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
but that which may please thee and tend to the aduancement of thy glorie and health of our soules Gouerne thou our vnderstanding and wil and so direct al the cogitations of our hart that we may wholie be thine and sauor of nothing besides thee our God and Redeemer Teach vs the waie of thy Commandements O Lord and we wil keepe it vnto the ende Giue vs vnderstanding to keepe thy lawes and to loue thee our Lord God with al our hart with al our soule and with al our strength and let al thy restimonies be our delight and Counselers Comfort the soules of thy seruants for vnto thee O Lord haue we lifted vp our soules For thou Lorde art good and gentle and of great kindnes to as many as cal vpon thee Behold God earelie now this Morning we doe offer our selues a Morning sacrifice vnto thee a trobled spirit a broken and an humble hart O Lorde thou wilt not despise Make vs fit that we may likewise We see the workmanship of thine hands the Moone and Stars which thou hast ordained and we wil signifie thy glorie vnto al nations and among al people wil we declare thy wonderful things For thou art mightie O Lord and worthie to be praised great is thy virtue and thy power wonderful We thanke thee holie Father God of heauen because thou hast created by thy worde of power the vniuersal worlde with al the creatures and whatsoeuer is liueth or mooueth in the same By thy wisedome thou doest gouerne and by sending of thy Spirit as yet doest vpholde and cherish the same For al woods fruteful trees stones graine flowers herbes and al the grasse of the fielde hast thou ordained for the vse of man. We magnifie thee O God most wise for creating the sea springs of water by the power of thy worde and for giuing them virtue to bring forth fishes of al kinde to be eaten of man. We blesse thee O eternal God for making the superior and lower regions of the aier with al birdes and fethered foules of sondrie kindes for the foode of man. We glorifie thee for giuing the whole frame of this earth with al the creatures in the same vnto mankind and setting man ouer the works of thine hands hast subiected al things vnder his feete Al sheepe and oxen yea and al the beastes of the field The foules of the aire and the fish of the sea which walke through the paths of the sea Especially we praise thee our Lord and maker for making vs thy creatures reasonable men according to thine owne similitude for giuing vs reason and al the senses and for preseruing vs hitherto Thou didst nourish vs that wonderfully being within our mothers wombe and out thereof hast thou brought vs sound in al parts without imperfection and yet continuest thy fauor and dost keepe vs against al dangers and deliuerest vs from al euil and al these things dost thou of thy fatherlie and diuine goodnes without any merit or desert of ours for al which we are bound to thanke thee to praise thee to serue honor and obey thee We extol thy sacred Name O God most high for separating from the rest a Sabbaoth daie that so men cessing from their handie labor the better might serue and celebrate thine honor Who is he that can recite al the power of the Lorde or declare al his workes who can number out al his praises No man can vtter al his benefits Notwithstanding although we be miserable men and wretched sinners and therefore most vnmeete to extol thee according to thy deserts yet wil we not be stil we wil praise thee euermore to the vttermost of our power We wil declare thy iustice and mercie and while we liue wil we remember thy goodnes and at no time forget thy benefits O our soules praise the Lord we wil praise the Lord during our life we wil sing to the Lorde while we haue breath We wil be mindful of our maker euen from our youth and seeke him euermore yea euen vnto our old age and graie head O God forsake vs not vntil we haue declared thy power vnto al nations that are to come Praise the Lord al ye nations praise him al ye people For his louing kindnes is great toward vs and his truth endureth for euer Praise ye the Lord in his sanctuarie praise him in the firmament of his power Praise him in his mightie actes praise him according to his excellent greatnes Let euerie thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lorde 3. A praier for the remission of sinnes RIghteous and merciful God which art cleere from spot and sin al thy waies are mercie and truth We miserable folkes and wretched sinners acknowledge the horrible corruption of our nature and with humble and sorrowful harts bewaile our filthines whereby we haue polluted that image imprinted within vs at our first creation We openlie confesse that manie and great are our sinnes our offences wonderful our transgressions are infinite euen as the sand of the Sea which cannot be numbred For al the cogitations of mans hart are prone to euil euermore O Lord who knoweth his sinnes or who can recite al the transgressions of man Behold we confesse our offences and our sinne is alwaies before vs. Against thee onelie we haue sinned and done euil in thine eies that thou maiest be iust when thou speakest and pure when thou iudgest Behold we were borne in iniquitie and in sin did our mothers conceaue vs and those our sinnes haue we multiplied in our dailie transgressions and therefore haue deserued thy iust displeasure with paines eternal Notwithstanding we appeale vnto thy mercie O Lord beseeching thee not to enter into iudgement with thy seruants for no flesh is righteous in thy sight For if thou streitlie obseruest iniquities O Lorde who shal stand If thou wilt contend with mâ—n he shal not be able to answere thee one for a thousand For what is man that he shoul be cleane and he that is borne of a woman that he should be iust Behold thou foundest no stedfastnes in thy Saints yea the heauens are not cleare in thy sight How much more is man abominable and filthie which drinketh iniquitie like water Behold Lord we are al become vncleane and al our righteousnes is like a filthie cloute Wherfore we humbly beseech thee haue mercy vpon vs O God according to thy great mercy and according to the multitude of thy compassions doe away our iniquities Wash vs throughly from our iniquities and clense vs from our sinne For thy Name sake O Lord be merciful vnto our iniquitie for it is great Remember not the sinnes of our youth nor our rebellions but according to thy kindnes remember thou vs
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
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
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
and strong and righteous and merciful which art onelie a gratious King onelie liberal onelie iust almightie and euerlasting which deliuerest vs from al trobles both by daie and night which hast made vs thy chosen through the blood of thy Sonne our Lorde and Sauior Christ which was shed for vs and hast sanctified vs by thy Spirit giuen into our hartes that wee should be a chosen generation a roial priesthood to offer acceptable sacrifices vnto thee Receiue now the sacrifice of praise from our mouthes for thy benefites conferred vpon vs. We thanke thee O eternal God not onlie for keeping vs this night passed but also for defending vs this whole weeke yea and al our life time from the snares of wicked spirits that they could not circumuent and ouerthrow vs. We wil praise thee O Lord with our whole hart we wil speake of al thy maruelous works we wil be glad and reioice in thee Our songs wil we make of thy Name O thou most Hie which exaltest vs from the gates of death that we may declare al thy praises in the portes of thy Churches we wil exceedinglie reioice in thy saluation Blessed be the Lorde God of Israel because he hath visited and redeemed his people And hath raised vp an horne of saluation vnto vs and deliuered vs from our enimies and from the hande of al that hate vs He hath bin merciful vnto vs in lightening those which sat in darknes and in the shadow of death to direct our feete into the waie of peace To thee doe we offer the sacrifice of praise that is the frute of lips confessing thy Name Our mouthes shal praise thee O Lord and our tongues declare thy righteousnes Lo we wil not refraine our lips O Lord that thou knowest yea we wil lift vp our hands vnto thy sanctuarie and with our feete wil we hasten towards thine house and in thy Congregation we wil praise thee We wil magnifie thee O God our King and will blesse thy Name for euer and euer Euerie daie wil we giue thankes vnto thee and praise thy Name perpetuallie For great art thou O Lord and maruelous worthie to be praised there is none ende of thy greatnes Al generations shal extol thy workes and speake of thy power they shal talke of thy worship glorie praise and wonderous workes and we wil declare thy mightines The memorial of thine abundant kindnes shal be shewed and men shal sing of thy righteousnes The Lord is gratious and merciful long suffering and of great goodnes The Lord is louing vnto euerie man and his mercie is ouer al his works Al thy works praise thee O Lord and thy Saints giue thanks vnto thee from one generation to another O God earelie now this morning doe we cal for thine vnspeakeable mercie beseeching thee from the bottome of our hart that this morning thou wilt lighten our minds so that the shining brightnes of thy knowledge may rise in vs which are called out of darknes into the maruelous light of thy glorie that being awaked out of sleepe we may giue our selues to the works of light and walke honestlie as in the daie not in rioting and dronkennes neither in chambering and wantonnes neither in strife and enuieng For we beleeuers are the children of light and of the daie not of night and of darknes Therefore giue vs grace that we sleepe not as others doe but make vs to watch and be sober putting on the brest-plate of faith and charitie and for an helmet to take the hope of saluation For thou God hast not ordeined vs to wrath but to obteine saluation through our Lorde Iesus Christ which died for vs. Giue vs grace likewise we beseech thee that we abuse not this daie and other thy creatures vnto vanitie neither giue our members as instruments vnto sinne by doing such deedes as fight against the soule wounde the conscience and greeue the same Succour vs gratious God that painefullie we may shunne and auoide sixe things which thou doest hate yea seauen which thy soule doth abhor to wit a proude looke a lieng tong hands that shed innocent blood an hart that goeth about wicked imaginations feete that be swift in running to mischiefe a false witnes which bringeth forth lies and him that soweth discord among brethren O Lord God of our saluation into thine hands wil we deliuer our harts that earelie they may watch to thee our maker and in thy sight wil we praie that thou maist protect vs in the daie of troble In sixe calamities deliuer vs O Lord and in the seuenth let none euil come to vs in famine saue vs from death in battel frō the power of the sworde hide vs from the scourge of the tong when destruction commeth let vs not feare in dearth make vs merie and let not the beasts of the earth apale our courage Grant this O Father for thy deere Sonne our Sauior Christs sake Amen 2. A thankesgiuing to God for his mercies O Most holie Trinitie which art the true eternal Vnitie of equal glorie and maiesty we worship thee we praise thee we thanke thee for al thy benefits as it is truelie meete iust and good for vs alwaies to giue thanks vnto thee O Lord most holie eternal God and Almightie Father through Christ our Lorde by whom Angels praise thee Kings adore thee and powers doe feare thee the heauens and heauen of heauens yea the blessed Seraphins with ioie together doe magnifie thee saieng with humble confession Holie Holie Holie Lord God of Sabaorh the whole earth is ful of thy glorie Especiallie at this time O Father most Hie we thanke thee for thy mercie abunding toward vs which of thy great loue wherewith thou louedst vs yea when we were dead through sinne didst quicken vs together with Christ and being raised with him hast made vs to sit together in heauenlie things thereby to shew to al ages hereafter the exceeding riches of thy grace in thy kindnes toward vs through Iesus christ For by grace are we saued through faith and that not of our selues it is the gift of God not of workes least anie man should boast Besides thou hast by thine holie Spirit sealed and prepared vs vnto good workes which thou didst before ordeine that we might walke in them and please thee in newe obedience We wil declare the goodnes of the Lord yea and praise the Lord for al that he hath giuen vs. Great is thy mercie O Lord and thy goodnes incomparable toward vs. Who shal be able to expresse thy workes or who can seeke out the grounde of thy noble actes who shal declare the power of thy greatnes or take vpon him to tel out thy mercie which is such and so
sinnes nor guiltie of their condemnation neither wilt thou require their blood at mine hands Wherefore againe and againe I beseech thee assist me euermore that through an open and bold reprehending of their wickednes I may deliuer my soule in the daie of wrath and teach thy waies vnto the wicked whereby the vngodlie may repent Finallie so blesse me with thy fauor that I may walke in thy feare as it becommeth me and be an ensample of good life vnto my flock least while I preach vnto others my selfe proue a castawaie that in no case through my wicked conuersation I giue occasion to anie man of blaspheming thy worde and that in trobles and persecutions I faint not but may suffer patientlie the reproch of this world and the manifold trobles that Satan stirreth vp to disquiet thy Church Grant also to as manie as shal heare thy worde from my mouth that they may firmelie with me beleeue the same and be the followers of me as I followe thee and haue consideration of such as walke so as becommeth Christians that together we may continue in faith and patience euen for thine owne sake Amen A praier for anie hearer of Gods worde I Giue thee most hartie thanks O eternal God Father of our Lord Iesu Christ for that it hath pleased thee of thine vnspeakable mercie and goodnes in al ages continuallie to sende into the worlde men wonderful in thy gifts and knowledge of thy wil to be renuers and spreaders forth of thy truth Like thankes I ascribe vnto thy sacred Maiestie for allowing vs shepherds and preachers in these our daies for the gathering together of thy Church out of al mankinde to the building of the bodie of Christ. Humblie I beseech thee gratious GOD continue alwaie among vs thy pure worde through thy ministers gather vnto thy selfe an euerlasting Congregation so instruct mine hart with thy Spirit of truth that vnfainedlie I may assent to thy wholesome worde proue a liuelie member of thy bodie and be incorporated into that societie which both in this world doth syncerelie confesse thee and euermore extol thine holie Name Keepe those Preachers which thou dost and wilt giue in the certaine knowledge of thy blessed wil that they may from time to time both open vnto vs thine intent concerning the repairing of mankinde the saluation and redemption of our soules through thy free mercie and also teach vs how to liue in new obedience and to abstaine from carnal desires which fight against the soule Inspire thy ministers and preachers of thy word with thine holie Spirit that they may vtter thy wil purelie as they haue receiued it from thine hands retaining the forme of wholesome words and sounding onlie that doctrine which is vttered by thy Sonne out of thy bosome For otherwise departing from the order of faith and the rule of thy worde they wil greatlie obscure the light of thy doctrine and obtrude vpon vs the vanitie of their owne inuentions Wherefore let them speake thy word not deceiptfullie but syncerelie euen as from thee and in thy sight Grant also that by transforming thy ministerie into policie they Lord not ouer thine elect neither contend about superioritie and primacie in thy Church but onelie to seeke the glorie of thy Name and the saluation both of themselues and vs. Giue them libertie of speech boldlie without feare to blame and rebuke al false doctrine blasphemous superstition and abuses in thy Church Open vnto them the doore of vtterance that they may speake the mysteries of Christ and manifest them as they ought to doe so shal their doings be profitable vnto the godlie Assist them also with thine especial grace that they disgrace not their doctrine by impuritie of life but let their conuersation answere vnto the doctrine which they teach and preach Especiallie for the shepherd of my soule frō whose mouth I learne thy blessed wil I hartilie praie that thou wilt keepe him in religion syncere and pure from enormous offences in outward conuersation endue him with a long and healthful life if it be thy good pleasure that manie a good daie and yeere he may continue in preaching the gladsome voice of thy gratious Gospel among vs without contention and strife And O Sonne of God which art the Lord of al the flock worke thou effectuallie by thy preachers speake thou within vs to our harts the blessed wil of thine eternal Father and confirme thy doctrine in our minds by thine holie Spirit Grant that we may truelie know and discerne the same from the houling of wolues and from the inchanted songs of seducing hirelings and grant that we may know thee euen as thou knowest thine heauenlie Father and to walke religiouslie and righteouslie in thy sight shewing our selues to be of that holie seede which praiseth thy Name for euermore Come holie Spirit open mine hart and eares that I may conceaue the profite of thy wholesome doctrine and the sweete comfort reuealed in thine holie word by the preaching of the Gospel O Lorde I acknowledge with teares my sluggishnes carelesnes in seeking thy truth and bewaile the wretched coldnes and hardnes of mine hart beseeching thee to endue me with an vnfained longing and an ardent desire of holie Sermons Grant that in this life I may worship the feete of the preachers of peace and reuerence the true dispensors of thy mysteries thy faithful ministers with doble honor and none otherwise to obeie their godlie sermons than I woulde if a voice should sounde from the heauens Let me not for the blemishes and imperfections of some particular men vnreuerentlie conceaue of thine whole ministerie Worke also within me that despising thy word deliuered vnto vs I neuer seeke after strange reuelations or violent rauishings both besides and contrarie to thy worde but bearing alwaies in minde the order which thou hast appointed may constantlie embrace thy word manifested in the Church Finallie impart such grace vpon vs that we may imitate and folowe the good workes of holie men casting of the old man by putting on the new which is created after God in righteousnes and true holines Amen A praier for a Prince or Magistrate BLessed art thou Lord God of Sabbaoth For to thee appertaineth al magnificence and power and glorie to thee belongeth al honor and auctoritie For whatsoeuer is either in the heauens aboue or in the earth beneath it is thine Thine O Lord is the kingdome thou art aboue al Princes Kings Riches are thine glorie is thine and thou art Lorde ouer al. In thee remaineth virtue and power greatnes and gouernement O God of my Fathers Lord of mercie which hast made al things by thy word and by thy wisedome appointed man to rule the creatures which thou hast made and to gouerne the world with equitie and iustice I praise thee and extol thy glorious Name for appointing me
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
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
the testimonie of a good conscience knowing that we are punished vndeseruedlie not as murtherers or theeues or euil doers or busiebodies in other mens matters And suffering as Christians let vs not be ashamed but glorifie God on that behalfe Giue vs grace to account it for exceeding ioie when we fal into diuers tentations and afflictions and to glorie therein For affliction bringeth forth patience patience experience experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed And let their example which before vs did suffer the like in their bodies be a comfort vnto vs For so did the vngodlie persecute the Prophets which were before vs. And especiallie thy steps which are left to be followed are aboue al to be allowed of For thou diddest saie The seruant is not greater than his maister if they haue persecuted me they wil persecute you also Finallie giue grace that respecting the vnspeakable reward which of thine onelie mercie thou diddest promise to al which perseuer vnto the ende by thine assistance we may ouercome al the greeuousnes of affliction For blessed dost thou pronounce them which suffer persecution for righteousnes sake for theirs is the kingdome of heauen that when they are prooued they may receiue the crowne of life which thou hast promised to such as loue thee Wherefore indue al in affliction with thy fortitude from aboue that with a bolde and stoute courage they may reioice that they are counted worthie to suffer shame and al kindes of affliction for thy Name Make them constant in the true confession that through the consideration of cruel punishment they depart not from the faith and forsake the profession of true religion Likewise shew forth thine omnipotencie with thy mightie hand deliuer them from the power of Tyrans from the mouthes of Lions and violence of fire And as concerning such whose bodilie deliuerance were not best but are fittest for martyrdome those strengthen in the middes of paine that they feare not such as kil the bodie but cannot kil the soule that being afflicted according to thy wil they may commit the keeping of their soules to thee with wel doing as vnto a faithful Creator and so though they leese as may seeme their soules in this world yet shal they find them safe and blessed in another life which is eternal where thou liuest and raignest with the Father in the vnitie of the holie Spirit a God for euermore Amen 6. A praier for Widowes and Orphanes O Most merciful and faithful God father of orphanes iudge of widowes Looke downe from heauen thou which considerest our labor and sorow and in whose hands al our saluation doth consist The poore is left vnto thee for thou art the helper of the fatherles The Lord doth heare the desire of the poore thou preparest their harts and thine eare harkeneth thervnto to helpe the fatherles and widowe vnto their right that the man of the earth be no more exalted against the miserable We beseech thee O most righteous auenger haue thou a consideration of al widowes and orphanes and prouide for them by ministring clothes nourishment vnto them haue pittie on them in al their perils and necessities stretch out thine helping hande and deliuer them as thou didest that widowe whose pitcher of oile by the Prophet Elias thou didest so encrease with thy blessing that not onlie she deliuered hir children in bondage for debt out of the hands of hir creditors but also of the oile she sold had wherewith to sustaine both hir selfe and hir children For thou art the Lord which carest for strangers and relieuest the fatherles and widowes but destroiest the waies of the vngodlie Thou art touched with a care of the afflicted and despisest not the desires of the fatherles nor the widow when she poureth out hir praiers before thee For the teares running downe the cheekes of the widow ascend vp into the heauens and hir crie against him which wringes it out Grant therefore merciful God that in the sight of al gouernors and iudges they may find fauor and haue equal iudges and patrones of their matters that the iudgement of the stranger and fatherles be not peruerted nor the cause of the widow neglected but that iudgement may be sought according to thy lawe the oppressed holpen iudgement giuen for the orphane and the widowe defended For thou hast giuen a straight commandement vnto al iudges saieng Keepe equitie and righteousnes deliuer the oppressed from the power of the oppressor doe not grieue nor oppresse the stranger the fatherles nor the widowe and shed none innocent blood For thou art the God which wil auenge thine elect that crie vnto thee thou keepest truth for euer and euer doing iustice to the oppressed with wrong Now deliuer O Lord the fatherles and widowes out of the pawes of rauening theeues which eate vp the houses of widowes vnder the pretence of godlines and colour of right Deliuer them out of the hands of wicked iudges which faine and inuent lawes to suppresse the poore and to hurt the cause of the base among the people that widowes may be a praie for them and that they mayâ—rob the fatherles such peruerse iudges O God in the daie of their visitation and calamitie from a far thou wilt vtterlie destroy Appoint vnto orphanes and widowes faithful patrones which wil be touched with an earnest care of their welfare Also giue vs willing mindes to pleasure widowes and fatherles children according to our habilitie to deliuer the poore when he crieth and the fatherles which hath none to helpe to helpe him that is readie to fal to comfort the widowes hurt euermore to be as fathers to the fatherles and from our tender yeares to minister instruction to the widowe and suffer them neuer to perish but in blessing to blesse them and to fil them with bread For pure religion and vndefiled before thee O God our Father is to visit the fatherles widowes in their aduersitie and to keepe our selues vnspotted of the world For he which is merciful towards the orphane as a father sheweth himselfe as an husband towards his mother in taking the defence of their cause vpon him he shal be as an obedient sonne of the Hiest and thou God wilt more fauor him than a mother can pittie hir sonne But they which despise the sight and teares of the widowe keepe back their loafe that the fatherles eate not thereof and suffer them to perish for want of clothing and apparel yea which lift vp their hands to afflict them shal greuouslie be punished their shoulders shal fal from their ioints and their armes be broken from the bones of them O merciful God extende thy fauor vpon al widowes that at al times and in al afflictions they may trust in thee the liuing God and continue
waie where we shal not deale with mysteries as in this worlde but shal beholde thee face to face when thou hast deliuered the kingdome to God the Father and so God shal be al in al Amen A thankesgiuing after the receiuing of the holie Communion O Iesu high and eternal Priest sitting on the right hande of the throne of maiestie in the heauens gouernor of the Saints Thou art an high Priest of good things to come which by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with handes that is to saie not of this building neither by the blood of goates calues but by thine owne blood didst enter once into the holie place and founde eternal redemption when through the eternal spirite thou offeredst thy selfe a pure sacrifice without spot to God purging our consciences from dead workes to serue the liuing God I yeelde thee hartie thankes for suffering vpō the altar of the crosse a most shameful death for our sins and that of thine owne accorde mooued therevnto by a singular affection of good wil towards vs. I blesse thee for instituting this Sacrament of thy bodie and blood in remembrance of our euerlasting redemptiō that at no time it might slip out of our minds but be an holie signe and testimonie of thy perpetual friendship and a seale of the confirmation of the newe and eternal couenant which thou hast entred into with vs concerning the free remission and forgiuenes of our sinnes I magnifie thee also with al reuerence of mind for bidding vs miserable men and sinners both vnto the participation of thy most holie supper and also to the receiuing of al celestial riches wherein thou bestowest and appliest particularlie to euerie of vs al the merits and good things which by thine obedience and death thou hast purchased on our behalfe that we may become partners and fellow heires of eternal blessednes O sacred banket wherin heauenlie dainties are set afore vs which reuiue the soule and thou lambe of God after a wonderful and mystical manner giuest thy selfe to refresh the inwarde man. We diminish thee not in eating thee but thou endurest whole perpetuallie And although the visible signes are consumed yet canst not thou be deuoured Thou art the meate of the soule not of the bodie and fattest our minds not our bellies Thou changest the eater into thy selfe and yet art not changed into the eater as other corporal foode is changed commonlie So that we participate of thy diuine nature and thou no whit art altered into our sinful flesh I humbly beseech thee Sonne of God by thy most sacred blood shed for vs giue me grace that participating of this visible Sacrament I may withal finde and feele in mine hart the inuisible working of thine heauenlie grace which is conteined in this mysterie that this supper may be as some refreshing vnto my bodie so a special medicine of my soule Quicken and raise vp in me by this blessed Sacrament a continual remembrance of thy bitter passion make me to retaine the same firmelie and fresh in my minde and shew it foorth as an onelie and sufficient ransome of my redemption vntil thou returnest Let me neuer doubt of the forgiuenes of my sinnes which thou assurest me of by thy bodie blood in thine holy couenant concluded in thy last supper by the breaking of bread and giuing foorth the cup to thy chosen Disciples and by them to as manie as are incorporated into thy Church through Baptisme That as often as Satan assaileth vs with his deadlie tentations we may runne to our sanctuarie as it were to a strong anchor of defence apprehending the promise ratified by the seale of this couenant and neuer giue ouer in fight but stil be refreshed with newe virtue from aboue nor breake our harts through the consideration of sundrie misfortunes which the vngrateful worlde by the instinct of their capitaine the Diuel woulde bring vpon vs but calling into minde thy death into the which we are baptized may escape from al calamities So that no tribulation nor anguish nor persecution neither hunger nor nakednes neither perils nor sworde neither death neither life may separate vs from our head wherevpon being made fast by this holie Sacrament receaued we as liuing members doe depende And finallie may knowe that we are fed and refreshed by thy flesh and pretious blood that washed therewith we should not hereafter giue our selues to carnal pleasures nor feede vpon the leauen of malice and wickednes but resisting them liue in al sinceritie truth as it becommeth such as doe eate of the immaculate Paschal lambe whose life is hid with thee but when thou shalt be reuealed then shal we also appeare in glorie For this blessed meate doth truelie witnes that our bodies sprinkled with the virtue of thy quickening flesh as it were with celestial dewe shal rise againe vnto immortalitie and euerlasting glorie Wherefore giue grace that al thy Saints participating of the bread of eternal life may be replenished with the fruition of thy blessed sight for euermore in thy celestial paradise Amen Another thankesgiuing after the receipt of the holie Communion I Thank thee O Christ lambe of God for offering thy selfe vpon the altar of the crosse to thy father an offering and a sacrifice of a sweete smelling sauor to God for our sinnes to reconcile vs vnto him for certaintie whereof and confirmation of our faith thou hast instituted on our behalfe this holie Sacrament of thy supper that as often as we receiue the same we may celebrate thy memorie and with thankesgiuing remember the merite and frute of thy passion I beseech thee by thy bitter death stir vp our minds that by often receiuing this thine ordinance and institution we may consider howe bitter a death thou didst suffer on our behalfe and how great the loue was which draue thee to take so cruel and shameful a death to saue vs and withal continuallie yeelde as we are bounde hartie thanks vnto thee for the same and after the like sort answere to our power that vnspeakeable good wil by our good life and careful obseruation of thy commandements and may when either through frailetie of our flesh or by any other fault preuented we sinne runne by and by vnto thee by repentance and through consideration of this new and eternal couenant touching the remission of sinnes made with vs be erected and vpholden vnto a liuelie and constant hope O sweete Iesu grant that being fast linked vnto thee by this holie mysterie I may receaue power and strength from thee beleeuing thy promises and be wholie addicted therevnto without any doubting that so my conscience in feare and trobles may haue perfect consolation Suffer me not to be separated from the members of thy bodie which is the Church whereof thou art head fulfilling al in al but grant that abiding in thy word and kingdome I may