all them that trust in thee , and thou hast giuen grace in some measure to beléeue , haue mercie on me : endue me with thy grace , wisedome , charitie , chastitie , and humilitie : yea and in all mine aduersities vphold me with stedfast patience , so that I may sincerely loue thee , and in thée waite and looke to be glorified , and haue mine onely delight in thee , world without end . Amen .

Another Prayer .

O Glorious King , which among thy Saints art praised , and neuerthelesse incomparable , thou art in vs Lord , and thy name hath béene called vpon by vs . Therefore doe not forsake vs Lord God , and in the day of iudgement vouchsafe to glorifie vs among thy saints and elect . O blessed King . Amen .

If thou be sicke , or in tribulation , say thus .

LOrd God which doest punish and scourge thy people , not after their deseruing , neither yet to destroy them , but to conuert them mercifully to thée : and yet notwithstanding knowest , that thorough our frailties , wee are readie in the middest of thy corrections to fall away , graunt vs we pray thée , and that for Iesus Christs sake , the strength and comfort of thy blessed spirit , that to the glorie of thy name , other mens good , and our owne consolation , wee may both patiently beare , and graciously profit by , and at the last bee mightily deliuered from this maladie , which worthily wee doe suffer , as the chastisement of our sinne , and the time of faith . Amen .

A very godly and necessarie prayer to bee sayde most specially at the houre of death .

O LORD Iesu Christ , which art the health of all men liuing , and euerlasting life to them that beléeue in thée , and dye in thy faith , I wretched sinner giue ouer and submit my selfe wholy vnto thy most blessed will , I being sure by the promises of thy worde , and the pledge of thy spirit , that the thinge cannot perish which is committed to thy mercie . In full perswasion whereof , O Lord giue me grace , that willingly I may leaue this fraile and wretched flesh , in hope of the resurrection , which in most perfect manner shall restore it mee againe . And further I beséech thée most mercifull Lord , that thou wilt by thy grace make strong my soule against all temptations . And that thou wilt so couer and defend mée with the buckler of mercie against all assaultes of the Diuel , that he may not any manner of way preuaile vpon me . I see and acknowledge , there is in my selfe no hope of saluation , but all my confidence , hope and trust is in thy most mercifull goodnes , I haue no merites nor good workes at all which I may any manner of way alleadge before thée : sinnes and euill workes , alas I sée a great , yea an innumerable and infinite heape : notwithstanding through thy mercie I trust to be in the number of them to whom thou wilt not impute their sinnes , but take and accept me for righteous and iust , and to be the inheritour of euerlasting life in and by the obedience of thy sonne , and my Sauiour , who was borne for my sake , who did suffer both hunger and thirst for my sake , who did both preach and teach for my sake , who did pray and fast for my sake , who did all good workes and déedes for my sake , who suffered most grieuous and painfull torments for my sake , and finally , who gaue his most precious body to dye , and bloud to bee shed vpon the crosse for my sake .

Now therefore most mercifull Sauiour , I humbly beséech thee , which hast giuen thy selfe for mee to make all these things , and euery other grace of thine , which thou hast fréely giuen me , profitable to me , and powerfull in me : Let thy bloude clense mee , and wash away the spottes and foulenes of my sinnes . Let thy righteousnes hide and couer my vnrighteousnes , by the merits of thy passion and bloud which I acknowledg to be the onely price of satisfaction for my sins & offences . Strengthen me so good Lord , by thy grace , that my faith and saluation in thy bloud wauer not in me , but may euer bée firme and constant : Lord let not the hope of thy mercie and life euerlasting euer decay in mee , but let it alwayes rest and be felt pourefully in me , and that euen to and in the last gaspe . And graunt further I pray thée , that charitie ware not cold in me : finally , that the weaknes of my flesh bée not ouercome with the feare of death , or any other temptation whatsoeuer . Yea graunt me mercifull Sauiour , I humbly beséech thee , that , when death hath shut vp the eyes of my bodie , yet that the eyes of my soule may still beholde and looke vpon thée , and may assuredly féele thée in my selfe , for my selfe , to bee the mightie conqueror of death and the deuil , sinne and hell , and all other enemies of mine whatsoeuer , so that when death hath taken away the vse of my tongue and spéech , yet that my heart may cry and say vnto thée :

O Lord , into thy hands I giue and commend my spirit .

Lord Iesus , receiue my soule vnto thée . Amen .

The prayer of Salomon for to obtaine wisedome . 1 , King . 2.

THOU hast shewed , Lord , vnto thy seruant Dauid my Father , great mercie , when hee walked in thy sight in truth , and iustice , and in vprightnes of heart with thée . Thou shewest vnto him thy great mercie , and gauest him a sonne , sitting vpon his throne , as it is at this day . And now , Lord God , thou hast made thy seruant to raigne in the roome of Dauid my Father . I am a very babe , and know not how to goe out and in . And thy seruant is in the middest of an infinite number , which thou hast chosen , which cannot bee numbred nor counted for multitude . Wherefore giue to thy seruant an heart apt to bee taught , and full of vnderstanding , to iudge thy people , that I may discerne betwéene good and bad . For who is able to iudge this thy mightie people .

A prayer for obtaining of wisdome . Sapient . 9.

GOd of our fathers , and Lord of mercie , thou hast made all things with thy word , and ordained man through thy wisedome , that hee should haue dominion ouer the creatures which thou hast made , that hee should order the world according vnto equitie and righteousnes , and execute iudgement with a true heart , giue mee wisedome , which is euer among the children of Israel . For I thy seruant , and sonne of thy handmaide , am a féeble person , of a short time , and too young to the vnderstanding of thy iudgements , and though a man bee neuer so perfect among the children of men , yet if thy wisedome be not with him , he shall be nothing worth : Oh send thy wisedome out of thy holy heauens , and from the throne of thy Maiestie , that she may be with me , and labour with me , that I may knowe what is acceptable in thy sight : for she knoweth and vnderstandeth all things , and she shall conduct me right soberly in all my workes , and preserue mee in her power , so shall my workes bee acceptable . Amen .

A prayer for a competent liuing . Prouerb . 30.

TWo things Lord I demand , that thou wilt not deny mee vntill I dye : vanitie and words of leasings remoue farre from me , pouertie or riches giue me not : onely giue me that is necessarie for my liuing , least being in full abundance , I might be prouoked to denie thée , and say , Who is the Lord ? or being compelled by necessitie , I might steale and forsweare the name of God .

Another Prayer .

GOod Lord God and swéete Sauiour Iesus Christ , the sonne of the euerlasting God , grant vnto me most fraile sinner , and miserable wretch this grace and mercie , that I may euer haue present before the eyes of my soule , thy holy life , thine example and behauiour , and that according to any measure of mercie thou hast béen pleased , or shalt be pleased to bestowe vpon me : I may in liuing and manners follow the same . And cause mee good Lord to profite , grow , and increase therein to such a notable measure , as may be acceptable vnto thée , being thine own grace , and comfortable to my selfe , as comming from thée for the saluation of my soule . Lighten Lord , and make cleere and bright my heart , with the glorious light of thy grace , that it euer may goe before mee , and follow mee in all my acts , so that by thy grace and power conducting and guiding , I may accomplish and fulfill al that may please thy goodnes , and vtterly eschue and auoide all , that in any wise should displease the same . Vouchsafe sweete Sauiour , I beséech thée , to direct and order all my cogitations and thoughts , all my spéech and wordes , all mine acts and déedes in thy law and commaundements , in thy monitions and counsels , and take me good Lord wholly so vnto thée , that here in all things doing thy will , I by grace may bee one of the soules that thou hast appointed to euerlasting saluation thorough Christ Iesus . Amen .

A deuout prayer to our Lord God .

O LORD which hast vouchsafed of thy vnspeakeable goodnes to make me , and ordaine me thy creature to liue in this transitorie life , giuing me a reasonable soule by the which inlightned with the truth of thy word , I know thée to be my Lord , my God , and my maker , which also I may in some sort well perceiue by the visible sight of thy wonderfull workes , as by heauen , the earth , and the creatures in them contained together with the commodities & blessings that we daylie receiue by them at thy hand , all which declare the great loue that thou hadest in our first creation , and also doe expresse the singular care and prouidence , that yet still thou hast for vs , and further doe declare to vs , thée to be the only God and Lord ouer all , and that there is none aboue thée , and that there is no wisdome , knowledge , power , or strength of value besides thée : and yet further also thou knowing our necessarie néede , of thy holy , of thy most louing fauour , hast not disdained to say to me , and to other thy people by thine owne most blessed word , to the great comfort of all our consciences : Aske , and it shall bee giuen : séeke , and yee shall finde : knocke , and it shall be opened to you . And yet for further declaration of thy great loue toward vs , hast most familiarly sayde , If we that be euill , can giue vnto our children when they aske good things : how much more then shall our heauenly Father giue his holy spirit to them that earnestly desire it . What a swéete and comfortable saying is this ? In confidence of this truth , O most blessed Lord , I wretched sinner , doe aske at thy hands mercie and grace , confessing my selfe to bee a most wicked and abominable sinner in thy sight , most weake of all other to stand to or in thy truth , most fraile to fall , and readie to breake all thy holy commandements : by the kéeping of which , we are knowne to bee thy true seruants . O most mercifull Lord God , I acknowledge my selfe daylie and hourely to breake the same : but where I haue thus offended thy diuine Maiestie , I humblie for Christ Iesus sake aske of thee mercie and forgiuenes , minding by thy most mightie assistance neuer hereafter to offend in the same . And Lord , that I may bee the better perswaded of the assured performance of the same , I humbly aske , and desire thy strength continually to make me stand fast in faith : thy knowledge and power from thée to worke thy blessed will : thy might to resist all errour and wicked imaginations : thy wisedome to know the truth . For I confesse and knowe , O Lord , that all worldly wit , policie , knowledge and strength , is but foolishnes in thy sight . Therefore I aske and continually craue , good Lord , that helpe , and most humbly desire that thy holy spirit may guide all the imaginations , thoughts , and desires of my heart , not onely altering in me my fleshly minde , but also inabling me in body , soule , and spirit , to serue thy blessed maiestie : for this I know the most perfect amongst men , lacking thy wisedome are nothing worth . And great reason , because the thoughts of mortall men are miserable , and our forecastes are vncertaine . And why ? Our nature surely is so vitiated , and our will so depraued , and our vnderstanding so corrupted , that it museth most , yea altogether on vaine things . Therefore good Lord , I beséech thée comfort my sicke soule , that it may walke in thy lawes and wayes , and worke thy will . And Lord like as thou knowest the secrets of my heart , and the desires of the same , and séest indéede that I would verie earnestly walke in thy trueth , and worke the workes of the same truth : so Lord I beseech thee refresh my soule according to thy mercifull calling , where thou saidst , Come to me all that labour and are laden ( and lowly of heart ) and you shall finde rest to your soules , and I shall refresh you .

O Lord , I miserable sinner would gladly labour in acceptable wayes , and haue some care that my good will and desire might not swarue from thée , but bee wholy bent towardes thée , and like as thou knowest the same to bee vnfained in mee because it is thine own worke : So Lord refresh me with thy mercifull grace , that now and for euer I may bée stedfast in the true faith , and that I may be alwayes obedient vnto thy lawes and commaundements , and that I may neuer swarue from the holy and blessed ordinances of thy true and catholike Church , which is thy spouse , and for the most part speaketh thy words of truth and life , but that I may vse them , receiue them , and honour thée in them so farre forth as they concerne thy worship , and are according vnto thy most holy will and pleasure , as in things which thou hast left to declare thy loue vnto vs , and by them to assure our hope , and to exercise our faith , that it should not bee idle nor wauering : whereunto howsoeuer I bee proue , thorough the corruption of my nature , and Satans malice against me ( as I am on the other side vnwilling and vnable to doe that which is good ) yet O Lord sith all things are possible with thée , though they séeme neuer so vnpossible to vs , help and reach out thy most mightie and mercifull hand . O most louing father I know that by my sins , I am not worthie thy blessed comfort : nay I am most worthie to be depriued of that and all other fauours : but Lord sith thou hast said , that in what houre soeuer a sinner doth repent him of his sins , thou wouldest no more remember them : and also thou wouldest not despise the sighing of a contrite heart , I am bold in confidence and trust of thy mercie méekly and with a lowly heart to call to thée for grace and helpe in this troublous time of temptation , and trying of our faith . I am as one laden , yea ouerladen with ignorance , not knowing the height of thy heauenly misteries , nor the deceitfull déepnes of the craftie and subtill arguments and perswasions of my ghostly enemies , which daylie doe assault my sinfull soule , and so burden the same that it can finde no rest . Therefore O Lord , like as thou knowest my will and heartie desire is to serue thée notwithstanding these suggestions within me and without me , and that I haue a desire to liue and dye in thy most holy faith : so Lord I beséech thée , neuer suffer the subtill perswasions contrarie to thy truth to take place or roote in my heart . But like , Lord , as thou hast created my heart , and giuen me in som measure a will to order the same according to thy blessed will : so Lord I humbly yéeld the same againe into thy hands , desiring thée by thy holy spirit so to direct my wayes , words , and workes , that now and alwayes they may be accepcable in thy sight . And good Lord , suffer not my soule to perish , which thou hast bought so dearely with thy most precious bloud , for the which great mercie sake , of thine heretofore shewed vnto mee , haue mercie on me continually , and mak mee poore in spirit , and low of heart , and content with my vocation , submitting my selfe wholy into thy hands , so that my desire may bee to thy will , and that no desire remaine in me , but onely to doe thy will and pleasure : And grant I beséech thée that I may haue none other trust but only in thée , which art onely to be trusted , and all trust it selfe , and none besides thée . Graunt further O Lord , that my poore soule may rest in thée , yea in thée alone , for thou hast sayd , they shall neuer be confounded that put their trust in thée : which trust Lord graunt me neuer to forsake , for any vaine trust , or temptation , or tribulation that may any manner of way fal out to vexe my poore soule : but graunt me thy holy spirit to comfort and defend mee from all things that should procure thy displeasure . As thou art in Trinitie one God and Lord ouer all , which liuest and raignest world without end . To thée bee all honour , glorie , and praise for euer . Amen .

A prayer that wee may haue the feare of God before our eyes in all our doings .

O Almightie , and euerlasting God , thy holy word teacheth vs , that thou art not onely a father , but also a Lord , not onely a forgiuer , but also a reuenger , not onely a Sauiour , but also a iudge : and as thou being a father , a forgiuer , and a Sauiour , doest pardon and shewe mercie ; so thou being a Lord , a reuenger and a iudge , punishest and condemnest . Neither doth thy holy scripture onely set foorth vnto vs a Gospell which comforteth vs , quickneth vs , sheweth vs glad and ioyfull tidings , forgiueth our sinnes , and quieteth our consciences , and bringeth vs vnto euerlasting life : but also a law which reproueth , accuseth , condemneth vs , woundeth and slayeth our conscience , yea , and throweth vs down headlong into the déepe dungeon of hell . And as the holy Gospell lifteth vs vppe and maketh vs glad with the hope of remission , and forgiuenes of our sinnes : so doth the lawe plucke vs downe , and almost driue vs vnto desperation for feare of thy plagues , and euerlasting punishments : so that we not onely loue thée , as a father , a forgiuer , a Sauiour , but also feare thée as a Lord , a reuenger , a iudge . For asmuch therefore , O most gracious God , and merciful Sauiour , and most righteous iudge , as this doth so mightily put away sinne , and make vs to walke in the way of thy commaundements , namely , reuerently to feare thée , and to stand in awe of thy iudgement and heauie displeasure : wée most entirely pray thée to giue vs that feare which thou requirest of vs thy children in thy holy scriptures , and whereunto thou hast promised , so many large and bounteous blessings : that we may not onely loue thée as a Sauiour , honour thée as a father , but also reuerence thée as a Lord , and feare thée as a iudge . But yet with that feare and reuerence good Lord , that belongeth to children , and not to slaues , otherwise it will do vs small good .

O Lord , all things are open to thy eyes , neither is any thing hid from thée , which séest the very secrets and most inward thoughts of our hearts . Giue vs therfore grace , that in all our enterprises , we may euer set thée , and thy feare before our eyes , and so stand in awe of thée and of thy righteous iudgement , that we attempt nothing whereby wee should prouoke thy heauie displeasure against vs , but so walke in thy feare , and thy holy ordinances , that we may at all times loue thée as a most gracious Sauiour , honour thée as a most louing father , reuerence thée as a soueraigne Lord , and feare thée as an vpright , yet most mercifull iudge . So shall it come to passe , that wee reuerently fearing thée , as a childe doth his father , shall not onely auoyde all such euils , as might make thée our heauie Lord and fierce iudge : but also embrace those vertues , which shall both euidently declare our faithfull loue , true honour , vnfained reuerence , and humble feare towards thee , and also cause thée that art our louing Father , and most mercifull Sauiour , through Iesus Christ our Lord , to acknowledge thine owne grace in vs , and to crowne it at the length with euerlasting glorie , through Christ Iesus . Amen .

A prayer against the enemies of Christs truth . Psal. 140.

DEliuer mee , O Lord from the vngodly , and stifnecked persons , for thou séest howe in their hearts they imagine mischiefe , and haue great pleasure to picke quarrels : their tongues be sharper then any adders sting , and vnder their lips lyeth poyson of adders : but O mercifull Lord , let mee not fall into their hands , least they handle mee after their owne lusts .

Thou onely art my God , that must heare my piteous plaints , Lord , that rulest altogether , that art the strength and power of my defence , be thou as a helmet vpon my head , wheresoeuer the vngodly shall assault me , and suffer thou not the wicked thus to prosper in their matters . Suffer not their cankred and malitious stomackes to increase and spightfully to reuile me .

Looke vpon thy poore wretches cause , and rid mee out of these daily grieuances : then shall I with an vpright heart , and pleasant countenance , extoll and magnifie thy holy name . Amen .

A prayer to keepe the tongue and to eschew the affection of the world . Psal. 141.

TO thee I cry , O Lord , heare mee speedily : let my prayer bee as a sweete tast and sauour in thy presence , and the lifting vp of my hands as an euening sacrifice .

Lord set a watch before my mouth , kéepe my lips , and my tongue also that they speake nothing amisse , as doth the vngodly , who can speake nothing saue euill ; but that they call purely and heartily vpon thee , and report thy worthie praises .

Bow not my heart to last after euill , nor to follow the fashion of the wicked , and abominable sinners , least I happen to cloake my wickednes with other sinnes , as hypocrites doe . Let me not liue as they would haue mee to doe , but rather as it shall best please thée . Let mee not approue their counsailes , nor their déedes , though they carry neuer so goodly a show , and faire face to the world . Let me not hearken to the entising and swéete baits of the vngodly , which counsaile me to filthie and vncleane thinges , but rather let mee giue good eare to the righteous and godly man , though hée sharpely correct and chide me . Let me alwayes haue a readie eye towardes thée , onely in thée to trust alway and to apply my selfe vnto thée continually . Cast not away my soule , neither suffer it to perish : keepe me , that I be not tangled with the snares of the vngodly : and from the priuie traps of malitious persons saue me : deliuer me , O Lord , through thy grace , for in all our owne deuises and workes , can nothing bee found sure for vs to trust vpon .

A Prayer of the Church against sinne . Sapi. 1●

THou , O our God , art swéete , long suffering , and true , and with mercie orderest thou all things , for if wée sinne , yet are wée thine , because though sinne in it one nature separate betwéene thée and vs , yet doth thy goodnesse surmount all iniquitie : so excellent I know thy greatnes to bee . And if we sinne not in so high a measure ( for otherwise who liueth and sinneth not ? ) yet are wee sure that with thée wee are allowed , for to know thée , is perfect righteousnes , and power is the roote of immortalitie .

In the time of warres , a prayer of King Asa . 2. Paral. 14.

LOrd , it is all one with thée , to helpe them that haue néede , with fewe , or with many : helpe vs , O Lord our God , for we trust in thée , and in thy name we be come against this multitude , thou art the Lord our God , let no man preuaile against thée .

A Prayer for keeping of a good name .

THAT wise man which was priuie of thy secrets , O heauenly Father , taught vs , that an honest name is a treasure right precious when he saith : better it is to haue a good name , than precious oyntments . But this so excellent and good thing , wée neither can get , but by thy goodnes ; nor kéepe , but by thy grace , aide and helpe . Now surely the well and fountaine of a good name , is a faultles life : this therefore in especiall , wee demaund and craue of thée , O Lord almightie , and that for Iesus Christs sake . Yet neuerthelesse , for as much as oftentimes , innocencie and faultlesse liuing is not ynough , neither yet a sure buckler , and defence , namely against such as vnder their lippes beare the poyson of serpents : yea and oftentimes , it hapneth that when wee suppose to be among our trustie friends , we dwell as Ezechiell did amongst scorpions and venemous serpents , we crie with thy holy prophet , O Lord deliuer my soule from wicked lippes , and a guilefull tongue . But if neuerthelesse it séeme good to thée , to exercise vs thy seruants also in this affliction , to the intent they may bee better brought to godlines before thée , and bée bettered in this world , then graunt we pray thée , that with Paul thy most valiant champion , wee may by reproch & glory , by infamie and good name , abide still in thy commaundements , through Iesus Christ , which also himselfe ( when he walked here on earth ) was reuiled , slandred , euill spoken of , and called to his face a Samaritane , a wine drinker , a deceiuer of the people , and one that had a diuel , and yet the same now raigneth with thée in glory , whither also wee beseech thee , in good time to bring vs , and that together with the rest , whom thou hast put apart to euerlasting blessednes through Christ Iesus . Amen .

A Prayer against worldly carefulnes .

O Most deare and tender father , our defender and nourisher , endue vs with thy grace , that wee may cast off the great blindnes of our minds , and carefulnes of worldly thinges , and may imploy our whole studie and care in kéeping of thy holy lawes : and yet that wee may trauaile and labour , for our necessities in this life , like the birdes of the aire , and the lillies of the field , without carefulnesse : for thou hast promised to be carefull for vs , and hast commanded that vpon thée , we should cast all our care , which liuest and raignest world without ende . Amen .

A Prayer against the diuel .

IEsu Christ our Lord , which by the mouth of thy holy Apostle S. Peter didst say , that our aduersarie the diuell goeth about like a roring lyon séeking whom hee may deuour , wee know the truth of this by our owne experience , and féele that hee is busie and fierce and breaketh in vpon vs : so that if thou helpe not , hee will soone deceaue vs with his craft , ouerturne vs with his might and with his crueltie teare vs in péeces . But if thou which hast vanquished him wilt appeare , but as it were a farre off , thou wilt make him afraide , and with thy onely looke , put him to slight .

Vouchsafe ( O Lord ) to receiue vs into thy tuition , being but infants , weake , féeble , and vnskilful , lest the ●●●rce and cruell beast all to teare vs : yea , giue vs grace alwayes , not onely to beare before vs the sworde of the spirit in our sight , and to tarrie it in our hands , but also couragiously to vse it , as from thée , that so our enemies may well , know that we doe our busines by thy counsaile , aid , and strength and in thy power may bee put to flight , to thy glorie , and our euerlasting comfort through Christ . Amen .

A thankes-giuing vnto God for all his benefites .

WE verie humbly in Christ thanke thée , O heauenly Father , for thy manifold and inestimable benefits , which thou hast giuen to vs , both for our soules and bodies , yea and that fréely of thine owne goodnes not onely without , but contrarie to our deseruing . We thanke thée , that it hath pleased thee of thy great mercie , first , to create and make vs according to thine owne image and likenes , and to place vs in ioyfull Paradise , where we should haue continually remained in a blessed and quiet state , if through the subtile and deceitfull suggestions of Satan , our old enemie , we had not transgressed thy holy commandements . We thanke thee also , O most gentle Father , for thy louing kindnes , which thou shewedst to vs , when wee were all perished and lost through the sinne of our first parents Adam and Heua .

For when thou mightest iustly haue condemned vs , and cast vs into perpetuall damnation , thou like a father of singular great loue hadst pitty on vs , and sauedst vs by the death and passion of thy welbeloued sonne our Lord and sauiour Iesus Christ , who gaue himselfe a ransome for all our sinnes , and payed a sufficient price by his precious bloud , for all the wickednesse that wee at any time heretofore haue committed , or hereafter shall commit through our frailtie and weakenes , so that wee beléeue thy promises , and repent and amend our liues . Neither wast thou thus contented , that hee onely should die for our sinnes , but also diddest raise him vp againe for our iustification , and to make vs righteous in thy sight . Moreouer after that he had shewed himselfe vnfainedly to liue to his Apostles , by manifest and euident tokens certainelie through the power of his Godhead hee ascended vp into heauen , perfect God and perfect man , where he now sitteth on thy right hande , and maketh intercession for vs , being our alone mediator and aduocate : from thence we looke for him to come againe at the day of iudgement , not as a fearefull Iudge to condemne and cast vs away , but as a most louing Lord and gentle Sauiour , to carry vs with him into euerlasting glorie , there world without end to remaine in such ioyes , as eye hath not seene , nor eare hath not heard , nor yet any heart is able to thinke .

For these thy most bounteous giftes , and for all other thy benefites which thou daylie giuest to vs of thy great mercie , both for our body and soule , wee humbly thanke thee , most mercifull Father , beséeching thee to giue vs grace through thy holy spirit , not to bee either vnmind full of them , or vnthankefull for them , but to walke worthy of this thy kindnes , and so behaue our selues all our life time in this wretched world , according to thy holy will , that at the last day we may bee found in the number of them , to whom thy onely begotten soone shall say , Come ye blessed of my father , possesse the kingdome prepared for you from the beginning of this world . Lord let it so come to passe euen for Christ Iesus sake . Amen .

A deuout Prayer to bee daylie sayd .

O Almighty and eternal God which vouchsafedst that wee ( as it were ) heauenly children , should euery one of vs call thee our heauenly father . Grant that among vs by purenes and example of innocent life , thy most holy name may bee sanctified , that all other nations beholding our goodnesse , and vertuous liuing that thou workest in vs , may bee stirred to hallow and glorifie thée . Grant ( O Lord ) that the kingdome of thy grace and mercie in this life may so rule and raigne continually in our hearts , that we may bee by thée accepted and accounted , as worthie in Christ to bee partakers of thy kingdome of glorie and maiestie , in the life to come . Grant that vnto the very death , yea and in death it selfe also , wee refuse not to follow thy diuine will , but that wee according to the example of the celestiall citizens , agréeing together quietly , vnited in spirit , all controuersie in opinions contrarie to thy holy truth , being laide apart , and the lust of the flesh being subdued , and the flattering assaults of the world and the diuell ouercome , we may willingly , faithfully , and constantly , obey thy blessed will in all things . Graunt O Lord , for our bodie such a measure of necessarie and néedefull sustenance , that thereby we may be the better enabled , more freely and hearefully to serue thée , and abound in all good workes , towards thy saints and seruants here vpon earth , knowing that our goodnesse reacheth not to thee , but to the excellent that are in the world , whom wee beseech thée make vs more and more to delight in , and to loue for thy sake .

Giue me grace , O Lord , not onely patiently to beare and suffer our enemies , and such as hate vs , together with the iniuries , which they doe lay vpon vs , making good vse of them , for thy glorie and our instruction , but also vnfaignedly to forget and forgiue , whatsoeuer they haue deuised , sayd or done against vs euen as wee our selues would gladly obtayne at thy mercifull hands , and féele in our selues the frée pardon and full forgiuenesse of all our transgressions . And for such temptations to euill , as from the corruption of our nature arise vppe in our hearts , giue vs grace first clearely to discerne and discouer them ; then couragiously to stand vp against them , and soundly to loath and leaue them , that we bée not in the strength of them , as it were in the middest of a violent tempest , carried headlong into sinne , and by meanes thereof into euerlasting destruction .

Especially strengthen vs ( good Lord ) against the suggestions of Satan , whose maruellous malice , wilie subtilties and verie great power against vs , wee are not ignorant of : as not vnacquainted neither with our owne weakenes and disability to withstand : What say wee ? more with our pronenesse and readinesse to yeeld : and therefore cannot but in both these respects , againe and againe intreate thée , that art the God of our strength to cause thy grace to bee sufficient for vs and in vs , and to make thy power perfect through our infirmitie , that so hauing fought valiantly , and mightily ouercome through thy strength , wee may through thy goodnesse and mercie , for euermore liue with thée , in that heauenly citie , where and against which , as also against such citizens of thine , as are gathered into it , no manner of temptation shall assayle , much lesse bee able to preuaile , and there for euer haue the full fruition of celestiall delectation , not only accompanied with Angels and blessed Saints , but enioying the most comfortable sight of thy glorious countenance , in whose presence is the fulnes of ioy , and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore , which vouchsafe vnto vs , for Iesus Christs sake thy déere sonne , and our all and only sufficient Sauiour . Amen .

Another Prayer to our Lord God .

O Heauenly Father , God almighty , I pray and beséech thée in mercie , graciously to behold me thy vnworthie seruant , that I may , by the giftes of thy holy spirit , feruently desire thy kingdome , and by the light of thy word , may soundly knowe thy will , and faithfully worke and walke thereafter . Giue mee , O Lord , wisedome , euen the wisedome that is from aboue . Make mee constant in thy truth , patient in tribulation , and strong in thée vnto the ende . Keepe mee Lord , from the sleightie inuasion of the olde wily serpent . Defend mee from the counsailes and cursings of euill tongues . Let thy mightie arme bee my continuall shield against all the malignity and mischiefe of this wicked world : Remember not Lord my offences : instruct and prepare me to repent , and teach mee to be truly sorrowfull for my sinnes . Make me to loue iustice and hate wrong , to doe good , and absteine from all euils , that so the fruits of my faith , may pledge vp to my conscience , that thou hast graciously called me to be thy child . To thée therefore bée glory and honor for euer and euer . Amen .

A deuout Prayer .

HEarken Lord to my wordes , consider the thoughts of my heart . Behold how loud I cry to thée , Let my iust prayer enter into thine eares , which vnfainedly commeth from my heart . Heare me Lord , for I am poore and destitute of mans helpe . Take care for my soule . Saue me thy seruant which wholy trust in thee . Haue mercie vpon me , O Lord , for I will neuer cease crying to thee for help , for thou art mild and more mercifull , than my tongue is able to expresse , yea than my heart is able to thinke . As often as aduersitie assaileth me , I will crie and call for helpe vnto thée : I will call vpon thée in the day time , and in the night my cry shall not bee hid from thée ; O thou God of the heauens , maker of the waters , and Lord of all creatures , heare me a poore sinner calling vpon thée , and putting my whole trust in thy mercie , haue mercie vpon me , O Lord God , haue mercie vpon mée , and for thy manifold mercies sake forgiue mee all my offences . Amen .

A prayer for meekenes and chastitie .

O Lord , thou father and God of my life , let mee not haue a proud looke , but turne away all voluptuousnes from mee . Take from mee the lustes of the body , let not the desires of vncleanenesse take hold vpon me , and giue me not ouer into an vnshamefast and obstinate mind . Amen .

A prayer of Esay in the 6. and 64. Chap.

LOrd looke downe from heauen , and behold from thy holy habitations , and from the seate of thy glorie : where is thy strength ? where is the plenteous rich multitude of thy mercies ? are al these hardned against vs ? verily thou art our Father : Abraham now knoweth vs not , nor Israel knoweth vs not , but thou Lord art our father , thou art our redeemer , thy name is from the beginning . Wherefore hast thou made vs Lord to erre from thy wayes ? hast thou hardned our hearts least wee should feare thée ? Turne thee to thy promise made to thy seruants , for the tribes of thy heritage : for few of thy people haue enioyed the possession of their land , and that but a little while . Our enemies haue spoyled thy holy place , and troden it vnder féete . And wee were regarded so vile , as if thou hadst neuer béen Lord ouer vs , as though thy glorious name had neuer béen called vpon by vs , and shewed ouer vs . I would that thou wouldest all too breake the heauens and come downe once , that these hilles might melt away at thy presence , like as at a hot fire , and that the malicious might boyle away , as doth the water vpon the fire , that thy name might be knowne to thy enemies , and these vngodly might bee shamed and troubled at thy presence . When thou wroughtest for vs marueilous things , then we looked not for them : thou camst downe , and the hilles wasted away with trembling before thy face , and from the beginning hearde they not , nor perceiued with their eares , neither with any eye was there séene any besides thee , that wrought such marueilous things , and that to men , which waited not for thée : sometime thou méetest with them that gladly did righteousnesse , and thought vpon thee in thy wayes . But now Lord , thou art angry , because wee are sinners , and euer haue béen in sinne , although wee were deliuered from perils . And all we are wrapped in filthie vncleannesse , yea all our righteousnes is spotted like the cloathes of a menstruous woman , and all wee are taken away like leaues , and our iniquities haue caried vs away like a whirle-winde , and there is none left that will call for helpe in thy name , and not one that will rise vp and holde thée with prayer , for thou hast hid thy face from vs , and hast dried vs vp in the hand of our iniquitie . But now Lord thou art our Father , wee are but , clay , and thou art our potter , and all wee are the works of thy hands , bee not angry , O Lord , for euer , and remember not all our wickednes . Loe , beholde we beséech thee , all wee are thy people , the cities of thy holy places are forsaken , Syon is turned into a desert , Ierusalem is desolate , the house of holines and prayer and of our glory , in which our fathers praises thée , is turned into an he●●e of fire and all things that we delighted in , into a wildernes . Wilt thou , Lord , be auenged of these things ? Wilt thou holde thy peace , and scourge vs euer so grieuously ?

Before the receiuing of the Sacrament , say thus .

LOrd , although I be not worthy to receiue thee into the house of my soule , for mine innumerable offences and sinnes done against thy great goodnes , yet trusting in thy great pity , and infinite mercie , I come to receiue thy blessed body , not grossely and carnally as the blinde suppose , but spiritually and by faith , together with all the fruits and effects of thy sufferings , yea as a sicke creature to thee , that art the health of life : vncleane to thée , that art the well of mercie and holynes : blinde by ignorance to thee , that art the light euerlasting : needy of grace and power , yea of will to any good thing to thée , that art the King of heauen and earth and workest therein whatsoeuer pleaseth thée : naked of good works , to thée , that art the author of all grace . I come as a wretch to thée my Lord and maker , all desolate and comfortles , to thee my refuge and succour , for besides thée there is no consolation . I come as a sinner to thée , that art the mediator betwéene God and man . I come as a caitife to thée my most mercifull Sauiour . I come all sinfull to thee , granter of remission and pardon : I that am dead by sin , come to thee , the restorer of life , euill to thee , that art all goodnesse : hard hearted , to bée relieued by the infusion of thy superaboundant grace : desiring thée to heale mine infirmitie and sicknes , to wash away my sinne and filthines , to lighten my blindnes , to reduce me to the right way , when I am out thereof , to comfort me desolate of goodnesse . Haue mercie on my wretchednesse , pardon my sinfulnes , giue me the light of grace thus buried in sin , that I may receiue thee to be the spirituall foode and nourishment of my soule : and that with such chastitie of body , with such purenes and cleannes of soule , with such contrition of heart , and abundance of wéeping teares , with such spirituall ioy and gladnes , with such dread and reuerence , with such strong faith , stedfast hope and vnfeigned charitie , with such obedience and humilitie , with such loue , deuotion , faithfulnesse , and thankefulnesse , as it is beséeming for such a Lord to be entertained and receiued withall , and that to the comfort of my conscience in this life , and my endlesse saluation at the last .

And be not displeased good Lord , that I a sinner , with an vncleane heart , and polluted minde , ( or sure I am not so sanctified outwardly and inwardly , as were fit ) come hither this day to receiue the blessed sacrament of thy precious body and bloud , by a liuely faith : but remember mercifull Lord , that thou refusedst not the sinfull Magdalene being penitent , from the kissing of thy most blessed féete . And in likewise despise mee not , ne put thou me away as vnworthie , from this blessed Sacrament , for my sinnes and vnkindnes , though I confesse thou maist iustly doe so , and doe me no iniurie : but graunt thou mee godly sorrow of heart , plentie of vnfaigned teares , to testifie vnto my heart , the washing away of my sinnes and wickednes : so that with a pure heart , and cleane conscience , I may this day come to , and be partaker of the holy Communion , to thy glory and the comfort of my soule and conscience , whilest I receiue therein an effectuall pledge of euerlasting life , with all holy saints in heauens glory , and of the fellowship of thy people in this present life , these things being wrought in mee , by thy holy spirit inwardly , as well as offered vnto me by the outward and visible elements . Grant mee blessed Iesu , so reuerently and religiously to receiue the Sacrament of thy flesh and bloud , that thereby I may assuredly feele my selfe incorporated into thy Church , as a sound member of thy body here on earth : and though as yet I be not méete or fit , by reason of my filthinesse , to bee numbred among the simplest and lowest of thy seruants , but rather to be reiect for my sinfulnes : yet good Lord , of thine infinite power I knowe thou canst , and of thy singular goodnesse I hope thou wilt , and therefore am also the more bold humbly to intreate thee , to make me equall , and like to thine elect and chosen seruants .

Come thou father of the fatheries , come comfort of the comfortles , come I beséech thee , and cleanse my soule from contagiousnes of sinne : for it is not conuenient , and according , that there should bee any vncleannes , where thou then , the fountaine of all true holines , yea holines it selfe , shouldest come in and dwel . Come therefore good Lord , and apparell my soule and body both with such ornaments of vertue and grace , that it may delight thee therein to abide .

And as thou disdainedst not to touch the sore Leapers with thy holy hands : so good Lord vouchsafe to annoynt my sinfull soule with the oyntment of remission and pardon of sinnes , and so to replenish it with strength and power against sinne , and to fill it with abilitie to doe good duties , that in this life , by stedfast hope , firme faith , and vnfeigned charitie , I may so encrease in vertue from day to day , that I may attaine to the glorious fruition of thy Godhead in the kingdome of heauen , where I may see thee face to face , world without ende . Amen .

After the receiuing of the Sacrament , say thus .

I Thank thée , good Lord , of thine infinit goodnes for that this day thou hast vouchsafed to féed me with thy blessed body in this holy Sacrament of thine , and that by a liuely faith , thou hast made me a fruiteful partaker thereof , humbly desiring thée , further to graunt , that this thy blessed Sacrament , which I haue receiued , may bee powerfull in mee , to lessen in me , and purge from mee the power of my particular iniquities , and to fit mee to all good workes of blessed obedience , yea make it in me a fortitude , and a spirituall strength against my frailtie , a sure defence against worldly troubles and aduersitie , a sure seale of grace and pardon : a medicine of life , and a continuall remembrance in my minde and heart of thy blessed passion , so that in the way it may conduct and guide me , and when I am out of the way , it may reduce mee : when I stumble , it may vpholde mee , and when I am falling , it may raise me : so that by this and other gracious helpes that thou hast ordained , and by good continuance , and daily growth in the obedience of thy will I may be brought to euerlasting glorie . And during my life vpon earth , vouchsafe so to order the tallage and taste of my heart , that I neuer féele other swéetenes but thee , that I neuer seeke other but thee , that I care not for any other delight but thee , neither that I regard any other honor but thine . And giue me such a sound loue towards thee , and in thee , and for thee , towards my brethren , that in it , I may continually and comfortably féele , that I am translated out of darknes into light , and be well assured , that thou wilt gratiously deliuer mee from all tribulations of body and soule , captiuitie , anguish , and perils , together with all the elect and chosen . Amen .

A deuout Prayer

O My Lord Iesu , with al my mind , with all my might I do laude thee , and praise thée for thine innumerable benefites which thou hast shewed vnto mee heretofore , and shewest daily : but alas , good Lord , sure I am of this , that I cannot praise thée as I would , and as my dutie requireth : wherefore I méekely beséech thee , both to accept this my bounden dutie and seruice , and also to supplie and fulfill mine insufficiencie , so that thy absolute righteousnesse and obedience may for mee be acceptable before thy father , and may to mee , and in me , bee comfortable to my soule . O swéete Iesu , I loue thée as my God , my maker , and my redéemer : what though I loue thee not so feruently , as I ought to doe ? yet I humbly beséech thée , to accept me according to that I haue , and not according to that I haue not , and the rather , because that I haue , is thine , which I pray thée so to acknowledge and daylie more and more increase , that my peace in hee , and loue towards thée , may more and more abound . O sweete Sauiour heare me here●● : euen so be it .

The complaint of a penitent sinner , which is sore troubled and ouercome with sinnes .

O Lord God mercifull and patient , and of much mercifulnesse and truth , which of thy abundant charitie , and according to thy great mercie , hast taken vs out from the power of darknes , and hast saued vs by the fountaine of regeneration , and new birth , and the renewing of the holy Ghost : whom thou hast shed vpon vs aboundantly by Iesus Christ our Sauiour .

If I haue found grace and fauour in thy sight , suffer me to speake a word vnto thée , and be not displeased with me .

Why dost thou euer forget me and leauest me in the midst of my troubles and evils ?

Where is become thy zeale and strength ? where is the multitude of thy tender affections , and of thy mercies ?

O Lorde , may not hee which is fallen , rise vp againe ? Or may not hee which hath gone away from thee , returne vnto thée againe ?

Shall my sorrow ●●er indure ? shall my ●ound be vncurable and neuer healed ?

How commeth it to passe , that I still turne away from thee , surely Satans malice and mine owne corruption carie me violently . But stay me O Lord , and turne me , yea cause me to turne , for of my selfe I cannot returne .

In asmuch as it is not giuen to man to direct his 〈…〉 wayes , neither to 〈◊〉 perfect his owne proceedings .

For in thy hand is the life of euery liuing thing : and the spirit also of euery man .

Thou shewest thy mercy to whom thou wilt , and thou art gracious to them , whom thou fauourest .

Thou doest kill , and thou doest quicken , thou leadest downe to Hell gate , and bringest vp againe .

Thy eyes beholde the wayes of euery man , and thou searchest the hearts of men .

There is no place so secret or darke , wherein sins may hide themselues from thee .

Nor any man may so lurke and hide themselfe in Caues , but thou shalt sée him , which doest fulfill both heauen and earth in euery pa●t .

Why hast thou cast me away from thy presence , and ●●est me for thine enemie ?

Why hast thou layd vpon my head the heauie weight of my sinnes , séeing no man is able to beare thy displeasure ?

What meaneth it that thou shewest thy power against a wretch ? why destroyest thou me for the sins of my youth ?

If I haue sinned , what shall I doe to thée ? and if my sins be encreased what shall I doe ?

If I do iustly , what shal I giue to thée ? or what shalt thou receiue a● my hand ?

My wickednesse shall hurt my selfe , and my righteousnesse shall not profit me .

The life of man is a temptation vpon the earth , and if I haue sinned ( as all m●● ha●e ) what may I 〈◊〉 ?

●hall 〈◊〉 man be found 〈…〉 without sinne 〈…〉 or shall any man 〈◊〉 withou● fault in his deedes ?

How may a mortall m●● be pure of sinne in thy sight ? or how may hee which is borne of a woman , be righteous ?

Remember , O Lord , I beseech thee , that thou hast made me of the earth , and that thou shalt bring mee againe into the ●ust of death .

My dayes pa●● and v●nish away like 〈…〉 waste daily , there is no ta●ying .

My life flieth , as the winde , and considereth not that which is good .

I was but lately borne in this world , and shortly I shall be taken away hence by death , I neuer continue still in one state .

The dayes of my life bee few , and short , thou hast appoynted an end , which I shall not passe .

Naked and bare I came out of my mothers wombe , and naked and bare I shall returne againe , truly all men liuing are but vanitie .

Haue pitie O Lord , on them that are in miserie , and despise not the workes of thy hands .

Though we sin , yet are we vnder thée , for we know thy power and strength : and if we sinne not , then are we sure that thou regardest vs .

Cease thy indignation , O Lord , and turne it from mee : and cast all my ●●nes behind thy backe .

Take away thy plagues from mee : for thy punishment hath made mee both feeble and faint .

For when thou chastisest a man for his sinnes , thou causest him by and by to consume and pine away .

Whatsoeuer is delectable in him , perisheth like vnto the cloth that is eaten with moaths .

Would God I had one 〈◊〉 defend me a while , vntill thy anger were turned away , or that thou wouldest remember me .

I am cleane cast away from thy presence : shall I neuer hereafter see thy face againe ?

Beholde I haue opened the griefs of my soule , the day of my sorrowes haue taken me .

The flouds of tribulation compasse mee round about , and the streames of thy fury run ouer me .

And I cry vnto thée , O Lord God , but thou hearest me not : I aske mercie , but thou reiectest my prayers .

Why thrustest thou downe a poore wretch from thy presence ? or why forsakest thou mee so longe time ?

Why takest thou not away mine in●●uitie ? and why puttest th●● not away the wickednesse of my heart ?

Arise and tary no longer , O Lord , arise , and reiect me not for euer .

Haue mee in remembrance I beséech thée , for I throughlie tremble and shake for feare .

Yet will I not holde my tongue , but cry stil vnto thée with a mourning and an heauie hear● .

Turne away the stroke of thy ve●●eance from me and bring my 〈◊〉 out of troubles into rest .

I am here no long continuer , but a pilgrime and a stranger , as all other mortall men be .

And what is man that thou shouldest bee angrie with him ? or what is mankinde , that thou shouldest bee so heauie Lord vnto vs ?

What , wilt thou bring sorrow vppon sorrow ? I pant for paine , and finde no rest .

My sorrow grieueth me , when I should eate , and sodaine sighes ouerwhelme my heart .

I am as if my bones were all to broken , when I heare my enemies raile vpon me , and say to mee day by day where is thy God ?

Why turnest thou thy face from these thinges , O Lord , why hast thou no regard of my trouble ?

I earnestly make my prayers daily in thy sight , and the heauines of my hart I doe shew vnto thée .

My spirit is carefull and troubled within mee : and desperation hath entred into my heart .

Is it thy pleasure , O Lord God , to cast away thine own handie workes ?

Deliuer my soule from ●●rruption , and my life from euerlasting darknes .

What auaileth it mee , that euer I was borne , if thou cast mee straight into damnation : séeing that the dead shall not praise thée , nor any of them which go down to hell ?

I haue sinned , what shal I doe to thée ? why hast thou put me to be contrarie to thée ? I am wearie of mine owne selfe .

Why searchest thou out my sinnes so narrowly ? when there is no man that can escape out of thy hands ?

If I would say that I were righteous and without sinne , then thou mightest worthily condemne me to the fire prepared for the diuell and his angels .

But I confesse that I am a sinner , and doe humble my selfe here in thy sight .

Surely if a man would ●●and with thee in iudgement , he shall not bee able to answere one word to a thousand things wherewith thou mightest charge him .

This maketh me to feare all my deedes , knowing that thou sparest not him that offendeth .

If I looke vppon thy power , O how mightie and strong art thou ? If I shall call for iudgement , who shall defend my matter , or speake for me ?

To thee O Lord , I call and crie , to thee my God I make my humble sute .

Turne away thine anger from mee , that I may know that thou art more mercifull to mee than my sinnes deserue .

What is my strength that I may endure ? or what is the ende of my trouble , that my soule may patiently abide it ?

My strength is not a stony strength , and my flesh is not made of brasse .

There is no helpe in my selfe , and also my strength flieth away from me .

Although thou hide these things in my heart , yet I know that thou wilt remember me at length .

For thou art true and iust , O Lord God , thou doest not condemne vniustly , which rewardest man according to his deserts .

All this is come vnto me because I haue forgotten thee , and not vsed my selfe truely in thy testimonies .

My heart hath turned backeward , and I haue followed the desires of my flesh .

And thou hast surely knowne this thing , which knowest the secrets of the heart .

Lay not against mee , O Lord , the sinnes of my youth : nor haue in remembrance my old iniuries done against thee .

Daily sorrow ●●commeth me , and sadnes possesseth my heart .

I looke after peace , but I cannot haue it : I looke for a time of health , but my griefe continueth still .

When the time of thine anger is past , let mercie come , yet am I vnhappie more and more .

Woe and alas that euer I sinned : my heart therefore mourneth and is sad , al mirth and ioy is vanished from me .

How am I wasted ? how miserably am I confounded , because I haue forsaken and cast away thy law .

Death hath ascended by the windowes , pearcing the inward parts of my heart

W●●● I daily one while must secretly with my selfe : another while with loud voyce crye out and complaine , the meane time my life draweth néere to the pit .

Who shall giue mee a place to rest in , from all my griefts and troubles ?

And I will forsake all men and get away from them .

Who shall giue me water to my head , and a fountaine of teares to mine eyes , that I may bewaile my sinnes both night and day ?

And I will looke for him which may saue me , and deliuer me from the wrath to come .

I haue no trust neither in life nor death , but I feare thy iudgement , O Lord , and the paines prepared for sinners .

The feare of my sinne maketh mee carefull : and the burden of my conscience oppresseth me sore .

O God which tenderly louest mankind , and art a most righteous Iudge , s●are mee now I beséech mee , and shewe mee some fauour while time is . Forgiue that which I feare , put away that which I dread , before I depart hence and shall not returne againe .

My sinnes doe vexe and trouble mee sore , they bee so great that none can be greater .

Alas my fall , alas my miserie , alas the griefe of my plague , and stroke : certainly my sinne is the cause of all this , and so I will take it , and suffer it .

A Psalme in which he giueth thankes to God , that his enemies haue not gotten the vpper hand of him .

I Wil magnifie and praise thee , O Lord God , for thou hast exalted me and set me vp , and mine enemies haue not gotten the vpper hand of me .

O Lord of ho●● I haue cried vnto thee and thou hast saued me .

Th●●●ast brought my soule out of hell : thou hast holden mee vp from falling into the déepe Lake , from whence no man returneth .

Thou hast not closed me vp in the hands of mine enemies : but thou hast set my féete in a place both wide and broade .

I haue sought thée , and thou hast heard mee , thou hast brought me into libertie out of great distresse .

Thou ha●●●urned my sorrowe into 〈…〉 hast ceased my mourning , and compassed mee round about with mirth .

Thou hast declared thy great magnificence in helping thy seruant .

Thou hast ●●ne meruailously with me in my miseries .

Thou hast regarded the ●●ne of the poore : thou hast not turned away thy face from me .

I will bee singing and speaking of thy mercies : and I will publish to other thy fidelitie and truth , so long as I shall liue .

My mouth shall neuer cease to speake of thy righteousnes , and of thy benefits : which be so many , that I cannot number them .

But I will giue thee thankes till death take mee away , I will sing in the praise of thée , so long as I shall continue .

I will triumph and reioyce in thy mercie , for thou hast looked vpon my necessities , and regarded my soule in distresse .

Thou hast béene my sure refuge , and the strength of my trust and hope .

I thanke thee Lorde of thy goodnesse alway : and for thy excéeding mercie .

Thou hast béen my com●or●●n the time of my trouble , thou hast been merciful vnto me , O Lord , and hast reuenged the wronges that mine enemies haue done to me .

According to the multitude of the heauie thoughts that I had in my minde , thy comforts haue cheared and lightned my heart .

Thou hast sent me now ioyes , for the dayes wherein I was in sorrowe , and for the yeares in which I suffered many a painefull storme .

Thou hast called to remembrance the rebuke that thy seruant hath beene put to , and how furiously mine enemies haue persecuted me .

O Lord God of hosts , who may bee compared vnto thée ? thou art great , and greatly to be praised .

Thou art high vpon all 〈◊〉 earth , thou art exalted fa● 〈◊〉 all gods .

●●orie and honor is 〈◊〉 thy face : holines , and magnificence is in thy Sanctuarie .

With iustice and iudgement thy royall throne is established , mercie and trueth goe before thy face .

Blessed art thou , O Lord , which hast not holden backe thy mercie from thy seruant .

After that I had long looked for thée , O Lord 〈◊〉 the last thou didst attend vpon mee , and hearof 〈◊〉 ●rye .

Thou hast taken me out of the Lake of miserie , & set my féete vpon a rocke , and made my steps sure ?

Thou hast giuen me my desire , I haue séene thy ioyfull countenance .

Thou hast striken all my aduersaries , and hast abated their strength .

Thou hast rebuked the ●ablement of them that vexed me , and hast plucked me forth of their hands .

●hou hast cast them h●●●●●ng into their owne 〈◊〉 , their féete bee wrapped in the net which they laide priuily for me .

Mine enemies are recoyled backe , they are fallen downe and destroyed from thy sight .

Thou hast been the poore mans defence , and his helper in tribulation , when most néede was .

Thou hast executed iudgment for me : thou hast defended my cause against mine accusers .

And although thou were very angry with mee a little , yet now I liue through thy mercie and goodnes .

Verily I supposed with my selfe that I was cleane cast out of thy fauour .

But thou hast heard my prayers and according to thy great mercie hast taken me againe into thy ●●●our .

O Lord of th●● owne 〈…〉 hast 〈…〉 ●●rength 〈…〉 when the● 〈…〉 from me , O Lord how greatly astonied was I ?

When I was in aduersity , then I cried vnto thee , and thou didst aunswere me : When my soule was in great anguish and trouble then O Lord , I remembred thee .

I haue tasted and séene how s●eet thou art : truly blessed i●●he man that trust● in th●

〈◊〉 ●●rding to thy 〈…〉 thy commen● 〈◊〉 and praise , but thy counsailes touching vs , be without example , and greater then with wordes can bee expresse●

Dominion , power and glory he thine , for thou hast made all things , and because thy w●ll is so , they doe still ●ontin●●●

Thy name 〈◊〉 blessed , p●●ised , and m●●nified both 〈…〉 wo●ld with● 〈…〉 ●men .

A Psalme of the benefites of God with thankes for the same .

MY soule praiseth thee , O Lord , and all that is within mee , praiseth thy holy name .

My soule giueth thee humble thankes , and thy benefites ● will neuer forget .

Wh●● for 〈…〉 sinnes 〈◊〉 heal●●● 〈…〉 infirmties .

Which hast saued my life from destruction , and shewed in me thy grace and mercie .

Which hast satisfied my de●●e with good things , and shall once restore my youth againe .

Thou hast intreated me mercifully at all times , and hast reuenged me of my enemies .

Thou ha●●●éen a defence to m● O Lord , and a sure foundation of my wealth .

Thou hast guided mee with thy counsaile , and taken me vnto thee through thy mercie .

Thou hast many wayes declared in mee thy great might and power , and after thy anger hath béene past , thou hast turned again , and comforted me .

Thou hast sent me many grieuous troubles , but at the length thou hast brought mee out of the bottomes héepenes .

Thou hast made me priuie to thy wayes , & hast not hid thy counsails from me .

Thou art full of mercy and grace O Lord , slow to wrath & readie to goodnes .

Thy displeasure lasteth not alway , and thou kéepest not backe thy mercies in thine anger for euer .

Thou rewardest vs not after our sins , nor punishest vs according 〈◊〉 our deserts .

Looke how high the heauen is in comparison of the earth , so great is thy mercy towarde vs .

How far as the East is distant from the West : so far , O Lord , remoue our sinnes from vs .

Like as a naturall father hath pitie vpon his children , euen so , O Lord God , thou hast had compassion vpon vs .

Thou hast not forgotten thy creature , thou remembrest that we are flesh , yea all men liuing are vanitie .

And that the age of man is like vnto grasse , and may be compared to the flowers of the field , which as soone as the sharpe winde hath blowne vpon them with his blasts , wither away , and die : so that no man can tell where thy did grow .

But thy mercie O Lord , and louing kindnes is alwaies vpon the 〈◊〉 that feare thée , and thy righteousnes endureth for euer .

So that we kéep our promise , and couenant with thée , and so remember thy commaundements that we doe them indeede .

O Lord thou hast stablished thy throne in heauen , thou gouernest al things by thy imperiall power .

I will magnifie thee , O Lord , and land thy name world without end . I will giue thankes alway , & make thy name glorious for euer .

O Lord thou art puissant and great , and thy magnificence is vnsearchable .

One generation shall shew to another thy works , and they shall declare thine ancient noble acts .

They shall euer praise the magnificence of the glory of thy holines , and the memorie of thy great goodnes . For thou art good ●●d gracious to al men , & thy mercy excéedeth all thy workes .

The e●●● of all things beholde 〈◊〉 fruite vpon thee , that thou shouldst giue them their sustenance in time conuenient .

Thou openest thy hand , and sillest euery liuing creature with food necessarie .

O Lord thou art rightfull in all thy wayes , and holy in all thy deedes .

Thou keepest all them that lo●● thée , and the torment of malice shall not touch them .

My mou●h shall sprake thy glory and praise , and all liuing creatures shall honor thy holy name for euer .

Praise our Lord , O yee his angels mighty in power which doe his commaundements , and obey the voice of his word .

Praise yee altogether God , O al ye hosts , you his ministers that due his will and pleasure .

Praise our Lord as I do , and let vs ●●gnifie his name together .

Pr●●● our Lord , O ye al his saints , for his name is glorious , and his praise aboue heauen and earth .

Praise our Lord together , O ye al his workes , euery thing that liueth , praise our Lord . Amen .

The complaint of a sinner .

MY God , my God , why hast thou forsaken mee ? it semeth that I shall not obtaine deliuerance , though I seeke it with loud cries .

My God , I wil ; cry all the day long , but thou wilt not answere , and all the night long , without taking any rest .

The meane time , thou most holiest , séemest to sit still , not caring for the things that I suffer , which so oft hath helped mee heretofore , and hast giuen to thy people Israel sufficient arguments and matter to praise thée with songes wherewith they haue 〈◊〉 thankes to thee for thy benefites .

Our forefathers were wont to put their trust in thée , and as often as they did so , thou diddest deliuer them .

As oft as they cryed for helpe to thée , they were deliuered , as oft as they committed themselues to thée , they were not put to shame .

But as for me● , I séeme rather to be a worme than a man , the dunghill of Adam , the outcast of the vulgar people .

As many as haue séene me haue laughed me to scorne , and reuiled me , and shaking their heades in derision at mee , haue cast mee in the téeth saying :

He is wont to boast and glory that he is great in fauour with God , wherefore let God now deliuer him , if he loue him so well .

By thy procurement , O Lord , I came out of my mothers wombe and thou gauest me good comforte , euen when I sucked my mothers breastes .

Through thy meanes I came into this world , and as soone as I was borne , I was left to thy tuition , yea thou wast my God when I was yet in my mothers wombe . Wherefore go not far away from me : for danger is euen now at hand , & I sée no man that will help me .

Many b●lles haue closed me in , both strong and fat , they haue compassed mee round about .

They haue opened their mouthes against mee , like vnto a lyon that gapeth vpon his praye , and roreth for hunger .

I am poured out like water , and al my limmes loosed one from another : and my heart is melted within mee as it were waxe .

Al my strength is gone & dried vp like to a tilestone , my tongue cleaueth to the roofe of my mouth : & at the last , I shall be buried in the earth , as the dead be wont .

For dogges haue compassed me round about , and the most wicked haue conspired against me , they haue made hoales through my hands and my féete .

I was so vngently intreated of them , that I might easily number al my bones : and after all the paine and torment that they did to me with grieuous countenance , they stared & looked vpon me .

They deuided my clothes among them , and cast lottes for my coate .

Wherefore Lord I beséech thée , goe not far from me , but for as much as thou art my power and strength , make hast to helpe me .

Deliuer my soule from danger of the sworde , and kéepe my life destitute of all mans helpe , from the violence of the dog .

Saue me from the mouth of the L●●● and take mee from the hornes of the Vnicornes .

I will shew vnto my brethren the maiestie of thy name , and when the people be most assembled together , I wil praise & set foorth thy most worthy acts & deedes .

And all that worship our Lord , praise him , all the posterity of Iacob magnifie him , al ye that be of the stocke of Israel with reuerence serue and honor him .

For he hath not despised and set at naught the poore man , because of his miserie , neither hath he disdainefully turned away his face from him ; but rather as soone as the poore man cryed to him for helpe , hee heard him by and by .

I will praise thée with songs openly in the multitude of thy people , and will performe my vowes in the sight of them that honor thée .

The po●●● shall eate and be satisfi●● , ●hey shall praise our Lord that studie to please , and as many of you as continue still such , your hearts shall liue .

All the ends of the world shall consider these things and be turned to our Lord , and all heathen nations shal submit themselues , and doe homage vnto thée .

For our Lord hath a power royall , and an imperial dominion ouer the heathen .

The most mightie and greatest of all them that dwell on the earth haue eaten , and after that they haue tasted the spirituall giftes of our Lord , they haue submitted themselues , and made humble suite vnto him : yea and all the dead which are buried in the earth , shall knéele and make reuerence in his honour , because hee hath not disdained to spend his owne life for them .

They that shal come after vs , shall honor & serue him .

These ●hings shall bee written of our Lord : that our posteritie may know and vnderstand them .

That they also may come and shew these things to the people that shall be borne of them , that our Lord hath done these things which be so marueilous .

A Psalme of thankes-giuing .

REioyce and sing in the honor of God , all yee that liue on the earth .

Worship and serue our Lord with gladnes , come vnto his sight and presence with ioy and mirth .

Acknowledge you , and confesse that our Lord is that God which hath created and made vs : for truly we made not our selues , but we bee his people and his flocke , which he nourisheth and féedeth continually .

Go ye through his gates to giue him thankes for the innumerable benefits which ye haue receiued of him , and to sing through his courtes his worthy acts and deedes , praise him , and highly commend his name .

For our Lord is both good and gracious , and his mercy is infinite : he is most constant in kéeping of promises , not to one generation onely , but euen to all .

A Prayer for the night .

O Lord God and my heauenly father , for as much as by thy diuine ordinance , the night approcheth and darknes beginneth to ouerwhelme the earth , and time requireth that wee giue our selues to bodily rest and quietnes : I render vnto thée most harty thanks for thy louing kindnes , which hast vouchsafed to preserue me this day from the danger of mine enemies to giue mee my health , to féede mee and to send mee al things necessarie for the comforte of this my poore and néedy l●fe , I most humbly beséech thée for Iesus Christs sake , that thou wilt mercifully forgiue mee all that I haue this day committed against thy fatherly goodnes , either in word , déede , or thought , and that thou wilt vouchsafe , to shadowe mee this night vnder the comfortable wings of thy almightie power , and defend mee from Sathan , and from all his crafty assaultes , that neither he nor any of his ministers haue pe●●● ouer either my body or my soule : but that although my body through thy benefit enioyeth sweet and pleasant sléep , yet my soule may continually watch vnto thée , thinke of thée , delight in thée , and euermore praise thée : that when the ioyful light of the day returneth according to thy godly appointment , I may rise again with a faithful soule , and vndefiled body and so afterward behaue my selfe all my life time , according to thy blessed will and commaundement , by casting away 〈…〉 sée● 〈…〉 there● 〈…〉 ●rifie thée 〈…〉 ●ther , which 〈…〉 begotten Son , I 〈…〉 our onely Sau● 〈…〉 swéete comforter , liue● 〈◊〉 raignest one true and eu●●lasting God , world without end . Amen .

FINIS .