The pomander of prayer, newly madeThe pomaunder of prayer, newly made

This is that most faithful shepherd which by many and divers labours and travails over steep hills and through headlong and deep valleys did search for his own sheep that was strayed away, which also when he had found it faint and almost dead through long wandering, gat him self under it with great rejoicing, and making it fast unto him with a marvellous bond of ⟨image 65⟩charity, lifted it up out of the depth of confusion and brought it home to the ninety and nine. Behold (O Lord) my king and God almighty, behold a good shepherd, which rendereth to thee, that which thou committed to his charge. He took upon him through thine ordinance to save man, whom he hath delivered unto the clean and pure from all spots through the washing in his blood. Lo thy most dearly beloved son hath reconciled unto thee thy handy work, which was gone astray far out of the way. Lo a gentle shepherd bringeth again to thy flock, him that the ⟨p. 64⟩violent pirate & robber had driven away. He hath brought unto thy sight, the servant whom his own conscience had made to run away, that he which by him self had deserved punishment, by thy Son being his solicitor hath deserved forgiveness, unto whom also for his offences everlasting fire was due: nevertheless being a soldier under such a captain, he doth hope to be brought home to his own country. I was able (O holy Father) by my self to offend thee, but I was not able of my self to pacify and appease thee. Thy well beloved Son (O my God) was made my helper, ⟨image 66⟩by taking upon him mine humanity, to the intent he might cure mine infirmity, that whereof the first occasion of thy wrath did spring: of the same, he might offer up to thee a Sacrifice of praise. And that he might render & make me also well pleasing to to thy goodness by that thing, in the which he sitting now on thy right hand, did always show & declare him self to be equal with my substance, & as it were fellow with the same. Lo my hope, behold, in whom is all my trust. If thou despise me (as it were right) for mine iniquity: yet look upon me (at the least wise) mercifully ⟨p. 65⟩for the charity of thy beloved son. Give heed to thy Son, whereby thou mayest have mercy upon thy bond servant. Look upon the sacrament of flesh: & pardon the offences of flesh. How oft so ever thou dost remember the wounds of thy blessed Son: so oft (I beseech thee) let mine in iquities be hid.