Secret and family prayers with brief helps for the more devout receiving of the Lords-Supper And better observation of the Lords-day, as also to further the needfull duties of catechizing, visiting the sick, and personal instruction. Fitted for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of Cartmel in Lancashire.

Eph. 6. 18, 19.

Praying always, with all pray∣er and supplication in the Spirit, and Watch∣ing thereunto with all Perseverance and Supplication for all Saints. And for me, &c.

S. Mat. 26. 41.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.

Jer. 10. 25.

Pour out thy fury upon the Heathen that have not known thee, and upon the Fami∣lies that call not on thy Name.

S. Mat. 6. 6.

But thou when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

1 Cor. 11. 26, 27, 28.

For as often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup, ye do shew the Lords death till he come. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this Bread and drink this Cup unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. But let a Man ex∣amine himself, and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup.

S. Luke 22. 19, 20.

And he took Bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my Body which is gi∣ven for you, this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the Cup after Supper, saying, This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood, which is shed for you.

We may sometime begin our Closet Pray∣ers admiring with S. Au∣gustine Gods glorious * 1.1 Perfections.

WHAT art thou O my God? what art thou I beseech thee, but the Lord my God? for who is Lord besides our Lord, or who is God besides our God? O thou Supreme, most powerfull, most mercifull, most just, most secret, most pre∣sent, most beautifull, most incomprehensible; most constant and yet changing all things; immutable, never new, and never old, and yet

renewing all things, ever in Action, yet ever at rest, heaping up, yet needing nothing; creating, upholding, filling, protecting, nou∣rishing, and perfecting all things.

Thou lovest, and yet thou art not tran∣sported; thou art angry, yet never art unqui∣et; thou art jealous, yet void of fear; thou dost repent, yet art thou free from sorrow; Thou requirest profit at our hands, yet who hath any thing but of thy Gift? Thou payest debts when thou owest nothing; Thou for∣givest debts and yet thou loosest nothing.

And what shall I say, O my God, my life, my joy, my holy dear delight? or what can any Man say when he speaketh of Thee? and wo be to them that speak not of Thee, but are silent in thy Praise; for even they who speak most of Thee, may be accounted to be but dumb. Have mercy upon me O Lord, that I may speak unto thee, and praise thy Name.

Amen.

A Prayer for all Conditions of Men.

Note that one alone may say, We, and Our, and Us, as usually in the Lords Prayer, because of the Communion of Saints.

O God the Creator and Preserver of all Mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of Men, that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy Saving Health unto all Nati∣ons. More especially we pray for the good estate of the Catholick Church; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spi∣rit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians, may be led into the way of Truth, and hold the Faith in unity of Spirit, in the bond of Peace, and in Righteousness of life. And we also commend unto thy Fatherly Goodness all those who are any ways afflict∣ed or distressed in Mind, Body, or Estate, that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their severall necessities, giving them Patience under their Sufferings,

and an happy Issue out of all their Afflictions, and this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake.

Amen.

A Prayer for the King and Kingdom.

ANd that in one Blessing we may all of us be blest, I beseech thee, O thou who art the Maker and Saviour of all Kings and Nations of the earth, to bless our dread Sove∣raign Lord King CHARLES with the richest Blessings of thy Grace. Strengthen him with the faith of Abraham, endue him with the mildness of Moses, arm him with the magna∣nimity of Joshua, exalt him with the humili∣ty of David, assist him with the counsel of Hu∣shai, beautifie him with the wisdom of Solomon, and replenish him with the Goodness and Holiness of them all; that so he may be a powerfull Protector of his People, a religious Defender of thy sacred Faith, a bountifull com∣forter of thy Holy Church, a glorious Trium∣pher over all his enemies, a gracious Gover∣nour of all his Subjects, and a happy Father of children to rule this Nation by Succession in all ages. O let his Reign be prosperous, and his Days many; let Peace and Plenty, Love and Piety, Justice and Truth, and all Christi∣an

vertues flourish in his time. Let his Peo∣ple serve him with honour and obedience; and let him so love and serve Thee here on Earth, that he may hereafter everlastingly reign with Thee in Heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Here may be added the Prayers or Thanks-gi∣vings in the Book of Common Prayer upon their severall Occasions. Sometimes also the Creed may be repeated with that pithy Ejaculation said before it, [Lord I believe help my unbelief] And the Ten Commandments, with that short Prayer after them, Lord have mercy upon us, and write all these thy Laws in our Hearts we beseech thee.

Here also may be said the Morning or Evening Collect respectively, on our own, and the behalf of those that belong to us.

O Lord our Heavenly Father, Almighty and Everlasting God, who hast * 5.1 safely brought us to the begin∣ning of this Day, defend us in the same with thy Mighty Power, and grant that this Day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger, but that all our doings may be ordered by thy Governance, to do alwaies that which is righteous in thy sight through

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lighten our darkness we beseech thee, O Lord, and by thy great Mercy * 5.2 defend us from all perils and dan∣gers of this Night for the love of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

A general Thanksgiving.

O Most gracious God, I give thee hum∣ble and hearty Thanks for all thy Goodness and Loving kindness to me and to all men. I bless thee for my Creation, Pre∣servation, and all the Blessings of this life; but above all for thine inestimable love in the Redemption of the World by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of Grace and for the hope of Glory. And I beseech thee give me that due sense of all thy Mercies, that my heart may be unfeignedly thankfull, and that I may set forth thy Praise, not only with my lips, but in my life, by giving up my self to thy Service, and by walking before thee in Holiness and Righteousness all my days, through Jesus Christ my Lord; to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost be all honour and glory, world without end.

Amen.

A devout Prayer which may be used at any time by one alone.

GRant me O gracious Lord in what law∣full undertaking soever, a pure intention of Heart, and a stedfast regard of thy Glory; let Christ be my pattern, thy Word my rule, and thy Spirit my guide in all that I do. Pos∣sess (I beseech thee) and ravish my mind continually with thy Love, and let my delight always be to be embraced in the Arms of thy protection. Be thou, O holy God, light un∣to mine eyes, musick to mine ears, sweetness to my tast, and a full contentment to my heart. Be thou my Sunshine in the day, my food at the table, my repose in the night, my Cloathing in nakedness, and my succour in all necessities.

O Lord Jesus, I give thee my body, my Soul, my substance, my fame, my friends, my liberty, and my life; Dispose of me and all that is mine, as it seemeth best to Thee, and to the glory of thy blessed Name. I am not now mine but thine, therefore claim me as thy right, and love me as thy Child, and keep me as thy charge, and defend me a∣gainst

those that would deal injuriously with me.

My Lord my God, I beseech thee to give me patience in troubles, humility in comforts, constancy in temptation, and Victory over all my ghostly enemies. Grant me sorrow for my Sins, thankfulness for thy Benefits, fear of thy Judgements, love of thy Mercies, and mindfulness of thy Presence for evermore. Make me observant of my Superiours, cour∣teous to my Inferiours, friendly to my Equals, loving to my Friends, and charitable to my Enemies; Make me ready to pleasure all, and loth to offend any. Give me Chastness in my Affections, modesty in my countenance, gravity in my behaviour, deliberation in my speech, Holiness in my thoughts, and Righ∣teousness in all my ways. Let thy Mercy through Christ cleanse me from the guilt of my transgressions, and let thy Grace bring forth in me the fruits of Everlasting Life.

Lord let me be obedient without arguing, humble without feigning, patient without grudging, pure without corruption, merry without lightness, sad without mistrust, so∣ber without dulness, true without doubleness, fearing Thee without desperation, and trust∣ing in Thee without presumption. Let me

be joyfull for nothing but that which pleaseth Thee, nor sorrowfull for any thing but that which doth displease Thee. Let my labour be my delight which is for Thee, and let all rest weary me which is not in Thee. Give me an awaking Spirit, and a diligent Soul, that I may seek to know thy Will; and when I know it truly, may perform it faithfully to the honour and glory of thy ever Blessed Name; for these and for all other needfull Mercies, which thou, O God, wouldst have me to pray, or to praise Thee, I continue to say, as Christ our Lord hath taught us. Our Fa∣ther which art, &c.

The Blessing.

LEt thy Peace, O God, which passeth all understanding; let the Blessing of the holy undivided Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; let the vertue of Christs blessed Cross and Passion be with me, and remain with me and mine, now, and at the hour of Death, and to eternall Ages. Amen, Amen.

They that have more Leasure may oftner use the foregoing devotions alone Morning, or Evening, or at any time of the Day when they best can.

Such also may make use of this following Mor∣ning Prayer for a Family on the Week-days, as ma∣ny as can well be spared being present.

A Family-Prayer for the Morning on Work-days.

O Most holy and ever blessed Lord God, we thine unworthy Servants do here acknowledge, that as we were born in sin, so we have lived in iniquity, and broken thy righ∣teous Laws in thought, word, and deed, fol∣lowing too much the desires of our own will, and not caring as we ought to be governed by thy Holy Word and Spirit; but O gra∣cious Father, we beseech thee for the merits of thy Dear Son to forgive us all our sins, and not to inflict upon us those Punishments which are due unto us for them. And do thou we pray Thee sanctifie us throughout in Body, Soul, and Spirit, and lead us in the ways of Truth and Holiness, and make us in every respect such as thou wouldest have us to be.

And here, O Lord, from the bottom of our hearts we praise thy Name for all thy Bles∣sings bestowed upon us, concerning this or a better Life; Particularly we praise Thee for

the Mercies of the last Night and this Mor∣ning; that thou hast preserved us from such dangers as might have fallen upon any of us; and for our Refreshment by moderate rest and sleep. Oh that this Day we may be kept from the evil of Sin, and so, if it may be thy Will, from the evil of Punishment. Enable us to watch over our Thoughts, that good Meditations only may enter into our minds, and Holy desires and purposes into our Hearts. Help us to set a watch before our Mouths, and to keep the door of our Lips that we offend not with our Tongues.

Help us also to watch over all our Actions, that we may do hurt to none, but all the good we can to all, as we would have others deal with us, That in all we do thy Word may be our Rule, thy Spirit our Guide, our Saviour our pattern, and thy Glory our end. That we may be wise and modest in our Carriage, temperate and sober in our Diet, diligent and chearfull in our Business; that we may abide with Thee in our particular Places and Cal∣lings by a conscientious performance of the Duties thereof; that we may undertake no∣thing upon which we may not desire thy Bles∣sing, and wherein we may not expect thy Di∣rection and Assistance.

That we may be crucified to the World, and the World unto us, by the Cross of Christ; that we may be content with such things as we have, and not use any unlawfull means for our own relief, knowing Thou hast promised, never to leave us nor forsake us. That we may so pass through the things of this Life, that finally we loose not Everlasting Life and Happiness in the enjoyment of thy Self. And all we beg upon the account of Christ, in whose Name we continue to pray unto Thee, saying, Our Father, &c.

But because the busie Countrey Life usually on the Week-Days calls and disperses most in Fa∣milies early in the Morning to their several Works and Imployments; it is very needfull (especially when Morning Family-Prayers cannot be had con∣veniently) that each one grown to years of Under∣standing before they go out of their Chambers, or before they begin their Work, should kneel down by themselves, and in short beg Gods Blessing and Pre∣sence with them the following Day; which they may do by the Collect for the Morning It is set down gotten by Heart, saying after it the page the 6. the Lords-Prayer understandingly, devoutly, and deliberately.

Or this.

PRevent us, O Lord, in all our Doings by thy most gracious Favour, and further us with thy continual Help; that in all our works begun, continued and ended in Thee, we may glorifie thy holy Name, and finally by thy mercy obtain Everlasting Life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Our Father which art in Heaven, &c.

Or in the Morning on the Week-Days you may pray by your self thus.

O Most gracious God, and mercifull Fa∣ther, I thine unworthy servant do here acknowledge, that as I was born in sin, so I have lived in iniquity, and broken thy Righ∣teous Laws in thought word and deed, fol∣lowing too much the desires of my own Will, and not caring as I ought to be governed by thy holy Word and Spirit; * 11.1 and am there∣fore liable to all shame and mi∣sery both in this Life, and that which is to come. But O Hea∣venly Father, I beseech Thee for the Merits of thy dear Son to

forgive me all my sins, and not to inflict that punishment which is due unto me for them. And send thy Holy Spirit into my heart, which may assure me, that thou art my reconciled Father, and that thou lovest me with an unchangeable Love. And let the same thy good Spirit lead me in the ways of Truth and Righteousness, and crucifie in me more and more all worldly and carnall lusts. * 11.2

And here, O Lord, from the bottom of my heart, I thank Thee for all thy Blessings be∣stowed upon my Soul or Body. * 11.3

[Particularly for any measure of Refresh∣ment given unto me the Night past, and that thou hast brought me safe to the light of ano∣ther Day.] * 11.4

O Lord, I pray Thee continue to be graci∣ous unto me; let thy Fear be always before my eyes, and thy Grace so rule in my heart,

that whatever I shall think, speak, or do, may tend to thy Glory, the Good of others, and the peace of my own Conscience.

I now recommend my self, and all my con∣cerns, together with all near Relations and those that belong unto me, to thy mercifull Direction and Protection, intreating Thee to keep us from all evil, and to give a Blessing to all our honest and lawfull Endeavours, and to make all thy Providences towards us to work together for our good.

* 11.5 Bless, O Lord, the Kings Majesty and all the Royal Family, with all in∣feriour Magistrates under Him. Bless the Bishops and Pastors of the Church. Comfort all that are sick and comfortless. And O Lord, keep me in a continual readiness by Faith and Repentance for my last end, that whether I live or die, I may be thine, accep∣ted of Thee through Christ Jesus my only Saviour, in whose prevailing Name I sue for these and all other needfull Graces and Mer∣cies, & continue to pray unto Thee, as he him∣self hath taught me, saying, Our Father, &c.

Praying alone, unless removed out of the hearing of others, speak with a whispering rather then a loud

Voice, as Hannah did 1 Sam. 1. 13. She spake in her heart, onely her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Thus, not being heard of others, they cannot suspect you to affect any vain glory in what you do. Yet you will find this way usefull both to stir up your Affections, and to help your Attention of Mind, by keeping you from many wandring and distracting thoughts which you would otherwise be liable unto.

Note further, that when alone in Secret you may sometimes makeless use of a set Form of Prayer, and take more freedom in opening your Heart and par∣ticular Condition unto God as he shall enable you. He knows, and will graciously answer your humble and sincere desires. Greater heed is to be taken for Method and Expression when we pray with others that they may joyn with us to their Edification.

At Evening on the Week-Days when the Fami∣ly is come together, at the fittest time before they go to their Rest, let the Governours themselves, or some Child or Servant whom they shall appoint, reading first some portion of Scripture if they have time, distinctly and leasurely read one of the two following Prayers.

A Family-Prayer for the Evening on the Week-Days.

O Lord, the Creator of the World, and the Redeemer of Mankind, who know∣est all things, and canst do what thou pleasest,

and hast done us very much Good already, and promised to do more for us, if we be o∣bedient, then we can ask or think; we here fall down before Thee in the lowest manner, to express our fear and reverence to thy Al∣mighty Power; our admiration of and sub∣mission to thy unsearchable Wisdom; our hearty love, and thankfull acknowledgment of thy wondrous Goodness; our trust and confidence in thy Faithfull Promises; with our ready and sincere purposes to perform all Obedience to thy holy Commands.

There is nothing, O Lord, so afflictive to us, as the remembrance that we have at any time offended thy Sovereign Authority. We are heartily sorry for the breaking any of thy Righteous and Good Laws, and therefore be∣seech Thee for the sake of Christ to pardon the same unto us, and that we may abhor the thoughts of doing so again, ever resolving by thy Assistance to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live Righteously, So∣berly, and Godly in this present World; and to strive to be like our Saviour Christ in meekness and lowliness of Spirit, in Purity and Zeal for thy Worship and Glory, and in being ready as we have opportunity, to take the more pains that we may do the more good in the World.

Oh do thou, we pray thee, strengthen in us these resolutions which thou hast inspired us withall, and ever further them by thy con∣tinued Grace, that no sudden desires, ineffe∣ctual purposes, or partial performances, may deceive or lead us into a false Opinion of our selves; but that we may bring forth actual∣ly, and with a constant Spirit, all the fruits of Righteousness which are by Christ Jesus, to the Praise and Glory of thee our God.

O let us be so sensible of thy great kindness to us, & of our many engagements unto Thee, that we may love thee our God and Saviour with all our heart, soul, and strength; that we may strive to credit our Religion, and glo∣rifie thy Name all the ways we are able, with all that we are, have, or can do; that not on∣ly by the special Duties of thy Worship, but also by the right management of our out∣ward Affairs, and our moderate use of the good things of this Life, we may serve Thee, and be brought nearer unto Thee. Thus we pray Thee let Religion be the very business of our lives, and let our greatest pleasure be to please Thee in every thing, and our highest design to attain that Blessed Immortality which Christ Jesus hath promised.

Lift up our affections, we intreat Thee,

more and more to those things above where He is; that Heaven may have our hearts while this World hath our bodies; and we may have perfect Contentment of mind in Well-doing, and patient suffering; and the good hope we have of being eternally beloved of Thee the Lord of Heaven and Earth, may make us re∣joyce evermore.

Free us, O Lord, from all inordinate cares for the things of this Life; from all distrust of thy good Providence; from all repining at any thing that befalls us; and enable us in every thing to give Thanks; believing that all things are ordered by the greatest Wis∣dom, and shall work together for the good of those that love Thee. We doubt not of thy Fatherly Affection to those that study in all sincerity to approve themselves unto Thee; and therefore still resolve to leave our selves entirely to thy wise Counsels, that thou mayst dispose us into such a condition as thou seest best in this World. Oh remember us but of our Duty; quicken and excite us to it; strengthen us in the doing of it; sup∣port us under all discouragements; advise us in all difficult cases; and comfort us with a stedfast Belief of thy holy Word; and we shall ever be giving thanks and praise unto

Thee who dealest so bountifully with us.

Moreover with our selves we desire, O Lord, the good of all Mankind, especially that thou wouldest be mercifull to thy whole Church, and particularly that thou wouldest bless that part of it which is planted in these Nations wherein we live; inclining the hearts of all Ranks and Degrees of Men amongst us to follow after things which make for Peace, Unity, and Godliness. But O graci∣ous God, as we are in duty bound in a more peculiar manner, we do most earnestly be∣seech Thee, on the behalf of this place of our Abode, that our Minister being directed and assisted by Thee, may be made a Blessing and a Comfort unto us; and that we likewise ha∣ving our Conversation as becomes the Gos∣pel of Christ, may be a Blessing and an En∣couragement unto him.

Give, we pray Thee, repentance unto Sin∣ners, and increase of Grace and Strength to all thy faithfull Servants; Reduce those a∣mong us that wander out of the way; raise up those that are fallen; confirm and settle those that stand, and grant them a stedfast Resolution to persevere in Faith, Love, and Obedience. Relieve and comfort all those that are in any Distress; make the Earth to

bring forth her increase in due season; and let all honest and industrious People be suc∣ceeded and blessed in their Labours. Remem∣ber all those who are nearly related to us, or to whom we are indebted for our Birth, E∣ducation, Instruction, or Promotion; Thou who art rich in Mercy reward and recompence their care and love. Grant Forgiveness and Charity to all our Enemies; Continue good will among all our kind Neighbours. Assist those that are Dying and leaving this World, and fit their Souls for a better Place; and let us also with them after our own last sick∣ness, in due time through Christ, obtain a glorious Resurrection and Eternal Life.

And here, O Lord, we do from our very Souls render unto Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy Blessings and Bene∣fits bestowed upon us concerning this Life and that which is to come; but more especially we praise Thee for the mercies of this day; for any measure of success thou hast given us in our lawfull Endeavours; that thou hast defended us from such dangers as might have fallen upon us. We beseech Thee likewise of thine infinite Goodness and Mercy, to de∣fend and protect us and all that belong unto us this Night; and let us be refreshed with

moderate rest and sleep, and so raised the next Day more able and willing to set forth thy Glory, in the conscionable Duties of our Places and Callings. These and all other needfull Mercies, we ask of Thee for the alone merits of Jesus Christ, in whose Name we continue to pray unto Thee as he himself hath taught us, saying, Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy Kingdom come, thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven, give us this day our daily Bread, and forgive us our Trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us, and lead us not into Temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the King∣dom, and the Power, and the Glory for ever and ever.

Thy Grace, O Lord Jesus Christ, thy love O Heavenly Father, thy comfort and consolation O holy and blessed Spirit be with us, and remain with us this night and for evermore, Amen.

Another Family-Prayer for the Evening on the Week-Days, Saturday especially.

O Most blessed and eternall God, thou alone art the fountain of our Happi∣ness, and the rest and satisfaction of our Souls.

Thou art infinitely more great and glorious in thy Wisdom, Power, and Goodness, then either our words can declare, or our hearts can conceive. We therefore thine unworthy Servants do here most humbly adore and wor∣ship thine incomprehensible Majesty; acknow∣ledging that we were not only born in sin, but in the course of our Lives have violated thy Sacred Laws, and many ways transgressed our Duty as to Thee, our Neighbours, and our Selves; so that if Thou shouldest deal with us according to the strictness of thy Justice and our own deservings, we could expect no∣thing but shame and misery, both in this life and that which is to come. But, O God, we beseech Thee do thou help us penitently and believingly to cast our selves upon thy Mercy, and the Merits of Jesus Christ; and for his sake graciously forgive unto us the sin∣fulness of all our thoughts, words, and ways, and let thy Spirit witness with ours the com∣fortable assurance of that Forgiveness.

And for the future, let us not be tempted by the allurements or discouragements of the World, wilfully to allow our selves in the omis∣sion of any the least known Duty, or in the Commission of any the least known Sin. And because this is thy Will even our sanctification,

we beseech Thee, O Lord, that thou wouldest sanctifie our Understandings, that being re∣newed in the Spirit of our Minds, we may have a Spiritual Discerning of the things of Thee our God; that we may know what it is that Thou requirest of us, in those several Places, Conditions and Relations Thou art pleased to set us in. That Thou wouldest likewise enable us to submit our wills to thy Blessed Will in all things; and to make it our daily care and exercise to keep our Consciences clear and unreproveable in thy sight.

That Thou wouldest help us to set our Af∣fections upon things above; that we may love thee the Lord our God with all our Heart, and with all our Soul, and with all our Strength; and that Christ may be the Chief∣est of ten thousands unto us, Him whom our Soul loves. That we may present our Bo∣dies a living Sacrifice, holy and acceptable un∣to Thee, which is but our reasonable Service. That so being sanctified throughout, we may be whatsoever Thou wouldest have us to be; that we may leave whatsoever thou wouldest have us to forsake; that we may patiently suf∣fer whatsoever Thou layest upon us to endure; that we may freely, cheerfully, and readily do whatsoever thy Command obligeth us to do.

And because Thou requirest that we should grow in Grace by all those means of Grace and Salvation which Thou art pleased so plenti∣fully to vouchsafe unto us, Oh that Thou wouldest help us to walk yet more holily in respect of Thee our God then ever; that we may be more fearfull of offending Thee, and more solicitous to please Thee then ever we have yet been; being more wisely zealous and active for thy Glory, and more reverent in the use of all things that relate unto Thee.

That thou wouldest give us an universal Good Will towards others in the World; that we may love our Neighbours as our Selves, and love even our Enemies for thy sake; and be more carefull that we do hurt unto none, but deal justly and mercifully to∣wards all, as we would that they should do unto us.

That thou wouldest help us to perform more and better then ever those Duties which we owe unto our selves; that we may live yet more in the exercise of Meekness, of Humili∣ty, of Temperance and Contentedness of Mind.

Thus, O Lord, that thou wouldest help us to serve Thee all our days in the Uptightness of our Hearts, improving all opportunities of

doing and receiving Good; preparing for our great Change from time to Eternity; and in every respect, by a constant watchfulness o∣ver all our Thoughts, Words, and Actions, so behaving our selves, as those that know and stedfastly believe, that we have Thee an e∣verliving God to serve, that we have preci∣ous and Immortal Souls to save, that we have endless Woes to avoid, and Everlasting Hap∣piness to seek after.

And, O God, with us, we beseech Thee likewise to bless all those that desire or stand in need of our Prayers; and to communicate of thy Grace and Mercy according to their and our severall wants and necessities. Oh do Thou enlarge the Church and Kingdom of Christ, weaken and destroy the Power of Sin, and Antichrist; be favourable in particular to these Nations wherein we live, vouchsafing to us those Mercies we stand in need of, and turning from us those Judgements which our sins may cry for. Bless our Magistrates and Ministers; bless those that are near unto us by the bonds of Nature, with all such as suffer sickness or any other affliction or misery. Bless this Place, and grant that real Godliness, Saving Knowledge, Peace, and Truth, may flourish here more and more.

Accept of Praise for all thy Mercies hither∣to vouchsafed unto us. Continue, we pray Thee, thy mercifull Protection over us this night; keep us from sin, and the dangers that a Night may bring forth, let us be refreshed and raised the next Day more able and willing to serve Thee in the Duties of it. These and all other needfull Mercies we humbly beg for the sake of Christ, continuing further to pray unto Thee as he himself hath taught us, saying, Our Father which art in Heaven, &c. * 13.1

Notes

• * 1.1

  Conf. l. 1 c. 4.
• * 5.1

  If in the Mor∣ning.
• * 5.2

  If in the Eve∣ning.
• * 11.1

  Here thou mayst confess to God those sins thou art most guilty of.
• * 11.2

  Here beg strength against those sins thou are especially in danger of.
• * 11.3

  Here praise God for special Blessings concerning thy self or others.
• * 11.4

  Leaving out the three last Lines, and saying (Particular∣ly for the Mercies of the Day past) it will also be a Prayer for the Evening.
• * 11.5

  Here thou mayst pray for spe∣cial Mercies for thy self or o∣thers.
• * 13.1

  See the Lords Prayer and Blessing, page 23.