A handfull of holesome (though homelie) hearbs gathered out of the goodlie garden of Gods most holie word; for the common benefit and comfortable exercise of all such as are deuoutlie disposed. Collected and dedicated to all religious ladies, gentlewomen, and others; by Anne Wheathill, Gentlewoman. Wheathill, Anne. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A15028 of text S106304 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 25329). 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. 196 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 151 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A15028 STC 25329 ESTC S106304 99842022 99842022 6645 2248573699

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A15028) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 6645) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 719:12) A handfull of holesome (though homelie) hearbs gathered out of the goodlie garden of Gods most holie word; for the common benefit and comfortable exercise of all such as are deuoutlie disposed. Collected and dedicated to all religious ladies, gentlewomen, and others; by Anne Wheathill, Gentlewoman. Wheathill, Anne. [6], 144 leaves By H[enrie] Denham, Imprinted at London : 1584. Printer's name from colophon. Reproduction of the original in the Folger Shakespeare Library. eng Prayer-books -- Early works to 1800. eebo A handfull of holesome (though homelie) hearbs, gathered out of the goodlie garden of Gods most holie word; for the common benefit and comfortable exe Wheathill, Anne 1584 302 36061 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.28 B The rate of 0.28 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2012-03 Assigned for keying and markup 2012-03 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2012-05 Sampled and proofread 2012-05 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2013-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

A handfull of holesome ( though homelie ) hearbs , gathered out of the goodlie garden of Gods most holie word ; for the common benefit and comfortable exercise of all such as are deuoutlie disposed .

Collected and Dedicated to all religious Ladies , Gentlewomen , and others ; by Anne Wheathill , Gentlewoman .

Imprinted at London by H. Denham . 1584.

To all Ladies , Gentlewomen , and others , which loue true religion and vertue , and be deuoutlie disposed ; Grace mercie , and peace , in Christ Iesus .

FOr a testimoniall to the world , how I haue and doo ( I praise God ) bestowe the pretious treasure of time , euen now in the state of my virginitie or maidenhood ; lo heare I dedicate to all good Ladies , Gentlewomen , and others , who haue a desire to inuocate and call vpon the name of the Lord , a small handfull of grose hearbs ; which I haue presumed to gather out of the garden of Gods most holie word . Not that there is anie vnpurenes therein , but that ( peraduenture ) my rudenes may be found to haue plucked them vp vnreuerentlie , and without zeale .

Wherevpon of the learned I may be iudged grose and vnwise ; in presuming , without the counsell or helpe of anie , to take such an enterprise in hand : neuertheles , as GOD dooth know , I haue doone it with a good zeale , according to the weakenes of my knowledge and capacitie . And although they be not so pleasant in taste , as they can find out , to whom God hath giuen the spirit of learning : yet doo I trust , this small handfull of grose hearbs , holesome in operation and workeing , shall be no lesse acceptable before the maiestie of almightie God than the fragrant floures of others , gathered with more vnderstanding .

But without presumption I may boldlie saie , they haue not sought them with a more willing hart and feruent mind ; nor more to the aduancement of Gods glorie , & the desire of acceptation , than I haue doon . Which if I may obtaine , with the good iudgement and liking of all my brethren and sisters in the Lord , I shall thinke my time most happilie bestowed : for that thereby I did auoid idlenes , to the pleasing of almightie God ; and haue gained those , whom I know not , as well strangers to me , as my acquaintance , to be my freends , that shall taste these grose hearbs with me .

The Lord Iesus Christ , who moisteneth all his elect with his most pretious blood , giue vs all a sweete taste in him : whome I humblie beseech , from the bottome of my hart , to giue vnto those that are vertuouslie bent , a desire to increase therein ; and those , which haue not yet reached therevnto , I praie the holie Ghost to inspire their hearts from aboue , that they and we may be worthie to meete together , in the blessed kingdome of our heauenlie father , which his deare sonne our sauior Iesus Christ did purchase for vs ; whose blessed name , with the liuing father , and the holie Ghost , be praised and magnified now and for euer , Amen , Amen .

Yours in Christ , Anne Wheathill , Gent.
A table of the praiers conteined in this booke , as they begin and followe one another in number ; from 1. to 49. A Praier for the morning . praier . 1. A praier for remission of sins , &c. praier . 2. An other praier for the same . 3 An Euening praier . prai . 4. Against the temptation of the diuell , &c. praier . 5. A praier for faith , and for Gods helpe and assistance , &c. 6. Another for the same . prai . 7. A praier of the iustice of God , and of his mercie . prai . 8. A praier for humilitie , and a confession of sinnes , &c. 9. A praier for patience in trouble , &c. praier . 10. A praier wherein the bountifulnes of God is confessed and praised . praier . 11. A praier for grace and repentance . praier . 12. A praier wherein we desire the life to come . praier . 13. A praier for comfort in trouble . praier . 14. A praier for the prosperitie of the church . praier . 15. A praier that we may be heard of God . praier . 16. A praier against the enimies of the church . praier . 17. A praier of the afflicted person . praier . 18. A praier of the iustice of God , &c. praier . 19. A praier for faith & grace . 20. A praier of the creation of mankind , &c. praier . 21. A praier & thanksgiuing vnto God , for his manifold gifts , &c. praier . 22. A praier wherin the hart powreth out it selfe before God , &c. praier . 23. A praier wherein the afflicted person praieth against his enimies , &c. praier . 24. A praier for the increase of faith , &c. praier . 25. A praier vnto God the father , &c. praier . 26. A praier vnto the sonne of God , &c. praier . 27. Another to the sonne , &c. 28. A praier vnto the holie Ghost , &c. praier . 29. A praier in the remembrance of death , &c. praier . 30. A praier to heare the word of God & keepe it , praier . 31. A praier wherein the word of God is praised , &c. pr. 32. A praier to be said at all times , &c. praier . 33. An humble confession of our sinnes before God , &c. 34. A thanksgiuing vnto God for the redemption of the world , &c. praier . 35. An other praier of praise and thankesgiuing , &c. 36. A breefe confession , &c. 37. A praier , shewing that none , but God , is omnipotent . 38. A praier of lamentation , &c. 39. A praier , wherein the fatherlie loue and preseruation of God is set foorth , &c. 40. A praier , for grace , &c. 41. A praier against offenses . 42. A praier for the good estate of the church , &c. praier . 43. A praier , that the wisdome of God is to be praised , &c. 44. A praier wherein is shewed , how blessed they are that trust in God , &c. prai . 45. A praier of Gods maiestie , 46. A praier , wherein is shewed how blessed they are that feare the Lord . praier . 47. A praier , shewing that God dwelleth in the harts of the righteous , &c. 48. A praier , shewing that God is alwaies our protection , &c. 49. FINIS .
1. A praier for the Morning .

O Mightie maker & preseruer of all things , God omnipotent , which like a diligent watchman , alwaies attendest vpon thy faithfull people , so that whether they sléepe or wake , liue or die , thy prouidence neuer forsaketh them : looke fauourablie vpon me , O Lord , thy poore and sinfull seruant , which am not woorthie , but through thy great mercies offered to me in Christ , once to lift vp mine eies vnto thy mercie seat .

Wherefore in the name of thy déere sonne my Lord and Sauiour , I offer vnto thée , through him , the sacrifice of praise and thanks giuing ; that thou hast preserued me both this night , and all the time and daies of my life hitherto , vntill this present houre . I beséech thée of thy great mercie to illuminate my vnderstanding , that I may lead and frame my life as thou hast taught me in thy holie word , that my light may so shine here on earth , that my heauenlie father may be glorified in me , through Iesus Christ our Lord and redéemer ; for whose sake heare me deare father , and send thy holie Ghost to direct me in all my dooings . To thée O glorious and blessed Trinitie , the Father , the Sonne , and the holie Ghost , be giuen all honor and praise , now and for euer more , Amen .

2. A praier for remission of sinnes , for victorie against satan , and for the inward light of the soule .

O Mercifull Father that art the sure safegard and defense of all that earnestlie trust in thée , and desirest not the death of sinners , but their conuersion and amendment of life ; I acknowledge vnto thy highnesse , all mine offenses by me committed , which if I would hide from thée Lord , I could not . I consider the miserable estate , whereto through sinne I am brought : for thereby I haue worthilie lost thy fauour , and am fallen from thy grace , which while thou withdrawest from me , I can doo no good thing , nor thinke one good thought . My sinnes haue caused thée to put me out of thy remembrance , and to forget me , delaieng to giue me that which is my strength and comfort . But how long wilt thou forget me , Lord ? For euer ? How long wilt thou withdraw thy grace from me ?

Thou knowest my hartie contrition and sorrowe ; for that I haue vnkindlie forsaken thy seruice , and serued thine enimies , the diuell and sinne . But trusting assuredlie in thy promise made to me , and all people , by the mouth of thy prophet Ezechiel , that is ; If the sinner will turne awaie from all his sinnes , that he hath committed , and kéepe all thy commaundements , doubtles he shall liue and not die : as for all his sinnes that he did before , thou wilt not thinke vpon them . I now most entirelie beséech thée , that as my sinnes were the cause , why thou diddest put me out of thy fauour ; so let my hartie repentance for them , cause thée to put my sinnes out of thy remembrance .

Suffer me not long to remaine in this perplexitie of mind , and to take sorrow inwardlie in my hart from daie to daie , continuallie fearing the punishment due to my sinne , and looking still for thy comming into my soule by grace to deliuer me . Hope hath caused me long to looke for thée , that art my life and my health ; thy long delaie in comming hath much increased my desire ; my feruent desire at length is now turned to a vehement paine . Wherefore make hast Lord , I beséech thée , to helpe my sicke soule , and tarrie not .

Let not mine enimie the diuell long triumph ouer me , whose propertie is to tread vnder his féet , like a cruell prince , all those that be vanquished , euen to the pit of hell . He did long hold in captiuitie all mankind , vntill the comming and passion of Christ for our redemption ; and since , through his craftie traines , he hath brought to vtter confusion manie of those that professe thy sonnes religion . Wherfore behold Lord , and consider my miserable estate , heare my humble petition , touching my deliuerance from out of his danger .

Lighten the eie of my hart and vnderstanding , with the light of thy grace and comfort , thereby expelling the darknes of ignorance . Lighten also one other eie of my soule , which is the eie of the affection . The sight of this eie is so dimme , that it hath no perfect and true iudgement ; yea it is so blinded with the vanities of this world , that one thing in appearance séemeth to be twentie ; like the sight of the deceitfull eies of glasse . I beséech thée saue my said eie , that it be not put out by our enimie the diuell ; and send me the light of grace , while I haue here time , & space of repentance , that at my latter end , mine enimies saie not with ioie , that they haue the vpper hand ouer me .

But all my trust is in thy mercie : for though thou hide thy selfe in a cloud , that my praier should not go through it vnto thine eares ; yet are not thy mercies cleane gone , neither dooth thy louing kindnes cease . Thou art therefore Lord my portion , and in thy mercie still will I hope , and in none other creature ; knowing for certaintie , that as God thou onelie maist helpe me , and as my louing father thou wilt helpe . Wherefore in thée my hart shall be ioifull , and in thy sauing health , which is thy sonne Christ our Sauiour and redéemer .

The Philistines , knowing the presence of thine arke to be in the campe of the Israelits , on the daie of their battell , were sore afraid , saieng ; Who shall deliuer vs out of the hand of this mightie God ? Much more will I be glad , and take sure trust , hauing the presence and comfort of thy liuelie grace . And in token of the victorie which thou hast giuen me ouer mine enimies , I will not cease ( as I haue good cause ) to sing the praises of the Lord , that hath so louinglie dealt with me , and magnifie the name of the most high , all the daies of my life , Amen .

3. An other praier for the same .

O God giue me the excellent féeling of thine aboundant mercie , for thou art my whole goodnes . Who am I , that I dare be so bold to speake vnto thée ? I am thy most poore sinfull seruant , a vile worme , and much more poore and miserable , than I either know my selfe , or dare tell vnto thée : for my sinnes sticke so fast to me , that I haue nothing , nor worthie anie thing . Thou onelie art good , thou iust , thou holie , and able to doo all things , and doost performe all things . Thou fulfillest all things , leauing the sinfull onelie void and emptie .

My conscience accuseth me so , that I can haue no rest , till I be reconciled vnto thée O God my sauiour . Remember thy mercies , O Lord , and fill my soule with thy fauour : for how may I continue in this life , vnlesse thy mercie and fauour doo strengthen me ? Giue me grace to put my whole trust in thée , without grudging or doubting : for I haue , and doo dailie waite for thy sauing health .

Turne not awaie thy face from me , neither withdraw thy comforts from me , least my soule doo séeme in thy sight like vnto the earth that is void of moisture . Lord teach me to doo thy will , learne me to walke worthilie and humblie before thée : for thou art my wisedome , and knowest me what I am in all respects , and vnderstandest my thoughts long before .

Grant me alwaies to séeke thée in singlenes of heart : for the remembrance of thy fauor is more swéete vnto me , than all the pleasures and deinties of the world . For my chéefest comfort is in thée O Christ , and not in anie worldlie meanes , who hast said ; Who so ouercommeth the world , to them will I grant to féed vpon the trée of life . Which grant me for thy holie name sake , to whom with the father , and the holie Ghost , be praise now and for euer , Amen .

4. An Euening praier .

O Euerlasting light , whose brightnesse is neuer darkned ; looke fauourablie vpon me thy poore and sinfull seruant , who hath not onelie this daie , but all the daies and times of my life hitherto , vntill this present houre , offended thy diuine Maiestie , in thought , word , and déed ; wherby I haue most iustlie prouoked thy wrath and indignation against me . And now I how the knées of my hart vnto thée most mercifull and heauenlie father , beséeching thée for Iesus Christ his sake , to forgiue me all my sinnes , negligences and ignorances . For I confesse how wickedlie I haue mispent the talent that thou gauest me , abusing thy gifts of grace manie waies , burieng the same in obscure darknesse , woorse than the seruant that hid his maisters treasure , not putting it to anie increase ; for he deliuered the principall againe .

But I most miserable creature , can shew vnto thy maiestie no part of that which thou gauest me , to vse to thine honor and glorie : for the which I am most hartilie sorie , and doo vnfeinedlie repent , hauing no meane to helpe my selfe , but onelie to lift vp the eies of my faith vnto thy deare sonne Iesus Christ , beséeching him most instantlie to make perfect my wants , and to renue whatsoeuer is lacking in me . For I commit my bodie and soule , this night and euermore , into his most holie hands ; hoping , O Christ , thou wilt make me an acceptable sacrifice vnto thy father .

I haue no place to flie vnto , but to shrowd me vnder the wings of thine almightie power , who wast so louing vnto vs , that thou wast contented to shed thy most pretious bloud , for the sinnes of the whole world ; for the which I most humblie and hartilie yéeld vnto thée thanks , honor , praise and glorie .

O lambe of God , sonne of the father , heare thou me , thou that saiedst ; I am thy health and saluation , I am thy peace and life ; cleaue fast vnto me , and thou shalt liue . O Lord I am the woonded man , and thou art the good Samaritane : powre oile into my wounds , and bind them vp . Lord heale thou me , and I shall be whole : for thou art my God and Sauiour .

Heare thou therefore my supplications from heauen , and haue mercie . Take from me all my sinnes and wickednesse , and giue me thy grace and holie spirit . Lighten mine eies , that I sléepe not in death : so shall I ioiefullie , after this sluggish sléepe of sinne , rise againe , liuing in thy feare all the daies of my life . Which grant me to doo , O Father , Sonne , and holie Ghost , thrée persons and one true GOD , world without end , Amen .

5. Against the temptation of the diuell , and for Gods fauour and grace .

O Lord preserue me , that I fall not into temptation , neither let me be as one of them that contemne thy word , falling from thée ; but arme me with an inuincible strength and constancie : so shall I be sure , that all the powers of the world shall not ouercome me . For there is none in heauen , earth or hell , that can doo anie thing , but as thou giuest them power . Séeing that all are thy creatures , thou must néeds gouerne and guide them .

Thy mercie O God almightie is also annexed to thy diuine nature , for when all mankind was lost and dead in sinne , then diddest thou , sitting in thy celestiall throne , looke downe to the earth vpon our miserable state , and loosedst vs from the bands of the diuell , and sendedst downe thine onlie begotten sonne , that by his death he might deliuer from death , such as worthilie were the children of death : for the which I praise thée , and doo confesse from the bottome of my hart , that our deliuerance commeth onlie of thée O God , and not by mans power .

Wherefore I will not come emptie into thy presence , but with all humilitie I offer vnto thée my troubled spirit for mine offenses : and this sacrifice I am sure thou wilt not despise ; for I confesse my selfe ignorant , till thou hast taught me , O Lord . My heart is also variable , and separated from thée . Ioine my soule and bodie to thée O God , and confirme me in thine obedience : for I desire not to liue , but to serue thée as I ought , which we cannot doo aright , except thou open our eies . I respect no man , but set thée alwaies before me , as the chéefe helper and iudge of my dooings .

Certeinlie we can doo nothing of our selues : but when thou O God doost inwardlie instruct vs by thy holie spirit , then féele we thy graces swéeter than the honie and the honie combe . There is no acception of persons with thée , but all people that feare thée , and worke righteousnesse , thou wilt accept . If we be thine , thou Lord wilt strengthen vs with all power , and blesse vs with all felicitie . But thy indignations are most constant against the wicked , and passe all our vnderstanding : for thou O God neuer forsakest anie that séeke vnto thée . Therfore man is cause of his owne destruction .

Giue me thy fauour , and be mercifull vnto me for thine owne sake : grant me thy heauenlie wisedome and grace to be gouerned by thy holie word , which if I follow , I shall haue all prosperitie , corporall and spirituall , bringing foorth such fruits as haue life . I acknowledge that all my acts , thoughts , or anie part of my life cannot be hid from thée O God , though thou séemest to be farre off ; so that they are euidentlie knowne to thée : for thou O GOD vnderstandest my meaning , before I speake ; and sendest the dewes of thy grace vpon me , which causeth me to bring foorth the fruits of good works , to thine honour , and the helpe of my neighbor : for it is of thy power , strength , and grace , when I doo anie thing that is good , and not of mine owne power .

There is none good , but thou alone ; thou killest and giuest life ; thou woundest , and makest whole : neither is there anie that can speake a word , except thou giue it him , nor none can saue himselfe by his owne labour , nor anie worldlie meanes . Wherfore I will rest in thée , as mine onelie God , through Iesus Christ our Lord and Sauiour , Amen .

6. A praier for faith , and for Gods helpe and assistance at his good pleasure .

O Lord GOD almightie , which by thy power & wisedome hast made all the world , and dooest gouerne the same , and all that therein is : from thy holie heauens , wherein thou dwellest , looke fauorablie vpon vs , and grant that in temptation we may haue faith to fight against the diuell , and all his false suggestions , and to crie inwardlie vnto thée with groning , alwaies aiding vs with thy holie spirit , to be humble in all afflictions , with true repentance . For when all mans helpe dooth faile , thou O God wilt helpe vs , euen as it were by a miracle ; if we call vpon thée with an vpright conscience .

Lord grant vs neuer to require more of thée , than is necessarie ; neither to séeke to separate thy power from thy will , least we should tempt thée : for though thy helpe dooth not presentlie appeare , yet hast thou sowen and laid vp in store for vs . We will therefore be mindfull of thy benefits , and onelie trust in thy defense : for though the wicked rage against thée O God , yet those that be thy children shall praise thy name and mightie power . For the more liberallie that thou O God dooest deale with thy people , the more doost thou punish them that abuse thy benefits . For thou O God hast care ouer thine , and dooest chasten them for their health , that they should not perish for euer with the wicked . For thou wilt restore the gouernement of good things to their vse , and then the godlie shall follow thée chéerefullie .

Grant vs we humblie beséech thée to know thy waies , and to ascend vp vnto the throne of thy maiestie by faith , giuing thée praise and glorie , for thy fatherlie preseruation and health towards vs continuallie . For thou hast béene a house and defense for vs : thou hast chosen vs to be thy people , before the foundation of the earth was laid . Wherefore we are sure that thou wilt heare vs , whensoeuer we call and crie vnto thée for mercie and grace . Blesse vs now and euer with all goodnes , that we may lead our liues according to thy will , liuing in thy feare all the daies of our life , that after this course is ended , we may dwell with thée , world without end , Amen .

7. Another for the same .

I Make my humble petition in thy sight , O GOD most holie , which biddest vs aske , and it shall be giuen ; séeke , and we shall find ; knocke , and it shall be opened vnto vs ; and beléeue onelie , and we shall receiue whatsoeuer we desire . Lord I beléeue , helpe thou mine vnbeléefe , and giue me that faith which shal be most acceptable in thy sight . Sowe in my heart , good Lord the graine of stedfast faith , which may aspire and spring vp vnto the mercie seat of thine almightie maiestie : for without true faith and obedience we cannot call vpon thée a right .

Giue me therefore , good Lord , that most pretious iewel of faith , that thou maist thereby heare me . And giue me comfort & saluation through thy mercifull goodnesse , O God , who neuer dooest forsake thy faithfull seruants , that come to thée in humblenesse of heart , looking vpon Iesus Christ thy deare sonne our Lord and Sauiour : for he is the trée of life , which standeth in the middest of paradise , by whom we haue entrance vnto thée O déere father .

Whosoeuer séeketh anie other waie than this thy déere Sonne , he is a théefe and a robber , and shall neuer be partaker of the benefits , which he of his mercie hath most louinglie bestowed vpon vs : which grant me Lord Iesu neuer to forget , but euermore to shew my selfe thankefull . For it is thou O Lord that art worthie to receiue all glorie , honour , and praise : for thou hast created and redéemed all , and without thée we cannot doo anie thing that is good .

Wherefore Lord Iesus I come vnto thée , crauing at thy mercifull hand an humble and contrite heart , a patient mind , a quiet conscience , the gift of faith , and of the holie Ghost . O thou louer of soules , heare me poore wretch , although vnworthie once to thinke , much lesse to speake vnto thy maiestie . But thou art the same Lord , who dooest most louinglie saie ; Come to me all ye that are heauie loden , and I will ease you .

Which comfortable saieng of thine , O Christ , maketh me bold to come into thy presence , vnloding my sinfull sacke of corruption , before the face of thine almightie power ; not doubting but thou wilt mercifullie heare me , and ease me with thy helpe : for I cast all my burthen on thée , who art the giuer of life and saluation . Wherefore I turne my selfe vnto thée O Lord Iesus Christ desiring thée by praier to renue whatsoeuer is amisse in me , either by mine owne frailtie , or malice of the diuell .

For I acknowledge , O Lord , that I am the most wicked , the most fraile of all others , the weakest to resist my ghostlie enimie . But I trust , through thy mercie , to be of the number of them , for whom thou hast ouercome the diuell and the world : which grant me , Lord Iesus , for thy bitter passions sake , that after this life I may enioie the endles blisse and glorie of heauen . To thée , with the liuing Father , and the holie Ghost , be giuen all honour and glorie , all praise and thanks , for euer and euer , Amen , Amen .

8. A praier of the iustice of God , and of his mercie .

O GOD almightie , Lord of heauen and earth , from whom nothing can be hid or kept secret , thou art the searcher of the hart and reines , which knowest the thoughts of all men : when I remember thy iust iudgment , I tremble and quake for feare , considering the burthen , wait , and filthines of sinne to be so great , that for one proud thought , a great number of angels fell from heauen . The earth was not able to beare the burthen of Corah , Dathan and Abiram ; but for the rebellion against thée and thy seruant Moses , the earth opened , and swallowed them quicke .

For the sinne and pride of Dauid , who mustered his men , putting his trust in the multitude of them , rather than in thée that art the liuing God , thou scourgedst him with the plague of pestilence , so that there died foure score thousand of his people , within the space of thrée daies .

Who would not then feare , séeing we sinne dailie with most gréeuous sinnes ? Now haue we no remedie to flie from thy wrath , but to shrowd our selues in the bosome of thy most dearelie beloued sonne , our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , making him our bulworke and house of defense , betwéene thine anger and vs : most humblie beséeching thée for his sake , and for the bitter paines that he suffered for our redemption , to be mercifull vnto vs , and rebuke vs not in thine anger .

Let not the sentence of euerlasting death take place , which thou gauest against Adam , and all his posteritie for his disobedience . Thou art méeke , gentle , and long suffering of thy selfe . It is our gréeuous offenses , heaped one vpon another , that prouoke thée vnto anger . Therefore , acknowledging our offenses , we praie thée most mercifull father , to haue compassion vpon vs : for we are not able of our selues to arise ; it is thou Lord , and thy blessed sonne that must heale our infirmities .

We haue no strength to withstand the temptation of our enimies , thy sonne Christ must reach vs his hand , as he did to Peter , walking on the water , when he was in perill of drowning . His patience is our medicine and health , thy grace and his are sufficient remedies . We are all carnall , sold vnder sinne ; so that the good we would doo , that doo we not ; but the euill that we wold not , that we doo . We are all euill of our selues . Consider O God our contrite hearts , and penitent minds , and heare , heale , and amend vs .

Hope biddeth vs still to crie and call vpon thée for helpe , as the woman , of Canaan cried still vpon thy sonne Christ for the helpe of hir daughter , and at the last was heard to hir owne contentation : so we , knocking and calling still , doubt not but thou wilt grant , through our importunacie , our desires , as he that granted his neighbour thrée loaues .

We doo now knocke , crie , and will neuer cease , till thou Lord turne towards vs , and deliuer our soules . Turne , we heartilie beséech thée , from thy wrath , to pittie and mercie ; deliuer vs from the manifold troubles which we haue in our consciences . Oh saue vs for thy mercie sake , for thy blessed Sonne Iesus hath dearelie bought vs . Wherefore Lord , we thy faithfull creatures , being through thy grace , and the battell of thy sonne vpon the crosse restored to thy fauour ; and hauing the house of our hearts and soules swept and made cleane from all vices , which were woont to inhabite in vs , we most humblie praie thée to giue vs strength , to kéepe our soules from the inuasion of the wilie serpent .

Dwell in vs still by thy continuall grace , make vs to be of thy houshold , that we may liue and praise thée in this world , and after this life we may enioie the blessed presence of thine eternall maiestie , one God in persons thrée , and euerlasting in vnitie , world without end , Amen .

9. A praier for humilitie , and a confession of sinnes , with a petition to haue the same remitted .

LOrd giue me humilitie , being the beautifull flowre of vertue that groweth in the garden of mans soule ; one of the most pleasant , most necessarie , and most acceptable , whose power was so great , that it drue the sonne of GOD , the second person in deitie , from heauen , into the wombe of the méeke virgine , whom of all other he chose to be his mother , for that she was so humble and vertuous . Thou O Christ our Sauiour , being Lord of all the world , walkedst all the daies of thy life in humilitie , and therein endedst , humbling thy self vnto the vile death of the crosse .

The wise humilitie of Abigael pacified the furie of Dauid , when he was minded to kill all the men of the house of hir husband . The humble submission of wicked Ahab , asswaged the wrath of GOD , which was the cause that the almightie preserued him all the daies of his life . The great goodnes of this vertue is made manifest , by opening the heinousnes of the vice contrarie thereto , which is pride : which appeared in the proud Pharisie , when he made boast in his praiers of his good déeds , and despised his poore neighbour , which caused his praier not to be hard , when the poore Publican , standing a farre off , with humblenesse , durst not lift vp his eies to heauen , but with heartie repentance knocking his breast , said ; Lord be mercifull to me a sinner : which hartie confession of his sinne , was cause of his iustification , and that he was made righteous .

Wherefore most gratious Lord our heauenlie father , considering the power of humilitie , and the knowledge of our sinnes , with hartie repentance , to be of so great efficacie ; I thy poore creature , vnworthie to appeare before thy maiestie , doo powre downe here , before thée , my sacke that is full of sinne , which I haue committed euen from my youth , they are great and manie , without number : neuerthelesse , trusting of thine accustomed nature and propertie , which is , to be mercifull to all sinners , that be sorie for their offenses from the bottom of their hearts , turning to thée , knowing that thou diddest send thy louing sonne , not to call those that séeme in their owne sight to be iust , but to helpe those that confesse themselues to be sinners .

I therefore , Lord , willing by the helpe of thy grace , vtterlie to forsake sinne , and to fulfill thy holie will hereafter , desire thée humblie of forgiuenesse , and to admit me among the number of those that are blessed , and their vnrighteousnes forgiuen . I will not couer from thée my sinnes , neither yet excuse them ; but I praie thée Lord hide them in the bloodie woonds of thy sonne Christ , where they shall be put in perpetuall obliuion . Blessed is the man , vnto whom thou doost not impute sinne , and in whose spirit there is no guile .

Wherfore from the bottome of my heart , Lord , I am sorie for all my sinnes , and doo aske thée forgiuenesse . I will acknowledge all mine offenses , and accuse my selfe vnto thée Lord . So soone as I was determined no longer to hide mine euill waies , thou Lord straite forgauest me . Thine eare was in my heart , before my voice was in my mouth . Thy mercies washed awaie my sinnes , or euer my confession was made . Thou art as readie to heare and forgiue , as we to aske .

Wherefore I will saie with the prophet Daniel ; It is I that haue offended and sinned against thy maiestie . I humblie beséech thée cure my sicke soule , for I haue highlie sinned against thée ; yet doubt I not , but thou hast and wilt forgiue the wickednes of my sinne . It is thou Lord that must helpe vs ; which thou wilt doo , if we call vpon thée , whilst we are in this life , for after death , no intreatie will be heard . It is then too late .

Wherefore Lord kéepe vs in the right waie , and suffer vs not to swarue on the right hand , nor on the left . Thy eies of protection and mercie are euer firmelie fixed vpon vs ; grant vs to set the eies of our minds vpon thée . Lord call me , plucke me Lord from mine vngodlines , that I may knowe thée , loue thée , & put my hope wholie in thée . O glorious God , my maker , sauiour , & sanctifier , dwell in me and giue me grace to dwell in thée , Amen .

10. A praier for patience in trouble , and constant expectation of Gods goodnes .

O GOD almightie , grant vs neuer to refuse thy chastening . For though thou make a wound , thou giuest a plaister ; though thou smite , thy hand maketh whole againe . Thou shalt deliuer vs in sixe troubles , and in the seauenth there shall none euill come vnto vs . In hunger thou shalt saue vs from death ; and when it is war , from the power of the sword ; thou shalt kéepe vs from the euill toong ; and when trouble commeth , we shall not néed to feare . In destruction and death we shall be merrie : for the stones of the land shall be confederate with vs , bicause the Lord of hosts is our defense & refuge for euer .

Let vs therefore put our whole trust in him , reioising with melodie of thanksgiuing vnto his maiestie , who onelie is true , and can helpe vs with deliuerance . Let vs lift vp our eies vnto GOD , who hath all power ; and therefore ought to be feared . For whatsoeuer he be that feareth man , more than God , falleth into a snare , and is destroied . As for all our sinnes and transgressions , thou requirest nothing of vs , O Lord GOD , but to turne vnto thée , and to obeie thy holy word , following thy precepts and commandements .

For thou saiest , O Lord , those that honour thée , thou wilt exalt ; and whosoeuer despiseth thée , shall be despised . For thou preferrest to honour , and puttest downe , according to thy blessed will . The wicked when they féele thy heauie hand , grudge at the same : but the godlie humble themselues , and crie for mercie . For thou O Lord wilt not heare hypocrits , but those that praie vnto thée with an vnfained faith , and true repentance . For the praier of the faithfull is a barre to staie thine anger , that thou consume not all .

Thy mercie is so great towards thine , that thou wilt not destroie them for their sinnes , but correct and chasten them , till thou haue purged and pardoned them . Thy fauour O God is cause of all prosperitie , and thine anger of all aduersitie . For thy care is so much ouer thine , that thou wilt cause their verie enimies to preserue them . It lieth in thy mightie power , to gouerne the hearts of all , thou O God preferrest and preseruest them , which are zealous of thy glorie , and haue a care and loue towards their brethren : as for them that forget thée in prosperitie , who art the giuer of all good things , they procure to themselues vtter perdition . For thou dost cast them behind thy backe ; but thy louing countenance dooth comfort the troubled , that patientlie wait on thée , constantlie putting their trust in thy mercie .

In this world is continuall trouble and disquietnes : in heauen is perpetuall rest . Yet manie there be , who loue this world , that could content themselues , for lacke of faith , that are loth to loose things certein for things vncertaine . But thy faithfull know , throgh faith , that when in this world the daie passeth awaie , then commeth the night & darknes : but in heauen all is there but one daie eternall , a life euerlasting , which endureth for euer , which the soule of the righteous shall enioie , through thy mercies O GOD , bicause in this world they walked before thée ; of which number make me one , for his sake that died for me ; to whom with the Father and the holie Ghost , be giuen all honour and praise , world without end , Amen .

11. A praier wherein the bountifulnes of God is confessed and praised .

O God eternall , the giuer of all felicitie , whose loue is like the euening and morning raine vpon the earth , whose mercies cannot be numbered , whose wisdome and diuine prouidence is such , that it reacheth from one end of the earth vnto an other : most mightilie and louinglie dooest thou order all things . Thy bountifulnesse , Lord , to all mankind , is so manfest , that no reasonable creature can saie , but that he hath tasted thereof : for what good thing hath man that he hath not receiued of thee ?

Thou art good to all men , but speciallie to those that haue an vpright conscience , and straight heart , a mind not bowing downe to carnall and temporall things , but aspiring vnto heauenlie and eternall things : for it is not enough , O God almightie , to praise thée with mouth , except our whole hart agrée therevnto , framing our life vnto the same ; for whosoeuer dooth otherwise than thou hast commanded , dooth pollute thy name . Wherefore giue vs grace to feare thée , and to obeie thy holie word . Giue vs also a mind to praise thée for thy benefits past , that thereby our minds may be strengthened against all perils . When I haue grace , O Lord , to take thée for my defense & trust , I shall perceiue thy protection to be a most sure safegard vnto me . For though I haue not altogither hither to known thy Maiestie , as I ought to doo ; yet I most humblie thanke thée Lord , that I went not from thée ; but did cleaue fast to thée by faith .

Though I had almost slipped and fallen from thée , yet I did not forsake thée . And thou full mercifullie knowing my good will towards thée , didst hold me vp by my right hand , as thou didst Peter , when he was in iopardie of drowning ; thy goodnesse brought me to the knowledge of mine infirmitie , thy grace called me from mine error into the right waie , thou sauest me as thou didst Lot and his house , thou didst lead me with thy counsel , preseruing my weakenesse in this present life . Wherefore my trust is , that thou wilt not take thy spirit from me , but wilt receiue me into glorie : for thy fauor hath béen my guide .

Thy grace dooth direct me in all my dooings , by which I am that I am , and thy grace held me still through faith . Wherefore my trust is , that thou wilt not leaue me , but bring me to thine euerlasting rest . What wretched foole therefore was I , to desire of thée , temporall , fraile , and deceitfull prosperitie and pleasure ; knowing by faith , that thou hast prepared for me , and for all faithfull that loue thée , such rewards as neither eie hath séene , eare hath heard , nor hart can imagine ?

What is ther then that is ordained for me ? Euen thou thy selfe Lord , and the fruition of thy perfect Godhead , wherein is included all the ioie that may be deuised , a treasure that is immortall , it indureth pleasant for euer . Shall I then be so mad , to desire of thée most mercifull God , worldlie honor , pleasure , ease , or riches , more than is requisite for this present life ? Should I desire of thée that louest me , those gifts , wherewith thou rewardest thine enimies ?

The most wicked vpon the earth haue these trifles of thy great goodnes and liberalitie , but there is nothing vpon the earth that I desire saue onelie thée . The swéetnes of thy goodnes hath made all euill to cease in me : for thou Lord art becom the strength of my hart , thou art my portion for euer , thou art my reward thine owne selfe , wherwith my hart is sufficed . For thou art the verie life it selfe , in whom whosoeuer beléeueth , shall liue euerlastinglie , and shall not come into damnation .

Wherefore it is good for me , to hold me fast by thée , to draw néere vnto thée by faith , from whence good works doo spring towards my neighbour , and then to put my hope and trust wholie in thée , as in a sure and vnmooueable altar , from whence no blast of winds of temptation shall driue me . Through hope I trust to be deliuered from a corruptible bodie , into thy heauenlie glorie : and this by patience I now abide and looke for . Wherefore , whilest I liue , I will not cease to declare and set foorth all thy noble works , which thou hast wrought , to thine honor and praise , and to the profit of them that shall professe the same Christs religion , while the world indureth . As for me , I haue none other refuge but thée , in whom my conscience dooth rest : for thou O God hast humbled me by affliction , that I should crie vnto thée , and receiue the fruit of thy promise : which grant O father , sonne , and holie ghost , to me and all thy church to aspire vnto , Amen .

12. A praier for grace and repentance .

O Lord God , we are ashamed , & dare not lift vp our eies vnto thée our God ; for our wickednesse is gone ouer our head , and our trespasses are waxen so great , that they reach vp vnto the heauens . Since the time of our fathers , we haue sinned & trespassed against thée , euen vnto this daie : and now our God , what shall we saie ? Continuallie doo we forsake thy commandements , and harden our harts in misbeléefe : but thou O God open our eies , to behold thée with a stedfast faith ; & the eares of our harts , to heare thy words , and to vnderstand them , that we may know thée the onlie true God , and Iesus Christ whome thou hast sent ; for whose sake heare vs , O déere Father , and send thy holie Ghost , to confirme this faith in vs euermore . To whom , with thée O Father , & thy son our onlie sauiour , be all honor and glorie , power and dominion , now and for euer , Amen .

13. A praier wherein wee desire the life to come .

O Most high & mightie prince of power , Lorde of hosts , GOD and Lord of the heauenly armie of angels , that are thy ministers : when I consider the greatnes of thy mightie Maiestie , I am so rapt with the desire thereof , that my hart and my flesh reioiceth in nothing but in thée alone , that art the liuing God . All earthlie tabernacles and worldlie goods I nothing estéeme , when I behold thine euerlasting felicitie , which although I sée now but darkelie as in a glasse ; I hope to sée thée face to face .

Grant me therfore O Lord , whilest I am in this tabernacle , to build vpon faith , which is the altar of thée that art the Lord most mightie , my King and my God , vpon which we giue vnto thée sacrifice , laud and praise in the vnitie of thy faithfull Church , whereof thy Sonne Christ is the sure rock . The faithfull build on this foundation . Blessed are they Lord therefore , that dwell in thy house , who haue occasion to praise thée . They are replenished with aboundance of all things that they desire , they are made like vnto thée , they sée thée , euen as thou art ; of which sight they shall neuer be fullie satisfied : such ioie and loue shall they conceiue of the sight of thy glorious maiestie .

But to this beatitude can we not atteine , mercifull God , of our owne strength and power ; but through the helpe of thy gratious assistance . Thou must ingraue in our harts thy lawes , and direct vs in thy waies ; and when we are brought to thée by the right waie , we must be continuallie aided by thy grace , that thou maiest staie and kéepe our féet from slipping . Who so trusteth to his owne strength or power , or to the helpe of man , is much deceiued , and leaneth to a rotten staffe : contrariwise , he that putteth his trust in thy gratious power , wanteth neuer succour at néed .

Thou hast put vs into this present world , to fight and to striue with our enimies , who doo continuallie assault vs ; but thy grace maketh vs able to repell all their inuasions . Thou sufferest vs not to be tempted aboue our strength , and for our triumph thou rewardest vs with a crowne of glorie and immortalitie .

The vngodlie fall from thée , descending downeward from one vice to an other : but thy faithfull and elect increase dailie in godlines . For of thée Lord commeth all our power and strength to doo good , and of thy sonne Christ Iesus , our maister , our teacher and gouernour , who promiseth , that if we wéepe and morne heare in this vale of miserie for our sinnes ; we shall hereafter laugh and be ioifull in eternall glorie .

If we sowe with heauines , we shall reape with gladnes ; if we perseuere good & strong champions héere in batell , we shall for our reward behold thy glorious face , in thy heauenlie mansion ; we shall sée also thy sonne Christ , who is thy wisedome , and thy power , which who so séeth , enioieth all pleasures : to sée that delectable sight , our hearts doo much desire of thée , that art the Lord of hosts .

For this we make humble petition to thée , that art the GOD of Iacob , who wrestled with thine angel , and preuailed ; whose name thou diddest change , and calledst him Israel , that is , the feare or beholder of God . Euen so make me a strong wrestler against mine enimies in this world , that I may after this life behold thy incomprehensible deitie , to the full contentation both of my soule and bodie .

We are much vnworthie to obteine anie thing of thée , considering our vnkindnes shewed vnto thée , and our wretched estate : wherein we remaine . Neuerthelesse Lord , we praie thée to be our defender and protector , through thy grace ; not for our merits , but for the merits of thy most entirelie beloued sonne Christ , thine onelie annointed aboue all other , with the oile of ioie and gladnes . He is our head , we are the members of his bodie : he dwelleth in his faithfull , and they in him . Who so receiueth anie of his elect , receiueth him . He was incarnate for vs , suffered death for vs , bare our iniquities on his backe , and rose againe for our iustification .

Wherefore we doubt not , but that through the infusion of thy grace , thou wilt looke vpon him in vs , and shewe vs mercie for his sake ; that we may haue aboundance of grace through him , and casting all the vanities of this world behind our backes , we may enter into the court of thy bright heauenlie Ierusalem , where one daies abiding is better than a thousand in this wretched world .

Iohn Baptist ( as witnesseth our Sauiour ) was the greatest and most perfect vpon earth : yet ( said he ) the least in the kingdome of heauen is greater than he . Wherefore most mightie Lord , thy faithfull doubt not , whilst they are here in this vale of miserie , but that thou wilt euer assist them , guide them , and blesse them that put their whole trust in thée , who art the liuing God , and giuest to thine aboundantlie all things necessarie to this present life ; and afterwards , the fruition of thy Godhead in heauen eternallie , there to dwell with thée euerlastinglie , Amen .

14. A praier for comfort in trouble .

THe chiefest comfort that I receiue in this miserable , wretched , & troublesome world , O heauenlie Father , and God almightie , is , when I call to mind the truth of thy great promises , made to me in Iesus Christ , for whose sake onelie I doo acknowledge and confesse , that thou art my mercifull and louing Father , and so carest for me through him , that nothing is able to remooue thy grace and fauour from me . Wherefore I come vnto thée in humblenes of hart , crauing at thy bountifull hands the assistance of thy holie spirit , to suppresse my wicked affections , that I may with a stedfast faith obeie thy most diuine Maiestie , in thought , word , and déed . For thou disposest all things most wiselie , and preseruest thy children in their greatest dangers . Wherefore thy holie name be praised now and for euermore , through Iesus Christ our Lord and Sauiour , Amen .

15. A praier for the prosperitie of the Church .

O Most holie , glorious , and blessed trinitie , thrée persons in one Godhead , by whose goodnesse all creatures haue their being , whose eies behold althings , as well that are past , as that are to come , and are accoumpted as present to thy mightie Maiestie : we thy poore faithful subiects of the Church here militant vpon earth , shew foorth our lamentable praiers , beséeching thée pitifullie to behold the miserable estate thereof , which neuer had more néed of thy godlie assistance than at this present it hath .

The nature of man is so corrupt and abhominable in wickednesse , that none dooth good vpon the earth ; for many there be that despise God , & oppresse the poore . Wherefore , Lord , we beséech thée , to arise vp for the trouble sake of the oppressed , and at the complaint of the poore , helpe him , and set him at rest .

Thy Sonne Christ is our sauing health , in whom who so trusteth , resteth in suertie , and cannot be deceiued . Arise vp we praie thée mercifull God , and cast vs not away for euer ; comfort thy small flocke , to the confusion of thine enimies ; and make vs able , through thy grace , to kéepe thy lawes , which are pure ; euen as the siluer , which from the earth is tried and purified seuen times in the fire .

Thou art néere Lord vnto all , that in this life call vpon thée faithfullie ; and thou kéepest them from all dangers : for in the midst of this world , we are in manie temptations and vices , and in the companie of the proud and wicked people , and in manie tribulations . We sée the vanities of this world readie to mooue vs , we suffer persecution ; yet thou kéepest vs from desperation , and thy grace preserueth vs , that they come not néere vs . Their entisements we estéeme not , bicause we hope in thy mightie power , who art our defense in trouble .

Thy sonne Christ is the strong rocke , in the which all birds that build doo rest out of ieopardie ; to him all sinners maie slie for succour and comfort , being holden by him , they may be eased . This rocke the diuell cannot vndermine nor scale : no water of tribulation can drowne those that build on this rocke . Pharao king of Aegypt , with a great host pursued the children of Israel , but he could not hurt them : thou Lord wast their defense , and diddest destroie all their aduersaries . Euen so art thou our defense , our hope , and our comfort .

Thou wilt compasse vs about with ioifull deliuerance . The house of our bodies is enuironed with enimies , but thy prouidence will defend vs out of all dangers . Thou wilt informe vs , and shewe vs the waie wherin we shall go . This life is a pilgrimage , and a iorneie for vs to trauell in . Thou art the end of our waie , O God . Thou art the marke that we shoote at , when we come to our iornies end , in thée Lord we hope to haue rest . Thou giuest knowledge and instruction by faith , that if we passe well through this world , we shall haue ioie euerlastinglie : to the which bring vs all , thou Lord that diedst for vs all , Amen .

16. A praier , that we may be heard of God .

THy hand is not shortened , O Lord , that it cannot help ; neither is thine eare stopped , that it will not heare : but our misdoings haue separated vs from thée our God , and our sinnes haue caused thy face to be hidden from vs . Our hands are defiled with vnrighteousnesse , our lippes speake leasings , our toongs doo set out wickednesse . No man regardeth righteousnes , and none iudgeth truelie : euerie one hopeth in vaine things , and imagineth deceit , conceiueth wearines , & bringeth foorth euill . For our offenses are manie before thée , and our sinnes doo testifie against vs , and we acknowledge that we haue doone amisse , transgressing and dissembling against thée , Lord , and fallen awaie from our God , vsing presumptuous imaginations .

Neuerthelesse , thou art our God , and euerlasting father , our nourisher and defender , which wouldest not the death of a sinner , but mercifullie receiuest all those , that with repentant harts come vnto thée . And now we set our eies and face towards thée , lifting vp our hearts vnto thy mercie seat , who hast promised to vnlode vs , whensoeuer we come vnto thée . Heare vs therefore , and forgiue vs all our offenses , which we haue committed , from the time of our birth , vntill this present houre . O blesse vs , and the works also of our hands , that we may liue and praise thée , world without end , through Iesus Christ our Lord and sauiour , Amen .

17. A praier against the enimies of the church .

THe sure ships , O Lord , fléete in the sea vnder their sailes , and passe through the stormie tempests without drowning : so doo thine elect , O God almightie , passe through the fearefull perils of all their enimies in this world , by the meanes of thy ship the church , and the true faith thereof ; of which ship our Sauiour Christ is the sterneman , the guide , and the sure anchor , to be cast in all necessities , who so trusteth in him , shal be brought to the faire hauen of perfect beatitude .

Who so kéepeth him within the boords of his faithfull ship , néedeth not to feare the dreadfull dragon , that sturdie strong Leuiathan , to whose power no power on earth may be compared : for he is so mad , that he feareth nothing : he is king ouer all the children of pride . This is that Lucifer , that fell downe from heauen ; he is the serpent that deceiued in paradise , and brought death to all mankind .

Neuerthelesse , when thy faithfull people are penitent for their offenses , resist his temptations , and followe thy lawes , putting their whole trust in thée and thy blessed sonne , then doo they mock and deceiue him ; as Christ did with his humanitie , which when he thought to deuoure , by tempting the Iewes to put Iesus to death , he was tripped in his owne turne , and taken into bondage by the vertue of Christs diuinitie . And whensoeuer we that be his faithfull , be caught ( as this our enimie thinketh ) in his danger , we turne to our head Iesus Christ for refuge , and by his helpe doo vanquish him .

Great , good Lord , is thy mercie and goodnes , that suffereth not thy faithfull to be tempted aboue their strength ; but in the midst of their temptation makest a waie for them to escape out . The enimie hath no power of himselfe , but as thou sufferest him ; he , with all other creatures , hang vpon thy will & commandements : all wait on thée , that thou maist giue them meate in due season ; when thou giuest it them , they gather it .

Thy works Lord are mercie and forgiuenes ; thou art our iustice , whereby thou makest vs iust , which before were most wicked sinners ; thou makest vs thine humble creatures , to tremble for feare of thy mightie power and iustice : our pride thereby is abated . We account the good déedes , which we haue doone , to be of thy gifts and goodnesse ; nothing presuming of our owne fraile power : for we knowe that thy holie spirit resteth vpon those that haue a lowly troubled spirit , and dooe stand in awe of thy word .

The proud and stifnecked people dooest thou touch with scorpions and punishments , & then they come to the knowledge of thy Maiestie ; then will they saie as Nabucadonosor said , after his punishment ; Honour and praise be vnto thée O God of heauen , whose power endureth alwais , and thy kingdome from one generation to another . Then shall they be driuen to praise thy mightie Maiestie , as thou art worthie .

Cruell Saule was touched of thy hand , and became Paule a welbeloued apostle , through the helpe of thy grace , and laboured more aboundantlie than all other of thine apostles ; such is the power of thy gratious influence . This thy noble grace send me , most mercifull God , whereby I shall haue a louing desire to honour thée , to praise thée , my God and sauiour , so long as I haue anie being , I will not cease to confesse my sinnes to thée , and to lament mine iniquities : then shall my words be plesant and acceptable to thée .

And as I ioie wholie in thée , that art my creator ; and in thy sonne , which is my redéemer : so shalt thou also delight in me that am thy poore creature and handie worke , granting me the fruit of thy sonnes passion , which he suffered for my redemption : to whom , with thée O Father , and the holie Ghost , be all honour and glorie , all power and dominion , now and for euermore , Amen , Amen .

18. A praier of the afflicted person .

O Lord God , thou art iust , and all thy works and waies are mercie & truth and thou iudgest trulie for euermore ; remember me , and looke on me O Lord God , and punish me not according to my sinnes , or mine ignorance ; but deale with me as it séemeth best vnto thée . And now , O Lord , worke thy will in me , and command my spirit to be receiued in peace , that I may be dissolued of this fowle fleshie masse , thorough the which I doo nothing but offend thée my Lord God .

Yet neuerthelesse , if it be thy blessed will , to giue me longer life in this vale of miserie ; forgiue me all my sinnes for Christs sake : for thou art a mercifull God , slowe to conceiue wrath , and most readie to forgiue . Wherefore extend thy fauour vpon me , O Lord , which shall confirme the faith of others . Though I deserue destruction , yet let thy mercie pittie my frailtie : for thou art great , O Lord , for euermore , and thy kingdome is world without end .

Thou scourgest and healest , thou leadest vnto hell , and bringest backe againe : and there is none that may escape thy hand . O giue thanks vnto the Lord ye children of men , for there is none holie , but he ; none almightie , but thou O Lord God . Thou hast chastined vs for our misdéeds , and of thine owne mercie sake thou hast saued vs : wherefore thée will we feare and dread , and magnifie the euerlasting king in his works .

As for me and my soule , whilest I liue will I praise thy Maiestie ; as long as I haue anie being . For euer since I was borne , thou hast giuen me great cause to praise thée ; for thou hast béene the defense of my iust cause . Heare now my vehement praier , my secret complaint , and my sighes which I make before thée this daie , into whose holie hands I commit my bodie and soule : for thou hast redéemed me , O thou God of truth , Amen .

19. A praier of the iustice of God , and for the assistance of Gods spirit , with an inuocation vpon the Trinitie .

O Lord I confesse thou dooest not punish me without my deserts , & therfore I will neuer accuse thée of rigour , as the wicked doo : for I acknowledge that when thou laiest thy hand heauie vpon anie , there is iust cause why thou shouldest so entreat them . We are occasion of our owne perdition , and can pretend no ignorance to excuse vs withall : for thou O God callest vs by thy word and works , to follow vertue , and flie vice ; which if we bend our selues vnto , depending onelie vpon thée , thou hast promised to be our schoolemaister and protectour .

Thy prouidence , O GOD , dooth not onelie watch ouer thy church in generall , but also ouer euerie member thereof : for thy word , O Lord , is easie to find , if we haue a desire therevnto , if we be not blinded by the prince of this world . Thou most mightie hast power both of land and sea , stretch foorth thy mercifull hand to helpe them vp that sinke , to kéepe them vp that stand ; for thou art aboue all , and ouer all kingdomes of the earth . Thou hast made the heauen and earth .

Lord bow downe thine eare and heare , Lord open thine eies and behold . Our true refuge and succour in all temptations and dangers is ; to flie vnto thée by most earnest praier . Thou wilt not here , O Lord God , for manie words sake , or often repetition , but thou doost consider our faith and feruent mind : for thou doost looke vpon the heart of man , and not vpon the outward appearance .

It is great gréefe , O Lord , vnto thy children , when they sée not the fruits of their praiers , which causeth them to thinke , that thou hearest not : yet doost thou but defer them , to cause them to praie more earnestlie and often . For when there séemeth to mans iudgement to be no recouerie , but all things are brought to despaire , then thou O GOD doost shew thy mightie power , there is nothing doone without thy prouidence and decrée .

Wherefore I will call vpon thée with a stedfast faith , being assured of thy mercies ; bicause I haue found thy helpe at néed in my most danger : for thou neuer forsakest them that put their trust in thée , bicause of nature thou art verie mercifull . Therefore the faithfull reuerence thée , and are bold to approch néere thy mightie Maiestie ; most humblie beséeching thée , for Iesus Christ his sake , that thou wilt cast all our sinnes behind thy backe ; and giue vs thy grace and holie spirit , to lead the rest of our liues in thy feare , dooing alwaies that is righteous in thy sight .

For whosoeuer walketh in his vocation , and hath the light of God for his guide , néedeth to feare no danger : thy rodde and thy staffe shall alwaies hold him vp . Guide me . O Lord , and giue me the most pretious gift of faith , which is the head spring of all good works . Baptise me inwardlie with the holie Ghost , burne and consume all vice in me , inflame my hart with the loue of thée , and cast thy fauour vpon me , O Lord and holie father .

So doo likewise O Christ my Lord and Sauiour , who wast contented to put off all thy glorie , that thou wast in before the beginning of the world , to take our nature vpon thée , and to suffer most bitter passion vpon the crosse for our redemption . Wash me with thy pretious bloud , and make me a chosen vessell to thy selfe : giue me a thankefull hart to praise thy name with continuall thankesgiuing for thy great mercies . Come holie spirit , inspire my hart with the true knowledge of the father and the sonne , procéeding from them both ; one God in Trinitie , and Trinitie in vnitie , world without end , Amen .

20. A praier for faith and grace .

LOrd giue me faith and grace , that I may be wounded in hart to séeke vnto thée for mercie : for thou , O God , hast taught vs in thy holie word to looke for aide and helpe of thee in all perils , and that thou art the onlie giuer of victorie in all temptations of our enimies , bodilie & gostlie . For when thou giuest sentence against the wicked , they must néeds confesse thée to be iust , and themselues sinners . For thou O GOD , which louest purenes of hart , & maiest iustlie destroie man , who is by nature a sinner : much more wilt thou laie thine hand vpon them , whom thou hast instructed in thy heauenlie wisdome . Thy fauour O God , is the fountaine of all prosperitie , for thou O Lord doost still behold vs . Thée will we reuerence , in what place soeuer we be .

Helpe me therefore , O Lord God , in my good purposes , and holie worshipping , or seruing of thée ; and grant vnto me to make a perfect enterance and beginning in thée ; for I haue bin an vnprofitable seruant hitherto . O Lord giue me a mind neuer to shew my selfe vnthankful for all thy benefits : for thou art the God , which euer hath béene and shall be ; the GOD almightie , by whom all thinges haue their being ; full of mercie , mindfull of thy promise . Who so séeketh any other than thée , O Christ , in whom dooth rest onlie the saluation of our soules ; that creature shal find nothing but miserie and sorrow . Wherfore Lord make me rich in thy fauour and grace , conducting me by thy power . Graft in me a full trust in thy promises for my deliuerance , make me one with thée in euerlasting loue , that when it shall please thée to call me out of this miserable world , I may liue with thée and my Sauiour Christ , who died for me and all people : whose name , with thée O Father , and the holie Ghost , be praised now and for euermore , Amen .

21. A praier of the creation of mankind , of the true Samaritane , & for strength against temptation .

O Father of heauen , of power almightie , which with thine onlie word diddest create and make all the whole world , and all for the profit & seruice of man , whom thou diddest create of all other a most noble and perfect creature , giuing him power vpon earth , the waters , and all the fowles and birds of the aire ; thou madest him also after thine own similitude and likenes , induing him with a reasonable soule , and all the powers thereof , thou also diddest put him in the pleasant garden of paradise , excepting nothing from him , but the eating of the onlie trée of knowledge of good and euill : and further , for his helpe , comfort , and companie , of a ribbe of his side thou madest for him a woman , and gauest hir to him to be his wife .

There had they instructions giuen them , and the lawe of life for an heritage . Before them was laid both life and death , good and euill , with a fréewill giuen them to take which liked them best . But their frailtie was such , that they , through a small intisement , chose the euill , and left the good : they left life , & chose death . Thus Lord , through sin , & breaking of thy commandements , man lost the fréewill that was giuen him in his creation , and purchased death to all his posteritie .

In the waie as he went to Ierusalem and Iericho , he fell in the hands of théeues , who hurting and wounding him sore , departed , leauing him halfe dead ; so that he could haue helpe of none , but only of the good Samaritan , who , as he passed by the same waie , powred wine and oile into his wounds , and tooke the cure of him .

This onlie Samaritan was thy deare Sonne Christ , which tooke vpon him all the iniquities of mankind , and laid them on his backe by his death , purging and clensing him , not onlie from the originall sin of our father Adam , but also from all our sins which we commit from time to time , by the vertue of his passion , and the sacrament of baptisme vpon our repentance . For as by Adam , death came to mankind , so by Iesus Christ was mankind restored to life .

For this great and high benefit of thy sonnes blessed passion for our redemption , we thy poore creatures praise and thanke thée , most humblie acknowledging his inestimable loue towards vs , in that thou vouchsafedst to die for vs , being then sinners , & thy mortall enimies . Neuerthelesse , most mercifull father , we are of our selues not able to do any thing that good is , no not so much as to thinke a good thought , without thine aid and assistance . We wander here miserablie , in the lowe parts of the vile earth ; our strength will not serue vs to clime to the high of the hilles , where thou dwellest in thy mount Sion , a place prepared for thine elect , a chosen inheritance of thy faithfull seruant Abraham , and his séed .

Wherefore since we , being burthened with the affects of worldlie pleasures , and also with other cares and troubles , can by no meanes ascend to thée , that art on the top of so high a mountaine , ( so manie legions of angels attending on thy Maiestie ) we haue no remedie , but with the prophet Dauid now to lift the eies of our harts and minds towards thée , & to crie for helpe to come down from thée to vs thy poore and wretched seruants .

We wander here below , as lost shéepe , hauing no shepheard ; we are assailed on euerie side with manifold enimies ; the diuell rauening and hungering , séeketh whom he may deuoure ; the world allureth vs also to hir deceitfull vanities ; our flesh also , which we carrie about vs , is our enimie readie and prone to drawe vs vnto all vices and pleasures . From this can we by no meanes be defended , but by thée Lord .

Send vs therfore thy helpe and holie angell , to assist and strengthen vs : for of thée most mercifull Father floweth all bountie and goodnes . Thou O Lord God madest heauen and earth for thine honour , and mans commoditie ; establish therefore good Lord the chosen works of thy hand with thy eternall helpe : from heauen send vs downe the welspring of thy grace , and thy strong angell to aide vs by his helpe , that no assault of our spirituall enimies doo preuaile against vs : but from all euils by thy word defend vs , Lord , both touching the bodie , and also the soule , that no temptation preuaile against vs .

Thou hast béene our protectour , euen from our mothers wombe ; and our trust is that thou wilt so continue all the daies of our life , and speciallie at the houre of our death , that we may ascend to the heauenlie Ierusalem , where we shall reast in the bosome of our father Abraham , the father of all faithfull beléeuers , there to praise thée , and thy louing Sonne , and the holie Ghost , world without end , Amen .

22. A praier and thankesgiuing vnto God , for his manifold gifts , with an acknowledgment of our sinne , and pardon for the same .

O Praise the Lord our God for euer , and let vs giue thanks vnto the name of his glorie , which excéedeth all other thankesgiuings and praises : for thou art our God alone , thou hast made the heauen of all heauens , with all the hoste of them ; the earth , and all the creatures , which liue by thée ; the sea , and all that moue therein : thou preseruest them all through thine omnipotent power . For the which all the host of heauen praiseth thée , and we thy poore children here on earth doo crie vnto thée ; Holie , holie , holie , art thou , which euer was , and euer shall be , O Lord God of sabaoth .

Thou hast made good all thy words and promises , for thou art righteous and true , and hast considered the miserie of our forefathers : for they were stubborne against thée , not regarding thy precepts and commandements , neither were mindfull of thy wonderous works that thou diddest for them , whose footesteps we are prone and readie to follow in all vngodlines , in these our daies : but thou O Lord art mercifull , patient , and of great goodnes , and forsakest vs not whensoeuer we returne vnto thée .

Wherefore , O Lord , heare vs from heauen , and forgiue vs all our vnthankfulnes , and giue vs faithfull hearts to followe thy commandements ; which if we doo , we shall liue in them . For it is not in mans power to order his owne waies , nor to rule his owne steps or goings : therefore chasten thou vs , O Lord , but with fauor , not in thy wrath . Bring vs not vtterlie to naught , for we haue none other sauiour , neither can we helpe our selues ; for by our saluation thy name shall be praised .

Therefore Lord helpe vs , séeing that of thy mercie thou hast made vs a most deare posession vnto thée , and we through our sinnes are worthilie punished . Declare againe thy loue , and finish the worke that thou hast begunne in vs ; so shall we liue and praise thy holie name for euer & euer , through Iesus Christ our Lord and redéemer , Amen .

23. A praier wherein the hart poureth out it selfe before God , with humble submission and christian lowlines in diuers considerations .

THe most pleasant thing that I can offer vnto thy maiestie , O Lord , is to giue thée a thankfull heart for all thy benefits , and to be inwardlie sorie that euer I did anie thing which should offend thée ; then , to mortifie the concupiscence of the flesh , to put off the old Adam , and put on Christ ; to leaue to be carnall , and to become spirituall . Wherefore I will call on thy holie name , for thy gratious aid and assistance ; to helpe me and strengthen me in these my good purposes , not doubting but thou wilt most gratiouslie heare me .

My heart and my whole bodie , I offer willinglie vnto thy seruice , which although it be of small value in déed ; yet I doo not mistrust but it shall be accepted in thy sight : as was the offring of two mites , which the poore woman threw into the treasurie at Ierusalem , which small summe of hir pouertie thou diddest more estéeme and praise , than all the great gifts of the rich men .

I humblie beséech thy highnesse to accept this gift of my poore soule & bodie , which is a declaration of my louing mind towards thée ; and vouchsafe Lord so to worke in them by thy grace , that they may will and worke that which may be acceptable in thy sight : so that I may truelie performe my vowes made vnto thée , by kéeping thy lawes and commandements with my whole hart , which I and euerie true christian professe to kéepe . For whosoeuer he be that breaketh but one of them , is guiltie of all .

It is not in mans power to turne to thée O God , but thy worke onelie to conuert vs : for we consider thy Maiestie , and the weaknesse of our sinfull flesh . Thy mercie worketh in vs sorrowe and repentance for our former life . All things are gouerned by thy prouidence O God ; if thou blesse vs , all creatures shall fauour vs . Let thy holie spirit counsell me how to come foorth of this carefull and troublesome life , that I may hide my selfe vnder the shadowe of thy wings , where I know I shall be defended by thy power , which shall be a signe of thy fatherlie care towards me . Wherefore I will resigne my selfe wholie vnto thée , trusting in thy protection .

Thou O God art onelie the true felicitie , to heale me thou art able , and to raise me to life , though I were dead long ago , and turned to dust . For I acknowledge thée to be almightie , and that there is nothing done on earth without thy will and ordinance : wherefore I will not trust to anie worldlie helpe . In the daies of my trouble thou kéepest couenant and mercie with thy seruants that walke before thée with all their heart ; and though thou correctest from time to time , yet thy helpe will not be farre off , if we returne to thée .

Thy mercie is great to poore sinners ; for thou art more readie to pardon them with long suffering , rather than to punish them . Thou shewest fauor towards the fatherlesse , which walke after thy commandements as thou art God , and creator of the soule and body , so wouldest thou haue vs serue thée with both , and that thy people be continuallie subiect vnto thée . For the greater gifts that we receiue at thy mercifull hands O Lord God , and the higher that thou dooest preferre vs , the more are we bound to praise thée for the same . And though we be high or lowe in degrée , yet can we not be exempted from dooing our duties .

Thou O God art the giuer of all good things : wherfore I am readie to bestowe all that I haue at thy commandement . Giue me grace , O Lord God , that I neuer prouoke thée to anger by my sinnes , that thou maist mitigate thy punishments towards me , & strengthen me with thy holie spirit , that I may leade an vpright life , with true faith and repentance , vnto the glorie of thy holie name , through Iesus Christ our Lord , Amen .

24. A praier wherein the afflicted person praieth against his enimies , that God would turne vpon them his iudgements .

O Lord God of our fathers , helpe me poore desolate creature , I beséech thée : for thou hast don al things from the beginning ; and looke what thine euerlasting counsell hath deuised , it came euer to passe : for all thy waies are prepared , and thy iudgements are doone in thine euerlasting foreknowledge . O looke thou now vpon mine enimies , and bring to passe , O Lord , that the pride of them may be cut downe : for thy power standeth not in the iudgement of men . For there was neuer proud person that pleased thée ; but in the praier of the humble and méeke hath thy pleasure béene euermore .

O thou God of the heauens , thou maker and Lord of all creatures , heare and helpe me calling vpon thée , and putting my trust in thy mercie : for I haue none other helper but thée O Lord God . Thinke vpon me , and shew thy selfe vnto me , in the time of my distresses and troubles , strengthen me with patience in all aduersities . Thou Lord of all power knowest all things . O thou mightie God aboue all , heare the voice of them that haue none other hope but onlie thée ; deliuer me out of the hands of mine enimies , and make me not a scorne vnto the foolish .

Heare thou my God , for I am despised ; turne their shame vpon their owne heads : for they are puft vp with pride , as the stomach that is choaked with fat . O Lord of hosts , thou righteous searcher , which knowest the reines and the verie heart ; let me sée them punished , if it be thy will : for vnto thée doo I commit my cause . For though they wickedlie prouoked me to doo euill for euill , yet thy word kept me backe : for I behaued my selfe vprightlie towards mine enimies . Therefore I humblie beséech thée , let them knowe that thou art the defender of my iust cause .

Let my persecutors be confounded , but not me ; thou shalt bring vpon them the time of their plague , and shalt destroie them right soone . Wherefore O Lord my sauiour , let the same shame and confusion light vpon them , which they intended to haue brought vpon me , and bicause thou hast all things in thy hands and power , thou wilt spéedilie reward them after their deseruings : for the deapth of thy prouidence gouerneth all things , and disposeth them as it pleaseth thée .

Good Lord make me not a mocking stocke vnto the wicked , nor wrap me vp with the deceitfull , when they are put to shame : for séeing my troubles come of thy appointment , I will with thy helpe indure them with patience , for I put not my trust in anie worldlie thing , but in thée O God my maker and defender . I will serue thée with a pure affection , and with the godlie that worship thée in spirit and truth : which that I may the better fulfil , blesse me with thy grace , now and for euer , Amen .

25. A praier for the increase of faith , wherein also the vnmeasurable loue of God the Father is recorded .

O Mercifull GOD , that art so good and louing a Father , make me heire of thy heauenlie kingdome , with thy blessed sonne Iesus Christ ; increase my faith in thée O Lord , that I may most faith fullie beléeue all that thou hast commanded in thy holie word : for whatsoeuer is not of faith , the same is sinne . Faith is the sure and perfect foundation of all christian religion , wherby thy faithfull hope surelie , that all thy promises made vnto them of thy méere goodnes and liberalitie , shall surelie , and vndoubtedlie be fulfilled . Heauen and earth shall perish , rather than thy word and promise shal be vnperfourmed .

By faith Abraham was iustified , and by faith he was readie to make sacrifice of his onlie begotten sonne Isaac . Vpon those that were faithfull did our Sauiour worke his miracles , in so much that in his countrie of Galilie he did not manie , bicause of their vnbeléef . And by this faith , with the helpe of thy grace at this daie , and to the end of the world , are and shall all thy chosen people be saued , and that fréelie , without anie deseruing of theirs .

And being fullie persuaded by thy holie scripture , I beléeue in thée my most mightie God , thrée persons in one essence , and in all things conteined in thy holie word ; and the same faith I will not let to confesse before all the world . I will not doo as manie of the Iewes did , which beléeued on thy sonne , yet durst they not boldlie confesse him , neither make their faith known , least they should haue béene expelled out of the synagog . They more estéemed the glorie of this world , than they did estéeme the glorie of God .

But through the helpe of thy grace , Lord , I will speake nothing , but that I firmelie beléeue , and that which I doo beléeue ; I will by no meanes hide , but speake boldlie : for I know , that who so dooth confesse thée before men , him wilt thou confesse before thy father which is in heauen . Faith causeth me to loue thée for thine own sake , aboue all creatures . Loue causeth me to confesse thée before all the world , and for thy sake to worke towards my neighbour , as thou haste commanded me . It is thy grace that maketh man vertuous and good , which grace is the nurse of all good things : it leadeth man from one vertue to another ; it kéepeth vs from falling , lifting vs vp againe when we are fallen . Thy louing kindnesse hath béen from euerlasting , and endureth for euer .

What shall I giue againe vnto thée O Lord , for thy manifold benefits , that thou hast doone vnto me ? Great cause haue I to be thankfull , when I remember thy tender loue , shewed vnto man , in his first creation , next in power , wisedome , knowledge , and vnderstanding to the nature of angels , made also touching the soule like vnto thine owne image ; which he through frailtie did abuse : yet neuertheles , thou of thy mercifull pitie , being willing that this noble worke of thine should not vtterlie be lost , diddest send thine onelie begotten sonne to become man , and wiledst him to suffer death for mans redemption .

What more loue could be shewed than thou hast shewed ? what more could be doon to thy vineyard than thou hast doone ? thy charitie was feruent to vs when we were all sinners ; few men would now die for their righteous fréend , but thou sendedst thy sonne to suffer death for thine enimies , that were sinners : yea , when we dailie now doo fall still from thée , by committing all kind of vices ; yet dooest thou mercifullie suffer vs , and gentlie receiue vs , so oft as we do returne againe to thée by repentance .

We forgiue our neighbours scarselie one or twise , when they displease vs : but thou Lord forgiuest vs , not seuen times , but seuentie times seuen , that is , so often as we fal . Euen so willest thou vs to forgiue one another . Wherefore , Lord , reach vnto me thy helping hand , as thou diddest vnto Peter ; and as he was thereby made able to walke vpon the water , so shall I be able thereby to performe thy holie lawe , which my hart is desirous to doo in the presence of all the congregation , that other may take example by my dooings , and glorifie thy Maiestie for thy noble gifts .

Strengthen me , Lord , with thy holie spirit ; giue me an hart and will rather to choose to suffer death , than to breake anie of them : for right deare in thy sight is the death of thy saints . Thy name will I call vpon , and honour it all the daies of my life . I will also , as I haue promised , fulfill my vowes that I haue made vnto thée . I will giue vp my selfe to thée , as an oblation ; and séeing I am thy image , I will declare vnto the holie congregation , how mercifullie thou hast receiued me to thy grace . I will honor thée in thy church , wherof I am partaker , through the meanes of thy sonne Christ Iesus , my onelie Lord and sauiour , Amen .

26. A praier vnto God the father , wherein the sinner openeth his greefe of conscience .

O GOD I am not worthie of the least of thy mercies and truth , which thou hast shewed vnto me thy seruant : for though thou hast , O Lord assaide me with the one hand , thou hast euer holden me vp with the other : for thou art euer present with vs , to succor vs in our troubles . And if thou O God diddest not open our eies , we could neither sée , nor vse the meanes , which thou hast set before vs . As for me , when thou openedst mine eies and heart , I was readie to obeie thée , being assured , that I was written in the booke of thine elect to this end : for thy prouidence watcheth alwaies to direct thy children , that they slide not .

Wherefore now , O Lord , call to remembrance the cares and gréefes which we haue suffered ; consider and sée our confusion . Our inheritance is turned vnto strangers , we are become carefull and fatherlesse ; our parents , which now are gone , haue sinned , and we must beare their wickednesse . Alas that they and we haue sinned so sore ! Therefore is our hart full of heauines , but thou O Lord that remainest euermore , and thy seat world withou end , doo not forget vs .

Let all the world sée thy iudgements , in that thou art our God , and ruler ouer all : which we will euer confesse , bicause thou art so glorious ; and through thy mercifull aid I will remaine stedfast , being vpholden by thy power O GOD. For I haue euer this hope of conscience , that thou wilt not impute vnto me my ignorance . Wherefore grant vnto me from hencefoorth , to liue in thy feare all the daies of my life , and to end this pilgrimage in faith and truth , to the glorie of thy holie name . Which grant vs , O deare father , for thy deare sonne Iesus Christs sake , who is blessed with thée O father . To whom with thée , and the holie Ghost , be giuen all honour & praise , world without end , Amen .

27. A praier vnto the sonne of God , wherein the soule is comforted , by the rehearsall of Christs manifold benefits .

O My soule , inforce thée with all thy strength to set foorth the noble praises of the Lord thy GOD and redéemer . Thou hast within thée manie goodlie gifts of nature and grace , which giue thée occasion neuer to cease from giuing of thanks . Forget not these beneficiall gifts , which he hath giuen thée : for of forgetfulnesse commeth vnvnthankefulnesse ; which vnkindnes maketh thée not worthie to enioie that is giuen thée . Consider my soule , first , the miserable estate wherein thou wast brought by sinne .

Thou wast the enimie of God , the bond-seruant of the diuell , and subiect to death euerlasting . From this hath thy mercifull brother Iesus Christ , being both GOD and man , deliuered thée , making satisfaction for all thy sinnes , through his death and passion . What greater loue could he shewe , than to die for thée , whereby he driueth awaie all thine offenses .

If thou set before thine eies the multitude of thy sinnes , then shalt thou also behold the benefits and goodnes of thy redéemer . Giue him therefore the sacrifice of praise , and glorifie him ; for therein he delighteth : not for his profit , but for thine ; not for that he is anie thing thereby aduanced , but that dooing thy dutie by faith , thou maist be made partaker of ioie euerlasting with him .

And though he send thée manie aduersities in this world , thinke that he loueth thée : for if he did not , he would leaue thée to sinke in thine owne sinne , to the vtter losse both of bodie and soule . But he hath saued thy life from euerlasting destruction , he hath redéemed thée with his most pretious blood , he died for thy sinnes , and rose againe for thy iustification . Loue him therefore my soule , and magnifie him all the daies of thy life . Put thy whole affiance in him , and feare no violence of enimies : for although they assault thée , yet can they not vanquish thée .

For he , that through his mercie and louing kindnesse , hath giuen thée power by him to vanquish thine enimies ; will not faile , after thy fight and victorie , to reward thée with a crowne of glorie and immortalitie . When death thy last enimie shall be ouercome , then shalt thou be admitted to the ioifull companie of angels and saints in heauen , there to haue more ioie and comfort than hart can wish . When the glorie of the Lord shall appeare then shalt thou be fullie satisfied , to thy contentation . His countenance shall replenish thée with all io●e .

Wherfore my soule , whilest thou art in this present life , ioined with thy fraile and heauie carcase , giue thanks louinglie to thy gentle redéemer , for his vnspeakeable kindnesse . His grace is readie at hand at thy call , fight therefore manfullie and mightilie , against all sinfull concupiscence and vice ; put off the old man , and leaue all the works of darkenes ; put on the new man , & arme thée with the armor of light .

Beginne a new life , and flie vnto Christ the strong tower and sure rocke ; leaue all worldlie pleasures and vanities , and call for his grace , and doubt not but he will make thée liue a new spirituall life , and giue thée immortallitie both of soule and bodie in heauen euerlastinglie , where thou shalt continuallie behold the face of God , to the fulnesse of all thy ioie and contentation .

Stand fast in this hope , and mistrust not the mercies of GOD ; call to remembrance the ancient goodnes of thy heauenlie father , which is all one with the mercie of his sonne and the holie Ghost . Behold how mercifull and beneficiall he hath euer bin to those that beléeue and trust in him . For looke how high the heauen is from the earth , so great is his mercie also to them that feare him .

How much are we bound to serue this our God in Christ , by whom we haue receiued redemption ? He is a God of all gods , mightie and terrible , which accepteth no persons , nor taketh rewards . Thou doost right vnto the fatherlesse , and helpest the stranger that is in distresse . Come vnto me most louing God and sauiour , helpe and fight thou for me ; let not mine enimies haue the victorie ouer me .

Powre foorth thy grace vpon my corrupt nature , and I shall be purged from all wickednesse . I am almost dead in sinne ; quicken me , and giue me life againe , sithence thou art God the author of life and health : for none can doo it but thou alone , my God and sauiour ; then shall my toong praise thy righteousnesse , O Lord God , without ceasing , Amen .

28. Another praier vnto the sonne , wherein the miseries of this our mortall life are remembred .

O Most louing Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , that art the verie naturall sonne of the almightie heauenlie father , God of God , light of light , a God thou art without beginning , a Lord from euerlasting , before the mountains were brought foorth , or euer the earth and the world were made , whose kingdome likewise shall endure world without end . Thou Lord ( I saie ) that art equall with thy father in power and glorie , didest not disdaine to become man among men , to the intent thou wouldest by suffering painfull passion , be the refuge of mankind , from one generation to another .

The yoong chickens , when the kite striketh at them , haue none other refuge but to run dickering vnder the wings of the hen : no more hath mankind anie other defense against his rauening enimies , but onelie the couering of thy grace , and the shadowe of thy most pretious passion ; which is vnto vs a strong tower , and sure shield of defense against all inuasions .

This grace , mercifull Lord , we humblie beséech thée to send vs , that by turning thy fauourable countenance vpon vs , we may knowe our owne infirmities ; and leauing all pleasure in vile temporall things , we may turne to thée that art our Sauiour , and redéemer , our God and our brother .

Make vs to knowe in what miserie , in what trouble , and in how manie kind of displeasures we lead our liues here continuallie , vntill the time that age or sicknesse commeth vpon vs ; at which time thou wilt call vs , saieng ; Ye children of Adam , returne ye now againe into the earth from whence ye came . This is the debt due vnto nature . Of earth we came , in the earth we trauell , of earth we liue , and into earth me must returne againe .

For the life of man is to be likened vnto a night watchman , that when his houre is past , taketh his rest . Thus fareth it by the life of man , who first passeth awaie his childhood , next in youth , the third in manhood , the fourth in age , which vanisheth awaie like smoke that passeth awaie out of the chimneie . For as soone as men begin to liue , they begin to die ; as soone as thy plesure is , Lord , to haue them , they fade awaie suddenlie like the grasse , which is in the morning gréene , and growing , and in the euening it is cut downe and withered .

In youth we are pleasant and merrie , lustie and strong , springing vp gréene as dooth the corne : but when haruest commeth , it ripeth , and withereth , and is cut downe . When age commeth , the body of man drieth awaie ; then death ouertaketh vs . All this remembred , who can take anie comfort ? who can be merrie , that remembreth the last end ? for we bring our yeares to an end , euen as a tale that is tould . Wherefore teach vs , mercifull Christ , to number our daies , that we may applie our harts vnto wisedome .

Giue vs grace to haue in remembrance the short daies of our life , with the dangerous passage of our time in this world : so that hauing no trust or affiance in the vncertaintie thereof , we may wholie applie our selues to the contemplation of thy heauenlie wisdome ; that we may consider earnestlie thy goodnesse shewed vnto vs , who art the power and the wisdome of God thy father .

Behold Lord our hartie repentance for our sinnes , we beséech thée , turne thy mercie and louing kindnesse vnto vs , be gratious to vs that are thy seruants : for although we fall often times from thée , through frailtie of our nature ; yet we forsake thée not vtterlie , but return to thée , as the prodigall sonne returned to his father after long absence , & was receiued & well accepted of . We are thy seruants , redie to serue thée by the helpe of thy grace .

Heare therefore our humble petition , which is , to craue thy mercie and grace : with the same satisfie my soule , most gratious Lord , for the which all thy faithfull doo sore hunger and thirst , so long as they abide in this life , but they shall be perfectlie and faithfullie most fullie satisfied , when thy glorie shall be manifest vnto them in thy heauenlie habitation .

Then shall we reioise and be glad all the daies of our life . With that ioifull daie comfort vs , good Lord , in recompense of the yeares wherein we haue suffered much aduersitie . Let thy grace shine vpon vs , let it euer assist vs , O mercifull Iesus , which art the bright light of God thy father . Then shall we prosper in this world , and after follow thée the lambe , wheresoeuer thou goest : which grant for thy mercie sake . To thée , with the Father , and the holie Ghost , be praise and glorie , now and for euer , Amen .

29. A praier vnto the holie Ghost , wherein his glorie is confessed .

O Holie Ghost , thou art my strength , power , and refuge in time of my trouble : thou diddest helpe me in my youth , when I had more strength ; helpe me now , good Lord , so much the more in my old age and weakenes , for the depth of thy prouidence gouerneth all things . Thou art the Lord of life , whose throne is most excellent , with God the Father and the Sonne , which dwellest in the place of our holie rest . Thou art the comfort of thine elect , and the seuenfold disposer of the works of God . All they that forsake thée shall be confounded , and they that depart from thée shall be written in earth , bicause they haue forsaken the Lord of life .

Turne ye therefore all ye sinners , and doo righteousnes before God , and be ye sure that his holie spirit will not depart from you . For he did not refuse the praier of Abraham , when he was entreated for the wicked Sodomites , if there could haue béene found ten righteous in the citie : how much more wilt thou grant the praiers of the godlie , when they call vpon thée , either for themselues , or for the preseruation of thy church ? Wherefore , bicause thou art iust , O Lord , lead me out of the danger of mine enimies : for vnto thée doo I make my praier , O thou most high possesser of heauen and earth . Be not terrible vnto me , O Lord : for thou art God my comforter , in whom I hope , when I am in perill . O thou finger of GOD , touch my heart , and vnlose the same from all worldlie vanitie .

Inspire me with thy grace , that I may confesse the father and the sonne , with thée O holie Ghost , to be one GOD in persons thrée , and euerlasting in vnitie ; who guidest and gouernest the world , through thy omnipotencie , whose mercies be praised for all thy benefits , in the world of worlds , now and for euermore , Amen .

30. A praier in the remembrance of death , wherein the vanitie of riches is touched , and the reuelation and reward of mens works is promised .

MAke vs , O Lord , to remember our end , wherevnto all men by nature must come : then shall we neuer doo amisse . Instruct our harts in thy godlie wisedome , that we may applie our time according to thy holie worde and will . Defend vs from the snares of our wicked enimie the diuell . Let vs not be intangled with the wicked mammon of this detestable world , nor boast our selues in the multitude of our riches , for they and we shall fade and fall awaie , as the fresh flower that kéepeth his colour and swéet sauour for a short space , but the heate of the sunne maketh it wither , his beautie to perish , and his flower to fall awaie . Euen so shall it be with all such as put their trust in their riches ; they shall perish togither with their aboundance ; their goods maie serue them here for a short space , but no man can with monie win his brother from death , or make agréement vnto God for him , for it cost more to redéeme their soules , so that they must let that alone foreuer .

Onelie thy sonne Iesus Christ was our redemption , which price if it well not serue the wicked , for that they end in sinne , our sauiour will not paie for them a second death to redéeme them withall , but leue them to be tormented for euer . Wherefore giue vs grace Lord , that we may laie vp our riches in the hands of Christ , the sure tresure house , that is , in the hands of the poore ; that we may be sure to find it againe , with greater gaine , when we depart out of this wretched world : so shall we lay vp temporall things , and receiue againe eternall .

For if we will be rich in good works , and readie to giue and to distribute , we shall laie vp for vs a good foundation against the time to come : contrariewise , the wicked , which are now here in great glorie ; whose dwelling is in the night , their works are hid , and appéere not ; but at the great iudgement , when Christ which is our life shall shew himselfe , then shall the iust appéere with him also in glorie ; then shall it be cléere day-light , all mens works shall appéere as they be .

The trée that in the winter sheweth no freshnesse , shall then receiue sap from the root , & appéere beautifull , where the flower and herbe that was in sight pleasant for a while shall wither awaie and fall . Then shal the strength of the wicked consume , hell shall be their dwelling in perpetuall moorning . Thus wilt thou destroie all the vngodlie , yet haue wée a sure hope thou wilt deliuer our soules from the power of hell , and receiue vs to thée by grace , here in this world ; and after , when thou shalt come to the last iudgement , to take vs to thy selfe in glorie ; that where thou art , there may we be with thée . For we are not gréeued at the vngodlie , nor afraid when they be made rich , and the glorie of their houses increased . We knowe that their honour indureth but a small season , & vanisheth awaie as dooth the smoke ; for thou regardest them not : therfore thou giuest them things of small estimation .

Abraham gaue gifts to the sonnes of his concubines , and sent them awaie ; but vnto Isaac he gaue his possessions , and all that he had : so Lord , to the wicked thou giuest temporall things , but for thy faithfull thou reseruest thy euerlasting heauenlie inheritance . This is a sure and permanent reward , the other soone slippeth awaie ; their time here is but short , and when they die , they shall carrie nothing awaie with them , neither shall their pompe followe them . For thou O Lord wilt driue them awaie .

As wax melteth at the heat of the fire , so shall the vngodlie perish at thy presence ; then shalt thou change their honour into shame : for while they liued , they were counted happie men , and so long as they were in prosperitie , men spake good of them ; but when they followe their fathers generation , they shall neuer sée light any more . They were the children of Canaan , come of a wicked progenie , they haue followed their forefathers steps , their déedes were euill , they loued darkenesse better than light . Wherefore they shall haue euerlasting darknes with torments , they shall haue fire , but it shall giue them no comfortable heat .

These paines are ordained for them that were in honour , and had riches in aboundance , and did forget their estate , and for lacke of knowledge were led into captiuitie . Wherefore O good God , let vs not be of the number of them ; but build vs vpon thy blessed sonne Iesus Christ , the head corner stone : in him whosoeuer is builded , groweth vnto an holie temple in the Lord his God . For of our selues we haue hard harts to beléeue , except thou write thy law in our harts by thy holie spirit . Now is the acceptable time ; Lord let vs find grace and fauour in thy sight , pardon our wickednes and sinne , and take vs to thine inheritance , that we may reigne with thée in glorie , for euer and euer , Amen , Amen .

31. A praier that we may heare the word of God and keepe it .

I Am thy seruant , Lord , giue me vnderstanding , that I may learne thy lawe and decrées : incline my soule to the words of thy mouth , bicause thy talke floweth like vnto dew . The Israelits said vnto Moses ; Speake thou vnto vs , and we will heare shée , but let not the Lord speake , least we die . Howbeit , I praie not so , O Lord , but rather with the prophet Samuel I doo humblie and earnestlie beséech thée thus ; Speake on Lord , for thy seruant dooth hearken , for thou art the giuer and inspirer of life , who art able without anie to instruct me .

Thy Ministers speake for thée thy secreats , but thou vnlockest the vnderstanding of the things pronounced ; they rehearse to vs thy commandements , but it is thy aid and helpe that giueth strength to walke ouer the same , and giuest light vnto the minds . Wherefore , bicause thou art the euerlasting truth , speake thou Lord my God vnto me , least I die , and be made vnfruitfull : for thou hast the words of euerlasting life . Speake therefore that thing , which may bring both comfort vnto my soule , and amendment vnto my life , and also may cause glorie and immortall honor vnto thée . For man dooth perish , but thy truth indureth , O God , for euer .

Blessed are they therefore , whom thou instructest and giuest knowledge vnto O Lord , and doost teach thy lawe , that thou maist helpe them in time of trouble , that they perish not . Looke fauourablie vpon me , O GOD , and grant ( I praie thée ) that thy truth may teach me , kéepe me , and bring me vnto a happie end . Let the same deliuer me from all wicked lusts , and from inordinate loue . Thou hast infinit means , and all creatures are at thy commandement ; therefore good Lord shewe some signe , whereby I shall be deliuered , and send thine holie angell before me , to kéepe me in thy waie , and to bring me to the place which thou hast prouided for me , that I may liue with thée euerlastinglie , world without end , Amen .

32. A praier wherein the word of God is praised , and what things are thereby to be wrought & accomplished , his mercie and iustice also is heare declared .

GRant me , good Lord , to serue thée with a perfect hart and willing mind : for thou Lord serchest the hart , and vnderstandest all our imaginations and thoughts . If we séeke thée , thou wilt be found ; but if we forsake thée , thou wilt cast vs off for euer . If we depend onelie vpon thée O God , we shall not néed to be troubled with these worldlie respects : for thou wilt giue vs at all times that which shall be necessarie for bodie and soule ; if we feare thée , and obeie thy holie word , which thou wilt haue found true , and also magnified for thine owne honour and glorie , and for our commoditie .

Vpon thée therefore will I still call , trusting that thou wilt shortlie heare and helpe me ; I will also call vpon the mightie name of thy sonne Iesus Christ , in whose name the faithfull haue and doo dailie cast out diuels from the possessed . They haue spoken and doo speake with new toongs . And though they drinke anie deadlie thing , it shall not hurt them . By which also they are procured to leaue their wicked minds , and diuelish works , in the which they before lead their liues .

They speake thy holie word , and also set foorth thy veritie , leauing all lies and deceits . They doo suppresse the old serpent sathan , plucking out the sting of his taile , wherewith he was accustomed to wound them . And if at anie time they haue consented to sinne , and receiued his poison , this name of our sauiour shall kéepe them from all hurts ; bicause they made inuocation on his holie name , which dooth purge them cleane after their heartie repentance . For thou O Christ wilt deliuer thine , though all worldlie meanrs faile . And though we be committed by tyrants vnto temporall death , yet through thée shall we vanquish all our enimies : for the death of thy saints is deare and pretious in thy sight : they néede not feare those that haue power onelie to kill the bodie , but let vs feare thy mightie hand , which hast power to slea both bodie & soule . This worldlie death is a waie to bring vs from much trouble , to the hauen of euerlasting health , into the land of liuers .

Neuerthelesse Lord , of thy iustice let the vniust and cruell enimies of the faithfull stand in dread of thy stretched out arme , wherewith in thine anger thou wilt strike them . Of thine infinite goodnes thou sufferest long , abiding their conuersion ; but after long forbearing thou strikest verie sore , throwing both bodie and soule into the pit of hell , hauing such measure of punishment , as they gaine in this world . For as thy mercies is vnmeasureable , so is thy iustice vnremooueable to those that depart this world in their wickednesse .

Make me , O Lord God , of the number of those that be thy faithfull children ; let me not wauer nor fall from my hope , but put on me the shield of faith , that I may stronglie fight against my ghostlie enimie . Grant me to vanquish and ouercome him , that after triumphant victorie , I may liue and reigne with thée O Father , Sonne , and holie Ghost , thrée persons , and one true and euerlasting GOD ; through the merits & death of thy Sonne my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , to the which most glorious Trinitie , be giuen all honor , glorie , and praise , now and for euer , Amen .

33. A praier to be said at all times , wherein our frailties are confessed , and request made to haue them redressed .

BLessed art thou O GOD of our fathers , and blessed is thy holie name , which is most glorious for euer . Let the heauens blesse thée , and all thy creatures , thou art the Lord , strong and mercifull , gratious , slow to anger , and abounding in goodnesse and truth , reseruing mercie for thousands , forgiuing iniquities , transgressions and sinnes , making the wicked innocent , if they will repent with all their whole harts , and returne vnto thée .

Thou visitest the sinnes of the fathers vpon the children ; vnto the third and fourth generation : for as thou art mercifull , euen so goeth iustice from thée . For thou settest so much store by man , that thou hast a regard ouer him , and dailie carest for vs , O Lord God , and makest proofe and triall of him euerie houre , beholding those with a fatherlie eie that serue thée in faith and truth .

Thou hast vsed correction vnto vs , but we gathered therby no repentance ; thou hast corrected vs , to the end we should amend , but we refused thy fatherlie visitation . For those that are thine enimies , thou wilt declare thine heauie iudgments against them ; but thou wilt shew thy fauourable kindnesse towards thy children . For thou hast said ; I wil punish them that serue me otherwise than I haue commanded them , not sparing the chéefe , that the people may feare and praise my iudgements . For to the wicked and carnall man thou appéerest as a flaming fire , but vnto them that be drawne with thy holie spirit , thou art like a pleasant saphir to be hold .

Holinesse perteineth vnto thée O Lord GOD , and thou O GOD art most holie , and nothing vnholie may appéere before thée . Therefore whosoeuer commeth vnto thée , must be washed from all sinne and corruption . And séeing thou gouernest all things by thy prouidence , thou wilt put a difference betwéene the godlie and vngodlie . Wherefore we humblie beséech thée O Lord GOD , lighten our hearts with thy holie spirit , that we maie féele thy fauour towards vs , as those that be thine elect doo . The right hand of thy maiestie is glorious in power .

Grant vs , O God , continuallie to depend vpon thy prouidence , with patience , from daie to daie , with full trust in thy promises for our deliuerance . For though we prouoke thée iustlie to anger , O God ; yet wilt thou neuer forsake vs . Thou art our Lord almightie , Iehouah is thy name , which declarest that thou art constant , & wilt performe thy promise .

Grant vs grace therefore , that we may worship thée aright , in the place which thou hast appointed vs : for thou O Lord requirest puritie . We cannot be thine , except our sinnes be purged with the bloud of Iesus Christ , by whose grace we may learne to detest all sinne . Which grant vs all to doo , O Father , for Christes sake , whose figure we represent , on him we laie all our offenses , who is able to beare the burthen of them for vs all . We present him to thée O Father , whom we know both can and will make vs cleane and perfect before thée , whose mercies we dailie praise , with thée O father , and the holie Ghost , now and for euer , Amen .

34. An humblie confession of our sinnes before God , as also a petition to haue the same remitted .

O Lord heare my harty repentance , for I am sorrowfull and gréeued with the burthen of my sins ; the remembrance of them is intollerable . Wherefore looke downe vpon me with thy fauourable eies of pittie , and behold me which lie here prostrat before the sight of thy maiestie : for I confesse that I am waxen old in sin and wickednesse , wherin I first was conceiued , but now my most hartie desire is to be borne anew , and to be graffed in my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ .

For thus my faith dooth persuade me , that none can come too late vnto thée , who forgauest the théefe all his wickednesse at his last houre , when he asked mercie of thée . And manie other more examples I find in my most holie word , how mercifull thou hast béene alwaies to those thy seruants , that sought the same of thée . And shall I then despaire , hearing dailie thy voice crie out vnto me , saieng ; Come all ye that are heauie loden , and I will ease you . Knocke , and it is heard ; aske , and it is giuen .

Who can yet thinke that he shall misse of mercie , if he craue it in faith ; séeing thou art so true and iust in all thy promises ? Thy creatures faile in their words and works , but thou kéepest thy promise and fidelitie , and thy word indureth vnremooueable for euer and euer . O thou God almightie , vnto whom all things are knowen , shew on me thy mercie , euen in the sight of the children of men , that they may knowe and sée how gratious and mercifull thou art vnto those , that giue ouer themselues vnto the hands of thy almightie Maiestie .

Thou art the helper of the forsaken and fréendles , and there is none that may be compared vnto thée that art so rich in mercie , and louing kindnesse , that diddest not spare thine onlie begotten Sonne Iesus Christ , to giue him a slaine sacrifice for my sinnes , and the sinnes of the whole world ; but also hast promised , that whosoeuer dooth come vnto thée in his name , with full assurance in his bloud , death , and passion , shall not onelie receiue remission of all their sinnes and iniquities that euer they haue committed , but also inherit the crowne of euerlasting glorie , which thou wilt giue vnto all those that be thine elect in Christ . Of which number , through thy grace , I account my selfe for one , making me most assured thereof , bicause thou hast promised the same .

Which dooth imbolden me at this present , to craue thy most mercifull aid , and assisstance of thy holie spirit , to strengthen me in faith , to confirme me in hope , to stablish me in charitie , that I may be knowen by thy cognisance and badge , to be thy child and faithfull seruant ; that I may vse the talent which thou hast giuen me , to thine honor and glorie , and the health of my soule .

That when it shall please thée to take a reckoning , how I haue spent the gifts of grace , which thou hast lent me , I may yéeld a iust account , with much aduantage , so that I may be worthie to heare thy voiee , saieng vnto me ; Come thou true & good seruant , thou hast béene faithfull in a little , I will make thée ruler ouer much ; enter thou into thy maisters ioie .

O blessed and happie are they that shall be so placed of thée ; they haue fought a good fight , and thorough Iesus Christ haue ouercome the battaile , and prince of this world . Therefore shall they liue and reigne with the same Christ , their grand capteine ; bicause they tooke him for their guide , in all their dooings , and fought manfullie vnder his banner . Thy poore soldier I am , Lord , and fight dailie . Lord helpe me for thy mercies sake , to ouercome all mine enimies .

Giue me , O Lord , a waking mind , an vnderstanding hart , and renue in me a right spirit , which may lead me vnto thée , who art the waie , the truth and the life , whose mercies remaine for euer , whose truth indureth from generation to generation . Glorie be to the father , who so mercifullie created vs ; and to the sonne , who louinglie redéemed vs ; and to the holie Ghost , who sanctifieth vs , and maketh vs blessed , thrée persons and one GOD , whose name be praised for euermore , Amen .

35. A thankesgiuing vnto God for the redemption of the world , wherein is shewed from what graces he fell , and how he was restored .

O Most holie father of heauen , the onelie liuing God , of power inestimable , of wisdome incomprehensible : to thée be honour , and glorie , and thanks , for thy noble works , in the creation of mankind , and also for our redemption out of captiuitie , and thraldome of the diuell , by the passion of thy most deare beloued sonne Iesus Christ . For thou madest Adam the first man , and gauest him frée will to obeie thy commandements ; from the which he fell by the intisement of the diuell , and by his owne stubbornes , whereby he spoiled himselfe and his after commers , of those godlie gifts , which thou of thy mercie haddest bestowed vpon vs .

Howbeit , thou of thy fatherlie goodnesse diddest not vtterlie leaue him , but gauest him faith to beléeue thy promises made vnto him , and to vs all , in Iesus Christ , with grace and obedience to kéepe thy lawe . By faith we beléeue in thée , by charitie we worke towards our neighbour , according as thou hast commanded . No man liueth without sinne , but happie and blessed are they to whom thou giuest thy grace , not to abide and sléepe in sin , but by penitence to come to a godlie conuersation .

Lord giue vs faith , and a willing heart to follow thy holie word , so that we may exercise our selues in it all the daies of our life . Make vs , O Lord , like vnto the wise virgins , that were prouided of oile in their lampes , against the comming of the bridegroome . Then wilt thou know vs to be thy faithfull children by election , and open the gate to vs , that we may enter in , to our comforts . Which grant vs Lord for thy blessed sonnes sake , who to saue vs suffered bitter passion , whose mercies be praised for his goodnes , with thée O father , and the holie ghost , in the world of worlds , now and for euer , Amen .

36. An other praier of praise and thankesgiuing to the same purpose aforesaid .

WHat liuing creature can giue condigne thankes , most gratious & heauenlie father , for the manifold gifts which thou of thy infinite mercie and goodnes hast giuen him ? First for his noble creation , wherein he excelleth all other earthlie creatures ; & then for his redemption , through the bitter passion and resurrection of thy most louing sonne . For the which I , as one of thy poore creatures , most humblie giue thée thanks . For had not our redemption ensued our creation , it had béene much better for vs that we had neuer béene made .

Thy loue aboue all other was most feruent , when thou diddest not spare to giue thine onelie begotten sonne for vs , washing awaie all our filthines in the blood of that méeke lambe , thine onelie naturall sonne , who being GOD , was made man , to the intent that we , who naturallie are the sonnes of men , by him ( through grace ) might be made the sonnes of God .

And not being contented with this kindnesse , thou also Lord , considering our weake and fraile nature , readie to sinne , dooest with thy grace , guide vs and gouerne vs , as the shéepheard dooth his shéepe , suffering vs not to want anie thing , defending thy poore flocke from the rauening woolues , that would else deuoure vs . Thy blessed sonne hath put vs to féed in the pleasant , gréene , and beautifull pasture of his holie church , making vs to rest in the vnitie thereof , by a liuelie faith and hope in him .

Which church is verie plentifull , abounding with all spirituall meate of the word of God , which nourisheth and giueth life to the soule , as bread and other food féedes the bodie . With this food thou diddest féed the prophet Ezechiel , when thou diddest cause him to eate a booke , wherewith his bowels were filled , and it séemed in his mouth swéeter than honie .

In this pasture runneth also a fresh and pleasant riuer of running water of godlie doctrine , wherewith we often doo refresh our soules . In this also is a water of spirituall washing , by baptisme , whereby we were woonderfullie refreshed in our youth . For our soules being made foule , through the diuell and sinne , by baptisme are repaired and made beautifull , according to the first creation , that is , to thy likenesse and image : and by this water we are replenished with thy holie spirit .

This water saw the prophet Ezechiel long ago , gushing foorth of the right side of the temple , and grew to a great riuer , that no man could wade ouer ; to which water whosoeuer we come , was made whole . Euen so , in the water of our baptisme , we were borne againe , in the water of godlie doctrine we are nourished , and without these we are but dead in sinne and wickednesse , and at the end shall go to euerlasting death : but these waters are to vs a well springing vp vnto euerlasting life . And if at anie time by our frailiie we fall into sinne ; yet is thy mercifull sonne readie to receiue vs to his grace , and quicken our soules ; if we be sorowfull and penitent .

By which grace he maketh vs also to knowe how to loue him , and not to estéeme the pleasures of this world , but to haue our eies onelie fixed vpon him . So that with thine apostle Paule , we account all things but losse , that we may winne Christ , and be found in him , not hauing our owne righteousnesse , but that which springeth of the faith which is in Iesus Christ . Whose grace if we haue , though we walke in the vallic and shadow of death , yet we feare none euill ; for thou art with vs .

This life is a shadow of death , after which we trust by faith to dwell with thée . Neuerthelesse , whilest we are here , thou art with vs , and thy sonne hath also promised to be with vs vnto the end of the world ; his rod of discipline and correction dooth chasten vs , when we swarue at anie time out of the right waie : by which we iudge that he dooth loue vs ; for whosoeuer he be that he loueth , him he dooth chasten . Christs strong shéepheards staffe dooth staie vs , when we are weake , as a sicke man is by his staffe .

In Christ thy sonne is the fulnes of grace , from whom distilleth all goodnesse that we haue ; through his holie spirit is our cup filled full of pure liquor : it causeth vs , for ioie of heauenlie contemplation , to forget all the troubles and miseries of the world , the dregs of worldlie pleasures , and carnall affections . For as thy mercie hath gone before vs , plentifullie giuing vs aboundance of thy great graces : so we trust , and doubt not , but it will followe vs all the daies of our liues , and kéepe vs that we fall not from faith .

Thou Lord must helpe our house , or else we labour in vaine ; thou must be our beginning and end , and then we be sure to dwell in the house of the Lord for euer . For we know surelie , that if our earthlie mansion , wherein we now dwell , were dissolued , we haue a building ordeined of God , an habitation not made with hands , but eternallie in heauen , where is perpetuall ioie and beatitude , world without end , Amen .

37. A breefe confession , that we receiue all goodnes from God .

ARise vp O Lord God , and let thine enimies be scattered before thée , and let them that hate thée be brought to confusion . Declare O Lord thy might and power , for thou art a consuming fire , and a gelous God , visiting the sinnes of the fathers vpon the children , vnto the third and fourth generation . For thy gouernement is so iust , constant , and without change or repentance , that thy verie enimies shall be compelled to confesse the same .

O God almightie , thou doost punish thine elect by measure , & giuest them grace to beare it ; but to the reprobate , it is thy iust vengeance , to driue them headlong to all madnesse . For thy omnipotencie hath all power in it selfe , to execute thy terrible iudgment against obstinate sinners : as thou art rich in mercy to comfort them which obeie thy word and loue thée .

The faithfull , in all their aduersities , doo knowe that all shall go well with them : for GOD will be mercifull and iust , and though they want for a time , yet thou wilt send them comfort in due season . For thy Maiestie is so great , that it filleth both heauen and earth , and there is no power so high that can let thée , when thou wilt deliuer thine . The wicked rise vp suddenlie to honour , and perish as quicklie ; but the inheritance of the children of God continueth for euer . For thou O GOD wilt take vengance vpon the wicked , and measure them according to their dealings .

Thus thou O God canst plucke backe the bridle of tyrants , and deliuer thine owne out of the lions mouth : for though the wicked swell neuer so much , yet we feare them not . They cannot vtterlie destroie vs , for thou Lord hast promised to abide with thy faithfull people , to the end of the world . Thy grace will not leaue vs , nor anie that loue thée and serue thée with a faithfull heart . Thy fauour O God resteth on thine , for thy sonne Iesus Christs sake , that from him we might receiue thy blessings . For we deserue nothing of our selues , but thy wrath and indignation .

Wherefore grant vs , good Lord , first to séeke thy glorie , and aboue all things reigne thou ouer vs al , and let vs render to thée perfect obedience , as thine angels doo , whom thou hast commanded to take charge of thy children . For the which if the wicked despise them , thou of thy mercie wilt reuenge their cause : for thou wilt preserue the faithful branches of thy vineyard ; but the rotten stocks wilt thou destroie , according to their hypocrisie . For there is none like vnto thée in heauen aboue , or in the earth beneath . Thou dooest blesse the labour of the poore , and consumest the goods of them which are negligent , bicause they boast and thinke they haue enough .

The wicked wallow in their riches , yet are they but slaues to the godlie that are true professors of the gift of God . The cup which thou gauest to the wicked to drinke , is much bitter than that thou doost bestow on thine own : them thou measurest by mercie , the other by iustice . And though thou suffer thy children to liue vnder the crosse , least they should imbrace wickednesse ; yet thou wilt not suffer it to rest vpon them , that it should driue them from their hope : for all thy promises are true . Wherefore we are sure of thy helpfull deliuerance , séeing the earth and all creatures remaine in that estate , wherein thou hast created them ; much more thy truth indureth constant and vnchangeable . Blessed be thou O God of truth , and blessed be the glorie of thy holie name , world without end , Amen , Amen .

38. A praier wherein is shewed , that there is none omnipotent , but God alone .

O Lord GOD almightie , it is not in mans power or counsell to hinder that thou hast determined shall come to passe : for as the insensible heauen is not subiect to anie alteration and change , so shall the truth of thy promises be vnchangeable , sith our infirmities cannot in any wise comprehend thée in thy maiestie . There is none like thée , neither is there anie God besides thée : thou killest , and giuest life ; thou woundest , and makest whole . Wherefore blessed are they that confesse thée , and obeie thy word : to them thou giuest life and felicitie .

The ioies that are stedfast and perdurable , are giuen of thy goodnesse , to those that are méeke and humble in spirit . Thou dooest grant to the faithfull of thy goodnesse , both grace and glorie ; so that no good thing shall be withholden from them that liue in thy feare : for thou castest awaie none that will séeke thée in righteousnes . And though thou suffer the world to hate thine elect , it is bicause thy children should forsake the filthines of this world , and cleaue vnto thée . Wherefore grant vs , O Lord , that we may alwaies haue the eies of our faith fixed vpon thée : for whatsoeuer thou O GOD hast promised , shall surelie be performed . For as it was thy frée mercie , O God , that did choose vs : so is it thy frée mercie that must saue vs . Thou doost call vs by thy rod , to consider the shortnes of our life : for our sinnes haue abridged our daies , which be not onlie short , but miserable , bicause we are so sinfull , that we doo nothing but prouoke thée to wrath ; so weake we are , so fraile , and vnable of our selues to doo that good is , inclining alwaies to things forbidden . There is nothing so secreatlie doone on earth , but thou O God doost sée it , who dooest fulfill both heauen and earth .

Grant vs , O Lord , alwaies thy feare , which shall be a bridle to staie vs from all wickednesse . For as thou hast created all people , euen so dooest thou gouerne the hearts of all , ioining the saluation of thine with thine owne honour , so that they cannot perish , vnlesse thy glorie should be diminished . For thou art so mercifull , that a sinner can no sooner humble himselfe , but thou receiuest him to mercie , waiting as it were with patience , to call him to repentance .

Wherefore we crie now vnto thy maiestie , from the depth of our hearts ; most humblie beséeching thée to put all our wickednes out of thy remembrance , and giue vs grace to put our onelie trust in thée , from whom we looke for our deliuerance , who shalt change our bodies , and make them like to the most glorious bodie of thy sonne Iesus Christ ; to whom , with thée , & the holie Ghost , be giuen all praise , honour , and glorie , now and for euer more , Amen .

39. A praier of lamentation , wherein the sinner lamenteth his miserable estate , and crieth for mercie .

MY God , when I do earnestlie behold mine owne state , wherevnto I am brought through sinne , not onlie being naked and bare of all goodnes , but also to be ouerwhelmed in the depth of all iniquitie ; I cannot but lament , moorne , and crie for helpe , as dooth a woman , whose time draweth néere to be deliuered of hir child ; for she can take no rest , till she be discharged of hir burthen .

No more can I , Lord , as long as I féele my selfe loden with my heauie burthen of sinne , the weight wherof draweth me downe to the déepe bottome of all miserie ; from whence I can by none be deliuered , but onelie by thée , that art the guide and the eie to those that are blind through ignorance , the succor of the oppressed , the comfort of the weake , the life of those that are dead ; so that they repent and turne vnto thée .

It is not the long distance of vs from thy highnesse , which kéepeth our praiers from thée ; thine eares are readie in the hearts of all that are willing to crie for the help of thy grace . Who so is made farre from thée , through sinne , by repentance is made néere vnto thée . He that is in the bottom of the sea of miserie , if he beginne to call for thy helpe , he shall not be suffered to sinke . From all déepe dangers most mercifull God deliuer me .

I crie and call pitiouslie vnto thée , which art onelie able to helpe me . Heare therefore , I most hartilie praie thée , my sorowfull praier , and let my poore petition pearse the eares of thy Godhed . And since thy sonne Christ died for to release vs of sinne , let not my sinnes be a staie , whereby my praiers should not be heard , but wipe them cleane awaie , that they neuer more appéere . For I miserable sinner doo flie to the gentlenes of thy fauourable mercie , whose nature and propertie is to haue pitie & compassion .

From thée floweth all mercie and grace , which was so great vnto vs , that it mooued thée to send thine onlie Sonne to die for our redemption ; whereby thy iustice was satisfied , and thy mercie found that it sought . O how feruent was this thy noble charitie to vs vile wretches ! It tooke root & beginning in thy mightie deitie , & from thence it was deriued to mankind ; being an example that we thy christian people should , like louing brethren , beare one anothers burthen .

Wherefore I am most willinglie contented , to remit all iniuries doon to me ; as it hath pleased thy goodnes to forgiue me much greater offenses committed against thée . And whensoeuer it shall please thée to scourge and punish me , I will gladlie receiue thy chastisement , for that I knowe it procéedeth of loue for my wealth and suretie ; trusting that after my long abiding & suffering in this life , I shall surelie obteine thy reward , by thy promise , that is ; If we suffer with Christ , we shall also reigne with him .

Such sure hope haue I euer had in thée Lord , and by the same hope I trust to haue thy fauour , and liue for euer . For blessed are they that trust in thée , most mercifull Father ; and cursed are they that trust in man . Of thy grace and mercie onelie commeth all goodnes ; thy mercie forgiueth onelie our sinnes dailie and hourelie , & the painfull death of thy sonne Christ deliuereth vs from all the paines due for our sinnes . Thou boughtest vs not with gold and siluer , but with the pretious bloud of that lambe without spot , thy blessed Sonne , whose death had béene sufficient for thousands of worlds .

The greatnes of thy loue caused the plentifull paiment of the price of our redemption . The charitie of our Lord Iesus Christ hath burnt vp , and consumed , by his death , all our iniquities . Wherefore the faithfull , being thus deliuered from all dangers , by thine onlie goodnesse , may now giue thanks vnto thy mightie Maiestie , resting in hope to haue , after this life , euerlasting ioie and felicitie ; thorough Iesus Christ our mercifull Lord and redéemer ; to whom with thée O deare Father , & the holie Ghost , be giuen all honor , glorie , and praise , now and for euer , Amen .

40. A praier , wherein the fatherlie loue and preseruation of God is set foorth , and a request that we may continue faithfull and constant vnto the end .

GRant vs , O Lord that we may constantlie beléeue in thée ; that being certified by thy iustice , taught by thy wisedome , gouerned by thy power , we may stedfastlie perseuere euen vnto the end , in hope of that ioie that is set before our eies , framing our liues continuallie in christian exercises , that we may shew our selues thankful to thée our God , with dutifulnesse to our neighbour . For thy iudgements appéere manifest in this world , against those that suppresse thy word , and persecute thy seruants . For thou dooest disappoint the lot and expectation of the wicked , turning their ioie into sorrowe , and the teares of the godlie into gladnesse , dwelling in the harts of thy faithfull by thy holie spirit , who are called thy glorie , bicause thy image , and the token of thy grace shineth in them .

Thou art a light to comfort thy people , and a fire to consume thine enimies . Thou art he , O Christ , that touchest the harts of all thy seruants , mortifieng their concupiscence : but to the wicked thou art the sauour of death . Wherefore the faithfull desire of thée to be deliuered , that thou by them maist be glorified : for thou hast promised to be true and iust vnto all that trust in thée . Wherefore we will take thée for our defense against all our enimies , what danger soeuer we fall into .

Thy word giueth life vnto man , causing him to sée and trie the secrets of his darke heart . For thou shewest thy selfe most liberall to thine , when they séeme to be most destitute , kéeping them vnder thy protection , that they may be safe against all dangers , and frée from the cruelties of their enimies . For as to the elect all things turne to their profit ; so to the reprobate , euen those things that are good , turne to their damnation .

As for me , I will neuer boast of mine owne vertues , O God ; but confesse that thou of thy frée goodnes , hast euer bin mercifull vnto me , and giuen me power against mine enimies , as to one of thine household . Wherefore grant me alwaies to make my praier vnto thée , from the fountaine of my heart , that I offend thée not through hypocrisie .

And though the wicked deale rigorouslie with me , yet I beséech thée let me find comfort from thée ; for hitherto hast thou strengthened me against my outward and inward enimies , so that all the world shall confesse , that thou hast wonderfullie preserued me , and performed thy promise . For thou dooest euer guide me with thy hand , that I can turne no waie but where thou appointest me . Thy prouidence doth so fast hold me , that I cannot by anie meanes escape from thée . Thou hast made me in all parts , and therfore must néeds know me . Wherefore , considering thy wonderfull worke in forming me , I cannot but praise thée , and feare thy mightie power , who art the creator of all things , the kéeper of iustice , the louer of right , the hater of malice ; beholding from the high throne of thy Maiestie the children of men .

Bow downe thine eare , O mercifull Father , I humblie beséech thée , and heare me thy seruant , whom thou hast hitherto brought vp from my tender age , and deliuered me vntill this daie from the hands of the wicked , whose rage was furious , vntill thou brakest their force . I set my hope in thée O God , and life euerlasting , knowing that these earthlie things shall perish , hauing a sure hope , that both my soule and bodie shall inioy thy presence , O God of my saluation , in the last resurrection . Then shall I féele thy mercies , and answere when thou callest me .

Wherefore I set all my felicitie and ioie in that I am vnited with thée O God , and shall inioie thy presence ; so that I reiect all other things saue that which furthereth me to attaine to thy heauenlie treasures , which is sure , and cannot be found in anie but in thée alone , whose praise shall indure for euer , world without end Amen .

41. A praier , wherein the sinner praieth for grace , that he may make a godlie end .

BLessed Father of heauen , fountaine of all grace and goodnes , that art rich in mercie , and plentifull in giuing the same to all that doo faithfullie call vpon thy holie name . O good God , thou hauing a sonne no lesse rich in power , wisedome , knowledge , and mercy , than thou art thine owne selfe , diddest not spare to send him from thy heauenlie palace , downe to the earth , into the wombe of a virgine , for the saluation of mankind , to declare thine aboundant loue towards vs .

Thou diddest for our sakes make him poore , which before was rich ; to the intent that we , which before were verie poore , should by his pouertie be made rich ; that he which before was all one with thée , in thy diuine substance , might now be made one with vs , that are members of the bodie , whereof he is the head . Hearken good Lord , giue eare vnto my praier , let my petition ascend vp before the sight of thy Maiestie . The comming of thy mercifull son did make me thine , but the vilenes of mine owne acts hath cast me downe , and made me verie miserable . The greatnes of mine offenses hath caused thée to turne awaie thy face from me , withdrawing thy grace , which was the cause of the good works I did .

Thou canst find no good thing in me , worthie of thy fauour ; wherfore , Lord , behold the face of Christ thy deare Sonne , my mediator ; for his sake giue me that which of my selfe I am much vnworthie to obteine of thée . Looke on me with thy pitifull eie , and in the time of my trouble incline thine eare and heare me . My old enimie daily assalteth me and vexeth me . Wherefore I will not cease to call vpon thée dailie : but speciallie at the houre of my death Lord heare me & defend me , at which time my cruel enimie will most busilie inuade me . At that instant Lord looke vpon me with the eie of thy mercie , now whilest I am in this wretched world .

I craue not of thée aboundance of earthlie goods , but as honest necessitie dooth require , but the aboundance of thy grace in this life . This hast thou of thy méere liberalitie promised to grant , to all that in stedfast faith call vpon thée . This hastie calling vpon thée dooest thou delight in , for thou art as redie to answer me , as I am to call vpon thée . Wherefore make spéed in hearing , as I am bold to call vpon thée for I confesse O Lord I haue left thy holie word and commandements , which is as bread vnto the soule , giuing nutriment and moisture by faith and charitie , and haue eaten of the trée which thou forbadest me .

I haue , with our father Adam , followed the illusions of the serpent , & tasted of sin ; but thy blessed sonne my sauiour Iesus Christ hath shed his bloud for vs , whereby we are restored vnto thy grace , mercie , and fauour , through the sacrament of baptisme , if we hartilie repent . He quickneth vs , which before were dead in sinne ; he slaieth , and can raise againe ; he striketh and healeth : as he did Paule in his persecution .

How much therefore are we bound to his grace , that without anie deseruing on our parts , willinglie offered himselfe to the death for our redemption : and to thy maiestie also , who didst not spare thine onelie begotten sonne , but of thy pure pittie , sentedst him downe to suffer the most vile death of the crosse for our sakes .

Wherefore I am much ashamed to lift vp my eies to heauen towards thy highnesse , being so vnkind to thée againe so manie waies . I haue loued the works of darkenes , and therefore I fled from the light of the bright sunne of iustice : for which cause doo I sigh , sorrowe , and bewaile my wretchednes , in the bitternesse of such thoughts for feare of thine anger towards me ; knowing that at the time of thy comming to the dreadfull generall iudgement , the storme of thine indignation shall go forth , and fall downe vpon the heads of the vngodlie .

Thou liftest me vp of a great hight , in that thou thou madest me like vnto thine image , touching my reasonable soule , and hast giuen me power , by thy grace , to inherit euerlasting ioies of heauen , both bodie and soule , if I liued here after thy rommandements . What greater gift canst thou giue me , Lord , than to haue the fruition of thée ? But alas I beare so heauie and erthlie fraile bodie , ioined to my noble soule , that my heart and mind is drawne downe from the consideration of thy goodnes , and from well dooing , vnto all kind of vices .

Wherefore , Lord , grant me , that in the shadow of this life , I may haue grace to sée light , and to know thée , thy waies , and thy holie word , which giueth light and vnderstanding vnto babes : for after this life , there is no place nor time left of repentance . And since my time is here but short , continue thy grace towards me , that I may liue in thy feare all the daies of my life , and end my life in thy fauour , who doost indure for euer , and thy remembrance through all generations , world without end , Amen , Amen .

42. A praier against the offenses of this world .

MY hart shall praise thée O GOD , for my soule is in loue with thy maiestie , for the which I despise all earthlie things , in respect of of thée the euerlasting GOD , without measure , who féedeth all things . Thou art the comfort of the soule , and the true ioie of the heart . Wherefore Lord continue thy graces towards vs , and helpe our present necessities : for we are far vnworthie of thy great benefits , which thou bestowest vpon vs and all people , who appointest the earth to bring foorth to mans vse . Thou art a most nourishing father , prouiding for all creatures their dailie food ; for none is able to do anie thing , but as thou appointest them , sith they are but instruments to doo thy worke , though intentions be diuers .

Thou O God art the sender of peace and warre , prosperitie and aduersitie , punishing whole nations for their sinnes . How can we then so foolishlie persuade our selues , that we shall escape vnpunished for our offenses ? Séeing thou hearest and séest all things , who hast in all ages plagued all such as maliciouslie and contemptuouslie depart from thy truth . For who so forsaketh thée O God , shall be punished , and made wearie of his sinnes , wherein he delighteth . As for me , I hate them , O Lord , that presumptuouslie dare attribute vnto themselues , that they can guide their owne harts ; séeing it lieth in thy omnipotencie to giue the will , and further the worke . For there is none able to speake a word , except thou giue it him ; neither is anie able to thinke a good thought , without thée : much lesse may anie doo the thing that good is , without the assistance of thy holie spirit .

Wherefore regenerate me , O Lord God , by the same spirit , and restore me to thine image , giuing me grace , and an assured faith , to thinke & doo that which is righteous in thy sight . For I desire to liue but onelie to please thée , as thy seruant Moses did , who was brought vp with the daughter of Pharao , and taken as hir sonne ; where he might haue liued still in much wealth , if he would . But when he was great through faith , he refused to be called hir sonne , & chose rather to suffer aduersitie with the people of God , than to enioie the pleasure of sinne for a while ; and all for that he had respect to the reward to come in thy heauenlie house .

Which grant me to aspire vnto , for thy mercie sake , whatsoeuer vexation or trouble my bodie bide . For what should all the world gaine me , if I lose my soule ? Better I were in this world to féed vpon the bread of teares , and to wash my cup with moorning , than to liue in all prosperitie , wallowing in worldlie wealth , and forget thée my God , as the rich glutton did . For assuredlie it is thy plague , when the rich man hath not a liberall hart to vse his riches , to thine honour and glorie . For there is no power so high or mightie , but thou O God canst visit him with thy rod ; neither is there anie mountaine or hill so strong or mightie , that it can preserue the wicked from thy wrath , O most mightie , when thou wilt strike ; for thine office is to take vengeance on the wicked , and to reward them according to their wickednes and deseruing . Blesse me , O GOD , and make me of that number , which regard not the pleasures of this world , with the temporall commodities thereof : but make me strong against my spirituall enimie , that I may be thy well beloued child and seruant : for I haue no other refuge but thée O Lord , in whom my conscience is at rest . Thou art named mercifull , gratious , and long suffering : Lord shew thy selfe so vnto me thy poore creature , who is most weake and fraile of all other .

Lord I haue confessed all mine offenses and imperfections vnto thy Maiestie : and now I depend wholie on thée , resting still on thy most holie word ; beséeching thée to strengthen my poore soule , which sigheth and groneth vnto thée , with gréefes that cannot be expressed , vntill thou haue mercie vpon me . Which grant me for thy deare sonne Iesus Christ our Lord and sauiour , Amen , So be it .

43. A praier for the good estate of the church and congregation of God .

ARise O LORD GOD , and haue mercie vpon thy church and faithfull congregation . Giue vs that be of the houshold of faith , ioie and consolation . Thou didest euer shew mercie vnto thy seruants ; for euer since the fall of angels , vnto the end of the world , thy mercie hath euer béene , and shall be aboundantlie shewed to all mankind : but chéefelie it was shewed when thy sonne was sent into this world , to suffer death , whereby the gate of heauen was opened , which before was shut , that no man might enter . This time was the beginning of grace , and was certeinlie appointed , when the fulnes of time was come , which was before sinne , by the euerlasting wisdome of thy deitie , whereby thou dooest all things in most perfect order . This time of grace , we trust , shall continue for euer , to those that are penitent .

Wherefore we praie thée without ceasing , to haue mercie vpon thy church : for we faithfullie build vpon a sure rocke , thy sonne Iesus Christ is our foundation . Wherefore most louing father , turne thée vnto the praiers of vs that are poore & destitute of any helpe ; but onelie of thy helpe , through thy mercie . Despise not , we humblie beséech thée , our humble desire . Behold our petitions with thy fatherlie eie , wherewith thou didst looke vpon the oblation of Abel , and receiue it thankfullie , wherewith also thou beheldest the the praier of the Israelties , being in bitter bondage in Aegypt , and deliueredst them : with those same mercifull eies vouchsafe to looke vpon vs , and our praiers , whereby the noble fame and praise of thy mercie shall be written for those that come after , which shall be borne in faith by baptisme , and may praise thée . For those that be thy children , shall haue a power aboue nature , & in their age shall they bring foorth most swéet and pleasant fruit .

Thou wilt euer declare thy selfe the preseruer of the church in destroieng thine enimies , as thou diddest in thy red sea . Thou O God art mercifull , and wilt not forsake vs , neither destroie vs : nor forget the appointment of our Fathers , which thou swarest vnto them . And forsomuch as thou O God hast appointed that thy church in this world shal be vnder the crosse , both bicause we should learne , not to put our trust in anie worldlie thing , and also féele thy comfort when all other helpe faileth . Therfore we humblie beséech thée O Lord , gather thy church which is dispersed , and giue vs constancie vnder the manifold crosses which we suffer , that we may with one consent all togither praise thée for euer . For thou hast promised , by the mouth of thy swéet sonne Iesus Christ , that thy power , and thine assistance shall be with hir vnto the end of the world .

Strengthen vs therefore with thy grace and holy spirit , that we may sowe the séed of good works in this world , that they may declare vs to be thy faithfull seruants , and that they may be acceptable fruit in thy sight : for thou dooest trie our faith , and teachest vs to forget the world , and to depend on thée O father of al goodnes . Thy promise neuer faileth , thou gouernest , by thy holie spirit , as séemeth best to thy godlie wisedome : for thou O God art rich in mercie and truth , which féedest all things , and none can iustlie complaine . For as by thy presence all things haue life ; so if thou withdraw thy blessing , we all perish .

Thou hast a little flocke , féed them with thy spirituall foode , and gouerne thy church , séeing thou hast chosen them out of the world : ioine it vnto thy selfe , that thy faithfull may continue for euer . For thou art euerlasting , thou hast euer loued truth , thou art veritie it selfe , all thy promises are vnremooueable . Thou diddest promise to Abraham to multiplie his séed , as the stars of heauen , and as the sands vpon the sea side ; which promise at the last he enioied : euen so diddest thou promise Isaac and Iacob . When Ezechias was sicke vnto the death , thou diddest promise him life fiftéene yéeres more , which thou didst performe for thy names sake .

Euen so Lord kéepe thy promise with vs , that are thy poore shéepe , so shall we praise thée , and thy Sonne our sauiour Christ , which is our good shéepeheard ; who suffered death for his flocks sake , to make them triumph ouer their enimies . And as he rose againe for our iustification , so grant that we may rise in newnes of life , and aspire vnto the same place whither our sauiour is gone before ; whose name be praised , with thée O déere father , and the holie Ghost , now and foreuermore , Amen .

44. A praier , wherein is shewed , that the wisedome of God is to be praised ; as also how he trieth his seruants is declared .

THou , O most mightie God art the creator & maker of all things , whose power is euerlasting , which shal neuer be put down ; whose kingdome indureth incorrupt for euer , and thy going out hath béene from euerlasting . Great art thou , high & vnmeasureable ; thou onelie knowst the waies of wisdome none other is there that can find hir paths , but thou the mightie God , which hast found hir out with thy foreknowledge ; & by the same thy godlie wisedome hast created all things , according to thy noble will and pleasure . This thine omnipotent power , Lord , I thy sinfull seruant and subiect doo honour , and thy excéeding wisedome I haue in great reuerence . By the one thou madest all things , and by the other thou knewest what thou wouldest make , long before they were made ; in both these hast thou declared thy selfe to be the liuing God .

And although our acts , which be past , present , and to come , be all open before thine eies , and our thoughts manifest in the sight of thy diuine presence ; yet dooest thou dailie search and prooue thine elect people , sometimes by aduersitie , sometimes by prosperitie , to cause vs thereby to be knowen to other . After this sort diddest thou prooue Abraham , in the oblation of his sonne , to the intent his obedience might be an example to all that should come after him . Thus also diddest thou prooue thy seruant Iob , and he was found both faithfull , constant , and iust . Thou knowest what men be , before thou triest them . But after the triall , thou hearest them & their praiers , and allowest their good actes and intentions : by such proofe , Lord , hast thou tried me both within and without .

And though through frailtie I haue erred , wandering from thée ; yet at length haue I béene found to returne againe to thée , that art the perfect waie , and to beléeue faithfullie in thée , as in my verie God , to trust wholie in thée , & to loue thée as my mercifull father : and all through the gift of thy grace , not of mine owne strength or will . For what were I sillie wretch , if I were destitute of thy helpe ? I doo consider thy goodnes , and thy godlie prouidence , by which thou wast the cause of my first being ; and still am I much bound vnto thy Maiestie , for the great loue thou barest vnto me . First for my creation , and also for thy meruellous protection , assistance , inspiration , redemption , and reconciliation , which the eie of my soule dooth right well consider .

Wherefore I most humblie praie thée Lord , to regard what shall redound to thy glorie : for thine honour is more aduanced in sauing one poore miserable and sinfull creature , through thy mercie , than in the damnation of a thousand , by the rigour of thy iustice . For in hell none can praise thée , but cursse , waile , moorne and lament their miserable estate . Now , O my GOD , I most hartilie beséech thée , to giue me grace to flie the companie of all such as speake vntruelie of thée , and of thy holie will and word ; & also of them that exalt themselues presumptuouslie , least being conuersant in their wickednesse , I might fall from that right way , in the which it hath pleased thy gratious goodnes to direct me : for whosoeuer is familiar with the proud , shal be clothed with pride .

He that dooth euill , is worthie of death ; so are all those that communicate with him that hath pleasure in euill . As for such as decline from thée , I will abhorre : those that doo me anie wrong , I cléerelie forgiue and forget whatsoeuer they doo vnto me ; yea I doo praie vnto thée my most mercifull father , euen from the bottome of my hart , to forgiue them . But those , Lord , that maliciouslie resist thée , and thy holie word , I hate them , euen as though they were mine enimies . Neuerthelesse , I doo praie thée for amendment of their liues , and saluation of their soules .

Consider Lord the frailtie of our nature , none can stand in the right waie , but shall slide and fall , vnlesse thou giue him the staffe of thy grace , to staie himselfe thereby . As for me , I haue wandered from thée , as a shéepe that is straied from the flocke : but thy goodnes hath found me out again , and brought me vnto the fold . Lead me therfore , out of mine owne wicked waie , into thie blessed waie of truth , through the merits of thy déer beloued Sonne Christ , who is the very true perfect path to all beatitude , by whose helpe I may so direct my steppes , in the waie of this life , that I may kéepe the waie vnto life euerlasting , Amen .

45. A praier wherin is shewed how stranglie preserued , and how blessed they are , that trust in God : the mercie of God also toward sinners is declared .

O Lord almightie , father of mercie , & God of all comfort , which in the treasure of shine infinit mercies , disposest all things , not onlie among vs thy poore creatures vpon earth , which is bountifullie replenished therewith ; but also among thy holy angels , and blessed spirits in heauen , who are all preserued by thy grace . Lord God , whose nature and propertie is to haue mercie vpon all those that loue thée , and in faith call on thée ; thou saiest by thy prophet Esaie , that the mountaines shall remooue , and the hilles shall fall downe , but thy louing kindnesse shall not mooue from those that trust in thée .

Thou Lord , of thy mercie , sauedst Noa from the generall floud ; and Abraham in his voiage ; Lot , from sinking among the sinfull Sodomites ; Ioseph , from the danger of his wicked ladie and mistres ; the Israelites , from the bondage of Pharao ; Daniel , from the lions ; Ionas , from drowning , being thrée daies & thrée nights in the whales bellie ; the thrée yoong men , from burning , that were put into the flaming fornace ; with manie thousands more , whom of thy naturall accustomed mercie and goodnesse , thou dooest preserue , and euer wilt doo , all those that it pleaseth thée to drawe vnto thée , thorough grace .

I most miserable and wretched sinner doo now call vpon thée for mercie and grace , acknowledging my selfe gréeuouslie to haue offended the eies of thy deitie , so manie waies , that I am not worthie to beare the name of a christian ; the burthen of mine offenses is so great . Wherefore discharge me of them , Lord , according to thine infinit mercie . For small sinnes , thy small mercie sufficeth ; but my great sinnes require thy great mercie . And as my offenses are manie in number , so is there of thy mercies a great multitude : yea they cannot be numbred . But of one thing I am sure , that it lieth not in mans power so much to offend , as it is in thy mercifull power to forgiue . My woonds cannot be so great and noisome , but thy medicines are most pretious and healthsome : wherefore heale thou me , and I shall be whole from my sinnes .

The children of Israell might not come into thy sight , being once defiled with anie vncleannesse , till they were sanctified ; and the priests also durst not come to thy presence , till they were washed , for feare least they should perish : how much more néed I then to desire thée Lord to wash my vncleane soule ? For my soule hath néed of manie dews of thy grace , and manie secret drawings to thée with spirituall violence , or euer it can be made cleane . The leprosie of Naaman of Syria could not be clensed , till he had washed himselfe seauen times in the riuer of Iordan : how manie waters haue I néed to be washed with , or I be purged from my vncleannesse ? But thy mercie , O Lord , is as great as thy selfe . Thy grace maketh a stonie heart to be a fleshie heart ; in a sturdie stomach , it bréedeth an humble spirit ; of a fierse lion , it maketh a méeke lambe . Whie should I then despaire of thy goodnes , considering that thy iustice willeth me to trust in thée ?

Thy promise is to haue mercie on all those that be penitent for their offenses , so that thou wilt no more remember them . This promise no doubt , shall stand fast and sure , when both heauen and earth shall passe awaie . Wherefore I offer now to thy maiesty a hart contrite , being sorie for the wickednes by it conceiued , with a bodie subiect to thée with all humilitie , and sorowfull for all the sinnes by it committed . I acknowledge my faults , and my sinnes is euer before me ; I punish my selfe with contrition , bicause thou Lord shouldst giue me grace and remission . I haue it euer in remembrance , and set it vp in my sight , bicause thou shouldst forget it , and put it out of thy sight . Consider Lord ( I praie thée ) the fraile metall whereof I am made , receiue me thy poore creature into thy fauour : for before thée I accuse my selfe , to the intent thou shouldest shew mercie , as thou hast promised , who hast euer béene found iust in all thy saiengs .

I haue long straied from thée , yet now am returned to thée , with all my whole heart . Make me therefore vpright . and so to aspire to heauenlie things , that neither aduersitie , nor worldlie pleasure plucke it downeward . Cast awaie my sinnes behind thée , but cast not me from thy mercifull countenance , as thou diddest king Saule for disobedience . For if I loose thy gratious presence , I am then sure thou wilt also take from me thy holie spirit , as thou diddest from Saule . O how gratious and swéet is thy spirit in all things , it passeth all other swéetenes , it leadeth those that loue thée , into the land of righteousnes .

This thy holie spirit I desire may remaine still with me , to teach me all veritie , to confirme me in goodnes , to make intercession for me vnto thée in all my necessities and infirmities . Giue me therefore againe the comfort of thy helpe , and stablish me with thy principall spirit . For thou onelie art mightie , faithfull , and constant , and neuer failest them that call vpon thée in faith and truth . Wherefore I offer vnto thée the sacrifice of praise and thankesgiuing , for all thy mercies and benefits , putting my whole trust in thée , who hast neuer failed me ; for which cause I am bound to praise thée , now and for euermore , Amen .

46. A praier of the maiestie of God , and of his bountifull liberalitie towards mankind .

O Lord , thou art my GOD , and my King , my hope and my comfort , who hast by so great prouidence created and ordained all thy creatures , that the beautie & excellencie of them declare thy mightie magnificence , to vs all which are thy reasonable creatures . The power of thy maiestie to vs knowne before , is by the contemplation of them made manifest , causing vs to praise and magnifie thée with all our powers . We acknowledge thy power , thy wisedome , thy honour also , and thy great glorie , wherewith thou art garnished . Thou art the euerlasting light , and thy wisedome is the brightnesse thereof , which shall neuer be quenched . Thou art compassed about with bright angels , and with thy saints shining in clearenesse , whose inheritance is to enioie light .

As for vs thy poore creatures on earth , great cause haue we to praise thée world without end ; bicause thou hast so mercifullie declared thy great goodnes to mankind , in this world , to his most comfort that could be deuised , giuing vnto vs all things to doo vs seruice . All beasts thou madest subiect for his vse ; which to nourish and to féed , thou causest the ground naturallie to bring foorth grasse , and all kind of hearbes , replenishing the earth with all kind of fruit , to the comfort of mans heart .

But aboue all things , Lord , féed vs with thy holie word , whereby our soules are made strong and comforted . For in a miserable case doo they liue , from whom thou takest awaie thy holie word , which is the true bread , which came downe from heauen : which whosoeuer eateth of , shall liue for euer . Lord neuer take the same awaie from vs againe , but euermore féed vs with this bread . Thy word maketh our enimies afraid , they haue no further power to hurt thy faithfull , than thou permittest them . Wherefore , although the wicked swell neuer so high , yet we feare them not ; they may inuade thy church , and manie of the elect members of the same , but they shall neuer haue power to destroie them . For thou Lord hast promised to abide with thy faithfull , vnto the end of the world ; thy grace will not leaue them that loue and serue thée .

Send vs , good Lord , this grace , that we may feruentlie imbrace the spirituall food of our soules , that it may cause vs to forget our wanton and idle liues , that we haue hitherto lead , and now beginne to frame a new , spirituall , godlie life , building the house of our soules on the sure rocke , which is thy sonne Iesus Christ , resting in him as a sure habitation . For it is he , Lord , that thou hast annointed aboue all other , to be our mediatour and mercie seat , who is so gentle , mercifull , and louing , that he is most readie to receiue vs , whensoeuer we come vnto him . O glorious God , how excellent art thou ? How noble and manifest be thy works , passing farre the capacitie of all thy creatures to comprehend ?

But thou full wiselie hast wrought all things , by the same wisedome that hath bin with thée before anie thing was created , and before all times , by the which thou hast numbred the sands of the sea , the drops of raine , the daies of time . By it hast thou measured the height of heauen , the breadth of the earth , and the déepenesse of the sea . This wisedome is thy verie sonne , our Lord and Sauiour , the second person in Trinitie , he is the power , in whom are hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge . By him hast thou wrought the worke of our redemption , and deliuered vs from eternall damnation .

And although thou be sometimes angrie with vs for our wickednes ; yet neuerthelesse , if we call vpon thée in thy sons name , thou wilt shew vs mercie : for it is thy nature and his to be mercifull . Lord kéepe our enimie farre from vs , let him not deuoure those , for whose redemption and saluation thou vouchsafedst to send thy most entirelie beloued son , to suffer death and passion . Bring them also ( we humblie beséech thée ) into the true faith of thy holie church , that they may knowe thée , and him whom thou hast sent for the saluation of the world ; that there may be on both sorts one shéepheard , and one flocke . Send vs all , most mercifull father , thy gratious fauor , and open thy liberall hand , and fill vs all with thy goodnes , hide not thy face from vs for our offenses .

O send forth , good Lord , thy swéet breath vpon vs , make vs new againe , that we may leaue our old naughtines , and become new creatures . We acknowledge our selues to be dust and ashes , send therefore thine holie spirit to renew our soules , making it conformable to thine image , according as thou diddest first create it ; which through sinne we haue made verie fowle and deformed . Then shall we giue glorie vnto thy maiestie , which indureth for euer , and thy kingdome from one generation to another , world without end , Amen .

47. A praier , wherein is shewed how blessed they are that feare the Lord .

O Lord Lord , thou art a great God , mightie in power whom no man may ouercome . Let all thy creatures praise thée , for thou spakest the word , and they were made ; thou sentest thy spirit , and they were created , and there is none that may withstand thy voice . The mountaines shall remooue from the foundations , and the waters shall melt like wax ; but they that feare thée , shall be great with thée in althings . For thou dooest abhorre the sacrifice of the vngodlie , but the praier of the righteous is acceptable vnto thée : and whosoeuer followeth righteousnes , him thou dooest loue .

The feare of thée O Lord God , is a well of life , and the right waie to auoid the snares of death : for thou preseruest the welfare of the godlie , and defendest them that walke innocentlie , and kéepest them in the right path , preseruing still the waie of thy saints , and neuer suffering their soules to féele hunger , but giuing them long life . As for the vngodlie , thou puttest him from his desires , shortening his yeares with gréefe .

Lord grant me therefore to put my trust in thée , with all my hart , that I neuer leane vnto mine owne vnderstanding ; but in all my waies to haue respect vnto thée : so wilt thou order my goings . For it is thou O Lord , that giuest wisedome , & out of thy mouth commeth knowledge and vnderstanding . O God my father , thou art he that hast brought me vp , and lead me from my youth ; therefore of thy mercie haue regard vnto me , and kéepe me stedfast in the feare of thée , in mine age , vntill I depart in peace , according to thy word . For mine eies doo dailie sée thy saluation which thou hast prepared for all thy people , which is thy deare sonne Iesus Christ .

He is my mercifull mediator , aduocate , and intercessor , by whom I hope to haue pardon of all my sinnes : in him I liue , mooue , and haue my being ; and after I am dissolued of this my corruptible bodie , I beléeue , through his mercie , to rise againe an incorruptible bodie : for that I knowe my redéemer liueth , by whom I shall liue , and shall sée him face to face , not with other eies , but with the same eies which I doo now , O God my sauiour , lift vp with a sorrowfull and repentant heart , for my most gréeuous sinnes and iniquities , vnto the seat of thy maiestie .

Beséeching thée , O my most swéet Lord Iesus , to wash me cleane , with thy most pretious blood , and make me one with thée , as thou and thy heauenlie father art one ; and as thou ouercamest , so grant me to ouercome all the temptations of the diuell , that I may be a piller in the temple of my God , and sit with thée on thy seat , as thou hast promised to all that ouercome the world , and die in the faith of thée . Thou art the waie , the truth , and the life . No creature commeth to the father , but by thée ; and none can trust in thée , except the father drawe him .

O déere father , which art the good husbandman , graft me in the true vine thy son . O Lord Iesu Christ , nourish me a true branch in thée , that I may abide euerlastinglie , and bring forth much fruit . O holy ghost , water me with the dew of thy grace , that I may be gréene , and growe in the loue and fauour of my father and redéemer . O thou , which art the finger of Gods hand , touch my hart , and vnlose the same from all blindnesse and hardnesse , that I may heare the voice of Gods heauenlie word , and bring foorth much fruit , vntill I be come vnto my full perfection , that I may be worthie to be placed among thy chosen and elect people : through the pretious death and blood shedding of Iesus Christ , my onelie Lord and sauiour ; to whom , with thée , and the father , be all honour and glorie , now and for euer , Amen .

48. A praier , wherein is shewed , that God dwelleth in the harts of the righteous , though his seat be in heauen .

THe mightie power of thy diuine maiestie , O Lord of Lords , and God of all gods , with the plentifull aboundance of thy goodnesse daily declared vnto mankind , inforceth me to consider mine owne weakenes , and insufficiencie , in yeelding to thée anie recompense . Thou Lord art omnipotent , and madest al things of naught : I am thy simple creature , made with thy hand , and without thy help I am able to doo no good thing . Thou art the GOD eternall , besides whom there is no god ; I am a woorme of the vile earth , not worthie to beare the name of a christian , for that through mine own sin , I haue defaced the beautie of the principall part of man , which is my soule , made to thy godlie image .

Neuerthelesse , since thou art the reformer of all our harts , and the inspiror of all grace and goodnesse , I most humblie beséech thée , to correct by thy power , that which through my frailtie is amisse . Redres by thy pitie that which I haue mard through my follie ; make me able to yéeld vnto thée , that which thou requirest of me , acknowledging mine owne vnworthines ; and to render vnto thée noble praises , and louing thanks for thy manifold gifts of grace , wherby thou hast , of thy méere liberalitie , indued both my soule and bodie . Make me worthie to laud thée , which I cannot doo vnlesse thou giue me grace , to wipe awaie all mine iniquities . For thy praises be not séemelie in the mouth of a sinner .

Yea Lord , I praie thée inflame my hart with the loue of thée , so that from the bottome thereof , I may speake them , and not to loue anie thing in this world but thée , & for thée . Thou art the true God and sauiour , and there is none but thou O Lord . Out of thy mouth commeth the word of righteousnes , which no man may turne . Wherefore , all other gods set I asside , to thée onelie will I sing praises , and confesse thée onelie to be the liuing GOD , which I will acknowledge before the whole congregation of the faithfull .

Thou knowest the inward intent of the heart , for in the hearts of the beléeuing is thy seate , and resting place . The soules of the iust are the temples , wherein thou dooest inhabit . To this temple , good Lord , will I turne my selfe , by pondering the state of mine owne soule ; for strength whereof I call most humblie vnto thée , most mercifull God , that I may be able to vanquish the illusions of the subtill serpent .

Performe in me , that which thou hast promised ; for all thy waies are mercie and truth . Thy mercie reacheth vnto the heauens , and thy faithfulnesse vnto the clouds : & thy righteousnes stands like the strong mountaine . When thy goodnes is considered , all the rulers of the earth must néeds confes , that great is thy might and thy glorie . Neuerthelesse , although thou dwellest aboue the heauens , yet hast thou a louing respect vnto the lowlie and méeke of spirit , and dooest behold them , as one looketh on his friend , if they trust in thée .

Thou drawest néere vnto them that séeke thée , to heare their praiers ; yea thou art their shéeld and protection , in all their necessities : as for the proud workers of iniquitie , thou séest them a far off , thou beholdest them with a fearse looke , to their confusion , to destroie and roote out their memoriall out of the euerlasting beatitude . Who so therfore will haue thy maiestie come néere vnto him , must plucke downe his mind , and become lowe in heart . For the méeke & humble people be those that shall enioie the heuenlie countrie . And though they walke in the middest of trouble , yet shalt thou refresh and quicken them .

This world is a place ordeined for trouble , and not for rest . Here we are appointed to trauell , in this place is no want of tribulation : but thou euer gratiouslie comfortest the faithfull , thou sufferest them not to be ouercome in any tribulation ; for through thée they vanquish all their enimies . Wherefore , Lord , powre out thy mercies ( I beséech thée ) vpon thy flocke ; deliuer vs from all our enimies , spirituall and temporall ; let thy right hand saue vs , and lead vs through thy grace , into eternall felicitie . As for riches , ease , honor , or any kind of temporall pleasure , which be thy gifts also , but of thy left hand , we nothing estéeme .

Manie times thou bestowest these benefits vpon thine enimies , the other thou reseruest for thine elect , to receiue after manie tribulations . And the same , Lord , I humblie beséech thée , to kéepe in store for me , thy poore seruant . Regard not the wickednes which I dailie commit , but looke vpon the merits of thy son Iesus Christ , my God and my sauiour : for it is he that hath paied my debt , and thou Lord hast sealed the acquitance : grant me to honour thée therefore , as I ought to doo , now and for euer , Amen , Amen .

49. A praier , wherein is shewed , that God is alwaies our protection , if we trust in his sonne Iesus Christ .

O Lord , thou art my God ; I will praise thée and magnifie thy name , and thy word aboue all things . Thou bringest maruelous things to passe , according to thy will and pleasure . Thou art the poore mans helpe , & a strength for the néedfull in the time of trouble , defending them against all weathers , and their shadowe in the time of heate . Likewise to the presumptuous , thou art like a strong whirle wind , that casteth downe the boasting of the vngodlie , bicause they know not thée to be the euerlasting strength : but the righteous Lord , haue a respect vnto the waie of thy iudgements , and thy name and remembrance reioiseth their hearts . As for my soule , it thirsteth after thée , both daie and night ; and my mind hasteth fréelie vnto thée , bicause thou art so mercifull vnto all them that séeke thée in singlenesse of heart : for thou wilt be found of them that thirst after thée .

Thou art the well of pleasant waters , wherewith whosoeuer is filled , they shall neuer be a thirst : for thou O lambe of GOD , that dwellest in the middest of the throne , wilt lead thine vnto the founteine of liuing waters , and giue them euerlasting rest ; bicause that in this world they made themselues white in thy blood , bearing thy crosses with willing minds , and confessed thée before men on earth . For this cause wilt thou acknowledge them before God thy father in heauen , where they shall praise thée and him , world without end . O God most holie , I acknowledge that I am none of those that haue deserued halfe such mercie at thy hands : but I hope , through the mercies and merits of thy deare sonne Iesus Christ my Lord and sauiour , to be made as perfect before thée , O heauenlie father , as if I had neuer sinned .

For thus I stedfastlie beléeue ; if I come vnto him , he will not refuse me ; and if I praie heartilie , desiring his helpe , he will heare me , and cloath me with his righteousnes , and take from me all the sinnes that euer I haue committed , from my birth vntill this present houre , as he hath promised in his holie word . Come Lord Iesus , for thou art true and iust in all thy waies , and wash me with thy most pretious blood . Sanctifie me with thy bitter passion , pretious death , and glorious resurrection . Restore me to those ioies , that thine elect doo find in thée , & powre thy holie spirit into my heart , that he may draw my mind continuallie vnto thée : for thou art the waie , the truth , and the life . Blessed are they that trust in thée , and with a stedfast faith make thée their onelie staie and refuge ; they shall be sure of all happinesse in this world : and when it shall please thée to call them hence , they shall enioie with thée , the crowne of glorie , who hast all power giuen thée , both in heauen and earth : for the father iudgeth no man , but hath committed all vnto thée , who art the verie wisedome of God .

Wherfore , Lord Iesu , make me blessed with thée , like as thou art blessed ; for I commit my selfe , both bodie and soule , into thy mercifull hands , who hast redéemed me , O thou God of truth . Thou O Lord , art worthie to receiue all glorie , and honour , and might : for thou hast created all things , and for thy willes sake they were and are created . O most noble creator of light , shine into my hart , that it may cléerlie sée the excellencie of thy maiestie ; and quicken my soule and spirit , that they may continuallie be stirred to honour and glorifie thée , as thou art worthie , which by thy grace I shall not cease to do , with hart soule , mind , and strength , among thy faithfull congregation , which of thy mercie , Lord preserue and kéepe , that we may praise thée , one God in persons thrée , and euerlasting in vnitie , world without end , Amen .

FINIS .

1584

printer's device of Henrie Denham H D OS HOMINI SVBLIME DEDIT

Imprinted at London , by Henrie Denham , dwelling in Pater noster Rowe , at the signe of the Starre .

Cum priuilegio .