DailyMeditationsandPrayers

byJohnBradford

TableofContents

1WhenyouAwakeoutofyourSleep,Praythus:1.1SosoonasyoubeholdtheDaylight,Pray:1.2WhenyouArise,Pray:1.3WhenyouDressyourself,Pray:1.4WhenyouaremadeReadytobegintheDay,Pray:2CogitationsPropertoBegintheDaywithprayer2.1WhenyougoForthoutofDoors,Pray:2.2WhenyouaregoinganyJourney,Pray:2.3OrPraythus:2.4WhenyouweabouttoReceiveyourMeat,Pray:2.5IntheMeal-time,Pray:2.6AfteryourMeat,Praythus:3CogitationsforabouttheMiddaytime3.1WhenyoucomeHomeagain,Pray:3.2AttheSun'sgoingDown,Pray:3.3WhentheCandlesarelighted,Pray:3.4WhenyouUndressyourself,Pray:3.5WhenyouEnterintoyourBed,Pray:3.6WhenyoufeelSleeptobeComing,Pray:4AnotherPrayer5AGodlyPrayertobereadatallTimes

The following meditations and prayers were written by Bradford tosupersede theonesuponsimilar subjects inuseamong thepapistsandwhicharestillfoundinmanyoftheirbooksofdevotion.

WhenyouAwakeoutofyourSleep,Praythus:OmostdearFatherofourSaviourJesusChrist,whomnonedoesknowbutbythygift,grantthattothemanifoldgreatbenefitsofthygoodnessgiventome,thiswhichofallotheristhegreatest,maybeadded;thatlikeas thou hast awakenedmy body from sleep, so thouwould thoroughlyawake,yea,delivermysoulfromthesleepofsinandthedarknessofthisworld, and that which now is awakened out of sleep, be pleased, afterdeath,torestoretolife,forthatisbutsleeptothee,whichisdeathtous.OGod, Imostheartilybeseechandhumblypray thygoodness tomakemybodysuchacompanion,orrathersuchaministerofgodlinesstomysoul,inthispresentlife,thatinthelifetocomeitmaypartaketherewitheverlastinghappinessbyJesusChristourLord.Awake,thouthatsleeps,andarisefromthedead,andChristshallshowlightuntothee.(Eph.5.)

Occasionstomeditate

Here call to mind the great joy and blessedness of the everlastingresurrection; also remember to muse upon that most clear light andbrightmorning,andclearnessofourbodies,afterthelongdarknesstheywillharebeenin:allthenshadbefullofjoy.

SosoonasyoubeholdtheDaylight,Pray:OLord, thougreatestandmost trueLight,whence this lightof thedayandof thesundoesspring!OLight,whichdoes lighteneverymanthatcomes into thisworld!OLight,whichknowsnonightnorevening,butarealwaysamidday,mostclearandfair,withoutwhomallismostdarkdarknessoby whom all are most resplendent! O thou Wisdom of theeternalFatherofmercies!enlightenmymind,thatImayonlyseethosethingsthatpleasetheeandmaybeblindedtoallotherthings.GrantthatImaywalkinthyways,andthatnothingelsemaybelightandpleasantuntome.Lightenmineeyes,OLord!thatIsleepnotindeath,lestmineenemiessay,"Ihaveprevailedagainsthim."

Occasionstomeditate

Musealittlehowmuchthelightandeyeofthemindandsoularebetterthanthoseofthebody;alsothatwecaremoreforthesoul'sseeingwell,thanforthebody.Thinkthatbeastshavebodilyeyes,andtherewithsee,

butmenhaveeyesofthemind,andtherewithshouldsee.

WhenyouArise,Pray:Our first father tumbleddownhimself fromamostexcellent,high,andhonourable estate into themire of misery and deep sea of shame andmischief;but,OChrist,thou,puttingforththinehand,didraisehimup;evensowe,exceptwebeliftedupbythee,shallliestillforever.OgoodChrist, ourmost graciousRedeemer, grant that as thoudostmercifullynowraiseupthismybodyandburden,evensoIbeseechtheeraiseupmymindandhearttothelightofthetrueknowledgeoftheloveofthee,thatmy conversationmay be in heaven, where thou art. If thou risen withChrist,thinkuponthosethingsthatbeabove.

Occasionstomeditate

ThinkhowfoulandfilthyAdam'sfallwasbyreasonofsin,andsothefallofeveryoneofusfromtheheightofGod'sgrace;again,thinkuponthegreatbenefitofChrist,bywhosehelpwedodailyarisefromourfailings.

WhenyouDressyourself,Pray:OChrist,clothemewiththineownself,thatImaybesofarfrommakingprovisionformyfleshtofulfilthelustsofit,thatImayquiteputoffallmy carnal desires, and crucify the kingdomof the flesh inme.Be thouuntomea garment towarmme fromcatching the coldof thisworld ifthoube away fromme, dearLord, all thingswill forthwith be untomecold, weak, dead, &c. But if thou art withme, all thingswill bewarm,lively, fireside&c.Grant therefore, thatasIcompass thismybodywiththis coat, so thouwould clothemewholly, but especiallymy soul,withthineownself.PutuponmeastheelectofGod,mercy,meekness, love,peace,&c.

Occasionstomeditate

Call tominda littlehowweare incorporatedintoChrist;again,howheclothesus,andnourishesusunderhiswings,protection,andprovidence,preservesus,&c.

WhenyouaremadeReadytobegintheDay,Pray:

OGodandmercifulFather,thouknowsandhasttaughtussomewhattoknow,thattheweaknessofmanismuch,andthatwithoutthygraceandvirtue he cannot do or think any good thing; have mercy upon me, Ihumblybeseechthee,whoamthymostunworthyandmostweakchild.Oh! be gracious and tender towardsme, enlightenme, that Imaywithpleasurelookonlyupongoodthings;exhortme,thatImaycovetthem;carefully lead me, that I may follow, and at length attain them. I,distrusting myself altogether, commend and offer myself wholly, soul,body, life,&c., into thyhands.Thy lovingSpirit leadme forthunto thelandofrighteousness.

CogitationsPropertoBegintheDaywithprayerThinkfirstthatamanconsistsofasoulandabodyandthatthesoul isfrom heaven, firm and immortal; but the body is of the earth, earthly,frail, and mortal. Again, think that by reason of sin, wherein you areconceivedandborn,thepartsofthesoulthatunderstandanddesireareso corrupt, that without especial grace to both soul and body, you canneitherknownorloveanygoodthinginGod'ssight,muchlessdogood.Yet notwithstanding think, that you are regenerate by Christ'sresurrection, whereof your baptism requires faith, and therefore haveboth body and soul something reformed both to know and love, andthereforetodosomegoodinthesightofGodthroughChrist,forwhosesakeourpoordoingsareacceptedforgood,theevilandinfirmitycleavingthereto not being imputed through faith. Think that by faith, which isGod's seed, (for they which believe are born of God, and made God'schildren,) andwhich is given to those that are ordained to eternal life;think (I say) that by faith you receive more and more the Spirit ofsanctification, through the use of God's word and sacraments, andearnest prayer, to illumine and enlighten your mind's understanding,judgment, and reason, and to bow, form, frame, and inflame youraffectionswith loveandpower to thatwhich isgood;and thereforeusethe means aforesaid accordingly. Think that, by this Spirit, you arethroughfaithunitedtoChristasalivelymember,andsotoGod,and,asitwere,madeonewithhim,andby lovewhichspringsoutof this faithyou are made one also with all that are of God. And so you havefellowshipwithGodandallgoodmenthateverwereorshallbe,inallthegoodthatGodandallhissaintshaveorshallhave.Thinkthatas,byfaith

and love through theSpirit, youarenowentered into this communion,theblessednesswhereofnotonguecanexpress,soafterthislifeyoushall,first in soul, and in the last day in body also, enjoy for ever the samesocietymost perfectly, which now is only begun in you. Think then ofyournegligence,thatcaressolittleforthisyourhappyestate.ThinkuponyouringratitudetoGod,makingyou,redeemingyou,callingyou,andsolovinglyadoptingyou.Thinkuponyourfoolishnessinfancyingsomuchearthly and bodily pleasures. Think upon your deafness and blindness,whohearnotGodnor seehim, thoughhe calls you sodiligentlybyhisworks,words, and sacraments. Think upon your frowardness,whowillnot be led of God and his Spirit. Think upon your forgetfulness andinconsiderationofyourhighestate,howyourbody is the templeof theHoly Ghost, how your members are the members of Christ, how thewholeworldandallthingsareyourown(ICor.iii.vi.)Andthereforesayunto your soul,O soul! arise, followGod, contemn thisworld, purposewell,andpursueit, longforthyLord'scoming,bereadyandwatchthathe come not upon you unawares. And forasmuch as you must live toGod'spleasure,considerthevocationandstateofyourlifewheretoGodhascalledyou,andpraytoGodforgrace,knowledge,andabilitytotakethemost profitable things in hand; to beginwell, to go on better, and,bestofall,toendthesametoGod'sglory,andtheprofitofyourbrethren;andthinkthattimelostwhereinyouspeakordonot,orattheleastthinknot,somethingtoGod'sgloryandyourbrethren'sadvantage.

WhenyougoForthoutofDoors,Pray:NowmustIwalkamongthesnaresofdeath,whicharestretchedoutbySatan and his mischievous ministers in the world, carrying with me afriendtothemboth,andafoetomyself,eventhisbodyofsinandsinfulflesh. O grand Captain, Christ, leadme and guideme, I beseech thee;defendme from the plagues and subtleties whereby I am endangered.Grant that Imay takeall things thathappenas I shoulddo;onlyupontheesetthoumineeyes,thatImaysogoonforwardsinthywarssothatby nothing Imay be hindered, but rather forwarded, andmay refer allthingstotheeaccordingly.Showmethyway,OLord,andteachmethypaths;considerhowvainlythemostpartofmenareoccupied,howtheytrouble and cumber themselves diversely, how theymeddle withmany

things, thereby much alienating their minds from the knowledge andcogitation of that which they should most esteem, and so become ahindranceandanoffencetoothers.

Occasionstomeditate

As ingoingabroad,you look thatyourapparel is seemly in thesightofmen,soexaminehowseemlyyouappearinthesightofGod.

WhenyouaregoinganyJourney,Pray:Thisourlifeisapilgrimage.FromtheLordwecame,andtotheLordwemakeourjourney;howbeitwepassthroughthievishplaces,andpainful,yea,perilousways,whichourcruelenemieshave,anddoprepareforus,whonowaremorethanstarkblindbyreasonofsin.OChrist!whoartamost trueLodesman(pilot,editor)andGuide,andtheretomostexpert,faithful,andfriendly,dothouputoutthinehand,openmineeyes,makethyhighwaysknownuntome,whichwaythoudidfirstenterintooutofthiscorruptiblelife,andhastfencedthesameforustoimmortality.Thouarttheway,leadustotheFatherbythyself,thatweallmaybeonewithhim,asthouandhetogetherareone.ShowmethywaythatIshouldwalkin,forIliftupmysouluntothee.(Psalmcxliii.)

OrPraythus:MercifulFather,thouartwonttosendtothyservantsandmenofsimplehearts, thineangelstobetheirkeepers,and,as itwere,guides:aselderbrethren, to watch over thy weak children; so did thou to Jacob, toAbraham's servant, to Joshua, &c. O good God! though we are muchunlikeuntothem,somanyareoursins,yetforthineowngoodness'sake,sendthineholyangels,topitchtheirtentsaboutus,fromSatanandhisslaves tohideanddefend, to carryus in theirhands, thatwe comenotinto furtherdanger than thou throughoutwiltdeliverus from for thineown sake;oeven his angels are ministers for them that are heirs ofsalvation.(Heb.i.)Satansleepsnot,butseeksalwaystodestroyus.

Occasionstomeditate

Thinkhowwearestrangersfromourcountry,fromourhome,fromouroriginal; Imean fromGod.Again, thinkuponourmadness, that linger

andloitersowillinglyinthisourjourneyandpilgrimage;alsohowfoolishwe are to fancy thingswhichwe cannot carrywith us, and to contemnconscience, which will always be a companion to us, to our joy if it isgood,buttoourshameandsorrow,ifitisevilandcorrupt.Finally,howunnaturalweare, thatso littledesire tobeatourhome, tobewithouronlyFather,andMaster,ourfellows,friends,&c.

WhenyouweabouttoReceiveyourMeat,Pray:This is awonderfulmysteryof thywork,OMakerandGovernorof theworld, that thou dost sustain the lives of men and beasts with thesemeats!Surelythispowerisneitherinthebreadnorfood,butinthywillandword,bywhichwordallthingsliveandhavetheirbeing.Again,howgreatathingisit,thatthouartableyearlytogivesustenancetosomanycreatures;thisisspokenofbythyprophetsinthypraises.Allthingslookup to thee, and thou gives themmeat in due season; thou opens thinehand,andfillswiththyblessingeverylivingthing.These,doubtless,arewonderfulworksofthinealmightyness.Ithereforeheartilypraythee,Omost liberalLordand faithfulFather, thatas thoubymeat through thyword dostminister life to these our bodies, even so by the samewordwiththygracedothouquickenoursouls;thatbothinsoulandbodywemaypleasetheetillthisourmortalbodyshallputonimmortality,andweshallneednomoreanyotherfood,buttheeonly,whothenwiltbeallinall.Taste,andseehowgoodtheLordis;blesstheLord,Omysoul,whofeedsandfillsthymouthwithgoodthings.

Occasionstomeditate

Think a little how great God's power is, thatmade us; also think howgreathiswisdomistopreserveus;butmostofall,thinkhowmanythingsaregivenforouruse,howwonderfulitistogiveuslife,butmostofall,topropagatetoimmortalitythelifeofthesoulbyhisbeckalone.Lastofall,thinkthatGod,byhisprovidenceforthybody,wouldhavetheeconfirmthyfaithrespectingGod'sprovidenceforthysoul.

IntheMeal-time,Pray:OmostliberalDistributorofthygifts,whogivesallkindsofgoodthingsto use, thou being pure give pure things, grant tome thy grace, that Imisusenotthesethygraciousgiftsgiventoouruseandprofit.Letusnot

love thembecause thoudostgiveus these things,but rather letus loveThee,becausethougivesthem,andbecausetheyarenecessaryforusfora season, tillwe comeunto thee.Grant us to be conversant among thygiftssoberly,purely, temperately,holily,because thouartsuch:soshallnotweturntothepoisonofoursouls,thatwhichthouhastgivenforthemedicine of our bodies, but using thy benefits thankfully,we shall findthemprofitablebothtosoulandbody

Occasionstomeditate

Thinkthatthemeatsanddrinkssetbeforeyou,aregiventoyoutouse,andnottoabuse;thinktheyaregiventoprofitandnottohurtyou,thinkthat they are not given to you alone, but unto others also, by you. Ineatinganddrinking,thinkthatyoudobutfeedtheworms.Rememberthepoor prisoners, the sick, &c., as though you were in their case. Thinkupon the food of your soul, Christ's body broken, and his blood shed.Desire themeat that lasts for ever, (Johnvi.)work for it;Christ'smeatwastodohisFather'swill.(Johniv.)

AfteryourMeat,Praythus:By corporeal meats thou dost sustain our corporeal daily life, whichotherwiseisreadytoperish,whichsurelyisagreatwork,butyetthisismuch greater, more profitable, andmore holyothat thy grace, O JesusChrist,keepsaway fromus thedeathof thesoul.For this lifeweoughtmuchtothankthee,andbecausethouprolongsitwiththygoodgifts,wemostheartilypraisethee;howbeit,thislifeisbutthewaytoeternallife,whichwebeseechthee,forthydeath'ssake,thatthouwiltgiveus;andsoshallwenotonlygivethee,aswecan,thanksintimefortemporalthings,but also eternal thanks for eternal things. Oh! grant to us these ourdesiresforthymercy'ssake.Amen.

Occasionstomeditate

ThinknowthatGodhasgiventheethishisblessingofmeat,&c.,andalsotime that thoumight repent to seekhisglory,and theadvantageof thybrethren.Thereforegothereabout;butfirstprayforgracewelltobegin,andagainconsiderhowthouhastbeenpartakerofothermen'slabours,asofthehusbandman,themiller,thebaker,thebrewer,thebutcher,the

cook,&c.Seethereforethatthouartnotadrone,butrathersuchabeeasmay help the hive. If God have thus fed thy body, which he loves not,except for thy soul's sake,howcan itbe then,but thathewillbemuchmore ready to feed thy soul?Therefore take courage to thee, and go tohimforgraceaccordingly.

CogitationsforabouttheMiddaytimeAsthebodyisnowenlightenedonallsideswithlightsoseethatthymindmay be. AsGod gives thee thus plentifully this corporeal light, so prayhimthathewillgivetheethespirituallight.Thinkthatasthesunisnowmostclear,soshallourbodiesbeinthedayofjudgement.Asnowthesuniscometothehighest,andthereforewillbegintodrawdownward,soistherenothingintheworldsoperfectandglorious,which,whenitisatthefull,willnotdecrease,andsowearaway.

WhenyoucomeHomeagain,Pray:Thereisnothing,OLord,moreliketothyholynaturethanaquietmind;thouhastcalledusoutofthetroublesomedisquietnessoftheworld,intothyquietrestandpeace,whichtheworldcannotgive,beingsuchapeaceaspasses allmen'sunderstanding.Houses areordained forus, thatwemight get into them from the injury of weather, from the cruelty ofbeasts, from disquietness of people, and from the toils of theworld. OgraciousFather,grant that throughthygreatmercymybodymayenterintothishousefromoutwardactions,butsothat itmaybecomewillingandobedient to the soul, andmakeno resistance there against; that insoul and body Imay have a godly quietness, and peace to praise thee.Amen.Peacebetothishouse,andtoallthatdwellinthesame.

Occasionstomeditate

Thinkwhat a return, andhow joyful a return, itwill be to come tooureternal, most quiet, andmost happy home; then all grief will be goneaway;whatsoeverhereispleasantandjoyful,thesameisnothing,butaveryshadowincomparison,&c.

AttheSun'sgoingDown,Pray:Oh! how unhappy are they,O Lord, onwhom thy sun goes down, andgivesnolight!Imean,thygrace,whichisalwaysclearasthemidday.The

midday is dark night unto themwhich depart from thee, in thee thereneverisnight,butalwaysdaylightmostclear.Thiscorporealsunhashiscourses, now up, now down; but thou, dear Lord, if we love thee, artalwaysone.Oh!thatthisblockandveilofsinweretakenawayfromme,thattheairmightbealwayscleardayinmymind.

Occasionstomeditate

Thinkthataswearenotsorrywhenthesungoesdown,becauseweknowitwill rise again, even so let usnot sorrow fordeathwherethrough thesoulandbodypartasunder,fortheyshallsoonreturn,andcometogetheragain.So longas the sun isup,wildbeastskeep theirdens, foxes theirburrows,owlstheirholes,&c.;butwhenthesunisdown,thentheycomeabroad;sowickedmenandhypocriteskeeptheirdensinthegospeltime;butitbeingtakenaway,thentheyswarmoutoftheirholeslikebees,asthisdayteaches.

WhentheCandlesarelighted,Pray:Mostthickanddarkcloudsdocoverourminds,exceptthylight,OLord,dispels them.Thysun,OmostwiseWorker, isas itwerea firebrandtotheworld; thywisdom,whereby lightcomesbothtosoulandbody, isafirebrand (a torch, editor) to the spiritual world. After day, when thenightcomes,thouhastgivenfortheremedyofdarkness,acandle;aftersin,fortheremedyofignorance,thouhastgiventhydoctrine,whichthydearSonhasbroughtuntous.Oh!thou,whoarttheAuthorandMasterofalltruth,makeustoseebyboththelights,sothatthedimnessofourmindsmaybedrivenquiteaway: liftuponusthyjoyinourhearts.Thywordisalanterntomyfeet,andalightuntomypaths.

Occasionstomeditate

Think that the knowledge and wisdom that God has given unto us bycandles this night, whereby we see those things in this night of ourbodies,whichareexpedientforus,makeustowishmuchmoreforthisdoctrineofGod;andwhenwegetit,toesteemanddiligentlyembraceitthemore,thatasallwouldbehorrorwithoutcandlessothereisnothingbutthereconfusion,whereGod'swordtakesnotplace.

WhenyouUndressyourself,Pray:This our life andweak-knit body, by reasonof sin,will bedissolvedbylittleandlittle,andsoshallberestoredtotheearthwhenceitwastaken,then will be an end of this vanity, which by our foolishness we havewroughttoourselves.O,mostmercifulFather,sodothouuntie,unloose,andlooseme,(forthouhastknitmetogether,)thatImayperceivemyselftobemadeunreadyanddissolved,andsomayrememberbothofwhomIwas made, and also whither I go, lest I be taken unprepared to thytribunalandjudgment-seat.

Occasionstomeditate

Putofftheoldman,withhislustsandconcupiscence;--becontent,withJoseph, toputoff thyprison-apparel, that thoumayputonnew;othinkthatwewillinglyputoffourgarments,whichinthemorningweshallputonagain;and thereforeasafter thenightof theworld,weshall receiveourbodiesagain,letusnotunwillinglyputthemoffwhenGodbydeathshallcall.

WhenyouEnterintoyourBed,Pray:Thedaynowended,mengivethemselvestorestinthenight,andso,thisnightfinished,weshallrest indeath.Nothingismorelikethis lifethaneveryday;nothingismorelikedeaththansleep;nothingmoreliketoourgravethanourbed.OLord,ourKeeperandDefender,grantthatInow,lyingdowntorest,beingunabletokeepmyself,maybepreservedfromthecraftsandassaultsofthewickedenemy;andgrantfurther,thatwhenI have run the race of this life, thou would of thymercy call me untothyself, thatImayalways liveandwatchwith it's thee.Now,goodGod,give me to take my rest in thee, and bring to pass that thy graciousgoodnessmaybe,eveninsleep,beforemineeyes;thatwhensleeping,Ibenotabsentfromthee,butmayhavemydreamstodrawmeuntothee,andsobothsoulandbodymaybekeptpureandholyforever.Iwilllaymedowninpeace,andtakemyrest.

Occasion,tomeditate

Thinkthatasthistroublesomedayisnowpast,andnightiscome,andsorest,bed,andpleasantsleep,whichmakesthemostexcellentprincesand

poorestpeasantsalike;evensoafter the tumults, troubles, temptations,and tempests of this life, they that believe in Christ have prepared forthemaheavenandrest,mostpleasantandjoyful.Asyouarenotafraidtoenterintoyourbed,andtodisposeyourselftosleep;sobenotafraidtodie,butratherprepareyourselfforit;thinkthatnowyouareneareryourendbyoneday'sjourney,thanyouwereinthemorning.

WhenyoufeelSleeptobeComing,Pray:O Lord Jesus Christ, myWatchman and Keeper, take me to thy care;grantthatwhilemybodyissleepingmymindmaywatchinthee,andbemadejoyfulbysomesightofthatcelestialandheavenlylifewhereinthouarttheKingandPrince,togetherwiththeFatherandtheHolyGhost.Thyangelsandholysoulsaremosthappycitizens.Oh!purifymysoul,keepcleanmybody, that inbothImaypleasethee,sleepingandwaking, forever.Amen.

AmostfruitfulprayerforthedispersedChurchofChrist,verynecessaryto be used by the godly in these days of affliction most omnipotent,magnificent, and glorious God and Father of all consolation; we hereassembleddonotpresumetopresentandprostrateourselvesbeforethymercy-seat in respect of our own worthiness and righteousness, whicharealtogetherpollutedanddefiled;butinthemerits,righteousness,andworthinessofthyonlySonJesusChrist;whomthouhastgivenuntousasamostpureandpreciousgarment to coverourpollutionand filthinesswithal,thatwemightappearholyandjustifiedinthysightthroughhim.Wherefore in obedience to thy commandments, and confiding in thypromises,containedinthyholyword,thatthouwiltacceptandgrantourprayers presented unto thee in the favour of thy only Son our SaviourJesus Christ, either for ourselves or for the necessity of thy saints andcongregation; we here, congregated together, do with one mouth andmindmosthumblybeseechthee,notonlytopardonandforgiveusalloursins,negligences,ignorances,andiniquities,whichwe,fromtimetotime,incessantly do commit against thy divine majesty, in word, deed, andthoughtosuch is the infirmity of our corrupted nature; but also that itwouldplease thee,ObenignFather, tobe favourableandmercifuluntothy poor afflicted church and congregation, dispersed throughout thewhole world, which in these days of iniquity are oppressed, injured,

despised,persecuted,andafflictedforthetestimonyofthyword,andforobediencetothylaws.

Andespecially,OLordandFather,wehumblybeseechtheetoextendthymercyandfavourablecountenanceuponallthosethatareimprisonedorcondemnedforthecauseofthygospel,whomthouhastchosenforthee,andmade worthy to glorify thy name. That it may please thee to givethemsuchconstancyasthouhastgiventothysaintsandmartyrsintimepast,willinglytoshedtheirbloodforthetestimonyof thyword;orelsemightily to deliver them from the tyranny of their enemies, as thoudeliveredthecondemnedDanielfromthelions,andthepersecutedPeterout of prisons to the exaltation of thy glory, and the rejoicing of thychurch.

Furthermore,mostbeneficentFather,wehumblybeseechtheetostretchforth thymightyarmunto theprotectionanddefenceof those that areexiledforthetestimonyofthyverity,becausetheywouldnotbendtheirbacks, and incline their necks under the yoke of antichrist, and bepollutedwith the execrable idolatries andblasphemous superstitions oftheungodly.That itwouldplease theenotonly to feed them instrangecountries,butalsotopreparearestingplaceforthem,asthouhastdonefrom time to time for thine elect in all ages; whereby they may unitethemselves together in the sincere ministration of thy word andsacraments, to their singular edification.And in due time restore themhome again to their land, to celebrate thy praises, promote thy gospel,andedifythydesolatecongregation.

And also, O Lord, thouwho hast said, thouwilt not break the bruisedreed,norquenchthesmokingflax,bemerciful,webeseechthee,untoallthose who, through fear and weakness, have denied thee, bydissimulationandhypocrisy.Thatitmaypleasetheetostrengthentheirweakknees,(thouwhoartthestrengthofthemthatstand,)andtoliftuptheirfeeblehands,thattheirlittlesmokemayincreaseintoagreatflame,andtheirbruisedreedintoamightyoak,abletoabidealltheblusteringblastsandstormytempestsofadversity;thattheungodlymaynolongertriumphovertheirfate,which,astheythink,theyhaveutterlyquenchedandsubduedostirupthystrengthinthem,OLord,andbeholdthemwiththatmerciful eyewherewith thou did beholdPeter, that they, rising by

repentance, may become the constant confessors of thy word, and thesanctified members of thy church to the end; that when as by thyprovidence thoupurposes to lay thy crossupon them, theydonomoreseekunlawfulmeanstoavoidthesame,butmostwillinglybecontentedwith patience to take it up and follow thee, inwhat sort soever it shallplease thee to lay the same upon their shoulders, either by death,imprisonment, or exile; and that it will please thee not to tempt themabovetheirpower,buttogivethemgraceutterlytodespairoftheirownstrength,andwhollytodependuponthymercy.

Ontheotherside,OLordGod,thourighteousJudge,letnottheungodly,theenemiesofthytruth,continuallytriumphoverus,astheydoatthisday; let not thine heritage become a reproach and common laughing-stockuntotheimpudentandwickedpapists,who,byallpossiblemeans,seektheutterdestructionofthylittleflock,bysheddingthebloodofthysaints for the testimony of the word; seeking by most devilish anddamnablepracticestosubvertthytruth.Confoundthere,OGod,andalltheirwicked counsels, and let thembe taken in the samepit theyhavedugforothers;thatitmaybeuniversallyknownthatthereisnocounselnor force thatcanprevailagainst theLordourGod.Break,OLord, thehornsof thosebloodybullsofBashan;pulldownthosehighmountainsthat elevate themselves against thee; and rootup the rotten raceof theungodly,thattheybeingconsumedinthefireofthineindignation,thineexiledchurchmay,intheirownland,findplaceofhabitation.

OLord,deliverourland,whichthouhastgivenusforaportiontopossessin this life, from the invasionand subduingof strangers.Truth it iswecannotdeny,butthatoursinshavejustlydeservedthisgreatplague,nowimminent(threatening;thenationhadgreatcauseatthattimetofearlestit shouldbebroughtunder theyokeofSpain, editor) andapproaching,even to be given over into the hands and subjection of that proud andbrutishnation,thatneitherknowtheenorfearthee,andtoservetheminbodilycaptivitywhohaverefusedtoservetheeinaspiritualliberty.Yet,Lord, forasmuch aswe are assuredly persuaded by thy holyword, thatthineangerdoesnotlastforevertowardsthosethatearnestlyrepent,butinsteadofvengeancethoudostshowmercy,wemostpenitentlybeseechthee toremove this thygreat indignationbent towardsus,andgivenot

over our land, our cities, towns and cattle, our goods, possessions andtithes, our wives, children, and our own lives, into the subjection ofstrangers. But rather, O Lord, expel them from our land, subvert theircounsels, dissipate their devices, and deliver us from their tyranny, asthou delivered Samaria from cruel Benhadad, and Jerusalem fromblasphemousSennacherib.

Giveus,OLord,suchprincesandrulers,suchmagistratesandgovernors,aswill advance thy glory, erect thy gospel, suppress idolatry, banishallpapistry,andexecutejusticeandequity.Wateragain,OLord,thevineofEngland with the moisture of thy holy word, lest it utterly perish andwitheraway.BuildupagainthedecayedwallsofthynewJerusalem;thycongregation in this land, lest the ungodly attribute our confusion, notuntooursins,asthetruthis,butuntoourprofessioninreligion.

Remember, O Lord, that we are a parcel of thy portion, thy flock, theinheritorsofthykingdom,thesheepofthypasture,andthemembersofthySonourSaviourJesusChrist.Dealwithusthereforeaccordingtothemultitudeofthymercies,thatallnations,kindreds,andlanguages,maycelebrate thypraises in the restoringof thy ruinedchurch toperfectionagain.foritisthywork,OLord,andnotman's,andfromtheedowewithpatience look for the same, and not from the fleshly arm ofman, andthereforetotheeonlyisduealldominion,power,andthanksgiving,nowinourdaysandforevermore.Amen.

AnotherPrayerPrayineveryplace,liftingupyourhands.1Tim.2.

OmightyKing,andmosthighalmightyGod,theFatherofourLordJesusChrist,whomercifully governess all thingswhich thouhastmade, lookdown upon the faithful seed of Abraham, the children of thy chosenJacob,thychosenpeopleImean,consecrateduntotheebytheanointingofthyHolySpirit,andappointedtothykingdombythyeternalpurpose,free mercy, and grace, but yet, as strangers, wandering in this vale ofmisery, brought forth daily by the worldly tyrants like sheep to theslaughter.OFatherof all flesh,who,by thydivineprovidence, changestimes and seasons, andmost wonderfully disposes kingdoms; thou diddestroyPharaoh,with all his horses and chariots, puffedupwith pride

against thy people, and thou did lead forth safely, by the hands of thymercy, thy beloved Israel through the highwaves of the ragingwaters.Thou,OGod,theLordofallhostsandarms,didfirstdriveawayfromthegatesofthypeopletheblasphemousSennacherib,slayingofhisarmyanhundred fourscore and five thousand, by thy angel in one night, andafterwards by his own sons, before his own idols, did kill the sameblasphemous idolater, showing openly to all heathens thy providentpower towards thy despised little onesThoudid transform and changeproudNebuchadnezzar,theenemyofthypeople,intoabrutebeast,toeatgrassandhay,tothehorribleterrorofallworldlytyrants.Andasthouartthe Father ofmercies, and God of all consolation, so of thy wonderfulmercy thou did preserve those thy servants in Babylon, whowith boldcouragegavetheirbodiestothefire,becausetheywouldnotworshipanydead idol; andwhen theywere cast into the burning furnace, thou didgivethemcheerfulhearts torejoice:andsingpsalms,andsavedunhurttheveryhairsoftheirbeads,turningtheflamefromthemtodevourtheirenemies.Thou,OLordGod,bythemightofthyrightarm,whichgovernsall,didbringDaniel,thyprophet,safeintolightandlifeoutofthedarkdenofthedevouringlions,where,byfalseaccusations,hewasshutunderthe earth to be destroyedby those raging beasts; but thou turned theircrueltyuponhisaccusersrepayingthewickedupontheirownpates.Yea,Lord,whopassesallwonders,andartfaraboveman'spowertoperceivetherein thy working, thou did cause the huge and great dragon of theseas,thathorribleLeviathanandBehemoth,themightyfish,toswallowupanddevourthyservantJonah,tokeephimthreedaysandthreenightsinthedungeonofhisbelly, thedarkhellishgravetoa livingman; thoudid cause that great monster to carry him to the place that thou hadappointed,andtheretocasthimupsafeandabletodothymessage.

Now also, O heavenly Father, beholder of all things, to whom onlybelongs vengeance, thou sees and considers how thy holy name isdishonoured by the wicked worldlings and blasphemous idolaters; thysacred word refused, forsaken, and despised; thyHoly Spirit provokedandoffended;thychosentemplepollutedanddefiled:tarrynottoolong,therefore, but show thy power speedily upon thy chosen household,whichissogrievouslyvexed,andsocruellyhandledbythyopenenemies.

Avengethineownglory,andshortentheseevildaysforthineelect'ssake.Let thy kingdom come of all thy desired, and though our lives haveoffendedthymajesty,aswedoconfessunfeignedly,OLord,thatwehaveall sinned, our kings, princes, priests, prophets, and peopleoall we,together with our parents, fathers, andmothers, havemost grievously,infinitelypassingallmeasureandnumber,withourhardflintishhearts,our dissolute and careless lives,without shame and repentance for sin,have offended, transgressed, trespassed, sinned, and committed mosthorriblewickedness,sothatwehaveworthilydeservedtheuttermostofthyplaguesand terrible vengeance.Yet for thineownglory,OmercifulLord,suffernottheenemyofthySonChrist,theRomishantichrist,thuswretchedly todelude anddraw from theeourpoorbrethren, forwhomthySononcedied,thatbyhiscruelty,aftersoclearlight,theyshouldbemade captives to dumb idols and devilish inventions of popishceremonies thereunto pertaining. Suffer him not to seduce the simplesort with his fond (foolish, editor) opinion, that his false gods, blindmumbling, feigned religion, and his foolish superstition, give him suchconquests,suchvictories,suchtriumphs,andsuchahighhandoverus.Weknowmostcertainly,OLord,thatitisnottheirarmandpower,butour sins and offences, that have delivered us to their fury, and havecausedtheetoturnawayfromus.Butturnagain,OLord,letusfallintothyhands;otherwise (seeing thy justicemustpunishus) letus fall intothyhandsasDavidchose,bydearth,famine,orpestilence,orwhatwaythoulikes;lestthesevainidolatersrejoiceatthemiserabledestructionofthosemenwhomtheymakeproselytes,andapostatesfromthydoctrine.But,holyLord,thyholywillbefulfilled.Thisisthyrighteousjudgmenttopunish us with the tyrannical yoke of blindness, because we have castaway from us the sweet yoke of the wholesome word of thy Son ourSaviour.Yetconsiderthehorribleblasphemiesofthineandourenemies;they call a cake (the consecratedwafer used at the Romish sacrament,editor) theirGod, theirChrist,andaltogether theyknownothingof thypower.Theysay intheirhearts,There isnoGod,whoeithercanorwilldeliverus;wherefore,OheavenlyFather,theGovernorofallthings,theAvenger of the cause of the poor, the fatherless, the widow, and theoppressed,lookdownfromheavenwiththefaceofthefatherlymercies,and forgive us all former offences; and for thy Son Christ's sake havemercyuponus,whobytheforceandcrueltyofwickedandblasphemous

idolaterswithoutjustcauses,arehaledandpulledfromourownhouses,are slandered slain, and murdered as rebels and traitors, like personspernicious, pestiferous, seditious, pestilent, and full of mortal poisoncontagious to allmen.Whereaswemeddle no further than against thehellish powers of darkness, against the spiritual craftiness in heavenlythings,whichwoulddenythewillofourChristuntous.WecontendnofurtherthanforourChristcrucified,andtheonlysalvationbyhisblessedpassion, acknowledging none other God, none other Christ or Saviour,butonlytheever-livingLordandourmostmercifulFather,andthydearSon our Saviour, who is in the same glory with thee in the highestheavens. Therefore, O Lord, for thy glorious name's sake, for JesusChrist's sake, be whom thou hast promised to grant all righteousrequests,makethewickedidolatersallwonderandstandamazedatthyalmighty power, use thy wonted strength to the confusion of thineenemiesandtothehelpanddeliveranceofthypersecutedpeople.Allthysaintsdobeseechtheethereforeotheyounginfantswhichhavesomewhattastedof thy sweetword,bywhosemouth thouhastpromised tomakeperfectthypraises,whoseangelsalwaysbeholdthyface,who,besidesthelossofustheirparents,areindangertobecompelledanddrivenwithoutthygreatmercies,toservedumbandinsensibleidols,docryandcalltothee.Theirpitifulmotherswithlamentabletears,lieprostratebeforethethroneofthygrace.Thou,Fatherofthefatherless,Judgeofthewidows,andAvengerofalltheoppressed,letitappear,OLordomnipotent,thatthoudosthear,andindueseasonavengeandpunishallwrongsofferedtoallthylittleonesthatdobelieveinthee.Dothis,OLord,forthyname'ssake. Arise up, O Lord, and thine enemies shall be scattered andconfounded.Sobeit,OLord,mostmerciful,atthytimeappointed.

AGodlyPrayertobereadatallTimesHonour and praise be given to thee, O Lord God Almighty,most dearFatherofheaven,forallthymerciesandlovingkindnessshoweduntous,in that it has pleased thy gracious goodness freely and of thine ownaccord to elect and choose us to salvation before the beginning of theworld.Andthelikecontinualthanksbegiventotheeforcreatingusafterthineown image; for redeeminguswith thepreciousbloodof thydearson,whenwewereutterlylost;forsanctifyinguswiththyHolySpiritinthe revelation and knowledge of thy holy word; for helping and

succouring us in all our needs and necessities; for saving us from alldangers of body and soul; for comforting us so fatherly in all ourtribulations and persecutions; for sparing us so long, and giving us solargeatimeforrepentance.Thesebenefits,OmostmercifulFather,likeasweacknowledgetohavereceivedthemof thyonlygoodness,evensowebeseechthee,forthydearSonJesusChrist'ssake,tograntusalwaysthy Holy Spirit, whereby we may continually grow in thankfulnesstowardsthee,beledintoalltruth,andcomfortedinallouradversities.OLord strengthen our faith, kindle it more in fervour and love towardsthee,andourneighbours, for thysake.Sufferusnot,dearestFather, toreceivethywordanymoreinvain;butgrantusalwaystheassistanceofthygraceandHolySpirit,thatinheart,word,anddeedwemaysanctifyandworship thyholyname.Help toamplifyand increase thykingdom,thatwhatsoeverthousendswemaybeheartilywellcontentwiththygoodpleasureandwill.Letusnotlackthat,OFather,withoutwhichwecannotservethee,butblessthousoalltheworksofourhands,thatwemayhavesufficient, and not be chargeable but rather helpful unto others. Bemerciful, O Lord, to our offences, and, seeing our debt is great, whichthou hast forgiven us in Jesus Christ, make us to love thee and ourneighbours so much the more. Be thou our Father, our Captain, andDefenderinalltemptations;holdthouusbythymercifulhands,thatwemay be delivered from all inconveniences, and end our lives in thesanctifyingandhonourofthyholyname,throughJesusChristourLordandonlySaviour.Amen.

Letthymightyhandandoutstretchedarm,OLord,stillbeourdefence;thymercyandlovingkindnessinJesusChristthydearSonoursalvation;thy true and holy word our instruction; thy grace and Holy Spirit ourcomfortandconsolationuntotheendandintheend.Amen.

OLord,increaseourfaith.