Psalm 26: That We Revolt Not from Christ
PSALM 26: THAT WE REVOLT NOT FROM CHRIST
(Prayer 1) If we had led our life innocently (O most mighty God) we should not be so stricken with fear and terror in these days (as who should know for a certainty that they cannot waver nor fall in decay, which surely have sticked and cleaved to thee) yea rather we should wholly submit ourselves with a willing mind to be searched and tried out of thee. But forsomuch as we had little and very small confidence in thy divine Majesty, we trusted in vain persons and fleshly help, neither have we forsaken the company and fellowship of very hurtful and wicked doers, but have both with our filthy hands and lewd conditions, defiled thy most holy Gospel: therefore are we at this present in great peril, least our life and soul perish after the manner of the mischievous and blood thirsty. Wherefore we heartily pray thee to be as now merciful unto us, and forsomuch as we call upon thy blessed name, that thou wouldest vouchsafe to pardon and remit whatsoever we have hitherto so wickedly committed against thee, and let the uprightness of our cause, obtain that thing at thy hands which we do not deserve: for in this case not only our salvation is impeached, but also thy sincere doctrine and pure religion. Suffer not thy sacred church therefore to be in subjection, and as an underling to the frauds and deceits of Antichrist. Deliver it from the destruction which the Devil and his members do prepare and work for her, that we may hereafter lead an holy and innocent life, and highly extol thy noble acts and wonderful works, in the sacred and blessed congregations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) We are very desirous (O almighty God) to lead an innocent and blameless life before thee, and not to turn from the right way, when thou shalt try us with sundry and manifold temptations: we have not as yet attained thereto, because we have reposed small faith, and little hope (to speak of) in thee. Wherefore our humble request is that thou wouldest have mercy upon us, and pardon whatsoever we have committed and done amiss: for if thou be favorable and gentle unto us, we will never be unmindful of thy loving mercy and everlasting truth.
Grant (O most benign father) that amongst innocents we may live innocently,