Psalm 2: For Comfort in Persecution
PSALM 2: FOR COMFORT IN PERSECUTION
(Prayer 1) We now perceive (O most good and mighty God) that not only Antichrist, but also the force and power of the world hath conspired against thee and thy anointed: as they who think the gospel and reedifying of thy blessed
Church to be intolerable bands, and a most hard and grievous yoke: Wherefore they endeavor themselves (by all means they can possible devise) to break the society of the faithful, and utterly to cast away all discipline: but seeing that thou sittest in the heavens, and art not ignorant what the Devil and wickedness of the flesh enterpriseth: laugh thou also their vain counsels to scorn, and make such things as they have begun and enterprised, of none effect, causing them in like manner to be as a mocking and jesting stock unto thy elect and chosen servants.
Do those men to understand thy heavy wrath, and at the length to be so terrified with the fury of thy indignation, that they may have no power or strength to destroy thy blessed Church, over the which thou hast set Jesus Christ our only
Savior, for to reign therein with his blessed word and holy spirit, with such might and puissance as may never have end. Vouchsafe therefore to give unto us (although thy most unworthy and traitorous children) so much faith and constancy, as we may both take him to be our only king, and also confess him so to be, and without all doubting assure ourselves that we are his Nation, people, and heritage: knowing this assuredly how that he is of such force and power as he can torment and vex whom he list, with a dominion far stronger than any steel, and break them in pieces like potsherds. Convert therefore (O mighty God) the hearts of the kings of the earth, in such sort unto thee, that they may be so perfect wise, as truly to acknowledge, heartily embrace, and lovingly kiss thy dear and only son: least his ireful wrath being kindled and enflamed, they perish immediately: and make those which have wholly committed themselves to thy protection, evermore happy and blessed, when it shall seem good in thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) Although (most good and mighty God) the Devil fret, the powers of the world stand up daily, and the flesh with all their servants conspire