Psalm 113: For the Comfort and Consolation of Christ's Church
applied ourselves to the true honoring of thee, and negligently obeyed thy sacred law as becometh us. But take not thou (O good God for thy infinite mercies sake) such revengement of our sins as they have justly deserved, but cause some light to shine out unto us in so great a mist of darkness, whereby pure godliness may be set up again in thy sacred Church, and holy religion flourish exceedingly.
Grant moreover that thy true word and faithful promises may take such deep root in our sinful hearts, that (although we hear of grievous mischiefs hanging over our heads) yet let us not start nor stagger anything at all from thy sacred faith and holy purpose. Underprop thou us thy own self, by causing it thus to fall out that we may in this dreadful time, lean steadfastly to thee alone, so as Antichrist may fret and gnash with his teeth, and the spiteful adversaries of thy glorious name pine away. But contrariwise let the praise and clearness of thy favorable mercy exalt itself more and more, and be made manifest to all creatures, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 113: FOR THE COMFORT AND
CONSOLATION OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
(Prayer 1) Seeing that we ought to magnify thy glorious name (O most good and merciful God) so much as in us lieth, and by all the means we can possibly devise, who have not lived in such wise heretofore, as to further thy worthy praises according to our right bounden duty, but rather thy blessed truth and sacred Gospel hath (through our great default and cursed lewdness) been much slandered, and that thing which ought to have been highly commended amongst all Nations, is everywhere (by our naughtiness) made of none accompt. Wherefore we heartily acknowledge and earnestly confess that thou hast most grievously vexed and troubled us, to the intent we should the better understand thy justice, and upright judgment. Yet notwithstanding, our earnest request is, that (forsomuch as nothing can be compared unto thee in respect of goodness and mercy) thou wouldst at length be our ready helper and speedy deliverer: who hast been accustomed, of thy infinite bountiousness, to look not only upon the
things that are in heaven, but also dost humble thyself to behold all matters which be done upon the face of the earth. Have an eye therefore unto the troublesome estate of thy blessed Church, and diligently regard the most grievous oppression of thy faithful people. Forsomuch as we have hitherto wallowed in the miry puddle of our lewd vices, and be now (according to our just deserts) sore tossed with the heavy burden of extreme adversities. Stretch thou out thy helping hand to aid our princes and armies, who usest to take the simple out of the dust, and dost lift the poor from the dunghill, and succor thy blessed Church in such sort, as it do not become altogether barren. Vouchsafe that it may one day rejoice in peace and tranquility, and grant her to be made unto thee (through thy sacred word and holy spirit) a mother of many children, by whom thy glorious name may be exalted with perpetual praises, even as it behooveth then, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) Whosoever addict themselves to honor thee (O most mighty God) with faith and pure devotion, are bound to render immortal thanks to thy glorious name, which they ought to pay unto thee in all places, every year without ceasing, every day, and every hour. The puissant force of thy great goodness extended towards us is manifested in such wise, as all men must needs confess that thou art no less merciful then invincible. For although thou art said to have placed thy kingly Court and Palace in the highest coasts of the Heavens, notwithstanding thou submittest thy divine providence to every base thing which lieth hid in the lowest part of the earth, insomuch as nothing can be done either in heaven or earth, but is clearly and most plainly seen of thee. For seeing therefore we perfectly understand that such things as be done of us are not unbeknown to thee, and that it is always thy accustomed manner to raise up the poor and needy
(so they believe unfeignedly in thee) out of the fowl and filthy dust, to more noble and most renowned Kingdoms: who also dost often cause the childless and barren women to have a plenteous household, we do with great humility lamentably require this at thy favorable hands, that thou wouldest be merciful unto the calamities thy blessed Church is now in, so as it may at length (by thy good means) be most noble and right famous, which yet goeth bestoubered with filth