Psalm 49: That We Abuse Not Temporal Goods
PSALM 49: THAT WE ABUSE NOT TEMPORAL GOODS
(Prayer 1) We heartily require thee (O most mighty God) that faith may be annexed to the doctrine of thy holy Ghost, when as being grievously afflicted through the naughty behavior of our outrageous enemies, we may duly way this with ourselves, that they stay most upon their transitory riches and wealth wherein they much abound: for they verily perceive not that men can by no riches in this world redeem themselves from death and eternal damnation. Bridle thou (O excellent father) our affections, in such wise that no frail things take any place at all in us. Let the common infirmity and misery which is wholly sown in such as we be, admonish us, or else very death that spreadeth itself over all people, how wise or foolish soever men be, they can in no sort so mock death, as always to keep and enjoy the goods they have gotten in this wretched world. We also do plainly confess, that we have oftentimes fallen on this behalf, who, trusting in worldly strength, were persuaded of wonderful victories, pomps, and triumphs, as though our names should have been exalted above all measure. Neither did we well consider that a good fortune, and prosperous success of the flesh, endureth but a time, and so many as have assured confidence in them, shall perish at length like beasts, and are put into hell, and imprisoned under an everlasting night. Forgive us (O good God) this heinous crime, that putting away and casting aside all vain hope of worldly wealth, thou thyself mayst take us up into thy tuition, and raise us from eternal death and the pains of Hell. Grant that we stand in no fear at all of them, who have greatly increased themselves and their houses with riches and honor, all which things are but commodious only for this present life, that they might be the better able to follow the sensual appetite of their fleshly lusts.
Finally, we humbly require thee (O good God) to deliver thy blessed church from these outrageous enemies which have not this perseverance, as to understand that the honor and authority they have, is given them of God, who die not only like senseless beasts, but (being deprived of their worldly goods) shall after this wretched life, suffer eternal punishment, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.