The monument of matrones conteining seuen seuerall lamps of virginitie, or distinct treatises; whereof the first fiue concerne praier and meditation: the other two last, precepts and examples, as the woorthie works partlie of men, partlie of women; compiled for the necessarie vse of both sexes out of the sacred Scriptures, and other approoued authors, by Thomas Bentley of Graies Inne student.

The Praier.

THE daie now ended, men giue themselues to rest in the night, and so this life finished, we shall rest in death. Nothing is more like this life than euerie daie; nothing more like death, than sleepe; nothing more like to our graue, than our bed. O Lord our keeper and defender, grant that I now laieng me downe to rest, being vnable to keepe my selfe, may be preserued from the crafts and assaults of the wicked enimie: and grant furthermore that when I haue tunne the race of this life, thou wouldest of thy mercie call me vnto thee, that I may liue and watch with thee for euermore. And now, O gratious God, giue me to take my rest in thee, & bring to passe that thy goodnesse may be euen in sleepe before mine eies, that sleeping I be not absent from thee, but may haue my dreames to drawe me vnto thee, and so both in soule and bodie may be kept pure and holie for euer,

Amen.

I will laie me downe in peace, and take my rest: for it is thou Lord onlie that makest me dwell in safetie.

Psal. 4. 9.