Supplications of Saints, Part 2

Supplications of Saints · Part 2

Supplications OF SAINTS. The Second Part. Paul, and his Company.

ACTS 21. 5.

Wee kneeled downe and prayed tog…ther: the Men, their Wiues, and Children.

This Part contayneth Prayers of an Aſſembly, for diuers purpoſes.

p. 127A Morning Prayer, for priuate Families.

Mat. 18. 20▪Matt 18:20¶Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the middeſt of them.

O Eternall GOD and moſt mercifull FATHER, which giueſt to them that want, comforteſt p. 128them which ſuffer, and forgiueſt them which repent, wee ſinnefull creatures ſue vntounto thee for grace, hoping in thy merciemercy, which is ouer all. Keepe vsus wee beſeech thee, this day, as thou haſt kept vsus this night paſt, keepe vsus in thy feare, faith and louelove. Forgiue vsus all our ſinnes in the blood of thy Sonne, teach vsus to ſorrow for them, & ſeparate them from vsus, that would ſeparate vsus from thee.

O Lord, remoue from our mindes; all ignorance and blindeneſſe, and make thy word vntounto vsus, like the ſtarre which led the wiſemen p. 129to Chriſt▪ and all thy workes profitable Inſtruments, to drawe vsus vntounto thee. Guide vsus with thy Spirit, that wee may make conſcience of all that wee doe, and neuer make light of any euill, but euen abſtaine from all appearance of it. Strengthen our weaknes, & lighten our vnderſtanding, that in the brunt of temptations, wee may diſcerne betweene good & euill, right and wrong.

GiueGive vsus the ſacred hunger & thirſt after righteouſnes, that our firſt care may be to know thy truth: and let vsus ſo profit in the ſchoole p. 130of Chriſt, that in ſicknes we may finde patience, in priſon ioy, in pouerty contentment, & in all things hope.

Proſper (O Lord) our labours, and the workes of our hands, and grant vsus to learne ſomething of eueryevery thing, till we come to lodge with thee in the Kingdome of Heauen. Let our louing affections grow one towards another vnfainedly, that we may louelove our brethren, and they vsus, and pray for them, and they for vsus, and both of vsus be heard of thee for our ſelues, and one for another, and thy Sonne for vsus all.

p. 131Bleſſe, Lord, the vniuerſall Church, with truth, peace, and holy Diſcipline. Continue thy merciemercy toward this realme: Preſerue our gratious KING, the QVEENES Maieſtie, and Prince HENRY their Son, with all their royall Progenie, and whole Familie. Sanctifie the Miniſters of the Goſpell, the Biſhops, and all other that labour in the word and Doctrine. Bleſſe his Maieſties Councell, and all other in authoritie, with neceſſary graces. Bleſſe the places of good learning, the Grammer Schooles, the famous Vniuerſities, p. 132and the Innes of Court. Bleſſe this Citie and place wherein we liue: remoue the puniſhments due for the ſinnes thereof: and giuegive them grace with Niniue to repent in time, leſt they be deſtroyed.

Bleſſe all our friendes, kinsfolkes, and others, for whom thy will is that wee ſhould pray. Strengthen them that ſuffer for thy cauſe, and ſend them the Comforts of thy Spirit. Comfort them that lye in anguiſh of conſcience for remorſe of ſinne, and conuert them that goe aſtray▪ and teach vsus by their example p. 133to ſee our owne weakeneſſe, and to looke better to our wayes. Bleſſe this Familie with grace and peace, that the rulers, children and ſeruants thereof, may all know their ſeuerall duties, & practiſe the ſame in thy feare, for Ieſus Chriſt his ſake, our onelyonly Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

p. 134¶Another for the ſame vſe.

Pſal. 108 3.Ps 108:3I will prayſe the Lord among the people: and I will ſing prayſes vntounto thee among the Nations.

O Lord God, moſt heauenly and merciful father, though we be vnworthy the leaſt of thy mercies, yet haſt thou from time to time made vsus partakers of many, for which we praiſe and magnifie thy holie p. 135Name: Beſeeching thee to giuegive vsus vnderſtanding hearts to feele our euils, and direction from thy ſpirit, to auoid the ſame. And as thou haſt in great mercy kept vsus this night, in the time of darkenes and dangers; ſo we beſeech thee to keepe vsus this day, that the Sunne of righteouſnes may rule in our hearts, all the darkeneſſe that lurketh in them may be ſcattered (to the comfort of our ſoules) and wee may walke as thy Children in cleare light without daunger. Indue vsus with giftes and graces needfull for vsus, and grant p. 136that with a pure & ſincere conſcience, wee may vſe them, to the benefit of our brethren, & the diſcharge of our owne duties. Keepe the watch of our tongues, and the doore of our lips, in ſuch ſort, that no raſh, euill, or vaine word paſſe thereby; and ſo rule and gouerne our harts, that we may not thinke any thing but that which ſhall be to thy glory.

Grant vsus thy bleſſings of health, peace, and maintenance, and thy holy ſpirit to inſtruct vsus, as well in the wants thereof, as in the lawfull vſe of them. In p. 137all our Conſultations, words, and workes, let vsus remember thy preſence, that thou ſeeſt vsus whereſoeuer we doe beſtow our ſelues, and wilt iudge-vsus if wee goe aſtray, and doe amiſſe. Chaſe away from vsus all rancour and malice, couetouſnes, vncharitableneſſe, and vnkindneſſe, and whatſoeuer is contrary to thy louelove, which is to vsus ward in Ieſus Chriſt our Lord.

Take from vsus all ignorances, and negligences, with the want of iudgement and diſcretion; and preuent all thoſe things that thou knoweſt may p. 138hinder vsus in our Chriſtian calling. Increaſe our Faith, patience and obedience. Let thy bleſſing be vponupon this whole houſholde, to lead vsus in thy truth, & protect vsus in our wayes, and al thoſe whom thou haſt made deere vntounto vsus, whether they bee preſent or abſent. Be good to our children, ſeruants, and friends, that liue with vsus, that wee may liue together in the ſeruice of thy Goſpell, to grow vp in godly conuerſation, and ſoundneſſe of faith. GiueGive vsus grace by thy corrections, to feare thee more carefully, and to ſorrow p. 139for our ſinnes more heartily. O LORD grant theſe things, and whatſoeuer thy knoweſt to bee neceſſary for vsus, for Ieſus Chriſts ſake, Amen.

p. 140An Euening Prayer for priuate Families.

Pſal. 116. 21. 13.Ps 116:21Ps 116:13What ſhall I giuegive vntounto the Lord, for all his benefits towards me? Becauſe he hath inclined his eare vntounto mee, therefore will I call vponupon him as long as I liue.

O Lord God, Father of all that is called Father in Heauen and p. 141in earth, wee render thee thankes in all abundance, for thy mercifull preſeruation of vsus this day, and all the times and daies of our life: that thou haſt brought vsus ſafe and ſound, through ſo many dangers, and powred vponupon vsus (contrary to our deſeruings) ſo many excellent and notable bleſſings, both Spirituall and corporall. Good Lord (we beſeech thee) keep vsus euermore from day to day, as thou haſt done, and make vsus conſtant in the profeſſion of thy holy name, and the practiſe of thy law, that neither the violence of p. 142man, nor ſubtiltie of Sathan, be able to make vsus to turne away from ….

LORD turne thy face from our ſinnes wherein we hauehave ſo delighted, alter our hearts, and waſh & cleanſe vsus from all ſtaines and corruptions, in the blood of thy ſonne. For giuegive vsus all that is paſt, and grant vsus the aſſurance of that forgiueneſſe, ſealed vp in our conſciences by thy holy Spirit. Kindle thy louelove ſo feruently in our hearts, that wee may deteſt whatſoeuer is againſt thee and thy word.

Forgiue vsus our great contempt, and intollerable p. 143barrenneſſe in good works, our foule vnthankfulneſſe, and the abuſe of thy graces: and ſtrike our ſtony hearts, with the rod of thy feare, that we may attaine vntounto a due thankfulnes for thy benefits, and a moſt vnfained and earneſt repentance for our ſinnes.

O Lord bleſſe vsus all, this night, that after our bodies hauehave beene refreſhed with competent ſleepe, we may ſee the light of the next morning, and ariſe ſafe and ſound to ſerue thee in our ſeuerall vocations. Sanctifie our minds, that by the help of thy mercy, wee may enioy p. 144the reſt of a quiet conſcience. Bleſſe thy Church and her Miniſters: preſerue our King, with the Queene his wife, and the noble Prince HENRY: protect the Magiſtrates of Iuſtice, & all faithfull people: reare vp the heauy hearted, and turne the chaſtiſements of thy children to their good.

LORD be mercifull vntounto them whom thou haſt made any way helpfull vntounto vsus, and bleſſe eueryevery one of vsus in our place, that wee may truely ſerue thee, feare thy Maieſtie, and louelove thy authoritie. Theſe things (O Lord) and p. 145all other needfull for vsus, wee craue at thy hands in the Name, and for the righteouſneſſe of Ieſus Chriſt, our onelyonly Sauiour and Redeemer, ſaying, as he hath taught vsus, Our Father which art in Heauen, &c.

p. 146¶Another for the ſame vſe.

Pſal. 113. 3.Ps 113:3From the riſing of the Sunne vntounto the going downe of the ſame, the Lords name is to be prayſed.

O Euer-liuing God, and euer-louing Father, which haſt not left vsus comfortleſſe, but haſt giuen vsus thy Son for a ranſome, thy word for a guide, & reſerued a Kingdome p. 147for our inheritance in heauen: wee giuegive thee thankes for theſe and all other thy moſt gracious benefits, beſeeching thee, that we may hauehave the grace to make ſuch vſe of them, that they may neuer be in vaine to vsus. O Lord forgiue vsus all our ſinnes, and remooue from vsus thoſe things which our conſciences are afraid of▪ Aſſure vsus of thy gracious pardon, and renew vsus by thy holy Spirit, that wee may vnfainedly hate & deteſt whatſoeuer is diſpleaſing vntounto thee. Lord, giuegive vsus a ſincere heart to ſerue thee, p. 148and let this be the houre of our conuerſion. In all tentations giuegive vsus ſtrength to reſiſt; in all troubles, patience to beate, and conſtancy to perſeuer in our Faith, hope and Patience vntounto the end, that the hope of mercy may keepe vsus from the horrour of deſpaire, and the feare of Iuſtice, for the ſinne of preſumption.

O good God, order our times in ſuch comfortable ſort, that we hauing peace in thee, our bodyes and mindes may be the more able to doe their ſeuerall offices in our vocations. p. 149Inſtruct vsus by thy word, guide vsus by thy ſpirit, mollifie vsus by thy grace, humble vsus by thy corrections, and winne vsus by thy benefits. O Lord, wee beſeech thee, let all things worke for the beſt to them that louelove thee. Continue thy fauour and goodneſſe vntounto vsus this night, that wee taking our natural reſt, and quietneſſe, may through thy protection be all defended from immoderate ſleepe, fearefull dreames, and outward violence of our Enemies. Touch our hearts with a deſire and longing after, Heauenly p. 150things, that whenſoeuer it ſhall pleaſe thee to call for vsus, wee may be willing to come vntounto thee, as Children to their Father, ſtrangers vntounto their countrey, and members of thy body vntounto the head. Graunt vsus (O Lord) theſe and all other things needefull and meete for vsus, for Ieſus Chriſts ſake, our onelyonly Sauiour and redeemer, Amen.

p. 151A Prayer for the Catholique Ch…ch, and all the eſtates thereof.

Pſal. 125. 4.Ps 125:4Doe good (O Lord) vntounto thoſe that be good, and to them that are vpright in their hearts.

O Sun of the eternall God, thou ſweet Spouſe of the CHVRCH, bleſſe, (wee beſeech thee) p. 152preſerue and keepe thy poore CHVRCH militant here in earth, the bleſſed company of all faithfull people. Make all Kings and Princes, and the ſupreame gouernors of eueryevery nation carefull h…ſing Fathers & nurſing Mothers to thy Church. Let all the members thereof be of one minde, and one heart, that there may be ſuch holy cō cord in knowledge of thy truth, and ſuch obedience to their ſuperiours, with brotherly vnity in all matters, as they may neither procure thy ſcourge, nor the Princes ſword againſt them.

p. 153Graunt the Goſpell a free paſſage, and long continuance, and remooue not the Candleſticke for their vnfruitfulneſſe or vnthankefulneſſe. Put thy principall ſpirit vponupon the Miniſters of the Word, the Arch-biſhops, Biſhops, and Paſtors of ſeuerall congregations, and giuegive them grace to follow the ſteps of thy holy Apoſtles, and bleſſed Martyres, that being inflamed with true zeale, and furniniſhed with ſufficient knowledge, they may be willing & able to labour in ſeaſon, and out of ſeaſon, for the feeding of thy flock. Bleſſe p. 154their labours, to the winning of Soules to thee, and bleſſe them with boldneſſe of ſpeech, and innocency of life, that like ſworne Souldiers to the croſſe of Chriſt they may liue and dye vnderunder thy banner. Caſt downe the beames of thy heauenly light vponupon ſuch publike places as are appointed for the trayning vp of younger yeares, in ſound knowledge and commendable qualities; namely, our Vniuerſities Oxford & Cambridge, the Innes of Court, and all Grammer Schooles, the ſeed-plots of the Church. Sanctifie their memories p. 155to treaſure vp good things, purge their conſciences to hauehave peace in thee, reforme their wils to thy will, and let all their affections be ordered aright, & their Veſſels ſeaſoned with the beſt liquour in the beginning, and ſo to continue.

Bleſſe the higher powers of authoritie, make them truely humble in the top of their height, that their heads being lifted vp to honour, their hearts may not be puffed vp nor ſwell with pride: but ſo rule their hearts and mindes, that all Kings & Princes may truely ſerue thee, reuerence and p. 156ſtand in awe of thee, abette & maintaine thy Church and truth, and wiſely foreſee what is beſt for the aduancement of thy glory, & the good of the commonwealth. So deale alſo (O Lord) with all ſubordinate authorities, & keepe them from factions, treaſons, and conſpiracies. Let the Iudges be learned and vncorrupt, and the Lawyers men of Conſcience, to deale ſincerely & vprightly in their buſineſſe, without either feare of greater Perſonages, or vnlawful fauours to friends, or deſire of rewards from any.

p. 157Calme the Waues, and quiet the ſtormes of all perſecution, repreſſe the rage and cruelty of all Tyrants, Heathen or Chriſtian. Take away all Antichriſtian practiſers of the Church of Rome, which perſwade nothing but the infection of youth, and the ſubuerſion of the State Confound all Hereſies and Heretikes, diſperſe all Schiſmes & Sects, that there be no iars, nor difference of opinions amongſt thy ſeruants, but that we may be like minded, hauing the ſame louelove, being of one accord, and of one iudgement.

p. 158In fine (O Lord) comfort them that are ouerworne with Warre, waſted with exactions, vexed with plagues and ſickneſſes, conſumed with famine, ouerflowne with waters, & ſcattered with fearefull threatnings from the ſkies. Conuert the ſimple, confound the obſtinate, gather the diſperſed, heale the broken hearted, ſupply our wants, and amend all that is amiſſe for thy truth and for thy Names ſake, Amen.

p. 159¶Another for the ſame vſe.

Epheſ. 5. 25. 26.Eph 5:25Eph 5:26Chriſt loued the Church, and gaue himſelfe for it, that hee might ſanctifie, and cleanſe it, with the waſhing of water, by the word.

O Lord God, thou iuſt Maſter of the VINEYARD, and louing head of the Church, ſend thy Spirit into the hearts of all p. 160them that preach or profeſſe thy holy Truth: all men religious and ſecular: yea, men and women, Princes and ſubiects, rich and poore, euen all the people beleeuing in thy Name, and depending wholy vponupon thee. GiueGive vntounto them all, O Lord, one Law, one Baptiſme, one Hope, one Spirit, that there may be but one voyce among all that profeſſe the Catholique Faith. Keepe backe the famine of thy Word, and ſend ſuch labourers into thy Harueſt, as be ſound in doctrine, faithfull in their worke, and godly p. 161in conuerſation, in number many, and in power wonderfull.

Open, we beſeech thee the hearts and eares of the people, for the receiuing of thy word, that ir may dwell in them plenteouſly, in all wiſedome, and bring forth fruit againſt all the cares, croſſes and courſes of this wretched world.

O Lord, thou haſt found iniquitie in thy Saints, and the heauens are not cleare in thy ſight: Oh then correct vsus in thy iudgement, not in thy furie; leaſt wee ſhould be conſumed, and brought to nothing. Purge p. 162the garden of the Church, and let no Weedes ouergrow the flowers. Suffer neither ſinne nor ſuperſtition to choake the good growth of faith or manners in thy people: but keepe them from all euill, Hereſies, phanaticall opinions, ſeducing ſpirits, and deadly contentions. Keepe our neckes from the grieuous yoke of Antichriſtian bondage, whoſe religion is rebellion, whoſe faith is faction, and whoſe practiſe is the murthering of ſoules and bodyes: and repreſſe the furiouſneſſe of Tyrants, which labour nothing but p. 163the ſpoile of the Church, and to aboliſh true Doctrine, Prayer, and pure religion. O Lord Ieſus, amend all that is amiſſe, and grant vsus thy grace all the dayes of our life, euen for thy truth and for thy Names ſake, Amen.

p. 164A Prayer for the Kings Maieſtie, his royall Iſſue and Familie.

Eccles. 10. 17.Eccl 10:17Bleſſed bee thou O Land, when thy King is the Sonne of Nobles.

O Almighty God, king of all kings, the Fountaine, Rule, and ſtay of all Soueraigntie: wee moſt humbly thanke thee p. 165that thou haſt not left vsus vntounto our ſelues, to doe what ſeemeth beſt in our owne eyes, but haſt ſet ouer vsus a Noble, Wiſe, and gracious King, thy ſeruant Iames, our ſupreame head, next vnderunder thee. Lord make all thy good to goe before him day and night: vphold his Crowne, maintaine his State, giuegive him continuall peace, long life, and much happines. Endue him with wiſedome and vnderſtanding, to do ſuch things both in the Church and Common wealth, as may be acceptable in thy ſight, profitable to his ſubiects, and p. 166hurtfull to none that louelove thy truth. Mercifully heare him in all his petitions, and effectually worke for him in all dangers, in the day of battell, in his greateſt conſultations, in the time of his recreations, in the plots of Treaſon, and in the houre of death. Make vsus thankfull for all thy preſeruations of him, both at home and abroad, in this kingdome, and elſe where. Bleſſe, preſerue and keepe him, together with his royall Queene, and the noble Prince Henry his ſonne, and the reſt of all their hopefull Iſſue, that as p. 167they are like Oliue branches, to his comfort, round about his Table, ſo they may be as the tall & goodly Cedars, for the defence of this kingdome from all euill. Let him ſtill imbrace the truth, and manfully mainetaine it againſt all treacherous plots, and ſiniſter perſwaſions: diſtaſting (as he hath alwayes done) both alteration of religion, and toleration of another. Let thy power alwayes goe forth with his armies, and giuegive them glorious victories. Baniſh from his Court all priuie foes, forraine and domeſtical, and keepe him p. 168from al ſort of diſſemblers.

Let not our ſinnes (O LORD) prouoke thee to ſhorten his dayes, and depriue vsus of thy good bleſſings, but conuert vsus to thy good will and pleaſure, and giuegive him the crowne of old age, long and long to continue in the wayes of righteouſneſſe.

O holy Father, giuegive him ſuch excellent gifts, as be fit the Maieſtie which he beareth, that hee may be in faith like Abraham; in courage like Dauid; in wiſedome like Salomon; and in hearing good and euill, as an Angell of GOD. Enrich p. 169his Counſell and Nobles with wiſedome, loyaltie and fortitude; and make his ſeruants that ſtand before him in their ſeuerall places (with all other ſubiects) as ſo many lines drawne to one Center, that their hearts being tyed vntounto him, they may be alwayes fearefull to offend, willing to obay, and faithfull to accompliſh whatſoeuer may ſtand with thy glory, our Kings honour, and the good of the Common wealth, for Ieſus Chriſts ſake, our onelyonly Lord & Sauiour, Amen.

p. 170¶Another for the ſame.

1 Tim. 2. 1. 2.1 Tim 2:11 Tim 2:2Let Supplications, Prayers, Interceſsions, and giuing of thankes be made for all men: for Kings, and for all that are in authoritie.

O Almighty GOD, which haſt the Kings heart in thy hand, as the riuers of waters, and turneſt it whitherſoeuer it pleaſeth thee: we humbly beſeech thee, to keepe thy p. 171Vniuerſall Church, and our Common-wealth, with peace and proſperitie, in thy worſhip and Seruice. GiueGive (O Lord) grace vntounto our moſt Noble King Iames, that hee may louelove, honour, feare, and ſerue thee, & that he may onelyonly put his truſt in thee. Indue him with the ſpirit of wiſedome and knowledge, and with all other good gifts & vertues, neceſſary for his roial function. And eſpecially enflame his heart with an earneſt & true zeale, to ſet forth thy glory, and to make thy will knowne vntounto all his Subiects, that they p. 172may both with heart and minde obſerue and keepe the ſame: and that both he and al his ſubordinate Magiſtrates may indifferently and faithfully miniſter iudgement and Iuſtice to all his people.

Wee beſeech thee (O Lord) preſerue his body in health, his minde in quietneſſe, and both in all ſincerity and godlineſſe; that by his good example, hee may both ſtop the mouthes of his aduerſaries, and winne the hearts of all thoſe that beleeue. Make his dayes (O Lord) as the dayes of Heauen, that hee may raigne p. 173many yeeres ouer vsus: and wee his Subiects may long liue a peaceable and quiet life, in all godlineſſe and honeſtie, vnderunder his ſacred gouernment.

Graunt vntounto him wiſe and faithfull Councellors, louing and obedient Subiects, dutifull and true ſeruants. Deliuer him (O Lord) from all Conſpiracies, Treaſons, and other dangers, and grant him alwayes a glorious victorie ouer all his enemies. Pardon and forgiue him all his ſinnes, make him walke all the dayes of his life in the way of thy Commaundements, p. 174that he may liue in thy feare, and die in thy fauour, and that in the reſurrection of all fleſh, hee may receiue a Crowne of righteouſneſſe, the onelyonly thing which hee doth wiſh and hope for, through the merites and mercy of Ieſus Chriſt, our onelyonly Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

p. 175A Prayer againſt temptations of the World, Fleſh, and the Diuell.

Mat. 26. 41.Matt 26:41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into tentation.

O Moſt mercifull and MIGHTIE God, the Fortres of the faithfull, rocke of defence, and refuge for all diſtreſſed ſoules, which knoweſt wee be ſet in the midſt of ſo p. 176great dangers, that without thy help we cannot auoide our ruine: I beſeech thee keepe my body and ſoule from all tentations, and ſnares of the I iuell, and ſuffer not my ſenſes to range and wander abroad in matters of pleaſure and delight, which are to no purpoſe good. Lord, take from me that which is deformed by my corrupt nature, and continue that which thy GRACE hath wrought in mee; that hauing thy whole armour fitted vntounto mee, I may be able to withſtand all aſſaults of the enemie.

p. 177Let mee not be drawne away by ſenſualitie, and the deſires of the fleſh, but giuegive me power to tame this body, that by ſobriety moderation and abſtinence from ſuperfluous things, I may bring it into ſuch ſubiection, as I may the better ſerue thee, and walke in the ſpirit. Lord, ſequeſter mee from the darkeneſſe, filthyneſſe, and deceitfulneſſe of this World, that I be not faſhioned like therevnto, to follow the multitude: but being changed by the renewing of my minde, I may walke vprightly and godly, looking for the bleſſed p. 178appearing of my Lord and Sauiour Ieſus Chriſt.

O Lord holde backe thy hand in the day of trial, and lead mee no further into temptation, then thou wilt make mee able to beare.

Graunt (O Lord) that I may with ſtrong faith reſiſt Sathan, and by watching, faſting, and Prayer, mortifie the luſts of the fleſh, and by continuall meditation of thy holy Law, auoid the fooliſh vanities, and dangerous pleaſures of this world.

Let not knowledge puffe me vp, proſperitie miſlead mee, pouerty diſmay mee, p. 189ſicknes turne me to impatiency, nor any lack or want of neceſſaries for this life, bring me to diſtruſt in thy prouidence, or force me to ſeeke vnlawfull meanes to winne them. Arme me (O Lord) with thy Spirit, encourage mee with thy preſence, and let all thy Children feele the effectual working of thy power which is euer made perfect through weakeneſſe, euen for Ieſus Chriſtes ſake, our onelyonly Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

p. 180A Prayer for the Remiſſion of Sinnes, and all things neceſſary thereto.

Pſal. 106. 6.Ps 106:6Wee hauehave ſinned with our Fathers, wee hauehave committed iniquitie, and wee hauehave done wickedly.

O Lord God, in greatnes infinit, in power omnipotent, in counſell wonderful, & in iudgement terrible; although I p. 181miſerable ſinner, hauehave by thy Iuſtice truely deſerued euerlaſting damnation for my horrible ſinnes, yet I beſeech thee, caſt me not away with him that had not on a wedding garment, for I appeale from thy rightfull iuſtice to thine vnſpeakeable mercy, & humbly caſt downe my ſelfe at thy feete, and beſeech thee of compaſſion and pardon.

Beholde Lord, I am a piece of that purchaſe that coſt ſo deere a price as the blood of thy deare Sonne, my body and ſoule are the temples of the holy Ghoſt, the poſtes whereof are p. 182ſprinkled with his precious blood, which cryeth for merciemercy: therefore enter not into the courſe of iudgement with me, (for there I know I ſhall bee ouerthrowen) but forbeare, forgiue me, & acquite me, vponupon that ſatisfaction which he hath made for penitent ſinners.

O Lord, though the ſtipend of my ſinne be death, and the merit of my tranſgreſſion eternall perdition, yet is thy mercy aboue all thy iudgements, and thou canſt forgiue more then I can offend: wherefore I pray thee, ſet p. 183his Croſſe and paſſion betweene thy iudgements & my ſoule: looke vponupon mee with the eye of mercy and compaſſion, as thou didſt vponupon the ſinfull woman at the banket, and the Publican in the Temple, whoſe pardons are regiſtred in thy booke for my Comfort.

O Lord bow downe the height of thy Deity, to behold my vileneſſe and miſerie (a liuely image of the prodigall ſonne) who know no other helpe, but onelyonly thou my moſt louing Father, whom I hauehave ſo highly offended. Powre the oyle of mercy into my defiled p. 184and fainting heart: ſearch it, that I may not flatter my ſelfe, to extenuate my ſin; cleanſe it, & ſeaſon it with the Salt of thy grace, to receiue and retaine all goodneſſe hereafter. Lord, I thanke thee, for thy patience and long ſuffering, that thou haſt not ſuddenly (after my deſert) taken vengeance on me, but giuen me a longer time of repentance: wherefore (I beſeech thee) appeaſe thine anger towards mee now, but looſe in me the workes of darkneſſe, create in me a new heart, and becauſe thou lookeſt for my amendment p. 185that I may hauehave thy fauour; I beſeech thee grant mee thy fauour that I may hauehave amendment: giuegive mee grace to repent vnfeinedly, with faſting, weeping, and mourning, and make my faith liuely to beleeue that I am forgiuen in Ieſus Chriſt.

Let not the faults of my forefathers light vponupon my head, who hauehave walked in their ſinfull ſteppes, neither be angry with mee for their ſakes; but let the wel-doing of Ieſus Chriſt, who hath ſhed his blood for mee, ſuccour mee, and procure my pardon.

p. 186Forgiue mee all my ſinnes of youth and age, negligences and ignorances, thoughts, words, and deedes, and keepe me from preſumptuous ſinnes. O Lord, looke not vponupon the Phariſee, for hee diſſembleth: nor vponupon the Publicane firſt, for he ſaith little for himſelfe in outward ſhew: nor vponupon Mary Magdalen onelyonly, for ſhe had but ſeauen diuels: but looke vponupon me, that of ſinners am chiefe, worſe then either Phariſee, Publicane or Mary, who hauehave as many ſins as hayres vponupon my head, and a greater clogge vponupon p. 187my conſcience then any burthen that man hath to beare. O Lord, keepe vnderunder Sathan, that he compel not my troubled Conſcience to deſpaire, quench all the motions of my minde, ſtriuing againſt thy diuine pleaſure, and reſtore in me the Image of thy Son, that I may liue in thy feare, dye in thy fauour, reſt in thy peace, riſe in thy power, & remaine in thy glory, for Ieſus Chriſts ſake, our onelyonly Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

p. 188A Prayer for obtaining of Faith, Hope, and Charitie, and all Chriſtian vertues.

Pihl. 4. 19.My God ſhall ſupply all your needs, according to his riches in glory, by Ieſus Chriſt.

O Father of Lights, of whom is eueryevery good giuing, and eueryevery perfect gift, I beſeech thee to bleſſe me p. 189with al ſpiritual bleſsings in heauenly things in Chriſt. Increaſe the little graine of my weake and feeble faith, direct it to the true obiect, the merites of Chriſt Ieſus, and let it not be bare and dead, but effectuall, working by louelove. Make mee ſtrong therein, & conſtant, to giuegive credite to thy word, without doubting, and pro, tect mee among the diuers & manifold errours, ſects, and hereſies of this world, that fight againſt the foundation. Lord let me not be diſappointed of my hope which I hauehave in thee, but make good thy promiſes p. 190vntounto mee, and ſo worke in my heart, that I may hauehave courage in conflict, patience in trouble, & comfort in al things. Keepe me from inſolencie and pride, and graunt mee true humilitie, and lowlineſſe of mind, that I be not puffed vp to contemne my brethren, but giuegive mee that due conſideration of mine owne vileneſſe and infirmities, that as duſt and aſhes, I may tremble and ſtand in awe of thy iudgements, and as a ſinfull man, eſteeme better of others then my ſelfe.

O deare Father, when Sathan ſhall accuſe mee, my p. 191conſcience beare witneſſe againſt mee, the whole world forſake mee, and all things ſet themſelues againſt me for my ſins, then ſtrengthen mee (I beſeech thee) in thy faith, that I fall not from thee: inflame my colde heart, with the heauenly affection of vnfained louelove, that I may louelove thee, (O bleſſed Trinitie) with all that I hauehave, aboue all, and my Neighbour as my ſelfe.

Graunt me a compaſsionate & charitable minde, to help and ſuccour others to my abilitie, to forbeare and forgiue them, though p. 192they be mine enemies. Purge my veines, and ſuffer not the ſtinking poiſon of enuy and wrath to infect my blood: and ſo moderate my affections that the Sunne goe not downe vponupon my wrath, but that I may be ſatiſfied in knowing that vengeance is thine. GiueGive me grace to follow the examples of all painefull and godly labouring men, in matters of my vocation, & keepe me from the hatefull ſinne of ſloth and idleneſſe, the high-way to beggery. Graunt mee a contented mind againſt couetouſnes, amoderate appetite againſt p. 193gluttony and ſurfets: and a chaſt bodie from diſordered luſt. Comfort mee (O Lord) in all grieuous accidents, and at the point of death, & giuegive mee grace to faſten all thy confidence in thee, that whereas now I ſee by Faith onelyonly (as it were in a glaſſe darkely) I may then ſee face, to face, the onelyonly thing which I deſire and hope for, thorough Ieſus Chriſt, Amen.

p. 194A Prayer before the receiuing of the Holy Communion.

1 Cor. 1…1. 26.1 Cor 1:11 Cor 1:26As often as yee eate this Bread, and drinke this cup, ye doe ſhew the Lords death, vntill he come.

O Lord God, mercifull FATHER, which after the ſacrament of regeneration haſt appointed p. 195vsus, to receiue oft-ſoones the bleſſed Sacrament of thy Supper, for confirmation of our faith: hauehave mercy vponupon mee vile wretch, who for my naturall corruptions, and manifolde tranſgreſſions, am not worthy to approach vntounto thy Table, or come neere thy houſe.

Oh gracious God, pardon me, and diſdaine not to accept mee into thy fauour, but forgiue mee all my ſins that I hauehave done, ſaid, or thought, in pride, wrath, enuy, gluttony, ſloth, couetouſneſſe, or wantonneſſe: giuegive mee a true and p. 196liuely faith, to beleeue thy word, and the promiſe of my pardon annexed to thy Sacraments.

Inflame mee with louelove & charity towards all men, to forgiue and forget, to doe good, to pray for them, that I may follow the ſteps of my bleſſed Sauiour. Open the eies of mine vnderſtanding and helpe mee to examine my ſelfe, concerning my knowledge, faith, and repentance. Send mee the hunger and thirſt after this righteouſneſſe: ſatisfie me with this heauenly foode▪ make me verily partaker of all the benefits of his Paſſion. p. 197Oh deare Lord Ieſus, ſince thou haſt ſuffred ſo many things for my ſake, and haſt commanded mee not to diſpaire, nor diſtruſt thy goodneſſe, graunt mee grace to eate of this bread and drinke of this Cuppe worthily, that I may continually remaine in thy grace and fauour. O Lord GOD, the FATHER, giuegive mee the full conſolation of this miſterie and commemoration, that my Faith may be increaſed, my hope confirmed, my charitie inflamed, my weake conſcience comforted, all dangers repelled, and my ſoule p. 198aſſured of her ſaluation in the blood of Chriſt. Let no prophaneneſſe enter into my heart, ſo long as I am about this holy action; but giuegive mee grace to receiue with puritie of heart, and cleannes of ſoule, with louelove dread, and ſtedfaſt Faith. HaueHave mercy vponupon mee good Lord, that by vnworthy receiuing, I bee not guilty of his precious body and blood, who came downe from heauen, liued with men, & ſwam through a red ſea of blood in his agonie and paſſion, to be my Redeemer. HaueHave mercy vponupon the whole Church, p. 199and to this purpoſe hauehave mercy vponupon this place, and this company, that they may ſerue and pleaſe thee in this holy ſeruice, and all other actions of their life, for Ieſus Chriſts ſake, Amen.

p. 200¶Another of the ſame, before the Communion.

1 Cor. 11. 28.1 Cor 11:28Let a man examine himſelfe, and ſo let him eate of that Bread, and drinke of that Cup.

O Almightie God and merciful father, I am a ſecret ſinner; and my heart is a bottomleſſe pit of all corruptions: p. 201wilfully and fooliſhly, ignorantly, & obſtinately hauehave I ſinned againſt thee, vntounto whoſe eye all the ſecrets of my ſoule lie open: but now I come vntounto thee as a ſicke man vntounto the Phyſitian, as an vncleane man to the well of merciemercy & grace, offered in the precious bloodſhedding of Ieſus Chriſt, and repreſented vntounto my ſoule in this bleſſed Sacrament. HaueHave merciemercy vponupon mee (O Lord) hauehave merciemercy vponupon me, and forgiue me all the euill that I am guiltie of: GiueGive me grace that I may diſcerne the Lords body, and ſo reeciue ie in this Sacrament p. 202with ſuch chaſtitie of body, humblenes of minde, thankfulneſſe of ſoule, hearty contrition, dread and reuerence, as is meet for ſo high a myſtery.

O Lord Ieſus, it is truely ſaid of thee, that thou didſt receiue ſinners and eate with them, and I verily belieue that thou art the ſame ſtill, full of goodneſſe and merciemercy: wherefore I beſeech thee, leaue me not to my ſelfe, reiect mee not from thy table. Come into my heart, and purge me from all filthineſſe of the fleſh and Spirit. Enter into my ſoule, ſeale and ſanctifie p. 203mee, both within and without. O Lord be not angry with mee a barren and dry tree, a creature with a face of braſſe, and heart of flint: I hauehave not ſo many teares as are ſufficient to waſh thy feete with Mary Magdalen, but thou haſt ſhed as much of thine own blood, as ſufficeth to waſh away all the ſinnes of mee, and all the world: then be not angry with me, ô Lord, but let thy grace ſupply my wants, let thy mercy pardon my ſins, let thy holy ſpirit prepare my ſoule, thy merits inrich my pouertie, and thy moſt precious p. 204blood waſh away all the ſpots of my life, that I may worthily receiue this heauenly Sacrament: ſo that I may be ſtrengthened therby, and throughly filled with the heauenly food of thy body and blood: for the mortification of the olde man, the confirmation of my faith, and the finall ſaluation of my ſoule: O Lord heare my prayers, and grant my requeſts I beſeech thee, Amen.

p. 205A Prayer after the receiuing of the holy Communion.

1 Cor. 5. 7.1 Cor 5:7Purge out therefore the old Leauen, that yee may be a new Lumpe, as yee are vnleauened, for euen Chrſt our Paſſeouer is ſacrificed for vsus.

O Ieſus the Sonne of GOD, my Lord and Sauiour; with all humble and hearty thanks p. 206I prayſe thee for ſuffering death vponupon the Croſſe for my ſins, and admitting me a miſerable ſinner, to the participation of this bleſſed Sacrament, the memoriall of my redemption. Let me (ô Lord) finde and feele in my heart, the inuiſible power of thy heauenly grace, effectually working the transformation of mee into thee, the wonderfull vnion of me with thee; and thy Spirituall habitation and abode in me.

Apply all thy merites and good things vntounto my ſoule. Let me neuer doubt the forgiueneſſe of my ſins, p. 207but euer open the doore of this Sanctuary vntounto mee, that I may runne thither in my greateſt need, and apprehend thy gracious pardon, ratified by this Seale of thy couenant.

Quicken mee (O Lord) in this life, reuiue & renew mee, that I may diſclaime my old conuerſation, and be…ome a new man Keepe me … I ſlippe not out of this building, nor become as a branch cut off, & good for nothing: but as thou haſt ſeuered mee from the wicked, in calling me to the knowledge of thee▪ ſo keep mee from all their corruptions.

p. 208GiueGive mee a perfect louelove towards thee, that I may not delight in any thing but in thee, nor ſeeke any other honour but thine.

O Lord Ieſus, I meekely beſeech thee, let thy holy ſpirit ſtrengthen me againſt my frailtie, thy power and ſtrength defend me againſt worldly troubles & aduerſities, thy merites purchaſe my needfull pardon, and thy blood bee the Medicine for all my ſores, euen for thy truth, and for thy Names ſake, Amen.

p. 209¶Another of the ſame, after the Communion.

Iohn 15. 13.John 15:13Greater louelove, hath no man, then this that a man laie downe his life for his friends.

O Ieſu CHRIST, the Lambe of GOD, which haſt ſo loued MANKINDE, that thou haſt beene contented to become One with him, meate vntounto him, and to die for him vponupon the Croſſe to take away the ſinnes, of mee, and many; grant p. 210that this my receiuing of this bleſſed ſacrament may be a true teſtimonie vntounto my conſcience, that I hauehave through faith in thee, receiued full remiſſion of all that is paſt, & am become (as it were) a new creature in thy ſight.

O ſweete Ieſus, which haſt vouchſafed mee this honour, to come to thy Table, and feed vponupon thee, graunt me grace I beſeech thee, ſo to performe, & fulfill my duty, as this honour which thou haſt done mee requireth: linc…e mee vntounto thee, & giuegive me power and ſtrength to beleeue thy promiſes p. 211without diſtruſt, and to ſhew my religion by my good life and conuerſation. Aſſiſt me with thy grace that I may walke worthy this bleſſed Sacrament, to louelove thee and thy Law vnfeinedly, and vtterly to forſake all vanitie, Idolatry, carnall deſires, and all the workes of the deuill.

O Lord God, ſo moderate and order all mine affections, that I may be ioyned with the brethren together in louelove, the bond of peace, and truely faſtned vntounto thee my head for euer. Stirre vp my minde that I may alwaies conſider p. 212the bitternes of thy death, the greatnes of thy louelove, and neuer forget to bee thankefull vntounto thee.

O bleſſed Lord, preſerue and maintaine this ordinance amongſt vsus, that it may be alwayes a note and badge of our publique profeſſion: and giuegive vsus all one heart, and one minde in the vnitie of the Spirit, for the reuerent and worthy receiuing of the ſame, whenſoeuer we ſhall come to thy holy Table againe, Amen.

p. 213A Prayer for the Fruites of the earth, and other nouriſhments of this mortall life.

Pſal. 104. 27.Ps 104:27All waite vponupon thee (O Lord) that thou mayeſt giuegive them their meate in due ſeaſon.

O Eternall GOD' which feedeſt with thy bleſſing eueryevery liuing thing: and ſatiffieſt the p. 214lawfull deſires of thy ſeruants with good things; we beſeech thee make vsus to couet thoſe things that be pleaſing to thee, let vsus finde them eaſilie, & ſearch them wiſely▪ know them truelie, and exerciſe them effectually, to thy glory, and our ſaluation. And we pray thee heare vsus fauourably, praying earneſtly for the fruites of the earth, & the nouriſhments of this life, that wee may (though vnworthy) be partakers of thy comforts therein. GiueGive vsus, O Lord, this day our daily bread, prepare our ground, and proſper our corne. Bleſſe the p. 215ſeed time with the firſt and latter raine, & meete temperature of ayre. Keepe our fruits while they be in the earth, from haile & thunder, from exceſſiue droughts, and ouermuch raine, from Mildewes, and all noiſome wormes.

Send vsus a ioyfull harueſt, and bleſſe that which wee ſhall reape, that for our vnthankefulneſſe it waſte not away without our releefe▪ Increaſe our cattell, with all other our prouiſion, which wee ſhall carefully labour for. Bleſſe our Basket, and our ſtore, that we may hauehave wherewith, as to furniſh p. 216our ſelues▪ ſo to giuegive ſome releefe to others. Protect our ſeruants and workemen, that they may be ſtrong to labour, wiſe to forecaſt, and faithfull in their buſineſſe. Keepe our Garners, barnes, and ſtore-houſes, from fiery meteors, boyſterous winds, theeues, and ſudden invndations. Proſper our workes and trauels, whether by ſea or land, and bleſſe and proſper all them that any way labor for any of thoſe things that we ſhall hauehave occaſion to vſe.

Send remedie (ô Lord) for all hardneſſe and miſerie, p. 217turne our dearth into cheapneſſe, and our ſcarcitie into plentie. Open the hearts of rich-men, to whom thou haſt giuen much, that they may hauehave a charitable reſpect of the poore at all times. Helpe vsus (ô Lord) and giuegive vsus ſuch things as wee ſtand in need of, yet neither of pouertie, nor riches too much but a competent ſtore, and the lawfull vſe of things neceſſary for this life, through Ieſus Chriſt our Lord, Amen.

p. 218❧ A Prayer for Friends and Benefactors.

1 Pet. 4. 8.1 Pet 4:8Charitie ſhall couer the multitude of ſinnes.

O LORD which haſt ſaid,Pro. 19. 27Prov 19:27 that Hee that giueth vntounto the poore, lendeth vntounto the Lord: and looke what hee layeth out, it ſhall be payd him againe, wee beſeech p. 219thee, to be gracious and mercifull to all thoſe for whom wee are bound to pray by Nature, by deſert, or any other duetie whatſoeuer. Of thy ſpeciall fauour remember all our benefactors and friends aliue, euen all thoſe our parents, kinsfolks, and others which hauehave brought vsus vp, taught, promoted, or any way releeued vsus. Bleſſe them with all bleſſings, that hauehave done good, either to our bodies with temporall benefits, or our ſoules with profitable inſtructions. Bleſſe their eſtates, that in their godly diſpoſition they may hauehave p. 220alwayes wherewith to relieue & comfort others in their diſcretion. GiueGive them the conſolation of the holy Ghoſt, to the keeping of Faith & a good conſcience. And as they hauehave ſhewed merciemercy vntounto vsus, and comforted vsus, ſo Lord, helpe and comfort them in their greateſt needs, that both they and their Families, may both hauehave comfort in their eſtate and condition here, and finde mercy with thy Sonne our Sauiour Ieſus at the latter day.

Lord let their almeſdeeds and prayers, be alwayes in thy ſight, as thoſe of p. 221Cornelius, that as they hauehave beene vntounto vsus an odour that ſmelleth ſweete, whereby wee hauehave receiued plentie, & beene filled; ſo they may be as Sacrifices acceptable and pleaſant vntounto thee. Vouchſafe vsus this grace (ô Lord) that wee be not guilty of any ingratitude towards them, but rather ready, according to our abilities, to recompence them, if neede require.

Let not that which they hauehave beſtowed vponupon vsus be caſt away; but make it fruitfull, and vsus worthy of it. Graunt this, O thou GOD, which doeſt p. 222good both to the iuſt and vniuſt, for Ieſus Chriſts ſake, our onelyonly Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

p. 223A Prayer in time of Warre.

Pſal. 74. 18.Ps 74:18Remember this, that the enimie hath reproached O Lord, and that the fooliſh people hauehave blaſphemed thy Name.

O God, mighty in battel, wee beſeech thee, beare not in mind our vile deſerts, but of thy p. 224mercy pitty thy poore afflicted, endangered, & perſecuted Church. Conſider and beholde, how they which hate thy Sanctuary are now vp in armes to root vsus out for our profeſſion. Therefore (ô Lord) wee pray thee maintaine thine owne cauſe: Bleſſe our forces by Sea, and by Land, and grant to the people one heart, one minde, and one ſtrength. GiueGive vntounto the Counſellors and Captaines wiſedome and courage, wiſely to foreſee, and valiantly to defeate the deuiſes of their enemies. Keepe all the ſouldiers from p. 225treaſon and treachery, the leaders from wrong plots, the people from tumults, and all of them from the ſinnes and enormities that follow the campe.

Strengthen (ô Lord) and hold vp the hands of Moſes, and the weapons of the Church, Preces & lachrymas, that our faſting and prayer may be heard, and Iſrael may hauehave the victorie. Put Siſera to flight in thy good time, and rather then he returne to doe miſchiefe, bring him to his end by an hand vnlooked for. Turne the weapons of him and his followers into their p. 226owne boſomes: ſcatter, breake, and ſincke their ſhips, deſtroy their armies, and confound their forces. Conſider (ô Lord) the end of our enterpriſes, how wee fight for thy Truth, and either reconcile vsus and our enemies by thy Spirit, to worſhip one God, and hold one Truth, or elſe abate their pride, and confound their malice, to thy honour and glory, for Ieſus Chriſts ſake, our onelyonly Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

p. 227Another in time of Warre.

Pſal. 34. 7.Ps 34:7The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that feare him, and deliuereth them.

O LORD GOD of Hoſts, that haſt heretofore ſundry times miraculouſly defended vsus, wee p. 228beſeech thee ſhew thy ſelfe in this needfull time: bleſſe and preſerue vsus, who hauehave repoſed our truſt onelyonly in thee. Bleſſe our Armies abroad, which are ioyned together for the defence of thy truth; and the ſafety of our country: ſanctifie vsus likewiſe at home to pleaſe thee, that whatſoeuer they or wee doe, it may proſper.

Be preſent and preſident at all their conſultations, and giuegive thou the caſting voice in all determinations. Suggeſt heroicall motions into the heart of their Leaders▪ baniſh all heart-burnings and diuiſions: and p. 229aſſiſt them with the ſpirit of vnitie and concord, that they may ſtriue all one good way. Marke them wiſer then their enemies: yea, giuegive them more experience then the aged, & better intelligence, and more ſound aduertiſements then their foes. Lord annoint their ſhields, bleſſe their ſwords, hallow and conſecrate all their weapons and engines of warre with happy ſucceſſe to doe thy will.

Bleſſe the ſeaſon of the yeare vntounto them, and ſweeten the cloſe ayre in their multitudes: that neither Sunne nor Moone annoy p. 230them, nor alteration of dyer, or place, diſable them from their ſeruice. Command the winds and Sea to fauour them, and let the Land ſpeake peace vntounto them. O Lord diſappoint the counſels and power of thine enemies, and make a ioyfull peace for thy ſeruants, through Ieſus Chriſt our onelyonly. Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

p. 231❧ A Prayer for Comfort to ſicke perſons.

Hoſ. 6. 1.Hos 6:1Come, and let vsus returne vntounto the Lord: for hee hath torne, and hee will heale vsus: hee hath ſmitten, and hee will binde vsus vp.

O Moſt, GRACIOVS God and louing father, which giueſt health to make vsus the p. 232better to acknowledge thee and thy liberalitie, & ſometimes ſendeſt ſickneſſe to recall vsus thereby, when we hauehave ſinned againſt thee: wee humbly beſeech thee, for this, and all thy ſeruants thus afflicted, not to enter into a ſeuere iudgement with him for his life paſt, but in remembrance of thine owne merciemercy, to forgiue him his ſinnes, and vponupon the ſatisfaction of thy ſonne, to acquit him of thy iudgement.

O Lord, grant him a true zeale, and affections agreeable to thy will, that he may rightly receiue the gracious p. 233offers of thy great mercy. Qualifie all the troubles which either the grieuouſneſſe of his ſinne remembred, or the bitternes of his pangs ſuſteined, the ſubtiltie of Sathan, or the feare of death may bring vponupon him, and lay no more vponupon him ô Lord, then he ſhall be able to beare. Speake comfortably vntounto him, as thou haſt done vntounto all thoſe that hauehave ſought for their bodily health at thy hands. Diſpoſe and mooue his heart to receiue this fatherly correction▪ and gracious viſitation, with the patience of p. 234Iob, the faith of Abraham, the courage of Peter, and true ſubmiſſion to thy bleſſed will, either for life or death: and though that his outward ſenſes, the tongue and voice, be not ſo quicke as they hauehave been to praiſe thee, and pray vntounto thee, yet Lord, we beſeech thee, ſtirre vp his heart, in flame and inſpire his minde to performe all ſuch things as thou requireſt, and may be profitable for the ſoule in this combate.

Apply, (ô Lord) the holy and wholeſome medicines of thy Sonnes Paſſion, death, and Reſurrection, p. 235vntounto the ſoule of this poore creature, againſt the extremitie of feare, faintneſſe, doubt, and deſperation. Take away the extreamitie of his paine, mitigate his ſorrowes, make his bed, wipe all teares from his eyes, and eaſe his carefull conſcience. Comfort him at the houre of his departure: open vntounto him the gates of merciemercy: open thine armes to receiue him into thy fauour, that hee may goe to the graue in peace, being vpholden by thee, in the aſſurance of a free pardon for all his ſinnes, and the hope of a ioyfull Reſurrection. p. 236In the meane time (ô Lord) ſettle his ſpirits, that they doe not wander, or flie out into any vnruly motions. Continue his remembrance, that hee may not forget thee, but dayly and hourely hauehave thee in mind, which art the anchor of his ſafety. Keepe his tongue from all vaine and idle talke, his heart from all feares, and protect him ſafe vnderunder thy wings. Be mercifull vntounto vsus, who as feeling members of one body, adore thy holy Name, and implore thy diuine helpe for this thy ſeruant, and let this example p. 237teach vsus more humilitie, feare, & reuerence towards thee, now and euer. Heare our prayers▪ ô Lord for Ieſus Chriſt ſake, Amen.

p. 238¶Another for comfort to the Sicke.

Iam. 15The Prayer of Faith ſhall ſaue the Sicke, and the Lord ſhall raiſe him vp: and if he hauehave committed ſinnes they ſhall be forgiuen him.

OH LORD God, which both in SICKNES and health, haſt appointed vsus to pray one for p. 239another, promiſing a bleſſing in greateſt extreamities: we poore ſinners preſent our ſelues before thy Maieſtie, in the behalfe of this thy poore ſeruant, that lyeth viſited vnderunder thy hand. Good Lord, we beſeech thee, ſeale in his heart by thy holy ſpirit the forgiueneſſe of all his ſinnes. Let the ſweet feeling and taſte of a liuely Faith, diſtaſte all the filthy corruptions that are in him; that his body and ſoule may be preſented pure and vndefiled vntounto thee in the blood of thy Sonne.

LORD lay not to his p. 240charge what hee hath ſaid or done amiſſe throughout all the whole courſe of his life, but reale him vp in hope, ſpeake comfortable vntounto his ſoule, and lead him by thy Spirit vntounto the treaſures of thy mercy. Take from him the feare and ſorrow of death: raiſe the ſiedge of his ſpirituall enemies, that are round about him, and giuegive him ſtrength againſt all the aſſaults of the deuill, that he may hauehave a perfect victory. Let the knowledge of thee, (which hee hath learned ſince thou didſt call him) ſtand him now in ſtead, and p. 241relieue his faith; that hee may hauehave true repentance, and yeelde vntounto thee due obedience & harty thanks for whatſoeuer thou ſhalt doe.

O Lord, giuegive vntounto him a taſte of thy glory, and thoſe ioyes which thou haſt prepared for him, that in the comfort thereof, hee may fight a good fight, keeping the faith, & when the time of his departure ſhal come, willingly forſake this preſent euill world, and liue with thee for euer. Graunt this (O Lord) for IESVS CHRISTS ſake, our onelyonly Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

p. 242A Prayer before a Man vndertake a Iourney by Sea, or land.

Exod. 13. 20. 21.Exod 13:20Exod 13:21So they tooke their iourney, and the Lord went before them, by day in a piller of clowd to leade them the way, & by night in a piller of fire to them light both by day and night.

O Lord God, thou Keeper of Iſrael, who preſerueſt our going out, and our comming in, into p. 243thy handes I commit my ſelfe, and all that I hauehave, whether I be at home or abroad. In the Name of him that was wearied in his iourney, and ſate downe vponupon the Wel, euen Chriſt Ieſus, I beſeech thee to direct my paths in this my iourney, as thou didſt Iacob in his Voyage too and from Haran, Ionas at Sea, and in the Whales belly, and the children of Iſrael when they paſſed ouer Iordan. Graunt mee health, giuegive me ſtrength and courage, and alſo refreſh mee when I am weary: keepe me from the hands of ſpoylers, p. 244the ſleights and deceits of theeues and robbers, from ſauage beaſts and euil workers Graunt that whereſoeuer I come, I may alwaies find godly men, which may honeſtly entertaine & curteouſly entreat mee. Keepe mee from lewde company, that I caſt not in my lotte with them, to be partaker of their wickednes: but let me alwayes hauehave thy feare before mine eyes, to auoid all wandring pathes, knowing that wherſoeuer I walk, thou ſpieſt out al my waies.

Shew mee (ô Lord) in the day time thy comfortable Pillar of Cloud, and p. 245in the night thy Pillar of fire; that both day and night I may eſcape the hands of all mine enemies, and they likewiſe may be afraid to attempt any thing againſt me, when they ſhall ſee thy wonderfull protection of mee. Yet Lord, if thou haſt ſo appointed, that before I returne, I muſt goe to my long home, and dye in this voyage, I beſeech thee, that vponupon whatſoeuer this veſſell of my body be ſplit, or whereſoeuer this Tabernacle fall, yet my ſoule may be ſafe, and arriue at the euerlaſting land of Promiſe, the common p. 246Home of the Elect.

Make me partaker of all good prayers, and giuegive me grace likewiſe to remember that duetie for all my brethren. Furniſh me with neceſſaries while I ſhall be abroad, giuegive mee bread to eate, and clothes to put on▪ and when I ſhall hauehave finiſhed my buſineſſe, LORD bring mee home againe, (if it be thy will,) and ſhew me this fauour, that I may find my friends and fauourers, wife, children and Family, in perfect health at my returne for Ieſus Chriſts ſake, Amen.

p. 247A Prayer in time of preſent danger, or any other affliction, in bodie or minde.

Iob. 2. 10.Job 2:10What ſhall we receiue good at the hand of God, and ſhall wee not receiue euill?

O Eternall GOD, which ſhutteſt, and no man openeth, and openeſt & no man ſhutteth, p. 248my humble requeſt vntounto thee, is for my ſelfe, and all ſuch as ſuffer any croſſe or affliction in body or mind, that it would pleaſe thee to open ſuch ſpeedy way and meanes, as they may be eaſed and deliuered from the ſame.

O Lord, in this affliction, which doth ſo grieuouſly pierce my ſoule, I beſeech thee, giuegive mee grace to acknowledge it thy Fatherly correction for my ſinne, that I may learne to be more carefull of my dutie to thee. I thanke thee, that thou haſt laid no more vponupon me, nor puniſhed me p. 249to my confuſion: I beſeech thee grant mee a more patient minde, and ſtay thy hand in due time, that I may recouer my ſtrength with comfort in thee. All is thine, and thou art all; to thee therefore doe I flie for ſuccour, becauſe there is no ſuccour but vnderunder thy wings. The ſorrowes of hell doe compaſſe me round about, the feare of death is before mine eyes: helpe, ô helpe mee; ſaue me, oh ſaue me, for thine owne ſake, for thy SONNES ſake, for thy glories ſake, for I am the workemanſhip of thy hands.

p. 250Keepe my ſenſes, vnderunder, ſtanding and iudgement, and ſaue mee from eueryevery conceite that tendeth to feare, furie, or diſtruſt in thy merciemercy. O Lord, aduiſe and teach mee wiſedome and moderation in my griefe, yea, with thy power ouer-rule mee that it be not my ouerthrow.

Of thy mercy, LORD, comfort the appalled conſciences of all thoſe that grieue vnderunder the burthen of their ſinnes, fearing the heauineſſe of thy wrath for the ſame HaueHave merciemercy vponupon all thoſe whoſe tender affections are too neerely p. 251touched with the loſſe of their companions, children or friends, & let them not take any thing to heart, otherwiſe then may ſtand with diſcretion, reaſon, and Chriſtian moderation.

GiueGive thy comforts and conſolations vntounto all thoſe that by any meanes ſuffer trouble or torments, for the profeſſion of thy Goſpel, of the ſeruice of their Prince. And if it pleaſe thee to detaine ſome vnderunder a longer Croſſe, for thy greater glory, of their further tryall? yet Lord; let them not be tempted aboue their ſtrength, but p. 252arme them with further patience and hope in thee, that ſo they may perſeuere vntounto the end. O Lord, weaken the power of Sathan, & the tiranny of his miniſters, which eyther by inward tentations or outward violence, hauehave bred the woe of thy ſeruants, and ridde thy ſeruants from all their troubles, that they may ſing ioyfull praiſes vntounto thee, through Ieſus Chriſt, Amen.

See the Prayer of one afflicted in Conſcience. In Part. ….

p. 253A Prayer in time of plague or other extraordinary ſickneſſe.

1 Sam. 2. 61 Sam 2:6The Lord killeth and maketh aliue: bringeth downe to the graue, and raiſeth vp.

O Lord our GOD, in whoſe Name ſtandeth … help, and who amongſt other euils haſt promiſed vsus to deliuer thy people from the p. 254ſnare of the hunter, & from the noyſome peſtilence, we beſeech thee, take this thy plague away from vsus: and as the ſtench of our ſinnes hath aſcended vp into thy noſthrils to prouoke thy wrath againſt vsus in it: ſo let our humble ſupplications vponupon our knees, come before thee to procure our happy releaſe from it.

Lord, call back thine angel, & cauſe him to ſheath the ſword againe. Wee are thy children, and the worke of thy hands: wee are ſorry for our ſinnes, which are the cauſe of all this, and p. 255wee purpoſe amendment: wee are but Men, duſt and Aſhes, wee are not able to beare long, therefore Lord, hauehave mercy vponupon vsus, and that ſoone. God Lord, accept our ſorrowes, and ſend vsus comfort, and ſuffer vsus not to periſh after ſo miſerable a ſort.

We thanke thee, ô Lord that thou haſt not left vsus altogether comfortles, nor caſt vsus off without hope, but haſt ſomewhat with drawne thy hand, and ſpared many hundreds of vsus, in compariſon of thoſe whom thou ſleweſt a little before: and wee reioyce at this abatement, p. 256yet wee ſtand in awe: wee preſume vponupon this thy fauour, but with feare and trembling: wee truſt it ſhall be eueryevery day better, yet we are carefull to winne it by pleaſing thee. Wherefore, (ô Lord) wee beſeech thee bleſſe vsus and all thoſe that depend vponupon vsus: ſet thy ſauing marke vponupon our houſes, as thou diddeſt for the Iſraelites in Egypt; & giuegive order to the deſtroyer that hee hurt vsus not. Put thy ſtrength to our medicines: guard our regard which wee hauehave of our ſelues: let thy good bleſſing make the preſeruatiues of the Phyſitians, p. 257& ourſhifting places for more ſecurity, profitable vntounto vsus.

GiueGive vsus grace (ô Lord) that we truſt not too much in outward meanes, but onelyonly in thy merciemercy, and bleſſing vponupon them. Keepe vsus in our downe lying, and vp-riſing, and protect vsus walking in our vocations. HaueHave pittie vponupon our diſtreſſed brethren, comfort the deſolate widdowes, and prouide for all fatherleſſe children. Gather vsus together againe, that by theſe means are diſperſed, & continue thy mercifull worke in diminiſhing our dead p. 258number, till wee may iuſtly ſay in confidence & thanks with the Prophet, Wee ſhall not die but liue, and declare the workes of the Lord. Grant this (O Lord) for Ieſus Chriſts ſake, our onelyonly Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

p. 259The ancient Prayer, called, O bountifull IESV.

O BOVNTIFVLL Ieſu, ô ſweet Ieſu: ô IESV, the Sonne of the Virgin Mary, which art full of mercy and truth: ô ſweet Ieſu, hauehave pittie vponupon mee, according to thy great merciemercy. p. 260O benigne Ieſu, by the ſame precious blood which thou waſt content to ſhed vponupon the Altar of the Croſſe for vsus miſerable ſinners: I beſeech thee, vouchſafe to caſt all mine iniquities out of thy ſight, and deſpiſe not mee who thus humbly beg of thee, crying and calling vponupon thy holy Name Ieſus. This Name Ieſus, is a ſweet Name: this Name Ieſus is a Name of Saluation: for what is Ieſus but a Sauiour?

O good Ieſus, which haſt created me and redeemed me with thine owne blood, ſuffer not mee whom thou p. 261haſt made of nought, to be damned. O good Ieſus, let not my wickedneſſe hauehave power to deſtroy me, whom thine Almightie goodneſſe hath made. O good IESV, reknowledge that which is thine in mee, and that which is not of thee, take that away from mee. O good Ieſus, euen now while the time of merciemercy is, hauehave merciemercy vponupon me, and let me not be confounded at the time of thy fearefull iudgement.

O good IESVS, although I vile ſinner, by thy ſtreight Iuſtice, hauehave deſerued to be puniſhed p. 262euerlaſtingly, for my moſt grieuous ſins, yet hauing ſure confidence in the truth of thy righteouſneſſe, I appeale to thine vnſpeakeable mercy: I am ſure thou wilt hauehave mercy vponupon mee, like a louing Father, and a mercifull Lord.

O good IESVS, what profit is there in my blood, if I deſcend into the pit of eternall corruption? For ſurely they that be dead ſhall not magnifie thee, nor any that goe downe into the place of ſilence. O moſt mercifull Ieſu hauehave mercy vponupon mee: ô moſt ſweet Ieſus deliuer mee. O moſt p. 263holy Ieſus, be mercifull vntounto me a ſinner.

O IESVS, accept mee wretched ſinner, among the number of them whom thou haſt elected to ſaluation. O Ieſus, the health of all that hope in thee, the life of all that beleeue in thee, hauehave merciemercy vponupon me. O ſweet Ieſus, the remiſſion of all my ſinnes. O Ieſus, the Sonne of the Virgin Mary, powre thy grace into my heart, endue mee with wiſedome, charitie, chaſtitie and humilitie, and in all mine aduerſitie, grant me a holy, inuiolable and ſtedfaſt patience, that I may p. 264perfectly louelove thee, and hauehave my onelyonly delight and affiance in thee, world without end, Amen.