Christian prayers and meditations in English French, Italian, Spanish, Greeke, and Latine.

CHRISTIAN Prayers and Meditations in English French , Italian , Spanish , Greeke , and Latine .

IMPRINTED at London , by Iohn Daye . An. 1569.

tree of Jesse

IESSE . DAVID SALOMOn ABIA 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 IORAM OSIAS IOATAM AHAS ESECHIA Manss●

royal blazon or coat of arms E R HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE

Elizabeth Regina .

portrait of Elizabeth I

2. PARALIPOM . 6. Domine Deus Israel , non est similis tui Deus in coelo & in terra qui pacta custodis & misericordiam cum seruis tuis , qui ambulant coram te in toto corde suo .

❧ Prayers to be sayd in the mornyng : and first when you awake out of your sleepe , pray thus .

MOste mercifull God and father of our Sauior Jesus Christ , I moste humbly thanke thee for the sweete sleepe and comfortable rest which thou hast geuen me this night past : besechyng thee , that lyke as thou hast now awaked my body from sleepe , so thou wouldest awake my soule from the slepe of sinne and darkenes of thys world : and that which thou hast now awaked out of slepe , thou wouldest after deathe ( wherof this sleepe is but an image ) restore & rayse agayne to life euerlasting . Oh gracious God , make my body ( I hartely pray thee ) such a companion , or rather a minister of godlines to my soule , this day and all the tyme of this present lyfe , that in the lyfe to come it may be pertaker with the same of euerlasting happines , thorough Jesus Christ our Lord.

* Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead , and Christ shall shew light vnto thee . Eph. 5

¶ Occasions to meditate .

HEre call to mynd the great mirth and blessednes of the euerlasting resurrection . Also remember to muse vpon that most clere light , that bright mornyng and new clearenes of our bodies after the long darknes which they haue bene in . All then shall be ful of vnspeakable ioyes and felicitie .

❧ When you behold the day light , pray .

O Lord God , thou most glorious & true lyght , from whence this light of the day & sunne doth spring , and shyne vnto vs : O lyght which lightnest euery man that commeth into this world : O light which knowst no night nor euening , but art alway a midday most cleare and fayre : without whome all is most horrible darknes , and by whom all things are most splendent : O thou wisdome of the eternall father of mercies , lighten my mynd that I may see those thynges onely which please thee , and may be blynded to all other thynges . Graunt me so to walke in thy wayes by the light of thy holy worde , that nothing els may be lyght and pleasaunt vnto me .

* Lighten mine eyes ( O Lorde ) that I sleepe not in death , least mine enemies say , I haue preuailed against him . Psal. 30.

¶ Occasions to meditate .

MVse a while , how much the light and eye of the mynde and soule is better then of the body . Also how much more we ought to care for the soule that it may see wel , then for the body . Moreouer , that beastes haue bodely eyes as well as men , but men only haue eies of the mind , and that such as are godly wise .

❧ When you arise , pray .

OVr first parentes cast downe themselues from a most excellent , high , & honorable estate , in to shame and misery , and in to the deepe sea of all wickednesse and mischiefe : but ( oh Christ ) thou puttyng forth thy hande , didst rayse them vp agayne . Euen so we , except we be raysed vp by thee , shall lye still for euer . O good Christ , our most gracious redemer , as thou doost mercifully rayse vp now this my body , euen so I beseeche thee rayse vp my mynde and harte to the true knowledge and loue of thee , that my conversation may be in heauen where thou art .

* If you be risen with Christ , thinke vpon those thinges that be aboue . Colloss. 3.

¶ Occasions to meditate .

THinke how foule the fall of Adam was by reason of sinne : and so of euery one of vs from the height of gods grace . Againe , thinke vppon the inestimable benefite of Christ , by whose helpe we daily arise agayne from our fallynges .

❧ When you are made redy , to begin the day withall , pray .

O Almighty God & most mercifull father , thou knowest & hast taught vs also somethyng to knowe , that the weaknes of man and woman is great , & that without thy grace they can neither do nor thinke any good thing . Haue mercy vpon me , I humbly beseche thee , thy most weake , fraile and vnworthy chylde . Lighten my mynde that I may with pleasure looke vpon good thinges onely . Enflame my hart with the loue therof , that I may carefully couete them , and at the last by thy gracious conducting , may happely attayne them , thorough Jesus Christ our Lorde . I distrustyng altogether myne owne weakenes , commende and offer my selfe both soule and body into thy handes .

* Thy louyng spirite leade me forth into the lande of righteousnes . Psal. 143.

❧ Cogitations meete to begin the day withall .

THinke first that man consisteth of soule & body , and that the soule is from heauen heauenly , firme and immortall : but the body is from the earth earthly , fraile and mortall .

Agayne , thinke that though by reason of sinne wherein you are conceyued and borne , the partes of the soule which do vnderstand and desire , be so corrupte that without speciall grace to both partes you can neither know nor loue any good thyng in gods sight , much lesse then , do that is good : yet this notwithstandyng , thynke that you are regenerate by Christes resurrection ( which your baptisme requireth you to beleue ) and therefore to do also some good in the sight of God through Christ : for whose sake our poore doynges are accepted for good , the euill and infirmitie cleauing therunto , not beyng imputed through faith .

Thinke that by fayth , which is gods séede ( for they which beleue are of God and made Gods children ) geuen to those that be ordeyned to eternall life : thinke ( I say ) that by fayth you receiue more and more the spirit of sanctification , through the vse of Gods worde and sacramentes , and earnest prayer , to illuminate your minde , vnderstanding , iudgement , and reason , and to bow , forme , frame and inflame your affections with loue and power to do that that good is , and therfore vse you the means aforesaid accordingly .

Thinke , that by this spirite you are thorough faith coupled to Christ as a liuely member , and so to God , and as it were , made one with hym : and by loue , which springeth out of this faith you are made one also with all that be of God , and so you haue fellowship with God and all good men that euer were or shall be , in all the good that God and all his saintes haue or shall haue . Thinke , that as by faith and loue through the spirite of God you are now entred into this communion ( the blessednes whereof no tounge can expresse ) so after thys lyfe you shall first in soule , and in the last day in body also , enioy for euer the same societie most perfectly which now is but begonne in you .

Thinke , in consideration of your heauenly estate , how your body is the temple of the holy ghost , your members of Christ , the whole worlde and all thinges therein are your owne . Therfore say vnto your soule : O my soule , arise , follow God , contemne this world , purpose well and pursue it , long for the Lordes commyng , be ready and watch that he come not vpon thée vnwares . And forsomuch as you must liue to Gods pleasure , sée the vocation and state of your life wherunto God hath called you , and pray to god for grace , knowlege , and habilitie to take the most profitable thinges in hand , well to begin , better to go on , and best of all to ende the same to Gods glory and the profite of others , and thinke that tyme lost wherin you speake not or do not , or at tho least thinke not something to Gods glory and the commoditie of his children .

❧ At the sunne going downe , pray .

HOw vnhappy are they ( O Lorde ) on whom thy Sunne goeth downe and geueth no lyght , I meane thy grace which is always cleare as the midday . Darke night vnto them is the midday which depart from thee . In thee is neuer night , but alwayes day light most cleare . This corporall Sunne hath his courses , now vp , now down : but thou deare Lord , if we loue thee , art alwayes one . O that thys blocke and veile of sinne were taken away from me , that there might be alwayes cleare day in my mynde .

¶ Occasion to meditate .

THinke , that as we are not sory when the sunne goeth downe , because we know it will rise agayne : euen so we should not sorrow for death , wherwith the soule and body do parte asunder : for they shall eftsones returne and come together agayne in most glorious wise .

❧ When the candels be light , pray .

MOst thicke and darke cloudes do couer our myndes , excepte thy light ( O Lord ) do driue them away . Thy Sunne ( O most wise worker ) is as it were a firebrand to this worlde . Thy wisdome whereby light commeth to both soule and body , is a firebrand to the spirituall world . After day when the night commeth , thou hast geuen for the remedy of darknes a candell . After sinne , for the remedy of ignoraunce , thou hast geuen thy doctrine which thy deare sonne hath brought vnto vs . O thou that art the author and maister of al truth , and art the true lyght , make vs so to see , that the dimnes of our myndes may be driuen cleane away .

* Thy worde is a lanterne to my feete & a light vnto my pathes . Psal. 4. * Lift thou vp the light of thy countenaunce vpon vs and send ioy and gladnes into our hartes .

¶ Occasions to meditate .

THinke that the knowledge which God geueth vnto vs by the candel light ( wherby we see those thyngs in this night of our bodies which are expedient for vs ) should make vs to wishe much more for this spirituall light of our soules , this doctrine of our saluation , and when we gette it , the more to esteme it , and diligently to embrace it : Agayne , that as all would be horrour without candell light , so there is nothing but meere confusion where Gods worde taketh not place .

❧ When you make your selfe vnready , pray .

THys our lyfe and weake knit body by reason of sinne , by little and little shall be dissolued , and so shall be restored to the earth from whence it was taken : then will be an ende of this vanitie which by our folly we haue wrought to our selues . O most meke father , so do thou vntie & loose me ( for thou art he that hast knit these my weak members together ) that I may perceiue my selfe to be loosed and dissolued , & so may remember both of whome I was made , and also whether I must go , least I be had vnprouided vnto thy tribunall seate .

* Put of the olde man with hys lustes and concupiscences . Col. 3 Ephe. 4.

¶ Occasion to meditate .

THinke that as we do willingly put of our garmentes because we shall receiue them againe when the night is past : so we should not vnwillingly forsake our bodies when God by death shal call vs , because we shall receyue them againe in the resurrection of the iust .

❧ When you enter into your bed , pray .

THe day now ended , men geue themselues to rest in the nyght , and so this lyfe finished , we shall rest in death . Nothing is more like this life than euery day : nothing more lyke death than slepe , nothyng more like to our graue then our bed . O Lord our keper and defender , graunt that I now laying me downe to rest , beyng vnable to keepe my selfe , may be preserued from the crafts and assaultes of the wicked enemy . And graunt further , that when I haue runne the race of this lyfe , thou wouldest of thy mercy call me vnto thee , that I may lyue and watche with thee for euermore . And now gracious God , geue me to take my rest in thee : and bring to passe that thy goodnes may be euen in sleepe before mine eyes , that slepyng I be not absent from thee , but may haue my dreams to draw me vnto thee , & so both soule and body may be kept pure and holy for euer .

* I will lay me downe in peace and take my rest . Psal. 4.

❧ An other prayer .

O Lord Jesus Christ , my watchman and keper , take me to thy care : graunt that my body slepyng , my minde may watch in thee , and be made mery by some sight of that celestiall and heauenly life , wherin thou art the king & prince , together with the father and the holy ghost , where the Aungels and holy spirits be most happy citizens . Oh purify my soule , keepe cleane my body , that in both I may please thee sleping & waking , for euer , Amen .

¶ Occasion to meditate .

THinke , that as this troublesome day is now past and night come , and so rest , quietnes , and pleasant sléepe , which maketh most excellent princes , and poore wretches alike : euen so after the tumultes , troubles , temptations and tempestes of thys life , they that beleue in Christ , haue prepared for them an hauen and rest most pleasant and ioyfull . As you are not afraid to enter into your bedde , and to dispose your selfe to sléepe , so be not afraid to die , but rather cherefully prepare your selfe therunto .

Thinke that now you are néerer your ende by one dayes iourney , then you were in the morning .

❧ A prayer to God the Father , for the true knowledge of the mystery of our redemption in Christ .

O Almighty God & Father of our Lorde Jesus Christ , and by him also our father , the father of all mercy and God of all consolation , haue mercy vpon vs and heare our prayers .

We most humbly beseche thee , for thy deare sonne Jesus Christes sake , for his merites and cruell death which he suffred , to deliuer vs from eternall death and the power of darknes : send into our hartes thy spirite of truth , to worke in vs a true , liuely , and stedfast faith , that the cleare light and brightnes of thy gospell , the glory of Christ , may shine vnto vs , & lighten our mindes , that we may learne & vnderstand the wonderfull & vnspeakable riches of the mystery of our redemption in Christ , and by Christ . O father of glory , geue vnto vs the spirite of wisdom , and bryng vs into the true knowledge of this thy beloued sonne Jesus Christ , and the knowledge of thy selfe . Open and lighten the eyes of our myndes and vnderstandyng that we may know what the hope is whereunto thou hast called vs , and how riche the glory of thine enheritance is vpon thy saintes , and the excedyng greatnes of thy power towards vs : that by true faith , by vnderstanding and knowledge of thine eternal wisdom ( which is Jesus Christ ) we may be in dede as we are called , true christians and vnfeyned professoures of thy holy name , to worship thee in spirite and truth , and to set forth the glory of thy grace geuen vnto vs in Christ Jesus our Lord , Amen .

O deare Father , wryte in our hartes loue of thy law , hate to all sinne , thankfulnes of hart , and continuall heat of thy holy spirite , for thy sonne Jesus christes sake . To whom with thee and thy holy spirit , be all honour , maiestie , glory , thankes , rule , empire , and dominion , for euermore .

❧ A forme of thanks-geuing for our redemption , and prayer for strength and encrease of faith .

ETernal praise & thanks bee geuen vnto thee deare God & father of our Lord Jesus Christ , which hast blessed vs with all spirituall blessinges in heauenly thinges by Christ , in that thou hast chosen vs in hym before the foundation of the worlde was layd , that we should be wythout blame before thee through him : by whome we haue redemption through hys bloud , euen the forgeuenes of our sinnes : In whom , after we heard the worde of truth , the Gospell of our saluation , wherein we beleued , we were sealed with the holy spirite of promise , which is the earnest of our inheritance : which spirite hath and doth beare witnes vnto our spirites , that we are thy children , and therefore cryeth in our hartes , Abba , Father . And thus most gracious father , when thou hast once geuen the earnest peny of our saluation into our hartes , thou doost not repent of thy gift & calling , neither wilt thou at any time , breake thy couenant of grace and mercy in Christ thy sonnes merites , confirmed in vs by that seale and loue token . For what though we be weake in our beliefe ? shall our vnbeliefe make thy promise of no effect ? No , thou wilt alwayes be found true , but all men be liers . And yet Lorde , thou doost most graciously behold and accept , be it neuer so little a sparke of fayth . We say therefore & cry vnto thee with one that wept and said : I beleue Lord , helpe my vnbeliefe . Yea that little , be it neuer so little , is thy mere gift also . The which as thou hast begon : so ( most merciful Lord ) encrease the same more and more , to the peace and comfort of our conscience , and the glory of thy name , through Jesus Christ .

Amen .

❧ A meditation for the exercise of true mortification .

HE that wil be ready in waighty matters to deny hys owne will , and to be obedient to the will of God , the same had neede to accustome himselfe to deny his desires in matters of lesse waight , and to exercise the mortification of his owne wil in trifles . For if that our affections by this daily custome be not ( as it were ) halfe slaine , surely , surely , when the plunge shall come , we shall finde the more to do . If we cannot watch with Christ one houre , as he sayth to Peter , we vndoutedly can much lesse go to death with him . Wherfore , that in great temptations we may be ready to say wyth Christ : Not my wyll but thyne be done , ( in that this commonly commeth not to passe , but where the rootes of our lustes , by thy grace deare father , are almost rotten and rooted out by a daily deniall of that they desire ) I humbly beseche thee for Christes sake to helpe meherein . First pardon me my cherishing and ( as it were ) watering of mine affections , obeying them in their deuises and superfluous desires : wherethrough , in that they haue taken deepe roote , and are to liuely in me , I secondly do beseche thee to pull them vp by the rootes out of my hart , and so henceforthe to order me , that I may continually accustome my self to weaken the principall roote , that they by rootes and braunches may loose all their power . Graunt me ( I beseche thee ) that thy grace may daily mortify my concupiscence of pleasure in thinges , that is , of wealth , riches , glory , liberty , fauour of men , meates , drinkes , apparel , ease , yea and life it selfe , that the horror and impaciency of more greuous things , may be weakened , and I made more pacient in aduersitie . Wherunto I further desire and pray thy goodnes ( dere father ) that thou wilt adde this : namely , that I may for euer , become obedient and ready to do thy good will in all things , hartely and willingly to serue thee , and do whatsoeuer may pleàse thee . For doubtles , although we accustome our selues in the pleasaunt thinges of this life , to a mortification and deniall of our selues , yet we shal finde enough to do when more bitter and weighty crosses come . For if thy sonne our Sauiour ( euer wont to obey thy good will ) prayed so hartely and often : Not my will but thy will be done , wherby he declareth him selfe to be very man , how can it be but we , whose nature is corrupt , not only in natiuitie , but in the rest of our whole life also , shal find both our handes full in great and greuous temtations wholy to resigne our selues vnto thee . Graunt therfore ( deare father ) for thy christes sake , I most hartely beseche thee , thy grace and holy spirite , to be effectuall in me , that daily I may accustome my selfe to deny my will in more easy and pleasant things of this lyfe , that when neede shal be , I may come vnto thee with a resigned will , alwayes stedfastly expecting thy mercy , and in the meane season , continually obeying thee with readines and willïngnes , doing whatsoeuer may most please thee , through Christ our lord , which liueth with thee &c

¶ A meditation of the comming of Christ to iudgement , and of the rewarde both of the faithful & vnfaithful .

OH Lord Jesus Christ , the sonne of the euerliuing God , by whom all thinges were made , are ruled and gouerned , as of thy loue , for our redemption thou didst not disdaine to be our mediatour , and to take vppon thee our nature in the wombe of a virgine , purely and without sinne , by the operation of the holy spirite , that both thou mightest in thine owne person wonderfully beautifie and exalte our nature , and worke the same in vs also , first abolishing the giltines of sinne by remission , then sinne it selfe by death , and last of all , death by raysing vp againe these our bodies , that they may be like vnto thyne owne glorious and immortall body , according to the power wherewith thou art able to subiect all thinges vnto thee : as ( I say ) of thy loue for our redemption thou becamest man and that most poore and afflicted vpon earth by the space of xxxiii . yeres at the least , in most humilitie , and payedst the price of our raunsome by thy most bitter death and passion ( for the which I most hartely geue thankes to thee ) so of the same thy loue towardes vs , in thy good time thou wilt come againe in the cloudes of heauen with power and great glory , with flaming fire , with thousandes of saintes , with angels of thy power , with a mighty cry , shoute of an Archangell , and blast of a trumpe , sodenly as a lightning which shineth from the East , &c. when men thinke least , euen as a thiefe in the night when men be a slepe , thou wilt so come ( I say ) thus sodainly in the twincklyng of an eie , all men that euer haue bene , be and shall be , with women and children , appearyng before thy tribunall iudgement seat , to render an accompt of all thinges which they haue thought , spoken , and done against thy law , openly and before all Aungels , saintes , and Deuils , and so to receiue the iust reward of thy vengeaunce , if that they haue not repented & obeyed the gospell , and so depart from thee to the Deuill & his angels and all the wicked which euer haue bene , be , or shall be , into hell fire , which is vnquencheable , and of paynes intolerable , easeles , endeles , hopeles , euen from the feare of thy glorious & mighty power .

But if they haue repented and beleued thy gospel : if they be found watching with their lampes & oyle in their handes : if they be found ready appareled with the wedding garment of innocency : if they haue not hardened their hartes , & hourded vp the treasure of thy vengeaunce in the day of wrath to be reuealed , but haue vsed the tyme of grace , the acceptable tyme , the time of saluation , that is , the time of this lyfe , in the which thou stretchest out thy hande , and spreadest thine armes , calling and crying vnto vs , to come vnto thee which art meeke in hart and lowly , for thou wilt ease all that labour and are heauy loden : if they haue visited the sicke and prisoners , comforted the comfortlesse , fedde the hungry , clothed the naked , lodged the harbourles , if they haue not loden their hartes with glotony , and surfeting , and carefulnes of this life : if they haue not digged and hid their talent in the ground , doing no good therwith , but haue bene faithfull to occupy thy gifts to thy glory , and here washed their garmentes in thy bloud by harty repentance : then shal thy aungels gather them together , not as the wicked which shall be collected as fagots , & cast into the fire , but as the good wheate that is gathered into thy barne : then shall they be caught vp to meete thee in the clouds : then shall their corruptible body put on incorruption : then shall they be indued with immortality and glory : then shall they be with thee , and goe whether thou goest : then shal they heare , Come blessed of my Father , possesse the kingdome prepared for you from the beginning , &c. then shall they be set on seates of maiestie iudging the whole worlde : then shall they raigne with thee for euer : then shall God be all in all with them and to them : them shal they enter and enherite the heauenly Jerusalem and the glorious restfull land of Canaan , where is alwayes day and neuer night , where is no maner of weping , teares , infirmitie , hunger , colde , sickenes , enuy , malice , nor sinne : but alwayes ioy without sorow , mirth without measure , pleasure without paine , heauenly harmony , most pleasant melody , saying , and singing : holy , holy , Lorde God of hostes . &c. Finally the eye hath not seene , the eare hath not heard , neither hath it entred into the harte of man , that they shall then enherite and most surely enioy , althogh here they be tormented , prisoned , burned , sollicited of Sathan , tempted of the flesh , and entangled with the worlde , wherethrough they are enforced to cry , Thy kingdome come : Come Lord Iesu , &c. How amiable are thy tabernacles ? Lyke as the harte desireth the water brookes , &c. Now let thy seruaunt departe in peace : I desire to be dissolued and to be with Christ : We mourne in our selues , wayting for the deliueraunce of our bodies , &c. Oh gracious Lord , when shall I find such mercy with thee , that I may repent , beleue , hope and looke for these thinges , with the full fruition of those heauenly ioyes which thou hast prepared for all them that feare thee , and so rest with thee for euermore .

❧ A meditation concerning the lyfe euerlastyng , the place where it is , and the incomparable ioyes therof .

THat there is an enerlasting life , none wil deny but such as wil deny God . For if he be true & iust ( which he must needes be , or els he is not God ) then can there not be but an eternall life . That he hath both spoken it and promised it , in Math. 25. 1. Cor. 16. Hebr. 4. 11. 13. 1. Petr. 1. it plainly appeareth , and els where in very many places . So that to deny an euerlasting lyfe , is to deny God , to deny Christ and all that euer he did , also to deny all pietie & religion , to condemne of foolishnes all good men , martyrs , confessors , Euangelistes , Prophetes , Patriarckes . Finally the deniall of eternal life is no thing els , but a deniall of the immortalitie of the soule , and so a plaine making of man no thing better then beastes . If it be so , let vs then eate and drinke , for to morow we shall die . Lord preserue vs from this Saduceal and Epicureall impietie , and graunt vs for thy mercies sake ( deare God ) that we may be assuredly perswaded , that there is in deede an eternall life and blisse wyth thee , for them that put their trust in thee , amongst whome accompt me for thy mercies sake .

Agayne , this eternall lyfe , and the place appoynted for them that be thy seruauntes , all men do graunt to be wyth thee : Albeit they do not think that because thou art euery where , therfore eternall life is euery where : For they by thy worde do know , that in as much as no man can see thee and liue , this eternall lyfe and thy blessed presence is most pleasant and had in fruition , after in an other world , wher unto by corporall death they do depart and are translated to a place aboue them , where thou dwellest in a light whervnto no man can approche . Abrahams bosome ( they read ) was aboue , as the place for the wicked , was a lowe and beneath . Helias was caught vp into heauen , and thy sonne our deare sauiour prayed , that where he is , those also might be , which thou hadst geuen him and might se his glory . Now , he ( deare father ) we learne by thy spirite , was ascended and taken vp in his very body into heauen , whether Steuen loked vp and sawe thy Christ standing on thy right hand : to whom he prayed : Oh Lorde Iesu receiue my spirite . Graunt I beseche thee , gracious god and father , that I may haue a cleane hart , more & more to see thee , and so in spirite to see and loke often vpon this place : whether bring me at the length in body also , I humbly pray thee .

Now , what a thyng this euerlasting life is , no man is able to conceiue , much lesse able to vtter : For the peace of god which is eternall life , passeth all vnderstanding . The eye hath not seene , the eare hath not heard , neither can mans harte conceiue those thinges , which thou ( deare God ) hast prepared for them that loue thee . Whatsoeuer therfore can be spoken or imagined of thy kingdom , of the clearenes , ioy and felicitie of the same , is nothyng in comparison : as we may see by the Prophets , which ( because they could not otherwise ) vnder corporall things , haue shadowed the same : So that the confidence of eternall life , what a thing it is , can in no wise be told . Howbeit some what we may be brought into some sight of it , by earthly thinges , to thinke on this sort . If God hath geuen here so many thinges in a strange place , how many are the great good thinges that be at home ? If in a prison are so many mercies , how many are they in the palace ? If the wicked haue so many benefites , what is the store prepared for thy seruants , O Lord ? If thy children finde such comfortes in the day of teares and mournyng , what shall they finde in the day of the mariage ? If with beastes men beyng , haue the vse of so innumerable blessings , oh how many are the blessinges whiche they shall enioy with thy Angels , and with thee thy selfe ( O dere God ) when they shal see thee , and haue the fruition of thee , in whome is fulnes without lothing of all good & faire thinges : so that nothyng can be more desired , and that for euermore ?

This thy children do not so see as they now beleue it : I say that euen in their bodies they shal see it for euer , as Job sayd . They heleue that they shall see thee , and their owne eyes beholde thee , when these our corporall eyes , our bodies beyng raised , shall do their duties . Such a knowledge of thee they beleue to haue , as shall not be onely intellectuall and by faith , as now it is : but euen a full sight and fruition , yea a comunction and felowship with thee . Now they see but in a glasse , euen in a darke speaking : but then they shal see face to face . For faith , though it be the substaunce of thinges hoped for , and a certain darke sight of thee : yet it may not be compared to the rewarde of faith , & glorious sight which we shall see in the life to come , when fayth & hope shall cease .

Now , thy children know that they be thy children , though it yet appeare not what they shall be . We know ( say they ) that when our Christ God and man shall appeare , then shall we be lyke vnto hym : for we shall see him euen as he is . Oh great prerogatiue , to see Christ as he is . Which is not to be considered so much for the manhoode , as for the Godhead it self : as Paule doth also write , that when all thinges are subiect vnto the sonne , then shall he be subiect vnto thee ( deare Father ) also that God may be all in all . And therfore Christ our sauiour praied for vs , that we might know thee the onely true God . Not that our Christ thy sonne is not with thee , the true , coequal , and substanciall god , but that we might know how that after the iudgement such a mystery of hys mediatourship shall not be in heauen , as is now in earth . Then thou blessed trinitie , God the Father , God the sonne , and God the holy ghost shalt be all in all : thou shalt be the end of our desires , thou shalt be loked vpon without ende , thou shalt be loued without lothyng , thou shalt bee praysed without wearinesse . Althoughe lothsomues be wont to folow fulnes , yet our fulnes in the contemplation of thy pleasures shall bring with it no kinde at all of lothsomnes . Sacietie of ioyes shall be in the beholding of thee . Pleasures are on thy right hand for euer . We shal be satisfied when we arise after thyne image : I meane in the resurrection . Oh deare father , shew thy self vnto vs , and we aske no more . Oh graunt vs with thy Saintes in euerlasting lyfe , to prayse wyth perpetual prayses , thy holy name . Happy then and happy again wer we , if that day wer come that we myght sing wyth thy aungels , elders , and innumerable thousandes , a new song & say , thou Christ Jesu which wast slayne , art worthy to receyue power , and riches : and wisdome , and strength , & honour , and glory , and blessyng . In thys blessed lyfe all kynde of maladies , griefes , sorrowes and euils be farre away , and all ful of all kinde of mirth , ioy & pleasure . Oh that we might see now a litle with S. John that holy Citie , new Jerusalem , descending from heauen , prepared of god as a bride trimmed for her husbande . Oh that we might now somethyng heare the great voyce speakyng out of the throne , behold the tabernacle of God is with men , and he will dwell with them , and they shall be hys people , and he shal be vnto them their god : he will wipe away all teares from their eies , and death shal be no more , nor wepyng , nor crying , nor sorrow : for the former thinges are gone .

¶ An other meditation of the blessed state and felicitie of the life to come .

THis body is but a prison wherein the soule is kept , and that verely , not beautifull nor bright : but most foule and darke , disquiet , fraile , and filled vp with much vermine and venemous vipers ( I meane it concerning our affections ) standing in an ayre most vnwholesome , and prospect most lothsome , if a man consider the excrementes of it , by the eyes , nose , mouth , eares , hands , feete , and all the other partes . So that no Bocardo , no Little ease , no Dungeon , no Bishops prison , no gatehouse , no sincke , no pit , may be compared in any point , to be so euill a prison for the body , as the body is for and of the soule : wherethrough the children of God haue bene occasioned to cry & lament their long being in it . Oh saith Dauid , how long shall I lye in this prison ? Oh wretch that I am ( sayth Paule ) who shall deliuer me out of this body of sinne ? which is an heauie burden vnto the soule , as the wise man sayth . And therefore the godly cry , now let thy seruant depart in peace . Oh that I were dissolued and had put of this earthly and fraile tabernacle .

Take me vnto thee , and bring my soule out of thys prison , that it may geue thankes vnto thee O Lord. For so long as we be in thys body , we can not see the Lord : yea it is as an heauy habitation , and depresseth downe sore the spirite fro the familiaritie which it els should haue with God . This world & life is an exile , a vale of misery , a wildernes , of it self being voide of all vertues and necessaryes for eternall life , full of ennemies , sorrowes , sighings , sobbings , gronings , miseries , &c : In daunger to hunger , cold , heate , thirst , sores , sicknes , tentations , trouble , death , and innumerable calamities , being momentanye , short , vnstable , and nothing but vaine , and therfore is compared to a warfare , a womans trauaile , a shadow , a smoke , a vapour , a worde , a storme , a tempest , in the which Gods people feele great molestations , greefes , & troubles , now of Sathan him selfe , now of the world , now of their owne flesh , and that so wonderfully , diuersly , daungerously , & contrarily , that they are enforced to cry : Oh Lorde , when shall we come and appeare before thee ? when shall this misery end ? when shall we be deliuered out of this vale of miserye ? out of thys wildernes ? out of thys continuall affliction and most perilousseas ? But where thou art ( Lorde and deare father of mercy ) there is not only no prison , no dolours , no sorow , no sighinges , no teares , no sicknes , no hunger , no heate , no colde , no paine , no temtations , no displeasure , no malice , no pride , no vncleannes , no contention , no tormentes , no horrour , no sin , no filth , no stinch , no dearth , no death , no weeping , no teares , no misery , nor mischiefe : there is ( I say ) not onely no such thing , or any e-euill , noysome , or displeasaunt thing : but all libertie , all light , all pleasauntnes , all ioy , reioysing , mirth , pleasure , pastime , health , wealth , riches , glory , power , treasure , honour , triumph , comfort , solace , loue , vnitie , peace , concord , wisdome , vertue , melody , meekenes , felicitie , beatitude , and all that euer can bee wished or desired , in most securitie , eternitie , and perpetuitie that may be thought , not onely of man , but of Angels and Archangels , yea aboue all thoughtes . The eye hath not seene the like , the eare hath not heard it , nor no hart is able to conceaue in any poynt , any part of the blisfull beatitude which is with thee most deare God and Father , most deare Lorde and Sauiour , most gratious good God and comforter . Where thou art , O blessed God , the Archaungels , Aungels , Thrones , powers , dominations , Cherubins , Ceraphins , Patriarkes , Prophets , Apostles , Martyrs , Virgins , Confessors , and righteous spirites , cease not to sing , night and day : Holy , Holy , Holy , Lorde God of hostes : honor , maiestie , glory , power , empire and dominion be vnto thee , oh God the creator , oh Lord Jesu the redemer , oh holy spirite the comforter . In recordation of thys , Oh how thy children reioyce ? how contemne they the pleasures of thys worlde ? how litle esteme they any corporall greefe or shame ? how desire they to bee with thee ? How amiable are thy tabernacles , Oh Lorde God of hostes , say they : my soule hath a desire to enter into the courtes of the Lorde : my hart and my soule reioyceth in the lyuyng God . Blessed are they that dwell in thy house , they that may alwayes be praysing thee . For one day in thy courtes is better then a thousand els where . I had rather be a doore keper in the house of my God , then to dwell in the tentes of vngodlines : for the Lord God is a light & defence . And againe : lyke as the Hart desireth the water brookes : so longeth my soule after thee , Oh God : my soule is a thyrst for God , yea euen for the liuing God . When shall I come to appeare before the presence of God ? My soule thirsteth for thee : my flesh also longeth after thee in a barren and dry land , where no water is . They ( thy children I meane O Lord ) desire the day of that their redemption : stil they cry : let thy kingdom come : they cry : Come Lord Jesu : they lift vp their heades lookyng for thy appearing , Oh Lorde , which will make their vile body lyke to thine owne glorious & immortall body : for when thou shalt appeare , they shall be like vnto thee . Thy Aungels will gather them together , & they shall meete thee in the cloudes , and bee alwayes with thee . They shall heare thys ioyfull voyce : Come ye blessed of my father , possesse the kingdome prepared for you from the beginning . Then shall they be like to thy Aungells . Then shall they be like vnto the Sunne in thy kyngdome . Then shall they haue crownes of glory , and be endued with white garmentes of innocencie and righteousnes , and Palmes of victory in their handes . Oh happy is he that may but see that immortall and incorruptible inheritance , which they shall enioy for euermore , Amen .

¶ A Meditation of the presence of God .

THere is nothyng that maketh more to true godlines of life , then the perswasion of thy presence ( deare father ) and that nothyng is hyd from thee , but all to thee is open and naked , euen the very thoughtes , which one day thou wilt reueale and open , either to our praise or punishment in thys life : as thou diddest Dauids faultes which he dyd secretly . 2. Reg. 12. or in the lyfe to come . Math. 25. for nothyng is so hid that shall not be reuealed . Therfore doth the Prophet say : Woe to them that keepe secrete their thoughtes to hide theyr counsell from the Lorde , and do their workes in darknes , saying who seeth vs ? Graunt to me therefore ( deare God ) mercy for all my sinnes , especially , my hid and close sinnes . Enter not into iudgement with me , I humbly besech thee . Geue me to beleue truely in thy Christ , that I neuer come into iudgement for them : that with Dauid I might so reueale them and confesse them vnto thee , that thou wouldest couer them . And graunt further , that hence forth I alwayes thinke myself continually conuersaunt before thee , so that if I do well , I passe not of the publishing of it , as hypocrites doe : If I do or thinke any euill , I may forthwith know that the same shall not alwayes be hid from men . Graunt me , that I may alwayes haue in minde that day wherin hyd workes of darknes shall be illumined , and also that sentence of thy sonne , that nothing is so secret which shall not bee reuealed . So in trouble and wrong I shall finde comfort , and otherwise be kept through thy grace from euil : which do thou worke I humbly besech thee , for Christes sake ,

Amen .

❧ A Meditation of death , and the commodities it bringeth .

WHat other thing do we dayly in thys present life , then heape sinne vppon sinne , and hourde vp trespasse vpon trespasse ? so that thys day is worse alwayes then yesterday , by encreasing as dayes , so sinnes , and therefore thy indignation , good Lorde , agaynst vs : but when we shall be let goe out of the prison of thys body , and so taken into thy blessed company , then shall we be in most safety of immortalitie and saluation , them shall come vnto vs no sicknes , no nede , no paine , no kind of euill to soule or body : but what soeuer good we can wish , that shall we haue , and what soeuer we loth , shall be farre from vs . O deare father , that we had fayth , to beholde these thinges accordingly . Oh that our hartes were perswaded therof , and our affections enflamed with the desire of them . Then should we liue in longing for that which now we most loth . O helpe vs , and graunt that we being ignorant of thinges to come , and of the tyme of our death , which to thee is certain , may so liue and finishe our iourney here , that we may be ready and then depart , when our departing may make most to thy glory & our comfort through Christ .

What is thys lyfe but a smoke , a vapour , a shadow , a warfare , a bubble of water , a worde , grasse , a flower ? That we shall die it is most certaine : but the time , no man can tell when . The longer in this life we do remaine , the more wee synne , which will turne to our further paine . By cogitation of death , our mindes be often , in a maner , oppressed with darkenes , because we do but remember the nyght of the body , forgetting the light of the mynde , and of the resurrection . Hereto remember the good thinges that after thys life shall ensue , in certaintie of faith , without wauering , and so shall the passage of death be more desired . It is like a sayling ouer the sea to your home and countrey : it is like a medicine or purgation to the health of soule and body : it is the best Phisicion : it is lyke a womans trauaile . For as the chylde beyng deliuered , commeth into a more large place then the wombe wherin it did lye before , so the soule beyng deliuered out of the body , commeth into a much more larger and fayrer place , euen into heauen .

❧ A meditation concerning the sober vsage of the body , and pleasures in this life .

THe beginning of all euill in our kynde of liuyng springeth out of the deprauation and corruptnes of our iudgement , because our will alwayes followeth that which reason iudgeth to be folowed . Now , that which euery man taketh to be frendly and agreyng to his nature , the same doth he iudge necessarily to be good for hym , and to be desired . This is meate , drinke , apparel , riches , fauour , dignitie , rule , knowledge , and such lyke , because they are thought good & agreeyng either to the body , or to the mind , or to both , for they helpe either to the conseruation or to the pleasure of man , accompted of euery one amongest good thinges .

Howbeit such is the weaknes of our witte on the one parte , and the blindnes and too much rage of our lustes on the other part , that we beyng left to our selues , can not but in the desire of thynges which we iudge good and agreeyng to our nature by the iudgement of our senses and reason , we cannot ( I say ) but ouerpasse the boundes wherby they myght be profitable vnto vs , and so we make them hurtfull to vs , which of themselues are ordayned for our health . What is more necessary then meate and drynke , or more agreeyng to nature ? but yet how few be there which do not hurt themselues by them ? In lyke maner it goeth with riches , estimation , frends , learning , &c. Yea although we be in these most temperate , yet when there wanteth the spirit our regeneratour , we are so drowned in them that we vtterly neglect to lift vp our myndes to the good pleasure of God , to the ende we might imitate and follow God our maker by yelding our selues ouer , duly to vse his gyftes to the common and priuate vtility of our neighbours .

But now , God onely is life and eternity , and cannot but demaunde of vs hys handiworke , that we should render our selues and all we haue to the ende wherefore we were made , that is , to resemble for our portion , his goodnes , as those which be nothing els but witnesses & instruments of his mercy . So that when we wholy do naturally striue against that kind of life wherto he hath create vs , by seking alwayes our selues , what other thing ought to ensue , but that he should againe destroy vs & take away his notable giftes , wherwith he therfore indued vs that by all kinde of wel doyng we should resemble his image : yea what other thyng may ensue but that he should leaue vs & that eternally , that we might feele and by experience proue how bitter a thing it is to leaue the lord in whom is all goodnes ? Oh that I might therfore find such fauor in thy sight deare father , that thou wouldest worke in me by thy holy spirite , a true knowledge of all good thynges , and harty loue to the same , through Christ Jesus our lord and only Sauiour .

Amen .

❧ A meditation vpon the passion of our Sauiour Iesus Christ .

OH Lord Jesus Christ , the sonne of the almighand euerliuyng God , by whome all thynges were made , and be ruled and gouerned : thou the liuely image of the substaunce of the Father , the eternall wisedom of God , the brightnes of his glory , god of God , light of light , coequal , coeternall , and consubstancial with the father : thou which of the loue thou hadst to mankynde when he was fallen from the felowship of God into the societie of Sathan and all euil , didst vouchsafe for our redemption to become a Mediatour betwene God & man , taking to the Godhead our nature , as concerning the substaunce of it , and so becamest man : also the heire of all , and most merciful Messias : which by the power of thy Godhead & merites of thy manhode , hast made purgation of our synnes , euen by thine owne self , whilest thou wast here on earth , being now set on the right hand of thy father for vs , euen concernyng our nature , in maiesty , glory , and power infinite : I pray and humbly besech thy mercy , to graunt me at thys present , to rehearse some of thy passions and suffringes for me the last night that thou wast here before thy death , that thy good spirite myght therby be effectual to worke in me faith , as well of the pardon of my synnes by them , as mortification of myne affections , comfort in my crosses , and pacience in afflictions , Amen .

In the midst of thy last supper with thy deare Apostles , these thynges could not but be before thee , namely that they all would leaue thee , the most earnest would forsweare thee , and one of the xij . should most traitrously betray thee : which were no small crosses vnto thee . Judas was admonished of thee to beware , but when he tooke no heede , but wilfully went out to finish his work , contemnyng thy admonition and counsell , he could not but vexe thy most louyng hart .

After supper , there was contention amongs thy disciples , who should be greatest after ter thee , yet dreamyng carnally of thee and thy kyngdome , and hauyng this affection of pryde and ambition busie amonges them , notwithstandyng thy diligence in reprouyng and teachyng them .

After thy admonition to them of the crosse that would come , therby to make them more vigilant : so grosse wer they that they thought they could wyth their two swordes put away all perils : which was no little griefe vnto thee .

After thy commyng to Gethsemane , heauines oppressed thee , & therfore thou wouldest thy disciples to pray . Thou didst tell to Peter and his fellowes , that thy hart was heauy to death . Thou didst wyll them to pray , being carefull for them also , lest they should fall into temptation . After this thou wentest a stones cast from them and didst pray thy selfe , falling flat and groueling vppon the earth : but ( alas ) thou feltest no comfort , and therfore thou camest to thy disciples ( which of all others were most sweete & deare vnto thee ) but lo to thy further discomfort , they passe neither of thy perils , nor of their owne , and therfore sleepe apace . After thou hadst awaked them , thou wentest agayne to pray , but thou foundest no comfort at all , & therfore didst returne agayne for some comforte at thy dearest frendes handes . But yet againe ( alas ) they are fast a sleepe . Wherupon thou art enforced to go agayne to thy heauenly father for some sparckle of comfort in these thy wonderfull crosses & agonies . Now here thou wast so discouraged and so comfortles , that euen streames of bloud came runnyng from thine eies and eares , and other partes of thy body . But who is able to expresse the infinitenes of thy crosses , euen at thy beyng in the garden ? All which thou sufferedst for my sake , as well to satisfy thy fathers wrath for my sinnes , as also to sanctify all my sufferinges , the more gladly to be susteyned of me .

After thy bloudy prayer thou camest , and yet agayne foundest thy disciples a sleepe , and before thou canst well awake them , loe , Judas commeth with a great bande of men , to apprehend thee as a theefe , and so doth , leadyng thee away bound , to that hie Bishops house Annas , & so from him to Cayphas . Here now to augment this thy misery , behold thy disciples flie from thee : false witnesses be brought against thee : thou art accused and condemned of blasphemy : Peter , euen in thy sight forsweareth thee : thou art vniustly striken for answering lawfully : thou art blindefield , striken and buffeted all the whole nyght in the bishop Cayphas house , of their cruell seruauntes .

In the mornyng betymes thou art condemned agayne of the priestes , of blasphemy , & therfore they bring thee before the secular power , to Pilate , by whom thou art openly arrayned as other theeues and malefactors were : and when he saw that thou wast accused of malice , yet he did not dismisse thee , but did sende thee to Herode where thou wast derided shamefully , in commyng and goyng to hym and from hym all the way , especially after Herode had appareled thee as a foole .

Afore Pilate agayne therfore thou wast brought , and accused falsly : no man did take thy part , or speak a good word for thee .

Pilate caused thee to be whipped and scourged , and to be handled most pitifully , to se if any pitie might apeare with the Prelates , but no man at all pitied thee .

Barrabas was preferred before thee : all the people , head and taile , was against thee & cryed , hang thee vp : vniustly to death wast thou iudged : thou wast crowned with thornes that pearced thy braines : thou wast made a mocking stocke : thou wast reuiled , beaten , and most miserably handled .

Thou wentst through Jerusalem , to the place of execution , euen to the mount Caluery : a great crosse to hange thee on , was layde vppon thy backe to beare and drawe , as long as thou wast able .

Thy body was racked , to be nayled to the tree : thy hands were bored thorow , & thy feete also : nayles were put thorow them to fasten thee thereon : thou wast hanged betwene heauen & earth , as one spewed out of heauen , and vomited out of the earth , vnworthy of any place : the high priest laughed thee to scorne : the elders blasphemed thee , and sayd , God hath no care for thee : the common people laughed and cried out vpon thee : thrist oppressed thee , but vineger onely & gall was geuen thee to drinke : heauen shined not on thee : the Sunne gaue thee no lyght : the earth was afrayd to beare thee : Sathan tempted thee , and thine owne senses caused thee to cry out : My God my GOD why hast thou forsaken me ? Oh wonderfull passions which thou suffredst . In them thou teachest me , in them thou comfortest me : for by them God is my father , my sinnes are forgeuen . By them I should learne to feare God , to loue God , to hope in God , to hate synne , to be patient , to call vppon God , and neuer to leaue hym for any temptations , but with thee to cry : Father into thy handes , I commende my spirite .

A meditation of Gods power , beautie , goodnes , &c.

BEcause thou lord woul dest haue vs to loue thee , not onely doost thou will , entice , allure & prouoke vs , but also doost commaund vs so to do , promisyng thy self vnto such as loue thee , and threatning vs with damnation if we doo otherwyse : wherby we may see both our great corruption and noughtines , and also thine excedyng great mercy towardes vs .

First , concerning our corruption and noughtines , what a thing is it , that power , riches , authoritie , beautie , goodnes , liberalitie , truth , iustice , ( which all thou art good lord ) cannot moue vs to loue thee ? Whatsoeuer thynges we see , fayre , good , wyse , mighty , are but euen sparkles of that power , beautie , goodnes , wisdom , which thou art . For to the end thou mightst declare thy riches , beuty , power , wisdom , thou hast not only made , but still doost conserue all creatures to be ( as Dauid sayth of the heauens ) declarers and setters forth of thy glory , and as a booke to teach vs to know thee .

How fayre thou art , the beautie of the Sunne , Moone , Stars , light , flowers , riuers , fieldes , hils , birdes , beastes , men and all creatures , yea the goodly shape and forme of the whole world doth declare .

How mighty thou art , we are taught by the creation of this world euen of nought , by gouerning the same , by punishing the wicked mighty Giants therof , by ouerthrowing their deuises , by repressing the rages of the sea within her bounds , by stormes , by tempestes , by fires : these and such lyke declare vnto vs thine inuisible , almighty , and terrible power , whereby thou subduest all thinges vnto thee .

How riche thou art , thys worlde , thy great and infinite treasurehouse doth well declare . What plenty is there , not onely of thinges , but also of euery kinde of things ? Yea how doost thou yearely and daily multiply these kyndes ? How many seedes doost thou make of one seede ? yea what great increse doost thou bring it vnto ? These cannot but put vs in remembraunce of the exceedyng riches that thou hast . For if to thyne enemies which loue thee not ( as the most part in this world be ) if to them thou geuest so plentifully thy riches here , what shal we thinke that with thy selfe thou hast layde vp for thy frendes ?

How good thou art , all creatures generally and perticularly do teach . What creature is there in the worlde which thou hast not made for our commoditie ? I will not say how that thou mightst haue made vs creatures without sense or reason if thou haddest would . But amongst al things , none doth teach vs so thy great loue towardes vs , as doth the death of thy most dearely beloued sonne , who suffred the paynes and terrours thereof , yea and hell it selfe , for our sakes . If this thy loue had bene but a smal loue , it would neuer haue lasted so long , nor Christ shold neuer haue died .

❧ A prayer to Christ crucified .

AS thou O Lord , wast crucified for me , so I beseeche thee crucify me with thee , that I may ryse agayne with thee to euerlasting lyfe . Thy flesh was crucified for me : crucifie with thee ( O Christ ) the kingdom of the flesh which hath dominion in me , that I may put of the olde Adam , and by newnes of lyfe , may be transformed into thee that second Adam , sinne , infidelitie , and the whole tiranny of Sathan beyng vanquished and ouercome . Bring to passe , O Lord , that by thy crosse and painefull sufferyng , thy yoke may be to me made light , and thy burden easy , that willingly and gladly following thee , I may come whether thou art gone : that is , to thy father most blessed and immortall , from whom nothing shall afterwardes be able to seperate vs .

* God forbid that I should reioyce in any thing but in the crosse of our Lorde Iesus Christ , whereby the world is crucified vnto me , and I vnto the world .

❧ A prayer to Christ ascended and reigning in glory .

OH good Christ , our first begotten brother and tender harted Joseph : oh naturall sonne of that Father , to whome we are made children of adoption through thee : oh our head reigning on high in glory : forget not vs thy poore members here on earth , wherinto abasyng thy selfe , thou camest downe and sufferedst for vs most cruell death . Out of this thy throne of maiestie and glory , thou put test vs in assured hope & confidence , that we also shall attain to that blessed place whether thou art gone before to take possession for vs . Oh our strong tower of defence and succor , what can hurt vs now trusting in thee ? Most vnhappy are they which are ignorant of thee . Most happy are they which alwayes beholde thee . Blessed are they which haue knowen thee here in the dayes of their mortalitie : but more blessed are they which see thee in the heauens , and shall see thee raigning with thy father in ioyes incomparable .

Oh Lord , the onely ioy and comfort of our soules , shew vs thy louing countenance : embrace vs with the armes of thy mercy : receiue vs O good Joseph thy younger brethern , with the kisse of comfort : poure into our hartes thy holy spirit : plucke vs vp from the earth & earthly things : open our eies and lift them vp vnto thee : open thy mouth and call vs vnto thee : open our eares that we may heare thee , so that whatsoeuer we do speake or thinke , it may be directed vnto thee alone , our redemer , mediatour and aduocate .

¶ If ye be risen agayne with Christ , seke the thinges which are aboue where Christ sitteth at the right haud of God : set your affection on thinges that are aboue , and not on things which are on the earth .

❧ A prayer for the auoyding of Gods deserued wrath and vengeaunce for our sinne .

WHen we looke backe & behold our sinfull lyfe past , what a dungeon of errors , vice , and wickednes openeth it selfe vnto vs ? so that there is no man but he must needes be ashamed of himself when he calleth to mind what he hath bene , and tremble when he considereth the wickednes and sinfull course of hys life to come . For who shal vndertake that the rest of our lyfe shall be any better then that is past ? How can we then sufficiently magnifie & prayse thy great mercy , which hast differred thy punishment so long ? Beholding therfore this our daungerous and miserable state , we come vnto thee ( O thou great and mighty iudge ) in trembling & feare , humbly beseching thee not to heape vppon vs thy deserued vengeance , but let thy tender kindenes and loue thou bearest to Jesus Christ thy deare sonne our gracious Lord and redemer , couer our iniquities : for whose sake , though we deserue all extremity , thou doost pardon vs .

¶ If thou Lord shalt straitly marke our iniquities ( O Lord ) who shall be able to abide it ?

¶ A prayer to God for his helpe and protection against the obstinate enemies of the truth .

MOst righteous iudge , God of all mercy and comfort , which by thy secret iudgement and wisdom doost suffer the wicked to triumph and increase for a tyme , for trial of the faith of thy welbeloued little flocke , and the mortifying of their lustes , but at length to the vtter confuliō of the enemies , and ioyfull deliuerance of thy people : looke down , we besech thee , on thy dispersed sheepe out of thy holy habitation in heauen , and strengthen our weakenes against their furious rages : abate their pryde : asswage their malice : confound their deuises , wherwith they lift vp themselues agaynst Christ Jesus thy sonne our Lord and Sauiour , to deface his glory and set vp Antichrist . We be not able of our selues to thynke a good thought , much lesse to stand against their assaultes , except thy vndeserued grace and mighty arme defend and deliuer vs . Performe thy promises made to Jacob , and stop the mouthes of the cursed Edomites . Call them to repentance whom thou hast appoin-to saluation , bring home them that runne astray , lighten the blynde , and teache the ignoraunt : forgeue all those that wilfully and obstinately rebel not against thy holy will , let thy feareful threatnings pierce our stony hartes , and make vs tremble at thy iudgements .

Make the examples of them whom thou hast ouerthrowne in their own deuises , as Cain , Cham , Nemrod , Esau , Pharao , Saule , Achitophell , Judas , & such other to be a warning for vs , that we set not vp our selues agaynst thy holy will . Graunt free passage to thy holy worde , that it may worke effectually in vs the worke of lyfe and blessed hope of our saluation , to the eternal praise of thy maiestie , through our mediatour Christ Jesus : to whome with thee and the holy ghost , three persons and one God , be prayse & thanksgeuyng in all congregations world without end . So be it .

¶ A Prayer for the afflicted and persecuted vnder the tyranny of Antichrist .

O Mercifull father , who neuer dost forsake such as put their trust in thee : stretch forth thy mighty arme to the defence of our brethren , by the rage of enemies persecuted and greuously tormented in sundry places for the true profes1ion of thy holy Gospell , who in theyr extreme necessitie cry for comfort vnto thee . Let not thy long suffering O Lorde , be an occasion eyther to encrease the tyranny of thy enemies , or to discourage thy children , but with speede O Lorde , consider their great miseries and afflictions . Preuent the cruell deuise of Aman : stay the rage of Holophernes : breake of the counsell of Achitophell . Let not the wicked say : Where is now their God ? Let thy afflicted flocke feele present ayde and reliefe from thee O Lord : looke downe vpon them with thy pitifull eye from thy holy habitation : send terrour and trembling among their enemies : make an end of their outragious tyranny : beate backe their boldnes in suppressing thy truth , in destroying thy true seruantes , in defacing thy glory , & in setting vp Antichrist . Let them not thus proudly aduaunce them selues agaynst thee and thy Christ , but let them vnderstand and feele that agaynst thee they fight . Preserue and defend the vine which thy right hand hath planted , and let all nations see the glory of thine annointed ,

Amen .

¶ A Prayer to be sayd before the receauing of the Communion .

O Father of mercy and God of all consolation , seing all creatures do knowledge and confesse thee to be their gouernour & Lord , it becommeth vs the workmanship of thine owne handes , at all times to reuerence & magnifie thy godly maiestie : First , for that thou hast created vs to thine owne Image and similitude , but chiefly because thou hast deliuered vs from that euerlasting death and damnation , into the which Sathan drew mankind by the meanes of sinne : from the bondage wherof neyther man , nor Angell was able to make vs free , but thou ( O Lorde ) riche in mercy , and infinite in goodnes , hast prouided our redemption to stand in thine onely and welbeloued sonne : whom of very loue , thou didst geue to be made man like vnto vs in all thinges , sinne excepted , that in hys body he might receaue the punishment of our transgression , by hys death to make satisfaction to thy iustice , and by hys resurrection to destroy him that was author of death , and so to bring againe life to the worlde , from which the whole ofspring of Adam was most iustly exiled .

O Lord , we acknowledge that no creature was able to comprehend the length and breadth , the deepenes and height of that thy most excellent loue which moued thee to shewe mercy where none was deserued , to promise and geue lyfe where death had gotten victory , to receaue vs into thy grace when we could doe nothing but rebell against thy maiestie . O Lord , the blind dulnes of our corrupt nature will not suffer vs sufficiently to weigh these thy most ample benefites : yet neuertheles at the commaundement of Jesus Christ our Lorde , we present our selues to thys hys table ( which he hath left to be vsed in remembraunce of hys death vntill hys comming agayne ) to declare and witnes before the world , that by hym alone we haue receaued libertie and life : that by hym alone thou doest acknowledge vs to bee thy children and heyres : that by hym alone we haue entrance to the throne of thy grace : that by him alone we are possessed in our spirituall kingdome , to eate and drinke at his table , with whom we haue our conuersation presently in heauen , and by whom our bodyes shall be raised vp agayne from the duste , and shall bee placed with hym in that endles ioy , which thou ( O father of mercy ) hast prepared for thine elect before the foundation of the world was layde , And these most inestimable benefites we acknowledge and confesse to haue receaued of thy free mercy and grace , by thine onely beloued sonne Jesus Christ . For the which therfore we thy congregation , moued by thy holy spirite , render to thee all thankes , praise , and glory , for euer and euer .

¶ A thankesgeuing after the receauiug of the holy Communion .

TOst mercifull father , we render vnto thee all prayse , thankes , honour , & glory , for that it hath pleased thee of thy great mercies , to graunt vs miserable sinners , so excellent a gift and treasure , as to receaue vs into the fellowship & company of thy deare sonne Jesus Christ our Lord , whom thou hast deliuered to death for vs , & hast geuen hym vnto vs as a necessary foode and nourishment vnto euerlasting lyfe . And now we besech thee also ( O heauenly father ) to graunt vs thys request , that thou neuer suffer vs to become so vnkind , as to forget so worthy benefites , but rather imprint and fasten them sure in our hartes , that we may grow & encrease dayly more and more in true fayth , which continually is exercised in all maner of good workes : and so much the rather ( O Lord ) confirme vs in these perillous dayes and rages of Sathan , that we may constantly stand and continue in the confession of the same , to the aduauncement of thy glory , which art God ouer al things , blessed for euer , So be it .

¶ A Prayer for wisedome to gouerne the Realme .

ALmightie God & King of all Kinges , Lorde of heauen & earth , by whose ordinaunce Princes haue gouernance of mortal men , wheras the wisest King Salomon plainly confesseth him self vnable to gouerne his kingdome without thy helpe & assistance : how much lesse shall I thy handmaide , being by kinde a weake woman , haue sufficient abilitie to rule these thy kingdomes of England and Ireland , an innumerable & warlike nation , or how shall I possibly be able to beare the infinite weight of so great a burden , vnlesse thou ( O most mercifull father ) as thou hast of thine own liberalitie , without my deseruing and agaynst the expectation of many , geuen me a kingdome and made me to reigne , doe also in my reigning endue and helpe me with thy heauenly grace , without which , none , euen the wisest among the children of men , can once thinke a right thought . Thou therefore ( O endlesse fountaine of all wisedome ) send downe from thy holy heauen , and from the soueraigne throne of thy maiestie , thy wisedome , to be euer with me , and alway to assist me , to watch and labour with me in gouerning the common weale : and that it may so teach and instruct me thy handmaide , that I may discerne betwene good & euill , and betwene right & wronge , that I may euer haue willingnes , boldnes , & power , to geue deserued punishment to the giltie , louingly to defend the innocent , liberally to cherish the painefull and profitable members of the common weale : finally without regard of persons , without accompt of worldly respectes take in hand , execute , and performe that which I shall know to please thee alone : that when thou the rightfull iudge that shalt require many & great thynges at their handes to whom many and great thinges are committed , shalt call vs all to a straite reckening , I be not condemned as giltie of euill gouernaunce : but if I thy handmaide , by naturall frailtie , weaknes , and want of consideration , shall in any thing haue swarued from the right way , it may please thee of thy great mercy ( most soueraigne king and most louing father ) for

Jesus Christ thy sonnes sake , to pardon me , and graunt that after this earthly kingdome expired , I may with thee enioy the heauenly and euerlasting kingdome , through the same Jesus Christ thy sonne , our Lorde and Mediator , to whom with thee and with the holy ghost , the only king of all worldes , immortall , inuisible , & onely wise God , be all honour and glory for euer . ⸫

Domine ne in furore . PSALME . VI. ¶ When Dauid by his sinnes had prouoked Gods wrath , and now felte not onely his hand against him , but also conceyued the horrors of death euerlasting , he desireth forgeuenes , bewailing that if God tooke him away in his indignation , he should lacke occasion to prayse him as he was wont to do whiles he was among men . Then sodenly feeling Gods mercy , he sharply rebuketh his enemies which reioyced in his affliction .

O Lorde rebuke me not in thine indignation : neither chasten me in thy displeasure .

My soule is also sore troubled : but Lord how long wilt thou punish me ?

Turne thee , O Lord , and deliuer my soule , Oh saue me for thy mercies sake .

For in death no man remembreth thee , and who will geue thee thankes in the pit ?

I am wery of my groning , euery night wash I my bedde and water my couch with teares .

My beautie is gone for very trouble , and worne away because of all mine enemies .

Away from me all that worke vanitie , for the Lorde hath heard the voyce of my weping .

The Lorde hath heard my petition , the Lord will heare my prayer .

All mine enemies shall be confounded & sore vexed : they shall be turned backe and put to shame sodainly .

¶ A prayer taken out of the VI. Psalme .

WE deserue without dout ( O almighty God ) for our wicked offences and infinite sinnes , to be seuerely chastised of thee : but trustyng to thy great mercy , we most humbly beseeche thee that thou wilte not punishe vs in thy wrath , nor in thy heauye displeasure . We tremble , O our good father , and be in manner astonied with feare , when we call to mynde our owne sinnes and thy righteousnes . Do not therfore , we besech thee , as we haue with our euill deedes deserued , throw vs downe to hell , for there we shall not be able to sing to thy glory , nor to set forth thy prayse . Our enemies do gredily desire to haue it so : but thou , O God , looke backe vpon the teares of them that trust in thee , & make the workers of wickednes to depart from vs . Finally so heare vs , that they all may be ashamed & confounded that are enemies to our safetie and to thy glory , through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen .

❧ Beati quorum . PSALME XXXII . ¶ Dauid punished with greuous sicknes for his sinnes , counteth them blessed to whome God doth not impute their transgressions . And after that he had confessed his sinnes and obteined pardon , he exhorteth the wicked men to liue godly , and the good to reioyce .

BLessed is he whose vnrighteousnes is forgeuen , and whose sinne is couered .

Blessed is the man vnto whome the Lorde imputeth no sinne , and in whose spirite there is no guile .

For while I helde my tong , my bones consumed awaye , thorough my daily complayning .

For thy hand is heauy vpon me day & night , and my moysture is lyke the droughte in sommer .

I will knowledge my sinne vnto thee , and mine vnrighteousnes haue I not hid .

I sayde , I will confesse my sinnes vnto the Lord , and so thou forgauest the wickednes of my sinne .

For this shall euery one that is godly , make his prayer vnto thee , in a tyme when thou mayst be found : but in the great water floudes , they shall not come nigh hym .

Thou art a place to hide me in , thou shalt preserue me from trouble , thou shalte compasse me about with songes of deliuerance .

I will enforme thee & teach thee in the way wherein thou shaltgo , and I wil guide thee with mine eye .

Be ye not lyke to horse and mule , which haue no vnderstanding , whose mouths must be holden with bit and bridle , lest they fall vpon thee .

Great plages remayne for the vngodly , but who so putteth his trust in the Lord , mercy embraceth hym on euery syde .

Be glad O ye righteous & reioyce in the Lord , & be ioyful all ye that are true of harte .

¶ A prayer taken out of the XXXII . Psalme .

WE are taught by thee , O our most good and mighty God , that here in standeth the true felicitie of those that be thyne , that their sinnes be forgeuen , couered , and not layd to their charge in thy iudgement . Of the obtaining whereof , if euer there were neede , now it appeareth that we haue greatest neede of it , when the calamities of this present time do set our sinnes before our eyes . For we feele that thy hand waxeth heauy vppon thy church , wherefore we haue thought it best for vs not to cloke our synnes , but to confesse them openly before thee , and we distrust not , that thou of thy great goodnes wilt forth with pardon & forgeue vs our offences .

Wherfore being thine owne , we beseche thee at this tyme , when we doubte not that thou wilte be founde , that thou wilt not suffer thy people to be ouerwhelmed of the vngodly which now abounde like vnto ouerflowing waters . Be thou to vs a place of succour & refuge in these afflictions . Do thou instruct and teach vs the wayes of saluation , and whatsoeuer portion of brutish and vntamed lust remaineth in vs , do thou with the bitte and bridle of thy spirite so subdue and restraine , that we be not for it throwne hedlong into euerlasting destruction . And at length O Lord let the sorrowes and miseries be poured out vpon the enemies of thy glory : but let those that trust in thee be fenced and defended with thy singuler bountifulnes , that they which be zelous louers of thy name and vpright in harte , may reioyce in thee and triumphe with perfect gladnes , through Iesus Christ our Lord.

❧ An other out of the same Psalme .

THey are vndoubtedly blessed ( O almighty GOD ) to whom of thy mercy thou hast vouchsaued to pardon their sinnes , and not to impute to them but to couer and forgeue all the wickednes and misdoing what so euer it be , that hath heretofore defiled them . We do most certainly know , that it is impossible for vs to obteine so great a benefite , vnlesse we do first onely see our owne euils and bewray them to thee , and poure forth into thy bosome what so euer we haue sinnefully , wickedly , and shamefully committed against thy law . Wherefore we confesse to thee , O our heauenly father , that our vnrighteousnes is most haynous , and that our consciences are most miserably ouerburdened with the weight of our wickednes . Thou therefore with thy mercy do now relieue vs , and whatsoeuer misdoyng and iniquitie remaineth in vs , we besech thee that thou wilt louingly and mercifully wipe it away from vs . Deliuer vs from the miseries hangyng ouer vs , instruct vs with true vnderstanding , and with thy prudent care so gouerne vs , that we do not with euill affections runne out of kinde , and become as most folishe brute beastes : but that being garnished with thy goodnes , we may be cheared with true gladnes and perfect ioy before thee , thorough Iesus Christ our Lord ,

Amen .

❧ Domine in . PSALME XXXVIII . ¶ Dauid lying sicke of some greuous disease , acknowledgeth himselfe to be chastised of the Lorde for his sinnes , and therfore prayeth God to turne away his wrath . He vttereth the greatnes of his griefe by many wordes and circumstances , as wounded with the arrowes of Gods ire , forsaken of hys frendes , euill intreated of his enemies . But in the end with firme confidence he commendeth his cause to God , and hopeth for spedy helpe at his hand .

PUt me not to rebuke ( O Lord ) in thine anger , neyther chasten me in thy heauy displeasure .

For thine arrowes stick fast in me , and thy hand presseth me sore .

There is no health in my flesh because of thy displeasure , neither is there any rest in my bones , by reason of my sinne .

For my wickednes are gone ouer my head , and are lyke a sore burthen to heauy for me to beare .

My woundes stincke and are corrupt through my folishnes .

I am brought into so great trouble and misery , that I go mourning all the day long .

For my loines are filled with a sore disease , and there is no whole part in my body .

I am feble and sore smitten I haue rored for the very disquietnes of my hart .

Lord thou knowest all my desire , and my groning is not hid from thee .

My hart panteth , my strength hath failed me , and the lyght of mine eyes is gone from me .

My louers and my neighbours did stand looking vpon my trouble , and my kinsmen stoode a farre of .

They also that sought after my life laid snares for me , and they that wente about to doo me euill , talked of wickednes , and imagined deceipt all the day long .

As for me , I was like a deafe man and heard not , & as one that is dombe , which doth not open his mouth .

I became euen as a man that heareth not , and in whose mouth are no reproofes .

For in thee O Lorde , haue I put my trust : thou shalt answer for me O Lord my God .

I haue required that they ( euen myne enemies ) should not triumph ouer me , for when my foote slipte , they reioyced greatly against me .

And I truely am set in the plague , and my heauines is euer in my sight .

For I wil consider my wickednes , and bee sory for my sinne .

But mine enemies liue and are mighty , & they that hate me wrongfully are many in number .

They also that reward euil for good are agaynst me , because I know the thyng that is good .

Forsake me not ( O Lord my God : ) be not thou far fro me . Hast thee to helpe me O lord ( God ) my saluation .

A prayer taken out of the XXXVIII . Psalme .

REbuke and chastice vs ( O Lord ) as children , but withdrawe thy wrath and heauy hand from our present distresses . For we feele thy hande and the daungers wherin we be : we perceyue them to be past the cure of mans remedy , which happeneth vnto vs not vnworthely for our deseruing . For sinnes and wickednesses haue euery way ouerwhelmed vs , wherwith we are ouerburdened and pressed downe farre more then we be able to beare . Hereof commeth our sorow and that we be in maner fainted with griefefulnes of harte . We see our neighbours and frendes estranged from vs , our enemies to lay snares for vs , and to attempt all the wayes to our destruction . Thou therefore ( O God ) for thy great mercy , first reconcile vs to thy selfe , in pardonyng all those thinges that we haue most wickedly committed against thee , and then make hast to helpe vs . We loke for no other refuge but thee , whose wont it is to be at hand to succour them that call vppon thee , & to satisfie their petitions . Thou art not ignoraunt how , while we are thus shaken with aduersities , antichristes do triumphe against vs , and they daily increase in strength & number that do wrongfully hate vs . Wherefore we beseche thee , good father , forsake vs not in so great afflictions , sith thou art our onely safety , make hast ( we pray thee ) to helpe thy church , and to succor her now beyng in extremest perill , for Iesus Christes his sake .

Amen .

Miserere mei deus . PSALME . LI. ¶ When Dauid was rebuked by the prophet Nathan for his great offences , he dyd not onelye acknowledge the same to God with protestation of his naturall corruption and iniquitie , but also lefte a memoriall thereof to his posteritie . Therfore first he desired God to forgeue his sinnes , and to renue in him his holy spirit , with promise that he will not be vnmindfull of those great graees . Finally fearyng least God would punishe the whole church for his faut , he requireth that he would rather increase his graces towardes the same .

HAue mercy vppon me , O God , after thy great goodnes accordyng vnto the multitude of thy mercies , do away myne offences .

Washe me throughly from my wickednes , and cleanse me from my sinne .

For I knowledge my faultes , & my sinne is euer before me .

Against thee onely haue I sinned , and done this euill in thy sight , that thou mightest be iustified in thy saying , and cleare when thou art indged .

Beholde , I was shapen in wickednes , and in sinne hath my mother conceiued me .

But lo , thou requirest truth in the inwarde partes , & shalt make me to vnderstande wisdome secretly .

Thou shalt purge me with Jsope , and I shall be cleane , thou shalte washe me , and I shall be whiter then snow .

Thou shalt make me heare ioy and gladnes , that the bones whiche thou hast broken may reioyce .

Turne thy face from my sinnes , and blotte out all my misdeedes .

Make me a cleane hart ( O God , ) and renue a right spirit within me .

Cast me not away from thy presence , and take not thy holy spirite from me .

O geue me the comforte of thy helpe againe , and stablish me with thy free spirite .

Then shall I teache thy wayes vnto the wycked , and sinners shall he conuerted vnto thee .

Deliuer me from bloudgiltines O god , thou that art the God of my health , & my tonge shall sing of thy righteousnes .

Thou shalt open my lippes O Lord , and my mouthe shall shew thy prayse .

For thou desirest no sacrifice , els would I geue it thee , but thou delightst not in burnt offringes .

The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirite , a broken and contrite hart O god shalt thou not despise .

O be fauourable and gratious vnto Sion : builde thou the walles of Jerusalem .

Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of rightousnes , with the burnt offringes and oblations , then shall they offer young bullockes vppon thine aulter .

A prayer taken out of the LI. Psalme .

WE do with one whole consent and with harty prayers craue of thy mercy ( O almightye God ) that we maye be cleansed , washed , and wyped from our wickednesses , sinnes and offences . We acknowledge and confesse how we haue heretofore done euil in thy sight , but our sinnes shal neuer be able to make thee vniust or vnfaithfull . We do well vnderstande that we deserue not , that thou shouldest performe to vs the noble and most honorable promises that thou hast made vs , but herein we haue neede to be relieued , and our case to be supplied with thy truthe and constancie . Thou seest how we are borne into the world , corrupt and defiled euen from our birth , which were also before our birth conceyued in wickednes . Cleanse therfore our soules , and vouchsaue to beautifie them with that cleannes that is pleasaunt in thy sight . Geue vs a pure hart , & a spirit vpright , holy , and couragiously well disposed , that we may not be cast away from thee as vngodly persons , but may receyue true ioyes and perfect gladnes . If thou shalt haue deliuered vs from sinnes whiche do accuse vs as guilty of eternall death , then shall our lippes be opened to prayse thee with cherefulnes . Graunt we beseche thee that we may come to thee with the sacrifice wherwith thou art principally debated , that is , of a broken spirite , an abaced and humbled courage . There both our present sorowes shal be eased , and thou shalt be pleased with the prayses wherwith we shall magnify thy name . Shew forth thy good will to Zion , that is , to thy church . Thou seest in how great daunger she is tossed , she is oppressed both within and without . We beseche thee deliuer her not onely from outward enemies , but also inwardly so reforme and renew her , that she may be accompted worthy of thee her spouse , through Iesus Christ our lord Amen

¶ A prayer taken out of the same Psalme .

WE acknowledge ( O Almighty God ) wyth how daungerous spotte of sinnes we haue defiled our soules , which beyng most greuous and sorrowfull vnto vs , and we not able with our owne power nor by any kinde of good workes to washe away the same spottes , this onely refuge is left vs , to flie vnto thee the fountaine of mercy that it may please thee to haue pitie vpon vs , to washe away our iniquities to blot out our sinnes and cleanse the corruptions wherunto we are from our birth and conception subiect . For when thou shalt haue freely & liberally pardoned the offences and misdoinges wher with we are loden , then shalt thou appeare most true , faithful & constant in thy promises . Vouchsaue to sprinckle vs with the bloude of of thine onely sonne , by which alone our body and soule may be restored to perfect and healthfull gladnes . We craue to haue a new hart created in our bodies , and to haue a principall spirite geuen vs , wherby , not as by constraint , but earnestly , hartily , and willingly we may offer to thee the sacrifice of an afflicted and abased courage , which thou art wont neuer to despise . Finally that so beyng made cleane and purified , by thy fauour and mercy , we may alway offer to thee sacrifices of prayse , through Iesus Christ our Lord ,

Amen .

❧ Domine exaudi . PSALME . CII . I It seemeth that this prayer was appoynted to the faithfull to pray in the captiuitie of Babilon . A consolation for the buildyng of the churche , whereof followeth the prayse of God to be published vnto all posterities . The conuersion of the Gentiles , and the stabilitie of the church .

HEare my prayer ( O Lord ) and let my cry come in vnto thee . Hide not thy face from me in the tyme of trouble , encline thyne eares vnto me when I call , O heare me and that right soone .

For my dayes are consumed away like smoke , & my bones are brent vp as with a firebrand .

My hart is smitten downe and withered like grasse : so that I forget to eat my bread .

For the voice of my groning my bones will scant cleaue to my flesh .

I am become lyke a Pellicane in the wildernes , & lyke an Owle that is in the desert .

I haue watched and am euen as a sparrow that sitteth alone vpon the house top .

Mine enemies reuile me all the day long , and they that are mad vpon me , are sworne together against me .

For I haue eaten ashes as it were breade , and mingled my teares with weping .

And that because of thyne indignation and wrath , for thou hast taken me vp and cast me downe .

My dayes are gone lyke a shadow , and I am withered like grasse .

But thou ( O Lorde ) shalt endure for euer , and thy remembraunce throughout all generations .

Thou shalt arise and haue mercy vppon Sion , for it is tyme that thou haue mercy vpon her , yea , the tyme is come .

And why : thy seruauntes thinke vppon her stones , and it pitieth them to see her in the dust .

The heathen shall feare thy name ( O Lorde , ) and all the kinges of the earth thy maiestie .

When the Lord shall build vp Sion , and when his glory shall appeare .

When he turneth him vnto the prayer of the poore destitute , and despiseth not theyr desire .

This shall be written for those that come after , and the people whiche shall be borne , shall prayse the Lord.

For he hath looked downe from his sanctuary , out of the heauen did the Lord beholde the earth .

That he might heare the mourninges of suche as be in captiuitie , and deliuer the children appointed vnto death .

That they may declare the name of the lord in Sion : and his worship at Jerusalem .

When the people are gathered together , and the kyngdomes also to serue the Lord.

He broughte downe my strength to my iourney , and shortned my dayes .

But I said , O my God take me not away in the middest of myne age , as for thy yeares they endure throughout all generations .

Thou Lord in the beginning hast layde the foundations of the earth , and the heauens are the workes of thy handes .

They shall perish , but thou shalt endure : they shal all wax olde , as doth a garment .

And as a vesture shalt thou chaunge them , and they shall be chaunged : but thou art the same , and thy yeares shall not faile .

The children of thy seruants shall continue : and their seede shall stand fast in thy sight .

A prayer taken out of the CII . Psalme .

OF our selues ( O almighty God ) we are vnwoorthy that our prayers shoulde haue accesse vnto thee , forasmuch as we haue daily broken thy law and commaundements and haue liued not accordyng to thy gospell and our vocation . But thou of thy mercifulnes , hide not away thy face from our prayers & supplications . For we are greuously vexed and assaulted with great perils . Wherfore bow down thine eare vnto vs , and spedily graunt fauour to vs that call vppon thee . First we craue to be releued of our sinnes and offences , that our feble hart may be strengthened in thy way , and that thou do moisten the consumed strength of our soule with thy holy spirite , that we may liue to thee , and being restored & renewed , we may make thy name and thy gospell to be well reported . Then we pray thee to turne thy force and power against those that slaunder and blaspheme the name of thy sonne and his holy doctrine . Haue mercy now we beseche thee , on Zion , that is , thy churche , for now it seemes to be tyme that thou shew her thy fauour . Looke downe we pray thee , from thy hie habitation , and behold our calamities . Heare the groning of those that be bound , beaten , and in maruelous wise tormented for thy names sake . Saue thy sheepe out of so great daungers , which are not onely put to death , but also cursedly threatened with extreme damnation by Antichrist that yet at length thy children may liue with rest and quietnes in thy presence , through Iesus Christ our Lord.

Amen .

¶ An other out of the same Psalme .

OAlmighty father , the company of the faithfull craueth thy helpe , which is cruelly oppressed wyth the tiranny of sinne , so as the oily moisture of godlines is almost dried vp in them , their mouth is stopped that it cannot syng thy prayses , and there is in a maner in the whole body no one member , that doth his duetie to relieue an other . Wherfore thou that art alwayes one , rise vp to succour vs , for now we thinke it tyme for thee to helpe thy afflicted church . This if we shall obtaine , we doubt not that the feare of thy name & true godlines shall be largely spread abroad . For if thou shalt rescue the people from so greuous miseries , thou shalt make men know that thy truth endureth alway constant and vnremoued , which euer remaneth one toward thine elect , how so euer heauen and earth be tossed with chaunges , and shaken til they perishe . By this thy truth , not of our owne strengthes and deseruinges , but by thy louing and mercifull working , we pray to be saued and restored , thorough Iesus Christ our Lord ,

Amen .

❧ Deprofundis cla . PSALME . CXXX . ¶ The people of God from their bottomles miseries do cry vnto God and are heard . They confesse their sinnes and flee vnto Gods mercy .

OUt of the depe haue I called vnto thee ( O Lord : ) Lord heare my voyce .

O let thine eares consider wel : the voyce of my complaint .

If thou Lorde wilt be extreme & marke what is done amisse : oh Lord who may abyde it ?

For there is mercy with thee therfore shalt thou be feared .

I looke for the Lorde , my soule doth wait for him : in his word is my trust .

My soule flyeth vnto the Lorde : before the mornyng watch ( I say ) before the morning watch .

O Israell trust in the Lord for with the lord there is mercy : and with him is plenteous redemption .

And he shall redeme Israel from all his sinnes .

¶ A prayer taken out of the same Psalme .

THou art oft wont ( O almighty God ) greuously to afflict thy faythfull people , that thereby they may retourne to thee with feruent and perfect repentaunce , whereof nowe in thy churche we haue experience , in these most troublesome times . For we that heretofore haue infinite wayes bene vnthankfull to thee , & haue daily broken thy law , are oftentimes so vexed with the fiercenes of the diuell and his seruantes that we are constrained to cry to thee out of the most depe pitte of our miseries , & to pray thee that thou wilt not so seuerely punishe our sinnes . If thou ( O God ) be determined to marke and punish our iniquities according to their deseruinges , which of vs shall be so cleane and holy , that he shall be able to stand before thy righteousnes . But sith we knowe that thou art full of exceding mercy , we do both morning & euening loke vp for thy helpe . Although therefore our offences be many , yet it may please thee of thy most plentifull goodnes and mercy to succour vs , that beyng deliuered from these instant perils , and from the miseries that oppresse vs , we may both beleue and report that with thee alone is true redemption , through Iesus Christ our Lord ,

Amen .

An other prayer taken out of the same psalme .

FOrasmuch as ( O almighty God ) we are continually tossed in the depe sea of temptations ▪ and are not able of our selues to withstand them , we do for our great necessitie beseche thee mercifully to relieue vs . For if thou beyng iudge and examiner of all our doynges , shalt narrowly marke all our offences against thee , and rigorously punish them , who shall be able to stand before thy throne ? Wherefore sithe there is with thee great and infinite clemency , as our only trust is therin , so we beseche thee that our iniquities may therby be redeemed . With this onely confidence we are daily & hourely nourished , and do trust that thou wilt neuer forget the true Israell , that is , thy church . Graunt therfore we pray thee that we may obtayne of thee pardon of our sinnes as the true and perfect fruite of this affiaunce , thorough Iesus Christ our Lord ,

Amen .

❧ Domine exaudi . PSALME . CXLIII . ¶ An earnest prayer for remission of sinnes , acknowledging that the enemies did thus cruelly persecute hym by Gods iust iudgement . He desireth to be restored to grace , to be gouerned by his holy spirite , that he maye spende the remnaunt of his life in the true feare and seruice of God .

HEare my praier O lord and consider my desire hearken vnto me , for thy truth & righteousnes sake .

And enter not into iudgement with thy seruaunt : for in thy sight shall no man liuyng be iustified .

For the enemy hath persecuted my soule , he hath smiten my life downe to the ground : he hath layd me in the darkenes , as the men that haue bene long dead .

Therfore is my spirit vexed within me , and my hart with in me is desolate .

Yet doo I remember the tyme past , I muse vppon all thy workes , yea , I exercise my selfe in the workes of thy handes .

I stretch forth my handes vnto thee , my soule gaspeth vnto thee as a thirstie land .

Heare me ( O Lord ) and that soone , for my spirite waxeth faint , hide not thy face from me least I be like vnto them that go downe into the pit .

O let me heare thy louyng kindnes betymes in the mornyng , for in thee is my trust , shew thou me the way that I should walke in , for I lift vp my soule vnto thee .

Deliuer me ( O Lord ) from mine enemies , for I flie vnto thee to hide me .

Teache me to do the thing that pleaseth thee , for thou art my god , let thy louyng spirite lead me forth into the land of righteousnes .

Quicken me O Lorde , for thy names sake , and for thy righteousnesse sake bryng my soule vnto thee .

And of thy goodnes slea myne enemies , and destroy all them that vexe my soule , for I am thy seruaunt .

¶ A prayer taken out of the 143. Psalme .

WE do earnestly desire ( O lord God ) that thou wilt encline to our common petitions , and for thy truth and mercies sake heare the prayers that we poure out before thee . And we deny not that the sinnes wherwith we haue greuously offended thee , do not so deserue . But if thou wouldest deale with vs by extremitie of thy law & iudgement , and dryue vs to seuere trial , forasmuch as no mortall man , yea no creature , be the same neuer so pure and holy , were able to abide it , we also without doubte must nedes be condemned and not able to stand before thy iudgement seat in thy presence . It may therefore please thee with thine accustomed clemency and pity to behold how vehemently our ennemy pursueth our soules , wherby we are so vexed and ouercome , that our case semeth litle to differ from the estate of the dead , so sore is our spirit accombred within vs , and our harte astonied . Yet do we wel remember of thy former and auncient mercy wherby thou art wont wondrously to succour thine elect when theyr cases are most dispaired . Wherefore now we doo not onely lift vp our handes , but also with all our hartes we crye to thee that thou wilt deliuer thy church from thyne enemies , and so gouerne vs wyth thy good spirit , that hereafter we may accordyng to thy wil & good pleasure faithfully do those things that are vpright and holy , beyng brought out of this distresse , & reuiued by thy strengthe and helpe through Iesus Christ our Lord.

Amen .

¶ An other out of the same Psalme .

SO great O Lorde , is our wante of righteousnesse , that all such as are well in structed with thy spirite , do well know how vnable we are to stande before thy iudgement . Therfore when we wey our deseruinges , our spirite fayleth , and our harte is amased . But by and by we turne to thy mercy , and do confesse that our vnrighteousnesse commeth not of our self , but is thy worke . Vpholden and encouraged with thee , we flie to thy fauour in our perils of this lyfe . For vnlesse thou doo helpe vs , we plainly see our saluation past recouerie . Shew vs the way wherein we may safely go , and teach vs the manner how to performe thy wyll , and with thy holy spirit that procedeth from thee , gouerne all our doings & thoughts , through Iesus Christ our lord , Amen . * §§*

❧ Here beginneth the Letany and Suffrages .

O God the father of heauen , haue mercy vpon vs miserable sinners .

O God the father of hea . &c.

O God the sonne redemer of the world , haue mercy vpon vs miserable sinners .

O God the sonne redemer of . &c.

O God the holy Ghost proceding from the father and the sonne : haue mercy vpon vs miserable sinners .

O God the holy Ghost proceding . &c.

O holy , blessed , and glorious Trinity , thre persons and one God : haue mercy vpon vs miserable sinners .

O holy , blessed , and glorious . &c.

Remember not Lord our offences , nor the offences of our forefathers , neyther take thou vengeance of our sins . Spare vs good Lord , spare thy people whom thou hast redemed with thy most precious bloud , and be not angry with vs for euer .

Spare vs good Lord.

From all euill and mischiefe , from sinne , from the craftes and assaultes of the deuill , from thy wrath , and from euerlasting damnation .

Good Lord deliuer vs .

From all blindnes of hart , from pride , vayne glory and hipocrisy , from enuy , hatred , and malice , & all vncharitablenes .

Good Lord deliuer vs .

From fornication and all other deadly sinne , and from all the deceites of the world , the flesh and the Deuill .

Good Lord deliuer vs .

From lightninges and tempestes , from plague , pestilence and famine , from battaile and murder , & from sodaine death .

Good Lord deliuer vs .

From all sedition and priuie conspiracie , from all false doctrine and heresy , from all hardnes of hart , and contempt of thy word & commaundement .

Good Lord deliuer vs .

By the mistery of thy holy incarnation , by thy holy Natiuitie and circumcision , by thy Baptisme fasting and temptation .

Good Lord deliuer vs .

By thyne agony and bloudy sweat , by thy crosse and passion , by thy precious death and buriall , by thy glorious resurrection and ascension , and by the comming of the holy Ghost .

Good Lord deliuer vs .

In al time of our tribulation , in all tyme of our wealth , in the houre of death , and in the day of iudgement .

Good Lord deliuer vs .

Me sinners do beseche thee to heare vs O Lorde God , and that it may please thee to rule and gouerne thy holy Church vniuersally in the right way .

We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord.

That it may please thee to keepe and strengthen in the true worshipping of thee , in righteousnes and holynes of life , thy seruant Elizabeth our most gracious Queene and gouernour .