A Praier to be saide at the comming into the Temple.

O ALMIGHTIE God, and heauenlie Father, Psalm. 5, 7. in the mul­titude of thy mercie we wil come into thine house: and in thy feare wil we Psa. 138, 2. worship towardes thine holie Temple.

Direct our step [...] in thy worde Psal. 119, verse. 133.. Bring vs into the path of thy com­mandements Ps. 119, 35. For Psa. 19, 46. thou art the God of our saluation.

Lorde, Psal. 26, 8. we haue loued the habita­tion of thine house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth.

O Lorde of hostes Psal. 84, 1. how amiable are thy Tabernacles? Our soulesPsal. 84, 2. long, yea and pine away (through the desire) to come vnto thy court.

Wee wil acknowledge thee in a great Congregation Psa. 35, 18: we wil praise thee among much people.

Come Psal. 95, 6. let vs worship & fal downe, and kneele before the Lord our ma­ker. For he is our God, and we arePsalm. 95, 7. the people of his pasture, and the [Page 2] sheepe of his hande.

Exalt the Lorde our God, Psal. 99, 5. and fal downe before his footestoole, for he is holie.

We wil go vnto the altar of God Psal. 43, 4., euen vnto the God, which comforteth our soules: and Psa. 69, 13. in an acceptable time doe we make our praier, euen in the multitude of thy mercie: O God, heare vs in the truth of thy sal­uation,

Amen.

An earnest petition for the assistance of Gods holy Spi­rit, that our praiers may be zealous and effectual.

O Almightie and merci­ful God, Father of our Lorde Iesus Christ, for­asmuch as it is thy wil and plesure that in al our necessities Psa. 50, 15. Psal. 91, 15. we should cal vpon thee our God, worship thee, and with yeelding hartie thankes extol thine holie Name, and therwithal hast pro­mised Psa. 50, 15. Psa. 145, 18. Iohn. 16, 23. to heare our petitions, we are emboldened to direct our praiers vn­to thy diuine Maiestie.

But considering the weakenes of [Page 3] our nature to be such, that we knowe not Ro. 8, 26. how to aske as we should, and thou alone both wiselie doest knowe, and effectually canst grant, not onely what we doe desire, but a great deale more Eph. 3, 20. than we can thinke vpon, our praier shalbe vnto thee our God, that, according to thy promise, thou wilt poure vpon vs Zac. 12, 10. the Spirit of grace, and praier, which may with vnspeak­able groanings Rom. 8, 26. make intercession for vs, that, not with lips onely Esa. 29, 13. Matth. 15, 8., our harts being far from thee, but with minde and mouth together, we may vnfeinedlie, as becometh true wor­shippers Ioh. 4, 23. in spirit and truth, with a burning affection of the hart cal vpon thee, which art the true and eternal God, and offer the grateful sacrifice Psa. 50, 14. Psal. 116, 17. of thankesgiuing.

Prepare thou our minds to praier Eccle. 18, verse. 22., make them zelous, least otherwise we be like such as praieng tempt God. Therefore Matt. 6, 5. in our praiers, let vs not dissemble like Hypocrites, neither boast of our wel doing like Pharisees, to be seene of men, but onely set forth thy glorie, and aduance thine holie Name.

Turne our harts from beholding [Page 4] Deut. 5, 9. either images, or strange Gods, or else dead Saints, but let vs worship [...] Mat. 4, 10. onelie serue thee in our praiers, which art our Lord God, Creator 4. Es. 6, 45. of al things, sercher of the hart, & Ier. 17, 10. Reuel. 2, 23 1. Sam. 16, 7. rich towards al that cal vpon thee Ro. 10, 12..

Instruct our minds Mat. 20, 21 that we desire not foolishlie vaine, and transitorie things. But let vs alwaie craue corpo­ral things, according to thy wil, with this condition, If they bring none hurt vnto our soules: and euermore prefer celestial things, which are to be asked without al exception, be­fore worldelie, that our ioie may be perfect in the heauens Ioh. 16, 24..

Grant therefore, almightie Father, that we may certainely perswade our selues, Mar. 11, 24 Matth. 7, 7. Mat. 21, 22. Iames. 1, 6. that whatsoeuer we shal aske at thine hands through faith, we shal obteine the same; and let vs neuer doubt of thy fatherlie affection to­warde vs, or bring thy willingnes to grant our petitions into question, but through a liuely faith, and firme con­fidence let vs constantly beleeue, that our praiers shal effectually be hearde through and for thy Christs sake Ioh. 14, 13. Iohn. 16, 23., in whom al thy promises are yea, 2. Cor. 1, verse. 20. and are in him, Amen.

[Page 5]Furthermore if at any time our praiers be not granted speedilie ac­cording to our wish, giue vs a strong faith, that wee faint not, but may through patience Rom. 8, 25. expect thine aide, knowing Abac. 2, 3. that coming it wil come, and thy truth wil not linger. Gouerne therfore our harts by thine holie spi­rit, that we appoint not a time, man­ner, or limits of helping vs, but may in al thinges submit our selues to thy most heauenlie pleasure, and com­mende our praiers vnto thee in hope & silence Esa. 30, 15., for Iohn. 2, 4. thou wilt not misse an houre, but wilt come at a time conuenient.

Likewise illustrate our mindes with thy light, that we cast not forth our praiers trusting Psal. 32, 5▪ in our owne righte­ousnes, but in thy manifolde mercies, through Christ, by whome Eph. 3, 12. we haue boldnes by faith, to approch vnto thy throne, Rom. 8, 15 Galath. 4, 6. & to cal thee, Abba Father.

Couerne our harts and mindes, that in praieng we neither presume Luk. 18, 9. nor trust vpon our owne worthines, & so through pride contemne others, but let vs humblie, and louinglie like brethren Iam. 5, 16. praie one for another, that we al may be saued.

[Page 6]Take away from vs al babling Matt. 6, 7. and superfluitie of words, that we be not as Ethnikes, which for their long speach, thinke to be hearde.

Assist vs also, that the sight and re­mēbrance of our owne vnworthines, doe not terrifie vs from praier, and that we be not let by other causes, from ernest crieng vnto thee night and daie, that the wil of thy seruants, and reuenge Luk. 18, 7. of thine elect may be fulfilled.

Now therefore, heauenlie Father, and eternal God, giue grace, that in al places we may praie, lifting vp pure handes 1. Tim. 2, 8. without wrath, or doubting, and saie, Mat. 6, 12. Mark. 11, 25 Forgiue vs our trespasses, and with deepe sighings, & sure con­fidence continuallie persist 1. Tim. 2, 1. in ma­king of supplications, praiers, inter­cessions, and giuing of thankes for al men, that, according to thy promise, we may receiue as wel temporal, as heauenlie benefites. For this is the confidence which we haue in thee, that whatsoeuer we shal aske 1. Iohn. 5, verse. 14. Matth. 7, 7. Matt 21, 22. 1. Ioh. 3, 22. accor­ding to thy wil thou wilt grant vn­to vs.

And hearing al our petitions, we doubt not, but that our requestes [Page 7] which at this time we haue made vn­to thee by Christ our Lorde; shal in like manner be granted: who liueth, and raigneth with thee in the vnitie of the holie Spi­rit, a God now and for euermore,

A dailie praier for the perpetual happines of our sacred, and most gratious Soueraigne, and Queene Elizabeth.

OAlmightie GOD, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, in thine hands is al power both in heauen and earth, Sirach. 10, verse. 4, 15. thou confirmest kingdoms, and againe dost alter them according to thine heauenlie plea­sure, We praise thee, we magnifie thee, we extol thine holie Name, for that it hath pleased thee to appoint ouer vs, a good and gratious Queene which doth gouerne with counsaile, [Page 8] and rule with wisedome.

Grant hir, we beseech thee, Psalme. 4, verse. 1, &c. conti­nual peace, long life, and much hap­pines: and deliuer not hir Maiestie into the hands of hir enimies.

Rule thou hir minde and wil, that she may Psal. 2, 11. serue thee alwaies in feare, and reioice in trembling.

Let hir maintaine and imbrace12. pure religion, and defend hir people in the profession of Christes Gospel against al errors and superstition whatsoeuer.

Giue hir wisdome and vnderstan­ding to doe such things as are grate­ful in thy sight, profitable for vs hir subiects, and hurtful to none.

O God, eternal Father, Psal. 20, 1. heare the petitions of our Queene in al hir trobles; the Name of Christ our Sa­uiour glorifie hir, and the comforta­ble aide of the holie Spirit vpholde hir now and euermore.

Be mindeful of hir grace for hir good, Psa. 20, 4. giue to hir according to hir harts desire, and prosper al hir pur­poses, that we may reioice in thy sal­uation, and triumph in the Name of5. our God.

Blesse hir, Lorde, euermore, that [Page 9] we may know that hir protector is in the cloudes.

Harken vnto hir Psal. 20, 6. from thine holie heauens by thy mightie right hande which bringeth saluation.

For though some trust in horses,7. and others in chariots: yet wil we re­member the Name of our God.

They shal fal, and be ouercome,8. but we couragiouslie wil persist.

O Lord protect hir Maiestie, heare9. vs when we cal vpon thee.

That in thy strength she may re­ioice, Psal. 21, 1. and mightilie triumph in thy saluation.

Grant hir the desire of hir hart:2. and denie not the petitions of hir lips.

For thou hast preuented hir with3. notable blessings, & put a crowne of pure gold vpon hir head.

She hath asked life of thee, & thou4. wilt giue hir a long life.

Great is hir glory in thy saluation;5. honor and fame hast thou put vpon hir.

Thou hast ordeined hir for excee­ding6. blessednes, and dost comfort hir hart with thy cheereful countenance.

And why? Because she delighteth7. [Page 10] in thy Christ, and doubteth not of thine euerlasting mercie.

Let thine hand, O Lord, light vponPsalm. 21, 8. hir enimies, and thy right hand finde out al such as hate thee, and enuie hir prosperitie.

Put them into a burning furnace9. in the time of thy displeasure: the Lord in his anger shal consume, and fire shal deuour them.

Their fruit shalt thou destroy from10. the earth, and their seede from the sonnes of men.

Because they intended euil against11. thee, and imagined mischiefe against the innocent, which they could not bring to passe.

Therfore wilt thou turne them in­to12. flight, and bend thy bowes against their faces.

Triumph, O Lorde, in thy virtue,13. and we wil sing out, and commende thy power.

Saue our Queene, O merciful God, in despite of al hir enimies, which either secretlie or openlie go about to bring hir life to the graue, and hir glorie to the dust.

Giue thy iudgement, O Lord, vn­to hir gracePsal. 72, 1. and thy righteousnes [Page 11] vnto hir Counsaile; that they mayPsal. 72, 2. iudge thy people with iustice, & thy poore with equitie.

Let the mountaines bring peace,3. and the little hils righteousnes vnto thy people.

Let them iudge the afflicted among4. the people, and saue the sonnes of the poore:

Make them to destroy the backby­ter, that he persist not to afflict the miserable, and such as trust in thy mercie and protection.

So shal quietnes and peace abound among vs like the hillockes on the earth.

Lord, shielde our SoueraignePsa. 89, 21. ex­alt thine Annointed, let thine hande assist, and thine arme strengthen hir:

Neuer let hir foes preuaile against22. hir, nor the child of wickednes bring hir to destruction.

Banish from hir Court al hir priuie23. enimies, and preserue hir euermore from dissembling friendes.

Grant this, O most merciful Fa­ther, for thy deare Sonne our Sauiour Christ his sake,

Amen.

1. Morning praier on the Lordes daie.

O Almightie and mer­ciful God, eternal Father, Sonne, and holy Ghost, three in persons, one in sub­stance, God in verie deede and from euerlasting:

We extol thy sacred Maiestie, we praise thine vnspeakeable mercie, thy diuine truth we exceedingly comend, for that of thy fatherlie and wonder­ful goodnes, thou hast protected vs this night vnder the shadowPsal. 17, 8. of thy wings: yea, thou also hast made vs quietlie to take our rest notwithstan­ding the dangerous snares of our deadlie enimie the diuel.

Thou art the GodPsal. 9, 13., which exaltest vs from the gates of the shadowe of death; and from the power of dark­nes thou deliuerest vs.

ThereforePsa. 107, 8. we wil acknowledge thee for thy goodnes, & for the won­derful things which thou dost among the sonnes of men.

We wil magnifie thee in the great CongregationPsal. 35, 18, and among much [Page 13] people wil we praise thee.

Our harts be readie, Psal. 57, 7.O our God, our harts be readie: We wil praise theePsa. 57, 9. Psal. 108, 3., O Lord, among the people, & sing to thee among the nations. ForPs. 108, 4. thy mercie is great aboue the hea­uens, and thy truth vnto the cloudes.

We wil not hidePsal. 40, 10 thy mercie and truth in the great Congregation; Be­causePsal. 92, 1. it is a good thing to praise the Lorde, and to sing to thee, O thou most High, To declare thy louing2. kindnes in the morning, & thy truth in the night.

Blesse the Lord, O our soules, Psa. 103, 1.and al that is within vs praise his holie Name:

Which forgiueth al our iniquities,3. and healeth al our infirmities:

Which redeemeth our liues from4. destruction, and crowneth vs with mercie and compassion:

Which satisfieth our longing with5. good things, and protecteth vs from our youth:

Which alsoPsa. 34, 20 hath kept al our bones this night, Not one of them is broken.

To thee1. Tim. 1, verse. 17. King euerlasting, immor­tal inuisible, & onely, wise God, be ho­nor, and glory for euer & euer, Amen.

[Page 14]Vnto thee Psal. 25, 1., O Lord, doe we lift vp our soules.

O God Psal. 63, 1. earelie wil we seeke thee; our soules thirst for thee, our flesh lusteth after thee in a barren & drie lande, where no water is, to see thy strength and glorie.

O eternal God which hast brought vs to the beginning of this daie, de­fend vs with thy mightie power, that this day we fal into no sinne, but let al our cogitations, wordes and workes, tende to the setting forth of thy righ­teousnes.

Lighten our minds this morning with the shining and clearenes of thy wisedome, that in our harts, that true day star 2. Pet. 1, 19 may rise & shine, as it were a candle burning in a darke place.

Giue vs thy Spirit of wisdome Eph. 1, 17. and reuelation in the knowledge of thee, And Eph. 1, 18. lighten the eies of our vnder­standing, that we may know what our hope is, how great the glorie of our inheritance, and Psa. 18, 19. what the excelent greatnes of thy power toward vs.

Fil vs Psa. 90, 14. with thy mercy in the mor­ning so shal we be glad and reioice al our life long.

Merciful God, endue vs with thine [Page 15] holie Spirit, that we may neither thinke, speake, or doe anie thing this day, but that which may please thee, and tend to the aduancement of thy glorie, and health of our soules.

Gouerne thou our vnderstanding and wil, and so direct al the cogitati­ons of our hart, that we may wholie be thine, and sauor of nothing besides thee our God and Redeemer.

Teach vs the waie of thy Com­mandements, Psa. 119, 33 O Lord, and we wil keepe it vnto the ende. Giue vs vn­derstanding Ps. 119, 34. to keepe thy lawes, and to loue thee Deut. 6, 5. Matt. 22, 37. Luk. 10, 27. our Lord & God with al our hart, with al our soule, and with al our strength: and let al thy resti­monies Psal. 119, verse. 24. be our delight and Counse­lers.

Comfort the soules Psal. 86, 4. of thy seruants, for vnto thee, O Lord, haue we lifted vp our soules. For thou Lorde Psa. 86, 5. art good and gentle, and of great kind­nes to as many as cal vpon thee.

Behold God, earelie now this Mor­ning we doe offer our selues a Mor­ning sacrifice vnto thee, a trobled spi­rit Psa. 51, 17. a broken and an humble hart, O Lorde thou wilt not despise.

Make vs fit, that we may likewise

[Page 18] [...]We see the workmanship of thine Psalm. 8, 3. hands, the Moone and Stars, which thou hast ordained; and we wil signi­fie thy glorie Psal. 96, 3. vnto al nations, and among al people wil we declare thy wonderful things. For thou art migh­tieEcc. 43, 29,4. O Lord, and worthie to be prai­sed, great is thy virtue, and thy power wonderful.

We thanke thee, holie Father, God of heauen, because thou hast created by thy worde of power the vniuersal worlde Genes. 1, verse 1. &c. Hebru. 1, 2. Psalm. 104, verse. 1, &c. with al the creatures, and whatsoeuer is, liueth, or mooueth in the same. By thy wisedome thou doest gouerne, and by sending of thy Spirit, as yet doest vpholde, and che­rish the same.

For al woods Gen. 1, 11. Psalme. 104. verse. 14. 15., fruteful trees, stones, graine, flowers, herbes, and al the grasse of the fielde hast thou or­dained for the vse of man.

We magnifie thee, O God most wise, Gen. 1, 6. 20. 21. Psa. 104, 25 10. for creating the sea, & springs of water by the power of thy worde, and for giuing them virtue to bring forth fishes of al kinde to be eaten of man.

We blesse thee, O eternal God, Gen. 1, 6. 2. Esd. 6, 41. for making the superior and lower [Page 19] regions of the aier, with al birdes, and fethered foules of sondrie kindes for the foode of man.

We glorifie thee, for giuing the whole frame of this earth, with al the creatures in the same vnto mankind, and setting man Psal. 8, 6. ouer the works of thine hands, hast subiected al things vnder his feete,

Al sheepe and oxen Psal. 8, 7. 8., yea, and al the beastes of the field, The foules of the aire, and the fish of the sea, which walke through the paths of the sea.

Especially we praise thee, our Lord and maker, for making vs thy crea­tures Gen. 1, 26. 5, 1. 9, 6. 1. Cor▪ 11, 7. Coloss. 3, 10 reasonable men according to thine owne similitude; for giuing vs reason and al the senses; and for pre­seruing vs hitherto.

Thou didst nourish vs Psal. 22, 9., & that won­derfully being within our mothers wombe, and out thereof Psal. 71, 6. hast thou brought vs sound in al parts without imperfection; and yet continuest thy fauor, and dost keepe vs against al dangers, and deliuerest vs from al euil: and al these things dost thou of thy fatherlie and diuine goodnes without any merit or desert of ours: for al which we are bound to thanke [Page 20] thee, to praise thee, to serue, honor, and obey thee.

We extol thy sacred Name, O God most high, for separating from the rest Eccl. 33, 9. Genes. 2, 3. Exod. 20, 11. Deut. 5, 14. a Sabbaoth daie, that so men, cessing from their handie labor, the better might serue, and celebrate thine honor.

Who is he Psa. 106, 2. Eccl. 43, 30. that can recite al the power of the Lorde? or declare al his workes? who can number out al his praises? No man can vtter al his be­nefits.

Notwithstanding, although we be miserable men, and wretched sinners, and therefore most vnmeete to extol thee according to thy deserts: yet wil we not be stil, we wil praise thee euer­more to the vttermost of our power. We wil declare thy iustice and mer­cie: and while we liue wil we remem­ber thy goodnes; and at no time for­get thy benefits.

O our soules Psa. 146, 1. praise the Lord, we wil praise the Lord during our life; we2. wil sing to the Lorde while we haue breath.

We wil be mindful of our maker euen from our youth Eccl. 13, 15 and seeke him euermore: yea, euen vnto our old age [Page 21] Psa. 71, 18. and graie head, O God, forsake vs not, vntil we haue declared thy po­wer vnto al nations that are to come.

Praise the Lord Psa. 117, 1., al ye nations; praise him al ye people.

For his louing kindnes is great to­ward2. vs; and his truth endureth for euer.

Praise ye the Lord in his sanctua­rie Psa. 150, 1., praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him in his mightie actes:2. praise him according to his excellent greatnes.

Let euerie thing that hath breath,6. praise the Lord.

Praise ye the Lorde.

3. A praier for the re­mission of sinnes.

RIghteous and merciful God, which art cleere from spot and sin, al thy waies Psa. 25, 10. are mercie and truth.

We miserable folkes, and wretched sinners acknowledge the horrible corruption of our nature; and with humble and sorrowful harts bewaile [Page 22] our filthines, whereby we haue pollu­ted that image imprinted within vs at our first creation.

We openlie confesse, that manie and great are our sinnes; our offen­ces wonderful; our transgressions are infinite, euen as the sand of the Sea, which cannot be numbred. For al the cogitations of mans hart Gen. 6, 5. 8, 21. Matt. 15, 19. are prone to euil euermore.

O Lord, Psa. 19, 12. who knoweth his sinnes? or who can recite al the transgressi­ons of man?

Behold we confesse our offences, and our sinne Psal. 51, 3, is alwaies before vs.

Against thee onelie we haue sin­ned,4. and done euil in thine eies, that thou maiest be iust when thou spea­kest, and pure when thou iudgest.

Behold, we were borne in iniquitie,5. and in sin did our mothers conceaue vs; and those our sinnes haue we mul­tiplied in our dailie transgressions: and therefore haue deserued thy iust displeasure with paines eternal.

Notwithstanding we appeale vnto thy mercie, O Lord, beseeching thee not to enter into iudgement with thy seruants Psa. 143, 2, for no flesh is righteous in thy sight. For if thou Psa. 130, 3. streitlie obser­uest [Page 23] iniquities, O Lorde, who shal stand? If thou wilt contend with m [...]n Iob. 9, 3. he shal not be able to answere thee one for a thousand.

For Iob. 15, 14. what is man that he shoul be cleane; and he that is borne of a wo­man, that he should be iust? Behold,15. thou foundest no stedfastnes in thy Saints: yea, the heauens are not cleare in thy sight. How much more16. is man abominable and filthie, which drinketh iniquitie like water?

Behold, Esai. 64, 6. Lord, we are al become vncleane, and al our righteousnes is like a filthie cloute.

Wherfore we humbly beseech thee Psal. 51, 1. haue mercy vpon vs, O God, accor­ding to thy great mercy, and accor­ding to the multitude of thy compas­sions doe away our iniquities. Wash vs Psal. 51, 2. throughly from our iniquities, and clense vs from our sinne.

For thy Name sake Psa. 25, 11, O Lord, be merciful vnto our iniquitie, for it is great.

Remember not the sinnes of our7. youth, nor our rebellions, but accor­ding to thy kindnes remember thou vs, euen for thy goodnes sake, O Lord.

Remember thy tender mercies, and6. [Page 24] louing kindnes, which haue bin for euer.

Remember also Psa. 78, 39 Psa. 103, 14. that we are flesh, a wind that passeth and cometh not againe.

Therefore, leaue thy displeasure against vs; be not angrie for euer Psal. 103, 9., neither doe thou threaten vs perpe­tuallie.

Deale not with vs according to our10. sinnes, neither reward vs after our in­iquities: but conuert vs, O our God of saluation, and turne away thy dis­pleasure against vs.

Shewe vs thy mercie, O Lord Psal. 85, 7., and grant vs thy saluation, for thy Name sake.

O most merciful God, we confesse in deede that it lies not in our power to put away, & purge our sinnes, and to purchase thy fauor: but onelie it is the passion and most innocent death of thy Sonne our Lorde Iesus Christ, the immaculate lambe, which is a sufficient recōciliation for our sins 1. Ioh. 2, 2., and yet not for ours alone, but for the sinnes also of the whole world.

For his bloud 1. Ioh. 1, 7. which was shed for vs doth clense vs from al sinne. And, if we confesse our sins, thou art faith­ful9. [Page 25] and iust, to forgiue vs our sinnes, and to clense vs from al vnrighteous­nes.

Wherefore through confidence of this thy mercie promised by thy Sonne, we are bold with deepe sighes from hart to crie, Lord Psal. 32, 1. forgiue our offences; remit our iniquities; couer our sinnes; and impute not our faults vnto vs. Purge vs, O Lord, from our secret faults Psa. 19, 12. 13.. Keepe thy seruants al­so from presumptuous sinnes; let them not raigne ouer vs: so shal we be vpright, & purged from our grea­test wickednes, that tasting the sweet­nes of thy benignitie, we may be se­cure and certaine of the remission of our sinnes.

Giue the knowledge Luk. 1, 77. 78. of saluation to thy people by the remissiō of their sinnes, through the bowels of thy mercie, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited vs: that we may perceiue in our minds, both comfort, peace, and gladnes of the holy Spirit, which may begin a new life in vs pleasing thee; quench al the motions of our minds striuing with thy diuine pleasure; and restore in vs the image of thy diuine light which was lost, [Page 26] that being deliuered out of the hands of our enimies, we may serue thee in feare, in holines and righteousnes al the daies of our life through Christ, in whom thou art wel pleased Mat. 3, 17. Matth. 1, 9. Luke. 3, 22., and for whose sake al our works, howsoe­uer vnperfect, are acceptable in thine eies,

Amen.

4. A praier for the preser­uation of the Church.

OCelestial God, and Fa­ther of infinite mercie and compassion, which not onely gatherest to thy self an holy Church in this worlde Iohn. 17, verse. 6. &c. out of mankinde through the operation of the holie Ghost, and preaching of thy word, but also preseruest the same being ga­thered, and adornest it with al kind of temporal things, and, which more is, with eternal blisse:

We humbly beseech thee, gratious Lord, that of thy goodnes thou woul­dest vouchsafe euermore to main­taine this thy little flock Luke. 12, verse. 32., embra­cing, preaching, and professing thy word, through thine especial grace; [Page 27] continue thy fauor toward the same; keepe it in sound doctrine, constant confessing, in the lawful vse of thine holie Sacraments, and in purenes of life, that neither the gates of hel Mat. 16, 18, the rage of Satan, nor yet the rigo­rousnes and tyrannie of this world oppresse the same.

Protect, and keepe this Mat 8, 26. thy boatē and little Bark tossed among manie perilous tempests, and miserable surges in the raging Sea of this tro­blesome world, that it perish not be­ing ouerwhelmed.

Vphold thy Church, which Mat. 16, 18 is builded vpon a sure rock, and depen­deth vpon Christ a sound, and vn­mooueable foundation.

O Lord of hosts, returne Psa. 80, 14., looke downe from heauen and behold, vi­sit15. thy vine, & make it perfect, which thy right hand hath planted, & thou hast chosen to thy selfe. Hedge the16. same about with thy strong defence, that the branches therof being spred out, and pruned may bring forth a­bundance of frute.

Raise vp thy power, Come God, & saue vs Psal. 80, 7.. Conuert vs shew forth thy countenance, and we shal be saued. [Page 28] Enclose thy sheepe within thine har­dles: so shal we be quiet from al in­uasion and scatterings, neither Ioh. 10, 28 can any drawe vs by force out of thine handes.

Defend vs from al such, as seeke the vtter ouerthrow of pure religion; and in place thereof labour to bring in the shameful instauration of blas­phemous Idolatrie.

Suffer not thy word, that most cleere and vnchangeable light to be corrupted, or put out by our meanes, but gather to thy selfe through the sound of the Gospel such a Church, as may harken vnto thee; honor, and sanctifie thy Name, as wel in word, as in honest conuersation, that so thou maiest haue a righteous and holy ge­neration, celebrating thy goodnes for euermore.

Ioine vs Esai. 6, 13. vnto that company which doth worship thee continuallie; that we may be Citizens of thy kingdome among thy Saintes.

Grant that we erre not from the foundation of wholsome doctrine, an­swering to the rules of the sacred Scripture: and that we offend not a­gainst our conscience; but separate vs [Page 29] from the companie of vngodlie ones, and from the damned crewe of the reprobate.

Let vs not so much as take their names into our mouthes Psal. 16, 4. Exod. 23, 13 which poure out heapes of blasphemies to thy great dishonor, and defacing of the truth: vnto whom thy Sonne is a destruction Luk. 2, 34. Rom. 9, 33. and stone of offence. For they despise his base estate, and the foolish preaching 1. Co. 1, 18 of thy Gos­pel, and the deformed shew of the Church, placed in the middes of al kind of miseries, they loath and ab­hor, preferring vncertaine riches, lordlie auctoritie, and the vaine plea­sures of this transitorie world, before the profession of the truth: and so, making war with thy Sonne, they doe purchase euerlasting destruction vn­to themselues.

Keepe vs euermore, that we may a­bide in that Church, which is truelie Catholike, consisting of members of many nations, but linked vnto thee in one, and the same confession.

Sanctifie vs with thine holie Spirit, that, our sinnes being forgiuen, we may take another trade of life, in ac­knowledging thee Ioh. 17, 3. to be the onelie [Page 30] true God, and Iesus Christ whome thou hast sent.

Giue vnto thy Church resting pla­ces, and nestes where they may sound thy sacred Gospel purelie without corruption.

Suppresse the diuel which sprea­deth blasphemies against thy doc­trine: that so neither feined Gods may be erected, nor superstitious in­uocations confirmed, nor thy glorie defaced.

Weaken the power of thine eni­mies, which boile in hatred against thy truth, and conspire the death of thine elect: so neither shal stables of woolues be made, nor dennes of theeues established.

O Lord God Psal. 85, 6., returne and quicken vs: so shal thy people reioice in thee. Let al such Psal. 5, 11. as trust in thee reioice, and triumph for euer: dwel thou in them, and let those which loue thy Name, reioice in thee.

O Lord, remember not our offen­ces, thou which wast Psal. 85, 1. somtimes mer­ciful; And forgauedst the wickednes2. of the people, and hidedst al their sinnes; Which with drewedst al thine3. anger, and turnedst from the fierce­nes [Page 31] of thine indignation: Be mind­fulPsal. 85, 4. of thy woonted mercie, and re­ceiue vs into thy fauor.

For we depend vpon thee alone, being destitute of al worldlie aide, our trust wholie is in thee, and al our confidence resteth in thy stret­ched out arme.

O Lorde, Psal. 5, 11. couer vs with thy grace, as it were with a shield, that so we may be blessed; and abidingPs. 84, 9, 11. in the house of thy congregation, may acknowledge, and cal vpon thee according to thy word reuea­led, and praise thee euermore, through our Lorde Iesus Christ,

Amen.

5. A praier for the Prea­chers of Gods word.

O Almightie, and mer­ciful GOD, which through thy Sonne our Lorde and Saui­or Christ, hast com­manded vs to praie Mat 9, 38. Luke. 10, 2. Iohn. 4, 35. that laborers may be thrust into thine haruest: we beseech thee by the same thy Sonne, that thou wilt send into thy [Page 32] Church faithful ministers, and syn­cere Preachers of thy worde, and those in number many, and in ope­ration woonderful.

Giue vnto vs such teachers, as are both in thy mysteries Matth. 13, verse. 11. learned, and for their conuersation, cōmen­ded. Direct them being illuminated with thine heauenly light, that they may rightlie deliuer and diuide 1. Tim. 2, verse. 15. vnto vs the principles of true doc­trine, the worde of truth, and the Gospel of life; and open the diffe­rence betweene the Lawe and the Gospel; and preach those things which are agreeable vnto the rules of faith; and can strengthen vs to beware of the leauen of the Phari­sies Mat. 1 [...], 6., and the contagious doctrine of mans traditions.

Giue vnto vs euermore syncere Preachers, and sounde interpreters, and arme them 1 Cor. 12, verse. 10. with the gift of tongues for the propagation of thy doctrine, that many through their labors and diligence may be con­uerted to the true knowledge of thy diuine pleasure. For Rom. 10, verse. 14. how should we heare without a Prea­cher? And how should men preach 15. [Page 33] except they be sent?

Wherfore send into thy Church Eph. 4, 7. Esai. 54, 13. Matt. 9, 36., O most louing Father, Byshops of thine owne instructing, good shep­herdes, sound Preachers, faithful workmen, & godlie ministers, which may faithfullie ouersee Act. 20, 28 Ephes. 1, 7. and by thy word of saluation Rom. 1, 16. Acts. 13, 26. 1. Cor. 1, 21. luckilie gouerne thy Church, being deerelie bought with the precious blood of thine onely Sonne: So shal the Gospel, thy pure word to the praise and glo­rie of thy Name; to the saluation and profit of many men with good successe fruitefully be declared, and Ioël. 2, 28. vniuersallie preached throughout al the world.

Giue vnto vs, Lord eternal God, teachers of righteousnes, which 2. Timo. 1, verse. 13. reteining the forme of wholesome doctrine may informe vs in al spiri­tual wisedome of thine essence and diuine pleasure; and through thy Spirit and word bring vs vnto per­fection, whereby we may be blame­les Col. 1, 10. 1. Thes. 2, 12 Ephes. 4, 1. both in Christian religion, and in behauior: that they may reduce sinners into the way of truth; streng­then the weake in faith; and com­fort the afflicted and wounded con­sciences [Page 34] against al the darts of our deadlie enimie:

Which may be able Titus. 1, 9. 1. Tim. 4, 6. to exhort by sound doctrine; whereby the hartes of men, being terrefied through the sense of Gods indigna­tion, and oppressed with cares, may finde true consolation: and which are able to conuince the gainesaiers of the truth, and stop the mouth of the impudent; which may be exam­ples for the faithful both in speech and conuersation, and may become 1. Cor. 9, verse. 22. al in al to gaine manie vnto thee our eternal God:

And may reioice Rom. 5, 3. Iames. 1, 3. in affliction fearing neither the hatred, nor the ingratitude of this world; but may persist vnto the death constantlie in the confession of the truth: so shal both offences be shunned, thy most holie name glorified Rom. 2, verse. 24.; and thy mi­nisterie which thou hast instituted Act. 20, 28 for the safetie of our soules which beleeue, notablie made of, & main­teined.

Make them perfect therfore, that they may proue the vessels of thy mercie, and 1. Cor. 15, ve. 10, & 58. profitable instruments of thy Church: let not their labors [Page 35] be in vaine, but take good successe in the Lord.

Grant likewise, holie God, that al the Preachers of thy word may be blameles Titus. 1, verse. 6, &c. 1. Tim. 3, &c not subiect to manifest impietie, but the husbands of one wife; shunning extrauagant and fil­thie lustes, also be they watchful ouer the flock cōmitted vnto them, least the Diuel priuily make a praie of thy sillie sheepe. Be they sober and temperate, looking to their charge with great discretion: Mo­dest and of good behauior, endued with al grauitie; liberal toward ex­iles, and al such as are persecuted for the confession of thy word; apt to teach; no quarelers; not giuen to filthie gaming; patient sufferers of iniurie, voide of contention and couetousnes; wise gouernors of their owne houses, hauing children in subiection with al reuerence:

Not puffed vp; no giuers of occa­sion of offence 2. Co. 6, 3. either in worde or deede, whereby any may iustly be offended, and carpe at the ministe­rie: But in al things let them shew out themselues, 1. Cor. 4, 1. as the ministers of God in much suffering, in afflicti­on, [Page 36] in extremities and trobles, and neuer forsake their calling either through persecution, or the mani­fold ingratitude of the world.

Keepe vs, louing Father, Iohn. 10, verse. 1, &c. from euil workmen in thy vineyard, from vnfaithful hirelings, which preach and feede themselues 2. Cor. 4, 5 Galat. 1, 10. studieng to please men, and to get popular cre­dit, turning religion according to the wil of men for their owne gaine, making marchandise 2. Cor. 2, verse. 17. of the word by transforming the Gospel into an external pompe and meanes to liue by. For these men can neuer conti­nue constant in the confession of true doctrine, but are like reedes Luk. 7, 24 tossed by the wind, and are easelie broken through the feare of perils which accompanie the ministerie,

Amen.

6. A praier for the hearers of the word of God.

O Most gratious GOD, which of thy meere compassion, and di­uine pittie, hast pure­lie and plainelie deli­uered [Page 37] vnto vs thy healthful word, which is Ioh. 6, 27, and 48. the foode of our soules. For the Gospel is Rom. 1, 16 1. Cor. 1, 18. the power of God vnto saluation to al beleeuers; euen as thy Sonne doth say Luk. 11, 28, Bles­sed are they which heare the word of God and keepe it: Againe Iohn. 8, 51., He that keepeth my word shal not die eternallie:

We humblie beseech thee on the behalfe of al hearers of thy word, Open our harts Act. 16, 14., vnlock the eares of our vnderstanding, that hearing thy worde profitablie, we may ob­serue, learne, and embrace such things, as are necessarie to the con­firming of our faith, & amendment of life.

Let thy word therefore Col. 3, 16. abide plentifullie among vs in al wisdome; giue vs thine holie spirit, that we may heare Sermons, not as the words of men 1. Thes. 2, verse. 13., but as they are in deede the word of God; and 1. Thes. 2, verse. 12. wal­king worthie the same, as becom­meth the Sonnes of God, may liue in al godlines 1. Ioh. 3, 10. and honestie, vsing thy word preached vnto the edifica­tion of our consciences; to our in­struction, to the comfort of our [Page 38] minds, and to the kindling of good motions, for the better seruing of thee in Christian patience: that we be not idle hearers onely Iam. 1, 22. Matth. 7, 21. Rom. 2, 13. but er­nest fulfillers of thy word.

Bring to passe we beseech thee, O Lord, that the word thy seede Matth. 13, ver. 8, & 23. Luke. 8, 8, & 15. may stick in our harts, and take deepe roote: and that the dunging of our cold, and vnfruitful ground may be­come profitable, let vs both out­wardlie embrace thy doctrine with a care, and inwardlie feele the ope­ration therof in our minds: and so, rushing out of the bowels of the earth, and deliuered from tentati­on, bring out plentiful fruite to the glorie of thine holie Name.

Worke so within vs, that the Di­uel Mar. 4, 15. take not away the seede of thy word sowen in our harts: let it not waxe barren, neither let vs be for­getful Iam. 1, 23., nor like vnfruiteful hea­rers, which heare thy word to their iudgement, and greater condem­nation.

Furthermore, keepe vs in thy faith and feare, that come what crosses Mat. 13, 21. and aduersities there can, we may continually stick vnto thee [Page 39] in al our miseries.

Likewise aide vs, O God of our saluation, that the seede of thy word be not choaked among vs through cares, Luk. 8, 14. riches, and pleasures of this world.

And finallie assist vs, that we be neuer found in the companie of mockers 2. Pet. 3, 3 1. Tim. 4, 1. into whome the Diuel hath entered, and blinded their minds Eph. 4, 17. Rom. 1, 24, & 26., and therefore make a so of at the preaching of thy word, which Iude. 1, 4, & 18. walking after the lusts and desires of their owne flesh, doe wrap them­selues in the horrible confusion of their owne desires, and shameful wickednes, whereby like mad men they cast themselues headlong into euerlasting destruction.

O Christ, Sonne of God, foun­taine of al mercie and compassion, which art the Lorde of the whole flock, and 1. Pet. 2, 2 [...] chiefe Byshop of our soules, worke thou effectuallie by thy ministers, speake within vs vn­to our harts the voice of thy Fa­ther: grant that we may truelie dis­cerne the same, and distinguish it from the howling of woolues. For Psal. 19, 7. thy doctrine is pure, conuerting [Page 40] the soules; the testimonie of the Lord is sure, and giueth wisedome vnto the simple.

Grant therefore, that al of vs hearing thy word may receiue the same to our learning, amendment, comfort, and instruction, which is in righteousnes 2. Tim. 2, verse. 22. and in an honest, and good conscience, that hauing heard the same we may keepe it Luk. 8, 15. bringing forth fruit with patience, and Matth. 10, verse. 22. continue in the same al our life time, and neuer be tossed Eph. 4, 14. or carried about with euerie winde of doctrine.

And thou holie Spirit, eternal God, kindle our cold harts with the fire of thy loue, cherish vs with thine healthful heate, and purge the fil­thines of our corrupted nature: keepe vs in thy lap, and worke with­in vs righteousnes, and a life accep­table in thy sight.

Regenerate, and transforme vs into newe men; make vs diligent in the study of thy word; beate into our minds a true feare, and loue of thy name, that al vncleannes, and superfluitie Iam. 1, 21. of malice being cast off, we may receiue with meekenes [Page 41] thy word ingrafted, which is able to saue our soules, in this world by in­choation, hereafter in ful perfecti­on,

Amen.

7. A praier against false Prophets.

MErciful GOD, louer of mankinde, which hast forewarned vs of thine vnspeakeable goodnes to take heed Mat. 7, 15. of false Prophets, comming vnto vs in sheepes clothing, being for al that inwardlie rauening woolues: And forasmuch 2. Tim. 3, [...] ▪ as in the latter daies, wherein we liue, it was pro­phecied there should be perilous times, wherein the Diuel 2. Cor. 11, verse. 14. doth transfigure himselfe into an Angel of light: and false teachers with sub­tile workemen, hauing put on the person of Christ and of his Apostles 2. Cor. 11, verse. 13. 15. doe transforme themselues into the ministers of righteousnes, carri­eng 2. Tim. 3, 5▪ the shew of godlines, but de­nie the power therof: And besides, sith by thine holie Spirit thou hast foretold that the wicked man 2. Thess. 2, verse. 3. the [Page 42] sonne of perdition, should come and carrie awaie many vnto eternal death, and perpetual damnation:

Grant, merciful God, that embra­cing the loue of thy truth we may shun al spirits of lieng Col. 2, 8. together with al errors and shew of falshood, and at no time be carried away Mat. 24, 4. from the true sense of thy worde, neither wander from the scope of our saluation; but perseuering con­stantlie and firmelie vnto the ende in thy word, may abide in the vnitie of the true catholike faith, & Chri­stian religion; and be neuer decea­ued any waie, neither by signes, nor miracles, nor lies, neither 2. Thes. 2, verse. 10. by anie deceaueablenes of vnrighteousnes through the craft and subtiltie of men Eph. 4, 14., whereby they beset vs, but, following thy truth simplie in loue, may continue salfe from al corrup­tion,15. and constant in the profession of the truth.

Keepe vs, omnipotent and eternal God, from al fanatical opinions; from seducing spirits, which sowe errors, and deadly contentions in thy Church; from false teachers, which priuilie bring in pernitious [Page 43] heresies 2. Pet. 2, 1. and denie euen the Lord which hath dearelie bought them; By whom the waie of the Lorde is2. il spoken of; and which make sale3. of their hearers through couetous­nes.

Keepe vs Actes. 20, verse. 29. from greeuous and greedie wolues, which spare not the flock, but cruellie deuour thy be­loued sheepe, through the poison of their liues, and erronious doctrine:

From men speaking peruerse things, to draw disciples after them, and to engender schismes to the tearing in peeces the vnitie of the Church:

From men of wicked and corrupt opinions raising dissentions & son­drie offences:

From tares Matth. 13, verse. 24. which the enuious man, which is the Diuel, soweth and scattereth among good wheat▪

From false Prophets Mat. 7, 15. Ierem. 23, 1. Exech. 34, 2▪ which speake the visions of their own hart; not from the mouth of the Lorde; which preach their owne dreames and fancies, seducing the people with lies:

From theeues Ioh. 10, 1. and robbers of soules; which kil both bodie and [Page 44] soule, and cast them headlong into hel fire.

Deliuer vs from the rage of the Diuels thine enimies, which in their members vtter out most horrible outcries against the truth; and de­parting frō the rule of thy doctrine, propose the fained opinions of their owne inuentions manifestlie repug­nant to thy Commandements.

Keepe thine elect in this most wic­ked world, that being seduced into foule errors, they swarue not from the truth.

Shorten the euil daies Matth. 24, verse. 22. Mar. 13, 20. of this dangerous and troblesome time.

Dispatch 2. Thess. 2, verse 8. Esaie. 11, 4. that sonne of iniquitie by the breath of thy mouth, and cut him of through the brightnes of thy comming.

Cause thy word, O God, to sound in our eares purelie and syncerelie; and make vs to follow the same with our whole hart; true faith; & Chri­stian obedience! and throughlie to vnderstand the manifold precepts of thy pure word: that so approuing the good, we may shun the waies of strangers Iohn. 10, 5. leading from the right waie.

[Page 45]Be thou our shepherd, O eternal God Psal. 23, 1. 2. so shal we want nothing: put vs in the places of thy greene pa­sture, and bring vs vnto the waters of comfort; leade vs in the pathes3. of righteousnes for thy Name sake, that we may haue hope, and not be confounded in that daie when thy Sonne our Lord shal appere, which liueth with thee and raigneth in the vnitie of the holie Spirit, a God for euermore,

Amen.

8. Euening praier, on the Lordes daie.

O Almightie, and e­ternal God, Father of our Lorde Iesus Christ, which to­gether with thy Sonne and the ho­lie Ghost, didest create man 1. Cor. 11, 7 after thine owne likenes, and breath Gen. 2, 7. in­to him the breath of life, the which through thy goodnes continues at thy pleasure:

Thou hast made Act. 17, 26 of one blood al [Page 46] mankind, and assigned times, and length of our life in this worlde:

Thou giuest life to the people on the earth, and breath to the walkers therein Psal. 104, verse. 29. which if thou take away they shal depart, and be turned into dust:

We blesse thee heauenlie Fa­ther, and with al our harts giue thee thanks not onelie for sauing vs this daie from dangers: but also from our cradels for defending both our soules and bodies from death.

Wherefore magnifie the Lord, O our soules Luk. 1, 46. 47. 48., and our spirits reioice in God our Sauior. For he hath loo­ked vpon the basenes and affliction of his seruants. He that is mightie49. hath done for vs great things; and holie is his Name. Wherfore we wil50. praise the Lorde for euermore, be­cause his mercie endureth from ge­neration to generation on such as feare him.

We wil shew forth his power in the euening, and when we go to bed we wil remember his mercie.

Arise now Lam. 2, 19. our soules, in the night praise your God: In the beginning of the watches poure out your harts [Page 47] like water before the face of the Lord.

The Saints wil be ioieful with glorie Ps. 149, 5., and sing loude vpon their beds.

We wil praise thee continuallie Psal. 44, 8., and wil confesse thy name for euer­more: for thou art the God which delighteth our harts, and maketh merie our soules. Therefore in the night we wil thinke vpon thy bene­fites; and our spirits shal consider of them.

For thou hast commanded that thy mercie be celebrated in the day time, and thy truth in the night.

O our Lord, and God of mercie Exod, 34, 6 Psalm. 103, verse. 2. &c., gentlenes, patience, pittie, & truth, which shewest mercie vnto thou­sands, and blottest out al our offen­ces: we lift vp our soules vnto thee, and from our harts we pray, put not before thine eies the horrible con­fusion, vncleannes, and wickednes of our mindes, being replenished with lothsome darknes and igno­rance, ful of doubtings and errors; our harts and wil are turned from thee our God; and al the powers and strength both of our soules and [Page 48] bodies are defiled, and filthilie weakened:

But Lord, of thy great mercy blot out our offences, looke vpon the trobles, and dolor of our harts, and forgiue al our sinnes. For lo, our soules are wounded, and can not be holpen but onely through mercie.

There is no health in our flesh Psal. 38, 3. because of thine anger: neither is there rest in our bones, because of our sinnes. For our iniquities haue4. gone ouer our heads, and as an hea­uie burden haue pressed vs downe. Our wounds are putrified, and cor­rupt5. because of our foolishnes.

Asswage thine anger Psal. 37, 8. and turne from thine indignation; pardon our faults; remit al punishment; and restore in vs the light of thy good­nes, which was lost.

O Lord, heare Dan. 9, 19., O Lord, forgiue, harken, O our God; for thine owne sake: for thy Name is called vpon by vs.

O God of heauen and earth, in this euening tide doe we cal vnto thee, that remitting our sinnes, thou wouldest receiue vs into thy pro­tection, and keepe vs this night, that [Page 49] the diuel haue no power ouer vs.

Be thou watchful ouer vs, O eter­nal Sauior, least the subtil tempter apprehend vs. For thou art made for vs an euerlasting protector.

For behold, whether we sleepe or wake; whether we liue or die, we are thine: thou art our creator and redeemer.

Stand therefore on our behalfe in the watch with the armie of thy celestial warriers thine Angels, which, being filled with perfect goodnes, and perpetual integritie, behold Matth. 18, verse. 10. thy face alwaies in the heauens.

Expel from vs and our houses wicked spirits, which be our mortal enimies, that they damage vs in no case: and deliuer vs from persecu­tors, Ps. 143, 3. which laie snares for our de­struction. Turne not away thy mer­cie and truth from vs.

O God assist vs, that peaceably we may rest, and sleepe in quiet. We wil lay vs downe in peace Psal. 4, 8. & slepe: for thou Lord alone makest vs to dwel in safetie without danger.

Hide vs Psa. 27, 5. in thy Tabernacle, O Lord, that sitting in thy secret place, [Page 50] and abiding vnder the shadowe of thy wings, we may saie vnto thee, Lorde thou art our keeper, and our refuge; O God we wil trust in thee, and wil feare no danger. And al­though we were in extreeme dark­nes: yet wil we not feare. Though we should walke Psal. 23, 4. in the mids of the shadow of death: yet wil we dread none euil. For thou art with vs: thy rod and thy staffe they doe comfort vs.

Let thy mercie, O God, follow vs al the daies of our life, that we may dwel in thine House in longnes of daies; praising thee euermore with the Sonne, and holie Ghost one true God raigning worlds without ende,

A­men.

1. On Mondaie, Mor­ning praier.

BLESSED Psa. 72, 18. be the Lorde God, which alone doth woon­derous things; and blessed be the19. name of his Ma­iestie for euermore, which hath set Genesis. [...], vers. 14, &c. Psal. 136, 8. Iere. 31, 35. the Sunne to lighten the daie, and ordained the Moone, with the course of stars to go before the night.

O most hie God Ps. 74, 16. the day is thine, and the night is thine: thou hast fra­med the light and the Sunne. By thine vnspeakeable wisedome thou hast distinguished the daie and the night; and so hast thou decreed, that while the world shal last, this course of times and daies shal neuer haue an ende: so that man in the night may rest, and againe when daie comes, go about his busines, and la­bor Psal. 104, verse. 23. vntil the euening.

O Lord Psal. 119, verse. 90. thy truth endureth for euer; thou laiedst the foundation of the earth, and it endureth; by thine appointment the daie doth last: for al are thy seruants.

[Page 52]For these and al other thy bene­fites we praise thee greatlie; & giue thee thanks for thy exceeding glo­rie: euen as it becometh vs euerie daie Wis. 16, 28 to preuent the Sunne rising, to blesse thine holie Name, and to worship thee at the appearing of the daie star.

We extol thine infinite goodnes in like sort for keeping vs this night past both from the power and ty­rannie of Satan; from the snares & subtiltie of al our enimies; and final­lie from dangers both of soule, and bodie. For of thy singular goodnes and fatherlie care Esa. 38, 16. thou hast made vs quietlie to sleepe and rest this night; againe thou hast suffered vs to awake, and opened our eies, gi­uing them power to see, and behold the morning light Psa. 59, 16. which now ap­peareth.

Therfore we wil sing of thy pow­er; & praise thy mercie in the mor­ning: for thou art our defence, and refuge in the daie of our troble.

O our helper Psa. 86, 12. we wil praise thee with al our harts, and glorifie thy Name for euer. For great is thy13, mercie toward vs; thou hast deli­uered [Page 53] our soules from the lowest graue.

Hadest not thou bin our defence, innumerable euils had ouerwhel­med vs: so that we should not haue risen to praise thy Name. Had not thy word Ps. 119, 92. bin our comfort we had without doubt perished in our af­fliction: Wherefore we wil not for93. euer be forgetful of thy iustificati­ons: for they haue reuiued vs.

Vnto thee Psa. 121, 1. Lord wil we list vp our eies on hie from whence our helpe shal come. Betimes Ps. 59, 16. in the mor­ning doe we cal vpon thee, that thy mercie Psa. 79, 8. may preuent vs, and thy goodnes ouertake vs quicklie.

Let thy fauor preuent vs Eccl. 42, 2 as doth the Sunne, which rising spreadeth his beames ouer al the partes of the earth; and as the light of the mor­ning 2. Sam. 23, verse. 4. when the Sunne appeareth, earelie when it shineth without the cloudes. After the same sort giue vs thy cleerenes, and shew thy counte­nance ouer vs; that lightened by thy word, we may walke al this day long circumspectlie and warelie in the waies of thy commandements, that, being blinded in the daie time, we [Page 54] runne not into darkenes, neither grope Iob. 5, 14. at noone day as in the night wandering from the pathes of thy iudgements.

O God Psal. 67, 1., be merciful vnto vs, and blesse vs, shew vs the light of thy countenance, and be gracious vnto vs: That we may know thy way vp­on2. earth, and thy sauing health a­mong al nations.

O most merciful GOD Psa. 69, 17. turne thine eies of compassion vpon vs and haue mercie on vs. Looke vpon vs Psa. 31, 18. with thy fauorable coūtenance, and turne not thy face from thy ser­uants. Open our eies Ps. 119, 18. that we may consider the wonderful things in thy Lawe; and make vs in the mor­ning Exo. 16, 7. to behold thy glorie.

O God, guider of our life Eccles. 23, verse. 4, &c. for­sake vs not; neither giue vs a prowd looke, and turne from vs the filthi­nes of desire. Remooue from our harts al concupiscence, and take from thy seruants too ouerbolde a stomack; suffer vs not to run head­long into riotousnes, and bellichere; let not vnlawful loue ouercome vs, and giue not thy seruants ouer into impudent mindes. Turne our eies [Page 55] Ps. 119, 37. that they behold no vanitie, and strengthen vs in thy waie; & grant that the offences in this world ouer­throw vs not.

Beholde, Lord, Ps. 119, 81. our soules lust after thy saluation, and we long for thy worde;

We beseech thee, O Lord, with a most ernest affection, and humbly craue at thy merciful hands, that this daie, and euermore thou wilt keepe vs, and al ours Psal. 9, 5. from the ar­row flieng in the daie, from the pe­stilence and plague that destroieth at noone tide. Hide vs vnder thy6. wings, and vnder thy feathers we wil haue hope.

Blinde the eies Ps. 69, 23. of our enimies that they see not; and make their loines alwaie to tremble. But open thine eies ouer vs, and be thou vnto vs a mightie protector this daie, a firmament of strength, a couering against heate and parching, a sha­dowe at noone tide, a defence from offending, an assister from falling, a comforter of our soules, a lightener of our minds, and a giuer of health and happines in Christ our Lorde,

Amen.

2. A thankesgiuing for our redemption.

O Iesu Christ, Sonne Mat. 16, 16 Matt. 14, 33. of the liuing God, which art the eternal word Iohn. 1, 1. that was in the begin­ning: the true & sub­stantial image 2. Cor. 4, 4 Colos. 1, 15. Hebru. 1, 3. of thine eternal Father; the character and brightnes of his glory: begotten of him before al worlds, of one vndiuided essence, of like maiestie, and equal glorie:

We worship thee, light of lights, verie God of verie God, begotten not made, of one substance with the Father by whom Col. 1, 16. Hebr. 1, 10. al things were made.

We thanke thee for al thy bene­fits generallie, & speciallie for that at an appointed time Galat. 4, 4. according to the eternal counsaile, and decree of the Father, thou didst voluntarilie for vs men, and for our saluatiō des­cend from heauen; and was incar­nate by the holie Ghost, borne of the vnspotted and pure virgine Ma­rie; and truelie toke our flesh vpon thee; and saued vs miserable, wret­ched, [Page 57] and damned sinners; and deli­uered vs from death, and power of Satan, 1. Pet 1, 18. not with golde and siluer; but by thine holie and precious blood, and by thine vndeserued pas­sion19. and death, and that of thine in­finite goodnes and mercie without any merits, or worthines of ours.

For al which we yeeld thee most hartie thanks, as we are bounde. For thou alone being iust hast satis­fied by thine obedience the iudge­ment of the Father; and, on our be­halfe offering the sacrifice of thy bodie, hast deliuered vs from the tyrannie of death, whereby we were held captiues. For so great was the displeasure of thy Father against our sinnes, that no creature could asswage the same, but thou alone, O onely begotten Sonne of God.

O Christ most merciful God, how inestimable is thy loue towards al mankind; how infinite and vnspeak­able thy goodnes; how woonderful thine humilitie. For Rom. 5, verse. 6. &c. 1. Pet. 3, 18. thou being iust didst die & suffer for the vniust. A greater loue Ioh. 15, 13. can no man haue, than to giue his life for his friend: but thou commendest thine abun­dant, [Page 58] & most burning affection to­ward vs, in that, being voide 1. Pe. 2, 22. 2. Cor. 5, 21. Rom. 5, 6. of al fault, thou wouldest suffer death for our sakes, being as yet strangers Col. 1, 21., & thine enimies, and hast reconciled vs by thy death vnto thy Father, and appeased his most heauie dis­pleasure, forgiuing al our sinnes, and cancelling the hand writing Col. 2, 14. which was against vs, which was contrarie vnto vs hast taken it out of the way, and fastened it vpon the crosse: And hast spoiled principalities and pow­ers,15. and made a shew of them open­lie, triumphing ouer them by thy selfe, and by thy profitable arising againe from the dead hast repared our true righteousnes which con­sisteth in the forgiuing of our sins: and hast made vs acceptable to thy Father, whereby wee please him through our reconciliation: thou dost comfort our harts by the prea­ching of thy Gospel, which worketh in vs the beginning of eternal life, and by thine holie Spirit thou kind­lest in vs like motions vnto thy selfe, whereby we please thy Father through thee and thine obedience.

O Lord Iesu Christ, lambe of God [Page 59] Ioh. 1, 29. which takest awaie the sins of the world, haue mercie vpon vs; thou which sauest vs through thine owne merit & virtue, grant vs thy grace, that the fruit of thy most sacred pas­sion, may worke effectually and pro­fitablie within vs; let not the labor which thou hast taken, & the paine that thou hast suffered for our re­demption be in vaine through our vnthankfulnes.

O thou eternal intercessor, word of God, and 1. Cor. 1, vers. 23. &c. his wisedome, which outwardlie speakest vnto vs by the preaching of the Gospel, instruct in­wardlie our troubled harts by thy liuely word, and effectual consolati­on, that being mindful of thy sacri­fice and suffering for our sinnes, we may feele true comfort and peace of the holie Spirit in our harts.

Kindle in our brests a liuelie faith depending vpon thy benefits, that being deliuered from the feare of hel, we may finde 1. Cor. 1, verse. 30. righteousnes in thee, & eternal life. For thou didst suffer Rom. 4, 25 for our sinnes, & rise againe for our iustification, that liuing we shold her after not liue to our selues, but to thee which diedst, and rosest [Page 60] againe for vs.

Grant therefore 2 Cor. 5, verse. 15. Roman. 6, verse. 4, &c. that likewise being quickned we may rise againe from al our sinnes, and liue in thee; and may be thine properlie abiding in thy kingdome, & serue thee with a willing minde in righteousnes and true holines: so that at length 1. Pe. 3, 21. in the latter daie we may rise againe with our bodies vnto a blessed life, and so both in bodie & soule being redeemed from al euils, in perpetu­al blisse & happines may triumph with al thine holie Angels, Patri­arches, Prophets, and al thine elect, and endued with vnspeakable and euerlasting ioie, may praise thee our Sauior, which hast ascended aboue al the heauens, & sittest at the right hand of God the Father almightie, with whom thou liuest and reignest for euermore,

Amen.

3. A praier for Faith.

O Eternal God, and hea­uenlie Father, which Reue. 1, 8. art Alpha, & Omega, the beginning & the ending: thou art the [Page 61] cause, and absolute perfection of our life and saluation: the euerlasting and infinit good, from whom pro­ceedeth euerie I am. 1, 17. good giuing and euerie perfect gift, to wit from the Father of lights, with whom is no variablenes, neither shadowing by turning:

We beseech thee in the Name of our Sauior Christ thy Sonne, that through thine holie Spirit thou wilt plant in our harts a true knowledge of the same thy Sonne, and keepe vs therein euermore; & make it plen­tiful and prosper euerie daie, that replenished with the knowledge of thy wil, in al wisedome and spiritual vnderstanding, we may walke Philipp. 1. verse. 27. Colos. 1, 10. Ephes. 4, 1. 1. Thes. 2, 10 1. Cor. 1, 5. wor­thie the Lorde, pleasing thee in al things, being fruitful in al good works, and encreasing in thy know­ledge: Col. 1, 11. strengthened in al might through his glorious power vnto al patience, and long suffering with ioiefulnes: and may 2. Cor. 8, 7 abounde in faith, and word, and knowledge, and al diligence.

For this cause we bowe our knees Eph. 3, 14. vnto thee Father of our Lorde Ie­sus Christ (of whom is named the15. [Page 62] whole family in heauen & in earth)Ephes. 3, 16. that thou wilt grant vs according to the riches of thy glorie, that we may be strengthened by thine holie Spi­rit into new men; that Christ may17. dwel in our harts by faith; being rooted and grounded in loue, may18. be able with al Saints to compre­hende the true knowledge of thine essence and wil, according vnto thy word reuealed.

No man 1. Iohn. 4, verse. 12. 1 Tim. 6, 16. Exo. 33, 20. hath seene thee, O God, at anie time; neither hath anie be­helde the countenance of thy Ma­iestie. For Mat. 11, 27 no man knoweth the Sonne which is of thy verie sub­stance, but thou the Father alone; neither hath any knowen thee but the Sonne, & he to whom he doth reueale thee.

Wherefore we beseech thee of thine infinit goodnes and mercie Ioh. 6, 44. draw vs vnto him, & let him bring vs vnto thee. Giue the knowledge Luk. 1, 77. of saluation to thy people, by the re­mission of their sinnes through thy tender mercie: that in thy Sonne Ephes. 1, 7. we may find righteousnes, euen re­mission of sinnes, reconciliation, and newnes of our mindes through the [Page 63] holie Spirit, whereby we may be­come heires of eternal life, being iustified Titus. 3, 5 by the grace of Christ, in whom we beleeue, which was of­fered for our sinnes. For he taking our punishment vpon himselfe, did satisfie thy iustice fullie, and washed vs by his pretious blood Reuel. 1, 5. from al our iniquities; and reconciled vs Col. 1, 21. in the bodie of his flesh through death, to make vs holie, and blame­les,22. and without fault in thy sight.

Make vs therfore strong in faith, and constant to resist al the ingins of Satan; and proceeding from faith to faith to attaine that righteousnes which is auaileable before thee by the redemption Rom. 3, 24▪ 25. which is in Christ Iesu, whom thou hast appointed to be a reconciliation through faith in his blood, that iustified by his grace we may haue peace of conscience, and free accesse vnto the Father.

Holie, and merciful God, we hum­blie beseech thee, which hast raised in vs the sparkles of true faith, make perfect this good which thou hast begon in vs Philip. 1, 6, and bring it vntil the daie of our Lord Iesu Christ; wher­by abounding more and more in9. [Page 64] knowledge and in al iudgement, we may allow the better, and be purePhilip. 1, 10. without offence vntil that daie, fil­led with the, fruite of righteousnes11. which are by Iesus Christ vnto the glorie, and praise of God.

Wherefore Psa. 68, 28. appoint thy strength, establish, O God, which thou hast wrought in vs: that fighting 1. Tim. 1, 18 a good fight we may retaine faith & a good conscience, least vnder persecution19. and aduersities being tossed, we make shipwrack of our faith.

Helpe our weake and feeble faith, which is like the graine of mustard seede within vs Mat. 17, 20. Luke. 17, 6., that encreasing dailie more and more, it may take deepe roote, and remaine firme al­waies and immoueable: and neuer vanish awaie among so many sectes and diuisions in this worlde.

Extinguish al the doubtings of thy wil sticking in our corrupt nature; let vs not mistrust thy promises of eternal and temporal benefits, but applieng thy promises vnto our selues, alwaies giue credit vnto thy worde; and so depending wholie therevpon, contrarie to al sense of humane reason, we shal obteine a [Page 65] crowne of immortal glorie.

Grant likewise, heauenlie Father, Iam. 2, 14. that our faith be not barren, vaine, or dead without good workes, and fruites Gal. 5, 22. of the Spirit, but effectual working by charitie, that we may re­ceiue 1. Pet. 1, 9. the ende of our faith, euen the saluation of our soules; and be­hold thee, whome we now see by faith as it were in a glasse darklie 1. Cor. 13, verse. 12., in another world, looking vpon thy Maiestie face to face in Christ our Sauior, our Lord, and God,

Amen.

4. A praier for the King­dome of God.

MErciful, and gratious God, which hast cal­led vs 1. Thes. 2, verse. 12. vnto thy king­dome and glorie; and of thy fatherlie and good pleasure enioined vs this care, that first Mat. 6, 33. and afore al things we should seeke thy Kingdome, and the righteousnes thereof:

We beseech thee through, and for thy Sonne our Lorde, and Saui­or Christ his sake, teach our weake minds; gouerne our wil and harts, [Page 66] that, without inuerting this thine appointed order, we may first seeke that thou maiest shine within vs; apprehende thy righteousnes by a true and liuelie faith, and be vnited vnto thee our eternal King.

Grant therefore that thy worde may be preached euerie where plainelie and purelie without fraud, and that 2. Cor. 10, verse. 5. we may cast downe al our imaginations, and euerie hie thing that is exalted against thy know­ledge; and leade our vnderstanding captiue to the obedience of the worde which thou hast deliuered: and obey thy Gospel in al simplicitie of faith, according to the good ple­sure of thy wil Ephes. 1, 6. to the praise of the glorie of thy grace.

Assist vs, O our Father which art in heauen, that both thy word may be purely and sincerely preached, & we thereby, as becometh the sonnes of God, reformed in our liues.

Giue vs thine holie Spirit, that we may beleeue thy word through thy grace, and so leade a godlie and vir­tuous life in this worlde, and liue hereafter with thy sonne in eternal blisse.

[Page 67]Breake thou of, and hinder al the consultations and deuises, both of the diuel, the worlde, and the flesh, which do neither sanctifie thine ho­lie Name, nor suffer thy kingdome to be brought vnto vs.

Comfort, and keepe vs stronglie in thy word, and faith, euen til our liues ende: that so both thy good and gratious wil may be done in our harts, and they which as yet be­leeue not thy worde, by our good conuersation 1. Pet. 2, 12 1 Pet. 3, 16. Matth. 5, 16., may be wonne to thy Gospel, and glorifie thee our God to the encrease of thy celestial kingdome.

Make vs meete Col. 1, 12. to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light; Thou which hast deliuered vs 13. from the power of darknes, & tran­slated vs into the kingdome of thy beloued sonne Mat. 3, 17. Matth. 17, 5. Hebru. 1, 5. in whom Col. 1, 14. 23. we haue redemption through his blood, that is the remission of sinnes; that we may be grounded and stablished in faith, and not mooued awaie from the hope of the Gospel, but may walke 1. Cor. 1, 8. Ephes. 1, 4. Colos. 1, 22. vnblameable, and without fault in thy sight as it becommeth the children of light 1. Tim. 2, 2 in al godli­nes [Page 68] and honestie.

And forasmuch as thy kingdome Rom. 14, verse. 17. is not meate nor drinke, neither consisteth in ceremonies and tradi­tions, which are inuented by man, neither commeth it with obseruati­ons Luke. 17, verse. 20.; neither is it in word 1. Cor. 4, verse. 20. but in righteousnes Rom. 14, verse. 17., and peace, and ioie in the holie Ghost, and 1. Thes. 1, 5 in power: Grant, O eternal God, that we, being borne anew 1. Pe. 1, 23. by thy word and ho­lie Spirit, may attaine the inheri­tance 1. Pet. 1, 4. of eternal life; and lifting vp our harts on hie Coloss. 3. verse. 1, & 2. where Christ sitteth at thy right hande, may set our affections on things which are aboue, and not on things on the earth.

Therefore be thou present with vs in these latter daies of the world and begin thy kingdome in vs; pros­per the same with thy diuine assis­tance, that we may be conformable vnto thy godlie pleasure, purchasing thy fauor in this world, and after­ward in thy newe kingdome, in the kingdome of glorie, where thou God art al in al, may ioiefullie remaine with thee for euermore.

Grant therefore that we may be [Page 69] Matth. 5, verse. 3, &c. Luke. 6, 20. poore in spirit, in hart humble, so­rowful in minde for our offences; and may with al our harts hunger Matth. 5, verse. 6, &c. and thirst after righteousnes: Make vs lowlie and courteous; liberal, and pittiful, pure in hart and peace­makers, likewise in persecutions and trobles patient, that we neither take nor giue offence vnto any; but may exercise our selues in the workes of charitie, and of mercie, feeding the hungrie Matth. 25, vers. 35, &c. giuing drinke to the thir­stie, clothing the naked Esai. 58, 7. Ezec. 18. 7., lodging strangers, comforting the weake, and visiting the imprisoned.

Finallie, of thine abundant mercie, grant, that in thy last iudgement we may heare that ioieful, and most cōfortable voice of thy welbeloued Sonne, saieng Matth. 25, verse. 34. Come ye blessed of my Father, inherite the kingdome prepared for you from the founda­tions of the worlde,

Amen.

5. A praier for Magistrates.

OMost mightie GOD, King of al the world, which by thine holie Spirit hast comman­ded 1. Tim. 2, 1. that supplicati­ons, [Page 70] praiers, intercessions, and gi­uing of thanks be made for al men: for Kings and for al that are in au­ctoritie,1. Tim. 2, 2. which thou hast placed Eccl. 10, 4. to be rulers of the earth according to thy good wisedome, and set in go­uernement at thy good pleasure. For thou exaltest some vnto the top of honor Iob. 36, 7. and protectest their dig­nitie (thou castest not downe the mighty which art mighty thy selfe) and placest Kings in their throne. For al power Rom. 13, 1. Wisdo. 6, 3. is from thee.

We beseech thee therefore euen with deepe sighs of hart, O Lord of Lordes, that forgiuing our sinnes thou woldest giue good Rulers; and also maintaine their auctoritie. For among men there is no place for Lawe and iustice, where the ru­lers and princes whom thou hast appointed are not feared.

Vphold al the states, and gouer­nors of this realme; and protect them from destruction in these gre­uous calamities, and miserable dis­order of these latter daies.

Especiallie preserue our Noble Queene, and hir godlie Counsaile: grant them a long, healthful, & good [Page 71] life; that they may deuoutlie serue thee, and iustlie doe their office.

Lighten their minds with the knowledge of thy sacred word, that they may deale wisely Psal. 2, 10. and be lear­ned which iudge the earth; seruing11. thee in feare, and reioicing in trem­bling. Let them embrace discipline12. and kisse the Sonne the Sauior of the world: least happilie he be an­grie, and they perish in the waie.

Blesse them, O God, that they may alwaies hope in thee, Esa. 49, 23. nourish thy ministers, giue reliefe vnto thy Gos­pel; and open their gates Psal. 24, 7. that the King of glorie may come in, the8. Lord of power, which is mightie in battel.

Giue them a care of godlines, that they may giue their goods to the e­recting & cherishing of the church; and shew themselues Patrones and defenders of the same. Make them diligent in rooting out superstition, and in promoting thy Kingdome; in maintaining the puritie of doctrine; in remoouing al offences; and fi­nallie in wyping awaie al filthines which both defile thy religion, and deface thy glory: that the commers [Page 72] after vs haue none occasion of transgressing.

Blesse them with sober counsaile, wisedome, industrie and courage of minde. Giue them good successe in al their enterprises, & prosper their doings. Let them consider that they are placed to defend the good and innocent; and with seuere punish­ment Rom. 13, 4 to correct the wicked and rebellious: so shal wickednes Deu. 13, 11. Deut. 17, 13. be taken from among vs, and the pub­like state remaine in safetie, to the preseruation of mankind, and con­tinuance both of common & Chri­stian peace to the glorie of thy sa­cred Maiestie, and the commoditie of their subiects; to the rooting out of ignorance and error; and to the furtherance of good artes, honest trades, and liberal studies.

And forasmuch Prou. 21, 1. as the harts of Kings, Queenes, and of al men are in thine handes, so that thou canst turne them at thy pleasure, we be­seech thee, almightie and merciful God, that it would please thee to turne from crueltie to clemencie the minds of al Tyrans and vnmer­ciful Princes, that they mooue not [Page 73] war against thee rashlie, wherby the course of thy diuine worde may be hindered; worldlie substance wic­kedlie consumed; and their subiects polled vnreasonably & deuoured:

But giue vnto al in auctoritie quiet harts, desirous of christian concord, that they may remember they are the ministers of God to maintaine his glorie, & to keepe their people from iniurie and oppression; and beare the sword Rom. 13, 4. to take vengance on them which doe euil on the be­halfe of God. For they rule not for their owne cause, but for the publike welfare; neither may they doe what they list, but are bound to seeke the profit of their subiectes, and to set forth the glorie of God.

Let them not therefore abuse their auctoritie & power: but grant them grace to remember continuallie that they are mortal men, whose Lord is in heauen, which respecteth no person Eph. 6, 9.; and afore whose iudg­ment seat Psal. 9, 7. 2. Cor. 5, 10. Rom. 14, 10. Wisd. 6, 5. they must al appeare, and giue an account vnto thee the true and righteous God, iudge both of the quicke and dead, which raig­nest and rulest for euermore,

Amen.

6. A praier for Subiects.

O Most merciful God, at thy beck do al things bow, both in heauen, and in earth; at thy voice doe both wind Mat. 8, 26. and seas obey, confessing thy Ma­iestie.

Euerie knee Phili. 2, 10 Rom. 14, 11. Esai. 45, 23. boweth vnto thee both of things in heauen, & things in earth, & things vnder the earth: meete it is also that we obeie thee, which hast commanded al Subiects to giue due obedience Rom. 13, 1. 1. Pet. 2, 13. and reue­rence vnto their lawful Magistrates, which subiection thou hast inioined vnto vs not onelie to auoide pu­nishment, but especiallie to keepe and reteine a good conscience. For al auctoritie is ordained by thee Rom. 13, 2, that the world euerie where may be godlie and quietlie gouerned. For much more safelie doe we liue vn­der lawes and iudgement, than if euerie man had the bridle at wil to roaue as he list.

We beseech thee therefore, O eternal God, that first of al in euerie [Page 75] thing, and in al things, we may obey thee 1. Tim. 1, 17 our most high and mightie God, King of the whole world be­fore any creature, and that in true faith, and godlie feare.

Next Ephes. 6, 5. that al Subiects, and pri­uate persons with al singlenes of hart, in al thinges, which are not contrarie to thy worde, may obeie their publike Magistrate hauing power & auctoritie ouer them; and submit themselues 1. Pet. 2, 13 to euerie ciuil ordinance, for thy sake, not to the King onelie as to the chiefe, but to14. other inferior officers sent from him, for the punishment of euil do­ers, and for the praise of the good. Let them alwaies remember that this subiection and obedience thou requirest to be showen as to thine owne ordinance, whereby the safe­tie of mankind is maintained.

Wherefore bend thou our harts, and guide them, that we enuie not the honor due to our Superiors; neither obraie, nor backbyte them, but rather, honoring them most dutifullie, may both praie 1. Tim. 2, 1. for them, and paie with willing mindes whatsoeuer by the ciuil law, and by [Page 76] nature we are bound to doe.

Be it far from vs, O Almightie God, that any of vs should despise, raile Exo. 22, 28 Acts. 23, 5. or in his hart wish euil vnto his Prince, or Superiors. For thou hast vouchsafed them the title of Gods Psal. 82, 6. in the holie Scriptures: be­cause they rule in thy steed here on the earth. Hence it is, that whosoe­uer resist their Superiors Rom. 13, 2, and for­sake the yoke of obedience, are said to resist thine ordinance, and shal receiue to themselues iudgement, running into the foule crime of tre­son against thy sacred person; and staining their conscience with the filthie spot of obstinacie and disobe­dience, giuing an occasion vnto the wicked to slander thy Gospel.

Grant also that inferiors, & subiects be not burdened with ouer great & new exactions, vnlawful paiments, and intollerable tributes, neither oppressed with greeuous seruitude, or pilled by any other violence, or tyrannie. And if in any place Lions and woolues shew their crueltie to­ward thy seruants, their godlie Sub­iects, plucking their skinnes Mica. 3, 2. from them, breaking their bones, and de­uouring [Page 77] thy people none otherwise than if they shoulde eate bread Psal. 14, 4. giue patience vnto thine afflicted members, that they may quietlie susteine their miserable seruitude, as a crosse sent from thee 1. Pet. 1, 7. Wisd. 3, 5. Deut. 8, 2. Eccles. 2, 5. Prou. 17, 3. for a tri­al of their faith and patience.

Aide vs with thy comfort, where­by we may with patient minds suf­fer the trobles which in this last and doting age of this world more and more encrease; remembring that thou God, hast prepared thy throne Psal. 9, 7. 8. in iudgement to iudge the worlde in equitie, and thy people with righ­teousnes; to be a refuge for the poore, and an helper in due time,9. euen in affliction. For Psal. 9, 18. the poore shal not alwaie be forgotten: the hope of the afflicted shal not perish for euer.

Wherefore listen thou vnto the praier and sighes of thy seruants which crie vnto thee, & aide them, as thou didst the children of Israël, whose miserie, calamitie, and bon­dage thou didst behold, Ezod. 3, 7. 8. deliuering them frō the greeuous seruitude of Egypt; and bringing them out of the yron fornace Deu. 4, 20. of Pharao, through [Page 78] thy mighty and stretched out arme.

Keepe vs also from vngodlie and idolatrous Magistrates, that we be not vnder the yoke, and gouerne­ment of Infidels & Ethnikes, which wil be vnto vs and our posteritie in steede of thornes and prickes Iosua. 23, verse. 13. offe­ring continual occasions of Aposta­sie, & reuolting from true religion.

Suffer not the rod of the wicked Psa. 125, 3 to rest vpon the lot of the righteous, least the righteous put forth their hand vnto wickednes.

Breake in peeces the scepters of the wicked: and Rom. 6, 12 deliuer vs from the yoake of sinne, that wee offer not our members as instruments of vnrighteousnes, and that wicked­nes rage not in our mortal bodies to the suppressing of the soule and bodie, which liuest and raignest in al eternitie,

Amen.

7. A praier against the enimies of Gods truth.

O God most hie, whose dwelling is aboue the cloudes, and rulest al things both in heauen and earth; Psal. 2, 1. Why do

[Page 81] [...]garde the workes of thine handes: therefore destroie and ouerthrowe them, so that they neuer be able to arise againe.

O God of Sabbaoth, fight thou against them Psal. 35, 1. that fight against vs; laie hand vpon thy shield and buck­ler,2. & stand vp for our helpe; bring out also the speare, and encounter3. with them which persecute vs, that we may knowe thy saluation on the earth.

Giue the victorie ouer thine eni­mies vnto our Magistrates, capi­taines, and conductors of thy peo­ple. Blessed be the Lorde Ps. 144, 1. our strength which teacheth the hands of our soldiors to fight; and their fin­gers to war. For thou art our aide,2. and the defence in whom we trust; thou destroiest al our enimies. For 1. Mach. 3, verse. 19. 2. Chr. 20, 6 the victorie commeth from hea­uen, and is not gotten by the multi­tude of an host. The King is not sa­ued Psa. 33, 16. by the multitude of warriers; neither is the mightie man deliue­red by his great strength. An horse17. is a vaine thing; and shal not deli­uer anie by his mightie bones. But Iudit. 9, 11. Iudges. 7, 2. thine, O Lord, is the power. Thou [Page 82] canst aswel saue by a fewe 2. Chro. 14 verse. 11. 2. Chr. 16, 8. as by manie. Saluation belongeth vnto the Lord Psal. 3, 8., and his blessing is vpon the people.

Wherefore Psa. 10, 15. breake thou the arme of the vngodlie; weaken their strength; bring al their counsailes to naught; destroie them which trust in their multitudes Iudit. 9, 7. and in their chariots, & in their speares, shields, and arrowes. For thou art our God which breakest the battels; the Lorde is thy Name. Lift vp thine8. arme as thou didst in the begin­ning, & breake their strength with thy power. Ouerthrowe their force9. in thy displeasure, which vowe to violate thy sanctuarie, and to pol­lute the Tabernacle of thy most glo­rious Name. Grant Lord that with10. their owne sword their pride may be cut of.

Let them al be confounded Psal. 6, 10. which hate thee; let thē Psal. 35, 4. be broght to shame which deale wickedlie. Let them be as chaffe Psalm. 1, 4. Psal. 35, 5. before the wind, and let thine Angel scatter them. Let the enimies of thy Chuch blush and be trobled greatlie; let them be turned back and brought to speedie [Page 83] confusion, that thy Name be not blasphemed among the Gentiles,

Amen.

8. Euening praier, on Mondaie.

O ALMIGHTIE, and merciful God, thou hast made the Moone for cer­taine seasons Ps. 104, 19.; the Sunne, which thou hast created, knoweth his going downe; Thou makest darknes, and20. it is night, wherin men betake them to rest, cease from their worke, and recreate their wearied members through sleepe. Thou art the God Esai. 45, 7. forming light, and creating dark­nes.

Therefore in the euening we wil praise thee, and going to bed wil giue thee thanks, because thou hast kept vs this daie of thine onelie mercie without any merit of ours from al danger and hurt.

When we are in troble we cal vp­on [Page 84] thee, and in the euening wil we remember thy mercie and truth, which thou hast shewed vnto vs a­bundantlie.

Our eies preuent Ps. 119, 148 the night wat­ches to meditate vpon thy wonder­ful things; and our studies shal be alwaies of the excellencie of thy Name. For Psal. 57, 3. thou hast sent from heauen and deliuered vs; and hast brought them to shame that troade vpon vs. O God, thou hast sent thy4. mercie and truth, and taken our soules from the mids of them which compassed vs about.

Therefore Psal. 54, 6. we wil sacrifice freelie vnto thee, and praise thy most glo­rious Name. For thou hast deliue­red7. vs from al troble, and our eies haue seene our desire vpon our eni­mies.

O Lorde, God of our saluation Psal. 88, 1., daie and night doe we crie before thee; when our eies are trobled through griefe and bitternes of our soules, we poure out our teares be­fore thee, and in this place we hum­blie beseech thee, couer and put out al our offences; that as the Sunne of this daie is now downe and hid­den: [Page 85] so thou woldest also hide al our iniquities, and drowne al our offences Mica. 7, 19. in the bottom of the sea, that they neuer be seene with eies, nor come forth into iudgement.

O our God, we blush, and are ashamed to lift vp our eies vnto thee. For we are not worthie to lift vp our eies vnto Heauen, because Psa. 40, 11. our sinnes are mo than the heares of our head. Our offences haue ta­ken such hold on vs that we are vn­able to looke vp.

We haue sinned, O Lord, we haue sinned Dan. 9, 5. and haue committed ini­quitie, yea, we haue rebelled, and departed from thy precepts, & from thy iudgements; We haue not obei­ed6. thy seruants which spake in thy Name to our Kings, to our Princes, and to our Fathers, and to al the people of the lande.

O Lord, righteousnes belongeth7. vnto thee; but vnto vs open shame and confusion.

O Lord Tob. 3, 2. thou art iust, and al thy works, and al thy waies are mercie and truth; thou iudgest truelie and rightlie for euer. Remember vs, and3. looke vpon vs according to the mul­titude [Page 86] of thy mercies, neither pu­nish vs for our sinnes, nor remem­ber our offences, nor our forefa­thers, which haue not obeied thy commandements.

We faint Psal. 6, 6. in our mourning, we wil cause our bed to swim, and wa­ter our coutch with teares. Our eies7. be trobled through the griefe of our wickednes, and our faces be wi­thered.

O Lord, God of hosts, Psa. 84, 8. 9. heare our praier; O God our protector behold and looke vpon the face of Christ thine onelie begotten Sonne ma­king intercession for vs, and winke at our offences.

Hide thy face from our sinnes Psa 51, 9. & blot out al our iniquities. Create in vs cleane harts, O God, and re­nue10. right spirits within vs. Cast vs not away from thy presence, & take11. not thine holie spirit frō vs. Restore to vs the ioie of thy saluation and12. stablish vs with thy free Spirit, that we may doe al things according to thy wil, and serue thee alwaies with a willing minde.

O Christ King of glorie, we be­seech thee blessed Lorde, defend vs [Page 87] this night; let our rest be in thee, graunt vs thy grace that neither much sleepe ouerwhelme vs, nor Satan inuade vs; nor the flesh be­traie vs vnto him and make vs gil­tie in thy sight.

Let our eies sleepe, but let our harts wake, & cause thy right hand to protect such as trust in thee. O Lord, lighten our eies that we slepe not in death, that Satan hurt vs not, and our enimie saie, Psal. 13, 4. I haue pre­uailed against them.

Watch ouer vs, O eternal Sauior, least the subtil tempter ouertake vs, and we sleepe a perpetual sleepe Ierem. 51, ve. 39, & 57., and wake no more. For thou art made our euerlasting helper.

Keepe vs as the apple of thine eie, Psal. 17, 8. hide vs vnder the shadowe of thy wings, O Lorde, that neither ouglie visions, nor horrible dreames, nor sightes and monsterous appariti­ons Wisd. 17, 4 troble vs in the darke.

In thy Name, O sweete Iesu, wil we go to bed, and giue sleepe to our eies, and slomber to our eie lids, compasse vs about, and raise vs a­gaine to the ioieful sight of tomor­row light; and after this miserable [Page 88] life bring vs to the beholding of eternal happines, that in thy light Psal. 36, 9. we may see light, and euer­more praise thee raig­ning worlds with­out ende,

1. On Tuesdaie, Mor­ning praier.

O Almightie, euerli­uing, true, & mer­ciful God, eternal Father of our Lord Iesu Christ, which together Ephe. 3, 9. with thy Sonne and the holie Ghost hast created the frame of this worlde withal things therin conteined, and preseruest the same as yet accor­ding to thy free pleasure: al crea­tures without ceassing euermore should extol and praise thee, & that [Page 89] doe euen the very fowles of the aire Wis. 17, 17 Psal. 104, 12. which earelie in the morning a­mong the thick branches of trees, and from the mids of rocks, giuing out their sound and flieng about in the aire with most pleasant tunes doe magnifie thee the eternal God, Lord, and Creator of al things.

And therfore we men also earelie in the morning shold praise thee for thy benefits, and euermore extol thy mercie with diuine commenda­tions.

Thou hast preserued vs this night passed, and from our cradles to this present houre hast thou kept vs safe. Thou hast caused vs to come from sleepe and darkenes vnto the light of this daie: and from our beds through thy benignitie we doe arise in safetie.

Hadst not thou, O Lorde, bin pre­sent with vs, and watched vs, the insatiable crueltie of Satan had deuoured vs. Hadst not thou kept our houses and vs Psa. 127, 1. the keeper of the Citie had watched in vaine.

If the Lorde had not bin on our side Psa. 124, 1. when men rose vp against vs, they had then swallowed vs vp3. [Page 90] quicke, when their wrath was kin­dled against vs: then had the watersPsal. 1 [...], 4. (of troble) drowned vs, and the streame (of miseries) had gone ouer our soules; yea the swelling & mer­ciles5. waters had gone ouer our soules. Blessed be the Lorde which6. hath not giuen vs a praie for their teeth. Our soules are escaped, euen7. as a bird out of the snare of the fou­lers, the snare is broken, and we are deliuered. Our helpe is in the8. Name of the Lorde which hath made both heauen and earth.

Now harken therefore vnto our words, O Lorde, Psal. 5, 2. marke our crie, vnderstand the voice of our praier, our King and our God. For vnto3. thee, Lorde we wil praie, heare our voice in the morning.

Earelie wil we stand before thee, and behold thy fortitude and Ma­iestie, looking for thine assistance with a woonderful desire.

O God and gouernor, raise vs vp earelie Esai. 50, 4. earelie we saie li [...]t vp our eares to the hearing of thee our in­structor. Open thou our eares Prou. 2, 2. that we rebel not against thee, neither yet go backwarde; but let thy voice [Page 91] sound in our eares: make them obe­dient vnto thee Psal. 40, 6. that we be not ob­stinate like the serpent, neither har­dened like the deafe adder Psal. 58, 4. which stoppeth his eares: but let them be open Esai. 8, 20. to heare thy Lawes and te­stimonies: and harken alwaies vnto the crie of the poore Pro. 21, 13.; that the morning light may rise vnto vs, and our light breake foorth as the daie, and our health spring vp sodeinlie.

Againe, Eccle. 28, verse. 24. shut vp our eares, hedge them in with thornes, and put bars vpon them, that they neither admit nor allowe false doctrine, and that they turne not 2. Tim. 4, verse. 4. from the truth to fables, and other follies.

But thou, O our God and Creator, which didst plant the eare Psa. 94, 9. & hea­rest al things, make the same with a willing and readie minde to obeie thee our maker and Redeemer.

Heare vs, Lorde, for thy louing kindnes is good Psa. 69, 16. turne vnto vs ac­cording to the multitude of thy tender mercies: & Lam. 3, 56▪ stop not thine eare from our sighing and from our crie.

Incline thine eare Psal. 86, 1., O Lord, and heare vs, for we are poore and nee­die. [Page 92] Haue mercie on vs, O Lord, be­cause we crie vnto thee al the daie long. Let vs heare thy louing kind­nes Psa. 143, 8. in the morning, which is bet­ter than al riches, yea, than life it selfe; make vs to heare ioie Psal. 51, 8. and gladnes, that the bones which thou hast broken may reioice.

We beseech thee, O eternal God, by the incarnation and natiuitie of thy Sonne Iesu Christ, that through thy worde entering into our eares, and mindes, thou wilt transforme vs into new men, and be borne of thee, and as new borne babes 1. Pet. 2, 2. may desire that milke not of bodie, but of the minde which knowes no de­ceipt: whereby we may growe, and3. taste how sweete thy promise is vn­to the godlie; which embrace the same through faith: and that laieng aside 1. Pet. 2, 1. al malitiousnes, and guile, and al dissimulation and enuie, we may walke as children, 1. Cor. 14, verse. 20. but in vn­derstanding, may be perfect.

And being thus regenerated, kepe vs, O eternal God, both this day and at al times from euil tydings Psa. 112, 7. that our eares heare no rumors of wars, nor be terrefied by any greeuous [Page 93] chance. Fil vs in this houre with thy fauor, that al this daie reioicing to­gether, we may delight in thy prai­ses, through our Lord Iesus Christ which liueth and raigneth with thee for euermore,

Amen.

2. A thankesgiuing vnto God for our Sanctification.

O God the holie Ghost which proceedest Ioh. 15, 26. from the Father and the Sonne, and with them art worshipped and glorified in the vnitie 1. Ioh. 5, 7. of the true and eternal Deitie, and art also the substantial amitie betweene the Father and the Sonne:

We worship thee, we praise and glorifie thee, and with our whole hart we thanke thee for al thy be­nefits: especiallie for calling vs by the voice of the Gospel 2. Timo. [...], verse. 7, &c. vnto the Christian congregation; for illumi­nating vs with thy gifts; for sancti­fieng vs with a stedfast faith, and for keeping vs hetherto in the same. For by the font of the wholesome lauor, that is, by the water of holie [Page 94] baptisme, being poured into vs, thou dost continuallie worke in vs rege­neration Titus. 3, 5. and renuing of the in­warde man.

Harken we beseech thee, vnto our supplication, & teach vs miserable men, which by the proper strength of our only reason cā by no meanes trust in, or approch to Christ our Lorde and Sauiour, teach vs, O our God, what thy pleasure is, and leade vs Ioh. 16, 13. into al truth. For 1. Cor. 12, 3 without thine assistance none can saie that Iesus is the Lord.

O blessed light, fil the inwarde partes of thy faithful; without thy grace nothing is within man, which is not hurtful. Wash that is filthie; water that is drie; heale that is wounded; bow the obstinate; che­rish the frozen; and reclame them which wander. Giue to thy faithful trusting in thee, the reward of wel doing; the entrance into happines, and euerlasting comfort.

Thou in thy giftes Esal. 11, 2. seuenfold, which art the Spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdome & vnderstanding, the spirit of counsel & strength; the spirit of knowledge, and of the feare [Page 95] of the Lord: inspire into vs through the preaching of the Gospel, thine heauenlie wisedome about thine essence and diuine pleasure, which is hid from the world.

Grant that we may know the Fa­ther and the Sonne by thee, and may alwaies beleeue that thou art the spirit of them both: and so wor­ship one God in trinitie, and the tri­nitie in vnitie: whose wil is, that not one should perish Eze. 33, 11. Ezech. 3, 21. but be conuer­ted and liue; and Ioh. 6, 40. that as many as beleeue in the Sonne should haue euerlasting life. For Ioh. 3, 17. Iohn. 9, 39. Iohn. 12, 47. the Father sent the Sonne not to condemne the worlde: but that the worlde through him might be saued.

O Lightener of the minde, poure vpon vs thy new light, and purge the horrible darknes of our minds, so that we may see and knowe our chiefe Father, whom Matt. 5, 8. pure eies on­lie doe behold.

O thou heauenlie comforter Iohn. 15, verse. 26. Iohn. 14, 26. giue vnto vs a testimonie; & grant vnto our minds a token of the cer­taintie of our beliefe, so that wee doubt not, neither wauer about thy diuine goodnes toward vs.

[Page 96]Make our harts quiet and secure, that with a ful trust and confidence Heb. 4, 16. we may approch to the throne of thine heauenlie grace, receiuing Galat. 4, 5. by adoption the right of children; and inflamed with spiritual ioie in al boldnes and libertie Rom. 8, 15 may crie, Abba Father.

Thou which art the earnest Ephes. 1, ve. 13, & 14. 2. Cor. 5, 5. of our inheritance to the redemption of the promise, and art effectual by thy worde and Sacraments; signe our harts with the seale 2. Cor. 1, 22 Ephes. 4, 3. of thy pro­mise, whereby we may haue the same, and retaine it surelie in our harts, through thy deede.

Thou most faithful Aduocate Iohn. 16, 7. strengthen vs against al the assaults and tentations of Satan: so that we may neuer doubt of thy diuine pro­uidence and predestination, where­by we are chosen and called in Christ vnto euerlasting life, and ne­uer, being stroken with a seruile feare, and oppressed with dreadful doubtings, may in a rage flie and forsake our God.

O surpassing comforter, leaue vs not destitute of thine aide, and patronage, but vouchsafe euermore [Page 97] to be present with vs in our crosses and trobles; least otherwise we faint. But rather make vs to reioice in tri­bulations, knowing Iam. 1, 12. that a crowne of life is laide vp for such as loue him.

O thou teacher of men instruct vs how, and what we ought to praie for Rom. 8, 26 according to thy wil, that we may be heard 1. Ioh. 5, 14. and make thou in­tercession for vs, with sighes that cannot be expressed.

O thou clenser of the hart, giue vnto vs the simplicitie of minde without gal and bitternes, which descendedst Matt. 3, 16. Mark. 1, 10. in Iordan vpon our Lorde and Sauior Christ in the like­nes of a doue Luk. 3, 22. that we may be void of Iam. 3, 14. bitter enuie, and contention in our harts; and haue no roote Deu. 29, 18 Actes. 8, 23. a­mong vs, that bringeth forth gal and wormewood.

O thou substantial flame procee­ding from the brest of the Father and his eternal Sonne, lighten our harts with the fire of chaste & bur­ning loue: thou which apperedst at the feast of Pentecost vnto the Apo­stles in clouen tongues Actes. 2, 3. like fire; see vnto our coldnes, and comfort [Page 98] vs with thy quickening heate and breathings, that we may receiue thy chrisme 1. Iohn, 2, ve. 20, & 27. and annointment.

O thou ghest of the soule, make thee a mansion place within the se­cret parts of our harts; that we may be an house for thy diuinitie 1. Cor. 3, 16 1. Cor. 6, 19. which may dwel perpetuallie in our mem­bers, and neuer depart from vs, through our Lorde and Sauior Christ,

Amen.

3. A praier for a sted­fast hope.

BLessed be God 2. Cor. 1, 3. Ephes 1, 3. euen the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ which ac­cording to his abun­dant mercie 1. Pet. 1, 3. hath begotten vs againe vnto a liuelie hope by the resurrection of his Sonne from the dead to an inheri­tance immortal, and vndefiled, and4. that vadeth not away, reserued in heauen for such as beleeue on him, through the confession of the truth, which is according to godlines Titus. 1, 1. vnder the hope of eternal life, which God, Nom. 23, verse. 19. that cannot lie, hath [Page 99] promised, before the world began.

For Rom. 8, 24 we are saued by hope. But hope that is seene is no hope. For how can a man hope for that which he seeth? But if we hope for that we25. see not, we doe with patience abide for it.

For such is the wil of almightie God, that we shal not haue saluati­on as long as we are here in this world, but onelie in hope, nourish­ing the same as it were clasped in our armes: but then we shal per­ceiue the same in deede, when we depart from hence one daie.

For hope is the vnseparable com­panion of Faith. For how can that be hoped for, which is not belee­ued? And this hope depending vp­on the promise of God is so cer­taine, as if the thing it selfe were present. For God which hath pro­mised to vs saluation, is truth Iohn. 14, ve. 6, 16, 26.; and can neither deceaue, nor be de­ceaued.

Wherefore we beseech thee, O eternal Father, autor Rom. 15, verse. 13. of hope and comfort, fil vs with al ioie and peace in beleeuing, that we may abounde in hope, through the power of the [Page 100] holie Ghost, and aboue hope Rom. 4, 18. in hope beleeuing may neuer doubt of thy promises, but in a sure confi­dence of hart applie to our selues the remission of sinnes, and verilie beleue that we please thee through Christ, looking in a certaine and strong hope, through sufferance for the saluation of our soules in the life to come.

And albeit the helpes of our hap­pines appeare not in this world, yet let vs retaine a stedfast hope amōg al the terrors and feares of consci­ence; and neuer suffer the same to be taken from vs by any snares of Satan: but expecting Titus. 2, 13. that blessed appearing of the glorie of the migh­tie God, and of our Sauior Christ, which hath giuen himselfe for vs, alwaies fasten the same vpon the good things absent and to come.

O thou onelie begotten Sonne of God which hast loued vs 2. Thes. 2, verse. 16., and gi­uen vs euerlasting comfort & hope through grace, comfort our harts, & establish vs in euery word and good17. worke; that we stick not vncertaine, neither be tossed betweene hope & feare, but may hold fast Hebr. 3, 6. the confi­dence.

[Page 105] [...]gedst thy selfe downe from the hiest top of glorie to vtter shame, putting on our flesh, thy Maiestie being hid and dissembled for a time. And so becamest thou obedient vnto thy Father not onelie in obeieng him with greater reuerence than anie other creature else did: but also in offering vp thy selfe a sacrifice for sinnes, thereby to redeeme vs being bondslaues through pride vnto sin and death, & to exalt vs to an hope of eternal life; and withal by thine example to teach vs, and to propose an example of true lowlines, and humilitie, saieng Matth 11, verse. 29., Learne of me, for I am meeke, and lowlie in hart:

We beseech thee through thine humilitie and passion, giue vnto vs a contrite spirit, a Psa. 51, 17. contrite and an humbled hart, which thou despisest not, O Lord. For thou art neere vn­to al them Psa. 34, 18. which are of a trobled hart, and wilt saue such as are hum­ble in spirit. Thou regardest their praiers, & giuest to them thy grace, and thy secrets Eccl. 3, 20. are reuealed vnto the lowlie.

Grant therfore that we following thy footesteps may humble our [Page 106] selues from the hart without hypo­crisie.

Turne our harts that they be not wickedlie humbled, Ecc. 19, 25 after the ma­ner of hypocrites, which bow them­selues, and are sad casting downe their faces towards the earth, whose inward parts notwithstanding are ful of deceit.

O God, holie Ghost, which art the ruler of our mindes, and the gi­uer of good gifts; which not onelie commendest, but also commandest vs to haue benignitie Col. 3, 12., lowlines, modestie, and patience that being clothed therewithal we may ende­uour to facion our selues after thee, thinking modestlie and soberlie of our selues:

Gouerne thou our minds, that we may be subiect one to another, not onelie honoring, but also preuen­ting Rom. 12, ve. 10, & 16. one another in dooing the same; and alwaies applieng our selues to humilitie, may seeke thy glorie, and the profit of our neigh­bor.

Let neither pride Iob. 4, vers. 13, &c. nor luxurious­nes haue dominion either in our sence or speech; neither let vs lift vp [Page 107] our pecocks feathers, nor extol our eielids through arrogancie; neither glorie in proude and vaine opini­ons Phili. 2, 3. Rom. 12, 10.: but by humblenes of minde, submitting our selues one to ano­ther, may thinke others better than our selues, and consider what our condition is. For man taken from the earth must returne vnto the same, and be the heire Ecc. 10, 12. of wormes and serpents.

Especiallie our request is, that we be not puffed vp in spiritual gifts: remooue arrogancie & pride from vs, that our harts Psal. 131, 1. be not lif­ted vp, nor yet our eies exalted; nei­ther let vs wade in greater & higher things than becommeth vs; cause vs2. to frame and tame our minds like a child newlie weaned, which is lowly with his mother. Let our minds be weaned like a childe Matt. 18, 3. knowing not what pride meanes.

Keepe the prowde diuel that he prouoke vs not to sinne, nor to swel vp through a vaine perswasion of fleshlie righteousnes, neither wic­kedlie to boast of thy gifts, abusing them to our owne glorie, and con­tempt of others.

[Page 108]Suffer vs not to seeme wise Esai. 5, 21. in our owne eies. Amende this vice in­graffed in vs by nature, that no man loue or like himselfe too wel; and in respect of himself contemne others, hauing not the like, or not so excel­lent gift as he hath.

Suffer not good wits, & teachers armed with publike auctoritie to be pricked and tickled with the spurs of pride & curiositie to the moouing of idle questions, and disputations, either through ambition or hatred. For that is not the wisedome des­cending from aboue: but earthlie, Iam. 3, 15. sensual, and diuelish. For Iam. 3, 16. where emulation and strife is, there is se­dition and al manner of euil works.

Grant therefore that al of vs be­ing humble may be exalted to eter­nal life,

Amen.

5. A praier for wedded folkes.

O Most holie God, and mercisul father, which of thy singular proui­dence, and woonder­ful wisedome diddest [Page 109] ordaine matrimonie in Paradyse Gen. 2, 24., and that in the time of innocencie, for the multiplieng and conseruati­on of mankinde: thereby to gather vnto thy selfe continuallie out of godlie families, an holie catholike church which may rightly acknow­ledge, serue, and celebrate thine ho­lie name for euermore, and deliuer the true vnderstanding of thee vnto posterities by one generation to an­other.

This thine institution did thy Sonne, God coequal with thee and coeternal, confirme and adorne in Cana of Galile by turning water Iohn. 2, 8. into good wine. A notable honoring of mariage doubtles for Christ not onlie to be present himselfe at the nuptial feast, but also to set out the same with the first myracle that he wrought after his natiuitie.

Likewise thy holie Spirit doth witnes by the worde deliuered vnto vs, and saith, that Heb. 13, 4. mariage is ho­norable among al. And the same thy Spirit reioiceth in three things Eccl. 25, 1. which are commended both be­fore God and man, in the concorde of brethren, in the loue of neigh­bors, [Page 110] and in a man and wife that agree wel together For such as be at variance can neither cal vpon thee as they should, nor please thee as they ought.

O eternal God it is sufficientlie apparent, with what a rage and in­satiable hatred, Satan, the most deadlie enimie to al thy works, doth labour and set himselfe to the brea­king of, and ouerthrow of this thy sacred ordinance.

Wherefore, we beseech thee, im­part thy fauor vnto al maried folks, that they may acknowledge thee to be the autor and institutor of this knitting together in wedlock; and knowe and beleeue stedfastlie that they are in a good estate, wherein they may please thee through christ thy Sonne.

For hauing this comfort they wil more willinglie and cheerefully dis­charge the duties of their calling in true confidence, and calling vpon thy Name. But such as doubt of their kinde of life, hauing their con­science wounded, & trobled minds, can neither cal vpon thee truelie, nor cheerefullie go about, and finish [Page 111] their affaires.

Grant therefore vnto al and eue­rie married bodie, that in true faith and confession they may retaine the indissoluble chaine of wedded state, and the strong bonds of godly fellowship: that they may loue one another, and in the sweate of their browes Gen. 3, 19. eate their bread; and bring vp their children Ephes. 6, 4. in al godlines, through instruction, and informati­on of the Lorde, and neuer feare the crosse which accompanieth this kinde of life.

Worke so that Satan by no meanes weaken and ouerthrowe this thine ordinance; nor that married folkes, wearied with the trobles of wedded life, raise mortal hatred among themselues, and so detest and abhor this thine holie institution, & seeke vnlawful diuorcements. For by this engine of incredulitie, and snare of mistrust being comprehended, they wil easilie rush headlong into enor­mous offences by casting of the yoke of the Lorde, and be carried through dissention into horrible cō ­fusions of concupiscence, to adulte­rie, whoredome, wicked forsakings, [Page 112] so long, til polluted with filthie spots, and defiled with most horrible staines they bring themselues hed­long into euerlasting torments. Grant therefore, O most merciful God, that al at debate may come to amitie, and be reconciled in thy Name, and, being mindful of the knot of mariage, and mutual bond betweene them, may dwel and liue peaceablie together in true faith, and feare of thy Name:

That husbands 1. Cor. 7, 3., abusing their auctoritie, doe not exercise tyran­nie ouer their wiues, but rather loue them, and dwel with them accor­ding to knowledge 1. Pet. 3, 7., giuing honor vnto them as vnto the weaker ves­sels, euen as to them which are also heires of grace and life:

Likewise that matrones contemne not their husbands, denieng sub­iection, but rather studie by chaste obedience, and holie conuersation and lowlines to ouercome them.

Let neither hate other extreme­lie, and so violate the state of mari­age, and bring themselues out of thy fauor, through their discorde and contention, wherby their praiers be [Page 113] interrupted. For where neither part doe their dutie, there must needes ensue first pouertie, subtiltie, lieng, and al impietie: afterward a woun­ded conscience; and last of al vtter despaire.

O most chaste God, which didst therefore institute the order of ma­trimonie, that by the same both the weake nature of mankinde might liue purelie in lawful wedlock, and an holie Church be gathered vnto thy selfe: giue thy blessing to al which are married, that they may haue godlie children, & their wiues Psa. 128, 3. proue like the fruiteful vine, and their children appere like the oliue branches round about their table, and may see their childers children,6. the peace & safetie of the Church, the which, Christ thy Sonne repai­rer of mankind by taking our flesh vpon him, hath copled to himselfe, which liueth and raigneth with thee in the vnitie of the holie Spirit a God for euermore,

A­men.

6. A praier for yong folkes.

OMost merciful God, and eternal Father, which out of the mouth of babes Psal. 8, 2. and sucklings hast ordai­ned strength of thy praise; and wilt also Ps. 148, 12. that yong men and maidens, old men and children should praise thee the eternal God, in true con­fessing, inuocating, and celebrating of thy diuine maiestie through al generations for euermore:

Thou hast enioined vnto chil­dren that they shewe Exo. 20, 12 Deutr. 5, 16. Matth. 15, 4. Ephes. 6, 2. Colos. 3, 20. Mark. 7, 10. Eccles. 3, 9. due honor, subiection, and reuerence to their parents, and obeie them willinglie in al good and lawful things:

We beseech thee, on the behalfe of al infants, children, and yonger sort, as wel maidens, as of the male­kind, implant in them a true fear o [...] thy Name, that from their youth they may confesse thee Ioh. 17, 3. to be the onelie true God, and Iesus whom thou hast sent to be Christ; and en­crease daily in this wholesōe know­ledge, [Page 115] profiting as in yeeres Luk. 2, 52. so in fauor both before thee and men.

Let them not cast of the yoake of obedience and subiection, neither yet abuse the gentlenes of their pa­rents and elders vnto libertie of sin­ning, nor by their hardnes and au­steritie conceaue an hatred against them, and refuse their correction: but make them pacientlie to take the warnings and discipline of their parents in good part, to the glorie of thy Name, and saluation of their owne soules.

O Christ, louer of mankind, which cōmandest children Luk. 18. 16 Matt. 19, 14. Marke. 10, ve. 14, & 16. to be brought vnto thee, and receiuing them into thine armes, in token of a singular and deere good wil, laieng thine hands vpon them didst blesse them:

We beseech thee, which for our sakes wast borne an infant, and didst shed thy most innocent blood vpon the altar of the crosse, aswel for in­fants as for elder folkes; blesse thou al infants, and children; impart thy grace vpon them, that they may feare thee, and haue their parents in great reuerence, according to thy wil, which is a most certaine rule of [Page 116] al iustice and vprightnes.

Keepe them therefore that they be not infected with false doctrine, and superstitious seruice; neither yet seduced from true religion through wicked and vngodlie beha­uior.

Preserue them from wicked com­panie, and filthie felowship, which as contagion and leauen 1. Cor. 5, 6. Galat. 5, 9. ouer­cometh and pearceth the whole lumpe; keepe them from riotous­nes & dronkennes; from wandring concupiscence; from idlenes, which ministreth matter and nourishment vnto al vices.

Remooue awaie al shameful ex­amples, and take awaie al offences Matt. 18, 6. Mark. 9, 42. Luke. 17, 2. that the yonger sort beholding the multitude of sinners, follow not the steps of the wicked, and without feare enter into their most abho­minable waies.

Giue vnto al yong scholers a good wit to conceiue, a good capacitie to vnderstand, and a good memorie to beare awaie good lessons, and to learne from their infancie those things, which may instruct them to saluatiō 2. Tim. 2, 10 by faith which is in Christ [Page 117] Iesus. For euerie scripture 2. Tim. 3, verse. 16. giuen by the inspiration of God, is profita­ble to teach, to reproue, to correct, and to instruct in righteousnes that the man of God may be absolute being instructed to al good works. The entrance into thy words Psal. 119, verse. 130. gi­ueth light to the blinde, and vnder­standing to the simple.

Grant therefore that from their youth Ps. 119, 9▪ they may exercise them­selues in thy commandements. For the first institution doth much good, yea, Pro. 22, 6. the whole race of their life afterward dependeth vpon the same.

O God the holie Ghost, which workest by thy worde and sacra­ments, and thereby gatherest vnto thy selfe a Church, not onelie from the elder sort, but also from the yon­ger, wee beseech thee maintaine scholes and scholers, which are the seede of thy Church, and direct their studies vnto the honor of thy glorious Name.

Turne the harts of youth to the loue of true doctrine and virtue: wherby they may come to good be­hauior in manners, and to sounde [Page 118] learning of minde.

Maintaine the scholes wherin the tongues and sciences are taught, which thou hast reuealed vnto mankinde as necessarie helpes to teach withal; that so the pure sound of thine heauenlie doctrine may be heard and retained in the true and right Congregation.

And forasmuch as the verie cogi­tations Gen. 6, 5. Genes. 8, 21. Matt. 15, 19. of mans hart are euil euen from his youth; and our nature, through the fal of our first parents euen frō our yong yeares is corrup­ted, and prone to al wickednes, that easily it cānot be brought vnder the subiection of another. For Pro. 22, 5. foolish­nes is bound in the hart of a childe:

Giue them wisedome and lear­ning, that they doe not delight in wicked affections, and so grow on in malice and stubbornes, waxing wild and resisting godlie and honest ad­monitions, and that, being become vnbridled, sauage, vntrectable, and past learning, they proue not obsti­nate in wickednes & disobedience; but make them through thine in­stinct to learne and embrace thy commandements, and to binde thy [Page 119] law Pro. 6, 21. continually about their harts, and tie it about their necks, that thy grace & gift may encrease by grace, vntil, growing to mans estate, they become profitable instruments of thy Church, and teachers of righte­ousnes, and abide conioined vnto thee, which liuest and raignest a God worlds without ende,

Amen.

7. A praier against the dominion of Satan.

O Lord IESV Christ, Sonne of the almigh­tie God: great is the rage Reu. 12, 12. Iohn. 14, 30. and tyrannie of the Diuel, which be­ing strong and armed Luk. 11, 21. Reue. 16, 14. keepeth his court to possesse the same in peace, and to augment his kingdome of darkenes, wherein reigneth horri­ble Idolatrie, hatred of thy truth, & diuers abhominable worshipings, with al kinde of shameful transgres­sions, & most outragious wickednes.

Lamentable also is the wretched blindnes, and obstinate malice of those men, which suffer themselues to be ruled by Satan, and follow the beast Reu. 13, 3. vnto al kind of impietie. In [Page 120] whom the God of this world 2. Cor. 4, 4 hath blinded the mindes of Infidels, that the light of thy glorious Gospel, which is the image of God, should not shine in them. But are held cap­tiue 2. Timo. [...], verse. 26. Romanes. 1, vers. 24. &c. at the Diuels pleasure, whose harts he doth possesse, and is migh­tie in the children of darkenes, so that subduing the natural powers, hee carrieth them into horrible wickednes; which indeede, after such a beastlie rage, and so furiouslie woulde not rush into al filthie and vile wickednes, were they not dri­uen therevnto through the force of Satan, which carrieth them hether & thether as he list like bondslaues, vntil at length they fal vnto blas­pheming of thy most holie Name: so that conuicted of their owne con­science they impugne, and mortal­lie pursue thy word of purpose com­mitting therby the sinne against the holie Ghost.

For when wittinglie and of pur­pose they denie the manifest and knowen truth of God through ob­stinate malice and voluntarie stub­bornes, and persist impenitent, they become blasphemers of God. Be­cause [Page 121] wittinglie and maliciouslie, euen against their conscience, they cal Esai. 5, 20. good, euil, and euil they affirme to be good, putting light for dark­nes, and darknes for light.

There is none hope of the for­giuenes of this sinne. Such sacri­ledge is not forgiuen Mat. 12, 31 Mark. 3, 29. Luk. 12, 10. 1. Ioh. 5, 16. neither in this world nor in the world to come. Because they conuert the onelie re­medie of saluation into deadlie poi­son, and with an affected ignorance they continue in manifest impietie against their conscience.

And therefore they cannotlaie the fault of their wickednes vpon others: because not against, but with their wils they prostitute them­selues before the Diuel, and obeie the Prince of darknes with al redi­nes of minde; and studie without repentance to drawe others vnto euerlasting perdition by the exam­ple of their wicked life.

O Christ, King of glorie, which art stronger Luk. 11, 22 than the Diuel, and hast spoiled him of al his armor wherin he trusted. Thou hast brused in pee­ces that monstrous Leuiathan Iob. 40, 20 of an huge & woonderful bignes; and [Page 122] brought vnder feete the mightie & strong Goliath 1. Sam. 17, ver. 4, & 10. which obraided thine host: We beseech thee, shewe forth thy power and bring the Di­uel vnder our feete Rom. 16. verse. 20., destroie his kingdome, that we runne not into the sinne of blasphemie, neither go about to extinguish in our selues the light of the holie Ghost, nor kick against the same.

O thou mightie Gigant, which hast cast headlong into hel the very Angels which sinned 2. Pe. 2, 4., bound with the chaines of darknes, so to take from them al power, that they rule not ouer the faithful, and holy ones: take vs out of the floud of heresies, and prophane opinions: and suffer vs not to be drowned in the lake Reue. 21, 8. burning with fire and brimstone.

O Christ the leader vnto life, which dieng diddest destroie our death, and by rising againe repaire our life: take vs vnto thee, that be­ing ingraffed, and vnited to thy bo­dy we may be neuer separated from thee our head. And quicken vs be­ing once dead Ephes. 2, vers. 11, &c. through sin, wher­in we walked according to the cu­stome of this world, after him which [Page 123] is Prince of the aire, and worketh in these daies within the children of vnbeleefe, among whom we our selues also walked sometime in the concupiscence of our flesh, doing those things which delighted our sences and fantasies. For by nature we were the sonnes of wrath, euen as others.

But now thou, O God, which art rich in mercie, for thy great kindnes sake wherewith thou louest vs: go­uerne vs by thine holie Spirit, that we neuer forsake the faith which thou hast giuen vs, but perseuering in the rase begunne, may attaine through thy grace to the saluation of our soules.

Take awaie from vs that which is deformed by our corrupt nature, & continue that which thy grace hath wrought within vs, that sin Rom. 6, 12 raigne not in our mortal bodies, neither we obeie it in the vnlawful lustes therof. Assist vs with thine aide that being deliuered from sinne Rom. 6, 13., we may be the seruants of righteous­nes, and obeie that doctrine from the hart wherevnto we are brought, giuing our members, seruants of [Page 124] righteousnes vnto sanctification: so shal we serue thee our true GOD here in the kingdome of grace, herafter in the kingdome of glorie, which liuest with God the Father and the holie Ghost for euermore,

Amen.

8. Euening praier, on Tuesdaie.

BLessed GOD, and Father of our Lord Iesu christ, of thine abundant, & great mercie hast thou preserued vs mise­rable men this daie from the cruel­tie and tyrannie of Satan, and from sondrie perils and calamities.

Thou hast shewed vs great tro­bles Psa. 71, 20. in our life: notwithstanding thou returnedst and diddest reuiue vs, & tokedst vs out from the depth of the earth. Thou hast encreased21. our honor, and returning didst com­fort vs.

Strangers rose vp against vs Psal. 54, 3. and

[Page 127] [...]vnto vs.

Admonish our soules of miseries to come. Euen as thou diddest arme the Patriarches, and Prophets by dreames, and visions Gen. 37, 5. Gene. 46, 2. Num. 12, 6. Dan. 1, 17. Dan. 10, 7. Actes. 18, 9. in the night, when sleepe came vpon them from dāgers nigh at hand through thine heauenlie oracles: so gouerne and preserue vs in sleepe that our soules come not into danger, neither Iob. 36, 12 fal vpon the sword, and pit of perils.

Defende vs this night from vn­cleane and troblesome Spirits Wisd. 17, verse. 3, &c. let not their rushings, ragings, and mis­rule disquiet vs. Kepe vs, good God, from sights of Satan, from snares and illusions of the Diuel.

O thou maker of al things, accor­ding to thy woonted goodnes, be thou our watchman and keeper: so shal no vaine apparitions and dreames of the night troble vs, nor the Diuel disquiet vs.

For Esai. 26, 8. in the waie of thy iudge­ments we doe looke for thee, O Lord; the desire of our soule is to thy Name, and to the remembrance of thee. With our soules haue we9. desired thee in the night, and with our spirits within vs wil we seeke [Page 128] thee in the morning.

Our soules waite on the Lord Psa. 130, 6. more than the morning watch wat­cheth for the morning.

Heare our crie, O God, Psal. 61, 1. giue eare vnto our praier.

From the endes of the earth we2. wil crie vnto thee, when our harts be opprest, bring vs to the hie rock; for thou art our hope, a strong3. tower against the face of the eni­mie. We wil dwel in thy tabernacle4. for euer, we shal be protected vnder the couering of thy wings. Leng­then our daies and yeres according to thy good pleasure: for thy mer­cie and truth shal keepe vs.

O Christ our defender, beholde; represse our enimies; gouerne thy seruants which thou hast bought with thy precious blood; be mindful of vs, O Lord, in this heauie bodie; thou which art the defender of the soule, be present with vs.

To God the Father, and to his onelie Sonne, with the Spirit the comforter, be al praise and glorie for euermore,

1. On VVensdaie, Morning praier.

O Almightie, and merciful GOD, which gauest the people of Israël in charge Exo. 29, 38 Num. 28, 3. 1. Chr. 16, 37 2. Chr. 13, 11. euerie daie both in the morning and at night to offer vnto thee a burnt offering for a sweete sauor in thine eares, that thereby they might glorifie thee and giue thee thankes for the benefite of their protection both night and daie: rising this morning we offer vp vnto thee the sacrifice of than­kesgiuing Psa. 50, 14. 23..

We glorifie thee, O eternal God, for breaking the chaines Ps. 116, 16. of the darknes of this night. We wil offer17. vnto thee a sacrifice of praise, and cal vpon thy Name.

We wil praise our God Ps. 107, 14. which brought vs out of darknes and the shadowe of death, and brake the bonds wherewith we were tied this night; he hath deliuered our soules from perils by bringing vs safe and sound to the morning light.

[Page 130]Wherefore we offer before thee the calues of our lips Hose. 14, 3. for a mor­ning sacrifice, and with our tongues doe we praise thee, O Lord.

Our mouthes Psal. 71, 8. shal be filled with thy praise, and with thy glorie eue­rie daie.

Our tongues shal talke of thy righteousnes Ps. 35, 28. Psal. 71, 24. and saluation euerie daie.

Our lips shal speake of thy praise Psal. 119, verse. 171., and our tongues shal entreate of thy worde.

Our soules shal be filled as it were with fatnes Psal. 36, 8.; and with the lips of reioicing shal our mouth extol thee.

We wil praise thy Name with songs Psa. 69, 30. and magnifie thee with thankesgiuing, which please thee better than either oxe or calfe that31. hath hornes and hooues.

Wherefore let the sacrifice of our mouthes Psa. 19, 14. which we offer vnto thee now this morning, and the medita­tions of our hares be grateful in thy sight.

O Lorde, we beseech thee Psal. 119, verse. 108. ac­cept the free offerings of our mouth and teach vs thy iudgements, that we may doe thy wil according to [Page 131] thy good pleasure.

Vnto thee, O Lorde, we wil crie Psa. 88, 13. and earelie shal our praiers come before thee.

In this morning doe we beseech thee by the resurrection of our Lord Iesu Christ thy welbeloued Sonne, that, as he was raised Rom. 6, 4. Colos. 2, 12. Ephes. 1, 20. from the dead by thy glorie: so thou wilt raise and lift vs vp this morning, that rising out of the filth of sinne, and leauing the beds of vnrighte­ousnes, we may put on the newe man which is renued in knowledge Col. 3. 10. after the image of thee Gen. 1, 26. Genes. 5, 1. Genes. 9, 6. which didst create him, and giue not ouer our selues to sleepe and snorting.

Awake now our soules Ephe. 5, 11. which sleepe; rise from the dead, & Christ wil lighten yee.

For certes it is hie time that we should arise from sleepe Rom. 13, 11 the houre of our watching being nigh, and our saluation neerer than when we be­leeued. The night is passed, and the12. day is at hand. Grant therfore mer­ciful God, that casting of the works13. of darknes, and putting on the ar­mour of light we may walke honest­lie as in the daie, not in gluttonie, [Page 132] and drunkennes Luk. 21, 34 Galat. 5, 16. 1. Pet. 2, 11. [...]. Pet. 3, 16., neither in cham­bering and wantonnes, nor in strife and enuieng, but may put on our Lord Iesu Christ by true faith, and good works which may smel of him, that tasting of his sweetenes, at no time we may be separated frō him.

Wherefore we beseech thee, O Lord, continue thy goodnes toward vs, and grant that al our praiers and workes may both begin from thee, and ende through thee.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keepe vs this day without sinne. Let thy mer­cie be vpon vs Psa. 33, 22. as we trust in thee.

O Lord, keepe our tongues from euil Psa. 34, 13., and our lips that they speake no guile.

Remoue from vs al filthy speech 1. Pet. 3, 10. Ephes. 5, 12. Ephes. 4, 25. Coloss. 3, 8. 1. Peter. 2, 1. Eccle. 23, 7., vanitie of wordes, and al scurrilitie, that we blab out nothing rashlie, or vndiscreetelie to the hurt of our neighbour.

Who shal set a locke vpon our mouth, and a sure seale vpon our lips? that we offende not in our speech, that our tongues do not de­stroie vs.

Omnipotent GOD, put thou a watch vpon our mouth Ecc. 28, 24 Psal. 141, 3. & a doore [Page 133] vpon our lips, that our mouth trans­gresse not, neither our lips be ope­ned to speake that is vnseemelie; that our mouthes may meditate vp­on the truth Prouer. [...], verse. 6, &c. and our lips abhor wickednes; that al the words of our mouthes may be syncere, and no lewdnes or frowardnes be found in them.

Grant merciful GOD, that des­cending into our soules we may re­prehende and condemne the spots, and vices within vs, and not, forget­ting our selues, iudge others, and therby fal into thy dreadful iudge­ments.

O Lorde, deliuer vs from lieng lips, Ps. 120, 2. and from a deceitful tongue, whose mouth Psa. 55, 21. is softer than butter, and their words more gentle than oile, and are most pearcing dartes. They haue sharpened their tonges like serpents Psa. 140, 3. Rom. 3, 13. the poison of aspes is vnder their lips. Keepe vs, O Lord, both now and euermore.

Sende thy word Ps. 107, 20. and heale vs, Lord, through our Sauior Christ thy beloued Sonne,

A­men.

2. A thankesgiuing for the knowledge of God.

WE giue thee thanks, O Father, Lord of hea­uen & earth, Matth. 11, vers. 25, &c. because thou hast hid the my­sterie of thy worde, which is the Gospel of our saluati­on by thy Sonne, from the wise, and men of vnderstanding in this world, and hast reuealed the same to babes of base degree: certainlie such was thy good pleasure.

Thou hast giuen vs al things in thy Sonne, whom none knoweth but thou Father; neither doth any knowe thee except thy Sonne, and he to whom thy Sonne shal reueale thee.

We worship thee, we praise thee, we glorifie thee, we giue thee thāks for the hid wisedome 1. Cor. 2, 7. which thou didst determine before the worlde, for our glorie, which was neuer knowne to the Princes of this world, nor at any time to the sonnes of men, as it is now reuealed by the Spirit, to knowe the communion of [Page 135] the mysterie, which was hid from al ages Col. 1, 26. Rom. 16, 25 Titus. 1, 3. 1. Pet. 1, 20. Ephesian. 3, verse. 3, &c. but is nowe opened to thy Saints, to whom thou woldest haue made knowen, what be the riches of this glorious mysterie.

It is thine owne working, and of thy free mercie that we are made heires and partakers of the promise in Christ Iesu through the Gospel, which bringeth vs tydings, and assurance of the euerlasting riches of thine infinit goodnes and mer­cie.

Blessed be God▪ Ephes. 1, 3. euen the Fa­ther of our Lord Iesu Christ, which hath blessed vs with al spiritual bles­sings4. in heauenlie things by Christ, and hath chosen vs in him before the foundations of the worlde, that we shoulde be holie 2. Tim. 1, 9 Colos. 1, 22. Luke. 1, 75. and without blame before him by loue, who hath predestinated vs Ephes. 1, 5. to be adopted through Iesus Christ vnto himselfe, according to the good pleasure of his wil, whereby he loueth vs by his6. beloued, in whom we haue redemp­tion by his blood, euen the forgiue­nes7. of sinnes, according to the ri­ches8. of his grace, wherin he hath a­bounded towarde vs in al wisedome [Page 136] and vnderstanding, & hath openedEphes. 1, 9. vnto vs the mysterie of his wil ac­cording to his good pleasure, which he had purposed in himselfe, euen vntil the dispensation of the fulnes10. of time, that he might gather in one al things, both which are in heauen and which are in earth, euen in Christ, by whom also we are chosen11. when we were predestinated accor­ding to the purpose of him which maketh al things after the counsel of his owne wil, that we might be to12. the praise of his glory which hoping haue beleeued in Christ when we13. heard the worde of truth, euen the Gospel of saluation.

And this grace thou didst extend toward vs, not by the works of righ­teousnes Titus. 3, 5. which we had done, but according to thy mercie thou sa­uedst vs, and diddest cal vs with an holie calling, not according to our works 2. Tim. 1, 9. but according to thine owne purpose and grace, which was giuen to vs through Christ before al times, and is now made manifest by10. the appearing of our Sauior Iesus Christ, which hath abolished death, and brought life and immortalitie [Page 137] vnto light through the Gospel.

To thee therefore Rom. 16, verse. 25. which art of power to establish our harts accor­ding to the reuelation of the myste­rie which was kept secret since the world began, (but now is opened,26. and published among al nations by the scriptures of the Prophets, at the commandement of the euerla­sting GOD for the obedience of faith) to thee, we saie, God onelie27. wise, be praise through Iesu Christ for euer, Amen.

We beseech thee, that according to the operation Eph. 1, 19. Ephes. 3, 7. and working of thy mightie power, we may conti­nue constant in true faith and whol­some doctrine, and at no time, for­saking the wisedome opened in the Gospel, may follow the iudgement of worldlie reason, and fleshlie vn­derstanding Mat. 16, 17. which thou hast be­sotted, and altogether confounded in searching thy hidden mysteries.

For that spiritual wisdome Col. 1, 10. doth far exceede al wisedome and vnder­standing of the creatures, whervnto flesh cannot attaine, neither can our blood reueale, nor yet the natu­ral man 1. Cor. 2, verse. 14. although he be endued [Page 138] with great sharpnes of wit, and worldlie vnderstanding, perceiue the same.

Grant we beseech thee, that we may be thy simple, and little ones 2. Cor. 10, verse. 5. receiuing from thee the worde of truth without contradition and disputation, and that in the arti­cles of faith wee bring not fleshlie wisedome, but, being made voide of our proper vnderstanding may bring our mindes into a godlie cap­tiuitie.

Let thy Sonne, which descending from about brought with him the eternal wisdome of the Gospel from thy bosome, and was made a sacri­fice on our behalfe, but now exalted to thy right hande bestoweth his gifts Eph. 4, 8. 1. Cor. 12, 28 Ephes. 4, 11., let him, we beseech thee shine in our harts.

Likewise cause thine holie Spirit to instil into vs his diuine light, and breath vpon vs the newe flame of thine heauenlie knowledge, til de­parting into the eternal life we may beholde thee the onelie and true God face to face, which liuest and raignest in perpetual glo­rie,

Amen.

3. A praier for the attai­ning of Christian Charitie.

O Christ, Sonne of God, which art the syncere and perfect charitie Ioh. 13, 34. Iohn. 15, 12. Roman. 5, 8. louing vs euen to the ende, and thereby didst suffer a cruel death vpon the altar of the crosse to deliuer vs from euerlasting death, and perpe­tual torments, and to allure vs by that thine example to amitie. That as thy wil was to suffer death on our behalfe: so we hauing the riches of this worlde, shoulde be so far from keeping back our almes and reliefe from the poore, 1. Ioh. 3, 17 Iame. 2, 15. or shutting vp our bowels of compassion frō them, that in the case of necessitie, we should giue our liues 1. Ioh 3, 16 for our brethren.

For both our profession requireth the same, and it is the token where­by the true Christians are knowen, according to thy worde Ioh. 13, 35. 1. Iohn. 4, 2 [...], By this shal men know that ye are my disci­ples, if ye loue one another. Which loue ought to be the rule of al our actions. For al things are to be exa­mined by the rule of charitie, which [Page 140] being banished 1. Cor. 13, 1 al other gifts are corrupt and profite nothing.

We besech thee by thine hote bur­ning, and abundant loue, enflame our cold harts with the affection of vnfained good wil, that we may loue thee Deut. 6, 5. Mark. 12, 30 33. Luk. 10, 27. the Father, and the ho­lie Spirit in one eternal and insepe­rable essence, aboue al things with our whole hart, with al our soule, and with al our strength; and keepe that commandement which againe & peculiarlie thou didst commend vnto vs, saieng Ioh. 13, 34▪ 1. Iohn. 2, 8., A new comman­dement giue I vnto you, that yee loue one another: as I haue loued you, that euen so ye loue one ano­ther. Thou likewise, O Sonne of God, when thy death was nigh didst beg, that the loue Ioh. 17, 26. where with the eternal Father loueth thee, may be in thy seruants,

Expresse in vs the similitude of thy good wil, and turne vs into such a shape, that our soules, by the light 2. Cor. 3, verse. 18. and motion of the holie Spirit may be coupled with thine eternal Fa­ther; and that the image of like in­tegritie 2. Cor. 4, 6 Colos. 1, 12., knowledge, righteousnes, and affections may shine in vs, as [Page 141] doth in thee, which art the bright­nes of the eternal Father in the most pleasant and perpetual har­monie. Raise vp in vs a desire of brotherlie and entire good wil, that euery one may haue a care to helpe his brother; euen as members of one bodie Rom. 12, 4. 1. Cor. 12, 12. haue a mutual compas­sion ech of other, so we may loue among our selues vnfainedlie, and abounde in mutual friendship one towards another, that our harts may be confirmed, and vnblameable in holines before God.

Giue grace that our loue may be perfect, wanting no part due vnto the same, not fained Rom. 12, 9 false, or hy­pocritical, not waiward, tedious, dis­dainful, nor hunting after profit.

Grant therefore that we may ab­hor10. that which is euil, and be af­fectioned to loue one another with brotherlie loue. Make vs patient 1. Cor. 13. verse. 4., bountiful, not enuious, no boasters, not puffed vp, not proud, no seekers5. of our owne, not easie to be moued vnto anger, no thinkers of euil, no6. reioicers in wickednes but reioicers in the truth; to suffer al things, be­leeue7. al things, hope al things, and [Page 142] so to loue one another mutuallie 1. Ioh. 3, 18 not in word and tong onlie, but in deede and truth; not abusing chri­stian libertie Gal. 5, 13. as an occasion vnto the flesh, but by loue to serue one another.

Inflame our brests, that after thine example 1. Pet. 2, 21 we may vnfeinedlie loue euen our verie enimies Mat. 5, 44. and blesse them that cursse vs; doe good vnto them which hate and hurt vs, lea­uing reuengement Rom. 12, 19 Deu. 32, 35. Eccles. 28, 1. alwaies to thee.

O lambe of God which takest a­way the sinnes of the worlde, take from vs al bitternes Eph. 4, 31. & anger, and wrath, and crieng, and euil speaking with al maliciousnes. For he which loueth not his brother 1. Ioh. 3, 14 Iames. 3, 14. knoweth not God, but abideth in death, and doth vainlie boast against the truth.

Grant therefore to vs which are translated 1. Ioh. 3, 14 from death to life, that retaining the studie of concord Colos. 3, 8. we may loue one another, and put a­way bitter emulation, forgiuing al13. men euen from the hart, euen as thou hast forgiuen vs.

Let not the sunne go downe vpon our wrath, Eph. 4, 26. 27. giuing place to the Di­uel, but let vs be quiet, Colo. 3, 12. putting on [Page 143] tender mercie, kindnes, humblenesColoss. 3, 14. of minde, meekenes, and aboue al, charitie, which is the bond of per­fection, the ende of the commande­ment 1. Tim. 1, 5., & the fulfilling of the law Rom. 13, verse. 10.: so that by loue our faith may be fruitful Galat. 5, 6., and we at no time seue­red from thee.

For thou art loue 1. Ioh. 4, 16., and he that dwelleth in loue, dwelleth in thee, and thou in him: so that no crea­ture Rom. 8, 39. can separate such a man from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesu, which liuest and raignest with the Father and the holie Spirit, a true, and one God in the loue of the perpetual vnitie worldes without ende,

Amen.

4. A praier for the frute of the earth.

O Lord, God almightie, Psal. 47, 2. King of heauen and earth, which of thine7. aboundant goodnes dost adorne, and re­plenish8. the earth with al kinde of frute and graine, whereby the life Psa. 36, 6. Psal. 147, 9. Psa. 136, 26. both of man & beast is sustained:

[Page 144]We beseech thee euen of thy free mercie that thou wouldest vouch­safe to blesse our fields and ground, and to make them prosperouslie to yeelde their corne and encrease. For without thy blessing and fauor, neither can the earth of it selfe, bring foorth any whit, nor we by our paines make the same to prosper.

Wherefore grant to al thinges springing from the earth a meete temperature of aire, that luckilie they may take and encrease.

Keepe our frute vpon the face of the earth from al infection of the aire, from thunder, haile Psal. 105, vers. 32, &c. Psalm. 13 5, verse. 7, &c., from vn­timelie showers, from too great dri­nes, and ouermuch heate, from wormes hurtful, & beasts deuouring it before their prime; and from al other corruption, that our lande in thine anger be not desolate, and de­nie vs frute, Leuit. 26, verse. 34. enioieng hir woful Sabbaoth.

Shut not vp the heauens 1. Kin. 8, 35 1. King. 17, 1 1. Kin. 18, 41. Deu. 28, 24. in thine indignation for our sinnes, that it be not as iron Leu. 26, 19 Deu. 28, 23., nor our earth as brasse, whereby it cannot be tilled, ploughed, nor sowed, and so come to a verie plaine, and vtter [Page 145] wildernes: but of thy goodnes giue vs both the earelie and latter raine Zach. 10, 1. that we may haue abundance of al frute, and a ioieful haruest with a plentiful vintage.

O God, send a gracious raine vp­on thine inheritance Psal. 68, 9., and giue thy blessing, that our grounde may bring forth hir frute.

Cause thy raine to poure downe in due season Psalm. 65, verse. 9, &c. Eze. 34, 26. that it may be raine of blessing, whereby both trees may giue their frute, and the grounde yeeld forth hir graine.

Grant also that the aier be pure from infection; our bodies free from sickenes; to our whole realme peace and quietnes, that safelie without troble we may enioie thy gifts.

Driue away and repel from vs malediction and the destroier Mala. 3, 11..

Giue vs not in steede of raine Deut. 28, verse. 24., dust and ashes: but open thy good treasure, and visit the land with thy blessing; make it drunken, and en­rich it abundantlie.

Thy riuer, O Lorde, is ful of wa­ter Psal. 65, 9., prepare our corne, & dispose our earth to prosper; water abun­dantlie10. the furrowes of the same, [Page 146] and cause the raine to descend into the valleies thereof, make the same soft with showers, and blesse our buddes. Crowne the yeare with thyPsal. 65, 11. goodnes, and let thy clowdes drop fatnes. Let them drop vpon the pa­stures12. of the wildernes, and make the litle hils reioice on euerie side. Let the plaines be replenished with13. sheepe, and the valleies with corne, that the inhabiters of the earth may reioice and be merie.

O Lorde, thou causest grasse to grow for cattel Ps. 104, 14. and herbes for the vse of mā, thou bringest forth bread out of the earth, and wine to make15. glad the hart of man, oile to make the countenance cheereful, & bread for to strengthen the hart.

Haue therefore a care, O hea­uenlie Father, of the seede & other things springing from the earth; keepe them both in cold, raine, ice, & snow, from the beating of winds, and iniurie of weather. Preserue thē in extreeme heate, drines, moistnes, and such like, that they perish not afore their time. Roote out the de­stroier, that there be 1. Kin. 8, 37 neither mil­dew, nor grashopper, neither cater­piller [Page 147] hurting the frute of the earth.

Keepe vs, O Lord, in the time of dearth Ps. 33, 19. Psal. 37, 29. that we perish not for hun­ger; nor be confounded in the pe­rilous time. For thou art our GOD & Creator, which satisfiest the thir­stie soule Psa. 107, 9. and fillest the hungrie with goodnes; which hast saide Heb. 13, 5. Iosua. 1, 9., I wil not faile neither forsake thee: wherby being faithful we may say Psa. 118, 6.; The Lord is with vs, therfore we wil not feare what man can do vnto vs.

Behold we miserable and great sinners doe confesse our wickednes with groanings and griefe of hart crieng vnto thee which art in hea­uen. Heare our praiers in thy dwel­ling place 1. Kings. 8, verse. 49. and be merciful to thy people which haue sinned against thee; and forgiue al our iniquities,50. wherein wee haue transgressed a­gainst thee.

By our sinnes we haue brought al these miseries, which hang ouer our heads, but blot out al our offen­ces, O God, after thy manifold mer­cies, & take awaie from vs the curse of our ground, that the people may praise thee Psal. 67, 5., O God, yea, that al the people may praise thee, and the6. [Page 148] earth bring foorth hir encrease, through our Lord Iesu Christ, thine onelie sonne, which liueth and raig­neth with thee in the vnitie of the holie Spirit a God for euer­more,

Amen.

5. A praier for sinners.

O Eternal Father, maker & gouernor of al the worlde, from the bot­tome of our harts we thanke thee Eph. 5, 20. in the Name of our Lord Iesu Christ, for that thou hast not vtterlie cast away mankinde hauing fallen from the state of paradise by sinne, into euer­lasting damnation, as thou didst the Diuels: but of thine vnspeakeable goodnes, through thy secret coun­saile wouldest nedes that thy Sonne should take our flesh vpon him, be a mediator betweene thee and vs, and be sacrificed for our sinnes 1. Tim. 2, 5▪:

For, thou wilt not the death of a sinner, neither art thou delighted Ezech. 18, verse. 23. in the destruction of the wicked, but that he repent and liue.

Againe, thy Sonne came not to [Page 149] cal the righteous, but sinners to re­pentance Mat. 9, 13..

We beseech thee on the behalfe of al sinners; for al in bondage to Satan; and for as many as are ouer­whelmed in wickednes, grant them grace, merciful God, that they may escape the snares of the Diuel, and acknowledge their offences; strike into them a feare of thine indigna­tion, and paines of hel, that their minds be not darkned Eph. 4, 18. and so they become strangers from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardnes of their hart: & that they come not to19. that passe that they forsake al sor­rowing, & so giue themselues to cō ­mit wantonnes euen with gredines.

For they which breake thy pre­cepts wilfullie, and haue no feare nor feeling of thy iudgements, but runne on securelie, pleasing them­selues, & taking pleasure in their im­pietie; whose consciences do sound­lie sleepe (the feare of thy iudge­ment being cleane extinguished in them) and prostitute themselues to al vncleannes, they heape vnto themselues the wrath of God Rom. 2, 5. ac­cording [Page 150] to their hardnes, and harts which cannot repent, & giue them­selues ouer into reprobate mindes Rom. 1, 28 to doe those things as be vncome­lie, being ful of al vnrighteousnes, fornication, wickednes, couetous­nes,29. malice, ful of enuie, of murther, of debate, of deceipt, corrupted in manners, whisperers; backbyters,30. haters of God, dooers of wrong, proude, boasters, inuenters of euil things, disobedient to parents, with­out vnderstanding, breakers of pro­mises, far from al charitable affecti­on; yea they giue themselues who­lie to the works of the flesh Gala. 5, 19., that so, forgoing al sense of godlines, they may obstinatelie go forward in wic­kednes to their euerlasting perdi­tion.

Bring them, merciful God, to thy truth, and giue them grace vn­feinedlie to repent, and to escape the snares of Satan 2. Tim. 2, 26 wherein they are intangled, and deteined at his plea­sure.

Take away stubbornes, hardnes of their minde, and this damnable securitie, that wickednes Wisd. 2, 21 doe not vtterlie blinde them.

[Page 151]Bestow vpon them a new hart, and put a new spirit within them, take away that stonie hart out of their flesh Eze. 36, 27 Esaie. 44▪ 3. Iere. 32, 39. and giue them a fleshie hart, and put thy spirit within their brestes.

Merciful God, guide vs with thine holie Spirit, that bewailing our sins from the bottome of our harts, we may flie to thine vnspeakeable mer­cie, which thou dost promise to as manie as in faith turne vnto thee: and laieng away (as concerning the conuersation in times past) Eph. 4, 22. the old man, which is corrupt through the deceaueable lustes, may be re­nued23. in the spirit of our minds, and put on the newe man, which after24. God is created in righteousnes and true holines.

Assist vs, O God, that putting a­way25. lieng, we may speake euery one the truth to his neighbor, because we are the members one of ano­ther; and in anger offende not.26.

Let him that stoale, steale no28. more, but rather let him labor, wor­king with his hands the thing which is good, that he may giue vnto him which needeth.

[Page 152]Come into our harts through thy word, and by thy Spirit begin a new and holie life; stir vp good motions agreeable to thy wil, and answering to the rule of thy worde reuealed in the congregation.

For thou God Rom. 10, verse. 12. art rich towards, and ouer al that cal vpon thee, and repent. Yea, it is not thy wil that any of the least should perish Mat. 18, 14 but that al be saued 1. Tim. 2, 4. and come to the know­ledge of the truth.

And for this cause, no man be he neuer so wicked, ought to despaire. For it is a true saieng 1. Tim. 1, verse. 15. and by al meanes worthie to be receaued, That Christ Iesus came into the worlde to saue sinners, and so verie many, being somtime notable trans­gressors, haue attained mercie, for an example to such, as afterwarde16. shoulde beleeue on him to their euerlasting happines.

Giue vs therefore, O most gentle God, peniten [...]arts, that we may throughlie examine our waies Lam. 3, 40., and trie them, and returne to thee, O Lorde: lifting vp our harts with41. our hands vnto thee which art in the heauens.

[Page 153]We, which haue sinned and re­belled,Lam. 3, 42. with griefe and sorrowe of hart acknowledge al our filthie faults, and with a true faith approch to the throne of thy grace, trusting in the reconciliation made by thy Sonne our propitiator, and raised vp in his faithful and infallible promise we purpose through thine assistance to begin a newe life, to the glorie and praise of thy sacred Name,

A­men.

6. A praier for the Sick.

O Christ, which art the virtue that is made perfect in infirmitie 2. Cor. 12, 9 the strength of the weake, the saluation of al beleeuers, an aider of the op­pressed Psal. 9, 9., a refuge in the time of tro­ble Psa. 68, 20., a physition for the sicke, yea, our life and salfegard in the peril of death:

By al thy paines & passions (which thou didst suffer for vs, and wherby in the flesh thou tookedst vppon thee Heb. 4, 15., thou feelest our infirmities) we beseech thee, that pittieng our [Page 154] sicknes, and diseases, thou wilt suc­cor al that are sicke, and especiallie such, as in their agonies do encoun­ter with many & sondrie tentations.

Giue them grace to know that al sicknes and miseries of the bodie whatsoeuer come not by chance, but to be sent of thee our God; with­out whose wil and permission none aduersitie can come vpon vs. For Mat. 10, 30 al the heares of our heads be nombred.

Let them knowe that sicknes is sent through thy good counsaile, not for our destruction, but for our amendment, and to cal vs vnto re­pentance; and either to keepe vs in our calling, or to driue vs from wickednes (whervnto by nature we are inclined) For 1 Cor. 11, verse. 32. when we are iud­ged we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the worlde. And iudgement commonlie beginnes 1. Pet 4, 17 at the house of God.

Finallie diseases be certaine in­struments whereby thou dost exer­cise vs to the mortification of our flesh.

O thou most excellent curer both [Page 155] of soules and bodies diseased, which hast showen that sicknes, and mise­ries of the bodie are the punish­ments of sinne 1. Cor. 11, verse. 30. and warnings of thy displeasure against our wicked­nes: Spare vs, O Lorde, spare thy people Ioël. 2, 17. and forgiue our sinnes, whereby we haue prouoked these manifold diseases and miseries.

Speake vnto our trobled harts in this conflict of the conscience, re­uiue them with the sweete and liue­lie comfort of the free remission of our sinnes purchased by Christ 1. Cor. 15, 3, and take awaie the prick of sinne, and stings of death, that we feele not the gnawing worme of a guiltie conscience.

Grant vs quiet mindes through the consolation of the scriptures Rom. 15, 4., and working of the holie Ghost, that we may surelie rest vpon thee and thy promises, neuer doubting of thy fatherlie kindnes toward vs.

Heate our colde harts, and fain­ting members by thy Spirit, that they may be nimble to fulfil thy pleasure, and suffer afflictions laide vpon them, with a quiet minde; and neuer murmuringlie resist thy wil, [Page 156] but alwaies thinke, that whom the Lord loueth Pro. 3, 12. Hebr. 12, 6. him he chasteneth; and scourgeth euerie sonne, that he receiueth. Therefore strengthen vs, that we may suffer thy fatherlie cor­rection with quiet minds.

O Lord, 1. Kin 8, 39 looke downe from hea­uen, from thine holie Court, and be­hold the humilitie and affliction of al weake persons: take from them their extreme paine, or at the least mitigate their sorrowes, whereby they may feele some ease, and let thy yoke be vnto them easie, Mat. 11, 30 and thy burden light.

Restore the weake to their woon­ted strength, and heale their griefes according to thy diuine pleasure to their welfare.

Wype away alteares Reue. 21, 4 from their eies, and helpe them on the bed of their sorow Psal 41, 3. and make their beds in their weakenes.

Heale and bind vp their wounds, for great is thy power Psa. 147, 5. and thine hand is not shortened Esai. 50, 2.. For when al hope (of worldlie helpe) doth faile, that can assist. Thy mightie right hande Psalm. 77, vers. 10, &c. can alter euery thing, yea, if thou onlie saie the word Matth. 8, verse. 8, &c the [Page 157] weake shal be healed, & that with­out the means of any natural thing.

Grant likewise that al which are recouered may wel vse their health (least otherwise they forgo through sin y^• which they receiued by grace) be thankful, & alwaies warie Iohn. 5, 14. least a woorse thing happen vnto them.

And concerning such as it plea­seth thee to take out of this misera­ble worlde into thine euerlasting kingdome, confirme those with thine holie Spirit, that at the houre of their departure they may peace­ably rest Esai. 57, 2., vpholden with a trust of free remission of their sinnes, and hope of a ioieful resurrection of the dead, and life euerlasting.

Shorten the paines which they suffer now in their mortal bodies, and turne their sorrow into perfect and eternal ioie Ioh. 16, 20, and make them willing to be dissolued from their bodies Phili. 1, 23., & to be with thee, and to withdraw themselues from al such things as doe hinder the spiritual course, as are the loue of this pre­sent life, the pleasures of the world, the desires of the flesh, earthlie co­girations, riches, and vaine glorie.

[Page 158]O Christ our eternal Sauior, we beseech thee, which, hauing ouer­come the sting of death, hast ope­ned the kingdome of heauen to al beleeuers, & according to our faith, wilt come to be the iudge of the quick and dead, haue mercie on thy seruants whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood,

Amen.

7. A praier against the tentation of Satan.

O Most heauenlie Fa­ther and eternal God, vnto thee do we crie, protect & strengthen vs weake and feeble ones against the tentation of Satan, which is the sworne and extreeme enimie to mans saluation, a slande­rer, and our accuser, that great Dracon Reu. 12, 3., the old serpent, which is called the Diuel, carrieng away the whole world, a coosener, & wicked spirit; a deceauer, which goeth a­bout like a roaring Lion 1. Pet. 5, 8. seeking whom he may deuour.

And especiallie in this doting age of the world, as he knoweth his time [Page 159] of raigning is but short Reu. 12, 12. & percei­ueth the day of iudgement to be ve­rie nigh at hand, wherein his filthi­nes shal be made manifest to al cre­atures, to his euerlasting torments: so now he rageth, and raungeth in a deadlie hatred against thy flock, & by al meanes seketh the destruction of al mankind, diuers waies, and by vnspeakeable subtiltie doth he laie snares to entrap our soules; egerlie doth he beset vs, and al his power and pollicie doth he powre out a­gainst vs, he prieth for any occasion, wherby he may allure vs to shame­ful offending, and so at length horri­blie to cast vs headlong into ex­treeme desperation.

For as many corporal affections as be in man, so many occasions doth he take to tempt vs, thereby to wound vs, or at least to hurt vs with one prick or other.

He laieth snares to take vs in wealth, in pouertie, in pleasure, and in the inticements of the flesh, in anguish of minde, in ambition and desire of glorie, in the wearisomnes of our calling and inferior conditi­on, in cares both for the back and [Page 160] bellie; in couetousnes and loue of monie, in lust of reuenge.

He ticles some with a desire of glorie and promotion; he imprin­teth in others a vaine of curiositie and pride; into others he instilleth suspicions and doubtings of thy di­uine wil and prouidence; he blow­eth into others a perswasion of wise­dome and knowledge; some he ca­rieth awaie in securitie; night and daie whether we sleepe or wake he is about vs, & with foming mouth, and open iawes, neieth to deuour vs 2. Cor. 12, verse. 7. that our senses may be corrup­ted from the simplicitie, which we owe to Christ, euen as the serpent deceaued Eaue by his subteltie.

O God, who is able to flie awaie; or to persist against so diuers strokes and assaults of the Diuel?

Vnles thou, O most mightie pro­tector, defend vs, alas we perish.

For thou knowest we are too weak to resist, no strength is in vs, no aid, prudence, or policie is in our nature against so strong and subtile an e­nimie.

Beholde, our nature is accursed & vncleane, our flesh is weake, our [Page 161] life transitorie; and we, alas there­fore, be cowardes and without ar­mor, giuen to sleepe and slothful­nes Matth. 26, verse. 40. and endeuor not couragious­lie to withstand the fraudes of the Diuel.

Wherefore expel from vs this deepe sluggishnes of ours, & open the eies of our mindes that we may behold how great the power, ende­uors, strength, and malice of this ad­uersarie is, with whom we are to en­counter.

For we wrestle not against flesh & blood Ephe. 6, 12. but against rules, against powers, against gouernors, and ru­lers of the darknes of this world, against spiritual wickednes in hea­uenlie places.

O thou Sonne of God, which art that blessed seede Gen. 3, 15. broozing the head▪ of the most subtile serpent, bring and brooze our enimie Satan vnder thy feete Rom. 16, verse. 20..

Thou which didst appere 1. Ioh. 3, 5. to de­stroie the works of the Diuel, driue awaie from vs lieng Spirits, that they hurt vs not.

Thou our chiefe champion, which of thine owne accord enteredst in­to [Page 162] tentations Matth. 4, verse. 1, &c. Mark. 1, 12. Luke. 4, 1. that so thou migh­test, as it were, hand to hand wrestle with our enimie, and purchase a triumph for vs by thy victorie, hold him fast bound Reuel. 20, verse. 2, &c. that he exercise not his deuises vpon vs, as he desi­reth: make vs partakers of thy victo­rie, that euen as thou in thy bodie ouer camest the diuel Mat. 4, 10.: so thou wilt vtterlie dispatch him in thy mem­bers.

And therefore giue vnto vs thine whole armor Eph. 6, 13. that like right soldi­ors we may resist in the euil daie, and vanquish our enimie. Girde vs with the truth; put vpon vs the14. breast-plate of righteousnes; and let vs be shod to the propagation of15. the Gospel of peace; Aboue al things giue vs the shield of faith,16. which can extinguish al the fierie darts of wicked spirits. Bestow vpon vs the helmet of saluation, and the17. sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, that through thee we may encounter valiantly, and gloriouslie attaine the victorie.

And holie Spirit, almightie God, comfort thou, and strengthen our minds against so diuers conflicts of [Page 163] Satan, which besetteth vs by manie snares, and especiallie then most of al doth he seeke our destruction, when we seke deliuerance by other meanes than by thy word reuealed: grant therefore that, leauing thy worde deliuered vnto vs, we looke not after new reuelations, or violent rauishings, but may resist the Diuel by thy word, so wil he flie from vs,

Amen.

8. Euening praier, on VVensdaie.

O Lorde God, which art our life Deut. 30, verse. 20., and the length of our daies, our vphol­der protecting vs from our youth: we thanke thee this euening, and with our lips wee extol thy woonderful goodnes, because thou hast defen­ded vs this daie against al aduersi­ties both of bodie and soule.

O Lord, vnto thee doe we crie Psa. 141, 1., heare vs, harken vnto our voice [Page 164] when we crie vnto thee. Let ourPsal. 141, 2. praiers be directed in thy sight as the incense, and let the lifting vp of our hands be an euening sacrifice.

For thou delitest not in the offe­ring of Buls and Rams, Psa. 50, 13. but the sa­crifice of thankesgiuing shal honor14. thee.

Who so keepeth the Law Sirac. 35, 1. bring­eth offerings enough; he that hol­deth fast the commandement offe­reth an offering of saluatiō. He that is thankful to them which haue wel2. deserued, offereth fine flower; and he that giueth almes, sacrificeth praise.

Therefore in this euening-tide doe we offer vnto thee the continu­al sacrifice of thankesgiuing, prai­sing thy goodnes for thy merciful protection and defence.

We wil commend thee for thy truth, and sing of thee, O thou most Hie; Our lips shal sing of thee, and our soules which thou hast redee­med, yea and our tongues shal dai­lie speake of thy righteousnes, be­cause they are confounded Psa 71, 13. and put to shame that sought after our soules.

[Page 165]We wil giue thankes vnto thee Psa. 138, 1., O Lorde, with our whole hart, be­cause thou hast heard al the words of our mouthes. In the sight of the Gods we wil praise thee. We wil2. worship toward thine holy Temple, and celebrate thy Name, because of thy great mercie & truth. For thou hast magnified thy Name, and thy word aboue al things. Whensoeuer3. we called vpon thee thou diddest heare vs, and enduedst our soules with much strength.

And now we crie vnto thee, O Lorde, with our voice, Psa. 142, 1. yea in thy sight doe we poure out our praiers, and in our troble doe we vtter them2. before thee, that thou maiest par­don al our offences, and those espe­ciallie which we haue committed this daie.

Bring not into thy iudgement, O Lord, al our idle and vaine words Matth. 12, verse. 36., pardon our babling, & vaine speech, and impute not our foolishnes vnto vs.

Be merciful vnto vs, O Lord, for we are greatlie pensiue for our sins, our harts be trobled within vs, and the feare of death is fallen vpon vs. [Page 166] Fearefulnes & trembling are come vpon vs Psa. 55, 4. and an horrible dread hath ouerwhelmed vs.

But, O Lord, absolue vs from al our sinnes through thy worde brin­ging vnto vs the ioieful tydings of gratious deliuerance.

O comfort the harts of thy ser­uants Psal. 86, 4.: for vnto thee, Lord, haue we lifted vp our soules. For thou art5. milde, gentle, and of much mercie to as manie as cal vpon thee.

Blessed be the Lorde which hath heard the voice of our humble peti­tions Psa. 28, 6. 7.. O God thou art our strength, and our shield, our harts trusted in thee and we are holpen, therefore our harts doe daunce for ioie, and in our songes we wil praise thee.

We cried vnto thee, O Lord, and saide Ps. 142, 5., Thou art our hope, and our portion in the lande of the liuing. Consider our complaint, for we are6. brought verie lowe. O deliuer vs from our persecutors: for they are too strong for vs. Bring our soules7. out of prison, that we may giue thanks vnto thy Name.

O holie Trinitie, and perpetual vnitie, protect vs this night, that the [Page 167] Diuel haue no power ouer vs.

O Father gouerne vs by thy pow­er; O Sonne, reuiue vs with thy wisedome; and lighten vs, O holie Ghost, with thy virtue.

O Creator be thou present with vs; O Redeemer, aide vs; O our Comforter abide with vs.

The Lord blesse vs Num. 6, 24 and keepe vs. The Lorde make his face to shine25. vpon vs, and be merciful vnto vs; the Lorde lift vp his countenance26. vpon vs, and giue vs peace.

This blessing of God be this night and euermore a safetie, & protecti­on against al enimies, both visible and inuisible, that they hurt vs not anie waie.

Euen as the piller of cloude Exo. 14, 19 20. in the desert stood betweene the tents of the Egyptians, and the tents of the children of Israël, that none hurt might come to the people of Is­raël: so be thou, O Lord, the protec­tor of our soules, and liues; be thou, we beseech thee, an iron piller vnto vs Iere. 1, 18. that such as are our enimies preuaile not against vs, and be thou a brazen wal Ier. 15, 20. betweene vs, and al our aduersaries, that they come not [Page 168] nie vs to our hurt.

Giue vs this night a good sleepe, that quietlie without cares and an­guish of minde we may rest this night; let not troblesome dreames, and fantasies in which is vanitie disquiet vs. Let our sleepe be sweet, & helthful to our bodies, that Sirach. 31, verse. 20. wa­king in the morning we may rise in good helth, and delight in thee our God.

Grant also that both being in bed, a sleepe, and awake we may alwaies remember our death, which is a passage to an immortal life, and withal our ioieful resur­rection to euerla­sting glorie,

1. Morning praier on Thursdaie.

O Christ which art the light and the daie dwelling 1. Tim. 6, 16 in the light that no man can attaine vnto, the brightnes and cleerenes of the eternal Father, the bright morning Star Reu. 22, 16 driuing away the darcknes of night, and bringing the light of the daie ouer the face of the earth:

We wil blesse thee in our life time, and lift vp our hands in thy Name with thankesgiuing, because thou hast bin our defender Psa 63, 5..

Thou hast beheld our miseries, and hast not put vs into the handes of our enimies which did whisper against vs Psal. 41, 7., & imagine euil toward vs; they spake euil of vs, that when we slepe we might rise no more. But8. thou, O Lord, tookedst compassion vpon vs, and didst raise vs againe,9. thou didst aide vs with thine arme of strength, and defend vs against al our enimies, and their inuasions with thy mightie power. Vnder the [Page 170] shadow of thy wings we rested qui­etlie, in thy lap we laie secure and safe. We slept and toke our rest, and yet rose againe. For the Lord defen­ded vs, and was our aide.

God is in the mids of vs, Psal. 46, 5. there­fore we wil not be mooued, God wil helpe vs and that right earelie, that we may reioice in his saluatiō.

O thou onelie begotten Sonne of God, which sittest at the right hand of God thine almightie Father, we most humblie beseech thee by thy glorious ascention into the heauens Actes. 1, 9. wherby thou didst pierce the thick cloudes, that thou mightest put a­way our iniquities like a cloude Esaie. 44, verse. 22. & wype away our sinnes, wherby thou, which art the Sonne of righteous­nes, art hidden, that neither our soules can behold thee, neither our praiers ascende vnto thee, like a myst:

Let thy light shine ouer vs this daie (like the cleere daie star pier­cing the thick mystes) to the ex­pelling of the darknes of our vnder­standing Esai. 59, 9..

For thou art Iohn. 1, 9. the true light light­ning euerie man that commeth in­to [Page 171] this world.

Clarifie our harts, and driue away the darknes of error and ignorance, that, as at the breaking of the daie darkenes doth vanish: so al the darknes of our mindes may be re­moued, that we continue not in the dongeon and shadow of death, but may approch to thy word 2. Peter. 1, verse. 19. as to a candle shining in a darke place, vn­til the daie dawne, and thou the day star arise in our harts.

Let thy worke appere to thy ser­uants Psa. 90, 16. and thy magnificence to­wards the sonnes of men. The glori­ous17. maiestie of the Lorde be vponDeut. 28, 12. vs, and prosper the workes of our hands vpon vs; O prosper the works of our hands.

Let vs not, forgetting thy com­mandements, Deut. 28, verse. 14. Iosua. 1, 7. 8. decline from them either to the right hand or to the left, but make vs to meditate vpon them rising out of our beds, & bind them for a signe vpon our hands Deut. 6, 7. Prou. 7, 3., and tie them to our fingers, & write them on the table of our harts, that the memorie of them at no time depart out of our minds.

O Lorde, we haue called vpon [Page 172] thee daie by daie Psa. 88, 9., we haue stret­ched out our hands vnto thee.

In our troble doe we lift vp our hands vnto thee, O Lorde, besee­ching thee most humbly to kepe vs this daie, and al our life time from the place of hel Psa. 49, 15., and to deliuer vs from the clawes of the vngodlie.

O Lord, be merciful vnto vs, we haue longed for thee, be thou our helpe and shield Ps. 33, 20., & our saluation in the time of troble. Send downe thine hand from aboue Psa. 144, 7. and deli­uer vs. Stretch forth thine arme with power, strengthen thine hand, & lift vp thy right hand to saue vs.

Arise now, O Lorde, Psalm. 10, vers. 13, &c. put forth thine hand, & forget not the poore. Breake thou the power of the vn­godlie and malitious, that we with­out feare of danger may confesse and praise thee.

Though we walke in the middes of troble Psa. 138, 7., yet wilt thou refresh vs; & against the furiousnes of our eni­mies wilt thou stretch forth thine hand, and thy right hand shal saue vs, that al may knowe and vnder­stand that this is thine hand, and that thou hast saued vs.

[Page 173]Therefore we wil praise the Lord which stood at the right hand of the poore Psal. 109. verse. 31. to saue his soule from the persecutors.

O most mightie protector, keepe vs likewise from al bodilie harme.

Deliuer vs from the myre Psa. 69, 2. that we perish not, deliuer vs from such as hate vs, and from the deepe wa­ters, that the fluds ouerwhelme vs not, neither the deepe swalow vs vp; protect vs with thine hand that we perish not by thy firie darts.

Thou God rulest the virtues of the elements, which thou hast created, and guidest the raging of the sea Psal. 89, 9..

For thou art the God Amo. 4, 13 which fra­mest the mountaines, & makest the winds, and declarest vnto man what his thought is, thou makest the morning and darknes, and walkest vpon the hie places of the earth, the Lord God of Hostes is thy Name worlds with­out ende,

Amen.

2. A thankesgiuing vnto God for our foode.

WE thanke thee, King of glorie, Lord of hea­uen & earth, because thou hast from our youth to this present houre maruelouslie nourished vs, giuing vs meat, drinke, and clothing with al other thinges pertaining to the sustentation of this our life.

Naked and bare came we out of our mothers wombes Iob. 1, 21. Eccle. 5, 14., we brought nothing into the world 1. Tim. 6, 7, but what­soeuer we haue thou gauest the same; yea, it was afore we were borne; and in our mothers wombe didst thou ordaine things necessa­rie for this life, and sufferest vs to enioie al things abundantlie.

Alwaie thou hast a care of vs, as a father hath of his children; neither art thou ignorant that we stand in neede continuallie of thy blessings, and dailie are destitute of new re­liefe: al which thou giuest after thy wonted, and vnspeakable goodnes.

We acknowledge that whatsoe­uer [Page 175] we haue, or possesse, it is thy gift; & confesse thee to be the foun­taine of al good things Iam. 1, 17., and per­ceiue thy Fatherlie goodnes to be spread not onelie ouer al mankind, but also ouer the brute creatures. Thou giuest meat to al flesh; thou giuest fodder to the Cattel; and feedest the yong rauens that cal vp­vpon thee Ps. 147, 9..

For corporal goodes are not distributed among men by chance, or without thy prouidence; neither be they attained by the onelie in­dustrie and power of man.

Thou giuest Ps. 104, 28. and we gather; thou openest thine hande, and al liuing creatures are filled with thy bles­sing. For without thee al our ende­uors be in vaine, and if thou blesse not our labors, we do but beate the winde and receiue no profite.

Great is thy mercie, O Lorde, which disdainest not to prouide for sinful flesh.

O Lord our God, great are thy wonderous works Psa. 40, 6. which thou hast done for vs, the which we can not so much as in thought comprehend, much lesse in words expresse. When [Page 176] we would report and vtter them, we founde them moe than we coulde recite.

But notwithstanding thine infi­nite benefits cannot be comprehen­ded of man: yet wil we not surcesse to set forth thy praise, nor hide thy goodnes from the sonnes of men, but wil declare it and speake of thy truth from one generation to ano­ther.

Blessed art thou, O our God, for euer and euer 1. Chr. 29, verse. 10. 11. 12., al that is either a­boue in the heauens, or in earth beneath, is thine. Al things come from thee, and from thine hands we receiue whatsoeuer we possesse. And al those things of thy meere mercie without our merits or wor­thines.

Therefore we wil magnifie the Lord, which doth mightie things in al the corners of the earth, which doth nourish vs from our mothers wombes Psa. 71, 6., and giueth vs al good things.

Grant vs likewise quietnes of minde, and peace in our time, that thy grace may abound towarde vs, continue, and defende vs while we [Page 177] liue.

O Almightie and merciful Fa­ther, by thy breath we toke life Acts. 17, 25 the which through thy blessing doth abide in vs. In thee we liue Act. 17, 28., moue, and haue our being.

For man liueth not by bread one­lie Deut. 8, 3. Matth. 4, 4. Luke. 4, 4., or by his owne wisedome and forecast, neither art thou bounde with a fatal chaine of second causes, but by thy decree and wil we enioie life, & al things created at thy beck doe continue while thou thinkest good.

Giue vs not onelie store of al things to the necessitie of our life: but grant also to our meate & drink virtue and power to relieue and strengthen our bodies. For thou alone vpholdest al thinges by thy worde of power Heb. 1, 3..

Vnles thou dailie didst feede vs with thy hidden grace, which thou dost enspire into the bread to feede vs, al the heapes of our yeerelie en­crese were to smal purpose. For be it, that there be abundance of wheat, wine, and of al other things: yet vn­les they be watred by thy blessing quicklie would al come to naught, [Page 178] and we shoulde perish for lacke of foode in al that abundance. For al the substance which we possesse, what is it without thou prosper and fructifie the same with thy blessing.

And albeit we feede on bread Matt. 4, 4. Deutr. 8, 3.: yet we ascribe not our life to the vir­tue of the bread; neither is thy pow­er tied to the bread; nor mans life included within the same, but alto­gether it dependeth vpon thy wil and good pleasure.

We besech thee for thy most large and bountiful liberalitie, cast vs not of Psal. 71, 9. in the time of our old age; and when our strength faileth vs, for­sake vs not.

Likewise confirme our faith that we distrust not thy promises; nei­ther be we driuen from thee by any meanes, seeme they neuer so con­trarie to natural causes: but giue grace that we may withdrawe our eies from al wordlie consultations, and, as touching our foode, and o­ther necessaries for this life, may wholie depend vpon thee, and at no time go beyond the limits which thou hast prescribed, through our Lord Iesu Christ, which liueth and [Page 179] raigneth with thee for euermore,

Amen.

3. A praier for vni tie in Religion.

O Eternal God, which hast called vs to the vnitie of the true ca­tholike faith, and ga­thered vs by thy word into the lap of the Christian con­gregation, that we may be al of vs one bodie, Ephes 4, 4. 5. 6. and one spirit, euen as we are called in one hope of our cal­ling. One Lord, one faith, one bap­tisme, one God, and Father of al, which is aboue al, and through al, and in vs al. For euen as thou Fa­ther art in thy Sonne, and he in thee Ioh▪ 17, 21.: so should we also be one in thee our God.

And therefore we crie vnto thee, O almightie Father, and eternal God, teach vs thy waies Psa. 86, 11. that we may walke in thy truth; O knit our harts vnto thee that we may feare thy Name.

Grant that al thy faithful may be like affected Philip. 2, 2. Rom. 12, 16., and of one minde, [Page 180] as thou art, thinking the same thing after the ensample of Christ our Sa­uior, and that as wel in minds Rom. 15, 6. as with mouth we may agree among our selues, both in true doctrine, and in outwarde behauior of con­uersation. For the scope of the Churches felicitie consisteth in the vnitie of true faith and religion.

Keepe vs in the true vnderstan­ding, and right knowledge of thy sa­cred scriptures, that without strife and contention, we may speake one thing 1. Cor. 1, 10. Philip. 3, 16. Let there be no dissentions nor schismes among vs; let nothing be done through contention, or of vaine glorie, but let vs be one bo­die, endued with one minde, and iudgement, according to thy worde reuealed, vntil we attaine Ephe. 4, 12▪ to the vnitie of faith and knowledge of thy13. Sonne into a perfect man, accor­ding to the measure of the age of15. the fulnes of Christ, which is the head, by whom the whole bodie be­ing copled and knit together by euerie ioint for the furniture therof,16. (according to the effectual power, which is in the measure of euerie part) receiueth encrease of the bo­die, [Page 181] vnto the edifieng of it selfe in loue.

O most holie Father, keepe vs by thy Name, that we may be one in thee Ioh. 17, 21., and that among vs which are beleeuers, there may be one hart and one minde.

O Christ our onelie Sauior and Mediator, which before thy passion didst praie that we might be one in thee Ioh. 17, 21. euen as thou art in thy Fa­ther: grant that thy Church may be at concorde, and agree in one true faith and confession.

Let there continue among vs a godlie consent; let there be one a­greement in faith, one mind in prai­er, that we may grow vp in thee, and that al our harts may be copled to­gether by the bond of the Spirit, vsing thy gifts, as they should be, to the aduancement of thy glorie, and to the common profit both of thy Church and Common-weale; and walking worthie our calling Ephes. 4, 1. wher­vnto we are called, with al humili­tie & gentlenes, with al lenitie for­bearing2. one another through cha­ritie, being careful to keepe the vni­tie3. of the Spirit in the bonde of [Page 182] peace.

Represse the furiousnes of Satan which soweth discention among thy flock to weaken our faith, and to hinder our praiers, whereby thy glorie is defaced.

Grant therefore that we proue not desirous of vaine glorie Gal. 5, 26. pro­uoking one another, and enuieng one another, that we bite not one another to our destruction Gal. 5, 15.. For of emulation spring contentions which being once enflamed, boile out into mortal diuisions. And as many as maintaine emulations, con­tentions, and factions, are carnal 1. Cor. 3, 3. and walke as men.

Wherefore take from vs the zeale of the flesh, which is foolish. And let al enuie Ephe. 4, 31 wrath, pride, and arrogancie be far from vs.

Likewise let vs auoide 1. Tim. 1, 4. 1. Tim. 6, 4. foolish and vnlearned questions, knowing that they engender strife and con­tention,20. and serue for nothing but to the subuerting of the hearers, and engrafting of errors.

Where a desire of strife is, there certainlie God dwelleth not 1. Iohn. 4, verse. 16.: and they which raise tumults of no­thing, [Page 183] and disquiet thy flock, those wilt thou, O Sonne of God, destroie.

Come holie Spirit, replenish the harts of the faithful, and inflame in them the fire of thy loue, which once didst gather the nations into the vnitie of the faith through the diuersitie of tongues Actes. 2, 4.:

Ioine our harts together, that we may nourish christian concorde a­mong vs, and that we al glued, as it were together in louing harts, may be of one minde in thee; so shal thy pure doctrine zelouslie be maintai­ned, and no false interpretation of the Scripture obstinatelie be de­fended.

Bring home to thy fold al such as are turned from the vnitie of true religion, that there may be one pa­stor and one folde Ioh. 10, 16. Ezec. 37, 22.

To such as are gone out from vs, grant constancie that they may continue with vs teaching the Gos­pel to the saluation of the hearers.

And if it fortune that any, contra­rie to the doctrine which we haue learned, raise dissention and offen­ces, grant that we may auoide them Rom. 16, verse. 17. 2. Iohn. 10., least the harts of the sim­ple, [Page 184] through their sweete perswasi­ons, and flatterie, be deceaued.

O God, autor of peace 1. Cor. 14, verse. 33. 2. Thes. 3, 16, and con­corde, giue grace that euerie of vs may thinke the same thing accor­ding to our Sauiour Christ,

Amen.

4. A praier for peace.

O Most Hie God, and holie Father which art not the Autor of dissention but of peace 1. Cor. 14, verse. 33. 2. Cor. 13, 11, not of confu­sion, nor of inordinate life, but the keeper of discipline and quietnes, from thee come holie cogitations, and good counsailes, and righteous deedes:

Giue vnto vs thy seruants that peace which the world cannot giue, that both our harts and works may be applied to thy commandements, and that our daies, through thy protection, be alwaies quiet from troble.

Gouerne thou the whole state both of the Chuch and Common weale, and rule our life, that in our daies iustice may take place Psal. 72, 7., and [Page 185] peace continue as long as the moone shal haue hir course.

Speake thou peace vnto the com­mon people, and ouer thy Saints, and likewise to them which are conuerted, and turned to a better minde.

Let thy saluation be nigh them that feare thee Psal. 85, 9., that glorie may dwel within our lande. Let mercie and truth meete together, yea, let10. iustice and peace embrace ech other. Let truth arise out of the11. earth, & righteousnes looke downe from heauen. Let the mountaines Psa. 72, 3. and the hils bring peace to thy people by iustice.

Blesse Lord al Countries, Cities, Townes, and places where thy word doth abide and is purelie preached.

Let them haue much peace that loue thy Lawe and doctrine, and let them be without stones to stumble at, and offences; let there be peace within their wals Psa. 122, 7., and prosperitie within their palaces.

O Lord, strengthen the locks of our ports, and blesse thy children within them, put peace for our endes, and bounds; and fil vs with [Page 186] the fat of the corne, that thou King of glorie, and Lord of hostes maist enter by our gates Psal. 24, 7., and the pure worde may abide not onelie in our wals, but also in our wils, to the glorie of thy Name, and comfort of our soules; and that honest disci­pline together with integritie of virtue, maners, and humane lite­rature may be maintained.

O eternal God, which hast called vs in peace 1. Cor. 7, 15, grant that with al men, as much as in vs lies Rom. 12, verse. 18. we may haue peace; and let vs account of holines Heb. 12, 14 without which none shal see the Lord.

Asswage our harts, that we may cleane forget al iniuries, and for­giue ech other in many things, least by reuenging our selues we take awaie the publike tranquilitie.

Represse the Diuel, the breaker of godlie concord and christian peace, which ranging throughout al regi­ons soweth euerie where the seede of strife and debate.

O God of peace which makest an ende of war Psal. 46, 9. in al the worlde, and breakest the bowe, and knappest the speares asunder, and burnest [Page 187] the chariots with fire; protect vs from war and slaughter; scatter the nations Psal. 68, 1. that wish for war.

Breake thou and hinder al euil counsailes, and the purpose of such as mind and thirst after nothing els but the shedding of innocent blood.

Confound them in their imagina­tions Psal. 6, 10. that they take none effect, let them be turned back and put to shame. Let them come to shame, and perish through their owne ima­ginations Psal. 5, 10., that Churches and schooles wel ordained be not ouer­throwne, nor Idolatrie get the do­minion ouer vs.

Ingraffe therefore into al men of what calling soeuer, a desire of peace; contented minds in their vocations, and a carefulnes to ad­uance the welfare of that place where they doe abide: so shal they, neither through a desire of others wealth, nor by ambition or vaine glorie raise any tumults to our dis­quietnes.

And where strife, contention, & dis­cord is among men, there doe thou, O most mightie God, reconcile their harts and minds that those [Page 188] flames, and fires may speedilie be put out. For thou canst conclude a truce for vs Iob. 5, 23. with the stones of the grounde; and compel the beasts of the fielde to seeke those things as belong to our peace, and the wolfe to dwel with the Lambe Esai. 11, 6., and the Leopard to lie downe with the Kid.

Therefore make our tabernacles safe & quiet, that about them there may be a rich tranquilitie, which may abound like the streame run­ning ouer his bank Esai. 48, 18, and our righ­teousnes as the waues of the sea, which is neuer without water.

In the Lorde shal we haue our wished peace, and the worke of righ­teousnes shal be peace Esai 32, 17, & hir frute rest and quietnes for euer. And thy people shal dwel in the Innes of18. peace, and in sure dwellings, in safe places of comfort.

In ioie shal we go forth Esai. 55, 12 and re­turne in peace, the mountaines and hils shal sing with vs for ioie, and al the trees of the field shal clap their hands.

Heare vs, O Lord of peace 2. Thes. 3, verse. 16., and grant that thy peace Philip. 4, 7. which pas­seth [Page 189] al vnderstanding, may keepe our harts and minds in our Lorde Iesu Christ, which liueth and raig­neth with thee in the vnitie of the holie Spirit a God now, and for euermore,

Amen.

5. A praier for vnbeleeuers.

VNto thee doe we crie, O Lord, Father and maker of al men, which art rich vnto al that cal vpō thee Rom. 10, verse. 12. Ephes. 2, 4., and which commandest the light to shine out of darknes. For thou wilt 1. Tim. 2, 4. that al men should be saued, and come to the knowledge of the truth.

And therefore of thy great loue thou diddest cal vs to the partici­pation of the lot of the Saints in light, which are by nature the chil­dren of wrath and of death; aliens Ephe. 2, 12 and strangers from the testaments of promise, hauing none hope, and without God in the world: but now are fellowe Citizens with the Saints Ephe. 2, 19 and of the housholde of GOD, built vpon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophetes,20. [Page 190] Iesus Christ being the head cornerEphes. 2, 21. stone, which sustaineth the whole building by his word of power.

Heare vs thy seruants making supplication for such as yet haue not heard the sound of thy Gospel; neither knowen thy Name, but sit­ting in darknes Luk. 1, 79. and in the shadow of death, haue their minds dark­ned Ephe. 4, 18. and are alienated from the life of God by the ignorance that is in them, and are carried away vnto dumbe Idols 1. Cor. 12, verse. 2., and fained Gods, euen as they are led, and runne to worship that which is no God.

Giue grace, that thy word may be knowen among them Esai. 19, 21., and prea­ched in euerie land, and the sound thereof go out into the endes of the worlde Psal. 19, 4. Rom. 10, 18., that thou also maist be found of them which sought thee not, and famous among such as ne­uer20. asked after thee.

Send forth thy worde that they may be healed Ps. 107, 20. & walke no more in the vanities of their minde.

O God, Father of our Lord Iesu Christ, King of glorie Ephe. 1, 17., giue them the Spirit of wisedome and reuela­tion through the confessing of thee, [Page 191] lighten their mindes that theyEphes. 1, 18. may know, what the hope is where­vnto thou hast called vs; and how precious the glorie is of thine in­heritance in the Saints, and how19. excellent the greatnes of his pow­er is toward vs which beleeue ac­cording to the working of his migh­tie power, which thou hast wrought20. in him, when he was raised by thee from the dead, and placed at thy21. right hand in heauenlie places a­boue al principalities and powers.

Open the harts of vnbeleuers, that hearing thy word they may acknow­ledge thee the onelie true God Ioh. 17, 3., & Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent; and may worship thee the Father in the Sonne, & the Sonne in thee the Father with the holie Ghost, euen as thou hast reuealed thy selfe.

Take the vale from the harts of the Iewes 2. Cor. 3, verse. 13. least being blinded in the reading of the old Testament, they stumble at the stone Rom. 9, 33 1. Peter. 2, 8. and rock of offence by incredulitie, and hard­nes of their harts, that thy Sonne Christ crucified 1. Cor. 1, 23 and preached, be not vnto them a stumbling block, and thy Gospel the sauor of death [Page 192] vnto death 2. Cor. 2, verse. 16.: but that being con­uerted by true faith to the know­ledge of thee the Father in the Sonne, their face being vncouered, they may behold thy glorie, know­ing by the writings of the Prophets, the Messias, which thou hast ap­pointed to be the Sauiour of the world.

Likewise gather thou the Gen­tils (to whom thy Gospel, the word of the crosse is meere foolishnes 1. Cor. 1, 23, into thy Congregation that they may embrace thy mysterie, casting of al fleshlie wisedome, and leade al their cogitations captiue 2. Cor. 10, 5 to the o­bedience of the Gospel.

Moreouer, our praier and suppli­cation is, not onelie for those aboue mentioned, but also for such as, ei­ther, although they resist not thy truth, and pure religion openlie and obstinatelie, professe our religion, yet mingled with manie superstiti­ons and abuses, worshipping and calling vpon Saints departed out of this life; or be addicted to outward ceremonies Colos. 2, 8. and rudiments of this world, burdening their consciences with mans obseruations, and tradi­tions [Page 193] of their fathers Mat. 15, 2. 9.; or trusting to their owne righteousnes, or ra­ther to the workes and deedes of the flesh, refuse and make little ac­count of thy righteousnes Rom. 10, 3 which is the true iustification, and go about to establish their owne righteous­nes.4. But Christ is the ende of the Lawe for righteousnes to as manie as beleeue. And, 1. Cor. 3, 11 an other founda­tion can no man laie, than that is laide in thy Sonne the Messias, which is the waie, Iohn. 14, 6. the truth, the life, and the ende of the Lawe.

For by his perfect obedience and fulfilling of the Lawe, by his inno­cent and bitter death, he hath resto­red vnto vs true saluation, and per­fect righteousnes, that euerie one Iohn. 3, 15. which beleeueth on him might not perish, but haue euerlasting life.

O God, the sight of the blind, bring them home againe, which through ignorance either are entangled in doubtful labyrinthes, and grosse er­rors, or countenance polluted reli­gion, that lightened by thy spirit, they may returne into the right waie.

[Page 194]And such as with impudent faces, and stiffe necks, do obstinatlie, with an affected ignorance withstande thine holie Spirit whose senses the God of this worlde hath blinded 2. Cor. 4, 4 that the light of thy glorious Gos­pel shine not ouer them, represse, & bridle their malice, that by slaugh­ters & persecutions they nether tro­ble nor destroy thy Church,

Amen.

6. A praier for our be­nefactors.

O Merciful, faithful, and louing God, rewarder of al good workes.

Forasmuch as in­gratitude is the most odious & detestable vice of al, the which both thou doest abhor, & no wise man can abide, as a thing de­seruing infinit paines and rigorous punishment. For he which rendreth euil for good Pro. 17, 13., euil shal not depart from his house. And Wis. 16, 29 the hope of the vnthankful shal melt away like the winter ice, and flow away as vn­profitable water.

We beseech thee giue vs grate­ful [Page 195] mindes alwaies remembring benefits receiued, least forgetting the merits exhibited vpon vs, we fal into the filthie and abhominable fault of ingratitude.

But gouerne vs with thine holie Spirit, that we may alwaies giue thanks vnto thee, a most bountiful God, for such benefits as thou hast bestowed, not vpon vs onelie, but vpon al mankind:

For creating vs after thine owne image Gen. 1, 26. Colos. 3, 10.; for redeeming vs being sinners forlorne, and condemned; for deliuering vs from sinne, death, and hel by the most holie and pre­tious blood of thy deere Sonne 1. Pet. 1, 19 Hebr. 9, 14.; for bestowing thy righteousnes, thine holie Spirit, and euerlasting life vpon vs; for conseruing our soules, and bodies safe and sounde; finallie for giuing, and that abun­dantlie al such things as are neces­sarie for the sustentation of this life; and besides, for thy merciful protection against al dangers; al which thou doest of thy meere mer­cie and Fatherlie goodnes without any merits or worthines of ours.

And therefore we wil extol thee, [Page 196] O God of our life, and yeeld thanks to thy Name, O most hie. For thou art gratious Psa. 136, 1. and thy mercie endu­reth for euer.

We wil giue thee thanks, O Lord, among the people; we wil sing to thee among the nations. For the greatnes Psa. 57, 10. of thy mercie reacheth vnto the heauens.

So infinite and great are thy be­nefits conferred vpon vs, O Lord, that we are vnable to conceiue them in our minds.

Notwithstanding our mouthes shal speake of thy righteousnes and saluation Psa. 71, 15. for we know none end thereof.

What recompence shal we make to the Lord for al the benefits that he hath done vnto vs Ps. 116, 12. 13.? We wil take vp the cup of saluation, and cal vpon the Name of the Lord. We wil14. 18. pay our vowes vnto the Lord in the presence of his people.

We wil neuer forget thy benefits and woonderous works which thou hast done for vs. To thee, O God the Father, be thanks for al things Eph. 5, 20. in the name of our Lorde Iesus Christ.

[Page 197]Secondlie, we thinke it our boun­den dutie to praie for our bene­factors that haue begot, brought vp, taught, and promoted vs, that it woulde please thee to repaie them, and al other for whom I am bounde to praie, whose necessities are knowen to thee.

These I commende to thy mer­cie in our praiers, that thou maist blesse them both with temporal and euerlasting rewards.

O celestial God, and most excel­lent recompencer thou hast power and mercie Psa. 62, 12. Matt. 16, 27. Rom. 2, 6. to render to euerie one according to their workes. Do wel, O Lorde, Psa. 125, 4. vnto those that be good and true of hart.

Vouchsafe to reward al our bene­factors; let them receiue most plen­tiful benefits according to the mul­titude of thy mercies.

Shewe mercie vnto them, O Lord, that haue comforted vs; and so blesse their families, that they may finde mercie with thy Sonne our Lord and Sauior Christ at that daie 2. Tim. 1, verse. 18. when we shal al appeere be­fore his tribunal seate Rom. 14, verse. 10. 2. Cor. 5, 10. to giue an accompt of our works.

[Page 198]O Sonne of the liuing God, which dost ascribe and impute the same to be done vnto thee Mat. 25, 40 which is ex­tended vnto any of thy seruants; and dost promise a most liberal re­ward euen for a cup of cold water Mat. 10, 42 Mark. 9, 41., requite according to thy woonted goodnes, euerie one which haue ex­tended the works of mercie, and the duties of humanitie vpon vs, that they may be blessed, and enriched mightilie 2. Cor. 9, 6 with the encrease of good things.

He which hath consideration of the poore and needie Psal. 41, 1▪, let him be deliuered, O Lord, in the euil daie; Keepe him, giue him life, make him2. blessed in the land, and giue him not vp to the wil of his enimies; but comfort him when he lieth sick3. in his bed, and in the daie of troble heare his praiers. Let his almes be alwaie in thy sight Sirac. 3, 15. 16., and be mind­ful of him for euer, that when he falleth he may be vpholden.

Grant, Lord, that according to our habilities we may recompence benefits receiued; and shewe our selues grateful in deede, that our leaues wither not, neither that we

[Page 201] [...]So that al things, as it were, ouer­burdened and wearied, doe grone, and trauel in paine together with thine elect, and desire a deliuerance Rom. 8, 19. from such and so great euils, wher­vnto they are subiect, and made to serue to vanitie at the lust of the wicked.

Vnto thee doe we crie from the bottome of our harts, Segregate vs, O Lord, from the darknes, decept, and filthines of this world, and withdrawe vs from the desire of earthlie things, that being incorpo­rated into thy congregation, where thy Diuinitie doth abide, we may seeke after heauenlie things, and forsake earthlie, which are fraile and transitorie.

O righteous Father, the worlde doth not knowe thee Ioh. 7, 28., but thy Sonne doth know thee, and they to29. whom thy Sonne doth reueale thee by thine holie Spirit.

Giue vs the same thy Spirit, that we may know what riches we haue receiued by Christ, and speake not the things which mans wisedome doth teach 1. Cor. 2, verse. 13., but which thy Spi­rit shal teach comparing spiritual [Page 202] things with spiritual.

Keepe vs in the confession of thy Name, that thou in vs maist be glo­rified, and that we fauor not of ter­rene and wordlie things but dwel­ling in minde in heauen, may seeke those things that are aboue Colos. 3, 2. and be made partakers of the diuine na­ture, and flie from the corruption, which is in the world: least in this miserable and dronken state therof, we enwrap our selues in worldlie cares, which withdraw our minds from the exercise of godlines, and choake the good motions of the ho­lie Spirit.

Grant therefore that we loue neither the world 1. Ioh. 2, 15, nor the things in the world: but vsing this world, we may be as those which vse it not 1. Ioh. 2, 17. For the forme of this world doth passe awaie.

Rule thou our harts that we giue not our selues to the pleasures of this world; neither enter into the broade waie, and wide gate Mat. 7, 13. which bringeth to eternal destruction: but shunning al the enticements of this world may go in at the narrow gate14. to the kingdome of heauen.

[Page 203]O Christ our Redeemer, which hast chosen and seuered vs from this world, that, not imitating the same, we might be saued: giue grace that al which haue promised wholie to serue thee, which dost ouerthrow the prince of this world Ephe. 2, 2. Iohn. 12, 31., may be safe from al the assaults of the sub­tile spirit.

For it were a shameful and trai­torous deed to promise wholie to be thy seruants, and yet to fauor thy mortal enimie, and to followe his workes. But he that warreth 2. Tim. 2, [...] labo­reth to please him which hath cho­sen him to be a soldior.

Guide vs that we follow not the vading glorie of this world, neither delite therein. For he which wil fa­uor the world is an enimie to God. But let the world be crucified to vs Gala. 2, 19. and we to the world, through the denial of our selues, and renoun­cing al the enticements of the same.

Grant vs grace, that we may walke wiselie Eph. 5, 15. Coloss. 4, 5. 1. Peter. 4, 2. and circumspectlie in this present world, not as fooles and vn­wise, but as wise: and shun al occa­sions of falling, and redeeme the time Eph. 5, 16. because the daies are euil.

[Page 204]O God the holie Ghost, poure into vs thine heauenlie wisdom, which is from aboue Sirach. 1, 1. Iames. 1, 5. Prou. 2, 6., that in spiritual mat­ters we may cast off altogether the wisdome of the world, which is foo­lishnes with God 1. Cor. 3, 19, & in the simpli­citie of mind cleaue vnto thy word.

Instruct vs, that hauing renoun­ced vngodlines Titu. 2, 12., we may walke vp­rightlie and godlie in this worlde; looking for that blessed hope, and13. appearing of the glorie of the great God, and of our Sauior Iesus Christ, which gaue himselfe for vs to re­deeme14. vs from al iniquitie, and to make vs a pure peculiar people vnto himselfe, zelous of good works Phili. 2, 16 Ephes. 2, 10. 1. Peter. 2, 9..

Comfort our minds, that our harts be not trobled Iohn. 14, 1. 27. when the worlde doth persecute vs. For we are coun­ted no better than the verie excre­ments, and of [...]couring of this world. And therefore make vs pacientlie to beare not onelie euerie miserie in­cident to al men: but also the per­uerse and sinister iudgement of the world, the which also thou didst suf­fer for our sakes 1. Pet. 2, 23 Psalm. 22, 6..

Vphold vs in the mids of our af­flictions, that both the world and [Page 205] the prince thereof may wel knowe, that thou hast a tender care Iohn. 3, 15. 16. ouer thy poore flock, & wilt protect, and saue the same euerlastinglie,

Amen.

8. Euening praier, on Thursdaie.

WE thanke thee, Psa. 136, 2. 3. 26. King of heauen & earth, for pro­tecting vs this daie by thy strong hand, & stretched out arme from al perils.

The right hande of the Lorde Ps. 118, 15. bringeth mightie things to passe; the right hand of the Lord hath ex­alted16. vs; the right hand of the Lord doth great things, it hath kept vs from al euil; the Lord hath saued our soules.

Therefore we wil be mindful of thee, O Lord, vpon our beds, and waking wil we meditate of thy goodnes, because thou hast bin our helper Psal. 63, 7. 8.; vnder the shadow of thy wings wil we reioice. Our soules [Page 206] cleaue vnto thee, because thy right hand hath vpholden vs, and saued vs in our extremities.

We wil be mindful of the time past wherein thou maruelouslie didst assist vs, and meditate of al thy deedes Psa. 143, 5.. We wil discourse of the workes of thine hands, and wil ne­uer forget thy mightines.

For thy mercie endureth for euer 1. Ezra. 3, verse. 11., & thou wilt not despise the workmanship of thine owne hands.

Now blesse the Lord al his ser­uants Psa. 134, 1. which stand in the house of the Lord in the courts of the house of our GOD; in the night lift vp2. your hands to his sanctuarie, and blesse the Lord. The Lorde which3. made both heauen and earth, blesse vs from aboue.

Vnto thee, O Lorde, doe we lift vp our hands, and beseech thee with al humblenes of minde, pardon al our sinnes, which this daie we haue committed either against thee, or our neighbors.

Our handes are defiled with blood Esai. 59, 3., and our fingers with much iniquitie. Our transgressions are afore thee, and make answere a­gainst [Page 207] vs.

But doe not thou, Lorde, beholde the wickednes of thy people 2. Esdr. 8, verse. 26.: but remember thy couenant which thou hast made with vs in the blood of thy Sonne; neither consider thou27. our wicked enterprises, but haue in mind that thy testimonies are pure among vs, and thy worde vndefiled. Thinke not vpon those that haue28. walked fainedlie before thee: but remember them which according to thy wil doe feare thee. Neither29. doe thou destroie them which haue liued beastly: looke vpon them that not onelie teach, but obserue thy commandements. Take thou none30. indignatiō at them which are worse than beasts: but loue them alwaies that put their trust in thy righte­ousnes and glorie. For we and our31. Fathers haue al the same sicknes: but because of vs sinners thou shalt be called merciful. For if thou hast32. mercie on vs, thou shalt be called merciful to vs that haue no works of righteousnes.

And therefore be thou merciful vnto vs, O Lord, for thy Name sake, and pardon al our transgressions, [Page 208] whereby most infinitelie we haue deserued thine euerlasting displea­sure. Let thine hand be readie to saue vs, that we may prefer thy commandements aboue al things, and fulfil them with our fingers.

O Lord, Psal. 77, 2. in our troble doe we seeke thee; our hands in this night season are lifted vp to thee, Neither shal anie thing be in cause, but that in this darke and dreadful night, thou shalt lighten and illustrate euerie darke corner of our habita­tion, that our candels go not out by night.

When we sit in darknes Mica. 7, 8. bring vs into the light, saue vs from vtter darknes Mat. 22, 13 where is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Thou art the God which giuest light to our candle, lighten therefore our darknes, O our God, Psal. 13, 3. that we sleepe not in death. And protect vs by the sha­dow of thine hand Esai. 51, 16. that none euil stick to vs this night.

Deliuer vs from the snare of the hunter Psal. 91, 3. 4., and from the noisome pestilence. Defende vs vnder thy wings, and vnder thy feathers we shal be safe. Let thy truth compasse5. [Page 209] vs like a shield, that we be not a­fraidPsal. 91, 6. for any terror by night, nor yet either for the pestilence that walketh in darknes, or for the sick­nes that destroieth at noone daie. A thousande shal fal beside vs, and7. ten thousand on our right hand, but it shal not come nigh vs.

O Lorde, deliuer vs out of the hands of our enimies Psal. 21, 8. Psal. 36, 11., and saue vs from such as persecute our soules: they imagine wickednes in their chambers, they sleepe not Pro. 4, 16. except they haue done mischiefe, and sleepe is taken from them vntil they haue done harme.

O Lord, keepe vs, O Lord, be thou our defence ouer our right hande, that the sun parch vs not by day Psal. 121, 6., nor the moone by night.

The Lord is our light Psal. 27, 1., and our saluation, whom then should wee feare? The Lord is the strength of our life, of whom then should we be afraide? Though an host of men3. were laide against vs; yet shal not our harts be afraid: and though the wicked should rise vp against vs to deuour our flesh; yet it shal be our5. comfort alwaie, that thou wilt hide [Page 210] vs in thy tabernacle in the euil day, and defende vs in the secret place of thy dwelling through Christ our Lord,

1. On Friedaie, Mor­ning praier.

BLessed is the Lord God of Sabbaoth which by his com­mandement crea­ted the morning, and assigned Iob. 38, 12. 13. to the daie spring his place, where ari­sing euery daie it apprehendeth the wings of the earth, and speedilie runneth to the vttermost parts of the world.

Who is like our God Psa. 77, 13 14., which doth woonderous things both in heauen and earth?

O Lord, Esai. 66, 1. Actes. 7, 48. 49. heauen is thy seat, and [Page 211] the earth is thy footestoole.

Vnto thee doe we bend our selues, yeelding most humble thankes for that it hath pleased thee of thy won­ted goodnes to preserue vs this night vnder thy merciful protectiō.

Of thy clemencie hast thou deli­uered our soules from the mids of Lions among whom we laie; with thy shielde of saluation hast thou compassed vs about, like as a shep­herd Esai. 40, 11 Iere. 31, 10. watcheth, and looketh to his flock.

Wherefore we wil sing of thy power Psa. 59, 16., and praise thy mercie be­times in the morning. For thou hast bin our defence and refuge in the daie of our troble.

We beseech thee euen for the bloodie sweate of thy Sonne our Lord and Sauior Christ, that thou wouldest vouchsafe this morning to moisten and mollifie our harts, through the grace of thine holie Spirit.

As the morning dew Wis. 11, 19. spreading it selfe earelie before daie doth wet, and fil the earth; and as the mor­ning raine 2. Sam. 23, verse. 4. by drops doth water drie places, wherby they do fructifie [Page 212] and bring forth herbes and grasse: so extende thy grace toward vs Psal. 72, 6. Micah. 5, 7., and by thine heauenlie dewe be­sprinkle our hard and drie harts, that we may wholie delight Ps. 119, 14. in the waies of thy righteousnes, & walke in the pathes of thy commande­ments.1.

Let thy liuing Spirit Ps. 143, 10 guide vs forth into the land of righteousnes. O Lorde, for thy Name sake quic­ken11. vs in thy righteousnes, that thy word may be Psal. 119, verse. 105. a lanterne vnto our feete, and a light vnto our steps.

Shew vs thy waies Psal. 25, 4., O Lord, and teach vs thy pathes.

Order our steps according to thy word, so shal no wickednes Psal. 119, verse. 133. haue dominion ouer vs, neither shal we wander from the right waie.

Take from vs the waie of li­eng Ps. 119, 29., and grant vs graciouslie thy lawe.

O would to God our waies were directed to the keeping of thy sta­tutes, that we might not walke Psalm. 1, 1. in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the waie of sinners, nor sit in the seate of the scorneful, but delight in2. the lawe of the Lorde, and exercise [Page 213] our selues therein daie and night; then should we be as a tree Psal. 1, 3. Ierem. 17, 8. plan­ted by the riuers of waters, that bringeth forth hir frute in due sea­son.

O Lorde, in our trobles we wil seeke thee earelie in the morning, and returne vnto thee our GOD, which art readie as the spring of the daie, and wilt come vnto vs as the fructifieng raine Hose. 6, 3., and as the timelie and latter shoure which doth good to the earth: be thou in like maner a refuge vnto the poore, and a timelie helper in our troble.

We wil loue thee deerelie Psal. 18, 1., O Lorde our strength: thou art our rock and our defence, our Sauior,2. our God, and our might in whom we wil trust, our buckler, the horne of our saluation and our refuge.

Keepe vs, Lord, from the hands of the vngodlie Psa. 140, 4.; preserue vs from wicked men, which are purposed to ouerthrow our goings. The proude5. haue laide a snare for vs, and spred a net abroad with cordes, yea, and set traps in our waie. But deliuer thou our soules from death Psa. 56, 13. Psal. 103, 4., and [Page 214] our feete from falling.

For thou art righteous, O Lorde, and dwellest in the middes of vs Soph. 3, 5. doing none iniquitie: but earelie, earelie euerie morning bringest thou forth thy iudgement into light, and wilt not be drawen awaie from sauing vs, that we be not hurt of bloodie felowes, of theeues & mur­therers, whose feete are swift Pro. 6, 18. Prou. 1, 16. 11. to shed blood.

In thy Name, O Christ, King of eternal glorie we wil tread vpon the Serpents and Scorpions Luk. 10, 19, & ouer the whole power of the enimie, and he shal not hurt vs, for thy worde shal saue vs Wis. 16, 12, which liuest and ru­lest with the Father in the vnitie of the holie Spirit, a God for euer­more,

Amen.

2. A thankesgiuing for the passion of Christ.

WE thanke thee, O Lord Iesu Christ God and man, for that of thine onlie and free mercie without any works or worthines at al of ours, thou hast [Page 215] redeemed vs 1. Pe. 2, 24. Matth. 8, 17. Esaie. 53, 4. and damned men through thy most innocent and holie passion.

O sweete Iesu, how bitter and great were thy paines; how horrible and cruel thy punishment; how gre­uous and lamentable thine afflicti­on; how bloodie thy wounds; thy dolors how diuers; and thy death how shameful, which thou suffe­redst for vs?

How inestimable was the loue, that mooued thee to endure such and so great torments to reconcile vs to the Father 1. Ioh. 3, 16?

In the mount of Oliues Luk. 22, 39 Matth. 26, vers. 38, &c. Marke. 14, verse. 32., through our infinite sinnes lighting vpon thee, and sense of the most heauie displeasure of thy Father against our wickednes, that didst sweate, contrarie to our common nature, blood, that the drops Luke. 22, verse. 44. like blood trickled vpon the earth, & so after a maruelous maner blood came out of thee being expelled through the resolution of the spirits, nature be­ing broken and languishing by rea­son of thine intolerable sorrowes and torments.

And therefore, thy Disciples be­ing [Page 216] fled Matth. 26, verse. 56., thou didst voluntarilie commit thy selfe Matth. 26, vers. 53, &c. into the handes of the cruel Iewes, which brought thee most rigorouslie bounde with­out compassion from the presence of one corrupt Iustice vnto another more cruel: where thou being false­lie accused, was vniustlie condem­ned, contemptuouslie spit vpon, op­probriouslie obraided, and buffeted most iniuriouslie. For our offences thou wast wounded Esai. 53, 5., and for our wickednes broozed, for the offen­ces of thy people thou wast beaten, killed, and with sharpe thornes crowned, and contumeliouslie dealt withal.

For our sinnes thou wast cruellie handled, a worme Psal. 22, 6., not a man: a verie scorne of men, and the outcast of the people.

Thy looke was odious, and il fa­uoured, a man thou wast ful of sor­rowes Esai. 53, 3. 2., without forme or beautie, so that they had no lust vnto thee.

Besides some couered thine eies Mark. 14, verse. 65. Matth. 27, vers. 30, &c. Iohn. 19, verse. 3, &c., and laide vpon thy face with their fists, exasperating thy torments with manie scoffes, and mockes.

Thy blessed bodie was so mangled, [Page 217] and cut with stripes, that euen an Ethnike pittieng the same, vttered these words, Iohn. 19, 5. Behold the man.

Finallie, for our enormous offen­ces, thou wast hanged, like an accur­sed wretch Matth. 27, verse. 38. Mark. 15, 27 28. betweene two theeues; afflicted with a most odious kind of death Deu. 21, 23 Galat. 3, 13.; pierced through the hands and the feete, whereby thou didst encounter with most extreeme tor­ments; which were so great, that for a space, thou wast after a sort with­out al maner comfort Mar. 15, 34, and so con­strained through thy great sorowe and greeuousnes of paine to drinke vineger Matth. 27, verse. 48. Mark. 15, 36 Iohn 19, 30.; & so in the extremitie of paine thou didst giue vp thy Ghost, cōmending the same vnto thy deere Father Luke. 23, verse. 46., in wonderful patience, like a sheepe lead to the slaughter Esai. 53, 7. and as a lambe quiet before the shearer: thou didst not open thy mouth to raile Acts. 8, 32. 1. Pet. 2, 23., yea, that was so far from thee that thou praiedst for thine enimies Luke. 23, verse. 34.: that so by thy torments, hauing quited vs from al guilt aswel of fault as of punishment, we might be healed.

For to this ende didst thou be are the burden of our sinnes vpon the [Page 218] woode of the crosse 1. Pe. 2, 24., that thou mightest recouer the peace of soules for such as are healed by thy stripes, and obteine the true righte­ousnes for as manie as beleeue on thee, that the wrath of thine eternal Father Psal. 2, 12., which is a consuming fire, doe not deuour vs.

O Iesu Christ, sonne of the liuing God, for these torments, & al other thy passions, we wil honor, praise, and thanke thee for euermore, be­seeching thee most humblie, that thy passions may worke and take effect in vs, and be a present & most wholesome medicine in al necessi­ties; and that alwaies being mind­ful of the same, we may reioice therein Gal. 6, 14.; make it a comfort for our selues against al the tentations of Satan, and the force of sinne & the Law: that thy crosse may be an en­sample to vs 1. Pet. 2, 21. that walking in thy steps, we render not rebuke for re­buke, but may imitate thy long suf­fering Luke. 23, verse. 34. Actes. 7, 60., and praie for such as curse vs Mat. 5, 44. Luke. 6, 28. 1. Cor. 4, 13. 1. Pet. 4, 14.; and finallie, may so thinke vp­on, and celebrate the cause of thy death, that the consideration there­of may vtterlie both extinguish al [Page 219] the flames of vnlawful concupis­cence, and burie the enticements of the flesh, and also raise vp the seede of godlines, and nourish the loue of virtue within vs, that so being who­lie dead vnto sinne, we may liue vn­to righteousnes, & serue thee which barest our sinnes in thy bodie 1. Pet. 2, 24 vp­on the crosse, but liuest now and raignest with the Father in the vni­tie of the holie Spirit, a God for euermore,

Amen.

3. A praier for true repentance.

O Lord God, which artful of compassion Psa. 103, 8. Exod. 34, 6., & mercie, long suffering, and of great goodnes, thou continuest thy mercie for thousands Ezo. 20, 6., taking a­waie iniquitie, sinnes, and offences; thou callest vs after thy woonted mercie by thy worde to repentance, and hartie conuersion. For vnto al, and euerie one is repentance and forgiuenes of sinnes preached Luk. 24, 47 in thy Name.

Moreouer, we knowe the riches [Page 220] of thy lenitie Rom. 2, 4. 2. Pet. 3, 9., patience, and long suffering in this, that thou dost not suddainelie at vnawares take awaie sinners from the earth, neither o­uerwhelme them by & by, through thy iustice in their wicked deedes doing; but giuest them a space to repent: which is a most notable ar­gument, that thou wilt not the death of a sinner Eze. 33, 11., but rather that he be conuerted, and liue.

For thou art merciful ouer al, be­cause thou canst al Wis. 12, 16., and dissem­blest the sinnes of men for their a­mendment.

Thou louest al things that are Wis. 12, 13▪, and abhorrest nothing which thou hast made, neither hast thou ordai­ned any thing which thou doest hate, but sparest al, because they are thine, O Lord, louer of our soules.

Therefore doe we certainlie be­leeue that the promise of free re­conciliation is vniuersal, and be­longeth to al conuerted.

O how good and pleasant is thy Spirit, Lord, in al things, therefore dost thou manie times punish such as go astraie, that being warned of their faults, they may depart from [Page 221] their wickednes Wisd. 12, verse. 20., and beleeue in thee: Thou callest offenders into the waie by affliction, and by iudge­ing dost thou by little & little giue place for amendment Wis. 12, 10 knowing fulwel what the generation and cor­ruption of man is, and how it may be reduced.

O thou masterer of power, with great moderation dost thou iudge mankind, and after this maner dost thou teach thy people, that they should be righteous, and hast made them children of a good hope Wis. 12, 19.

Moreouer, for a caution, and in­struction to vs thou doest many waies Wis. 12, 21 scourge our enimies, that thereby we may consider of thy goodnes, & also being iudged may trust in thy mercie.

Vnto thee, most merciful God, do we crie, which knowest the hardnes of our harts, & that, through origi­nal sinne our harts being hardened, we haue no power of our selues to returne and rise vp:

Conuert vs, O Lord, Ier. 31, 18. and we shal be conuerted, because thou art our God, and being conuerted we wil doe penance.

[Page 222]Shew vs our offences, that stri­kingIere. 31, 19. our thighes we may be hartily sorie for our sinnes committed.

Heale vs, O Lord, and we shal be whole; saue vs, and we shal be sa­ued Ier. 17, 14.: for thou art our praise.

Behold we are as a sheepe Psal. 119, vers the last. wan­dering, and readie to perish, seeke thy seruants, O Lord, that we forget not thy commandements. Circum­cise Iere. 4, 4. the foreskin of our vnderstan­ding, that our harts be not harde­ned.

O Iesu Christ, looke vpon vs with thine eies of pittie; euen as thou lookedst back vpon the sinful wo­man Luke. 7. vers. 37, &c. in the banket, which prostra­ting hirselfe at thy feete, bitterly did bewaile hir wickednes. Likewise fa­uor vs as thou didst the Publican Luk. 18, 13, standing a far of in the Temple without lifting vp his eies vnto hea­uen for shame, but striking his brest onelie saide, Lord be merciful vnto me a sinner.

Grant that among the feares and terrors of conscience we may take hold of thee by a liuely faith (which hast redeemed vs from the curse of the Lawe Gal. 3, 13., and art made for vs [Page 223] wisedome 1. Cor. 1, 30 Ier. 23, 5, 6. Ierem. 9. 24., and righteousnes, and sanctification, and redemption) and may not, in the fight of conscience, yeeld our selues, and dispaire, but vpholden by the voice of the Gos­pel may flie vnto thee our Media­tor, and iustified by faith Rom. 5, 1. may haue peace with God.

Restore also in vs the right of thy lawe, so that from our harts we may obeie thee our Redeemer, walking in newnes of life Rom. 6, 4. 1. Cor. 6, 14..

Thou which hast suffered for vs in the flesh 1. Pet. 4, 1. 2. Coloss. 3, 5. Rom. 6, 17. giue vs grace that like­wise in the same minde we may be armed for the mortification of the flesh, that henceforth we liue, not after the lustes of men, but after the wil of God. For it is sufficient for vs 1. Pet. 4, 3. that we haue spent the time that is past of the life after the wil of the Gentils, walking in wantonnes, lusts, in excesse of wynes, in excesse of eating, in excesse of drinking, and abominable Idolatries.

Mollifie our harts Rom. 2, 5. 4. that they may repent, and esteeme greatlie of the riches of thy goodnes.

Moreouer, represse hypocrites, which flatter their affections and [Page 224] extenuate the inner euils sticking in our nature, and iudge falselie of thy lawe, not knowing that the lawe is spiritual Rom. 7, 14, accusing euen our incli­nation to be euil.

Keepe the Diuel vnder that he compel not the trobled consciences of some to desperation, either by heaping, and reaping vp their of­fences, or extenuating thy mercie: but grant that al sinners may come vnto thee by hearing thy worde to repentance Luk. 15, 7. 10., that the Angels in heauen may continuallie haue oc­casion to reioice,

Amen.

4. A praier for Christi­an patience.

O Omnipotent and e­ternal God, Father of our Lord Iesu Christ, which art the com­fort of the afflicted, the ioie of the trobled, of the for­lorne the stay, and our refuge in the time of troble, the God of patience Rom. 15, 5. and consolation:

Thou knowest the weakenes of our flesh, that we are by nature [Page 225] feareful, & of no courage, so that in crosses and calamities we are not a­ble to stand of our owne strength.

Wherefore vnfaine dlie, and from the hart we crie vnto thee, Keepe vs vnder miseries and crosses in faith sound Titus. 2, 2., stedfast in hope, and in pa­tience constant, that with quiet mindes, and a valiant courage we may suffer al iniuries and aduersi­tie; and neuer, being broken with sorow attempt that which is contra­rie to thy commandements, but by acknowledging thy wil, may beare al sortes of calamities with calling for thine assistance Psal. 50, 15..

Poure into vs godlie cogitations, so that we imagine not, that the mi­series and afflictions in this worlde, light vpon vs by chance, & against thy wil: but that the Church is go­uerned by thy prouidence, and without thy permission that none euil Amos. 3, 6. (of punishment) commeth, but thou sendest the same.

Gouerne thou our minds, that we imagine at no time thee to be our enimie, when we are pinched with aduersitie: but may beleeue that we are chastined of thy good and fa­therlie [Page 226] purpose for the remnants of sinne abiding in this corrupted na­ture of ours, thereby to be stirred vp, and confirmed in the exercises of contrition, faith, confession, pati­ence, and other like virtues.

Certes it is to be accounted for an exceeding benefit that thou suf­ferest not sinners to followe their owne minds 2. Macc. 6, verse. 13.; but thou withdraw­est them by punishment from their impietie, least that liuing af­ter their owne minds, and doing al things as they list, they perish in their wickednes:

And therefore doest not thou wink14. alwaies at our sinnes, O GOD, as thou dost at the offences of other nations, which thou sufferest to fil the measure of their iniquities, that so afterward at the ripenes of their offences thou maist be reuenged vpon them, and destroie them vt­terlie in the daie of iudgement, and of reuengement:

But our iniquities thou dost visite15. by & by with the rod of correction, and our wickednes with the whip of affliction.

Notwithstanding thou wilt not16. [Page 227] vtterlie take awaie thy mercie from vs. Though thou punishest with ad­uersitie: yet dost thou not forsake thy people.

Furthermore it is expedient that our coltish flesh be humbled, and brought vnder, and kept in awe. For otherwise hauing the head it wil waxe ouerlustie, and cast of the yoke of the Lorde, being of it selfe slowe, our life fraile, and prosperitie wearieng our minds, and making euen the wisest, and most godlie many times sluggish and headdie.

But the trobled soule is nigh vn­to thee in the crosse, and praier is then most effectual, when it is exer­cised in affliction.

For the minde vtterlie destitute of al other helpe of second causes wherevnto it woulde easilie cleaue, then doth open it selfe before thee, and wholie dependeth vpon thee, not trusting in it selfe, but altoge­ther in thee, O God, which raisest the dead 2. Cor. 1, 9. to life: and so our faith is founde more precious than any gold that perisheth 1. Pet. 1, 7., to the praise, and glorie of thy Name.

Finallie it behooueth vs at the [Page 228] length to be conformed like the bo­die of Christ in his passion, that suf­fering with him we may also raigne together with him Rom. 8, 17 as his felowe heires.

For vnles we be wearie of this life, we shal not easelie aspire to our celestial countrie. For which cause it is thy wil that by many tribulati­ons Act. 14, 22. we must enter into the king­dome of heauen.

Wherefore we beseech thee giue vs godlie minds, that we wonder not 1. Pe. 4, 12. when we are tried by the fire, as though a strange thing did happen vnto vs, but rather let vs reioice, that we are partakers of the afflic­tions of Christ, that when his glo­rie appeareth we may be merie and glad.

Assist vs, that through patience Heb. 12, 1. we may runne to the battel that is before vs looking vnto Iesus the Captaine, and finisher of our faith,2. who for the ioie that was set before him, endured the most shameful crosse:

Let vs beare in minde that he3. endured such speaking against him of sinners, that we should not be we­ried [Page 229] and faint in our minds: but strengthened with al might Col. 1, 11. through thy glorious power vnto al patience and suffering, to continue vnmooueable in al tentations, ne­uer casting awaie our confidence Heb. 10, 35 which hath a great recompence appointed.

For we haue neede of patience,36. that after we haue done the wil of God, we may receiue the promise. For yet a litle while Hab. 2, 3. and he that shal come, wil come, and wil not tarie.

O blessed God, and Father of our Lorde Iesu Christ 2. Cor. 1, 3. which art the Father of mercie, and God of al consolation, comfort vs in al our afflictions, that as the5. afflictions of Christ doe abound with vs, so with al by him our consolati­on may a­bounde,

Amen.

5. A praier for women with child, and in childbed.

O Most wise God, eter­nal Father of thy be­loued sonne our Lord and Sauior Christ, Creator, and keeper of al thy creatures, which through thine excellent wisedome, & coun­saile, hast enioined to womankind, that in paine and sorow they should bring forth children Gen. 3, 16. whereby not onelie this world is replenished, but a Church, which doth celebrate thy Name for euer, is gathered vn­to thee:

And forasmuch as the paine of a woman in trauel is most ex­treeme which makes the Pro­phets Esai. 13, 8. Mica. 4, 10. Esai. 26, 17. many times to repeate the same in exaggerating the afflicti­ons of punishment which the holie Spirit doth threaten vnto the im­penitent:

We beseech thee in the Name of Christ thy Sonne, be merciful vnto al women either with child, or in [Page 231] childbed: giue them grace to cal into minde the decree and pleasure of thine heauenlie wil: let them ne­uer striue against thee through im­patience, but in true faith and inuo­cation of thy Name suffer thy crosse quietlie, knowing that by the seede of the woman, which hath broken the old serpents head Gen. 3. 15. they are re­conciled vnto thee: In this seede, which is Christ, the curse is cleane taken awaie Galat. 3, 8. 14., and blessing resto­red to vs, that we may receiue the promise of the Spirit, and the inhe­ritance of eternal life.

O Almightie God, conuert now the sorowes of women in trauel in­to gladnes, that they remember not their paines with mourning, for ioie that a man childe is borne into the world Ioh. 16, 21..

Comfort them in the middes of their anguish, and helpe aswel the mother as the babe, especialie in the danger of deliuerance 2. Kin. 19, 3 Esaie. 37, 3..

If thou blessed God, be not pre­sent, they perish vndoubtedlie, al the worlde cannot helpe them in that extremitie.

O eternal God, which of the seed [Page 232] of man framest the liuing infant in the mothers wombe Wisd. 7, 2.; and nouri­shest the same congealed in blood, that the flesh within the time of ten monethes may take shape, drawing nourishment from the mother; we are 2. Esd. 8, 7. al the workmanship of thine handes.

We giue thee thankes, Lord: for fearefullie Ps. 139, 14. & wonderfullie are we made: maruelous are thy workes, and that our soules knowe right wel.

Our bones are not hid from thee,15. though we were secretlie made, nei­ther our substance in the inner parts of our mothers wombe.

Thine eies did see our substance16. being vnperfect, and in thy booke were al our members written.

Thy hands haue made vs Iob. 10, 8., and facioned vs altogether: with skin and bones hast thou couered vs,10. and ioined vs together with bones and sinewes; thou hast giuen vs life12. and grace, and thy visitation hath preserued our spirits.

Grant, we beseech thee, to al in­fants yet vnborne, that knit toge­ther with their due vaines and [Page 233] members, they may come forth in­to this worlde sounde and perfect without fault or deformitie.

Staie the furiousnes of wicked spi­rits, that they shewe not their ty­rannie vpon yong infants.

Keepe al with child, that, no waie being terrefied, or trobled ex­treemelie, they be vntimelie deli­uered.

Giue grace also to the babes newlie borne, that, together with their outward baptisme, they may be receiued into the congregation of the faithful, with wholesome wa­ter through the renuing and rege­neration of the holie Spirit Titus 3, 5., which thou wilt plenteouslie poure vpon them, through Iesus Christ our Sa­uior; that being iustified by grace,7. they may be made heires accor­ding to the hope of eternal life, and become new creatures through him.

Strengthen al women deliuered, that being restored to their woon­ted health, they may glorifie thee their helper in the time of neede 2. Cor. 1, 4, & learne afterward to repose their whole confidence in thee, which art [Page 234] nigh vnto al that cal vpon thee Ps. 145, 18., to al, we saie, calling vpon thee in truth.

And if at any time through thine vnsearchable iudgement, an vn­timelie birth, or (if, without offen­ding thy godhead, we may saie) vn­luckie deliuerance happen: so comfort, O merciful GOD, the mourneful & sad parents, that they faint not with sorow, but beleeue ra­ther that the woful chance is a trial of their faith 1. Pet. 1, 7., hope, and patience.

For thou art a merciful, and gra­tious God, forgiuing our sinnes. Though thou art angrie with our wickednes: yet in thy displeasure thou remembrest thy mercie, that the trobled may take comfort Hab. 3, 16. and the afflicted finde grace.

For thus doe al thy seruants per­swade themselues, that, if they be tried Tob. 3, 21., they shal be crowned; if they be trobled, they shal be deliue­red; and if they be chastened, they shal be saued.

For thou hast no pleasure in our22. damnation, which bringest faire weather after stormes, and gladnes after teares.

[Page 235]Thy Name, O Lord, be praisedTobit. 3, 23. for euer,

Amen.

6. A praier for captiues.

O Lorde our gouernor, thou hast prepared thy seate in the hea­uens Ps. 103, 19, thy kingdome Ps. 145, 13. is an euerlasting kingdome, and thy dominion endu­reth throughout al ages. In thine hande is strength and auctoritie: none can resist thy power.

We beseech thee, be merciful vn­to al in captiuitie, and oppressed with most greeuous slauerie; espe­ciallie vnto such, as for the confes­sion of thy Gospel, doe suffer perse­cution, banishment, imprisonment, perils of life, of good name, and of goodes: comfort them with thy Spi­rit, deliuer them from cruel bondes by thy diuine power, and grant such lawful meanes according to thy wisedome Psa. 147, 5., that thy faithful may be deliuered.

O Lorde, bring home thy cap­tiues exiled for thy Name sake Esai. 11, 11., that they may confesse thee, and [Page 236] extol thy goodnes.

O that God woulde heare the mournings of the imprisoned Ps. 102, 20., and deliuer the sonnes appointed vnto death.

O that God would bring home the captiuitie of his people: then should we be like such as dreame Psa. 126, 1., and our mouthes shoulde be filled2. with laughter, and our tong with ioie. Then should they saie among the Gentils, The Lord hath done3. great things for them; yea, the Lord hath dealt maruelouslie with vs, we are made iocond.

Turne our captiuitie, O Lord, as4. the riuers in the South. For thou alone art our assister of whom com­meth saluation Psa. 68, 20, thou deliuerest such as are bounde by thy power, and despisest not the groanings of the afflicted.

Praised be God continuallie Psa. 68, 19., which helpeth vs, and poureth out his benefits vpon vs, which letteth loose his captiues, and that without gifts or rewarde Esai. 45, 13 freelie for his holie Name sake.

Therefore shal the people wor­ship thee, O Lord, and praie vnto [Page 237] thee: for thou saiest vnto the bound, Come out; and to those that sit in darknes, Come to light.

O Lord, cal into minde thy ma­nifold mercies; deale with vs accor­ding to thy woonted goodnes, and giue not thine inheritance into the hands of thine enimies, least they make sale of vs, and spoile our lande.

Forgiue our sinnes, and transgres­sions; let not aliens haue domini­on ouer vs Lament. 1, verse. 5, &c., neither let our houses passe vnto strangers; let vs not be as exiles, and pupils without a Fa­ther; neither our mothers, as wi­dowes without husbands; let not our old men be wanting in our ports, nor yet our coūtrie lament for the waste which the enimie would make.

Heale the sorrowes of the daugh­ter of thy people, and be merciful to our sinnes, for the glorie of thy Name sake.

Breake thou the chaines of the imprisoned, and deliuer such as are bound with manacles and fetters; cast of their yoke that they may praise thee for euer.

Bring them out of darknes Ps. 107, 14. and [Page 238] the shadow of death; Breake the gates of brasse, and smite the barsPsal. 107, 16. of iron in sunder, that they may know that thou art their Lorde, when thou hast broken the bonds of their yoke Ezec. 34, verse. 27., and deliuered them out of the hands of those that serued themselues.

But if it be thy wil for the trial of their faith and pacience to de­taine some in exile and seruitude a longer time: then comfort such with thy spirit, and mitigate their paines, that they may finde fauor in the sight of them Baru. 1, 12. whom they are com­pelled to serue, and cast not them of for euer.

Aboue al, keepe them in the con­fession of true faith, and Christian religion, against al false worship­pings, that so they may comfort themselues with the gratious par­doning of their sinnes through Christ, and their harts may be sea­led with the earnest of the holie Spirit bearing witnes to their spirits that they are deliuered from perpe­tual captiuitie and bondage of hel.

O Christ our Redeemer, deliuer our soules from the chaines of dark­nes, [Page 239] and snares of death, which suf­feredst thy selfe to be bound, that thou mightest vnloose the most hard bands and knots of our trans­gressions: and wast sent of thine eternal Father into this world to preach libertie vnto captiues Esai, 61, 1. and deliuerance to such as are shut vp:

Grant, that being entangled with the cordes of iniquitie, we giue not our members as weapons of vn­righteousnes vnto sinne Rom. 6, 13. Breake in peeces the chaines of Satan, and turne vs into thy flock, that none vnrighteousnes haue dominion o­uer14. vs.

Deliuer him that is in bondage vnto Satan, and bring forth the bound by the blood of thy couenant out of the pit wherein is no water Zach. 9, 11 that he▪ spoile and kil vs not.

Giue grace also, that being snar­led with humane traditions Colos. 2, 8. we entrap not our consciences by false opinions: but may serue thee our true God in Christian libertie, and neuer abuse the same to the offence of any.

Take vs miserable men out of the [Page 240] bodie of this death Rom. 7, 24, which maketh vs captiues to the lawe of sinne, which is in our members, that deli­uered from sinne and death we may23. serue thee in true vprightnes and euerlasting life, which raignest for euer one God in the trinitie of per­sons,

Amen.

7. A praier against the tentation of the flesh.

O Merciful God, we mi­serable men acknow­ledge & confesse that in vs Rom. 7, 18. that is in our flesh there dwelleth no good thing.

But in sinne we were borne Psal. 51, 5., and our mothers conceaued vs of cor­rupt seede.

For our nature is defiled, and prone vnto al wickednes euen from our youth Gen. 8, 21.: so that by the strength of our proper reason we cannot sa­uor those thinges which belong to the Spirit.

For the natural man 1. Cor. 2, 14 speaketh, and fauoreth of earthlie things, and of himselfe is not meete so much as [Page 241] to thinke anie thing that good is without the assistance of thy power:

Vnto thee doe we crie with our whole harts, that it woulde please thee to open vnto vs by thy Spirit the true knowledge of thine essence and wil, as thou hast reuealed thy selfe in thy worde, that we may not folow the sence of our flesh in iudg­ing of spiritual things; neither by our blinde baiardlie reason, mea­sure thine heauenlie saiengs.

For blood and flesh perceiue not the things which belong to the Spi­rit, and the fleshlie mind is enmitie against God Rom. 8, 7. for it is not obedient vnto the Lawe, neither can be. And they which are in the flesh cannot8. please God.

Seing therefore that in vs abi­deth the seede of sinne, which is concupiscence; and a proanes vnto wickednes is ingraffed into vs by nature, yea, and original sin through our first parents, doth oftentimes prick vs vnto impietie. For euerie one is tempted Iam. 1, 14. when he is drawen awaie, and enticed with the baite of his owne concupiscence, then when lust hath conceaued it bringeth15. [Page 242] forth sinne, and sinne when it is fur­nished, bringeth forth death:

Giue vs grace that we folow not the concupiscence of our flesh, nei­ther prouoke our sences by vnbri­deled libertie, but stoutlie to resist them.

For vnles that wicked concupis­cence be driuen from our mindes it wil neuer cesse til it haue brought forth deadlie sinne.

Wherefore assist vs that we may tame these bodies of ours, & bring them into subiection 1. Cor. 9, verse. 27., least our flesh being ouerlustie doe offende, and ouerpasse the prescribed limits.

Assist vs, we beseech thee, to cru­cifie our flesh Gal. 5, 24 with al the affecti­ons and desires thereof, for the bet­ter seruing thee, and walking in the Spirit.

For we are debtors Rom. 8, 12, not to the flesh, to liue after the flesh, but, the deedes of the flesh being mortified, to liue renued Eph. 4, 23. after the holie Spi­rit in righteousnes and true holines.

Sanctifie vs Ioh 17, 17., holie Father, that we defile not our selues with carnal vices, with riotousnes, bellicheere; nor by vnlawful pleasure, casting of [Page 243] thine holie Spirit, that we make our bodies the houses of filthie feends, which carie awaie, and cast head­long al intemperate and secure per­sons into euerlasting destruction.

Be it far from vs, that we make our members the members of har­lots 1. Cor. 6, verse. 15., whereby thy holie Spirit is banished, and man becommeth a denne for theeues, and a sink of fil­thines.

Gouerne vs, that we may shun the works of the flesh Gal. 5, 19., and be careful to doe the works of the Spi­rit 1. Cor. 6, 9., as thy chosen seruants.

And forasmuch as the flesh lust­eth against the Spirit Gal. 5, 17., and the Spi­rit contrarie to the flesh (for they are contrarie, and continuallie striue together): be thou merciful vnto vs, O God, helpe vs with thy diuine power, that the holie Spirit (which thou didst poure into vs at our baptisme) may beare the rule in our members, and preuaile ouer the flesh, and al the affections of the same.

Extinguish the flames of carnal desires, and represse our raging lustes: so shal we auoide enormous [Page 244] offences, and shun the wicked acti­ons of our owne inuentions.

And if at any time, being subdu­ed by flesh and blood, we shal wan­der from the path, and direction of the Spirit to something vnseemelie for our calling, impute not, we praie thee, that fault vnto vs, but remem­ber that we are flesh, and conuert vs by thy diuine power.

And seeing that flesh of itselfe is vnbridelie, and wilde, not abiding correction, but is like a fat & wan­ton calfe Ier. 46, 21., which is not vsed to la­bor: put thy yoke vpon vs, & tame our flesh by thy Spirit, that walking soberlie and modestlie we may bri­dle the same, and humble it vnder thy commandements by withdraw­ing of delicious fare. For with ouer­much fine fare our mindes waxe wanton and ouerlustie.

Aide vs, that by temperance, mo­deration, & abstinence from super­fluous meats & drinks, we may bind our flesh to the direction of the ho­lie Spirit, and mortifie our bodies of sinne: so shal we praise and magnifie thy Name, which liuest in vs worlds without ende,

Amen.

8. Euening praier, on Friedaie.

WE wil praise thee, O eternal God, Fa­ther of our Lorde IESV Christ, for maruelous things hast thou done for vs; thou hast deliuered our soules from death, and our feete from fal­ling Psa. 56, 13..

Blessed be God which hath heard our praiers Psal 40, 1. 2.; and brought vs out of the lake of miserie, out of the myre and claie: which set our feete vpon the rock, and ordered our goings, which hath saued vs this daie from al perils, and comforted our soules.

Wherefore we wil extol thee, and celebrate thy Name euerie daie; and at night wil we talke of thy righteousnes.

We wil magnifie the Lord our God, and bow our selues at his footestoole Psal. 99, 5., for he is holie.

We wil praise thee, O Lord, be­cause thou hast set vs vp Psal. 30, 1., and hast not made our foes to triumph [Page 246] ouer vs. Thou hast brought ourPsal. 30, 3. soules from hel, and saued our liues from them that go downe into the pit. Wherefore we wil sing4. praises vnto thee, and yeelde thee thanks, for a remembrance of thy holines.

O most louing Father, here pro­strating our selues before thy feete, we beseech thee in the Name of thy Sonne, who suffered for vs a most cruel death, blot out al our trans­gressions, whereby we haue offen­ded thy Maiestie, and especiallie those which this day we haue com­mitted.

Be merciful vnto vs, O Lord, for thy Name sake. For greatlie haue we sinned A part of the praier of King Manas­ses placed immediatlie after the se­cond booke of Chron. according to the Ge­neua trans­lation., and our offences are mo than the sande of the sea. We haue prouoked thee vnto anger, and done euil in thy sight. But now we bend the knees of our hart, requiring thy mercie. O Lord, we haue sinned, we acknowledge our sinnes with griefe and sorow. Par­don, O pardon our sinnes, and de­stroie vs not together with our ini­quities, neither reserue euil for vs for euer: but of thine infinit good­nes [Page 247] saue vs miserable and most vn­worthie men. For thou, O Lord, ac­cording to thy wonted mercie hast promised forgiuenes of sinnes to al repenters. Therefore we wil praise thee continuallie al the daies of our life; al the host of heauen praise thee worldes without end.

Who is such a God as thou Mic. 7, 18., that pardonest wickednes, and forgiuest the offences of the remnant of thine heritage? Thou keepest not thy wrath for euer, for thy delight is in mercie. Thou turnest againe,19. and art merciful vnto vs; thou put­test downe our wickednes, & castest al our sinnes into the bottome of the sea.

In this euening now the Sunne is gone, we praie thee, O God, depart not from vs, which art the Sunne of righteousnes, neither let thine aide be far from vs, but abide with vs, O Lord, for it draweth toward night, and the daie is far spent Luke. 24, verse. 29..

Forsake vs not, O Lord our God Psa. 38, 21., neither depart from vs; for tribu­lation is at hand Psa 22, 11., and there is none to helpe.

O GOD of our saluation, make [Page 248] haste to helpe vs, haue a regard to our defence, & redeeme our soules in peace Psa. 55, 18. from those that war a­gainst vs.

Deliuer vs from such as marke our goings. Plucke our feete out of the snare, and leade vs in the path of righteousnes, that our feete slip not, and we take a fal.

Guide vs by thy wisedome, that when we walke it may leade vs Pro. 6, 22., when we sleepe it may keepe our feete, and when we wake we may talke thereof.

And therefore sleeping we wil not feare, but rest quietlie, and our sleepe shal be sweete; we wil not quake at the sudden terror, neither at the ranging of the vngodly when it happeneth. The Lord shal be on our side, and protect our feete that we be not taken, yea, the Lord shal be our light, and saluation in dark­nes. He is our hope Psal. 91, 9. which hath appointed vs so high a refuge. Let none euil come vnto vs, neither suf­fer10. the whip to be nigh our taber­nacle.

O Lord be thou our watchman and protector that trobles & vaine [Page 249] cogitations doe not inuade vs, and neither the feare of death ouer­whelme vs Eccl. 40, 5., nor the sleepe of night alter our thoughtes, and vn­derstanding when we should take our rest, and ease in our chambers, but grant vs a good & quiet sleepe, and after the same to rise vp in the morning and to render due thanks and praise to thee our most merci­ful protector.

For Psa. 121, 2. our helpe is from the Lord which hath made both heauen and earth. He wil not suffer our feete to3. be mooued: and he that kee­peth Israël wil not sleepe, to whom be praise now, and euer­more,

A­men.

1. On Saturdaie, Morning praier.

O Lord God 2. Mach. 1, verse. 24., maker of al things, which art feareful and strong, and righte­ous, and merciful, which art onelie a gratious King, onelie liberal, onelie25. iust, almightie, and euerlasting; which deliuerest vs from al trobles both by daie and night, which hast made vs thy chosen through the blood of thy Sonne our Lorde and Sauior Christ Ephe. 5, 2., which was shed for vs, and hast sanctified vs by thy Spi­rit giuen into our hartes, that wee should be a chosen generation 1. Pet. 2, 9., a roial priesthood, to offer accepta­ble sacrifices vnto thee: Receiue now the sacrifice of praise from our mouthes 2 Mach. 1, verse. 26., for thy benefites confer­red vpon vs.

We thanke thee, O eternal God, not onlie for keeping vs this night passed, but also for defending vs this whole weeke, yea, and al our life time from the snares of wicked spi­rits, [Page 251] that they could not circum­uent, and ouerthrow vs.

We wil praise thee, O Lord with our whole hart Psal. 9, 1., we wil speake of al thy maruelous works; we wil be glad and reioice in thee. Our songs wil2. we make of thy Name, O thou most Hie, which exaltest vs from the gates of death, that we may declare al thy praises in the portes of thy Churches, we wil exceedinglie re­ioice in thy saluation.

Blessed be the Lorde God of Israel Luk. 1, 68., because he hath visited and redeemed his people; And hath raised vp an horne of saluation vnto69. vs, and deliuered vs from our eni­mies, and from the hande of al that hate vs. He hath bin merciful vnto71. vs, in lightening those which sat in79. darknes and in the shadow of death to direct our feete into the waie of peace.

To thee doe we offer the sacrifice of praise Heb. 13, 15, that is the frute of lips Hose. 14, 3, confessing thy Name. Our mouthes shal praise thee, O Lord, and our tongues declare thy righ­teousnes.

Lo, we wil not refraine our lips, [Page 252] O Lord, & that thou knowest Psa. 40, 10., yea, we wil lift vp our hands vnto thy sanctuarie, and with our feete wil we hasten towards thine house, and in thy Congregation we wil praise thee.

We wil magnifie thee, O God our King Psa. 145, 1., and will blesse thy Name for euer and euer.

Euerie daie wil we giue thankes2. vnto thee, and praise thy Name perpetuallie.

For great art thou, O Lord, and3. maruelous worthie to be praised, there is none ende of thy greatnes.

Al generations shal extol thy4. workes, and speake of thy power: they shal talke of thy worship, glo­rie,5. praise and wonderous workes,6. and we wil declare thy mightines.

The memorial of thine abundant7. kindnes shal be shewed, and men shal sing of thy righteousnes.

The Lord is gratious and mer­ciful,8. long suffering, and of great goodnes.

The Lord is louing vnto euerie9. man, and his mercie is ouer al his works.

Al thy works praise thee, O Lord,10. [Page 253] and thy Saints giue thanks vnto thee from one generation to ano­ther.

O God, earelie now this morning doe we cal for thine vnspeakeable mercie, beseeching thee from the bottome of our hart, that this mor­ning thou wilt lighten our minds, so that the shining & brightnes of thy knowledge may rise in vs, which are called out of darknes 1. Pet. 2, 9. into the mar­uelous light of thy glorie, that, being awaked out of sleepe Rom. 13, verse. 11., we may giue our selues to the works of light, and walke honestlie, as in the daie, not in rioting and dronkennes, nei­ther13. in chambering and wanton­nes, neither in strife, and enuieng. For we beleeuers are the children of light 1. Thes. 5, 5 and of the daie, not of night, and of darknes. Therefore giue vs grace, that we sleepe not, as6. others doe, but make vs to watch, and be sober, putting on the brest­plate8. of faith and charitie, and for an helmet to take the hope of sal­uation.9. For thou God hast not or­deined vs to wrath, but to obteine saluation through our Lorde Iesus Christ which died for vs.

[Page 254]Giue vs grace likewise, we beseech thee, that we abuse not this daie and other thy creatures Rom. 8, 20 vnto va­nitie, neither giue our members Rom. 6, 13 as instruments vnto sinne, by do­ing such deedes as fight against the soule 1. Pet. 2, 11, wounde the conscience, and greeue the same.

Succour vs, gratious God, that painefullie we may shunne and a­uoide sixe things which thou doest hate Pro. 6, 16., yea, seauen which thy soule doth abhor, to wit, a proude looke, a lieng tong, hands that shed inno­cent17. blood, an hart that goeth a­bout wicked imaginations, feete18. that be swift in running to mis­chiefe, a false witnes which bringeth19. forth lies; and him that soweth dis­cord among brethren.

O Lord, God of our saluation, in­to thine hands wil we deliuer our harts, that earelie they may watch to thee our maker Eccl. 39, 5., and in thy sight wil we praie that thou maist pro­tect vs in the daie of troble.

In sixe calamities deliuer vs, O Lord, and Iob. 5, 19. in the seuenth let none euil come to vs; in famine saue vs from death; in battel frō the power20. [Page 255] of the sworde; hide vs from theIob. 5, 21. scourge of the tong; when destruc­tion commeth let vs not feare; in dearth make vs merie; and let not22. the beasts of the earth apale our courage. Grant this, O Father, for thy deere Sonne our Sauior Christs sake,

Amen.

2. A thankesgiuing to God for his mercies.

O Most holie Trinitie, which art the true & eternal Vnitie, of e­qual glorie and ma­iesty, we worship thee, we praise thee, we thanke thee for al thy benefits, as it is truelie meete, iust, and good for vs alwaies to giue thanks vnto thee.

O Lord most holie, eternal God, and Almightie Father through Christ our Lorde, by whom Angels praise thee, Kings adore thee, and powers doe feare thee: the heauens, and heauen of heauens, yea the blessed Seraphins Esaie. 6, 2. 3. Reuel. 4, 8. with ioie toge­ther doe magnifie thee, saieng with humble confession, Holie, Holie, [Page 256] Holie, Lord God of Sabaorh, the whole earth is ful of thy glorie.

Especiallie at this time, O Father most Hie, we thanke thee for thy mercie abunding toward vs, which of thy great loue Ephe. 2, 4. wherewith thou louedst vs, yea, when we were dead through sinne, didst quicken vs to­gether5. with Christ, and being rai­sed with him hast made vs to sit to­gether6. in heauenlie things, thereby to shew to al ages hereafter the ex­ceeding7. riches of thy grace in thy8. kindnes toward vs through Iesus Christ. For by grace are we saued9. through faith, and that not of our selues, it is the gift of God, not of workes, least anie man should boast. Besides, thou hast by thine holie10. Spirit sealed and prepared vs vnto good workes which thou didst be­fore ordeine that we might walke in them, and please thee in newe obedience.

We wil declare the goodnes of the Lord Esai. 63, 7., yea, and praise the Lord for al that he hath giuen vs.

Great is thy mercie, O Lord, and thy goodnes incomparable to­ward vs.

[Page 257]Who shal be able to expresse thy workes? or who can seeke out the grounde of thy noble actes Eccl. 18, 3.? who shal declare the power of thy great­nes? or take vpon him to tel out thy4. mercie? which is such, and so infi­nite,5. that it can neither be augmen­ted, nor diminished.

For Ps. 103, 11. looke how hie the Heauen is in comparison of the earth: so great is thy mercie also towardes them which feare thee. And as far as the East is from the West: so far12. hast thou set our sinnes from vs.

For as a Father pittieth his owne13. children: euen so art thou merciful to al which feare thee.

Yea, though a Mother doe forget hir infant Esai. 49, 15, and take no pittie on the sonne of hir wombe, yet wilt not thou forget vs; for we are written16. vpon thine hands.

The mercie of the Lord is vn­changeable, infinite, and neuer fai­leth Lam. 3, 22. 23., but dailie ariseth newe and fresh vpon vs.

The merciful goodnes of the Lord endureth for euer and euer Ps. 103, 17. vpon them which feare him, & his righ­teousnes vpon childers children,18. [Page 258] such as keepe his couenants, and thinke vpon his commandements to doe them.

Thy mercie is on such as feare thee Luk. 1, 50. from generation to genera­tion.

The mercie that a man hath Ecc. 18, 12. reacheth vnto his neighbor, but the mercie of the Lorde is vpon al flesh, chastening, and teaching, and nurturing: yea, euen as a shepheard turneth againe his flock, so doth he al them which receiue chastening, nurture, and doctrine. Merciful art thou vnto al them which receiue13. correction, and diligentlie seeke af­ter thy iudgements.

And although for a while thou forsakest vs Esai. 54, 7.: yet afterward in much fauor wilt thou gather vs together. In the time of thy wrath thou hidest8. thy face from vs for a little season, but for al that thy mercie towarde vs is euerlasting.

Blessed be thy Name, O God of our Fathers, which when thou art angrie Tob. 13, 2 shewest mercie, and in the time of troble forgiuest the sinnes of them which cal vpon thee.

This thy goodnes and ouera­bounding [Page 259] mercie, which hath bin from the beginning and for euer shal continue ouer al which vnfai­nedlie repent; neuer languishing or failing but abiding perfect al­waies in the highest degree, we wil praise and confesse from one gene­ration to another.

For gratious and merciful is the Lord, patient, and long suffering Exo. 34, 6. Psal. 103, 8., bent to shew fauor, and meruelous­lie gentle towards al that cal vpon him.

Praise the Lord al ye heathen Psal. 117, 1., and glorifie him al nations. For his merciful kindnes is euer more and2. more toward vs.

We wil not keepe back thy louing mercie and truth from the great congregation Psa. 40, 10 11.: withdraw not thou thy mercies from vs, O Lorde; let thy kindnes and truth alwaie pre­serue vs.

O let thy merciful kindnes be our comfort Psal. 119, verse. 76. according to thy worde vnto thy seruants.

O deale with thy seruants accor­ding to thy great mercie Psal. 119, verse. 124. and teach vs thy statutes, that in like maner we may be merciful toward al men [Page 260] without respect of persons, or hope of gaine, willinglie without morosi­tie: that in thy iudgement Matt. 5, 7. 24. 44. we may finde mercie through the passion and death of thy sonne Iesus Christ, which liueth & raigneth with thee in the vnitie of the holie Spirit a God worlds without ende,

Amen.

3. A praier for an happie departure out of this worlde.

O Most gratious God, thy yeares endure throughout al gene­rations Ps. 102, 24, & thy daies are without ende or beginning: but the daies of man surelie are determined which he can not ouerpasse Iob. 14, 5.; and the nom­ber of his moneths are knowen to thee, thou hast appointed him his bounds which he cannot go be­yonde.

Thou hast nombred our daies, which vade awaie sodainelie like the grasse Psal. 90, 5.. For we are soone dis­patched, and easelie consume.

Our daies are like a shadowe, [Page 261] Ps. 102, 11. and wither awaie like grasse.

A man in this world is euen like a vapor that vanisheth awaie Iam. 4, 14. 1. Pet. 1, 24. Esaie. 40, 6. Iames. 1, 10. Eccl. 14, 18.. For al flesh is grasse, and al the glorie thereof, as the flower of the fielde, which florisheth in the morning and afterwarde withereth and va­deth.

Behold Psal. 39, 5. our daies are to be mea­sured, they are as it were a spanne long, and our age is nothing in re­spect of thee. And verilie euerie man liuing is altogether vanitie.

Our age is folden together, and taken awaie from vs like a shep­herdes cotage Esaie. 38, verse. 12., our life is cut of by our sinnes, like the thred of the weauer, which is sodainlie broke of.

W [...] are but strangers in this wo [...]de 1. Chr. 29, verse. 15., and soiourners, as were our fathers: our daies on the earth also Psal. 39, 7. Wisdo. 2, 5. are but as a shadow, and we are as nothing in respect of thee.

Our life speedilie goeth awaie like the weauers shuttle, and it abideth not.

Wherefore, Lord, let vs know our end Psal. 39, 5. Psa. 119, 84., and the number of our daies, that we may be certified how long we haue to liue, and what is yet to [Page 262] come.

Instruct vs, O Lord, that, being al­waies mindful of our mortalitie we neuer promise to our selues manie yeeres, nor long liues in this pilgri­mage of ours, so shal we not liue se­curelie deferring our conuersion to thee from daie to daie, nor yet put confidence in this fraile and vncer­taine life, as did that rich man, sai­eng Luk. 12, 19, Soule, thou hast much good laid vp in store for manie yeeres, take thine ease, eate, drinke, and be merie: Whose soule notwithstan­ding was taken from him the same night.

But giue grace, that in thy feare we may dailie prepare o [...] selues to depart out of this prison. for no­thing is more certaine than death, though nothing more vncertaine than the houre thereof.

Therefore let vs haue alwaies before our eies an image, and me­ditation of our departure, the bet­ter to know the fleeting and vanitie of this combersome and vncertaine life, that we may liue to thee our God, being sounde in faith Titus. 2, 2., and strong in hope, loking Titu. 2, 13. with chere­fulnes [Page 263] for the daie of our departure, & the ioiful appearing of thy Sonne Iesus Christ our Redeeemer: and as long as we abide in this taberna­cle of our bodies with al studie mi­nistering 2. Pet. 1, 5. to our faith, virtue; to virtue, knowledge; to knowledge, temperance; to temperance, pati­ence;6. to patience, godlines: vntil this tabernacle 2. Cor. 5, [...] being laid awaie, we shal passe ouer to our dwelling place, not made with hande, but e­uerlasting in the heauens, where2. we shal be clothed with eternal glo­rie & immortalitie, when this earth­lie house is put of, and destroied.

Grant also that trusting firmelie to thy promises, we may be readie6. and glad to returne to our euerla­sting and celestial country: for while7. we are in this bodie, we wander frō thee our God, for now we walke in faith, not in the enioieng and possession of eternal goodes: wher­fore,9. whether we be at home, or from home, let vs endeuor our selues to be acceptable in thy sight.

Make vs faithful and wise ser­uants Matth. 24, verse▪ 45. alwaies loking for the com­ming of our Lord (for we know not [Page 264] when he wil come, Marke. 13, verse. 35. at the euening, or at midnight, whether at the cock crowing, or in the dawning) least by a suddaine houre of death being o­uertaken, and as it were caught in the foulers trap Luk. 21, 35 we be found vn­readie: but contrariwise by prudent watching in true conuersion and re­pentance may continuallie couet to be dissolued Phili. 1, 23. and to be with Christ our Redeemer.

Grant also, that at the point of death, hauing escaped al hardnes and tentations, we may triumph like conquerours, and beholde the presence and power of thine holie Spirit; & let our last words be that, which thy Sonne did vtter vpon the altar of the Crosse, saieng Luke. 23, verse. 46. Psal. 31, 5., Father into thine hands I commende my spirit: & when our speech is taken from vs, heare, O God, the groa­nings of our harts.

And the houre of death being come, let thy seruants Luk. 2, 29 depart in peace, because our eies haue seene30. 31. thy saluation, which thou hast pre­pared before the face of al people: a light to be reuealed vnto the Gen­tiles,32. and the glorie of thy people [Page 265] Israël, through our Lorde Iesus Christ,

Amen.

4. A praier for the nourish­ment of this life.

OMnipotent, and eter­nal Father, which hast giuen to thy Church certaine promises of corporal things: we thy children crie vnto thee for our dailie bread, and else what pertai­ning to the sustentation of our mor­tal bodies.

Make our fieldes fertile, that the seede sowen may come vp, and our ground yeelde vs a ioieful haruest.

Prosper thou the labors of al ar­tificers, and let their doings take good successe.

Blesse, Lorde, the workes of our hands, our heardes of cattel Deu. 28, 4. Psa. 144, 13. 14., and flocks of sheepe, that they may pros­per, and encrease, and we feele no barennes, desolation, nor decaie.

Sende thy blessing into our barnes, and storehouses Deu. 28, 8.. For Pro. 10, 22▪ it is the blessing of God that maketh rich, and causeth plentie.

[Page 266]Except the Lord build the house Psa. 127, 1., their labour is but lost that build it. It is but vaine for vs to rise earlie,2. and late to take rest, eating the bread of sorowe. For thou Lord gi­uest to thy beloued, sleepe they, wake they, much plentie, & al kind of happines.

Make vs therfore, bountiful God, to loase our nets in thy Name Luke. 5, 5., and to doe the works of our calling ear­nestlie with inuocation of thy di­uine assistance, that by thy blessing we may haue good successe.

Protect al waifaring men, and trauelers, either sailing by seas to far countries, or iorneieng by land for our common welfare, that they may safelie returne home againe.

Take thou the defence of Mer­chants with their goods and ri­ches Ezech. 27, vers. 27, &c., so shal they be secure from al misfortune. Dispose their minds and wits, that in their trafike they may deale without fraude, couen, and abuse of thy Name, measu­ring al things according to the rule of iustice, and therby reteine a good conscience Sira. 13, 25. Make them to loue virtue, to keepe promise, to obserue [Page 267] couenants, that no man oppresse or circumuent his brother 1. Thes. 4, verse. 6., for God is the reuenger of al such.

Grant also to al buiers of villa­ges, houses, lande, yokes of oxen, that Luk. 14. 18. for the loue and desire of earthlie riches, and filthie lucre, they forget not the kingdome of God, and so make excuse that they cannot come to thy great, and hea­uenlie supper, wherevnto al men are called by the Gospel. Let them not delight Ps. 62, 10. in wrong doing, and robe­rie. If riches encrease let not their harts be set vpon them: but afore al thinge prouide for themselues the treasure Mat. 13, 44. hid in the field, and the pretious iewel Matth. 13, verse. 45. of thy celestial kingdome.

To al workemen and laborers grant that they be faithful in their busines: make them also strong as­wel in bodie, as in iudgement.

Giue vs good seruants, vpright gouernors, an happie state of Com­monweale, a wholesome tempera­ture of aire, health, peace, disci­pline, &c.

Keepe our mindes from coue­tousnes, which 1. Tim. 6, verse. 10. is the roote of al [Page 268] euil, least being bewitched there­withal, we swarue from the faith, and wrap our selues in manie sor­rowes. But gouerne vs by thy Spirit, that al our care Mat. 6, 20. Luk. 12, 33. 1. Tim. 6, 19. Psal. 55, 23. may be cast vpon thee our Father, and we be content with dailie bread.

Blesse vs moreouer that we abuse not thy temporal benefits, neither glut our selues with meate & drinke to the ouercoming of our harts by surfetting, and dronkennes Luke. 21, verse. 34. but may vse thy blessings moderately to our comfort.

Giue patience to the poore that they neither murmur against thy wil, and their condition, neither en­uie their betters, and so offend thee, and breake thy commandements.

Let not rich men be either high minded 1. Tim. 6, verse. 17., or confident in vncer­taine riches, but in thee the liuing God (which giuest to vs abundantly al things to enioie) that they doe18. good, and be rich in good workes, that they be readie to giue, glad to distribute, and laieng vp in store for19. themselues a good foundation a­gainst the time to come, that they may obteine eternal life.

[Page 269]Two things we doe require of thee our God Prou. 30, 7 8. denie them not be­fore we die. Remoue from vs vani­tie and lies; giue vs neither pouer­tie nor riches, onlie grant vs things necessarie for this life: least perad­uenture9. being ful we should denie thee, and saie, Who is God? or be­ing oppressed with pouertie we fal to stealing, and take the Name of thee our God in vaine,

Amen.

5. A praier for the afflicted, and such as suffer persecution.

O Christ eternal God, which hast comman­ded vs to denie our selues Luk. 9, 29. Matt. 16, 24. Mark. 8, 34., and dailie to take vp our crosse, & follow thee our capitaine, and mai­ster in much patience.

For it cannot be auoided, but that al which desire to liue godlie 2. Tim. 3, verse. 12. in thee our Lorde, must suffer persecu­tion.

And wee cannot be thy ser­uants and soldiers vnles wee can abide the persecution of the grea­ter part of mankinde. For Sa­tan wil neuer surcesse from ar­ming [Page 270] his villains with furiousnes a­gainst thy members.

And it falleth out commonlie in this licentious wickednes of the world, that the godlie, euen through the zeale of righteousnes doe pur­chase to themselues the hatred of the wicked.

Especiallie it is incident vnto Christians to be abhorred of the maior part of mankinde. For flesh in no case can awaie with the prea­ching of the Gospel, and none welsuffer the reprehension of their vices.

Hence arise persecutions for the destruction of the godlie, whereby in no place they can be safe and se­cure, but their endes are sought by al kindes of crueltie.

Wherfore we beseech thee, on the behalfe of al persecuted for righte­ousnes sake Mat. 5, 10. 1. Pet. 3, 14. 1. Pet. 4, 14., against whom despite­ful words are vsed, & lies inuented: and for as manie as for thy Name sake are detained in prison, fette­red, attainted before counsels Matth. 10, vers. 17, &c., whipped, brought afore Kings and Princes to be tormented with ex­quisite and diuers punishments for [Page 271] the confession of true religion: for such as are exiled from their na­tiue soiles Hebru. 11, vers. 35, &c., banished, spoiled of their goods, abhorred of the world, tried by torments, racked, hanged vpon forkes, vpon wheeles, killed by swords, like sheepe for the slaughter murthered, and throwen out to be deuoured of the rauenous and cruel beasts for thy Gospels sake 1. Pet. 4, 14:

Al these assist, and laie to thine hande for our strengthening, the glorie and Spirit of God may rest vpon vs, by whose consolation we may suffer al trobles, and by an in­uincible courage get the victorie in al these, and neuer fal from the hope of our saluation.

Grant therefore that we may haue the testimonie of a good con­science, knowing that we are puni­shed vndeseruedlie, not as murthe­rers 1. Pe. 4, 15., or theeues, or euil doers, or busiebodies in other mens matters. And, suffering as Christians let vs16. not be ashamed, but glorifie God on that behalfe.

Giue vs grace to account it for exceeding ioie Iame. 1, 2., when we fal into diuers tentations, and afflictions; [Page 272] and to glorie therein Rom. 5, 3.. For afflicti­on bringeth forth patience; pati­ence,4. experience; experience, hope;5. and hope maketh not ashamed.

And let their example which be­fore vs did suffer the like in their bo­dies, be a comfort vnto vs. For so did the vngodlie persecute the Pro­phets Mat. 5, 12. which were before vs.

And especiallie thy steps, which are left to be followed 1. Pe. 2, 21. are aboue al to be allowed of. For thou diddest saie Ioh. 15, 20: The seruant is not greater than his maister; if they haue per­secuted me, they wil persecute you also.

Finallie giue grace, that, respec­ting the vnspeakable reward which of thine onelie mercie thou diddest promise to al which perseuer vnto the ende Mat. 24, 13, by thine assistance we may ouercome al the greeuousnes of affliction.

For blessed dost thou pronounce them which suffer persecution for righteousnes sake Mat. 5, 10., for theirs is the kingdome of heauen: that, when they are prooued, they may receiue the crowne of life Iam. 1, 12. which thou hast promised to such as loue thee.

[Page 273]Wherefore indue al in affliction with thy fortitude from aboue, that with a bolde and stoute courage they may reioice Acts. 5, 41. 1. Pet. 4, 13. that they are counted worthie to suffer shame, and al kindes of affliction for thy Name.

Make them constant in the true confession, that through the consi­deration of cruel punishment they depart not from the faith, and for­sake the profession of true religion.

Likewise shew forth thine omni­potencie, & with thy mightie hand deliuer them from the power of Ty­rans; from the mouthes of Lions Hebru. 11, vers. 33, &c., and violence of fire.

And as concerning such, whose bodilie deliuerance were not best, but are fittest for martyrdome, those strengthen in the middes of paine, that they feare not such as kil the bodie Mat. 10, 28., but cannot kil the soule; that being afflicted according to thy wil, they may commit the kee­ping of their soules to thee with wel doing 1. Pet. 4, 19, as vnto a faithful Creator; and so though they leese (as may seeme) their soules in this world: yet shal they find them safe Mat. 16, 25 Luk. 17, 33. and bles­sed [Page 274] in another life which is eternal, where thou liuest and raignest with the Father in the vnitie of the ho­lie Spirit, a God for euermore,

A­men.

6. A praier for Widowes, and Orphanes.

O Most merciful, and faithful God, father of orphanes Psal. 68, 5. & iudge of widowes; Looke downe from heauen, thou which considerest our labor, and sorow, and in whose hands al our saluation doth consist.

The poore is left vnto thee: for thou art the helper of the father­les Psalm. 10, vers. 14, &c.. The Lord doth heare the de­sire of the poore, thou preparest their harts, and thine eare harke­neth thervnto: to helpe the father­les and widowe vnto their right, that the man of the earth be no more exalted against the miserable.

We beseech thee, O most righte­ous auenger, haue thou a conside­ration of al widowes and orphanes, and prouide for them by ministring [Page 275] clothes & nourishment vnto them, haue pittie on them in al their pe­rils, and necessities; stretch out thine helping hande and deliuer them as thou didest that widowe, whose pitcher of oile 2. King. 4▪ verse. 2, &c. by the Pro­phet Elias thou didest so encrease with thy blessing, that not onlie she deliuered hir children in bondage for debt out of the hands of hir cre­ditors; but also of the oile she sold, had wherewith to sustaine both hir selfe, and hir children.

For thou art the Lord which ca­rest for strangers, and relieuest the fatherles and widowes Psa. 146, [...]., but de­stroiest the waies of the vngodlie.

Thou art touched with a care of the afflicted, and despisest not the desires of the fatherles, nor the wi­dow when she poureth out hir prai­ers before thee Sira. 35, 14 15.. For the teares running downe the cheekes of the widow ascend vp into the heauens: and hir crie against him, which wringes it out.

Grant therefore, merciful God, that in the sight of al gouernors, and iudges they may find fauor, and haue equal iudges and patrones of [Page 276] their matters: that the iudgement of the stranger and fatherles be not peruerted, nor the cause of the wi­dow neglected Deut. 24, verse. 19. Deut. 14, 29. Esaie. 1, 17. Psal. 82, 3.: but that iudge­ment may be sought according to thy lawe; the oppressed holpen; iudgement giuen for the orphane; and the widowe defended.

For thou hast giuen a straight commandement vnto al iudges, sai­eng Ier. 22, 3., Keepe equitie and righteous­nes, deliuer the oppressed from the power of the oppressor, doe not grieue, nor oppresse the stranger, the fatherles, nor the widowe, and shed none innocent blood.

For thou art the God which wil auenge thine elect Luk. 18, 7., that crie vnto thee; thou keepest truth for euer and euer Psa. 146, 6. 9., doing iustice to the op­pressed with wrong Ps. 109, 6..

Now deliuer, O Lord, the father­les, and widowes out of the pawes of rauening theeues, which eate vp the houses of widowes Mat. 23, 14 Mark. 12, 40 vnder the pretence of godlines, and colour of right.

Deliuer them out of the hands of wicked iudges Esai. 10, 1. 2., which faine and inuent lawes to suppresse the poore, [Page 277] and to hurt the cause of the base among the people, that widowesEsaie. 10, 3. may be a praie for them; and that they may [...]rob the fatherles: such peruerse iudges, O God, in the daie of their visitation and calamitie from a far thou wilt vtterlie destroy.

Appoint vnto orphanes and wi­dowes faithful patrones which wil be touched with an earnest care of their welfare.

Also giue vs willing mindes to pleasure widowes and fatherles children, according to our habili­tie, to deliuer the poore when he crieth Iob. 29, 12., and the fatherles, which hath none to helpe; to helpe him that is readie to fal, to comfort the13. widowes hurt; euermore to be as fathers to the fatherles, and from our tender yeares to minister in­struction to the widowe, and suffer them neuer to perish, but in blessing to blesse them, and to fil them with bread Ps. 132, 15.

For pure religion Iam. 1, 27., and vndefi­led before thee, O God our Father, is to visit the fatherles, & widowes in their aduersitie, and to keepe our selues vnspotted of the world.

[Page 278]For he which is merciful towards the orphane, as a father, & sheweth himselfe as an husband towards his mother in taking the defence of their cause vpon him, he shal be as an obedient sonne of the Hiest, and thou God wilt more fauor him, than a mother can pittie hir sonne.

But they which despise the sight and teares of the widowe Iob. 31, 16., & keepe back their loafe, that the fatherles17. eate not thereof, and suffer them to perish for want of clothing and ap­parel,19. yea, which lift vp their hands to afflict them, shal greuouslie be22. punished, their shoulders shal fal from their ioints, and their armes be broken from the bones of them.

O merciful God, extende thy fauor vpon al widowes, that at al times and in al afflictions they may trust in thee 1. Tim. 5, 5. the liuing God, and continue in supplications & praiers night and daie, being diligent in al6. good works, not occupied in plea­sures, neither wanton, idle, wande­ring from house to house, no tatlers, nor busiebodies, no speakers of things vncomelie, nor giuers of oc­casion whereby thy worde may be [Page 279] blasphemed.

Keepe al parents, that, they being taken awaie either by war, or vn­timelie death, their wiues be not widowes, & their sonnes orphanes, running here and there a begging, be thou their helper Exo. 22, 21. euen for Christ his sake our Lord, and Saui­or,

Amen.

7. A praier against desperation.

O Most merciful God, greatlie haue we sin­ned, and, alas, are guiltie of manifolde crimes.

For this cause diuerslie is our conscience clogged: so that we are wonderfullie agast beholding such bloodie wounds of our soules.

And albeit thy Gospel dailie doth offer vnto vs in good sooth for­giuenes of our sinnes, through thy meere grace: yet our faith is mar­uelouslie weake by reason of the in­firmitie of our flesh, and dailie bat­terings of Satan, which by craft endeuoureth to plucke vs from al [Page 280] hope, and consolation.

Therefore vnto thee doe we crie, O most holie Father, and eternal God, keepe vs in thy Name, that in tentations and extremities▪we ne­uer faint in courage.

Moderate and mitigate our vex­ations, let them come to a ioieful ende, that we fal not into the most heinous sinne of incredulitie, and despaire.

Comfort vs, that in the middes of death, we may trust in thee, the God of our life, and righteousnes.

Let vs neuer despaire of thy mer­cie, & grace, nor thinke with Cain Gen. 4, 13. that blasphemous & cursed wretch, that our sinnes are mo than may be forgiuen.

O staie vs Lord Psal. 119, verse. 117.; according to thy word; and we shal be safe. Let vs alwaies beleue, that where sinne aboundeth Rom. 5, 20 grace doth more a­bounde: and as sinne hath raigned vnto death, so that grace doth21. raigne through righteousnes vnto eternal life by Iesus Christ our Lord.

O Christ, Sauior of the world, and most gratious God, whose mercie [Page 281] commeth vpon vs like a streame, & art the eternal Orator, which both outwardlie talkest to mankinde by thy Gospel, and inwardlie in our harts inflamest thy light which is true confession, faith, and comfort in thee: we beseech thee from the bottome of our harts, encre [...] faith [...], establish hope, [...] then patience within vs.

For this certainelie is tru [...] one little drop of thy most [...] blood, shed for vs, is of more power to saue vs, than al our enormous, & manifold sinnes to condemne vs.

Wherfore looke back vpon vs, O Sauior, with thine eies of mercie, as thou lookedst back vpon Peter Luke. verse. 6 [...] ▪ in the hal of the hie Priests house af­ter he had both renounced thee Mark. 14, verse. 7 [...]., and cursed himselfe; least through diffidence we fal from thy grace, as Iudas the traitor did, which hoong himselfe Mat. 27, 5., and afterward brake in the middes whereby al his bowels gushed out Acts. 1, 18.; and so commit the like offence and sinne against the holie Ghost.

O God the holie Ghost, be thou present with vs at our extreeme [Page 282] neede, when the Diuels wil accuse vs, and our conscience beare witnes against vs; when the cogitations of hel, and death wil daunt vs; when we shal be enuironed with horrible dangers, and tentations; when the whole world wil forsake vs; and al [...]ings set themselues against vs, [...]n our harts, O comforta­ [...] at that time with the seale [...]stimonie, that vndoubtedlie [...]n beleeue the forgiuenes of sinnes, the resurrection of the flesh, and euerlasting life, which shal be giuen without faile to vs, and to al beleeuers.

O blessed Trinitie, and eternal God of one essence, giue grace that in euerie combate, and especiallie at the point of death, being mindful of thy couenant made with vs at our christening, and of thy most comfortable promise annexed. He which beleeueth, and is baptised shal be saued Mark. 16. verse. 16., we may neuer doubt either of thy merciful goodwil to­ward vs, or of the free remission of our sinnes, but, by often remem­bring this signe and couenant, may dailie more and more be confir­med [Page 283] in faith, and hope of perpetual happines; and applie thy benefits, which certainelie thou hast promi­sed, & faithfullie wilt performe, vnto our selues. For thy promises made to such as beleeue & trust on thee, be not vaine, and to no purpose.

Likewise vpholde our soules by the Sacrament of thy Supper, that strengthened with the seale of this newe testament, wee may be the more certaine, and confirmed tou­ching our reconciliation, and euer­lasting righteousnes, and alwaies beare it fixed in our minds.

For if the testament of a man Gal. 3, 15. which is proued after the death of the testator Heb. 9, 16. be not smal accounted of; much more should the last testa­ment, and holie sacrament of our Sauior Christ, remaine pure, in con­tinual force, and remembrance.

O blessed Trinitie, and eternal Vnitie, lift vp our sorowful harts, and poure vpon vs the wholesome comfort of heauenlie blisse; at the point of death refresh vs with the sweete sight of thy cheereful coun­tenance, that with exceeding ioie we may desire to depart, & to come [Page 284] into thine heauenlie house, where thou liuest and raignest a God for euermore,

Amen.

8. Euening praier, on Saturdaie.

WE wil cōfesse thee, O Lord & King Sirac▪ 51, 1., and praise thee, O God our Sauior: we giue thankes vnto thy Name.

For thou art our defender, and2. helper, and hast preserued our bo­dies from destruction, and from the snares of the slanderous tongues, and from the lips that are occupied with lies.

Thou hast bin our helper from3. such as stoode vp against vs, and deliuered vs after the multitude of thy mercies; and for thine holie Name sake from the roaring of thē which were readie to deuour vs; out of the hands of such as sought after our liues; and from the mani­fold5. afflictions which we had; from [Page 285] the deepe of hel; from an vncleane tong; from lieng words; from false accusations, and from vnrighteous sentence.

Our soules shal praise the LordeSirach. 51, 6. vnto the death. For our liues drew nigh vnto hel downeward. Euils enuironed vs on euerie side, and7. there was no man to helpe vs. We looked about if there were any man to succour vs, but there was none.

Then thought we vpon thy mer­cie,8. O Lorde, and vpon thine actes that thou euer hast done of old. For thou deliuerest al which put their trust in thee, and riddest them out of the handes of their enimies.

Then wee lifted vp our praiers9. from the earth, and praied for deli­uerance from death. We called vp­on10. the Lord, the father of our Lord, that he would not leaue vs without helpe in the daie of our truble, and in the time of the proude.

We wil praise thy Name conti­nuallie,11. yeelding honor and thanks vnto the same. For our praiers were12. heard, and thou hast saued vs from destruction, and from al euil.

Therefore we wil acknowledge, [Page 286] and praise thee; we wil magnifie thy Name, for keeping vs from our youth vntil this present weeke, and for protecting vs alwaies of thy gratious mercie.

Righteous, and merciful God, be­fore thee doe we sigh, beseeching thee by the death and burial of our Lord and Sauior Christ thy welbe­loued Sonne, that thou wouldest vouchsafe to couer, and burie al our misdeedes, whatsoeuer from our in­fancy vntil this present houre either wittinglie, or ignorantlie we haue committed, and especiallie those which this weeke we haue done in thought, word, or deede, against thy diuine maiestie and commande­ments, al which to thee alone which knowest al things we confesse with broken harts, and lowlie spirits, be­seeching thee to pardon them, and to forgiue al our sinnes, whereof thou knowest we are guiltie; and to deliuer vs from al euils both pre­sent and to come.

O Lord, heare the voice of our praier, encline thine eare vnto vs in the daies of our necessitie, when we shal crie vnto thee Psal. 116, 1..

[Page 287]The snares of death haue com­passedPsal. 116, 3. vs about, and the straightes of hel haue taken holde of vs; we haue lighten vpon sorowe, and tro­ble. Notwithstanding we wil cal vp­on4. the Lord, O Lord, deliuer our soules.

Gratious is the Lord, and righte­ous,5. yea, our God is merciful.

The Lord preserueth the simple;6. we were in troble, and he helped vs.

Turne then againe vnto your rest,7. O our soules; For the Lorde wil blesse ye.

Thou wilt deliuer our soules8. from death, our eies from teares, and our feete from falling, that we9. may walke before thee in the lande of the liuing.

O Christ, God, and Sauior of the worlde: saue vs, Lord, watching; keepe vs sleeping; that in peace we may both rest and wake.

Be thou our light in darknes, then shal our life be as cleere as the noone daie Iob. 11, 17., and shine forth as the morning; so that with confidence, and securitie we may lie downe, and18. sleepe, & none shal make vs afraid, because thou art our protector.

[Page 288]O Sonne of righteousnes, and brightnes of perpetual charitie, lead vs into the vision of thy light, where thou shalt euerlastinglie shine vpon vs, and thou God be our glorie. The Sunne there shal not go downe, nei­ther the Moone be hid: but thou, Lorde, shalt be our euerlasting light Esaie. 60, verse. 19., that our sorowful daies may take an ende.

Grant likewise that leauing this place of darkenes we may be tran­slated into the true, and new light, which we now looke for through faith, vntil the perpetual morning appeere vnto vs, that we may be­holde thee in a cleere light face to face Reu. 22, 4., where shal be no night, and we shal neede no candle, neither light of the Sunne, but thou Lorde5. wilt lighten vs.

O holie Spirit, God, be thou a light vnto vs. At our last gaspe, when our harts pant Psa. 38, 10., our strength faileth; our sight departeth; our hearing is deafe; our mouth dōme; when our feete cannot go, nor our hands feele; when al our senses forsake vs, giue vs some sense of eternal life, that we may taste in [Page 289] this world the beginnings of thine euerlasting ioie: and at our depar­ture out of this world behold by faith thy diuine pre­sence, and so sleepe quietlie to eter­nal life,

A praier for anie Prea­cher, or Shepherd of soules.

O Eternal God, which of thy great mer­cie hast vouchsa­fed to cal me, a mi­serable and most vnworthie man, to the ministerie of thy Gospel, and [Page 290] hast appointed me to be a feeder of soules Eph. 4, 11., and a fisher of men Luk. 5, 10. and now at the length segregated me, according to thy good pleasure, to preach the word of saluation vnto this flock, and people committed to my charge:

With lowlines of spirit, & sighes vnfained I beseech thee, O Christ, which art our chiefe shepheard 1 Pet 5, 4., and Archbishop, make me an able minister of the newe Testament 2. Cor. 3, 6; a chosen vessel Acts. 9, 15., and profitable in­strument for the carrieng of thy message before the nations, and Princes of this world, as it becom­meth the minister of Christ 1. Cor. 4, 1., and faithful dispenser of the mysteries of God, and neuer let me proue an idol, or idle shepherd.

Worke thou effectuallie through me, and grant good successe vnto my doings, that fruitefullie I may vtter to mine auditors the health­ful 1. Cor. 15, verse. 2., and heauenlie foode of their soules, which is the syncere prea­ching of thy gratious worde, with­out al corruption, or deprauing of the same.

Take not fro my lips the word of [Page 291] truth Psal. 119, verse. 43., and let me not speake ei­ther the imaginations of my foolish braine, or the vaine perswasions of my owne hart Ier. 13, 10., but may vtter thine heauenlie worde, and minister ac­cording to the virtue which thou dost grant 1. Pe. 4, 11., that in al things thy glorie may be sought of me:

That I follow not after couetous­nes feeding my selfe Ezec. 34, 2. 1. Pet. 5, 2., and forsaking my flock; but giue me such an ear­nest care of their wel doing, that without constraint cheerefullie 1. Cor. 9, verse. 16. 17., and gladlie, being bounde therevn­to, I may discharge mine office:

That I be not desirous of filthie lucre 1. Pet. 5, 2., but with a willing minde may profit the Church; neither as an exerciser of auctoritie ouer my3. flock, but that, euen through an hartie zeale of thine holie Name, I may feede, and make fat, in the plentiful, and godlie pastures Ezec. 34, verse. 14. of thy pure worde, thy sheepe commit­ted to my trust:

That I may retaine a diligent consideration of the weaker sort Ezec. 34, verse. 16., and helpe the feeble, heale the sick, strengthen the bruzed; that I may bring home that which is se­duced, [Page 292] and seeke that is lost, and carefullie prouide for that which is strong; that I labor not in mine of­fice negligentlie Ier. 48, 10., nor accomplish the worke of thee my maister with deceipt.

O almightie God, whose dwelling is aboue the cloudes, which hast ap­pointed me a keeper, and watch­man for thy people Ezech. 33, verse. 2, &c., to forewarne the simple that they be not, through the subtiltie of vaine teachers, de­ceiued, seduced, and made a praie Ezec. 34, 5., and spoile for the beasts of the field; make me so watchful, and careful ouer thy flock, that couragiouslie I may withstand, and beate awaie those rauening wolues Mat. 7, 15. which teare and scatter thy flock, and, by repro­uing and refuting their heresies, ouercome false prophets.

Giue me that vtterance and wise­dome Mark. 10, verse. 19., which none may resist, or gainesaie Luk. 21, 15.

Grant me a learned Esai. 50, 4., and elo­quent vtterance to diuide thy word rightlie; and wisedome distinctlie, and in right order to propose the same, and to be able and readie to admonish 2. Tim. 3, verse. 16., and to comfort the [Page 293] weake, and, if anie offende through weakenes Galat. 6, 1▪ to wyn him vnto weldo­ing by the spirit of meekenes, and modestlie to rebuke such as may be recouered, but those, which openlie doe sinne without blushing, to take vp before the congregation 1. Timo. 5, verse. 20., not regarding the person, that the rest, by their example, may feare, and forsake their wickednes.

O Sonne of God, our continual Intercessor, which hast ordeined me to be a voice crieng Esai. 40, 3. 9., endue mee with the grace of thine holie Spirit, that I may exalt my voice like a trumpet Esai. 58, 1., and declare their wic­kednes vnto thy people, and neuer shewe my selfe as a domme dog Esai. 56, 10, which cannot bark: so shal I not be partaker of their sinnes, nor guiltie of their condemnation, neither wilt thou require their blood at mine hands Ezec. 3, 18. Ezech. 33, 8.: Wherefore againe, and a­gaine I beseech thee, assist me euer­more that through an open and bold reprehending of their wicked­nes, I may deliuer my soule in the daie of wrath, and teach thy waies vnto the wicked Psa. 51, 13., whereby the vn­godlie may repent.

[Page 294]Finallie, so blesse me with thy fa­uor, that I may walke in thy feare, as it becommeth me, and be an en­sample of good life vnto my flock 1. Pet. 5, 3., least, while I preach vnto others 1. Cor. 9, 17 my selfe proue a castawaie; that in no case through my wicked conuer­sation Rom. 2, 24, I giue occasion to anie man of blaspheming thy worde; and that in trobles, and persecutions I faint not, but may suffer patientlie the re­proch of this world, and the mani­fold trobles that Satan stirreth vp to disquiet thy Church.

Grant also to as manie as shal heare thy worde from my mouth, that they may firmelie with me be­leeue the same, and be the follo­wers of me 1. Cor. 4, 16 2. Thes. 3, 9., as I followe thee 1. Cor. 11, 1, and haue consideration of such as walke so, as becommeth Chri­stians, that together we may continue in faith, and patience, euen for thine owne sake,

A­men.

A praier for anie hearer of Gods worde.

I Giue thee most har­tie thanks, O eternal God, Father of our Lord Iesu Christ, for that it hath pleased thee of thine vnspeakable mercie, and goodnes in al ages continuallie to sende into the worlde men won­derful in thy gifts and knowledge of thy wil to be renuers, and sprea­ders forth of thy truth Matth. 23, verse. 34.;

Like thankes I ascribe vnto thy sacred Maiestie for allowing vs shepherds Ephe. 4, 11, and preachers in these our daies for the gathering toge­ther of thy Church out of al man­kinde11. to the building of the bodie of Christ.

Humblie I beseech thee, gratious GOD, continue alwaie among vs thy pure worde through thy mini­sters; gather vnto thy selfe an euer­lasting Congregation, & so instruct mine hart with thy Spirit of truth, that vnfainedlie I may assent to thy wholesome worde, proue a liuelie [Page 296] member of thy bodie, and be incor­porated into that societie which both in this world doth syncerelie confesse thee, and euermore extol thine holie Name.

Keepe those Preachers which thou dost, and wilt giue in the cer­taine knowledge of thy blessed wil, that they may from time to time both open vnto vs thine intent con­cerning the repairing of mankinde, the saluation, and redemption of our soules through thy free mercie; and also teach vs how to liue in new obedience, and to abstaine from carnal desires 1. Pet. 2, 11. which fight against the soule.

Inspire thy ministers, and prea­chers of thy word with thine holie Spirit, that they may vtter thy wil purelie as they haue receiued it from thine hands, retaining the forme of wholesome words 2. Timo. 1, verse. 13., and sounding onlie that doctrine which is vttered by thy Sonne out of thy bosome Iohn. 1, 18.. For otherwise, departing from the order of faith, and the rule of thy worde, they wil greatlie ob­scure the light of thy doctrine; and obtrude vpon vs the vanitie of their [Page 297] owne inuentions. Wherefore let them speake thy word not deceipt­fullie 2. Cor. 4, 2., but syncerelie, euen as from thee, and in thy sight.

Grant also, that, by transforming thy ministerie into policie, they Lord not ouer thine elect 1. Pet. 5, 3., neither contend about superioritie and pri­macie in thy Church; but onelie to seeke the glorie of thy Name, and the saluation both of themselues, and vs.

Giue them libertie of speech bold­lie without feare to blame and re­buke al false doctrine, blasphemous superstition, and abuses in thy Church.

Open vnto them the doore of vt­terance Colos. 4, 3. that they may speake the mysteries of Christ, and manifest them as they ought to doe, so shal their doings be profitable vnto the godlie.

Assist them also with thine espe­cial grace, that they disgrace not their doctrine by impuritie of life, but let their conuersation answere vnto the doctrine which they teach and preach.

Especiallie for the shepherd of [Page 298] my soule, frō whose mouth I learne thy blessed wil, I hartilie praie, that thou wilt keepe him in religion, syn­cere; and pure from enormous of­fences in outward conuersation: endue him with a long and health­ful life, if it be thy good pleasure, that manie a good daie, and yeere he may continue in preaching the gladsome voice of thy gratious Gos­pel among vs without contention and strife.

And, O Sonne of God, which art the Lord of al the flock, worke thou effectuallie by thy preachers, speake thou within vs to our harts the bles­sed wil of thine eternal Father, and confirme thy doctrine in our minds by thine holie Spirit.

Grant that we may truelie know, and discerne the same from the houling of wolues, and from the in­chanted songs of seducing hire­lings Ioh. 10, 12.; and grant that we may know thee Ioh. 17, 25 euen as thou knowest thine heauenlie Father, and to walke re­ligiouslie, and righteouslie in thy sight, shewing our selues to be of that holie seede which praiseth thy Name for euermore.

[Page 299]Come holie Spirit, open mine hart and eares that I may conceaue the profite of thy wholesome doc­trine, and the sweete comfort reuea­led in thine holie word, by the prea­ching of the Gospel.

O Lorde, I acknowledge with teares my sluggishnes, & carelesnes in seeking thy truth, and bewaile the wretched coldnes, and hardnes of mine hart, beseeching thee to en­due me with an vnfained longing, and an ardent desire of holie Ser­mons.

Grant that in this life I may wor­ship the feete of the preachers of peace, and reuerence the true dis­pensors of thy mysteries, thy faith­ful ministers with doble honor 1. Tim. 5, 17▪; and none otherwise to obeie their godlie sermons, than I woulde if a voice should sounde from the hea­uens.

Let me not for the blemishes and imperfections of some particular men, vnreuerentlie conceaue of thine whole ministerie.

Worke also within me, that, despi­sing thy word Luke. 10, verse. 16. 1. Thes. 4, 8. deliuered vnto vs, I neuer seeke after strange reuelati­ons, [Page 300] or violent rauishings both be­sides, and contrarie to thy worde, but, bearing alwaies in minde the order which thou hast appointed, may constantlie embrace thy word manifested in the Church.

Finallie impart such grace vpon vs, that we may imitate, and folowe the good workes of holie men, ca­sting of the old man by putting on the new which is created after God in righteousnes, and true holines,

Amen.

A praier for a Prince, or Magistrate.

BLessed art thou, Lord God of Sabbaoth. For to thee appertaineth al magnificence, and power, and glorie; to thee belongeth al honor, and aucto­ritie.

For whatsoeuer is either in the heauens aboue, or in the earth be­neath it is thine. Thine, O Lord, is the kingdome; thou art aboue al Princes & Kings. Riches are thine, glorie is thine, and thou art Lorde [Page 301] ouer al. In thee remaineth virtue, and power, greatnes, and gouerne­ment.

O God of my Fathers Wisd. 9, 1., & Lord of mercie which hast made al things by thy word, and by thy wisedome2. appointed man to rule the crea­tures which thou hast made, and to3. gouerne the world with equitie and iustice, I praise thee, and extol thy glorious Name for appointing me thy seruant 1. Kin. 3, 7. to rule and gouerne this thy people committed vnto my charge.

Now therefore, gratious Lord, fa­uor ablic beholde me, that I may treade the path of truth, righteous­nes, and synceritie of hart in thy sight.

Let me not abuse mine auctoritie Ester. 13, 2 but gouerne with lenitie & gen­tlenes the people vnder me, that li­uing a godlie and honest life man­kind may enioy their desired peace.

Giue therefore vnto thy seruant an hart desirous of instructions, that I may iudge the people, & descerne betweene good and euil 1. Kin. 3, 9., and, nei­ther declining to the right hand or to the left, stoutlie, and valiantlie [Page 302] maintaine the cause of the righ­teous.

Grant me counsel, and assistance to doe such things as are grateful vnto thee, good for thy Church, and profitable for my people, and Com­monweale.

Giue me thy wisedome Wisd. 9, 4. 2. Chr. 1, 10., and re­iect me not from thy children. For Wisd. 9, 5. Psal. 116, 16. I thy seruant, and sonne of thine handmaide, am a fraile man, of a short time, and ful weake in the vn­derstanding of iudgement, and the lawes.

Thou hast chosen me Wis. 9, 7. 1. Chr. 28, 5. 2. Chr. 1, 9. a gouer­nor of thy people, and a iudge of thy sonnes, and daughters: sende me therefore wisedome Wis. 9, 10. from thy sacred heauens, and from the seate of thy magnificence, that it may be with me, and labor with me, where­by I may perceiue what is accepta­ble in thine eies, and learne that I haue no power of my selfe, but from thee Rom. 13, 1. Wisdo. 6, 3., which art almightie, & raig­nest ouer the kingdomes of men, gi­uing them at thy pleasure Dan. 4, 17..

Grant that I neuer conceaue Sira. 10, 15. proudlie of my selfe, but may re­ceiue in patience the discipline of [Page 303] thy Lawe.

Make mee wise and circumspect, that I neither offer▪ iniurie to anie man, neither suffer anie to be iniu­ried; that so equitie may be main­tained, and iustice among men pre­serued.

Let me at no time vnder the shewe, and color of equitie vphold, or countenance a wicked cause: nei­ther yet without sufficient examina­tion and trial of both parties, giue sentence against anie.

Allowe me such counselers, go­uernors, and ouerseers as are of courage Exod. 18, verse. 21., fearing God, dealing vp­rightlie, hating couetousnes, that by them the burden, charge, and care which I sustaine, may be somewhat lightened.

Endue both me, and them with thine holie Spirit, that with earnest studie, and watchful minds we may discerne betwene matters Deu. 1, 13., that no man through our negligence haue the ouerthrow in a righteous cause, but that sentence be rightlie pro­nounced betweene a man, and his brother, and a stranger without re­spect of anie person Deut. 1, 17. Leuit. 19, 15. Prou. 24, 23. Iames. 2, 9. in iudgement.

[Page 304]Let vs heare aswel the litle as the great, and feare no man. Because the iudgement is thine, which stan­dest in the companie of iudges, and among the Gods Psa. 82, 1. thou plaiest the iudge. For the iudgement is not of man 2. Chr. 19, verse. 6. but of the Lord: and, whatso­euer we shal iudge it wil come vp­on vs.

Wherefore, let thy feare be with vs Sirach. 10, verse. 22. that we may doe al things with care and circumspection, that we proue not children Esaie. 3, 4. in vnderstan­ding, neither giue our selues to dronkennes and bellicheere, Ecc. 10, 17 but to eate our meate in due season and that for strength, not for dronken­nes.

For thou wilt make earnest, and diligent enquirie of al our workes Wisd. 6, 3., and search al our cogitations: be­cause we are thy seruants, and depu­ties to gouerne; men of a very short life; and he which is to daie a King Sira. 10, 11. to morow may be dead. For we be al mortal Psal. 82, 7., and subiect to one, and the same corruption.

Besides, an horrible iudgement is nigh for such as walke not after the wil of thee Wisd. 6, 4▪ 6., our God. For he that is [Page 305] most low, shal finde mercie, but the mightie shal be mightilie tormen­ted.Wisd. 6, 7. For thou, which art the Lord ouer al, regardest not the person of anie Deu. 10, 17 2. Chr. 19, 7. Acts. 10, 34. Rom. 2, 11. Galat. 2, 6. 1. Pet. 1, 17., neither doest thou feare the greatnes of the mightie. Because aswel the great as the smal are the workemanship of thine handes; thy care is equal ouer al; and giuest to godlie Princes eternal happines, which art the Iudge both of the quicke and dead, liuing and raig­ning with thy Sonne in the vnitie of the Spirit, a God for euermore,

Amen.

A praier of Subiects for their Prince.

O Almightie God, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, in thine hande is al power both in heauen and earth Sira. 10, 4. 15., thou confirmest kingdomes, and againe doest alter them according to thine heauenlie pleasure, &c.

This praier you shal finde afore, pag. 7.

A praier for a mar­ried man.

O GOD almightie, au­ctor, and institutor of matrimonie, which in the copling together of male and female dost offer vnto vs a consideration of the sacred, and great mysterie of the marriage of our Lord and Sa­uior Christ, with his spouse the Church Eph. 5, 23. 1. Cor. 11, 3., and with al expresse the most burning affection of thy sonne towards his beloued Spouse.

For he offered himselfe vpon the altar of the crosse Eph. 5, 25. to sanctifie, and clense hir by the washing of water through the word, and to make hir26. glorious for himselfe, without spot,27. or wrincle, or any such thing.

For euen as the husband by an inseparable bande of good wil is bound to the wife, so that both pros­peritie and aduersitie is common to them both: so is Christ copled to his Church through suffering vpon his owne flesh the punishmēt which was due vnto hir, and by making vs [Page 307] with him felowe heires of eternal ioie, by couering our offences.

So that now there is no condem­nation to them which are in Christ Iesu Rom 8, 1. which walke not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Whereby we gather that man should loue his wife Eph. 5, 28. euen as his owne bodie. For no man euer yet hated his owne29. flesh howsoeuer crooked, old, weak, leane, or deformed it be: but so much the more carefullie doth hide & couer those faults by how much they appeere the more deformed. Yea he doth nourish, and cherish that weake part, euen as Christ doth loue his Church though foule, and deformed with sinne, which ca­steth not hir of, though she seeme il fauored, but healeth hir griefes, dis­sembleth much, forgiueth, and wy­peth awaie hir offences.

I beseech thee, O Father, which art neither made nor begotten, marrie mee Hos. 2, 19. for euer vnto thy Sonne; marrie me vnto him in righ­teousnes, & iudgement, in godlines, and mercie; marrie me vnto him in faith, that I may truelie knowe thee my Lorde and God, which wilt not [Page 308] the death of a sinner Eze. 33, 11., but rather that he repent and liue.

O thou onlie begotten Sonne of God, ioine me I beseech thee vnto thy bodie, that ingraffed in thee, I may drawe from thee the iuice of life, and of heauenlie wisedome.

Defende mee, and thine whole Church against the rage of Satan, the world, and the flesh.

Loue, cherish, and comfort such as are ingraffed to thy flesh. Purge and wash me fro my sinnes, filthi­nes, and spots through thy great mercie and merits.

Deck me with thy gifts & good­nes. Wash me with water Eze. 36, 25, & purge me with thy blood. Annoint me with thine oile of gladnes Psal. 45, 8. put vp­on me thy roabes of righteousnes, and couer me with thy glorious purple; adorne me with the preti­ous stones of virtue, and place vpon mine head glorie and honor, that al mine ornament may be inward, and that I may please thee through hoping in thy mercie. For thou art mine husbande which louest me; my God whom I worship; and the head wherevnto I am subiect.

[Page 309]Giue me grace that I neuer de­light in mine owne fairenes, and so plaie the harlot Hose. 2, 5., following mine old louers, which promise me bread and water, wol, flaxe, oile, & drinke.

O God the holie Ghost, which maintainest the loue of married folkes within our brests, I humblie beseech thee, inflame the heate of chaste affection betweene al mar­ried folkes.

Giue me wisedome discretelie to dwel with my wife 1. Pet. 3, 7., considering al­waies that naturallie she is weake: and for that cause I must beare with much foolishnes, and swalowe vp manie sorrowes when I shal per­ceiue the weaknes of hir affections.

And for asmuch as I am the head of my wife Eph. 5, 23. 1. Cor. 11, 3., giue mee grace with iudgement godlie both to instruct hir, and to bring vp my familie in the knowledge and feare of thy Name.

Let me neither ouer nicelie bring them vp, nor to roughlie entreate them, but gently vse them, that they may both continue in thy feare, and yeeld me due obedience, but espe­ciallie liue godlie in thine eies.

[Page 310]Blesse thou my wife that she may proue a sweet companion vnto me, louing mee vnfainedlie from the hart without dissimulation; so that I may safelie trust in hir Prou. 31, vers. 11, &c., and she may render vnto mee good for good, not euil for good.

O God, which art a chaste minde, make me with a chaste bodie and pure affectiō to serue thee in chaste matrimonie, and neuer with a wic­ked eie to beholde the wife of ano­ther man to lust after hir Mat. 5, 28. neither yet to forsake my proper bed Sirach. 23, vers. 16, &c. with the losse of my soule.

Driue awaie Satan the mortal enimie to this thine ordinance, that he sowe not contentions, & braules betweene vs.

Cut of al occasions of debate, and sinister suspicions, that so in a true conioining together of minds we may in this world liue virtuous­lie, and hereafter in the worlde to come raigne eternallie according to thy worde, Amen.

Reade the praier for wedded folkes afore, pag. 108.

A praier for children.

OEternal, and euerli­uing God, Father of our Lord Iesu Christ, maker of heauen and earth, which hast in­ioined vnto vs children that with due obedience we honor our pa­rents Exo. 20, 12 Deut. 5, 16. Matth. 15, 4.: which thing not onelie true religion doth exact, but also natural reason doth binde vs vnto.

Besides, thou art maruelouslie delighted with such obedience of children towarde their parents for thy Sonnes sake our Lorde.

And that the more willinglie we may obeie them, thou hast made a singular promise of long life Ephes. 6, verse. 1, &c. Sirach. 3, 7. vnto vs.

And as the obedience of children which they owe, and shewe to their parents is exceedinglie grateful in thy sight: so contrariwise obstinacie and disobedience is most vnsauerie, and displeaseth thee. The which may be gathered by the horrible­nes of punishment Deut. 21, vers. 18, &c. which thou de­nouncest against stubborne, and [Page 312] disobedient children.

I beseech thee therefore most humblie euen for thy Sonnes sake, in whom onelie thou delightest Mat. 3, 17. Luke. 3, 22., lighten the eies of mine vnderstan­ding, that aboue al I may truelie and syncerelie acknowledge thee my principal Father Eph. 3, 14. 15., of whom al the familie both in heauen, and earth is named; and, in true inuo­cation, and thankesgiuing, obeie; and, in true holines, and righteous­nes serue thee my God, and hea­uenlie Father, from whom I drewe vital breath Act. 17, 25., my soule, and bodie, with al the faculties, and powers that I haue.

For which cause I am bound ra­ther to obeie thee my maker Act. 5, 29. than men; and to be occupied in those things which belong to thee my Fa­ther which art in heauen Luk. 2, 49., and cheerefullie to go about that which thou hast enioined me.

Secondlie giue me grace to ho­nor mine earthlie parents in deede, and word Sirac. 3, 9., in al patience, and ne­uer to be a cause of their sorow, and griefe of minde.

And when their vnderstanding [Page 313] shal faile through age Sirac 3, 14., be it far fro me that I doe either disdaine or deride them, albeit I am beautified15. with neuer so excellent gifts of na­ture, but make me to beare with the16. weaknes of their age, as I am bound both by thy word and in conscience to doe, so shal I be blessed. For Sirac. 3, 6. he which honoreth his parents shal haue ioie of his owne children, and when he maketh his praier he shal be heard.

O Lord, forgiue thou my sinnes whereby I haue offended my louing parents.

O remember not the sinnes of my youth Psal. 25, 6., nor my rebellions: but according to thy mercie remember thou me, euen for thy goodnes sake, O Lord.

Let the example of thy Sonne my Sauior Christ, which in his childhoode was obedient vnto his parents Luk. 2, 51., be depainted, and fixed alwaies in my minde, the better to obeie them which begat, and haue brought me vp, and to relieue them being weake either through age or sicknes.

For he which forsaketh his father [Page 314] Sira. 3, 17. shal come to shame: and he that angreth his mother is cursed of God.

Likewise let it please thee to giue me a willing hart to obeie my tea­chers, and betters, and to omit no part of dutie, and reuerence which I owe: so that I may alwaies declare my selfe to be a decliner from euil Psa. 34, 14, and a doer of good, a seeker of peace, and a follower of the same.

O Christ Iesu, which hast giuen to weake yeeres the benefit of doci­litie, giue likewise to the towardnes of my nature the aide of thy grace, that I may learne good nurture, and liberal artes seruing to the aduance­ment of thy glory, wherby the more easilie I may attaine to the know­ledge of thee, whom to know is per­fect happines, and felicitie Iohn. 17, 3..

For thou art the fountaine from whence al wisedome & vnderstan­ding proceedeth Sirach. 1, 1. Prouer. 2, 6., without whom al our studies lacke good successe. Wherefore at thy hands doe I beg wisedome Iames. 1, 5., which giuest liberallie without reproching any man.

Lighten thou mine vnderstan­ding [Page 315] with thy grace, that, hauing learned the liberal artes, and the tongues, I may applie them to those endes wherevnto they serue, that, according to thy sacred infancie, I may profite as in yeeres, so in wise­dome and virtue both afore thee, and man Luk. 2, 52.

O God the holie Ghost, purifie mine hart by a liuelie faith, that I spend not my time in vaine pleasure cockering mine affections.

Extinguish in me the flames of doting, and filthie loue, and let me neuer serue the lust of the flesh like horse and mule Psa. 32, 9. which haue none vnderstanding.

Thine hands, O Lord, haue made, and fashioned me Ps. 119, 73: O giue me vn­derstanding, that I may learne thy Lawe.

I am smal, and of no reputation,141. yet wil I neuer forget thy righteous­nes. For thy righteousnes is a per­fect142. righteousnes, and thy Lawe is truth, Amen.

Vse the praier for yong folks, which you shal finde afore, pag. 114.

A praier against the Turke, or anie other foraine Tyrans.

O Omnipotent, & eter­nal God, Father of our Lord Iesu Christ, maker, and preseruer both of heauen and earth, together with thy coeternal Sonne, and the holie Ghost:

We haue sinned Psa. 106, 6., O Lord, with our fathers, we haue committed in­iquitie, and done wickedlie.

Therefore we openlie confesse that by thy righteous iudgement we are iustlie punished; and rightlie de­serue that barbarous, and vngodlie nations, shoulde spoile vs of our goods, ouerthrowe our schooles, Churches, and Commonweales; make vnmerciful hauocke of the promiscuous multitude, and carie miserable men from the sweete bo­somes of thy deere friendes into a slauerie more greeuous than death.

O God, it is thou which repellest vs, yea thou dost confounde vs be­fore the nations for our sinnes Psal. 44, 9., [Page 317] and goest not forth with our armies to the battel.

Thou makest vs to turne ourPsal 44, 10. backs vpō our enimies, so that they which hate vs spoile our goods.

Thou sufferest vs to be eaten vp11. like sheepe, and hast scattered vs among the Heathen.

Thou sellest thy people for12. naught, and takest no monie for them.

Therefore be the Heathen come into thine inheritance Psal. 79, 1., thy holie Temple haue they defiled; they haue destroied our townes, and houses, and brought them into an heape of stones.

The dead bodies of thy seruants2. haue they giuen to be meate for foules of the aire, and the flesh of thy Saints vnto the beastes of the lande.

Their blood haue they shed like3. waters on euerie side, and there was no man to burie them.

We are become an open shame4. to our enimies: a verie scorne and byword vnto them that are rounde about vs.

Wherefore in these mischieuous [Page 318] wars, and in the middes of our fatal punishments, we flie vnto thee, sai­eng Psal. 79, 9., Helpe vs, O God of our sal­uation, for the glorie of thy Name; O deliuer vs, and be merciful vnto our sinnes for thy Name sake.

O deale not with vs after our sinnes Ps. 103, 10., neither reward vs after our iniquities.

Remember not our former sins Psal. 79, 8., but let thy tender mercie preuent vs. For we are in great miserie.

Looke vpon our affliction and tra­uel Psa. 25, 18., and forgiue al our sinnes.

Behold our enimies for they are19. manie, and they hate vs with cruel hatred.

Thou which hast forgiuen the iniquitie of thy people Psal. 85, 2., and coue­red al their sinnes; and hast with­drawen al thine anger, and turned3. back frō the fiercenes of thy wrath: turne vs, we humblie beseech thee,4. O God our Sauior, & remoue awaie thy displeasure, that in true repen­tance we may please thee for thy Sonne his sake. Wilt thou be dis­pleased5. with vs for euer? or wilt thou prolong thy wrath from one generation to another?

[Page 319]O let the sorowful sighing Psal. 79, 11. of thy prisoners come before thee: accor­ding to the greatnes of thy power preserue those which are appointed to die.

Poure out thine indignation vp­on the heathen Ier 10, 25. Psal. 79, 6. that knowe thee not, and vpon the kingdomes which cal not vpon thy Name: that al na­tions10. may knowe the vengeance of the blood of thy seruantes that is shed.

Consider the mortal threatnings of our enimies, that they may be hindered from exercising their ty­rannie vpon vs, saieng triumphing­lie, [...]0▪ Where is now their God?

Keepe from our necks the gree­uous yoake of Antechristian bon­dage, and represse the furiousnes of al Tyrans, which labor to spoile and make hauock of thy Church; to a­bolish true doctrine, praiers, & pure religion; and to bring in idolatrie, errors, & blasphemous ceremonies.

Defende our Churches, Polities, and dwelling places.

Suffer not our townes to be redu­ced into dennes for Tyrans, and other bloodie nations, which hate [Page 320] both thee, and vs extreemelie.

Arme the right arme of our Gra­tious Queene, and hir Nobles, that they may fight for our Lawes, liues, and libertie.

Teach their hands to fight Psa. 144, 1▪ and their fingers to battel; encrease in thē an inuincible courage of minde, that enflamed through the zeale of thy religion, they may valiantlie withstande their, euen thine, eni­mies.

Guide thou the hands of such as fight in the cause of religion▪ and grant them happie successe ouer al their enimies. For a King is not sa­ued by the multitude of an host Psa. 33, 17, neither is the mightie man deliue­red by great strength, but the victo­rie commeth from heauen 1. Mach. 3, verse. 19..

At thy rebuke, O Lord, both the charret, and horse fal downe Psal. 76, 6..

Thou wilt take awaie the courage12. of Princes, and art terrible to the Kings of the earth.

O be thou our helpe in tro­ble Psa. 60, 11., for vaine is the helpe of man. Through thee we shal do valiantlie;12. for thou wilt tread our enimies vn­der our feete, and make them come [Page 321] to naught, through our Lord Iesus Christ,

Amen.

A praier to be saide in the time of the plague, sicknes, and mortalitie.

O Lorde our God, great & feareful art thou Dan. 9, 4. Nehem. 1, 5. Deut. 5, 10., keeping couenant & mercie with thē that loue thee, and keepe thy commandements:

We haue sinned, O Lord, Dan. 9, 5. Baruc. 1, 17. and haue committed iniquitie, we haue done wickedlie, yea we haue rebel­led, and haue departed from thy precepts, and from thy iudgements; we haue not obeied thy seruants Dan. 9, 6. the Prophets which spake in thy Name to our Kings and Princes; to our forefathers, and to al the peo­ple7. of the lande.

O Lord righteousnes belongeth8. vnto thee, but vnto vs open shame and confusion, as it is come to passe this daie by the plague and sicknes raigning among vs, and among al the dwellers of this lande, because of the sinnes which we haue done [Page 322] against thee.

Vnto thee our Lord and God per­tainethDaniel. 9, 9. compassion and forgiuenes, though we haue rebelled against thee.

We haue not obeied thy voice10. to walke in the lawes which thou hast laide before vs.

We haue hitherto despised thy diuine worde Leu. 26, 15 Baruc 2, 10., yea, we haue loa­thed preaching, and haue loa [...]ed the bridle to al beastlines of de­sires.

Therefore Dan. 9, 11. Leuitic. 26, vers. 16, &c. Deu. 28, 21. Exodus. 9, verse. 9, &c. the curse and oth which is written in the lawe of Mo­ses thy seruant, is poured vpon vs, and we, through the plague, and corrupt aiers, with burning feauers, and grieuous sicknes are lamenta­blie consumed euerie daie.

Yea in our knees Deu. 28, 35 and legs are we smitten with most lothsome bot­ches, & those incurable, frō the sole of the foote vnto the top of the hed.

Because we repent not, neither38. obserue al the words written in thy lawe, nor feare thy glorious and dreadful name, thou dost, according to thy threatnings aforetolde, en­crease39. our plagues, and the plagues [Page 323] of our seede; thou sendest great plagues and of long continuance, euil sicknes and of long durance, thou bringest vpon vs vncureable diseases, al maner of sicknes, and al kinds of plagues, besides those writ­ten in the booke of the lawe.

Al these plagues, according to thy worde Baruc. 2, 7., are come vpon vs, yet haue we not praied vnto thee our Lorde, that we might euerie man8. turne from his vngodlie waies.

Therefore hast thou bin watch­ful9. in punishing vs, and in bringing these euils vpon vs. Thou art righte­ous,10. O Lord Psal. 119, verse. 137., and true is thy iudg­ment.

O God, Father of our Lord Iesu Christ, thou hast got thee a glorious Name as may appeere this daie.

O Lord our God, we haue sinned Baru. 2, 12., we haue done wickedlie, we haue behaued our selues vngodlie, in al thine ordinances. Turne thy wrath13. from vs, we beseech thee, for we are but a fewe left in this place.

O Lord God which hast promi­sed, that, when either pestilence is among vs 1. Kings 8, vers. 37, &c. 2. Chron. 6, vers. 28, &c. 2. Chr. 20, 9., or the aire infected, or any other plague or sicknes is hot, [Page 324] thou wilt heare the praiers, and grant the requests of any man a­mong the people, praieng from the bottom of his hart, acknowledging his sinnes vnfainedlie, and lifting vp his hands vnto thee through Ie­sus Christ before the throne of grace Heb. 4, 16.;

Be thou merciful 1. King. 8, verse. 39., giue vnto euerie man according to al his pe­titions. For thou alone knowest the harts of al the children of men.

Heare thou our praiers and peti­tions, and deliuer vs from this con­tagious, and deadlie pestilence.

Commande thine Angel which striketh vs, to put vp his sworde into the sheath 2. Sam. 24, verse. 16. 1. Chr. 21, 15, that he strike vs not to our final and vtter destruction; pro­ceede not in thy wrath, spare vs frō death, and bring not our ende by the plague.

Let the heauens be milde, & our dwelling places healthful, least the aire being infected Psa. 78, 50, poure downe the contagion thereof vpon vs to our destruction.

O Lord, turne awaie thine hand, it is sufficient 2. Sam. 24, verse. 16. 1. Chr. 21, 15, let now thine hand cease, that al the earth may know [Page 325] Baru. 2, 15. how that thou Lord art our God, and that we doe cal vpon thy name.

O Lord looke downe from thine16. holie house vpon vs, encline thine eare, and heare vs.

Open thine eies and beholde the17. affliction and mortalitie of thy peo­ple. For the dead, whose spirits are16. taken awaie, giue vnto thee neither praise, nor righteousnes, but the17. [...]oule that is vexed for the multi­tude of hir sinnes, which goeth on heauilie and weakelie, whose eies18. begin to faile; yea the hungrie soule is it that ascribeth due praise and righteousnes vnto thee, O Lord.

For we poure out our praiers be­fore19. thee, and require mercie in thy sight, O Lord our God, not for anie worthines either of our owne, or of our fathers Matth. 3, 9.: but in the name of thy sonne Iesus Christ, in whom thou art wel pleased Mat. 3, 17. Matth. 17, 5., we beseech thee, be merciful vnto vs, and helpe vs in necessitie.

Turne thee againe Psa. 90, 13., O Lord, at the last, and be merciful vnto thy seruants; that this poisoned infecti­on may be taken from vs.

Notwithstanding if it be thy plea­sure [Page 326] to visite our offences with the rod Ps. 89, 33., thy blessed wil be done Mat. 6, 10. Luke. 11, 2., and giue vs grace to beare thy fatherlie correction laide vpon vs pacient­lie Prou. 3, 11. Hebr. 12, 6., remembring alwaies that we are chastened of thee our Lorde in this world, that we be not condem­ned with the reprobate 1. Cor. 11, verse. 32. in the world to come, Amen.

A praier for the sicke you shal find afore, pag. 153.

A praier to auoide both raging tempests, and vn­seasonable weather.

O Most wise and migh­tie God, thou art a glorious King in al the world, thy woon­derful maiestie doth shine and is knowen also by raine, thundering, lightening, and other meteors ingendered in the aire: thy throne is among the cloudes, thou hast made darckenes thy secrete place Psal. 18, 11., and thy pauilion about thee euen darknes of water, and cloudes of the aire.

At the brightnes of thy presence12. [Page 327] the cloudes doe passe awaie, so doe the hailestones, and fierie coles.

Thou dost thunder from the hea­uens,Psal. 18, 13. and giuest thy voice, haile­stones, and coales of fire.

Thou sendest thy arrowes, and14. scatterest them; thou encreasest lightnings and destroiest them.

Who is so great a God Psa. 77, 13, as thou, our God? Thou art the God which14. dost woonders, and declarest my power among the nations.

Thou redeemest thy people with15. thine arme.

The waters sawe thee, and were16. afraide; the depthes trembled.

The cloudes poured out water,17. the aire thundred, & thine arrowes went abroade.

The voice of thy thunder was18. heard round about; the lightnings lightened the worlde, the earth trembled, and shooke.

The foundations of the earth were discouered at thy rebuking Psa. 18, 15., O Lord, at the blasting of the breath of thy nostrels.

Therfore shal the verie heauens extol thy wonderous workes Psal. 89, 5., and the Saints set forth thy truth in the [Page 328] Congregation.

For who is equal to thee in hea­uen?Psalm. 89, 6. and who like thee among the sonnes of the Gods?

Thou art verie terrible in the as­semblie7. of the saints, and to be reue­renced aboue al that are about thee.

O Lord, God of hosts, who is like8. vnto thee? which art a mighty Lord, and thy truth is about thee.

Thou rulest the raging of the sea;9. thou stillest the waues therof when they doe arise.

Thou onelie art of power to re­solue into vapors the drops of the sea by the heate of the sunne; thou takest the same vp being turned in­to airie substance, and againe tur­nest it into meere water, and makest it to come pouring downe vpon the face of the earth.

Whatsoeuer thou wilt Psa. 135, 6. thou dost in heauen and in earth, and in the sea, and in al deepe places.

With thy power thou madest the earth Ier. 51, 15.; with thy wisedome thou hast established the world, and with thy discretion stretched out the heauens.

Assoone as thou lettest thy voice16. [Page 329] be heard the waters in the aire waxe fierce, thou drawest vp the cloudes from the ends of the earth; thou turnest the lightening into raine, and bringest foorth the winde out of thy treasures: thou couerest the heauens with clouds Psa. 147, 8., and pre­parest raine for the earth; thou ma­kest the grasse to growe vpon the9. mountaines, and prouidest herbes for the vse of man; thou giuest to beasts their foode, and to the yong rauens that crie. Behold, so great art thou Iob. 36, 26., that thou passest our knowledge, neither can the nomber of thy yeres be searched out. When thou restrainest the drops of water,27. the raine poureth downe by the va­pors thereof, and falleth abundant­lie vpon man.

Thou bringest forth the windes out of thy treasures Psa. 135, 7. Ier [...] 51, 16., that is from the secret places where thou didst hide them in great abundance, that they might be readie at thy com­mandement, and come forth when thou thinkest good.

Thou makest the cloudes to la­bor to giue water to the earth Iob. 37, 11., and scatterest the cloude of thy light.

[Page 330]Thou turnest it about by thy go­uernment,Iob. 37, [...]12. that they may doe what­soeuer thou commandest them vp­on the whole world.

O God, mine hart is trobled very sore when I beholde the immode­rate showers, and heare the terrible thunder, yea it forsaketh his place, when I heare the noise of thy voice, and the speech proceeding from thy mouth.

O God, which rulest heauen and earth, I most humblie beseech thee, mercifullie to driue awaie, or at least to mittigate these mightie streames, and most raging tem­pests.

Restraine the thunderbolts, and thy fierie darts that they hurt vs not. Keepe vs, and our nestes that we perish not through lightenings, nor be destroied by thy thunder­claps. Protect our houses & vs that we be neither consumed by thy firie meteor, nor be drowned by any sud­daine flood.

O merciful God, raine not, I be­seech thee, hailestones vpon the face of the earth, neither strike such as are in the fieldes be they man or [Page 331] beast Exo. 9, 22..

Strike not thou therewithal the25. herbes of the fielde, neither breake thou, gracious Lord, the trees of our lande.

Destroie not our corne with haile­stones: nor with hailestones smite thou our cattel Psa. 78, 48, and deliuer our flocks from the thunderbolt.

Cast not the fiercenes of thy49. wrath, anger, and displeasure, vp­on vs.

Giue vs not hailestones for raine Ps. 105, 32 Iere. 51, 16. neither flames of fire in our lande: but of thy mercie con­uert the thunder into gentle raine, whereby it may bring out fruite a­bundantlie Ps. 145, 16..

Sende not among vs either vn­timelie, or vntemperate showers which be either noisome to the fruite, and bring the mildewe 1. King▪ 8, verse. 37., or destroie the corne.

Restraine in like sort the windes and violent tempestes, that they bring none hurt neither to vs, or our goods, euen for Christes sake our Lorde, and Sauior,

A­men.

A praier for waiefaring men, and Trauelers.

O Almightie, eternal, and liuing God, Fa­ther of our Lord Iesu Christ, I thanke thee with mine▪ whole hart for sending of thine infinite and vn­speakeable goodnes to manwarde, thine onelie Sonne into this worlde to suffer on our behalfe al the mi­series of this life: which in the state of extreeme basenes traueling from one region to another, to preach the Gospel of thy kingdome, suffered no doubt the sondrie infirmities of our mortal bodie.

For passing through Samaria he was wearie by reason of trauel, and rested himselfe on Iacobs wel Iohn. 4, 6..

In al things he was like vnto vs Heb. 2, 17. For we haue not an hie Priest Heb. 4, 15. which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in al things tempted like as we are, and yet without sinne.

In his Name I take my iournie whose wil it is that whatsoeuer we [Page 333] doe either Col. 3, 17. in worde or deede, we shoulde doe it in the Name of our Lorde and Sauior Christ, giuing thanks vnto thee our God, and Fa­ther through him.

For his sake, which went about doing good Act. 10, 38., and healing al that were oppressed of Satan, I beseech thee, giue thine holie angels charge Psal. 91, 11. Matth. 4, 6. to keepe me in al my waies, and to guide me to and fro in my iournie, euen as Tobie the yonger was gui­ded of the Angel Raphaël Tobit. 5, verse. 5, &c. vnto Gabaël habiting in Rages a citie of the Medes.

Guide me with strength Ps. 18, 32. and courage; and direct my steps in the course of my iournie, that I wan­der not out of the right waie into bywaies, neither cast my selfe into dangers.

And therefore, holie Father, be thou the directer of my waies, and keepe me out of the clawes of spoi­lers.

Saue mee from the deuouring iawes of sauage beasts. Compasse me about with thine heauenlie pro­tection, that I fal not into any euils either of soule, or bodie.

[Page 334]Be thou vnto me a faithful com­panion as thou wast to Iacob the Patriarch Gen. 28, 15 traueling into Mesopo­tamia, and descending into Egypt Gen. 46, 4..

Likewise as thou diddest lead the children of Israël through the red sea Exo. 14, 22, and through the vncomforta­ble wildernes Deut. 8, 2., going before them by daie in a piller of a cloude Exo. 13, 21, and by night in a piller of fire Neh. 9, 12. to ligh­ten them in the way that they went: vouchsafe to accompanie, gouerne, and direct me in this my iornie.

Shew mee also such fauor, that wheresoeuer I go I may find godlie men, which may entertaine, lodge, and curteouslie entreate me Mat. 25, 35 Esaie. 58, 7., least otherwise I fal into perils, and be iniuried of the wicked.

Be thou with me night and daie, that none hurt light vpon me; pro­tect me both against the iniurie of cold, and the vehemencie of heat Gen. 31, 40, and from al enimies deliuer me.

O Lord, giue me bread to eate Gen. 28, 20, and clothes to put on.

And as the wise men Matth. 2, verse. 1, &c. by the di­rection of a star in the East came ioiefullie into Iurie, and afterward being admonished in a dreame so [Page 335] to doe, returned into their countrie another waie: so my busines being wel finished bring me home againe in safetie, that I may praise thee my God, and Lorde, continuallie in the Congregation of thy Saints.

O Lorde heare my praier Psa. 39, 13., and with thine eares consider my com­plaint; holde not thy peace at my teares. For I am a stranger Heb. 11, 13 in this worlde, as al my forefathers were. Our daies like a shadowe vpon the earth 1. Chr. 29, verse. 15. Wisdo. 2, 5. doe passe awaie, and conti­nue not.

We are strangers, and wander out of our true countrie Heb. 11, 15 1. Pet. 2, 11.. For the daies of our pilgrimage are but short Gen. 47, 9., yet be they full of miserie & troble.

Giue me grace that I set not my minde on this worlde, but to lift vp mine eies vnto heauen, and desire a better Heb. 11, 16, that is, an heauenlie coun­trie.

And as long as wee are absent from the bodie 2. Cor. 5, verse. 6, &c., let vs be of good courage; suffer vs not through feare to faint in afflictions, but firmelie to trust that shortlie we shal returne vnto thine habitation, and there en­ioy thy sight in deede, & euerlasting [Page 336] life, where thou, with thy Sonne, and the holie Spirit, liuest, and raignest one eternal God for euer­more,

Amen.

A Praier before the receiuing of the ho­lie Communion.

O Iesu Christ, holie, and eternal God, I mise­rable man, and wret­ched sinner acknow­ledge & confesse, that I am not worthie the least of al thy mercies Gen. 32, 10, & most vnworthie to re­ceaue thee vnder the roofe Matt. 8, 8. Luke. 7, 6. of my soule by participating of thy most blessed bodie and blood. For horri­ble and infinite are the sinnes wher­with I am defiled.

Wo is me, Lord, Esaie. 6, 5. for I am a man of polluted lips, and dwel among people that haue vncleane lips. And therefore the verie entrales of mine hart are trobled, and my bones doe shake, because I finde my soule a most vnworthie ghest for so hea­uenlie a supper.

[Page 337]And yet againe mine hart is won­derfullie lightened when I cal into minde that thou, the deere sonne of almightie God, camest not into this worlde to cal the righteous Luk. 5, 32. 1. Tim. 1, 15., but sinners vnto repentance. For Mat. 9, 12. they that be whole neede not the Phisiti­on, but they that are sick.

Besides, I knowe right wel, and constantlie doe beleeue, that not­withstanding my filthines, thou canst make me worthy, which alone canst make that cleane, which is conceaued of vncleane seede Iob. 14, 4., and righteous men of sinners Psa. 51, 7., when thou forgiuest our sins of thy won­ted grace, thine holie Spirit being poured vpon vs.

Through which thy power and mercie, I beseech thee, grant such grace vnto me a sinner, that I may worthilie 1. Cor. 11, verse. 27. approch to this heauen­lie Sacrament, least otherwise by mine vnworthines I be made guil­tie of thy bodie and blood, and so instead29. of life receaue my iudgement and condemnation.

Giue grace therefore, that afore I presume to come vnto the partici­pation thereof, I may examine my [Page 338] selfe 1. Cor. 11, verse. 28. 2. Cor. 13, 5., by calling my sinnes into minde, searching out my waies Lamen 3, verse. 40., & by vnfained and hartie repentance returning vnto thee my Lord, least otherwise by concealing my sinnes, with Iudas the traitor I eate the bread of the Lord against the Lord Augustine vpon Iohn, treatise. 59.: & by abusing thy gentlenes Rom. 2, 4 5. heape vengeance vpon my selfe against the daie of vengeance.

Make me to confesse my sinnes, and that with hartie sobs, so thou being a faithful and iust God 1. Ioh. 1, 9., wilt pardon al mine offences, & clense me from my sinnes: and wilt not disdaine to accept me into fauor, when I doe not refraine to acknow­ledge my wickednes.

Moreouer, poure into me a true and liuelie faith, that I neuer mis­trust thy worde annexed to the Sa­craments, which promiseth vnto mankinde the remission of sinnes.

For to eate, or drinke with the mouth onelie is to no purpose, but faith must come therevnto, and ap­prehende the worde with the pro­mises annexed. For they are the groundes and principles of this sa­crament.

[Page 339]So that whosoeuer giueth credit to these words, Which was giuen, and shed for you, in the remission of sinnes Matt. 26, vers. 26, &c. Marke. 14, vers. 22. &c. Luke. 22, vers. 19, &c. 1. Corint. 11, vers. 24, &c., the same man hath that which is promised by them, name­lie, eternal life, and saluation. For where the remission of sinnes is, there likewise righteousnes, life, and saluation is.

But he which doubteth of these wordes, he without doubt is an vn­worthie receiuer, and commeth vnprepared. For the doubting man neither eateth thy flesh spirituallie, nor yet drinketh thy blood, though carnally, and to our eies he seemeth to consume the sacrament of thy bodie and blood with his teeth and mouth, but his damnation rather. Not because Augustine vpon Iohn, treatise. 26. thy supper is poyson, but for that an euil man taketh a good thing naughtilie.

Finallie, also grant, that receiuing this thy Sacrament of the newe Testament, I may put of, according to the former conuersation, the old man Eph. 4, 22., which is corrupt according to the lusts of error, and be renued in the spirit of my minde, putting on the newe man Col. 3, 10. Ephe. 4, 24., which after God, is [Page 340] created in righteousnes, and holi­nes of truth.

And albeit my nature be such, that I cannot liue without spots of wickednes Augustine concerning Ecclesi. in­struc. cap. 53: yet so blesse me, that I may neuer offende willinglie, but altogither depending vpon thy goodnes, whose manner is to par­don the true penitent sinners, may boldelie approch to thine holie supper.

Especiallie, seeing we haue liber­tie to enter into the holie place through the blood Heb. 10, 19 by the newe and liuing way which thou hast pre­pared20. for vs through the vaile, that is, by thy flesh. And seeing we haue21. an high Priest ouer the house of God, make vs to draw nigh with true22. harts, in assurance of faith, sprinke­led in our minds from an euil con­science, and washed in bodie with pure water: cause vs to holde fast23. the profession of our hope without wauering (for he is faithful that pro­mised) and let vs consider one of24. another, to prouoke vnto loue, and to good workes, not forsaking the25. assemblie of the faithful, as the manner of some is, but exhorting [Page 341] one another, and so much the more, as we see the daie approch­ing,

Amen.

Another praier before the receiuing of the holie Communion.

O Christ the onelie me­diator betweene God and man 1. Tim. 2, 5., which of thine ardent and vn­speakeable good wil6. tookest our flesh vpon thee, to be­come a sacrifice and raunsome for al mankinde: and for the better conceauing of that thy benefit didst ordaine before thy paineful passion, a perpetual memorie of thy loue, and that by erecting a couenant of the newe Testament Matth. 26, vers. 26, &c. Mark. 14, 24 Luke. 22, vers. 19, &c., which testi­fieth of thy presence, merite, power, and mercie, washing awaie dailie the sinnes of beleeuers:

And the more effectuallie to cō ­mend the depenes of this mysterie, didst ordaine this Sacrament in thy last supper being euen readie to go frō thy Disciples vnto thy passiō, the more depelie to fixe it in our harts, [Page 342] that it neuer slip out of our minds, but dailie in faith, feare, and reue­rence, be recorded; and remaine according to thine holie institution, whole and perfect without adding or diminishing from the same.

For though it be but a mans te­stament Gal 3, 15. Hebrues. 9, verse. 15, &c., yet if it be confirmed and prooued by the death of the testa­tor, no man diminisheth or addeth therevnto.

Vnto thee doe I crie, O Sonne of God, which art partaker of our flesh, and bone of our bones, beseeching thee from the bottome of mine hart, that it woulde please thee to giue me grace that with an earnest desire, and due reuerence I may co­uet to receaue thy supper, and ther­in thirstinglie to seeke for the nou­rishment of my soule.

Remooue from mine hart al loathing, contempt, and curiositie of prophane men, which, set thēselues against thee, and proudlie despise this thine institution, like vnto dogs despising holie things Matt. 7, 6., and vnto hogs treading most precious pearls vnder their feete.

Lift vp my minde, that in feare [Page 343] and trembling, in faith and spiritu­al comfort, I may approch to the worthie receiuing of thy precious bodie and blood, not as hypocrites doe, which hide and dissemble their sinnes; neither as epicures despi­sing both thee and thine holie or­dinance.

And therefore stir vp in me an vnfained desire of this heauenlie nourishment, that from thee the bread of life Ioh. 6, 35. Eccl. 24, 24. Iohu. 4, 10. 14., and fountaine of sal­uation, I may draw vital iuice to the quickning of my soule.

In which communion thou be­stowest vpon beleeuers both the merits of thine obedience and pas­sion, and also thine other benefits whatsoeuer.

Besides inwardlie thou dost re­plenish vs with newe and celestial ioie, in quickening, comforting, tea­ching and gouerning vs, that so we may haue and get our strength frō thee euen as the branches drawe their iuice and force to fructifie, from the vine.

Lighten therefore the eies of mine hart, that I may knowe what the hope is wherevnto we are cal­led [Page 344] Eph. 1, 18.; and what the riches of our in­heritance are in the Saints Col. 1, 27.; and what exceeding greatnes of thy po­wer and mercie is hid in this sup­per, and how vnspeakable be the ri­ches of the glorie of this Sacra­ment, whereby thou communica­test to al and ech of thy faithful to­gether with thy bodie and blood al the treasures of thine heauenlie goodes to be receaued by faith.

For thine holie and blessed mouth hath saide: I am the bread of life Iohn. 6, 35. which came downe from heauen, he which commeth to mee shal not hunger in any wise, and he that be­leeueth on mee shal neuer thirst. And the bread which I shal giue, is my flesh, which I wil giue for the life of the world.

O most sweete bread heale thouAmbrose. the palate of mine hart, that I may taste the sweetnes of thy loue; heale me of al mine infirmities, that I de­light in no fairenes besides thee.

O most heauenlie whight bread containing within thee al comfort, and the perfect sweetenes of al sa­uor, which doest alwaies refresh vs, let mine hart eate thee, and with [Page 345] thy pleasant sauor let al the bowels of my flesh be replenished.

O thou bread of life, which camst downe from heauen, and giuest life to the world, come into mine hart, and purge me from al filthines of the flesh and spirit: enter thou into my soule, heale, and sanctifie mee both within and without.

Be thou the buckler, and perpe­tual defence of my soule and dodie, that I may come vnto thy king­dome the right waie, where we shal not deale with mysteries as in this worlde, but shal beholde thee face to face, when thou hast deliuered the kingdome to God 1. Cor. 15, verse. 24. 28., the Father, and so God shal be al in al,

Amen.

A thankesgiuing after the receiuing of the holie Communion.

O Iesu, high and eternal Priest Heb. 8, 1., sitting on the right hande of the throne of maiestie in the heauens, gouer­nor of the Saints,

Thou art an high Priest of good things to come Heb. 9, 11,, which by a greater [Page 346] and more perfect tabernacle not made with handes, that is to saie, not of this building, neither by the blood of goates, & calues Heb. 9, 12., but by thine owne blood didst enter once into the holie place, and founde eternal redemption, when through the eternal spirite, thou of­feredst thy selfe a pure sacrifice without spot, to God, purging our14. consciences from dead workes, to serue the liuing God:

I yeelde thee hartie thankes for suffering vpō the altar of the crosse a most shameful death, for our sins, and that of thine owne accorde, mooued therevnto by a singular af­fection of good wil towards vs.

I blesse thee for instituting this Sacrament of thy bodie and blood in remembrance of our euerlasting redemptiō, that at no time it might slip out of our minds, but be an ho­lie signe, and testimonie of thy per­petual friendship, and a seale of the confirmation of the newe and eter­nal couenant which thou hast en­tred into with vs concerning the free remission and forgiuenes of our sinnes.

[Page 347]I magnifie thee also with al reue­rence of mind, for bidding vs mise­rable men, and sinners both vnto the participation of thy most holie supper, and also to the receiuing of al celestial riches; wherein thou be­stowest, and appliest particularlie to euerie of vs, al the merits and good things which by thine obedi­ence and death, thou hast purcha­sed on our behalfe, that we may be­come partners, and fellow heires of eternal blessednes.

O sacred banket, wherin heauen­lie dainties are set afore vs which reuiue the soule: and thou lambe of God, after a wonderful and mysti­cal manner, giuest thy selfe to re­fresh the inwarde man.

We diminish thee not in eating thee Hierom in his agonie., but thou endurest whole perpetuallie. And although the visi­ble signes are consumed, yet canst not thou be deuoured.

Thou art the meate of the soule, not of the bodie; and fattest our minds, not our bellies.

Thou changest the eater into thy selfe, and yet art not changed into the eater, as other corporal foode is [Page 348] changed commonlie.

So that we participate of thy di­uine nature 2. Pet. 1, 4., and thou no whit art altered into our sinful flesh.

I humbly beseech thee, Sonne of God, by thy most sacred blood shed for vs, giue me grace, that participa­ting of this visible Sacrament, I may withal finde and feele in mine hart the inuisible working of thine hea­uenlie grace, which is conteined in this mysterie; that this supper may be, as some refreshing vnto my bo­die, so a special medicine of my soule.

Quicken and raise vp in me by this blessed Sacrament a continual remembrance of thy bitter passion, make me to retaine the same firme­lie and fresh in my minde, and shew it foorth 1. Cor. 11, verse. 26., as an onelie and suffici­ent ransome of my redemption, vn­til thou returnest.

Let me neuer doubt of the for­giuenes of my sinnes, which thou assurest me of by thy bodie & blood, in thine holy couenant Matth. 26, vers. 26, &c. Luke. 22, vers. 19, &c., concluded in thy last supper, by the breaking of bread, and giuing foorth the cup to thy chosen Disciples, and by them [Page 349] to as manie as are incorporated in­to thy Church through Baptisme:

That as often as Satan assaileth vs, with his deadlie tentations, we may runne to our sanctuarie, as it were to a strong anchor of defence, apprehending the promise ratified by the seale of this couenant, and neuer giue ouer in fight but stil be refreshed with newe virtue from a­boue; nor breake our harts through the consideration of sundrie misfor­tunes which the vngrateful worlde by the instinct of their capitaine the Diuel, woulde bring vpon vs, but calling into minde thy death, into the which we are baptized, may es­cape from al calamities;

So that no tribulation, Rom. 8, 35 nor an­guish, nor persecution, neither hun­ger, nor nakednes, neither perils,38. nor sworde, neither death, neither life may separate vs from our head, wherevpon being made fast by this holie Sacrament receaued, we, as li­uing members doe depende;

And finallie may knowe that we are fed and refreshed by thy flesh and pretious blood, that washed therewith we should not hereafter [Page 350] giue our selues to carnal pleasures, nor feede vpon the leauen of ma­lice and wickednes, but resisting them, liue in al sinceritie & truth 1. Cor. 5, 8., as it becommeth such as doe eate of the immaculate Paschal lambe, whose life is hid with thee Colo. 3, 3., but when thou shalt be reuealed, then4. shal we also appeare in glorie.

For this blessed meate doth true­lie witnes that our bodies, sprinkled with the virtue of thy quickening flesh, as it were with celestial dewe, shal rise againe vnto immortalitie, and euerlasting glorie.

Wherefore giue grace, that al thy Saints participating of the bread of eternal life, may be replenished with the fruition of thy blessed sight for euermore in thy celestial paradise,

Amen.

Another thankesgiuing af­ter the receipt of the holie Communion.

I Thank thee, O Christ lambe of God, for of­fering thy selfe vpon the altar of the crosse to thy father an offe­ring [Page 351] Ephe. 5, 2. and a sacrifice of a sweete smelling sauor to God, for our sinnes to reconcile vs vnto him: for cer­taintie whereof, and confirmation of our faith, thou hast instituted on our behalfe this holie Sacrament of thy supper; that as often as we re­ceiue the same, we may celebrate thy memorie 1. Cor. 11, verse. 26., and with thankes­giuing remember the merite and frute of thy passion.

I beseech thee by thy bitter death, stir vp our minds, that by often re­ceiuing this thine ordinance and institution, we may consider howe bitter a death thou didst suffer on our behalfe, and how great the loue was, which draue thee to take so cruel and shameful a death to saue vs: and withal continuallie yeelde, as we are bounde, hartie thanks vn­to thee for the same, and after the like sort, answere to our power, that vnspeakeable good wil by our good life, and careful obseruation of thy commandements: and may, when, either through frailetie of our flesh Galat. 6, 1., or by any other fault preuen­ted, we sinne, runne by and by vnto thee by repentance, and, through [Page 352] consideration of this new and eter­nal couenant touching the remissi­on of sinnes, made with vs, be erec­ted and vpholden vnto a liuelie and constant hope.

O sweete Iesu, grant, that, being fast linked vnto thee by this holie mysterie, I may receaue power and strength from thee, beleeuing thy promises, and be wholie addicted therevnto without any doubting, that so my conscience, in feare and trobles, may haue perfect consola­tion.

Suffer me not to be separated from the members of thy bodie, which is the Church, whereof thou art head Ephe. 1, 22. 23., fulfilling al in al, but grant, that abiding in thy word and kingdome, I may be without fault in the foundation, & without sinne against my conscience, and walke worthie this Sacrament, forsaking vtterlie and renouncing the Diuel, and al Idolatrie, al vices and carnal desires 1. Pet. 2, 11. Galat. 5, 17. Rom. 13, 14., which fight against the soule. For we cannot be partakers of the Lordes table, and of the Di­uels to 1. Cor. 10, verse. 21..

Make me also to remember that [Page 353] by this sacrament I am bound to do good vnto others.

For as manie graines of corne do make one loafe; and manie grapes make one wine: so being manie yet are we but one loafe 1. Cor. 10, verse. 17., and one bo­die, inasmuch as we al participate of one bread, and drinke of one cup.

Ioine vs therfore together, O Sa­uior of the world, at this common banquet through the band of loue, that we may be fastened vnto thee our head. That, as thou diddest die for vs, so we againe may not feare to suffer, and to giue our liues for the glorie of thy name, that we neuer be separated from thee, neither in life, nor death Rom. 8, 38.

Make vs also hartilie to loue one another like the true and liuelie members of thy bodie 1. Cor. 12, vers. 17, &c., that, if need require, we may giue our liues for our brethren 1. Ioh. 3, 16.

Suffer not concord of mindes to be broken. For hee that receiueth the mysterie of vnitie Augustine., and keepeth not the bond of peace, he doth not receaue the mysterie for himselfe, but a testimonie against himselfe.

Giue grace therefore, that laieng [Page 354] aside al wrath Coloss. 3, vers. 8, & 13., fiercenes, malici­ousnes, and enuie, we may forgiue one another, euen as thou forgiuest vs; and beare one with another for the better auoiding of strife, di [...]fen­sion [...]. Cor. 11, vers. 16, &c., sectes, and pernicious here­sies.

Keepe this thine ordinance and right vse of thy Sacrament among vs euermore, that this good worke, and diuine ceremonie, may alwaies be a note, and badge of our publike profession, whereby we are knowne from Pagans: and tokens of loue, confession, and thankefulnes.

Remooue awaie al abuses and prophanations of this holie and sa­cred supper, together with the hor­rible and Idolatrous adorations in­uented by Satan and his mem­bers, to the shameful deforming of thy godlie and goodlie institution, but maintaine I humblie beseech thee, the true and vnpolluted vse thereof, til thy pleasure is to returne in the cloudes to iudgement with great power and glorie Mark. 13, verse. 26. Luk. 21, 27., that it ne­uer be out of remembrance.

And last of al at our resurrection from death, appoint vs places in thy [Page 355] heauenlie table, where we may taste the new wine in the kingdome of thy father Matth. 26, verse. 29., abiding with thine e­lect Mark. 13, verse. 20., Angels Mark. 8, 38, and blessed Saintes for euermore,

Amen.

A praier for the Sick.

O Almightie and mer­ciful God, Father of our Lord Iesu Christ, which through cor­poral diseases both puttest me in minde of my mortali­tie, and also callest to repentance. For thou wilt not the death of a sin­ner Eze. 33, 11., but that he conuert, and liue:

Vnto thee doe I crie, O Lorde, re­buke me not in thine anger Psal 6, 1., nei­ther chastise me in thy wrath; haue mercie on me, O Lorde, for I am2. weake; O Lorde, heale me, for my3. bones are vexed.

My soule is also trobled verie4. sore; but Lorde, how long wilt thou delaie? Returne, deliuer my soule; O saue me, for thy mercies sake.

Heale me, O Lord Ier. 17, 14., and I shal be whole; saue thou me, and I shal be saued: For thou art my praise.

[Page 356]Thou hast wounded, and thou wilt heale me; thou hast strooken, and thou wilt cure; thou dost kil, and restore to life againe.

Wherfore if this my sicknes be not vnto the death, helpe me vpon the bed of my sorow Psal. 41, 3.. Turne the whole palat of my weaknes into ioie.

Maie it please thee, O Lorde, to deliuer me out of the myre. For the graue wil not acknowledge thee, nor death confesse thee: but the li­uing, I saie the liuing wil extol thee for euermore.

O Lorde, heale me, that I may praise thee al my life long, through my Sauior,

Amen.

Another praier for the Sick.

O Christ Iesu, Sonne of the liuing God, our Redeemer, and our Mediator for euer­more, in our weake flesh thou wentest about the earth preaching Mat. 4, 23. the glad tydings of the kingdome touching the forgiuenes of our sinnes, and curing euerie sick­nes, [Page 357] and euerie disease among the people.

For thou hast truelie taken vpon thee our infirmities Esai. 53, 4., and borne our paines. For where sinne aboun­ded, there thy grace did more abound Rom. 5, 20. Wherfore I praie, & most humblie beseech thee, be merciful vnto me Psal. 41, 4., heale my soule. For I haue sinned against thee; strengthē it by the sweete comfort of thy Gos­pel; and confirme my faith: then, if it be thine heauenlie pleasure, re­store health vnto my weake bodie.

If thou wilt, thou canst make me cleane; onelie doe but speake the worde Matt. 8, 8., and I shal be healed.

For it is not herbes Wis. 16, 12., nor plasters that restore health: but thy worde, O Lord, which healeth al things. It is thou, Lord, which hast the power13. both of life and death; thou leadest vnto deaths doore, and bringest vp againe.

But, if it be more expedient for me to die, than to liue, then deale with me according to thy wil Tob. 3, 6., O Lord, and commande my spirit to be receaued in peace; the which I commende into thine hands Ps [...] ▪ 31, 5., thou [Page 358] hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth, which liuest and raignest with the Father, and the holie Ghost, one God for euermore,

Amen.

Another praier for the Sick.

O Eternal God, which art ful of cōpassion Psa 86, 15., and mercie, slowe to anger, and great in kindnes; thou forgi­uest our falts Psal. 32, 1., couerest our sinnes, and dost not impute our iniquities2. vnto vs:

Vnto thee doe I bende my praier, beseeching thee to pardon al my sinnes Psa. 103, 3., and to heale al mine infir­mities. Saue my life from destructi­on, and compasse me about with4. mercie, and louing kindnes.

For thou art the God of my sal­uation Psal. 9, 10. Psal. 28, 7., mine helper, in thee hath mine hart trusted. Despise not the workes of thine owne hands Psa. 138, 8., nei­ther suffer him to perish whom thou hast created, and redeemed.

O Christ, lambe of God Ioh. 1, 29., which takest awaie the sins of the world, [Page 359] and washest vs from al our offences by thy pretious blood Reuel. 1, 5., encrease my faith Luk. 17, 5., that firmelie I may ap­prehende the saluation promised. Blesse thou my soule at hir depar­ture from the bodie, that euermore I may reioice with thee.

And, holie Ghost, eternal God, which art the best Comforter Ioh. 14, 16. in al extremities, be thou present, I be­seech thee, at the houre of my26. death, and impart thy sauing health vpon me, that mine hart doe not faint, nor be trobled,

Amen.