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THE DEVOUT CHRISTIAN Instructed How to PRAY and give THANKS to GOD : OR , A Book of Devotions FOR FAMILIES : AND For Particular Persons IN Most of the concerns of Humane Life .

By the Author of the CHRISTIAN SACRIFICE .

1 Thess. 5.17 . Pray without ceasing .

18. In every thing give thanks .

LONDON , Printed for R. Royston , Bookseller to His most Sacred Majesty . MDCLXXIII .

depiction of Jesus Christ offering up prayers Non magna loquimur sed vivimus . QUI SEQUITUR ME IN TENEBRIS NON AMBULAT . Cum clamore valido et lachrymis preces off●…ens exauditus est pro sua reverentia

THE AUTHOURS PREFACE .

I Need not tell the well disposed Reader , there being so much said and writ continually in this Argument , how natural and necessary it is for all rational creatures , to look back upon all occasions to the Author of their being ; that they may make him their hearty acknowledgements for all the benefits they have received from him , and still recommend themselves and all their concerns , to his continued Grace and good Providence . Nor shall I go about to show how much the Publick Service of God in his own house is to be preferred before the private Devotion of Families at home : there being no reason , as far as I understand , to make the latter necessary , but only because , in most places , Christian people cannot meet together , at the Church , every day Morning and Evening , to give to God the glory that is due unto his Name .

My business is to desire him to remember , how natural it is likewise to all mankind to take such good advice before-hand , when they have any petitions or thanks to prefer unto earthly gods , as that they may be delivered in a decent and grave form of words , as well as after a reverend manner : and to consider therefore , with what sober and prudent care all those expressions ought to be weighed , wherein they present the humble desires and grateful affections of their hearts , to the most High God , the eternal Majesty of heaven and earth .

It hath not proved I am sure an honour to Religion , that men have learnt to be less solicitous about the one , than they are about the other . But such have been the licentious rambles of their fancy in suddain Prayer , so bold and rude have their descriptions been of Almighty God , so rash their affirmations concerning him or concerning themselves , and so many untrue or doubtful things have they uttered ; that it is sufficient , in my poor judgement , to blast the credit of that way of address to him , as it hath done , alas ! with too many , the credit of Christian Piety , which hath suffered extreamly by such extravagance .

I know there are great numbers that will be ready to oppose me in this particular , with whom I list not to dispute in this short Preface . Let me only beseech them to use so much moderation , as not to discourage honest-hearted people from performing their duty to God , by disgracing any longer , as they have been wont to do , all Book-prayers . Which if they have not the advantage ( as I think they have ) of suddain conceptions and expressions , yet are so necessary in the Church , that without them many persons cannot pray at all . And I hope they will confess , upon due deliberation , that though some few may have attained an habit of uttering their desires freely , and becomingly upon any occasion , yet as the use of it before others is too apt to minister to pride , vain-glory , and self-conceit ; so most people are so defective both in their conceptions and utterance , as not to be able to discharge this holy duty as they ought , without such assistance as is here offered them .

How well I have performed what I have undertaken , I must leave to the judgement of others . I am sure I have proceeded with deliberation ; and studied faithfully to avoid all affected expressions , fantastical allusions , insignificant allegories , pretended wit , and elegant conversions of sentences , and rash application of the holy Scripture to my present purpose : which have been the vices , perhaps , of some forms , though not so frequently , as well as of mens hasty inventions .

I have laboured also to gratifie the Reader with some variety ; not because I think it is always best to use it , but because some weak and squeamish appetites will not be satisfied without it . And besides Prayers for Families , I have composed a great many other for particular persons ; wherein if I have failed in the clearness and perspicuity of my expressions , it was much against my will : and being admonished of it by my friends , I will reform it , or any thing else that is amiss .

But the length , or the brevity of the Prayers sure will not be accused , because there are of both sorts ; that they who like not the one , may make use of the other .

Some , I doubt not , will complain that they find not a Prayer for some particular want of theirs , not here named ; but that 's a defect which could not be remedied . For I knew not where to stop , if I had extended my thoughts beyond those necessities which are most common ; and the rest , I hope , may be reasonably well supplied out of that which I have done to serve the other .

It is possible also that some may judge this whole Work to be but a needless labour : since they have the Book of Common Prayers at hand , which they can use at home , as well as in the Church . With these persons I shall not contend ; but only deliver my opinion freely about this matter . Which is , that the reverence due to that Book will be best preserved , by employing it only in the publick Divine Service ; or in the private , where there is a Priest to officiate . However , the design of it is not to furnish the people with Prayers , for all those particular occasions , wherein devout souls would make their requests to God . And the constant opinion of pious Divines , in this and in other Churches , we see , by their writings , hath been ; that other Books of Prayers , which they have composed , are necessary for the Flock of Christ , besides their publick Liturgie .

That which remains , is only to intreat those who will make use of this Book which is here tendered to them ; First , to stirr up their hearts to offer their Praises , Thanksgivings , and Prayers unto God our heavenly Father , with fervent devotion of spirit . And then , not to imagine the reading them out of a Book is any hindrance to Devotion ; but rather a considerable help , and much better than trusting the memory even with a form . For a mans mind hath nothing to do , when he hath the words before his eyes ; but wholly to intend it self , to the raising of its affections unto the greatest height and ardency of desire , and love , and joy , that it is able .

But take heed , I beseech you , in the last place ; lest the performance of these holy duties , with some affection , deceive you into the neglect of all the rest . Our Prayers will be fruitless , if they be not attended with our serious study and earnest labour , to attain that which we beseech God to bestow upon us . And therefore with a sincere hatred of all sin , and a spirit armed with hearty resolution against it , invoke the Divine Grace for your assistance .

If you be true Christian Souldiers , that manfully fight under the banner of our Lord , call to him for aid , with your weapons in your hand . With a mind bent to consider , desire God to enlighten you . And with an heart stored with the treasures of Divine Truth , beseech him to quicken and enliven you . And with close and urgent applications of them to your heart , entreat him to enable you to form and shape your whole man , spirit , soul and body , according to them . For God is not hard to be entreated , since he entreats us to come to him , yea gives a great deal of his grace without asking : but it is the faintness or inconstancy of our endeavours to comply with his grace , and our own petitions , that makes them no more prevalent .

They that had no other Director , but the light of their own minds , saw this well enough , and were so sensible of this truth ; that they were wont publickly to declaim ( as we find in Aristides his Oration to the Rhodians concerning Concord ) against the absurd folly of those , who were perpetually importuning the Gods with their Prayers , but would do nothing for themselves ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. no , not those things which they knew the Gods had put in their power .

And in the same manner Demosthenes in one of his Philippicks , chides the Greeks ; comparing them to men , who seeing great Hail-stones fall upon their heads , prayed that they might be preserved in safety ; but would not run away to secure themselves from harm .

And therefore Clemens Alexandrinus , Lib. 7. Strom. justly commends the wisdom of those , who made the Laws of the famous Olympick Combats : By which he that entred the lists , having for a long time before exercised his body to feats of activity , was ordered before he began to contend for the Prize , to stand right over against the Statue of Jupiter , and to say this Prayer . O God ; if I am in all regards duly fitted and prepared , as I ought , for this Combate ; vouchsafe , in thy righteous judgement , to grant the victory to me . Even so , saith he , may a man chearfully approach to God , who , faithfully and with a good conscience , doth all that he can both to learn his will , and to exercise himself in good works , that are pleasing to him : for he shall have all that can be wisht for the perfecting of his Salvation . Just as a Physician ( as he goes on ) restores health to those , who cooperate with his medicines : so will God give his eternal salvation , to them who work together with him , both unto knowledge , and unto well doing .

As for those who do not live well , it is plain , saith he in another place , Lib. 6. Strom. that they do not so much as know what things are most profitable for themselves . And if so , then it is manifest likewise that they cannot tell how to pray to God to receive good things from him , being ignorant of what is good . Or if they should receive them , they would have no sense at all of the gift , nor use it according to its worth and dignity ; and that for the very same reason , because they understand not its value .

Inspire therefore , O God of all Grace , I most humbly beseech thee , both my heart and the hearts of all others who shall read this Book , with such a godly will , to endeavour zealously in all things to do what is well pleasing in thy sight ; that we may comfortably expect the constant and powerful presence of thy holy Spirit with us , to help us in the performance of our duty , till we have perfected holiness in thy fear . And the sincerity of that love to thee , which we profess in our Prayers , being testified by an unwearied observance of all thy commands ; we may be able also to wait with an humble confidence for thy salvation : who hast graciously promised to reward our weak and short obedience in this life , with inconceiveable and endless joys in a better World . Amen .

Imprimatur .

Sam. Parker R mo . in Christo Patri ac Domino , D no. Gilberto Archiep. Cantuar. à sac . Dom. Ex Aedib . Lambeth Octob. 21. 1672.
ERRATA .

PAge 41. line 8. read abundant . p. 50. l. 3. for thou , r. the. p. 51. l. 11. r. consecrate . p. 84. l. 9. r. devote . p. 92. l. 24. r. children . p. 135. penult. dele to . p. 258. l. 7. for who , r. thou . p. 265. l. 8. for bountiful , r. beautiful . p. 495. l. 5. r. every one .

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES .
On the LORDS DAY In the MORNING .

ALmighty and Eternal God , the Lord of heaven and earth : we thy creatures are here prostrate before thee , to express our humble and grateful sense of our dependence on thee ; to honour thee with our Praises , and Thanksgivings , and an hearty oblation of our selves , our souls and bodies , to thy service . We are unworthy , we confess , to be admitted to speak unto thy Majesty , nor can our thoughts or words add any thing to thy greatness , happiness and glory : but since thou art pleased in thy infinite goodness to do us the honour , not only to admit , but to invite our addresses unto thee , that our spirits may be bettered by lifting up themselves to thee from whom we come , by meditating thy praises , by exciting our love , and praying our acknowledgements to thee ; we most humbly and thankfully receive this thy great grace and favour towards us . Remembring withal , that it is but just and reasonable we should pay thee our vows which we made the last night , being so graciously raised up in soundness of body and mind , to see the light of this day , which our Saviour hath made , that we may be glad and rejoyce therein .

We laud and magnifie therefore thy most holy Name , thy infinite Power , Wisdom and Bounty ; which all the world proclaims with the highest praises . We bless thee in behalf of all thy creatures , as well as of our selves ( to whom thou hast given dominion over the works of thy hands ) for Psal. 145.15,16 . the eyes of all look unto thee , and thou givest them their meat in due season . Thou openest thy hand , and satisfiest the desire of every living thing . But above all we acknowledge thy inestimable benefits bestowed upon mankind in Christ Jesus , the Son of thy Love , whom thou wast pleased , in thy infinite mercy , to send among us in our own likeness , to assure us of thy good will towards us , and to instruct us in our duty towards thee , and to give us hope of no less than immortal life , by patient continuance in well doing .

We remember with all thankfulness his miraculous Birth , at which the Angels rejoyced ; his most holy Life ; his bitter Agony , and bloudy Death ; his glorious Resurrection upon this day from the grave ; his Ascension into the heavens , to fit on the right hand of the Majesty on high ; his Triumph over all the powers of darkness ; and his Sovereign Dominion over all Angels , Authorities and Powers , whom thou hast made subject to him . 1 Pet. 3. ult. O God , how great was thy love to the sinful sons of men ! which moved thee to pass by such innumerable offences , whereby they had provoked thy severest displeasure . How great was that love ! which hath honoured our mortal nature with so high a glory ; and committed the care of our immortal souls to one so mighty to save , and so full of kindness , and most tender charity toward us . O the greatness of thy love ! which hath chosen us to be thy sons and heirs , together with Christ Jesus ; and set such an high Priest over thy house and family , to make intercession for us , to dispense all divine blessings to us , and send forth Angels themselves to be Heb. 1. ult. ministring spirits for them who shall be heirs of salvation . Who can understand the exceeding riches of thy grace in sending the holy Ghost to be a witness of our Saviours Resurrection and Exaltation ; and to make us abound in hope , Rom. 15.13 . that we shall be one day raised from the dead , and carried to heaven , and keep a perpetual rest , after our short labours here , with our blessed Lord and Master , in his eternal glory ?

O that we could begin it this day , in devout Meditations of these things , in unspeakable joy and satisfaction of heart in the assured hope and expectation of them , and in blessing and praising thee , who hast given us such good hope , and everlasting consolation . Lift up our minds , we pray thee , this morning , above all these little things here below , which are apt to distract our thoughts , and turn away our eyes from that heavenly bliss . And keep them above in the serious contemplation of it ; till we be in love with it , and our hearts be fully bent and resolved to seek it every day in those ways wherein Jesus hath gone before us , though it should be with the loss of all that we here possess . It is but meet and fit that we should wholly quit our own will , and devote our selves to follow thine ; especially since thou hast shown such unusual kindness towards us , as , if we had been innocent , we durst not have presumed to expect from thee .

We are asham'd , O Lord , to think that ever we have disobeyed thee , to whom we stand so deeply indebted , both as we are thy creatures , and as we are redeemed by the precious bloud of thy Son Jesus . It grieves us , that we have transgressed any of thy righteous and good Laws , by which it is our happiness as well as our duty to be govern'd . We abhorr the thoughts of ever breaking them any more : beseeching not only thy gracious pardon , but thy acceptance of our intire resolution to agree with thy Will in all things , for the time to come . We here again most solemnly dedicate all the powers of our souls and bodies to thy service : desiring unfeignedly that all the thoughts and designs of our minds , all the affections and passions of our hearts , and all the actions of our life and conversation may be pure , holy and unreproveable in thy sight .

For which end we most humbly implore the assistance of thy good spirit , which our Lord hath incouraged us to hope thou wilt give to those , that ask and seek it with their whole heart . O let thy mercy be upon us according to thy word , according as our hope is in thee , and our hearts sincerely and stedfastly set to keep thy Commandments . Psal. 139.23,24 . Search us , O God , and know our hearts : try us , and know our thoughts . And see if there be any way of wickedness in us , and lead us in the way everlasting . Fill our minds with awful and reverend thoughts of thee , as our Sovereign Lord and Judge . Settle in us an immutable love to thee ; and the highest esteem of thy favour and grace , as better than life it self . That so we may study above all things to approve our very hearts , and all our actions to thee ; and feel the sense of thy acceptance of us , giving us greater pleasure , than all the world can afford us . Make it our delight to praise thee , to call to mind thy loving kindness , to offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving , and to meditate on thy pretious promises . Help us to Luk. 21.34 . take heed to ourselves , lest our hearts be at any time overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness , and the inordinate cares of this life : Heb. 13.5 . To have our conversation without covetousness , and to be content with such things as we have : 1 Thess. 4.4 . To possess our bodies in sanctification and honour : Rom 13.9 . To love our neighbours as our selves ; Matth. 7.12 . And as we would that others should do to us , to do even so to them : Rom. 12.18 . To live peaceably , as much as in us lyeth , with all men : 1 Pet. 3.4 . To put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit : Jam. 5.12 . To take those who have spoken in the name of our Lord , for an example of suffering affliction , and of patience : 1 Pet. 4.16 . And when we suffer as Christians , not to be ashamed , but to glorifie thee our God on this behalf .

And accept , good Lord , of all the praises and acknowledgements of all thy people met this day together , according to thy Will : and assist us to render thee still more hearty and affectionate praises , in that holy Assembly , to which we are going to joyn our selves . O that all people on the face of the earth were united together , likewise , in one body to shew forth thy praise . O that thy way were known upon earth ; thy saving health among all Nations . And that all Christian Kings especially , may be filled with thy holy Spirit ; and think it their Crown and their Glory , to be the devout worshippers and faithful subjects of the Lord Jesus , the King of kings , and the Lord of lords . Psal. 132.9 . O that thy priests may be cloathed with righteousness , and thy Saints shout aloud for joy . That all who are in distress and misery may rejoyce also , in hope that all afflictions shall turn to their good , and Heb. 12.11 . afterwards yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness . O Lord , hear us ; and make thy face to shine upon thy servants : that we may enter into thy gates with thanksgiving , and into thy courts with praise : that we may be thankful unto thee , and bless thy Name . 100.4,5 . For the Lord is good ; his mercy is everlasting : and his truth endureth to all generations .

Our Father , &c.

At Night .

O Lord most high ; the Holy One , who inhabitest Eternity , who only hast immortality , and art most blessed in thy own incomprehensible perfections . Thou art to be feared and loved , and worshipped and praised , by us and all reasonable creatures , who have any knowledge ; how great , how mighty , how wise and merciful thou art . All thy works praise thee , O Lord , and we more especially ought to bless thee ; whom thou hast made to understand thy most adorable excellencies , which are far beyond the highest of all our thoughts . And we have yet a more particular obligation to thee , for thy marvailous love in Christ Jesus , whom thou hast sent in great humility to visit us , who are but dust and ashes ; to make his abode among us ; to testifie thy great love to us ; and assure us of thy good will , notwithstanding our many offences ; and to make us exceeding great and precious promises , to invite us to approach thee , and to incourage our obedience to thee . We thank thee that he hath sealed them with his bloud ; and thou hast confirmed them by his Resurrection , and Ascension , and the coming of the holy Ghost ; & that thou hast given us so many happy opportunities to acquaint our selves with the truth and purity of the Christian Religion : which comforts us in this state of mortality and misery , with the blessed hope of eternal life .

Blessed be thy goodness for that great consolation ; and that thou hast shown us the way to it by his doctrine and example ; and assured us of the assistance of thy holy Spirit to inable us to follow after him , to that glory which he possesses . Blessed be thy goodness , that we have felt it so often in our minds and hearts ; inspiring us with holy thoughts , exciting in us devout affections and godly resolutions , filling us with Divine Joys , and with comfortable expectations of the glory that shall be revealed . We thank thee , that thou hast permitted us this day to attend upon thee , together with our Christian Brethren , in the publick Duties of thy Worship and Service . And that there we have received any good instructions , any holy exhortations , and Christian incouragements , to proceed and go forward in the course of well doing : and have begun in any measure that eternal rest , which we wait for with all the faithful , when we shall praise , and thank , and love thee our heavenly Father , better than we can do now , whilst we are in these frail bodies , and absent from the Lord .

We can do no less than offer up again our souls and bodies to thee , to be order'd and govern'd by thy blessed Will , and not our own : that so we may be every day more prepared for that happy state , and draw nearer and nearer in the disposition and temper of our spirits , to that immortal blessedness . It is our satisfaction , our security , the ease and joy of our hearts , to be under the conduct of thy unerring wisdom ; to follow thy counsels , and to be determined in all things by thy holy Will : who art so good , and hast given us such large demonstrations of thy abundant kindness and good will to us , as will not let us distrust thy tender care of us ; whatsoever it is thou wouldest have us do or suffer in this world . O God , purifie our minds and thoughts more perfectly , that we may never conceive amiss of thee ; but have right apprehensions in all things : and all our passions and affections likewise , that we may intirely love thee ; and rejoyce in being beloved of thee ; and humbly confide in thee ; and absolutely resign our selves to thee ; and be filled with constant devotion towards thee , our Almighty Creator , and most merciful Redeemer . Possess our hearts with such a lively sense of our relation to thee in both respects , and of the honour thou hast done us in preferring us so much above the rest of our fellow creatures ; that we may ever behave our selves suitably to the dignity of our Nature , and of our Religion .

O that we may never degenerate into a base and unworthy love of any thing here below : nor be oppressed with the burden of the cares of this life : nor sink under the weight of any affliction : nor be vainly puffed up with the greatest fulness of earthly goods , if thou art pleased to bestow them on us . But assist us with thy grace , to Rom. 12.9 . abhor that which is evil , and cleave to that which is good . Dispose us to a discreet and temperate use of all the pleasures of this world . Indue us with true modesty and humility of spirit , that we may Rom. 12.3,10,16 . not think of our selves more highly than we ought to think ; but think soberly , according to the measure which thou hast dealt unto us . Keep us from being wise in our own conceits : and inable us so to order our selves , that Phil. 4.5 . our moderation may be known to all men . Make us kindly affectioned one to another in brotherly love : To delight in doing good ; Tit. 3.2 . to shew all meekness to all men : Rom. 13.7,8 . To render to all their dues : Tribute to whom tribute is due , custom to whom custom , fear to whom fear , honour to whom honour : and to owe no man anything , but to love one another . Make us so happy , that we may be able to Matth. 5.44 . love our enemies , to bless those that curse us , to do good to them that hate us , Rom. 12.15 . to rejoyce with them that do rejoyce , and weep with them that weep . Compose our spirits to a quiet and steady dependence on thy good providence ; that we may not Matth. 6.25 . take too much thought for our life , nor be careful for any thing : Phil. 4.6 . but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving , still make known our requests to thee our God . And help us Luk. 18.1 . to pray alway , and not faint : 1 Thess. 5.18 . In every thing to give thanks , Heb. 13.15 . and offer up the sacrifice of praise continually : 1 Pet. 1.17 . To pass the time of our sojourning here in fear : Rom. 5.2 . To believe those things which we do not see , and to rejoyce in hope of thy glory : Luk. 21.19 . To possess our souls in patience : Phil. 4.11,12 . And to learn in whatsoever state we are , therewith to be content : Make us know both how to be abased , and how to abound : every where , and in all things instruct us , both to be full and to be hungry , both to abound and to suffer need : being inabled to do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us . That we feeling the joys of uprightness and integrity of heart ; our Religion may be the greatest comfort and pleasure to us , and we our selves an ornament to our Religion .

O that we could alway by an innocent , good and useful life , commend the Doctrine of God , our Saviour , to those who converse with us : And that the light of all Christians did so shine before men , that others beholding their good works , might be moved to glorifie thee , and heartily to believe on the Lord Jesus . Send forth thy Light and thy Truth into all the dark corners of the Earth : That Psal. 72.11,12,13,14 . all kings may fall down before him , and all nations serve him . And indue them whom thou hast placed in such high Authority over others with that divine Spirit which was in him : that they may deliver the needy when he cryeth ; the poor also , and him that hath no helper . That they may spare the poor and needy , and save and redeem their soul from deceit and violence : and their bloud may be precious in their sight .

Bless these Kingdoms wherein we live ; and as thou hast long continued to us the knowledge of thy Truth : so give us grace to bring forth fruit becoming the Gospel ; that thou mayst not cut us down as barren trees , which cumber the ground . Lord , save the King , and establish his Throne in righteousness , that we may see many happy days under his government : and be Psal. 90.15 . comforted now after the time that thou hast plagued us ; and for the years wherein we have suffered adversity . Prosper the pious endeavours of all those , that faithfully feed and instruct thy people ; and increase the number of them . O that the seed which hath been sown this day , may take deep root in all our hearts , and bring forth fruit abundantly : that being not Jam. 1.25,26 . forgetful hearers , but doers of the work , we may be all blessed in our deed . Help us in all the week following , to Psal. 141.3,4 . set a watch before our mouth ; and to keep the door of our lips . Preserve us that our heart incline not to any evil thing , to practise wicked works , with men that work iniquity : but we may be always 1 Pet. 3.13 . followers of that which is good ; 1 Thess. 4.1 . and as we have received how we ought to walk and please thee our God , so we may abound more and more .

Protect us , we beseech thee , and all our friends every where , this night . Grant us quiet and undisturbed rest and sleep : and awaken in the morning these good thoughts and desires again in our hearts ; Joh. 15.7 . that the words of our Saviour may abide in us , and we in him ; till we come to endless life together with him ; by whom we are incouraged thus to address our selves unto thee , and to continue to pray , as he hath taught us in his holy Gospel , saying ,

Our Father , &c.

A shorter form of Prayer for the Lords day Morning .

O Most holy & eternally Blessed . Deut. 10.14 . The heaven , and the heaven of heavens is thine , the earth also with all that therein is . Thou art every where , and canst not be excluded from any place : but art present to the greatest secrets of our souls , and seest the closest and most retired thoughts of our hearts . Thou knowest very well with what designs and affections we now bow our selves before thee , and canst not be deceived by any words that we are able to speak in thy praise , whilst our hearts are far from thy fear and love .

Behold , O Lord , our hearts are full with desires to be possessed with a mighty reverend sense of thee , and all the benefits thou hast bestowed on us : and to be lifted up to heaven in love to thee , and joy in thee , whilst we bless and praise thee , and speak good of thy Name . We here remember with all humility and thankfulness , that thou art our Creator . And acknowledge thy care and providence over thy ancient people in blessing and sanctifying a day , wherein thou thy self restedst from thy works , that they might cease from all other imployments ; and admire thy wonderful works , extol thy power , bless thy goodness , and be astonished at thy wisdom , in making , preserving , adorning and governing this excellent frame of the world . The heavens declare thy glory , O God , and the firmament sheweth thy handy-work . The Sun , the Moon , and all the host of Heaven proclaim the greatness and splendor of thy Majesty . The Psal. 104.24 . whole earth is full of thy rich goodness : so is the great and wide sea , wherein are things moving innumerable , both small and great living creatures . There is nothing but what speaks of thee ; and above all , the children of men , whom thou hast wonderfully made , and curiously wrought , and impressed with thine own Image ; that they might understand thee , and love thee , in all and above all things .

The variety , the order , the stedfastness of all thy works in this great world , abundantly utter thy adorable perfections . But thou , O Lord , by thy goodness in giving thy Son for us , and then raising him up from the dead , and setting him at thy right hand , hast given us new matter of wonder and praise ; and consecrated a better rest and holy-day of rejoycing ; wherein we should behold the glories of another world , and have before our eyes the happiness thou intendest for us there , together with all the excellent means which lead unto it . Thou givest us occasion not only to reflect upon all the good things thou hast provided for our bodies ; ( which we can never acknowledge enough ; the very health and ease of one day deserving the thankfulness of many ) but we must also remember , that we are thy redeemed ones , and that thou hast done great things for our souls in thy Son Jesus , who is entred into the heavens for us , and gone to prepare a resting place for all those that follow him . This exceeding riches of thy grace infinitely surpasses all our acknowledgements ; since all the praises we are able to render thee , are less than is due for thy temporal blessings . To this love we ●owe the knowledge of thee , the true and only God ; our freedom from Idolatry , and a vain conversation ; the true principles of holy living ; the benefit of repentance ; the promise of a pardon ; the assistance of thy holy Spirit ; the ministry of thy Angels ; the hope of immortal life ; and the pledges our Lord hath left us of his endless love . To this we owe thy forbearance in the days of our ignorance ; thy unwearied patience towards us in a continued rebellion ; and thy earnest intreaties of us , when we were passionately bent upon our own destruction . Thou hast sent us , in much love , many holy Instructors and guides to blessedness . We have had the benefit of sundry pious Sermons , good Examples , wholesome admonitions , and serious counsels , of the power of the Holy Ghost , and divers restraints of fear , and shame , and love : and thou still pursuest us with thy merciful kindness , and beseechest us to attend to thy call , and receive thy blessings , and make thee our choice , and be eternally happy in thy Divine favour and likeness . What shall we render to the Lord for all his benefits towards us ?

O help us to manifest our real and unfeigned desires to make some worthy returns to thee , by our careful improvement of the holy opportunity which thou this day puttest into our hands . O that our minds may be more inlightned to understand the truth , as it is in Jesus ; that our wills may be more steadfastly resolved to cleave unto it ; that our affections may be excited to a stronger and more ardent love to thee , and to a greater delight in thee ; and all the powers of our souls disposed to serve thee at all other times , more cheerfully and readily , in all the Duties of Piety , Soberness , Righteousness and Mercy . So that every day may become an holy rest to the Lord , by ceasing to do evil , ●nd constantly doing well : and we ●ay glorifie thee throughout our whole life ; in all our actions 1 Pet. 2.9 . show●ng forth thy praises , who ●ast called us out of darkness into thy marvailous light , accord●ng to thy abundant mercy in Christ Jesus . By whom thou hast given us a good hope in thee , that thou wilt hear our prayers , and do for us above all that we can ask or ●hink ; which we humbly beg in ●hose holy words , which he hath ●aught us , saying ,

Our Father , &c.

Another at Night .

O Most blessed for evermore ; the Father of Mercies , and the God of all Comfort . How precious are thy thoughts to us ward ? how great is the sum of them ? Thou renewest thy favours continually , and art still pouring upon us innumerable benefits : of which this is not the least , that thou givest us leave to come into thy presence , to call thee Father , and to make known our requests to thee , by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving . We accept , O Lord , with all thankfulness this thy great grace and loving kindness to us : and are here again prostrate before thee this evening , to acknowledge thy goodness in making us such excellent creatures ; capable to know thee , and acknowledge thee , and love thee , and by being made like thee , to be eternally happy with thee .

Blessed be thy name , that we are now alive ; and that we have lived so long in health , and strength , and peace , and plenty of all good things : whereas our eyes might have been consumed with grief , our bones sore vexed , and we might have mingled our drink with continual weeping . We are bound unto thee for the free use of our understand●ngs ; for the good inclinations we find in our wills ; for any devout ●ffections which are stirring in our hearts ; for all the advantages we have had by our education , good company , and holy examples : And more especially for the illuminations of the holy Ghost by thy blessed Gospel ; the breathings of it frequently into our spirits ; the importunities thou hast used to draw us to thee ; and the great and precious promises whereby thy love in Christ Jesus constrains us to resign our selves intirely to the obedience of thy Precepts .

We ought likewise to admire and praise thee , for thy goodness to all thy creatures , who live daily upon thy bounteous allowance . Psal. 145. The eyes of all wait on thee , and thou givest them their food in due season . Thou diffusest thy blessings in several streams to every one of them , according to their needs . 104.28 . That thou givest them , they gather : thou openest thy hand , they are filled with good . We give thee the glory of the plentiful provision thou hast made for them : and more particularly admire thy great liberality to the children of men ; under whose feet thou hast put in subjection , all sheep and oxen , yea and the beasts of the field , the fowl of the air , and the fish of the sea , and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the waters . O Lord , we praise thee for thy goodness to those who praise thee not themselves . Be thou adored and acknowledged in thy bounty , which bestows so many blessings unasked and unsought ; and continues them notwithstanding abundance of provocations , and most high offence that they have given to thy merciful kindness .

And let thy goodness to thy Church be never forgotten by us , which thou hast in all ages protected and defended : in a marvailous manner propagating the Gospel of our Saviour , confounding its opposers , and spreading it by the power of the holy Ghost over the face of the earth . We thank thee for thy singular favour to these Countries wherein we live . To whom these glad tydings of Salvation have reached ; and who have long enjoyed a more glorious light than many other places ; and been delivered from the darkness of Popish superstition , and from sundry attemps that have heen made to bereave us of this happiness ; and are again settled after many confusions in a peaceable enjoyment of thy true Religion : which thou hast also continued to us , though we have not brought forth fruit worthy of the Gospel of thy Grace .

O that all thy undeserved goodness may have this effect upon us ; to make us heartily love thee , and devoutly worship thee , and zealously obey thee , and steadfastly trust and hope in thee for ever . That by a careful improvement of the knowledge of thee our God , and our Lord Jesus Christ , by whom thou hast given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness ; we may still enjoy this inestimable treasure , and all thy love to us may at last be finished in those eternal joys , which he hath promised to the faithful . And as we have been taught , exhorted and incouraged this day out of thy holy word ; and have likewise publickly acknowledged our obligations to thee , and made profession of love , and gratitude , and dutifulness to thy Divine Majesty : So help us all the week following openly to testifie the truth and honesty of our hearts , in all this , by a blameless conversation ; in all humility , meekness , temperance , righteousness , charity and peace , with all them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart .

Bless our Soveraign , the Defender of the Faith we profess ; and all imployed under him , in their several offices : that they may be instruments of continuing to us these holy opportunities ; with all other good things that may make these Kingdoms happy . O that all our Friends may be thine : and if we have any enemies , Father , forgive them . Comfort and support the sick , the needy , and all other distressed persons , with an immoveable belief of thy wise and good providence : to which give them grace patiently and obediently to resign themselves . And when all our senses this night shall be bound up with sleep , be thou , O Lord , our keeper : and after the refreshment of that repose , and this holy rest from our labours , raise us in the morning to return unto them with cheerful minds , and ready wills ; praising still and magnifying thy multiplyed mercies to us in Christ Jesus , by whom we present our selves and petitions to thee : saying further , as he hath taught us .

Our Father , &c.

Another for the Afternoon , or any other time of that day .

O Most Holy , Glorious and Blessed . Thy Name is excellent in all the earth ; and thou art for ever praised by all the host of heaven , who are never weary of thy service . We thy creatures , sinful dust and ashes , have many times professed it is our happiness , to joyn with those heavenly inhabitants in admiring , worshipping , blessing and loving thee , the great Lord of all ; with pure hearts , in unity of spirit , sincere friendship , and brotherly accord one with another . We have often spoken great things of thee ; and declared thy service to be the sweetest pleasure , and one hour spent in holy meditations , devout affections , and cheerful thanksgivings , to be far better than all the time we spend in other imployments . How much then , if we mean sincerely , and according to our words , should our hearts rejoyce that we may spend a day in thy Courts , & are invited to a longer attendance on thy divine Majesty , in the duties of thy worship and service . We are ashamed that any weariness should seize on our spirits ; and that it should be irksome to us , to renew our thoughts and acknowledgements of thy infinite goodness . Behold , O Lord , we are resolved again to address our selves unto thee with praise and thanksgiving , for giving us such opportunities to look back to thee , the Author of our being ; to lift up our souls towards our heavenly Country ; and unite them to the first and chiefest good ; from whence we derive whatsoever we have , or hope to enjoy . Beseeching thee to help us to draw near unto thee , with hearts full of wonder at thy incomprehensible Majesty ; full of love to thy most wise and Almighty goodness ; full of thankfulness for thy benefits ; full of desires to be what thou wouldst have us ; and full of joy that thou wouldst have us be so happy , in being made thy children , partakers of a Divine Nature , and heirs of immortal life .

We admire thy glory , O great Lord of heaven and earth , which shines in the whole Creation ; thy greater glory in the work of our redemption , by the miraculous Birth , Life , Death , and Resurrection of Christ Jesus ; and the greatest of all , which we hope and wait for at his appearing , when he shall come to be admired in his Saints , and glorified in all them that believe . Thou hast done great things for us already : thou hast promised to do greater : and thou art daily performing thy promises , and preparing us for the accomplishment of them all , in the highest blessedness . O God of all grace , make us wiser Stewards , than we have been , of thy manifold gifts and graces , which we are intrusted withal . Help us carefully to husband this sacred opportunity which thou continuest to us , to the best advantage of our immortal souls . Gather in our thoughts from our ordinary business . Fix them on thy self ; and hold them in the contemplation of thy infinite mercies , and of those divine Truths which represent our duty , and thy exceeding love and kindness towards us . Chase away all worldly affections , and over-awe our spirits with a sense of thy divine presence ; that by serving thee with a religious reverence this day , we may be disposed to walk in thy fear all the rest of our lives : Having a grateful remembrance of thy benefits ; a deep and serious reflection upon our own resolutions , and thy gracious promises ; an holy jealousie over our selves , lest we should be unfaithful to them ; and a pious care in all things to approve our selves the constant and diligent servants of the Lord Jesus .

O that our thankfulness , and good affections , and zealous desires , may not end with our prayers , nor conclude with this day : But we may be possessed with such a strong and habitual sense of thee , and of our obligations to thee ; that we may every day earnestly and heartily serve thee in all the actions of Christian piety , and be unwearied in well doing unto the conclusion of our lives .

Another .

O Most holy , great and glorious Majesty of heaven and earth . To whom all the blessed company above do , with the highest admiration and love , give continual praise , and thanks , and honour , and worship , and obedience ; acknowledging thou art above all that they are able to speak of thee , or ascribe and render to thee . Much more art thou exalted above the thoughts of such poor mortals as we , who are clothed with flesh , and live far remote from the throne of thy glory . And yet , such is thy goodness , thou condescendest to admit , nay , to draw us to a fellowship with those holy spirits ; that we may thereby be made happy , and called thy servants , though , when we have done the best we can , very unprofitable .

What is man that thou art mindful of him ? what are the sons of men that thou dost at all consider them ? Thou hast crowned us with glory and honour here below , and raised us to a Dominion over the works of thy hands . Thou hast indued us with understandings to know thee , and with wills to love thee ; whose most excellent wisdom , Almighty power , and surpassing goodness , we discover in all thy works of wonder . But what is sinful man , that thou shouldest so much regard him , as to send after him , to seek and save him , when he was lost ? Lord ! what grace was this , that thou shouldest vouchsafe to speak with us , and communicate any thing of thy mind to such forgetful and ungrateful wretches ? But that thou shouldst speak to us by thy Son , and declare thy mind in such words of grace and favour , and publish such kind intentions towards us , and recover us with so much cost , and purchase us to thy self with the precious bloud of thy Son Jesus , and send thy holy Spirit to purifie us ; that we might have thy Image renewed in us , and be made fit society for thy self again , and restored to immortal life : Lord ! how much doth it exceed all belief , hadst thou not given us , in tender mercy , such abundance assurance of it ? We have those reasons to bless thee , which the Angels have not . We must admire thee , not only as the great Creator and Preserver of all things ; which we heartily do , and give thee the glory of all thy marvailous works : but also as the Redeemer of mankind out of a forlorn condition , by the manifestation of thy self in our flesh , by the bloud of thy Son , the constant breathings of the holy Ghost , the light of thy Gospel , and an unwearied patience , which hath waited on us , and propounded to us no less happiness , than to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus ; who is advanced far above all principalities and powers , and every name that is named , not only in this world , but in that also which is to come .

We praise thee , O God ; we magnifie thy most holy Name ; we confess our selves bound to thee , above all other creatures , that we have any knowledge of : for we are twice thy creatures ; and thou hast a double title to all we have . O stir up all that is within us to bless thee , and love thee , and offer up the sacrifice of thanksgiving to thee . Fill our hearts with joy and gladness , that we have another opportunity , wherein to recount thy mercies to us ; to be further instructed in thy mind and will declared by our Saviour ; and to be under the comfortable influences of heaven , to cherish those holy thoughts , affections , and resolutions which are begun in us , and to promote our growth and increase in all wisdom , goodness and vertue . Possess us with such a strong sense of thy continued love towards us ; that we may testifie our true and hearty thankfulness for it , by attentive consideration of all that we hear out of thy holy Word ; and by laying it up in our hearts ; and esteeming it more than the greatest treasures of this World ; and endeavouring every day to have our conversation as becometh the Gospel of Christ . That so our praises being not meerly words , but real deeds , and all the fruits of righteousness ; we may be blessed in our deed , and at last hear our Lord speaking to us in those gracious words , Come ye blessed of my Father , inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world . Amen .

A Prayer for the Morning when there is a Communion .

O Most holy , holy , holy , Lord God Almighty ; the Father of mercies , the God of peace and comfort : by whose power we , and all things else , were created , and by whose good providence we are all preserved and maintain'd . Be thou eternally blessed and praised , worshipped and served , with the most ardent love , who hast made mankind so like to thy self , and ordered so many of thy creatures to serve us , and chosen rather to make us anew , and create us again Ephes. 2.10 . in Christ Jesus unto good works , than let us be undone by our shameful disobedience to thee . For thou Joh. 3.16 . hast sent thy only begotten Son into the world ( adored be thy inconceiveable love ) that whosoever believeth in him might not perish , but have everlasting life . And he hath laid down his life for that end , and redeemed us by his bloud from the hands of our enemies ; and triumphed over them all most gloriously ; and in token thereof ascended into heaven ; and possessed the Crown of immortal Life , and sat down at thy right hand , and obtained dominion over Angels , and Men and all Creatures .

We have felt the blessed fruits of his Death , and Resurrection , and Royal Power , whereby Heb. 7.25 . he is able to save to the uttermost all them that come to thee by him . Thy holy Spirit hath breathed often into our hearts : we have been instructed in the Gospel of thy grace : and thy Servants , the Ministers of thy Word , have not ceased to call upon us , yea , to importune us , to follow after our Saviour , to that heavenly bliss in which he lives . And now again thou vouchsafest to us an happy opportunity to improve our selves in Christian Wisdom , Devotion and holiness ; and we have received thy kind invitations to the nearest approaches to thy divine Majesty .

O fill us , we pray thee , with a lively and strong sense of thy bounteous goodness , which hath been so many ways expressed towards us . Fill us with pious dispositions to receive more of it , according to thy precious promises in Christ Jesus . Stirr up in us such thankful acknowledgements to thee , such hearty resolutions to obey thee , such earnest desires and longings to partake more and more of thy divine Nature , such love , delight , and joy in well doing ; that our souls may be lifted up above , to that glorious place where our dear Saviour is ; and we may comfortably expect , and be truly prepared for , a blessed translation thither at the great day of his appearing .

Our great unfruitfulness , we confess , in the knowledge of Christ , may justly make thee deny thy gratious influences from heaven upon us . But , O God of all grace , who multiplyest mercy , and delightest in doing good , pardon us and make us better , both at once . Quicken our souls to hear thy holy Word with greater fear and reverence ; to sing thy praises with greater cheerfulness and gladness ; to pray to thee with more earnest affection and steadiness of mind ; to approach to thy holy Table , with the deepest humility and devotion of spirit ; and to receive the renewed pledges of thy love , to our very great increase in Faith , and Hope , and Love to thee , and to all the world : That so this may be a good day to our souls , and we may be disposed and enabled to spend the rest of our days better , as becomes the redeemed of the Lord , who have tasted how gracious he is , and who have received the earnest of eternal life . O that our conversation may be in heaven , by the constant love and exercise of purity , righteousness , mercy and godliness : That we ever studying to glorifie thee , our heavenly Father , by bearing much of this good fruit , may have the more assured hope , that thou wilt glorifie us with thy self .

And inspire , we beseech thee , the hearts of all others that meet together this day , to magnifie thy great and glorious Name , with the like religious affections towards thee : That we may all Rom. 12.1 . present our selves a living sacrifice , holy , acceptable unto thee , which is our reasonable service .

Help us all to Coloss. 3.10,11 , &c. put on ( as thy elect children holy and beloved ) bowels of mercies , kindness , humbleness of mind , meekness , long-suffering ; forbearing one another , and forgiving one another , if any man have a quarrel against any ; even as Christ forgave us , so incline us also to do . And above all these things to put on charity , which is the ●ond of perfectness . And let the peace ●f thee our God rule in our hearts , ●o which we are called in one body ; and ●ake us ever truly thankful . Hear ●s , we beseech thee , O most merci●ul Father ; and after we have per●ected holiness here in thy fear , bring ●s all to compleat our praises and ●hanksgivings to thee , in the great ●ssembly of Saints and Angels , through Christ Jesus our blessed Lord and Saviour : 2 Pet. 3. ult. To whom be glory both now and for ever . Amen .

Our Father , &c.

A Prayer at Night when there hath been a Communion .

O Eternally blessed Lord God ; the Creator of the world , the Father of Angels and men , the King of infinite Majesty and Power , who canst do what thou pleasest every where . 2 Chron. 6.18 . Th●… heaven , and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee ; who art inthroned only in thy own greatness , and crowned with the glory of thy own uncommunicated perfections . There is nothing can be added to thee , by us or any other creatures ; of whose services thou hast no need ; seeing thou art absolutely happy in thy self , Act. 17.25 . and givest to all life , and breath , and all things . But it is our perfection and happiness to admire and praise thee whom we cannot comprehend ; to love thee as much as we know thee ; and to obey thee as much as we love thee , 1 Chron. 28.9 . with a perfect heart , and with a willing mind : for the Lord searcheth all hearts , and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts .

We praise thee therefore , O God , we acknowledge thee to be the Lord . We give thee the glory that is due unto thy name : and with hearty ●ove offer up our selves again intire●y unto thee , whose we are , and for whom we were made . Justice and gratitude , fear and love , hope and interest , whatsoever hath any power to move our hearts , do all press , and mightily urge us constantly to devote and consecreate our souls and bodies to thy faithful service . We cannot neglect thee , unless we will cast away our selves ; nor sin against thee , unless we will be our own accusers , judges and tormentors ; and throw our selves into the greatest miseries . Thou hast been so good to us , that if we should not become good likewise , we must hate and abhorr our selves ; who cannot but love and delight in those who show us any kindness , and bestow any benefits upon us : though they are but thy Ministers and Servants , that have nothing , and can do nothing , but what thou hast given them , and inclinest them to do .

By thee we were formed and brought out of our Mothers Womb. And by a greater mercy were early born again , and made thy children in Christ Jesus . We have been thy care ever since ; and been instructed in that Covenant of Grace ( into which at our Baptism we were received ) by the knowledge thou hast given us of thy blessed Gospel . Wherein we read the great love of our Saviour in dying for us ; and have the promise of his Spirit to sanctifie and govern us , his holy Precepts for the rule of our actions , his glorious Example to excite and quicken us , and the hope of eternal bliss , by his Resurrection from the dead , to incourage and comfort us in well doing . And in the mean time we injoy the society of thy Saints , the ministry of thy Angels , and the direction and assistance of thy faithful servants , the Embassadors of peace and reconciliation with thee . All which fruits of thy wonderful love we have long enjoyed ; and thou hast this day entertained us at thy Table : where thou hast refreshed us with the Communion of the body and bloud of Christ Jesus ; the earnest of a blessed resurrection , and the pledge of immortality . Besides innumerable good things , which thy most tender mercy hath been pleased to bestow upon our bodies , to make our passage to that blessedness , through all the troubles and dangers of this life , the more easie and delightful to us . And all this thou hast done for those who have been too idle and useless , cold and dull , inconstant , and soon weary of their duty , forgetful of benefits , and unfaithful to their own promises . But thy infinite goodness still continues to do it ; to make us more diligent , more zealous , more steadfast and immoveable , more mindful of thee , and of our own holy purposes , that we may be abundant , as there is reason , in the work of our Lord , knowing that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord .

And that is the most sincere and fervent desire of our souls likewise , who here most humbly beseech thee , by the power of thy holy Spirit to preserve in us a perpetual and affectionate remembrance of all thy undeserved kindness to us . Stir up all that is within us every morning to bless and praise thy holy Name : That by a renewed , serious acknowledgement of thy benefits , we may be more and more stirred up to love and to all good works . O that the Lord Jesus may be always in our thoughts , and in our hearts ; that we may make him our pattern , as he is our hope ! O that nothing may be so dear unto us in this world , as his holiness , his humility , his goodness and charity , his meekness and patience , his intire trust in thee , and resignation to thee , his delight to do thy will , O God , in hope of that Tit. 1.1 . eternal life , which thou who canst not lye hast promised to us . Fix our minds and affections more steadfastly on that glory wherewith he is crowned , by his obedient suffering of death , that we may never be weary nor faint in our minds under any sufferings for well doing : but continuing faithful to the death , may also receive the Crown of Life .

Accept , we pray thee , of this our bounden duty and service ; pitty our great weaknesses ; pardon all our sins and negligences ; and deny us not the grace of thy holy Spirit , which we have implored , to inable us to amend our lives according to thy holy Word : But after thou hast refreshed us with quiet sleep this night , let us feel it moving our hearts to the same holy thoughts , acknowledgements , desires and resolutions which it now works in us ; through thy mercy declared to us in Christ Jesus . In whose words we conclude our Prayers , saying , as he hath taught us .

Our Father which art in heaven , hallowed be thy Name : Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done in earth , as it is in heaven . Give us this day our daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses , as we forgive them that trespass against us : And lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from evil , &c.

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES .
MVNDAY MORNING .

WE humble our selves , O Lord of heaven and earth , before thy glorious Majesty ; we heartily acknowledge thy Sovereign Dominion over us & all creatures ; we praise and magnifie thy eternal Power , Wisdom , Goodness and Truth ; and we render thee our most unfeigned thanks for the innumerable benefits which thou in thy bounty hast loaded us withal : Above all for the gracious declaration thou hast made of thy good will to us in Christ Jesus ; by whom thou hast invited and incouraged sinners to return to thee , and directed them in the way to everlasting bliss .

We blush to think of our shameful forgetfulness of thee , and ingratitude to thee ; to whom we owe all that we have in this world , and all our hopes in the next . We most humbly implore thy tender mercies in the forgiveness of all our sins , whereby we have offended , either in thought , word , or deed , against thy just and holy Laws . For we are truly sorry for all our mis-doings : we utterly renounce whatsoever is contrary to thy will : and here devote our selves intirely to the obedience thereof . Accept , O most merciful Father , of this renewed Dedication , which we make of our whole man , body , soul and spirit to thee . And as thou dost inspire us with holy resolutions , so accompany them always with the assistance of thy grace ; that we may be able every day to offer up our selves more sincerely , and more cheerfully to thee : with more pure affection , and hearty devotion , and ready disposition to thy service .

We adore thy great grace which hath brought salvation to us , and Tit. 2.11,12 . teaches us that denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts , we should live soberly , righteously and godly in this present world . We will indeavour , O Lord , to preserve a grateful sense of thy mighty love in our mind , and to follow the doctrine and example of thy Son Christ Jesus ; as becomes those who have such a blessed hope , and look for so great Salvation at the day of his glorious appearing . We desire above all things to be so pure and undefiled , so meek and gentle , so humble and lowly , so just and merciful , so peaceable and patient , contented and thankful as our blessed Lord and Master was : And we hope that thou wilt fulfil all the gracious promises he hath made to us , which we esteem far greater treasure than thousands of gold and silver . They are the support , the comfort , the satisfaction of our hearts . We ask nothing , but that it may be to thy servants according to his Word .

Thou hast mercifully kept us the last night , blessed be thy continued goodness , and raised us again to see the light of this morning : Receive us likewise all this day into thy protection , to which we most humbly commit our selves . We trust our selves and all belonging to us with thee our Creator and Redeemer . We submit to thy orders , and are willing to do and suffer what thou pleasest : Jude 21. Waiting for the mercy of our Lord Christ Jesus unto eternal life .

And we desire , thou knowest , the good of all mankind , as well as our own ; especially of all Christian people : that they may all walk worthy of the Gospel , and live together in unity and godly love . For which end , we pray that all Christian Kings , Princes and Governours , may be wise , pious , just and merciciful ; indeavouring that all their subjects may lead peaceable lives under them , in all godliness and honesty . And more particularly that our Soveraign may be blessed with a religious , quiet , long and prosperous Reign : and that all his Ministers of State , and Officers of Justice may conscientiously discharge the trust that is reposed in them ; seeking in their several places how to right the oppressed , to comfort the afflicted , to provide for the poor and needy , and to relieve all those that are in any misery . Bless all our spiritual Pastors and Instructors : succeed their labours ; and give us grace to follow their godly admonitions , 1 Thess. 5.13 . to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake ; and to be at peace among our selves . The same blessings we crave for all our friends , relations and acquaintance ; that we may all live in perfect love and peace together : doing our duties to thee , to each other , and to all men so faithfully , that we may give a comfortable account of our selves , and rejoyce together at the great day of the Lord Jesus . In whose holy words we beseech thee to help us still more heartily to offer up our desires to thee .

Our Father , &c.

At Night .

ALmighty and most merciful Father ; by whom we were made , and in whom we live , move , and have our being : to whose tender compassions we owe our safety the day past , together with all the comforts of this present life , and the hopes of that which is to come . We praise and laud thee , O Lord , the Creator and Governor of the world . We ascribe all Greatness , Might , Majesty , Wisdom , Riches and Bounty to thee ; whom all the host of heaven continually admires and acknowledges with the most joyful reverence . We bow our selves likewise before thee , and worship thee , in an humble sense that we are nothing in compare with thee , and have nothing but what we receive from thee . Psal. 75.1 . Psal. 43.4 . 68.19 . Vnto thee do we give thanks , unto thee do we give thanks , O God , our exceeding joy , who daily pourest thy benefits upon us . Blessed be thy great goodness , for our continued health , for our food and raiment , our peace and safety , the society of our friends , the love of our neighbours , and the success of our honest labours : But above all things , for sending Jesus Christ into the world to dwell among us , to dye for us , and to direct us in the way to immortal life . We thank thee that we feel in our hearts any motion towards thee , and that we have made the least progress in those paths of life . O Lord , we present our selves here before thee to be inspired with such a vigorous and full sense of thy love , as may move us more powerfully towards thee ; and put us forward with a greater earnestness , zeal and diligence in all our duty . There is nothing in heaven or earth that we can desire , but to be beloved of thee ; who possessest both , and art able to make thy friends as great and happy as thou pleasest . Assist us therefore still by thy grace to the recovery of such a lively Image of thee in all righteousness , purity , mercy , faithfulness and truth ; that we may know thou lovest us . O that Jesus , the hope of glory , may be formed in us , in all humility , meekness , patience , contentedness , peaceableness , and absolute surrender of our souls and bodies to thy holy will and pleasure : That Gal. 2.20 . we may no longer live , but Christ may live in us , and the life we lead in the flesh may be by the faith of thy Son , O God , who loved us , and gave himself for us . The remembrance of that love is most dear and precious to us . We cannot often enough make mention of so great kindness , as his making himself freely an offering for our sins . It moves us , again to offer up our selves sincerely to thee , to do thy will , O God , as our blessed Lord and Master did . We repose also an intire confidence in thee , and still trust our selves with thee , who hast Rom. 8.32 . not spared thine own Son , but given him up for us all . We will humbly and reverently accept of whatsoever thou sendest us ; and 1 Thess. 5.18 . in every thing give thanks , which is thy will concerning us in Christ Jesus . We hope thou wilt never leave us , nor forsake us : but conduct us safe through all varieties and changes of our condition here , in an unchangeable love to thee , and an holy composure and tranquillity of mind in thy love to us , till we come to live with thee , and enjoy thee for ever .

And now that we are going to lay our selves down to sleep , take us into thy gracious protection ; and settle our spirits in such quiet and delightful thoughts of Jesus , that we may be willing to leave this world and go to him : 1 Thess. 5.10 . Who dyed for us , that whether we wake or sleep , we should live together with him .

To his blessing we commend all mankind , of whatsoever rank and condition they be ; high and low , rich and poor : that they may all be so happy as to do their several duties carefully , and to enjoy contentedly whatsoever is needful for them . We leave all we have with thee , especially our friends and those who are dear unto us ; desiring that when we are dead and gone , they may lift up their souls in this manner unto thee , and teach those that come after to praise , love and obey thee : and that , if we awake again in the morning , our mouths may likewise praise thee again with joyful lips , and we may still offer our selves , a more acceptable sacrifice to thee through Christ Jesus . In whose words we beseech thee to hear us , according to the fullest sence and intention of them .

Our Father , &c.

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES .
TVESDAY MORNING .

ALL honour , glory and praise be given to thee , O Lord , our Creator , Redeemer and Comforter , by us , and by all the world . Thou art worthy of all our love , service and obedience , being most excellent in thine own nature , and of so abundant kindness to us thy creatures . Who most humbly therefore prostrate our selves before thee this Morning , to make thee our thankful acknowledgements for all thy benefits , and tender thee our most hearty and affectionate service , and wait upon thy bounty for the continuance of thy grace and mercy to us . Though we are not worthy , we confess , of the least regard from thee , whom we have so much neglected , and whose love and clemency we have too often abused ; yet we hope thou wilt accept of this small oblation which we make of our selves , our souls and bodies , with unfeigned devotion to thee . Pardon and forgive us , we most humbly beseech thee , all our past offences ; the remembrance of which is grievous and bitter to us : and vouchsafe us the grace of thy holy Spirit to enable us to do thy will with greater care and diligence for the time to come . Let it ever accompany and assist us , according as thou seest us sincerely desirous and studious to please thee , in all the actions of an holy life , in chastity and temperance , justice and fidelity , mercy and charity , meekness and humility , patience and contentedness , ●nnocency and peace ; and in conti●ual prayers , praises and thanksgi●ings to thee , the Father of mercies in Christ Jesus our Lord .

We see how frail and weak our bodies and all their enjoyments are ; and therefore we the more earnestly desire to have our souls inriched with those immortal treasures of thy Divine Grace . O that we may never cease most zealously to seek and pursue them ; and that we may think our selves happy enough in the possession of them ; and may rejoyce in nothing so much , as in Rom. 6.22 . having our fruit unto holiness , that in the end we may attain eternal life . Suffer not our spirits to sink too deep into the love of any , the dearest , good that we have in this world : But rather by all these earthly things , which thy goodness affords to us for our support , ease and delight , raise our minds and hearts to those Celestial enjoyments which will yield us eternal pleasure and satisfaction . Set our affections principally on things above . Make us so wise as to provide our selves friends that never dye ; and to be still preparing our selves by all divine qualities for their company and society : that so they may Luk. 16.9 . receivs us , when we remove hence , into their everlasting habitations .

Thus now we commend our selves this day to thy most gracious protection , guidance and blessing : hoping that the same good providence which preserved us and our habitations the last night , from fire , and innumerable other dangers ( for which we thank thee ) will guard us this day from all evil and mischief , and bring us in safety of soul and body to praise thee in the Evening . Help us thankfully to receive , and soberly to use all thy mercies ; quietly to do our own business , and bear our several burdens ; to be just in our dealings ; innocent and harmless ●n our conversation ; well pleased ●ith the prosperity of our neigh●ours ; desirous of the good of all ●he world : especially that they may all love , and honour , and joyn ●ogether in magnifying and praising ●hee , our Lord and Governour , whose name is excellent in all the earth .

More particularly , we implore thy mercies towards these Kingdoms wherein we live . Remember not against us our high provocations . Spare us , good Lord , and have patience with us ; if perhaps we may bring forth better fruit , becoming thy holy Gospel , and all the care thou hast taken about us . Indue our Soveraign with much Wisdom from above , that he may always discern what is most profitable for us , and earnestly pursue it to the utmost of his power . Bless him in his Relations ; in his Councellors ; in his Judges , and all other Officers ; in all the Nobility , Clergy , Gentry , and Commonal y of the Realm : that every one of them may uprightly and zealously do their duty , to the maintenance of thy true Religion , and the increase of Piety , Honesty and Brotherly love among us . Comfort and relieve all those that are in any distress , trouble or anguish , either of body or of mind . And give us tender and pitiful hearts towards them , ready to help and ease them according to our abilities : That we following the example of our merciful and compassionate High-Priest Christ Jesus , may have now the benefit of his intercession for us , and at last be admitted into the high and holy place where he is . In whose blessed Name and words , we conclude our Prayers .

Our Father , &c.

At Night .

WE fall down before thee , O Lord of heaven and earth , and worship thee in the deepest humility of our souls : acknowledging ●hat we are thy creatures , who stand infinitely bound unto thee , by innumerable blessings and favours which thou hast conferred upon us , out of thy mere bounty and goodness . We owe our lives to that alone , and all the comforts of them ; together with all the hopes we have hereafter either in this world or the other . And blessed , for ever blessed be thy merciful kindness , for giving such glorious hopes by the Lord Jesus : By his Death , and Resurrection ; by his Ascension , and being inthroned at thy right hand ; and by the coming of the Holy Ghost to be a witness of his Majesty and Glory . We rejoyce , O Lord , in that great salvation which thou hast sent unto us ; and cannot but be still praising thee , whose love hath so abounded towards us , beyond all our thoughts and desires . Pardon , we most humbly beseech thee , out of the same grace and mercy , all our past neglects of thee , our insensibleness of thy benefits , our carelesness , or inconstancy in our obedience , and particularly whatsoever we have done or omitted this day , contrary to those holy purposes and resolutions wherein we stand ingaged to thee .

And vouchsafe us the assistance of thy holy Spirit to inable us to perform those vows better , which here we renew of greater gratitude , and more chearful and steadfast obedience to thy divine Majesty for the time to come . Awaken our minds to frequent and serious reflections upon thy undeserved and most bountiful mercies towards us . Touch our hearts with such an ingenuous and dutiful sense of them , that our wills may be overcome to yield themselves wholly and absolutely to thee . And that we may feel them constantly provoked to love and good works , help us ever to set our Lord and Master , by whose name we are called , before our eyes ; and to admire his unspotted purity , his condescending humility , his tender-hearted charity , his meekness of wisdom , his hearty trust in thee , and resignation to thee , his forgiveness of injuries , his patience under reproaches and cruel torments , his peaceable and contented spirit , his acknowledging thee in all things , and ever seeking thy Honour and Glory : That being in love with all these , and valuing them more than life it self , we may never cease our indeavours till this Image of our dear Lord and Master be formed in our hearts .

O Lord Jesus favourably behold these holy desires , wherewith our souls aspire towards thee . Preserve and maintain them ; incourage and increase them ; make them restless and unwearied till they be accomplished in the injoyment of this great blessedness .

Thou who hast begun a good work in us , finish and compleat it , we most humbly and earnestly beseech thee . Give us thy grace continually for our seasonable relief and succour : that we persevering in well doing , may have a solid and lively hope in our death , of coming to see thee in that high and holy place where thou livest and reignest for evermore .

As for all the things of this life , we most heartily refer our selves to thy Fatherly Wisdom and Goodness , O Lord God Almighty : trusting thou wilt order for us that which is most convenient , and bless our honest diligence with such a competent portion of them , that we may have the more leisure to give continual praise , honour , blessing and thanksgiving to thee whose mercies endure for ever .

Accept , we pray thee , of our thankful acknowledgements at this time , for those which this day hath added to the rest of thy benefits , which thou hast been continually heaping upon us ever since we were born . And let all the people of the earth praise the name of the Lord , which is highly exalted above all blessing and praise . O that all the Kingdoms of the World would become the Kingdoms of our Saviour Christ : and that all they who acknowledge his authority would religiously obey his holy Laws ; that all wars , oppression and cruelty may cease among Christian people , and they may live together in brotherly love and unity . Make our Soveraign and all his Realms happy by a great increase of true knowledge , godliness and vertue every where . Bless all our friends ; forgive our enemies ; requite all the kindness of our benefactors ; comfort every one of thy desolate and afflicted servants ; and turn their mourning and heaviness , into joy and gladness at the last .

And now that we are going to repose our selves ; keep us , we beseech thee , and all belonging to us , in safety . Refresh our wearied spirits with comfortable rest and sleep ; and when we awaken again in the morning , direct our thoughts immediately to thee , our merciful preserver ; and help us to imploy all our renewed strength to thy honour and glory , according to thy will declared by Christ Jesus ; in whose blessed Name and Words we commend our selves to thy infinite Mercies .

Our Father , &c.

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES .
WEDNESDAY MORNING .

O Most great and mighty Lord ; the Possessor of heaven and earth . All the Angels worship and adore thy incomprehensible Majesty with the humblest reverence ; and rejoyce in rendring praise , blessing , and thanksgiving to thee , the Father of spirits : For thou hast created all things , and in wisdom hast thou made them all , and spread thy tender mercies over all thy works . It is no less our happiness than our duty to joyn our hearts and voices with that heavenly host , most gratefully to acknowledge thy bounty to us among the rest of thy creatures , and thy particular grace and favour in our Lord Jesus Christ , our most merciful Saviour and Redeemer . We can never sufficiently admire that love which gave him to dye for us , and hath made him the Lord of life and glory ; that he may be the Author of eternal Salvation to all those that obey him . All the love we have is too little to give thee , to whom all our services are due by a former title . Our highest praises fall infinitely short of thy most excellent Majesty ; and we are ashamed of the most affectionate thanks we can render to thee for those inestimable benefits which thou hast conferred on us , and so long continued to us .

How much greater reason then have we to be abashed at our shameful ingratitude and disobedience to thy divine Majesty ; for which we are heartily sorry , and do now most earnestly repent our selves of it : unfeignedly resolving , and protesting to be more faithful to thee for the time to come . Pardon us therefore , Good Lord , and receive us unto thy mercy . Accept of our renewed vows to study and do our duties conscientiously , towards thee , and towards all men . And as thou hast excited these holy desires and purposes in our hearts , so inable us to perform them constantly in the whole course of our life .

Our blessed Saviour hath told us , thou wilt as readily give thy holy Spirit to them that ask it , as a Parent will give bread to his hungry children . O Father of mercies , let it be unto us according to his Word . Cherish these little beginnings of goodness which thou seest in our souls ; and prosper all our endeavours to attain a greater measure of it . And since at the best we are but unprofitable servants , and can do no more than was our duty to do : inable us to do every thing , which thou hast commanded us , heartily , with good will , and true love to thy service . We know this is all that can , in the least , commend us to thy free grace and favour : and therefore we most humbly again dovote our selves to do thy Will , with a cordial affection to it . We would ever approach unto thee with delight and pleasure : and feel it the joy of our hearts to think of thee , to praise thee , to give thee thanks , and to offer our selves with absolute resignation to thee . O that Mercy may always please us as it pleaseth thee ! that we may be strictly just and righteous ; may chearfully pass by injuries ; freely deny all desires of sinful pleasures ; willingly submit to thy fatherly corrections ; and perform the duties of our several relations , with singleness of heart . Render us so mindful of the great love of our Lord and Master Christ , that we may be zealously concerned for his glory , and use our utmost diligence to do Him and his Religion some honour in the world : delighting to commemorate his Death and Passion , making a joyful sacrifice of our souls and bodies to him , and desiring most earnestly that his kingdom may come , and all mankind submit themselves to his Government .

Fulfil , most merciful Lord , all our petitions ; and as thou hast mightily protected us , and our dwellings this last night from fire and thieves , and whatsoever might disturb our repose ( blessed be thy goodness ) so accompany us all this day with thy blessing : that we may please thee in body and soul , and be safe under thy defence ; who art nigh to all those that call upon thee , that call upon thee in truth . And O that all those who are forgetful of their duty to thee , may be awakened to a lively sense of all thy benefits , and fill the whole world with thy praises . Stir up especially the minds of all Christian people , to inquire after and follow the Truth , as it is in Jesus : abandoning all vice and wickedness , and exercising themselves to have consciences void of offence , towards thee , and towards all men . And dispose the hearts of all their Kings and Princes , to make themselves the greatest examples of Christian Piety to all others . Bless these Kingdoms , and indue our Soveraign with such excellent Wisdom , and holy Zeal for thy honour and glory ; that we may see many good days under his Government . O that true Religion , Justice , Mercy , Brotherly kindness , and all things else that are praise-worthy may so flourish among us , that we may enjoy the blessings of peace and plenty , and there may be no complaining in our streets .

We recommend to thee all our friends and neighbours ; all the poor , the sick , and other afflicted persons : desiring those mercies for them which we should ask for our selves , were we in their condition ; incouraged hereto by the large declarations which thou hast made of thy abundant goodness to mankind in our Lord Jesus . In whose words we conclude our humble supplications unto thee ; saying ,

Our Father , &c.

At Night .

ALmighty and everlasting God ; the Soveraign Lord of all creatures in heaven and earth , and our most merciful and gracious Father in thy Son Christ Jesus . We most heartily acknowledge that our beings , and all the comforts of them depend on thee , the Fountain of all good . We have nothing but what we have received thence : and is owing intirely to thy free and bounteous love , O most blessed Creator ; and to the unsearchable riches of thy grace , O most blessed Redeemer . To thee therefore be given by us and all creatures , whom thou hast made to know how great and how good thou art , all honour , glory and praise ; all love , service and obedience , as long as we have any being . It is but meet , right , and our bounden duty , that we should at all times , and in all places give thanks unto thee , O Lord ; and devoutly resign both soul and body to thee , to be absolutely governed and ruled according to thy holy will and pleasure . We are heartily sorry that we have not done it , from the very beginning of our lives till this time . We are ashamed to think of our injustice and ingratitude , in following our own desires so long , and rendring our selves , no sooner , most humbly obedient in all things to thee . Our hopes are only in those infinite mercies , which have spared us notwithstanding , and opened our eyes to see our errors , and touched our hearts with some sense of our duty .

And we hope in them not only for a pardon , which we earnestly implore according to thy gracious promises made in Christ Jesus , but for the power of thy holy Spirit , to further and promote those godly resolutions , which we feel already in our hearts , to live as becomes thy creatures ; and as becomes the Disciples of Jesus Christ , who were early dedicated to thee , and have often since vowed themselves to thy service . As thou hast made us to understand the reasonableness and goodness of all thy Laws : so make us more and more in love with them ; that they may be writ upon our hearts , and our wills may cleave unto them , as our very life . Keep alive such a powerful sense of thee , and of the love of our Lord and Saviour in our mind ; that we may naturally fear and reverence thee , and study to be approved of thee , and beloved by thee , and account it our highest perfection and happiness to be like thee .

O that it may ever be the joy of our hearts to be Righteous as thou art Righteous ; to be Merciful , as thou our heavenly Father art Merciful ; to be Holy , as thou who hast called us art Holy , in all manner of conversation ; to be indued with thy divine Wisdom , and to resemble thee in Faithfulness and Truth . O that the memory of our blessed Saviour , and his admirable example may be always dear unto us : that we may chearfully follow him in his Humility , Meekness , Patience , Contentedness , Peaceableness , and Delight to do thy Will , O God , in every thing as he did . Accept , we most humbly beseech thee , of these desires of our souls after thee ; and graciously assist and strengthen them , according as we unfeignedly offer them up unto thee . Accept likewise of our thanks for thy merciful preservation of us all this day ; by which we are come in safety to the conclusion of it , and are here before thee with a new load of thy benefits upon us , added to other innumerable blessings which thou hast formerly bestowed . We are bold again likewise to commit our selves unto thee this night ; and to trust in thy merciful protection and care over us , when we can take no care of our selves , or any thing else belonging to us . Defend us from all the powers of darkness , from evil men , from fire and all such sad accidents : and raise up our spirits , together with our bodies , in the morning , to such a vigorous sense of thy continued goodness , as may provoke us all the day long to an unwearied diligence in well doing .

And the same Mercies that we beg for our selves , we desire for the rest of mankind : especially for all those who are called by the name of Christ . O that every member of that body , of which He is the head , may do their duties with all fidelity , according to the several offices to which thou hast assigned them . That Kings may be tender-hearted , as the Fathers of their Countries ; and all their subjects may be dutiful and obedient to them as their children : That the Pastors of the Church may feed thy flock with Wisdom and Understanding ; and the people may all submit unto them , and follow their godly counsels : That the rich and mighty may have compassion on the poor and miserable ; and all such distressed people may bless the rich , and rejoyce in the prosperity of those that are above them . Give husbands and wives , parents and chidren , masters and servants , the grace to behave themselves so in their several Relations , that they may adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ; and being an honour to his Religion here , may receive immortal honour and glory hereafter from the hands of Christ Jesus ; in whose holy name and words , we continue to beseech thy grace and mercy towards us , and all thy people every where : saying ,

Our Father which art in heaven , hallowed be thy Name : Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done in earth , as it is in heaven . Give us this day our daily bread : And forgive us our trespasses , as we forgive them that trespass against us : And lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from evil , &c.

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES .
THVRSDAY MORNING .

O Lord , the high and holy One , whose Psal. 148.13 . glory is above the earth and heaven . We thy creatures prostrate our selves in the humblest adorations of thee : ascribing to thee all Power , Wisdom , Riches , Might , Majesty , and Dominion ; and acknowledging that to thee of right belongs all Worship , Blessing , Thanksgiving and Praise ; together with all Honour , Love , Service and Obedience for evermore . Blessed be thine Omnipotent goodness , which hath advanced us to such a degree of being , that we are capable to look back to thee from whom we come ; to know thee , to love thee , to acknowledge thy great bounty towards us , and to resemble thee in Wisdom and Goodness . All that is within us blesses thy Holy Name , for breathing into us immortal spirits , that we may eternally admire thee , praise thee , love thee , and joyfully render those grateful acknowledgements which we owe unto thee . We can never sufficiently magnifie thy mercies towards us ; especially those in the Lord Jesus , in whom thy Grace hath so exceedingly abounded , as to surpass not only our deserts , but the largest of our desires . Blessed , blessed , for ever blessed be thy fatherly goodness , who hast sent him from heaven so unexpectedly to visit us vile wretches , who dwell in houses of clay , whose foundation is in the dust . Lord ! what is man , that thou art mindful of him ; or the son of man , that thou didst thus visit him ? We thank thee , according to our poor ability , from the very bottom of our hearts , for his manifestation in our flesh ; for the charitable testimonies he gave of his love to mankind in the course of his life ; for that astonishing grace in submitting himself to dye for us ; for his glorious Resurrection and Ascension to heaven ; for the Soveraign Power and Authority which thou hast given him at thy right hand ; for his compassionate intercession for us ; and the assurances we have received of his being the King of glory , and of his continued kindness to us , by the coming of the Holy Ghost . We will never cease to bless thee for that great salvation , Heb. 2.3,4 . which was first preached by the Lord , & was confirmed by them that heard him ; and for the witness which thou barest to them , both with signs and wonders , and with divers miracles and gifts of the holy Ghost , according to thy own will . We rejoyce in the Light of thy holy Gospel ; that we see the way to be happy both by the Doctrine , and example of thy Son Jesus ; that we have the incouragement of his precious promises ; and such good hope of remission of sin , and eternal life , in the day when he shall judge the world in righteousness . O how much are we bound unto thee , for that comfortable hope which thou hast given us , of seeing our dear Saviour in all his glory , and being there where he is , and reigning with him for ever ! We again render thee our most hearty thanks , for that everlasting consolation and good hope through grace , which thou hast given us : and for all those benefits likewise , which thou art pleased to bestow upon us , to make our stay here on earth the more convenient and delightful to us . We are every way obliged to thee , beyond all that we are able to express or conceive . Thou feedest us , and clothest us ; thou preservest our health , and our strength ; thou hast delivered us from innumerable dangers ; and when thou hast chastised us , it hath been in great mercy and clemency , and not according to our deserving .

O that all the world would shew forth thy praise , and devote themselves to the service of our Lord . Let all Kings of the earth submit themselves unto him , and glory in the name of his obedient subjects . High and low , rich and poor , let them praise the name of the Lord , from this time forth and for evermore .

Accept , most gracious God , of these unfeigned desires of us thy servants ; who , for our parts , intirely dedicate our selves , both souls and bodies , unto thee : Resolving in all things to walk worthy of thee , who hast called us to thy Kingdom and Glory , and blessed us also with many other good things which make this life to be a more easie passage to a better . We will never forget how much we are indebted to thee : but study to express our grateful remembrance of thy mercies , by living Tit. 2.12,13 . soberly , righteously and godly in this present world ; looking for that blessed hope , and the glorious appearing of the great God , and our Saviour Jesus Christ . Favour , we pray thee , these holy purposes with the constant assistance of thy good spirit ; that we may be able to accomplish what we have begun , and to perfect holiness in thy fear . Help us to 2 Pet. 1.5,6,7,8 . add to our faith , vertue ; and to vertue , knowledge ; and to knowledge , temperance ; and to temperance , patience ; and to patience , godliness ; and to godliness , brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness , charity . That these things being in us and abounding , they may make us to be neither barren , nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ .

Preserve us this day especially ; that we swerve not presently from these pious resolutions : But may give such a proof of their sincerity , by our being steadfast and immoveable in all well doing , notwithstanding any temptation to the contrary ; that we may have the better hope we shall persevere to the very end , through thy continued grace in Christ Jesus ; in whose words we desire all that thou seest needful , either for our souls or bodies , saying ,

Our Father , &c.

At Night .

WE are here again prostrate before thee , O Lord of heaven and earth , to joyn our selves with all that holy company , Revel. 4.8,11 . who rest not day and night , saying , Holy , holy , holy , Lord God Almighty , which was , and is , and is to come . Thou art worthy , O Lord , to receive glory , honour , and power : for thou hast created all things , and for thy pleasure they are and were created . Blessed be thy divine goodness , which hath made the children of men but little lower than the Angels ; and crowned us with such glory and honour , that we are capable to accompany that heavenly host in giving continual thanks and praise unto thee . Praised be thy name that we are now alive ; and that we have the use of our reason and understanding ; and enjoy so many of the comforts and conveniences of this present life ; and have attained a good hope through Christ Jesus of being immortally happy . O how great was thy love which sent him into the world to direct us in the way to that happiness by his holy doctrine and life ; and to be a propitiation for our sins by his death ; and to Act. 26.23 . be the first that should rise from the dead , and should shew light unto the world . We rejoyce in that light of life : We most chearfully devote our selves to be the faithful Disciples of him , the Prince of peace , the Lord of life and glory . It is our happiness as well as our duty to be governed by him , and obey his commands . We are sensible that they are all equal , just and good : and that thou hast done us an infinite kindness , in teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts , and to live soberly , righteously , and godly in this present world .

And therefore we here again most heartily surrender our wills to thine : desiring that we may unchangeably cleave unto it , with the greatest and most intire love and affection to all its commands . O that there may abide for ever in us such a strong and powerful sense of thy mighty love towards us in Christ Jesus , as may constrain us freely and willingly to please thee in the constant exercise of piety and devotion ; righteousness and mercy ; temperance and chastity ; meekness and patience ; truth and fidelity ; together with such an humble , contented and peaceable spirit , as may adorn the Religion of our Lord and Master . O God , that these holy desires and inclinations may never dye , nor languish in our hearts : but be kept alive in their vigour and force , by the perpetual inspirations of the holy Ghost .

We wait upon thee for that promise of our Saviour , to assist and promote our sincere indeavours , to preserve our souls unblameable in the love of thee our God , and of all mankind . We heartily desire the prosperity and welfare of every one of them , as well as our own . O that they were all so wise and happy as to acknowledge and submit themselves to thee , by obeying thy holy Laws . Especially we desire that all Kings and Princes may become our Saviours Subjects ; and conforming themselves to his will , may be rendred thereby most excellent examples to all other men . Indue our Soveraign with abundance of the Spirit of counsel , and judgement , and the fear of our Lord . Make him happy in wise and faithful Ministers ; in loyal and peaceable Subjects ; and in the good success of all his enterprises , for the honour of Religion , and his peoples tranquillity . We commend to thy mercies all our friends , relations , and benefactors : desiring that all who have done us good , may be requited an hundred fold here , and obtain at last eternal life . And all that have done evil to us , as we heartily forgive them , so we earnestly desire they may obtain thy gracious pardon . Together with these we remember likewise all that are in affliction , whatsoever it be either of soul or body : to whom we wish ease , and ▪ comfort , and seasonable relief ▪ that they may rejoyce in the end for the days wherein they have seen adversity .

In these holy thoughts and desires we now are bold to commend our selves to thy protection this night ; who hast preserved and blessed us ( we most thankfully acknowledge ) all the day past . We repose our selves in the belief of thy good providence ; with which we intrust our selves , and all belonging to us . We would lay down our selves to sleep , with hearts full of love to thee , and humble faith and hope in thee : Desiring we may awake again in the same manner , and find that we are still with thee . Dispose us , good Lord , by the rest thou givest us always to serve thee more zealously with our renewed spirits : that after the few days and nights we have to pass in this world , we may come to thy eternal rest together with Christ Jesus . In whose blessed name and words , we still recommend our selves to thy mercies .

Our Father which art in heaven , hallowed be thy Name : Thy kingdom ●ome ; Thy will be done in earth , as it ●s in heaven . Give us this day our daily bread : And forgive us our ●respasses , as we forgive them that trespass against us : And lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from ●vil , &c.

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES .
FRIDAY MORNING .

O God , most blessed for ever : whose the world is , and the fulness thereof ; who needest not any thing that we can give thee , for thou givest us whatsoever we injoy . We prostrate our selves before thee to make such poor expressions as we are able , of the sense we have of thine infinite bounty to us . It is but fit and meet that we should acknowledge and praise thee , though we can thereby add nothing unto thee . It is our happiness to have a grateful remembrance of thy goodness to us : and to be knit unto thee in hearty love , and dutiful affection all the days of our life .

We thank thee therefore , O Lord of heaven and earth , who hast loaded us continually with thy benefits . They are great , and many more than we can number ; both towards our bodies , and towards our souls ; for the comfort of this life , and our everlasting Salvation in the Life to come . For ever adored be thy love in Christ Jesus , who hath given us an undoubted testimony of thy fatherly care and providence over us : and incouraged us , though we have offended thee , to address our selves to thee , with good hope of thy gracious acceptance of us into friendship with thee again . We love thee , O Lord , above all things . We freely offer our spirits , souls , and bodies to thee , with most sincere devotion , and the heartiest affection to thy service . There is nothing we desire and long for so much , as to have a lively sense of thy marvailous love always possessing our hearts ; that may still constrain us to love thee , to obey thee , to trust in thee , to be content with the portion thy love allots unto us , and to rejoyce even in the midst of all the troubles of this life .

We cannot chuse , O Lord , when we seriously think of what thou hast done for us ; but absolutely commit our selves to thee , & intirely confide in thee for the time to come . Since thou hast Rom. 8.32 . not spared thy own Son , but delivered him up for us all , how shalt thou not with him also freely give us all things ? We depend upon thee especially for the grace of thy holy Spirit ; for the power of which in our hearts , exciting these holy desires and godly resolutions , we most humbly thank thy divine Majesty . O that we may feel it perpetually bearing us up by the strength of our most holy faith , and by the power of love and hope , above all the temptations , which at any time assault us . That we may keep our selves unspotted from the world ; and no appetite of pleasure , of glory , or of riches may ever carry us from our duty : but we may still cleave to thee in Righteousness , Purity , Humility , Charity , and all other divine vertues , of which our Lord hath given us so great an example .

For his sake we hope for a favourable acceptance of these our praises , acknowledgements and prayers . For we must be still beholden to thine infinite goodness , for the least regard to any thing that we can do , who are but unprofitable servants . And we wait upon the same goodness for thy blessing to accompany us all this day ; that we may do nothing , but what we know is pleasing to thee , and may be so prospered , protected and assisted by thine Almighty power , that we may return with our hearts full of love and thankfulness to thee in the evening , again to praise and magnifie thy continued kindness to us . Unto which we commend most heartily the rest of mankind : desiring that they may all know thee , the true God , and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent : whom to know is eternal life . And O that all Christians would walk worthy of thy high and heavenly Calling ; that others seeing their good works , may be invited thereby to acknowledge and glorifie thee our heavenly Father . More particularly we desire the increase of wisdom and goodness , to all Christian Kings and Princes ; and a plentiful portion of the Spirit of thy Grace to all Christian Bishops , Priests , and Deacons : that they may be eminent instruments of thy honour , and their peoples good , by the authority of their Doctrine and godly Example . Make our Soveraign and us all happy in each other ; by the faithful discharge of our several duties , in the places wherein thy most high wisdom hath set us . And we desire the comfort of those that mourn , the ease of those who are in pain , the health of the sick , the release of poor prisoners and captives , the quiet and satisfaction of those who are in trouble and anguish of mind , and the true content of all men in whatsoever condition they are : that we may be all continually giving thanks to thee , the Father of mercies , for the joy thou hast set before us , and the hope we have , by running our Christian race with patience , to come to that blessed place into which Jesus our fore-runner is already entred for us . By whom we continue to desire , in his own words , that thou mayst be glorified every where , in our well doing ; saying as he hath taught us ,

Our Father , &c.

At Night .

O Lord , the Almighty Creator and Governour of the world . Psal. 104.24 . How great and manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou made them all . 74.16 . The day is thine , the night also is thine : thou hast prepared the light and the Sun . We thy creatures , a small part of mankind , prostrate our selves before thee this evening , in the humblest adoration of thy divine Majesty : praising thy incomprehensible perfections , and rendring thee our thanks for all the benefits thou hast bestowed on the whole world , especially on us whom thou hast called to the knowledge of thy grace in Christ Jesus . It is a marvailous love wherewith thou hast loved us . Thou hast not dealt so with all people ; and as for thy great and precious promises they have not known them .

We are bound therefore more particularly to offer up unto thee continually spiritual sacrifices by Christ Jesus ; and to laud and bless thy great and glorious Name in the behalf of our selves , and the rest of mankind : among whom thou hast left innumerable testimonies of thy careful providence , in that Act. 14.17 . thou dost them good , and givest them rain from heaven , and fruitful seasons , filling their hearts with food and gladness . We praise thee , we bless thee , we magnifie and extol thy wise and powerful goodness , we thank thee for thy never ceasing bounty towards us ; especially that thou hast vouchsafed to send Jesus Christ to restore us by his appearing among us , and his humbling himself to the death for us , and his glorious Resurrection from the grave and Ascension on high , to a blessed hope of thy mercy unto eternal life .

We can do no less than devote our selves , souls and bodies , eternally to thee : returning , what we have received from thee , back again with the greatest love , and most grateful acknowledgements . Accept , we pray thee , O most gracious and merciful Father , of this small oblation we make thee , of our most hearty and unfeigned resolutions to worship and serve thee ; in the constant exercise of righteousness , mercy , meekness , patience , humility , and purity , with whatsoever is lovely and of good report . And we humbly beg thy holy Spirit may constantly accompany us ; inabling us to think of these things , to cleave unto them , to delight in them , and to persevere in a free and willing performance of all our duty towards thee and all men to our lives end .

And we most heartily desire the rest of mankind may at last be so happy as to come acquainted with the exceeding riches of thy grace in Christ . O that Psal. 67.2 . thy way may be known upon earth , and thy saving health among all nations : Rom. 15.10.6 . that all the Gentiles may rejoyce with thy people , and we may with one mind and one mouth glorifie thee our God , even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . O that all Idolatry and ungodliness , all cruelty and filthiness , all rapine and violence , may be abolished and rooted out of the earth ; and true piety , righteousness , holiness , and brotherly kindness may flourish in the room thereof . For which end we beseech thee indue all Kings and Princes , especially those that are Christian , with a great sense of thy Soveraign Authority over all ; that they may humbly obey thee , as they desire others should obey them ; and govern all their people with great wisdom , uprightness , and a tender compassionate care of their welfare . O that no covetousness , ambition , or revenge may rule in any hearts , provoking them to war and bloudshed : but there may be great peace in all Lands , by observing the holy Laws of the Prince of peace , Christ Jesus .

More particularly we recommend unto thy blessing , these Kingdoms wherein we live : beseeching thee to be merciful to our sins , in giving us grace to repent of them , and to bring forth fruits meet for repentance and amendment of life . Bless our Soveraign , and all that are imployed under him , either in Spiritual or Civil affairs , with all those graces which are necessary for the right discharge of their duties in such high places . Prosper all their pious indeavours for the good either of mens souls , or outward estates ; that true Religion and Vertue increasing , and all ungodliness and vice being put to shame , we may become a renowned Nation , and a praise in the earth . We commend to thee also , O Father of mercies , all those who are in a distressed and sorrowful condition : most earnestly desiring their seasonable relief and comfort ; with their release from those troubles , when thou pleasest . And now that we are going to lay down our selves to sleep , we put our selves and our habitations , with all that belong unto us , into thy most gracious protection : hoping thou wilt take care of us , when we cannot so much as think how to secure our selves from any danger that may approach us . Thou hast been our helper , keeper , and defender , therefore under the shadow of thy wings will we still rejoyce . When we close our eyes , let these holy thoughts of thee , and affections towards thee , still remain in us , and possess our hearts ; that they may awake again with us in the morning , and send up our souls in renewed love , and thanks , and praise to thy divine Majesty by our blessed Saviour and Redeemer Christ Jesus . In whose words we continue to implore thy mercies towards us .

Our Father which art in heaven , hallowed be thy Name : Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done in earth , as it is in heaven . Give us this day our daily bread : And forgive us our trespasses , as we forgive them that trespass against us : And lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from evil , &c.

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES .
SATVRDAY MORNING .

O Lord ; all thy works praise thee , and declare the greatness of thy Majesty , Power , Wisdom and Bounty which surpass all understanding . Thou art good unto all , and thy tender mercies are over all thy works . Thou art holy in all thy wayes , and righteous in all thy doings : and keepest truth for ever . Thy Kingdom is an everlasting kingdom , and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations . We all decay and perish ; the heavens themselves wax old like a garment : but thou art the same , and thy years shall have no end .

We adore thee , O Lord most high , and most willingly joyn our hearts and voices this Morning together with all the host of heaven and earth , to laud and praise thy glorious Name ; and give thanks unto thee , whose mercy endureth for ever . We think our selves happy that we know thee ; and that we live under the care and providence of thine Almighty and most wise goodness ; and that we have a good hope , not only of thy blessing and favour here , but of life for evermore . Blessed be thy Name for sending thy Son Jesus , to give us these hopes , by his Death , and Resurrection , and Ascension to heaven , and the coming of the holy Ghost . Blessed be thy Name who hast trained us up in his Religion , and given us the means and opportunities to know that love of thine which passes knowledge . We thank thee for all the blessed operations and motions of thy holy Spirit in our hearts : and that thou hast so early inclined us to fear thee , and love thee , and place our contentment and satisfaction in thy love and favour , which is better than life it self . And that thou hast also added a number of other mercies , for our comfortable subsistence in this world : having granted us so long health , peace and plenty ; a great many friends , loving relations and acquaintance ; and continued the enjoyment of them to this day , though we be so unworthy of the least of thy favours . We thank thee , O God , that now thou hast graciously renewed thy kindness unto us , in protecting us the last night from all the powers of darkness , and every evil accident ; and raising us up this morning in health and safety to praise thy goodness .

More especially we praise thee for any sense we have of these thy mercies : humbly waiting on thee for the increase of it , and for thy gracious pardon of all our unthankfulness and undutiful behaviour towards thee ; which we most heartily bewail , and desire , and will endeavour to amend .

And for that end we implore the help of thy holy Spirit , which our Lord hath incouraged us to ask of thee ; and told us thou wilt not deny to those that earnestly seek it , and continue to knock importunately at the gate of Mercy for it . We believe all his promises to be faithful and true ; and therefore humbly depend on thy mighty Power to strengthen and inable us to do our duty towards thee , and towards all men ; with care , and diligence , and zeal , and perseverance to the end . Indue us , good Lord , with a spirit of true and servent devotion , to thee our Creator and Redeemer : with upright , just , and charitable hearts to all our Neighbours : and with temperate , contented and humble minds , in every condition and state of life , unto which thou shalt please to call us .

Help us to be meek and gentle in our conversation ; prudent and discreet in ordering all our affairs ; good and useful in every relation ; observant of thy fatherly providence in every thing that befals us ; grateful for thy benefits ; patient under thy chastisements ; and readily disposed to every good word and work . Preserve in us a constant remembrance of thine all-seeing eye ; of the many promises and vows we have made of fidelity to thee ; of thine inestimable love in Christ Jesus , whereof thou hast given us so many pledges ; and of the great account we must give to him , the Judge of all , at the day of his appearing : That so we may continue steadfast and unmoveable , and be abundant in the work of the Lord ; knowing that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord . Deliver us , we beseech thee , from all inordinate cares and desires ; from vain hopes and causeless fears ; and so dispose our hearts that death it self may not be dreadful to us : but we may welcome it with a chearful countenance , when and howsoever it shall approach .

O that our hearts may be so firmly settled and established in the true Religion , and our minds kept so free from all delusions ; that nothing may afright us , or shake our constancie : But we may rather chuse to dye , than dishonour our Saviour , who dyed for us . We resign our selves to thy wisdom and goodness , who knowest what is best for us : hoping thou wilt 1 Corinth. 10.13 . never suffer us to be tempted above what we are able , and wilt with the temptation also make a way to escape , that we may be able to bear it .

We commend unto thee , likewise , all mankind , especially thy Church and chosen people : these Kingdoms more particularly , of which we are members ; that we may be all faithful to our Lord Christ , and zealous of good works . Bless our Soveraign , his Councellors , his Ministers , and all imployed in publick business , whether Spiritual or Civil ; that they may be conscientiously industrious , and whatsoever they do may prosper , for the good of all those who are committed to their charge . Be gracious to all our friends , and those who are dear unto us . Keep us all in thy fear , and love , and obedience while we live ; and make us willing to dye , and to be with Christ which is best of all . Guide us , good Lord , and govern us by the same spirit of wisdom and goodness , that we may be so united to thee here , as not to be eternally separated , when thou art pleased to order our departure hence : But that we all at last may have an happy meeting in the other and better world ; to dwell with thee in love and joy , that shall never dye , through Christ Jesus our blessed Lord and Saviour , in whose words we still beseech thee to hear us .

Our Father , &c.

At Night .

ALL honour and glory , thanks and praise , love and service be rendred by us , and all other reasonable creatures to thy great and glorious Majesty , O Lord ; who hast brought us into the world ; and preserved our life most tenderly to this moment ; and made it easie and comfortable to us by more mercies than we can number . And to all the former hast added those of this day , which we have passed in peace , and health , and safety ; blessed be thy never-ceasing goodness . Above all we acknowledge thy unconceiveable love in Christ Jesus , by whom thou hast made a gracious provision for our souls , and their everlasting happiness in the other world : Having sent him to us with the promises of eternal life ; and to be the Way and Director to it ; and given him to dye , that he might seal his promises with his bloud ; and raised him again from the dead , that our faith and hope might be in thee , O God .

1 Cor. 2.9 . Eye had not seen , nor ear heard , neither did enter into the heart of man the things which thou hast prepared for them that love thee . We love thee , O Lord , and give our selves , both souls and bodies to thee : most earnestly desiring to be inspired with such a sense of thy infinite goodness , that we may love thee more , and serve thee better ; with all our heart , and with all our soul , and with all our strength .

We confess we have not walked worthy of the great benefits we have received ; and therefore may justly fear thou shouldest withhold thy tender mercies , and shut up thy loving kindness in displeasure . But the desires and holy resolutions thou hast wrought and continuest in our souls , to amend and become still more fruitful in all good works , incourage us to hope in thee for pardon through the bloud of Jesus Christ ; and for the assistance of thy holy Spirit , to inable us to accomplish that which we intend and purpose , to grow more and more in wisdom and knowledge , and in righteousness and true holiness . O that this Image of thine may appear every day fairer and more beautiful before thee , and in the sight of all men ! That so we may adorn the Religion we profess ; and be a good Example unto others ; and have a solid foundation of peace and comfort in our own hearts ; and be able to hope in thee for thy future mercy in Christ Jesus , even unto eternal life .

We commend our selves to thy wonted grace ; and in a sense of what thou hast done already for us , and what thou hast promised to do , depend on thy goodness for what thou seest profitable and conducing to our chiefest good : referring our selves wholly to thy wise will and pleasure ; and resolved contentedly to submit to thy appointments , thankfully to receive thy mercies , and to rest satisfied with our portion , whatsoever it be that thou orderest for us . Make us but steadfast in thy faith and love , unwearied in well doing , patient and constant under all sufferings , full of a lively hope in thy mercy , and willing to dye when and as thou pleasest ; and we have enough .

In confidence that thou hearest us , and art every where , and never slumberest nor sleepest ; we commit our selves to the custody of thy watchful providence this night : to be secured and protected by thee , when we cannot at all attend to our own preservation . May it please thy goodness to give this whole family a comfortable rest and repose ; to defend this habitation , and all about us from fire and such like sad accidents ; to deliver us from the power of evil spirits , and of evil men ; and to raise us in health and chearfulness to praise thee , and to glorifie thee , both in soul and body the next day . Psal. 59.16,17 . Then will we sing of thy power ; yea , we will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning : because thou hast been our defence , and our refuge at all times . Vnto thee , O our strength , will we sing : for God is our defence , and the God of our mercy . 111.1 . We will praise the Lord with our whole heart , in the assembly of the upright , and in the congregation . 92.1,2 . For it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord , and to sing praises unto thy name , O most High : to shew forth thy loving kindness in the morning , and thy faithfulness every night .

24.1 . The earth is thine , and the fulness thereof ; the world , and they that dwell therein . 22.27,28 . Let all the people praise thee , O God ; let all the people praise thee . O that all the ends of the world would remember and turn unto the Lord ; and all the kindreds of the Nations worship before him . For the kingdom is the Lords ; and he is the governour among the Nations . Bless especially all Christian Kings and Princes ; that it may Prov. 16.12 . be an abomination to them to commit wickedness ; and their thrones may be established by righteousness . And incline the hearts of all those who have any authority in these Kingdoms to love and hold fast thy true Religion , and to live according to to it ; that 20.28 . by mercy and truth the king may be preserved : and his throne be upholden by mercy .

We heartily desire the ease , peace and satisfaction of all those who are in pain , trouble , and perplexity : and that all poor miserable people may find supply of their wants from thy bounty , and the charity of those on whom thou hast bestowed plenty and abundance . We humbly also wait for thy blessing upon all our Relations and Friends : trusting in thee for such a measure of health , and all other good things , as thou judgest useful for us ; and especially that the Lord Jesus 1 Tim. 4.8 . will deliver us from every evil work , and preserve us to his heavenly kingdom : To whom be glory for ever and ever . Amen .

Our Father , &c.

A shorter Morning Prayer for any day in the week , when there is not time , by reason of some extraordinary occasions , for the other .

O Most great and glorious God , the Soveraign of the World : Upon whom we continually depend ; to whom we owe all the love , the service , and the praise that we are able to render to all eternity . We adore thy infinite mercy , from whence we have received so many blessings for the comfort of this life ; and by which we have a sure Hope of good things , in the life to come . Blessed be thy goodness , which hath not suffered us to wander without instruction , after the foolish desires of our own hearts : but hath clearly shown us where our happiness lyes . We receive with all thankfulness those holy words , which teach us the blessedness of poverty and contentedness of spirit ; of meekness and humility of mind ; of hungering and thirsting after righteousness ; of mercifulness and purity of heart ; of peaceableness , and patient suffering , for doing the will of our Lord Christ .

O that we may have grace to labour alway to be in the number of those blessed Souls , that never set their hearts on any thing so much , as these heavenly vertues ! O that we may ever think and feel our selves happy , in the comfort of those great and precious promises , of being made the children of the highest , the heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven , and at last of seeing thee our God . It suffices , O Lord , that we have these glorious hopes hereafter : which make us believe , thou wilt not let us want what is necessary for us , whilst we continue here . We commend our selves , with an humble confidence , to thy watchful providence this day : beseeching thee to guide and assist us , that in all our desires , words and actions , we may keep our selves innocent , and undefiled before thee ; and be disposed to do all good , as we have opportunity .

And we heartily desire that all mankind may be filled with the same devotion to thee : and especially that all Christian people may glorifie thy Name , and be joyful in thee . And the greater any are in Dignity and Power , raise their spirits to the greater pitch of Wisdom , Mercy and Piety : that they may right those that suffer wrong ; and defend those that have no helper ; and provide for the ease and comfort of all miserable creatures ; to the utmost of their power . In this ardent charity we commit both souls and bodies to thee ; beseeching thee to increase our love to thee , and to all men , till we be fit to be translated to the region of love and joy , and perfect satisfaction , through Christ Jesus : who hath taught us , when we pray , to say

Our Father , &c.

Another short Prayer for the Morning .

O Blessed God ; be thou acknowledged , praised and loved by us , and all the children of men ; on whom thou pourest continually thy benefits . They are great and many : we know not the summe , nor understand the value of them . The Angels themselves admired thy love to us in Christ Jesus ; and are become ministring Spirits to them ; who are heirs of Salvation . We enjoy the continual fruits of thy watchful providence ; by which we have been kept in peace and safety the last night , and are raised this morning in health and strength , both of body and mind : beholding all things belonging to us , just as we left them with thee , when we went to sleep .

Accept , we most humbly beseech thee , of this poor tribute of praise and thanks ; together with the hearty oblation of our souls and bodies , which we here dedicate again to thy service . Vouchsafe us the continued assistance of the grace of thy holy Spirit ; to inable us to make good those vows that are upon us , of obediently keeping thy holy will and commandments , and walking in the same all the days of our life . Pardon , good Lord , all our breaches of this Sacred Covenant . Deal not with us according to our sins , neither reward us after our iniquities : But in the multitude of thy tender mercies pitty our errors and wandrings ; and help us against our infirmities .

Give us leave this day to put our selves into thy powerful protection , and to depend on thee for thy merciful guidance and assistance ; that we may be more faithful to thee in the discharge of our duties , and never swerve from the rules of Sobriety , Righteousness , Charity and Godliness . So shall we return with joyful hearts to praise thee in the Evening : and teach those who shall come after us , to continue thy praises in the next generation . Amen , for thy mercies sake in Christ Jesus ; in whose words we present the earnest desires of our hearts for our selves , and all our Brethren ; saying

Our Father , &c.

A short Prayer for the Evening , when there is not time for the longer .

O God ; we thy creatures , who have tasted liberally of thy bounty many ways ; and been blessed in our several imployments , and mercifully preserved from several dangers this day ; are here met to joyn together , in most hearty thanksgivings to thy divine Majesty ; which with one accord we offer up unto thee . It is the greatest happiness of all , we acknowledge , that we have any sense of thee in our minds ; any love to thee in our hearts ; any remembrance of thy benefits ; any holy dispositions to obey thee ; and any hopes that thou wilt pardon our sins , and make us partakers of eternal life .

All that we desire of thee , O Lord , is the continuance and increase of this happiness : that we may be possessed with a stronger sense of thy Majesty , thy Soveraign Power , thy unsearchable Wisdom , Goodness and Truth ; and be filled with a more ardent love to thee , and to all righteousness ; and delight to do thy Will in every thing , and rejoyce in hope of thy immortal Glory . As for all the things of this life , in a grateful remembrance of thy many past mercies , we intirely trust thee for the time to come : referring our selves to thy Wisdom , and resolving to be content with that portion , which thy good providence is pleased to assign us . Help us but to be steadfast and unmoveable in the work of our Lord , to bring forth all the fruits of the Spirit , love , joy , peace , long-suffering , gentleness , goodness , faith , meekness and temperance ; and we shall think our selves rich enough , and well provided for in every state and condition of life .

In these holy thoughts and desires we commend our selves to thy gracious protection this night ; hoping to find them fresh and lively in our souls , when we awake in the Morning : and desiring withal the happiness of the rest of the world , that they may know thee , and acknowledge thee , and be guided unto , and walk in the way that leads to everlasting life , through Christ Jesus our blessed Redeemer . In whose powerful name , and comprehensive words , we continue to pray as he hath taught us ; saying

Our Father , &c.

Another for the Evening .

IN an humble and thankful sense , O Lord of heaven and earth , of our intire dependence on thee , and of the duty we owe thee , and the many promises and vows wherein we stand ingaged to thee , we fall down before thee , this Evening , and with all reverence worship thy divine Majesty : Giving thee the glory that is due unto thy Name , and acknowledging thy multiplied mercies to us , particularly those of this day ; to the conclusion of which thou hast now safely brought us , with new resolutions in our hearts to continue for ever in thy faith , and fear , and love , and obedience .

It is but just and reasonable , and we feel likewise , by daily experience , that it is our happiness , to keep thy Commandments ; and to maintain chearful thoughts of thee , and an hearty friendship with thee , by complying in all things with thy holy Will. O pardon our folly , most gracious God , in forsaking at any time that perfect Rule , to follow our own unruly desires . Pardon us , we beseech thee , for we know not how to pardon our selves such ingratitude to thee , and cruelty to our selves . It is the grief of our hearts , that we have , in the least , offended thee ; and our most earnest , unfeigned desire to be preserved hereafter in an exact conformity to our Rule in every thing . Yea , we would delight to do thy Will , O God , and take such a pleasure in all the acts of righteousness , mercy , meekness , and gentleness to our Neighbours ; and in praising and acknowledging thee the God of all grace ; and in living in an humble sense of thy bounty and our own undeservings , and in a temperate and thankful use of all thy blessings ; that we may have the continual feast of a good conscience , and the constant comfort and satisfaction of having thee alway for our friend , and our gracious Father in Christ Jesus .

O thou who art the Inspirer of such holy counsels , desires and purposes , keep them for ever in our hearts . Incourage , strengthen and increase them ; that after the refreshment of a quiet sleep this night , we may feel them lively and powerful in the Morning : and with renewed joy we may still devote our selves to thy faithful service . O that our friends , and all thy people in every place , may partake of the same mercies we desire for our selves : and howsoever we are severed one from another in this world , grant us an happy meeting at the day of our Lord , in whose words we pray thee to hear us .

Our Father which art in heaven , hallowed be thy Name : Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done in earth , as it is in heaven . Give us this day our daily bread : And forgive us our trespasses , as we forgive them that trespass against us : And lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from evil , &c.

PRAYERS For particular PERSONS .
A Prayer for the Morning to be said by any Person alone .

O Most holy , blessed and glorious Majesty of heaven and earth . Who art before all things , because they all received their being from thee ; and who art of thy self , infinite in all perfections . Before thee , who art so great and incomprehensible , I most humbly prostrate my self this Morning ; rejoycing in this happy liberty which thou vouchsafest me , of retiring my thoughts a little from this world , to look up unto thee , the Father of my being . I adore and praise thy eternal Power , Wisdom and Goodness . I heartily acknowledge the duty which I owe thee , both as I am thy creature , and as I am a Christian . I bewail all my neglects of it , my backwardness unto it , or coldness in it . I intreat thy gracious pardon , and ingage my self , for the time to come , more heartily and firmly to thy obedience : beseeching the grace of thy holy Spirit to inable me to perform all those ingagements which are upon me . And blessed be thy Fatherly goodness , which hath so often prevented me with that grace . I owe to it all the good thoughts and inclinations that are in my heart ; all those motions that I feel in my soul towards thee , as my chiefest good ; with all the effects and fruits of them in my life and actions : which incourage me to hope in thee for the constant help of it , to further me in well doing unto the end .

O thou who hast sent thy Son from heaven to dwell among us , who hast not spared his life , but given him up for us all , who hast raised him from the dead , and made him heir of all things , who hast given him all power in heaven and earth , that he may bless us and do us good ; deny not the desires of a soul , that offers up it self intirely in sincere affection to thy service . But assist me so mightily from above , that I may make thee my constant acknowledgements likewise , for the sensible fruits of his Life , Death , Resurrection , and Exaltation produced in my heart : growing more and more in all Wisdom , Righteousness , Purity , Humility , Goodness , and every other divine Vertue . For which end preserve me alway in such a serious temper of mind , that the sense of my duty to thee , may make me always ready and forward to it ; and the sense of my weakness , may make me watchful and diligent ; and the sense of my former negligence , make me fervent in spirit ; and the goodness of thy commands may render me more fruitful and abundant in the work of our Lord ; and the great danger I have escaped , and the blessedness before me , may make me persevere most patiently in all well doing , with joy and thankfulness . So that I may be like to Christ Jesus my gracious Lord and Master , and do him honour here in this world , and walk worthy of the great priviledges he hath bestowed on me , and make grateful returns for all the vast receipts I have had from thy most bounteous mercy . O that all my acknowledgements , and pious affections may be turned into actions of holiness and piety ; and all my actions may be spirited with zeal ; and all my zeal be regulated with prudence ; and my prudence be void of all guile , and joyned with perfect integrity of heart : that adorning my most holy faith and profession by a religious , upright , charitable , and discreet conversation whilst I am here , I may receive approbation and praise , at the day of the Lord Jesus ; and be numbered among thy Saints in glory everlasting .

This , O Lord , is the sum of all my desires . Dispose me , by every thing that befals me , for eternal life , and it sufficeth . I wholly leave my concerns in this life to the wisdom of thy goodness ; that thou mayst order what thou judgest to be fittest for me . I trust thee with my self , and all I have : hoping thou wilt preserve me from all things hurtful , and lead me to all things profitable for my salvation .

The like I wish to all the world ; that unbelievers may be translated out of the kingdom of darkness ; into the Kingdom of thy dear Son ; and they who are called by the name of Christ , may depart from all iniquity . Inspire all Kings and Princes of the earth , with great wisdom and charity ; and make them like to thee , the Lord of all : who art good unto all , and pleased in mercy . Indue all our Pastors and Guides with true knowledge , piety and zeal ; and give me , and all Christian people grace to receive their instructions with a meek , humble and obedient heart . Thou knowest the sorrows , troubles and perplexities of all afflicted persons ; for whom I implore thy compassionate relief . Support them with a lively faith and hope in thy precious promises ; dispose them thereby to a more strict observance of thy holy Commands ; and convert their present sufferings into endless joys ; when they have brought forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness . And whilst thou art pleased to continue to me that ease , plenty and prosperity which I enjoy ; fill me with such a sense of thy undeserved goodness , that I may be the more ready to do good to those , who are in misery ; and by a sober and moderate use of thy blessings , be prepared to endure patiently whatsoever change , thou shalt be pleased to order for me , into a worse condition . Preserve me all this day in innocence , and in love to thee , and to all men . And since in all my ways I acknowledge thee ; do thou direct my paths , and teach me to guide my affairs with discretion . Prov. 3.6 . Psal. 112.5 . Thou art my hope and my confidence ; my satisfaction and my peace ; my glory and my joy ; therefore never leave me not forsake me , but conduct me safely by thy counsel through all the businesses and enjoyments , through all the temptations and troubles of this life , to that blessed place where our Lord Jesus liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the same spirit , world without end . Amen .

Our Father , &c.

A Prayer for the Evening .

O Lord , the Creator of the world , and the Redeemer of mankind . Who knowest all things ; and canst do what thou pleasest ; and wilt do that which is best for thy children ; and hast done us a world of good already ; and promised to do more for us , if we be obedient , than we can ask or think ; and hast given us the greatest assurance of the truth of those promises by thy Son Jesus ; who dyed for us , and whom thou hast raised from the dead , and given him the promise of the holy Ghost , which he hath poured forth abundantly , to shed abroad thy love in our hearts . I fall down before thee in the lowliest manner , to express my fear and reverence of thy Almighty Power ; my admiration of and submission to thy unsearchable wisdom ; my hearty love , and thankful acknowledgement of thy wondrous goodness ; my trust and confidence in thy faithful Promises ; with my readiness , and sincere purposes to perform all obedience to thy holy Commands .

There is nothing , O Lord , so afflictive to me , as the remembrance that I have any time offended thy Soveraign Authority . I am heartily sorry for the breaking of any of thy sacred , righteous and good Laws . I abhorr the thoughts of doing so again . And protest eternal enmity to all that is contrary to thy blessed Will : addicting my self with most hearty affection to thy true and faithful service . Pardon me therefore , most gracious and merciful Father , and accept these holy resolutions which thou hast inspired me withal . Strengthen , I beseech thee , and further them with thy continued grace , that no sudden desires , vehement inclinations , ineffectual purposes , no nor partial performances , may deceive and lead me into a false opinion of my self : but I may bring forth actually , and with a constant spirit , all the fruits of righteousness , which are by Christ Jesus to the praise and glory of thee , my God . Possess me with such a deep and strong sense of thy supreme Authority over all , of the obligations I have to thee , and the great kindness thou hast done me in ingaging me to be thy servant ; that Religion may be the very business of my life , and my greatest pleasure may be to please thee in every thing , and my highest design to attain that blessed immortality , which Christ Jesus hath promised .

O lift up my affections more and more to those things above , where he is : That heaven may have my heart , while this world hath my body ; and I may have perfect contentment of mind in well doing and patient suffering ; and the good hope I have of being eternally beloved of thee , the Lord of heaven and earth , may make me rejoyce evermore . Free me from all inordinate cares for the things of this life ; from all distrust of thy good providence ; from all repining at any thing that befals me : and inable me in every thing to give thanks ; believing that all things are ordered by the greatest reason , and shall work together for good to those that love thee . I doubt not of thy Fatherly affection to those that study , in all sincerity , to approve themselves unto thee : and therefore still resolve to leave my self intirely to thy wise Counsels , that thou mayst dispose me into such a condition as thou seest best in this world . Remember me but of my duty ; quicken and excite me to it ; strengthen me in the doing of it ; support me under all discouragements ; advise me in all difficult cases ; and comfort me with a steadfast belief of thy holy Word ; and I shall ever be giving thanks and praise unto thee , who dealest so bountifully with me .

Into thy hands I commend this night , both soul and body , which have been mercifully preserved in safety all this day . I repose my self in the belief of thy watchful providence ; and that thou givest thy Angels charge of us , and art about our beds , and about our paths , and spiest out all our thoughts . O continue these holy thoughts and desires in me till I fall asleep : that thou mayst have a soul full of love to thee in thy custody ; and I may receive the light of the Morning , if thou prolongest my life , with new joy in thee , and thankful affection to thee .

I most heartily desire likewise , O merciful God , the good of the whole world . Pitty the follies of mankind : deliver them from their sins , and from their miseries . Hear the groans of every part of the creature , that is yet subject to the bondage of corruption , and bring them all into the glorious liberty of thy children . Hear the daily prayers of the Catholick Church . Free her from all foul and dividing errors : Let the Truth , as it is in Jesus , prevail , and peace be in all her borders . O that all Christian Kings and Governours , may follow after peace and insue it . Make thy Ministers the Messengers of peace : and dispose the hearts of all Christians to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . Inlighten the minds of all Jews , Turks and Infidels with the knowledge of thy Truth . Give repentance unto sinners ; and increase of grace and strength to all thy faithful servants . Reduce those that wander out of the way : raise up those who are faln : confirm and settle those that stand ; and grant them a steadfast resolution to persevere in faith , love and obedience . Relieve and comfort all those that are in any distress . Make the earth to bring forth her increase in due season . And let all honest and industrious people be succeeded and blessed in their labours . Remember all those to whom I am indebted for my birth , education , instruction or promotion : Thou who art rich in mercy , reward and recompence their care and love . Grant forgiveness and charity to all my enemies . Continue good will among all my kind Neighbours . Assist those who are dying and leaving this world . Fit them for a better place ; receive the souls which thou hast redeemed with thy Sons most precious bloud , and sanctified by the holy Ghost ; and give us all a glorious resurrection and eternal life . Amen , Amen .

Our Father , &c.

A shorter Prayer to be used by any one alone in the Morning .

I Adore thee , O Lord , the possessor of heaven and earth ; who surpassest all our thoughts , and dost us good beyond all our desires . There is all reason , that I should acknowledge thee continually ; that I should worship , and praise , and love , and obey thee , whilst I have my being . I cannot but witness against my self , whensoever I neglect thee ; much more when I oppose thy most high Authority , by doing contrary to thy Laws . For thy Almighty Goodness gave me my being ; and by that alone have I been maintained and liberally provided for : yea , it hath born with me very patiently in my rebellion , and used extraordinary means to make us friends , and ceases not its intreaties after many unkind denials ; but continues to importune me , till my heart consent to yield it self intirely to thee .

I cannot withhold my self , O Lord , from thee , when I consider what thou art , and what thou hast been to me : such a tender , gracious and compassionate Father , as my greatest affections cannot find words to express . I must again surrender soul and body into thy hands , which have been so long , so lovingly stretched out towards me : resolving to stay with thee , and never to depart away from thee . For the more I know of thee , the more I find that I must needs love thee : and the more I love thee , the more I desire to love thee , and to resemble thee , and to be beloved of thee . O that I may feel the power of thy love so great in my heart , that it may govern the rest of my passions and affections : and nothing in the world may tempt me to displease thee , but every thing provoke me more to love thee , and delight in thee , and obey thee . For whom is there in heaven that I can desire but thee , or on earth besides thee ? who art the blessed and only Potentate , the King of kings , and the Lord of lords ; who only hast immortality : and designest by thy Son Jesus to raise us sinful dust and ashes , to a kingdom , glory , honour , and immortality in the heavens . I most earnestly beseech thee that this sense of thee , may accompany me wheresoever I go , and in whatsoever I do this day . That approving my self to thee in such a godly , sober , righteous , charitable and prudent behaviour , as may adorn the Gospel of my Lord and Master Christ Jesus ; I may have a greater assurance of thy good will towards me , and an undoubted hope of thy mercy in him to eternal life . In whose most blessed name and words I humbly recommend my self , my friends , and all thy servants to thy infinite charity ; saying as he hath taught us .

Our Father , &c.

Another for the Evening .

BLessing , Glory , Honour and Praise be again returned to thee , O Father of mercy , from a most thankful heart ; which offers up it self also in holy devotion to thee . Who art my Soveraign Lord , my most loving Saviour , my Deliverer and Benefactor ; the Fountain of all the good things I enjoy at present , and the hope of my soul for ever and ever . Blessed be thy renewed kindness to me this day past ; both to my self and my relations , to my soul and my body , in my transactions with men , and in the liberty thou allowest me of addresses to thy self . Pardon , good Lord , whatsoever hath escaped me in thought , word or deed , contrary to my duty : And accept of those sincere intentions , and unfeigned purposes , which were , and I hope shall always be , in my heart , to study to approve my self to thee in all well doing .

It is but just and reasonable that I should follow thy will , and not my own : and in a grateful sense of what I have received from thee , I ought to be moved to imploy all the powers of my soul and body for thee . But such is the goodness of thy will , that it is for my ease and pleasure , and greatest happiness , to be absolutely led and governed by it . I am sensible , O Lord , how much I am indebted to thee for teaching me by Christ Jesus , and also strongly obliging me , to exercise my self to all godliness , purity , righteousness , humility , goodness and truth . And accordingly I thank thee , above all things , for his holy instructions and example ; for the hope thou hast given us by his bloud that thou wilt be so merciful to our sins , as not to deny us the power of thy holy Spirit to inable us to follow him , and obey his commands ; and for that exceeding great and precious promise which he hath given us of immortal life , to incourage us to follow him willingly and chearfully , even to the death . O that I may feel a lively and steadfast faith in his Word , continually working with great power in my heart ; exciting me to an unwearied diligence , and zeal , and love , and patient continuance in my duty towards thee , and towards all men : That so my hope in thee may grow and increase , and I may joyfully expect that hour which shall translate me hence to the eternal happiness of the other world . And during my stay here , I commend my self to thy good providence , which hath hitherto been so tender of me . I trust thee wholly with my self , and all belonging to me : and am willing in every thing to be disposed of , as thou seest good . This night 〈◊〉 fly unto thy Almighty protection ; hoping thou wilt keep me safely , and whether I awake in this or the other life , I shall still be praising thee ; whose Mercy endureth for ever . Amen ; for Christ Jesus his sake ; by whom thou hast incouraged me to hope in thee , and taught me to call thee father ; saying ,

Our Father which art in heaven , hallowed be thy Name : Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done in earth , as it is in heaven . Give us this day our daily bread : And forgive us our trespasses , as we forgive them that trespass against us : And lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from evil , &c.

THat time which is wont to be spent in the Church , in talking or looking about , before Divine Service begin ; may be better imployed in private Prayer , to dispose us to joyn with greater seriousness in the Publick . And indeed our business being there with God alone , and that place being separated to his service only ; the custom , which now universally prevails , of entertaing discourse one with another , is very undecent ( to say no worse ) and ought to be reformed . We have other times and places enow to confer with our neighbours ; and therefore have no temptation to pervert the use of this : which is set apart for devout intercourse with God , and none else , by speaking to him in Prayer and Praises , and hearing him speak to us in his holy Word . It is fit to silence all other speech ; and therefore here follow some helps for that purpose : which I hope all good Christians will indeavour to use , or imitate ; and not despise this loving admonition .

Private PRAYERS IN THE CHVRCH .
A short Prayer before Divine Service begins .

BEhold , O Lord of heaven and earth , a Soul prostrate before thee ; desirous to be filled with such an awful sense of thy divine Majesty , that no other thing may interpose it self , while I am in thy presence . Fix my inconstant thoughts in a steadfast attention to thy most holy Word . Inspire me with devout affections , when I set forth thy praise , and render thanks for all thy benefits . And excite in me such fervent desires for all those things , which I ask of thee ; that I may feel my self better disposed by these addresses to thee , to every Christian duty the rest of this day ; through Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour . Amen .

Another .

IN an humble and thankful sense of thine infinite goodness , which honoureth us so much as to speak to us , and gives us leave to speak to thee ; I bow down my self before thee , O most high and holy Lord , the Creator of the world , desiring my mind may be possessed with such great thoughts of thee , whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain , and who openest thy hand and fillest all things with good , that I may most reverently worship thee ; and affectionately acknowledge thy bounty ; and set my heart open to receive thy holy Word ; and my mouth may praise thee with joyful lips . Silence all other thoughts and desires in me , while I am here in thy presence . And lift up my heart so towards heaven , that I may feel it united to that glorious company above ; who perpetually praise thee , and rejoyce in thee , and do thy Commandments , hearkning to the voice of thy Word . Which I humbly beg in the name of Christ Jesus , which is ever dear unto thee ; and by whom thou hast promised to hear us . Amen .

Or those words of the Prophet David ( which you read , Psal. 5.7 . 17.1 . 118.28 . 119.47,48 , &c. ) may be a little altered , in this manner :

IN the multitude of thy mercy I am come into thy house : and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy place . Attend unto my cry , O Lord , and give ear unto my Prayer that goeth not out of feigned lips . Thou art my God , and I will praise thee ; thou art my God , and I will exalt thee . And I will delight my self in thy Commandments which I have loved . My hands also will I lift up to thy commandments which I have loved : and I will meditate in thy statutes . Let thy tender mercies come also unto me , O Lord ; even thy Salvation according to thy Word . Look upon me , and be merciful unto me , as thou usest to do to those that love thy Name . Order my steps in thy Word : and let not any iniquity have dominion over me . Amen .

A longer Prayer in the Church , when there is time for it , before the begining of divine Service .

I Cast down my self , O Lord , in an holy fear and humble adoration of thine incomprehensible Majesty , who fillest heaven and earth ; but delightest to make thy self more peculiarly present to those that acknowledge and praise thee , and are desirous to be filled with a constant sense of thee , and intire love to thee . Blessed be thy infinite goodness , which hath incouraged such wretches , as I am , by the declaration of thy good will to us in Christ Jesus , by thy most gracious invitations and precious promises , and by the long experience I have had of thy kindness , to approach unto thee , O Lord most High .

I accept most thankfully of this freedom and liberty of access with confidence by the faith of Jesus ; and am here to joyn with the rest of thy servants , in extolling and magnifying thy eternal Power , Wisdom and Goodness ; in giving thanks to thee for thy innumerable blessings ; in hearing thy most holy Word ; and making our humble supplications , for the continuance of thy undeserved grace and favour towards us . Compose mine and every one of our thoughts , to the most silent admiration of thee : Strike our Spirits with a reverend apprehension of the surpassing greatness and glory of thy Majesty : Raise our affections to the highest pitch of love and gratitude to thee : bow our wills to the most chearful submission to all thy holy commands : and touch us with an unspeakable joy , when we read and hear thy exceeding great and precious promises .

Vouchsafe , most loving Father , the power of thy holy Spirit to attend upon me ; to draw my mind from all other things , and to give me such a lively taste of the pleasures of thy house , as may make me ever delight to attend upon thee here , and walk with thee , in every other place , with a perfect heart . That so my own 1 Joh. 3.21,22 . heart not condemning me , I may have more and more confidence towards thee , that whatsoever I ask I shall receive of thee ; because I keep thy commandments , and do those things which are pleasing in thy sight . Psal. 62.1 . O my God , truly my soul waiteth upon thee ; from thee cometh my salvation . 61.1 . Hear my cry , O God , and attend unto my prayer , for the honour of our Lord Jesus , and the love thou bearest to him ; who hath bid us ask , and we shall receive ; seek , and we shall find ; knock , and it shall be opened unto us . Let it be to thy servant , I most ardently beseech thee , according to his Word . Amen .

Another more large .

O Lord of heaven and earth , who art infinite and incomprehensible in thy being , eternal in thy duration , and unchangeable in thy Nature : who canst do what thou wilt ; and delightest in doing us good . By thy Power I and all creatures were made ; by thy Wisdom we are govern'd ; by thy Goodness and Bounty we are provided for ; under thy Soveraign Dominion we live ; and unto thy Majesty we owe all reverence , service and faithful obedience . I adore and humbly worship thee . I acknowledge my self bound by innumerable tyes to fear thee , to love thee , to praise thee , and to serve thee with all my heart , and soul , and strength . Blessed be thy Goodness that I have any hope , thou wilt accept of such a worthless thing as my love . Blessed be thy Goodness . I admire at the riches of thy Grace , that thou dost not reject all the service that I can tender thee . Nay , it is to be ascribed to this alone , that I am alive to worship thee , and have the doors of thy house stand open to me ; and that I have any heart to enter into it , to offer up spiritual Sacrifices by Christ Jesus .

O God , I offer thee here my whole self , which is all due to thee , because I received it all from thee : beseeching thee most earnestly to make me feel that I am not mine own any longer , but thine ; by taking off my thoughts and affections from all other things at this present , and filling me with such a reverend apprehension of thee , such hearty devotion to thee , and heavenly joy in thee ; that I may every day offer up my self to thee more holy and more pure , more meek and merciful , more humble and thankful , more chearfully disposed to every good work , and better prepared to bear a part in the praises and services of the glorious company above .

Thou knowest the weakness of our nature , how soon our thoughts are tyred and apt to start aside when we direct them towards heaven : Vouchsafe me therefore the assistance of thy holy Spirit to compose my mind to the most serious , the most earnest , the most devout and chearful attention , in all the parts of thy Divine Service . That I may have the liveliest sense of thy glorious perfections when I praise thee ; and the most delightful remembrance of thy Mercies , when I give thee thanks ; and the most thirsty desires to be conformed to thy Will , and to feel more and more the influences of thy Grace , when I hear thy holy Word , and present my prayers and supplications before thee .

Accept , O blessed God , of this good will and sincere affection that I have to thy service ; though performed with broken and distracted thoughts , and with too great listlessness and dulness of spirit . And help me continually to out-grow this weakness , and to present thee with an heart more quiet , calm and fit to receive thee ; more perfect and intire in ardent love to thee ; and more setled and fixed in thee , as its chiefest joy and happiness . That so all the rest of the actions of my life may be a more constant and even performance of my duty , according to the command and example of my blessed Lord and Master Christ Jesus . In whose name it is that I am bold to approach into thy presence : believing the Power and Authority thou hast given him over all , to bless us , and to do for us exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think . By him be glory unto thee , O Father Almighty , in the Church , throughout all ages , world without end . Amen .

At the conclusion of Divine Service after these words , The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ , &c.

Say , Amen , with the heartiest and most earnest affection . And add some such words as these .

BLessed be thy name , O God , for the good hope which thy infinite charity hath given us ; by thy great grace in Christ Jesus , and the plentiful communication of the holy Ghost . O let thy mercy be upon me according as I hope in thee . Preserve me alway in thy love , through that abundant grace in thy Son Christ , and the powerful presence of thy holy Spirit working in me mightily , this day and ever .

Or , after The peace of God which passeth all understanding , &c. you may say as the Apostle St. Paul , ( 2 Thess. 3.16 . ) and the Psalmist 115.12,13,18 .

NOw the Lord of peace himself give me peace always , by all means . The Lord be with us all . The Lord hath been mindful of us , he will bless us . He will bless them that fear him , both small and great . And we will bless the Lord from this time forth , and for evermore . Amen .

A short Prayer for the Lords-day , or any other , to be used at home before Morning Service .

O Lord , the Almighty Creator of the world , and the merciful Saviour of mankind ; who art above all our thoughts , and excellest the praises of the highest Angels . Thou art greatly to be feared in the assembly of thy Saints , and to be had in reverence of all those , that are about thee . I most humbly desire leave to joyn my self with all those holy ones , to worship thy most glorious Majesty , to express the due sense I have of all thy benefits ( by paying thee my most thankful acknowledgements for them ) to make thee the best oblation I am able , and devote my self intirely to thy obedience . Since thou hast graciously inclined me to go into thy house , and there to set forth thy praise , to declare thy loving kindness , to resign my self to thy Will , to recommend my self to thy Wisdom , to submit to thy Government , to approve the justice and goodness of all thy Laws , to profess that I am thy servant , to renounce all thy enemies , and to testifie my continued purpose to follow thee against all the temptations of the world , the flesh and the Devil : be pleased , good Lord , to pardon all my former failings , and at this present to accept my holy intentions , and to inspire me from above , that I may chearfully perform all these acts of devotion to thy Divine Majesty .

And vouchsafe more fully to inform me in my duty , to correct and amend what is amiss in me , to incourage and strengthen my good resolutions , and to assist me in all well doing . Fill me with a great love to thee , and to my blessed Saviour ; to thy holy Word , and to all holy duties ; to Christian people every where , and to all mankind . Perfect me in Wisdom , in Holiness , and in Goodness . By all thy instructions , by all thy mercies , by all thy chastisements , and by all my prayers , praises and thanksgivings to thee , the Father of mercies ; make me such as thou canst love , and delight in , and reward at the great day of the Lord Jesus . Amen .

A short Prayer at home , after we are come from Church ; before Dinner .

I Adore thee again , O Lord of Life and glory ; I acknowledge my dependence on thee . I thank thee for thy mercies , which thou never ceasest to heap upon me . Accept , I beseech thee , of that dedication I have made of soul and body , with praises and thanksgivings , unto thee in the publick Congregation . Be merciful to all my sins : and indue me with the grace of thy holy Spirit , to inable me to present my self , when I appear again before thee , a more holy and devout Sacrifice unto thee ; steadfastly resolved , and chearfully disposed , in every thing to be ordered by thy Will. For which end be pleased to settle and root in my heart a stronger belief of thy holy Gospel , and to fix my thoughts and affections upon that unseen happiness and bliss where our Saviour is : That nothing here below may either allure or affright me from my duty , nor ever make me remiss or negligent in it ; but I may be zealous of good works , fervent in spirit serving my Lord , from whom I expect the reward of an immortal inheritance .

Preserve in me always a Religious sense of thee . And make me now so thankful and sober a partaker of the refreshments of my body , that they may not damp the devotion of my soul : But I may rather return to worship thee with greater chearfulness and gladness of heart , after thou hast added the good things of this world , to those of the other ; according to thy abundant love in Christ Jesus . Amen .

A Prayer in private before the Evening Service .

O God who art rich in mercy to all that call upon thee , and hast bid us 1 Thess. 5. pray without ceasing , and rejoyce evermore . In obedience to thy command , and incouraged by the goodness of thy Nature , thy gracious invitations , thy most precious promises , and the long experience that I and others have had of thy bounty , I am bold again to approach into thy presence ; to renew my requests unto thee , to bless thy holy name , to make profession of my love to thee , and readiness in all things to obey thee . Quicken my thoughts and affections , O Lord , to a free and joyful attendance on thee in all holy duties : that no dulness nor weariness may seize upon my spirit ; but such a fervent love to thee may possess my heart , as may render all the imployments of Religion my delight , and the doing thy Will both now and alway my greatest pleasure .

And pass by , I most humbly beseech thee , all my unwilling indispositions . Accept of such service as I am able to render thee . And dispose me by all my addresses to thee , to be more circumspect and watchful , more diligent and industrious , more forward and zealous in the performance of every part of my duty . That being led by thy Counsel , governed by thy Spirit , and preserved by thy gracious Providence , I may at last be admitted into the company of the blessed ; there to perfect my praises and acknowledgements , and to receive the reward of patient continuance in well doing , through Christ Jesus . Whose grace be with my spirit . Amen .

Another after the Evening Service is done , as soon as there is opportunity to retire alone .

I Acknowledge thy manifold blessings , O Lord , which are renewed upon me every moment . I owe my life continually to thee , with all the comforts of it . If I had no more to thank thee for , but the mercies of this day , they are so many , so great , that I could never thank thee enough for them . Thou takest care of my body , and of my soul . Thou feedest me at thy house , and at my own . Thou lettest me taste the bread of Life which came down from Heaven , besides the many supports and refreshments which thou affordest for this natural life . Several of thy creatures lose their lives to preserve mine , and thy dear Son hath not thought it too much to lay down his precious Life for my sake . Thou speakest to me , and givest me leave to speak to thee . Thou instructest me in my duty , and hast made those things my duty , which are really my happiness . Thou ingagest me to do my self good here , by promising a greater good hereafter .

I praise thee ; I thank thee ; and will be ever speaking good of thee . And it is a new favour that I may thus praise and bless thee , both in the assemblies of thy people , and in my own retirements . O give me an heart to delight in it , and in all other duties of a Christian life . That obeying thy holy Gospel in all things , and being never weary in well doing , I may find thy unwearied goodness extending it self to immortal life and bliss through Christ Jesus .

O blessed Jesus that thy holy Laws may be more deeply ingraven on my heart ! O that every truth I have learnt this day , may be so faithfully preserved and kept in mind ; as to become the rule of my life , or the ground of my hope , and a powerful motive to universal and uniform obedience to the end of my days ! O that the remainder of my days may be the better for this day : and the holy rest we observe here on earth may be a beginning of the eternal rest which we wait for at thy second coming . Amen . Come Lord Jesus .

A Prayer upon any Festival in remembrance of our blessed Lord and Saviour .

O Most glorious God , the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Father of lights , Jem . 1.17 . from whom cometh every good , and every perfect gift ; with whom there is no variableness , nor shadow of change . Thou always wast , and ever wilt be happy without us , or any of the praises that we or any other creatures are able to render unto thee . But it is our duty , our perfection , and high ●riviledge , constantly to acknow●edge thee , with joy and exultation ●f spirit ; in remembrance of thy in●nite bounty to us , and to all world . Every day tells us how good thou art , ●nd every one of thy creatures calls ●pon us to magnifie thee , and love ●hee , and serve thee ; who hast made ●o many of them to serve us . But ●his day gives us occasion to remember thy more special and extraordinary kindness to us the children of men ; which calls for our highest and most exalted praises , to be joyned with those of the blessed company above , who are never weary of giving honour , glory , blessing and thanksgiving to thee , not only in their own behalf , but even for thy goodness to us thy unworthy creatures .

O how great was that love , which an Angel came to give notice of ! and which a multitude of an heavenly host celebrated with songs of praise , when thou sentest thy dear Son in the likeness of sinful flesh , and in the form of a servant , to minister to our necessities , to relieve our misery , and to be the way to everlasting life ! O the riches of thy grace , that after mankind had forfeited all the rights of thy creatures , and had contemned and despitefully used many of thy messengers , thou wouldst in much mercy create us again unto good works , and for that end appear thy self most gloriously among us , in the person of Jesus Christ ! I thank thee , O Lord , that thou hast assumed our Nature unto such a nearness to thee , as we are not able to understand . I thank thee for the glad tydings which Jesus hath brought us from heaven , that thou wilt be reconciled unto us , and admit us again into thy favour : and that he hath fulfilled all righteousness ; and shown us in our likeness what thou art , and what thou wouldest have us to be . I thank thee for the redemption which he hath wrought for us by his bloud . And I rejoyce in the victory which he hath got over hell and the grave by his Resurrection from the dead ; and in his glorious triumph , when he ascended up on high , and led captivity captive ; and in his royal Power wherewith he was invested , when he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ; and in those gifts which he received for men , even for the rebellious also , that the Lord God might dwell among them .

Blessed be thy eternal goodness , which hath made him a most merciful and compassionate High-priest ; and given us so great assurance , that he is become the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him .

Blessed be thy goodness , which hath sent the holy Ghost ; and continued to us a succession of Pastors and Teachers , to be the Guides of our Souls , and to minister to us those pledges of thy love , which our Saviour hath left us , in the Communion of his Body and Bloud .

O God , that my heart could ascend up to heaven in these devout meditations , and in ardent love to thee , who hast loved us in such a marvellous manner ! O that it might never come down again to this world , but with desires left in it aspiring towards heaven ! Touch my soul so powerfully with a sense of these things , that with an hearty and zealous affection it may ever look towards thee , and towards my dear Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus . O ●ix mine eyes on him , as he was here on earth , that I may learn of him , his humble and meek obedience to thy commands : and as he is now in heaven , that I may trust him for the performance of his precious promises , and patiently wait till he carry me to that glorious place where he is inthroned . Since he appeared among us to destroy the works of the Devil , and died to redeem us from all sin , and rose again that he might bless us in turning every one of us from our iniquities , and is made Lord of all that he may govern us by his Laws , and reward and punish us according to our works ; preserve in my mind , I beseech thee , a constant and lively sense of this great end of his whole undertaking for us : That he may see the fruit of the travail of his soul in me , and my whole life may be a serious study and endeavour to imitate him , by purifying my self , as he is pure .

O that thy fear and love , and an holy joy in thee , may preserve me this day , from abusing any of the good things which thou allowest me for the refreshment of my body . Give me such a savour and relish of thy Divine Truths revealed to us in the Gospel , that I way not glut my self with any fleshly injoyments , as if I knew no pleasure more excellent . But raise up my mind by them to better delights : that I may injoy them with thanksgiving to thee , with bowels of mercy to those who are in need , with a taste of spiritual and heavenly joys , and with hunger and thirst after the fulness and perfection of those joys , when our Lord Jesus shall come to show us his glory , and entertain us with eternal satisfaction in his incomprehensible love . Amen .

A PRAYER ON GOOD FRIDAY
In the MORNING .

O Most holy and eternally blessed ; the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , by whom I am incouraged to come unto thee . And how shall I come , O Lord , but in the lowest prostrations of my soul and body ; with mine eyes full of tears , and my heart full of grief and sorrow , because I have been so undutiful to thee , whose grace and mercy hath so exceedingly abounded towards us ! When I cast mine eyes upon my Saviour , and upon my self , with the rest of the children of men , I am astonished at the wonderful greatness of thy love , which surpasses the thoughts of men and Angels .

For what were we that thou shouldest make thy dear Son a man of sorrows , and acquainted with grief , for our sake ? That he should become poor and mean , not having where to lay his head ; and indure likewise cruel mockings and buffettings ; and be spit upon and abused ; yea , sorely wounded and bruised ; and drink that bitter cup , the vile and accursed death of the cross ; where he shed his most precious bloud , and gave himself a ransome for us ? O Lord , what was the whole race of mankind worth , that thou shouldest purchase them with so dear a price ? and by the obedience of thy Son Christ Jesus unto the death , grant a pardon for their rebellion ? and seal a new Covenant of Grace in his bloud ? and by the same bloud consecrate him to be an high-Priest with royal Power in the heavens , to give repentance and remission of sin ? and all this , so freely , that we did not so much as desire it , nor did it enter into the heart of men to conceive , that thou shouldest be so gracious to them ? O blessed God , how rich is thy goodness , that lets us withal injoy a great plenty of worldly good things ; much of that ease and pleasure which was denyed our dear Saviour ? and yet we are sinners , and he had no sin , neither was guile found in his mouth : yea , we are ungrateful sinners , so far from being sensible as we ought of such infinite loving kindness ; that we may justly fear lest this goodness of thine which was designed to save us , should through our unthankfulness and negligence , prove the occasion of our greater ruine .

I most heartily bewail , O most merciful Father , my shameful forgetfulness of so great benefits , or my cold and dull remembrance of them . I lament all the errors and miscarriages of my life , which are the more heynous , I acknowledge , after such a plain declaration of thy displeasure against sin , and of thy marvellous love to us sinners . I am afflicted for the hardness and stupidity of my heart , which , alas ! is oft-times little pierced and wounded , when I reflect upon his sorrow and pain , and anguish for the sake of sinners : and for the listlessness and backwardness of my will to give up my self absolutely to him , who so willingly gave himself an offering for our sins . I blush to remember how weak and short my thoughts have been ; how transient and ineffectual my passions , when I have meditated on his bloudy death and sufferings : And am confounded when I think how suddenly I have started from those holy purposes and resolutions , which the sense of his love hath sometimes begot in my heart .

I cannot but accuse and condemn my self here in thy presence ; but I likewise condemn every sinful desire that is still remaining in me , to dye and be crucified together with him . I would have nothing contrary to thy Will , to have any power , or live any longer in me : and therefore here yield up my self intirely into thy hands , to be conformed in all things to Christ Jesus who dyed for me . Fix my thoughts so constantly upon his dying love , and affect my heart so mightily therewith , that I may chearfully undergo any pains to be made like unto him in his humility ; in his obedience ; in his resignation of himself to thy wise will and pleasure ; in his patience ; in his meekness , in his charity , and forgiveness of his enemies ; in his willingness to quit all things for thy names sake , and to trust both soul and body with thee , in well doing and contented suffering , whatsoever it be that thou requirest of me .

I desire not to live , O Lord , but that I may live to him that dyed for me . I refuse no reproaches , no poverty , no pain or trouble , if thy will cannot other ways be accomplished by me . Do what thou pleasest with me , so that I may but be perfected in holiness , and obtain thy gracious pardon through the redemption that is in Jesus .

I believe the vertue and power of his Sacrifice to be everlasting ; and that when he had by himself purged our sins , he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high : And therefore I look for the constant assistance of thy good Spirit , which he hath bid me ask in his Name , to inable me to purifie my self , and to tread in the steps of his humble , meek and patient Charity ; that so I may be presented unblameable and unproveable in thy sight at the day of his appearing . Great is the wisdom of thy love wherein thy grace hath abounded towards us in Christ Jesus ! Great are the incouragements which thou hast given us , by his laying down his life for us , that he might take it again and live for evermore ! Great is the boldness that we have to enter into the holyest by the bloud of Jesus ; by a new and living way , which he hath consecrated for us through his flesh ! Give me the grace , I beseech thee , wisely to consider and ponder the merciful design of thy Grace ; to walk circumspectly and exactly , as the redeemed of the Lord , as an heir of his love , that hopes to see him in immortal glory . O that the comfort and joy of this hope , to see Jesus who was so scorned and abused , sitting upon his throne , and triumphing over all his enemies , may so raise and inlarge my mind by the power of it , that I may overlook and despise all the petty temptations of this world : looking still steadfastly unto him , and following him with unmoveable resolution ; till I come to possess that which I hope for , and rejoyce eternally in his love .

Hear me , O Father of mercies , and deal graciously with me far beyond all my thoughts and desires , for his sake ; who is the Author and the finisher of our faith , who dyed once for us , and now lives for ever to make intercession on our behalf : By whom all honour , praise , thanksgiving , love and obedience be rendered to thee by me and by all mankind both now and for ever . Amen .

A Prayer on Good Friday in the Evening .

O Most holy , most gracious , the only wise God , most blessed for ever . We cannot conceive the greatness of thy perfections , nor is there any thing to which we can compare them . Thy holiness is more unspotted than the light of the Sun : Thy goodness spreads it self more largely than its beams : Thy Wisdom pierces into those secrets which are buried in darkness : and though all things alter and wax old , yet thou art the same unchangeable being , whose years have no end . How shall such a vile wretch as I am take the boldness to look towards thee , and speak unto thee , who art so great , so glorious , and dwellest in light not to be approached ?

Adored be thy wonderful love , who hast incouraged our approaches to thee , by humbling thy self to look down upon us , and by appearing graciously to us in our own flesh . Blessing , Honour , Glory and Praise be eternally ascribed unto thee , who didst not abhor us , and utterly cast us out of thy sight , when we had turned our backs upon thee ; but sent thy only begotten Son into the world , to call us again unto thee , yea , to beseech us , and oblige us , by laying down his own life for us , to return unto thee and live .

No thought can comprehend the unsearchable riches of thy Grace manifested unto us in the Lord Jesus , who was pleased to be vilely intreated , and shamefully used , to suffer the reproach of the Cross , and to shed his dearest bloud ; that we might not suffer the pain of eternal death , but be restored to the dignity of thy children , and advanced to honour , glory and immortality together with him . Thou hast found out a way to manifest thy most tender love to us , without the least suspicion of approving and loving our sins ; and to preserve thy Soveraign Authority , without destroying those who were in rebellion against it . Thou hast ordered such a chastisement of our iniquities , as might save and deliver us , who deserved to be punished : and so disposed the means of our redemption , as to pardon and amend us , both at once .

O the wisdom of thy Love , which hath made him to be sin for us , who knew no sin , 2 Cor. 5.21 . that we might be made the righteousness of thee our God in him ! O the riches of thy Grace , which hath abounded to us in all wisdom and prudence ! Healing us by his stripes ; 1 Pet. 2.24 . and condemning sin in the flesh by his sacrifice for sin ; Rom. 8.3 . and making him a curse for us , Gal. 3.14 . that we might inherit a blessing , and receive the promise of the Spirit , through faith in him . I see , O Lord , how infinitely I am indebted to thee . I behold the design of thy wise goodness in giving him for us , that he might redeem us from all iniquity , Tit. 2.14 . and purifie us to himself a peculiar people zealous of good works . I thank thee with all my soul , for his bearing our sins in his own body on the tree , 1 Pet. 2. that we being dead unto sin , should live unto righteousness . There is nothing I can more desire than by doing righteousness , 1 Joh. 3. to become righteous even as he is righteous . Assist me , I beseech thee , to attain this end of his death and passion , by the power of that holy Spirit which he hath thereby purchased for us , and hath likewise promised to us , and is able to bless us withal .

I dread to think that his precious bloud should be lost and spilt in vain for me ; that so great a price should be cast away , wherewith thou hast bought me , to glorifie thee with my body and spirit which are thine . O God preserve in me such a lively sense of his grief and sorrow , of his pain and anguish ; that I may bitterly hate the cause of all his torments , and look on every sin , as the most fearful curse that can befal me . Preserve in me a constant sense of the great value of my soul , for which he paid so dearly : and a great esteem of that purity , righteousness and goodness , for the restoring of which he made himself of no reputation , and took upon him the form of a servant , and was obedient to death , even the death of the Cross . And especially raise me to a great height of love and gratitude to thee , and of hope and confidence in thy infinite mercies ; of which we have such strong assurance , by his being delivered for our offences , Rom. 4.25 . and raised again for our justification . Make me more and more in love with that lowliness of mind , that tender and compassionate charity , that meekness , patience and forgiveness which shone in his sufferings . And subdue my will so perfectly ; unto such an absolute , quiet and ready submission to thy holy Will in every thing ; that my hope in thee may increase exceedingly : and not only so , but I may also joy in thee my God , through our Lord Jesus Christ , Rom. 5.11 . by whom we have now received the atonement .

Hear , Good Lord , the prayers of the whole Church , which thou hast purchased with thine own bloud . O that every member thereof may serve thee purely and orderly in the rank and condition wherein thou hast placed them , to their mutual benefit and comfort , and to the conviction of those who are enemies or strangers to the Name of the Lord Jesus ; that they seeing our good works may glorifie thee our heavenly Father , and acknowledge that thou art among us of a Truth . Bless all the Ministers of Religion or Justice : and endue them with a great love to the honour of our Saviour , and with a great zeal to make his holy Laws understood and observed . That as he gave himself for his Church , Ephes. 5.26,27 . that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word , and present it to himself a glorious Church , not having spot , or wrinkle , or any such thing : So all that name the name of Christ may depart from all iniquity , and indeavour to be holy and without blemish , and be found of him in peace at the day of his appearing .

Now unto him that loved us , and washed us from our sins in his own bloud , and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father ; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever . Amen . Rev. 1.5,6 .

A PRAYER ON ANY SAINTS DAY .

THou art to be praised , O Lord of heaven and earth , in all thy works of wonder , which declare the astonishing greatness of thy Majesty , Power , Wisdom and Goodness , throughout the world . One generation praises thy works to another , and declares thy mighty acts ; especially the manifold wisdom of thy incomprehensible love in the salvation of mankind by Christ Jesus ; who hath brought us the glad tidings of peace and reconciliation with thee , and the promise of immortal life and glory , if we will be obedient to thee . An innumerable company of holy Souls have in all ages since most thankfully received and acknowledged this thy grace and tender mercy ; being obedient to the very death , and leaving us an excellent example of pure love to thee , and constant affection , and hearty devotion , and ardent zeal for the honour of our Lord and Master Christ Jesus . I add my poor tribute of praise and thanksgiving to all that hath been rendred unto thee , O God , who in the beginning commandedst the light to shine out of darkness , and hast now shone into the hearts of thy holy ones , to give the light of thy divine knowledge in the face of Jesus Christ .

Thanks be to thy infinite goodness , as for that glorious manifestation of thy self in our flesh , and the eternal redemption that the Lord Jesus obtained for us by his bloud , and the power and dominion which thou hast given him at thy right hand after his Resurrection from the dead , and his compassionate intercession on our behalf : So for all those gifts which he gave unto men ; whereby he made some Apostles , some Prophets , some Evangelists , some Pastors and teachers , for the perfecting of the Saints , for the work of the ministry , and the edifying of his body . Blessing , honour , glory and praise be to thee , O Father of mercies , for all those great instruments of the holy Ghost , the illustrious Ministers of thy grace , the Embassadors for Christ , and the blessed Champions of his holy Truth , who have communicated the light of thy glorious Gospel to the world , and overcome the kingdom of darkness , by the bloud of the Lamb , Rev. 12.11 . and the word of their testimony , not loving their lives unto the death .

Adored be the mightiness of that Grace , Psal. 8.2 . which out of the mouths of babes and sucklings ordained strength . Glory be to thee , O Christ , 2 Cor. 2.9 . whose strength was made perfect in weakness . Glory be unto thee , who didst commit this heavenly treasure unto earthen vessels ; 2 Cor. 4.7 . who approved themselves the ministers of God in much patience , 6.4,5 . in afflictions , in necessities , in distresses , in stripes , in imprisonments , in tossings to and fro , in labours , in watchings , in fastings , that the excellency of the power might be of God and not of men . I heartily submit to the power of that Divine Truth , for which they suffered the loss of all things , Phil. 3.8 . and counted them but dung that they might win Christ , and be found in him . And I rejoyce that thou hast had so many faithful servants who have loved thee , O Lord thou lover of souls , more than their own lives ; most earnestly desiring to be inspired with the very same spirit which was in them , that I may leave some example , though never so small , of hearty and universal obedience , to those that shall come after .

Accept , good Lord , of my sincere resolution to be a follower of them , even as they were of Christ , in pureness , in knowledge , in long-suffering , in kindness , 1 Cor. 11.1 . in love unfeigned : That my rejoycing may be this , 2 Cor. 6.6,7 . the testimony of my conscience , 2 Cor. 1.12 . that in simplicity and godly sincerity , 8.21 . not with fleshly wisdom , but by thy grace , I have had my conversation in the world ; 1.5 . providing for honest things , not only in the sight of our Lord , but also in the sight of all men . Make me constant and couragious in the profession of thy holy Truth ; and to be willing to pass through honour or dishonour , through good report , or evil report ; for the Lords sake , hoping that if the sufferings of Christ abound in me , my consolation also shall abound by Christ . Stir me up , I beseech thee , and quicken me that I may show the same diligence that thy Saints have done , to the full assurance of hope unto the end ; that I may not be slothful , Heb. 6.11,12 . but a follower of them who through faith and patience inherited the promises . 2.3,4,5 . How shall I escape if I neglect so great salvation , which at first began to be spoken by the Lord , and was confirmed by them that heard him , God also bearing them witness with signs and wonders , and with divers miracles of the holy Ghost , according to his own will ? O continue the mighty assistance of that divine power with me , that behaving my self so holily , justly and unblameably as they did , 1 Thess. 2.10 . I may rest at last together with them , 2.1,7,9 . when our Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels , to be glorified in his Saints , and admired in all them that believe .

And now preserve me this day from dishonouring tha● worthy name , Jam. 2.7 . whereby w● are called ; knowing how we ought to follow them , 2 Thess. 3.7,13 . who behaved not themselves disorderly among those that believed . That by this rest from my ordinary labours , I may not learn idleness , nor grow weary of well doing ; but be better disposed in my mind by all the refreshments of my body , to do my duty in the place and relations wherein thou hast set me , with greater chearfulness , fidelity and diligence to the end of my days . O that it may be my highest pleasure to attend on thee and praise thee in the assemblies of thy Saints . Give me such a sensible delight and joy in reading and meditating of thy holy Word , and in the remembrance of all thy mercies , that nothing in this world may make me forget the sweetness of it : but every thing may excite me more to praise , extol and magnifie thy loving-kindness to me ; and to express my thankfulness in a free and ready obedience to thy commands ; till I be made fit to be admitted into the company of the blessed , there to praise thee world without end . Amen .

A PRAYER Upon the day of ones BIRTH .

O Most mighty Lord , the Former and Preserver of all things : All thy works praise thee , and do declare thy infinite greatness , wisdom and bounty ; and do call upon us likewise to magnifie thy Name with our continual praises and thanksgivings . I humbly bow my self before thy glorious Majesty who inhabitest eternity ; acknowledging that it is but a little time since I was not ; and that I am not gone down again into silence is to be ascribed only to thy Omnipotent goodness , which brought me into being , to praise the● among the rest of thy creatures .

I thank thee , O Lord , by whom I was fearfully and wonderfully made , Psal. 139.14,15 . and curiously wrought in my mothers womb . 22.9 . Thou art he that took me thence ; thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mothers breast . 71.6 . By thee I have been holden up ever since ; and most carefully provided for , when I could not think at all of thy tender mercies towards me . And therefore now that I am grown to the use of my reason , my praise ought to be continually of thee . O bless the Lord , my soul , 103.1,2 . and all that is within me bless his holy Name . Bless the Lord , O my soul , and forget not all his benefits . While I live will I praise the Lord ; Psal. 146.2 . I will sing praises to my God while I have any being . Pardon , I beseech thee , my ingratitude , in that I l●…e no earlier remembred thee my Creator , in whom I live and move , and who givest me all things richly to enjoy . Accept of my unfeigned resolutions to preserve hereafter a more grateful sense of thy great goodness to me , and to glorifie thee with my body and with my spirit , which are thine . Vouchsafe me the assistance of thy heavenly grace , that I may return them back unto thee pure and undefiled ; full of wisdom and spiritual understanding ; full of love and devout affection to thee ; full of all good works and the fruits of righteousness , Ephes. 2.10 . to which thou hast created me again by Christ Jesus , that I should walk in them .

Blessed be thy Name , who hast sent him to give me a new and better life . I thank thee for all the helps and comforts of his Religion . O that my heart may be possessed with such a strong belief of it , and such a sincere love to it , that I may feel indeed that I am born again and made a new creature : meditating daily of thy mercies ; breathing forth my soul to thee , in prayers , and praises , and thanksgivings ; walking in the Spirit of goodness , righteousness and truth ; Ephes. 5.9 . and proving what is acceptable to our Lord . All the thanks and services , I acknowledge ; that I am able to render to thee , are nothing worth : but the longer I live , I most earnestly desire the more hearty , and the purer they may be ; and the more I may be inabled to do for thy honour and glory . If thou sufferest me to continue in this life another year , O that in the conclusion of it , I may present my self unto thee again more improved in all that is praise worthy . The time past is too much to have mis-spent ; O that I may suffer no more of my precious hours to run waste , but that they may all be taken up , and carefully laid out in well doing . Help me diligently to husband so great a treasure , which thou intrustest me withal , and to imploy it in order to a blessed Eternity . Let not the cares of this world , and the deceitfulness of riches , Mark 4.19 . and the lusts of other things entring in , choke those good seeds which thou hast sown in my heart , so that they become unfruitful : but inable me as I grow in years to increase also in love , joy , peace , long-suffering , Gal. 5.21 . gentleness , goodness , faith , meekness , temperance , and all other fruits of thy holy Spirit .

And since I have been thy care so long , I will still hope in thee continually , Psal. 71.14 . that I shall yet praise thee more and more . 9.17 . Cast me not off if I live to the time of old age , forsake me not when my strength faileth . O God , thou hast taught me from my youth , and hitherto I have declared thy wondrous works . Hold me up still , Psal. 119.117,133 . and I shall be safe . Order my steps in thy word : and let not any iniquity have dominion over me . That so if the evil days come , and the years draw nigh , Eccles. 12.1 . when I shall say , I have no pleasure in them ; 7.1 . I may rejoyce in the remembrance of a well-spent life , and , having a good hope in thee , the day of my death , may be better than the day of my birth . O that death may never surprize me , nor find me unprepared . Help me to walk alway so circumspectly , and to be so mindful of my latter end , that when death comes it may be no stranger to me ; but I may entertain it as an acquaintance , and a friend : and with the same chearfulness put off my body , and lay it down in the grave , that I put off my clothes and lay my self down in my bed . I commit my self intirely to thee , both now and ever ; waiting for thy mercy in Christ Jesus , at that great Day , when thou shalt awake us out of the dust . O that I may then be numbered among the Just , and stand at the right hand of my Saviour , and hear that joyful voice , Come ye blessed of my Father , Matth. 25.34 . inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world . Amen .

THat we may be stedfast , unmoveable , always abounding in the work of the Lord , here follow particular Prayers for that grace ; and , in case of any failing in our duty , for repentance , and pardon , and an heart sensible of the divine goodness , and more considerate and careful for the time to come .

A PRAYER FOR RESOLVTION IN WELL DOING .

O Most blessed God , the fountain of wisdom , power , strength , and all other perfections : from whose bounty I have formerly received , and at present enjoy innumerable blessings ; and have no hope for the future , but what arises from the same everlasting spring of all good , which is never weary of deriving its benefits unto us . I ought in a sense of my intire dependance upon thee , to be very humble ; very thankful ; exceeding solicitous for thy favour , and desirous of thy good will ; sorrowful for my neglects of thee ; ashamed of the pitiful returns I have made to thee ; and most peremptorily resolved , and zealously bent to approve my self hereafter to thy Divine Majesty , in all well doing .

Accordingly I am now prostrate before thee , to implore the continued powerful presence of that infinite grace , to which I owe these holy thoughts that are in my mind , and by which alone I can hope to perform and accomplish them . Possess me , O God , with such a full and lively sense of thy undeserved and unwearied love and kindness to me , in passing by so much ingratitude , and so many transgressions ; in laying on me such strong and manifold obligations to be happy by obeying thee , and in affording me such powerful assistances to attain that happiness ; that I may love thee proportinably with a more constant and steadfast affection , and feel an unalterable will settled in me , to do the duty thou requirest of me ; into whatsoever state and condition of life , thou shalt be pleased to dispose me .

When we have loved thee all that we can , I am sensible we have loved thee but a little ; because we , and all that we can do are so inconsiderable . How small a thing then is it , how poor and contemptible , that we return unto thee ; when we love thee not so much as we are able ! O blessed God , cause such a delightful sense of thy goodness to fall upon my heart , and to abide with me , that all the powers of my soul may strain themselves to love thee , and unite themselves unto thee , in an unalterable choice of thy Will , to be the sole governour of all my designs , and desires , and actions throughout the whole course of my life . I love my self most , I see , when I love thee intirely : and serve my self , by doing thee all faithful service . In union with thee I am at rest and peace ; and in constant adherence to thee consists my eternal safety and security . To thee therefore , with the deliberate and full consent of my will , I devote my self ; resolving to love and serve thee , with all my heart , and with all my soul , and with all my strength . I vow unto thee , as I have done often , all sincere obedience ; and protest against every thing that is contrary to thy holy commands , as contrary also to my own sense and judgement , to my most sober and serious thoughts , and to my most advised counsels and resolutions . They all acknowledge how just and reasonable , how good and pleasant , how profitable and beneficial , how honourable and glorious it is to be a doer of thy Will , which , besides the present contentment and satisfaction of it , hath a great recompence of reward . O preserve in my mind a constant remembrance , how dearly I am bought by the precious bloud of thy Son Christ ; how early I was dedicated to thy service ; how often I have since found abundant cause to determine I would be thine ; how I have condemned my self for the breach of those holy purposes , and what great satisfaction of mind I have had in the keeping of thy Commandments : That so I may never wilfully offend against so many forcible reasons obliging me to my duty ; but be swayed by them , notwithstanding all the temptations of the world , the flesh or the devil , to persevere in a resolved obedience to thee for ever . And by the power of thy holy Spirit , I beseech thee to make them clearer , stronger and more effectual ; that I may have the same thoughts , passions , inclinations and purposes now , which I shall be apt to have when I come to dye . For which end , help me often to place my self before thy Judgement Seat , and to consider that I must give an account for all that I have received ; for thy holy Gospel ; for thy divine inspirations , for the counsels and exhortations of thy Ministers , for all the means and helps of growing better , and for all the incouragements I have even from the good things of this life , which thy bounty bestows upon me . That by a careful preparation for such a reckoning , I may be kept close and stedfast to my duty ; in hope of that exceeding glorious reward , which our Lord will bestow upon all his faithful servants , at the day of his appearing . Amen .

Another to the same effect .

O Most great and glorious Majesty of heaven and earth : who art of unspotted purity , and in whom there is not the least shadow of change . I know that all the resolutions of thy Wisdom are most just and equal ; and I cannot chuse , when I am in my right mind , to be guided by any thing else , but thy holy Will : who designest , I see , in all the revelations thou hast made of thy self to us , to make us like to thy own , most blessed , Nature . I do here own and acknowledge most heartily the righteousness and goodness of all thy Laws ; I admire the loveliness of thy Image , in wisdom , righteousness and true holiness ; I loath my own deformity whilst I am unlike to thee ; I implore thy renewing grace as the greatest blessing I can receive from thee ; and I bind my self to the faithful improvement of it , as the weightiest imployment of my life .

I am abundantly satisfied in the declaration thou hast made of thy gracious purposes towards us . I renounce all thoughts and desires that are contrary thereunto ; and resolve that holiness and eternal life shall be my design and study . I expect no pardon , O my God , but in ways of sobriety , righteousness and godliness . I hope for a blessed immortality , only by patient continuance in well doing . I consent to every part of thy holy Gospel : and add my testimony to the truth of its words , that none of thy commandments are grievous ; but thy yoke is easie , and thy burden light . I hope , O Lord , by thy grace I shall never contradict my self , by disowning in my practice , these free and serious professions : But that I shall every day so call to mind my own protestations and resolutions , as to continue with an unwearied diligence in stedfast obedience to thy commands , and to grow still stronger in the grace of the Lord Jesus .

O that every such address as this unto thy Divine Majesty , may leave a greater sense of thee , and of my duty , and of my happiness , and of my manifold obligations , and repeated promises , upon my heart . That I may always go out of thy presence with my mind more towards heaven ; with lower thoughts of all the injoyments of this life ; with a greater relish of piety and holiness ; and more passionate desires to become every way such as thou canst approve , and love and delight in for ever . And assist me , I humbly beseech thee , so constantly from above , that whatsoever good thoughts are at any time in my mind , they may grow to fixed principles : and all heavenly affections may become a new nature , and the constant temper of my spirit : and all my purposes and resolutions may advance into a serious practice and exercise of godliness : and all the actions of an holy life may grow more free , chearful , vigorous , and full of delight , till they be compleated in everlasting bliss , through Christ Jesus . Amen .

A PRAYER After RELAPSE Into any SIN .

I Cast down my self before thee , O most holy Lord of heaven and earth , with an humble sorrowful and penitent heart , adoring thy infinite grace which suffers such a vile and miserable sinner to approach into thy presence . I am thine indeed , dedicated long ago to thy service , which I have since chosen , as the most perfect freedom : But so much the greater reason I have to be abashed before thee , and to be astonished at thy forbearing mercy ; which prolongs the life of such an one as I am , who have been so false to thee , and to my own resolutions . I remember , in the bitterness of my soul , how many obligations thou hast laid upon me to observe and obey thee ; how often I have acknowledged the justice and goodness of thy Precepts ; and how frequently I have promised and vowed to conform my self unto them ; and what great and precious promises thou hast made to me of invaluable blessings : And yet , wretch that I am , I have been drawn aside from thy ways by easie and slight temptations ; and for a small and momentary pleasure or gain , * * Here mention the particular sin . have ventured the loss of thy favour , which is better than life it self .

O God , that thou shouldst have patience with so perfidious , so ungrateful , so senseless a creature as I am ! That thou shouldst permit me to see the light of the Sun , and hast not condemned me to utter darkness , in weeping , wailing and gnashing of teeth ! But that thou givest me leave to look towards heaven , and that I have any heart to speak unto thee , and still may call thee , Father , saying , Father , I have sinned against thee , and am no more worthy to be called thy son ; O the riches ! O the unsearchable riches of thy grace ! I can never sufficiently admire thy exceeding great long-suffering towards me in Christ Jesus . Nor sufficiently abhorr and loath my self for my foul revolt from thee , who art so kind & gracious : especially if I should still continue to abuse such tender mercy and compassion towards me . Tribulation and anguish , indignation and wrath , I acknowledge is the due portion of those that do evil : and if thou shouldst abandon me , and cast me out of thy sight , I must confess that thou art righteous , and that I reap but the fruit of my own ways , and suffer the deserved punishment of my late iniquity .

But thou , O God , delightest in mercy , and there is forgiveness with thee , that thou mayst be ●eared . Psal. 130.4 . Thou hast sworn ●hat thou desirest not ●he death of a sinner ; Ezek. 18.32 . ●ut rather that he should return and ●ve : And hast sent thy Son Jesus , ●ith the most indearing arguments ●f the greatest love , to perswade us ●o return unto our duty . Behold , O Lord , I return ; with grief and ●ffliction of spirit that I have offend●d thee : detesting the thoughts of ●oing the like again , and resolving ●o be more careful , and diligent , and ●rcumspect for the time to come . ● let me live to the praise of thy ●mnipotent Grace , inabling me to ●erform these resolutions in a more ●rict and exact obedience to thy ho● commands , the rest of my days . ●ercy , mercy , I most earnestly beg , ● Father of mercies , for the sake of him that dyed for me ; not meerly for the pardon of my sins , but for a Divine Power to enable me to subdue them . I desire not thy infinite goodness to bear me out in rebellion against thy righteousness , purity and truth ; but that by thy goodness I may be partaker of them ; that my repentance may be accepted ; and that it may be hearty and stedfast , never to be repented of . I desire no peace , quiet and ease in my heart , but in a constant and resolute opposition of all the temptation of the world , the flesh and the devil ; and in the hope I have , tha● through thy gracious assistance i● shall be victorious .

O settle me , I beseech thee , in thi● holy disposition , that I may preserv● an intire friendship with thee here● after , by an happy agreement wit● thy will and pleasure in every thing ▪ And for that end mak● me strong in the Lord , Ephes. 6.10 . an● in the power of his might : That b●ing sensible of my own great weakness , I may more earnestly depend upon thy aid from above , by an humble and vigorous faith in thy Almighty goodness . Maintain such a clear light in my mind , that may keep me from being deceived with the vain shadows and empty appearances of satisfactory pleasure in any thing of this world . Fortifie my will with the power of thy Divine love , that may overcome all sensual affections that arise in me at any time against thy sacred commands . And possess me with such a lively hope of those good things which Christ hath promised in the other life , that may make me active ●nd zealous , stedfast and unmoveable , ●lways abounding in the work of the Lord , knowing that my labour shall ●ot be in vain in the Lord .

Thou knowest the secrets of all ●earts ; let thy mercy , O Lord , be ●pon me , according as I deliberately and sincerely chuse to cleave unto thee with purpose of heart . Act. 11.23 . Psal. 51.9,10,11 . O cast me not away from thy presence ; and take not thy holy Spirit from me . But hide thy face from my sins ; Psal. 119.80 . and blot out all mine iniquities . Psal. 19.13,14 . Create in me a clean heart , O God , and renew a constant spirit in me . Make my heart to be sound in thy Statutes , that I may never be ashamed . Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins , let them not have dominion over me . Then shall I be upright , and I shall be innocent from the great transgression : The words of my mouth , and the meditation of my heart shall be accepted in thy sight , O Lord my strength , and my Redeemer . Amen , Amen .

A THANKSGIVING To the DIVINE GOODNESS For any hope of a PARDON After such RELAPSE .

O Eternally most blessed God , the Fountain of all good ; from whence all creatures derive whatsoever they injoy . They are all poor and indigent things , full of necessities and wants , which are continually supplied out of thy fulness . But the wants of our souls are the most lamentable : because , besides the poverty of creatures , we have made a great many needs to our selves by our wilful departure from thee , in whom we live , and move , and have our being . We stand in need of thy Pardon , of thy converting grace , and the greater supplies of thy holy Spirit : which we know not how with any confidence to expect , but that all these wants are not too big for thy infinite goodness to relieve ; and that thou hast been pleased most compassionately to consider our miserable condition , in sending Christ Jesus into the world , and filling him with all the treasures of thy grace and mercy , that he might dispense them to us , according to our several necessities .

O how excellent is thy loving kindness , O God! How surpassing is thy love ! that will pass by the insolent offences of thy creatures against thy high authority , and Soveraign goodness ; and not let them eternally perish without a remedy in that forlorn condition into which they have brought themselves ● Blessed , for ever blessed be thy sparing Mercy ; which hath delivered Christ Jesus for our offences ; and testified thy acceptance of his Sacrifice of himself , by raising him again for our justification . Blessed by thy name , for the gracious declaration which thou hast made , that if any man sin , we have an advocate with thee , 1 Joh. 2.1,2 . Christ Jesus the righteous , who is the propitiation for our sins . I most thankfully receive these glad tidings , which are worthy of all acceptation , 1 Tim. 1.15 . that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners . Thanks be to thy tender mercy , which hath restored us to a possibility of recovering thy grace and favour . The smallest hope of it , I acknowledge , is more valuable than the greatest abundance of all the injoyments and pleasures of this present life . What praise therefore , what love , what obedience am I bound to render unto thee , who hast given me such a good hope of peace and reconciliation with thee ; and thereby delivered me from the horror of my own guilty mind , remembring that I have adventured to oppose my will to thine ? I ought for ever , with the most zealous devotion of a grateful and obedient heart , to admire and stand amazed at thy inconceiveable Grace , which will not strictly mark what is done amiss ; but accept of our repentance and amendment , in stead of an intire and constant performance of our duty to thee . O the heighth , the depth , the length and the breadth of thy love in Christ Jesus ! which is the satisfaction of our heart , and the joy of our lives ; which would otherwise be intolerably grievous and burdensome to us , whilst we remember that we are sinners .

Fill me , O Lord , with a most ardent love to thee , now that I here offer up my self , in truth and sincerity of heart , to be wholly disposed by thee . Behold , O Lord , my will lies at thy feet : I would have no will of my own ; but desire only that thy will may be done . And fill me with an holy fear of thee , that thy indulgent mercy may not make me remiss , and negligent , and presumptous again to offend thee : But a perpetual sense of my new obligations to thee , in reviving my hopes , which I had forfeited in thee , may render me more watchful , more diligent , more earnest and solicitous , more humble and distrustful of my self , and more fervent to implore the powerful succours of thy divine Grace . O that it may be as natural to me to pray to thee , as it is to breath . And thou who fillest the hungry with good things , pour into me life , and strength and vigor ; in a constant dependance on thee , and an hearty indeavour to do thy will . Ephes. 3.16 . Strengthen me with might , by thy spirit in the ●inner man : That notwithstanding the strongest temptations wherewith I may be assaulted , and notwithstanding the weakness and feebleness of my own spirit to resist them , I may persevere couragiously in well doing unto the end ; and finish my course with joy ; and lay my self down to rest in an holy hope , that I shall enter into a state of safety and security from all danger , and remain for ever in the joy of our Lord . Amen .

A Prayer for the Divine Grace .

O Most blessed God , the high and mighty One , who inhabitest eternity ; and art , what thou always wast , and ever wilt be , the mos● perfect power , wisdom , goodnes● and truth ; the fountain of all th● perfections that are in us . We ough● to address our selves to thee in the greatest humility of spirit : having nothing to present thee withal which we can call our own ; & being unable by all our righteousness to profit thee , who standest in need of none of thy creatures . But alas ! O Lord , we have robbed thee of that which we have received from thee ; and are so far from giving thee any thing of ours , that we have not returned to thee that which is thine . O the miserable condition therefore into which we have brought our selves ! who are not so much as fit to receive any more from thy divine bounty ; and , which is worse , have been too unwilling to partake of thy favours ! O thy infinite love in Christ Jesus , which hath bestowed the richest grace upon us , whether we would or ●o ! Thou hast honoured our na●ure with thy divine presence , dwel●ing in it . Thou hast delivered him ●o dye for our sins . Thou hast given us 〈◊〉 blessed hope in thee , by his Resur●ection from the dead . Thou hast ●nt him to bless us , in turning every one of us from our iniquities : Act. 3.26 . And given him all power in heaven and earth ; that he may succour and strengthen us when we are tempted , and enable us to overcome .

I thank thee , with all my soul , for this abundant grace , so freely and undesired , conferred upon us . Which incourages me to hope in thee , now that thou inclinest my heart towards thee , and hast given me a thankful sense of thy love , and some will to obey thee , and holy resolutions to cleave unto thee in well doing ; that thou wilt not deny me the constant assistance of that good Spirit which our Saviour hath bid us ask of thee ; to strengthen , confirm and settle what thou hast begun to do for me , in a perfect love and stedfast obedience to all thy holy commands . O God of all grace and might , the root of our life , and power and strength ; without whom all good desires and purposes wither and die : withdraw not the sweet influences of thy holy Spirit from thy unworthy servant , who intirely confides in thee , and hath no hope but in thy infinite Mercies . Remember not against me former iniquities ; let not my late back-sliding and return to folly , cut me off from the communication of thy grace : which is wont to press into those souls that open themselves to receive it , and seriously thirst after it . My soul thirsteth for thee , O God ; that I may be more firmly united to thee , and be made more exactly like thee , in unchangeable righteousness , purity and goodness .

Cherish and increase the most faint but sincere motions , which thou seest in me , towards a more compleat participation of thee . And especially preserve in me a full confidence in thy Almighty Love , as ready to accomplish the desires and indeavours of all those , who yield up themselves unto it , in hearty willingness to be governed by it . That being born up by this strong hope in thee , my helper , and exceeding great reward , no temptation may be able to prevail over me : but I may walk stedfastly and evenly with thee , in all conditions and circumstances of life . Make me feel so much of the comfort of this faith and love , and hope and obedience , reviving me to a delightful sense of a blessed immortality ; that whatsoever allurements or discouragements I meet withal in this world , they may only provoke me to give a greater proof of all these in a constant adherence to my duty ; and occasion the increase of my unspeakable joy and satisfaction .

And inlarge my heart thereby to such a measure of Christian piety , that I may not only be innocent and harmless , but forward also to do good ; and not only be contented with my portion , but rejoyce in our Lord alway : and rejoyce not only to do thy will , but to suffer also for righteousness sake ; knowing that great shall be my reward in heaven . Bless my indeavours to add to faith , vertue ; and to vertue , knowledge ; and to knowledge , temperance ; and to temperance , patience ; 2 Pet. 1.5,6,7,10,11 . and to patience , godliness ; and to godliness , brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness , charity : That , doing these things , I may never fall ; But an entrance may be ministred to me abundantly , into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . Amen .

A short Prayer when any man's occasions call him to a place where he fears danger .

O Almighty God ; who art every where , and more especially present to those souls that look up unto thee , with an high esteem of thy favour and grace , and with hearty desires to continue in thy love by patient continuance in well doing . In this humble faith in thy Divine goodness , and with a due fear and reverence of thy glorious Majesty , I prostrate my soul and body before thee ; to put my self into thy most gracious protection , and to beg the powerful assistance of thy holy Spirit , to preserve me wheresoever I am , in a dutiful observance of all thy holy commands .

I am sensible , O Lord , that we live in a world of temptations , and that our nature is weak , and ready to yield to them ; and that our affections are apt to wander after vanity , and that sudden passions oftentimes transport us from our duty . But I know withal that a sense of thy all-seeing eye , and of the life to come , and of the rewards and punishments which thou wilt render according to our works ; will certainly overawe all sinful motions in me , and break the force of the strongest temptations that assault me . And therefore the greater the danger is , the more earnestly I sue unto thee , to be possessed with a piercing sense , and lively remembrance of these things , which may abide with me alway ; and especially this day , in every place and company into which I shall come . O that I may not be so forgetful of thee , and of my own good , as for the small and momentany pleasures of this world , to hazard the loss of those great and eternal joys , which we expect in the other life . But enable me , O most gracious God , so to behave my self , that when I have passed through all the imployments and occasions of this day , I may bring my self back again into thy presence , so pure and undefiled ; that I may begin those joys which are to come , in chearful praises of thee ; and in a comfortable sense that thou dwellest in me , and art leading me by thy holy Spirit to immortal happiness , through Christ Jesus . Amen .

A Prayer for serious and effectual Consideration ; the better to establish all good resolutions .

O Most glorious Majesty of heaven and earth : who art above the highest of all our thoughts , and much more beyond all our words . But that thou art great and mighty , we know by thy works of wonder which we behold . And the admirable disposure and government of all things tell us , that thou art infinitely wise and knowest all things . We see how good thou art , by the large provision which thou hast made for all thy creatures , every where . Thy Precepts teach us how just and holy thou art ; and by thy Promises we know that thou art gracious and bountiful ; and by thy Threatnings that thou hatest iniquity ; and by thy executing of both , that thou art faithful and true , and wilt save the godly and punish evil doers .

When we consider all this , we may justly wonder at our selves , that we should not fear thee , and reverence thee , and love thee , and seek thy love and favour above all things ; by studying to please thee in universal obedience to thy blessed will ; which designs to imploy thy Almighty Power to make us so great , so happy , and so glorious . And there is no other reason , I see , why we are no better affected towards thee , but because our thoughts are exceeding short , and light and vain ; and we so seldom consider and deeply ponder , what , we confess , thou art , and in what relation we stand to thy Divine Majesty . Vouchsafe therefore , O God of all grace , to awaken my mind to a more lively and stedfast remembrance of thee , my Creator , my Redeemer , my daily Benefactor , and my most loving and tender-hearted Father , in Christ Jesus . O that no day may pass without some serious and considerate thoughts of those things , which so nearly concern my everlasting welfare . And by thy powerful presence with me , inlighten my mind to a clearer sense of them . Quicken and inliven that sense , I humbly beseech thee , and make it so strong and moving ; that it may press upon my heart and affections , till it overcome me to surrender soul and body absolutely unto thee .

Pardon all my former neglects of thee ; and let them not hinder the influences of thy holy Spirit upon me , by which I may be changed into thy image and likeness . Sanctifie my understanding , that I may rightly conceive thy holy Truths , and fully apprehend them . Sanctifie my memory , that I may keep in mind all that I know of thee , and of thy blessed will revealed to us in Christ Jesus . Sanctifie my will , that I may chearfully imbrace , and intirely consent to thine , in all things . And sanctifie all my affections , that I may love thee with all my heart , and soul , and strength ; and delight in thee more , than in all the contentments of this life ; and hope more for thy glory , than all worldly preferments ; and fear thee more than the greatest potentate upon earth ; and take more care for my soul and eternal things , than for this body and all its momentany pleasures ; and hate all sin , more than my greatest enemies : yea , help me to love mine enemies ; to do good to them that do evil to me ; to bless them that curse me , and pray for them that despightfully use me . For which end , sanctifie all my Passions ; that I may be angry at nothing so much , as that I have displeased thee ; and in an holy indignation at my self , and in revenge of my former negligence and disobedience , may be more strict and severe in the performance of all my duty for the time to come . Sanctifie me throughout in body as well as spirit ; that I may possess it in holiness and honour : and all my senses may administer occasions to my mind , to remember thee , to praise thee , and to bless thee , who every way so liberally providest for me . Sanctifie all my conversation with others , and all the imployments of this life ; that I may still be heavenly minded , and have a respect to my last end , and everlasting good . Sanctifie all the blessings of health , and strength , and peace , and plenty , and friends : yea , and all the crosses and afflictions of this life ; that they may make me more serious and considerate , and help more perfectly to purifie my spirit , and dispose me for the happiness of the other world .

Raise me , O Lord , to such an exceeding great delight in these holy thoughts and meditations ; and entertain me with such a blissful sense of thee , when I address my self unto thee : that I may rather be unwilling to depart from thy presence , than weary of conversing with thee . And when I return to my other imployments again , O that my mind may be often looking back towards thee , my God , my exceeding joy ; desirous to be always with thee , and longing to enjoy thee in unchangeable love , and perfect likeness to thee : Unto which I most humbly beseech thee to bring me , for thy mercies sake declared in Christ Jesus , who lives for ever to make intercession for us . Amen .

THe better to preserve a constant sense of God in the mind , and pious dispositions in the heart : Here follow certain short Ejaculations ( as we are wont to call them ) in which , upon several occasions , any man may lift up his soul to God : And if he do it fervently , may find it of great effect .

EJACVLATIONS .

When he awakes in the morning , he may say , I Laid me down and slept ; I awaked , for the Lord sustained me , Psal. 3.5 . How precious also are thy thoughts unto me , O God ? how great is the sum of them ? If I would count them ; they are more in number than the sand : when I awake , I am still with thee , Psal. 139.17,18 .

When he is dressing himself . O how bountiful is the ornament of a pure , humble , meek , patient and charitable spirit ! Help me , O God , to put on the Lord Jesus , in these and all other vertues .

When he goes into the Church , or his Closet . My heart is fixed , O God , my heart is fixed : I will sing and give praise , Psal. 57.7 .

When he begins any business . My help cometh from the Lord , which ●ade heaven and earth , Psal. 121.2 . The Lord Jesus Christ be with my spirit , 2. Tim. 4.22 .

When he goes forth of his doors . Hold thou up my goings in thy paths , that my foot-steps slip not , Psal. 17.5 . Order my steps in thy word : and let not any iniquity have dominion over me , 119.133 . Give thy angels charge over me , to keep me in all my ways , 91.11 .

When he walks abroad and beholds all things round about him , he may say as it is Psal. 104.24 . O Lord , how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou made them all : the earth is full of thy riches , &c.

At Meals . O taste and see that the Lord is good . He filleth our hearts with food and gladness , Psal. 24.8 . Act. 14.17 . Blessed be the Lord , who daily loadeth us with his benefits , Psal. 68.19 .

At Candle-light . Lord , lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us , Psal. 4.6 . Or , God be merciful unto us and bless us , and cause his face to shine upon us , 67.1 .

When he goes to bed . I will both lay me down in peace , and sleep : for thou , Lord , only makest me dwell in safety , Psal. 4.8 . He that keepeth me doth not slumber . The Lord is my keeper : the Lord is my defence , who neither slumbers , nor sleeps , Psal. 121.4,5 .

In the Night season . O happy souls , that rest not day nor night , saying , Holy , holy , holy , Lord God Almighty , which was , which is , and is to come ! Rev. 4.8 . O great God! the darkness hideth not from thee ; but the night shineth as the day : the darkness and the light are both alike to thee , Psal. 139.12 . My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness ; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips : when I remember thee upon my bed , and meditate on thee in the night watches . Because thou hast been my help ; therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoyce , Psal. 63.5,6,7 .

On a sick-bed , or in other affliction . It is the Lord : let him do what seemeth him good , 1 Sam. 3.18 . It is good that a man should both hope , and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord , Lam. 3.26 . Blessed be the Lord for my long continued health and all his other benefits . Let the remembrance of thy former mercies refresh my soul , and incourage my hope , and strengthen my patience , with quiet resignation of my self to thy good pleasure .

At the point of Death . I have waited for thy salvation , O Lord , Gen. 49.18 . Into thy hand , O Father , I commend my self , who breathedst into me the breath of Life . Lord Jesus receive my spirit , which thou hast redeemed by thy precious bloud , and sanctified by the holy Ghost .

When he hears a Passing-bell . Verily , every man at his best state is altogether vanity , Psal. 39.5 . O teach me so to number my days , that I may apply my heart unto wisdom , 90.12 .

In a time of Plague . O Lord , correct us , but with judgement ; not in thine anger , lest thou bring us to nothing , Jer. 10.24 .

In a time of War . O Lord , arise , help us and deliver us for thy names sake . From our enemies defend us , O Christ . Graciously look upon our affliction .

King Asa cryed unto God in this manner when he was going to give battle to a million of enemies . Lord , it is nothing with thee to help , whether with many , or with them that have no power . Help us , O Lord our God , for we rest on thee , and in thy name go against this multitude , 2 Chron. 14.11 .

In any other publick Calamity . Spare thy people , O Lord , and give not thy heritage to reproach , Joel 2.17 .

A great Offender may often say with the Prodigal , Father , I have sinned against thee , and am no more worthy to be called thy son . And with the Publican , God be merciful to me a sinner .

After any mercy received . What shall I render unto the Lord , for all the benefits that he hath done unto me ? Psal. 116.12 . Every day will I give thanks unto thee , and praise thy name for ever and ever , 145.1 .

I shall mention no more , because I would not invite the Reader to make this sort of Prayer too common . For by that means , it will be in danger to grow cold , and lose its force and efficacie , by growing fashionable . To that purpose I remember a devout Prelate of our own ( Bishop Hall ) somewhere delivers his judgement about this matter . But if any one find that he can with profit turn his thoughts this way , upon all occasions ; he may easily invent more Ejaculations . The measure of them is , ( as that forenamed person speaks ) to preserve our hearts in a constant tender and godly disposition ; which shall be further actuated upon all opportunites , by the exercise of our more inlarged and fixed devotions .

A Prayer for Submission to God , in case of any great loss in a mans Estate , Relations or Friends .

O Most Holy , holy , holy ; the Supreme Lord and Governour of the world : who are unsearchable in thy Wisdom , unspot●ed in thy Justice , and irresistable in ●hy Power : whose goodness hath no ●ounds , but what thy wise and holy Will gives unto it ; and art immu●able in these and all other perfections , the great God , most blessed for ever . It is most reasonable and agreeable to our nature , most profitable and convenient to our interest , most satisfactory and suitable to our wisest choice , by an absolute and ●uiet submission in all things to thy ●overaign Wisdom , Justice and Goodness , to declare our fear and reverence of thee ; our unfeigned love to thee , and desires to please thee ; our trust and confidence in thee ; and ready disposition to obey thee .

Thou art too great , I know , to delight in grieving us thy poor creatures ; and hast other ways of procuring thy own pleasure , than by our misery , pain and torment . And therefore in a full perswasion of thy unerring providence over us , and infinite Charity towards us , I here most humbly and freely resign all my thoughts and desires unto thee : submitting my self intirely to thy Orders , and resolving by thy gracious assistance to rest contented with whatsoever thou appointest . The Lord gave , Job . 1.21 . and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the Name of the Lord . Blessed b● thy name , who hast continued to me so long , the enjoyment of so many good things . Blessed be thy name● that I had any thing to part withal whereby I may testifie my faith in thee , and affection to thee . Blessed be thy name , that I have any of the comforts of this life still remaining , and that they are not all taken away from me . I have nothing too great , or too dear to be resigned to thee : from whose bounty I received all I have ; and who art my best , and my eternal friend .

O that no repining thoughts may arise in my heart , to disorder and discompose my duty towards thee , or towards my neighbour . But help me rather to think wherein I have offended thee , and carefully to amend it ; to place my affections more stedfastly on those unmoveable things which are above ; to lay up my treasure and hope in heaven ; and to prepare my self , by perfecting my purity , and thankfulness , and pa●ience , and all other vertues , to be translated thither , where our life is ●id in thee with Christ Jesus . I ●hank thee , O Father of Mercies , that thou hast given us such everlasting consolation , through thy Grace , in him . Every day will I bless thee , and I will praise thy name for ever and ever ; for those exceeding great and precious promises which thou hast given us to support and comfort us , in all the troubles of this life . Increase my faith ; strengthen and confirm my hope ; lift up my spirit continually to that blessed place where Jesus is : that I may rejoyce in hope of that immortal life , when all tears shall be wiped from our eyes , and there shall be no sighing nor sorrow any more ; but we [ * * This clause to be used only in the loss of Friends or Relations . who are now parted asunder ] shall meet together to acknowledge , with eternal praises , thy wise and merciful providence , which by ways most contrary to our desires hath brought us to endless and undisturbed bliss .

Thou knowest ; O Lord , the weakness and frailty of our nature , and therefore vouchsafe me the constant assistance of thy good Spirit , ( for which I depend upon thee ) to inable me to continue in this humble , quiet and dutiful submission to thee : waiting for that peaceable and joyful repose , in the eternal rest which thou hast prepared for thy people ; through thy mercies in Christ Jesus : By whom all glory , honour , love and obedience be rendred to thee , by me and all mankind , both now and for ever . Amen .

A Prayer which a pious soul may use , that is full of doubts , and much troubled in mind .

O Lord , 2 Cor. 1.3 . the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort . I acknowledge and adore thy eternal Power , Wisdom and Goodness . I render thee my most hearty thanks for all the benefits thou hast freely bestowed on me , from my first coming into the world until this time . Many , O Lord my God , are thy wonderful works which thou hast done , and thy thoughts , which are to us ward , they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee : Psal. 40.5 . if I would declare and speak of them , they are more than can be numbred . Above all I bless thee for that great demonstration of thy love and good will to mankind by Christ Jesus , whom thou hast sent into the world to save sinners : and for bringing me to the clear knowledge of him , faith in him , and some love , I hope , towards him , and unfeigned affection to thy holy will , declared to us in his blessed Gospel .

O God , thou hast taught me from my youth up , and hitherto been marvailously gracious to me . Hide not , I beseech thee , thy face now from me ; and put not thy servant away in displeasure . Thou hast been my help : leave me not , neither forsake me , O God of my salvation . But , for Jesus Christ his sake , I humbly intreat thee to pardon and pass by all my neglects of thee , and unthankfulness to thee , and offences against thee . And as I here sincerely devote and dedicate my whole self , soul and body , to thy service ; so help me , O my God , and further me in the performance of my duty , by the grace of thy holy Spirit . To thee all hearts are open , and from thee no secrets are hid : deal with me according to the earnest desire and full purpose of my soul , to conform my self in all things to thy holy Will.

Settle in me an unmoveable faith in thy infinite Mercies , a constant love and chearful affection to my duty , and a readiness of heart to obey thee , and to submit to thy wise appointments in every condition . The whole earth is full of thy Mercy : thou openest thy hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing : O refuse not the humble desires of my poor soul , which gaspeth after thee , even as the thirsty land . Thou who givest to the Beasts their food , and to the young Ravens when they cry ; O satisfie me early with thy Mercies , that I may rejoyce and be glad all my days . Compose my broken and disturbed thoughts : quiet my troubled and disordered spirit ; and appease all the ragings and tumults there , by a sweet sense of thy most tender mercies , which have been ever of old , and endure continually . Banish from me all causless fears and jealousies : deliver me from all unprofitable sadness and dejection of spirit : keep me from rash judging of my self , and much more from charging thee foolishly . Bestow upon me a chearful spirit , by an humble hope in thee ; and by referring my self wholly to thee . Endue me with such wisdom and uprightness , that I may neither neglect my duty , nor suspect thy gracious acceptance of me . Give me an hearty zeal to do the best that I am able ; and a setled perswasion that thou requirest no more of me . Defend me , O my gracious God , from dishonouring thee and my Religion ; by distrusting thy goodness , and calling thy loving kindness in question towards those , that are sincerely bent to please thee . Remove all troublesome imaginations from me ; and give me a clear understanding of thee , and of my self . Or when I am in darkness and confusion of thoughts , grant me so much light and judgement , as not to conclude my self forsaken by thee , but to reflect upon thy long continued favours to me and many deliverances of me ; that so I may resolve still to hope in thee , to bear my present trouble patiently , and to resign my will absolutely to thy good pleasure . And , good Lord , enable me to look beyond these clouds , to that blessed state whither my Saviour is gone ; in which there is no darkness at all : and in an humble hope of coming to the same place where he is , to content my self with any condition whilst I am here , so far remote from that Region of light and glory .

Hear me , most loving and merciful Father , I most humbly beseech thee . Pitty my great dulness and deadness of heart . Strengthen my weak and feeble endeavours . Support my fainting spirit ; and cause it humbly to hope in thee for ever . Confirm and establish every good thought , desire and purpose which thou hast wrought in me . Perfect that which thou hast begun . Make me to grow in wisdom , faith , love , and willing obedience . Conduct me hereafter so evenly and steadily , so peaceably and quietly , so chearfully and securely in thy ways ; that I may glorifie thee whilst I live , by incouraging others to accompany me in thy service . And when I come to dye , may resign my soul unto thee with an undisturbed mind ; and in an holy hope also of a joyful resurrection of the body , at the great day of the Lord Jesus ; to whom be glory and dominion for ever . Amen .

A Prayer to be said by others for one that is troubled in mind .

O God , the only Hope , the Refuge , the Comfort and satisfaction of our souls : Of whose Goodness and tender mercy all the world hath so many testimonies , and we our selves have had such long experience , that we are incouraged thereby , though most unworthy , to make this humble address to thy Divine Majesty .

Thou seest , we know , and pittiest the misery and torment of this afflicted spirit ; none of his * * Or her . sighs or groanings are hid from thee : But to express also our charity and compassionate concernment for him , we are bold to recommend him to thy favour , as a great object of the bowels of thy mercy , which are in Christ Jesus .

We ought indeed , above all things , to admire thy most wise goodness , which hath set forth him to be a propitiation , Rom. 3.25 . through faith in his bloud ; and invited even the greatest sinners to return unto thee and live . Blessed , eternally blessed , be thy great and glorious grace , which hath sent us such glad tidings of peace and reconciliation , and assured hope ; that if we obediently believe thy holy Gospel , thou wilt be merciful to our sins , and remember our iniquities no more . Heb. 8.12 . O Father of mercies , who openest the eyes of the blind , Psal. 146.8 . and raisest them that are bowed down ; open the eyes of this thy servant , that he may see thy marvailous love revealed in Christ Jesus . Touch his spirit with such a powerful sense of it , that he may both heartily and absolutely consent to be governed by thy Laws , and likewise be revived with a comfortable belief of the truth of all thy precious promises .

Free him from all confusion of thoughts , and bestow on him a clear and distinct apprehension of all things belonging to his peace . And as thou hast wrought in him a fear of thy Divine Majesty , and many holy desires after thee ; and perswaded him , we hope , to be willing in all things to live godlily : So possess him with an humble belief that thou wilt always inable him to do accordingly ; and never fail to strengthen him against all the power of the enemy , till he hath got the victory , and triumphs in hope of thy salvation . Raise up his spirit , most mighty Lord , by the power of a most strong faith in thine Omnipotent Goodness : which delights to cherish the least gaspings and pantings in us after true righteousness . Bear him up by this above all the clouds wherein he is incompassed , into a clear heaven of light and joy . Quiet and appease all his tumultuous passions , that he may silently listen to thy voice in thy holy Gospel , saying ; Come unto me all ye that labour , Matth. 11.28 . and are heavy laden , and I wil● give you rest . Thou who searches● the hearts , knowest that he unfeignedly submits himself to the yoke o● thy Laws . It is the present grie● and affliction of his soul , that he is no● more perfectly subject to it . O refresh him with the belief , that tho● art more desirous than he that ther● should be a perfect reconciliation o● his very nature and disposition t● thee : and that therefore thou wilt n● deny him the assistance of thy might● grace to help him to fulfil thy whole good will and pleasure .

O that he may take courage from this hope to begin to do thy will ; and continuing in well doing , and growing more and more in strength and power to perform his duty , he may be delivered from all slavish fears , and jealousies , and distrust of thy divine goodness . Especially keep him from despair of thy mercy , as the greatest dishonour to thee , and to thy abundant grace in the Lord Jesus .

O thou who didst invite even those great sinners , who by wicked hands took and crucified thy dear Son , Act. 2.23,38 . to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins : Lift up this dejected soul to an humble confidence in thee , that thou wilt not deny him the same mercy . And as thou hast sworn that thou hast no pleasure in the death of the wicked , but that he should turn from his evil way and live : so be pleased , blessed God , to make him sensibly feel his soul is turning to thee ; since he can find no comfort and satisfaction , but only in thy love and favour , which he esteems better than life it self . And that he may obtain thy pardon , help him from his heart to forgive every one that hath trespassed against him . Matth. 18.35 . And if he have taken any thing from any man wrongfully , Luk. 19.8 . grant him grace to restore it to him : 11.41 . To give alms likewise of such thing as he hath , Dan. 4.27 . Job 33.26 . and to break off his sins by righteousness , & his iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor ; that thou , who art rich in mercy , mayst be favourable unto him , and he may see thy face with joy .

Hear us , good Lord , and give every one of us grace to walk exactly , and to keep pure consciences , void of offence towards thee and towards all men : that so we may live and die in peace ; looking for thy mercy in Christ Jesus unto eternal life . Amen .

Another for a person in the same condition .

O Lord , the Father of spirits , the Lover of our souls : who ●rt pleased best in our love and hearty affection to thee ; and wouldst have us delight our selves in the ●houghts of thee , and rejoyce con●inually in thy holy name . Give us ●eave to render our humble thanks ●o thy divine Majesty , for this know●edge which thou hast given us of ●hy blessed Nature ; and in imitation ●f it , to recommend with most fer●ent charity , this desolate and af●…icted soul to thy tender Mercies . ●…e is filled with trembling thoughts ●…d frightful apprehensions of thee . ●he dread and terror of thy displeasure hath overwhelmed his spirit . He is troubled , Psal. 38.6 . and bowed down greatly ; he goeth mourning all the day long . O that thou wouldst be pleased so to represent thy self unto him , that he may be possessed with the same sense which thou hast wrought in our minds ; that thou art Love , and desirest to be loved , and chearfully served by all that worship thee .

Thou hast graciously wrought in him already a sense of his duty towards thee . Great sorrow overflowes his soul for his neglects of thee , and offences against thee . And out of this depth he sighs and groans and crys unto thee with earnest desires and purposes to live more holily for the time to come . Awaken his mind , good Lord , to very sensible and thankful reflections upon this grace which thou hast begun to show him . Bless all the pious counsels & instructions which thou likewise vouchsafes● unto him , to the encouraging of his hope in thee , that thou who hast begun a good work in him wilt perfect it even until the day of Jesus Christ . Philip. 1.6 . Remember him that as thy Majesty is , Ecclus. 2.18 . so is thy mercy : and that thy power delights to show it self in doing good unto thy creatures ; especially to the humble , the thankful , and the willing persons , who are ready to submit themselves to thy blessed Will . O that this divine faith may banish all those fears that drive him from thee : and that he may rather fear lest he should offend thy Divine Majesty , by not confiding in those promises of mercy , which thou hast made in thy holy Gospel to all returning sinners . O that all his thoughts and care hereafter may only be to make his purpose of pleasing thee in all things , serious , hearty and unfeigned : believing that thou wilt graciously accept such holy resolutions , and certainly further and succeed them as the effect of thine own inspirations .

Suffer not his spirit to be oppressed under the sense of his great weakness ; or discouraged , though he fall short of his present holy desires , purposes and endeavours : But bear him up in a strong perswasion , that by sincere , constant and unwearied diligence in well doing , he shall at last obtain the victory ; through the power of thy holy Spirit assisting of him . Make him see how reasonable it is most gratefully to acknowledge thy infinite Mercies , if after much pains , many conflicts and long patience , he may recover a state of friendship with thee . That so he may not spend his time in dejected complaints , nor ever faint in his mind , or despond in the Christian course : but still pursue the compleat mastery over himself , in assured hope that thou wilt be with him , and never leave him or forsake him .

We bless thee for that instance of thy exceeding grace to the chiefest of sinners , which thou gavest in thy holy Apostle of us Gentiles : Who was a blasphemer , and a persecutor , and injurious ; 1 Tim. 1.13,16 . but for this cause obtained mercy , that in him Christ Jesus might show forth all long-suffering , for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting .

Above all we bless thee for our Lord Jesus himself , whom thou sentest in our flesh , that he might save sinners . We bless thee for all the miraculous cures which he wrought on miserable creatures , whereby he demonstrated his great charity towards us : For the gracious proclamation he hath made of thy pardoning mercy : and for the Universal invitation which he hath given to every one , Rev. 22.17 . that is a thirst to come and take the waters of life freely . 1 Joh. 2.2 . We thank thee for his death upon the Cross , Luk. 23.34 . that he might make a propitiation for the sins of the whole world : Act. 5.31 . 2 Cor. 5.18 . for his great love in praying then for his bitterest enemies , Matth. 26.28 . Heb. 7.25 . that they might be forgiven : 2.17 . 4.15 . for his resurrection and exaltation at thy right hand , to be a Prince and a Saviour , to give repentance , and forgiveness of sins . And that he hath given to his Apostles , the Ministry of reconciliation ; and admitted us into a Covenant of mercy and forgiveness by Baptism into his Name ; and hat● left us the cup of blessing , whic● is the New Covenant in his blou● for the remission of sins ; and given power and authority to his M●nisters to absolve all those who heartily repent , and unfeignedly believ● his holy Gospel . We thank thee , O Lord , for the assurance we hav● that he lives for ever to make interce●sion for us , and is able to save to th● uttermost all those that come to th● by him : and that he is a merciful and faithful High-priest , to make reconciliation for the sins of the people ; being touched with a feeling of all our miseries .

We cannot doubt , O blessed God , of thy gracious intentions and desires to pardon us , and to make us better , when we seriously meditate on all these testimonies of thy Divine love ; and on that easie and gentle yoke , which thou layest on us to love thee with all our heart , and our neighbour as our selves : and on the promised assistance which we have hopes of from above , to inspire , inliven , and strengthen us , to all well doing , and patient suffering . O that this languishing soul may likewise feel the comfortable influence of all these heavenly Truths reviving and chearing his spirit into a good hope in thee ; that thou wilt mercifully accept the oblation which he is willing to make of himself to thee , and also constantly inable him to offer himself with greater affection and more pure devotion to thy service . Scatter all the clouds that darken his mind , and lift upon him the light of thy countenance . O give him the comfort of thy help again , Psal. 51.12 . and stablish him with thy free spirit . 143.11 . Quicken him , 4.7 . O Lord , for thy names sake : 85.6 . for thy righteousness sake bring his soul out of trouble . 2 Thess. 1.11 . Put gladness into his heart , 1 Tim. 1.14 . and revive him again ; that he and we may rejoyce in thee . Amen ; Amen , O God of all grace ; fulfill in him all the good pleasure of thy goodness , and the work of faith with power : that the name of our Lord may be glorified in him ; according to that grace which was exceeding ahundant , with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus ; To whom be glory and praise for ever and ever . Amen .

WHen sickness arrests any person , it is time for him presently in the very beginning of it to search and try his ways ; sorrowfully to confess the sins of which he finds himself guilty , with a full purpose of amendment ; to advise with his Spiritual Guide ; and before his spirit be feeble and broken to recommend himself heartily to our blessed Saviour , by receiving the Communion of his body and bloud ; thereing making a commemoration of his wonderful love , and devoting himself again to his service : And having set his house in order ( as th● Prophet said to Hezekiah , Isa. 38.1 . ) and setled his estate , to acknowledge Gods great goodness to him hitherto , and to submit himself wholly to his good pleasure , in such manner as followeth .

A Prayer in the beginning of a Sickness .

O Lord , the Soveraign of the world ; who doest what thou pleasest in heaven and in earth ; Psal. 135.6 . and delightest most in acts of bounty , as all thy works every where declare ; and art full of compassion and mercy , Ecclus. 2.11 . long-suffering and very pittiful , and forgivest sins , and savest in time of affliction . I acknowledge my self , among the rest of thy creatures , to be most deeply indebted to thee : whose life thou hast prolonged to this time in much health , plenty and peace ; together with the enjoyment of spiritual blessings in the Lord Jesus . I thank thee , and praise thee ; all that is within me blesses thy holy name : to whose wise and good Providence I wholly refer my self for the time to come ; placing my intire trust and confidence in thy almighty Goodness , Faithfulness , and Truth , which endures for ever .

I ought to receive with all thankfulness whatsoever comes from thy hand ; and believe that to be good for me , which thy infinite wisdom and kindness orders and allots for my portion . Accordingly I accept with all humble and dutiful affection , this thy Fatherly chastisement . I acknowledge thy care of me , and submit to what thou wilt be pleased to lay upon me . If thou thinkest good to exercise me with a longer sickness , and to let the present indisposition of my body , proceed to a greater disorder ; not my will , but thine , O heavenly Father , be done . I only wait on thee for the comfortable presence of thy holy Spirit , to support my soul by faith , and hope , and patience , under all the pains I may endure . Lay no more upon me , O Father of mercies , than I shall be able to bear ; and lay upon me what thou pleasest . Free me , for the present , from all murmuring and repining thoughts ; and for the future , make the sickness and anguish of my body , a blessed instrument to purge my spirit more perfectly from all pride and vanity , from all covetousness and worldly-mindedness , and from all inordinate love of any of the pleasures of this life . I believe , O blessed Jesus , that thou livest for ever , who sufferedst and dyedst for us : and that thou hast a great compassion towards those , who would gladly follow thee , though it be through sufferings . Behold , Lord , I commend my self to thy mighty Love , desiring above all things to be made conformable to thee , in meekness , in humility , in patience , in intire resignation to Gods holy will and pleasure , and in perfect satisfaction in his Fatherly love and kindness , whatsoever my condition be .

I am sensible , O God , that I have not employed my time to the utmost advantage of my soul , and to thy honour & glory : but have wasted many precious hours , and several ways neglected my duty towards thee * * Here reckon up the sins you may have committed . , and been but an unprofitable part of this world ; so that I am not worthy to continue any longer in it . But I hope thou wilt vouchsafe me thy gracious pardon and receive me to mercy , if thou callest me hence ( for into thy hands , O Father , I commend my spirit , who hast redeemed me by the precious bloud of Jesus Christ : ) And that if thou prolongest my days on earth , I shall serve thee with greater diligence , and strictness , and zeal , and chearfulness , to the end of my life .

I desire not to live , but that I may perfect holiness in thy fear ; and secure to my self , by doing more good , an happy entertainment into the society of the blessed , in the other world . I see already the emptiness and insufficiency of all enjoyments upon earth . All flesh is grass , and all the goodliness of it , as the flower of the field . The grass withereth , Isa. 40.7 . the flower fadeth : Psal. 119.50,81 . But thy word standeth fast for ever . In thy word therefore , O Lord , and gracious promises , is my hope . This is my comfort in my affliction . And my perfect contentment , I see , lyes always in thy love and favour alone , which is better than life it self . O settle me in a certain and unmoveable possession of it , by what means thou pleasest . Do but love me , and preserve me in a lively sense of thy good will towards me , and dispose of me as thou thinkest good . In the multitude of my thoughts within me , Psal. 94.19 . thy comforts shall delight my soul . Rom. 5.2 . 8.28 . I will rejoyce even in the midst of tribulations , Psal. 23.3 . 30.10 . and glory in thy holy name , who makest all things work together for good to them that love thee . Though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no evil : for thou art with me ; thy power , and tender care , they shall comfort me .

Accept , Good Lord , of these my desires and resolutions . Hear me , O God , and have mercy upon me . Lord , be thou my helper ; for Christ Jesus his sake , my ever blessed Redeemer . Amen .

IT will be seasonable here to put the Devout Reader in mind , that when he is in distress and desires Mercy of God ; it ought to excite his charity to others that are in misery , and dispose him to shew mercy to them . For though that be not Canonical Scripture which we read , Tob. 12.9 . Alms doth deliver from death ; yet this is ; With the merciful God will shew himself merciful . ( Psal. 18.25 . ) Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble . ( 41.1,2,3 . ) If he do not preserve him and keep him alive ; yet the Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing ; he will make all his bed in his sickness . Therefore as thou recommendest thy self to God , and desirest others to pray with thee , so remember that , Prayer is good with fasting , and alms and righteousness , Tob. 12.8 .

A Prayer to be said by the Family , with the Sick person .

O Lord , the Father of our spirits ; who givest to us and all creatures , life and breath , and all things . We sinful dust and ashes blush to lift up our eyes unto heaven , when we consider our vast distance from thee ; and reflect upon thy unspotted holiness , and our impurity ; thy infinite wisdom , and our wretched folly ; thy power and our weakness ; thy Eternity of life , and our short continuance . We are but of yesterday , and know nothing , Job 8.9 . because our days upon earth are a shadow . Psal. 39.11 . When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity , Job 25.6 . thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth : Surely every man is vanity .

But so great is thy condescending grace , that thou hast assured us thou wilt not despise such worms as we are . Nay , thou hast incouraged us , blessed be thy goodness , to approach unto thee with some confidence , that thou wilt mercifully receive us , though we have highly offended thy Divine Majesty : Having sent thy dear Son into the world to save sinners ; to purifie our natures , to indue us with a divine understanding ; to strengthen our weakness , and to comfort us with the hope of an immortal life .

Behold , O Lord , the oblation which we make to thee of most thankful hearts , devoted to thy service : whose love and tender mercies have so exceedingly abounded towards us . We will praise thee , and glorifie thee as long as we have any being , for this great salvation which Christ Jesus hath brought to light , by his resurrection from the dead to an eternal Kingdom in the heavens . We are humbly bold to hope in thee , that thou who hast not spared thy own Son , Rom. 8.32 . but delivered him up for us all , wilt with him also freely give us all things . O thou Father of mercies , and God of all comfort , who hast not thought a Crown of everlasting life and glory too much to promise us : we believe that thou wilt not deny us what is needful and fit for us , both for our souls and our bodies , in our passage through this world to that honour , glory and immortality .

In this confidence we more particularly recommend this thy sick servant to thy infinite and most compassionate mercy . Settle in his * * Or her . soul a stedfast faith , that thou dost not willingly grieve the children of men ; but intendest good to him by this affliction . And now that other pleasures and enjoyments fail him , represent thy self effectually unto him , as his true happiness and satisfaction . Wherein soever he hath neglected thee , or committed any offence against thee , make him deeply sensible of , and heartily sorrwful for , his folly . And as he earnestly desires pardon and forgiveness of thee ; so work in him a serious resolution to live more circumspectly and exactly in time to come . Assist him graciously , O Lord ; that he may give a proof of his sincere intentions hereafter to submit himself in all things to thy will , by his patient submission to thy fatherly correction now . O that he may so quietly , so meekly , so humbly and chearfully resign his will unto thee to suffer what thou inflictest ; that he may be the more disposed readily to deny his own desires in doing whatsoever thou commandest .

For which end make him throughly apprehensive of thy soveraign power and authority over all creatures . Possess him with a great reverence of thy wisdom and justice ; with an intire confidence in thy goodness and charity ; and with a thankful remembrance of all thy past mercies to him , which have been innumerable . That so he may the better endure what thou layest upon him at present ; and ever chuse to follow thy directions , and submit to thy orders , and love thy commandments , and delight to do thy will , O God .

Bless and succeed those remedies that are used , for the restoring him to his former health ; that he may live to perform his holy purposes . Or if thou hast otherwise appointed , accept of them graciously ; and dispose him to return back his spirit willingly unto thee who gavest it ; and with great humility , and deep sense of his own undeservings to expect thy mercy declared in Christ Jesus , who hath so highly merited of thee . Fix his mind stedfastly upon him , who hath led the way through the grave unto heaven : that he may not be affrighted with the approaches of death ; but looking beyond it to that high and holy place where the Lord Jesus is , may rejoyce in hope of thy eternal glory .

And give every one of us , in our best estate of health , to consider perpetually how frail and weak we are . That so we may not abuse our selves by an intemperate use of any of the pleasures of sense ; nor load our minds with the cares of this life ; nor spend our days in a vain pursuit of the honour and glory of this world : But may pass all the time of our sojourning here in fear , 1 Pet. 1.17 . Tit. 2.12 . and live so soberly , righteously and godlily , in this present world , as becomes those who expect shortly to give an account to thee , who wilt judge all men according to their works . Hear ●s , O Lord , we most humbly beseech thee , through Christ Jesus our merciful and compassionate High-priest ; who sits at thy right hand , ●nd lives for ever to make intercession for us . In whose name we continue to recommend our selves , ●nd friends , and all thy people to ●hee , as he hath taught us ; saying ;

Our Father which art in heaven , hallowed be thy Name : Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done in earth , as it is in heaven . Give us this day our daily bread : And forgive us our trespasses , as we forgive them that ●respass against us : And lead us not ●nto temptation , but deliver us from evil , &c.

If the disease proceed to such an extremity , that in all appearance the Soul is ready to depart , there is a Commendatory Prayer appointed in the Publique offices of Devotion , to be said by the Minister , whose assistance then sure will be desired . And besides , the sick person himself , as long as he is able , may thus recommend his soul unto Almighty God .

A Prayer when a person is giving up the Ghost .

I Resign my spirit , O God , most chearfully into thy hands : hoping to find mercy with thee through Christ Jesus . I know no other name under heaven whereby I may be saved , but thine alone , O blessed Jesus ; who wast dead , and ●rt alive again , Rev. 1.18 . and livest ●or evermore . I come un●o thee , O Lord , confiding in thy ●ost precious promises , which I be●ieve are faithful and true as thou art , ●or pardon and for immortal life .

Accept , I beseech thee , of my most ●earty thanks for all thy mercies to ●e , from the beginning of my life to ●his moment . Pass by all my ingra●tude and disobedience . Receive ●e into the company of the spirits ●f just men made perfect , to give thee ●hanks for ever .

And as I desire to find mercy with ●…ee ; so I forgive all my enemies : ●eseeching thee likewise to forgive ●em ; and to bless and comfort all ●y friends , and to make thy whole ●hurch glorious ; and to bring us ●l at last to live together in everlasting love and joy , through Christ Jesus . Amen .

IF God be pleased to restore the sick person to a state of health , publick Thanksgivings ought to be rendred to Almighty God for it . And together with the Sacrifice of praise , which is the fruit of our lips , ( Heb. 13.15,16 . ) he ought not to forget to do good , and to communicate to them that are in misery : for with such sacrifices God is pleased . And to preserve a grateful remembrance of Gods mercy ; here follows a Form of Thanksgiving to be used in private by himself , and by his friends , that are concerned in his recovery .

A Thanksgiving after recovery from a Sickness , to be said by the person himself who is restored to health .

O God , the fountain of life and of all good ; who art continually more and more pouring forth thy benefits upon us . I thy poor creature , whose life thou hast mercifully spared when I deserved to be cut off , prostrate my self , in an humble sense of thy divine goodness , to render thee my most hearty thanks , and to renew my vows , which I made in the day of my distress .

Bless the Lord , O my soul : and all that is within me , Psal. 103.1,2,3 , &c. bless his holy name . Bless the Lord , O my soul , 34.8 . 118,17,18 . and forget not all his benefits . Who forgiveth all thine iniquities : 111.1 . who healeth all thy diseases . Who redeemeth thy life from destruction : who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies . Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things : so that thy youth is renewed like the Eagles . The Lord is merciful and gracious , slow to anger , and plenteous in mercy . He will not always chide ; neither will he keep his anger for ever . He hath not dealt with me after my sins ; nor rewarded me according to my iniquities . But as far as the East is from the West : so far hath he removed my transgressions from me . O tast and see , my soul , how gracious the Lord is : blessed is the man that trusteth in him . I shall not die , but live , and declare the works of the Lord . The Lord hath chastned me sore : but he hath not given me over unto death .

I will give thanks therefore unto the Lord with my whole heart ; secretly among the faithful , and in the congregation . I can do no less than dedicate this new life , which thou hast bestowed upon me , intirely to thy service : resolving to employ more vigorously all those powers of soul and body , which are so graciously restored unto me , unto thy honour and glory . For which end I most earnestly desire , to have a lively sense preserved in my mind , of those things which were most powerful to move my heart towards thee , in the time of my sickness . O that this world may ever appear unto me , as it was then represented to my mind ! That I may never set my heart too much upon these perishing enjoyments , and short satisfactions ; nor ever neglect thee , whose favour and grace I then sought so earnestly as my chiefest good : But remembring how little comfort I could find in any thing here ; what a joy it was to have any hope in thee , the eternal God ; and how that in my best estate I am but altogether vanity ; I may most seriously apply my self to work out my salvation with fear and trembling ; and give all diligence to settle a stedfast hope in thee , that never may be shaken . Make me often to remember that my days are but like a shadow that declineth , Psal. 102.11,12,27 . and that I wither like the grass . But thou , O Lord , shalt endure for ever , for thou art the same , and thy years shall have no end . That so , I may neither seek my happiness in this dying life , but in thy endless love and favour ; nor be slothful in business ; Rom. 12.11 . but fervent in spirit , serving the Lord .

Blessed be thy goodness that I feel these holy thoughts and desires still remaining in me . Excite me , I humbly beseech thee , continually to renew them : that no day may pass without serious reflections upon thy patient and long-suffering kindness towards me ; upon the shortness o● this life , the uncertainty of all earthly comforts , and the happiness of having a good hope in thee , by stedfast continuance in well doing . And let these thoughts be so deeply imprinted in my heart ; that my affections may be weaned thereby from all things here below , and set on things above , where Christ is at thy right hand .

O that I may desire and covet those heavenly things for my portion , more than I do to eat and drink , or enjoy any other pleasure of this life . Make me to rejoyce in them , more than in a whole world of other comforts : and to stand in greater fear of losing them , than I do to dye , or endure any misery . Preserve in me , good Lord , such a sober and considerate disposition of mind , that I may never be proud , who am , I see , but dust and ashes : nor confident of my own strength and power , which is but weakness and vanity : nor distrustful of thee , who art so gracious and merciful , as well as mighty to save . Suffer me not to sink under any discouragements , who have the everlasting arms under me , the wisdom of heaven to direct and guide me , and the infinite treasures of goodness to supply all my necessities .

And more particularly , I beseech thee to give me grace by my late confinement , weakness , dulness , want of appetite and rest , to learn to value very highly the benefits of liberty , strength and quickness of all my senses ; and to bless thee , more than ever I have done , for the constant refreshments of my food in the day , and of undisturbed sleep in the night , together with the rest of the pleasures of life , to which thou hast restored me with my health . Make me perfectly contented in any state and condition , whilst I enjoy so great a blessing as that ; which comprehends so many others in it . And when thou art pleased to take it again away from me ; O that I may be able to be contented then also , in a remembrace of all thy past kindnesses to me , and of a well-spent life , and careful improvement of this renewed health ; and in hope of thy continued mercies to me in Christ Jesus , even to eternal life . To which I humbly beseech thee to bring me , by an unchangeable love and obedience to thee in all the changes and alterations of this mortal life ; for his sake who loved me and gave himself for me . To whom with thy self , in the Unity of the same spirit , be glory everlasting . Amen .

A Thanksgiving to be said by the Family .

O Most holy , great and glorious God ; the Almighty Creator ●f heaven and earth : who upholdest ●ll things by the word of thy pow●r , and governest the whole world with admirable wisdom , justice and mercy . Thou deservest the highest acknowledgements of all thy creatures . The Praises of Angels are not worthy of thee ; nor any of their thoughts equal to thy infinite Majestie . What can we vile creatures then speak of thee ; or what thoughts shall we frame of thy perfections ? Especially of thy transcendent love , which hath moved thee in much compassion to consider our weaknesses , and help our infirmities ? Thou hast taught us by our Lord Jesus what we should think of thee : having vouchsafed to dwell among us , and make thy self visible unto us , not only as the most Wise and Mightie ; but as the most Holy , Righteous , Gracious and Merciful Lord , who designest the greatest blessings to us .

But now that we see thee , we have the greatest reason to abhorr our selves in dust and ashes ; when we consider how unlike we are unto thee in those excellent qualities , wherein thou hast made thy self known unto us ; and how unthankful we have been unto thy divine goodness , which hath so strangely condescended unto us , who are unworthy of the least regard from thee . And yet such is thy tender mercy and pitty towards us , that thou hast declared thy self willing to entertain even the greatest sinners into thy favour , by making them better . We our selves have received innumerable tokens of thy great clemency , patience and forbearance . And now ●ately thou hast been pleased to give us a new instance of thy loving kindness , and of thy desire to win our hearts unto thee , in rescuing one of as from going down into the grave , and restoring him to health and strength again .

The living , the living , O Lord , ●hall praise thee , as we do ●his day : Yea , Isa. 38.19 . we will ●less thy name as long as ●e live , Psal. 104.33 . and sing praises unto thee , Psal. 86.12,13 . as long as we have any being . We will praise thee , O Lord our God , with all our heart : 118.14,15 . and glorifie thy name for evermore . For great is thy mercy towards us : and thou hast delivered the soul of thy servant from the lowest hell . The Lord is our strength and our song : and is become our salvation . The voice of joy and health is in our dwellings : the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass .

O that there were such an heart in every one of us , as to studie seriously to know thee better , to meditate continually on thy benefits both to our souls and bodies , to love thee intirely , and to indeavour to be like unto thee ; which is the design of thy goodness towards us . Empty our hearts of all other things ▪ and make room for thy self to dwell there , in wisdom , righteousness and true holiness . Dispose every one of us to follow Jesus Christ our Master in lowliness , patience and charity ; and to be ordered by the governance of his holy Spirit ; Common Prayer-Book , in the Commination . seeking always his glory , and serving him duly in our vocation with thanksgiving . Help us so to employ our time in our health , prosperity and pleasure , that we may have nothing to trouble us in the time of sickness , affliction and sorrow : But we may quietly and chearfully bear what thou layest upon us ; looking unto Jesus , who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross , despising the shame , and is set down at thy right hand .

O blessed Lord , deny us not the constant assistance of the holy Ghost , to cherish , confirm and strengthen our holy resolution ; to succeed our pious endeavours ; to give us a quick sense of all thy mercies , and a lively remembrance of all thy fatherly chastisements ; whereby we may be more and more excited to diligence , watchfulness , and zeal in thy service . Preserve us from a slothful and negligent spirit ; and awaken in us such a sense of thee , and of our duty to thee , that we may search after thy Will diligently , and believe it heartily , and practise it carefully , and watch against all temptations heedfully , and pray fervently and frequently , and ponder seriously and thoroughly all the instructions we have received from thee , and our many and great obligations to thee . O that it may be our choice to attend on thee ; and that our hearts may be still with thee , when our necessities require our attendance to other things ! That so we may not be too deeply ingaged in the affairs of this life , to the prejudice of the eternal life of our souls : but we may go on to make it our great business to be truly godly , according to the pattern which our Lord hath left us ; till we be fit to be lifted up to that high and holy place where we believe he is , and see the glory which thou hast given him .

Now to him that holdeth our soul in life , and suffereth not our feet to be moved ; Psal. 66.9 . to the God of our salvation , 68.20 . to whom belong the issues from death , 30.11 . Jude 25. who hath turned our heaviness into joy , and put off our mourning , and girded us with gladness ; to him that doth wondrous things , the only wise God our Saviour , be glory and majesty , dominion and power , both now and ever . Amen .

A Parents Prayer for a Sick Child .

O Lord , by whose infinite goodness I was brought into this world , and by whose indulgent care I have been continued here unto this time ; in the enjoyment of a great many blessings , of the least of which I am unworthy . I thank thee that to all other comforts of this life thou hast added the gift of this child ; whom thou hast preserved in its birth , and ever since , by a marvellous providence . I am sensible that all I have is thine : and that I am but intrusted with this , as with all other good things , which I must return to thee whensoever thou pleasest .

Lord , assist me with the grace of thy holy Spirit ( which I know thou art more ready to give than any other blessing ) that I may resign this child to thee , if thou art pleased now to call for it , with an humble ; contented , patient and thankful mind : believing thou knowest what is better for me , than I do my self ; and wilt certainly recompence such meek and quiet submission to thee , with as good or better enjoyments than those thou takest away . But if thou thinkest good still to prolong its days , and continue it with me ; Behold , O Lord , the unfeigned purpose of my heart , faithfully to discharge my trust , and to bring it up in the fear and nurture of our Lord .

Endue me with principles of true wisdom and prudence , that I may educate it aright . Help me to give it a good example ; and to use all diligence that it may serve its generation according to thy will , and at last be returned back to thee , wise and pure , and just , and good ; fit for the company of the blessed in endless life . Unto thee , O Lord , I most heartily recommend both it and my self ; whose wisdom knows where it is best to place thy creatures , whether in this or in the other world ; and whose goodness designs to make us happy in both . To thee , the only wise and good God , be all Praise , Honour , Glory and Thanksgiving ; with Fear and Reverence , Love and chearful Obedience , both now and eternally . Amen .

HEre follow Prayers and Thanksgivings on sundry other occasions , which we may meet withal in the course of our life . In which it will be fit particularly to acknowledge God , and implore his mercy towards us . And let it be remembred , as I said before , that it is a part of Christian Piety to take care that alms and acts of Charity to others accompany our addresses to God . They are then certainly most seasonable , when we desire special favours from him , or return thanks for them . And hereby ( as old Tobias said , 4.9,11 . ) We lay up a good treasure for our selves against the day of necessity . For alms is a good gift unto all them that give it , in the sight of the most High .

A Prayer to be used by one that is going a long Iourney .

O God , who art alike present unto all places : who preservest man and beast : for thou art good to all , Psal. 36.6 . and thy tender mercies are over all thy works . 145.9,10 . All thy works shall praise thee , O Lord , and thy Saints shall bless thee . They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom , and declare thy power .

Blessed be thy name for the knowledge thou hast given me , of thy wise and merciful providence incompassing all creatures . And more particularly I rejoyce in the revelation which thou hast made , of thy Fatherly love and care over us the children of men , in Christ Jesus : Who makes his Angels Ministring Spirits for them , Heb. 1. ult. that are heirs of Salvation . Psal. 18.30 . In an hearty belief of thy holy Gospel , and a sincere resolution to be obedient unto it in hope of that eternal life ; I commit both my soul and body to thy most gracious protection : who art the defender of all them , that put their trust in thee . I trust thee , O Lord , with my self and all belonging to me . I intirely depend on thy goodness , to be with me and prosper me , in the way that I go . Give thy good Angels charge of me : And especially accompany me with the presence of thy holy Spirit , to preserve my soul in safety , from all evil thoughts , desires or passions , that may any way betray me in word or deed , to offend thy Divine Majesty . Deliver me from the danger of any evil company into which I may fall : that I may not frame my self to the humours of profane persons , but by a pious and discreet behaviour rather reprove them . And give me grace thankfully to embrace the company of those who are good , if I be blessed with it : that I may rejoyce in their society , and improve it to my increase in wisdom or pious affections towards thee .

Bless this habitation also , which I leave , and all remaining in it : that at what distance soever we be one from another , we may all live and walk in the same spirit of Faith , and Love , and Holiness . Give us an happy meeting together again in this place , if it be thy good will and pleasure , to pay thee the vows which I make of greater care and diligence in thy service , and greater charity towards all my neighbours . Howsoever , in the end of our pilgrimage , bring us all together in that blessed rest which thou hast prepared for thy people , after all their travels and labours , through thy mercy in Christ Jesus . To which I commend my self and all mine , both now and ever . Amen .

A short Prayer in ones Inne , or at the end of the Iourney .

BLessed be thy goodness , O Lord my Creator and continual Preserver , by which I have been led it safety to this place ; and am not only alive , but sound and unmaimed ▪ To thee , O God , will I sing and give praise , who hast dealt so bountifully with me . For thou hast delivered my soul from death , Psal. 116.1 . 7.8,9 . mine eyes from tears , Gen. 15.1 . and my feet from falling . 17.1 . I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice , and my supplications . Because he hath inclined his ear unto me , therefore will I call upon him as long as I live . I will walk also with a perfect heart before the Lord ; who is my shield , and my exceeding great reward .

Preserve in me , I beseech thee , a pious remembrance of all thy mercies , and of all those holy resolutions , which they excite in me . Take me still into thy Almighty protection . Continue me in thy fear , and love , and faithful obedience . That , having finished this journey in peace , I may return to the place from whence I came , full of thankful affections to thee , and zealously disposed to perform my vows , in a careful discharge of all the duties , which my place and relations require of me . And inable me , good Lord , ever to perform them with uprightness of heart and good will , as becomes the servant of Christ Jesus .

To the same merciful providence which hath watched over me all this day , I commend my self , and all my relations and friends every where , this night : Beseeching thee to awaken in me in the morning , the same love , and thankfulness , and humble confidence , which I now find , and desire ever to have , in my heart towards thee , my gracious Father , Saviour and Deliverer . To whom be glory , honour and praise everlasting . Amen .

A Prayer in case of any hurt from Thieves , or otherwise .

O Most merciful Father , for so I ought ever to acknowledge thee , without whom one of the smallest creatures cannot fall to the ground , and to whom we are of more value than many of them ; Matth. 10.29 . I humbly and meekly submit my self to this cross in my way , which thou in thy wisdom hast suffe●ed to befal me . I know that thou ●rt able to make even this , with all ●ther things , work together for my ●ood . And therefore I beseech thee ●ut graciously to pardon my sins which deserve greater punishment , ●nd to preserve my soul still in safety ●…om all murmuring and repining at ●y providence , by a stedfast faith ●nd trust in thee , and an absolute re●gnation to thy holy will and plea●ure ; and I shall not cease to ●less thee , and to speak good of thy ●ame .

Help me to learn by this to live in constant sense of the uncertainty ●f all worldly hopes , to set my affe●ions more perfectly on unchangea●le enjoyments , and to place my ●appiness only in chearful obedience ●nd contented patience , in all estates ●nd conditions of life . I remember ●…at we are all but pilgrims and stran●ers whilst we are here ; subject to many other changes and chances i● this mortal life . And therefor● whatsoever I , or those I have left a● home , may further suffer before m● return , Lord , assist us all to take tha● patiently also : And as we have received so many good things fro● thee , to receive likewise that whic● is evil ; giving thanks to thee th● Father of mercies , who hast give us such a good hope of perfect sec●rity , peace and joy in our heave●ly Country , when we have do● and endured all thy pleasure . 〈◊〉 the expectation of which blesse● state I will continually rejoyce praying thee to purifie me more a● more , that I may be prepared f●… it , and at last by thy mercy ent● into it , to give thee eternal praise Amen .

A Prayer to be said for a Friend in a Iourney .

O God , whose Almighty Power , and wise Providence , and Omnipresent Goodness , is the security , support , and comfort of all those that know thee . It is the highest satisfaction of our souls to have a lively hope in thee of eternal life in the other world . And to be perswaded that thou lovest us , and wilt take care of us , and bless us whilst we continue here , and that nothing can befal us without the knowledge and consent of thy infinite goodness , gives the most solid peace and repose unto our spirits , in all the alterations and changes of this life . I rejoyce in the belief , that I live in a world , which is full of thee ; that I am always under thy eye , and have thee near unto me ; as to observe me , so to help , protect and defend me .

And I beseech thee , fill the mind of him * * Or her . , who is now gone from me , with the same sense of thee ; that he may carry along with him every where , this stedfast faith and hope in thee ▪ as the stay , the rest and the refreshment of his soul . How far soeve● he be from me , O that he may be nigh to thee , in frequent , serious thoughts of thee , and hearty love to thee , and perfect trust in thee ▪ and a constant disposition of mind and will to do and be what thou pleasest . That travelling under the shadow of the Almighty , no harm may come to him : but even those things which we account the greatest mischiefs , if they shall betide him , may be humbly accepted by us all , with fear and reverence , and chearful submission to thee ; as becomes those who profess our selves thy friends , as well as thy servants .

No Thieves , Murderers , or other evil persons or things , can approach him , I know , without thy leave : who governest and over-rulest the motions of every creature at thy pleasure , to which we ever ought ●o submit our own . But if thou ●hinkest good to restore him hither ●gain untouched by any of them , Lord , help us to be so much the more thankful to thee ; who dealest with us according to our own hearts desire . O that the sense of ●hy goodness then , may so power●ully affect our hearts ; that we may ●e moved thereby to a greater zeal ●nd freedom of spirit in thy service , ●nd be the more forward to imitate ●hee in doing good , and showing mercy to all men ! O that thy benefits may never slip out of our minds ! O that the medi●ation of them may be ●weet unto us ! Psal. 104.34 . and we may learn thereby to ●rust in thee at all times , 62.8 . and pour out our hearts before thee : Tob. 4.16 . 7.12 . for thou art a refuge for us .

Now the merciful God give him good success in all things ! These last words may serve for a short Ejaculation in his behalf at any time of the day . The God which dwelleth in heaven , prosper his journey , and the Ange● of God keep him company ! Amen .

A Thanksgiving after a safe Retur● home .

IN an humble joyful sense of th● fatherly care and providence over me , ever since I went from thi● place ( to which thou hast brought m● back in peace and safety ) I cast dow● my self at thy feet , O Lord God o● heaven , praising thy Almighty goodness , with an heart full of love an● devotion to thee . It is of th● mercy alone that I am not consumed , ●nd because thy compassions fail not . That I am not groaning under sick●ess , or wounds and bruises in my body ; nor sighing for the loss of my goods either at home or abroad , is ●o be ascribed to that tender mercy which spreads its self over all thy works ; and hath been a covering to me night and day , in every place where I have been , from I know not how many dangers . I thank thee ●lso for letting me see the faces of my relations and friends again , and that no evil hath come nigh their dwellings : but especially for preserving my soul in integrity and uprightness before thee ; and for delivering me from the power of temptations , and from wounding my conscience , by any wilful offence against thy Divine Majesty .

It is too little to render to thee my Praises and Thanksgivings ; I will pay thee my Vows wherein I stand ingaged to thee ; and here offer unto thee my self , soul and body , t● be made a more pure , perfect and acceptable sacrifice unto thee throug● Christ Jesus . Maintain , I beseec● thee , such a lively and lasting remembrance of thy kindness in m● heart , as may both provoke me t● love and to good works , and als● strengthen my faith and hope i● thee on all occasions for the time t● come .

I ought not to forget , now that ● mention thy late deliverances , a●… the rest of thy mercies : which ar● so many and so various , that , alas ● we take little notice of many o● them . In the constant and undisturbed course of them , we are ap● to be less sensible how much w● stand indebted to thee for them ▪ Yea , they have been so long continued to us , and we are so far from the beginning of them , that we are too prone to forget the head and fountain from whence they spring ▪ O how sad is it , that we should love thee less , because thou lovest us so much ! and that we should think the seldomer of thy bounty , because thou constantly rememberest us and dost us good ! How much should we praise thee for our health and ●ease , if we were sick or in pain but a few days ! And yet now we praise thee but a little , though we are well many years . How thankful should we be , if we were freed from the Devil , after he had affrighted and ●exed us but one night ! and yet now , alas ! we scarce mind thy goodness , which perpetually preserves us from his assaults . Endue me , O God of all grace , with a more serious spirit , often reflecting and meditating upon thee , and upon thy benefits , both to my soul and body , for this ●ife and that which is to come . That I may not be taught the value and number of thy blessings , by being deprived of them ; but in their constant use and enjoyment may ever duly ponder them : extolling and praising thy infinite goodness , with sensible love to thee , and delight in doing of thy Will. For which end , I beseech thee to indue me with power from above , that I may not deceive my own soul with some passionate desires , transports of joy , or sudden resolutions : but deliberately and with the full consent of my heart devoting my self to thy service , I may conscientiously study to improve all thy mercies to the honour and glory of thy Name , the credit of my Religion , the good and profit of my Neighbours , and my own solid peace and comfort at present , and eternal joy at the day o● the Lord .

And bless all others , I beseech thee , that desire the same mercy , o● which thou hast made me partaker ▪ Receive them into thy protection 〈◊〉 conduct them safely to the end o● their journies : Make them eve● mindful of thy loving kindness ▪ and careful to remember that every new benefit is a new bond to better obedience . Unto which , good Lord , incline us all more and more , for thy mercies sake in Christ Jesus ; by whom and for whom thy glorious Name be blessed and praised for ever . Amen .

A Prayer to be said by one going a Voyage on the Sea : Which may be used , with a little alteration , by his Friends for him .

O Most mighty Lord , the God of our salvation ; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth , Psal. 65.5 . and of them that are afar off upon the Sea : Under whose powerful protection we are alike secure in every place ; and without whose providence over us , we can no where be in safety . I am sensible of the tender care thou hast long taken of me , and that I have been preserved by thee from innumerable dangers , both in my infancy and childhood and ever since ; for which I have not thankt thee as I ought . I most humbly beseech thee graciously to pardon this and all other my offences , which might justly weaken my confidence in thee ; did I not feel thy grace in Christ Jesus , who dyed for us , to be so great , as to fill my heart not only with unfeigned sorrow for them , but with holy resolutions to be more grateful and dutiful in time to come .

This emboldens me , with an humble faith in thy Almighty goodness , to commend my self still to the conduct , guidance and blessing of thy merciful Providence . O God receive me , though a sinful creature , into thy favour and grace . Purge my heart from all affection to every thing that is evil ; that I may not carry the sense of any guilt unrepented of , along with me in my voyage ; but have my heart setled in such an unmoveable love to all piety , righteousness and sobriety of mind and life , that no storm or tempest or other danger may dismay me and make me afraid . They are all , I know , in thy hands ; to which I commit my self with an intire trust in thee , that nothing shall hurt me while I follow that which is good .

If thou art pleased to bring me to my desired haven , Lord , possess me then with these good thoughts and affections which I feel at present in my heart towards thee : That my chief joy may be in thee , and in the love I find in my heart to thee ; and I may never forget thee by intemperate mirth and pleasure in any other enjoyment . But if thou thinkest good otherwise to dispose of me , thy will , O Lord , be done . I commend both my body and my spirit into thy hands ; who art able to make the Sea give up her dead , by thine Almighty Word . Help me always to hold fast that hope of eternal life as an anchor of my soul both sure and stedfast ; Heb. 6.19,20 . which may preserve me in unshaken comfort and joy at the hour of death it self . And looking up to that quiet place whither Jesus our fore-runner is entred for us , I may begin those Praises and Thanksgivings which I hope shall have no end ; but be continued for ever in the company of the blessed in the other world . Unto which I beseech thee of thine infinite mercies to bring me , through Christ Jesus ; who is made an high priest for ever . Amen .

A Thanksgiving after it is finished , and the party returned home again .

O Blessed Lord ; Thou art great and greatly to be praised ; for by thy word the heavens were made : Psal. 48.1 . 33.6,7 . and all the host of them by the breath of thy mouth . 135.6 . 107.24 , &c. Thou didst gather the waters of the Sea together , as an heap : and laidst them up in the store-houses of the deeps . They are all at thy command , and whatsoever thou pleasest , that dost thou in heaven and in earth , in the Seas and all deep places . I have seen thy works , O Lord , and thy wonders in the deep . For thou spakest the word , and the stormy wind arose , which lifted up the waves thereof . And again , when we cryed unto thee , thou madest the storm a calm , so that the waves thereof were still . Blessed be thy Almighty Goodness , which carried me safe through such great and dreadful dangers . Blessed be thy goodness that the deep hath not swallowed me up , and that I am not gone down into silence . Blessed be thy goodness , that neither my body , nor my goods , became a prey to unreasonable men ; but that thou broughtest me to the haven where I would be , and hast now returned me home in safety .

O God , that I may never forget the vows , which I was forward to make when I was in trouble ! Preserve in me for ever an awful sense and apprehension of thy great power , who bringest the wind out of thy treasuries ; Psal. 135.7 . 89.9 . and rulest the raging of the Sea , Jer. 5.22 . and stillest the noise of its waves . Psal. 120.11 . Who would not fear thee , O Lord , who would not tremble at thy presence ? who hast placed the sand for the bound of the Sea , by a perpetual decree that it cannot pass it ; and though the waves thereof toss themselves , yet can they not prevail ; though they roar , yet can they not pass over it ? O possess my heart with a greater reverence of thy divine Majesty , that I may ever serve thee with fear , and rejoyce before thee with trembling . Especially make me fearful of offending thee , who art so great and powerful ; and hast done such great things for me ; and canst do greater ; and wilt do them , as thou hast promised , by Christ Jesus ; Philip. 3.20 . who hath power to subdue all things to himself . Heb. 2.3 .

Blessed be thy infinite grace , which hath wrought such a marvellous redemption for us by him . How shall I escape , if I neglect so great salvation ? How miserable shall I be , if , after all the dangers from which I have now been rescued , I should for my ingratitude and disobedience be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone ? O God , that all thy mercies and deliverances here may , by a thankful remembrance and careful improvement of them , only prepare me for that glorious deliverance at the day of the Lord Jesus ! And as by thy good providence thou hast saved me from the violence of storms and tempests , and other hazards : so by thy grace deliver me from the power and violence of all temptations ; and enable me stedfastly to persist in well doing , and patient suffering unto the end .

Endue me with such a right sense of my Religion as may make it to be my delight ; that so I may be out of all danger of being prevailed withal , to forsake that which is so sweet and pleasant to my soul . O that it may be my guide in prosperity , and my comfort in adversity ; the rule of my life , and my great satisfaction in death ! Sanctifie every condition unto me ; that sickness or health , poverty or riches , honour or disgrace , may prove real blessings to me , and make me profit in piety and vertue . And let a great sense of thee , and of Religion intermix it self with all my employments . Teach me so to behave my self that I may be acceptable in thy sight , not only when I make such addresses as these unto thee : But whether I eat or drink , or whatsoever I do else , I may abide in thy love , and be approved by thee for a good and faithful servant . All which I most humbly beg of thee , and whatsoever thou seest good for me , in the name of the Lord Jesus ; by whom and with whom , in the unity of the holy Ghost , all honour and glory be unto thee , O Father Almighty , world without end . Amen .

A Prayer to be used by a woman with Child .

O God , the Author of our being , the Fountain of life and all other good ; who hast begun an excellent work in me , which no eye but thine sees , and no hand but thy Almighty power can finish . I adore thy great and glorious Majesty in this and in all other thy works of wonder . Thou dost great things without number : but art more particularly to be acknowledged in the formation of mankind , who are fearfully and wonderfully made , after thy own image and likeness .

Be pleased , O Lord , in thy infinite goodness to perfect and compleat that which thou hast begun . Preserve the smallest degree of life , which thou hast inspired . Bestow upon it intireness of all its parts : and prepare a convenient habitation for an understanding spirit , capable of the best wisdom , and inclinable to vertue and goodness . Prevent , good Lord , the miscarriage of my hopes ; and ripen them to a good issue . And the nearer they come to their full growth ; strengthen the more my humble trust in thee , and submission to thee , and hearty desires to encrease the number of thy faithful people , together with my own Family .

That ought to be the chiefest desire of my soul , to be formed my self in all things , according to the mind and will of thee , my God ; that so I may be an instrument of doing good to others . O thou who hast wrought many holy purposes and resolutions in my heart , preserve and confirm them , that they may not prove abortive ; but bring forth continually the fruit of good living . Perfect me in Knowledge , in Faith , in Love , and in Obedience . Enable me so discreetly and carefully to discharge the duties of all the Relations wherein I at present , or shall hereafter , stand ; that I may be a comfort to them , and a credit to Religion . And howsoever thou disposest of me or them , Lord , make me well contented , and in every condition to give thanks unto thee , and rejoyce in thy holy Name , and in the hope of eternal life ; through Christ Jesus my most blessed Lord and Saviour . Amen .

A Prayer when the time of he● Travel draweth near .

O God , the helper and del●verer of all those that trust i● thee ; by whose power I was formed in my Mothers Womb , by who● care I was brought from thence , an● by whose merciful kindness I hav● been preserved in many dangers since . I praise and magnifie thy great and glorious Name ; and am encouraged by the remembrance of thy mercies , which have been ever of old , to implore thy compassionate help in the approaching time of my need ; pain and danger .

Thou art present to all thy creatures , and hearest the cryes of the beasts of the earth , which all wait upon thee . O be not far from me , when trouble is near : but hearken unto me , and save me , when I call upon thee ! Shorten my pains , or lengthen my patience ; which thou pleasest . Bear up my spirit in submission to thy will , and in some humble hope that I shall forget my anguish for joy that a man is born into the world . Joh. 16.21 . Psal. 138.8 . 22.4,5 . Forsake not the work of thy own hand : but in due time perfect it , and bring forth that which thou hast wrought in secret , into the light ; that we may all see the wonders of thy wisdom , and praise thy goodness and thy power .

My parents trusted in thee ; they trusted , and thou didst deliver them . They cryed unto thee , and were delivered : they cryed unto thee , and were not confounded . In thee likewise do I humbly put my trust and confidence : which nothing disheartens , but my own great unworthiness ; by reason of my forgetfulness of thy benefits , and unthankful returns for former mercies bestowed upon me . But thou hast taken care that this should not discourage me neither , by proclaiming a gracious pardon , by him that was born of woman and dyed for us , unto contrite and reforming sinners . Accept , I beseech thee , of my sincere resolutions to preserve hereafter a more affectionate remembrance of thy love to me , and to dedicate my self and all I have to thy service , 1 Tim. 2.15 . in faith , and charity , and holiness , with sobriety . Or if thou art pleased o●herwise to dispose of me , I resign ●y self heartily unto thee . Lord , ●eceive me to a better life , where all ●ghing and sorrow shall be done away , and eternal joy intirely pos●ess our hearts . Amen , for Christ Je●us his sake . Amen .

〈◊〉 Prayer to the same purpose to be said by her Relations .

O Most mighty Lord ; who hast already given us innumerable ●ledges of thy love , and many ar●uments to trust in thee for ever , ●nd to expect with quiet and patient ●inds the issue of thy wise and good ●rovidence . Thou hast respect to all ●e works of thy hands ; especially 〈◊〉 the sons of men , and to those a●ove the rest , who seek thy favour , ●d give thee the glory of all thy ●ercies , and are resolved to devote ●emselves , and their children and all they have , to do thee honour in the world . We most humbly commend thy servant , drawing near the time of her Travel , to thy care and blessing : beseeching thee to give her a gracious deliverance , and to ease her of the burden , wherewith she labours .

We our selves are monuments o● that mercy , which we beg of thee ▪ Thou broughtest us into this world and didst unloose the bands wherewith we were swadled in our mothers womb . We have had long experience also of thy readiness to succour us , and to do us good eve● since ; many times beyond our desires and hopes , and always beyond our deservings . We dare not bu● commit our selves and every thing belonging unto us , most heartily into thy hands : remembring that thou hast the same power and goodnes● still , by which we came into th● light of the living ; and that thou still exercisest them , as thy wisdom thinks most meet . We cannot desire to be better provided for , than as thy infinite understanding and counsel judges most convenient for us . Unto that we refer our selves : beseeching thee , if it be thy good pleasure , that her deliverance may be as speedy as her cryes unto thee , or her patience as great and long as her pains . Thou who ripenest the fruits of the earth , and then givest us to gather them to our comfort ; blast not our humble hopes of the fruit of the womb : But after thou hast brought it to maturity , deliver it into our hands , as a new pledge of thy goodness to us ; for which we will ever thankfully acknowledge and praise thy Name .

Or if thou hast otherwise determined ; Lord , give us grace to submit to thy holy will , and to rest satisfied in thy wise appointments , and never to distrust thy goodness and care over us . Yea , help us still to bless thee , and to speak good of thy Name , saying ; The Lord gave , and t●e Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord , from henceforth and for ever . Amen .

A Thanksgiving to be used by those present after her safe Deliverance .

WE thank thee , O Father , Lord of heaven and earth , for thy long continued goodness to us thy creatures , who are unworthy of the least of thy favours . In thee we live and move , and have our being . And it is only of thy mercy , that we have not lived in perpetual pain and torment , spending our days in sighs and lamentations : but have enjoyed much health and ease , and had innumerable occasions to praise thee , and to rejoyce in thee ; who loadest us daily with thy benefits . Blessed be thy Name , O Lord , who forgivest all our iniquities , and healest all our diseases . Who redeemest our life from destruction , and crownest us with loving kindness , and tender mercies . More particularly we thank thee , that thou hast heard the humble supplications of this thy servant ; to whom thou hast now granted a gracious deliverance , and turned her sorrow and heaviness , into joy and gladness . We thank thee , that thou hast sent her seasonable helpers , and blessed their endeavours for the preservation of her , and of the fruit of her womb . And that thou likewise vouchsafest her all needful things , for her refreshment in this weak condition wherein she lies ; waiting upon thee for the perfecting of thy mercies towards her .

Accept , we beseech thee , of our hearty acknowledgements , of thy powerful and good providence over her , and over any person here present , in the like necessity ; which we now thankfully call to mind , and desire may never be forgotten . O that a lively remembrance of this , and all other thy mercies , may so mightily affect our hearts ; that we may be moved thereby to fear thee all our days , and to love thee , and to put our trust in thee , and with quiet and resigned minds to cast all our burdens and cares on thee , in a constant and chearful obedience to all thy holy commands !

And since thou hast begun to be so gracious to this thy hand-maid , grant unto her and her relations further favour ; Tob. 8.16 . and finish their life in health , with joy and mercy . Renew her strength daily : and as that increaseth ; so make her thankfulness and pious affections towards thee , and serious resolutions to obey thee faithfully , grow up together therewith . Refresh her spirit , while she lyeth on this bed of weakness , with many heavenly thoughts and delightful meditations of all thy mercies towards her and towards mankind : especially with a sense of thy wonderful love in Christ Jesus ; who was pleased to be born of a woman , and to become like one of us ; that we might be assured of thy care over us in every condition , and be made thy children , and at last be heirs of everlasting life . And when she hath recovered her former strength , make her to feel this love still more powerful in her heart ; exciting her to serve thee carefully in all righteousness , sobriety , modesty , devotion and readiness to assist others , especially the poor and needy , in the same distress wherein she hath been her self .

We commend likewise this little one , which thou hast blessed her withal , unto thy tender care and fatherly love : beseeching thee , that it may live to be dedicated unto thee , and to be instructed in the knowledge of thee , and to praise thee , as we now do , for bringing it into the world ; and for making it partake●… likewise of thy grace in Christ Jesus ▪ Or if it shall seem good to thee , to let either of them fall into any further danger , enable her to endure i● with patient submission to thee ▪ trusting , even in death it self , in thy good providence , and in thy precious promises , who never failest those that faithfully seek thee .

Hear us , O Father of mercies , and pardon our offences ; pitty our infirmities ; make us more thankful for what we have received ; and more fit for thy future mercies , either in this life , or in the next , through thy infinite love declared to us in Christ Jesus ; in whose holy words we conclude our prayers , saying , as he hath taught us .

Our Father , &c.

A Thanksgiving to be used by the person her self , when she is able .

UNto thee , O God , do I give thanks , unto thee do I give thanks : for that thou art near , thy wondrous works declare . Psal. 75.1 . In my distress I called upon thee and my cry came unto thee . 18.6 . 34.4 . I sought thee , O Lord , 138.3 . and thou heardest me , 30.3 . and deliveredst me from all my fears . 66.20 . 56.12 . In the day when I cryed , 104.33,34 . thou answeredst me , and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul . Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave : thou hast kept me alive , that I should not go down to the pit . Blessed be God , which hath not turned away my prayer , nor his mercy from me . Blessed be God who hath preserved the fruit of my womb , and made me the joyful mother of a child . Thy vows are upon me , O God , I will render praise unto thee . I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live ; I will sing praises unto my God , while I have my being . My meditation of him shall be sweet , I will be glad in the Lord .

Accept , O most merciful Father , of these thankful acknowledgements ; Psal. 17.2 . 57.2 . which go not forth out of fained lips . And be pleased graciously to preserve such a lasting and fresh remembrance of thy great mercies in my heart ; that I may always be joyful in thee , and speak good of thy name , and trust in thee at all times , and still cry unto thee , O God most high , who performest all things for me . Make me studious likewise and forward to bring forth all the fruits of righteousness , throughout the whole course o● my life ; which may witness the truth and sincerity of my thankfulness to thee . O that I may never be less earnest and fervent in the return of obedience , than I have been in desires and prayers to receive thy blessings ! Dispose me to have a kind and tender care of this infant , which thou hast committed to my charge . Make me willing to undergo , to the utmost of my power , the pains that accompany its education . Let not the love of ease and pleasure breed in me an aversness to any duty , to which both Nature and Religion incline me : or give me grace , by sober thoughts , and a thankful remembrance of the late pain from which thou hast delivered me , to overcome it . Especially indue me with the greatest love , to its precious and immortal soul . And help me so to grow and encrease in Christian wisdom and goodness , that I may be able to instruct it , when it is capable , in the fear of our Lord ; and by meek and gentle admonitions , together with a good example in all things , to win it to the love of true godliness . Or if thou art pleased to take it from me , who deserve not the least of thy mercies ; Lord , so moderate my affections , and bring them in subjection to thee , that I may not undutifully repine at thy providence : but in an humble adoration of thy unsearchable wisdom , and a stedfast confidence of thy good will towards me , resign it unto thee from whom I received it .

And I also beseech thy Divine goodness , when thou shalt restore me to the publick assemblies of thy people again , to give me grace to receive that mercy with exceeding joy . Prepare my heart , with enlarged affection to offer unto thee not only the sacrifice of praise , giving thanks unto thy name ; but all other oblations which ought to accompany such addresses to thy glorious Majesty . That they may be but an earnest of my future diligence and zeal in thy Divine Service , and o● my readiness to do good , and communicate unto others : whereby I may lay up in store for my self a good foundation against the time to come , 1 Tim. 6.19 . that I may lay hold on eternal life , through Christ Jesus . Amen .

A Prayer for good success in some extraordinary business .

ALmighty and most merciful father , the supreme Governour of the whole world : who disposest and orderest all things in heaven and earth with admirable judgement ; and canst not possibly err in what thou doest , nor fail of what thou designest . I adore , in the humblest reverence of my soul , thy most glorious Majesty ; thy eternal Power , Holiness , Goodness and Truth , which are all beyond my comprehension . And more particularly I adore thy unspotted Justice , and all-seeing Wisdom , which penetrates into the deepest secrets , and spies out all the ways of the sons of men , and renders to every one of them according to their doings .

Jer. 10.23 . I know , O Lord , that the way of man is not in himself : Prov. 16.9 . 19.21 . it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps . Tob. 4.19 . The success of all our counsels and actions depends on thy pleasure ; and when we have devised the way we intend to go , thou givest it what issue seems good in thine eyes . There are many devices in a mans heart ; nevertheless thy counsel , O Lord , that shall stand . I will therefore bless thee , O Lord my God , alway , and desire of thee that my ways may be directed , and that all my paths and counsels may prosper : for thou thy self givest all good things , and thou humblest whom thou wilt , and as thou wilt .

Accordingly I now most earnestly recommend my self , and all my concerns to thee ; who hast bid me in all my wayes acknowledge thee , Prov. 3.5,6 . and thou wilt direct my paths . I trust in thy wise and good providence with all my heart , and lean not unto mine own understanding . I hope in thy mercy that thou wilt so direct , assist and prosper all my thoughts , designs and endeavours , that they may attain their desired end . And above all things I desire that I may have grace , to design and seek for nothing , but what is just and honest , pious and charitable , praise worthy and of good report . Bless me , good Lord , with that integrity of heart , in which thou so much delightest : and then bless me with wisdom and good understanding in all my affairs , that I may guide them with discretion . Wisd. 7.15,16 . For it is thou that leadest into wisdom , 9.10 . and directest the wise . Ecclus. 23.1,5 . In thy hand are both we and our words : all wisdom also and knowledge of workmanship . Leave me not therefore ; O Lord , Father and Governour of all my whole life , leave me not to my self alone : but send out thy wisdom from the throne of thy glory , that being present , she may labour with me . And turn away from me vain hopes . Indue me also with a patient , contented , and untroubled spirit , that I may wait on thee as long as thou pleasest : And whatsoever the event shall be , enable me to rejoyce in thee as my portion , and to rest perfectly satisfied in thy love , and in the assured hope of good things in the other world .

I humbly recommend likewise to thy merciful guidance , all those with whom I have intrusted any of my concerns ; that they may manage all their undertakings with skill and prudence , justice and fidelity ; and do for me , as they would that I or others should do for them . Make us all ever mindful , that all our works are as the Sun before thee , Ecclus. 17.19 . Ephes. 3.20 . and thy eyes are continually upon our ways ; Rom. 16.25,27 . that we may never dare to do any thing but what thou approvest , and of which we may give a comfortable account , at the great day of judgement .

Now unto him that is of power to do for me exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think , to God only wise , be glory through Jesus Christ for ever . Amen .

A Prayer when one intends to live Vnmarried .

O Lord , the lover of souls ; for whom they were made , and in whom alone they can be happy . There is none I have in heaven but thee , Psal. 73.25 . nor on earth that I desire besides thee . Who art the perfection of wisdom , power and goodness ; and the fountain of all the good that is in us . Thou art able to raise us , to what degree of wisdom , strength and goodness thou pleasest : and hast promised us thine assistance to make us like unto thee ; and assured us we shall be immortally blessed , by a glorious participation of thee . Thou drawest us so mightily , that we have no power to resist thee ; when our minds turn themselves towards thee , and reflect upon thy most excellent Nature , which discovers it self , in all thy bounty to us , and the rest of thy creatures . We cannot but love thee , when we think of thee ; and when we love thee , we cannot but again think of thee , that we may have the pleasure still of loving thee more . O fix my mind , I beseech thee , in a more stedfast contemplation of thee , and of all thy gracious communications to me , that I may spend my days delightfully in a perpetual meditation of thy mercies , which I have received in such abundance from thee !

There is nothing I know more natural and more easie , than to think of the kindnesses of those that love us ; especially theirs to whom we bear a mutual love . O how great , how free and undeserved is thy love to us ! What infinite reason is there that we should love thee , with all our heart , and with all our soul , and with all our strength ? Inspire me , O God , with such a lively sense of thy goodness in my creation and ever since , both to my soul and to my body , that I may ever preserve a sweet and grateful remembrance of it ; and may feel it provoking me daily to commemorate thy loving kindness , with the most ardent love of thee , my most bountiful benefactor . O that I could love thee , in every thing that I see and enjoy ! being led by it to the thoughs of thy admirable wisdom , which astonishes us in the least of thy creatures ; and of thy matchless goodness , which hath provided such variety of pleasures for all our senses .

Possess me with a great and strong admiration of the excellency of wisdom ; that I may be a lover of her beauty , Wisd. 8.2,3,9 . and seek her out from my youth ; desiring to marry her to my self . For thou the Lord of all things thy self lovest her : And therefore I purpose to take her to live with me ; knowing that she will be a counseller of good things , and a comfort in cares and grief . But especially over-power my heart with a strong and lasting sense of thy exceeding abundant kindness in Christ Jesus ; in whom thou hast chose● me , Ephes. 1.4,8 . that I should be holy and without blame before thee in love . Let me never think of that , bu● with such great transports of love ▪ and joy , and thankfulness unto thee ▪ as may make me then forget all other things . And make me to understand more and more how thy love in him hath abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence . That so I may be the more moved to admire it , and delight to meditate upon it , and be still searching into those treasures of thy Wisdom , and unsearchable riches of thy Grace ; till I come to be filled with all the fulness of thee , my God . Ephes. 3.19 .

Translate all my affections from these lower objects , to him that is fairer than the children of men : Psal. 45.2 . who loved me so much as to dye for me ; who is risen again , and sits at thy right-hand in incomparable Majesty and Glory . Raise up my thoughts as high as that heavenly place where he is , and where I hope one day to be ; equal to the Angels , Luk. 20.36 . who neither marry , nor are given in marriage . Help me to begin that happy state in separating my self frequently from all this world , and joyning with that blessed company above , in praising thee , and giving thanks unto thee , whose mercies are great and endure for ever . And when I am about any other imployment ; help me chearfully to attend it ; and with a willing mind to perform the duties belonging to it . Possess me with such an hatred of idleness and sloth , that I may always be busied about some good or innocent thing . Especially dispose me to exercise my self in works of mercy and charity ; and to take all opportunites of doing good , to the bodies or souls of my Neighbours .

Indue me with prudence and discretion in the choice of my company and friends : and give me wisdom to improve their society to the best purposes . Make my mind more heavenly : and when any thoughts contrary to my inclinations and resolutions arise in me , turn them immediately to thy self , and my blessed Saviour . Open my eyes to behold the things that are not seen : And put out the splendor of all those things that dazzle our eyes here , by the appearance of a brighter and more glorious good . Which may raise my designs higher than this world ; and make all my passions and affections more equal and moderate ; my discourse more profitable ; my behaviour more humble , modest , and such as becometh Saints ; and all my actions more conformable to thy will , and more exemplary to those whom I converse withal . The very God of peace sanctifie me wholly ; 1 Thess. 5.23 . and preserve my whole spirit , and soul , and body blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ !

O that my love to any thing here may not turn into wantonness and folly ; nor my joy and chearfulness , into lightness and vanity ; nor my seriousness or sorrow , into melancholy and discontent ; nor my just anger , into hatred and contention ; nor industry in my business into carefulness , distrust and earthliness of mind ; nor my discretion and prudence , into craft , dissembling and deceit ! Dispose my heart that I may so mind heavenly things , as to be very humble and lowly in my own eyes ; and be so humble and sensible of my own unworthiness and weakness , as to make my addresses to thee continually , with the greater earnestness , for thy merciful help and supply . Teach me so to pray and call upon thee , as to labour and strive my self ; and so to labour and run , that I may obtain . Let faith in thy good providence and precious promises be my comfort ; and hope of thy glory make me rejoyce ; and a great love to thee make me unwearied , and fill me with the consolations of the holy Ghost . O that my Religion may become my Nature ; so that it may not be my burden or trouble : and help me so to look upon it as my duty , as withal to account it my honour , priviledge and happiness .

O that I may never desire any thing but to be so pure as thou wouldst have me ; and to enjoy those rewards of holiness , which thou canst and wilt bestow upon me . This is the summe of my desires ; that whatsoever I do may please thee , and whatsoever thou dost may be pleasing to me . Lord , hear me and answer me graciously . And if I shall see any cause hereafter to change my condition , preserve in me ●n unchangeable love to thee above ●ll things . That still I may please ●hee ▪ and be acceptable in thy sight : delighting my self in wisdom , and ●eposing my self with her ; Wisd. 8.16 . ●or her conversation hath ●o bitterness , and to live with her hath ●o sorrow , but mirth and joy . In which happiness , the Lord vouchsafe ●o keep me , whatever my condition ●e , for Jesus his sake . To whom with thee , O Father , and thy blessed ●pirit , be everlasting praises . Amen .

A Prayer when there are any thoughts of changing that condition , and deliberations about Marriage .

O Lord , my most gracious and merciful Father ; of whose tender care and good providence I have had so long and abundant experience , that I should be extreamly ungrateful if I should not acknowledge thee , and love thee , and trust in thee , and upon all occasions call upon thee , and seek thy favour for ever . There hath no day passed since I came into the world , but it hath brought along with it many tokens of thy love which thou art still renewing in every moment of my life . By thee I have been carried through all the dangers of infancy and child-hood , unto this age of understanding and reason . And thou hast blessed me many ways since that time ; especially with some remembrance and sense of thy self , from whom I came and on whom I depend ; which I account the greatest benefit of all . Blessed be thy goodness that I am not a perfect stranger to thee : but that thou hast made me to know something of thee , and of thy infinite goodness ; who alone art able to make me happy , both here and eternally .

I hope in thee , O my God , that thou wilt never forsake me : but be my guide even unto death . Pardon , I beseech thee , all the sins and negligences , of which I have been at any time guilty : and let them not hinder the continuance of thy mercy and favour towards me , on which all the comfort of my life depends . Leave me not to my self and the weakness of my own counsels ; especially now , in the greatest turn and change of my life : but vouchsafe to direct my thoughts , and all the motions of my heart aright , to that which will be most profitable for me , and conduce every way to my future comfort and satisfaction . Lead me in the way wherein I shall go ; and guide me for thy names sake . Indue me with such a serious , considerate and discerning spirit , that I may not follow the inticements of any fading and perishing good : but cleave to that wich is unchangeable and never dies . Favour thou hast taught me , is deceitful , Prov. 31.30 . and beauty is vain : but one that feareth the Lord shall be praised . O possess my heart with an holy fear of thee ; that nothing may appear so amaible in mine eyes , as true Religion , Piety and Vertue ! Make me in love with the beauties of Wisdom , ( for thou lovest none , but him that dwelleth with wisdom , Wisd. 7.28 . to be allied unto which is immortality ; 8.17,18 . and great pleasure , I know , it is , to have her friendship ) and with the beauties of sobriety , meekness , mercifulness , humility , and all those things which are the image of thy goodness . That being inclined by these in my choice , I may find a fit person to be the guide of my youth [ or an help meet for me ] the delight of mine eyes ; in whose society I may enjoy a constant relief , ease and pleasure , and be set forward thereby in the way to heaven .

Assist me , I beseech thee , in all my deliberations about this change ; that I may soberly weigh every thing which is offered to my thoughts . And after all the dangers which , by thy goodness , I have escaped , I may not be so unhappy now , as to fall into the saddest of all ; by the strength of fancy , by rashness and unadvisedness of mind , or the violence and unruliness of any passion : but may dispose of my affections to a person worthy of them . Help me , blessed Lord , to make so wise a choice , that I may never repent of it afterward . Direct and govern likewise the minds and hearts of all those [ Parents or Friends ] that transact any thing on my behalf . That they may have a respect chiefly to those things which endure for ever : and settle me there , where I may most glorifie thee , and do most good , and increase in wisdom and vertue , and live in peace , chearfulness and contentment to the end of my days . Which mercies , and all others , that thou seest requisite for me , I most humbly beg of thee , for Jesus Christ his sake , the Lord of peace ; to whom , with thy self , and good Spirit , I desire to give , as is most due , eternal praises . Amen .

A Prayer when a person is about to enter into the state of Marriage ; [ and may serve for any other new condition of life . ]

O Lord , the Guide and Director , the helper and comforter of all those that seek thee , and depend upon thee with their whole heart . In a serious sense that nothing can make me happy without thy love , favour and blessing , I humbly cast down my self before thy divine Majesty ; imploring thy gracious presence with me , to instruct , govern and assist me in that condition , into which , under the conduct and protection of thy good providence , I am about to enter . Great and many have been thy mercies towards me hitherto , ever since I was taken by thee out of my mothers womb . Thou hast nourished and clothed me : thou hast brought me up to some knowledge of thee and of the duty I owe thee : thou hast shown me the path of life , and prevented me early with thy Grace , to dispose my heart to walk in it . And , though I have not made , I most sorrowfully confess , such returns unto thee as I ought to have done yet , it is some comfort to me , to feel my heart inclined and resolved to be more thankful and and dutiful hereafter ; and to pass the remaining part of my sojourning here in thy fear and love , and stedfast obedience .

Pardon me therefore , O most merciful Father , according to thy promises made in Christ Jesus , to penitent sinners . And vouchsafe me the grace of thy holy Spirit , to lead me to a clear and full understanding of all the duties that belong to the state and relations in which I have now chosen to serve thee . Indue me with a sincere and hearty affection to them ; and inable me carefully to perform them with a willing mind , and a chearful unwearied spirit , as long as thou thinkest fit to continue me in that condition of life . Bless me with a wise and observant heart , to discern and mark the nature and dispositions of those , to whom I shall be joyned , in any bonds of love o● duty : That I may delight to please them to the utmost of my power ; and study their content and satisfaction ; and bear with their infirmities ; and chuse the fittest opportunities to do them good , and amend what is amiss in them . Free us all , who shall stand related to each other , from all peevishness and unreasonable passions : let no mistake or causless jealousie spoil the entireness of our affection : indue us with great purity of heart , and a chaste conversation : And bestow upon us such meek , sweet and compliant dispositions , that this may not prove a state of temptation and sorrow , but of godliness and holiness , to our mutual joy and happiness .

Make us ever mindful of the Covenant wherein we stand ingaged to each other ; especially of that sacred Vow wherein we stand bound to thee , by our being baptized into the Name of Jesus Christ ; that we may faithfully keep and perform it . Tye us so fast together in unity of spirit , that we may have the same common cares ; and bear one anothers burdens ; and endeavour to increase each others joys , and lighten each others sorrows ; and in all the changes and alterations of our condition we may religiously preserve an immutable love unto and delight in each other , to the end of our days . Especially help us to stir up one another to the love of thee , and our blessed Saviour ; and to do all good offices to our neighbours : that after we have enjoyed the comfort of a sweet society , and been a blessing to all that are near unto us ; we may finally part in peace , and rest in a good hope to dwell together for ever , in happy friendship with thee , and with our Lord , and all the holy ones . Amen , Amen .

A Prayer of Parents for their Children when they are grown up to some understanding .

WE humbly worship thy glorious Majesty , O Lord most high ; we acknowledge thy infinite goodness , that thou art pleased to give us leave to call thee Father , who art the possessor of heaven and of earth . We thank thee for thy most tender care over us ever since we were born . More especially for the knowledge thou hast given us of thy great love in Jesus Christ : And that thou hast so timely prevented us with thy grace ; and inclined our hearts to thy fear , and love , and service .

Vouchsafe , we beseech thee , O most merciful Father , to take our Children also ( which we have already dedicated unto thee , and commended to thy care ) into the protection and guidance of the same gracious providence , which hath been so watchful over us . Thou knowest the great weakness of our nature ; how foolish and inconsiderate we are ( especially in our younger years ) how violent in our passions ; how apt to listen to temptations , and easie to be seduced by them ; how ready to flatter and abuse our selves with vain hopes ; and how unwilling to believe what is contrary to our desires . And therefore we the more earnestly implore thy blessing upon our indeavours to season their minds betime with a Religious sense of thee their Creator , and of their duty which they owe thee , and of that good in which their true happiness lyes . And we beseech thee likewise to excite our hearts to the greater diligence and thoughtfulness and care , to imitate thy fatherly love towards our selves ; by watching over them to do them good , and to train them up in thy fear . Indue us with wisdom and prudence to give them wholesome and seasonable instructions : and dispose their hearts to receive and remember them . Help us to govern exactly all our affections and passions ; that we may neither embolden them to any thing that is evil by too much indulgence , nor discourage them in their duty by too much severity : But be examples of godliness and vertue to them , by a sober , grave , gentle , humble , and devout behaviour and conversation . Work in them a great reverence to all their governours , teachers , and spiritual Pastors ; and bless their godly admonitions to them , that they may follow and obey them . Direct us also in the choice of fit persons to assist us in their Education ; and in the choice of fit imployments for them ; whereby they may prove useful and profitable members of Church and State .

Blessed be thy goodness that they have escaped the dangers of infancy and child-hood . Good Lord , preserve them from all the evil and mischief to which the rashness and indiscretion of youth may betray them . And fortifie their minds against the power of all allurements to sin ; that we may live to see them thy dutiful and obedient children , and may leave the world in hope that they will continue so , unto their lives end . Or if thou takest us away before they come to their full age , we commend them with the more ardent affection , to thy never failing mercy and compassion . O thou who art the Father of the fatherless , Psal. 68.5 . be their God , and let them find mercy with thee , Hos. 14.3 . according to thy word . Dispose of them so , that by loving and careful governours , holy examples , innocent and good company , pious and discreet counsels , with the help of thy divine grace , they may ever be secured in their duty , and follow after us to eternal life ; through Christ Jesus . Amen .

A short Prayer for the use of a little Child .

O Lord , my most loving Saviour and merciful Redeemer ; who commanddest that the little children should come unto thee , and didst take them up in thine arms , lay thy hands upon them , & bless them : Look graciously upon me , I humbly beseech thee , and bless me ; who am one of thy children , dedicated to thy service . Pitty the weakness of my tender age , and prevent me betimes with thy grace . Make me seriously to remember my Creator in the days of my youth . Indue me with the fear of my God : and make me always mindful of the Vow and Promise that was made in my name , when I was baptized ; to forsake the Devil and all his works , to believe in God and to serve him .

Make me dutiful ( as thou O Lord Jesus wast ) unto my Parents [ loving to my Brethren and Sisters ] obedient to my instructors : thankful for the good counsel of my Friends : humble and reverent to my betters : and meek and gentle to all men . That as I grow in years , so I may grow in wisdom and favour with thee , and with all those who are good .

Preserve me from all dangers ; let thy good Angels be my keepers and defenders ; and guide me by thy holy Spirit ; that the longer I live , the better I may be : to the comfort of my Parents , the honour and glory of my God , and my own happiness , here and for ever , Amen .

A shorter .

HEavenly Father , who despisest nothing that thou hast made , but takest care of the beasts of the earth , and of the fowls of the air : bless me thy child , whom thou hast made in thy own Image . Preserve me this day from all evil , both in soul and body . Give me what thou seest good for me . Especially an heart to know thee early , to be thankful to thee , to love thee , and to do thy will , as well as I am able . Bless my Father and my Mother , and all my friends : and make me a follower of those who are good ; for the sake of my Saviour Christ Jesus the Lord . Amen .

A Prayer for the use of a Child that hath lost its Parents .

O Lord , who never failest those that seek thee : but givest to the beast his food , Psal. 147.9 . and to the young ravens which cry . I cast my self upon thy infinite goodness , with whom the fatherless have been wont to find mercy . Be thou , Ecclus. 23.4 . O Lord , Father and God of my life , a most merciful and gracious Father unto me : and provide what thou seest , in thy wisdom , to be necessary for me . Especially bestow upon me some faithful friend , that will admonish me , and take care of my soul , to bring me up religiously in the fear of thee my God . Preserve me from all distrust of thy good providence . Give me favour in the eyes of others , by an humble , submissive and good behaviour towards them . Make me diligent and industrious in some honest calling . And bless my labours and endeavours , that I may not be a burden unto others . But whatsoever my portion be in this world , give me grace to live so piously , justly and soberly , that I may not miss of that incorruptible inheritance , which fadeth not away , 1 Pet. 1.4 . reserved in the heavens for us ; through Christ Jesus . Amen .

A Prayer to be used by a Widow .

O God , by whose wise providence , which I humbly adore and reverence , I am left without my dearest companion and guide in this our pilgrimage ; and thereby deprived of the sweetest comfort of life : behold the desolate and sorrowful estate of thy poor handmaid , who supplicates thy tender mercy and compassion towards her . Comfort me , good Lord , with a delightful sense of thy Divine Presence with me ; and draw my heart the nearer to thee , in holy love and devout affection , and a lively hope that thou wilt never leave me nor forsake me .

I ought to thank thee at all times , for the many tokens of thy love towards me ; and particularly for lending me this blessing so long , the value of which I now feel , by the want I am in of its support . Pardon me , I beseech thee , that I have not been so thankful for it , and the rest of thy mercies , as I ought : nor so carefully improved them , as I might have done . O take not away thy loving kindness from me in displeasure . But vouchsafe still the continuance of thy favour towards me ; especially the support of thy Divine Grace by the power of the holy Ghost , to enable me to bear this affliction with an humble , meek and patient spirit . Moderate all my passions . Free me from all discontented and distrustful thoughts . Help me to cast all my care on thee , who relievest the fatherless and widow , Psal. 146.9 . and carest even for the strangers . Fix my mind upon thy love in the Lord Jesus ; in whom thou wouldst have us to rejoyce always . Lift up my thoughts to those heavenly enjoyments in that blessed place where he is ; [ to which I hope my husband is departed . ] And help me to follow after him with all diligence in a pure , grave and godly conversation ; and by a careful education of my Children , to endeavour that they may be also with us in that glory .

Let thy blessing ever rest upon them . And now that they are left to me alone , give me so much the more wisdom to instruct and govern them aright ; and so much the more love to them , and tender affection to their good and welfare . Make them to be a comfort to me in my Widow-hood by their increase in godliness ; that we may chearfully serve thee together , in Prayers , and Thanksgivings , and reading of thy holy Word , and Communion with our blessed Saviour , and all other actions of a Christian life . Prepare us for whatsoever condition it is , into which thou shalt be pleased to bring us ; that neither fulness nor poverty , honour nor reproaches , health nor sickness , may ever separate us from thy love in Christ Jesus : but we may persevere in patient obedience to thee , till we receive that crown of life which he hath promised to them that love thee . Amen .

A Prayer for the use of a poor Servant .

O Lord most high ; who ar● the Maker of the rich and of the poor ; Prov. 22.2 . with whom there is no respect of persons : Look graciously upon me , I humbly beseech thee , who here cast down my self before thee ; acknowledging thy Soveraign power over all , and thy wise providence which hath disposed all things into several ranks and orders , for their mutual help and benefit . I humbly submit to the state and condition wherein thou hast been pleased to place me , below many others . I thank thee that I live ; and that I live in health ; and have strength of body ; ( great and invaluable blessings ! ) and that I have so much liberty as to make my requests unto thee , and acknowledge thy mercies ; and that I have any hope thou wilt never cease to do me good , till thou hast crowned all thy mercies in eternal life .

Good Lord , pardon me , if I have at any time murmur'd and repin'd at my condition , or envied the higher estate of other persons . Pardon all my other offences , whatsoever they have been : and vouchsafe but to deliver me from the bondage of sin , and to make me a Servant of Righteousness ; and I shall not only be contented , but perpetually rejoyce in thy Salvation . Indue me with a right understanding of my duty in this relation wherein I stand . That according to thy command , I may account those whom I serve worthy of all honour ; being careful to please them in all things , 1 Tim. 6.1 . never contradicting , Tit. 2.9,10 . nor purloyning : Ephes. 6.5,7 . but showing all good fidelity ; and with good will and singleness of heart doing service , as to the Lord and not to men . Help me to demean my self so humbly , Collos. 3.23,25 . and whatsoever I do , to do it so heartily ; that I may obtain favour in their eyes . Or if they be froward and hard to please , O God , preserve me from all unseemly passions , and disrespectful behaviour towards them . And make me so much the more diligent in their business : remembring that I serve the Lord Christ from whom I expect to receive the reward of the inheritance . Coloss. 3.23,25 .

If thou art pleased any other way to afflict me , with sickness or pains ●n my body , which may hinder my ●abour and cast me into poverty , Lord , still strengthen my faith and confidence in thee . And help me to ●ear it with a patient mind ; looking ●nto Jesus , who took upon him the form of a Servant , and became poor , and suffered much for our sake : but how is therefore highly exalted to ●uccour and comfort all those that ●ollow after him contentedly in well-doing . In his Name and Words I ●ecommend my self unto thy mercy , saying ,

Our Father , &c.

A Prayer of a poor Prisoner for Debt .

O God , who art present to us in all places , and hast regard to the sighs and groans of the miserable , who humbly implore thy pitty and compassion towards them ▪ Vouchsafe to look graciously upon thy afflicted servant in this place ; which is most desolate and comfortless , unless the light of thy countenance shine upon me . I confess that I have too much abused the liberty which I formerly enjoyed ; and did not so carefully improve , as I ough● to have done , those happy opportunities , which therewith were pu● into my hands . Many ways , I am sensible , I have offended thy Divine Majesty * * Here acknowledge the particulars . for which I am heartily sorry ; and acknowledg● my self infinitely indebted to thy goodness , that I am not plunged into the depth of misery , to bewail my sins in the bottomless pit .

I thank thee , O Lord , with all my soul that I am not shut up in the place of outer darkness ; and that I have any hope to obtain the benefit : of the redemption , which is in Christ Jesus . In whose Name I beseech thee to pardon me ; and likewise to sanctifie these straits wherein I lye , to the freeing my soul from the bond of all iniquity , and the restoring me to the glorious liberty of thy children . Help me seriously to follow the direction of thy Providence in this restraint ; and now that I am so much alone by my self , to descend into my own heart , to search and try my ways , and unfeignedly to turn to thee , my God . Enlarge my spirit more than ever , now that my body is confined , in fervent Prayer for thy Divine Grace , and in chearful Thanksgivings for the innumerable benefits that I have received from thy bounty , and in tender pitty and commiseration of the sad condition of all distressed people . And be pleased to touch the hearts of my Creditors also , with a sense of my miseries : incline them to accept of what I am able to pay , and make me willing conscientiously to satisfie them to the utmost of my power .

In the mean time bestow upon me the blessing of a contented spirit . Help me patiently to endure the inconveniences of this place . And preserve me from the danger of all the temptations , which I meet with in it : especially from seeking a remedy of my sorrows , in the pleasures of intemperance , or evil company , or any prophane mirth whatsoever . Be thou my comfort ; O God , my exceeding joy ; and the full satisfaction of my soul , in all conditions . And when thou art pleased to deliver me from this place , and restore me again to my desired freedom : O Lord , make me ever mindful of the vows , wherein I am now forward to bind my self . Dispose my heart then to be so sensibly affected , with the least of those mercies which formerly I have little regarded ; that I may never forget to praise thee even for the benefit of a sweeter air than now I enjoy , and to acknowledge thee in the night season upon my bed , and to thank thee for the coursest food ; and especially I may rejoyce to go again into the great Congregation to praise thee with the most ardent love for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus .

Preserve in me also a grateful remembrance of the kindness of my Friends and Neighbours : especially of those persons to whom I stand particularly indebted , when by their charity I shall be released . And whatsoever loss they sustain by my poverty , good Lord , make it up abundantly to them and theirs , out of thy rich grace and mercy . Requite their love with plenty and prosperity in this world ; and give them the reward of eternal life and glory in the world to come ; through Christ Jesus . Amen .

A Prayer of a great Malefactor in Prison .

O Most holy and righteous Judge of the whole world ; give a sinful and miserable wretch leave to prostrate himself before the Throne of thy Grace , and implore that mercy which formerly I have despised or abused . I am not worthy , I confess , to lift up my eyes towards heaven ; and it becomes me in the greatest dejection of spirit to sigh and groan under the load of my sins : which have been so great and many , so bold , so presumptuous and shameless , that when with an awakened mind I reflect upon them , I am ready to sink into hell , and utterly despair of any mercy . O God , how have I hated instruction , Prov. 5.12,13 . and my heart despised reproof ? And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers , nor inclined mine ear to them that admonished me ? How swift have my feet been to run into evil ? and how backward and averse have I been to any thing that is good ? O the injuries which I have done my Neighbours ! the abuse of my self and of thy good creatures ! The prophane contempt or neglect of thee and the duties of thy worship and service ! * * Here let him reckon up the blasphemy , debauchery , and violence that he hath been guilty of . The remembrance of all this is dreadful : the burden of it is intolerable .

How shall I appear before thee , at whose rebuke the Mountains quake , since I cannot think of appearing before an earthly Judge without shame and affrightment of spirit ? O Lord , work in me a greater dread of thee , with a greater shame and confusion of face ; now that I am in thy presence . For which end , be pleased to represent unto me effectually , the wickedness , the baseness and vileness of all my evil doings , as well as the guilt and just desert of them . O that I could hate and abhorr them , more than that death , * * Or punishment ; when the crime is less . which I expect shortly to suffer for them ! Bestow on me that ingenuous and godly sorrow which worketh repentance , and unfeigned purposes of amendment of life . They come too late indeed , I may justly think , to find acceptance with thee : and therefore , not without fear and trembling , and a great sense of my undeservings , I look up unto thee ; acknowledging thy infinite goodness , if thou wilt vouchsafe but the smallest hope of mercy .

Mercy , mercy , good Lord : cast me not quite out of thy sight , for Jesus Christs his sake , who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity . It is the beginning of some mercy , and an earnest , I hope , of more , that thon hast made me sensible of mine offences ; and that thou hast wrought in me a resolution to forsake them , and some love to a godly , sober and righteous life . Help me to manifest the sincerity and uprightness of my soul in these resolutions , as much as I am able ; by giving thee hearty thanks that the hand of justice hath over-taken and laid hold upon me , and put a stop to the further mischief which I might have committed ; and by making a free and open confession of my crimes , and taking the shame which belongs to me , before others ; and by acknowledging that I am unworthy to live ; and by earnest admonishments to all , to be warned by my example , and to cease betimes to do evil , and learn to do well . O God , that I could glorifie thee a little in my latter end , after this manner . And till I come to receive my deserved punishment , help me to spend my time in bewailing my sins ; in humbling my self before thee for them ; in setting my heart against them ; in studying and admiring with the greatest affection the holy life of the Lord Jesus ; in calling other offenders to repentance , and exhorting them thereby to give thee glory . Deny me not the grace , I beseech thee , to enable me thus to imploy my self ; that I may have some taste of thy mercy , and the fear of death may be abated by some hope , that when my soul shall be parted from the body , thou , O blessed Jesus , wilt receive it , though so unworthy , into some of the heavenly mansions . Amen , Amen .

A Souldier's Prayer that fights for his Country .

O Most mighty Lord , the Fountain of life and strength , and courage ; whom all the host of heaven continually obeys . I prostrate my self before thee in a religious sense , that the fear of thy divine Majesty , a pure conscience , and a strong hope and confidence in thy Omnipotent goodness , will give the most assured resolution , valour and boldness to our spirits , in all dangers . Most humbly beseeching thee to purge my heart from the love of every thing that is offensive to thee ; to pardon all my former sins , negligences and ignorances ; and to indue me with the grace of thy holy Spirit strictly to amend and reform my life , according to thy holy Word .

Many temptations , I am sensible , will continually assault me , in this state of life wherein I am ingaged . But I as earnestly beseech thee to defend me from the power of them , as I desire to be defended from death , and to be covered by thee in the day of battle . O that no covetous desires or greediness of spoil , no ambition or vain-glory , no hatred or malice , may push me forward in any enterprize ! But give me the victory over these and all other vile affections and passions , before I meet with any other enemy . And graciously bless and prosper our arms , for the defence of our Country , and the preservation of our Religion , Government , Laws and Liberties . And whilst we fight for the preservation of good Order , Lord , give us all grace to be examples of it our selves , That abhorring all blasphemy and prophaneness , all riot and lasciviousness ; Luk. 3.14 . and doing violence to no man , accusing no man falsly , and being content with our wages , we may adorn both our Cause and our Religion : and whatsoever the issue be , we may have peace in our own hearts , and living or dying may be accepted with thee ; through Christ Jesus , the Prince of peace . To whom , &c. Amen .

A Prayer for the use of one that is Aged .

I Adore thee , O Lord of life and glory ; who art from everlasting to everlasting , and changest not : beseeching thee to look graciously upon thy unworthy servant , whose hope is only in thine infinite mercy ; by which my life hath been prolonged to old age , and which is able to make me eternally blessed . I thank thee for thy inconceiveable love in the Lord Jesus , who hath given me such a solid and stedfast ground of hope , to suppport and strengthen my heart , when all the comforts of this life fail me : and likewise praise and magnifie thy bounteous goodness , for those innumerable blessings , which , time after time , thou hast bestowed upon me , from the beginning of my life till this present * * Let them be reckoned up as particularly as you can . .

O my God , help me always to solace my self , now that the days are come wherein I have no pleasure , with a perpetual remembrance of all thy past loving kindnesses to me ; and with those hopes which I have of thy endless love in the other world . And the more my outward senses decay , vouchsafe me the quicker and more lively sense in my heart of those good things which thou hast laid up there , for those that fear thee . Preserve me from all discontented thoughts , and peevish passions . Make me an example unto others of Holiness , discretion , temperance , gravity , Tit. 2.2,3 . peaceableness and patience : Prov. 20.29 . that so I may with the more authority be a teacher of good things ; Ecclus. 25.4 . and my hoary head may be a crown of glory , being found in the ways of righteousness . O how comely a thing is judgement for gray hairs ; and for ancient men to know counsel ! Pardon me , good Lord , that I have made no better improvement of my time and experience ; for the furnishing of my mind with this wisdom , and with those vertues . Pardon all my negligences , and all my offences . * * Remember them particularly . And fill my heart with a comfortable sense of thy pardoning mercy in Christ Jesus : that having no other burden , but that of age , to oppress my spirit , I may rejoyce in thee as long as I live , and at last lay my self down to rest in peace , and return my soul back unto thee chearfully , whensoever thou callest for it ; in sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead , and of that glory , honour and immortality , which thou hast graciously promised us by thy dear Son , my most blessed Lord and Saviour , Christ Jesus . With whom I desire to live to give thee eternal praises . Amen .

A large FORM OF DEVOTION .
When any person is disposed to spend a day , or part of it , in Devotion : the usual addresses to God in the morning , may be continued in this manner .

O Most High and holy One , who inhabitest eternity , and art God over all , most blessed for evermore . Happy are they who stand continually in thy presence , and are always admiring , praising , loving and obeying thee ; and rejoycing in thy love and favour towards them ! The highest Angels can desire no greater bliss , than to be thus knit unto thee , and to live in such constant union and friendship with thee . An happiness , I am sensible , that is above our reach , who dwell in houses of clay , and groan under the burden of this flesh : but which we aspire towards , and our uncloathed spirits hope for , in the other world . And blessed be thy infinite goodness , we are incouraged by Christ Jesus to look up unto thee , for the beginning and taste of this happiness ; whilst we remain here below , at this great distance from the Throne of thy Glory .

And accordingly I humbly prostrate my self before thee at this time , beseeching thee in the name of my dear Saviour who gave himself for me , that thou wilt graciously vouchsafe to inspire me with such delightful thoughts of thee , and such a transforming love unto thee , as may fill my heart with unspeakable joy and satisfaction , whilst I am in thy presence to admire and adore thee ; to praise thy incomprehensible perfections ; to acknowledge with all humility my intire dependence on thee ; thankfully to remember all the benefits thou hast done unto me ; sorrowfully to bewail my ungrateful behaviour towards thee ; most earnestly to deprecate thy displeasure ; to implore thy grace and favour ; and to make an absolute surrender of my self to thee , with most hearty Devotion to thy service .

It is the unfeigned desire of my soul to spend some time in attending wholly to these duties ; the better to dispose me to serve thee , in the rest of my life . But alas ! O Lord , what am I , or what can I do , unless thou wilt make thy self present to me ; and send down thy holy Spirit upon me ! My thoughts and affections are exceeding dull and heavy ; and they will soon flag and grow weary ; unless thou wilt be pleased by thy Almighty Power to raise and bear them up towards heaven . I most humbly therefore again beseech thee , in thy infinite mercy , to touch my heart with such a lively sense of thy Divine Majesty , as may fix my wandring thoughts , and compose my tumultuous affections , and stir up my flat and cold desires , and may make me feel the power , and taste the sweetness of every Divine Truth ; whilst I read or meditate in thy holy Word , and whilst I pray to thee , and praise thee , and bless thy holy Name . O that all other things may be shut out of my soul , and that I may be so alone with thee , as to be more apprehensive of thy greatness , and of thy goodness , and of thy purity , and of my near relation to thee , and the innumerable obligations which I lye under to be thine intirely ! O that nothing may be so bitter to me as to think , that I have in the least offended thee ! and that nothing may be so marvellous in my eyes , as thy exceeding abundant love in the Lord Jesus , by whom thou hast incouraged sinners to place their faith and hope in thee !

Help me , O my God , through that new and living way which he hath consecrated , to draw nigh unto thee , and to throw down my self at thy feet ; waiting for a gracious look from thee , resigning my will to thee , strongly uniting it in hearty affection to thy holy Will , and resolving never to rise up any more in opposition to it , but to live in thy love , and in sincere obedience to all thy commands .

So shall my soul bless thee as long as I live ; I will alway be speaking good of thy Name , and will shew forth thy praise , as well as I am able , to all generations . Amen .

AFter this short address to God for his assistance ; consider a while who it is , to whom you have begun to speak . Cast your eyes upon the heaven and the earth , and think of the glory of that Majesty , which fills all things , and cannot be contained in any . Then labour to affect your heart with your own mean , vile and sinful condition . For which end examine what particular sins you have been guilty of . Set them down in writing before your eyes , that they may be confessed and lamented . And likewise consider in the same manner , what particular blessings you have received , that they may be most thankfully acknowledged . In all which you may assist your selves and be much excited , by reading some of the Psalms of David , and some part of such pious Books as you are acquainted withal . After which , proceed to express the sense of your heart to God , with the greatest deliberation , in the manner following : pausing a while , and ruminating upon what you have said ; at the end of every part thereof .

I.

O Most glorious Majesty of heaven and earth , upon whom all creatures depend for life , and breath , and all things . I most thankfully embrace and desire wisely and faithfully to improve this happy leisure , which thou vouchsafest me , of retiring from this world , and making my resort to thee , 2 Cor. 1.3 . the Father of mercies , Rev. 5.13 . and the God of all comfort . Psal. 48.1 . Thou art worthy , Rev. 4.8 . O Lord , to receive from me and from the whole world , blessing , 1 Sam. 2.2 . Psal. 145.17 . 45.7 . and honour , and glory , and power ; Job 37.23 . for thou art great and greatly to be praised . Psal. 19.1 . All the host of heaven continually praiseth thee ; Job 42.2 . Psal. 135.6 . and so ought all the Church on earth , 148.5,6 . 147.5 . saying ; Holy , 104.24,27,28,31 . holy , holy , Lord God almighty , which is , which was , 145.4,13 . 102 27. 119.89 . 146.2 . 111.1 . 148.13 . and which is to come . There is none holy as the Lord , for there is none besides thee . Thou art righteous in all thy ways , Job . 11.7 . and holy in all thy works . Thou lovest righteousness , and hatest iniquity ; and art excellent in power , and in judgement , and in plenty of justice . The earth is thine , and the fulness thereof ; the world , and they that dwell therein . The heavens declare the glory of God , the firmament sheweth his handy-work . The sun , moon and stars praise the name of the Lord ; for he commanded , and they were created . He hath also established them for ever and ever : He hath made a decree which shall not pass . I know , O Lord , that thou canst do every thing ; and that no thought of thine can be hindred . Whatsoever the Lord pleases , that doth he in heaven and in earth , in the seas , and in all deep places . For he is great , and of great power ; his understanding is infinite . Praised be thy Soveraign goodness and tender mercy , which spreads it self over all thy works . O Lord , how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou made them all . And they all wait on thee ; that thou mayst give them their meat in due season . That thou givest them they gather : thou openest thy hand , they are filled with good . The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever : the Lord shall rejoyce in his works . Thou always wast , and ever wilt be the most holy , powerful , wise and good . Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom , and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations . One generation shall ●raise thy works to another , and shall de●lare thy mighty acts . They all pass away like a shadow ; but thou art the same , and thy years shall have no end For ever , O Lord , thy word is setled in heaven : Thy faithfulness is unto all generations . While I live , there fore , will I praise the Lord : I wil● sing praises to my God , while I have any being . I will praise thee , O Lord with my whole heart , whose name i● exalted above all blessing and praise For we cannot know the Almighty to perfection : His wisdom is unsearchable , and his ways past finding out His name alone is excellent , his glory is above the earth and heaven .

II.

O what high dignity is this ! tha● I am admitted into thy presence t● speak unto thee ; the blessed and only Potentate , 1 Tim. 6.15 . the King o● kings , and Lord of Lords who only hast immortality ! O how happy ought I to think my self , tha● I may draw thus nigh to thee , wh● dwellest in light unapproachable ! who art so happy in thy own most blessed Nature ; and who if thou dost but open thy self to any soul , and fillest it with a great sense of thee and affection to thee , thou lettest heavenly joys into it , and makest it happy beyond expression ! For heaven cannot be separated from thee : but wheresoever thou art , there is peace and satisfaction , joy and gladness , and unspeakable bliss . Adored be thy divine goodness , which hath made me so happy this day , as to feel some sense of thee begin to shine in my soul . Adored be thy goodness , which incourages me still to look up unto thee , that I may feel more of thee ; yea , hath ingaged me by innumerable Mercies , to continue these addresses to thy divine Majesty : O how excellent is thy loving kindness , Psal. 36.7 . O God! 139.17 . How precious are thy thoughts unto me ! how great is the sum of them ! Psal. 46.5 . Many , O Lord my God , 22.9,10 . are thy wonderful works which thou hast done , and thy thoughts which are to me-ward : they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee : if I would declare and speak of them , they are more than can be numbred . By thee I was fearfully and wonderfully made in secret . Thou art he that took me out of my mothers womb ; and didst make me hope upon her breasts . I have been cast upon thee ever since , and thou hast been my gracious God unto this moment . My infancy and childhood was attended with a very careful providence . And thou hast blessed my riper years with a continued health and strength of body and mind , and abundance of good things to support and refresh me in my pilgrimage through this world to a better life . I never have wanted my daily bread , even when I was not able to ask it of thee . And thou hast bestowed on me many friends and kind benefactors . And prevented me likewise by a timely grace , and sent me many instructors ; that I might remember thee my Creator , and Jesus Christ my Saviour . Into whose family , blessed be thy Name , I was early adopted , and assured of thy fatherly love and tender mercy towards me . O how deeply do I stand indebted to thee for all those , by whose Counsels , or Sermons , or Writings , or religious Society , or godly Examples , or charitable Prayers , I have been helped forward in my way to heaven ! Blessed be thy Name for all the means whereby I have been led to the knowledge of thy great love in the Lord Jesus , which passeth knowledge . For ever blessed be thy Name , for sending him into the world , born of a woman , to be a teacher of righteousness ; to go before us , and leave us a pattern of a most holy life ; to dye for our sins ; and to rise again for our justification ; and then to ascend into the heavens to prepare a place for us ; where thou hast advanced him above all principalities and powers , Phil. 3.10,11 . and given him a name above every name , that at the name of Jesus every knee should how , and every tongue confess him to be the Lord , to the glory of thee , O God , the Father Almighty . I glorifie thee , O heavenly Father , with all my heart and soul , for inspiring thy holy Apostles and Prophets ; 2 Cor. 4.6 . and shining into their hearts to give the light of the knowledge of thy glory , in the face of Jesus Christ . I thank thee for calling me to faith in thee ; for making such great and precious promises to incourage our hope , and for disposing me , in any measure , to be an inheritour of them . I thank thee for granting such power to our blessed Lord , to fulfil his word ; for making him a royal high-Priest , and appointing him to bless us , here and eternally . Glory be to thee , O Lord most high , who hast so often favoured me with the gracious visitations of thy holy Spirit ; inlightning my mind , drawing my will towards thee , exciting in me holy desires , working many pious purposes and resolutions in my heart , giving me a taste how gracious thou art , setting before me the hope of eternal life , and perswading me by innumerable arguments to entertain those blessings , which I should have been forward of my self to have desired . Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord ! Psal. 106.2 . who can show forth all his praise ! How often hast thou spared me when I deserved to be punished ! How many dangers have I escaped ! From how many assaults of the enemy have I been guarded ! And how many of his designs have been defeated by an invisible and unobserved goodness , which ought for ever to be acknowledged ! * * Mention all the particular mercies you can remember : and then proceed still to admire his loving kindness , in all those you took no notice of , or have forgotten .

III.

O my God , with what awe and reverence ought I to make mention of thy name , who dwellest in eternity , whose throne is inestimable , whose glory cannot be comprehended , 2 Esd. 8.20,21 . before whom the hosts of angels stand with trembling ! With what humility of soul , ought I to acknowledge thy Divine Grace , that thou who art so great and highly exalted , wilt humble thy self to take notice of such poor things as we are ! Thou art to be admired with our highest thoughts : thou art to be loved with all our heart , and soul and strength . We ought to render thee most chearful service ; and confess that we never serve our selves more , than when we even lose all thought of our selves , and forget all things here , in admiring , loving , praising , and giving thanks to thee . All that is within me ought to bless thy holy Name . O how great ought my joy to be in thy love , and in thy Salvation : who art worthy to be praised with all pure and holy praise . Tob. 8.16 . Therefore let thy Saints praise thee , 12.6 . with all thy creatures . And let all thine angels , and thine elect praise thee for ever . It is good to praise God and exalt his Name , and with honour to shew forth all his works ; therefore be not slack to praise him . Yea , to thee , O Lord , I ought to resign my self with the greatest willingness of heart ; to trust and hope in thee at all times ; to excite all others to shew forth thy praise ; and to study to glorifie thee more and more , not only by my words , but with my body and soul , in all the actions of a sober , righteous and godly life . I can desire no greater honour in this world , than that I may live to the praise of the glory of thy grace in Christ Jesus ; walking worthy of thee , who hast called me to thy Kingdom and Glory ; and behaving my self in all things , as becomes one that hath received such pledges of thy love already , and looks for thy mercy unto eternal life . All thy Laws , I know , are just and good . Thy ways are ways of pleasantness , Prov. 3.17 . and all thy paths are peace . Psal. 19.10,11 . More to be desired are thy commandments than gold , yea , than much fine gold : 119.165 . sweeter also than hony , 84.11,12 . and the honey comb . By them doth thy servant shine gloriously ; Ecclus. 4.12 . and in keeping of them there is great reward . He that loveth them , loveth life ; he that holdeth them fast shall inherit glory ; and wheresoever they enter the Lord will bless . Great peace have they that love thy Law : and nothing shall offend them . The Lord God is a sun and shield : the Lord will give grace and glory : no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly . O Lord of host , blessed is the man that trusteth in thee !

IV.

But the more , O Lord , I speak in thy praise , the more I am sensible , I reproach my self ; who have not given thee that honour and glory , that fear and love , that hearty service and chearful obedience , which is due unto thee , so many ways . I stand condemned out of my own mouth , of most fearful ingratitude to thee , from whom I have received so many , and such inestimable benefits . How seldom have I thought of them ? Or how little have they affected my heart ? How loth have I often been , to dispose my self to commemorate the greatest love of my dearest Saviour ? And how soon am I weary , even of the most delightful imployment , of praising and blessing thee ? With whom I profess that I desire and hope to live for ever , and praise thy Name . O the vanity of my mind ! the looseness of my thoughts ! the inordinateness of my desires , and unruliness of my passions ! the discontent of my spirit ! the unstedfastness of my resolutions ! the breach of my promises ! the coldness of my prayers , and the dulness of my meditations ! the loss of my precious time , and neglect of good opportunities ! my eagerness after these worldly enjoyments , and feeble indeavours after heaven !

I am astonished to think , that ever I should distrust thy providence , who hast been so tenderly careful of me ; or be unthankful for thy benefits , which are every moment poured forth so plentifully upon me ; or be uncharitable to my Neighbours , when I stand in so great need of mercy my self , and live continually upon thy bounty ; or abuse any of those blessings , which thou canst so easily deprive me of , or wholly spoil the comfort of them . And yet alas ! how prone have I been to deceive my self with shadows of Religion and Devotion towards thee ? and to content my self with the praises of those divine perfections , which I have not so zealously studied to imitate ? O how unlike am I to the humble , the meek , the pittiful , and the patient Jesus ? Yea , how insensible am I of his incomparable love , which made him to lay down his life for me ? How many ways have I injured my Neighbours , or neglected to do them good ? I am conscious to my self of sundry offences , not only against the rules of righteousness and mercy , but of sobriety and godliness * * Here mention the particular acts of intemperance , uncharitableness , or any else you have been guilty of . . And thou to whom all things past are present , who searchest the hearts and tryest the reins , knowest a great deal more . My secret sins are no more hid from thee , than those which are most open and manifest . And they are all the more grievous , because a petty temptation hath too oft prevailed to make me neglect my duty towards thee . O how shameful is it , that a small gain , or a momentany pleasure , or the good word of men whose breath is in their nostrils , should be preferred before that honour which I owe to thee , and those infinite treasures of thy grace in Christ Jesus , and that immortal life and glory , which he hath promised to the faithfull ! And all this against the clear understanding which thou hast given me of thy will ; against many holy purposes , resolutions and vows of absolute obedience to it in all things ; and against the tastes I have had how gracious thou art , and how good it is to keep thy commandments .

V.

I blush , O Lord , to lift up mine eyes towards heaven . To me belongs nothing but shame and confusion of face ; in which I ought to lye down before thee , if I reflected only upon the baseness and vileness of my descent ; being the off-spring of disloyal parents , who were rebels and traytors against thy divine Majesty . This is a just reproach and disgrace to the best of us . We were tainted in our first Father , who hath left a foul blot and stain upon our Nature : and we feel that weakness in our reason , that strength and violence in our passions , and that forwardness in our wills to follow them , and to be led by them , which is sufficient to humble and lay us low in our own eyes . With what dejection of spirit then ought I to mention all those offences , whereby I or others have justified that first rebellion , and still taken part with the Devil and his Angels , against thee and the motions of thy holy Spirit in our hearts !

Thy mercy indeed is so much the more miraculous , which hath bestowed such great benefits , as I have acknowledged , upon such vile , such sinful , such unthankful wretches , and at the best such unprofitable creatures ; whose understandings are so shallow to comprehend and admire thy love ; whose affections are so heavy , so listless , and so unapt to lay it to heart ; and who when they have done all that they can , have done no more than was their duty to do . But the greater reason there is that I should be confounded at the remembrance of my disobedience to thee , notwithstanding such unexpected , as well as undeserved , demonstrations of thy love and grace towards mankind . It becomes me to bow my self lower than my knees before thee ; and to debase my self as much as I am able in thy presence ; since I am but sinful dust and ashes , that deserves to be cast down , even into the pit of destruction . The very multitude of my offences is enough to amaze and perplex my thoughts ; the weight of them , did I always feel it , may well depress and sink my spirit into the greatest horror and affrightment ; but the baseness and ingratitude of them to so gracious a Father , O how —

VI.

I am not able to express , O Lord , the shame , the consternation and the trouble of my spirit , at the thought of that ingratitude . I loath and abhor my self , as unworthy to live and breath upon the face of the earth . I am astonished at thy wonderful patience , and long-suffering , which not only endures such a wretch as I am ; but permits me to speak unto thee , and to cry for mercy to that love , which I have so much abused . O that I were sensibly affected with something of thee ! That at least thy sparing and forbearing mercy did mightily move , and everlastingly possess my heart with admiration of it ! That so I may with the more ingenuous sorrow and grief bewail mine offences , against such tender bowels of compassion towards me . Jer. 9.1 . O that my head were waters , and mine eyes a fountain of tears , that I might weep bitterly for my unkind requitals of the infinite bounty of thee my Creator , and of the inconceiveable love of my blessed Saviour , and of the unwearied grace of thy holy Spirit , which I hope I still feel working in my heart ! Fill me , O God , with the saddest remembrance of all my follies ; and possess my reason so much against them , that I may have an utter hatred and detestation of them , as the greatest offences to me , as well as to thy divine Majesty . It is easier , I know , to make large confessions , than to be truly contrite and broken in heart : and we are more inclin'd to sigh and groan under the sense of thy displeasure , than to abhorr that which is evil , and to cleave to that which is good . Rom. 12.9 . Be thou therefore pleased , Psal. 42.8 . O Lord the Father of our spirits , to wound my soul with a lively sense of the vileness of my behaviour towards thee , Dan. 5.23 . the God of my life , in whose hand my breath is , and whose are all my ways . Estrange me from every thing , that will not let me love thee with all my heart , and soul , and strength ; by whom it is that I have power to love any thing at all . Set my heart in such a perfect enmity to all things contrary to thy blessed will , that I may never be reconciled to them any more . And dispose me to such an entire affection to all thy commands , that none of them may be grievous to me , but I may account thy yoke to be easie , and thy burden to be light .

And then be merciful unto me , good Lord , according to thy loving kindness : Psal. 51.1 . according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions . 25.7 . 38.18 . Be merciful unto me for Jesus his sake , 32.5 . who came into the world and dyed to save sinners . 143.2 . O remember not the sins of my youth , 130.3,4 . nor the transgressions of my riper years : 86.5,6 . 25.11 . according to thy mercy remember thou me , for thy goodness sake , O Lord . For I confess mine iniquity , and am sorry for my sin . I acknowledge my sin unto thee , and mine iniquity have I not hid . Enter not therefore into judgement with thy servant : for if thou , Lord , shouldest mark iniquities ; O Lord , who shall stand ? But there is forgiveness with thee : that thou mayst be feared . Thou art good and ready to forgive : and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee . Give ear therefore unto my prayer , and attend to the voice of my supplications . And for thy name sake pardon mine iniquity , for it is great .

VII .

Great are thy tender mercies , O Lord ; who hast not yet cast me away from thy presence , nor dealt with me after my sins , nor rewarded me according to mine iniquities . Adored be thine infinite goodness , that I am so far from being cast into the place of weeping , wailing and gnashing of teeth , that I do not yet suffer here the pains , and the anguish and misery , which mine offences have deserved . I might have been lamenting them in those doleful complaints of thy ancient servant ; saying , thine arrows stick fast in me , and thy hand presseth me sore . There is no soundness in my flesh , Psal. 38.2.3.6 . &c. because of thine anger : 88.16,18 . neither is there any rest in my bones , because of my sin . I am troubled , I am bowed down greatly ; I go mourning all the day long . For my loyns are filled with a loathsome disease : and there is no soundness in my flesh . I am feeble and sore broken : I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart . But thanks be to thy most long-suffering goodness , thy fierce anger goeth not over me ; thy terror hath not cut me off . Lovers and friends hast thou not put far from me ; nor mine acquaintance into darkness . Yea , thou declarest thy self willing to accept me again into friendship with thy self . And hast in the most loving manner invited me to come unto thee , and bid me hope for a pardon through thy mercy in Christ Jesus . O how sweet are those gracious words ; Come unto me all ye that labour , Matth. 11.26 . and are heaven laden , Heb. 8.10,12 . and I will give you rest ! How precious are thy promises , Act. 26.18 . that thou wilt put thy laws into our mind , and write them in our hearts : And be merciful to our unrighteousness , and remember our sins and iniquities no more ! Marvellous was thy mercy , O Lord Jesus , who sent thine Apostles to open mens eyes , and to turn them from darkness to light , and from the power of Satan to God , that they might receive forgiveness of sins , and inheritance among them , who are sanctified by faith that is in thee .

VIII .

I receive with all thankfulness this thy exceeding great grace , which hath declared , that if we walk in the light as thou art in the light , 1 Joh. 1.7 . we shall have fellowship one with another , Ecclus. 17.29 . and the bloud of Jesus Christ thy Son shall cleanse us from all sin . I admire thy incomprehensible love . O how great is the loving kindness of the Lord our God , and his compassion unto such , as turn unto him in holiness ! It constrains me to offer up my self with the heartiest affection to thy service : resolving hereafter to be more watchful , more diligent , more zealous in the performance of my duty ; and to walk more circumspectly as a child of the light , and to make it my delight to do thy will , O God . Behold , O Lord , my heart is bent to resign it self perfectly into thy hands : and to make a new dedication of all the powers of my soul and body , to be employed continually in well doing . I have sworn and am stedfastly purposed to keep thy righteous precepts . Psal. 119.30 . 31.11 . I have chosen the way of truth ; 14.15 . thy judgements have I laid before me . 16.115 . I will stick unto thy testimonies : 111.112 . and run the way of thy commandments . Thy word have I hid in my heart ; that I may not sin against thee . I will rejoyce in the way of thy testimonies , as much as in all riches . I will meditate in thy precepts : and have respect unto thy ways . I will delight my self also in thy statutes : I will never forget thy word . Depart from me , ye evil doers : for I will keep the commandments of my God . Thy testimonies have I taken as my heritage for ever : for they are the rejoycing of my heart . I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes alway ; even unto the end .

IX .

Accept , I beseech thee , the free-will-offerings of my mouth , O Lord , and teach me thy judgements . Give me understanding , and I shall keep thy law : yea I shall observe it with my whole heart . Make me to go in the path of thy commandments ; for therein do I delight . With my whole heart have I sought thee : O let me not wander from thy commandments . Psal. 119.108,34,35,10,115,116,117 . I am sensible of the exceeding great weakness and inconstancy of our nature , and that without thy gracious aids , I shall not be able to accomplish these resolutions . And therefore I look up unto thee , with the more ardent desires , for power from above , to confirm and strengthen them ; and to assist me mightily to fulfil thy whole good will and pleasure . I will stedfastly depend upon the promise of my blessed Saviour , who hath told me that thou wilt give thy holy spirit to them that ask it of thee . My hope , O God , is in this thy true and faithful word . Vphold me according unto thy Word , that I may live ; and let me not be ashamed of my hope . Hold thou me up and I shall be safe : and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually . Preserve in me such a lively sense of thy good will and readiness to help me , that I may be so strong in our Lord and in the power of his might , as to be able to do all things through Christ strengthing of me . O thou Father of mercies , who hast bestowed so many and so great blessings on us without asking ; who hast visited us so lovingly , when we could not desire any grace from thee , and when we could , but did not desire it , and when we did , but very coldly , and with little devotion of spirit : deny not the humble and importunate requests of thy poor supplicant , who most earnestly beseeches thee , that thou wilt grant me , according to the riches of thy glory , to be strengthened with might , by thy Spirit , in the inner man . Ephes. 3.16 . Arm me therewith against the assaults of all temptations , either from the good , or the evil things of this life ; that they may never seduce , or deterr me from my duty : but I may do vertuously , in all points , according to my Christian profession , and those vows and promises , wherein I stand ingaged to thee .

X.

Fill me , O God , with the whole knowledge of thy Will , in all wisdom and spiritual understanding , that I may walk worthy of the Lord , unto all pleasing , being fruitful in every good work , and increasing in the knowledge of thee , my God . Increase that faith , likewise , more and more , which worketh by love , and purifieth the heart , and overcometh the world . Stir up in me that lively hope , which may make me purifie my self , even as thou art pure : and that ardent love to thee , which will make me chearfully do thy will , and love my Brethren , with a pure heart fervently . Excite in me a great hunger and thirst after righteousness ; till I feel the satisfaction of perfect reconciliation with thee & conformity to thee . Continue me in the number of those , who are humble and lowly in their own eyes , & moderate in all their appetites and desires : who mourn daily that they have offended thee , and that others keep not thy laws : who are meek and gentle towards all men , in heart and word , and all their actions : who are merciful and kind , ready to give and to forgive : who are pure in all their thoughts , intentions , passions and conversation : and who study the things that make for peace ; and who are void of all pride and vain-glory , of all strife and contention ; indeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . O my God , possess me with such a strong sense of the blessedness which thou hast pronounced to all these ; that I may be willing also to suffer wrong rather than to do it , and to suffer any thing for righteousness sake with a constant heart ; giving thanks unto thee that thou wilt honour me and count me worthy to suffer for the name of Christ . Help me to give a good example to all my Neighbours by the sincere practice of all these vertues ; shining as a light in the world , and being the salt of the earth : That others seeing my good works , may glorifie thee our heavenly Father . Dispose my heart to cast all its care on thee ; to pray without ceasing ; to bless thy holy name at all times ; to trust in thee , with a stedfast confidence in thy almighty goodness ; to make thee my strength , and my fortress , and the rock of my salvation ; to have my conversation without covetousness ; and to set my affections on things above , where Christ is at thy right hand . In the multitude of my thoughts within me , let thy comforts , O Lord , delight my soul . When I am full , O that I may never wax wanton , or forget thee ; but still rejoyce in our Lord alway : that so when I have nothing , I may be as possessing all things . Let the doing of my duty , ever be my pleasure : and to serve thee , be a great reward . Let a contented mind , be instead of all that I want : and a thankful heart , sweeten all my enjoyments . Let patience always ease me under my burdens : and an entire submission to thy will , breed in me a settled tranquillity of spirit . Let my delight be in the excellent that are in the earth : and my thoughts be very much there while I live , where I desire to be when I dye . That heaven being my aim , my hope , and the longing expectation of my soul , I may conquer all difficulties in my way to it ; and go through honour and dishonour , good report and bad report , prosperity and adversity , with the same chearfulness and evenness of mind ; till at last I come to that place of rest and peace with the glorified Jesus , who is able to give eternal life to them that obey him .

XI .

Blessed be thy name , who hast inspired my heart with these holy desires ; and wrought these purposes and resolutions in me . It is an earnest , I hope , of thy never failing love towards me ; in assurance of which I repose my self with full satisfaction of heart . Yea , this is my joy and my glory , that I know thee ; and that I live under the care of thy wise , merciful , and almighty providence at present , and that I have the promise of remission of sins , and of a crown of life ; when the times of refreshment shall come from thy presence , and thou shalt send Jesus Act. 3.19 . to conduct all the faithful to that glorious place where he lives . This is my salvation and and all my desire . 2 Sam. 23.5 . Now that I see thy abundant love , O heavenly Father , it sufficeth . Rejoyce with me likewise , all ye Angels of God , according to the word of our Lord , that there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth . Luk. 15.7 . Bless the Lord , ye heavenly hosts , ye minsters of his that do his pleasure . Psal. 103.21 . And , O that this joy may increase continually by my daily increase in all goodness , and the perfecting of my repentance ! till I come to be admitted into their company , and enter into the joy of my Lord .

XII .

And I wish the same happiness to all mankind , which I desire for my self . It will multiply my joy to see all the people praise thee , O God , to see all the people praise thee . O make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands . Serve the Lord with gladness , and come before his presence with thanksgiving . Psal. 100.1 . Give unto the Lord , O ye kindreds of the people , give unto the Lord glory and strength . Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name : bring an offering , and come into his courts . O worship the Lord with holy worship : fear before him all the earth . 96.8,9 .

More especially , I desire the increase of grace , mercy and peace to thy chosen people : Beseeching thee to bless thy universal Church , and to fill the hearts of all its members with thy love ; that they may rest neither day nor night , saying , Blessed be God : Blessed be the glorious Majesty of heaven and earth , whose power , wisdom and goodness excel all praise , and endure for ever . And arise , O God , for the sighing of the poor and the needy : let not the men of the earth always oppress them . Psal. 10.18 . Let the salvation of thy people come out of thy holy place . 14.7 . Be thou exalted in thy own strength , and so will we sing and praise thy power . 21.13 . Lord continue thy loving kindness unto those that know thee , and thy righteousness to men of upright heart . Let not the foot of pride come against them : and let not the hand of the wicked remove them . 36.10,11,12 . O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end : but establish thou the just . 7.9 .

Protect , O Lord , and defend that part of thy Church which thou hast planted in these Kingdoms . Great and innumerable have been thy mercies to us : but , alas ! we are a stubborn and rebellious people ; a people that set not our heart aright , and whose spirit hath not been stedfast with thee . And therefore thou hast justly plagued us many ways : and we should have but our deserts , if thy hand should still be stretched out , to punish us seven times more for our sins . But what is man that thou shouldst take displeasure at him ? or what is a corruptible generation , that thou shouldest be extreamly angry with them ? For in truth there is none among them but hath dealt wickedly : and among the faithful there is none that hath not done amiss . But in this , O Lord , thy righteousness and goodness shall be declared , if thou be merciful to them which have not the confidence of good works . Psal. 78.8 . 2 Esdras 8.34,35,36 . Psal. 79 8,9 . 118.25 . O be merciful unto us ; be merciful unto us , and do not utterly forsake us . O remember not against us former iniquities , and that we have so soon forgot thy works , and the wonderful deliverances which thou hast given us . Help us , O God of our salvation , for the glory of thy name , and deliver us and purge away our sins for thy names sake . Fill us with thy wisdom from above , that we may be heartily in love with the Religion , which we profess : and preserve us in it for ever . Defeat the counsels of all its enemies : and bring their wicked devices to nought . Unite us to each other in brotherly love : and make us at peace among our selves . O let peace be within this Church : Let them prosper that love her , and seek her good . Save now , I beseech thee , O Lord : O Lord , I beseech thee , send now prosperity . And for that end indue our Soveraign Lord , the King , with all the gifts and graces of thy holy Spirit . Hear the daily prayers of thy Church for him ; that he may always incline to thy will , and walk in thy way : and study to preserve thy people committed to his charge , in wealth , peace and godliness . Enlighten all our Bishops , Priests and Deacons , with true knowledge and understanding of thy Word ; and enable them both by their life and doctrine to set it forth , and shew it accordingly . Teach all our Counsellors and Senators wisdom : and give all our Magistrates courage and zeal , to excute Justice , and to maintain Truth . Vouchsafe to all thy people increase of grace , to hear thy word with meekness , and to receive it with pure and sincere affection , and to bring forth the fruits of the spirit . Give them honest and good hearts , to honour and obey the King , and all that are put in authority under him ; to submit themselves to all their Governours , Teachers , spiritual Pastors and Masters ; to order themselves lowly & reverently to all their betters ; to be careful not to hurt one another by word or deed ; to be just and true in all their dealing ; to bear no malice nor hatred in their hearts ; to preserve themselves to temperance , soberness and chastity ; not to covet one anothers goods ; but to learn and labour truly to get their own living , and to do their duty in that state of life , unto which it hath pleased thee to call them .

And , good Lord , bless the honest labours of all men among us , and crown them with good success : Especially of those who have any work in hand , for the glory of thy name , the increase of Christian piety , and the peace of thy Church . Reward the bounty of all charitable persons , either for the honour of Religion , or the relief of them that are in poverty . And make the bones which thou hast broken to rejoyce . Comfort all that are in a sorrowful condition : and bring them out of all their troubles . Send thy Angel to guide and preserve those who are in journeys , upon their lawful occasions . Let them that go down into the deep , and do business upon the great waters , observe thy providence ; and praise thee for thy goodness , and for thy wonderful works for the children of men . Forgive all that have done me any evil : and requite the kindness of those who have done me any good . Let their souls abide in good , and their seed inherit the earth . Psal. 25.13 . Rejoyce the heart of all my Friends : and fulfil the petitions of all that have desired my prayers . 106. ult. Let none that wait on thee , O Lord , be ashamed : let all them that trust in thee , say continually , the Lord be magnified . Save and deliver every one of us , O Lord our God , from the hands of our enemies , to give thanks unto thy holy name , and to triumph in thy praise . Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , from everlasting to everlasting ; and let all the people say , Amen . Praise the Lord .

AFter this , if the spirits be tyred , it will be fit to give them some refreshment . And then it will be very profitable to read and weigh seriously our Saviours Sermon on the Mount , contained in the V. VI. and VII . Chapters of the Gospel according to St. Matthew . And such meditations may be interspersed as are most sutable to the persons condition and occasions : With the addition of some of the prayers foregoing , for RESOLVTION in well doing , or for the DIVINE GRACE ; or for good SVCCESS in any business , or for Friends that are TROVBLED IN MIND , or are in a long JOVRNEY , &c. And then conclude with the following Prayer and Thanksgiving .

I.

I Most humbly adore and worship thee , O Lord most high , the possessor of heaven and earth : And admire thy infinite love to mankind , whom thou hast thought worth the expence of the bloud of thy dear Son , and the conduct and assistance of the holy Ghost , and the Ministry of Angels ( by whom thou exercisest a most watchful providence over us ) and so many gracious messages from heaven , wherein thou hast plainly declared , that thou desirest to see us eternally happy , by being made partakers of a Divine Nature . When we seriously consider thy glorious perfections , and thy astonishing kindness towards us , we may justly wonder at our selves , that we should ever refuse to be conformed to thy will ; nay , that we should not be exceeding forward to joyn our selves unto thee , in most hearty love and intire friendship with thee . I am amazed at the dulness and stupidity of our Nature ; that there should need so many intreaties and beseechings of us , to be so happy . It is impossible to think of thee , and to prefer any thing in our esteem , and desire and choice , and delight and joy , before thy favour and good will towards us : who art so able and so desirous to bestow the greatest bliss upon us . And therefore I most earnestly beseech thy goodness , that to all other mercies which I have begged of thee thou wilt add this grace , to bring thy self often to my remembrance , and to possess my heart with a constant , serious and deep sense of thy marvellous kindness ; in giving me liberty to chuse so great a good as thy self , and in propounding to my will such everlasting happiness ; and in drawing me from those ways , which are contrary even to my peace and satisfaction here , by such powerful motives to well doing .

II.

Awaken , O Lord , awaken this sense continually in my mind . Fasten my thoughts upon those unseen , and eternal enjoyments . Make me feel what an happiness it is to love thee with all my heart ; to cleave unto thee against all temptations which would allure or affright me from my duty ; to bless and praise thee with joyful lips ; to be kept in perfect peace and tranquillity , while my mind is stayed on thee ; to be full and satisfied , and to desire nothing more , but to live for ever in thy love . O make me more and more to conceive and remember , what an infinite delight , thou the infinite good canst pour forth into us ; how highly our Lord Jesus is dignified and exalted ; and that thou hast made him most blessed for ever , and made him exceeding glad with thy countenance ; Psal. 21.6 . and that he will bring all thy children unto his glory . Settle in my soul such strong apprehensions of these things ; that they may purifie my heart more perfectly , and provoke me to an unwearied diligence in well doing , and make me endure hardship also , if need be , as a good souldier of Jesus Christ , who was made perfect through sufferings .

III.

And assist me especially in these holy addresses to thee ; that continuing instant in prayer , I may feel my heart lifted up more and more towards heaven , by ardent breathings after thee . And indue me likewise with such a spirit of wisdom , and such sincerity of heart , that I may never be discouraged though I fall short of the height of my desires : but I may always thankfully acknowledge thy grace , in what I have attained , and labour earnestly to grow better , with a quiet , patient , even and steady mind . Preserve in me an humble confidence , that thou wilt never forsake the work of thine own hands : And let that confidence make me industrious , but not slothful . And let thy holy Spirit bless and further my endeavours ; and a fervent desire and hearty good will press me forward ; and the pleasures of Religion mightily indear it to me ; and the joy that thou hast set before me , make me run the way of thy commandments with an enlarged heart . And the nearer I come to the end of my race , may it please thy goodness to present me with a clearer sight of that Crown of Life , which our Lord hath promised ! Open to me more of the treasures of thy Kingdom ; and fill me with a greater joy in hope of thy glory : that so I may be willing to be dissolved , and to be with Christ , which is best of all .

IV.

And now , O Lord , what thanks shall I render unto thee for these holy thoughts , desires and affections , which , by thy grace , I feel in my heart : together with all the other benefits , which thou hast bestowed on me , or intendest for me . Great and marvellous things , O God , hast thou wrought for the children of men : and thou hast promised far greater , if we will but be truly grateful unto thee , for what we have already received . Thou sendest one blessing , as the earnest of another : having given thy Son to us , that he might give us thy holy Spirit ; and given him to dye for us , that he might give us life . Thou grantest to us thy grace , that we may repent : and thou givest repentance , that thou mayst give us pardon : and thou pardonest our sins , that we may be thy children ; and being thy children thou designest to make us thy heirs together with our blessed Saviour . Thou givest us temporal blessings , that we may thirst after spiritual : and thou fillest us with spiritual blessings in Christ , that we may long for the accomplishment of them in immortal life . There is none can declare the goodness of the Lord . We best declare our sense of it , when we thankfully receive it ; and become as good as thou wouldst have us , and inablest us to be . And how great , how free is that goodness , which is most of all pleased when we are happy ! and esteems our doing our selves good , with thy grace and favour , the return that we should make to thy bounty ! Thou dost us good before we ask ; and thou givest liberally unto us , that thou mayst move us to ask more . Thou intreatest us when we are unwilling : thou beseechest us , that we would let thee bless us , and not put impediments in the way of our own happiness : thou pittiest us , when we have no compassion for our selves ; and art still careful of us , when we trifle away the richest mercies .

V.

O the exceeding riches of thy grace to the children of men ! who can number all thy mercies ? and who can understand the greatness of those , of which we make mention ? It is easier to speak of them , than to be affected with the multitude and surpassing value of them : and we can sooner be affected with them , than do any thing worthy such excellent love . Our Praises and Thanksgivngs consist too much in words , and transient admirations , and sudden passions . O that I had such a serious , such a considerate heart , as to return unto thee , the constant , uniform and chearful obedience of a godly life ! By which , I know , I shall not only most praise and glorifie thee , but do the greatest benefit to my self . And when I have done all that I can , I will acknowledge my self an unprofitable servant , that hath done no more , than was his duty to do . I will esteem all my goodness , to be the fruit of thy great goodness to me . And I will rejoyce in this , that thou art formed in me , and that I am made like unto the Son of thy love ; and that I have hopes through thy abundant and undeserved mercy to live with him in his heavenly Kingdom . Which I beseech thee hasten , to the eternal joy of all those that love his appearing . Amen , Amen . Let thy kingdom come ; that I may see the good of thy chosen , and glory with thine inheritance : and we may all with united hearts and affections , render our thanks unto thee , and sing thy everlasting praises .

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ , and the love of God , and the communication of the holy Ghost , be with me , and with all thy people every where , both now and always . Amen .

A Prayer in Lent , or upon any publick Fast .
I.

O Most glorious God ; who art from everlasting to everlasting blessed in thy self ; and who alone canst satisfie the hungry soul , and fillest the humble with good things . In a serious sense of my own emptiness and thy fulness , of my great needs , and thy bounty and readiness to bestow thy benefits , I cast down my self before thee ; worshiping & adoring thine incomprehensible perfections , with a great fear of thy Almighty Majesty , and an humble hope in thine infinite goodness , and an hearty love to thy purity & righteousness , and intire submission to thy holy Will : believing thy gracious promises , desiring to be guided by thy wisdom , depending on thy providence , blessing and praising thee for thy unspeakable mercies to me , and earnestly beseeching the continuance of them ; with a continued sense in my heart of thy abundant goodness to me , and to all thy creatures , and of those duties which I owe to thee , and to all men .

II.

I most sorrowfully bewail my carelesness , O Lord , that I have had so seldom , or so short , or so cold and little affecting , thoughts of thee : and that I have performed these acts of worship and adoration , of fear and reverence , of faith and love , of submission and resignation , of supplication and thanksgiving , with so little intention and earnestness of mind , with so little zeal and fervency of affection , and with so little humility and prostration of spirit . Nothing , O my God , is of so bitter remembrance to my thoughts , nothing is such a load to my heart , as that I have loved the world , at any time , more than thee ; and pursued with greater eagerness the possessions , and pleasures , and honours of a dying life , than the glory and treasures of thy Kingdom , the joy and happiness of eternal endurance . It grieves me to think that I have , at any time , so coldly entertained the glad tydings of salvation , so listlesly embraced the loving invitations of my dear Saviour ; so negligently improved the helps and assistances of the holy Spirit of Grace , and so faintly sought , I sorrowfully again acknowledge , that glory , honour and immortality which Christ hath brought to light by his Gospel . How little have I been wounded with the dying and bleeding of thine only begotten Son for my sake ! How little concern'd sometimes in his passionate desires of the happiness of mankind ! How little melted with the ardent flames of his incomparable love ! How little moved or perswaded with his importunate intreaties ! How incompliant with his inspirations , disobedient to his commands , and insensible of his precious promises , and fearful threatnings !

III.

I have praised thee , alas ! but seldom or slightly , for so glorious an example , as he hath left us , of an holy life ; for the effects and fruits of his passion , and intercession ; and for the power which he hath obtained at thy right hand . And lother have I , too often , been to imitate his life , and to imploy that power which he hath sent me from heaven , to bring my heart to a conformity with his pattern . How often have I received thy good creatures without such serious and hearty thanksgivings for them , as they deserve ! and tasted their sweetness , with little sense of thee , or delight in thee , who art the fountain of all bliss ! How sollicitous have I been to please men , and obtain the good opinion and praise of others ; rather than to please thee , and to do thy commandments , the praise of which endureth for ever ! O the little envyings that have been in my heart at my Brethrens greater prosperity ! and my aptness to be angry and peevish , to entertain suspicions easily , to make wrong or unkind interpretations , to aggravate offences , and to keep too long a sense of injuries ! I hate my self even for these things . O how vile then and odious are all those sins of injustice , or unmercifulness , of which I may have been guilty !

IV.

Be merciful unto me , O Lord , be merciful unto me ; through the blood of that spotless Lamb , which was shed for the sins of the world . Remember not against me the vanity of my thoughts , the errors and mistakes of my judgement , the pride of my spirit , the greediness of my sensual desires , the violence and disorder of any of my passions , the unruliness of my tongue , the inconstancy of my purposes , or the baseness and unworthiness of any of my ends and intentions . O holy God , and merciful Father , enter not into judgement with me for the mispense of my precious time , for letting slip any good opportunites , or for my ill husbanding the many Talents , which thou hast intrusted me withal . Let not the abuse of any of thy creatures , the ill example that I have given to any of my Neighbours , my unthankfulness for a world of mercies , my inobservance or forgetfulness of thy fatherly providences , and my insensibleness of others miseries , be charged upon me at the day of our Lord , or incense thy severe displeasure against me in this present life . O remember not my immoderate sorrow for worldly losses ; my excessive pleasure in the abundance of any worldly enjoyments ; the deadness of my grief , and the scarcity of my tears , for my own sins , and the sins of others ; and the heartlesness of my joys in thee and in thy Son Christ , and for all the good thou hast done to me and to my Brethren , or which they do for thy honour , and the comfort of thy people . Let not any discontent with my condition , provoke thee to make it worse : nor my want of love to thee , deprive me of the love of others : nor the breach of any of my resolutions , be punished with an indifferency and carelesness of spirit : nor the abuse of any of thy blessings , or unthankfulness for them , move thine offended goodness to strip me naked of them .

V.

But , gracious Lord , so pardon me , as to give me the grace of thy holy Spirit to change and renew me throughout , in spirit , soul and body , and to enable me daily to amend my life according to thy holy word . That 's the hearty desire and purpose of my soul : which longs for nothing more than a power from above , to possess me with more steady and affectionate thoughts of thee ; and to fill me with a more inflamed love to thee , and to all my Brethren ; and to dispose my will to resign it self in all things to thee , and chearfully to comply with thy providence , and zealously to imploy all holy opportunities of doing or receiving , good . O God , deny me not this great grace , though unworthy of the least ; but strengthen me with might by thy Spirit in the inner man . Let it teach and direct me in the right way ; let it assist me to walk in it ; let it constantly incourage my progress ; chearing and refreshing me when I am ready to faint , upholding me when I am ready to fall , recovering me when I slip , enabling me with fervent desires to implore thy mercy , and with resolved watchfulness to strengthen my self against all temptations for the time to come .

VI.

Preserve in me such a serious and deep sense of the worth of my soul , of the weight of all eternity , of the certainty and greatness of the glory which shall be revealed , that they may prevail more with me than all the honours , and riches , and pleasures of this life . Prepossess me with a clear understanding of the Gospel of our Saviour , with a strong saith , a fervent charity , and a lively hope , against all other things that press upon me , and sollicite my affections : that so nothing may find admittance into my heart , but what shall submit to thy laws , and live under the government and discipline of our Lord Jesus . Instruct me how to make all my pleasures discreet , moderate and useful to me ; that they may never take up the best of my time , nor devour the strength of my mind . Teach me to use the riches of this world aright , and to do good to my self and others with them . Dispose me to look upon greatness or honours , but as greater opportunities to do thee more honour , and the world more service . Moderate all my passions , and subdue them perfectly to the obedience of Reason and Religion . O that all my conversation with others may be innocent and profitable : and my private retirements more devout and heavenly : and all my imployments without inordinate cares and fears , or any distrust of thy good providence . Help me to look upon long life as desireable , only that I may have more time to root out perfectly all evil habits and dispositions , to implant and increase all Divine Vertues , & to do the more good ; that I may be better sitted for an happy life , world without end . Amen .

The same prayer may be used in time of any publick calamity : and some of these following prayers added , as there shall be occasion .

A Prayer in time of Plague .

GReat and many , O Lord , are the sins whereby we have provoked thee in these Kingdoms , to send all thy sore judgements upon us ; the sword , the famine , and the pestilence , to cut off from them man and beast . It is only of thine infinite mercies , that we are not utterly consumed , and because thy compassions fail not . Blessed be thy goodness , that we are not yet delivered into the hand of those that hate us ; but only corrected by thy own hand , who art the Father of mercies . To them we flee now in our great distress : and beseech thee , that thou wilt not shut up the bowels of thy tender mercy and compassion towards us , in displeasure . But punish us , that thou maist pardon us , and amend us , and make us a more devout , sober , righteous , and charitable people , zealous of good works . Say to thy destroying Angel , Hold thy hand , it is enough . Or if thou art pleased to have it still stretched out against us , give grace to us who are yet in health to spend our time in examining our hearts and lives ; in bewailing our offences ; in setling our purposes of repentance and new obedience ; in inuring our selves to delight in Prayer and holy Meditation ; in giving thanks to thee for thy merciful preservation of us ; in preparing our selves for whatsoever change thou art pleased to make in our condition ; and in doing good with compassionate hearts , to those poor people , that lye under thy heavy visitation . And graciously vouchsafe to bestow upon them intire patience and submission to thy Will : and enable them , with unfeigned repentance and humble hope in thy mercy , to resign themselves and theirs into thy hands ; that howsoever thou shalt dispose of any of us , living or dying we may be the Lords .

Lord have mercy upon us all , for Jesus Christ his sake . Amen .

In time of War .

O God , who hast justly punished our carnal security , and abuse of that peace and quietness which we have enjoyed , by making us hear the sound of the trumpet , and the alarm of war ; be merciful unto us , I most humbly beseech thee : and awaken ever one of our souls thereby , to search and try our ways , and to turn unto thee , by a timely repentance and amendment of our lives . Though we deserve to be cut off by the sword , which is unsheathed as a foolish people that have not known thee ; sottish children , that have no understanding ; who are wise to do evil , but to do good have no knowledge : Jer. 4.22 . yet spare us , good Lord , spare thy people , and give not thy heritage to reproach . Joel 2.17 . O thou God of peace , who didst send thy own Son among thine enemies , to make reconciliation between lost men and thy self ; inspire our hearts , and the hearts of all those with whom we are at difference , with a love of peace : and incline us to hearken and consent to reasonable terms of reconciliation . And for that end root out of every one of our minds and hearts , all pride and ambition ; all inordinate desire of greatness and dominion ; all covetousness , and greediness of wealth ; all false opinions , prejudices , and misapprehensions ; all anger , passion , and causeless jealousies ; and especially all study of revenge ; all rancour , and bitterness ; all hatred and malice ; with whatsoever else is contrary to the Doctrine and Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ . Possess us with the Spirit of Truth , and love , and brotherly affection . Make us tender-hearted , and to have compassion one towards another ; to study to be peace-makers ; to pray for peace ; to seek those things which will make for peace ; and not only to seek after it , but to pursue it , to the utmost of our power . Direct to those expedients which will happily unite , and tye us fast together . Or if these miserable differences continue , and cannot otherwise be composed , go forth , O Lord , with our hosts : give wisdom and valour to our leaders ; resolution and undaunted courage to our souldiers , and good success to all those enterprises which are undertaken for the common good and safety of these Kingdoms . O God , let us fall into thy hands , for thy mercies are great : but not into the hands of men , when they are wrathfully displeased at us . And if thou art pleased to crown us with victory , give us grace to use it with moderation , justice and charity . O that we may overcome likewise all temptations to bold and presumptuous continuance in our sins against thee : and be subdued by thy favour towards us , to a serious study and care , how to lead a peaceable life in all godliness and honesty ; for the sake of Christ Jesus , the Prince of peace . Whose grace be with us all . Amen .

In time of Scarcity .

O God , who turnest a fruitful land into barrenness , for the wickedness of them that dwell therein ; pour down upon the sinful inhabitants of these Islands , a serious sense of their own undeservings , and of thy righteous judgements , which thou hast sent upon them . That they may humble themselves before thee , and repent of their wantonness and riot , of their feasting themselves without fear , and hardning their hearts against the cryes of the poor , of their discontent and repining in the midst of plenty , and their loathing the divine food of their souls ; which thou hast justly punished with scarcity of bread in all places . Make us ashamed , O Lord , and heartily sorry for these and all other our offences against thy Divine Majesty . And as an earnest of better obedience for the time to come , dispose the hearts of those who are afflicted , to submit with meekness to thy punishment : and preserve them from all murmuring at thy wise providence . Open the hearts likewise of those who are rich , to show mercy to them , and comfort them in their miseries . The greater stores of provision any have treasured up , against this time of want ; encline them so much the more to consider the poor and needy , and fear to oppress them . Enlarge their hearts in more abundant charity , by the advantage they make of this present Scarcity . And when thou shalt have turned it into plenty again , Lord , make us all truly thankful , and soberly to use thy blessings , and to bring forth plentifully the fruit of good living , to the honour and praise of thy Name , and the eternal happiness of our souls and bodies , in that world where there is no want , but fulness of joy for evermore . Amen .

A Thanksgiving for any publick or private mercies .

O God most high , and blessed for evermore : who hast bestowed upon us the happiness to know and understand thee , that thou art the Lord of all , and that thou exercisest loving kindness , judgement and righteousness in the earth , and that thou hast said , in these things thou delightest . Jer. 9.24 . Thou art to be worshipped and adored with my continual praises and thanksgivings , who am here prostrated before the Throne of thy Grace , oppressed with the great load of thy mercies and benefits , which call upon all that is within me to bless thy holy Name . I have often acknowledged that thou art the Author of my being ; and that it is thy favour which hath made my life not to be a burden to me , as it might have been by innumerable miseries . And now I heartily renew those acknowledgements ; and thank thy great goodness for my long continued health , ease , peace and plenty ; or that thou hast mercifully relieved and supported me , in any sickness , pain , trouble , or loss of worldly goods that hath befaln me . Particularly I thank thee for thy late blessings which thou hast conferred upon me , notwithstanding my undeservings , and high provocations , which I have any way given thy divine Majesty , to deprive me of all good things .

[ Here mention the particulars in which you are privately concern'd : and if it be the publick mercy of ceasing a great Contagion , proceed thus . ]

Blessed be thy goodness , which hath preserved so many of us alive in the midst of a great mortality ; and hath restored health again into the habitations of our Neighbours . Blessed be thy sparing mercy which hath delivered us from the noisome pestilence ; and when a thousand fell at our side , and ten thousand at our right hand , didst not suffer it to come nigh our dwelling . Thou hast been our refuge , and our fortress , our God , in whom we ought to trust for ever . Psal. 91.2,7 .

[ After a War is ended , some such words as these may be added . ]

Psal. 124.1,2 , &c. 65.7 . 29. ult. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side , may we all well say , if it had not been the Lord who was on our side , when men rose up against us : Then they had swallowed us up quick , when their wrath was kindled against us . Blessed be the Lord , who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth . Blessed be the Lord , who hath caused wars to cease : and made our enemies to be at peace with us . It is the Lord , that stilleth the noise of the Seas , the noise of their waves , and the tumult of the people . The Lord giveth strength to his people : the Lord blesseth his people with peace .

[ When Plenty is restored , say ]

Psal. 65.9,12 . 132.15 . 147.14 . Joel 2.23 . Thou hast visited the earth and blessed it ; thou hast made it very plenteous . Thou hast crowned the year with thy goodness ; and thy clouds have dropt fatness . Thou hast blessed our provision abundantly , and satisfied our poor again with bread . Blessed be the Lord , who hath caused the former and latter rain to come down for us in their season ; and filled us with the finest of the wheat . We eat in plenty and are satisfied : Praised be the name of the Lord our God , that hath dealt wondrously with us .

But above all , thy great and glorious name is to be praised , for thine incomprehensible mercy in thy Son Christ , whom thou hast sent unto us with better blessings ; to be the Mediator of our peace with thee , to heal all the diseases of our sinful natures , and to deliver us from the power of Satan , and of Hell and Death , and to restore us to an immortal life . Thanks be to thine infinite goodness , which hath taught us by him the way of truth and righteousness ; and made him an offering for our sins ; and raised him from the dead , to the Throne of Glory in the heavens ; and sent from thence the holy Spirit , to enlighten our minds with the whole knowledge of thy will , and to shed abroad thy great love in our hearts , and to be the earnest of an heavenly inheritance , together with our blessed Lord ; who is heir of all things , having the hosts of Angels subject unto him , whom he hath appointed ( blessed be thy Name ) for the guard and defence , the succour and help of all his faithful servants . I thank thee , O Lord , that thou hast pardoned so many offences ; & so graciously importuned me to return to my duty ; and afforded so long time and space of repentance ; and waited so patiently for my amendment ; and continued to me constantly , as I must again confess , so many blessings which I have abused , or restored them to me after a short correction of my faults . I cannot wish for any further happiness , but only for an heart gratefully to resent thy love , and to delight to meditate continually on thy tender mercies ; that so I may love thee more , and thank and serve thee better the rest of my days , and live in good hope to pass from all this happiness here to eternal bliss . And this grace thou hast likewise promised to bestow upon me ; yea , I feel the motions of thy holy Spirit in my heart , exciting in me a sense of thy goodness , and provoking me to love and to good works .

O my soul , never forget the loving kindness of the Lord . Let his name be daily blessed and praised with a joyful heart ; for his goodness endureth continually . Psal. 52.1 . To him I ought to live , and not unto my self ; for he is my Creator , and Saviour , and Comforter , who daily loadeth me with his benefits . Therefore I ought to glorifie him , both with my body and with my spirit , which are his . Accept , good Lord , of the unfeigned desires and purposes , which thou seest in my heart , in all things to be conformed to thy Will. And accordingly assist me always with the renewed influences of thy heavenly grace , that I may grow in spiritual wisdom and knowledge of my duty ; and that I may heartily love it , and faithfully remember it , and give all diligence to perform it , notwithstanding any difficulties that I meet withal to oppose it . In able me to maintain a constant sense of thy divine presence , to reverence thy holy Name and Word , and to walk before thee in all humility , thankfulness , patience , heavenly mindedness , and contentedness of spirit . And help me likewise to exercise all justice ; charity , meekness , and forgiveness towards all men : and to live in a sober , chaste and moderate use of all the good things of this world . Let thy fear always curb the disorders of my passions ; and thy love be a spur to my indeavours ; and the example of the Lord Jesus , and all the Saints provoke me to zeal and fervency of spirit ; and the hope of eternal bliss strengthen , incourage and make me constant in all the troubles and hardships of this life : that persevering in well doing , I may finish my course with joy , and win the Crown of Righteousness , which he hath promised to all the faithful . Amen , Amen .

Assist me mercifully , O Lord , in these my Supplications and Prayers , and dispose the way of thy servant , towards the attainment of everlasting salvation ; that among all the changes and chances of this mortal life , I may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help , through Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen .

A short Prayer for a Student .

I Look up unto thee O Lord , from whom cometh every good and perfect gift , beseeching thee to direct , assist and bless all the labours of my mind . Illuminate my understanding , O Father of lights , and lead me unto right apprehensions in all things . In due me with that humility and soberness of mind , which thou delightest to reward , with more of thy gifts and graces . Bestow upon me a discerning spirit ; a sound judgement ; and an honest and good heart , sincerely disposed to imploy all the Talents which thou hast , or shalt intrust me withal , to thy honour and glory , and to the good of mankind .

For which end , I beseech thee to excite my thirst after useful , rather than much knowledge . And especially inrich me with the treasures of that inspired wisdom , contained in thy holy Scriptures ; which are able to make me wise unto salvation . That growing in understanding and goodness , as I grow in years ; my profiting may be apparent unto all men : and I may give a comfortable account of my time to thee , my God , at the day of the Lord Jesus . Amen .

A Prayer that may be used , any time of the day , when a person hath leisure to retire .

O Lord , the great Creator and Governor of all things ; I prostrate my self before thee , in the humblest adoration of thy incomprehensible Majesty : acknowledging that I depend intirely upon thee ; praising and magnifying thy most glorious Power , Wisdom and Goodness , which are conspicuous every where ; and rendring unto thee my most hearty thanks for all the benefits , which thou hast so freely and undeservedly conferred on me . Thou art bountiful to the whole world : All thy Works praise thee ; and we the children of men ought more particularly to bless thee and speak good of thy Name , who have received singular marks and tokens of thy favour & grace , above all the rest of our fellow creatures . Thou hast made us after thine own Image ; and indued us with reasonable and immortal spirits ; and given us a capacity to reflect on thee the author of our being , and to be like unto thee in wisdom , holiness , goodness and truth . But above all I ought to remember continually that great demonstration of thy love , in sending thy dear Son to live among us , to dye for us , and to give us an assured hope of immortal life .

I love thee , O Lord . I renew the oblation , which I have often made of my soul and body to thee . I wait upon thee still , for what thou seest good for both . I hope in thy everlasting mercies , that thou wilt pardon all my forgetfulness of thee , and ingratitude unto thee . And I most earnestly implore the grace of thy holy Spirit , to preserve in my mind , a powerful sense of thee ; an ardent love to thee ; and an holy care to please and obey thee in all things . That the very same mind and spirit may be in me , which was in Christ Jesus our Lord ; the Spirit of wisdom and understanding , and the fear of thee ; the spirit of meekness , humility , purity and charity : and that I may do thy will with such chearfulness , zeal , constancy , patience and perseverance , as he did .

I thank thee , O Lord , for all helps and assistances of that good Spirit , which thou hast already favoured me withal . That thou hast so frequently made good motions to my soul ; inspired me with holy thoughts , and devout affections ; and inclined and disposed my will , many ways , to the choice of that which is good . I thank thee for the many seasonable admonitions which thou hast given me , for the happy opportunities which have been afforded me , for wisdom and vertue ; for a good education , pious examples , faithful friends , and all other furtherances in the way of salvation .

I remember likewise , with my most grateful acknowledgements , what abundance of good things thou hast bestowed on me , from time to time , for my better accommodation in this present life . Blessed be thy name for my continued health , and food , and raiment . Blessed be thy name that my bones are not broken ; that I am not groaning under the sorest pains ; that I dwell in safety night and day ; and that I still see my friends and acquaintance , and many other comforts round about me .

I thank thee , O Lord , for these , and all blessings whatsoever , that thou hast conveyed to me by the Ministry of thy holy Angels ; unto whom thou hast given the charge of me . O bless the Lord , together with me , ye his angels which excel in strength , that do his commandments , hearkening to the voice of his word . And enable me every day , I most humbly beseech thee , O Father of mercies , to bless thee better ; with a purer heart , and a more lively sense of all thy love , and a greater delight in thy divine Service , and a forwardness to every good work .

And as thou hast preserved me hitherto this day : so bless me the remaining part of it . That indeavouring sincerely in all my designs , words , desires and actions to approve my self to thee , as thy good and faithful servant , I may with a good conscience present my self before thee in the conclusion of it : and with the greater confidence of thy gracious acceptance renew my praises and acknowledgements , and commend my self to thy blessing , and hope for the continued protection of thy holy Angels ; through Christ Jesus . To whom be glory for ever . Amen .

A shorter to the same purpose .

I Prostrate my self before thee , O Lord of heaven & earth , in all humility of soul and body . I acknowledge my dependance upon thee ; and thy constant care and providence over me , ever since I was born : particularly this day ; in keeping me hitherto from many dangers , and providing for me many good things ; as well for the comfort and pleasure , as for the necessary support of this present life . Especially I thank thee for thy exceeding great love in the Lord Jesus ; through whom thou hast given me good hope of better enjoyments in the life to come , by following that blessed example which he hath set us , of all well doing , and contented suffering .

It is all reason , O Lord , that I should love thee , and intirely trust in thee , and most willingly serve and obey thee . Accordingly I here again dedicate my self both soul and body to thee . I vow my self ever to thy service . I hope still in thy great mercies , which have been so tender and so abundant towards me . I depend upon thee , for what thou seest to be profitable for me . I refer my self absolutely to thy wise Will ; resolving to rest contented and satisfied in that condition wherein thou placest me . I believe thou orderest all things in heaven and in earth ; and takest the greatest care of those that wait upon thee , and commit themselves unto thee , as I now do , in confidence of thy goodness , and submission to thy pleasure . Especially I rely upon thee , for thy holy Spirit , to preserve in me these holy purposes , and inspire me continually with good thoughts , and stir up in me heavenly affections , and increase and strengthen my faith and hope in thee , and assist my indeavours to do according to my pious resolutions .

Blessed be thy great goodness for what I have felt already : I thank thee for thy many illuminations from above ; for thy grace so early preventing me ; for the assistance and furtherance thou hast given me ; and the happy opportunities I have met withal of improving my self in true wisdom and goodness . It is the earnest desire of my soul to grow more in both , and to be made perfectly like to my blessed Lord and Saviour . By whom all honour and glory be given to thee , O Father Almighty , world without end . Amen .

A Grace before meat .

WE acknowledge thy goodness , O Lord , in making this [ plentiful ] provision for us . Pardon our ingratitude for thy former mercies . And bless us with such a discreet and thankful use of these thy good creatures , that they may not hinder us in our duty , but better dispose us to do thee all faithful service in our several places ; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . Amen .

Or this .

WE look up unto thee , O Lord , who givest us life and breath , and all things ; beseeching thee to forgive us all our sins , and to make us such thankful partakers of these thy good creatures , that by a moderate use of them our bodies may be refreshed , and made more fit to accompany our souls in hearty endeavours to do thee all faithful service , through Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen .

Or this .

WE renew our thankful acknowledgements unto thee , O Lord , for making again this merciful provision for us , who are unworthy of the least of thy favours . Add thy gracious pardon likewise ; and bless the sober use of these thy creatures , to the strengthning of our frail bodies . And endue our souls with the grace of thy holy Spirit , that we may return back unto thee the strength we receive from them in well doing , and it may be as delightful as our meat and drink to do the will of thee our heavenly Father , through Jesus Christ , &c. Amen .

After Meat .

WE return unto thee , O Lord , our hearty thanks for these and all other the like mercies bestowed upon us , ever since we had a being ; especially for the promises thou hast given us of eternal life , by thy Son Christ . Enable us , we beseech thee , to continue so patiently in all good works , that at last we may attain it . And bless thine Vniversal Church , these Realms , the King , the Queen , and all the Royal Family ; and grant us thy grace , mercy , and peace , through Christ Jesus . Amen .

Or this .

BLessed be thy name , O Lord , for our continued health , and food , and raiment , and friends , and all other good things , whereby thou maintainest the comfort of this present life . Above all we thank thee , for thy love in Christ Jesus , and the hope thou hast given us by him , of better things in another world : Vnto which we beseech thee to bring us by hearty obedience to thee all our days . Save thine Vniversal Church , &c.

Or this .

WE thank thee , O Lord , that we are alive , and that we live in health , and peace , and the enjoyments of all good things that are needful for the support of this present life , and for the attainment of a better . Continue them , we pray thee , unto us : and continue in us such a thankful sense of thy love , that we may live unto thee , by whom we live . Save thy Vniversal Church , &c.

THE TABLE . Prayers for Families . ON the Lords day Morning Page . 1. At Night . 11. A shorter form for the Morning 21. Another at Night 27. A Prayer for Afternoon 34. Another 39. On a Communion day Morning 44. At Night 49. On Munday Morning 57. At Night 62. Tuesday Morning 69. At Night 75. Wednesday Morning 81. At Night 87. Thursday Morning 95. At Night . 101. Friday Morning 109. At Night 115. Saturday Morning . 123. At Night 130. A shorter form for any Morning 137. Another 140. A short Prayer for the Evening 143. Another 145. Morning Prayer for a particular person 149. For the Evening 156. A shorter for the Morning 163. For the Evening 166. Prayers in the Church . A Short Prayer before Divine Service begin 171. Another 172. A longer for that purpose 174. Another more large 177. After Divine Service 182. Prayers at home before Morning Service 183. After it is done 186. Before Evening Service 188. After it is done 190. On any Festival in remembrance of our Saviour 192. On Good Friday Morning 199. In the Evening . 206. On any Saints day 215. On ones Birth-day 222. For Resolution in well doing 229. After Relapse into sin 238. A Thanksgiving for hope of Pardon 245. A Prayer for Divine Grace 250. Especially in dangerous temptations 255. For serious consideration 258. Ejaculations on several occasions unto 264 , 272. For Submission to God in case of any loss 273. In trouble of Mind 277. A Prayer to be used by others for such Persons . 283. Another to the same use 289. A Prayer in the beginning of a Sickness 298. A Prayer to be said by others with the sick Person 305. Another at the point of Death 312. A Thanksgiving after Recovery 315. Another to be said by the whole Family 321. A Prayer for a sick Child 327. A Prayer before a Journey 331 In it , or at the end of it 334. In case of any hurt received in it 336. For a friend in a Journey 339. A Thanksgiving after a safe return 342. A Prayer for one going to Sea 347. Thanksgiving when he is arrived or return'd safely 351. For a woman with Child 356. When her Travel is near 358. Another to be said by her Relations for her 361. A Thanksgiving by the Company present after safe Deliverance 364. Another by her self alone 369. A Prayer for good success in extraordinary business 373. For one that intends a single life 377. For one that deliberates about Marriage 386. For one that is entring into it 390. Parents Prayer for their Children 395. A Childs Prayer 399. A shorter 401. An Orphan's Prayer 402. A Widows 403. A Servant 's 406. A Prisoner's for debt 410. A Malefactor's 414. A Souldier's Prayer 419. An Aged persons Prayer 421. A large form of Praise , Thanksgiving and Prayer , when any one would spend a day or part of it in Devotion 425. In twelve Parts . First part 431. Second part 434. Third 440. Fourth 443. Fifth 446. Sixth 449. Seventh 453. Eighth 455. Ninth 457. Tenth 459. Eleventh 463. Twelfth 465. The same Devotion continued after the same form 472. In five Parts . First 473. Second 475. Third 476. Fourth 478. Fifth 480. A Prayer in Lent , or upon any publick Fast . In six Parts . First 482. Second 483. Third 485. Fourth 486. Fifth 489. Sixth 490. A Prayer in time of Plague 492. In time of War . 494. In time of Scarcity 498. A Thanksgiving for any publick or private Mercies 500. Particularly for Health 502. For Peace Ibid. For Plenty 503. A Students Prayer . 508. A Prayer , at any time of the day 510. A shorter to the same purpose 514. Graces before Meat 517. Graces after Meat 519.
Some new Books Printed for Richard Royston . THe Christian Sacrifice , a Treatise shewing the necessity , and manner of Receiving the Holy Communion , together with suitable Prayers and Meditations for every Month in the Year , and the Principal Festivals in memory of our Blessed Saviour : in 12. By the same Author . A Friendly Debate , between a Conformist and a Non-conformist , in 8ᵒ the first and second Part. Toleration disapproved and condemn'd 4º : By William Ashton of Brazen Nose College . War and Peace reconcil'd : Or a Discourse of Constancy in unconstant times : in 8. The End .