Psalm 57: For the Advancement of the Gospel Contrary to Her Enemies Expectations
forth the worthy praises of thy most glorious name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 3) We do daily endeavor ourselves (O most mighty God) lamentably to call upon thy mercy, when as they go about to subvert thy sacred Church, who (being not a few in number, and waxen strong above measure) do not cease by sundry means to assault the same. Neither is there anything that maketh us more afraid, than these our own proper sins wherewith we have most grievously offended thee, and made ourselves utterly unworthy of thy gracious favor: yet notwithstanding (of the great and unspeakable loving kindness that is in thee) we cease not to hope, but set thy loving promises before our eyes, the sayings and words whereof, we commend and approve, and also (so much as in us lieth) take hold of them by faith. Grant therefore (O excellent father) that we be not more fearful than is decent, which the flesh is able to work against us. We know assuredly that the wicked do now everywhere maliciously rail upon us, bending all their devices against thy most sacred doctrine, lying in wait, and seeking occasion by all means possible quite to subvert and utterly overthrow thy sacred Church.
Despise not thou (O good God) the prayers and sighs of thy faithful servants, so strengthen and confirm our weak consciences, that we pass nothing at all what men do against us. Deliver our souls from sliding and destruction, so that we may both now and also after this life be partakers of thy most commodious and splendent blessed light, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 57: FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE GOSPEL
CONTRARY TO HER ENEMIES EXPECTATIONS
(Prayer 1) Seeing that there is no refuge for us (O most gracious and most mighty God) but to fly unto thee only, we commit our whole salvation into thy tuition and government, to the intent thou shouldest miraculously preserve the same, so that thou mayest be our strong defense until this their outrageous fury
(who violently oppress thy sacred Church) be much abated and greatly brought low. Therefore we incessantly call upon thy everlasting name, through whose
mighty power and high authority all things may for the Godly be surely brought to pass. Grant (we humbly beseech thee) that our heinous sins be not the cause thou withdrawest thy merciful goodness from us, which, as we confess them to be most grievous and infinite, so are we nothing doubtful but that they shall be forgiven us, for our only mediator Jesus Christ's sake, through whose loving favor thy faithful servants shall not only be preserved in the glorious kingdom of heaven: but for thy excellent promise and goodness sake, they shall also at length be brought to confusion, whosoever they are which go about to oppress thy constant and steadfast believers. Thou thyself right well seest (O excellent father) how his blessed Church is compelled to have her dwelling continually amongst
Lions, in the midst of hot burning flames, environed with most forceable weapons, and tongues chiefly that be very noisome and do exceeding great hurt. To the intent therefore thou mayst show forth and mightily declare thy invincible power touching her preservation, grant that the snares and great layings await which be prepared for thy holy ones, may in conclusion be only hurtful to the Authors and chief devisers thereof: but vouchsafe to give unto us a right steadfast heart and exceeding constant mind touching the confession and publishing of thy blessed name. For we heartily acknowledge and earnestly confess thy unspeakable goodness to be so great, as it deserveth high praise, not only in voice, but with Lute and Harp, and by all ways and means of commendation that possible may be, which pierceth the clouds even unto the glorious heaven. And for because it may daily increase the better, and be more understood, lift up thyself in this our age, by showing forth thy right excellent power in being our shield of defense and buckler, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) There is nothing that doth more relieve and comfort our feeble minds being in great distress and extreme calamities (O most good and merciful
God) than the Anchor of faith, which dependeth most steadfastly upon thy excellent goodness. Wherefore, seeing that not without just cause we burn and fry in our lewd vices, we resort unto thy divine Majesty, and (being marvelous sore burdened with the grievous fardell of our most heinous sins) do daily call upon thee for thy assistant and ready help. Send us aid from heaven we humbly beseech
thee, otherwise we shall not be in safety from the Lions, Spears, Darts, and deceitful tongues, wherewith Satan doth marvelously afflict thy holy Church. Advance thyself and make thy infinite power most manifest in taking us out of our enemies hands. For so thy unspeakable clemency and notable faithfulness (which far surmount the Clouds and glorious heavens) shall appear bright in their own excellent greatness, and we in giving due thanks for our deliverance, will joyfully sing double praises to thy glorious name for evermore, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 3) Seeing that thy blessed Church (O most mighty God) is so vexed with the cruel enemies of thy glorious name and blessed doctrine, we repose our whole confidence in thee only, and fly for succor under the shadow of thy wings: we acknowledge and confess that it is our parts to direct our supplications perpetually unto thee, when thou only and none else art able to redress our good cause. We do not deny but that our deserts are marvelous wicked, insomuch as we should very justly be altogether destroyed with these present calamities: who have nothing faithfully performed that which in name and outward show hath been of us professed. But it is thy nature, O good God, (forsomuch as thou art mercy and very goodness itself) not to cast off those which fly unto thee for succor. Send down thy aiding hand from heaven (we humble beseech thee) whereby thou mayst deliver thy faithful people from the reproaches of ungodly and wicked persons. The Antichristians roar against thy blessed Church like Lions, and their hot burning fury against thy holy word increaseth daily more and more.
Show forth thyself therefore (O excellent father) and cause thy glory wherewith thou art renowned above all other, to be manifestly known. Rend the nets, fill up the ditches, and make the deceits of none effect, which they practice against the sacred Gospel, whereby our mind may daily more and more be strengthened heartily to confess, courageously to extol, and above all things to exalt thy wonderful praises incessantly, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.