The souldiers manual, or, Directions, prayers, and ejaculations for such as lead a military life.: By A member of the Athenian Society.

THE SOULDIERS Manual.

THIS Short Manual consists of the fol∣lowing Heads:

I. Directions for every Morning. II. Morning Prayer. III. Directions for Even∣ing. IV. A Prayer for King William and the Confederates, to be said Morning and Evening. V. A Prayer before Battel, and Ejaculations in it. VI. Behaviour and Thanksgiving after Vi∣ctory. VII. Directions in Sickness, with Pray∣ers and Devotions.

I. Directions for every Morning.

1. As soon as you awake, look up to God, and say;

I laid me down and slept; I awaked, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be a∣fraid for Ten Thousands of the People that set themselves against me round about.

2. Immediately after this, and before the more Solemn Devotions, think with your self, (1.) What Sins you have committed since the last Night, in Thought, Word or Deed, hum∣bling your self for the same before God. (2.) What Temptations you are like to meet with that Day, and by what means you have been formerly drawn into Sin, arming your self

against 'em, by Faith and Prayer, and resolving to avoid both the Sin, and as much as possible the Occasion of it. (3.) What Good ye may do, by preventing or reproving and discountenancing the Sins of others, or exhorting 'em to Piety and Virtue; encouraging them therein both by Word and Example.

II. Then Kneeling down (if the Place permits) say humbly and devoutly (if you have no better) this MORNING PRAYER.

O Almighty Lord God, the great Creator and Governor of all things, in whom I live, move, and have my Being! I thy unworthy Creature humbly prostrate my self before thee, to offer up my Morning Sacrifice of Prayer and Praise, for all thy Goodness which endures for ever. I Bless thee for my Creation and Preservation, my Life, [Health, Strength] and all those outward Blessings I enjoy;† 1.1 the Mercies of the [Night] past, and of all my Life: But above all, for thine inestimable Love in the Re∣demption of the World by our Lord Jesus Christ, who by his once offering himself upon the Cross, did there make a full, perfect and sufficient Sacrifice, Oblation and Satisfaction for our Sins. I bless thee for being born in thy peculiar Fold, the Christian Church, and early Consecrated to thee by Baptism, and the graci∣ous Assistance of thy Holy Spirit, towards the performance of the Vow which I then made unto thee; and for thy Patience and Long-suffering; that thou hast not forsaken me for the many Breaches thereof, nor yet cut me off in

the midst of my days, and in the very Act of Sin, which I must acknowledge I have most righteously deserved.

For, O Lord! I must own with shame and confusion of Face, that I have most grievously offended against thee. I was shapen in Iniquity and conceived in Sin: My heart is by Nature deceitful above all things, and desperately wick∣ed, neither can I tell how often I have actually transgressed, in Thought, Word and Deed,† 1.2 slighting both thy Mercies and thy Judgments, and renewed offers of Pardon upon my Repentance and Obe∣dience. Or if at any time I have resolved to forsake my Sins, soon returning to them again like a Dog to his Vomit. What therefore re∣mains for me, but a fearful looking for of fiery Indignation, which is the just reward of my Ini∣quities? What can I expect but thy Wrath and Vengeance, both in this Life, and that to come?

But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayst be feared: Thou hast laid help upon one that is mighty, and hast sent thy Dear Son to die for us, and to save his People from their Sins.

O fit me for that Mercy which he has pur∣chased for me, by a true Sence of all my Trans∣gressions, a hearty sorrow for them, and hatred of them, and a constant and sincere resolution and endeavour, never more to be guilty of them.

And since I am not able of my self to help my self, or do any good action, grant me thy Grace, O giver of all Grace, that I may know and do

thy Blessed Will. Work in me a true Faith, a firm Hope and Trust in thee; and unfeigned Love to thee, Zeal for thee, Reverence of what∣ever is related unto thee, and Fear to offend thee; Thankfulness for thy Mercies, Submission to thy Providences, Devotion in thy Service, Sorrow for my Sins: Make me meek, and con∣tented, and humble; just and charitable; sober and temperate, and couragious, and merciful! Create in me a new Heart, sanctifie me in Body, Soul and Spirit, and preserve me to thy hea∣venly Kingdom!

With me, I beseech thee, O Father of Mer∣cies, have mercy upon all Men: All Jews, Turks, Idolaters, Infidels and Hereticks, that they may be turned from Darkness to Light, and from the Power of Satan to God.

Bless the Ʋniversal Church, especially the Reformed Churches, and particularly the Church of England, and give us Grace so deeply to repent us of our Sins, and throughly to ac∣knowledge our unworthiness, that thou mayst have mercy upon us, that we may not perish. Bless with the choicest of thy Blessings our Sovereign Lord and Lady King William and Queen Mary: Strengthen their Friends, and subdue their Enemies; give 'em Wisdom to go in and out before this great People, and Grace to punish Wickedness and Vice, and main∣tain thy true Religion and Virtue: Let their Reign be long and happy, and after this Life crown 'em with eternal Glory. Pity all that are in Affliction, especially those that suffer for Righteousness sake, and the Defence of thy true Religion. Bless my Friends, and forgive my

Enemies: Preserve me this [Day] from Sin and Danger, and give thy Holy Angles charge over me. Forgive my Infirmities, and deal with me not according to my Merits, but thy Mer∣cies in Jesus, thy Son, and my alone Saviour, in whose Name and Words I conclude my im∣perfect Prayers, saying as he has taught me: OƲR FATHER, &c.

III. Directions for Evening.

1. As in the Morning — Enquire what Sin you have committed, and how you came to fall into it. 2. What Good omitted, and for what reasons; humbling your self before God, making new resolutions to be more upon your guard for the future. 3. If no remarkable fault or omission, if you have done any Good, or re∣ceived any Mercy or Deliverance, or been pre∣served even from the fear of Evil; heartily bless God for it. 4. Repeat the Morning Prayer, only changing the Words [Day] or [Night] as the Sence requires. 5. If lying down, think upon the Grave and Death; and before you go to sleep say, I will lay me down in peace and take my rest, for 'tis thou Lord only that makest me dwell in safety. Into thy hands I commend my Spirit, for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord thou God of Truth.

If upon Duty — Meditate on good Things: If you can, read God's Word, or any good Book: If not, read his Works. Look into the Heavens the Works of his Fingers, the Moon and Stars which he hath ordained, and thence argue the Wisdom and Power of their Maker, and praise him for them; saying with the Psalmist, At Midnight will I praise him, because of his righte∣ous Judgments.

IV. After Morning and Evening Devotions, always add this Prayer for His MAJESTY and the CONFEDERATE Princes.

ALmighty and most Gracious God, who hast in all ages shown thy Power and Providence in the raising up Pious and Religious Princes, to be the Savers and Deliverers of thy People, and hast promised, that Kings shall be Nursing Fathers, and Queens Nursing Mothers to thy Church. I yield thee hearty thanks for raising up thy Servant King William to be the happy Instrument of our Deliverance, by whom thou hast preserved thy pure Religion amongst us, and all besides that is dear unto us. Prai∣sed be thy Name, for thy wonderful Preser∣vation of him from all those great Dangers to which he has been exposed both by Sea and Land! And most humbly I beseech thee still to continue him under the merciful Care and Pro∣tection of thy good Providence, to preserve him from all secret and treacherous Practices and Attempts, to stand by him, and to cover his Head in the day of Danger, and to bless him with Victory and all good Success! Visit him as thou didst visit Moses in the Bush, Gideon in the Field, and Joshua in the Battel; and by him be pleased in thy own good time to accom∣plish that great work which thou hast begun, for the Salvation of thy People, and Confusion of thy Enemies. Be pleased also to Bless all those Princes which are joined together with him in the just Defence of their Countries, and the Liberties of Europe; and give such success to their Arms, that they may humble the Pride of him who is the great Troubler of the World.

Grant this, O Lord, for thy Mercies sake in Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

V. Preparation and Prayer before a Fight, and Ejaculations in it.

1. Prepare as for Death, and think of no∣thing but that or Victory, and in order there∣unto first Examine the State, the Condition of your Soul; for sure you have Souls to be saved as well as others, and think not, that being of the right Side, or very dying for it, or your Country and Religion, will save you, un∣less you have repented of your Sins, and are reconciled to God. Since then you mayn't have many moments to live in this World, you can't doubt but 'tis the highest Wisdom to secure a better. In order to which, ask your self how you are prepared for't; and take this one short infallible Rule, Whosoever continues in the habit of any one wilful Sin, be it Swearing, Cruelty, Impurity, or whatever else, is not in God's Fa∣vour, nor can, if he so die, expect any Mercy at his Hand.

Now there's no way to recover from this Condition, but Repentance and Faith: The first, Sorrow for Sin, and leaving it; the se∣cond, an humble Trust in God's Mercy for the sake of Christ Jesus, with a sincere Obedience to his Commands. Without which Faith, 'tis impossible to please God; as without Repen∣tance, we must all perish.

But because these Graces require generally Time and Labour to be produced in the Mind, 'tis a more desperate hazard to delay the getting 'em till such an Exigence, than 'twould be to

put off your Arming your self, 'till the Enemy were just upon you. Therefore make this the business of your Lives, and then you'll not want Comfort, at the approach or apprehen∣sion of Death.

However, if this has been neglected before, now begin it; if practis'd, renew it. Humble your self for your Sins, and cry for Mercy: say, God be merciful to me a Sinner; and, I Believe, Lord help my Ʋnbelief.

2. When that's done, consider What you are Fighting for, -your Country, -your Religion, the Liberties of Europe. Whom you are Fight∣ing under, -King William. Whom you are Fighting against, -the French, whom you us'd to beat, when the odds was on their side; and they never you without it. Commend your Soul to God in the following † Prayer: and then Fall on in God's Name; and, May HE be with you!

But if any of you, as is but too much to be fear'd, thro' your rude and ignorant manner of Education, or thro' your long and daily converse with Debauch'd and Irreligious Comrades, wherewith all, even the best of Armies swarm; or by your own negligence and wil∣fulness, in slighting o•• contemning the Means of better Instruction, and the Holy Ordinances Instituted by God, for the working in us those Graces of Repentance and Regeneration, so ne∣cessary to Salvation, we have been discoursing of: I say, if any of you, by these or any other depraved disposition of Mind or Body, or unlucky circumstances of your Lives, have hitherto been so unhappy as to spend your

whole time in a continual course and habit of Sin, and particularly in those which Men of your Vocation are most guilty of; as Oaths, Blasphe∣mies, Curses, Damning your selves, or others; as likewise Drunkenness, Ʋncleanness, Malice, Wrath∣ful and Foolish Quarrels, Ʋnjust Rapines, Bar∣barous and Ʋnmanly Cruelties, Rapes; and such Bloodshed as is downright Murther, and against all the Rules of War, as well as the Laws both of Nature and Christianity: and in a word, have lived all along in all the gross Sins, that Prophaness, Licenciousness, and Atheistical Infidelity can inspire; and now are come perhaps within view of a Battel, with a fierce and potent Enemy; by whose hands you know not how soon God may call you to an Account for all those many Blasphe∣mous Vollies you have formerly shot against Heaven; and for all both your open and pri∣vate Transgressions, and above all, for your obstinacy and long impenitence in them: Yet let not therefore Despair seize your Hearts, nor 'pall your Courage against Men, or take off the Point of your Faith towards God: but rather increase, and add a double Vigour to both. Tis true, the Work of Faith, or Repentance, and much less of what crowns both, a com∣pleat Regeneration and Reformation, is not the work of a day, and much less of a few mo∣ments; which a Man, who may be killed, may have in or before a Battel; nor are old Habits of Sin, or rooted wicked Customs so soon to be destroyed. But tho' this ought to make Men, that have time, to fear and tremble, and be afraid to deferr the work of Repentance

to the last; or make more work for it, than Humane Frailty forces them to; yet it ought not however to make them afraid of any thing else but Despair, or the Mother of it, final Impenitence, which only can Damn them at last; nor tempt them to throw away all Thoughts of Repentance, and Trust in God's Mercy; which can, and will, and does actually Save many Souls, how wicked soever they have been before that make good use of those last Moments, the short time of the expecta∣tion of a Battel gives them; in preparing themselves with such Pious Reflections and Resolutions, as the effectual Prospect of pre∣sent Death before them; and Retrospection, and backward Glances upon their past Life behind them, will afford to them, that will give themselves leave but to think seriously never so small a while: And for their Comfort, let me tell them this; that Men of sound Reason, (and none but such can be truly Couragious,) how mad or hot-brain'd soever they have been at other times, or may be in the heat of Fight, will always have some Serious Thoughts, upon the sight of an ap∣proaching Foe: which well digested in their Minds, will redouble their Courage in Battel, fence them against all Surprises, which alone can cause Fear in a Valiant Soldier; and render their Hearts impenetrable to any Af∣fright or Amazement. I say, 'tis almost impossible, that a Man of true Reason and Cou∣rage, that orders his Thoughts aright before∣hand, and considers the worst of the dangers he is to encounter, before he comes at them,

or they reach him, can fear them at all when he is in them; because he can find nothing in them that surprises him; nothing worse than he expected, and nothing in fine, but what he is armed with a most invincible Resolution against: And tho' perhaps in Battel you have but one Moment left to Pray in, and one Cast for your Lives both in this and the other World; yet if you endeavour to Throw that well, you may Win both. What, tho' like Samson, you have lived in De∣bauchery, and resisted the Spirit of God? yet in Fighting for His Cause, as you do, and with such Thoughts as I shall direct; tho' you like him fall in the Attempt, yet may you likewise become Victorious over those Spiritual Philistins that have so oft assaulted your Souls; and Conquer them by your Death, and by that of your Saviour's; tho' you could never Subdue them in your Life. It is true, our Lord says 'tis harder for a Rich Man to enter into Hea∣ven, than for a Camel to pass thro' a Needles-eye: but yet He tells us, 'tis not impossible, for all that. And 'tis without doubt, at least as hard for an Old Sinner to enter into Hea∣ven, as for a Rich Man; and questionless very hard for a Death-bed or Momentary Repen∣tance to obtain Salvation, because 'tis ex∣treamly dubious whether it can be real; but yet 'tis not impossible: for we see, the Thief on the Cross was Saved with one single Act of it, exerted a moment before he died. That Example indeed is but one: but yet it shows there may be, and is sometimes more, or else the Example would be to no purpose:

And as it evidences on one side, that Conti∣nuation in Sin, is extream dangerous; so on the other, it demonstrates, that Despair is still more so, and never to be entertained, even at our latest breath. But then it ought to be particularly considered, in favour of Souldiers, that a Late Repentance in them, may more justly be accounted true, and more likely to be accepted from them by God, than from a wicked man, that dies on his Bed: because their Case every way comes nearer that of the Thief on the Cross, and may, by God's Grace, and their strong Endeavours, far exceed it in all acceptable qualifications. For a Man that has gone on all his life-time in Sin, and Dies in his Bed, has no opportuni∣ties to give any marks of a true Repentance, but meer Wishes and Resolves; of the Since∣rity of which, God only is Judge: Whereas a Soldier, that will but seriously employ a few moments before a Battel, or while he is alive, even in a Surprize, in such Thoughts and Resolves, as he may have by due appli∣cation to God; he may in great measure shew the Truth of his Repentance, and repair, tho' in a short scantling of time, the Errours of his whole Life-past; and Entitle himself to all the Advantages of the Blood of his Suffering Saviour. For let a Soldier, how wild and wicked soever before he has been, but thus Think and Resolve when he goes to Fight, and if he does it sincerely; never let him fear Victory for his Soul, tho' the first Bullet that comes next should part it from his Body. Let him, I say, thus Think and

Resolve: Have I been ignorant, by Careles∣ness or Education hitherto, of the Saving Knowledge of Faith and Repentance, Lord, yet according to my imperfect Notions, I Believe and Repent, help my Imperfect Repentance, and my Ʋnbelief; I will, if I out-live this Battel, endeavour for better Instruction, by fre∣quenting thy Ministers and Holy Ordinances. Have I been guilty of Damning, Swearing, Cursing, Blasphemy, Intemperance, and the rest of the Sins that stick so close to Men of my Profession; I will endeavour to abstain from 'em, and all thoughts of 'em, during the Fight, and strive against them with more care here∣after. I will not fear my Enemies, but my GOD only: and tho' I have spent my Life in the Devil's Service, I will endeavour to sacrifice the last moments of it to GOD, by Fighting for His True Worship and Cause: I will with my best Blood endeavour to Pur∣chase a glorious and happy Quiet for His Church and People: And tho' my Tongue has been false and injurious to Him, with Rash Oaths and Execrations; yet my Sword shall prove the Sincerity of my Good Intentions: And if Time, and the black fortune of this days Action, will not permit my future Amend∣ment of Life to speak it; yet my willing and resigned Death shall Proclaim it, and my Hearts Blood shall Seal the Truth of my Re∣pentance. And tho' my Dear Saviour's Dying for me, had not power enough 't influence me to Live to him; yet shall it work Love enough in me, to Dye for him, and for the maintenance of the True Observation of his

Gospel by others; tho' to my Sorrow, and most hearty Grief, I never truly observed it my self. Lord, thou that art able to Save, hear my inward Prayers, and strong Cries and Tears, and deliver me to serve thee, or serve thy self of my death; and let the Me∣rits and Blood of my Dearest Saviour atone for all my Sins, and former Disobedience. Let our Prodigal Soldier, tho' on the brink of Death, thus think and resolve when he Fights; and let him fear no Enemy, nor dread no Devil: no doubt but he will find God a merciful and tender Father to receive him, and his blood spent in so Glorious a Cause, as for the True Religion, and his Country, will prove next to a second Baptism, to entitle him a∣new to Christs Benefits, and repair the old. Pretensions he had forfeited by his wicked life. Neither is this a New Sentiment; the Old Christians thought the same, and believed, that the Blood of the Martyrs, tho' they had been but a moment before Converted, washed away all former Sins, by a full application of Christ's Blood; and supplied even the want of Baptism it self. Let then none of your Brave Hearts despond; gratifie not your Enemies the Devils, or his Instruments the Papists, with any Despair: There is no Crime so Black, against even an Earthly Prince, but an offending Subject may wash off by a Bold Service; or by shewing his Repentance, by a Sacrifice of his Life, for the support or defence of his Sovereign's Crown: no doubt of a Pardon for that Man, whether he lives or dies: And shall we think our Heavenly Prince

any less merciful, or reconcilable than an earthly one? No! He has declared, At what soever time a Sinner shall repent, he will receive him. Be Comforted then, all you Military Souls, that have so long lain in Sin: and let not that thought discourage you, because you want time to Repent, from Looking up to God, or Facing your Enemies and his: But be strong, and shew your selves Valiant, for your People, and the Cities of your God: and then submit to him, and let him do what is good in his eyes; as Joab counsels, 1 Chron. 1.30. and without all doubt your Souls will be safe, and you will have both the Crown and Reward of Martyrs; For if they were counted Martyrs, that lost their Blood under Persecutors, what can you be less, if you likewise fall by the Sword of the worst Persecutors of God and his People, that ever yet were in Europe. The Thief on the Cross, suffered indeed with Christ, but could not suffer for him but by Sympathy: But you, if you dye, both suffer with him and for him, in the most Glorious Cause that ever was contended for since Christianity. You Fight, and spend your Blood, for the Lives, Liberties, and Properties of all Christians; and for the Defence and Safety of the Protestant Religion, and the Priviledges of both King and People in your Native Country; in which are the Cities and Places inhabited by a People, for whom he has so many times, and in so many wonderfull manners, evidently appeared. And therefore you need not doubt, if he chuses your Arms, and your Blood now

again, for the Defence of so Glorious a Quar∣rel; that he will accept them, and forgive all your Sins: Provided you will make but that Pious and Wise Use of the short moments he shall lend you, in the intervals before or in an Engagement, which I have Advised: Angels shall then guard you up, with the joyful Sound of Heavenly Trumpets, into Para∣dise; your Souls shall live with God, and your Memories with your Country-men, if left Happy at the Expence of your Blood: and Future Histories shall Preserve your Valour to all succeeding Ages. And thus, you that will but come in, tho' at the last hour, shall Receive Equal of your Heavenly Master, with them that came in at the first.

† 2. Prayer before an Engagement.

O Lord our God, to whom Vengeance be∣longeth, who beholdest ungodliness and wrong and cruelty and oppression; thou Lord of Hosts and God of Battels, who sittest upon thy Throne and judgest right. We make our Address to thee in our Necessity, that thou would'st take the Cause into thy own Hand, and judge between us and our Ene∣mies. Stir up thy Strength, Lord, and come and help us; for thou givest not always the Battel to the strong, but canst save by many or by few. O let not our Sins now cry against us for Vengeance, but hear us thy poor Ser∣vants begging Mercy, and imploring Help; and that thou would'st be a Defence unto us, against the face of our Enemy. Make it appear, that thou art our Saviour, and mighty Deli∣verer, thro' Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3. Ejaculations in the Battel.

LET us be of Good Courage, and play the Men, for the House of our God, and the City of our God; and the Lord do what seem∣eth him Good.

Thro' thee, O God, shall we do great Acts; thro' thee shall we tread down our Enemies!

O Lord arise, help us and deliver us for thine Honour! and let us not sink under the Weight of our Sins, or the Violence of the Enemy. — O, Lord! preserve me and my Friends, and forgive my Enemies.

VI. Directions and Prayer after a Victory.

WHEN it shall please God to Bless our Good King, and the Confederates, with Success against the Enemy; have a care of At∣tributing it to an Arm of Flesh, which is so unbecoming a Christian: and avoid Cruelty, or Insulting over the Vanquished; both which are below the Generosity of an English-man. Say, Not unto us, O Lord! not unto us, but to thy Name be all the Glory. — And as soon as con∣venience permits, say humbly and devoutly this or the like Prayer unto God.

Thanksgiving after Victory.

O Almighty God, the Sovereign Commander of all the World, in whose hand is Power and Might, which none is able to withstand. Blessing and Praise be to thy Great and Glorious Name, for this happy Victory, the whole Glory whereof be ascribed to Thee, who art the only Giver of it. And we beseech thee, give us Grace to improve this great Mercy to thy Glory, the Advancement of thy Gospel, the Honour of our Sovereign, and as much as in us lies, the Good of All Mankind.

And we beseech thee, give us such a Sence of this Great Mercy, as may engage us to a true Thank∣fulness, such as may appear in our Lives, by an humble, holy, and obedient walking before thee all our days, thro' Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom with thee and the Holy Spirit, as for all thy Mercies, so in particular for this Victory and Deliverance, be all Glory and Honour, World wi••hout end. Amen.

VII. Directions in Sickness.

I. IF possible, get your Chaplain to assist you with the Churches Prayers, that on your Penitent Confession, you may receive the Bene∣fit of his Absolution and Advice.

2. In Order to which, or at least to Receive Forgiveness from God, tho' you should not have the happiness to hear it declar'd and pronounc'd by his Minister; set about a serious and exact Review of your Life past; a Tryal of your State and Actions:

I. The End, for which you engage in the War: — which if only Gain, or any such mean Prospect; rather than the Excellency of the Cause, and Love to your Country and Reli∣gion, you are now to Repent of, and heartily ask Pardon for it.

II. The Manner how you have Prosecuted it- What Life you have led - Whether you have observ'd those good Lessons; Do Vio∣lence to no Man, no Friend, by Plunder, &c. and be content with your Wages: Be not muti∣nous or unruly? Whether you have not been cowardly in Fight, or cruel in Victory, or born malice against any: Ha'nt thought your self like the Sons of Belial; — without Yoak

or Law, either of God or Man: — Bin lewd, or atheistical, or impious; or have Encourag'd others in the same or other Crimes. If you have wrong'd any Man, as far as possible to make Restitution. — If you have offended God, never to be at rest, 'till you find your self truly sorrowful for it; begging Pardon, for his Dear Son Jesus Christ's sake; who has assur'd us, That those who come unto him, he will in no wise cast off.

3. Resolve by God's Grace, if he thinks good to restore you, to amend your Life, and reform whatever you have now found amiss: and Pray heartily for the help of his Holy Spi∣rit, in the bringing those Resolutions to a good Effect: since otherwise they'll be but as the Morning Cloud, and Early Dew, that soon passes away. To whom you may Address your self in these or the like Words; or get some other to do it for you.

A Prayer in the time of Sickness, or any other Affliction.

O Just and Holy Lord, who with Rebukes dost chasten Man for Sin, and yet dost always punish less than our Iniquities deserve. I desire unfeignedly to humble my self under thy mighty hand, which now lies heavy upon me; I heartily acknowledge, O, Lord, that all I do or can suffer, is but the due reward of my Deeds; and therefore in thy most severe Inflictions, I must still say righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy Judgments.

But, O Lord! I beseech thee in Wrath re∣member Mercy, and though my Sins have en∣forced thee to strike, yet consider, my weak∣ness,

and let not thy stripes be more heavy, or more lasting than thou seest profitable for my Soul. Correct me, but with the Chastisements of a Father, not with the Wounds of an Enemy; and tho' thou take not off thy Rod, yet take away thine Anger. Lord do not abhor my Soul, nor cast thy Servant away in displeasure, but Par∣don my Sins I beseech thee, and if yet in thy Fatherly Wisdom thou seest fit to prolong thy Corrections, thy blessed Will be done. I cast my self, O Lord, at thy Feet! do with me what thou pleasest! try me as Silver is try∣ed, so thou bring me out purified. And, Lord! make even my Flesh also subscribe to this Resignation, that there may be nothing in me that may rebel against thy Hand; but that having perfectly supprest all repining Thoughts, I may chearfully drink of this Cup. And how bitter soever thou shalt please to make it, Lord let it prove Medicinal, and cure all the Diseases of my Soul, that it may bring forth in me the peaceable Fruits of Righteousness; that so these light Afflictions which are but for a moment, may work for me a far more ex∣ceeding and eternal weight of Glory, thro' Jesus Christ. Amen.

Psalms to be used in Sickness.

In thee, O Lord, have I put my Trust, let me never be put to confusion: but rid me and deliver me in thy Righteousness; incline thine Ear unto me and save me.

Be thou my strong hold, whereunto I may always resort: thou hast promised to help me, for thou art my House of Defence and my Castle.

Deliver me, O Lord God, out of the hand

of the ungodly; out of the hand of the unrigh∣teous and cruel Man.

For thou, O Lord God, art the thing that I long for: thou art my hope even from my Youth.

Through thee have I been holden up ever since I was born: thou art he that took me out of my Mothers Womb, my Praise shall be always of thee.

I am become as a Monster unto many: but my sure trust is in thee.

O let my mouth by filled with thy Praise: that I may sing of thy Glory and Honour all the day long.

Cast me not away in the time of [my mi∣sery] neither forsake me when my strength faileth me.

Go not far from me, O God: my God hast thee to help me.

Forsake me not, O my God, until I have shewed thy strength unto this Generation, and thy power unto all them that are yet to come.

Thy Righteousness, O God, is very high: and great things are they that thou hast done, O God, who is like unto thee?

Ejaculations in Sickness.

O Saviour of the World, who by thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed me, save and help me, I humbly beseech thee.

Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy Son; yet do not cast off the Bowels and Compassion of a Father: But as a Father pittieth his own Children, so be thou merciful unto me.

O Lord! of whom may I seek for for succour

but of thee, who for my Sins art justly dis∣pleased! Yet, O Lord God most Holy! O Lord most mighty! O Holy and most Merci∣ful Saviour, deliver me not into the bitter Pains of eternal Death, neither suffer me at my last hour for any Pains of Death, to fall from thee.

O Lord in thee have I trusted, let me never be confounded. Into thy hands I commend my Spirit, for thou hast red••emed me O Lord thou God of Truth. Come Lord Jesus come quickly.

4. If it shall please God to restore you to Health again, have a care you don't forget you Sickness, and the Promises you then made to lead a better life, which God will never forget, though you may perhaps do it. When you are tempted to any Sin, ask your own Soul whether it would be a handsom return to him, who so lately saved your Life, so soon to rebe•• against him. And every Evening examin your self, how you have performed those Vows which you made in your Trouble.

If you love your Country, Victory, Glory, live Holy Lives, for the English-mans Sins are his most formidable Enemies.

Swearing is unprofitable, Lewdness is damna∣ble, Theft is base, Cruelty is inhuman, and Cowardie fit for none but Traytors.

Fight the good Fight! keep the Truth! lay hold on Eternal Life — From henceforth there is laid up for you a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give to all those that love his Appearance.

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

FINIS.

Notes

• † 1.1

  Here mention any late Delive∣rance, or other Mercy.
• † 1.2

  Here mention the chiefest of your Sins.