Psalm 125: For the Preservation and Long Continuance of Faith
hands, that thou wouldst in likewise not suffer thy sacred Church hereafter to be overthrown, neither by outrageous violence, nor yet through subtle deceit, so as our assured confidence in thee may be daily more and more greatly augmented and mightily increased, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 125: FOR THE PRESERVATION AND
LONG CONTINUANCE OF FAITH
(Prayer 1) Forsomuch as man's help (O most good and merciful God) is very weak, wonderful uncertain, and marvelous deceivable, we are evidently taught to repose our whole confidence in thee only, unto whom whosoever they be that do annex themselves, they never go nor yet wander out of the right way.
Thou therefore which hast promised to stablish Mount Zion (being thy holy Church) in such wise with thy mighty protection, as it may abide forever against all the crafty assaults and layings await of her outrageous adversaries: have the like regard (we humbly beseech thee) to the same at this present, neither permit the rod of the ungodly to wax fierce upon her. For if it be enforced to be in subjection to thy wicked enemies, even they also which seem godly men shall fall readily into impiety. Punish our sins, O good God, (which be great and grievous) with another manner of chastisement and correction: for we do desire no more at this time, but that we may not be oppressed by Antichrist, requiring thee to defend the congregations of thy faithful environing them about on every side like most defensible Mountains, so that the wicked adversaries of thy glorious name have no power to make havoc of them at their will and pleasure. Deal lovingly and favorably in these days with such as be greatly desirous of goodness and upright dealing: but cause those to feel and have in trial what the workers of iniquity do deserve, whose minds are not only wrapped altogether full of ungodliness, by practicing mischief and naughtiness, but also endeavor so much as in then lieth, that thy blessed word may nowhere flourish, that true religion might be utterly extinguished, and the perfect invocating and calling upon thy glorious name quite rooted up. But as for thy beloved Israel, after she hath enjoyed peace and
tranquility, let it be joined more and more unto thee, so as she may continually lay sure hold upon thy worthy praises, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) In whose minds soever the belief of thy faithful promises (O most mighty God) is assuredly grafted and firmly established, they being like unto well grounded Mountains, do nothing shake in troublesome times, but their constancy and unremoveableness is of such force, as their assured hope is, that they be no less armed with thy mighty protection and sure defense, then was the City of Jerusalem environed with a rampire of Mountains which did overlook it round about on every side. Now therefore when as the mischief and flame of the ungodly is occupied on this one point, how to scatter the Church and to oppress it, assist the same (O excellent father) and make it manifest unto her what a singular love thou bearest thereto. But if (as we openly and with a sincere faith acknowledge and confess) our horrible naughtiness have deserved, the (being deprived and left destitute of thy aid) we should be given over into the madness and cruel hands of the Antichristians: weigh not, we humbly beseech thee, what our misdeeds do rightly deserve, but have a regard how we are committed unto thee, and that thou art put in trust with us in Christ: neither show thyself wrathful contrary to thy old and ancient custom, whereby thou never gavest liberty to the tyranny of wicked persons to persecute the godly any long time, least if thy upright judgments should be prolonged, they perhaps (who are righteous) may be boldened to revolt therefore, and yield to naughtiness, as the common sort do.
Be thou (O most mighty God) good, loving, and merciful unto these men whose earnest desire it is to have the zeal of godliness imprinted in their hearts, and extend thy indignation rather upon those which think and do nothing but rather that which is lewd, unrighteous, and wicked. But preserve and increase (for thy infinite mercies sake) the accustomable peace of thy beloved Israel, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 3) Whosoever do give credit to thy sacred truth (O almighty God) as becometh them, remain irremovable like unto steadfast Mountains, and most strong rocks, what great storms of temptations soever the devil or world do stir up against them: for as Cities be fortified and arranged everywhere about with