pleased thee to appoint ouer vs a good and gratious Queene which doth gouerne with counsaile and rule with wisedome Grant hir we beseech thee continual peace long life and much happines and deliuer not hir Maiestie into the hands of hir enimies Rule thou hir minde and wil that she may serue thee alwaies in feare and reioice in trembling Let hir maintaine and imbrace pure religion and defend hir people in the profession of Christes Gospel against al errors and superstition whatsoeuer Giue hir wisdome and vnderstanding to doe such things as are grateful in thy sight profitable for vs hir subiects and hurtful to none O God eternal Father heare the petitions of our Queene in al hir trobles the Name of Christ our Sauiour glorifie hir and the comfortable aide of the holie Spirit vpholde hir now and euermore Be mindeful of hir grace for hir good giue to hir according to hir harts desire and prosper al hir purposes that we may reioice in thy saluation and triumph in the Name of our God. Blesse hir Lorde euermore that we may know that hir protector is in the cloudes Harken vnto hir from thine holie heauens by thy mightie right hande which bringeth saluation For though some trust in horses and others in chariots yet wil we remember the Name of our God. They shal fal and be ouercome but we couragiouslie wil persist O Lord protect hir Maiestie heare vs when we cal vpon thee That in thy strength she may reioice and mightilie triumph in thy saluation Grant hir the desire of hir hart and denie not the petitions of hir lips For thou hast preuented hir with notable blessings put a crowne of pure gold vpon hir head She hath asked life of thee thou wilt giue hir a long life Great is hir glory in thy saluation honor and fame hast thou put vpon hir Thou hast ordeined hir for exceeding blessednes and dost comfort hir hart with thy cheereful countenance And why Because she delighteth in thy Christ and doubteth not of thine euerlasting mercie Let thine hand O Lord light vpon hir enimies and thy right hand finde out al such as hate thee and enuie hir prosperitie Put them into a burning furnace in the time of thy displeasure the Lord in his anger shal consume and fire shal deuour them Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth and their seede from the sonnes of men Because they intended euil against thee and imagined mischiefe against the innocent which they could not bring to passe Therfore wilt thou turne them into flight and bend thy bowes against their faces Triumph O Lorde in thy virtue and we wil sing out and commende thy power Saue our Queene O merciful God in despite of al hir enimies which either secretlie or openlie go about to bring hir life to the graue and hir glorie to the dust Giue thy iudgement O Lord vnto hir grace and thy righteousnes vnto hir Counsaile that they may iudge thy people with iustice thy poore with equitie Let the mountaines bring peace and the little hils righteousnes vnto thy people Let them iudge the afflicted among the people and saue the sonnes of the poore Make them to destroy the backbyter that he persist not to afflict the miserable and such as trust in thy mercie and protection So shal quietnes and peace abound among vs like the hillockes on the earth Lord shielde our Soueraigne exalt thine Annointed let thine hande assist and thine arme strengthen hir Neuer let hir foes preuaile against hir nor the child of wickednes bring hir to destruction Banish from hir Court al hir priuie enimies and preserue hir euermore from dissembling friendes Grant this O most merciful Father for thy deare Sonne our Sauiour Christ his sake Amen 1. Morning praier on the Lordes daie O Almightie and merciful God eternal Father Sonne and holy Ghost three in persons one in substance God in verie deede and from euerlasting We extol thy sacred Maiestie we praise thine vnspeakeable mercie thy diuine truth we exceedingly comend for that of thy fatherlie and wonderful goodnes thou hast protected vs this night vnder the shadow of thy wings yea thou also hast made vs quietlie to take our rest notwithstanding the dangerous snares of our deadlie enimie the diuel Thou art the God which exaltest vs from the gates of the shadowe of death and from the power of darknes thou deliuerest vs. Therefore we wil acknowledge thee for thy goodnes for the wonderful things which thou dost among the sonnes of men We wil magnifie thee in the great Congregation and among much people wil we praise thee Our harts be readie O our God our harts be readie We wil praise thee O Lord among the people sing to thee among the nations For thy mercie is great aboue the heauens and thy truth vnto the cloudes We wil not hide thy mercie and truth in the great Congregation Because it is a good thing to praise the Lorde and to sing to thee O thou most High To declare thy louing kindnes in the morning thy truth in the night Blesse the Lord O our soules and al that is within vs praise his holie Name Which forgiueth al our iniquities and healeth al our infirmities Which redeemeth our liues from destruction and crowneth vs with mercie and compassion Which satisfieth our longing with good things and protecteth vs from our youth Which also hath kept al our bones this night Not one of them is broken To thee King euerlasting immortal inuisible onely wise God be honor and glory for euer euer Amen Vnto thee O Lord doe we lift vp our soules O God earelie wil we seeke thee our soules thirst for thee our flesh lusteth after thee in a barren drie lande where no water is to see thy strength and glorie O eternal God which hast brought vs to the beginning of this daie defend vs with thy mightie power that this day we fal into no sinne but let al our cogitations wordes and workes tende to the setting forth of thy righteousnes Lighten our minds this morning with the shining and clearenes of thy wisedome that in our harts that true day star may rise shine as it were a candle burning in a darke place Giue vs thy Spirit of wisdome and reuelation in the knowledge of thee And lighten the eies of our vnderstanding that we may know what our hope is how great the glorie of our inheritance and what the excelent greatnes of thy power toward vs. Fil vs with thy mercy in the morning so shal we be glad and reioice al our life long Merciful God endue vs with thine holie Spirit that we may neither thinke speake or doe anie thing this day
people We wil neuer forget thy benefits and woonderous works which thou hast done for vs To thee O God the Father be thanks for al things in the name of our Lorde Iesus Christ. Secondlie we thinke it our bounden dutie to praie for our benefactors that haue begot brought vp taught and promoted vs that it woulde please thee to repaie them and al other for whom I am bounde to praie whose necessities are knowen to thee These I commende to thy mercie in our praiers that thou maist blesse them both with temporal and euerlasting rewards O celestial God and most excellent recompencer thou hast power and mercie to render to euerie one according to their workes Do wel O Lorde vnto those that be good and true of hart Vouchsafe to reward al our benefactors let them receiue most plentiful benefits according to the multitude of thy mercies Shewe mercie vnto them O Lord that haue comforted vs and so blesse their families that they may finde mercie with thy Sonne our Lord and Sauior Christ at that daie when we shal al appeere before his tribunal seate to giue an accompt of our works O Sonne of the liuing God which dost ascribe and impute the same to be done vnto thee which is extended vnto any of thy seruants and dost promise a most liberal reward euen for a cup of cold water requite according to thy woonted goodnes euerie one which haue extended the works of mercie and the duties of humanitie vpon vs that they may be blessed and enriched mightilie with the encrease of good things He which hath consideration of the poore and needie let him be deliuered O Lord in the euil daie Keepe him giue him life make him blessed in the land and giue him not vp to the wil of his enimies but comfort him when he lieth sick in his bed and in the daie of troble heare his praiers Let his almes be alwaie in thy sight and be mindful of him for euer that when he falleth he may be vpholden Grant Lord that according to our habilities we may recompence benefits receiued and shewe our selues grateful in deede that our leaues wither not neither that we So that al things as it were ouerburdened and wearied doe grone and trauel in paine together with thine elect and desire a deliuerance from such and so great euils whervnto they are subiect and made to serue to vanitie at the lust of the wicked Vnto thee doe we crie from the bottome of our harts Segregate vs O Lord from the darknes decept and filthines of this world and withdrawe vs from the desire of earthlie things that being incorporated into thy congregation where thy Diuinitie doth abide we may seeke after heauenlie things and forsake earthlie which are fraile and transitorie O righteous Father the worlde doth not knowe thee but thy Sonne doth know thee and they to whom thy Sonne doth reueale thee by thine holie Spirit Giue vs the same thy Spirit that we may know what riches we haue receiued by Christ and speake not the things which mans wisedome doth teach but which thy Spirit shal teach comparing spiritual things with spiritual Keepe vs in the confession of thy Name that thou in vs maist be glorified and that we fauor not of terrene and wordlie things but dwelling in minde in heauen may seeke those things that are aboue and be made partakers of the diuine nature and flie from the corruption which is in the world least in this miserable and dronken state therof we enwrap our selues in worldlie cares which withdraw our minds from the exercise of godlines and choake the good motions of the holie Spirit Grant therefore that we loue neither the world nor the things in the world but vsing this world we may be as those which vse it not For the forme of this world doth passe awaie Rule thou our harts that we giue not our selues to the pleasures of this world neither enter into the broade waie and wide gate which bringeth to eternal destruction but shunning al the enticements of this world may go in at the narrow gate to the kingdome of heauen O Christ our Redeemer which hast chosen and seuered vs from this world that not imitating the same we might be saued giue grace that al which haue promised wholie to serue thee which dost ouerthrow the prince of this world may be safe from al the assaults of the subtile spirit For it were a shameful and traitorous deed to promise wholie to be thy seruants and yet to fauor thy mortal enimie and to followe his workes But he that warreth laboreth to please him which hath chosen him to be a soldior Guide vs that we follow not the vading glorie of this world neither delite therein For he which wil fauor the world is an enimie to god But let the world be crucified to vs and we to the world through the denial of our selues and renouncing al the enticements of the same Grant vs grace that we may walke wiselie and circumspectlie in this present world not as fooles and vnwise but as wise and shun al occasions of falling and redeeme the time because the daies are euil O God the holie Ghost poure into vs thine heauenlie wisdom which is from aboue that in spiritual matters we may cast off altogether the wisdome of the world which is foolishnes with God in the simplicitie of mind cleaue vnto thy word Instruct vs that hauing renounced vngodlines we may walke vprightlie and godlie in this worlde looking for that blessed hope and appearing of the glorie of the great God and of our Sauior Iesus Christ which gaue himselfe for vs to redeeme vs from al iniquitie and to make vs a pure peculiar people vnto himselfe zelous of good works Comfort our minds that our harts be not trobled when the worlde doth persecute vs For we are counted no better than the verie excrements and ofâ—couring of this world And therefore make vs pacientlie to beare not onelie euerie miserie incident to al men but also the peruerse and sinister iudgement of the world the which also thou didst suffer for our sakes Vphold vs in the mids of our afflictions that both the world and the prince thereof may wel knowe that thou hast a tender care ouer thy poore flock wilt protect and saue the same euerlastinglie Amen 8. Euening praier on Thursdaie WE thanke thee King of heauen earth for protecting vs this daie by thy strong hand stretched out arme from al perils The right hande of the Lorde bringeth mightie things to passe the right hand of the Lord hath exalted vs the right hand of the Lord doth great things it hath kept vs from al euil the Lord hath saued our soules Therefore we wil be mindful of thee O Lord vpon our beds and
with al the affections and desires thereof for the better seruing thee and walking in the Spirit For we are debtors not to the flesh to liue after the flesh but the deedes of the flesh being mortified to liue renued after the holie Spirit in righteousnes and true holines Sanctifie vs holie Father that we defile not our selues with carnal vices with riotousnes bellicheere nor by vnlawful pleasure casting of thine holie Spirit that we make our bodies the houses of filthie feends which carie awaie and cast headlong al intemperate and secure persons into euerlasting destruction Be it far from vs that we make our members the members of harlots whereby thy holie Spirit is banished and man becommeth a denne for theeues and a sink of filthines Gouerne vs that we may shun the works of the flesh and be careful to doe the works of the Spirit as thy chosen seruants And forasmuch as the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit contrarie to the flesh for they are contrarie and continuallie striue together be thou merciful vnto vs O God helpe vs with thy diuine power that the holie Spirit which thou didst poure into vs at our baptisme may beare the rule in our members and preuaile ouer the flesh and al the affections of the same Extinguish the flames of carnal desires and represse our raging lustes so shal we auoide enormous offences and shun the wicked actions of our owne inuentions And if at any time being subdued by flesh and blood we shal wander from the path and direction of the Spirit to something vnseemelie for our calling impute not we praie thee that fault vnto vs but remember that we are flesh and conuert vs by thy diuine power And seeing that flesh of itselfe is vnbridelie and wilde not abiding correction but is like a fat wanton calfe which is not vsed to labor put thy yoke vpon vs tame our flesh by thy Spirit that walking soberlie and modestlie we may bridle the same and humble it vnder thy commandements by withdrawing of delicious fare For with ouermuch fine fare our mindes waxe wanton and ouerlustie Aide vs that by temperance moderation abstinence from superfluous meats drinks we may bind our flesh to the direction of the holie Spirit and mortifie our bodies of sinne so shal we praise and magnifie thy Name which liuest in vs worlds without ende Amen 8. Euening praier on Friedaie WE wil praise thee O eternal God Father of our Lorde IESV Christ for maruelous things hast thou done for vs thou hast deliuered our soules from death and our feete from falling Blessed be God which hath heard our praiers and brought vs out of the lake of miserie out of the myre and claie which set our feete vpon the rock and ordered our goings which hath saued vs this daie from al perils and comforted our soules Wherefore we wil extol thee and celebrate thy Name euerie daie and at night wil we talke of thy righteousnes We wil magnifie the Lord our God and bow our selues at his footestoole for he is holie We wil praise thee O Lord because thou hast set vs vp and hast not made our foes to triumph ouer vs Thou hast brought our soules from hel and saued our liues from them that go downe into the pit Wherefore we wil sing praises vnto thee and yeelde thee thanks for a remembrance of thy holines O most louing Father here prostrating our selues before thy feete we beseech thee in the Name of thy Sonne who suffered for vs a most cruel death blot out al our transgressions whereby we haue offended thy Maiestie and especiallie those which this day we haue committed Be merciful vnto vs O Lord for thy Name sake For greatlie haue we sinned and our offences are mo than the sande of the sea We haue prouoked thee vnto anger and done euil in thy sight But now we bend the knees of our hart requiring thy mercie O Lord we haue sinned we acknowledge our sinnes with griefe and sorow Pardon O pardon our sinnes and destroie vs not together with our iniquities neither reserue euil for vs for euer but of thine infinit goodnes saue vs miserable and most vnworthie men For thou O Lord according to thy wonted mercie hast promised forgiuenes of sinnes to al repenters Therefore we wil praise thee continuallie al the daies of our life al the host of heauen praise thee worldes without end Who is such a God as thou that pardonest wickednes and forgiuest the offences of the remnant of thine heritage Thou keepest not thy wrath for euer for thy delight is in mercie Thou turnest againe and art merciful vnto vs thou puttest downe our wickednes castest al our sinnes into the bottome of the sea In this euening now the Sunne is gone we praie thee O God depart not from vs which art the Sunne of righteousnes neither let thine aide be far from vs but abide with vs O Lord for it draweth toward night and the daie is far spent Forsake vs not O Lord our God neither depart from vs for tribulation is at hand and there is none to helpe O GOD of our saluation make haste to helpe vs haue a regard to our defence redeeme our soules in peace from those that war against vs. Deliuer vs from such as marke our goings Plucke our feete out of the snare and leade vs in the path of righteousnes that our feete slip not and we take a fal Guide vs by thy wisedome that when we walke it may leade vs when we sleepe it may keepe our feete and when we wake we may talke thereof And therefore sleeping we wil not feare but rest quietlie and our sleepe shal be sweete we wil not quake at the sudden terror neither at the ranging of the vngodly when it happeneth The Lord shal be on our side and protect our feete that we be not taken yea the Lord shal be our light and saluation in darknes He is our hope which hath appointed vs so high a refuge Let none euil come vnto vs neither suffer the whip to be nigh our tabernacle O Lord be thou our watchman and protector that trobles vaine cogitations doe not inuade vs and neither the feare of death ouerwhelme vs nor the sleepe of night alter our thoughtes and vnderstanding when we should take our rest and ease in our chambers but grant vs a good quiet sleepe and after the same to rise vp in the morning and to render due thanks and praise to thee our most merciful protector For our helpe is from the Lord which hath made both heauen and earth He wil not suffer our feete to be mooued and he that keepeth Israël wil not sleepe to whom be praise now and euermore Amen 1. On Saturdaie Morning praier O Lord God maker of al things which art feareful
and heresies ouerflowe Wherefore wel may I say as did Nestor vnto his children Praie for vnles that God helpe vs we al perish Furthermore our couenant made with God at our Baptisme whereby we promised to forsake the Diuel al his workes c. to beleeue al the articles of the Christian faith and to keepe Gods holie wil and commandement c. shoulde driue vs therevnto For neither can Satan be resisted nor our faith manifested nor GOD duelie honored without praier Finallie omitting al other reasons which are infinite the shortnes of our life the suddaines of Christes comming his seuerenes in iudgement when he is come should make vs not slightlie to ouerpasse this noble exercise For what auaileth it though in this worlde we abounde in wealth excel in honor haue al thinges according to our harts desire and then when Christ shal returne we are founde vnreadie and so lose our soules Happie therefore is that seruant whome the Lorde at his comming shal find watchfull and happie are those Virgins which expect the bridegroome with oyle in their lamps But that euil seruant which shal saie in his hart my Lorde wil long be a comming and so begin to smite his fellowes yea and to eate and drinke with the dronken his Lord wil come in a daie when he looketh not for him and in an houre when he is not aware of and shal hew him in peeces and giue him his portion with hypocrites there shal be weeping and gnashing of teeth and those virgins which are careles and secure accompanie not the bridegroome to his wedding but are excluded out of the gates and heare I knowe yee not The waightines of these reasons Honorable haue especialie mooued me through the earnest request of some which for their godlie zeale I loue vnfainedly and reuerence did greatlie prick me forwarde to bring these diuine Meditations I cal them diuine partlie because they are of diuine matters concerne the glorie of God partlie for that they procede from a diuine spirit but in this respect chiefly because they are wholy as fewe or no other praier Booke is that I knowe taken out of the pure fountaines of the diuine Scriptures of the right learned and vertuous of famous memorie Maister Iohn Auenar into our English tongue A booke certes most necessarie in respect of the extreeme securitie wherein we liue Gratefullie it hath bin accepted hetherto in the Latine and Germane tongues and now by the working of Gods holie spirit shal profite verie much if it be vsed as it should be that is if the vser thereof praie Religiouslie in faith charitablie being voide of rancor and malice zealouslie with an ardent affection of the minde and humbly without pride 1 Faith is necessarie For without faith it is impossible to please God. Therfore onely the faithful doe praie For how can men cal vpon him in whome they haue not beleeued It is sinne whatsoeuer is not done through faith Therefore the praier of infidels is no praier but hypocrisie and a damnable abuse of good words neither can it obtaine any thing at the handes of God according to that of Saint Iames He which wauereth let him not thinke that he can obtaine any thing from God. 2 Charitie is necessarie For we must praie one for another and for our enimies as our Sauior doth counsaile vs saieng When ye stande praieng forgiue if yee haue ought against any man that your Father also which is in Heauen may forgiue you your trespasses c Againe the spirite of God saith Forgiue thy neighbor the hurt that he hath done thee and so shal thy sinnes be forgiuen thee also when thou praiest A man that beareth hatred against another how dare he aske forgiuenes of god He that sheweth no mercie to a man which is like himselfe how dare he aske forgiuenes of his sinnes c. and for al men as may appeare in the first Epistle of Saint Paule vnto Timothie 3 Zeale is necessarie For what is praier without the same but a verie babling and vaine multiplication of words yea there is no praier where this affection is not For praier is a vehement desire of the hart to obtaine something at the hands of god God loketh not vpon the face as man doth but beholdeth the hart neither doth he listen to the sounde of the mouth but to the sighes of the minde After this manner doe Christians praie their affections are bent towardes God they alwaies hunger and thirst after righteousnes 4. Humilitie is necessarie For vpon whome shal my spirite abide saith the Lord but vpon him which is of a lowlie spirite The praier of him which humbleth himselfe goeth through the clowdes Much better is it for a sinner to be humble than for a righteous man to be arrogant as may appeare in the Pharisie Publicane It remaineth now that as the Auctor of this Booke choase for patrone thereof not for any defence that it needed but because others the more willinglie woulde reade and accept the same being dedicated vnto an honorable person gratious in the eies both of the Nobilitie and baser sort the mightie Prince Lorde Augustus Duke of Saxonie c. so mooued thervnto by the singular fame of your honors most virtuous inclination I present the same now translated for what other paines I haue taken I spare vpon good considerations to vtter vnto your honor beseeching you to accept this my doing in good part as my hope is you wil and then I doubt not being graciously receaued of so worthie a person but gratefullie it wil be vsed of the better sort for whose sake I haue published the same God almightie which is the father of lights mercy and consolation from whom euery good gift and euerie perfect gift doth proceede blesse your honor as with accesse of temporall benefits so especially and aboue all with encrease of his heauenlie blessings that long you may liue a godlie Counsailer to our virtuous Queene a profitable member to this Realme of Englande a speciall fauorer of the Church of Christ and a famous aduancer of his truth and glorie to your euerlasting comfort and felicitie Amen At London the tenth of October An. D. 1579. Your honors to commande Thomas Rogers ¶ A Preface of Maister Iohn Auenar Doctor of Diuinitie and Publike Professor of the Hebrue tongue in the Vniuersitie of Witeberge taken out of his Epistle before his Booke of daily Praiers dedicated to the most mightie Prince and Duke Augustus High marshal of the Romane Empire c. THe chosen vessel of God Saint Paule in his former Epistle vnto Timothie doth exhort that first of al deprecations supplications intercessions and giuing of thankes be made for al men For Kings and for al that are in auctoritie that we may leade a quiet and peaceable life in al godlines
likenes and breath into him the breath of life the which through thy goodnes continues at thy pleasure Thou hast made of one blood al mankind and assigned times and length of our life in this worlde Thou giuest life to the people on the earth and breath to the walkers therein which if thou take away they shal depart and be turned into dust We blesse thee heauenlie Father and with al our harts giue thee thanks not onelie for sauing vs this daie from dangers but also from our cradels for defending both our soules and bodies from death Wherefore magnifie the Lord O our soules and our spirits reioice in God our Sauior For he hath looked vpon the basenes and affliction of his seruants He that is mightie hath done for vs great things and holie is his Name Wherfore we wil praise the Lorde for euermore because his mercie endureth from generation to generation on such as feare him We wil shew forth his power in the euening and when we go to bed we wil remember his mercie Arise now our soules in the night praise your God In the beginning of the watches poure out your harts like water before the face of the Lord. The Saints wil be ioieful with glorie and sing loude vpon their beds We wil praise thee continuallie and wil confesse thy name for euermore for thou art the God which delighteth our harts and maketh merie our soules Therefore in the night we wil thinke vpon thy benefites and our spirits shal consider of them For thou hast commanded that thy mercie be celebrated in the day time and thy truth in the night O our Lord and God of mercie gentlenes patience pittie truth which shewest mercie vnto thousands and blottest out al our offences we lift vp our soules vnto thee and from our harts we pray put not before thine eies the horrible confusion vncleannes and wickednes of our mindes being replenished with lothsome darknes and ignorance ful of doubtings and errors our harts and wil are turned from thee our God and al the powers and strength both of our soules and bodies are defiled and filthilie weakened But Lord of thy great mercy blot out our offences looke vpon the trobles and dolor of our harts and forgiue al our sinnes For lo our soules are wounded and can not be holpen but onely through mercie There is no health in our flesh because of thine anger neither is there rest in our bones because of our sinnes For our iniquities haue gone ouer our heads and as an heauie burden haue pressed vs downe Our wounds are putrified and corrupt because of our foolishnes Asswage thine anger and turne from thine indignation pardon our faults remit al punishment and restore in vs the light of thy goodnes which was lost O Lord heare O Lord forgiue harken O our God for thine owne sake for thy Name is called vpon by vs. O God of heauen and earth in this euening tide doe we cal vnto thee that remitting our sinnes thou wouldest receiue vs into thy protection and keepe vs this night that the diuel haue no power ouer vs. Be thou watchful ouer vs O eternal Sauior least the subtil tempter apprehend vs For thou art made for vs an euerlasting protector For behold whether we sleepe or wake whether we liue or die we are thine thou art our creator and redeemer Stand therefore on our behalfe in the watch with the armie of thy celestial warriers thine Angels which being filled with perfect goodnes and perpetual integritie behold thy face alwaies in the heauens Expel from vs and our houses wicked spirits which be our mortal enimies that they damage vs in no case and deliuer vs from persecutors which laie snares for our destruction Turne not away thy mercie and truth from vs. O God assist vs that peaceably we may rest and sleepe in quiet We wil lay vs downe in peace slepe for thou Lord alone makest vs to dwel in safetie without danger Hide vs in thy Tabernacle O Lord that sitting in thy secret place and abiding vnder the shadowe of thy wings we may saie vnto thee Lorde thou art our keeper and our refuge O God we wil trust in thee and wil feare no danger And although we were in extreeme darknes yet wil we not feare Though we should walke in the mids of the shadow of death yet wil we dread none euil For thou art with vs thy rod and thy staffe they doe comfort vs. Let thy mercie O God follow vs al the daies of our life that we may dwel in thine House in longnes of daies praising thee euermore with the Sonne and holie Ghost one true God raigning worlds without ende Amen 1. On Mondaie Morning praier BLESSED be the Lorde God which alone doth woonderous things and blessed be the name of his Maiestie for euermore which hath set the Sunne to lighten the daie and ordained the Moone with the course of stars to go before the night O most hie God the day is thine and the night is thine thou hast framed the light and the Sunne By thine vnspeakeable wisedome thou hast distinguished the daie and the night and so hast thou decreed that while the world shal last this course of times and daies shal neuer haue an ende so that man in the night may rest and againe when daie comes go about his busines and labor vntil the euening O Lord thy truth endureth for euer thou laiedst the foundation of the earth and it endureth by thine appointment the daie doth last for al are thy seruants For these and al other thy benefites we praise thee greatlie giue thee thanks for thy exceeding glorie euen as it becometh vs euerie daie to preuent the Sunne rising to blesse thine holie Name and to worship thee at the appearing of the daie star We extol thine infinite goodnes in like sort for keeping vs this night past both from the power and tyrannie of Satan from the snares subtiltie of al our enimies and finallie from dangers both of soule and bodie For of thy singular goodnes and fatherlie care thou hast made vs quietlie to sleepe and rest this night againe thou hast suffered vs to awake and opened our eies giuing them power to see and behold the morning light which now appeareth Therfore we wil sing of thy power praise thy mercie in the morning for thou art our defence and refuge in the daie of our troble O our helper we wil praise thee with al our harts and glorifie thy Name for euer For great is thy mercie toward vs thou hast deliuered our soules from the lowest graue Hadest not thou bin our defence innumerable euils had ouerwhelmed vs so that we should not haue risen to praise thy Name Had not thy word bin our comfort we had without doubt perished in our
thee and may be thine properlie abiding in thy kingdome serue thee with a willing minde in righteousnes and true holines so that at length in the latter daie we may rise againe with our bodies vnto a blessed life and so both in bodie soule being redeemed from al euils in perpetual blisse happines may triumph with al thine holie Angels Patriarches Prophets and al thine elect and endued with vnspeakable and euerlasting ioie may praise thee our Sauior which hast ascended aboue al the heauens sittest at the right hand of God the Father almightie with whom thou liuest and reignest for euermore Amen 3. A praier for Faith. O Eternal God and heauenlie Father which art Alpha Omega the beginning the ending thou art the cause and absolute perfection of our life and saluation the euerlasting and infinit good from whom proceedeth euerie good giuing and euerie perfect gift to wit from the Father of lights with whom is no variablenes neither shadowing by turning We beseech thee in the Name of our Sauior Christ thy Sonne that through thine holie Spirit thou wilt plant in our harts a true knowledge of the same thy Sonne and keepe vs therein euermore make it plentiful and prosper euerie daie that replenished with the knowledge of thy wil in al wisedome and spiritual vnderstanding we may walke worthie the Lorde pleasing thee in al things being fruitful in al good works and encreasing in thy knowledge strengthened in al might through his glorious power vnto al patience and long suffering with ioiefulnes and may abounde in faith and word and knowledge and al diligence For this cause we bowe our knees vnto thee Father of our Lorde Iesus Christ of whom is named the whole family in heauen in earth that thou wilt grant vs according to the riches of thy glorie that we may be strengthened by thine holie Spirit into new men that Christ may dwel in our harts by faith being rooted and grounded in loue may be able with al Saints to comprehende the true knowledge of thine essence and wil according vnto thy word reuealed No man hath seene thee O God at anie time neither hath anie behelde the countenance of thy Maiestie For no man knoweth the Sonne which is of thy verie substance but thou the Father alone neither hath any knowen thee but the Sonne he to whom he doth reueale thee Wherefore we beseech thee of thine infinit goodnes and mercie draw vs vnto him let him bring vs vnto thee Giue the knowledge of saluation to thy people by the remission of their sinnes through thy tender mercie that in thy Sonne we may find righteousnes euen remission of sinnes reconciliation and newnes of our mindes through the holie Spirit whereby we may become heires of eternal life being iustified by the grace of Christ in whom we beleeue which was offered for our sinnes For he taking our punishment vpon himselfe did satisfie thy iustice fullie and washed vs by his pretious blood from al our iniquities and reconciled vs in the bodie of his flesh through death to make vs holie and blameles and without fault in thy sight Make vs therfore strong in faith and constant to resist al the ingins of Satan and proceeding from faith to faith to attaine that righteousnes which is auaileable before thee by the redemption which is in Christ Iesu whom thou hast appointed to be a reconciliation through faith in his blood that iustified by his grace we may haue peace of conscience and free accesse vnto the Father Holie and merciful God we humblie beseech thee which hast raised in vs the sparkles of true faith make perfect this good which thou hast begon in vs and bring it vntil the daie of our Lord Iesu Christ wherby abounding more and more in knowledge and in al iudgement we may allow the better and be pure without offence vntil that daie filled with the fruite of righteousnes which are by Iesus Christ vnto the glorie and praise of God. Wherefore appoint thy strength establish O God which thou hast wrought in vs that fighting a good fight we may retaine faith a good conscience least vnder persecution and aduersities being tossed we make shipwrack of our faith Helpe our weake and feeble faith which is like the graine of mustard seede within vs that encreasing dailie more and more it may take deepe roote and remaine firme alwaies and immoueable and neuer vanish awaie among so many sectes and diuisions in this worlde Extinguish al the doubtings of thy wil sticking in our corrupt nature let vs not mistrust thy promises of eternal and temporal benefits but applieng thy promises vnto our selues alwaies giue credit vnto thy worde and so depending wholie therevpon contrarie to al sense of humane reason we shal obteine a crowne of immortal glorie Grant likewise heauenlie Father that our faith be not barren vaine or dead without good workes and fruites of the Spirit but effectual working by charitie that we may receiue the ende of our faith euen the saluation of our soules and behold thee whome we now see by faith as it were in a glasse darklie in another world looking vpon thy Maiestie face to face in Christ our Sauior our Lord and God Amen 4. A praier for the Kingdome of God. MErciful and gratious God which hast called vs vnto thy kingdome and glorie and of thy fatherlie and good pleasure enioined vs this care that first and afore al things we should seeke thy Kingdome and the righteousnes thereof We beseech thee through and for thy Sonne our Lorde and Sauior Christ his sake teach our weake minds gouerne our wil and harts that without inuerting this thine appointed order we may first seeke that thou maiest shine within vs apprehende thy righteousnes by a true and liuelie faith and be vnited vnto thee our eternal King. Grant therefore that thy worde may be preached euerie where plainelie and purelie without fraud and that we may cast downe al our imaginations and euerie hie thing that is exalted against thy knowledge and leade our vnderstanding captiue to the obedience of the worde which thou hast deliuered and obey thy Gospel in al simplicitie of faith according to the good plesure of thy wil to the praise of the glorie of thy grace Assist vs O our Father which art in heauen that both thy word may be purely and sincerely preached we thereby as becometh the sonnes of God reformed in our liues Giue vs thine holie Spirit that we may beleeue thy word through thy grace and so leade a godlie and virtuous life in this worlde and liue hereafter with thy sonne in eternal blisse Breake thou of and hinder al the consultations and deuises both of the diuel the worlde and the flesh which do neither sanctifie thine
8. Euening praier on Mondaie O ALMIGHTIE and merciful God thou hast made the Moone for certaine seasons the Sunne which thou hast created knoweth his going downe Thou makest darknes and it is night wherin men betake them to rest cease from their worke and recreate their wearied members through sleepe Thou art the God forming light and creating darknes Therefore in the euening we wil praise thee and going to bed wil giue thee thanks because thou hast kept vs this daie of thine onelie mercie without any merit of ours from al danger and hurt When we are in troble we cal vpon thee and in the euening wil we remember thy mercie and truth which thou hast shewed vnto vs abundantlie Our eies preuent the night watches to meditate vpon thy wonderful things and our studies shal be alwaies of the excellencie of thy Name For thou hast sent from heauen and deliuered vs and hast brought them to shame that troade vpon vs O God thou hast sent thy mercie and truth and taken our soules from the mids of them which compassed vs about Therefore we wil sacrifice freelie vnto thee and praise thy most glorious Name For thou hast deliuered vs from al troble and our eies haue seene our desire vpon our enimies O Lorde God of our saluation daie and night doe we crie before thee when our eies are trobled through griefe and bitternes of our soules we poure out our teares before thee and in this place we humblie beseech thee couer and put out al our offences that as the Sunne of this daie is now downe and hidden so thou woldest also hide al our iniquities and drowne al our offences in the bottom of the sea that they neuer be seene with eies nor come forth into iudgement O our God we blush and are ashamed to lift vp our eies vnto thee For we are not worthie to lift vp our eies vnto Heauen because our sinnes are mo than the heares of our head Our offences haue taken such hold on vs that we are vnable to looke vp We haue sinned O Lord we haue sinned and haue committed iniquitie yea we haue rebelled and departed from thy precepts from thy iudgements We haue not obeied thy seruants which spake in thy Name to our Kings to our Princes and to our Fathers and to al the people of the lande O Lord righteousnes belongeth vnto thee but vnto vs open shame and confusion O Lord thou art iust and al thy works and al thy waies are mercie and truth thou iudgest truelie and rightlie for euer Remember vs and looke vpon vs according to the multitude of thy mercies neither punish vs for our sinnes nor remember our offences nor our forefathers which haue not obeied thy commandements We faint in our mourning we wil cause our bed to swim and water our coutch with teares Our eies be trobled through the griefe of our wickednes and our faces be withered O Lord God of hosts heare our praier O God our protector behold and looke vpon the face of Christ thine onelie begotten Sonne making intercession for vs and winke at our offences Hide thy face from our sinnes blot out al our iniquities Create in vs cleane harts O God and renue right spirits within vs Cast vs not away from thy presence take not thine holie spirit frō vs Restore to vs the ioie of thy saluation and stablish vs with thy free Spirit that we may doe al things according to thy wil and serue thee alwaies with a willing minde O Christ King of glorie we beseech thee blessed Lorde defend vs this night let our rest be in thee graunt vs thy grace that neither much sleepe ouerwhelme vs nor Satan inuade vs nor the flesh betraie vs vnto him and make vs giltie in thy sight Let our eies sleepe but let our harts wake cause thy right hand to protect such as trust in thee O Lord lighten our eies that we slepe not in death that Satan hurt vs not and our enimie saie I haue preuailed against them Watch ouer vs O eternal Sauior least the subtil tempter ouertake vs and we sleepe a perpetual sleepe and wake no more For thou art made our euerlasting helper Keepe vs as the apple of thine eie hide vs vnder the shadowe of thy wings O Lorde that neither ouglie visions nor horrible dreames nor sightes and monsterous apparitions troble vs in the darke In thy Name O sweete Iesu wil we go to bed and giue sleepe to our eies and slomber to our eie lids compasse vs about and raise vs againe to the ioieful sight of tomorrow light and after this miserable life bring vs to the beholding of eternal happines that in thy light we may see light and euermore praise thee raigning worlds without ende Amen 1. On Tuesdaie Morning praier O Almightie euerliuing true merciful God eternal Father of our Lord Iesu Christ which together with thy Sonne and the holie Ghost hast created the frame of this worlde withal things therin conteined and preseruest the same as yet according to thy free pleasure al creatures without ceassing euermore should extol and praise thee that doe euen the very fowles of the aire which earelie in the morning among the thick branches of trees and from the mids of rocks giuing out their sound and flieng about in the aire with most pleasant tunes doe magnifie thee the eternal God Lord and Creator of al things And therfore we men also earelie in the morning shold praise thee for thy benefits and euermore extol thy mercie with diuine commendations Thou hast preserued vs this night passed and from our cradles to this present houre hast thou kept vs safe Thou hast caused vs to come from sleepe and darkenes vnto the light of this daie and from our beds through thy benignitie we doe arise in safetie Hadst not thou O Lorde bin present with vs and watched vs the insatiable crueltie of Satan had deuoured vs Hadst not thou kept our houses and vs the keeper of the Citie had watched in vaine If the Lorde had not bin on our side when men rose vp against vs they had then swallowed vs vp quicke when their wrath was kindled against vs then had the waters of troble drowned vs and the streame of miseries had gone ouer our soules yea the swelling merciles waters had gone ouer our soules Blessed be the Lorde which hath not giuen vs a praie for their teeth Our soules are escaped euen as a bird out of the snare of the foulers the snare is broken and we are deliuered Our helpe is in the Name of the Lorde which hath made both heauen and earth Now harken therefore vnto our words O Lorde marke our crie vnderstand the voice of our praier our King and our god For vnto thee Lorde
oile to make the countenance cheereful bread for to strengthen the hart Haue therefore a care O heauenlie Father of the seede other things springing from the earth keepe them both in cold raine ice snow from the beating of winds and iniurie of weather Preserue thē in extreeme heate drines moistnes and such like that they perish not afore their time Roote out the destroier that there be neither mildew nor grashopper neither caterpiller hurting the frute of the earth Keepe vs O Lord in the time of dearth that we perish not for hunger nor be confounded in the perilous time For thou art our GOD Creator which satisfiest the thirstie soule and fillest the hungrie with goodnes which hast saide I wil not faile neither forsake thee wherby being faithful we may say The Lord is with vs therfore we wil not feare what man can do vnto vs. Behold we miserable and great sinners doe confesse our wickednes with groanings and griefe of hart crieng vnto thee which art in heauen Heare our praiers in thy dwelling place and be merciful to thy people which haue sinned against thee and forgiue al our iniquities wherein wee haue transgressed against thee By our sinnes we haue brought al these miseries which hang ouer our heads but blot out al our offences O God after thy manifold mercies take awaie from vs the curse of our ground that the people may praise thee O God yea that al the people may praise thee and the earth bring foorth hir encrease through our Lord Iesu Christ thine onelie sonne which liueth and raigneth with thee in the vnitie of the holie Spirit a God for euermore Amen 5. A praier for sinners O Eternal Father maker gouernor of al the worlde from the bottome of our harts we thanke thee in the Name of our Lord Iesu Christ for that thou hast not vtterlie cast away mankinde hauing fallen from the state of paradise by sinne into euerlasting damnation as thou didst the Diuels but of thine vnspeakeable goodnes through thy secret counsaile wouldest nedes that thy Sonne should take our flesh vpon him be a mediator betweene thee and vs and be sacrificed for our sinnes For thou wilt not the death of a sinner neither art thou delighted in the destruction of the wicked but that he repent and liue Againe thy Sonne came not to cal the righteous but sinners to repentance We beseech thee on the behalfe of al sinners for al in bondage to Satan and for as many as are ouerwhelmed in wickednes grant them grace merciful God that they may escape the snares of the Diuel and acknowledge their offences strike into them a feare of thine indignation and paines of hel that their minds be not darkned and so they become strangers from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the hardnes of their hart that they come not to that passe that they forsake al sorrowing so giue themselues to cōmit wantonnes euen with gredines For they which breake thy precepts wilfullie and haue no feare nor feeling of thy iudgements but runne on securelie pleasing themselues taking pleasure in their impietie whose consciences do soundlie sleepe the feare of thy iudgement being cleane extinguished in them and prostitute themselues to al vncleannes they heape vnto themselues the wrath of God according to their hardnes and harts which cannot repent giue themselues ouer into reprobate mindes to doe those things as be vncomelie being ful of al vnrighteousnes fornication wickednes couetousnes malice ful of enuie of murther of debate of deceipt corrupted in manners whisperers backbyters haters of God dooers of wrong proude boasters inuenters of euil things disobedient to parents without vnderstanding breakers of promises far from al charitable affection yea they giue themselues wholie to the works of the flesh that so forgoing al sense of godlines they may obstinatelie go forward in wickednes to their euerlasting perdition Bring them merciful God to thy truth and giue them grace vnfeinedlie to repent and to escape the snares of Satan wherein they are intangled and deteined at his pleasure Take away stubbornes hardnes of their minde and this damnable securitie that wickednes doe not vtterlie blinde them Bestow vpon them a new hart and put a new spirit within them take away that stonie hart out of their flesh and giue them a fleshie hart and put thy spirit within their brestes Merciful God guide vs with thine holie Spirit that bewailing our sins from the bottome of our harts we may flie to thine vnspeakeable mercie which thou dost promise to as manie as in faith turne vnto thee and laieng away as concerning the conuersation in times past the old man which is corrupt through the deceaueable lustes may be renued in the spirit of our minds and put on the newe man which after God is created in righteousnes and true holines Assist vs O God that putting away lieng we may speake euery one the truth to his neighbor because we are the members one of another and in anger offende not Let him that stoale steale no more but rather let him labor working with his hands the thing which is good that he may giue vnto him which needeth Come into our harts through thy word and by thy Spirit begin a new and holie life stir vp good motions agreeable to thy wil and answering to the rule of thy worde reuealed in the congregation For thou God art rich towards and ouer al that cal vpon thee and repent Yea it is not thy wil that any of the least should perish but that al be saued and come to the knowledge of the truth And for this cause no man be he neuer so wicked ought to despaire For it is a true saieng and by al meanes worthie to be receaued That Christ Iesus came into the worlde to saue sinners and so verie many being somtime notable transgressors haue attained mercie for an example to such as afterwarde shoulde beleeue on him to their euerlasting happines Giue vs therefore O most gentle God peniten 〈…〉 arts that we may throughlie examine our waies and trie them and returne to thee O Lorde lifting vp our harts with our hands vnto thee which art in the heauens We which haue sinned and rebelled with griefe and sorrowe of hart acknowledge al our filthie faults and with a true faith approch to the throne of thy grace trusting in the reconciliation made by thy Sonne our propitiator and raised vp in his faithful and infallible promise we purpose through thine assistance to begin a newe life to the glorie and praise of thy sacred Name Amen 6. A praier for the Sick. O Christ which art the virtue that is made perfect in infirmitie the strength of the weake the saluation
so diuers strokes and assaults of the Diuel Vnles thou O most mightie protector defend vs alas we perish For thou knowest we are too weak to resist no strength is in vs no aid prudence or policie is in our nature against so strong and subtile an enimie Beholde our nature is accursed vncleane our flesh is weake our life transitorie and we alas therefore be cowardes and without armor giuen to sleepe and slothfulnes and endeuor not couragiouslie to withstand the fraudes of the Diuel Wherefore expel from vs this deepe sluggishnes of ours open the eies of our mindes that we may behold how great the power endeuors strength and malice of this aduersarie is with whom we are to encounter For we wrestle not against flesh blood but against rules against powers against gouernors and rulers of the darknes of this world against spiritual wickednes in heauenlie places O thou Sonne of God which art that blessed seede broozing the head ▪ of the most subtile serpent bring and brooze our enimie Satan vnder thy feete Thou which didst appere to destroie the works of the Diuel driue awaie from vs lieng Spirits that they hurt vs not Thou our chiefe champion which of thine owne accord enteredst into tentations that so thou mightest as it were hand to hand wrestle with our enimie and purchase a triumph for vs by thy victorie hold him fast bound that he exercise not his deuises vpon vs as he desireth make vs partakers of thy victorie that euen as thou in thy bodie ouer camest the diuel so thou wilt vtterlie dispatch him in thy members And therefore giue vnto vs thine whole armor that like right soldiors we may resist in the euil daie and vanquish our enimie Girde vs with the truth put vpon vs the breast-plate of righteousnes and let vs be shod to the propagation of the Gospel of peace Aboue al things giue vs the shield of faith which can extinguish al the fierie darts of wicked spirits Bestow vpon vs the helmet of saluation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God that through thee we may encounter valiantly and gloriouslie attaine the victorie And holie Spirit almightie God comfort thou and strengthen our minds against so diuers conflicts of Satan which besetteth vs by manie snares and especiallie then most of al doth he seeke our destruction when we seke deliuerance by other meanes than by thy word reuealed grant therefore that leauing thy worde deliuered vnto vs we looke not after new reuelations or violent rauishings but may resist the Diuel by thy word so wil he flie from vs Amen 8. Euening praier on VVensdaie O Lorde God which art our life and the length of our daies our vpholder protecting vs from our youth we thanke thee this euening and with our lips wee extol thy woonderful goodnes because thou hast defended vs this daie against al aduersities both of bodie and soule O Lord vnto thee doe we crie heare vs harken vnto our voice when we crie vnto thee Let our praiers be directed in thy sight as the incense and let the lifting vp of our hands be an euening sacrifice For thou delitest not in the offering of Buls and Rams but the sacrifice of thankesgiuing shal honor thee Who so keepeth the Law bringeth offerings enough he that holdeth fast the commandement offereth an offering of saluatiō He that is thankful to them which haue wel deserued offereth fine flower and he that giueth almes sacrificeth praise Therefore in this euening-tide doe we offer vnto thee the continual sacrifice of thankesgiuing praising thy goodnes for thy merciful protection and defence We wil commend thee for thy truth and sing of thee O thou most Hie Our lips shal sing of thee and our soules which thou hast redeemed yea and our tongues shal dailie speake of thy righteousnes because they are confounded and put to shame that sought after our soules We wil giue thankes vnto thee O Lorde with our whole hart because thou hast heard al the words of our mouthes In the sight of the Gods we wil praise thee We wil worship toward thine holy Temple and celebrate thy Name because of thy great mercie truth For thou hast magnified thy Name and thy word aboue al things Whensoeuer we called vpon thee thou diddest heare vs and enduedst our soules with much strength And now we crie vnto thee O Lorde with our voice yea in thy sight doe we poure out our praiers and in our troble doe we vtter them before thee that thou maiest pardon al our offences and those especiallie which we haue committed this daie Bring not into thy iudgement O Lord al our idle and vaine words pardon our babling vaine speech and impute not our foolishnes vnto vs. Be merciful vnto vs O Lord for we are greatlie pensiue for our sins our harts be trobled within vs and the feare of death is fallen vpon vs. Fearefulnes trembling are come vpon vs and an horrible dread hath ouerwhelmed vs. But O Lord absolue vs from al our sinnes through thy worde bringing vnto vs the ioieful tydings of gratious deliuerance O comfort the harts of thy seruants for vnto thee Lord haue we lifted vp our soules For thou art milde gentle and of much mercie to as manie as cal vpon thee Blessed be the Lorde which hath heard the voice of our humble petitions O God thou art our strength and our shield our harts trusted in thee and we are holpen therefore our harts doe daunce for ioie and in our songes we wil praise thee We cried vnto thee O Lord and saide Thou art our hope and our portion in the lande of the liuing Consider our complaint for we are brought verie lowe O deliuer vs from our persecutors for they are too strong for vs Bring our soules out of prison that we may giue thanks vnto thy Name O holie Trinitie and perpetual vnitie protect vs this night that the Diuel haue no power ouer vs. O Father gouerne vs by thy power O Sonne reuiue vs with thy wisedome and lighten vs O holie Ghost with thy virtue O Creator be thou present with vs O Redeemer aide vs O our Comforter abide with vs. The Lord blesse vs and keepe vs The Lorde make his face to shine vpon vs and be merciful vnto vs the Lorde lift vp his countenance vpon vs and giue vs peace This blessing of God be this night and euermore a safetie protection against al enimies both visible and inuisible that they hurt vs not anie waie Euen as the piller of cloude in the desert stood betweene the tents of the Egyptians and the tents of the children of Israël that none hurt might come to the people of Israël so be thou O Lord the protector of our soules and liues be
of good letters maintaine peace and concorde in his Church and make vs al continually to addict our selues to aduance his glorie both in deede and worde and to benefite his Church to the vttermost of our power that liuing alwaies in his feare we may die in his fauor and rise againe to euerlasting blessednes Amen A Praier to be saide at the comming into the Temple O ALMIGHTIE God and heauenlie Father in the multitude of thy mercie we wil come into thine house and in thy feare wil we worship towardes thine holie Temple Direct our step◠in thy worde Bring vs into the path of thy commandements For thou art the God of our saluation Lorde we haue loued the habitation of thine house and the place where thine honor dwelleth O Lorde of hostes how amiable are thy Tabernacles Our soules long yea and pine away through the desire to come vnto thy court Wee wil acknowledge thee in a great Congregation we wil praise thee among much people Come let vs worship fal downe and kneele before the Lord our maker For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture and the sheepe of his hande Exalt the Lorde our God and fal downe before his footestoole for he is holie We wil go vnto the altar of God euen vnto the God which comforteth our soules and in an acceptable time doe we make our praier euen in the multitude of thy mercie O God heare vs in the truth of thy saluation Amen An earnest petition for the assistance of Gods holy Spirit that our praiers may be zealous and effectual O Almightie and merciful God Father of our Lorde Iesus Christ forasmuch as it is thy wil and plesure that in al our necessities we should cal vpon thee our God worship thee and with yeelding hartie thankes extol thine holie Name and therwithal hast promised to heare our petitions we are emboldened to direct our praiers vnto thy diuine Maiestie But considering the weakenes of our nature to be such that we knowe not how to aske as we should and thou alone both wiselie doest knowe and effectually canst grant not onely what we doe desire but a great deale more than we can thinke vpon our praier shal be vnto thee our God that according to thy promise thou wilt poure vpon vs the Spirit of grace and praier which may with vnspeakable groanings make intercession for vs that not with lips onely our harts being far from thee but with minde and mouth together we may vnfeinedlie as becometh true worshippers in spirit and truth with a burning affection of the hart cal vpon thee which art the true and eternal God and offer the grateful sacrifice of thankesgiuing Prepare thou our minds to praier make them zelous least otherwise we be like such as praieng tempt god Therefore in our praiers let vs not dissemble like Hypocrites neither boast of our wel doing like Pharisees to be seene of men but onely set forth thy glorie and aduance thine holie Name Turne our harts from beholding either images or strange Gods or else dead Saints but let vs worship 〈◊〉 onelie serue thee in our praiers which art our Lord God Creator of al things sercher of the hart rich towards al that cal vpon thee Instruct our minds that we desire not foolishlie vaine and transitorie things But let vs alwaie craue corporal things according to thy wil with this condition If they bring none hurt vnto our soules and euermore prefer celestial things which are to be asked without al exception before worldelie that our ioie may be perfect in the heauens Grant therefore almightie Father that we may certainely perswade our selues that whatsoeuer we shal aske at thine hands through faith we shal obteine the same and let vs neuer doubt of thy fatherlie affection towarde vs or bring thy willingnes to grant our petitions into question but through a liuely faith and firme confidence let vs constantly beleeue that our praiers shal effectually be hearde through and for thy Christs sake in whom al thy promises are yea and are in him Amen Furthermore if at any time our praiers be not granted speedilie according to our wish giue vs a strong faith that wee faint not but may through patience expect thine aide knowing that coming it wil come and thy truth wil not linger Gouerne therfore our harts by thine holie spirit that we appoint not a time manner or limits of helping vs but may in al thinges submit our selues to thy most heauenlie pleasure and commende our praiers vnto thee in hope silence for thou wilt not misse an houre but wilt come at a time conuenient Likewise illustrate our mindes with thy light that we cast not forth our praiers trusting in our owne righteousnes but in thy manifolde mercies through Christ by whome we haue boldnes by faith to approch vnto thy throne to cal thee Abba Father Couerne our harts and mindes that in praieng we neither presume nor trust vpon our owne worthines so through pride contemne others but let vs humblie and louinglie like brethren praie one for another that we al may be saued Take away from vs al babling and superfluitie of words that we be not as Ethnikes which for their long speach thinke to be hearde Assist vs also that the sight and remēbrance of our owne vnworthines doe not terrifie vs from praier and that we be not let by other causes from ernest crieng vnto thee night and daie that the wil of thy seruants and reuenge of thine elect may be fulfilled Now therefore heauenlie Father and eternal God giue grace that in al places we may praie lifting vp pure handes without wrath or doubting and saie Forgiue vs our trespasses and with deepe sighings sure confidence continuallie persist in making of supplications praiers intercessions and giuing of thankes for al men that according to thy promise we may receiue as wel temporal as heauenlie benefites For this is the confidence which we haue in thee that whatsoeuer we shal aske according to thy wil thou wilt grant vnto vs. And hearing al our petitions we doubt not but that our requestes which at this time we haue made vnto thee by Christ our Lorde shal in like manner be granted who liueth and raigneth with thee in the vnitie of the holie Spirit a God now and for euermore ▪ Amen A dailie praier for the perpetual happines of our sacred and most gratious Soueraigne and Queene Elizabeth OAlmightie GOD King of Kings and Lord of Lords in thine hands is al power both in heauen and earth thou confirmest kingdoms and againe dost alter them according to thine heauenlie pleasure We praise thee we magnifie thee we extol thine holie Name for that it hath
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
we wil praie heare our voice in the morning Earelie wil we stand before thee and behold thy fortitude and Maiestie looking for thine assistance with a woonderful desire O God and gouernor raise vs vp earelie earelie we saie liâ—t vp our eares to the hearing of thee our instructor Open thou our eares that we rebel not against thee neither yet go backwarde but let thy voice sound in our eares make them obedient vnto thee that we be not obstinate like the serpent neither hardened like the deafe adder which stoppeth his eares but let them be open to heare thy Lawes and testimonies and harken alwaies vnto the crie of the poore that the morning light may rise vnto vs and our light breake foorth as the daie and our health spring vp sodeinlie Againe shut vp our eares hedge them in with thornes and put bars vpon them that they neither admit nor allowe false doctrine and that they turne not from the truth to fables and other follies But thou O our God and Creator which didst plant the eare hearest al things make the same with a willing and readie minde to obeie thee our maker and Redeemer Heare vs Lorde for thy louing kindnes is good turne vnto vs according to the multitude of thy tender mercies stop not thine eare from our sighing and from our crie Incline thine eare O Lord and heare vs for we are poore and needie Haue mercie on vs O Lord because we crie vnto thee al the daie long Let vs heare thy louing kindnes in the morning which is better than al riches yea than life it selfe make vs to heare ioie and gladnes that the bones which thou hast broken may reioice We beseech thee O eternal God by the incarnation and natiuitie of thy Sonne Iesu Christ that through thy worde entering into our eares and mindes thou wilt transforme vs into new men and be borne of thee and as new borne babes may desire that milke not of bodie but of the minde which knowes no deceipt whereby we may growe and taste how sweete thy promise is vnto the godlie which embrace the same through faith and that laieng aside al malitiousnes and guile and al dissimulation and enuie we may walke as children but in vnderstanding may be perfect And being thus regenerated kepe vs O eternal God both this day and at al times from euil tydings that our eares heare no rumors of wars nor be terrefied by any greeuous chance Fil vs in this houre with thy fauor that al this daie reioicing together we may delight in thy praises through our Lord Iesus Christ which liueth and raigneth with thee for euermore Amen 2. A thankesgiuing vnto God for our Sanctification O God the holie Ghost which proceedest from the Father and the Sonne and with them art worshipped and glorified in the vnitie of the true and eternal Deitie and art also the substantial amitie betweene the Father and the Sonne We worship thee we praise and glorifie thee and with our whole hart we thanke thee for al thy benefits especiallie for calling vs by the voice of the Gospel vnto the Christian congregation for illuminating vs with thy gifts for sanctifieng vs with a stedfast faith and for keeping vs hetherto in the same For by the font of the wholesome lauor that is by the water of holie baptisme being poured into vs thou dost continuallie worke in vs regeneration and renuing of the inwarde man. Harken we beseech thee vnto our supplication teach vs miserable men which by the proper strength of our only reason caÌ„ by no meanes trust in or approch to Christ our Lorde and Sauiour teach vs O our God what thy pleasure is and leade vs into al truth For without thine assistance none can saie that Iesus is the Lord. O blessed light fil the inwarde partes of thy faithful without thy grace nothing is within man which is not hurtful Wash that is filthie water that is drie heale that is wounded bow the obstinate cherish the frozen and reclame them which wander Giue to thy faithful trusting in thee the reward of wel doing the entrance into happines and euerlasting comfort Thou in thy giftes seuenfold which art the Spirit of the Lord the spirit of wisdome vnderstanding the spirit of counsel strength the spirit of knowledge and of the feare of the Lord inspire into vs through the preaching of the Gospel thine heauenlie wisedome about thine essence and diuine pleasure which is hid from the world Grant that we may know the Father and the Sonne by thee and may alwaies beleeue that thou art the spirit of them both and so worship one God in trinitie and the trinitie in vnitie whose wil is that not one should perish but be conuerted and liue and that as many as beleeue in the Sonne should haue euerlasting life For the Father sent the Sonne not to condemne the worlde but that the worlde through him might be saued O Lightener of the minde poure vpon vs thy new light and purge the horrible darknes of our minds so that we may see and knowe our chiefe Father whom pure eies onlie doe behold O thou heauenlie comforter giue vnto vs a testimonie grant vnto our minds a token of the certaintie of our beliefe so that wee doubt not neither wauer about thy diuine goodnes toward vs. Make our harts quiet and secure that with a ful trust and confidence we may approch to the throne of thine heauenlie grace receiuing by adoption the right of children and inflamed with spiritual ioie in al boldnes and libertie may crie Abba Father Thou which art the earnest of our inheritance to the redemption of the promise and art effectual by thy worde and Sacraments signe our harts with the seale of thy promise whereby we may haue the same and retaine it surelie in our harts through thy deede Thou most faithful Aduocate strengthen vs against al the assaults and tentations of Satan so that we may neuer doubt of thy diuine prouidence and predestination whereby we are chosen and called in Christ vnto euerlasting life and neuer being stroken with a seruile feare and oppressed with dreadful doubtings may in a rage flie and forsake our God. O surpassing comforter leaue vs not destitute of thine aide and patronage but vouchsafe euermore to be present with vs in our crosses and trobles least otherwise we faint But rather make vs to reioice in tribulations knowing that a crowne of life is laide vp for such as loue him O thou teacher of men instruct vs how and what we ought to praie for according to thy wil that we may be heard and make thou intercession for vs with sighes that cannot be expressed O thou clenser of the hart giue vnto vs the simplicitie of minde without gal
to thy worde By this shal men know that ye are my disciples if ye loue one another Which loue ought to be the rule of al our actions For al things are to be examined by the rule of charitie which being banished al other gifts are corrupt and profite nothing We besech thee by thine hote burning and abundant loue enflame our cold harts with the affection of vnfained good wil that we may loue thee the Father and the holie Spirit in one eternal and inseperable essence aboue al things with our whole hart with al our soule and with al our strength and keepe that commandement which againe peculiarlie thou didst commend vnto vs saieng A new commandement giue I vnto you that yee loue one another as I haue loued you that euen so ye loue one another Thou likewise O Sonne of God when thy death was nigh didst beg that the loue where with the eternal Father loueth thee may be in thy seruants Expresse in vs the similitude of thy good wil and turne vs into such a shape that our soules by the light and motion of the holie Spirit may be coupled with thine eternal Father and that the image of like integritie knowledge righteousnes and affections may shine in vs as doth in thee which art the brightnes of the eternal Father in the most pleasant and perpetual harmonie Raise vp in vs a desire of brotherlie and entire good wil that euery one may haue a care to helpe his brother euen as members of one bodie haue a mutual compassion ech of other so we may loue among our selues vnfainedlie and abounde in mutual friendship one towards another that our harts may be confirmed and vnblameable in holines before God. Giue grace that our loue may be perfect wanting no part due vnto the same not fained false or hypocritical not waiward tedious disdainful nor hunting after profit Grant therefore that we may abhor that which is euil and be affectioned to loue one another with brotherlie loue Make vs patient bountiful not enuious no boasters not puffed vp not proud no seekers of our owne not easie to be moued vnto anger no thinkers of euil no reioicers in wickednes but reioicers in the truth to suffer al things beleeue al things hope al things and so to loue one another mutuallie not in word and tong onlie but in deede and truth not abusing christian libertie as an occasion vnto the flesh but by loue to serue one another Inflame our brests that after thine example we may vnfeinedlie loue euen our verie enimies and blesse them that cursse vs doe good vnto them which hate and hurt vs leauing reuengement alwaies to thee O lambe of God which takest away the sinnes of the worlde take from vs al bitternes anger and wrath and crieng and euil speaking with al maliciousnes For he which loueth not his brother knoweth not God but abideth in death and doth vainlie boast against the truth Grant therefore to vs which are translated from death to life that retaining the studie of concord we may loue one another and put away bitter emulation forgiuing al men euen from the hart euen as thou hast forgiuen vs. Let not the sunne go downe vpon our wrath giuing place to the Diuel but let vs be quiet putting on tender mercie kindnes humblenes of minde meekenes and aboue al charitie which is the bond of perfection the ende of the commandement the fulfilling of the law so that by loue our faith may be fruitful and we at no time seuered from thee For thou art loue and he that dwelleth in loue dwelleth in thee and thou in him so that no creature can separate such a man from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesu which liuest and raignest with the Father and the holie Spirit a true and one God in the loue of the perpetual vnitie worldes without ende Amen 4. A praier for the frute of the earth O Lord God almightie King of heauen and earth which of thine aboundant goodnes dost adorne and replenish the earth with al kinde of frute and graine whereby the life both of man beast is sustained We beseech thee euen of thy free mercie that thou wouldest vouchsafe to blesse our fields and ground and to make them prosperouslie to yeelde their corne and encrease For without thy blessing and fauor neither can the earth of it selfe bring foorth any whit nor we by our paines make the same to prosper Wherefore grant to al thinges springing from the earth a meete temperature of aire that luckilie they may take and encrease Keepe our frute vpon the face of the earth from al infection of the aire from thunder haile from vntimelie showers from too great drines and ouermuch heate from wormes hurtful beasts deuouring it before their prime and from al other corruption that our lande in thine anger be not desolate and denie vs frute enioieng hir woful Sabbaoth Shut not vp the heauens in thine indignation for our sinnes that it be not as iron nor our earth as brasse whereby it cannot be tilled ploughed nor sowed and so come to a verie plaine and vtter wildernes but of thy goodnes giue vs both the earelie and latter raine that we may haue abundance of al frute and a ioieful haruest with a plentiful vintage O God send a gracious raine vpon thine inheritance and giue thy blessing that our grounde may bring forth hir frute Cause thy raine to poure downe in due season that it may be raine of blessing whereby both trees may giue their frute and the grounde yeeld forth hir graine Grant also that the aier be pure from infection our bodies free from sickenes to our whole realme peace and quietnes that safelie without troble we may enioie thy gifts Driue away and repel from vs malediction and the destroier Giue vs not in steede of raine dust and ashes but open thy good treasure and visit the land with thy blessing make it drunken and enrich it abundantlie Thy riuer O Lorde is ful of water prepare our corne dispose our earth to prosper water abundantlie the furrowes of the same and cause the raine to descend into the valleies thereof make the same soft with showers and blesse our buddes Crowne the yeare with thy goodnes and let thy clowdes drop fatnes Let them drop vpon the pastures of the wildernes and make the litle hils reioice on euerie side Let the plaines be replenished with sheepe and the valleies with corne that the inhabiters of the earth may reioice and be merie O Lorde thou causest grasse to grow for cattel and herbes for the vse of mā thou bringest forth bread out of the earth and wine to make glad the hart of man
nature the children of wrath and of death aliens and strangers from the testaments of promise hauing none hope and without God in the world but now are fellowe Citizens with the Saints and of the housholde of GOD built vpon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophetes Iesus Christ being the head corner stone which sustaineth the whole building by his word of power Heare vs thy seruants making supplication for such as yet haue not heard the sound of thy Gospel neither knowen thy Name but sitting in darknes and in the shadow of death haue their minds darkned and are alienated from the life of God by the ignorance that is in them and are carried away vnto dumbe Idols and fained Gods euen as they are led and runne to worship that which is no God. Giue grace that thy word may be knowen among them and preached in euerie land and the sound thereof go out into the endes of the worlde that thou also maist be found of them which sought thee not and famous among such as neuer asked after thee Send forth thy worde that they may be healed walke no more in the vanities of their minde O God Father of our Lord Iesu Christ King of glorie giue them the Spirit of wisedome and reuelation through the confessing of thee lighten their mindes that they may know what the hope is wherevnto thou hast called vs and how precious the glorie is of thine inheritance in the Saints and how excellent the greatnes of his power is toward vs which beleeue according to the working of his mightie power which thou hast wrought in him when he was raised by thee from the dead and placed at thy right hand in heauenlie places aboue al principalities and powers Open the harts of vnbeleuers that hearing thy word they may acknowledge thee the onelie true God Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent and may worship thee the Father in the Sonne the Sonne in thee the Father with the holie Ghost euen as thou hast reuealed thy selfe Take the vale from the harts of the Iewes least being blinded in the reading of the old Testament they stumble at the stone and rock of offence by incredulitie and hardnes of their harts that thy Sonne Christ crucified and preached be not vnto them a stumbling block and thy Gospel the sauor of death vnto death but that being conuerted by true faith to the knowledge of thee the Father in the Sonne their face being vncouered they may behold thy glorie knowing by the writings of the Prophets the Messias which thou hast appointed to be the Sauiour of the world Likewise gather thou the Gentils to whom thy Gospel the word of the crosse is meere foolishnes into thy Congregation that they may embrace thy mysterie casting of al fleshlie wisedome and leade al their cogitations captiue to the obedience of the Gospel Moreouer our praier and supplication is not onelie for those aboue mentioned but also for such as either although they resist not thy truth and pure religion openlie and obstinatelie professe our religion yet mingled with manie superstitions and abuses worshipping and calling vpon Saints departed out of this life or be addicted to outward ceremonies and rudiments of this world burdening their consciences with mans obseruations and traditions of their fathers or trusting to their owne righteousnes or rather to the workes and deedes of the flesh refuse and make little account of thy righteousnes which is the true iustification and go about to establish their owne righteousnes But Christ is the ende of the Lawe for righteousnes to as manie as beleeue And an other foundation can no man laie than that is laide in thy Sonne the Messias which is the waie the truth the life and the ende of the Lawe For by his perfect obedience and fulfilling of the Lawe by his innocent and bitter death he hath restored vnto vs true saluation and perfect righteousnes that euerie one which beleeueth on him might not perish but haue euerlasting life O God the sight of the blind bring them home againe which through ignorance either are entangled in doubtful labyrinthes and grosse errors or countenance polluted religion that lightened by thy spirit they may returne into the right waie And such as with impudent faces and stiffe necks do obstinatlie with an affected ignorance withstande thine holie Spirit whose senses the God of this worlde hath blinded that the light of thy glorious Gospel shine not ouer them represse bridle their malice that by slaughters persecutions they nether troble nor destroy thy Church Amen 6. A praier for our benefactors O Merciful faithful and louing God rewarder of al good workes Forasmuch as ingratitude is the most odious detestable vice of al the which both thou doest abhor no wise man can abide as a thing deseruing infinit paines and rigorous punishment For he which rendreth euil for good euil shal not depart from his house And the hope of the vnthankful shal melt away like the winter ice and flow away as vnprofitable water We beseech thee giue vs grateful mindes alwaies remembring benefits receiued least forgetting the merits exhibited vpon vs we fal into the filthie and abhominable fault of ingratitude But gouerne vs with thine holie Spirit that we may alwaies giue thanks vnto thee a most bountiful God for such benefits as thou hast bestowed not vpon vs onelie but vpon al mankind For creating vs after thine owne image for redeeming vs being sinners forlorne and condemned for deliuering vs from sinne death and hel by the most holie and pretious blood of thy deere Sonne for bestowing thy righteousnes thine holie Spirit and euerlasting life vpon vs for conseruing our soules and bodies safe and sounde finallie for giuing and that abundantlie al such things as are necessarie for the sustentation of this life and besides for thy merciful protection against al dangers al which thou doest of thy meere mercie and Fatherlie goodnes without any merits or worthines of ours And therefore we wil extol thee O God of our life and yeeld thanks to thy Name O most hie For thou art gratious and thy mercie endureth for euer We wil giue thee thanks O Lord among the people we wil sing to thee among the nations For the greatnes of thy mercie reacheth vnto the heauens So infinite and great are thy benefits conferred vpon vs O Lord that we are vnable to conceiue them in our minds Notwithstanding our mouthes shal speake of thy righteousnes and saluation for we know none end thereof What recompence shal we make to the Lord for al the benefits that he hath done vnto vs We wil take vp the cup of saluation and cal vpon the Name of the lord We wil pay our vowes vnto the Lord in the presence of his
adorne me with the pretious stones of virtue and place vpon mine head glorie and honor that al mine ornament may be inward and that I may please thee through hoping in thy mercie For thou art mine husbande which louest me my God whom I worship and the head wherevnto I am subiect Giue me grace that I neuer delight in mine owne fairenes and so plaie the harlot following mine old louers which promise me bread and water wol flaxe oile drinke O God the holie Ghost which maintainest the loue of married folkes within our brests I humblie beseech thee inflame the heate of chaste affection betweene al married folkes Giue me wisedome discretelie to dwel with my wife considering alwaies that naturallie she is weake and for that cause I must beare with much foolishnes and swalowe vp manie sorrowes when I shal perceiue the weaknes of hir affections And for asmuch as I am the head of my wife giue mee grace with iudgement godlie both to instruct hir and to bring vp my familie in the knowledge and feare of thy Name Let me neither ouer nicelie bring them vp nor to roughlie entreate them but gently vse them that they may both continue in thy feare and yeeld me due obedience but especiallie liue godlie in thine eies Blesse thou my wife that she may proue a sweet companion vnto me louing mee vnfainedlie from the hart without dissimulation so that I may safelie trust in hir and she may render vnto mee good for good not euil for good O God which art a chaste minde make me with a chaste bodie and pure affectiō to serue thee in chaste matrimonie and neuer with a wicked eie to beholde the wife of another man to lust after hir neither yet to forsake my proper bed with the losse of my soule Driue awaie Satan the mortal enimie to this thine ordinance that he sowe not contentions braules betweene vs. Cut of al occasions of debate and sinister suspicions that so in a true conioining together of minds we may in this world liue virtuouslie and hereafter in the worlde to come raigne eternallie according to thy worde Amen Reade the praier for wedded folkes afore pag. 108. A praier for children OEternal and euerliuing God Father of our Lord Iesu Christ maker of heauen and earth which hast inioined vnto vs children that with due obedience we honor our parents which thing not onelie true religion doth exact but also natural reason doth binde vs vnto Besides thou art maruelouslie delighted with such obedience of children towarde their parents for thy Sonnes sake our Lorde And that the more willinglie we may obeie them thou hast made a singular promise of long life vnto vs. And as the obedience of children which they owe and shewe to their parents is exceedinglie grateful in thy sight so contrariwise obstinacie and disobedience is most vnsauerie and displeaseth thee The which may be gathered by the horriblenes of punishment which thou denouncest against stubborne and disobedient children I beseech thee therefore most humblie euen for thy Sonnes sake in whom onelie thou delightest lighten the eies of mine vnderstanding that aboue al I may truelie and syncerelie acknowledge thee my principal Father of whom al the familie both in heauen and earth is named and in true inuocation and thankesgiuing obeie and in true holines and righteousnes serue thee my God and heauenlie Father from whom I drewe vital breath my soule and bodie with al the faculties and powers that I haue For which cause I am bound rather to obeie thee my maker than men and to be occupied in those things which belong to thee my Father which art in heauen and cheerefullie to go about that which thou hast enioined me Secondlie giue me grace to honor mine earthlie parents in deede and word in al patience and neuer to be a cause of their sorow and griefe of minde And when their vnderstanding shal faile through age be it far fro me that I doe either disdaine or deride them albeit I am beautified with neuer so excellent gifts of nature but make me to beare with the weaknes of their age as I am bound both by thy word and in conscience to doe so shal I be blessed For he which honoreth his parents shal haue ioie of his owne children and when he maketh his praier he shal be heard O Lord forgiue thou my sinnes whereby I haue offended my louing parents O remember not the sinnes of my youth nor my rebellions but according to thy mercie remember thou me euen for thy goodnes sake O Lord. Let the example of thy Sonne my Sauior Christ which in his childhoode was obedient vnto his parents be depainted and fixed alwaies in my minde the better to obeie them which begat and haue brought me vp and to relieue them being weake either through age or sicknes For he which forsaketh his father shal come to shame and he that angreth his mother is cursed of God. Likewise let it please thee to giue me a willing hart to obeie my teachers and betters and to omit no part of dutie and reuerence which I owe so that I may alwaies declare my selfe to be a decliner from euil and a doer of good a seeker of peace and a follower of the same O Christ Iesu which hast giuen to weake yeeres the benefit of docilitie giue likewise to the towardnes of my nature the aide of thy grace that I may learne good nurture and liberal artes seruing to the aduancement of thy glory wherby the more easilie I may attaine to the knowledge of thee whom to know is perfect happines and felicitie For thou art the fountaine from whence al wisedome vnderstanding proceedeth without whom al our studies lacke good successe Wherefore at thy hands doe I beg wisedome which giuest liberallie without reproching any man. Lighten thou mine vnderstanding with thy grace that hauing learned the liberal artes and the tongues I may applie them to those endes wherevnto they serue that according to thy sacred infancie I may profite as in yeeres so in wisedome and virtue both afore thee and man O God the holie Ghost purifie mine hart by a liuelie faith that I spend not my time in vaine pleasure cockering mine affections Extinguish in me the flames of doting and filthie loue and let me neuer serue the lust of the flesh like horse and mule which haue none vnderstanding Thine hands O Lord haue made and fashioned me O giue me vnderstanding that I may learne thy Lawe I am smal and of no reputation yet wil I neuer forget thy righteousnes For thy righteousnes is a perfect righteousnes and thy Lawe is truth Amen Vse the praier for yong folks which you shal finde afore pag. 114. A praier against the Turke or anie other foraine Tyrans O Omnipotent eternal God Father of
daie O Lord our God we haue sinned we haue done wickedlie we haue behaued our selues vngodlie in al thine ordinances Turne thy wrath from vs we beseech thee for we are but a fewe left in this place O Lord God which hast promised that when either pestilence is among vs or the aire infected or any other plague or sicknes is hot thou wilt heare the praiers and grant the requests of any man among the people praieng from the bottom of his hart acknowledging his sinnes vnfainedlie and lifting vp his hands vnto thee through Iesus Christ before the throne of grace Be thou merciful giue vnto euerie man according to al his petitions For thou alone knowest the harts of al the children of men Heare thou our praiers and petitions and deliuer vs from this contagious and deadlie pestilence Commande thine Angel which striketh vs to put vp his sworde into the sheath that he strike vs not to our final and vtter destruction proceede not in thy wrath spare vs froÌ„ death and bring not our ende by the plague Let the heauens be milde our dwelling places healthful least the aire being infected poure downe the contagion thereof vpon vs to our destruction O Lord turne awaie thine hand it is sufficient let now thine hand cease that al the earth may know how that thou Lord art our God and that we doe cal vpon thy name O Lord looke downe from thine holie house vpon vs encline thine eare and heare vs. Open thine eies and beholde the affliction and mortalitie of thy people For the dead whose spirits are taken awaie giue vnto thee neither praise nor righteousnes but the â—oule that is vexed for the multitude of hir sinnes which goeth on heauilie and weakelie whose eies begin to faile yea the hungrie soule is it that ascribeth due praise and righteousnes vnto thee O Lord. For we poure out our praiers before thee and require mercie in thy sight O Lord our God not for anie worthines either of our owne or of our fathers but in the name of thy sonne Iesus Christ in whom thou art wel pleased we beseech thee be merciful vnto vs and helpe vs in necessitie Turne thee againe O Lord at the last and be merciful vnto thy seruants that this poisoned infection may be taken from vs. Notwithstanding if it be thy pleasure to visite our offences with the rod thy blessed wil be done and giue vs grace to beare thy fatherlie correction laide vpon vs pacientlie remembring alwaies that we are chastened of thee our Lorde in this world that we be not condemned with the reprobate in the world to come Amen A praier for the sicke you shal find afore pag. 153. A praier to auoide both raging tempests and vnseasonable weather O Most wise and mightie God thou art a glorious King in al the world thy woonderful maiestie doth shine and is knowen also by raine thundering lightening and other meteors ingendered in the aire thy throne is among the cloudes thou hast made darckenes thy secrete place and thy pauilion about thee euen darknes of water and cloudes of the aire At the brightnes of thy presence the cloudes doe passe awaie so doe the hailestones and fierie coles Thou dost thunder from the heauens and giuest thy voice hailestones and coales of fire Thou sendest thy arrowes and scatterest them thou encreasest lightnings and destroiest them Who is so great a God as thou our God Thou art the God which dost woonders and declarest my power among the nations Thou redeemest thy people with thine arme The waters sawe thee and were afraide the depthes trembled The cloudes poured out water the aire thundred thine arrowes went abroade The voice of thy thunder was heard round about the lightnings lightened the worlde the earth trembled and shooke The foundations of the earth were discouered at thy rebuking O Lord at the blasting of the breath of thy nostrels Therfore shal the verie heauens extol thy wonderous workes and the Saints set forth thy truth in the Congregation For who is equal to thee in heauen and who like thee among the sonnes of the Gods Thou art verie terrible in the assemblie of the saints and to be reuerenced aboue al that are about thee O Lord God of hosts who is like vnto thee which art a mighty Lord and thy truth is about thee Thou rulest the raging of the sea thou stillest the waues therof when they doe arise Thou onelie art of power to resolue into vapors the drops of the sea by the heate of the sunne thou takest the same vp being turned into airie substance and againe turnest it into meere water and makest it to come pouring downe vpon the face of the earth Whatsoeuer thou wilt thou dost in heauen and in earth and in the sea and in al deepe places With thy power thou madest the earth with thy wisedome thou hast established the world and with thy discretion stretched out the heauens Assoone as thou lettest thy voice be heard the waters in the aire waxe fierce thou drawest vp the cloudes from the ends of the earth thou turnest the lightening into raine and bringest foorth the winde out of thy treasures thou couerest the heauens with clouds and preparest raine for the earth thou makest the grasse to growe vpon the mountaines and prouidest herbes for the vse of man thou giuest to beasts their foode and to the yong rauens that crie Behold so great art thou that thou passest our knowledge neither can the nomber of thy yeres be searched out When thou restrainest the drops of water the raine poureth downe by the vapors thereof and falleth abundantlie vpon man. Thou bringest forth the windes out of thy treasures that is from the secret places where thou didst hide them in great abundance that they might be readie at thy commandement and come forth when thou thinkest good Thou makest the cloudes to labor to giue water to the earth and scatterest the cloude of thy light Thou turnest it about by thy gouernment that they may doe whatsoeuer thou commandest them vpon the whole world O God mine hart is trobled very sore when I beholde the immoderate showers and heare the terrible thunder yea it forsaketh his place when I heare the noise of thy voice and the speech proceeding from thy mouth O God which rulest heauen and earth I most humblie beseech thee mercifullie to driue awaie or at least to mittigate these mightie streames and most raging tempests Restraine the thunderbolts and thy fierie darts that they hurt vs not Keepe vs and our nestes that we perish not through lightenings nor be destroied by thy thunder-claps Protect our houses vs that we be neither consumed by thy firie meteor nor be drowned by any suddaine flood O
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