Meditations and praiers gathered out of the sacred letters and vertuous writers disposed in fourme of the alphabet of the Queene Her most excellent Maiesties name : whereunto are added comfortable consolations (drawen out of the Latin) to afflicted mindes.

Meditations and Praiers , gathered out of the Sacred Letters , and Vertu● 〈◊〉 Writ●●● Disposed i● 〈…〉 ●●bet of to 〈…〉

〈…〉 Co●● out of the L●●●● 〈◊〉 ●●cred Mindes .

Multae tribulatione● Iustorum , & de omnibus liberabit eos Dominus . Psal. 34.

¶ Imprinted at London by William How. An. 1571.

E Elect by will of mightie loue , in Royall Roumth to sitte : L Liuyng in Chaste Dianas Lawe , with Sacred Sabas witte . I Iuno dis●●●ide with stately Rule , hath 〈◊〉 Heauenly Ma●● Z Zenobia serues ●ise Pallas s●●● fayre Venus seekes her gra●● A ●lso wi●● 〈◊〉 Heauenly do●● 〈◊〉 ●●●dome to define : B Bounde 〈◊〉 she be to Natures Law , or if shee be Diuine . E Empiring vs vnwoorthy wightes , whose gratitude may gayne : T That our renowmd Elizabeth , H Here Nestors yeeres may raine .

To the Highe , puisant , renoumed Princesse of al Vertue , our moste redoubted Soueraigne Lady Elizabeth , of Englande , Fraunce , and Irelande Queene : Defendour of the Christian Faithe : your Maiesties trewe and Loyall seruant Iohn Conwaye , Prayeth all thinges beseeminge the Height of your Royall Desent , Imperiall Crowne , and dreadefull Dignitie .

TReadinge the weary March of this lothsome Laborynthe , besieged with the horrible Hoste of Satan our Anciente foe : wee finde ( moste regarded Prince ) to the blessed Soule , no waie so sure a shielde , and Fortresse , as the vnspeakeable v●rtu● of daiely Praier : the same deckings mans brickle Body with the perfectnesse of true Glory , assistinge his decaied partes with sounde healthe , nourishinge his vitall Spirites with sweete confirmed hope , geuinge the furious Fend of Hell , pininge pounishmente , and moste bitter conflicte : And beinge faithfull , hūmble , and feruente , is not onely to our Celestial Father , the moste sweete Oblation , and Sacrifice , but to euery true Christian , a moste blessed comfortable exercise : wherein , as wee laie abroade our yrksome transgressions by naturall defectes to the Almightie , requiringe the Fortresse of his Holy Promisse to defende vs from this politike , and wicked Warriour . So by often conference as it were , euen with the Deitie it selfe , wee are trained Souldiers to the Battayle of eche affliction .

By Praier , Dispaire is auoided , and the horrible sinne of Presumption ouerth●owen , all Impurenesse laide aparte , all Rancour foregotten , and rigorous Enuie dissolued to milde Loue : els shall wee wante the thinges wee praie for .

Then if Praier doothe onely enforce vs to a reformation of our misdeedes , purchasing vs a stately Mansion in the House of God , free from the heauy yoke of Sinne , and Deathe . The Holy Augustine rightely spake these woordes : Oratio est Animae Sanctae praesidium , Angelo bono Solatium , Diabolo Supplicium , gratum Deo Obsequium , & Poenitentiae Religionis Laus tota , perfecta Gloria , Spes certa , Sanitas incorrupta . And also Cassidorus : Oratio posita est , per quam Ira Dei suspenditur , Venie procuratur , Poena refugitur , & Praemiorum Largitas impetratur : Et nullus indè respuitur , nisi qui in ea tepidus inuenitur . Let vs therfore presente the Highest with this Incense of true Prayer , discoueryng our mindes , and confessing our vnwoorthinesse , with assured hope to receiue the benefite of his sweete Promisses , due to eche penitente Soule that asketh in the simplenesse of harte with teares , and stedfastnesse , reiectinge all tremblinge hope , whiche then gaineth our true perfection therein , and also confirmeth these further woordes of Augustine : Si pura , & casta sit Oratio , Coelos penetrans , vacua non redibit . O sweete Sentence : nay , ô more blessed trauaile , so imploied , where nothinge is founde so necessarie to the loste Childe , nothing more pleasant to the afflicted man , nothinge more profitable to the weake despairinge minde , neither any thing so well beseeming euerye estate , arminge them with able force to encounter the wicked Serpent . Againste whose malignities , as the Heauenly giftes of prudente skill , and Learning are shrined in Royal Seate of your vnspotted Life : associate with moste lowely nature ●he true Victors of Regale renowne , exercisinge eche vertue in proper kinde , that iustly maie procure you euerlastinge rewarde of vndefiled Battaile : so vnder Bulwarke of those Angelical beauties pearsinge highest poincte of starry Firmamente , and mounte , I saie , of Heauenly Humilities , vniuersally resoundinge all Europe , and makinge Englande specially blessed : im imboldened to laye before your Highnes , these woordes of Salomon Kinge , touchinge this effect , who called his housholde to Praier , and commended the force thereof . Because ( saithe he ) I communicate with God of good thinges , I will haue Honour of the Elders , I wil be founde a ready younge man in Iudgement . In conspectu potentium admirabilis ero , & facies principum mirabuntur me . Create is the force of Prayer to a Prince that loueth it , greater to him that vseth it , greatest to him that needeth it : The comforte whereof ( moste puisant Prince ) holdeth backe my ouer feebled spirite , from her laste steppe to that vglye Hell of desperation , deeming there was neuer earst infelicitie in any degree , equall to mine , whose foes by sinister suggestions , haue not onely vsurped the rewarde of my single intent , and true seruice : but Zoylus hath stirred the ministers of your heauy wrathe against mee , to the abandonyng of my desired libertie , suppression , with vtter ruine of my poore sequell , and buried my halfe liuinge Carkas in the graue of deepe forgetfulnes , where my voice is hoarsed with cryinges , and my tongue fainted with vtteringe the griefe of my sorowfull minde : No doubte , a iuste scou●ge to the hidden faultes of my passed life , but to the very case of my committing , wherein I am wounded , maym●d , wronged and lost , it needeth a true Confession , and not a false Defense in any thinge by mee thought or donne , to the preiudice of your Royall person , Crowne , State , or Dignitie : I professe before the Almighty , as innocent as the Childe vnseparate his Mothers intrayles : Teste se●pso , whose wrathe I craue in Iudgment to my thoughts , of any harme to your Highnesse , wherein amidst my sorrowes , yet I ioye , sithence my miserable matter concerns your excellencie , and my punishment , at your Noble pleasure , continued or released , whiche in weary state , I attende powringe my pitiful plaintes before the Maiestie of the Highest , to dissolue your woorthy harte to accustomed leuitie , and to fortifie ab●ade of these sweete woordes in your Royall breaste , rendred to a sely suiter , that your Highnesse woulde ioy● with any inferior of my Friendes , in the triall of my truthe . Wherin O gracious God , what els dothe your Highnesse , but scourge the schorchyng , Phaëton that goeth too faste , and wantes a slower reigne , for whilest you wishe my truthe , whiche hath no want , I waile my vnwoorthinesse , and fall into deepe Hell of Desperation , ( Nihil enim est , quod tantum me terreat , nec est aliquidquod tantum me delectet , Quantum huius tuae in me bonitatis commemoratio , terret , inquam me , indignitas propria , sed me delectat haec tua virtus & excellentia ) beinge assured , my whole studie , force , trauell , nor aduenture , shal euer be able to Cancell the Recordes of your Princely thoughtes , touchinge my true Loyalty , whiche no Antecedent of passed life can accuse , nor any poisoned tongue in true touche , by present annoye .

What more woorthely beutifieth the Maiestie of Kingely rule , aduaunceth wisedome to her Highest steppe of glory , or can so sweetely make the chiefe Harmonie of al good gouernment , as againste the wofull afflicted , to deliuer Clemencie : to eache offender , Mercie : to the vertuous Rewarde : and in causes doubtfull , to suspende iudgemente . Truely , these are they , whiche not onely satisfie the Heauens and Earthe with a right aspecte of Diuine Iustice , but are chiefe moouers , that the longe abandoned Virgin Astrea , hath resigned sacred seate , to become your handmayde to highe Glory , through al Prouinces , and strengthneth my feeble partes amid these conflicting daies , encreasing chiefe delight , to nourishe healthe against infection of place , vbi .

Vnda locusque nocent & causa valentior istis : Anxietas animi , quae mihi semper adest .

Thus doe I striue ( moste seemely Soueraigne ) tossed in the Sea of many troubles , bruised with the Ankore of griesly griefe , and meished in the tumblinge toyle of frowarde Fortune , thirstinge victory to the onely ende , that protected by your Vertue to wage true triall of my owynge homage , and faithfull harte , before the Imperiall Seate of your cleare , and able Iudgement : where I doubte not , but a single truthe , whose ende hath no beynge , and so Priuileged , that shee triumpheth of Time , and not Time of her , and will in fine aduaunce her selfe , and by hir Iustice free mee of suspition , and so wholy discipher my honest intent , true , faithfull , feruent , and duetifull care of your Royall Person , Common Weale , and happy Gouernment , as my dealinge therein equally hearde , shall keepe weight with the truest , and moste faithfull Subiect , belonginge to your Stately Rule , with the remainder of my life , founde by ready shewe of owynge Homage , and duetifull good will and forwardnes , woorthy your Princely Clemencies added to my chokinge calamities , by your Heauenly disposition , without the whiche , I had estsoones perished , where yet beholde I reste , like subiecte to the daiely perill of suche ensuinge Battaile , as obedient to your further will and pleasure , whereunto I onely caste the Ankore of my well doyng , and hope of my health . Hauing gathered without Fenne , or Paper , this handfull of pietifull Praiers , that geue my pininge ghoste , her beste solace : Whiche effecte , I laie before your feete , to whiche boldnesse ( moste triumphant Prince ) if you adde desired Pardon , allowinge the ripè grayne of my good wil in the rudenesse of this roughe acte , I shall deeme my selfe thrise happy , and imboldened to presente your excellency , with the larger partes of my imployed trauell whiche I truste , shall better agree your Highnesse farther likinge , and woulde haue made it my rather oblation , in steede of this small peece , but that I wante apte instrumentes to pullishe the same , and contagion of place , that ofte annoyeth , and depriueth my sences their duetifull office , but shall neuer enforce mee from the bounden duetie of true ●llegeance , as knoweth God : to whom of daiely custome your Maiestie repayreth to be eased of the yrksome burden of ordenary sinne . At whiche time , if your Highnesse vouchesafe the perusinge these fewe thinges , by mee selected , there shall appeare the vnfeined griefes I suffer . Which knowen to your Maiestie , I haue my desire , attending● a better exchaunge at your Princely pleasure , when I shall moste willingly Sacrifice my Body in eche duetifull seruice . Deeminge my life moste happy , when death shall chalenge the same in your quarell , for tribute of your woorthy Merites : in whose effectes you shal neuer repent , neither your Highnesse conceiued good in thoughtes , nor committed compassion , in geuinge reliefe to my drenched state : which if I further finde not , Gods will be donne , your Maiestie preserued , your Enimies confused , with all Peace , Tranquilitie , and Happinesse , whilest you liue in this soyle of sorrowe , as exile from our Heauenly Father , whose ioyes ( throug● his deere Sonne ) God graunte you participate after this Life , to the heyght of your desires , and deapth of my daiely Prayers .

Your Maiesties in triple bondes of Homage , I. Conway .

To the Reader .

I Deeme it wil be cause of greate woonder to thee ( gentle Reader ) that I , whom neither daily experience of Learning hath instructed , long vse of exercise hath perfected ne yet the frequented Studye of ●acred Muse hath authorised , would enterprise the Publication of any woorke , and hazarde the daunger of detracting tongues : chiefly of so pure , & Diuine a cause , as effect of Prayer , which I doo not committe to open Eies , as a thinge worthye of Learned viewe : or deeming the store of like matter rare to thy Age , hauinge choyse , and abundaunce , neither yet thorow Pride of Vaine glory mooued , or otherwise , that I would bee reputed more Religious , then Vertuous . Chiefly haue I wrought the same , Priuileaged through the Zealous Loue my gratious Gouernesse , hath in all Vertue , to approche her stately presence , as the Image of my dewtiful memorie , boast of my true Loyaltie , and view of my deepe misery . Consequently being tormented with infinite troubles : Broken with the Ankor of many cares : restrained of Libertie : spurned of Fortune : forsaken of health : forgotten of Friends : couched in Caue of deep Foregetfulnesse : My faithfull Seruice misconstrued : sinister practises allowed : my true Loyaltie therby suspected and with my renowmed Soueraigne sinisterly defaced . Emong these rigorous rages of rankours raigne : emong these fretting furies of fickle , blinde , and frowarde Fortune : emong these cruel chaunces of Worldely choking calamities : Emong these sturdy striuing streams of stubborne stormye state : Sith I find nothing that geueth my consuming carkas comfort , but only Prayer being the most redy calme to appease these troublesome tempestes : and further findinge it the faithfull Imbassidour , & perfect Pathe to eche mannes eternall blisse , haue thought it not altogether in Vaine , & repugnaunte , to deuide with thee ( gentle Reader ) the excellencie , and benefite of the same , to be holden with thee , as a daily exercise of thy delights , and most sure staffe to all thy purposes : so shalt thou shun the shipwracke of all aduersitie , and continew with increase , the beawtie of thy prosperitie . Make mee thy Presidente , I beseeche thee , searche the records of my passed Life . Credite not Fame , who wanteth truthe , and measure in all thinges : and when thou wilte enter Iudgement , haue reason for thy guide , and dewe proued Actes for thy ground : so shalt thou not erre .

Which recorded in minde , rifle the race I haue runne , I pray thee vnfold the Table of my Actes good , or ill . I boast a life , free from deede , or pretence of any disloyaltie againste my renowmed Soueraigne . I compare a Harte so true , and faithfull in the Weale of my Natiue Countrie , as may equal ( I protest before the maiesty of the highest ) the beste , and not inferiour to the truest . Yet I acknowledge I worthily beare this my exiled libertie ( whose Fruites in parte I offer thee ) for that I haue rebelled against the Omnipotente GOD , and my chiefe LORDE : for that I haue been negligente of his Precepts , and slouthfull in this vse of Holy Prayer : Whervnto , I hope easie perswasion shall suffise , so to incorporate thee in Loue , Felowshippe , and daily exercise , as sharpely to take reuenge of thy sluggish body , in whatsoeuer Daye thy vngratefull Spirite shall become negligente of thy dewetie therin .

Consider , I pray thee , the paine , Passion , merites , and immense goodnesse , of a milde , louing , and mercifull Sauiour Iesus Christe , towarde thee : forgeat not , that beinge deade throughe Sinne in thy firste Father ADAM , and worthily condemned to eternall dampnacion . He , without other mocion , then his own mercy , brought thee to liue againe . If this so great mercie , cannot bring in the bondes of thy owinge dewtie , and mooue thee by daily vse of thankes geuing through harty Praier , to cancel the records of such gratitude , be yet reduced , by considering the scorching paines prepared in guerdon of the vngrate , and reprobate . Accepte the troubles , wretchednesse , & Martirdomes of this lothsom life , as true Figure of his fauoure , and signes of his blessing : be not vnthankfull by omission of Prayer toward so naturall and more then louing a Father , that he hath stauled thee on earth , not onelie replenished with manie wholesom Hearbs , Flowers , Fruites , Waters , Trees , Plants , & manie worthie Creatures to thy behoofe and Subiection , but hath farther geuen thee a most comfortable and infallible promise , and graunt of his holy Spirite , & deuine grace , to arm , guide and defende thee , so well , against the traines of thy Aunciente foe Sathan , as also how to vse these his wonderful workes , louing kindnesse , and great mercie so that with heartie and faithfull Praier , thou call to him for the same , yea and hathe left thee a form of Peticion , by Praier to him for all thy necessities , and lastlie hath geuen thee , a speciall commaundement , to Praie , promising to heare and graunt thy request .

Wherfore it is requisite to thee & such as praie : Firste well to consider of this promisse , whereby may bee kindled in them a more Ardent desire Faithfullie to pray , for without this speciall commaundemente enioyning vs to praie , except also God had promised hee woulde heare vs , neither thou nor anie creature , could obtaine the least thinge by his praiers . And here thou maist see when we obtaine any thing the graunt is not to be attributed to our praiers , or worthinesse , but to the vnspeakeable goodnesse of GOD , which preuenteth our praiers with his promise and commaundemente , wherby hee dooth mooue vs to praie , that wee may learne he is carefull for vs , and much more ready to graunte then we to aske or receiue . And because he offreth to vs more goodnes then either wee dare , or can in any wise desire , let that blessed bountie of GOD so kindle and confirme thee , that thou alwaies praie without doubting .

For speciallie in acceptable praier , is required : that we mistrust nothing the prouidence of the almightie , by that he chieflie promiseth that he will heare vs , and gaue a precept of praying , onely to settell and confirme our sure beliefe that he would heare vs : as in the .21 . of Mathew and .11 . of Marke is saide : Whatsoeuer you aske Praying , beleue you shall receiue it , and it shall be geuen you . Luke likewise . 11.

Euery one that asketh , receiueth , he that seeketh , findeth , and to him that knocketh , it shal be opened . With these and like , so well promises as commaundementes , thy minde is to be confirmed faithfullie to praie , assuring thy self thou shalt receiue all that thou doest aske . But if thou doubt of the will of God , in thy Praier , & praie rashlie , thou committest two offences . First , because thorowe thine owne fault , thy praier is of lesse valew , and laboure in vaine . For ( saith S. Iames ) If any man require ought of God , lette him aske with Faith , not doubtinge : For hee that doubteth , is like a Surge of the Sea , which is tossed of the winde , and caried with violence : N●ither let that man thincke he shall receiue any thing of his Heauenly Father , because his hart is not sure & quiet : for Faith kepeth the harte quiet , that it may receiue the guift of God. The other is that thou beleeuest in God as in a light and friuolous Person : deeminge him eyther not able to perfourm his promises , or that he will not . These plucke away the Glory and Name from the high God , ( which beleue he is not faithfull and true . ) And this Sinne is so great , that of a Christian it maketh a Heathen : for God is not only denied in this Sinne , but he is vtterly thereby lost , neither is there any hope of recouery , so longe as thou abidest in this infidelitie .

And if it happen to any that praieth without sure trust , that he obtaine any thing , that guifte is geuen of God ( being angry ) to the destruction bothe of Body and Soule : that at the least somme Honour may be done to the holy Scriptures , whiche may be vttered from menne full of sin , distrust and contempt of God.

Furthermore they doo not iudge right , whiche thincke to obteine in prayer by their owne worthinesse .

This is not to be regarded , whether thou be worthy , or vnworthy , that praiest : for praier consisteth not in the worthinesse whiche wee bring , but in the infallible truthe of Goddes promise . And truly , if praier be grounded , eyther vpon it selfe or any other , it is vayn & frustrate : yea thoughe it seeme to proceede from the Godly affectes of the Harte , and eies pouring out aboundant teares of Water , or Bloud . But let vs praie to be Iudged worthy and bee hearde , because wee perceiue , oure owne vnworthynesse , and are bolde through the only goodnesse of God and Faith. Although thou perceiuest thy selfe vnworthy in desert , either to aske , or receiue any thinge of thy Celestiall Father , let this only be regarded , that thou shalt obtain it through the honour of his name , which is true : and let not thy vnbeleeuing Faith holde his promise , for an vntruthe : Neyther shall vnworthynesse hinder thee , as also thy worthinesse shall nothinge further thee . But Vnbeliefe onely shall damme thee , and Faithe shall make thee worthy , and saue thee . Diligentely therfore beware that thou neuer deem thy self worthy to pray or receiue , but euen when thou feeleste thy selfe able boldely to leane to the sure , and true promises of thy chiefe Creatoure : of whose mercy , thou oughtest to bee so muche the more sure , because euen as hee promised thee vnworthy , and without deserte , that hee will denie thee nothing . So likewise , thoughe thou be vnworthy , yet he wil heare thee , that he may perfourme the promises he gaue thee . So that nothinge is left to thy deserts , or worthinesse but the truth , & mercie of the most Highest do chalenge all thinges to themselues . From whence al promises flowe as oute of a Fountaine , that this s●ying might be fulfilled : Psalm . 25. All the wayes of th● Lorde are mercy and truthe : for his mercy we do se in his promises and his Truthe when they are fulfilled , and kept . And likewise in the Psal. 32. Mercie and Truthe are in his way : that is they are mette and seene , ioyned togeather in any one worke or guift , whiche we obtaine in our prayers . Finally wee ought so to moderate our Faithe in Goddes promises , that wee assigne no end , time , or place , to the Maiesty of the Highest , but leaue all to his Will . Wisdome , and Omnipotencie , beinge sure it shall be donne : Ye● although ther appeare neither place , time , nor reason , how it shall bee brought to passe . It is sure his deuine wisdom farre better knoweth and forseeth then wee . Therefore beleeue GOD , and referre all to his will and disposicion : so shall hee bring to passe thy demaund by Miracle , if no other way it may be .

As in the people Israell whiche beleeued God would deliuer them from their Enemies , yet appeared there no meane how : Suddainely he opened the Redde Sea , and gaue them safe passage , and the Enemies all he ouerwhelmed and drowned .

Likewise the holy Iudith , when shee hearde the Citie of Bethulya had taken Counsel , and determined that vnlesse God within fiue Dayes would send them help , they would yeelde the Citie to the Enemie , shee greatelye rebuked them , sayinge : Who are you which thus tempt the Lord : This communication is not to prouoke mercie , but rather to stirre anger , and kindle wrath . Haue you set a time for the Mercy of the Almighty , and will you appoynt a Day in your owne Iudgement ? This Faith in the holy Woman was so wel accepted of the God of all Victorye , that with a maruailous meane he deliuered her , that she cutte of the Head of Holifernes , and preserued the Citie with bitter repulse to his whole Army . Likewise Paule saith Ephes. 3. This is the manner of God , that he will do all thinges by a farre other , and more better way , then we can pray him or vnderstand . So we perceiue our selues to be far inferiour , then that we may appoynt , or prescribe in our prayer , time , or , place , manner , or other circumstance . Wherfore cease thou not ( gentle Reader ) to praye , and refer all to his Diuine will , stedfastly beleeuing that he will not faile to heare and helpe thee . So shalt thou make his brightnesse shine vppon thee , procure his tender kindenesse , toward thee : drawe his Rodde , the Lot of thy vnbeleeuing , from thee and be as Mounte Sion , that can not be remooued , but stand fast for euer and euer . To the stately top of whiche blessed Mansion , the rather shall thy willinge foote be able to ascende , if with minde , and memory thou obserue and imitate the Holy Ambrose who teacheth thus : Sit oratio pura , simplex , dilucida , atque manifesta , plena grauitatis & ponderis , non affectata , eligantia , sed intermissa gratia .

For the true , and acceptable prayer consisteth not in the rablemente of wordes , ●e yet in the vehemencie of voyce , but in the stedfastnesse of thy beleife in the beawty of thy desires , and in the pure intentiue thoughtes of thy hart fixed on his Diuine mercies at such time as thou doost pray .

It auaileth not otherwise , thou seke him with long laboure of lips , thy minde distracte with vani●●es & thy Harte in Pilgrymage with Worldly carefulnes : wherof if thou make scruple through insufficiencie of this vnlatened Writer , let the saying of the Sage satisfie thee , who telleth mans Prayer to be of perfect value when he acknowledgeth him selfe to be brickle Clay , and Duste : humblinge him selfe : chalenginge no woorthynesse of Vertue to himself : but confessing wholy the good he doothe to proceede of the onely motion , and mercie of his Heauenly Maker , attributing to him only the due glorie , and praise . This , Iohn worthely confirmeth : Deus adoratur Spiritu , & Veritate : I say then Non in magnificis , & amplosis verbis adoratur . Whiche lette suffise thee ( gentle Reader ) from mee , and be eased in farther trouble of my vnlearned stile : yet know from me , how hardlie I haue bin distressed in gathering the same to thy behoofe , both anoied with anxiety of minde by condition of place , and of taking my diet without vse of any T●encher ( beeinge estranged all other meanes ) theron with leathie Pensell of Leade , to bringe to thy gratefull Hand , this small Quantitie of Spiritual Foode , which I hope wil moue thy humble Nature to allowe thee rather of this my good wil , and trauell . In anie learned skill that I offer thee , I confes , I maie not wel boast : Neither doo I assure thee , my selfe not to haue erred . I can not chalenge singularitie : Yet graunt mee ( gentle Reader ) thy pacient peruse , and Freendlie correction when my Faults present their number before thy learned viewe : so shalte thou free thy selfe from foule Ingratitude , and geue me equall paie of my paines : Wherin I haue not fedde thee with Sugred sape distilling from PERNASSO . I hold it an vnpleasaunt discord in Heauenlie H●rmonie : not because MERCVRIE bathed him in ARGOS Bloudde , do I refuse his ayde , but because I am taught by the Apostle that Faithe is not grounded in the bewtie of Oratours Eloquence , ne yet in Pride of

wardes me vnworthy , which do heare with contrite hart , and bowed knees appeale to the height of thy mercy and louinge kindnesse , to accept my vnequall thankes for the same : humbly beseeching thy Fatherly goodnesse , that thy holy hande maie still renewe in mee thy former giftes , plentuously powred vpon me from the Prime of my birth vnto this presente : not remembring ( good Lorde ) my vnworthinesse of the same , nor frailtie of my passed yeares that speaketh against mee , but alteringe the ministers of thy wrath into milde mercie . Graunt I beseech thee , that through the assistaunce of thy holy Sprite , I may be ledde to correct that is amisse , and that I may now perseuer in setting , ordering , and perfourming , all my trauelles , counselles , and studies , as best may accord with thy blessed will , and cancell the bands of my heauy charge , wherin assist me most puisant Prince of all power , with thy prudent skil , and heauenly grace , the I may be truly hable to auance Iustice , and to hate wrong , and so be found a faithfull Minister ouer thy people . In whom plant I beseeche thee , thy Heauenly grace , and feare , with obedience towards thy Minister , and kindle in me , the loue of thy holy Spirite , that I may perseuer in the truthe of thy worde , without doubt or wauering to the ende . Graunt this , oh mighty God of Hoastes , for the Merites , and Passion of thy deare Sonne , my Lorde & Sauiour , Iesus Christ . Amen .

Eccl. 4. Deliuer him that suffreth wrong , from the handes of the oppressour , and be not faint harted when thou sittest in Iudgement , decide Lawe with Equitie , and Iustice with Mercie , be fauourable to the Fatherlesse , and be in steade of a Husband vnto their Mother , so shalt thou be blessed in fight of the Highest , and he shal loue thee , more then doth thy Father and Moother .

Eccl. 12. Day and night let the broade Gates of thy bountie be open to the Discrete and Vertuous . Set honour alwaies vpon the head of the Lowlie . But to the prowde and ambitious , keep thy self secret and straunge , geue not thy breade vnto him , least he become mightier then thy selfe , nor truste not thine Enemie , at any time : for like as Iron cankreth , so dooth his wickednesse , though he humble him selfe greatlie , yet locke vp thy minde and beware of him , set him not by thee , nor on thy right hande , leaste he turne , gette into thy place , take thy roume , and possesse thy Seate .

Prou. 16. The cheerefull countenaunce of the Kinge is life : his louinge fauoure is as the Euening dew .

Duce Deo.

HONI SOIT QV MAL Y PENSE :

E Encrese Knowledge . L Let Vertue guide . I In Praier perseuer . Z Zelously aske . A Acknowledge Sinne . . B Beware of Presumption . E Enuie no man . T Tender the helpelesse . H Hope for Heauen . R Remember thy Rule . E Encline to Iustice . G Graunte gyftes by Defert . I In Mercy delight , N No Flatterers preferre . A Accepte the Wise .

¶ Holy , briefe , and comfortable Meditations or Praiers , disciferyng in Alphabet forme the Royal Name of our most Vertuous Soueraigne .

EXercise mercy , & set thy Bread and Drinke , vpon the table of the poore and hungrie : couer the Naked with thi Clothes and these shal deliuer thee from Sinne , and Death , & not suffer thy Soule to com in Darkenesse .

Zechiel the prophet saith , When the wicked tourneth from his vngodlynesse he hath donne , he shall saue his Soule .

With thy Seruaunt Esaie therfore I say ( oh Lorde ) thou art a great , and fearfull God . Thou kepest couenaunt , & mercy with them which loue thee , and keepe thy Commaundements .

And with thy Apostle Barnabie , I acknowledge I haue sinned , I haue offended . I haue bin disobedient , and gonne back , yea I haue departed from all thy pathes , and Iudgements .

Lorde to thee belongeth righteousnesse and Mercy , to mee , shame and destruction for mine Iniquity .

Yet Lord enter not into iudgment with thy Seruaunt , for no fleash is righteous in thy sight : neither correct me in thy wrath , for then I shal not abide it .

Haue mercy vpon me ( oh Father ) from the deapth of thy mercie take pity vpon mee : forgeue ( Lorde heare my Praier ) and blotte out mine offences .

Let thy louing face shine ouer the woorke of thy handes , that lieth waste : Lord for thine owne sake doo it .

Encline thine eare and heare me , beholde how desolate I am stretch out thy hande , and helpe me , Lorde , I desire to comme to thee , and my weakenesse is such as without thy helpe , I am not hable to raise my selfe vnto thee .

Therfore Lord remember thy sw●●●e promises , tarry not ouer long , strengthen me with thy holie Spirite , heare my Prayers , & wash me in thy righteousnes .

I cast not these peticions before thee , hoping in mine owne Merites , which are none , but trusting in thy great mercy , and sweet promises . Wherefore Lorde heare mee , and forgeue mee , and I shall liue for euer .

LEt Enimitie passe , which seketh Death and Destruction and before thou Praiest , forgeue , els thou heapest vengeaunce of thy selfe .

LOrde make thy wayes knowen vnto mee , that I may walke so perfectly , that no kinde of Sinne ouercome me .

Thou leadest straight in iudgement , and geuest sight to the blinde .

Thou arte neare vnto them that call vpon thee with faithful harte : haue mercie vpon mee , heare me , and geue me a Hart to praie vnto thee .

Lay not against me my sinnes past : but for thine owne sake forget them .

I vnderstand not al mine errours , my sinnes haue taken holde on mee , and of my selfe I am not hable to retourne .

Sende me therfore thy holy helpe , to strengthen mine infirmitie .

Keepe my mouth and lippes , and let the thought of my harte be acceptable in thy sight .

Permit not the worde of Truthe to departe my breaste : suffer not Malice to dwel in my harte .

Deliuer mee from false surmises , and accusacions of men : rule me after thine owne will and pleasure .

Remooue from mee vanities , and let not the foote of Pride take holde on me , so shall I be free from the greatest sinne .

Stay and kepe me from euery euill way , for in thee I trust , it is thou only that canst helpe .

Looke vnto mee with thy mercies , and graunt me grace in thy sight . Amen .

IN Equitie , Loue , and Truth , gather all thy Ritches : in the handes of the Poore lay vp thy Almes , and these shal defende thy euill : fight for the against thine Enemies , better then the strength of mightie men , preserue thy fauour as the apple of an Eie , and rise with thee in the day of Iudgement , to pay thy rewarde on thy head .

IN hope of thy Mercy , and Forgeuenesse ( most mightie and dreadful God ) whose truthe is vnspotted , I am bold to com before thee .

My truste is good , I shal be heard , for that thou hast euer bene the true head of all Iustice , and delightest in Truthe .

Denie thy self thou canst not : for thou hast promised , In what ●●●e soeuer a Sinner doth with a broken harte , repent his wickednesse : at that instant thou wilt cansell the recordes of thy remembraunce : and the fowlenesse of his faulte shall remaine no blemish to his Soule .

Heare mee now therfore ( oh Maker of Heauen and Earthe ) I acknowledge I haue sinned , and donne vnpleasaunt thinges in thy sight .

I confesse the misdeedes , which rebel against my Soule , with Saule , saying : I haue sinned , I haue played the Foole , and haue erred exceedingly .

And with like humble , lowley , and faithfull harte , as did King Dauid : who vnfainedly cried out his Sinne , and became thy seruaunt .

So ( moste Holy ) in hope of the same hire , with contrite hart I sighe and say : I haue broken thy Lawes , and not walked in thy Commaundementes .

If I should now recite , and number the mountaines of my misdeedes , which ouerwhelme my body , and that are eger , enemies to my pining Soule , the day were to short .

Lord I neede not , thy blisfull Seate is aboue the starry Firmament , and thou sittest on high beholding what is donne amisse in the Earth belowe .

My wickednesse that I most secretly haue committed , to thy Celestiall eies , hath bene manifest .

Forgeue me good Lorde , that my tongue may iustifie thy euerlasting Truthe , that others beholding in mee thy manifolde mercies , may likewise with mee be ashamed of their euill , and seke after thy mercy .

Woe am I , that my hart hath been so long vnacquainted with the Welsprings of thy Truth , that my handes haue wrought vnrighteousnesse , and heaped sinne vpon sinne .

Turne away from the sight therof , the fulnesse of thy fury . Exchaunge the roughnesse of thy rage into meeke mildenesse , before thou correct mee , most louing Sauiour .

I am not able to abide thy heauy displeasure : if thou chastice mee with thy rodde of Iustice , I perish .

I haue not one good deede to preferre , mine offences beare number with the flowers and blossomes of the Spring : my truthe is no whit , and with vnrighteousnesse all is defiled .

Forgeue mee , oh Heauenly King : Forget , thou that art the sweete spring of my Soule .

Geue me thy holy Spirite , that it may be with mee , and labour with mee to attaine thy blessed fauoure : for mine ignorance cannot desire that I ought , neither can my feeble force , without thine ayde , raise me to thy presence .

Thy Spirite will helpe my debility , and make right intercession for all my necessities .

Thy spirite wil make me pray with such humblenesse of harte , and sorrowfull sighinges , as no tongue can tell .

That guift most pretious , will hold me vp , where fleashe would fall , and guide my feeble feete in the light of thy Law.

Thy Spirite ( I say ) will purge mee from all earthly effects , and lift me vp to heauenly thinges .

Therfore conioyne mee ( oh God of all mercy ) to thy holy Spirite , to teache mee to treade the steady steppes of thy worthy will .

So shall I leade my Life in the true Lawe of thy louinge kindenesse , and with a stronge and stable minde , perseuer in Prayer vnto the ende .

Graunt me therefore for thy Truthe and Sonnes sake , that I may enioy this sweete possession of thy holy Spirite , which may alwaies leade my laboures after thy liking , and keepe my harte in thy feare .

Sweete Iesu make a couenaunt with me , that I neuer become enimy with thee any more , neither be found vnworthy of thy ritche mercy and bountifull benefites : but that the remainder of my life imployed in thy Seruice , may iustly mooue thee to forgeat the iniquitie of my tender yeares .

Continue thou God of all comfort with increase , by the assistaunce of thy grace , what I haue heare begunne .

So shall I liue to glorifie thy might and mercy for euer and euer . Amen .

ZEale , anger , carefulnesse , and sorowe , cause celetitie of olde Age , Iustice , mercie , equitie , and truthe , make glad the Holy Ghoste : and to a merie harte is geuen long life , and sweete taste .

ZAcharie spake from thee ( O Lorde ) saying : Like as I deuised to punnishe you , what time your Fathers prouoked me vnto wrath , and spared not .

Euen so am I nowe minded to do wel vnto the house of Iuda , and Hierusalem , therefore feare it not .

Now the things you shall do ( saith the Lorde ) are these : speake euery man the truthe to his neighbour , execute Iudgement truly and peaceably within your Portes , none of you imagine euill in his harte , and loue no false othes .

O Lorde , of my selfe I am so sinful and ignorant , that I cannot speake or thincke a good thought , much lesse to doo well in deede .

Assist mee therefore with thy grace , that I may doo as thou hast commaunded .

And let mee comfort my selfe with thy sweete woordes by thy Prophete , which are , That as the house of Iuda and Israell were accurst emongest the Heathen , so thou dooest promise to make them a blessing .

Am not I an Ofspringe of that seede ( O Lorde ) to whome thou diddest promise this blessinge ?

Or were not these thinges written to putte mee in minde of thee , and cause mee turne from my wickednesse , and truste by thy mercy to obtaine fauoure againe ?

Remember then ( O Lorde ) in thy Mercie , Turne mee , and I shal be turned : saye to my Soule , I am come vnto thee , thy health and thy saluacion .

A Double tongued man is to be abhorred : and he that beareth hatred , can neither praie rightly nor speake truelie , of whome beware , for the malicious and double tongued , hath ouerthrowen Highe Palaices , & laide waste stronge Cities , who so harkeneth to them shall neuer finde reste , nor dwell in safetie , neare the Prince they are more perilous then a Fistula in the breste to the healthe of Man .

AVenge not thy cause on me thou God of all iustice : forgeue mee my contemptes of thy Commaundements , and omission of Prayer .

If thou geue me equall pay of my Merites , I perish .

Forgette my vnkindenesse I beseeche thee , and clothe mee with comfort of thy compassion .

Purifie my Soule and Body , wash away my wickednesse with the bloude breakinge from the woundes of my Sauioure Christe , and I shall no more be vnkinde .

Geue me wisedome to knowe all thy preceptes and pleasure : graunt thy mercy euer to keepe me , and thy grace to guide me .

It yrketh mee , that euer I did forsake so sweete a Lorde & Sauioure : my sorrow wasteth mee , and my sighes ouerwhelme my harte .

Haue mee in remembraunce therfore , for I tremble & quake : were not thy mercie knowen , I should vtterlie despaire .

Turne away the stroke of thy vengeaunce from mee : bringe my minde out of trouble into rest .

Fetch now againe ( thou most pretious Prince of all power ) that which thy puisaunt mighte hath shapen .

Restoare ( Sonne of the Father thee Almightie ( that which thou hast so well guided , and bought with thy terrible torments .

Take againe into the Sacred seat of thy blessed custody ( Lord God Holy Ghoste ) my Body and Soule , that haue wandred .

Thou haste pitifully preserued them long from the violence and vtter destruction of the wicked Serpente , and throwes of worldly chaunce .

Moste mighty God , sith thou haste aduaunced thy Glory by such compassion , continue in me hartie Prayer : put about mee the girdle of thy grace , and linke my loue in the lore of thy lawes , and my hart shal be thankfull .

Day and nighte will I say , blessed is the Lorde . And will praise thy Name , and magnifie thy mercie for euer and euer .

BE ashamed of sinnes and vnrighteousnesse : be ashamed to turne thy face away from thy friende in his neede : be ashamed to obbrede thy friende with thy guiftes : be ashamed to take , and not to geue : but be not ashamed of the truthe of God , and his Couenaunte : but do thy best to fulfil it , and thou shalt liue

BE my comforter in al counselles and daungers ( oh God ) make cleare my vnderstanding , and heape my sorte with newe effects , and Spiritual motions .

Renew my Body and Spirite , that all sinne flie from mee , and graunt that I liue to rightuousnesse .

Power vpon mee the Spirite of thy grace : loade me with the Trewe knowledge of thy woorde .

Holde my harte alwaies in thy feare , builde a true faith and hope of thy promises and mercy in the Bowels of my breast .

The heauenly Father of our Lorde Iesu Christe , hath promised it vnto mee , for his Sons sake I seeke it : & for that thou maist ouercome when thou arte Iudged , denie me not .

Though there belong nothing to mee but confusion and shame , yet ( Lorde ) correcte mee not in thy dreadfull displeasure , but with the louing fauoure of thy face , looke vpon my festured woundes . Heale them ( good Lorde ) from the bottome lette them be healed .

Mingle thy mercy and preceptes , and sowe the seede of them so deepe in my Harte , that no burninge blastes of persecution make asshes therof : neither any thorny cares of this life doo choke it : but that it may bringe foorth , as thou hast appoynted like good ground , thirtie sixe , and an hundred folde .

The fruites of my haruest Lord , shal be the flowers of thy glory : My tongue shal alwaies speake of thy maruaylous workes , and my hart shall keepe thy Lawes .

I wil not deny thee ( my God ) for the power of any wicked , but will seeke thy grace , hope of thy mercie , and say : The mightie God of Israell is to be loued , feared , and obeyed , world without ende . Amen .

EVill seedes see thou sow not in the Furrowes of vnrighteousnesse , so shalt thou not reape thee seuenfolde labour : sue not vnto Man for any Lordship , neither vnto the Kynge for the Seate of Honour .

EStablish my harte ( oh Heauenly Father ) in league and loue with thy lawes : printe thy Precepts in the bowels of my breast , & sequestre my minde from all thoughtes , studies , and laboures , that may drawe mee from thee .

My Soule consumeth in care to be with thee , and my bodilie eyes tremble to beholde thee : onely because thou hatest sinne , and abhorrest iniquitie .

Alas there is nothing in mee but vnrightuousnesse , & the examples be dreadfull , which declare how greeuously thou hast punnished sinne .

Thou diddest drowne the worlde for sinne : Thou diddest sende fire vpon Sodome and Gomorrha : Thou diddest cast forth Adam and his Ofspringe out of Paradice for sinne : Thou diddest greeuously punnish thy seruaunte Dauid notwithstandinge his hartie repentaunce : yea thou persecutedst Salomon in himself and his Posterity , with many other to our example , and all for shamefull sinne .

Lorde sith these examples are true , and mine iniquity equall with theirs : what should becom of my Soule , if I had not a mediatour , Christe , whose bloudy Passion then appeased thy wrath , when nothing els could .

By his Death I am once redeemed , ( oh God ) therefore let mee now not be consumed , bearing thy Image : but graunt the paines of his pitiefull Passion may put out all mine offences .

With my voyce I will spread thy mercie ouer all Nations : my Life shall glorifie thy name , and all that thou geuest mee , I will acknowledge to be thine , with euerlasting praise . Amen .

THe greater thou art , the more humble thy selfe in all thinges , and thou shalt finde fauour in the sight of God : for greate power belongeth onely vnto God , and he is honoured of the lowly .

TVrne away thy face from mine vnrighteousnesse : Lorde no Creature is cleare in thy sighte .

If thou shouldest call thine Angelles to the Barre , they might not abide the Sentence of thy iust Iudgement .

I come vnto thee for succour , Lorde vnder the wynges of thy mercy receiue me .

Thou delightest not in any Sacrifice or burnt Offerynges : but thy accustomed condition hath been euer to accepte a sorrowful spirite , & a broken harte .

Lorde , if thy louinge kindenesse be suche : I heare presente thee with a heauy hart , a broken body , a martyred minde , and a sighing soule .

These all appeale to the● ( O Lorde ) for thy mercye , and crie out with the Prodigall Sonne , saying : I haue sinned againste Heauen , and before thee : washe me therfore with thy ritche mercie , not that any good in me doth deserue it , but because thou arte God of all mercy , and it declareth thy mightinesse to forgeue .

Thou diddest shew compassion vpon the woman of Canaan , for her great Faithe , and from the beginning thou hast not reiected the effectuall prayers of a single hart .

Lorde I geue glory to thy name with the highest : thy mercy stretcheth aboue the Firmamentes : the sure hope and truste I haue in thy vnspeakeable truthe and compassion , is equall with the stronge Faithe of the Cananite woman .

I confesse my sinnes manifolde : But Lorde I know thy mercy , and sauinge healthe are infinite :

Lorde sith thou arte of power to forgeue aboue that I can offende : for thy names sake , release my sorrowe : cutte the sacke of my sinnes , & make mee strong in thee .

So shall I liue , and all my thoughtes acknowledge thy praise . Amen .

HAppy is the man that hath not fallen with the Worde of his mouthe , and is not pricked with the conscience of sinne , that hath no heauinesse in his minde , and is not fallen from his Hope .

HOw mightie thou arte ( oh God of Hostes ) in thy precellynge power : by Creatynge this Worlde of nothynge , wee are taught to know .

Thou doest gouerne the same , and puttest down with thy hand the prowde and traiterous Tiraunt therof .

Thou destroyest theyr deuises , and keepest the raging Sea within her boundes .

These and suche like declare thy power ouer all .

The plenty of thy bountifull hand , geueth not only of things , but also of euery kind of things shewe forth thy louinge kindenesse .

Thou doest multiply yearely & daily these kindes : How many seedes ( good Lorde ) doest thou encrease of one seede , Lorde what manifolde Springes cometh therof .

These cannot , but keepe vs mindefull of thy exceeding Ritches and Mercy .

Lord , if to thy enemies ( as to the greatest number of the world which loue thee not ) thy condition be to deale thus bountifully , what shall I deeme resteth with thee for thy freendes .

Truly such blisfull ioyes and rest , as maketh me only desire of thee to be desolued from this earthly and vncleane body when thy pleasure is .

I am the fresh Image of thy selfe , & the woorke of thine owne handes , take mee therfore vnto thee , burnish me a new , free my Soule from the poisoned prison of sinne , that it may geue equall thankes vnto so sweete a Lorde and guide .

Whilest I abide in this wretched body of Sinne , I cannot see thee ( oh Lorde ) yea it is a heauy habitacion , and depresseth downe sore my Spirite from the familiaritie whiche it els should haue with thee my louing Father .

Lorde this world and life , is a doungeon of Darkenesse , a Mountaine of miserable Martirdomes , a lewde laborenth of of lothesome Lustes , a cankred course of chokinge Calamities : being voyde of all vertues to gaine eternall Life .

Make me therfore stronge to walke vpright in this wretched wildernesse , and Arme mee with the guift of thy grace , against the power of Sathan my Ghostly enimy .

Here is nothing where I am Lorde , but daily assaultes of Temptations , troubles , torments , carefull calamities , contencion for thy woorde , horrible hatred , and worldly ambition : against which Lorde perfect me in knowledge and strong faith , and with thy righte hande beat downe mine enimies , that thou maist be knowen to be my God & Shielde .

REfuse not the Prayer of one that is in trouble : turne not awaye thy face from the needy : despise not the sely sewter : nor grieue the harte of the helpelesse : for if hee complaine in the bitternesse of his soule , his prayer shal be hearde , euen he that made him shall heare him .

REgarde in mee ( oh God ) the Image of thy selfe , thoughe I looked backe from thy Lawes , chastice me to amendment : but suffer not the work of thy hands to perishe .

Thou hast created my harte , and geuen me a will to order the same : so Lorde I most meekely yelde the same againe into thy handes .

I pray thee by thy holy Spirite , so direct my waies , counsels and woorkes , that they may be of chiefe regard with thee , good God the geuer of all mercy , suffer not my Soule to perishe through infirmity of my Flesh .

For thy Sonnes sake , and thine owne glory , set both nowe and euer his death and Passion betweene thy iuste iudgemente and the perill of my Soule .

I thirste after thee , my God , and sith thou feest my hartie desire is to serue thee , and liue in thy rule , and to dye in thy Faith and fauoure , allowe of me , and with thy mighty hand assist me .

Graunte that the Celestiall kingdome of thy grace and mercie euer occupie my harte , and worthely purchase me the sweet participation of thy glorious Throne and Maiestie .

Deliuer me Lord through thy grace : for in al my proper works & diuises can be founde no sin● shielde of defence for mee .

Cast not away my sorowfull soule : Remember the pitifull Passion of thy deare Sonne , and suffer it not to perish .

Guide my feete in the shining light of thy Verity : carry mee aloft from the snares of the vngodly : and from the traitorous trappes of the malitious saue mee .

Suffer not thou ( oh Prince of al power , who rulest the heauens and earthe ) that any canckred , or malitious stomacke rebell , or increase against me .

Pardon my cursed crimes : release my dyrefull debtes : geue mee againe thy grace : wrappe vp my woefull woundes that fester in my feeble fleash : graffe mee a new with the garnishinge of thy grace : so shall thy glorie growe , and my gained gladnesse heale my grouing griefes .

If I deserue the fulnesse of thy furie to fall vpon mee , yet as a louing Sauiour , rule ouer the roughnesse of thy rage , and let thy most meke mercy measure my paine , as thou haste donne vnto numbers .

Graunt most gratious God of all victory , that I maie euer haue thy power , & right hand to be my resident Rocke of refuge .

Geue gratious eare to my requests : be thou my stay in euery storme and peril , for all mannes staies are vnsteady .

Beate downe therfore mine enimies with thine owne hande and Swoorde , which arte mine only aide and Protectour : geue mee thy grace , and I shall neuer cease to geue thee glorye : bothe with my tounge and harte shall I ioyfully singe : Dominus illuminatio mea , & salus mea , quem timebo ? Dominus Protector Vitae meae , à quo trepidabo . Amen .

ENcline thy harte to mercie : delight thy thoughts in equitie and Iustice : then shall thy light breake forth as the morning springe , and thy healthe florishe : thy rightuousnesse shall preserue thee , and the glorie of the Lorde shall imbrace thee .

ENritch me ( oh God ) with thy grace : illuminate my minde with thy vnderstanding : be vnto mee a sure saluacion , & whom should I feare ?

Truly neither wil I feare anie enimy bodily or ghostly , thou being the strength of my life .

Though innumerable hostes do rise against mee , my Spirite shal trust in thee , and in my hart will I neuer be afraide .

Arme mee with thy strength of warre ( oh God ) and teache my handes to wage battaile .

And I shall lay flat the enemies of thy Truthe , and ioyfully resiste all those that rise against me .

My life shall euer declare thy sauinge healthe , & my soule shall not cease to sing thy praise .

Thou hast deliuered me from the chaines of Hel : and when I haue bene wrapped in the daungers of Death , thou hast cleared my pathes of all stumblinge blocks , and made thy ritch mercie my candle .

Lorde , if I haue benne vnthankful , a broken minde shal be thy Sacrifice : my harte shall euer dwell in the place of thanks geuing , & Spirite still mourne for her vnkindenesse .

Saue mee , Lorde I beseeche thee , in the daie of my distresse , for thou arte the horne of my healthe , the shielde of my glory , and bearest vp mine infirmitie .

Let them be consumed in their diuises , that shall worke against me , and faile of their force in the houre of their pretence .

Poure vpon them the Vyall of thy wrathe , let them sinke by themselues , and saue thy Seruauntes that trust in thy mercy .

I will honour thee for my sauiour , and praise thee for a God aboue all Gods. Amen .

GOd is gratious and mercifull , he forgeueth sinnes in time of trouble , and is a defender of them that seeke him with hartie praier , and wholie put their truste in his mercie and truthe .

GVyde my feete ( oh Lord ) in the waies of peace , and keepe my hands cleane from innocent bloude .

Lorde geue mee grace to perfourm the tauailes of this Pilgrimage before thee with pure minde & cleare conscience , that when thou shalt shewe thy selfe towardes euery creature to their deedes , I may be ritche in thy mercie , and not dreadde thy presence .

Whilest I treade this wearie laborinthe , leaue mee not Lorde to my selfe , but graunte mee thy continuall grace for my staffe ,

I am not of might ( Lorde ) in my selfe to do any thinge that is good : my rightuousnesse and glory stand in thy hande .

Therfore ( oh Lorde ) I appeale to thy mercy , and pray thy grace , that I may in minde be made strong with thy holy Armoure , whiche I desire maye be thy rightuousnesse for my Brest plate : firme faithe for my Targette : hope of mercy for my Helmet , and true knowledge of thy woorde for my Banner : so that I may stand here stronge & perfite againste thine enemies , and in a newe life participate thy ioyes .

I will blowe thy wonderous name throughe thy people , and will praise thee emongest all the faithfull .

My praises shall haue beinge vnto the farthest part of thy congregation , and my vowes will I perfourme in the sight of all that feare thee .

I wil endeuour that the ends of the worlde shall remember themselues , and will do my best to turne them vnto thee .

Geue mee therfore ioyfulnesse of harte , rest of conscience , continuall comforte in thy worde and trueth , and that I may with a thankfull minde , aduaunce thy name for euer .

IN the feare of God who so liueth , shall gather his Fruites in a pleasaunt Garden of blessing . It geueth the true Honoure , Glory , Triumphe , and ioyfull Crowne .

IN the multitude of all my sorowes that euer I haue had in my harte : Thy comforts ( oh Lorde ) haue euer refreshed mee .

Such is thy louing kindnesse and aboue all thy mercie : that if I should stray farther in my vnthankefulnesse , mine owne thoughts would accuse me .

Therfore I do comme vnto thee to be taught thy Testimonies , that I maye make thy lawes my delight .

Truely hopinge of thy grace for my assistaunce , I doo meane to make thy commaundementes an Alley of my pleasures to walke in , and the Truthe of thy woordes will I weare on , as an Armour against mine enimies .

Guide my fleashly eies ( oh Lorde ) least they beholde vanities , and my hart in thy rightuousnesse .

Plucke my feete into the pathes of thy preceptes when they woulde wander : printe the remembraunce of thy goodnesse alwaies in the table of my hart , and let my power faile to offend thee .

Heape my handes with sure hope of my Saluacion , satisfie my faithe in the forgeuenesse of my sinnes , that my fraile fleashe wauer not in thy mercie .

Temper my tongue ( oh Lord ) that it alwaies teache thy testimonies , lock vp my lippes , that out of my mouth do not proceede neither blasphemy of thy name , Hazerde to my soule , nor hinderaunce to any Creature .

Bowe downe thine eares ( oh Lorde ) and strengthen mee in these requestes . For beholde , I bowe the knees of a contrite hart , and with assured minde do hope them for thy truthes sake , whiche I will euerlastinglye praise .

NO glorye exceedeth the bewty of a chast life , the memoriall is immortall , it is Crowned in all triumphe with God , and Honoured of al rightuous : for it winneth the reward of vndefiled battaile .

NO fleash is rightuous in thy sighte ( oh Lorde ) whosoeuer thinke they are cleane , and haue not sinned , they deceiue themselues .

Therefore I confesse ( oh Lorde ) I haue not committed one sin , but rather infinite sins : and acknowledge if thou shouldest obserue mine iniquities , I were not hable to abide it .

Enter not therfore into iudgemente with thy Seruaunte ( oh Heauenly Father ) for no fleashe is rightuous in thy sighte : let the penssue harte , from whence my praiers commes , pearse thy Celestiall Throne .

Bow down thy mercie Lord , and wash mee with the bloud of my Sauioure Christe : cloathe mee with his humilitie , and reuiue mee with his Resurrection .

Remember Lorde thou haste spoken by the mouthe of thy seruaunt Esaye , That if my sinnes be as redde as Scarlette , they shal be made as white as snowe .

And furthermore thou delightest not in the deathe of any sinner , but that he rather liue , and be conuerted .

Lord , thy woordes neuer failed , and thy compassions haue no end : by vertu of the one , and substance of the other , purify me from all mine iniquitie .

I neede not to tel thee ( Lord ) if time woulde not faile mee , the large examples of thy manifold mercies , besides thi compassions shewed on thy Seruaunte Mary Magdeleyn , Peter , and Paule , with whom , Lorde , let me be so cleansed , purified , and receiued , as O may with them be Coheyres of thy euerlasting ioyes . Amen .

AS the barraine and vnthanckefull soyle , whiche after good vse & diligence of the Tiller geueth forth Darnell for good seede so euer dooth the fainte harted , and vngratefull freend in the Harueste of thy necessitie . But if thou wouldest choose him by vertue of the Grape , and suffer him to be olde , as thou dost , thy wine , then shouldest thou drink him with pleasure

AT midnight my tonge and lippes shall singe praise of thy holy name , and my Spirite shall glorifie thee , sittinge aboue the highest Cherubins .

Awake ( Lorde ) awake , denie mee not for thy names sake , ●●●gh otherwise vnwoorthy of ●●y porcion in thy ritche guiftes to the worlde .

Lorde , thou hast so loued the world , that thou madest thy dere beloued sonne to clime the steps of death , who bare the Image of thy substaunce , and brightnes of thy glory to purge our mortalitie and sinne .

I beseeche thee therfore , as thou haste so vouchsaued , & also saide by the mouthe of thy Seruauntes , that thou haste geuen him to that most dreadfull death of the Crosse to put away al sin , and to satisfie thy iustice .

Lorde and mercifull Father , let me now for al be so deliue●●● and cleerely purged by this pitifull passion of thy deere sonne my Sauiour , that I may say , and singe with the blessed Cherubins , and Seraphins , Apostles , Sainctes , and Virgins : Holy , Holy , Holy , Lorde God on highe , all Honour , Power , Dominion , and Glory be dewe to thee for euer and euer . Amen .

¶ The Versicle .

FOr thy deare Sonnes sake ( O Lorde ) heare and receiue my Prayers .

The Answere .

ANd in thy truthe and mercy pardon mine offences , and graunt mee thy grace .

¶ The Collecte .

O Lorde Iesus Christ , sonne of the pure Virgin Marie , thou , thou art not only the sweet spouse of my soule healthe , but with God the Father a moste meke Mediatour , full of Mercie & Truthe , wash away my sinnes with the most precious bloud of thy holy passion : make me ritch in thy mercy , and my Faithe so strong in thee , that assisted with thy grace , and holy Spirite to all duty , and workes in this life towardes thee , I may enioy afterwards the glory of thy blessed Kingdom , with thy holy saincts , and Virgins in euerlasting honoure and triumphe . Amen .

¶ The Prayer .

O Lord Iesus Christ , whiche hast redeemed all mankinde from sinne , Death , & Hell : thou which hast saide : I am the way , truthe , and life . A way in Doctrine , Commaundementes , and examples : Truth in promises : Life in rewarde . I pray thee , by thine ineffamable loue , wherwith thou hast vouchsafed wholie to bestowe thy selfe for our securitie , that thou wilt not suffer mee euer to stray from thee , bicause thou art the way , nor at any time to distruste thy promises , which art Truthe , and perfourmest what so euer thou promisest : neither let me rest in any other thing , because thou arte eternal life : without the whiche , there is nothinge that ought to be desired , neither in heauen , nor in Earthe . By thee we learne the sure and expediente passage vnto true healthe , that wee wander no longer in the Labor in the of this world . Thou haste exactly taught what to beleeue , and what to doo , what to hope for , and in whome wee ought to rest .

By thee wee learne , how wee were of that first Adam vnfortunately borne : By thee wee are assured ther is no hope of helth , but through Faith in thee : that thou arte the onely brightnesse which geuest lighte to all men trauailing the darke Deserts of this worlde , where is nothinge but a profound dimnes , wherby we can neither see our calamity , nor from whence wee oughte to seeke remedy of our euil . Thou diddest vouchsafe to descende into the Earthe , & disdainedst not to take our nature vppon thee , that by thy doctrine thou mightest shake of the dimnesse of our ignoraunce : by thy commaundements mightest directe our feet● in the way of Truthe & Peace .

By the examples of thy life thou hast shewed vs the way to immortalitie : and by thy steppes hast restoared to vs a plaine , easie , and profitable way , out of an vneuen and roughe way . So thou arte made vnto vs a waye which knoweth no erroure : in the whiche , leaste wee should be wearie , thou haste vouchsafed to vpholde vs in thy benignitie with greate and sure promises : for who can be weary , accoumpting him selfe ready through thy steppes , to enter thy Heauenly Heritage . Therfore whilest we be in this iorney thou wouldest be a sure hope vnto vs , to be in steede of a staffe vnto vs wherewith we are susteined . Neither was thy goodnesse content with this , but knowing the weakenes of our fleash , in the meane while with the comfort of thy Spirite doost so refreashe our strengthe , whereby wee runne cheerefully .

And as thou being made vnto vs a way , doost driue away al errour . So being made Truthe , doost take away all distrust .

Finally beinge made life vnto vs , dooste reuiue the dead in sin , to liue by thy Spirite , releeuing all thinges , vntill in the resurrection , al mortalitie vtterly abolished , we may alwaies liue with thee , and in thee , when Christe shall be to vs , all in all . For eternall life is , to knowe the Father , the Sonne , and the holy Ghoste to be one true God , whom now through Faith wee beholde only in a Glasse and Ridell : and then seeing more feloly the glory of the Lorde , wee shal be transformed into the same Image .

Therfore I beseeche thee , most mercifull Sauioure , that thou wouldest nourishe Faithe in thy Seruaunte , that I may neuer wauer in thy heauenly doctrine .

Encrease obedience , that I neuer turne from thy Preceptes .

Fortifie constancie , that entring into thy steppes , it be not pulled backe , nor through the terroure , or intisements of Sathan ouerthrowne , but maie perseuer in thee , which art the true way vnto death . Builde my sure trust that accustomed with thy promises , I neuer waxe old in the exercise of Vertue : but forgetting those thinges which are paste , I may continually striue to come to perfiter . Accept my contrite hart , the woonted sacrifice of thy delight , and the oblation of these my peticions , grauntinge the summe of my requests . Blotte out all mine offences for thine owne sake , & increase thy grace in mee , that I may in all things carrie vpright sway , and equall iudgement : gouerning thy people in the light of thy worde , and feare of thy Lawes . And daily more and more die to my selfe , and liue and be lead by thy Spirite , fearinge nothinge but thee , then the which nothinge is greater or mightier : louing nothing beside thee , them whom , nothing is more to be beloued : gloriynge in nothinge but in thee , which art the glory of al saincts requiring nothinge beside thee , which arte the best : desiring nothing but thee , which art the full , and perfite felicitie with the Father and the holy Ghoste aboue the starrie Firmamente : to whom be praise both now & euer . Amen .

¶ A discrete , and wise woman is an high porcion : she honoreth GOD , and bewtifieth the worlde : vpon her right hande standeth loye and Peace , and vpon her left hand , Ritches and Honour : her Body is the sweete tree of longe life to him that laieth hold on her , & blessed is he that kepeth her fast .

EVerye one , that saithe , Lorde , Lorde , shal not enter the Kingdom of heauen . Therefore confirme my Faithe stronge in thee , O Heauenly Father , and in my Sauiour Christe : quiet my minde with sure hope of his promises , and thy Saluacion . Destroye in mee , the Kingdom of Sinne , the power of Sathan , the desires of the worlde , and the delightes of the Fleashe . Guide my feete in the pathes of thy preceptes : bringe the conflictinge daies of mine enemies to ende .

Make mee , that am weake in my selfe , strong in thee , to conquere the force of theire Armes .

So shall my lippes poure out continuall praise vnto thee , O god of my Saluacion , and magnifie thy Maiesty , worlde without ende . Amen .

LOoke not extremely what is donne amisse in mee , for no fleash is rightuous in thy sight . I offer vp my selfe wholy with all my vnsauery , and corrupt abuses , both in wil and woorkes vnto the flowinge fountaine of thy mercy , to be chasticed , poullished , and washed , and made cleane euen at thine owne will and pleasure . Wherfore impute not the frailty of my tender yeeres vnto my charge , but that thou maist ouercome when thou art iudged . Forgeue me , receiue me , and so arme me with thy holie Spirite , that I may treade the rest of my daies with an vpright sway , a cleare conscience , and a single harte , to thy Glory , and profite of my Soule . Amen .

I Liue ( O God ) in a most wretched Vale of miserie , where continually thy creatures are strained with sinne , assayled with affliction , tossed with troubles , choked with cares , infected with ambition , vexed with temptacions , blinded with erroures , ouercomme with vanities of the world , and miseraly wrapped in all vntruthe , and wretchednesse , wherfore ( O Lord ) arise , stretch out thy hand , helpe , and comfort mee . Asswage my sorrowe , assist me with thy Holy Spirite , that mine owne substance ouercome mee not : this glitteringe vaine world of infinite sorowes , and fewe felicities deceiue mee not : that Sathan supplant mee not : but geue me inuincible power , to encounter them : patience in suffering them : and in thy woorde , constancie in perseuering to the ende . Amen .

ZEale , anger , hatred , and from respecte of any persones in Iudgemente , Lorde make mee free . Arme mee with the patience of my sauiour Christ : geue me the Breastplate of his rightuousnesse , and the helmet of his equitie . Make mee to exercise his Mercy , Truthe , Meekenesse , Faithfulnesse , Temperance , and Humility . Cast out of my harte , all that may offende thee , and disprofite my Soule .

Let all worldly things be vile vnto mee : for thy sake let me reioyce in nothinge without thee , nor loue nothing , but to thy glorie . So shall my harte keepe thy lawes , and my mouthe for euer and euer speake thy praise . Amen .

ACcepte mee ( Lorde in the number of thy elect : behold in mee the Image of thy selfe , & the worke of thine owne hands : remember thou haste geuen thy deare Sonne to the bitter Passion of the Crosse for my redemption . Let me not be rewarded therfore accordinge to the deepe sea of my sinnes , for then I perishe . But for thy Truthe , Mercie , and deere Sonnes sake , correcte mee , strengthen mee , and imbrace mee : yea , linke mee so surely to the loue of thy Lawes , that I neuer leaue thee : and in the daie of my trouble , & houre of deathe , Lorde deliuer mee : so shall I liue , and glorifie thee , through all worldes . Amen .

BEholde my infirmities ( O Lord ) and consider my frailnesse , best knowen vnto thee .

So oft as I shall fall , make me lift vp my hart again vnto thee , seeke thee , feare thee , and loue thee , and euer to be soary with so stedfast a purpose of amendement , that my earnest desire may rightly stirre vp thy mercie , and procure mee the assistaunce of thy grace to conioyne mee to all Heauenly thinges , & to destroye all earthly affections and temptacions , that daily plucke mee backe , and rebell , not sufferinge my soule to liue in rest . Against which , builde thy feare in my breast : true knowledge of thy woorde in my harte : fortifie my faith with sure hope of thy Heauenly blisse : & enter the shininge light of thy woorde so deepe in my minde , that all my studies & thoughts , onely occupied therin , my other partes may euer want power to offend the , & my tongue and lippes euer be singinge thy laude and glory , Amen .

ENritche my Soule with the continual felowshippe of thy thy Holy Spirite , whose deuine humanitie may so temper my grosse substance with trewe condition , that alwaies I may seem low in mine owne sight , and neither pride nor selfloue ouertake , or at any time allure me to exercise the vnseemely pleasantnesse of nature , but euer preferringe a pure and chaste life , may winne the victory of al vncleanesse , and glorifie thee , which art the heade and Patrone of al mercy , truth , and singlenesse , whose triumphe my tongue shall neuer cease to aduaunce . Therefore most louing Sauiour , leaue mee not to my selfe , but stande alwaies by mee , and with thy stronge hande make my waies sound and perfit and confound mine enimies in their deuises , Amen .

THou hast saide ( most sweete redemer Christe ) that the Mountaines shall remooue , and the Hilles shall fall downe , but thy louinge kindenesse , woorde , mercy , and truthe shal not moue : & also , that the band of thy peace shall not faile vs . Dere Father I beseeche thee for thine owne Truthe , and mercies sake , remember this thy Promise and Couenaunt , graue it so deepe in the inwarde partes of my harte , that I may neuer forgeate , neyther fall from thee , but euer acknowledge thee mine only God and Sauiour : Loue thee with all my harte , and thy people for thy sake : exercising iustice , mercie , and Truthe to all thy Creatures , and neuer suffering me to doo , that may mooue thy wrath , but more and more assisted with thy grace , may encrease thy loue and likinge , and finally obtaine thy ioyes euerlasting . Amen .

HEare these my Prayers , ( sweet Lord Iesu ) and for thy exceedinge Loue , whiche broughte thee from the Sacred seate of thy Fathers breast into the wo●be of the blessed virgin , to bannish Death and Sinne , to redeeme mans nature , whereby in thy astere Passion , as thou haste restoared mee , and with so blessed a Shielde defended mine eternall deathe : by the self same Loue call mee , that haue wandred , home againe to thy Folde : renewe me with thy Spirite : confirme mee with stronge faithe : nourish in me such thi abundant loue : garnish mee with thy plentifull grace : lade mee with infallible hope of thy mercie : finally restore all partes in mee which are decaied , and quicken in mee , what so is dead , & should liue , that my spirite set at libertie from Terrestriall thinges , thou maist euer dwell in mee .

And my Soule and body assisted with thy ritche guifte of all these , may fully , purely , safely , and strongly settle them in thee .

To whom be praise both nowe and euer . Amen .

REnder mee thy grace ( O Lorde ) that from this day , I neuer becomme enimies with thee againe , but that I only rest in thee . Guide me with the clere light of thy woorde thorowe the dark desertes of this wretched world , where no misery , nor trouble lacketh : wher euery place is ful of snares of mortal enimies : yea , wheron trouble , and temptations ouerpassed , and other ensueth , and the first enduringe , a newe battaile suddainely assayleth , wherby I neuer haue peace and wante wherwith to war .

wherfore with contrite hart I crie , Lorde , Lorde , assist me with the power of thy holy Spirite : and as thou hast commaunded I come vnto thee , prayinge the guifte of all these my requests , and specially Lord , I require the swoord of my Sau●●ur Christ , true and firm faith , that established in thy Truthe , holding that for my defence , may be safely armed against all mine enimies , & strong to cut downe the thornes which shal spring in my way of passage vnto thee , in whom sweete sauiour , aboue all honour , glory , triumphe , sway , rule , power , & dignity , make me settle al my ioyes : yea , aboue all healthe , ritches , bewtie , fame , and felicitie , to desire thee , loue thee , and magnifie thee , which geuest all : and therfore of al to be beloued & sought art most worthy . Amen .

EAse ( O Lorde ) the paines I suffer , & the troubles of my soule : let the fountaines of thy grace ouerflow my barraine bodie , and the floudes of thy mercie batten my feeble spirite : let thy louing kindnesse couer mine infirmities , and thy suffered drops of dewe vpon the Crosse drownde mine iniquitie . Thy worde is Truthe , and thou hast saide , Thy delight is not in the death of a Sinner , but wouldest he shoulde conuerte and liue .

Teache me therfore to number my dayes in the loue of thy Lawes , that I alwayes thirste after thy Kingdome , and neuer forgeat thee : but in this , that I haue here begonne , may perseuer & increase , setting at naught all worldly pompe , respect of persones , and mans helpe , and only cleaue to thy omnipotente power , mercie , strengthe , and goodnesse : wherin Lorde make mee so ritch , as I neuer haue power to swerue from thee , nor wante thy grace to resiste all temptations , neither yet thy strengthe to treade downe mine enimies , and so my harte shall ioyfully liue , and geue thanckes to thee my God of all truth , mercy and victory . Amen .

GOD , merciful Father of my redeemer Christ , which hast promised to heare the peticions , of them that aske in thi Sonnes name , geue downe thy feare into my harte : conioyne thy holy spirite to the felowship of my soule : poure vpon me the blessed dewes of thy grace : enritche mee with thy high vnderstandinge , and send wisdome in her glory from thy Sacred seate to dwel in me , that shee may guide mee , vphold mee , and labour with mee , to the end : that in al my trauelles , enterprises , proceedinges , and studies , I may preuaile to thy glorie . Do this deare Father , for the triumphe of thy name Bow downe thine eares , & mercifullie heare , and receiue the summe of all my requests , and graunt that all thinges which I aske according to my necessity , I may effectually obtaine , to thy glorye , and profite of my soule , through Iesus Christe my Lorde . Amen

I Geue and committe into thy hands deere Lorde my Spirite , yea rather I may say thy Spirite , seeing thou hast geuen it mee , lincte it to my body for a season , and seing it is thy image and Figure , made after thine owne likenesse , seeinge thy deere Sonne did clime the dyrefull steppes of death for redemption therof . O most fauorable Father and meeke God of al mercy and compassion , I eftsoones commende this my Spirite into thy hande , I am thine what so euer I am , receiue thine . I beseeche thee preserue mee and comforte mee , for no man can help me besides thee . Onely thou arte the sureste resister of all mischiefe , thou arte ( O God ) the readieste help in all trouble , thou arte my hope and strength . In thee do I put my trust , lette mee not be confounded , let mee neuer be rebuked : thou art my strong rock and my Castell , thou art my sauioure , my portion is in thy hands . Lighten thy face vpon thy Seruaunt , and saue mee ( O Lorde ) in thy Mercie . Amen .

NO brickel nor corrupt gold or Siluer hath redeemed my soule ( O Heauenly Father ) but the precious bloud issuinge from Christ as of a Lambe vndefiled and without spotte , make mee therefore ( O Lorde ) for his sake to put on his humility , patience , vertu , and vnspotted life , rendring such accompt of this my Pilgrimage as best may agree to his merite and thy mercie . Let mee not be founde vnthankfull in so sweete a Lorde and sauiour , what is most rightuous , acceptable , and pleasante in thy sight , let mee alwayes ( O God ) preferre in faith & works : and what so euer is to approoue mee vnworthy of his tender and surmountinge loue , that may alter his louing kindenesse , or exchaunge his wonted compassion towards mee , Lorde let me euer faile in strength to do it , but assisted by thee , I may euerlastingly be founde to liue in him . Amen .

ALmighty God , which fliest with the winges of the Ayre , ridest vpon the Cherubins & hast Empyre aboue the starry Firmaments . Thou , thou , that sittest in Sacred seate most hie , beholdeynge the wretchednesse of man in this lowe Earthe , attending through thine own loue his deserts , when with any occasion thou may offer thy mercie .

Bowe downe thy pitifull eies , and fauour in me the Image of thy selfe , as thou diddest vouchsafe in Zache when thou calledst him out of the Figge thee : enritche my eares with the same voyce of Remission and Gladnesse , as thou diddest his : incline thine eares & heare these cries , ( oh louing redeemer ) for though I am but Dust , Earth , and Asshes , yet I am bolde ( strengthened with thy truth ) and merites of Christes deathe and passion , to lay my Prayers before thee , requyringe mercy , and forgeuenesse of all my sinnes , and also the assistance of thy Grace , to do thy will all the daies of my life , and to obtaine all these my petitions , through Iesus Christ thy deere Sonne and my only sauiour : to whom with thee and the Holy Ghoste be all Honour , power , Dominion , and Glory for euer and euer . Amen .

A Meditation vpon the Lordes Prayer .

¶ Our Father which art in Heauen .

TRuely thou O almighty father haste iuste cause to execute thy seuere iudgemente vpon vs sinners , whiche so often and greeuously moue thy wrath and indignation againste vs , but sithence by thy mercy thou dooste not onely pardon , but also commaundeste and teacheste by thy Sonne Iesus Christe , that wee should holde thee for a Father , wee pray thee throughe him that thou wilt geue vs , a full and sure truste in thy Fatherly clemency , and that we may likewise feele some taste of that security whiche thy Children haue , and with ioye call thee Father , acknowledge thee , loue thee , and in all our troubles call vpon thee : defende and guide vs that wee may perpetually abide thy children , & let vs not goe out of thy protection . Though we be the children of wickednes , yet let vs not holde thee in steede of a seuere Iudge , when thou wilt that wee shall not onely call thee Father , but our Father : and that wee pray not in our owne name alone , but in the name of all thy Children . Geue vs therefore an vniforme and brotherly loue , that in deede wee may perceiue our selues to bee Brothers and Sisters , and thee our generall Father . Let vs pray for all the rest no otherwise then Fathers were wont to pray for their children : neyther suffer any of vs to seeke his own , and forget his brother : but taking away what enuie , hatred , or discord , so euer raigneth emonge vs , that as becommeth Gods children , wee may mutually loue one another , and truely call thee , not Father , but our Father . Of our carnall and earthely Father we receiue this brickle body , and he is such a one as is subiect to death , neither are wee sure how longe he shall remaine a father . Furthermore if aduersity happen he can not chaunge , that , but thou arte a Heauenly Father , truely farre better and more Nobler . So much more righte is it then , that we contempne for thee , our Father , Countrey , Kindred , Ritches , Fleashe , Bloude , yea and what so euer is in this worlde vnder the scope of Heauen .

This also graunt to vs , that we may be thy heauenly Children , whom thou doest teache that we shall regarde nothinge but the soule healthe , and that heauenly Heritage , leaste in this carnall and earthly Countrey , deceiued , stirred vp , or letted by ritches , wee become heyres of sensuality but truly let vs say our heauenlie Father , and that truely wee may be thy heauenly Children .

Halowed be thy name .

ALmighty God heauenly father thy holy name is miserably prophaned many wayes in this worlde , scorned , taunted , and blasphemed , when it is applied to those thinges , in whiche is no glorye of thy Deitie : yea many abuse it , imployinge it to sinne , and truly that vnwoorthy life in a Christian man , deserueth to be called a prophanation of thy holy name : graunt therefore to vs good Lorde , through thy mercy , that wee may beware of all those things , by which the honoure and glory of thy name is diminished , and purifie vs that the Artes of Magike may be abolished , let people cease to enchaunt Diuels or other Creatures , by thy name , see that all distrust and supersticion perish , Heresie and wicked Doctrine also , ( whiche notwithstandinge they preferre thy name , yet they deceiue many ) lette them perishe and be broughte to nothynge : graunte that thy people be not deceyued through any outwarde shewe of truthe , rightuousnesse , or holynesse . Suffer not any man to forsweare hym selfe , lye , or deceyue others , by thy name .

Take from vs ( O Lorde ) all false aydes , which take vpon them a shewe of thy name : remooue from vs that spyrite of Pryde and vaine glory , and the study of prayse and glory . Graunt that in all our troubles and euiles we may cal vpon thy holy name , yea in the feare of our conscience , and euen when deathe assaileth , let vs not be forgetful of thy holie name . See that in al our successe both in wordes and deedes wee may praise and worship thee onely , and not seeke out of these , ours , but the glory of thy name , which alone possessest al things : take from vs ( O Lorde ) that most foule vice of ingratitude : Plant in vs such good woorkes and life , that others may be allured to vs , not to our , but to thy praise and glory . Lorde let not others be offended , through the vices or euill workes which yet remaine in vs , least thy name for our sinnes should be ill spoken of , or not henceforth praised . Suffer vs not to aske any thing of thee , either momentary or eternall , which agreeth not to the glory of thy holy name & praise : if wee do aske any suche thinge of thee , in that heare vs not : graunt vs so to liue as becommeth Gods Children , that wee seeme not vnworthy of thy holy name .

Thy kingdome come .

IN this miserable and wretched life all kindes of sensuall apetide and wickednesse beare rule in vs , and the euill spirite , head , and fountaine of all sinne , hath gouernmente . But in thy kingdome ( O Lorde ) grace and vertue guide the sway , and Iesus Christe thy deere sonne true patrone of all grace and vertue holdeth Empyre . Thou therefore deere Father , fauoure vs with thy grace : Geue vnto vs a true & constant faith in Christe , fortifie vs with a firme hope in thy mercie , wherwith our weake and feble conscience may be raised vp from the feling of sinnes : lade vs with an earnest loue , both towardes thee and al other thy good Creatures . Take from vs distrust , desperation , and hatred , remooue from vs the delightes of the fleash , and plant in their steede an earnest studye of chastitie , with perfect faith in thee , which may worthely winne the reward of vndefiled battaile . Make vs free ( O Lorde ) from discordes , ambition , warre , and discention , and let thy kingdome come , and let vs leade a peaceable , mutuall , and quiet life .

Graunt , that neither zeale , anger , or other vices ( with the whiche dissemblinge hatred are nourished ) raigne in vs : but a milde simplicity , brotherly loue , al kinde of duties , contentment , and humility , suffer vs not to be affected with immoderate sorrowe and heauinesse , but let vs feele the pleasantnesse of thy grace and mercie : and that in fine , all my sinnes may be taken away , & wee abounding through grace and vertu , in good works , may be thy kingdome . I say , our minde , our soule , with al our strength whiche thou hast powred on vs , may obey thy commaundementes , and beare thy gouernment , and neither folowe themselues , the world , the fleash , nor the Diuell . See Lord that this thy kingdome happely begonne in vs , may so growe and be increased , that wee be not vnaduisedly oppressed of sinne : nether causelesse doo cease from good woorkes , for so it may com to passe that wee shall labour in vaine . Geue thefore vnto vs a firm faith , wanting no strength , which not onely may instruct vs to a better kinde of life , but also in that same may happely goe forward & euer emong encrease , as the Prophet saithe , Psal. 13. Illuminate mine eies that I slepe not , least whilest the Christian life but begonne , wee negligently goe forward , and finallie come againe into Sathans power . Graunt that wee may constantly endure , and thy kingdome to come may performe and consummate the rule begonne in vs . Take vs from this life which is ful of sinne and daungers : make vs to desire that other life , and let vs beginne and continew to hate this : graunt that wee do not feare death , but rather wish and desire it : let vs cast out of our minde the loue of this life , that thou onely maist raigne in vs .

Thy will be donne

IF we should conferre our wil with thine , it is alwaies naught , but thy will is euer best , whiche deserueth that wee shoulde loue and desire that . Therefore haue mercy vpon vs deare Father , and let not any thinge be donne after our will . Graunt if any thinge happen contrary to that wee woulde , wee may patiently beare it : temper so our brickle mettall , beyng the woorke of thy handes , that if any either speake or holde his peace , doo or omitte any thinge contrary to our will , that thereby we be not prouoked to anger and impatience . Let vs not blaspheme , complaine , crie out , iudge , condemne , or maliciously accuse others therfore , but graunt that wee may quietlie geue place to those whiche worke contrary to our will , and praise them geuinge thankes as to those which stirre vp thy will whiche is good , againste ours which is yll . And further assist vs that we may paciently beare all trouble , neede , pouerty , sicknesse , slaunder , imprisonmente , and all other discommodities , and acknowledge al these to happen vnto vs by thy wil , that our wil may be mortified : let vs paciently beare iniuries , and take from vs the desire of reuengement : suffer vs not to encounter one euill with another , nor resist force with stronge armes , but graunte thy will whiche hath throwne vs into those euils may satisfie vs , & that with thankes geuing wee may beare aduersiries . Yf any yll come contrary to that wee woulde , graunt wee beseeche thee , that we iudge not that calamitie to proceede either of Sathan our wicked enimie , or of yll men , but of thy deuine will , whiche dooth Minister all thinges , so that it may let our will , whereby thou mightest the better raigne and beare rule in vs . Graunt that wee may patiently and with ioyfull minde die , leaste beinge ouercome with impatience or desperation , wee seeme lesse obedient to thy will . Graunt that al members of our body , eyes , tongue , harte , hands , and feete , folowe not their owne delightes , but ouercom and constrained , may doo al thinges after thy will . Take from vs O Lorde a hardned and vntractable hart , free vs from frowardnesse , obstinate and stubberne minde , graunte that wee may obey thy will , that wee committe our selfe wholy to thy iudgement in all things , whether they perteine to the body or the soule , whether they be momentary or eternall , take from vs these horrible vices , that wee impeache not the fame of any , flaunder anie , rashely iudge , accuse , or condempne them , that vice of the tongue ( I beseeche thee ) amende in vs . And teache , that if others committe any euill , wee may retaine and hide it , to thee only let vs shewe it , and leaue it to thy iudgemente , that wee may remit what is committed againste vs , and let vs take pity vpon them : teach vs to know that none can hurt vs , but he shal more disprofite him selfe before thee , that we may be the rather stirred to mercie , then to anger : in any thing let vs not reioyce , if they be throwen into calamitie which either haue not obeyed our will , or whose life hath been little allowable to vs , neither lette vs hate their good successe .

Geue vs this day our daily breade .

THE breade is our Lord Iesus Christe , whiche feedeth , and refresheth the soule . Thou therfore heauenly father , graunt vs this through thy mercie , that the life , woordes , and deedes of Christe , with his Passion , may be euery where truely preached , acknowledged , folowed & kept .

Graunt that both his dooinges and sayings may be ensample to vs , to the whiche wee may compare our life , & liue more rightlie . Confirme vs , that in calamities and trouble his Crosse and passion may strengthen and comfort vs . Assiste vs , that by his deathe our deathe may be ouercomme in true Faithe , that wee may constantly folowe him , being our Captaine , to eternall life . Bringe to passe , that they whiche haue taken vpon them the ministery of thy woorde , may happily teach , & with the greate profite of the hearers , woorke , that those which heare thy word , acknowledge Christe , and diligently goe forwarde . Let it com to passe , that the straunge and wicked sectes , who teache not Christe , be throwen out of his Churche . Let the true vnderstandinge of thy woorde so shine in Bishops , and Pastours , and likewise vpon all Magistrates , whether they haue care of the bodie , or Soule : that beinge illuminate with thy grace , they may rightly teache vs , and be exsample vnto vs , as wel in Doctrine , as in pure life . Let not the weak in f●●th be offended through the Sinnes of the Maiestrates .

Pourge vs ( O Lorde ) from all heresi●s and wicked Faith , that wee may be singly and daily fed with one bread , & may abide agreeable in Christes woordes , teach vs by thy grace t●at wee may well studie vpon Christes Passion , and rightly holde that , and let his imprinted steppes sticke and be founde in vs .

Graunte that the Ministers of thy Church may treate , and vse the Holy Sacrament worthely , and to the greate profite of thy Churche . And furthermore that wee , and all Christians may in his kinde worthely , and to his soule health receiue the Sacramente .

Geue vs peace and concorde : take from vs , warres contention , ambition priuy hatred , bloudie hartes , vsurping hands , and al other kinde of strifes , that those thinges which wee haue to the sustentation of our body , wee may enioy with thanks geuing . Geue vnto thy seruant Elizabeth our most gratious Queene and Gouernoure , thy equall guiftes to her estate and dignity with vprighte Iudgememente in all thinges , and to all magistrates true faith and single iudgement with loyall mindes to keepe the publique peace , that her ioyes and Rule may longe stande and multiply . Take from al Subiectes , Sedition and disobedience : teache vs by thy Holy spirite to order housholde affayres , that wee may instruct our Children , and Families to worship , praise , and glorifie thee . Graunt O good Father , that our children and family fall not into any sin and wickednes , neither be ouerthrowen in any daunger or calamity , whether it be either of bodie or Soule . Comforte , and deliuer thou moste louinge Father , the captiue , the hungry , thirstie , naked , oppressed , miserable , the comfortlesse , widowe , the orphane , sick , and the sorowfull , and defende the fieldes and cattell from tempest , venemous woormes , and wilde beastes .

Forgeue vs our trespasses as we forgeue them , that trespas against vs .

GOD will that we patiently beare al things , and requite not euill with euill , nor reuenge iniurie donne againste vs , but that wee shoulde returne a benefite for an iniurie , after the ensample of our Father , whiche suffereth his Sunne to shine as well on the euill as on the good : and powreth downe his raigne both vpon the thankefull and vnthankefull . O good Father stirre vp our conscience , bothe now and in the ende of our life , whiche is greuously feared with the sight of our sinnes , and dred of thy ●udgemente : make our harts quiet and sure , that with ioy wee may expecte thy iudgement when thou shalt iudge , for in thy sight shall not any man be founde rightuous , teache vs to leane , not to our owne good workes and merites , but to thy vnmeasured mercie , & therevnto let vs wholy commit vs . Likewise suffer vs not to fall into desperation for our sinnes committed , but graunt that wee may perceiue and feele thy mercy to be far more ample , greater , and stronger , then our wicked ledde life . Be presente with all those , whiche are either in daunger of death , or afflicted with desperation . Forgeue vs , and euen our sinnes , comfort vs , and bring vs againe into thy fauour . As thou hast commaunded , so render thou also good for yll vnto vs : beate down sathan that horrible false detractor and accuser of our life , bothe nowe and at the houre of death , and in al other anguishes of our conscience , Sathan dothe accuse vs , our conscience likewise doth accuse vs . But thou ( Lorde ) dooest not Iudge after their sentence , heare not the voyce of our enemies which complain of vs before thee , night and day . Take from vs ( thou God of all mercie ) the greeuous burden of our sinne and conscience , that it beinge made ioyfull and confirmed with the hope of thy mercy , wee may both liue and die , doo , and suffer all thinges .

And leade vs not into temptation .

WEE are vexed with three kindes of temptation : the fleash , the worlde , and the diuell . Wee pray thee therfore O Father , to assiste vs with thy heauenly grace , that wee truely may be able to quenche the flames of the fleash : that wee may auoyde excesse of meates and drink , ouer much sleape , slouth , and idlenesse , wherewith the prone fleashe is the rather kindled : that likewise with fasting , moderate diet , and cloathinge , our bed not to softe : with watching and laboure wee may be made the more apte to good woorkes . Helpe thou vs also that wee may fasten to the Crosse of Christe , and mortifie that inordinate concupiscence , and all other stirringes vnto vaine pleasure , that wee may with strong power resist them .

Plante our hartes in the pleasaunte garden of thy continuall feare : sowe the sweete seedes of heauenly grace so deepely in the furrowes of our inward minde , that when our outward eies shal behold the rare bewty , and work of thy handes in any fayre , well proporcioned , or semely creature we may not be therwith allured to exchaunge our thoughtes of pure deity , through desire to exercise any delicate delight of our wanton fleash , but euer geuinge vnspotted Chastitie sway in vs , may the rather be mooued to praise thee , in all thy creatures .

Graunte that when our eares are delighted with any sweete Harmonie , or melodious sound , that we may not applie it to our own plesure , but to thy triumph and glory . Take from vs couetousnesse and inordinate studie to heape vp Ritches . Remooue from vs the study of Glory , Power , and Ambition : suffer not the malice of the worlde to prouoke vs to impatience , reuengement , hatred , dissimulation , or other vices . Woorke in vs that we hold in hate , and despise , the deceiptes , subtilty , lyes , craft , guile , false promises , vnthankfulnesse , and ingratitude of the world , with all other , whether they be good , or badde ( that Originall Sinne also which in Baptisme wee knowe ) and that in this minde wee may endure , and euermore encrease . Putte from vs the temptacions of Sathan that wee fall not into pride and admiration of ourselues , being puffed vp with wealth , Nobility , Power , Rule , Learning , Dignity , Beawty , Shape , or other guiftes , & so despise others . Purifie , & cleanse vs from priuie hatred , secret sclaunder , egreenuie , and inward dissimulation . Make vs to deale iustly , carefully , truly , faithfully , freendely , and constantely with those that put vs in any trust , and wel and equally with all others . Confirme , and strengthen vs against all temptations , and dreadefull assaultes of Death , that neither in the General day of accoumpt wee tremble in our hope of thy mercie , nor in the summons of death wee fall into desperation , but vpholden with firm hope of thy mercy , & armed with stronge Faithe , and inuincible beliefe of thy Saluacion , wee may liue in our resurrection , participate thy ioyes , and reioyce in thy comminge . Moreouer wee entirely beseeche thee ( O Heauenly Father ) that thou vouchsafe with the carefull eyes of thy mercy to behold and strengthen all them , which are assailed with any greuous temptations , or weaknesse of Faith. If any yet stand , confirme them ( O God ) and those which are fallen , lift thou vp .

Let thy grace defende vs all in this miserable life , whiche is replenished with so many daungers , and bitter enimies , that as it becommeth Christian Souldiers , wee may be strongly gyrte with true Faith , to thee : in loyall obedience to our Prince : brotherly loue towardes all men , and so become coheyres of thy Celestiall Throne and blessednesse .

But deliuer vs from euill .

THy gratefull benignitie ( oh Heauenly father ) hath once deliuered vs from that most vncleane Spirite and subtil Serpent Sathan , the wretched workman of all endlesse woe , deathe , & destruction , washed from sinne by thy sonne Iesus Christ , and hath chosen vs into the honoure of his blessed Name and Heritage . Wherfore cease thine indignation ( O Lord ) which iustly wee incurre throughe our daily contempts of thy holy will : free vs from the paines due to oure sinnes : deliuer vs from the flouds of perdition that compasse vs rounde about , and the flames of thy furie that our wickednesse hath kindled , stay the stroke of thy vengeaunce , that the blasphemie of our tongues , hath iustly mooued thy longe sufferaunce to lay nowe vpon vs : deliuer our Soule from the deadly wounds of our dissembling lippes : take from vs the full corruption of all enuie , and hatred : keepe our minds from pride and presumption : breathe into vs throughe al parts thy loue , humility , faith hope , charitie , & patience , which may bewtifie vs with the beames of thy brightnesse , & quicken our soules and al the powers therof that they may cleaue fast , and be ioyned to thee in Ghostely rauishinges . Destroy the force of this our aunciente foe Sathan , which alwaies maketh battaile against vs : powre vpon vs the greatnesse of thy goodnesse , that thy right hand may be gloryfied in vs : deliuer vs from all vncleane desires of the fleashe : inspyre vs with the feruent flames of thy loue , to consume the festerynge phantisses of our minde : conioyne and knytte the sences & poures of our inwarde partes in thee , make vs holde in hate al earthly substaunce and transitorie things , & by thy grace stronglye to tread down , and conquere al motions & occasions of sinne : deliuer vs , most benigne father from all rancore , malyce , hatred , bloudsheding , lying , backbiting , swearing , and all suche horryble euils , what so euer they be , yea , from lighteninge and tempeste , from murther and battaile , greuous plagues , and other diseases , good Lorde deliuer vs .

Finally deliuer vs from all anguish , troubles and mishappes , eminent either bodily or ghostly , and with thy mighty hand defende our Ritches from abuse , our brickle body from corruption our Soule from dampnation , euen as best shall accorde with thy holy will and true glorie of thy Maiestie . Deliuer vs Lord from the chaynes of sinne , the ropes of Hell , and all perill of destruction , so that beinge certified in conscience , our Prayers worthely of thee accepted , and wee deliuered from all assaults of the diuell , his wicked craftes and inticementes to damnation , and by thy holy spirite assisted , may perseuer in this goodnesse ( wherof thy mercie and kindenesse is true Aucthor ) to the end of our dayes in holynesse and rightuousnesse , to the honour of thy Kingdome , powre , and glory both now and euer . Amen .

ENgraue thy Lawes in the deapth of my hart ( O Lord ) that beinge instructed in thy commaundements , I may serue thee in feare , and reioyce in thee with trembling , and take holde vpon thy discipline in all thinges .

Least at any time thou become angrye , and I perishe from the right way . Amen .

LOrde , geue me me help from my trouble , for vaine is the helpe of Man : in thee I haue strength , and thou bringest vnto nothing those which trouble me , let my soule be subiect vnto thee , for from thee proceedeth my patience , for thou art my God and Sauiour , my helper & I wil not depart from thee . In thee is my health , and my Glory , thou arte the God of my healpe , and my hope is in thee . Amen .

I Haue broken thy Folde and wandered long as a lost sheep , let me return againe ( O Lord ) bicause I haue not forgotten thy commaundementes , the misdeedes , & ignorances of my tender yeeres , remember not Lorde , according to thy mercy haue minde on mee . For thy goodnesse ( O Lorde ) keepe my soule , and deliuer mee : let mee not be ashamed bicause I haue trusted in thee .

Turne my heauinesse into ioye , cut of my sacke of sorrowes , and girde mee with gladnesse , that my Glory may singe vnto thee , and I shall not be greeued .

ZOrobabell Kinge of Iuda , in the deapthe of thy displeasure tasted of thy mercie , and receiued by the mouthe of Ageus thy Prophete , sweete comforte & knowledge of thy fauoure and grace : yea after thy determination to destroy the whole Kingdome of the Heathen , thy righte hand did preserue him , and thy incomparable mercie did choose him for a seale to thy selfe . Lord this happy Kinge in thy goodnesse was but an earthly Creature , and then coulde he haue no rightuousnesse in him selfe to mooue such thy compassion : if it proceeded from the multitude of thy mercies , that surmounte the iniquity of the whole world , and that thou diddest only vouchsafe to beholde in him the Image of thy selfe . Bowe downe thine eies Lorde , and beholde the selfe same in mee : Certifie my conscience with remission of my sinnes , that my sorrowfull Soule be at rest within mee : send downe thy holy spirite to remaine with me , that I may become with that good Kinge thy chosen seale and seruaunt . And so gouerne thy people , that I may with them and they with me neuer deserue further then to taste of thy Rod of fauorable correction , but that all my labours and studies may euer bend to the performance of thy holy will , and discharge of my dutie . Amen .

ARise & illuminate my minde ( moste benigne Sauioure ) that I sleape not at any time in deathe , leaste mine enimies say they haue preeuailed againste mee . They whiche trouble mee will be glad if I be cast downe : but I haue fixed my hope in thy mercy . Enter not into iudgement with thy Seruaunt , for no liuing Creature shal be iustified in thy sighte , I will euer looke vpon the Lorde , for he shal be on my righte hande that I be not mooued : for this my harte is glad and my tongue reioyceth , yea moreouer my fl●ash shall rest in hope . Amen .

BE thou vnto mee ( O Lorde ) in the day time a defendour , and in the nighte season a place of refuge , that thou maiste saue mee : for thou art my strengthe , and vnto thee I flie . Lord God deliuer me from the hand of sinners , and from the Lawebreaker , and the wicked dooer : for thou Lord art my patience , thou art my hope euen from my youth : in thee I am confirmed euen from my Mothers wombe : thou art my protectour : in thee shall be my songe for euer and euer . Amen .

EVer my tongue shall be tellinge of thy ritche mercy and woonderous works ( O Lorde ) for thou hast caused mee to passe through fire and water , and hast leadde mee into a freashe place : thou haste geuen my soule life , and hast not suffered my feete to fall . According to the multitude of my sorrowes , thy comfortes haue made my Soule merye .

My Soule is like a Sparrow taken out of the foulers snare : Thou hast deliuered my life from death , and my hands from bloud that I may please thee ( O Lorde ) in the light of the liuing . Amen .

THou art iust ( O Lorde ) and all thy Commaundementes be true , and al thy waies mercy , truth and iudgement . And now ( Lorde ) be mindefull of mee : take not reuengemente of my sinnes : remember not mine offences , neither the offences of my Fathers , because wee haue not obeyed thy precepts . Geue mee an hart of vnderstandinge , and set thy feare alway before mine eyes , that I may be obediente in woorde , deede , and thought to all that is thy will .

Lorde geue vnto mee the power of thy Holy Spirite , to rule and gouerne thy people commited to my charge , in al godly feare and knowledge of thy woorde , and that I may be vnto them an ensample in al godlinesse an● vertue : to the prayse of thy Holy name . Amen .

HEale me ( Lord ) and I shall be healed : saue mee , and I shal be saued . My life cleaueth vnto the Earthe . Quicken mee accordinge to thy worde : accordinge to thy mercie releeue mee , and I wil keepe the testimonies of thy lippes : helpe mee ( Lord ) so shall I be safe : and I will from henceforthe study thy rightuousnesse : thy mercies are many ( O Lorde ) : according to thy woorde restore my health . Amen .

REgarde my Prayers ( O thou God of my life ) leaue me not in the thoughts of euill : Deliuer mee from the wicked man : let not the foote of pride com vpon mee , and to vaine glorie geue mee not : take from mee all sinfull lustes : lette no desire of vncleannesse take hold vpon mee : geue mee not ouer to an vnshamefast & obstinate minde , but correct mee in thy mercie , for into thy handes I committe me . Amen .

ENter thy Iudgementes in the tables of my harte : destroy my affections with thi loue : send thy wisdome from the holy Heauens , and from the seate of thy maiesty : that she may be with mee , and labour with mee : that I may knowe what thing is acceptable before thee , and may Iudge thy people rightuously and deserue betweene good and euill .

GRatious ( Lorde ) thou that arte the most hie God aboue al the yearth , long suffering and of muche mercie , sorowinge the sinnes of man and of thy greate goodnesse haste promised to the penitent remission of sinnes .

Lorde I haue sinned , my iniquity is multiplied aboue the sandes of the Sea , and there is no hope of life in mee , bicause I haue sturred the to anger in multiplying offences before thee . And now ( Lorde ) trustinge in thy mercy , I bowe the knees of my hart beseching of thee goodnesse : distroye mee not together with mine iniquity : for the dead , whose Soules are out of theyr bodies , can neither prayse nor thanke thee : but the sorowfull hart and the thirstye Soule ascribe praise vnto thee . O Lorde , I powre my Prayers before thee , and require mercie in thy sight , saue me which am vnworthy , and reserue not eternall punishment for me : for thine owne sake I aske it and will prayse thee al the daies of my life . Amen

ILluminate my hart ( O Lord ) with the lighte of thy woorde : leade mee Lord in thy way , and I shall enter into thy Truthe : printe thy feare in my hart , that I may reioyce in thee : lette thy woorde be a Lanterne vnto my feete , and a light vnto my paths .

So shall I not erre from the right way , but walk with an vpright harte , a cleane conscience , and single eye before thee this day , and euermore . Amen .

NEuer will I cease to call vpon thee , moste m●ghtye God of Hostes , whiche fittest vpon the Cherubins , and haste dominion ouer al the kingdoms on the earth . Thou which madest the Heauens , and all things comprehended in them , bowe downe thine eare , and heare : open thine eyes , and behold : saue mee from the hande of mine aduersaries , suffer no euill to happen vnto mee , that al the people may know that thou alone arte my God . Amen .

ASsist me ( O Lord my God ) with thy Heauenly grace , and renew in mee a righte Spirite , that I may receiue strength and ablenesse to doo thy rightuous will , and to stand against al the assaultes of wilie Sathan , that they may haue no place in me , but that the Old man which I beare about in my body may be crucified , and daily die in me : that the desire of sinne , & erroure of worldly vanities may vtterly be destroyed : that I may euermore be renewed in the Spirite of my minde : that the life of my Sauiour Christe may alwayes appeare in mee . To whome with the Father and the Holy Ghost be all honoure , triumphe , and glory , for euer and euer . Amen .

IOAN . I.

SI confiteamur Peccata nostra , Deus fidelis est & iustus , vt remittat nobis Peccata nostra , & emundet nos ab omni Iniquitate . Si dixerimus , quoniam non peccauimus , Mendacem facimus cum , & Verbum eius non est in nobis .

IOSVE .

Fili mi , da Gloriam Deo Israël , & confitere , atque indica mihi quid feceris ne abscondas .

AGVSTINVS .

Confessio , est salus animarum , dissipatrix Vitorum , restauratrix Virtutum expugnatrix Daemonum .

Quid plura ? Obstauit Os Inferni , & Paradisi Portas aperit .

Cassidorus super Psalm . 77.

O beata Confessio , quae aeternum tollit opprobrium . Nam quicquid Reatum inuenerit Poenitentia , perpetuis Seculis reddit Absolutum .

An inward speache , wherewith Christ dooth comfort the Soule of the sinner , desiringe to liue better . Gathered out of the works of sundry holy Writers .

I Loue them ( saith Christe ) that seeke mee , and my delight is emonge the children of men . Sic dilexi Mundum , vt in mortem datem animam meam , vt non periat , sed habeat vitam aeternum quicunque in me crediderit : I haue so loued the worlde that I gaue my selfe vnto death , that who so euer beleeued in mee , should not perish , but haue euerlasing life .

O thou Soule , O Daughter , I haue laboured , hungred , thirsted , I haue bene despised , and suffred persecution for thy sake : I am wounded for thine iniquitie : I am weried through thy wickednes : I am dead for thine offences , and risen again for thy iustification : the loue whiche I beare to thee , hath forced mee to doo and suffer all these thinges , and to make choyse of thee for my childe . Wherefore amende thou , and returne to mee , washe thee in the bloud of my wounds , and deck thee with vertues and merites of my life : All these thinges I willingly geue thee , nay rather as a most louing father offeringe these thinges , I runne to imbrace thee , and receiue thee with imbracinge and kissing , alluring thee to loue me : againe return Daughter and be cleane . Praebe cor tuum mihi , quia praeter hoc aliud abs te non desidero . Be sory that thou hast sinned bicause thou hast offended mee , or at the leaste , sorrowe because thou canst not perceiue thy selfe pensiue , for oft it cometh to passe that it better pleaseth mee , and is more profitable to man , to haue a wil to be contrite and deuout , then to perceiue contrition or deuocion : Because this contrarye desire of willing and vnwillinge engendreth affliction of minde . Therfore be sory and angry with thy selfe , yee iudge thy selfe woorthy to be damned , bicause thou hast sinned and art not sory as thou oughtest .

This contrition although it be not sensible , yet it is such , though thou suffer persecution , as will bring thee to health eternall : for I knowe your miserye , your weaknesse and necessitie , so that in no wise a willing mind ought to dispaire , what soeuer oldenes or coldenesse of conscience he feele . But you wil say , I haue committed innumerable offences : how shall I perticulerly sorrow euery one of them . O my daughter needest thou comfort ? let only truthe comfort thee , if thou hast many sinnes , haue also one generall contrition , in the whiche thou wilte include all and euery offence , so that there be no sinne , whiche ( althoughe it came vnto thy minde ) wouldest exempte from thy penitencie , and whiche thou wouldest not eschewe & forsake .

For this generall contrition extendeth it selfe to all and euery offence , yea vnto those whiche thou haste forgotten and canste not remember , neither doo I require that you should necessarily haue for euery offence seuerall contritions , accordinge to the number & manner of your sinnes : for thus I haue spoken of Mary Magdalaine . I haue forgeuen her many offences for that she loued much . I saide not bicause shee loued oftentimes , neither coulde this Magdalaine in so suddaine a compunction be otherwise sory then for all togeather . Thou likewise so be sory for all , that there be no sinne which may delight thee , whether generally or particularly it come into thy minde . Sorrow not out of measure , nor suffer suche imaginacions and fantasies take place , as though I were so angry that I woulde not be pleased , pardon , nor receiue thee againe into fauoure , for these are the suggestions of the wicked Serpente , wherwith he indeuoreth to train thee to desperation , whose custome is in the beginninge of his illusions to plucke the remembraunce of me from their harts , to promisse my mercie to them that sinne , and confirme the security , boldnesse , obstinacie , of an vngodly will , but afterwardes finding them declining , and that they wil forsake him ( if by other meanes he cannot procure them to euil ) he setteth vpon the weak and fearefull mindes with the assault of desperation , he perswadeth to vnbeliefe , he telleth them that euill custome cannot be ouercom , he feareth them with the greatnes of their sinnes committed , and like a liar telleth , that I will not forgeue sinne . But thou , my Daughter , beleeue him not whatsoeuer thou feelest , fall not into desperation . This contrition sufficeth that it pitieth thee of mine anger , wishing thou haddest not transgressed : and determinest not to sinne any more . But if thou doo erre , yet rise againe , yea againe with harty repentaunce , purpose to sinne no more : if thou fall the third time , yet rise againe , if the fourthe or fift time , yea lastly if thou fal seuenty times seuen times , so often returne to mee and I will receiue thee . Is it not better that I should receiue thee , then lose thee , together with all my labours and paines which for thy redemption I haue suffered ? let nothing O Daughter call thee away , O Daughter let nothinge keepe thee from mee , which arte redemed with my bloud : though thou haue geuen thy selfe to the Diuell , denied mee an hundreth times , taken my name in vaine , spitte at me , slaundered my holy woorde , onely be sorye from thy harte that thou hast donne this , and I will forgeue thee . Lette no offence be so greate in thine eies , that it pluck away the hope of pardone , no sinne so ponderous , that it mai be able to ouercome my mercie , I make no difference , whether from fewe or many sinnes I deliuer thee : all haue neede of my mercie , whiche floweth aboundauntly to euerie man faithfully askinge it . Thy wickednesse cannot exceede my mercy , the more thou hast sinned the more willingly I forgeue thee being per●tent : for the greater the sinner is , on whom I bestow my compassion , so much the greater is my glory , I am not hard nor sparinge , but liberall and bountifull to thee ( my Daughter ) if thou only haddest committed all the offences that be , and I forgeue them , my mercie is no whit the lesse . There is peraduenture some other thinge that feareth thee , yet when thou wert ouerpressed with sin , that whiche thou diddest then willingly commit●e now against thy wil art compeiled to beare , whatsoeuer vnwillingly thou sufferest , shall not damne thee , nor spoyle thee , of my grace for sin muste be so voluntary , that if it be not voluntary it is no sinne : bridell therefore thy will from consentinge , and then suffer the Fleashe and the Diuell to rage , and though by thy former life and conuersation , thou hast deserued yll , yet because thou truely repentest therof , and dooste studie to liue better , thou shalte not be guiltie of that thou sufferest , so thy will consent not . And if at any time the diuel suggest thee with blasphemous or cursed thoughtes against me and my Holy ones , be not therfore troubled or fainte harted . For so long as thou hast not voluntarily erred , or performed consente , thou dooest rather suffer then do offence , when these things bring thee rather heauinesse and affliction , than delights , they are no way to be feared , but I suffer thee to feele them , and they to molest thee , that tho● mightest be rather therby de●●led . Therfore truly the Diuel stirreth vp those thinges that whilest thou go aboute to resiste them , thou mightest be hindered and letted from the taste of my loue : and beinge so muche astonied , fearest to come to mee .

For he reioyceth when thou wallowest in doubts , and troubles : but thou Daughter , feare no such thinge : looke not towarde them : answeare them not : striue not against them , nor take any heede to them . But rather as one vntroubled , goe forwarde in thy exercise , passing by , and contemning suche chaunces , as the barking of dogs , and hissinge of geese . For if thou wouldest renewe , dispute , feare , and descusse them , thou dooste alwaies more printe them in thy minde , and tangle thy selfe in greater trouble . The penitent Soule , after it hathe taken somme knowledge and taste of my goodnesse , considering that I am so good , and so mercifull : and finally that I am so slow to impute sin , that I do not onely pardon it , but also receiue him into my fauour and freendshippe , as though he had neuer sinned : I comfort him and bestowe on him guiftes .

Thus whilest the afflicted conscience dooth meditate , yea euen of his fall , I say , he getteth to him self a great occasion of feruentnesse , and thankfulnesse towardes mee : a farre greater occasion of hatred and displeasure towards him selfe , whilest he rigorously accuseth his owne follie , for despisinge mee a God so mercifull vnto him , as whome iustly I mighte bothe condemne and destroye , I spare , comforte , and deale bountifully with : so that how much the more he perceiueth mi mercy to him , so much the more is he moued with greater zeale of Iustice against him selfe , and in a manner desireth to be reuenged on him felfe , for the contempte of mee : wherby it commeth to passe that he doothe not onely desire pardon and reconcilation for his sinnes , but suffereth the dignity of my Iustice : humbleth him self , and punisheth him self , because he hath wickedly lift vp him self against mee . Whereof proceedeth , that how mutche the more he perceiueth him selfe comforted of mee , so mutch the more he abhorreth and detesteth his owne vnwoorthinesse , and with sorrowe disdeigneth the enormitye of his sinnes , marueiling how he could be so vngratefull to mee . As a droppe of water on the burning fire , so are the sinnes consumed of that Soule which is come to this zeale , that it no lesse loueth my Iustice , then mercy . Therfore emongst al kindes of repentaunce , there is not a better for man , then continually to consider my greate loue and fidelity towardes him , and contrarily his owne infidelity , vngratitude and frowardnesse towardes me .

The Diuell is so enuious to my Seruaunts , that he omitteth no time in tempting them : and euen when they are aboute to repent , & bewaile their sinnes he chiefly casteth in doubts , causinge them againe and againe to confesse their faultes , that therby mighte neuer attaine to any quietnesse , but distrust all their confessions , when they finde any circumstance or offence neglected , whereof they haue not made mencion . But beware , O my Daughter , thou fall not ? I am thy Confessour . It is onely I that can ease thy burden : cure thy wounded conscience : and refreash thy hungrie Spirite .

O how it greeueth me to se thee alwaies conuersaunt in corruption , & be troubled in recoumpting thy sinnes to him , that cannot forgeue thee . Wherefore cast thy selfe on mee only , and I will deliuer thee : for if a thousand yeres thou wouldest search thy self , and be confessed of tenne thousand , thou shalt not be clensed . Quando enim exhaures Abissum ? Therefore commit thy self to mee onely : I will make thee safe , when so euer with all diligence thou shalte goe aboute to confesse thy fault : let mee alone with mercy : to thee acknowledge that thou canst not cleanse thy selfe : say that thou haddest neede of my mercy : confesse that thou canst not answeare one woorde to a thousand things wherewith I might charge thee : but art in euery worke vnsufficiente , and hast neede of my mercie . Wherfore trust not to thy confessions , but in my mercie , for by it thou shalt be iustified . And whilest thou art to much conuersante in the care of thy sinnes , thou mightest turne vnto mee , and enioy my gratious presence . Doost thou not note the subtiltie of the enemie ? To this end he suggesteth thee with the number of thy sinnes , and thoughts of thy wickednesse , that thou mightest neglecte thinges to thee more wholsome . Know thou this therfore chiefly , that my delighte is that thou shouldest think of my goodnesse , and seeke mee in simplsnesse . Thou shalt finde me , gentle , godly , full of compassion , and chief in mercy : trust in me hope in me , seek my fauoure , seeke my freendship , and familiarity : and for the better obteyning of these , directe thy exercise in Holinesse .

Thou shalte vndoubtedly feele a farre more beautifull fruite , if thou diligently care how to loue please , and solowe mee , then by brofinge thy selfe with scruples of thy confessions , for deeminge to search out , and abolish doubts thou dooste rather engender to thee doubtfuller thinges : thou canst not thinke mee too pitifull , or mercifull , so that thou doo not presume vpon my mercies , neither canste thou geue mee ouer much credite . Wherfore accustome thy selfe to thincke well of mee , and beleeue that I will not condemne thee : For truly whoso euer is willing to correcte his life , and dispaireth not , him will I saue . I am well pleased , O Daughter , that thou arte soarie thou hast offended and that thou wilt not sinne heareafter . Now thou art in state of Saluation , why fearest thou ? I am ritch in infinite mercies . Thus thinke of mee , for thereby thou doost me more honour , than if thou diddest imagine mee cruell , and harde , or shouldest so mutche feare , as though I watched onely to intrap men , if this , or that doubte , or circumstance they had omitted : But yet when any great offence commeth to thy minde , confesse thy faulte with al humility , and sorrowe of harte , and desire grace to amend , and after rest in peace , and cast all the Diuelishe doubtes vpon me , I desire thee . I am willinge to enioye thy freendshippe , I require to be loued of thee : se therfore that thou answeare my good will . Vnderstande , knowe , and iudge thy selfe to be a sinner . Say in many thinges thou haste offended , that thou art most vngratefull , a Rebell , spitefull and blasphemous against my Commaundements and will : And heareof so much humble thy selfe , that thou dare not once lifte vp thine eyes before mee , since thou art full of lothsomnesse , and abominations . Ther be certaine so esteeminge their committed euilles , that they are mooued with them , either to pleasure , and delighte , or contrarywise to desperation , or some such like inconuenience . But thou , when thou wilt think thy self a sinner , and humble thy selfe , shake of the dreames of thy sinnes , and turn vnto mee : conferre with mee touchinge thy sinnes , and infirmities : poure out thy complaintes before mee : reason with mee : accuse thy self to mee of thy crimes committed , so shall thy accusation of sinnes be conuerted into Prayer .

Wherefore when thou hast turned to mee , pleade thy cause in Praier : for by this meanes thy conscience shall be made cleare , and quiet , thy affection also to mee directed , shall be by mee inflamed . But now of Satisfaction for Sinnes : Imbrace this counsell : That what so euer thy hande is hable to doo , that instantly woorke : yet not with that minde , or to that ende , as though therewith thou couldest make Satisfaction for thy sinnes : for to the accomplishing of this , thou oughtest to thincke all thy woorkes too vnwoorthy , and farre vnable . But do that thou canste euery way to please mee , whom thou haste offended : desire mee , that with the merites of my passion , and most holy life I wil pullish thine offences , and satisfie my Father for them .

This humility , this sure truste in mee , with which thou debasest thy selfe , and thy woorkes , and extollest mee , and my merites , excelling the woorkes of thy satisfaction , since that one droppe of my bloude is of more valewe to Satisfaction , then al mannes desertes , whiche hathe already made satisfaction for the sinnes of the whole worlde . Such humilitie allureth mee to thee , and causeth me to communicate with thee , the treasure of my merites . Wherfore let this chiefly be thy studie , which thou neglect not my good pleasure , continually to thinke on mee , desire mee , loue mee , and what so euer I commaunde , and will , that diligently perfourme : then if thou haddest infinite heapes of sinnes , I will forgeue them al , as freely as if thou haddest but one , neither is it lesse easie for me to forgeue many than fewe , It is a maruailous thing that I wil say but yet most true and certainely to be beleeued : if the whole worlde weare a fiery Globe , and in the middeste of it were throwne a bundell of flaxe , this of his natural effecte should not so soone receiue the flame of fire , as I will receiue the repentant and sorowful sinner to mercie , for in that naturall acte is required some tariance through very litle and peraduenture not to be perceiued , but heare is no tariance at all , betweene the penitente and him that forgeueth , betweene the sorowfull and him that heareth the sighes . Thou therfore Doughter reiecte all inordinate feare , desirous to please mee with thy holy harte , studie to be Holy , for I am holy willingly offende not , though in neuer so little or lighte a thinge , but shunne the occasion so much as in thee lieth , wisely withdraw thy self from the society of mans superstitious communications , and from vnprofitable and euill occupations : be not Solitarie : be not Idle : spende the time thriftily to my Honour : occupie thy selfe in readinge the Holy Scriptures , where thou shalte finde my life and Passion : plant in thy harte my trouble , Crosse , and persecution , walk before me in Holinesse : with feare and reuerence perswadinge thy selfe that I am neuer absente from the Godly , but do instantly hold them : diligently bridell and kepe thy sences and tongue , if thou loue much babling thou canst not profite , imbrace sobernesse and reasonable continences , shunne vanitie and the pompe of pride : sensualitie and vnlawfull pleasures see thou followe not , but diligently endeuoure to keepe thee vndeflied : sighte couragiously againste vices : and faithfully pray to me that thou maist breake and ouercome the wicked passions and inclinations : doo asmuche as thou art able , yet truste not to thy endeuour , but to the healpe of my grace , for if thou trust to thy selfe & to thine owne industery thou shalte easily fall , thy well dooing neuer ascribe to thy selfe , nor vsurpe any thinge vpon my guiftes , for of thy selfe thou canst not but offende , of thy self thou hast nothing but sinne , whiche proper is to thy selfe , desire not vainely to please any mortall man , wisshe rather to be knowne of fewe then many , & to be despised rather then praysed , neuer esteeme thy self any thing woorth , nor thinke thy worthinesse of any value , but with out faining , accompt thy selfe vngraceful vnwoorthy , and vilest creature aliue : Humble , and imbase thy selfe beneathe all menne for my sake , loue all menne with a pure loue , yea those also which persecute thee , wishe the prosperity of thy Brother : despise none , dispaire not at the well dooinge of any , slaunder none , iudge no man , what thou seest and hearest of others , interprete it to the best , with al studie mortifie thine owne apetite , and singulerly imbrace my will gladly , and willingly obeye mee in all thinges : and men , in those which be lawfull : leaue thine owne will and denie thy selfe , commit and yeeld thee , wholy to my prouidence , with firme truste in mee , in all temptation , perill and necessitie , for I haue care of thee , and diligently attend thee , as if thou only liuedst . Daughter , learne to receyue euery aduersitie and affliction , no otherwise then as from my hand sent only , and patiently beare it to the end for my sake , for trouble is the cup of blessing , whereon I haue made all my chosen drinke : There hathe not ben any of mine , which outwardly or inwardly hathe nor suffred some trouble . Wherefore reiectinge all weakenesse , what so euer commeth to thee , take it in good part , and beleeue it to be sent to thee for thy health for the great loue I beare thee . Suffer aduersity , it is the kingly way which leadeth to heauenlie Heritage , , walke therfore in it , reioysing , & geue me thankes that I haue so regarded thee , that I woulde geue thee somewhat that thou shouldest suffer , when any doo moleste thee , and woorke thee iniury or spighte , thinke him sent by mee to proue thee : Be not agrieued with him , geue him not sharpe and bitter woordes , neither thinke of reuengement , marke not the man ( whiche is my instrumente and scourge ) but attende on mee , which suffer suche thinges to be done by man . O Daughter , in euery trouble and sorow be patient , resigning thy selfe to mee , for I purge thee by afflictions , and make thee apt and woorthy to be maried to mee . But if of thy humaine infirmity , or other defect thou fall to impatience , be not discouraged , neither wauer dispairinge in thy good indeuoures : but foorthwith arise , turne to mee , and call vpon mee with a sure hope of pardone , I know the generall weaknesse of man , I knowe also thy peculiar frailetie , truste to mee , thy hope and ful trust cannot be too assured in me , if thy life be good and repentante . Wherefore hastily flie vnto mee , I will take thee vp , heale , and defende thee , what doest thou feare yet , O Daughter , why doest thou not euen now desire deathe , for what euill can death bringe thee : Truely after thou haste bequeathed thy Carkas to the ground , thou shalt no more offende mee . Thou shalte no more be defiled with sinne , if thou loue nothing in this world deathe can take nothinge from thee , if thou loue any worldly thinge , wilte thou stande to the daunger , nay rather thou louest thine owne perilles . Therfore before thou die cease to loue worldly and transitory thinges , if thou feare not to much to die , yea if thou loue me alone in this life , be gladde thou shalte die , for but by death thou canst not gette what thou louest . But I know what thou fearest , truly nothing in this worlde thou louest , nothinge thou doost possesse that either thou carest to enioye or wouldest sorowe the losse , but trembling and feare vexeth thee , bicause thou knoweste not whether thou be worthy loue , or hatred : Thou knowest not howe thou shalt be receiued of mee , either to reste , or paine : None of these shalt thou know O daughter , neither is it expedient truly . Though thou feare , yet abide in hope and sure trust in mee , whether thou liue or die : of thy selfe thou canste neither liue nor die well , both thou haste of mee , if I geue thee to liue well , shall not I also graunt thee wel & happilie to die ? seeing therof thou hast all of me , seeing thou lookest for all thinges at my hande , how is it then that thou hopest one thing and dispairest another : Truste then and caste all thy thoughtes and care vpon mee , as liuinge thou art able to resiste no temptacion , nor auoyde any sinne , so neither dyinge arte thou able , if faithfully I preuent temptations , and moderate them in thy life , the same will I doo in thy deathe . Neuer enter battaile with thine own force and armes but leaue it vnto mee , & leaninge to mee , I will fight for thee , and I fightinge for thee , and defending thee , what cause haste thou of feare , neither doubte thou of the condition or kinde of deathe . Nullum est genus mortis , quod nocere potest iusto . No kinde of deathe is able to annoye a iuste man , for the iust with what deathe so euer he be besette , is in safegarde : Therefore be nothinge carefull whether at home , or abrode , in bedde , or in fielde thou shalt die , neither feare whether thy death be naturall or violent : But as the Apostle counselleth , study to liue soberly , iustly and godly , that thou may well and happily die . An euil death dooth not folow a good and iust life , but the deathe of the iuste is precious in my sight , how so euer they ende this life , whether in the water , in the fire , or in bedde they die .

¶ A sweete and comfortable Consolation for al weake mindes : to confirm & strengthen them against Desperation .

WHosoeuer refusinge the hope of pardon , runneth headlonge into the goulfe of desperation : doth not only distrust the omnipotencie of God : ( perswadinge him self that there is som crime , whiche he is not able to extinguish ) but also maketh him a lier . By the mouthe of his Prophete he hathe promised free remision of sinne so soone as the offender bewaileth : but frowardely doothe the posterity of Caine say : Suche is mine iniquitie , as I shall neuer obteine remission .

What sayest thou caitif ? If God be not able to pardone bicause of the greatnesse of thy sin thou robbest him of his Omnipotencie : If he will not do that which he can doo , he is a Liar , and too lighte , not to perfourme the thing , whiche so oft he hathe promised by the mouthe of his holy Prophetes . It is saide of the Psalmiste , God is gratious , and mercifull , long sufferinge , and of great goodnesse : The Lorde is louing to all menne , and his mercie is ouer all his woorkes . Is there any thing then more admirable , then the creation of the heauens , with so many shininge bodies : then the makinge of the Earthe with such singuler varietie of liuing Creatures , Trees , plants Fruites , and all other thinges : then the fabrication of so many pure Celestiall Soules ? So that who durste be bolde to affirme ( had not the Prophet manifestly spoken it ) that the mercies of God doo excell the glorie of his handiwoorkes . Holy Scripture somtime termeth the mercie of God , greate , somtime to great and sometime it amplifieth the force therof by the name of multitude , or number . The Kingly Prophet Dauid in one selfe place comprehendeth both the greatnesse and multitude of heauenly mercie , saying : Haue mercie on mee O God , after thy great goodnesse , & accordinge to the multitude of thy mercies doo away mine offences .

Wheare great iniquity is , there needeth muche compassion . If thou but weighe howe heynous the offence of Dauid was , thou wilt acknowledge the greatnesse of Goddes goodnesse : If thou consider how ofte he offended in that sinne , thou shalt se the multitude of his mercies . That God whiche is our Kinge , our Father , our Maister , our spouse prescribeth no determinate number of offences , but as oft as throughe true repentaunce wee return to him , he forgetteth , and forgeueth the punishment wh●ch he threatneth to vs : he enterteineth vs emongest his Familie , leadeth vs into the chaumber of his loue , and receiueth not vs onely , but forgetteth our offences : He bringeth the lost sheepe vpon his shoulders to the staules and biddeth the Congregation of the chosen to his reioysinge : He goeth to meete the Prodigal Sonne , returning from his longe and lothsom iorney , and putteth a Robe , and a Ringe vpon him , and commaundeth the fatteste Caulfe to be killed for him .

What other thinge doothe this signifie , but the immense or , as I may say , the ouermuch mercie of God ? It is no meruaile , though his mercie excede , which loueth vs so exceedingly . Paule feareth not to write thus to the Ephesians , We are ( saith he ) by nature becom the Children of wrath : But God , which is ritche in mercie , for his tender loue , wherewith he loued vs , when wee were deade to sinne , hath raised and reconciled vs againe to Christe . S. Iohn , in his Gospel more plainely expresseth the maruailous loue of God our Father towardes vs , saying : So God loued the worlde , that he gaue his onely begotten Sonne , that who so beleeueth in him , shoulde not perishe , but haue euerlasting life .

Wherunto Paule aptly agreeth , He that spared not his onely Sonne , but gaue him for vs all : hath he not geuen vs al thinges togeather with him ? This so great loue : this so great kindnesse , doth it not worthily appeare vnmeasurable , because wee haue nothinge , whiche wee haue not freely receiued of God . What so euer wee doo , what so euer we possesse , it commeth by the mercie of God : Yea it is the mercy of god that made the Angelles , and created the worlde . If he had wroughte it to himselfe , his power and policie might haue ben praised : but sith to our vse he hath framed al these thinges , shall wee not acknowledge his mercy to be maruailous . For whome haue the Celestiall Ayres their course : to whome lendeth the sunne his beames by day : the Moone with the Starres , their brightnesse by nighte , but for Man ? For whose vse made he these thinges of nothing ? For whose sake , but for mannes onely , doo the hanging Cloudes geue their shade , and bedewe the pleasant fieldes ?

Why blowe the windes : why flowe the Riuers : why spreade the Springes : why encrese the Seas , but for the vse of manne ? Who reapeth the commodities of the fertle earth , which engendreth so many liuinge thinges , suche wealthy store , but manne ? Ther is nothing that God hath not made subiect to man : onely he woulde that man should be obedient vnto him . Many times our mercifull God sendeth aduersity , either to cleare vs of our transgressions , or to deterre vs from sinne , or to minister occasion of weldooing . Thus was Abraham tried : so was Iob prooued with many miseries : thus is euery one whiche liueth in Iesu Christe tried in this world with sundry afflictions , as the Gould with the fire : where are those that murmure againste God , when either infirmity of health , or deathe , and losse of wife and children , or decay of worldely wealthe happeneth to them : nothinge knowinge that these are the manifeste signes of a mercifull God . Let vs geue eare to the counsel of Salomon : My sonne ( saith he ) despise not the woorde of God , nor forsake his correction : For whome the Lorde loueth , he chasteneth and delighteth in him , as a Father in his sonne . The Apostle Paule hath the like saying to the Hebrewes , Whom the Lord loueth , he correcteth : and rebuketh euery Childe that he receiueth .

Then ( by Paules counsell ) when any storme of aduersity ariseth , let vs stand fast in the Truthe : knowinge , that he offereth him selfe to vs , as to his children , like a mercifull God . If the loue of God lend vs prosperity , let vs geue him thankes , and be carefull that wee abuse not his bountie . It miserie oppresse vs let vs neuerthelesse geue thanks to him , and commit our selues to his Iudgemente To obtaine healthe , thou geuest thy selfe vp to the Phisicion : thou yeeldest thy selfe to the Coarde , Sawe , and searing of the Chirurgion : And to enioy euerlasting health feareste thou to trust thy Creatoure , thy Maister , thy Father , and onely Sauiour ? Thou darest not say to the phisition , thus and thus cure mee ? And wilt thou prescribe to God the meanes of thy sauinge health ? Let euery one of vs descend into the deapth● of his conscience : let vs consider how oft , and how greeuously we haue offended God , how his benefites are defiled with our iniquities , and so wee shall see , how much wee are indetted to his infinite mercy : which hathe borne with our frailty so gently : which by so many meanes calleth vs to repentaunce : whiche so w●●lingly pardoneth the penitente , and conuert . Truly he is greatly to be lamented , which refuseth the fountain of euerlasting life , and neuer by repentance returneth whence he departed . The Prodigall childe straied farre , leaft , and forsooke his Fathers house , and yet returned . Peter was farre gone , when he denied his Maister thrise : but yet remembringe the woordes whiche Iesus spake to him , he recanted , and wepte bitterly . How gently dooth the Lorde in Hieremie vnder the person of the wife ( which hauing forsaken her Husbande , gaue her selfe to euery man ) call his people to repentance : Return my children , & be conuerted ( saith he ) because I am your husbande .

But oh wretched is the man , that stoppeth his eares at this voyce of the Lordes . To daie ( saith the Psalme ) if you heare my voyce harden not your hartes : This is our daie , as longe as wee liue ( in which the Lorde ceaseth not to call vpon vs to repentaunce , offering vs prepared pardon .

God him selfe in Ezechiell dooth not onely promise remission to him that forsaketh his euill , but voweth obliuion of all his former offences . For after he had reckened all the erroures which man fell into , he added : If the wicked man will be soary for his sinnes , keep my commaundements , and doo the thing that is right , he shall liue , and not die : and I will not remember ought that he hath donne . Haue I pleasure in the death of a sinner ( saith the Lorde God ) or rather woulde I not his conuersion from his euill waies , that he might liue ? And againe he saith , Returne and repente you of your faultes , and your iniquitie shall not preuaile against you . Caste awaie euil cogitations , and take you a new Spirite . And why wilte thou die . O House of Israell : I will not the deathe of a sinner , returne and thou shalt liue . O wretche , why despairest thou , sithe to this ende God sente his Sonne into the Earthe , that thou mightest haue comforte . This is the loue of God wherof Dauid speaketh saiyng : Wee haue seene thy louinge kindenesse , euen in the middest of thy Congregation . Be early at the Chu●ch occupied in praier : abide in the Apostolike faithe : beware of Idolatry imbrace the louinge kindenesse of God who crieth vnceassantly : I wil not the death of a Sinner , but rather he conuert and liue . Harke to this sweet Oracle , shake of the drousinesse of errour : and rise with Christ , that thou maiste liue in him .

Marke how liberally he promiseth , At what hower so euer a sinner shall repente , I will put all his wickednesse oute of my remembraunce . He hath no respecte to the nature of thy faultes : he forceth not the greatnesse , or number of thine offences : repent , but as thou oughtest , & he wil blotte thy wickednesse out of memorie . That our prayer may be more acceptable to God : the Prophet Osee telleth vs how wee shoulde pray : Returne vnto the Lorde , and say to him : Lorde , take away mine iniquitie : & receiue ( if I haue any ) my goodnesse , and I will geue thee the batlinges and Sacrifice of my lippes . Let vs reuerte that haue shamefully erred , to him which taketh away the sinnes of the worlde : and let vs say , Take awaie from vs the euill which wee haue donne : and accept this good ? what good ? Euen the Sacrifice of our lippes : wee geue thee thanks mighty God , to whom wee owe all that wee haue : Take from vs which is ours , & accept of vs the which is thine owne . Returne ( saith Ioell ) to your God , because he is louing , and gratious , long suffring , and of much mercy , & ready to pardon mischief . Though the waight of sinne astonne thee : yet let the mightinesse of Gods mercy vpholde thee : which the Prophet doothe many waies exaggerat .

God ( saith he ) is gentle : whiche he addeth , that wee shoulde not dispaire of pardon : God ( saith he ) is gratious , that wee shoulde vnderstande how he not onely helpeth vs , but that he pitieth oure miseries : And thinking not this sufficient , he adioyneth , Long suffering : And yet art thou doubtfull , sinner ? Harken then what foloweth : And of great mercie : If thy faultes be many , care not : great is the goodnesse of God.

What remaineth now , but that thou turne and goe to him that inuiteth thee . Thou wilte saie , the horrible threatninges of punishmente feare mee : Geue eare and mark : And he is ready to pardon mischief : that God which is so often stirred to anger , of his owne accorde mooueth thee to repentaunce : calleth thee to forgeuenesse : forgetteth his threats denieth thee the tormente of hel , in steede of punishmente : geueth thee his blessing : not onely turneth to thee that repentest , but wilingly goeth to meet thee , and embraceth thee . This is it which was promised by Zacharie Turne vnto me ( saithe the Lorde of Hostes ) and I will be conuerted vnto you : What meaneth he by Returne vnto mee ? that is acknowledge thy weakenesse , and aske mercie . And what is meant by this : And I will be conuerted vnto you : That is , of a reuenger I will become a healper : I will assist your indeuours : and looke what throughe your owne strengthe you can not bringe to passe , thou shalt attaine to by my fauoure . No man can freely hate his owne sin : vnlesse God mollifie his stoany harte , & geue him a fleashly hart : vnlesse for a defiled conscience , he make a cleane hart : vnles for a corrupt soule , he renewe a right spirite in him . Peruse , Reade , vnreade the conuersation & life of Christ there thou shalte finde nothinge , but of his euerlasting mercy towardes all men . He freely healed the sicke : fedde the hungrie : deliuered them that were in daunger : cleansed the Leapers : gaue sight to the Blinde : restored the Lame : cast out Diuels : raised the deade to life , and pardoned the wicked . Search again the vniuersall discipline of God , what other thinge conteineth it , then the maruailous compassion of the Almightie ? Doth he not inculcate into our mindes by Parables , to the intente wee shoulde not fall by any meanes ? To that ende serueth the parable of the lost sheepe , which was brought againe on the Sheepeheardes shoulders : the Parable of the lost , and found groate : of the hole men that wanted not a Phisition : of the seruaunt to whom his debts were forgeuen : of the Publicane , and the Pharisey : of the broken man whom the Samaritane cured : of the good stewarde towards his dettours , and of the crafty Stewarde towardes his Maister : of the Prodigall Childe taken againe into fauoure . As touchinge the bare name of the Gospell , doth it not promise mercie ? Yes it geueth lighte to the Blinde , libertie to the Captiue , Health to the broken , and laste of all a gratefull gaine to the Lorde , who thirsteth nothing , but the Saluation of sinners . Likewise the name of Iesus , that is ( of a sauiour ) what els doth it promise to the sinner , but mercie , and blisfulnesse ? If he had come representinge the Maiestie of a Iudge , there had ben som cause why euery one mighte haue feared : but knowinge him to come as a Sauioure , dooste thou dispaire Saluation ? for the surer hope of Saluation , the Sonne of God suffered death , and offered vp him self a valiaunt Sacrifice for the sinnes of manne .

And hanginge on the Crosse , praieth for his persecutoures , and thinkeste thou that he will deny thee the forgeuenesse of thy sinnes , that dooste acknowledge thy wretchednesse , and craue remission ? Trust him that is mercifull , and thou shalte finde compassion : A sure hope obtaineth any thinge at Christes hande : who so mistrusteth the Phisition , hindreth his owne health . The wooman of Canaan , cried , and her Daughter was cured : The Centurian beleeued , and his Seruaunte was made whole againe : The Father praied , and his Sonne was cleansed of the foole spirite : The Apostles cried out , Healpe Lorde for wee perishe : and they were deliuered . And wee see , that in diuerse he hathe not respected the Prayers of the mouth , but onely the Faith. He did but perceiue the faith of the people , and saide to the sicke of the Palsie , Be of good cheere my sonne , thy sinnes are forgeuen thee . The Mother and her companions do but weepe , and her sonne is raised from deathe to life : Martha , and Mary did but mourn , and Lazarus was reuiued : Mary the sinner bewaileth : he annointeth her , kisseth her , and saithe : Thy sinnes are forgeuen thee . He sufficiently asketh , that confesseth his infirmitie : he asketh effectually , that lamenteth , and beleeueth . The woman troubled with superfluity of bloud , secretly touched the vesture of Iesus : and immediatly she felt the force of his mercie . We Reade also of many others that weare healed by touching his garment : so neuer vnprouided is his goodnesse : and at all times he geueth comfort to the weake . If thou be afraide to call vpon Iesus : if thou canst not come vnto him , yet at the least touch the edge of his garment : Read the Scriptures : folowe the doctrine of the Apostles : for by them he often sheweth his vertue , and telleth of thy sauing health . O blinde , and vnthankfull , whiche despise the grace of God , so ready to be obtained . But oh thrise wretched , whiche despaire in that whiche is willingly and freely offered , he is easily pacified , that is reuenged against his will .

What other meaning hath this Phrase , but that the Lord leaueth no way vnsoughte for , to bringe vs to Saluation : and wee wittingly forsake the hope of Saluation ? And why wilt thou die O house of Israel ? with teares he lamented Hierusalem , which heaped vengeaunce vnto it selfe by their malicious erroures . O Hierusalem ( saithe he ) howe often would I haue gathered thee togeather , as the Hen gathereth her Chickins , and thou wouldest not ? Our humble Sauiour weepeth , bicause he may not saue vs , miserable sinners , and we despare in him , as though he woulde not saue vs . All the House reioysed where the Sonne whiche died , was reuiued , and receiued again that perished . That good Father calleth the company of the Heauens to reioyce ouer the penitent sinner : and thou wretche despairest , enuiynge bothe thine owne safegard , and the gladnesse of God . Shall we beleeue that he wil not pardon malefactours who lamenteth the deathe of a sinner , and reioyceth at the conuersion of the penitent ? He calleth al men to the marige Feast : he would haue his house filled with straungers : maketh the Blinde , and the lame to com in : And why staiest thou Caitiffe ? Why forsakest thou not thi swinish Soyle ? why striuest thou against the mercy of God ? there can be no greater folie , then for vaine and variable thinges to forsake Eternity . There is no greater wisedome , then for a litle sufferaunce , to gaine Immortality . Great is their ignoraunce therefore , which perseuer in their naughtinesse : But greater is the wisdome of those , that liue in newnesse of life . O what coste wee bestowe , what paines wee take in findinge corruptible mettalles , and howe little wee care for the treasure of Goddes mercie , whiche is laide open , and freely offered to vs .

The Lorde is ritche in mercy .

The treasure of worldly wealth may be wasted by profuse expence : But the bounty of Gods goodnesse hath no bottome . God hath assured his Faithe to man , and ( as Paule writeth ) he can not denie himself . He offereth to be chalenged , and reprooued , if he hath not perfourmed his promises . For thus hee speaketh in Esau to a wicked generation : Lift vp your selues , and be cleane : take awaie the thoughte of euill : cease from mischiefe : learn to doo good : seeke Iudgement : helpe the oppressed : Iudge the Innocent : defend the Widowe , and com and reproue me ( saith the Lorde . ) Hearest thou now wretched man ? what els requireth our gratious God of thee , but amendemente of life ? And that the enormity of thy haynous crimes may not exanimate thee , attend to the ready remission . If thy sinnes ( saithe he ) were as red as Scarlet , I will make them as white as Snowe : and if you will harken to mee , you shall eate the Fruites of the Earthe . O cursed Progeny of Eue , why dost thou yeeld to the disceiptful promisses of the Diuell , that allureth thee to destruction ? And art deafe at the Sonne of God , which would assoceate thee with euerlasting ioy . Repent ( saith he ) for the Kingdom of God is at hand . The Sonne of God promiseth : the Father commaundeth thee : the Holy Ghoste inuiteth thee : and yet thou arte Scrupulous to receiue that which is offered . The voyce of the Apostles , is the voyce of God : and they crie Repent , & be baptised in the name of Iesus Christe for the remission of your sinnes : and receiue the guifte of the Holy Ghoste . Forsake your foule , filthy , and abhominable traditions , and seeke the Kingdome of Heauen . There runne vnto Christe , Souldiers , Publicanes , Harlottes , Idolaters , Mansleares , sorcerers , bawdes , Incestuous persons , none are exempted , all haue free course to the mercie of God : their former life is not imputed to them , if they repente and amende their liues . Like as the grounde often moystened with Heauenly dewe , and yet yeeldeth to his tiller , nothinge but thornes , and brambles , is worthy to be had in contempt , and to be geuen to the fire . So God many times , for the contempte of his goodnesse , geueth sinners vp to their reprobate sense . Wherefore it is beste to leaue of procrastination of amendment of life : and when the Lord calleth vs to cast of the Olde man , with his deedes , and concupiscences : least God , which hath bene denied to be harde , at the least refuse to heare our complaintes . Horrible is the voyce wherewith he threateneth those which will not heare him that so graciously calleth . Because ( saith he ) I haue called , and you haue refused : I haue stretched out my hand and there was no man , that woulde looke : because you haue despised my counsell , and set at naughte my admonitions , I will laughe at your destruction , when that shall com to passe , whiche you feared : when abortiue misery shal com vpon you , and the stormes of destruction shal preuente you : when sorowe , and anger shall possesse , and oppresse you : then will you call vpon mee , and I will not heare : They wil rise betime in the morninge , but they shal not find me : because they haue hated my Discipline , and haue bene voide of the feare of God : haue not harkened vnto my counsell : and haue defied my correction . In this life there is hope of mercie .

Wherfore while thou liuest , call for the grace of God , and amend thy life . The carefull God of our Saluation , hathe suffered mighty , and meruailous menne to erre , that wee by their example might haue comfort , and no● dispaire in hope of pardon . In Holy Scripture who is more commended , then Kinge Dauid : who was bothe a Kinge and a Prophet : a chosen man after the hartes delighte of God : out of whose stocke came the Sauiour Christe : But into howe many , & greeuous crimes fel so mighty a man : Yet hearing Nathan pronounce the greeuous threatenings of God , cried out : Lorde , I haue sinned . And Nathan saide , But the Lorde hath taken awaie thy sinnes : thou shalt not die . God suffered Peter to offende greeuously and yet when he had lamented , he obteined mercie . When he gaue him charge ouer the sheepe ( for which he shead his pretious bloud ) was it likely that he meant to remember the deniyng of him thrise ? No no , he had so freely forgotten it , that there remained no iote imprinted in the memory of our louing God . Wee haue many examples of sinners : and not a few of the penitent : the example of none oughte to mooue vs to sinne : let vs not to muche trie God : if any man be encumbred with iniquity , he hathe examples of repentance : let him not dispaire . They doo euill which will not repent with them whome they haue transgressed withall . After Dauid had willingly confessed his fault , and acknowledged the iuste iudgement of God : behold what great hope he conceiued of the mercie of God : Sprinkle mee ( O Lorde saith he ) with Isope , and I shall be cleane : washe mee and I shall be whiter then Snowe . By the sprinkling of the bloude of the immaculate Lambe he promiseth to himselfe clearenesse too , though he acknowledge his conception to be sinfull , yet by this washing he hopeth after the whitenesse of innocencie , whiche passeth the white of the Snowe . And he trusteth not onely in the Innocencie , but looketh to see his doubtfull penitencie turned into Heauenly ioy . Thou shalt make me heare ioye and gladnesse ( saith Dauid ) that the boanes which thou hast broken maie reioyce . Geue me the comforte of thy healpe , and stablish mee with thy free Spirite .

O singuler Faithe of a sinner : what man hath at any time cried Iesu haue mercie on me : but forthwith he hathe obteined grace . Take pittie Lorde ( saithe the woman of Canaan ) and her Daughter was healed . The blinde pore man cried out , O Sonne of Dauid haue mercy on me , and he receiued sight . Let vs hartely , zealously , constantly cal on him , & in the middest of our miseries , say : Iesu thou Sonne of Dauid haue compassion vpon vs : And of poore impotent beggers , he will make vs felow heyres with him of the kingdom of heauen . He hath opened the Sanctuary of his holinesse , and thou runnest i●to the Dungeon of despaire : he hathe stretched out his hande to thee , and thou turneste away thy face : he openeth the gates of Heauen , and thou hastest to destruction : beholde the bosome of his goodnesse , and thou creepest into the Lake of vnhappinesse . The Theefe that hunge on the crosse heard him , saying : This daie thou shalt be with mee in Paradise : and thou offerest thy selfe to the Diuell . The mercie of God came vnto vs , when he sente his sonne into the Earth : let vs therfore go to it : Let vs incline to him , as he did to vs : The waie is first to leaue our life . For firste the Phisitions vse to purge the bodie , that they may minister holsomer Medecines . Forsake O thou sinner , thy wicked imaginations , which fight againste God : leaue to lust , be not couetous , refraine riot , flie arrogancie , that God may powre his blessinges vpon thee . He that persisteth in his wickednes and calleth for grace , is like to an enemie which being ready armed asketh peace of his Maister , he that asketh , receiueth : he that seketh , findeth : and he that knocketh , hathe it opened to him , if thou wilt desire mercie , craue it truly : if thou seeke it , seeke it in dede , if thou knock at the gate of forgeuenesse , knocke earnestly If thou require an example of one that faithfully craued the fauour of God : Mark the prodigall Childe , who leauinge his swine , returned to his Father , and saide : Father , I haue sinned againste Heauen , and againste thee : make mee as one of thy hired Seruauntes . Marke the Publicane which for the giltines of his conscience dare not lifte vp his eyes to heauen : dare not come to his redeemer , but standinge a farre of knocketh his brest and saith : Lorde be mercifull vnto mee a sinner . S. Hierome affirmeth the offence of Iudas to be greater in despayringe the mercie of God , then in betrayinge Christe , as Cain stirred God to anger , more through desperation of pardon , then by the slaughter of his brother Abel . Many whiche haue persecuted Christ , being conuerted , and beleeuinge in him haue obtained pardon : and are made examples to man , that he ought not to distrust the remission of his wickednesse , seeing the death of our Sauiour is forgeuen to the penitente : Wilte thou heare saithe Augustine , the mercy of God , leaue thy abomination and he will forgeue thee ? Wilt thou see the truth of God : doo good and thou shalt be crowned with Iustice . God is not so mercifull to vse vniustice , nor so iust to be vnmercifull . But som man will say , men encrease their offences by to muche hope : but how much do they enlarge their giltinesse by distrust of Remission ? If there were no forgeuenesse , then thou wouldest rage , and say : I am wretched : I am condemned : why is not my luste lawe : why shall I not fill my selfe with facietie : if after this there be naughte but tormente : this woulde be thy sayinge , O woorse then despayre it selfe : He dooth better therfore that correcteth thee with promise of forgetfulnesse , and saithe : I wil not the deathe of a Sinner , but that he conuert and liue . God by his promise woulde not haue sinners to presume : but his will is they should not in any wise distrust : and therfore he hath made them ignorant of the day of theire death : if thou repent , present pardon is prouided : no day is prefixed Wherfore to conclude , if thou haue liued wel till this day and still abidest in this life , liue well : amend thy life : and beholde forgeuenesse : and be sure that what he hath pardoned , shall not be imputed to thee again , which for his mercy he graunte : that taketh away the sinnes of the worlde . Amen .

Consolatio .

NVlla meroris magnitudo , nulla angustiarum acerbitas , nulla defectuum multitudo , nulla scelerum enormitas , te ad desperationem , nimiámne pusillanimitatem adducat : Quantumcunque peccaueris , semper Dei misericordia in infinitum excedit tuas iniquitates ; Quantumcunque infirmus sis , semper illius benignitas adiuuare parata est tuam fragilitatem . Vult , & potest Deus sanare , ac liberare te , si ad eum verè conuerteris , atque humilis factus , ipsum Piè inuocas , & speras in eo . O quam homini salutaris , & Deo grata est spes , atque confidentia illa , quam Dei amor , sanctaque humilitas parit , & quae hominem non ad negligentiam vel in curiam sese emendandi , neque ad facilitatem peccandi pertrahit , sed magis ad conatum proficiendi extimulat .

¶ The Aucthours Praier .

IN the deapthe of thi mercy ( O Lorde ) bowe downe thine eies , & beholde , encline thyne ears and heare , stretch out thine Arme , and helpe , for I am thine vnwoorthy Creature , and haplesse man , that through thy rodde of wrath haue experience of most wretched misery . Mine enemies pursue mee with gaping iawes , and whetted teethe , saying within them selues lette vs now deuoure him , for the time that wee looked for , is come , wee do finde , and see it . They haue fortified round about me , and haue inclosed me with torment and trauel . My fleash and skinne are made olde , my boanes are brused , they haue hedged mee that I cannot geat out : and haue laide heauie Linckes vpon me .

Healpe Lorde thy seruaunt , whom thou neuer failedst , I cry and call pitiously , yet am I not heerde : my innocencie is troden downe , & my life subdewed with false surmises . My mourning they daily heare , but comforte I finde farre of . They haue stopped vp my waies with quartered stoanes , and made my pathes crooked . They lay waite for me as wild Beares and deuouring Dragons with open mouth : deliuer mee from their greedy gripes , and free my feete from the paths of such venemous serpentes .

O Lord , thou seest they haue stopped vp my well springes of truthe : how they haue broken mee in peeces : preferred their guiles , and altogeather laide me waste : I am made their marke to shoote at : their strongest bowes haue they bente againste me : out of their malicious quiuer they haue shot their sharp shaftes of eger enuie , yea , euen into my raines . They laugh me to scorn in their dissembling hartes , and yet bear me faire countenaunce .

No regarde is had of my truthe , and vtter confusion is com vpon me : thy guifts Lorde , proper to my selfe are holden from mee , and I perish in want , hauing of mine owne . The leauen of my Breade is made with cruell cares , and my drink m●ngled with salt teares : they haue ouerwhelmed mee with heaped stoanes , and haue buried my innocencie in shamefull graue . I am sequestred from all freedom : and thou Lorde knowest I am not giltie .

Correcte mee not in my misdeedes towards thee Lorde , but in the mildenesse of thy mercie : for I acknowledge I haue don thinges vnlawfull againste thy Throne , and am no more woorthy to be called thy Childe . Yet Lord from the bottome of a broken harte I aske thy Pardon , and my Spirite trusteth in thy mercie , and requireth that mine enimies may no lenger triumph ouer mee . Sweete Lorde loke downe and remedie my miserie and thraldome : Remember how long I haue ben fedde with sorrowe and care : how my Body wasteth , and my Soule melteth away . I feare Lorde thou hast forsaken mee , and sette vp the horne of mine enimies : that thou geuest them this longe Glory ouer mee .

O mercifull Father , doo not so I beseech thee . If my scourge be determined ( with thee ) for anie my contemptes of thy will : yet deliuer mee from the handes of the malitious . I acknowledge my faultes towardes thy Celestiall Seate , and say : my rightuousnesse all is stained . I appeale to thy mercy , for thy truth , and Sonnes sake . But Lorde if my breast euer harboured any vniust pretence , or acte againste thy Seruaunte Elizabethe , my gratious Queene and Gouernoure , as a ioyfull praie bestowe me emongest mine eger enimies . To this day , from my birthe , thou knowest Lord , I haue honoured her with Loyall loue , and serued her with true harte , and innocent handes .

Now Lord , if such discharge of dewtie hathe euer wonne victorye ouer any her woorthy thoughtes , I beseeche thee , not in my deserts to thee , but for my truthe to her , multiplie in secret brest such thoughtes to sure encrease of firm beliefe , as through thee inspired with my large truthe , which might neuer boast her selfe : I may be saued from the snares of the malicious , and my innocencie knowen to her .

Wake Lorde , I beseche thee , and renewe on mee thy mercies , and helpe , as euer thou hast don of olde . My Soule saith within mee , thou Lorde arte her onely portion : and therefore shee will hope in thee . And my body hast thou alwaies deliuered in greatest perill , when so euer I haue put my trust in thee . Arise , most mightie helper , and ayde thy seruaunt , who only seeketh succour of thee . Sure I am , in mine enimies pittes , thou wilte not mine Innocencie perish : neither destroy mee vtterly in mine vnrightuousnesse towardes thee , for that my contrite hart appealeth to thy mercie : and thy condition is not to seeke the deathe of a sinner , neither to be founde vntrue in thy promisses , wherin my Spirite onely trusteth .

Amidst my sorowful plaints and scorchinge sighes , Lorde poure out the comfortable dewes of thy compassion . For in no other healpe will I truste , but in thine , thoughe the whole earthe would assure me . Mine enimies swarme as Bees to the Hieue , and spreade as flowers of the Spring : my freendes walke in single number : and hundreds that earst professed faithe , denie their sentence : suche as woulde my good , want the mean therto : and those that beste may , with Fortunes threates are beaten downe , and made lame . Wherfore , Lorde wash the vnderstandinge of my gratious Gouernesse , with the flowing springs of my truthe . Cause her with speedy hande to restoare my decaied partes : Guide her minde still in thy loue , and feare : who with such perfite wisdome , true iustice , and pitieful compassion , shewinge whose member shee is , hathe thus woorthily preserued mee .

Yea further Lorde guide so her course on earthe , that thou maist afterwards of right , equal her ioyes with thy blessed Cherubins aboue the high heauens : Continewe in her thy grace , which geuest euery good guifte : that as shee is thy chosen vessel , no vsurpinge harte , nor bloudy hande may euer haue power againste her : But replenished with thy holy Spirite , may execute thy will and walke in thy paths , neuer wanting the strength of thy right hand to beat downe her enimies . But found worthy of thy ritche goodnesse , wee may longe enioy so matchlesse a Heade , and Gouernour . Graunt this Lord , I beseeche thee , with exchaunge of my hard state into better , euen at thine owne will : and my Spirte shall neuer cease to geue praise and thanks to thy holy name , Amen .

To the Reader .

MY willinge minde sundrie waies annoyed in the purpose of my Pen , is forced with other laboures , not onely to estrange her Royall Maiestie the finall partes of this small peece , but here to offer thee ( courtuous Reader ) in supplie of voyde paper , these fewe selected Sentences in bothe tongues , out of Holy Scripture , and other Diuine , and Ancient Writers : whiche for their woorthinesse , thy behoofe , and lesse labour , if thou accepte better placed then barraine paper , and graunte theire once readinge , I haue my desire . For after deeme I , if knowledge of Vertue may allure thee , or viewe of vice abashe thee , often wilte thou reade , and vnreade them , to imbrace the good and eschewe the ill . Which the heauenvly Father graunt vs al his grace to fulfill .

Sentences out of the holy Scripture .

THe fear of God is worship , and triumph , gladnesse , and a ioyfull Crowne : yea , who so feareth the Lord , shal be happy , and when he hathe neede of comfort he shall be blessed .

The Seede of them whiche feare the Lorde shall be brought to Honour : But the generation of the prowde , disceiptefull , and malitious , shall perishe with the shame of their wickednesse .

Laboure to geate thee a good name : for that shall continew by thee surer then a thousand greater treasures of Golde . A good life hath a number of daies : but a good name endureth for euer .

The vntruth of a lying tongue murdereth the Soule : vpon the heade of the backbiter , and blasphemour , with terrour shall the Lorde sende the thunder of his wrath , & consume them hastily .

He that loueth Ritches , shall not be iustified : And who so foloweth corruption shal perish in the same .

Goulde , and Siluer is the tree of falling to euery one , that greedily seeketh the same : blessed is the Ritch , which is found without blemish .

Trauaile , and carefulnesse for Ritches , taketh away the sleepe , and maketh the flesh to consume : they help not in the day of iudgemente : Rightuousnesse shall crowne thee : Through thy euil gotten goods shalt thou perish .

The ioy , and cherefulnesse of the hart is the pure life of man : And his cleare conscience a sure fortresse against death .

The Tree of the field is knowen by his fruite : So are the rotten thoughtes of the dissemblinge personne by his open deedes of malice .

Forgeue thy neighboure the hurte , that he hath done thee ; so shall thy sinnes be forgeuen thee when thou praiest .

Remember the ende , and lette enmitie passe which seketh death and destruction : abide in the commaundement of thy God : that thou maiste reape his blessinge .

They that reioyce at the fall of the rightuous , shall be taken in the snare : anguishe of harte shall consume them before they die .

Wrest not thou the law : nor know whose eyes veweth all vertue : seekes t● punish al wickednesse , be not in the number of suche .

Hester . 16.

My right hand shal not spare the sinners : and my sword shall not cease ouer them , that sheadde the innocent bloud vpon earth .

Esdras . 15.

Despise not a man that turneth himself away from Sinne , and cast him not in the teethe withal : but remember we be all fraile and offenders . Ecclesiast. 8

Three thinges there be that my Spirite fauoureth : the vnitie of Brethren , and the loue of Neighbours , a Man & wife that agree well togeather .

Three things there●f which my Soule hateth : a Ritch man Couetous , a poore man proude : an Olde man that is vnchaste . Eccle. 25.

Oppresse not thou the Lawe , nor knowe any person , neither take any reward , for gifts blind the wise , and peruert the words of the Rightuous , that which is iust shall then followe that thou mayst liue . Leuit. 19.

See that thou know no faces in iudgemente , nor doo any vnrightuousnesse in iudgement , in meatte Yearde : in Waighte : or in Measure : trewe Ballances : trewe waightes : a trewe Eph● : and a trewe line shall you haue to all men . Ibidem .

Thou shalt not fauoure the poore , nor honoure the mighty : but in rightuousnesse shalt thou iudge thy Neighbour . Ibidem .

Thou shalte not aduenge thy self , nor be mindeful of a wrong : but shalt loue thy Neighbour euen as thy selfe . Iames. 1.

As the Sunne riseth , is heat , and the grasse withereth and his flower falleth away & the bewty of the fashion of it perisheth : euen so shal the malitious , ritch , vnrightuous , and dissemblinge person , perish in the wickednesse of his waies .

Iudge nothinge before the time , which will lighten thinges that are hidden in darknesse , and open the Counsels of the harts , so shall euery man haue praise of God . Corinth. 4.

See thou robbe not the poore , because he is weake : and oppresse not the simple in iudgement , for the Lorde him selfe wil defend their cause : and doo violence to them that haue vsed violence . Prouerb . 22.

God resisteth the prowde : and geueth grace vnto the lowlie . Iames. 4.

Dispise not thou the chastening of the Lorde : neither dispaire when he geueth thee aduersity : for whom the Lorde loueth , him he chasteneth : yea he scourgeth with affliction euery sonne that he receiueth . Hebr. 12

Lette euery man be swifte to heare : slowe to speake : slowe to wrath : for the wrath of man worketh not that which is rightuous before God : wherefore lay aparte all malice : and with all meekenesse of harte , exercise truthe and quietnesse . Iames. 1.

Lay aside all maliciousnesse , and all guile : fainednesse , and enuie : all backbitinge : and as new borne Babes , desire ye that Milke , not of the Bodie , but of the Soule : whiche is without disceipte , that ye may grow therby vnto saluacion . 2. Epist. Petr.

The eies of the Lorde do gouerne the Rightuous , and his eares open vnto their Praiers . Ibidem . cap. 3.

The desire of the Lowlie is acceptable , and the Lorde will encrease it : but the hope of the Prowde , is the indignation : and in the freshnes of theyr labours , wil he roote them out

He that casteth out his words rashly , woorketh care to his life : but who so through silence seasoneth his thoughtes with wisedome , is the Authoure of longe rest .

Euery labour geueth foorthe his fruite , onely lippe laboure destroyeth time , & bringeth forth penurie .

The daies of aduersity are a blessing of God , & a cleare conscience is a continuall feaste : A malitious man kindleth strife : a foole vttereth his wrath in hast : but a discrete person couereth wrong .

The Lorde abhorreth the praier of the malitious : but who so humbleth his Praier in faith and Charitie , shall finde his desire

The desires of the Couetous man , bring vpon him confusion : but who so gathereth his Ritches with loue and fauour , shall prosper .

Through Mercie and truthe , sinnes are pardoned : & through Rightuousnesse and Faithe are thy prayers hearde , and euill eschewed .

Rightuous lippes are pleasaunt vnto Kinges , and dissemblinge tongues ouerthrowe hie Pallaces .

Better it is to be of humble minde with the Lowlie , then to deuide the spoyles with the prowde .

Presumptuousnesse goeth before destruction : & after a prowd stomacke followeth a foule fall .

Mercie and faithfulnesse preserueth the Kinge , and with louing kindenesse his seate is holden vp .

Who so followe Rightuousnesse and Mercy , shal finde both life , rightuousnesse and honour .

Like as the Golden pillers are vpon the sockettes of Siluer : so are the bewtifull partes of the body vpon a wooman that hath a constant minde .

The harte of the foolishe is like a Carte wheele , and his thoughts runne aboute like the Axeltree .

The wise man tempereth his rage with patience , & seasoneth his woordes with wisedome .

Who so is Mercifull and geueth Almes , that is the righte thanckes offeringe : but he that stoppeth his eares at the crie of the poore , shal be cast downe : crie him selfe , and be not hearde .

All that is of the Earth , shall turne to the Earthe againe : all Brybes and Vnrightuousnesse shall perishe : but Faithfulnesse and Truthe , shall endure for euer .

Rewardes and giftes blinde eyes of the wise , and make him runne that he cannot tell menne their faultes .

Let not thy mouth be accustomed with swearing , for in it ther be many falles .

The heauinesse of the hart is al the pounishment , and the wickednes of a woman goeth aboue all .

Like as to clime vp , a sandie waie , is to the feete of the aged , euen so is a wife ful of woordes to a still quiet man .

That woman that hathe bene vnfaithfull to the Lawe of the Highest , and hathe broken Couenaunt with her Husband , her children shall take no roote : and as for her braunches , they shall beare no fruit : A shamefull reporte shall she leaue behinde her : and her dishonoure shall not be put out .

Like as the Sunne when it ariseth , is an ornamente in the highe Heauen of the Lorde : so is a vertuous wife the bewty of all her house .

Perpetuall are the foundations , that be laide vpon a whole stoany Rocke : so are the Commaundements of God vpon the hart of a holy woman .

What so euer happen vnto thee , receiue it : suffer i● heauinesse shewed vnto thee , that be aboue the capacitie of men .

Be not ashamed of thy freend in his aduersitie , and keepe not backe thy counsell , when it may doo good : neither hide thy wisedome in her beawty .

For rightuousnesse , and truthe striue vnto death : and God shall fight for thee againste thine enimies .

Make no tarryinge to turne vnto the Lorde , and put not of from daie to daie : for suddainly shal his wrath come , and in the time of vengeaunce he shall destroy thee .

Truste not in wicked ritches , for they shall not help thee in the day of pounishment , and wrath : Equity , Mercy , Iustice , and Truthe shall deliuer thee .

In the bewtifull daies of thy prosperity forgeat not the foggy mistes of aduersity : and when it goeth not well with thee , haue a good hope it shall be better .

Happy is he , that hath no heauinesse in his minde : and is not fallen from his hope .

Let not to pray alwaies : and stande in feare refourmed vnto death : for the rewarde of God endureth for euer : & vnto them that will repente , he hath geuen the way of rightuousnesse .

Note all these hither , to be out of Ecclesiast.

A dissembling person wil vnfolde thy Secretes : But he that loueth thee in truth , wil faithfully stand with thee in perill .

Through the lyinge lippes of the malitious , the innocente is destroyed : But in the bewtie of his truth , time shal deliuer him .

The innocente dealing of the iust shall leade them : But the wickednesse of such as dissemble shal be their owne destruction .

The Lorde abhorreth them that be of fained harte : But he hath pleasure to encrease the seede of the humble and faithfull .

Euery man shall enioy good according to the sayinges of his mouth , and after the workes of his handes : Doo they somme rightuousnesse , and speake the Truthe .

The innocente person shal be deliuered out of trouble : and the double dealer shall comme in steede .

Mercie , and Faithfulnesse let neuer goe from thee , binde them about thy necke , and write them in the tables of thy harte . Prou. 3

Be not wise in thine owne conceite , but feare the Lord , and departe from euill : So shal thy vertue shine , and thy healthes growe . Ibidem .

These sixe thinges dooth the Lorde hate : A proude looke : a liynge tongue : handes to shead innocente bloude : an harte that goeth aboute with wicked imaginations : feete that be swift in running to do mischeife : a false witnesse that bringeth vp lies : and such a one , as soweth discord emongest brothers . Prou. 6 ,

Dissembling lippes kepe hatred secretly : euill will stirreth vp strife : but loue couereth the multitude of sinnes . Prou. 10

The patient abidinge of the innocent shall be turned to gladnesse : and the daies of his trouble are the sure signes of his Saluation . Ibidem .

The perill that the vngodly are afrayde of , shall come vpon their heads : But the faythfull , and the rightuous shall enherite theyr desires .

He that by violence sheaddeth any mans bloud , shal be a Runnegate to his graue : and his Posteritie shall be confounded with shame .

A man that dealeth faithfully , shal be filled with blessinges : and he that maketh too much haste to be ritche , shal not be vnguilti .

Like as Hell , and destruction are neuer full : euen so the eyes of the couetuous men can neuer be satisfied .

The Seate of the Kinge , that with Iustice , and equitie faithfully iudgeth the poore , shall encrease , and stande for euer .

Many men like the Breade that is gotten with deceipt : But at the last their mouthes shal be filled with grauell . These three Prouerb . all .

No force is least vnprepared against the day of battaile : But the Lorde geueth the victorie .

He that soweth the seedes of malice , shal reape sorrow : and in the haruest of his crueltie shall he perish .

The ende of Equitie , Iustice , patience , & Truthe , is Ritches , Honoure Prosperity , & Health .

Who so geueth rewardes , shall obteine the victory , and triumphe : But he taketh away the Soule of suche as receiue them .

Reioyce not thou at the fall of thine enimies , and lette not thy hart be glad when he stombleth : Least the Lorde , when he seeth it , be angry , and turne his wrath from him , to thee .

He that turneth away his eare from the needie , or from his Neyghbour in necessitie , his Prayer shal be abominable .

Sowe no euill seedes in the furrowes of vnrightuousnesse , for the Lucre of any other mans Lordeship , labour not vnto the Kynge for the seate of Honour : so shalt thou go vntouched of anie misfortune . Ecclesiast. 7.

Who so vniustly challengeth rule to himselfe , shal be hated of the people . Ecclesiast. 20.

Carrie thy wronges with patient harte , and thinke of no reuenge : the Lorde knoweth how to deliuer the Godly out of anguish , and to reserue the malicious vnto the day of iudgement . Petr. 4.

If our hartes condemne vs not , then haue we truste to Godwarde , and what so euer we aske we receiue of him . Iob. 3

For this purpose appeared the Sonne of God , to lose the paines of Hell , and the workes of the Diuel . Ibidem .

Warres with greate discretion ought to be taken in hande , for through strengthe of good Counsell , thinges prosper that men deuise . Pro. 24.

When thou goest out to battaile against thine enemies , and seest Horses and Charrets , and people moe then thou , be not afraide of them , for the Lore thy God is with thee . Deut. 20.

If you go to warre againste your enimies that vexe you , yee shal blowe with the Trumpets : & you shall be remembred before the Lorde your God to be saued from your enimies . Num. 10.

The victory of the Battaile standeth not in the multitude of the host but the strength and Triumphe commeth from Heauen . Macab . 3

He that hathe cleane handes , and a pure hart , and that hathe not lifted vp his minde to vanitie , nor sworne to deceiue his Neighboure : he shall receiue the blessing from the Lorde , and victory of his enemies , & rightuousnesse from the God of his Saluation . &c. Psalm . 24.

FINIS .

Sententiae Diuinae , e Sacris Scripturis , Patribusque collectae .

Deus .

DEus est Spiritus , qui adorant eum oportet vt spiritu ac veritate eum adorent .

Alanus de conquestione Naturae .

Deus est splendor nunquam deficiens , vita indefessa , non motiens , fons semper scaturiēs , seminale vitae seminarium , sapientiae principale principium , initiale bonitatis initium .

August . super illud Pater Nost.

Deus est in scipso sicut ALPHA , & OMEGA : in Mundo , sicut Rector & Auctor : in Angelis sicut Sapor & Decor : In Ecclesia , sicut Paterfamilias in Domo : in Anima , sicut sponsus in Thalamo : in Iustis , sicut adiutor & protector : in reprobis , sicut pauor & horror .

August . super Io. Ser. 29.

Deus tibi totum est : Si esuris , panis tibi est : si sitis aqua tibi est : si in tenebris es , lumen tibi est : si nudus es , in mortalitate tibi vestis est .

Christus .

Io. 8

Ego sum lux mundi , qui sequitur me , non ambulabit in tenebris , sed habebit lumen vitae .

Ambro. in quodam ser.

Omnia habemus in Christo , & omnia in nobis Christus . Si à vulnere curari desideras , medicus est : si febribus aestuas , fons est : si graueris iniquitate , lustitia est : si indiges auxilio , virtus est : Si tenebras fugis , lux est : si Coelum desideras , via est : Si cibum quaeris alimentum est .

August . super Mat. 155.

Ego sum via , veritas , & vita , tanquam diceret , qua vis ire , ego sum via , quo vis ire , ego sum veritas : vbi vis permanere , ego vita .

August . super Ioa.

Ambulare vis , ego sum via : falli non vis , ego sum veritas : mori non vis , ego sum vita .

Homo .

Iob. 14

Homo natus de Muliere , breui viuens tempore , repletur multis miferijs , qui quasi flos egreditur , & conteritur & fugit velut vmbra : & nunquam in eodem statu permanet .

Barnardus .

Video hominem prius quartuor virtutibus amictum , quid huic deerat , quem Misericordia custodiebat veritas docebat , Iustitia regebat , Par fouebat .

Aristoteles interogatus , quidnam esset homo ? respondit , imbecillitatis Exemplum , temporis Spolium . Fortunae Lusus , inconstantiae Imago reliquum vero , pituita & bilis .

Barnar . de consider . vtilit . humanae .

Septem sunt de essentia hominis , quae fi Homo confideraret , in aeternum non peccaret . Sci licet materia vilis , operatio turpis , exitus flebilis , status instabilis , mors tristabilis , dissolutio miserabilis , damnatio detestabilis , & consideratio gloriae ineffabilis .

Peccatum .

Io. 1. Cap. 1.

Si dixerimus peccatum non habemus , ipsi nos seducimus , & veritas in nobis non est .

Hieron . liber . 1. super Amos.

Primum peccatum est cogitasse quae mala sunt . Secundum cogitationibus acquicuisse peruersis .

Tertium , quod mente decreueris , opere compleuisse . Quartum , post peccatum non facere poenitentiam , & in suo complacere sibi delicto .

Cass . super Psal. pro eo vt me diligerent detrahebant .

Tribus modis omne peccatum contrahitur Primus gradus delictorum est : non reddere bona pro bonis . Secundus , reddere mala pro malis . Tertius est tribuere mala pro bonis : contra haec sunt tria laudabilia . Primum impendere bona pro bonis . Secundum , malum pro malo non reddere . Tertium perfectissimum virtutis genus est , bonum pro malo tribuere .

Poenitentia .

Luc. 5.

Non veni vocare Iustos , sed Peccatores ad poenitentiam .

Luc. 15.

Dico vobis , quod ita gaudium erit in Coelo super vno peccatore poenitentiam agente , quàm super nonaginta nouem iustis qui non indigent poenitentia .

August . lib. de Poenitentia .

Poenitentia languores sanat , Leprosos curat , & mortuos suscitat , sanitatem auget , gratiam conseruat , claudis gressum , aridis copiam , coecis restituit visum , vitia fugat , virtutes exornat , mentem munit ac roborat .

Conuersio .

Ezech. 33.

In quacunque hora ingemerit peccator saluus erit .

Ambro.

Si autum tibi offeram , non mihi dicis cras veniam , sed iam exigis , nemo differt , nemo excusat , redemptio animae promittitur , & nemo festinat .

August .

In Inferno erit poenitentia , sed sera , ergo infructuosa : Vis vt sit fructuosa , non sit sera : Hodie te corrige , qui viuus es : nam qui Iudex tuus futurus est , ipse hodie tuus aduocatus est .

Oratio .

Mat. 26.

Vigilate & orate , ne intretis in tentationem .

Io. 6.

Si quid petieritis patrem in nomine meo dabit vobis

Gregor. in moralibus .

Ille Deo ●eram orationem exhibet qui semetipsum cognoscit , quia Puluis sit , humiliter videt , qui nihil sibi Virtutis tribuit , qui bona quae agit , esse de misericordia conditoris agnoscit .

Isidor . de Sum. Bon. Lib. 3. ca. 8

Oratio Cordis est , non Labiorum , neque verba deprecantis Deus attendit , sed orantis cor aspicit : Melius est cum silentio orare Corde sine sono vocis , quam solis verbis , sine intuitu mentis .

Cassiod .

Oratio , est Consolatio flentium : Cura dolentium : sanitas aegrotorum . Haec Animae remedium : haec Miseriarum omnium , cognoscitur esse Suffragium : nam qui tali munere priuatur , ab omni benificio Consolationis excluditur .

Ieiunium .

Tobias . 12

Bona est Oratio cum Ieiunio , & Eleemosyna , magis quàm thesauros Aurite condere : quoneam Eleemosyna à morte liberat : & ipsa est quae purga Peccata , & facit inuenire vitam aeternum .

Origen . super Leuit. Hom. 10

Vis tibi vt ostendam quale te oportet ieiunare Ieiunium ? Ieiuna ab omni Peccato : nullum Cibum sumas Malitiae : nullus Epulas Voluptatis : nullo Vino Luxuriae concalescas : Ieiuna à Prauitatibus : abstine à malis Actibus : contine à malis Sermonibus , imò à cogitationibus pessimis : noli contingere Panes furtiuos peruersae Doctrinae : non concupisces fallaces Philosophiae Cibos , qui te Authoritate seducant . Tale leiunium Deo placet .

August . in Ser. de Ieiunio .

Ieiunium purgat Mentem , subleuat sensum , Carnem spiritui subijcit : Cor facit contritum , & humiliatum : Concupiscentiae nebulas disperdit : Libidinum ardores extinguit : Castitatis verò Lumen accendit .

Eleemosyna .

Prouerb . 2.

Qui obturant aurem suam ad clamorem Pauperis , & ipse clamabit , & non exaudietur .

Petr. Rau. in quodam Ser.

Manus Pauperis , est Gazophylatium Christi , & quicq●id Pauper accepit , Christus acceptat . Da ergo Pauperi Terram , vt accipias Regnum : da Micam , vt accipias totum : da Pauperi , vt detur tibi . Omnia quicquid pauperi dederis , tu habebis : quod Pauperi non dederis , habebit alter .

Ioan. Chrysost. super Mat. Serm. 9

Eleemosyna amica Dei consistit , & semper ei propinqua est pro quibuscunque voluerit , facilè munus gratiae impetrat : vincula Peccatorum dissoluit : fugat Tenebras : extinguit Ignem Huic cum multa fiducia Portae Coeli aperiuntur .

August .

Eleemosyna mundat Peccata , & ipsa interpellat pro nobis ad Dominum , quia quicquid Pauperibus dederimus , ipsum intigrè possidebimus .

Charitas .

Paul. ad Collos. ca. 3

Super omnia autem haec Charitatem habete , quod est vinclum Perfectionis .

August de Doctrina Christiana .

Sola Charitas est quae vincit omnia , & fine qua , nihil valent omnia : quae , vbicunque fuerit , trahit ad se omnia . Scientia si sola sit , inflat quia verò Charitas edificat , Scientia non permittit inflari .

Gregor in Pastor

Nihil perfectius Deo , virtute Dilectionis . Nihil desiderabilius Diabolo , extinctione Charitatis .

August . ad Martianum

Dilectio est Pacis vnda , Ros gratiae , Charit●tis Imber . Semen Concordiae , affectus Gentium , amoris Fructus , & ad summum , Dilectio Deus est .

Vbi Charitas non est , non potest esse Iustitia : Dilectio enim proximi malum non operatur .

Iustitia .

Prouer. 10

Benedictio Domini super Caput Iusti : Os autem impiorum operit : Iniquitatem , Memoriam Iusti cum laudibus & nomen Impiorum subuertet .

Prouerb . 21

Facere Iustitiam , & Iudicium magis est apud Deum , quàm imolare Hostias .

Gregorius

Iustitia omnium virtutum Princeps , tuta , & fida comes humanae vitae , ea enim Imperia , Regna , Populi , Ciuitates reguntur : quae si à medio tollatur , nec conflare : posset hominum Societas .

Cassiod . super illud Psal. & operatur Iust.

Iustitia non nouit Patrem , non nouit Matrem , Veritatem nouit , personam non accipit . Deum imitatur .

Ambros . de Offic.

Bonus circuitus est , si Iustitia quaerit ? Prudentia inuenit : Eortitudo vendicat : Temperantia possidet : vt Iustitia fit in affectu , prudentia in intellectu , fortitudo in effectu temperantia in vsu .

Menander

Vir iustus est , non qui non iniuria afficit , sed qui iniuria afficere potens non vult .

Budaeus .

In iustitia administranda secundum merita causae non sanguinis Gradum , Assinitatem , Nobilitatemque .

Lex .

Esaias . 10

Vae qui condunt Leges iniquas , & scribentes in Iustitiam : Scripserunt vt opprimerent Pauperes in iudicio .

Paul. ad Colloss. 3

Lex est vinculum Perfectionis .

Marcus Tullius .

Lex vinculum Ciuitatis est : Libertatis fundamentum : Fons aequitatis : Mens , Animus Consilium , vt corpora nostra sine mente . Sic Ciuitas sine Lege , suis partibus ac Neruis , Sanguine , & Membris vti non potest .

Cicero . 2. de Legibus .

Legis virtus , est imperare , vetare permittere , punire , persuadere aliquid , non omnia vi , ac minis cogere .

Cassiod .

Iura publica certissima sunt humanae vitae solatia , Infirmiorum auxilia , & Potentium frena : vndè & Securitas venit , & Conscientia proficit .

Index .

Exod. 23.

Non declinabis in Iuditium Pauperis : Infantem , & iustum non occides , nec acipies munera , quae excoecant etiam Prudentes , & subuertunt verba Iustorum .

Leuitic . 19

Non facies quod iniquum est , neque iniustè iudicat : non consideres personam Pauperis nec honores vultum Potentis . Iustè indica Proximo tuo .

Greger . in Moral .

Iudicate dignè de subditis nequiunt , qui in subditorum causis non Merita , sed odium vel gratiam sequuntur .

Isidor . de sum Bon. Ca. 58. Li. 3

Quatuor modis humanum peruertiur Iudicium , Timore , Cupiditate , Odio , Amore : Timore , dum metu Potestatis alicuius veritatem loqui buescimus : Cupiditate , cum premio Muneris alicuius corrumpimur : Odio , cum contra quemlibet aduersarium molimur : Amore , dum Amico , vel propinquis placere contendimus .

Innocentius de miseria Homi. 6.

Iudices mali non attendunt merita causarum , sed Pecuniarum merita : non Iura , sed Munera : non Iustitiam , sed Pecuniam : non quod ratio dictat , sed quod voluntas affectat : non quod Lex sentit , sed quod mens cupit : non inclinant ad Iustitiam animum , sed Iustitiam declinant ab animo : non vt quod licet hoc libeat , sed vt liceat quod libet .

Isidor , de Sum. Bono . Lib. 2

Grauius lacerantur pauperes à prauis iudicibus , quàm à cruentissimis hostibus .

Cassiodor .

Si iudicas , cognosce : si regnas , iube . Qui iustificat impium , & condemnat iustum , vterque abominabilis apud Deum .

Acceptio Personarum .

Deuter. 11 :

Nulla erit distantia personarum , ita peruum audies vt magnum .

Hier. super Amos.

Quicunque consanguinitate , aut amicitia , vel è conuerso , hostili odio , vel inimicitijs in iudicando ducitur , peruertit iudicium Dei Christi , qui est iustitia .

Hiero. in Epist.

Alienum te à personis omnium redde iudicio : ac propter Iniustitiam in iudicio Pauperem ne desendas , nec propter gratiam Diuiti indecenter assistas : aut si non potes facere , cognitionem respue causarum .

Iudices iniqui errant à veritate sententiae , dum intendunt qualitatem personae , & exulcerant saepè iustos , dum improbè defundunt iniquos .

Isidor . Lib. 4 de Summo . Bon.

Diues cito muneribus corrumpit iudicium , pauper dum non habet , quid offerat , non solum audiri contemnitur , sed etiam contra veritatem opprimitur .

Innocen . Lib. 4 de Huma . Conditionis .

Pauperum causam cum mora negligitis , Diuitum causam cum instantia promonetis . In illis rigorem ostenditis , in istis ex mansuetudine dispensatis : illos cum difficultate respicitis , istos cum facinore tractatis , illos negligenter auditis , istos ascultatis subtiliter .

Adulatio .

Ecclesiast. 28.

Lingua duplex multos commouit , eosque ex ali in aliam gentem transtulit , Ciuitates muratas Principium destruxit , & Domos magnatum effodit . Lingua duplex strenuas profligauit Mulieres , suisque laboribus defraudauit . Qui attentè audit eam , tranquilitatem non inueniet , nec quietam vitam .

Hieronym .

Adulatores sunt Hostes & scintillae Diaboli .

Ecclesi .. 18.

Est qui nequiter se humiliat , interiora eius plena sunt dolo .

Alanus de Complaust . Naturae .

Adulatores à voluntate vultum ab animo verbum , à mente linguam , ab intellectu loquelam amplo dissensionis interuallo diffibulant , plerumque enim exterius plausibiliter applaudendo collaudant quos interius contradictoria derisione defraudant , foris vultu applaudant virginaeo , intus Scorpionis pungunt aculeo , foris adulationis mellicos compluunt imbres , intus detractionis euomunt tempestates .

Ambitio .

Regum . 14.

Contentus esto Gloria , & sede in Domo tua .

Eccle. 7 :

Principatum à Domino ne petas , nec à Rege sedem Magnificam .

Gallat . 6 :

Non assiciamur inanis gloriae cupidi inuicem prouocantes , inuicem inuidentes .

August . super Psal.

Quoties hominibus praeesse desidero : Toties deo meo praeire contendo .

August :

Diabolus ruit , quia elegit potius praeesse quam subesse .

Innocen . de Vtilit . conditionis Humanae .

Ambitiosus semper est pauidu● , semper attentus , ne dicat , quod disiderat , humilitatem simulat , honestatem , mentitur , affabilitatem exhibet , Benignitatem ostendit , subsequitur & obsequitur : cunctos honorat , vniuersis inclinatur , frequentat curias , vifitat optimates , assurgit & amplexatur , applaudit & adulatur , vnde nouit illud Poëticum . Et si nullus erit puluer tamen excute nullum .

Ibidem .

Ambitiosus statem vt est ad honorem promotus , in superbiam extollitur , iactantia effraenatur , non curat prodesse , sed praeesse gloriatur , praesumit se meliorem , quia cernit se superiorem , priores dedignatur Amicos , notos ignorat , externos comitatur , contemnit antiquos , vultum auertit , Ceruicem erigit , fastum ostendit , grandia loquitur , sublimia meditatur , subesse non patitur , praeesse molitur , subditis onerosus , ommbus infectus , praeceps , molestus , arrogans , grauis , & importunus .

Superbia .

Ecclesi. 10.

Initium Superbiae hominis apostatare à Deo.

Cas. super Psal. 18.

Superbia de Angelo Diabolum fecit , & homini mortem intulit , & concessa beatitudine vacuauit , omnium malorum mater , scaelerum fons , vena nequitiae .

Hugo .

Quatuor funt , quae elationis Currum trahunt , amor dominandi , amor propriae laudis , contemptus & inobedientia rota vero sunt , iactantia mentis & arrogantia , verbositasque leuitas . Auriga in hoc Curru est , spiritus superbiae amatores Mundi sunt , qui feruntur in hoc Curru infraenes sunt equi , volubiles Rotae auriga peruersus , & qui portatut , infirmus .

Cast. in Epist. Humanae Con.

Omnis ferè vitiosus diliget sibi similem solus superbus odit elatum vnde inter Superbos semper sunt iurgia .

Euripides .

Quum videris in sublime quempiam elatum , splendidis gloriantem opibus , ac genere supersilioque supra sortem suam fastuosum , illius celerum diuinitùs exspecta breui vindictam .

Nesis superbus Sapientia : neque fortitudine : neque diuitijs , vnus Deus est sapiens , potens & Beatus .

Auaritia .

Luc. 12.

Cauete & videte ab omni Auaritia , quia non inabundantia cuiusquam vita eius est , exijs qui possidet .

August . de verbo Domini .

Rapit semper Auarus & nunquam satiatur : non Deum timet : nec Hominem reueretur : nec patri parcit : nec Matrem cognoscit : nec Fratri obtemperat : nec amico Fidem seruat : viduam opprimit : pupillum inuadit : liberos in seruitium reuocat : Testimonium falsum profert , res Mortui occupantur : quare & qui faciunt non moriuntur ? Quae est illa animarum insania ? amittere Vitam : appellare Mortem : acquirere Aurum : & perdere Coelum .

Barnard . super Canti . Ser. 38.

Auaritia rotis vehitur quatuor vitiorum : quae sunt pusillanimitas , inhumanitas , contempt●s dei mortis obliuio . Porro iumenta trahentia , tenacitas , repacitas , & hic vnus auriga ambobus praesidet : Ardor habendi , hic auriga ad vrgendum trahentia flagellis vtitur acerimis , libidinae acquirendi , & metu amittendi haec sola Auaritia , quia conducere plures non patitur , vno contenta est seruitore .

Hugo . Lib. 2. de Claustro animae .

Duo sunt quae illicitè solent acquirere . Scilicet , Superbia & cupiditas : & duo quae malè fruuntur acquisitis , Gula , & Luxuria : duo sunt qui malè possidere volunt : Scilicet prodigus , & Auarus , vnus vt congreget , alter vt dissipet , & duo quae possessa defendunt : Scilicet , Intemperantia , & prudentia Mundi Superbia à Diabolo clausit Coelum . Gula primo parenti abstulit Paradisum , Auaritia Diuiti aperuit insemum , Intemperantia verò adhuc corrumpit Mundum .

Hiero. in quodam Ser.

Cum caetera vitia senescente homine , senescant : sola Auaritia iunenescit .

Ibidem .

Nihil aliud est auarus , quàm bursa principum , cellarium latronum rixa parentum , fibilus hominum .

Cupiditas .

Paul. ad Timo 1. ca. 6.

Fons Perditionis est Cupiditas , quam quidam appetentes errauerunt à Fide , & inseruerunt se doloribus multis .

Petr. Rau. in Ser.

Omnium malorum radix est Cupiditas , Transgressionis Mater , Magistra nocendi , primi Pilarij Iniquitatis , Auriga malitiae , Sicaria virtutum , Seditionis origo , Fouea Scandalorum .

Innocen :

Tria maximè solent homines affectare , Opes , voluptates , Honores : de Opibus , praua : de voluptatibus turpia : de Honoribus , vacua procedunt . Nam opes generant Cupiditatem , & Auaritiam : Voluptates pariunt Gulam & Luxuriam : Honores nutriunt Superbiam , & lactantiam .

Innocen . de Vtilitate Conditionis Humanae .

Radix nequitiae est Cupiditas haec Sacrilegia committit & furta , Rapinas exercet & Praedas , Bella gerit & Homicidia , Simoniacè vendit , & emit , iniquè petit & recipit , iniustè negotiatur & foeneratur , instat dolisque , imminet fraudibus dissoluit Peccatum , & violat Iuramentum , corrumpit testimonium , & peruertit Iudicium .

Ira.

Prouerb . 15.

Sicut fremitus Leonis , ita & regis Ira : & sicut Ros super herbam , ita & Hilaritas eius .

Eccle. 25.

Non est Caput nequius super caput Colubri , ita non est Ira , Ira inimici perniciotior .

Gregor. Lib. 5. Moral .

Per Iram Iustitia relinquitur , quia dum perturbatta mens , Iudicium sine ratione exasperat , omne quod furor suggerit , rectum putat : per Iram , gratia , vitae socialis amittitur , quia qui se ex humana ratione non temperat : necesse est , vt bestialiter viuat : Per Iram mansuetudo amittitur : per Iram concordia rumpitur : per Iram Lux veritatis amittitur , quia menti Iracundia confusionis tenebras incutit : Huic Deus radium suae cognitionis abscondit .

Gregor. 26. Moral .

Si is qui corrigere nititur , Ira superatur : opprimit antequam corrigat : nam dum plus quam debet , accenditur : sub iustae vltionis obtentu ad immanitatem crudelitatis effraenatur .

Cass . Psal. Irascimini .

Vbi est feruida vindicta , non est temperata Iustitia .

Gregor.

Quoties Ira animum inuadit , mentem edoma , vince teipsum , differ tempus furoris , quum tranquilla mens fuerit , fac quod placet .

Euripides . in Aeolo .

Quisquis Irae preceps indulget , in malam finem eruit .

Inuidia .

Ia. 3.

Vbi zelus & Inuidia , ibi Inconstantia & omne opus prauum .

Isidor . in Syno .

Inuidia cuncta bona deuorat ardore pestifero : Inuidia animae Tinea sensum comedit Pectus vrit , mentem affligat , Cor huminis , quasi quaedam pestis depascit .

Sen. in Epist.

Venenum quod Serpentes in alienam perniciem effundunt , fiue sua continent , non ita vitium Inuidiae continetur : nam inuidus torquet & macerat , bona odit & extenuat , Iniurias verò delatat & auget .

August . super Iohan.

Tolle Inuidiam , & tuum est quod habeo : tollam inuidiam , & meum est , quod habes .

Valerius Max. li. 4. de Amicitia .

Nulla tem modesta foelicitas , quae malignitatis dentes vitare posfit .

Phocylides .

Ne inuideas bona socijs , ne maculam contrahas : sine Inuidia coelestes etiam inter se sunt : non inuidet Luna multò prestantioribus Solis Radijs : non Tellus Coelestibus altitudinibus , cùm subiter ipsa fit : non flumina , Pelagis , sed semper concordiam habent .

Malitia .

Reg. 1. ca. 22.

Si perseueraueritis in Malitia , & vos , & Rex vester pariter peribitis .

Bernard super Cant.

Habet Malitia Currum suum Rotis quatuor consistentem : Saeuitia , Impatientia , Audacia , Impudentia : valdè enim velox est Currus iste ad effundendum Sanguinem , qui nec Innocentia sistitur , nec Patientia retardatur , nec Timore fraenatur , nec Pudore inhibetur : Trahitur autem duobus pernicibus Equis , & ad omnem perniciem paratissimis , terraena Potentia , & Seculi Pompa . Porrò praesident his duobus Equis , Aurigae duo , Timor , & Liuor : Timor quidem Pompam : Liuor , potentiam agit .

Gregor. Lib. 12. Moral .

Mens praua semper in laboribus est , quia aut molitur mala , quae inferat , vel metuit , ne sibi ab alijs inferantur , & quicquid contra proximos cogitat , hoc contra se cogitari à Proximis formidat .

Sene. in Epist.

Malitia ipsa maximam partem veneni sui bibit , at venenum quod serpentes in alienam perniciem perferunt , siue sua continent , non est huic simile hoc habentibus pessimum est .

Idem in Prouer.

Malefacere qui vult , nusquam non inuenit causam : maleuolus semper sua natura nititur .

Calumnia .

Malachi . 3.

Accedam ad vos in Iudicio , & ero Testis velox Maledicis , & Periuris , & qui calumniantur mercedem Mercenarij .

Herodot . Lib. 4.

Calumnia res est granissima : in qua duo sunt qui Iniuriam faciunt , vnus qui afficitur : Calumniator enim Iniuriam facit , non presentem accusans , & similiter , qui Accusanti fidem habet antequam verè rem cognoscit : Qui autem abest , Iniuriam patitur , tum ab illo Calumniatore , tum ab eo , qui ipsum aures Calumnianti praebens , pro malo reputat .

Theocrit . in Epist.

Ea est Calūniatoris natura , in crimen vocare omnia : probare verò nihil .

Loquacitas .

Prima . Petri. 3.

Qui enim vult vitam diligere , & videre dies bonos coerceat Linguam suam à malis , & Labia sua , ne loquatur dolum .

Eccle. 42.

Non duplices sermonem auditus de reuelatione sermonis absconditi , & eris verè sine confusione , & inuenies gratiam apud omnes homines .

Bernard . in quodam Serm.

Lenis quidem Sermo , quia leniter volat : sed grauiter vulnerat : leniter transit , sed grauiter vrit : leniter penitrat amicum , sed non leniter exit : leniter profert , sed non leniter reuocatur : facilè volat , ideò Charitatem facile violat .

Gregor. Lib. 8. Moral .

Lingua sub magna moderaminis liberatione seruanda est , non insolubiliter obliganda , ne aut laxata in vitium defluat , aut restricta etiam ab vtilitate torpescat .

Hugo Lib. 2. de Anima .

Lingua labitur , vt Anguilla penetrat vt Sagitta : tollit Amicos : multiplicat Inimicos : mouet Rixas : seminat Discordias : vno ictu multos percutit , & interficit : blanda est , & subdola , & parata ad exhaurienda bona , & miscenda mala . Qui custodit Linguam suam , custodit Animam , quoniam Mors , & Vita in potestate Linguae est .

Taciturnitas .

Iacob . in Epist. cap. 1.

Sit omnis bomo velox ad audiendum : tardus ad loquendum , & tardus ad iram .

Ambros . Lib. 1. de Offic.

Silendi patientia , oportunitas loquendi , & contemptus Diuitiarum , sunt maxima fundamenta virtutum .

Prouerb . ca. 25.

Sicut Vrbs patens , & absque murorum ambitu , ita vir , qui non potest in loquendo cohibere Spiritum suum .

Hieron . in quodam Epist.

Diu considera quid loquendum sit , & adhuc tacens prouide , ne quid dixisse poeniteat , sapiens vt loquatur , multa prius considerat , quid , aut cui , loco vel tempore dicat .

Humilitas .

Luc. 1

Deposuit Potentes de Sede , & exaltauit Humiles .

Quanto maior es , eò te geras submissius , & gratiam apud Dominum reperies : multi quidem altitudine fortunae , gloriaeque excellunt , sed mansuetis reuelantur Archana . Quoniam potentia Dòmini magna est , & ab Humilibus gloriam consequitur .

Pet. 1. Cap. 5 Luc. 7. & 8.

Dominus Superbis resistit Humilibus dat gratiam . Et omnes qui se exaltat , humiliabitur : & qui se humiliat , exaltabitur .

Bernard , super Cantica Serm. 45.

Scio neminem absque sui cognitione saluari , de qua nimirum , mater salutis , Humilitas oritur , & timor Domini , qui & ipse sicut initium Sapientiae , ita & salutis est .

Bernard . super Miss. est .

Non magnum est esse humilem in abiectione magna , prorsus & rara virtus , Humilitas honorata .

Valerius in quodam Sermone .

Humilitas in paupere grata est , in Diuite , gloriosa : Humilitas inter inimicos , blanda : Superbia inter amicos , ingrata : blanda est & officiosae semper Humilitas , in amicitijs , grata , in contumelijs otiosa , non extollitur prosperis , non mutatur aduersis , non extorquet seruitium non requirit voces Adulantium , nisi quam se laudatione nouit indignum .

Beanard . in Epist.

Fode in te fundamentum Humilitatis , & peruenies ad fastigium Charitatis : vis capere celsitudinem Dei ? cape prius humilitatem Christi : sola est virtus humanitatis , reparatio laesae Charitatis .

Amor Proximi .

Iohan. Apost. Epist. 1. Cap. 3

Qui diligit fratrem suum , in lumine manet , & scandelum in eo non est , qui autem odit fratrem suum , in tenebris est , & in tenebris ambulat , & nescit quo eat , quia tenebrae obcoecauerunt oculis eius .

Gregor. Lib. Moral . 4.

Duo sunt praecepta Charitatis Dei : videlicet , & Amor Proximi : per amorem Dei , gignitur amor Proximi , & per amorem Proximi , Dei amor nutritur : Nam qui amare Deum negligit , perfectè diligere Proximum nescit . Et tunc plenius in Dei dilectione proficimus , si in dilectionis gremio Proximi charitatem colligamus .

Basil . in Hepam .

Thesaurus indeficiens , est amor Diuinus : quem , qui habet , diues est : quo , quicumque caret , pauper est .

August .

Vbi Charitas non est , non potest esse Iustitia , dilectio enim proximi , malum non operatur .

Amicitia .

Prouerb 12. & 17.

Qui negligit damnum propter Amicum , iustus est . Omni tempore diligit qui Amicus est , & frater in Augustijs comprobatur .

Ambr. Officior . Lib. 3.

Pietatis custos , Amicitia est , & equalitatis magistra : vt superior inferiori , & equalem se exhibiat , & inferior superiori .

Ambrosius ibidem .

Solatium huius vitae est , vt habeas cui pectus tuum , aperias , cui Arcana communices , cui secreta tui pectoris committas , vt colloces tibi fidelem virum , qui in prosperis gratuletur tibi , in tristibus compatiatur , in persecutionibus adhortetur : facilis vox & communis tuus sum totus , sed pautior est affectus .

Ecclesiast. 27

Qui denudat arcana Amici , fidem perdit , & non inueniet Amicum ad animum suum .

Ecclesiast. 12

Fidem posside cum Amico in paupertate illius , vt in bonis illius laetaris . In tempore tribulationis illius permane illi fidelis vt in Haeriditate illius cohaeres fis .

Iob. 6.

Qui tollit ab Amico misericordiam , timorem Domini derelinquit .

Ecclesiast. 6.

Amicus fidelis medicamentum Vitae , & Immortalitatis & qui metuunt Dominum , inuenient illum .

Fides siue Fidelitas .

Iohan. 22.

Qui crediderit in me , etiam si mortuus fuerit , viuet , & omnis qui viuit , & credit in me , non morietur in aeternum .

Marc. 9.

Si potes credere , omnia possibilia credenti .

Ambr. Lib. de Cain & Abel .

Fides radix omnium virtutum , & quod super hoc fundamentum aedificaueris , hoc solum ad operis tui , fructus & virtutis proficit mercedem .

August . de verbis Domini .

Nullae maiores Diuitiae , nulli Thesauri , nulli Honores , nulla huius mundi maior est substantia , quàm est Fides Catholica , quae peccatores , homines saluat , Coecos illuminat , Infirmos curat , Cathecuminos baptizat , Fideles iustificat , penitentes reparat , Iustos augmentat , Martires coronat , Virgines , & Viduas , & Coniugales casto pudore conseruat , Clericos ordinat , sacerdotes consecrat , in haereditate aeterna cum Sanctis Angelis collocat .

Ambr. Lib. 1. Officiorum .

Liquet in bello fidem , & iustitiam obseruari oportere , fundamentum enim Iustitiae est Fides .

August . de Fide ad Petrum .

Hoc est humanae salutis initium sine hoc nemo ad filiorum Dei numerum potest pertingere vel peruenire , sine hoc omnis labor hominis vacuus est .

Conscientia .

2. Corinth. 1.

Gloria nostra haec est , testimonium Conscientiae nostrae , quod in simplicitate cordis , & sinceritate Dei & non in s●pientia Carnali , sed in gratia Dei conuersati sumus in hoc mundo .

Hugo . Lib. de Anima Cap. 9.

Conscientia bona , titulus est Religionis , Templum Salamonis , Ager Benedictionis , Hortus Delitiarum , Aureum Declinatorium , Gaudium Angelorum , Arca Foederis , Thesaurus Regis , Aula Dei , Habitaculum Spiritus Sancti , Liber signatus , & clasus , & in die Iudicij aperiendus .

Bernardus in Libro de Conscientia .

Bona Conscientia quotidiè virescit , laboribus non affligitur , denique afficit gaudio viuentem consolatur morientem , aeternumque durat .

Misericordia .

Luc. 6.

Estote Misericordes : sicut & pater vester Misericors est .

Prouerb . 2.

Misericordia & veritas custodiunt Regem , & roboratur clementia Thronus eius .

Chrysost. super Matheum .

Misericordia est Salutis praesiduum , Fidei ornamentum , Propitiatio peccatorum : haec est quae iustos probat , Sanctos roborat , Dei Cultores ostentat .

Misericordiae virtus tanta est , vt sine illa , coeterae , et si sint , prodesse non possunt .

Quamuis enim aliquis Fidelis sit & castus , & sobrius , & alijs maioribus ornatus insignibus , si Misericors tamen non est , Misericordiam non meretur .

August . de Seruo . Domini .

Beati illi qui subueniunt miseris quoniam eis rependitur , vt per Misericordiam Domini de miseria liberentur . Nam id ipsum videtur iustum , vt qui à potentiore adiuuari vult , adiuuet inferiorem , in quo est ipse potentior .

Cassi . in Epist.

Benigni Principis est , ad clementiae commodum transilire terminos Acquitatum , quando sola est Misericordia : Cui omnes virtutes honorabiliter cedere non recusant .

Veritas .

Psal. 116.

Veritas magna est , & fortior prae omnibus . Omnis terra Veritatem inuocat : Veritas Domini manet in aeternum .

Eccle.

Non contradicas verbo Veritatis vllo modo , & de Mendatio Ineruditionis tuae confundere .

Bernard . in Serm.

Veritas sola liberat , sola saluat , sola lauat .

Bernard . de Gra. Humana .

Cum sint tres gradus , seu status Veritatis , ad Primum ascendimus per laborem Humilitatis : ad secundum per affectum Compassionis : In primo Veritas reperietur seuera : In secundo , Pia : In Tertio , Pura . Ad Primum ratio ducit , qua nos discutimus . ad secundum affectus producit , quo alijs miseremur ad Tertium puritas rapit , qua ad inuisibilia subleuamur .

Christ , de Laudibus Pau , Hom. 3.

Talis est condito Falsitatis , vel Erroris , vt etiam nullo sibi adsistente consenescat , ac defluat . Talis autem è diuerso Veritatis status , vt etiam multis impugnantibus suscitetur & crescat .

Seneca . in Epist.

Magna est Veritas , quae contra omnium Ingenia , Caliditatem , Solertiam , & contra fictas hominum Insidias facilè se per seipsum defendit .

Castitas .

Timoth. 5. & Sapien. 4.

Teipsum Castum custodi . O quàm pulchra est Casta Generatio cum Claritate . Immortalis est enim Gloria illius : quoniam & apud Deum nota est , & apud homines .

Corinth. 7.

Qui Matrimonio iungit , Virginem suam benè facit : & qui non iungit melius facit .

Cypri . de .xii. Abusionibus .

Castitas est ornamentum Nobilium Exaltatio Humilium , Nobilitas Ignobilium Pulchritudo Vilium , Solamen Merentium . Augmentum omnis Pulchritudinis , Decus Religionis , Minoratum Criminum quàm Angelorum . Angeli enim sine Carne viuunt : Virgines verò in Carne triumphant .

August .

Virginitas est Soror Angelorum Regina Virturum , Possessio omnium bonorum .

Virtus .

Iohan. Epist , 3 Cap. 1.

Qui benefacit , ex Deo est : qui malefacit non videt Deum .

August . in Epist , ad Macedonium .

In hac vita Virtus non est , nisi diligere quod diligendum est : id diligere , prudentia est : nullis inde auerti molestijs Fortitudo : nullis Illecibris temperantia est , nulla Superbia , Iustitia est .

Sene. Epist.

Virtus extollit hominem , & super Astra Mortales collocat .

Sen. in Epist. 75

Virtus , Regna , Vrbes , Prouincias temperat , fert Leges , colit Amicitias . Non minor est si ex altiore fastigio , in priuatum , ex Regio in humilem subducitur , ex Publico , ex spatioso Rure , in angustus Domos , 〈◊〉 Angulos coit .

Cicero in Lib. Amicitiae in Princi .

Virtute ipsa non tam multi pred●ti esse , quàm videri volunt . Hos delectat assentatio .

Boetius .

Imperante , florenteque nequitia Virtus non solum Premijs caret , verumetiam Sceleratorum pedibus subiecta calcatur , & in loco Facinorum supplicia luit .

Post Cineres Virtus viuere sola facit : virtus nullius Fortunae Incommodis obnoxia .

¶ FINIS .

IMPRINted at London , in Fleetstreete , by William How. 1571.