Devotions in the ancient way of offices. With psalms, hymns, and prayers for every day of the week and every holiday in the year. / Reformed by A person of quality, ; and published by George Hickes, D.D.

Psalm 15.

HAppy are they, O glorious Lord! who every where adore thy Pre∣sence.

Happy, who live on Earth as in the sight of the King of Heaven; and every Mo∣ment say in their Heart, Our God is here:

Here in the Centre of our Souls, to witness all our Thoughts, and judge ex∣actly our most secret Intents.

Tho' his Throne of State is establish'd Above; and the splendors of his Glory shine only on the Blessed:

Yet his unlimitted Eye looks down to this lower World, and beholds all the ways of the Children of Adam.

If we go out, he marks our Steps; and when we retire, our Closet excludes not him.

While we are alone he minds our Contrivings; and the Ends we aim at in all our Studies.

When we converse with others he ob∣serves our Deportment, and the Good or Ill we do them or our selves.

In our Devotions he notes our Carri∣age; and regards with what Intention we recite our Prayers.

All the day long he considers how we spend our Time; and our darkest Nights conceal not our Works from him.

If we deceive our Neighbour, he spies the Fraud; and hears the least whisper of a slandering Tongue:

If we in secret oppress the Poor; or by private Alms relieve their Wants:

If in our Hearts we murmur at the Rich; or live contented with our little Portion.

Whate're we do, he perfectly sees us; where're we are, he is sure to be with us.

Why, O thou Soveraign Lord of Hea∣ven! why dost thou stoop thus low thy glorious Eye?

What canst thou find that here deserves thy sight, among the Trifles of this emp∣ty World?

What canst thou find, alas! that shou'd not offend thy sight, among the Follies of our vicious Lives?

'Tis not thy self, O Lord, thou seekest to satisfie; but all thy Design is for our Advantage.

Thou graciously standest by to see us work; that thine awful Eye may quicken our Diligence.

Thou art still at hand to relieve our Wants; that so friendly a nearness may encrease our Confidence.

Thou appearest still ready to punish Sins; that the shake of thy Rod may pre∣vent our Miseries.

Sure, O my God, thy Favours must needs be sweet; since even thy Threat∣nings have so much Mercy.

Sure we must needs be worse than blind; if to the Face of Heaven we dare be wicked.

Henceforth, O gracious Lord! as Chil∣dren freely play in the indulgent presence of their tender Father;

So make us still with humble Boldness, rejoyce before thee our merciful Crea∣tor.

As new-pardon'd Subjects justly fear the angry Brow of their offended Prince;

So let our oft-forgiven Souls continually tremble to provoke the Wrath of thy dread Majesty.

O temper thus our Love with Reve∣rence; and thus allay our Fear with Hope.

Glory be to the Father, &c. As it was in the beginning, &c.