Psalm 115: For a Constant Confession of the Gospel
PSALM 115: FOR A CONSTANT
CONFESSION OF THE GOSPEL
At what time we do lamentably require thy favorable mercy (O most mighty God) thereby to be delivered from such horrible calamities as do greatly assail us, which is not done only to the intent we ourselves should receive benefit thereby, but also that thy blessed name might become more glorious through out wonderful deliverance. For if thou shouldst suffer thy blessed servants to lie under foot, we see it would easily come to pass, that the children of this wretched world will upbraid them, and accompt the hope they repose in thee only to be as a vain thing. As for our part, who being illumined with thy heavenly grace do very well consider (that what good thing soever is in this wretched world, whereof the unbelievers have made themselves their idols) they have neither power nor ability at all to make men happy and blessed, although they both honor and reverence them. Wherefore we know this to be still remaining for us, that so many as have the fear of thy divine majesty before their eyes, and appertain to the spiritual Israel, and be also grafted in the Kingdom and priesthood of Christ, should make their full accompt to have thee as their only helper and defender. For if that be done which they are bound to perform, they shall daily attain greater increasements of perfect good things. For which cause we heartily require thee, who dwellest in the high heaven, and hast ordained us to have our habitation in the earth so long as this life endureth, grant us so to live, that thou suffer us not to pass our time like unto them which be dead, who cannot set forth thy worthy praises, but our earnest desire is that we may both in talk and holy works always set out thy most glorious name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 116: TO THE LIKE EFFECT OF THE PSALMS
WHICH GOETH NEXT BEFORE
Thou dost then most chiefly declare thy singular good will towards the Godly (O almighty God) when as thou art present to help such as lamentably call upon thee in the midst of their unfortunate mishaps: and the heynouser