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.

Wednesday MATTINS.

Invitatory.

Come let us Adore our God that governs us. Come let us Adore our God that governs us.

HE is our great and sovereign Lord, the absolute King of Heaven and Earth; he sees at once the whole Frame of all things, and thorowly comprehends their various Natures.

Come let us Adore our God that governs us.

To every Creature he appoints a fit Office, and guides all their Motions in perfect Order; till he had wrought his glorious Design to finish the World in a beauteous Close.

Come let us Adore our God that governs us.

All these he governs with infinite Wis∣dom; and all for the good of them that love him; His Counsels are deep, and beyond our reach, but all his Ways are just and merciful.

Come let us Adore our God that governs us.

He governs his Enemies with a Rod of Iron, and punishes their Wilfulness with eternal Miseries; but his Servants he blesses with the Priviledge of Children, and provides for their Duty a rich Inhe∣ritance.

Come let us Adore our God that governs us.

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.

Hymn 13.

OPen thine Eyes, my Soul, and see, Once more the Light returns to thee; Look round about, and chuse the Way, Thou mean'st to travel o're to Day.

Think on the Dangers thou may'st meet, And always watch thy sliding Feet; Think where thou once hast fall'n before, And mark the place, and fall no more.

Think on the Helps thy God bestows, And cast to steer thy Life by those; Think on the Sweets thy Soul did feel, When thou didst well, and do so still.

Think on the Pains that shall torment Those stubborn Souls that ne'er repent; Think on those Joys that wait above, To crown the Head of Holy Love.

Think what at last will be thy part, If thou goest on where now thou art; See Life and Death set thee to chuse, One thou must take, and one refuse.

O my dear Lord, guide thou my Course, And draw me on with thy sweet force; Still make me walk, still make me tend, By Thee my Way, to Thee my End.

All Glory to the Sacred Three, One undivided Deity; As it has been in Ages gone, May now and ever still be done. Amen.

Antiphon.

The Day will come, it will infallibly come, when God will destroy all that work Iniquity.

Psalm 40.

VVHY do you laugh, unhappy Wretches! who tire your selves in the ways of Sin?

Ways that indeed seem smooth at first; but lead to Danger, and end in Ruine.

Why do you boast your pleasant Life; who lie a-sleep in the Arms of Death?

Awake, and chase the Dream away; that deludes your sickly Heads with empty Fancies.

Awake, and fill your Eyes with Tears; and sadly look on your real Miseries.

Whither alas! will your Souls be hur∣ried; when in cold Despair you sigh a∣way your last faint Breath?

They shall fly away amaz'd from the sight of Heaven; and hide their guilty selves in eternal Darkness.

There shall they dwell with intolerable Pains; weeping, and wailing, and la∣menting for ever.

Their Understanding shall sit as in a deep Dungeon; and think on nothing but its own Calamities.

Their Will shall be heightened to a madness of Desire; and perpetually wrackt with Despair of obtaining.

Their Memory shall serve but to renew their Sorrows; and their whole Souls be drown'd in a Sea of Bitterness.

They shall wish the Mountains to fall upon them; and cry to the Hills to cover them.

But nothing shall fall on them, but the Wrath of God; nor cover them, but their own Confusion.

There every Vice shall have its proper Torment; prodigiously bred out of its own Corruption.

The Lascivious shall burn with un∣quenchable Fire; perpetually flaming from their own Passions.

The Glutton and Drunkard shall vainly sigh; for a Drop of Water to cool their Tongues.

The furious Cholerick shall rage like Mad-Dogs; and the spiteful Envious gnaw their own Bowels.

The Riches of the Covetuous shall be as Thorns in their Sides; and the Proud be thrown down to the bottom of Con∣tempt.

The Slothful shall miserably deplore their lost Time; and languish with Grief at their stupid Negligence.

But O, what horrid Pangs shall seize them all; and expand and pierce the very Centre of their Souls.

When they shall see themselves eternal∣ly depriv'd of the bright and blissful Visi∣on of God.

When they shall see themselves eternal∣ly banisht, from the sweet and gracious Presence of Jesus.

That God who made them to enjoy his Glory; That Jesus who redeemed them to be Heirs of his Felicity!

Then shall they curse the Day of their Birth; and the unfortunate Com∣panions that inveagled them to Sin.

They shall curse the vain deceitful World; and cry out with a desperate en∣raged Fury.

Are these the Effects of those fond De∣sires, whose Enjoyment we made our chief Felicity?

Alas! what avails now our wanton Li∣berties; and the fugitive Pleasures we so so eagerly pursu'd?

What Comfort receive we from those empty Honours; and faithless Riches we so highly esteem'd?

They all are vanisht away like a Sha∣dow; and as a Cloud of Smoke that's scatter'd with the Wind.

But the Remorse and Punishment en∣dure for ever; and torture our Spirits with perpetual Anguish.

Thus shall they cry, and none regard to hear them; thus shall they mourn, and none be found to pity them.

O sad Expectance of a Dissolute Life! O dreadful Consequence of an impenitent Death!

Eternally to long for what they never can enjoy; eternally to suffer what they can never avoid.

Blessed be thy gracious Providence, O God; that with such tender Care fore∣warns us of our Dangers.

O save us, Lord, from all those Dan∣gers; save us for thy Mercy's sake.

Save us, and make us fearful to do what when we have done will make us misera∣ble for ever.

Quicken our Apprehensions of the rui∣nous Effects of Sin; and with thy ter∣rible Threatnings check our unbridled Passions.

That if thy glorious Promises move not our Hearts; the fear at least of Hell may fright us into Heaven.

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

Antiphon.

The Day will come, it will infallibly come, when God shall destroy all that work Iniquity.

Ant.] The Day will come, it will in∣fallibly come, that God will crown all that love his Glory.

Psalm 42.

WHY do you mourn, ye Children of Light, to whom belong the Promises of Bliss?

Who feed on the pleasant Fruits of Piety; and the continual Feast of a good Conscience.

Who taste already the sweetness of Hope; and hereafter shall be satisfy'd with the fulness of Fruition.

What can molest your happy State; whom the God of Glory hath chosen to himself?

Whom he has adopted into his Family; and design'd for Heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven.

That blessed Kingdom where all De∣lights abound; and Sorrow, and Fears are vanisht away.

Where none are sick, or grown old, or die; but flourish in Health, and Youth, and immortal Life.

Where none are perplext with Cares or Fears; but dwell secure, and free for ever.

Where we no more shall be subject to Chance; no more expos'd to the Danger of Temptation.

Where we no more shall be crost by o∣thers; no more disquieted by our own Passions.

But a serene Tranquility be perpetually within us; and innumerable Joys all round about us.

Joy in the Excellencies of our glorifi∣ed Bodies; Joy in the Perfections of our inlarg'd Souls.

Joy in the sweet Society of Saints; Joy in the glorious Company of An∣gels.

Joy in the ravishing sight of our belo∣ved Jesus; Joy in the blissful Union of the ador'd Deity.

All shall be Joy, and Love, and Peace; and all endure for eternal Ages.

Let then the impenitent Sinner be frighted with Fear; and the obdurate Heart break asunder with Grief.

But for the hopeful Penitents, let them always be glad; and the Servants of Je∣sus rejoyce and sing.

Sweet is the Yoke of thy Love, O Lord! and light the Burthen of thy Com∣mands.

But O! how far more rich are thy faithful Promises? how infinitely greater thy glorious Rewards?

When every Vertue shall wear its pro∣per Crown; and shine with a Diadem fit for its own Head.

The Humble there shall be highly ex∣alted; and the poor in Spirit preferr'd to be Kings.

The Meek shall possess the Holy Land; and the Mourners be comforted with e∣ternal Refreshments.

The clean of Heart shall see the God of Purity; and the Lovers of Peace have the Privilege of his Children.

They who hunger and thirst after Hea∣ven, shall be filled; and the Merciful entertained with the Embraces of Mer∣cy.

They who suffer Persecution shall be a∣bundantly rewarded; and the Enlighten∣ers of others shine bright as the Stars.

They who relinquisht any thing for God, shall receive a hundred fold; and all the Just shall be in Glory for e∣ver.

Then shall they bless the true Friend that reproved them; and the Charitable Hand that assisted them to their Hap∣piness.

They shall bless the provident Mercies of their God; and sing aloud the Victo∣ries of his Grace.

Is this the effect of those little Pains they took? are these the Repairs for those little Losses they suffer'd?

Happy we, who deny'd our selves Toys; and now are advanc'd to these high Fe∣licities.

Millions of Years shall pass away; and our Glory shall seem then but to begin.

Millions of Millions shall pass away; and our Glory shall be no nearer its End.

Thus shall they all rejoyce, and none disturb them; thus shall they sing, and all the Heavens joyn with them.

O sweet Expectance of a pious Life; O happy Consequence of a holy Death.

Eternally to be free from whatsoever can afflict; eternally to enjoy whatever can delight.

Blest be thy gracious Providence, O God; that with so large a Bounty wooes us to our Happiness.

Wooes us in a way we are so apt to be taken; the love of our selves, and our own great Interest.

As thou hast prepared such Felicities for us; O may thy Grace prepare us for them.

O may this best of Works take up all our Time; at least take up the best of our Time.

At least every Morning let us renew our Hopes; and close the Evening with the same sweet Thoughts.

Let us not faint, and we surely shall see a prosperous Issue of all our Sor∣rows.

Still let us labour, still let us suffer; our Troubles are short, and our Joys e∣ternal.

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

Antiphon.

The Day will come, it will infallibly come, when God will crown all that love his Glory.

Ant.] What will it profit a Man to gain the whole World, and lose his own Soul? or what shall we give in exchange for our Souls?

Psalm 43.

COme now my Soul, and chuse; for Life and Death are set before thee.

Chuse whilst thy gracious Lord allows thee Day; lest the Light of Darkness o∣vertake thy Neglect.

Chuse, but remember thy Eternity is concern'd; and examine well e're thou make thy Resolve.

Call all the Pleasures of the World be∣fore thee; and ask if any of them be worth such Pains.

Ask, if to satisfie some irregular Passi∣on, can recompence the Forfeiture of such Felicities?

Ask, if the vain forbidden Things thou lovest, deserve thy Affection better than thy Maker?

Are they more worthy in themselves, or beneficial unto thee; that thou canst prefer them before thy Redeemer?

Dost thou expect to be quiet by enjoy∣ing them; or everlastingly happy by their Procurement?

Will they protect thee at the Hour of Death; or plead thy Cause at the Day of Judgment?

O no, they but deceive me witha•• smiling Look; which I too oft have pro∣ved by dear Experience.

'Tis Heaven alone that yields a true Content; 'tis Heaven alone that fills us with Delight.

Take then away your Flatteries, false World; and leave me free for better Thoughts.

Turn thou thy Face to me dear Jesus; and keep mine Eyes still turn'd towards thee.

That I may look continually on thy glorious Beauty; and be ravisht for ever with the Charms of thy Sweetness.

'Tis thee, chaste Spouse of Souls, ••tis thee alone I chuse; and dedicate my self intirely to thy Service.

Thou art my sole and absolute Lord; be thou my Part and Inheritance for ever.

But, O my dearest Lord, do thou chuse me; and guide my uninstructed Soul to chuse thee.

O make me chuse to love thee, till I come to see thee; and then I'm sure I cannot chuse but love thee, and be ravisht with thee for ever.

Here we alas! move slowly in the Dark; led on by the Argument of things not seen.

But did we clearly see what we say we believe; we shou'd certainly change the Course of our Lives.

Did we but see the Damned in their Flames; or hear them cry in the midst of their Torments:

How shou'd we fear to follow them in their Sins; which we know have plung'd them in all those Miseries?

How shou'd we strive against the next Temptation; and cast about to avoid the Danger?

Did we but see the Glories of the Saints; or hear the sweet Hymns they continually sing:

How shou'd we study to imitate their Lives; which we know have rais'd them to all that Happiness?

How shou'd we seek all Occasions of Improvement; and make it our business to work out our Salvation?

Nay did our Faith but firmly believe the Truths we every Day recite in our Creeds;

What would we do to attain those Joys? what wou'd we not do to escape those Sorrows?

Wou'd half an Hour be too long to pray; or once a Week too oft to fast?

Wou'd the Pardon of an Injury be too hard a Law; or the making Restitution too dear a Price?

Durst we return to our Sins again; or spend our Time in Idleness and Folly?

Yet is all this as sure as if we saw it; and wou'd move us as much if we seriou∣sly considered it.

If we considered what I'm sure we be∣lieve; we shou'd never live as I'm sure we do.

Which of us doubts but e're it be long we shall all be Dust; yet which of us lives as if we thought to die?

Pity, O gracious Lord, the frailty of thy Servants; and suffer not our blind∣ness to lead us to ruine.

Supply our want of sight by a lively Faith; and strengthen our Faith by thy powerful Grace.

Make us to remember 'tis no Childrens Sport, to gain or lose the Kingdom of Heaven.

Make us chuse wisely, and pursue our Choice; and as well use the Means, as like the End.

O set thou right the Byass of our Hearts; that in all our Motions we may draw off from the World.

That they may still incline towards thee; and rest at last in thy Holy Pre∣sence.

Thou art our Lord, and we will serve thee in Fear; Thou art our God, and we will love thee in Hope, and humble Confidence too of enjoying thee for ever.

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

First Lesson.

THE Fear of the Lord is the begin∣ning of Wisdom. If Sinners en∣tice thee, consent not to them; for their Feet run to Evil, and make haste to shed Blood. Nay themselves lie in wait even against their own Blood, and practise Deceit against their own Souls. They have hated Knowledge, and did not choose the Fear of the Lord. Therefore shall they eat the Fruits of their Way, and be fill'd with their own Counsels. The Blessing of the Lord is on the Head of the Just, but In∣iquity covers the Mouth of the Wick∣ed. The Memory of the Just is blessed, but the Name of the Wicked shall rot. He that walketh uprightly walketh sure∣ly,

but he that perverteth his Ways shall be known. He that digs a Pit shall fall into it, and he that lays a Snare for ano∣ther shall perish in it. He that giveth wicked Counsel, it shall be turn'd upon himself, and he shall not know whence it comes. He that will be revenged shall find Vengeance of our Lord, and he will surely keep his Sin in remem∣brance. The Hope of the Just is Joy; but the Expectation of the Wicked shall perish.

Res.] O sweet and admirable Provi∣dence! thou hast commanded, and so it is, That the inordinate Affection of eve∣ry one shall be his Punishment: For as we sow, so shall we reap, and as the Tree falls so shall it lie. Thy Grace, O Lord, is the Seed of Glory, and Sin the Root of Misery. He that sows to the Flesh shall reap Corruption; and he that sows to the Spirit shall reap Life everlasting.

Second Lesson.

FOllow not thine own Mind and thy Strength, to walk in the Ways of thine Heart; and say not, Who shall con∣troul me for my Works? for the Lord will surely revenge thy Pride. Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath hap∣pened

unto me? for the Lord is Long∣suffering, he will in no wise let thee go. Concerning Propitiation, be not without Fear to add Sin unto Sin. And say not his Mercy is great, he will be pacified for the Multitude of my Sins; for Mercy and Wrath come from him, and his Indig∣nation resteth upon Sinners. Make no tarrying to turn unto the Lord; and put not off from Day to Day. For sudden∣ly shall the Wrath of the Lord come forth, and in thy Security thou shalt be destroy'd, and perish in the Day of Ven∣geance. Though Hand joyn in Hand, the Ungodly shall not go unpunish∣ed.

Res.] My Soul, how many Thousands have been surpriz'd in the midst of their Sins, and hurry'd away to everlasting Sor∣rows? and we alas! how many times have we been guilty? and yet our God has spared us. O my indulgent Saviour, no other Reason can I give, why I am not miserable, but that thou art merciful. Blessed be thy Patience, that endures so long; and blessed be thy Grace that de∣livers at last.

Third Lesson.

LEnd to thy Neighbour in the time of his need, and pay thou thy Neighbour again in due Season. Keep thy Word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find that which is necessary for thee. Do Good to the Just, and thou shalt have great Reward, if not from him, yet assuredly from the Lord. Loose thy Money for thy Bro∣ther, and thy Friend, and let it not rust under a Stone to be lost. Be not asha∣med to say the Truth; for there is a Shame that brings Sin, and a Shame that brings Glory and Grace. Accept no Man's Person against thy Soul, nor let the Respect of any cause thee to fall. Be not hasty in thy Words, and remiss in thy Deeds. Let not thy Hand be stretcht out to receive, and closed to give. Be not as a Lyon in thy House, nor oppress those that are under thee. Fear thou the Lord and the King, and med∣dle not with them that are given to change: For their destruction shall sud∣denly come upon them. He that useth much swearing shall be fill'd with Ini∣quity, and the Plague shall not depart from his House. The Drunkard and the Glutton shall come to Poverty; and

Drowsiness shall cloath a Man with Rags. I past by the Field of the sloathful Man, and by the Vineyard of the Man void of Understanding; and behold it was grown over with Nettles. By what things a Man Sins, by the same he shall be tor∣mented.

Resp.] Blessed, O my God, be thy Providence for ever, which so plentifully furnishes us with Rules of Vertue, and so safely guides all those Souls to Hap∣piness, who chuse to live under thy sweet Government. As thou hast shewn us the Way Lord, give us Strength to walk in it; and bring us in the End to thy eternal Rest. Make us seriously reflect on every Line we read, and love the Truth when it most reproves us. Make us labour to correct every Error of our Lives, and always humbly implore thy gracious Assistance.

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

Antiphon.

Before Man is Life and Death, Good and Evil; that which he chuses shall be given him.

The Prayer.

O God, whose wise Government re∣serves eternal Joys for those who observing thy Discipline of Love, mor∣tifie their Affections here to all things but Thee; and eternal Griefs for such as neglecting thy Law of Reason, in∣dulge to their Passions! Grant, we hum∣bly beseech thee, that thy gracious ac∣quainting us with this indispensible Or∣der and End of thy Providence, may continually sway our Choice to leave the broad and flattering Road of present Ease, leading to Death, and press re∣solutely forward in the rough and nar∣row Path, which leads to true Life; thro' our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who with thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God World without end, Amen.