Euchologia: or, The doctrine of practical praying.: By the Right Reverend Father in God, John Prideaux, late Bishop of Worcester. Being a legacy left to his daughters in private, directing them to such manifold uses of our Common Prayer Book. As may satisfie upon all occasions, without looking after new lights from extemporal flashes.

THE THIRD PART: OF PRAYERS IN Publick Assemblies.

CHAP. I. Of Confessions.

PUblick Prayers are such as are ce∣lebrated solemnly by Congregati∣ons in appointed times and places according

to set formes prescribed to Priest and people by parti∣cular Churches, within their severall Jurisdictions. Such was that of blessing the peo∣ple by the Priest, * 1.1 not in va∣riety of formes and phrases, as he thought fit, but in such termes and words which are enjoyned by God himselfe. And the Lord spake unto Moses saying, Speak unto Aaron and his sons, saying, On this wise shall ye blesse the children of Israel, saying un∣to them, The Lord blesse thee and keep thee, The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my Name up∣on the children of Israel, and I will bless them. This name

some would have to import the blessed Trinity, by rea∣son of the word Jehovah, or Lord, here thrice repeated; to which that Blessing is well conformed which is impart∣ed usually by most parents to children, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. And in the same form precisely all chil∣dren of Christians are com∣manded to be baptized. * 1.2 In like manner, it was not at the choice of him that presented his first fruits, to acknowledg his thankfulnesse in what termes or variations he con∣ceited; but, * 1.3

[Thou shalt speak (as the Text com∣mands thee) and say before the Lord thy God, A Sy∣rian ready to perish, was my father, and he went downe

into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and be∣came a Nation great, migh∣ty, and populous; and the Egyptians evil entreated us, and laid upon us hard Bon∣dage; And when we cry∣ed unto the Lord God of our fathers, the Lord heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labor and our oppression: And the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt, with a migh∣ty hand, and with an out∣stretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signes, and with wonders: And he brought us into this place, and hath given us this Land, even a Land that floweth with milk and ho∣ney. And now, behold, I have brought thee the first-fruits

of the Land, which thou, O Lord, hast given me.]

So Israels repentance is directed by Hosea, Take unto you words, * 1.4 and turn unto the Lord, and say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and re∣ceive us graciously; so will we render the calves of our lips. So in their solemn fasting, the time was not to be unseasonably spent in tedious Teaching, or by ex∣temporal rapsodies, to set forth the gifts of the Speak∣er, or tire the devotion of the Auditory; * 1.5 but (as the Pro∣phet directeth, Let the Priests the Ministers of the Lord, neep, between the Porch & the Altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the Heathen should rule e∣ver

them. Wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Which set formes in Publick Meetings were so far from altering in the New Testa∣ment, that they are summed up and perfected in the Lords Prayer, and so transmitted by the Apostles to all poste∣rity, that no settled Church can be noted that had not some Publick Leiturgy, wherein the people might joyne with the Minister in Gods Service; children, and the simpler sort might be in∣structed by hearing the same words constantly repeated; and not to come only as spe∣ctators to a Theatre, to hear much, learn little, and do nothing, as though all had not an interest in Gods Ser∣vice

according to their abili∣ties and callings, and that out of the mouthes of babes and sucklings, Hosannaes were not to be endured.

Publick Prayers may be ei∣ther

• 1. Confessions.
• 2. Deprecations.
• 3. Supplications.
• 4. Intercessions.
• 5. Thanksgivings.
• 6. Praises.
• 7. Comminations.

For Publick Confessions, what can be contrived more fully and effectually, then that used at the entrance of our Devotions, [Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy wayes like lost

sheep, &c.] And that o∣ther before the receiving of the Lords Supper, [Almigh∣ty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judg of all men, we acknowledg and bewail our manifold sins, &c.] These you and your children must have by heart, to be ready at all times, upon all pangs of sadnesse for sin, or more dangerous convulsions of con∣science. * 1.6 In this the Psal∣mist found present ease, I said I will confesse my sins unto the Lord, and so thou forgavest the wickednesse of my sin. This the Apostle commends as a salve most soveraign, * 1.7 If we confesse our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. But, * 1.8 If we say we have not sin∣ned, we make him a liar, and

his word is not in us. The Prophet Daniel fully relates how it wrought with him; for no sooner had hee made that earnest & passionate Con∣fession in the behalf of him∣self and his fellow Captives in Babylon. But, while I was yet speaking, * 1.9 (saith the Text) and praying, and confessing my sin, and the sin of my people Israel; — Tea, while I was speaking in Prayer, the man Gabriel being caused to flye swiftly, came and touched me to give me satisfaction. So quick in operation is an hear∣ty Prayer and Confession. No sooner shall David say, * 1.10 I have sinned against the Lord, but the Prophet shall reply, And the Lord hath put away thy sin, thou shalt not dye. As soon as he shall acknowledge, that

his feet hath slipped, * 1.11 he shall presently have good cause to adde, Thy mercy, O Lord held me up. In the multitude of the sorrowes that I had in my heart, thy comforts have re∣freshed my soul. For as vo∣miting after excess of glutto∣ny easeth the stomack, so doth Confession the consci∣ence after a burthening sinne committed. For this pur∣pose to have recourse to those Hymnes in our Church-Book, and sing them de∣voutly, [O Lord of whom I do depend, behold my careful heart, &c.] And, [O Lord turn not away thy face from him that lyes pro∣strate, &c.] And, [O Lord in thee is all my trust, &c.] will be a great ease to an af∣flicted soul. And they that

have some fuller taste and re∣lish of Gods Word, may make a kind of confessiona∣ry Letany to themselves, fit∣ted to the times of trouble they live in. As for ex∣ample.

[1. By our Fratricide, with Cain, who causelesly murde∣red his innocent brother.]

[2. By our unnatural irre∣verence, with Cham, that scoffed at the nakedness of his father.]

[3. By our contemptuous profaneness, with Esau, who sold his birth-right for a mess of broth.]

[4. By our Sacriledg with Achan, who wickedly ventu∣red on that which was con∣secrated to God, to the de∣struction of himself and all his.]

[5. By our divellish con∣spiracy with Corah and his Complices against Moses and Aaron, Gods spiritual and temporal Prelates.]

[6. By Doegs brutish fal∣ling upon Gods Priests to make them away, that hee might have the greatest share in the plundering of their means.]

[7. By Absoloms most un∣natural rebellion against his most indulgent Father;] We have (O Lord) affront∣ed heaven, and plucked down thy just vengeance up∣on us: but correct us there∣fore, O Lord in thy judgment, not in thy fury, lest we should be consumed and brought to nothing.

And if you (my Daugh∣ters) would fit it more pro∣perly

to your Sexe, you may dispose it in this man∣ner.

[1. * 1.12 With Lots wife de∣serting her husband in look∣ing back to the Luxury of Sodom.]

[2. With Dinahs gad∣ding abroad to her owne shame, the enraging of her brethren, and discontent of her father-]

[3. With the plots of Josephs Mistresse upon her chaste servant.]

[4. With Jobs impatient wife to adde affliction to the greatest afflictions of her tormented husband.

[5. With Michaels scof∣fing at her husband Davids Devotion, as misbeseeming his High place to be submis∣sive to God.

[6. With the haughti∣nesse of the daughters of Sion, * 1.13 displaying their fan∣cies to the world in twenty one fashions.]

[7. With the peremptory Jewish wives, * 1.14 we have snapt at Gods Ministers, as they did at the Prophet Jeremiah in Egypt, and told them in plain termes, Let them say what they would, we would do as we list, and our hus∣bands should justifie us in it, as there it is underta∣ken. * 1.15 In all which unsuf∣ferable exorbitancies, or some of them wee have drawne thy just judgments upon us.] But spare us, Good Lord, spare thy people whom thou hast redeem∣ed with thy most precious

blood, and be not angry with us for ever. Which leads us to Deprecation, the second kind of Publick Prayer.

CHAP. II Of Deprecations.

AFter Confession, De∣precations may bee best thought upon, by which we being consci∣ous to our selves how mani∣fold punishments our innu∣merable sins have deserved, cry out unto God with the Psalmist, * 1.16 If thou, Lord, shouldst be extreme to mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it! And to fall in with our Leiturgy, O Lord, deal not with us after

our sins, neither reward us af∣ter our iniquities! And ful∣ly to this purpose is that ex∣cellent Deprecation that fol∣lowes, O God, merciful Fa∣ther, that despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, &c. This is seconded by another no lesse material; We hum∣bly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our in∣firmities, and for the glory of thy Name sake turn from us all those evils which we most righ∣teously have deserved, &c. And here may be taken in those interchangeable Votes of Priest and People, which are interposed, O Lord, arise, help us and deliver us for thy Names sake! O God we have heard with our ears, &c. and therefore now, Arise, O Lord, help us, and deliver

us for thine honour! that we may alwayes with united hearts and voices in the highest straine professe and say, Glory be to the Father, &c And what are all those re∣countings of dangers (in par∣ticular Orisons) rising up from our sins as vapours, that gather into a black cloud of vengeance; to shun which, we unanimously cry in our Letany, Spare us Good Lord! and, Good Lord deliver us! What are they but so many Deprecations for removal of just executions, which would otherwise utterly confound us? It was not without just cause therefore that Saint Paul so carefully exhorted Bishop Timothy (whom hee had left in Ephesus to settle Church-Dectrine and Disci∣pline)

that in Doctrine hee should labor to divert them from Novelties, Fables, * 1.17 and endlesse Disputes concerning Genealogies, and such wrang∣ling questions, nothing ten∣ding to Edification. And for Discipline, he would have set in the first place, in the ordring of publick Wor∣ship, Deprecations, * 1.18 Supplica∣tions, Intercessions, and gi∣ving of thanks for all men, but especially for Kings, and those that are in Authority. Which lesson if it had been well pressed by those that take on them to be somewhat gifted above their brethren, and observed better by their zealous followers, we should have had little need then of such Leitugical Deprecati∣ons.

[From 1. Herodian Ty∣ranny.]

[2. Pharisaical malicious hypocrisie.]

[3. Saducean brutish in∣credulity.]

[4 Judas his highest Trea∣son.]

[5. Simon Magus and E∣lymas his hellish oppositi∣ons.]

[6. Ananias and Saphira's dainty deludings with a smooth lye.]

[7. The Silver Smiths and Copper-Smiths boysterous and mechanical tumults to have Church and State for∣ged on their Anvils, as they would hammer it,] (to re∣peat again and again) Good Lord deliver us!

Let your care therefore (my Daughters) be in all

such cryes and clamors, (Lo here is Christ, or there is Christ; Behold, you shal find him by such a River re-bap∣tizing, or meet with him in such a Conventicle exerci∣sing or distributing his gifts) not to forsake the old way, which hath warrant to bee good from the Ancient of dayes, but to hold fast by God, with the Psalmist, * 1.19 and possess your selves in patience (according to our Saviours direction) in the heaviest ca∣lamities; * 1.20 and not forget that advice of the sad, * 1.21 but seri∣ous Prophet; forraign wa∣ters are not to bee preferred before our better tryed springs at home; nor untrodden paths that are not cast up, before the ancient wayes wherein our fathers have safely walked

without stumbling. For the performance of which Sup∣plications will be found ne∣cessary, and therefore fittest to be considered of in the third place.

CHAP. III. Of Supplications, or Petitions.

SUpplications are Pray∣ers directed to God for supply of our wants, or prospering our pious intentions and endea∣vours, whether spiritual or temporal. Of which our Leiturgy is also a treasury, that containeth all good things new and old to be de∣sired; as likewise a Maga∣zine, wherein that armour of

God is to be had, whereby we may be able to with∣stand all principalities and powers, * 1.22 and rulers of the dark∣ness of this world, and spiritu∣al wickedness in high places; if we continue with all Pray∣ers and Supplications, and watch thereunto with perse∣verance, as the Apostle ex∣horts us. For herein, after Confession of sins, and De∣precation of punishment, how orderly are wee led on, both in Morning and Even∣ing Prayer, to bee humble Petitioners for Peace and Protection? which yeild the greatest happinesse that in this world may be expect∣ed.

Now for the first, we have these Prayers, O God, which art the Author of Peace and

Lover of Concord, &c. And, O God from whom all holy de∣sires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed, give unto thy servants that peace which this world cannot give. &c.

For the second, those, O Lord our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day, de∣fend us in the same by thy mighty power, &c. And, Lighten our darkness we be∣seech thee, O Lord, and by thy great mercy defend us, &c. Those that hold these and the like Supplications the less effectual, because common, and so fitted for the mouths of babes and sucklings, of least understanding amongst the Vulgar, may as well

slight the Sun and Moone, imparting their beames e∣qually to the Prince and Pea∣sant; and cast off the whole Sacred Text of Scripture, because it comes not out weekly in a new Translation.

Those also, that further re∣quire variety, as more grate∣ful to their appetites (whom Manna from heaven would not long satisfie) if they will but take the pains to peruse with deliberation and single∣ness of heart the ninety two Collects, which are no other, but quick and pertinent peti∣ons, framed and fitted to the time of the year, out of the Texts of Epistles and Gospels for Sundays and Saints-daies, shall find the like veyne of Devotion, not to run in any H••lps or Hand-maids, or Pra∣ctices

of Piety, that may fill the hungry with good things, when the rich in their squea∣mish choiceness may be sent empty away. Where, by the way, if we but cast an eye on the Letany, what are all those necessary desires (which the religious thoughts of ma∣ny ages have laid together, with which, young and old, rich and poor, offer vio∣lence as it were joyntly with their out-cryes to the Throne of Grace, We beseech thee to hear us, Good Lord!) but a sum of Petitions linked together, wherein all have a share, which the best gifted men on the sudden will hard∣ly think upon? O what ad∣mirable variety of choice may bee here found! As when we consult the Scrip∣tures,

to beginne with that Collect of the second Sunday in Advent, Blessed God, which hast caused all Scripture to be written for our learning, &c.

When we undertake and begin any work of our voca∣tion, to procure a blessing un∣to it, with that so well known Supplication, Prevent us, O Lord in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and far∣ther us with thy continual help, &c.

For an entrance into our Prayers, how fit is that? Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, &c. or that which followes, Almighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouch∣safe we beseech thee to di∣rect, sanctifie & govern, &c.

And after the hearing of a Sermon, how becom∣ing & pious is that Petition? Grant we beseech thee, Al∣mighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, &c.

And for the close of all our Prayers, that which clo∣seth up the Service of the Communion; Almighty God, which hast promised to hear the Petitions of them that ask in thy Sons name, &c.

They are unworthy to pray, or to bee heard, * 1.23 that forsake such fountains of knowne and living wa∣ters, to hew out to them∣selves Cisterns, broken Ci∣sternes, that hold troubled, or no water, or (per∣chance)

some mixtures of Marah, or Meribah; which will not guide us to the Springs of Intercession, that next wee must take in our way.

CHAP. IV. Of Intercessions.

AMong those kind of Prayers which the Apostle exhorteth, * 1.24 especially, Intercession suc∣ceeds Supplications, which are Petitions put up to God for others for whom we are bound to pray, either by Na∣ture, Law, or Christian cha∣rity. Under this title there∣fore come all those prayers we have for the Church in general, and then more di∣stinctly for Superiors, Lead∣ers,

Equals, Friends, Ene∣mies; all that bee desolate and oppressed, that they may be relieved; all that bee in good courses, that they may be preserved and encoura∣ged.

To such Intercessions the Psalmist exhorteth all well-affected people, especially when they are assembled to∣gether, * 1.25 O pray (saith he) for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousnesse within thy Pala∣ces. For my brethren and companions sake I wil wish thee prosperity; yea, because of the House of the Lord our God, I will seek to do thee good. So Samuel prayed for Saul, un∣til God told him in plaine termes, that he had rejected

him. And so long in cha∣rity we are to pray for those that are most untoward, un∣til God hath evidenced by cutting them off, that their case is desperate, which wee must not be too bold to pre∣judg, seeing she that had se∣ven Divels in her did be∣come the most zealous At∣tendant of our Saviour, and he that was a most violent Persecutor, * 1.26 the most labori∣ous amongst all the Apostles. Smal hopes there was of im∣prisoned Saint Peters preser∣vation, the sword having so fatally cut off Saint James; and Herod being so fully bent to please the bloud-thirsty Jewes. * 1.27 Peter was therefore kept in prison (saith the Text) but prayer (that is, Intercessi∣on) was made, without ceasing

of the Church unto God for him. And was not the e∣vent as miraculous? Peter is delivered by an Angel, and the expectation of the Jews. deluded. Few would ima∣gine that Saint Paul (who had the favour to be rapt up into the third heaven, * 1.28 and hear unspeakable words which were not lawful for a man to utter) should have need of the Intercession of any of those Converts of his, which he had so lately catechized in Christianity; yet wee see what he writes to the Thessa∣lonians, * 1.29 Brethren, pray for us. And to the Hebrews, * 1.30 Pray for us; for we trust we have a good conscience in all things, willing to live honestly. Nay Pharaoh and Simon Magus were not so hard hearted,

though in the gall of bitter∣ness, but they allowed and desired the intercession of Gods servants. Intreat the Lord (saith Pharaoh) that there be no more mighty thun∣drings and hail. * 1.31 * 1.32 And pray ye unto the Lord for me (saith Magus,) that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. Whereupon Saint James laid it down for a Canon to be observed of all the faithful, * 1.33 Confesse your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. Which two Ingredi∣ents make an excellent Soul∣salve for all spiritual wounds and bruises. And therefore we have so divers and effe∣ctual formes of Intercession in our Church-Book, that I may wel use the words to you

that Boaz sometime did unto Ruth, * 1.34 Hear ye not, my Daugh∣ters? Go not to glean in ano∣ther field, neither go from hence; for here you shal find that will satisfie. The pat∣tern of Intercession we have from our Saviour, for his Apostles, Successors, and Converts, John 17. (as we had his general prayer be∣fore for all things necessary, Matth. 6.) conformable to which we have framed that excellent Intercession in our Leiturgy, under the Title of Let us pray for the whole estate of Christs Church militant here on earth, in these words, Almighty and everlasting God, which by thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers and supplications, and to give thanks for all men, &c. This

Prayer is to be had by heart, and alwayes used upon any occasion. And in particu∣lar, find we not further In∣tercessions for the King, Queen, and Royal Progeny, Bishops and all the Clergy, most orderly following one another? To the same pur∣pose are those interchangea∣ble Intercessions betweene Priest and People, O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us; and grant us thy salvation. O Lord save the King, &c. Which your little ones may be brought to repeat in an∣swering one another. The like passages are interposed in Matrimony for the parties marryed; O Lord save thy servant and thine hand-maid, that put their trust in thee, &c. In the Visitation of the

sick, O Lord save thy servant which putteth his trust in thee, &c. And at your Womens-meetings, commonly called Church-going, O Lord save this woman, thy servant, which putteth her trust in thee, &c.

Perswade your selves (my Daughters) these things are not to be little set by. This simplicity in coming to God with good hearts and humble minds, in obedience to our Mother the Church, which hath thus directed us, will be more acceptable to him, and more prevalent then Balaks seven Altars, and Ba∣laams thence fetching Pro∣phecies. Nay, then the Sacrifice of a Bullock (to use the words of the Psalmist) that hath horns and hoofes. * 1.35

For God is not taken with quaint inventions, or excel∣lency of speech, * 1.36 (as the A∣postle tels us) The wisdom of this world to him is but fool∣ishness; * 1.37 * 1.38 and his Kingdome consisteth not in words, but power. If our hearts therefore condemne us not, God is greater then our heart, and knoweth all things. And then (saith the bles∣sed Apostle) we have con∣fidence towards God; * 1.39 and whatsoever wee ask, wee receive of Him, if wee keep his Commandments, and doe those things which are pleasing in his sight. And so wee may close with the man after Gods owne heart, * 1.40 The humble shall consider this, and bee

glad. Seek ye the Lord (in this way) and your foul shall live.

CHAP. V. Of Thanksgiving.

WEll may Thanks∣giving follow Intercession; which is the only high-rent that God expecteth for all his infinite blessings bestowed upon us. Amongst the Sa∣crifices of the Old Testa∣ment, this of Thanksgiving hath a special prescription, * 1.41 to be tempered with plenty of oyl of gladness, that maketh the face to shine. * 1.42 In this be∣half the Psalmist is so copious

that it is hard to pitch upon any passage, wherein he seemeth more expressive then other. In that nine∣ty second Psalm which car∣ries the Title, for the Sab∣bath day no entrance is found but by the door of Thanks∣giving, It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy Name, O thou most high. To tell of thy loving kindnesse early in the morning, and of thy truth in the night season. Upon an Instrument of ten strings, and upon the Lute, upon a loud In∣strument, and upon the Harp. Church-musick then in those dayes was not held Supersti∣tious, but taken in for an help to set forth Praise and Thanksgiving. For per∣formance of which duty, so

many ties are upon us, that the Prophet cryes out, as de∣stitute of expressions, * 1.43 What reward shall I give unto the Lord for all the benefits he hath done unto me? and can resolve no otherwise for himselfe, but, * 1.44 Every day will I give thanks to thee, and praise thy name for ever and ever. And for stirring up of others to the same duty, O praise the Lord (saith he) for it is a good thing to sing praises unto our God; yea, * 1.45 a joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful.

But what need we go fur∣ther, where we have the pra∣ctice of our Saviour to lead us? I thank thee, O Father, * 1.46 Lord of heaven and earth, be∣cause thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and

hast revealed them to babes: Even so Father, for so it seem∣ed good in thy sight.

According with this, we have that large form of Thankgiving, besides ma∣ny others (to stirre up our selves and others) of the Kingly Prophet, * 1.47 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy en∣dureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of all gods, for his mercy endureth for e∣ver: O thank the Lord of all Lords, for his mercy endureth for ever; and so going on in numbring up Gods bles∣sings, for which thanks were due, with a repetition from whence they proceeded, from Gods mercy, not our de∣serts, for his mercy endureth for ever. He ends as he be∣gan,

as though in his ac∣knowledgment he had never said enough, O give thanks unto the Lord of heaven, for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the Lord of Lords, for his mercy endu∣reth for ever.

Upon this ground pro∣ceed the four and twenty Elders, representing the whole Church of the Faithful, fal∣ling upon their faces and wor∣shipping. We give thee thanks, * 1.48 O Lord God Almighty, which art, and which wast, and which art to come, because thou hast taken unto thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

From these and the like patterns our Leiturgies forms are derived.

A Thanksgiving for raine in time of drought, [O God

our heavenly Father, who by thy gracious providence dost cause the former and the latter rain to descend up∣on the earth, &c.]

For fair weather, [O Lord God, who hast justly hum∣bled us by the late plague of immoderate rain and waters, &c.]

For Plenty, [O most mer∣ciful Father, which of thy gracious goodness hast heard the devout prayers of the Church, &c.]

For Peace and Victory, [Almighty God, who art a strong Tower of Defence unto thy servants against the face of their enemies, &c.]

For Deliverance from the Plague, [O Lord God which hast wounded us for our sins, &c.]

After receiving of the Lords Supper, [Almighty and everlasting God, wee most heartily thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us which have duly re∣ceived these holy Mysteries, &c.]

And last of all, under the Title of Prayers most commonly set in the end of the Church-Book, what a complete form of Thanks∣giving have we, that thus be∣gins? [Honour and Praise be given to thee, O Lord God Almighty, most dear Father of heaven, for all thy mercies and loving kindness shewed unto us, &c.] Which ends with this most pious and necessary petition, to be used at all times, and on all occasions, Let thy mighty

hand, and out-stretched arm, O Lord, be still our de∣fence, &c.]

For your Sexe also (my Daughters) is not to be o∣mitted the Thanksgiving of women after Child-birth, commonly called the Churching of Women, (though latter times have held it su∣perfluous, if not superstiti∣ous): wherein, [Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almigh∣ty God of his goodnesse to give you safe deliverance, and preserved you in the great danger of Child-birth.] You are called upon to be thankful heartily, and to pray with the words of the Psalmist, * 1.49 I have lifted up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my sal∣vation; my help cometh

from the Lord which hath made heaven and earth. And that which followes, (The Sun shall not burn thee by day, nor the Moon by night, &c.) is not imper∣tinent (as some will have it) in as much as it a∣scribes all preservation to God at all times, and in all places, in our greatest extremities. When more punctual devout and judi∣cious Thanksgiving upon surer grounds and authori∣ty shall bee tendred to you (my Daughters) you may satisfie your consci∣ences in making use of them. In the meane time you and yours may feed on the milk which your Mother the Church so plentifully affords

you; and not cast a∣bout for change of Nurses who will scarce prove so na∣tural.

CHAP. VI. Of Praises.

PRaise is a due acknow∣ledgment of Gods infinite excel∣lency, expressed in his works of Power, Mercy and Justice. It hath such affi∣nity with Thanksgiving, that most commonly they go to∣gether, and usually are ta∣ken one for the other. * 1.50 As in that Psalm. All thy works praise thee, O Lord, and thy Saints give thanks unto thee. I will magnifie thee, * 1.51 O Lord my King; and will praise thy Name for ever and ever. E∣very day will I give thanks to

thee, and praise thy Name for ever and ever.

Notwithstanding, how∣soever Magnifying, Praising, Blessing, and giving of Thanks to God are used to the same purpose; yet praise may belong to Excellency which we are not bound to thank; whereas Thanks in∣cludeth Praise for affording us a Blessing, by which wee are obliged to magnifie the Donor.

In the Old Testament, those that will seek for forms in this behalf, shall find all the Psalmes of David in the Original to come under the title of The Book of Praises. Not that all Psalmes there∣in may be so termed, but because the most part are so, that gives the

nomination to the whole.

And Samplers for Prai∣ses to you (my Daughters) may be as pertinent, that of Miriam registred to all poste∣rity for imitation in these words, * 1.52 And Miriam the Pro∣phetesse, the sister of Aaron, took a Timbrel in her hands, and all the women went out af∣ter her with Timbrels and with Dances (none being so scrupulous in those dayes as to take exceptions at them) And Miriam said, Sing ye un∣to the Lord, for he hath cri∣umphed gloriously, the horse and his rider hath he throwne into the sea. O what an ex∣cellent Emulation it is be∣tweene men and women, when they contend who may praise God most for his Blessings bestowed

upon them! In the same straine of praises is the con∣sort of Deborah and Barak, for the overthrow of Gene∣ral Siserah: * 1.53 Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves, &c. In comparison of which piece, the highest touch of Heathen Poetry sounds but flat and live∣lesse.

Neither must the good∣wives of Bethlehems praising of God for the birth of O∣bed, King Davids grand-fa∣ther, be thought not worthy to be imitated upon the like occasion, * 1.54 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may bee famous in Israel. And he shall be

thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age; for thy Daughter in Law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee then ten sonnes, hath born him.

Thankful Hannahs Hymn is tuned to the same key, for the birth of her son Samuel, And Hannah prayed and said, * 1.55 My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, my horn is exalted in the Lord, my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies, because I rejoice in thy salvation.

But eminent above all the rest is that Magnificat, or Song of Praise and Thanks∣giving of the most blessed Mother-maid, * 1.56 retained in our Leiturgy, to be alwayes repeated. Wherein Humi∣lity in her greatest advance∣ment, referring all to Gods

glory; and reflecting still upon the Churches good is most lively set forth, He hath looked upon me a poor wretch regarding the low, and inconsiderable estate of his Hand-maiden, passing by the flourishing Pomp of the rich and mighty: He hath re∣membred his mercy for the re∣demption of Israel, according to the promise made to our forefathers; and therefore, My soul doth praise and mag∣nifie the Lord, and my spirit rejoyceth (not for any worth found in my self, but) in God only my Saviour. O that the proud ones of these times would but think upon this! This one patterne might be sufficient to take down their haughty looks, and new fangled attires, by

minding them that the bles∣sedst amongst all women was otherwise affect∣ed.

In the like straine is that Benedictus of holy Zachary, * 1.57 Blessed, or, praised be the Lord God of Israel, for hee hath visited and redeemed his people, &c. And that, * 1.58 O be joyful in the Lord all yee Lands, serve the Lord with gladnesse, and come before his presence with a Song. O go your way into his gates with Thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thank∣ful unto him, and speak good of his Name. And it is worth the noting, that as the Book of the hundred and fifty Psalms begins with, Blessed is the man (or, many blessings are upon that man) that hath not walk∣ed

in the counsel of the ungod∣ly, but kissed the Son and or∣dered his walks to God, to which the first fifty Psalmes especially lead him: Neither stood in the way of sinners, which the second fifty beats him from as most dangerous: So the third fifty, plucks him and his from the Seat of the scornful, lift him up with Psalms of Degrees, and Hallelujahs to thank and praise the Maker and Preser∣ver of all things, sealing all up with this conclusion, Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.

Wherefore let not the Te Deum, [We praise thee, O God, we acknowledg thee to be the Lord,] or the Be∣nedicite, the following Can∣ticle, [O all ye works of the

Lord, blesse ye the Lord, praise him, and magnifie him for ever,] be thought superfluous in our Leiturgy, for not having that Canoni∣cal Authority, which the former Scriptures have; lest our Sermons and unpreme∣ditated praises and prayers should be in that respect ex∣cepted against, and so Preaching be discredited, as bordering too neer some∣times upon Apocrypha. Let it be sufficient then, that such holy prayers have ground in Scripture, from which, as the Articles of our Creed, they are deduced and framed to the capacitie and memo∣ries of all that cannot bee more edifyingly instructed. So [Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

Holy Ghost,] so often re∣peated to uphold the Do∣ctrine of the sacred Trini∣tg against the ancient and moderne Hereticks: and that Angelical Rapture used after receiving of the Lords Supper, [Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we blesse thee, we worship thee, we glori∣fie thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord, &c.] are such col∣lections, whereby young men and maidens, old men and children may praise the Name of the Lord, * 1.59 as the Psalmist exhorts them to do. With whom we may safely conclude, in that which our Leiturgy takes up for an entrance, * 1.60 O come, let us

sing unto the Lord, &c. with the Postscript of that good wish, * 1.61 Let all those that seek thee be joyful and glad in thee; and let such as love thy salva∣tion say alwayes, The Lord be praised.

CHAP. VII Of Comminations, or Cursings.

COmmination in our Leiturgy is a part of Church-Disci∣pline, whereby Gods judg∣ments are denounced against notorious offenders, to ter∣rifie them from their despe∣rate courses, and to put a stop to others, that they fol∣low not them in their dam∣ned wayes, which by their

owne mouthes they have pronounced accursed.

This is grounded on the twenty seventh of Deutero∣nomy, with little alteration of words or matter, for the applying it to our time. And to the same end serve the Woes denounced by our Saviour (Matth. 23) against the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees; which will never be out of date, as long as the same sins are fomented, and thought good policie, and not heartily repented of amongst Professors of Chri∣stianity.

With this Commination the Church-Excommunication hath a neer affinity, where∣by obstinate notorious offen∣ders are excluded from the

benefit of the Saints commu∣nion, and delivered unto Sa∣tan (as the incestuous Co∣rinthian was by Saint Paul) to the destruction of the flesh, * 1.62 that the Spirit might be sa∣ved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

These warrantable pra∣ctices of Primitive Discipline considered as they ought, should breed a restlesse hor∣ror in the consciences of those that lye under such censures. * 1.63 For, Be not de∣ceived, God is not mocked; who will not have his Church neglected; whose priviledges of binding and loosing here on earth are en∣rolled in heaven. * 1.64 And if we account it a slight mat∣ter, to bee reckoned of

Gods people, as an Hea∣then or Publican; at the last admittance of the faith∣ful and obedient into the New Jerusalem, a better por∣tion cannot be expected for us, * 1.65 then to be shut out with Dogs, and Socerers, and Whore-mongers, and Murde∣rers, and Idolaters, and For∣gers and approvers of lyes, into that utter darknesse, where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, and the worm dyeth not, and the fire goeth not out.

But that which may be more useful for you (my Daughters) and more con∣sonant to prayer, which we have in hand, is Impreca∣tion or Cursing; how farre that is to be detested, and

yet in some cases to be al∣lowed as a commendable Prayer.

Such Imprecations then may either be upon unreason∣able creatures, or reasona∣ble.

So the Serpent is cur∣sed above all cattel, * 1.66 for be∣ing an Instrument of the Di∣vel to seduce Man.

The ground is cursed for mans sake, that had yeilded to the divel so easily to transgress his Makers com∣mand.

Likewise in the New Te∣stament. * 1.67 did the Figtree that yeilded only leaves in stead of fruit, escape the curse of our blessed Saviour?

These things are not for our practice, but observati∣on,

to catechize us, that as nothing prospereth without Gods blessings; so when he curseth, the least good or scruple of comfort cannot be expected.

It is a fashion of divers, when their horse stumbleth, to wish, The Divel take him; or when any thing thwarts their will, to bid a vengeance upon it, or the like.

Such Imprecations are intolerable abuses in Chri∣stianity, and give no fur∣ther content then that which the Psalmist speaks of, * 1.68 His delight was in cursing, and it shall happen unto him; he lo∣ved not blessing, therefore it shall be far from him.

Imprecations against rea∣sonable creatures may be ei∣ther

against such as are blas∣phemers & profaneners of Gods Name and Worship, Destroy∣ers or persecuters of his Church and Saints, Oppressors of their Countries wholesome Lawes and Liberties, or against o∣ther persons or Societies, that by private injuries, have wronged us or ours.

That Blasphemers, and Profaneners of Gods Name and Worship, Destroyers and Persecuters of his Church and Saints, oppressors of their Countries Laws and Liberties, or making any approaches that way, lye under the curse of God and all good people, no man may doubt, that find∣eth a mongrel boy stoned to death for blasphemy, Levit. 24.14. Achan and all his

family executed for Sacri∣ledg, Josh. 7.22. Meroz cursed bitterly for not coming to help Gods people against the mighty, Judg. 5.

So that those Psalmes of David, the eighty third, and the one hundred and ninth, with like passages in others, may be thought not so much Prophecies what will befal the wicked, as Imprecations to implore Gods justice to take vengeance on them, that continue still in their obsti∣nate courses. Smite through the loines of Church-Opposers, is a passage of Moses bles∣sing upon Levies enemies, Deut. 33.11. Let him be A∣nathema, Maran-atha (saith Saint Paul) whosoever loveth not the Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Cor. 16.22. And from the same incensed zeal pro∣ceeded that against the Fa∣ctors for a new Gospel a∣mongst the giddy Galatians, Galat. 1.8. Though wee, or an Angel from heaven preach any other Gospel unto you, then that which we have preached, let him be accursed. And, As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other Gospel unto you, then that ye have received, let him bee accursed. Here is Curse upon Curse, but upon just cause, and a sup∣posal, that damnable Se∣ducers should make head to affront Gods truth. Where the Imprecation or Curse (as you see) is in a publick Cause, and

levelled against the sins, ra∣ther then the persons of the offenders. For those, if it so please God by prayer and repentance may be reco∣covered; as Peter after de∣nying his Master, when he had cursed and sworn that he knew not the man. Matth. 26.74.

All this will stand well with our Saviours mildest Doctrine and Practise; I say unto you, Love your e∣nemies, blesse them that curse you, do good to them that hate you; and pray for them that despitefully use and per∣secute you, Matth. 5.44. For personal wrongs may and must be forgiven where a curse is ever due to the op∣posers of all true peace and

piety. Whence wee have that highest pitch of chari∣ty in his extremest Agony on the Crosse towards his scorning and brutish Execu∣tioners, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do, Luke 23.34. Thus when he was reviled, he re∣viled not againe, when he suffered, hee threatned not, 1 Pet. 2.23.

No such words ever pro∣ceeded from his sacred lips, I may forgive, but I will ne∣ver forget; I shall find a time to cry quits with you; or, The plague of God fall upon him that so divellish∣ly wrongs me, or the like: No, he commits himself on∣ly to him that judgeth righ∣teously; who will plead the

cause of the innocent, * 1.69 with them that strive with him, and fight against them that fight against him; and say unto his soul, I am thy salvation. For vengeance is mine, * 1.70 and I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hun∣ger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

And according to this calme and Christian tem∣per, I make no doubt, but Gods Spirit directed the learned, pious and judicious Compilers of our Church-Leiturgy to insert that cha∣ritable prayer, to be ten∣dred to God on Good-friday (as we call it) for all sorts of people for whom our Sa∣viour

suffered, that by belie∣ving in him, they might ap∣prehend the only meanes of their salvation. [Merci∣ful God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor wouldst the death of a sin∣ner, but rather that he should be converted and live, have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, Infidels, and Hereticks, &c.]

To such Charity and Bles∣sing we all are called (as the blessed Apostle instructs us) that we should inherit a bles∣sing. * 1.71

The exemplary King Da∣vid, in settling of his family (as it was touched before) would not endure that any (1.) * 1.72 Unfaithful, (2.) Fro∣ward;

(3) Scandalous, (4) Slanderous, (5) Proud, (6) Cheating, (7) Lying person should have any resi∣dence in it.

And if you (my Daugh∣ters) do ever expect Gods Blessings upon you or yours, (1.) Irreverent mention of Gods holy name, (2) Lying, (3) Swearing, (4) Cursings, (5) Calumnies, (6) Profane jestings, especially on Gods Word or Ministers, (7) Rot∣ten communication, that cor∣rupts good manners, must not once bee countenanced or named amongst you, but knockt (as it were) in the head with your most effe∣ctual reproofs and correcti∣on. Which if you shall religiously do in zeal to

Gods glory, and not out of a passionate disposition, to vent your own mis-be∣seeming harshnesse, then shall you bee delivered from the hand of strange children, * 1.73 whose mouth talketh of va∣nity, and their right hand is a right hand of iniquity; then shall your sonnes grow up as the young plants, and your Daughters be as the polished corners of the Tem∣ple; your garners shall bee full of all manner of store, your sheep shall increase, your Oxen bee strong to labour, without decay, leading into captivity or complaining in your streets.

And thus have you (my dear Daughters) the

best Legacy which my ruined worldly estate, a∣mongst so many distractions could lay together for you. Wherein you may take notice, that of purpose I have tyed my selfe to the Scriptures and Church-Book, not adding any Quotation of any other Au∣thours (who yet notwith∣standing are plentiful and profitable in this kind) or Prayer of mine owne making; to let you to un∣derstand, that in those two books you shall have sufficient, if you set your hearts to make true use of them, without coasting about for any newer refined Directories.

I end with that Col∣lect

appointed for the fourth Sunday after Epiphany, which especially sorts with the times wherein we live, and was commended unto mee by your Grand fa∣ther John Prideaux, my dear Father, when I was a boy, in the time of a Plague. The words are these:

O God, That know∣est us to bee set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that for Mans frailenesse we can∣not alwayes stand up∣rightly, grant to us the health of Body and

Soul, that all those things which we suffer for sinne, by thy help wee may well passe and overcome, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

To this you may add (if you please) the Collect for the second Sunday in Lent.

Almighty God which dost see that we have no power of our selves to help our selves, keep thou us both outward∣ly in our Bodies, and

inwardly in our Souls, that wee may bee de∣fended from all adver∣sities which may hap∣pen to the Body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the Soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Who make You and Yours Parta∣kers abundantly of all Temporal, and Spiritu∣al Heavenly Blessings, External, Internal, Eternal. To Whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost, Three

Persons, and One God, be all Honour, Might, and Majesty, in Pray∣er, Prayses, and Thanksgiving ascribed both now and ever∣more. Amen.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Num. 6.22
• * 1.2

  Mat. 28.19
• * 1.3

  Deut. 26.5.
• * 1.4

  Chap. 14.2.
• * 1.5

  Joel 2.17.
• * 1.6

  Psal. 32.6.
• * 1.7

  1 John 1.9
• * 1.8

  Ver. 10
• * 1.9

  Dan. 9.21
• * 1.10

  2 Sam. 12.13
• * 1.11

  Psal. 94.18
• * 1.12

  Gen. 34.1.
• * 1.13

  Isaiah 3
• * 1.14

  Jer. 44.16.
• * 1.15

  Ver. 19.
• * 1.16

  Psal. 130.3
• * 1.17

  1 Ti. 1.3 4 and 6.20.
• * 1.18

  1 Tim. 2.1.
• * 1.19

  Psal. 73.27
• * 1.20

  Luk. 21.19
• * 1.21

  Jer. 18.14, 15.
• * 1.22

  Ephe. 6.12, 13
• * 1.23

  Jer. 2.13
• * 1.24

  1. Tim. 2.1.
• * 1.25

  Psal. 122.6, 7, 8, 9
• * 1.26

  1 Cor. 15.10
• * 1.27

  Acts 12.5.
• * 1.28

  2 Cor. 12.4
• * 1.29

  1 The. 5.25
• * 1.30

  Heb. 13.11
• * 1.31

  Exod. 9.28.
• * 1.32

  Acts 8.24
• * 1.33

  James 5.16
• * 1.34

  Ruth 2.8.
• * 1.35

  Psal. 69.32
• * 1.36

  1 Cor. 2.1.
• * 1.37

  chap. 3.19.
• * 1.38

  chap. 4.20.
• * 1.39

  1 Joh. 3.20 21, 22
• * 1.40

  Psal. 69.33.
• * 1.41

  Lev 7.12.
• * 1.42

  Ps. 24.25
• * 1.43

  Psa. 116.11
• * 1.44

  Psal. 145.1
• * 1.45

  Psal. 147.1
• * 1.46

  Mat. 11.25.
• * 1.47

  Psal. 136.
• * 1.48

  Rev. 12.17.
• * 1.49

  Psal. 121.
• * 1.50

  Psa. 145.11
• * 1.51

  Ver. 1, 2.
• * 1.52

  Exo. 15.20.
• * 1.53

  Judges 5.
• * 1.54

  Rut. 4.14, 15
• * 1.55

  1 Sam. 2.1.
• * 1.56

  Luke 1.46
• * 1.57

  Luke 1.68.
• * 1.58

  Psal. 100.
• * 1.59

  Psa. 148.12
• * 1.60

  Psalm 95.
• * 1.61

  Psal. 40.19.
• * 1.62

  1 Cor. 5.5.
• * 1.63

  Gal. 6.
• * 1.64

  Mat. 18.18
• * 1.65

  Rev. 21.8. and 22.15
• * 1.66

  Gen. 3.14
• * 1.67

  Mat. 21.9.
• * 1.68

  Psa. 109.16
• * 1.69

  Psal. 35.1.
• * 1.70

  Rom. 12.19.
• * 1.71

  1 Pet. 3.9
• * 1.72

  Psal. 101.
• * 1.73

  Psa. 144.11