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He hath shewed thee, O Man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do Just∣ly, and to love Mercy, and to walk Humbly with thy God?
AS Religion is the Life of the Soul, so Prayer is the Soul of Religion, and the Breath by which it lives and moves, without which
it is stifled up and dies.
It is a piece of Service, as most acceptable to God, so most useful to us: for as in it we make our daily acknowledgment, and do homage as it were to the Great King, so in it we have continual access into his high Court, to of∣fer up our Petitions to Him, to make known our Wants, and implore his gracious Relief.
AND although the perpetual changeableness of all things in this transitory Life do every day alter our occasions, and cre∣ate to us new necessities; yet our great and common wants and inte∣rests remaining still the same, in all reason we may still use the same words to express them to God.
Our extraordinary Necessities
may be added and inserted in their proper places in our ordinary Prayers, as our daily occasions shall require.
Otherwise, being comprehend∣ed under the general heads ex∣pressed in our usual Form, it will not always be necessary to menti∣on them particularly to Him that knows what things we have need of before we ask,* 1.1 and neither hears us the sooner, nor understands us the better for our many words.
AND indeed any sober Chri∣stian may abundantly satis∣fie himself both of the Lawfulness of Set Forms, and the Usefulness of Short ones, from the Directi∣on and Example of our Lord, who Himself prescribed to His Dis∣ciples a Brief Form of Prayer, still
remaining upon record in the Ho∣ly History, and daily used in the Catholick Church.
Which excellent Pattern,* 1.2 doubtless,* 1.3 we may do well to imitate in our Devotions, as that which in a fit method and few words comprehends and summs up all necessaries; as may appear by this Short Paraphrase.
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 Kingdom, the Power and Glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
O Mercifnl Lord God, who hast vouchsafed to adopt and receive us Thy unworthy Creatures into the number of Thy Children, and Heirs of thy King∣dom, we beseech Thee grant us the assistance of Thy Grace, that we may reverently worship Thee, diligently serve Thee, and readi∣ly and chearfully obey Thy holy Will here on Earth, even as those Blessed Spirits do in Heaven.
And whereas by reason of our many weaknesses and Frailties we are often hindred, and always negligent in the performance of these Duties, We beseech Thee continually to relieve and supply us with all Spiritual and Tempo∣ral
necessaries, for our help and furtherance in thy Service.
And in whatsoever we have hi∣h••erto been wanting, or have otherwise transgressed Thy Holy Will, We beseech Thee merci∣fully pass by and pardon it, even as we our selves do heartily and sincerely forgive all those who have wronged or offended us.
And that we may not for the future fall again into the like sins, We beseech Thee graciously to assist and preserve us in all Temp∣tations, and powerfully defend and deliver us from all the assaults of our daily Enemies, the World, the Flesh, and the Devil.
For Thou, O Lord, art the Supreme King; Thou art able to do All things, and to Thee is due the Honour and Glory of All, both in this world, and that which is to come. Amen.
And thus the very excellency of
the Prayer it self, both for the Matter and Method, beside the dignity and veneration of the Au∣thor, may sufficiently commend it to our use: it serving so pro∣perly either for a Beginning, or a Conclusion to our other Devoti∣ons.
THE several sorts or parts of Prayer are by the Apostle reduced to these four Heads, 1 Tim. 2. 1.
And this last is the most plea∣sant and delightful part of all the worship of God, according to that saying of the Prophet David, It is a good thing to sing Praises un∣to our God, yea a joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful, Psal. 14. 7. 1.
FOR otherwise Prayer, in re∣spect of the other parts, (though as it is ordinarily used or abused, it be taken for an ordina∣ry matter, yet indeed) to per∣form it rightly and duly, is the highest and hardest piece of all the service of God.
For (beside the qualifications required to fit us for the prefor∣mance of it) Prayer being in it self a Duty wholly Spiritual, and requiring a Spiritual intention of the Soul to God, it will be found a very difficult and rare thing for us, who are continually clogged and incumbered with Flesh and blood, so to abstract our thoughts from all bodily and worldly things, as to place them freely and purely upon an invisible Object.
And to this occasion the craft of our old Enemy is no way want∣ing, who as he is always imperti∣nently interposing in every good action, so is he never more im∣portunate and impudent than when we are busie at our Devoti∣ons.
Resolve, that to make any Ad∣dress to God, without a Resoluti∣on at least to set your self heartily and wholly to his Service, is not only fruitless, but hurtful, and that which will turn your very Prayer into sin.
For to hope for any favour at his hands, and yet continue in your sinful course, is to make him such an one as your self.
Recollect and take up your thoughts from the world and worldly things, that they may be wholly intent upon the business you are about.
And this you may do by a short Meditation, or preparatory Pray∣er, or reading somewhat in the
Scripture, or some other pious Book.
Now when you have thus brought your gift to the Altar,* 1.4 remember the advice of your Saviour; first put away all malice and hatred out of your heart, and forgive all others be∣fore you presume to ask pardon for your self.
And know that this is a qualifi∣cation so necessary, so essential to the due performance of any Devotions, that our Saviour in that very short Prayer of his own thought it worth the mentioning, and that as a kind of Condition,* 1.5 Forgive us our trespasses, as we for∣give them that trespass against us.
GIve ear to my words, O Lord, consider my medita∣tion.
Hearken to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for unto Thee will I Pray, Psal. 5. 1, 2.
Thou that hearest the prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh come.
Let not my Lord be angry if I, who am but dust and ashes, pre∣sume to approach and speak unto Thee: O Thou that art easie to be intreated, and rejoycest in do∣ing good, bow down thy gentle ear, and hear me, and have mer∣cy upon me.
Raise up my soul, and sanctifie my heart and lips, that I may ask those things which are most agree∣able to thy holy Will.
Let the words of my mouth,* 1.6 and the medi∣tations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my Strength and my Redeemer.
HEar my Prayer, O Lord,* 1.7 and hear∣ken to the voice of my supplicati∣on, when I cry unto Thee,* 1.8 when I lift up my hands toward the Mercy-seat of thy holy Temple.
O Holy Lord God, whose pure eyes will not behold iniquity, I the vilest of all thy Creation, and most sinful among all the sons of men, do yet presume to cast my self down before the foot-stool of thy Throne of Grace,* 1.9 humbly beseeching Thee to stretch forth Thy Gol∣den
Scepter of Peace, that I may touch it, and not die, but live to praise thy mercy.
I confess,* 1.10 O Lord, that I was even concei∣ved in sin, and brought forth in iniquity; and though thou hadst wash'd me from that Original Pollution of Nature in the holy Fountain of Baptism, yet have I since again defiled my self with all manner of actual Abominations.
O my God,* 1.11 I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face unto thee, for mine iniquities are increased over mine head, and my trespasses are waxed great unto the Heavens. Since the days of my youth I am in a great trespass, and my whole life is nothing else but a continu∣ed transgression of thy Law, and provocation of thy wrath.
I have but slightly performed, or neglected, and wholly
omitted, and even contemned those Duties and Services which thou requirest of me: but have greedily committed, and care∣lesly, and even presumptuously continued in those sins which thou hast strictly forbidden, and se∣verely threatned.
So that if thou shouldst enter into judgment with thy Servant, I could expect nothing but to re∣ceive my portion with hypocrites and unbelievers, and to be cast out into utter darkness, in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone for evermore.
But thou, O Lord, which desi∣rest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wickedness and live; turn thou me, O good God, turn me from all my transgressions, and let not iniquity be my ruine.
Open thou mine eyes, and awaken my dull and stony heart, that I may see and understand the
vileness and misery of my sinful state; that I may hate, and abhor, and forsake all my evil ways, and turn to thee with all my heart and with all my strength.
Give me that Godly sorrow which worketh true repentance;* 1.12 forgive and put away all my sins and offences, nail them to the Cross of Jesus Christ, and bury them in his Grave, that they may never rise up in judgment against me.
Receive me, O my Father, and be reconciled unto me in the mercies and merits of thy dear Son: for his sake restore me again to thy grace and favour, and the light of thy countenance, and establish me with thy free Spirit, Psal. 51. 12.
Send down the dew of thy hea∣venly grace, the light of thy Holy Spirit into my heart, to lead me in thy way, and enable me to walk in it.
Give me strength to resist all temptations, and to stand against all assaults of the World, the Flesh, and the Devil; that no Allurement may draw, no Ter∣ror may drive me from the streight path of thy Service, but that I may persevere in it to the end of my days; that having lived in thy fear, I may die in thy favour, rest in thy peace, rise in thy power, and reign with thee for ever in thy Glory.
And thou,* 1.13 O Lord, which hast promised to add all other necessaries to them which seek first thy Kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, remem∣ber me also with thy temporal blessings, as shall seem best un∣to thee, and may be most for the advancement of mine Eternal Interest.
Give me health of Body, sound∣ness of Mind, competence of means, comfort of Friends, peace
in this world, and contentment of mind what state soever thou shalt please to call me to.
Give me grace to set my heart not on things below, but on things above; that I may chear∣fully expect when it shall please thee to translate me from thy blessings in this world to the joys of thy Eternal Kingdom.
And thou, O Lord,* 1.14 which hast commanded us to make prayers and supplica∣tions for all others as well as our selves, we beseech thee to extend thy mercy and goodness to all mankind in all the corners of the Earth.
Open and enlighten the eyes of them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death,* 1.15 and guide their feet into the way of peace: that thy way may be known upon earth, and thy saving health among all nati∣ons, Psal. 67. 2.
Inlarge the bounds of thy Ca∣tholick Church: Unite and san∣ctifie all that are already received into her bosom, and restore her to her ancient purity and prospe∣rity.
Send such Priests whose lips may preserve knowledge, and make the People diligent to seek thy Law at their mouth; and so direct and rule both Priests and People, that by their holy con∣versation they may shine as Lights in the midst of a crooked and per∣verse generation.
And thou who hast promised to make Kings and Queens the Nursing Fathers and Nursing Mothers of thy Church,* 1.16 protect all the Go∣vernments of the world, especi∣ally Christian Kings and Princes, and more particularly Him whom thy particular Providence hath placed over us.
Preserve and prosper him in all his ways; give him success in all his undertakings and actions, that having lived and ruled here in justice, piety, prosperity, peace, and happiness, he may quietly pass from this earthly and transi∣tory to a heavenly and eternal Crown.
Bless his Illustrious Family, and the whole State under him. Di∣stribute thy blessings to every one as thou shalt judge most meet, and as may best fit, and enable, and encourage them in their seve∣ral Places and Callings, in the performance of their duties of Worship and Obedience to thee, and of justice, and Honesty, and Charity to their Brethren,
Bless all those to whom I am bound by any special Relation.
Thou, O Lord, knowest the Name and place of every one, Thou knowest our several desires and wants: We beseech Thee to proportion thy reliefs and bles∣sings to every one, that we may be mutual helps and comforts to each other in our passage through this vale of misery and tears.
Have mercy and compassion up∣on all that are under any calamity in body, or mind, or outward condition, especially those that suffer for righteousness sake: Give them Patience to bear, and Prudence to make a right use of all their Afflictions; and in thine own good time relieve and restore them here, or take them away from these temporal miseries to thine eternal rest in Heaven.
And let not my Lord be angry,* 1.17 and I will speak but this once, and that in obedience to thy com∣mand,* 1.18 for our Ene∣mies, Slanderers, and Oppres∣sors, especially those that have caused or increased the publick Distractions: Lord, restrain their malice, and open their Eyes and Hearts, that they may see the crookedness of their own ways, and return into the streight path of meekness and Charity; that we may live together in Peace here, and reign together in thy Glory hereafter.
And that our Ingratitude for Thy former Blessings may not make us more unworthy and un∣capable of the future, we humbly desire to offer up our sacrifice of Praise and Thansgiving for all thy goodness and loving-kindness multiplied and continued upon us.
That Thou hast been pleased to create us men after thine own Image, the most excellent of all the works of thy hands.
And when by our own sin and fall we had made our selves worse than the vilest of all thy Creation, Thou wert yet pleased to find out a means of Redemption and Re∣conciliation, by the death and sa∣tisfaction of thine own only Son.
And hast farther vouchsafed in some measure to shed abroad in our hearts the good gifts and gra∣ces of thy holy Spirit, to excite, inable, and incourage us in the performance of thy Service here, and to seal to us the good hope of eternal happiness with Thee hereafter.
That Thou hast vouchsafed me to be born of Christian Parents, and brought up in the bosom of thy Church, and nourished with the sincere milk of thy word, and to live under the glorious
Sun-shine of thy Gospel:
That Thou hast bestowed on me sufficient endowments and abi∣lities of Nature, as soundness of mind, and health of body; and withal a competence of means, comfort of friends, and other conveniences and contentments of life:
That Thou hast preserved me from my Childhood until now from all mischiefs and dangers, and hast not cut me off in the midst of my sins, but allowed me space of Repentance, and brought me safe thus far of my life to this present day.
These and all other thine innu∣merable and inestimable mercies, O Lord, as we had nothing in us to deserve them, so have we no∣thing to return for them, but an acknowledgment of our extreme unworthiness of any the least of them.
We therefore offer up our selves unto Thee, beseeching thee graciously to receive us, and sanctifie thy mercies to us, and us to thy service; that we may make use of them to the honour and glory of thy Name, and the eternal good of our own Souls.
O Holy Lord God, that know∣est our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance in asking, have mercy upon our infirmities, pass by and pardon the imperfe∣ctions of our Prayers; bow down thy gentle ear, and hear, and grant these our requests as shall seem good to Thee.
And whatsoever else thou knowest more useful or expedient for me or any of thy servants:
Thou that knowest to give good gifts, we beseech Thee chuse for us, and give us those things:
And all for His sake who hath given us confidence to come unto
Thee, and ask in His name, and hath taught us to summ up all our Prayers in his own words, say∣ing,
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 diliver us from Evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Numb. 6. 24.The Lord bless us, and keep us;
The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us.
The Lord lift up his counte∣nance upon us, and give us Peace.
2 Cor. 13. 14.The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with us all. Amen.
Seven times a day do I praise thee, because of thy righteous judge∣ments.
At midnight will I rise to give thanks unto thee.
NOW for the Times of Pray∣er, our Saviours Counsel is,* 1.19 that men ought always to pray,
and not to faint; adding a Pa∣rable to shew us the virtue of Im∣portunity.* 1.20 S. Paul's is agreeable,* 1.21 Praying al∣ways, and without cea∣sing, that is, frequent∣ly and constantly.
Among the Ancients it was no less than seven times a day: (Nay David and S. Paul add the eighth,* 1.22 at Midnight;* 1.23 so that every third hour of the Night, as well as of the Day, was begun with the solemnity of Prayer.)
And this Pattern I have thought worthy to be commended to the pra∣ctice of all pious Christians: For the having so often recourse to Heaven, must need make us more careful of our conversation on Earth.
Yet this without any design of lay∣ing a burthen upon those, whose Occasions or Devotion will not so of∣ten serve them: only wishing, that they who cannot afford so many,
though so small portions of the day, to their Maker, would yet joyn with David and Daniel, at least three times a day; or at the least of leasts, twice; that the outgoings of the Morning and Evening may praise him.
The rest may be supplied by lifting up the eyes of their Souls to Heaven with some short and hearty Ejacula∣tion, though in midst of any Em∣ployment, of any Company.
Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Have no fellowship with the un∣fruitful works of darkness.
O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee, Psal. 63. 1.
My soul flieth unto the Lord before the Morning Watch, I say, before the Morning Watch, Psal. 130. 6.
Have I not remembred thee in my bed, and thought upon thee when I was waking? Psal. 63. 7.
Mine eyes prevent the Night Watches, that I might meditate in thy word, Psal. 119. 148.
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 Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou my lips,
And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise, Psal. 51. 15.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Psal. 139.O Lord, thou hast searched me out, and known me; thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising; thou under∣standest my thoughts long before.
Thou art about my path and about my bed, and spiest out all my ways.
For lo there is not a word in my tongue, but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether.
Thou hast fashioned me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too won∣derful and excellent for me, I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go then from thy Spirit? or whither shall I go then from thy Presence?
If I climb up into Heaven, thou art there; if I go down to Hell, thou art there also.
If I take the wings of the morn∣ing, and remain in the uttermost parts of the Sea;
Even there also shall thy Hand lead me, and thy Right Hand shall hold me.
If I say, peradventure the darkness shall cover me, then shall my night be turned to day.
Yea, the darkness is no dark∣ness with thee, but the night is as clear as the day: the darkness and light to thee are both alike.
For my reins are thine, thou
hast covered me in my mothers womb.
I will give thanks unto thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.
My bones are not hid from thee, though I be made secretly, and fashioned beneath in the Earth.
Thine eye did see my substance yet being unperfect, and in thy Book were all my members writ∣ten,
Which day by day were fashi∣oned, when as yet there was none of them.
How dear are thy counsels un∣to me, O God! O how great is the summ of them!
If I tell them, they are more in number than the sand. When I wake up, I am present with thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
O Lord God, who by the power of thy Word didst produce a glorious Light out of Darkness,* 1.24 Let thy Sun of Righte∣ousness with healing in his wings arise upon us, and enlighten the darkness of our hearts, and re∣scue us from the shadow of death; that we may walk in the light of thy Grace here, and rejoyce in the light of thy Glory in thy Heaven∣ly Kingdom hereafter, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And the very God of Peace sanctifie us wholly,* 1.25 that our whole Spirit, and Soul, and body, may be preseved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Rejoyce, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart chear thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine Eyes:
But know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into Judgment.
Remember now thy Creator in the
days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.
I Laid me down and slept, and rose up again, and the Lord sustained me, Psal. 3. 5.
I. As soon as you open your eyes,* 1.26 lift them up unto the Hills from whence cometh your help, and begin the work of the day with thanksgiving to God, who hath delivered you from the dangers of the forepassed night, refreshed your weary body with quiet sleep, and brought you safely to the be∣ginning of another day.
II. Consider, That perhaps many others, no worse than you, have
this night been hurried from their beds to the bar of Judgment, and there received a sad sentence of eternal woe; yet God of his in∣finite and undeserved goodness hath spared you until now, to re∣pent and prepare your accounts.
III. Return him all possible thanks and praise for this inestimable mercy: and commend your self to his Grace and protection for the following day, and the rest of your life; humbly beseeching him to continue his mercy and good∣ness to you, in preserving you from all evils, and supplying you with all neccssaries spiritual and temporal; and implore his Grace to guide and direct you in all your undertakings and actions, as may most conduce to the glory of his great Name, and the good of your own soul.
IV. Consider what sin or sins you
have more especially been guilty of yesterday, or since the last time of your solemn repentance; and resolve by the grace of God assist∣ing you, to avoid those sins, and all occasions of them.
V. Consider what you have to do this day: Resolve, not to spend it in idleness or evil imployments; and be careful to undertake no∣thing, in which you cannot with confidence and a good conscience desire the gracious assistance of God, without which all endea∣vour and industry, all toil and travel is vain and fruitless.
Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss, Ecclus. 7. 36.
VI. Keep diligent watch over your self in all your ways: and where you find you have gone awry, de∣lay not to return presently: for the longer you go forward, the
farther you have back again, and the less time left for that and the rest of your Journey.
VII. Be careful of your precious Time, that you do not lose it in doing nothing, or cast it away on that which is worse: for you know not how soon you may be called to account for every idle and ill-spent minute.
Resolve to spend this day as that which, for ought you know, may be your last: and remember, that as the Night, so Death draws on every hour, and may perhaps overtake you before Mid-day.
Morning Prayer.
O Let me hear thy Loving kindness betimes in the morning, for in thee is my trust. Shew thou me the way that I should walk in, for I lift up my
Soul unto thee, Psal. 143. 8.
O hearken unto the voice of my calling, my King and my God; for utto the will I make my Prayer.
My voice shalt thou hear be∣times, O Lord: early in the morning will I direct my Prayer unto thee, and will look up.
But make me to remember that thou art God, and hast no plea∣sure in wickedness, neither shall any evil dwell with thee, Psal. 5. 2, 3, 4.
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 Kingdom, the Power, and
the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou my lips.
And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Psal. 19.THE Heavens declare the glory of God, and the Fir∣mament sheweth his handy work.
One day telleth another, and one night certifieth another.
There is neither speech nor language, but their voices are heard among them.
Their sound is gone out into all Lands, and their words into the ends of the world.
In them hath he set a Taber∣nacle for the Sun, which cometh forth as a Bridegroom out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a Gi∣ant to run his course.
It goeth forth from the utter∣most part of the Heaven, and runneth about unto the end of it again; and there is nothing hid from the Heat thereof.
The Law of the Lord is an un∣defiled Law, converting the Soul: the Testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
The Statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoyce the Heart; the Commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes.
The Fear of the Lord is clean, and indureth for ever: the judg∣ments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than Gold, yea than much fine
Gold: sweeter also than Honey and the Honey-comb.
Moreover, by them is thy ser∣vant taught: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Who can tell how oft he offend∣eth! O cleanse thou me from my secret faults.
Keep thy servant also from pre∣sumtuous sins, left they get the dominion over me: so shall I be undefiled and innocent from the great offence.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be always acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength and my Re∣deemer.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
The Song of Zachary.
BLessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people: Luke 1. 68.
And hath raised up a mighty Salvation for us in the House of his Servant David.
As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets, which have been since the world began.
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hands of all that hate us.
To perform the mercy promi∣sed to our Forefathers, and to re∣member his holy Covenant.
To perform the Oath which he sware to our Forefather Abraham, that he would give us.
That we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear;
In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.
And thou Child shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,
To give knowledge of Salvati∣on to his people for the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
BLessed be thy holy Name, O Lord, who hast shewed me the light of thy countenance, and
hast delivered me from the dark∣ness and dangers of this night, and refreshed me with quiet sleep; and raised me up again as it were from the grave, and restored me to life, and the joyful light of another day.
Give me grace to make it a re∣surrection to newness of life also, that I may spend this day, and all that thou shalt yet be pleased to add to it, in thy Service, to the Glory of thy Name, and the Good of my own Soul.
O Lord, blot out as a night∣mist mine iniquities, and scatter my sins as a morning cloud, Isai. 44. 22.
Grant that I may become a Child of the Light and of the Day;* 1.27 that I may walk soberly,* 1.28 chastly, and honestly as in the day.
Open thou mine eyes that I may see,* 1.29 incline my heart that I may affect, and order my steps that I may walk and run in the way of thy Commandements.
Hold me fast, and keep me close by thee. Guide me with thy Hand. Uphold me when I am falling: lift me up when I am down. Reduce me when I go astray, and hedge in my way, that I find not the path to follow after vanity.
Keep me in all my ways,* 1.30 and de∣fend me from all the dangers and evils of this day,* 1.31 O Lord, preserve my going out and coming in, from this time for evermore.
And now, O Lord, I offer up my self a living Sacrifice unto thee, beseeching thee mercifully
and graciously to receive me. Cleanse me from all my Polluti∣ons; heal all my infirmities, and sanctifie all the Powers and Facul∣ties of my Soul and Body to thy service this day; that in all my thoughts, words, and works, I may always have an eye to that Supreme end of my Creation; and so order the whole course of my life, that I may be always ready and prepared for death, and that severe account which I must one day make unto thee, that so I may do it with joy and not with sorrow, and receive that Crown which thou hast promised to them that persevere unto the end, Heb. 13. 17.
And with my self I commend unto thee all whom any bond of Nature, or Freindship, or Reli∣gion, commands me to pray for; especially—
—and all that
have at any time done good to me, thou, O Lord, do good to them, and reward them seven-fold into their bosom.
Preserve us, O Lord,* 1.32 from all evil: O Lord I beseech thee,* 1.33 keep our Souls; keep us from falling, and present us faultless before the presence of thy Glory at that day.
And the Peace of God,* 1.34 which passeth all understanding,* 1.35 keep our hearts and minds in the Knowledge and Love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
And the Blessing of God Al∣mighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with us this day, the rest of our lives, and for evermore. Amen.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
Even by ruling himself after thy Word.
The Fear of the Lord is the be∣ginning of wisdom. A good under∣standing have all they that do there∣after. The praise of it endureth for ever.
NOW as Private Prayer hath this Promise of our Saviour,
that being perform∣ed in the Closet se∣cretly,* 1.36 it shall yet be rewarded openly:* 1.37 so, much more when two or three are gathered together in his Name, hath he promised to be in the midst of them, and hear their requests.
This therefore being the usual Hour wherein the Publick Service of the Church is every day to be ce∣lebrated, this Private Form is far from any purpose to supplant the use, or pretence to supply the want of that.
Which though it be now by the Children of this generation shame∣fully east out of the House of God, yet certainly all true Children of the Church will receive it into their own Houses, and make their Family their Congregation.
But they that want even this Con∣venience also, may yet at least per∣form their part of the Publick Duty
in the Privacy of their Closet, and comfort themselves with this Consi∣deration, that the Prayers which are sent up from never so divers aud distant places on Earth, yet all meet together in the High Court of Hea∣ven.
The following Form therefore is intended for no more than a Prepa∣ration to the Publick. And so likewise at the Fifth Hour, whereon the Evening Service of the Church is to be celebrated.
HEar my Prayer, O God, and hide not thy self from my Petition.
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 all evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou my lips,
And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Psal. 25.UNto thee, O Lord, will I lift up my Soul. My God I have put my trust in thee; O let me not be confounded, nei∣ther let mine enemies triumph over me.
For all they that hope in thee shall not be ashamed; but such as trangress without a cause shall be put to confusion.
Shew me thy ways, O Lord, and teach me thy paths.
Lead me forth in thy Truth, and learn me; for thou art the God of my Salvation. In thee hath been my hope all the day long.
Call to remembrance, O Lord, thy tender mercies, and thy lo∣ving kindness, which hath been ever of old.
O remember not the sins and offences of my Youth: but ac∣cording to thy mercy think thou upon me, O Lord, for thy good∣ness.
Gracious and righteous is the Lord, therefore will we teach sin∣ners in the way.
Them that be meek shall he guide in judgment: and such as be gentle, them shall he learn his way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his Covenant and his Testimo∣nies.
For thy Names sake, O Lord be merciful unto my sin, for it is great.
What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall chuse.
His Soul shall dwell at ease, and his Seed shall inherit the Land.
The Secret of the Lord is among them that fear him, and he will shew them his Covenant.
Mine eyes are ever looking un∣to the Lord, for he shall pluck my feet out of the Net.
Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, for I am desolate and in misery.
The sorrows of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my troubles.
Look upon my adversity and misery, and forgive me all my sin.
Consider mine Enemies how many they are, and they bear a tyrannous hate against me.
O keep my Soul and deliver me: let me not be confounded, for I have put my trust in thee.
Let perfectness and righteous dealing wait upon me, for my hope hath been in thee.
Deliver Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
ALmighty Lord God, who hast created all things for thine own Glory and Service, give us grace to direct all our thoughts, words, and works to that one end, that so having ser∣ved thee faithfully here, we may
glorifie thee eternally in thy King∣dom hereafter, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
NOW unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,* 1.38 according to the Power that worketh in us; unto him be Glo∣ry in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages world without end. Amen.
What man is he that lusteth to live, and would fain see good days?
Keep thy Tongue from Evil, and thy Lips that they speak no Guile:
Eschew Evil, and do Good:
Seek Peace, and ensue it.
O my God, take me not away in the midst of m••e Age. As for thy
years they indure throughout all Ge∣nerations.
HEar me when I call, O God of my righteousness; have mercy upon me, and hearken un∣to my Prayer, Psal. 4. 1.
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 Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou my lips:
And my mouth shall shew forth thy Praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Psal. 27.THE Lord is my light and my salvation, of whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom then shall I be afraid?
When the wicked (even mine enemies and my foes) came upon me to eat my flesh, they stum∣bled and fell.
Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid: and though there rose up war against me, yet will I put my trust in him.
One thing I have desired of the Lord, which I will require, even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit his Temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his Tabernable, yea in the secret place of his dwel∣ling shall he hide me, and set me up upon a rock of stone.
And now shall he lift up mine head above mine enemies round about me.
Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness, I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord.
Hearken unto my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto Thee; have mercy upon me, and hear me.
My heart hath talked of thee, Seek ye my face; thy face, Lord, will I seek.
O hide not Thou thy face from me, nor cast thy servant away in displeasure.
Thou hast been my succour: leave me not, neither forsake
me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and mother forsake me, the Lord taketh me up.
Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in the right way, be∣cause of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over into the will of mine adversaries; for there are false witnesses risen up against me, and such as speak wrong.
I should utterly have fainted, but that I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
O tarry thou the Lords lei∣sure: be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart, and put thou thy trust in the Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Song of SS. Ambrose and Augustine.
WE praise Thee, O Lord, we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the Earth doth worship Thee the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud, the Heavens, and all the Powers therein;
To Thee Cherubim and Sera∣phim continually do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabbaoth.
Heaven and Earth are full of the Majesty of thy Glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles praise Thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise Thee;
The noble Army of Martyrs praise Thee;
The Holy Church throughout
all the world doth acknowledge Thee,
The Father of an infinite Maje∣sty,
Thine honourable, true, and only Son,
Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ,
Thou art the Everlasting Son of the Father.
When thou tookest upon Thee to deliver man, Thou dist not abhor the Virgins womb.
When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of Death, Thou didst open the kingdom of hea∣ven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the Glory of the Fa∣ther.
We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We therefore pray Thee help thy servants whom Thou hast re∣deemed
deemed with thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbred with thy Saints in Glory everlasting.
O Lord save thy people, and bless thine heritage:
Govern them and lift them up for ever.
Day by day we magnifie Thee,
And worship thy Name ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.
O Lord let thy mercy lighten upon us, as our Trust is in thee.
O Lord in the have I trusted; let me never be confounded.
WE humbly be∣seech Thee,* 1.39 O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities, and for the glory of thy Names sake turn from us all those evils that we most justly have deserved:
and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve Thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy Ho∣nour and Glory, through our only Mediator and advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
NOW the God of peace,* 1.40 that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the bloud of the everlast∣ing Covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Je∣sus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The day of the Lord so cometh as a Thief in the night:
For when they shall say, Peace and Safety, then sudden destructi∣on cometh upon them as Travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should over∣take you as a thief.
ENter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord, for in thy fight shall no man living be ju∣stified, Psal. 143. 2.
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 Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou my lips,
And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Psal. 39.I Said I will take heed to my ways, that I offend not in my tongue.
I will keep my mouth as it were with a bridle, while the ungodly is in my sight.
I held my tongue and spake no∣thing. I kept silence yea even from good words; but it was pain and grief to me.
My heart was hot within me, and while I was thus musing, the fire kindled, and at last I spake with my tougue.
Lord, let me know mine end, and the number of my days, that I may be certified how long I have to live.
Behold, Thou hast made my days as it were a span long, and mine age is even as nothing in re∣spect of Thee; and verily every man living is altogether vanity.
For man walketh in a vain sha∣dow, and disquieteth himself in vain; he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them.
And now, Lord, what is my hope? truly my hope is even in Thee.
Deliver me from all mine of∣fences, and make me not a re∣buke unto the foolish.
I became dumb, and opened not my mouth, for it was thy doing.
Take thy plague away from me; I am even consumed by the means of thy heavy hand,
When thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin, Thou makest his beauty to consume away, like as it were a Moth fretting a gar∣ment: every man therefore is but vanity.
Hear my prayer, O God, and with thine ears consider my cal∣ling: hold not thy peace at my tears.
For I am a stranger with Thee and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength before I go hence, and be no more seen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the begininng, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.
O God from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed, work in us thy unpro∣fitable servants both to will and to do,* 1.41 that the Glory of both may return to Thee the giver of every good and perfect gift, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
NOW unto Him that is able to keep us from falling,* 1.42 and to present us faultless before the presence of his Glory with ex∣ceeding joy; to the only wise God our Saviour, be Glory and Majesty, Dominion and Power, now and for ever. Amen.
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would con∣sider their latter end.
Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble: he cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
PRaise the Lord,* 1.43 O my Soul, and all that is within me praise his holy Name.
Praise the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all his benefits,
Which forgiveth all thy sin, and healeth all thy infirmities;
Which saveth thy life from de∣struction, and crowneth thee with mercy and loving kindness.
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 Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou my lips.
And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Psal. 90.LOrd Thou hast been our re∣fuge from one generation to another.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were made, Thou art God from everlasting, and world without end.
Thou turnest man to destructi∣on: again thou sayest, come again ye children of men.
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday, seeing that is past as a watch in the night.
As soon as thou scatterest them they are even as a sleep, and fade away suddenly like the grass:
In the morning it is green, and groweth up; but in the evening it is cut down, dried up and wi∣thered.
For we consume away in thy displeasure, and are afraid at thy wrathful indignation.
Thou hast set our misdeeds be∣fore thee, and our secret sins in the sight of thy countenance.
For when Thou art angry, all our days are gone; we bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told.
The days of our age are three∣score years and ten; and though men be so strong that they come to fourscore years, yet is their strength then but labour and sor∣row; so soon passeth it away, and we are gone.
But who regardeth the power of thy wrath? for even thereafter
as a man feareth, so is thy dis∣pleasure.
O teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts un∣to wisdom.
Turn Thee again, O Lord, at the last, and be gracious unto thy servants.
O satisfie us with thy mercy and that soon; so shall we rejoyce and be glad all the days of our life.
Comfort us again now after the time that thou hast plagued us, and for the years wherein we have suffered adversity.
Shew thy servants thy work, and their children thy glory.
And the glorious Majesty of the Lord our God be upon us. Pro∣sper Thou the work of our hands upon us, O prosper Thou our handy-work.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
The Song of S. Mary.
MY soul doth magnifie the Lord,* 1.44 and my spirit hath rejoyced in God my Savi∣our.
For he hath regarded the low∣liness of his hand-maiden.
For behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed:
For he that is Mighty hath mag∣nified me, and Holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generati∣ons.
He hath shewed strength with his arm, he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts;
He hath put down the mighty
from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembring his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, as he promised to our forefathers Abraham and his seed for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it wrs in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
O Lord God, who hast created the light and darkness, and by the continual interchanges of day and night puttest us in mind of our transitory condition, and the shortness of our abode here, Give us grace to set our selves about the work of salvation,* 1.45
while the day of salvation lasteth; that when the night of death cometh, and our Lord shall call us to account, we may receive the reward of good and faithful servants,* 1.46 and enter into the joy of our Master Jesus Christ. Amen.
NOW our Lord Jesus Christ him∣self,* 1.47 and God even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting con∣solation, and good hope through grace, comfort our hearts, and stablish us in every good word and work.
To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Take ye heed, watch and pray, for ye know not when the time is.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.
Naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked shall I return thi∣ther.
Man lieth down, and riseth not; till the heavens be no more they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
I. AS you began, so end, the day with God, in thanks and praise, that he hath graci∣ously preserved you hitherto; and in prayer to him, that he will vouchsafe still to continue his mercy and protection to you.
II. Remember that your days are but a span long, that in the midst of life you are in death, and eve∣ry day brings you nearer to that long night.
III. Consider, that perhaps many others, no worse than you, have
this day been cut off in the midst of their days and sins, and cast into the place of darkness; yet the long-suffering of God hath spared you until now, to make up your accounts.
IV. Shew your self truly thankful for this inestimable favour, by making right use of it, spending the time which is given you in do∣ing some good, in working while it is called to day, before the night cometh, wherein no man can work.
V. The Evening of the day is now come upon you, and for ought you know the end of your life may be as nigh at hand, when you shall be called to account how you have spent your time here.
VI. Begin therefore with your self before-hand.
When you have done with the world, and all business and com∣pany,
and are retired to your pri∣vacy and quiet, sit down and call your self to a strict account how you have spent this day; what you have done, what you have left undone; what good you have neglected, what evil you have committed.
Where you perceive you have done well, give thanks to God, and ascribe it and all the Honour of it to him alone, who hath en∣abled you to perform it, working in you both to will and to do.
Where you have omitted your duty, or otherwise done ill, con∣fess and humble your self before him, and earnestly desire pardon and reconciliation.
If you have wronged or offen∣ded any one this day, desire God to forgive you, and resolve to make satisfaction. If any one have wronged or offended you, freely forgive them, and desire God to confirm your pardon by adding his.
How can he sleep at quiet that is not at peace with God, and in charity with the World?
And consider that if this be done constantly and sincerely eve∣ry night, whensoever it shall please God to call you to judg∣ment, you will have but one day to answer for.
VII. The Son of Man com∣eth as a thief in the night,* 1.48 at an hour when you are not aware: be careful that he may find you watching, and imployed about his Service.
Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing, Mat. 24. 46.
Evening Prayer.
IN the night I lift up my hands towards thy Sanctuary, and bless thy Name, Psal. 134. 2, 3.
The Lord hath granted his lo∣ving kindness in the day-time, and in the night-season also will I sing of him, and make my pray∣er unto the God of my life, Psal. 42. 10.
As long as I live will I magnifie thee in this manner, and lift up my hands in thy Name.
Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the Incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an Evening Sacrifice, Psal. 14. 1, 2.
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 Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou my lips,
And my mouth shall shew forth thy Praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Psal. 91.WHoso dwelleth under the defence of the most High, shall abide under the sha∣dow of the Almighty.
I will say unto the Lord, Thou art my hope, and my strong hold; my God, in him will I trust.
For he shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunter, and from the noisom pestilence.
He shall defend thee under his wings, and thou shalt be safe un∣der his feathers. His Faithful∣ness and Truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day:
For the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor for the sickness that destroyeth in the noon-day.
A thousand shall fall beside thee, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Yea with thine eyes shalt thou behold, and see the reward of the ungodly.
For thou Lord, art my hope: thou hast set thine house of de∣fence very high.
There shall no evil happen un∣to thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall hear thee in their hands, that thou hurt not thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt go upon the Lion
and Adder; the young Lion and the Dragon shalt thou tread under thy feet.
Because he hath set his love up∣on me, therefore shall I deliver him; I shall set him up, because he hath known my Name.
He shall call upon me, and I will hear him: yea I am with him in trouble, I will deliver him, and bring him to Honour.
With long life will I satisfie him, and shew him my Salvation.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Psal. 121.I Will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence com∣eth my help.
My help cometh from the Lord,
which hath made Heaven and Earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved, and he that keepeth thee will not sleep.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord himself is thy Keep∣er: the Lord is thy defence upon the right hand;
So that the Sun shall not burn thee by day, neither the Moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil, yea it is even he that shall keep thy Soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, from this time forth for ever∣more.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
The Song of Simeon.
LOrd, now lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace, ac∣cording to thy Word, Luke 2. 29.
For mine eyes have seen thy Salvation.
Which thou hast prepared be∣fore the face of all people,
To be a Light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the Glory of thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
BLessed be thy holy Name, O Lord my God, who hast shewed me the light of thy coun∣tenance,* 1.49 and caused me to see thy goodness in
the land of the living: who hast preserved me in all my ways, and delivered me from all the dangers and evils of this day, and brought me safe thus far of my life to the beginning of this night.
O Lord, I beseech thee forsake me not in the vanishing of my days, but still contiuue the pro∣tection of thy graci∣ous hand upon me:* 1.50 be thou my light and defence, my guide and guard, through the valley of misery and tears, and the shadow of death, to that Holy Hill, where thine Honour and our Rest dwelleth.
Give me grace to remember the many days of darkness,* 1.51 and prevent the long night of Death by a timely preparation for it; that being always ready and pro∣vided, whensoever thou shalt call me to judgment, I may give an acceptable account how I have spent my time here.
Lord, as we add days to our days, so we add sins to our sins.
Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy Son, Luke 15. 21.
But I will confess my wicked∣ness, and be sorry for my sins, Psal. 30. 18.
THus have I wandred from the right way of thy Com∣mandments, walking after the foolish Imaginations of mine own corrupt heart, and wearying my self in the by-ways of vanity and wickedness all the day long.
But now, O Lord, I desire to turn from my evil ways; and
evening after even∣ing I return to thee with all my heart,* 1.52 and seek thy face: O hide not thou thy face from me, nor cast thy servant away in displeasure.
Out of the deep my soul crieth unto thee;* 1.53 O hear my voice,* 1.54 and have mercy upon me. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, after thy great goodness; accord∣ing to the multitude of thy mer∣cies do away mine offences. Wash me throughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin.
Forgive and put away all mine offences and abominations, for the merits and satisfaction of thy dear Son: in him be reconciled unto me, and restore me again to thy grace and favour, to the peace and comfort and communi∣on of thy holy Spirit, that mine eyes may see thy Salvation, and
thy Servant may depart in peace, Luke 2. 29, 30.
And now, O Lord, I go to my bed as to my grave, and know not but that I may awake in ano∣ther world: Live or die I com∣mend my self to thy mercy and goodness, beseeching thee to re∣ceive me under the wings of thy protection, where I may rest safe and secure from all evils.
And with my self I commend unto thee all whom any relation or occasion hath made near or dear unto me—
Thou Keeper of Is∣raei, who dost nei∣ther slumber nor sleep,* 1.55 receive us all into thy keeping, and preserve our Souls in perpe∣tual peace and safety.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep
our hearts and minds in the know∣ledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord:
And the blessing of God Al∣mighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with us this night, the rest of our lives, and for evermore. Amen.
NOW beside this daily and ordinary Confession and Repentacne, it were good to set apart some particular times, once a week (on Fridays) or at least once a month, for a more solemn Humiliation.
In which you may proceed by these several steps.
I. Take an exect survey of the state of your Soul: Examine your self strictly, and search into eve∣ry corner of your heart.
Recollect and reckon up parti∣cularly,
as far as you can remem∣ber, all the several sins and abo∣minations of your past life, espe∣cially since your last solemn Ac∣count.
Represent every one in his own colours, with all the several cir∣cumstances of aggravation and odiousness you can call to mind.
II. Labour to get a true and through sight and sense of the vile∣ness and misery of your conditi∣on.
Consider in what a dangerous and deplorable state you had been, if God, should have taken you away in this course without Repentance.
And hereupon you cannot but acknowledge and magnifie his mercy and long-suffering; that notwithstanding all these provo∣cations he hath yet forborn you thus long, and now by his good∣ness leads you to Repentance, Rom. 2. 4.
III. Strive to be seriously affected with a true and hearty sorrow for having so hainously offended so good and gracious a God.
Stedfastly resolve to forsake all these abominations, wherewith you have thus grieved his holy Spirit.
But be sure this be done sincere∣ly, withou reserving to your self any other darling sin.
Though it seem never so small, though it be never so dear to you, yet spare it not for any respect.
Though it be to you as your right hand, or your right eye, yet pluck it out, or cut it o••••, and cast it from you, Mat. 5. 29, 30.
It is better for you to enter into life halt or maimed, than to be cast whole into everlasting fire, Mat. 18. 8. Mat. 9. 43. 45. 47.
God will have all or none; he will not be content with a part, though never so great a part.
IV. Apply your self to God by a lively faith in his promises, of mer∣cy and pardon in the bloud of Je∣sus Christ.
Pour out your soul before him in an humble Confession of all your sins and abominations.
Beseech and importune him for the grace of godly sorrow, which may work in you true Repen∣tance, 2 Cor. 7. 10.
Implore his mercy and pardon in the merits and satisfaction of his dear Son Jesus Christ.
V. Offer up your self wholly into his hands with a promise and vow of new life, and more diligent performance of your duty.
And desire the gracious in flu∣ence of his Holy Spirit, as well for a seal of your Pardon, as to excite, and assist, and enable you to perform his will for the fu∣ture.
VI. And though it be impossible for you to make restitution or satisfa∣ction to God for the wrongs and affronts which in every single sin you have offered to his Glory; yet to shew the sincerity and rea∣diness of your will according to your Power, set your self with most diligence to the perfor∣mance of those Duties wherein you have been most defective.
And act a kind of holy revenge upon those sins of which you have been most gulity, by setting your self most zealously to the practice of the contrary vertues.
VII. And this your reconciliation to God it will be fit (I may say necessary) to make your peace with the world:
By making restitution and satis∣faction to all that you have wronged; by desiring pardon of those you have offended; and
O Lord, the Great and Dreadful God,* 1.58 keeping the Co∣venant, and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his Commandments; we have sinned, and have committed ini∣quity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled: even by de∣parting from thy precepts, and from thy judgments.
By our impious and godless thoughts of Thee;* 1.59 our confidence
in the arm of flesh; by placing our affections on earthly things, and neglecting to love and de∣light in Thee; by presuming of thy mercies, and yet continuing in our sins,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day, Dan. 9. 7.
By our want of reverence to thy Service, not considering the awfulness of thy Presence, and that honour due to Thee in thy House; by our formal and hypo∣critical worship; by open profa∣nation and sacriledge; by shews and Pretences of piety to cover our worldly and wicked designs,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs
unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By our vain and rash oaths, blasphemies and perjuries; by our execrations on our selves, our brethren, and our enemies,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By undervaluing thy publick Service, and neglecting to bear a part in it; by mispending that time either there or elswhere in wanton or worldly thoughts or imployments; by not keeping the Spiritual Sabbath unto Thee, in serving Thee truly all the days of our lives; by not duly obser∣ving the times of Festivity or Fa∣sting appointed by just Authority,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By not duly acknowledging thine ordinance and authority in the persons of our Superiours; by speaking evil of dignities, and reviling the Rulers of thy people; by groundless jealousies and suspi∣cions, mis-judging and censuring their actions; by being as a people that strive with their Priests, and not submitting our selves to those who by thy ap∣pointment watch over our souls; by neglecting those committed to our charge, not correcting those sins which have cried loud for examplary punishment,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By rash anger, malice, hatred, revenge, and the bloudy effects thereof; by uncharitable con∣tentions and divisions, factions and animosities; by cruelty and unmercifulness, and communica∣ting in the sins of bloud,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By the manifold sins of unclean∣ness, by seeking or not avoiding the occasions thereof; by idle∣ness, intemperance and drunken∣ness, by immodest words and gestures, by shameless boasting or not blushing at those sins,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By thefts, rapines, and op∣pressions; by vexatious suits pra∣ctised and countenanced; by ex∣actions, and unjust gains in bar∣gaining; by defrauding the la∣bourer of his hire, by want of due care in expending what we have, and a good conscience in acqui∣ring more,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By lying, detraction, and con∣tumely; by censuring and rash judgment; by false witness, and perverting the course of justice,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee,
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By uncontentedness and desi∣ring change in our estates; by giving our selves over to lustful, covetous, and inordinate affecti∣ons; by neglecting acts of Chari∣ty, and doing as we would be done to, and not doing our duty in that state of life unto which it hath pleased Thee to call us,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By fretting our selves because of the ungodly, and being envi∣ous against the evil-doer; by not loving our enemies, not blessing them that curse us, not doing good to them that hate us, nor praying for those that despight∣fully use us, and persecute us,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By presuming to do evil that good may come thereof; by pla∣cing piety in opinions; by strain∣ing at Gnats, and swallowing of Camels, scrupling at things in∣different, and making no consci∣ence of known sins,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By running into open profane∣ness, under colour of avoiding Superstition; by guiding our con∣science by humours and phansies, and not by the certain rules of thy Law; by having itching ears, and heaping to our selves Teach∣ers, and by having mens persons
in admiration because of advan∣tage,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face as at this day.
By impatience under thy cor∣recting hand, not endeavouring our amendment by it, and reflect∣ing on our own sins as the causes of it; by despising thy chastise∣ments, and not rejoycing in tri∣bulations, nor glorifying Thee that hast counted us worthy to suffer for righteousness sake,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
By our want and neglect of
those necessary Christian duties of Humiliation and godly sorrow for sin, of indignation and re∣venge upon our selves for it, of confessing and forsaking, of re∣stitution and satisfaction to others; and not by bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance,
We have provoked and rebel∣led against Thee.
O Lord, righteousnnss belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day.
WHO can tell how oft he offendeth? O cleanse Thou us from these, and from our secret sins, Psal. 19. 22.
Try us, O good God, and search the ground of our hearts; prove us and examine our thoughts.
Look well if there be any other way of wickedness in us; and lead us in the way everlasting, Psal. 139. 23, 24.
Behold, O Lord, we are here before Thee in our sins; we stand guilty of these and many more, not only of all sorts, but of all de∣grees also; and we know and con∣fess, that the least of these de∣serves no less than the wages of eternal death.
But if Thou,* 1.60 Lord, shouldst be extreme to mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it? If Thou shouldst thus severe∣ly proceed in judgment against us,* 1.61 our spirits should fail before Thee, and those souls which Thou hast made.
Deal thou with us therefore,* 1.62 O Lord, not after the multitude of our sins, but accord∣ing to the multitude of thy mer∣cies. Turn away thy face from our sins, and behold that Son of thy Love in thine own bosom,
that doth not only intercede, but hath satisfied; not only request and intreat, but even require and challenge Thee to have mercy up∣on us.
For his sake therefore, we beseech Thee, have this mercy upon us, to make us capable of thy mercies. Send down the dew of thy Hea∣venly grace, that may melt and mollifie our frozen and stony hearts, that we may see and con∣fess, and hate, and forsake, and sincerely repent us of all our past sins and abominations, and turn from the evil of our former ways, to Thee that art the Way, the Truth, and the Life, John 14. 6.
And then, O Lord, do Thou return to us also; forgive the Debt which hath been discharged by the precious bloud of thy dear Son, and seal to us our pardon by the gift of thy holy Spirit, which for the time to come may prevent, excite, and enable us to
walk before Thee in holiness and rigtheousness all our days: that having cast off the works of darkness,* 1.63 and put on the ar∣mour of light, we may like va∣liant Soldiers fight that good fight against all tempta∣tions of the world,* 1.64 the flesh, and the Devil; that having finished our course, we may receive of Thee that crown of life which Thou hast promised to them that continue faithful unto death, Rev. 2. 10.
And all for his sake, who by his death hath overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life. To him, with Thee, and the Holy Spirit, be all Honour and Glory, world with∣out end, Amen.
What reward shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?
I will take the cup of Salvation, and call upon the Name of the Lord.
I will wash my bands in innocen∣cy: so will I compass thine Altar, O Lord.
THere yet remains one princi∣pal piece of Devotion, and that without which there is in∣deed no Devotion; it being the Sacrifice, in the Smoke of which our prayers must ascend up before him that sitteth on the Throne.
Now although God being him∣self a Spirit, desires al∣so to be worshipped in Spirit;* 1.65 and in his own respect cares not for these out∣ward and sensible performances; yet because the minds of men, be∣ing as it were shut up in this pri∣son of the Body, can receive little information or affection but what is conveyed to them by the Sense, it hath pleased him to accommo∣date himself to our imperfection
and infirmity, and appoint cer∣tain Ceremonies or outward acti∣ons which working immediately upon the Senses, are by them conveyed in unto the Soul, and make on it a more powerful im∣pression of that which is signified by those sensible actions.
Such are Looking up toward Heaven when we speak to God, Kneeling when we pray to him, Standing up when we praise him, and Bowing at the mention of his Sacred Name; such is the dip∣ping in water, and signing with the Cross in the Sacrament of Bap∣tism: and such is the receiving of Bread and Wine in this other, of which we speak.
For though the eating of Bread and drinking of Wine are in them∣selves actions so very ordinary, that they are also very inconside∣rable; yet in this they are made use of to signifie to us the most extraordinary and excellent mer∣cy
that ever the Great King of Heaven bestowed upon his poor Subjects and Servants here on earth. For,
I. It is the Commemoration of the death of his own only Son for the redemption of lost Mankind; the wounding of his body signified by the breaking of Bread, and the shedding of his Bloud by the pouring out of Wine.
II. Besides this, it is also an Evi∣dence of Gods reconciliation and favour to us, and demonstrati∣on that we are in League and Amity with him, in that we are admitted to his own Table, to eat of his Bread, and drink of his Cup.
III. It is a means and instrument of conveying grace and strength to the Souls of Worthy Receivers.
IV. It is our Sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for all his mercies and blessings; particularly tem∣poral, the good things of this World, the fruits of the Earth, which we here offer unto him un∣der these two Principal of Bread and Wine.
THis then being a Service so acceptable to God and so beneficial, so necessary for men, it were but reason to expect that all good Christians would shew themselves ready and forward to the performance of it.
And accordingly in the first Age of the Church, when Reli∣gion and Zeal were in their youth and vigour, it was the good cu∣stom to celebrate this Sacrament (if not every day as it is thought,
yet at least) every Lords day.
But afterward as Piety began to grow more dull, and Love more cold, it was by little and little brought down to once a Month.
And this Order still remains in the Church of God, (though now somewhat disturbed by pre∣vailing Sectaries among us.) And at those times the Supper is ap∣pointed to be made ready, and the Table furnished for all such as can think fit to spare so much time from their worldly business, to come to the Marriage-feast of the great King of Heaven. For herein they are yet left to more liberty, and not necessarily re∣quired to come oftner than thrice a year.
And truly such is the negli∣gence of many (who yet would be accounted Christians) that they are not ashamed to stretch this libetty to the utmost. Yea,
and it were well if even then they would come meetly provided, and had not more respect to the Shame of the World, than to the Honour of God, or their own Good.
Certainly any sober Christian cannot consider without shame and indignation how much Man∣kind are fallen from their first love.
But that which is ordinarily brought for an excuse, is in it self so unworthy and unreasonable, that it makes this Neglect yet more abominable and intolerable.
And indeed it is somewhat worse than that for which those invited in the Gospel received a severe Cen∣sure.* 1.66 There it was,* 1.67 they were taken up with their several Affairs, one had bought a farm, or a Yoke of oxen; another had married a wife;
and therefore they could not come. But here one is engaged in such a sin, which he hath no mind to leave yet; another is not in cha∣rity; and in general they are not prepared, and therefore they can∣not, that is, they will not come.
Such is the ridiculous madness of men in this barbarous and bru∣tish Age, that they can think fit to excuse and justifie one fault by pretending more and greater.
But if you are not prepared to meet your Saviour at his Table, to celebrate the memorial of his Mercy how would you appear before him at his Seat of Judg∣ment, to which yet you know not but you may be sooner called?
If therefore you could wish to be always provided for Death, which often comes suddenly, al∣ways uncertainly, think not much to bestow a little time in prepa∣ring your self for this Sacrament, as often as you may have an
opportunity of receiving it.
And those which in these days of Captivity have not that conve∣nience of receiving from the hands of them who have authority to give it, may yet do well not to omit the Duty of Preparation. Let them do that which they can, and for that which they cannot God will accept the will for the deed.
THE best Preparation to this holy Duty is a continued habit of holy living, and frequent meditation upon Heaven and Heavenly things; particularly the great mercies of God in the Bloud of Jesus Christ.
But because the minds of men cannot be always so intent and circumspect, but that they need some more solemn Excitations
and Exercises, it will be requisite to set apart some few days before to be imployed more particularly in this business.
I. Therefore Examine your self, and inquire strictly into the state of your Soul, and take a view of your whole Life, especially since the time of your last Recieving.
Observe and consider how you have performed this duty former∣ly, whether worthily or unwor∣thily, and what good or ill effect it hath wrought in you; what progress you have made in Grace and Goodness, or whether you grow worse and worse in sin; and what are the Causes and Oc∣casions of either.
II. Confess and humble your self be∣fore God, and earnestly intreat and contend for his mercy, and pardon, and reconciliation, and grace and favour in the Merits of
Jesus Christ; that he will wash you from all your Pollutions in his Bloud, and cloath you in the White robe of his Righteousness, that so having on a Wedding garment,* 1.68 you may be a welcom Guest to his Table.
And here solemnly renew that Promise and vow which you for∣merly made in that other Sacra∣ment of Baptism, and repeated since every time you have recei∣ved this. That you will forsake Sin and Satan, and cleave to the Lord your God with all your heart, and by the assistance of his gracious Spirit walk before him uprightly, and serve him in holi∣ness and righteousness all the days of your Life.
III. Consider, that you are now to communicate not only with God, but also with the congregation of your fellow Christians; and that
the Rule and Essential Character, by which you are to know and de∣clare that you love God is, that you love your brother also, I John 4. 21.
Therefore take care to recon∣cile your self with the World; by freely forgiving and meekly desiring forgiveness, and endea∣vouring to restore and establish peace and charity, and brotherly kindness, aud right understand∣ing between your self and all with whom you have had any kind of difference.
IV. Recollect and raise up your thoughts from the earth and worldly things, and devoutly meditate on heavenly and spiri∣tual matters; such as,
1. The Creation and Fall of Mankind, and the great Miseries which we were thereby engaged in.
2. The inestimable Mercy and
Goodness of God in bestowing his own only Son for our redemption, and restoring us again to a capa∣city and hope of his heavenly good things.
3. The incomparable love of Christ, in that he vouchsafed to be born meanly, to live in pover∣ty and contempt, to die in shame and torment, and endure those pains which were due to us for our sins, that he might redeem and rescue us from both.
These and such like are to be remembred, and considered with joy, and thanks, and praise.
NOW for particular Forms of Prayers, Meditations, and other Exercises of Devotion, before, and at, and after the ho∣ly Sacrament, the many books designed peculiarly to that pur∣pose
will abundantly furnish you with such, and these short ones following will not hinder the use of them.
DEpart from me, for I am a sinful Man, O Lord, Luke 5. 8.
I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof.
For the House of my Soul, which thou hadst made a fit Temple for thy Holy Spirit to inhabit in, I have defaced and defiled with all manner of pollu∣tions and abominations. It is be∣come a den of ravenous beasts, and a cage of unclean Birds, and every corner so crowded with fil∣thiness, that Thou wilt not find where to lay thy head, Luke 9. 58.
But Thou, O Lord, which de∣spisest
not a penitent Sinner, but hast promised to dwell with the humble and contrite spirit, I be∣seech Thee cast me not away from thy presence, but cast out all pro∣faneness and uncleanness out of my heart, and remove every thing that may offend the pure eyes of thy Glory, and the holi∣ness of thy Presence: and then, O Lord, vouchsafe to come and enter in, and dwell there, and abide with me for ever.
Behold, O Lord, I am before Thee in my sins, clothed with filthy garments, and Satan standing at my right hand,* 1.69 accusing me, and bringing my transgressi∣ons into remembrance before Thee, with loud clamours for justice against me.
O Lord I acknowledge and confess my self guilty, and that I have deserved the utmost of thy wrath and indignation.
But, O Lord, I appeal from thy seat of Judgment to thy Throne of Grace and Mercy, humbly beseeching Thee to re∣buke and repel the malicious Ac∣cuser of thy servants, and hear∣ken to the intercession of our Ad∣vocate in thine own bosom; For his sake have mercy upon me, and pardon my offences, and blot out the Hand-writing that is against me, and put away all mine iniquities, and drown them in the depth of the Sea.
Wash me throughly from all my pollutions in that fountain which Thou hast opened for Judah and Jerusalem to purifie in;* 1.70 and then cloath me in that white robe of thy Sons righteousness, the Wedding-garment requisite at this Feast, and admit me to thy Table which Thou hast prepared for thy children.
And grant, O Lord, that
when I have tasted of these thy Heavenly dainties, I may no more return like the Dog to his vomit,* 1.71 nor as the Sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire; but I may keep my self un∣spotted from the world, and walk before Thee in all purity and ho∣liness.
And now, O Lord, Thou in∣vitest and exhortest me to come to thy holy Table.
O my God, I know mine own unworthiness: yet in the multitude of thy mercies I will humbly approach to thine Alter,* 1.72 beseech∣ing Thee to behold me not with a severe, but a gracious eye.
Thou knowest the earnest de∣sire of my Soul: be thou pleased to pass by the weak∣ness of the flesh,* 1.73 and accept the willingness
of the spirit; and grant that I may now receive this holy Sacra∣ment to the Honour and Glory of thy Name, and the Good and comfort and Salvation of my own Soul.
The good Lord par∣don every one that pre∣pareth his heart to seek God,* 1.74 the Lord God of his Fa∣thers, though he be not accord∣ing to the Purification of the San∣ctuary.
O Blessed Lord God, who hast given us thine only Son to lay down his life for our Sins, and his flesh for the food and nourishment of our Souls; purge and purifie my vile and sin∣ful Soul, that it may be a fit ha∣bitation for his pure, unspotted,
and precious Body, and that no unclean thing may presume to en∣ter where his holy feet have trod, from henceforth for ever.
BLessed be thy holy Name, O Lord my God, who hast vouchsafed to feed me with that Bread from Heaven, the Flesh of thy dear Son; grant that in the strength of this food I may walk before thee in holiness and righte∣ousness all the days of my life,* 1.75 till I come to the Mount of God, the holy Hill, where thine Honour and our Rest dwel∣leth.
O Blessed Lord God, who hast given the Bloud of thine only Son to be shed for our sins, and to refresh and restore our weary gasping Souls; cleanse and sanctifie me, O Lord, that I may receive this cup with a pure heart, and not with polluted lips, to the eternal comfort and re∣freshment of my Soul.
BLessed be thy holy Name, O Lord my God, who hast vouchsafed me to drink of this Fountain of Living Water, the precious bloud of thy dear Son; grant that this holy Cup may be an Antidote and Preservative against all sin and evil, and may
keep my Soul in health and strength to the end of my days.
O Lord,* 1.76 who didst not despise nor forsake Man trans∣gressing thy commandment and falling:
But as a tender-bowell'd Father didst visit him sundry ways;
Giving him that great and preci∣ous Promise concerning the Blessed quickning Seed.
Opening unto him a door of Faith and Repentance unto life:
And in the fulness of time sending the same Christ to take the Seed of Abraham:
And by the oblation of his life to fulfill the obedience of the Law,
And by the sacrifice of his Death to take away the curse thereof,
By his death to redeem the World,
And by his Resurrection to quick∣en the same.
Who didst all things to this end, to bring back Mankind to thee, that he might be partaker of the Divine Nature, and Eternal Glory.
Who diddest attest the Truth of thy Gospel,
By many and manifold Miracles,
By the ever-memorable Conver∣sation of thy Saints,
By their supernatural patience under torments,
By the most wonderful Conversi∣on of the whole World unto the Obe∣dience of Faith, without Strength, Rhetorick or Force.
Blessed, praised, and hallowed be thy Name, the Mention and Me∣mory, and all the Monuments there∣of, both now and for ever. Amen.
LOrd, what is Man that thou art mindful of him, or the Son of man that thou visitest him? Psal. 144. 3.
What is thy Servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I? 2 Sam. 9. 8.
The Dogs eat of the crums that fall from their Masters Table;* 1.77 but thou hast fed me with the Bread of thy Children, and given me to drink of thine own Cup.
Thou hast fed me in a green pasture, and leadest me forth be∣side the waters of comfort, Psal. 23. 2.
O taste and see how gracious the Lord is: Blessed is the man
that trusteth in him. Psal. 34. 8.
What reward shall I render un∣to the Lord for all his benefits to∣ward me; Psal. 116. 12.
Lord, I offer up unto thee my self, my Soul and Body, and all that I am and have, beseeching thee graciously to receive me for thy servant, to dwell in thy House, and praise thy Name for ever∣more, Psal. 84. 4.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth,
THou art worthy, O Lord, to receive Glory, and Ho∣nour, and Power; For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were crea∣ted, Rev. 4. 11.
Thou art worthy to take the Book, and to open the Seals thereof for thou hast slain, and hast redeemed us to our God, out of every Kindred, and Tongue, and people, and Nation; and hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests, Revel. ••. 9.
Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the Throne, and to the Lamb. Amen.
Blessing, and Glory, and Wis∣dom, and Thanksgiving, and Honour, and Power, and Might, be unto God for ever and ever. Amen. Rev. 7. 10, 12.
AND now you have thus so∣lemnly devoted and conse∣crated your self to God and his
service, beware that you do not fall back, and return to your former course of sin,* 1.78 like the dog to his own vomit; or as the Ser∣pent, which casts up his Poison when he goes to drink, and when he hath quenched his thirst, re∣turns and sucks it up again.
And thus some are content to leave their sins at the Church-door, but with an intent to take them up again when they come out.
But God will not be so mock∣ed.
And know this, That if you have well and worthily perform'd this Duty to day, yet if you do not persevere in Piety, as you have promised and begun, not only your former sins, but even the piety of this day shall one day rise up in judgment against you.
But a diligent Watching and wariness over your ways after this, will be the best preparation against the next time.
AND now I cannot think any Conclusion more fit and proper for this daily course of Devout Life, than a short medi∣tation on that which shall be the Conclusion of Life it self.
I. First therefore, consider the shortness and miseries of this Life, That our days consume in vanity, and our years Psal. in trouble; That our whole Life is but as a Dream, and when Death awakes us, we find our hands empty of all that which hath cost us so much la∣bour, and travel, and sorrow, and sin.
II. Remember the swiftness and suddenness of Death;* 1.79 That our days are but a span-long,* 1.80 and our flourishing but as a flower of the field, which though it be not plucked up, yet soon withers of it self, and falls away.
The Young may dye soon, but the Old cannot live long.
III. Remember that in this short life, we are yet to provide for an Eternity either of weal or woe; and therefore cannot be too care∣ful how we spend every minute of that upon which depends a matter of so great, so lasting impor∣tance.
IV. There is but one way of Birth, but many ways and means of Death: and our Life hangs by so small a thred, that every little Chance is ready to break it off.
V. After Death we are immedi∣ately called to Judgment before the high Court of Heaven, to give a severe account how we have performed that duty to which we were created; and according∣ly to receive an irrevocable sen∣tence of eternal happiness or mi∣sery.
VI. The Judge, before whom we shall stand, is infinite both in Knowledge and Power; so that it is impossible either to hide any thing from his all-seeing eye, or to escape out of the reach of his Almighty hand.
VII. The Lord cometh in a day when we look not for him,* 1.81 and in an hour when we are not aware: Let us therefore watch, and wait for his coming, that when he knocketh, we may open unto him im∣mediately, Vers. 36.
How dangerous and deplorable a condition would it be, to be found and taken away in the midst of any Sin, or in a continued course of sinful Life?
On the contrary: How hap∣py, and blessed, and joyful a thing would it be, to be found practising and persevering in that which is good?
Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing, Luke 12. 43.
O Eternal Lord God, who hast created the World and all Time, who hast made my days as it were a span long, and mine Age even as no∣thing in respect of thee:* 1.82 Teach me so to
number my days, that I may ap∣ply my heart to thy Heavenly Wisdom, and so carefully imploy this short time which thou hast appointed me to spend here, so make up thy reckonings before that great day come, that when∣soever thou shalt call me hence, I may give such an account of the Talent wherewith thou hast in∣trusted me, that I may receive that joyful Sentence,
Well done, good and faithful Servant, Mat. 25. 21.
Grant that I may be always provided with Oil in my Lamp,* 1.83 and ready to enter in with the Wise Virgins whensoever the Bridegroom shall come, and re∣ceive a blessing among those which watch and wait for thy coming.
So come, Lord Jesu, come quickly. Amen. Rev. 22. 20.
Let us hear the Conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God, and keep his Com∣mandments; for this is the whole duty of Man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether is be good, or whe∣ther it be evil.
I. IS it nothing to you,* 1.84 all ye that pass by? Behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.
The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand; they are wreathed and come up upon my neck. He hath made my Srength to fail; the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up. The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me; he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men. The Lord hath trodden the Virgin the Daughter of Judah as in a Wine-press, and all her beauty is departed from her.
Zion stretcheth forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her.
Her adversaries are the chief, her Enemies prosper; for the Lord hath afflicted her. For the multitude of her transgressions her children are gone into captivity before the Enemy.
For these things I weep:* 1.85 mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water; because the Comforter that should relieve my Soul is far from me. My Children are deso∣late because the Enemy prevail∣ed.
The Lord is righ∣teous;* 1.86 for I have rebelled against his Commandment.
Behold, O Lord, for I am in distress. My bowels are trou∣bled, my heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebel∣led.
Abroad the Sword berea∣veth, at home there is as death.
They have heard that I sigh; there is none to comfort me. All mine Enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it.
II. How hath the Lord covered the Daughter of Zion with a Cloud in his anger,* 1.87 and cast down from Heaven unto the Earth the Beauty of Israel, and remembred not his footstool in the day of his anger!
He hath cut off in his fierce an∣ger all the Srength of Israel. He hath polluted the Kingdom and the Princes thereof. Her King and her Princes are among the Gentiles: they are become like Harts that find no Pasture, and they are gone without strength before the Pursuer, Chap. 1. 6.
The Law is no more;* 1.88 her Pro∣phets also find no Vision from the Lord. The Lord hath cast off his Alter, he hath abhorred his Sanctuary, and vio∣lently taken away his Tabernacle, and destroyed his places of the Assembly. The Lord hath cau∣sed the Solemn Feasts and Sab∣baths to be forgotten in Zion; and hath despised in the indigna∣tion of his anger the King and the Priest.
All that pass by clap their hands at thee;* 1.89 they hiss and wag their head at the Daughter of Jerusa∣lem. Is this the City that men call the perfection of Beauty, the Joy of the whole Earth?
Behold, O Lord, and consider to whom thou hast done this, Vers. 20.
III. Remember mine af∣fliction and my misery,* 1.90 and the wormwood and the gall.
My Soul hath them still in re∣membrance, and is humbled in me.
This I recal to mind, there∣fore have I hope.
It is of the Lords mercies that we are not consumed,* 1.91 be∣cause his Compassions fail not:
They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness.
For the Lord will not cast off for ever: but though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies: for he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the Chil∣dren of men.
Wherefore doth a living man complain,* 1.92 a man for the punish∣ment of his sins?
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.
IV. The Lord hath ac∣complished his fury,* 1.93 he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath de∣voured the foundations thereof.
The Kings of the Earth, and all the Inhabitants of the World, would not have beleived that the Adversary and the Enemy should have entered into the Gates of Jerusalem.
The anger of the Lord hath divided them,* 1.94 he will no more regard them. They respected
not the persons of the Priests, they favoured not the Elders.
As for us, our eyes as yet fail∣ed for our vain help; in our watching we have watched for a Nation that could not save us.
They hunt our steps that we cannot go into the streets. Our Persecutors are swifter than the Eagles of the Heavens; they pur∣sued us upon the Mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
The Breath of our nostrils the Anointed of the Lord,* 1.95 was ta∣ken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the Heathen.
V. Remember, O Lord what is come upon us:* 1.96 consider and behold our reproach.
Our Inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.
We are Orphans and Father∣less; our Mothers are as Wi∣dows.
Servants have ruled over us;* 1.97 there is none that doth deliver us out of their hand.
Princes are hanged up by their hand. The Faces of the Elders were not honoured.
The Joy of our Heart is cea∣sed: our Dance is turned into Mourning.
The Crown is fallen from our head: Wo unto us that we have sinned.
For this our Heart is faint;* 1.98 for these things our eyes are dim.
Thou, O Lord, re∣mainest for ever,* 1.99 thy Throne from generati∣on to generation.
Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time?
Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned: renew our days as of old.
I. O God,* 1.100 wherefore art thou absent from us so long? Why is thy Wrath so hot against the Sheep of thy pasture?
Remember the congregation which thou hast purchased of old; the lot of thine Inheritance, and this Mount Sion wherein thou hast dwelt.
O God, the Heathen are come into thine In∣heritance:* 1.101 thy holy Temple have they defiled, and laid Jerusalem on heaps.
They have cast fire into thy Sanctuary,* 1.102 they have defiled the dwelling place of thy Name unto the ground.
We are become a re∣proach to our Neigh∣bours,* 1.103 a scorn and de∣rision to them that are round about us.
Lord, how long wilt thou be angry? shall thy jealousie burn like fire for ever?
O remember not our old sins: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us, for we are brought very low.
Help us, O God of our Salva∣tion, for the glory of thy Name; deliver us, and purge away our sins for thy Names sake.
Wherefore should the Heathen say, whereis their God?
Remember this, O Lord,* 1.104 that the Enemy hath re∣proached, and the Foolish people have blasphemed, thy Name.
O deliver not the Soul of thy Turtle Dove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the Con∣gregation of thy poor for ever.
Have respect unto the Cove∣nant: for the dark places of the Earth are full of the habitations of Cruelty.
O let not the Oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy Name.
Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee dai∣ly.
Forget not the voice of thine Enemies: the noise of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.
II. HEar,* 1.105 O thou Shepherd of Is∣rael, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock: thou that dwellest between the Cherubims shew thy self.
O Lord God of Hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the Prayer of thy people?
Thou feedest them with the bread of weeping, and givest them plenty of tears to drink.
Thou makest us a strife unto our Neighbours, and our Ene∣mies laugh among themselves.
Turn us again, O God of Hosts, and cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.
Thou hast brought a Vine out of E∣gypt;* 1.106 thou hast cast out the Heathen and planted it.
Thou preparedst the Soil be∣fore
it, and didst cause it to take root and it filled the Land.
The Hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the goodly Cedars with the branches there∣of.
She sent out her Boughs into the Sea, and her Branches upon the River.
Why hast thou then broken down her Hedges, so that all they that pass by the way do spoil her?
The Boar out of the Wood doth waste it, and the Wild Beast of the Feild doth devour it.
Return, we beseech thee, O Lord of Hosts; look down from Heaven, behold and visit this Vine;
And the Root which thy Right Hand hath planted, and the Branch which thou madest strong for thy self.
Let thy Hand be up∣on the Man of thy Right Hand,* 1.107 upon the
Son of Man whom thou madest strong for thy self.
So will not we go back from thee. Quicken us, and we will call upon thy Name.
Turn us again, O Lord God of Hosts, cause thy face to shine, and we shall be whole.
III. O God, thou hast cast us off,* 1.108 thou hast scattered us; thou hast also been displeased; O turn thee unto us again.
Thou hast made the Land to tremble; thou hast broken it: Heal the Breaches thereof, for it shaketh.
Thou hast shewed thy people heavy things; thou hast made us to drink the Wine of Astonish∣ment.
For thou hast for∣saken and abhorred thine Anointed,* 1.109 and
hast been displeased at him.
Thou hast broken the Cove∣nant of thy Servant, and hast pro∣faned his Crown to the ground.
Thou hast broken down all his Hedges, and made his Strong Holds a Ruine.
All that pass by spoil him: he is become a reproach to his Neighbours.
Thou hast set up the Right hand of his Adversaries; thou hast made all his Enemies to re∣joyce.
Thou hast also turned the edge of his Sword, and givest him not victory in the Battel.
Thou hast made his glory to cease, and hast cast his Throne down to the ground.
The days of his Youth hast thou shortened, and covered him with dishonour.
How long, Lord, wilt thou hide thy self for ever? Shall thy wrath burn like fire.
Behold, O God, our Defender,* 1.110 and look upon the face of thine Anointed.
Comfort us again now after the days wherein thou hast afflicted us and the years wherein we have seen adversity.* 1.111
Shew thy Servants thy Work, and their Children thy glory. And the Glorious Majesty of the Lord our God be upon us.
IV. TRuly God is good to Isra∣el,* 1.112 even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipt:
For I was zealous at the foolish, when I saw the Prosperity of the wicked:
For they are in no peril of Death, but their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble with the weak, neither are they scourg∣ed like other men.
Therefore Pride compasseth them as a Chain, Violence cover∣eth them as a Garment.
Their eyes swell with fatness, they have surpassed the imaginati∣ons of their heart.
They deride and speak malici∣ously, from on high they speak Oppression.
They set their Mouth against the Heavens, and their Tongue walked through the Earth.
And they say, How doth God know? Is there Knowledge in the most High?
Behold, these are the Ungod∣ly, these prosper in the world, they increase in riches.
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain,* 1.113 and wash∣ed
my hands in innocency.
If I say, I will speak thus, I should offend against the genera∣tion of thy Children.
And I thought to know this which was grievous in my eyes.
And I went into the Sanctuary, then understood I the end of these men.
Surely thou settest them in slip∣pery places, thou castest them down into destruction.
How are they brought into de∣solation; As in a moment they are utterly consumed with ter∣rors.
As a Dream when one awa∣keth, so (Lord) when they awake thou shalt destroy their shadow.
Fret not thy self because of the evil doers;* 1.114 neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green Herb.
I have seen the wicked in great power, aud spreading himself like a green Tree:
And he passed away, and lo he was not; yea I sought him, but he could not be found.
Mark the perfect man, and be∣hold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.
But the Transgressors shall be destroyed together, and the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
For the Salvation of the righte∣ous of the Lord: he is their strength in time of trouble.
And the Lord shall help them and deliver them: he shall deli∣ver them from the wicked, and save them because they trust in him.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
I. O My God,* 1.115 I am a∣shamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniqui∣ties are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the Heavens. Since the days of our Fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our Kings and our Priests, been deli∣vered into the hand of the Enemy, to the sword, to Captivity, and to a Spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.
O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: Behold, we are be∣fore
thee in our trespasses, for we cannot stand before thee because of this.
Nevertheless,* 1.116 for thy great mercies sake consume us not utterly, nor forsake us; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the ter∣rible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee that hath come upon us, on our Kings, on our Princes, and on our Priests, and on our Prophets, and on our Fathers, and on all thy People.
Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us, for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly. Neither have our Kings, our Princes, our Priests, nor our Fathers, kept thy Law, nor hearkened unto thy Com∣mandments, and thy Testimonies wherewith thou didst testifie
against them: for they have not served thee in their Kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large aud fat Land which thou gavest before them; neither turn∣ed they from their wicked works.
Behold, we are servants this day; and for the Land that thou gavest unto our Fathers, to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it.
II. O Lord the great and dreadful God,* 1.117 keeping the Co∣venant and Mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his Commandments, we have sinned and have commit∣ted iniquity, and have done wick∣edly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.
Neither have we hearkened un∣to thy servants the Prophets, which spake in thy Name to our Kings, our Princes, and our Fa∣thers, and to all the people of the Land.
O Lord, righteousness belong∣eth unto thee, but unto us con∣fusion of face as at this day. O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our Kings, to our Princes, and to our Fathers, be∣cause we have sinned against thee.
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him.
Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his Laws which he hath set before us by his servants the Prophets: therefore the Curse is poured upon us, and he hath con∣firmed his words which he spake against us, and against our Judges that Judged us, by bringing upon
us a great evil; for under the whole Heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.
O Lord,* 1.118 according to all thy righteous∣ness, I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy holy moun∣tain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our Fathers, thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.
Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy Sanctu∣ary that is desolate, for the Lords sake.
O my God, incline thine ear and hear, open thine eyes and be∣hold our desolations, and the People which is called by thy Name; for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies.
O Lord hear, O Lord forgive, O Lord hearken and do: defer not for thine own sake, O my God; for thy people are called by thy Name.
III O Lord God,* 1.119 de∣stroy not thy People and thine In∣heritance, which thou hast re∣deemed through thy Greatness which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.
Look not unto the Stubborn∣ness of this People, nor to their Wickedness, nor to their Sin; lest the Land whence thou broughtest us out to say, Because the Lord was not able to bring them into the Land which he pro∣mised them, and because he ha∣ted them, he hath brought them out to flay them in the Wilder∣ness.
Yet they are thy People and thine Inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty Power, and by thy stretched-out Arm.
O my Father,* 1.120 if it be possible let this Cup pass from us: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Abba, Father, all things are possible un∣to thee;* 1.121 take away this Cup from us: nevertheless not ours, but thy will be done. Amen
O Blessed Lord, who in thine infinite mercy didst vouch∣safe to plant a glorious Church among us, and now in thy just judgment hast permitted our sins and follies to root it up; be plea∣sed at last to resume thoughts of Peace towards us, that we may do the like to one another. Lord, look down from Heaven, the Ha∣bitation of thy Holiness, and be∣hold the ruines of a desolate
Church, and compassionate to see her in the dust. Behold her, O Lord, not only broken, but crum∣bled; devided into so many Sects and Factions, that she no longer represents the Ark of the God of Israel, where the Covenant and the Manna were conserved, but the Ark of Noah, filled withall various sorts of unclean Beasts: and, to complete our misery and guilt, the spirit of division hath insinuated it self as well into our affections as our judgments; that badge of Discipleship which thou recommendest to us, is cast off, and all the contrary wrath and bit∣terness, anger and clamour called in to maintain and widen our breaches. O Lord, how long shall we thus violate and defame that Gospel of Peace that we profess? how long shall we thus madly de∣feat our selves, lose that Christia∣nity which we pretend to strive for; O thou which makest men
to be of one mind in an house, be pleased so to unite us, that we may be perfectly joyned together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. And now that in Civil affairs there seems some aptness to a Composure, O let not our Spiri∣tual differences be more unrecon∣cileable. Lord, let not the rongh∣est winds blow out of the Sanctu∣ary; let not those which should be thy Embassadours for Peace, still sound a Trumpet for War: but do thou reveal thy self to all our Eliah's in that still small voice, which may teach them to Echo thee in the like meek treating with others. Lord, let no unsea∣sonable stiffness of those that are in the right, no perverse obstina∣cy of those that are in the wrong, hinder the closing of our wounds; but let the one instruct in meek∣ness, and thou be pleased to give the other repentance to the ac∣knowledgment of the Truth. To
this end do thou, O Lord, mollifie all exasperated minds, take off all animosities and pre udices, con∣tempt and heart-burnings and by uniting their hearts prepare for the reconciling their opinions: and that nothing may intercept the clear sight of thy truth, Lord, let all private and secular designs be totally deposited, that gain may no longer be the measure of our Godliness, but that the one great and common concernment of truth and peace may be unani∣mously and vigorously pursued. Lord, the hearts of all men are in thy hands, O be thou pleased to let thy Spirit of peace over-sha∣dow the minds of all contending parties; and if it be thy will, re∣store this Church to her pristine state, renew her days as of old; let her escape out of Egypt be so entire, that not an hoof may be left behind: But if thy Wisdom see it not yet a season for so full a
deliverance, Lord, defer not, we beseech thee, such a degree of it, as may at least secure her a being; if she cannot recover her beauty, yet, O Lord, grant her health, such a soundness of constitution as may preserve her from dissoluti∣on. Let thy providence find out some good Samaritans to cure her present wounds: and to whomso∣ever thou shalt commit that im∣portant work, Lord, give them skilful hands and compassionate hearts; direct them to such ap∣plications as may most speedily, and yet most soundly, heal the hurt of the daughter of Sion; and make them so advert to the inte∣rests both of truth and peace, that no lawful condescention may be omitted, nor any unlawful made. And do thou, who art both the wonderful Counsellor and Prince of peace, so guide and prosper all pacifick endeavours, that all our distractions may be composed,
and our Jerusalem may again be∣come a City at unity in it self; that those happy primitive days may at length revert, wherein Vice was the only Heresie; that all our intestine contentions may be converted into a vigorous op∣position of our common enemy, our unbrotherly feuds into a Chri∣stian Zeal against all that exalts it self against the obedience of Christ. Lord, hear us, and ordain peace for us, even for his sake whom thou hast ordained our peace-maker, Jesus Christ our Lord.
O Most gracious Lord, who dost not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men, who smitest not till the importunity of our sins enforce thee, & then cor∣rectest in measure, we thy unwor∣thy
creatures humbly acknow∣ledge that we have abundantly tasted of this patience and lenity of thine. To what an enormous height were our sins arrived ere thou beganst to visit them! and when thou couldst no longer for∣bear, yet mastering thy power, thou hast not proportioned thy vengeance to our crimes, but to thy own gracious design of redu∣cing, and reclaiming us. Lord, had the first stroke of thy hand been exterminating, our guilts had justified the method; but thou hast proceeded by such easie and gentle degrees, as witness how much thou desiredst to be inter∣rupted, and shew us, that all that sad weight we have long groaned under, hath been accumulated on∣ly by our own incorrigibleness. 'Tis now, O Lord, these many years that this Nation hath been in the Furnace, and yet our dross wastes not, but encreases; and it
is owing only to thy unspeakable mercy, that we, who would not be purified, are not consumed; that we remain a Nation, who cease not to be most sinful, and pro∣voking Nation. O Lord, let not this long-suffering of thine serve only to upbraid our obstinacy, and inhanse our guilt; but let it at last have the proper effect on us, melt our hearts, and lead us to repentance. And Oh, that this may be the day for us thus to dis∣cern the things that belong to our peace! that all who are (yea, and all who are not) cast down this day in an external humiliation, may by the operation of thy migh∣ty Spirit have their Souls laid pro∣strate before thee in a sincere con∣trition! O thou who canst out of the very Stones raise up children unto Abraham, work our stony flinty hearts into such a temper as may be malleable into the impressi∣ons of thy grace, that all the sin∣ners
of Sion may tremble; that we may not by a persevering ob∣stinacy seal to our selves both temporal and eternal ruine; but in stead of our mutinous com∣plaining at the punishments of our sins, search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. O be thou pleased to grant us this one grand fundamental mercy, that we who so impatiently thirst after a change without us, may render that possible and safe by this bet∣ter and more necessary change within us; that our sins may not, as they have so often done, inter∣pose and eclipse that light which now begins to break out upon us. Lord, thy Dove seems to ap∣proach us with an olive-branch in her mouth, oh let not our filth and noisomness chase her away; but grant us that true repentance which may atone thee, and that Christian charity which may re∣concile us with one another.
Lord, let not our breach either with thee or among our selves be incurable, but by making up the first prepare us for the healing of the latter. And because, O Lord, the way to make us one fold is to have one Shepherd, be pleased to put us all under the conduct of him to whom that charge belongs; bow the hearts of this people as of one man, that the only contention may be who shall most forward in bringing back our David. O let none reflect on their past guilts as an argument to persevere, but repent, and to make their return so sincere as may qualifie them not only for his but thy Mercy. And, Lord, be pleased so to guide the hearts of all who shall be in∣trusted with that great concern∣ment of setling this Nation, that they may weigh all their delibera∣tions in the balance of the Sanctu∣ary, that conscience, not interest, may be the ruling principle, and
that they may render to Cesar the things that are Cesars, and to God the things that are Gods; that they may become healers of our breaches and happy repair∣ers of the sad ruines both in Church and State; and grant, O Lord, that as those sins which made them are become National, so the repentance may be Nation∣al also, and that evidenced by the proper fruits of it, by zeal of re∣storing of the rights both of thee and thine Anointed. And do thou, O Lord, so dispose all hearts, and remove all obstacles, that none may have the will, much less the power, to hinder his peaceable re∣stitution. And, Lord, let him bring with him an heart so entire∣ly devoted to thee, that he may wish his own honour only as a means to advance thine. O let the precepts and example of his Bles∣sed Father never depart from his mind; and as thou wert pleased
to perfect the one by suffering, so perfect the other by acting thy will; that He may be a blessed in∣strument of replanting the power instead of the form of Godliness among us, of restoring Christian vertue in a prophane and almost barbarous Nation. And if any wish him for any distant ends, if any desire his shadow as a shelter for their riots and licentiousness, O let him come a great but happy defeat to all such, not bring fewel, but cure, to their inordinate ap∣petites; and by his example as a Christian, and his Authority as a King, so invite to good, and re∣strain from evil, that he may not only release our temporal, but our spiritual bondage, suppress those foul and scandalous vices which have so long captivated us, and by securing our inward, provide for the perpetuating our outward peace, Lord, establish thou his throne in righteousness, make
him a signal instrument of thy glory and our happiness, and let him reap the fruits of it in com∣fort here, and in bliss hereafter; that so his earthly Crown may serve to enhanse and inrich his heavenly. Grant this O King of Kings, for thy sake and intercessi∣on of our Blessed Mediator, Je∣sus Christ.
ALmighty God who rulest in the Kingdoms of men, and in all events of the world, defend those with thy mercy whom thou hast adorned with thy power, lift up the horn advance the just interests of all Christian Kings, Princes, and States by the power of thy venerable and life-giving pas∣sion.
Give unto all them who serve thee in the ministeries of religion, wisdom and holiness, the bles∣sings of peace, and great abilities to minister prosperously to the good of souls by the power and aids of thy holy Spirit of wisdom.
Pardon all our sins; take away our iniquities from us all, and preserve us from all danger and trouble, from need and persecuti∣on, from the temptations of the Devil, from the violence▪ and fraud of all our enemies. Keep us O God from sinning against thee, and from suffering thy wrath, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mat. 6. 7, 8.
Mat. 6. 9.
Luke 11. 2.
Mat. 5. 23.
Mat. 6. 12, 14, 15.
Psal. 19. 14.
Psal. 27. 8.
28. 2.
Esth. 5. 2.
Psal. 51. 5.
Ezr. 9. 6, 7.
2 Cor. 7. 10.
Mat. 6. 33.
1 Tim. 2. 1.
Luke 1. 79.
Isai.
Gen 18. 32.
Mat. 5. 44.
Luk. 18. 1.
Eph. 6. 18.
1 Thes. 5. 17.
Psal. 119. 62.
Acts 16. 25.
Mal. 4. 2.
1 Thes. 5. 23.
Psal. 121. 1.
1 Thes. 5. 5. 8.
Rom. 13. 13.
Psal. 119. 18, 36, 133.
Psal. 91. 2.
Psal. 121. 8.
Psal. 121. 7.
Jude 24.
Phil. 4. 7.
Com. Pr.
Mat. 6. 6.
Mat. 18. 20.
Eph. 3. 20.
Com. Pr.
Heb. 13. 20.
Phil. 2. 13.
Jude 24.
Psal. 103. 1, 2, 3, 4.
Luke 1. 46.
2 Cor. 6. 2.
Mat. 5. 21.
2 Thess. 2. 16.
Mat. 24. 44.
Psal. 27. 23
Psal. 84. 28.
Eccl. 11. 8.
Psal. 27. 9, 10.
Psal. 130. 1.
Psal. 51. 1, 2.
Psal. 121. 4.
Cor. 10. 13.
Heb. 20. 23.
Dan. 9. 4, 5.
Pri. Form of Prep.
Psal. 130. 3.
Isai.
Psal. 103. 10.
Rom. 13. 12.
1 Tim. 6. 12.
Joh. 4. 24.
Mat. 22.
Luke 14. 18, 19, 20.
Mat. 22. 12.
Zach. 3. 1.
Zach. 13. 1.
2 Pet. 2. 22.
Psal. 5. 7.
Mat. 26. 41.
2 Chron. 30. 18, 19.
1 Kings 19. 8.
B. Andrews Man. p. 290.
Mat. 15. 27.
2 Pet. 2. 22.
Psal.
Psal. 103. 15.
Luke. 12. 46.
Psal. 90. 12.
Mat. 25. 1, 10.
Lam. c. 1. v. 12. 14, 15, 6, 17, 5.
Vers. 16.
Ver. 18, 20, 21.
C. 2. v. 1, 3, 2, 9.
C. 2. v. 9, 7, 6.
Vers. 15.
C, 3. v. 19, 20, 21.
Ver. 22, 23, 31, 32, 33.
Ver. 39, 40.
Chap. 4. ver. 11, 12.
Ver. 16, 17, 18, 19.
Vers. 20.
Chap. 5. ver. 2, 3.
Vers. 8, 12, 15, 16.
Vers. 17.
Vers. 19, 20, 21.
Psal. 74. 1, 2.
79. Ver. 1.
74. ver. 7.
79 ver. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10.
••4. ver. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.
Psal. 80. 1. 4, 5, 6, 7.
V. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
Ver. 17, 18, 19.
Psal. 60. 1, 2, 3.
89. ver. 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46.
84. ver. 9.
90. ver. 15, 16, 17.
Psal. 73. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12.
Ver. 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
37 ver. 1, 2, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39.
Ezra 9. 6, 7, 15.
Neh. 9. 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36.
Dan 9. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
Ver. 16, 17, 18, 19.
Deut. 9. 26, 27, 28, 29.
Mat. 26. 39.
Mar. 14. 36.