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 beast Strike not thou therewithal the 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 and deliuer our flocks from the thunderbolt Cast not the fiercenes of thy wrath anger and displeasure vpon vs. Giue vs not hailestones for raine neither flames of fire in our lande but of thy mercie conuert the thunder into gentle raine whereby it may bring out fruite abundantlie Sende not among vs either vntimelie or vntemperate showers which be either noisome to the fruite and bring the mildewe 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 In al things he was like vnto vs For we haue not an hie Priest 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 doe either 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 and healing al that were oppressed of Satan I beseech thee giue thine holie angels charge 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 vnto Gabaël habiting in Rages a citie of the Medes Guide me with strength 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 Be thou vnto me a faithful companion as thou wast to Iacob the Patriarch traueling into Mesopotamia and descending into Egypt Likewise as thou diddest lead the children of Israël through the red sea and through the vncomfortable wildernes going before them by daie in a piller of a cloude and by night in a piller of fire 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 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 and from al enimies deliuer me O Lord giue me bread to eate and clothes to put on And as the wise men by the direction of a star in the East came ioiefullie into Iurie and afterward being admonished in a dreame so 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 and with thine eares consider my complaint holde not thy peace at my teares For I am a stranger in this worlde as al my forefathers were Our daies like a shadowe vpon the earth doe passe awaie and continue not We are strangers and wander out of our true countrie For the daies of our pilgrimage are but short 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 that is an heauenlie countrie And as long as wee are absent from the bodie 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 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 most vnworthie to receaue thee vnder the roofe 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 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 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 but sinners vnto repentance For 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 and righteous men of sinners 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 approch to this heauenlie Sacrament least otherwise by mine vnworthines I be made guiltie of thy bodie and blood and so instead of life receaue my iudgement and condemnation Giue grace therefore that afore I presume to come vnto the participation thereof I may examine my selfe by calling my sinnes into minde searching out my waies 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 by abusing
thy gentlenes 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 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 So that whosoeuer giueth credit to these words Which was giuen and shed for you in the remission of sinnes 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 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 which is corrupt according to the lusts of error and be renued in the spirit of my minde putting on the newe man which after God is created in righteousnes and holines of truth And albeit my nature be such that I cannot liue without spots of wickednes 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 by the newe and liuing way which thou hast prepared for vs through the vaile that is by thy flesh And seeing we haue an high Priest ouer the house of God make vs to draw nigh with true harts in assurance of faith sprinkeled in our minds from an euil conscience and washed in bodie with pure water cause vs to holde fast the profession of our hope without wauering for he is faithful that promised and let vs consider one of another to prouoke vnto loue and to good workes not forsaking the assemblie of the faithful as the manner of some is but exhorting 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 which of thine ardent and vnspeakeable good wil 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 which testifieth of thy presence merite power and mercie washing awaie dailie the sinnes of beleeuers And the more effectuallie to cōmend 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 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 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 and vnto hogs treading most precious pearls vnder their feete Lift vp my minde that in feare 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 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 and what the riches of our inheritance are in the Saints 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 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 thou 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 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
euen for thy goodnes sake O Lord. Remember thy tender mercies and louing kindnes which haue bin for euer Remember also that we are flesh a wind that passeth and cometh not againe Therefore leaue thy displeasure against vs be not angrie for euer neither doe thou threaten vs perpetuallie Deale not with vs according to our 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 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 and yet not for ours alone but for the sinnes also of the whole world For his bloud which was shed for vs doth clense vs from al sinne And if we confesse our sins thou art faithful 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 forgiue our offences remit our iniquities couer our sinnes and impute not our faults vnto vs Purge vs O Lord from our secret faults 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 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 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 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 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 embracing preaching and professing thy word through thine especial grace 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 the rage of Satan nor yet the rigorousnes and tyrannie of this world oppresse the same Protect and keepe this 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 is builded vpon a sure rock and dependeth vpon Christ a sound and vnmooueable foundation O Lord of hosts returne looke downe from heauen and behold visit thy vine make it perfect which thy right hand hath planted thou hast chosen to thy selfe Hedge the 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 Conuert vs shew forth thy countenance and we shal be saued Enclose thy sheepe within thine hardles so shal we be quiet from al inuasion and scatterings neither 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 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 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 which poure out heapes of blasphemies to thy great dishonor and defacing of the truth vnto whom thy Sonne is a destruction and stone of offence For they despise his base estate and the foolish preaching 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 to be the onelie 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 returne and quicken vs so shal thy people reioice in thee Let al such 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 somtimes merciful And forgauedst the wickednes of the people and hidedst al their sinnes Which with drewedst al thine anger and
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 may be wonne to thy Gospel and glorifie thee our God to the encrease of thy celestial kingdome Make vs meete to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light Thou which hast deliuered vs from the power of darknes translated vs into the kingdome of thy beloued sonne in whom 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 vnblameable and without fault in thy sight as it becommeth the children of light in al godlines and honestie And forasmuch as thy kingdome is not meate nor drinke neither consisteth in ceremonies and traditions which are inuented by man neither commeth it with obseruations neither is it in word but in righteousnes and peace and ioie in the holie Ghost and in power Grant O eternal God that we being borne anew by thy word and holie Spirit may attaine the inheritance of eternal life and lifting vp our harts on hie 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 poore in spirit in hart humble sorowful in minde for our offences and may with al our harts hunger and thirst after righteousnes Make vs lowlie and courteous liberal and pittiful pure in hart and peace-makers 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 giuing drinke to the thirstie clothing the naked 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 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 that supplications praiers intercessions and giuing of thanks be made for al men for Kings and for al that are in auctoritie which thou hast placed 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 and protectest their dignitie thou castest not downe the mighty which art mighty thy selfe and placest Kings in their throne For al power 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 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 and be learned which iudge the earth seruing thee in feare and reioicing in trembling Let them embrace discipline 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 nourish thy ministers giue reliefe vnto thy Gospel and open their gates that the King of glorie may come in the 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 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 to correct the wicked and rebellious so shal wickednes 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 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 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 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 and afore whose iudgment seat 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
they speake no guile Remoue from vs al filthy speech 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 a doore 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 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 and from a deceitful tongue whose mouth is softer than butter and their words more gentle than oile and are most pearcing dartes They haue sharpened their tonges like serpents the poison of aspes is vnder their lips Keepe vs O Lord both now and euermore Sende thy word 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 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 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 the mysterie which was hid from al ages 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 ▪ euen the Father of our Lord Iesu Christ which hath blessed vs with al spiritual blessings in heauenlie things by Christ and hath chosen vs in him before the foundations of the worlde that we shoulde be holie and without blame before him by loue who hath predestinated vs to be adopted through Iesus Christ vnto himselfe according to the good pleasure of his wil whereby he loueth vs by his beloued in whom we haue redemption by his blood euen the forgiuenes of sinnes according to the riches of his grace wherin he hath abounded towarde vs in al wisedome and vnderstanding hath opened vnto vs the mysterie of his wil according to his good pleasure which he had purposed in himselfe euen vntil the dispensation of the fulnes 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 chosen 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 to the praise of his glory which hoping haue beleeued in Christ when we heard the worde of truth euen the Gospel of saluation And this grace thou didst extend toward vs not by the works of righteousnes 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 but according to thine owne purpose and grace which was giuen to vs through Christ before al times and is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauior Iesus Christ which hath abolished death and brought life and immortalitie vnto light through the Gospel To thee therefore 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 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 onelie wise be praise through Iesu Christ for euer Amen We beseech thee that according to the operation 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 which thou hast besotted and altogether confounded in searching thy hidden mysteries For that spiritual wisdome doth far exceede al wisedome and vnderstanding of the creatures whervnto flesh cannot attaine neither can our blood reueale nor yet the natural man although he be endued with great sharpnes of wit and worldlie vnderstanding perceiue the same Grant we beseech thee that we may be thy simple and little ones 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 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 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 or shutting vp our bowels of compassion frō them that in the case of necessitie we should giue our liues for our brethren For both our profession requireth the same and it is the token whereby the true Christians are knowen according
in supplications praiers night and daie being diligent in al 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 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 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 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 â–ª 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 that blasphemous cursed wretch that our sinnes are mo than may be forgiuen O staie vs Lord according to thy word and we shal be safe Let vs alwaies beleue that where sinne aboundeth grace doth more abounde and as sinne hath raigned vnto death so that grace doth raigne through righteousnes vnto eternal life by Iesus Christ our Lord. O Christ Sauior of the world and most gratious God whose mercie 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 encreâ—â— 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 in the hal of the hie Priests house after he had both renounced thee and cursed himselfe least through diffidence we fal from thy grace as Iudas the traitor did which hoong himselfe and afterward brake in the middes whereby al his bowels gushed out 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 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 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 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 which is proued after the death of the testator 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 into thine heauenlie house where thou liuest and raignest a God for euermore Amen 8. Euening praier on Saturdaie WE wil coÌ„fesse thee O Lord King and praise thee O God our Sauior we giue thankes vnto thy Name For thou art our defender and 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 from 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 theÌ„ which were readie to deuour vs out of the hands of such as sought after our liues and from the manifold afflictions which we had from the deepe of hel from an vncleane tong from lieng words from false accusations and from vnrighteous sentence Our soules shal praise the Lorde vnto the death For our liues drew nigh vnto hel downeward Euils enuironed vs on euerie side and 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 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 praiers from the earth and praied for deliuerance from death We called vpon 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 yeelding honor and thanks vnto the same For our praiers were heard and thou hast saued vs from destruction and from al euil Therefore we wil acknowledge 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
our Lord Iesu Christ maker and preseruer both of heauen and earth together with thy coeternal Sonne and the holie Ghost We haue sinned 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 and goest not forth with our armies to the battel Thou makest vs to turne our backs vpoÌ„ our enimies so that they which hate vs spoile our goods Thou sufferest vs to be eaten vp like sheepe and hast scattered vs among the Heathen Thou sellest thy people for naught and takest no monie for them Therefore be the Heathen come into thine inheritance 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 seruants 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 like waters on euerie side and there was no man to burie them We are become an open shame to our enimies a verie scorne and byword vnto them that are rounde about vs. Wherefore in these mischieuous wars and in the middes of our fatal punishments we flie vnto thee saieng 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 neither reward vs after our iniquities Remember not our former sins but let thy tender mercie preuent vs For we are in great miserie Looke vpon our affliction and trauel and forgiue al our sinnes Behold our enimies for they are manie and they hate vs with cruel hatred Thou which hast forgiuen the iniquitie of thy people and couered al their sinnes and hast withdrawen al thine anger and turned back froÌ„ the fiercenes of thy wrath turne vs we humblie beseech thee O God our Sauior remoue awaie thy displeasure that in true repentance we may please thee for thy Sonne his sake Wilt thou be displeased with vs for euer or wilt thou prolong thy wrath from one generation to another O let the sorowful sighing 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 that knowe thee not and vpon the kingdomes which cal not vpon thy Name that al nations 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 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 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 and their fingers to battel encrease in theÌ„ 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 â–ª and grant them happie successe ouer al their enimies For a King is not saued by the multitude of an host neither is the mightie man deliuered by great strength but the victorie commeth from heauen At thy rebuke O Lord both the charret and horse fal downe Thou wilt take awaie the courage of Princes and art terrible to the Kings of the earth O be thou our helpe in troble for vaine is the helpe of man Through thee we shal do valiantlie for thou wilt tread our enimies vnder our feete and make them come 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 keeping couenant mercie with theÌ„ that loue thee and keepe thy commandements We haue sinned O Lord 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 the Prophets which spake in thy Name to our Kings and Princes to our forefathers and to al the people of the lande O Lord righteousnes belongeth 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 against thee Vnto thee our Lord and God pertaineth compassion and forgiuenes though we haue rebelled against thee We haue not obeied thy voice to walke in the lawes which thou hast laide before vs. We haue hitherto despised thy diuine worde yea we haue loathed preaching and haue loaâ—ed the bridle to al beastlines of desires Therefore 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 and legs are we smitten with most lothsome botches those incurable froÌ„ the sole of the foote vnto the top of the hed Because we repent not neither obserue al the words written in thy lawe nor feare thy glorious and dreadful name thou dost according to thy threatnings aforetolde encrease our plagues and the plagues 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 are come vpon vs yet haue we not praied vnto thee our Lorde that we might euerie man turne from his vngodlie waies Therefore hast thou bin watchful in punishing vs and in bringing these euils vpon vs Thou art righteous O Lord and true is thy iudgment O God Father of our Lord Iesu Christ thou hast got thee a glorious Name as may appeere this
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 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 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 which by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with handes that is to saie not of this building neither by the blood of goates calues 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 our 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 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 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 changed commonlie So that we participate of thy diuine nature 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 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 concluded in thy last supper by the breaking of bread and giuing foorth the cup to thy chosen Disciples and by them 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 nor anguish nor persecution neither hunger nor nakednes neither perils 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 giue our selues to carnal pleasures nor feede vpon the leauen of malice and wickednes but resisting them liue in al sinceritie truth as it becommeth such as doe eate of the immaculate Paschal lambe whose life is hid with thee but when thou shalt be reuealed then 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 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 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 or by any other fault preuented we sinne runne by and by vnto thee by repentance and through 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 fulfilling al in al but grant that abiding in thy word and kingdome I may