Psalm 52: Against All Pernicious Reducement
contemn: that finally being so cleansed by thy gracious favor and loving mercy, we may always offer unto thee an acceptable sacrifice of thanksgiving, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 52: AGAINST ALL PERNICIOUS REDUCEMENT
Such as have (through their own maliciousness) prevailed, and by their pernicious facts attained unto some authority, are wont to boast arrogantly thereof, and have always had a great delight in cursed words, accounting it for the singular pleasure in the world, to do hurt, to lie, and to speak very deceitfully. But yet (like miserable wretches as they be) they do not in the mean while diligently consider how suddenly and in a time unlooked for, their prosperous estate and such transitory goods, will be turned upside down, and they also to have no portion at all of eternal salvation, in such sort as they shall not have any place in the land of the living. But we O almighty and most merciful God (who chiefly trust in thy unspeakable mercy and infinite goodness) beseech thee, that the heinous sins being done away, whereinto we have through human imbecility oftentimes fallen, may be of a right lowly mind, neither puffed up with arrogance through any of thy excellent gifts, but by the fall and overthrow of proud persons, may rightly perceive, that they took not God for their invincible strength and sure defense, but riches and worldly prosperity. Grant us we humbly beseech thee for thy infinite mercy and goodness sake, steadfastly to repose our whole confidence in thee only, and that we may like the leafy and flourishing Olive tree, live fruitfully in thy sacred Church, and magnify thee (as meet it is so to be) because thou art most richly liberal to such as be thy faithful and loving servants, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 53: FOR DELIVERANCE OUT
OF TROUBLE THROUGH FAITH
Woe be unto the brainsick lewdness of the ungodly which hath burst forth into such madness, that they persuade themselves how there is no God, whereby