The practice of Christian graces, or, The whole duty of man laid down in a plaine and familiar way for the use of all, but especially the meanest reader : divided into XVII chapters, one whereof being read every Lords Day, the whole may be read over thrice in the year : with Private devotions for several occasions...

For PERSEVERANCE.

O Eternal and unchangeable Lord God, who art the same yesterday and to day and for ever. Be thou pleased to communi∣cate some small ray of that excellence, some degree of that stability to me thy wretched creature, who am light and unconstant, turned about with every blast; my understanding is very deceivable, O establish it in thy truth, keep it from the snares of seducing spirits, that I may not be led away with the errour of the wicked▪ and fall from my own stedfastness; my will also, O Lord, is irresolute, and wavering, and doth not cleave stedfastly unto God, my goodness is but as the morning cloud, & as the

early dew it passeth away. O strengthen and confirm me, and what ever good work thou hast wrought in me, be pleased to accomplish and perform it, until the day of Christ. Lord thou seest my weakness, and thou knowest the number and strength of those temptations I have to struggle with, O leave me not to my self, but cover thou my head in the day of battel, and in all spiritual combats make me more then conquerour, through him that lo∣ved me. O let no terrours or flatteries either of the world, or my own flesh ever draw me from my obedience to thee, but grant that I may continue stedfast, unmoveable, alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord, and by patient continuance in well-doing, seek, and at last obtain glory, and honour, and immor∣tality, and eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.