Psalm 47: For the Good Success and Increasement of the Gospel
anything dismayed or troubled, seeing we are now fully resolved that thou art our only helper and deliverer: although the whole world be moved, the storms of human flesh do swell, and that all the Devils of hell with their whole furniture should seem to shake all things of ours, yet do we repose and settle ourselves in thy unspeakable goodness, and invincible power. Our sins truly deserve all manner of trouble and enmity: but forgive thou us them, (according to thy accustomed goodness) and pitying our present calamities, grant that such as unfeignedly call upon thee, may enjoy health, peace, and quietness of mind: for thou canst very easily disappoint and break the swords, bow, warlike engines, and all the crafty deceits and imaginations of the Devil, not only through thy most mighty and invincible word, but also even with a beck, and at thy only will and pleasure: our earnest request is (O good God) to apply ourselves here unto that we may attentively behold those marvelous acts which thou dost for thy faithful servants, whereby all Nations may right well know and perceive that thou takest our part, and determinest to be a continual helper, of thy blessed people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 47: FOR THE GOOD SUCCESS AND
INCREASEMENT OF THE GOSPEL
(Prayer 1) Thou hast vouchedsafe (O most mighty God) to gather and collect a Church unto thyself on earth, which thou hast not conveyed into stony houses, or Temples of Marble, but into the lively hearts of men, whom thou deckest and garnishest with thy most wonderful gifts, and dost polish the same passing well with the holy Ghost: and therefore seeing they be endued with so great a reward, it behooveth all faithful people to make an exceeding pleasant mirth and joyful gladness. But the most deadly and heinous sins which we have committed, do greatly darken these thanks givings and merry songs, who are worthily very sore oppressed with the afflictions of them: and seeing we heartily acknowledge and earnestly confess that we have hitherto gone astray, and suffer none otherwise than we have most justly deserved: thou that art very mercy itself,
forgive thy faithful people, and thou also who art most high, and rulest far and near, destroy us not according to our merits. Grant (O excellent father) that our naughty and lewd behaviors hinder not the propagation of thy glorious kingdom: arise and go forwards by causing strange people to be in subjection to the faith, and make those Nations (which have been hitherto Infidels) obedient to thy sacred word: and thou who hast chosen thee a Church as a most notable and famous heritage, magnify thyself continually by all means and with most exquisite praises therein, in such wise as all men may accompt, preach, and exalt thee for their king: but as for thy faithful servants who now seem to be above all others most cast aways, lighten them in such wise with thy blessed spirit, and rule them so by thy holy word, as all men may perceive that they be guided and governed by thy mighty power. And vouchsafe that the sovereign estates and what power soever is in the world, may at length be annexed and knit unto thee, that thou be none otherwise their God than thou wert in old time the God of faithful Abraham. Grant that the kings and princes who ought of duty to help and defend their subjects, may perfectly acknowledge thee, whereby thy famous honor and renowned glory may most brightly shine therein to the singular benefit of thy sacred Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) It behooveth all faithful people (O most good and gracious God) to extol and advance the kingdom of Christ with an exceeding joy, wonderful gladness, and most hearty endeavor: for so thy unspeakable goodness is both mightily declared, and we also are come to the full attainment of our salvation.
Surely it is very requisite that all people and Nations should be in subjection to his government, and the world shall go best on our side, who be his peculiar heritage, and especial flock. We heartily require thee therefore (O our most puissant king) who art exalted into the high heavens, and unto the right hand of thy father to vouchsafe for to acquire us of the heinous faults we have grievously committed, and whatsoever sorrowful calamities and strange mishaps be like to fall upon us, put them off from our shoulders through thy inestimable mercy and mighty power, whereby thou thyself alone mayest bear rule and reign in our minds. And grant that all kings, all princes and great states that have authority upon earth,