A Preparatory Office For the H. COMMUNION.
THe nearest and most solemn Intimacy and Communion we have with God in this World, is exhibited to us in the Blessed Eucharist; that is to say, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, wherein (according to our Church-Catechism) the Body and Bloud of Christ, are verily, and indeed taken, and received by the Faithful; and hence it is called by St. Paul, 1 Cor. 10.16. The Communion of his Body, and the Com [...] nion of his Bloud; so that by a du [...] [...] worthy Participation hereof, we are re [...] [...] [...] corporated into Christ; we dwell in Ch [...] [...] Christ in us; we are made One wi [...] [...] and Christ with us: In regard of [...] [Page 2]liable Priviledge, as well as the great danger which attends the contrary, now especially we are to heed our selves in our Addresses to it, being careful to perform all Devotional Acts of Worship and Piety, which may conduce to a good acceptable Celebration of so Divine a Mystery: St. Paul hath comprehended them all under this One Word and Duty of Examination, 1 Cor. 11.28. which includes more than we can readily conceive: I shall not inlarge upon those Graces of Faith, Repentance, and Charity, about which it should be chiefly conversant; but, do immediately proceed to those Preparatory Acts of Devotion, which should be exercised in order to a due Reception of this Blessed Sacrament.
I begin then, as you should in this, and all other Duties of Religion, In the Name of God; and Exhort, that having received Notice from God's Priest of a Communion to be Celebrated the next Sunday, you forthwith set your self to [...]is great Work, of fitting your self for a right [...]cipation thereof. Whatever you do, let [...] [...]er and anon be uppermost in your [...] [...]ts that whole Week, reflecting on your [...] Estate, and specially on that Time, [...] hath lent you from your last Re [...] [...] [...]hat Graces you have Improved? [...] omitted? What Sins committed? [Page 3]And out of a hearty Resentment of them, breath forth these, or the like pious Ejaculations:
Adding these two Collects to your Private Devotions, both at Morning and Evening, that whole Week.
ALmighty God, who of thy tender Mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ, to suffer Death upon the Cross for our Redemption; and didst institute, and in thy Holy Gospel command us to continue a perpetual Memory of that his precious Death, until his Coming again: Hear me, most merciful Saviour, I most humbly beseech Thee, and make my Groanings, my Desires after this Holy Sacrament, answerable to my needs of it: But oh Lord! How shall such a Wretch as I da [...] to approach thy Holy Table? I am a [...] How shall I presume to take the C [...] [...] Bread? I have often trampled those [...] things under foot, either carelesly ne [...] or unworthily receiving those H [...] [...] ries! O Lord, my horrible Guil [...] [...] [Page 4]me tremble to come, and yet makes me not dare to stay away; for, Where shall this polluted Soul be washed, but in this Fountain opened for sin, and for uncleanness? Hither then I come; and Thou hast promised, that him that cometh to Thee, Thou wilt in no wise cast out: Grant me therefore, Gracious Lord, so to eat the Flesh of thy Dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his Bloud; that my sinful Body may be made clean by his Body, and my Soul washed through his most Precious Bloud. Amen.
I Will not presume to come to thy Table, O Merciful Lord, trusting in my own Righteousness, but in thy manifold and great Mercies declared unto Mankind in our Lord Jesus Christ; for whose sake, give me, I pray Thee, such a Preparation of Soul, as may qualifie me for a worthy Approach thereunto; To this end, make me heartily sensible of my Sins and Unworthiness; raise up my dull and earthy Mind from groveling here below, and inspire [...] with a Holy Zeal to seek those things that [...] [...]bove: Let that infinite Love of Christ in [...] for so wretched a Sinner, inflame my [...] [...]nd kindle in me that Sacred fire of Love [...] [...]ain, and to all those whom He hath [...] Command and Example to Love, [...] well as Friends, and that for his [Page 5]sake: Cloath me, O Lord in the Wedding Garment; and make me, though of my self, a most unworthy, yet by thy Mercy, an acceptable Guest at Thy Table; that I may not eat or drink my own Damnation, but Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Having thus recommended your self unto God in your private Retirements: I do earnestly exhort you to frequent the publique Prayers of the Church: (nothing but a charitable, or some very urgent occasion can now, or indeed should at any time excuse you;) and to attend them with all possible Devotion: Heed your self, this Week especially, your Thoughts, Words and Actions, that they be not wicked nor vain; or if at any time they should, that you forthwith recall and check your self thus,
I Said, I will take heed to my ways, that I offend not in my Tongue! O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so ma [...] and great Dangers, that by reason of the f [...] ty of our Nature, we cannot always stand [...] right; grant to me such strength and Prote [...] on, as may support me in all Danger [...] carry me through all Temptations [...] Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Page 6]Set apart the Friday of every such Week as a Day of Holy Fasting and Abstinence, rising Earlier than usually, if your Health will permit you, at Five of the Clock.
When you Awake, Pray,
LIghten mine eyes, O Lord, that I sleep not in Death.
Then meditate upon, and acknowledg Gods goodness for Preserving you the last Night, who might, and deservedly too, have Suffred Death to Seize on you whilst Sleeping, and hurryed you hence to render an account of what you have done in the flesh: the result of which, will be to Think. How (on the Supposal of this Dreadful Surprize) you were Prepared; and to Conclude,—
And then humbly commending your self to God, Say,
[...]Nto thy hands, O Lord, I commend this Day my soul and my Body, beseeching [...]ee to be ever with me, to direct, sanctifie [...]overn me in the ways of thy Laws, and [...] works of thy commandments; that [...] thy most mighty protection both[Page 7] "here and ever, I may be preserved both in Body and Soul, to serve Thee the only True God, through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.
After which; Presently Arise: and at your Up-rising; Say,
JN the name of God; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; Amen. Blessed be God, the Holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever, Amen.
I Arise from my Bed to Glorify Him; He, of his infinite mercy, Bless and Keep me this Day, and for evermore; Amen.
I Laid me down, and slept, and rose up again, for the Lord hath Sustained me.
At your Apparrelling; Say,
CLoath me, O Lord, with the Ornaments of thy heavenly Grace; and Cover me with the Robes of Righteousness. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ; and make no provision for the flesh, to fullfil the lusts thereof.
At the Washing of your Hands, say,
WAsh me clean, O Lord, from my [...]edness; and Cleanse me from my [...] Amen.
Supposing you thus Apparralled [...] by Six of the Clock; Tis tim [...] [...] [Page 8]retire your self, to your ordinary Morning Prayers, which I would advise you, e're you Kneel down, to begin with Prostration thus,
At the Name of Jesus, God blessed for ever, let every Knee Bowe, both of things in Heaven, things in Earth, and things under the Earth; Glory be to Thee O Lord most High.
Then upon Your Knees, Say:
GOd be in my Head and in my Ʋnderstanding, that I may know in this my Day the things which do concern my everlasting peace.
God be in my Eyes and in my Seeing, that they may alwayes be looking up to thy Mercy-Seat, and that they be not as so many Casements to let in Vanity.
God be in my Mouth and in my Speaking, to guard and fence it from Idle Words, and that it may at no time be a Door to let out Folly.
God be in my Ears and in my Hearing, [...]t they may be always open to sound and [...]lsom Counsels, and deaf to corrupt and [...] Communications.
[...] be in my Heart and in my Thinking, [...] [...]erve it from being a sink of Unclean [...] [...] that it may never be suffered either [...], or deceive others.
[Page 9]God be at my End and my Departing, that so my Death may be precious in the sight of the Lord, with whom I pray that I may live for Evermore; Amen.
And so,
Adding, Our Father, &c.
My Voice shalt Thou hear betimes, O Lord; early in the Morning will I direct my Prayer unto Thee; and I will look up.
As it was in the Beginning, is now, &c.
Psal. xcv. O Come let us sing unto the Lord; &c.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
After which, read One or more of Davids's Psalms in order; Beginning with the First, and so onward, concluding each Psal. with
Glory be to the Father, &c.
[Page 10]Then a Chapter out of the Proverbs of Solomon, or the New Testament: and after that,
We Praise Thee O God, &c.
Or,
*Especially in the Holy Time of Lent.O All ye Works of the Lord, Bless, &c.
Or,
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, &c.
Goncluding the Two last of these Hymns with Glory be to the Father, &c.
Then the Creed, I Believe in God, &c. After which Kneel and Pray,
Our Father, &c.
Blessing, and Honour and Glory, and Power be unto him that Sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever, Amen.
GLory be to God on high; on earth Peace; good Will amongst Men; I Praise Thee; I Bless Thee; I Worship Thee; I Glorify Thee; I give thanks to Thee for thy great Glory [...]nd Goodness, O Lord God, Heavenly [...]g, God the Father Almighty: For thy Son Jesus Christ manifested in the Flesh to destroy the works of the Devil; and who is the fountain of all those mercys both Spiritual and Temporal so freely and plentifully bestowed on me thy most unworthy Creature;[Page 11]particularly that thou hast protected me this last Night from all perills ghostly and bodily, and brought me to see the light of another Day, whereas thou mightest justly have suffered me to sleep in death by reason of those manifold and hainous sins wherewith I have from time to time offended thy Divine Majesty. I have sinned! and what shall I say unto Thee, O thou Preserver of Man? I have left undone those things which I ought to have done; and I have done those things which I ought not to have done; and there is no health in me: But thou O Lord, Have mercy upon me a most miserable offender! Oh Thou, who desirest not the Death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wickedness and Live, Have mercy upon me. Spare and Restore me, who do here in all humility confess my faults, and do desire to be Penitent for them. Have regard to thy Blessed Son who is our Advocate with Thee, O Father, and the Propitiation for all our sins; for whose sake mercifully Grant unto me true Repentance, and the assistanc [...] of thy Holy Spirit, which may teach and [...]able me to please Thee hereafter in all g [...] things, to deny ungodliness and wordly [...] and to live Godly and soberly in this pr [...] World, that so at last I may come to [...] [...]ternal joy, through Jesua Christ [...] Amen.
[Page 12]ALmighty God our heavenly Father, who of thy Great mercy hast promised Forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty Repentance and true Faith turn unto Thee; Have mercy upon me, Pardon and Deliver me from all my sins; Confirm and Strengthen me in all Goodness, and bring me unto everlasting Life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought me to the beginning of this Day; Preserve me in the same, and all other Dayes of my Life from all sin and Danger; and by thy Gracious Governance, dispose all my Thoughts, Words and Actions this Day to thy Glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
MOst Gracious God, I humbly beseech thee, as for this Kingdom in General, so especially for Him, who is the Supreme Governour thereof: O Lord, Grant the King [...] long Life, that his Years may endure, as ma [...] Ages; furnish him with safe and wise Coun [...] and give him an heart of Courage and [...] [...]ancy to pursue them; Oh! Prepare thy [...]ing Mercy and Faithfulness for him, that [...] preserve him; Let thy Name O God [...] defend him; send him help from thy [Page 13] Sanctuary, and strengthen him out of Sion: And let us his Servants under Thee, see with joy that Thou helpest thine Anointed, and that Thou wilt hear him from thy holy Heaven, even with the wholsom strength of thy Right Hand; so will we alwayes sing Praises unto thy Name through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
BLess, O Lord, the Queens Majesty, the Duke of York; and all the Royal Family; Prosper them with all Happiness, and make them all Instrumental to the furtherance of thy Glory in this World, and bring them to thine Everlasting Kingdome in the World to Come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
GIve Grace O Heavenly Father to all Bishops and Curates; especially to Him whom by thy good Providence thou hast appointed my Spiritual Pastor and Guide; Grant that I may reverence his Person, and hav [...] regard to his good and wholesome Counsell [...] so that by him I may be conducted, and [...] [...]ther with him enter into thine Eterna [...] [...] through Jesus Christ, Amen.
O God the Creator and preserve [...] mankind, I beseech thee for [...] [Page 14]conditions of Men, and especially for thy Holy Catholique Church, that one Faith may be Ʋniformly professed as thy Church is and can be but one; purge it from all Atheism, Heresy, and Schism; and grant that all they who do profess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and hold the Faith in unity of Spirit, in the bond of Peace, and in Righteousness of life, through him who is the only head over all things to his Church, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
O God of Mercy's and Father of Comforts, have Mercy, and comfort all those who are any wayes Afflicted or Distressed in Mind, Body or Estate; Relieve them according to their several necessities, give them Patience under their sufferings, and an happy issue out of all their Afflictions, for Jesus Christ his Sake, Amen.
GRacious Lord, bless all those who are near or dear unto me, and make them near and dear to thine own self: All my Kindred, [...]re insert [...]est Re [...] All other my Friends, Acquaintants & Benefactors particularly, [...]arti [...] [...]hom Forgive me and them all our sins, and continue us thy servants in life and death, Amen.
[Page 15]To these, or the like, your Morning Prayers, subjoyn on every such fasting day, the two Collects for preparation for the Communion above written, and the cxliij. Psal. still kneeling:
Hear my Prayers O Lord, and consider my desire, &c.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
Conclude all with,
The Lord fulfil the desires and Petitions of thy Servant, as may be most expedient for me: The Lord bless me, and keep me: The Lord lift up the light of his Countenance upon me, and give me Peace both now and ever-more. Amen.
Arising from Prayer, you must presently set your self to recollect your Life past, especially since you last received by that Catalogue of sins set down in the whole duty of man, or, by that (which is more concise) at the latter end of that most excellent Manuel of Bishop Andrews, pag. 82. of his Directions for the Sick; reading it consideringly over; and at every particular, ask your Soul, whether you are guilty of that sin [...] and commit to writing those Sins you disco [...] your self guilty of, with their respective ag [...] [...]vations, viz. If they were committed [...] knowledg, or on mature deliheration, or [...] the resistances of Conscience, &c.
I suppose this duty of self examina [...] [...] [Page 16]cated by the Apostle, 1 Cor. xj. 28. and most necessary to this great work, dispatch'd by nine a Clock, when taking the paper in your hand, humbly prostrating your self, say,
The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his Fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the Purisication of the Sanctuary.
Then kneel and pray, Psalm cxxxth.
Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord, &c.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
O God to whom Vengeance belongeth, O God to whom Vengeance belongeth, shew thy self, but let it be in pity and compassion to thy wretched and unworthy Servant, who in all humility confess my self a Wicked and Sinful Creature. I acknowledg those sins, which if I would, I cannot hide from thee, my sins of Pride and Vain-Glory, of Hatred and Envy, of Gluttony and Wantonness; I accuse my self of my wicked desires and thoughts which I have conceived [...] these marks [...] recourse to [...]s noted in [...]er. of my wanton and evil words which I have spoken [...] these marks [...] recourse to [...]s noted in [...]er. of my naughty and ungodly deeds which I have committed [...] these marks [...] recourse to [...]s noted in [...]er.; I acknowledg and bewail these [...] [...]old sins and wickednesses, which I from[Page 17]time to time most grievously have committed by thought, word, and deed against thy divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against me. I do earnestly repent and am heartily sorry for these my misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous [...]o me, the burden of them is intollerable. Have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, most merciful Father, for thy Son Jesus Christ's sake, forgive me all that is past; and grant, that I may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of Life, to the honour and glory of thy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Forgive me my sins, O Lord; forgive me the sins of my Age, and the sins of my Youth; the sins of my Soul, and the sins of my Body; my Secret and my Whispering sins; my Presumptuous and my Crying sins; the sins that I have done to please my self, and the sins that I have done to please others.
Forgive me my Wanton and idle sins; forgive me my serious and deliberate sins; forgive me those sins which I know, and those sins which I know not; the sins which I have laboured [...] long to hide from others, that now I have [...] hid them from my own memory: Forgive [...] them, O Lord! Forgive them all; of th [...] [...] mercy let me be Absolved from all my [...] and of thy bountiful goodness, let [...] [...] vered[Page 18]from the bands of those sins, which by my frailty I have committed; Grant this, O Heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ his sake, our Blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Adding this short Litany, and the following Prayers.
O God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy upon me a most miserable sinner!
O God the Son, Redeemer of the World, have mercy upon me a most miserable sinner!
O God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father, and the Son, have mercy upon me a most miserable sinner!
O Holy, Blessed and Glorious Trinity, Three Persons, and one God; Have mercy upon me, a most miserable sinner!
Remember not Lord mine offences, nor the offences of my fore-Fathers, neither take thou Vengeance of my sins: Spare me, good Lord, [...]re thy Servant whom Thou hast Redeemed [...] thy most precious Blood, and be not an [...] with me for ever. Spare me, Good Lord.
[...] all evil and mischief, from sin, from the [...] assaults of the Devil, from thy wrath, [...] [...]verlasting Damnation, Good Lord Deliver me.
[Page 19]From all blindness of Heart, from Pride, Vain-Glory and Hypocrisie; from Envy, Hatred and Malice, and from all Uncharitableness, Good Lord Deliver me!
From Fornication and all other deadly sin; and from all the deceits of the World, the Flesh, and the Devil, Good Lord Deliver me!
From, &c. [Here insert those sins of which you have found your self guilty, and wrote in the paper,] Good Lord Deliver me!
From hardness of Heart; from Contempt of thy Word and Commandment; from any evil thought which may assault and hurt my Soul, Good Lord Deliver me!
From all Adversities which may happen to the Body; from noysome and infectious Diseases, and from sudden death, Good Lord Deliver me!
By thine Agony and Bloody Sweat; by thy Cross and Passion; by thy precious Death a [...] Burial, and by thy Victorious Descention in [...] Hell, Good Lord deliver me!
By thy Glorious Resurrection and [...] on; and by the wonderful coming of [...] Ghost, Good Lord Deliver [...]
[Page 20]In all time of my Tribulation, in all time of my Wealth, in the hour of Death, and in the [...]ay of Judgment, Good Lord Deliver me.
I who am a most miserable sinner, do beseech thee t [...] hear me, O Lord God; to keep and strengthen me in the true worshiping of Thee; and to give me Grace to serve thee in Righteousness and Holiness all the days of my Life, I beseech Thee to hear me, Good Lord.
That it may please Thee to be my Defender and Keeper, giving me the Victory over the World, the Flesh, and the Devil, I beseech thee to hear me, Good Lord.
That it may please Thee to endue me with true knowledg of thy Word; with Grace, Wisdom, and Understanding, I beseech Thee to hear me, Good Lord.
That it may please Thee to give me increase of Grace, to hear meekly thy Word, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, I beseech thee to hear me, Good Lord.
That it may please Thee to give me an heart [...]ve and Dread Thee, and diligently to live [...] Commandments, I beseech thee to hear me, Good Lord.
[...] may please Thee to strengthen me [...]nd; to comfort, and help me when I[Page 21]am weak-hearted; to raise me up when I fall; and finally to beat down Satan under my feet, I beseech Thee to hear me, Good Lord.
That it may please Thee to succour, help, and comfort me, when I am in danger, necessity and Tribulation, I beseech thee to hear me, Good Lord.
That it may please Thee to give me, as at all times, so now especially, due preparation of mind, that I may worthily participate this holy Sacrament, I beseech Thee to hear me, Good Lord.
To this end may it please Thee to forgive mine Enemies, Persecutors, and Slanderers, and to turn their hearts, I beseech Thee to hear me, Good Lord.
That it may please Thee to give me true Repentance; to forgive me all my sins, negligences, and ignorances; to endue me with a lively and a stedfast Faith, and a sincere Resolution to amend my Life according to thy holy Word, I beseech Thee to hear me, Good Lord.
Son of God, I beseech Thee to hear me.
O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of [...] World, Grant me thy Peace.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the [...] the World, Have mercy upon me.
O Christ Hear me.
Our Father, &c.
Deliver us from Evil, Amen.
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, after thy great Goodness; according to the multitude of thy mercys do away my offences, &c. Psal. lj. [Repeat the whole Psalm kneeling; ending with Glory be to, &c.]
O Lord, I beseech Thee mercifully to hear me; and spare me, and all those who do confess their sins unto Thee, that they whose Consciences by sin are accused, by thy merciful Pardon may be Absolved, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O most mighty God, and merciful Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, who wouldest not [...] Death of a sinner, but rather that he should [...] from his sin, and be saved: Mercifully [...] me my Trespasses, receive and comfort [...] am grieved and wearied with the bur [...] [...]y sins: Thy property is always to have [...] Thee only it appertaineth to forgive [Page 23]sins: Spare me therefore, Good Lord; spare me, spare thy Servant whom thou hast Redeemed; enter not into Judgment with thy Servant, who am vile earth, and a miserable sinner; But, so turn thine anger from me, who meekly acknowledg my vileness, and truly repent me of my faults, and so make hast to help me in this world, that I may live with Thee in the world to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
TUrn thou me, O good Lord, and so shall I be turned; be favourable O Lord, be favourable to thy Servant who turns to Thee in Weeping, Fasting, and Praying: For, thouart a merciful God, full of Compassion, long-suffering, and of great pitty; Thou sparest, when we deserve punishment, and in thy Wrath thinkest upon mercy: Spare thy Servant, good Lord; spare me, and let me not be brought to Confusion! Hear me, O Lord, for thy mercy is great; and after the multitude of thy mercies, look upon me through the Merits and Mediation of thy blessed Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THe Lord bless me, and keep me; th [...] [...] lift up the light of his Countenan [...] [...] me, and give me peace, now and for ev [...] [...] Amen.
[Page 24]The time following to Eleaven of the Clock; you may bestow in dressing, and fitting your self for the publick Prayers of the Church, which then you must by no means fail to be present at. In the mean time, let no sinful thoughts possess your Soul, no vain or idle Communication proceed out of your mouth, but such as may tend to edifying. Examine, exhort, incourage your Servants, or those about you, whom you have commanded, or who purpose to Receive this B. Sacrament with you; and be careful to avoid the Conversation of those who may probably tempt you to sin and vanity.
Returning from Church, or Chappel about Twelve of the Clock, Humble your self again before God, and Pray,
Our Father, &c.
Deliver us from evil. Amen.
Then the xxxij. Psalm. Still upon your knees.
Blessed is he whose unrighteousness is forgiven, and whose sin is covered, &c.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive th [...]s of all them that are penitent; Create, [...] [...]e in me a new and contrite heart, that I [...] lamenting my sins, and acknowledging [...] [...]chedness, may obtain of thee, the [Page 25]God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and most merciful Father, who for my many and grievous Sins committed against thee, since the last solemn time of my Humiliation and Repentance, mightest most justly have cut me off in the midst of my days; But, in the multitude of thy mercies hast hitherto spared me: Accept, I most heartily beseech thee, mine unfeigned sorrow for all my former transgressions; and grant that I may never so presume of thy mercy, as to despise the riches of thy goodness, but that thy forbearance and long suffering may lead me to Repentance and amendment of my sinful life, to thy honour and glory, and my final Acquittance and Absolution at the last day, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the Name of God; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.
I who am a wretched Sinner, here personally appearing, and prostrate unto the Majesty of the Great and dreadful God, and in the presence of his Holy Angels; having in remembrance the exceeding mercies of his great Goo [...] [...] Here Throw your self [...] the Ground. [Page 26]wards me, as in manifold instances, so especially in this; that in the day of my Christ'ning, I was so happily and holily Vowed and Dedicated unto God, to be his Child, and to live in his continual Service; and that contrary to the profession which was then made in my name, I have so many and sundry times so grievously violated my vows, and profaned my sacred promises, and employed my Soul to the service of the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. At length recalling my self, and with all lowliness and devotion, casting my Soul and Body prostrate before the dreadful Throne of his Justice, do acknowledg, confess, and yeild my self a miserable wretched Sinner, guilty of that Death and Passion which Christ once suffered for me upon the tormenting Cross: But turning my self to the Throne of his infinite mercy, and with all my might and force from the very Deep of my heart, detesting the iniquities of my fore-pass'd Life, I most humbly beg and crave pardon for the same, with an entire Absolution from all my sins, e [...] for the precious Death and Passion sake of [...] Lord and Saviour, unto whom I promise [...] [...]onfirm again, I do avow and solemnly re [...] [...] sacred Profession of loyal service and [...] which was made in my behalf unto him [...] [...]ly Baptisme, renouncing unfeignedly [...] of this wicked World, the lusts of[Page 27]the Flesh, and the suggestions of the Devil; and converting my self to my most gracious and merciful God: I desire, deliberate, purpose, and fully resolve to honour him, serve him, and obey him for ever hereafter; giving and dedicating to him for this end, the faculties of my Soul, and the members of my Body, to be his faithful, loyal, and obedient Subjects and Servants for ever; without unsaying, revoking, or repenting me of this my holy and sacred promise, or, any part thereof. And, I most humbly beseech Almighty God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost to confirm me in this constant resolution of abandoning these my sins, and living an holy Life: and to accept of this my broken and contrite heart, which he hath promised not to despise, entirely desiring his Fatherly goodness, that as he hath given me a will and desire to purpose, so he would give me strength and grace to perform all holy actions through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LOrd, I pray thee, that thy Grace may always prevent and follow me, and make me continually to be given to all good wor [...] through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LOrd, I beseech thee grant thy S [...] Grace to withstand the temptat [...] [...] the World, the Flesh, & the Devil; an [...] [...] [Page 28]pure beart and mind to follow thee the only true God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive, Receive my humble Petitions; and though I be tied and bound with the chain of my sins, yet let the pittifulness of thy great mercy loose me, for the honour of Jesus Christ our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
O Saviour of the world save me! who by thy Cross and Passion hast Redeemed me: help me, and save me, I beseech Thee O God.
To the King Eternal, the Immortal, Invisible, and only Wise God, who is the ever Blessed and Adorable Trinity, be all Honour and Glory, now, and for ever. Amen.
Having thus ended your mid-day Devotions, review your Catalogue of sins: Fix on that sin, you find your self mostly addicted to; labour for a Godly sorrow, and relentings of heart on the sight of it; resolve against all future perpe [...]tions of it, carefully using all remedies which [...]y tend to suppress it: To which purpose, [...] [...]ine your self concerning those occasions [...] [...]ucements which lead you to it, and pro [...] [...]ell as you can against them, noting in [...] [...]k those Occasions and Remidies which[Page 29]reason or experience may prompt you to: As for example.
Suppose your self guilty of Irreverence, or want of Devotion in the service of God: write down, what doth commonly induce you to it, what remedies are most proper to the cure of it. Thus,
- Too much addicting my self to childish an light Deportments at all times; and therefor [...] can hardly remit of them, when I come int [...] Gods Presence.
- 2. Listning too much to the vain Discource, and observing the impertinent Actions of Others.
- 3. Want of Consideration in whose Presenc [...] I am; to wit, of the Great Majesty of Heaven; of that God who, if I doe not reper [...] will strictly call me to an Accompt for tha [...] and all other my sins; &c.
From which Occasions you may eas [...] [...] ceive what remedies to use against it;
- [Page 30]1. To labour for a Grave and modest Carriage of my self considering my Age, quality, Degree; &c.
- 2. To avoid vain and light Persons; or if that may not be done, not heeding them, or seriously rebuking them.
- 3. To entertain all awful and Dreadful Apprehensions of the Great God, who seeth what I doe, and how I comport my self: As also, of the Holy Angels who may truly enough be Believed, from the intimations of the Apostles St. John, Revel. viii. and St. Paul, 1 Cor. xi. 10. to be present at Holy Mysterys. To these may be added
- 4. Lifting up my Eyes to Heaven; or, fixing them on the Preist; not in the least letting them loose on whatever objects may present themselves.—These I then Resolved to consider, and practise; and will therefore frequently Read them over:
Even soe, Amen: Lord, Let thy Grace be [...]fficient for me! Lead me not into Temptation; [...] Deliver me from evil. Amen.
[...] Kneeling down, Pray for Devotion; [...] any other Grace, the contrary sin [...] you have now found your self guilty [Page 31]of, and Resolved against. You will find Prayers to this purpose at the latter-end of this Book: As for Devotion; Thus,
MOst Great God, who hast not only permitted, but invited us needy and miserable Creatures to present our Petitions to Thee: Oh! let me set a true value on this most inestimable priviledge. I come unto Thee, O Lord, as a Worm to my sovereigne Maker; I come as an heinous offender to a just and severe judge: Let I pray Thee my Addresses in thine House be with a Reverence someway answerable to thine awful Majesty; Give me an hearty desire to pray, and such a pure intention and sixedness of mind upon Thee, that I may no more incur the Guilt of Drawing nigh unto Thee with my Lips, when my heart is far from Thee; But may so Ask, that I may receive; seek, that I may find; knock that it may be opened unto me; that so from praying to Thee here, I may be Translated to the Praising Thee Eternally in thy Glory hereafter, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This exercise being finished about thre [...] [...] the Clock, the time appointed for the Ev [...] [...] service; At your Return from the Churc [...] [...] Chappel, if you have not fully satisfied yo [...] [Page 32]own Conscience, but require further Comfort or Counsell, you are to goe to some Discreet and Learned Minister of Gods word (especially to him under whose Ministry God hath placed you, not being Curious or censorious in your choice as to this particular) and open your Greif by Confession, that so you may receive the benefit of Absolution, together with Ghostly Counsel and advice to the quieting of your Conscience, and the avoiding of all Scruple and Doubtfulness.
This being done, (as it ought to be, with Submission and sobriety) you may with Comfort Retire into your Closet; and upon your Knees, Say,
Our Father; &c,
Deliver us from evill; Amen.
ALmighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the Thoughts of my heart by the Inspiration of thy Holy Spirit; that I may perfectly love thee, and worthily Magnifie thy Holy Name through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then Read, upon your Knees, the Ten Commandments as they are set down in Our Communion Service.
[...] Spake these Words; &c. after each Com [...]dwent; Say,
Lord have mercy upon me; and Incline my heart to keep this Law!
Thou shalt not Covet, &c.
Lord, have mercy upon me; and write all these thy Laws in my heart, I beseech thee.
O Almighty Lord, and everlasting God; vouchsafe, I beseech thee to direct, Sanctifie and Govern both my Soul and Body in the ways of thy Laws, and in the works of thy Commandments, that through thy most mighty Protection, both here and ever, I may be preserved both in Body and Soul, through our Lord, and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Then stand up and heartily repeat your Creed, I believe in God, &c. After which Kneel again, and pray:
Almighty everlasting God, heavenly Father, I give thee humble thanks, that thou hast vouchsafed to bring me to the knowledge of this faith in thee; and do beseech thee, that thou wouldst keep me stedfast in this faith, and evermore defend me from all adversities, who livest and reignest one God World without end. Amen.
[Page 34] OH Christ Hear me! and Remember now that Hour, in which thou didst once Commend thy Blessed Spirit into the hands of thy heavenly Father, when with a Torn Body and a Broken Heart, thou didst shew forth the Bowels of thy mercy, and Dye for us. I beseech thee, O thou Brightness and Image of God, Assist me by this thy most precious Death, that being Dead unto the world, I may live only unto Thee; and at the last hour of my Departure from this mortal Life, I may Commend my Soul into thine hands, and thou mayst receive me into life immortal, there to Reign with thee for ever and ever, Amen.
Grant me, in the mean time, Gracious Lord, a pure intention of heart, and a stedfast resolution to despise all vanity, to fight the Battels of the Lord manfully against the world, the flesh and the Devil, to spend my time religiously and usefully, to speak gracious words, to walk always in thy presence, to preserve my Soul and and Body in holiness fit for the habitation of the Spirit of God; Amen.
[...] Lord, and my God; Give me I beseech [...] wise, a sober, a patient, an understand [...] [...]evout, a religious, a Couragious heart; [...] [...]temperate reins and thoughts; a soul[Page 35]full of Devotion to doe thee Service; and do thou make my services acceptable to thee while I live, and my soul ready for thee, when I Dye, Amen.
O Lord, Increase in me Faith and Devotion, replenish my heart with all Goodness, and of thy Great mercy keep me in the same; Give me true humility in prosperity, patience in adversity, and continual joy in the Holy Ghost. Amen.
O Lord, Give me Spiritual wisdom, that I may discern what is pleasing to thee, and follow what belongs unto my Peace; and let the knowledg and Peace of God, and of Jesus Christ our Lord be my Guide and my portion all the Days of my life: Amen.
O Lord; make me humble to my Superiors, and friendly to my Equals; thankfull to my Benefactors, loving to my Relations, and Charitable to my Enemies; to be Gentle and easily entreated, slow to anger, and readily admonished; fully prepared, and throughly furnished for every Good word and work: Amen.
O Lord; Give me a peaceable Spirit, [...] [Page 36]quiet life free from Debt and deadly Sin; give me Grace to abstain from all appearance of evil, and to doe nothing but what is of good report; to confess Christ and his holy Religion by an holy and obedient life, and a mind ready to dye for him, when he shall call for me; and then, O Lord, Assist me! Amen.
O Lord Jesu! I Give thee my Body, my Soul, my substance, my Fame, my Friends, my Liberty and my Life; Dispose of me, and of all that is mine, as it seemeth best to thee, and to the Glory of thy Holy Name: Amen.
I Am not now Mine; But, Thine: therefore Claim me as thy right, Keep me as thy charge, and love me as thy child: Fight for me, when I am assaulted, heal me when I am wounded, and Revive me when I am destroyed: Amen.
O God, from whom all Good things do come; Grant to me thy humble servant, [...] thy holy Inspiration I may think those [...] that are Good, and by thy mercifull [...] may perform the same, through Jesus [...] Lord; Amen.
[Page 37]GIve me modesty in my Countenance, Gravity in my behaviour, Deliberateness in my Speech, and righteousness in all my Actions: Let thy mercy cleanse me from my Sins; and let thy Grace bring forth in me the fruits of everlasting life: Amen.
O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and Great Dangers, that by reason of the weakness of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Look I beseech thee, on my frailties and Infirmitys; and Grant me such Health of Body, that both in my Soul and Body I may evermore serve thee with all my strength and might; through Jesus Christ our Lord: Amen.
GRant, O Lord, that I may live in thy Fear, Dye in thy favour, rest in thy peace, rise in thy power, reign in thy Glory, for thy only Beloved Son's sake, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
ASsist me mercifully, O Lord, in these and all my Supplications and Prayers and Dispose the way of thy servant toward the attainment of everlasting salvation; [...] [...] mong all the changes and chances of [...] [...] tal life, I may ever be Defended by th [...] [...] [Page 38]Gracious and ready help, through Jesus Christ our Lord: Amen.
GOd the Father bless me! God the Son Defend me! God the Holy Ghost preserve me! God the Holy Trinity be with me, now and for ever more! Amen.
After this apply your self to read some Choice portion of Scripture; particularly, the History of our Saviours passions as in the Gospels for the Holy week: Read, with as much affection and heartiness, as is possible; all along reflecting on his Innocency, and your self, as being one of those Guilty Wretches, for whom he Suffered all this.
And think thus with Your self.
I Have occasioned more torment to Him, then his very Crucifiers; they crucified him Once; but I have as much, as in me lay, cruci [...]ed him Dayly: they crucified him, because [...]y knew him not; but I have known him, and [...]et have still continued thus to crucifie him afre [...].
[...] Meditations, as they should work in [...] Sorrow for our sins past, and a great [...] and a firm resolution against them for[Page 39]the time to come; so likewise should they quicken and stir up our Faith in, our Love of, and our Thankfulness unto Christ, for his so Great Mercy in Redceming us by so dear a Price.
Nor must your Prayers end here; they are not Compleat without Intercessions, nor acceptable without Charity, which is a main requisite to a Worthy Communicant.
At six of Clock therefore betake your self again to Prayer for All Men; for Christ's Holy Catholick Church; and for all, who either by Relation, Acquaintance, or more particular Desire, may claim a share in your Prayers.
Our Father; &c.
Deliver us from Evil; Amen.
ALmighty God, who of thy tender love towards Mankind hast sent thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer Death upon the Cross, that all Mankind should follow the examp [...] of his Great Humility; Mercifully Gra [...] that I may both follow the example of [...] Patience, and also be made partaker of [...] Resurrection, through the same Jesus Chr [...] our Lord, Amen.
ALmighty God, I beseech Thee, [...] to Behold thy Family for which ou [...] [...] [Page 40]Jesus Christ was contented to be Betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer Death upon the Cross; who now Liveth and Reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end, Amen.
ALmighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit, the whole Body of the Church is governed and Sanctified; Receive my Supplications and Prayers which I offer before Thee for all Estates of men in thy Holy Church, that every member of the same, in his Vocation and Ministry, may truly and Godly serve Thee, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.
O Merciful God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor wouldest the Death of a sinner, but rather that he should be Converted and live: Have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, Infidells; and take from them all Ignorance, hardness of [...]eart and contempt of thy Word; and so [...]ch them home, Blessed Lord, that they [...]ay be saved among the Remnant of the [...]rue Israelites, and be made One Flock under [...] [...]aperd Jesus Christ our Lord, who liv [...] [...] [...]eigneth with Thee, and the Holy [...] God world without end, Amen.
[Page 41]ALmighty God, who hast purchased to thy self, an Ʋniversal Church by the precious Bloud of thy Dear Son; mercifully look on that part of it in these Kingdoms, so miserably shattered and distressed. I confess, O Lord, our sins have justly deserved that thou shouldst remove thy Candlestick from us, and by some extraordinary judgment make us a scorn and a By-word to the World; But, I beseech Thee, Reverse those Plagues which we have deserved; and continue those mercys which we have hitherto injoyed, especially the comfort of thy Gospel, and liberty of thy Truth. Oh! Let not our Adversarys, neither Papists, nor Schismaticks ever roar in the midst of our Congregations, and set up their Banners as signs of Victory, and Conquest over us; But sheild and Protect us with thy mercy, that in thy Holy Church we may still Glorify thy Name, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
O God, the unspeakable Authour of the World, Creator of Men, Governour o [...] Empires, and Establisher of all Kingdom [...] who out of the loyns of our Father ABR [...] HAM didst chuse a King, that became the Saviour of all Kings and Nations of the Ear [...] [...] Bless, I beseech Thee, thy Servant [...]nd [...] Dread Sovereign Lord King CHAR [...]S [Page 42]with the richest blessings of thy Grace; and Establish him in the Throne of his Kingdome by thy mighty Aid and Protection: visit him, as thou didst visit Moses in the Bush, Ioshua in the Battel, Gideon in the Feild, Samuel in the Temple: Let the dew of thy abundant mercies fall upon his Head, and give unto him, the Blessing of David and Solomon: Be unto him an Helmet of Salvation against the face of his Enemies, and a strong tower of Defence in the time of Adversity; let his Reign be prosperous, and his Days many: let Peace, and Love, and Holiness; let justice and Truth, and all Christian Vertues flourish in his time; let his People serve him with Honour and Obedience; and let him so duly serve Thee here on Earth, that he may hereafter Everlastingly serve Thee in Heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
I Beseech Thee, O Lord, to Save and Defend all Christian Kings, Princes and Governours; especially thy Servant CHARLES, King, that under him we may be godly and [...]tly governed; and Grant unto his whole [...]ncel, and to all that are put in Authority [...]der him, that they may truly and indiff [...]en [...] Minister Justice, to the punishment of W [...]ck [...]ess and Vic, and to the mainte [...] [...] thy true Religion and Vertue, Amen.
[Page 43]ALmighty God, the God of all mercy, I humbly beseech Thee to pour down the riches of thine abundant Goodness upon the Head of thine Hand-maid our most Gracious Queen KATHERINE, that she being continually beautified with the Royal Ornaments of thy heavenly Grace, may be holy and Devout as HESTER, Loving to the King as RACHEL, fruitful and wise as REBECCA, and Obedient as SARAH; and with long life and glory continuing in her high and Princely estate, she may at the last be brought to the great happiness of thine everlasting estate hereafter, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
ALmighty God, the fountain of all goodness, I humbly beseech Thee to bless the most Illustrious Prince, James Duke of YORK, and all the Royal Family: Endue them with thy Holy Spirit, enrich them with thy heavenly Grace, prosper them with all happiness, and bring them to thine everlasting Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALmighty God, who alone workest great Marvels, Give grace to all Bishops, Priests and Deacons, especially to those under whose Despensations I live: Illuminate them with [Page 44]true knowledge and understanding of thy Word; and grant that by their Preaching and living they may set it forth, and shew it accordingly, and also rightly and duely administer thy holy Sacraments: Grant this for thy Son Jesus Christ his sake, Amen.
O Thou God of Truth, Bring into the way of Truth, all such as have err'd & are deceiv'd! O Thou Father of Comforts, succour, help and comfort all that are in danger, necessity and tribulation; preserve all that travel by land or by water; all women labouring of Child, all sick persons and young Children; shew thy pitty upon all Prisoners and Captives; provide for the Fatherless Children and Widows, and all who are desolate and Oppressed: yea, have mercy upon all men, especially those whom thou hast called to the Knowledg of, and Faith in thy Son Jesus Christ, Amen.
ALmighty God, who hast commanded me to honour my Father and my Mother; Grant me of thy goodness and Grace so to love and honour them, to fear and obey them, to help and to pray for them, as thou in thy holy Word hast directed and charged me to do, that both in their lives and Deaths their Souls may bless me: Give them I pray[Page 45]Thee peace and plenty, Defend them from all dangers both of body and soul; keep them in the stedfastness of thy Faith, and in the obedience of thy holy Commandments: Bless them O Lord, and all other my Relations and Benefactors, make us doubly dear to each other, both in the flesh and in the Lord, and that for our Lord Jesus Christ his sake. Amen.
O God from whom every good and perfect gift proceedeth; Accept my Praise and Thanksgiving which I offer unto thee for all thy Mercys and Benefits from time to time vouchsafed unto me; For my Health, Peace, Liberty, Freinds, and all other Blessings of this Life; For Jesus Christ the Fountain of all; for his Conception, Birth, Circumcision; for his Baptism, Fasting, Temptation; for his Holy and most exemplary Life; for his bitter, cruel, and yet patient and Meritorious Death; for his Victorious Triumphant Desension into Hell; for his Glorious Resurrection and Asension; for the Coming of the Holy Ghost, the Eternal Comforter upon the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost; And from that time, for the constitution of a Catholique and Apostolique Church, which is to Continue to the end of the World. and I beseech that O Lord, Give me that due sense of all thy Mercys,[Page 46]that my heart may be unfeignedly thankful; and that I may shew forth thy Praise not only with my Lips but in my life, by giving up my self unto thy service, and by walking before Thee in Holiness and Righteousness all my Days, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALmighty God, who by thy Holy Apostle hast taught us, not only to make Prayers & supplications; but also to Give thanks for all men: I offer up unto thee most high Laud and humble thanks for all thy wonderful Graces and Virtues which thou hast declared in All thy Saints; cheifly in the Glorious and most Blessed Virgin S. Luke [...] MARY, the Mother of thy Son Jesus Christ; & all others who have Departed this Life with the Seal of Faith, and do now rest in the sleep of P [...]a [...]e; such as were the Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs & Confessors; Holy Virgins, pious Matrons, and 1 Tim. [...].3,—16. Devout Widows, who have washed the feet of the Saints: Beseeching Thee, that we [...]ay still continue in their H. Communion, & enjoy the comfort thereof while we are on earth, fol [...]ving with a glad will and mind their holy Examples of godly living and stedfastness in thy Faith; and that at the last Day we with[Page 47]them, and They with us may attain to the Resurrection of the just, and have our perfect Consummation and Bliss both in Body & Soul in thy eternal and everlasting Glory through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost be Ascribed by us, as it is by Angels and Archangels and the whole Company of Heaven, all Honour and Glory, World without end. Amen.
ALmighty God, who hast promised to hear the Petitions of them that ask in thy Son's Name; I beseech Thee mercifully to incline thine Ears unto me, now that in his Name, I have made my Prayers and Supplications unto Thee; and, grant that those things which I have faithfully asked, according to thy Will, may effectually be obtain'd to the Relief of my Necessity, and to the setting forth of thy Glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THe Peace of God which passeth all understanding; The Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; the virtue of Christ's Blessed Cross and Passion, be with Me now, at the Hour of Death, and in the day of Judgment. Amen.
Thus may you end your Course of Prayers for every Friday, preceding a Communi [...]-Sunday: They are such, I think, as may [...]t your Leisure and Condition; if not, you are[Page 48]prudent enough to leave out, or alter what you see good: I have too all along supposed your Constitution strong enough to hold out such a Fast; if your Health will not bear it, in God's Name, Eat; but, moderately, and let your Food be Mean and Ordinary; such as a Crust of Bread, a little Wine, or a Glass of Small-Beer, &c.
However at Seven of the Clock with chearfulness depart your Closet: let not your Behaviour be without Innocent Alacrity; but, let your special Care be to comport your self at these your Fasts, that they may not (if possible) be taken notice of by any, but your self and God; as being mindful of that Command of our Saviour, St. Mat. vi. 17, 18. Anoint thy Head, and wash thy Face, that thou appear not unto Men to fast: Be sure then, to avoid all Sullenness, and Moroseness; but, give ready and chearful Answers to any that shall demand you.
Thus disposed, you are ready for your Supper by Seven a Clock, which the present Custom and Law of the Church you live in, will not allow to be Flesh; but Fish, Eggs, or some such thing; whereto, notwithstanding your l [...]g Abstinence, you must not let loose your A [...]etite; but Eat more sparingly than at other ti [...]s.
[Page 49]Those few Hours from Supper, to Bed-time, you cannot better bestow than in Reading, or Walking, and Meditating on the particular Exercises of your Fast; examining your self, Whither you have been as Intent, as Devout in the Performance of them as is requisite? And where you have failed, heartily bewail your self to God, Resolving within your self to be more serious and careful for the Time to come. Be frequent and diligent in looking over your Accomptal, observing every Week since you last Communicated, what your Carriage hath been? How you have amended, especially in those Particulars, in which you have formerly taken notice of your Miscarriages, and Vowed Reformation?
Sometime before you retire to your Evening-Prayers, Return to your Closet; and there let your Charity crown your Devotions, [1 Cor. xv. 2.] Setting apart, and Devoting somewhat unto God of what you have to the Relief of his wanting Servants; distributing it, when you see Occasion: In the mean time, Separate it from the rest of your store, and ever after look upon it as Devote, and not to be touched, except to be dispensed to the Poor; when you do thus Consecrate it unto God, use this, or the [...]ke Ejaculation;
WHat I give, O Lord, is of my Own, as thou hast prospered me; if I have wronged any One, I am ready to restore fourfold.St. Luke xix.viii.
O Lord, whose is the Earth, and the fulness thereof; I offer unto Thee, What by thy Gift and Blessing I have, this small Testimony of my Thank-fulness, to be bestowed on those Poor Christians, whom thy Providence shall give me opportunity to Releive: Be thou pleased through the Bloud of my Saviour to accept it, and pardon all my vain Expences. Amen.
Thou art my God; my Goods are nothing unto Thee; All my Delight is upon the Saints that are in the Earth, and upon such as excel in Virtue.
About Ten, or Eleven of the Clock, betake your self to your ordinary Prayers for the Evening; which begin, with this Clause,
O Lord, I do again humbly present my self before Thee; let my Prayers be set forth in thy sight as Incense, and the lifting up of my hands an Evening-Sacrifice, even for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen.
Our Father, &c.
For thine is the Kingdom, &c.
Then Read a Psalm; which conclude with,
Glory be to the Father, &c.
[Page 51]After it, a Chapter out of the New Testament, at the end of which,
Sing unto the Lord a new Song, &c. Psal. xcviii.
Or,
God be merciful unto us, &c. Psal. lxvii;
Concluding either, with
Glory be to the Father, &c.
After which devoutly repeat your Creed,
I Believe in God, &c.
The Lord be with me! Amen.
Our Father, &c.
Deliver us from Evil. Amen.
ALmighty and most merciful Father; but a most severe and just Judge, to all Obstinate and Impenitent Sinners; I acknowledg and bewail my manifold Sins and Wickedness, which I from time to time, most grievously have committed, in Thought, Word, and Deed, against thy Divine Majesty: I have sinned! And what shall I do unto Thee, O Thou Preserver of Man? I have left undone those things which I ought to have done; and I have done those things which I ought not to have done, and there is no Health in me! But, Thou, O Lord, Have Mercy upon me, a mos [...] miserable Offender! Oh! Thou, who desire [...] not the Death of a Sinner, but, rather that he should turn from his Wickedness and live, Have Mercy upon me; spare and restore me,[Page 52]who desire in all humility to confess my Faults, and to be Penitent for them: Have regard to thy Son Jesus Christ, who is our Advocate with Thee, and the Propitiation for all our Sins; for whose sake, Grant me true Repentance, and the Assistance of thy Holy Spirit, to please Thee hereafter in all things, to Teach and Enable me to deny all Ungodliness, and Worldly Lusts, and to live Soberly, Godly, and Righteously in this present Evil World, that so at last, I may come to thine Eternal Joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALmighty God our Heavenly Father, who of thy great Mercy, hast promised Forgiveness of Sins to all them that with hearty Repentance, and true Faith turn unto Thee, Have Mercy upon me; Pardon and deliver me from all my Sins; confirm and strengthen me in all Goodness; And bring me to Everlasting Life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALmighty and Ever-living God, who hast commanded me to Pray for all Men; I [...]mbly beseech Thee, most mercifully to receive these my Prayers which I offer unto thy Divine Majesty; beseeching Thee to inspire continually the Ʋniversal Church, and specially [Page 53]that part of it in these Kingdoms with the Spirit of Truth, Unity, and Concord: Bless him who is Supreme Governour over it, our most Gracious Soveraign Lord K. CHARLS; Treasure up in Him all thy Hidden Blessings, make and keep him a Devoted Servant unto Thee, a Constant Patron of thy Church and Truth; that he may live long, and be full of Honourable Success all his days, in his Person, in his Actions, in his Queen, in the whole Royal Family, in his Servants, in his People; and crowned with Glory after Life: Under him, Bless the whole State Ecclesiastical and Civil; that Righteousness and Peace may kiss each other, and we Serve and Honour Thee for ever. Amen.
O Lord, Bless all the Afflicted Members of the Body of thy Son, wheresoever, howsoever distressed: Send them constant Patience, and speedy Deliverance, as seems best to Thee, and is best for them: And do unto them according to all those Mercies, which I would or should desire thou shouldest shew to my own Soul, if at any time Thou shalt be pleased to make my Estate as theirs is at this present; And, O Lord, Be merciful! Amen.
GRacious God, Bless all the places to which Thou hast made me have any near Reference,[Page 54]every Soul contained in them: All my Friends, Kindred, and Acquaintance; any to whom Thou hast made me any way Beholden, especially my Father, Mother, &c. Lord, I beseech Thee, forgive me and them all our sins, and continue us thy Servants, both in Life and Death. Amen.
ALmighty God, Father of all Mercies, I thine unworthy Servant, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy Goodness, and Loving Kindness bestowed on me: Above all, for the Redemption of the World by our LORD JESƲS CHRIST; in Him, for the means of Grace, and for the Hope of Glory: For all the Blessings of this Life; for thy Creating, and for thy Protection of me all my Days; and particularly, that this Day past thou hast preserved me in my Health, and assisted me in my Devotions or, prospered me in my Affairs.. Give me I beseech Thee, a due Sense of these thy Mercies, and Grace and Power to express it by an Obedience to all thy Commandments. Go on to preserve, and take me into thy Protection this night: Lighten my Darkness, O Lord, and by thy great Mercy Defend me from all Perils and Dangers of this night, for the Love of thy only Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Page 55][Subjoyne to these, or the like your Ordinary Devotions, the Two Coll [...]cts for Preparation to the Holy Communion, which are abovewritten; as also the Cii. Psalm, Hear my Prayer, O Lord, &c. Glory be to the Father, &c. Concluding all with the aforementioned Benediction.]
THe Lord fulfill all the Desires and Petitions of thy Servant, as may be most expedient for me! The Lord bless me, and keep me! the Lord lift up the Light of his Countenance upon me, and give me Peace, both now and for evermore. Amen.
AS you Ʋndress your self, consider that the Time is coming, when your Body must return Naked unto the Dust; and both Soul and Body appear at God's Tribunal, to give an accompt of all Actions done in the Flesh; In the mean time, you must endeavour to cleanse it by Repentance, that God, who is of more pure Eyes then to behold Iniquity, may behold and accept it.
As you enter into your Bed, Say,
IN the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was Crucified upon his Cross, and laid in [...] his Grave for me, I lay me down to rest: He Bless me! and keep me! He save me! and Raise me up again! and bring me at last unto Life Eternal! Amen.
[Page 56] As you betake your self to sleep, Say,
I Will lay me down in Peace, and take my rest; for it is Thou, Lord, only that makest me dwell in safety. Amen.
Have Mercy upon me, O Lord, Now, and at the Hour of Death! Amen.
Preserve me while I am Waking, Defend me while I am Sleeping; that my Soul may continually Watch for Thee, and both Body and Soul may rest in thy Peace for ever. Amen.
Should you in the Night-time lye Awake, Say,
O Lord, Thou hast proved and visited my Heart in the Night-Season, thou hast tried me: O Blessed Father, purge me, that thou mayest find no wickedness in me, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LOrd, give me Grace to make hast, and not to prolong the time to keep thy Commandments; that I may call my own ways to Remembrance, and turn my Feet to thy Testimonies: And then, at Mid-night will I give Thee thanks, because of thy Righteous Judgments, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer. Amen.
In case you are not presently disposed to sleep, devoutly Repeat the Lj. Psalm, [Page 57]which to that purpose, you must be careful to get by heart:
Have Mercy upon me, O God, &c.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
HAving thus ordered your Penitential Devotions on the Fryday; you have the less to do on the Saturday, nothing but to guard your self more strictly against Temptations, that they prevail not upon you; to which purpose, Be much in Reading the Scripture, or some Good Book; particularly The whole Duty of Man; the Third Partition of it concerns the Lord's Supper, which after Evening-Prayer read considerately over, applying every Passage to your self, as being some way or other concern'd in it.
PArt of this Day, you may bestow in Offices of Charity: As, Visiting your sick Freinds, or reconciling your self to any with whom you may have had any Difference, as you shall find occasion; or, as you shall be directed by your Spiritual Guide.
On Sunday-Morning you rise by Six a Clock; and subjoyn to your Morning-Prayers those Two Collects for Prepar [...] tion above mentioned.
After this consider, How you may with due Devotion comport your self at the Holy Altar? [Page 58]and, what are those particular Duties and Graces you are there to exercise? You will find an account of them in the Third Partition of the Whole Duty of Man.
Then examine the State and Temper of your Heart; whither it be Tender, and affectionately disposed to Relentings for your Sins, Purposes against them, and a Resolution for a Holy Life? To humble Reliances, and trust on God in our Saviour's Bloud for Pardon? To Spiritual Joy and Thankfulness? To Good Will towards all men? To Charity, and Liberality? and the like: Otherwise, have an Hearty Desire, and use your utmost endeavour, which will be accepted, to bring it to such a Disposition.
If after all this be done, you have any Spare-Minutes before Church, or Chappel-Time; you would do well to bestow them in Reading over the Communion-Service; by which means you will be able with more Readiness and Devotion, to go along with the Priest in the Publique Ministration of it.
About an Hour before you go forth, Review [...]he Accompt of your sins, noted in your Paper; [...] your Heart go along with the Reading of them, Sorrowing for them, and Resolving against them.
After this, humbly Kneel, and Repeat the LI. Psalm.
Then these following Collects; or as many of them, as you have Time for.
1. O Blessed Jesu, who didst take upon Thee our Nature, and suffer Death upon the Cross for our Redemption; and hast commanded us to continue the Memory of this thy precious Death, till thy Coming again; Oh! Let not the inestimable Benefits of it be frustrated by my manifold and grievous sins; But, inspire my Soul with those Graces which may qualifie me to Receive them tendered unto me in this Blessed Sacrament. O Lord, Thou seest that I have no power of my self to help my self! Oh! Let the pittifulness of thy great Mercy loose me from the Chains of those sins wherewith I am tied and bound; that being thus set at Liberty, I may here with Chearfulness run the ways of thy Commandments and hereafter enter into thy Joy, O Blessed Saviour and Redeemer. Amen.
2. Thou O God, and Saviour, knowest how vile I am, and with what Eagerness I have pursued the Paths that lead unto Everlasting Death! How often hath this Feast been prepared, I lovingly Bidd, and called thereto;[Page 66]but have with frivolous Excuses absented my self? Or, if I have come; I have brought such Troops of thy professed Enemies, Ʋn-repented Sins, along with me, as if, I came not to adore, but to defie Thee; not to Commemorate, but to Renew thy Passion! I am not worthy, O Lord! I am not worthy to come into thy presence; much less, to eat the Flesh of the Sacrificed Lamb: For, my sins, O Blessed Jesu, went along in Confederation with the High Priests, in Treachery with Judas, in Injustice with Pilate, in Malice and Cruelty with the People; Oh! what punishment then shall I be thought worthy of, who have thus trampled under foot the Son of God, and counted the Bloud of the Covenant an Unholy Thing? Where shall I vile Wretch appear, who have put my LORD to Death! Who have crucified to my self the SON of GOD afresh, and put thee to an open shame! Where should I appear, but before my Saviour, who hath loved, and dyed for me, though I have hated, and Murthered him? Thy Bloud, O Jesu, is my only Refuge! Oh! Let the Cry of it speak on my Behalf; and may it speak better things than the Bloud of Abel! Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me, for my Soul trusteth in Thee; and in the clefts of thy Wounds shall be my Refuge until thy Father's [Page 61]Indignation be overpast! Oh Blessed Advocate and Mediatour Intercede for me with thy Father and ours, thy God and ours; and grant, that by the Grace which thou hast found, by the prerogative which thou hast deserved, by the mercy which thou hast purchased for me, as thou hast been partaker of my sufferings and Infirmities, so I by thy Death and Resurrection and by thy infinite gracious Intercession may be made partaker of thy Holyness, and thy glory, even for thy own Merits sake. Amen.
3. O Lord, who hast promised, that if I open my mouth wide, Thou wilt fill it; I pray thee, to open it; and, not my mouth only, but my heart also: Oh! Create in thy servant a great hunger, and thirst after the things of thy Kingdom and the righteousness of it; after all thy holy graces and all the holy ministerys of Grace; that I may long for the Bread of Heaven, thirst after the fountain of Salvation, and as the Hart panteth after the water-Brooks, so my soul may desire Thee, O Lord: Oh! Kindle such an holy flame in my Soul, that it may consume all my sins and cursed affections, that I may never again desile the place which thou hast chosen for thy Temple. Thou diedst, O Dear Jesu, to redeem me from all iniquity; Oh! let me not again[Page 62]sell my self, to work wickedness: I am a sinner, a Greivous one, not worthy to look up to heaven; But be thou pleased to look down into the Dust, and lift up a Sinner from the Dunghil; Let me not perish in my folly, or be consumed in thy heavy displeasure; Give me time and Space to repent; and give me powers of Grace, that as by thy Holy Inspiration I doe Sincerely & fixedly resolve on an intire Reformation, So by thy mercifull Guidance I may faithfully perform the same. Amen.
4. O Thou Great Physitian of Souls; Heal me of those many, and foul Diseases which my Soul groans under; Grant that I may now so Touch thee that every one of those loath-some issues may immediately stanch, that these sicknesses may not be unto Death; but to the Glory of thy mercy in pardoning, to the glory of thy Grace in purifying so polluted a wretch. Oh Christ hear me! Inspire me with an holy Zeal to mortifie my sins, support me with an Holy Hope, confirm me with an excellent and unreproveable [...]aith, and inkindle in me a never failing [...]arity: Let me judg my self, that I be not judged by thee; condemn my self, that I be not condemned with the world: But, Receiving this Holy Sacrament with a penitent heart,[Page 63]and a lively Faith, I may partake the great benefits of it; I may dwell in Christ, and Christ in me; I may be one with Christ, and Christ with me: The Lord be mercifull unto me, and grant this for his own Bowells and Compassions sake. Amen.
Then these Collects of Intercession.
MErcifull God, who hast made all men, and wouldst not the Death of a sinner, but rather that he should Turn from his wickedness and live; to which purpose, Thou hast sent thy Son out of thy Bosome to suffer death upon the Cross for our Redemption: look down in mercy and pity upon Poor Mankind whose portion is folly and misery, shame, and Death: Bring all sinners to Repentance: enlighten all that sit in darkness; all Jewes, Turks, Infidels, Hereticks and Schismaticks; Take from them all blindness, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word and Commandment; so fetch them home, blessed Lord, unto thy fold, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made One Fold under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
GRracious Lord, I doe more especially humbly present to thy divine Majesty this Glorious sacrifice which thy blessed Son made upon the Cross, in the behalf of all Christans throughout[Page 64]the World: give unto them all, O God, a portion of all the good Prayers which are made in heaven and earth, the Intercession of our Lord, and the supplications of all thy servants. Oh! Let us walk worthy of that Holy vocation wherewith we are called; let us who name the name of Christ depart from iniquity; and Unite us in the bonds of the Common Faith, and an holy Charity, that no interests or partialitys, no sects or opinions may keep us any longer in darkness and division, But that we may with one mind, and one mouth Glorify thee, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
O Father of Mercys, Be mercifull to this Miserably Divided Church in which we live; according to all thy righteousness, let thine anger be turned away from us; let Religion and virtue season all sorts of men therein; Forgive us all our sins; Turn thee unto us and bless us, that the world may say, Blessed is this, people whose God is the Lord Jehovah, and Blessed are the solk whom he hath chosen to him to be his Inheritance. Oh! Lord, Hear, and cause thy Face to shine upon this thy Sanctuary which is thus Sadly desolate for the Lords sake. Amen.
O King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, give I Pray thee the Spirit of Government and[Page 65]Holiness to all Christian Kings, Princes and Governors; especially to thy Servant CHARLES our King; Grant that his people may obey him, and he may obey thee, and live in honesty and peace, justice and holy Religion, being a Nursing Father to the Church, an Advocate for the oppressed, a Patron for the Widdows, and a Sanctuary for the miserable and Fatherless, that he may Raign with thee forever in the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
O Thou Fountain of all Goo [...]ness, be pleased to bless and protect our Gracious Queen CATHERINE; JAMES Duke of York, and all the Royal Family; endue them with all Heavenly Graces answerable to their Births; make them Instruments of thy Glory here, and partakers of thy Glory hereafter Amen.
O God, who alone doest great wonders; Be Gracious unto all those, who wait at thine Altar; the Bishops, and all the Clergy: Open thou their Lips, that their Mouths may shew forth thy praise; Inspire them with holiness, and diligence to preach and declare th [...] will by a Good Life, and wise Discourses, th [...] they may minister to the good of Souls, and fin [...] a glorious reward in the Day of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
[Page 66]O Mercifull God; Be mercifull in Succouring all that are in affliction; Deliver the out-cast and poor; Help them to right that Suffer wrong; let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before thee, and according to the Greatness of thy power, preserve thou those that are appointed to dye; Be mercifull unto all who are just now breathing out their last; Grant ease to those that are in pain, Supply to those that Suffer want: and, To all wicked persons give thy Grace, that they may Speedily repent, and Live well, and be saved through the merits of Jesus Christ. Amen.
HAve mercy, and pour down thy Blessings, O God, upon my Father, Mother, and all other my Relations, Friends, & Benefactors: Grant unto them whatsoever they want, or wisely and holily desire; Keep them forever in thy fear and favour; and let their portion be in the Blessing, and in the Service, in the love, and in the Kingdom of God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, I beseech thee, forgive my Enemies all their sins against thee, and me: and, [...]ive me that measure of thy Grace, that for their hatred, I may love them; for their Cursing, I may bless them; for their injurys I may do them good; and for their persecution, [Page 67]I may pray for them. Lord, I pray for them; Forgive them, for they know not what they do. Amen.
Finally, O Lord, I pray thee, for all those who shall this day be my Companions at the Altar; and for all others who do now Communicate in any part of Christendom; that through this blood of the Cross, we may all be cleansed from our sins, and be presented pure and unblameable, & unreproveable in thy sight; for the sake of Jesus Christ, whom I adore, whom I love, and desire I may still more and more love, and love for ever. Amen. Amen.
Our Father which art in Heaven, &c.
But deliver us from Evil. Amen.
The Lord bless and preserve me in my going out, and my coming in; from this time forth, for evermore. Amen.
Having thus finished your Closet-Devotions, you go forth to the Church or Chappel, Fasting, that so a Portion from Gods Table may be the first Morsel; and remember to take something out of your Store to present at the Offertory.
When you enter into the Church, kneel and pray.
Our Father which art in Heaven, &c.
For thine is the Kingdom, &c.
Lord, I have loved the Habitation of thy House, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.[Page 68]I will wash my bands in Innocency, O Lord, and so will I go to thine Altar.
Having seated your self, turn to the Psalms, and Lessons, Epistle and Gospel for the day, that you may more freely attend the Priest in reading them.
Sermon ended, you go up to the Altar, and prostrate before it, say,
Thou art worthy. O Lord, to receive glory and honour, and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy wills sake they are, and were created.
Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanks, and honour, and power be unto our God, and unto the Lamb for evermore. Amen.
Then whilst Others are coming up, and the Priest preparing to read the Sentences, pray,
ALmighty Lord, who hast of thine infinite mercies vouchsas'd to ordain this Sacrament for a perpetual memory of that blessed Sacrifice, which once thou madest for us upon the Cross; grant me with such diligent remembrance, and such due reverence, to participate of this so holy and wonderful a mystery, that I [...]y be made worthy by thy grace to obtain the [...]tue and fruits of the same, with all the bene [...]s of thy precious death and passion, even the Remission of all my sins, and the fulness of all[Page 69]thy graces, which I beg for thy only merits, who art my only Saviour, God from everlasting, and world without end, Amen.
O Lord, our Heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, regard, we beseech thee, the devotions of thy humble Servants, who do now celebrate the Memorial which thy Son our Saviour hath commanded to be made in remembrance of his most blessed Passion and Sacrifice; that by the merits and power there of, now represented before thy divine Majesty, we, and all thy whole Church may be made partakers of all other the benefits of his most precious Death and Passion, together with his mighty Resurrection from the earth, and glorious Ascention into Heaven, who liveth and reigneth with thee, and the holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
BE pleased, O God, to accept this our bounden duty & service; and command that the prayers and supplications, together with the Remembrance of Christs Passion, which we do now offer up unto thee, may by the ministery of thy holy Angels be brought up into thy Heavenly Tabernacle; and that thou not weighing our merits, but looking upon the blessed Sacrifice of our Saviour, which was once fully and perfectly made for us all, may'st pardon our offences, and replenish us with thy grace[Page 70]and heavenly benediction, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Whilst upon your Knees you cast in your Offering; stop, and say,
Blessed Jesu, who did'st accept the poor Widdows two Mites; be pleased graciciously to accept this from thy unworthy Servant. Amen.
The Prayers beginning again, you must joyn with the Congregation; and heeding every passage, let your heart goe along with it: keep your mind attentive, not only to the words and substance of the prayers and exhortations, but also to every passage, and particular Ceremony in the Consecration; for as much as all of them have their meaning and reason.
Observe the Priest then breaking the Bread; and remember how Christs B. Body was tor'n with nails upon the Cross: Observe him pouring out the Wine; and remember how his precious Blood was spilt likewise; and then, consider they were your sins which caused both; which should work in you a great sorrow for them, and then a great hatred, and a firm resolution against them; and withal, ingage you to thank [...]lness and love, resolving to express it by an [...]niversal obedience in your Conversation. Again,
[Page 71]Observe the People too, taking and eating the Bread; Taking and Drinking the Wine; for it signifies their particular laying hold on Christ by Trust and Faith; their flying to, and apprehending him, as the means of their Salvation, and the pardon of their sins tender'd to them in this B. Sacrament.
When you have thus meditated; If you have time, while the Priest, and others are Communicating, use these or the like heavenly Aspirations.
I am now before the Altar of God, even the God of my joy and gladness.
I will offer Thanksgiving unto my God, and pay my Vows unto the most Highest.
O lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the World, Grant me thy Peace!
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the World, Have mercy upon me!
Grant me, Gracious Lord, so to eat the Flesh of thy Son, and to drink his Blood, that my sinful Body may be made clean by his Body, and my Soul washed through his most precious Blood. Amen.
O Lord, I am not worthy, not fit that thou should'st come under the filthy Roofe of the house of my Soul, because it is wholly desolate and ruinous; neither hast thou with me a fit place where to lay thy head: But, as thou [Page 72]did'st vouchsafe to be laid in a Stable and Manger of unreasonable Beasts; as thou did'st not disdain to be entertain'd even in the house of SIMON the Leper; As thou did'st not reject the Harlot, a sinner like unto me, coming unto thee, and touching thee; As thou did'st not abhor her foul and prophane mouth; Nor yet the Thief on the Cross confessing thee: Even so vouchsafe to admit me also, an overwor'n, miserable, and out of measure sinful Creature, to the Receiving and Communicating of the most pure, quick'ning, and saving mysteries of thy most holy Body, and precious Blood. Amen.
O Lord God, how I received the Body and Blood of my most blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, the price of my Redemption, is the very wonder of my Soul! yet, my most firm and constant belief upon the words of my Saviour. At this time they are graciously rend'red to me, and my Faith: Lord, make me a worthy Receiver, and a Partaker of all the benefits of this B. Sacrament. Amen.
Thou hast said, that he that eateth thy Flesh, and drinketh thy Blood, hath Eternal Life.
Behold the Servant of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy Word!
Whilst you eat it, say,
By thy Crucified Body deliver me from this Body of Death.
[Page 73]After Receiving,
By thine Agony and Bloody sweat, by thy Cross and Passion, Good Lord deliver me!
I have sworn, and am stedfastly purposed to keep thy Righteous Judgments.
O hold thou up my goings in thy Paths; that my footsteps slip not.
At the Receiving of the Cup, say,
What reward shall I give unto the Lord for all the benefits that he hath done unto me? I will take the Cup of Salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
After you have Received it, say,
O my God, thou art true and holy! O my Soul, thou art blessed and happy!
Oh the depth of the Wisdom and Knowledg of God! how incomprehensible are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Praise the Lord, O my Soul, and all that is within me praise his Holy Name, who saveth thy Life from Destruction, and feedeth thee with the Bread of Heaven!
Glory be to God on high, and on Earth Peace, good Will towards Men. I worshi [...] thee, O Lord, and I magnifie thy Name [...] ever, who hast vouchsafed to fill my Soul wi [...] gladness, and to seed me with the Heavenly Mysteries of Christ's sacred Body and Bloud; [Page 74]humbly beseeching thee, that from henceforth I may walk in good Works, and serve thee in Holiness and Pureness of Living, to the Honour of thy Name. Amen.
MOst Blessed Redeemer, I do truly believe, that thy Body was crucified, and thy Bloud was shed out of thy Body, as verily as I have received this Bread, and this Wine set apart from the Bread: and that for the Remission of my sins, as well as any others: And I do also believe, that with this Bread and Wine, I have really and spiritually received thy precious Body and Bloud, whereby my sins are fully washed away, and my Soul purified, and refresh'd: This, O Lord, I believe, help thou my Ʋnbelief! Amen.
Whilst others are Communicating; Meditate, and Say,
HAppy are those Servants, whom, when their Lord cometh, he shall find thus doing.
Know yee not, that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any one defile the Temple of God, him will God destroy.
Behold, thou art made whole, sin no more, lest a worse thing happen unto thee!
[Page 75]The hour cometh, and now it is that the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth.
Be we followers of God, as dear Children, and walk in love as Christ loved us, and gave himself an Offering and a Sacrifice of a sweet savour unto God for us.
At the end of the Communion, say,
To the King Eternal, the Immortal, Invisible and only Wife God, the ever blessed Trinity, be all honour, and glory, now and for evermore. Amen.
Arising and making your Reverence towards the Altar, you depart with a glad heart, and a cheerful countenance; preserve good thoughts in your mind; yet be not sullen or morose; but salute any of your Christian Brethren, you meet with.
As soon as you come home, retire into your Closet, and bless God with these Collects of Thanksgiving.
ALmighty God, the Fountain of all goodness, from whom every good and perfect gift proceedeth; and to whom all glory and honour should be returned: I do desire most heartily to thank thee, for that thou hast vouchsafed to feed me, who have received these holy mysteries with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Saviour[Page 76]Jesus Christ; and do'st assure me thereby of thy favour and goodness towards me, and that I am a very member incorporate in the mystical Body of thy Son, which is the blessed Company of all Faithful people; and am also an Heir through hope of thine everlasting Kingdom, by the merits of the most precious Death and Passion of thy dear Son. Oh the height and depth of that unspeakable mercy of thine, who art pleased to admit me a sinful wretch to have any part in those inestimable benefits, which I have so often despis'd and trampled under foot! I am not worthy, O Lord, of that daily Bread, whi [...]h sustains the body; but thou hast made me partaket of that living Bread which came down from Heaven; which nourisheth the Soul, and, of which whosoever eateth, shall live for ever. O grant that my Soul may rellish this divine food with spiritual ravishments, and love great as the flame of Cherubims; and grant, that what thou hast given me for the Remission of my sins, may not by any fault become the increase of them; that this holy Communion prove not unto me, unto Judgment and Condemnation, but may support and preserve me in every temptation, rejoyce and quiet me in every trouble, in lighten and strengthen me in every good word and work; comfort and defend me in the hour of my death against all oppositions [Page 77]of the Spirits of darkness, and further me in the attainment of everlasting Salvation, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
MOst holy God, who art of purer eyes then to behold iniquity; grant, I pray thee, that no unclean thing may be in me, who have now Received Thee into my heart and soul; but let this Blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to thee, purge my Conscience from dead works to serve thee the living God; give me grace, that from henceforth I put off concerning my former Conversation the Old man; which is corrupt, according to the deceitful Lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of my mind: And that I put on the New Man, which after thee is created in Righteousness and true Holiness; to which purpose be pleased to watch over me for good, to keep me both outwardly in my Body, and inwardly in my Soul: O God, thou seest that I have no power of my self to help my self; thou knowest me also to be set in the mid'st of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of my Nature, I cannot always stand upright; grant to me such strength and protection, as may support me in all dangers, and carry me through all temptations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Page 78]O Thou, with whom is no variableness, nor shadow of turning, let thy holy Spirit direct me in all things, let thy grace always prevent and follow me, and preserve me against all assaults of my spiritual enemys, especially of my own treacherous heart, which is deceitful above all things, wicked, desperately wicked, O Lord, thou knowest it: how often hath it betray'd me to the breach of thy holy Laws, to the violation of all these Vows and Promises which I have made to thee? How often have I turned my back in the day of battle? O let me no more thus start aside like a broken bow, but be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, resisting the Devill that he may flee from me, subduing my flesh and bringing it into subjection, Crufying and overcoming the World. And therefore let those solemn Vows, which I have now made to forsake my sins, never depart from my mind; but let the remembranee of them excite me to fight manfully under thy Banner, and continue thy faithful Servant and Souldier unto my Life's end. Amen.
O Lord, I do here humbly present unto thee my Soul and Body to be a living, holy, and reasonable Sacrifice unto thee; I beseech thee, sanctifie my Body, that from a polluted Dunghil, it may become the Temple of[Page 79]God: Sanctify my Soul, and receive it for thy dwelling place, the seat of thy Spirit, and an house of Prayer and Holy Meditations: Sanctifie me throughout, that both my Body, Soul, and Spirit, may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
THus have you closed your Communion-Devotions; It only remains, that you bestow the greatest part of the Afternoon in Reading, Praying, Meditating, good Conferences, and the like: and when your Condition calls you to your usual Converses, you are still to remember, you have a great business which lies upon your hands, which is the performance of those promises you have now made to God; to which purpose frequently recollect them to mind, and let the remembrance of them be your refuge against all temptations to your old sins, whenever they assault you; knowing, what a grievous thing it is to break that Vow which you have seal'd in your Saviours Blood, & to have that Blood (through which only you can have pardon) to witness against you, which God forbid
To your Evening Prayers, that Sunday night immediately before the Blessing, subjoyn this Collect.
O Blessed JESUS, who hast this day made me a Partaker of thy blessed Body and Blood; thy Mercy hath given it, and my Faith hath received it into my Soul: O let me ever feel the happy virtue and effects of it: Put thy fear into my heart, to keep those Vows and Promises which I have on this solemnity tendred unto thee in my mind, that I may not sin against thee; enrich me with all those graces which come from this precious Body and Blood, and hereafter bring me to thy everlasting glory, for thy merits and mercies sake. Amen.
THus not to detain you longer, I have recommended to you the aforesaid Devotions to be us'd on the Friday in every moneth, which precedes a Communion, (especially the Fridays before the three solemn times which our Church hath Consecrated to this Blessed purpose, Christmas, Easter, and Whit-Sunday,) supposing, that your health and important occasions will permit it, otherwise you are not tyed to the strictness of them, though you are oblig'd to receive this Sacrament, whensoever an opportunity offers it self.
To capacitate you for a worthy Communication thereof at all times; I do lastly, and heartily advise you to maintain a constant course of daily Prayers at Morning and Evening throughout the year; every Night recalling the Actions[Page 81]of the past-day, and repenting for the sins of it; the practice whereof will fit you for the Communion at any time, when 'tis occasionally tendered to you; I mean, when you are suddenly call'd to Communicate with a dying person: or come accidentally into a Congregation, where 'tis to be received, and all fit Guests are invited to it; in those cases, you are by no means to turn your back upon it; but, bestowing that little time which is before you in Recollecting, Repenting, Exerting your Faith, Love, Thankfulness, &c. Omiting nothing of the strictness which is required in the Act of Receiving, and performing afterwards to your power what you secretly promis'd; receive it with the rest in the name of God, beginning with the Prayers afore mentioned, [page 68.] which are to be said whil'st the Priest is preparing to read the Sentences.
Almighty God, who hast of thine infinite mercies vouchsaf'd, &c.
But this I advise, on supposal you carry about with you such an habitual preparation, which is acquired by keeping a strict course of daily private Devotions, otherwise you sin sadly. However, be careful to Communicate, whenever you are solemnly invited to it, i. e. [Page 82]every moneth, or oftner, and with due remembrance of him, whose death you do hereby shew forth till he come.
God Almighty make you a worthy participant of his Body and Blood here; that you may for ever enjoy Him hereafter. Amen.