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.

OFFICE for the Holy Ghost MATTINS.

Invitatory.

Come let's Adore our God that Sanctifies us. Come let's Adore our God that Sanctifies us.

COme, let us humbly first implore his Grace; to make us fit to adore our Sanctifier, who from the Father and the Son eternally proceeds, and with the Fa∣ther and the Son is equally glorified.

Come, let's Adore our God that Sanctifies us.

He infuseth into us the breath of Life, and brings us forth into our second Birth, a Birth that makes us Heirs of Heaven, and gives us a title to everlasting Life.

Come let's Adore our God that Sanctifies us.

Let us prepare our Understandings to assent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Truths, and our Will to fol∣low his Inspirations; let us fill our Me∣mories with his innumerable Mercies, and our whole Soul with the Glory of his At∣tribute.

Come let's Adore our God that Sanctifies us.

Let us confidently address to him our Petitions, who promises to help the Infir∣mity of our Prayers; let us not doubt the Bounty of his Goodness, but hope he will grant what himself Inspires.

Come let's Adore our God that Sanctifies us.

Hymn 33.

COme, holy Spirit, come, and breath Thy spicy Odours on the Face Of our dull Region here beneath; And fill our Souls with thy sweet Grace.

Come, and root out the poysonous Weeds, Which over-run and choak our Lives; And in our Hearts plant thine own Seeds, Whose quickening Power our Spirit re∣vives.

First Plant the humble Violet, That dwells secure by dwelling low; Then let the Lily next appear, And make us chaste yet fruitful too.

But O plant all the Vertues Lord! And let the Metaphors alone; Repeat once more that mighty word, Thou need'st but say, Let it be done.

We can, alas! not be, nor grow, Unless thy powerful Mercy please; Thy hand must Plant, and Water too, Thy hand alone must give th'encrease.

Do then what thou alone canst do, Do what to Thee so easy is; Conduct us through this World of woe, And place us safe in thine own bliss.

All Glory to the Sacred Three, One ever living soveraign Lord, As at the first still may he be Belov'd and prais'd, fear'd and ador'd, Amen.

Antiphon.

In those days, says our Lord, I will pour out my Spirit upon all Flesh. Alle∣luja, Alleluja.

Psalm 106.

LOrd with how sweet and natural a Conduct does thy Providence govern the Children of Men?

Leading them from one degree to ano∣ther; till thou hast brought them up to their highest Perfection?

Thou puttest them to learn in the School of Vertue; and disposest their Capacities into several Forms.

In the first Ages, when the World was young, thou gav'st them for their Guide the Book of Nature.

There thy divine Assistance help'd them to read, some few plain Lessons of their duty to Thee.

They saw this admirable frame of Creatures; and as far as these could ar∣gue, they could conclude:

Sure there is a God, the cause of all things; sure there is a Providence the Disposer of all things:

He must be powerful that made so vast a World; he must be wise that contriv'd such excellent Works.

He must be Goodness it self, that did all this for us; and we ungrateful Wretches, if we will do nothing for him.

Thus far some few could say, and very few could do; with those slender Assi∣stances they then enjoy'd:

After thou gav'st thy People a written Rule; which train'd them up in a set form of Discipline.

Which grew and spread into a publick Religion; and uniformly profest by a whole Nation.

They had some weak conceit of the Kingdom of Heaven; and some imper∣fect means to bring them thither.

But for those high supernatural Myste∣ries; that so gloriously exalt the Christian Faith:

They all, alas! were blind, or in the dark; and dangerously expos'd to the ef∣fects of their Ignorance:

Wanting those clear Instructions to know their ends; wanting those powerful Motives to love their God.

Yet this prepar'd them for the times of Grace; to which thy Mercy, Lord, re∣serv'd far greater Favours:

To which thou hast promised by thy Holy Prophets; an effusion of Blessings from thine own full hands.

I will put my Laws into their Mind, and write them in their Hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a People.

I will pour out my Spirit upon all Flesh; and your Sons, and your Daughters shall Prophesy.

They shall no more teach every one his Neigh∣bour; for all shall know me from the greatest to the least.

O merciful Lord, who hast lov'd us from the beginning; be graciously pleas'd to love us to the End.

Pity the unhappy state of all Mankind; which neither Nature nor Law could bring to Perfection.

If any riper Souls came forward to the Birth; there wanted Spirit to bring them forth.

But send out thy Spirit, O Lord, and they shall be created; and from their nothing in Sin, rais'd to the Life of Holi∣ness.

Send out thy Spirit, and renew the face of the Earth; and our Weeds and Thorns shall be turned into a Paradise.

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

Antiphon.

In those days, saith our Lord, I will pour out my Spirit upon all Flesh. Alle∣luja, Alleluja.

Ant.] When he ascended up on high, he led Captivity captive, and gave Gifts unto Men. Alleluja.

Psalm 107.

LOok up, languishing World, look up; and see how punctually thy faithful Lord performs his Word.

When he had finish'd here that glorious work; which his Goodness undertook for our Redemption:

When he had told us what we ought to do; and what to suffer for the Kingdom of Heaven:

When he himself had done more than he requir'd of us; and suffer'd more than our boldest hopes could expect from him:

When he had wrought our Salvation so far, that he saw his Absence more expedi∣ent for us:

He first prepares the Hearts of his Di∣sciples; and comforts their Sorrows with these sweet words:

Children, I will not leave you comfortless; but will pray to my Father, and he shall give you another Comforter:

Even the Spirit of Truth, and he shall teach you all things; and bring to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you:

Peace I leave with you, my Peace I give to you: Let not your Hearts be troubled nor be afraid.

I go to my Father, and to your Father; to my God, and to your God.

I go to prepare a place for you; that where I am you may be also.

This said, he led them forth together, and gave them his Blessing; and parting from them went away into Heaven.

So loving Mothers, when the weaning time is come; withdraw themselves from their beloved Children.

But while they thus deprive their ten∣der little ones, of their most dear and all∣supplying Presence:

They still depute some faithful Friend to assist them; for though they leave them they mean not to forsake them.

Such, and far greater was the care of their God; as his Love is far greater than that of Mothers.

He saw it necessary for so mysterious a Faith to be shewn in a clear and superna∣tural Light, to the first Believers:

That they might confidently recom∣mend to others, what they knew was so infallibly certain to themselves.

He saw it necessary for so perverse a a World, to infuse into its first Converts the fulness of Charity.

That with ardent Zeal they might in∣struct their Hearers; and with a patient Courage overcome their Opposers.

He saw it necessary for such variety of Nations, to furnish their Preachers with variety of Tongues:

That they might teach every one in their Native Speech; and understand their Doubts, and satisfy their Objections.

Wherefore when the appointed time was come; as all the Works of God go forth in their sittest Season:

When his Disciples were gather'd toge∣ther in one Mind and Place; and so ex∣cellently disposed for the visits of Hea∣ven:

When they had long continued in ar∣dent Prayer; and wrought up their Af∣fections to the highest pitch of Desire:

Suddenly there was a sound from Hea∣ven; whence every good and perfect Gift descends.

A vehement Wind fill'd the whole House; for the Grace of God is strong and liberal.

Behold on the Head of each sate a Tongue as of Fire; the properest enable∣ments to Convert the World.

While they were all illuminated with one pure Light; and all enflam'd with a fervent Heat.

And to communicate both to every Nation; were all endu'd with the Gift of Languages.

Thus was the Promise of our Lord ful∣filled; thus were the Messengers of the everlasting Peace prepar'd:

Miraculously baptiz'd with the Holy Ghost, and with Fire; and perfectly qua∣lified for their great Commission:

To preach to every Creature this happy Gospel; He that believes, and is baptized, shall be saved.

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

Antiphon.

When he ascended up on high he led Captivity Captive, and gave Gifts unto Men. Alleluja.

Ant.] This is our Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our Eyes. Alleluja, Al∣leluja.

Psalm 108.

HOW glorious is thy Grace, O Lord! over all the World? how admirable the Influence of thy Holy Spirit?

They that through dulness so slowly understood the oft repeated Lessons of their divine Master:

Now with the first swift Glance see through all; and no Mystery can pose them, nor Error deceive them.

They who through fear forsook their Lord, and fled away all from the danger of being his:

Now rejoyce in suffering for his Name; and neither Life nor Death can forbid them to confess him.

They who knew only their Mother-Tongue; and that no better than as sim∣ple Fisher-Men:

Now speak to every Nation in their se∣veral Language; and with their powerful Eloquence ravish their Hearts.

They who even after our Saviour's Re∣surrection shut fast the Doors for fear of the Jews:

Now in the open Streets, and publick Synagogues, confidently proclaim the Name of Jesus.

These were new Bottles filled with new Wine; that made them quite forget their former selves:

Wine that exalted them into a generous Spirit; of despising all things for the love of Jesus:

Wine that in the midst of Racks and Prisons, made them oft break forth into that sweet extasy:

No Joy like the pain of Suffering for Jesus; no Life like the death endur'd for his Love.

Oh! were there now such Tongues of Fire; to kindle in the World such divine Flames!

Oh! were there now such Hearts in the World; to receive the holy Sparks that fall from Heaven!

The great Apostle preach'd but one Sermon; and immediately converted three thousand Souls.

He preach'd again, and wrought but one Miracle; and five thousand were ad∣ded to the Church.

Thus every day they encreas'd in num∣ber; and which was better, their num∣bers encreas'd in Vertue.

They were inebriated with the same Heavenly Wine; and fill'd with the same Heroick Spirit.

They sold all they had, and brought the Price, and laid it down at the Apostles Feet.

They lived in common, and call'd no∣thing their own; and even in their Will and Understanding they were all united.

Every one had enough, and that's to be rich; none had too much, and that's to be free:

Free from the Cares that perplex the Wealthy; free from the Temptations that wait on Superfluity.

Had'st thou been there, O my Soul! to have seen the flaming Ardors of those first Converts!

Imagine at least, and know, thy utmost Fancy is far below what they really practi∣sed.

They fell upon their Knees, and ador'd and meditated; and pray'd to him who had done such great things for them.

They pray'd, and mingled with their Prayers their Tears; they wept, and mingled with their Tears their Com∣plaints.

Ah dearest Lord! why were we not so happy, to be converted by Thee, while thou dwelledst amongst us?

Why not to entertain Salvation, when thou broughtest it to our Homes, and pre∣ferred'st our little Nation before all the World?

Unhappy we! how came this Misery to pass, that many of us look'd on thy Miracles, and saw them not?

Before our Eyes thou gavest Sight to the Blind; and our Souls were darken'd with Sin and Prejudice.

Thou did'st cleanse the Leprous, and heal all manner of Diseases; thou did'st raise the Dead, and cast out Devils by thy Word.

Yet we alas, how many of us blasphem'd thy Name? how many conspir'd with thy bloody Crucifiers?

Spare us, O Lord, have Mercy upon us, O Jesu! for we knew thee not to be the Lord of Glory.

Blessed be thy Holy Spirit, who hast open'd our Eyes; and made us to see thro' the Veil that eclips'd us.

Now we believe thee to be the Messias we expected; now we acknowledge thee to be the King of Israel.

Such were the Fervours of those happy Times; and O how happy were our Times had we those Fervours!

But ours are become miserable by Schisms, and Heresies; and the Darkness that covers a great part of the Earth.

Ours are become miserable by the un∣fruitful Lives; and scandalous Examples of too many Christians.

Too many alas! yet even the Gates of Hell can ne'er prevail against the Power of God.

Still the same Spirit governs the World; and keeps alive the same primitive Fire.

Still there are Hearts full of the Holy Ghost; full of that ravishing Wine of di∣vine Love.

Still there are Souls who readily deny themselves; and take up their Cross and follow their Lord.

Still there are Fiery Tongues kindled by the Breath of Heaven; who carry their sacred Flames into every Nation.

Still the Apostolick Church is true to its Name; and sends abroad her burning and her shining Lights.

Still the Almighty Goodness is true to his Church; and conserves it against all the Powers of the Enemy.

O keep us, blessed Spirit, in this thy fold of Grace; and bring the whole World into one Flock.

That all may be of the same Mind here; and all enjoy the same happiness hereafter.

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

First Lesson. John 14. 12.

VErily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the Works that I do shall he do also, and greater Works than these shall he do.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son, If ye love me keep my Commandments;

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter; that he may abide with you for ever:

The Spirit of Truth, whom the World cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

R. Blessed be thy merciful Providence, O Lord, who when thou hadst finish'd thy great Work on Earth, ascended'st up to Heaven, to draw up our Minds even thither after thee, Allelajah; that where

our Happiness is, there might our Hearts be also. Blessed be thy infinite Goodness, O dear Redeemer, who when thou had'st taught us the words of eternal Life, sent'st down the Holy Ghost to make us observe them, and raise up our Affections to that glorious Kingdom, whither thou art gone before us.

Second Lesson.

AND when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord, in one place;

And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven, as of a rushing Wind, and it fil∣led all the House where they were sitting.

And there appear'd to them Cloven-Tongues, like as of Fire, and it sate upon each of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other Tongues, as the Spirit gave them utter∣ance.

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout Men out of every Nation under Heaven.

And when this was nois'd abroad, the Multitude came together, and were con∣founded, because that every Man heard

them speak in his own Language, the wonderful Works of God.

R. Thus were the words of the Pro∣phets fulfilled, and the Promises of our Saviour perform'd, and the Faith of the Christian Church miraculously begun. Alleluja. O may it still go on, and en∣crease, and multiply, till every Nation speak in their own Tongue the wonder∣ful works of God.

Third Lesson. Acts 4. 32.

AND the multitude of Believers were of one Heart, and of one Soul, neither said any of them, that ought of the things that he possessed was his own, but they had all things common.

And with great Power gave the Apostles witness of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great Grace was upon them all.

Neither was there any of them that lacked; for as many as were Possessors of Lands or Houses, sold them, and brought the Prices, and laid them at the Apostles Feet.

O happy Life! O Heaven upon Earth! This is the blest effect of the Fire of the true Spirit, which warms without scorch∣ing,

and flames without smoaking, and enlightens without consuming. Kindle, O Lord, in our Hearts, this holy Fire of Meekness, and Peace, and Unity, that all the World may know whose Disciples we are, by seeing us Love one another. Alleluja. But O deliver us from the con∣trary Fire of the false Spirit, that Scorches without warming, and Smokes without shining, and Consumes without enlight∣ning: Deliver us from Schism and Heresy, and every the least uncharitable Passion.

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