Meditations concerning praiers to almighty God, for the safety of England, when the Spaniards were come into the narrow seas, August 1588. As also other meditations concerning thanksgiuing, for deliuering Englande from the cruelty of the Spaniards, and for their meruailous confusion and ouerthrow. / By O.Pygge. ; With a spirituall song of praises by P. Turner Doctor of Physicke..

MEDITATIONS Concerning praiers to Almighty God , for the safety of ENGLAND , when the Spaniards were come into the narrow Seas , August 1588.

As also other meditations concerning thanksgiuing , for deliuering Englande from the cruelty of the Spaniards , and for their meruailous confusion and ouerthrow .

By O. Pygge .

With a spirituall song of praises by P. Turner Doctor of phisicke .

Psalme , 145.18 .

The Lord is neere to all that call vpon him : yea , to all that cal vpon him in truth .

Psalme , 126.2.3 .

Then was our mouth filled with laughter , and our tongue with ioy : then said they among the Heathen , the Lorde hath done great things for them .

The Lord hath done great things for vs , whereof we reioyce .

Printed at London by R. R. for Thomas Man . 1589.

TO THE READER .

MAnie are the waies , by the which our most mercifull God , hath sought to bring vs of England vnto true repentaunce . Who is able to recken vp all the benefites , spirituall and temporall , that we haue receiued at his handes ? As , the light of the Gospell shining in the middest of vs , and the meruailous preseruation of our gratious Prince , to our speciall comfort , notwithstanding the manifold wretched practises of the wicked against her Highnesse person , & the state , which he from time to time hath discouered , and brought many of the principall authors to their deserued confusion . He hath also chastised vs sundrie times , and in diuerse maners threatned vs more plagues , than as yet he hath brought vppon vs . Among other warninges , this ought specially to bee remembred for euer , Jsa. 7.18 . that this last Summer , hissing for the Spaniards , he brought them so far from their owne Country , & so nere vnto our coasts , with resolute minds to haue made hauocke of vs . Jt was not without him , as blaspheming Rabsache spake of his masters forces comming against Hierusalem , Jsa. 36 , 10. no doubt more truely then hee was ware of . True it is , their purpose was not to doe that which the Lorde meant , but rather in the pride of their hearts to haue made manifest breaches of his commaundements , in seeking the suppressing of his truth here professed , and the conquest of a lande , whereunto they can make no iust claime or title . Howbeit , wee ought to looke into the Lordes secrete purpose ouer-ruling all , and carrying men to that which they knowe not , yea , cleane contrarie to that which they purpose , Jsa. 10.6.7 . euen in the selfe same action .

Therefore whatsoeuer they intended , the Lorde in them shooke his rod ouer vs , to draw vs to repentance , that so in deede hee might not strike . He put vs in great feare , that so hee might driue vs to flie to him , where onely comfort is , by earnest praiers . At that time many praied and confessed sinnes : and blessed bee his name , that for his owne honour , hearde the cries of his poore seruants , so bearing witnes , that it is no vain thing , in the time of distresse , to humble our selues before him . How blessed the euent hitherto hath bin , is generally knowen amongnst vs , and the comfort thereof what true English heart is there , that doth not feele and reioyce therein ? Jt remaineth that the daunger then imminent beeing escaped , wee of this Natian doe not onely with our mouthes , continually giue God praises : but that also by the rodde thus shaken ouer vs , and as it were readie to haue bene laid vpon our shoulders , we learn to turne to him , forsaking our euill waies , least not profiting thus , as the Lorde calleth for at our handes , in the ende he bring vpon vs deserued destruction . Against this destruction as it is my part alwaies to praie , & by Gods assistance I hope to praie : so I should haue great cause to be glad , if by any meanes the Lord would vouchsafe to vse me as his instrument , to stirre vp , though neuer so few , to such a serious consideration of these thinges as ought to bee in all . For the which purpose I present vnto thee ( Christian Reader ) this little treatise heere following , containing certaine meditations of praiers and thanksgiuings . Those that be of praiers , I wrote at such time as the Spaniardes were come into the narrow seas , and then there were some copies written to the vse of some friendes . True it is , in the confession of sinnes , vpon some occasion there is some thing altered from that which was then written : but in the rest , J remember little otherwise than was then sette downe , as the copies then giuen forth can beare witnesse . Since our wonderful deliuerance , I wrote the other meditations concerning thankesgiuing , Both ioyned together in some vritten bookes , I haue sithence presented to some of good calling , to whome J was bounden to wishe all good , as well for their profession of the truth , as for speciall kindenesses towarde mee . And to more J had some purpose , that waie to haue made them common . Howbeit beeing read ouer by some learned and godlie men of good iudgement , which thought they might bee profitable if they were put in print : I was content in that behalfe to yeelde vnto their iudgement , and accordinglie doe heere offer them to thy viewe . J hope thou mayest make some vse vnto thy selfe of either of them , if thou reade them with a sanctified minde . For , although the Meditations concerning Praiers maye seeme vnto some to no greate purpose , because that occasion for that time is now remoued . Yet the sinnes of England doe stil remaine , with which no doubt God is highly displeased . These thou maist there see in some sort confessed , as also how by thy selfe , from a feeling heart thou maist confesse both them and thine owne , and humbly craue pardon . Moreouer , the hatred and mallice of the Spaniard and his partakers , is not yet quenched , but rather we may be assured , much more increased , so as they will but wait opportunitie to set vpon vs againe . Besides , other Churches , as those of France and of the lowe Countries , whose case wee ought to tender , haue many deadly enemies , which thirste after bloude . So as still necessarily there is required an imploying of our and their forces , against such common aduersaries . I hope that from those meditations , thou maist haue some help , to further thee with comforte in thy praiers for the one , and against the other . The meditations for thankesgiuing , J trust to euery indifferent reader , will seeme to be of some vse . My purpose is not , to require that either of them bee vsed , as an ordinarie forme of praier or thankesgiuing , but that by reading of them , and exercising thy selfe sometimes in them , thou shouldest helpe thy selfe , towards a serious accomplishment of those dueties , though thou do it more shortly and in other words . Jf for these endes , this my poore trauaile , may any way further thee , I praie thee giue the praise to God , to whome alone it is due , and remember to praie most earnestly for me , and for all the rest , whom it pleaseth him to vse in anie sort for thy comfort . This one thing I desire to haue remembred , that many of the thinges specially mentioned in the praiers , haue bene gratiously performed of the Lord , & accordingly they be acknowledged in the thanksgiuing : to assure vs ( as was said before ) that praiers specially ioined with true fasting , be not in vaine , but to singular purpose . And yet , J desire not to be so mistaken , as if J arrogated any thing to my poore and weake praiers , made by me in my publike ministerie , or priuate exercise . No , I doe vnfainedly from my heart acknowledge mine owne vnworthinesse , to bee hearde crying for my selfe , much more for the Church and this state . J am persuaded , that the things which I then meditated , and which the Lord directed me to write , were also thought vpon , and remembred with more feruencie of spirite and singlenesse of heart , by other the faithfull seruants of God , Preachers and professours , of our owne Nation , and of other Countries . They stoode vp in the gap , they cried to the Lorde , Exo. 17.11 . they helde vp their handes , and England hath preuailed . They in deede were chariots , horsemen , and forces by sea and land , as to that purpose Elisha spake of Elias , & Ioash of him . 2. Reg. 2.12 . & 13.14 . Their praiers made in the bitter mourning of their soules , for their owne and our sinnes , did the Lorde heare , blessing the worthy seruice of our valiant Countrimen imploide in those affaires , and without meanes , doing wonderfully for vs : not for any worthinesse in themselues , or in their praiers , but for the worthinesse of Christ Iesus , and for the honor of his owne name .

Jt doth remaine that thou thy selfe bee carefull , wiselie to applie the fearefull warning of the Lord , in the enemies comming against vs , and his vnspeakable mercie in our wonderfull deliueraunce , to stirre thee vp to vnfained conscience of pleasing him , in thy selfe , and such as be of thy speciall charge . As also to praie , that whatsoeuer is amisse in the land , and so displeaseth our most mercifull God , may bee amended . Whatsoeuer thou art , I exhort thee earnestlie to call vpon the Lorde , that the controuersies risen vp amongst our selues , may christianlie and brotherlie bee compounded . That so the peace of our worthie Church beeing procured : we may all , whether we be Preachers or professours , proceede one waie according to the truth , to bestowe whatsoeuer gift wee haue , to the rooting out of all sinne , and to the establishment of the kingdome of Christ Iesus , in the hearts of all those , that bee vnder any of our charges . Specially , because the haruest is great , Math. 9. and the labourers in comparison bee but few , praie the Lorde of the haruest , that such men whome he hath sanctified in life & learning , so as it were , separating them , Gal. 1.15 . from their mothers wombes , to the worke of the ministerie , may bee thrust out into his haruest , and continue in the same with much comfort to doe their dutie . As also that such as bee altogether vnfit for so great a burthen , may haue nothing to doe in the most holie ministerie of the Lord . Those whome these causes doe anie waie concerne , most humblie and with all reuerence , vppon the knees of heart , euen in the bowels of Christ Jesus I doe intreate , to shewe their zeale to his honour , which shed his most precious bloud for their sins , and their compassion vpon their dere brethren & Countrie men his members , in many places of the Realme yet wallowing in ignorance , & other sins , in doing what they can , that all the people of the land may be instructed in the euerlasting truth of God , that so they may walke in the obedience of his blessed maiestie , and in all dutie to our gratious Prince , and all such as vnder her gouerne the state . If these causes of so great importance be not loked vnto as they ought , but that iniquitie be still suffered to grow and to abounde , notwithstanding all that which the Lord hath said to vs from his worde , and wonderfullie done for vs ; I will wish to weepe in secrete , and that mine eies may drop downe teares , for what els may we looke for , but the captiuitie of the Lordes flocke . And thus doe I commend thee ( Christian Reader , ) to the Lorde , and my selfe to bee remembred of thee , in thy most earnest praiers . March . 7. 1588. the meruailous yeere , in respect of the Lorde his wonderfull deliuerance of vs , and the confusion brought vpon our enemies , and the enemies of his Church , he make vs alwaies thankfull , Amen .

Oliuer Pygge .

Meditations concerning Praiers to almightie God , for the safetie of England , when the Spaniards were come into the narrow Seas , August . 1588.

O Lord God almightie , terrible , and fearefull God , thou Lorde of Hostes , iudge of the worlde , which hatest sinne , and visitest the transgressions of the Fathers vpon the children , to the thirde and fourth generation of them that hate thée ; Wée most miserable sinners doe in most humble manner throwe our selues downe before thy maiestie : acknowledging that wee are not worthy of the least of thy mercies , no , not so much as to goe vpon the ground , or to looke vp vnto heauen : much more vnworthy are wée to haue this fauour , to call vpon thy name , with anie hope to be heard , and to find fauour in thine eies , for the obtaining of our requests , for our selues , and the rest of thy people , for whom wee are bounde to pray . Psa. 50.15 Yet , because it is thy commaundement , that we should call vpon thée in our troubles , Psa. 145.18 and further thou hast promised to bee néere those that call vppon thée in truth : In some measure of conscience to obey thy commaundement , and trusting vnto thy great mercie , we do humble our selues before thée . Praying thée , that wée may not be of the number of them , whose praiers bee abhominable in thy sight ( according as it is with them that regarde wickednes in their harts , and turne their eares from thy law : Psa. 66.18 . ) but that we may so pray vnto thée in sorrow for our sins past , Pro. 28.9 . in vnfained desire to please thée for the time to come , in a true persuasion of thy fauour to vs in Christ , and in such a loue of thy Church , that our seruice may be allowed of thée , and our selues & all they for whom we are to make sute , may receiue much comfort , of our performing this dutie , euen to the honour of thy name .

And because it is our sinnes onely , Jsa. 59.2 . that make separation betwéene thée and vs , kéeping away the good blessinges , which thou else wouldest giue , and pulling vpon vs the plagues , which thou art not easily drawne to powre vpon thy children ; We doe first of all in most humble maner confesse , that as we were conceiued in sinne and brought forth in iniquity : so we haue besides , yéelded most cursed fruits of that our corrupt nature in rebellion against thée , and breaking thy commandements , in our thoughts , words , and déedes , in doing euil , and leauing good things vndone , and doing good things very weakely and imperfectlie . And that not onely in the daies of our youth , and in the time of our ignoraunce , but also since wee came to more yeeres , and haue béene instructed in the knowledge of thy blessed will . O wée haue sinned , wée haue sinned hainously , in neglecting thy seruice , and our duety to our brethren in our callinges . Wée haue sinned openlie and secretelie , alone and in companie , yea , oftentimes wilfullie and against our consciences , when wée knew thy commandement was , that wée should haue done otherwise .

Yea , wee doe not onely thus confesse our owne sinnes , but also after the example of thy worthy seruants , Dan , 9 . 1● . Nehe. 1.6 & 9.34 . Daniel & Nehemiah , we confesse the sins of our whole land , acknowledging , that we , our forefathers , our princes , our gouernours , our whole Ecclesiasticall state , & all the people of the Realme , haue fearefully sinned against thee . If wee were guilty of no other sins before thy maiestie , the idolatry & bloudshed in the former times , yet not reuenged , nor repented of as they ought , were sufficient to bring vtter desolation vpon a lande , wherein such abhominations were committed , as thy seruant Ieremie in his time , Jere. 15.4 . threatened the Iewes for the sinnes of Manasse . But ( O Lorde ) what haue béen the iniquities committed since our deliuerance from that yoke , and thy bestowing vppon vs the light of thy Gospel ? O , haue we not all from the highest to the lowest damnably sinned against thée ? yes verily . If we would denie it , our iniquities would testifie against vs . For , which of thy commandementes haue wée not broken ? If we looke to those foure of the first table , which teach vs our duetie towards thée , or those six of the second table , which teach vs howe to walke in our callinges towardes men : O wee shall be found meruailously faulty before thy maiestie . And that , not only some of the people , but euen euery sort , state , and condition : not in some part of the lande alone , but euery where , in euery quarter and corner , yea , in euery house and familie . For ( O Lorde ) wée haue loued the vaine things of the worlde , more than thée and thy word : we haue béene more loth to displease men than thy maiestie : wee haue made flesh our arme , putting our trust in man , and withdrawen our heartes from thée . Jere. 17.5 . Howe seldome and colde haue our praiers bin ? And how sparing our thanks to thée for the innumerable benefites bestowed vpon vs and our nation ? What idolatry hath bin committed heere by Papists in corners , and by strangers of other countries ? There hath wanted care to amend thinges throughly , according to the rule of thy word . Thy name hath infinitly bin blasphemed : for where almost can we come , in the house or in the stréete , but wee shall heare this most shamefully , by the greater , and by the meaner , by the elder and by the yonger sort , which take thy glorious name in vaine , speaking of thée rashly and vnreuerently , yea , swearing without cause , forswearing , cursing , and such like . O thy Sabothes , there is scarce one among manie , which maketh conscience according to thy law , to dedicate them wholie vnto thy seruice publikelie & priuatelie , but as if they were anie other daies , so they bee bestowed : yea , manie thinke it lawfull to follow a riotous and prophane course then , which vppon other daies they woulde thinke vnfit for them . And how fearefull examples hereof , haue we had from the great places and personages of the lande ? The superiours in the common wealth , in the Church , and in the house , haue not done their duetie to their inferiours . The inferiours likewise haue béene meruailous vndutifull to their Prince , and the rest which thou in thy wisedome diddest set ouer them . The lande hath abounded with murthers , slaughters , quarrels , fightinges and contentions , with incests , adulteries , whordomes , dronkennes , excessiue pride in apparrell : filthie stage plaies haue béene suffered euen in our chiefest citie , and vppon the Saboths . Thefts be common , oppressions , deceits , vsuries , lying , false witnes bearing , and such like . O we are not able to recken vp the innumerable sins , of the which we and the whole land may iustlie be indited and araigned before thy maiestie . They which haue béene in place to punish sin , and to maintaine well dooing , haue dealt too too fauorably with sinners , on the other side not cherishing the godly as was their dutie . The ministers which should boldly haue reproued these corruptions in all sorts and states , haue for the most part béene vnable to doe this , & many of them corrupt in their conuersation , they haue winked at disorders , daubing with vntempered morter , Ezec. 21.28 that will not hold , as if nothing had béen amisse , and no danger toward , when as iniquitie mightily preuailed amongst vs , and thou in thy high displeasure didst threaten war. Iust is the complaint of thy seruant Ieremy in his time against such Ministers . Lame . 2.14 . They haue looked out vaine and foolish thinges for vs , they haue not discouered our iniquities , to turne away our captiuity , but haue lookt out for vs false prophesies and causes of banishment . True it is , we haue had some desirous to doe their dutie , who also accordingly haue laboured , but euen diuerse of them haue béene euill intreated , by wicked and vngodly men , which could not abide to heare their faultes reproued . Whereas in the mean time , they haue liked well of such , which séeking themselues onely and their owne ease , haue béene vnable to instruct them in thy waies , by occasion whereof , many of the people of the lande haue béene kept in ignorance of thy maiestie , and suffred to goe on in their other sins .

And although thou ( O Lord our God ) in tender care of vs , hast warned vs of these great sinnes , by our Preachers in their Sermons , and some of their bookes , which haue béene grauelie and dutifullie written : yea , although thou hast sought to moue our hard harts by thy benefites , so as we haue inioyd thy gospel , outward peace and plentie , when as the Nations about vs haue bene meruailously distressed , euen as vntil this time their wounds bée bléeding newe , and remaine vncured . And further , we haue had many wonderfull deliueraunces of our Prince , to our great comfort : and moreouer thou hast threatned vs by insurrection in our owne lande , by vnseasonable times of too much drought , or too much raine , by destroying some fruites of the earth , by scarsitie , by the pestilence , by signes in heauen , and by a fearefull earthquake , not many yeeres past : yet haue not we of this nation profited by anie of these , to bewaile our sins , & to turne vnto thée , as it did become vs . But haue despised thy Prophets , which spake to vs in thy name , and haue still gone away from thee , multiplying our transgressions against thy maiestie . So as now most iustly there belongeth to vs , to our Princes , gouernors , teachers , and to all the people of the land , Dan. 9.7 : 8. nothing but shame and confusion of face , yea , vtter destruction of our Nation and state : wherof , when wée looke into our great sinnes , wée may feare , that thou hast prepared the Spaniard , and such as take his parte , to be thy executioners . Wherein also wée doe confesse , that thou shalt be most iust , if thou giue vs and our kingdome ouer into their hands .

Notwithstanding , because thou art a God ful of mercie and infinite in compassion , Ezec. 18.23 . and hast alwaies shewed thy selfe so to bée , not delighting in the destruction of sinners , but rather desiring their repentance , that they might liue and inioy thy fauour . Jere. 18.7.8 Who hast said by thy seruant Ieremie , that when thou speakest against a nation , threatning to root it vp , and to destroie it , yet thou wilt spare it , if they turne from their wickednesse , according as wée sée it in the example of the Niniuites . Jonah . Trusting vnto these , and such other promises in thy worde , that we doe iudge our selues and our nation woorthie of all misery , do notwithstanding pray thée , for our Lorde Iesus Christ his sake , to haue mercie vpon vs , to forgiue vs & our land , all the sins , whereof we be guiltie before thée . O pursue vs not with thy iudgements , as wee haue giuen thée cause , for then we must néedes perish eternally . Among other plagues , from the which we praie thée to bée deliuered , preserue vs we beséech thée from the handes of the Spaniards & other idolaters , which haue conspired against our nation , to root out thy religion from hence , to place Papistry again , and to dispossesse vs of that parte of the earth , which it séemed good vnto thée to allowe vs to dwell in , & where also through thy goodnes , we and our forefathers haue inhabited now many yeres . We confesse , that for our vnwoorthie walking of thy Gospell , and ill behauing of our selues in this pleasant lande , it may iustly spue vs out , and thou maiest suffer the enemies to preuaile . But remember ( O Lord ) that these men be not behind vs in sinnes ( for they be a most wicked generation ) neither is it our sinnes that they do so much looke vnto in comming against vs , as thy religion among vs professed , and our renouncing the man of sinne , the Bishop of Rome thine enemie , & the enemie of thy Christ . So as now whatsoeuer we be that do defend it , or howsoeuer we do defend it , the cause is thine owne , therfore looke vnto it we desire thée for the glorie of thy name , and for Iesus Christs sake . O why should such wicked men as these blaspheme thy name , Psal. 79.10 . saying , where is their God , and the religion they haue so long professed ? As though the religion were not good , which we haue receiued from thy word , or as if thou wouldest not defende those that professe the same . O remember thy auncient mercies shewed to this Nation manie yéeres , breake not off till thou hast finished them , by giuing yet further helps to thy Church and religion here , for the better subduing of all the people vnder thy gouernment . Deliuer vs ( O Lorde ) wee pray thée at this time . Trie vs yet once more , that our magistrats and ministers may in their callinges reforme whatsoeuer is amisse , and indeuour to bring the whole lande into better order , that thou maiest delight to fauor vs for euer . That these thy blessings may bee obtained , O driue away from our hearts the meruailous securitie wherin we haue slept these many yéeres , imagining that our waies did please thée , and that no plague should come néere vnto vs , when we liued verie sinfully in all sorts and states , and so prouoked thée to displeasure . Grant that by these thy fearefull warnings , we may at length be moued to confesse our sinnes , to lament them , to humble our selues before thée in fasting and praier , to turne from our wicked waies , to enter into a newe course , and to make a sure couenant , for euer hereafter in our callinges to doe our dueties better , that thou maiest spare vs , and staie thy hande from our destruction . And howsoeuer we haue meanes for our defence by sea and lande , Psa. 20.7 . yet kéepe vs wée pray thée , from trusting in them : though others put their trust in their horses , Psal. 6.4 . 1. Sam. 17 45. in their ships and multitude of men . O shew the light of thy countenance vpon vs , and graunt that in thy name onely , trusting to thy mercie , & in thy strength , we may come forth against these our aduersaries . And as for them that thus boile in malice against thy religion , and vs thy most vnworthie seruants : O turne their hearts if they belong to thée , open their eies to sée thy trueth , that they may with vs depart from that Antichrist of Roome , loue thy Gospell , our nation , and all the professors of thy truth . Or else ( Lord ) as thou hast begun ( for the which we do in most humble manner giue thanks vnto thée ) so we pray thée to goe forward , to curse them in all their actions by sea and by lande . Let their table be a snare before them , Psal 69.22 23 & their prosperitie their ruine . Let their eies be blinded that they may not sée , and make their loines alway to tremble . Strike them with such feare , that the sound of a leafe shaken may make them to quake , & that as wicked men they may flie , Leuit. 26.36 when no man pursueth them . Pro. 28.1 . Scatter their counsels , ouerthrowe their forces , turne their owne swords one against another , and so prouide by thy mightie power , that the things which they haue prepared for our destruction , may be vsed in thy iustice , for the execution of thy long deserued wrath vpon themselues . And so bring them to naught , that they may not anie longer trouble vs and other of thy Churches , as a long time they haue done , & euen nowe doe . Psal. 79.10 . O let the bloud of thy Saints , which they haue cruelly shed , come before thée , to pull vengeance vppon them . Heare the cries of the women whom they haue made widowes , and of the children whom they haue made fatherlesse . Hearken to the pittifull complaintes of such as they kéepe in prison for thy truth , and deliuer such as they haue appointed to death . Let them bee vppon the seas , Exo. 14. as was Pharao and his companie pursuing thy Israell : let them bee vpon the lande , Jud. cap. 4.7.8 . as Sisera and Iabin , as the Madianites , Oreb , Zeb , Zebah , and Zalmana , the enemies of thy people , whom thou destroyedst in the time of the Iudges . O make them like a whéele , Psal. 83.13 and as the stubble before the wind , as the fire burneth the forrests , so persecute them with thy tempests , and make them afraid with thy stormes . Fill their faces with shame , that they may séeke thée ( O Lord. ) Let them be confounded and troubled for euer . Fight against them from heauen , Jud. 5.20 . and render into their bosome seuenfolde , al the reproches and iniuries , which they haue done to thy Church , that they may knowe that thou art God , and that it is thy truth , which we haue learned from thy worde , though we haue walked most vnworthy of the same .

Concerning our selues , we doe first of all praie thée for our soueraigne Prince , that notwithstanding all the trecheries of the aduersaries , shée may stil be preserued , to finish hir course in thy feare and in peace , euen to the saluation of hir soule . We beséech thee so direct her , and such as vnder her highnes gouerne the state , that in these euill and most dangerous times , they may sée what is for thine honour and our common saftie , accordingly to aduise , command , and take order . Giue conscience to our Ministers now to stand in the gap , Ezek. 22.30 Ioel. 2.17 . earnestly to cry vnto thée to spare this thy people , and stir them vp , with all feruencie to call vs vnto repentance . Giue all the subiects in the land grace , to carry themselues dutifully and loyallie to her Maiestie , & the state , to be readie to do seruice in their persons , and by whatsoeuer els they haue , that so they may be helping against the common aduersaries . And as for our countrimen , or any other that are now imploied , or hereafter to be imploied in these seruices by sea or by land for our defence : O Lord so passe by their sinnes , that they may not hinder thy worke , in these causes of so much importance . O so guide them with thy spirite , that repenting of their sinnes , and being throughlie perswaded of thy fauour for a better life , they may chéerfullie fight thy battailes , without fearing the faces of the enemies , Be thou vnto them a piller of a cloude by day and a piller of fire by night , Exo. 13.21 22. as thou wert to the Israelites in their comming from Egypt . Graunt that each of them may knowe their seuerall places , in the same to carry themselues faithfully without enuy , or murmuring . O Lord be with them , and so goe foorth with our armies , that one of our fighting men may chase a thousand of theirs , Deut. 31 . 3● and two may put ten thousand to flight . Giue them such good successe by sea and by land , that we may haue new occasions to praise thy name , and to feare thée more than we haue done . Yea , that many other nations hearing of it , may thereupon be mooued to séeke after thy trueth . We knowe , it is all one with thée , to saue with many , or with no power . 2. Cro. 14.1 . There were but thrée hundred of Israel with Gideon , against the huge army of the Madianites . Asa the King of Iudah , Judg. 7.6 . did ouercome the host of the Aethiopians , being ten hundred thousand , 2. Cro. 1.4 when as himselfe had not sixe hundred thousand . Yea , thou without any man , diddest in one night destroie the mightie armie of the Assirians in the daies of Ezekiah . Isa. 37.36 . We knowe that thine arme is not shortened , but that thou art nowe also able to helpe vs in like manner , if we had no meanes at all for our defence . And although the forces of our aduersaries bee come something néere vnto vs , yet as thou diddest drowne Pharao and the Egyptians , when they were not farre off from thy people Israell , Exod. 14. and ouerthrowedst the Aethiopians and Assirians , 2. Cro. 14.9 . & 32.1 . beeing with their armies entered into the land of Canaan : so do we assure our selues , that thou art still able to preserue vs , and to deliuer these our aduersaries into our hands , although their powers were more than they are , and néerer vnto vs than yet they be . Psal. 79.8 . Help vs therefore we pray thée ( O God of our saluation : ) remember not against vs , nor against our nation the former iniquities , but make hast , and let thy tender mercies preuent vs . Suffer not thine enemies to raile vpon thy truth and thy children anie longer . Let it appeare that thou onelie art God , and that the Idols whome they haue serued , bee vnable to helpe them . Giue not ouer thy faithfull seruauntes of this nation , and of other Countries fledde hither for thy truthes sake , into the handes of these miserable men , Psa. 79.2.3 to spill their bloud in the stréets like water , to giue their bodies to the beastes of the field , and their flesh to the foules of heauen . Thou that promisest to spare Sodome , Gen. 18. if there might haue béene tenne righteous found there , spare this Nation we pray thée , where there be manie times ten , that vnfainedlie desire to serue thée . Thou that pitiedst Niniuie hauing in it sixe score thousand young children , Jonah . 4. pittie wee beséeche thée this populous Nation , and giue it not ouer to bee laide wast and desolate . O let not the Churches , where thy faithfull seruauntes haue assembled to worshippe thée , by praier , fasting , preaching , and the vse of thy Sacramentes , bee turned into cages of vncleane beastes , and synagogues of Sathan , to haue the masse and other damnable Idolatries in them againe . For the glorie of thy name , turne these great euils farre from vs , although we be most worthie to tast of them all . If thou wilt not be intreated to spare this sinful nation , which hath so much abused thy patience , and so often and manie waies prouoked thée to wrath : O correct vs yet thy selfe , by some other of thy rods , that we may be brought vnto repentance , but leaue vs not as a praie to these merciles & bloody men . Whatsoeuer shal fall out , grant ( we beséech thée ) that we may take al thy chastisments paciently , acknowledge thy iustice therein , and neuer depart from thy trueth , but that wee may holde on in the profession of the same euen to the ende notwithstanding all the tormentes wée may be brought vnto . Comforting our selues alwaies , with the féeling of thy loue in Christ , & with looking for his blessed comming to iudgement , Phil. 3.21 . when he shall change our vile bodies , and make them like his owne glorious body , by his mightie power , whereby he is able to doe all things . O Lord heare vs thus calling vpon thée , and for euerie other grace , for thy Church in the world , for this land , for all sortes and states in the same , and for all other for whome we ought to praie . Receiue also ( we beseech thée ) our most humble thanks for all thy former benefites vppon our selues , and vpon this nation , for thy Gospell , the safetie and preseruation of our Quéene hetherto , the discouerie and ouerthrow of treasons , and the doers of them , thy patience to our realm , our peace thus long , and plentie of outward blessings , as also for the good successe against our enemies giuen vnto vs , by sea or by land , of late or before times . O wée doe most humblie praise thy holie name , praieng thée to goe forward to doe vs good stil , and so we cal vpon thée as we are taught .

Our Father which art in , &c.

MEDITATIONS concerning thanksgiuing to Almighty God , for deliuering England from the crueltie of the Spaniards , and for their meruailous confusion and ouerthrow . 1588.

Psal. 50.15 O Lorde most mercifull father , thou dooest commaunde vs to call vppon thée in the time of our trouble , thou promisest to heare and to deliuer vs , requiring that we should then glorifie thée , and offer thée sacrifice of praise . How true thou art in this thy promise , as wée haue manie examples in the Scriptures , so we of this land ought to know it in our owne experience . For wee were in great trouble and not without feare , when the Spaniards , a bloudie and cruell nation , in their rage came forth against vs , with a purpose so to roote vs out , that wee should no more be a people . And indéede there was iust cause , why we should haue béen much astonied . For , if we looke to our sins , and the abhominations of our whole nation , what coulde wee else in thy iustice haue looked for , Hos. 9.7 . but that the daie of visitaon , and the time of recompence was come , wherein thy purpose was , to haue done execution vpon vs for our transgressions ? And , if we looke vpon our enemies , they were manie in number , and their forces great both by sea and lande , so as they thought themselues , as it were sure of the victorie , as if they had béene able to haue swallowed vs vp quick , and to haue runne ouer vs , as the proude and swelling waters ouerflow the valleies of the fielde . In that our perplexitie , we did now and then sigh vnto thée for helpe , we powred forth praiers , though in great weakenesse . Thy faithfull seruaunts in the ministerie , were more earnest with thée in our behalfe , humbling themselues in fasting , and calling the people thereunto , euen as it became them in a matter of so great waight . So as the cries of them were manie , which sued vnto thy maiestie to spare this Nation , and not to giue ouer this part of thine inheritance , into the handes of the wicked . And now hast thou most graciously fulfilled thy promise . For whatsoeuer want was in our praiers , yet hast thou heard vs in that for which we cried . For , notwithstanding the enimie approched verie néere , so as we might haue looked for an attempt of landing in our coast : yet so miraculously and in diuerse sorts , diddest thou set thy selfe against them , blessing our meanes , & without meanes pursuing them with thine owne hand , that their snare is broken , & wée be escaped , Psal. 124 euen as the bird out of the grin of the fouler . The sword , the sea , & famine , haue deuoured a great parte of them , others he returned with such dishonor , as became them that would not learne to honor thée . Manie of their fathers haue thus lost their children , many children are made fatherles , & manie of their wiues are become widowes . Thou hast in thy iustice rendred into their bosome , a iust reward of their cruelty in other cuntries , and hast serued them , as they meant to do to vs thy people . And now ( O Lord ) was this for our worthines , or because wée had deserued any such thing at thy hands ? No verily , for we be a most sinful people , al sorts & states had corrupted their waies , & hainously trespassed . But for their vnworthines didst thou deny them the conquest ouer vs , & for their innumerable abhominations , hast thou brought vpon them this deserued destruction . For the glorie of thine own name , mainteining thine own cause , in defending such as professed thy true religion , although in that behalfe we are far short of that we ought to be . Whatsoeuer we be , thou hast performed thy promise , hearing vs in our feare , & doing more for vs , than we could almost haue hoped for . And now it remaineth , that according to thy commandement we yéeld vnto thy Maiesty , the dutie of continual thanks & obedience , which thou callest for at the hands of such , whom thou deliuerest so wonderfully as we haue bin deliuered , O that we could therfore confes before thée , this thy louing kindnes , & speake of al these thy wonderful works before the sons of men , as it doeth become vs . The least benefite that we receiue from thée , deserueth infinite thanks from vs . For , what are wée of England , that thou shouldest consider vs , or who were our forefathers , that thou shouldest regard vs ? Surely we are excéedingly sinfull , Gen. 32.10 . and descended from such as had highlie prouoked thy displeasure . We are not worthie of the least of thy mercies , yea , it is thy mercie that long ago we were not vtterlie confounded . Lame . 3.22 . O then such rare and singular mercies as this , wherein miraculouslie thou hast shewed thy self for our safetie , and for the confusion of our aduersaries , how much should they moue vs to magnify thy name , and to sound forth continuallie thy euerlasting praises , which hast vouchsafed such fauour to those that be so vnworthie ? For the greater the vnworthinesse of the Nation is , whereunto thou hast done this great good , the more worthie art thou to be praised for euer . If such a benefite as this had béene bestowed vpon the Churches of France , Geneua , Germanie , or of the low Countries , great had béene our sinne , if wee had not offered to thée a bountifull sacrifice of the calues of our lippes , Hos , 14.2 for such a mercie shewed vnto them . For as their miseries ought to bée to vs as our owne , and therefore wée shoulde wéepe with them when they Rom. 12.15 . wéepe . So their deliuerance shoulde haue béene , as if we our selues had béene deliuered , in respect whereof , wee ouhht to haue reioiced with them in their ioy . The heauenlie spirites are carried with such a zeale to thine honour , Apoc. 19.1.2.3 . and inflamed with such loue to that part of thy Church which is héere vpon the earth , that with a loud voice , they sing praises to thée , for iudging the whoore of Roome , and reuenging the bloud of thy Saintes , although shée coulde not haue hurt them , or in anie sort haue diminished their glorie . Howe much more therefore by their example , are wée bounde to praise thée , because in this our deliueraunce , and confusion of our enemies , thou hast not onelie shewed thy power , mercie , and iustice , so getting thy selfe a glorious name , in defending the vnworthie professours of thy truth , and the straungers here banished for the same ? But also by this meanes wée our selues be preserued from great miseries . and all the faithfull subiectes of the lande inioie their soueraigne Prince , to their singular comforte , and vnder hir gratious gouernement , we haue the vse of the publike exercises of thy word and Sacraments , things that shuld be vnto vs more déere than our owne liues : Moreouer , we may each of vs sit peaceablie vnder our owne vines and figge trées , inioieng our wiues , our children , our friends , our libertie , & many other blessinges yéelded to vs , in this most fruitfull and pleasant lande : If we do compare these benefites , with the desolation brought vpon our enemies , and with the calamities that wee shoulde haue tasted of in our soules and bodies , if they had preuailed : ( according as wee haue examples of their beastlie crueltie in the Indians , and others whome trecherouslie they haue brought into their bondage . ) O then our hearts must néeds be more hard than flint , and wee our selues altogether without féeling , except the consideration of these things , fill our spirites with ioy , our mouths with laughter , and stirre vs vp to sing new songs of praises vnto thée .

Exo. 15. Moses , Miriam , and the children of Israel hauing passed through the red sea , and séene the destruction of their enimies , presentlie doe acknowledge thy mercie , and sing to the honor of thy name .

Deborah and Barach doe the like , Iudg. 5 the selfe same day that thou gauest thy people that notable victorie ouer Sisera .

Iehoshaphat séeing the confusion , 2. Cro. 20.26 which thou broughtest vpon the Moabites , the Ammonites , & them of mount Seir , whom before he feared , after that hee & his companie had pursued them & the spoile three daies , the fourth daie they giue thankes , with such feruencie and zeale , that the place it selfe hath a name of their blessing God there , as it may appeare by the historie .

Hester , Mordecay , & other of the Iewes , in token of thankfulnesse and ioy , Heb. 9. kéepe a feast the next day , after the kings decrée was frustrated , which Haman had procured for their destruction . Yea , they take order to haue that their deliuerance solemnlie remembred euerie yéere .

Did their deliuerance from mighty and cruel enimies prouoke them to this ? Did the escaping of present daungers , drawe from them these praises of thy name ? Did the ouerthrow of such as rose vp against them , moue them thus to honour thée ? O then wee haue cause to doe the like . Our enemies which thus thought in their hearts : Wee will pursue , wee will diuide the spoile , our lust shall be satisfied vppon them , we will draw out our swordes , our hands shall destroie them ( according as it is recorded that Pharao spake in his pride : Exo. 15.9 . ) euen these with him are sunke in the déepe seas like lead . Iudg. 4.21 . Iael a woman hath striken a naile into Siseraes head , Iudg. 5.28.29 . euen then when his mother and hir wise Ladies persuaded themselues that he had gotten the victorie , and was diuiding the spoiles . The subiects of thy seruant Elizabeth , ( a woman ) by thy good blessing , haue striken a terror into the harts of the mightie , yea , partlie by their meanes , as thine instruments , & partlie by thine own immediate power ( the stars in their course , & the seas in their order fighting against them ) they haue then fearefully perished , Iudg. 5.20 . when there was not onlie an assured persuasion in themselues , not to be ouercome ( as may appeare , in that they called their Nauie inuincible ) but also a certaine expectation of the victorie , yea , reportes giuen & written , as if they had preuailed .

Thou turnedst the swordes of such as came foorth on their side as they thought , Jn one of their gallies . against themselues : The ship fired by one of their Gonners . And the fire which was kindled , to send their shotte against vs , was a mean of deliuering one of their ships , and some of their company into our hands : euen as thou armedst Moab , 2. Cro. 20.22 23. Ammon , and them of mount Seir one against another in Iehoshaphats time .

The cursed agréement so many yéeres agoe at the councell of Trent , for rooting out the professors of thy trueth , ( whereof this attempt of the Spaniardes may séeme to be intended as an execution in respect of vs ) is now turned to the destruction of these that fauoured it : so as we may not vnfitly say , that Haman and his be hanged vpon the gallows , which he caused to be set vp for Mordecay the Iew . That is , thou hast rewarded these proud men , that which they thought to haue done to others . Thou onely indéede we must say . For notwithstanding , thou wentest forth with our ships , prospering them so long as they incountred , wherein sensiblie it appeared to bee thy worke , in the great losses of the aduersaries both of men and Shippes , and so little of ours , as it may worthily be reckoned among thy merueilous workes : yet séeing so great wrackes followed them , when we had left them , how els can we thinke it but thine owne hand ? Therefore , not withstanding wée haue much cause to reioice in the wise care , foresight , & prouision of our Prince , the honourable counsell and the state : as also in the faithfulnes of our countrimen , so willingly & couragiously offring themselues , to spend their goods , and to hazard their liues by sea and land in this case : Jude . 5.2 . so as we curse such , euen by the sentence of thine owne Angell , which were not willing to helpe , Chap. 5.23 . as it is in the Iudges : Yet ( O Lord our God ) forasmuch as the one were giftes of thine , giuen to such as gouerne vs , and the other were but thy instruments to worke by : To thee , yea to thee alone , O Father , Sonne , and holie spirit , three persons and one God , do we ascribe all the glorie , honour , praise , and thankes for euer . For thou onelie hast done this , Exod. 15.2 . thou indeede hast shewed thy selfe to be a man of war , that saluation is from thee , and that there is no trust in horses and chariots . Pro. 21.31 . For , the horse and the rider hast thou ouerthrowen , the Spaniards ships hast thou cast into the seas , Exo. 15.21 . his chosen captaines also bee drowned in the sea , the depthes haue couered them , Exo. 15.6.7 . they bée sunke to the bottome as a stone . Thy right hand ( O Lord ) is glorious in power , thy right hand ( O Lord ) hath brused the enimie . And in thy great glorie , thou hast ouerthrowne them , that rose vp against thée , thou sentest foorth thy wrath , which consumed them as stubble . Who can expresse these thy noble actes ? who can shew foorth all thy praise ? Psal. 106. ● 2. If we had the tongs of al men and Angels , we could not sufficiently doe it : such praises as by thy grace we be able to offer , we pray thee in Christ to accept . O our soules praise ye the Lord , & whatsoeuer is within vs praise yee his holie name , & sée that ye neuer forget this his benefit , praise the Lord ye his angels , Psal. 103.12 . that excel in strength , that doe his commandement , in obeieng the voice of his word . Praise the Lord all ye his hostes , Psal. 103.20.22.23 yée his seruants that doe his pleasure , praise the Lord all ye his works in all places of his dominion .

Yea , we beséech thée , that not onely we , but the whole land also may giue thy maiestie the whole glory of this , so as it may neuer come into any of our mindes , to thinke that by our worthinesse , or by our own strength this is come to passe . Grant that it be not onelie once euerie yéere , publikely and sollemnlie remembred , after the worthie example , of that which was appointed to be done of the Iewes , for their deliuerance from the crueltie of Haman : Hest. 9. But that also daylie and continuallie , wee may stirre vp our selues to thankfulnesse , and to speake of it to our children , and they to their childrens children , that so the memory of this thy glorious fact , may be continued from generation to generation euen for euer . But aboue all thinges be herein mercifull vnto vs , that this marueilous benefite powred vpon this nation , added to the rest of thy woonderful mercies towards vs , may bée an occasion to lead all sorts and states to true repentance , and to a through reformation of whatsoeuer is amisse : least if we hold on in our euils , thou make a chaunge , and giue our enimies cause to reioyce ouer vs , as we do now ouer them . For , notwithstanding they bee marueilouslie weakened , yet such is thy power , that thou art able to arme wounded and famished men to our destruction , Iere. 37.10 if wee continue to sinne against thee , as thou didst threaten the Iewes with the Chaldeans in Ieremies time . We were deliuered that we should sinne no more , Iohn . 5.14 . as our Lord Iesus saide to the man whom hee had made whole . Our faithfull ministers , when they were most earnest in suing for vs with fasting and praiers , was it vpon any other condition , but that being spared longer , wee should yéelde better fruits , according as the dresser of the vinyard intreateth for the figtrée , Luk. 13.7.8 . which the owner commanded to cut vp ? Now if spéedilie euen this present yéere this bee not done by vs , who shall hereafter intreat any more , or what is he that crieng for vs is like to be heard ? Nay , wee may feare that thou wilt say to our most faithfull prophets , Iere. 7.16 . as sometime thou saidest to Ieremie : Praie no more for this people , neither lift vp crie or praier for them , neither intreat me , for I will not heare thée . Or as in another place thou sayedst : Though Moses & Samuel stood before me , yet mine affection could not bee toward this people . Cast them out of my sight , Iere. 15.1 . & let them depart , such as are appointed to death to death , and such as are for the sword to the sword , and such as are for the famine to the famine , & such as are for captiuitie to captiuity . And I wil appoint ouer them foure kinds , saith the Lord : the sword to slay , the dogs to teare in peeces , the foules of the heauen , and the beasts of the earth to deuoure and destroy . Or as it is in Ezekiel : Ezek. 14.24 though these thrée men , Noah , Daniel , & Iob , were among them , they shold deliuer but their own soules . For although by thy singular goodnes we haue gotten this victorie , yet are we not past al danger , as if carelesly we might doe what we list . Nay we sée , that Asa the king of Iudah triumphing most gloriously , ouer the ten hundred thousand Ethiopians that came foorth against him , is notwithstanding met with by the Prophete Azariah , and by him certified from the Lord , that he might no otherwise looke for the continuance of his fauor , to himselfe , & to his people , but as they should continue to do their duetie , and therfore saith vnto them after this maner . 2. Cr● . 15.2 . O Asa and all Iudah and Beniamin heare ye me . The Lord is with you while you be with him , & if you séeke him , hée will be found of you , but if you forsake him , he will forsake you . The same people of Israel , for whom thou wroughtest so many great works in Egypt , and after leaddest through the red sea , destroying their enimies which assaied to follow them , were afterward fearfully destroied in the wildernes for their sins . Exo. 12.37 Nu. 14.30 So as of six hundred thousand that were numbred , onely two persons Caleb & Iosua entered into the promised Canaan . Thy seruant Iude putteth vs in remembrance of this in these words : For asmuch ( saith hee ) as ye once knew this , Vers. 5. how that the Lord after that he had deliuered the people out of Egypt , destroied them that beleeued not . And the same nation of the Iewes , though oftentimes thou diddest marueilously fight for them and deliuer them , so as among the heathen it might be iustly said : God hath done great things for them , & they on the other side had iust cause to answer them , as with an eccho : He hath done great things for vs , whereof we reioice , as it is in the Psalme . Euen these notwithstanding when they neglected their dutie , Psal. 126 2.3 . were most sharply punished , and giuen ouer as a pray vnto their enimies , as may appeare in the history of their Iudges and Kings . And at length when nothing woulde reclaime them , but that they continued in their disobedience , mocking and il intreating the faithfull prophetes which called them to repentance : then thou broughtest vpon them the Chaldeans , who wasted their land , tooke their chiefe city euen Hierusalem and their king , put out his eies , slue his children & nobles before his face , Ier. 39.6.7 . and dishonorablie ledde him captiue vnto Babylon , leauing that fruitful and populous countrie , as it were a desolate & forsaken wildernes , and bringing scorne , reproch , confusion & shame vpon that citie & nation , which sometimes were ( as a Quéen aboue al others ) admired for their prosperitie , as if they had bene the onelie praise of the world .

1. Cor. 10.6.7.8 . Their example dost thou set before our eies , as a glasse to looke into , whereby we may sée , what remaineth for such people , as be like them in thy blessings , and not vnlike them in their sinnes . We therefore of this nation , whom thou hast thus marueilouslie preserued , and defended in peace , prosperitie , plentie , and with the vse of thy holie religion , vnder the reigne of our souereigne prince now these whole thirtie yeares , and for whom of late thou hast done these great thinges : what else may we looke for but the like destruction with the Iewes , except with all spéed wée doe turne to thée , and reforme our selues according to thy woorde ? Therefore ( O Lord our God ) we do most humbly craue of thée , pardon for all our sinnes past , committed by vs , & by our whole land , either before this our deliuerance , or since wee were deliuered : beséeching thée in the blood and obedience of Christ Iesus and for the honor of thy name , not to bring vpon vs the destruction , which for our vnthankefulnes for this thy great mercie , and for other our transgressions wee haue most iustlie deserued . And graunt , that for all the time to come , all sortes and states , ciuill and ecclesiasticall , from the highest to the lowest may be carefull in all thinges to séeke thy will , and to haue the same obeied , as wel in matters for the Church , as the common-weale , and each of them for the direction of their seueral families , and particular conuersations . That they may all ioyne together in their callinges as one man , for the reformation of the ministerie , that so the preaching of the Gospell may bée established , and setled in all the quarters of the lande , whereby all the subiects may be subdued vnto thée , and taught holie obedience to her Maieiestie , and the rest that vnder her gouern the state . That godlinesse and godlie men , may more and more bee cherished and maintained , and idolatrie , papistrie , blasphemie , prophanation of the holie Saboths , and all other wickednesse and wicked men , may bee punished and suppressed . O teach vs to knowe and beléeue , that in these thinges standeth the blessednes & safetie of our state , and realme , that that nation is onely happy , Psa. 144.15 whose God is the Lord , and that thou art a God and sauior to such onlie as walke in thy waies , and with all their hearts , séeke to doe thy commandements . If this course be thought vpon , & yéelded vnto by vs , then we may assure our selues of thy protection , for euer : Then we shall still to our comfort inioy our gratious Prince , and her highnes the comfort of the dutifull seruice , and obedience of vs her subiectes . Our wise counsailours shall bee able to giue aduise for our good , & our worthy valiant countrimen with honour to execute that , which is appointed for our safetie . Thy Gospell shal shine among vs yet in more excellent beautie , we shall haue our peace and our plentie still , wée shall prosper in our affaires by sea and by land , wée shall sée our desire vpon our bloodie enimies , Deut. 26.7 . they shall come foorth against vs one way , and shal flie seuen waies . Leuit. 26.8 . One of vs shal chase an hundred of them , and an hundred of vs , shall put ten thousand to flight . Psal. 144.12.13 The voice of mirth and gladnesse shal be heard in our stréetes , our sonnes shall bée as plants growing vp in their youth , and our daughters as the corner stones , grauen after the similitude of a pallace . Our corners shall be full and abounding with diuers sortes , our shéepe shall bring foorth thousandes , euen ten thousandes in our stréetes . Our oxen shal be strong to labor , there shall be no inuasion or going out , nor crieng in our Cities : the murrain of beasts and the pestilence deuouring men shall not come néere vs . Thus shall wee then bee blessed , Psa. 144.15 for so is the people blessed , whose God is the Lord . O Lord let our nation be thus blessed for euer , we do pray thée euen for the honor of thine own name . So wee thy peeple and shéepe of thy pasture shall praise thée for euer , Psal. 79.13 . & from generation to generation we will set foorth thy praise . And , for as much as this work of thine is such , that it should not onelie mooue vs , to whome the comfort thereof doth speciallie appertaine , but euen they also should be touched with it , that dissent from vs in religion , and desired to haue séene our ruine ( as well the Papistes of our owne nation , as those that be in forraigne countries : ) because , besides the other miracles recorded in thy woorde , wrought by thy sonne Iesus Christ , and his holy Apostles , for the confirmation of thy truth , thou hast also by this our woonderfull deliuerance , and confusion of our enimies , sealed this to be thy truth , which wee haue learned from the same worde , and whereof wee make profession . We beséech thée euen for these , that so manie of them as belong to thée , may by this occasion the rather bee brought to sée , howe detestable a thing in thy sight , Romish and superstitious religion is , & how thou settest thy selfe against such as would vphold the same : that so they may not stand a farre off , gazing vpon this thy greate worke , Apoc. 18.9.10.11 . Apoc. 18 , 4. & 19.20 . and bewailing this fall of the whore , but that indéede they may come forth of Babylon , vtterly renouncing the worshippe of the beast and his image , abhorring to carie the least of his markes in their hands or forheads , Apoc , 17.2 . and no longer to bee drunke , with the cup of her spirituall fornications . Yea , wee beséech thée that hauing the mistes and darkenesse of their minds chased away , they may at length , sée the cleare light of thy gospel , so to ioine with vs in one holy profession grounded vpon thy word , that together we may be glad of this fall of Babylon , and ioyne all forces as it were into one , to giue her according as shee hath done to thy Saints . Apoc. 18.6 . That in the end , the may haue the iudgement of an harlot executed vpon her , euen to bee rooted out for euer . That to their further condemnation , they bee not subiect to the reproofe , which thy spirit giueth to such as they be , that amended not by the vengeance powred vppon others , according as it is saide in the Apocalips , Apoc. 9.20.21 . The remnant of the men which were not killed by these plagues , repented not of the works of their hands , that they shold not worship deuils , & Idols of golde and siluer , and of brasse , and of stone , & of wood , which neither can sée , neither can heare , nor goe . Also they repented not of their murthers and their sorceries , neither of their fornication , nor of their theft . For their obstinacie shall be greater , and their sinne the more hainous in thy sight , if so sensible a iudgement as this is , prouoke them not to giue thée glorie and to séeke after thy trueth . If there be anie of them so desperatlie hardened , that in stéed of repenting , they shall presume more & more , to set themselues against thy holie ones , and to blaspheme thy name , Apoc. 16.9 . which hast power ouer these plagues : We beséech thée goe forwarde with this thy excellent worke persecute them so continually , that they may know themselues to be but men , and the Idols whom they serue , not to be God . Turne all their deuises vpon their owne heads , and bring them to such miseble confusion , that they may for sorrowe gnash their téeth , and at last be inforced to acknowledge thy power and iustice in their ruine , to whome they will not now stoope , to serue thée according to thy word , that they might be saued .

Yea , we beséech thee , that all the nations of the heathen , to whom the reportes of these thy great acts shall come , may by this meanes bee mooued to inquire after thee , and to seeke to knowe thee , and thy good pleasure in Christ Iesus , whome thou hast sent to their saluation , if they beleeue . That so departing from their superstitions and Idolatries , wherein they doe dishonour thee , they may honor thy name in the knowledge of thy trueth . That wee our selues beholding these thinges , and the vtter confusion of all such as rise vp against thee , and thy Christ , Apoc. 20.10 may be assured that that time approcheth apace , when the deuill by whom they are led , the beast whome his fauourers haue worshipped , and the false Prophetes , by whome they haue bene seduced , not being able to hurte anie more , because their time is expired , shall be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone , Apoc. 10.10.15 . where also they shall bee tormented day and night world without end , and with them euerie one not found in the booke of life . When likewise the Church being fréed from all their tyranny , shall come forth as a bride prepared for her husband , Apoc. 21.2 . to be ioined with the lambe Iesus Christ for euer : Where shee shall hunger , thirst , nor sorrow any more , but hauing all teares wiped from her eies , Apoc. 7.16 . shee shall enioy perfect blessednesse , in that heauenlie citie whose gates be of pearle , Apoc. 21.2 . Apoc. 21.18 whose walles bee precious stones , and the citie it selfe , with the streat therof pure golde , like cleare or shining glasse . Apoc. 22.1.2 Wherein there is a riuer of water of life , cleare as christall , proceeding out of the throne of God and of the lamb , hauing of either side the trée of life , bearing twelue maner of fruites , and giuing fruit euerie moneth , Apoc. 22.20 whose leaues are sauing medicines for the heathen . O Lord Iesus which so long ago saidst I come quickly , euen so Lord Iesus come , Amen . Amen .

TO THE READER .

THou hast ( Christian Reader ) which thou haddest not in the first impression , a godlie hymne or songe of thanksgiuing , concerning our deliuerance , penned by my reuerende and good friende in Christ M. Doctor Turner , who vnderstanding of my poore trauaile in this argument , wished thou hadst also beene partaker of that his labour with mine , and hath beene since content , that I should publish it for thy profit . The benefite of our safetie is such , and so wonderfull , that it deserueth an often and most serious remembrance . If my meditations seeme too long or not such as content thee , I pray thee , vse the helpe of this song , shorter , and commended vnto thee , in respect of the writer , and the sweete manner of deliuering that taste , the remembrance whereof shoulde euery way be most pleasant to thee . Forget not the goodnes of God helping thee so many waies , and offring thee one dish of meate diuersly dressed , that if it like thee not the one way , it may please thine appetite the other . If thou and thy familie learne to sing it ( which I pray thee may bee oftentimes done ) I hope thou wilt find it comfortable to thy soule . And so I pray thee to giue God praise , and helpe such with thy praiers , that desire to helpe thee .

A spirituall song to the praise of Almightie God , for deliuering ENGLAND from the Spaniards . By P. Turner Doctor of Phisicke . Hadst thou not watcht ( ô lord ) our coasts to keep , And hadst not thou wel warded al our bounds , Our cruell foes had caught vs all a sleep , And sonck our ships & sackt our hauen towns . All laud therefore , from heart we yeeld to thee , That hidest not thy face from thine at neede , But doest still stand by them as now we see , When bloudy foes do think them out to weede . Hadst thou not bin our Queene had bin no more , And slauish yoke had all our necks opprest , None should haue taught , or followed thy lore , Hadst thou not bin who could haue this redrest . All laude therfore that heart can think or yeeld . Be vnto thee O Father deere for aie , That wast to vs so strong a fence and shield , And of thy goodnes kept vs from decaie . Hadst thou not bin , then had the man of sin , Set vp himselfe , thy Church to ouerthrow , And then what case had all thy saints bin in ? But thou O Lord wouldst not let it be so . O all the powers both of our soule and minde , Sing laude and praise both now and euermore , To our good God that was and is so kinde , And hath repeld the Lion from our dore . Hadst thou not made thy windes for vs to fight , Hadst thou not stretched forth for vs thy hand , Hadst thou not put our proud foes all to flight , O what should then haue come to this our land . All praise therefore to thee O Lord our God , That lettest thus thy mercies great appeare , In sauing vs from cruell forraigne rod , The Spanish Fleete and force that was so neare . Hadst thou not ouerwhelmde our foes with flouds , Hadst thou not causde the seas to be their graues , Then had our streetes bin died with our blouds , And all our babes bin marked for their slaues . Most humble thankes therefore vnto thy grace , With one accord we giue O God aboue , Who thus hast kept vs from the Spanish race , And let vs tast thy mercies and thy loue . And hadst not thou vs saued from our feares , And heard the cries that strangers made to thee , In steede of Psalmes we had now offred teares , And slaine at once had bin both they and wee . For sauing vs therefore from all these wrongs , All laude to thee O our most holy King , Who thus didst turne our fastings into songs , With all our hearts we all vnto thee sing . From high to lowe we must and doe confesse , If thou hadst let those plagues on vs to light , Such are our sinnes , and such our wickednesse , Thou hadst done well , and we had had but right . But Lord what thankes can sinfull man deuise , ( whose thoghts & deeds can stand him in no steed ) To offer thee , but thou maist them despise ? None none O God as of our selues indeed . But therefore Lord , as at thy sonnes request , Thou hast vs kept , and saued from all woe , So for his sake whom thou acceptest best , Accept the thankes which we doe yeelde also . FINIS .