Psalm 137: Against Such as Be Enemies and Deriders of the Gospel
providence and most large benefits thou hast showed thyself beneficial unto such as continually applied themselves to the true worshipping of thee and unto godliness. But hast at length poured out all treasures of thy excellent goodness in Christ Jesus our Lord, and thy most entirely beloved son, to the end thou wouldest deliver us from eternal and everlasting death. For which cause sake, we being provoked (through the wonderful miracles of so great and manifold benefits) do render hearty thanks unto thee, although verily not such as thou deservest, yet those that we are able, and to the uttermost of our power we do commend thy sacred Church unto thee, by the selfsame Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 137: AGAINST SUCH AS BE ENEMIES AND
DERIDERS OF THE GOSPEL
(Prayer 1) Whosoever they be (O almighty God) that make a true accompt of sincere godliness and pure religion, are exceeding sorrowful if they see the sacred Church scattered, wholesome doctrine derided, the praises of thy divine name had in contempt, and such things as appertain to a devout worshipping of thee turned unto heathenish gewgaws and voluptuous pleasures. To the intent therefore these things may in no wise happen as now unto us, which we see not to be far of, we power forth daily before thee, with great submission, these our doleful complaints, that thou wouldest first of thy exceeding great goodness and loving mercy, blot out all our heinous offenses (being in a manner infinite and exceeding grievous) committed not only through weakness and ignorance, but also done oftentimes both maliciously and of a set purpose. Moreover be favorable unto our grievous sins, and turn away from us in such sort the most fierce wiles and subtle layings await of Antichrist, as thy sacred Church be not deprived of all blessed joy and spiritual gladness: suffer not the mouths of good and wholesome instructors to be closed up, permit not thy due honor to be had in oblivion, nor yet let the hymns and songs wherewith thou art highly celebrated, be usurped of such as will have the same in derision. We humbly beseech thee, O excellent father, that (what wrath or indignation so ever is due unto us by reason