Item 64 (Prayer, Sermon), fol. 70r-v

How that the law of the gospel is more perfect than all other laws

As there is but one only God, one only Christ, one only faith, one only church, and one only gospel

...

that we may render to him all praise, honour, and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen

Item 12 (Prayer), fol. 20r

That which is called Beauty in us, is Majesty in God.

...

For of him and through him and in him are all things

[Fol. 20v is blank except for a note reading 'Book. L. p. 75.']

Item 28 (Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fol. 39v

Lord if it be thy will, say it is enough to thy servant my days and years of sighing; and enter not into judgement with thy servant for before thee no flesh can be found acceptable.

[This is the complete text of this meditation.]

Item 34.3 (Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fol. 42r

Lord imprint every day more in me and my children the marks of thy bounty, that we should receive so much, and deserve so little.

[This is the complete text of item 34.3.]

Item 51 (Family record, Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fol. 55v

This 5th May 1666 my multitude of business and of cross affairs I do renew that petition that my God would strengthen me and waft me over this ocean where I am.

[This is the complete text of item 51.]

[A cross in the margin half-way through item 50 matches a cross at the beginning of msItem 51, which has apparently been added to the page two years later.]

Item 54 (Diary entry, Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fol. 56v

Jan. 28 1664 [1665]

Troubles

Remember David and all his afflictions.

...

Free me from the perplexities of troublesome men, who makes advantages of accidental casualties

Item 55 (Diary entry, Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fol. 56v

Feb. 10th

My gracious Father, help thy servant out of the multitude of encumberances that does beset me round.

...

what are the sins lie hidden and unrepented of, that thy displeasure is so many ways upon me.

Item 56 (Prayer), fol. 57r

Make thy face to shine upon thy servant. Save me for thy mercy's sake. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

[This is the complete text of item 56. A cross in the left hand margin links to a cross and the text 'Make thy face etc' located between msItems 57 and 58.]

Item 57 (Prayer), fol. 57r

O that my heart might be a humble heart

...

I shall lay them on thy Alter of praise and thanksgiving, all the days of my life

[See note to item 56, above.]

Item 60 (Autobiography, Prayer), fol. 57v

I hear David pray to be delivered from men which are thy hand o Lord.

...

And ever to cast away revenge.

Item 84 (Autobiography, Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fols. 67v-68r

On report at Parliament.

For this complaint of oppression, God hath punished the Land formerly, in the great Calamities which fell upon the times.

...

O God that hast heard the sighing of oppressed widows, of helpless orphans heretofore, hear me at this time.

[Three lines of this item, at the bottom of fol. 67v, have been scored out.]

Item 85 (Autobiography, Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fol. 68r

Meditation.

O merciful Father. Let me never forget thy testimonies of conduct.

...

that if it seems good in this sight of God, to lend us that pleasant and fruitful Canaan, to possess to his Glory.

Item 88 (Autobiography, Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fol. 69r

O God though my enemies seek to take advantage upon my weak and destitute and helpless condition

...

Surely he that helps those that cannot help themselves will disappoint their devices.

Item 92 (Diary entry, Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fols. 70v-71r

25 March 1665 at the Sac. [Sacrament]

The Light of Heavens Divine providence hath hitherto been my Splendour, my Luminary.

...

By the perpetual changes we see in this world, God will prepare us for those durable constancies we shall find forever in the next.

[Three lines before the end of this meditation, an indented note reads 'Begin. this discourse p. 33 [fol. 36r], ending 39 [fol. 42r]. Begins at page 56 [fol. 56v] to 84 [fol. 71r; this page]. This note appears to link together, thematically, msItems 25-34 and msItems 54-92. MsItems 25-34 are mostly concerned with trials and afflictions, and their benefits (drawing on Jeremy Taylor); msItems 54-92 are predominantly concerned with Austen's own tribulations in relation to Highbury in 1664/5.]

Item 97 (Autobiography, Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fols. 72v-73r

Lord how are they increased that trouble me?

...

Thou hast not forsaken them who depends on thy promises, and seekes thee with a true sincere heart. Read 27 Psalm.

Item 110 (Prayer), fol. 80v

Lord now I walk in the midst of trouble

...

O now be merciful to thy poor creature.

Item 121 (Prayer), fol. 86r

O God sent the voice of joy and health in those sad dwellings that have it not. And continue joy and gladness in those dwellings which yet have it.

[This is the complete text of item 121.]

Item 122 (Autobiography, Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fols. 86v-87r

On Sickness.

O God thou hast exercised thy servant long in sorrows.

...

and we shall be insecure and tossed on the point of danger til we do arrive at that everlasting haven of peace.

Item 123 (Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fol. 87r

The Lord have compassion on these multitudes of people that are took away daily

...

Then will they be happier than if they were transferred to be Kings and Princes in this world.

Item 127 (Prayer), fol. 89r

My God grant I may not be taken with these worldly enjoyments

...

And totally attract them on thy Glory, on thy Will.

Item 128 (Autobiography, Meditation, Prayer, Religious writing), fol. 89v

July 30 1665

O Lord in mercy spare this slender family in this populous contagion.

...

Be entreated o God to give a cessation to the destroying Angel, to stop the rigour of the calamity.

Item 146 (Prayer), fol. 101v

Let me ever give praise to thy name for thy mercies, and receiving the satisfaction of my hopes

...

And preserve me from worshipping or loving any vain imagination and making anything be my confidence besides thee.

Item 43 (Prayer), fol.146r

Prayer for enemies

That no evil done to me or mine by thought word or deed may ever be returned upon our enemies by the inflicting any evil or by the witholding any good

Item 66 (Prayer), fol.150v

For my husband

Bless O Lord _________ I ask not for him riches or honours

...

then dispense in thy pardon as seemeth thee good

Item 8 (Prayer, Closing material), pp.325-[326]

Closing prayer

Help me to love wisdom above health, and choose to have her instead of light, for the light that comes from her never goeth out.

[

This is the entire entry.

Page [326] is blank.

Item 63 (Verse, Prayer, Political writing), p.69[rev]

A poem made by a Lady

Father of gods and men, great king of heaven

...

Then burn, and perish, the devoted land.

Item 57 (Apology, Autobiography, Prayer), fols [52v-54r][rev]

A Paper Mr Richard Nolthrop left behind him being writ a little before his Execution

The great and inexpressible troubles and distraction I have lain under since I came into my trouble,

...

unto whom with thyself and Holy Spirit be ascribed all glory honour power might and dominion for ever and ever Amen | Dear Lord Jesus receive my spirit | Amen

[The identity of Richard Nolthrop is unclear.]

Item 65 (Verse, Prayer), fol.[63v][rev]

Two prayers taught by Mrs Titus to Cowper

Item 8 (Prayer), fol.[1r][rev]

Prayer

God grant me to conceive as I ought, and to speak as I would for in his hand are both we and our words

[This is the entire entry.]

Item 4.2 (Prayer), fols [8v-9r]

A Prayer

Thou art worthy O Lord our God to receive glory honour and power, for thou hast created all things, and through thy pleasure they are and were created.

...

that so we serving thee faithfully and doing thy will we may reap the blessed fruits of it here in the peace of a good conscience, and the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and the well grounded hopes of eternal happiness and glory in the life to come. Amen.

Item 2 (Compilation, Prayer), fols [2r-7r]

Prayers for the Morning

Item 2.1 (Prayer), fol.[2r]

A Prayer for Mercy

O holy blessed and glorious Trinity three persons and one God have mercy upon me a miserable sinner

...

let thy Spirit help my infirmities and enable me to offer up a spiritual sacrifice acceptable to thee by Jesus Christ.

Item 2.2 (Prayer), fols [2r-3r]

A Thanksgiving.

O Gracious Lord, whose mercies endure forever I thy unworthy servant who have so deeply tasted of them desire to render Thee the tribute of my humblest praises for them.

...

those richer blessings thou hast prepared for those that love thee, and that for his sake, whom thou hast made the author of eternal salvation to all that obey him even Jesus Christ

Item 2.3 (Prayer), fols [3r-4r]

A Confession

O righteous Lord, who hateth iniquity, I thy sinful creature cast myself at thy feet acknowledging that I most justly deserve to be utterly abhorred and forsaken by thee

...

Grant this for Jesus Christ his sake.

Item 2.4 (Prayer), fols [4r-5r]

A Prayer for Grace

O most Gracious God. from whom every good and perfect gift cometh I wretched creature that am not able of myself so much as to think a good thought, beseech thee to work in me to will and do according to thy good pleasure.

...

that my whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all honour, and glory forever. Amen.

Item 2.5 (Prayer), fols [5r-6r]

Intercession

O blessed Lord, whose mercy is over all thy works, I beseech thee to have mercy upon all men, and grant that the precious ransom which was paid by thy Son for all may be effectual to the saving of all.

...

pardon all those that have done, or wished me evil and work in them and me, all that good which may make us acceptable in thy sight, through Jesus Christ

Item 2.6 (Prayer), fol.[6v]

For Preservation

O merciful God, by whose bounty alone it is that I have this day added to my life, I beseech thee so to guide me in it by thy grace, that I may do nothing which may dishonour thee or wound my own soul,

...

but that I and mine may be safe under thy gracious protection through Jesus Christ.

Item 2.7 (Prayer), fols [6v-7r]

Concluding Prayer

O Lord, pardon the wanderings and coldness of these petitions, and deal with me, not according either to my prayers or deserts but according to my wants and thy own rich mercies in Jesus Christ,

...

in whose blessed name and words, I conclude these my imperfect prayers; saying. Our Father, etc.

[This is the entire entry.]

Item 3 (Compilation, Prayer), fols [7r-12r]

Prayers for Night

Item 3.1 (Prayer), fol.[7r]

Prayer for Guidance

O holy blessed and glorious Trinity three persons and one God have mercy upon me a miserable sinner

...

O let thy spirit help my infirmities and enable me to offer up a spiritual sacrifice acceptable to thee by Jesus Christ

Item 3.2 (Prayer), fols [7v-8v]

A Confession

O most holy Lord God, who art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, how shall I abominable wretch dare to appear before thee who am nothing but pollution!

...

that being made free from sin, and becoming a servant to God, I may have my fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Item 3.3 (Prayer), fol.[9r-v]

A Thanksgiving

O thou Father of mercies, who art kind even to the unthankful, I acknowledge myself to have abundantly experimented that gracious property of thine;

...

grant that I may not only offer thee thanks and praise but may order my conversation aright that so I may at the last see the salvation of God through Jesus Christ.

Item 3.5 (Prayer), fol.[10r]

For Preservation

O blessed Lord the keeper of Israel, that neither slumberest nor sleepest, be pleased in thy mercy to watch over me this night;

...

but that whether I live I may live unto the Lord or whether I die I may die unto the Lord so that living and dying I may be thine through Jesus Christ

Item 5 (Compilation, Prayer), fols [36r-49v]

Meditations and Prayers before Receiving

[Preceded by blank fols [13r-35v].]

Item 5.1 (Prayer), fol.[36r-v]

Preparatory Prayer for Receiving the Sacrament

O Father almighty, I humbly cast down myself before the throne of thy glory, give me leave to mention before thee the death of him who paid.

...

Every day will we bless thee and will praise thy name forever and ever.

Item 5.2 (Prayer), fol.[37r-v]

Preparatory Prayer for Receiving the Sacrament

O blessed Jesus, I acknowledge thee to be the Lord; thou art the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

...

Hold me up and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

Item 6 (Compilation, Prayer), fols [50r-55r]

Prayers before the Receiving of the Blessed Sacrament

[Preceded by blank fols [39r-49v].]

Item 6.1 (Prayer), fols [50r-51v]

Preparatory Prayer for Receiving the Sacrament

O most merciful God, who hast in thy great goodness prepared the spiritual feast for sick and famished souls, make my desires and gaspings after it, answerable to my needs of it.

...

Grant this, O Lord for thy dear son's sake, Jesus Christ.

Item 6.2 (Prayer), fols [52r-55r]

Another

O blessed Jesus, who once offered up thy self for me on the cross and now offerest thy self to me in the sacrament, let not, I beseech thee, my impenitence and unworthiness frustrate these so inestimable mercies to me but qualify me by thy grace to receive the full benefit of them.

...

Grant this, merciful Saviour, for thine own bowels and compassion sake.

[Followed by blank fols [54v-55r].]

Item 7 (Compilation, Prayer), fols [55v-72v]

Prayers for after Receiving the Sacrament

[Preceded by blank fols [54v-55r].]

Item 7.1 (Prayer), fols [55v-56r]

After Receiving the Bread

Lord what is man that thou art so mindful of him!

...

for it is thou O God that givest strength and power unto thy people. Blessed be God.

Item 7.2 (Prayer), fols [56v-57v]

Immediately after Receiving the Cup

O the unsearchable riches of Christ in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

...

Blessed be the Lord of heaven and earth who only doth wondrous things, and blessed be his glorious name forever more.

[Followed by blank fol.[57v].]

Item 8 (Compilation, Prayer), fol.[58r]

Ejaculations to be used at the Lord's Supper

Lord I am not worthy that thou should'st come under my roof

...

O Lamb of God which takest away the sins of the world have mercy upon me

[Preceded by blank fol.[57v].]

Item 9 (Compilation, Prayer), fols [58v-72v]

Prayers concerning the Sacrament

Item 9.1 (Prayer), fol.[58v]

Immediately before Receiving

Thou hast said that he that eateth thy flesh and drinketh thy blood hast eternal life.

...

Behold the servant of the Lord be it unto me according to thy word.

[This is the entire entry.]

Item 9.2 (Prayer), fol.[58v]

At the Receiving the Bread

By thy crucified body deliver me from this body of death.

...

O touch me and say, I will be thou clean

Item 9.3 (Prayer), fol.[59r]

After Receiving

What shall I render to the Lord for all the benefits he hath done unto me

...

O hold thou up my going in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not

Item 9.4 (Prayer), fols [59v-61v]

A Thanksgiving after the Receiving of the Sacrament

O thou fountain of all goodness, from whom every good and perfect gift cometh, and to whom all honour and glory should be returned.

...

Grant this, O merciful Father, through the merit and mediation of my crucified Saviour.

Item 9.5 (Prayer), fols [62r-64r]

A Prayer of Intercession to be used either before or after the Receiving of the Sacrament

O most gracious Lord who so tenderly loved mankind as to give thy dear Son out of thy bosom to be a propitiation for the sins of the whole world grant the effects of this redemption may be as universal as the design of it that it may be to the salvation of all.

...

that so we may be admitted into that place of purity, where no unclean thing can enter, there to sing eternal praises to Father Son and Holy Ghost forever

Item 10 (Compilation, Prayer), fols [64v-72v]

Ejaculations after Receiving

How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God and how precious are thy thoughts towards us.

...

for so shall we still have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ thy son shall cleanse me from all sin.

[Followed by blank fols [66r-72v], a flyleaf and pastedown.]

Item 8 (Verse, Prayer), pp.623-624

A Prayer

Eternal Reason, Glorious Majesty,

...

But to imitate, enjoy, and study Thee.

Mrs. Philips

Item 12 (Prayer), p.[669]

The prayer of Sir Charles Sedley

Almighty and eternal God, who didst create all things by thy power, dost sustain them by thy goodness, and govern them by thy infinite wisdom, and inscrutable providence; hast endued all thy creatures with a degree of reason suitable to the ends for which thou hast ordained them.

...

And this I beg in the name and for the sake of our only mediator and advocate Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

This was composed in the time of his health and given to me by his Lady.

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]

Item 10 (Prayer), fol. 4v-5r

A prayer for knowledge and understanding before reading or study.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, of mercies, consider my desire and hearken unto me, for thy truth and loving kindness sake in Christ Jesus thy son.

...

and zealously to practise them to thy eternal glory, to the edifying of others, and my own soul's comfort and salvation through Jesus Christ Amen.

[Hand B, with corrections and additions by Hand A]

[Fol. 5v is blank]

Item 14 (Biblical writing, Meditation, Prayer), fols. 64v-83v

[Manuscript item 14 appears to correspond with number 3 in the list of contents on fol. 1v, "An instruction for prayer, precepts or sentences of scripture, and twelve prayers." This section contains 14 biblical meditations and 12 prayers, alternating except for the first three which are all meditations.]

[ Hand A (Richardson) has written fols. 64v-71r (first 2/3 of the page); Hand B has taken over on fols. 71r (bottom third)-83v as the main hand, though Richardson has heavily edited this scribe's work.]

Item 14.4 (Prayer), fols. 67r-v

.1. A preface or entrance to prayer. For he to whom we pray, can best teach us how to pray. A prayer to be prepared and directed to true prayer.

O almighty Lord God, and my heavenly father, through Jesus Christ my saviour, in thy name and fear

...

through Jesus Christ my only redeemer and advocate, in whose name I further pray as he hath taught us saying; Our father which art in heaven, etc.

Item 14.6 (Prayer), fols. 67v-68r

.2. A prayer for a true and fruitful faith.

O Lord almighty, most high creator of all things which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love thee

...

the good example of others and mine own happy salvation through my dear lord's only son who is the author and finisher of our faith. Amen.

Item 14.8 (Prayer), fols. 68v-69v

.3. A prayer for true repentance humility and amendment of life

Most mighty God great and terrible which hast made heaven and earth with all their ornament

...

may be agreeable to thy holy laws and acceptable unto thee through thy dear son Jesus my only mediator and advocate. So be it.

Item 14.10 (Prayer), fols. 71r-72v

.4. A confession of sins and a prayer for remission.

O God most high possessor of heaven and earth which knowest and understandest all things and governest us by thy over ruling

...

O Lord enlarge my heart to fear and serve thee, and open my lips that my mouth may magnify and praise thee all the days of my life. Amen, Amen.

[ Richardson (Hand A) has written from fols. 71r-v (top 2/3 of page; final word in Richardson's hand is "gone"); Hand B has taken over at fol. 71v, for the bottom third, until the end of the manuscript, though Hand A has edited Hand B's transcription.]

Item 14.12 (Prayer), fols. 73r-74r

5. A prayer for my parents and kinfolks my husband and my self, my children, my substance, my househould and the whole church of god.

O Lord heavenly father, God of all the world, which hast commanded us to pray for others as well as for our selves

...

and with Christ our Lord and king, enjoying the most happy fellowship of God the holy Ghost for evermore. So be it, so be it.

[Hand B, with corrections and additions by Hand A]

Item 14.14 (Prayer), fols. 75r-76r

.6. A prayer in sickness, either for recovery, or patience, willingly to refer my self to the good pleasure of God

Hear my prayer O God, and hide not thy self from my supplications, hearken to the words of my groanings and answer me in mercy

...

thou wilt send thine angel, to carry me into heaven, where I may be received by my blessed saviour, into whose hands I commend my spirit. Come Lord Jesus come quickly. Amen.

[Hand B, with corrections and additions by Hand A]

Item 14.16 (Prayer), fols. 76v-77v

.7. A thanksgiving for benefits received with a prayer for continuaunce of them.

Blessed be the most glorious name, of the Lord our God for evermore; good God that art the director of all hearts, and giver of all grace, guide my soule to set forth thy praise

...

but more especially thy most desired spiritual graces both upon my soul and body through Jesus Christ my only Lord and saviour Amen.

[Hand B, with corrections and additions by Hand A]

Item 14.18 (Prayer), fols. 78r-79r

.8. A prayer for help in affliction and patience to await God's pleasure.

O great and merciful God which art the helper of the fatherless the protector of widows and orphans the enlarger of captive thralls

...

and vouchsafe me grace to make the best use of all that thou sendest, to the advancement of thy glory and the furtherance of my own salvation through Jesus Christ my lord and only saviour. Amen.

[Hand B, with corrections and additions by Hand A]

Item 14.20 (Prayer), fols. 80r-v

9. A thanksgiving for help and delivery from affliction

Now O Lord I will praise thee with my whole heart, I will speak of all thy marvelous works, for thou hast maintained my right and my cause

...

I will sing of thy power and always praise thy mercy, let heaven and earth the sea and all that therein is praise thy holy name O blessed be the Lord God world without end. So be it.

[Hand B, with corrections and additions by Hand A]

Item 14.22 (Prayer), fols. 81r-82r

10. A prayer at waking or for the morning

[Many additions in Ashburnham's hand]

O most gracious Lord God, I yield unto thy majesty a humble and possible praise of thanks

...

and thy holy spirit a guide unto my steps until you hast brought me unto the light of thy heavenly kingdom of glory. Amen.

[Hand B, with corrections and additions by Hand A]

Item 14.24 (Prayer), fols. 82v-83r

11. A prayer for night

O dear Lord God, I acknowledge and confess myself most unworthy of the least of thy manifold blessings

...

to whom with thy eternal self and thy holy spirit, three persons and one blessed and everliving God be all praise and glory now and always amen.

[Hand B, with corrections and additions by Hand A]

Item 14.26 (Prayer), fol. 83v

12. The conclusion and blessing to any prayer.

O blessed God, through my saviour Jesus Christ in whom I am well pleased, I beseech thee to hear and regard my humble prayers

...

and to lead me in the way of righteousness all my life and to bring me to thy heavenly kingdom after death. So be it. Even so be it. Fines.

[Hand B, with corrections and additions by Hand A]

Item 5 (Prayer), fols 6v-8r

2. A preparation to prayer.

(O, everlasting) fountain of all goodness, and wellspring of grace, without whose especial assistance, we are altogether unapt

...

and after death, I may enjoy the felicity, to live with thee (my Lord) forever more through the merits, and passion, of my only saviour. Jesus Christ; so be it.

Item 6 (Prayer), fols 8r-9r

4. For the sabbath day before you go to the church

O eternal God, most high creator, preserver, and disposer of all things, to thee is due, all praise, honour, and worship

...

be acceptable unto thee. through the merits, of thy dear son, and my only saviour, in whom you art ever well pleased. Amen.

Item 7 (Prayer), fols 9r-10v

[The pagination in the manuscript is 9, 10, 10, 12. See foliation below for an explanation.]

7. A confession of sins with prayer for remission, taken partly out of the prayer of Manasses

(Almighty God) of our fathers, who hast made heaven, and earth, with all the ornaments thereof; who hast bound the sea, by the word of thy commandments

...

and let the heavens, and the earth praise thy eternal majesty for thine is the glory, for ever, and ever.

Amen: Amen:

Item 8 (Prayer), fols 10v-12r

[These pages are paginated 12-15.]

5. A private morning prayer./

Eternal God, and my most loving father, in all humility of soul, and unfeigned acknowledment of my bounded duty, I humbly present my sinful self

...

and some further assurance unto my self of thy favour, and my eternal salvation through Jesus Christ my redeemer

Amen. Amen:

Item 9 (Prayer), fols 12v-14v

[These pages are paginated 16-20.]

6. A prayer for the afternoon or night./

Most gracious God and my most merciful father, in Jesus Christ, how exceedingly are we wretched creatures, bound unto thy excellent majesty

...

and mediation in his name, and in the words, which Christ hath taught us saying. Our father etc.

Item 10 (Prayer), fols 14v-16r

[These pages are paginated 20-23.]

8. A prayer before the receiving of the sacrament of the Lord's supper.

O, most sweet saviour (Jesus Christ,) and my dear Lord, who art, the author, and finisher of my faith, redemption, and salvation

...

who art able, to do abundantly, above all, that I can ask, or think. to thee be all honour, power and praise, forever more.

Amen.

Item 12 (Prayer), fols 18r-18v

[These pages are paginated 27-28.]

10. A thanksgiving after the receiving of the holy sacrament of the Lord's supper

O ever blessed, and praised, be the name of the Lord my God, who hath done great and many things for me,

...

I thy poor servant, may obtain a blessed room, in thy kingdom of glory, there everlasting to praise thy holy name.

Amen. Amen.

Item 13 (Prayer), fol. 19r

[This page is paginated 29.]

3. When you awake in the morning from sleep.

O sweet Lord that hast awaked me in health, and safety, to this present light, I humbly praise thy holy name

...

and the furtherance of my own salvation, through my blessed saviour Christ Jesus. and

Item 14 (Prayer), fols 19r-v

[These pages are paginated 29-30.]

11. The conclusion./

O God the father, bless, save, and govern me, in all things; O Lord the son, direct, guide and protect me at all times

...

that you, pardoning my sins, mayst receive me to mercy, and I may live with thee for evermore.

Amen. So be it.

Item 15 (Prayer), fols 19v-29v

[Folio 19v is paginated 30.]

12. At night. being in Bedd.

O Lord give me thy servant, quiet rest this night, And grant (O God) when I shall enter into my long sleep of death

...

I may live with thee, and praise thy holy name for ever, and ever

Amen. Amen.

[Fols 20r-29v are blank.]

Item 21 (Prayer), fols 25r-36v

Prayers, including a Latin pater noster, on a variety of subjects

Item 21.1 (Prayer), fol. 25r

A prayer against evil thoughts

Item 21.2 (Prayer), fol. 25r-v

Another prayer

Item 21.3 (Prayer), fols 25v-27r

Devout prayers to our saviour Jesus Christ

[This section consists of eight short prayers.]

Item 21.4 (Prayer), fols 27r-v

For thoughts say this prayer following

Item 21.5 (Prayer), fol. 27v

For the heart say thus

Item 21.6 (Prayer), fols 27v-28r

Another prayer

Item 21.7 (Prayer), fol. 28r

A prayer for trust in God

Item 21.8 (Prayer), fol. 28v

A prayer in adversity

Item 21.9 (Prayer), fol. 29r

A prayer in prosperity

Item 21.10 (Meditation, Prayer), fols 29v-30r

A fruitful meditation not to be said with the mouth lightly: to be cried with heart and mind oft and mightily

Item 21.11 (Prayer), fols 30r-31r

A goodly devout prayer

Item 21.12 (Prayer), fols 31v-32v

An intercession and prayer unto our Saviour Jesus Christ

Item 21.13 (Prayer), fol. 32v

A Latin pater noster

Item 21.14 (Prayer), fols 32v-33r

Two untitled prayers

Item 21.15 (Prayer), fol. 33r

In sickness, or tribulation

Item 21.16 (Prayer), fols 33r-34r

Five godly necessary prayers to be said most specially at the hour of death

[Some of these prayers are in Latin.]

Item 21.17 (Prayer), fol. 34r

Another prayer to our Lord God

Item 21.18 (Prayer), fol. 34r

A devout prayer

Item 21.19 (Prayer), fols 34v-36v

A prayer, and thanksgiving to the heavenly father for all his benefits shewed unto us

[Fols 35v-36v are blank.]

Item 22 (Meditation, Prayer), fols 37r-48r

Meditations and a prayer

Out of Granatensis Meditations. How consideration helpeth faith

[These are a series of meditations on consideration. At least the first few are extracted from Luis de Granada's Of Prayer and Meditation. Contayning foure-teene Meditations, for the seauen dayes of the Weeke: both for Mornings and Euenings. Treating of the principall matters and holy misteries of our fayth. Written by F. Lewes de Granada., first published in 1582. I consulted the 1592 edition (An Excellent Treatise of Consideration and Prayer. Written by the same author F. Lewes de Granada, in Portugall: and annexed to his Booke of Meditations) and found excerpts from msItems 22.1-22.4 in that volume (see below). The rest of the meditations in this section might also be extracted from Luis de Granada's work but they were not obvious from a quick search.]

Item 22.16 (Prayer), fol. 48r

Prayer

[This prayer is incomplete.]

Item 25 (Verse, Couplet, Prayer), fol. 50v

Verse prayer

In my beginning God be my good speed

...

in grace and virtue for to proceed

Item 2 (Prayer), fols.4v-18r

A Confession of Faith with Meditation and Prayer

My Belief is in God

...

trust in thee, O God, in thee O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Item 3 (Prayer), fols.18v-22v

A Prayer in the sickness of my girl Frances

O Almighty and eternal God

...

Our Father which art in Heaven etc

[Frances is not recorded as surviving to adulthood. See also item 45.]

Item 4 (Prayer), fols.22v-27v

A Prayer when I was with Child

O God to thee I give all

...

grant for thy son my Redeemer's sake, to whom be glory and honour. Amen

Item 5 (Prayer), fols.28r-29v

A Prayer in time of Labour

Lord Jesus since thou art pleased my time is come

...

everlasting in the true belief of thee who art my only saviour. Amen

Item 6 (Prayer), fols.30r-32v

A Prayer after I was brought to bed

My Lord and my God, to thee I give all prayer and thanks

...

to thee alone is all praise due to perpetuity. Amen

Item 7 (Prayer), fols. 32v-35r

A Prayer when I was with Child

Great God and Christ hear the prayer of me

...

Grant that I may rejoice with thy Saints in glory

Item 8 (Prayer), fols.35v-38v

A Prayer when I continued with child, after I thought I should have fallen in labour

My Christ and my Jesus

...

and this I beg for thy son my saviours sake

Item 9 (Prayer), fols. 38v-45v

A Prayer when I was with Child

O Great God Almighty

...

and so let us praise thy holy name both now and ever. Amen. Amen

Item 10 (Prayer), fols. 45v-49v

A Prayer when I was with Child of Stuart

O my God great Almighty

...

who liveth and reigneth now and for evermore. Amen

[Stuart Egerton was born in 1660 and died unmarried.]

Item 12 (Prayer), fols.53v-56r

O Lord I am vile, being sinful, but let me not run into despair

Why I sit sighing here ask me no more

...

Therefore to thee all honour, and power be given now and for evermore

Item 13 (Prayer), fols.56r-59r

A Prayer before the receiving: the Communion at Easter

O great and glorious Lord God

...

sweet Jesus, mercy to me miserable sinner

Item 14 (Prayer), fols.59v-63r

A Prayer before the receiving of the Communion

O God, O my God, and the only God of all true believers

['xxx' inserted between 'only' and 'God', possibly covering a deletion.]

...

which God of thy mercy grant me

[One line inserted between lines 70 and 71. In the same hand.]

Item 15 (Prayer), fols. 63v-65r

A Prayer before the Communion

My God, and my Lord, of thee I beg compassion

...

This I beg for my Son my Saviour's sake

Item 16 (Prayer), fols.65v-68v

A Prayer before the Communion at Easter, being at the same time with Child

This thy resurrection, I intend with thy leave

...

I shall enjoy thy Heavenly Kingdom. Amen

Item 17 (Prayer), fols.68v-71r

A Prayer after delivery, before receiving the Communion on Christmas day

Thou O Christ, which on this day

...

evermore lauding and praising thee, my God my Saviour

Item 18 (Prayer), fols.71r-73r

A Prayer before receiving the blessed Sacrament

My God let me not think

...

and this I beg of thee, my God and only Saviour

Item 20 (Prayer), fol.78r

A Prayer after I had received the Blessed Sacrament

I was washed clean O Lord

...

grant me for thy Son my only Saviour's sake. Amen

Item 32 (Prayer, Devotional writing), fols.109v-111v

Upon recovery out of sickness after Delivery

O Lord God to thee all thanks and praise belongs

...

to whom I give all thanks and glory now and for evermore

Item 33 (Prayer, Devotional writing), fols.111v-113r

Upon the occasion of my Husband'sBirthday

[John Egerton was born on 30th May 1623 .]

O my God, the only and everlasting God

...

and be you ever with him in his greatest extremity and distress

Item 34 (Prayer), fols.113r-114v

A Prayer for my Husband

O my Christ give me once more leave to Petition thee

...

call, and thou wilt hear

Item 45 (Prayer), fols.130v-136r

A Prayer in the sickness of my Girl Frances

O Lord God Almighty

...

O gracious and Loving Father, Amen, Amen

[Frances is not recorded as surviving to adulthood. See also item 3.]

Item 46 (Prayer), fols.136r-149r

A Preparatory prayer before the receiving of the blessed Sacrament of the Lord's supper

Most merciful Father, I thy poor Creature

...

be all glory, honour and power, both now and evermore. Amen

Item 2.4 (Translation, Prayer, Religious writing), fols. 6r-36r

Main text

Benignissime domine iesu, largire mihi gratiam tuam. ut semper operetur in me

...

et antequam natus fuerim et editus in hanc vitam: Tibi, o domine,honor, et gloria, et laus sit in omne ui eternitatem. Amen.

Item 2.5 (Prayer), fols. 36r-37v

Prayer for the King

Oratio pro Rege.

O domine iesu christe, qui es altissimus, potentissimus

...

et timeant ac formident illum, omnes hostes regni sui. Amen.

Item 2.6 (Prayer), fols. 37v-38v

Prayer for men going to war

Oratio dicenda hominibus quum intrant in bellum

O Rex omnipotens et domine exercituum, qui per angelos tuos ad illud deputatos

...

copulati concordia et unitate laudemus te, qui viuis, et regnas ad omnem aevi eternitatem. Amen.

Item 3.4 (Prayer), fols. 76r-77r

Prayer for the King

Oraison pour le roi.

O seigneur Jesus Christ, tres haut tres puissant

...

etre redoubt et craint de tous les ennemis de son royaume.

Item 4.4 (Prayer), fols 115v-116v

Prayer for the King

Laudatio si iddio in eterno

Oratio per il re

O altissimo, et potentissimo signor giesu christo

...

et che sia temuto da tutti gli aduersarii del regno suo. Amen.

Item 4.5 (Prayer), fols 116v-117v

Prayer for men going to war

Oratione dire per quegli che intrano in battaglia

O Re omnipotente, et signore degli eserciti. il quale per gli angeli tuo, cio deputati

...

et vnit possiamo insieme ingenochiarsi laudare, et benedire te il quale viui, et regni nel secolo senza fine. Amen. Finis

Item 5 (Prayer), fols. 63v-64r

A prayer made by her majesty

O god the all-maker keep and guider

...

warrant, o lord; all this with thy commandments

[

A prayer written by Elizabeth on the sailing of the Azores expedition in 1597 , found in Elizabeth's holograph in British Library MS Harley 6986, fol. 58r and printed in Elizabeth I 2000, pp. 426-7.

Written in an unidentified formal italic hand.

Item 2.1 (Prayer), fol. 1r

Incomplete introductory prayer

his word And since we have an advocate with the father [illeg.] Christ the righteous he will plead for me

...

And if the Lord sees fit to continue me still in the furnace of affliction his blessed will be done so that I may be an [illeg.] chosen

[Loftis transcribes the torn portion in the first line as ""Father of Christ"". Biblical references appear in the gutter margin of this page but have been cropped. Beside the first line all that is visible of the reference is ""Joh 1"". Loftis transcribes the torn portion in the final line of the prayer as ""one of his chosen"". This manuscript begins in midsentence, presumably due to one missing earlier leaf. Halkett's page numbers are visible from p. 8 on, so it is possible to determine that the first leaf of the manuscript was originally p. 2. Presumably the prayer originally began on p. 1, the verso of the missing leaf. Perhaps the recto of the original first leaf was the title page.]

Item 4 (Prayer), pp.1-6

Expostulations about prayer

My God my God why dost thou withdraw thy presence from me; thou knowest without thee it is impossible I should have one good thought

...

Lord, make this work fit, for what I do intend it, which is to dedicate it unto thee, with my self and all that's mine, as being thine own. And so my God receive it, and dispose of it according to thy will

Amen

[

In this prayer, in which Halkett addresses God, Satan, and her own soul, she asks God to return his grace to her which he has withdrawn, causing her to be unable to pray properly.

Unpaginated by Halkett.

Page 6 is blank, but with 4 margins drawn in.

Item 5 (Biblical writing, Meditation, Prayer), pp.7-39

The great conquest or the power of faith 1 John 5 the latter part of the 4th verse This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith

The beloved Apostle, being desirous that all that were called to the fellowship of Christ sufferings, might know how to have and value an interest in them

...

strengthen me for this victory and make it perfect, that by faith I may overcome all things, that separates from thee

Amen

[

This meditation on I John 5:4 ends with a prayer.

On p.32 Halkett mentions the death of Charles I, "an innocent king". On p.36 Halkett has written a marginal note at the bottom of the page in different ink: "at Rossy when Sir Robert Montgomery was married', and on p.37 she has written "at Rosy" in the margin. This probably refers to Rossie House in Fife and to Sir Robert Montgomery, a parliamentary and afterwards royalist officer (d.1684), fifth son of Alexander Montgomery who was sixth earl of Eglinton. He married Elizabeth Livingstone, daughter of James Viscount of Kilsyth ( DNB; Scots Peerage, III, 450; William Fraser, Memorials of the Montgomeries Earls of Eglinton, I (Edinburgh, 1859), 79-81). The event she is highlighting - with these marginal notes and in her table of contents ("observe a remarkable accident"; see msItem 3 above)-is seeing a flock of sheep when she was sad and unable to find comfort in religious duties. One sheep was apart from the flock on a slippery bank, eating from bushes of thorn, yet content. She drew a moral that a true sheep of Christ's fold should not lament severe circumstances.

Entry paginated by Halkett pp.1-33.

Item 6.2 (Meditation, Prayer), pp.41-43

Introduction to meditations on Psalm 143:1-12, ending with a prayer

What example is fitter for me to follow, than the practice of this holy prophet, who turned all things that had been an occasion of dishonouring God, to his praise

...

and teach me how to live in all things like one that is sealed unto the day of redemption by that spirit, which I beg may be my guide in this, that I am now beginning, and to my end

Amen

Item 9 (Advice, Prayer), pp.198-259

Mother's advice to her unborn child Betty, plus a prayer of thanksgiving

[Entry paginated by Halkett pp.1-62.]

Item 9.2 (Prayer), pp.257-[259]

A thanksgiving after my deliverance out of childbed

Praise the Lord oh my soul and exalt the God of thy salvation who heard thee in the day of thy distress, and strengthened thee from heaven and delivered thee from that wrath purchased by sin, and turned my mourning into joy

...

and shall forever pray both for myself and all I have interest in that we may attain that crown of glory purchased for all believers through the merits of our redeemer to whom be ever praise and glory

Amen

[

Entry paginated by Halkett pp.60-62.

Page 259 is blank, unpaginated.

After the final page are two modern endpapers.

Item 3 (Prayer), p.ii

Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you

...

Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy commandments Psalm 119:5-6

Item 2.1 (Prayer), p.1

Introductory prayer

It is natural for all persons to please themselves in pursuing what is most suitable to their inclination. and to aim at an eminency in whatever profession their genius leads them to

...

Now the God of hope (patience and consolation) fill me with all joy and peace in believing that I may abound in hope (and be assisted in what now I design) through the power of the holy ghost

Amen

[

The final sentence is written in different ink.

In her prayer Halkett resolves as a Christian with God's help to extract good from the all crosses she has met with lately, and from whatever else happens to her or others within her knowledge.

Item 13 (Biblical writing, Meditation, Prayer), pp.113-138

Upon St John 15 chapt 1 verse

If I observe right this is the seventh and last metaphor by which our [illegible word] Christ represents himself saying I am

...

will give thee thanks for ever we will shew forth thy praise to all generations. Blessed be the Lord for evermore

Amen and Amen

[

The meditation begins with the text of John 15:1, ""I am the true vine and my father is the husbandman."" There are marginal biblical references beside the final lines to John 4:27, Psalm 79:13 and Psalm 89:52.

See the table of contents (msItem 2) for several topical headings on pp.121, 126, 127, 132, 133, and 135. The prayers seem to go from pp.121-26. The prayer of the king for the church seems to be Psalm 20:1-2, and on p.133 she mentions the reciprocal duty of the church and the king to pray for each other. She prays for the exiled king on p.137.

Item 3 (Prayer), fols 2r-6v

Eleven prayers, some untitled

[Two of the eleven prayers contain marginal biblical references: msItems 3.6 and 3.7.]

Item 3.1 (Prayer), fol. 2r

Diverse godly prayers

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be always acceptable in thy sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer

Item 3.2 (Prayer), fols 2r-v

A morning prayer

Oh eternal God and merciful father which art the light which no man can attain unto

...

our saviour Jesus Christ, to whom with the father and the holy spirit be all honour and glory for evermore

Amen

Item 3.3 (Prayer), fol. 2v

An untitled prayer

I most humbly beseech thee oh Lord let my life be such that in it I may glorify thee

...

that I may be justified, and be at peace with thee through our Lord Jesus Christ

Amen

Item 3.4 (Prayer), fol. 3r

An untitled prayer

I render unto thee oh Lord most humble and hearty thanks for all thy benefits and blessings

...

unfeignedly to beg remission of what is past and preservation for the time to come

Amen

Item 3.5 (Prayer), fol. 3r

An untitled prayer

Oh Lord God, father everlasting and full of pity, I most miserable and wretched sinner do utterly despair of salvation

...

to serve thee in righteousness and holiness all the days of my life by the assistance of thy holy spirit

Amen

Item 3.6 (Prayer), fols 3v-4r

An untitled prayer

Oh my God and saviour if I come to thee only because thou hast said if ye shall ask anything in my name I will do it

...

and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

Amen

[This prayer contains marginal biblical references (including beside the first line: John 14:14) and concludes with the Lord's Prayer.]

Item 3.7 (Prayer), fol. 4r

A prayer before the reading or hearing of the word

Oh my God forgive I most humbly beseech thee my want of attention in hearing, my negligence in reading, and my want of retention when I have heard thy word read or preached

...

but let thy word take deep root in my heart to bring forth fruit

Amen

[This prayer contains marginal biblical references, including beside the final line (Matthew 13:23).]

Item 3.8 (Prayer), fol. 4v

Prayers

Although oh Lord I am not sufficiently humbled under the burthen of my sins

...

and let the weight of them bruise, but not break me

Item 3.9 (Prayer), fols 4v-6r

Oh my God I confess thou art slack in executing judgment slow to anger, and of long sufferance

...

I humbly ask pardon for these my weak and imperfect prayers. Our father etc.

Item 3.10 (Prayer), fol. 6r

An untitled prayer

Blessed God grant me wisdom that I may know thee, that I may love thee, that I may fear thee

...

and grant me grace to lead an holy and an upright life the residue of my days

Item 3.11 (Prayer), fols 6r-v

A prayer before the receiving of the holy sacrament

I most humbly beseech thee oh Lord that it may please thy divine majesty

...

and receive this thy blessed mystery comfortably to the refreshing of my sick soul

Amen

Item 11 (Meditation, Prayer), fols 27r-37v

Meditations (and one prayer) on the topics of repentance, fasting, affliction, and death

Item 11.1 (Meditation, Prayer), fols 27r-v

Of repentance

Without repentance no salvation. God poureth not out the oil of mercy, but into the vessel of a contrite heart

...

which he grant who is able to save our souls having redeemed us by his precious blood

Amen

[This section contains two short meditations and a prayer. The scribe has inserted ""no salvation. God poureth"" above the first line with a caret.]

Item 3 (Prayer), fols 2v-8v

Eleven prayers, some untitled

[Two of the eleven prayers contain marginal biblical references: msItems 3.6 and 3.7.]

Item 3.1 (Prayer), fol. 2v

Diverse godly prayers

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be always acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord my strength and my redeemer

Item 3.2 (Prayer), fols 2v-3v

A morning prayer

Oh eternal God, and merciful father which art the light which no man can attain unto

...

our saviour Jesus Christ, to whom with the father and the holy spirit be all honour and glory for evermore

Amen

Item 3.3 (Prayer), fol. 3v

An untitled prayer

I most humbly beseech thee oh Lord let my life be such that in it I may glorify thee

...

that I may be justified and be at peace with thee through our Lord Jesus Christ

Amen

Item 3.4 (Prayer), fol. 4r

An untitled prayer

I render unto thee oh Lord most humble and hearty thanks for all thy benefits and blessings

...

unfeignedly to beg remission of what is past and preservation for the time to come

Amen

Item 3.5 (Prayer), fols 4r-v

An untitled prayer

Oh Lord God, father everlasting and full of pity I most miserable and wretched sinner do utterly despair of salvation

...

to serve thee in righteousness and holiness all the days of my life, by the assistance of thy holy spirit

Amen

Item 3.6 (Prayer), fols 4v-5v

An untitled prayer

Oh my God and saviour if I come to thee only because thou hast said if ye shall ask anything in my name I will do it

...

and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

Amen

[This prayer contains marginal biblical references (including beside the first line: John 14:14) and concludes with the Lord's Prayer.]

Item 3.7 (Prayer), fol. 5v

A prayer before the reading or hearing of the word

Oh my God forgive I most humbly beseech thee my want of attention in hearing, my negligence in reading, and my want of retention when I have heard thy word read or preached

...

but let thy word take deep root in my heart to bring forth fruit

Amen

[This prayer contains marginal biblical references, including beside the final line (Matthew 13:23).]

Item 3.8 (Prayer), fol. 6r

Prayers

Although oh Lord I am not sufficiently humbled under the burthen of my sins

...

and let the weight of them bruise, but not break me

Item 3.9 (Prayer), fols 6r-7v

Oh my God I confess thou art slack in executing judgment, slow to anger, and of long sufferance

...

I humbly ask pardon for these my weak and imperfect prayers. Our father etc.

Item 3.10 (Prayer), fol. 8r

An untitled prayer

Blessed God grant me wisdom that I may know thee, that I may fear thee, that I may love thee

...

and grant me grace to lead an holy and an upright life the residue of my days

Item 3.11 (Prayer), fols 8r-v

A prayer before the receiving of the holy sacrament

I most humbly beseech thee oh Lord that it may please thy divine majesty

...

and receive this thy blessed mystery comfortably to the refreshing of my sick soul

Amen

Item 11 (Meditation, Prayer), fols 29v-36v

Meditations (and one prayer) on the topics of repentance, fasting, affliction, and death

Item 11.1 (Meditation, Prayer), fols 29v-30r

Of repentance

Without repentance no salvation, God poureth not out the oil of mercy, but into the vessel of a contrite heart

...

which he grant who is able to save our souls having redeemed us by his precious blood

Amen

[This section contains two short meditations and a prayer.]

Item 3 (Prayer), fols 2r-7v

Eleven prayers, some untitled

[Two of the eleven prayers contain marginal biblical references: msItems 3.6 and 3.7.]

Item 3.1 (Biblical writing, Prayer), fol. 2r

Diverse godly prayers

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be always acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord my strength and my redeemer

[Psalm 19:14.]

Item 3.2 (Prayer), fols 2v-3r

A morning prayer

Oh eternal God, and merciful father which art the light which no man can attain unto

...

our saviour Jesus Christ, to whom with the father and the holy spirit be all honour and glory for evermore

Amen

Item 3.3 (Prayer), fol. 3r

An untitled prayer

I humbly beseech thee oh Lord, let my life be such as in it I may glorify thee

...

that I may be justified and be at peace with thee through our Lord Jesus Christ

Amen

Item 3.4 (Prayer), fols 3r-v

An untitled prayer

I render unto thee oh Lord all humble and hearty thanks for all thy benefits and blessings

...

unfeignedly to beg remission of what is past and preservation for the time to come

Amen

Item 3.5 (Prayer), fol. 3v

An untitled prayer

Oh Lord God, father everlasting and full of pity, I most miserable and wretched sinner do utterly despair of salvation

...

to serve thee in righteousness and holiness all the days of my life, by the assistance of thy holy spirit

Amen

Item 3.6 (Prayer), fols 3v-4v

An untitled prayer

Oh my God and saviour if I come to thee only because thou hast said if ye shall ask anything in my name I will do it

...

and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

Amen

[This prayer contains marginal biblical references (including beside the first line: John 14:14) and concludes with the Lord's Prayer.]

Item 3.7 (Prayer), fols 4v-5r

A prayer before the reading or hearing of the word

Oh my God forgive I most humbly beseech thee my want of attention in hearing, my negligence in reading, and my want of retention when I have heard thy word read or preached

...

but let thy word take deep root in my heart to bring forth fruit

Amen

[This prayer contains marginal biblical references, including beside the final line (Matthew 13:23).]

Item 3.8 (Prayer), fol. 5r

An untitled prayer

Although oh Lord I am not sufficiently humbled under the burthen of my sins

...

and let the weight of them bruise, but not break me

[This prayer is untitled in this manuscript, but it appears under the heading ""Prayers"" in HM 15369 and EL 6871. In Hastings Religious, Box 2, Folder 8 this prayer is not only untitled, it also runs directly from the previous item, leaving no space at all between them to indicate that this is a new prayer.]

Item 3.9 (Prayer), fols 5r-v

A prayer before the receiving of the holy sacrament

I most humbly beseech thee oh Lord that it may please thy divine majesty

...

and receive this thy blessed mystery comfortably to the refreshing of my sick soul

Amen

[In HM 15369 and EL 6871 this prayer is msItem 3.11.]

Item 3.10 (Prayer), fols 6r-7v

Prayers

Oh my God I confess thou art slack in executing judgment, slow to anger, and of long sufferance

...

I humbly ask pardon for these my weak and imperfect prayers. Our father etc.

[In HM 15369 and EL 6871 this prayer is msItem 3.9, and it is the second prayer under the heading ""Prayers"".]

Item 3.11 (Prayer), fol. 7v

An untitled prayer

Blessed Lord grant me wisdom that I may know thee, that I may fear thee, that I may love thee

...

and grant me grace to lead an holy and upright life the residue of my days

[In HM 15369 and EL 6871 this prayer is msItem 3.10.]

Item 12 (Meditation, Prayer), fols 29v-34r

Meditations (and one prayer) on the topics of repentance, fasting, and affliction

Item 12.1 (Meditation, Prayer), fols 29v-30r

Of repentance

Without repentance no salvation. God poureth not out the oil of mercy but into the vessel of a contrite heart

...

which he grant who is able to save our souls, having redeemed us by his precious blood

Amen

[This section contains two short meditations and a prayer. In HM 15369 and EL 6871 these meditations and prayer are msItem 11.1, and in Hastings Religious, Box 2, Folder 8 they are msItem 10.4. In this manuscript this item is numbered "6" in the margin.]

Item 3 (Prayer), fols 2v-8r

Eleven prayers, some untitled

[Two of the eleven prayers contain marginal biblical references: msItems 3.6 and 3.7.]

Item 3.1 (Prayer), fol. 2v

Diverse godly prayers

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be always acceptable in thy sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer

Item 3.2 (Prayer), fols 2v-3r

A morning prayer

Oh eternal God and merciful father which art the light which no man can attain unto

...

our saviour Jesus Christ, to whom with the father, and the holy spirit be all honour and glory for evermore

Amen

Item 3.3 (Prayer), fol. 3v

An untitled prayer

I most humbly beseech thee oh Lord, let my life be such as in it I may glorify thee

...

that I may be justified and be at peace with thee through our Lord Jesus Christ

Amen

Item 3.4 (Prayer), fol. 3v

An untitled prayer

I render unto thee oh Lord most humble and hearty thanks for all thy benefits and blessings

...

unfeignedly to beg remission of what is past and preservation for the time to come

Amen

Item 3.5 (Prayer), fols 3v-4r

An untitled prayer

Oh Lord God father everlasting and full of pity I most miserable and wretched sinner do utterly despair of salvation

...

to serve thee in righteousness and holiness all the days of my life by the assistance of thy holy spirit

Amen

Item 3.6 (Prayer), fols 4r-5r

An untitled prayer

Oh my God and saviour if I come to thee only because thou hast said if ye shall ask anything in my name I will do it

...

and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

Amen

[This prayer contains marginal biblical references (including beside the first line: John 14:14) and concludes with the Lord's Prayer.]

Item 3.7 (Prayer), fols 5r-v

A prayer before the reading or hearing of the word

Oh my God forgive I most humbly beseech thee my want of attention in hearing, my negligence in reading, and my want of retention when I have heard thy word read or preached

...

but let thy word take deep root in my heart to bring forth fruit

Amen

[This prayer contains marginal biblical references, including beside the final line (Matthew 13:23). See note to msItem 3.8.]

Item 3.8 (Prayer), fol. 5v

An untitled prayer

Although oh God, I am not sufficiently humbled for my sins

...

and let the weight of them bruise, but not break me

[This prayer is untitled in Hastings Literature, Box 1, Folder 6, but it appears under the heading ""Prayers"" in HM 15369 and EL 6871. In this manuscript this prayer is not only untitled, it also runs directly from the previous item, leaving no space at all between them to indicate that this is a new prayer.]

Item 3.9 (Prayer), fols 5v-6r

A prayer before the receiving of the holy sacrament

I most humbly beseech thee oh Lord, that it may please thy divine majesty

...

and receive this thy holy mystery comfortably to the refreshing of my sick soul

Amen

[In HM 15369 and EL 6871 this prayer is msItem 3.11.]

Item 3.10 (Prayer), fols 6v-8r

An untitled prayer

Oh my God, I confess thou art slack in executing judgment, slow to anger and of long sufferance

...

I humbly ask pardon for these my weak and imperfect prayers. Our father etc.

[In HM 15369 and EL 6871 this prayer is msItem 3.9, and it is the second prayer under the heading ""Prayers"".]

Item 3.11 (Prayer), fol. 8r

An untitled prayer

Blessed Lord, grant me wisdom that I may know thee, that I may fear thee that I may love thee

...

and grant me grace to lead an holy and an upright life the residue of my days

[In HM 15369 and EL 6871 this prayer is msItem 3.10.]

Item 10.4 (Meditation, Prayer), fols 29v-30r

Of repentance

Without repentance no salvation, God poureth not out the oil of mercy, but into the vessel of a contrite heart

...

which he grant who is able to save our souls having redeemed us by his precious blood

Amen

[This section contains two short meditations and a prayer. In HM 15369 and EL 6871 these meditations and prayer are msItem 11.1 and in Hastings Literature, Box 1, Folder 6 these meditations and prayer are msItem 12.1. ]

Item 23 (Prayer), fols 75r-90v

A prayer in several parts

Oh my God to rehearse thy mercies to me it is impossible

...

run headlong upon my own ruin

[In the first part of this prayer Hastings thanks God for his mercies and prays for him to sustain her. The second section begins with the words, " "That God hathe Elected mee before the begining of the World I haue this Euidence"". The evidence is that he gave her a heart that believes in him and his word. After a discussion of Christ, Hastings turns from this confidence in her election to a lament on her sins and unworthiness, asking Christ not to forsake her. The prayer ends with the statement that God has shown his mercy to her, but that she has often run towards her own ruin. This prayer is written very roughly, with crossings out, writing above the margins and sometimes along the side of the page.]

[Fols 76v-90v are blank.]

Item 1 (Verse, Prayer), fol. 1r

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be directed.

Thou deepest searcher of each secret thought

...

As nought will wash but tears of inward dole

O Lord which dost put into our minds good desires; give us grace to bring the same to good effect, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[fol. 1v is blank.]

Item 2.1 (Meditation, Prayer), fols. 7r-8r

I desire to refresh myself a little that I may run with the greater speed

Happy are those that in the time of their health

...

or thou Lord hast made me dwell in hope

I return from whence I digressed

Item 3 (Prayer), fol. 38r

LORD my GOD

Whatsoever is here good

...

when the princes brought their golden offerings.

[A closing prayer.]

Item 3.3.1 (Prayer), fol.15v

An example of an appropriate morning prayer

O Eternal God gracious from the beginning and merciful to the later ending of the world

...

that in all my thoughts words and actions I may seek thy glory and evermore so live in thy fear that I may die in thy favour for thy son my only saviour's sake amen.

[This prayer is an example of the kind of prayer which the unborn child should use in compliance with the advice of MS item 3.3.]

Item 6.6 (Extract, Prayer), pp. 98 rev.-96 rev.

The prayer of Luther at his death

My heavenly father, eternal and merciful God, thou hast manifested unto me thy dear son

...

and resuscitate Emmanuel govern conserve and defend thy church, haec Melancthon

[This extract is from The Acts and Monuments of John Foxe, ed. by George Townsend, 8 vols (New York: AMS Press, 1965), IV, p. 321. Lyttelton has added the reference ""haec Melancthon"" after this prayer, a reference not found in Foxe. See Items 6.5, 6.7 and 6.38 for further citations from this source.]

[p. 97 is blank.]

Item 6.7 (Extract, Prayer), pp. 96 rev.-95 rev.

The usual prayer of Doctor Martyn Luther

Confirm (oh God) in us that thou hast wrought and perfect the works that thou has begun

...

ex hist. Phil. Melancthon. Ex Sledano. Ex Paralip. Abb. Ursberg. And ex Casp. Peucero

[This extract is from The Acts and Monuments of John Foxe , ed. by George Townsend, 8 vols (New York: AMS Press, 1965), IV, p. 292 (including the Latin footnote with references to other writers-see explicit). See Items 6.5, 6.6 and 6.38 for further citations from this source.]

[p. 95 is blank.]

Item 6.16 (Prayer), p. 78 rev.

A Turkish prayer or athemdobilla

Glory be to the Lord of all creatures to the king of the last judgment

...

nor into that of such as thou sufferest to go astray

Amen

[A note is appended to the prayer which reads ""in his name who is the refuge and Protection of souls"".]

Item 39 (Prayer), p. 117

[

This is a short prayer, written in a different, almost illegible hand (Hand D), which occurs nowhere else in the manuscript.

[p. 118 is blank and unruled.]

Item 4 (Verse, Dedication, Prayer), fol. i[v]

"Most glorious God I humbly beg of thee"

A Prayer

Most glorious God I humbly beg of thee

...

To sing the anthems of eternity

Amen

Item 8 (Prayer), pp. 47[49]-54[56]

A Comfortable prayer made by my dear Mother the Lady Anne Twysden

Most mighty gracious and righteous Lord, which dost teach Sinners in the way

[Preceded by blank pages 38[40]-46[48]]

[Rubric is supplied by Roger Twysden, and written in his hand. The full text of the prayer, however, is in Hand B.]

[Page 54[56] is blank, but ruled.]

Item 9 (Prayer), pp. 55[57]-58[60]

An excellent prayer made by my dear Mother the Lady Anne Twysden and by her usually said to her maids in her private Chamber

O Lord god almighty whose great name thou hast given us leave to call upon

...

that he might become our righteousness with whose perfect prayers, we conclude ours. Our father etc.

[Preceded by a blank page 54[56]]

[Rubric is supplied by Roger Twysden, and written in his hand. The full text of the prayer, however, is in Hand B.]

Item 10 (Prayer), pp. 59[61]-62[64]

A prayer made by my dear mother the Lady Anne Twysden when her daughter my sister Cholmley lay very sick: very fit to be said when any person is dangerously struck with sickness

O thou eternal word, by whom in the beginning all things were made

...

to whom we give our most humble thanks for all thy unspeakable goodness, do farther beseech as thou hast taught us, Our Father, etc.

[Rubric is supplied by Roger Twysden, and written in his hand. The full text of the prayer, however, is in Hand B. This prayer was apparently originally composed for the author's daughter, Lady Elizabeth Cholmley . A version of this prayer, with some variants, is reprinted in Kemble, Twysden on the Government of England, pp. xvi-xvii, from the Jennings-Bramley manuscript, current location unknown.]

[Page 62[64] is blank, but ruled.]

Item 11 (Prayer), pp. 63[65]-[70]

A prayer made by my uncle Heneage Finch the 15th of December for his father Sir Moyle Finch who died the 18th of the same December 1614

O Lord god almighty, that dwellest in light whereto none can attain

[Rubric is supplied by Roger Twysden, and written in his hand. The full text of the prayer, however, is in Hand B.]

Item 2 (Prayer), fol. 3v

A prayer to be said as soon as one comes into the church

O most mighty and Eternal god, before whose presence

...

sincerely through Jesus Christ our only Lord and Saviour, Amen

Item 3 (Prayer), fol. 4r

A prayer before one goes to read

O god the father of Lights, vouchsafe unto us

...

and in the end: so be it

Item 4 (Prayer), fol. 4r

A short prayer to be said when one awaketh

O Lord as thou hast wakened my body

...

in grace and facour with thee and all good men, Amen

Item 5 (Prayer), fol. 4v

A prayer in trouble

The god of Abraham the god of Isaac

...

and forever world without end Amen

Item 6 (Prayer), fols. 4v-5v

A prayer to be said at all times

O lord god I give thee humble and hearty thanks

...

from this time forth and for evermore amen

Item 7 (Prayer), fol. 5v

A short evening prayer

O Lord god let thy holy Angels pitch their tents

...

which Christ himself hath taught me saying; our Father etc A

Item 8 (Prayer), fol. 6r

A short prayer for young folks

O lord assist me from my youth upward

...

as it shall be most to thinge own glory Amen

Item 9 (Prayer), fols. 6r-9r

An evening prayer for a family

O god prepare our hearts to prayer

...

be with us this night and evermore Amen

Item 10 (Prayer), fols. 9r-15v

A prayer and confession of sins to be said at all times

Oh Most glorious most gracious and merciful lord god

...

hath taught us to pray unto thee saying; our Father which art etc.

[

This msItem contains ten constituent prayers.

Item 41 (Prayer), fols. 54r-55v

A prayer for penitent sinners

O Lord god father everlasting, and full of pity

...

left us in his holy gospel. Our Father etc

[

This prayer is a congregational confession of sins and prayer for redemption.

Item 42 (Prayer), fols. 55v-57r

of holy knowledge

Direct my thoughts dear Lord that I may find

...

is forever the living death of the soul

[

This is a prayer dedicating all works to God, exploring the temporal and spiritual meanings of man and sin.

Item 49 (Prayer), fols. 106r-107r

My Husband's Morning prayer

Most Gracious, most Glorious, most wise immortal and everlasting

...

thanksgiving adoration and obedience now henceforth and for evermore Amen

Item 54 (Prayer), fols. 125r-127r

A prayer in affliction

O most Gracious Lord god thou sharest

...

from this time forth for ever more Amen Alleluia our Father etc.

Item 55 (Prayer), fols. 127r-128v

prayers for the morning at first waking

O lord assist me all the days of my life

...

Jesus Christ my blessed saviour and redeemer - amen

Item 56 (Prayer), fols. 128v-133v

Prayers for any time of the day

O lord god I do most Humbly beseech thee

...

and make me wise unto salvation; amen

[This item is subject to many corrections and marginal additions. In particular, fol. 130v is entirely crossed out, with a page pasted in to take its place. This page is numbered 255 (according to the original pagination scheme), transcribed in Anna Williams's hand, and it contains additional material to supplement the text cancelled. In order to maintain the consistent contemporary pagination scheme, Williams has left fol. 131v blank and continues this item on fol. 132 (p. 256).]

Item 57 (Prayer), fols. 133v-135r

for Husband and selfe

O merciful lord I beseech thee for my dear husband

...

do it with joy and not with grief amen

Item 58 (Prayer), fols. 135r-135v

or this

Prayer for husband and self

Lord I beseech thee bless guide and keep my dear husband and me

...

and comfort of our own poor souls, Amen

Item 59 (Prayer), fols. 135v-136r

for husband

Lord I beseech thee have mercy upon my dear husband

...

his soul in the bundle of Life amen

Item 60 (Prayer), fols. 136r-137r

being childless

O lord god I humbly beseech thee hear me

...

as shall seem best to thy heavenly wisdom, amen

Item 61 (Prayer), fols. 137r-137v

or this

Prayer on being childless

Lord I beseech thee if it be thy blessed will

...

shall seem best to they most heavenly wisdom, amen

Item 62 (Prayer), fol. 137v

For Mother natural

O lord I beseech thee bless, guide, keep, direct

...

thy most heavenly and divine wisdom amen

[

If this prayer is autograph, then its subject is Elizabeth (nee Hake) Cromwell, latterly Apreece.

Item 63 (Prayer), fols. 137v-138r

For relatives and Friends

bless I beseech thee my brothers, sisters, Uncles, aunts

...

and amendment to their lives sweet Jesus amen

Item 64 (Prayer), fol. 138r

for Servants

Lord I beseech thee have mercy upon my servants

...

their souls in the bundle of life, amen

Item 65 (Prayer), fols. 138r-139r

for the church the King the Royal Family and the clergy

O lord I beseech thee bless thy church

...

with a plentiful Issue from that royal stock; amen

Item 66 (Prayer), fols. 139r-141v

For the ministers

Bless lord I beseech thee the good ministers

...

in my heart from this time forth and forevermore amen

Item 67 (Prayer), fols. 141v-143v

rising up

Lord bless my up rising, and my down sitting

...

all thy creatures, now, henceforth and for evermore, amen

Item 68 (Prayer), fols. 143v-144r

Kneeling down again

o lord I praise thy holy name

...

all done to thy glory and praise Amen Amen, Amen

Item 69 (Prayer), fol. 144v

Going into bed

I go to my bed as to my grave

...

sweet Jesu - keep my soul for ever

Item 70 (Prayer), fol. 144v

Lying down

...

Item 71 (Prayer), fols. 144v-148v

Being laid

Lord I beseech thee pardon all my sins

...

thrice blessed and undivided trinity amen, Alleluiah

Item 73 (Prayer), fol. 169r

A prayer of praise upon the sight of the Sun

O almighty lord god who only art the great Creator

...

most glorious majesty to all eternity Amen Amen Amen

Item 74.11 (Prayer), fol. 180r

The prayer at the End

O Blessed Jesus! the lord of life

...

with their grounds of comfort and rules of directions

[Robert Mossom, The Preacher's Tripartite, London, 1657 , Book II, chapter 9, p. 99]

[The compiler directs the reader to her source at the bottom of the page: " see in Dr Mossom's tripartite for these words of complaint, with their grounds of comfort and rules of directions".]

Item 75 (Prayer), fols. 183r-184r

The prayer of Manasses King of Judea

O Lord, Almighty god of our Fathers

...

and thine is the glory for ever and ever Amen

[

The source for this prayer is as yet unlocated.

Item 76 (Prayer), fol. 184v

At Lying down to rest

Lord I beseech thee grant I may lie down

...

pardon I humbly beseech thee amen

Item 77 (Prayer), fols. 184v-185r

At first awaking

O most blessed Lord and heavenly father

...

to all eternity, amen dear Lord, amen amen

Item 78 (Prayer), fol. 185r

at rising

I will arise and give unto my father

...

from this time forth and for ever more, amen

Item 79 (Prayer), fol. 185r

At Lying down

Lord I beseech thee grant I may lie down

...

mercy and pardon I humbly beseech thee, Amen

Item 80 (Prayer), fol. 185v

At our first awaking

O most blessed lord and heavenly Father

...

ever one god world without end: Amen

Item 81 (Prayer), fol. 185v

At our lying down

Lord I beseech thee grant I may lie down

...

and pardon I humbly beseech thee. Amen. Amen.

Item 86 (Prayer), fol. 194r

St. Ambrose prayer on the day of judgment

I do most vehemently desire, O Lord

...

thou hast predestined to eternal life

[

This item is transcribed by Hand B. Attributed to St. Ambrose, the source for this prayer is as yet unlocated.

Item 6 (Prayer), pp. 29-37

O most Glorious and most Gracious Lord God Jehovah

[Prayer of praise and confession of sin.]

Item 7 (Prayer), p. 37

[Prayer based on John 6:32-35, Christ as bread.]

Item 10 (Prayer), p. 40

[Prayer]

Item 12.1.2 (Prayer), pp. 47-48

[Prayer apparently based on Sibbes' sermon.]

Item 12.2.2 (Prayer), pp. 50-51

[A prayer for boldness inspired by the sermon directly preceding.]

Item 12.4.2 (Prayer), pp. 57-58

O Lord I do believe help my unbelief

[Prayer based on sermon notes directly preceding.]

Item 12.25 (Prayer), p. 97

[Brief formulaic prayer]

Item 15 (Prayer), p. 99

[Short prayer of confession and recommitment]

Item 19 (Prayer), p. 101

O Lord my God shed abroad thy Love in my heart

...

for my dear Saviour's sake

[Brief prayer asking for God's love]

Item 21 (Prayer), p. 103"

O Lord I beseech thee for my Saviour's sake

...

by thy mercy Live with thee hereafter

amen

[Prayer for her husband (Christopher Wyvill), including the request to " bless us in our affections one to another" and to remove " whatever may be a discontent to him or a disquiat to my self" .]

Item 24 (Prayer), p. 105

Lord give me repentance

...

praise the Lord o my soul

[Brief prayer for repentance.]

Item 29 (Prayer), p. 109

[Brief prayer for love.]

Item 35 (Prayer), pp. 113-121

August the 22 1672

Hallelujah praise & bless the Lord o my Soul

...

all Honour Glory Praise Thanks Power dominion & adoration to all eternity

amen amen amen

[This prayer, which appropriates language from the psalms, is a personal thanksgiving for a direct word from God to her, coming at a difficult time in her life; she also mentions the death of a child which may be the cause of that spiritual crisis. ]

Item 38 (Prayer), pp. 122-3

Let me see thee o Light of mine Eyes

...

the true vine who art my Lord & my God amen & amen.

[Prayer of desire for God.]

Item 40 (Dream, Prayer), p. 123

the Last Night I had a dream

...

freely Revelations the 22nd & the 27 verse

[Brief mention of a dream with a prayer to God.]

Item 42 (Prayer), pp. 126-127

[Prayer at communion]

Item 46 (Prayer), p. 129

[Prayer]

Item 50 (Prayer), p. 133

[Prayer for purity]

Item 52 (Prayer), pp. 134-5

O Lord so Limit my affections so restrain my exorbitant desires

...

for the sake of thy only Son Jesus Christ the Righteous, amen

[Prayer repeating and expanding earlier prayer for purity]

Item 56 (Prayer), fols 125v, rev.-126v, rev.

[Prayer of confession, at the back of the volume (reversed).]