Heptameron, the seven dayes: that is, meditations and prayers, vpon the vvorke of the Lords creation Together with other certaine prayers and meditations, most comfortable for all estates, & c. By M. A. Symson, minister at Dalkeith. Simson, Archibald, 1564-1628. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A12258 of text S102416 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 22566). 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. 251 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 118 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A12258 STC 22566 ESTC S102416 99838201 99838201 2568 2240880503

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HEPTAMERON , THE SEVEN DAYES : That is , MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS , Vpon the worke of the LORDS CREATION . Together with other certaine Prayers and Meditations , most comfortable for all Estates , &c.

By M. A. Symson , Minister at Dalkeith .

SAINCT-ANDREWS , Printed by Edward Raban , Printer to the Vniversitie . 1621.

TO THE RIGHT NOBLE AND VERTVOVS LADIE , DAME MARGARET HAY , Countesse of Dumfermeling , Eternall Felicitie . MADAME ,

SInce it hath pleased our OMNIPOTENT CREATOR , and gracious Redeemer , to heape vpon your Ladiship manie and sundrie honourable Priuiledges of Nature , and Grace ; and by them , amongst manie others , your good Friendes and Seruantes , to ingage mee , of a long time , to honour & serue your Ladiship with such Graces and Dueties by manie Testimonies of your comfortable kindnesse and care of mee , as I haue hitherto ( with a constant intention to bee thankfull ) declared my willingnesse to expresse , that I should not come ( with the common sort of this declining Age ) guiltie of the foule imputation of Ingratitude , as the weaknesse of my wit and skill might afford , I did communicate with your Ladiship ( for your priuate vse ) these MEDITATIONS , vpon that fundamentall ground of Faith which is THE LORDS CREATION OF THE WORLD , to bee vsed of your Ladiship with daylie Prayer & Meditation , that yee might neuer want matter wherein yee might rejoyce in the goodnesse , wisedome , and power of that Creator ; with a perswasion , that his wise Prouidence reacheth vnto the conseruation of the same , in Mercie and Iustice , vnto the consummation of the Worlde , wherein your Ladiship hath your comfortable entresse , euen according to the Lordes euerlasting Decree of your Election Calling , Iustification , Sanctification , and hope to bee glorified , with all the rest of his Saincts and elect Angels , in the euerlasting sellowship of his Kingdome , besides the manie Obligations wherewith I stand indebted to my Lord your Noble Husband , for his Lordships fatherlie care and patrocinie of mee in all mine affai●es , that your honour should not bee smoothered in the Christian affection which yee carrie to the Common-wealth of the Lordes Church , not onelie in permitting , but likewise in vrging that this Benefite might bee made of a publicke priuiledge , to the vse of all them that by a common affection with you striue to worke out their saluation in feare and trembling , and so make their election sure , I haue , according to my duetie , dedicated this little Treatise to passe foorth vnder your Ladiships protection ; that the thankes of the paines which I haue taken in contriuing the same for your Ladiships priuate vse , may redound vnto your selfe , Madame , from as manie as shall finde the benefite thereof for their information , and stirring vp vnto anie duetie of Religion . And as it can neither stand with my Profession & your Ladiships sinceritie , nor yet the superlatiue dignitie of such a glorious subject to pollute the same with the intising wordes of humane wisedome : knowing your Ladiship to be as farre from all delight in assentation and flattering , as yee are from the affectation of salfe and vndeserued praise ; I haue contented my selfe in the simplicitie of the Lordes trueth , to commende vnto your Ladiship , and all the rest of Gods Sainctes , the constant and carefull practise of the Fayth and knowledge which may bee reaped by the reading and meditation of this Doctrine , with Prayer and thankesgiuing to the Lord , for the happie successe of the same : not that I would wish your Ladiship by this distinction of the matter to seuerall dayes , to bee so superstitiouslie tied vnto the same , as if the whole particulars of the Creation should not bee at all times before your Eyes , as a faire Garden , whereof yee should beholde the beautie , and smell the fragrant Odours together : But heerewithall ( if it may please the Lordes gracious Majestie ) yee may resent the goodnesse , power and wisedome of God in the Creation of euerie creature vpon its owne day when it was made .

So wishing the successe of these exercises to bee according to mine affection , and intention , for the Christian profit and progresse in the faith of the trueth , which is according to godlinesse , I beseech God to blesse your Ladiship , with my Lord your Husband , and your hopefull Sonne Lorde CHARLS , with all Prosperitie in this Life , and euerlasting happinesse in the Life to come , I rest .

Your Lad. seruitour , A. SYMSON .
TO THE CHRISTIAN READER .

GEntle and Christian Reader , sith yee receiued so tenderly my first Booke , Of the seuen words which our Lord spak vpon the Crosse , I haue taken courage to present this Booke , Of the Creation , also to your consideration : which suppose it preceed the other in time , so long as the Creation of the Worlde doeth Mans Redemption purchased by the death of Christ , yet they succeede in effect and woorth : for it had beene farre better that neither the World for vs , nor wee for our selues , had beene made , than that wee should not haue beene redeemed by him .

This , if yee peruse diligentlie , and meditate consideratiuelie , I doubt not but that yee shall see the Lord more clearelie in his owne workes : this beeing , as it were , a mirrour and looking Glasse , wherein wee may perfectlie beholde Himselfe , his Omnipotencie Wisedome , Loue , Goodnesse , &c.

By this also yee may draw nearer and nearer vnto the Lord your God , and become more frequent and acquainted with him , by daylie meditating vpon his woorthie Workes , praysing him , giuing him thankes for the same , and praying vnto him to continue his graces towardes you still vnto the ende .

I did reade Sainct Ambrose his HEXAMERON , and the woorthie D. BARTAS : and I trust yee shall perceiue the direction of one Spirit , guiding vs all vnto one and the selfe same Ende .

I perswade my selfe that there are manie well minded Christians , who will likewell of this Booke ; and againe others will perhaps dislike of it , euen such as esteeme of nothing but that which is forged in their owne Shop : yea , they know no better means to grace themselues than by disgracing others , as Sainct Hierome sayeth in his Epistle vnto Sainct Augustine .

But I craue at thine handes ( most courteous Reader ) that ( since in anie mans worke there will ●ee some Drosse amongst Golde ) thou wouldest choose the best , ( if i● were but in the Dongue-hill ) and passe by the other with a cha●itable construction : in the meane time accepting this in good part : and if it please God to continue his graces with mee , thou mayest expect more . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 .

A. Symson .
ON THE BOOKE . GOD binding with hid Tendons this great ALL , Did make a LVTE , which had all parts it giuen : This LVTES round Bellie was the azur'd Heauen ; The Rose those Lights which Hee did there install : The Basses were the Earth and Ocean : The Treble shrill the Aire : the other Strings , The vnlike bodies , were of mixed things : And then His Hand to breake sweete Notes began . Those loftie Concords did so farre rebound , That Floods , Rocks , Meadows , Forrests did them heare : Birds , Fishes , Feasts danc'd to their siluer sound . Onlie to them Man had a deafned Eare. Now him to rouse from sleepe so deepe and long , God wak'ned hath the Eccho of this Song . W. D.
ON THE SEVEN DAYES . THe glorious God the First Day made the Light : Next stretcht the Firmament in bredth & hight : The Third dryde Earth , and it with Plants He stor'd : The Fourth the Heauens with Lamps of light decor'd : Fift th' Aire with Fowls , with Fishes filde each Flood : The Sixt made Beasts and Man : and all were good . On the Seuenth Day the Lord from worke did rest ; Therefore that Day Hee sanctifi'd and blest . I. A.
AN ANTIPHONE , or EPODE , For W. D. his Heptachordon , TO THE AVTHOR . THis seuen string'd Lute , as shewes the sacred Storie , GOD made to shew the brightnesse of his Glorie . On which , by diuerse Handes , sixe thousand Springs Beene playde ; and all to prayse that King of Kings . Now last the Sonne of that sweet Swan-like Singer , Who Christ in Armes embracing would not linger Longer on Earth , harmoniouslie doth rayse On it Notes fit the furious fits t' appease Of Soules Saule-like , and of their franticke follie Them charme , to sound his prayse who 's only holie . Therefore , my Brother deare , well mayst thou thinke Employde thy Paines , thy Paper , Penne and Inke , Whereby poore Soules are sav'd , Gods Name 's extoll'd , And thine 'mongst neuer-dying names enroll'd . M. I. ADAMSON .
THE CONTENTS OF THIS BOOKE . AN humble Confession of sinnes . Pag. 1 A Meditation on the first days work . Pag. 19 A Prayer on the first Day . Pag. 22 A Meditation on the second Day . Pag. 27 A Prayer on the second Day . Pag. 30 A Meditation on the third Day . Pag. 36 A Prayer on the third Day . Pag. 38 A Medit. on the fourth Day . Pag. 50 A Prayer on the fourth Day . Pag. 62 A Med. on the fifth Day . Pag. 68 A Pr. on the f●fth Day . Pag. 74 A Meditat. on the sixth Day . Pag. 79 A Prayer on the sixth Day . Pag. 85 A Meditation on the seuenth Day . Pag. 91 A Prayer on the seuenth Day . Pag. 102 Morning Prayer . Pag. 108 Euening Prayer . Pag. 114 A Meditation on the Church . Pag. 120 A prayer for the Church . Pag. 125 A meditation on the holie Communion . Pag. 133 A prayer before the Communion . Pag. 139 A thankesgiuing after the Communion . Pag. 141 A Medit. of the trouble of Conscience . Pag. 143 A prayer for a troubled Conscience . Pag. 149 A meditation of Kinges . Pag. 155 A Prayer for the King , &c. Pag. 158 A Meditation of Sicknesse . Pag. 161 A prayer for a sicke person . Pag 163 A prayer for a Woman in trauell . Pag. 169 A meditation of Persecution . Pag. 173 A prayer for one persecuted . Pag. 177 A meditation of Famine . Pag. 182 A prayer in time of Famine . Pag. 184 A meditation of Pestilence . Pag. 187 A prayer in time of pestilence . Pag. 189 A Meditation of the Sword . Pag. 191 A prayer in time of the Sword . Pag. 194 A Meditation of Death . Pag. 197 A Prayer at the houre of Death . Pag. 200 FINIS .
AN HVMBLE CONFESSION OF SINNES .

OEternall God , and moste mercifull Father , I confesse and acknowledge before thine heauenly Majestie , that I am a moste miserable sinner : first , Sinne by nature . because I was conceiued in sinne , and borne in iniquitie : next , by reason I haue added to the sinnes of my nature , the sinnes of a damnable life . For there i● no Precept of thy Law which I haue not broken ; neither is there any judgement which I haue not deserued . Insensible . But yet this increaseth my woe , that when I am thus wounded , I feele not my wound ; but doe lie sleeping , as Ionas did , when the tempest of thy judgements doeth assault mee But ( alace ) this is moste grieuous of all , Ionah 1.5 . that when thy Majestie by the sweete voyce of thy worde , Against knowledge . hast called mee to repentance , I closed mine cares to thy warninges . If those who transgressed the law of Moses , Deu. 19.15 vnder two or three witnesses , died without mercy ; much more I , who haue troden vnder my feete the blood of the New Testament , Heb. 10.29 and haue accounted light of the offers of thy grace , and by the testimonie of mine owne conscience , am worthie of condemnation . And seeing I am arraigned before thy Tribunall , I flee to thy selfe , as to a Citie of refuge , Deut. 19.3 where I will pleade my cause by an humble Confession . Therefore I sall downe vpon the knees of mine heart , before the portes of thy mercie , begging of thee the spirit of vnsained repentance ; that acknowledging my sinne , I may finde grace in thine eyes . But because the beginning of repentance is to see my sinne , open mine eyes , O Lord , that I may see my nakednesse , & bewaile the dayes of my sinne . I will giue vp dittie against my selfe : I will giue out doome against my soule : I will condemne my selfe , that thou mayst absolue me : I wil haue my sinnes before mine eyes , that thou mayst cast them behinde thy backe : I wil remember them , that thou mayst forget them : I wil repent them , & thou wilt forgiue them . I acknowledge my sins , Psal. 51.3 . & mine iniquitie is euer before mee : O Lord , thou louest the trueth in the inward affections . Ibid. 6. I am content that shame be to mee , if honour come thereby to thee , that thou mayest be just when thou speakest , Ibid. 4. and pure when thou judgest .

First , I confesse , that I was created to thy Image , but sinne hath so disgraced and defaced it in me , that there appeareth no print thereof in my nature . I was white as the snowe , Ier. 13.23 but am become blacke as the More : my righteousnesse is as a menstruous garment . Esa. 64.6 . Restore thine Image in me , and repare thy ruinous building . Thine honour shall bee greatter in reforming , than in forming me : as in my resurrection thy glorie shall kythe more than in my creation . The liberalitie of thy goodnesse appeared when as thou stamped such graces in my nature : but thy mercies , which indure for euer , may bee seene when thou renewest those gifts , which I haue prodigallie wasted and spent vpon sinne . Transforme mee , O Lord , to thy similitude ; that as thou art holy , wise , mercifull , patient , bountifull , &c. so I may represent thee ( in some measure ) in them all . As for mine infancie , Mans state in infancie . I knowe not what I was : a poore Suckling , vpon my Mothers Breastes : I could no wayes helpe my selfe , but by weeping . I was casten vpon thee from the wombe : by thy prouidence I was kept , and thine Angels guarded mee . But this I know , that an Infant of one day , is not cleane before thee : haue mercy vpon mee , therefore , O my God , and by the holy infancie of my Sauiour , I beseech thee , abolish whatsoeuer guiltinesse I haue contracted in my Childhood , euen from my birth . Childhood . Then I grew a Childe , which I doe well remember : & the poysonable roote of sinne , which lay hid in mine infancie , sprang foorth in my childhood . And then ( for as little as I was ) I began to disdaine , yea , to snite my fellowes . I had no delight to pray , nor heare thy word , albeit my Parents and Masters many times did commaund mee . I spent that time , euen the first fruites of my youth , in ydlenesse . My sinfull life , and wicked nature , delighted not to bee instructed in learning and vertue : which my neglect of time is nowe punished in mine age , for the which I craue thy mercy . O remember not , good Lord , the sinnes of my youth : neither howe ignorant I haue beene of thy trueth . Psal. 25.7 . But by the holy childhood of thy Sonne , purge the sinnes of my childhood : and of thy great mercy . O Lord , pittie mine ignorance .

But when I passed the yeeres of my childhood , Adolescencie . I entered into mine Adolescencie , in a middle age , betwixt a Boy and a Man . Alace , for pittie ! when I call to minde that time of my life , my soule is astonished ; fearing that thou wilt make mee to inherite the sinnes of my youth . Thou gauest mee strength of bodie , and quicknesse of minde : but how vyldlie abused I all thy benefites ? I with the prodigall sonne , haue spent all my precious youth in sinne . Oh , when I thinke vpon the monethes of vanitie , when I gaue my strength to sinne , and did consecrate the first fruits of my life to Sathan , my soule fainteth . O Lord , I am ashamed when I thinke vpon my lende and beastly behauiour ; more beseeming a Beast , than a Man . O Lord , thou hast not suffered all my follies to be made patent to the world , neither didst thou slay me in my sinne . Let not my secrete sinnes stand in the light of thy countenance : for thine honour is to couer sinnes : therefore , let them passe like a shaddow . If Ioseph did pardon those sinnes of his Brethren , wilt thou , Gen. 45.1 . O Lord , call to minde the follies by the which I haue offended thee ? Alace , I was not onely foolish , and insolent , but I was mad : I contemned all admonitions of thy seruauntes : I thought my Parentes , and Elders , were but foolish ; and I euanished in my mad rage . I was nigh vnto the gates of Hell : I posted , and ranne , as swiftly as the Dromadarie , Ier. 2.24 . or the wilde Asse . But thou tookest mee in my moneth : and when I was ladened with sinne , then thou mercifully chastisedst mee : while I was burning in the flame of my lustes , thou tamedst mee by a grieuous disease , and sicknesse , which thou layedst vpon mee ; by which my bodie was brought vnder . Blessed bee thou , O Lord , who hadst that care of mee , that thou chastisedst me , and nurturedst mee , that I should not perish with the wicked worlde . Thou didst meete thy seruant Paul , when hee went to Damascus , Act. 9.3 . and smotest him to the ground with blindnesse , that he might rise againe a new man , to honour thee . Thou diddest preuent Dauid , by the hand of Abigall , 1. Sam. 25.23 . who stopped him from sheeding of blood . O most mercifull Lord , thou didst meete mee by thy rodde , and didst cast mee downe , and raysedst mee vp againe . Before I was afflicted I went astray : but now I haue learned to followe thy Commaundementes . Psal. 119.67 . Now I thy poore Supplicant , vpon the knees of a sorrowfull soule , craue pardon , and grace , for all the transgressions of my youth .

But , O my God , as I grew in yeeres , so I grew in sinne , Age . and I forgot thy former mercies . I went to Iericho , and mine enemies wounded mee vpon the way , Luk 10.33 and left me for dead : my fellowes passed by mee , but gaue mee no comfort . But thou , O pittifull Samaritane , hadst mercy vpon mee : thou filledst my woundes with the wine of thy blood : thou powredst in the oyle of thy spirit to soften them : thou tookest mee vpon thy shoulders , and broughtest mee to the Inne of thy Church , where I might remaine vntill I was perfectly cured . Prayse bee vnto my God , who left mee not in my sinne , but had compassion vpon mee . But , Lord , haue pittie , for my soule is inwardly tormented , when I thinke on my former dayes , and how I haue sinned against thee .

My Senses are defiled , my Seeing , my Hearing , my Tasting , The sight . my Smelling and my Touching . Alace , I made not a couenant with mine Eyes , but they were full of filthinesse : therefore now doe I water my Couch with the teares of my complaint . Forgiue , O Lord , Psal. 6.6 . my wandering lookes ; and nowe set min● Eyes vpon thee : that the Eyes of min● Heart beeing purified , with a pur● Heart I may see God . Math. 5.8

I opened the doores of mine Eares , vnto the strange voyces of thine enemies . I welcomed Sinne , The hearing . whensoeuer it came to my Soule : But , alace , I repent , and wish at God , that I had not done so . Yet nowe , O Lord , open the doores of my Soule ; that thou mayest sound the voyce of joye and gladnesse , that the. Psal. 51.8 . Bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce .

Woe is mee , that euer I tasted the delicates of sinne ; and that as Eua , The ●●sting G●● . 3.6 . by her taste and sight , brought that guiltinesse vpon her selfe and vs : so I , by mine abusing of these good benefites , haue procured , that with the prodigall Childe thou shouldest bring me to pouertie . O God , keepe mee , that I neuer taste the foode of the king of Babel ; but let mee eate the pottage of Daniel thy seruant . Daniel . 1.8 .

The Smelling . Oh , that the stinking smell of sinne were away from mine head . Let mee smell the sauour of thine Oyntmentes , thy Myrrhe , Psal. 45.8 . and thy Cassia , when thou commest from thine Yuorie Palaces .

The Touching . Oh , that euer I stretched foorth mine hand to sinne . Now , Lord , extend d mine hand to thy seruice ; to bee bountifull to the Poore , and to sow my seed vpon m●nie waters , that I may reape eternall joye . My minde is replenished with ignorance , mine heart is indured , my will is rebellious to thy will , my mouth an open sepulchre , and my feete are swift to run to euill .

O Lord , haue pittie on mee , and remember that Christ , my Lord , was wounded in all the members of his bodie , and in all the members of his bodie ; that by his woundes I might bee cured . Preuenting grace . Preuent mee by thy grace : ●●eke thy lost Sheepe : and light the ●andle of thy word , Matth. 15.24 . that thou mayest ●●de thy lost Pennie : And when thou ●ast found mee , Lord , giue mee thine ●●companying grace , Accompanying grace that it doe not ●●rsake mee . Put the Ring on my sin●er , euen the Ring of thy loue and fa●our . And last , I beseech thee , bestow ●pon mee thy following grace , following grace . which ●ay crowne the whole mercies that I ●aue receiued all my life .

Sinne , alace , sticketh faster to mee ●an doeth my flesh , yea , the marrow ●ithin my bones . O Lord , make diui●on betwixt vs , Sinne separateth vs from God . and separate it from ●ee , which hath made so long separa●●on betweene thee and mee . It is a ●urthen , which lyeth vpon mee , and is ●oo heauie for mee to beare ; therefore , 〈◊〉 my God , ease mee thereof , that with ●acritie , and readinesse of heart , I may serue thee all the dayes of my life , as I ●aue serued sinne before . Alace , was ●ot I the cause that thy Sonne died , ●ine Angels are offended , and thy Church grieued ? O Lord , let mee be ●omforted before my departure , that I may bee the occasion of all their joye● by my repentance ; as I was the cause of their sorrowe , by my fall , and foule defection .

But , alace , when that I haue repented mee of my former wickednesse , I am readie to runne backe vnto that filthie puddle of sinne , from the which I was newlie washen : yea , I haue fallen more often than seauen times euerie day : but thou , O Lord , with thy mercifull hand , didst lift me vp againe . Therefore , deare Father , haue mercie vpon mee , I beseech thee , and continue thy loue and fauour towards mee ; and let mee not fall as doe the wicked , who fall , and rise no more .

Sende vnto mee , O my God , faithfull Admonishers , and let the Righteous rebuke mee : yea , let mee not want the checkes of mine owne Conscience , that I durst forsweare my promise to my God . Breach of promise to God . I promised to amend my life , but I haue not performed mine oath , and haue come vnder a double guiltinesse . I purposed to cease from sinne , euen when I vowed , thinking to stand by mine owne strength : But nowe , good Lord , I beseech thee , that thou wouldest giue mee thy constant Spirit , that I may stand by thy power , Psa. 51.10 and fall no more .

If thou wouldest narrowlie marke mine iniquities , O Lord , Iob 5.3 . I could not aunswere thee to one of a thousand : yea , mine owne mouth condemne mee , Iob 9.20 . and mine owne cloathes would defile mee . Wash mee , therefore , O my God : Purge mee with Hyssope , Psal. 51.7 and I shal be cleane : with Myrrhe and pure Water , and I shall bee whiter than Snow . O , passe by my great sins : for mercy pleaseth thee . Mich. 7.8 .

Remember not , O Lord , mine ingratitude , and vnthankfulnesse toward thy Majestie , Ingratitude for all thy manifolde and rich benefits , which thou hast so bountifullie bestowed vpon mee from time to time : Ne yet , good Lord , remember mine hypocrisie , and superficiall seruice , Hypocrisie . which manie times I haue done vnto thee , both priuatelie , and in thine House . I craue pardon for these two sinnes , which are most haynous : and I most humblie beseech thee , euer hence forwarde , to giue mee a thankfull minde and heart , vnto thee , for all thine innumerable benefites and blessinges , and sinceritie in thy worship : that with a single eye , and a true heart , I may glorifie thee , O my Creatour , all the dayes of my pilgrimage heere in this life , and heereafter with thy Sainctes for euer .

Oh , and alace , I am sorie , and doe most heartilie repent mee , for those manifolde injuries which I haue done vnto my Neighboures , Injuries to our neighbour . euen for lacke of loue towardes them . But , O Lord , I am no wayes able to reckon mine hainous sinnes , and grieuous offences , which I haue committed both against God and man , no more than I am able to count the haires of mine head , or the sandes of the Sea , or the Starres of Heauen . But binde thou all my transgressions in the bundle of thy mercie , and burne them in the fire of thy loue : Oh , burie them all in the bowels of thy CHRIST , and in the graue of perpetuall obliuion . For why ? O Lord , thy Name is Mercie , 1. Gods Name is Mercie . and thy nature mercifull ; yea , thy mercie is aboue all thy workes , and in dureth for euer . 2. His nature mercifull .

Thy promise is , O God , that thou wilt not cast off those that come vnto thee . Thou hast sworne , that thou delightest not in the death of a sinner , 3. His promise and oath . but that hee bee conuerted , and liue . Thou commandest all that are wearie , 4. His Commandement . Matt. 11.28 . Luke 18.1 . and laden with sinne , to come vnto thee , and thou wilt ease them . Thou commendest the vnjust Iudge , who at last yeelded to the importunitie of the Widow . Therefore , O Lord , according to the riches of thy mercies looke vpon mine infirmities . Bestow vpon ●e , O Father , the Comforter , Ioh. 14.26 euen the Spirit of trueth , who may leade mee in all veritie through this Wildernesse : and thy constant Spirit , who may establish mine heart by his grace ; and who may sanctifie me , and purifie the fountaine of my soule , that all good actions may aboundantlie spring from thence .

And finallie , O Lord , I resigne my bodie and soule into thine hand ; beseeching thee most intirelie , that thou wilt keepe thine owne Lodging ; that I may bee directed , by thine holie Spirit , in the course of this transitorie life : that I hauing the assurance of the forgiuenesse of all my former sinnes , and likewise a care , feare , and reuenge of my corruption , I may learne to number my dayes , Psa. 90.12 & redeeme the time , and spende ( and ende ) my life to thine honour , praise , and glorie , through IESVS CHRIST , my Lord and onelie Sauior . Amen . So bee it .

MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS , vpon the Lordes seuen dayes worke .

MOSES , albeit hee was borne after the Flood , yet he prophecieth of thinges done from the beginning of the Worlde , and hath written fiue Bookes of the same : GENESIS , GENES. which signifieth Generation , because it containeth the beginning both of the Worlde , and of the Church . EXOD. EXODVS , an Out-passage , or deliuerie of the Church from Aegypt . LEVITICVS , LEVIT. setteth downe both the Orders and Offices of the Leuits , for the right ministration of Gods seruice . NVMBERS , a Reckoning of men , NVMB. wherein God performeth his promise to Abraham , Gen. 22.17 that his seed should be like the starrs of heauen . DEVTERONOMIE , DEVT. or a Second Law , or Declaration of the will of God , before the death of Moses . He beginneth at the Creation , by which he confuteth the Opinion of the Eternity of the World . To such as inquire what God was doing before the Creation , What God was doing before the World . I answere with S. Augustine , Hee was preparing Hell for such curious braines . And to such as aske where he was , I say that God needed no place , who is comprehended in no place . Places are made for bodies , which are conprehensible : the Creatour beeing incomprehensible , hath no neede therof . Neque tempus habet quando , neque locum ubi , Augustine . neque modum quomodo , neque causam cur fit : that is , Hee hath neither a place wherein hee is , nor a time when , nor a manner how , nor a cause why he is . But he was in himselfe , and had a perfect delectation in his owne Trinitie .

A MEDITATION VPON THE LORDS first dayes worke .

THE first Creature which GOD made out of the Chaos and Masse , was the Light , Light admirable . which is admirable in two respects : First , 1. Out of darknesse . because it proceeded out of Darknesse : as hee doth produce one Contrare out of another ; 2. Without & before the Organes : letting vs see , how GOD bindeth not his works to instruments Life out of Death , Honour out of Infamie , &c. whereby his owne Glorie may appeare the greater . Next , the Light was made without anie Organe where from it should proceede . For the Sunne and Moone were made vpon the fourth day : by which God would teach vs , that we should not binde his operation to anie instruments : for hee can worke by them , and without them , & against them . Therefore , it is naturall Idolatrie , to binde the actions to the creatures , and to spoyle the Creator of his due honour .

Light excellent for fiue respects Now the Light is most excellent in fiue respects : First , because it is necessarie for the direction of our actions : for he that walketh in darknesse , 1. Necessarie . Iohn 8.12 knoweth not whither hee goeth .

Secondlie , the Light is moste pleasant , for it addeth beautie vnto all inferiour creatures ; 2. Beautifull . who if they had no light shining vpon them , they would bee vnder disgrace .

Thirdlie , the Light is moste comfortable : for Darknesse is the Image of Hell : 3. Comfortable . and a little light will greatlie comfort those that are in darknesse .

Fourthlie , the Light is most pure & simple , 4. Pure , and simple . and can admit no corruption : for albeit it shine vpon filthie places , yet it neither receiueth , nor admitteth , anie infection therefrom ; but it illuminateth them , that they seeme to bee purged .

And fiftlie , the Light is most coelestiall , 5. Coelestiall . because it proceedeth not from the Earth , but from the Heauens .

Our Sauiour CHRIST is compared to the Light , Christ the true Light in all respects . for all these fiue reasons following : First , Without him wee must walke in darknesse . Secondlie , He is most pleasant , and beautifieth vs . Thirdlie , He onlie comforteth vs . Fourthlie , Hee receiueth no corruption of our flesh . And fiftlie , He came from aboue .

Christ exceedeth the Light in four things : But there are other foure thinges , wherein our Sauiour exceedeth this materiall Light : First , The Light is created ; and he is an vncreated Light . Next , The Light cannot pierce thorow all things : for there are secret places in the Earth , to the which it can neuer attaine . But there is no darknesse , if it were as palpable as the darknesse of Egypt , Ex. 10.20 . to which Christ cannot shine . Thirdlie , The Light can shine to a seeing eye , but it cannot giue light to a blinde eye ; and it offendeth a soare eye : But Christ is the Light of our minde , and giueth vs light to see . And last , the materiall Light altereth and changeth vnto darknesse ; but Christ is vnalterable ; when hee is become the Light of the soule , he cannot depart finallie and totallie , vntill the time he bring thee to that Light where thou shalt be with him for euer .

A PRAYER , Vpon the Lordes first Dayes Worke .

O Pure and Euerlasting Light ! who dwellest in a light vnaccessable , I beseech thee to looke & blink into my darkened minde , with the gracious beames of thy countenance ; Psal. 36.9 . that I may looke vp , and see light in thy light . O Lord , I reuerence and worship thee , for all thy workes of wonder , which thou hast made for the profite and pleasure of man . Gods works a cleare myrrour , wherein to behold himselfe . Genes. 1.3 . There is not one of thy works which is not a liuelie myrrour , to represent thy glorie , thy wisedome , thy power and thy goodnesse : But my minde is blinde , and cannot see thee in them . Thou createdst the Light , on the first day , by the word of thy mouth , and it sprang out of darknes . That senseles creature obeyed the voyce of thy mouth : but alace , thou hast manie times cried vnto me , Arise from the workes of darknesse ; and I did not obey thee . I am not woorthie that the light shoulde shine vpon mee , which will bee a witnesse against mee . When I beholde the Light , how pleasant and beautifull it is , and that it giueth an ornament to all other creatures : who , If light bee beautifull , farre much more the Father of Lights . if they were wrapped vp in darknesse , were vtterlie disgraced . But , O Lord , how much more art thou beautifull in thine holie Temple , when thou hast put onelie a little sparke of thy glorie into this creature . Our Sauiour saieth , Blessed are those who haue cleane heartes , Matt. 5.8 . for they shall see GOD. As thou hast giuen mee the benefite of this present light , so let mee see thy selfe , with a pure heart . Thine enemies , yea , the Beastes , see this light : but , Lord , let mee see thy selfe , the Father of Lightes . As this Light is glorious , so it is verie comfortable vnto mee , O my God : for this night I was couered with darkenesse : I turned to and froe , and mine heart was sore perplexed , and my ●ones sore vexed : but when thou didst blinke in , earlie in the morning , then I reuiued , mine heart was comforted , and I saide vnto thee , If the light be comfortable , much more is God . Ex. 15.23 . O Lord , is there such great comfort to mee in this little light ? abstract not thy presence from my soule . All the comfortes of thy creatures will bee like to the waters of Mara , which were bitter , if thou season them not with thy presence , and make them sweete , by the Crosse of Christ . Breake open the doores of my soule , that thou mayest enter in : and lighten the eye of mine vnderstanding , that I may see thy will , thy glorie , and the excellencie of thine House .

But , Lord , bee mercifull vnto mee , that I haue enjoyed so manie lightes , and haue abused them vnto sinne : Misspent time repented . I spent them ydlie , profanelie , and wickedlie . Thou mayest justlie close mine eyes , that I should neuer see anie newe light , who haue thus mispent so many . Thou mayest cast mee into the bedde of Sicknesse , or into a Prison , where I should see no light . But , O Lord , I was blinded by ignorance : mine affections did blinde-folde mee . Haue mercie vpon mee , that I haue spent so long a light , in the workes of sinne . 1. Thes. 5.5 Ephes. 5.8 . Let mee walke as the Childe of light : and let mee put on the workes of light , that I bee like thee , and shine here , and walke in light ; that from light , I may goe to light for euer .

Oh , let thy word , and thy law , bee a light to my feete , Psal. 119.105 . that I may see to doe thy will , and to keepe thine holie Commaundementes . Let mee bee a Lampe of light , and not a lumpe of darknesse . O God , I haue this one confort , God , an vnchangeable Light . that albeit this present light be alterable , yet Thou art an vnalterable GOD , and thy presence shineth at all times . Therefore , I beseech thee , let not the light goe out of the Tabernacle ; Ex. 30.25 . but nourish it continuallie , by the fresh and new Oyle of thy Spirite ; that thou mayest dwell in mee , and mayest delight to abide in thine owne Building ; and keepe in thine owne light , which thou hast brought in , and nourish it within thy Sanctuarie ; that I ( beeing brought through this shaddowe of the darke worlde , by thine externall and internall light ) may come to that place where there shall bee no night , and where there needeth no Candle , Rev. 21.23 neither the Sunne , nor the Moone , to giue light : euen where thy glorie shineth , and where the Lambe himselfe giueth light : To whome , with thee , O Father , and the holie Spirit , bee all honour , praise , power , and dominion , now , and euermore . So bee it .

A MEDITATION VPON THE LORDES second dayes worke .

THE Heauens were created the seconde Daye . The worde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the natiue language is taken from the Waters , because the Waters are there , and descende from thence . The Greeke worde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Plato takes , as it were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , conspicable , because it is objected to the sight of all men . The Latine Coelum , because it is Coelatum , carued with goodlie Ornaments : and Firmamentum , from the surenesse of it : and Expansum , because GOD hath spred it foorth as a Curtaine . Ps. 104.2 .

The Heauens haue three significations in the Scriptures : First , it is taken for the Aire , wherein the Fowles and Birdes doe flie : Mat. 6.26 Heauen hath three significations Secondlie , for the Firmament : And thirdlie , for the Seate of the Angels , and blessed Soules : Paradise : the Bosome of Abraham : the third Heauens , wherevnto the Apostle Paul was rauished . These three were made this day . God created a faire Theatre to himselfe this daye , wherein there should bee innumerable Quiristers , neare vnto his Throne , of pure Seraphims , and Cherubims , euerie one prouoking other to his prayse , and saying , Holie , Revel. 4.8 . holie , holie , LORD GOD Almightie , &c. And againe , there are infinite Aëriall Quiristers , who fill the ears of men with their pleasant Songs ; by their example prouoking men to laude their Creatour . And there is a Parpane , and middle inter-stise , which is the sole and grounde of his vpper House , and the Roofe of his neather House , to couer the Worlde , by an admirable manner .

I marke three thinges in the Creation of the Heauens : Thre things obserued . First , the order which GOD vseth in the making of them : for seeing Man was to bee made of an Heauenlie Soule , and an Earthlie Bodie , and was to dwell in Heauen for euer , and on the Earth onlie for a little time ; hee maketh the Heauen first , If Heauen was first made , then seeke it first . setting it aboue the Earth , and making Man to bow vpwardes , & looke vnto it , ( and not downward towards the Earth , as the Beasts doe , ) being the place of his abode , & perpetuall remaining . The consideration wherof should make vs to vse that same order in our actions , which God did in his . Albeit our bodies be on the Earth , let our hart bee in Heauen . Let vs put Heauen in our heart , before the Earth : let vs looke vnto it , and haue our conuersation in it : albeit our bodies be captiuate in the earth , let our hearts be in our owne Countrey , where wee shall dwell for euer .

Next , God grounded the Heauens vpon the second day , and perfected them vpon the fourth day . God worketh by degrees . This is his common forme , both in his Spirituall works , and in his naturall : he worketh by degrees : he layeth the foundation of his benefit , and after he finisheth it . Therfore , let vs not hasten nor precipitate , but attend Gods will , who will perfect our earthly and heauenlie comfort in his owne time .

Last , yee see he bindeth vp the Cloudes in the Aire , that they cannot drowne the Earth ; as he wardes the Seas by the sands ; By weake meanes God preserueth man . to teach vs , how God by these weake meanes doeth preserue Mankinde . Which if he doe to his enemies , what should his Elect Children looke for at his hands ?

A PRAYER , Vpon the LORDES second Dayes Worke .

O Almightie GOD , Thou who created the Heauens the second day , inspire my soule , I beseech three , with heauenlie Meditations : inlarge mine heart , and loose my tongue to thy praise . Ouer-shadow mine heart with thy grace , as thou couerest the Eearth with the Heauens , that I may consider thy power and goodnesse towards me in this thy workmanship .

Thou needest not the Heauens , O Lord , for before the Heauens were , thou wast : the Heauen of Heauens cannot containe thee : 1. King . 8.27 . but thou madest them for me . Therefore , lift vp my minde , by a spirituall meditation , that with heart and minde I may seeke for thee in them , and loue them for thee , who is in them . Thou dwellest in a light vnaccessable : I cannot enter into thy Throne to see , but I prostrate my soule , before the gates of thy grace , wrapped in the beggersie clouts of my sinne , and at thy commandement I knock . Long for Heauen , where thou mayest see God . Cant. 5.12 . Cast the crumms of thy mercie to me , that I faint not in this wildernesse : Looke with the eyes of the Doue out of thine holie Temple , Heare the voyce of my prayer , and gather my teares into thy Bottle ; who am in a strange countrey , and so long absent from my Lord and Husband , who is now dwelling with thee . Looke foorth at the grates of thy Fathers window , Cantic. 2.9 . O thou whom my soule loueth : and cure the griefe of mine heart , by thy gracious countenance . Should wee dwell sundrie so fare , I here , thou in the heauens ? hasten thy comming in the Cloudes , or hasten my departure , by death , that I may enjoye the sight of him whome my soule loueth . O Lord , the Heauen is full of thy glorie , when thou commest out of thine Yourie Palaces , Psal. 45.8 . and out of the moste holie places , and shewest the signes of thy presence amongst thy Sainctes : then the foundations of the Heauens shake : then the innumerable legions of the Coelestiall Spirites rayse vp their voyces , Psal. 18.7 . sounding thy prayses : they fill al thy Temple , & speak words which cannot bee expressed . Thine holie Armie of twentie thousand thousandes of Angels , Revel. 7.4 . & 9. and of euerie Tribe of Israel twelue thousand , and of all the Nations vnder the Heauens , innumerable thousandes . Their voyces are like the sound of the Thunder , Rev. 14.2 . or as the noyse of manie Waters . O , our God , howe glorious art thou in thine holie Temple ! O that Spirituall Musicke , and the Harpes of God , wherevpon thy Sainctes doe play , both daye and night . The twentie and foure Elders , Rev. 7.14 & 15. and the rest , who made their long Robes white in the bloode of the Lambe ; thou leadest them to the pure Fountaines of Waters : thou hast wyped away all teares from their eyes : They sing , Prayse , Glorie , and Wisedome ; Thankes , Honour , Power , and Might , bee vnto our GOD for euermore . The foundation of that Citie is of precious Stones : The Iasper , the Saphyr , Rev. 21.19 20.21 & 27 and the Emarald ; the Topaz , and the Hiacinth . The twelue Gates , are twelue Pearles . The Streete of the Citie , is pure Golde , as shyning Glasse . There is none vncleane thing in that Citie : but those who are written in the Lambes Booke of Life .

O that Water of Life , Rev. 22.1.2 . cleare as Crystall , proceeding out of the Throne of God! There is the Tree of Life , which beareth twelue manner of Fruites , and rendereth Fruite euerie Moneth . O! that is the true Land of CANAAN , Exod. 3.17 which floweth with Milke and Honey , which is promised to the Elect Children . O , how blessed are those who stand before thee , O Lord , 1. king . 8.8 and heare thee , and see the beautie of thine House ! O , howe amiable are thy Tabernacles , O Lord God of Hostes ! It is better to bee a Doore-keeper in thine House , than to bee a Monarch of the whole Worlde . Psal. 84.1 As the Hart brayeth after the Riuers of Waters , Psal. 42.1 . so doeth my soule pant after thee , my liuing Lord . O my GOD , when shall I appeare before thee in Sion ? Nowe , my soule , returne vnto thy rest ; for the Lord will pittie thee , and will deliuer thee from this Prison , and from these wylde Beastes , which vexe thee on euerie side , and from sinne , which daylie troubleth thee ; and will bring thee to the sight and fruition of the Eternall Ioye , which is in the Heauens .

O glorious GOD , I haue not yet seen the Heauens , where th● Saints are , but in the myrrour of the Gospell : But I see daylie these vi●●ble creatures , and the Firmament , NOTA. If there be such beauty in the outward part of the heauens , what is within ? which are euen the workes of thine owne hand . Then , if there bee such beautie in the outwarde partes of thy Palace , O LORD , what will wee looke for in thy Gabinet ?

O my GOD ! as often as I beholde these outward Heauens , then let mine heart & inward affections be mounted vp , by an holie desire and meditation ; that the eye of my soule may pierce thorow these thy visible workes , euen to the companie of my Brethren , the First-borne , and to that innumerable number of Angels and Sainctes .

Oh , bee thou my Guide , O my LORD , and bring mee through the perils of this Wildernesse , vnto thine heauenlie Palace , euen for the merites and blood of IESVS CHRIST , thy well-beloued Sonne , our Sauiour .

AMEN .
A MEDITATION , Vpon the LORDES thirde Dayes Werke .

IN the Creation of the third Day , there bee two principall thinges to bee obserued : First , The manner of the Creation , by separation of the Waters ; whereby were created two Elementes , the Water , and the Earth . Next , The Blessing of GOD.

Since there is no difficultie in the wordes , I will obserue foure thinges .

First , That so long as those two Elementes were in the confused Chaos , so long they were both vnprofitable , and each one hindered other : but assoone as they were separated , Confusion is vnprofitable . they were both fruitfull : Euen so is it yet , where Anarchie hath place , either in Church or Policie , there shall bee no Blessing in neither of them : But happie is that Church and Common-wealth , where all thinges are ruled by order , and no place is left to confusion .

Gods blessing inricheth . Next , the Earth was created barren . God spake the worde , and it fructified . If this was the estate thereof before Sinne , howe much lesse nowe , beeing subject to a curse , will it bring foorth anie good thing , without GODS Blessing ?

God prouided for his creatures before they were . Thirdlie , yee see that God blessed it with Cornes , Trees , and Fruites , for the sustenance of Man ; and Grasse for Beastes , before he made anie of them . He prouideth the Milke in the Breast of the Woman , as a liuelie fountaine , before the Childe be borne . Then , if he was so prouident before Man was made , will he neglect vs , Much more when they are . when wee are made to his owne Image ? Let vs seeke him truelie , and doubt not .

Fourthlie , there is a treasure , which God hath hidden in the Earth for Man ; Golde and Siluer , to inrich him : Coales , Wood , and other firing , for his heate : Stones for his Building , &c. and on the face of the Earth , Gods hidden treasures should prouoke vs to thankefulnesse . Cornes , Hearbes , Trees , Wines , Oyles , and varietie of crearures , both for his pleasure and profit . When wee behold daylie these good benefits , let vs be drawne , by each one of them , to thankfulnesse of our Creator : Let vs seeke the right vse of them , that wee spende them not vpon sinne .

Finallie , by these earthlie blessings , call to minde the spirituall Riches , Seeke spiritual riches . and Foode of our soules ; that wee may not labour for the foode that perisheth , but for that Foode which doth endure for euer . Iohn 6.27

A PRAYER , Vpon the LORDES thirde Dayes Worke .

ETernall God , and most louing Father , as thou increasedst this thy hudge workmanship of the Worlde , and hast created the Earth vpon this third Day ; so I beseech thee to increase thy Spirit within me , and create in my barren , colde , and earthly heart , fruitfull considerations , to thy Majesties Glorie .

O Lord , as thou preparedst in the seconde Daye the Heauens , to bee the Citie of our remaining ; so hast thou ordained and established the Earth , to bee the place of our Pilgrimage and wandering : as the people of Israel were in the Wildernesse fourtie yeares before they came to the land of Promise . Similitude . Yet , O Lord , the Earth is thine , and the fulnesse thereof . There is no constant abiding to me in this Earth , I lodge heere in tents : I wander now heere , now there : helpe me , poore Pilgrime , in this desart place , that I may finde thee a Pillar of Cloude in the day to couer me , Exod. 13.21.22 . and a Pillar of fire in the night , and darknesse of this world , to illuminate me , to see the way to Canaa● . Thou openedst a fountaine to Hagar , the Bond-woman , and her childe , Gen. 21.19 when they were steruing for thirst . I am not the childe of the Bond-woman , but of the free-woman . Open the fountaine of the House of Dauid , and giue me of the water of life , and satisfie my soule with the fatnesse of thine house . Ezech. 13.1 . Iohn . 7.38 Psa. 39.12 I am a Stranger heere on Earth , as my Fathers were before me . Let me not walke then as a stranger among the Philistims , and Babilonians . If I were a citizen , and a man of their owne , Ioh. 15.19 they would loue me : But because I am not of them , neither follow them , nor their manners , therefore they hate me . My Mothers sonnes , and familiar friends count me a stranger : they stand farre from me , Psal. 69.8 in the day of trouble . Draw thou nigh vnto me , when they goe farre from me . Iob 19.14 Wilt thou leaue a poore Suckling , to die him alone in this wildernesse ? Though my Father and Mother forsake me , yet thou wilt gather mee vp . I am a Widow , for my Lord and Husband is with thee . Psa. 27.10 I am his Turtle Doue , lamenting mine alone , till I see him . Bring me thorow the straits of this Pilgrimage . Psal. 42.7 I steppe out of one deepe to another : I goe through Fire & Water ; carie me therefore from strength to strength , Psal. 84 , 7 till I appeare before God in Sion . There are heere innumberable wylde Beastes , young Lyons , and fyrie Serpents , to sting me : but I looke to thy Iesus , that Serpent of Brasse , Men in danger of the serpents of this world . Iohn 3.14 Of the thornie cares of this worlde . Of the tentations of Sathan : mouing to desperation , or presumption . Similitude . 2. Sam. 3.39 . who was erected vpon the Tree of the Crosse , that he might cure & remede me . And again , I walke vpon Thornes , euen the thornie cares of this earth ; euery morning mine heart is vexed and pricked with them . They vnquiet me , so that they disturbe that peace which my soule shoulde haue with my God . And whiles I am scarce fred of these thoughts , Sathan , with the temptation of sinne , assaulteth mee : hee buffetteth mee , hee setteth my sinne in order before me , and letteth mee see in a Glasse my whole iniquities . O Lord , bee mine helper , my comforter , and a strong Tower vnto mee : for the sonnes of Zerviah are too strong for mee : but I will not feare them , if thou bee with mee . Thy Rod , and Shepheardes Staffe , Psal. 23.4 . will comfort mee , though I were walking through the shadowe of darknesse , and in the valley of death .

But , O Lord , I haue yet farther to complaine , that when I haue escaped these stormie tempestes , and waues , which inuaded me vpon the left hand , then Sathan riseth vp on my right hand , as an Angell of light , and taketh mee vp to the Mountaine , and offereth mee Riches , Honoures , Pleasures , &c. if I will walke in his wayes , and worship him ; Luke 4.6 . as hee did vnto Christ Iesus . Lord , let mee not taste of these Delicates , or of the poysonable Cuppe of sinne . Let mee not bee allured with the fruites of sinne , albeit they present-faire thinges . Let mee not run as a foolish Fish vpon the alluring baite of vnrighteousnesse . Similitude . I am more contented through pouertie , 2. Cor. 6.8 . and reproaches , through a good report , and an euill report , to walke in this Earth in a good conscience , with thy fauour , than to possesse all the Treasures of Babel , and to haue the losse of thy countenance . Let the Earth bee soure vnto mee , that the Heauens may bee sweete to mee . Although the Earth smyle vpon mee , yet it is but the smyle of mine enemie . But albeit thou wouldest cast down thy countenan e vpon me , yet it is the downe-looking of my Father , who will gladden my soule at last .

O my God , thou hast commaunded the Earth ( which of its owne nature is dry and barren ) to yeelde Foode for my necessitie . Thou hast commaunded mee to craue my daylie Bread at thine hand , with a promise , that if I aske , Mat. 6.11 . Matt. 7.7 . it shall bee giuen mee . Therefore , O Father , giue , I beseech thee , a blessing to the Earth , and my labours therein , that I may prosper . Giue mee such a measure of thy creatures , whereby I may not bee chargeable , but rather helpfull vnto others . Thou diddest feede thy People with the MANNA in the Desart , Ex. 16.13 & 17.6 . 1. King . 17 4.9 and broughtest them the Water out of the Rocke . Thou fedst Eliah by the Rauen ; and likewise the Widow of Sareptah , by thy secret blessing O Lord of Hostes , thou art no lesse carefull of thy people whom thou hast redeemed by thy Sonnes bloode , than thou wast of the seede of Abraham thy seruant . Hos. 2.19 Sende therefore , to the Earth the first raine . Marrie me to thee in mercie and compassion , that thou mayest heare the Heauens , and the Heauens may heare the Earth , and the Earth may heare vs thy people . Lord , let me take them out of thine hands as tokens of thy fauour , and earnest-pennies of better things prepared for me in Heauen .

O Lord , the Earth is defyled with cruelties and filthinesse , and casteth vp horrible cryes to thy Majestie , against the inhabitans thereof : it is ladened with a burthen of sinfull creatures : Rom. 8.23 . it lifteth vp its head , & cryeth and groaneth , as traueling with childe , waiting for the day of our redemption : for then it shall be deliuered from the burthen . O Lord , take away the burthen of sinne from the Earth , and purge , by thy blood , the transgressions of vs thy people . Sanctifie vs , O Lord , that the creatures may be sanctefied to our vse , and we to thy seruice through Christ .

Thou hast hidde in the Earth thy great treasures of Golde , Siluer , Yron , Brasse , and Coales , &c. and the world is set on fire in presute of those things : yea , for Golde they wil renounce their God ; forsweare their Father , perish their soule , and their life , their King , countrey , and their Parents . O Lord , this is a couetous people , whose heart is set vpon these perishing and vncertaine things . But , O Lord , thou art better to me than thousands of Golde and Siluer . All say , Psal. 119.72 . Psal. 4.6 Who will shew vs any good thing ? but , Lord , lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon me . Their treasures are hid in the depths of the Earth , and they treade vpon them : but thou , O my treasure , art hid in the height of the Heauens . The Theife diggeth , Mar. 6.20 and the Roust doeth consume their treasures : but thou art incorruptible . Their treasures are stollen from them ; but nothing can separate thee from vs ; neither death , nor life ; neither things present , nor things to come . Rom. 8.35 . Let mine heart be with thee , & where thou art ; for thou art my treasure . Let me finde mercie with thee , Gen 33.11 and then I haue all these things : for thy loue is better than Golde . Thy seruant Salomon made choyce thereof , 1. king . 3.9 and it was Dauids his fathers choyce , who for loue of thee craued one thing , That he might dwell in thine House all the dayes of his life . Psal. 27.4 . Luk. 10.42 And Marie , the sister of Martha , desired that one thing . Golde is not able to saue me from the Graue , but , my God , thou wilt raise me vp at the last day . What pleasure hath man of Golde , when he dieth ? but he casteth it away , and calleth himselfe a foole , that he should haue taken pleasure in it : he biddeth distribute to the Poore , whom he spoyled all his dayes . But when I die , then I possesse my treasure which I longed for : death which separateth me from the Earth , conjoyneth me to thee , and filleth vp my joye , when I haue receiued my treasure . Further , O Lord , as thou hast hidden these treasures vnder the Earth , so thou hast decored the face of the Earth with thy great blessinges . O , when I looke vnder my feete , and beholde euerie one of thy creatures , I see in them thy power , and thy glorie : yea , I see thou hast appointed the Worme to beate downe my pride . In the basest creature may be seen Gods glorie . Thou hast painted the face of the Earth with all sortes of colours , delectable to the sight : yea , the Lillie passeth the glorie of Salomon . What Flowres for the smel , Mat. 6.28 what Hearbes , with such rare vertues , for the preseruation of man ? yea , there is not the basest weed , wherein there is not inclosed some speciall vertue for the maintenance of mans nature . All thinges on earth created fo● mans vse . Psal. 105.16 . Ibid. 104.15 . NOTA. The Cornes are againe brought foorth , which are the staffe of bread , to strengthen him : and the wynes , which doe glad mans heart : and the Oyle , which maketh him to shyne : the Figges , which are sweet to the taste . Then , Lord , if thy creatures doe yeelde such comforts to me , is there not much more consolation in thee ? Thou hast giuen me a large portion of all these benefits , which thou hast withholden from others . Giue me thy selfe with them , or else take them all from me . Three things I doe aske at thy Majestie : Three requests : 1. first , let not these benefits which I receiue daylie become snares to me , to draw me from thee . Giue me no moe of them than may further me to thy seruice . When thou giuest me any new earthlie gift , then presentlie with it giue me a newe remembrance of thee ; that it may bee a Loue-token of my Lord , whereby I may bee kindeled to loue thee the more . Next , I beseech thee , that whatsoeuer earthlie gift I get , thou wilt put some secret blessing therein , that it may bee profitable vnto me . Thou giuest thy benefits to manie , and blowest vpon them : so , O Lord , likewise blow vpon me , with the blast of thine owne Spirit : and bid thy creatures increase and multiplie . And last of all , let mee not bee taken with an excessiue desire of them : but that with an open heart , and hand , I may bee comfortable vnto others .

O Lord , let my Cup ouer-flow , and let not my left hand knowe what my right hand doeth : psal. 23.5 . Matt. 6.3 . but as thou giuest liberrallie and freelie , so with a free heart I may giue to thy Sainctes , who are of the Familie of Faith . psal. 16.3 Let me bee a seruant of them , and wash their feete . And seeing thou art wise in the dispensation of thy benefits to me : sometimes thou wilt haue me to abound , & sometimes to want : in the one , to haue a proofe of thy liberality : in the other , of thy chastisements , learne mee in euerie estate to be content , Pray for contentment . and giue mee that heauenlie benefite of contentation , the Note and Marke of thy Children . And sith I brought nothing into the world , Iob 1.21 . I will carrie nothing out of it . Giue me Meat & Rayment with contentment . And giue mee , thy poore creature , the assistance of thy principall Spirit : that when I shall depart from these creatures , and they from mee : euen as thou gauest them vnto mee , so I may bee heartilie content : that I , by the separation from them , may perfectlie be vnited vnto thee : for thou art my portion , my lot , and euerlasting inheritance . So bee it .

A MEDITATION Vpon the LORDES fourth Dayes Worke .

GOD made the azury Heauens vppon the second Day , and now hee carueth them vppon the fourth Day , and decoreth them with a multitude of Coelestiall Lights , as is wonderfulll to beholde such glorious Tortches , so infinit in number , and powerfull in operation .

Notwithstanding Pharoahs daughter brought vp Moses in the Sciences of the Aegyptians ; ( and namely , in Astronomie , as some Writers testifie , wherein they with the Caldeans were most curious : ) Yet the Spirit of God , by his Penne , To auoyde curiositie . describeth the Starres simplie , without any curiositie . Whereby God would teach vs to be wise , with sobrietie , and search no deeper in these profound actions of God , than it doeth please him to reueale vnto vs ; or that may be to his glorie ; lest through our deepe searching , our wit be dazeled , and so befall vs as it did to the Astronomer , who in a Winter Night , searching the Starres , fell into a Well , Similitude . and died . He curiously seeking the knowledge of the Starres , forgot the Earth : and so lost both Heauen and Earth .

In the TREATISE of the fourth Day , Moses first setteth down the creation of the Sunne , Moone , and Starres . Next , the ends for which they were made , which were three . First , for Dominion , the Sunne should rule the Day , & the Moone the Night . Secondly , for Distinction , that they might separate the Day from the Night . And thirdlie , to be significations , for signes and seasons .

First , hee setteth the Sunne in his Tabernacle , who commeth foorth daylie like a Bridgroome , psal. 19.5 or like a valiant man readie to runne a race . God hath put into the Sunne such beautie , and such wonderful operations , which are but sparks of that Majestie , and wonderfull operation & power which is in himselfe . The majestie which is in the creatures , is but a sparke of that which is in the Creator . Ezech. 8.16 . Ier. 7.18 . 2. King . 23 5. The admiration whereof made not only the ignorant Gentiles to adore them as Gods , in consecrating the dayes of the weeke to the seauen Planets : but also the superstitious Iewes did adore the Sunne and Moone , as the King and Queene of Heauen , and did maintaine that they did waile , against Ieremie & Ezechiel . I will speake first of the Sunne , by Gods helpe , without curiositie , seeking only out those things of him by which wee may praise God . I obserue then in him three things : to wit , his qualities , his courses , and his defects .

His name is Sol , quasi solus , alone domining ouer the rest to whom he imparteth his light . Sol , quasi solus . And againe , by the brightnesse of his appearance , he obscureth them all . 1. The Sunne giueth light

Now , I would yee considered , that if a created Sunne containeth such measure of light as illuminateth all the world , yea , the Heauen also , who will not thinke but Iesus Christ , If one created Sun can giue light to all , may not Christ giue light vnto all ? who is God himselfe , Sol justitiae , the Sunne of Righteousnesse , is able to giue life and light to all the world , without the helpe of the light of these halfepennie Candles , the merits of men ? For a thing vnperfect , may be made more perfect by addition , & augmentation ; as one Candle by another : Similitude . but a thing perfect is disgraced by addition , as if yee would bring a pot of water to the Sea , or light a Candle to the Sunne , Thinges perfect are disgraced by addition . or breath in the Aire : So to augment or adde any thing to him , is to dishonour him , and pulleth his glorie from him , as though hee were not sufficient . I am the Lord ( saith he ) and none besides me . And againe , if the Starres dare not appeare before the Sunne , what madnesse is it to present the filthie , and menstruous clouts of mens merits before God , Iob 4.18 . who did finde follie in his Angels ? and the Heauen it selfe is not cleane before him .

2. The Sunne giueth life . The other qualitie of the Sunne is hote , by which he reuiueth , quikneth , and comforteth all the inferiour creatures , by his comming to the Earth in Sommer . Psal. 19.6 By his remouing they are , as it were , comfortlesse and dead . So Christ is both the light and life of the world , by whom wee haue not only our naturall beeing , but also the life of our soules . I am the Way , the Life , and the Trueth , Iohn . 14.6 sayeth hee . So that without him there is nothing but death . Therefore , as wee see light and heate in the Sunne , Light and heate together . let vs followe these two qualities of the Sunne , that we haue light and heate , saith and loue . And as the High-priest carried in his Ephod his Vrim , Simil. Ex. 28.30 . and his Thummim : that is , Illumination and Perfection : So should all Christians haue the true knowledge of God , and faith working by loue .

As for the course of the Sunne , he is in continuall course , The course of the Sun . without interruption , since his creation , ( But in the dayes of Ioshua , when he stood , and in the dayes of Ezekiah , Iosh. 10.12 2. king . 20.2 . when he stayed his course , & came backe ten degrees . ) By which his constant course , we are taught to runne forward in that good race of Christianity , without wearying : Learne at the Sunne to run a constant course NOTA. and we must stay neuer , except it be to see the exterminion of Gods enemies , and turne backe , vnlesse it be from sinne , to Gods obedience .

The course of the Sunne is through the Zodiacke , which deuydeth the Aequinoctiall in two equall parts ; the one halfe to the North , the other halfe to the South , painted vnder the figures of Beasts the twelue signes coelestiall , the Lyon , Bull , Ramme , &c. It is called Zodiacke from the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , What the Zodiacke is a Beast .

The Sunne in his course passeth monethly through one of these twelue signes , whereby he compleateth his course in twelue moneths . He knowes his apointed times giuen him by God , Ps. 104.19 which he transgresseth neuer . He ariseth dayly in his proper time to giue light to vs : let vs then rise earlie out of the bed of sinne , Simil. It riseth early let vs rise earlie from sinne . that as he goeth forward euerie houre of the day in light , so wee may goe after him , to doe the works of light , which God hath commanded vs . This way made Dauid his Progresse at Morning , Noonetide , and at Euen , & in the Night : he arose with the Sunne , & went forward , and when he sate , he ended with the praising of God .

Ordinarie defectes of the Sonne . His defects are some ordinarie , by the in●erposition of the Moone betwixt him and the Earth ; which are rare , and sometimes prodigious , presaging the eclipsing , and death of some rare Prince : as the eclipse in the yeere of God 1596. presaged the death of the most Christian King HENRIE the fourth of FRANCE : HENRIE , the Pearle of France . Prince Henrie , of Britane . and the eclipse of the Sunne the yeere 1612. wherein that excellent Prince HENRIE , the Prince of Great BRITANE , the Pearle of the World , died , and was remooued , to all our griefes .

Some defectes are extraordinarie , as that which was at the death of Christ , for the space of three houres : Extraordinarie defects . of the which Dionysius Areopagita sayde , Aut Deus Naturae patitur , aut Mundi machina dissolvitur : that is , Either the God of Nature is suffering , or else the Worlde is dissoluing .

The Moone is compared to the Church , as the Sunne is to Christ . The Moone This is a prodigious thing , when the Church , which shoulde bee the light of the darksome worlde , shee goeth betwixt Christ and vs , and hideth his beautifull face from vs : the which truelie the Church of Rome hath done manie yeeres . The Lord let her see , howe shee hath beene the cause of that great Ignorance , wherin our fore-fathers were plunged for a long season : yea , shee still hath a desire to nourish Darknesse , and calleth Ignorance the Mother of Deuotion .

The Moone is the other great light , but inferior to the Sunne : first , in place : secondly , in qualitie : thirdly , in light , because it hath lesse light than the Sunne : and some doe thinke , that shee borroweth her light from the Sunne . Fourthly , in honour , for she gouerneth the Night , but not the Day . And fiftly , in that the Sunne is constant , shee mutable : hee hote , shee colde : hee dry , and shee moyst .

As the Sunne doth represent Christ , so doth the Moone the Church , which shines in the dark night of this world , The comparation of the Moone , with the Church . being ruled by Christ , who can rule and gouerne his Light . When the Moone is in the point nearest the Sun , then her light is darkened , and hidde from the worlde , and shee is in her change . NOTA. But when shee is farthest from the Sunne , then shee is in her greatest perfection ; The Moone the nearer the Sun , the lesser light : the Church the nearer Christ , the greater . farre differing from Christ and his Church : For when the Church is nearest Christ , then shee shineth in her perfect glorie : and shee decreasseth , when shee flieth farthest off from him . But heerein shee resembleth the Church , for that part of the Moone which is toward the Sunne , is euer illuminated , the rest of her bodie being darkned : The Church as farre as shee looketh to Christ , is light . so likewise the Church , so farre as shee looketh to Christ , the Sunne of Righteousnesse , shee is light in the Lord : but so farre as shee is turned from him , shee is nothing but darknesse .

The Eclipse of the Moone happeneth when the Earth is interponed betwixt her and the Sunne . Eclipse of the Moone , And so the Church of Christ ( alace ) suffereth this Eclipse , when the earthlie cares of this life goe betwixt Christ & her : whereby it doeth come to passe , that the world is spoyled of light : as we see in the Romish Church , which was so long glorious , as in her Martyrdome she contemned the world : but after , when she enjoyed peace , and was promoted to honour and wealth , she became earthlie minded , and her Godlinesse was soone turned into Greedinesse .

The Starrs . As for the rest of the Starres , they are innumerable , and yet I will affirme , that there is not one of them which is ydle , but hath a speciall vse for which it was created : For as in the Earth the Lord made nothing in vaine ; for hee sawe , that whatsoeuer hee did , it was good . Then , if it was good , Gen. 1.10 . it behoued to serue for some good vse . So in the Heauens likewise hee saw that all was good .

Some fixed . For the Starres , there be some fixed , as their name , Stella , à stando , beareth . So wee should studie to bee fixed Starres in the right hand of CHRIST . Rev. 1.16 & 20. Some of these are remarkable , whereof GOD himselfe speaketh vnto Iob : as the Hyades , Iob 9.9.38 3. Pletades , and Orion .

The Planets haue their name from erring , for so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doeth signifie : Some Planets . but each one of them hath a seuerall office , and compleateth his course in his appointed time , as the Sunne and Moone doe , and haue their particular operations vpon the inferiour creatures .

As for the Comets , they take their name from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Comets . which is called the haire , because they seeme to carrie as it were haire about them : of whom Plinius maketh mention in his second Booke of his naturall historie , and twentie fiue Chapter .

The ends of their creation . Simil. As for the ends of their creation : First , the Sunne was created to rule the Day , & the Moone the Night . So this darke and blinde world is ruled by the light of Christ , and of his Church , which is illuminated and directed by him . But I maruell how the Church of Rome can call her selfe the Sunne , and the Princes of the world the Moone : for if she be the Spouse of Christ , then must she be the Moone , of whom is spoken in the Scripture , and Christ must be her Sunne . So , in comparison of her , the secular persons are the Earth .

I maruell likewise of these ( against whom Ieremie and the rest of the Prophets so oft speaketh ) who thinke , that their life , and the events thereof , still depend vpon the Starres , or Plannets : which is a manifest idolatrie , putting them in Gods place . NOTA.

But let vs learne that the superiour creatures haue so power ouer the inferriour bodies , that wee leaue all the euent of them to God , Against the curiositie in searching our euents . 1. Sam. 28.18 . the maker and guider of all : & let vs seeke his fauour , & depende on his prouidence , without any curious searching of our euent , lest wee receiue the answere of Saul .

A PRAYER , Vpon the LORDES fourth Dayes Worke .

GRACIOVS GOD , and mercifull Father , who hast filled the Heauens with such infinite Lightes vpon this fourth Day , inlighten mine vnderstanding , I beseech thee , that I may see thy power , and thy glorie , in these thy good creatures : and through them , as through spectacles , let me look in to the Father of Lights .

Thou hast created the Sunne , who by his beautie and bountie hath adorned the whole Earth : As the Sun shineth on the bodie , pray that Christ may shine on the soule . hee ariseth each morning on my bodie ; so I pray thee , that the Sunne of Righteousnesse , the Sunne Iesus Christ , may shine vpon my darkened minde euerie daye and houre , and chase away the cloudes of ignorance , and of sinne , from my soule , that thou mayest shine brightly in me . Woe is mee , my Lord , howe manie times hath the Sunne shined vpon mee ? and as Absolom before the Sunne committed wickednesse ; 2. Sam. 16 22. so I before the Sunne , in the pride of my wicked heart , haue often times sinned against thee , O my Father : and therefore I confesse that I am not woorthie that the Sunne should shine vpon mee . O Lord Iesu , spreade thy Mantle ouer mee , that thy Father beholde not my wickednesse . Thou puttest light in the Sunne , that hee may shine : therefore , Lord , put knowledge and vnderstanding in mee . Thou hast put hotnesse in the Sunne : Oh , warme mine hart with thy loue ; that through the loue I beare to thee , I may also breake foorth in the loue of my Neighboures . And as the Sunne runneth constantlie in his course at thy commaundement ; so , Lord , let mee run all my dayes in the path of thy Law : for hitherto I haue run as a wylde Asse , in the broade way of destruction : yea , I brayed after the desires of sinne , psal. 42.1 . as the Hart doeth after the Riuers of Waters : and nothing could haue satisfied mee , vnlesse I had obtained my sinfull desire .

Now , Lord , haue mercie vpon me : draw my feet out of the vnhappie way of sinne , & let me runne with as speedie a course in the way of thy seruice ; Let vs bee more diligent to serue God , than wee were before to sin against him . that as Sainct Paul thy seruaunt was more diligent in thy employment , than he was in the destruction of thy Church , so I may be more busied in thy honourable seruice , than I was in seruing mine owne affections , and in the seruice of Sathan . Alace , O Lord , howe slow am I to doe thy seruice ? But if thou wilt drawe mee , I will run after thee . Oh , drawe mee by the Cordes of thy loue : Cantic . 1.3 yea , rather than I should lie behinde , force mee with the Cordes and Whippes of thy visitation ; that I may learne to runne a quicker & swifter pace than I haue done heeretofore . But alace , NOTA. that the Sunne , which is a senselesse creature , should neuer bee wearie ; and that I should so soone bee tyred in seruing of thee . The Sunne constant in its course . O louing Father , stirre vp a constant zeale of thine honour in mine heart , I beseech thee ; that as I goe forwarde in yeeres , so I may make greater progresse in godlinesse .

O LORD , when I see the Sunne and the Moone , and the Starres , &c. which are the workes of thine owne hands , O , then I thinke with my selfe , What is Man , that thou shouldest visit him ? or the sonne of man , that thou shouldest magnifie him ? For albeit the Sunne were in the highest top of its beautie & glorie , yet it is but my seruant , and likewise the Moone , The Sunne serueth vs : let vs serue GOD. and the Starres . Then fye vpon mee , if I shall not , in whatsoeuer estate I am , serue thee , O my gracious God , who hast made so glorious creatures for my vse .

LORD , I pray thee , let my light so shine before men , that all who beholde my conuersation may take occasion to glorifie thine holie Name .

O Father of Lightes , lighten thou my Candle , that it may shine clearelie ; and furnish it with the Oyle of thine holie Spirite and Worde , that it may shine euen as a bright Morning Starre in thy Kingdome . Thy seruant Paul , O Lord , 1. Cor. 15.41 . sayeth , that there is one glorie of the Sunne , and another of the Moone , and another of the Starres . It is true , there is great diuersitie amongst the Sainctes heere on Earth , and likewise great difference of glorie in the Life to come : But , O my God , let mee shine but as the least of thy Starres , that I may bee fixed in thy Firmament , and giue out my light of knowledge and good life vnto this darke Age .

The Moone knoweth the time of her change ; and as shee changeth , so doe all the inferior creatures with her : for all men are grasse , and there is no steadfast abiding for them heere . But , O Lord , heerein is my comfort , The Moone changeth , but God can not change . Ps. 90. ● . 6 Psal. 90.2 . Luke , 1.5 . that there is no shadowe of changing with thee : Thou art from euerlasting to euerlasting : yea , my God , thy kindnesse and trueth , abideth from generation to generation , euen vnto such as feare thee , and attende vpon thy mercies and goodnesse .

O vnchangeable God , I finde none alteration with thee : for although men runne farre from mee , yea , albeit mine owne kinsmen stand aloofe , and my father and my mother forsake mee ; yet thou , O Lord , drawest neare vnto me , & immediatelie makest me feele thine helpe at hande , in my greatest tribulations .

O Lord , suffer mee neuer to change from thee : but giue mee thy constant Spirit , I beseech thee ; that in all the cares of my life , both in wealth and in woe , I may depende vpon thee , serue thee , & rejoyce in thee , the onlie comfort of my soule ; that I bee not like a wandering Planet , but a fixed Starre , honouring thine holie Name in this Wildernesse , that afterwardes I may shine with the rest of thy glorious Starres and holie Angels in the eternal Firmament of thy Kingdome .

Amen .
A MEDITATION , Vpon the LORDES fifth Dayes Worke .

THE Element of Water , which God created on the fifth Day , produceth vnto vs two Treasures : The one , which filleth the Seas with Fishes : the other plenisheth the Aire with Birdes and Fowles : for the Lord would leaue nothing emptie . ●is●es necessarie for our na●ure .

As for the Fishes , wee know how necessarie they are for our nature , and constitution of our bodie , which of a part is humide . The prouidence of God , in sending ●ishes to Scotland in dve season . God hath furnished this Nation with such aboundance of Fishes , that they haue obtained the names of Schooles , and Droues : he sendeth them in the mouth of Haruest in our Seas , both East and West , in such aboundance , that they may feede the poore Labourers in cutting downe their Cornes . Such is his rich dispensation in due time for the comfort of his people .

Daintinesse of some , who contemne fish . How much are they to be blamed , who for delicatenesse of their bellies doe contemne these good creatures , which God thought so necessarie for their nature ? And herefore the Lawes of our Realme are better made than practized , whrein dayes are appointed , and dayes are forbidden for the eating of Fish , which men will violate , vnder the colour of Conscience , because all Meates are free .

I grant , the difference of Meates is taken away by Christ , but thou must not vse thy libertie to the prejudice of thy Brother , and the whole Countrey : yea , to offende the Prince , who gaue not out that Law to straine thy Conscience , but for the benefite of his Subjects , whom to offende were great Conscience in so lawfull commandements .

As for the superstitious difference for Conscience , as though one were holier than another : Superstitious differencie in Meats . Heb. 13.4 . Psal. 107.23 . Gods power seene in the Seas . that is the worke of Antichrist , who biddeth abstaine from Meats which God hath created : and forbiddeth to marrie , which God hath said is honourable amongst all .

Further , they who goe downe to the Sea , haue experience of Gods power , to deliuer them from the stormie waues thereof ; where they should call to minde how oft they haue raised vp the waues of their sin against God , and beseech him to asswage his wrath against their sinnes : that hee who hath power ouer the Windes and Waters , may rebuke them with the word of his mouth . Mat. 8.27

If thou be sailing in the Disciples Boate , Comfort to Sea-faring men in tempestes . Matth. 14.23 . and be a true member of his body , remember Christ is in the mountaine of Heauen ; look vp to him with apenitent eye of a sinner , and he will looke vnto thee with a pittifull eye of a Sauiour , and will pray to his Father for thine helpe . The Fishes come not to the Nettes , but by Gods direction . The Apostles were fishing all night , but receiued nothing , till Christ came , and then they drew out their Nettes full , to them & their partners . Luke 5.5 . Iohn 23.1 Therefore , it is in vaine to rise earlie , except the Lord builde thine house , Psal. 127.1.2 . & blesse thy worke . Herefore , whether we bee on Sea or Land , let vs euer studie to get Gods blessing .

Further , God declareth his power , not only in creating Fishes for our necessitie and pleasure , which wee haue dayly , but also in creating Fishes both for quantitie , as the Leuiathan , ( of whome Iob speaketh ) and in qualitie , Iob 40.20 21.22 . &c. Plin. lib. 32 cap. 1 miraculous , as Echeyneris , or Remora , so called from her vertue , who being three foot long , will cleaue to a great Shippe , and hinder her to saile . And againe , the Mare-maides , Maremaids whose face and vpper parts are like a Womans , & the neather parts like a Fish . Many other might be brought in , which I omit , affirming this , that the Lord is maruelous in all his works .

Finallie , Allegorie of the Sea . Mat. 4.19 . the Allegorie which our Sauiour bringeth in of the fishing , is remarkable : The Sea is the world : the surges of waues and windes are the tentations of the Deuil & his children : the Fishes are Men , who goe through the world : the Boate is the Church : the Fishers are the Apostles and Ministers , who should be fishers of men , who must spreade foorth the Nette of the Gospell in the turbulent Sea . of this world , albeit with great hazard and perrill , to draw men from the Sea of this life , to the kingdome of Heauen . They are called Piscatores hominum , Fishers of men : Matth. 4. and they are sent to seeke men , and fish after the soules of men .

As for the Fowles of the Aire , Fowles . they are infinit in number , and there is such variety in their colours , which is admirable , with such heauenly notes and harmonies , as their coelestiall Musicke should prouoke vs all to the praise of God , when the Birdes doe after their manner praise him .

The Peacoke is glorious in his colours , Iob 39.16 & 17. and he scorneth the glorie of Kinges . The Ostridge an vnnaturall Fowle , like vnto vnnaturall Mothers . The Doue is full of loue & simplicitie , Matth. 13.16 . which we should imitate . The Turtle a patterne of chastitie , the contrarie whereof she condemneth in vs . The Eagle full of rapine , Iob 39.33 Matth. 10.29 . Ierem. 7.8 . which wee should flee . The Sparow is an example of Gods prouidence ; who will much more care for man . The Storke and the Swallow know their times , which wee doe not ; neither can we finde that time wherein we should turne from our wandring . The Swallow bringeth vp her little ones neare vnto the House of God , Psal. 83.3 . and we flee from it : yea , and the young Rauens seeke their meate at God , who giueth it them in due season . So all these Fowles praise God , some by their voyces , & some by their example . Let vs learne at the Birds to praise God . Let vs then be ashamed , to be inferiour to them , certifying our selues , that these same , if we doe it not , shal be witnesses against vs at the last day .

A PRAYER , Vpon the LORDES Fifth Dayes Worke .

HEarken vnto my Prayer , I beseech thee , O mine heauenlie Father , and moste mercifull God : Oh , I intreat thine heauenlie Majestie , that thou wilt bee mercifull vnto mee , and forgiue me all mine ouertreadinges . Great and manie are thy benefires , O Lord , and I haue beene a great abuser of the same . Thou didst make the Light vpon the first Day , & I haue abused it : yea , when thou sent mee a better Light for my soule , I continued still in the workes of darknesse . Thou vpon the second Day , didst create the Heauens ; but I haue sinned against the Heauens , Luk 15.18 and against thee , and am not woorthie to looke vpwardes . Thou didst make the Earth vpon the thirde Day ; but I am an vnprofitable burthen vnto it . Thou didst make the Sunne and Moone vpon the fourth Day , to shine ; but whilest they were sh●ning , I was sinning : as though those glorious Vessels were appointed to carrie light to let mee see to commit iniquitie . And nowe vpon the firth Daye , thou furnishest two extraordinarie great Commodities for mans vse : the Sea is prepared with Fishes , and the Aire with Fowles and Birdes vnto my necessitie . O Lord , how manifold are thy works ! in wisedome hast thou made them : all the Earth is full of thy Riches : thou hast commaunded the Sea to giue mee Fishes , and the Aire Fowles : thou hast put life into them , and they are appointed to die for the maintenance of my life . God letteth his creaturs die , that we may liue . Is not then my life precious vnto thee , who makest so manie to die , that I may liue ? But I am not onelie fed with them , but am the price of thy Sonnes Bloode . O Lord , what am I , that thou shouldest haue made them al to die , that I might liue ? Then , I beseech thee , let my life serue to thine honour : yea , if my death might honour thee , I desire to liue no longer . Thou giuest me daylie Fishes out of the Seas , and out of the R●uers . Manie are steruing with Hunger , and yet thou feedest mee . Oh , forgiue mee , that sometimes I haue loathed those thy good creatures : and abstract them not from mee , although I haue contemned them heeretofore .

O Lord , what prooues of thy deliuerie haue I had ! Thou broughtest mee to the Hauen , and I forgot the Vowes which I promised vnto thee in the bitternesse of mine heart . Nowe , Lord , I prayse thee for thy notable deliueries whereby thou hast kept mee : and hencefoorth let me not doe what I will , but what thou wilt ; and commaund mee as long as I liue . Thou mightest haue made mee a baite , and foode for the Fishes ; but yet thou hast made them foode for mee . Let it bee , O God , to thy glorie , and for the good of thy people : for thou sendest them to the Nette of thy prouidence . Let me therefore depende vpon thee . I cast me ouer vpon the knees of thy fauour . The Lyon shall be hungrie , Ps. 34.10 . but those that feare thee shall lacke nothing which is good for them . Oh , that if I could be allured , by these thy loue-tokens , to praise thee aright , and that I might bee stirred vp vnto a duetie to the Poore , who are in necessitie . O liberall God , why should I receiue so aboundantlie , and giue backe so niggardly , and sparingly ? Open & enlarge mine heart , O Lord , Psal. 119. that mine hand may distribute these thy creatures to the hungrie , poore , and needie , as a sure token which thou requirest of my thankfulnesse towardes thee .

Faythfull Fishers . O Lord , sende foorth vnto the Sea of this Worlde faythfull Fishers , who may drawe manie soules from it vnto thine heauenlie kingdome . Purge thine holie Church , O God , from all Hyrelinges , and such as are not fishers of men .

And againe , O Lord , as thou hast prepared the Fishes in the Seas for my sustenance , so hast thou likewise commanded the Aire to furnish all manner of feathered Fowles to my vse : Therefore I giue thee thanks , with my whole heart , that thou sacrificest thy creatures out of al places for me : beseeching thee that I may sacrifice the corruptions of my nature . Further , O Lord , I learn by the Fowles , that they flie in the Firmament , but they feed on the earth . Simil. Lord , howsoeuer that I must seeke my foode here , yet let my conuersation be in the Heauens . When that in the Sommer I heare the sweet voyce of these Birdes , which by their Angelicall Harmonie may justlie bee called the Ministers of Musicke , I beseech thee to haue mercie vpon me , thy poore creature , and open my Lips , and loose my Tongue , that I may sound foorth thy praises : and that by these thy creatures I may still finde newe prouocations to bee stirred vp to proclaime thy goodnesse : that I being initiate , & entered into thy praise here , may glorifie thee eternallie in Heauen , through Christ my Lord and Sauiour .

Amen .
A MEDITATION Vpon the LORDES Sixth Dayes Worke .

VPon the sixth Day the LORD openeth the Earth , and maketh it to bring foorth his Treasures , and bringeth foorth Beastes of all sorts for Mans vse : and last of all hee made Man .

Gods power out of the dead Earth bringeth Man and Beast . First , yee see the power of the worde of God , which of that dead and colde bodie of ehe Earth , brought foorth so manie liuing creatures which were not before . This is a great Argument for the affirmance of the resurrection of our dead bodies : Argument , for the resurrection of the body . for if hee brought out of the bosome of the Earth , and gaue life which was not , how easie is it then for him to raise out of the Earth the bodies which were liuing ? and to cause the Sea , the Aire , and the Earth , render an account of the Bodies consumed in them ?

The Lord created Kyne , and Sheepe for his Rayment , the Oxen to labour his Ground , and the Horses for Carriage : yea , and the Worme to decore him with Silke . As for the Lyon , and other wylde Beastes , which are enemies to Man , it is to bee vnderstoode , that it was not so at the beginning : for at the first the Lyon , the Tyger , &c. were as obedient to Man as the Lambe : Sinne hath ina●med Man aganst God , & the Beastes aganst Man . 1. King . 13 24. 2. King . 2.23 . Nota. Creeping thinges not created in vaine . Exod. 8.6 . but ( alace ) sinne stirred vp , and inarmed Man against God , and the Beastes against Man : as the Lyon against the young Prophet , and the Beares against the young Children which mocked Elisha . Therefore , when wee get anie injurie by the creatures , let vs call to minde that it is for our sinnes , & studie to bee reconciled to our Creator .

As for the innumerable creeping thinges , let vs not thinke that God hath created them in vaine ; for he hath vsed them as great Hostes to punish his aduersaries whensoeuer he pleased : as the Frogges for Pharoah , and the little Vermine for Herod : yea , Act. 12.23 . the Worms to sease vpon the Bodies of all Flesh , which ( although neuer so daintilie fedde ) must bee a Prey vnto them .

And againe , Men are compared to Beasies , wh●se nature is beastlie . Psal. 10.9 . Psa. 17.12 Psa. 22.12 13.16.20.21 . &c. Isa. 56.10.11 . Gen. 49.14 16. let vs remember that Men are often times in the Scripture compared vnto diuerse Beastes , and get the names of such Beastes whose fashions and conditions they are moste addicted to followe : They are called Lyons , Rauens , Beares , Bulles of Da-shan , Swyne , Dogges , Vipers , &c. The couetous Pastours are called dumbe & greedie Dogges , who cannot barke , and neuer are satisfied : Issachar is compared vnto a wylde Asse , which concheth betwixt two Burdens : and Dan vnto a Serpent , ( and there are manie of the Trybe of Dan ) which byteth the Horse heeles and the ryder also . And albeit there bee manie ( Adulterers and Murderers ) of the Trybe of Dan which shall enter into Heauen , yet the Serpent-kynde of the Trybe of Dan shall not come there . Plinius sayeth , that there are three kyndes of Serpentes , One which killeth all Strangers , and spareth Countrey folks : Plin. lib. 8. cap. 59. another which killeth Countrey folkes , and spareth Strangers : and the third which spareth none of them : and there are people of all these sortes .

But I marke one thing in the Serpent , wherein it differeth in crueltie from all other Beasts : A remarkable marke of the Serpit against Man . for the Lyon and Wolfe seeke after Mens Blood , for the loue of the Bloode wherevpon they feede : but the Serpent , which feedeth vpon the Dust , out of an hatefull desire of naturall reuenge , thirsteth after Mans Bloode , albeeit it getteth none other gaine thereby but onelie the satisfaction of her cruell minde : representing manie deuilish and serpent-like people , Nota. who albeit they get none other commoditie by the destruction of godlie persons , yet they holde their selues satisfied that they haue gotten the malicious intent of their wicked heartes brought to passe .

Man ( of grea●est price ) is made last . Now , when the Lord had furnished his House with store of al good things , as a louing and carefull Father , hee builded an House to his Sonne , and he ●illed it with all plenishing , Simil. and then hee putteth his Sonne into it , as God placed Man . Hee maketh Man with aduisement : Let vs make Man , sayde the Father to the Sonne , and to the Spirit . Gen. 1.26 . For this aduisement telleth vs , that the Creation of Man is more than the Creation of the whole Worlde : for Man is called a little Worlde , because in him is comprehended a worlde of wonders , in his Bodie and Soule 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . When hee sayeth , To our Image , then hee clearlie designeth the Trinitie of the persons , Trinitie . by the worde plurall . And when hee sayeth Image , in the singular , Vnitie . then he noteth the Vnitie of the substance .

The Image of GOD standeth not in the bodilie representation , Wherein Gods Image standeth . Isa. 40.18.20 . &c. but in the giftes of the mynde : therefore , it is a grosse Idolatrie for Christians who knowe God to bee an infinite Spirite , to close him within the compasse of a finite Image , or to picture him with coloures , who is capable of no qualitie , Levit. 26.1 and which hee himselfe dischargeth by his Lawes . For his Image standeth in Righteousnesse and Holinesse , Mercie and Loue .

GOD made Man and Beast of one substance , The substance wherof wee are made should teach vs humilitie . euen to teach vs humilitie : and if wee had not soules wee differ verie little from Beastes . But the power of God appeared so much the more , who could produce out of so base a Subject such a glorious Workemanship : As the cunning of the Artificer is much more admired , Simil. who out of a base matter can worke fynelie , than of a strong Mettall . Then Mans bodie being so artificiallie made , he breathed in him an heauenlie substance , which is a spirit , as God is , who can neyther bee seene nor felt .

As the Heauens are more excellent than the Earth , The wonderfull vnion betwixt the Soule & the Bodie . and could worke without it , which the Earth could not doe without the Heauens ; so can the Soule without the Bodie , prayse God , as it doeth in Heauen , which the Bodie could not doe without the Soule : In this life they haue mutuall operations : the Soule directeth , and the Bodie is directed : the Bodie is blinde without the Soule , and the Soule would bee creeple without the Bodie . Let the Soule therefore commaund the Bodie in those thinges which are lawfull , and let the Bodie obey the good direction of the Soule : which both being made vp to the Image of GOD , they may represent Him in all their actions .

A PRAYER , Vpon the LORDES sixth Dayes Worke .

O Lord God , Father of Mercies , and God of all consolation , looke downe vpon mee , I beseech thee , with the Eyes of thy mercie : and sithence thou hast created Man vpon the sixth Day , create mine heart anewe , and anoint it with a fresh remenberance of thy power and goodnesse , that I may become a newe creature . Vpon the fifth day thou plenishedst the Aire with Birdes , and the Sea with Fishes innumerable , Genes. 1.21 and now the Earth yeeldeth all sortes of Beastes likewise euen to mans vse : and they are brought vnder subjection , that I might bee free : they lay downe their liues for mee , that I may liue by them : and albeit both I and they bee made of one substance , yet thou hast preferred mee aboue them all , and hast put them vnder my feete , Psal. 8.6 . so deare am I vnto thee . I thanke thee , O Lord , that thou of thine vndeserued mercie and loue hast made thy choyse of mee : Nota. God made choyse of ●s , let vs ●herefore make choyse of God . Genes. 2.20 Oh , Lord , cause mee to make mine onelie choyse of thee . Amongst thy creatures there is none like vnto thee . Adam could not finde one equall to himselfe amongst all thy creatures , till out of himselfe thou madest one like vnto himselfe .

O Lord , there is nothing in Heauen nor in the Earth can satisfie my soule : thou art the perfection of beautie : thou hast giuen me the rest , giue me thy selfe , without whom neither the creatures visible , nor inuisible , will content mee . Yet seeing it pleaseth thee , that they should be appointed to feede , cloathe , and ease me , make me the more able by them to goe forwarde in thy seruice : let not that malediction and curse fall vpon mee , Let vs beware , that wee fight not against the Lord with his owne benefites . that I should fight against the God of my life with his owne benefits , to whom I am so infinitly oblished for his gracious gifts bestowed on me .

O Lord , I haue receiued some new comfort in the day of my tryall , when for my humiliation it pleaseth thee to punish me with pouertie , then Sathan biddeth me turne the stones into bread ( as he did vnto Christ ) and seeke vnlawfull meanes for my reliefe : But , Matth. 4.3 Lord , augment thou my fayth , and let me depende vpon thy promises , that I may build vpon them , as vpon a sure Holde , and speake boldlie with thy seruant Dauid , The Lord is my sheepheard , I shall not want . Psal. 23.1 . No Prince of the Earth can say this word : Nota. but a poore christian depending vpon thee may say it .

O Lord , thou hast appointed thy creatures to labour for me : then seeing I am eased by them , make me to goe forwarde more busilie in thy seruice , that they may beare me in all my journeyes to glorifie thee ; and not carrie me to sinne , Numb. 22.21 . with Baalam the sonne of Beor , who caused Israel to sinne . And as thou hast appointed the Beasts for my commoditie , so through my sinne thou hast inarmed thy creatures aganst me : for now the Earth bringeth foorth as many enemies as friends vnto me : For the wylde Beastes doe multiplie , as our sinne groweth , which destroyeth both Man and Beast : and the Cornes , and Fruits , before our eyes are consumed by thy great Hoste . The residue of the Palme-worme the Canker-worme hath eaten ; Ioel 1.4 . and the residue of the Canker-worme the Grashopper hath eaten . O Lord , waken vs in mercy out of the bed of sinne , that beeing reconciled to thee , thou mayest rebuke thy great Hoste , and drowne them in the Sea .

Further , O Lord , when I consider how thou madest mee little lesse than an Angell , Psal. 8.5 . and crownedst mee with honour and glorie , and yet I am become like a Beast in my sensualities and pleasures : Yea , oftentimes like a Swine I returne to the puddle of sinne , from which I was cleansed . Wash me , O Lord , throughly from an euill conscience . Many are like Bulles , Lyons , and Beares , in this Wildernesse where I dwell . O blessed God , thou hast rescued mee from the clawes of the Beare , and the paw of the Lyon , 1. Sam. 17.34 . Psal. 23.2.4 . as Dauid did his Fathers Sheepe . O Lord , thou art my shepheard : when I feele my selfe neare lost , thy Staffe will deliuer me : Therefore will I sacrifice to thee my bodie and my life : for thou art the God of my saluation , mine hope , mine helpe , my Sauiour , and my God . O Lord , Matth. 12 34. this is a generation of Vipers , and vnnaturall people : they haue recompenced me euill for good . Alace , as I haue done to thee , so haue they done to me . Nota. I requite thy kindnes with vnkindnesse ; & thy benignities , with mine iniquities . But pittie , O pittie me , I will doe so no more . Let my wayes please thee , O Lord , let my soule be thankfull vnto thee : that thou mayest tame those Wilde Beasts , and make them friendly vnto me .

Now seeing thou hast made my bodie and soule this sixth day , grant that all the dayes of my life I may glorifie thee in them both , that while they are together in this world , euery one may prouoke other to serue thee ; Let Soule and Bodie prouoke one another to Gods seruice . my soule may be commanded by thee , and so may direct my bodie aright , and my bodie may be obedient to the directions of thine holy Spirit , that so I may vse all thy creatures to the glorie of thine holie Name : that when it shall please thee to diuide them , then I may render my bodie to the dust , whereof it was made , and my soule to thee , of whom it was created , waiting when they shall meete & be vnited together againe at the last day , to praise and glorifie thee for euermore . Amen .

A MEDITATION VPON THE SEAVENTH DAY , Vpon the which the Lord rested from all the Workes which Hee had made . Genes. 2.2 .

WEe haue taken a view of the first sixe dayes , wherin we haue seen the wonderful works of GOD in the creation of the whole World , and all things therein : And now wee come to the seuenth Day , which is the sweete day of our Lordes rest , wherein hee ceased from any new creation , but by his providence sustained those thinges which hee had made . By this his example he instituted one Day onelie to bee celebrated as a Sabbath to the ende of the world .

This Day ought to be had in an honourable regard , as Augustine obserueth in his 154. Serm. de temp. Tom. 10. in these words , Venerabilis est hic dies qui Dominicus dicitur , &c. that is to say , This day which is called the Lordes day , is venerable : on the which the Light was first seene : Genes. 1.3 . Exod. 14.22 . Ibid. 16.15 Mat. 3.13 Iohn 2.1 . Luke 9.17 Ioh. 20.1 . and 20.26 2. The people of Israel passed thorow the redde Sea : 3. Manna rained in the Desart : 4. The Lord was baptized in Iordane : 5. Christ turned Water into Wine in Canah of Galilee : 6. Christ fed fiue thousand people with fiue Loaues : 7. Our Lord arose from death : 8. Entered thorow the close Doores where the Disciples were gathered for feare of the Iewes : Act. 2.1 . 9. The holy Ghost descended vpon the Apostles , &c. and on which Day we look for the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ to judgement , when as the Church shall bee reformed to a Light seuenfolde greater than the Sunne and Moone , &c.

This is a Day , not an Houre : not of Ydlenesse , but of Rest : Nota. not vnto our selues , but to the Lord : not for a time , but for euer .

God craueth a whole Day , which consisteth of all the partes , Morning , Noonetyde , and Euening . The whole Sabbath is to be sanctified . So it is a verie grosse abuse to parte or diuide the Lordes Day at our owne pleasure . Wee giue the beginning of this Day to sleepe , and many ( Craftesmen without conscience ) to worke : the mid-time of the day ( perhaps ) to the seruice of the Church : and the afternoone to Drinke or Pastime : euen as though God had not right and title to the whole Day , who commandeth it by his Preceptes , and commendeth it by his owne example , as wee haue showne afore .

But seeing ignorant people , and ( I am the more sorie ) euen those who would haue some appearant showe of knowledge , doe object , saying , How shall they spende the Sabbath ? they haue kept Church-time : what shall they doe afternoone ? it were better for them to play than to drinke : so that they thinke Playes to bee lawfull at afternoone , and that vpon the Sabbath .

First , I answere , that to vse anie sorte of playing , gaming , or pastime vpon the Lords day , An answere vnto those who aske how they should bestow the Sabbath . is altogether vnlawfull : for vpon this day especiallie wee haue to doe with God , in a serious and earnest matter , which businesse will chase away all follies and wantonnesse , and bring vs into a due consideration how wee may attaine vnto a reconciliation with our God , for our manifold sinnes , wherewith wee haue so often and hainouslie prouoked him vnto wrath against vs .

How the Sabbath should bee spent . But I wil more peremptorily answere to their demaund , What they should doe ? First , for the morning of the day , rise earely , and pray , confessing the sinnes of the weeke bygone , & prepare thy heart to receiue the word of God , as thou wouldest prepare the ground in breaking it vp , Simil. before thou wouldest cast seede into it . In the midday heare the word , and sing praise to the blessed Trinitie . Blessed is the man who delighteth in the law of the Lord. Psaelm . 1.2 And last , at afternoone , meditate vpon the word which thou hast heard , & harow the ground by conference : and visit the sicke : breake thy Bread to the hungrie , & thou shalt find such infinit occasions of spirituall exercises vpon the Sabbath , that thou hast no neede to spende it ydlie for lacke of better exercise .

Great differance betwixt Rest and Ydlenes But it is to be vnderstoode , that there is a great difference betwixt Rest and Ydlenesse : for ydlenesse is euer taken in an euill part , and is the foster-mother of all sinne , and there is no day in the weeke , wherein God hath permitted it : Sixe dayes shalt thou labour , sayeth the Lod. Exod. 20.9 2. Thess. 3.10 . And the Apostle Paul dischargeth to giue foode to those who worke not . But Rest is euer taken in a good sense , when we are commanded to cease from one sort of exercise , that we may be occupied in a better : for the thornie cares of this world wil impede deuotion : therefore God willl that we lay them aside for a while , to the ende we may the better waite and attende vpon Gods diuine Seruice . Wherevpon vpon it followeth necessarilie , that the Sabbath is not only abused by such as worke their earthly businesse thereon , but also by such as cease in bodie , and their mindes and mouthes are filled with worldly affaires . Then this Rest consisteth in two things , ceasing , and working , & must be the most diligent day in the whole weeke , Spirituall rest . both in regard of the soule that hath her principall operation that day , and the ende of her labour , which is God , & his kingdome , which only wee should seeke that day .

This Rest must be totall , and not partlie ; The Sabbath dayes rest must bee totall , and not parted . for the so●le , & all the faculties thereof , and the bodie with her members , must bee put to worke for Gods glorie . Wee must not employ our cogitations to think vpon these earthly thinges : Haue not our mindes beene worne as Milstones , grinding gaine to the world these dayes bygone ? The Beast careth but for things present , Simil. but thy care hath bene for things to come : thou wilt serue God this day with thy mouth , and thy god Mammon with thy mind . God esteemeth and judgeth thy seruice from the inwarde disposition of thine heart , as he doeth all things : for he looketh not as man doth . God judgeth of man by his heart 1. Sam. 16.7 . If with thy heart thou drawest neare vnto him , then thou hast obserued his Sabbath : for the heart will carrie thy body , which the bodie cannot : for thy soule will goe where she pleaseth , albeit the bodie be in the Temple of God .

Next , vpon the Sabbath it is required that our hearts and affections be spirituallie disposed , with a delight and pleasure in the Lord . Heerefore the Lord craueth by his Prophet that his Sabbath should be a day of delight : Isa. 58.13 for there is none action which a man intendeth with hope of gaine or pleasure , albeit it bee painfull , that hee hath not delight into ; but specially in the works of sinne , which Sathan baiteth with wonderfull delights . If we haue taken such pleasure in the seruice of sinne , whose ende is death , shall we not rejoyce when we goe to the house of our God ? seeing only that seruice which is done with joy of the heart on the Sabbath is acceptable to God , and profitable to thy soule ?

What shall we thinke of such Recusants who will not heare the voyce of their Bridegroome , Recusants damned , & such as for feare come to the Church . Simil. neither will come to the Sanctuarie of God ? or of such who for feare of lawes , for shame , or custome doe come ? I will compare them to a shrewde wife , married to an Husband , who refuseth to him cohabitation , and if sometime she be enforced to come to his societie , she signifieth by her countenance and outward behauiour , that her heart is not with him , and therefore is not worthie that he should delight in her .

As also those Christians , of whatsoeuer estate they bee , which vse their games and pastymes on the Sabbath , Gamesters rebuked . whether in the house or in open , albeit the one is more offensiue than the other , yet in themselues they are both sinful : for in so doing they declare howe little delight they haue in things which are better . 1. King . 3.24 . Simil. Then yee would cut the child in twaine , as the whoore would haue done : but the Lord , to whome the Sabbath belongeth , sayeth , Either giue me the whole day , or take it all to thy selfe . The Lord , is the Lord of the Sabbath : it is his owne day , the rest he hath giuen to thee : take of thy sixe dayes , and robbe not him of his one . As the Rod of Aaron swallowed vp the Rod of the inchanters of Egypt , Simil. Exod. 7.12 so let the delight of God deuoure all other pleasures .

And as wee must make conscience of our thoughts , and all actions , so wee must beware of ydle speaches on his Sabbath : Ydle speaches on the Sabbath . for if the tongue bee a most noble member , when should it bee occupyed in his seruice , if not on the day of his rest ? will not thy tongue finde in that infinite God , Nota. infinite matter of speach , of the proofes which thou hast had of his power , fauour , wisedome , justice , patience , & c ? that thou needest not for lacke of spirituall purpose to talke ydlie . Besides that , his word is an Ocean of matter , furnishing thy tongue so well to sing his prayses . And so on the Lordes day let vs speak the language of Canaan . Further , Isa. 19.18 . we must not goe our owne wayes , or doe our will : the way which hee hath prescribed vs to goe , is to his House , and to visit the sicke & indigent : and not to goe make our merchandise vpon this day . The people of Israel went out to seeke Manna vpon the sabbath , Exod. 16.27 . but they found nothing : neither shal our Sabbath erra●ds find any benediction . So on the Lords Sabbath let our mindes , & our members , On the Sabbath let all our members bee occupied in Gods seruice . cease from the world , and much more from sinne , that wee may meditate vpon the Lawe of God . Our eyes may beholde his works & glorifie him in them : our eares may heare his word : our tongue may proclaime his praise : our knees may bow downe , and worship him : we may lift vp our hands to heauen : our feete may goe to his house : so all may concurre in his majesties Sabbath to his honour . The promise which God giueth , if we obserue it , is , That we shall mount vp to the high places of the earth : Isa. 58.14 . ( this is temporall : ) and he will feede vs with the heritage of Iacob our father : ( this is spirituall . )

Godlinesse then hath the promise of this life , and the life to come : Godlinesse hath a twofolde promise . for there is no doubt , but the diligent seruice of God vpon this day , shall procure a blessing vnto all the rest of the weeke : Seeke the kingdome of God , and the righteousnesse thereof , Mat. 6.33 and all other thinges shall bee casten vnto you : where by the contrarie there are Curses denounced against the profanators of the Sabbath ; Ier. 17.27 that God shall curse the workes of their handes , and the Land shall enjoye manie Sabbathes of yeeres , euen as it did in the Captiuitie of Babylon .

Now , Three kinds of Sabbaths . 1. Of Creation . 2. Of Redemption . Reuel . 1.10 there are three kindes of Sabbathes : the first of the Creation , as a memoriall that GOD ceased from his worke vpon the seuenth day : this lasted till Christes death and resurrection . The second Sabbath beganne vpon the day of his resurrection , which is called THE LORDES DAY , in rememberance of a newe Creation of the worlde : 3. Of Perfection . Isa. 66.23 . and this will ende with the worlde . And the thirde Sabbath shall be eternall , when as the sixe dayes of this miserable life shall bee finished , wee shall rest from all our earthlie businesses and trauels , that our continuall exercise may bee to glorifie him , in minde , heart , and with all our strength , in his Kingdome . Then let vs occupie this Sabbath whollie in his prayse , which shall bee a sure pledge of that in the Heauens .

A Prayer vpon the seuenth Day .

MOst mightie Lord , and mercifull Father , distill , I beseech thee , and powre downe into mine earthlie heart , thy diuine Dewes , which may moysten it ; together with such heauenvly meditations as may stirre vp mine heart vnto thy prayse and glory : that as vpon these sixe dayes I haue beene musing and meditating vpon all thy most glorious workes ; so I may repose my selfe vpon the day of Rest , and finde quietnesse to my soule in thee : for all the rest of the creatures , albeit they be glorious , yet they be subject vnto a curse ; not because of themselues , but for man , who hath defiled them . I haue trusted to the pleasures which I saw in the creatures : and I see that it is true that Salomon saide , All is but vanitie , and vexation of the spirit : Eccles. 1.2 as Ritches increase , so Care groweth . But , O Lord , let me come to thine Arke , as the Doue did , which found no rest till shee came backe to Noah . Genes. 8.9 . Pull in thine owne doue , O my Lord , vnto thee , for the floods of sinne haue ouerflowed the face of the Earth , that I finde no rest heere . I am wearie , and loadned , Lord , giue me rest to my soule in thee .

This day is joyfull to me , because that my Lord rose this day from death . I beseech thee , my God , Nota. raise vp my soule from the graue of sinne , that I may be partaker of the first Resurrection : and make my thoughts spirituall this thy Sabbath day : banish from my minde all earthlie cares this day : forgiue me in that I haue so many times abused these thine holie dayes . Oftentimes when I was praying to thee , or thou preaching vnto me , Sathan did cast into my mind carnall cogitations , which interrupted that communication betwixt my soule & thy majestie . O Lord , forgiue me , and fill my soule with thy reuerence and feare in all the dayes of my life to come ; that all such ydle purposes may be dispatched by thine holie Spirit : shut the doore of my soule when thou art speaking vnto me , or when I pray to thee , that none get entrie to vnquiet me , and stay my joy : for alace , mine heart was casten open vnto many of thine enemies . I will close the doore of mine eare to the voyce of all others , that thou mayest speake to me . Alace , my God , I finde a great decay of that spirituall joy in me , that I haue not that sparke of delight , and that inward & spirituall joy which I should haue , or had sometimes : I loath the exercise which I loued , mine hands are wearie , and fallen downe : I haue lost my first loue : it was sweeter to me than the honey , Reuel. 2.4 . & now it is loathsome vnto me , as the Manna was vnto the Isralites : therefore , I beseech thee , Numb. 11.6 . kindle vp an holie fire of thy loue in my soule , as was in the Disciples going to Emmaus , and that the zeale of thine House may eate me vp . Luk 24.32 Psal. 69.9 . and 52.8 . and 27.4 . Let me flourish as a greene Oliue in the house of my God . O , would to God I could abide in thine house all the dayes of my life , that I might praye with good Anna , 1. Sam. 1.13.16 . out of the bitternesse of my soule , making my supplications to thee .

O Lord , I craue thee pardon , for the earthly and ydle speaches which I spake vpon the Sabbath . I will holde mine hand vpon my mouth , & speake no more . Iob 39.37 Luk 24.15 The Disciples which went to Emmaus were speaking of Christ , & he came vnto them : alace , when I spake of the world , he went from me , and my heart was colde . Lord , forgiue me , for it was a great sin which I did : yea , I made no matter to deale in mine earthly businesse on thy Sabbath . All mine excuses are nowe accusations against me : they burne me when I am trying mine heart . But , Lord , I found neuer any blessing in those mine actions which I enterprysed vpon thy Day . I haue sinned , I will doe it no more : let the world be crucified to me , and me to it , vpon thy Sabbath . I haue resolued in mine heart that I shall spende my dayes , while I liue , to thine honour . Helpe my resolution by thine holie Spirit , that neither the corruption of my nature , my weaknesse and forgetfulnes , Nota. neither the euil example of these wicked and profane people , among whom I liue , suffer me to break my promise which I doe make vnto thee ; but that thou mayst be my speach , my thought , and my delight vpon the Sabbath dayes . Let me be feruent in prayer and supplications to thee vpon the day of thy rest : Let me heare what thou speakest to me by the mouth of thy seruant : Let me gather thy Manna when it is rained downe from the clowdes of Heauen , Ex. 16.15 as the people gathered Manna in the Desart , that I may heare it as thy word , I may gather it , and lay it in the store-house of mine heart , against the yeere of famine : Gen. 41.48 and giue me thy grace , that vpon thy holy day I may proclaime thy prayses with the rest of the Saincts . This day let me breake my bread to the hungrie , seeing thou satisfiest me with thy spirituall graces : let me cloathe them that are naked , visit those that are sicke , and that I may so rest from earthly vanities this day , that I may moste diligently worke the workes of God , that I may gather out the flowrs of thy most holy Scriptures , that I may studie to practise which I heare , in a godlie life and conuersation , & so I may redeem the time which I haue spent in vain , Eph. 5.16 . that I now getting mercie for the abusing of thy former Sabbathes , may here beginne my spirituall Rest in thy Sanctuarie , that after I may accomplish it in thine holie Temple , throgh Iesus Christ our Lord and only Sauiour .

AMEN .
CERTAINE PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS , MOST COMfortable for all estates .
Morning Prayer .

ALmightie God , and moste mercifull Father , I beseech thee , that thou wouldest chase away , with the brightnesse of thy presence , my sinnes , as a clowde , that I may come before thee , Psa. 18.12 and with a cleane heart beholde thee , and offer vp my Prayer as a Morning Sacrifice , and as Incense of sweet Odour vnto thee . Reuel. 8.4 . I thanke thy Majestie for the quiet rest of this night , & that thou hast so safely conuoyed me through the perils of darknesse , and saued me from the prince of darknesse , and brought me to the light of this day , & giuen mee a new day of repentance , wherein I may seeke thee . O Lord , it was of thy mercie that I was not consumed : Thou the watchman of Israel neither sleepest , nor slumberest . Psa. 121.4 Albeit my bodie was lying as dead , and all my senses were asleepe , so that I was a readie prey to my spiritual foes : Yet , O Lord , thou wast carefull of me , when I was careles of my selfe : and thou pitchedst about my bodie the muisible companie of thine holie Angels , Psal. 34.7 who haue graciously carried me , and kept me from all euill . Thou smotest the first borne of Egypt in one night by the destroyer , Exo. 12.26 2. King . 19 35 and the host of Senacherib by thine Angel : But , O Lord , thou hast kept me and mine house , safe by their hand : thou foundest the blood of the Lambe vpon the doore of my soule , and I haue escaped : praise bee giuen vnto thee , O Lord , Ex. 12.13 who hast deliuered me , and glorie to the Lambe by whom I haue escaped . But especiallie I praise thee that my spirituall enemies haue not preuailed ouer me , to snare me in sinne : Sathan most busie in the night to cause men sinne . Iob 24.16 for the Prince of darknesse worketh his works of darknesse in darknesse ; by the which hee leadeth the worlde vnto euerlasting darknesse : in the night they steale , they murder , and commit adulteries : but the Lord hath deliuered mee from the temptations of the Deuill . Blessed bee thy Name ; for I knowe the night is to the Lord as the light : Psal. 139.12 hee beholdeth mee , and seeth mee , therefore I glorifie thee this morning , that thou diddest keepe mee , and gauest mee not ouer to bee illuded by my spirituall foes . Thou wast a light vnto mee in darknesse . But alace , that my naturall heart cannot acknowledge thy goodnesse . I haue rested in my bodie , and my minde hath beene at great peace . This is a double rest , which thou hast giuen to thy beloued . But alace , thou hast so tenderlie dealt with my flesh , that I am displeased that I should spende the whole night ( which is the halfe of my dayes ) Nota. so ydlie , ( in my judgement ) that I should doe nothing but feede my flesh with sleepe . I am displeased , and thinke within my selfe , Shall I lie so long , and so manie nightes , and shall not prayse my God ? for thy seruant DAVID not onelie prayed vnto thee in the morning , Psa. 55.17 and 6.6 . and 63.6 . and 77.6 . & 119.62 148. at noone-tide , and at Euen , but also preuented the night watches , to meditate on thy worde , and watered his Bedde with teares , thanking and thinking on thee , & communing with his owne heart . And likewise , O Lord , I would rather bee content , that mine eyes were holden waking with thee , to remember thee , than I should sleepe to forget thee . I beseech thee , O my God , to forgiue mee , thy poore creature , who euer doe forget my duetie to thee both day and night : and when I am sleeping sanctifie mee so by thy grace , that my soule may bee waking with thee . Lord , wash mee from all the vncleannesse of body and soule , which I haue contracted this night : and as thou hast made separation betwixt the night and day , so diuide mee from all sinne . Lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon mee this day , and inlighten my minde with vnderstanding , that I may see the secret of thy Lawe . Visit me with thy sweete mercie this morning , Iob 7.18 . that I may rejoyce in thee all my dayes . I will rise in the morning , and compasse thine holie Altar . Psal. 43.4 . and 26.6 . Thou art my Father , and I am thy Childe . I craue thy blessing , for Christes sake , to all the actions of this day : that thou wilt accompanie them with thy speciall presence , and direction , and so I am sure that whatsoeuer I shall take in hand will prosper .

Further , my mercifull Father , I beseech thee to slay the corruptions of this wicked nature this day . Bring in captiuitie euerie cogitation of my heart , which rebelleth against thy will . Put a watch to the doore of my lippes , that no vnsauourie speach come out of my mouth , Psa. 141.3 but that which may tende to edification . And dispose so all the actions of this day , that no corruption which is in me may burst foorth , either in word or deed , whereby I may offende thee , or my neighbour . Mortifie the lustes of my flesh : my pride turne it vnto humilitie : my couetousnesse vnto liberalitie , mine insolencie , into grauitie , Chaunge from euil to good . my prodigalitie vnto abstinence , my lies vnto trueth , mine vncleannesse to chastitie , my profanitie to reuerence , &c: yea , make that alteration and change in me this day , that whatsoeuer delight of sinne is in me , it may be consumed , and thy graces as fruitfull hearbs may be planted in place of these weeds . Forsake me not , O Lord , this day , lest I forsake thee : giue me not ouer vnto my selfe , and to mine owne counsell and will , lest I perish . And because these are dayes of defection and apostasie , wherein , if it were possible the Elect would perish ; Matth. 24.22 . I besech thee , that I fall not backe from thy grace , but let me make some progresse in godlinesse , to approach neare vnto thy kingdome : that as the powers of nature doe decay in me , and I hasten to the graue , so the strength of thine holy Spirite may fortifie mine inward man ; that I may grow from grace to grace , vntill I passe the dangers of this pilgrimage , and thou bring me to thy glorie , through Christ our Lord .

AMEN .
Euening Prayer .

O Lord , let my prayer come before thee , as pure Incense , and as the Euening Sacrifice : I present it vpon the golden Altar my blessed Sauiour , that he , Reuel. 8.3 . through the perfume and sweete smell of his sacrifice , may make my petitions acceptable vnto thee .

I thanke thee , O gracious and deare Father , that thou hast so fauourably conuoyed me , and preserued me from the perils of this day , both of my soule , and bodie : And also I praise thee for thy fatherly care whereby thou hast aboundantly fedde , by thy word , my soule , & by thine earthly creatures my bodie . I thanke thee that thou hast nurtured me by thy Rod , and that thou hast not suffered my spirituall enemies to triumph ouer mee , and forsooke me not , neither left me to my selfe , nor to be a prey to them . O Lord , pardon me all the sinnes of this day and purge me from my secret sinnes , euen those which are hidden from my selfe . Who can know or vnderstand them ? no doubt I haue sinned this day . My conscience may erre , and deceiue me , but thou searchest the depth of the heart . But I praise thee , that thou kepedst me from presumptuous sinnes this day . Psa. 19.13 Forget , O Lord , my negligence in thy seruice . Alace , I haue beene wearied of thy worship . And seeing thou art and hast begun to bring darknesse vpon the face of the earth , breake in , O Lord , with the glorious beames of thy presence , and illuminate my darknesse . Psal. 16.7 . When the bodie is at rest , let the soul be busie with God . Instruct my reines in the night season , and speake familarlie vnto my soule : when I sleepe in my bed , then open mine eares : when my senses are asleepe , then let my soule enjoy thy presence , without interruption . Let thy Spirite teach my spirit , and informe her ignorance : rebuke my spirit , & correct her sinfulnesse : strengthen my spirite , and help her weaknesse : comfort my spirit , and cure her sorrowes . Giue me sleepe and rest to my bodie , if it may make me the more able to serue thee : But if it may stay thine honour , Nota. I will be content to want it . And if thou hast appointed this night that I shall awake , Lord , hold the eyes of my soul waking , that I may repent for the abuse of that great rest which I haue receiued alreadie , without rendering thankesgiuing vnto thee . Lord , let mee lie with a peacable minde vnder the hand of a reconciled God . Suffer not my soule this night to bee disquieted with the cares of this world , which bereaueth worldlings of their rest : but I cast my burthen vpon thee , & all mine affaires vnto the bosome of thy prouidence , for thou wilt beare them . Why art thou troubled my soule ? Psal. 42.5 . and 43.5 . and why art thou disquieted within me ? trust yet in thy God , and he will be thy reliefe . Ly downe in peace , and sleepe , Psal. 4.8 . for he will care for thee . And againe , O Lord , deliuer my soule from the fearfull terrours of this night . Giue me faith , with Dauid , Psal. 3.6 . and I shall not be affrayde of ten thousand : for thy presence is a sufficient defence to me against all mine enemies . But , O Lord , especially deliuer mee from the feares of thy wrath , when Sathan laieth my sinnes in order before me , and that they stand in the sight of thy countenance , then thou makest me to mourne like a Doue , Isa. 38.14 and chatter like a Swallow . Mine eyes were lifted vp on high . I reckoned till the morning : Psal. 58.6 . but thou brake my bones like a Lyon . From day to night thou wilt make an ende of me . Then I cryed , My sinnes haue opressed me ; confort me , O Lord , remoue the clowd of my sinnes , which interueaneth betwixt thy mercie and me , & let me see thee this night , sitting vpon thy mercie seate , stretching out the poynt of the golden Scepter , Hest. 5.2 . and retreating the sentence of death giuen out by thy justice against me . Cast my sins behind thy back , & drown them in the bottome of the Sea of thine obliuion , that this night I may lodge in the Fort of thy grace , as in a Citie of refuge , and finde rest to my soule .

Keepe me , O Lord , from the curse threatned by thy Prophet against such as in the night are plotting euil things against their neighbours . Mica 2.1 . Let me remember ( O Lord ) that darknesse is to thee as light ; Psal. 139.12 and thou hast an eye of fire , whose light can pierce the most hard places . Where can I hide any thought from thee ? for thou who plantedst the eye , doest not thou see most clearly ? Psal. 94.9 . Therefore keepe my soule this night , that I admit no purpose therein , whereof thou wilt not be content . Be thou my Counseller , my Witnesse , and Judge , that by thy presence my soule may be kept in that holy reuerence to thee , that it consent to no vncleane or injust action to offende thee . Thou hast tryed , and proued mine heart in the night , and hast found nothing : for I was purposed not to displease thee . And because my Lord wil come ( as a thiefe in the night ) and I doe not knowe what houre he commeth , let me watch and pray , 1 Thess. 5.2 Matth. 24.43 . and 25.13 . that at the voyce of thine Angel I may be watching , with mine oyle in my lampe . Let me praise thee in the night , with feruencie . Keepe me from the Arrow which flyeth in darknesse , and from the temptations of the Prince of darknesse . Preserue me , O Lord , and my familie , & euerie thing which thou hast giuen me : I doe resigne all to thy keeping , who art a faithfull keeper of all things which are committed to thy custodie . Thou wilt suffer nothing to be taken out of thine hand . O GOD , be thou a pillar of fire to giue light to me this night , and carrie thy child in the armes of thy mercie , through all perils of bodie and soule . I leaue my soule into thine hand , and when I awake I will seeke my soule in thee .

And finallie , O Lord , this bodily sleepe teacheth me to die ; and when I lie downe in my Bed , I remember that I shall once be casten into the bed of my graue , that I may sleep there til the day dawne , and the Sunne of Righteousnesse arise , that then I may arise also , and praise thee , O my God , together with the Sonne , and the holie Ghost , for euermore .

AMEN .
A MEDITATION VPON THE CHVRCH VNIVERSALL .

EVen as it is necessarie vnto Saluation , to belieue in GOD our Father ; so it is necessarie to belieue the holie Church our Mother , Belieue the Church , but not in the Church . that she is the Queen , the Spouse of Iesus Christ . Wee must belieue in God , & put our whole trust and confidence him . Wee must belieue also that the Church is his Spouse , and belieue whatsoeuer shee speaketh vnto vs , of him , out of his own mouth : for if shee bee his Spouse , shee will not adulterate , inuert , or corrupt her Lords speaches . And if an Angel taught another Gospel , let him bee accursed . Gal. 1.8 . In the Nicene Councell , and in Athanasius his Symbole , the particle [ In ] is added . But yee must vnderstand , that the Apostolicke Symbole , which is called the Creede , must bee a Rule of perfection and antiquitie vnto all the rest , Then ( God willing ) I shall define the Vniuersall Church vnto you , that yee may know her .

The Vniuersall Church is the Members of the Elect , whom God hath called by his word vnto Life euerlasting . What the Church vniuersallis . Shee taketh not her name from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is , to elect ; but from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is , to call others , which maguifieth the preaching of the worde : which is the verie voyce of God , by which hee calleth vs vnto repentance . Whereby it is euident , that wee cannot bee called the true members of the Church Catholicke , if wee contemne that voyce by the which God calleth vs vnto him . The worde Catholicke , or , The Catholick Church is not tyed to anie certaine place . Iudg. 16.9 . Throughout all places , telleth vs , that shee is bound to no certaine place , as the Papists would binde her ( with Dalidaes rope ) to the seate of Rome . But our Samson , Christ , will breake such ropes as Flaxe . But the Spouse of Christ , the Church , stretcheth her armes , and her feete , to the endes of the world : for God gaue him the ends of the Earth to bee his possession & inheritance . Psalm . 2.8 . From her they will be called Catholickes , rejecting the name of Christians , from Christ . But I thinke they merit to be called Cacolyci , which is by interpretation , Euill Wolfs , deuouring the flocke of God vnder the Skins of Iambes . The Church invisible . The beautie of the Church is spirituall , in vertue and godlinesse . Ps. 45.13 .

This Church is invisible , because her faith and loue cannot be seene , which maketh her a Church . Neither is it necessarie that with an outward splendor or beautie she should appeare in any one place of the earth . She is altogether beautifull within . An honest Matron studieth not to decke her selfe : her vertue , her naturall colour , her obedience , her loue , &c. are her ornaments , by which she purchaseth credit with her Husband , and is famous with men : Prover. 31.11.12 , &c. and 7.16 . as that womam in the last of the Prouerbs . But the whoore of whom Salomon speaketh , decketh her selfe with Carpets and Laces of Egypt . So the true Church contenteth her selfe : albeit she be backe , yet she is comly , Cantic . 1.4 to please Christ her husband , who looketh not to the outward maske , but to the heart . Christ her Husband had neither forme nor beautie externall : hee was a Worme , but not a Man . Psal. 22.6 . Should not the Spouse bee like her Lord ? Her Apostles were beaten , and sent to prison : the holy Bishops and Martyres , to Fire , and to Lyons : But when she attained , Nota. by peace vnder Constantine , to Honour and Riches , then she was defaced , and rent asunder , by the Hereticall Doctrine of Arrius , and others ; and at the last the Pope arose in the West , and the Mahomet in the East , who haue wounded Religion at the heart , and haue made vp , and coined two new Faiths , which are neither olde nor new ; whereby the Church is spoyled of her Husbands Vestures : and beeing cloathed with the Whoorish habit , she doeth keepe nothing , but the bare name of the Church , wherein shee glorieth , and giueth her selfe out to the world . The true Spouse heareth only the voyce of her Husband . Ioh. 10.27 . But the Romane Church admitteth strange voyces , which are contrary to the voyce of God . Also the true Church , as it were , trauelleth in pain , to bring foorth children to Christ . Gal. 4.19 . 2. King . 11.1 . The Romane Church , like to Athaliah , murthereth the Kings seede , the Sonnes of God , and embreweth not her handes in the bloode of Turks and Iewes , who denie Christ , but granteth them Synagogues , to dwell amongst themselues : But poore Christians they will persecute , 1572. Aug. 24. Math. 12.20 . and massacre an hundreth thousand at once in France . Christ the husband , in all his life , brake not one bruised Reede ; he did harme to none : he helped all . ( So she is an Harlot Church , albeit professing the word , The Cnurch is as mount Sion . if she be cruell . ) His Spouse is compared to mount Sion . For she being founded vpon the rocke Iesus Christ , is inuincible , let her not be affrayde . She is the bush of Moses , Moses his Bush . A Doue . but the Lord is in the fire that it cannot consume her . Shee is a Doue , for her simplicitie and loue . The Romanists are Foxes . She is Hierusalem , Ierusalem . for the vision of peace is in her .

A PRAYER FOR THE CHVRCH VNIVERSALL .

I Confesse , O Lord , that I am most bound to loue thee , as my Father , who hast both made me a creature , and in the bosome of thy Church hast made me ouer againe a newe creature , after thine Image . Thou hast commanded me also to honour my Mother the Church , who conceiued me , and who trauelled in pangues for me , whose brests & pappes I haue sucked , and out of them I haue receiued the sweete Milke of thy worde , who did keepe & beare me in her armes : vpon whose knees I was fostered , and in whose house I haue beene fedde euer since . Shee pittied my wanderinges : shee corrected mine errours : and in a word , O Lord , I acknowledge that she hath done more than the duetie of a louing Mother vnto mee : for whose honour , health , wealth , peace , prosperitie , succession , yea , and for all earthlie and heauenlie blessinges , I am oblished to pray vpon the knees of my soule and bodie continuallie .

And first , O Lord , seeing that thy Church is the onlie glorie and beautie of the world , without the which there would bee confusion : yea , the worlde would turne to the olde Chaos : And seeing that the worlde hateth her , because shee is not of them ; O Lord , our God , blesse her in the middest of her enemies . Beautifie thy Lillie in the midst of Thornes . Cantic . 2.2 Powre downe all the graces of thine holie Spirite vpon her . And because the worlde is wrapped vp in ignorance , and darknesse , like vnto the darknesse of Aegypt : Ex. 10.23 . and seeing that there is no light , but in the land of Goshen , O Lord , I beseech thee to nourish , and continue that light of knowledge in her , that all the worlde may knowe thee the true God , and whome thou hast sent , Iesus Christ , 1. Iohn . 4.14.15 . to bee the Sauiour of the world . Yea , refresh , I beseech thee , this light of thy blessed Euangel , that it may illuminate the blinde worlde . And because thy word is the life and light of the world , O Lord , let it bee a Lanterne , euer shining in this darknesse , to quicken these dead people . And to this effect , O God , raise vp faithfull Preachers of thy worde , Pray for faythfull Preachers . Prover. 10.13 . men according to thine owne heart , who will carrie this light : giue them knowledge and vnderstanding , that their lippes may obserue wisdome , that they teach not the people the lying vanities of a deceitfull and lying heart : but that they may instruct them rightly in all thy Precepts : that thou mayest feede thy Stewardes , who will feede thy people with the Bread of Heauen , and the Wine which commeth out of thy Wine-cellers : and not with the foysted bread , Cantic. 2.4 . nor the poyson of Heresies , to destroye the soules of thy people . O Lord , cloathe thy Priestes with Righteousnesse , Psa. 132.9 and let thy Sainctes rejoyce . Open the doore of vtterance vnto them , Coll. 4.3 . that they , with euidence and demonstration of thy Spirit , may make the whole counsell of God knowne to the people : that they keepe nothing backe , nor adde nothing ; lest thou , O God , adde vnto them the curse of thy Law , Rev. 22.18 & scrape their names out of the booke of Life .

And because thy Church is vnder continuall dangers , O Lord , keepe her , and all her members , from the cruell rage of all her enemies . Lord , let the malice of her aduersaries turne to themselues : and bring confusion vpon all such as hate Sion . Lord , giue peace to her Walles , and her Palaces : and blesse those that blesse her , Psal. 122.7 and curse those that curse her : keepe her like the Apple of thine Eye , Psal. 17.8 . which thou louest . Thou wilt bee with her in the middest of the fire , and the water , that she bee not destroyed , nor ouer-whelmed . By thine hand , O Lord , she hath bene preserued . They lay shares for the poore Church , but cut thou them asunder ; yea , Psal. 7.16 . and 57.6 . trappe them in the net which they haue laide . They haue digged a pitte , let them fall into the midst of it . So shall come to all the enemies of our God , and his Church . Let them be as a turning Wheele , and 83.13 and a rolling Ball. Let them be as smoake , which vanisheth before the winde ; and. 68 , 2. and as Waxe , which melteth in the Sunne . Let them be like a lumpe of Lead , which sinketh to the bottome of the Sea . O Lord , if it were any particular reuenge of mine owne , I would pardon their wronges : But , alace , it is done to my Mother , thy Spouse : how shall I beare it ? Burie them in eternall forgetfulnesse , who haue done such despitefulnesse to her , as that cruel Antichrist , and his adherents haue done . And to the effect that thine enemies may bee discomfited , arise , O Lord , sharpen the Arrowes of thy Worde , by which thou mayest pierce the hearts of the Kinges enemies . Psal. 45.5 . Draw the Sword of thy Word , Heb. 4.12 . which is two-edged , that it may cut to the diuision of the marrow from the bones . Let not thy holy Word be as a dead letter any longer in the mouths of thy Ministers , but make it a quickning spirit , to bring downe great Holdes , & let the breath of thy mouth confound thy foes , that thy Ministrie may be powerfull , and the world may see that thou hast not left thy Church without both counsell and comfort , 1. Pet. 1.22 & that men are not only hearers , but also doers of thy word .

And againe , I pray for thy Ministrie , that they may be faithfull Stewards of thy Mysteries , 1. Cor. 3.12 vigilant Watchmen , diligent Shepheardes , & wise Builders ; not of stubble , 1. Pet. 2.4 . but of Golde , vpon the foundation which is Christ : and that their only care be to see the glorie of thy Name , and for the good of the Church , which is our Mother . Blesse and increase the fruit of her Wombe : let her grow in number like the Starres of Heauen : let her bee fruitfull in her age : let her sonnes be like Oliue Plants , bringing foorth fruit : let her daughters be like carued corner Stones , Psal. 144.12 . in whose hearts thou wilt carue thine Image , in the similitude of a Palace . And blesse her with the blessing of Heauen , and of the earth , and of the deepe , Gen. 49.25 and let all the eternall blessings which my soule can wish , bee vpon thy Spouse , my Mother , the vniuersall Church , vpon all her children , friendes and seruants : yea , whosoeuer loueth the peace of thy Church let them prosper .

I pray namelie to thee , O Lord , for thy Church in France , & Bohemia , Pray for the Church in France , and Bohemia . which thou began with the bloode of innumerable Martyres , & which thou hast made to grow amongst the middest of thine enemies . Maintaine , O Lord , the worke which thou hast begunne amongst them : giue them wisedome , that they be not circumueaned with the policies of their aduersaries : and that in this dangerous time they may cleaue only to thee , who will be both their wisedome and protection .

O Lord , looke vpon this Church which thy right hand hath planted in this Yle of Britane : thou translated this Vine out of Aegypt , and diddest plant a Vine-yarde to thy selfe : thou didst hedge it about with thy prouidence : thou confoundedst all her enemies , thou buildedst a watch-tower in the middest thereof , Isa. 5.1.2 . &c. Psal. 80.8 . and sent watchmen accordingly to giue warning to them . But , O Lord , thou crauedst & lookedst for wine-grapes , & they yeelded thee wilde-grapes . So that now we deserue that thou shouldest pull downe the hedge , and suffer the wilde Boare to enter into thy Planting . Remember , O Lord , thine ancient mercies , and forget our iniquities : digge vs , O Lord , and take paines vpon vs , that we may be fruitfull .

And finallie , O Lord , blesse all the visible Congregations of people , who call vpon thy Name , and all the particular persons whose names are written in the Booke of Life : fill vp the number of thine Elect : cal them effectually , by thy word , that we may bee all one Folde , vnder one chiefe Shepheard . Shorten , O Lord , the dayes of sinne , Ioh. 10.17 . and hasten thy comming , Lord Iesus : that thy Spouse beeing prepared , a pure Virgine , she may be taken vp to the newe Hierusalem , to Heauen , Rev. 21.10 where after the infinit Battels , & temptations of this world , she may reigne eternallie , and bee crowned in thy Kingdome , with Christ , her blessed Lord and Sauiour .

AMEN .
A MEDITATION VPON THE HOLY COMMVNION .

THERE are two great Seales which God hath affixed to the Charter of his word : to wit , Two Seales affixed to the Word . the Sacrament of Baptisme , and of the Lordes holy Supper . Albeit the Church of the Iewes was loadned with manie Sacraments , as the Passeouer , Circumcision , Manna , Christians haue fewer Sacraments in numbe● than the Iewes , but m●re in sig●ification , and amplification . the Rocke , the Clowde , the Sea , &c. Yet God hath giuen the Christian Church Numero pauciora , factu faciliora , & significatione ampliora : that is , Fewer in number , easier to be done , and of more large signification .

The Sacrament of Baptisme , is a Sacrament of Initiation , when wee are entered into the Familie of God : and the Sacrament of the Supper is a Sacrament of Confirmation , whereby the Children of God , who are spirituallie borne in Baptisme , in the Bath of Regeneration , by the remission of their sinnes , in Christes bloode , which is signified by the washing of water , the same are fedde at his Table , in the Sacrament of the Supper ; & are fedde by Christes bodie and blood , Po●h the Sacraments ha e one substance . vnto euerlasting Life .

Both these Sacramentes offer one Christ , who is the substance and matter of them both , albeit diuerslie . First , the diuersitie is in the time : The Sacraments differ in ●●e things . for Baptisme must goe before the Supper : neither can anie communicate who are not first baptized . Next , Baptisme to one , the Supper to manie ; for otherwise it could not bee called a Communion , as the Masse-Priest taketh it alone . Thirdlie , They differ in the Elements ; the one being receiued in Water , the other in Bread and Wine . Fourthlie , in the manner of receiuing : in Baptisme the receiuer is meere passiue , doing nothing himselfe , but offering himselfe , and suffering himselfe to bee washen by another . In the Supper the receiuer is actiue , and that which is offered vnto him hee taketh , eateth , and drinketh . The superstitious Papist would put it into his mouth for holinesse . And finallie , Baptisme is ministrated but once , Luk. 22.19 1. Corin. 11 25 Simil. and cannot bee reiterated : the Supper as often as wee doe it , sayeth our Sauiour . There is a reiteration : for as a childe is once infested in his fathers heritage , but hee is fedde daylie at his fathers table : so once baptized , may often communicate .

The necessitie of the Word and Sacraments . But now ( God willing ) wee shall speake something of the necessitie of the Word and Sacraments . The Word is necessarie to saluation , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , simplie , those who are come to age , without the which they cannot bee saued . The Sacramentes are necessarie , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , conditionallie they may bee had . So I say with Augustine , August . Non carentia , sed contemptis Baptismi damnat : that is , Not the want , but the contempt of Baptisme condemneth men . Iosh. 5. For as in the Wildernesse many died , who were not circumcised , Circumcision then being more strictly vrged than Baptisme is now , Exod. 4.24 and of a like power and signification , yet we will not judge those who so died to be damned : no more reason is it , that those who are preuented by death , or excluded by necessity , bee in danger of damnation , lacking Baptisme .

Preparation to the Sacrament is necessarie . A man should not set himselfe to any graue action , without deliberation , much lesse vnto this , which is the grauest of all others , the Supper of the Lord : he should first try , and examine himselfe . First let vs try our repentance : next , our faith : and thirdlie , our loue . Our repentance must bee tryed by the Lawe , How to try thy repentance . without the which there is no knowledge of sinne . Examine our selues , and judge our selues , that God doe not judge vs . Spare not to search all the corners of thine heart , that there be no hid leauen therein : try what sorrow thou hast for thy former life , and in what measure : for manie sinnes , doe craue many teares ; Luke 7.38 as the Magdalen washed Christs feete with her teares , and Dauid his bed . Next , Psalm . 6.6 try the trueth and sinceritie of thy repentance : for God doeth loue the trueth in the inward parts . And be sorrowfull , Psal. 51.6 not for any paine which hath befallen thee for thy sinnes , but for offending God thereby .

Try thy faith , & see that thou haue knowledge to vnderstand what is giuen thee : How to try thy fayth . for ignorance secludeth thee from the Sacraments . And next , that thou canst apply to thy felt that which thou doest receiue , externally in the elements , and internally by faith in Christ .

Finally , try thy loue , that it be without hypocrisie : for there is no conjunction with the head , How to try thy loue . vnlesse there bee communion with the members of the bodie . Therefore , purge your selues from the leauen of maliciousnesse and bitternesse : 1. Cor. 5.7 yea , pardon your enemies heartilie , and pray for them , if ye desire that at this holy Sacrament God should be mercifull vnto your sinnes .

The honourable receiuing of the Sacraments . Both the Sacramentes craue a like reuerence , as they are of a like substance and weight : and therefore we ought to come with all humilitie and reuerence to that most holie Supper , both in bodie and soule , praying that God Almightie would blesse this his ordinance , and make it steadable to our saluation : and then receiuing it in all deautifull reuerence , let vs apply it to our owne comfort , rendering thanks to God for this inestimable benefite , in giuing his Sonne to the death for our redemption .

A PRAYER BEFORE THE RECEIVING OF THE LORDES SVPPER .

O Lord God , most gracious , most holy , & most glorious , I thy poore creature , most filthie , and vnworthie , most graceles , and ingracious , most contemptible and vilde worme , doe heere present my selfe before thine holy Majestie , crauing at thine handes , that I may bee worthily prepared to receiue the body and blood of Iesus Christ , to mine eternall saluation : and to this effect , I beseech thee , that thou wilt remooue from me all impediments which might hinder me from the right receiuing of the same : & namely , ignorance , which blindeth my minde : infidelitie , and damnable hypocrisie . O merciful father , replenish me with th●ne holy Spirit , that I may know and vnderstand the mysterie of my redemption , and truly apply it to mine owne soule , and in all sinceritie and singlenesse of heart render all praise , honour , and glorie , to thy Majestie for the same . O Lord , the blinde dulnesse of my minde will not suffer me sufficiently to acknowledge these thy most ample benefits : the height , the length , the breadth , and the deepnesse whereof neither man nor Angel euer was able to sound : yet I am perswaded that all my saluation consisteth in the death and passion of thy Sonne IESVS CHRIST , who died for the sinnes of the world : and therefore I humbly beg at thy Majesty , that as I receiue these outward elements at thy commandement , & eat and drinke thereof in rememberance of him , Nota. so it will please thee , secretlie to communicate the vertue of his blood to my soule , which may feed the hidden man of mine heart to eternall life : by whose power also , and force of his death , all my wicked and sinfull affections may be crucified : and finally , by the aide & protection of his blood I may bee defended from all my spirituall and temporall enemies , from all temptations and dangers , and by the selfe same his bodie & blood , I may be strengthened to fight my spiritual battels , and to goe forward in my spirituall journey , to that Land of Canaan : in the which battell and journey helpe me , good Lord , by the precious merite of thy deare SONNE , CHRIST IESVS , to whom with thee and thine holy spirit , bee all honour , glorie , and dominion , for euer .

AMEN .
A THANKESGIVING , AFTER THE RECEIVING OF THE COMMVNION .

O Most gracious God , I heartilie thanke thee for this thy most excellent benefit which thou hast bestowed vpon mee , euen the bodie and blood of thy Sonne , Christ Iesus , for the saluation of my soule . I beseech thee , most mercifull father , that thou wouldest bestowe thine holy spirit vpon me , that I may honour and serue thee all the dayes of my life , that the corruption of my nature may be beaten downe , and the Image of God may bee more clearely seene in me , that I may cast off the olde man , Colloss. 3.9 . with the lusts thereof , and put on the newe man , which is formed after God , in holinesse and righteousnesse .

Nowe , O Lord , thou hast fed me with the most excellent foode which thou hadst , and hast slaine thy fatted Calfe for me : Luk. 15.23 Therefore grant that I may honour thee , as my Father , and bestow all the actions of my life , the motions of my minde , & the speaches of my mouth , to set foorth thy praises in this world : that I become neuer vnthankfull and ingrate , to meete thy good benefits with my sinnes . To thee therefore , O Lord , with thy Sonne , and holy Spirit , be all prayse , and honour , for euermore .

Amen .
A MEDITATION OF THE TROVBLE OF CONSCIENCE .

AS it is easie to speake of Sicknesses , and deadlie Diseases , incureable ; so men may speake of a troubled Conscience : but none can speake of either of them more powerfullie or comfortablie , than those who haue experimented them both : therfore let vs speake first of Conscience it selfe : and next , of her diseases and troubles : and last , of the remedies anenst a grieuous and troubled Conscience .

Conscience is a composed worde of Con and Science ; so that it must haue a knowledge of sinne , What Conscience is . and somewhat more ; that is , a feeling , conjoyned with the knowledge . There are manie who sinne ignorantlie , thinking that they doe God good seruice , as Saul did , and the Iewes , 1. Timot. 1.13 . Rom. 10.2 . of whome hee beareth witnesse , that they haue the zeale of God without knowledge : others knowe their sinne , and that they are into a wrong course , hauing Science , without Conscience ; and Knowledge , without Feeling : and these are in a worse case : for their knowledge maketh to their farther damnation .

God hath erected a Tribunall in man , Conscience is Gods Tribunall . Iudge , Accuser , and Burrio . & hath set it in his heart , fensing the Court of Conscience , wherein he maketh both Index , Index , & Vindex : that is , Attourney , Iudge , and Burrio . There is no Subterfuge against the accusations of the conscience , no excuses , no replyes , no dilators , but she must simplie confesse : And as she giueth vp dittie against her selfe , so she giueth sentence of condemnation for her sinnes , according to the law of God : wherevpon ariseth such torments , & tortures in the conscience , and an Hell begun , and a fire kindled , which shall neuer be quenched , vnlesse God by the bloode of his Christ quench the same .

The tendernesse of the Conscience . The Conscience is a verie tender thing , and doeth examine the quietest thoughts of the minde , which other men doe passe lightly ; it censureth the smallest words , or ydle speaches ; challenging man that he must bee comptable for them : it chargeth mens looks , as Iob sayeth , I haue made a couenant with mine owne eyes , his hearing , tasting , Iob 51.1 . and all his other senses , so that the smallest thought is more grieuous to a feeling conscience , than the worst actions are to a sleeping conscience , or to a reprobate .

This Conscience is common to the Elect , & reprobat . Rom. 1.24.25.26 . &c. The Hethniks looked to the glasse of nature , and their conscience mutually accusing or excusing them : but Christians looke vnto the glasse of the Law , and see there what they haue done , well or euill .

The Hethniks describe Conscience , Magna est vis conscientiae in vtramque partem , vt neque timeant , qui nihil commiserint , Cic. pro Milone . & poenam semper ante oculos versari putent qui peccarint : that is , Great is the force of the Conscience on both sides , that neither they are feared who did no wrong , & those who haue offended , suppose punishment euer to be before their eyes . Then if this be into the Hethniks , much more ought it to be in Christians , who see clearly either God allowing their good actions , whereby there is bred an vnspeakable tranquillitie and peace to their soules : or dissallowing them , whereby the infernal furies are kindled within them .

In the trouble of Conscience there ariseth a fire of the wrath of God , The trouble of Conscience . conceiued against our sinnes : out of the which fire ariseth such a smoak , which letteth vs see nothing in God but justice : and where the Creator is obscured , and his light eclipsed , nothing appeareth vnto vs on earth but darknesse . All the creatures , yea , the dearest vnto them , seeme to be their enemies : for when the Sunne is darkened , Simil. what maruell is it that there bee no light on the earth ? or what comfort can all the creatures minister vnto vs , when the Creator draweth back his countenan e from vs ? Simil. As if the King would looke downe vpon a Subject , who dare countenance him any longer ?

This sort of temptation befel Dauid , Psal. 22.1 . Narke 15.34 . Christ had trouble of conscience . Iohn 5.4 . and to our Lord himselfe vpon the Crosse , who cryed , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me ? Neither shall we account them the lesse beloued of God , who are thus tryed ; for as the poole of Bethesda , being troubled by the Angel , brought present health to him who was casten into it ; so a troubled conscience , in Gods mercie , bringeth saluation and comfort to a Christian . And as Medicine that worketh vehemently , after bringeth health , Simil. so doeth tranquillitie and peace come after a troubled conscience .

Pretended trouble , and true differ . But many pretende a trouble of conscience , when there is nothing in them but a furious madnesse , and a melanchollious desperate diffidence in God , for perplexities & miseries whereinto they are brought : where there is a manifest difference betwixt that their paine and the other , in that the godly are only pained for the sinnes which they haue done against God ; Trouble worketh diuerslie in the godlie and wicked . the other for the calamities whereinto their sins haue brought them . True it is , they acknowledge their sin to be the cause of it , but they are not moued for the sin , but for the paine .

Now seeing the spirit of man can beare all externall paines , Prou. 18.14 . but who can beare a wounded spirit ? therefore let vs see what remedies can be applied to cure the diseases of the Conscience .

Remedies against a troubled conscience . First , it is necessary that the doctrine of faith bee propounded , whereby the conscience terrified with Gods judgementes , may bee strengthened by his mercies : and it is requisit that all the places of Scriptures , which promise Gods mercie , should bee propounded vnto the patient .

Next , that an interpreter , one of a thousand , may bee sought , who may pray for him , as a spirituall Physician to his soule .

Thirdly , that he be frequent in reading , and praying , that he enter not into temptation : and then thus being exercised , by Gods helpe hee will recouer .

And after his recouerie , let him take heede to himselfe , that he grieue not Gods Spirit , but walke in feare and trembling ; and he shall finde such excessiue joy after that trouble , as hee neuer did in all his life before . For as after the Winter blasts , Simil. the Sunne shineth more comfortably in Sommer , so after a troubled conscience commeth greatest tranquillitie to our minds : & after the raging stormes of the Sea , commeth greatest tranquillitie , and calmnesse , Simil. so after a disquieted minde God sendeth greatest consolations .

A PRAYER FOR A TROVBLED CONSCIENCE .

O Lord , art thou also become mine enemie ? hast thou hid thy countenance in displeasure ? Oh , that my griefe were well weighed , Iob 6.2 . and my miseries laide together in the Ballance : they would bee farre heauier than the sand of the Sea : for thine Arrowes are in me , and the venome thereof drinketh vp my spirit . I eate Gall for my Meat , Psa. 69.21 & my Drinke is mingled with Vinegar . Oh , that God would destroy me . I burne with sorrow : spare me not , O Lord : yet haue I not denyed the wordes of the holie One : Iob 6.10.11 . Iob 7.6 . &c my strength is not the strength of a stone : my dayes are swifter than a Weauers shottle , Iob 7.6 . &c and flie away like the winde . I speake to thee , O Lord , in the trouble of my spirit , and moue in the bitternesse of my minde . Am I a Whale fish , that I am kept in ward ? I abhorre my life , for my paine is greater than I am able to beare . Genes. 4.13 Iob 19.13 . &c. I haue none now to help me : all haue forsaken me . I am left to be a prey to my spirituall enemies : thou hast set my secret sinnes in the light of thy countenance . I inherit now the sinnes of my youth , Iob 20.11 . and 7.3 . Psa. 50.21 and the moneths of vanitie , which I passed . Thou hast put my sinnes in order , and those things which I thought light , by ydle thoughts and speaches , now I finde them like mountaines : so terrible is thy Tribunal , and thy Face burning like fire . The Heauens are not cleane before thee : Iob 4.28 . and 15.15 and 15.16 thou foundest no steadfastnesse in the Angels , how much lesse can I , who haue drunken in iniquitie like water , bee justified before thee ? If I would justifie my selfe , when thou hast reasoned with me , & 9.3.20 . mine owne mouth would condemne me : though I were just , yet I could not answer , but I would mak supplication to my Iudge . and 9.15 . If I wash me with snow water , & purge mine hands most cleanly , & 9.30.31 yet shalt thou plunge me into the pitte , & mine own cloathes shall make me filthie .

What shall I doe , O thou Sauiour of men ? Wilt thou absent thy selfe for euer ? Hath God forgotten to be mercifull ? Psal. 77.7.8.9 . &c. Will hee show no more fauour to my miserable soul ? doth his promise faile for euermore ? hath he shut vp his tender mercies in displeasure ? He hath lifted me vp , and casten me down again . He hath shot at me with his Arrowes , as at a marke . Then I said , This is my death . Iob 7.20 . and 16.13 Psa. 77.10 Yet I remembred the yeeres of the right hand of the most High , and how he deliuered his children by his mightie arme . Is the Lord like man , that he can repent ? and , Whom he loueth , 1. Sam. 15.29 . doeth he not loue to the end ? Manie pledges of thy fauour I haue receiued in my youth : wilt thou nowe reject me , in my gray haires ? Is there any shaddowe of change in thee ? Albeit all men be liars , yet thou art faithfull , and constant for euer . Thy Sonne said , Heauen and Earth should perish , but one jot of thy word should not fall to the ground . Matth. 24.35 . But all the Scriptures proclaime thy mercie : thou cryedst in the Campe of Israel , with thine owne voyce , The Lord is mercifull , full of compassion , & of great kindnesse , Exo. 34.16 shewing mercie vnto thousands . Therefore , O Lord , haue mercie vpon me miserable wretch , cure my wounds , powre in the Oyle and Wine of thy Sonnes blood and spirit , that I may be made whole . For out of the deepe places of a grieued heart haue I called Psa. 130.1 vpon thee . If thou wouldest obserue mine iniquities , who can be saued ? Psa. 130.3 4. But mercie is with thee , that thou mayest be feared : For euen as when the Sunne departeth in Winter , then all tempests arise , Snow , Haile , Frost , Simil : Windes , &c: so when thou obscurest thy countenance from me , then the Winter of all temptations ariseth aganst me : the Deuill , my spirituall enemie , raiseth vp such fearfull temptations , that through the multitude of sinnes , he terrifieth me ; euen in the night , when I would haue slept , he thought to haue made me to despare of thy mercies : but , O Lord , I know that thy mercies are more infinite than my sins are , or can bee : yea , though my sinnes be moe than the haires of mine head , Psa. 40.12 yet thy mercies are as the Sandes of the Sea , or the Starres of Heauen , which cannot be numbred . Therefore , O God , let thy face shine vpon mee , and I shall bee saued . Psa. 31.16 Mine enemies are risen vp against me , and as thornes they pricke me on euerie side : Psa. 42.10 Psal. 22.8 . they say , Now where is thy God ? he trusted in the Lord , let him deliuer him : let him saue him , seeing he loueth him . Psa. 38.20 and 11. Psal. 41.9 . Yea , those who render euill for good are mine enemies , because I followe goodnesse . My friends and familiars haue forsaken me , and he that ate at my table , hath lifted vp his heele against me : yea , he with whom I went vnto the House of God , and communed with him of spirituall matters , and who prayed with me , and exercised the parts of diuine worship , doeth scorne me , saying , Where is thy confidence , thine hope , and thy feare , which thou hast of God ? But , O Lord , let me not be ashamed , Psal. 25.3 . because I put my trust in thee .

O thou Sunne of righteousnesse , come with the bright beames of thy countenance : disperse and chase away the clowdes of my sinnes , and of all these temptations : chase away my spirituall aduersaries , and giue not my temporall enemies cause to rejoyce ouer me , neither yet to dishonour thine holie Name ; that when others say , Beholde , this poore man called vpon the Lord in his miserie , Psal. 34.6 . and he heard the voyce of his prayer ; they may turne also vnto thee , and be saued : for I will consecrate my selfe to thy Name for euer , through Christ Iesus , my Lord and Sauiour : to whom , together with thee , O Father , and the holie Spirite , bee all prayse , honour , glorie , power , and dominion , World without ende . So be it .

A MEDITATION VPON THE ESTATE OF KINGES .

KINGES are the principall and chiefe members of the Church , and are Heads of that Church which is within their Dominions : and therefore euerie King ought to doe the part of an Head vnto her : that is , To fore-see her wealth , maintaine her libertie , speake for her , heare those things which concerne her weale , defende her from persecution and oppression , and that shee bee not craftilie dealt withall , as Pharoah did to the Israelites : Exod. 1.10 11 Psal. 45.7 . lest they touch the Lordes Anointed , and hee rebuke them , and roote them out ,

All good Christians are most duetifullie bound to pray for Kinges , 1. Tim. 2.2 . ( yea , although they were euill , as Samuel prayed for Saul : 1. Sam. 16.1 . and the Apostle Sainct Paul in verie manie places of his Epistles , admonisheth and chargeth vs to pray for Kinges , Magistrates , and all such as are in authoritie ) and not to say with some phantasticke persons , that they cannot finde an heart to pray for them : for these sort of people are Welles without Water . 2. Pet. 2.17

If the Kinges bee persecuters , let vs heartilie pray to GOD to conuert them : if they bee Nourish-fathers , let vs beseech the Lord long to continue them , and their posteritie . Yea , wee ought not onelie outwarldlie and publicklie to pray for Kinges ; but also inwardlie , and in our secret thoughtes , to nourish a reuerent and honourable rememberance of them , NOTA. and to speake reuerentlie of them , lest the Fowles of the Aire carrie it away : and wee ought by all meanes to procure for their preseruation : for they are ( as was sayde to Dauid ) better than ten thousand of vs . 2. Sam. 18.3 .

To oppone our selues against Kings , Princes , or other Magistrates , doeth greatlie smell of Antichristianisme and Poperie , Antichristianisme to oppone to Princes . whatsoeuer colour of zeale it seemeth to haue . And indeede Kings haue power of Procuration , for the prosperitie of the Church : but as for Administration , it belongeth onelie to the Clergie . 1. Chronic. 13.10 . The example of Vzza may bee a sufficient warning for Princes , that they passe not the limites prescribed vnto them by God : For if there bee a woe threatned against those who remooue the auncient Marches , Deuter. 27.17 . farre greater shall the malediction bee vpon such as shall remooue those Marches which God hath set betwixt himselfe and Man , Exod. 19.24 . and which Hee interdicted vpon Mount SION .

A PRAYER FOR THE KINGS MAIESTY , AND HIS ROYALL SEEDE .

O KING of Kinges , vnto whom all the World doeth appertaine , I thy poore creature , according to thy commandement , and as I am bound , doe humbly pray to thy most excellent Majestie , that thou wouldest blesse and preserue all KINGES , Princes , and Magistrates , that they may be mindfull of thee , & of their Calling ; that they were raised vp by thee : ( for preferment commeth not from the East , nor from the West : ) to the ende that they may leade thy people in thy wayes . O Lord , sanctifie them , and blesse them , that they may discharge their duetie faithfullie , to the glorie of thy Name , & the weale of thy Church . Conuert , ô Lord , the persecuters of thy Church , informe their ignorance by thy worde , and let them acknowledge their only honour to stand in the seruice which they doe to Christ . But those who maliciously set themselues aganst thee , and against thy Kingdome , O Lord , ouerthrow them in the righteousnesse of thy judgement , as thou diddest Herod , Pharoah , Saul , Achab , Iulian the Apostate , Act. 12.23 Exo. 14.28 1. Sam. 31.4 . 1. King . 22 34. & all others , who opposed themselus to thee , and to thy Christ ; as the Turke , & Antichrist the Pope doeth , whom , O Lord , we beseech thee , to confound .

But in speciall , O Lord , I pray to thee for our Soueraigne Lord , the KINGES Majestie : indue him with the giftes of thine holie Spirit , answerable for his high Calling : giue him wisdome and vnderstanding , as thou gauest Salomon ; 1 King . 3.9 2. King . 18 4. &c. 2. King . 23 4. &c. 1. Sam. 6.7 by the which he may goe in & out wisely before the people : giue vnto him the zeale of Iosias , and Ezechias , and make him like Dauid , a man after thine owne heart , who may guide thy people in thy wayes , that he may prosper . Blesse his Majesties Royall body , with long life , and good health , and guard him by thine inuisible protection , that none of his enemies haue power against him : but as thou hast kept his sacred person euen from his mothers wombe to his gray haires , now thou wilt not cast off thine ancient care toward him ; but keep him in thy right hand . And aboue all , preserue him from the secret & treasonable inuasions of the Pope , and his treacherous Iesuits , who alreadie interprysed his death by Powder , but thou disappointedst them . And for this we thanke thee , beseeching thee to keepe him still from those blooddie murtherers , and all traitours , both forraine & domesticke , who attempt any euill against him . Blesse his gouernament , O Lord , that the Righteous may flourish in his dayes , & that he may , by Iustice , bring Peace vnto thy people .

Blesse , O Lord , Prince CHARLES his grace , print thy true feare & knowledge in his tender heart , that he may bee a blessing to all his fathers dominions .

Blesse that royal Prince & Princesse , the King and Queene of BOHEMIA , and their Children : blesse , keepe , and defend them , that they may flourish in grace and honour to the worlds ende : that when they shall lay downe their temporall crownes at thy feete , then thou mayest crowne euerie one of them , and their royall Seede , with that vnchangeable Crowne of Glorie , through Christ , our onlie Sauiour , & Aduocate .

AMEN .
A MEDITATION VPON SICKNESSE .

SIcknesse is a Schoole of God , Sicknesse is the Lordes Schoole . whereunto he putteth his Children to be nurtured , and Discipline there to bee vsed vpon them . At this School we learne obedience , which we would not learne at the Schoole of the Word . Wee doe learne at this Schoole a perfect obedience to the wil of God , mortification of our affections , contempt of the world , loue to our enemies : and finally , he so doeth tame our nature , that our spirit becommeth obedient to his blessed will , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the greatest Sicknesse is neuer to be sicke . The greatest Sicknesse , is , neuer to bee ▪ sicke . It is good therefore that we should be corrected , that we perish not with the wicked world .

Sicknesse is Medicine , somewhat painfull , but wholsome in the ende . The hand which made thee , feedeth thee , Sicknesse is painfull , but yet healthfull . and it also nurtureth thee : therefore refuse not the correction of God , if thou be his Childe . Sicknesse is appointed to correct the abuse of our health , therefore let vs vse our health wiselie , that God be not forced to apply sharpe remedies to our misgouernaments . NOTA.

Diuersitie of sinnes hath bred diuerse diseases , Simil. Diuerse sinnes , diuerse diseases . and as the Apothecaries haue drogges answerable to the soares , so God hath prepared such a sicknesse , which he thinketh meetest to remedie such a soare as thou hast . Therefore thinke not thy disease to bee fortuite , but by prouidence : and pray that God may worke by it in thine heart that for which he sent it : that is , a true conuertion of thee vnto thy God .

If thy disease be sharper , aske of God greater measure of patience : Patience necesserie . 1. Corin. 10 13 for God is faithfull , who will not suffer thee to be tempted aboue that which thou art able to beare : thine externall man , which is so greatlie humbled , shall raise vp the hidden man of thine heart : so thou makest a good change .

A PRAYER FOR A SICKE PERSON .

O Most mercifull Father , I ackowledge and confesse that I am a most vild creture , crying to thee , that thou woldest heare me , & let my prayer come vnto thee in thine holy Temple . Ionah 2.3 . and 7 The waues of thy judgemens haue gone ouer me , and haue ouerwhelmed me , the venome of thine arrowes haue drunken vp my spirit , Iob 6.4 . and thine hand is heauie vpon me : I thoght the day light should haue comforted me ; but behold , my pangues increassed , and my paine ran vpon me . Then I began to thinke , My bed will giue me some rest , but thou affrightedst me with visions , Iob 7.13 . and didst keepe mine eyes waking . My strength faileth with paine , Psal. 6.2 . & my bones are consumed : haue mercie vpon me , O Lord , mine eye , Psal. 31.9 . my soule , and my bellie are consumed with griefe .

When thou chastisest man for his iniquitie , Psal. 39.5.11 thou makest his beautie to fade as a Moth. Surelie man in his best estate is altogether vanitie . O Lord , why art thou so farre from mine health , Psa. 22.1.2 & the wordes of my roaring ? I cry by day , and thou hearest not ; and in the night I haue none audience . My life is drawing neare the graue , and my yeeres to the buriall . There is nothing found in my flesh , Ps. 38.3.4 because of thine anger ; neither rest in my bones , because of my sinne . Mine iniquities are gone ouer mine head , and as a weightie burthen they are too heauie . My reines are all full of burning , and there is no strength found in my flesh : Ibid. 7. mine heart panteth , my strength faileth mee , and the light of mine eyes , Ibid. 10. euen they are not mine owne : I beseech thee pittie me , & come in to this bed to comfort me thy poore prisoner . For , Lord , I am a prisoner of hope , & I trust in thee , though I said in mine haste , Thou hast casten me out of thy presence ; Psa. 31.22 yet thou wilt heare the voyce of my prayer , when I call vpon thee . Take away mine iniquities , which are the cause of my sicknesse . Purge me from these filthie humours , which are the matter of my sicknesse : that these sinnes of corrupt humours being remooued , my paine may bee mitigated . My sinne inwardly presseth me downe , and my diseases thereby are augmented . Hide thy face from my sinnes , and put away mine iniquities . Create a new heart in mee , Psa. 51.10 and renew a right spirit within me . Let my paine asswadge a little , that I may gather my strength , yet before I goe hence , Psa. 39.13 and be no more . Nowe I call to minde my sinnes , by the which I haue prouoked thee to wrath , & I looke to thee , whom I haue rejected : I haue multiplied mine iniquities against thee , and thou most justlie hast doubled the stripes vpon me . Cure my sinnes by thy corrections : I refuse not to be corrected , but doe it to me in thy mercie , and let me feele the merciful hand of thy Spirit bearing me vp , and comforting me : let me heare his voyce speaking peace to my soule . Giue comfort to mine inward man , as I haue sicknesse which beareth downe mine outward man . Thou wentest downe with Daniel to the denne , Dan. 6.22 . and 3.25 . and with the thrie Children to the fire : refuse not to visit this thy poore prisoner , in this bed of sicknesse : and if I finde thee with me , I am content euer to abide heere . Forgiue me , O Lord , the abuse of my former health : surelie thou hast justly punished the abuse thereof in wantonnesse , in ryot , & excesse , in the pleasures of my flesh . Now my flesh is punished ; for my foolish delights are turned vnto gall and bitternesse . Wash & cleanse me in thy Sonne , Iesus Christ , his holy bloode , that I may be as white as snow , and my foolishnesse may not be in thy rememberance . Psal. 51.7 .

O , fy vpon the world , which I loued , and thought it my felicitie : nowe it is a burthen to me : when I desired to be rich , I fell into many temptations , and with Zacheus greedilie drew to me that which I doe now most willinglie reject , and cast from me . Lord , Luke 19.8 thou art mine only Physician , neither haue I gone with Ahaziah , 2. King . 1.2 . 2. Chro. 16.12 to seeke after Beelzebib the God of Ekron : neither with Asa put I my confidence in Physicians ; but in the liuing God .

O Lord , cure me : helpe me , O my God , who made me : thou art mine health , my strength , and my Sauiour . If mine health may serue any wayes to further for thy glorie , I pray thee for to restore me . Let me goe to the House of the LORD , and prayse thee : Psal. 6.5 . for the dead will not praise thee ; and those who goe downe to the pitte , will not magnifie thy Name . Let me not goe out of this bed to dishonour thee , but that I may receiue a new life from thee , to leade a new life before thee . And if thou hast appointed that by this sicknesse thou wilt drawe me home to thee , then I beseech thee prepare my soule , and make it readie , and giue me before I come to thee , a cleare sight of thee , and an earnest desire to be with thee : 2. Cor. 12.2 3.4.5 . &c. Phil. 1.2 3. for when Sainct Paule saw the Heauens , it is no maruell that he desired to be dissolued , & to be with thee . In the meane time , I commit my bodie , and my soule to thy pleasure and good will : dispone them as thou thinkest meetest for thy glorie , that whether I liue or die , Christ may bee mine aduantage . Phil. 1.4 . Onlie I craue , holie FATHER , that I may so depende vpon thee in this my disease , that I neuer depart from thee to any other . I craue also holie patience , by the which I may patientlie abide to be corrected by this visitation , Matth. 11 29. & to beare thy yoke willinglie , & drinke this cuppe chearfullie and heartilie ; assuring my selfe , that all these troubles in ende shall worke together for the best to me : that is , Simil. that by them I may bee tryed as Golde in the fire ; and my drosse being purged , I may serue thee more perfectly all the dayes of my life , through Christ my Sauiour .

Amen .
A PRAYER FOR A WOMAN IN TRAVELL WITH CHILD .

O Lord God , and most mercifull Father , I thy poore creature , whome thou hast bound vp with the bandes of this Sicknesse , doe present my selfe vpon the knees both of my bodie and soule : euen I thy poore supplicant , whome thou puttest vpon my knees in this my trauell ; that I may learne to knowe that there is no helpe at all for mee , but that which I must beg from thee in this my tribulation .

And because this paine of mine hath come to all Women , by the transgression of Eua the first Woman , Gen. 3.16 . let me remember that sinne is the mother of these pangues , forasmuch as all haue sinned , and must be partakers of their sorrowes . O Lord , I confesse I haue sinned with the rest of my Sexe , and I am now punished with them , as thou gauest out sentence against them all . But , Lord , I pray thee , for Iesus sake , who was the Seede of the Woman , that thou wouldest loose the bandes of my sinne . Gen. 3.15 . Pittie me , pittie me now , O deare Father , for thy Christs sake . Woe is me , that my pleasure in sinne should haue brought mee to such displeasure . But these are the wages of sinne . Forgiue me , O Lord , my sinnes , and let the bonds thereof be broken , that thou mayest loose me out of the bondes of this disease wherewith I am bound .

When thou spakest of the greatest paine , thou comparedst it to the pangues of a woman who trauelleth with child : Isa. 13.8 . then , since my pangues are most vehement , most sudden , & haue come to mee before I was aware , O Lord , let thy power bee so much the more towards me , to deliuer me : let my greatest miserie bee the object of thy greatest compassion . Therefore nowe , O Lord , helpe mee , for the helpe of man or woman is all in vaine : pittie the workmanship which it hath pleased thee to frame in my wombe : alace , bring it , and draw it out of my bellie . Thou hast framed my Childe in a secret place : thou hast brought it to the point of perfection , and there is no strength in me to bring it foorth : but , O my God , euen when I am weakest , bee thou strongest , yea , then let thy power and mercie shewe it selfe to come in a due and acceptable time . Glorifie thy selfe , O Father , in my weaknesse : and these persons which are now present with mee , let them all bee witnesses of thy mercifull deliuerie , and preseruation of mee and my Childe : for I will heere lie downe at thy feete , and crie out vnto thee , Psal. 69.3 . euen till I be hoarce : neither will I cease my groaninges , and fearfull shouts , vntill it shall please thee to relieue mee .

O God , thou Father of Heauen , let not this bee my Benoni , Gen. 35.18 that is , the child of my trouble ; but let it bee my Benjamin , the childe of my dayes : and I will consecrate mine Infant vnto thee and thy seruice , in whatsoeuer calling thou pleasest to employ it : giue mee it , and I will giue it to thee : 1. Sam. 1.27 . for , alace , I desire from thee no children to receiue life , but such as shall bee partakers of Life eternall .

Now , Lord , helpe mee , and renewe my strength , that when thou hast deliuered me , I may rejoyce in the worke of thy mercie , and feast not to my fleshlie desires , but to the honour of thee , my God , whose mercie endureth for euer . Psa. 136.1 Oh , Lord , my strength is dried vp like a potsheard , Psa. 22.15 and yet I seeke no meanes for my reliefe but onlie out of thine hand . I commit my selfe whollie to thy Majesties good will and pleasure ; and I will not onelie sacrifice vnto thee the Calues of my lippes , Hos. 14.2 but also of a most thankfull heart , whensoeuer it shall please thee to release mee : yea , and whatsoeuer I shall receiue of thee , that shal I render backe againe vnto thee .

Euen nowe thou gauest mee some relent and casment of my pangues : but now my sorrowes are increased againe . Oh , for Iesus Christes sake , who by his holie Birth hath taken away the sinne of our birth , haue mercie vpon mee , and purge my birth . Giue mee , I beseech thee , a comfortable deliuerie of my childe , that wee both may prayse thee all our life , and spend our dayes in thy true feare and seruice , through Iesus Christ our Lord .

Amen .
A MEDITATION OF PERSECVTION .

AMongst many Rods whereby GOD correcteth his Children , there bee chiefelie three ; to wit , the Sword , the Famine , and the Pestilence : which were all giuen to Dauids choyse : 2. Sam. 24.14 . of the which three hee chose the Pest , willing rather to come vnder the Lords hands , than mans : not but that the Sword & Famine were also in the hand of God ; but mediatelie , for the Pest is immediatelie the hand of God . It seemeth harde that Susanna should choose the handes of man , rather than Gods , and Dauid rather the hand of God , than of men . It is to bee vnderstoode , that Dauid was meaning of his mercie , Re●onciliation betwixt Dauids and Susannaes choyse . and Susanna of his justice : for the mercie of God is greater than the mercie of men : but the feare of Gods justice is more terrible than all feares else whatsoeuer .

As for persecution , it is the note and marke of the Church : others may bee persued , Persecution a marke of the Church . but not persecuted : Treason is against Princes , and Parricide against Parents ; but persecution is against Christ : and looke how high Treason is aboue slaughter ; so is persecution aboue Treason : because the person of God who is persecuted , is the greatest Majestie .

Next , Christ persecuted with vs . it is to bee marked , that Christians are persecuted with Christ : Saul , Saul , why persecutest thou me ? We haue our Head Partaker and Companion with vs in our troubles : may wee not then be glad of such a partie and yoke-fellow ?

Thirdly , it is common to all Christians , who would liue godly in Christ , Persecution common to all Christians . Ioh. 15.20 . Heb. 4.14.15 . to suffer persecution : then since it is the way of the head ( who through afflictions entered into Heauen ) and of all his members , let vs not refuse persecution ; for in so doing wee refuse to bee Christians . Then , since the way of persecution is the Kinges way , by the which hee went into his Kingdome ; and againe , sith it is the way by which all the Sainctes , and the Brethren , and the First-borne , are entered into glory ; then ( I say ) let vs bee bolde to enter in thorowe that way : for who would refuse to goe through a Wildernesse , vnto a Kingdome ? and by persecution to enter into Heauen ? Sinne raiseth vp enemies to vs . Iudg. 2.11 . and 3.7.8 . and 4.1.2 .

Fourthlie , God rayseth vp enemies against vs , because we haue beene enemies vnto him ; as hee did to the people of Israel euer when they went vnto Idolatrie , and 6.1.2 . and 13.1 . 1. King . 11.14.23.26 . and when as they prouoked him by thinges which were no gods ; so hee punished them by a People which were not a People : and so likewise did the Lord to Salomon , when as hee committed Idolatrie .

God hath our enemies in his hand . Simil. Fiftlie , albeit our enemies bee as sharpe as Rasours , yet they are all in the handes of God , who may well cut away our excrementes from vs thorow our foes : but they can doe no more . For although God giue them leaue and libertie to cut off our flesh , yet it is but an excrement of our soule . Onlie wicked men are persecuters . Gen. 42.21 Exo. 14.27 1. Sam. 31.4 Psal. 115.15 . It is naturall for wicked men to persecute . Rev. 12.1.2.3.4 . &c.

Sixtlie , none are chosen of God to persecute the Righteous , but euil men , whom God either will conuert , ( with Iosephs Brethren , ) after he hath humbled them ; or else ( with Saul and Pharoah ) he will plague them : for he sayeth , Touch not mine Anointed .

Last , it is naturall for the seed of the Serpent , and the fierie Dragon , to persecute the Woman , and her Child , as it is , that Foxes and Wolues should persecute the Sheepe : therefore let vs preuaile by patience , & blunt their swords by our sufferinges .

A PRAYER FOR ANY PERSON , WHO IS PERSECVTED with his Enemies .

O Eternall God , and most mercifull father , thou hast commanded all those that are wearie and loaden , to come vnto thee , Matth. 11.28 . and thou wilt case them : if thou hast commanded me to come , thou wilt not reject & cast me away when I am come : heare the voyce of my prayer out of thine habitation , and put not away the supplication of my mouth : inlarge my heart to pray , and open thine care to my cry . O Lord , how long wilt thou tarrie ? mine enemies are moe than the haires of mine head : Psalm . 22.12.13 . &c. they are strong , like the Bulles of Bashan : they are fearce and cruell , like Lyons , and Vnicornes : they conueance against me , and say , that there is no more helpe for me in God . O Lord , Psalm . 3.2 . when trouble draweth neare me , be not farre from me . Lord , haue mercie vpon me . It is true , O Lord , I haue prouoked thy wrath and indignation : I haue beene thine enemie , and hated thee , who wast my Father : therefore most justlie hast thou raised vp these wicked men against me . Whatsoeuer I suffer , thou hast done it out of thy justice , Psal. 51.4 . that thou mayest bee just when thou judgest . O Lord , forgiue me my sinnes , and keepe them not in thy remembrance : for all the creatures which were in couenant with me , are become enemies vnto me . Oh , Reconcile me vnto thy selfe , that the stones of the fielde may be at peace with me . Iob 5.23 . The waues of the Sea raged against Ionas , Ionah 1.4 . and 2.1.2 when he fled from thy presence , but by his affliction thou broughtest him to obedience , and conformitie to thy will . I confesse thou hast enough to be angry for against me : but , ô Lord , what haue I done to offend mine enemie ? they persecute me without cause . Psalm . 7.3 In the time of their trouble I prayed for them : when they were afflicted , then I burnt : but when they sawe thee afflicting me , and correcting me , then they were aliue : yea , smoat him whom thou didst visit .

O Lord , I beseech thee to try mee , and search mine heart , if euer I haue done anie thing amisse vnto these who persecute mee , or was purposed to doe them harme ; yea , Lord , I haue euer done good vnto them , and they haue repayed mee with euill . Those who recompense mee euill for good , are mine enemies . But , O Lord , they haue done vnto mee , as I did vnto thee : for thy benefites , I haue loadened thee with sinnes : so ingrate and vnthankfull haue I beene vnto thee , & so justlie hast thou repayed me : 2. King . 18.19 . 2. Sam. 16.5 . 1. Sam. 17.10 . Rom. 8.28 . they raile aganst me , as Rabseketh did against Hezekiah , Simei against Dauid , & as Goliah cursed the Hoste of Israel : But , O Lord , turne thou their cursing into a blessing ; who hast promised that all shall turne to the best to them that loue thee . I finde that this short triall hath wrought good vnto mee , and therefore it is good for mee , that I am humbled thereby : for I finde my selfe better disposed to thy seruice than I was before . Oh , sanctifie this mine affliction and crosse , that howsoeuer Sathan mindeth by this trouble to vndoe mee , thou mayest draw about his labour for my singular comfort ; that by this persecution I may serue thee more righteouslie , and liue more duetifullie and louinglie with my Neighboures , and more temperately in mine own person ; subduing my lustes and affections : so that this Cuppe which is most bitter to my nature , and hardlie of mee to bee drunken , may be conuerted into wholsome Medicine , for the saluation both of my bodie and soule . O Lord , giue me a good Conscience , that brest-plate of righteousnesse , Eph. 6.14 . and I will not bee affraid neither for the multitude nor the malice of mine aduersaries . Guard me by thy diuine prouidence , and secure me by the protection of thine Angels : make mee as a Seale on thine heart , Cantic . 8.6 and a signet vpon thine arme : I commit my soule and bodie vnto thine hands , and faithfull keeping . Giue me not ouer to the lusts of mine aduersaries , & make me not a scorne to fooles , Psa. 27.12 which vnderstand not : let me possesse my soule in patience . Psal. 7.16 . Let their mischiefe turne vpon their own head : slay them not , lest the posteritie should forget , Psa. 59.11 but rather let them liue , that by their correction others may learne not to persecute the members of thy body . O Lord , they are the stones which thou castest at me , and the roddes of thy furie . I craue thee mercie for my sinne : but as for them , thou canst cast the rodde into the fire , when thou hast chastised mee . My Lord spake seuen words vpon the Crosse , and the first was , Luke 23.34 . Forgiue them , for they know not what they doe : and I after his example , forgiue heartilie my particular quarrell and reuenge : for vengeance belongeth vnto the Lord , Deu. 32.35 and thou biddest me blesse those who curse me , Mat. 5.44 . and giue mine enemies foode when they are hungrie , that I may heape coales of fire vpon Rom. 12.20 their head . And albeit they haue done me wrong both in my person & name by their lies , and in my substance , yet Lord , I forgiue them : let them repent , that thou mayest pardon them . And finallie , let mee patientlie endure all these wrongs , that thou mayest make me meet for thy Kingdome : that being more than a Conquerour , hauing made conquest of mine affections , I may inherite thy glorie , and reigne with thee for euer .

Amen .
A MEDITATION OF FAMINE .

THere hath beene Famine thorow all Ages , by which GOD hath corrected the abuse of his People . The Famine commeth either for the excesse and abuse of Gods good creatures , Causes of Famine . 1. Excesse . ( as the example of the prodigall sonne beareth witnesse , who was brought to such pouertie , Luc. 15.15 that hee was faine to sustaine himselfe with the Huskes which the Swine ate , because of his ryote , 2. Oppression . 2. Sam. 21.1.3 . Idolatrie . 1. King . 17 1. ) or for the oppression of the Poore , ( as in the dayes of Dauid , for the wrong which was done to the Gibionites by Sauly ) or else for Idolatrie , ( as in the dayes of Achab. ) And the Famine continueth commonlie three , fiue , or seuen yeares .

As in the time of Famine the Lord punisheth the wickednesse of his People , God in time of Famine remembreth his owne . Gen. 21.22 and 30.43 and 47.12 Ruth 1.1 . 1. King . 18 13. & 17.4.9 Psa. 34.10 Psa. 37.19 Iob 5.22 . so by his prouidence hee comforteth the godlie . Hee encreased Abraham and Israel amongst the Heathen People : Hee fedde the House of Iaakob in Aegypt by Ioseph , Elimelech and Naomi in Moab , the Prophets in the Caue by Obadiah , Eliah by the Rauen , and the Widow by Eliah . Though the Lyons , sayeth Dauid , doe lacke , & are hungrie , yet those that feare the Lord shall want nothing that is good : yea , in the dayes of Famine they shall haue enough , and shall laugh at Dearth and Famine .

But in the time of Famine let vs remember howe often times wee haue exceeded measure in prodigalitie , and howe wee haue hardened our heartes to the poore and needie , and let vs repent and mourne for the same .

Next , looke that thou despare not , but humble thy selfe vnder the hand of the Lord , and put thy whole trust in his promise , who is faythfull : but beware that thou seeke none vnlawfull meanes for thy reliefe . And lastlie , let vs pray feruentlie and often , attending Gods pleasure with patience : and then no doubt Hee will prouide meanes for our comfort vnlooked for .

A PRAYER IN THE TIME OF FAMINE .

IVST and righteous art thou , O Lord God , who hast so manie wayes to humble mee ; for nowe thou hast taken from mee thy good benefits , which thou gauest mee . I confe●●● , O Lord , that when my wayes were ou●-flowing with Oyle and Butter , Iob 29.6 . ●en I brake not my Bread vn●●●●●u●●rie . Psal. 30.6 . I say de in my prospe●●● , I wil● neuer bee mooued : but tho ●●●●nedst thy countenance , and I per●●●d . Thou gauest mee , O Lord , Iob 1● . 21 and tho● hast taken from mee : blessed bee thi●● holie Name . I repent mee o● my former abuse , the contempt of thy benef●●es , and thy people . But I returne to thee . O my Father , Luke 15.19 . & with teares I confesse , that I am not woorthie that thou shouldest bestowe anie moe vpon mee . Yet , Lord , I beseech thee to haue mercie vpon mee , and let mee bee as one of thine hyred Seruantes . For I will put my confidence in thee , and I will seeke thee earlie , because I knowe thou hast a thousande means for my reliefe & comfort , which I see not my selfe .

O Lord , thou hast wounded me : oh , Iob 5.18 . heale mee againe . Thou filledst the Widowes Barrels with Oyle : 1. King . 17 16. and the Riuers of thine Oyle are not yet dried vp , but continue still , for they are euerlasting : Powre downe , therefore , I beseech thee , o thou plentifull God , some droppe of thy goodnesse vpon mine emptie soule : for the time of my necessitie , is the time of thine oportunitie . Make mee an example of thy liberalitie : that all the worlde may see , that thou leauest not those which put their trust in thee . Shew some token of thy fauour vnto mee , and I shall praise thee . For since thou gauest thy Christ for mee , NOTA. wilt thou not much rather giue mee other thinges , which are good for mee ? And last , seeing thou hast prepared that hidden Manna for mee , and the Tree of Life , Revel. 2.17 & 22.1.2 . & the Waters of Life , yea , and the whole Treasures and Crownes in thine euerlasting Kingdome ; then I doubt not , O Lord , but that in this short time of mine abiding heere thou wilt bee carefull for my prouision . But howsoeuer it bee , I am content of thy wise dispensation , and teach mee , my God , I beseech thee , to bee contented to abound , and to want ; Phil. 4.11 . that neither in wealth I presume and misknowe thee , nor that in pouertie I may faint , and tempt the Lord my God : but that in euerie estate I may glorifie thee , and speake good of thy Name : Euen for Christ Iesus sake .

AMEN .
A MEDITATION OF PESTILENCE .

THe Pestilence is one of Gods three Arrowes , Causes of Pestilence . Psal. 91.6 which flieth in the mid-day , and in the night killeth manie . The causes of it are the contempt of the Lord , an extraordinarie persecution of the Church , Lev. 26.25 or else the pride of Princes , who confide ouer much in the multitude of their Subjectes , 2. Sam. 24.10 . as Dauid did .

There are manie sorts of the Plague , after which it obtaineth diuers names , as Bubo , Blew-blawart , the Flexes , The Pest is most daungerous in 4 respects . the Charbuckle , &c. The Pest is most dangerous in foure respectes : first , because it is contagious , and infecteth the aire : secondlie , it is speedie , and flieth like an Arrow : thirdlie , it is vehement , and extreame painfull : and fourthlie , it is cruell , separating those who are bound by nature , as Parentes from Children , Husbandes from their Wiues , &c. Vnder the time of the Plague wee should fall downe before God . Wee should stoupe , when we see the Sword in the hand of the Angel . Let vs confesse our particular sinnes , with Dauid , saying , I and my fathers house haue sinned . 2. Sam. 24.17 . Psa. 51.17 Wee must offer vp to GOD the Sacrifice of a contrite heart , and present vnto him the perfect Oblation of Christ .

That the Plague may cease , there is none Arte , or diligence of man , or yet Physicke , to bee vsed : but the next remedie is , onelie true repentance in CHRISTES Blood .

A PRAYER IN THE TIME OF PESTILENCE .

O Lord , I confesse that I am worthie that thou shouldest powre foorth all the Violes of thy wrath against me , Rev. 6.14 . and all the plagues which are written in thy Law : for the stinke of my sinnes pierced the Heauens , & forced thee to send down this filthie and infectiue Botch , to bee auenged vpon mine abhominations , whereby I haue polluted the Earth . O Lord , bee mercifull to me , and take away mine iniquities . I retiere to the shadowe of the Almightie for a refuge and couer : Psalm . 9.9 . and I hide me in the secret of thy Tabernacle . Thou shootest thine arrowes in the mid-day , yea they slay innumerable thousands in darknesse : at thousand falleth at thy side , Psal. 91.7 . and ten thousands at thy right hand : and yet thou hast spared me , praised bee thy Name for euer . If the men of Benjamin failed not in their shooting at an haire-bredth , Iudges 20.16 . can the eye of the Lord , or his hand , wauer ? all things are done by thy prouidence . Marke mee with the letter of mourning , and with the blood of the Lambe : Ezech. 9.4 Rev. 20.15 . write me in the booke of Life , that in the day of thy great slaughter the Angel of thy wrath may passe by me . I ly wrapped in the mantle of my Sauiour , before thy Mercie Seate , beseeching thee to deliuer me from this plague , if it please thee . And if thou hast appointed that I should die therein , sanctifie my death , that it may bee acceptable to thee : sanctifie my faith with the assurance of thy loue , that albeit I be seperated from men , yet thou wilt not be seperated from me : sanctifie my patience , that I may drink in this Cuppe chearfullie : sanctifie in ende my memorie , that I may remember thy inercies in the midst of thy plagues . Lord , let the joy of thy presence swallow vp all my pangues , that hauing receiued the finall victorie in the blood of Iesus , I may sing the triumph , and render my spirit into thine hands , through Christ Iesus , to whom , with thee , and the holie Ghost , be all praise for euermore .

Amen .
A MEDITATION OF THE SWORD .

THE Sword is Gods third Arrow , which hee sendeth out either vpon a whole Land , Causes of the Sword . to punish their wickednesse , Deu. 28.49 or to his own chosen Children for their sinnes : as to Dauid , the Sword of Saul and Absolam . 2. Sam. 12.9 . The Lord threatned by the Prophets , and executed manie times in the Scriptures , this judgement vpon his people : for he brought Nations vpon them from farre , flying as swift as an Eagle to the prey : Terem 5.15 a people whose tongue they vnderstood not , and of a fearce countenance , which will not regard the persons of the olde , nor haue compass●on of the young , who shall besiedge them in all their Cities , &c.

The Sword the greatest Plague . 2. Sam. 24.14 . This is the greatest temporall scourge that God euer sent to a Land , to giue them ouer vnto cruell Tyrants : for which cause Dauid made choyse of the other ; because he thought it better to fall into the handes of God , than into the handes of men .

First , we must consider that the author of all Warres , God the author of Warres . and first worker , is the eternall God ; who being prouoked by the sinnes of the people , and especiallie by Idolatrie , and innocent blood , as also Sacriledge , raiseth vp Warres either intestine among themselues , or forraine powers . The Scriptures are furnished with insinit examples for the confirmation hereof . Then we may learne , not to looke vnto the rodde , but to him who smiteth vs , and to turne vnto him by vnfained repentance , that he may stay and bridle the cruelcie of Tyrants .

Next , ye shall know the causes of Warre : Warres are lawfull , if they bee warranded . for we must not accompt that all Warres are vnlawfull : for as Augustine saieth , Melius justum ●ellian , quam Pax iniqua : that is , A just Warre is better than an vnjust Peace . Therefore , Princes should consider that they raise no Warres vpon small groundes , neither by ambition or couetousnesse encroath vpon the possessions of their neighbour Princes ; neither yet should they suffer their people to bee oppressed , or brought vnder thraldome , either of their bodies , possessions , or their conscience : but rather ought to defende them by the Sword .

As the commodities of Peace are manie , ( for in it Religion flourisheth , The commodities of Peace . 1. King . 4.25 . Isa. 2.4 . and Learning is aduanced , euerie man dwelleth vnder his owne Figge-tree , and the Sworde is turned into a Mattocke , and the Speare into a Sythe , the voyce of the Bridegroome is heard in the Citie , and not the blooddie cryes of the Opressour , which our Sauiour Christ , when hee came to the world , brought with him , although it was attributed vnto Augustus Caesar ; ) so are the incommodities of Warre also manie : The incommodities of Warres . for in it all Religion euanisheth , good Lawes are abolished , good manners corrupted , good Sciences forgotten , Townes and Villages sacked , Fieldes and Lands which were manured by great trauell and cost , wasted by the incursion of strangers ; great Treasures are spent , men muthered , or made captiues , women made whoores , & slaues , &c. so that Warres are the beginning and mother of all euils .

A PRAYER IN TIME OF THE SWORD .

O Lord , we confesse that by reason wee haue abused so long and so gracious a peace , and thy patience which should haue led vs to repentance , wee are worthie of all these stripes which are laid vpon vs by these Barbarous Tyrants , which thou hast raised vp against vs : but wee haue our refuge to the Throne of thy mercie , beseeching thee , deare Father , to remember that we are the price of thy Sonnes blood , and for his sake spare vs : chastise vs in mercie , and in measure , with the rodde of thy children : and suffer not thy Turtle Doue to bee a prey to the wild Beasts . Psa. 74.19 Our hearts are oppressed and wounded with sorrow , when we see thy glorie defaced , thy Name blasphemed by these blooddie Beasts , thy Temples burnt with fire , and thy people daylie put to the Sworde . O Lord , the examples of others that called vpon thee in their troubles giueth vnto vs hope that thou wilt not suffer vs to bee confounded . Our enemies haue raised vp battell against vs without all deseruings or cause vpon our side , or injurie offered vnto them : therefore , O Lord , maintaine our innocency , as thou didst alwayes defend a righteous cause . O Lord , looke to their crueltie and mercilesse tyrannie , who spare neither the gray haires , nor tender sucklings , neither women with child : & the rather , O Lord , they seeke our destruction , because we haue renounced the Romane Antichrist , whose kingdome they defend in daylie shedding the blood of thy Saincts . O Lord , looke to their craft , and policies , whereby daylie they vndermine vs . In vs , O Lord , there is no strength , no wisdome , no number nor judgment to withstand their force , their craft , multitude , and diligence : and therefore , O Lord , looke thou mercifullie vpon vs , and deliuer vs from their crueltie , for thy Christs sake . Thou hast assisted thy Church euen from the begining , and for the deliuerie of the same thou hast plagued her cruell persecuters from time to time . O Lord , thou remainest one for euer , thy nature is vnchangeable , thou canst not but hate crueltie , pride , oppression , and murther , and speciallie these blooddie Tyrants , who are sent against vs by that Romish Idole , and hired to roote out all those who truelie professe thy holy Name . Put out thine arme , O God , for our relief , & let al the world know , 1. Sam. 17.46 . that the God of Israel yet liueth . Heare vs , O Lord , helpe & deliuer vs , for thy Christs sake .

Amen .
A MEDITATION OF DEATH .

Death a dead enemie DEath is our last and least enemie : for if Sinne and Sathan , who are liuing enemies , bee ouercome by the power of Christ in vs , what need we to feare Death , which is a dead enemie , and altogether without power & strength ? Indeed Death is terrible to the Worldling ; and no maruell , for it separateth him from all his comforts , and entereth him to all his paines : but it possesseth the godlie in all their joyes , and maketh an end of all their troubles : it is to them , Non obitus , sed abitus : non exitus , sed transitus : Ambros . iis funera sunt faenora : that is , Not death , but a departing : not an out-going , In the hour of death remember what thou wast , what thou art , & what thou shalt bee . but a thorow-going : and to these their burials are gaines .

In the houre of Death remember with remorse thy former life , thy future life with joye and delight , and thy present estate with patience . If the troubles of thy conscience , or paine of thy sicknes , vrge thee to impatience , Quid scis , quid sue●is , quisque futurus cris . then thinke , this is the high way to Heauen : for euen by the Gates of Hell , by Stripes , and Wounds , our Lord went before vs . The feare of Death springeth of the weaknesse of faith , and our great loue of the world begets in vs great desire of life , and our little sight of Glorie maketh ouer great feare of Death .

Remember that there are two Deaths , and feare the greater : There are two deaths . Rev. 20.14 the first Death is the separation of the soule from the bodie : but the second Death is the euerlasting separation of God from the soule . If thou be partaker of the resurrection from sinne , the second Death shal haue no power ouer thee : therfore thou needest not to be afraid of the first Death , if thou be deliuered from the second .

2. Thou needest not to feare the first Death : Death is vniuersall . for it is a fatall necessitie , laide vpon all Flesh , Kinges , Prophets , People , &c. all must depart .

A profitable exchaunge by death . 3. There is great gain by the exchange : for wee get a Palace for a Prison ; rest , for labour ; libertie , for bondage ; God , for men ; the companie of Angels , for the companie of sinners ; and finallie , the Heauens , for the Earth .

4. Thou mayest take comfort in thy death , Present joy by death , without delay . Luke 23.43 . NOTA. Sinne is taken away . Simil. The-paines of death are short . because thy soule shall not bee holden in suspense , nor stand at the gates of Heauen , nor goe to Purgatory for new tormentes : for in the day of thy death thou shalt be with the Lord in Paradise

5. The sting of Death is taken from it , which is Sinne : then Death can doe thee no more harme , than a Serpent which wanteth a Sting .

6. The pangues of Death which thou sustainest are but momentaneall , but thy joyes shall be eternall , as Paul saith to the Romanes , Chap. 8. Vers. 18.

Inward comfortes . The soule shall shortlie returne . 7. God mixeth his inward comforts with thine outward crosses .

8. Thy bodie shall sleepe a little , thy soule shal returne shortlie , the Comforter shall assist thee , Christ is praying for thee in Heauen , the Sainctes on Earth are crying to the Redeemer , & the Angels are readie to conuoy thy soule to eternall blisse .

9. Heere is thy comfort , Christ thy Sauiour suffered the pangues of Death in the highest degree . Christ suffered death Matth. 10.24 . Shall the seruant be aboue his Master ? And as he died , so he rose againe , and ouercame Death in his owne denne . Then , if the Head bee risen , will hee not raise after him all the members of the bodie ? Yes surelie .

Lastly , The right desire to liue or die . Psalm . 6.5 Isa. 38.7 . if thou find a desire in thee to liue longer , let the cause of thy desire be , that thou mayest liue better ; as Ezechias and Dauid saide , Shall the dead prayse thee ? And , What signe shall I haue to goe to the House of the Lord ? And if thou desire to die , Christ aduantage in life and death . see that it be not for thine earthlie burdens , but for sinne , which thou weariest to beare ; and for the desire of the fruition of the glorie of God .

A PRAYER AT THE HOVRE OF DEATH .

EVerlasting God , and my most mercifull Father in Iesus Christ , I thy poore Prisoner , bound by the Chains of Sicknesse to this Bed , & vpon whome the bondes of Death are seasing , and taking holde , I fall downe before the throne of thy Mercy , & beseech thee to giue me thine holie Spirite : that seeing I am going the way of all flesh , I may rightlie resolue , 1. King . 2.2 with solide judgement , and perfect memorie , anent my departure : that as thou hast prepared a place for mee , Iob 14.2 . so thou wilt prepare mee for it : that I being purged by the blood of Iesus , & sanctified by thy Spirit , may enter into the present possession of that inheritance promised to mee . And because manie times I learned by thy Worde that I must die , & by daylie experience in the death of others thou gauest mee warning , as also I haue carried in mine owne bodie the markes of death by diuerse diseases ; yet , Lord , nowe at last I learne by mine own proofe , that which I would not learne by others . Nowe therefore , O Lord , when I looke backe to my former life , and consider the sinnes of my childhood , and mine age , what things I did ignorantlie , and what I did against mine owne conscience , my forgetfulnesse of thy mercies , and mine ingratitude to thee for thy goodnesse , mine open sinnes , and my secret sinnes , my presumptions , mine injuries to others , mine intemperancie , my slouthfulnesse , and neglect of thy worship : all these sinnes , so oft committed by mee , beeing put in a masse , and manie moe with them , I beseech thee most mercifull Father , that thou wouldest vouchfase to bind them vp together in the bundle of thy mercie , and burne them in the fire of thy loue : burie them in the graue of eternall obliuion , and make mee nowe quite of them , that they burthen mee no more : and I beseech thee , that now in this my last battell thou wilt so strengthen my faith against infidelitie and distrust , that as by thy power I haue ouercome the maine hoste of sin , so by thy grace these remnants of a defeated Armie , & those stragling Souldiours , who are shaking their weapons vpon mee , they may bee scattered by thine hand , that the work of my saluation may now in mercie bee crowned and finished : that now I may cry with my Sauiour at his death , Consummatum est : It is finished . Ioh. 19.30 He finished vpon the Crosse the worke of saluation for me : now , O Lord , finish it in me vpon this bedde .

I acknowledge , ô Father , that I am infinitlie obliedged vnto thy Majestie , for thine innumerable benefits , which I haue receiued at thine handes in the time of my life : for thou euer didst loue me with a Fatherlie affection , thou caredst for mee , thou prouidedst in due season to my necessitie , thou fedst me , thou defendedst mee , thou nurturedst me , &c. Simil. Exod. 19.4 And as the Eagle carrieth the little ones , so hast thou carried mee in the armes of thy mercie . But in speciall thou broughtest mee from ignorance , to the knowledge of the trueth , & madest mee to be borne in the bosome of the Church , & gauest me that eternall life , Iohn 17.3 . which is to knowe thee to bee the true God , and whom thou hast sent , Iesus Christ , the Sauiour of the Worlde . Yea , when I fell into manifold dangers in this Wildernesse , the perils of waters , of fire , of pouertie , of sicknesse , of decietfull and wicked men , &c. thou deliueredst mee from them all by thy mightie and out-stretched arme , and hast giuen me this time to resolue with thee , to repent , and thanke thee for thy benefits . For all which thy mercies and excellent benefites , both spirituall and temporall , I render vnto thee moste heartie thankes , praise , and glorie , to continue for euermore .

As for anie good thing which is now wrought in mee , it is not of mee , O Lord , but thy grace working in mee , who makest thy power to bee knowne in my weaknesse . And if thou wouldest look narrowly to my best actions , thou wouldest finde in them a thousand imperfections . Therefore I couch vnder the Garment of my Lordes righteousnesse : oh , spreade the Mantle of thy Mercie ouer mee .

And as for the Worlde , I disclaime and renounce it , as a false and deceitfull friend , which promiseth faire things to those that seeke it : but for golden offers , it crowneth them with thornes .

I bid good-night to all my Friends , Acquaintances , and good Christians : and I exhort all you who would haue peace in your latter ende , and die the death of the Righteous , Numb. 23.10 . Mat. 7.13 . that ye would treade the footesteps of Iesus Christ , & goe thorowe the straite way : keeping faith and loue with the Sainctes to the ende : 2. Tim. 4.8 . that seeing I haue gone before you , and run my race , and shortlie shall receiue the Crowne of Righteousnes , yee would rejoyce in my victorie , and not bee for●e for my remoouing . And I pray God to bee with you all , and to conuoy you safely vnto his Kingdome ; that wee may all meete joyfullie in his glorie . And seeing I feele all the members of my bodie decaying , and giuing ouer their office , my grinders sailing , my sight and hearing decaying , Eccl. 12.3 . & my strong men trembling , let the hidden man of mine heart be sanctified by thy grace , that I may haue a cleare sight of my Lord and Sauiour , and so depart in peace , with olde SIMEON thy Seruant .

Now my Soule , returne to thy rest , for the Lord hath beene beneficiall to thee . Psa. 116.7 I commit my spirite into thine handes , O LORD : take it , and by the conuoy of thy moste holie Angels carrie it vnto thy Kingdome . And for my bodie , I commit it to the dust , from whence it came , to sleepe there till the Day dawne , and my LORD returne , and rayse it vppe againe ; that thou with it may receiue that eternal glory which is prepared for vs , thorow Christ , Amen .

FINIS .
THE PRINTER TO THE READER .

BEcause it is vnpossible that Bookes of any quantitie ( in the first Impression ) should escape all Faults , and especially in the absence of the Author : therefore it shall please the Christian Reader to auoyde partialitie , judge charitablie , and correct diligentlie such errours as ( on our behalfe ) vnwillinglie haue escaped our correction : all which ( God willing ) at another time wee shall amende most attentiuelie .