Psalm 138: That All Men of Great Power and High Authority May Embrace the Word of God
of the heinous sins we have wickedly committed) thou wouldst, for the glory of thy famous name, turn it from thy sanctified Church, and pour out the same rather upon them, who, with a enemy like rage and most malicious affection, imagine nothing else, but quite to mar and utterly lay waste thy blessed heritage, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) Thy sacred Church would be greatly desirous (O most mighty God) to extol thy famous name joyfully with Psalms and Hymns, but as yet her oppression and bondage is so great in darkness and blind errors of new fond superstitions that have been brought thereto, as it is more agreeable for her sorrowful estate, rather to lay aside the instruments of gladness, and give herself day and night to weeping, wailing, mournings, lamentable prayers, and most fervent supplications, wherewith she may crave thy furtherance and ready help: to the intent it may (in the strange tents of this wretched world) rather be forgetful of all delectable pleasures, then utterly void of true and perfect worshipping of thee. Our earnest request is therefore that thou wouldst very speedily deliver her from the tyranny of the enemies of Godliness, who have in nothing so great a delight, as to rejoice in the destruction thereof. Turn thyself we heartily require thee, unto them, and restrain their mad outrage, so that they may hereafter the less pollute and defile the Church thy loving spouse, either with their devilish errors or lewd behaviors, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 138: THAT ALL MEN OF GREAT POWER AND
HIGH AUTHORITY MAY EMBRACE THE WORD OF GOD
(Prayer 1) Thy mercy (O most mighty God) is so notable and famous, as it ought to be celebrated, with seemly praises, even in the assembly of princes and highest powers: for seeing that thou hast, with all faithfulness abundantly accomplished thy loving promises, the reputation of thy glorious name is wonderfully augmented by giving salvation everywhere to such as lamentably require the same. Forsomuch as therefore the monuments of thy great mercy be innumerable, we earnestly entreat and humbly beseech thee not to decline therefrom in
these our most wretched days, nor yet permit thyself to be alienated and withdrawn from us. Although we have not framed our deeds, according to thy sacred laws and divine will, as was our bounden duty, but have wretchedly sinned against thee, deadly offended, and spitefully revolted from thy excellent Majesty: which verily we heartily acknowledge and earnestly confess, and albeit we are unworthy that thou shouldest be favorable and merciful unto us, yet it greatly appertaineth unto thee for to pardon such as crave mercy at thy hands through an unfeigned faith. Weigh not then (in this so cruel a case) what we are bound to do, but that which belongeth to thy unspeakable goodness. For if thou wilt be present at this time to help such as unfeignedly call upon thee, there is no man living but shall follow thee with a wonderful admiration. The common people, the nobility, yea and kings also shall strive who may praise thee most: for thou shalt very manifestly prove to their faces, that thou hast a great respect to such things as be exceeding lowly and of very small reputation, although thy tribunal seat be in heaven: for, notwithstanding thou seemest to dwell very far of from us, yet thou makest all men understand the wonderful tokens of thy excellent justice and unspeakable goodness. Establish us (O good God) with hope in in such wise, as if we should walk even through the midst of trouble and great distress, thou wilt not permit our courage (being upholden with thy right hand) anything to fail, but remember the work of thy hands, what manner a people so ever we be of ourselves, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) The people and common sort of men ought not only to extol the honor of thy glorious name, and nobleness of thy famous words with right great praises (O almighty God) but also such as be noble and renowned are bound to do the like, because thou pourest thy singular benefits upon all mortal creatures, and never failest of thy loving promises in faithfulness and truth, but rather dost perpetually give an attentive ear to those which call upon thee with a pure faith and uncorrupt mind. Let so many therefore as be famous and excel in dignity and power amongst men, praise thee when as they shall perceive the marvelous wisdom of thy deep counsels and excellent devices. For, though thou excellest all others in height, yet dost thou not despise such things as be humble and lowly,