A companion for the persecuted, or, An office for those who suffer for righteousness containing particular prayers and devotions, for particular graces, and for their private or publick wants and occasions.

2. For Integrity therewith.

BUt together with* 1.1 the wisdom of the Serpent, give me Grace, O! Holy Father, in all my tryals to shew forth the innocency and sincerity of the Dove. Let all my wisdom and wary∣ness, be shewn in doing of my Duty, but never in letting it fall. And in doing it faithfully, without maim or disobedient reserves; diligently, with∣out remissness; and resolutely and undauntedly, when thou callest me forth to shew boldness. Let it never carry me, to secure my self, by neg∣lecting thee, or thy service; or by acting against the rules of Truth and Righteousness, or against the Honour and Interest of thy Cause. Under all my sufferings, O! Lord, help me con∣stantly & strictly to attend to the ways of Religion, that I may suffer with innocence; and not to the worldly ways of Parties, which abound too much with wickedness. And let me never forget, that there is as much need, of a good and righteous Car∣riage, under sufferings for Christ;

as of a good and righteous Cause, for the same.

But in serving thee faithfully, O! Gracious God, let me not shew rash∣ness, nor give the Enemies of thy Truth Advantage against me, by any culpableness or unadvisedness of my own Carriage. Whatever I suffer, let it not be as the Fruit and Chastizement of my own folly, and precipitancy. But grant, that in that day, I may have the comfort & support to think, that 'tis all come upon me, for my du∣ty towards thee, and for an accepta∣ble and well guided Zeal for thy Glo∣ry, which, however it is spitefully treated by them at present, will be graciously received, and remembred by thee at last for mine unspeakable and Eternal Comfort, through the Merits of my onely Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mat. 10. 18.