Psalm 63: In Distress for the Comfort of the Gospel
PSALM 63: IN DISTRESS FOR THE
COMFORT OF THE GOSPEL
We do in this wretched life (O most good and mighty God) with great fervency, sigh, desire, and earnestly thirst for thee only, when as all things are become troublesome, horrible, and cruel unto us. We are greatly desirous clearly to behold thy singular virtue and excellent honor, for nothing can happen more blessed, nothing more joyful, and nothing more pleasant to mortal creatures, then the perfect knowledge thereof. We may through thy ready help (O heavenly father) exalt thy glorious name continually, when as we render due thanks for the excellent benefits thou hast bestowed upon us, always requiring of thee in our earnest petitions and most ardent prayers, those things which may be both to thy glory and our own salvation. These verily are the mere delights of the godly, there is the mind fed with perfect and true gladness, when as even at midnight in the bed it is not forgetful of thy goodness and clemency. But our heinous offenses are a very great hindrance to this singular benefit, whereinto both our infirmity and ignorance driveth us, which, we humbly beseech thee (for thy infinite mercies sake) to wipe away: be our ready helper as thou hast begun, hide us under thy favorable wings, and cause our minds to be linked always unto thee. But as for such as resist thy glory obstinately and with stubbornness, let them run headlong into the deep gulf of perdition, and make us evermore rejoice and be glad in thy comfort and consolation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 64: AGAINST THE WICKED
ENEMIES OF THE GODLY
If we were not altogether drowsy minded and utterly dulled (O heavenly father) we are daily stirred up to invocate and call upon thee with our fervent prayer. For why, Satan and his wicked retinue make great haste both day and night to destroy us, and the filthiness of the flesh striveth continually to drive us headlong into the disobedience of thy blessed commandments. Seeing that therefore our mind is on sides assailed, and the strength we have become feeble and