earth I wyl drawe al vnto my selfe verefie thy wordê draw me after the let vs ruÌ„ne to gether in the swetenesse of thyne oyntmentes Besydes that thou saydeste Math. xi Come vnto me all ye the laboure and are laden and I wyll ease you Loo I come vnto the laden with synnes laboryng day and nyght in the sorow of myne harte refresh and ease me lorde that thou mayste be iustefied and proued true in thy wordes and mayste ouercome when thou art iudged for there are manye that saye he shall haue no socoure of his god God hath forsaken hym Ouercome lorde these parsones when thou arte thus iudged of them forsake me not at any tyme. Gyue me thy mercye and holesome socoure and then are they vaynqueshed ¶ They saye that thou wylt haue no mercye on me that thou wylte cast me clene out of thy fauoure no more receyue me thus art thou iudged of men and thus do men speake of the and these are theyr determynacyons but thou whiche arte meke merciful haue mercy on me and ouercome theyr iudgemeÌ„tes shewe thy mercy on me and let thy godlye pytye be praysed in me Make me a vessell of thy mercye that thou mayste be iustefied in thy wordes haue the vyctorye when men do iudge the for men do iudge the to be firce and inflexible Ouercome theyr iudgemeÌ„t with mekenes beneuolence so yâ— men may lerne to haue compassion on synners and that malefatours may be enflamed vnto repentaunce seynge in me thy pytye and mercye Lo I was fasshoned iÌ„ wyckednes my mother coÌ„ceyued me poluted with synne ¶ Beholde not lorde the greuousnes of my synnes coÌ„sidre not the multitude but loke mercifully on me whiche am thy creature RemeÌ„bre yâ— I am dust that al fleshe is as wytherd hay for lo I am fasshoned in wickednes in sinne hath my mother coÌ„ceiued me My naturall mother I say hath conceiued me of coÌ„cupisceÌ„ce in hir am I polluted with originall synne What is originall synne but the lacke of originall iustice of the ryght pure innoceÌ„cy which maÌ„ had at his creacyon therfore a man coÌ„ceiued barne in suche synne is hole croked out of frame The fleshe coueteth against the spirit Reason is slender the wyl is weake man is fraile like vanitie his sences deceiue him his ymagynacyon fayleth hym his ignoraunce leadeth him out of the ryght way he hath infinite iÌ„pedimentê which plucke hym frome goodnes and dryue hym in to euyll Therfore oryginall synne is the rote of all synnes the nurse of all wickednesse for all be it that in euery man of theyr owne nature it is but one synne yet in power it is all synnes Thou seiste therfore Lorde what I am and of whence I am for in origynall synne which conteyneth al synnes and iniquites in it am I fasshoned and in it hath my mother coÌ„ceaued me syth then I am hole in synnes and enuyroned with snares on euery side howe shall I escape for what I wolde that do I not but the euyll that I wolde not that do I. For I finde a nother lawe in my membres rebellynge agaynste the lawe of my mynde and subduynge me vnto the lawe of synne and deth Therfore the more frayle and entangled thy godly beneuoleÌ„ce seeth me so much the more let it lyft vp and confort me who wolde not pytye one that is syke who wolde not haue compassion on hym that is dyseased Come come swete Samaritane take vp the wounded and halfe deade cure my woundes poure in wyne and oyle set me vpon thy beest bringe me into the hosâ—ry coÌ„mytte me vnto the hoste take out two pence saye vnto hym what so euer thou spendest aboue this when I come agayne I wyll recoÌ„pence ye. Lo thou hast loued truth the vnknowne secrete â—gyngê of thy wysdome haste thou vttered vnto me ¶ Come most swete Samaritane for beholde thou haste loued truthe the truthe I saye of thy promyses whiche thou hast made vnto mankynde theym haste thou truly loued for thou haste made and kepte them so that thy loue is nothynge els but euen to do good for in thy selfe thou art inuariable immutable thou vsest not now to loue anon not to loue as meÌ„ do neyther doth thy loue so come go But thou art suche a louer as dothe neuer chaunge for thy loue is very god Thy loue therfore wherwith thou louest a creature is to do it good and whom thou most louest to them art thou moste beneficyall Therfore what meaneth that thou louest truthe but that of thy gracious mercy thou makest vs promyses and fulfyllest them for thy truthes sake Thou dydest promyse vnto Abraham a sonne when he was aged thou fulfilledst thy promyse in olde and bareyn Sara because thou louedst truth Thou promisedst vnto the chyldren of Israell a lande that flowed with milke and honye and at the last didest geue it theÌ„ for thy truthes sake ¶ Thou madest a promyse to Dauid sayenge I shall set vp thy seate regall one of the frute of thy bodye and it came euen â—o passe because thou woldest be founde true There are other innumerable promyses in which thou hast euer bene faithful because thou louedst truthe Thou haste promysed to synners which wyll come vnto the forgyuenesse and fauour and thou hast neuer defrauded man for thou hast loued truthe That vnthryftye Sonne Luce. xv that toke his iourney in to a farre countre and wasted all his goodes with royatous lyuynge when he came to hym selfe he retourned vnto the sayenge father I haue synned agaynst heuen and before the now am I not worthye to be called thy sonne make me as one of thy hyred seruauntes When he was yet a greate waye of thou sawest hym and haddest coÌ„passion on him and rannest vnto hym fallynge vpon his necke and kyssynge hym thou broughtest forth the best garment and puttest a rynge on his finger and showes on his fete thou kylledst that fatted calfe and madest all the house mery saieng let vs eate and be mery for this my sonne was deade and is alyue agayne he was lost and is now founde ¶ Why didest thou al this lorde god surelye because thou louedst truth Loue therfore o father of mercies this truthe in me which returne vnto the froÌ„ a far cuÌ„tre runne towardê me geue me a kys of thi mouth geue me those chefe garmeÌ„tê draw me iÌ„ to thy house kyll yâ— fatted calfe that all which truste in the maye reioyce in me and lette vs eate together in spyrytuall feastes Oh lorde wylte thou exclude me alone wylte thou not kepe this truth vnto me yf thou shuldest loke narowly on our wickednesse o lorde Lorde who myght abyde the But lorde thou wylte not be soo strayte vnto vs for thou louest truth ye and that with a feruent and incomprehensyble loue ¶ Whiche is the truth that thou so louest is it not thy sonne that sayde Iohan. xiiij I
that is to saye vpon this greate Saboth daye came the ouermost of the prestes with the pharisayes togyder and went to Pilate remeÌ„bringe that Christe whom they nowe called a false deceyuer sayde that he shulde ryse agayne the thyrde day wherupoÌ„ they desyred that he wolde coÌ„maunde the sepulcre to be kepte vntyll the thyrde daye leste his disciples shulde pauenture come stele hym awaye so bare the people in hande that he was rysen from deathe and then sholde they be in worse case then euer they were before to whom Pilate grauÌ„ted the custodye and that they sholde keape the sepulcre as wel as they coulde which then sealed the stone and besette armed men aboute it to kepe hym Adoramus te c. ¶ The verse we worshipe the o Christe and we honour the. Thanswer For by thy holy Crosse thou haste redemed the worlde Oremus Domine Iesu Christ. c. O Lorde Iesu Christe the sonne of the lyuynge god put thy passion crosse and thy death betwene the iudgment and our soules now in the hour of our dethe and graunte vs whiles we lyue mercy and grace to theym that departe forgyuenes rest vnto thy holy churche gyue peace and concorde and to vs that are synners lyfe and glory euerlastynge whiche lyuest and reignest with the father and with the holy goste euer Amen Gloriosa passio c. ¶ The gloriose passion of our lorde Iesu Christ delyuer vs from sorowfull heuenes bryng vs to the ioyes of paradise Amen GOd setteth forth his incoÌ„parable loue that he beareth vnto vs for seyng the whiles we were yet synners Christe dyed for vs muche more then now seynge that we are iustified in his bloude shall we be preserued from dampnation through hym to the Romans the fyfthe A fruetfull remembraunce A deuoute frutfull godly remembraunce of the passion of oure sauyour Iesu Christe THere are certeyne whiche when they excercyse theym selues in the meditaâ—ion or remembrauÌ„ce of the pasâ—yoÌ„ which Chryste sufferâ—d for mankynde do nothyng els buâ— were wod and furious agaynst the blinde iewes and Iudas theyr gyde through whome he was betrayed as an innocent lambe in to theyr bloudy cruell handes euen as it is the comen maner of theÌ„ whiche are wonte to lameÌ„te and bewayle the 〈◊〉 oâ—â—heyr frendes to accuse crye out on those persones which do the deade but they nothyng consider them which are the chyefe causes of his bitter death and pasâ—ion So that in rely this may better be called a remebraunce of the Iewes wickednes then of Chrâ—stê passion ¶ There are other that haue gathered to gether diuerse coÌ„modityes whiche springe through the dilygent beholdynge of this passion wherof is the sayenge of Albert in euery mans mouth that it is better to remeÌ„bre the passion of Christe oure in once lyfe all though it be but slenderly then to taâ—â—e euery daye a hole yere to gyder or â—o reade ouer the hole Psalter of Dauid how be it all theyr polytike meanes studiouse imaginacyons they coude neuer aâ—tayne the very vse and profyte of the passion of Christe Neyther sought they ony thynge therin but theyr owne priuate welth â—or some caryed aâ—oute them images paynted papers carued tables croâ—es and such other tryfles yea and some felle to suche madde ignoraunce that they thought them selues through suche beggery to be sate from ryre water and all other perilous ieoperdyes As though the crosse of Christ shuâ—de delyuer them from such outwarde troâ—les and not rather the contrary ¶ These do pituously sorowe morne for Christe and complayne that he was innocent and gyltles put to death euen lyke as the women of Hâ—â—rusalem whom Christe hym selfe dyd reprehende aduertâ—â—ynge theÌ„ that they shulde lamenâ—e them selfes and theyr owne childreÌ„ Neyther is it â—ny meruell for the preachers them selues ar sycke of the same disease which for the most parte when they entreate this mater â—epe 〈◊〉 of the fruteful and holesom storye in to these theyr comen places howe Iesus toke his leaue of his disciples iÌ„ Betania And with what dolorous syghes his mother Marie pityed hym suche other thyngê on these they bable at lengthe and discant theyr plesures rather to the weryenge then edefyenge of the audience vnto this sorte maye we also adnumbre them whiche haue defined and enstructe other what exellent commodityes are in the masse in so moch that the rude ignoraunt people perswaded them selues that it was sufficient yf they hadde herde a masse and that they sholde hâ—ue good luke what so euer myschefe they weÌ„t a boute And there are some whiche runne so farre hedlyng that they affirme stoutely that the masse whiche they call a sacrifice is accepte of god for the worke it selfe and not for his sake that doeth the masse They consider not that god loketh fyrste on the person that worketh and then after on the worke as thou haste a goodlye ensample Gen. iiij of Abell and Cain They consider not that an euyll tre can not brynge forthe good frute Mathew .xij. And that on a bromble men can gether no figges Math. vij They consider not that the masse was institute of Christe to make vs more holye through the deuoute remembraunce of his passion with a pure fayth and not for ony other worthynesse that it hathe in it sylfe How be it though we sholde grauÌ„te them that the masse in it selfe were as good and holye as theyr couetousnes and belyes haue fayned it yet truely can it nothyng profyte vs excepte we vse it for the same purpose that Christe dyd institute it for what dothe it profite vs that meate and drynke are good holesom yf we abuse them corruptynge our nature yea or what doth it auayle vs that god is god that is to saye almyghty most mercyful good rightewise and alone sufficient yf we abuse his goodnes and beleue not in hym It is therfore to be feared lest yf thou be ignorauÌ„t in the true vse of the masse that the mo thou hearest the more thou offendest god abusynge his institution and ordinaunce ¶ But these are the very right beholders of Christê passion whiche coÌ„syder marke in his passion theyr owne synnes and enormityes which were the cause and grounde of his passion and death for they ar feared and theyr conscyences tremble as sone as they remembre the passion whiche feare tremble ryseth of this that they maye se in the passion the vehemeÌ„t wrath rightuous punishment of god the father agaynst synners whiche wolde not for all the abundaunt fauoure that he had vnto his sonne 〈◊〉 maâ—efactoures to go fre and vnpunished but that he muste redeme them with his owne death which thyng Esaias .iiij. doâ—h alâ—o confirme sayeng in the person of god the father for the synnes of my people haue I wounded hym what then shall be come of vs syth his moste deare and onlye sonne is so cruelly entreated It muste nedes be a meruelous
fygure of Chryste Wherfore fyrste of all he syngeth and expresseth his great deiection and downe fall and anone after his exaltacyon his encrease and purchasynge of his kyngdome euen to the vttermost partes of the lande and the contynuaunce therof vnto the worldes ende ¶ Deus deus meê° respice Psal. xxij MY god my god lo wherfore forsakest thou me how farre is thyne helpe from myne out cryenge My god shall I thê° crye and call vpon the all daye and yet wylt thou not heare shall I crye all nyght and neuer cease Ueryly yet art thou that holy one whiche dwellest in Israell extollynge the with prayse Our father 's trusted vpon the they trusted vpon the and thou delyuerdest them They cryed vnto the and were delyuered they trusted vpon the were not shamed But as for me I am but a worme and no man euen the very opprobrye of the men and an abiecte from the vylest folke All that se me made but a laughyng stock on me they mocked me with theyr lyppes and wagged theyr heddes at me Sayinge this vyleyn referred all thynges to the lorde let hym now delyuer hym yf he wyll for he loueth hym well But yet thou arte he whiche leddest me out of my mothers wombe myne owne refugy euen from my mothers teates As soone as I came in to this worlde I was layde in thy lappe thou art my God euen from my mothers wombe Go thou not farre from me for my trouble draweth nygh neyther is there any man that wyll helpe There are beset me rounde aboute greate sturdy steares ye the fatte bulles of Bashan haue hedged me in Lyke a rorynge lyon pantynge and gapynge for his proye theyr mouthes are open vpon me naked before them I sanke awaye lyke water all my bones shoke out of ioynte my hert within me melted away lyke waxe The moystur of my body was dryed vp and I was lyke a potsherde my tung cleued to the sydes of my mouth thou hast drest me to my graue For euen lyke dogges they came aboute me the chyrche of noyous men hedged me in they dygged thorowe my handes fete A man myght haue tolde all my bones they gasyng vpon me thus pytyles entreated toke theyr pleasure They parted my ouer clothes to them self and for my other cote they casted dyce But thou oh lorde be not farre o my strengthe haste the to coÌ„me helpe me Delyuer my lyfe from the deth stroke and my deare soule from the woodnes of these dogges Saue me from the mouthes of these lyons and defende my poore simplenes from the hornes of these vnicornes I shall sprede thy name among my bretherne in the myddes of the congregacyon I shall prayse the. I saye â–ª ye that feare the lorde se that ye prayse hym all ye of the sede of Iacob gloryfye hym all ye of the progeny of Israel feare hym For he hath not despised nor abhorred the troublous affliction of the poore in no maner of wyse turneth he his face from hym but whan he cryed vnto hym he herd hym I shall prayse the in the greate congregacyon I shall ê‘forme my vowes before his worshyppers The meke men shall eate be satisfyed they that seke the lorde shall prayse hym theyr herte shall lyue and ioye for euer The dwellers in thextreme partes of the erth shall remembre themselues and be turned to the lorde and all hethen nations shall fall downe before the. For the kyngdome is the lordes and he is lorde ouer al nations All the ryche men of the erth shall eate and do hym homage they shal be bowed downe before hym and descende in to theyr graues for they may not prolonge ony lyfe to thyyr soules But theyr postertie shall serue hym shall be nombred to the lorde for euer And thus theyr chylders chylderne shall shewe the ryghtwisnes whiche he hath gyuen to the people whiche is yet to be borne ¶ DnÌ„s regit me Psal. xxiij THe lorde is my pastoure and feader wherfore I shall not wante He made me to feade in a full plentuous batle grouÌ„de and dyd dryue retche me at leyser by the swete ryuers He restored my lyfe and led me by the pathes of ryghtwisnes for his names sake Ye yf I shold go thorowe the myddes of deth yet wolde I fere none euyll for thou art with me thy staffe and thy shepe hoke conforte me Thou shalt sprede garnysshe me a table ye and that in the syght of myn ennemyes thou shalt souple my heed with oyntment and my full cuppe shall laugh vpon me Ye and thy mercy and gentylnes shall folowe me al my lyfe I shall syt in the house of the lorde a longe tyme. ¶ DiÌ„n est terra Psal. xxiiij THe erth is the lordes and all that is conteyned in it the rounde worlde and all that inhabyte it For in the see hath he set her fouÌ„dacyons hath buylded her aboue the flodes Who shall clymme in to the hyll of the lorde or who shall abyde in his holy place An innocent in his dedes and he that is pure in herte that hath not extolled hym self proudly vnto vanite neyther hath sworne for ony disceyte This maÌ„ shal be fed with the blessyng of the lorde with the mercy of god his sauyour This is the nacion gyueÌ„ all vnto hym seketh hiÌ„ this is the very ryght Iacob Selah Oh ye gates lyfte vp your selues ye gates euerlastynge be ye opened this gloryous kyng shall inentre Who is this kyng that is so gloryous it is the myghty valyaunt lorde noble in power a lord excelleÌ„t iÌ„ strength to wage batayle Oh ye gates lyfte vp your selfe ye gates euerlastyng be ye opened the gloryous kyng shall inentre Who is this kyng that is so gloryous it is the lorde of hostes it is he that is this gloryous kyng Sela. ¶ Ad te dnÌ„e leuaui Psal. xxv UNto the oh lorde I lyfte vp my mynde my god I trust in the let me not be shamed lest myne ennemyes reioyse vpon me For they shall not be shamed who so euer depeÌ„de vpon the but they shall be shamed that wrongfully hurt innocentes Shewe me thy wayes lord and wonte me to thy pathes Lede me forth for thy faythfull truthes sake acquaynte me with the for thou art god my sauyour of whome I depende perpetually Lorde remembre thy mercy thy gracyous fauour for in these thynges thou excellest euen froÌ„ the begynnynge But the synnes of my youthe with my vngodlynes also remeÌ„bre thou not remembre me accordynge to thy goodnes for thy mercyes sake oh lorde Good and ryghtwyse is the lorde wherfore he wyll instructe and teche synners the waye He wyll make the lowlyones to go in ryghtly and in good ordre and wyll teache meke men his waye All the pathes of the lorde are mercy and faythfulnes to those men whiche kepe touche and conuenaunte with hym For thy names sake oh lorde forgyue me my wyckednes for it
obediet herte a meke herte and a newe spirite put thou in to vs and make vs walke in thy coÌ„maundementê hate and slee that thou forbyddest vs loue folowe that thou coÌ„maundest vs. Iac. j. Lyghten oh father of lyght frome whome all goodnes doth descend lyghten our blynde hertê Eph. iiij blynded with errour ignorauÌ„ce wrong iudgment euyl affections myne the most blynd of all blynd lorde father I aske the mery lyghten them I beseche the with the true lyghte of thy worde that we maye knowe thy wyll loue it lyue therafter psal C xviij for thy worde sayth thy prophete dauyd is a lantorne to my fete and lyght vnto my pathes Lu. j. Gyue vs this lantorne blessed father gyue vs this lyght Shyne vnto vs that syt in darknes in the shadowe of death psal xij for thou arte be that lyghteneth our lantornes oh lorde lyghten thou our derknes psal xlij Send out thy lyght and the truthe of thy worde and they shall lede and brynge vs in to thyne holy mountayne which is also thy tabernacle ê“uer xxj The kynges hert is in thyne handes Oh lorde that where thou wylte thou mayest inclyne it for soo sayeth thy scrypture Inclyne his herte to this purpose oh father that it wyl please hym to coÌ„maunde his prelates of his realme no lenger to kepe from his people his louynge subiectes the lyght of thy worde the lyght of holy scrypture the lyght of the testament of thy deare sonne our sauyour Iesu christ the lyght wherin he that walketh erreth not neyther stumbleth at ony stone put it in his mynde lorde to coÌ„mauÌ„de that lyke as thrugh thy secrete inspyratioÌ„ other nations alredy haue so his people also by his coÌ„maundement maye haue in to theyr tonge truely translated thy holy scrypture wherin they may learne perfytely know thy godly wyll pleasure obedyently submyt theym selfe vnto the same folowe it expresse it in theyr lyuynge Da. ix O lorde god heare these thy seruauntes prayers depe desyres bowe downe thyne eares heare Open thyne eyes and beholde the thycke derknes that we wanderin psal xxx lyghten thy shynynge face vpon thy seruaÌ„tes that truste in the that flee vnto the that cleaue fast vnto thy promesses we are synners lord haue lyued vngodly and haue iustly deserued to be depriued of thy lyght and to be throwen forth in to this palpable derknes be cause we dyd not knowe what daunger we were in we sought not vnto the to helpe vs out of it but now lorde god seynge that thrughe thy goodnes we are brought to feele and perceyue our derknes with deape syghes we sue vnto the for to be with thy lyght illumyned Lorde for thy mercy sake heare vs lorde for thy truthe sake graunt vs lorde for thy benygnite sake come agayne in grace with vs. Lorde for thy ryghtwysnes sake attende vnto our peticion and brynge this thynge to passe But now we thynke I heare souÌ„dynge in myne eares that fearful and ouer true worde that thou longe a go spakest by the holye prophete Esaie .xxix. chapytour this people draweth vnto me with theyr mouthes and with theyr lyppes they gloryfye me but theyr herte is ferre from me For they synne dayly without repentaunce Rom. ij Despisinge the riche plentifulnes of my goodnes pacience and longe suffringe not considerynge that my benignite styrreth calleth them to repentaunce but for their hardenes impenitent herte they saye vp as it were in stoore and treasurye myne ire wrathe and vengeaunce agaynst the daye of wrath and ryghtfull iudgemeÌ„t Truthe it is oh lorde and ouertrue we coÌ„fesse it to the which knowest al our noughâ—â—nes Hie. xxxj But now coÌ„uert thou our impenitent hertes blessed father which can not repente of them selues and myne most impetent of all impenitentes lorde father I aske the mercy conuert them blessed father vnto repentaunce throughe thyne almighty power Eph. j. whiche thou shewdest in Christe Iesu thy sonne in raysynge hym from deathe for it is no lesse poure to conuerte a synner than to rayse vp a man froÌ„ death no not a whit lesâ—e than to make the whole worlde of nought CoÌ„uert thou vs therfore oh moste blessed father whiche art of abilite mighte and powre to do it Hier. xxxj Conuert thou vs and than shal we be truely conuerted for thou arte oure lorde god whiche only wylte and canste do it and yf thou conuertest vs than shall we erneastly repente and do true penaunce And yf thou ones shewest vs oure synnes we shal sinyte our selues on the thyes and euer be coÌ„fussed and ashamed in our selues of it and els al is but very hiprocrice what so euer without thy spirite we inforce oure selues to do psal lxxxiiij Conuert thou vs therfor we beseche the oh almighty father and turne away thy wrath from vs. Gyue vs grace blessed father to haue a spiritual taste and a gostly fealynge in our hertes of thyn infinite goodnes mercy and exceding kyndenes that thou haste so many wayes declared and setforth vnto vs iÌ„ and by our swete sauiour Iesu Christe whome thou hast geuyn vp to moste paynfull and after the worldes estymation moste shamefull death for to redeme vs thy moste wreched seruantes from euerlastynge death damnation that we hadde deserued in oure father adam and so innumerable wayes also by our owne abhomynable synne and wrechednes and I most wretchedly of al wretches lord father I aske the mercy and to make vs thy chyldren and heyers brethreÌ„ and inheritours togyther with thyne onely naturall sonne our sauiour Iesu Christ. Graunt blessed father that we beynge myndefull of this excedynge kyndenesse maye so condemne oure vnkyndenesse and our abhominable synne and wretchednes hate it and eueÌ„ abhorre it in our hertê as we shold do Graunte that we maye cease from it leaue it resiste agaynste it and withstonde in tyme of temptation as we sholde do Graunte that with vnfayned fayth with sure beleue in thy promesse we maye aske and obteyne of the forgyuenes of it with grace to amende our vngracious lyues as we sholde do Graunte that we maye be kynde and thankefll for uthy greate benefites that we haue receyued and daylye do receiue of the and laude the loue for them as we sholde do Graunte that for loue of the we maye also loue thyne holy coÌ„maundemeÌ„tes as we shold do Graunt vs ghostly eyes to se the bewty of vertue that is coÌ„tayned in them and so consequently an inwarde delectation a ghostlye luste pleasure to muse thynke of them yea a syghyng desyre with a ferueÌ„t prepensed purpose an ernest wyll to obserue and keape them as we sholde do Graunte vs thy contynuall assistence and ayde with a constant determination of our mynde not wantynge abilite power nor strenghte to perseuer in them forgettyng that good which thrugh thy grace we haue done neuer thynkynge that we haue done ynoughe neuer wery of well doynge but euer lokynge forwarde
myne iyes cease from theyr office Wherfore then oh lorde doste thou not put awaye myne iniquity And yf thou put it out accordinge to the multytude of thy mercyes yet washe me from myne iniquite For yet am I not perfeytly purefyed finisshe thy worke take awaye the hole offence and also the payne that is due vnto the crime encrease thy lyght with in me Kendle myne herte with thy loue cherite put out al feare for perfayte loue sendeth awaye feare Let the loue of the worlde the loue of the flesshe the loue of vayne glorye the loue of my selfe vtterly departe fro me yet styll more more wash me from myne iniquite by the which I haue offended agaynâ—t my neighbour and clense me from my synne that I haue committed agaynste god I wolde haue the put a way not only the faute payne that foloweth it but also the occasion and nouryshment of synne Washe me I saye with the waâ—er of thy gracyous fauoure with water of which he that drinketh shall not thyrst for euer but it shall be made in hym a fontayne of lyuynge water runnynge in to euer lastynge lyfe Washe me with the comfortable waters of thy holye scriptures that I maye be nuÌ„bred among them vnto whom thou saydest Now are ye clene for my wordes which I haue spokeÌ„ vnto you Io. xiij For I knowlege myne inyquyte and my synne is euer before myne iyes ¶ Although through the beholding of thy mercy and compassions I may be bolde â—o flye vnto the oh lorde yet wyl I not come as the Pharise whiche prayed not but rather praysed hym selfe despised his neighboure but I come vnto the as the publican Lu. xviij which durst not lyfte vp his iyes vnto Heauen For I also do knowlege myne inyquyte and whyles I pondre my synnes I dare not lyfte vp myne lyes but humbelynge my selfe with the Publicane I saye God be mercyfull to me a synner My soule wauereth betwene hope feare and somtyme for the feare of my synnes whiche I feale and knowlege to be in me I am ready to despayre somtyme throughe the hope of thy mercy I am lyfted vp and conforted Neuerthelesse because that thy mercy is greater theÌ„ my misery I wyl euer lorde truste in the and wyll synge oute thy plentuous compassyons for euer For I knowe that thou desyrest not the deathe of a synner but rather that he were conuerted and that he wolde knowlege his iniquite and forsake his synne and so come to the that he maye lyue ¶ My god graunte me that I maye lyue in the for I knowlege my wyckednesse I knowe what a greuous burthen it is how copious how ieoperdious I am not ignoraunt of it I hide it not but set it eueÌ„ before myne eies that I maye washe it with my teares and knowlege vnto the Lorde myne vnryghtwysnesse agaynste my selfe And also my synne which I haue proudly done agaynste the is euer agaynst me and therfore it is agaynste me because I haue sinned agaynst the it is truly against me for it is eueÌ„ against my soule accuseth me euer before the my iudge condeÌ„pneth me euer in euery place and it is so agaynste me that it is euer before my face and stondeth but agaynst me that my prayer maye not perce through vnto the that it myght take thy mercy fro me hynder thy mercye that it can not come at me therfore do I treÌ„ble and therfore do I morne besechyng thy mercy Therfore oh lorde as thou hast gyuen this grace vnto me to knowe my wickednesse and to bewayle my synne eueÌ„ so accomplysh this thy beneuolence gyuynge me a ê‘fayte fayth drawyng me vnto thy sonne which hath made a ful satisfactioÌ„ for all my sinnes Geue me lorde this precious gyfte for euery good gyfte and euery parfeyte gyfte is from aboue comyng from the father of lyght Agaynst the only haue I synned haue done that which is euyll in thy sight that thou maist be iustified in thy wordê mayst haue the victorie when thou art iudged ¶ I haue ouermoch sinned vnto the alone for thou coÌ„maundedst me that I sholde loue the for thy selfe shold loue al creatures for thy sake But I haue loued a creature more then that louynge it euen for it selfe What is synne but to loue a creature for it selfe and what is that but to do agaynst the Surely he yâ— loueth a creature for it selfe maketh that creature his God And therfore haue I synned agaynste the onely for I haue made a creature my god So haue I caste the awaye and haue ben iniurious only to the for I haue not offended agaynste ony creature in that I haue set my truste or confidence in it For it was not coÌ„maunded me that I sholde loue ony creature for it selfe Yf thou haddest coÌ„mauÌ„ded me that I sholde haue loued an aungell onely for hym selfe and I had loued mony for it selfe then no doubte I had offended agaynst the angell But sith yâ— thou only art to be loued for thy selfe that is to say without ony respecte other of good or euyll and euery creature is to be loued in the for thy sake Therfore haue I surely offended onely agaynst the for I haue loued a creature for it selfe ¶ But yet haue I worse done for I haue synned euen iÌ„ thy syght I was nothiÌ„g asshamed to synne before thy face Oh merciful god how many synnes haue I done in thy syght which I wolde in no wyse haue done before mortal meÌ„ yea that I wolde not in ony case that men sholde knowe I feared men more then the for I was blinde loued blyndnes so did I nether se nor ones coÌ„sidre the. I had only fleshly eyes therfore did I only feare and loke on men whiche ar flesh But thou lokedst on al my synnes and numbred them therfore I can nether hyde them froÌ„ the nether turne my backe and flye from thy face ¶ Whether shall I go from thy spirite and whether shall I flye from thy face what shall I then do whether shall I turne me whome shall I fynde to be my defender whom I praye you but the my god who is so good who is so geÌ„tle who is so mercyfull for thou passest without comparisoÌ„ al creatures in gentlenesse It is one of thy chyefest propertyes to forgeue and be mercifull for throughe mercy and forgeuenesse thou dost most declare thy almyhgtynesse I graunt lorde that I haue offended only agaynst the and haue done that whiche is euyll in thy syght Haue mercy therfore on me expresse thy puysaunce in me that thou mayst be iustified iÌ„ thy wordê for thou hast sayde that thou camest not to cal that rightwise but synners vnto repentaunce Iustifie me lorde accordyng to thy wordes call me receyue me and gyue me grace to do true workes of repentauÌ„ce For this cause wast thou crucyfied deade and buryed Thou saydest also IohnÌ„ iij. wheÌ„ I am lyfted vp from of the
reioysing may loke for thy iudgemeÌ„t Entre not into iudgemeÌ„t agaynst vs with thy strayte lawe for in it shall no man be founde innocent and ryghtuous Teache vs deare father not to styck steye or grouÌ„d our selues in our good workes or deseruynges but to gyue submitte our selfe playnly and faythfully to thyn infynyte and incomparable mercy Agayne make that we despayre not for this our gylty and synfull lyfe but that we may iudge that thy mercy is more myghty and stronger then our lyfe how soeuer we haue ordered it Helpe and confort all mennes coÌ„science which in the poynte of death or in ony other suche temptation are vexed with desperation Forgyue them and vs our dettes conforte them refresshe them be reconsiled vnto theÌ„ Gyue vs thy goodnes for our malyce as thou commaundest that we shulde do Cast downe the horryble fende sclauÌ„derer accusar and encreaser of our synnes nowe and in the poynte of death and to be short in all straytnes of concyence Gyue vs grace to be ware to auoide that by our diffamacyon mennes synnes appere not the more greuous Iudge vs not after the accusation from the entysementes of the deuyll that we coÌ„sent not to pryde which wolde cause vs to set moch by our selfe despise other for rychesse kynne power scyence learnyng beauty or any other gyftes or goodnes Kepe vs that we fal not in to the synne of hate and enuye what occasyon so euer be gyueÌ„ to vs. Kepe vs that we doubt not in thy faythe neyther fall in desperation now nor in the poynte of deathe Put thy helpynge hande our best heuenly father to them that fyght and labour agaynste this harde and manyfolde temptation Confort them that now do stonde and lyft theym vp that are fallen be ouercome Fynally fulfyll vs all with thy grace that in this myserable and perilus lyfe which is coÌ„passed with so manye contynuall enemyes that neuer ceasse we maye fyghte bodely with stable and noble faythe and obteyne the euerlastynge crowne ¶ The seuenth petition But delyuer vs from euyll This petytion prayeth for all the euylles of paynes and punyshmentes as doth the Chyrche in the Letany O father 〈…〉 thy 〈…〉 punyshmentes of 〈…〉 deathe 〈…〉 water and 〈…〉 and hayle 〈…〉 â—arthe keps vs 〈…〉 kepe vs 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 〈…〉 and such 〈…〉 kepe vs from all euyll and 〈…〉 in al 〈…〉 glory of thy name 〈…〉 and fulfyllyng of thy 〈…〉 〈…〉 good Lorde that all these 〈…〉 be opteyned of vs without 〈◊〉 Neyther suâ—fere that we my 〈…〉 but that in al these thynges 〈…〉 yea be herde all redy And let 〈…〉 thynges be sure and with out 〈…〉 so maye we with glad herte 〈…〉 that is to say stable 〈…〉 EIâ—◠〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 table 〈…〉 one 〈…〉 obteyneth 〈…〉 desyred by it 〈…〉 haue the 〈…〉 we doubted 〈…〉 And we 〈…〉 promyse of 〈…〉 mynde that 〈…〉 we may 〈…〉 remembraunce 〈…〉 passe that 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 trust and 〈…〉 For except the 〈…〉 god to pray 〈…〉 that he wolde here our 〈…〉 all the creatures that are 〈…〉 ony thynge 〈…〉 theyr prayers And 〈…〉 perceiuest that it is not to 〈…〉 come of the goodnes of our prayers o◠〈◊〉 be ascrybed to our owne worthynes yf we do obteyne any thynge of god but it is to be ascribed to the infinit goodnes of god which hathe longe before preueÌ„ted our petitions and prayers with his promyse and coÌ„mauÌ„dement wherby he dothe excite and styrre vs to praye that at the leaste wyse by the reason hereof we may learne that he is farre more careful for vs and more redy to gyue or grauÌ„te then we be eyther to receyue or els to aske And for as moche as he dothe offre more benefytes good thynges vnto vs then we our selues durste haue ben bolde to wysshe or desyre that lyberalyte bountuousnes of god oughte to enflame and to encourage vs for to praye boldelye without ony mystruste or doubtefullnes ¶ SecuÌ„darily this thyng also as I haue saide is requisite to a true orison or prayer that we do not doubte any thynge of the promyse of god whiche is bothe true and faythefull For this cause pryncypally he promysed that he shall here our prayer gaue vs coÌ„maundement to pray that we shulde be assured beleue stedfastly that he wyll certeynly here vs and graunte our petition as he sayeth in the .xxi. chapitre of Mathewe where it is red in this wyse I say vnto you what so euer thinges you do aske or desyre when you do pray beleue that you shall receyue them and they shall be graunted vnto you And in the .xi. of Luke aske and it shal be gyuen to you seke and you shall fynde knocke and it shall be opened to you for euery man the asketh receyueth and who so euer seketh fyndeth and to hym that knocketh it shall be opened who is he amonge you beynge a father of whome yf his son shall desyre breade wyll gyue hym a stone Or yf he desyre fysshe wyll gyue hym a serpent in the stede of a fyâ—sâ—e Or yf he shall aske an egge wyll reache to hym ascorpion yf you then wheÌ„ ye are euyll can gyue good gyftes to your sonnes how moche more shall your heuenly father gyue the holy ghost to them that desyre hym By these by lyke promyses and preceptes our mynde is to be confyrmed and streÌ„ghthed that we may pray boldely and with confidence beynge assured and out of doubte that we shall receyue obteyn al thyngê which we do aske or desyre ¶ Thyrdly yf men vndyscretely doubte of god when they pray whether that thyng shall come to passe whiche they desyre or not they do coÌ„mytte two offences or synnes Fyrst because thorough theyr defaute it chauÌ„seth cometh to passe that their praier is of no strenghte and is cause that they labour in wayne for so also saynte Iames sayeth yf any man asketh any thynge of god let hym aske with good truste with out any doubtfulnes for he that doubteh is lyke to the waue of the see which is dryuen with the wyndes and caryed with vyolence And let not that man thynke that he shall receyue any thynge of god which wordes of saynt Iames do playnly declare that all they whiche in thyr prayers doubt to be harde shall obteyne nothyng of god because theyr hertes are not assured and quiet or at rest But fayth kepeth the herte in quietnes and rest that it may receyue take the gyftes of god The secouÌ„de thyng wherin they do offende and synne who so euer prayeth without faythe and truste is this because they do not gyue credence to god whiche is faythfull true of promyse but distrusteth hym as yf he ware a lyar or a tryflyng lyght man as though god eyther colde not or els wolde not performe his promyses And suche persones taken away from almyghty god his honour and name for that they do not beleue that he is faythful and true and
whome we had sumtyme in dirision and vnto lykelyhod of opprobrious laughter but we our selfe beynge then without our wyttes had wente that theyr lyfe had ben but madnes and so theyr ende to haue bene withoute honour But nowe se how they are counted amonge the childreÌ„ of god and theyr herytage is among the sayntes wherfore we our selfe then erred wente from the way of the trouthe and the lyght of ryghtwysnes dyd not shyne vpoÌ„ vs and the sonne of ryght vnderstondyng spronge not vpon vs we were weryed tyerd in the way of wyckednes and predicion we walked hard and wery wayes for the way of the lorde we knowe not ¶ Respon of the wyse man the .vi. When ye were ministers of his kyngdome ye iudged not ryght ye kepte not the lawe of ryghtwysnes neyther ye walked after the wyll of god Ferfully and shortly shall he appere vnto you For ryght sharpe iudgemente shall be done vpon these that are in authorite ¶ The verse To the weake lytell ones is grauÌ„ted mercy but the greate myghte ones shall suffre myghtye stronge tormentes Fearefullye and shortlye shal he appere vnto you For righsharpe iudgement shal be done vpon these that are in authoryte Glory be to the fatther to the Sonne and to the holy Ghoste For ryght sharpe iudgement shal be done vpon these that are in authoryte ¶ The songe of Austen and Ambrose WE prayse the o god we knowlege the to be the lorde All the Earthe mought worshyp the whiche art the father euerlastynge To the cry forth all aungelles the heuens and all the powers therin To the thus cryeth Cherubyn and Seraphyn contynually Holy art thou Holy art thou Holye art thou Thou arte the lorde God of hostes Heuen and Earthe are fulfylled with the glorye of thy maiestye The gloryouse companye of the Apostles prayse the. The godly felawship of martires praise ye. The holy coÌ„gregation of faythful thrughout all the worlde magnyfy the. They knowlege the to be the Father of an infinite maiestye â—hey knowlege thy honorable and verye onâ—ly Sonne They knowlege thy holye Ghoste to be a counforter Thou art the kynge of glorye O Christe Thou art the euerlastyng son of the father Thou when thou sholdest take vpon the our nature to delyuer man dydest not abhorre the vyrgyns bodye Thou hast opened the kyngdome of heuen to the beleuers deathes darâ—e ouercome Thou syttest on the ryghte hande of God in the glorye of the father Thou arâ—e beleued to come oure Iudge Wherfore we pray the helpe thy seruantes whome thou haste redemed with thy precâ—ous bloude Make them to be nombred with thy sayntes in ioye euerlastynge O lorde saue thy people and blysse thy herytage Gouerne and also lyfte theym vp for euer We prayse the euery daye And we worshyp thy name euer worlde withouten ende O lorde lette it be thy pleasure to kepe vs this day without synne O lorde haue mercy vpon vs haue mercy vpon vs. O lorde let thy mercye lyghten vpon vs euen as we trust in the. O lorde I trust in the let me neuer be confounded ¶ The versycle Christe is deade for our synnes Thaunswere And is rysen agayne for our ryghtwysnes ¶ To the Romans the .iiij. O God bende thy selfe vnto my helper Lorde haste the to helpe me Glorye be to the Father to the sonne and to the holy Ghoste As it was in the begynnyge as it is now and euer shall be Amen Prayse ye the lorde ¶ Dominus regnauit THe lorde is kyng his maiesty is gloryously deckte the lorde hath armed hym selfe with strenghte and hathe gyrte hym selfe myghtely He hathe surelye buylde and set faste the rounde worlde so that it shall not be moued Thy seate was pÌ„pared in ceason but thou thy selfe arte of euerlastynge The floodes are rysen O lorde thy floodes haue rored The floodes haue lyfted vp theyr stremes aboue the noyse of the greate stormy and troubled sees Meruelous is the lorde whiche hathe his resydence aboue Thy wordes are sure faythfull thy house is ryght fayre holy and godly the secrete holye place of the lorde shall stande in to full longe tymes Glorye be to the Father to the sonne and to the holy Ghoste As it was in the begynnyng as it is now and euer shall be Amen Iubilate Make ye melody vnto the lorde al that dwell vpon the Earthe worshyp ye the lorde gladlye come in to his presence ioyfully Knowlege ye the lorde that he is god he hathe made vs and not we our selues we ar his people and the flocke of his pasture Entre ye iÌ„ to his gatê with thaÌ„kes gyuiÌ„g and in to his fre purches with prayse syngynge magnifye hym and prayse his name For the lorde is ryghte gentle his mercy endureth in to euerlastyng and his faythfulnes in to all ages Glorye be to the Father to the sonne and to the holy Ghoste As it was in the begynnyng as it is now and euer shall be Amen God thou art my god erly do I syghe for the my flesshe desyreth the in this thyrsty and wyde wyldernes Here shall I beholde the as in thy secrete holy place that I might se thy power and thy gloriouse beauty For thy mercy is more desyrous then this same lyfe with my lyppes shall A praise ye. Thus shall I magnyfye the throughoute all my lyfe in the prayse of thy name shall I lyfte vp my handes Thou shalte satysfye my soule with fatte delicious meat wherupon my lyppes shall ioye and my mouthe shall prayse As sone as I shall remeÌ„bre my selfe vpon my bed I shall thynke vpon the euen in the watches of the nyght For thou verely art he that bryngeth me helpe and I beyng sure in the shadowe of thy wynges shall tryumphe ioyfully My soule cleued vnto the for thy ryghte hande susteyned me These men that seke my lyfe to spyll it shall go downe in to theyr graues Men shall driue them vpon the edge of their swerdes they shall be hewen and cut in to meat for foxes But the kynge shall reioyse in god and he shall glorye that swereth in hym when foule mouthes shall be stopped Glory be to the father to the Sonne and to the holy Ghoste As it was at the begynnyng as it is now and euer shall be Amen ¶ Deus misereatur GOd woughte fauour and haue mercy vpon vs he mought lyghten vs with his presence That thy waye myghte be knowen euery where in the earthe and thy sauyng helth also vnto all nacyons The people mought magnyfye the O God ye all people mought magnyfye the. The Earthe also moughte gyue agayne hir encrease and god whiche is our god mought do vs good God mought blysse vs and all that inhabyte the Earthe euen vnto the vttermoste partes therof mought feare hym Glory be to the father to the Sonne and to the holy Ghoste As it was in the begynnyng as it is now and euer shall be Amen ¶ The songe of the thre chyldren PRayse ye the Lorde all his workes
thy testimonies ar my delyght my counselees My soule cleued to therthe restore me acording to thy promyses My lyfe I haue shewed vnto the and thou hast grauÌ„ted me teache me thy ordinaunces Make me to vnderstonde the waies of thy comaundementes then shall I thynke vpon thy merueiles My soule was melted awaye with sorowfull thoughtes make me styffe agayne accordyng to thy promyses Turne thou awaye fro me the deceytfull waye make thy lawe plesaunte vnto me The true waye haue I chosen and thy pleasures I setted before my eyes I cleaued to thy testimonies o lorde let me not be shamed I shall runne in the waye of thy coÌ„maundementes for thou wylt ease my herte Teache me lorde the waye of thy ordynaunces and I shall marke it for euer Gyue me vnderstondyng and I shall kepe thy lawe I shall kepe it with al my herte Lede me by the pathe of thy preceptes for in it is my pleasure Bende my herte in to thy testimonies and not in to lucre Turne awaye my eyes leste they beholde vayne thynges in thy way quycken me Make faste thy promyses to thy seruante whiche is addicte vnto thy worshyp Turne away my shame whiche I feared for thy iudgementes ar fauourable Lo I desyred thy coÌ„maundementes restore me for thy ryghtwisnes Be present with me o lorde with thy mercy come to me with thy helpe accordynge to thy promyses That I myght haue to answere my reuylers for I stycke to thy promyses Suffer not at ony tyme the worde of trouth to be taken fro my mouthe for I haue respect vnto thy ordinaunces And I shal obserue thy lawe studiously euer worlde without ende I shall begynne to be at large restrayned with nothyng for I haue sought thy coÌ„maundemeÌ„tes I shall preach thy testimonies before kynges and shall not be confounded But shall delyte in thy preceptes whiche I haue loued I shall lyft vp my handê to do thy preceptê which I haue loued and shall thynke besely vpoÌ„ thy ordynaunces RemeÌ„bre thy promise to thy seruant in to the whiche thou haste caused me to trust Thy ê“mise is my coÌ„forte in my afflyction for it is it that restoreth me These proude vngodly haue scorned me sore but yet I swarued not froÌ„ tvy lawe I remeÌ„ber thy iudgemeÌ„tes which thou hast done from the begynnyng lord I was well conforted It kindled my herte and freted me sore to se these proude vngodly thus to forsake the lawe Thy ordynauÌ„ces were my songê whiles I here way fared a straunger In the nyghte shall I thynke vpon thy name o lorde and I shall obserue thy lawe This grace hast thou gyuen me that I myght obserue thy coÌ„mauÌ„dementes Thou art my lotte lorde I am full purposed to obserue thy coÌ„mauÌ„demeÌ„tes I longe for thy presence with all my hert haue mercy vpon me according to thy ê“myses I called to mynde my wayes I turned my feate vnto thy testimonyes I hasted my selfe deferred not to th enteÌ„t I wolde obserue thy pÌ„ceptê The vngodly coÌ„gregacioÌ„ hyndred me sore yet dyd I not forgete thy lawe At mydnight shal I ryse vp to prayse the for thy ryghtwyse iudgementes I associate my selfe with al that worshyp the with them that obserue thy coÌ„mauÌ„dementes The erth is full of thy goodnes lord nurture me in thy ceremonyes Thou hast delt fauorably with thy seruaÌ„t o lord according to thy ê“myse Lerne me rightly to sauour to knowe for I beleue thy coÌ„mauÌ„demeÌ„tê Before I was tamed with afflictioÌ„ I erred but now I mark thy sayingê Thou art good gracyous instruct me in thy ordinauÌ„ces These proude vngodly framed togider theyr paynted lyes agaynst me but I shall obserue thy coÌ„mauÌ„demeÌ„tê with all my hert Theyr grosse hertê are coÌ„geled lyke talowe but I shall delyte in thy lawe I was happy that thou tamedest me with affliction that I myght yet so be instruct in thy ordinauÌ„ces Better is the lawe of thy mouth to me thaÌ„ thousandê of golde siluer Thy haÌ„des haue fasshoned ordeyned me gyue me vnderstaÌ„ding to lerne thy coÌ„mauÌ„demeÌ„tê They that fere yâ— shal be glad to se me so to cleue to thy ê“myses Now knowe I lorde that thy iudgemeÌ„tes are right good that thou hast scourged me of good entent But I beseche the let thy mercy be my coÌ„fort accordyng to those wordes which thou ê“mysedest to thy seruant Let me be in thy fauour I shall lyue for thy lawe is my delyte Let these proude vngodly be coÌ„fouÌ„ded for they go about to destroy me fautles but yet shal I in the meane tyme set al my mynde vpon thy coÌ„mauÌ„demeÌ„tes Let them that worship the knowe thy testimonyes turne vnto me My hert shal be ê‘fyte in thy ordinauÌ„ces wherfor I shal not be shamed My soule faynted longyng after thy sauyng helpe but yet I lyft vp my eyes vnto thy ê“mises My eyes daseled with lokyng vp after thy ê“mise I sayd whan wilt thou coÌ„fort me I was dryed away lyke a bladder haÌ„ged in the smoke but yet forget I not thy ordinauÌ„ces How longe shal thy seruaÌ„t suffer these thingê whan wilt thou at last gyue senteÌ„ce agaiÌ„st my pursuers These proude vngodly digged pitfalles for me whiche haue no respecte vnto thy lawe All thy pÌ„ceptes are faythfull and true they ê‘secute me vnworthyly helpe thou me They had almoost made an ende of me in therth but yet in no maner wyse forsoke I thy coÌ„mauÌ„demeÌ„tes Restore me for thy mercyes sake and than shall I kepe the testimonyes of thy mouth O Lorde thy worde standeth for euer in the heuens From generation to generation contynueth thy trouth thou hast set the erth and it staÌ„deth styll The tyme contynueth styll accordyng to thyne ordynaunce for all thynges are at thy coÌ„maundement Excepte thy lawe had ben my delyght I had perysshed in myne affliction I shall neuer therfore forgete thy coÌ„maundementes for by them thou hast refresshed me I am thyne saue thou me for I serched thy coÌ„maundementes The vngodly wayte to destroye me but I in the meane tyme shall endeuer me to vnderstande thy testymonyes I perceyue that euery thyng comprehensyble hath an ende but thy coÌ„maundementes are incomprehensyble O How excedyngly loued I thy lawe coÌ„tinually do I thinke therof Thou hast made me wiser than my enemyes thorowe thy preceptes for they are euer in my mynde I exceded all my teachers in ryght vnderstandyng for I am euer speakyng of thy testymonyes I passed euen the senyors in true vndstanding for I obserue marke thy coÌ„mauÌ„demeÌ„tes FroÌ„ euery euyll path I refrayned my feate to th entent I wolde obserue thy speches I haue not swarued froÌ„ thy pleasures for thou shalt instruct me O how swete are thy speaches in my taste they are sweter thaÌ„ any hony in my mouth I fetche my vnderstandyng at thy coÌ„mauÌ„demeÌ„tes wherfore I hate euery deceytfull path I haue sworne and shall pÌ„fourme in to kepe thy iust plesures I am febled with affliction lord restore me after thy ê“myses
for the lorde wyll not rekeÌ„ hym gyltlesse that taketh his name iÌ„ vane ¶ The fourth coÌ„maundment Remembre the saboth daye that thou sanctifiest it ¶ The fyfte coÌ„maundment Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thou mayste lyue longe vpon the lande whiche the lorde thy god geueth the. The sixte coÌ„maundement Thou shalt not kyl The seuenth coÌ„maundement Thou shalt not breke wedloke The eayght coÌ„maundemeÌ„t Thou shalt not stele The .ix. coÌ„mauÌ„demeÌ„t Thou shalt beare no false wytnesse agaiÌ„st thy neyghbour The tenth coÌ„maundemeÌ„t ¶ Thou salte not couet thy neyghbours house neyther shalt thou desyre thy neyghbours wyfe his man seruant his mayde his oxe his asse or any thynge that is his Quest. What meanest thou by the fyrste coÌ„maundement Answ. I know therby that I am coÌ„maunded to beleue to truste to cleue to the lorde which promyseth hym selfe to be my god to worshipe and to loue hym alone with all my herte mynde and power of my soule and that it is he onely of whom al godnes is geuen me and vnto whom I muste fle and call vpon in all my troble for he only delyuereth me Quest. what meanest thou by the secunde coÌ„mauÌ„dement Ans. Euen as the wordes shew playnly for wheÌ„ the lorde spoke vnto you sayth Moysed in the fourth of deutronomie then se ye no image or simylytude of hym leaste ye deceyued sholde make you images The voice of his wordes ye herde but as for ony shap or similitude of him in no maner of wyse haue ye sene ye shal not make you syluer goddes neyther golden goddes shall ye make you Exodi the xx.c Also ye shall make me an altare of Erth but yf ye wyl neades make it of stones yet shal ye not hewe them for yf ye set any instrument of yerne to them then shall they be defyled All this I beleue was ernestly spoken with so many wordes to auoide al karuynge and curyosite in settynge forth of imagê to be worshypped as gods when Chriâ—t declarynge the same sayde that the very true worshipers ar they that worship the father in spirite of truthe for god is a spyrite Ioh the .iiij. Q. For as much thaÌ„ as god is a spirite and maye not be imagined of our wyttes howe shall we knowe hym Ans. Faythe and truste fynde hym when we are in parell and shew hym vnto vs and yet this fayth to fynde hym muste he geue vs for yf we gete vs a fayth of our owne fasshonynge wherby we beleue and truste in ony other thynge then god then make we vs an ydole for it is the faythe and trust only in our hertes that maketh other god or ydole for yf oure faythe and truste be ryght and pure then haue we the very true god but yf it be false and fayned then muste we neades fayne vs a false and a lyenge god for true fayth and god ar ioyned to gyder with one knotte so that in what so euer thynge thou trustest and beleauest that same is thy god here now maist thou well se that in these two fyrst coÌ„mauÌ„dmeÌ„tê god requireth asketh all our hoole hertes and in the thyrde he asketh our mouthes and tongues to be vsed for his prayse and holynes of his name Q. Why what meanest thou by the thyrde coÌ„maundemeÌ„t An. Then take I the the name of god in vayne when I vse to confyrme a lye or to hurte my neighbour ye when neither by it god is glorified nor yet my neighbour by it ê“fited Also yf I fle not to him for helpe in my trouble nor thanke hym for his benefites in my prosperite welthe then take I his name in vayne Also if I entende do not all thyngê for his names glory then take I his name in vayne Q. What meanest thou by the fourth coÌ„maundemeÌ„t A. I sanctifye the Sabboth daye when I gyue my selfe whole to heare the holy scripture taughte me or to reade it and so occeupye my mynde in it or when I geue my selfe to any other holye workes or as Esaye faythe when I ceasse to do myne owne wyll or to folowe my nowne wayes although they appere to me ryght gloriouse and good for thus me thynketh the Prophete expoundeth this poynte of the lawe in the .lviij. chapitour And for the fulfyllynge of these two laste named Preceptes we praye sayeng Thy name be halowed and thy wyl be fulfylled and not oures Thus mayste thou se these fyrste foure preceptes to pertayne to the glorye of God and to the halowynge of his name ¶ The Question Wherfore then commaundeth he the other syxe The answere For our neyghbours helthe and profite to serue them and especiallye our Father and Mother whom nexte god we oughte to honoure to reuerence to obaye to counforte to helpe and to folowe theyr godlye monycyons and instructions ¶ The Question What meanest thou by the other An. That in no maner of wyse I shulde hurte my neyghbour But to do to hym as I wolde be done vnto no not to desyre or to couet any thynge of his The Quest. why is thought then synne The Answere Ye verely for so expoundeth our sauiour that saw in the fyfte chapitour of Mathew sayenge that who so euer casteth his lye waÌ„tonly vpon a nother mans wyfe desyryng hir hath coÌ„mytted aduoutry with hir alredye in his herte Quest. Why are we all synners then and haue we all broken godê coÌ„maundemeÌ„tes Ans. We are all synners and haue neade of the mercy of god yf we were not all synners the mercy of god shold take none effecte in vs wherfore the scrypture concludeth that all men are synners that as manye as shall be saued sholde be saued by goddes mercye onely ¶ A prayer for the molifieng and suplyeng of our harde hertes the lyghtnynge of our blynde hertes and the true coÌ„uertyng of our impenitente hertes O Most mercyfull father which by the mouthe of our swete sauyoure Iesu Christe saydeste vnto vs. Math. vij Aske and it shall be geuen vnto you seke and ye shall fynde knocke and it shall be opened vnto you psal C.xlij. Here I beseche the my prayer receyue my supply catyon in to thyne cares for thy trouthes sake heare me in thy ryghtwysnes Da. ix For not in our ryghtwisnes do we lay forth our prayers before the our most blessed father but in thy mandfolde mercyes .ij. Cor. j. Heare therfore our prayers oh father of mercies god of al coÌ„solacion Haue mercy vpon vs thy most wretched chyldren and vpon me most wretched of all lorde father I aske the mercy Molifie and make softe our harde hertes bleâ—sed father whiche be indured hardened with the cursed custome of synne and wretchednes myne most harde of al lorde father I aske yâ— mercy Molifie them blâ—â—sed father with the swete due of thy grace fulfyll thy promesse made vnto vs by thy prophet Hieremie Hie. xxxvi Take away from vs moste blessed father this stonyshe herte and geue vs a flesshen herte a softe herte an
canst rayse vp chldren vnto Abraham neither can my synnes be impediment vnto the yf thou wylte do this but rather where synne is so aboundaunte there aboundeth grace Paule yet brethynge our â—â—reatnynges and slaughter agayyste the dyscyples of the lorde receyued coÌ„myssyon that yf he â—ounde ony whether they were men or women whiche folowed the professed thy fayth he sholde brynge them presoners to Hierusalem And forthe was he goynge lyke a mad harebrayn and as a rauenyng wolfe for to stray a brode rauâ—sh and kyll thy shepe But whylles he was yet in his iourney euen in the heate of his persecucion and in actuall doynge of his synne whyles he was persecuting the and wolde haue sâ—ayne thy chosen hauyng no maner of preparatyue vnto grace neyther yet knowlege of his synÌ„e when with herâ— and wyl he was thyne aduersarie blasphemed and cursed the. Beholde the voyce of thy mercyable pytye vnto hiÌ„ sayeng saule saule why persecureste me by the whiche voyce he was immedyatlye bothe layed a longe and raysed vp he was layde a longe and ouerthrowne as coÌ„cernyng his body but he was raysed vp with the mynd thou raysedste hym vp that was in the slepe of darke ignorauncie and pouredst in thy gloryous lyght in those yeis which were oppressed with this blynde sleape thou shewedst him thy fauourable face and endued hym with thy gracious mercy Then was he reysed as it had bene frome dethe he opened his yeis he sawe the and sayd lord what wylt thou that I do after dydest thou send a shepe to this wolfe for thou coÌ„maundest â—nanias to go vnto him And then was he baptysed and anone was he replenyshed with the holy ghost and was made a chosen vessel to beare thy name before kinges natioÌ„s the chylder of Israel And without delaye he entred in to the synagoges and preached thy name stoutlye affyrmynge that thou arte chryste He dysputed preuayled and confouÌ„ded the Iues. Beholde lorde euen streyght of a persecutoure thou madest hym a preacher suche a preacher that laboured more then all the other Appostles O how greate is thy powere yf thou wylt of a wycked man make a ryghtwyse or of a ê‘secutoure a preacher who shal forbyd the who shall resyst the who maye saye vnto the why doest thou so All thingê that thou woldest haue thou made in heuen and in erthe in the see and in all bottomlesse depth Therfore impure it not to arrogancye yf I coueyte thrughe thy power and not thrugh myne owne to teche the wycked thy wayes for I know that I can offre nothynge whiche can be so acceptable in thy godly syghte this is the most pleasaunt sacryfyce also for my for my singuler profit now if thou chauÌ„â—â— me in to an other man then will I teache the wycked thy wayes not the wayes of Plato and Aristole not the intricate and sotle proposicyons of mannes wytte not the instructions of phylosophye not the paynted wordes and vayne coulours of yâ— rethorycans Not worldly maters and policyes not vnfrutfull wayes of vanite not wayes that leade men in to deathe But thy wayes and thy preceptes whiche lead vnto lyfe nether wyll I teache them only one waye but many wayes for manye are thy coÌ„maundementes how be it all these wayes ende in one that is in loue charyte whiche doth so combynde the faythfull hertes that they haue one mynde and one wyll in god Or elles maye we vnderstonde by thy many waies the dyuers maner of liuyng wherin euery man walketh accordyng to his vocacyon some maryedâ— some lyuynge chaste in wedowhod some vyrgyns and so forth these walke after dyuerse wayes in to theyr heuenlye inherytaunce euery man chosyng one in the whiche he may best subdue his rebellyous meÌ„bres Thus wyll I teache the wycked thy wayes accordyng to theyr capacite and coÌ„â—â—cyon And the vngodly shall be coÌ„uerted vnto the for I wyll preache vnto theym not my selfe but Christ crucified and they shal be conuerted not vnto my prayse but vnto the geuyng the all honour prayse they shal leaue theyr owne wayes come vnto thyne that they may walke in them and so consequently attayne vnto the. Delyuer me frome bloudes oh god the god of my helthe and my tongue shal tryumphe vpon thy ryghtwysnes ¶ I am styâ—led in moch bloude and from the depth of it shall I crye vnto the lorde Lorde herken vnto my voyce Tarye not lorde for I am euen at the verye poynte of deathe this bloude that I speake of ar my synnes for as the bodelye lyfe consysteth in bloude euen so is the lyfe of a synner in his synne poure out the bloude and the beaste dyeth poure out the synne knowlegynge it vnto god and the synner dyeth and is made ryghtwyse Neyther am I wrapped in bloude but ouerwhelmed and drowned in bloudes ful stremes of bloudê do dryue me in to hell helpe me lorde leste I peryshe Oh God whiche gouernest all â—hynges whiche onely canst delyuer me in whose hande is the spirite of al lyfe ryd and purge me from these bloudes Deliuer me from bloudes Oh God the auctor of my healthe God in whome onelye consysteth my saluacyon Delyuer me Lorde as thou delyueredst Noe from the waters of the floude Delyuer me as thou delyueredst Lothe frome the fyer of Sodom Delyuer me as thou delyueredst the chyldren of Israel frome the depthe of the red see delyuer me as thou delyuerdst Ionas froÌ„ the bely of the whale deliuer me as thou delyueredst the thre chyldren from the furnace of burnyng fyer Delyuer me as thou delyueredst Peter frome the peryll of the see Delyuer me as thou deliueredst Paule from the depthe of the see Delyuer me as thou hast delyuered infinyte synners from the power of deathe and from the gates of hell And then shall my tongue tryumphe thy ryghtwysnes that is for thy ryghtwysnes whiche I shall feale ane perceyue in me through thy gracyous fauoure For thy ryghtwysnes as thapostle saythe Ro. iij. cometh by the faythe of Iesus Christe vnto all and vpon all them that beleue in hym then shall my tongue tryumphe in praysyng this thy ryghtwysnes coÌ„mendynge thy fauoure magnifieng thy pyty knowlegynge my synnes that thy mercye may be declared in me which wold vouch safe to iustefye suche a greate synner and that all men may knowe that thou sauesâ— them whiche truste in the and delyuerest them from extreme anguysshe and aduersite o lorde our god Lorde opeÌ„ thou my lippes and then my mouth shal shewe forthe thy prayse ¶ Thy prayse is â— great thynge o lorde for it proceadeâ—h oâ—â— of thy fountayne wherof no synner â—â—â—â—keth It is no glorious prayse that cometh of a synners mouthe delyuer me therfore froÌ„ bloude oh lorde the god of my heâ—â—he my tongue shall magnifie thy ryghtwysnes And then shalte thou lorde open my lyppes my mouth shal shewe forthe 〈◊〉 prayse for thou hast the kaye of Dauid whiche shertest no man openeth opeâ—est