A Perfect Pathway to Felicity, Prayers 2
A praier for the morning.
I GiueGive thée thanks most merciful father, for all thy tender mercies, and louing kindnes shewed towards me in Christ Jesus euer since I was borne, and namelie for the quiet rest and sléepe which thou hast giuen to my bodie this night, and for preseruing of me from infinite perils and dangers where unto poore man is subiet in this life. And I beséech thée holie father, to extend thy louing fauour towardes mée this day: defend me from all mine enimies both bodilie and ghostlie, blesse all the workes of my hands: grant good issue and good successe vntounto mee, in all my godlie actions, enterprises and affaires. And aboue all things giuegive me a willing heart, and a readie mind to serue thée, in true holinesse and righteousnesse all the daies of my life: that I glorifying thée here vponupon earth, may be glorified of thée for euer in heauen, thorow Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
A praier for the Euening.
MOST gracious God, I prayse thee thorow: Jesus Christ, for defending of me this day from all dangers of bodie & soule, and for all thy other benefites which thou hast plentifullie bestowed vppon me. And I pray thée, good father, to pardon and forgiue me all my sinnes and wickednes wherin I hauehave offended thy diuine maiestie, either this day, or anie day of my life here tofore, euen to this present houre. And receiue mee this night into thy tuition and protection, that my enimies may hauehave no power ouer me, nor in anie sort preuaile against me: but that my bodie by thy gracious goodnes, enioying quiet sleepe, my mind, my soule & spirite maie continually waite vponupon thée, and thorow faith behold thy blessed maiestie with an assured confidence, and an infallible hope, after this fraile and transitorie life ended, to possesse that immortall and euerlasting glorie wherein thou eternallie reignest, to whome bee all honour and glorie for euermore.
A generall confession os our sinnes to God thesather necessarie to be said at all times.
OH eternall God, father of our lord Iesus Christ, without beginning or ending, & of whom all things hauehave their being, I a poore wretched and mise able sinner, lamenting my sinnes from the bottome of my heart, prostrate my selfe before the footestoole of thy blessed maiestie, acknowledging and confessing, that I am a most grieuous sinner, begot, conceyued, and borne in sinne, and liuing in all corruption and iniquitie, so that in me there is no goodnesse: yea, my whole nature is so corr…pt, that my verie righteousnesse it selfe is nothing but sin in thy sight: wherefore deare father, setting a part al my own pretensed merits as insufficient to purchase thy fauor, I come vntounto thée in the name of thy beloued son Iesus Christ (who is made vntounto vsus, holinesse, righteousnesse, santification, and redemption) most humblie beseeching thee for his precious bloud shedding, and for his bitter death and passion, to hauehave mercy vponupon me, pardon and forgiue me all my sinnes and wickednes, both original & actuall, of thoughts, words, workes and déedes, of presumption, of frailtie, of ignorance, and of knowledge, or how soeuer els committed against thy souereigne maiestie, euer since I was born. Good father blot them out of thy remembrance, hide them in the bloudie wundes of thy sonne, wash them away in the streames of his bloud. Accept his holinesse for my holinesse, his righteousnesse for my righteousnesse, and his precious bloud as a full recampence, satisfaction and propitiation for al my sinnes. And as I craue pardon for al my sinnes past; so I beséech thee, for thy great mercies sake in Iesus Christ, giuegive me grace, power and strength, to resist sinne hereafter, with al occasions, meanes, wayes, and allurements leading therevnto. And because (oh Lord) without faith nothing can please thée, giuegive me, I beséech thée, a true, perfect and a iustifying faith, without the which no man shall sée thy blessed face. Strengthen this faith in mee for euer to the end, & in the end, grāt me thy holie spirit trulie to repent, and most heartilie to sorrow for the multitude and heynousnesse of my transgressions. Worke in me also (good father) an inwarde hatred, lothing, and detestation vntounto sume, that I walking before thée with vprightnes of hart, may after the dissolution of this my earthlie tabernacle, inherit eternall glorie in the heauens, thorow the merits of thy sonne Christ Iesus,
Amen.
A confession of our sinnes to Christ Iesus our sauiour, with desireof forgiuenes.
OH swéete Iesus, oh most glorious Iesus, sonne of the eternall God, whorainest into this world to take away the heauie burthen of them that were laden, to seeke them that were lost, and to call sinners to repentance, to giuegive life to the faithfull, and to be a mediatour betweene God and man. I a poore and miserable sinner, lamenting my sinne from the bottom of my hart, most entirelie beséech thée for thy infinite mercies sake, according to thy accustomed woont, to pardon and forgiue me all mine offences, sinnes and wickednesse, of what na' ture or kind, or how manie or grieuous soeuer they be, and to be my mediatour and aduocate to God thy father, to appease his wrath, to satisfie his iustice, and to reconcile me into his fauour againe. Regenerate, renue, and sanctfie my heart (swéete Iesus) with thy holie spirite, the spirit of truth, that I maie procéed and go forward from vertue to vertue, from grace to grace, from holinesse to holinesse, vntil I ariue in the kingdome of heauen, the most quiet and happie hauen and port of all peace, thorow the merits of thy bloud.
A fruitfull praier to God the holie Ghost.
OH most glorious spirite of the most high god, who being true & euerlasting God, with God the father, and God the sonne, proceedest from them both, who also by thy heauenly inspiration and breathing, dost quicken them that before were dead in s…, comfortest them that were comfortles, inlightnest them that were ignorant, bringest …tp the way of truth all such as hauehave erred and are decey, ued, and plentifullie enrichest them with vnspeakable graces, that pray vntounto thée in the name & mediation of Iesus Christ. Purifie my hart with the fire of thy louelove, …ortifie in mee whatsoeuer is not thine, garnish my mind with all heauenlie and spirituall treasures, that I may bée a most beautiful temple for thy blessed maiestie to dwell in, to lead me into all truth, oh thou euerlasting spirite o… euerlasting truth, and suffer me not to bee caried about with euerie blast of strange doctrine, but alwaies to remaine and abide in that doctrine, whereof thou onelie art the authour. Inarme my soule against the poysoued suggestions, & craftie temptations of the denill, against the vaine pleasures and deceiuable delights of this life, and against the fil…hie lusts of this my cankred flesh, that I being indued and replenished with thy holie breath, may doe that which is pleasant and acceptable vntounto thée, to whom bee all honour, glorie, and thankesgiuing for euer,
Amen.
A Praier for the Queenes Maiestie.
WE render all prayse and thanks to thée, oh king of all kings, and gouernour of all things, for that in the multitude of thy mercies thou hast vouchedsafe to place ouer vsus thy little flock, so godly & vertuous a guide, so gracious & wise a princes, as the worlde neuer had her péere. And we humblie pray thée, holie father, with thy fauourable countenance to beholde the same thy seruant, our souereigne Ladie and gouernesse. And so sanctifie her heart with the grace of thy holie spirte, that shee maie bend all her studie and indenour to yt setting forth of thy glorie, yt maintenance of thy holie religion, the aduauncement of true vertue and godlines, the supplanting of vice and commoditie of this her maiesties common whea…e vnderunder thee: kindle in her a feruent zeale of thy glory and a vehement desire to establish whatsoeuer is defectiue or wāteth in this thy Church & vineyard in England, for the true & sincere discipline & gouernment of thy church & cō mon welth. Saue and defend her from al forreigne power, & authoritie, from all traitterous conspiracies, plots and practises, either of papists, Atheists, or any other sectaries whatsoener. GiueGive her godlie, wise, & religious counsailers, such as may respect onlie thy glorie, that her maiestie ruling acording to thy wil, they counselling according to the inspiration of thy holy spirit, and we her subiects faithfully obeying, may altogether in the end receiue the incorruptible crowne of eternall glorie in the heauenlie Hierusalem, thorow Iesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
A praier to be said of all such as be maiestrates and rulers in the common wealth.
FOrasmuch as it hath pleased théeoh, eternall God, ruler of all kinges and kingdoms, to constitute and appoint me (though altogither vnworthie) to be a ruler and gouernour of thy people vnderunder my soueraigne, I be séech thee, giuegive me grace, so to ex…cute my office, and minister iustice in the common wealth, that I maie please thée in all things iniurie no man, oppresse no man, damnifie no man, neither in bodie, nor in goods, but by thy gracious working, may iudge iustly, neither fauoring the rich nor mightie for desire of gifts, nor yet dispising the poore for want of rewardes, that I seeking thy glorie, the aduauncement of thy holie word, and Gospell, and the common benefite of all men, may be found acceptable vntounto thee in thy beloued, and may heare that swéete haruest sung, well good seruant, thou hast béene faithfull in small thinges of this life, (which are but vanities and trifles to the things in the life to come) enter into the ioy of the Lord. Oh Lord let it be so for Iesus Christ his sake.
Amen.
A praier for the increase of faith.
O Almightie God, and louing Father in Iesus Christ, by whose holie worde wee are taught, that without faith it is vnpossible to please thée, vouchsafe therefore most merci…ull Lord God) to plant in my heart and mind, a true perfect and a iustifying faith, that I may certenlie knowe thee, the onelie true God, and him whome thou hast sent Iesus Christ, with the holie spirite our comforter, sanctifier, regenerator, instructer, and teacher. Increase this fayth in me (O Lord) daylie more and more, that it may growe vp to full perfection, accompanied with good workes, without the which no man shall sée thy glorie. Banish fa…re from me, sweet father, all infidelitie & incredulitie, all mistrust, and distrust, all dobting and wauering, in stead whereof, plant in my heart a constant hope, with a carefull kéeping of all thy commaundements, that I doing that which is good and acceptable before thee, may be glorified of thée in the end, in the kingdome of heauen, thorow Iesus Christ our Lord.
A praier against the deuill, the world and the flesh.
MOst mercifull father, I a poore wretched and miserable sinner, humblie beséech thée, to send me frō thy holy heuens, both power and strength to resist and withstand al the assaults, firie darts, and subtle temptations of the deuill, who like a roring Lion, goeth about séeking to deuoure me. GiueGive me also thy holy spirit, with grace and strength to resist all the raging lusts, and filthy concupiscenses of the flesh, with all the vanities of this wicked world, that being by thy onelie helpe acquitted and fréed, srom the force and violence of these & all other my mortall enimies, may serue thée in holinesse and righteousnesse all the daies of my lif…, thorow Christ our Lord.
A praier for Gods direction in all things which we take in hand.
OH Lorde my God, I doe acknowledge and fréelie confesse my owne great blindnesse, and ignorance, and the wilfull obstinacie of my corrupt nature, which séeketh rather to fulfill the …tasies & deuises of my owne braine, then the motions of thy holie spirite, and rather to vse humaine help, then to craue thy diuine ayde. Wherfore, holie father, vouch safe I beséech thée, to establish in my heart, godlie feare, with most sincere obedience to thy holie ordināces, statutes and lawes. And for that without thy blessing nothing can prosper, or come to good effect, blesse al the works of my hands, all my labours, actions and affaires, which I shall take in hand in thy holy name, according to thy will, for the necessaire maintenance of my poore estate. Grant me good issue, and good successe in them for the glorie of thy holie ńame, that I hauing plentie of al good things in this life, may bee rich and plentifull in all good workes, to the glorie of thy holie name, and profite of my brethren, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
A praier for a competent and a necessarie liuing.
OH Lord our God, most gracious & holie father, whose louelove towards man in Christ Jesus, is infinite and vnspeakable, & whose tender care ouer him is such, that thou hast promised that who soeuer beléeueth in thée, dependeth vppon thy proufdence, and séeketh his reliefe at thy blessed handes, shall neuer want anie good thing, ether necessarie for soule or bodie. Wherefore most gracious father, I thy …elie creature, of my selfe poore, yea pouertie and nakednesse it selfe, most intirelie beseech thée, for Jesus Christ his sake, that thou wilt giuegive vntounto me a competent, and a necessary liuing, as meate, drinke and cloth, with all other thinges néedfull for my bodie, that pinching pouertie oppresse me not, nor that I bee not drawen to attempt wicked and vnlawfull meanes for the maintenance of my life. To this ende therefore (good father) blesse my store, and replenish my basket with thy blessings, that I may be able thorow thy beneficiall liberalitie, to liue out of debt and danger of all men, and to occupie my selfe in the exercise & practise of good works, to the reliefe of them that hauehave néede, and the setting forth of thy honour & glorie; thorow Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A praier for grace that wee may vse our wealth to the glorie of God.
ALmightie & most mercifull father, the onelie giuer of al good things, the onelie stay and comfort of all mankind, giuegive mee grace thy humble seruant, that as thou hast blessed my store, & increased my wealth excéedinglie, farre beyonde either my deserts or expectation, insomuch as I hauehave not onelie sufficient to supplie mine owne want, but also inough to relieue others that hauehave need: so I beséech thée to remooue farre from m…e all couerous desires of lucre and gaine, and giuegive me a willing mind, and readie desire to distribute to the necessitie of thy saints, according to the abundance of my wealth, to féed the hungrie, to cloth the naked, to harbour she harbourlesse, to visite the sicke and needie, and to do all other good works which thou requirest of me in this life, that I liue not to my selfe, and for my selfe onelie, but to the helpe and reliefe of all that hauehave néed of my furtherance in this life, that treasuring vp for my selfe a good foundacion in the kingdome of heauen, I may inherite eternall life thorow Jesus Christ my onelie Lord and sauiour,
Amen.
A praier to be said of women with childe.
ALmightie & most mercifull Father, creator of heauen and earth, who in the begining for the sinne of our first parents, diddest laie a most heauie iudgement vponupon the sinfull daughters of disobedient Eue, namelie, that in sorrow & great paines wee shoulde bring forth our fruit. And for that our nature is weake, and our sex fraile, & altogither vnable to beare the pangs, the throbbes and throwes, which accompanie vsus poore women in these our trauailes, I most humblie beséech thee, (holie Father) for Iesus Christ his sake, that thou wilt extend to me, and to all others in the like case, thy merciemercy and louing fauor, to m…gate the paines therof, that we maie be able to sustaine and to indurs the pangs and paines of our trauailes at the appointed time, that the fruite of my wombe where with I am now laden, maie gracious…ie ve deliuered from my weake and frail bodie, to thy praise and glorie and my comfort. Send vsus (good sather) both easie, and spéedie deliuerance, that wèe maie become ioiful mothers, of happie children. Graunt both to me, and to all others, who by thy blessing hauehave conceiued with childe, strength to bring foorth that which thy almightie hand hath so wonderfullie wrought in vsus. Bee present with vsus (good Lord) in all our trauailes, helpe vsus, and most graciously deliuer vsus. Let thy mightie power and outstretched arme, be no less manifested in the deliuerie, then it was, and is in the forming, and framing of thy creature in our wombs: and after our deliuerie vouchsafe (holie father) to restore vsus to our former strength, and abilitie of bodie againe, that we maie sing vntounto thée the Psalmes of praise & thankesgiuing all the daies of lour liues, thorow Iesus Christ our Lord.
A praier for godly wisedome.
HOlie father, who art wisedome it selfe, light it self, and vnderstanding it selfe, vouchsafe to giuegive vntounto me thy s…elie creature, that excellent gift of wisedome, discretion and vnderstanding, replenish my heart with all heauenlie prudence, renue a right spirite within me, and write thy holy lawes in the tables of my hart, by the finger of thy holie spirit, that I walke not in the waies of errour, neither yet be caried awaie with euerie blast of vain doctrine. Swéet father, giuegive me this blessed gift of heauenlie wisedome, that I may perfectlie knowe and vnderstande what thy holie will and pleasure is, in all things: and grant that I knowing it, may faithfully obey it, and walke in the true obseruation thereof all the daies of my life, that hauing the lampe of louelove, and the candle of true faith continuallie burning, in the secrete closets of my heart, I maie at the last enter with thine elect into the kingdome of heauen, purchased with the blood of thy sonne to all faithfull beléeuers. To thée therefore witth thy deare sonne Iesus Christ, and the holie spirit, be all honour and glorie for euer.
Amen.
A praier against all kind of enemies:
OH Lord such is the malice of Sathan that he not onelie séeketh my confusion himselfe, but also raiseth vp his members, wicked men, in number manie, in power strong and mightie to practise my destruction: …erfore (holie father) receiue me into thy protection, and safegard: driue backe and confound them all that rise vp against mee: fight for me against them that fight against me. Strike a terrour into their harts (oh lord) that they may not dare to lift vp a hand against me. Turn their wicked imaginations & deuises from mee, either to their amendment, or to their owne confusion. Let all the woordes whiche they vtter to my discredite, redound to their owne shame. Let thy holie angels pitch their tents about me, and defende mee from the rage and furie of all my enimies, that they maie, not onelie not preuaile against me, but also maie flie before my face by the mightie power of thine owne right arme. Good Father, looke vponupon them, either in merciemercy to conuert them, and to turne their hearts, or else in iustice to confound them, that th…y neuer hauehave power to hurt me thy seruāt, either in body, goods or name, so …hall I praise thée for euer, thorow Iesus Christ my onelie Lord and sauiour.
Amen.
A praier when one taketh a iourney in hand.
O Lord God, who not onlie guidest and directest all those that walke and trauaile in this worlde, but also defendest them from infinite perils and dangers in the same: vouchsafe to holde thy holie hands of protection ouer me, and defende me from all hostilitie and enmitie whatsoeuer in this my intended iourney, which by thy diuine assistance I purpose to take in hand at this time. And because (O Lord) my enimies are manie and stong in this world, which lie in waite for me, and séeke my destruction, I most humblie beséeth thée for Iesus Christ his sake, to command thy holie. Angels to conduct me, by their ministerie, and to preserue me by thy mighty power, let them goe before me, and deliuer me, as they did why seruant Tobias trauailing into a strange countrie. Prosper me also in this my iournie (good father) that my businesse maie hauehave good successe, and that I maie by thy blessed assistance returue home again safe & sound, both in bodie and soule, to glori…e thée the onelie true God, to whom with thy deare sonne Iesus Christ, and the holie comforter, be all honour, and glorie for euermore.
A thanksgiuing to God after ones returne home from his iourney.
MOst holie father, I praise thée in thy sonne Iesus Christ, for that it hath pleased thée of thy singular grace and goodnesse, to giuegive me prosperous, & happie returne home againe from this my iournie: and for preseruing of me from all perils and dangers in the same, as namelie from drowning by water, from stroke of thunder, and blasts of lightning, from the vnsaciable iawes of cruell beasts, and from the bloodie hands of théeues and robbers, and infinite the like dangers, whereto wes …iserable men are subiect in this life. I praise thée also (good Lord) not onelie for preseruing of me in this my iournie, but also for prospering my businesse, and graunting good issue, and good successe vntounto me in all things I hauehave taken in hand. O Lord I acknowledge it to bee thy onelie blessing, & to procéede onlie from thy meere merciemercy and not from anie deserts of mine, to thée therefore, with thy son Iesus Christ, and the holie ghost, be all praise and glorie for euer.
A praier for euerie subiect of a common wealth.
O Lord God, wee acknowledge & consesse, that as in thy vnsearchable wisedome, thou hast appointed some to rule and gouerne, that thy glorie maie bee increased, and the common societie of men maintained; so hast thou ordained also other some to obey, and to be subiect. And for that it hath séemed good to thy blessed maiestie, to appoint me in the number of subiects, I praie thée (good Lord) giuegive mee a faithfull heart, and an obedient mind to my superiours, rulers and gouernours. Keepe me farre from all disobedience, rebellions, treasons, conspiracies, and practises against them, knowing that who so resisteth the powers, resisteth thy holie ordinaunce (for there is no power but of thée) and purchaseth to himselfe eternall damnation, as thy holie worde beareth recorde. Make mee (O Lorde) faithf…llie to obey them, and trulie to honour them, according to thy blessed worde and ordinance, in all things not derogating from thy honour, that they iustlie ruling, and I dutifully obeying, maie all in the end receyue the crowne of euerlasting glorie, purchased for vsus by the bloud of Jesus Christ: to whom be all honor & glorie, both now & for euer.
A praier to be said of those that be vnmaried.
OH Lord our god, in as much as thou hast commaunded in thy blessed worde the worde of trúeth, that we abstaining from all whordome and fornication, and vncleannesse, should kéepe our vessels in holines, and not in the filthie lusts of the flesh as doe the heathen, who know not thée. I beseechthee therfore to giuegive mee grace to performe this thy most holy cōmādement, and grant that I neuer pullute nor defile my bodie with whordome, fornication, nor anie other vncleannes. And because, O Lord, chastitie of the bodie is nothing, withóut the continencie of the minde, bridle therfore, I beséech thée, al the motions and affections of my hart, that I banishing all wicked thoughts, and vncleane imaginations out of my mind, may liue in al holie innocencie, puritie, and integritie, both of bodie & soule, vntounto my liues end, thorowe the efficacy, power, & strength of the precious bloud of Aesus Christ.
Amen.
A praier to be said of those that are maried.
HOlie father, we are taught by thy sacred worde, the breath of thy own mouth, that after thou hadst created all things, the last of all other thou createdst man, & woman of a rib of his side, giuing her vntounto him in holie wed…ke, adding vntounto them thy blessing, saying: increase and multiplie, and replenish the earth: I giuegive thée most humble and heartie thanks, for that it hath pleased thee, to call me to the honorable state of mariage. And I most hartilie beséeth thée, that we may liue togither in thy true faith feare, and louelove all the daies of our liues. GiueGive vsus grace the one to louelove the other, and both of vsus to louelove thee, and our brethren for thy sake. Keepe vsus (good Lord) farre from all wicked ielosie, hatred, malice and contention one with the other. And as our bodies are incorporate togither, and become, as it were, but one bodie, so vouchsafe, holie father, that as thy owne turtle doues, we may liue togither in chastitie and contenencie both of bodies and mindes, without de…rauding one …other. And if it please thee to blesse vsus with children, giuegive vsus grace to bring them vp in such holy exercises discipline and learning, as thou requirest of vsus in this life. Grant that we may labour and trauaile either of vsus in our vocation, that by thy blessing, we may hauehave alwaies sufficient to maintain onr estates withal, in thy holie feare, that wee be not chargeable to others, but liuing forth of debt and daunger of all men, maie be rich and plentifull in all good works, to the praise & glorie of thy blessed name, thorow Iesus Christ our lord, to whom be praise and glorie for euermore.
Amen.
A praier to be said of those that be maisters of housholds.
THou hast commaunded (oh gracious lord God) by thy blessed Apostle, that maisters should intreate their seruants gentlie, and courteouslie, putting away all bitternesse, and threatning, doing vntounto them all equitie and iustice, knowing that thou art our commā maister in heauen: graunt me grace theerfor, good lord) so to order my seruants, as I neuer attempt nor enterprise anie vnrighteous thing against them, but so to execute my authoritie ouer them, as I may alwaies remember that thou art the Lorde and maister of vsus all, and respectest no mans person. Make me, O Lord, to be the same vntounto them, that a good pastor is to his flocke, to teach them by wordes thy holie lawes, and by example of life, true righteousnesse and holinesse in conuersation, that they & I togither in thy good time, may all inherit euerlasting life, by Christ our Lorde.
Amen.
A praier to be said of seruants.
O Lord our God, sééing thou hast ordained sundry degrées & states of men in this life, & amongst them all hast appointed me to bee a seruant, giuegive mee grace I beseech thee, to serue in my vocation faithfullie, and to obey willinglie in all things, not repugnant to thy blessed will, not with ete seruice as studying to please men, but with all sinceritie, and singlenesse of heart, as séeking to glorifie thée, being thorowlie perswaded that in seruing them, I serue thée, and of thee shall receiue my reward. GiueGive me grace to demeanour my selfe faithfullis, iustlie, and truelie towards all men, in all things, and not to inrich my selfe by picking, stealing, imbezaling, purloyning or conueying anie thing from anie man by any sinister practise whatsoeuer but so to behaue my self towards all men, as there may be no fault found in me, that thy name maybe glorified, & my saluation in Christ Iesus sealed vp vntounto me. Graunt this O Lord for thy mercies sake.
Amen.
A praier to obtaine the grace and fauour of God.
I Confesse and acknowledge (O Lord my God) that albeit a man doe around with all transitorie pleasures, and vaine delights that this world can afford, yet if hee want thy grace and fauour, all is vain vanitie, and vexation of minde, & he remaineth neuerthelesse the bondslaue and vassall of Sathan: yea all his pleasure is but a swéet poyson, and all his riches nothing but beggerie it selfe. Powre downe therfore (most merciful father) thy heauenly grace into our hearts, and extend thy gracious fauour and louelove towardes vsus, that we may bee thorowlie perswaded by the suggestion of thy holie spirite, of the singuler good will, and fatherlie care which thou hast ouer vsus. Make vsus, O Lord, to louelove thée aboue all things, and our brethren for thy sake. Banish far… from vsus all hatred, rancour and malice, and ingraffe in our heartes godlie feare and reuerence to thy holie name. Kéepe vsus from all carnall securitie, and worldlie delights, and chaine vsus vntounto thée by the linkes of thy louelove. Finallie, graunt that wee abandoning the world, with all deceytfull pleasures, and vaine detectations of …lesh and blood, maie in thy good time come to those euerlasting ioies, which thou hast promised to them that louelove thée, thorow Iesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A praier to God for a quiet conscience.
THe wicked and vngodly (O lord) are like vntounto a tempestuous, raging and to ming sea, which is neuer calme, neuer silent, nor neuer at rest, but continuallie boiling and foming: wheras on the contrarie side, such (good Lord) as louelove thée, beléeue in thée, & obediently walke before thee, hauehave all ioie, all peace, and all tranquillitie of conscience, which is the greatest iewell, and the incomparablest treasure in the world. GiueGive me therefore (holie father) a ioyfull mind, a quiet and merrie conscience, with a full and resolute perswasion of the accomplishment and performance of all thy gracious promises made vntounto me in Christ Iesus, in thy good time. Graunt (good Lord) that I may so behaue my selfe in this peruerse and crooked world, that I maie hauehave the testimonie of a good conscience, in al my actions, that I being frée from the accusations of Sathan, my ancient and deadlie enimie, from the vaine allurements of the world, from the filthie incitations of the flesh, and from the heauie curse and malediction of the law, may be made thy elected childe in Christ Iesus, and may final lie inherite euerlasting life, thorow the merits and death of thy sonne, who died for my sinnes, and rose againe for my iustification, to whom be all glorie, praise and thankesgiuing for euer.
A praier for a true and liuely faith.
FOr as much (most mercifull father) as whithout faith nothing can please thée, séeme it neuer so holie good, commendable, or beaufull to the eie of the world, I beséech thée, to breath & instill into my heart, soule & mind, by the inspiration of thy blessed spirite. this most excellent gift of faith, working by charitie. O Lord giuegive me no weake, wauering, cold or faint faith, such as ye very deuils themselues hauehave, who beléeue & tremble (as thy blessed Apostle berreth record) but giuegive vntounto me a true, perfect, liuelie and iustifying faith, such a faith (O Lord) as may beléeue thée to bee the onelie true God, and him whome thou hast sent Iesus Christ, with the holiespirit our comforter, and teacher, yea such a faith as maie bring forth good works in full measure, to the glorie of thy most blessed name, to whome be rendered all praise and thankes for euer.
Amen.
A praier for louelove and charitie.
HOlie father, we are taught by thy blessed word, that louelove and charitie, from a pure heart, a good conscience, & faith vnfained, are the cognizances and badges whereby thy children are discerned, and knowen from the prophane people of the world, I beséech thée therfore, holie and blessed father, giuegive me this Christian badge of louelove and charitie, that I may louelove thée, my Lord God with all my heart, soule and mind, my neighbour as my selfe, and all thy creatures for thy sake, that at the great audite when all flesh shall appeare before thy tribunall seate, I maie be knowen & discerned by this thy cognizance and badge, from the wicked and reprobate, and being numbred amongst thy saints and holie ones, maie be receyued into the kingdom of heauen, there to rest with thée for euer, through Iesus Christ our onelie Sauiour and redéemer.
A praier against pride, and for humilitie.
WE are ta…ght by thy blessed worde (most holie Father that euerie good gift, and euerie perfect gift, commeth from thée the father of light, and that we hauehave nothing which we hauehave not receyued, remoue farre from me therefore (good lord) all pride, arrogancie, and hautinesse of minde, and ingraffe in my heart true humilitie, that I may not onlie acknowledge thée to be the authour of all good thinges, yea, goodnesse it selfe, but also may rest thankfull vntounto thée for them, & may so vse them, as may be to the glorie of thy grèat & magnificent name, and ye profite of my brethren. Withdraw from me all louelove of this world, and giuegive mee grace that I may reioise in nothing but in thée alone, knowing that all things in this life are nothing but vanitie and vexation of minde, and that to louelove and beleeue in thée, is the onelie true life and felicitie of soule & bodie. To thée therefore with thy deare sonne Iesus Christ, and the holie spirite, be all prayse and thankesgiuing for euer.
Amen.
A praier for a good name.
THou hast commaunded (good Lord) in thy sacred word, that those that professe thy name, should be holie as thou art holie, and should so frame their liues, as ye very enimies of thy truth may hauehave no sust cause to speake euil of them, giuegive me grace therfore (oh blessed father) so to order my life, after the rule of thy word, as I may giuegive no man iust occasion to speake euill of me. Graunt, that whereas it hath pleased thée in merciemercy to bestow vponupon me the name of a Christian, the most excellentest name or title in the world, so I may in my life and conuersation bring forth the fruits of true Christianitie, that thy holie name bee not blasphemed, nor euill spoken of amongst the heathen, which know not thee. Make me able and willing (oh my good God) to doe thy will, and to stoppe the mouthes of all them that lyinglie, falselie and deceitfullie go about to take my good name from me. Finallie, bring me to euerlasting life in thy appointed time, thorow the merits of thy son Iesus Christ, to whom be praise for euer.
A praier for patience in sicknesse.
THy holie Apostle (O Lorde) dooth teach vsus, that thou doost chastice euerie childe whom thou receyuest, and that him whom thou chastenest thou louest, and further, that if we be not vnderunder …hastisement, we are bastards and not children: therefore most holie father, in as much as thou hast at this present laide vponupon me thy heauy rod of correction, and chastisement, as a iust punishment for my sins, I most humblie beséech thée, good father, for Iesus Christs sake, to giuegive me the excellent gift of pacience, and contentation of mind. Make me, O Lord, to humble my selfe vnderunder …hy hand, to rest contented with thy good will and pleasure, and not to repine, grudge or murmur against thy iudgements, but in all things to submit my will to thy blessed will, being assured that thou workest all things for the best to them that louelove thée, knowing most certenlie, that thou workest my saluatiō by these meanes, subduest the flesh to the spirite, and renuest me in the inward man, that I may serue thée in newnesse of life, to the praise and, glorie of thy blessed name, thorow Iesus Christ our Lord.
A praier for the assistance of Gods bolie Angels in any extremitie or neede whatsoeuer.
FOrasmuch (oh most gracious Lorde God) as thou hast created thy holie Angels, not onelie for the execution of thy blessed will, but also for the preseruation, protection and defence of shine elect and chosen vponupon earth, and for that I thy poore seruant, weake and féeble, am at this present, and at all times, and in all places sundrie waies assaulted with infinite, both spirituall and corporall enemies, which dayl… séeke my destruction, I beseech thée, good father, looke down from heauen vponupon me, send thy holy angels, those ministring spirits, to take care & charge of …, to watch ouer me, to pitch their tents round about me, and to saue and defende me from all the raging furie, and cruell tyrannie of all my enimies. Let me not fal into their hands, O Lord, lest they be too proude, and say, where is now his God? But aba…e thou their pride, asswage their malice, confound their deuises, and bring their counsels to naught, and make them …ares to take the mselues with all. Finallie, graunt, O Lord, that I being deliuered and set …rée from all perils and dangers, and from all the rage and f…rie of mine enemies, may giuegive thée thanks, and so wholie to rest vponupon thy mercies. Grant this, oh Father of all merciemercy thorowe Iesus Christ our Lord, and for his saké.
Amen.
A praier against sudden death.
O Lorde our God, who in thy secret iudgements as a punishment for sinne, hast appointed euerie man to die once, keepe me, I beséech thée, from sodaine death, and from euerlasting condemnation. Make me alwaies readie and prepared, good Lord, that the day of my departure hence come not soddenlie vppon mee to my vtter destruction for euer. Make me also mind…ull and willing to die, knowing that so long as we are at home in the bodie, we are strangers from thee. Teach me to number my daies, O Lord, that I maie know how long I hauehave to liue. GiueGive me also not only true repentance for all my sinnes, but also sufficient time, and space to repent in that I neuer depart hence in thy wrath and heauie displeasure. GiueGive me a true faith, and a constant hope, looking for y• accomplishment of thy promises made vntounto vsus in thy beloued, as also, a zealous care, and feruent desire to walke in the true obedience of thy blessed lawes and holy commandements, that after the finall dissolution of this life, I may dwell with thée for euer in the kingdome of heauen, thorow Iesus Christ
Amen.
A praier for one that is sicke, and at the poynt of death.
O Lord our God, who as thou hast appoynted all men to die once, so hast thou ordained sicknes and diseases, as ordinarie meanes to bring him to the same, and as it were to summon him to the doome, I a poore wretch, and iniserable sinner, visited by thy hande with extreame sicknesse, and grieuous diseases, most humblie beséech thée for Iesus Christs sake, to looke downe from heauen vponupon me, with the eies of thy pitie and compassion. Pardon and forgiue me all my sinnes, which are the causes both of sickenesse and death it selfe. Enter not into iudgement with mo, O lord, for no flesh is righteous in thy sight. Punish me not (O Lord my God) according to my deserts, neither in this life, nor in the life to come, for then I must néeds perish, so manifolde are my sinnes, and so hainous are my transgressions. GiueGive mee grace that I may willinglie leaue this wicked world in ful & certain hope of the blessed resurrection of my bodie to eternall life in thy good time. Make strong my soule (O Lord) against all temptations of the wicked enemie, and strengthen my faith that I neuer wauer, nor fall away from thée, neither for louelove of life, nor feare of death. Grant (good father) that I mate humble my selfe vnderunder thy hand, and take pacientlie whatsoeuer it shall please thée in merciemercy to laie vppon mee, without all grudging and murmuring whatsoeuer. And if it be thy blessed wil, restore me to health of body againe, as thou didst thy seruant Ezechias, prolonging his life xv. yeares more, that I may praise thee al the daies of this my transitorie and miserable life: but if it séemeth better vntounto thee to take me out of this wretched worlde at this present, thy blessed will bee done, on…lie this (oh father) giuegive thy holie Angels …to carrie and conueigh, my soule into thy euerlasting kingdome of heauen, there to reigne with thée for euer, thorow Iesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A praier for those that be rich and wealthie.
MOst gracious God, and louing father, who giuest thy blessings, and thy benefites sundrie waies to mā, to some more, to some lesse, according to the purpose of thy will and as thou séest to be best for thy glorie, and their good. I praise thée, and I thanke thée, for that it hath pleased thée in thy great liberalitie, to bestow vponupon mee thy vnworthie seruant, so great a portion of earthlie riches & temporall blessings, I beséech thee to giuegive me… grace, that I may vse them to thy honour and glorie, and to the comfort and helpe of others that hauehave néed, being assured that thou hast made me a steward of so manie and great things to no other end, but that I should destribute them to the poore and needie. Oh Lord giuegive mee a willing heart, and readie minde to doe good, according to that abilitie that thou in merciemercy hast bestowed vppon me. And as I acknowledge them to be thy gifts, so giuegive me grace, good Lord, that I neuer mispend them in gl… tonie, drunkennesse, riot, or exce…e, neither yet in prsde, or anis other vncleannesse, vanitie or follie, knowing that thou wilt one day requier a straite account of me, both howe I hauehave gotte my goods, how I hauehave kept them, and howe I hauehave spent and layd them forth. And as thou hast made mee rich in temporall bl…ssings, and things of this life, so make me much more rich in spirituall gifts, and graces, that in the end I being founde a faithfull and …Steward of thy goodes, may receiue the crowne of immortall glorie in the kingdome of heauen, thorow the merits of Iesus Chr…st, to whom be all honor and glorie foreuer.
A praier for those that bee poore and needie.
GRacious father, who hast apoin ted in thy vnsearchable wisedome, sundrie states and conditions of men, and has… commaunded euerie one to bee contented with his state and calling where in thou hast placed him, without all rep… ning, murmuring, or grudging against thée for the same. I a poore worme before thée, and one whom thou hast placed in the lowest degrée, and meanest state amongest men, most intirelie beséech thy fatherly goodnesse, to giuegive me grace to be heartilie well contented with thy good will and pleasure, being assured that thou knowest what is best for me, and workest all thinges for thy owne glorie, and our good. Make me therefore good father willinglie to submit my will to thy blessed will, to depend vponupon thy prouidence, and to cast all my care vponupon thee, who hast promised to be carefull for mee. And albeit I bee poore and néedie, yet kéepe me farre from all infidelitie, and incredulitie, from all mistrust and distrust, and from all dispaire of thy help whatsoeuer. Finallie, grant (O Lord) that I walking in thy holie feare, and doing those things which please thee, may at the last receiue the reward of euerlasting glorie, thorow Iesus Christ our Lord.
A praier for the increase and preseruation of the fruits of the earth.
AS thou hast appointed man how long he hath to liue vponupon the face of the earth, most mercifull father, so hast thou ordained him meanes to preserue and continue this his life withall, as séemeth best to thy godlie wisedome, and to that end hast appoinnted the earth to bring forth all maner of fruites of infinite varietie for his reliefe and sustenance. Blesse therefore (I beséech thée) the fruits of the earth vniuersallie, and of me particularlie, whose ground for the multitude of my sinnes thou hast made barren. Enter not into iudgment with me; O Lord; neither punish me according to my deserts, but in merciemercy looke vponupon me, and so multiplie my store, as thou diddest the Oyle of the woman of Sareptha thy seruant. And if it please thée (good Father) to multiplie and increase the fruits of the earth generally, and of mee particularlie, grant seasonable and temperate weather also for the gathering and reaping of them, that we hauing plentie of all things, may be rich and plentifull in all good works, and with ioifull hearts, may laud and praise thy souereigne maiestie all the daies of our liues, thorow Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A praier against couetousnes and auarice.
OH lord my God, most blessed and holie Father, who hast commanded euerie man to labor and trauaile in his vocation, for the maintenance of his estate, & hast promised therto thy blessing, blesse (I beséeth thée) all my labours, actions, enterprises, & affaires, which I shall take in hande in thy holie name, at anie time hereafter, for the necessarie maintenance of my poore estate, so as I hauing alwaies sufficient, maie be frée from all couetousnes, ambition, and filthie auarice, being alwaies perswaded that godlinesse is great riches, if a man bee content with that that he hath, for we brought nothing into this world, neither shall we carie anie thing out. Grant, good Lord, that I hauing sufficient foode and raiment for my bodie with al other necessaries néedfull for this my life, may be heartilie well content therewith, not desiring or coueting more. Withdrawe my heart, O Lord, from the louelove of this vaine world, and of all things in the worlde. Make mee to louelove and desire …hée, and nothing but thée, knowing that he that loueth anie thing beside thée, loueth thee so much the lesse. To thee therefore, oh Father, with thy Sonne, and the holy Ghost, be all glorie, and prayse for euer.
Amen.
A praier to be said before the reading, studying, or hearing of Gods word.
FOr that thy word (O Lord) as Dauid thy seruant witnesseth, is a light vntounto our paths; and a lanterne vntounto our feet: and for that all humaine wisdom is nothing but foolishnessé before thee, and altogether vnable to pearce into the bowels and secrets of thy reuealed will, without the illumination of thy holie spirite. Instill therefore, O Lord, into my heart and soule, the spirite of wisedome, knowledge and vnderstanding, that I may be able to vnderstand the …isteries of thy law. Kéepe me farre from all sects, schismes, heresies, and errours contrarie to thy worde, and so roote thy truth in my heart, that it may neuer be remoued, but alwies remaine firme, and stedfast in thée. And in the reading, hearing, studying, conferring, reasoning, disputing or talking of thy word, giuegive me (most glorious father) not onelie the spirite of holie wisdom, to vnderstand it aright, but also grace to humble my selfe vntounto thée in all holie obedience, reuerence, humilitie, and feare, that I obeying thee in thy worde, and liuing thereafter, may come to those euerlasting ioies which thou hast prepared for them that louelove thée, thorowe Iesus Christ our Lord.
A praier against swearing.
SEing that thy holie name (oh most gracious God, and louing father) is both so honourable & maiesti…all, as the same is neuer to bee either remembred or once spoken of, without great reuerence, feare and dread, at the glorious naming wherof, the verie deuils themselues doquake & tremble as thy holie Apostle Iames recordeth. And seeing thou hast commanded vsus that wee should not sweare at all, but that all our communication should be yea, yea, nay, nay: and in as much as thy holie reuerence hast promised that thou wilt not holde him guiltlesse that take… …name invain, I bes… th…e therefore, good father, so to direct me by thy spirite, that I may neuer thinke nor speake of thée, but with al holy reuerence, feare, and dread. And in all my communications & speeches (good Lorde) keepe me I pr…y thée, from all maner of swearing, forswearing, blaspheming, and prophaning of thy sacred name; And for that thou hast giuen vntounto mankind onelie tho vse of the tongue aboue other creatures, to this end (no doubt) that hee might glorifie thée therewith. I pray …(holie father) so to qualifie the affections of my minde, and to order ye words of my mouth, that in all my thoughts, wordes and déedes, I maie do worship to thy glorious name, thorow Iesus Christ thy onelie begotten sonne, to …hom with thy blessed maiestie, and the holie spirit, be all honour and glorie for euer.
A praier against drunkennesse.
MOst mercifull and holie father, who in thy great liberalitie hast giuen vntounto man the fishes of the sea, the foules of the heauens, and the beasts of the earth, with other thy good creatures of infinite varietie, for the sustentation and maintenance of this his life, and hast commaunded them to bee receyued with praise and thankesgiuing vntounto thée for the same. I beséech thée therefore, O Lord my good God, and holie father, to giuegive me grace to vse all thy creatures both so…erlie and temperatelie, and alwaies to rest thankefull vntounto thée for them. GiueGive me grace (blessed Lorde) that I neuer abuse them, nor offend thee in them, thorow drunkennesse, gluttonie, or anie other kind of superfluity, riot or excesse, knowing that the abusing of thy good creatures reacheth euen to thy owne reuerence. Finallie grant, that I walking in al sobriety and integritie of life, may at the …receiue the reward of euerlasting; glorie in the kingdome of heauen, thorow Iesus Christ, and for his sake
Amen.
A praier against slouthfulnes and idlenesse.
WE are faught, O Lord, in thy holie worde, that solenesse is the mother & nurse of al wickednes and sinne: for the bodie being idle, the mind is naturallie occupied in vaine thoughts, and foolish imaginations, and so consequently made weaker, & readier for the enimie to assault. I beséech thée therfore (oh my good God) kéepe me from all idlenesse and slouth, and grant that I may be alwaies occupied in some good thing, to the glorie of thy name, and the benefite of my brethre…. And as it may please thée, O Lord, in mercy to keepe my bodie from all maner of idlenesse & slouth, so I beséech thée to kéepe my soule euer exercised in bolie meditations, and …contemplations, thinking alwaies of thée, louing thée, and euer praysing thée in all things, till I come to the perfect fruition of thy heauenly ioies, thorow Iesus Christ.
Amen.
A praier for those that … persecuted for the truth.
OH Lord Iesus Christ, who comming into this miserable worlde, and taking our nature vponupon thée, didst thereby not onelie deliuer vsus from sinne, but also remembring thy mercies, diddest also leaue vntounto vsus the i…imable treasure of thy blessed word, as a perfect direction, and rule for vsus to frame our liues by, and which alone is able to saue our soules. Blesse therefore this thy holie word vntounto vsus, make it a worde of power to regenerate and beget vsus a new vntounto eternall saluation of our bodies and soules. And strengthen all thy seruants which in anie place are persecuted, imprisoned, condemned, and dailie put to death, for ye sincere profession of the same, and for the testimonie of a good conscience. Be mercifull vntounto them, O Lord, and although they séeme destitute of all mans ayde, or worldly comfort, yet let thy swéete comfort and grace neuer depart from them, O Lord let no further triall be laid vponupon them, then they may be made able by thee to beare. And as thou hast by the power of thy might, not onlie vanquished and ouercome all corporall and bodilie enemi…s where or whatsoeuer, but also thy and our spirituall aduersaries, so strengthen all thy seruans that suffer anie kind of crosse, persecution, trouble or veration, either in bodie or mind, for the constant profession of thy holie worde and sacred religion. GiueGive them patience, good Lord, to beare thy crosse thankfullie, with strength to go thorow, and to perseuere to the end, euen to the effusion of their bloud, knowing that they who denie thée before men, thou wilt denie them before thy heauenlie father, and his holie Angels in heauen. And for that there is no true wisdom whereof thou art not the authour, inspire their hearts with the spirite of true wisedom, knowledge, and vnderstanding that they may know thy will aright, and that they may bee able by the same spirite to confound, and ouerthrow all the enimies of thy truth. Grant this swéets Iesus for thy holie names sake.
Amen.
A praier for Godly wisedome.
IConfesse (good Father) that so long as we beare about vsus this earth…e tabernacle, imprisoning the soule, that our nature is so corrupted as it alwaies rebelieth against the spirit, accompting that true wisedome, which is nothing but méere foolishnesse in déed. Wherefore good Lorde, vouchsafe to send downe thy holie spirite, euen the spirite of wisedome which waiteth vponupon thy throne, into my heart, that I may know and vnderstand what things are good and acceptable before thée, that I may attaine euerlasting life, thorow the merits of thy sonne his most bitter death & passion.
Amen.
A praier for grace to be mindfull to die.
OH lord our God, in whose handes standeth the life and death of all mankind, vouchsafe I beséech thée, for thy sonne Christ his sake, to make me mindefull and readie to depart out of this miserable and transitory life. And al though my bodie doth creep here vponupon ye earth, yet let my conuersation bee alwaies in heauen, from whence we looke for a sauiour euen Iesus Christ the righteous, who shall chaunge our vile bodies, and make them like to his glorious bodie, by the mightie power whereby he is able to subdue all things to himselfe. Teach me, good Lord to know, that wee are al here strangers & pilgrims, and hauehave in this worlde no dwelling place, but looke for one to come: in regarde whereof, giuegive me grace, I be séech thee, willinglie to forsake this wicked worlde, with all the vanities therof, & to hunger & thirst after that life, which neuer shall decay. Make me good Lorde to estéeme all things in this worlds as dongue, that I may winne Iesus Christ. And for that yt remembrance of death terrifieth vsus from sin, as thy seruant Salomon beareth record, giuegive mee grace I most humblie intreat thée, alwaies to remember and beare in mind, that I am mortall, and therefore must once of necessitie depart hence, either to euerlasting glorie, or else to euerlasting paines and confusion both of bodie and soule. Oh Lord assist mee with thy holie spirit, that I male so liue in this present euill world, as I may not feare either, but whensoeuer he approcheth, I may with bolde confidence, crie out & say, Oh Death where is thy sting? oh Hell where is thy victory? Grant this, O Lorde my God, for Iesus Christ thy onelie begotten sonne his sake,
Amen.
A Thanks-giuing to God for all his graces & blessings bestowed vponupon vsus.
SUCH is thy liberalitie and merciemercy, O Lord, towards mankinde, that for all thy blessings and benefits both in…nite and inestimable, be…owed vppon him, thou requireth nothing againe, but thankfull hearis to thee. Wherfore (most holy father) I render al praise and thanks to thee, from the bottom of my heart, generallie for all thy benefites and blessings, for all thy great mercies, and louing kindnesse shewed towards me in Iesus Christ, and particularly for that it hath pleased thée to elect and chuse mee in Christ Iesus to euerlasting saluation, before the foundations of the world were layde, for creating me after thine owne similitude and likenesse, for redéeming of me by the death and passion of thy owne Son Iesus Christ, when I was …lost and cast awaie for euer, for regenerating and renuing of me by thy holie Spirit, for sanctifying of me by the same spirit, for instilling into my heart a true, a liuely and tustifying faith in Iesus Christ, for giuing me grace to be penetent and sorowfull for my sinnes, for inspiring my heart with a true and constant hope, looking for the accomplishment of all thy gracious promises, made vntounto me in thy beloued without all doubting, or … uering. For giuing me wisedonie, vnderstanding and knowledge in some competent measure, I praise thée, and I thanke thée also, O Lord, for feeding, nourishing, clothing and sustaining my bodie euer since I was born, for defending of me from infinite perils and daungers, yea from infinite deathes, which at diuerse times, and in sundrie places hauehave laine in waite for me, and threatned my destruction, and into which I had certainlie fallen, had I not béene by thy gracious goodnes supported, protected & defended. Last of all, I thanke thee, good Lord, and I prayse thée, for thy swéete promises of euerlasting saluation, made vntounto mee in Iesus Christ. For these and all other thy most gracious, benefites and blessings, (oh most glorious Father) I prayse thée, moste humblie beséeching thée for Iesus Christ thy sonne his sake, to pardon and forgiue mee my great vnthankefulnesse, ingratitude, and vnkindnesse towards thee, and from hencefoorth giuegive mee thy holy grace, that I may procéede from thankfulnesse to thankfulnesse, from gratitude to gratitude, and from kindnesse to kindnesse towards thée, that I be neuer accounted amongst the number of those ix. vnthankefull leapers, who being cleansed from their leprosie, returned not againe to giuegive thée thanks. Graunt these my petitions vntounto me, oh most benigne father, with all other good thinges which thou knowest to be necessarie for me, better then I can either wish or desire, euen for the glorie of thy great name, for the truth of thy promises, and for Iesus Christ thy Sonne his sake my onelie Lorde, Sauiour, Kedéemer, Mediatour, and Aduocate, to whome with thy blessed Maiestie, and the holie Spirite, one true and euerlasting GOD, bee all honour, glorie, prayse, dominion, power, and thanksgiuing for euermore.
Amen.
Vni Deo & trino sit, omnis gloria.
FINIS.
End of the text · Philip Stubbes, A Perfect Pathway to Felicity (1592)