Chapter XXXVIII: Preface (1)

To a NEW EDITION of the
HOMILIES,
As intended to have been published by
Mr. WHITEFIELD.

THE word _Homily_ signifies a sermon. Consequently the book of homilies, implies a book of sermons. Particularly that book, which was composed by those great reformers, _Cranmer_, _Ridley_, _Latimer_, _Hooper_, and others, in the beginning of the reign of that _Josiah_ of his age, _Edward the sixth_. It was again republished, after the short interval of bloody _Mary_’s government, in the reign of Queen _Elizabeth_, and continued interwoven with our ecclesiastical constitution, under her immediate successor King _James_ the first. Even to this very day, the thirty-ninth article of our church runs thus: “The second book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we have joined under this article, doth contain a godly and wholesome doctrine, and necessary for these times; as doth the former book of Homilies, which were set forth in the time of _Edward_ the sixth; and therefore we judge them to be read in churches by the ministers, diligently and distinctly, that they may be understanded of by the people.”

Such are the express words of our 39th article; and yet, though we subscribe this article, which enjoins these Homilies to be read in our churches by the ministers diligently and distinctly, this is so far from being our practice, that almost for time immemorial, at least in our days, they are seldom if ever read at all. What reason can be assigned for such neglect, I will not take upon me to determine: surely it cannot be, that our clergy look upon this book, as containing ungodly or unwholsome doctrine; for why then do they subscribe to the diligent and frequent reading of it? Neither can it be supposed that they so much as imagine, that this godly and wholesome doctrine is less necessary for the present age, than for that in which it was first published. But however it is, if we act consistently, the subscribers to our articles seem not to be left at their liberty to use or disuse them; they being judged to be read, as much now as formerly, in churches by the ministers diligently and distinctly. For if I may be suffered to give my opinion, the dreadful ignorance, as to the fundamentals of our holy religion, that almost every where abounds amongst the members of our established church, is chiefly owing to our neglect of preaching and putting into their hands the grand doctrines of the Reformation, contained in these Homilies and our other doctrinal articles. And hence undoubtedly it is, that they become such an easy prey to popish emissaries, who lie in wait to deceive. For these reasons, in order to contribute my poor mite towards putting a stop to the growth of this common and almost epidemical evil, I have selected a few of the most essential Homilies, with a suitable collect and a hymn to each, at a very small price, on purpose for the instruction and edification of the poorer sort, who are generally chiefly attacked by the partizans of the _Romish_ communion.

The church of _Scotland_, called our sister church, hath herein set us an example; and I could wish, that in this particular we would endeavour to copy after it. Her confessions of faith, and directory, are printed so frequently and so cheap, that they are almost in every hand; and so constantly explained and insisted upon in the ministers stated parochial visitations, that perhaps (tho’ no doubt even _there_, there is an awful degeneracy) their commonalty, in respect to doctrinal points, are some of the most knowing in the world. Would to GOD the same could be said of the Church of _England_ professors, either at home or abroad! The darkness, the gross and thick darkness of those at home, is so notorious, that it is every where seen, felt, and complained of, by those that have eyes to see and ears to ♦hear. What a pity is it therefore, that this book of Homilies is not judged proper, and insisted on to be read in churches, by ministers diligently and distinctly, that they may be understood by the people now, as well as at the first dawnings of the Reformation. And what a further pity is it, that among the various books recommended and given away by the worthy societies for promoting christian knowledge, and propagating the gospel in foreign parts, the book of Homilies, containing such godly and wholesome doctrine diligently and distinctly to be read, should never find a place in their catalogue; though both these societies have been established so long as soon after the glorious and happy revolution.

♦ “ear” replaced with “hear”

If our societies at home, or missionaries abroad, should urge in excuse for their not reading or dispersing this book of Homilies, that its language and diction is too antique and obsolete; I humbly apprehend, they might with equal propriety make the same objection against the use of, and dispersing the book of _Common Prayer_. For both were compiled by the same great luminaries of our Church, and that too at the very self same important æra of the Reformation. Both contain the same godly and wholesome doctrine, and both are equally adapted to instruct the ignorant, and at the same time to raise and elevate the devout and simple heart. And therefore since the one is constantly to be read in the desk, why should not the other be diligently and distinctly read and enforced from the pulpit? Would to GOD that this was our universal practice: for then our daily or weekly worshippers and hearers, would not only be taught the first principles and doctrines of CHRIST, in a language suitable to their capacities; but, which alas! alas! hath been too too long the case of the desk and pulpit, these would not so frequently and so wretchedly oppose and contradict each other. Heterodoxy and mere heathen morality would then be no longer our famous declamatory topics, or those be deemed and cast out as enthusiasts, madmen, troublers of _Israel_, setters forth of strange doctrines, and turners of the world and church upside down, who after the strictest and most impartial examination, must be confessed to adhere most steadily to the Homilies, Articles, and Liturgy of the Church of _England_; and who at the same time endeavour to adorn her godly and wholesome doctrines therein contained, (as being in their judgments the doctrines of their Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST) with a suitable life and conversation.

If this is to be vile, GOD grant they may be more vile! If this be enthusiasm, GOD grant it an universal flow! For the consequence I know will be, that not only our own, but every protestant reformed church, would then not only be a common barrier against popery and prophaneness, but would shine as bright as the sun, be as fair as the moon, and terrible like an army with banners. That this may be our happy case, is the hearty prayer of,

Christian reader, Thy, &c.

GEORGE WHITEFIELD.

I.

BLESSED LORD, who hast caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning; grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

The Homily on the Holy Scriptures.¹

¹ A separate edition, with the Homilies here selected, is
intended to be published.

Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire,
Let us thy influence prove;
Source of the old prophetic fire,
Fountain of life and love.

Come, Holy Ghost (for mov’d by Thee,
Thy holy prophets spoke)
Unlock the truth, thyself the key,
Unseal the sacred book.

Expand thy wings, prolific dove,
Brood o’er our nature’s night;
On our disorder’d spirits move,
And let there now be light.

GOD through Himself we then shall know,
If thou within us shine;
And sound with all thy saints below,
The depths of love divine.

II.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting GOD, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent; create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee the GOD of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

* * * * *

TURN thou us, O good LORD, and so shall we be turned. Be favourable, O LORD, be favourable to thy people, who turn to thee in weeping, fasting and praying; for thou art a merciful GOD, full of compassion, long-suffering, and of great pity. Thou sparest, when we deserve punishment, and in thy wrath thinkest upon mercy. Spare thy people, good LORD, spare them, and let not thine heritage be brought to confusion. Hear us, O LORD, for thy mercy is great, and after the multitude of thy mercies look upon us, through the merits and mediation of thy blessed Son JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

The Homily on the Misery of Mankind.

LORD, we are vile, conceiv’d in sin,
And born unholy and unclean;
Sprung from the man, whose guilty fall
Corrupts the race, and taints us all.

Soon as we draw our infant breath,
The seeds of sin grow up for death;
Thy law demands a perfect heart,
But we’re defil’d in ev’ry part.

Behold, we fall before thy face,
Our only refuge is thy grace;
No outward forms can make us clean,
The leprosy lies deep within.

JESUS, our GOD, thy blood alone
Hath power sufficient to atone;
LORD, let us hear thy pard’ning voice,
And make our downcast hearts rejoice.

III.

ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, maker of all things, judge of all men; we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word and deed, against thy divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us; the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our LORD JESUS CHRIST’s sake, forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of thy name, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

The Homily on the Salvation of Mankind.

Bury’d in shadows of the night,
We lie, ’till CHRIST restores the light;
Wisdom descends to heal the blind,
And chace the darkness of the mind.

Lost guilty souls are drown’d in tears,
’Till the atoning blood appears;
Then they awake from deep distress,
And sing the LORD our righteousness.

JESUS beholds where Satan reigns,
Binding his slaves in heavy chains;
He sets the pris’ner free, and breaks
The iron bondage from our necks.

Poor helpless worms in Thee possess
Grace, wisdom, power and righteousness:
Thou art our mighty All; may we
Give our whole selves, O LORD, to Thee!

IV.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting GOD, who hast given unto us thy servants, grace, by the confession of a true faith to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the divine Majesty to worship the Unity; we beseech thee, that thou wouldst keep us stedfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities, who livest and reignest one GOD, world without end. Amen!

The Homily on Faith.

Not all the blood of beasts,
On _Jewish_ altars slain,
Could give the guilty conscience peace,
Or wash away the stain.

But CHRIST, the heav’nly Lamb,
Takes all our sins away;
A sacrifice of nobler name,
And richer blood than they.

My faith would lay her hand
On that dear head of thine,
While like a penitent I stand,
And there confess my sin.

My soul looks back to see
The burdens thou didst bear,
When hanging on the cursed tree,
And hopes her guilt was there.

Believing, we rejoice
To see the curse remove;
We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice,
And sing his bleeding love.

V.

LORD, we pray thee, that thy grace may always prevent and follow us; and make us continually to be given to all good works, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty GOD, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may through thy grace be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honour and praise of thy name, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

The Homily on Good Works.

_Zion_’s a garden wall’d around,
Chosen, and made peculiar ground;
A little spot enclos’d by grace,
Out of the world’s wide wilderness.

Like spicy trees, believers stand
Planted by an Almighty hand;
And all the springs in _Zion_ flow,
To make the rich plantation grow.

Awake, O heav’nly wind, and come,
Blow on thy garden of perfume;
Spirit divine, descend, and breathe
A gracious gale on plants beneath.

Make thou our spices flow abroad,
A grateful incense to our GOD;
Let faith and love and joy appear;
And every grace be active here.

VI.

ALMIGHTY GOD, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name, through CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

O LORD, who hast taught us, that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which, whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant this, for thy only Son JESUS CHRIST’s sake. Amen!

The Homily on Charity.

Come, dearest LORD, descend and dwell
By faith and love, in ev’ry breast;
Then shall we know, and taste, and feel,
The joys that cannot be express’d.

Come, fill our hearts with inward strength,
Make our enlarged souls possess
And learn the height, and breadth and length
Of thine unmeasurable grace.

Now to the GOD whose power can do
More than our thoughts or wishes know,
Be everlasting honours done,
By all the church, through CHRIST his Son!

VII.

ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast given us thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon Him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; grant that we being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit, through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, ever one GOD, world without end. Amen!

The Homily for the Nativity, &c.

Father, our hearts we lift
Up to thy gracious throne,
And bless thee for the precious gift
Of thine incarnate Son.
The gift unspeakable
We thankfully receive,
And to the world thy goodness tell:
Oh may we to thee live!

JESUS, the Holy Child,
Doth by his birth declare,
That GOD and man are reconcil’d,
And one in Him we are.
Salvation, through his name,
To lost mankind is giv’n,
And loud his infant cries proclaim,
A peace ’twixt earth and heav’n.

A peace on earth he brings,
Which never more shall end;
The LORD of hosts, the King of kings,
Declares himself our friend;
Assumes our flesh and blood,
Angels the wonder scan,
The everlasting Son of GOD,
The mortal Son of man.

O may we all receive
The new-born Prince of Peace,
And meekly in his Spirit live,
And in his love increase!
Till He convey us home,
Cry ev’ry soul aloud,
Come, thou desire of nations, come,
And take us all to GOD.

VIII.

WE are chiefly bound to praise thee for thy Son JESUS CHRIST our LORD: for he is the very Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again, hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name, evermore praising thee and saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD GOD of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O LORD most high. Amen!

The Homily for _Good Friday_.

Ye that pass by, behold the Man,
The man of griefs condemn’d for you;
The Lamb of GOD for sinners slain,
Weeping to _Calvary_ pursue.

His sacred Limbs they stretch, they tear;
With nails they fasten to the wood
His sacred Limbs, expos’d and bare,
Or only cover’d with his blood.

See there! his temples crown’d with thorns,
His bleeding hands extended wide,
His streaming feet transfixt and torn,
The fountain gushing from his side.

Oh thou dear suffering Son of GOD,
How doth thy heart to sinners move!
Help us to catch thy precious blood,
Help us to taste thy dying love.

The earth could to her centre quake,
Convuls’d whilst her creator dy’d;
O may our inmost nature shake,
And bow, with JESUS crucify’d!

At thy last gasp, the graves display’d
Their horrors to the upper skies;
O that our souls might burst the shade,
And, quicken’d by thy death, arise!

The rocks could feel thy pow’rful death,
And tremble, and asunder part;
O rend with thy expiring breath
The harder marble of our heart!

IX.

ALMIGHTY GOD, who through thine only begotten Son JESUS CHRIST, hath overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; we humbly beseech thee, that as by thy special grace preventing us, thou dost put into our minds good desires; so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one GOD, world without end. Amen!

The Homily for the Resurrection.

Bless’d morning, whose first dawning rays
Beheld our rising GOD;
That saw him triumph o’er the dust,
And leave his last abode!

In the cold prison of a tomb,
The dead Redeemer lay;
’Till the revolving skies had brought
The third, th’ appointed day.

Hell and the grave unite their force
To hold our GOD in vain;
The sleeping conqueror arose,
And burst their feeble chain.

To thy great name, Almighty LORD,
These sacred hours we pay;
And loud Hosannas shall proclaim,
The triumph of the day.

Salvation and immortal praise
To our victorious King;
Let heav’n, and earth, and rocks, and seas,
With glad Hosannas ring.

X.

GOD, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort, through the merits of CHRIST JESUS our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one GOD, world without end. Amen!

Homily on _Whitsunday_.

IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O LORD, Holy Father, Almighty, everlasting GOD, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD, according to whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from heaven with a sudden great sound, as it had been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues, lighting upon the Apostles, to teach them, and to lead them into all truth, giving them both the gift of divers languages, and also boldness with fervent zeal, constantly to preach the gospel to all nations, whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son JESUS CHRIST. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name, evermore praising thee and saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD GOD of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O LORD most high. Amen!

Creator Spirit, by whose aid,
The world’s foundations first were laid;
Come, visit ev’ry waiting mind,
Come pour thy joys on human-kind;
From sin and sorrow set us free,
And make us temples worthy thee.

O source of uncreated heat,
The Father’s promis’d paraclete!
Thrice holy fount, immortal fire,
Our hearts with heavenly love inspire;
Come and thy sacred unction bring,
To sanctify us, while we sing.

Create all new, our wills controul,
Subdue the rebel in our soul;
Chase from our minds th’ infernal foe,
And peace, the fruit of faith, bestow;
And lest again we go astray,
Protect and guide us in thy way.

Immortal honours, endless fame,
Attend th’ Almighty Father’s name;
The Saviour Son be glorified,
Who for lost Man’s redemption dy’d;
And equal adoration be,
Eternal Comforter, to thee!

PRAYERS
ON
SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

PRAYERS.

_A Prayer for one desiring and seeking after the New-Birth._

BLESSED JESUS, thou hast told us in thy gospel, that unless a man be born again of the Spirit, and his righteousness exceed the outward righteousness of the scribes and pharisees, he cannot in anywise enter into the kingdom of GOD. Grant me therefore, I beseech thee, this true circumcision of the heart; and send down thy blessed Spirit to work in me that inward holiness, which alone can make me meet to partake of the heavenly inheritance with the saints in light.

Create in me, I beseech thee, a new heart, and renew a right spirit within me. For of whom shall I seek for succour but of thee, O LORD, with whom alone this is possible? LORD, if thou wilt, thou canst make me whole! O say unto my soul, as thou didst once unto the poor leper, I will, be thou renewed. Have compassion on me, O LORD, as thou once hadst on blind _Bartimeus_, who sat by the way-side begging.

LORD, thou knowest all things, thou knowest what I would have thee to do. Grant, LORD, that I may receive my sight; for I am conceived and born in Sin; my whole head is sick, my whole heart is faint; from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet, I am full of wounds and bruises, and putrifying sores; and yet I see it not. O awaken me, though it be with thunder, to a sensible feeling of the corruptions of my fallen nature; and for thy mercies sake, suffer me no longer to sit in darkness, and the shadow of death.

O prick me, prick me to the heart! Dart down a ray of that all-quickening light, which struck thy servant _Saul_ to the ground; and make me cry out with the trembling jailor, “What shall I do to be saved?”

LORD, behold I pray, and blush, and am confounded that I never prayed on this wise before.

But I have looked upon myself as rich, not considering that I was poor, and blind, and naked. I have trusted to my own righteousness. I flattered myself I was whole, and therefore blindly thought I had no need of thee, O great physician of souls, to heal my sickness.

But being now convinced by thy free mercy, that my own righteousness is as filthy rags; and that he is only a true christian who is one inwardly; behold with strong cryings and tears, and groanings that cannot be uttered, I beseech thee to visit me with thy free Spirit, and say unto these dry bones, Live.

I confess, O LORD, that thy grace is thy own, and that thy Spirit bloweth where he listeth. And wast thou to deal with me after my deserts, and reward me according to my wickednesses, I had long since been given over to a reprobate mind, and bad my conscience seared as with a red-hot iron.

But, O LORD, since, by sparing me so long, thou hast shewn that thou wouldst not the death of a sinner; and since thou hast promised, that thou wilt give thy holy Spirit to those that ask, I hope thy goodness and long-suffering is intended to lead me to repentance, and that thou wilt not turn away thy face from me.

Thou seest, O LORD, thou seest, that with the utmost earnestness and humility of soul, I ask thy holy Spirit of thee, and am resolved in confidence of thy promise, who canst not lye, to seek and knock, till I find a door of mercy opened unto me.

LORD, save me, or I perish; visit, O visit me with thy salvation. Lighten mine eyes that I sleep not in death. O let me no longer continue a stranger to myself, but quicken me, quicken me with thy free Spirit, that I may know myself, even as I am known.

Behold, here I am. Let me do or suffer what seemeth good in thy sight, only renew me by thy Spirit in my mind, and make me a partaker of the divine nature. So shall I praise thee all the days of my life, and give thee thanks for ever in the glories of thy kingdom, O most adorable Redeemer; to whom, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, be ascribed all honour and praise, now and for evermore. _Amen._

* * * * *

_A Prayer for one newly awakened to a Sense of the Divine Life._

O ALMIGHTY and everlasting Father, who in the beginning spake and it was done, saying, “Let there be light, and there was light;” O most adorable Redeemer, who, when _Adam_ had eaten the forbidden fruit, wast revealed as the seed of the woman, and didst in the fulness of time die an accursed death to save us from the guilt and power of our sins, and thereby break the serpent’s head; O blessed and eternal Spirit, who didst once move upon the face of the great deep, who didst overshadow the blessed virgin, who didst descend on the Son of GOD at his baptism, and didst come down after his ascension in fiery tongues upon the heads of each of his apostles; O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three persons and one GOD, by whose joint consultation we were first made, and into whose name we have been again baptized; Accept my humble and hearty sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, for calling me out of darkness into thy marvelous light; for quickening me when dead in trespasses and sins, and moving on the face of my polluted and disordered soul.

Thou hast promised, O LORD, that thou wilt not quench the smoaking flax, or break the bruised reed. And thou hast told us, that thy Holy Spirit should be in us as a well of water springing up unto eternal life. Finish therefore, I beseech thee, the good work begun in my soul, and now thou hast called me, never let me lie down again in sin.

Thou seest, O LORD, the good seed sown in my heart, is but as yet as a very small grain of mustard-seed. O continue to water, with the dew of thy heavenly blessing, what thy own right-hand hath planted, and it shall become a great tree.

Thou hast touched the eye of my mind by thy divine power, and I see men as trees walking. Let thy holy Spirit, by his blessed influences, more and more remove the remaining scales, ’till I at length see all things clearly.

With shame and confusion of face, O LORD, I confess, I am unworthy of this and all other thy mercies. For I have long since done despite to the Spirit of grace, crucified the Son of GOD afresh, and put him to open shame. But do thou, who art rich in mercy to all that call upon thee, in faithfulness forgive me what is past, and grant I may from henceforward work out my salvation with fear and trembling, since thou hast so graciously wrought in me both to will and to do, after thy good pleasure.

I know, O LORD, that now thou hast begun to deliver me out of my natural, and worse than _Egyptian_ bondage, I must expect to pass through a barren and dry wilderness, that there are lions in the way, that the sons of _Anak_ are to be grappled with, before I attain to the true sabbath of the soul.

But thou, angel of the everlasting covenant, who didst send thy ministring spirits to rescue righteous _Lot_, who ♦leddest thy sheep by the hands of _Moses_ and _Aaron_, and didst appear in a vision to _Ananias_, commanding him to go and lay his hands upon thy servant _Saul_; send me always a faithful and experienced pastor, who may lead me by the hand, and keep me from lingring in my spiritual _Sodom_, by his prudent directions under thee; and preserve me from the snares and fury of my spiritual adversaries, which otherwise may overtake and destroy my soul.

♦ “ledest” replaced with “leddest”

O make me teachable like a little child. Convert my soul and bring it low. Grant I may be willing to learn what things I ought to do, and also may have power faithfully to fulfil the same.

Strengthen me, I beseech thee, by the holy Spirit, to cut off a right-hand, to pluck out a right-eye, to lay aside every weight, especially the sin that doth most easily beset me; to forsake father and mother, brethren and sisters, yea, and my own life also, rather than not be thy disciple.

O suffer me not to deceive my own soul by a partial reformation. Search me and try me, and examine my heart, and let no secret unmortified lust or passion ever keep me from life everlasting.

LORD, I am not my own: Thou hast bought me with the price of thy Son’s most precious blood.

Thou hast often required, and lo! I now give thee my heart, to the best of my knowledge, without secretly keeping back the least part. For whom have I in heaven but thee, and what is there on earth that I can desire in comparison of thee!

O mould me into thy own most blessed image, my LORD and my GOD. Fill me with thy grace here, fit me for thy glory hereafter. Even so, LORD JESUS. Amen, and Amen.

* * * * *

_A Prayer for one under Spiritual Desertion._

O EVER blessed and most compassionate Redeemer, who wast in all things tempted like as we are, sin only excepted. O thou lover of souls, who in the days of thy flesh didst offer up strong cries and tears, and wast heard in that thou fearedst. O thou restorer of mankind, who wast in such an agony in the garden, that thou didst sweat great drops of blood, falling to the ground. O thou Almighty High-Priest, who, when through the eternal Spirit thou wast about to make thy soul an offering for sin, wast deserted of thy Father, and didst cry out, in the bitterness of thy soul, “My GOD, my GOD, why hast thou forsaken me.” O thou, who now sittest at the right-hand of the Father, continually to make intercession for us, look down, I beseech thee, upon me, thy unworthy servant; for thou hast turned away thy face, and lo! I am troubled; thou hast taken off my chariot-wheels, and I drive heavily; thou hast permitted a cloud to overshadow me, and an horrible darkness, fearfulness, and dread to overwhelm me, so that my spirit would utterly sink within me, did I not believe thou wouldst yet turn again and visit me.

Father, if it be possible, remove this horrible darkness; but if my soul cannot be made perfect without it, thy holy, thy blessed will be done.

Lo here I am! Deal with me as it seemeth good in thy sight. Only let thy grace be sufficient for me; and in the midst of my agonies send down, I beseech thee, an angel from heaven to strengthen me.

LORD, thou knowest that Satan hath desired to have me, that he may sift me as wheat: O grant that my faith fail not.

Suffer, O suffer him not to get an advantage over me, for thou art not ignorant of his devices. O let him not so prevail against me, as to make me entertain hard thoughts of thee, my most loving Master; and compassionate Redeemer. For I know, thou of very faithfulness hast caused me thus to be troubled, and dost afflict me for no other reason, but to make me partaker of thy holiness.

Give me, O give me the shield of faith, and enable me to repel all the fiery blasphemous thoughts, which that wicked one shall, at any time, dart into my mind. Let me drive them off, as carefully as _Abraham_ did the birds that came to devour his sacrifice. And oh! let him never tempt me to think, thou wilt impute them to me for sin.

LORD, thou only knowest the present dryness and barrenness of my soul, and how liable I am to be tempted to fret against thee, and to seek pleasure in the creature when I can find no sensible satisfaction in thee, my great Redeemer, who art GOD, blessed for ever.

But, I beseech thee, keep my soul quiet and composed, and for thy mercy’s sake, enable me only to take pleasure in thee, and to sit down solitary in the bitterness of my soul, and patiently wait till I can draw comfort from thee, the fountain of living waters, rather than hew out to myself broken cisterns, that will hold no water.

Never, never let me fall out with any of thy ordinances; or think I do not please thee in my holy duties, because I have no inward sensible pleasure in them myself.

Enable me to walk by faith, and not by sight, and to seek thee in the use of all appointed means, though it be sorrowing; being assured, that after three days I shall find thee in the temple; or that thou wilt make thyself known unto me, by breaking of bread, or in some other way.

LORD, I believe (help thou my unbelief) that I am now talking with thee, as certainly as _Mary_ was, when thou didst converse with her at the sepulchre; though she knew it not. In thy due time reveal thyself again to me, as thou didst to her, and let me hear the voice of my beloved.

Thou hast promised, thou wilt not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to bear, but wilt, with the temptation, make a way for us to escape, that we may be able to bear it. Fulfil, O LORD, this thy promise! And after I have suffered a while, strengthen, establish, settle, and visit me, as thou didst thy servant _Abraham_, when he returned from the slaughter of the five Kings.

LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon me; restore to me the joy of thy salvation; and when my heart is duly prepared, and humbled by these inward trials, grant me a feeling possession of thee, my GOD, for the sake of thy dear Son JESUS CHRIST our LORD. _Amen_, _Amen_.

* * * * *

_A Prayer for one under the Displeasure of Relations,
for being Religious._

BLESSED LORD, who hast commanded us to call upon thee in the time of trouble, and thou wilt deliver us; and hast always shewn thyself to be a GOD hearing prayer, mighty and willing to save; hear me now, I pray thee, when I call upon thee, for trouble is at hand.

Thou seest, O LORD, how many of my brethren, according to the flesh, persecute me for thy name’s sake; so that I must renounce them, or decline openly professing thee before men.

But GOD forbid I should love father or mother, brethren or sisters, more than thee, and thereby prove myself not worthy of thee. No! I have long since given thee my soul and my body; so, lo! I now freely give thee my friends also.

I now find by experience, that as it was formerly, so it is now. They that are born after the flesh, do persecute those that are born after the spirit. Thou camest not to send peace on earth, but a sword. And unless a man forsake all that he hath, he cannot be thy disciple.

Lo! I come to perform this part of thy will, O my GOD; being assured, that whosoever forsaketh father or mother, brethren or sisters, houses or lands, for thy sake, or the gospel, shall receive a hundred-fold in this present life, with persecution, and in the world to come life everlasting.

I trust, O LORD, it is for thy sake alone, that I now make an offering of the favour of my friends to thee; for thou knowest, O LORD, how continually they cry out against me, though I am doing no more than thy holy word strictly requires me to do.

But do thou, O blessed Saviour, who saidst unto _Peter_, “Get thee behind me Satan,” enable me to stop my ears to their false insinuations, charm they never so sweetly; for they favour not the things that be of GOD, but the things that be of men. And unless, O LORD, thou dost help, they will be an offence unto me, and cause me to deny the LORD that bought me.

Far be it from me, O LORD, to be surprized, because of those offences; for thou hast long since denounced woe against the world because of offences; and I find it is needful for my soul, that such offences should come, to try what is in my heart; and to try whether I love thee in deed and in truth.

Blessed, therefore, for ever blessed be thy holy name, that I am accounted worthy to suffer for thy name’s sake. O let me rejoice, and be exceeding glad, that my reward shall be great in heaven.

O let me never regard any of their threatnings; for when my father and mother forsake me, thou, O LORD, I am assured, wilt take me up.

Take me, O take me into the arms of thy mercy; for henceforward know I no man after the flesh; and whosoever doth the will of my heavenly Father, the same shall be my brother, and sister, and mother.

I know, O LORD, I know that this will expose me to the derision and persecution of those that are round about me. But do thou, who didst seek for the poor beggar, after he was cast out by the _Jewish_ council, and didst reveal thyself unto him, reveal thyself to me also, when my name is cast out as evil by my friends and the world. Though they curse, yet bless thou me, O LORD, and enable me, I most humbly beseech thee, to pray for them, even when they most despitefully use me, and persecute me. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

It is owing, O LORD, to thy free mercy alone, that I have in any measure been enlightened to know thee and the power of thy resurrection. O let the same grace be sufficient for them also, and make thy almighty power to be known in their conversion.

Thou didst once, O blessed Saviour, magnify thy goodness in turning thy servant _Paul_, from a bitter persecutor, to be a zealous preacher of thy gospel; and madest the trembling jailor cry out, even to those whose feet he had hurt in the stocks, “Sirs, what shall I do to be saved?”

Look down, therefore, I beseech thee, in pity and compassion, on those of my own houshold; and after I am converted myself, make me or some other person instrumental to strengthen these my weak brethren; that though we are now divided amongst ourselves, two against three, and three against two, yet we may at last, all with one heart and one mouth, glorify thee, O LORD; that thou mayest come and abide with us, and love us as thou didst _Lazarus_, _Mary_, and her sister _Martha_. Grant this, O Saviour, for thy infinite merits sake! _Amen_ and _Amen_.

* * * * *

_A Prayer for one entrusted with the Education of Children._

O DEAREST JESUS, who gatherest thy lambs into thy bosom, and didst solemnly command thy servant _Peter_, to feed them; grant I may shew that I love thee more than all things, by doing as thou hast commanded him.

LORD, who am I, or what is in me, that thou should thus put honour upon me, in making me any way instrumental to the preparing souls for thee? O thou blessed Saviour, I have sinned against heaven, and am no more worthy to be called thy son, much less to be employed in the service of thy children.

But since thou hast been pleased in me, to shew forth all thy mercy, and hast called me by thy good providence to this blessed work, grant I may always remember, that the little flock committed to my charge, are bought with the price of thy own most precious blood. And let it, therefore, be my meat and drink, to feed them with the sincere milk of thy word, that they may grow thereby.

To this end, I beseech thee of thy free grace, first to convert my own soul, and cause me to become like a little child, that from an experimental knowledge of my own corruptions, I may have my spiritual senses exercised, to discern the first emotions of evil that may at any time arise in their hearts.

O give me, I beseech thee, a discerning spirit, that I may search, and try, and examine the different tempers of their sin-sick souls; and, like a skilful physician, apply healing or corrosive medicines, as their respective maladies may require.

Gracious JESUS, let punishing be always my strange work; and, if it be possible, grant that they may be all drawn to their duty, as I would be drawn myself, by the cords of love. And when I am obliged to correct them, grant it may not be to shew my authority, or gratify a corrupt passion, but purely out of the same motive from which thou dost correct us, to make them partakers of thy holiness.

O! keep me, I beseech thee, from being angry without a cause: Permit me not rashly to be provoked by the infirmities and perverseness of their infant years; but grant I may shew all long-suffering towards them: And by exercising such frequent acts of patience and forbearance, grant I myself may learn the meekness and gentleness of CHRIST.

O thou, who didst teach thy disciples how to pray, pour down, I beseech thee, the Spirit of grace and supplication into their hearts, that at all times, and in all places, they may both desire and know how to call upon thee by fervent prayer.

Father, into thy hands I commend my own and their spirits: Look down from heaven, the habitation of thy holiness, and bless them from thy holy hill.

Keep them, O keep them unspotted from the world; grant they may fly youthful lusts, and remember thee, their Creator, in the days of their youth. Train them up, I beseech thee, in the way wherein they should go; and when they are old, let them not depart from it.

O thou, who didst sanctify _Jeremiah_ from the womb, and calledst young _Samuel_ betimes, to wear a linnen ephod before thee, sanctify their whole spirits, souls and bodies, and preserve them blameless, till the second coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

O thou, who didst endue _Solomon_ with grace, to chuse wisdom before riches and honour; incline their hearts to make the same choice of thee, their only good; and may they always renounce and triumph over the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.

Finally, do thou, O blessed JESUS, who at twelve years old wast found in the temple, sitting among the Doctors, both hearing and asking them questions, grant, that these children may love to tread the courts of thy house, and have their ears opened betimes, to receive the discipline of wisdom, that so, if it be thy good pleasure, to prolong the time of their pilgrimage, here on earth, they may shine as lights in the world; or, if thou seest it best, to bring down their strength in their journey, and to shorten their days, they may be early fitted by purity of heart, to sing eternal _Hallelujah_’s to thee, the Father, and the Holy Ghost, in the kingdom of heaven for ever. Grant this, O Father, for thy dear Son’s sake, JESUS CHRIST our LORD. _Amen_, _Amen_.

* * * * *

_A Prayer for a Person in Want._

O ALL-POWERFUL and gracious GOD, who didst bring water out of a rock for the children of _Israel_, and water out of a jaw-bone to sustain a thirsty _Samson_; who hadst compassion upon _Hagar_ when she was ready to perish, who sentest ravens to feed _Elijah_, and dost feed the young ravens who daily call upon thee, behold me, O LORD, who now cry unto thee in great distress.

I confess, O LORD, I am unworthy of the crumbs which fall from any rich man’s table. Wast thou to deal with me according to my deserts, I should now be lifting up my eyes in torments. But in the midst of judgment, remember mercy. Thou, O LORD, art the preserver of the body. Thou hast declared, that godliness has the promise of the life that now is, and that if we seek first the kingdom of GOD and his righteousness, food and raiment shall be added unto us. Fulfil these promises in me thy unworthy servant.

I behold the lillies of the field, they toil not, neither do they spin; wilt thou not feed me? LORD, I believe; O help my unbelief! I am ashamed that I have so little faith. LORD JESUS, thou Son of _David_, I believe that thou wilt help me. Only give me patience to wait till the hour appointed for helping me, is fully come. I know, in thy due time, thou wilt turn my water into wine, and richly supply all my wants. Patiently let me tarry thy leisure. Never let me fret against thee, my LORD. Though I am poor, let me not be tempted to steal; but strengthen me, I beseech thee, against Satan’s assaults. Let me know, that man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of thee, my GOD. Though poor as _Lazarus_, yet, when I die, let me be carried by angels into _Abraham_’s bosom. And however thou mayest be pleased to deal with my body, LORD, feed my soul, I beseech thee, with that bread which cometh down from heaven. Though poor in this world, O let me be rich in faith. Suffer me not to stagger at thy promises through unbelief. Let the poverty of my body be a means of humbling my proud heart. O let me not be ashamed of my low estate, since thou, O LORD, didst not disdain to let women minister to thee of their substance, and hadst not where to lay thy head. Help me to sanctify thee my LORD GOD in my heart, and bring me safe at last to thy heavenly kingdom, through JESUS CHRIST, my only Advocate and Redeemer. _Amen._

* * * * *

_A Prayer before Singing of Psalms._

O ALMIGHTY GOD who out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast perfected praise, open our mouths, that our lips may shew forth thy praise. Let our souls be filled as with marrow and fatness, and out of the abundance of our hearts, let our mouths speak. Enable us to sing with the spirit, as well as with the understanding, and to make melody in our hearts unto thee, O LORD. O let us rejoice in thee evermore, and help us to shew forth our thankfulness not only with our lips, but in our lives; and from praising thee here, LORD grant we may, at the hour of death, be translated to join with angels and archangels, and the spirits of just men made perfect, to praise thee eternally hereafter. Even so, LORD JESUS, _Amen_ and _Amen_.

* * * * *

_A Prayer for One before he goes to his Labour._

O ALL-GRACIOUS, and ever-blessed LORD GOD; who, when thou hadst placed the first man in the garden of _Eden_, didst command him to dress it, and after he had eaten the forbidden fruit, didst impose this as a part of the divine curse upon him, that he should eat his bread by the sweat of his brows: O most adorable JESUS, who thyself didst work at the trade of a carpenter, and hast by an Apostle, commanded all to abide in the vocation wherewith they are called by thee, O prosper thou my handy-work.

Behold, in obedience to thy command, I now go forth to labour for the meat which perisheth. O let me do it with a single eye to thy glory, and suffer me never to forget to secure that meat which endureth to everlasting life. Let me not be so cumbered about the many things of this life, as to neglect the one thing needful. O let me walk with thee all the day long; and though my body be on earth, LORD let my heart and affections be fixed on thee in heaven, and preserve me, I most humbly beseech thee, in my going out and coming in, from this time forth and for evermore. Do thou, who didst appear to the disciples when they were fishing and mending their nets, manifest thyself unto me, when employed in the business of my lawful calling. Do thou, who calledst _Matthew_ from the receipt of custom, call me effectually by thy grace. Grant, O LORD, that I may not stand any of my time idle, but be continually improving my talent, that whether I live, I may live unto thee, or whether I die, I may die unto thee, O LORD; so that whether living or dying, I may be thine. O never let me be like the unjust steward, ashamed to dig. Suffer me not to be slothful in business, but grant I may be always fervent in spirit, serving thee, O LORD. Lift up my hands when they hang down; strengthen, O strengthen my feeble knees, let not the sun burn me by day, nor the moon hurt me by night. Provide for me to-day, and keep me from being solicitously careful for the morrow: and after the labour of this troublesome world is over, translate me, O LORD, together with all thy faithful servants, to that happy place, where we shall enjoy an everlasting rest, with thee O Father, with thee O Son, and with thee O Holy Ghost; to whom, as three persons, but one GOD, be ascribed, as is most due, by angels, and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, by things on heaven, and things on earth, all honour, power, might, majesty and dominion, now and for evermore. _Amen_ and _Amen_.

* * * * *

_A Prayer for a Rich Man._

O SOVEREIGN and all-bountiful LORD GOD, who makest poor, and makest rich, and dost govern all things both in heaven and earth, accept my unfeigned sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, for giving me all things richly to enjoy. What am I, O LORD, what is in me, that I should have bread enough and to spare, whilst so many are ready to perish with hunger? Not my merit, O LORD, but thy mercy; not my foresight, but thy sovereign good-will and pleasure has made me thus to differ from, and hath exalted me above my brethren. O let not my prosperity destroy me; but as thou hast made me rich in this world’s goods, for thy infinite mercy’s sake, make me rich towards thee, rich in faith and good works. Suffer me not, O LORD, to say unto gold, thou art my hope, or unto the fine gold, thou art my confidence. Let me not trust in uncertain riches, but in thee, the ever-living GOD. Let me not lay up for myself treasures on earth, where moth and rust do corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but grant I may lay up treasures in heaven, where neither moth and rust do corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal.