A godlye medytacyon composed by the faithfull ... I.B. latlye burnte in Smytfelde ...

O Almightye and euerlasting Lord god the deer father of our sauiour Iesus Christ , which haste made heauen , & earth , the sea and al that therin is , whiche art the onely ruler , gouernor , conseruor , & keper of all thinges , together with thy deerly beloued sonne Christ Iesus our lord , and with thy holy ghoste the conforter . O holy , Righteous and wyse . O strong , terrible , mighty and ferfull Lorde god , iudge of all men , and gouernour of al the whole world O exorable , pacient , and most gracious father , whose eyes ar vppon the wayes of all men , and are so cleane , they cannot abyede impitye , thou searchest the hartes and tryest the verye thaughtes , and raynes of all men , thou hatest sin and abhorrest iniquitie : for syns sake thou haste greuously punisshed mankind thy most dere creature as thou haste declared by the penalty of death layed vpon al the children of Adam , by the castyng out of Adam & his of spring forth of Paradice , by the cursing of the earthe , by the drowninge of the world , by the burning vp of Sodom and gomor , by the hardning the harte of Pharao , so that no miracle could conuert him , by the drowning of hym , and his people with him in the red sea , by the ouerthrowing of the Israhelytes in the wildernes , so that of syx hundreth thousand , all onely but two did enter into the land of promis , by reiecting kinge Saule , by the greate ponishmentes vppon thy seruaunt dauid , not withstanding his harty repentance by greuously aff●cting Salamon in him selfe , and in his posteritie : by the captiuitie of the ten tribes , and by the thraldom of the Iewes , wherein vntill this present daye they continue a notable spectacle , of they wrath to the worlde agaynst and for sinne , but of all spectacles of thy angre agaynst sin , the greatest and moste notable , is the death & bloudy passion of thy deerly beloued son Ihesus Christ . Greate is thine angre agaynst syn when in heauen and earth nothing could befound which might appease thy wrath , saue the bloudsheading of thyne onely & moste deerly beloued son , in whome was and is al thy delight , great is the sore of sin that needed suche a salue , myghty was the mallady , that needed suche a medicine . Yf in Christe in whome was no synne , thy wrath was so ferce for our sinne , that he was constreyned to crye my god , my god why haste thou forsaken me , howe greate and importable then is thyne angre agaynste vs whiche are nothinge but sinfull . They that ar thy children through the contemplation of thyne angre against sinne , set forthe most euidently in the death of Christ , Do tremble & ar affraide , lamenting them selues vppon him ( and hartely cryeng for mercy ) Where as the wicked , ar altogether careles & contemptuous , nothing lamenting their iniquities or crying to the hartely for mercy and pardon , amongst whome we ar rather to be placed , then amongst thy children , for that we ar so shamelesse for our syn , and carelesse for thy wrathe , which we may wel say to be most greuous against vs , and euidently set forthe in the taking awaye of our good King and thy true religion , in thexiel of thy seruauntes , prysonment of thy people , mysery of thy children , and death of thy sainctes . Also by the placinge ouer vs in Aucthoritie thy enemies , by the successe thou geuest them in all they take in hande , by the returninge agayne in to our countrey of Antechrist the pope . All these as they do preache vnto all the worlde ( but specially vnto vs ) thy greuous wrath , so do they set before our eyes , our iniquities and sinnes , which haue deserued the same , for thou arte Iuste and holy in all thy workes thy iudgementes ar righteous altogether , it is we , it is we that haue sinned , & procured these plages we haue ben vnthankfull wretches , and moste carnall gosspelers therfore to vs parteyneth shame , and nothinge else is due but confusion . For we haue don very wickedly , we haue heaped sinne vpon sinne , so that the measure hath ouer flowed , and Ascend●d vp to heauen , and brought these plages , which are but earnest for greater to ensue , & yet alas we are altogether caerlesse , in maner , what shall we doe ? What shall we say ? Who can geue vs pen●ēt hartes ? Who can open our lips , that our mouthes might make acceptable confession vnto thee . Alas of our selues we cannot thinke any good , muche lesse wishe it , and leaste of all do it , as for Angelles or anye other creatures , they haue nothing , but that which they haue receaued , & they ar made to minister vnto vs so that where it passeth the powre of the master , she minister muste nedes want , Alas then what shal we doe ? Thou arte holy & we vnholye , thou arte good , and we nothynge but euill , thou arte pure , we all together impure , thou arte light , and we moste darke darkenes , how then can ther be any conueniency or agrement betwixt vs , O what nowe may we doe ? Dispayre ? no , for thou art god , & therfore good thou art mercyfull , and therfore thou forgeuest sinnes , with thee is mercye and propiciation , and therefore thou arte worshipped , when Adam had sinned thou gauest him mercy before he desyred it , & wilt thou denye vs mercye whiche nowe desyer the same , Adam excused his faulte and accused that , but we accuse our selues , and excuse thee , & shall we be sent emptye awaye ? Noye founde fauor when thy fury a boundyd and shal we seking grace be frustrate ? Abraham was pulled oute of ydolatrye when the worlde was drowned therin , and art thou his god onelye ? Israell in captiuitie in Egipt was gratiouslye visited and deliuered and deer God , the same good lord , shall we alwaies be forgotten ? Howe often in the wildernes diddest thou defer , and spar thy plages , at the request of Moyses when the people them selues made no petition to thee . And seynge we not onelye nowe make our petitions vnto the throughe thy goodnesse , but also haue a mediator for vs now far aboue Moyses , euen Ihesus Christe : should we I saye deere lorde , departe ashamed ? So soone as Dauid said I haue sinned , thou diddest forthe wyth answer to hym that he should not dye , thou haddest taken away his sinnes , And gracious god , euen the selfe same god , shal not we which now with Dauid gladlye confesse that we haue sinned , shall we I saye not heare , by thy good sprite , that our synnes be pardoned . O graunte that with Manasses we maye finde fauor and mercye remember that thou hast not spared thyne owne onely deresone Iesus Christ , but geuen hym for vs all to dye , for our sinnes , to ryse for our righteousnes , to assend for our possession taking in heauen , and to appere before thee for vs for euer , a high prieste after the order of Melchisadech that throughe hym we might haue fre accesse to come to thy throane , now rather of grace then of Iustice , Remember that thou by him hast bidden aske and promised that we should receaue , saying aske and ye shal haue , seke and ye shall finde , knocke and it shal be opened vnto you . O thou Dere god and moste meke and mercifull father , we hartely beseche the to be mercifull vnto vs , for this thy Christis sake , for his Deathes sake , for thy promisse truethe , and mercyes sake , haue mercy vpon vs , pardon & forgeue vs al our Sinnes , iniquites , and trespacis , what so euer we committed agaynst the , in thought word or Dede , euer or at any tyme hetherto by any means , Der father haue mercy vpon vs thoughe we be pore , yt our christ is Riche , thoughe we be Sinners yet he is righteous , though we be fools , yet is he wise , thoughe we be Inpure yet he is pure , and holye , for his sake therefore be mercyfull vnto vs , Cal to mynde how thou haste promised that thou wilte powre out of thy cleane waters , and washe vs from our fylth , & clence vs from our euilles , forget not that thou hast promysed to take from vs our stony hartes , & Doest promis to geue vs sauft hartes , newe hartes & to put into the middes of vs right Sprites , Remember thy couenate namely howe thou wilt be our god and we shall be thy people , forgette not the partes of it , that is to put owte of thy memory for euer all vnrighteousnes , and to write in our myndes and hartes thy lawe and testymonyes , Remember that thou doest streightly charg vs to haue none other godes but the , saying that thou art the lord our gad . O then declare the same to vs all , we hartelye nowe beseche the forgeue vs our sinnes , forget our iniquitis , clence vs from our filthines , washe vs from our wickednes , powre out thy holy sprite vpon vs , take from vs our harde harts , our stony harts , our impenitent harts , oure distrustinge and doubtfull harts , our carnal our secure , our ydle , our beastlye hartes , our impure , malicious , arrogant , enuious , wrathfull , impatient , couetous , hipocriticall and epicuriall hartes , & in place thereof geue vs newe hartes , saft hartes , faithful hartes , mercifull hartes , louing , obedient , chaest pure , holy , righteous , trewe simple , lowly , and patient hartes , to feare thee , to loue thee , truste in thee for euer , write thy lawe in our hartes , graue it in our mindes , we hertely beseche the geue vs that sprite of prayer , make vs diligent & happy in the workes of our vocation , take in to thy custody and gouernaunce for euer , our soules and bodyes , oure lyues , and all that euer we haue , tempt vs neuer further , than thou wilt make vs able to beare , & what so euer thou knowest we haue nede of in soul or body , deer god and gracious father , vouchsafe to geue vs that same in thy good tyme and alwayes , as thy children guide vs , so that our life maye please the and our deathes prayse the through Iesus Christ our lorde , for whose sake we hartely praye the to graunt these thinges thus asked , & al other things necessary for soule and bodye , not only to vs , but to all others also , for whome thou woldest that we shoulde praye , speciallye for they children , that be in thraldom , in exyel , in prison , misery , heauines , pouertye , sycknes . Be mercifull to al the whole realme of England graunte vs al trewe repentaunce , mitigation of our myserye , and yf it be thy good will , thy holye worde and Religion amongst vs once agayne , pardon our enemies , persecutors , and slaunderers , and yf it be thy pleasure , turne their hartes , be mercyful vnto our parentes , Brethern and Sisters , frendes , kinsfolkes and famelis neighbours , and suche as by any meanes thou haste coupled and lincked vs by loue , or otherwyse , and vnto vs pore sinners here gathered together in thy holy name , graunt vs thy blessing and holy sprite to sanctify vs , and dwel in vs , as thy dere children to kepe vs , this day and for euer , from all euill to thy eternal glory , and our euerlasting comfort and the profet of thy churche , which mercyfullye , maynteyne thereshe and comforte , strengthning them that stonde , so that they neuer fall , liftinge vp them that be falne and kepe vs from fallynge , from thy truthe , throughe the merites of thy deerly beloued sonne Iesus Christ our onely sauiour , which lyueth and Reigneth with the & the holy ghost , to whom be all praise and honor both nowe and for euer . Amen .

¶ When you awake out of your slepe pray thus .

OH moste dere father of our Sauioure Iesus Christe , whome none doeth know but of thy gift graunt that to the manyfolde greate benefytes of thy goodnes geuen to me , this whiche of all other is moste , m●● be added , that like as thou haste awaked my body from slepe , so thou woldest throughlye awake yea deliuer mi soule from the slepe of sin and darknes of this world and that whiche now is awaked out of slepe , thou wouldest , after deathe restore to lyfe for that is but slepe to the whiche is death to vs , Deere god I moste hartely beseche , and humbly pray thy goodnes , to make my body such a companion , or rather a minister of godlynes , to my soule , in this present lyfe , that in the life to cum it may parte take with the same euerlastinge happines by Iesus Christ our Lorde . Awake thou that sleepest and arise frome the deed , and Christ shal shewe light vnto thee . Ephesians . v.

¶ Occasions to meditate .

HEre call to minde the great myrth and blissednes , of the euerlastynge resurrection , Also remembre to muse vpon that mooste cleare lyght and brighte morenynge , and new clearenes of oure bodyes after the longe darkenes it hath ben in , all then shal be full of ioye .

❧ So soone as you beholde the daye lyght pray .

O Lorde thou greatest and moste trewe light , whence this lyght of the day and sunne dothe sprynge , O lyght whiche doest lyghten , euery manne that commeth in to this worlde , Oh lyght whiche knowest no nyght nor eueninge , but art alwayes a midday most cleere & fayre with out whom al is most darke darknes bi whom albe most splendent O thou wisdome of the eternall father of mercis , lighten my mind that I maye onely se those thinges that please the , and maye be blinded to all other thinges .

Graunte that I maye walke in thy wayes , and that nothing els may be light and pleasaunt vnto me . Lighten mine eies , Oh lord , that I slepe not in deathe , leaste myne enemies saye I haue preuayled agaynst him .

¶ Occasions to meditate .

MVse a little how much the light and eye of the minde and soule is better then of the bodye . Also that we care more for the soule to se well , then for the body . Thinke that beastes haue bodely eies and therwith se , but men haue eies of the minde and therewith should see .

¶ When you arise pray .

OVre fyrste father tombled downe him selfe , from a most excelent high & honorable estate into the miex of misery , and depe sea of shame & mischeffe , but Oh Christ thou putting forthe thine hand didest raise hym vp , euen so we except we be lift vp of the , shall lye styll for euer . O good Christ our most gratious redemer , graunt that as thou doest mercifully , reise vs now this my bodie and burden , euen soo , I beseche the raise vp my minde and harte to the lighte of the trewe knowledge of the loue of thee , that my conuersacion may be in heauen wher thou art . Yf thou be risen , with Christe thinke vpon those thinges that be aboue .

¶ Occasions to meditate .

THinke Sum thynge howe fowle and filthye that Adams fal was by reason of synne , and so of euerye one of vs from the heigth of goddes grace Againe thinke vpon the greate benefite of Christ , by whose help wee doe daylye aryse from our fallynges .

¶ When you Apparell yourselfe Praye .

O Christ cloeth me with thin owne selfe , that I maye be so far from makynge prouision for my fleshe to fulfyll the lustes of yt , that I maye cleane put of all my carnal desiers , and crucefy the kyngdom of the fleshe in me , Be thou vnto me a wede to warme me , from catching the colde of this world , yf thou be a wai from me ( dere lord ) al thinges wil be vnto me forthwith colde , weake dede . &c. But yf thou be with me al things wil be warme lyuelye , freshe . &c. graunt therfore that as I compas this my body with this cote , so thou woldest cloth me wholy ( but spetiallye my soule ) wyth thyne owne selfe . Put vpon you as the elect of god , bowelles of mercy , mekenes , loue , peace . &c.

❧ Occasions to meditate .

CAl to mynd a lytle how we are incorperate into christ , againe how he doeth cloth vs norish vs vnder his wings , ptettiō , & prouidence , preserue vs . &

¶ When you ar made redy , to begyn the day wythall praye .

O God and mercyful father thou knoweste and haste taught vs to knowe sumthyng , that the weaknes of man is much , and that withoute thy grace and vertue , he can do nor thinke no good thing , Haue mercy vpon mee , I humbly doe beseche thee whiche am thy moste vnworthye , and mooste weake childe , O be gracious and tender towards me , lighten me that I maye with pleasure looke vpon good thinges onely , exhorte me that I may couet them carefully leade me that I may folow and at the length attaine them , I distrusting my selfe altogether commende and offer my selfe wholy soule , body , life &c. Into thy handes . Thy louing sprite leade me foorth vnto the lande of righteousnes .

¶ Cogitations mete to begyn the daye with .

THinke first that a man consisteth of a soul and a body , and that the soule is from heauen , heauenly , fyrme and immortall , but the body is of the earth , earthly , fraile & mortall . Againe thinke that though by reason of synne wherin you are conceued and borne , the partes of the soul that vnderstandeth and desireth be so corrupte that without speciall grace to bothe parties , you can neither knowe nor loue any good thinge in gods sight , much lesse doe good then , yet this not withstandinge thinke that you are regenerate by Christes Resurrection ( whereof youre baptisme , requireth fayth and therfore haue both those partes sumthing reformed bothe to knowe and loue , and therfore to do sum good in the sight of God through Christ ) for whose sake our poore doenges are accepted , for good , the euyl and infirmitie cleauing therto not beinge imputed thorow faith , think that by faith which is gods sede ( for they which beleue are borne of god , and made goddes children ) geuen to those that be ordened , to eternall lyfe , thinke ( I saye ) by faith that you receaue more and more , the spirite of sanctification , throughe the vse of gods worde and sacramentes , and earnest praier to illumine , and lighten our mindes , vnderstanding , iudgement and reason , & to bowe , forme , frame , and inflame your affections with loue & powre , to that , that good is , & therfore vse you the means a foresayd accordingly . Thynke that by this sprite , you are thorowe fayth coupled to Christ , as a lyuely member , and so to god , and as it were made one with him , and bi loue which springeth oute of this fayth , you are made one also with all that be of god , & so you haue felowship with god and all good men that euer were or shal be in al the good , that god & al his sainctes , haue , or shall haue . Thynke as by faythe and loue through the spirite you are now entred into this communyon ( the blessednes wherof no tonge can expresse ) so after thys lyfe , you shal first in soule , & in the last day in bodi also , enioy foreuer the same societie moste perfectly whiche now is but begon in you . Thinke then of your negligence that doth so lytle care for this your happy estate , thinke vpon your ingratitude to god for makynge you , redemyng you , calling you , and so louenglye adoptynge you .

Thynke vpon your folyshnes in fantasyeng so muche earthelye and bodely pleasures . Thinke vpon your deafnes & blindenes , which hereth not god , nor seeth him , he calling you so diligently , by his workes , woordes and sacramentes . Thinke vpon your frowardnes whiche wyll not be led of god and his spirit . Thinke vpon your forgetfulnes and in consideration of your high estate , how your body is the temple of the holy ghoste , your members , are the members of Christe the whole world and all thinges are youre owne . 1. Cor. 6. Therfore say vnto your soule , O soule Arise folowe god , contempne this worlde purpose wel and pursue it , longe for thy Lordes commynge , be readye and watche that he com not vpon thee vnwares . And for soo muche as you muste liue to gods pleasure se the vocation & state of your lyfe wherto god hath called you & pray god for grace , knoledg , & habylitie to take the most profitable thinges in hand , wel to begyn , better to go on , & best of al to end the same , to gods glory & profit of your bretherne , and thynk that time lost , wherin you , speake or do not , or ( at the least ) think not sum thing to gods glorye , and your bretherns commodytye .

❧ When you goe foorth of the doers praye .

NOwe must I walke among the snares of deathe , streched out of Sathan and of hys myscheuous mynysters , in the worlde , carryenge wyth me a frende to them bothe , and a foe to my selfe , euen thys bodye of syn and synfull fleshe . O graunde Capytayne Chryste , leade mee and guyde me I besech thee , defend me from the plagues , and subtilties , wherof I am endaungered . Graunt that I may take al thinges that hap as I shoulde doe , onely vpon the set thou mine eyes , that I mai so go on forwards in thy wai as by no thinges I be hindred , but rather forthered and may refer all thnigs to the accordinglye , showe me thy ways ( O Lord ) and teach me thy pathes . Consider how vainli the most part of men be occupied , how thei do troble and comber them selues dyuersly , how thei meddle with many thinges therby much alienating thir mindes from the knoledg and cogytacyon of that whyche they shoulde most esteme , & so becum a let and an offence to others .

As in goynge abrode , you wyll se that your Apparel be semelye in the syght of menne , so see how semelye you Appere in the sygt of god .

☞ When you are goynge any Iorney Pray .

THy soure lyfe ys a pylgrymage from the lord we came , and to the lorde we make oure iorney , howe be yt through thenyshe placys and paynefull , yea perrilous waies whiche our cruell enemyes , haue and doe prepare for vs , nowe more than stark blinde by reason of sinne . O Christ , whiche art a moste true lodes man and guide , and therto most experte , faithful and frendly do thou put out thine hande open mine eyes make thy hyghe wais knowen vnto me , which wai thou diddest first enter into , out of this corruptible life , & hast fenced the same for vs to immortalytye .

Thou art the waye , lead vs vnto the father by thy selfe , that all we mai be one with him as thou and he together be one . Showe me the way that I should walke in for I lyfte vp my soule vnto thee . Psal. 144.

¶ Or Pray thus .

MErcyfull father thou art wont to send to thy seruants & men of simple hartes , thyn angells to be their kepers , & as it were guides as elder bretherne to watch vpon thi weake children , so diddest thou to young Tobias , to Iacob , to Abrahams seruant , to Iosua . &c. O good god thogh we be much vnlike vnto them ( so many ar our sins ) yet for thyn owne goodnes sake send thin holi angels , to pitch thir tentes about vs , from sathan & his slaues to hyde and deffende to carry vs in there handes that we come not into furder daunger than thou through out wilt deliuer vs , for theyn owne sake . His Angelles or ministers for them that be heirs of saluation , sathan sleapeth not , but seekethe alwayes to destroy vs . Hebr. i. Thynke somthing how we ar straungers from our contrey from our home , from our original , I meane from god . Agayne thinke vpon your madnes that doe lyngar & loyter so gladly in this our Iorneye , and pilgrimadge . Also how folishe we ar to fantazye things whiche we cannot carry with vs , and to contempe conscience which will always be acompanyon to vs , to our ioye yf it be good , but to our shame , and sorrowe yf it be euyl and corrupt , finally howe vnnaturall we ar that so lytle desyer to be at our home , to be with our onely father , master , fellowes and frendes . &c.

¶ When you ar aboute to receaue your meat praye .

THis is a wonderful mistery of thy worke , O maker and gouernor of the world , that thou doest susteyne the lyues of men & beastes with this meates , suerlye this power is neither in the bread nor foode , but in thy wil & worde , by whiche worde all thinges doe lyeue and haue their beinges . Again , how great a thing is it , that thou art able yearly to geue sustinaunce to so many creatures , this is spoken of by thy prophet in thy prayses . All things loke vp to the & thou geuest them meat in due ceason , thou openest thyen hande & fillest with thy blessing euery liuing thing , thes dowtles are wonderful workes of thyne almightines , I therfore hertely pray the ( O most liberal lord & faithful father ) that as thou by meate through thy word doest minister life to thes our bodies , euen so by the same worde with thy grace doe thou quicken our soules that bothe in soule & body we may pleas the til this our mortall carcas shall put on immortalitie & we shall nede no more anye other foode , but the onely whiche than wilt be al in all , taste & se how good the lord is , blesse the lord ( O my soul ) which tedeth and filleth thy mouthe with good thinges . Thinke a litle howe greate gods power is that made vs . Also thinke how great his wisdome is to preserue vs . But moste of all thinke how many things ar geuen to our vse , how wonderful it is to geue vs lyfe , but moste of al to propagate to immortalytye the lyfe of the soule by his onely becke . Laste of all thinke that god by his prouidence for thy body wold haue the to confirme thy fayth of gods prouidence for thy soule .

¶ In the meale time pray .

O Moste liberall dystributor of thy gyftes , which geuest vs all kinde of good thinges to vse , thou beynge pure geuest pure thinges , graunt to me thy grace , that I myse vse not thes thy gracious giftes , geuen to our vse and profites . Let vs not loue them because thou doeste geue vs these things , but rather let vs loue the , bycause thou geuest them , and for that they be necessary for vs , for a ceason tyll we come vnto thee . Graunt vs to be conuersaunte amongst thy giftes soberly , purely , temperatlye , holely , because thou arte suche a one , so shall not we , turne that , to the poyson of oure souls , which thou haste geuen for the medicine of our bodies , but vsing thy benefites thankfully , we shall finde them profitable , bothe to soule and body , thinke that the meates & drinkes set before you , ar geuen to you to vse and not to abuse , thinke they ar geuen to profit and not to hurte you . Thinke that they are not geuen to you alone , but vnto others also by you in eatinge , and drinkinge , thinke that you , do but fede the wormes , remember the poore prysoners , sicke . &c. as though you were in their case thinke vpon the foode of your soule Christ body broken & his bloud shed . Desyer the meate that lasteth for euer . Iohn . vi . work for it , Christ meate was to do his fathers will . Iohn the fowrthe .

¶ After your meate pray thus .

BY corporal meates thou doest susteyne our corporal daylye life ( redy otherwise to perish ) the which surely is a great worke but yet this is much greater more profitable , & more holy that thy grace ( O Iesu Christ ) doeth kepe awaye from vs the death of the soule , for this life we ought much to thanke the , & because thou doest prolong it with thy good giftes , we moste hartely prayse the , howe be it this life is but the way to eternal life , which we besech the for thy deaths sake that thou wilt geue vs , & so shal we not onely geue the ( as we can ) thankes in time for temporal things but also eternal thankes , for eternal thinges . O graunt to vs thes our desyers for thy mercies sake . Amen . Thinke now that god hath geuen the this his blessing of meat &c. and therto tyme that thou mightest , as repent , so seke his glory , & the commodytie of thy brotherne , therfore go ther aboutes but first pray for grace well to begyn , & agayne consider how thou hast byn partaker of other mens labors , as of the husband mans , the millers , the bakars , the browers , the butchers , the cookes . &c. Se therfore that thou be not adroen bee , but rather such a one , as may help the hyeue , yf god haue thus fed thy body , which he leueth not but for thy soules sake , how can it be then but that he wil be much more ready to fede thy soul . Therfore take a courrage to the , and go to hym for grace accordinglye .

¶ Cogytations for about the midday tyme .

AS the body is now enuironed on al sides with light , so See that thy mynde maye be . As god geuethe the , thus plentifully this corporall light , so praye him that he wyl geue the , the spiritual light , thinke that as the son is now most cleere so shall our bodies be in the day of iudgement . As now the son is cum to the highest , and therfore wil begyn to draw downwarde so is there nothinge in the worlde so parfect and glorious , which ( when it is at the full ) wyll not decrease & so wear awaye .

¶ When you cum home agayne . Praye .

THer is nothing ( O Lord ) more lyke to thy holy nature , than a quyet minde , thou hast called vs oute of the troublesome disquietnes of the world into that thy quiet reste & peace , whiche the world cannot , geue , being suche a peace as passeth all mens understanding . Howses ar ordeyned for vs , that we mighte get vs in to them from the iniury of wether , from the crewelty of beastes from dysquietnes of people , & from the toyls of the world , O gratious father graunt that through thy great mercy my body maye enter into this howse , from outward actions , but so that it may become buxom & obedient to the soule , & make no resistaunce there agaynst . That in soule and body , I may haue a godly quietnes & peace to prayse the. Amen . Peace be to this howse and to all that dwell in the same . Thinke what a returne & how merry a returne it wil be to come to our eternal moste quiet and moste happy home , then wil be all grefe gon awaye , what so euer heare is pleasaunt & ioyful , the same is nothing but a very shadow in comparison &c.

¶ At the son goyng downe pray .

O Howe vnhappye ar they O Lorde on whome thy sonne goeth downe & geueth no light , I mean thy grace which is always cleer as the midday , darke night vnto them is the midday , whiche departe from the , in the is neuer night but always day light most cleer . This corporal son hath his courses , now vp now downe , but thou ( deere lord ) if we doe loue the art alwais one , O that this block and vaile of syn were taken away from me , that thear might be always cleere day in my mind . Thinke that as we ar not sory when the son goeth down , by cause we knowe it wyll rise agayn , euen so let vs not sorow for death , wher through the soule & body doe pa●●e a sonder for they shall eftsones return & cum together agayne . So long as the son is vp , wild beastes kepe their dennes , Foxes their borows , Owls their hoals &c. but when the son is down then cum they abroade . So wicked men and hypocrites kepe their denns in the gospel but it beynge taken awaye then swarme they oute of their hoals lyke bees as this day doeth teach .

¶ When the candles be light pray .

MOste thycke & darke cloudes doe Couer our myndes , except thy lyght ( O Lord ) do dyspell them . Thy son ( O most wise worker ) is as it were a fyer brande to the worlde , thy wysdome , wherby light commeth bothe to soule and bodye is a fyer brand , to the spirituall world . After daye when the night commeth , thou haste geuen for the remedy of darknes a candle After syn for the remedy of ignorance thou hast geuen thy doctrine which thy dere son hathe brought vnto vs , O thou whiche art the Author and master of all truethe make vs to se , by both the lightes so that the dymnes of our mindes be dryiuen cleane awaye , lyft vpon vs thy myrthe in our hartes Thy worde is a lanterne to my feete & a lyght vnto my pathes . Thinke that the knowledge and wisdom , that god hathe geuen vnto vs by the candles of this night , wherby we se those thinges in this night , of our bodies whiche are expedient for vs , maketh vs to wishe muche more for this doctrine of God , and when we gette yt , the more to esteme and diligently embrace it that as al would be horror without candeles , so is thear nothinge but mere confucion whear gods worde taketh not place .

¶ When you make your self vnredy Praye .

THis our lyfe and weake knit body by reason of synne , by a lytle and litle , wil by dyssolued , and so shal be restored to the earth whence it was taken , then wil be an ende of this vanyty , which by our folishnes we haue wroughte to our selues , O moste meke father so do thou vnty vnlose , and lose me for thou haste knyt me together that I maye perceaue my selffe to be made vnredy and dissolued and so maye remember both of whome I was made and also whyether I go least I be had vnprepared vnto thy trybunall and Iudgement seate , Put of th olde man with his lustes , & concupiscens Be content with Iosephe to put of thy pryson Apparel , that thou mayst put on newe . Thinke that we doe willingly put of our garmentes , which in the morninge we shall put on agayne , and therfore in the , after the night of the worlde , we shall receaue on out bodies agayne let vs not vnwillingly put them of , when god by deathe shall call .

¶ When you enter in to your bed Praye .

THe daye nowe endyd men geue them selues to rest in the night and so this life fyneshed we shal rest in death . Nothinge is more lyke this lyfe , then euery daye , nothing more lyke deathe then sleape , nothing more lyke to our graeue then our bed , O lord our keper & defendor graunt the I nowe layeng me downe to reste , beinge vnable to kepe my selfe , may be preserued from the craftes & Assaultes of the wicked enemy , & & graunt father , that when I haue run the race of this liffe thowe woldest of thy mercy call me vnto the that I may alwais liue & watch with the , now good god giue me to take my rest in the & bring to passe that thy gracious goodnes may be ( euen in sleape ) before mine eys , that sleaping I be not absent from the , but may haue my dreams to drawe me vnto the & so bothe soule & bodye , maye bee kept pure and holye for euer . I wil lay me downe in peace & take my rest . Thinke that as this troblesum daye is now past & night cum & so rest , bed , and plesaunt sleape which maketh most exelent princis , & most poore pesauntes a like , euen so after the tumultes , troubles temptationes & tempestes of this life they that beleue in Christe haue prepared for them an heauen and rest most pleasaunte and ioyfull . As you ar not a fraied to enter in to your bed , and to dispose your selfe to slepe , so be not afraide to dye but rather prepare your selfe to yt , thinke that nowe you are nerer your ende by one days iorney , then you wer in the morning

¶ When you feele slepe to be commynge praye .

O Lorde Iesus Christe my watchman and keper take me to thy care graunte that my body slepynge , my mynde maye watche in the , and be made mery by sum sight of that celestiall & heauenlye life whearin thou arte the kyng & prynce together with the father & the holy ghoste . Thy Angelles & holye soules , be moste hapie citesens . O purify my soul kepe cleane my body , that in both I may please the , slepinge and wakinge for euer Amen .

¶ A mooste frutfull Prayer for the dispersed Church of Christ very necessary to be vsed of the godly in these dayes of affliction compiled by . R. P.

O Moste omnipotent magnificent and glorious god and father of al consolation , we here assembled do not presume to present and prostrate our selfes before thy mercy seate in the respect of our owne worthines and rightousnes , whych is all together poluted and defyled : but in the merites , rightousnes and worthines of thy onlye sonne Iesus Christe , whome thou hast gyuen vnto vs as a moste pure and precious garment to couer oure polution and fylthynes wyth all , to th end we myghte appere holye and Iustified in thy sighte throughe hym . Wherefore in the obedience of thy commandementes and in the confidence of thy promyses contayned in thy holy worde that thow shalte accepte , and graunte oure prayers presented vnto the in the fauoure of thy only sonne our sauiour Iesu Christe . Eyther for oure selfes , or for the necessitie of thy saynctes and congregation . We here congregated together do wyth one mouth and mynde most humblye beseche the not onlye to pardon and forgyue vs all oure synnes necligences , Ignorances and iniquites , whych we from time to time incessantlye do commytte agaynste thy diuine maiestye in worde , dede , and thought , such is the infirmitie of oure corrupted nature : But also that it wolde please thee ( O benyng father ) to be fauorable and mercyfull vnto thy poore afflicted churche , & congregation dispersed throughe out the whole worlde , whiche in these dayes of iniquitie are oppressed in iuried , dispiced , persecuted & afflicted for the testimonye of thy worde and for the obedience of thy lawes .

And namely O Lorde and father we humbly beseche the to extende thy mercye and fauourable countynance vpon all those that are imprisoned or condemned for the cause of thy Gospell : whome thou hast chosen forthe and made worthi to glorify thy name . That eyther it maye please the to gyue them suche constancye as thou hast gyuen to thy sainctes & matters in tyme paste , willinglye to shede theyr bloud for the testimonie of thy worde : Or els mightlye deliuer them from the tyranny of theyr enimies as thou delyuerest the condemned Daniell from the Lions , and the persecuted Peter oute prison , to thexeaultation of thy glory and the reioysing of thy churche .

Further more moste beneficiall father we humbly beseche the to stretch forthe the myghty arme into the protection and defence of all those that are exiled for the testimonye of thy veryte : & that bycause they wolde not bende theyr backes and incline theyre neckes vnder the youcke of Anthechrist , and be poluted wyth the execrable Idolatries , and blasphemus superstitions of the vngodly . That it would please the not onlye to fede them in strange contreys , but also to prepare a resting place for them , as thou haste done from tyme to tyme for thyne electe in all age is whereas they maye vnyte them selfes together in the syncere mynistration of thy holye worde and Sacramentes to theyr synguler edification . And in deu time restore them home agayne into their land , to celebrate thy prayses , promote thy gospell , & edefye thy desolate congregation .

Consequently O lord thou that hast sayd that thou wilt not breke the brused reide , nor quenche the smokynge flaxe : Be mercyfull we beseche thee vnto all those that through feare and wecknes haue denied the by dissimulation and ypocresie . That it may please the to strenghten theyr wecke knees ( thou that art the strenght of them that standethe ) and lyfte vp theyr feible handes , that theire lytell smoke maye increase into a great flame and their brused reid into a myghtye oke , able to abyde al the bolstringe blastes & stormye tempestes of aduersyte , to th end that the vngodly do no longer triumphe ouer theyre faight , which ( as they thincke ) they haue vtterly quenched & subdewed . Stirre vp thy strenght in them O lorde and behold them with that merciful eye , where with thou beheldes Peter , that they risynge by repentaunce , maye become the constant confessors of thy worde , and the sanctified members of thy churche . To the end that when as by thy prouidence thou purposeste to lay thy crosse vpon them , they do no more seke vnlawful meanes to auoyde the same , but most willingly to be contented with patience to take it vp & follow the , in what sort so euer it shall please the to laye the same vpon their shoulders . Eyther by death , imprisonment or exile . And that it wil please thee , not to tempte them aboute their powers , but gyue them grace vtterlye to dispayer of theyr owne strenght , and wholye to depende vpon thy mercye .

On the other syde O lord god , thou ryghtouse Iudge , Lette not the vngodlye the enimies of thy truth continually triumphe ouer vs , as they do at this daye . Let not thyne heritage become a reproche & comon lawghing stocke vnto the impudente and wycked Papistes , who by all possyble meanes seke the vtter distruction of thy lytell stocke in shedynge , the bloude of thy saynctes for the testimonye of thy worde , sekynge by moste deuelysh and damnable practices to subuert thy truth . Confound them O God and all theyr wicked counselles : & in the same pyt they haue digged for other , let them be taken , that it maye be vniuersally knowen , that there is no counsel nor force that can preuayle agaynst the lorde our god . Breke O lord the hornes of those blouddy bulles of basan . Pull down those high mountaynes that eleuate them selfes agaynst thee . And rote vp the rotten race of the vngodly , to th ende that they being consumed in the fyre of thyne indignation , thyne exyled Churche may in there own land find place of habitation .

O Lorde delyuer oure lande whiche thou haste geuen vs for a porcion to poscesse in this lyfe from the inuasion and subdewynge of strangers . Truthe it is we cannot denye but that our synnes hathe iustlye deserued this greate plage now emynent and approchynge , euen to be gyuen ouer into the hands and subiection of that proud and beastly nation , that neither know the , nor fere the : and to serue them in a bodyly captyuyte , that haue refused to serue the in a spirituall libertye . Yet lorde for as much as we are assuredlye perswaded by thy holye worde that thyne anger dothe not laste for euer towardes those that ernestly repente , but in the stede of vengance doest showe mercye . We mooste penitently beseche the to remoue this thy great indignation bente towardes vs , and gyue not ouer our lande , our Cytyes , Townes , and Castels our goodes , pocessions & ryches , our wyfes , chyldren and our own lywes into the subiection of strangers . But rather O Lorde expell them our land subuerte there counselles , dissipate their deuyces and delyuere vs from theire tyranny , as thou delyuerest . Samaria from that cruell Benadab , Ierusalem from that blasphemus Senacherib , and Betulia from that proude Holifernus .

Gyue vs O Lord such princes & rulers , suche maiestrates & gouernours as wil auaunce thy glory , erecte vp thy gospell , supprese Idolatrye , banish all papistrye , & execute iustice & equite . Water agayn O lord thy vyne of england with the moysture of thi holy-word , leste it vtterly peryshe & wither away . Byld vp agayn the decayed walles of thy rewyned Ierusalem thy congregation in this land , lest the vngodly do attribute oure confusion not vnto our sinnes ( as the truthe is ) but vnto our profession in religion .

Remember ( O Lord ) that we ar a persell of thy portion , thy flocke , the inheritors of thy kingdom , the shepe of thy pasture , and the members of thy son our sauiour Iesus Christ : deale with vs therfore according to the multitude of thy mercies , that al nations , kindredes , & tounges , may selebrate thy prayses in the restoringe of thy rewyned church to perfection agayn , for it is thy worke ( O lord ) & not mans , & from the do we with pacience attende the same , & not from the fleshly arme of man , & therfore to the only is don all dominion , power and thankes geuing now in our dayes and euermore . Amen .

i. Timoth. ii . Praye in euery place lyfting vp pure handes .

OH mighty kinge , and moste high almighty god , the father of our lorde Iesus christe , whiche mercifully doest gouerne al thinges , which thou hast made loke downe vpon the faithful seade of Abraham , the children of thy chosen Iacob , Thy chosen people I doe meane , consecrate vnto the by the anoyncting of thi holy spirite , And apointed to thi kingdome by the eternal porpose , free merci , and greace , but yet as straungers wandring in this vile vale of misery , brought forth daily , by the worldly tyrantes , like sheape to the slaughter . O father of al fleashe who by thi diuine prouidence chaungest times and ceasons , and most wonderfully disposest kingdoms , thou hast destroyed Pharo , with all his horse , and Chariottes , puffid vp with pride , agayenst thy people , leadinge forth saffelye by the handes of thy mercie , thy belouede Israell , thorow the highe waues of the raging waters Thou oh god the lord of all hostes , and armis , didest first dryue awaye from the gates of thy people the blasphemous Senacherib , slaing of his armye , foure score and fiue thousand by thy angil , in one night : And after bi his owne sonnes befor his own Idoles , didest kil the same blasphemous Idolater , showyng openly to all heathen thy prouident pwre , towardes thi dispised letel ones . Thou didest traunce forme and chaung proud Nabuchodonosar , the enimy of thi people , into A brute beast , to eate grasse , and hay , to the horable terrour of all worldly tirantes , And as thou arte the father of mercies and god of all consolacion , so of thy wonderful mercie didest thou preserue thos thi thre seruauntes in Babilon , which with bolde corage gaue theyr bodies to the fire , because thei wolde not worship any deade Idole , and when they were cast into the burning fornace , thou didest geue them chearful hartes , to reioyse , and singe psalmes , and sauedest vnhurt the very heares of their heades , turning the flame from them , to deuoure their enemies Thou oh lorde god , by the might of thy right arme ( which gouerneth all ) broughtest Daniell thi prophet saue into light and life , forthe of the darcke denne of the deuouring lions where by false accusations he was shout vnder the erth , of those raging beastes to be deuoured , but thou turnedst ther cruelty vpon his accusares , repainge the wickede , vpon their own pates . Yea lord which passeth al wonders , & is far aboue mans powre to perceiue therin thy workinge , thou didest cause the huge , and greate dragon of the seas , the horrible Leuiathan , and Behemoth , the main whalefish , to swalow vp and deuoure , thy seruaunt Ionas , to kepe him iii. dayes and iii. nightes in the dongeon of his bealy the darke hellicke graue to a liuinge man , Thou didest cause that grete monster , to carie him to the place , that thou haddest apointed , and ther to cast him vp saue , and able to do thy massage . Now also O heauenly father , beholdor of all thinges , to whome only belongeth vengeaunce , thou seest & considrest how thy holy name by the wicked wordlinges , and blasphemous Idoloters is dishonorid , thy sacrate woorde , refused , forsaken and dispised , thy holye sprite prouokede , and offended , thy chosene temple polluted , and deffilede , Tarie not tooe longe therfore , but show thy powre spedelye vpon thy chosen household , which is so greuously vexed , & so cruelly handled by thy open enemyes , Auenge thy owne glorye , and shorten these euell dayes , for thy electes sake . Let thy kingdom come of all thy desyred , & though oure liuinges , hath offended thy maiesty , as we doe confesse vnfaynedly ( O Lorde ) that we haue all sinned , our kings , princes , prestes prophetes , and people , All we together , wyth our parentes fathers & mothers , haue most greuously , infinitely , passing all mesure , and number with our harde flintishe hartes , our dissolute , and careles lyfe , withoute all shame and repentaunce for syn , offendid , transgressid , trespassid , synned , and committed most horrible wickednes , so that we haue worthely deserued , the vttermoste of thy plages and terrible vengeaunce . Yet for thy owne glorye ( O mercifull Lord ) suffer not the enemye of thy sonne Chryste , the romyshe Antichrist , thus wretchedlye to delude , and draw from the our poore brethern , for whome thy sonne once died , that by his crueltie , after so cleare light , thei shold be made captiues to domme Idoles , and deuelysh Inuentions , of popyshe ceremonies , therunto pertayning . Suffer hym not to seduce the symple sort with his fonde opinion , that his false gods , blind mumbling , fayned religion or his folishe supersticion , doth geue hym suche conquestes , suche victories , suche triumphe , and so high hand ouer vs . We knowe moste certaynely ( O Lord ) that it is not ther arme and powre , but our synnes , and offences , that hath deliuered vs to their fury , And hath caused the to turne away from vs . But turne agayne , O Lorde let vs fall into thy handes otherways ( seing thy iustice must ponish vs ) let vs fall into thy handes ( as Dauid dyd chewse ) by darth , famin , or pestilence , or what waye thou likest , least these vayne Idolaters doe reioyse , at the miserable destruction , of those men , whome they make proselites , and frome thy doctrine Apostates , But oh lorde thy holye will be fulfilled , this is thy righteous Iudgment , to ponish vs wyth the tyrannical yoke of blindnes , because we haue cast away from vs , the sweate yoke of the holesom worde of thy son our sauiour . Yet consider the horrible blasphemies of thyne and our enemies . They name a cake , ther god , there Christ and altogether they know nothing of thy powre , they say in ther hartes , ther is no god , whych eyther can , or wyl deliuer vs : wherfore O heauenly father , the gouerner of all thinges , the Auenger of the causes of the poore , the fatherles , the widow & of the oppress●d , loke downe from heauen , with the face of thy fatherly mercies and forgeue vs al former offences , and for thy sonne Christes sake haue mercye vpon vs , whych by the force , and crueltie , of wicked , and blasphemous Idolaters without causes aproued , are haled & pulled from our owne houses , are slaundered slaine and murthered , as rebelles , and traytours , like persons pernicious , pestiferous , sedicious , pestilent , and full of mortall poyson , to al men contagious where we do medell no farther , but against the helly powres of darkenes , against the spirituall craftines , in heauenlye thinges , whyche wold deny the will of our god , and the powre of oure Christ vnto vs , we doe contend no farther , but onely for our Christe crucified , and the only saluation by his blessed passion , knowledging none other god none other Christ , or sauiour , but onely the , the euerliuing lord and our most merciful father , and thy deare sonne our sauiour , who is in the same glory with the in the high heauens , Therfore O Lord for thy glorious name sake , for Iesus Christes sake , by whome thou haste promysed to graunt al righteous requestes , make the wicked Idolaters to wonder and stand amased , at thy almightye powre , vse thy wonted strength , to the confusion of thyne enemies , and to the healpe & deliueraunce of thy persecuted people all thy saintes doe besech the therfore , the yonge infantes ( which haue somdeale tasted of thy sweete worde ) by whose mouthes thou hast promised to make perfect thy praises whose Aungels doth alwaye behold thy face , who beside the losse of vs ther parentes , Are in daunger , to be compellid , and dryuen ( wythout thy greate mercies to serue domme , & insensible Idols ) doe cry and call to thee : ther pitefull mothers , with lamentable teares , lye prostrate before the throne of thy grace . Thou father of the fatherles Iudge of the widdowes , and auenger of all the oppressid , let it apere ( O Lord omnipotent ) that thou doest heare , iudge , aueng , & ponish all wronges offered to all thy little ones that doe beleue in the , Doe this O Lorde for thy names sake , Arise vp O Lord and thy enemies shal be scatered & cofounded , So be yt O Lord most mercyfull at thy tyme apointed .

¶ An other godly prayer to be sayde at al tymes .

HOnor and prayse be geuen to the o Lorde god almighty most dere father of heauen , for all thy marsys and louinge kindnesse showyd vnto vs , in that it hath pleysyd thy gracius goodnes frely and of thine own accord to electe and chose vs to saluacion before the beginning of the world , and euen lyke contenewall thankes be geuen to the for creatynge of vs after thyne owne ymage , for redeminge , vs with the precius bludde of thy dersonne when we ware vtterly lost , for sanctefieng vs with thy holy sprit in the reuelacion and knowlege of thy holy worde , for helping and Suckering vs in all our needes and nescesites , for sauinge vs frome all daungers of bodie and sowle , for conforting vs so fatherly in al our tribulacion and persecucions , for sparing vs so long and geuinge vs so large a time of repentans , thes benifites O most mercyfull father , lyke as we knowlege to haue receuid them of thy only goodnes , euen so we beseche the that for thy dere sonne Iesus Christes sake to graunt vs alwayse thy holy sprit , wherby we maye contenewally growe in thankefulnes towardes the , to be ledde into all truthe , and confortyd in all oure aduersetes , O lord strenthen oure faithe , kindell it more in faruentnes and loue towardes the & our neyghbors for thy sake . Suffer vs not dereste father to receiue thy worde any more in vayne , but graunt vs alwayse the assystans of thy grace and holye sprit , that in hart word and deede , we maye santefye and doe worshype to thy holy name . Helpe to amplefye & encresse thy kyngdome , and what soeuer thou sendeste we maye be hartely well content wyth thy good pleasure and wyll , lette vs not lacke the thynge ( Oh father ) wyth oute the whyche we cannot serue the , but blesse thou so al the works of our handes that we maye haue sufficient and not to be chargeabell but rather helpfull vnto others , be mercyfull ( O Lorde ) to our offences , and seyng our det yt gret whych thou haste forgeuen vs in Iesus christ , make vs to loue the and our neyghbors so muche the more . Be thou oure father our captayne and defender in all temptacions holde thou vs by thy mercyfull hande , that we maye be deliuered from all inconueniences , & end our lyues in the santefyeng and honor of thy holye name , thorough Iesu Christ our lorde , and only sauiour . Amen .

Let thy mighty hande and out strechyd arme O Lorde be styll oure defence , thy mercy & louinge kindnes in Iesu Christ thy dere sonne our saluacion , thy trew and holye worde our instruction , thy grace and holye sprite , our comfort and consolacion , vnto the end , and in the end . Amen .

¶ O Lord increse our fayth .

Bradfords beades that he prayed on being in Prison for the testimoni , of Iesus Christ leauing them as necessary to be vsid of the faythfull .

¶ Blesyd ar the dead that dye in the lord , euen so saith the Spiret , that they rest from theyr labores , but theyre workes folow them . Apo. xiiii .