Psalm 14: On the Grace of Christ Against Original Sin
PSALM 14: ON THE GRACE OF CHRIST
AGAINST ORIGINAL SIN
Take away from thy dear children (O most mighty God) those notorious wicked Counsels and foolish imaginations, whereby we may surmise in our minds that thou art no God at all: and although thou knowest well enough that we have oftentimes erred and gone astray from the true path of righteousness, for which cause sake, we have very well deserved even like bread and most delicious meat, of them to be devoured and utterly consumed as are the most mischievous and furious enemies of godliness. We humbly beseech thee, that as thou hast promised to aid and assist the generation of these men, and all such as put their trust in thee, so thou wouldest not forsake us being thus extreme miserable and grievously afflicted. Let thy help appear and show forth itself out of the heavenly Zion, that when thou hast delivered us from the bondage and corruption of sin, death, and the Devil, thy beloved Church may not only be cheered and refreshed, but also be exceeding joyous, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 15: THAT WE MAY PERSEVERE IN
THE NUMBER OF TRUE CHRISTIANS
Seeing that (O most mighty God) none can inhabit and dwell in perpetual felicity and thy heavenly kingdom, but such as have been void of fault, and undefiled from the filthy corruption of wickedness, who have in such wise yielded and dedicated their heart, tongue, and outward works, to the honor of thy blessed name, that they do omit or let slip by negligence or malice none of thy sacred commandments. Hereby we now perceive and right well understand (that if we should be dealt withal as our own deserts are, and according to the worthiness of our works) how far off we be from thence, so as we may in a manner despair and be altogether doubtful of our salvation: but (trusting in thy excellent goodness) we boldly demand this at thy merciful hands, that (the merits of our deeds being laid apart) thy faithful promises may according to our assured hope, still remain most firm and stable, and vouchsafe to grant unto us received again