tihtary of t:Ke trheolo^ical ^tminavy 
 
 PRINCETON . NEW JERSEY 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 The Library of 
 Professor Benjamin Breckinridge War field 
 
 BX 9185 .C487 1840 
 Book of Common Order. 
 The liturgy of the Church of 
 Scotland, or John Knox's 
 
THE CHUR0H OF SCOTLAND, 
 
 OR 
 
 ^oi)u itnox's Bcofe of ©ommon ©rtin-, 
 
 AS PRESCRIBED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AVD USED IX THE 
 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND AT AND AFTER THE REFORMATION. 
 
 EDITED AND CAREFULLY REVISED BY 
 
 THE REV. JOHN GUMMING, M.A., 
 
 MINISTER OF THE SCOTCH CHURCH, 
 CROWN COURT, LITTLE RUSSELL STREET, COVENI GARDEN. 
 
 -^ 
 
 -+• 
 
 " Our Book of Common Order." — First Book of Discipline. 
 " Every minister shall use the order contained therein, in prayers, 
 marriage, and ministration of the sacraments." 
 
 Act of Assemblij, Dec. 26, 1.564. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 J. LESLIE, 52 GRExVT QUEEN STREET, 
 
 Lincoln's inn fields ; 
 EDI]>fBURGH, R. GRANT AND SON, 
 
 82 prince's STREET. 
 
 1840. 
 
I-ntNTED BY ROBSON LEVEY, AND FRAXKLYN, 
 
 46 St. Martin's Lano. 
 
^ —^ 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 There can be no doubt that some of the 
 extreme notions entertained in more recent 
 times on the use of a liturgy in the Scottish 
 Church, arose from its communion with the 
 English Puritans and Presbyterians about the 
 time of the Westminster Assembly. That 
 period may have given Scottish Churchmen a 
 more precise and scholastic compendium of 
 theology ; but doubtless it did much to dena- ., 
 tionalise their Church. English puritanical 
 notions were introduced in the universal effort 
 then made to produce uniformity, which have 
 not only injured us, but have also prejudiced 
 our episcopal neighbours. A liturgy was gene- 
 rally preferred by the Scotch clergy and laity 
 at the Reformation, and accordingly two Books 
 of Common Prayer were successively used in 
 public worship. 
 
 In 1557 the heads of the congregation is- 
 ^ p 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 sued the following ordinance : " First, it is 
 thought expedient, advised, and ordained, that 
 in all parishes of this realm the Common 
 Prayer be read weekly, on Sunday and other 
 holydays, publicly in parish-churches, with the 
 lessons of the Old and New Testament, con- 
 formable to the order of the Book of Common 
 Prayer." That this was the English Book of 
 Common Prayer, Drs. Cook and M'Crie, espe- 
 cially the former, are fully convinced. In the 
 mind of any one acquainted with that era, 
 there cannot be a doubt on the subject. It 
 would thus appear that the Church of England 
 Prayer-Book was used at least seven years, 
 viz. from 1557 to 1564, at the reformation in 
 the Church of Scotland. 
 
 After 1564, the liturgy of Knox, in many 
 respects an improvement on its more cum- 
 brous predecessor, was enjoined and used. 
 The liturgy that provoked the best portion of 
 the Church of Scotland was, not the Com- 
 mon Prayer-Book, but that prepared and set 
 forth in 1637, under the auspices and hands 
 
 ^ ^ ^ 
 
PREFACE. V 
 
 of Laud. Its approximation to the Missal? 
 wherever this could be introduced, and the 
 arbitrary manner in which it was thrust on 
 the clergy and people, awakened a hurricane 
 that has left ravages not likely soon to be 
 effaced. The Scotch Church never objected 
 to a written liturgy in her public worship, 
 provided there was room left in the service 
 for extemporaneous prayer. Those therefore 
 of that Church who now-a-days raise an outcry 
 against all liturgies, know not well what they 
 say, nor Mdiereof they affirm. The liturgy of 
 Knox provides for extemporaneous prayer: the 
 beau ideal of a service being, in my mind, the 
 combination of the two, viz. the authoritative 
 injunction of the use of so much of the liturgy 
 every service, and withal scope for extem- 
 poraneous prayer before and after sermon. 
 This arrangement would have conciliated the 
 great bulk of the Scottish clergy in the seven- 
 teenth century, and, I believe, would be ge- 
 nerally acceptable in the nineteenth. It is very 
 plain that the too stringent measures of Laud .- 
 ^ , ^ 
 
y^— ^ 
 
 Vi mEFACE. 
 
 and others excited an antipathy to all litur- 
 gies, not only in the Church of Scotland, but 
 also among the episcopal dissenters of that 
 country ; and hence for years afterwards the 
 Scotch Episcopalians had no written liturgy, 
 but, with their own views of Church polity, 
 conformed in worship to the Established 
 Church. One fact is abundantly evident, 
 from the writings of Drs. Cook and M'Crie, 
 fair representatives of Scottish ecclesiastical 
 history, — that the popular antipathy which 
 exists among the humbler classes of the Scot- 
 tish nation to a liturgy, is not an offshoot of 
 the Reformation, but of the days of the Cove- 
 nant. It is a very melancholy fact, that too 
 many of the Church-people of Scotland direct 
 their minds to the days preceding and during 
 the Covenant, for the true character and sen- 
 timents of their Church. Nothing can be 
 more partial or unfortunate. Our Reformers, 
 and the Church of the Reformation, not the 
 Covenanters, are our best models ; and I do 
 not despair of seeing the time when the sad, 
 
 ^— )k 
 
PREFACE. Vii 
 
 though, in their issue, salutary days of the 
 Covenant, will be less regarded as the me- 
 ridian glory of the Scottish Church. Let us 
 not forget that the use of the Common Prayer- 
 Book of the Church of England by the Scot- 
 tish reformed clergy at the period of the Re- 
 formation was eminently useful in advancing 
 our ecclesiastical and national freedom, our 
 knowledge of the subject-matter and of the 
 most suitable vehicles of prayer. I believe 
 that the resumption, if the word may be used, 
 of that which is not rescinded, viz. the liturgy 
 I now edit, by the Church of Scotland, and 
 by authority of the ecclesiastical courts, would 
 be attended with great good. It could by no 
 possibility do mischief. Even if it should not 
 find its way to the approval and adoption of 
 those who are more prominent in character 
 and powerful in influence in the General 
 Assembly of the Scottish Church, it may be 
 of great service as a model of spiritual, scrip- 
 tural, and truly solemn Church -service to 
 every clergyman. When the unwarrantable 
 ^ ^ 
 
Vm PREFACE. 
 
 effort we have referred to, was made in the 17th 
 century by Laud and his party, to force on the 
 Scottish National Church not the Book of 
 Common Prayer, but a modification of the 
 Roman Missal, the Protestants of that era with- 
 stood the imposition, not merely because they 
 condemned that book, but because, first, they 
 would not submit to a force exterior to their 
 own ecclesiastical superiors; and secondly, 
 because they would not use any form, to the 
 entire exclusion of extemporaneous prayer. 
 These were the two reasons that determined 
 the course they adopted. Had more con- 
 ciliatory measures been pursued, there is no 
 doubt that the Presbyterial Church-service 
 would have been partly formal, and partly 
 extemporaneous. 
 
 It must be admitted that the present ser- 
 vice of the Church of Scotland is too justly 
 chargeable with nakedness. There is im- 
 posed on the officiating presbyter too one- 
 rous a requirement ; and the consequence is, 
 that where a licentiate does the duty, or a 
 
 )^ ^ 
 
^ —\^ 
 
 PREFACE. ix 
 
 minister, neither spiritually minded nor gifted 
 with utterance, or indeed any minister at 
 times, devotional feelings are rather repressed 
 than drawn out in those that follow him. I 
 admit that in other cases, as when spiritually 
 minded and gifted men lead the devotional 
 exercises, every hallowed aspiration, and con- 
 fession, and want, find an outlet and an ex- 
 pression. But such men are the few and far 
 between. There is a mediocrity among clergy 
 as among laity. For the great mass, there- 
 fore, I believe that the partial use of a form 
 of prayer would be truly valuable. Let it 
 not be thought, that were the whole service 
 of the Church to be a written instead of an 
 extemporaneous liturgy, there would in this 
 be any violation of her constitution. The 
 forms of worship may be changed, and the 
 constitution remain untouched. The inde- 
 structible portions are, the doctrine and the 
 government; the former catholic, and the 
 latter apostolic. The parity and the suc- 
 cession of our presbyters I hold to be the 
 ^ 
 
X PREFACE. 
 
 primitive and scriptural polity. Our episco- 
 pacy of Church-courts I hold to be also in 
 substance primitive and scriptural. With 
 this view, while I concede to the Archbishop 
 of Canterbury, on principle, and with great 
 satisfaction, all his titles and dignities as a 
 temporal baron, and admire the wisdom of 
 the forefathers of a nation that exalted the 
 ministers of Christ to be princes, I yet regard 
 him, ecclesiastically and spiritually, as a co- 
 presbyter with myself, to whom the clergy of 
 the province have, they believe from Scrip- 
 ture precedent, delegated the power of the 
 synod; and the Lord Bishop of London I 
 hold also to be simply a co-presbyter, to whom 
 the clergy of the diocese have delegated the 
 power of the presbytery. The presbyter, I 
 humbly submit, is the scriptural and apostolic 
 minister. All the developments of this, for 
 order and discipline, whether he meets with 
 his co-presbyters in the presbytery, or with 
 their consent merges and compresses the power 
 of order in another, called the bishop, arise 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
_ ^ 
 
 PREFACE. Xi 
 
 from the necessity and expediency of the case. 
 The arrangement of the Church once made, 
 however, becomes binding and divine. With- 
 out one or other of these episcopal or super- 
 intending authorities, there is, ecclesiastically 
 speaking, no Church. From these remarks it 
 will be easily seen that the form of worship 
 does not affect the constitution of the Church. 
 The Church of Scotland might use the Book 
 of Common Prayer, and the Church of Eng- 
 land, like the earlier Scotch Episcopalians, 
 use extempore prayer, without trenching on 
 their respective ecclesiastical constitutions. 
 I make these remarks on account of the po- 
 pular and ignorant outcry, that an organ or 
 liturgy, used in a congregation, or recom- 
 mended by a minister of our Church, is proof 
 positive that he has become an Episcopalian. 
 Nothing can be more narrow or shallow. 
 Organs, and liturgies, and creeds, and Te 
 Deums, were in existence before there was a 
 Church of England or a Church of Scotland 
 at all. 
 ^ 
 
^ ^ yi 
 
 xii PREFACE. 
 
 I trust I shall not be misunderstood or mis- 
 interpreted, if I take this opportunity of sug- 
 gesting many improvements in the externals 
 of our public devotional exercises, not in any 
 other spirit than in that of unfeigned humility 
 and respect towards my reverend fathers and 
 brethren in the Church. At the earlier periods 
 of the Reformation, the Reformers, anxious 
 to do away with the superstitious and idola- 
 trous reverence that was entertained by Ro- 
 man Catholics for the stones, bricks, and 
 beams of the edifice, encouraged the practice 
 of walking into church with the head covered, 
 and of remaining so till the minister began 
 the worship of God, in order to shew that the 
 service, rather than the edifice, demanded 
 reverential respect, and that the work, rather 
 than the locality, was consecrated in their eyes. 
 There was in this something right, and a good 
 deal wrong. On this, however, we are now 
 abundantly satisfied, that there is little risk of 
 there being generated too deep or hallowed a 
 feeling for the house of prayer. The whole 
 ^ ^ 
 
PREFACE. Xiii 
 
 current runs in an opposite direction. Let 
 me, therefore, earnestly entreat my brethren 
 in the laity of our Church to enter the sanc- 
 tuary with at least the respect with which they 
 enter a private house ; and instead of gazing 
 around the interior of the edifice, or con- 
 versing with each other, rather in few, fervent, 
 and secret words, lift up their hearts to God 
 for his presence and power with the minister 
 and people. Why should we enter our churches 
 with an outward appearance of decorum so 
 much inferior to that with which our English 
 Churchmen enter theirs ? Presbytery is as 
 essentially devout as prelacy. Let us shew 
 that it is so. Arguments are unnecessary. 
 Most admit and deplore the practice of too 
 many Scottish Christians in this matter. 
 
 Praise is the first part of devotional exer- 
 cises in which the congregation engages in the 
 present practice of our Church. It is a beau- 
 tiful and an important one. A deep sense of 
 its value leads me to off'er a few suggestions 
 on the mode in which it should be conducted. 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 I like the custom of that venerable remnant, 
 the Old-light Seceders, who preface it by a 
 few observations, either explanatory of the 
 Psalm, or tending to awaken devotional feel- 
 ings. Instead of any address, however, which 
 might prove tedious, I would suggest, after 
 the usual prefix, " Let us worship God," the 
 reading or the repetition of a few approjoriate 
 versicles. It is incredible with what a thril- 
 ling and impressive power Scripture alone 
 speaks in such circumstances. . It is the 
 majesty of unadorned truth. I would, in the 
 next jolace, press upon all the propriety as 
 well as advantage oi standing instead o^ sitting 
 during this part of the worshij^ of God. Sit- 
 ting: is a Westminster fruit. It is not Scottish 
 or Presbyterian ; what is more, it is not scrip- 
 tural. Scripture teems with instances of stand- 
 ing at praise, and kneeling at prayer ; but 
 there is not one solitary proof of sitting during 
 any act of public worship. 1 Kings viii. 54, 
 55 : " It was so when Solomon had made an 
 end of praying all this prayer and supplication 
 
 ^~ ^ 
 
PREFACE. XV 
 
 unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar 
 of the Lord from kneeling on his knees (ver. 
 56)i and he stood, and blessed all the con- 
 gregation," &e. Nehemiah viii. 5, 6: '^ And 
 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the 
 people ; and when he opened it, all the people 
 STOOD UP. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the 
 great God ; and all the people answered 
 an^, amen." 2 Chron. xxix. 26-29 : " And 
 the Levites stood with the instruments of 
 David, and the priests with the trumpets. 
 And when the burnt-offering began, the song 
 of the Lord began also, with the trumpets, 
 and with the instruments ordained by David 
 the king of Israel. And the congregation 
 worshipped, and the singers sang, and the 
 trumpets sounded." 1 Chron. xxiii. 30 : " And 
 to stand every morning to thank and praise 
 the Lord." 2 Chron. xx. 19: " And the Le- 
 vites, of the children of the Kohathites, and 
 of the children of the Korhites, stood up to 
 praise the Lord God of Israel with a loud 
 voice on high." Rev. vii. 9, 10: " After this 
 
Xvi PREFACE. 
 
 I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no 
 man could number, of all nations, and kin- 
 dreds, and peojDle, and tongues, stood before 
 the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with 
 white robes, and palms in their hands; and 
 cried with a loud voice, saying. Salvation to 
 our God, who sitteth upon the throne, and 
 unto the Lamb." I do not insist upon kneel- 
 ing at prayer, and standing at praises, sj^es- 
 se?itials, or as so expressly enjoined in Scrip- 
 ture that it becomes sin to do otherwise ; but 
 I do maintain, that Scripture precedent, the 
 usages of the primitive Church, and chief 
 portions of the Catholic Church of this day, 
 and the appearance and impression, are all in 
 favour of my position. One consideration 
 may also be added, — a sacred expediency is 
 also on my side. If we go into an Episcopal, 
 a Greek or Moravian, a Countess of Hunting- 
 don or a Wesleyan chapel, the whole congre- 
 gation are apparently absorbed and unani- 
 mous in prayer and in praise, the result of 
 kneeling at the one, and standing at the 
 
 ^- 
 
^ — — ^ 
 
 PREFACE. Xvii 
 
 other. But if we go into one of our Scot- 
 tish parish-churches, the indolent and indif- 
 ferent attitude of sitting during the praise 
 of God, and the wandering eyes and diver- 
 sified positions of those who are standing at 
 prayer, make an impression on the mind of a 
 stranger by no means in our favour. I am 
 sure that a change in these forms, so easily 
 attainable, would not only benefit our own 
 devotional feelings, but would also generate 
 among the Scotch episcopal dissenters, and 
 the sister Churchmen of England, a more 
 cordial feeling, and help to remove the ob- 
 stacles that prevent the conformity of the 
 former to the Church of their forefathers 
 and nation, and the prejudices against our 
 worship, which may actuate the latter. On 
 the subject of instrumental assistance in the 
 praise of God, I have to add a few observa- 
 tions. The use of instrumental music is nei- 
 ther forbidden by the constitution of the Scot- 
 tish Church, nor is it contrary to any of the 
 acts of the supreme ecclesiastical court. In 
 ^ 
 
Xviii PREFACE. 
 
 the next place, I believe many of the clergy 
 would rejoice to see organs in our parochial 
 churches. In St. George's and St. Stephen's, 
 Edinburgh, especially the latter, the psalmody 
 has been so judiciously cultivated, and the 
 attainments of the choirs are so complete, 
 that the accession of any instrument would 
 do mischief. But these are the exceptions; 
 and as it must happen that nine-tenths of our 
 population either have not the taste, the ear, 
 or the time for a practical and scientific study 
 of sacred music, it would be a vast advantage 
 if organs were generally used. In fact, an 
 instrument of some kind, and of sufficient 
 power, is almost essential to correct psalmody. 
 In the best choirs the voices grow flatter^ and 
 in many tunes sink a semitone in three verses, 
 and a whole tone in four or five verses. In 
 the absence of an organ, a violincello is the 
 next most appropriate body or basis, owing 
 to its firm, deep, and rich tone. Why should 
 the devil in the theatre, and antichrist in the 
 mass-house, have all the good music, and our 
 ^ ^ ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 PREFACE. xix 
 
 holy and beautiful house possess nothing 
 much superior to what is obtained in an 
 Otaheite chapel? We cannot do better than 
 spoil the Egyptians, and consecrate the spoil 
 to God. The devotional feelings must be 
 raised, not certainly damped, by superior 
 psalmody. I have felt my devotions often 
 chilled by the miserable music in some of our 
 churches ; and others, I daresay, can express 
 their experience of the same effect. Habit 
 is a second nature, it is true ; and we may 
 get so accustomed to it, that we do not heed 
 it. But no man can surely stand up in his 
 place, and contend that any sort of praise is 
 good enough, if the heart be there ; for this 
 principle carried out will lead to another, that 
 there is no use for public worship at all. Nor 
 let it be thought that there is in these recom- 
 mendations any approximation to principles 
 prolific of popery. Were I recommending 
 the introduction of significant emblems, I 
 should be advocating the very germ of the 
 corruptions of Rome. This distinction is 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ 
 
 -^ 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 important. Let the practice of using em- 
 blematic actions or garments prevail, and we 
 begin the way to the papacy; but while we 
 keep clear of this, and plead for mere im- 
 provements in the outward habits and chan- 
 nels of devotion, we do no more than he who 
 insists on an appropriate dress for the clergy, 
 or good composition in their sermons. I press 
 these considerations, not in a controversial 
 spirit, or with any intention to depreciate the 
 forms of our worship, but from a simple desire 
 to see our Church more blessed, her polity 
 more revered, her service more solemn, and 
 her worshippers more devout. 
 
 On the prayers of the Church I would 
 remark, that, if we do not adopt Knox's 
 Liturgy, we should conform more closely to 
 the Directory than is generally the case. It 
 would perhaps be a very great improvement, 
 if the first public prayer were much shorter 
 than it usually is, and restricted chiefly to 
 confession of sin and supplications for for- 
 giveness. It ought never to exceed a quarter 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
-^ 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 of an hour, rarely ten minutes. I would also 
 urgently recommend to my brethren in the 
 ministry a more frequent use of the litanical 
 form of prayer; it is the simplest, most ex- 
 pressive, and ancient order of supplication 
 we have, and affords a more easy scope for 
 the people inwardly breathing, " Good Lord, 
 deliver us." I shall never forget how thril- 
 ling I felt one clause in the English Litany, on 
 my entering for the first time a parish episco- 
 pal church. It is perhaps the finest sentence, 
 and the sweetest prayer in the language: — 
 " Li all time of our wealth, in all time of our 
 tribulation, in the hour of death, and in the 
 day of judgment ; good Lord, deliver us." 
 It is astonishing how appropriate a channel 
 for impressive devotional prayer this form 
 presents. The second exercise of prayer 
 should immediately precede the sermon, and 
 ought to be express and special supplication 
 for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on 
 preacher and people : there also would be the 
 proper place for introducing that comprehen- 
 ^ ^ 
 
_ ^ 
 
 Xxii PREFACE. 
 
 sive and sublime form, the " Lord's Prayer." 
 Our Directory for public worship, adopted 
 and recommended by the General Assembly, 
 enjoins the use of this first and purest of all 
 liturgies. The omission of it is inconsistent 
 with the usages of the Church in her best 
 days prior and posterior to the Reformation, 
 and contrary to express and positive injunc- 
 tions. 
 
 The last prayer should not immediately fol- 
 low the sermon. A few verses or doxology 
 should be sung at the end of the discourse, 
 adapted to the subject on which the minister 
 has been addressing the audience ; and let 
 especial control be exercised over the pre- 
 centor, lest by the use of improper tunes, as is 
 often painfully the case, good and sacred im- 
 pressions be either injured or done away.. In 
 the last or concluding prayer, which is ended 
 by the minister pronouncing the blessing, 
 supplications are offered up for our Queen, 
 and all those that are over us in lawful autho- 
 rity, for the estate and spread of Christ's 
 
^ — ^ 
 
 PREFACE. Xxiii 
 
 Church, and for the conversion of all such as 
 are in darkness and in the shadow of death. 
 In closing my remarks on prayer, let me urge 
 again on clergy and laity the more seemly and 
 scriptural habit of kneeling, instead of stand- 
 ing at prayer. A hassock can be easily ob- 
 tained for pulpit and pew ; and the ease and 
 abstraction from surrounding objects enjoyed 
 while in communion with God in this posture 
 would soon convince all of its superiority. 
 
 I have suggested these improvements in our 
 present ordinary and now universal ritual. 
 But if lawful, as I conceive it still is, to use 
 the ancient liturgy of our Church, much that 
 I have said will be unnecessary. I have no 
 hesitation in observing, that we have a liturgy 
 little less beautiful and impressive than that 
 of England, long used by the devout congre- 
 gations of our National Church, never inter- 
 dicted, and not only worth resumption, but 
 in all respects calculated to improve our ser- 
 vice. It may also be observed of this vene- 
 rable form, that it presents at once liberty 
 
 I 
 ^ — ^ 
 
Xxiv PREFACE. 
 
 and assistance. " Or in such like words," is 
 appended to many of its forms. When the 
 preacher feels that he can pour out his heart 
 in extemporaneous prayer, it gives him this 
 power ; but when he feels as most men occa- 
 sionally feel, it presents beautiful and expres- 
 sive formulae. Nothing can be more painful 
 than to hear harangues instead of prayers, and 
 preaching instead of simple petition. Every 
 effort should be hailed that promises ameliora- 
 tion. One feature in this form strikes me as 
 peculiarly valuable, viz. the use of the Apostles' 
 Creed at the close of the last prayer in the ser- 
 vice. By this means, there is brought every 
 Sunday, and other service - day, before the 
 minds of the people, a simple and expressive 
 summary of the Christian faith. Even where 
 those are still found who prefer the Westmin- 
 ster Assembly innovations to the ancient and 
 really national forms, and the violence of the 
 Covenanters to the more temperate and en- 
 lightened Reformers, and to whom, therefore, 
 aught in the shape of a liturgy is offensive, 
 ^ — __ ^ 
 
PREFACE. XXV 
 
 yet with them the introduction of this creed 
 cannot be a blot, seeing the Directory for 
 public worship expressly refers to it, and ap- 
 proves of it as the ancient faith of the Catholic 
 Church. 
 
 To the liturgy for public worship there is 
 also appended a domestic liturgy for family 
 use, ancient, truly beautiful, and appropriate. 
 
 It cannot be unseasonable to read and study 
 over the order of fasting, and the discipline 
 of excommunication, both of which are here 
 given, as likely to prove of great and season- 
 able service. One thing I would earnestly 
 urge, viz. that the congregation, at the close 
 of each prayer, would distinctly and audibly 
 say. Amen. 
 
 Justin Martyr, in order to teach this, 
 who wrote in the second century (a.d. 140), 
 has the following description of the wor- 
 ship of Christians at that time : Etteitu 
 7rpo(r(f)epeTai rw TrpoeaTiOTL riov aCe\<po)P aproc 
 Kat TTorrjpiov v^arog /cai Kpafiarog. Kcti ovrog 
 Xa/3wv, aivov kul ^o^ap rio Trarpi tojv bXwv 
 — . ^ 
 
XXvi PREFACE. 
 
 ^la Tov ovofiaTOQ tov vlov kul rov Tryevfiarog 
 ayiov ava-KEfXTzeL. Kai EV)(apL(TTLav virtp tov 
 KaTY]L,Lit)(TQaL TOVTOjy Trap' avrov tm ttoXv TroietTaC 
 ov (rvvreXecrapreg rag ev\ciq kcu rrji^ Ev^aoianavy 
 iraq b 7rap(x)p Xaog ETTEvcprjiuei, Xtywr, ufirip' to ce 
 afxrjv ry 'E/3pat^i ^wvjj, to yEVOiTO (rrifxaivEL. . . 
 . . ETTftra avKTTafXEQa KOivr} iravrEQ kcu 
 
 EV^UQ TrEfXTrOIXEV. Kat 6 7rpO£(TT<jJQ EVyCLQ bjjLOtWg 
 
 Kai tv)(api(TTiag bar] hvvafxig avrw ava-KEfiizEL kul 
 b Xaog E7rEv(j)r)fXEt Xeywv to ajjtrjy. — Apolog. II. 
 pro Christianis. Lutetiae Parisiorum, p. 97? 
 A.D. 1615. 
 
 " Then the bread and the cup of the water 
 and of the wine mixed with it, is offered to 
 the president of the brethren, and he, taking 
 it, offers up praise and glory to the Father of 
 all, in the name of the Son and of the Holy 
 Ghost. When he has finished the prayers 
 and the thanksgiving, all the people present 
 joyfully cry out, saying, Amen. 
 
 " Then we all rise in common, and offer 
 prayers, as we have already said ; and the 
 president, in like manner, offers prayers and 
 
^ ^ 
 
 PREFACE. XXvii 
 
 thanksgiving as well as he is able, and the 
 people joyfully cry out, saying, Amen." 
 
 This is a faithful record of matter of fact, 
 and it is therefore a just account of the form 
 of worship in the primitive Church. There 
 is nothing in the Church of Scotland to pre- 
 vent its adoption. 
 
 In conclusion, I submit this ancient Liturgy 
 with the utmost deference to the ecclesiastical 
 judicatories of our Church; and would not 
 have presumed to present it, had it not the 
 imprimatur of General Assemblies at least as 
 pure as any of the present century, and the 
 superscription of Reformers with whom few 
 living presbyters of the Scottish Church are 
 worthy to be compared. May God give us 
 "the Spirit of prayer;" without whom the 
 best of forms are as the " tinkling cymbal and 
 the sounding brass." 
 
 I am sure those who advocate the veto, or 
 the abolition of patronage, on the strength of 
 certain expressions in the first and second 
 Books of Discipline, will immediately adopt 
 
^ 
 
 XXviii PREFACE. 
 
 Knox's Liturgy, as these two Books enjoin its 
 use. They present at least as much sanction 
 and authority for this form of prayer as for the 
 veto. See first Book of Discipline, chap. ii. § 2, 
 chap. iv. § 14, chap. xi. § 3. This is an inter- 
 esting fact, and I trust will have due weight. 
 Let a few faithful and leading ministers set 
 a useful example, and our National Liturgy, 
 300 years old, may yet again be heard in our 
 National Church. 
 
 y^ ^ 
 
s. 
 
 
 THE LITURGY 
 
 THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. 
 
 When the congregation is assembled at the hour ap- 
 pointed, the minister useth this confession folloio- 
 ing, or the like in effect, exhorting the people 
 diligently to examine themselves, following in their 
 hearts the tenor of his words. 
 
 ®I)e ©onfesston of our Sins. 
 O ETERNAL GoD, and most merciful Father, we 
 confess and acknowledge here before thy divine 
 majesty, that we are miserable sinners, conceived 
 and born in sin and iniquity, so that in us there 
 is no goodness ; for the flesh evermore rebelleth 
 against the spirit, whereby we continually trans- 
 gress thine holy precepts and commandments, and 
 so purchase to ourselves, through thy just judg- 
 ment, death and condemnation. Notwithstand- 
 ^ ^^ 
 
2 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 ing, O Heavenly Father, forasmuch as we are dis- 
 pleased with ourselves for the sins that we have 
 committed against thee, and do unfeignedly re- 
 pent us of the same, we most humbly beseech 
 thee, for Jesus Christ's sake, to shew thy mercy 
 upon us, to forgive us all our sins, and to in- 
 crease thine Holj^ Spirit iu us ; that we, acknow- 
 ledging from the bottom of our hearts our own 
 unrighteousness, may from henceforth not only 
 mortify our sinful lusts and affections, but also 
 bring forth such fruits as may be agreeable to 
 thj^ most blessed will ; not for the -s^'orthiness 
 thereof, but for the merits of thy dearly beloved 
 Son Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, ^^•hom thou 
 hast already given an oblation and offering for 
 our sins, and for whose sake we are certainly 
 persuaded that thou wilt deny us nothing that 
 we shall ask in his Name according to thy will. 
 For thy Holy Spirit doth assure our consciences 
 that thou art our merciful Father, and so lovest 
 us, thy children, through him, that nothing is able 
 to remove thine heavenly grace and favour from 
 us. To thee, therefore, O Father, with the Son 
 and with the Holy Ghost, be all honour and 
 glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 3 
 
 Slnoti)(rr Confession aniF ^rarer, 
 
 COMMONLY USED IX THE CHURCH OF EDINBURGH ON 
 THE DAY OF COMMON PRAYER. 
 
 DREADFUL and most mighty God, thou 
 that from the beginning hast declared thyself a 
 consuming fire against the contemners of thy 
 most holy precepts, and yet to the penitent sin- 
 ners hast always shewed thyself a favourable 
 Father and a God full of mercy ; we, thy crea- 
 tures, and workmanship of thine own hands, con- 
 fess ourselves most unworthy to open our eyes 
 unto the heavens, but far less to appear in thy 
 presence ; for our consciences accuse us, and our 
 manifold iniquities have borne vritness against us, 
 that we have declined from thee. We have been 
 polluted with idolatry ; we have given thy glory 
 to creatures; we have sought support where it 
 was not to be found ; and have slighted thy most 
 wholesome admonitions. The manifest corrup- 
 tion of our lives in all estates e\ddently proveth 
 that we have not rightly regarded thy statutes, 
 laws, and holy ordinances : and this was not only 
 done, O Lord, in the time of our blindness, but 
 even now when, of thy mercy, thou hast opened 
 unto us an entrance to thine heavenly kingdom, 
 ^< —^ 
 
4 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 by the preaching of thine holy Gospel. The 
 whole body of this miserable realm still continu- 
 eth too much in their former impiety ; for the 
 most part, alas, following the footsteps of blind 
 and obstinate princes, despise the light of thy 
 Gospel, and delight in ignorance and idolatry ; 
 others live as a people without God, and without 
 all fear of thy terrible judgments ; and some, O 
 Lord, that in mouth profess thy blessed Gospel, 
 by their slanderous life blaspheme the same. We 
 are not ignorant, O Lord, that thou art a right- 
 eous Judge, that cannot suffer iniquity long to 
 be unj)unished upon the obstinate transgressors ; 
 especially, O Lord, when that after so long blind- 
 ness and horrible defection from thee, so lovingly 
 thou callest us again to thy favour and fellow- 
 ship, and that yet we do obstinately rebel. We 
 have, O Lord, in our extreme misery, called unto 
 thee, yea, even when we appeared utterly to 
 have been consumed in the fury of our enemies ; 
 and then didst thou mercifully incline thine ears 
 unto us ; thou foughtest for us, even by thine 
 own power, when in us there was neither wis- 
 dom nor force ; thou alone brakest the yoke from 
 our necks, and set us at liberty, when we, by 
 our foolishness, had made ourselves slaves unto 
 
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 5 
 
 strangers ; and mercifully, unto this day, hast 
 thou continued with us the light of thy Gospel ; 
 and so ceasest not to heap upon us benefits both 
 spiritual and temporal. But yet, alas, O Lord, 
 we clearly see that our great ingratitude craveth 
 further punishment at thine hands, the signs 
 whereof are evident before our eyes. (For the 
 whispering of sedition, the contempt of thy 
 graces offered, and the maintenance of idolatry, 
 are assured signs of thy further plagues to fall 
 upon us in particular for our grievous offences ; 
 and this immeasurable intemperateness of the 
 air doth also threaten thine accustomed plague 
 of famine, which commonly foUoweth riotous 
 excess and contempt of the poor, wherewith, 
 alas, the whole earth is replenished.) We have 
 nothing, O Lord, that we may lay betwixt us 
 and thy judgment but thine only mercy, freely 
 offered to us in thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, purchased to us by his death and passion. 
 For if thou wilt enter into judgment with thy 
 creatures, and keep in mind our grievous sins 
 and offences, then can there no flesh escape con- 
 demnation. And therefore we most humbly be- 
 seech thee, O Father of mercies, for Christ Jesus 
 thy Son's sake, to take from us these stony hearts 
 
 ■M ^ 
 
mohning and evening prayer. 
 
 which so long have heard as well thy mercies as 
 severe judgments, and yet have not %een effec- 
 tually moved with the same ; and give unto us 
 hearts mollified by thy Spirit, that may both 
 conceive and keep in mind the reverence that 
 is due unto thy Majesty. Look, O Lord, unto 
 thy chosen children labouring under the imper- 
 fection of the flesh, and grant unto us that vic- 
 tory that thou hast promised unto us by Jesus 
 Christ thy Son, our only Saviour, Mediator, and 
 Lawgiver ; to whom, with thee and the Holy 
 Ghost, be all honour and praise, now and ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 gl ©onfpsston of Sins, 
 
 TO BE USED BEFORE THE SERMON. 
 
 Truth it is, O Lord, that we are unworthy to 
 come to thy godly presence, by reason of our 
 manifold sins and wickedness ; much less are we 
 worthy to receive any grace or mercy at thine 
 hands, if thou shouldst deal with us according to 
 our deservings ; for we have sinned, Lord, 
 against thee, and we have offended thy godly 
 Majesty. If thou shouldst begin to reckon with 
 us, even from our first conception in our mother's 
 
.\^ — 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 7 
 
 womb, thou canst find nothing at all in us but 
 occasion ojMeath and eternal condemnation ; for 
 truth it is that first we were conceived in sin, 
 and in iniquity was every one of us born of our 
 mother ; all the days of our life we have so still 
 continued in sin and Avickedness, that rather we 
 have given ourselves to follow the corruption of 
 this our fleshly nature, than otherwise, with that 
 earnest care and diligence to serve and worship 
 thee our God as it becometh us : and therefore, if 
 thou shouldst enter into judgment with us, just 
 occasion hast thou not only to punish these our 
 wretched and mortal bodies, but also to punish 
 us both in body and soul eternally, if thou 
 shouldst handle us according to the rigour of 
 thy justice. But yet, O Lord, as on the one 
 part v,'e acknowledge our sins and offences, to- 
 gether with the fearful judgment of thee our 
 God that justly by reason thereof thou mayst 
 pour upon us, so also, on the other jDart, we 
 acknowledge thee to be a merciful God, a lov- 
 ing and a favourable Father, to all them that 
 unfeignedly turn unto thee ; wherefore, O Lord, 
 we thy people, and the workmanship of thine 
 own hands, most humbly beseech thee, for Christ 
 thy Son's sake, to shew thy mercy upon us, and 
 y^ 
 
^ — _ : 
 
 8 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 forgive us all our offences. Impute not unto us 
 the sins of our youth, neitlier yet re(#ve thou a 
 reckoning of us for the iniquity of our old age ; 
 but as thou hast shewed thyself merciful to all 
 them that have truly called unto thee, so shew 
 the like mercy and the like favour unto us thy 
 poor servants. Endue our hearts, O God, Avith 
 such a true and perfect acknowledging of our 
 sins, that we may pour forth before thee the un- 
 feigned sighs and sobs of our troubled hearts and 
 afflicted consciences for our offences committed 
 against thee. Inflame our hearts with such a 
 zeal and fervency towards thy glory, that all 
 the days of our life our only study, travail, and 
 labour may be to serve and worship thee our 
 God in spirit, in truth and verity, as thou re- 
 quirest of us. And that this may be the better 
 performed in us, preserve us from all impedi- 
 ments and stays that in anywise may hinder or 
 stop us in the same ; but in special, O Lord, 
 preserve us from the craft of Satan, from the 
 snares of the world, and from the naughty lusts 
 and affections of the flesh. Make thy Spirit, O 
 God, once to take such full possession and dwell- 
 ing in our hearts, that not only all the actions of 
 our life, but also all the words of our mouth, and 
 
 ^ : 
 
MORNIXG AND EVENING PRAYER. 9 
 
 the least thouglit and cogitation of our minds, 
 may be guided and ruled thereby. 
 
 And finally, grant that all the time of our life 
 may be so spent in thj^ true fear and obedience, 
 that altogether we may end the same in the 
 sanctification and honouring of thy blessed name, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord j to whom, with 
 thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and 
 glory, both now and for ever. Amen. 
 
 St Confession of Sins, anti |Jettti'ons, 
 
 MADE UNTO GOD IX THE TIME OF OUR EXTREME 
 TROUBLES, AND YET COMMONLY USED IN THE 
 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, BEFORE THE SERMON. 
 
 Eternal and everlasting God, Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, thou that shewest mercy, and 
 keepest covenant with them that love and in 
 reverence keep thy commandments, even when 
 thou pourest forth thine hot displeasure and just 
 judgments upon the obstinate and disobedient; 
 we here prostrate ourselves before the throne 
 of thy Majesty, from our hearts confessing that 
 justly thou hast often punished us by the tyrann 
 of strangers, and that more justly thou mayest 
 bring upon us again the bondage and yoke 
 ^ ^ 
 
10 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 which of thy mercy for a season tliou hast re- 
 moved. Our kings, princes, and people, in 
 blindness have refused the word of thine eternal 
 verity ; and in so doing, we have refused the 
 league of thy mercy offered unto us in Jesus 
 Christ thy Son, which albeit thou now of thy 
 mere mercy hast offered to us again in such 
 abundance, that none can be excused by reason 
 of ignorance ; yet, nevertheless, to the judgment 
 of men, impiety overfloweth the whole face of 
 this realm : for the great multitude delight them- 
 selves in ignorance and idolatry ; and such, alas, 
 as appear to reverence and embrace thy word, 
 do not express the fruits of repentance as it be- 
 cometli the people to whom thou hast shewed 
 thyself so merciful and favourable. These are thy 
 just judgments, O Lord, whereby thou punishest 
 sin by sin, and man by his own iniquity, so that 
 there can be none end of sin, except thou pre- 
 vent us with thy undeserved grace. Convert us, 
 therefore, O Lord, and we shall be converted; 
 suffer not our unthankfulness to procure of thy 
 just judgments that strangers again reign over 
 us, neither yet that the light of thy Gospel be 
 taken from us : but howsoever it be, that the 
 great multitude be altogether rebellious, and also 
 ^ ^ 
 
: _ ^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 11 
 
 tliat in us there remainetli perpetual imperfec- 
 tions, yet for the glory of thine own name, and 
 for the glory of thine only beloved Son Jesus 
 Christ, whose verity and evangel thou of thy 
 mere mercy hast manifested among us, it will 
 please thee to take us into thy protection and 
 defence ; that all the world may know that, as 
 of thy mere mercy thou hast begun this work of 
 our salvation amongst us, so of this same mercy 
 thou wilt continue it. Grant us this, merciful 
 Father, for Christ Jesus thy Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 This done [the minister readeth from the holy Scrip- 
 ture'] ; the people then sing a Psalm altogether^ in 
 a plain tune; which ended, the minister prayeth 
 for the assistance of God'' s Holy Spirit, as the same 
 shall move his heart, and so proceedeth to the ser- 
 mon, using after the sermon this prayer following, 
 or such like. 
 
 gl draper for tl^e b]!)ole Crstate of ©!)rist's ejjurcfj. 
 
 Almighty God and most merciful Father, 
 we humbly submit ourselves, and fall down be- 
 fore thy Majesty, beseeching thee, from the bot- 
 tom of our hearts, that this seed of thy word, 
 now sown among us, may take such deep root, 
 ^ ^ 
 
12 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 tliat neither the burning heat of persecution 
 cause it to wither, neither tlie thorny cares of 
 this life do choke it, but that, as seed sown 
 in good ground, it may bring forth thirty, 
 sixty, and an hundred fokl, as thine heavenly 
 wisdom hath appointed. And because we have 
 need continually to crave many things at thine 
 hands, we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly 
 Father, to grant us thine Holy Spirit to direct 
 our petitions, that they may proceed from such 
 a fervent mind as may be agreeable to thy most 
 blessed will. And seeing that our infirmity is 
 able to do nothing without thine help, and that 
 thou art not ignorant with how many and great 
 temptations we poor wretches are on every side 
 enclosed and compassed, let thy strength, Lord, 
 sustain our weakness, that we, being defended 
 with the force of thy grace, may be safely pre- 
 served against all assaults of Satan, who goeth 
 about continually like a roaring lion, seeking to 
 devour us. Increase our faith, O merciful Father, 
 that we do not swerve at any time from thine 
 heavenly word, but augment in us hope and love, 
 with a careful keeping of all thy commandments, 
 that no hardness of heart, no hypocrisy, no con- 
 cupiscence of the eyes, nor enticements of the 
 
 -^ 
 
MOHNING A^"D EVENING PRAYER. 13 
 
 world, do draw iis away from thine obedience. 
 And seeing we live now in these most perilous 
 times, let thy fatherly providence defend us 
 against the violence of all our enemies, who do 
 eveiy where pursue us, but chiefly against the 
 wicked rage and furious uproars of that Romish 
 idol and enemy to thy Christ. 
 
 Furthermore, forasmuch as by thine holy apostle 
 we are taught to make our prayers and supplica- 
 tions for all men, we pray not only for ourselves 
 here present, but beseech thee also to reduce all 
 such as yet be ignorant from the miserable cap- 
 tivity of blindness and error to the pure under- 
 standing of thine heavenly truth, that we all 
 with one consent and unity of mind may worship 
 thee our only God and Saviour; and that all 
 pastors, shepherds, and ministers, to whom thou 
 hast committed the dispensation of thine holy 
 word, and charge of thy chosen people, may both 
 in their life and doctrine be found faithful, set- 
 ting only before their eyes thy glory, and that by 
 them all poor sheep which wander and go astray 
 may be gathered and brought home to thy fold. 
 
 Moreover, because the hearts of rulers are in 
 thine hands, we beseech thee to direct and govern 
 the hearts of all kings, princes, and magistrates, 
 ^ ^ 
 
14 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 to whom thou hast committed the sword ; espe- 
 cially, O Lord, according to our bounden duty, 
 we beseech thee to maintain and increase the 
 noble estate of the Queen's Majesty, and her 
 honourable council, with all the estate and whole 
 body of the commonwealth. Let thy fatherly 
 favour so preserve her, and thine Holy Spirit so 
 govern her heart, that she may in such sort exe- 
 cute her office that thy religion may be purely 
 maintained, manners reformed, and sin punished, 
 according to the precise rule of thine holy word. 
 
 And for that we be all members of the mys- 
 tical body of Christ Jesus, we make our requests 
 unto thee, O heavenly Pather, for all such as are 
 afflicted with any kind of cross or tribulation, as 
 war, plague, famine, sickness, poverty, imprison- 
 ment, persecution, banishment, or any other kind 
 of thy chastisements, whether it be grief of body 
 or unquietness of mind ; that it would please thee 
 to give them patience and constancy, till thou 
 send them full deliverance out of all their troubles. 
 And, finally, O Lord God, most merciful Father, 
 we most humbly beseech thee to shew thy great 
 mercies upon those our brethren who are perse- 
 cuted, cast in prison, and daily condemned to 
 death, for the testimony of thy truth : and 
 ^ ; 
 
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 15 
 
 though they be utterly destitute of all man's 
 aid, yet let thy sweet comfort never depart 
 from them, but so inflame their hearts with 
 thine Holy Spirit, that they may boldly and 
 cheerfully abide such trial as thy godly wisdom 
 shall appoint, so that at length, as well by their 
 death as by their life, the kingdom of thy Son 
 Jesus Christ may increase and shine through all 
 the Avorld ; in whose name we make our humble 
 petitions unto thee, as he hath taught us, saying, 
 
 Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
 done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into 
 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine 
 is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
 for ever. Amen. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we 
 beseech thee, to grant us perfect continuance in 
 the lively faith, augmenting the same in us daily, 
 tni we grow to the full measure of our perfec- 
 tion in Christ, whereof we make our confession, 
 saying, 
 
 I believe in God the Father almighty, Maker 
 of heaven and earth : and in Jesus Christ his 
 
 ^ ^^ 
 
^ 
 
 16 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the 
 Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered 
 under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and 
 buried ; he descended into hell ; the third da}'^ 
 he rose again from the dead ; he ascended into 
 heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the 
 Father almighty ; from thence he shall come to 
 judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the 
 Holy Ghost ; the holy Catholic Church ; the com- 
 munion of saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the re- 
 surrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 
 Amen. 
 
 Then the peo2Jle sing a psalm ; which ended, the minis- 
 ter pronounceth one of these blessings, and so the 
 congregation departeth. 
 
 The Lord bless us, and save us ; the Lord 
 make his face to shine upon us, and be merciful 
 unto us ; the Lord turn his countenance towards 
 us, and grant us his peace. 
 
 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love 
 of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, 
 be with you all. Amen. 
 
 -^ 
 
 It shall not be necessary for the minister daily to re- 
 peat all these things before mentio7ied, but, begin- 
 
. — ^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 17 
 
 ning with some manner of confession, to proceed 
 to the sermon ; which being ended, he either useth 
 the prayer for all estates before -mentioned, or else 
 prayeth as the Spirit of God shall move his heart, 
 framing the same according to the time and matter 
 which he hath intreated of. AAd if there shall be 
 at any time any present plague, famine, pestilence, 
 tear, or such like, which be evident tokens of God's 
 wrath, as it is our part to acknoioledge our sins to 
 be the occasion thereof, so are we appointed by the 
 ScHptures to give ourselves to mourning, fasting , 
 and prayer, as the means to turn away God's heavy 
 displeasure. Therefore it shall be convenient that 
 the minister at such time do not only admonish the 
 people thereof, but also use some form of prayer 
 according as the present necessity requireth ; to the 
 which he may appoint, by a common consent, some 
 several day after the sermon weekly to be observed. 
 
 X 
 
 
 -^ 
 
18 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 SEVERAL PRAYERS 
 
 TO BE USED BEFORE OR AFTER THE SERMOX ON SUN- 
 DAYS AND OTHER DAYS OF PUBLIC PRAYER. 
 
 These p7'ay em following are used in the French Church 
 of Geneva. The first servethfor Swiday, lefore the 
 sermon ; and the other that follow eth is said upon 
 Wednesday, which is the day of common prayer. 
 
 knottier manner of ^rapn: htfoxt t^t Sermon. 
 
 Almighty God and heavenly Father, since 
 thou hast promised to grant our requests which 
 we shall make unto thee in the name of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, thy well-beloved Son, and 
 we are also taught by him and his apostle to 
 assemble ourselves in his name, promising that 
 he will be among us, and make intercession for 
 us unto thee for the obtaining of all such things 
 as we shall agree upon here on earth ; we there- 
 fore (having first thy commandment to pray for 
 such as thou hast appointed rulers and governors 
 over us, and also for all things needful both for 
 thy people and for all sorts of men, forasmuch as 
 our faith is grounded on thine holy word and 
 promises, and that we are here gathered together 
 before thy face, and in the name of thy Son our 
 i ] 
 
^ ^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 19 
 
 Lord Jesus) ; we, I say, make our earnest sup- 
 plication unto tliee, our most merciful God and 
 bountiful Father, that for Jesus Christ's sake, 
 our only Saviour and Mediator, it would please 
 thee of thine infinite mercy freely to pardon our 
 offences, and in such sort to draw and lift up our 
 hearts and affections towards thee, that our re- 
 quests may both proceed of a fervent mind, and 
 also be agreeable unto thy most blessed will and 
 pleasure, which only is to be accepted. 
 
 We beseech thee, therefore, O heavenly Father, 
 as touching all princes and rulers unto whom thou 
 hast committed the administration of justice ; and 
 namely, as touching the excellent estate of the 
 Queen's Majesty and all her honourable council, 
 with the rest of the magistrates and commons of 
 the realm ; that it would please thee to grant 
 her thine Holy Spirit, and increase the same 
 from time to time in her, that she may with a 
 pure faith acknowledge Jesus Christ, thine only 
 Son our Lord, to be King of all kings and Go- 
 vernor of all governors, even as thou hast given 
 all power unto him both in heaven and on earth ; 
 and so give herself wholly to serve him, and to 
 advance his kingdom in her dominions (ruling 
 by thy word her subjects, who be thy creatures 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ 
 
 20 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 and the sheep of thy pasture) ; that we, being 
 maintained in peace and tranquillity, both here 
 and every where, may serve thee in all holiness 
 and virtue ; and finally, being delivered from all 
 fear of enemies, may render ilianks unto thee all 
 the days of our life. 
 
 We beseech thee, also, most dear Father and 
 Saviour, for all such as thou hast appointed minis- 
 ters unto thy faithful people, and to whom thou 
 hast committed the charge of souls and the mi- 
 nistry of thine holy Gospel, that it would please 
 thee so to guide them with thine Holy Spirit, 
 that they may be found faithful and zealous of 
 thy glory, directing alway their whole study 
 unto this end ; that the poor sheep which are 
 gone astray out of the flock may be sought out 
 and brought again unto the Lord Jesus, who 
 is the chief Shepherd and Head of all bishops, 
 to the intent they may from day to day grow 
 and increase in him unto all righteousness and 
 holiness ; and on the other part, that it would 
 please thee to deliver all thy Churches from the 
 danger of ravening wolves and from hirelings, 
 who seek their own ambition and profit, and not 
 the setting forth of thy glory only, and the safe- 
 guard of thy flock. 
 
-^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 21 
 
 Moreover, we make our prayers unto tliee, 
 O Lord God, most merciful Father, for all men 
 in general, that, as thou wilt be known to be the 
 Saviour of all the world by the redemption pur- 
 chased by thine only Son Jesus Christ, even so 
 that such as have been hitherto holden captive 
 in darkness and ignorance for lack of the know- 
 ledge of thy Gospel, may through the preaching 
 thereof, and the clear light of thine Holy Spirit, 
 be brought into the right way of salvation, which 
 is to know that thou art only very God, and that 
 he whom thou hast sent is Jesus Christ ; likewise, 
 that they whom thou hast already endued with 
 thy grace, and illuminated their hearts with the 
 knowledge of thy word, may continually increase 
 in godliness, and be plenteously enriched with 
 spiritual benefits, so that we may altogether wor- 
 ship thee both with heart and mouth, and render 
 due honour and service unto Christ, our Master, 
 King, and Lawgiver. 
 
 In like manner, O Lord of all true comfort, we 
 commend unto thee in our prayers all such per- 
 sons as thou hast visited and chastised by thy 
 cross and tribulation ; all such people as thou hast 
 punished with pestilence, war, or famine ; and 
 all other persons afflicted with poverty, imprison- 
 
 ^- 
 
^ ^ 
 
 22 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 ment, sickness, banishment, or any bodily adver- 
 sity, or hast otherwise troubled and afflicted in 
 spirit; that it would please thee to make them per- 
 ceive thy fatherly affection toAvard them, that is, 
 that these crosses be chastisings for tJieir amend- 
 ment, to the intent that they should unfeignedly 
 turn unto thee, and so by cleaving unto thee 
 might receive full comfort, and be delivered from 
 all manner of evil. But especially we commend 
 unto thy divine protection all such as are under 
 the tyranny of antichrist, and lack the food of this 
 life, and have not liberty to call upon thy name 
 in open assembly, chiefly our poor brethren who 
 are imprisoned and persecuted by the enemies of 
 thy Gospel ; that it would please thee, O Father of 
 consolations, to strengthen them by the power of 
 thine Holy Spirit in such sort as that they never 
 shrink back, but that they may constantly per- 
 severe in thine holy vocation ; and so to succour 
 and assist them as thou knowest to be most ex- 
 pedient, comforting them in their afflictions, main- 
 taining them in thy safeguard against the rage of 
 wolves, and increasing in them the gifts of thy 
 Spirit, that they may glorify thee their Lord God 
 both in their life and in their death. 
 
 Finally, O Lord God, most dear Father, we 
 ^ _____ ^^ 
 
^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 23 
 
 beseecli thee to grant unto us also, who are here 
 gathered together in the name of thy Son Jesus, 
 to hear his word preached, that we may acknow- 
 ledge truly and without hypocrisy in how miser- 
 able a state of perdition we are by nature, and 
 how worthily we procure unto ourselves everlast- 
 ing condemnation, heaping up from time to time 
 thy grievous punishments toward us through our 
 wicked and sinful life, to the end that (seeing 
 there remaineth no spark of goodness in our na- 
 ture, and that there is nothing in us as touching 
 our first creation and that which we receive of 
 our parents meet to enjoy the heritage of God's 
 kingdom) we may wholly render up ourselves, 
 with all our hearts, with an assured confidence, 
 unto thy dearly beloved Son Jesus, our Lord, 
 our only Saviour and Redeemer, to the intent 
 that he, dwelling in us, may mortify our old 
 man, that is to say, our sinful aifections, and 
 that we may be renewed into a more godly life, 
 whereby thine holy name (as it is worthy of all 
 honour) may be advanced and magnified through- 
 out the world and in all places; likewise, that 
 thou mayst have the tuition and governance over 
 us, and that we may learn daily more and more to 
 humble and submit ourselves unto thy Majesty, 
 ^ ^ 
 
^i — ^ 
 
 •24 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 in such sort that thou mayst be counted King 
 and Governor over all, guiding thy people with 
 the sceptre of thy word, and by the virtue of 
 thine Holy Spirit, to the confusion of thine ene- 
 mies, through the might of thy truth and right- 
 eousness ; so that by this means all power and 
 height which withstandeth thy glory may be con- 
 tinually thrown down and abolished, until such 
 time as the full and perfect face of thy kingdom 
 shall appear, when thou shalt shew thyself in 
 judgment in the person of thy Son, whereby also 
 we, with the rest of thy creatures, may render 
 unto thee perfect and true obedience, even as 
 thine heavenly angels do apply themselves only 
 to the performing of thy commandments, so that 
 thine only will may be fulfilled without any con- 
 tradiction, and that every man may bind himself 
 to serve and please thee, renouncing their own 
 wills, with all the affections and desires of the 
 flesh. Grant unto us also, good Lord, that we, 
 thus walking in the love and dread of thine holy 
 name, may be nourished through thy goodness, 
 and that we may receive at thine hands all things 
 expedient and necessary for us, and so use thy 
 gifts peaceably and quietly, to this end, that, 
 when we see that thou hast care of us, we may 
 
^ ^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 25 
 
 the more efFectivelj^ acknowledge thee to be our 
 Father, looking for all good gifts at thine hand, 
 and, by withdrawing and pulling back all our 
 vain confidence from creatures, may set it wholly 
 uj)on thee, and so rest only in thy most bountiful 
 mercy. And forasmuch as Avhilst we continue 
 here in this transitory life w^e are so miserable, 
 so frail, and so much inclined unto sin, that we 
 fall continually, and swerve from the right way 
 of thy commandments, we beseech thee pardon 
 us our innumerable offences, whereby we are in 
 danger of thy judgment and condemnation, and 
 forgive us so freely, that death and sin may here- 
 after have no title against us ; neither lay unto 
 our charge the wicked root of sin which doth 
 evermore remain in us, but grant that by thy 
 commandment we may forget the wrongs which 
 others do unto us, and instead of seeking ven- 
 geance may procure the wealth of our enemies. 
 And forasmuch as of ourselves we are so weak 
 that we are not able to stand upright one minute 
 of an hour, and also that we are so belaid and 
 assaulted evermore with such a multitude of so 
 dangerous enemies, that the devil, the world, 
 sin, and our own concupiscences, do never leave 
 off to fight against us, let it be thy good pleasure 
 ^ 
 
^ — ^ 
 
 26 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 to strengthen us with thine Holy Spirit, and to 
 arm iis with thy grace, that thereby we may be 
 able constantly to withstand all temptations, and 
 to persevere in this spiritual battle against sin, 
 until such time as we shall obtain the full vic- 
 tory, and so at length may triumphantly rejoice 
 in thy kingdom with our Captain and Governor, 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 This prayer following is used to be said before the 
 sermon, on the day which is appointed for common 
 j)rayer ; and it is very proper for our estate and 
 time, to move us to true repentance, and to turn 
 back God's sharp rods ivhich yet threaten us, 
 
 U go&Ig prarer, 
 
 God Almighty, and heavenly Father, we ac- 
 knowledge in our consciences, and confess, as the 
 truth is, that we are not worthy to lift up our 
 eyes unto heaven, much less meet to come into 
 thy presence, and to be bold to think that thou 
 wilt hear our prayers, if thou have respect to that 
 which is in us ; for our consciences accuse us, and 
 our own sins do bear witness against us ; yea, and 
 we know that thou art a righteous Judge, "saIio 
 dost not count sinners righteous, but punishest 
 
: ^ 
 
 MORNI^^G AND EVENING PRAYER. 27 
 
 the faults of such as transgress thy command- 
 ments. Therefore, O Lord, when we consider 
 our whole life, we are confounded in our own 
 hearts, and cannot choose but be beaten down, 
 and almost despair, even as though we were al- 
 ready swallowed wp in the deep gulf of death. 
 Notwithstanding, most merciful Lord, since it hath 
 pleased thee of thine infinite mercy to command 
 us to call upon thee for help, even from the deep 
 bottom of hell, and that the more lack and default 
 we feel in ourselves, so much the rather we should 
 have recourse unto thy sovereign bounty, since 
 also thou hast promised to hear and accept our 
 requests and supplications, without having any 
 respect to our worthiness, but only in the name 
 and for the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom 
 alone thou hast appointed to be our Intercessor 
 and Advocate, we humble ourselves before thee, 
 renouncing all vain confidence in man's help, and 
 cleave only to thy mercy, and with full confi- 
 dence call upon thine holy name, to obtain pardon 
 for our sins. 
 
 First, O Lord, besides the innumerable benefits 
 which thou dost universally bestow upon all men 
 on earth, thou hast given us such special graces, 
 that it is not possible for us to rehearse them, no, 
 ^% 
 
^ -^ 
 
 28 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 nor sufficiently to conceive them in our minds; 
 as, namely, it hath pleased thee to call us to the 
 knowledge of thine holy Gospel, drawing us out 
 of the miserable bondage of the devil, whose 
 slaves we were, and delivering us from most 
 cursed idolatry and superstition wherein we were 
 plunged, and to bring us into the light of thy 
 truth. Notwithstanding, such is our obstinacy 
 and unkindness, that not only we forget those 
 thy benefits which we have received at thy boun- 
 tiful hands, but have gone astray from thee, and 
 have turned ourselves from thy law, to go after 
 our own concupiscences and lusts, and neither 
 have given worthy honour and due obedience to 
 thine holy word, nor have advanced thy glory, as 
 our duty required. And although thou hast not 
 ceased continually to admonish us most faithfully 
 by thy word, yet we have not given ear to thy 
 fatherly admonition. 
 
 Wherefore, O Lord, we have sinned, and 
 have grievously offended against thee, so that 
 shame and confusion appertaineth unto us ; and 
 we acknowledge that we are altogether guilty 
 before thy judgment, and that if thou wouldst 
 intreat us according to our demerits, we could 
 look for none other than death and everlasting 
 ^ 
 
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 29 
 
 damnation ; for although we would go about to 
 clear and excuse ourselves, yet our own con- 
 science would accuse us, and our wickedness 
 would appear before thee to condemn us. 
 
 And in very deed, O Lord, we see by the 
 corrections which thou hast already used to- 
 ward us, that we have given thee great occasion 
 to be displeased with us ; for, seeing that thou 
 art a just and upright Judge, it cannot be with- 
 out cause that thou punishest thy people. Where- 
 fore, forasmuch as we have felt thy stripes, we 
 acknowledge that we have justly stirred up thy 
 displeasure against us, yea, and yet we see 
 thine hand lifted up to beat us afresh ; for the 
 rods and weapons wherewith thou art accus- 
 tomed to execute thy vengeance are already 
 in thine hand, and the threatenings of thy wrath 
 which thou usest against the wicked sinners be 
 in full readiness. 
 
 Now, though thou shouldst punish us much 
 more grievously than thou hast hitherto done, 
 and that whereas we have received one stripe, 
 thou wouldst give us an hundred, yea, if thou 
 wouldst make the curses of thine Old Testa- 
 ment, which came then upon thj^ people Israel, 
 to fall upon us, we confess that thou shouldst do 
 ^ ^^ 
 
-^ 
 
 30 MORNING AND EVENING TRAYER. 
 
 therein very righteously ; and we cannot deny 
 but we have fully deserved the same. 
 
 Yet, Lord, for so much as thou art our Father, 
 and we be but earth and slime ; seeing thou art 
 our Maker, and we the workmanship of thine 
 hands ; since thou art our Pastor, and we thy 
 flock • seeing, also, that thou art our Redeemer, 
 and we are the people whom thou hast bought ; 
 finall}^, because thou art our God, and we thy 
 chosen heritage, suffer not thine anger so to 
 kindle against us that thou shouldst punish us 
 in thy wrath ; neither remember our wickedness 
 to the end to take vengeance thereof, but rather 
 chastise us gently, according to thy mercy. 
 
 Truth it is, O Lord, that our misdeeds have 
 inflamed thy wrath against us ; yet, considering 
 that we call upon thy name and bear thy mark 
 and badge, maintain rather the work that thou 
 hast begun in us by thy free grace, to the end 
 that all the world may know that thou art our 
 God and Saviour. Thou knowest that such as be 
 dead in the grave, and whom thou hast destroyed 
 and brought to confusion, will not set forth thy 
 praise ; but the heavy souls and comfortless, the 
 humble hearts, the consciences oppressed and 
 laden with the o-rievous burden of their sins, 
 
^ 
 
 MORlNriNG AND EVENING PRAYER. 31 
 
 and therefore thirst after thy grace, they shall set 
 forth thy glory and praise. 
 
 Thy people of Israel oftentimes provoked thee 
 to anger through their wickedness ; whereupon 
 thou didst, as right required, punish them ; but 
 so soon as they acknowledged their offences, and 
 returned to thee, thou didst receive them always 
 to mercy ; and were their enormities and sins 
 never so grievous, yet for thy covenant's sake, 
 which thou hadst made with thy servants Abra- 
 ham, Isaac, and Jacob, thou hast always with- 
 drawn from them the rods and curses which were 
 prepared for them, in such sort that thou didst 
 never refuse to hear their prayers. 
 
 We have obtained, by thy goodness, a far 
 more excellent covenant, which we may allege, 
 that is, the covenant which thou didst first make 
 and establish by the hand of Jesus Christ our 
 Saviour, and which was also by thy divine Pro- 
 vidence written with his blood, and sealed with 
 his death and passion. 
 
 Therefore, O Lord, we, renouncing ourselves and 
 all vain confidence in man's help, have our only 
 refuge in this thy most blessed covenant, whereby 
 our Lord Jesus, through the oflPering up of his 
 body in sacrifice, hath reconciled us unto thee. 
 
 >k 
 
32 MORMNG AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 Behold therefore, O Lord, in the face of thy Christ, 
 and not in us, that by his intercession thy wrath 
 may be appeased, and that the bright beams of 
 thy countenance may shine upon us, to our great 
 comfort and assured salvation ; and from this 
 time forward vouchsafe to receive us under thine 
 holy tuition, and govern us with thine Holy 
 Spirit, whereby we may be regenerate anew 
 unto a far better life. 
 
 Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
 done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not 
 into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For 
 thine is the kingdom, and the jiower, and the 
 glory, for ever. Amen. 
 
 And albeit we are most unworthy in our own 
 selves to open our mouths and to entreat thee in 
 our necessities, yet forasmuch as it hath pleased 
 thee to command us to pray for one another, we 
 make our humble prayers unto thee for our poor 
 brethren and members whom thou dost visit and 
 chastise with thy rods and correction, most in- 
 stantly desiring thee to turn away thine anger 
 from them. Remember, O Lord, we beseech 
 ^ ^ 
 
MORXING AND EVENING PRAYER. 33 
 
 thee, that they are thy children, as we are ; and 
 though they have offended thy Majesty, yet that 
 it woukl please thee not to cease to proceed in 
 thine accustomed bounty and mercy, which thou 
 hast promised should evermore continue towards 
 all thine elect. Vouchsafe, therefore, good Lord, 
 to extend thy pity upon all thy Church, and 
 towards all thy people whom thou dost now 
 chastise either with pestilence or war, or such- 
 like thine accustomed rods, or with sickness, 
 prison, or poverty, or any other affliction of 
 conscience and mind ; that it would please thee 
 to comfort them as thou knowest to be most 
 expedient for them, so that thy rods may be 
 instructions for them, to assure them of thy fa- 
 vour, and for their amendment, when thou shalt 
 give them constancy and patience, and also as- 
 suage and stay thy corrections ; and so at length, 
 by delivering them from all their troubles, give 
 them most ample occasion to rejoice in thy mercy, 
 and to praise thine holy name : chiefly that thou 
 wouklst, Lord, have compassion as well on all 
 as on every one of them that employ themselves 
 for the maintenance of thy truth ; strengthen 
 them, O Lord, with an invincible constancy ; de- 
 fend them, and assist them in all things and 
 
^ ^ 
 
 34 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 every where ; overthrow the crafty practices and 
 conspiracies of their enemies and thine ; bridle 
 their rage, and let their bold enterprises, which 
 they undertake against thee and the members of 
 thy Son, turn to their own confusion ; and suffer 
 not thy kingdom of Christians to be utterly deso- 
 late, neither permit that the remembrance of 
 thine holy name be clean abolished on earth, nor 
 that they, among whom it hath pleased thee to 
 have thy praises celebrated, be destroyed and 
 brought to nought, lest the Turks, pagans, pa- 
 pists, and other infidels, might boast themselves 
 thereby, and blaspheme thy name. 
 
 ^ ^ragn usrD in tt)e ®i)mc!)fa of JScotlantJ 
 
 IN THE TIME OF PERSECUTION BY THE FRENCHMEN; 
 BUT PRINCIPALLY WHEN THE LORD's TABLE IS TO 
 BE MINISTERED. 
 
 Eternal and everlasting God, Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ ; we, thy creatures, and the 
 workmanship of thine own hands, sometime dead 
 by sin, and thralls to Satan by means of the same, 
 but now of thy mere mercy called to liberty and 
 life by the preaching of thy Gospel, do take upon 
 
 y^' 
 
K^ ^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 3o 
 
 US this boldness (not of ourselves, but of the 
 commandment of thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus 
 Christ), to pour forth before thee the petitions 
 and complaints of our troubled hearts, oppressed 
 with fear and wounded with sorrow. True it is, 
 O Lord, that we are not worthy to appear in thy 
 presence, by reason of our manifold offences ; 
 neither yet are we worthy to obtain any comfort 
 at thine hands, for any righteousness that is in 
 us. But seeing, O Lord, that to turn back from 
 thee, and not to call for thy support in the time 
 of our trouble, is the entrance to death, and 
 the plain way to desperation, we therefore, con- 
 founded in ourselves (as the people that on all 
 sides are assaulted with sorrows), do present our- 
 selves before thy Majesty, as our sovereign Cap- 
 tain and only Redeemer, Jesus Christ, hath com- 
 manded us ; in whose name, and for whose obe- 
 dience, we humbly crave of thee remission of our 
 former iniquities, as well committed in matters 
 of religion as in our lives and conversation. The 
 examples of others, that have called unto thee 
 in their like necessities, give unto us hope that 
 thou wilt not reject us, neither yet suffer us 
 for ever to be confounded. Thy people Israel 
 did oftentimes decline from thy laws, and did 
 
30 MORNING AND ETENING PRAYER. 
 
 follow the vanity of superstition and idolatry, 
 and oftentimes didst thou correct and sharply 
 punish them ; but thou didst never utterly de- 
 spise them, when in their miseries unfeignedly 
 they turned unto thee. Tliy Church of the Jews 
 were sinners, O Lord, and the most part of the 
 same did consent unto the death of thy dear Son 
 our Lord Jesus Christ; and yet didst not thou 
 despise their prayers, when in the time of their 
 grievous persecution they called for thy support. 
 O Lord, thou hast promised no less to us than 
 thou hast performed to them ; and therefore take 
 we boldness from thine own commandment, and, 
 by the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ, most 
 humbly to crave of thee, that, as it hath pleased 
 thy mercy partl}'^ to remove our ignorance and 
 blindness by the light of thy blessed Evangel, 
 so it may please thee to continue the same light 
 with us, till thou hast delivered us from all 
 calamity and trouble. And for this purpose, O 
 Lord, may it please thee to send forth faithful 
 workmen in this thy harvest within this realm 
 of Scotland, to the which, after so long darkness 
 of papistry and superstition, thou hast oflfered the 
 truth of thine Evangel in all pureness and sim- 
 plicity. Continue this thy grace with us, O Lord, 
 
^ 
 
 MORNIXG AND EVENING PRAYER. 37 
 
 and purge this realm from all false teachers, from 
 all dumb dogs, from dissembling hypocrites, cruel 
 wolves, and all such as shew themselves enemies 
 to thy true religion. 
 
 [But now, O Lord, the dangers which appear, 
 and the trouble which increaseth by the cruel 
 tyranny of forsworn strangers, compelleth us to 
 complain before the throne of thy mercy, and to 
 crave of thee protection and defence against their 
 most unjust persecution : that nation, O Lord, for 
 whose pleasure, and for defence of whom, we have 
 offended thy Majesty and violated our faith, oft 
 breaking the leagues of unity and concord which 
 our kings and governors have contracted with our 
 neighbours ; that nation, O Lord, for whose alli- 
 ance our fathers and predecessors have shed their 
 blood, and we, whom by tyranny they oj)press, 
 have oft sustained the hazard of battle ; that na- 
 tion, finally, to whom always we have been faith- 
 ful, now, after their long-practised deceit, by ma- 
 nifest tyranny do seek our destruction. Worthily 
 and justly mayest thou, O Lord, give us to be 
 slaves unto such tyrants, because, for the main- 
 tenance of their friendship, we have not feared 
 to break our solemn oaths made imto others, to 
 the great dishonour of thine holy name ; and 
 ^ 
 
38 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 therefore justly mayest thou punish us by the 
 pame nation for whose pleasure we feared not to 
 offend thy divine Majestj^ In thy presence, O 
 Lord, we lay for ourselves no kind of excuse ; 
 but for thy dear Son, Jesus Christ's sake, we cry 
 for mercy, pardon, and grace. Thou knowest, O 
 Lord, that their crafty wits in many things have 
 abused our simplicity ; for under pretence of the 
 maintenance of our liberty, they have sought 
 and have found the way (unless thou alone con- 
 found their counsels) to bring us in their per- 
 petual bondage. And now the rather, O Lord, 
 do they seek our destruction, because we have 
 refused that Roman antichrist, whose kingdom 
 they defend in daily shedding the blood of thy 
 saints.] In us, O Lord, there is no strength, no 
 wisdom, no number, nor judgment to withstand 
 their force, their craft, their multitude, and dili- 
 gence ; and therefore look thou upon us, O Lord, 
 according to thy mercy ; behold the tyranny used 
 against our poor brethren and sisters, and have 
 thou respect to that despiteful blasphemy which 
 incessantly they pour forth against thine eternal 
 truth. 
 
 Thou hast assisted thy Church even from the 
 beginning ; and for the deliverance of the same 
 
MORXING AND EVEJfING PRAYER. 39 
 
 thou hast plagued the cruel persecutors from time 
 to time. 
 
 Thine hand drowned Pharaoh ; thy sword de- 
 voured Amalek ; thy power repulsed the pride 
 of Sennacherib ; and thine angel so plagued 
 Herod, that worms and lice were punishers of 
 his pride. O Lord, thou remainest one for ever, 
 thy nature is unchangeable ; thou canst not 
 but hate cruelty, pride, oppression, and murder, 
 which now the men whom we never offended 
 pretend against us ; yea, further, by all means 
 they seek to banish from this realm thy dear 
 Son our Lord Jesus Christ, the true preaching 
 of his word, and faithful ministers of the same ; 
 and by tyranny they pretend to maintain most 
 abominable idolatry, and the pomp of that Eo- 
 man antichrist. Look thou, therefore, upon us, 
 O Lord, in the multitude of thy mercies ; stretch 
 out thine arm, and declare thyself protector of 
 thy truth ; repress the pride, and daunt thou 
 the fury of these cruel persecutors. Suffer them 
 never so to prevail against us, that the brightness 
 of thy word be extinguished within this realm ; 
 but whatsoever thou hast appointed, in thine 
 eternal counsel, to become of our bodies, yet we 
 most humbly beseech thee, for Jesus Christ thy 
 
 ^ 
 
^ 
 
 40 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYEll. 
 
 Son's sake, so to maintain the purity of thy 
 Gospel witliin this realm, that we and our pos- 
 terity may enjoy the fruition thereof, to the 
 praise and glory of thine holy name, and to our 
 everlasting comfort. And this we most fervently 
 desire of thy mercy, by the merits and interces- 
 sion of our Lord Jesus Christ ; to whom, with 
 thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour, glory, 
 praise, and benediction, now and ever. Amen. 
 
 TJiis is added so oft as the Lord's table is ministered. 
 
 Now, O Lord, we that be here assembled to 
 celebrate the supper of thy dear Son our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, who did not only once offer his 
 body and shed his blood upon the cross for our 
 full redemption, but also, to keep us in recent 
 memory of that his so great benefit, provided 
 that his body and blood should be given to us to 
 the nourishment of our souls ; we, I say, that 
 presently are assembled to be partakers of this 
 his most holy table, most humbly do beseech 
 thee to grant us grace, that in sincerity of heart, 
 in true faith, and with ardent and unfeigned 
 zeal, we may receive of him so great a benefit, 
 to wit, that fruitfully Ave may possess his body 
 and his blood, yea, Jesus Christ himself, very 
 ^ ^ 
 
x^- 
 
 MOllNIXG A^N^D EVENING PRAYER. 41 
 
 God and very man, who is that heavenly bread 
 which giveth life unto the world. Give us grace, 
 O Father, so to eat his flesh, and so to drink his 
 blood, that hereafter we live no more in ourselves, 
 and according to our corrupt nature ; but that 
 he may live in us, to conduct and guide us to 
 that most blessed life that abideth for ever. 
 Grant unto us, O heavenly Father, so to cele- 
 brate this day the blessed memory of thy dear 
 Son, that we may be assured of thy favour and 
 grace towards us. Let our faith be so exercised, 
 that not only we may feel the increase of the 
 same, but also that the clear confession thereof, 
 with the good works proceeding of it, may ap- 
 pear before men, to the praise and glory of thine 
 holy name, who art God everlasting, blessed for 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 it 2ri)anfesgtSjmg unto 60 &, 
 
 AFTER OUR DELIVERANCE FROM THE TYRANNY OF 
 THE FRENCHMEN ; WITH PRAYERS MADE FOR 
 THE CONTINUANCE OF THE PEACE BETWIXT THE 
 REALMS OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 
 
 Now, Lord, seeing that we enjoy comfort both 
 in body and spirit, by reason of this quietness of 
 
 .4 
 
^- 
 
 42 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 thy mercy granted unto us after our most despe- 
 rate troubles, in the which we appeared utterly 
 to have been overwhelmed, we jDraise and glo- 
 rify thy mercy and goodness, who piteously 
 looked upon us when we in our own selves were 
 utterly confounded. But seeing, O Lord, that 
 to receive benefits at thine hands, and not to be 
 thankful for the same, is nothing else but a seal 
 against us in the day of judgment, we most 
 humbly beseech thee to grant us hearts so mind- 
 ful of the calamities past, that we continually 
 may fear to provoke thy justice to punish us 
 with the like or worse j^lagues. And seeing 
 that, when we by our own power were alto- 
 gether unable to have freed ourselves from the 
 tyranny of strangers, and from the bondage and 
 thraldom pretended against us, thou of thine 
 especial goodness didst move the hearts of our 
 neighbours (of whom we had deserved no such 
 favour), to take upon them the common burden 
 with us, and for our deliverance not only to 
 spend the lives of many, but also to hazard the 
 estate and tranquillity of their realm and com- 
 monwealth ; grant unto us, O Lord, that with 
 such reverence we may remember thy benefits 
 received, that after this, in our default, we never 
 
 -yk 
 
; ^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 43 
 
 enter into hostility against the realm and nation 
 of England. Suffer us never, O Lord, to fall to 
 that ingratitude and detestable unthankfulness, 
 that we should seek the destruction and death of 
 those whom thou hast made instruments to de- 
 liver us from the tyranny of merciless strangers. 
 Dissipate thou the councils of such as deceitfully 
 travel to stir the hearts of the inhabitants of 
 either realm against the other ; let their mali- 
 cious practices be their own confusion ; and grant 
 thou, of thy mercy, that love, concord, and tran- 
 quillity may continue and increase amongst the 
 inhabitants of this isle, even to the coming of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ ; by whose glorious Gospel 
 thou of thy mercy dost call us both to unity, 
 peace, and Christian concord, the full perfection 
 whereof we shall possess in the fulness of thy 
 kingdom, when all offences shall be removed, 
 iniquity shall be suppressed, and thy chosen 
 children be fully endued with that perfect glory 
 in the which now our Lord Jesus reigneth ; to 
 whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all 
 honour and glory, now and ever. Amen. 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
44 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 ^ ^vagrr ttsPD in tijr ftssembltes of t^t ©f)urtl), 
 
 AS WELL PARTICULAR AS GENERAL. 
 
 Eternal and ever-living God, Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, thou that of thine infinite 
 goodness hast chosen to thyself a Church unto 
 the which, ever from the fall of man, thou hast 
 manifested thyself ; first, by thine own voice to 
 Adam ; next, to Abraham and his seed ; then, to 
 all Israel, by the publication of thine holy law ; 
 and lastly, by sending thine only Son, our Lord 
 J esus Christ, the great Angel of thy counsel, into 
 this world, clad with our nature, to teach unto 
 us thine holy will, and to put an end to all reve- 
 lations and prophecies ; who also elected to him- 
 self apostles, to whom, after his resurrection, he 
 gave commandment to publish and preach his 
 Evangel to all realms and nations, promising to 
 be with them even to the end of the world ; yea, 
 and moreover, that wheresoever two or three 
 were gathered together in his name, that he 
 would be there in the midst of them, not only 
 to instruct and teach them, but also to ratify and 
 confirm such things as they shall pronounce or 
 decree by thy word. So great, O Lord, hath 
 been thy love and fatherly care towards thy 
 ^ _ — ^ 
 
^— y^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 45 
 
 Church, that not only thou plantest it, rulest 
 it, and guidest the chosen in the same by thine 
 Holy Spirit and blessed word, but also, that 
 when the external face of the same is j^olluted, 
 and the visible body falleth to corruption, thou 
 of thy mercies providest that it may be purged 
 and restored again to the former purity, as well 
 in doctrine as in manners, whereof thou hast 
 given sufficient demonstration from age to age ; 
 but especially now, O Lord, after that public 
 defection from thy truth and blessed ordinance, 
 which our fathers and we have seen in that Ro- 
 man antichrist and in his usurped authorit}^ ; 
 now, O Lord, thou hast revealed thyself and 
 thy beloved Son Jesus Christ clearly to the 
 world again by the true preaching of thy blessed 
 Evangel, which also of thy mercy is offered unto 
 us within this realm of Scotland ; and of the 
 same thy mercy hast made us ministers, and 
 burdened us with a charge within thy Church. 
 But, O Lord, when we consider the multitude of 
 enemies that oppose themselves unto thy truth, 
 the practices of Satan, and the power of those 
 that resist thy kingdom, together with our own 
 weakness, few in number, and with manifold 
 imperfections, we cannot but fear the sudden 
 ^ 
 
: ^ 
 
 46 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 taking away of this thy great benefit ; and there- 
 fore, destitute of all worldly comfort, we have 
 refuge to thine only mercy and grace ; most 
 humbly beseeching thee, for Christ Jesus thy 
 Son's sake, to oppose thine own power to the 
 pride of our enemies, who cease not to blaspheme 
 thine eternal truth. 
 
 Give unto us, O Lord, that presently are as- 
 sembled in thy name, such abundance of thine 
 Holy Spirit, that we may see those things that 
 shall be expedient for the advancement of thy 
 glory in the midst of this perverse and stubborn 
 generation. Give us grace, O Lord, that univer- 
 sally among ourselves we may agree in the unity 
 of true doctrine. Preserve us from damnable 
 errors ; and grant unto us such purity and clean- 
 ness of life, that we be not slanderous to thy 
 blessed Gospel. Bless thou so our weak labours, 
 that the fruits of the same may redound to the 
 praise of thine holy name, to the profit of this 
 present generation and of the posterity to come, 
 through Christ our Lord ; to whom, with thee 
 and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and praise, 
 now and ever. Amen. 
 
 ^< 
 
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 47 
 
 TO BE USED WHEN GOD THREATENETH HIS JUDGMENT. 
 
 O Lord our God, Fatlier everlasting, and full 
 of compassion, hear from the heavens our prayers 
 and supplications, which, from our sorrowful 
 hearts and wounded consciences, we pour forth 
 presently before thy Majesty. Thou hast, O 
 Lord, in the multitude of thy mercies, not only 
 created us reasonable creatures, but also, of thine 
 inestimable oroodness, hast sent the great Angel 
 of the covenant, our Lord Jesus Christ, to re- 
 deem us ; by whom thy wrath is taken away, 
 the law is satisfied, and the power of death, of 
 hell, and of Satan, is broken. Behold, when as 
 we lay in the shadow of death and the fearful 
 darkness of the soul, which was brought in by 
 that man of perdition, the antichrist and his sup- 
 porters, conspired enemies to thy Son our Lord 
 Jesus, thou madest the light of thy Gospel to 
 shine amongst us in such abundance, that no 
 nation or country hath the lamp of thy truth, 
 shewing the way to life everlasting, so clearly 
 shining amongst them . With these benefits spi- 
 ritual, it pleaseth thee of the same goodness to 
 continue temporal blessings ; for whose eyes 
 
 ^ ):^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 48 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 have not seen thy mighty arm fighting for us ? 
 whose heart is so blinded, that it cannot perceive 
 in all our afflictions thy wonderful deliverance ? 
 who cannot but confess that always we were 
 covered under thy shadow? Thou wast our 
 hope, our fortress, and our God ; thou coveredst 
 us under thy wings, and we were safe under thy 
 feathers. But alas, O Lord, the consideration of 
 thy benefits is a matter of sorrow to our wounded 
 consciences ; for the multitude of thy blessings 
 convict us of the more fearful unthankfulness. 
 In such a light, Avhat is among us but works 
 of darkness ? Alas, this, thy great and inesti- 
 mable kindness, w^ith unkindness have we re- 
 compensed again. Thou gently hast called us, 
 and yet dost call on us, but who did hear ? thou 
 threatenedst, but who did tremble? thou punish- 
 edst, but we would not receive correction. A 
 fire appeareth presently to be kindled in thy 
 wrath, but where is the repentance amongst us 
 to slaken it ? O Lord, we know the dumb and 
 insensible elements of the world admonish us of 
 our great unthankfulness ; the heavy face of the 
 heavens, the unnatural dealings on the earth, the 
 contagion and infection of the air, threaten thy 
 judgments. Those creatures thou hast formed 
 ^ : 
 
^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 49 
 
 for man's comfort ; but mighty art thou, who 
 turnest that to the discomfort and hurt of them 
 who repine against thee, which otherudse should 
 have been comfortable. Besides all these things, 
 we clearly see the enemies of thy truth raging 
 against thy Church, and the judgment of manlike 
 to prevail : yea further. Lord, Satan taking upon 
 him the shape of an angel of light, is in this cor- 
 rupt age most busy to shake the foundation of 
 all true religion, that he may involve again the 
 blind world in fearful darkness. These thy judg- 
 ments, O thou righteous Judge of the world, are 
 hid from the eyes of them whom the god of this 
 world hath darkened : but, O Lord, when we 
 consider them, we must tremble ; and when we 
 behold them, we must stoop, and confess that we 
 have offended thy Majesty. O Lord, we dare 
 not be bold altogether to crave that thou wilt 
 not correct ; for we understand that, by external 
 afflictions and corrections, as certain means and 
 bitter medicine, thou healest the wounds and 
 sores of the inward man. Yet, Lord, correct us 
 in thy mercy, and not in thy fierce wrath, lest 
 peradventure we be bruised into powder ; when, 
 as the fire departeth from thy presence and is 
 kindled in thine indignation, sej)arate us from 
 : i^ 
 
50 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 the number of those above whose heads thy 
 righteous judgments do hang, and the sword of 
 thy vengeance threateneth eternal destruction : 
 and to this end and purpose, create in us new 
 hearts, give unto us the spirit of unfeigned re- 
 pentance ; work in us a sorrowing for our sins, 
 a detestation and hatred of the same, together 
 with a love unto righteousness ; that we, being 
 not conformable to the wicked world, but mak- 
 ing thy revealed will a rule to lead our life by, 
 may offer ourselves up in a lively sacrifice unto 
 thee, consecrating unto thy glory body and soul, 
 and all the actions of the same. Preserve us, 
 good Lord, from the fearful thraldom of con- 
 science and bondage of idolatry ; continue the 
 light of thy glorious Gospel amongst us ; repress 
 the pride of tliem who seek to have the candle- 
 stick removed, and the shining light extin- 
 guished. Purge this country, by such means 
 as thou knowest to serve best for thine own 
 glory, of murder, fornication, adultery, incest, 
 oppression, sacrilege, and such other like abo- 
 minations, which have defiled thine inheritance. 
 Grant us thankful hearts for thy benefits and 
 manifold blessings poured upon us ; for the 
 which, also, open our mouths to sound thy 
 
-yk 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 51 
 
 praises and offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, 
 Avherein thou dost delight. Arm iis with thy 
 power to strive against Satan, against the flesh, 
 against the world, and against all those things 
 which drive us away from thine obedience ; that, 
 walking in thy paths and obeying thy blessed 
 ordinances, we may so end our lives in the sanc- 
 tification of thy name, that at last we may attain 
 to that blessed immortality and that crown of 
 glory prepared for thine elect in Jesus Christ, the 
 King of glory and God of immortality, in whose 
 name we crave most humbly these thy graces 
 to be poured upon us, most miserable sinners ; 
 and further, as thy wisdom knoweth to be neces- 
 sary for us, and for thy Church universal dispersed 
 upon the face of the whole earth, praying unto 
 thee with all humility and submission of minds, 
 as we are taught and commanded to pray, saying, 
 Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
 done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into 
 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine 
 is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
 for ever. Amen. 
 
 -^^ 
 
■ ^i 
 
 52 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 a '^x^-Qtx in Ximt of i3ublic Stfflirtioit. 
 
 Just and righteous art thou, O dreadful and 
 most high God ; holy in thy works, and most 
 just in all thy judgments, yea, even then when 
 as thou punishest in greatest severity. We have 
 before, O Lord, felt thine heav}^ hand upon us ; 
 and when Ave cried upon thee in our calamities 
 and afflictions, most mercifully thou inclinedst 
 thine ear unto us. But alas, O Lord, we have 
 not answered in our lives, glorifying thine holy 
 name, as thou answeredst us when Ave called in 
 our distress, but did return unto our wonted sin, 
 and so provoked thee, through our misdeeds, 
 unto displeasure. And therefore hast thou most 
 justly turned thyself to punish us again, in 
 bringing amongst us this noisome and destroj"- 
 ing plague, according to the threatening of thy 
 law, because we have not made our fruit of thy 
 former corrections. Our repentance, O Lord, 
 hath been like the dew, that suddenly vanisheth 
 aAvay ; yea, the great multitude abide darkened 
 in their hearts through their own pride, and 
 walking in the lusts of their own hearts, securely 
 contemning thy blessed ordinances. For who 
 hath mourned for the universal corruption of 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 53 
 
 this blind age, or ceased the murderer from his 
 murder, the oppressor from his oppression, the 
 deceitful man from his deceit, the contemner of 
 the word from his contempt, and the licentious 
 liver from his licentiousness ? Yea, Lord, where 
 can the man be found that hath not sought himself, 
 albeit with the hurt of others, and the defacing 
 of thy glory. So universally did, and presently 
 doth, that root of all evil, covetousness, reign 
 throughout this whole country ; yea. Lord, they 
 to whom thou grantest worldly blessings in 
 greatest abundance have been and are possessed 
 with this unclean spirit of avarice ; the more 
 thou gavest, the more insatiably thirsted they 
 to have, and ceased not till they did spoil thee 
 of thine own patrimony : and yet in this matter 
 they will not know themselves to sin and offend 
 thy Majesty. Therefore cannot thy justice longer 
 spare, but it must punish and strike, as thou 
 threatenest in thine holy law. Now we know. 
 Lord, that thy judgments commonly begin at 
 thine own house ; and therefore hast thou begun 
 to correct us, albeit yet in thy mercy, and not 
 in greatest severity. Wherefore, good Lord, 
 either in the multitude of thy mercies remove 
 this bitter cup away from us, or else grant us 
 
 ^ ; 
 
i)4 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 thy grace patiently and obediently so to drink 
 the same, as given out of thine own hand for our 
 amendment. We acknowledge, O Lord, that 
 afflictions are painful, noisome, and hard to 
 be borne with of frail flesh ; but Christ Jesus 
 hath suffered heavier torments for us, and we 
 have deserved more than we sustain, who so 
 oft have merited the verj hell. If it please thy 
 Majesty to continue our punishment and double 
 our stripes, then let it please thee in like manner 
 to enlarge our patience, and make our corporal 
 afflictions serve to our humiliation, mvocation 
 of thy name, and obedience to thine holy ordi- 
 nances ; or if, of a fatherly pity, it shall please 
 thee to be content with this gentle correction, 
 let the calm appear after this present tempest, 
 that in respect of both the one and the other we 
 may glorify thee, in that first thou hast corrected 
 to amendment, lest we should have slept in sin 
 to our destruction ; and secondly, that thou hast 
 taken away the bitterness of our affliction with 
 the sweetness of thy comfortable deliverance ; 
 in the first having respect to our necessity, and 
 in the last to our infirmity. But, Lord, again 
 we know, albeit thy judgments thus begin at 
 thine own house, and they of thy family appear 
 ^ ^ 
 
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 65 
 
 only to be beaten of thee, yet the wicked shall 
 not escape, but they shall drink the dregs of the 
 cup of thine indignation : let it be they escape 
 the famine, the pestilence shall apprehend them ; 
 if they escape the pestilence, the sword shall de- 
 vour them ; if they shall not fall by the edge 
 of the sword, thou art able to make any of 
 thy smallest and least creatures to be a stum- 
 bling-block before their feet, whereat, albeit 
 they reach their heads above the clouds, they 
 shall fall most fearfully. But, O Lord, now it is 
 thine own inheritance for the which we sigh and 
 groan before thy Majesty ; look upon it, there- 
 fore, from the heavens, and be merciful to thy 
 people ; let thine anger and thy wrath be turned 
 away from us, and make thy face to shine lov- 
 ingly upon thine own sanctuary. O Lord, hear ; 
 O Lord, forgive ; O Lord, consider : grant our 
 requests for thine own sake, O our God; and 
 in the name of thine only begotten Son Jesus 
 Christ, our only Saviour and Mediator, in whose 
 name we pray unto thee as we are taught, 
 saying. 
 
 Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
 done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 
^— y^ 
 
 56 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into 
 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine 
 is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
 for ever. Amen. 
 
 ^ draper for t\it (Q^netn. 
 
 O Lord Jesus Christ, most high, most mighty. 
 King of kings. Lord of lords, the only Ruler of 
 princes, the yerj Son of God, on whose right hand 
 sitting, thou dost from thy throne behold all the 
 dwellers upon earth ; with most lowly hearts, we 
 beseech thee, vouchsafe with favourable regard 
 to behold our most gracious sovereign lady, Queen 
 Victoria, and so replenish her with the grace of 
 thine Holy Spirit, that she alway may incline to 
 thy will, and walk in thy way. Keep her far 
 off from ignorance ; but through thy gift let pru- 
 dence and knowledge alway abound in her royal 
 heart : so instruct her, O Lord Jesus, reigning over 
 us on earth, that her human Majesty alway may 
 obey thy divine Majesty in fear and dread : en- 
 due her plentifully with heavenly gifts : grant 
 her in health and wealth long to live : heap glory 
 
 y^ ^ 
 
— ^ 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 57 
 
 and honour upon lier ; gladden her with the joy 
 of thy countenance ; so strengthen her, that she 
 may vanquish and overcome all her and our foes, 
 and be dread and feared of all the enemies of this 
 her realm. Amen. 
 
 -y^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 
 
 First note, that forasmuch as it is not permitted by 
 God's word that women should preach or minister 
 the sacraments, and it is evident that the sacra- 
 ments are not ordained of God to be used in private 
 corners, as charms or sorceries, but left to the con- 
 gregation, and necessarily annexed to God's word as 
 seals of the same; therefore the infant that is to 
 be baptised shall be brought to the church on the 
 day appointed to common prayer and preaching, 
 accompanied with the father and godfather, so that 
 after the sermon, the child being presented to the 
 minister, he demandeth this question. 
 
 Do ye here present this child to be baptised, 
 earnestly desiring that it may be engrafted in the 
 mystical body of Jesus Christ ? 
 
 The answer. 
 Yea, we require the same. 
 
 The minister proceedeth. 
 Then let us consider, dearly beloved, how al- 
 
 ^ 
 
THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 59 
 
 mighty God hath not only made us his children 
 by adoption, and received us into the fellowship 
 of his Church, but also hath promised that he 
 will be our God, and the God of our children, 
 unto the thousandth generation : which thing, as 
 he confirmed to his people in the Old Testament 
 by the sacrament of circumcision, so hath he also 
 renewed the same to us in his New Testament 
 by the sacrament of baptism, doing us thereby 
 to wit that our infants appertain to him by co- 
 venant, and therefore ought not to be defrauded 
 of those holy signs and badges whereby his chil- 
 dren are known from infidels and pagans. 
 
 Neither is it requisite that all those that receive 
 this sacrament have the use of understanding and 
 faith, but chiefly that they be contained under 
 the name of God's people, so that remission of 
 sins in the blood of Christ Jesus doth appertain 
 unto them by God's promise : which thing is 
 most evident by St. Paul, who pronounceth the 
 children begotten and born (either of the parents 
 being faithful), to be clean and holy. Also our 
 Saviour Christ admitteth children to his pre- 
 sence, embracing and blessing them. Which 
 testimonies of the Holy Ghost assure us that 
 infants be of the number of God's people, and 
 ^ 
 
^ 
 
 GO THE ORDER OF BATTISM. 
 
 that remission of sins doth also appertain to them 
 in Christ : therefore without injury they cannot 
 be debarred from the common sign of God's chil- 
 dren. And yet is not this outward action of such 
 necessity, that the lack thereof should be hurtful 
 to their salvation, if that, prevented by death, 
 they may not conveniently be presented to the 
 Church. But we (having respect to that obe- 
 dience which Christians owe to the voice and 
 ordinance of Christ Jesus, who commanded to 
 preach and baptise all, without exception, do 
 judge them only unworthy of any fellowship with 
 him, who contemptuously refuse such ordinary 
 means as his wisdom hath appointed to the in- 
 struction of our dull senses. 
 
 Furthermore, it is evident that baptism was 
 ordained to be ministered in the element of water, 
 to teach us that, like as Avater outwardly doth 
 wash away the lilth of the body, so inwardly 
 doth the virtue of Christ's blood purge our souls 
 from that corruption and deadly poison where- 
 with by nature we were infected, whose venomous 
 dregs, although they continue in this our flesh, 
 yet by the merits of his death are not imputed 
 unto us, because the righteousness of Jesus Christ 
 is made ours by baptism : not that we think any 
 
THE ORDER OF BAP'TISM. 61 
 
 such virtue or power to be included in tlie visible 
 water, or outward action ; for many have been 
 baptised, and yet never inwardly purged ; but 
 that our Saviour Christ, who commanded bap- 
 tism to be ministered, will, by the power of his 
 Holy Spirit, effectually work in the hearts of his 
 elect, in time convenient, all that is meant and 
 signified by the same. And this the Scripture 
 calleth our regeneration ; which stand eth chiefly 
 in these two points : in mortification, that is to 
 say, a resisting of the rebellious lusts of the flesh ; 
 and in newness of life, whereby we continually 
 strive to walk in that pureness and perfection 
 wherewith we are clad in baptism. 
 
 And although we, in the journey of this life, 
 ]je encumbered with many enemies, who in the 
 way assail us, yet fight we not without fruit ; 
 for this continual battle, which we fight against 
 sin, death, and hell, is a most infallible argument 
 that God the Father, mindful of his promise 
 made unto us in Christ Jesus, doth not only give 
 us motions and courage to resist them, but also 
 assurance to overcome and obtain victory. Where- 
 fore, dearly beloved, it is not only of necessity 
 that we be once baptised, but also it much pro- 
 fiteth oft to be present at the ministration thereof. 
 
 ^- 
 
^ 
 
 62 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 
 
 that we being put in mind of the league and 
 covenant made between God and us, that he will 
 be our God, and we his people, he our Father, 
 and we his children, may have occasion as well 
 to try our lives past as our present conversation, 
 and to prove ourselves, whether we stand fast in 
 the faith of God's elect, or contrariwise have 
 strayed from him through incredulity and un- 
 godly living, whereof if our conscience do accuse 
 us, yet, by hearing the loving promises of our 
 heavenly Father, who calleth all men to mercy 
 by repentance, we may from henceforth walk 
 more warily in our vocation. Moreover, ye that 
 be fathers and mothers, may take hereby most 
 singular comfort to see your children thus re- 
 ceived into the bosom of Christ's congregation ; 
 whereby ye are daily admonished, that ye nourish 
 and bring up the children of God's favour and 
 mercy, over whom his fatherly providence watch- 
 eth continually. 
 
 Which thing, as it ought greatly to rejoice you, 
 knowing that nothing can come unto them with- 
 out his good pleasure, so ought it to make you 
 diligent and careful to nurture and instruct them 
 in the true knowledge and fear of God, wherein 
 if ye be negligent, ye do not only injury to your 
 
 % ^ 
 
— -^ 
 
 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 63 
 
 own children, hiding from them the good will 
 and pleasure of Almighty God their Father, but 
 also heap judgment upon yourselves, in suffering 
 his children, bought with the blood of his dear 
 Son, so traitorously, for lack of knowledge, to 
 turn back from him. Therefore it is your duty, 
 with all diligence, to provide that your children, 
 in time convenient, be instructed in all doctrine 
 necessary for a true Christian ; chiefly that they 
 be taught to rest upon the righteousness of Christ 
 Jesus alone, and to abhor and flee all superstition, 
 poper}^, and idolatry. Finally, to the intent that 
 we may be assured that you, the father and the 
 surety, consent to the performance hereof, de- 
 clare here, before the face of God's congregation, 
 the sum of that faith wherein ye believe, and will 
 instruct this child. 
 
 Then the father, or, in his absence, the godfather, shall 
 rehearse the articles of his faith; which done, the 
 minister expoundeth the same, as after folloxveth. 
 
 I BELIEVE in God the Father almighty. Maker 
 of heaven and earth : and in Jesus Christ his 
 only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the 
 Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered 
 under Pontius Pilate ; was crucified, dead, and 
 ^ ^ 
 
64 THE ORDER OF BATTISM. 
 
 the third day 
 he ascended into 
 heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the 
 Fatlier almighty ; from thence he shall come to 
 judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the 
 Holy Ghost ; the holy Catholic Church ; the com- 
 munion of saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the re- 
 surrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 
 Amen. 
 
 The Christian faith, whereof now ye have 
 briefly heard the sum, is commonly divided in 
 twelve articles : but that we may the better un- 
 derstand what is contained in the same, we shall 
 divide it into four principal parts. The first shall 
 concern God the Father ; the second, Jesus Christ 
 our Lord ; the third shall express to us our faith 
 in the Holy Ghost; and the fourth, and last, 
 shall declare what is our faith concerning the 
 Church, and of the graces of God freely given to 
 the same. First, of God we confess three things, 
 to wit, that he is our Father, Almighty, Maker 
 of heaven and earth. Our Father we call him, 
 and so by faith believe him to be, not so much 
 because he hath created us (for that we have 
 common with the rest of creatures, who yet are 
 not called to that honour to have God to them a 
 ^ 
 
THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 65 
 
 favourable Father), but we call liim Father by 
 reason of his free adoption, by the which he hath 
 chosen us to life everlasting in Jesus Christ : and 
 this his most singular mercy we prefer to all 
 things earthly and transitory ; for without this 
 there is to mankind no felicity, no comfort, nor 
 final joy ; and having this, we are assured that 
 by the same love by the which he once hath freely 
 chosen us, he shall conduct the whole course of 
 our life, so that in the end we shall possess that 
 immortal kingdom that he hath prepared for his 
 chosen children ; for from this fountain of God's 
 free mercy or adoption springeth our vocation, 
 our justification, our continual sanctification, and 
 finally our glorification, as witnesseth the apostle. 
 The same God our Father we confess al- 
 mighty, not only in respect of what he may do, 
 but in consideration that by his power and godly 
 wisdom are all creatures in heaven and earth, 
 and under the earth, ruled, guided, and kept in 
 the order that his eternal knowledge and will 
 hath appointed them. And that is it which in 
 the third part we do confess, that he is Creator 
 of heaven and earth ; that is to say, the heaven 
 and the earth, and the contents thereof, are so in 
 his hand, that there is nothing done without his 
 
 ^ — ^ 
 
66 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 
 
 knowledge, neither yet against Ms will, but that 
 he ruleth them so, that in the end his godly 
 name shall be glorified in them. And so we 
 confess and believe that neither the devils, nor 
 yet the wicked of the world, have any power to 
 molest or trouble the chosen children of God, but 
 in so far as it pleaseth him to use them as instru- 
 ments, either to prove and try our faith and 
 patience, or else to stir us to more fervent invo- 
 cation of his name, and to continual meditation 
 of that heavenly rest and joy that abideth us 
 after these transitory troubles. And yet shall 
 not this excuse the wicked, because they never 
 seek, in their iniquity, to please God, nor yet to 
 obejr his will. 
 
 In Jesus Christ we confess two distinct and 
 perfect natures, to wit, the eternal Godhead and 
 the perfect manhood joined together ; so that we 
 confess and believe that that eternal Word, who 
 was from the beginning, and by whom all things 
 were created, and are yet conserved and kept in 
 their being, did, in the time appointed in the 
 counsel of his heavenly Father, receive our nature 
 of a virgin, by operation of the Holy Ghost ; so 
 that in his conception we acknowledge and be- 
 lieve that there is nothing but purity and sancti- 
 
 ^— — ^ 
 
)^- 
 
 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. G7 
 
 fication, yea even insomuch as he is become our 
 brother : for it behoved him, that should purge 
 others from their sins, to be pure and clean from all 
 spot of sin, even from his conception. And as we 
 confess and believe him conceived by the Holy 
 Ghost, so do we confess and believe him to be born 
 of a virgin, named Mary, of the tribe of Judah, 
 and of the family of David, that the promise of 
 God and the prophecy might be fulfilled, to wit, 
 that the seed of the woman shall bruise the ser- 
 pent's head, and that a virgin shall conceive and 
 bear a child, whose name shall be Emmanuel, 
 that is to say, God with us. The name Jesus, 
 which signifieth a Saviour, was given unto him 
 by the angel, to assure us that it is he alone that 
 saveth his people from their sins. He is called 
 Christ, that is to say, Anointed, by reason of the 
 offices given unto him by God his Father, to wdt, 
 that he alone is appointed King, Priest, and Pro- 
 phet: King, in that that all power is given to 
 him in heaven and on earth, so that there is none 
 other but he in heaven nor on earth, that hath 
 just authority and power to make laws to bind 
 the consciences of men, neither yet is there any 
 other that may defend our souls from the bondage 
 of sin, nor yet our bodies from the tyranny of 
 ^ ^ 
 
68 THE OHDER OF BAPTISM. 
 
 men. And this he doeth by the power of his 
 word, by the which he draweth us out of the 
 bondage and slavery of Satan, and maketh us 
 to reign over sin, whilst that we live and serve 
 our God in righteousness and holiness of life. A 
 Priest, and that perpetual and everlasting, we 
 confess him, because that by the sacrifice of his 
 own body, which he once offered up upon the 
 cross, he hath fully satisfied the justice of his 
 Father in our behalf, so that whosoever seeketh 
 any means besides his death and passion in hea- 
 ven or on earth to reconcile unto them God's 
 favour, they do not only blaspheme, but also, so 
 far as in them is, renounce the fruit and efficacy 
 of that his only one sacrifice. We confess him to 
 be the only Prophet, who hath revealed unto us 
 the whole will of his Father, in all things apper- 
 taining to our salvation. This our Lord Jesus 
 we confess to be the only Son of God, because 
 there is none such by nature but he alone. 
 We confess him also our Lord, not only by 
 reason we are his creatures, but chieflj^ be- 
 cause he hath redeemed us by his precious 
 blood, and so hath gotten just dominion over 
 us, as over the people whom he hath delivered 
 from bondage of sin, death, hell, and the devil, 
 
 ^ 
 
^ '^ 
 
 I 
 
 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 69 
 
 and hath made us kings and priests to God 
 his Father. 
 
 We further confess and believe, that the same 
 our Lord Jesus was accused before an earthly 
 judge, Pontius Pilate, under whom, albeit oft and 
 divers times he was pronounced to be innocent, 
 he suffered the death of the cross, being hanged 
 upon a tree betwixt two thieves, which death, as 
 it was most cruel and vile before the eyes of 
 men, so was it accursed by the mouth of God 
 himself, saying, " Cursed is every one that hangeth 
 on a tree.^' And this kind of death sustained he 
 in our person, because he was appointed of God 
 his Father to be our pledge, and he that should 
 bear the punishment of our transgressions. And 
 so v/e acknowledge and believe that he hath taken 
 away that curse and malediction that hanged on 
 us by reason of sin. He verily died, rendering 
 up his spirit into the hands of his Father, after 
 that he had said, ^' Father, into thine hands I 
 commend my spirit." After his death, we con- 
 fess his body was buried, and that he descended 
 to the hell. But because he was the author of 
 life, yea, the very life itself, it was impossible that 
 he should be retained under the dolours of death. 
 And therefore the third day he rose again, victor 
 
 #. y^ 
 
^\ ^ 
 
 70 THE ORDER OF RAPTISM. 
 
 and conqueror of death and hell, by the which 
 his resurrection he hath brought life agaiu into 
 the world, which he, by the power of his Holy 
 Spirit, communicateth unto his lively members, 
 so that now unto them corporal death is no death, 
 but an entrance into that life, wherein our Head, 
 Jesus Christ, is now entered ; for after that he 
 had sufficiently proved his resurrection to his 
 disciples, and unto such as constantly did abide 
 with him to the death, he visibly ascended to the 
 heavens, and was taken from the eyes of men, 
 and placed at the right hand of God the Father 
 Almighty, where now he remaineth in his glory, 
 only Head, only Mediator, and only Advocate 
 for all the members of his body : of which we have 
 most spiritual comfort; first, for that that by 
 his ascension the heavens are opened unto us, and 
 an entrance made unto us, that boldly we may 
 appear before the throne of our Father's mercy ; 
 and, secondly, that we know that this honour and 
 authority is given to Jesus Christ, our Head, in our 
 name, and for our profit and utility ; for albeit 
 that in body he now be in the heaven, yet by the 
 power of his Spirit he is present here with us, as 
 well to instruct us as to comfort and maintain us in 
 all our troubles and adversities, from the which he 
 
^ ^ 
 
 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 71 
 
 shall finally deliver his whole Church, and every 
 true member of the same, in that day when he 
 shall visibly appear again Judge of the quick and 
 the dead. For this, finally, we confess of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, that as he was seen visibly to 
 ascend, and so left the world, as touching that 
 body that suffered and rose again, so do we con- 
 stantly believe, that he shall come from the right 
 hand of his Father, when all eyes shall see him, 
 yea, even those that have pierced him ; and then 
 shall he gather as well those that then shall be 
 found alive, as those that before have slept. Se- 
 paration shall be made betwixt the lambs and 
 the goats, that is to say, betwixt the elect and 
 the reprobate : the one shall hear this joyful 
 voice, " Come ye, blessed of my Father, inherit 
 the kingdom prepared for you from the founda- 
 tion of the world : " the other shall hear that 
 fearful and irrevocable sentence, " Depart from 
 me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared 
 for the devil and his angels." And for this 
 cause, this day, in the Scriptures, is called the 
 day of refreshing, and of the revelation of all 
 secrets, because that then the just shall be de- 
 livered from all miseries, and shall be possessed 
 in the fulness of their glory : contrariwise, the 
 ^ 
 
72 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 
 
 reprobate shall receive judgment and recompense i 
 of all their impiety, be it openly or secretly 
 wrought. ! 
 
 As we constantly believe in God the Father, \ 
 and in Jesus Christ, as before is said, so we do j 
 assuredlj^ believe in the Holy Ghost, whom we 
 confess God equal with the Father and the Son, 
 by whose working and mighty operation our 
 darkness is removed, our eyes spiritually are 
 illuminated, our souls and consciences sprinkled 
 with the blood of Jesus Christ, and we retained 
 in the truth of God, even to our lives' end. And 
 for these causes we understand that this eternal 
 Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, 
 hath in the Scriptures divers names. Sometimes 
 called water, by reason of his purgation, and 
 giving strength to this our corrupt nature, to 
 bring forth good fruit, without whom, this our 
 nature should utterly be barren, yea, it should 
 utterly abound in all wickedness : sometimes the 
 same Spirit is called fire, by reason of the illumi- 
 nation and burning heat of fire, that kindleth in 
 our hearts: the same Spirit also is called oil, or 
 unction, by reason that his working mollifieth 
 the hardness of our hearts, and maketh us re- 
 ceive the print of that image of Jesus Christ, by 
 ^ ^ 
 
THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 73 
 
 whom we are only sanctified. We constantly 
 believe that there is, was, and shall be, even till 
 the coming of the Lord Jesus, a church, which 
 is holy and catholic, to wit, the communion of 
 saints. This church is holy, because it receiveth 
 free remission of sins, and that by faith only in 
 the blood of Jesus Christ. Secondly, because, it 
 being regenerate, it receiveth the Spirit of sancti- 
 fication and power to walk in newness of life, 
 and in good works, which God hath prepared for 
 his chosen to walk in : not that we think the 
 righteousness of this church, or of any member of 
 the same, ever was, is, or yet shall be so full and 
 perfect, that it needeth not to stoop under mercy ; 
 but that because the imperfections are pardoned, 
 and the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed unto 
 such as by true faith cleave unto him. Which 
 church we call catholic, because it consisteth and 
 standeth of all tongues and nations, yea, of all 
 estates and conditions of men and women, whom 
 of his mercy God calleth from darkness to light, 
 and from the bondage and thraldom of sin, to 
 his spiritual service and purity of life, unto whom 
 he also communicateth his Holy Spirit, giving 
 unto them one faith, one Head and sovereign 
 Lord, the Lord Jesus ; one baptism and right use 
 ^ , 
 
^ _ .; 
 
 74 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 
 
 of sacraments ; whose heart also he knitteth to- 
 gether in love and Christian concord. To this 
 church, holy and universal, we acknowledge and 
 believe these notable gifts to be granted ; to wit, 
 remission of sins, which, by true faith, must be 
 obtained in this life : resurrection of the flesh, 
 which all shall have, albeit not in equal condi- 
 tion, for the reprobate (as before is said) shall 
 rise, but to fearful judgment and condemnation, 
 while the just shall rise to be possessed in glory ; 
 and this resurrection shall not be an imagination, 
 or that one body shall rise for another, but every 
 man shall receive in his own body as he hath 
 deserved, be it good or evil ; the just shall receive 
 the life everlasting, which is the free gift of God, 
 given and purchased to his chosen by Jesus 
 Christ, our only Head and Mediator, to whom, 
 with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all 
 honour, praise, and glory, now and ever. Amen. 
 
 Then follow eth this prayer. 
 Almighty and everlasting God, who of thine 
 infinite mercy and goodness hast promised unto 
 us that thou wilt not only be our God, but also 
 the God and Father of our children ; we beseech 
 thee, that as thou hast vouchsafed to call us to 
 ^ . ^ 
 
.^^— — >x 
 
 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 75 
 
 be partakers of this thy great mercy, in the fel- 
 lowship of faith, so it may please thee to sanctify 
 with thy Spirit, and to receive into the number 
 of thy children, this infant, whom we shall baptise 
 according to thy word, to the end that he, coming 
 to perfect age, may confess thee the only true 
 God, and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ, and 
 so serve him, and be profitable unto his Church, 
 in the whole course of his life, that, after this life 
 ended, he may be brought as a lively member of 
 his body, unto the full fruition of thy joys in the 
 heavens, where thy Son, our Saviour Christ, 
 reigneth world without end ; in whose name we 
 pray, as he hath taught us, saying. 
 
 Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
 done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not 
 into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For 
 thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the 
 glory, for ever. Amen. 
 
 Whe7i they have prayed in this sort, the minister re- 
 quireth the child's name; which known, he saith, 
 N., I baptise thee in the name of the Father, 
 and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 
 
^ ^ 
 
 76 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 
 
 Atid, as he sjjeaketh these words, he taketh water in his 
 hand, and laycth it upon the child'' s forehead ; which 
 done, he giveth thanks, as foUoweth : 
 
 Forasmuch, most tioly and merciful Father, 
 as thou dost not only beautify and bless us with 
 common benefits, like unto the rest of mankind, 
 but also heapest upon us most abundantly rare 
 and wonderful gifts ; of duty we lift up our eyes 
 and minds unto thee, and give thee most humble 
 thanks for thine infinite goodness, who hast not 
 only numbered us amongst thy saints, but also of 
 thy free mercy dost call our children unto thee, 
 marking them with this sacrament, as a singular 
 token and badge of thy love. Wherefore, most 
 loving Father, though we be not able to deserve 
 this so great a benefit (yea, if thou wouldst handle 
 us according to our merits, we should suffer the 
 punishment of eternal death and damnation), 
 yet, for Christ's sake, we beseech thee that thou 
 wilt confirm this thy favour more and more to- 
 wards us, and take this infant into thy tuition 
 and defence, whom we offer and present unto 
 thee with common supplications ; and never 
 suffer him to fall into such unkindness, whereby 
 he should lose the force of baptism, but that he 
 may perceive thee continually to be his merciful 
 ^ -^ 
 
^ 
 
 THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. 77 
 
 Father, through thine Holy Spirit working in his 
 heart, by whose divine poAver he may so prevail 
 against Satan, that in the end, obtaining the 
 victory, he maybe exalted into the liberty of thy 
 kingdom. Amen. 
 
 ^ _.^ 
 
-y^ 
 
 Wi)t (Bvtitx autJ fHanntr 
 
 ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 
 
 The day when the Lord's supper is tninisfered, which 
 is commonly used once a month, or so oft as the con- 
 gregation shall think expedient, the minister useth 
 to say as followeth. 
 
 Let us mark, dear brethren, and consider how 
 Jesus Christ did ordain unto us his holy supper, 
 according as St. Paul maketh rehearsal in the 
 eleventh chapter of the First Epistle to the Co- 
 rinthians, saying, I have received of the Lord 
 that which also I delivered unto you, to wit, that 
 the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was 
 betrayed, took bread, and when he had given 
 thanks he brake it, and said. Take, eat ; this is 
 my bod}^, which is broken for you : this do in re- 
 membrance of me. Likewise, after supper, he 
 took the cup, saying. This cup is the new tes- 
 tament, or covenant, in my blood : this do, as oft 
 
 ^ : 
 
-^^ 
 
 THE lohd's suppeu. 79 
 
 as ye shall drink thereof, in remembrance of me. 
 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink of this 
 cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 
 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and 
 drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, he shall 
 be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 
 Then see that every one prove and trj^ himself, 
 and so let him eat of this bread and drink of this 
 cup ; for he that eateth or drinketh unworthily, 
 eateth and drinketh his own condemnation, for 
 not having due regard and consideration of the 
 Lord's body. 
 
 This done, the minister proceedeth to the exhortation. 
 
 Dearly beloved in the Lord, forasmuch as we 
 be now assembled to celebrate the holy com- 
 munion of the body and blood of our Saviour 
 Christ, let us consider these words of St. Paul, 
 how he exhorteth all persons diligently to try 
 and examine themselves before they presume to 
 eat of that bread, and to drink of that cup. For 
 as the benefit is great, if with a true penitent 
 heart and lively faith we receive that holy sacra- 
 ment (for then we spiritually eat the flesh of 
 Christ and drink his blood, then we dwell in 
 Christ, and Christ in us, we be one with Christ 
 
^ 
 
 80 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 
 
 and Christ witli us), so is the clanger great if 
 we receive the same unworthily ; for then we 
 be guilty of the body and blood of Christ our 
 Saviour; we eat and drink our own condemnation, 
 not discerning the Lord's body ; we kindle God's 
 wrath against us, and provoke him to plague us 
 with divers diseases and sundry kinds of death. 
 
 And therefore, in the name and by the autho- 
 rity of the eternal God, and of his Son Jesus 
 Christ, I excommunicate from this table all blas- 
 phemers of God, all idolaters, all murderers, all 
 adulterers, all that be in malice or envy, all 
 disobedient persons to father or mother, to princes 
 or magistrates, pastors or preachers, all thieves 
 and deceivers of their neighbours, and, finally, 
 all such as live a life directly fighting against the 
 will of God ; charging them, as they will answer 
 in the presence of Him who is the righteous 
 Judge, that they presume not to profane this 
 most holy table. And yet this I pronoimce not 
 to seclude any penitent person, how grievous 
 soever his sins before have been, so that he feel 
 in his heart unfeigned repentance for the same ; 
 but only such as continue in sin without repent- 
 ance. Neither yet is this pronounced against 
 such as aspire to a greater perfection than they 
 
 J 
 
THE lord's supper. 81 
 
 can in this present life attain unto ; for albeit we 
 feel in ourselves much frailty and wretchedness, 
 so that we have not our faith so perfect and con- 
 stant as we ought, being many times ready to 
 distrust God's goodness, through our corrupt na- 
 ture ; and also that we are not so thoroughly 
 given to serve God, neither have so fervent a 
 zeal to set forth his glory, as our duty requireth, 
 feeling still such rebellion in ourselves, that we 
 have need daily to fight against the lusts of our 
 flesh ; yet nevertheless, seeing that our Lord hath 
 dealt thus mercifully with us, that he hath printed 
 his Gospel in our hearts, so that we are preserved 
 from falling into desperation and unbelief; and 
 seeing also that he hath endued us with a will 
 and desire to renounce and withstand our own 
 aifections, with a longing for his righteousness, 
 and the keeping of his commandments, we may 
 be now right well assured that those defaults 
 and manifold imperfections in us shall be no 
 hindrance at all against us, to cause him not 
 to accept and account us as worthy to come 
 to his spiritual table ; for the end of our coming 
 thither is not to make protestation that we are 
 upright or just in our lives, but contrariwise, we 
 come to seek our life and perfection in Jesus 
 
82 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 
 
 Christ, acknowledging in the meantime that we 
 of ourselves be the children of wrath and con- 
 demnation. 
 
 Let us consider then that this sacrament is a 
 singular medicine for all poor sick creatures, a 
 comfortable help to weak souls ; and that our 
 Lord requireth no other worthiness on our part, 
 but that we unfeignedly acknowledge our sinful- 
 ness and imperfection. Then, to the end that we 
 may be worthy partakers of his merits and most 
 comfortable benefits (which is the true eating of 
 his flesh and drinking of his blood), let us not 
 suffer our minds to wander about the conside- 
 ration of these earthly and corruptible things 
 (which we see present to our eyes and feel with 
 our hands), to seek Christ bodily present in them, 
 as if he were enclosed in the bread and wine, or 
 as if these elements were turned and changed 
 into the substance of his flesh and blood ; but as 
 the only way to dispose our souls to receive 
 nourishment, relief, and quickening of his sub- 
 stance, let us lift up our minds by faith above all 
 things worldly and sensible, and thereby enter 
 into heaven, that we may find and receive Christ, 
 where he dwelleth undoubtedly, very God and 
 
 very man, in the incomprehensible glory of his 
 
 I 
 
THE lord's supper. 83 
 
 Father ; to whom be all praise, honour, and glorj^, 
 now and ever. Amen. 
 
 The exhortation ended, the minister comet h doirnifrom 
 the pulpit, and sitteth at the table, every man and 
 woman likewise taking their place as occasion best 
 serveth : then he taketh bread, and giveth thanks, 
 either in these words following , or like in effect: 
 
 O Father of mercy, and God of all consola- 
 tion, seeing all creatures do acknowledge and 
 confess thee as Governor and Lord, it becometh 
 us, the workmanship of thine own hands, at all 
 times to reverence and magnify thy godly Ma- 
 jesty : first, for that thou hast created us in thine 
 own image and similitude ; but chiefly in that 
 thou hast delivered us from that everlasting death 
 and damnation, into the which Satan drew man- 
 kind by the means of sin, from the bondage 
 whereof neither man nor angel was able to make 
 us free ; and in that thou, O Lord, rich in mercy, 
 and infinite in goodness, hast provided our re- 
 demption to stand in thine only and well-beloved 
 Son, whom of very love thou didst give to be 
 made man like unto us in all things, sin ex- 
 cepted, in his body to receive the punishment 
 of our transgression, by his death to make satis- 
 ^ ^ 
 
84 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 
 
 faction to thy justice, and through his resur- 
 rection to destroy him that was the author of 
 death ; and so to bring again life to the world, 
 from which the whole offspring of Adam most 
 justly was exiled. 
 
 O Lord, we acknowledge that no creature is 
 able to comprehend the length and breadth, the 
 depth and height of that thy most excellent love, 
 which moved thee to shew mercy where none 
 was deserved, to promise and give life where 
 death had gotten the victory, to receive us in thy 
 grace when we could do nothing but rebel against 
 thy justice. O Lord, the blind dulness of our 
 corrupt nature will not suffer us sufficiently to 
 weigh these thy most ample benefits ; yet, ne- 
 vertheless, at the commandment of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord, we present ourselves at this his table, 
 which he hath left to be used in remembrance of 
 his death, until his coming again, to declare and 
 witness before the world, that by him alone we 
 have received liberty and life ; that by him alone 
 thou dost acknowledge us thy children and heirs ; 
 that by him alone we have entrance to the throne 
 } of thy grace ; that by him alone we are possessed 
 i in our spiritual kingdom to eat and drink at his 
 I table, with whom we have our conversation pre- 
 ^. ^^ 
 
THE lord's supper. 85 
 
 sently in heaven, and by whom our bodies shall 
 be raised up again from the dust, and shall be 
 placed with him in that endless joy, which thou, 
 O Father of mercy, hast prepared for thine elect 
 before the foundation of the world was laid. 
 And these most inestimable benefits we acknow- 
 ledge and confess to have received of thy free 
 mercy and grace, by thine only beloved Son Jesus 
 Christ : for the which, therefore, we thy congre- 
 gation, moved by thine Holy Spirit, render all 
 thanks, praise, and glory, for ever and ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 This done, the minister breaJceth the bread, and deli- 
 vereth it to the people, who distribute and divide 
 the same among themselves, according to our Sa- 
 viour Christ's commandment, and likewise giveth 
 the cup. During the which time some place of the 
 Scriptures is read, which doth lively set forth the 
 death of Christ, to the intent that our eyes and 
 senses may not only be occupied in those outward 
 signs of bread and wine, which are called the visible 
 word, but that our hearts and minds also may be 
 fully fixed in the contemplation of the Lord^ s death, 
 which is by this holy sacrament represented ; and 
 after this action is done, he giveth thanks, saying : 
 
 Most merciful Father, we render to thee all 
 
 ^ — ■ ^ 
 
86 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 
 
 praise, tlianks, and glory, for that it hath pleased 
 thee, of thy great mercies, to grant unto us, 
 miserable sinners, so excellent a gift and treasure, 
 as to receive us into the fellowship and company 
 of thy dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord, whom 
 thou hast delivered to death for us, and hast given 
 him unto us as a necessary food and nourishment 
 unto everlasting life. And now, we beseech thee 
 also, O heavenly Father, to grant us this request, 
 that thou never suffer us to become so unkind as 
 to forget so worthy benefits ; but rather imprint 
 and fasten them sure in our hearts, that we may 
 grow and increase daily more and more in true 
 faith, which continually is exercised in all manner 
 of good works ; and so much the rather, O Lord, 
 confirm us in these perilous days and rages of 
 Satan, that we may constantly stand and con- 
 tinue in the confession of the same, to the ad- 
 vancement of thy glory, who art God over all 
 things, blessed for ever. So be it. Amen. 
 
 The action thus ended, the people sing the I03d Psalm, 
 or some other of thanksgiving ; which ended, one of 
 the blessings before mentioned is recited, and so 
 they rise from the table, and depart. 
 
 If so be that any would marvel why we follow rather 
 this order than any other in the administration of 
 
 -^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 THE lord's supper. 87 
 
 this sacrament, let him diligently consider that, 
 first of all, we utterly renounce the error of the 
 papists ; secondly, we restore unto the sacrament 
 his own substance, and to Christ his proper place ; 
 and as for the words of the Lord^s supper, we re- 
 hearse them, not because they should change the 
 substance of the bread or wine, or that the repeti- 
 tion thereof, with the intent of the sacrificer, should 
 make the sacrament {as the papists falsely believe), 
 but they are read and pronounced to teach us how 
 to behave ourselves in that action, and that Christ 
 might witness unto our faith, as it were, with his 
 own mouth, that he hath ordained these signs to 
 our spiritual use and comfort ; we do first, there- 
 fore, examine ourselves, according to St. Paul's 
 rule, and prepare our minds, that we may be worthy 
 partakers of so high mysteries ; then taking bread, 
 ive give thanks, break, and distribute it, as Christ 
 our Saviour hath taught us : finally, the admi- 
 nistration ended, we give thanks again, according 
 to his example. So that without his word and war- 
 rant there is nothing in this holy action attempted. 
 
 ^- ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 THE FORM OF MARRIAGE. 
 
 Zi)t iExljortati'on. 
 
 Jfter the banns or contract have been published three 
 several daps in the congregation (to the intent that 
 if any person have interest or title to either of the 
 parties, they may have sufficient time to make their 
 challenge), the parties assemble at the beginning of 
 the service, and the minister, at time convenient, saith 
 as followeth : 
 
 Dearly beloved brethren, we are here ga- 
 thered together in the sight of God, and in the 
 face of his congregation, to knit and join these 
 parties together in the honourable estate of ma- 
 trimony, which was instituted and authorised by 
 God himself in paradise, man being then in the 
 estate of innocence ; for what time God made 
 heaven and earth, and all that is in them, and 
 had created and fashioned man after his own 
 similitude and likeness, unto whom he gave rule 
 and lordship over all the beasts of the earth, 
 fishes of the sea, and fowls of the air, he said, 
 " It is not good that man live alone ; let us make 
 5^ ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 THE FORM OF MARRIAGE. 89 
 
 him an helper like unto himself:" and God 
 brought a fast sleep upon him, and took one of 
 his ribs and shaped Eve thereof; giving us there- 
 by to understand, that man and wife are one 
 body, one flesh, and one blood : signifying also 
 unto us the mystical union that is between Christ 
 and his Church ; for the which cause man leaveth 
 his father and mother, and taketh him to his 
 wife, to keep company with her, whom also he 
 ought to love, even as our Saviour loveth his 
 Church, that is to say, his elect and faithful con- 
 gregation, for the which he gave his life. 
 
 And in like manner also it is the wife's dut}^ 
 to study to please and obey her husband, serving 
 him in all things that be godly and honest ; for 
 she is in subjection and under the governance 
 of her husband so long as they continue both 
 alive. 
 
 And this holy marriage, being a thing most 
 honourable, is of such virtue and force, that there- 
 by the husband hath no more right or power over 
 his OAvn body, but the wife ; and likewise the 
 wife hath no more right or power over her own 
 body, but the husband; forasmuch as God hath 
 so knit them together in this mutual society, and 
 for the procreation of children, that they should 
 
^ 
 
 90 THE FORM OF MARRIAGE. 
 
 bring them up in the fear of the Lord, and to 
 the increase of Christ's kingdom. 
 
 Wherefore they that be thus coupled together 
 by God cannot be severed, or put apart, unless 
 it be for a season, with the consent of both par- 
 ties, to the end to give themselves the more fer- 
 ventlj'^to fasting and prayer ; giving diligent heed, 
 in the meantime, that their too long being apart 
 be not a snare to bring them into the danger of 
 Satan through incontinence : and therefore, to 
 avoid fornication, every man ought to have his 
 own wife, and every woman her own husband ; 
 so that so many as cannot live chaste are bound 
 by the commandment of God to marry, that 
 thereby the holy temple of God, which is our 
 bodies, may be kept jwre and undefiled ; for, 
 since our bodies are now become the very mem- 
 bers of Jesus Christ, how horrible and detestable 
 a thing is it to make them the members of an 
 harlot ! Every one ought, therefore, to keep his 
 vessel in all pureness and holiness ; for whosoever 
 polluteth and defileth the temple of God, him 
 will God destroy. 
 
 Here the minister speaketh to the parties that are there 
 present to be married, in this wise : 
 I require and charge you, as ye will answer at 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ — ^ 
 
 THE FORM OF MARRIAGE. 91 
 
 the day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts 
 shall be disclosed, that if either of you do know 
 any impediment why you may not be lawfully 
 joined together in matrimony, that ye confess it : 
 for be ye well assured, that so many as be 
 coupled otherwise than God's word doth allow 
 are not joined together by God, neither is their 
 matrimony lawful. 
 
 If no impediment be by them declared, then the minister 
 saith to the whole congregation : 
 
 I take you to witness that be here present, be- 
 seeching you all to have good remembrance here- 
 of; and moreover, if there be any of you who 
 knoweth that either of these parties be contracted 
 to any other, or knoweth any other lawful impe- 
 diment, let them now make declaration thereof. 
 
 If no cause be alleged, the minister proceedeth, saying : 
 
 Forasmuch as no man speaketh against this 
 thing, you, N., shall protest here, before God and 
 his holy congregation, that you have taken, and 
 are now contented to have M., here present, for 
 your lawful wife, promising to keep her, to love 
 and in treat her in all things according to the 
 duty of a faithful husband, forsaking all other 
 ^ ^ 
 
92 THE FORM OF MARRIAGE. 
 
 during her life ; and, briefly, to live in an holy- 
 conversation with her, keeping faith and truth in 
 all points, according as the word of God and his 
 holy Gospel doth command. 
 
 The answer : 
 
 Even so I take her, before God, and in the pre- 
 sence of this his congregation. 
 
 The minister to the spouse also saith : 
 
 You, M., shall protest here, before the face of 
 God, and in the presence of this his congregation, 
 that ye have taken, and are now contented to 
 have N., here present, for your lawful husband, 
 promising to him subjection and obedience, for- 
 saking all other during his life ; and finally, to 
 live in an holy conversation with him, keeping 
 faith and truth in all points, as God's word doth 
 prescribe. 
 
 The answer: 
 
 Even so I take him, before God, and in the 
 presence of this his congregation. 
 
 The minister then saith : 
 
 Give diligent ear then to the Gospel, that ye 
 may understand how our Lord would have this 
 
 ^— ^ 
 
^. ^^ 
 
 THE FORM OF MARRIAGE. 93 
 
 hol)^ contract kept and observed, and how sure 
 and fast a knot it is, which may in nowise be 
 loosed, according as we are taught in the nine- 
 teenth chapter of St. Matthew's Gospel, ver. 3. 
 
 ''The Pharisees came unto Christ, tempting 
 him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man 
 to put away his wife for every cause? He an- 
 swered and said unto them, Have ye not read, 
 that he which made them at the beginning made 
 them male and female, and said, For this cause 
 shall a man leave father and mother, and shall 
 cleave unto his wife, and they twain shall be one 
 flesh ; wherefore they are no more twain, but one 
 flesh. What, therefore, God hath joined together, 
 let not man put asunder." 
 
 If ye believe assuredly these words, which our 
 Lord and Saviour did speak (according as ye 
 have heard them now rehearsed out of the holy 
 Gospel), then may ye be certain that God hath 
 even so knit you together in this holy estate of 
 wedlock : wherefore apply yourselves to live to- 
 gether in godly love, in Christian peace, and good 
 example, ever holding fast the bond of charity 
 without any breach, keeping faith and truth the 
 one to the other, even as God's word doth ap- 
 point. 
 
 ^— — ^}^ 
 
94 THE FORM OF MARRIAGE. 
 
 Then the minister commendeth them to God, in this or 
 such like sort : 
 
 The Lord sanctify and bless you ; the Lord 
 pour the riches of his grace upon you, that ye 
 may please him, and live together in holy love to 
 your lives' end. Amen. 
 
 Then is said or sung the \28th Psalm, or some other 
 appertaining to the same purpose. 
 
 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of 
 God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be 
 with you all. Amen. 
 
 ^- — ^ 
 
THE 
 
 VISITATION OF THE SICK. 
 
 Because the visitation of the sick is a thing 
 very necessary, and yet, notwithstanding, it is 
 hard to prescribe all rules appertaining thereunto, 
 we refer it to the discretion of the godly and pru- 
 dent minister, who, according as he seeth the pa- 
 tient afflicted, either may lift him up with the 
 sweet promises of God's mercy through Christ, 
 if he perceive him much afraid of God's threat- 
 enings ; or contrariwise, if he be not touched wath 
 the feeling of his sins, may beat him down with 
 God's justice; evermore, like a skilful physician, 
 framing his medicine according as the disease re- 
 quireth : and if he perceive him to want any ne- 
 cessaries, he not only relieveth him according to 
 his ability, but also provideth by others, that he 
 may be furnished sufficiently. Moreover, the 
 party that is visited may at all times for his com- 
 fort send for the minister, who doth not only 
 make prayers for him there presently, but also, 
 
96 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 
 
 if it SO require, commendeth him in the public 
 prayers to the congregation. 
 
 ^ ^raPfr to ht saitr in biaiting of tfjeSt'rfe. 
 
 O, OUR good God, Lord and Father, the crea- 
 tor and conserver of all things, the fountain of 
 all goodness and benignity, like as, among other 
 thine infinite benefits, which thou of thy great 
 goodness and grace dost distribute ordinarily 
 unto all men, thou givest them health of body, 
 to the end that they should the better know thy 
 great liberality, so that they might be the more 
 ready to serve and glorify thee with the same ; 
 so contrariwise, when we have evil behaved our- 
 selves in offending thy Majesty, thou hast accus- 
 tomed to admonish us, and call us unto thee by 
 divers and sundry chastisements, through the 
 which it hath pleased thy goodness to subdue 
 and tame our frail flesh, but especially by the 
 grievous plagues of sickness and diseases, using 
 the same as a mean to awake and stir up the 
 great dulness and negligence that is in us all, and 
 advertising us of our evil life, by such infirmities 
 and dangers, especially when as they threaten the 
 M^ 
 
THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 97 
 
 very death, which, as assured messengers of the 
 same, are all to the flesh full of extreme anguish 
 and torments, although they be notwithstanding 
 to the spirit of the elect as medicines both' good 
 and wholesome ; for by them thou dost move us 
 to return unto thee for our salvation, and to call 
 upon thee in our afflictions and to have thine 
 help, who art our dear and loving Father. 
 
 In consideration whereof we most earnestly 
 pray unto thee, our good God, that it would 
 please thine infinite goodness to have pity on this 
 thy poor creature, whom thou hast, as it were, 
 bound and tied to the bed by most grievous 
 sickness, and brought to great extremity by the 
 heaviness of thine hand. 
 
 O Lord, enter not into judgment with him, to 
 render the reward due unto his works, but through 
 thine infinite mercy remit all his faults, for the 
 which thou hast chastised him so gently, and be- 
 hold rather the obedience which thy dear Son 
 Jesus Christ our Lord hath rendered unto thee, 
 to wit, the sacrifice which it pleased thee to ac- 
 cept as a full recompense for all the iniquities of 
 them that receive him for their righteousness and 
 satisfaction, yea, for their only Saviour. 
 
 Let it please thee, O God, to give him a true 
 
^ 
 
 98 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 
 
 zeal and affection to receive and acknowledge him 
 for his only Redeemer. Let it please thee to re- 
 ceive this sick person to thy mercy, qualifying 
 all the troubles which his sins, the horror of 
 death, and dreadful fear of the same, may bring 
 to his weak conscience : do not suffer, O Lord, 
 the assaults of the mighty adversary to prevail, 
 or to take from him the comfortable hope of 
 salvation which thou givest to thy dearly beloved 
 children. 
 
 And forasmuch as we are all subject to the like 
 estate and condition, and to be visited with like 
 battle, when it shall please thee to call us unto 
 the same ; we beseech thee most humblj', O Lord, 
 with this thy poor creature, whom thou now pre- 
 sently chastisest, that thou wilt not extend thy 
 rigorous judgment against him, but that thou 
 wouldst vouchsafe to shew him thy mercy, for 
 the love of thy dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord, 
 who, having suffered the most shameful and ex- 
 treme death of the cross, bare willingly the fault 
 of this poor patient, to the end that thou mightest 
 acknowledge him as one redeemed with his pre- 
 cious blood, and received into the communion of 
 his body, to be participant of eternal felicity in 
 the company of thy blessed angels : wherefore. 
 
 ->^ 
 
^ : 
 
 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 99 
 
 O Lord, dispose and move his heart to receive by 
 thy grace with all meekness this gentle and fa- 
 therly correction which thou hast laid upon him, 
 that he may endure it patiently and with willing 
 obedience, submitting himself with heart and 
 mind to thy blessed will and favourable mercy, 
 wherein thou now visitest him after this sort for 
 his profit and salvation. May it please thy good- 
 ness, O Lord, to assist him in all his anguish and 
 troubles ; and although the tongue and voice be 
 not able to execute their office in this behalf to 
 set forth thy glory, yet at least do thou stir 
 his heart to aspire unto thee only, v/ho art the 
 only Fountain of all goodness, and do thou fast 
 root and settle in his heart the sweet promises 
 which thou hast made unto us in Christ Jesus 
 thy Son our Saviour, to the intent he may re- 
 main constant against all the assaults and tumults 
 which the enemy of our salvation may raise up 
 to trouble his conscience. 
 
 And seeing it hath pleased thee, that by the 
 death of thy dear Son life eternal should be com- 
 municated unto us, and by the shedding of his 
 blood the washing of our sins should be declared, 
 and that by his resurrection also both justice and 
 immortality should be given us ; may it please 
 _ ^ 
 
^- 
 
 100 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 
 
 thee to apply this holy and wholesome medicine 
 to tliis thy poor creature in such extremity, taking 
 from him all trembling and dreadful fear, and to 
 give him a stout courage in the midst of all his 
 present adversities. 
 
 And forasmuch as all things, O heavenly Fa- 
 ther, be known unto thee, and thou canst, ac- 
 cording to thy good pleasure, minister unto him 
 all such things as shall be necessary and expedi- 
 ent ; let it please thee, O Lord, so to satisfj^ him 
 by thy grace, as may seem most meet unto thy 
 divine Majesty. Receive him, Lord, into thy 
 protection, for he hath his recourse and access 
 to thee alone ; make him constant and firm in 
 thy commandments and promises ; pardon all his 
 sins, both secret and those which are manifest, 
 by the which he hath most grievously provoked 
 thy wrath and severe judgments against him; 
 so that in place of death, the which both he and 
 all we have justly merited, thou mayest grant 
 unto him that blessed life whic we also attend 
 and look for, by thy grace and mercy. Never- 
 theless, O heavenly Father, if thy good pleasure 
 be that he shall yet live longer in this world, it 
 may then . please thee to augment in him thy 
 graces, so as the same may serve unto thy glory ; 
 
 '^' 
 
^i ^ 
 
 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK."* 101 
 
 yea, Lord, to the intent he may conform himself 
 the more diligently and with more carefulness to 
 the example of thy Son Christ Jesus ; and that 
 in renouncing himself, he may cleave fully unto 
 him, who, to give consolation and hope unto all 
 sinners of obtaining remission of all their sins and 
 oflPences, hath carried with him into the heavens 
 the thief who was crucified with him upon the 
 cross. 
 
 But if the time by thee appointed be come that 
 he shall depart from us unto thee, make him to feel 
 in his conscience, O Lord, the fruit and strength 
 of thy grace, that thereby he may have a new 
 taste of thy fatherly care over him from the be- 
 ginning of his life unto the very end of the same, 
 for the love of thy dear Son Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. 
 
 Give him thy grace, that with a good heart 
 and full assurance of faith he may receive to his 
 consolation so great and excellent a treasure, to 
 wit, the remission of his sins in Christ Jesus thy 
 Son, who now presenteth himself to this poor 
 person in distress, by the virtue of thy promises 
 revealed unto him by thy word, which he hath 
 enjoyed with us in thy church and congregation, 
 and also in using the sacraments, which thou 
 ^ ^ 
 
>x 
 
 102 ' THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 
 
 therein hast established for confirmation of all 
 their faith that trust in thee unfeignedly. 
 
 Let true faith, O Lord, be unto him as a most 
 sure buckler, thereby to avoid the assaults of 
 death, and more boldly to walk for the advance- 
 ment of eternal life, to the end. that he, having a 
 most lively apprehension thereof, may rejoice with 
 thee in the heavens eternally. 
 
 Let him be under thy protection and govern- 
 ance, O heavenly Father; and although he be 
 sick, yet canst thou heal him ; he is cast down, 
 but thou canst lift him up ; he is sore troubled, 
 but thou canst send redress ; he is weak, but thou 
 canst send strength ; he acknowledgeth his un- 
 cleanness, his spots, his filthiness, and iniquities, 
 but thou canst wash him and make him clean ; 
 he is wounded, but thou canst minister most 
 sovereign salves ; he is fearful and trembling, 
 but thou canst give him good courage and bold- 
 ness ; to be short, he is as it were utterly lost, 
 and a strayed sheep, but thou canst call him 
 home to thee again. Wherefore, O Lord, seeing 
 that this poor creature, thine own workmanship, 
 resigneth him wholly into thine hands, receive 
 him into thy merciful protection. Also, we poor 
 miserable creatures, who are, as it were, in tlie 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 103 
 
 field, ready to fight till tliou withdraw us from 
 the same, vouchsafe to strengthen us by thine 
 Holy Spirit, that we may obtain the victory in 
 thy name against our deadly and mortal enemy. 
 And furthermore, grant that the affliction and the 
 combat of this thy poor creature in most grievous 
 torments may move us to humble ourselves with 
 all reverent fear and trembling under thy mighty 
 hand, knowing that we must appear before thy 
 judgment-seat, when it shall please thee so to 
 appoint. But, O Lord, the corruption of our 
 frail nature is such, that we are utterly destitute 
 of any mean to appear before thee, except it 
 please thee to make us such as thou thyself re- 
 quirest us to be ; and further, do thou give us 
 the spirit of meekness and humility, to rest and 
 stay wholly on those things which thou only 
 commandest. 
 
 But forasmuch as we are altogether unworthy 
 to enjoy such benefits, we beseech thee to receive 
 us, in the name of thy dear Son our Lord and 
 Master, in whose death and satisfaction standeth 
 wholly the hope of our salvation. 
 
 May it also please thee, O Father of comfort 
 and consolation, to strengthen with thy grace 
 those who employ their travail and diligence to 
 ^ ^ 
 
104 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 
 
 the aiding of this sick person, that they faint not 
 by overmuch and continual labour, but rather 
 go heartily and cheerfully forward in doing their 
 endeavours towards him. And if thou take him 
 from them, then of thy goodness to comfort them, 
 so as they may patiently bear such departing, 
 and praise tliy name in all things. 
 
 Also, O heavenly Father, vouchsafe to have 
 pity on all other sick persons, and such as be 
 by any other ways or means afflicted ; and also 
 on those who as yet are ignorant of thy truth, and 
 appertain nevertheless unto thy kingdom. In like 
 manner, have pity on those that suffer persecution, 
 tormented in prisons, or otherwise troubled by the 
 enemies of the verity, for bearing testimony to 
 the same. Finally, have pity on all the necessi- 
 ties of thy people, and upon all the ruins and 
 decays which Satan hath brought upon thy Church. 
 O Father of mercy, spread forth thy goodness 
 upon all those that be thine ; that we, forsaking 
 ourselves, may be the more inflamed and con- 
 firmed to rest only upon thee alone. Grant these 
 our requests, O our dear Father, for the love of 
 thy dear Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth 
 and reigneth with thee in unity of the Holy 
 Ghost, true God for evermore. Amen. 
 
 i 
 
 ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 THE BURIAL.* 
 
 The corpse is reverently to be brought unto the 
 grave, accompanied with the congregation, with- 
 out any further ceremonies ; which being buried, 
 the minister, if he be present, and required, goeth 
 to the church, if it be not far oif, and maketh 
 some comfortable exhortation to the people, 
 touching death and resurrection. 
 
 [* It is much to be regretted that the Scottish Reformers 
 were so afraid of the superstitions of Romanism, that, in order 
 to avoid them, they rushed, as in this instance, to an opposite 
 extreme. What can he more scriptural or sublime than the An- 
 glican service for the dead ?] 
 
 -^ 
 
^ 
 
 THE FORM AND ORDER 
 
 OF THE 
 
 3Elf ttton of ti)t Sttpn-mtenlFrnt,* 
 
 WHICH MAT SERVE IN ELECTING OF ALL OTHER MINISTERS. 
 
 At Editibure/Ji, the 9IJi of March, 15G0; 
 JOHN KNOX BEING MODERATOR. 
 
 First was made a sermon, in the which these ^ 
 heads were intreated: — 1. the necessitj?^ of minis- 
 ters and superintendents ; 2. the crimes and vices 
 that might unfit them for the ministry ; 3. the 
 virtues required in them ; 4. and last, whether 
 such as by public consent of the Church were 
 called to such office, might refuse the same. 
 
 The sermon finished, it was declared by the 
 same minister (maker thereof) that the lords of 
 the secret council had given charge and power to 
 
 [• The superintendents of this era were merely presbyters, 
 invested by the presbytery with episcopal functions, and respon- 
 sible to the presbytery and the higher courts.] 
 
^ _ ^ 
 
 FORM OF THE ELECTIOX, kc. 107 
 
 the churches of Lothian to choose Master John 
 Spotsewood superintendent; and that sufficient 
 warning was made by public edict to the churches 
 of Edinburgh, LinlithgOAV, Stirling, Tranent, 
 Haddington, and Dumbar ; as also to earls, lords, 
 barons, gentlemen, or others that have or that 
 might claim to have voice in election, to be pre- 
 sent that day at that same hour. And therefore 
 inquisition was made who were present and who 
 were absent: after, was called the said Master 
 John Spotsewood ; who answering, the minister 
 demanded. If any man knew any crime or offence 
 to the said Master John, that might disable him 
 to be called to that office ? and that he demanded 
 thrice. Then question was moved to the whole 
 multitude. If there was any other whom they 
 would put in election with the said Master John ? 
 The people were asked if they would have the 
 said Master John superintendent ? If they would 
 honour and obey him as Christ's minister ; and 
 comfort and assist him in every thing pertaining 
 to his charge ? 
 
 Thej/ answered : 
 
 We will and do promise unto him such obedi- 
 ence as becometh the sheep to give unto their 
 
^'- 
 
 108 FORM OF THE ELECTION 
 
 pastor, so long as he remaineth faithful in his 
 office. 
 
 The answers of the people and their consent being re- 
 ceived, these questions vjere proponed to him that was 
 to be elected : 
 
 Question. Seeing that you hear the trust and 
 desire of this people, do you not think yourself 
 bound in conscience, before God, to support them 
 that so earnestly call for your comfort, and for 
 the fruit of your labours ? 
 
 Ansicer. If any thing were in me able to satisfy 
 their desire, I acknowledge myself bound to obey 
 God's calling by them. 
 
 Q. Do you seek to be jDromoted to this office 
 and charge for any respect of worldly commodity, 
 riches, or glory ? 
 
 yl. God knoweth the contrary. 
 
 Q. Believe you not that the doctrine of the pro- 
 phets and apostles contained in the books of the 
 New and Old Testament is the only true and most 
 absolute foundation of the universal Church of 
 Christ Jesus ; insomuch that in the same Scrip- 
 tures are contained all things necessary to be be- 
 lieved for the salvation of mankind ? 
 
 A. I verily believe the same, and do abhor and 
 
 ^— ^ 
 
OF THE SUPERINTEXDEXT. 109 
 
 utterly refuse all doctrine alleged necessary to 
 salvation that is not expressedly contained in the 
 same. 
 
 Q. Is not Christ Jesus man of man according 
 to the flesh, to wit, the son of David, the seed of 
 Abraham, conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of 
 the Virgin his mother, the only Head and Medi- 
 ator of his Church ? 
 
 A. He is; and without him there is neither 
 salvation to man nor life to angel. 
 
 Q. Is not the same Lord Jesus the only true 
 God, the eternal Son of the eternal Father, in 
 whom all that shall be saved were elected before 
 the foundation of the world was laid ? 
 
 A. I acknowledge and confess him, in the unity 
 of his Godhead, to be God above all things, 
 blessed for ever. 
 
 Q. Shall not they whom God in his eternal 
 counsel hath elected, be called to the knowledge 
 of his Son our Lord Jesus ; and shall not they, 
 who of purpose are called in this life, be justified ; 
 and where justification and free remission of sins 
 is obtained in this life by free grace, shall not the 
 gloiy of the sons of God follow in the general 
 resurrection, when the Son of God shall appear 
 in his glorious majesty ? 
 ^ 
 
-y^ 
 
 110 FORM OF THE ELECTION 
 
 A. Tliis I acknowledge to be the doctrine of 
 the apostles, and the most singular comfort of 
 God's children. 
 
 Q. AVill you not then contain yourself in all 
 doctrine within the bounds of this foundation? 
 AVill you not study to promote the same as 
 well by your life as by j^our doctrine? AVill 
 you not, according to the graces and utterance 
 that God shall grant unto you, profess, in- 
 struct, and maintain the purity of the doctrine 
 contained in the sacred word of God ? And to 
 the uttermost of your power will you not gain- 
 stand and convince the gainsayers and the teach- 
 ers of men's inventions ? 
 
 A. That do I promise in the presence of God, 
 and of his congregation here assembled. 
 
 Q. Know you not that the excellency of this 
 office, to the which God hath called you, requireth 
 that your conversation and behaviour be such, as 
 that you may be irreprehensible, yea, even in the 
 eyes of the ungodly ? 
 
 A. I unfeignedly acknowledge and humbly 
 desire the Church of God to pray with me, that 
 my life be not slanderous to the glorious Evangel 
 of Christ Jesus. 
 
 Q. Because you are a man, compassed with 
 
^ ^ 
 
 OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. Ill 
 
 infirmities, will you not charitably, and witli low- 
 liness of spirit, receive admonition of your bre- 
 thren ? And if 3?^ou shall happen to slide or offend 
 in any point, will you not be subject to the dis- 
 cipline of the Church, as the rest of your brethren? 
 
 The aiisiver of the superintendent or minister that is to 
 he elected : 
 
 I acknowledge myself a man subject to infir- 
 mity, and one that hath need of correction and 
 admonition ; and therefore I most willingly sub- 
 mit myself to the wholesome discipline of the 
 Church, yea, to the discipline of the same Church 
 by the which I am now called to this office and 
 charge ; and here, in God's presence and yours, 
 do promise obedience to all admonitions secretly 
 or publicly given, unto the which, if I be found 
 disobedient, I confess myself most worthy to be 
 ejected, not only from this honour, but also from 
 the society of the faithful, in case of my stub- 
 bornness ; for the vocation of God to bear charge 
 within his Church maketh not men tyrants nor 
 lords, but appointeth them servants, watchmen, 
 and pastors to the flock. 
 
 ^ ^ -k 
 
112 FORM OF THE ELECTION 
 
 This ended, question must be asked again of the multi- 
 tude, as followeth : 
 
 Require ye any further of this your superin- 
 tendent ? 
 
 If no man ansiver, let the minister proceed : 
 
 Will ye not acknowledge this your brother for 
 the minister of Christ Jesus? Will ye not re- 
 verence the word of God that proceedeth from 
 his mouth ? Will ye not receive of him the ser- 
 mon of exhortation with patience, not refusing 
 the wholesome medicine of your souls, although 
 it be bitter and unpleasing to the flesh ? Will 
 ye not, finall}^, maintain and comfort him in his 
 ministry, against all such as wickedly would 
 rebel against God and his holy ordinances ? 
 
 The people answer : 
 
 AYe will, as we shall answer to the Lord Jesus, 
 who hath commanded his ministers to be had in 
 reverence, as his ambassadors, and as men that 
 carefully watch for the salvation of our souls. 
 
 Let the nobility be urged with this : 
 
 Ye have heard the duty and profession of this 
 our brother, by your consents appointed to this 
 
^ __ ^ 
 
 OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. 113 
 
 charge, as also the duty and obedience which 
 God requireth of us towards him here in his mi- 
 nistry : but because that neither are able to 
 perform any thing without the especial grace of 
 our God in Christ Jesus, who hath promised to 
 be present with us, even to the consummation 
 of the world, with unfeigned hearts let us crave 
 of him his benediction and assistance in this work, 
 begun to his glory, and for the comfort of his 
 Church. 
 
 STije tracer. 
 
 O Lord, to whom all power is given in heaven 
 and in earth, thou art the eternal Son of the 
 eternal Father, who hast not only so loved thy 
 Church, that for the redemption and purgation 
 of the same thou hast humbled thyself to the 
 death of the cross, and thereupon hast shed thy 
 most innocent blood, to prepare for thyself a 
 spouse without spot ; but also, to retain this ihy 
 most excellent benefit in recent memory, hast 
 appointed in thy Church teachers, pastors, and 
 apostles, to instruct, comfort, and admonish the 
 same : look upon us mercifully, O Lord, thou 
 
114 FORM OF THE ELECTION 
 
 that only art King, Teacher, and High Priest to 
 thine own flock ; and send unto this our brother, 
 whom in thy name we have charged with the 
 chief care of thy Church within the bounds of 
 Lothian, such portion of thine Holy Spirit, as 
 thereby he may rightly divide thy word, to the 
 instruction of thy flock, and to the confusion 
 of pernicious errors and damnable superstitions. 
 Give unto him, good Lord, a mouth and wisdom, 
 whereby the enemies of thy truth may be con- 
 founded, the wolves expelled and driven from thy 
 fold, thy sheep may be fed in the wholesome 
 pastures of thy most holy word, the blind and 
 ignorant may be illuminated with thy true know- 
 ledge ; finally, that the dregs of superstition and 
 idolatry, which yet rest within this realm, being 
 purged and removed, we may all not only have 
 occasion to glorify thee our only Lord and Sa- 
 viour, but also daily to grow in godliness and 
 obedience of thy most holy will, to the destruc- 
 tion of the body of sin, and to the restitution of 
 that image to the which we were once created, and 
 to the which, after our fall and defection, we are 
 renewed by participation of thine Holy Spirit, 
 whom, by true faith in thee, we do profess as the 
 blessed of thy Father, of whom the perpetual in- 
 
^ — ^ 
 
 OF THE superi:ntendent. 115 
 
 crease of thy graces we crave, as by thee our Lord, 
 King, and only Bishop, we are taught to pray : 
 
 Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
 done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not 
 into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For 
 thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the 
 glory, for ever. Amen. 
 
 The prayer ended, the rest of the ministers and elders 
 of that church, if there be any present, in sign of 
 their consent, shall take the elected by the hand : 
 and the chief minister shall give the benediction, as 
 folloiveth : 
 
 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who 
 hath commanded his Gospel to be preached to 
 the comfort of his elect, and hath called thee to 
 the office of a watchman over his peoj)le, multiply 
 his graces with thee, illuminate thee with his 
 Holy Spirit, comfort and strengthen thee in all 
 virtue, govern and guide thy ministry, to the 
 praise of his holy name, to the propagation of 
 Christ's kingdom, to the comfort of his Church, 
 and, finally, to the plain discharge and assurance 
 ^ 
 
116 FORM OF THE ELECTION* 
 
 of thine own conscience, in the day of the Lord 
 Jesus ; to whom with the Father and with the 
 Holy Ghost be all honour, praise, and glory, now 
 and ever. Amen. 
 
 The last exhortation to the elected: 
 
 Take heed to thyself, and unto the flock com- 
 mitted to thy charge ; feed the same carefully, not 
 as it were by compulsion, but of very love which 
 thou bearest to the Lord Jesus : walk in simplicity 
 and pureness of life, as it becometh the true ser- 
 vant and the ambassador of the Lord Jesus: 
 usurp not dominion nor tyrannical authority 
 over thy brethren : be not discouraged in ad- 
 versity, but lay before thyself the example of the 
 prophets, apostles, and the Lord Jesus, who in 
 their ministry sustained contradiction, contempt, 
 persecution, and death : fear not to rebuke the 
 world of sin, justice, and judgment: if any thing 
 succeed prosperously in thy vocation, be not puf- 
 fed up with pride, neither yet flatter thyself, as 
 though the good proceeded from thy virtue, in- 
 dustry, or care ; but let ever that sentence of the 
 apostle remain in thine heart. What hast thou 
 which thou hast not received? if thou hast re- 
 ceived, why gloriest thou ? Comfort the afflicted, 
 ^ 
 
^ : 
 
 OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. 117 
 
 support the poor, exhort others to support them : 
 be not solicitous for things of this life, but be 
 fervent in prayer to God for the increase of his 
 Holy Spirit: and finally, behave thy self in this 
 holy vocation with such sobriety, as God may be 
 glorified in thy ministry ; and so shalt thou shortly 
 obtain the victory, and shalt receive the crown 
 promised, when the Lord Jesus shall appear in 
 his glory, whose omnipotent Spirit assist thee and 
 us all to the end and in the end. Amen. 
 
 Here sing the 2Zd Psalm. 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
-^ 
 
 THE ORDER 
 
 €i;e 3£cclt£liaigtifal iSi^dpIme. 
 
 As no city, town, house, or family, can main- 
 tain their estate and prosper, without policy and 
 governance, even so the Church of God, which 
 requireth more purely to be governed than any 
 city or family, cannot, without spiritual policy 
 and ecclesiastical discipline, continue, increase, 
 and flourish ; and as the word of God is the life 
 and soul of this Church, so this godly order and 
 discipline is as it were sinews in the body, which 
 knit and join the members together with decent 
 order and comeliness : it is a bridle to stay the 
 wicked from their mischiefs ; it is a spur to prick 
 forward such as are slow and negligent ; yea, and 
 for all men it is the father's rod, ever in readi- 
 ness to chastise gently the faults committed, and 
 to cause them afterward to live in more godly 
 fear and reverence ; finally, it is an order left by 
 
ECCLESIASTICAL DISCIPLINE. 119 
 
 God imto liis Church, whereby men learn to 
 frame their ^^ills and doings according to the law 
 of God, by instructing and admonishing one an- 
 other, yea, and by correcting and punishing all 
 obstinate rebels and contemners of the same. 
 
 There are three causes chiefly which move the 
 Church of God to the executing of discipline : 
 first, that men of evil conversation be not num- 
 bered among God's children, to their Father's 
 reproach, as if the Church of God were a sanc- 
 tuary for naughty and vile persons. The second 
 respect is, that the good be not infected with 
 companying with the evil, which thing St. Paul 
 foresaw when he commanded the Corinthians to 
 banish from among them the incestuous adul- 
 terer, saying, " A little leaven leaveneth the 
 whole lump." The third cause is, that a man 
 thus corrected or excommunicated might be 
 ashamed of his fault, and so through repentance 
 come to amendment, the which thing the apostle 
 calleth delivering to Satan, that his soul may be 
 saved in the day of the Lord ; meaning that he 
 might be punished with excommunication, to 
 the intent his soul should not perish for ever. 
 
 First, therefore, it is to be noted, that this 
 censure, correction, or discipline, is either private 
 
 '^■- ^X 
 
^ ^ 
 
 120 THE ORDER OF THE 
 
 or public : private, as if a man commit either in 
 manners or doctrine against thee, to admonish 
 him brotherly between him and thee : if so be 
 he stubbornly resist thy charitable advertise- 
 ments, or else by continuance in his fault de- 
 clareth that he amendeth not, then after he hath 
 been the second time warned, in presence of two 
 or three witnesses, if he continueth obstinately in 
 his error, he ought, as our Saviour Christ com- 
 mandeth, to be disclosed and uttered to the 
 Church ; so that, according to public discipline, 
 he either may be received through repentance, 
 or else be punished as his fault requireth. 
 
 And here, as touching private discipline, three 
 things are to be noted : first, that our admonitions 
 proceed of a godly zeal and conscience, rather 
 seeking to win our brother than to slander him ; 
 next, that we be assured that his fault be re- 
 provable by God's word ; and finally, that we 
 use such modesty and wisdom, that if we some- 
 what doubt of the matter whereof we admonish 
 him, yet with godly exhortations he may be 
 brought to the knowledge of his fault ; or if the 
 fault appertain to many, or be known of divers, 
 that our admonition be done in presence of some 
 of them. 
 
^. — _ ^ 
 
 ECCLESIASTICAL DISCIPLI^fE. 121 
 
 Briefly, if it concern the whole Church in such 
 sort that the concealing thereof might procure 
 some danger to the same, that then it be uttered 
 to the ministers and seniors, to whom the policy 
 of the Church doth appertain. 
 
 Also in public discipline it is to be observed, 
 that the minister pretermit nothing at any time 
 unchastised with one kind of punishment or other, 
 if he perceive any thing in the congregation 
 either evil in example, slanderous in manners, or 
 not beseeming their profession ; as if there be 
 any covetous person, any adulterer or fornicator, 
 forsworn thief, briber, false-witness-bearer, blas- 
 phemer, drunkard, slanderer, usurer, or any per- 
 son disobedient, seditious, or dissolute; any heresy 
 or sect, as papistical, anabaptistical, and such 
 like: briefly, whatsoever it be that might spot 
 the Christian congregation, yea, rather whatso- 
 ever is not to edification, ought not to escape 
 either admonition or punishment. 
 
 And because it cometh to pass sometime in the 
 Church of Christ, that when other remedies es- 
 sayed profit nothing, they must proceed to the 
 apostolical rod and correction, as unto excommu- 
 nication, which is the greatest and last punish- 
 ment belonging to the spiritual ministry-, it is 
 ^ 
 
122 ECCLESIASTICAL DISCIPLINE. 
 
 ordained that nothing be attempted in that be- 
 half without the determination of the whole 
 Church; wherein also they must beware and 
 take good heed that they seem not more ready to 
 expel from the congregation than to receive again 
 those in whom they perceive worthy fruits of 
 repentance to appear ; neither yet to forbid him 
 the hearing of sermons who is excluded from the 
 sacraments and other duties of the Church, that 
 he may have liberty and occasion to repent : 
 finally, that all punishments, corrections, cen- 
 sures, and admonitions, stretch no further than 
 God's word with mercy may lawfully bear. 
 
 MATTHEW XVIII. 
 
 Jf any refuse to hear the Church, let him be to thee as 
 
 an heathen man and a publican. 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
^- 
 
 THE ORDER 
 
 OF 
 
 iSxcotnmunitation anD of ^uhlit ilppfntancr, 
 
 USED IN THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, 
 
 And commanded to be printed by the General Assembly of the 
 same, in the month of June 1571. 
 
 TO THE READER. 
 
 Albeit that in the Book of Discipline'^ the causes as 
 well of public repentance as of excommunication are 
 sufficiently expressed; yet because the form and 
 order are not set forth, that every church and mi- 
 nister may have assurance that they agree with 
 others in proceeding, it is thought expedient to draw 
 that order which universally within this realm shall 
 be observed. 
 
 And, first, we must understand what crimes be worthy 
 of excommunication, and what of public repentance. 
 
 In the first it is to be noted, that all crimes that 
 by the law of God deserve death deserve also 
 
 [* The Second Book of Discipline, which is still part of the 
 canonical law of the Church.] 
 
 ^- 
 
y^ : 
 
 124 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 excommunication from the society of Christ his 
 Church, -whether the offender be paj^ist or pro- 
 testant ; for it is no reason that under pretence of 
 diversity of religion open impiety should be suf- 
 fered in the body of Christ Jesus ; and therefore 
 wilful murderers, adulterers, lawfully convicted 
 sorcerers, witches, conjurers, charmers, and givers 
 of drinks to destroy children, and open blas- 
 phemers, as if any renounce God, denj^ the truth 
 and the authority of his holy word, railing against 
 his blessed sacraments, — such, we say, ought to 
 be excommunicated from the society of Christ's 
 Church, that their impiety may be liolden in 
 greater horror, and that they may be the more 
 deeply wounded, perceiving themselves abhorred 
 of the godly. Against such open malefactors the 
 process may be summoned ; for the crime being 
 known, advertisement ought to be given to the 
 superintendent of that diocese, either by the mi- 
 nister or by such as can best give information of 
 that fact; except in reformed towns and other 
 places where the ministry is planted with minister 
 and elders, according to the act of the General 
 Assembly made the 26th of December, 1568. 
 And if there be no superintendent where the crime 
 is committed, then ought the information to pass 
 55^ —^ 
 
^ — -^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 125 
 
 from such as are offended to the next superinten- 
 dent, who with expedition ought to direct his 
 letters of summons to the parish church where 
 the offender hath his residence, if the ministry be 
 there planted ; and if it be not, or if the offender 
 have no certain dwelling-place, then ought the 
 summons to be directed to the chief town and 
 best reformed church in that diocese where the 
 crime was committed, appointing to the offender 
 a certain day, time, and place, where and when 
 he shall ajjpear before the suj)erintendent and his 
 assessors to hear that crime tried, as touching the 
 truth of it, and to answer himself why the sentence 
 of excommunication should not be pronounced 
 publicly against him. If the offender, lawfully 
 warned, appear not, inquisition being taken of the 
 crime, charge may be given by the superinten- 
 dent to the ministers, so many as shall be thought 
 necessar}' for publication of that sentence, to pro- 
 nounce the same the next Sunday, the form 
 whereof shall after be declared : but and if the 
 offender appear and allege for himself any rea- 
 sonable defence, to wit, that he will not be 
 fugitive from the law, but will abide the censure 
 thereof for that offence, then may the sentence of 
 I excommunication be suspended till that the ma- 
 
126 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 gistrate be required to try that cause ; wherein 
 if the magistrates be negligent, then ought the 
 Church from secret inquisition to proceed to 
 public admonition, that the magistrates may be 
 vigilant in that cause of blood, which crieth ven- 
 geance upon the whole land where it is shed 
 without punishment. If no remedy by them can 
 be found, then justly may the Church pronounce 
 the offender excommunicated, as one suspected, 
 besides his crime, to have corrupted the judges, 
 revengers of the blood : and so ought the Church 
 to proceed to excommunication, whether the of- 
 fender be fugitive from the law, or if he procure 
 pardon, or illude the severity of justice by means 
 whatsoever besides the trial of his innocence. 
 
 If the offender abide an assise, and by the same 
 be absolved, then may not the Church pronounce 
 excommunication, but justly may exhort the man 
 by whose hand the blood was shed, to enter into 
 consideration with himself, how precious is the 
 life of man before God, and how severely God 
 commandeth blood, howsoever it be shed, except 
 it be by the sword of the magistrate, to be 
 punished; and so may enjoin unto him such 
 satisfaction to be made publicly to the Church as 
 may bear testimony of his obedience and im- 
 
 ^ 3K 
 
 I 
 
AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 127 
 
 feigned repentance. If tlie offender be convicted, 
 and execution follow according to the crime, 
 then, upon the humble suit of him that is to suffer, 
 may the elders and ministers of the Church not 
 only give unto him consolation, but also pro- 
 nounce the sentence of absolution, and his sin to 
 be remitted according to his repentance and faith. 
 And thus much for excommunication of public 
 offenders. 
 
 And yet further, we must consider that if the 
 offender be fugitive from the law, so that punish- 
 ment cannot be executed against him, in that 
 case the Church ought to delay no time, but upon 
 the notice of his crime, and that he is fled from 
 the presence of the judge, it ought to pronounce 
 him excommunicated publicly, and so continually 
 to repute him, until such time that the magistrate 
 be satisfied : and so whether the offender be con- 
 victed in judgment, or be fugitive from the law, 
 the Church ought to proceed to the sentence of 
 excommunication ; the form whereof followeth. 
 
 The minister^ in public audience of the people, shall say : 
 
 It is clearly known unto us, that N., sometime 
 baptised in the name of the Father, and of the 
 Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and so reputed and 
 
 ^ 
 
— _ ^ 
 
 128 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 counted for a Christian, hath fearfully fallen from 
 the society of Christ's body, by committing of 
 cruel and wilful murder, or by committing filthy 
 adultery, &c., which crime, by the law of God, 
 deserveth death : and because the civil sword is 
 in the hands of God's magistrate, who notwith- 
 standing often winketh at such crimes, we being 
 placed in the ministry, with grief and dolor of 
 our hearts are compelled to draw the sword 
 granted by God to his Church, that is, to ex- 
 communicate from the society of Christ Jesus, 
 from his body the Church, from participation of 
 the sacraments, and prayer with the same, the 
 said N. And therefore, in the name and autho- 
 rity of the eternal God, and of his Son Jesus 
 Christ, we pronounce the said N. excommuni- 
 cated and accursed in this his wicked fact, and 
 charge all that favour the Lord Jesus so to repute 
 and hold him (or her) until such time as that 
 either the magistrate have punished the offender 
 as God's law commandeth, or that the same of- 
 fender be reconciled to the Church again by pub- 
 lic repentance : and in the meantime we earnestly 
 desire all the faithful to call upon God to move 
 the hearts of the upper powers so to punish such 
 horrible crimes, that malefactors may fear to 
 ^ ^ 
 
AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 129 
 
 oiFend, even for fear of punishment ; and also so 
 to toucli the heart of the offender, that he may 
 deeply consider how fearful it is to fall into the 
 hands of the eternal God, that by unfeigned re- 
 pentance he may apprehend mercy in Jesus Christ, 
 and so avoid eternal condemnation. 
 
 The sentence of excommunication once pro- 
 nounced, the Church may not suddenly admit 
 the murderer or convicted adulterer to repentance 
 and the society of the faithful, albeit that pardon 
 be purchased of the magistrate ; but first ought 
 inquisition to be taken if the murderer have satis- 
 fied the party offended, that is, the kindred and 
 friends of the man slain ; which if he hath not 
 done, neither is understood willingly so to do, 
 the Church in nowise may hear him ; but if he 
 be willing to make satisfaction, and the friends 
 exceed measure and the possibility of him that 
 hath committed the crime, then ought the Church 
 to put moderation to the unreasonable, in case 
 the civil magistrate hath not so done before, and 
 so proceed with him that offereth repentance, 
 that the wilfulness of the indiscreet be not hin- 
 derance to the reconciliation of him that earnestly 
 craveth the benefit and society of the Church. 
 
 And yet may not the Church receive any one 
 
130 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 excommunicated at his first request ; but in such 
 grievous crimes as before are expressed (of others 
 shall be after spoken), forty days at the least 
 after his first offer may be appointed to try whe- 
 ther the signs of repentance appear in the of- 
 fender or not. And yet in the meantime the 
 Church may comfort him by wholesome admo- 
 nitions, assuring him of God's mercy, if he be 
 verily penitent ; he may also be admitted to the 
 hearing of the word ; but in nowise to participa- 
 tion of prayers, neither before nor after the ser- 
 mon. These first forty days being expired, upon 
 his new suit, the superintendent or session may 
 adjoin such pains as may try whether he be peni- 
 tent or not: the least are, the murderer must 
 stand three several Sundays in a public place 
 before the church -door, barefooted and bare- 
 headed, clothed in a base and abject apparel, 
 having the same weapon which he used in the 
 murder, or the like, bloody in his hand, and in 
 conceived words shall say to such as shall enter 
 into the church as foUoweth : 
 
 The confession of the penitent . 
 
 So far hath Satan gotten victory over me, that 
 cruelly I have shed innocent blood, for the which 
 
 i 
 
AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 131 
 
 I have deserved death corporal and eternal ; and 
 so I grant myself unworthy of the common light, 
 or yet of the company of men : and yet because 
 in God there is mercy that passeth all measure, 
 and because the magistrate hath not taken from 
 me this wretched life, I most earnestly desire to 
 be reconciled again with the Church of Christ 
 Jesus, from the society whereof mine iniquity 
 hath caused me to be excommunicated : and 
 therefore in the bowels of Christ Jesus I crave 
 of you to pray with me unto God, that my 
 grievous crime may be of him remitted, and 
 also that ye will be suppliants Avith me to the 
 Church, that I abide not thus excommunicated 
 to the end. 
 
 At the last of the three Sundays certain of the 
 elders shall receive him into the church, and pre- 
 sent him before the preaching-place, and shall 
 declare unto the minister that all that was en- 
 joined to that offender was obediently fulfilled by 
 him. Then shall the minister recite unto him as 
 ■well the grievousness of his sin as the mercies of 
 God, if he be penitent. And thereafter shall re- 
 quire of the Church, Whether they desire any 
 further satisfaction ? And if no answer be given, 
 
^ ■ — - ^ 
 
 132 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 then shall the minister pronounce his sin to be 
 remitted according to his repentance, and shall 
 exhort the Church to embrace him as a brother ; 
 after that prayer and thanksgiving be given to 
 God, as after shall be described. 
 
 And thus far to be observed for the order in 
 receiving of them that have committed capital 
 crimes^ be it murder, adultery, incest, witchcraft, 
 or others before expressed. 
 
 There remaineth yet one other kind of offenders 
 that deserve excommunication, albeit not so sum- 
 marily, to wit, such as have been partakers with 
 us in doctrine and sacraments, and have returned 
 back again to popery, or have given their pre- 
 sence to any part of their abomination, or they 
 that of any long continuance withdraw them- 
 selves from the society of Christ's body, and from 
 the participation of the sacraments when they are 
 publicly ministered. Such, no doubt, declare 
 themselves worthy of excommunication ; but jfirst 
 they must be called either before the superinten- 
 dent, Avith some joined with him, or else before 
 the elders or session of the best and next re- 
 formed Church where the offenders have their 
 residence, who must accuse their defection, ex- 
 
 ^^' 
 
AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 133 
 
 hort them to repentance, and declare to them the 
 danger wherein they stand. 
 
 "Whom if the offender heareth, the session or 
 superintendent may appoint him a day to satisfy 
 the Church publicly, whom by his defection he 
 had offended. But if he continue stubborn, then 
 may the session or superintendent command the 
 minister or ministers to declare the next Sunday 
 the defection of such a person, and his obstinate 
 contempt j and this advertisement being given 
 two Sundays, the third may the sentence of ex- 
 communication be pronounced. 
 
 Offences that deserve jmlilic repentance, and order to 
 proceed therein. 
 
 Such offences as fall not under the civil sword, 
 and yet are slanderous and offensive in the 
 Church, deserve public repentance : and of these 
 some are more heinous than others, — fornication, 
 drunkenness, swearing, cursed speaking, chiding, 
 fighting, brawling, and common contempt of the 
 order of the Church, breaking of the Sabbath, 
 and such like, ought to be in no person suffered ; 
 but the slander being known, the offender should 
 be called before the minister, his crime proved, 
 accused, rebuked, and he commanded publicly 
 
 ^- 
 
^ _ 
 
 134 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 -^ 
 
 to satisfy the Church ; which if the offender re- 
 fuse, they may proceed to excommunication, as 
 after shall be declared. If tlie offender appear 
 not, summons ought to pass to the third time ; 
 and tlien in case he appear not, the Church may 
 decern the sentence to be pronounced. 
 
 Others that are less heinous, and yet deserve 
 admonition, — as wanton and vain words, un- 
 comely gestures, negligence in hearing the preach- 
 ing, or abstaining from the Lord's table when 
 publicly ministered, suspicion of avarice or of 
 pride, superfluity or riotousness in cheer or rai- 
 ment: these, we say, and such others, that of 
 the world are not regarded, deserve admonition 
 among the members of Christ's body ; first 
 secretly by one or two of those that first espy 
 the offence ; which, if the person suspected hear, 
 and give declaration of amendment, then there 
 needeth no further process : but if he contemn 
 and despise the admonition, then should the for- 
 mer admonishers take to themselves two or three 
 faithful and honest witnesses, in whose presence 
 the suspected offender should be admonished, 
 and the causes of their suspicion declared; to 
 whom if then he give signification of repentance 
 and promise of amendment, they may cut off all 
 ^ — ^ 
 
^x ^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 135 
 
 but and if he obstinately 
 contemn both the said admonitions, then ought 
 the first and second brethren to signify the mat- 
 ter to the ministers and elders in their session, 
 who ought to call the offender before the com- 
 plainers, and accuse him as well of the crime as 
 of the contempt of the admonition. If then he 
 acknowledge his offence, and be willing to satisfy 
 the brethren before offended, and the session then 
 present, there needeth no further publication of 
 the offence ; but if he declare himself disobedient 
 to the session, then without delay the next Sun- 
 day ought the crime, and the order of admoni- 
 tions passed before, be publicly declared to the 
 Church, and the person (without specification 
 of his name) be admonished to satisfy in public 
 ! that which he refused to do in secret : and that 
 for the first. If he offer himself to the Church 
 before the next Sunday, the discretion of the 
 minister may take such order as may satisfy as 
 well the private persons that first were offended 
 as the Church, declaring the repentance and 
 submission of that brother that before appeared 
 stubborn and incorrigible. But and if he abide 
 the second public admonition, when that his 
 name shall be expressed, and his offences and 
 
^ 
 
 136 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 stubbornness declared, then can no satisfaction 
 be received but in public, yea, it may not be re- 
 ceived before that he hath humbly required the 
 same of the minister and session of the Church in 
 their appointed assembly. 
 
 If he continue stubborn, then the third Sun- 
 day ought he to be charged publicly to satisfy 
 the Church for his offence and contempt, under 
 the pain of excommunication : the order whereof 
 shall after be declared. 
 
 And thus a small offence or slander may justly 
 deserve excommunication, by reason of the con- 
 tempt and disobedience of the offender. If the 
 offender shew himself penitent between the first 
 admonition and the second, and satisfy the mi- 
 nister of the Church, and the brethren that were 
 before offended in their assembly, then it may 
 suffice that the minister, at commandment of the 
 session, declare the next Sunday (without corn- 
 peering or expressing of the person) his repent- 
 ance and submission, in these or other words : 
 
 It was signified unto you before, dearly be- 
 loved, that one certain brother (or brethren) was 
 noted, or at least suspected of some offence, 
 whereof he being admonished by one or two, 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
-7A 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 137 
 
 appeared lightly to regard the same ; and there- 
 fore was he and his offence notified unto the mi- 
 nistry in their assembly, who, according to their 
 duty and charge, accused him of the same ; and 
 not finding in him such obedience as the pro- 
 fession of a Christian requireth, fearing that such 
 offences and stubbornness should engender con- 
 tempt, and infect others, they were compelled to 
 notify unto you the crime and the proceeding of 
 the session, minding to have sought the utter- 
 most remedy in case the offender had continued 
 obstinate ; but seeing that it hath pleased God to 
 mollify the heart of our brother, whose name we 
 need not to express, so that he hath not only ac- 
 knowledged his offence', but also hath fully satisfied 
 the brethren that first were offended, and us the 
 ministry, and hath promised to abstain from all 
 appearance of such evil whereof he was suspected 
 and admonished, we have no just cause to pro- 
 ceed to any further extremity, but rather to glo- 
 rify God for the submission of our brother, and 
 unfeignedly pray unto him, that in the like case 
 we and every one of us may give the like obe- 
 dience. 
 
 i 
 
 -)^ 
 
$0^ yn, 
 
 138 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 S!)? iForm and ©iD^r of public l^teppntantf. 
 
 It is first to be observ^ed, that none may be 
 admitted to public repentance, except that first 
 they may be admitted thereunto by the session 
 and assembly of the ministers and elders ; in the 
 which they ought sharply to be examined, what 
 fear and terror they have of God's judgments, 
 what hatred of sin, and grief for the same, and 
 what sense and feeling they have of God's mer- 
 cies : in the which if they be ignorant, they ought 
 diligently to be instructed ; for it is but a mock- 
 ing to present such to public repentance as neither 
 understand what sin is, what repentance is, what 
 grace is, nor by whom God's favour and mercy 
 is procured. Then after that the offender shall 
 be instructed in the assembly, so that he have 
 some taste of God's judgments, but chiefly of 
 God's mercies in Christ Jesus, he may be pre- 
 sented before the public Church upon a Sunday 
 after the sermon, and before the prayers and 
 psalm ; and then the minister shall say : 
 
 Beloved and dearest brethren, we, by reason of 
 our charge and ministry, present before you this 
 brother, who, by the infirmity of the flesh and 
 ^ _ 
 
^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 139 
 
 craft of Satan, hath fearfully fallen from the 
 obedience of his God, by the committing of a 
 crime, &c. (let the sin be expressed) ; by the 
 which he hath not only offended against the 
 majesty of God, but also by the same hath given 
 great slander and offence to his holy congrega- 
 tion ; and therefore doth to his own confusion 
 (but to the glory of God and our great comfort) 
 present himself here before you to witness and 
 declare his unfeigned repentance, the thirst and 
 the care that he hath to be reconciled with God 
 through Jesus Christ, and with you his brethren, 
 whom he hath offended : and therefore it is re- 
 quisite that ye and he understand what assurance 
 we have to require such public satisfaction of him, 
 what profit we ought to learn in the same, and 
 what profit and utility redound to both of this 
 his humiliation. 
 
 That public repentance is the institution of God, 
 and not man's invention, may be plainly gathered 
 of our Master, commanding that if any have of- 
 fended his brother (in what sort soever it be), 
 that he shall go to him and be reconciled unto 
 his brother. If the offence committed against 
 one brother requireth reconciliation, the offence 
 committed against many brethren requireth the 
 ^ ^ 
 
140 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 same : and if a man be charged by Christ Jesus 
 to go to a man whom he hath offended, and 
 there by confession of his offence require recon- 
 ciliation, much more is he bound to seek a whole 
 multitude whom he hath offended, and before 
 them with all humility require the same: for 
 that wo which our Master Christ Jesus pro- 
 nounceth against every man that hath offended 
 the least one within his Church, remaineth upon 
 every public offender until such time as he de- 
 clare himself willing to remove the same, which 
 he can never do until such time as he let the mul- 
 titude whom he hath offended understand his un- 
 feigned repentance. 
 
 But because that all men of upright judgment 
 agree in this, that public offences require public 
 repentance, we pass to the second head, which is, 
 what it is that we have to consider in the fall and 
 sin of this our brother. If we consider his fall 
 and sin in him only, without having considera- 
 tion of ourselves and of our own corruption, we 
 shall profit nothing, for so shall we but despise 
 our brother and flatter ourselves ; but if we shall 
 earnestly consider what nature we bear, what 
 corruption lurketh in it, how prone and ready 
 every one of us is to such and greater impiety, 
 ^ 
 
^ ^-^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 141 
 
 then shall we in the sin of this our brother accuse 
 and condemn our own sins, in his fall we shall 
 consider and lament our sinful nature, also we 
 shall join our repentance, tears, and prayers with 
 him and his, knowing that no flesh can be justi- 
 fied before God's presence, if judgment proceed 
 without mercy. The profit which this our bro- 
 ther and we have of this his humiliation, is, that 
 we and he may be assured that our God is more 
 ready to receive us to mercy through Jesus 
 Christ his only Son, than we are to crave it. It 
 is not sin, be it never so grievous, that shall 
 separate us from his favour, if we seek to his 
 mercy ; for as all have sinned, and are by them- 
 selves destitute of God's grace, so is he ready to 
 shew mercy unto all that unfeignedly call for the 
 same ; yea, he doth not only receive such as 
 come, but he by the mouth of his dear Son calleth 
 upon such as are burdened and laden with sin, 
 and solemnly promiseth that he will refresh them. 
 We have besides another commodity, to wit, 
 that if we shall hereafter fall into the like, or 
 greater (for we stand not by our own power, but 
 by grace only), that we be not ashamed in this 
 same sort to humble ourselves, and confess our 
 offences. Now, therefore, brother, as w^ all 
 
^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 142 
 
 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 praise God in this your humiliation, beseeching 
 him that it be without hypocrisy, so it becometh 
 you earnestly to consider of what mind and 
 with what heart you present yourself here before 
 this assembly. It is not your sin that shall se- 
 parate you from your God, nor from his mercy 
 in Jesus Christ, if you repent the same; but 
 hypocrisy and impenitence, which God remove 
 from you and us, is nowise tolerable before his 
 presence. 
 
 The offender ought to protest before God that 
 he is sorry for his sin, and unfeignedly desireth 
 God to be merciful unto him, and that for the 
 obedience of his dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 The Minister. 
 
 We can only see that which is without, and 
 according to your confession judge, leaving the 
 secrets of the heart to God, who only can try and 
 search the same ; but because unfeigned repent- 
 ance for sin, and simple confession of the same, 
 are the gifts of God, we will join our prayers 
 with yours, that the one and the other may be 
 granted to you and us. 
 
 ^ 
 
 -^1 
 
^ .^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 143 
 
 Eternal and everlasting God, Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, thou that by the mouth of 
 thine holy prophets and apostles hast plainly pro- 
 nounced, that thou desirest not the death of a 
 sinner, but rather that he may be converted and 
 live ; who also hast sent thine only Son to suffer 
 the cruel death of the cross, not for the just, but 
 for such as find themselves oppressed with the 
 burden of sin, that by him and his advocation 
 they may have access to the throne of thy grace, 
 being assured that before thee they shall find 
 favour and mercy; we are assembled, O Lord, 
 in thy presence, and also in the name of this 
 same our Lord Jesus thy dear Son, to accuse 
 before thee our sins, and before the feet of thy 
 Majesty to crave mercy for the same. We most 
 humbly beseech thee, O Father of mercies, first, 
 that thou wilt touch and move our hearts by 
 the power of thine Holy Spirit, in such sort 
 that we may come to a true knowledge of our 
 sins : but chiefly, O Lord, that it will please thee 
 to move the heart of this our brother N., &c., 
 who, as he hath offended thy Majesty, and a 
 great number of this thine holy congregation. 
 
144 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 by his grievous and public sin, so doth he not 
 refuse publicly to acknowledge and confess the 
 same, as this his humiliation, given to the glory 
 of thy name presently doth witness. But be- 
 cause, O Lord, the external confession, with- 
 out the grief of the heart, availeth nothing in 
 thy presence, we most humbly beseech thee, 
 that thou wilt so effectually move his heart, and 
 ours also, that he and we without hypocrisy, 
 damning that which thy law pronounceth unjust, 
 may attain to some sense and feeling of thy 
 mercy, which thou hast abundantly shewed unto 
 mankind in Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant, 
 Lord, unto this our brother the repentance of 
 the heart, and sincere confession of his mouth, to 
 the praise of thy name, to the comfort of thy 
 
 us grant, O Lord, that albeit we cannot live alto- 
 gether clean of sin, yet that we fall not into hor- 
 rible crimes, to the dishonour of thine holy name, 
 to the slander of our brethren, and infamy of 
 thine holy Gospel, which we profess. Let thy 
 godly power, O Lord, so strengthen our weak- 
 ness, that neither the craft of Satan nor the 
 tyranny of sin draw us utterly from thine obe- 
 dience. Give us grace, O Lord, that by holiness 
 ^ 
 
AND OF PUBLIC llEPENTANCE. 145 
 
 aud innocence of life we may declare to this 
 wicked generation what difference there is be- 
 tween the sons of light and the sons of darkness ; 
 that men, seeing our good works, may glorify 
 thee, and thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Saviour 
 and Redeemer ; to whom with thee, and the Holy 
 Spirit, be all honour, praise, and glory, now and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 The jyrayer finished, the minister shall turn Mm to the 
 penitent brother, and in full audience shall say : 
 
 You have heard, brother, what is your duty 
 towards the Church, which you have offended, 
 to wit, that willingly you confess that crime that 
 you have committed, asking God's mercj^ for the 
 same, so that you may reconcile yourself to the 
 Church, which you have offended. You have 
 heard also the affection and care of the Church 
 towards you their penitent brother, notwith- 
 standing your grievous fall, to wit, that we all 
 here present join our sins with your sin ; we all 
 repute and esteem your fall to be our own ; we 
 accuse ourselves no less than we accuse you; 
 now, finally, we join our prayers with yours, 
 that we and you may obtain mercy, and that by 
 the means of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us. 
 
^ tk 
 
 146 OUDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 therefore, brother, have this comfort of you, that 
 you will openly and simply confess your crime, 
 and give to us a testimony of your unfeigned 
 repentance. 
 
 The penitent shall then openly confess the 
 crime, whatsoever it be, and shall desire God's 
 mercy, and pray the Church to call to God for 
 mercy with him, and unfeignedly desire that 
 he may be joined again to their society and 
 number. 
 
 If the penitent be confounded with shame, or 
 such an one as cannot distinctly speak to the 
 comfort and instruction of the Church, the mi- 
 nister shall make repetition, that every head may 
 be understood by itself, and thereafter shall ask 
 the penitent if that be his confession, and if so he 
 believeth : his answer affirmative being received, 
 the minister shall ask the congregation if they 
 judge any further to be required for their satis- 
 faction and for reconciliation of that brother. No 
 contradiction being made, the minister shall say 
 to the penitent : 
 
 We have heard, dear brother, your confession, 
 for the which we from our hearts praise God, for 
 
^ _ ^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 147 
 
 in it the Spirit of Jesus Christ hath confounded 
 the devil, and broken down his head and power, 
 in that that you, to the glory of God, have openly 
 condemned yourself and your impiety, imploring 
 grace and mercy for Christ Jesus his Son's sake. 
 This strength, submission, and obedience, cannot 
 proceed from flesh and blood, but is the singular 
 gift of the Holy Ghost : acknowledge, therefore, 
 it to be given unto you by Jesus Christ our Lord, 
 and now take heed lest at any time you be un- 
 mindful of this great benefit, which no doubt 
 Satan doth envy, and will assail by all means 
 possible, that you may abuse it : he will not cease 
 to tempt you to fall again into such, or crimes 
 more horrible ; but resist the devil, and he shall 
 flee from you: live in sobriety, be instant in 
 prayer, commend yourself unfeignedly to God, 
 who as he is faithful, so shall he give to us victory 
 over sin, death, and Satan ; and that by means 
 of our Head and sovereign Champion Jesus 
 Christ ; to whom be all praise, glory, and honour, 
 now and ever. Amen. 
 
 An admonition to the Church. 
 
 It is your duty, brethren, to take example of 
 this our penitent brother ; first, that ye be un- 
 
^ 
 
 148 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 feignedly displeased in your own hearts for your 
 sins ; secondly, that with this our brother ye ac- 
 cuse them in the sight of God, imploring grace 
 and mercy for your offences committed ; and lastly, 
 if any of you shall after this publicly offend, that 
 ye refuse not with the like reverence to satisfy 
 the Church of God, offended in you. Now it 
 only resteth that ye remit and forget all offences 
 which ye have conceived heretofore by the sin 
 and fall of this our brother ; accept and embrace 
 him as a member of Christ's body ; let none take 
 upon him to reproach or accuse him for any 
 offences that before this hour he hath committed. 
 And that he may have the better assurance of 
 your good will and reconciliation, prostrate your- 
 self before God, and render him thanks for the 
 conversion and repentance of this our brother. 
 
 The thanksgiving. 
 
 Heavenly Father, Fountain of all mercy and 
 consolation, we confess ourselves unworthy to be 
 counted amongst thy children, if thou have re- 
 spect to the corruption of our nature ; but seeing 
 it hath pleased thy fatherly goodness not only 
 freely to choose us in thy dear Son our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, by his death to redeem us, by his 
 
 ^,- 
 
i ^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 149 
 
 Gospel to call us, and by his Holy Spirit (which 
 both are thine) to illuminate us ; but also that 
 thou hast commanded thy word and holy Gosj^el 
 to be preached, to the end that the penitent shall 
 have an assurance of the remission of their sins, 
 not only for a time, but even so oft as men from 
 sorrow^ful hearts shall call for thy grace and 
 mercy ; in consideration of this thy fatherly 
 adoption and ineffable clemency shewed upon us, 
 we cannot but praise and magnify thy fatherly 
 mercy; a testimony whereof we not only feel in 
 ourselves, but also see the same evidently in the 
 conversion of this our brother, whom Satan for a 
 time held in bondage, but who now is set at free* 
 dom by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and is 
 returned again to the society of thy body. Grant 
 unto us, heavenly Father, that he and we may 
 more and more be disjDleased for our sins, and 
 proceed in all manner of good works, to the 
 praise of thine holy name, and edification of thy 
 Church, by Jesus Christ our Lord and only Sa- 
 viour. Amen. 
 
 T/ie thanksgiving being finished, the minister shall re- 
 quire of the penitent if he will be subject to the 
 discipline of the Church, in case he after offend ; 
 
 ^ 
 
^ •■ 
 
 150 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 who answering that he will, the minister shall say, 
 in manner of absolution : 
 
 If thou unfeignedly repent tliy former iniquity, 
 and believe in the Lord Jesus, then I, in his name, 
 pronounce and affirm that thy sins are forgiven, 
 not only on earth, but also in heaven, according 
 to the promises annexed with the preaching of 
 his word, and to the power put in the ministry of 
 his Church. 
 
 Then shall the elders and deacons, with ministers {if 
 any he), in the name of the whole Church, take the 
 reconciled brother by the hand, and embrace him, 
 
 » in sign of full reconciliation : then after shall the 
 Church sing the 103fZ Psalm, so m,uch as they think 
 expedient ; and so shall the assembly, with the be- 
 nediction, be dismissed. 
 
 Ei)t jForw of ©a-tommunication. 
 
 After that all admonitions, both private and 
 public, be past, as before is said, then must the 
 Church proceed to excommunication, if the of- 
 fender remain obstinate. The Sunday, therefore, 
 after the third public admonition, the minister I 
 
 )J$ ^ 
 
— , ^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 151 
 
 being before charged by the session or elders, shall 
 thus signify unto the Church after the sermon : 
 
 It is not unknown unto you, with what lenity 
 and carefulness the minister with the whole Church, 
 by private and public admonitions, hath sought 
 N. &;c. to satisfy the Church, and to declare him- 
 self penitent for his grievous crimes and rebellion, 
 by the which he hath offended God's majesty, 
 blasphemed his holy name, and offended his 
 Church ; in whom to this day we find nothing 
 but stubbornness ; we cannot, therefore, of con- 
 science, wink any longer at the disobedience of 
 the said N., lest that his example infect and hurt 
 others: we are compelled, therefore, in the fear 
 of God, to give the said N. into the hands and 
 power of the devil, to the destruction of the flesh, 
 if that by that means he may be brought to the 
 consideration of himself, and so repent and avoid 
 that fearful condemnation which shall fall on all 
 disobedient in the day of the Lord Jesus : and 
 lest that any should think that we do this of 
 manly presumption, without the assurance of the 
 Scripture, ye shall shortly hear what command- 
 ment and authority we have so to do. 
 
 First, we have the commandment of our Master 
 ^_ _— ^ 
 
152 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 and Saviour Jesus Christ, to hold such for hea- 
 thens and publicans as will Dot hear the voice of 
 the Church : but plain it is, that this obstinate 
 N. hath contemptuously refused all wholesome 
 admonitions, and therefore we (not one or two, 
 but the whole Church) must hold him as a publi- 
 can, that is, as one cut off from the body of Jesus 
 Christ, and unworthy of any society with him, or 
 with the benefits of his Church, till his new con- 
 version and his receiving again. 
 
 Secondly, we have the command of the apostle 
 St. Paul, and the fearful sentence, which he, 
 being absent, did notwithstanding pronounce 
 against the incest, with his sharp rebuke to the 
 Corinthians, because that Avith greater zeal and 
 expedition they expelled not from among them 
 that wicked man : and if any think that the 
 offence of this fore-named obstinate is not so 
 heinous as that of incest, let such understand, 
 that mercy and favour may rather be granted to 
 any other sin than to the contempt of wholesome 
 admonitions, and of the just and lawful ordinances 
 of the Church : for other sins, how heinous soever 
 they be (so be it that they deserve not death), as 
 by unfeigned repentance they are remitted before 
 God, so upon the same humbly offered unto the 
 
^ ^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 153 
 
 Church, order may be taken, that the offender 
 may be comforted, and at length restored to the 
 society of the Church again : but such as proudly 
 contemn the admonition of the Church, private 
 and public, declare themselves stubborn, rebel- 
 lious, and altogether impenitent, and therefore 
 most justly ought they to be excommunicated. 
 
 The precept of God given under the law, to 
 expel from the midst of God's people, such as 
 were leprous (without exception of person), is to 
 us an assurance that we ought to expel from the 
 society of Christ's body such as be stricken with 
 spiritual leprosy, for the one is no less infectious 
 and dangerous than is the other. Now, seeing 
 that we know excommunication is God's ordi- 
 nance, let us in few words understand the utility 
 and use of the same. 
 
 First, by it the Church is purged of open wicked 
 doers, which is no small advantage, considering 
 that we fight in the midst and eyes of this wicked 
 generation, which seeketh in us nothing more than 
 occasion of slander. Secondly, by it the Church 
 with every member of the same is retained in 
 obedience and fear, whereof all have need, if the 
 frailty of our flesh shall be rightly considered. 
 Thirdly, by it we exercise a singular work of 
 ^ 
 
^ 
 
 154 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 charity, while that we declare ourselves careful 
 to keep the flock of Christ in jjurity of manners, 
 and without danger to be infected : for, as it were 
 a work both uncharitable and cruel to join toge- 
 ther in one bed persons infected with pestilent or 
 other contagious and infectious diseases with ten- 
 der children, or with such as were whole, so it is 
 no less cruelty to suffer among the flock of Jesus 
 Christ such obstinate rebels ; for true is that sen- 
 tence of the apostle, — " A little leaven leaveneth 
 the whole lump." But lest that we should seem to 
 usurp power over the Church, or to do any thing 
 without the knowledge and consent of the whole 
 body, for this present we delay the sentence, 
 willing such as have any thing to object in the 
 contrary to propose the same the next session- 
 day, or else to signify the same to some of the 
 ministers or elders, that answer may be given 
 thereto ; and in the meantime we will call to 
 God for the conversion of the impenitent. 
 
 A prayer for the obstinate. 
 
 Eternal and everlasting God, Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, whose very property is to shew 
 mercy and to restore life, even when to man's 
 judgment death hath gotten dominion over thy 
 
 JK — —^ 
 
AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 155 
 
 creatures ; for thou hast first sought, called, ac- 
 cused, and convicted our father Adam after his 
 transgression ; and when he was so dead in sin and 
 thrall to Satan, that he could neither confess his 
 offence nor yet ask mercy for the same, thou by thy 
 free promises of mercy and grace gavest unto him 
 a new life and strength to repent : the same order 
 must thou keep, O Lord, with all thy chosen 
 children of his posterity ; for, in man's corrupt 
 nature there can be no obedience, until that thou 
 by operation of thine Holy Spirit work the same. 
 And, therefore, we most humbly beseech thee, 
 for Jesus Christ thy Son's sake, pitifully to look 
 upon this thy creature, who once was baptised in 
 thy name, and hath professed himself subject to 
 thy religion and unto the discipline of thy Church, 
 whom Satan, alas, now so blindeth, that obsti- 
 nately he contemneth the one and the other. 
 We have followed, O Lord, the rule prescribed 
 unto us by thy dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 in admonishing and threatening him ; but hitherto 
 have profited nothing concerning him and his 
 humiliation. 
 
 But, O Lord, as thou alone knowest, so mayest 
 thou alone change and mollify the hearts of the 
 proud and impenitent : thou, by the voice of thy 
 ^ 
 
^- ^ 
 
 156 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 prophet Nathan, didst waken David from his 
 deadly security ; thou, without any prophet, didst 
 beat down the pride of Manasseh in the prison 
 after he had shed the blood of thy servants, and 
 had replenished Jerusalem with all kind of im- 
 piety ; thou turnedst the heart of Peter at the 
 look of thy dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 after that fearfully, with horrible imprecations, 
 he had thrice openly denied him. 
 
 O Lord, thy mercies without measure endure 
 for ever, to the which we, after long travail, do 
 remit this obstinate and impenitent, earnestly 
 desiring thee, O Father of mercies, first so to 
 pierce his heart with the fear of thy severe judg- 
 ments, that he may begin to understand, that 
 thus contemning all wholesome admonitions, he 
 provoketh thy wrath and indignation against 
 himself. Open his eyes, that he may see how 
 fearful and terrible a thing it is to fall into thine 
 hands ; and therefore mollify and anoint his heart 
 by the unction of thine Holy Spirit, that he may 
 unfeignedly turn unto thee, and give unto thee 
 that honour and obedience that thou requirest in 
 thine holy word ; and so to our comfort that now 
 mourn for his rebellion, that he may humble him- 
 self to the jiist ordinance of thy Church, and avoid 
 
^ 
 
 AXD OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 157 
 
 that fearful vengeance that most assuredly shall 
 fall upon all the disobedient. These thy graces, O 
 heavenly Father, and further, as thou knowest 
 to be expedient for us, and for thy Church uni- 
 versal, we call for according as we are taught 
 to pray by our sovereign Master, Christ Jesus, 
 saying,— 
 
 Our Father Avhich art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Th}^ will be 
 done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not 
 into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For 
 thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the 
 glory, for ever. Amen. 
 
 The second Sunday, after the sermon and public 
 prayers, the minister shall, in audience of the 
 whole Church, ask the elders and deacons, who 
 must sit in an eminent and proper place, that 
 their answer may be heard, thus : 
 
 The minister. 
 
 Hath he, whom the last day we admonished, 
 under the pain of excommunication, to satisfy the 
 Church for his public slander and contempt of 
 I ^ y^ 
 
158 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 the ministrj^, by himself, or by any other, offered 
 his obedience unto you ? 
 
 Ther/ shall answer as the truth is, yea or nay. 
 
 If he have sought the favour of any within the 
 ministry, with promise of obedience, then shall 
 further process be delayed, and he commanded 
 to appear before the session in their next as- 
 sembly, where order may be taken for his public 
 repentance, as in the former head is expressed. 
 If he have not laboured to satisfy the Church, 
 then shall the minister proceed and say ; 
 
 It cannot be but grievous to the bodj^, that 
 any one member thereof should be cut off and 
 perish; and yet it ought to be more fearful to 
 the member than to the body, for the member 
 cut off can do nothing but putrify and perish, 
 and jei: the body may retain life and strength. 
 But the rebellion of this obstinate may proceed 
 in one part from ignorance ; for it may be that 
 he understandeth not what excommunication is, 
 and what is the danger of the same ; I shall there- 
 fore in few words open the one and the other. 
 
 Lawful excommunication (for the thunderings 
 of that Roman antichrist are but vanity and wind) 
 
 ^ — -^ 
 
 i 
 
^ 
 
 A^B OF PUBLIC REPENTAjSTCE. 159 
 
 is the cutting off from the body of Jesus Christ, 
 from participation of his holy sacraments, and 
 from public prayers with his Church, by public 
 and solemn sentence, all obstinate and impenitent 
 persons, after due admonitions : which sentence, 
 lawfully pronounced on earth, is ratified in hea- 
 ven, by binding of the same sins that they bind 
 on earth. The danger hereof is greater than man 
 can suddenly espy ; for, seeing that without the 
 body of Jesus Christ there abideth nothing but 
 death and damnation to mankind, in what estate 
 shall we judge them to stand that justly are cut 
 off from the same ? 
 
 Yea, what horrible vengeance hangeth upon 
 them and their posterity, notable and severe 
 punishments may instruct us : Cain the murderer 
 was not accursed in his own person only, but 
 that same malediction ran in his posterity, and 
 upon all that joined therewith, till that all man- 
 kind was destroyed by water (eight persons re- 
 served) ; Ham likewise was accursed in his son 
 Canaan, the severity whereof proceeded even to 
 the rooting out of that whole race and nation ; 
 the simple word of our Master Jesus Christ 
 caused the fig-tree suddenly to wither ; at the 
 voice of Peter, Ananias and Sapphira were 
 
 5K ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 160 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 struck to death. The same God and Lord Jesus, 
 with the power of his Holy Spirit, that then was 
 potent and just, worketh even now in the minis- 
 try of his Church, the contempt whereof he will 
 in nowise suffer unpunished. And, therefore, ye 
 that have acquaintance or familiarity with the 
 fore-named obstinate, declare unto him these 
 dangers, and will him not to tempt the utter- 
 most. And thus yet again let us pray to God for 
 his conversion. 
 
 Let the former prayer he publicly said. 
 
 The third Sunday, let the first question be pro- 
 posed by the minister to the elders and deacons 
 concerning the submission of the obstinate, so 
 oft admonished, as was proposed the second. If 
 repentance be offered, let order be taken, as is 
 before said, with a charge to the Church to praise 
 God for the conversion of that brother: if re- 
 pentance be not offered, then shall the minister 
 expone wherein the person that is to be excom- 
 municated hath offended, how oft, and by whom 
 he hath been admonished, as well privately as 
 publicly ; and shall demand of the elders and 
 deacons if it be not so : whose answ^er received, 
 the minister shall ask the whole Church if they 
 
 ^— ^ 
 
x^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC HEPENTANCE. 161 
 
 think that such contempt should be suffered 
 among them ; and if then no man make inter- 
 cession for the obstinate, the minister shall pro- 
 ceed and say : 
 
 Of very conscience we are compelled to do that 
 which to our hearts is most grievous, to wit, to give 
 over into the hands of the devil this fore-named 
 obstinate contemner N., whom once we esteemed 
 a member of our body ; and that not only for the 
 crime that he hath committed, but much rather 
 for his proud contempt and intolerable rebellion, 
 lest that our sufferance of him in this his impiety 
 should not only be imputed unto us, but also that 
 he should infect others with the same pestilence. 
 And therefore we must use the last remedy, how 
 grievous soever it be unto us : and yet I desire 
 you, for more ample declaration of your Christian 
 charity towards him, that ye pray with me unto 
 God, now for the last, for his conversion. 
 
 The last prayer be/ore the excommunication. 
 
 Omnipotent, eternal, and merciful Father, who, 
 for that good will that thou bearest unto us in 
 Jesus Christ thy dear Son, willeth not the death 
 and destruction of a sinner, but rather that he, 
 ^ 
 
162 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 should by inspiration and moving of thine Holy 
 Spirit, be converted and live ; who also dost wit- 
 ness the virtue and strength of thy word to be such, 
 that it causeth the mountains to shake, the rocks 
 to tremble, and the floods to dry up ; behold, we 
 thy children and people here prostrate before thee 
 most humbly beseech thee, in the name of thy 
 dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ, that thou wilt 
 move and pierce the heart of our impenitent bro- 
 ther, whom Satan so long hath indured and har- 
 dened ; if it please thy Majesty, that thou wilt, 
 by the virtue of thine Holy Spirit, mollify the 
 same. Expel his darkness, and by the light of 
 thy grace do thou so illuminate him, that now 
 at length he may feel, first, how grievously he 
 hath offended against thy Majesty ; and, secondly, 
 against thine holy Church and assembly. Give 
 him thy grace to acknowledge, accuse, and con- 
 demn, as well before us whom he hath offended 
 as before thy presence, this his proud contempt, 
 lest that we, by the same provoked, be com- 
 pelled, with all our griefs, to cut off from thy 
 mystical body, him whom we, O Lord, unfeign- 
 edly desire to retain within thy Church, as a lively 
 member of thy dear Son our Lord Jesus. Hear 
 us, merciful Father ; call back again this our 
 
^. ^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 163 
 
 impenitent brother, that now tendeth to eternal 
 destruction ; that we all, who before thy presence 
 do mourn for his rebellion, may receive him again 
 with gladness and joy, and so render praise and 
 honour unto thee before this thine holy congre- 
 gation. 
 
 We grant ourselves, O Lord, unv.'orthy tliat thou 
 shouldst hear us, because we cease not to offend 
 thee by our continual transgression of thine holy 
 precepts. Look not upon us, merciful Father, in 
 this our corrupt nature, but look thou to thy dear 
 Son, whom thou of thy mere mercy liast appointed 
 our Head, great Bishop, Advocate, Mediator, and 
 only Propitiation, and at us in him and in the 
 merits of his death. We humbly beseech thee 
 mercifully to behold us, and suffer not the most 
 innocent blood of thy dear Son, shed for us, and 
 for this our impenitent brother, to be profaned 
 by the tyranny and slight of Satan. 
 
 But, by the virtue of the same, let this our im- 
 penitent brother be brought to unfeigned re- 
 pentance, that so he may escape that fearful con- 
 demnation, in the which he appeareth to fall. 
 This we ask of thee, O heavenly Father, in the 
 boldness of our Head and Mediator Jesus Christ, 
 praying as he hath taught us, saying : 
 ^ 
 
^ 
 
 1G4 ORDER OF EXCOMMU^^ICATION 
 
 Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
 done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not 
 into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For 
 thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the 
 glory, for ever. Amen. 
 
 If after this prayer the obstinate appear not to offer his 
 repentance, then shall the minister j^roceed, and say : 
 
 Brethren, seeing that as ye have heard this 
 obstinate and impenitent person, N., hath so 
 grievously offended against God, and against this 
 his holy congregation, that he by no means (as 
 ye may perceive) can be brought to repentance ; 
 whereby it is evident by the word of God, that he 
 is fallen from the kingdom of heaven, and from 
 the blessed society of the Lord Jesus : 
 
 We therefore (albeit with grief of our hearts) 
 may now execute that which the commandment 
 of Jesus Christ, and the practice of his apostle, 
 shew that of our office we ought to do, to wit, 
 that we publicly declare and pronounce such to 
 have no society with us as declare themselves 
 obstinate and rebellious against all wholesome 
 ^ : 
 
AND OF PUBLIC KEPENTANCE. 105 
 
 admonitions, and the blessed ordinances of his 
 Church : and that we may do the same, not of 
 our own authority, but in the name and power 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all knees 
 are compelled to bow, let us humbly fall down 
 before him, and in this manner pray, and pro- 
 nounce this sentence. 
 
 The invocation of the name of Jesus Christ, to excom- 
 municate the iinpenitent, together with the sentence 
 of excoynmunication. 
 
 O Lord Jesus Christ, the only and eternal King 
 of all the chosen children of thine heavenly Fa- 
 ther, the Head and Lawgiver of thy Church, 
 who by thine own mouth hast commanded that 
 such offenders as proudly contemn the admoni- 
 tions of thy Church shall be cast out from the 
 society of the same, and shall be reputed of thy 
 professors as profane heathens ; we, willing to obey 
 this thy precept, which also we have received by 
 institution of thine apostle, are here presently 
 convened in thy name to excommunicate and 
 cast forth from the society of thine holj'' body, 
 and from all participation with thy Church in 
 sacraments or prayers, N. ; which thing we do 
 at thy commandment, and in thy power and au- 
 ^ ^^ 
 
■ ^ 
 
 16G ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 tliority, to the glory of thine lioly name, to the 
 conservation and edification of this thy Church, 
 in the which it hath pleased thee to place us mi- 
 nisters, and for the extreme remedy of the stub- 
 born obstinacy of the fore-named impenitent. 
 And because thou hast promised thyself ever to 
 be with us, but especially with such as uprightly 
 work in the ministry of thy Church, whom also 
 thou hast promised to instruct and guide by the 
 dictament of thine Holy Spirit, we most humbly 
 beseech thee so to govern and assist us in the 
 execution of this our charge, that whatsoever 
 we in thy name do here pronounce on earth, 
 thou wilt ratify the same in heaven. Our as- 
 surance, O Lord, is thine expressed word ; and 
 therefore, in boldness of the same, here in thy 
 name, and at the commandment of this thy pre- 
 sent congregation, we cut off, seclude, and ex- 
 communicate from thy body, and from our so- 
 ciety, N., as a person slanderous, a proud con- 
 temner, and a mem])er, for this present, alto- 
 gether corrupted and pernicious to the body. 
 And this his sin (albeit with sorrow of heart), by 
 virtue of our ministry, we bind and pronounce 
 the same to be bound in heaven and on earth. 
 We further give over into the hands and power 
 
^ . — — ^ 
 
 AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 167 j 
 
 of the devil the said N., to the destruction of his I 
 flesh, straitly charging all that profess the Lord ! 
 Jesus, to whose knowledge this our sentence shall | 
 come, to repute and hold the said N. accursed, 
 and unworthy of the familiar society of Chris- 
 tians : declaring unto all men, that such as here- 
 after before his repentance shall haunt or fa- 
 miliarly accompany with him, are partakers of 
 his impiety, and subject to the like condemna- 
 tion. This our sentence, O Lord Jesus, pro- 
 nounced in thy name, and at thy commandment, 
 we humbly desire thee to ratify according to thy 
 promise. And yet, Lord, thou that camest to 
 save that which was lost, look upon him with the 
 eyes of thy mercy, if thy good pleasure be ; and 
 so pierce thou his heart, that he may feel in his 
 breast the terrors of thy judgment, that by thy 
 grace he fruitfully may be converted to thee; 
 and so damning his own impiety, he may be with 
 the like solemnity received within the bosom of 
 thy Church, from the which this day (with grief 
 and dolor of our hearts) he is ejected. 
 
 Lord, in thy presence, we protest that our own 
 affections move us not to this severity, but only 
 the hatred of sin, and obedience that we give to 
 thine own commandment. And therefore, O 
 
 ^ 
 
^ 
 
 168 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 heavenly Father, we crave the perpetual assistance 
 of thine Holy Spirit, not only to bridle our cor- 
 rupted affections, but also to conduct us in all the 
 course of our whole life, that we never fall to the 
 like impiety and contempt, but that continually 
 we may be subject to the voice of thy Church, 
 and unto the ministers of the same, who truly 
 offer to us the word of life, the blessed Gospel of 
 thine only beloved Son Jesus Christ; to whom 
 with thee and the Holy Spirit be all praise, glory, 
 and honour, now and ever. Amen. 
 
 The sentence pronounced, and the prayer ended, 
 
 The minister shall admonish the Church, that 
 all the faithful do hold the excommunicate as a 
 heathen, as before is said ; that no man use his 
 familiar company ; and yet that no man accuse 
 him of any other crime than of such as he is con- 
 victed of, and for the which he is excommunicated, 
 but that every man shall secretly call to God for 
 grace to be granted to the excommunicate. Such 
 as have office in the ministry may, upon license 
 required of the Church, speak with the excommu- 
 nicated so long as hope resteth of his conversion ; 
 but if he continue obstinate, then ought all the 
 faithful utterly to abhor his presence and com- 
 
 
AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 169 
 
 muni cation. And yet ought they more earnestly 
 to call to God, that Satan in the end may be 
 confounded, and the creature of God free from 
 his snares by the power of the Lord Jesus. And 
 with the accustomed benediction the assembly 
 shall be dismissed, after they have sung the 101st 
 Psalm, or some portion thereof, as it may edify 
 the congregation. 
 
 El)t ©rDn: to xtttibt tl\t iExtommunicateti again to 
 tije Soct'ftj) ot tijf €i)urc!). 
 
 First, we must observe, that such as deserve 
 death for that crime committed, never be ad- 
 mitted to the society of the Church, until such 
 time as either the magistrate punish according to 
 the law, or else pardon the crime, as before we 
 have said : but such as for other offences and for 
 their contempt are excommunicated, may be re- 
 ceived when they shall earnestly seek the favours 
 of the Church. They must begin at the ministry, 
 the elders and deacons, who must expose their 
 repentance to the minister or ministers in their 
 assembly: a day may be appointed to the ex- 
 communicate to present himself before them. 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 170 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 The signs of this repentance ought to be dili- 
 gently inquired, as what liath been liis behaviour 
 since the time of his excommunication, what he 
 will offer for his satisfaction to the Church, and 
 unto whom he hath exposed the grief and dolor 
 of his heart. If the excommunicated be found 
 penitent and obedient in all things, the minister 
 the next Sunday may give advertisement to the 
 whole Church of his humiliation, and command 
 them to call to God for increase of the same : 
 the next session-day the minister may appoint to 
 the excommunicated such satisfaction as they 
 think most expedient ; to the which, if the ex- 
 communicated fully agree, then may the said 
 minister appoint unto him a certain day when he 
 shall fulfil the same. 
 
 For this is principally to be observed, that no 
 excommunicated person may be received to the 
 society of the Church again, until such time as 
 he hath stood at the church-door at the least 
 more Sundays than one ; which days being ex- 
 pired, and the whole satisfaction complete, some 
 of the elders shall pass to the excommunicated, 
 after that the former prayer of the minister in the 
 pulpit be ended, and shall present him to a cer- 
 tain place appointed for tlie penitents, where he 
 ^ ^ 
 
 I 
 
^ — • 
 
 AXD OF PUBLIC REPENTAXCE. 171 
 
 shall stand in the same habit in the which he 
 made satisfaction, until the sermon be ended: 
 and then shall the same elders that brought him 
 into the Church present him to the minister, 
 witli these or the like words : 
 
 This creature of God, N., that for his wicked- 
 ness and obstinate rebellion hath been excom- 
 municated from the body of Jesus Christ, but 
 now, by the power of the Spirit of God, is called 
 back again by repentance, so far as the judgment 
 of man can perceive, inasmucli as he hath not 
 only craved the favours of the ministry that he 
 might be received into the body of the Church 
 again, but also most obediently hath subjected 
 himself to all that we have commanded, for trial 
 of his humiliation : and therefore we present him 
 before you to be examined ; and if his repentance 
 be sufficient, to be received again to the body of 
 the Church. 
 
 Then shall the minister render thanks, first to 
 God for that part of his humiliation, and also 
 desire the Church of God to do the same with 
 him. Thereafter he shall address him to the ex- 
 communicated person, and first shall lay before 
 ^ —^ 
 
^ : 
 
 172 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION 
 
 liim his sin ; then after, the admonitions that 
 were given unto him to satisfy the Church for 
 the same ; and last, his proud contempt and long 
 obstinacy, for the which he was excommunicated : 
 and of every one he shall require his peculiar 
 confession, with accusation of himself, and de- 
 testation of his impiety ; which being receiA^ed, 
 he shall render thanks to God as followetli : 
 
 We thank the mercy and goodness of God, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord, for thy conversion, 
 N., into the which thou hast not so much ashamed 
 thyself, as that thou hast confounded and over- 
 come Satan, by whose venomous and deceivable 
 enticements thou hitherto hast been rebellious to 
 the wholesome admonitions of the Church : and 
 yet because we can but only see that which is 
 external, we will join our prayers with thine, that 
 thy humiliation may proceed from the heart. 
 
 Let the prayers appointed to be said in the receiving of 
 the penitent he said also here : which ended, let the 
 Church and the penitent he admonished as it is ex- 
 pressed, except that the crime of his excommunica- 
 tion must ever he alleged and mentioned. 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
A>'D OF PUBLIC KEPENTANCE. 173 
 
 ^\)t ^xnvtx tontaming i)is tertibing to tfje ©Jjuvrlj. 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ, King, Teacher, and our 
 eternal Priest, who with the preaching of thy 
 blessed Gospel hast joined the power to bind 
 and loose the sins of men, who hast also pro- 
 nounced, that whatsoever by thy ministers is 
 bound on earth shall be bound in the heaven, 
 and also that whatsoever is loosed by the same 
 shall be loosed and absolved with thee in the 
 heaven ; look, O Lord, mercifully upon this thy 
 creature, N., &c., whom Satan of long time hath 
 holden in bondage, so that not only he drew him 
 to iniquitj", but also that he so hardened his 
 heart, that he despised all admonitions ; for the 
 which his sin and contempt we were compelled 
 to excommunicate him from our body : but now, 
 O Lord, seeing that the Spirit of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ hath so far prevailed in him, that he is re- 
 turned to our society, may it please thee, for the 
 obedience of our Lord Jesus, so to accept him, 
 that his former disobedience be never laid to his 
 charge, but that he may increase in all godliness, 
 till that Satan finally be trodden under his feet 
 and ours, by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ ; 
 ^ 
 
^ _ ^^ 
 
 174 ORDER OF EXCOMMU^'ICATION 
 
 to whom with thee and the Holy Spirit be all 
 honour and glory, now and ever. Amen. 
 
 STfjr jTovm of ^tsolution. 
 
 In the name and authority of Jesus Christ, 1 the 
 minister of his blessed Evangel, with consent of 
 the whole ministry and Church, absolve thee, N., 
 from the sentence of excommunication, from the 
 sin by thee committed, and from all censures 
 laid against thee for the same before, according 
 to thy repentance, and pronounce thy sin to be 
 loosed in heaven, and thee to be received again 
 to the society of Jesus Christ, to his body the 
 Church, to the participation of his sacraments, 
 and, finally, to the fruition of all his benefits, in 
 the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Spirit. Amen. 
 
 The absolution pronounced, the minister shall 
 then call him brother, and admonish him to watch 
 and pray, that he fall not in the like temptation, 
 that he be thankful for the mercy shewed unto 
 him, and that he shew the fruits of his conversion 
 in life and conversation. 
 
 ^- 
 
AND OF PUBLIC REPENTANCE. 175 
 
 Thereafter the whole ministry shall embrace 
 him, and such others of the Church as be next 
 unto him ; and then shall a Psalm of thanksgiving 
 be sung. 
 
 This order may be enlarged or contracted as the unsdom 
 of the discreet minister shall think expedient ; for 
 we rather sheiv the ivay to the ignorant than pre- 
 scribe order to the learned. 
 
 Preserve the public face of thy Church within 
 this realm, O Lord: dilate the kingdom of thy 
 Son Jesus Christ universally, and so further dis- 
 close and break down the tyranny of that Roman 
 antichrist, by the power of thy Son our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. Anno 1567. 
 
 Rom. xvi. 
 
 Soli sapienti Deo per Jesum Christum gloria in per- 
 
 petuum. Amea. 
 
 ^ 
 
y^ ^ 
 
 17G ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION. 
 
 This Book is thought necessary and profitable for the 
 Cfmrchy and commanded to be printed by the Ge- 
 neral Assembly. Set forth by John Knox, Mi- 
 nister ; and signed by us, ivhose names follow, as we 
 are appointed by the said General Assembly. 
 
 John Willok. 
 M. John Craig. 
 Robert Pont. 
 John Row. 
 
 David Lindesay. 
 GuLiELMUs Chris- 
 
 TISONUS. 
 
 James Craig, ike. 
 
 ^ 
 
•^ ^ 
 
 A TREATISE OF FASTING. 
 
 The Superintendents, Ministers, and Commissioners of 
 Churches reformed, within the realm of Scotland, 
 meeting in the General Assembly at Edinburgh, the 
 2hth of December, anno 1565 ; 
 
 To all that truly profess the Lord Jesus within the 
 same realm, or elsewhere, with grace and mercy 
 from God the Father, and from his only Son our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, and from the Holy Spirit. 
 
 The present troubles being somewhat considered, 
 but greater feared shortly to follow, it was thought 
 expedient, dearly beloved in the Lord Jesus, that 
 the whole faithful within this realm should toge- 
 ther, and at one time, prostrate themselves before 
 their God, craving of him pardon and mercy for 
 the great abuse of his former benefits, and the 
 assistance of his Holy Spirit, by whose mighty 
 operation we may yet convert to our God, that 
 we provoke him not to take from us the light of 
 his Gospel, which he of his mercy hath caused so 
 clearly of late days to shine within this realm. 
 
 »^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 178 ON FASTING. 
 
 But because that sucli public supplications re- 
 quire always fasting to be joined therewith, and 
 l^ublic fasting craveth certain times and certain 
 exercises of godliness then to be used ^^dth greater 
 straitness than at other times, the whole Assembly, 
 after deliberation, hath appointed the second Sun- 
 day of May, and the third next following the 
 date of the said assemblj^, to that most necessary 
 exercise (as time now standeth) of public fasting. 
 And further it did require the same to be signified 
 by all ministers to their people the Sunday im- 
 mediately before the said second Sunday of May. 
 But lest that the papists shall think that now we 
 begin to authorise and praise that which some- 
 times we have reproved and damned in them ; 
 or else that the ignorant, who know not the com- 
 modity of this most godly exercise, shall contemn 
 the same ; we have thought expedient somewhat 
 to speak to the one and to the other. And unto 
 the papists first we say, that as in purity of con- 
 science we have refused their whole abominations, 
 and, among the rest, that their superstitious and 
 Pharisaical manner of fasting, so even unto this 
 day we do continue in the same purpose, boldly 
 affirming that their fasting is no fasting that 
 ever God approved, but that it is a deceiving of 
 ^ —^ 
 
ON FASTING. 179 
 
 the people, and a mere mocking of God ; which 
 most evidently will appear, if in the Scriptures 
 we search what is the right end of fasting, what 
 fasting pleaseth God, and which it is that his 
 soul abhorreth. Of fasting, in the Scriptures we 
 find two sorts ; the one private, the other public. 
 The private is that which man or woman doeth in 
 secret, and before their God, for such causes as 
 their own consciences beareth record unto them ; 
 as David, during the time that his son, who was 
 begotten in adultery, was stricken with mortal 
 sickness, fasted, wept, and lay upon the ground, 
 because that in the sickness of the child he did 
 consider God's displeasure against himself 5 for 
 the removing whereof he fasted, mourned, and 
 prayed, until such time as he saw God's will ful- 
 filled, by the taking away of the child. Privately 
 fasted Hannah, wife to Elkanah, even in the very 
 solemn feasts, during the time of her barrenness ; 
 for she wept, and ate nothing, but in the bitter- 
 ness of her heart she prayed unto the Lord; 
 neither ceased she from sorrow and mourning 
 until such time as Eli the high priest concurred 
 with her in prayers, by whose mouth, after that 
 he had heard her pitiful complaint, she received 
 comfort. 
 
180 ON FASTING. 
 
 Of this fasting speaketh our Master Jesus 
 Christ, in these words: "When ye fast, be not 
 sad, as the hypocrites ; for they disfigure their 
 faces, that they may seem unto men to fast. But 
 thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head and 
 wash thy face, that thou seem not unto men to 
 fast, but unto thy Father, who seeth in secret, 
 and he will reward thee openly ." Of the same, no 
 doubt, speaketh the apostle, when he saith, " De- 
 fraud not one another, except it be with consent 
 for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fast- 
 ing and prayer." To this private fasting, which 
 standeth chiefly in a temperate diet, and in pour- 
 ing forth of our secret thoughts and necessities 
 before God, can be prescribed no certain rule, 
 certain time, nor certain ceremonies ; but as the 
 causes and occasions why that exercise is used of 
 divers (yea so divers, that seldom it is that many 
 at once are moved with one cause), so are diet, 
 time, together with all other circumstances re- 
 quired to such fasting, put in the liberty of them 
 that use it. To this fasting we have been faith- 
 fully and earnestly exhorted by our presbyters, as 
 oft as the Scriptures, which they entreated, offered 
 unto them occasion. And we doubt not but the 
 godly within this realm have used the same as 
 ^ 
 
ON FASTING. 181 
 
 necessity craved, albeit with the papists Ave blew 
 no trumpets, to appoint thereto certain clays. 
 
 The other kind of fasting is public ; so called 
 because that it is openly commanded, sometimes 
 of a realm, sometimes of a multitude, sometimes 
 of a city, and sometimes of a meaner comjDany, 
 yea, sometimes of particular persons, and yet 
 publicly used, and that for the wealth of a mul- 
 titude. The causes thereof are also divers ; for 
 sometimes the fear of enemies, sometimes the 
 angry face of God punishing, sometimes his 
 threatening to destroy, sometimes iniquity found 
 out that was not rightly before considered, and 
 sometimes the earnest zeal that some bear for the 
 preservation of God's people, for advancing of 
 his glory, and performing of his work according 
 to his promise, move men to public fasting, con- 
 fession of their sins, and solemn prayers, for de- 
 fence against their enemies, recovering of God's 
 favour, removing of his plagues, preservation of 
 his people, and setting forward of that work 
 which he hath of his mercy promised to finish, as 
 in the probations following evidently shall appear. 
 
 When messengers came to Jehoshaphat, saying. 
 There cometh a great multitude against thee 
 from beyond the sea, out of Aram, that is, Syria, 
 ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 182 ON FASTING. 
 
 &c., Jehosliapliat feared, and set himself to seek the 
 Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 
 And Judah gathered themselves together to ask 
 counsel of the Lord ; they came even out of all 
 the cities of Judah to inquire of the Lord. And 
 Jehosliapliat stood in the congregation of Judah 
 and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the 
 new court ; and all Judah stood before the Lord, 
 with their young ones, their wives, and their 
 children. And Jehoshaphat said, O Lord God of 
 our fathers, art not thou God in heaven, and 
 reignest not thou in all kingdoms of the heathen? 
 and in thine hand is power and might, and none 
 is able to withstand thee. Hast not thou, our 
 God, cast out the inhabitants of this land before 
 thy people Israel, and hast given it to the seed 
 of Abraham thy friend for ever? &c. But now 
 the Amorites and Moabites, and Mount Seir, are 
 come to cast us out of thy possession. O Lord 
 our God, shalt thou not judge them ? In us there 
 is no strength to stand against the great multi- 
 tude that Cometh against us, neither know we 
 what to do ; but unto thee are our prayers bent, 
 &c. Of this history we have the first cause of 
 public fasting, and the solemnity thereof, suffi- 
 ciently proved ; for tlie fear of enemies compelled 
 ^^ : 
 
. — ^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 183 
 
 Jehosliaphat to seek the Lord ; he knowing himself 
 burdened with the care of the people, exhorted 
 them to do the same. They from all cities and 
 quarters repaired unto Jerusalem, where, upon 
 an appointed day, the king and the people, yea, 
 wives and children, presented themselves before 
 the Lord in his holy temple, opened their ne- 
 cessity, craved his help against that raging mul- 
 titude, that always was enemy to God's people, 
 and gave open confession of their own weakness, 
 leaning only to the promise and protection of the 
 Omnipotent. Which example, we and every 
 people likewise assaulted, may and ought to follow 
 in every point : this only excepted, that we are 
 not bound to meet at any one appointed place, 
 as they did at Jerusalem ; for to no one certain 
 and several place is that promise made, that then 
 was made to the temple of Jerusalem, wdiich w'as, 
 that whatsoever men in their extremity should 
 ask of God in it, God should grant it from his 
 hol}^ habitation in the heaven. Jesus the Mes- 
 sias, then looked for, whose presence was sought 
 in the mercy-seat and betwixt the cherubim, is 
 now entered within the veil, that is, in the hea- 
 ven, and there abideth only Mediator for us, 
 unto whom, from all the coasts of the earth, w^e 
 
 -y^ 
 
184 ON FASTING. 
 
 may lift up our hands, direct our prayers, suppli- 
 cations, and complaints, and be assured that they 
 shall be received, in whatsoever place we meet. 
 And yet, in time of such public exercises, we 
 would Avish that all men and women should 
 rejjair to such places as their consciences may be 
 best instructed, their faith most edified, repent- 
 ance most lively stirred up in them, and they by 
 God's word may be most assured that their just 
 petitions shall not be repelled. AVhicli things 
 cannot be done so lively in secret and private 
 meditation as they are in public assembly, where 
 Christ Jesus is truly preached. And thus mvich 
 shortly for the first cause. 
 
 Of the second, to wit, that the angry face of 
 God punishing ought to drive us to public fast- 
 ing and humiliation of our souls before our God, 
 we have two notable examples, — the one written 
 in Joshua ; where, hearing and understanding that 
 Israel had turned the back before the Canaanites, 
 and the elders of Israel rent their clothes, they fell 
 upon their faces before the ark of the Lord until 
 the night, and cast dust upon their heads, in 
 sign of their humiliation and dejection. The 
 other is expressed in the book of Judges ; where 
 Israel, being commanded by God to fight against 
 
—-^^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 185 
 
 Benjamin, because that they maintained wicked 
 men that deserved death, lost the first day twenty 
 thousand of their army, and the second day 
 eighteen thousand. At the first loss they were 
 lightly touched, and asked counsel if they should 
 renew the battle; but at the second overthrow 
 the whole people repaired unto the house of the 
 Lord, sat there, wept before the Lord, and fasted 
 that day until night ; for then began they to con- 
 sider God's angry face against them. 
 
 In this last history there appeareth just cause 
 why the peoi:>le should have run to the only re- 
 fuge of God, because that their first army of forty 
 thousand men was utterly destroyed. 
 
 But what just occasion had Joshua so lament- 
 ably to complain, yea, so boldly, as it were, to 
 accuse God that he had deceived him in that 
 that against his promise he had suffered Israel to 
 fall before their enemies : was the loss of thirty 
 men (no more fell that day in the edge of the 
 sword) so great a matter, that he should despair 
 of any better success, that he should accuse God 
 that he had brought them over Jordan, and that 
 he should fear that the whole army of the Lord 
 should be environed about and consumed in the 
 rage of their enemies ? Yea, if Israel had only 
 
 ^i- 
 
186 ON FASTING. 
 
 looked no further than to the loss of the forty 
 thousand men, they had been but feeble soldiers, 
 for they had sufficient strength remaining be- 
 hind ; for what were forty thousand in respect of 
 all the tribes of Israel? Nay, nay, dear brethren, 
 it was another thing than the present loss that 
 terrified and feared their consciences, and made 
 them so effeminate (so would flesh judge) to 
 complain, weep, and howl before God ; to wit, 
 they saw his angry face against them ; they saw 
 his hand fortify their enemies, and to fight against 
 them whom both he had commanded to fight and 
 had promised to endue with victory ; for every 
 commandment of God to do any thing against 
 his enemies hath included within it a secret pro- 
 mise of his godly assistance; which they found 
 not in the beginning of their enterprises ; and 
 therefore they did consider the fierceness of his 
 displeasure, and did tremble before his angry 
 face, whose miglity hand they found to fight 
 against them ; and that was the cause of their 
 grievous complaints, and fearful crying before 
 their God. What was the cause tliat God dealt 
 so strangely with the one and with the other? 
 We may perchance somewhat speak, when that 
 we shall intreat of the fruits of fasting, and of 
 ^ ^ 
 
ON FASTING. 187 
 
 those things that may hold back from us the 
 assistance of God, even when we prepare us to 
 put his commandment in execution. 
 
 The third cause of public fasting is God's 
 threatenings, pronounced either against a mul- 
 titude or against a person in particular. Of the 
 former the example is Nineveh, unto the which 
 Jonas cried, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall 
 be destroyed : which unpleasant tidings coming 
 to the ears of the king, he proclaimed a fast, he 
 humbled his own soul, yea, even in sackcloth, 
 and sitting in the dust, he straitly commanded 
 reformation of manners in all estates, yea, and 
 that signs of repentance, of terrors, and fear, 
 should appear, not only in men and women, but 
 also in the brute beasts, from whom was all kind 
 of nourishment commanded to be withdrawn, to 
 witness that they feared as well God's judgment 
 to fall upon the creatures that served them in their 
 impiety, as upon themselves, that had provoked 
 God to that hot displeasure. Of the other the 
 example is most notable (most notable we say), 
 because that it fell on a wricked man, to wit, on 
 Ahab, who, by instigation of his wicked wife 
 Jezebel, gave himself to do all iniquity. And 
 yet, when that he heard the fearful threatenings 
 ^ ^ 
 
^- ^ 
 
 188 ON FASTING. 
 
 1 of God pronounced by the prophet Elijah against 
 
 j him, against his wife and house, he rent his royal 
 
 ! garments, put on sackcloth, slept therein, fasted, 
 
 and went barefooted. What ensued the one and 
 
 the other of these, we shall hear hereafter. 
 
 The fourth cause of public fasting and mourn- 
 ing (for they two must ever be joined) is iniquity 
 descried that Avas not before rightlj^ considered ; 
 the testimony whereof we have in Ezra, after the 
 reduction of the captivity, and that the temple 
 and the Avork of the Lord's house was stayed. It 
 was shewed unto Ezra that the people of Israel, 
 the priests and the Levites, were not separated 
 from the people of the nations, but that they did 
 according to their abominations ; for they married 
 unto themselves and unto their sons the daughters 
 of the Canaanites, the Perizzites, Hivites, Jebu- 
 sites, Amorites, Moabites, and Egyptians ; so that 
 the holy seed was mixed with profane idolaters. 
 "Which thing being understood, and more deeply 
 considered than it was before, — for then Ezra saw 
 just cause why the work of the Lord prospered 
 not in their hands, — this considered, we say, Ezra, 
 taking upon him the sin and offence of the whole 
 people, rent his clothes, and pulled forth the 
 hairs of his head and beard, sat as a man desolate 
 
^i 
 
 ON FASTING. 189 
 
 of all comfort till the evening sacrifice ; and then 
 rising, he bowed his knees, and stretched forth 
 his hands before the Lord, and made a most 
 simple and humble confession of all the enormi- 
 ties that were committed by the people, as well 
 before the captivity as after their returning ; and 
 ceased not his lamentable complaint until such 
 time as a great multitude of men, women, and 
 children, moved by his example, wept vehe- 
 mently, and promised redress of that present 
 disorder and impiety. 
 
 Of the last cause of public fasting, to w it, the 
 zeal that certain persons bear for the preservation 
 of God's people, for advancing of his glory, and I 
 performing of his work according to his promise, j 
 we have example in Mordecai, Daniel, and in j 
 the faithful assembled at Antioch. For when that j 
 Mordecai heard of that cruel sentence, which, j 
 by the procurement of Haman, was pronounced 
 against his nation, to wit, that upon a certain 
 appointed day the Jews in all the provinces of 
 the king Artaxerxes should be destroyed, old 
 and young, men and women, and that their sub- 
 stance should be distributed in prey ; this bloody 
 sentence, we say, being heard, Mordecai rent his 
 clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, passed forth 
 
190 ON FASTING. 
 
 through the midst of the city, and cried with a 
 great and bitter cry ; and coming to the king's 
 gate, gave knowledge to Esther what cruelty 
 was decreed against the nation of the Jews, will- 
 ing her to make intercession to the king for the 
 contrary ; who, after certain excuses, said, Go 
 and gather all the Jews that are in Shushan, and 
 fast for me, eat not nor drink not three days and 
 three nights; and I also and mine handmaids 
 shall likewise fast, although that I should perish. 
 In this we may clearly see, that the zeal that 
 Mordecai had to preserve the people of God 
 moved not only himself to public fasting, but 
 also Esther the queen, her maids, and the whole 
 Jews that heard of the murder intended, and 
 moved Esther also to hazard her life in going 
 unto the king without his commandment. 
 
 Of the other, to wit, the earnest desire that 
 God's servants have that God will perform his 
 promise, and maintain that he hath begun, exam- 
 ple we have in Daniel and in the Acts of the 
 Apostles. For Daniel, understanding the number 
 of the years forespoken by the prophet Jeremiah, 
 that Jerusalem should be wasted, to have been 
 ended in the first year of the reign of Darius, 
 turned himself unto God, fasted, humbled him- 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 191 
 
 self in sackcloth and ashes, and with unfeigned 
 confession of his own sins, and of the sins of the 
 people, he vehemently prayed, that according to 
 the promises sometimes made by Moses, after 
 rehearsed by the prophet Isaiah and Jeremiah, 
 he would suddenly send them deliverance, and 
 that he would not delay it, for his own name's 
 sake. 
 
 When the Gentiles began to be illuminated, 
 and Antioch had so boldly received the Gospel 
 of Jesus Christ, that the disciples in it first of 
 all took upon them the name of Christians, the 
 principal men of the same Church, trusting, no 
 doubt, that the kingdom of Jesus Christ should 
 further be enlarged, and that the multitude of 
 the Gentiles should be instructed in the right 
 way of salvation, fasted and prayed ; and while 
 they were so exercised, charge was given, that 
 Paul and Barnabas should be separated from 
 the rest, to the work whereunto God had called 
 them, &c. 
 
 Of these former histories and Scriptures we 
 may clearly see for what causes public fasting 
 and general supplications have been made in the 
 Church of God, and ought to be made whenso- 
 ever the like necessities appear, or occasions are 
 ;^__ _- ^ 
 
p. 
 
 192 ON FASTING. 
 
 offered. Now let us shortly hear what comfort 
 and fruit ensueth the same ; for the enemy, yea, 
 the murderer of all godly exercises is desperation ; 
 for with what courage can any man with con- 
 tinuance call upon God, if he shall desperately 
 doubt whether God shall accept his prayer or 
 not ? How shall he humble himself before his 
 throne, or to what end shall he confess his of- 
 fences, if he be not persuaded that there is mercy 
 and good will in God to pardon his sins, to ac- 
 cept him in favour, and to grant unto him more 
 
 True it is, that this venom of desperation is 
 never thoroughly purged from our hearts so long 
 as we carry this mortal carcass ; but yet the con- 
 stant promises of our God, and the manifold do- 
 cuments of his mercy and help shewed unto men 
 in their greatest extremity, ouglit to animate us 
 to follow their example, and to hope for the same 
 success that they have gotten above man's ex- 
 pectation. Jehoshaphat, after his humiKation and 
 prayer, obtained the victory without the loss of 
 any of his soldiers ; for the Lord raised Amnion 
 and Moab against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, 
 who, being utterly destroyed, every one of the 
 
ON FASTING. 193 
 
 enemies of God's people lift up his sword against 
 another, till that of that godless multitude there 
 was not one left alive. Joshua and the Israelites 
 after their dejection were comforted again. Nine- 
 veh was preserved, albeit that Jonas had cried 
 destruction. Yea, Ahab, notwithstanding all his 
 ungodliness, lost not his fruit of humiliation, but 
 was recompensed with delay of the uttermost of 
 the plagues during his lifetime. The mourning 
 of Ezra was turned into joy, w^hen that he saw 
 the people walling obey God, and the work of 
 the house of the Lord go forward. The bitter 
 crying of Mordecai, and the painful fasting of 
 Esther, w^re abundantly reAvarded, when not 
 only the people of God were preserved, but Ha- 
 man, their mortal enemy, was hanged upon the 
 same gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. 
 Daniel, after his fasting, confession, and prayer, 
 got most notable revelations, and assurance that 
 his people should be delivered, yea, that in all 
 extremities they should be preserved, till that 
 the ]Messias promised unto them shoidd come, 
 and manifestly shew himself. And the godly 
 of Antioch Avere not frustrated of their comfort, 
 when they had heard how mightily God had 
 wrought amongst the Gentiles, by the ministry 
 )^ ^ 
 
3C( ^ 
 
 194 ON FASTING. 
 
 of Barnabas and Paul. So that we may boldly 
 conclude, that as God hath never despised the 
 petitions of such as with unfeigned hearts have 
 sought his comfort in their necessities, so he will 
 not send us away empty and void, if with true 
 repentance we seek his face. 
 
 If any would ask, in what extremity we find 
 ourselves now to be that heretofore we have not 
 seen, and what are the occasions that should 
 move us now to humble ourselves before our 
 God by public fasting, more than we did in the 
 beginning, when this Gospel was now last of- 
 fered unto us, for then, by all appearance, we 
 and it in our persons stood in greater danger 
 than we do yet ; we answer, that the causes are 
 more than, for grief of heart, we can express. 
 First, because that in the beginning we had not 
 refused God's graces, but contrariwise with such 
 fervency we received them, that we could bear 
 with no kind of impiety ; but for the suppress- 
 ing of the same, we neither had respect to 
 friend, possession, land, or life, but we put all 
 in hazard, that God's truth might be advanced, 
 and idolatry might be suppressed. And there- 
 fore did our God, by the mouth of his messen- 
 gers, in all our adversities, assure us that our 
 
^ ^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 195 
 
 enemies should . not prevail against us, but that 
 they should be subdued under us, that our God 
 should be glorified in our example and upright 
 dealing. But now, since that carnal wisdom 
 hath persuaded us to bear with manifest idolatrj'-, 
 and to suffer this realm, which God had once 
 purged, to be polluted again with that abomina- 
 tion ; yea, alas, since that some of us, whom God 
 made sometimes instruments to suppress that im- 
 piety, have been the chief men to conduct and 
 convey that idol throughout all the quarters of 
 this realm, yea, to the houses of them that some- 
 times detested the mass, as the devil and his ser- 
 vice ; since that time, we say, we have found the 
 face of our God angry against us, his threaten- 
 ings have been sharp in the mouths of his mes- 
 sengers, which albeit for the time we despised 
 and mocked, yet just experience convicteth us 
 that we were wicked, and that they in threaten- 
 ing us did nothing but the duty of God's true 
 messengers. 
 
 And this is the second cause that moveth us 
 to this public humiliation rather now than in 
 the beginning, to wit, that then we followed 
 God, and not carnal wisdom, and therefore made 
 he few in number fearful to many, fools before 
 ^ -^ 
 
^ 
 
 196 ON FASTING. 
 
 the world to confound the wise, and such as 
 before never had experience in weapons, God 
 made so bold and so prosperous in all their en- 
 terprises, that the expertest soldiers feared the 
 poor ploughmen, yea, our God fought for us by 
 sea and by land, he moved the hearts of strangers 
 to support us, and to spend their lives for our re- 
 lief. But now, alas, we see no sign of his former 
 favour; for wisdom or manhood, strength and 
 friends, honour and blood, joined with godliness, 
 are fallen before our eyes, to let us understand 
 what shall be our destruction, if in time we turn 
 not to our God, before that his wrath be further 
 kindled. But this is not the end ; for men had 
 before hope (or at least, some opinion) that God 
 should move the queen's heart to hear the blessed 
 Gospel of Jesus Christ truly preached, and con- 
 sequently that she would abandon all idolatry 
 and false religion ; but now she hath given 
 answer in plain words, that that religion in 
 which she hath been nourished (and that is mere 
 abomination) she will maintain and defend. And 
 in declaration thereof, of late days there is erected 
 a displayed banner against Jesus Christ : for cor- 
 rupted hypocrites, and such as have been known 
 deceivers of the people, are now authorised to 
 
 ^< ^ 
 
^ ^^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 197 
 
 spue out their poison against Jesus Christ, his 
 eternal truth, and the true messengers of the 
 same. That idol, the mass, is now again in 
 divers places erected : and what hereof maj^ 
 ensue, yea, or what we may expect shall be the 
 end of such unhappy beginnings, we desire the 
 godly deeply to consider. 
 
 But let it be granted that we had not fallen 
 back from our former fervency ; that we saw not 
 God's angry face, threatening us with more fear- 
 ful plagues to follow ; that the best part of our 
 nobility were not exiled this realm ; neither yet 
 that our sovereign were an enemy to our religion, 
 and that she bare no greateB favour to flattering 
 friars and to corrupt papists than she doth to our 
 pure preachers ; — supposing, we say, that we had 
 none of these foresaid causes to move us (howbeit 
 we have them all, and more, if that we list to 
 remember them), yet is there one, which if it 
 move us not to humiliation, we shew ourselves 
 more than insensible ; for now is Satan so en- 
 larged against Jesus Christ, so odious is the 
 light of his Gospel unto that Roman antichrist, 
 that to suppress it in one province, realm, or 
 nation, he thinketh it nothing, unless that in 
 all Europe the godly, and such as abhor the 
 ^ . ^ 
 
198 ON FASTING. 
 
 papistical impiety, be therewith also utterly 
 destroyed, and so razed from the face of the 
 earth, that no memory of them shall after 
 remain. 
 
 If any think that such cruelty cannot fall into 
 the hearts of men, we send them to be resolved 
 of those fathers of the last council of Trent, who, 
 in one of their sessions, have thus concluded: 
 ^' All Lutherans, Calvinists, and such as are of the 
 new religion, shall utterly be rooted out. The 
 beginning shall be in France, by conducting of 
 the Catholic king, Philip of Spain, and by some 
 of the nobility of France ; w'hich matter (they 
 say) put in execution, the w^hole power of both, 
 together with the pope's army, and the forces 
 of tiie Duke of Savoy and Ferrar, shall assault 
 Geneva, and shall not leave it till they have put 
 it to the sack, saving in it no living creature." 
 
 And w^ith the same mercy shall so many of 
 France as have tasted of the new religion be 
 served. From thence expedition shall be made 
 against the Germans, to reduce them to the obe- 
 dience of the apostolic seat. And so shall they 
 proceed to other realms and nations, never ceasing 
 till that all be rooted out that will not make 
 homage to that Roman idol. How fearful a be- 
 
^ —yk 
 
 ON FASTIXG. 199 
 
 ginning this conclusion and determination had, 
 France will remember for more ages than one : 
 for how many, above an hundred thousand men, 
 women, babes, virgins, matrons, and aged fa- 
 thers, suffered, some by sword, some by water, 
 some by fire and other torments, the very enemies 
 themselves are compelled to acknowledge. And 
 albeit that God of his mercy in part disappointed 
 their cruel enterprises, yet let us not think that 
 their will is changed, or their malice assuaged. 
 No, let us be assured that they abide but oppor- 
 tunity to finish the work, which cruelly against 
 God, against his truth, and the true professors 
 of the same, they have begun ; the whisperings 
 whereof are not secret, neither yet the tokens 
 obscure : for the traffic of that dragon now with 
 the princes of the earth, and his promises and 
 flattering enticements, tend to none other end 
 but to inflame them against Jesus Christ, and 
 against the true professors of his Gospel. For 
 who can think that the pope, cardinals, and 
 horned bishops, will offer the greatest jiortion 
 of their rents for sustaining of a war whereof 
 no commodity shall redound (as they suppose) 
 to themselves? If any think that we accuse 
 them without cause, let them hear their own 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ 
 
 200 ON FASTING. 
 
 words ; for this tliey wrote near the end of the 
 same decree : 
 
 " And to the end that the holy fathers on their 
 l^art appear not to be negligent or unwilling to 
 give their aid and siipjiort unto so holy a war, or 
 to spare their own rents and money, they have 
 added, that the cardinals shall content themselves 
 with the yearly rent of five or six thousand ducats, 
 and the richest bishops with two or three thousand 
 at the most, and to give frankly the rest of their 
 revenues to the maintaining of the war, which is 
 made for the extirpation of the Lutherans' and 
 Calvinists' sect, and for re-establishing of the 
 Roman Church, till such time as the matter be 
 conducted to a good and happy end." If these 
 be not open declarations in what danger all the 
 faithful stand, if they can bring their cruelty to 
 pass, let very idiots judge. But let us hear their 
 conclusion. " France and Germany," say they, 
 " being by these means so chastised, abased, and 
 brought to the obedience of the holy Roman 
 Church, the fathers doubt not but time shall 
 provide both counsel and commodity, that the 
 rest of the realms around may be reduced to 
 one flock, and one apostolic governor and pas- 
 tor," &c. 
 
 X^-— —^ 
 
^ _^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 201 
 
 By this conclusion, we think that the very 
 blind may see what is purposed against the saints 
 of God in all realms and nations, to wit, destruc- 
 tion with cruelty, or else to make them to worship 
 the blasphemous beast, who being an idol usurp- 
 eth to himself the name of universal pastor, and 
 being known to be the man of sin and perdition, 
 will be holden for an apostolic governor. But 
 some shall say, they are yet far from the end of 
 their purpose ; and therefore we need not to be so 
 fearful nor so troubled. We answer, the danger 
 may be nearer than we believe, yea, perchance a 
 part of it hath been nearer to our necks than 
 we have considered. But however it be, seeing 
 that God of his mercy hath brought forth to light 
 their cruel and bloody counsel, in which we need 
 not to doubt but still they continue, it becometh 
 us not to be negligent or slothful ; but we ought 
 to follow the example of Hezekiah, the king of 
 Judah, who, receiving not only the desjiiteful an- 
 swer, but also the blasphemous and threatening 
 letter of Sennacherib, first sent unto the prophet 
 Isaiah, and pitifully complained of the instant 
 troubles, willing him to make intercession unto 
 God for the remnant that were left. Unto whom, 
 albeit that the prophet answered comfortably, 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 202 ON FASTING. 
 
 assuring the king that the enemy should not come 
 so near as to shoot dart or arrow within Jerusa- 
 lem, yet ceased not the godly king to present 
 himself in the temple of the Lord, and as a man 
 despairing of all worldly comfort, spread abroad 
 the letters that proud Sennacherib had sent unto 
 him, and made unto God his most fervent prayer, 
 as in the 37th chapter of the prophet Isaiah we 
 may read. The enemy had turned back, and 
 God had put a bridle in his nostrils ; and so men 
 might have thought that the king needed not to 
 have been so sore troubled : but the Spirit of God 
 instructed the heart of his servant to seek help 
 where it was only to be found, and from the 
 hands of God, who only Avas able to put final end 
 to that tyranny. The example, we say, of this 
 approved servant of God we ought to follow now, 
 when the like destruction is intended against us, 
 yea, not against one realm only, but against all 
 that profess the Lord Jesus, as before we have 
 heard. Albeit that God of his mercy hath stayed 
 the fury of papists for a time, we ought not to 
 think that their malice is changed ; neither such 
 as truly profess the Lord Jesus can be in security 
 so long as that Babylonian whore hath power to 
 enchant the princes of the earth. Let us there- 
 ^ >(^ 
 
ON FASTING. 203 
 
 fore, understanding that she, being drunken with 
 the blood of the saints, can never repent of cruelty 
 and murder, use against her the spiritual weapons, 
 to wit, earnest invocation of God's name, by the 
 which we find the proud tyrants of the earth, 
 in times past, to have been overthrown. 
 
 Above all these causes aforesaid, we have yet 
 one that ought not to be omitted, to wit, that 
 the body of this realm hath long enjoyed quiet- 
 ness, while that other nations about us have been 
 severely jjlagued. What thousands died in the 
 East countries, and in England, of the pestil- 
 ence, anno 1564, their own confessions bear re- 
 cord ; what cruelty hath been executed in France, 
 what towns spoiled and murder committed, some- 
 what before we have declared, and more we 
 might, if that we had not respect to brevity and 
 time ; and what trouble is presently, and long 
 hath been, betwixt Denmark and Sweden, the 
 posterity of that country will after understand. 
 And in all this time, now six years and more, 
 hath God spared us; so that the public estate 
 hath always remained quiet, except within these 
 few months. Ought not the deep consideration 
 of this to move us now to stoop before our God ? 
 For have we been spared because that our rebel- 
 ^ 
 
204 ON FASTING. 
 
 lion to God is less than is the rebellion of those 
 nations that we have seen punished ? If we think 
 so, we are far deceived. 
 
 For in so great light of the Gospel, we think 
 that greater disobedience was never shewed unto 
 God, nor greater ingratitude unto his messengers, 
 since the days of the apostles, than of late years 
 hath been (and yet is) within this realm. Ido- 
 latry is obstinately maintained ; whoredom and 
 adultery are but pastimes of the flesh ; slaughter 
 and murder is esteemed small sin, if any man 
 have friend in court ; crafty dealing with the 
 simple, deceit and oppression, are counted good 
 conquest, yea, alas, almost universally ; parti- 
 ality in judgment is but interpretation of laws ; 
 yea, delaying of justice, what matter is that ? 
 what reverence is had to God's messengers ? 
 and what respect unto the poor, that now so 
 multiply within this realm, that the like hath 
 seldom been seen? Though we may cease, the 
 stones will cry, and condemn us. And yet what 
 superfluity, what vanity, what feasting, riotous 
 banqueting, have been, and yet are used, in court, 
 country, and towns ! Although the tongues of 
 men dare not speak, yet we think the purses of 
 some feel, and in their manner complain. If 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ 55^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 205 
 
 these be not sins that crave plagues from God, 
 we humbly desire men to consider what are the 
 sins that were laid to the charge of Sodom and 
 Gomorrah by the prophet Ezekiel. 
 
 Now, say we, God before our eyes hath 
 punished others; and can he spare us, being 
 more sinful than they were ? Nay, he cannot. 
 And therefore there rests nothing unto us but 
 utter destruction, if we unfeignedly turn not 
 unto our God, before that his wrath be further 
 kindled against us. Judgment is begun in his 
 own house ; for if within Scotland, amongst 
 men of their estate, there were to be found equity, 
 justice, temperance, compassion upon the poor, 
 and upright conscience, they did most clearly 
 shine in them whom God before our eyes hath 
 first dejected. Therefore yet again we say, that 
 only repentance can save us from plagues more 
 grievous than they have felt, or than we have 
 seen of many years within this realm. 
 
 But now we know, that such as neither love 
 God, nor truly fear his judgments, — for many 
 atheists we have and rank papists within this 
 realm, — shall grudge and cry. What new cere- 
 mony is this that now we hear of? wherefore 
 shall we fast? and who hath power to command 
 ^ _^ 
 
^ — ^ 
 
 206 ON FASTING. 
 
 US SO to do? A fig of their fasting! we will 
 fill and stuff' our bellies after the old fashion. 
 Let not the godly be offended at the taunts and 
 reproaches of such godless people; but let us 
 tremble before our God, and consider that such 
 hath been the proud contempt of the wicked in 
 all ages before us ; as in the prophets we may- 
 read. For Isaiah complaineth, saying, " And in 
 that day did the Lord God of hosts call to weep- 
 ing, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to 
 girding with sackcloth: and, behold, joy and 
 gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating 
 flesh, and drinking wine : let us eat and drink ; 
 for to-morrow we shall die" (Is. xxii. 12, 13). 
 But let us consider what answer they receive : 
 " Surely this iniquity shall not be jDurged from 
 you till ye die, saith the Lord God of hosts" 
 (Is. xxii. 14). Jeremiah the prophet preached 
 and cried even to the king and to the queen, 
 and commanded them to walk in lowliness, to do 
 justice, to repress imj)iety ; and so he promised 
 that they should sit still upon their throne in 
 joy and quietness. But if they would not, he 
 boldly pronounced that their carcasses should 
 be cast to the heat of the sun, and to the frost 
 and cold of the night. Ezekiel, in his age, 
 ^ ^ 
 
ON FASTING. 207 
 
 usetli the same order ; and in liis own body 
 sheweth unto them signs of humiliation, and 
 of the jilagues that should apprehend them for 
 their rebellion. 
 
 All their admonitions were despised, we con- 
 fess ; but thereto we should not look, but unto 
 that which ensued such proud contempt. 
 
 If we would that our places should be so de- 
 stroyed, that they should remain desolate, and 
 be dens to dragons ; if we would that our land 
 shoidd be laid waste, and be a i)rey to our ene- 
 mies ; and if we would that the rest of the 
 plagues threatened by the prophets, and which 
 have apprehended the disobedient before us, 
 should come upon us in full perfection, — then 
 we need neither to fast nor pray, repent nor 
 turn to God : but if we desire either to find 
 mercy in this life, or joy and comfort in the life 
 to come, we must shew ourselves unfeignedly 
 sorry for the abominations that now universally 
 reign ; we must be like Lot in Sodom, and Noah 
 in that catholic defection from God which was 
 in the first age ; and by their examples and not- 
 able deliverance ought we to be encouraged to 
 shew ourselves sorry for this present corruption, 
 and to set ourselves against it to the uttermost of 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
^^ — — — x^ 
 
 208 ON FASTING. 
 
 our powers, unless that we would liave portion 
 with the wicked. 
 
 Neither ought we to be discouraged because 
 that the contemners, godless people, and mockers 
 of all godliness, shall exceed us in number. 
 
 Their number, dear brethren, shall not hurt 
 our innocence, if that we with unfeigned hearts 
 turn unto our God ; for the promise of his mercy 
 is not bound unto the multitude, so that he will 
 not hear but where the greatest part is godly. 
 No, dear brethren ; wheresoever two or three be 
 gathered in his name, there is he in the midst of 
 them ; and again, whosoever calleth upon the 
 name of the Lord, he shall be saved, yea, even 
 when in God's displeasure the whole world shall 
 be plagued. And therefore let us not follow 
 the multitude in evil-doing; but let us decline 
 from the ways of their vanity, and by unfeigned 
 humiliation of ourselves, let us seek favour, be- 
 fore God's vengeance burst out like fire. 
 
 The power that we have to proclaim this fast- 
 ing is not of man, but of God, who by the mouth 
 of his prophet Ezekiel pronounceth this sentence : 
 " If the watchman see the sword, or any plague 
 coming upon the land, if he blow not the trum- 
 ___ — ^ 
 
^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 209 
 
 pet, and plainly warn them to turn to God, and 
 if the sword come and take any away, the wicked 
 shall perish in their iniquity, but their blood shall 
 be required from the hands of the watchman." 
 Now so it is, that God of his mercy hath raised 
 up amongst us more watchmen than one or two, 
 of whose mouths we cannot deny but we have 
 heard fearful threatenings of plagues to follow 
 upon this proud contempt of all God's graces. 
 
 And therefore we, in the fear of our God, will- 
 ing to avoid the uttermost of the plagues, have 
 with one consent concluded this godly exercise, 
 to be used among us, in sign of our unfeigned 
 humiliation ; which albeit the godless shall mock, 
 yet are we assured, that He who once pronoun- 
 ced this sentence (Lev. xxiii. 30), " Whatsoever 
 soul it be that doeth any work in that same 
 day, the same soul will I destroy from among 
 his people. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, 
 and ye shall afflict your souls." The cereniony, 
 and the certain appointed day, we know to be 
 abolished at the coming of Jesus Christ, together 
 with the rest of the figurative ceremonies; but 
 the effect thereof shall abide so long as there 
 abideth any true church upon the face of the 
 earth, unto the which repentance and remission 
 ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 210 ON FASTING. 
 
 of sins are publicly preached. And therefore, 
 albeit we have no corporal punishment to lay 
 upon the contemners of that godly exercise, yet 
 have we the spiritual sword, which once will 
 strike sorer than any material sword can or 
 may. 
 
 The judgments and justice of our God are im- 
 mutable ; he abideth the same and one God that 
 drowned the world by water, that consumed 
 Sodom and Gomorrah with fire from heaven, 
 that plagued Pharaoh, destroyed Jerusalem, and 
 hath executed his fierce judgments in all ages, 
 yea, and even before our eyes ; it is the same 
 God, we say, that this day by his faithful ser- 
 vants calleth us to repentance, whose voice, if 
 we contemn, we declare ourselves rebellious to 
 our God, mockers of his threatening?, and such 
 as sometimes in despite cried, " We will walk 
 according to the lusts of our own hearts, and let 
 the counsel of the Holy One of Israel come as 
 it list." And if we do so, then wo, yea, wo 
 and double damnation unto us; for then, even 
 as assuredly as God liveth, so assuredly shall the 
 plagues that our ears have often heard be poured 
 forth upon us, even in the eyes of this same 
 perverse generation with whom we contemn 
 
^ — ^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 211 
 
 God, and before whom we are neither afraid nor 
 ashamed stubbornly to proceed from sin to con- 
 tempt. Our hope is better of you, dear brethren, 
 that have j)rofessed the Lord Jesus with us within 
 this realm, albeit that this we speak to let you 
 understand what rebellion hath been in flesh 
 before us, and how it hath been punished, that 
 we may learn to stoop before our God by un- 
 feigned repentance ; and then we shall be assured 
 that, according to the promise made by the mouth 
 of Joel, our God shall leave unto us a blessing, 
 albeit that the vehement fire of his wrath shall 
 consume the disobedient. 
 
 But now, lest that we should think that the 
 observation of the ceremony is enough to please 
 God, we must understand what things must be 
 joined with fruitful fasting, and what things they 
 are that may make our fasting odious to our God. 
 And first, we have to understand that fasting, 
 by itself considered, is no such thing as the 
 papists heretofore have imagined : to wit, that it 
 is a work meritorious, and a satisfaction for the 
 sins before committed. No; all they that fast 
 with that intent renounce the merits of Christ's 
 death and passion, insomuch as they ascribe to 
 fasting (which is but an exercise used by man) 
 ^ . __ 
 
212 ON FASTING. 
 
 that which is only proper to Jesus Christ ; which 
 is, that he, by offering up himself once for all, 
 hath made perfect for ever those that shall be 
 sanctified. We must further understand that, as 
 the kingdom of God is neither meat nor drink, 
 so is neither fasting, by itself simply considered, 
 the cause why that kingdom is granted to the 
 chosen, neither yet eating (moderate, we mean,) 
 any cause why the reprobate are frustrate there- 
 of. But unto fasting there must be somewhat 
 joined, if that God shall look upon it at any time 
 in his favour. The prophet Joel is witness here- 
 of, who in the person of God said unto such as 
 he had severely threatened, " Turn ye even to 
 me with all your heart, and with fasting and 
 with weeping" (Joel ii. 12). In which words 
 the Holy Ghost first requireth the conversion of 
 the heart unto God, and thereto joineth fasting 
 and mourning, as witnesses of the sorrow that 
 we have for our former offences, and fear that 
 we have of his severe judgments ; the relief 
 whereof we publicly profess we can obtain by 
 none other means but by God's free mercy, 
 from whom we have before declined. So that 
 the very exercise of fasting and mourning, and 
 prayer therewith annexed, do solemnly protest 
 
 Ke 
 
^. ^ 
 
 ox FASTING. 213 
 
 that by our fasting we merit not ; for he that still 
 confesseth his offence, and in bitterness of heart 
 crieth for mercy, doth not brag of his merits. If 
 the papists reply, Yet God looketh to the fasting, 
 and heareth the prayers of such as rightly humble 
 themselves before him, — we deny not ; but thereto 
 we add, that rightly did never man humble him- 
 self before God that trusted or gloried in the 
 merits of his own Avorks ; for without faith it is 
 impossible to please God, and faith dependeth 
 upon the promise of God's free mercy through 
 Jesus Christ, and not upon the merits of any 
 works. The Pharisee, in bragging, was rejected ; 
 but the publican, in denying himself and calling 
 for mercy, was justified, not hj his works, which 
 he had not, but by grace and mercy, for the which 
 he sobbed. Daniel fasted, confessed his sins and 
 the sins of the people, and thereto he added most 
 earnest and fervent prayers ; but doth he allege 
 any of them as a cause why God should either 
 be merciful to him or to the people ? Nay, we 
 find no such thing, but the plain contrary ; for 
 thus he concludeth : " O my God, incline thine 
 ear and hear ; open thine eyes, and behold our 
 desolations, and the city which is called by thy 
 name: for we do not present our supplications 
 ^ 
 
^ 
 
 214 ON FASTING. 
 
 before thee for our righteousness, but for thy 
 great mercies. O Lord, hear ; O Lord, forgive ; 
 O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine 
 own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy 
 people are called by thy name" (Dan. ix. 18, 19). 
 We may plainlj^ see whereupon this excellent ser- 
 vant of God grounded himself to procure God's 
 favour ; to wit, upon the Lord, that is, upon the 
 Saviour and Mediator promised, upon the most 
 abundant mercy of God, and upon God himself; 
 for he understood what God had promised, as 
 well by the mouth of Moses as by the prophet 
 Isaiah, saying, " See now that I, even 1, am he, 
 and there is no god with me : I kill, and I make 
 alive ; I wound, and I heal" (Deut. xxxii. 39). 
 Upon these and the like promises, we say, did all 
 the saints of God in all their extremities depend, 
 and did look to receive comfort, without all respect 
 to their own works; they damned the best of their 
 owm Avorks, and called them nothing but filthi- 
 ness before God. And therefore yet, as before, 
 we boldly affirm that the papistical fasting was 
 not only vain (for what fasting is it to abstain 
 from flesh, and fill the belly -with fish, wine, 
 spice, and other delicates ?), but also it was odious 
 unto God, and blasphemous to the death of Jesus 
 ^ ^ 
 
ON FASTING. 215 
 
 Christ, for the causes fo rewritten. And thus 
 much shortly'- for those things that must be joined 
 with fruitful fasting. 
 
 Now we have to consider what things may- 
 make our fasting odious, besides this proud 
 opinion of merit, whereof we have spoken. 
 
 It is no doubt but that infidelity maketh all 
 the works of the reprobate odious before God, 
 yea, even when that they do the very works that 
 God hath commanded, as we may read in Matt, 
 ch. V. vi. vii., Isaiah ch. i. Ixvi., and divers other 
 places. But because that infidelitj'^ lurketh often 
 in the heart, and cannot well be espied but by the 
 bitter and rotten fruits that spring thereof, the 
 Spirit of God hath painted forth unto us in plain 
 words what vices may make us and all our works 
 odious before our God, so that neither will he 
 hear our prayers nor regard our fasting. Solomon 
 saith, "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the 
 poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be 
 heard" (Prov. xxi. 13). And Isaiah, in the per- 
 son of God, saith, '' And when ye spread forth 
 your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you : 
 yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not 
 hear: your hands are full of blood" (Is. i. 15). 
 But most plainl}^ to our purpose speaketh the 
 ^ 
 
216 ON FASTING. 
 
 same prophet, saying, of the house of Jacob, "yet 
 they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, 
 as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook 
 not the ordinance of their God : they ask of me 
 the ordinances of justice" (that is, they quarrel 
 with me), " they take delight in approaching to 
 God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and 
 thou seest not ? Wherefore have we afflicted our 
 soul, and thou takest no knowledge." The pro- 
 phet answereth in the person of God, and saith, 
 " Behold, in the day of your fast^^^ou find pleasure, 
 and exact all your labours : behold, ye fast for 
 strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of 
 wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to 
 make your voice to be heard on high," that is, to 
 oppress others ; so that they are compelled to cry 
 unto God. " Is it such a fast that I have chosen, 
 a day for a man to afflict his soul ? is it to bow 
 down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sack- 
 cloth and ashes under him ? wilt ihon call this a 
 fast, and an acceptable day unto the Lord ? Is 
 not this the fast that I have chosen, to loose the 
 bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, 
 and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break 
 every yoke ? is it not to deal thy bread unto the 
 hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are 
 ^ i 
 
ON FASTING. 217 
 
 cast out to thine house ; when thou seest the 
 naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide 
 not thyself from thine own flesh ? Then shall 
 thy light break forth as the morning, and thine 
 health shall spring forth speedily ; and thy 
 righteousness shall go before thee, and the glory 
 of the Lord shall be thy rereward" (Is. Iviii. 2-8). 
 In these most notable sentences, and in such as 
 follow in the same place, we have to mark what 
 things may make our fasting to be rejected of 
 God; what he craveth of such as fast fruitfully; 
 and AA-hat promise he maketh to such as obey 
 him. This people externally professed God ; they 
 daily sought his face, by repairing to the temple, 
 hearing of the law, and exercising of the sacri- 
 fices ; yet did God plague them in more sorts than 
 one, as in the book of the Kings and Chronicles 
 we may read. In their extremity they ran (as 
 to them appeared) to the uttermost refuge, they 
 fasted, and unfeignedly humbled their bodies, — 
 for that the prophet meaneth, when that he saith 
 that they fasted till that their necks were weak- 
 ened, and made faint as a bulrush, for very lack 
 of corporal food : they laid off their gorgeous 
 garments, and put on sackcloth, &c. ; and yet 
 were their troubles nothing relieved. And that 
 ^ ^ 
 
218 ON FASTING. 
 
 was the cause why they quarrelled with God, and 
 said, " Why have we fasted, and thou hast not 
 seen ?" &c. And in very deed, to the natural man 
 it was strange ; for God had promised that he 
 would comfort his people whensoever they should 
 humble themselves before him, notwithstanding 
 their former iniquit3^ 
 
 In the external ceremonies, or in the corporal 
 exercises, there could no fault be espied. Why 
 then doth not God hear them? complain they. 
 God answereth, that their outward profession 
 was but hypocrisy, their fasting was but mocking 
 of God, and their prayers could do nothing but 
 provoke him to further displeasure. Because 
 that albeit they retained the name of God, and 
 albeit that they appeared in his temple, yet had 
 they forsaken both his judgments, statutes, and 
 holy ordinances : albeit the body stooped and 
 was afflicted by fasting, yet remained the heart 
 proud and rebellious against God ; for they fol- 
 lowed their own corrupted ways, they oppressed 
 such as were subject unto them, their heavy yokes 
 lay upon the necks of such as could not rid them- 
 selves from their bondage : amongst them were 
 strife, debate, whispering of malice, yea, open 
 contention and manifest violence, which were 
 
 ^ 
 
ON FASTING. 219 
 
 all evident declarations of proud hearts and im- 
 penitent souls: and therefore God giveth unto 
 them open defiance in the time when they think 
 that they seek his face most earnestly. And hereto 
 ought we this day, that profess the Lord Jesus, 
 and have renounced the abominations of popery 
 within the realm of Scotland, give diligent heed : 
 for it is not the simple knowledge of the truth 
 only, nor yet the external profession of the same, 
 that is acceptable before God ; nay, nay, dear 
 brethren, he requireth the fruits of repentance, 
 and they are, to decline from evil, and to do 
 good, as w^e may read in many places of the 
 Scripture. Think we it a thing agreeable with 
 the nature of the eternal God, that he shall re- 
 ceive us in favour after that w^e have offended, 
 and we wdll not for his sake remit the injuries 
 that are done unto us ? Can we think to be at 
 peace with him, when that we stubbornly will 
 continue in strife among ourselves? Shall he 
 relieve our grief, bondage, or yoke, and we not 
 relieve the burdens that unjustly we lay upon 
 our brethren ? Shall he bestow his undeserved 
 mercy upon us, and we shew no bowels of mercy 
 to such as we see in misery before our eyes ? Let 
 us not be deceived, God cannot deny himself. 
 
 ^- ^ 
 
-^ 
 
 220 ON FASTING. 
 
 Murder, malice, hatred, cruelty, oppression, strife, 
 theft, deceit, unjust dealing, covetousness, ava- 
 riciousness, and unmercifulness unto the poor, 
 besides pride, whoredom, adultery, wantonness, 
 and the rest of the works of the flesh, are so 
 odious before God, that while that any of them 
 reigneth in the heart of man, he and his whole 
 works are detestable before God. And therefore, 
 if we desire that God's fearful judgments shall be 
 stayed, let us (that know the truth, and say that 
 we profess the same) unfeignedly return unto 
 our God. Let us not be inferiors to the king of 
 Nineveh, who commanded every man to turn 
 from his wicked ways, and from the iniquity that 
 w^as in his hands. Let us consider what our God 
 craveth of us ; but especially, let earls, lords, 
 barons, burgesses, and artificers, consider by what 
 means their substances are increased. 
 
 It is not enough to justify us before God, that 
 civil laws cannot accuse us. Nay, brethren, the 
 eyes of our God pierce deeper than the laws of 
 men can stretch. The law of man cannot con- 
 vince the earl, the lord, the baron, or gentleman, 
 of the oppression of the poor labourers of the 
 ground ; for his defence is ready, — I may do with 
 mine own as best pleaseth me. The merchant is 
 
 ^ 
 
ON FASTING. 221 
 
 just enough in his own conceit, if before men he 
 cannot be convicted of theft and deceit. The 
 artificer or craftsman thiuketh himself free be- 
 fore God, albeit that he neither works sufficient 
 stuff, nor yet sells it for a reasonable price : The 
 world is evil, saith he ; and how can men live if 
 they do not as others do ? And thus doth every 
 man lean upon the iniquity of another, and think- 
 eth himself sufficiently excused when that he 
 meeteth craft with craft, and repulseth back 
 violence either with deceit or else with open in- 
 jury. Let us be assured, dear brethren, that these 
 be the sins which heretofore have provoked God, 
 not only to plague, but also to destroy, and ut- 
 terly to overthrow strong realms and flourishing 
 commonwealths. 
 
 Now, seeing that the justice and judgments of 
 our God abide for ever, and that he hath solemnly 
 pronounced, that every realm, nation, or city, 
 that sinneth, as did Judah and Jerusalem, shall 
 be likewise punished ; let that fearful destruction 
 that came upon them, in the which, after hunger 
 and pestilence, the sword devoured without dis- 
 cretion the rich and poor, the noble and those 
 that were of base degree, the young and old, the 
 priests and prophets, yea, the matrons and vir- 
 ^^ _ 
 
^ 
 
 222 ON FASTING. 
 
 gins escaped not the day of that sharp visitation. 
 Let their punishment, we say, provoke us to re- 
 pentance ; and so no doubt we shall find favour 
 in the sight of God, albeit that he hath begun to 
 shew unto us evident signs of his displeasure, 
 justly conceived against us. But (as God forbid) 
 if we mock his messengers, and despise his words, 
 till there be no remedy, as they did, then can we 
 (whom God hath raised up to instruct and fore- 
 warn you) do nothing but take witness of heaven 
 and earth, yea, and of your own conscience, that 
 we have faithfully instructed you in the right 
 way of God, as well concerning his true wor- 
 shipping as in doing of your duties one towards 
 another ; and also that we have forewarned you 
 of the plagues to come, first by our tongues, and 
 now by our pen, for a perpetual memorial to the 
 posterity that shall follow, who shall glorify God, 
 either for your conversion, or else for your just 
 condemnation and severe punishments, if ye con- 
 tinue disobedient. 
 
 To prescribe to every man his duty in parti- 
 cular we cannot, because we know not wherein 
 every man and every estate particularly offend- 
 eth ; but we must remit every estate, and every 
 man in his vocation, to the examination of his 
 
^ . : 
 
 ON FASTING. 223 
 
 own conscience, and that according as God com- 
 mandetJb in his holy law, and as Christ Jesus 
 requireth, that such as shall possess the kingdom 
 with him shall do, which is, " Therefore,^^ saith 
 he, '^ all things whatsoever ye would that men 
 should do to you, do ye even so to them." By this 
 rule, which the author of all equity, justice, and 
 policy, hath established, if we appointed the earls, 
 lords, barons, and gentlemen, to try their own 
 consciences, whether that they would be content 
 that they should be intreated (if God had made 
 them husbandmen and labourers of the ground) 
 as they have intreated, and presently do intreat, 
 such as sometimes had a moderate and reasonable 
 life under their predecessors, — whether, we say, 
 that they would be content that their tenements 
 and rents should be raised from rent to rent, from 
 one farm to two, and so going upward, till that 
 for poverty the ancient labourers are compelled 
 to leave the ground in the hands of the lord ; — if 
 with this intreatment they would be content, we 
 appeal to their own consciences ; and if they think 
 they would not, then, in God's name, we require 
 them to begin to reform themselves, and to re- 
 member that it is not we, but that it is Christ 
 Jesus that so craveth of them. And unto the 
 
^ : 
 
 224 ON FASTING. 
 
 same rule we send judges, laAvyers, merchants, 
 artificers, and finally, even the very labourers of 
 the ground themselves, that every one in his own 
 vocation may try how justly, uprightly, and mer- 
 cifully he dealeth with his neighbour : and if he 
 find his conscience accused by the former sen- 
 tence of our Master, let him call for grace, that 
 he may not only repent for the time past, but 
 also amend in times to come ; and so shall their 
 fasting and prayers be acceptable unto God. 
 
 If men think that we require the thing that is 
 impossible (for what were this else but to reform 
 the face of the whole earth, which never was, nor 
 yet shall be, till that the righteous King and 
 Judge appear, for the restoration of all things), 
 we answer, that we speak not to the godless 
 multitude, neither to such as are mockers of God's 
 judgments, whose portion is in this life, and for 
 whom the fire of hell (which now they mock) is 
 assuredly prepared ; but we speak to such as 
 have professed the Lord Jesus with us, who have 
 communicated with us in his blessed sacraments, 
 have renounced idolatry, and have avowed them- 
 selves to be new • creatures in Jesus Christ, in 
 whom they are ingrafted as lively branches, apt 
 to bring forth good fruit. Now, why it should 
 ^^__ 
 
^' — i 
 
 ON FASTING. 225 
 
 be thought impossible that these men (of what 
 vocation soever they be) should begin to express 
 in their lives, that which in word they have pub- 
 licly professed, we see no good reason, unless 
 that they would say that it is impossible that 
 God shall now work in men of this age, as we 
 read that he hath wrought in men before us ; and 
 that were blasphemy. 
 
 See also that the hand of our God is no more 
 shortened towards us than it hath been tow^ards 
 those that have passed before us ; — at God's com- 
 mandment Abraham left his father's house and 
 native country ; Moses preferred the condition 
 of the people of Israel, even in their greatest 
 affliction, to the riches and glory of Pharaoh's 
 court ; David, upon the unction of Samuel, did 
 patiently abide the persecution of Saul many 
 years ; Zaccheus, at a dinner with Christ Jesus, 
 was not only content to restore whatsoever he 
 had before defrauded, but also to give the half of 
 all his substance to the relief of the poor ; and 
 the faithful in the days of the apostles sold their 
 possessions, and ministered unto the needy. None 
 of these excellent works crave we of the faithful 
 in our age; but only those, without which the 
 Spirit of sanctiiication cannot be known to be in 
 ^ 
 
^ )K 
 
 220 ON FASTING. 
 
 man, to wit, that every man speak the truth to 
 his brother; that none oppress or defraud ano- 
 ther in any business; that the bowels of mercy 
 may appear amongst such as God hath called to 
 his knowledge ; and finally, that we altogether 
 that profess the Lord Jesus, and do abhor idol- 
 atry, abhor all kind of impiety, studying to 
 abound in all good works, and to shine as lights 
 in the midst of this wicked generation : which, if 
 we do not, we declare, no doubt, that Christ 
 Jesus dwelleth not within us, but that we are 
 they who hear and know the will of our Lord, 
 but do not the same. And unto what curse and 
 malediction such persons are subject, the parable 
 of the fig-tree, which was threatened to be cut 
 down, if it brought not forth fruit ; the curse given 
 to it upon the which Christ Jesus, being hungry, 
 found no fruit ; and his last sentence against the 
 reprobate, do sufficiently witness. Wherein we 
 have to observe, that the reprobate are adjudged 
 to the fire that never shall be quenched, not only 
 because they committed iniquity, but also because 
 they were not found fruitful in good works. Let 
 every man, therefore, that will avoid plagues tem- 
 poral and perpetual, unfeignedly study to accom- 
 plish in work that which in word and outward 
 
 k ; 
 
»^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 227 
 
 profession he doth avow ; and upon such, no 
 doubt, shall the blessing of God rest, when the 
 manifest contemners and cloaked hypocrites shall 
 be razed from the face of the earth, and shall be 
 cast into utter darkness, where there shall be 
 weeping and gnashing of teeth without end, 
 which shall be the reward of their wicked works. 
 
 More things we would have written, — such 
 as the notes upon the discomfiture of Joshua at 
 Hai, and of the Israelites fighting against Ben- 
 jamin, together with the foolish opinion of the 
 papists, who think themselves bound to fast forty 
 days (which they call their Lent), because that 
 Christ Jesus fasted forty days immediately after 
 his baptism : but these we are compelled for this 
 present to pretermit, by reason that the time 
 appointed to this present exercise of fasting ap- 
 proacheth so nigh. If it shall please God of his 
 mercy to continue the light of his Gospel amongst 
 us, this argument will be enlarged and set forth 
 with greater circumstances from time to time. 
 
 Now to the order, exercise, and abstinence, 
 that is to be kept in this jDublic fasting. First, it 
 is to be observed, that the two daj^s before ex- 
 pressed, to wit, the second and third Sunday of 
 May instant, are not appointed for any religion 
 
I 228 ON FASTING. 
 
 of time, neither yet that those precise days shall 
 be observed every year following; but because 
 that shortly thereafter are the estates of this realm 
 appointed to assemble in parliament. Therefore 
 the whole assembly thought those days for the 
 present necessity most meet ; leaving in the liberty 
 of the Church what time they will appoint to that 
 ! exercise in all times to come. 
 
 The Sundays are appointed not of superstition, 
 I neither yet to bring in any schism within the 
 Church ; but because that upon the Sunday the 
 I people, especially that dwell in country towns, 
 I may best attend upon prayer, and the rest of the 
 ; exercises that ought to be joined with public 
 fasting. 
 
 The abstinence is commanded to be from Satur- 
 day at eight of the clock at night, till Sundaj^ 
 after the exercise at afternoon, that is, after five 
 of the clock; and then only bread and drink to 
 be used, and that with great sobriety ; that the 
 body craving necessary food, the soul may be 
 provoked earnestly to crave of God that which 
 it most needeth, that is, mercy for our former 
 unthankfulness, and the assistance of his Holy 
 { Spirit in time to come, 
 ^v, ^^ 
 
ON FASTING. 229 
 
 Men that will observe this exercise may not 
 any of the two days use any kind of games, but 
 exercise themselves after the public assemblies in 
 private meditation with their God. 
 
 Gorgeous apparel would be abstained from 
 during the whole time of our humiliation, v/hich 
 is from the one Sunday in the morning till the 
 next Sunday at night ; albeit that the straitness 
 of abstinence is to be kept but two days only. 
 
 We do not bind the consciences of persons that 
 be unable to bear the extremity of the absti- 
 nence ; nor yet do we exhort them to use their 
 liberty (if any they take) in secret, lest that 
 others either follow their evil example, or else 
 judge them to be despisers of so necessary an 
 exercise. 
 
 The time that shall be spent, as well before 
 noon as after, must be left to the wisdom of the 
 discreet ministers, who best can judge both what 
 the auditors may bear, and what themselves are 
 able to sustain. But because this exercise is ex- 
 traordinary, the time thereof would be somewhat 
 longer than it is used to be in the accustomed 
 assemblies. And yet we would not have it so 
 tedious that it should be noisome to the people. 
 And therefore we think that three hours and 
 ^ 
 
■^ ^ 
 
 230 ON FASTING. 
 
 not less before noon, and two hours at afternoon, 
 shall be sufficient for the whole public exercise : 
 the rest to be spent in private meditation by 
 every family apart. 
 
 The Sunday before the second Sunday of May, 
 as before is said, shall every minister give ad- 
 vertisement to his flock of such things as are to 
 be done the next Sunday following, and of the 
 causes of the same, with exhortation, as God 
 shall put into their mouths, to make the people 
 to embrace the just commandment of the Church 
 with more glad minds. 
 
 In towns we think it expedient that the exer- 
 cise of the doctrine begin upon the Saturday at 
 afternoon, immediately before the first Sunday 
 of abstinence, that the people may be the better 
 prepared religiously to use the observation of the 
 next day : but in villages we think good that 
 the doctrine begin the Sunday before. The ar- 
 gument of the sermon and exhortation to be 
 taken from some proper place of the prophets ; — 
 as of Joel i. 14, where he saith, " Sanctify ye a 
 fast, call an assembly," &c. ; or of Jonah iii. 4, 
 where Jonah cried, " Yet forty days, and Nine- 
 veh shall be overthrown," &c. ; or of Jeremiah 
 vii., where that he saith, " Hear the word of the 
 
 ^ 
 
^— — ^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 231 
 
 Lord, all ye of Judali, that enter in at these 
 gates/' &c. ; or of Luke xiii., upon the declara- 
 tion of them that shew to our Master the cruelty 
 of Pilate, and upon his answer; or upon any 
 other place of Scripture that entreateth of repent- 
 ance, of public humiliation, of the causes and of 
 the fruits of the same. 
 
 This ended, as it were for preparation, the be- 
 ginning shall be upon Sunday, from the law of 
 God, because that all that ofFendeth God's ma- 
 jesty proceedeth from the transgression thereof; 
 and therefore, after a short prayer, that it will 
 please God to make his holy word to fructify 
 among us, this confession following shall be 
 made. 
 
 Ef)t Confession ti)at sl)all go ftefore t\)t l:ieaJ)tng of 
 tf)e Hato, antJ iefow eberp IBxntm, 
 
 It is of thy mercy, O Lord, and not of our 
 merits, that it hath pleased thee to shew thyself 
 unto the world ever from the beginning, and 
 unto us now in this last and most corrupt age : 
 yea. Lord, we further confess, that neither law 
 nor gospel can profit us to salvation, except 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ -^ 
 
 232 ON FASTING. 
 
 that thou, of thy mere grace, work in us above 
 all power that is in this our nature ; for albeit 
 thou teach, we shall remain ignorant; albeit 
 thou threaten, we shall contemn ; and albeit 
 thou promise mercy and grace, yet shall we 
 despair, and remain in infidelitj'^, unless that 
 thou create in us new hearts, write thy law in the 
 same, and seal in us remission of our sins, and 
 that sense and feeling of thy fatherly mercy, by 
 the j)ower of thine Holy Spirit. To the old 
 world thou spakest by Noah ; to Pharaoh and 
 his people by thy servant Moses ; to all Israel 
 by the fearful trumpet of thy law ; to the city of 
 Jerusalem by thine own Wisdom, our Lord Jesus 
 Christ ; and to the multitude, as well of Jews as 
 Gentiles, by the preaching of thine holy apostles : 
 but who gave obedience? who trembled and con- 
 stantly feared thine hot displeasure? who did 
 rightly acknowledge the time of their visitation ? 
 and who did embrace and keep to the end thy 
 fatherly promises ? Only they, O Lord, to whom 
 thy Spirit was the inward teacher, whose hearts 
 thou openedst, and from whom thou removedst 
 rebellion and infidelity : the rest were externally 
 called, but obeyed not ; they heard as well mercy 
 offered as threatenings pronounced, but neither 
 ^ ^ 
 
ON FASTING. 233 
 
 with the one nor with the other were they ef- 
 fectually moved. We acknowledge, O Lord, that 
 the same corruption lurketh in us that budded 
 forth in them, to their destruction and just con- 
 demnation. And tlierefore we most humbly be- 
 seech thee, O Father of mercy, for Jesus Christ 
 thy Son's sake, that as thou hast caused the light 
 of thy word clearly to shine amongst us, and as 
 thou hast plainly instructed us, by the external 
 ministry, in the right way of salvation, so it will 
 please thee inwardly to move our dull hearts, and 
 that by the power of thine Holy Spirit thou 
 wilt write and seal in them that holy fear and 
 reverence which thou cravest of thy chosen child- 
 ren, and faithful obedience to thine holy will, 
 together with the feeling and sense that our sins 
 are fully purged and freely remitted by that 
 only one sacrifice, which only by itself is accept- 
 able unto thee, to wit, the obedience, death, and 
 mediation of thine only Son our sovereign Lord, 
 only Pastor, Mediator, and High Priest, our Lord 
 Jesus Christ ; to whom with thee, and with the 
 Holy Ghost, be all honour and glorj^, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 This confession ended, the minister or reader shall dis- 
 tinctly read the 21th and 2%th chapters of Deuter- 
 ^ 
 
^ 
 
 234 ON FASTING. 
 
 onomy : which ended, the minister shall tvish every 
 man to descend secretly into himself, to examine his 
 own conscience, ivherein he findeth himself guilty 
 before God. The minister himself, with the people, 
 shall prostrate themselves, and remain in privai^ 
 meditation a reasonable space, as the quarter of an 
 hour, or more. Thereafter shall the minister ex- 
 hort the people to confess icith him their sins and 
 offences, asfolloweth: 
 
 Just and righteous art thou, O Lord God, Fa- 
 ther everlasting ; holy is thy law, and most just 
 are thy judgments, yea, even when thou dost 
 punish in greatest severity : we do confess, as 
 the truth is, that we have transgressed thy whole 
 law, and have offended thy godly majesty in 
 breaking and violating every precept of the same ; 
 and so most justly mayest thou pour forth upon 
 us all plagues that are threatened, and that we 
 find poured forth upon the disobedient at any 
 time from the beginning. 
 
 And so much the rather, O Lord, because that 
 so long have we been called by thine holy word 
 to unfeigned repentance and newness of life, 
 and j'et have we still remained in our former 
 rebellion : and therefore, if thou wilt enter into 
 judgment with us, we can neither escape con- 
 ^ ^ 
 
ON FASTING. 235 
 
 fusion in this life, nor just condemnation in the 
 life to come. But, Lord, thy mercy is without 
 measure, and the truth of thy promise abideth 
 for ever. Unworthy are we that thou shouldst 
 "look upon us: but, Lord, thou hast promised 
 that thou wilt shew mercy to the most grievous 
 offenders, whensoever they repent : and further, 
 thou, by the mouth of thy dear Son our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, hast promised that thou wilt give 
 thine Holy Spirit to such as humbly call unto 
 thee. In boldness of the which promise, we most 
 humbly beseech thee, O Father of mercies, that 
 it may please thy godly majesty to work in our 
 stubborn hearts an unfeigned sorrow for our for- 
 mer offences, with some sense and feeling of thy 
 grace and mercy, together with an earnest desire 
 of justice and righteousness, in which we are 
 bound continually to walk. But because that 
 neither we nor our prayers can stand before thee, 
 by reason of that imperfection which still re- 
 maineth in this our corrupt nature, we fly to the 
 obedience and perfect justice of Jesus Christ, our 
 only Mediator, in whom, and by whom, we call 
 not only for remission of our sins, and for assist- 
 ance of thine Holy Spirit, but also for all things 
 that thy godly wisdom knoweth to be expedient 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ : 
 
 236 ON FASTING. 
 
 for us, and for thy Church universal, praying as 
 he hath taught us, saying : 
 
 Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
 done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not 
 into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For 
 thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the 
 glory, for ever. Amen. 
 
 This ended, the minister shall read the text whereupon 
 he will ground his sermon. 
 
 First, he shall expound the dignity and equity 
 of God's law ; secondly, the plagues and punish- 
 ments that ensue the contempt thereof, together 
 with the blessings promised to the obedient ob- 
 servers of it ; thirdly, he shall teach Christ Jesus 
 to be the end and perfection of the law, who hath 
 perfectly accomplished that which it is impossible 
 for the law to do ; and so shall he exhort every 
 man to unfeigned repentance, to stedfast faith in 
 Christ Jesus, and to shew the fruits of the same. 
 
 The sermon ended, the common prayer shall 
 
 be used that is contained before in this book, 
 
 after the visitation of the sick, beginning thus, — 
 
 ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 237 
 
 " God Almighty and heavenly Father," &c. ; 
 which ended, the 51st Psalm shall be sung whole; 
 and so with the blessing, the assembly is to be 
 i demitted for that exercise. 
 
 I 
 
 I At Afternoon. 
 
 1 After invocation of God's name publicly by 
 ; the minister, and secretly by every man and wo- 
 j man for a reasonable space, the minister may 
 take the argument of his sermon upon the be- 
 ginning of the 119th Psalm, where the diligent 
 ' reader shall observe the properties and conditions 
 of such as in whose hearts God writeth his law. 
 Or if that be thought over hard, then may he 
 : take the text of John, " God is light, and in him 
 ! is no darkness at all : if we say we have f'ellow- 
 ; ship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and 
 do not the truth" (1 John i. 5). The prayer is 
 referred unto the minister. The 6th Psalm shall 
 be sung. 
 
 The blessing and exhortation, to call to mind 
 wherefore that exercise is used, being ended, the 
 public exercise shall be put to end for that day. 
 i 
 
 1 Albeit that in the country the people cannot 
 i well meet every day betwixt the two Sundays, 
 
^- 
 
 238 
 
 ON FASTING. 
 
 yet in the cities and towns we think they ought 
 to assemble an hour before noon, and an hour or 
 more at afternoon : tlie hour before noon to be 
 the hour accustomed to the common prayers ; the 
 hour at afternoon to be at three of the clock, or 
 after. 
 
 The exercise of the tvhole week. 
 The beginning ever to be with confession of 
 our sins, and calling for God's grace ; then cer- 
 tain psalms and certain histories to be distinctly 
 read, exhortation to be conceived thereupon, and 
 prayers likewise, as God shall instruct and in- 
 spire the minister or reader. 
 
 Monday before noon. 
 Psalm ii. iii. and x. 
 History ii. of Judges. 
 
 Afternoon. 
 Psalm xii. xiii. and xvii. 
 History vi. of Judges. 
 
 Tuesday before noon. 
 Psalm XXV. and xxviii. 
 History vii. of Judges. 
 
 Afternoon. 
 Psalm xxxvi. and xl. 
 History iv. of Judges. 
 
 ]^ 
 
 . 
 
ON FASTING. 239 
 
 Wednesday before noon. 
 Psalm xiv. and Iv. 
 History xix. of Judges. 
 
 Afternoon. 
 Psalm xliv. and hi. 
 History xx. of Judges. 
 
 Thursday before noon. 
 Psalm xlix, and Ivii. 
 History iii. and iv. of Esther. 
 
 Afternoon. 
 Psalm xxxvii. 
 History v. vi. and vii. of Esther. 
 
 Friday before noon. 
 Psalm lix. Ixi. and Ixiv. 
 History ii. of 1 Chron. 20. 
 
 Afternoon. 
 Psalm Ixix. 
 History xxxvi. of Isaiah. 
 
 Saturday before noon. 
 Psalm Ixviii. and Ixx. 
 History xxxvii. of Isaiah. 
 
 Afternoon. 
 Psalm Ixxiv. and Ixxvii. 
 History ix. and x. of Esdras. 
 
^ ^ 
 
 240 ON FASTING. 
 
 Sunday, the last day of this public exercise, for 
 this time, before noon shall be used in all things 
 as the former Sunday, except that Leviticus xxvi. 
 be read for Deuteronomy xxviii. ; and for the 
 prayer shall be used that which is to be found in 
 the beginning of this book, beginning, ''Eternal 
 and everlasting God," &c. 
 
 Sunday at afternoon. 
 Psalm Ixxviii. 
 History ix. of Daniel. 
 
 The exhortation and prayers ended, for the 
 conclusion shall be distinctly read Psalm Ixxx. ; 
 and so with exhortation to every man to consider 
 to what end the whole exercise tendeth, with 
 benediction the assembly shall be demitted. 
 
 The exhortation and prayers of every several 
 exercise we have remitted to be gathered by the 
 discreet ministers ; for time pressed us so, that 
 we could not frame them in such order as was 
 convenient ; neither yet thought we it so expe- 
 dient to pen prayers unto men, as to teach them 
 with what heart and affection, and for Avhat causes 
 we should pray in this great calamity, appearing 
 shortly to overwhelm this whole realm, unless 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ ^^ 
 
 ON FASTING. 241 
 
 God of his great mercy, above man's expectation, 
 find out the remedy, before whom it is that we 
 have (and presently do) prostrate ourselves, for 
 obtaining of those things, without which the light 
 of his evangel cannot long continue with us. 
 And therefore, yet once again, we exhort, and 
 by the power committed unto us by God, charge 
 all ':hat profess the Lord Jesus, and the sincerity 
 of his evangel, within this realm, that even as 
 they love the quietness of their commonwealth, 
 the continuance of Christ Jesus his holy evangel 
 within the same, and their own salvation, toge- 
 ther with the salvation of their posterity, that 
 unfeignedly they prostrate themselves before the 
 throne of God's majesty, and in bitterness of 
 heart pray with us, saying : 
 
 Arise, O Lord, and let thine enemies be con- 
 founded ; let them flee from thy presence that 
 hate thy godly name : let the groans of the af- 
 flicted enter in before thee, and preserve thou by 
 thine own power such as be appointed to death : 
 let not thine enemies thus triumph to the end ; 
 but let them understand that against thee they 
 fight : preserve the vine which thy right hand 
 hath planted : oppose thy power to the power of 
 that Roman antichrist, and let the glory of thine 
 
 ¥^— y^ 
 
^' 
 
 ^ 
 
 242 ON FASTING. 
 
 anointed Jesus Christ our Lord shine before all 
 nations. Amen. 
 
 Hasten, Lord, and tarry not. 
 
 Cntatn ©ijaptevg and |Jarts of tljp Sntptttirs 
 
 USED BY 
 
 The Ministers of Edinburgh and Holyrood-House, in 
 the time of God's visitation by the pest, in the 
 time when in the Court reigned all impiety, as 
 murder, whoredom, and contempt of God's word, 
 but especially when the Queen ivas stricken by God's 
 hand in Jedburgh ; also in the time of famine and 
 dearth, and at other such times as God may give oc- 
 casion, and according to the manner of the scourges. 
 
 In the time of pest. 
 
 Numbers xxi. 2 Samuel xxxiv. Ezekiel iii. Psalm xci. 
 With other such places proper for the same. 
 
 In the time tvhen impiety aboundeth. 
 
 Ezekiel iii. 
 Zephaniah i. 
 Numbers xvi. 
 Numbers xxv. 
 Joshua vii. 
 
 1 Sam. iv. and vii. 
 1 Samuel xv. 
 
 1 Kings XV. 
 
 2 Chronicles xxvi. 
 Isaiah iii. 
 
 ^- 
 
 ■^^ 
 
^ 
 
 
 OX 
 
 FASTING. 243 
 
 Jeremiah xxxiv. 
 
 
 Micah ii. 
 
 Hosea iv. 
 
 
 
 Zeehariah v. 
 
 Amos vi. 
 
 
 
 Ezra iv. 
 
 Obadiah. 
 
 
 
 Nehemiah ix. , 
 
 
 In time of famine. 
 
 Isaiah Iviii. 
 
 
 
 1 Kings xvii. and xviii. 
 
 Haggai i. 
 
 
 
 2 Kings iv. 
 
 Amos iv. 
 
 
 
 1 Kings vi. vii. and viii. 
 
 Amos viii. 
 
 
 
 Zeehariah vii. 
 
 -V£ 
 
 And other such like parts of the Scriptures, 
 according as the correction is laid of God: for 
 even as the Lord our God hath divers and sundry 
 wands wherewith he scourgeth the world, but 
 mercifully correcteth his own children for their 
 profit, so hath he left divers examples in holy 
 Scripture how his chosen hath used themselves 
 under every sort of correction by him fatherly 
 laid upon them, as in the chajiters before ex- 
 pressed was first noted, to stir men to prevent 
 God's judgments by true and unfeigned repent- 
 ance, before the plague came. 
 
 So these chapters now noted were chosen by 
 the ministers of Edinburgh and Holyrood-House, 
 and other godly thereabout, at such time as God 
 did visit them, as is above expressed. We testify 
 
 ^i' 
 
 ^ 
 
^. — ^ 
 
 244 ON FASTING. 
 
 also that neither the Church of God, nor the faith- 
 ful and discreet ministers, are bound at every 
 humiliation to stick scrupulously to the former, so 
 that no other may be chosen ; but as God changeth 
 his wands, so may our prayers, with the examples 
 of the saints so afflicted, be changed and ordered. 
 Neither can the wicked justly accuse us, in so 
 doing, of inconstancy ; but rather ought the 
 chosen to glorify God, that our public fasting and 
 humiliation is not bound to man's commandment 
 precisely, nor to old customs, as the papists use 
 their ceremonies ; but as God visiteth us, so in 
 that manner seek we him, as he teacheth us, and 
 giveth us examples in his most holy word, ac- 
 cording to his fatherly correction. 
 
 €f^xtt €ausrs of tijts ^ttftlir J'ast. 
 
 As in these days we call unto God for mercy 
 for our unthankfulness, being so often and divers 
 times delivered, and yet we forget his benefits 
 so suddenly, in that we see sin so to abound in 
 all estates, that God's fearful threatenings are not 
 feared, but the pronouncers thereof mocked and 
 disdained by the most part of the world. 
 
 ^ 
 
ON FASTING. 245 
 
 Secondly, the great hunger, famine, and op- 
 pression of the poor, although the rich and 
 wealthy, who keep their corn while the wild 
 beasts eat it, fear not the famine, whose plague 
 suddenly foUoweth, if hastily they prevent not 
 God's judgments by unfeigned repentance. 
 
 Thirdly, and chiefly, we humble ourselves, and 
 call upon our God for the comfort and deliver- 
 ance of our afflicted brethren in France, Flanders, 
 and other parts : for, although the plague and cruel 
 decree of Trent is begun at Shushan, or rather at 
 filthy Sodom-Paris, that butcher-house of Satan, 
 and by those mainsworn and cruel murderers, 
 yet their mind is no less cruelly bent towards us ; 
 for if they had not pity to drink their own blood, 
 and to see the same run in the streets with Ma- 
 nasseh, much less will they be moved with com- 
 passion when they shall only hear cruelty used 
 against strangers 5 except God drown Pharaoh, 
 chase and slay Sennacherib, confound and beat 
 down with shame Herod, who must be, through 
 the prayers of the saints of God, humbled under 
 his hands. 
 
 These, and other manifold causes, as sin un- 
 punished in many places, the craftiness of the 
 worldlings, with the apparent deceitfulness of 
 ^ __ ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 246 ON FASTING. 
 
 false brethren, move us this day to stoop under 
 his mighty hand ; the which we beseech him, for 
 his own name's sake, we may do without hypo- 
 crisy, then not doubting but that the fruit and 
 profit thereof shall be found and seen, as at divers 
 times we have felt, to his own glory, and to the 
 comfort of his Church ■ to whom be praise, glory, 
 and honour, for ever. Amen. 
 
 ^ — ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 dTorm of ^xavtx^ 
 
 TO EE USED IN 
 
 PRIVATE HOUSES EVERY MORNING AND EVENING. 
 
 Almighty God and most merciful Father, Ave 
 do not present ourselves before thy Majesty trust- 
 ing in our own merits or worthiness, but in thy 
 manifold mercies. Thou hast promised to hear 
 our prayers, and to grant our requests, which we 
 make to thee in the name of thy beloved Son 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, who hath also commanded 
 us to assemble ourselves together in his name, 
 with full assurance that he will not only be 
 among us, but also be our Mediator and Advo- 
 cate towards thy Majesty, that we may obtain 
 all things which shall seem expedient to thy 
 blessed will for our necessities. Therefore we 
 beseech thee, most merciful Father, to turn thy 
 loving countenance towards us, and impute not 
 unto us our manifold sins and offences, whereby 
 
^ __ — ^ 
 
 248 A FORM OF PRAYERS. 
 
 we justly deserve thy wrath and sliarp punish- 
 ment ; but rather receive us to thy mercj^, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake : accept his death and passion 
 as a just recompense for all our offences ; in him 
 only thou art pleased, and through him thou 
 canst not be offended with us. Seeing that of 
 thy great mercies we have quietly passed this 
 night, grant, O heavenly Father, that we may 
 bestow this day wholly on thy service. May all 
 our thoughts, words, and deeds, redound to the 
 glory of thy name, and to good example to all 
 men ; that they, seeing our good works, may 
 glorify thee our heavenly Father. And foras- 
 much as of thy mere favour and love thou hast 
 not only created us in thine own similitude and 
 likeness, but also hast chosen us to be heirs with 
 thy dear Son Jesus Christ of that immortal king- 
 dom which thou preparedst for us before the be- 
 ginning of the world, we beseech thee to increase 
 our faith and knowledge, and to lighten our 
 hearts with thine Holy Spirit, that we may in 
 the meantime live in godly conversation and in- 
 tegrity of life, knowing that idolaters, adulterers, 
 covetous men, contentious j^ersons, drunkards, 
 revilers, and such like, shall not inherit the 
 kingdom of God. 
 
^ ^^ 
 
 MORNING PRAYER. 249 
 
 And because thou hast commanded us to pray 
 one for another, we do not only make request, O 
 Lord, for ourselves, and them that thou hast al- 
 ready called to the true understanding of thine 
 heavenly will, but for all people and nations of 
 the world. As they know by thy wonderful 
 works that thou art God over all, so may they 
 be instructed by thine Holy Spirit to believe in 
 Christ, their only Saviour and Redeemer. But 
 forasmuch as they cannot believe except they 
 hear, nor hear but by preaching, and none can 
 preach except they be sent, therefore, O Lord, 
 raise up faithful distributors of thy mysteries, 
 who, setting apart all worldly respects, may both 
 in their life and doctrine only seek thy glory. 
 Contrarily, confound Satan and antichrist, and 
 all hirelings and papists, whom thou hast already 
 cast off into a reprobate sense, that they may not, 
 by sects, schisms, heresies, and errors, disquiet 
 thy little flock. And because, O Lord, we be 
 fallen into the latter days and dangerous times, 
 wherein ignorance hath gotten the upper hand, 
 and Satan, with his ministers, seek by all means 
 to quench the light of thy Gospel, we beseech 
 thee to maintain thy cause against those ravening 
 wolves, and strengthen all thy servants, whom 
 ^- ^ 
 
^ 
 
 250 A FORM OF PRAYERS. 
 
 they keep in prison and bondage : let not thy 
 long-sufFering be an occasion either to increase 
 their tyranny, or to discourage thy children : let 
 not our sins and wickedness be an hinderance to 
 thy mercies ; but with speed, O Lord, consider 
 the great miseries and afflictions of thy poor 
 Church, which in sundry places, by the rage of 
 enemies, is grievously tormented. And this we 
 confess, O Lord, to come most justly for our sins, 
 because, notwithstanding thy manifold benefits, 
 whereby thou dost daily allure us to love thee, 
 and thy sharp threatenings, whereby we have 
 occasion to fear thee, and speedily to repent, Ave 
 yet continue in our own wickedness, and feel not 
 our hearts so touched with displeasure of our sins 
 as we ought to do. Therefore, O Lord, create 
 in us new hearts, that with fervent minds we 
 may bewail our manifold sins, and earnestly re- 
 pent us for our former wickedness and ungodly 
 behaviour towards thee. And whereas we cannot 
 of ourselves purchase thy pardon, yet we humbly 
 beseech thee, for Jesus Christ's sake, to shew thy 
 mercies upon us, and receive us again to thy 
 favour. Grant us, dear Father, these our re- 
 quests, and all other things necessary for us and 
 thy whole Church, according to thy promise in 
 
 ^ : 
 
EVENING PRAYER. 251 
 
 Jesus Christ our Lord ; in wliose name we be- 
 seech thee, as he hath taught us, saying : 
 
 Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
 done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not 
 into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For 
 thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the 
 Amen. 
 
 ^benmg draper. 
 
 O Lord God, Father everlasting, and full of 
 pity, we acknowledge and confess that we are 
 not worthy to lift up our eyes to heaven, much 
 less to present ourselves before thy Majesty with 
 confidence that thou wilt hear our prayers, and 
 grant our requests, if we consider our own de- 
 servings ; for our consciences do accuse us, and 
 our sins witness against us, and we know that 
 thou art an upright Judge, who dost not justify 
 the sinners and wicked men, but 23unishest the 
 faults of all such as transgress thy command- 
 ments. Yet, most merciful Father, since it hath 
 
^ — ^ 
 
 252 A FORM OF PRAYERS. 
 
 pleased thee to command us to call on thee in all 
 our troubles and adversities, promising even then 
 to help us when we feel ourselves, as it were, 
 swallowed up of death and desperation, we utterly 
 renounce all worldly confidence, and flee to thy 
 sovereign bounty as our only stay and refuge; 
 beseeching thee not to call to remembrance our 
 manifold sins and wickedness, whereby we con- 
 tinually provoke thy wrath and indignation 
 against us ; neither our negligence and unkind- 
 ness, who have neither worthily esteemed, nor in 
 our lives sufficiently expressed the sweet comfort 
 of thy Gospel, revealed unto us : but rather to 
 accept the obedience and death of thy Son Jesus 
 Christ, who, by offering up his body in sacrifice 
 once for all, hath made a sufficient recompense 
 for all our sins. Have mercy, therefore, upon 
 us, O Lord, and forgive us our offences : teach us 
 by thine Holy Spirit, that we may rightly weigh 
 them, and earnestly repent for the same : and so 
 much the rather, O Lord, because that the re- 
 probate, and such as thou hast forsaken, cannot 
 praise thee, nor call upon thy name ; but the re- 
 penting heart, the sorrowful mind, the conscience 
 oppressed, hungering and thirsting for thy grace, 
 shall ever set forth thy praise and glory. And 
 
___ ^ 
 
 EVENING PRAYER. 253 
 
 albeit we be but worms and dust, yet thou art 
 our Creator, and we are the work of thine hands ; 
 yea, thou art our Father, and we thy children ; 
 thou art our Shepherd, and we thy flock ; thou 
 art our Redeemer, and we thy people, whom 
 thou hast bought; thou art our God, and we 
 thine inheritance. Correct us not, therefore, in 
 thine anger, O Lord, neither according to our 
 deserts punish us ; but mercifully chastise us with 
 a fatherly affection, that all the w^orld may know 
 that at what time soever a sinner doth repent 
 him of his sin from the bottom of his heart, thou 
 wilt put away his wickedness out of thy remem- 
 brance, as thou hast promised by thine holy 
 prophet. 
 
 Finally, forasmuch as it hath pleased thee to 
 make the night for man to rest in, as thou hast 
 ordained him the day to travail, grant, O dear 
 Father, that we may so take our bodily rest, that 
 our souls may continually watch for the time that 
 our Lord Jesus Christ shall appear for our de- 
 liverance out of this mortal life : and in the mean 
 season, that we, not overcome by any phantasies, 
 dreams, or other tentations, may fully set our 
 minds upon thee, love thee, fear thee, and rest in 
 thee. Furthermore, that our sleep be not ex- 
 ^ _ ^ 
 
-^ 
 
 254 A FORM OF PRAYERS. 
 
 cessive, or over much after the insatiable desires 
 of our flesh ; but only sufficient to content our 
 weak nature, that we may be the better disposed 
 to live in all godly conversation, to the glory 
 of thine holy name, and profit of our brethren. 
 Amen. 
 
 ^ Complaint of ti)t ^vxmxnv useti against ti)t 
 Saints ot ©roti ; 
 
 Containing a Confession of our sins, and a Prayer for the deliver- 
 ance and preservation of the Church, and confusion of the 
 enemies. 
 
 Eternal and everlasting God, Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, who hast commanded us to 
 pray, and promised to hear us, even when Ave do 
 call from the pit of desperation ; the miseries of 
 these our most w icked days compel us to pour 
 forth before thee the complaints of our wretched 
 hearts oppressed with sorrow. Our eyes do be- 
 hold and our ears do hear the calamities and 
 oppression which no tongue can express, neither 
 yet, alas, do our dull hearts rightly consider the 
 same : for the heathen are entered into thine in- 
 heritance, they have polluted thy sanctuary, pro- 
 faned and abolished thy blessed institutions, most 
 ^ — : _— y^ 
 
^ik —^< 
 
 A GODLY PRAYER. 255 
 
 cruelly murdered and daily do murder thy dear 
 children : thou hast exalted the arm and force 
 of our enemies ; thou hast exposed us to a prey, 
 to ignominy and shame, before such as persecute 
 thy truth ; their ways do prosper ; they glory in 
 mischief, and speak proudly against the honour 
 of thy name ; thou goest not forth as captain 
 before our hosts ; the edge of our sword, Avhich 
 sometimes was most sharp, is now blunt, and 
 doth return without victory in battle. 
 
 It appeareth to our enemies, O Lord, that thou 
 hast broken that league which of thy mercy and 
 goodness thou hast made with thy Church: for 
 the liberty which they have to kill thy children 
 like sheep, and to shed their blood, no man re- 
 sisting, doth so blind and puff them up with 
 pride, that they asharae not to affirm that thou 
 regardest not our intreating. Thy long-suffering 
 and patience maketli them bold, from cruelty to 
 proceed to the blasphemy of thy name. And in 
 the mean season, alas, we do not consider the 
 heaviness of our sins, which long have deserv^ed 
 at thine hands not only these temporal plagues, 
 but also the torments prepared for the disobedi- 
 ent : for we, knowing thy blessed will, have not 
 applied our diligence to obey the same, but have 
 ^ 
 
256 A FORM OF PRAYERS. 
 
 followed, for the most part, the vain conversa- 
 tion of the blind world ; and therefore, in very 
 justice, hast thou visited our unthankfulness. 
 But, O Lord, if thou shalt observe and keep in 
 mind for ever the iniquities of thy children, then 
 shall no flesh abide nor be saved in thy presence. 
 And therefore we, convicted in our own con- 
 science that most justly we suffer, as punished 
 by thine hand, do nevertheless call for mercy, 
 according to thy promise : and first, we desire to 
 be corrected with the rod of thy children, by the 
 which we may be brought to a perfect hatred of 
 sin and of ourselves : and therefore that it would 
 please thee, for Christ Jesus thy Son^s sake, to 
 shew to us, and thy whole Church universally 
 persecuted, the same favour and grace that some- 
 times thou didst, when the chief members of the 
 same, for anguish and fear, were compelled to 
 cry. Why have the nations raged ? why hath the 
 people made uproars ? and why have princes and 
 kings conspired against thine anointed Christ 
 Jesus? Then didst thou wonderfully assist and 
 preserve thy small and dispersed flock ; then 
 didst thou break the bars and gates of iron ; then 
 didst thou shake the foundations of strong prisons ; 
 then didst thou plague the cruel persecutors ; and 
 
 -^5^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 A GODLY PRAYER. 257 
 
 then gavest thou some tranquillity and rest, after 
 those raging storms and cruel afflictions. 
 
 offended, and are unworthy of any deliverance ; 
 but worthy art thou to be a true and constant 
 God, and worthy is thy dear Son Christ Jesus 
 that thou shouldst glorify his name, and revenge 
 the blasphemy spoken against the truth of his 
 Gospel, which is by our adversaries condemned, 
 as a doctrine deceivable and false ; yea, the blood 
 of thy Son is trodden under foot, in that the blood 
 of his members is shed for witnessing of thy 
 truth. And therefore, O Lord, behold not the 
 unworthiness of us that call for the redress of 
 these enormities, neither let our imperfections 
 stop thy mercies from us ; but behold the face of 
 thine anointed Christ Jesus, and let the equity of 
 our cause prevail in thy presence ; let the blood 
 of thy saints, which is shed, be openly avenged 
 in the eyes of thy Church, that mortal men may 
 know the vanity of their counsels, and that thy 
 children may have a taste of thine eternal good- 
 ness. And seeing that from that man of sin, that 
 Roman antichrist, the chief adversary to thy dear 
 Son, doth all iniquity spring and mischief pro- 
 ceed, let it please thy fatherly mercy more and 
 
 -^ 
 
258 A FORM OF pray?:rs. 
 
 more to reveal his deceit and tyranny to tlie 
 world : open the eyes of princes and magistrates, 
 that clearly they may see how shamefully they 
 have been and are abused by his deceivable ways ; 
 how by him they are compelled most cruelly to 
 shed the blood of thy saints, and by violence 
 refuse thy new and eternal testament ; that they, 
 in deep consideration of these grievous offences, 
 may unfeignedly lament their horrible defection 
 from Christ Jesus thy Son, from henceforth stu- 
 dying to promote his glory in the dominions 
 committed to their charge, that so yet once 
 again the glory of thy Gospel may appear to the 
 world. And seeing also that the chief strength 
 of that odious one consisteth in dissension of 
 princes, let it please thee, O Father, who hast 
 claimed to thyself to be called the God of peace, 
 to unite and knit in perfect love the hearts of all 
 those that look for the life everlasting. Let no 
 craft of Satan move them to w^ar one against 
 another, neither yet to maintain by their force and 
 strength that kingdom of darkness ; butratherthat 
 being truly godly they may conspire, illuminated 
 by thy word, to root out from among them all 
 superstition, with the maintenance of the same. 
 
 These thy graces, O Lord, we unfeignedly 
 ^ 
 
A GODLY PRAYER. 259 
 
 desire to be poured forth upon all realms and 
 nations ; but principally, according to that duty 
 which thou requirest of us, we most earnestly 
 require that the hearts of the inhabitants of 
 England and Scotland, whom the malice and 
 craft of Satan, and of his supporters, of many 
 years have dissevered, may continue in that godly 
 unity which now of late it hath pleased thee to 
 give them, being knit together in the unity of 
 thy word : open their eyes, that clearly they may 
 behold the bondage and misery which is purposed 
 against them both ; and give unto them wisdom 
 to avoid the same, in such sort that in their godly 
 concord thy name may be glorified, and thy dis- 
 persed flock comforted and relieved. 
 
 The commonwealths, O Lord, where thy Gospel 
 is truly preached, and harbour granted to the af- 
 flicted members of Christ's body, we commend 
 to thy protection and mercy. Be thou unto them 
 a defence and buckler ; be thou a watchman to 
 their walls, and a perpetual safeguard to their 
 cities, that the crafty assaults of their enemies 
 being repulsed by thy power, thy Gospel may have 
 free passage from one nation to another ; and let 
 all preachers and ministers of the same have the 
 gifts of thine Holy Spirit in such abundance as 
 
 ^ __ ; 
 
^ __ % 
 
 2(50 A FORM OF PRAYERS. 
 
 thy godly wisdom shall know to be expedient for 
 the perfect instruction of that flock which thou 
 hast redeemed with the precious blood of thine 
 only and well-beloved Son Jesus Christ. Purge 
 their hearts from all kind of superstition, from 
 ambition and vain -glory, by which Satan con- 
 tinually laboureth to stir up ungodly contention ; 
 and let them so consent in the unity of thy truth, 
 that neither the estimation which they have of 
 men, nor the vain opinions which they have con- 
 ceived by their writings, prevail in them against 
 the clear understanding of thy blessed word. 
 
 And now last, O Lord, we most humbly be- 
 seech thee, according to that prayer of thy dear 
 Son our Lord Jesus, so to sanctify and confirm us 
 in thine eternal verity, that neither the love of 
 life temporal, nor yet the fear of torments and 
 corporal death, cause us to deny the same, when 
 the confession of our faith shall be required of 
 us ; but so assist us with the power of thy Spirit, 
 that not only boldly we may confess thee, O 
 Father of mercies, to be the true God alone, and 
 him whom thou hast sent, our Lord Jesus, to 
 be the only Saviour of the world, bu* also that 
 constantly we may withstand all doctrine opposed 
 to thy eternal truth, revealed to us in thy most 
 
 JK ^ 
 
^. ^ 
 
 A GODLY PRAYER. 261 
 
 blessed word. Remove from our hearts the blind 
 love of ourselves ; and so rule thou all the actions 
 of our life, that in us thy godly name may be 
 glorified, thy Church edified, and Satan finally 
 confounded by the power and means of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ ; to whom, with thee and the Holy 
 Spirit, be all praise and glory, before thy congre- 
 gation, now and ever. Amen. 
 
 Arise, O Lord, and let thine enemies be 
 ashamed ; let them flee from thy presence that 
 hate thy godly name ; let the groans of thy pri- 
 soners enter in before thee, and preserve by thy 
 power such as be appointed to death; let not 
 thine enemies thus triumph to the end, but let 
 them understand, that against thee they fight : 
 preserve and dsfend the vine which thy right 
 hand hath planted, and let all nations see the 
 glory of thine Anointed. 
 
 Hasten, Lord, and tarry not. Amen. 
 
 a gotilp ^ragev, to be sat'Ii at all timfa. 
 
 Honour and praise be given to thee, O Lord 
 God Almighty, most dear Father of heaven, for 
 all thy mercies and loving-kindness shewed unto 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
^ ^ 
 
 262 A FORM OF PRAYERS. 
 
 US, "in that it hatli pleased thy gracious goodness 
 freely and of thine own accord to elect and 
 choose us to salvation before the beginning of the 
 world : and even like continual thanks be given 
 to thee for creating us after thine own image ; for 
 redeeming us with the precious blood of thy dear 
 Son, when we were utterly lost ; for sanctifying 
 us with thine Holy Spirit in the revelation and 
 knowledge of thine holy word ; for helping and 
 succouring us in all our needs and necessities ; 
 for saving us from all dangers of body and soul; 
 for comforting us so fatherly in all our tribula- 
 tions and persecutions ; for sparing us so long, 
 and giving us so large a time of repentance. 
 These benefits, O most merciful Father, like as 
 we acknowledge to have received of thine only 
 goodness, even so we beseech thee, for thy dear 
 Son Jesus Christ's sake, to grant us always thine 
 Holy Spirit, whereby we may continually grow 
 in thankfulness towards thee, and be led into 
 all truth, and comforted in all our adversities. 
 O Lord, strengthen our faith ; kindle it more in 
 ferventness and love towards thee, and our neigh- 
 bours, for thy sake. Suffer us not, most dear 
 Father, to receive thy word any more in vain ; 
 but grant us always the assistance of thy grace 
 ^ ^ 
 
A GODLY PRAYER. 263 
 
 and Holy Spirit, that in heart, word, and deed, 
 we may sanctify and do worship to thy name. 
 
 Help to amplify and increase thy kingdom ; 
 that whatsoever thou sendest, we may be heartily 
 well content with thy good pleasure and will; 
 let us not lack the thing, O Father, without the 
 which we cannot serve thee ; but bless thou so 
 all the works of our hands, that we may have 
 sufficient, and not to be chargeable, but rather 
 helpful unto others. Be merciful, O Lord, to our 
 offences ; and seeing our debt is great, which 
 thou hast forgiven us in Jesus Christ, make us to 
 love thee and our neighbours so much the more. 
 Be thou our Father, our Captain and Defender 
 in all temptations ; hold thou us by thy merciful 
 hand, that we may be delivered from all incon- 
 veniences; and end our lives in the sanctifying 
 and honouring of thine holy name, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord and only Saviour. Amen. 
 
 Let thy mighty hand and outstretched arm, O 
 Lord, be still our defence ; thy mercy and loving- 
 kindness in Jesus Christ thy dear Son our salva- 
 tion ; thy true and holy word our instruction ; 
 thy grace and Holy Spirit our comfort and con- 
 solation, unto the end and in the end. Amen. 
 
 O Lord, increase our faith. Amen. 
 __ ^ 
 
264 A FORM OF PRAYERS. 
 
 a 2ri)anh9gii)ittg, to be saiD ttfoxt f^eat. 
 
 The eyes of all things do look up and trust 
 in thee, O Lord ; thou givest them meat in due 
 season ; thou openest thine hand, and tillest with 
 thy blessings every living creature. Good Lord, 
 bless us, and the gifts which we receive of thy 
 large liberality, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be 
 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
 done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
 day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
 as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not 
 into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For 
 thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the 
 glory, for ever. Amen. 
 
 a 2ri)anfesgibmg, to bt aaiD after pirat. 
 
 The God of all glory and peace, who hath 
 created, redeemed, and presently fed us, be blessed 
 for ever. Amen. 
 
 The God of all power, who hath called from 
 death that great Pastor of the sheep, our Lord 
 
^ 
 
 THANKSGIVINGS. 265 
 
 Jesus, comfort and defend the flock which he 
 hath redeemed by the blood of the eternal testa- 
 ment ; increase the number of true preachers ; 
 repress the rage of obstinate tyrants ; mitigate 
 and lighten the hearts of the ignorant; relieve 
 the pains of such as be afflicted, but especially of 
 those that suffer for the testimony of the truth ; 
 and finally, confound Satan, by the power of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 O God, keep thy Church and our Queen, and 
 give us peace through Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 LOKBON : 
 
 PRINTED BY ROBSON, LEVEY, AND FRANKLYN, 
 
 46 St. Martin's Lane. 
 
Pr,.iM-io.i TtiPoloijiL.il Serimi.iry-Spee- Lib 
 
 1 1012 01027 9414 
 
DATE DUE 
 
 >^ 
 
 MAY 
 
 ^' 
 
 PRINTED IN U.S.A.