The government of the thoughts a prefatory discourse to The government of the tongue / by the author of The whole duty of man.

A Prayer against Fear.

O Almighty Lord God, who art in thy Wrath and Indignation dreadful against Sinners, I humbly acknowledge and confess, that there is not one of thy Judgments, but what the Guilt of my Sins have long since deserved; even the miseries of this Life, terrors of Death, and fu∣ture Condemnation: But, O thou great God of Consolation, assure me of a full and free Par∣don, and a remission of all my Sins, and Seal my Peace with thee, through the Blood of a Cruci∣fied Jesus. Fill my Heart and Affections with that measure of thy Love, as may exclude all servile fear: Give me the testimony of a good Con∣scince, to comfort me against all vain fears of the Wicked. Lift up the light of thy Countenance upon me, and give me that assurance that thou art, and will be my Defence and Confidence.

2. AND, O thou who rulest in Heaven and Earth, from the Angel to the Worm, the lowest of Creatures; and from the swayer of the Scep∣ter, to the drawer of Water: Thou art Omni∣potent, and canst do what thou pleasest, and no other God besides thee, can Deliver after this sort: Lord, let it be thy Divine will and Plea∣sure to deliver me from those Afflictions which I fear and so much tremble at; that I may live to Praise thee, and declare thy goodness towards me in the Land of the Living.

3. AND I humbly beseech thee, O Father, if it be possible, let this Cup pass from me; yet nevertheless not my Will, but thy holy Will be done. Lord, suffer me not for any tryals in Afflictions or under any Temptations to fall from thee: Consider my Frailty, remember whereof thou hast Made and Fashion'd me, that l am but sinful Dust and Ashes, which soon fade and pass away.

4. GIVE me Patience to endure thy Fa∣therly hand of Correction, and a full assurance that all things shall work together for my advan∣tage: Give me a fervent frame of Spirit, to Pray more Earnestly; and give me that Faith, to which thou, who can'st not be guilty of the breach of it, hast made the promise of Audience and granting my Petitions. Give me an invin∣cible Resolution, not to let thee depart until thou do'st bless me with some happy Issue, through Jesus Christ, my Lord and only Savi∣our

Amen.