[The flour of godly prayers] [most worthy to be used in these our days…[The flour of godly praiers] [most worthy to be vsed in these our daies…
[The flour of godly prayers] [most worthy to be used in these our days for the safeguard, health, and comfort of all degrees, and estates / newly made by Thomas Becon].[The flour of godly praiers] [most worthy to be vsed in these our daies for the sauegard, health, and comforte of all degrees, and estates / newlie made by Thomas Becon].
Thomas Becon 1512–1567London: printed by John Day, 1550London: printed by Ihon Day, 1550
[32], cliiii [i.e. 312], [14] p. · 55k words · STC 1719.5 · ESTC S1782
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
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.
IF we wretched sinners, O Lord God, had not loving promises of thy ten der mercy in the holy scriptures for the comfort of our weak consciences and sorrowful hearts, we see none other remedy, so great & infinite are our sins, but that ⟨p. xcix⟩we must needs despair. But forasmuch as what soever things are written,1 are written for our learning, that through patience and the comfort of scriptures, we may have hope, our sis although never so many & abominable do not so much make us sad, as thy loving kindness and tender mercies make us glad. Our since, we confess, are innumerable, but thy mercies are also infinite.2 Thou art that most gentle Lord, which wilt not the death of a sinner,3 but rather that he turn and live.4 Thou for repentance sake dissemblest and wilt not see the sins of men.5 Thou confessest, that thou cammest into this world to save sinners,6 to call not the righteous,7 but sinners unto repentance, and to seek up that, which was lost.8 Thou callest unto thee all them that are diseased and laden ⟨image 113⟩with the heavy burden of sin,9 and promisest that thou wilt ease them.10 Yea by thy prophet thou sayest▪ if we will wash & make clean our selves, put away our evil thoughts out of thy sight, cease from doing of evil, & violence, learn to do right apply our selves to equity, deliver the oppressed, help the fatherless to his right, & hear the widows con plaint, though our sis were as red as scarlet, yet shall they be made whiter than snow. And though they were like purple, yet shall they be made like white wool. Yea thou sayest more over, that for thy own sake, even for thy mercy & name sake thou wilt be good unto us, favour us, & so cast away all our sins behind thy back,
these thy loving promises haste thou ever dealt with the children of men, whensoever they repented & turned unto thee. When they forsook their sinful living & called upon thy holy name, thou forgavest all their sins and he alest all their infirmities.
Thou savedst their life from destruction and crowned them with mercy & loving kindness. For thou, O Lord God, art full of compassion & mercy, long suffering and of great goodness. Thou wilt not alway be chiding, neither wilt thou keep thy anger for ever.
IF we wretched synners, O Lord God, hadde not louīg promises of thy tē der mercy in the holye scriptures for the comfort of our weake conscyences and sorowful herts, we se none other reamedy, so great & infinit are our sinnes, but that ⟨p. xcix⟩we must nedes despayre. But for asmuch as what soeuer thynges are wrytten,1 are wrytten for oure learninge, that thorowe pacience and the comfort of scriptures, we mai haue hope, our sis although neuer so mani & abhominable do not so muche make vs sadde, as thy louynge kindenes and tēder mercyes make vs gladde. Oure syns, we confesse, are innumerable, but thi mercies are also infynyte.2 Thou art that most gentle Lord, whych wylt not the deathe of a sīner,3 but rather that he turn and lyue.4 Thou for repentaunce sake dissemblest and wylt not se the sinnes of men.5 Thou confessest, that thou cammest into thys world to saue sīners,6 to cal not ye righteous,7 but sinners vnto repē taūce, and to seke vp that, which was lost.8 Thou callest vnto thee al them that ar diseased and ladē ⟨image 113⟩wyth the heauy burden of synne,9 and promysest that thou wilt ease them.10 Yea by thi prophet thou saiest▪ if we will washe & make clene our selfs, put awai our euil thoughts out of thi sight, cese frō doīg of euil, & violēce, learn to do right apply our selfs to equitie, deliuer the oppressed, help ye fatherles to his right, & heare the widows cō plaint, though our sis wer as red as scarlet, yet shal they be made whiter thē snow. And thogh they wer like purple, yet shall they bee made like white wolle. Yea yu saiest more ouer, yt for thy own sake, euē for thy mercie & name sake yu wilt be good vnto vs, fauour vs, & so cast away al our sins behind thy back,11 yt thou wilt neuer remē ber thē more. O lord, yu arte ye god, which cā not lie,12 yu art ye self truth, yu art faithful in thy words & holy in al thy works.13 For accordyng to ⟨p. xcx⟩these thy louinge promises haste thou euer dealt with the children of men, whensoeuer they repented & turned vnto the. Whē they forsaked their sinful liuing & called vpō thi holi name, yu forgauest al theyr sīnes and he alest al theyr infyrmytyes.14 Thou sauedst their life from destrucciō and crowned them wt merci & louing kindnes. For thou, O Lord God, art ful of compassion & mercy, lōg sufferīg and of great goodnes. Thou wilt not alwaye be chydynge, neither wilt thou kepe thi anger for euer.
Neither wilt thou deal with us after our since, nor yet reward us according to our wickedness. For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth, so great is thy mercy toward them that fear thee. Look how wide the East is from the West, so far doest thou set our since from us.
Neyther wylt thou deale with vs after our synnes, nor yet reward vs accordyng to our wyckednes. For loke how hye the heauē is in cōparysō of the earth, so great is thy mercy toward them that fere the. Loke howe wyde the East is from the West, so far doest thou sette our synnes from vs.
Yea like as a father pitieth his own children, even so art ye merciful unto them that fear thee. For thou knowest whereof we be made, thou rememberest that we are but dust.1 That a man in his time is but as a grass and florisheth as a flour of the field. For as soon as the wind goeth over it▪ it is gone, and the place thereof knoweth it no more. But thy merciful goodness, o lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear thee. Of this thy loving kindness & tender mercy, who at any time hath not tasted, if he sought it with all his heart? Forgavest thou not David both his whoredom and manslaughter when he repented & confessed his sin?2 How oft didst thou call back the plagues of thy vengeance,3 when the children of Israel lamented their since and turned unto thee? How merciful ⟨p. xcxi⟩diddest thou show thy self to the Ninevites,4 when they repented & humbled them selves in thy sight? Howe lovingly spakest thou to that sinful woman in thy gospel,5 and forgavest her all her sins, because she repented and believed, Peter thy disciple although most cowardly denying thee,6 after that he had bitterly wept and lamented his sins, thou diddest behold with thy merciful eye, and favourably receivedst him again into the number of thy holy Apostles.7 One of them that died with thee, being both a thief & a murderer, after he had called unto thee for grace, thou placest in Paradise, and makest him partaker of thine eternal felicity. Mani other notable examples of thy great mercies find we in the holy scriptures, which will not suffer us to despair of thy clemency and goodness, be our since ⟨image 115⟩& wickednesses never so many, but they rather do encourage us boldly to come unto the throne of thy grace,8 that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. O most gentle saviour, thou art that most loving shepherd, which diligently soughtest up the wandering sheep, lovingly laidest it upon thy shoulders, and tenderly broughtest it home again.9 Seek us up which have so long run astray, lay us upon thy merciful shoulders, and bring us home again unto the company of thy faithful.
Yea like as a father pytyeth hys own children, euen so art ye mercyfull vnto them that feare thee. For thou knowest whereof we be made, thou remembrest that wee are but duste.1 That a man in hys tyme is but as a grasse and florisheth as a flour of the field. For as soone as the wynd goeth ouer it▪ it is gone, and the place therof knoweth it no more. But thi merciful goodnes, o lord ēdureth for euer and euer vpon thē that fear the. Of this thy louynge kyndenes & tender mercy, who at anye time hath not tasted, if he sought it wt al his hert? Forgauest yu not Dauid both hys whoredome and manslaughter whē he repēted & confessed hys syn?2 How oft didst thou call backe the plages of thy vengeaunce,3 when the chyldrē of Israel lamented theyr syns and turned vnto the? How mercyful ⟨p. xcxi⟩dyddest thou shew thy self to the Niniuites,4 when they repented & humbled them selfs in thy sight? Howe louynglye spakest thou to that synneful woman in thy gospel,5 and forgauest her al her sins, because she repēted and beleued, Peter thy disciple although most cowardly denying the,6 after that he had bytterly wept and lamented his sins, thou dyddest behold with thy merciful eye, and fauorably receiuedst him again into the number of thi holi Apostles.7 One of thē that died wt the, beīg both a theif & a murtherer, after he had called vnto the for grace, yu placest in Paradise, and makest him partaker of thine eternall felicitye. Mani other notable examples of thy greate mercyes fynde wee in the holy scriptures, whyche wyll not suffer vs to despair of thi clemency and goodnes, be our syns ⟨image 115⟩& wickednesses neuer so manye, but they rather do encourage vs boldely to come vnto ye throne of thy grace,8 that wee maye receyue mercy and find grace to helpe in time of nede. O most gentle sauiour, thou art that moost louynge shepperd, which diligētly soughtest vp the wandering sheepe, louyngely laydest it vpon thy shulders, and tenderlye broughtest it home agayne.
1Isaiah. lx. Eccle. xiiii. Jacob. i. •. Pet••. i.Esaye. lx. Eccle. xiiii. Iacob. i. •. Pet••. i.
Thou art that most merciful Samaritan,1 which beholding the miserable state of the wounded man with thy pitiful eye, cammest unto him, madest clean his wounds pouredst in wine & oil, boundedst them up, laidst the sick Samaritan upon thy beast, & carriedst him into the inn ⟨p. xcxii⟩and never leaftest him till he was perfectly whole. O most loving saviour, vouchsafe also with thy merciful eye to look upon our wretched state, which without thy help must needs perish. Our wounds are deadly wounds, & not able to be healed of any, either in heaven or in earth, but of the alone, which art the true Physician and alone healest them that are contrite in heart.2 Our hole head is sick, and the heart is very heavy. From the sole of the foot unto the head, there is no hole part in all our body, but all are wounds, botches, sores and stripes, which can neither be helped, bound up, mollified, nor eased with any ointmē except thou puttest to thy helping hand. Let it therefore please the of thy great goodness to make clean our wounds, to pour in the wine and oil of spiritual gladness, to ⟨image 116⟩bind them up, and never to leave us, till thou hast made us perfectly whole, and brought us into thy heavenly kingdom. Heal thou us, o Lord, and we shall be healed,3 save thou us, and we shall be saved.4 Thou art that most tender father, which receivedst home again with embracing arms that lost son, which had wasted all his goods with riotous living. So soon as he returned unto thee, repented him of his disorder, confessed his sin and humbled himself in thy sight, thou haddest compassion on him, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. Thou commandedst thy servants also to bring forth that best garment and put it on thy son, and to put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Thou gavest commandment again to fetch a fat calf and ⟨p. xcxiii⟩to kill it, and saidst: let us eat and be merry, for this mi son was dead, and is a live again, he was lost, and now is found. Show this thy favour (O most gentle father) to us thy children also which have ungodly bestowed the godly and virtuous gifts, which thou both friendly, and liberally gavest unto us. This our prodigal and licentious living sore grieveth us and we be heartily sorry that we hau• so grievously offended thy fatherly goodness.
Thou arte that mooste mercyful Samaritan,1 which beholdīg the miserable state of ye woūded mā with thy pitifull eie, cāmest vnto him, madest clene his woūds pouredst in wine & oil, boūdedst them vp, laydst the sick Samaritā vpō thi beast, & caridst him into ye inne ⟨p. xcxii⟩and neuer leaftest him til he was perfectly whole. O most louynge sauyour, vouchsafe also with thy merciful eie to loke vpō our wretched state, whiche wythoute thy helpe muste nedes peryshe. Oure woundes are deadly woundes, & not able to be healed of anye, eyther in heauen or in earth, but of the alone, which art the true Phisicion and alone healest thē that are contryte in herte.2 Oure hole head is syck, and the heart is veri heauy. Frō the sole of ye foote vnto the head, ther is no hole part in al our bodi, but al are woūds, botches, sores and stripes, which can neither be helped, bounde vp, molified, nor eased with any ointmē except thou puttest to thy helpyng hand. Let it therfore please the of thy great goodnes to make clene our wounds, to poure in the wine and oyl of spirituall gladnesse, to ⟨image 116⟩binde them vp, and neuer to leue vs, til thou hast made vs perfectlye whole, and broughte vs into thy heauenly kyngedome. Heale thou vs, o Lorde, and we shall be healed,3 saue thou vs, and we shal be saued.4 Thou arte that mooste tender father, whyche receiuedst home agayne wyth embracynge armes that lost sonne, which had wasted all hys goodes wyth ryotous liuyng. So soone as he returned vnto the, repented him of hys dysorder, confessed hys sinne and hūbled himselfe in thi sight, thou haddest compassion on him, and ranne, and fel on hys necke, and kyssed hym. Thou commaundedst thy seruaunts also to bryng forth that beste garment and put it on thy sonne, and to put a ryng on hys hande, and shooes on hys feete. Thou gauest cōmaūdemēt agayne to fetche a fatte calfe and ⟨p. xcxiii⟩to kyll it, and sayedst: let vs eate and be meri, for this mi sōne was dead, and is a liue againe, he was lost, and now is founde. Shewe thys thy fauour (O most gētle father) to vs thy chyldrē also which haue vngodly bestowed the godly and vertuous gifts, which thou both frendly, and liberally gauest vnto vs. Thys our prodigall and licencious lyuīg sore greueth vs and we be hertely sory yt we hau so greuously offended thy fatherly goodnes.
Notwithstanding according to thy old wont, we most humbly beseech thee, for thy names sake to have mercy on us,1 to forgive us our since, & to receive us again into thy favour. Take away from us all our old beggarly rags, & put on us the new garment of innocency, that precious ring of faith, wherewith we are married unto thee,2 & those most godly shoes ⟨image 117⟩of the evangelic peace, that we may walk from henceforth in the ways of thy holy commandments,3 & do that, which is pleasant in thy sight. Give us grace so unfeignedly to repent and to amend our life,4 that the angels of heaven may rejoice at our conversion.5 And so wash us from our since more and more, that at the last we may be clean and appear beautiful in thy heavenly fathers sight, through the our only saviour, which with the same thy father and the holy ghost, livest and reignest one true & ever lasting God, worlds without end. Amen.
Notwythstandynge acccordynge to thy old wonte, we moste humbly besech the, for thy names sake to haue merci on vs,1 to forgeue vs our synnes, & to receiue vs againe into thi fauoure. Take awai frō vs al oure old begerly ragges, & put on vs ye newe garmēt of innocēcy, yt precius rīg of fayth, wherwith we ar maried vnto ye,2 & those most godly shooes ⟨image 117⟩of the euangelike peace, that wee maye walke from henceforthe in the wayes of thy holy commaundemēts,3 & do that, which is plesāt in thy sight. Gyue vs grace so vnfaynedlye to repēt and to amend our lyfe,4 that the aungels of heauen maye reioyse at oure conuersion.5 And so washe vs from oure syns more and more, that at the laste we maye be cleane and appeare beautyfull in thy heauenlie fathers syght, thorow the our onlye sauiour, which wyth the same thy father and the holy ghoste, lyuest and reignest one true & euer lastynge God, worldes wythoute ende. Amen.
1Thy son and our LORD (O heavenly father) taught us to axe our bodily food of thee,2 and all other things that ⟨p. xcxiiii⟩be necessary for the preservation of this our mortal and corruptible body.3 For thou art the Lord that givest meat to the hungry. Thou fedest all thy creatures in due time. Thou openest thy hand, and replenishest all living things with thy blessing.4 Thy eyes are upon them that fear thee, and upon such as trust in thy mercy that thou mayest deliver their lives from death, and nourish them in the time of hunger. They that fear the shall have no scarceness, nether shall they want any good thing that seek y•. Never was it seen▪ that the righteous man, that is, he that liveth according to thy word,5 was forsaken nether hath his children begged their bread on the earth. How wonderfully didst thou feed thy servant Elijah the prophet, when thou sent him meat twice on a day by the Ravens.6 How marvellously diddest thou increase ⟨image 118⟩the oil and meal of the widow of Sarepta, Elias Hostess▪ How diddest thou provide for thy servant Daniel when he was in prison for setting forth thy glory?7 How wonderfully fedst thou the children of Israel,8 by sending them meat down from heaven by the space of .xl. years in the wilderness? The fouls of the air dost ye feed, which nether sow nor reap, nor yet carry into the barns.9 Thy son also (that we may hang on thy fatherly providence,10 & not despair of a competent living) fed many thousands with a few loves of bread,11 & a little number of small fishes.12 He also at a marriage turned water into wine,13 to show, that those which live according to thy blessed word,14 every one in his vocation, shall want no good thing,15 Thou art the very living God which giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy them.16⟨p. xcxv⟩Thou art our father, thou therefore wilt not suffer us thy children to perish for hunger.17 Thou art our Lord, thou therefore wilt not suffer us thy servants to dye for want of clothes?18 Thou fedest the heathen and the brute beasts, is it then to be thought, that thou wilt leave us succourless, which believe in thee, call on thy holy name, and hang on thy fatherly providence?
1THy sonne and oure LORD (O heauenlye father) taught vs to axe our bodyelye foode of the,2 and all other thynges that ⟨p. xcxiiii⟩be necessary for the preseruatyon of this oure mortall and corruptible body.3 For thou art the Lord yt geuest meat to the hongry. Thou fedest al thi cretures in due time. Thou openest thy hande, and replenysheste all lyuynge thynges with thy blessynge.4 Thy eyes are vpon them that feare the, and vpon suche as truste in thy mercye that thou mayest delyuer their liues frō death, and nourishe them in the tyme of honger. They that fear the shal haue no scarsnes, nether shal thei wāt ani good thing that seke y•. Neuer was it sene▪ yt ye rightous mā, yt is, he yt liueth according to thy word,5 was forsakē nether hathe his children begged their bread on ye erth. How wōderfully dydst yu fede thy seruant Helias the prophet, whē yu sent hym meat twise on a dai bi the Rauēs.6 How maruelously dydest thou encrease ⟨image 118⟩the oyle and meale of ye widow of Saxepta, Helias Ostesse▪ How diddest thou prouide for thy seruant Daniell when he was in prison for setting forth thy glory?7 How wonderfully fedst yu the childrē of Israel,8 by sēding thē meat doune frō heuē by the space of .xl. yeres in ye wildernes? The fouls of the aire dost ye feede, which nether sow nor reape, nor yet carye into the barnes.9 Thy son also (yt we may hāge on thy fatherly prouidēce,10
We therefore being thoroughly persuaded,1 that all good things pertaining ether to the body or to the soul, come from the alone, doubting also nothing of thy bounteous liberality and liberal bounty toward them, that with strong faith depend on thy fatherly providence, are bold at this present to come unto thy divine Majesty, most humbly beseeching the to work in us through thy holy spirit, a mind content with ⟨image 119⟩that is sufficient,2 seeing that no mans life standeth in the abundance of the things which he possesseth, seeing also that we be strangers & pilgrims in this world & have here no continuing city, but seek one to come,3 again, seeing we brought nothing into the world, neither shall we carry any thing out of it.4 For naked came we out of our mothers womb, and naked shall we turn thither again Take away from us all superfluous worldly cares, and teach us to be content with food & raiment.5 Suffer us not after the manner of the heathen to be careful for worldly thin ges, as though thou hadst no care for us, but teach us first of all to seek thy kingdom & the righteousness thereof, and so to look for all worldly and temporal things at thy merciful hand.6 O Lord, give us neither poverty nor richesse, ⟨p. xcxvi⟩only grant thou us a necessary living, lest if we be to full, we deny thee, and say: what fellow is the Lord? And lest we being constrained through poverty fall unto stealing, and forswear the name of the Lord our God. Lord, let it so come to pass for thy dear sons sake Jesus Christ our Lord, & saviour. Amen.
We therfore being thorowli parswaded,1 that al good things pertaining ether to the bodi or to the soule, come from the alone, doubting also nothīg of thy boūteous liberality and liberal bountye toward them, that with strong faith depende on thy fatherlye prouydence, are boulde at this presente to come vnto thy deuyne Maiestye, mooste humblye besechynge the to worke in vs thorow thy holye spirite, a mynd contente wyth ⟨image 119⟩that is sufficiente,2 seyng that no mans life stādeth in the abūdāce of the things which he possesseth, seinge also that we be strangers & pilgrymes in this world & haue here no cōtinuing cytye, but seke one to come,3 agayne, seynge we brought nothing into the world, neyther shal we cary anye thinge oute of it.4 For naked came we out of oure mothers wombe, and naked shal we turne thither againe Take awai frō vs al superfluous worldelye cares, and teache vs to be cōtēt with food & raimēt.5 Suffer vs not after the maner of the hethē to be careful for wordly thī ges, as though thou hadst no care for vs, but teache vs fyrst of all to seke thy kīgdom & the rightuousnes thereof, and so to loke for all wordly and temporall thynges at thy mercyful hand.6 O Lord, geue vs neyther pouertye nor richesse, ⟨p. xcxvi⟩onlye grant thou vs a necessarye liuing, lest if we be to ful, we deni the, and saye: what fellowe is the Lord? And lest we being constrained thorow pouertie fal vnto stealing, and forswere the name of ye Lorde our God. Lorde, lette it so come to passe for thy dear sonnes sake Jesu Christ oure Lord, & sauyoure. Amē.
Thy word,1 O Lord, is a lantern unto our feet, and a light to our pathways. For it showeth unto us evidently,2 how we ought to walk, and turn neither on the right hand, nor on the left, but even that way that thou hast appointed, that we may live & please thee.3 Thy law also is a perfect & undefiled law, it turneth souls and giveth wisdom even unto babes. Thy statutes are right &rejoice the heart,4 thy commandment ⟨image 120⟩is pure, & giveth light unto y• eis. It is nether emplaster nor salve that healeth us, but thy word. O Lord,5 which helleth all things. Through thy word, which y• hast left here among us,6 are we made clean. For it is thy power unto salvation for every one that believeth.7 To hear this thy word, which is sweeter then the honey or honey comb, & more precious then gold, pearl or precious stone,8 we are come hither at this present (O most merciful father) desiring the to send both to thy preacher and to us thy holy spirit,9 that he may teach no thing but thy pure word & the glorious Gospel of thy most dear son, again, that we may diligently note and repose in our memory whatsoever shall be godly & truly spoken of him. And forasmuch as nether he that planteth nor he that watereth is any thing,10 but ⟨p. xv⟩thou, O god, which geve•• the increase, we most entirely pray the that the seed of thy blessed word, which shall now be sown among us, may fall into our hearts as into a good ground, and by no means be choked up of thorns nor dried up for want of moisture,11 nor yet carried away of y• birds of the air, but through the working of the holy ghost, so take rote in our hearts▪ that it may bring forth plenty of good fruit unto the glory and the health of our souls. Amen.
THy worde,1 O Lorde, is a lantarne vnto oure feete, and a lyghte to oure pathewayes. For it sheweth vnto vs euidētly,2 how we ought to walk, and turn neyther on the ryghte hande, nor on the left, but euē that way that thou hast appointed, that we may lyue & plese the.3 Thi law also is a perfecte & vndefyled lawe, it turneth souls and geueth wisdō euē vnto babes. Thy statuts ar right &reioice the hert,4 thi cōmaūdemēt ⟨image 120⟩is pure, & geueth light vnto y• eis. It is nether emplaster nor salue that healeth vs, but thy worde. O Lord,5 which heleth al thīgs. Thorow thy word, which y• hast leafte here amōg vs,6 ar we made clene. For it is thy power vnto saluaciō for euerye one that beleueth.7 To heare this thi word, which is sweter then the hony or honi combe, & more precious then golde, pearle or preycous stone,8 we are come hither at this presente (O mooste mercyful father) desyrynge the to send bothe to thy preacher and to vs thy holi spirite,9 yt he mai teache no thing but thy pure worde & the glorious Gospel of thi most deare sonne, agayn, yt we may diligētly note and repose in oure memorye whatsoeuer shall be godly & truly spoken of him. And for asmuche as nether he that planteth nor he that watereth is anye thyng,10 but ⟨p. xv⟩thou, O god, which geue•• the encrease, we most entirely pray the that the sede of thy blessed word, which shal now be sown among vs, may faul into our heartes as into a good grounde, and by no meanes be choked vp of thornes nor dried vp for wāt of moisture,
WE render unto the (o heavenly father) most hearty thanks for this spiritual and heavenly nourishment of thy blessed word,1 wherewith our souls are not only well refreshed at this present, but also our faith is strengthened, our love is kindled, ⟨image 121⟩and our conscience quieted. We most humbly beseech the to give us grace, not only to be hearers of thy word▪2but doers also of the same, not only to love, but also to live thy Gospel, not only to favour but also to follow thy godly doctrine, not only to profess but also to practise thy blessed commandment, that whatsoever we outwardly hear and inwardly believe, we may show forth the same in our conversation & living unto the honour of thy holy name, the con fort of our christen brethren & the health of our souls. Amen.
WE render vnto the (o heauenly father) moost hertye thanckes for this spiritual and heauenly nourishmēt of thi blessed word,1 wherwith our souls are not only wel refreshed at this presēt, but also our faithis strēghthened, our loue is kīdled, ⟨image 121⟩and our conscience quieted. We most humbly beseche the to geue vs grace, not only to be hearers of thy word▪2but doers also of the same, not only to loue, but also to lyue thy Gospell, not onlye to fauour but also to folow thy godly doctryne, not only to professe but also to practise thy blessed cōmā demente, yt whatsoeuer wee outwardly heare and inwardely beleue, we mai shew forth the same in our conuersatiō & liuing vnto ye honour of thi holy name, the cō fort of our christen brethren & the health of our soules. Amen.
Thy love toward us (O most Gentle Saviour) is so great and vume asurable, that it ran by no means be expressed by mouth, nor sufficiently conceived in heart, For our love ⟨p. xvi⟩without any deserts on our behalf, even freely and willingly at thy heavenly fathers commandment thou cammest down from the glorious seat of thy divine majesty,1 tokest very flesh, & became •est perfect man of the substance of that pure and undefiled virgin Mari through the operation of the holy ghost, taughtest the will of thy heavenly father, confirming the same with wonderful miracles unto the great comfort of many which then lived, & unto the perfect establishment of our faith which live at this present. After thou hadst travailed in this world certain years, the time to fore appointed from everlasting of thy heavenly father drawing nigh▪ that thou shouldest give thy self an oblation and sweet smelling sacrifice to god the father for the sins of the whole world,2 even so many as repent, ⟨image 122⟩believe and amend, willing that so noble & worthy benefit of our redemption should not be forgotten, nor fall out of remembrance,3 which is the alone author of our salvation, & the only comfort of weak consciences. When thou haddest •atē the Pascal lamb with thy disciples according to the appointment of the law, thou tokest bread into thy hand, gavest thanks to thy heavenly father,4 brakest it, & deliverest it to thy disciples, saying. Take ye, eat ye, this is mi body, which is betrayed for you. Do this in the remembrance of me.5 Because the singular & inestimable benefit of our redemption, brought to pass by the one & only oblation of thy blessed body, broken on the altar of the cross,6 should not be forgotten, thou brakest the bread in the sight of thy disciples, and gavest it unto them, commanding them to eat it in ⟨p. cvii⟩the remembrance of the breaking of thy body, which then was betrayed by thy traitorous disciple Judas that son of perdition,7 & the day following was unfeignedly broken on the cross for our ran some, deliverance & salvation. Here didst thou appoint the breaking of the bread among the faithful gathered together for y• purpose, a worthy and blessed memorial of thy body breaking.
THy loue toward vs (O most Gentell Sauyoure) is so greate and vume asurable, yt it rāne by no meanes bee expressed by mouthe, nor sufficyentlye conceyued in herte, For our loue ⟨p. xvi⟩withoute any desertes on ourbehalfe, euen frely and willingli at thy heauēly fathers cōmaundemēt yu cāmest down frō the glorious seate of thy deuine maiestie,1 tokest veri flesh, & becā •est perfect man of the substaūce of that pure and vndefiled virgin Mari thorow the operacion of the holy gost, taughtest the wil of thy heauenly father, confirming ye same with wōderfull miracles vnto ye great comfort of many which thē liued, & vnto the perfect establishment of our fayth whych lyue at thys presēt. After thou hadst trauayled in thys worlde certayne yeres, the tyme to fore appointed frō euerlasting of thi heauēly father drawing nie▪ that thou shuldest geue thy self an oblacyō and sweete smellyng sacrifice to god the father for the sins of ye whole worlde,2 euen so many as repent, ⟨image 122⟩beleue and amēd, willing that so noble & worthy benefit of our redempcion shuld not be forgottē, nor fal out of remēbraūce,3 which is the alone authore of our saluacion, & the onli comfort of weake conscyences. Whē thou haddest •atē the Pascal lābe wyth thy disciples according to the appointemēt of the law, thou tokest bread into thy hand, gauest thancks to thy heauenly father,4 brakest it, & delyuerest it to thy disciples, saying. Take ye, eat ye, this is mi body, which is betraied for you. Do this in the remembraunce of me.5 Because the singuler & inestimable benefyte of our redempcyon, brought to passe by the one & onlye oblacion of thy blessed bodye, brokē on the aulter of the crosse,6 shuld not be forgotten, thou brakest the breade in the syght of thy discyples, and gauest it vnto thē, commaundynge them to eat it in ⟨p. cvii⟩
And because the breaking of thy body should be the better remembered, thou diddest ennoble the bread with the name of thy body,1 when notwithstanding it was only the figure, sign, token and memorial of thy holy body. In like manner when supper was done thou tokest the cup into thy hands, gavest thanks to thy heavenly father, and deliverest it to thy Disciples, saying, drink of this all ye. For this is mi blood of the new testament, covenant ⟨image 123⟩or bargain, which shall be shed for many into the remission of sins▪ This do as often as ye drink it in the remembrance of me As by the breaking of thy blessed body our ransom is perfectly payed: so by the shedding of thy precious blood are all our since even unto the uttermost washed away.2 Therefore as by the breaking of the bread thou wouldest the breaking of thy body & the benefits gotten by it, to be rem• bred among the faithful, so to the end that the shedding of thy blood, & the merits thereof should not be forgotten, thou gavest them the cup of wine to drink, commanding them, that so oft as they or any of the faithful gathered together for that purpose, do drink of the cup, they should remember thy death and the shedding of thy precious blood, as thy holy Apostle sayeth:3 as oft as ye shall eat this bread & drink ⟨p. cviii⟩of the cup▪ ye shall show the lords death till he come.4 And as thou diddest ennoble the bread with the name of thy body▪ being but the figure of thy body, because the breaking of thy body, should the better be remembered: so likewise, here doest thou garnish and nobly set forth the wine, naming it thy blood, when notwithstanding it only representeth and preacheth unto us the shedding of thy blood, because it should be the more deeply graven & the better retained in our minds. O most merciful redeemer & gentle saviour, we are come together at this present to celebrate the memorial of thy blessed and glorious passion, and to eat and drink this bread and wine in the remembrance of thy blessed body breaking, and thy precious blood shedding, most humbly and from the very heart beseeching the to give ⟨image 124⟩us grace, worthily to eat this bread and drink of this cup, least by the unworthy receiving of them,5 we be guilty of thy body and blood▪ and so eat and drink our own damnation.
And because the breakinge of thy bodye shuld be ye better remēbred, thou dyddest ennoble the breade wyth the name of thy body,1 when notwithstādīg it was only ye figure, sign, token and memorial of thy holy body. In like manner when supper was done thou tokest the cup into thy hands, gauest thāks to thy heuēly father, and delyuerest it to thy Discyples, sayinge, drinck of this al ye. For this is mi bloud of the new testamēt, couenaunt ⟨image 123⟩or bargaine, which shalbe shed for many into the remission of sinnes▪ Thys do as oftē as ye drīcke it in the remēbraūce of me As by the breakyng of thy blessed body our raunsome is perfectlye paied: so bi the sheding of thy precious bloud are al our synnes euen vnto the vttermoste washed away.2 Therfore as by ye breaking of the breade thou wouldest the breakyng of thy body & the benefites gotten bi it, to be rem• ̄bred among the faythful, so to the end that the sheddyng of thy bloud, & the merytes therof should not be forgottē, thou gauest thē the cup of wine to drink, commaundyng them, that so oft as they or any of ye faythful gathered together for that purpose, do drink of the cup, thei shuld remēber thi death and the sheding of thy precious blud, as thy holy Apostle sayeth:3 as oft as ye shal eat this bread & drinck ⟨p. cviii⟩of the cup▪ ye shal shew the lor•s deathe tyll he come.4 And asthou dyddest ennoble the bread with ye name of thy body▪ being but ye figure of thy body, because the breking of thi body, shuld ye better be remēbred: so likewise, here doest thou garnish and nobly set forth the wine, naminge it thy bloude, when notwythstandynge it only representeth and preacheth vnto vs ye sheding of thi bloud, because it shuld be the more depely grauē & the better retained in our mindes. O most mercifull redemer & gentel sauioure, we are come together at this presēt to celebrate the memoryall of thy blessed and gloryous passyon, and to eat and drinke this breade and wine in ye remēbraunce of thy blessed body breaking, and thy precious bloud sheddyng, moost humbly and frō ye very hert beseching the to gyue
And that we may come the more worthily unto this thy table, grant we most entirely pray thee, that we may so earnestly be at defiance with all since, and so inwardly be ashamed, that we at any time have so grievously offended thy divine majesty by attempting any thing, that is not agreeable to thy good pleasure, that from henceforth we may not only loth, detest and abhor, whatsoever is displeasant unto thee, but also embrace and lay hand on that, which is good and acceptable in thy sight.1 Forgive us all our sins & give us grace even with our whole heart to love all men, yea our very ⟨p. cix⟩enemies, and not only to forgive all such as have offended us, but also to be ready at all times to do for them what soever good or pleasure we be able. And that we may be the more welcome unto thee, & be found mete and worthy guests to sit at this thy table, & to eat of these thy blessed gifts that our soul may be well comforted, nourished, fed and made merry by the worthy receiving of them, clothe us, we pray thee,2 with that wedding garment, even true & lively faith, wherewith our hearts are purified, wherewith we are married unto thee & made one flesh one blood with thee,3 wherewith also we are justified and counted righteous in thy sight, and grant that through the same faith we earnestly set the eyes of our mind on these thy most sweet and loving promises.4 My body shall be broken ⟨image 125⟩for you.5 My blood shall be shed for you. And without any doubting look for remission of all our since at thy heavenly fathers hand, according to thy most gentle promises, yea and that not for our good deeds and merits,6 which in this behalf are none, but for the worthiness of thy blessed passion, for the dignity of thy precious blood, and for that only and alone sacrifice of thy holy body. For that O Lord, is the salve, ye healeth our souls. That is the medicine, that comforteth our weak and troubled consciences.7 That is the living bread: whosoever eateth of the bread shall never hunger, but live for ever. That is the Jewel of joy, that maketh our sorrowful hearts merry. That is the mighty bulwark the strong defence, the sure fortress, ye ⟨p. cx⟩preserveth and keepeth us harmless against Satan, sin, death, hell, desperation, and all the infernal power.
And that we may come the more worthely vnto thys thy table, graunte we mooste entyrely pray the, that we may so earnestly be at defiaunce wyth al synnes, and so inwardly be ashamed, that we at any tyme haue so greuously offēded thi deuine maiesty by attemptynge anye thing, that is not agreable to thy good pleasure, that from hēsforth we may not only lothe, detest and abhor, whatsoeuer is displeasaunt vnto the, but also embrace and lay hand on that, whiche is good and acceptable in thy sight.1 Forgeue vs al our sīnes & giue vs grace euen wt our whole hert to loue al men, yea our very ⟨p. cix⟩enemies, and not onli to forgiue al suche as haue offēded vs, but also to be ready at all times to do for them what soeuer good or plesure we be able. And yt we maye be the more welco•e vnto the, & be found mete and worthy gests to sitte at this thy table, & to eate of these thi bless•d gifts that our soule may be wel comforted, norished, fedde and made mery by ye worthy receiuing of them, clothe vs, we pray the,2 wyth yt weddyng garment, euē true & liuely faith, wherwith our herts are purified, wherwith we are maryed vnto ye & made one flesh one bloud with the,3 wherwyth also we are iustified and counted righteous in thy sight, and graūt that thorowe the same faith we ernestly set ye eies of oure minde on these thy moste swete and louing promyses.4 My bodye shall be broken ⟨image 125⟩for you.5 My bloude shalbe shedde for you. And wythoute anye doubtyng loke for remissiō of all our synnes at thy heauenly fathers hande, accordynge to thy mooste gentle promyses, yea and that not for our good dedes and merites,6 which in this behalf are none, but for ye worthynes of thy blessed passion, for the dignity of thy precious bloude, and for that only and alone sacrifice of thy holye body. For that O Lord, is the salue, ye healeth our souls. That is the medecine, that comforteth our weake and troubled consciē ces.
Thou fedest the hethen and the brute beasts, is it then to be thought, that thou wilt leaue vs socourles, which beleue in the, cal on thy holye name, and hang on thy fatherli prouidence?
nor yet carryed away of y• byrdes of the ayer, but thorowe the working of the holy gost, so take rote in our hertes▪ that it may brynge forthe plenty of good frute vnto the glory and the healthe of oure soules. Amen.
the remēbrance of the breakyng of thi bodi, which thē was betraied by thy traiterous disciple Iudas that sōne of perdicyon,
& the day folowynge was vnfaynedly broken on the crosse for our raū some, delyueraunce & saluacion. Here didst thou appoint the breakīg of the breade amōg the faithfull gathered to gether for y• purpose, a worthy and blessed memorial of thi bodi breaking.
⟨image 124⟩
vs grace, worthelye to eate thys breade and drinke of thys cuppe, least by the vnworthy receiuing of them,
That is the liuinge breade: whosoeuer eateth of ye bread shal neuer honger, but lyue for euer. That is ye Iewel of ioy, that maketh our sorowfull hertes mery. That is the mighty bulwark the stronge defēce, the sure fortres, ye
⟨p. cx⟩
preserueth and kepeth vs harmlesse against Satā, synne, death, hel, desperacion, and al the infernal power.
