The practise of piety directing a Christian how to walk that he may please God.The practise of pietie directing a Christian how to walke that he may please God.
Lewis Bayly d. 1631London: printed for John Hodgets, 1613London: printed for Iohn Hodgets, 1613
[36], 1031, [1] p. · 116k words · STC 1602 · ESTC S1173
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
[Here thou mayest confess unto God thy secret sins which do most burden thy conscience: with the circumstances, of the time, place, person, and manner how it was committed, saying, But more especially O Lord, I do here with grief of heart confess unto thee, &c.]
[Here thou maist confesse vnto God thy secret sinnes which doe most burden thy conscience: with the circumstances, of the time, place, person, and manner how it was committed, saying, But more especially O Lord, I doe here with griefe of heart confesse vnto thee, &c.]
1And for these my sins, O Lord, I stand here guilty of thy curse, with all the miseries of this life, and everlasting torments in hell fire, 2when this wretched life is ended, if thou shouldest deal with me according to my deserts. ⟨p. 323⟩Yea, Lord, I confess,3 that it is thy mercy which endureth for ever, and thy compassion which never fails: that is the cause, that I have not been long ago consumed. But with thee O Lord, 4there is mercy, and plenteous redemption. 5In the multitude therefore of thy mercy, and confidence in Christs merits, 6I entreat thy divine Majesty that thou wouldest not enter into judgement with thy Servant, neither be extreme, 7to mark what I have hitherto done amiss for if thou doest, then no flesh can be justified in thy sight, nor any living stand in thy presence. But be thou merciful unto me,
to shame me in this life, or to condemn me in the world which is to come. And I beseech thee, O Lord, not only to wash away my sins with the blood of thine immaculate Lamb;
by thy holy spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption: that I may feel thy spirit, more and more killing my sin, in the power and practise thereof:
in righteousness and holiness this day. And give me grace that by the direction and assistance of the same thy holy spirit, I may persevere, to be thy faithful and unfeigned servant unto my lives end: that when this mortal life is ended I may be made a partaker of immortality,
and everlasting happiness in thy heavenly kingdom. In the mean time, O Lord, whilst it is thy blessed will and pleasure,
⟨p. 326⟩
that I may continue to spend, and end that small number and remnant of days, which thou hast appointed for me to live in this vale of misery:
1And for these my sinnes, O Lord, I stand here guiltie of thy curse, with all the miseries of this life, and euerlasting torments in hell fire, 2when this wretched life is ended, if thou shouldest deale vvith mee according to my deserts. ⟨p. 323⟩Yea, Lord, I confesse,3 that it is thy mercy which endureth for euer, and thy compassion which neuer failes: that is the cause, that I haue not beene long agoe consumed. But with thee O Lord, 4there is mercy, and plenteous redemption. 5In the multitude therefore of thy mercy, and confidence in Christs merits, 6I entreate thy diuine Maiestie that thou wouldest not enter into iudgement with thy Seruant, neyther be extreame, 7to marke what I haue hitherto done amisse for if thou doest, then no flesh can be iustified in thy sight, nor any liuing stand in thy presence. But be thou mercifull vnto mee,8 and wash away all the vncleannesse of my sinne, 9with the merits of that ⟨p. 324⟩precious bloud, which Iesus Christ hath shed for me. And seeing that hee hath borne the burden of that curse which was due to my transgressions.10 O LORD deliuer me from my sinnes, and from all those Iudgements which hang ouer my head, as due vnto mee for them. And separate them,11 as farre from thy presence, as the East is from the West: burie them in the buriall of Christ;12 that they may neuer haue power to rise vp against mee,13 to shame me in this life, or to condemne me in the world which is to come. And I beseech thee, O Lord, not onely to wash away my sinnes with the bloud of thine immaculate Lambe;14 but also to purge my heart, ⟨p. 325⟩15by thy holy spirit, from the drosse of my natural corruption: that I may feele thy spirit, more and more killing my sinne, in the power and practise thereof:16 so that I may with more freedome of minde, and liberty of will, serue thee the euerliuing God, 17in righteousnesse and holinesse this day. And giue me grace that by the direction and assistance of the same thy holie spirit, I may perseuere, to be thy faithfull and vnfained seruant vnto my liues ende: that when this mortall life is ended I may be made a partaker of immortality, 18and euerlasting happinesse in thy heauenly kingdome. In the meane time, O Lord, whilest it is thy blessed will and pleasure, ⟨p. 326⟩that I may continue to spend, and end that small number and remnant of daies, which thou hast appointed for me to liue in this vale of misery:
Teach me so to number my days, 1that I may apply my heart unto wisdom: and as thou dost add days unto my life; so, good Lord, I beseech thee, add repentance and amendment to my days: that as I grow in years, so I may increase in grace, and favour with thee, and all thy people. And to this end; give unto me a supply of all those graces, which thou knowest to be wanting in me, and necessary for me, with an increase of all those good gifts, wherewith thou hast already endued ⟨p. 327⟩me: that so I may be the better enabled, to lead such a godly life and honest conversation, as that thy name may thereby be glorified, others may take good example by me, and my soul may more cheerfully feed on the peace of a good conscience, and be more replenished with the joy of the holy Ghost. 2And here, O Lord, according to my bounden duty, I give thee most humble and hearty thanks, for all those blessings, which of thy goodness thou hast bestowed upon me. And namely, for that thou hast of thy free love according to thine eternal purpose, elected me, before the foundation of the world was laid,3 unto salvation in Jesus ⟨p. 328⟩Christ: for that thou hast created me after thine own Image, 4and hast begun to restore that in me, which was lost in our first Parents: for that thou hast effectually called me by the working of thy spirit, 5in the preaching of the Gospel, and the receiving of thy Sacraments, to the knowledge of thy saving grace,6 and obedience of thy blessed will: for that thou hast bought and redeemed me with the blood of thine only begotten Son, 7from the torments of Hell, and thrall of Satan: for that thou hast by faith in Christ, 8freely justified me, who am by nature the child of wrath:9 for that thou hast in good measure sanctified me by thy holy ⟨p. 329⟩spirit, and givest me so large a time to repent, together with the means of repentance. I thank thee likewise good Lord, for my life, health wealth, food, raiment, peace, prosperity and plenty: and for that thou hast preserved me this night, from all perils and dangers of body and soul, and hast brought me safe to the beginning of this day. And as thou hast now wakened my body from sleep; so I beseech thee waken my soul from sin and carnal security: 10and as thou hast caused the light of the day, to shine in my bodily eyes, so good Lord, cause the light of thy word, and holy spirit to illuminate my heart:
Teach mee so to number my daies, 1that I may apply my heart vnto wisdome: and as thou dost adde daies vnto my life; so, good Lord, I beseech thee, adde repentance and amendment to my daies: that as I growe in yeeres, so I may encrease in grace, and fauour with thee, and all thy people. And to this end; giue vnto me a supply of all those graces, which thou knowest to be wanting in me, and necessary for me, with an increase of all those good gifts, whervvith thou hast already endued ⟨p. 327⟩me: that so I may be the better enabled, to leade such a godly life and honest conuersation, as that thy name may thereby be gloryfied, others may take good example by me, and my soule may more cheerefully feed on the peace of a good conscience, and bee more replenished with the ioy of the holy Ghost. 2And heere, O Lord, according to my bounden duty, I giue thee most humble and hearty thankes, for all those blessings, which of thy goodnesse thou hast bestowed vpon mee. And namely, for that thou hast of thy free loue according to thine eternall purpose, elected me, before the foundation of the world was laid,3 vnto saluation in Iesus ⟨p. 328⟩Christ: for that thou hast created mee after thine owne Image, 4and hast begunne to restore that in mee, vvhich vvas lost in our first Parents: for that thou hast effectually called me by the working of thy spirit, 5in the preaching of the Gospell, and the receiuing of thy Sacraments, to the knowledge of thy sauing grace,6 and obedience of thy blessed will: for that thou hast bought and redeemed me vvith the blood of thine onely begotten Sonne, 7from the torments of Hell, and thrall of Satan: for that thou hast by faith in Christ, 8freely iustified me, vvho am by nature the childe of wrath:9
and give me grace as one of thy children ⟨p. 230⟩of light, 1to walk in all holy obedience before thy face this day, and that I may endeavour to keep faith and a clear conscience towards thee, 2and towards all men, in all my thoughts, words, and dealings. And so, good Lord, bless all my studies and actions, which I shall take in hand this day: as that they may tend to thy glory, the good of others, and the comfort of mine own soul and conscience in that day, when I shall make my final accounts unto thee for them.3 O my God, keep thy servant, that I do no evil unto any man this day: and let it be thy blessed will, not to suffer the Devil, 4nor his wicked Angels, nor any of his evil members, ⟨p. 331⟩or my malicious enemies to have any power to do me hurt or violence. But let the eye of thy holy providence watch over me, for good, and not for evil, and command thy holy Angels to pitch their tents round about me, 5for my defence and safety, in my going out and coming in,6 as thou hast promised they should do about them that fear thy name: for, into thy hands, O Father, I do here commend my soul, 7and body, my actions, and all that ever I have, to be guided, defended, and protected by thee: being assured that whatsoever thou takest into thy custody, cannot perish, nor suffer any hurt or harm. And if I at any time ⟨p. 332⟩this day, shall through frailty, forget thee; yet Lord, I beseech thee, do thou in mercy remember me. 8And I pray not unto thee, O Father, for my self alone, but I beseech thee also be merciful unto thy whole Church, and chosen people, wheresoever they live upon the face of the earth. Defend them from the rage and tyranny of the Devil, the world, and Antichrist. Give thy Gospel a free and a joyful passage through the world, for the conversion of those, who belong to thine election and kingdom.
and giue me grace as one of thy children ⟨p. 230⟩of light, 1to walke in all holy obedience before thy face this day, and that I may endeauour to keepe faith and a cleere conscience towards thee, 2and towards all men, in all my thoughts, words, and dealings. And so, good Lord, blesse all my studies and actions, which I shall take in hand this day: as that they may tend to thy glory, the good of others, and the comfort of mine owne soule and conscience in that day, when I shall make my finall accounts vnto thee for them.3 O my God, keepe thy seruant, that I doe no euill vnto any man this day: and let it be thy blessed will, not to suffer the Diuell, 4nor his wicked Angels, nor any of his euill members, ⟨p. 331⟩or my malicious enemies to haue any power to doe mee hurt or violence. But let the eye of thy holy prouidence watch ouer me, for good, and not for euill, and command thy holy Angels to pitch their tents round about me, 5for my defence and safetie, in my going out and comming in,6 as thou hast promised they should doe about them that feare thy name: for, into thy hands, O Father, I doe heere commend my soule, 7and body, my actions, and all that euer I haue, to bee guided, defended, and protected by thee: being assured that whatsoeuer thou takest into thy custody, cannot perish, nor suffer any hurt or harme. And if I at any time ⟨p. 332⟩this day, shall through frailtie, forget thee; yet Lord, I beseech thee, doe thou in mercy remember me. 8And I pray not vnto thee, O Father, for my selfe alone, but I beseech thee also be merciful vnto thy whole Church, and chosen people, wheresoeuer they liue vpon the face of the earth. Defend them from the rage and tyranny of the Diuel, the world, and Antichrist. Giue thy Gospell a free and a ioyfull passage through the world, for the conuersion of those, who belong to thine election and kingdome.
Bless the Churches and kingdoms wherein we live,1 with the continuance of peace, justice, and true Religion. ⟨p. 333⟩Defend the Kings Majesty from all his enemies, and grant him a long life, in health, 2and all happiness to reign over us. Bless the Queen, Prince Charles, the Prince Palatine of Rhene ▪ and the Gracious Lady Elizabeth his Wife. Increase in them all heroical gifts, and spiritual graces, which may make them fit for those places, for which thou hast ordained them. Direct all the Nobility, Bishops, Ministers, 3and Magistrates of this Church & common-wealth, to govern the commons in true Religion, justice, obedience, and tranquillity. Be merciful unto all the Brethren which fear thee and call upon thy name. And comfort as many among ⟨p. 334⟩them as are sick, 4and comfortless in body or in mind: especially, be favourable to all such as suffer any trouble or persecution for the testimony of thy truth,5 and holy Gospel. And give them a gracious deliverance out of all their troubles,6 which way it shall seem best to thy wisdom: for the glory of thy Name, the further enlarging of the truth, 7and the more ample increase of their own comfort and consolation.8 Hasten thy coming, O blessed Saviour, and end these sinful days, and give me grace, that like a wise Virgin I may be prepared with oil in my Lamp, 9to meet thee the sweet Bride-groom of my Soul at thy ⟨p. 335⟩coming, whether it be by the day of death or of judgement: And then, Lord, Jesus, come when thou wilt: even Lord Jesus come quickly! These,10 and all other graces which thou knowest needful and necessary for me this day and evermore, I humbly beg and crave at thy hands, O father, giving thee thy glory, in that form of Prayer, which Christ himself hath taught me to say unto thee.
Blesse the Churches and kingdomes wherein wee liue,1 with the continuance of peace, iustice, and true Religion. ⟨p. 333⟩Defend the Kings Maiesty from all his enemies, and grant him a long life, in health, 2and all happinesse to raigne ouer vs. Blesse the Queene, Prince Charles, the Prince Palatine of Rhene ▪ and the Gratious Lady Elizabeth his Wife. Increase in them all heroycall gifts, and spirituall graces, which may make them fit for those places, for which thou hast ordained them. Direct all the Nobilitie, Bishops, Ministers, 3and Magistrats of this Church & common-wealth, to gouerne the commons in true Religion, iustice, obedience, and tranquillity. Be mercifull vnto all the Brethren which feare thee and call vpon thy name. And comfort as many among ⟨p. 334⟩them as are sicke, 4and comfortlesse in body or in minde: especially, be fauourable to all such as suffer any trouble or persecution for the testimonie of thy truth,5 and holy Gospell. And giue them a gracious deliuerance out of al their troubles,6 which way it shall seeme best to thy wisdome: for the glory of thy Name, the further enlarging of the truth, 7and the more ample encrease of their owne comfort and consolation.8 Hasten thy comming, O blessed Sauiour, and end these sinnefull daies, and giue me grace, that like a wise Virgin I may be prepared with oyle in my Lampe, 9to meete thee the sweet Bride-groome of my Soule at thy ⟨p. 335⟩comming, whether it be by the day of death or of iudgement: And then, Lord, Iesus, come when thou wilt: euen Lord Iesus come quickelie! These,
IF when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter: meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, 1wherewith God is well pleased. And therefore it is so displeasing to the Devil and so irksome to thy flesh. Bend therefore thy Affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise: assuring thy self, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much the more it is unpleasing to thy flesh.
IF when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy praiers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit praiers, or else to cut them shorter: meditate that praier is thy spirituall sacrifice, 1wherewith God is wel pleased. And therefore it is so displeasing to the Diuel and so irkesome to thy flesh. Bend therefore thy Affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise: assuring thy selfe, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much the more it is vnpleasing to thy flesh.
2 Forget not how the holy ⟨p. 337⟩Ghost, puts it down as a special note of reprobates,1 They call not upon the Lord, 2They call not upon God. And when Eliphaz supposed that Job had cast off the fear of God, 3and that God had cast Job out of his favour; he chargeth him that he restrained prayer before God: making that a sure note of the one, and a sufficient cause of the other. On the other side, that GOD hath promised that whosoever shall call on his Name shall be saved. It is certain,4 that he who maketh no conscience of the duty of Prayer, hath no grace of the holy Spirit in him.5 For the spirit of Grace and of Prayer, are one, and therefore Grace and Prayer go together. But he that can ⟨p. 338⟩from a penitent heart, morning and evening pray unto GOD: it is sure, that he hath his measure of grace in this world: and he shall have his portion of glory in the life which is to come.
2 Forget not how the holy ⟨p. 337⟩Ghost, puts it downe as a speciall note of reprobates,1 They call not vpon the Lord, 2They call not vpon God. And when Eliphaz supposed that Iob had cast off the feare of God, 3and that God had cast Iob out of his fauour; hee chargeth him that hee restrained prayer before God: making that a sure note of the one, and a sufficient cause of the other. On the other side, that GOD hath promised that whosoeuer shall call on his Name shall be saued. It is certaine,4 that hee who maketh no conscience of the dutie of Prayer, hath no grace of the holy Spirit in him.5 For the spirit of Grace and of Prayer, are one, and therefore Grace and Prayer goe together. But he that can ⟨p. 338⟩from a penitent heart, morning and euening pray vnto GOD: it is sure, that he hath his measure of grace in this world: and he shall haue his portion of glory in the life which is to come.
3 Remember, that as loathing of meat, and painfulness of speaking, are two Symptoms of a sick body: so irksomeness of praying when thou talkest with GOD, and carelessness in hearing, when GOD, by his Word, speaks unto thee: are two sure signs of a sick soul.
3 Remember, that as loathing of meate, and painefulnesse of speaking, are two Symptomes of a sicke body: so irkesomnesse of praying when thou talkest with GOD, and carelesnesse in hearing, when GOD, by his Word, speakes vnto thee: are two sure signes of a sicke soule.
4 Call to mind the zealous devotion of the Christians in the Primitive Church: who spent many whole nights and vigils in watching and praying for the forgiveness ⟨p. 339⟩of their sins: and that they might be found ready at the coming of Christ. And how that David was not content to pray at morning, at evening, and at noon: 1but he would also rise up at mid-night to pray unto GOD. 2And if CHRIST did chide his Disciples,3 because they would not watch with him one hour in praying; what chiding dost thou deserve, who thinkest it too long to continue in Prayer but one quarter of an hour? If thou hast spent divers hours in seeing a vain Mask or a Play; yea, whole days and nights in carding and dicing, to please thy flesh, be ashamed to think a Prayer of a quarter of an hour long, to be ⟨p. 340⟩too long an exercise for the service of GOD.
4 Call to minde the zealous deuotion of the Christians in the Primitiue Church: who spent many vvhole nights and vigils in watching and praying for the forgiuenesse ⟨p. 339⟩of their sinnes: and that they might be found readie at the comming of Christ. And how that Dauid vvas not content to pray at morning, at euening, and at noone: 1but hee would also rise vp at mid-night to pray vnto GOD. 2And if CHRIST did chide his Disciples,3 because they would not watch vvith him one houre in praying; vvhat chiding dost thou deserue, who thinkest it too long to continue in Prayer but one quarter of an houre? If thou hast spent diuers houres in seeing a vaine Maske or a Play; yea, whole dayes and nights in carding and dicing, to please thy flesh, be ashamed to thinke a Prayer of a quarter of an houre long, to be ⟨p. 340⟩too long an exercise for the seruice of GOD.
5 Consider, that if the Papists in their blind superstition, do in an unknown, and therefore aunedifying Tongue, (fit only for the children of bmystical Babylon) mutter over upon their cBeads, every morning and evening, so many scores of Ave-Maries, Pater-nosters, and Idolatrous Prayers: how shall they, in their superstitious devotion, rise up in Judgement against thee, professing thy self to be a true Worshipper of Christ? If that thou thinkest these Prayers to be too long a task, being shorter for quantity then theirs, but far more profitable for quality, tending ⟨p. 341⟩only to Gods glory, and thy good, and so compiled of Scripture-phrase, as that thou mayest speak to God, as well in his own h•ly words, as in thine own native language? Be ashamed, that Papists in their superstitious worshipping of Creatures, should show themselves more devout then thou, in the sincere worshipping of the true and donly God. And indeed, a prayer in private devotion, should be one econtinued speech, rather then many broken fragments.
5 Consider, that if the Papists in their blinde superstition, doe in an vnknowne, and therefore avnedifying Tongue, (fit onely for the children of bmysticall Babylon) mutter ouer vpon their cBeades, euery morning and euening, so many scores of Aue-Maries, Pater-nosters, and Idolatrous Prayers: how shall they, in their superstitious deuotion, rise vp in Iudgement against thee, professing thy selfe to be a true Worshipper of Christ? If that thou thinkest these Prayers to be too long a taske, being shorter for quantitie then theirs, but farre more profitable for qualitie, tending ⟨p. 341⟩onely to Gods glory, and thy good, and so compiled of Scripture-phrase, as that thou maist speake to God, as well in his owne h•ly words, as in thine owne natiue language? Be ashamed, that Papists in their superstitious worshipping of Creatures, should shew themselues more deuout then thou, in the sincere worshipping of the true and donely God. And indeede, a prayer in priuate deuotion, should be one econtinued speech, rather then many broken fragments.
6 Lastly, when such thoughts come into thy head, either to keep thee from prayer, or to distract thee in praying: remember that those are the Fowls which the evil ⟨p. 342⟩one sends to devour the good Seed, 1and the carcasses of thy spiritual Sacrifices: but endeavour,2 with Abraham, to drive them away. Yet notwithstanding, if thou perceivest at some times, that thy spirits are dull, and thy mind not apt for Prayer, and holy devotion: strive not too much for that time; but humbling thy self at the sense of thine infirmity and dullness,3 knowing that God accepteth the willing mind (though it be oppressed with the heaviness of the flesh,4) endeavour the next time, to recompense this dullness, by redoubling thy zeal, and for the time present commend thy Soul to God in this or the like short Prayer.
6 Lastly, when such thoughts come into thy head, eyther to keepe thee from prayer, or to distract thee in praying: remember that those are the Fowles which the euill ⟨p. 342⟩one sends to deuoure the good Seede, 1and the carkeises of thy spirituall Sacrifices: but endeuour,2 with Abraham, to driue them away. Yet notwithstanding, if thou perceiuest at some times, that thy spirits are dull, and thy minde not apt for Prayer, and holy deuotion: striue not too much for that time; but humbling thy selfe at the sense of thine infirmity and dulnesse,3 knowing that God accepteth the willing minde (though it be oppressed with the heauinesse of the flesh,4) endeauour the next time, to recompense this dulnesse, by redoubling thy zeale, and for the time present commend thy Soule to God in this or the like short Prayer.
O MOST gracious GOD, and merciful Father, I thine unworthy Servant, do here acknowledge, that as I have been borne in sin, so I have lived in iniquity, and broken every one of thy Commandments, in thought, word, and deed, following the desires of mine own will, and lusts of my flesh, not caring to be governed by thy holy Word and Spirit: and therefore I have justly deserved all shame and misery in this life, and everlasting condemnation in Hell-fire, if thou shouldest but deal with me, according ⟨p. 344⟩to thy Justice, and my desert. Wherefore, O Heavenly Father, I beseech thee for thy Son Jesus Christ, his sake, and for the merits of that bitter death and bloody Passion▪ which I believe that he hath suffered for me: that thou wouldest pardon and forgive unto me all my sins, and deliver me from the shame and vengeance, which is due unto me for them. And send thy holy Spirit into my heart, which may assure me, that thou art my Father, and that I am thy child, and that thou lovest me with an unchangeable love: and let the same thy good Spirit lead me in thy truth, and crucify in me more and more all worldly and ⟨p. 345⟩carnal lusts, that my sins may more and more dye in me; and that I may serve thee in unfeigned righteousness and holiness this day, and all the days of my life: that when this mortal life is ended, I may through thy mercy in Christ, be made a partaker of everlasting glory in thy heavenly Kingdom. And here, O Lord, from the bottom of my hart, I thank thee for all thy blessings which thou hast bestowed upon my soul and body: for electing me in thy love, redeeming me by thy Son, sanctifying me by thy Spirit, and preserving me from my youth up, until this present day and hour by thy most gracious providence.
O MOST gracious GOD, and mercifull Father, I thine vnworthy Seruant, do here acknowledge, that as I haue beene borne in sinne, so I haue liued in iniquitie, and broken euery one of thy Commandements, in thought, word, and deede, following the desires of mine owne will, and lusts of my flesh, not caring to be gouerned by thy holy Word and Spirit: and therefore I haue iustly deserued all shame and miserie in this life, and euerlasting cond•mnation in Hell-fire, if thou shouldest but deale with mee, according ⟨p. 344⟩to thy Iustice, and my desert. Wherefore, O Heauenly Father, I beseech thee for thy Sonne Iesus Christ, his sake, and for the merits of that bitter death and bloudy Passion▪ which I beleeue that he hath suffered for mee: that thou wouldest pardon and forgiue vnto me all my sins, and deliuer me from the shame and vengeance, vvhich is due vnto mee for them. And send thy holy Spirit into my heart, which may assure mee, that thou art my Father, and that I am thy childe, and that thou louest mee with an vnchangeable loue: and let the same thy good Spirit leade mee in thy truth, and crucifie in me more and more all worldly and ⟨p. 345⟩carnall lusts, that my sinnes may more and more dye in mee; and that I may serue thee in vnfained righteousnesse and holinesse this day, and all the dayes of my life: that when this mortall life is ended, I may through thy mercy in Christ, be made a partaker of euerlasting glory in thy heauenly Kingdome. And here, O Lord, from the bottome of my hart, I thanke thee for al thy blessings which thou hast bestowed vpon my soule and body: for electing mee in thy loue, redeeming mee by thy Sonne, sanctifying mee by thy Spirit, and preseruing me from my youth vp, vntill this present day and houre by thy most gracious prouidence.
I thank thee more specially, for that thou hast defended me this night, from all perils and dangers, and hast brought me safe to the beginning of this day. And now (good Lord) I beseech thee, keep me this day from all evil that may hurt me, and from falling to any gross sin, that should offend thee. Set thy fear before mine eyes, and let thy Spirit so rule my heart, that all that I shall think, do, or speak this day, may tend to thy glory, the good of others, and the peace of mine own Conscience. And to this end, I commend my self, and all my ways and actions, together with all that do belong unto me, unto thy gracious direction and ⟨p. 347⟩protection, praying thee to keep both them and me from all evil: and to give a blessing to all our honest labours and endeavours. Defend thy whole Church from the tyranny of the World, and of Antichrist: Preserve our gracious King from all conspiracies and treasons: grant him a long and prosperous reign over us. Bless the Queen, Prince Charles, the Prince Palatine of Rhene, and the virtuous Lady Elizabeth: endue them with thy grace, and defend them from all evil. Bless all our Ministers and Magistrates, with those graces and gifts, which thou knowest necessary for their places. Be favourable to all that fear thee, ⟨p. 348⟩and tremble at thy Judgements: comfort all those that are sick and comfortless. Lord• keep me in a continual readiness, by Faith and Repentance, for my last end: that whether I live or dye, I may be found thine own, to thine eternal glory, and mine everlasting salvation: through Jesus Christ my only Saviour. In whose blessed Name, I beg these mercies at thy hands, and give unto thee thy praise and glory in that Prayer, which he hath sanctified with his own lips, saying, Our Father which art in heaven, &c.
I thanke thee more specially, for that thou hast defended mee this night, from all perils and dangers, and hast brought me safe to the beginning of this day. And now (good Lord) I beseech thee, keepe me this day from all euill that may hurt me, and from falling to any grosse sinne, that should offend thee. Set thy feare before mine eyes, and let thy Spirit so rule my heart, that all that I shall thinke, doe, or speake this day, may tend to thy glory, the good of others, and the peace of mine owne Conscience. And to this end, I commend my selfe, and all my wayes and actions, together with all that do belong vnto me, vnto thy gratious direction and ⟨p. 347⟩protection, praying thee to keepe both them and mee from all euill: and to giue a blessing to all our honest labours and endeuours. Defend thy whole Church from the tyranny of the World, and of Antichrist: Preserue our gracious King from all conspiracies and treasons: grant him a long and prosperous raigne ouer vs. Blesse the Queene, Prince Charles, the Prince Palatine of Rhene, and the vertuous Lady Elizabeth: endue them vvith thy grace, and defend them from all euill. Blesse all our Ministers and Magistrates, with those graces and gifts, which thou knowest necessary for their places. Be fauourable to all that feare thee, ⟨p. 348⟩and tremble at thy Iudgements: comfort all those that are sicke and comf•rtlesse. Lord• keepe mee in a continuall readinesse, by Faith and Repentance, for my last end: that whether I liue or dye, I may be found thine owne, to thine eternall glory, and mine euerlasting saluation: through Iesus Christ my onely Sauiour. In whose blessed Name, I beg these mercies at thy hands, and giue vnto thee thy praise and glory in that Prayer, which hee hath sanctified with his owne lips, saying, Our Father which art in heauen, &c.
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for that thou hast in good measure sanctified mee by thy holy
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spirit, and giuest me so large a time to repent, together with the meanes of repentance. I thanke thee likewise good Lord, for my life, health wealth, foode, raiment, peace, prosperity and plenty: and for that thou hast preserued me this night, from all perils and dangers of body and soule, and hast brought me safe to the beginning of this day. And as thou hast now vvakened my body from sleepe; so I beseech thee waken my soule from sinne and carnall security:
and as thou hast caused the light of the day, to shine in my bodily eies, so good Lord, cause the light of thy word, and holy spirit to illuminate my heart:
and all other graces which thou knowest needefull and necessary for me this day and euermore, I humbly beg and craue at thy hands, O father, giuing thee thy glory, in that forme of Praier, which Christ himselfe hath taught me to say vnto thee.
