The late commotion of certaine papists in Herefordshire Occasioned by the death of one Alice Wellington, a recusant, who was buried after the popish maner, in the towne of Allens-Moore, neere Hereford, vpon Tuesday in Whitsun weeke last past. 1605. With other excellent matter thereby occasioned. Truely set forth.

THE Late Commotion of certaine Papists in Herefordshire .

Occasioned by the death of one Alice Wellington , a Recusant , who was buried after the Popish maner , in the Towne of Allens-Moore , neere Hereford , vpon Tuesday in Whitsun weeke last past .

1605.

With other excellent matter thereby occasioned .

Truely set forth .

AVT NVNC AVT NVNQVAM printer's or publisher's device

Imprinted at London by S. S. for I. Chorlton , and F. Burton .

1605.

To the Reader .

GEntle Reader , to satisfie thy minde , and to stop the mouths of the multitude , who listening after euery idle report , are easily induced to beleeue , whatsoeuer bee by vncertayne fame bruted abroad , I haue caused these seuerall Letters , with a true discourse therein contayned , of the beginning and proceedings in these late Popish actions , to be diuulged : and I haue the rather bene thereunto induced , because I know certaynly , that not a few , for their better satisfaction , are very desirous to vnderstand the truth thereof .

Furthermore , in perusall hereof , the vulgar people , & such as are wauering in Religion , by reading his Maiesties protestation , for the mayntenance of Religion , herein contayned , and publikely vttered in the Starre-chamber , by the mouth of the L. Chauncellor of England , vpon Thursday the xx . of Iune last past , shall hereby bee incouraged to go on in the Christian profession of the Gospel , so long time by Gods mercies , and the constancy of religious Princes mayntayned amongst vs , and not bee discouraged by any idle perswasions , which seditious and trecherous Papists , who haue vowed themselues vnto the seruice of the Pope , shall closely and vndermyningly ( thereby seeking to alienate the hearts of his faythfull subiects , from their dutifull allegeance ) ▪ buzze into their eares . So that if any Papist hereafter should seeke to perswade any of his Maiesties subiects , that the tymes are like to alter , and that a Toleration should bee graunted , ( thereby wronging his Maiesty exceedingly , who is so fully settled in the Trueth ) they may answere them , Auoyd , false and lying Varlets , your words are vayne , and your hopes are more vayne ; see here his Maiesties protestation to the contrary .

Neither can I here omit to giue notice vnto the world , of that excellent speach , which mine owne eares heard vttered vpon Munday the fifth of August last past , at Paules Crosse , by the right Reuerend Father in God , the Lord Bishop of London , in his Sermon there ; because it serueth for a strengthening and confirmation of that , which in the ensuing Letter you shall read . His words tended briefly to this effect :

That his Maiesty had made a protestation before God and his Angels , that he was so constant for the maintenance of the Religion publikely in England professed , as that hee would spend his owne dearest bloud in the defence therof , rather then the Truth should be ouerthrown : and that if he had ten times as many more kingdomes as he hath , he would dispend them all for the safety and protection thereof : and likewise , that if he had any children that should out-liue him , if they should maintayne or vp-hold any other Religion , he desired of God , that hee might see them brought to their graues before him , that their shame might be buried in his life time , neuer to be spoken of in future ages .

Oh worthy speeches , and worthy so noble and religious a King ! Shall we therefore that are his subiects , be discouraged , hauing so couragious a King ? No , God forbid .

Thus wishing thee to iudge none otherwise hereof , then as proceeding from one , that tendreth the good of his Prince and country , and is willing to satisfy all such , as desire to be informed in the truth hereof , I rest a wel-willer to all that meane well .

Tho. Hamond .

A Letter from a Gentleman in London , to his friend in Hereford . ❧ To his most affected and kinde friend , Mr. E. R. in Hereford .

KInd Mr. E. R. the former proofes that I haue already had of your loue to me-ward , causeth me agayne to presume vpon your further curtesies . The matter is thus : There hath bene lately noysed abroad very commonly in London , a strange report , concerning the proceedings of some Papists in your parts , and as fame goeth , not far from you : much haue I heard thereof , and that diuersly : whereupon being desirous to be satisfied with a certayne truth of that matter , ( because my mind cannot rest contented with an vncertayne Relation thereof ) I repayred vpon Thursday last , being Starre-chamber day , vnto Westminster , there expecting to heare something concerning those causes : neyther was I altogether deceyued in my expectation , although not fully satisfyed in any particulars of this matter , how the maner thereof was : for being there , vpon the same day , after that the Lords were set , and that one or two matters , concerning some former misorders in those partes formerly committed , had bene heard , the right Honourable , the Lord high Chauncellour of England , as from his Maiesties owne mouth , beganne a most excellent speach , and deliuered the matter after such an vnexpressable maner , as it is impossible for me to come neere vnto , eyther the words , or perfit substance thereof , it was so pithy , so excellent , and so admirably couched together : and yet acknowledgeing that he himselfe was vnable to declare it vnto them in such maner , as his Maiesty had deliuered it vnto him .

But I will onely heerein relate vnto you , as neere as I can remember , such things as were vttered by his Lordship , concerning these present matters : for his Lordship , after that he had spoken somewhat largely , concerning some other poynts , sayd , That there had now happened a present occasion ( meaning this late Commotion in your partes ) which did administer much matter worthy of consideration .

Then he began to shew how certainely his Maiesty was informed , That the number of Papists in England was mightily increased , since his Maiesties comming , and that Popish Priests and Iesuites ( factors for the Pope ) lay lurking in many corners of this land , to seduce his Maiesties subiects from their due and lawfull allegeance vnto their rightfull Prince , to the acknowledgement of a forrain power and authority , namely , the Pope of Rome .

Then also , that his Maiesty maruayled , how it happened , that Papists could so increase daily , or Priests and Iesuites be intertayned within his Kingdomes , considering , that his Lawes are in force against them .

And thereupon entring into a consideration of the estate of this Land , and seeking by all meanes possible to finde where the fault might be ; after the examination of diuers supposed causes , he alleadged , that none was greater then this , viz. That Iustices are too slacke and negligent in their places ; it being a thing impossible , that Priests and Iesuites should swarme so thick as they doe in any partes of England , or Wales , vnlesse Iustices of Peace in those parts where they frequented , were carelesse of their place and office .

Hereupon also he said , that his Maiesty was informed , That many , who were in place of Iustice , to punish others , either were themselues so affected , or at least wise , for speciall respects , fauoured them that were .

Then spake he vnto the Iudges , and such as were to go their Circuits , remembring vnto them , how carefull his Maiesty had bene for the good and happy gouernment of these his Kingdomes ; how studious for the mayntenance of the true Religion , professed and maintayned by the Church of England ; how often his Maiesty had held consultation with his Councell and Cleargy , for the sure establishment of matters in Religion ; and how loth to alter , change , or disanull any of the Lawes of England : because hee found , that there was no more perfit forme of gouernment in the world , nor any Church that came so neere vnto the very substance of the trueth in euery poynt , as the Church of England doth : and because that Religion is the surest bond to knit mens hearts in vnity , he recited how great paynes , and what often cares his Maiesty had taken for a perfit vnity in Religion , and diuine worship , that not euery one should bee at liberty to serue God after his owne fashion , but all should ioyne in one true worship of God ; which , if euer any Nation in the world had , we now haue .

Further also , giuing vnto the Iudges a straight charge , that in their Circuits they should haue an especiall care to inquire for all such as were Priests , Iesuites , or Recusants , and to take such order , that they might be punished ; and more especially , for inquiry of all such Iustices of peace , as were either , themselues , their wiues , children , or seruants , Papists ; or knowne themselues to be fauourers of Papists .

Hereupon further alledging , that there were some Iustices , who although they themselues would not be seene to giue any entertaynement or countenance vnto Priests , Iesuites , or Recusants , yet such should finde welcome at theyr Wyues hands .

And therefore his Maiestyes pleasure was , That all such Iustices , as can bee knowne to be as aforesayd , should haue their names sent vp , that they may be remooued out of the Commission for the Peace , as being vnfit members to hold such places .

And as this his Maiestyes charge extended vnto the punishment of such , as were obstinate Papists : so , more especially , for the punishment of such , as were become Papists since his Maiesties comming : and yet a more strict charge for those parts about you , because they were alwayes most infestious and troublesome .

Then hee put the Iudges in minde , how long a time they now had for search into these matters , and what directions they had receyued for their proceedings , assuring them , that as his Maiesty had signified vnto them before their going , what course they should obserue : so at their returnes , hee would call them vnto an account , what they had performed therein .

And amongst many other matters of speciall moment , he entred into a deepe consideration of this Land , the estate therof how blessed it was , how much bounden vnto GODS Almighty goodnesse , for that he hath sent vs so gracious a King : A King , that did so constantly professe CHRISTES true Religion established in the Church of England : a King , by whose happy commaund we were free from many cares , many dangers , many perills .

Moreouer also , he shewed , that Papists in diuers places , ( as his Maiesty was certaynely informed ) did bragge in words , That they were in a good hope of a Toleration : hereunto adding a speach of his Maiestyes , concerning the folly of Papists , how they were besotted , yea ; and more then bewitched , to suppose any such matter , wondering , whereupon they should builde their false hopes ; adding thereunto also , that his Maiesty was so surely perswaded of the truth of his Religion , so firmely grounded vpon the cercertainty thereof , and so constantly bent for the mayntenance thereof , as that he yowed vnto his Priuy Councell , that if he did know that any of his children after him ( which I hope neuer will be ) would goe backe from the Religion which hee now professed , and maintayne any other , that vpon that childe hee would lay his curse .

These and many other matters ( which not a little ioyed me to vnderstand , how constant his Maiesty is for the mayntenance of the Gospell ) I heard with mine owne eares , whereof I thought it not amisse to certify you : but because I cannot here know of the particular matters , and maner how those things fell out in your parts , I make bold to request your paynes , in learning , as neere as you can , the truth therof , and to let me vnderstand thereof by your Letters . London , the 22. of Iune . 1605.

Your friend assured , T. H.

An Answere vnto the former Letter . To his most approued good friend , Mr. T. H. in London .

BEcause Reports are many and variable , and the world is giuen to inquire after nouelties , according as the saying is , Est natura hominum nouitatis auida ; and also , because the further a tale goeth , the more it is made : for , Fama crescit eundo : and lastly , because by your Letters , you seeme to be so importunate , to know the truth in these late stirres and Commotions in our parts . I haue ( though vnwillingly , but onely for your sake , vnto whome I acknowledge my selfe many wayes beholding , and whose request in any matter lawfull , is vnto me a strong commaund ) taken some paynes in collecting the trueth thereof , as neere as I could , without putting in of any thing , vnlesse it were credibly reported to bee true , or were matters of coherence with these actions .

Accept therefore these few lynes ensuing , as a further pledge of my vnfayned loue vnto your Worship ; and as occasion shallserue , if any other matters worthy the writing doe happen , I will not fayle to performe whatsoeuer belongeth vnto a trusty friend , and one that wisheth all happinesse and prosperity vnto your fortunes .

Neyther may I heere omit to render you most kynde thanks , for your paynes taking , in writing so largely vnto me in your letter as you haue done .

And besides that , the substance of your Letter is so welcome vnto mee ( because I know , that had it not beene true , you would not haue written it ) as that it causeth my heart to leape for ioy within me , as often as I remember , how constantly his Maiesty hath auowed to maintayne and vphold the truth of the Gospell , which is now in England publikely preached .

Neyther doth the remembrance thereof seldome tymes with ioy affect me : for so many causes doe daily administer matter , to bring mee into the remembrance thereof , as that I am alwayes replenished therewith ; especially , when I bethinke me of Papists , how vayne their hopes are , and how like vnto smoake they vanish away .

God omnipotent , of his infinit mercy and goodnesse blesse vs all , and make vs heere faythfull seruants vnto himselfe , and the King , that after our seruice here on earth , we may all rest with Christ Iesus in the kingdome of heauen . Hereford , the nyne and twentyeth of Iune . 1605.

Yours to commaund , E. R.

❧ A true Relation of the late Commotion in Herefordshire .

THere is a little Uillage in Herefordshire , called by the name of Allens Moore , distant from the City of Hereford , two little myles . In this Parish ( as also in many other thereabouts ) the Priestes of Rome haue so bestirred themselues , that with their doctrine , they haue so poysoned and made many drunke , with the dregges of the fornication of the Whoore of Rome , as that they are become obstinate Recusants , to repayre to the Church , and to participate of our Churches Sacraments , the true and vndoubted Pledges of our saluation .

And amongst the rest , without any further digression ( to come to our present purpose ) one Alice Wellington , wife of Thomas Wellington , of Allens-Moore , in the aforesayd County , Peoman , being but a simple woman , and voyd of any true grounds of Learning or Diuinity ; but onely being seduced by the witcheries of Baals Priests , continued so obstinate in her erronious peruersnesse , that she , contrary vnto his Maiesties Lawes , would by no meanes nor perswasions , bee induced to repayre vnto the Church , according to his Maiesties Lawes in that case prouided . Whereupon , by the censure of the Church , shee rested excommunicate .

It pleased GOD , to visit this Alice Wellington with sicknesse , and to lay his hand so heauy vpon her , that she dyed excommunicate , not hauing submitted her selfe vnto our Church .

Whereupon , the Uicar of the Parish being asked whether he would bury her ? Hee the sayd Uicar ( knowing that the Law would not admit those to be buryed , according to the order of our Church , being dead , who liuing , refuse to submit themselues thereunto ) refused the performance thereof , alleadging ; that hee should incurre the penalty and daunger of the Lawe , if hee should yeelde therevnto .

Hereupon , many Papists being aduertised of her death ; and drawing themselues together , they so determined , that among themselues , come what come would thereof , it should bee performed after their maner .

Whereupon it was agreed , that vpon the Tuesday following , being Tuesday in Whitsun weeke in the morning , it should be done .

Understand by the way , that the Uicars house being close to the Church-yard , as hee lay in his bed , about sixe of the clocke in the morning , some houre and halfe after Sunne rising , he heard the sound of a little Bell ; and being vnacquaynted with such a sound , and wondring what it might be , hee started vp , and looked out at the wyndow , from whence he espyed ( as he gessed ) some fourty or fifty persons accompanying a Coarse round about the Church , one of which company had a Saints-bell , another bare a Crosse , fastened ( as it seemed vnto him ) vpon the end of a staffe ; before the coarse some carryed Tapers burning , and other such trumperies : The rest of them being weaponed , some with Billes , some Staues , some Swords , & other weapons ; some of which men the Uicar himselfe knew , and some he knew not .

Hereupon , the Uicar ( as soone as hee could ) arrayed himselfe : but before hee was dressed and come vnto them , the body was layd into the ground , and their Ceremonies welneere ended . Whereupon , the Uicar drawing neere , spake vnto them , blaming them for their boldnesse . But they little regarding his words , gaue him many reuiling tearmes , and bade him get him gone , if he tendered his owne life , and not to disturbe them , nor approach neere them .

The Uicar being but himselfe alone , and seeing so many weaponed in offensiue maner , thought it bootles to say any more , or to make resistance against so rude a company , and thereupon returned into his house .

After that the company was dissolued , the Uicar gaue the right Reuerend Father in God , the Lord Bishop of Hereford , then lying at the Palace in Hereford , to vnderstand thereof , both the maner how , the time when , and the names of some persons , whome he had seene and knowne in the said Action .

Whereupon , his Lordship hauing an especiall care , for the suppressing of such tumults and disorders , and also knowing how much hurt the wincking thereat might easily procure ; and withall , being zealously bent against their profane customes , directed a Warrant vnto the high Constable of that Hundred , George Wenlond , for the speedy search for , and apprehension of such as were knowne to be Actors therein .

The high Constable hauing receyued the Warrant , with other petty Constables , speedily repayred vnto the shoppe of one Iames Cowle , a Weauer of Hungerstone , neere thereunto adioyning , where the sayde Iames Cowle was , and also one Chadnor , a Weauer like wise , who wrought in another roome adioyning , both of them being in the Warrant , the sayd high Constable , George Wenlond , caused them both to be apprehended , by vertue of the sayd Warrant .

But they beganne to striue and struggle , and would not goe with them , according to the purport of the Warrant : In which contention , the sayd Chadnor escaping , some pursued him , the rest remayned with Iames Cowle : but Cowle , contrary to the Kings Peace , desperately strooke at a Gentleman , named Master William Gough , with a short knife , which Weauers commonly vse to cut off their threeds , and there with grieuously wounded the sayd Master William Gough vpon the chynne . At which time also , one William Rogers , one of the Constables , was hurt in seuerall places vpon the hand .

It happened , that as they were thus contending , one Leonard Marsh , of Kynson , who had likewise beene in the former Action , and was also one of the men named in the Warrant , came into the sayd Shoppe , where the same Iames Cowle was .

Whereupon the sayd Leonard Marsh was likewise apprehended ; and in their striuing , the Constable being hurt , and Master Gough likewise , the sayd Iames Cowle escaped also ; in so much that none , saue onely the aforesayd Leonard Marsh , remained in their power .

The rest hauing escaped , and wilfully indangered themselues , by committing such vyle misdemeanors against his Maiesties sworne Officers , the high Constable tooke the sayd Leonard Marsh with him toward Hereford ; and by the way as hee passed , he charged diuers such as he met with , in his Maiesties name , to bee assistant vnto him , in conducting the Prisoner vnto Hereford : in so much , that hee had to his ayde some fifteene or sixteene men , euery one taking with him such weapons as they could come presently by , and as the haste required ; whereby they were but very meanely and slenderly weaponed .

In this maner marching towards Hereford City , suite was made vnto the high Constable , by a brother of the sayd Leonard Marsh , that he would stay his course with the Prisoner , vntill such time , as Master William Morgan of Treble Parke had spoken with him .

But the high Constable following the wordes of his Warrant , aduisedly replyed , That hee might not stay his course ; for his Warrant was to the contrary .

Whereupon , William Marsh , brother vnto the sayd Leonard Marsh , called vnto his brother , and bade him not to goe with them .

Thereupon , the sayd Leonard began to draw backwards ; but being himselfe alone , he was by strength forced forward softly .

Thus , hauing gone on softly some two miles , when as they came within a quarter of a myle of Hereford City , suddenly they espyed themselues beset on euery side the way with men ( in number as they gessed , some forty or fifty ) weaponed , some hauing Bowes & Arrowes , some Billes , some Long-staues and Pikes , some Swords ; And so inclosing the high Constable , and his company , they demaunded , whither he conuayed the Prisoner ? He answered , That his Warrant was to carry him to Hereford . Then they demaunded , For what purpose ? He answered , That when he came there , they should know . At which words , one of them set a Iauelin to his brest , and charged him , vnlesse he meant to see his owne guts , to let goe the Prisoner .

The high Constable perceyning in what danger hee was ; and also knowing how far too weake his company was to make resistance , being ( as before is said ) but some fifteene or sixteene persons , and those also , ( as not mistrusting so bold a rescue ) but very meanely weaponed ; yea , welneere as good as altogether without weapons , after he had reasoned with those vnreasonable persons , and shewed them the danger that they had thrust themselues into , by making so rebellious a rescue ( seeing no meanes of resistance , let goe the Prisoner , who as soone as he was loose , had a Byll presently by some of the company deliuered vnto him : and then in most bold and presumptuous maner beganne to threaten diuers of those , that were with the high Constable to ayde him .

Presently , as soone as the sayd Leonard Marsh was rescued , came the aforesayd Master William Morgan of Treble Parke ( who is now with some others sent vp to London ) vnto the high Constable : vnto whome the high Constable spake some words , as blaming him for the rescue , and that hee should be the cause thereof , and that his comming in afterwards , was but only to colour the matter . All which , the sayd Master Morgan denyed , excusing himselfe , that hee came onely to speake a word or two with him , not knowing any thing at all of the rescue .

The Prisoner being thus rescued , the high Constable gaue present notice thereof vnto the Bishop of Hereford : wherevpon , the Priuy Councell was presently with all speed informed thereof : and suddenly were sent for vp to London , some such as were knowne , to be chiefe Actors therein .

Upon which businesse , Sir Herbert Croft was dispatched into the countrey . And after inquiry made , certayne Gentlemen were sent vp to London , to answere the matter .

Upon which occasion , diuers Iustices in this County haue bene since that time put out of the Commission of the Peace , as knowne to bee too much leauing vnto the Popish faction .

Thus haue I briefly related vnto you , the true maner of the Papists proceedings in these late Actions : if any other matter of moment ensue hereupon , I wil not faile ( God willing ) but certify you thereof by my Letters . Hereford , the nyne and twentieth of Iune . 1605.

Yours ( as before ) to commaund , E. R.

The Copie of a second Letter from Hereford , concerning some further proceedings in the former Actions .

ALL promises , that with honesty may bee kept amongst men , ought to bee obserued , and especially amongst those that by loue and inward affection are so neerely obliged each to other , as wee both are .

I remember well , that by my last Letter , I bound my selfe vnto your seruice , if any materiall accident worthy the obseruation , concerning the late broyles in our parts , should happen ; and although I must needs confesse , that my style in penning , be very blunt and harsh , yet know I this also , that the matter and substance of my lynes are true . which may in some sort counteruaile the glosing eloquence of some Rhetoricians , who study more for sine and fyled phrases , then for the truth of matter : for vnlesse I be much deceyued , the thing that you most desired , was the truth , and that also was the end , whereunto my thoughts tended , and principally aymed at : and therefore , I hope , that you will rather accept of nudam veritatem , without eloquence , then of eloquence without the truth .

Within fewe dayes after that I had written my last Letter ( dated as I remember , the nyne and twentyeth day of Iune ) vnto your worship , the Right Honourable , the Earle of Worcester , came downe vnto his Place of Ragland in Munmouthshire , with full authority from his Maiesty , of present Iustice to be executed vpon such as had beene Actors in these causes .

Now , albeit that the matters were far gone , and diuers misorders committed , yet seeing it booted not to withstand any further , hauing waded too farre already , most of the principall of them came in , and yeelded themselues vnto his Lordship .

Whereupon , such as his Lordship in his wisedome thought fit to be proceeded with somewhat sharpely , after examination , he caused to be committed to prison , vntill his Maiesties further pleasure be known , where diuers of them yet remayne : with others , who were lesse obstinate , and onely carryed away by false perswasions of Popish Factors , being of themselues inclinable to accord vnto the trueth , if their consciences might be thereunto perswaded . His Lordship tooke a more milde course , seeking to wynne them vnto the trueth , by reasons grounded vpon Gods Worde , which is the onely Rocke , whereupon the conscience must build . And so effectually hath his Honour dealt in this case with many of them , as that from stiffe Recusants , they are conuerted , and become new Scholers in Christes ▪ Schoole , and I trust will proceed rightly , and in a rightful course hereafter .

I could name diuers of good account , who haue reconciled themselues vnto our Church , by his Lordships honourable proceedings with them , and do now dutifully repaire vnto the Church .

What will become of those that are yet Prisoners , I know not , as yet they onely remayne in durance , vntill his Maiestyes pleasure be knowne .

The Countrey is now quieted ( God bee thanked ) and all things , by his Lordships honourable carriage , well settled . God graunt the continuance thereof .

Thus , hauing performed my promise in what I know , I rest , as euer before , your friend in all obsequiousnes ,

E. R. Hereford , the third of August . 1605. FINIS .

❧ A necessary and godly Prayer .

O Most merciful Lord God , and louing Father , wee thy children and sheep of thy pasture , humbly prostrating our selues at the foote of thy diuine Maiesty , do here confesse , that we are not worthy of the least of those innumerable benefits , which thou in mercy , for thy Sonne Christ Iesus sake hast bestowed vpon vs ; neyther are we worthy to be called thy children , but only in & through him , in whom thou art well pleased : for wee haue disobeyed thy will , broken thy Lawes , contemned thy Precepts , and cast thy Commaundements behind vs : if thou shouldest call vs to account for our liues misspent , for our deeds misdone , and for our maniford transgressions which we haue commited , we are not able to answere thee one for a thousand , it is impossible that we should stand in thy sight : Nay , Lord , if thou shouldest but marke what is done amisse , why then , who were able to abide it ?

We were not , and thou of thy goodnesse madest vs to be ; and when we were , we fell away from thee , and forsooke thee : But thou ( who before wee were , causedst our being ) when we were , wouldest not ▪ suffer vs to be lost for euer ; but didest send thy Sonne Christ Iesus to redeeme our soules out of the hands of Sathan , who otherwise would haue seyzed vpon vs , and greedily haue deuoured vs .

Not long since , O Lord , we sate in darknesse , and in the shaddow of death ; we slept in ignorance , not knowing the precious sweetnesse of thy holy Word ; we liued in blindnesse , not knowing whither we went , but as we were led ; and withall , our leaders were blind , in so much , that the blind leading the blind , ( hadst not thou sent vs a guide to conduct vs ) we had both fallen into the ditch .

Thy holy word , O Lord , is a Lanthorn vnto our feet , and a light vnto our pathes : thy holy Spirit is the guide to lead vs vnto the light ; and the light , which is thy holy word , is that which leadeth vs vnto saluation . O Lord , take not this light from vs , but let it euer shine as bright vnto vs , as the Sun at noone day . And for this cause , O Lord , we render vnto thee most humble and hearty thanks , for the long , happy , glorious , and prosperous raigne of our late dread Soueraigne , Queene Elizabeth , vnder whose blessed and happy gouernment so many yeeres together , we inioyed the light of thy holy word , and by whose constancy the truth thereof was euer since the beginning of her Raigne , mightily maintayned . We thanke thee , O Lord , for all those blessings , that by and through her thou diddest conferre vpon vs thy vnworthy children : as namely , the practice and profession of thy holy word : The quiet possessing of that we had , ( euery man vnder his owne Vyne , peaceably eating the labour of his owne hands : ) The great number of many paynefull , learned , and faithfull Preachers , which vnder her gouernment thou diddest send into thy Vineyard : The graue , wise , and honourable Counsellours , that by thy gracious goodnesse , thou didst appoynt vnto her : Their true , faythfull , and dutifull seruice , that ( guided by thy grace ) they performed vnto her : The preuention of many euils & dangers ( entended to haue bin wrought by the hands of villaynes ) which , had they taken effect , might haue bin the vtter ouerthrow and ruine of our whole Countrey : The quiet and peaceable end , that ( protected with thy Shield , maugre the malice of all her enemies ) after the common course of Nature , peaceably dying in her bed , she made , leauing ( as in right they did belong ) her imperiall Crownes vnto our now gracious and renowmed Soueraigne Lord King IAMES , by thy grace , of great Brittayne , Fraunce and Ireland , King , Defender of the same true , Catholike and Apostolike fayth , which she formerly did .

Lord , we humbly againe , and againe , vpon our bended knees , from the very bottome of our hearts pray and beseech thee , that , as of thine especiall loue and fauour vnto vs , thou hast giuen vs so gracious and religious a King : so thou wilt of the same thy louing mercy , protect and defend him , in all dangers and perilles whatsoeuer .

Guide , O Lord , his going fotth , and his comming in : blesse him in all the actions that he shall take in hand . Put ( O Lord ) into his heart good desires , strengthen him with thy continuall grace , and in the end , bring him to thy euerlasting kingdome .

As he is ; so , O Lord , continue him , a faithfull professor of thy Gospel ; a zealous and religious confessor therof ; a true and mighty defender thereof ; a barre and obstacle , to hinder all the courses and proceedings that either Papists ( or other enemies of thy Gospell whatsoeuer ) shall go about to inuent for the suppressing of the truth . Discouer them , O Lord , and let their deuices , if they perseuer in wickednes , redound vnto their owne shame and confusion . Protect and defend him , O Lord , in all his wayes ; counsell him in all his consultations ; let all his thoughts , wordes and workes , tend vnto the honour and glory of thy holy name , and his owne endlesse ioy and comfort .

Continue him a true maintayner of the truth : Establish and confirme thy truth in his heart : Root out Antichrist , and pull downe his pride : Let Religion ( as now it doeth ) alwayes flourish in this kingdome : Suppresse the power and might of Sathan : Cause an vnity in the Church : Graffe vs all into one stocke , and let vs be all composed into one body , whereof thy Sonne Christ Iesus is the head .

And because , O Lord God Almighty , that Kings and Princes , as they are here on earth , in highest Offices and authority vnder thee , so are they chiefe markes for Sathans Instruments to shoot at , wee meekely pray and beseech thee , that thou wilt blesse and defend his Royall Maiesty from all the desperate & wicked attempts , whatsoeuer Sathan , or wicked Traytors , his ministers , shall vndertake . O Lord , let them all ( who wish him any harme ) suddenly be consumed , perish , and come to a fearefull end . Blesse , O Lord , our gracious Queene Anne , our noble Prince Henry , and all the rest of the King and Queenes royall Issue : Let their Posterity neuer fayle ; but let them continue Kings and Queenes of this Land , to maintayne the Trueth vnto the worlds end .

Disperse , O Lord , all the mists of error and superstition ; Let those that are blinde , and fayne would see the Light participate with vs in the Truth : Settle all misorders whatsoeuer , that are any where in these his Maiesties kingdomes , either in Church or Common-wealth . Let peace dwell in our quarters , and let not the name of Warre be heard amongst vs . Conuert those vnto thy truth , that are yet vnconuerted ; and establish those in the Truth , who are already conuerted .

Finally , O good God , blesse and preserue all and euery particular member , and members of this thy Church of great Brittaine : make vs all ready to serue thee , and faithfull subiects vnto his Maiesty .

These , and all other blessings , whatsoeuer thou in thy wisdome shalt thinke necessary for vs , wee begge at thy mercifull hands , for his sake , in and through whome thou first louedst vs , euen Christ Iesus our Lord and alone Sauiour .

Amen . God saue the King . FINIS .