For Friday. A Prayer against Wrath and inordinate Anger.
I.
O Almighty Judge of Men and An∣gels, whose anger is always the mi∣nister of Justice, slow, but severe, not lightly arising, but falling heavily when it comes; give to thy servant a meek and a gentle spirit, that I also may be slow to anger, and easie to mercy and for∣giveness. Give me a wise and a con∣stant heart, that I may not be moved with every trifling mistake and inconsi∣derable accident in the conversation and entercourse of others, never be moved to an intemperate anger for any injury that is done or offered; let my anger ever be upon a just cause, measured with moderation and reason, expressed with charity and prudence, lasting but till it hath done some good, either upon my self or others.
II.
LOrd, let me be ever courteous, and easie to be intreated; never let me fall into a peevish or contentious spirit, but follow peace with all men, offering forgiveness, inviting them by courtesies, ready to confess my own errours, apt to make amends, and desirous to be recon∣ciled. Let no sickness or cross accident, no imployment or weariness, make me angry, or ungentle and discontent, or unthankful, or uneasie to them that mi∣nister to me; but in all things make me like unto the holy Jesus. Give me the spirit of a Christian, charitable, humble, merciful and meek, useful and liberal, complying with every chance; angry at nothing but my own sins, and grieving for the sins of others: that while my passion obeys my reason, and my reason is religious, and my religion is pure and undefiled, managed with humility, and adorned with charity, I may escape thy anger which I have deserved, and may dwell in thy love, and be thy Son and Servant for ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
