The euer-burning lamps of pietie and deuotion Kindled by many excellent and heauenly prayers, deuided into the seuerall dayes of the weeke, and other occasions: To auoide which weake man hath continuall cause to retire into himselfe, and humbly confer with Almightie God. By I.C.

THE EVER-BVRNING Lamps of Deuotion and Pietie .

MVNDAY MORNING .

1. Morning Prayer .

O ETERNALL and euer-liuing God , what humble and heartie thankes ought I render thy diuine Maiestie , who hast called me from the image of Death , and safely brought me to the beholding of this day ; giuing me yet farther time to call vpon thy holy Name , and to aske forgiuenesse for my sinnes and wickednesses . Receiue , O Lord , an humble and contrite heart , and despise not the voice of a miserable and deiected sinner , who can offer thee nothing for these and all other thy innumerable benefits , but what must graciously proceed from thy owne clemencie and mercie ; possessing no good , but from thee , and by thee , exercising nothing agreeable to thy will ; but through thee , euen at this instant , mercifully led by thy power and gentlenesse , to make my humble supplications vnto thee . Season me , O Lord , with thy Spirit , endue me with thy gracious and holy gifts , that I may bestow this day to thy honour and glorie , and my owne comfort and eternall saluation . Defend me from the snares and subtleties of Satan , who howrely watcheth to enter and ouerthrow me ; and vnlesse , withstood by thy diuine hand , how can so poore a Worme resist so mightie an Enemie ? Saue me , O Lord , from his Minister , the World , who with the glorie thereof seeketh to beguile and deceiue me : and let not the flesh haue any power ouer me ; which , suggested by him , layeth continuall siege to me , bringing my sinnes , like fearefull Canons , before me ; my owne weakenesse desiring to let him in , and all my senses conspiring against me . Hasten , O Lord , to my aide ; come speedily , and redeeme me : let not the worke of thy hands ( how meane soeuer ) be a prey to thy aduersarie , who laboureth to win me from thee , and hateth me for thee ; that being protected by thy out-stretched Arme , I may goe forward in goodnesse and vertue . Giue me , O Lord , a heart full of Charitie , Patience , Obedience , Humblenesse , without Malice , Vaine-glory , enuying none , and fixe all my thoughts , actions , and endeuours , to recouer thee , in thy Kingdome ; to whom be all honour , power , and glorie , world without end . Amen .

2. A Prayer before Dinner .

ALmightie and euerlasting God , which hast created all things for the good and benefit of Mankind , giuing him power and dominion ouer all thy creatures ; graunt , O Lord , that I may so moderately vse these blessings thou hast in thy mercie prouided for me , as may stand with thy good liking and pleasure : Let me eate , to helpe , not pamper Nature , lest of a seruant she become an enemie , and make me vnfit for thy seruice and glorie , which is the onely end of our creation and being : Let Temperance , not my Appetite , ouersway me , euer remembring , and with dutifull thankes acknowledging thy loue and fauour , who hast vouchsafed to refresh and comfort me , when many thousands of my poore brethren , whose fearefull sinnes call not for vengeance like mine , suffer vnder the Tyrannie of Hunger : Giue me grace ( O Lord ) to pitie them , and meanes to relieue them , that we may together glorifie thee in thy Workes , and prayse thy Iudgements , which are vnsearchable , shewing mercie on whom thou pleasest , chastising thy children , that being made obedient in their punishments , they may come to thee , and be made partakers of that neuer-ending glorie , which thou hast prepared for those that truly serue thee , euen for Iesus Christ his sake , our onely Lord and Sauiour who with thee and the holy Ghost , three persons , and one God , liueth and raigneth world without end . Amen .

3. Euening Prayer .

MOst mercifull and louing God , Father of all Consolation , who in thy infinite wisedome and prouidence hast ordained the night for rest , by which our bodily sences , wearied with the dayes labour , might be renewed and refreshed ; wee prayse and glorifie thy holy Name , in that thou hast vouchsafed , of thy accustomed bountie and goodnesse , to protect vs from all the bodily dangers of this day , which our Enemie , the Deuill , practiseth for our destruction . How many , O pitifull and sweet Sauiour , hath his snares betrayed and vndone , leading them by temptation and strong perswasion , with their owne hands to be their owne Murtherers ? How many hast thou suffered to fall by fire ? some , by the crueltie of their Brother , Fathers by their Children , Wiues by their Husbands , suddenly , and vnexpectedly , in apparent danger , without thy mercie and benediction , of eternall woe and damnation . How shall a heart , loaden and ouercome with these thy benefits , expresse thy power and glorie , with his owne shame and opprobriousnesse ? I acknowledge and confesse ( most blessed and pitifull Lord ) that my sinnes dayly encreasing , nay howrely growing vpon me , haue deserued Hell fire , and euerlasting damnation : I haue knowne thy Commandements , and not followed them ; I haue hearkened to thy will , and not obeyed it , pursuing with swift feet the vnlawfull desires and lusts of my flesh Giue me grace , O mercifull Lord and Father , that I may with all the power of my soule striue and endeuour to amend and reforme this sinfull and abominable course . Be pleased to call me vnto thee , by what meanes soeuer thou shalt thinke my vnbridled and stubborne disposition will be tamed and subdued : I refuse no punishment , without exception of greatnesse , or choice of qualitie ; Pouertie sent by thee , shall be my chiefest Riches ; Shame and Contempt , being thy affliction , shall be the propagation of my glorie ; the neglect of Friends shall not trouble me ; for in all things , O Lord , let thy will be done , who wisheth not the death of a sinner , but that he may repent and liue with thee , in the companie of Angels and Saints , who are filled with thy goodnesse , and continually sing thy prayses , to whom onely belongeth iust prayse and honour , world without end . Amen .

TVESDAY .

4. Morning Prayer .

O Almightie and most mercifull Father , which hast opened the eyes of thy seruant to behold thy glorious and wonderous workes , sending thy blessed and comfortable Light , to banish and put to flight the thick and black darknesse which couered the face of the Earth ; lighten , O Lord , my vnderstanding , that I may see thee in thy reuealed will , and not curiously wander farther . Giue me grace to know what is good , and rectifie my will to follow it , that in my life and conuersation I may glorifie thee and profit others .

I confesse , O Lord , and humbly acknowledge my sinnes and offences , and my transgressions are euer before me : Pardon , O mercifull Father , and be pleased to put away from thy remembrance all my iniquities : Let the bloud of thy deare Sonne , and my onely Sauiour , be auaileable against thy Iustice , and burie my misdeedes in his Sepulchre , that they may neuer rise vp against me .

Blesse , O mightie and only powerfull God , all the labours of this day , and graunt , thou wilt helpe vs to performe what is thy pleasure wee doe , that euerie speech and action hauing his beginning from thee , may tend to our owne comfort and saluation . Let not , O Lord ( which art the comfort and succour of all distressed and afflicted ) the greedie and vnlawfull desire of gaine and encrease , rayse our hearts to affect falsehood and dissimulation : Set a watch , O Lord , before our lippes , that wee may speake truly to euery man ; in the vprightnesse and sinceritie of a good conscience , wee may be at peace with our selues .

Set ouer vs , thou great and onely Protector , thy holy Angell , to guard and defend vs , that the Deuill , who lyeth in wait to betray vs , may be put to flight and confounded : either take away , O Lord , or giue vs strength to ouercome his subtleties and temptations , that endeuouring to spend this day according to thy holy Word , wee may rest in peace , till thou againe shalt call vs to performe our dutie ; euen for Iesus Christs sake , our onely Lord and Sauiour .

5. A Prayer at Noone .

I Will not cease to crie vnto thee , O Lord , because thou art mercifull , and regardest the complaints of thy seruant ; who , as in a Wildernesse , encompassed with rauenous beasts , were it not for thy assisting grace , looketh instantly to be deuoured . My flesh rebelleth against me , and my vnbridled and lawlesse sences would giue me vp as a prey vnto the enemie . Be neere , O Lord , vnto me , and assist me in the Conflict , lest I shamefully fall , and be confounded .

Inspire me , O Lord , with vertuous and holy motions , vnresistable and neuer-yeelding graces , that I may fight manfully vnder thy glorious Standard , following thee , my Captaine and Leader , thorow all the dangerous and fearefull oppositions which Satan bringeth against me . Giue me , O Lord , an vnwearied courage , that I may neyther faint vnder the heat of my desires , nor be dulled and benummed with the cold and ●●●●tie carelesnesse of my lazie and luke-warme deuotion ; but with able and lustie vigor ouercomming the World , the Flesh , and the Deuill , I may in spirit reioyce with thee , and sing thy prayses and glorie , who art the onely blessed and gracious Redeemer from all temptations and troubles .

6. Euening Prayer .

O Most mercifully louing God , who gatherest and keepest thy beloued vnder thy wings , as the Henne doth her Chickens , defending them by thy mightinesse from all the perils and misfortunes which their weakenesse and the Deuils suggestions might bring vpon them . I giue thee most humble and heartie thankes , that thou hast safely protected me this day from all bodily dangers and mischances , from the crueltie of Fire , the mercilesnesse of Water , the rage of the Sword , the spoyle of Sicknesse , and the vnsparing hand of Death , which hath suddenly and vnexpectedly ouertaken many , feasting and rioting . But now , O Lord , and aboue measure , am I to glorifie and prayse thy euerlasting goodnesse , that with thy assisting grace thou hast blessed me from horrible sinnes and transgressions , crying vnto thee for Iudgement ; Incest committed with the neerest of our bloud , and remotest from the bloud of our Sauiour ; Murther of mans bodie , with the slaughter of our owne soule ; Rape of Virgins , with the deflowring of our owne vertue ; and many other offences , which thou ( vnknowingly ) hast taken from vs , deliuering vs from the occasions , which hanging ouer vs , were ( vnperceiued ) readie to deuoure vs .

Continue , O Lord , thy louing kindnesse , and in the darkenesse of this Night shoot forth thy beames into our soules , that wee may inwardly behold and meditate vpon thy neuer-ending mercies : Ouer-shadow vs with a companie of Angels , who may watch and guard our sleeping bodies , lest the Deuill enter and vnawares surprize vs . Keepe from vs , O Lord , all wanton and lasciuious dreames , vaine and idle fancies , that hauing peaceably and quietly obtained an vntroubled and vnpolluted Repose , wee may awake in thy feare , to remember all thy kindnesses , employing both soule and bodie to doe him homage and seruice , by whose mightie and louing power wee haue enioyed them safe , from the oppositions of all our enemies .

WEDNESDAY .

7. Morning Prayer .

ALmightie and euer-liuing God , the first Beginner , Mouer , and Creator of all things being , I render thy diuine Maiestie humble and heartie thanks for the quiet Repose and Rest of the passed Night ; humbly entreating thee , of thy fauour and goodnesse ; by thy holy direction and assistance , to gouerne and commaund all the actions of this day , that they may bring forth a Comfort , and Repose of a good Conscience . Giue , O Lord , vnto me thoughts pure and vndefiled , beseeming the presence of so great and holy a Maiestie , before whom I continually stand ; speeches sparing and modest , with the consideration of an account to be made for them , that my actions arising from these , may be a warrane to me in the peace of a settled mind , a profitable example to my weake brethren , and a neuer-ending glorie and honour to thee , whose workemanship I am . Take from me , O blessed and carefull Father , the occasions of sinne , and the oportunitie of committing them : Let no euill companie ( the Nets of Satan ) ensnare my weake and fraile determinations , seducing me by wantonnesse , or the desire of vaine-glorie , or what other secondarie cause soeuer , to the forgetting thee , and my owne dutie and saluation . Giue me grace and strength , O blessed and all louing Creator , to labour in the vocation thou hast ordained for me , and blesse , O Lord , the labours of my hand , that I may see the comfort and encrease of them ; for which , let thy holy and euer-comforting Spirit inflame me with a burning desire of thankfulnesse , and humble acknowledgement , that I may not lose thee , for not praysing , honouring , and adoring thy holy Name ; to which , bee ascribed all honour and glorie , world without end .

NOONE. 8. A Prayer , or Meditation , acknowledging Gods benefits : with an humble Confession of our sinnes .

WHat is Man , O Lord , that thou doest so much respect him ? Or the Sonne of Man , that thou giuest heed vnto him ? Why hast thou sent thy onely Begotten , who in glorie excelleth all Creatures , to be a Sacrifice for him , and giuen thy Angels charge ouer him ? Why hath thy owne hand conducted him , and Miracles made way for him ? Is he not , O Lord , slime of the Earth , created of nothing , and without thy mercie , should be happie to returne to nothing ? Was he able to helpe thee , when he had no being in thy great Workemanship ? Or when it was made ; without thee , could he distinguish it ? Was he not last formed , and all other things for his vse and seruice ? And in requitall of all this thy exceeding and infinite bountie , did hee not leaue thee , his onely God and Creator , and take part with thy enemie against thee ? And hast thou yet gathered him to thee , and by thy reuealed Will left him thine heire of all those glorious Possessions , whose Title cannot be questioned ? Those inestimable Riches , which neither Theeues nor Moths can beguile him of , or take away ? What excellencie is there , O mercifull Father , in this thy handy worke , to deserue such innumerable and vn-imitable benefits ? What can hee , O Lord , repay thee for these great and vnspeakable bounties ? What proportion can there be of a finite vncertainetie , with an euerlasting and infinite Deitie ? With what admirable , and vnconceiuable Art , doest thou fashion him in the Wombe ? How wonderfully , and strangely , doest thou bring him forth ? How carefully after , and most louingly , doest thou cherish and succour him , his Parents being thy Nurses ; in whom thou hast inspired such Nature and Loue towards him , that they account and call that Trouble , a Blessing ? How most prouidently , for this despised Clay , didst thou , in the beginning , diuide the great Time , disposing the one halfe for the Rest and Repose of this thy Creature , rocking him asleepe with thy all-powerfull and fauourable hand ? And when he comes , in progresse of time , to exercise and vse that Reason and Vnderstanding , in which thou hast made him lord ouer all thy Creatures ; what , O Father of all Comforts and Blessings , doth he returne thee for this thy care and blessings ? How does he , in part , and to his power , answere these thy exceeding great and high benefits ? Doth he walke in the Way which thou hast instructed him ? Or is his delight in seeking after thy Commaundements ? Doth he not leaue the knowne Path , reuealed in thy Word , and wander after Vanities , searching for their footsteps , which lead vnto destruction ? O all mercifull and louing God , whose Charitie and Bountie doth well expresse thy Godhead and Power ! since it is not in Mortalitie to loue so abundantly , so feruently : so , causelessely , graunt , I beseech thee , euen for the bowels of thy mercie , to inflame my heart with the like desires and affections , that I may loue thee aboue my selfe , with all my soule , with all my heart , all my vnderstanding ; despising all things , in respect of thee : since there is nothing great , glorious , and high , nothing of infinite Beautie , euerlasting Maiestie , vnspeakable Charitie , but God alone ; who hath filled euery thing with his Blessing , with his Being , with his Presence ; who confines all things , without being confined ; who is , was , and euer shall be , of endlesse power , honour , and glorie . Amen .

9. Euening Prayer .

LEt me neuer be vnthankfull , O Lord , that thou hast yet continued thy fauourable and commanding hand ouer me , in placing me before thee , reseruing me , and redeeming me from the continuall assaults of Satan , who awaiteth to make a prey on me : mercifully , O Lord , forgiue the euill which I haue committed ; and the good which I haue had meanes to lay hold of , and ouerslipped , be pleased not to remember against me , who am nothing but pollution and vncleanenesse , vncapable , without thee , of goodnesse , and vnworthie , by my owne negligence and carelesnesse to be called vnto it . Forgiue , O Lord , my customarie and irreligious taking thy Name in vaine , my wandering and idle speeches , pride of my selfe , or towards others detraction , for my owne glorie ; Enuie , or whatsoeuer , in thought , word , or deed , this day committed ; displeaseth thy diuine Maiestie ; that my soule , vnloaded and vnburdened of the deadly and condemning weights of sinne , may comfortably take the refreshing of this Night , thou in thy mercie hast ordained for me , euen for Iesus Christ his sake , thy onely and well-beloued Sonne , and our onely Lord and Sauiour . Amen .

THVRSDAY .

10. Morning Prayer .

AS out of my graue , O Lord , by thy mightie hand and out-stretched arme , hast thou this day called me , raysing me from the depth of sleepe , wherein many haue beene vnexpectedly and suddenly for euer buried , and called me to the beholding of thy glorious and all-comforting Light , and in that , the admirable worke of thy hand ; and more especially and graciously , taking away the darke and thicke clouds of sinne and wickednesse , hast illumined my inward spirit with thy mercifull beames , to thinke and meditate vpon thy holy Name and neuer-ending kindnesses , opening with the day , my eyes , as thou didst to Hagar , that I might be comforted in beholding ( desperate of helpe and succour ) the bottomelesse Well-spring of thy fauour and prouidence , wherewith thou cherishest and maintainest all things created , taking care , by thy eternall wisedome , of the poorest things in Nature . And since ( O Lord ) one haire cannot fall from the head , without thy fore-seeing knowledge , mercifully and louingly sustaine and vphold me this day , and euer , that I slide not and fall from thee , the head and author of my being and well-being , without whom I was nothing , and should be happie to returne to nothing . Plant in me , O Lord , the timely fruit of Consideration , and water it with thy heauenly dew , that seriously and carefully setting before my eyes the end of my Creation , the dreadfull account I must render , in not applying my selfe to it , with the glorious certaine promised Rewards , belonging to Goodnesse and Vertue , I may now and euer , in all my thoughts , words , and deedes , so carrie and behaue my selfe , that I may be thought , in the precious bloud of thy onely Sonne , worthie to be made capable of that eternall Sacrifice hee hath long since offered for all sinners . Amen .

AT NOONE. 11. A Prayer or Meditation for Patience .

WHither wilt thou goe ( O my Soule ) to find a Patterne of all Vertues ? Where wilt thou ensample this perfect and diuine Patience , of which thou standest in need of ? Get vpon thy wings , and flye to Bethleem , sacred by the birth of our Sauiour ; thence , trace him through the whole course of his blessed and innocent life , where thou shalt behold it so rarely pourtrayed and set forth , so sweetly and modestly described , that thou canst not , if thou hast any feeling of Goodnesse , but be enamoured with her beautie . Did euer this blessed and meeke Lambe , for all his despightfull and base vsage , grace a frowne with his Countenance ? Did euer an angry word dwell vpon his well-formed lippes ? Did hee so much as rebuke those which contemned him , resist those which buffetted him ? nay , gainesay those which spat in his reuerend Countenance ? Art thou oppressed with Pouertie ? Consider , that the Lord of Heauen and Earth had not wherein to hide his head . Art thou wronged with slanderous and disgracefull Speeches ? Was not this temperate , and all-vertuous Man , tearmed a Glutton and a Wine-bibber ? Doth Shame and Ignominie compasse thee in , on euerie side ? See , see , my Soule , the King of Kings , and Lord of all Lords , who raysed the dead to life , lying vpon the Crosse ; and he , who by his Mightinesse and Power exalted sinners to be glorious Saints , hanging betweene two Theeues , condemned as a foule Offendor . Marke his mild and louely Countenance , his sober and demure Speeches , the modest glance of his Eyes , and the composure of his whole Bodie , cast in so Noble a Mould of vnconquered Patience , that they sooner wanted occasions to tyrannize , then he vertue meekely to suffer them . Here fixe thy selfe , kneele at the Root of the Crosse , and with all those blessed Women , and Saints , which accompanied him , reuerently say vnto him : O thou eternall and most bountifull Sauior , who vouchsafedst to descend from the Throne of thy glorie , and putting on our fraile and weake humanitie , didst for the redemption of Mankind , wander so many yeeres hungrie and naked , contemned , and despised , suffering intolerable Paines and Torments , without being moued or troubled ; graunt , I beseech thee , by thy precious Death and Buriall , that I may willingly embrace those crosses thou pleasest to lay vpon me , that I may , run to meet them , as thou didst the betraying Kisse of Iudas . Giue me ( O Lord ) power and strength , most meekely and patiently to vndergoe and abide all Persecutions , Tribulations , Wants , Shames , Sicknesses , Hurts , Maimes , without inwardly repining , or grudging , outwardly murmuring , or speaking against them ; let me freely goe , not violently be drawne to entertaine them . Did not thy glorious Martyr and Souldier , Saint Stephen , whilest they stoned him , prayse thee , and pray for them ? Could he begin this Worke , without thy grace , or finish it , without thy Power ? No , no , my most mercifull and gracious Lord , it is thy Spirit which quickeneth , for the flesh profiteth in nothing , but repineth against it . Be liberall therefore vnto me ( O Lord ) of thy soueraigne and precious Balme , which healeth and cureth all sorts of Diseases ; anoint my rancorous and angrie flesh ( big-swolne with Malice ) that the sting being drawne out , it may appeare white and faire : let me drinke ( O Lord ) a large draught of this Cordiall , to confirme & strengthen me against all the poysons and infirmities of Nature . For certainely ( Lord ) who is perfectly patient , obeyeth thy will , and who is obedient , humbleth himselfe to all disaduantagious losses , or what dishonour else the World can inflict : Which Humilitie bringeth vs to that height and glorie , which onely they shall enioy , that haue patiently endured and expected this their reward to the end .

12. Euening Prayer .

TVrne not thy face away from me ( O Lord : ) incline thine eare , and bow downe vnto me : Heare me for thy mercies sake , and according to the multitude of thy bounties , blot out all my iniquities : for what flesh is righteous , or who dare stand vp against thee ? Doe not the Hills flye before thee , and Mountaines melt at thy indignation ? Doth not the Sunne lose his light , and the starres , when thou commandest them , hide their glorie ? Be mercifull ( O Lord ) and gracious to thy seruant , who remembring thy promise , humbly prostrates himselfe before thy diuine Maiestie , confessing all his sinnes , and acknowledging all his iniquities . Remember not ( O Lord ) our offences , nor the offences of our fore-fathers , neither take thou vengeance of our sinnes : for who dare abide thy Iudgements ? Cast me not away from thy face , but say vnto my soule , I am thy saluation . Haue mercie vpon me ( O Lord ) haue mercie vpon me , and let my crie come vnto thee ; for my sinnes are heauie vpon me , and threaten to ouerthrow me ; yea , they say vnto my soule , Where is now thy God ? Turne vnto me ( O Lord ) and they shall be turned ; speake vnto me , and they shall be scattered . Be vnto me a sure Rocke in the time of my trouble , that I fall not vnder it , for I have hoped in thee : Oh forsake not thy seruant . Forgiue ( O Lord ) all the passed errors of this day ; pardon my irreuerence in thy companie , my negligence at prayers , my faintnesse in good purposes ; and what euill I haue committed , or what good , through frailetie and my owne heedlesnesse , I haue omitted , be pleased not to remember ; euen for thy owne Names sake , who art God most mightie , one , and the same , world without end . Amen .

FRIDAY .

13. Morning Prayer .

O Most mercifully louing Lord and Sauiour , the glorie and brightnesse of thy Father , who descendedst from all thy Ioyes , taking on thee humane frailetie , to recall and recouer the sinner , and those which were diseased with the vncurable plagues of sinne and wickednesse ; vouchsafe , of thy infinite goodnesse , and vnspeakable loue , to be aiding and assisting to me this day , and by thy might and power , defend me from all temptations , which may ouerthrow my vnsettled , though well-directed , resolutions . Preserue me ( O Lord ) from all bodily dangers , which , without thee , continually hang ouer me , threatening my ruine and destruction . Make good ( O Lord ) to me my determinations and purposes , which may be answerable to thy holy and blessed inspirations , and graunt me patience ( O Lord ) meekely and contentedly to suffer , whatsoeuer I shall faile or be hindered in , referring my selfe with all humilitie and ardencie of desires , to thy diuine will and pleasure ; which be done ( O Lord ) in Earth as it is in Heauen . Take away all rancour and malicious imaginations , that I may neither by reuiling defame my brother , or swell and torment my selfe with any disgracings he shall lay vpon me , but acknowledging my basenesse and wickednesse , as worthie of all reproches and dishonours , calling to mind , the Seruant is not aboue his Master , in the comfort of thy example , who aboue the meekenesse of a Lambe , vnderwentest all kind of paines and reuilings ; I may behold a timely Euening , reioycing my anger hath not awaited the Sunnes setting ; euer endeuouring and labouring against my fraile concupiscences and desires , euen for thy holy Names sake ; Which whosoeuer ardently and continually calleth on , shall not faile to obtaine vnspeakable happinesse and felicitie world without end . Amen .

AT NOONE. 14. A Prayer to our blessed Sauiour , asking him forgiuenesse for our sinnes which crucified him .

O Bountifull Iesu , O sweet Iesu , O Iesu the Sonne of the liuing God ; how dare I , wretched and detestable sinner , approch before thy diuine Maiestie ? How can I , ouercome with sinne and shame , stay any longer in thy presence ? Did euer the murtherer and slaughterer of his Lord and Master presume to offend him with his sight , whilest yet the wounds were fresh and bleeding , whilest his bodie was cruelly mangled and torne , and his head with an vn-vsed crueltie pained and tormented ? lest the smart and rage of his wounds , the shame and dishonour of his vsage , should take away all hope and pitie of pardon , deliuering him in his furie to the Iudge , and he to the Executioner , to carrie him where is continuall weeping and gnashing of teeth . But consider ( O my Soule ) how this mercifull and meeke Sauiour behaueth himselfe towards his bloudie and tyrannous persecutors : behold him dropping with bloud , buffetted by the wicked ministers , scorned of the people , forsaken of his Disciples , hoysted into the ayre , cruelly nayled on the Crosse , not cursing , not reuiling , but praying , not for himselfe , but those that persecuted him . Amongst whom , running with the formost , mayest thou , in thy eternall Prouidence , O glorious Patterne of all Sufferings , behold me , with more crueltie laying on thee with my sinnes , then the stonie-hearted Iewes with their weapons , tearing thee , if it were possible , peece-meale with my horrible and blaspheming Oathes ; my loose and lasciuious thoughts wounding thy faire Head with more spight and rigour , then the sharpe-pointed Thornes ; my Malice , Enuie , Pride , Drunkennesse , Concupiscence , with innumerable other sinnes and transgressions , flaying thy reuerend Bodie . All this ( O Lord ) haue I done , all this committed , knowing thee , and confessing thee to be Iesus , the eternall Sonne of God , and only Redeemer of the World . Pray for me , most gentle and mild Lord , speake for me to thy eternall Father ; without which , most abominable and wretched sinner , I shall for euer be condemned . Forsake me not now , O Lord , goe not away from me , but renew in me a cleane heart , and create a right spirit within me , that I may plainely see the deformitie of sinne , and the ouglinesse of my misdeedes . Giue me grace earnestly to seeke thee , and hauing found thee , ardently to loue thee ; ouercome with which , I may imploy all my actions , endeuours , and labours , wholly to serue thee : which if I faithfully and truly doe , I shall at the end of my yeeres , hauing so indulgent and louing a Master , be made a Free-man of Heauen ; and those vnconceiuable Ioyes , which no eye hath seene , eare hath heard , or tongue can tell , they onely know them , that enioy them : Which , O benigne and mercifull Lord , graunt all thy seruants to inherite , for thy holy Names sake , which shall be honoured and praysed world without end .

15. Euening Prayer .

GRaunt me ( O Lord ) after the many and wild distractions of this day , a holy and inward recollection , that I may returne into my selfe , with due care and examination , how I haue spent and imployed my faculties of soule , and functions of bodie , which thou hast lent me , for thy vse and seruice ; and giue vnto me a true compunction and sorrowfull feeling for all the passed errors and transgressions of this day , that I may heartily lament and bewayle my sinnes and wickednesses , with a full resolution and constant determination of my amendment . And graunt me ( O Lord ) this Night , I beseech thee , by thine incomprehensible Diuinitie and Maiestie , chastitie of mind , cleanenesse of heart , simplicitie of spirit , and most sincere puritie of soule and bodie , that I may earnestly seeke after thee , and in thee alone take my rest ; since whatsoeuer is without thee , is onely vexation and trouble of mind : that hauing enioyed a comfortable and peaceable Repose both of soule and bodie , I may awake with much alacritie and cheerefulnesse of spirit , to prayse and honour thee in all my workes and labours , which the following day shall call me to ; for his onely sake , in whom wee are enabled to exercise whatsoeuer is good and vertuous . Amen .

SATVRDAY .

16. Morning Prayer .

BE mercifull vnto me , O Lord , and let thy holy hand be ouer me : Let my first Meditation be of thy goodnesse , and my Morning thoughts imployed about thy fatherly care and protection , which hath from my infancie ouershadowed me , preseruing me from the vile and shamefull fires of Lust and Riotousnesse , recalling me still to a feeling and dislike of my passed sinnes and offences . Rectifie ( O Lord ) my sinfull will , and strengthen my frailetie , that with the burning wings of filiall pietie and humble deuotion for so many and those vnspeakable gifts and graces , I may flye , by prayers and thanks-giuing , to the Throne of thy Diuinitie , where fixing all my aymes and intents , I may change my pronenesse and inclination to ill and wickednesse , with vertuous and feruent desires of louing and honouring thee for thy selfe , who art onely and all goodnesse , without the respect of my dependance or being from thee ; that reuerencing thy greatnesse , and rauished with thy goodnesse , I may , with a loue full of awe and feare , eschew those wayes which may displease thee ; euer carefuller of thy anger , then my owne hurt or disaduantage : to which height of Charitie , graunt me ( O Lord ) to attaine , for the merits of thy onely Sonne , who alone is able to deserue so infinite a blessing for so infinite and vile a sinner . Amen .

AT NOONE. 17. A Prayer against Drunkennesse .

GIue to me the water of Life , ( O Lord ) and I shall neuer thirst ; but say the word , and I shall be satisfied . Send downe thy heauenly dew , to asswage and coole my disordered and vnlimitted desires , whose burning heat and raging fire runnes me into sinne and excesse . In vaine haue I laboured , without thee , to stay my intemperance ; in vaine opposed my selfe against my wild and lawlesse sences . Strengthen ( O Lord ) my weakenesse , and confirme me against the temptations of the Deuill ; who finding a breach in me , hath entred and made prey , banishing all things good and vertuous , which thou hast placed to keepe me , and hath peopled me with strong and sinfull thoughts , mortall and well-armed Offences , who dare iustifie their Rapine and Extortion , Drunkennesse , Whoredome , readily committing more sinnes , then I haue names to cloath them in . Hasten ( O Lord ) and helpe me , for I am wearie of their tyrannie ; cast them out of me , and plant thy grace , that they returne not , and multiplie . Whole Dayes haue I pleased my selfe in displeasing thee , and broken many Nights to breake thy Commaundements ; sore longing for their companie , whose feet run to Iniquitie ; abusing thy Creature , prouided by thy care and prouidence for the refreshing and sustentation of our naturall bodies , to our ruine , and without thy great mercie , vtter damnation . Did not thy seruant Lot ( O Lord ) a iust and righteous man , in his drinke abuse his owne Daughter ? What sinne hath Hell in store so horrid , that it dare not act , and glorie of the deed ? O most mercifully louing Lord and Father , who desirest not the death of a sinner , but rather that he should liue and repent ; I request thee , by the bowels of thy Mercie , thy bitter precious Passion , thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension , thou wilt take away from me this Monster and Hell-borne wickednesse , which hath subtilly perswaded me to offend thee , my Lord and Maker , and stealingly surprized me , and giuen me vp to all manner of sinnes and transgressions , taking away all reason , blinding the sences , that being wholly in his power , he might carrie me headlong to all perdition . Preserue me ( O Lord ) by thy might and power , from all occasions which may bring me to him , for I am fearefull of him , and dare not , without thy gracious assistance and mercie , endure his slye and powerfull perswasions . No age is warranted from him , hee adulterateth both sexes , he vnsanctifieth the most religious , and creepeth into the priuatest and most retired places , bewitching all sorts with his cunning and alluring charmes . Stand , O my Redeemer , at the gates of my eares , and shut out all his faire-seeming treaties , which would conclude a peace betweene my frailetie and the Deuill . Cleare ( O Lord ) my eyes , and take away the myst from them , that I may plainely see and perceiue his ouglinesse and deformitie , wallowing in beastlinesse and sensualitie : mercifully touch my heart with thy illumining Spirit , that I may hate and detest him , shun his friends and companions , and flye from the place of his abode and entertainement ; within whose Circle , no soule is safe , no thought pure , no sence perfect . Amen .

18. Euening Prayer .

LAy thy blessed hands vpon me ( O Lord ) as thou didst on thy seruant Lot , delaying his owne safetie , and conduct me out of this sinfull and euerie-way polluted Sodome , that I may quickly flye from it , lest vnquenchable fire and brimstone ouertake me , whilest I protract and refuse thy heauenly inspirations . Let no day passe me , without some progresse in goodnesse and vertue : and euerie houre , O mercifull Father , graunt I may determine a full amendment and detestation of my former lewdnesse , and misse-spent behauiour . Let me account my selfe an vnprofitable Scholler , when I haue not learnt and aspired to some higher measure of vnderstanding thee ; an vnthriftie and riotous worldling , when I haue not gathered and laid vp somewhat to maintaine and defend me in the day of trouble . Touch ( O Lord ) my heart with thy heauenly Spirit , that I may esteeme this life , in his full value , onely a Pilgrimage and Thorow-fare to another Land , where I must truly liue for euer ; and accordingly despising all the lets and hinderances , be neither tempted with the gawdie pleasures , nor terrified with the rough passages of my Iourney ; but in thy holy feare making way through them , I may at last arriue to thee , the promised Land , where euer-continuing and flourishing content and happinesse abideth . Amen .

SVNDAY .

19. Morning Prayer .

O My most mercifull Lord and Redeemer , how shall a guiltie and sinfull soule appeare in the presence of an innocent and vnspotted Deitie ? or what hope of Pitie , or Pardon , when he shall be my Iudge , who may onely accuse me ; bearing about him wide and gastly wounds , which my sinnes haue giuen him ; by which his most glorious Passion , and admirable Resurrection , he as this day finished that great and neuer to be forgotten benefit of the Redemption of Mankind ; which I , as much as in me lyeth , by my horrid and abominable lust and desire , haue sought to frustrate and annihilate ? Who shall take me from his Iustice , or rescue me from his Omnipotencie ? I haue sinned ( O Lord ) I haue sinned , and am no more worthie to be called thine : I haue risen with the Sunne to meditate on vanities , and all the day long haue I followed my owne wayes ; at the going downe of the same , I haue forgotten thy Blessings , and sate in darkenesse , without remembring thee , the Light and Guide of those that goe astray ; I haue forgotten thy Lawes , and thy Statutes haue beene farre from me ; my thoughts haue beene busied in vncleanenesse , and my lippes acquainted with leasings and vaine stories . O be mercifull vnto me , and enter not into Iudgement with thy seruant : for how shall Dust and Ashes stand vp before thee ? or the worke of thy hands contend with his Creator ? Haue pitie on me ( O Lord ) according to thy great goodnesse , and in the multitude of thy mercies , blot out all my Iniquities . Saue me , and be neere vnto me in the day of trouble , that I may magnifie thy Name , and giue all honour , power , and glorie to thee , who art the Father and Fountaine of all comfort and consolation . Amen .

AT NOONE. 20. A Prayer concerning the benefit of Creation .

I Am amazed ( O Lord ) to consider of thy wonderfull mercie : my soule is lost in the depth of thy neuer-ceasing goodnesse ; and like the wisest of Philosophers , the more I learne , the lesse I may truly professe to know ; so bottomelesse and vnsearchable is thy loue and fauour . When I was Nothing ( O Lord ) why thoughtst thou of me , and calledst me to be Something ? which , hauing any subsistence of Beast , or Plant , is better then not to be at all : but thou hast created me according to thine owne Image , giuing me a reasonable soule , like the Angels , endued with noble faculties and powers , enabling me to reach the height of thy mysticall Diuinitie and diuine Mysterie , and made me capable of euerlasting and infinite glorie . O Lord , before thee , and in comparison of thy Maiestie , I am iust Nothing ; and how wast thou then mindfull of me , to create me ? Alas , my soule , thou wast hidden in the Abysse of Nothing , and in this Abysse of Nothing shouldst thou haue remained vntill this present , if God had not drawne thee forth from thence : and what couldst thou haue done within this Nothing ? O my great and good Creator , how infinitely am I indebted vnto thee ; for that thou hast taken me out of this Nothing , to make me , by thy mercie , that something which I am ? What shall I euer be able to doe , worthily to blesse and magnifie thy Name , and to render thankes to thine exceeding Bountie ? But alas , my Creator , in stead of vniting my selfe vnto thee by pure loue and loyall seruice , I haue alwayes beene rebellious , by vnruly affections separating and withdrawing my selfe from thee , to ioyne and vnite my selfe vnto sinne and iniquitie ; doing no more to thy Goodnesse , then if thou hadst not beene my Creator . What wickednesse hath there beene ( O Lord ) that I haue not had a thought readie to put in , a mind apt to contriue , and a hand willing to execute it ? Wherein haue I testified my obedience , in following thy Lawes and Precepts ? Wherein my truth and loyaltie , in resisting thy vowed and knowne enemies ? But , O my soule , know that our Lord is thy God , it is he that hath made thee , and not thou thy selfe . O God , I am the worke of thy hand ; I will then no more henceforth take pleasure in my selfe , since in my selfe , and of my selfe , I am truly Nothing . Blesse thy God , O my soule , and let all thy bowels prayse his holy Name ; for his Bountie hath drawne me forth of the Abysse of Nothing , and his Mercie hath created me . O my God , I offer vnto thee , with all my heart , the essence and being which thou of thy Bountie hast bestowed vpon me , and most willingly doe I dedicate and consecrate it to thee . O my God , strengthen me in these affections and resolutions , and giue me perseuerance to the end .

21. Euening Prayer .

I Humbly confesse and acknowledge , O mercifull Lord and Sauiour , that I haue not imployed and bestowed the blessed Time of this hallowed Day , so deuoutly and religiously as I ought and am commanded to doe ; I beseech thee , of thy infinite mercie ▪ to forgiue and pardon so weake and frayle a Creature , that cannot entertaine the least good thought one moment , without thee ; and vouchsafe , of thy accustomed goodnesse and clemencie , continually to visit , nay , my most blessed Sauiour , to inhabite and dwell with mee , that so I may doe the things which please thee . Giue vnto me ( O Lord ) a kindly relenting , and remorse for the sinnes I haue this day committed against thy diuine Maiestie , and against my Neighbour , by thought , word , and deed , and by omission of those things thou hast left me in charge to haue done . Moderate ( O Lord ) my sleepe , and banish from me all vaine and wandering fancies , vncleane and idle illusions , that I may awake in thee , and to thee offer my Morning thoughts , who art onely worthie of all ; that onely hast created , redeemed , sanctified , and preserued me ; for which , be thou euer praysed and honoured world without end . Amen .

22. A Prayer to our blessed Sauiour and Redeemer .

PRostrate thy selfe , O my soule , before the Lord of all Maiestie and Glorie , sitting at the right hand of his Father , crowned with Mightinesse and Power , richly adorned with a garland of all Vertues , brightly shining , in the companie of his glorious Angels , holy Saints , and bloudie Martyrs , honouring and seruing him without ceasing , or intermission , singing Hymnes of his Goodnesse and Mercie : and hauing thus beheld him in this great Pompe and Triumph , cast thine eye vpon this blessed Sauiour , poorely lying in the Manger , hauing scarce any thing to couer his tender and delicate Bodie , or saue it from the iniurie of the Ayre : Consider well and seriously , how he which giueth heat and motion to the Sunne , is here contented ( as vnable to helpe himselfe ) to take warmth and comfort from the breath of the Beasts , whom he there disdained not to be his Chamber-fellowes . O wonderfull example of all humilitie ! How darest thou from henceforth , contemned Dust and Ashes , swell in thy Vaine-glorie ; and decked with a few gay Ragges , forget thy Creator , who is cloathed with Eternitie ? Humble ( O Lord ) my high and proud thoughts , abase and bring downe my loftie and rebellious imaginations , make me abiect in my owne eyes , that walking with my poore Brethren ( who wander naked and hungrie , lying vpon the bare & cold Earth ) I may with them prayse and glorifie thy holy Name , who wert the first founder and beginner of this poore and contemned Order . Why shall we , from henceforth , so highly esteeme Honour and Riches , when thou , the Lord of both , didst so contemne it ; voluntarie , for our instruction , submitting thy selfe to so great and miserable Pouertie ? Happie are wee , if wee be distressed , and patiently suffer it ; happie , if wee be contemned and neglected for thy sake . Teach me , O Lord , the way to despise all worldly preferment and promotions , that hauing my thoughts only fixed vpon thee , I may passe forth these transitorie & short miseries , to dwell in eternall rest and felicitie in thy Kingdome , which is promised to all those which serue thee ; to whom be ascribed all honor , power , and glorie , world without end . Amen .

23. Another Prayer for assistance in dangers and troubles .

COmplaynest thou , discontented and vngratefull Creature , that thy enemies lye in wait to take thy life from thee , and thinkest thy selfe not well dealt with , to be so persecuted and afflicted , when thou mayest behold the Creator of Heauen and Earth hauing no piece of Earth to abide with safetie in ? Doest thou value thy selfe aboue thy Maker ? and canst wish a share in his Glories , but to be no partner with him in his Troubles ? O blessed Sauiour , is it not thy owne saying , that who will enioy thee , must take vp his Crosse , and follow thee ? How strictly liued thy fore-runner ? how imprisoned ? how died ? how poorely , and dangerously , thy followers glorifying thee in hunger , in stripes , in death ? Crowne me ( O Lord ) in this life with Thornes , that I may hereafter receiue a Crowne of Glorie : Let me be here imprisoned , scourged , and reuiled , so I may be hereafter released , acknowledged , and receiued : And graunt , most mercifull and louing Redeemer , that as thou didst in thy Godhead shew vs the fraileties of Man in thy Suffering , so thou wouldst in our Manhood shew vs the power of thy Godhead , manfully to resist and ouercome all feare of Dangers , nay , Death it selfe , which Satan and our weake flesh painteth out so horrible to vs , that cowardly flying the Combate , wee may lose the promised Reward . Strengthen vs ( O Lord ) and be vnto vs a sure shield in the day of Battaile : Let the Angels fight for vs , and shew themselues mightie in the destruction of our enemies : Let them be scattered as Chaffe before the Wind , and not be able to stand in opposition with thy seruants , who put their trust in thee . Let them ( O Lord ) be ruined and confounded , that wish euill to them that feare thee , and desire to be perfect imitators of thy life and doctrine , that wee remaining Conquerors , may prayse and glorifie thee , the giuer of all Victorie . Amen .

24. A Prayer against Pride .

DId Almightie God , who is iealous of his Honour , throw downe the Heauens for their Presumption ? and thinkest thou , fond Man , he will exalt base Earth for his Pride ? Doth he pull downe the mightie and the loftie , and aduance the humble and meeke , and darest thou yet reare vp thy proud head in his presence ? Was not the great King Nabuchadonozor turned for his arrogancie into a Beast , for that in the shape of a Man hee liued like a Beast ? And did not the Wormes feede vpon Herod , vn-coffind , and aliue , because he did proudly aduance himselfe of his naturall gifts and graces ? Who dare contend with the Almightie , which darteth Lightning ; and holdeth Thunder ? Or what canst thou boast of , presumptuous flesh , that is thine owne ? Thy soule is heauenly , thy bodie earthly , both from God ; the one inspired , the other fashioned in the Wombe , lent thee for a season , and to be recalled at his pleasure . Why doest thou therefore lay vp Honours and Preferments for many yeeres ? Why doest thou pursue and search for glorious Armes and Titles , forgetting thy Father Adam , because a Gardener , and deriuing thy Pedigree from some great and Noble Conqueror ; hauing not certainely so much time here , as the Herald must necessarily require to perfect thy gawdie Coat : For this Night may God say vnto thee ; O foole , thy soule shall be taken from thee ? Let me not therefore , O mercifull Father , come vnprepared , like the foolish Virgins , and be shut out , hauing ouer-slept my houre : Giue me grace to repent , whilest there is time ; for in Death , who acknowledge thee ? or who findeth pardon in Hell ? Graunt , that I may seriously ponder and consider thy manifold and manifest benefites , that I may with all humilitie and thankfulnesse prayse and glorifie the giuer . Lay before me the haynousnesse and multitude of my offences , that strucken downe with shame and sorrow , I may fall at thy feet , and with the abundance of my teares wash away the stayne and guilt of my aspiring soule . Let the greedinesse of my Ambition satisfie it selfe in seruing of thee , being the highest Honour the Earth can glorie of : and when it euidently perceiues , how little of his owne it is able to bring , to discharge those offices which are necessarily required , my towring thoughts will fall , and breake their owne necke . Endue me ( O Lord ) with spirituall knowledge and vnderstanding , to retyre into my selfe , and take a suruey of my owne soule , how shee is garnished , how decked , with what vertues adorned , with what heauenly gifts and graces apparrelled ; and let me be confounded and ashamed , to find her , the Mistresse and Queene of this frayle and corrupted bodie , naked , or worse apparrelled , and to imploy all my studie and endeuours to garnish and set out her seruant . Let selfe-basenesse ( O Lord ) attained by a certaine knowledge of my weakenesse and vnworthinesse , banish away all selfe-affection , vainely gotten by a false conceit of my owne graces . Health , vigour , strength , and lustinesse of bodie thou giuest , and takest away at thy pleasure , by sicknesse , hunger , wants , and torments ; Proportion , and Beautie , but thy all-making Hand , who can to the life fashion ; which are spoyled and defaced by Age , the necessarie seruant of Time , and Decrepitnesse , the diligent follower of Age ? Be it therefore farre from me to glorie , but in the Crosse of my Sauiour Iesus Christ : Let me take pride in his Sufferings , and boast of his Wounds , whose precious bloud hath conquered Hell and Sinne , leading Captiuitie captiue , and redeeming the lost Sheepe , reducing them againe to their louing and carefull Shepheard ; who will recall them wandering , vphold them sliding , and saue them eternally from the rauening Wolfe , which goeth about roaring , to seeke who he may deuoure .

25. A Prayer against the concupiscence of the flesh .

WHo shall enter into thy Tabernacle , O Lord ? Hee that hath vndefiled hands , and a pure heart , sanctified and vnpolluted members , as worthie Vessels to receiue the holy Ghost : The house must be cleane swept by Confession , purified and perfumed by good purposes and prayers , before it can be made a fit habitation for our Lord and Sauiour . Those be the sweet-smelling sauors , which laid vpon the Altar of our heart , enflamed and set on fire by perfect Charitie , are acceptable Sacrifices vnto him . Were not the people ( O Lord ) commanded by thy Seruant and Prophet Moses , to put off their shooes , because the ground whereon they trod was holy ? How shall they enter then before thee , whose feet are swift to defile their neighbours Bed , whose hands haue beene employed in rauishing young Virgins , and whose tongues haue spent all their force and Oratorie , to corrupt and betray honest thoughts to wicked and loose desires ? Didst thou so seuerely rebuke and punish thy Seruant Dauid ( a man , as the Scripture testifieth , according to thy owne heart ) for one Transgression , that neither his Contrition , Penance , Fasting , Almes-deedes , could diuert or turne away thy Anger ? And shall I , miserable and leprous sinner , who haue all my life worne my heart in my eyes , lusting after euery obiect , hope to escape thy furie ? What Woman haue I not coueted ? What Complexion hath not beene the fuell of my lewd thoughts ? Pardon , O mercifull Lord and Sauiour , an humble and penitent sinner , who confesseth and acknowledgeth his hainous sinnes and offences , and much sorroweth and lamenteth to haue mis-imployed his time and bodie in the lasciuious acts and concupiscences of the flesh ; infinitely desiring thee , of thy grace and fauour , to cleanse and sanctifie my polluted and vncleane soule , knowing , that no Adulterers or Fornicators shall inherite thy Kingdome . Giue vnto me ( O Lord ) spotlesse and innocent Chastitie , being the Lilly among all vertues , whose sparkling lustre is seene a farre off . Bridle with thy holy hand , all wanton and loose desires , which runne after their owne destruction . Let the delight of mine eyes bee thy miraculous Resurrection : the obiect of mine eares , the story of thy Passion : the subiect of my thoughts , the remembrance of the Crosse : the foode of my vnderstanding , thy wonderfull and vnconceiueable Conception . Let mee with St. Thomas thrust my fingers in thy wounds ; that all faculties and functions of body and soule , beeing busied and employed , in and about thy workes and wonders , I may bee deliuered , and bring foorth holy thoughts , reuerent and gentle speeches , pure and immaculate actions , worthy the honour and glory of so pure and innocent a Lord , borne of a spotlesse and immaculate Virgin . Grant this , O sweet Iesus , the bestower of all goodnes , and vertue , that desiring to draw out this short and transitorie life , purely and honestly , wee may , after we shall be warned to giue it ouer , dwell with thee in thy euerlasting habitation , where abideth all purity , sanctitie , cleannesse & glory , world without end . Amen .

26. A Prayer against Sloth .

WHen thou calledst thy seruants to account , ( most mercifull & gentle Sauiour ) what reward had he , that fearing thy hardnesse and his owne weaknesse , laid vp thy talent and employed it not ? was he not after conuiction sentenced , and deliuered to the Sargeant ? Are wee not commaunded by thy neuer-erring Word , to worke our saluation : to watch and pray continually , because wee know not at what houre our Lord and Master will call vpon vs ? which are no effects of Sloth and Idlenesse : For to banish sleepe and due repose , doth require a whole mind , not a surfetted and lazy soule , buried in flesh and bloud : and to offer vp with humble feruencie , and ardent deuotion , pure and earnest prayers , asketh due consideration , much trouble , and a great conquest ouer the outward man , not to be obtained without many assaults , and labour . The slothfull man , saith the holy Ghost , shall not eate . Can we not then attaine bodily foode , without dayly care , much shift , and many times hard and extraordinarie paines ? and doest thou flatter thy selfe , O my soule , that either heauen will stoope to thee , or our blessed Sauiour fetch thee , without mouing or helping thy selfe thither ? Imitate the greedy Merchant , who with vnheard-of fauours seeketh vnknown countries , exposing himselfe to the certaine dangers of the Sea ; vncertaine sicknesses , to purchase and returne laden with wealth , which hee can neither keep at his pleasure , nor will vse at his pleasure . Quicken me , O Lord , with thy holy Spirit , that mounted on the wings of Charitie , I may flye to thee . I will rise duely in the morning , saith the holy King , and glorifie God : I will euery night wash my couch with my teares . Giue mee , O Lord , the care and respect of this holy Prophet his vigilancie , stoutnesse in labours , perseuerance in good purposes , and continuance to the end . This life , O my soule , is a warfare wherein we must not stand idle , but take vp our weapons , and fight manfully . We must preuent the day with our diligence , and out-watch the Sunne with our carefulnesse , lest the enemy take vs vnawares and slaughter vs : We must haue our Lamps still lighted , and be euer ready , that wee may be taken in , and made partakers for our short trauels of eternal and euerlasting rest and repose .

27. A Prayer against Couetousnesse .

SInce it is easier , O Lord , for a Cammel to enter the eye of a needle , then for a rich man to inherite the Kingdome of Heauen . Let mee ( O Lord ) wander naked , and hungry , cloathed with sores and botches , rather then with Diues his portion , to take possession of his punishment . For what auayleth it to gaine the whole world , and lose my owne soule ? Yet if it please thee , bountifull Father , to leaue and bequeath to me a plentifull estate , and great riches , giue me grace so to vse and bestow them , that I come not behinde hand with thee in my account : Let mee so dispose them , as thou hast by expresse words appointed , that my poore Brethren put not vp a Bill against me . Set not my heart on them , O Lord , but as things without mee : when either thou pleasest by fire , water , or any other casualtie to call them from me , let mee thankefully surrender them as a Reeue , not an Owner ; yeelding thee immortall and vnfained thanks that I haue had them so long , not inwardly grudging and repining that I haue lost them so soone . For who placeth al his content on them , can neither possesse them long , nor safely . Giue me , O Lord , pouertie of spirit , in the middest of all abundance , that I may fast , hauing all plenty , taking the delicates from my Table , and with my owne hand seruing the poore and needy , who are bought at as dear a rate as the mightiest , and whose soules are as precious to thee as the greatest . Let me euer remember that saying of the blessed Iob : Naked came I out of my mothers wombe , and naked shall I returne againe ; Praised bee the Lord for all : Leauing to my children the prayers of the poore , not the curses of ill-gotten riches ; the praises of good men , not that heauy sentence of , Wo be vnto thee , at my departure : that at that great and terrible day , when all accounts shal be examined and laid open , bringing in my Bils of cloathing the naked , feeding the hungry , and giuing drink to the thirstie , I may receiue that soule-comforting discharge of , Come yee blessed , and seat you on my right hand , for vnto you belongeth the Kingdome of Heauen .

28. A Prayer humbly acknowledging our sins , with promise of amendment .

I Wretched sinner , heere personally appearing and standing in the presence of God euerlasting , & of al the Court of Heauen , hauing considered the exceeding mercy of his diuine goodnes toward me , most vnworthy & miserable caytife , whom he hath created of nothing , preserued , sustained , and deliuered from so many dangers , & endowed with so many benefits : But aboue al , considering the incomprehensible sweetnes , & clemency wherwith this most good God hath so bountifully tolerated me in my iniquities , and so louingly inspired me , inuiting mee to amendment , and so patiently expected my repentance & conuersion , notwithstanding all my vnthankfulnesse , disloyalty & infidelity , whereby deferring my Conuersion , & despising his graces , I haue so impudently offended him : hauing moreouer considered , that at the day of my christening , I was so happy and holily vowed , and dedicated vnto my God to be his child , and that contrary to the profession , which then was made in my name , I haue so many and sundry times , so execrably and detestably profaned and violated my soule , imploying it , and opposing it against his diuine Maiestie . At length recalling my selfe , and prostrating my selfe in heart and minde , before the Throne of his diuine iustice , I acknowledge , confesse , and yeeld my selfe lawfully attached , and conuicted of high Treason against his diuine Maiestie , and guilty of the death and Passion of Iesus Christ , by reason of the hainous sinnes which I haue committed , for which he dyed ; and suffered the torment of the Crosse : so that consequently I am worthy to be cast away and damned for euer . But turning my selfe towards the Throne of the infinite mercy of the selfe-same eternall God ; hauing detested from the bottome of my heart , and with all my force , the iniquities of my life fore-passed , I most humbly require and craue pardon , grace and mercy , with entire absolution from my cryme , through vertue of the Passion , and death of the same Sauiour and Redeemer of my soule ; vpon whom relying , as vpon the onely foundation of my hope , I confirme againe , aduowe and renew the sacred profession of loyall seruice and fidelitie , made in my name and behalfe , vnto my GOD at my baptizing ; renouncing the Diuell , the Flesh , and the World ; abhorring the execrable suggestions , vanities , and concupiscence , for all the time of this present life , and for all eternitie , and conuerting my selfe vnto my most gracious and mercifull God : I desire , deliberate , purpose and fully resolue irreuocably to honor him , serue him , & loue him , now and for euer : giuing him for this end , and dedicating and consecrating my spirits with all his faculties ; my soule with all her functions ; my heart with all his affections ; and my body with all his sences : protesting neuer more to abuse any one part of my beeing or nature , against his diuine will , and soueraigne Maiestie : To whom I offer vp , and sacrifice my selfe in spirit , to be to him a loyall , obedient , and faithfull creature for euermore . Amen .

29. A Prayer to be said in Afflictions and Troubles .

O Eternall and euer-liuing God , the Father of all Consolation and Mercies , the giuer of all things good and vertuous , who art vnto vs as a Nurse vnto a childe , a Shepheard vnto a wandring Lambe , a Guide of our wayes , a Guardian of our persons , a Counsellour in doubts , a Comforter in troubles , a Patron in our needes , and an assured Friend in all afflictions ; graciously assist vs in all our tribulations and aduersities , being an assured tryall of thy seruants ; For whom thou louest , thou chastisest . Suffer me to bee tempted , O Lord , not ouercome ; rebuked , not forsaken ; bruised with thy rod , not broken ; for my soule is heauy within me , and my enemies haue preuailed against me ; yea , my Spirit repineth , and my flesh grudgeth , that thy hand is so heauy on mee : I goe like one that hath lost his way , shooting my eyes into the earth , as desiring to be buried in my misfortunes : All my friends haue left me , and my company is my owne thoughts , which are displeasing vnto me : My eyes are great with teares , my tongue laboureth with my mis-fortunes , so that I seeme to others a piece of earth wrapped in woe and calamity . Comfort me , O Lord , and I shall be comforted ; shoote thy holy Spirit into me , and I shall bee disburdened ; lighten the beames of thy mercy vpon me and I shall shine in prosperity : for it is my sinnes , O Lord , which haue confounded mee : it is the multitude of my wickednesses , which haue drowned the multitude of thy ioyes ; it is my guilt which banisheth thy goodnesse . Turne backe , O Lord , and mercifully looke vpon me , as thou didst vpon thy holy Apostle , and faithfull seruant S. Peter , that I may not onely weep , but bitterly lament my misdeeds and offences , who haue denyed my onely Lord and Master all the dayes of my life , swearing as one that knew him not , and blaspheming , as certainely neither beleeuing , nor fearing the punishments which haue ouer-growne me . But if alas , through suggestion of mine enemy , or through humane frailty , I chance any time to transgresse in any thing whatsoeuer , giue me grace , O Lord , by the aide of the Holy Ghost , to arise againe so soone as I shall perceiue my fall , and so to returne anew to the Diuine Mercy , without any stay or delay whatsoeuer . Let it please thee , O my eternall God , Almighty and all good Father , Son , and Holy Ghost , to confirme and strengthen mee in this resolution of my amendment , and to accept this Cordiall , and inward Sacrifice in the odor of sweetnesse . O my God , thou art my God , God of my heart , God of my soule , God of my spirit ; and for such doe I reuerently , thankfully , and louingly acknowledge , honour and adore thee , now and for euer .

30. Another Prayer for remission of sinnes .

O Benigne Iesu , the onely refuge of desolate and afflicted soules , the comfort and succour of those that are laden and oppressed , mercifully heare , and pitifully receiue the prayers and supplications of one conceiued and borne in sinne , who acknowledgeth and confesseth , before the Throne of thy Diuine Maiesty , that hee is too base , and altogether vnworthy to speake , nay , looke , and much lesse to be heard and regarded in this his extremity , who in time of health hath contemned and neglected his Physicion ; in time of iollity and prosperity , hath neither thriftily prouided , nor wisely preuented the daies of horror and desolation , who being cruelly accused by his owne conscience , of many high and detestable treason , against the King of Kings , and Lord of Lords , his thoughts and senses bearing witnes against him , hath neither treasure to ransome him , nor friend to pleade for him , wealth preuaileth not with him , who is infinite in Riches : Titles and Honours are momentany shadowes in his presence , who aduanceth and degradeth whom hee pleases . Kindred and friends dare not bee seene before so pure and iust a Iudge , in so foule and vniust a cause . What wilt thou then doe , O my soule , in these straights and extremities ? Whither wilt thou flye for succour ? Heauen is his dwelling place , the earth his foot-stoole , the Mountaines hee will remoue , and his iustice diues into the bottome of the Sea : Fall then before him , and all prostrate , lift vp thy voyce , implore his mercy , desire his pardon , sue vnto him , kneele before him , lay hold of him , and let him not depart , O my soule , till hee hath , at least , granted thee a Reprieue for thy horrible and lewd transgressions : which obtained , whilst his wrath is a little slackened , thy teares may mollifie , and get betweene thee and his definitiue sentence . Consider duely what friends thou canst make , and due consideration will make contrition a speciall fauorite of our Sauiours , pleade heartily for thee , who in thy behalfe , promising a detestation of thy former offences , with an assured purpose and resolution of amendment , ioyned with a continuance and progresse in good workes and holy exercises , may ( for our Sauiour delights to heare him ) purchase thee an absolute pardon . Grant me therefore , most sweet and amiable Lord , to imploy the remnant of my life in studying to be acquainted with these thy holy friends and fauorites . Giue , O Sauiour , a fountaine of teares vnto my eyes , that I may continually lament and bewayle my daily and haynous offences ; breed in mee a loathing , and horrid detestation of all my sinnes , that I may flye from them , and shun the wayes and occasions which leade vnto them , being stricken with an extraordinary sorrow and compunction for hauing dared to offend a Lord of such height and glory , and ouercome with shame and ingratitude , repent the iniuries offered to so louing and carefull a Master , who hath shed his Bloud , to saue so vnprofitable a seruant ; that being by feruent charity reconciled vnto him , I may in the day of terrour lawfully claime part of him , and being shrowded vnder his wings , escape the malice and fury of my accusers ; euen for thy blessed names sake , which shall in that time of trouble , bee a sure defence to all thy Chosen .

31. A Prayer for Chastity .

O Almightie and blessed Lord and Sauiour , the glorie of thy Father , the brightnesse and spotlesse sinceritie of Men , who delightest and visitest thy cleane and vnpolluted members ; sanctifie , O Lord , and purifie mee that I may not bee a shame and reproach to so immaculary and chaste a Head ; that I may appeare a sonne , some way worthy so holy and heauenly a Father . Mortifie and kill in me the loose and powerfull desires of the flesh , which borne in me are kindled and inflamed by the diuell and my owne frailtie . Fixe my eyes , O Lord , vpon thy immortall , glorious , and neuer-fading beautie , that I may contemne and despise all earthly and transitorie paintings : Strike me in loue wlth the excellencie of vertue , that my heart strongly and wholly taken with so faire and worthily beloued a perfection , there may be no roome left for Folly and Idlenesse , the wel-springs of wanton affection . Busie mee , O Lord , about the day of Iudgement , and my Account ; the torments of hell , and their euerlastingnesse : that all my study and labour may bee how to auoide them , and blesse thee that hast not left me to the world , and corrupted tyrannie of man , but mercifully laid thy hand vpon me , and conducted me to the meanes of my saluation .

32. A Prayer in Iournying .

O Mercifully louing Lord , which gouernedst and defendedst thy people Israel from all the vniust oppression and mercilesse fury of their enemies , guiding them in all their wayes and trauailes ; and graciously visitedst thy seruant Iacob in his way , and powredst thy blessing on him : bee neere at this time to thy vnworthy and sinfull seruant , and blesse mee , I beseech thee , in this my trauell and iourney , from any violence of sinne , or outward Spoylers and Robbers . Prosper , O Lord , and bring to good end , as it shall please thee , the businesse I trauell and wander about , and vouchsafe to direct mee in it , that I do that which shall bee to thy glory , and my owne behoofe and profite , euen for Iesus Christ his sake . Amen .

33. A Prayer to bee vsed in any storme of Lightning and Thunder .

O Holy , Holy , Holy , Lord God of Sabbath , Heauen and earth are full of the Maiestie of thy glorie ; the flouds lift vp their voyce and speake thy wonders , the Heauens flie before thy Anger , and the vnnaturally mouing Earth trembleth at thy Voyce : All which ordained for the vse of Man , vpon thy word prooue their scourge and punishment : The fire from aboue , at the cry of the Prophet , eateth vp his Scorners : the Sea rageth and deuoureth the people and Chariots of the Egyptians ; yea , the earth gapeth , and buryeth men aliue at thy command : Preserue vs , gentle and infinitely louing Father , from this violent and dreadfull storme , which raised for our sins , threatneth our destruction . Put out the lightning , O Lord , and dissolue the horrid and fearefull stone , lest it pash thy people to ashes , and we be seene no more . Cast thine eye vpon the Merites and Passion of our Sauiour , and let his Bloud come betweene thy Iustice and our guilt , that we may reioyce , and lift vp our voyces with the holy Prophet Dauid , I will not feare , though the earth bee mooued and throwne into the heart of the Sea ; for the Almightie is our refuge and strength , and helpeth vs in all our trouble . Praised be the name of the Lord .

34. A Prayer or Meditation , concerning the benefits after Creation .

COnsider , O my soule , with reuerence and thanksgiuing , how Almightie God placed thee heere of his owne bountie and noblenesse , not for any need hee had of thy helpe or seruice , but to bestow vpon thee his grace , and therefore hath hee enriched thee with vnderstanding to know him , remembrance to be mindefull of him , will to loue him , imagination to represent his benefits vnto thy thoughts , eyes to behold the wonders of his workes , and a tongue to praise him . Wherefore being created and set in the world for this intention , reiect and cast away all actions which prooue contrary to this end . For alas ! what did I busie my thoughts vpon , O my God , when I placed them not vpon thee ? What was I mindefull of , when I forgot thee ? What did I loue , when I did not loue thee ? Aye me , I should haue fed my soule with the veritie , and I haue fil'd it with vanitie ; and haue serued the world , which was not made but to serue mee . I defie you vtterly , O vaine cogitations and vnprofitable fancies . I abhorre and abiure you , O detestable and friuolous Imaginations : I renounce you , vnfaithfull and disloyall loues , miserable and lost seruices , vngratefull gratifications , cumbersome and vnpleasing pleasures . And thou , O my God , and my Lord , thou shalt bee , for the time to come , the onely obiect of my thoughts ; and I will neuer more apply my spirit to any cogitations which may be offensiue or disliking to thee . My memorie all the dayes of my life , shall be filled with consideration of thy excessiue goodnesse , so louingly declared in my behalfe ; thou shalt be the deliciousnesse of my heart , & the sweetnesse of my affections : Hence therefore from my sight , for euer , all vaine and idle pastimes , whereunto I haue vainely applyed my mind ; all gamesome and toying exercises , in which I fondly spent my dayes ; and all loose and idle affections , which entangled my heart , shall henceforth bee a horrour vnto my thoughts , because thou hast made me , O Lord , for thy selfe , to enioy euerlastingly the immensitie of thy glorie . O when shall it bee , that I shall bee worthie , and when shall I praise thee according to thy desert , and my dutie ▪ I offer vnto thee , O my deare Creatour , all these good affections and holy resolutions , with all my heart and all my soule , and beseech thee , O God , to accept these my desires and vowes , and to giue my soule thy holy blessing , that shee may faithfully accomplish them through the merites of the Bloud of thy blessed Sonne our Sauiour , shed for me vpon the Crosse .

35. A Prayer against vaine Attire .

DOth it beseeme mee , most mercifull and blessed Redeemer , to bee decked and attired in rich and sumptuous Garments , when the scornefull and disdainefull Iewes apparell thee in a coate of folly , to bee laught at and contemned of the people ? Doe Iewels and Fethers become my head , when I inwardly behold thee crowned with Thornes ? And shall my wrists be guarded with precious Bracelets , where thine were bound with cords ? My fingers glistring with Diamonds , and thine iewell'd with thine owne Bloud starting out , with the vnmercifull vsage of thy persecuters ? O my most sweet and gentle Sauiour , let my sorrowfull and wofull thoughts , for my deadly and horrible offences , bee to my head a torment , like thy mercilesse Thornes ; my vaine and idle behauiour , more despised then that many-coloured coate ; and the awe and reuerence of thy iustice ( terrible to offenders ) chaine my hands harder , and with more crueltie then the whipcord ; that I may in some measure haue a feeling and vnderstanding of those vnheard of , and new-inuented Tyrannies laid vpon thee for my transgressions . Let the memorie of thy wounds pierce my heart with true compunction , so to haue iniured a Lord of such greatnesse and Maiestie , for my sake willingly , aboue the meeknesse of a Lambe , vndergoing those base and vnworthy disgraces , the fore-runners of thy cruell death . Giue me , O Lord , since we must bee perfect imitators of thee , obedience to yeeld and submit my selfe to thy diuine Will and Pleasure , in all sufferings and torments , a noble patience to beare them manfully , and charitie inflamed like thine , to blesse my persecuters , praying for their amendment and conuersion , that suffering with thee obediently , patiently and louingly , I may enioy with thee that happie reward , fore-promised to all those that take vp their Crosse and follow thee ; euen for thy precious and vnvaluable bloud ; which shed vpon the Crosse , is an vndenyable Sacrifice for all sinnes and offences .

36. A Prayer for a Mayd against Temptation .

GIue vnto God the first fruits , saith the Prophet . And our Sauiour commandeth vs to offer him those things that are his . Thou hast planted me here , O Lord , and opened the gates of heauen to water mee : Thou hast made me flourish , spreading like a faire Vine , and my lussious and swelling fruite haue tempted vnholy hands to steale away what belongeth to thee . Strengthen mee , O Lord , against their violence , and let their subtile perswasions come to nothing , the Pit which they haue digged for others , proue their own Sepulchre , and let their nets bee ouerthrowne and broken , that glorifying thee , I may ioyfully say , The Lord hath beene my deliuerer , I need not feare what men can do to me : he hath helped and saued his hand-maiden out of the hands of his enemies . Blessed bee the name of the Lord , now and for euermore . Amen .

37. Another Prayer for a Maide , to the same effect .

O Almightie GOD , Creator of heauen and earth , who glorifyest the Firmament with Starres , the Sun with a great light ; the God of all beautie , all proportion , all order , holding in thy hand the motion and being of all things created : I humbly offer vp vnto thy Diuine Maiestie , whatsoeuer is good and vertuous in me , whatsoeuer beautifull or proportionable , entreating thee , of thy infinite mercie , to take into thy custodie an innocent & vnexperienced Maiden , to direct and gouerne me by thy neuer-erring wisedome , lest my youth , betrayed by frailtie and indiscretion , should traiterously yeeld mee vp to the lewd suggestions and temptations of the diuell , who apparelled in flesh and bloud , waiteth hourely for my destruction , leauing no meanes vntryed to captiuate my weake soule : Suffer him not , O Lord , to haue the vpper-hand ; giue me not into his power , vnlesse thou place a guard of Angels with mee , holy & vnresistable thoughts within me , that in thy name , putting on my Sauiour Christ for my Armour , aduancing the glorious Crosse for my Banner , I may put my enemies to flight , and triumph in the Conquest which thou hast gotten for me , to my owne , and all their eternall comfort which put their trust in thee . Amen .

38. A Meditation , or Prayer for a Mayden , not to be proud of her owne perfections .

DID not thy hand , O Lord , giue those many excellent and indistinguisht colours to the Raine-bow ? Didst not thou , O Lord , giue glorie to the Sun , and apparell the earth in all her beauties ? And doth not the Raine-bow at the with-drawing of the Sun , discolour it selfe , the Sunne at the interposing of the Moone , hide his glorie , and the earth , in the absence of the Sun , lose all her gay and flourishing Ornaments ? O momentanie and fading painting , washt away with a little sickenesse , and blowne off by the rough breath of a violent wind ! Shall I for thee , abandon my Creator , and to keepe thy friendship , fall out with Almightie God ? Will the wormes forbeare thy excellency and perfections , and strucke with reuerence , fall off and retire into their Cabins ? Is sicknesse afraid of it , or dare not death venter vpon it ? No , no , my soule , they will breake thorow thy Coffin , and as a daintie dish , eagerly deuoure it : the Leprosie will make a prey on it , and too well we know that death feareth no colours . If then thou beest bewitched to this outward glosse and shining , seeke the waies to make it permanent ; apply thy selfe to vertue , whose raritie and lustre strikes a far off , and all men will call thee beautifull ▪ Let modestie sit on thy cheekes , and thy blushes will out-last the Roses ; Truth vpon thy lips , and they will exceed the Rubies ; Mildnesse in thy eyes , and they will out-shine the Diamond ; Innocencie on thy brest , and thy whitnesse will surpasse the Lillies ; thou shalt bee beloued of men , at peace with thy selfe , and acceptable to Almightie GOD . Away then all artificiall and sophisticate drugs , idle and besotting waters : neuer more will I meddle with you . O my sweete Sauiour and Redeemer , let nothing seeme beautifull but thy mercie ; nothing louely but thy bountie : enamored on which , let me woo , intreate , sigh , zealously protest , and vse all meanes and industrie to obtaine them . For all other exterior & formall beauties , the babies of flesh and bloud , let me onely acknowledge them , as thy glorious workemanship ; loue them , as badges of thy fauour ; admire and praise thee for them , from whose euerlasting store-house they proceed , thy selfe being all beautie , all excellencie , all perfection , & more to be desired than much gold or precious stones , in whose companie all things are fill'd with perfection and glorie world without end . Amen .

39. A Prayer for a Maid , to be directed in her Choyse .

SInce thou , O Lord , in thy euerlasting wisedome , hast ordained Marriage honourable amongst men , as the meanes for succession and propagation : Giue mee ( O Lord ) an vnderstanding heart , that I bee not euilly seduced to my ouerthrow . Grant that I may ayme at no other end , but the fulfilling thy commandement , not my owne lusts & wilfull desires : let me choose by the aduice of my friends , and the eyes of my Parents , lest blinded with affection , I fall into those inconueniences , which I may too late feele , without meanes of remedying . Grant ( O Lord ) a pure and vnspotted loue may be the cause of our ioyning , and a peaceable and vndiuided amitie the effect . Let the feare of displeasing thee , make vs please one another ; the obedience to thee , teach vs obedience in our selues ; that wholly submitting our selues to thy will , we may labour together in this transitorie life , to come to thee the life euerlasting , with whom dwelleth vnspeakable loue , and neuer-ending charitie , world without end . Amen .

40. A Prayer for a Maid , to be obedient to her Parents .

O My most mercifull Lord and Redeemer , subdue and bridle my head-strong and vntamed affections , who delighting in their owne wayes , repine at the direction of my Superiours . Let mee euer remember thy holy commandement : Honour thy Father and Mother , that thy dayes may be long in the land of the liuing . Giue me grace to vnderstand it truely , lest forgetting thy precept , I be banished into that wilde and barbarous Country , where to liue is terribler then death , and dying , the onely comfort of the liuing . Let their reprehensions bee the cause of my amendment , not repining their iust and lawfull precepts , an vndeniable practice of all my actions . Let me reuerence their age , lending them my youth to help them ; pray for their imperfections , and in them remember humane weaknesse ; that in my obedience , I may receiue the vertue of their blessing , which thou alwayes grantest to them that endeuour to fulfill the least of thy commandements .

41. A Prayer before a Iourney .

O Almightie and euerliuing God , which by the hand of thy seruant Moses broughtst the people of Israel out of Egypt , and the crueltie of Pharaoh , and madest them walke ouer the Red-Sea , keeping back with a mighty winde the raging waters , who returning in their Furie , ouer-whelmed all that great Host , and after went'st before them , and conducted them thorow the vast and wilde Desert , feeding them in their extreme Famine with Manna showred from Heauen : Be pleased ( O mercifull Father ) at this instant to accompany mee in all my iourneyes and trauailes , and with thy louing and mightie protection defend me from all dangers of those that lye in awaite to murther and spoile thy Liege people . Bee vnto mee ( O Lord ) a guide in my going out , a safeguard and defence vpon the way , a shaddow in heat , a shelter in raine & cold , a waggon in wearinesse , an helper in time of extremitie , a stay in slipperie passages , a Hauen in shipwracke , that vnder thy safe and sure conduct , we may march quietly and peaceably to our iourneyes end , and vnder the couer of thy wings , ioyfully and prosperously returne to our homes againe ; for his onely sake , who was a continuall Pilgrime heere vpon earth , to make all our prayers acceptable vnto thee . Amen .

42. Another short Prayer for the same .

O Almighty God , which hast made this our life , as it were a short Pilgrimage to visit holy places , and doe penance by thee appointed for mans first transgression ; giuing vs as in an Inne , a space to refresh our wearied bodies , not to dwell and settle our selues : Grant mercifully , thy assistance , in these my iourneys and remouings , and with thy holy Spirit blesse and comfort me on the way , that I be not left alone to the crueltie of those that would assaile mee : but hauing thy Angell for my guide and defender , I may not feare the oppression of the Wicked , but happily arriue at the desired Hauen , where I will magnifie and praise thy holy name , for thy mightie ayde and protection .

43. A Prayer in Afflictious .

WHy art thou sorrowfull , my soule , and why doest thou trouble mee ? Why doest thou hang sleepe vpon mine eye-lids , and fasten heauinesse on my foot-steps ? Doth not God regard the prayers of the afflicted ? or doth he not from his high holy place looke downe to the earth , that he might heare the gronings of the fettered , and those that are persecuted and afflicted ? Can thy eye see into heauen , or is thy vnderstanding of counsell with God , to perceiue how neere his holy hand is to deliuer thee ? Euery instant is time enough for his Omnipotency : and impossible occasions , easie to the infinitenes of his Deitie : Put thy trust in him , my soule , and thou shalt not be confounded . Say with the Prophet Dauid , Though a thousand fall on my right hand , and ten thousand on my left , yet I will not bee afraid , because God hath beene my helper . Bee comforted by the mercifull examples which he hath shewed to his people . Did not Almighty God with a strong hand & punishments , enforce the Prophet Ionas to preach destruction to the Niniuites , limiting them a short time , that within three dayes their Citie should bee destroyed ? and yet vpon their submission , humbling themselues before him with prayers , & fasting : did he not most mercifully remit their punishment , and take them into his grace and fauour ? Fall therefore prostrate before him , and with perfect resignation of thy owne will , yeeld thy selfe into his hands , to do what it please him with thee : entreate him of his loue and fauour , who neuer absenteth himselfe to those that seeke him : relye vpon his mercy , who so much loued his people , that he sent his onely begotten Sonne , to dye for the Redemption of mankinde : Aske him forgiuenesse of thy sinnes and offences , by reason of whose guilt , thou sufferest these light and temporary punishments , which haue in iustice deserued euerlasting damnation , and disburdened of which , the yoke will be easie , and the waight light : yea , thy miseries wil be pleasing like wounds honourably gotten in a glorious conquest : and then maist thou ioyfully sing vnto the Lord ; Mine enemies that troubled me , themselues are weakened and falne . One thing yet I haue asked of our Lord ; this will I seeke for , that I may dwell in the house of our Lord , al the daies of my life .

44. A Prayer to be said by a Merchant , for the safe returne of his goods .

IN the time of my trouble who shall I flye vnto ? what power can fetch me from the bottome of the Sea ? or whose arme reacheth to the end of the world ? O most merciful and gracious Lord , the Sea is thine , and thou madest it , and thy hands prepared the dry land : with thy Word thou calmest the raging waters , and with a beck layest the furie of the winde . Grant , of thy accustomed clemencie and goodnes , such seasonable and temperate weather , that they may safely arriue at the appointed Port. Bee vnto them , O Lord , their Pylote , lest the hidden Rocks , or vnknowne Sands deuoure them . Be their defence and safegard , lest their enemies make prey on them : that relying on thy fauour , aboue the vertue of their Load-stone , they may ioyfully and merrily touch the desired Land , acknowledging thy goodnesse and might , to whom alone that mercilesse element obeyeth at thy command , yeelding vp all her treasure . Grant this , O my sweet Lord and Sauiour , euen for thy tender mercy , which refuseth no Petitions , that are offered with a pure and vnfained zeale . Amen .

45. A Prayer before Study .

O Vnspeakable Creatour , which in the Treasure of thy Wisedome hast ordained learning , as a secondary meanes to raise our declined soules , wrapt by the fall of Adam in sinne and ignorance , to a perfected and surer apprehension of thy diuine goodnes : Enlighten , O Lord , our vnderstanding , and with the rayes of thy brightnesse , banish away all mists and darknes , by which wee are dulled and disabled . Thou ( O Lord ) which raisest thy glorie out of the tongues of Infants , powre into our lips eloquence and vtterance , that we may reueale thy will , and sing praises of thy goodnes . Quicken ( O Lord ) our vnderstanding , strengthen our memorie , and rectifie our will ; that wee may truely know , faithfully keepe , and obediently performe thy precepts and commandements . Giue vs ( O Lord ) grace in our entrance , perseuerance in our progresse , and humilitie at our going forth , that we may alwaies acknowledge thee , the giuer and bestower of what height so euer we attaine to , euen for Iesus Christ his sake .

46. A Prayer for the fatherlesse .

O Almightie God , which art a Father to the Orphans , mercifully assist vs poore & comfortles children , left as a prey to them , who are left to dispose of vs . Behold ( O Lord ) how they contend for what we haue , enuying one another for a share , wherin they can challenge no part . But thou ( O Lord ) shalt pleade our cause . Thou shalt bee our Aduocate and Helper : Thou shalt take the prey out of their mouthes , and lay that shame vpon them , which they haue laid vp for others . For vnto thee ( O Lord ) we commend our soules , our bodies , our substance , desiring to be disposed by thee , and to receiue from thee what thou shalt thinke in thy wisedome will be necessary for the attaining thy loue and fauour , without which , in vaine wee doe heape vp for after-times ; in vaine doe we build and rise early , bee sollicitous and take care , sith who buildeth without thee , pulleth downe ; who soweth without thee , scattereth ; and who gathereth without thee , heapeth woe vpon himselfe .

47. A Prayer in Afflictions and troubles .

COmfort thy selfe ( O my soule ) in these Afflictions and troubles , praise and glorifie thy holy Name , that hee hath not giuen thee vp to thy owne affections and desires , letting thee wildely runne as a beast , to all sensualitie : but gently chastising thee as one of his children , hath recalled thee into thy selfe , to know thy owne weaknesse and frailtie , making thee one of the honourable Order of the Crosse , whose badge all his Saints & Seruants weare vpon their brest ; for it is better for thee that thy members here languish and suffer , then thy whole body to bee cast into euerlasting fire : yeeld thy selfe vp to all torments for his sake , being heartily sorrie , that thou art not able to vndergo more in his seruice , who in his owne example hath out-gone all tyrannie for thee . Triumph when thou art persecuted , and glorie in the bonds of our Sauiour . Blessed are they that mourne , for they shall reioyce : Blessed are they that are humbled with miseries and misfortunes , for they shall be exalted and aduanced . Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousnesse sake , for to them belongeth the Kingdome of Heauen , where thou shalt eternally reioyce and triumph with the glorious Saints , and Martyrs , who haue beene sharers with thee in this vale of teares , and miserie .

48. A Prayer of thanksgiuing .

SIng vnto the Lord a new song , because hee hath done maruellous things , with his owne right hand and his holy arme , hath hee gotten himselfe the victory . Who is like vnto our God ? or who dare compare with his mightinesse ? He hath remembred himselfe of his promise to his seruant , that he would not leaue him for euer : He hath not suffered my enemies vtterly to preuaile against mee , nor left me in the hands of those that hate mee . Hee hath onely shewed me the Rod , and taken it away againe : early in the morning will I recount thy praises , and meditate all the day long vpon thy mercies , which hast giuen me to taste of thy blessings , and filled me with good things . I was naked , and thou hast cloathed me : I was hungry , and thou hast refreshed me : I was thirsty , & thou hast grasped the Cloud , and powred downe thy heauenly deaw : I was weary , and thou hast eased me ; I was loaden , & thou hast strengthened me : I was oppressed , and thou hast rescued me . O what tongue is able to story thy louing kindnesses ! or what vnderstanding conceiueth thy wondrous works ! I will shew mercy ( saith our Lord ) vnto thousands of them that loue me , & keep my commandements . But how aboundantly ought I to speake of thy gracious fauour , who haue rebelled against thy motions , spurned at thy precepts & statutes ; and haue yet been embraced , recalled home againe , cloathed richly , and set at thy owne Table ! I haue riotously consumed , & thou hast louingly restored : I haue in lauish cups , dis-honest and lasciuious company , proudly , & vain-gloriously throwne away my saluation : & thou hast by stripes , buffetings , & most tormenting and cruell death , redeemed it againe . I haue transgressed ( O Lord ) and thou art punished : I being a low , and contemned vassaile , haue offended and mis-done ; and thou the Son of the mighty King , art beaten . It is not so ( O Lord ) with the sonnes of men , who afflict their subiects for their mis-demeanours , and make them smart for the Princes offences . Who is like vnto our God , whose mercie endureth from generation , to generation : Praise our Lord , ye children : Praise ye the name of our Lord . The name of our Lord be blessed , from henceforth , now and for euer .

49. A Prayer in time of Pestilence .

FAmine , Plague , and Warre , are thy scourges ( O Lord ) and thou throwest them vpon the people for their offences : We haue repined , mercifull Father , in the aboundance of health , and employed our strength in dishonoring thy holy Name . Our members sanctified for thy vse and seruice , haue beene the preyes of Harlots , and officers of Satan . The very breath thou gauest vs to praise and tell thy wonders , hath mis-spoken , and blasphemed against thee ; iustly therefore doth thy consuming Pestilence snatch away our health , turne our strength into nothing , rot all our members , killing vs by the infection of the ayre taken into our bodies , who haue continually breathed out of our bodies all blasphemie & corruption .

Yet stay ( O mercifull Father ) and hold thy reuenging hand , heare the cryes of thy seruants , groning vnder the tyrannie of this murdering disease , and be pitifull to vs . Remember ( O Lord ) that we are conceiued and borne in sinne , poore and vnprofitable creatures , vnable without thee to deserue the least drop of thy fauour : Mercifully assist vs with thy grace , and enrich vs with thy holy and spirituall vertues , that our prayers may come vp before thee , and bee acceptable , that hauing taken away this heauy persecution and plague , wee may for euer praise thy clemencie , and enioying thy louing mercy , feare againe to displease thee , who hast had so great compassion on vs ; euen for thy Sonnes sake , who gaue himselfe vp to all torments , to keepe vs vnpunished .

50. A Prayer in time of Warre .

O Lord God of Hosts , that fightest the battels for thy seruants , girding thy selfe with power & strength , to ouercome and put to flight the enemies of those that put their trust in thee .

Be present ( O Lord ) with the Armies , which are gone foorth to oppose those who labour our ouerthrow . Leade ( O Lord ) their Captaine , and conduct him through the midst of their enemies : Giue him wisedome and discretion , warily to foresee all disaduantages ; inuincible courage , to oppose all dangers ; and truth and loyalty , that he sell not the faith & bloud of the people . Be at their counsels ( O Lord ) and determine for them . Blesse their stratagems , that vnpreuented they may take effect , and so order all the state of this Warre , that they may returne with conquest and victory .

Giue vnto the souldiers ( O Lord ) ablenes of minde & body , to be willing & strong to vndergoe al labours and assaults , concord and vnanimity , that obediently labouring for the weale of their Country , they may be made fit instruments of the others ouerthrow .

Blesse the Season of the yeere vnto them ; moderate the extremitie of heate & cold , that they bee neither disabled by the one , nor distempered by the other . Let the Sunne and the Winde ( O Lord ) fight for them ; the aduantages and inconueniency of place be on their side ; that by thee , & through thee , being made conquerors of their enemies , they may triumph in thy goodnes , and boast of thy louing kindnesses which endure from generation to generation . Amen .

51. A Prayer to be said by a Husbandman , for the fruits of the earth .

O All prouident and carefull Creator , which hast giuen charge and influence to the heauenly Powers , to apparell and adorne the earth with varified and many coloured beauties , for the ornament and glory of this great All : and hast likewise blessed her wombe with a fit disposition to receiue the Husbandmans seede , comforting and cherishing it with her natiue vertue , and the generatiue power of the Sunne , till it re-deliuer it againe with great increase and profit , for the refreshing and sustentation of all mankinde : Powre downe , wee beseech thee , with thy heauenly and timely showres , maturitie and fruitfulnesse into her barren and sterrill wombe . Giue her ( O Lord ) a timely Conception , and let the moderate fals of heate and water , deliuer her of plenty and aboundance , that all nations may reioyce and be glad . Send farre from vs that monster Famine , the abortiue issue of her vntimely labour . Shut vp the Lightning ( O Lord ) and hold backe the Thunder ; graspe the Clouds , that shee perish not with excesse of drought , and stay the waters in their fall , lest shee miscarry by drinking too much . Keep from her vnwholesome ayres , destroying Mil-dewes , and the deuouring Caterpillers , which carried on the wings of the winde , eate vp the fruits of our labour . Giue vs ( O Lord ) a timely Haruest , that wee may with ioy and comfort carrie into our Barnes what we haue with much labour and expence carefully sowed . Blesse ( O Lord ) our store like the Widdowes , for that giuing out of our necessary prouision to our poore Brethren , we may finde thy blessing left behinde ; that neither casuall fire , malice of our neighbours , nor the excesse of immoderate showres destroy our Garners and Store-houses : but holding our wealth as thy gift to bee recalled at thy pleasure , wee may receiue thy bounteous largesse here , and full haruest hereafter to those promised , that haue beene carefull Stewards in thy Vineyard , euen for Iesus , &c.

52. A Prayer for the Widdowes .

HOw often , O Lord , hast thou inuited me by thy holy Word to come vnto thee ? How often hast thou called , Come vnto me , all yee that are laden and oppressed , and I will ease you ? Behold me here , O Lord , a poore and desolate Widdow , depriued of my Husband , vnder thee , giuen to bee my onely stay and comfort ; shut vp in my house , vnuisited , vncomforted , vncounselled , left in a sea of troubles , and in a wildernesse of businesse ; vnskilfull how to begin , and vnexperienced which way to wade thorow them , my children hungrie after my goods , and my kindred gaping after their Legacies ; my state vncertaine and litigious , called by contentious and euill , minded persons into question of Titles and Tryals , meaning by oppression and might to teare from mee what belongeth not to them . In all these my troubles and afflictions , heauinesse of minde , sad and continuall griefes , I neither expect nor desire comfort but from thy holy Tabernacle : Looke downe from thy high and holy place , O Lord , vpon thy carefull and comfortlesse seruant , and instruct her which way to take , in so many and confused miseries . Touch the heart , O Lord , of some honest and religious man , one who hath thy feare before his eyes , that hee may helpe and direct me in my vncertaine and doubtfull businesses : and if it be my right , O Lord , that they would violently pluck from mee , bee neere vnto me , for thy mercie sake , and raise vp those that are skilfull in the Law , to deale faithfully with me : fasten the Iudge , O Lord , vnto me , and open his eyes that hee may see my right , and deale according vnto equitie .

Blesse my children , and teach them obedience to thee , and dutie towards me , that I may be comforted in them ; and giue mee grace , O Lord , to dedicate the remainder of my dayes to thy vse and seruice , strength to resist and ouercome all contrarie motions and oppositions ; that hauing faithfully obeyed thee in taking my husband ; since thou hast pleased to take him from me , I may liue onely to thee , so that death nor hell be able to diuorce me from so bountifull , so blessed , and all-pittying a Lord and Father . Amen .

53. A Prayer for a Wife .

O Lord God , most mightie , which hast instituted and ordained Marriage for the holy vniting and ioyning together of one soule in two bodies , which should gouerne and direct all their actions to one end , mutually supplying each others eare , ioyntly labouring through the cumbers and aduersities of this transitorie world , together bearing all troubles and discomforts , together partaking of all ioyes and solaces : Grant , I beseech thee , for the loue which thou bearest thy holy Church , a type of which thou pleasest to make vs , that we may together faithfully serue & obey thy commandements , loue thee aboue our selues , and feare thee aboue all things .

Blesse , O Lord , I beseech thee , my husband in all his businesse and vndertakings , and giue him grace to call vpon thee for aide and counsell in all his enterprises ; accept his labours , O Lord , and prosper the workes of his hands , that endeuoring painefully , and honestly to earne our refreshings , we may relye vpon thee for the good successe .

Grant vs , O Lord , a competent estate to maintaine our selues without ingagements to others , and to bring vp our children in thy feare ; sanctifie vs with thy holy Spirit , that a vertuous and heauenly loue may dwell betwixt vs , in all sorrowes and mis-fortunes , whatsoeuer it shall please thee to lay vpon vs , still comforting one another .

Forgiue , O Lord , and remit all our sinnes , and giue vs both grace to attend thy Diuine Will and Pleasure for the perfecting and establishing of whatsoeuer wee shall desire , that being made one by thee , and liuing one in thee , we may vndeuided enioy thy eternall company , world without end . Amen .

54. A Prayer for Mariners .

I Haue seene and beheld thy wonderfull workes , and am amazed : I haue considered , O Lord , and meditated on thy vnheard-of mercies , and am astonished : Thou hast giuen vs a passage in the midst of the foming waters , the raging Seas haue incompassed vs on euerie side , and thou hast saued vs : The Rockes haue hidden themselues , awaiting our destruction , and the Shelfes haue prouided a graue for vs ; terrible and dreadfull Tempests haue snatched away our Mast from vs , the deuouring Maine hath eaten vp our Anchor ; Darkenesse hath ouer-shadowed the heauens , and taken the guide of the Starres from vs , and the confusion and imminent danger so amazed our Pilot , that he hath forgotten the vse of his Loadstone : and yet , O mercifull and all pittying Father , hast thou safely conducted and brought vs to our desired Hauen .

Thy mightie and out-stretched Arme hath supplyed the defect of our Mast ; thy Mercie stands vs in stead of our Anchor ; thy euer-shining goodnesse made way for vs through the midst of all darknesse ; and thy eternall Prouidence , our neuer-fayling Load-stone , mercifully directed vs in the vnknowne waies of the wilde Ocean .

Praise the Lord , all yee waters , and let all the fishes of the Sea praise the LORD , and all yee that haue seene his wonders in the deepe bee confounded and astonished .

For my part , O Lord , write them , I beseech thee , in the Table of my heart , that I may continually remember them with feare and trembling , euer acknowledging with praise and thankesgiuing , that thou hast taken mee from the mouth of the graue , and snatcht me out of the iawes of death ; for which I will alwaies sing , There is none like vnto our God , who hath saued his people in the midst of destruction , hallowed be his name for euermore . Amen .

55. A Prayer for Children .

O Lord God , from whom the most aged receiue their comfort , and the wisest their instruction ; guide , I humbly entreate thee , my parents in the way of saluation ; bee a staffe , O Lord , vnto their weakenesse , and a guide vnto their steps ; renew their minds in the decay of their bodies , and giue them inward eyes to behold what their dim and fading sight can neuer attaine to , that they may walke in truth and righteousnesse all the dayes of their life . And graunt , I earnestly beseech thee , louing and gentle Father , that I may bee obedient to their holy and iust commandements , louing and carefull in performing , to my power , their precepts and instructions , requiting their former care of me , with my dutie and humblenesse .

Blesse me , O Lord , in my tender and vnexperienced yeeres , from all euill and lewd company , which may accustome me to idle and vnthriftie courses , invre my mind to labour for the attaining learning and knowledge : and graciously , O Lord , bestow vpon mee , as the ground-worke of all other vertues , the gift of humilitie , being fittest for my yeeres , and most conuenient for grace to build vpon , euen for Iesus Christ his sake , who hath commanded all little ones to come to him . Amen .

56. A Prayer for Seruants .

O Lord God , which hast bought vs all with thy precious Bloud , ransoming at as deare a price the Begger that fe●deth on Almes , as Kings , that clothed in gold and purple , fare deliciously : Giue me grace , O Lord , to be contented with the estate thou hast placed me in , and let mee not repine at the lownesse of my place , but keeping heere my station , and carefully watching for the time of my freedome , I may at last obtaine eternall libertie .

Prosper , O Lord , of thy accustomed bountie and goodnesse , my Master and Mistresse : blesse them with thy feare , and endue them with thy holy Spirit , that they may truely obey and honour thee . Humble me , O Lord , before them , and giue me grace , faithfully to execute what they shall lawfully command : Let mee neuer entertaine a thought to wrong them , but deale truely and vprightly in whatsoeuer they shall commit to my charge , knowing that thou art a seuere and All-seeing Iudge , who wilt one day call mee to account for all my offences : let me be studious and diligent to dispatch what they shall appoint mee to do , not mis-imploying my time to their losse and preiudice .

Saue me , O Lord , from the companie of those who delight in wickednesse , and vnder whose tongues lyeth guile and deceit : Preuent me , O Lord , by thy neuer-erring wisedome , and assist me with thy grace , that I may truely serue thee , and them whom thou hast appointed ouer mee , that I may at length be preferred to thee , in thy eternall Kingdome , who liuest and raignest , world without end . Amen .

57. A Prayer for one that is sicke .

WIth what face , O Lord , shall I approach before thee ? How shall I dare to lift vp my voyce vnto thee ? What can I say for my selfe , or what shall I offer ? Shall I entreate health of thee , who in the fulnesse of it haue dedicated it to thy enemie ? Shall I proffer to serue thee , that am vnable to helpe my selfe ? Shall I request thy loue and fauour , who haue euer beene thy professed enemie , and now come onely to beg it , when I am vnder thy wrath , readie to receiue damnation for my hainous and horrid transgressions ? I confesse , eternall and euer-liuing God , that I am not worthy that a thought of thy goodnesse should enter into so polluted a mansion : I acknowledge my selfe to haue deserued more punishment then hell can lay vpon me , who haue daily , hourely , nay knowingly , so grieuously offended thy Diuine Maiestie , now onely offering my selfe to thee when sin can make no vse of mee : Yet , O mercifull Father , consider I beseech thee , what my substance is , how mightie my enemies , and how fraile my owne condition : Forsake me not , I beseech thee , though I come ouer-late vnto thee ; thy mercy I know , O Lord , is able to forgiue more then I am able to commit : By that bottomelesse welspring , I beseech thee , haue pittie on me , and comfort me , lest I despaire and dye : For my sinnes are terrible vnto me , and appeare before me clad in their deformitie : the deuill , whom I haue thus long serued , now puts me in minde , and representeth the horrour of hell vnto mee : O sweet Iesus , hasten vnto me ; and since thou didst vouchsafe to put on Humanity for our Redemption , forsake me not now a miserable and afflicted creature , lying at the feet of thy mercy , who determineth neuer to rise , till thou say vnto him , Thy sinnes are forgiuen thee . Lend me , O Lord , if it bee thy holy pleasure , a little more respit to call vpon thy Name : Lengthen my daies that I may repent mee , and winne thy fauour by seeking after thee : But if otherwise thou determine , make me , O Lord , readie for thee , and let my humble confession , hearty and true contrition , with the acknowledgement of thy infinite and boundlesse Deitie , as it did the Thiefe vpon the Crosse , saue me from prepared ruine and destruction , sweet Iesus . Amen .

58. A Prayer for Womens Deliuerance .

VNsearchable , O Lord , are iudgements , and wonderful the workes of thy hand ; thou hast made & fashioned a Lump of flesh in my wombe , thou hast giuen it life to grow , to feed and be nourished ; thou hast adorned and beautified it with limbes and senses ; thou hast , in thy mercy , inspired a liuing soule into it , whereby it may hereafter be capable of thy loue and euerlasting felicitie : Now the period , O Lord , draweth neere , and the time appointed for the deliuery & giuing vp this burden ; be neer , O merciful Father , vnto thy seruant , & strengthen me in this my sore labour and trauell : comfort me , O Lord , in my agony , that I faint not vnder the throwes and dreadfull pangs of the approaching & neere-ensuing birth : let no vaine feares affright me , or the thoughts of what I must suffer , be terrible vnto me ; Let me be comforted , O Lord , in thy promise , and the blessing that must proceed from my Ioynes ; hearten me , patiently to endure my torments : hasten , O Lord , my deliuery , and giue the fruite of my womb an easie passage , that with the sight of a well-formed childe , I may be made a ioyfull mother : grant it , O Lord , right shape , and keepe the life which thou hast giuen vnto it , that it may be borne anew of water and the holy Spirit , to be made partaker and heire of thy euerlasting Kingdome .

But if , O Lord , thou in thy eternall Wisedome , hast otherwise prouided for me , appointing me in the neuer-againe dying birth , to be restored vnto thee , mercifully assist me in this my last passage , that confident in thy promises made to all , I may ioyfully giue my selfe as a well-pleasing sacrifice , awaiting thy diuine Pleasure , and commending and committing my selfe into thy hands , patiently expect the blessed houre to be deliuered from the sinfull prison of this transitory world , into that euerlasting Habitation , where dwelleth infinite ioy , world without end . Amen .

59. A Prayer to bee said when you goe into your bed .

BLesse me , O Lord , preserue and keepe mee , from all the dangers of this night : Saue and deliuer me from the ancient enemie , who through immoderate sloth & negligence hopeth to betray me : Visite , O Lord , my soule , though farre too meane to entertaine so royall a Guest ; yet sending thine owne prouision before thee , holy vertues , chaste and simple thoughts , thy lodging may be the better prepared for thee . Settle and gouerne , O Lord , my phantasie , that it range and forme not wilde and vnlawfull apparations ; stay my memorie , that it search not after vaine and idle pleasures ; fill my vnderstanding with thy goodnesse and mercy , that being wholly and inwardly busied with thee , I may escape the snares and nets of Satan , and wake to my owne comfort , and thy glorie , sweete IESVS . Amen .

60. A Prayer against idle Talke .

SEt a watch , O Lord , before my lips , that I defile not my mouth with dishonest and vnseemely speeches , betraying the hearers , to sinne and vncleannesse : Keepe me from their companie whose delight is in wicked talke , lest I perish with them : Let my tongue deliuer forth thy prayses , and be the Trumpet of thy neuer-ending mercies : grant me a single and vnpolluted heart , that I may reuerently adore thy Mysteries , and bee the honorer of thy Glorie and Maiesty : Keepe my eyes from wandring after the concupiscence of my desires , that I bee not ouertaken and made prisoner to sinne and death . Place my thoughts vpon thy bitter Passion , whose mournefull acts may put away all idle delights and pleasures , and fasten mee vpon thy Crosse , to weepe and lament my passed offences , for that sweete Name of IESVS , in whose merites all flesh must be saued .

61. A Thankes-giuing .

O God , most high , most mightie Creator of heauen and earth , which out of Nothing , hast made and formed this beautifull All , createdst the glorious Firmament fretted with Starres ; the euer-shining Sunne to giue light by day , and firest the Moone to banish the nights darkenesse : giuing life to the Fowles of the Aire , the Beasts feeding on the Earth , and the Fishes whose dwelling is in the waters below , for the vse and seruice of man , making him according to thy owne Image , ennobling him with Understanding , Will , and Memorie , to conceiue and apprehend the glorious workes of thy hand ; Redeemed him with an vnparalell'd example ; preserued and kept him with an vnimitable care and prouidence : How shall hee render thee condigne and worthie prayses , for these thy vnspeakeable and vndeserued benefites ? How shall hee tender to thy diuine Maiestie , thankes equall and befitting such infinite and innumerable graces ? How many , O LORD , haue dyed in the womb ! How many neuer attained the blessed regeneration of Baptisme ? How many reconciled , and entred into the state of grace , haue , through their owne corruption , frailtie , and the suggestion of the diuell , lost it , and falne away from the faith of thy neuer-erring Word ? How often , O Lord , haue I transgressed and sinned , spurned at thy secret Callings , and refused to entertaine them ? and yet , O Lord , hast thou patiently expected my conuersion , giuen me further time to repent me of my carelesnesse and back-sliding , sending thy holy grace to enable me to call vpon thee for mercy and forgiuenes . Prayse God , O my soule : for his louing kindnes endureth from generation vnto generation ; he hath not dealt so with euery man , nor so aboundantly showred his fauor to all his people . I wil magnifie him from the rising of the Sun , vnto the going downe of the same , who hath raised me from death , and not suffered mee to goe downe into the Pit ; who hath forgotten my wickednesse , and remembred himselfe of his goodnes : glorie be vnto thee on high , and praise vpon earth , who hath giuen charge to his Angels to keepe vs in all our wayes .

62. A Prayer for direction in all our affaires .

GIue me grace ( O mercifully and truely louing Lord , that I may with all singlenesse of heart , ardency and earnestnesse of spirit , wisely and carefully search after those things which may be pleasing vnto thee . Order and so dispose of me , that I may faithfully and truely performe those things , which thou requirest of me , and giue me knowledge ( O Lord ) to doe it as it ought , and is most expedient for my owne soule . Grant ( O Lord God ) that I neither grow presumptuous , seated in Prosperity , nor be cast downe , despairing with the frownes of Aduersitie . Let thy fauour be my onely delight , and my discontent thy displeasure . Let me endeuour to please none , nor be afraid to displease any but thy selfe . Let all transitorie things be base in my sight , and what belongeth to thee , be onely acceptable , and thou , O God , aboue all . Let the paines ( O Lord ) which are for thee , be aboue any pleasure , and pleasure without thee , seeme tedious , and vnwelcome . Grant me often to desire the accomplishment of good things , and in my relapse , to spring vp againe , with full purpose of amendment . Make me ( O Lord God ) obedient , without grudging ; poore , without quailing ; chaste , without pollution ; patient , without murmuring ; humble , without dissembling ; merry , without dissolutenes ; sad , without deiection ; graue , without austeritie ; pleasant , without lightnesse ; fearefull , not despairing ; true , not doubling ; doing good , without presumption ; admonishing my neighbour , without arrogancie ; edifying him by word and example , without dissimulation . Giue vnto me ( Lord God ) a watchfull heart , that no curious cogitation may draw me from thee : a noble one , that no vnworthy affection may triumph ouer it : a sincere one , that no euill intention may bend it from thee : an inuincible heart , that no persecution may glory in his ouerthrow : a generous one , that no peruerse and violent passion may challenge rule ouer it . Bestow on me ( O Lord ) an vnderstanding , knowing thee : a diligence , seeking thee : a wisedome , finding thee : a conuersation , pleasing to thee : a perseuerance , faithfully expecting thee : a confidence , finally embracing thee ; to be pierced with thy punishments through repentance ; to vse thy benefits in this way fare by grace , and at length by glory to enioy thy ioyes in thy countrey , who liuest & raignest , &c.

63. A Prayer for great Personages .

O Most mighty , high and euerliuing God , King of all Kings , Lord of all Lords ; the onely gouernour , Creatour and aduancer of mankinde , which hast pleased to call me to honour and promotion , making me a Ruler and directer of thy people : Teach me ( O Lord ) the way to bee humble in mine owne eyes , that I may louingly and courteously entertaine any poore brethren , as great and noble in thy sight , and bought at as deare a rate as the mightiest . Giue me ( O Lord ) singlenesse of heart ; cleannesse of hands ; truth of tongue ; meekenes of Spirit ; that I may in all affayres and businesses of the generall State , respect aboue all things thy glory ; next , the weale of the publique ; and lastly , my own peace and content , which in the vprightnes of a good conscience , make O Lord , firme vnto me . Take from me , I earnestly beseech thee , the fire of Ambition , lest dallying with vnholy flames , I returne to in-glorious Ashes . Quench in mee ( O mercifully louing Father ) the longing thirst of new Titles and Dignities , acknowledging it a blessing aboue any desert of mine , to be thy Creature , and fearing the charge and burden already imposed vpon me , endeuour with all lowlinesse to render thee a iust account . Grant that my power may be a shelter , not oppression to the weaker : and the noblenesse of my birth , a continuall remembrancer how to bring forth vertues and actions , worthy and beseeming that height and superioritie , that in all things squaring the line of my life , and ordering all my thoughts , actions and endeuours , by thy precepts and instructions , I may leaue my example as a holy practice to others , and die in thy fauour , that I may liue eternally with thee , world without end .

64. A Thanksgiuing for the recouerie of our High and Mighty Soueraigne , King IAMES . April 1619.

I INcline thine eare vnto vs ( O Lord ) and mercifully heare our supplications and prayers that we make before thee , for hauing speedily and happily deliuered our most gracious King , thy humble Seruant ; redeeming vs , in preseruing him from the many troubles , and vncertaine dangers , which any alteration may bring vpon vs . Keepe him ( O Lord ) to thee for vs , from the bloudy hand of home-bred Treason , which endeuoureth violently to spoile him , and saue him by thy mighty power , from the ambitious desire of Forraine inuasion , which vnlawfully plotteth and goeth about to gripe into their hands the rule and state of this Kingdome , ouer which by thy ordinance and eternall prouidence he is made chiefe Lord and Ruler . Defend him ( O merciful and all-louing Father ) from the Tyrannie of sicknes , which seeketh to destroy nature , and steale away life from him , and what other infirmities the weakenesse of nature , want of digestion , distemperatenesse of Ayre , or any other naturall cause may bring vpon him . Be pleased ( O Lord ) to ease and cure him by thy all-restoring hand , who camest into the world to heale all maner of diseases , that wee may perfectly enjoy him in his vertuous gouernment , with the blessed fruits and increase of it , to thy eternall glory , his owne saluation , and our comfort , peace and tranquillitie , euen for Iesus Christ his sake , our onely Lord , Mediator and Sauiour . Amen .

65. Another .

A A Wake vs ( O Lord ) from sinne and iniquity , that we deserue not thy Scourge and Rod , in vntimely depriuing vs of thy faithfull Seruant , our most gracious King , whom thou hast mercifully placed ouer vs . Giue vs loyall & obedient hearts , that we may truely and humbly vnder thee , loue , honour and obey him : constantly vnite our selues to him , and vnperswadably become his followers and liege Seruants . Continue ( O Lord ) thy care and fauour to him , that he may as hitherto reciprocally tender & respect the good and weale of vs his poore & vnder-Subiects , esteeming vs helping and necessarie members of himselfe , profitable to execute and vndergo what he shall in thy feare and Religion charge and command , that we striuing and endeuouring to become perfect Imitators , and Types of thee and thy Church in vnanimitie and tranquillitie , may with one consent labour the setting forth of thy honour and glory , with our owne well-doing and eternall happinesse . Amen .

66. A Prayer against our Enemies .

M MAke vs ( O Lord ) mighty and strong , armed in the confidence of thy all-preseruing and powerfull Arme. Stretch it foorth ( O Lord ) and scatter our enemies , who haue conspired , and are combined against vs . Behold ( mercifull Father , the infinite and innumerable troupes they haue gathered and mustered together , to spoile and ruine thy people , who haue no hope nor trust , but in thy mercies . Their Armies couer the face of the Land , and their Ships haue not Sea enough to weild their huge bodies : they glory in the desire and assurednesse of bloud and slaughter , and meditate all the day long , on Rapine and Crueltie . They haue in their thoughts the murdering of Sucklings and Infants , and the deflowring of Virgins is euer before their eyes : they ioy in representing to themselues the Ransacking the substance of poore mens labours , and feeding their Ryots with the sweat of others browes , determining to leaue no barbarousnes vnpractised , or vn-attempted . Smite them ( O Lord , in the height of their pride , and bring their mightinesse and strength to nothing . Let the Sea ( O Lord ) which they haue inhabited , ouerthrow their proud buildings , and destroy them : The Sunne and winde ( O LORD ) vndoe and put to flight their Land-Souldiers , with tempests and heate ; that wee thy seruants being deliuered from the feare of our enemies , may serue thee all the dayes of our life , glorifying and magnifying thy holy name , who art the giuer of all victorie . Amen .

67. Another Prayer for deliuerance from our Enemies .

E EVermore will I cry vnto thee , and all my life long meditate on thy mercies , who wilt not suffer the scornefull and proud to preuaile against thy seruants ; nor the mischieuously-minded to haue the vpper hand ouer them . The Enemies ( O Lord ) presumptuous , and ouer-daring in the strength of men , and Chariots , haue prouided whips and torments for thy people , not seeking which way to ouercome ; but to torment , as assured to ouercome . They come ( O Lord ) not to fight , but ouer-runne ; not to giue battaile , but destruction vnto thy seruants . Preuent ( O Lord ) their malice , and vndoe their subtill , and well-laboured Stratagems : Make them acknowledge thee the bestower , and man with all his Engines , but thy Minister , to bee ordered as it pleaseth thee . Let them see ( O Lord ) their Chariots ouer-turned with their owne guiders , their Horses made a slaughter by the ill direction of their owne masters , and the Souldiers in the day of Battell crushed with the weight of their owne Armour , that they may not be able to lift vp their hands against those , who put their whole trust and hope of victory in thee . Grant this ( O Lord ) for the precious bloud of thy onely Sonne ; in whose name we are assured to obtaine all our iust petitions . Amen .

68. A Thanksgiuing for the ouerthrow of our Enemies .

S. SIng vnto the Lord a new Song , for hee hath done maruellous things , with his owne right hand , and with his holy arme , hath he gotten himselfe the victorie . This is the day wherein the Lord redeemed vs , and hath taken vs from the hands of our enemies : let vs proclaime it to all generations , and let the farthest Nations heare of his louing kindnesses . When our Souldiers were amazed , our Lord comforted them , and in the multitude of their enemies was a stay and Bulwarke vnto them : He guided their shot , and gaue might and power vnto their armes , to beat and disperse the growing Host , which threatened in their fury to ouerwhelme them : he discomfited them , and tooke their heart from them , returning them with greater feare , then they marcht on with assurednes . When our Captaines , confounded with the danger of the fight , and confused with the tumult of their Souldiers , forgat their skill in leading , he conducted & brought them on againe , ordered them , giuing life and spirit to the fainting and fearefull troupes , that they fell vpon their enemies as enraged Lyons , scattered them , and pursued them to a shamefull retyring , and dis-honourable yeelding . This is thy worke ( O Lord ) and it is wonderfull in our eyes , and shall expresse thy goodnes in the confusion of those mis-beleeuing people that doe not acknowledge thee . But giue vnto vs ( O Lord ) that haue receiued this blessing at thy hands , to vs that haue mightily seene thy euerlastingnesse and power in our owne vnexpected safety , and vnthought of ruine to our enemies , humble and obedient hearts , fired and inflamed with this thy high and vndeserued bounty , that wee may neuer forget the Day of our Deliuerance , but leaue it holy to all ages , magnifying and extolling thee the giuer of all conquest . Let no securitie take from our eyes the dreadfull and ouer-passed danger ; no lasting or confirmed peace , the memory of this fierce and cruell battaile fought by thee , and obtained by thee ; but hauing it fresh and eminent before vs , continually praise and laud thee who hast preserued vs , euen for thy owne honour and glory , which bee euerlasting , world without end . So be it . Amen .

69. A Prayer for present necessities .

O Gracious and euer-louing Lord , which out of thy bounty & infinite fauour , hast promised to heare the Petitions of those that aske in thy Sonnes name , to whom our necessities are knowne , and our wants manifest . Grant ( we beseech thee ) most mercifull Father , that we may by thy eternall prouidence , be relieued and succoured , miserably languishing and groning vnder the waight of our low and desperate extremities : put it into the hearts of some of thy seruants , to call vs to them , and giue vs employment , that we may by the sweat of our browes labour to maintaine and keepe our selues and children , and aboue all , let vs patiently endure and vndergoe what calamities shal euer fall vpon vs , wel knowing they are imposed for our sinnes , and farre short of their desert and due , still expecting thy mercifull hand to redeem and deliuer vs from them . Thou ( O Lord ) which takest care of the Flowers of the field , and enrobest the Lilly aboue the ornaments of Kings , wilt not I ( know ) leaue thy Children and Seruants for euer ; nor giue them ouer to bee an ignominie and shame to their despisers , but that they shall at last reioyce and sing vnto thee ; Our Lord hath heard our prayers , and mercifully considered the Petitions , and earnest requests of his seruants : he hath fulfilled his promise , and graciously succoured and sustained them : praised be the name of the Lord , now and for euer . Amen .

70. Another Prayer entreating Remission of sinnes , and constancie in good purposes .

GIue mee leaue ( O Lord ) to speake vnto thee , and in thy presence to vnloade the griefe and troubles of mind , which burden and disquiet mee , taking away my sleepes , and laying violent hands on the comfort and content I should enioy in thee . Why am I ( O most mercifull Father ) forsaken , and giuen vp to the wilde desires and concupiscences of my flesh ? Why am I left a prey to Satan , and laid open to his subtill and secret temptations ? Why hath the multitude of sinnes as a Sea growne vpon mee , and the number and dayly practice of my offences taken away almost hope of my safety and recouerie . Am I ( O Lord ) markt for a vessell of dis-honour , and shall thy Omnipotencie be seene in my destruction ? Though these things are worthy the hainousnesse of my transgressions : yet are they not beseeming thy exceeding and infinite loue and mercy : and though it may well accord with my rebellious and traiterous disposition , daring to breake and violate thy lawes and commandements ; yet can they no way sute and agree with thy vnbounded and vnlimited Charitie , which left'st Heauen , and mingledst Humanitie with thy Deitie , to saue and recall sinners and offenders . In the bowels therefore of thy mercie , I beseech thee , by thy vnspeakable and vnexpressible bounty , which gaue thee vp to death , euen to the Death of the Crosse , and all those fore-running , spitefull and torturous agonies and abuses , not to take away thy grace from me , nor leaue me to my selfe , who am nothing but pollution and vncleannesse , vncertaine what way to take , yet certaine to runne into loosenesse and deformitie , without thee , being , O Lord , taken as it were with a deadnesse , or at least a forgetfulnesse of thee , rather carelessely neglecting , then violently drawne away from thy holy inspirations , growing insensible , and as it were , stupid in all things which belong to thy honour , and my owne saluation : which of all others and is the most terrible fearefull back-sliding and Apostasie : For were I carried away with other delights , or onely bewitched with sensualitie , I might well hope , when time , and sacietie had sufficiently displaied their vanity , at last to retire & grow weary of them : but from this stupidnes & cold numnes of my carelesse conscience . Without thee ( O Lord ) who can reuiue me ? from this heauy & death-like sleepinesse , but thy almightie voice , what can awake me ? To thee ( therefore ) I humbly submit my selfe , and penitently prostrate my selfe before thee ; desiring thee , for that eternal and all-comforting name of thy sweet Son Iesus , to giue mee a feeling of my owne desperate and dangerous estate , to take away the dead and impostume vices , which haue ouer-growne goodnes and vertue , so that I may perceiue , what is wicked or sinfull , made the same with me by a long custome . Grant me ( O bountifull and louing Lord ) constancie and perseuerance in the good determinations , wherewith thou shalt inspire , lest I fal into a relapse , & perish vnsuccourably ; euen for thy owne mercies sake , which from the beginning of the world was intended to saue sinners . Amen .

71. A Prayer in Sicknes .

NOw I am weakest ( O Lord ) in estate , be thou strongest , and inlighten and comfort my Soule in this darknes and torments of my Body . Satan hath incompassed me on euery side , and as assured of victory , hath laid aside all his faire and eye-pleasing disguises , pulling off his beautifull visor , and in his owne horrible and dreadfull deformitie , telleth me plainely I am his . There is no sinne ( my most mercifull and euerlasting Redeemer ) which hee is not in the vgliest and desperatest manner ready to lay before me , more carefull now to call them to my memory , then he was before , to banish them for euer . He telleth me it is thine own Doctrine , that the wages of sinne is Death , and that euerlasting , world without end . But shall hee ( O iust and righteous Iudge ) be my accuser and witnes against mee ? Shall he betray me to a sinne , and be rewarded for reuealing it ? I protest before the Throne of thy diuine Maiestie , that he alone , ioyned with the world and the flesh , hath wrought vpon my frailtie , and subtilly seduced mee to all kinde of sinne , and enormitie : that he alone hath perswaded mee to offend thee my Lord and Maker , laying thy heauy displeasure , and terrour of thy iudgements before me ; seeking either to draw me to despaire , or an vnwillingnes to enter into the due consideration of my hainous mis-deeds . I doe therefore wholly abiure and detest him , abandoning for euer his friendship and seruice , and relying on thy powerfull and auailable Passion , in the preciousnesse and value of it , offer vp my selfe vnto thee , beseeching thee for thy owne merits and goodnes , to accept a forlorne and despayring sinner , who ( without thy mercy ) is readie to bee swallowed vp by the eternall gulfe of hell fire . Moderate , O Lord , my sicknesse and paines , that I may the freelier haue recourse vnto thee ; strengthen and confirme my fainting and decaying voyce , that I may the earnestlier cry vnto thee : And aboue all , O my most sweete and amiable Lord , comfort and aide my drooping and fearefull heart , that I may continually meditate on thee ; that if it bee thy will and pleasure , I may escape the vengeance prepared for those that dye out of thy fauour ; and if thou shalt please to call mee forth of this mortall life , I may liue with thee , & put on immortality , euen for thy holy Names sake : to which be all honour & glory , world without end . Amen .

72. A Prayer to be said , before any worke wee goe about .

IN vaine , O Lord , rise wee earely , and sit vp late , eating the bread of carefulnesse , turmoyling and tormenting our selues with great labour and wearisomnesse vnlesse thou , O Lord , giue a blessing : In vaine toyleth the Husbandman , plowing and sowing , vnlesse thou water it , and giue the increase : In vaine endangereth himselfe the Marchant , furrowing and turning vp the waters , vnlesse thou prosper and guide his Ship . Since thou fillest euery thing with blessing , be pleased at this time onely , Lord and Sauiour , to looke mercifully and fauourably on the industries and labours of thy seruant , and multiply them as thou didst the old womans Iar , who gaue of it to the Prophet : grant that wee may prosper and haue , giuing of our abundance to those poore brethren that want it , rather then to bee driuen to aske it : Yet in all , O Lord , thy will bee done , to the extremest pouertie , nay , death it selfe . Giue me , O Lord , a true feeling of my selfe , that I may rather respect goodnesse , then gaine ; and aime rather to liue honestly , then richly ; affecting a mediocritie , not aboundance , lest I be puffed vp with the vaine and gawdy shew of vncertaine wealth : Grant , O blessed Lord and Sauiour , that I may in all my courses and enterprises haue before my eyes the end whereunto they should be directed , which is , onely in this warfare and pilgrimage , to prouide me necessaries for my voyage to that holy Land , wherein al thy children and seruants haue before the beginning of the world , a portion and inheritance laid out and reserued , that I may with that prouidence and care so furnish and store my selfe , that I be neither forced with Esau , for want and indiscretion , to sell my birth-right for fading and transitory reliefe , nor with the proud and mighty , exalted with the infinitenesse of their treasure , despise and grow carelesse of it ; but in all things making my selfe obedient to thy will , be found worthy to take possession of it . Grant this , O sweete Iesus . Amen .

73. A Prayer for Remission of sinnes .

I Humbly confesse ( O Almightie and euer-liuing Lord ) that I am vnworthy the bread thou in thy mercie bestowedst on me ; vnworthy to infect the ayre with my breath , who spend it to thy dishonour , and my owne defamation ; most vnworthy the least of thy blessings which I haue plentifully receiued of thee ; and that I tremble to come into thy presence , my sinnes striking horrour and terrour to my heart , lest I be swallowed vp for my offences , and wickednesses daily committed , and yet vnrepented : But , O most mercifull and all-louing Father , take thy Eye , I beseech thee , from them , lest thou in thy iustice bring me to destruction , and fixe it on the bitter Passion of thy deare Sonne ; behold him , O Lord , scourged , buffeted , reuiled , spet vpon , and despitefully crucifyed for the hainousnesse of these my transgressions ; and in the preciousnesse of this satisfaction , be pleased , ( O Lord ) to giue eare to the humble and sorrowing lamentation of a despised and contemned sinner , who is heartily and truely sorry for these his misdeeds and trespasses ; desiring thee of thy infinite bounty , to inspire him with thy grace , that hee may for euer hate and detest the guilt and monstrousnesse of them . Strike mee ( O Lord ) with a true feare , not onely of thy mightinesse and iudgements , but of thy mercies and louing kindnesse , that I may bee vtterly ashamed and confounded to offend so fauourable and indulgent a Father , who hath not dis-inherited , nor cast off so notorious and disobedient a sonne , but in his mercy reserued a portion for mee : which ( O blessed and all-louing Lord ) make me worthy of , that I may euer praise , and glorifie thy clemencie , world without end .

74. A Prayer for Perseuerance .

SInce , O Lord , not hee that attempteth the course , but he that continueth to the end ; not those Virgins who came late , but they that watched continually , haue the promised and expected reward ; giue me aboundantly of thy blessing , that I may not onely endeuour well , purpose good things , and perhaps beginne a reformation and vertuous amendment , but continue ( O Lord ) and perseuer all my life long , that by the practice of a holy and religious life , I may bee weaned and with-drawne from the transitory and seducing pleasures which gawdinesse and custome haue made strong in mee , and awaite the subuersion and rooting out of all things good and vertuous : settle firme in me ( O Lord ) an vnwearied determination of a daily progresse and going forward in thy seruice , since to stand still , is to expect the enemie : and bridle and take from me the feeds and bloomings of vice , that I deceiued with their seducing , yeeld not to them , but perfectly and zealously labouring to follow the steps of so good and great a Maiestie , may at last receiue the hire which thou hast reserued for those that diligently employ themselues in thy Vineyard .

75. A Prayer in Affliction .

MOST gracious Redeemer , which art alwaies mercifull , alwaies a preseruer , whether thou send vs ioy or sadnesse ; for great is thy mercy which by outward afflictions , as by a sharpe medicine , heatest the inward man ; and by temporary troubles preparest vs for euerlasting ioy : euen as thy selfe hast opened the way for vs to true felicitie , by thy owne steps : Grant that I may drinke this cup patiently and obediently , as giuen of thee . But these troubles , O blessed and meek Sauiour , fall heauy on me , my proud and enuious disposition grudging and repining at them : Giue me ( O Lord ) in cure the happie and heart comforting spectacle of thy precious Passion , that beholding thee ouer-flowed with bloud and sweate , cruelty hauing vsed seuerall torments to let it forth , I may account my selfe happie in so sweet a societie , and my rancour and swollen desires ambitiously puffed vp with malicious and aspiring thoughts , may at this sight fall low , and bee asswaged , the venemous and poysoning sting of the subtill serpent , bee drawne and cast from me , by beholding thee the example of all patience and gentlenes . Endue me , O Lord , with an absolute contempt of all these vaine and gawdie shadowes , whose pompe and outward glorie are rated at so high an estimation : Let me look inwardly onely , and all my care be to be richly and sumptuously attired within ; Let mee aime at no peace but that of a good conscience , fearing onely thy rebuke and displeasure , but for thy sake highly esteeme all the contempt the world can throw vpon me , the scoffes , disdaine and base regard they can afflict me with , the reuilings , slanders , imputations , which enuie and ill tongues can lay vpon me ; since promotion and high respect are no badges of thy seruants commendation , and gracefull language no titles of thy followers , nor security and worldly felicitie , any testimonies of thy loue and fauour ; to which onely ( O glorious example of all vertue ) let me ambitiously aspire , thorow the burning Furnaces , the Lyons Den , the Axe , Stones , or what new crueltie soeuer Tyrants , witty onely in mischieuous inuentions , can for the professing thee , inflict vpon mee ; since to lose all the world , and win thee , is a purchase vnualuable , & vnspeakeable ; which grant , for thine owne Names sake , I may happily attaine , Amen .

76. A Prayer in extremity of sicknesse .

O Iesu Christ , the onely hope of them that liue , and eternall life of them that die , I wretched sinner , submit my selfe wholly to thy Diuine Will , whether it pleaseth thee my soule shall longer remaine in the prison of this my bodie to serue thee , or depart out of this world , I am sure what is committed to thy mercy , can neuer perish : I wil lay down this my fraile and miserable body , with a willing minde , namely , in hope of resurrection , which renders it to me againe much more happie . Strengthen , O truely-mercifull and all-louing Sauiour , my soule with thy grace , against all temptations , against all the assaults of Satan . Inuiron me with the shield of thy mercy , by which in times past , thou restoredst thy Martyrs vnconquered , against grieuous torments and cruell deaths . I see nothing in my selfe which can bee a help vnto me : all my hope is in thy inestimable goodnesse : I haue no merits or good workes to alledge to thee ; but alas , I behold on euerie side , many wicked and sinfull offences , many malicious and enuious transgressions , many lewde and lasciuious acts , which are here readie to accuse and condemne , and as much as their exclamations can further , desirous to throw me to euerlasting hell , and perdition . What Aduocate so mercifull as thy selfe ? Who so powerfull ? And who more willing and readie ? Who can better deliuer what must at this time preuaile for me , being a story of thy owne loue and mercy ? Who can shew the skars of those honourable wounds which were gotten in the redemption of mankinde , but thy Almightie selfe ? Who the print of those lashes which all ouer skarrified thy innocent flesh , for the painting and artificiall discolouring ours ? Who with fortie dayes Fasting , expiated our riotous and superfluous Feasts , but thy most mercifull selfe ? Wash away ( O Lord ) with thy precious Bloud , the contagious spots of my hainous offences , and let thy neuer-failing Iustice answere in iudgement for my presumptuous iniustice ; thy great and mightie merites be an acceptable propitiatorie for the multitude of my misdeeds : and grant ( O louing and all-gracious Lord ) that thy grace may increase aboue my sicknesse : let not my faith faile , my hope faint , my charity waxe cold , nor humane infirmity , ioyned with the feare of death , cast mee into the bottomelesse gulfe of despaire , but that when the eyes of my body are shut and closed vp , the euer-waking eye of my minde may looke vp and bee comforted in thee ; and that when the vse of my tongue shall be taken from me , my soule may then incessantly and continually cry vnto thee , O Lord , into thy hands I commend my spirit : to whom bee honour and glorie , world without end .

77. A Prayer in the Spring time .

O Almightie and euer-liuing God , the powerfull Creator of heauen and earth , ordaining them with their seuerall Lights and Ornaments , for the necessarie vse of mankinde , appointing them in their distinguisht seasons to yeeld food and sustenance for the maintenance of thy People ; Wee giue thee humble and heartie thankes for this moderate and timely Spring , refreshing the decayed earth , with the kindly heate of the Sun , and temperate falls of raine and water , renewing in vs a comfortable expectation of our Resurrection , in beholding how thy mercifull and All-able hand hath freshly apparelled the naked and barren fields , beautifying them with seuerall sorts of flowers ; loading the Trees disroabed and withering , with new buds and blossomes ; the earth her selfe shooting forth her seeds long time buried in her womb , with the hope of a happie and plentifull increase , to the great ioy and consolation of thy seruants : Grant , I beseech thee , that wee being renewed and borne againe by holy Baptisme , and hauing cast and throwne off the old man , may become new creatures , neuer more to returne to our old sinnes , but that by the sweet assistance of thy holy Spirit , wee may increase in continuall innocencie , and day by day , more and more bee adorned with the flowers of vertue , alwaies growing vp in the knowledge of thy excellencie , that wee may receiue a blessing at thy hand to spread and flourish , bringing forth good fruits of a quiet conscience , and sweete smelling sauours of a pure zeale and charitable deuotion ; euen for Iesus Christs sake . Amen .

78. A Prayer in Summer .

EVer-mouing time ( O mercifull Father ) deliuereth according to thy behests , in their due seasons , the foure quarters of the yeare , and from thy bountie we receiue their timely fruits ; the Spring hath alreadie discharged and vnloaded himselfe , bestowing with a full hand , the small store he hath beene entrusted withall ; leauing great hope of plentie and aboundance : Prosper it ( O Lord ) and bring it along to maturitie and ripenesse ; for now that blessed and great Light which thou madest to rule the day , sheadeth his influence and comfort to all things mouing vpon the earth : The Hills leape and are ioyfull , the Flouds clap their hands , and all creatures growe buxome and liuely , hauing a feeling and sense of thy blessing : Grant vnto vs ( O Father of all goodnesse ) that we bee not more insensible then the beasts , but that wee may giue thee honour and glorie in the acknowledgement of thy innumerable and vnmatchable benefits ; for whose onely seruice the Earth is thus gayly apparelled , the Trees thus plentifully enriched , and the wombe of the earth great , with assured expectation of a happie deliuerie . Let not ( O Lord ) the violent burning of the Sunne , ioyned with the locking vp thy heauenly Conduits , parch it and dry it to nothing profitable ; nor the remisnesse or slackenesse , ioyned with an ouer-flowe of waters , leaue it raw , and vnseruiceable ; but giue euerie fruit ( O Lord ) maturity and perfection , that we may ioyfully receiue the blessing of it , and prayse thee the bestower and giuer . Amen .

79. A Prayer to bee sayd in Autumne .

THou hast showred ( O Lord ) fulnesse and perfection vpon the fruites of the earth , and euerie growing thing laboureth with a happie increase ; the rancke grasse boweth itselfe to the Mowers hand , the heauie loaden Trees acknowledging homage , offer themselues to be gathered , and the fulnesse of the Vine yeeldeth his iuice without the wine-presse , the ripe hanging eares listen for a Sythe ; and all the works of thy hand , which thou hast planted heere for the seruice of man , acknowledge thy command , and are readie to bee tasted : All these ( O Lord ) obedient to thy will , in the course of nature , answere the ends of their creation , onely wee miserable creatures following our sences , and the lusts of the flesh , refuse thy holy inspirations , and seduced by Satan , oppose our selues against thy reuealed will : New mould vs ( O Lord ) and breake our stubborne and stony hearts , that the seeds of thy Gospell may take deepe roote in vs , and bring forth the fruits of a liuely faith , constant hope , and burning charitie , to thy Honour , and our owne saluation . Amen .

80. A Prayer to bee said in Winter .

THE yeere is waxen old as a garment , and all the fresh colours , which beautified the face of the earth , are withered and decayed ; the Sun with-holdeth his influence , the heauens their brightnes , and the day his comfort , taken from him , by the vncomfortable hand of desolate Night . The Trees haue lost their Ornament , the Fields their rayment , and all beasts and cattell their vigour and liuelihood ; Man himselfe is discomforted in the poorenesse and barrennesse : and the vnprouident man , who hath not laid vp , nor taken from the fruitfulnesse of Summer , growes desperate , certaine of nothing but perishing : The Season affoording no worke , nor the day any continuance , the lately broad-leaued branches no shelter , nor the fields any sustenance . Grant vs ( O mercifull Father ) warned by the example of his extreme and vnredeemable miseries , to labour in the Haruest , and lay vp of our well-gotten store against the vncomfortable day of sicknesse , or latest Age , when weakenesse and naturall infirmities giue vs no time , or thought to get in new prouision ; and our vncharitablenesse to our selues , take from vs the charitie of others , hardening their hearts against vs : Giue vs grace to watch and labour continually , supplying our Lamps daily with holy Oyle , lest at the dead of night we be called on , and being vnprouided , be left behind , or wander in the darkenesse astray , and comming late , be shut out for euer and euer , from all happinesse and blessednesse ; confined to a place where there is nothing to be heard but perpetuall howling and gnashing of Teeth . Amen .

81. A Prayer in Aduersitie and Affliction .

LET not my enemies , ( O Lord ) triumph ouer mee , nor the hand of the oppressor preuaile against mee : Bee neere vnto me in the day of trouble , and say vnto my soule , I am thy helper ; thou which mercifully redeemedst Ioseph from the hands of his brethren ( who causelesly sought his life ) and turnedst their hate to his glorie and promotion , deliuering him from the lust of his Masters wife , and her wilye accusation ; Thou which rescuedst thy people Israel by a mightie hand and strong arme , from the tyrannie of Pharaoh , and the vnequall Taxes of the hard Egyptians ; Thou which gauest Iacob grace in the sight of his brother Esau , boyling against him , and threatning fire and destruction ; planting a sure shield before thy beloued seruant Dauid , to keepe him safe from the inuasion of the terrible Goliah , and a wise guard to preuent the plots of subtill Saul ; proclaiming Susanna innocent , contagiously spotted by the poysonous breath of the fore-sworne Elders ; Thou which raisedst thy glory from the three Children , condemned and throwne into the Furnace , whose fire and extreme heate came forth , and eate vp the Feeders , yet spared , and ( against his nature ) sindged not the garments of thy seruants , walking , and singing euerlasting and glorious Hymnes of thy Deitie in the midst of it : Thou which neuer forsakest any of thy seruants in their torments and persecutions , giuing them either an vnconquered patience to suffer , or a glorious courage to ouercome all the temptations which hell can fasten : Bee pleased , Almighty , euer-liuing , and onely powerfull Iehouah , to be neere thy seruant in these his afflictions and troubles , and to stand by him in this day of his tryal , lest he fall confounded , and sinke vnder the heauy burden of his tyrannous oppressions . Want ( O Lord ) in the lowest degree , hath incompassed me , Shame and Ignominy in the highest degree , haue set me round about ; Slanders oppose themselues against me , and beare me downe face to face , and ill tongues in secret , at my back , oppresse me ; my friends are fled , my acquaintance hath forsaken me , and my kindred ( deresting my pouerty ) deny my Allyance . Where can I then plant my hope ? Where should I else seeke for refuge and harbour , then of so mercifull and all-louing a Father , and who , vpon sub-mission , disdaineth not his basest and most riotous son ? who came into the world to bee a Father to the fatherlesse , an eye to the blinde , a staffe to the lame , and a most heauenly and neuer-erring Physician to all that labour vnder any disease . Come vnto mee ( saith our blessed Lord ) all yee that are oppressed , and I will ease you . O mercifull and generall comfort , as certaine to be done as it is spoken , I prostrate my selfe humbly before thee , and desire thee of thy infinite mercy , if such be thy will and pleasure , to let this transitorie and bitter cup passe from me ; yet not my will , but thy blessed will bee done , who alone knowest what is fittest to tame my stubborne and rebellious affections , and to morrifie in me all vaine and aspiring thoughts , that I may wholly desire to bee dissolued and liue with thee , where eternall and neuer-ending peace and piety haue their habitation .

82. A Prayer to our blessed Sauiour .

MOST mercifully louing Lord , Redeemer and Sauiour of the world , I wretched and detestable sinner , leprous all ouer , and more spotted with sinne , then the blessed Iob with sores , which no Poole can euer cure , all humble prostrate my selfe before thee , not desiring thee to lay thy blessed and happy-making hand vpon so vlcerous a creature , nor to cast thy pittying and fauourable eye vpon so displeasing and hatefull an obiect ; but onely ( O Lord ) if so poore and vnworthy a worme , may aspire to request of so high and great a Deitie , one word from thy heauenly lips , to make me whole : but say the word ( O Lord ) and I shall passe the Snow in whitenesse , and cast my sicke and aged imperfections , renewing my selfe like the strong Eagle : at thy command , whole Legions of sinnes , which carry mee head-long to ruine and perdition , shall passe from mee , and I remaine praysing and gloryfying thy holy name : the numnesse and deadnesse of my vncharitable hand , vpon thy Word , shall stretch it selfe forth , and bee exercised in deeds of loue and mercy ; vpon thy Word , my wilfull and naturall blindnesse shall bee taken away , and I restored to a perfect and good sight , gloriously beholding thee in thy reuealed Wil , and wonderfully in thy workes ; vpon thy Word , I shall easily heare and fully vnderstand thy Diuine and heauenly Mysteries , and lay them vp in my heart , for my comfort and consolation . The Iewes ( O Lord ) had eares and heard not , eyes and saw not , hands and felt not thy apparant and astonishing miracles : they saw before their eyes the blind receiue their sight , the dead restored to life ; they heard with their eares , the dumbe speake and glorifie thy holy Name ; they felt thy naturall and heauenly begotten Bodie , and yet beleeued not . Blessed are they which haue not seene , and haue beleeued ; But say the word ( O Lord ) and I shall be made partaker of that heauenly benediction , acknowledging thee the Son of the euer-liuing God , borne of the blessed Virgin , crucified vnder Pontius Pilate , giuing ouer thy life , buried , and rising againe on the third day , for the redemption and saluation of mankinde , I shall lay hold of thy precious Passion , and bury all my misdeeds in thy life-giuing wounds , to bee washt away with thy vnualuable bloud ; for euer will I kneele for this Word , for euer remaine a deuout and humble Petitioner , that all these things may bee done vnto mee , and I become a new creature , spirited anew , with thy holy Spirit , for euer praysing and magnifying thy holy Name , louing it aboue my selfe , and adoring it , to the end , all generations may approoue thy power , in the conquest of hell , death , and sinne . Amen .

83. A Prayer in time of Lent .

O Benigne and bountifull Sauiour , our onely Aide , Comforter and Redeemer , the preseruer of all Mankinde , the glorie and hope of all mortality , who whilst thou wandredst here amongst vs , putting on perfect Humanity , sufferedst thy selfe to be carryed into the Wildernesse , and tempted of the deuil , gloriously ouercomming him by prayer & fasting , to leaue vnto vs the ordinary & ready meanes to resist all his subtill suggestions , prescribing the same meanes to thy Apostles for the dispossessing Satan , and hast also left vs many examples in thy holy Prophets & blessed Fore-runner , who liued in the Woods on Locusts and wilde Hony , giuing vs a liuely and perfect Patterne , who didst all for our example , of thy owne blessed abstinence and moderation ; Grant ( O mercifull and blessed Sauiour ) that wee may this blessed and holy time of Lent , attend more especially the spirituall food of our soules , chastising and subduing the lusts and heate of the flesh , by temperate and thrifty dyet , lest of a seruant hee become a Master , rebelling against the Spirit . Mortifie in vs ( O Lord ) all wilde and loose desires , ranging and disordered appetites , which sowe dissention betwixt me and thee , making me fearefull to enter , and vnworthy to stand in thy presence ; and plentifully enrich mee with thy grace , that I may do thy workes , seriously meditate on thy Passion , and take it to heart , detesting and abandoning my sinnes , the onely cause so great a Lord was so meanely intreated ; so gentle a Sauiour , so vngently vsed ; and so mercifull and louing a Redeemer , so vnmercifully and hatefully tormented by his owne subiects and seruants , in the recouerie of their inheritance and freedome . And if the children of men , after the decease of a louing father , expresse their griefe to the world , by putting on mourning garments , confining themselues to their Chamber , and through anguish of heart , forbearing their necessarie food ; was euer a worthier cause , or a sorrow better beseeming the sonnes of Adam , or a time more conuenient , then in the yeerely obseruing and celebrating the dayes of their Lord and Masters torments and funeralls , who dyed , and was persecuted for them ? Grant vs therefore ( O Lord ) we may fast and deuoutly pray , bitterly lamenting our sins and misdeeds , which gaue thee vp to the death of the Crosse .

84. A Prayer against temptation .

LEade vs not into temptation ( O Lord ) but deliuer vs from all euill : sinne lyeth in waite to betray vs , and Satan baiteth vs with opportunity : he knoweth ( O mercifull Father ) our affections , and by our actions , ghesseth at our thoughts ; our inclinations he is cunning in , and in subtilty who can surpasse him ? He deceiued our first parents , whom thou hadst endued with excellent and Angell-like vnderstanding , colouring his malice with carefull pretences : many of thy choysest seruants he hath beguiled , and triumphed , neither is his inueterate and cankred enuy mitigated , his power abated , his knowledge decayed , or his delight in wickednesse , measured or lessened : He is mighty in perswasions , mighty in the meanes , and most cunning in applying them ; He hath conquered the world , that world our flesh , and our flesh vs : Who can suspect so great offers for dissimulation or mischiefe ? And who so neere and inseparable a friend which tendreth them ? Thus are the wisest ( O blessed Lord and Sauiour ) by a seeming shew of what is good , circumuented ; thus the strongest with their owne confidence ouerthrowne . Against so powerfull an enemie , so powerfully followed , but by thy neuer-yeelding grace , what hope of resistance ? Stay him ( O Lord ) in his swiftnesse , and bring him back , lest I fall and be confounded . Suffer him not to draw me to the incounter ; for how can mortality hold out ? all the glories of the earth are armed on his part , to bewitch ambitious spirits ; all the vanities in the world serue vnder his colours , to allure the lighter phantasies . Am I a match for so infinite and puissant an Army ? Leade me not into temptation ( O Lord ) but deliuer me from all euill . I humbly confesse , and heartily beleeue , one word of thine is able to discomfort all his Hoast , scatter them and make them in their hastie flight ruin one another : he flyeth from thy presence and trembleth , amazedly asking , What haue we to doe with thee , thou euer-liuing Son of God ? com'st thou before thy time to torment vs ? But ( O Father of all mercies ) how can I deserue thy aide , or ouertaken with shame , request thy gracious assistance , hauing , from my cradle , beene a follower of his , if not contemning , yet neglecting thy often and lowde Callings ? Can I hope , that haue refused to walke with Almightie God in securitie and safety , that hee will daigne to find out me in danger and ieopardy , and reskue me from the common enemie ? Thy mercie ( O Lord ) is infinite , and hath beene infinitely exprest to ingratefull humanitie ; thy louing kindnesses innumerable , vnable to be deliuered or set down ; There is no end , I well know , of thy euerlasting goodnesse : bee pleased therefore ( O mercifull Father ) if so great a sinner may hope for fauour , by the depth of all these , either to take from me the violence and rage of all forcible temptation , or else to giue me grace and strength to resist and withstand them , lest I be taken prisoner by them , and cast to the bottomelesse dungeon , whence nothing resoundeth , but the continuall acclamations and curses of damned and desperate persons , euen for that holy and vertuous name of Iesus , knowne mighty in the saluation of thy people . Amen .

85. A Prayer for preparation against the day of Iudgement .

IF the righteous ( O eternall and iust Iudge ) shall scarse be saued , what shall become of sinners ? And if the iust shall tremble to behold the dreadfull signes which shall fore-run the day of Iudgement , in what terrour and amazement shall the wicked be ? How earnestly shall they cry out for the Hils to couer them , or to be hidden in the bottome of the Sea , that they may not see the angry countenance of the wrathfull Iudge ! But alas , the Sea shall yeeld vp all her inhabitants , the graues their Tenants , and the Hils be laid plaine and consumed to nothing , all shall be laid open , and euerie secret reuealed , the closest crannie of the heart shall be searcht into , and the priuatst deed be proclaimed , the intent of the best actions examined , and the foulest and most mischieuous in the hearing of all that haue beene borne since the beginning of the world , knowne and brought to tryall . What a terrour , what a horrour , what a confusion , shall the Murtherer , Blasphemer , and lasciuious person be in , at that day ? All this we haue heard , nay and beleeue , and yet the most cunning and subtill Serpent , hauing nothing to say against the truth of thy Word , with his perswasions induceth vs to flatter our selues , that there is more eternitie in three-score yeeres , the longest span of our short life , then in that Eternity of eternities , which shall follow it . But thou ( O mercifull and gracious Lord ) which camest into the world to saue sinners from the vengeance prepared at this day , desiring that wee may repent and be accepted . Giue vnto vs a liuely feeling of the danger of it , call it ( I beseech thee ) to our consideration , as a thing certaine , so present , no soule being assured of her abode one minute . Giue vs grace so to prouide our selues , that wee may make our account here , since after death no man returneth to recall or alter whatsoeuer is left amisse . Let vs enter into iudgement of our selues , that we be not iudged , and carefully weigh euery word , that wee be not found to haue respected none . Giue vs grace to begin heere while there is helpe , lest we would helpe our selues when there is no beginning : for from hell there is no returning , and after death no repenting : repinings are there the fruits of an ill-led life , and curses of our follies , all the consolations of our punishment : from which , let thy mightie and all-redeeming Passion defend vs , which whosoeuer faithfully layeth hold on , shall at that Day , with great ioy and alacrity , behold thee , shewing thy selfe a seuere Iudge against those who would not beleeue , nor entertaine that Peace-offering .

Certaine Eiaculations of the Spirit .

O My most gentle and sweet Sauiour , grant me ( I beseech thee ) pure thoughts , vndefiled actions , and a respect to thy glory in all my proceedings .

Let me alwaies ( O blessed Iesu ) remember that thou art in presence , that I may with feare and reuerence take account of my speeches , settle my behauiour and all my actions , as it beseemeth a Lord of such height and Maiestie .

Bee thou ( O eternall and most meeke Lambe ) the obiect of mine eyes , the Musicke of mine eares , the food of my vnderstanding , and the content and solace of all my senses , that putting wholly on my Sauiour Iesus , I may bee armed against all temptations and assaults of the deuill .

Iesu , Lord of my life , Patron of my substance , Reconciler of my friends , Inspirer of my soule , Preseruer of my renowne , and Master of my liberty , I commend them all to thy holy protection , dispose of them to thy honour and glory .

What part of me ( O Lord ) can challenge , or shew euidence for mine ? My Soule is Heauens , my Body Earths ; both thy blessing : Take me ( O Lord ) as thy due , nourish me as thy charge , and loue me as thy childe .

O God the giuer of all victorie , stand on my side in all temptations , powre of thine owne Bloud into my emptied veines ; raise me , as thou didst thy seruant Lazarus , to a new and better life , when I am dead to righteousnesse : turne not away from me , if I flye , and let me not bee confounded for euer , whose trust hath beene alwaies in thee .

Giue me ( O Lord ) a noble sufferance in afflictions ; lowlinesse of Spirit in the height of honours ; an vnmoued resolution in all conflicts ; and conquest ouer all my spirituall aduersaries .

Giue mee ( mercifull Father ) a vertuous shamefastnesse , that I may blush , and shunne the companie of wickednesse ; an vnaffected carriage , slow and deliberate speeches , vncorrupted thoughts , and holy endeuours .

Let thy Word ( O Lord ) be the light of mine eyes , the repast of my soule , the repose of my senses , the apparell of my body , and my defence in all extremities .

Lay thy holy hands ( O Lord ) ouer mine eyes , that I behold not vanity : stand at the gates of my eares , and turne aside all euill and vncleane speeches : Set a watch before my lips , lest I wander in vnlawfull discourses : touch with thy holy hand all my senses , to stay them from ryot and intemperance .

Let my will , O Lord , resigne it selfe to thy pleasure , and bee gouerned by thy prouidence , accounting whatsoeuer thou pleasest to lay vpon me , as a portion left for me by a carefull and louing Father .

Iesu make me willing to doe good to mine enemies , sorry to displease the worst , milde in speeches , modest in my behauiour , constant to my friends , and charitable to all .

Giue mee ( O Lord ) a hearty and true sorrow for my sinnes , a firme resolution of amendment , a constant intent to renew my good purposes , a perseuerance to continue them euer , and an ardent desire to beginne afresh in thy seruice .

Grant me ( O sweet Iesu ) an vnfained and humble repentance for my former transgressions , a hearty and zealous thankefulnesse for thy present kindnesses , a terrour of thy iustice , a doting on thy fauours , and an euer-mindfulnesse of thy glorious presence .

Blesse ( O Lord ) with thy eternall prouidence , my going forth , and with thy holy assistance guide my comming in , that I may walke in thy waies , and returne to thy honour and seruice .

Let vs praise the Father , Son and Holy Ghost , who hath not forgotten his seruants , but giuen them taste of good things , recalled them wandring , staid them sliding , and with vnspeakeable loue brought them to his euerlasting Kingdome .