Psalm 74: For the Churches Preservation Against the Adversaries of the Gospel
minds may be fastened and linked unto thee with an indissoluble knot, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 74: FOR THE CHURCHES PRESERVATION
AGAINST THE ADVERSARIES OF THE GOSPEL
If it shall happen (O most mighty God) which we right well know doth oftentimes come to pass, that (by reason of the manifold sins which are by us oftentimes committed) we provoke thy wrathful indignation against us, and purchase the grievous scourges wherewith we be much chastised. Be mindful (we humbly beseech thee) of thy exceeding great goodness and loving promises, which thou knowest we have already laid hold of by faith, neither deliver thou our souls into the power of the outrageous adversaries of thy glory and our salvation. Forsomuch as they earnestly bend themselves about none other thing, but either to throw down thy excellent works, or to make void and of none effect the salvation of mankind, which with so great mercifulness thou hast purchased, let their enterprises be made frustrate, whose drifts tend to none other end but that thy glorious name may be blasphemed and very evil spoken of. Be mindful
(we humbly beseech thee) of the good things which thou hast hitherto bestowed upon us, neither cease to bring unto perfection the work of redemption that thou hast already mightily begun in us. Arise (O good God) and aide such with thy speedy helping hand, as unfeignedly call upon thee, that the fond devises of the ungodly have no success at all either against thy renowned glory or our salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 75: THAT WE MAY BE OBEDIENT
TO THE WORD OF GOD
(Prayer 1) Our earnest and fervent desire is (O most mighty God) to celebrate thy glorious name and exceeding wondrous acts: for we require thee (even from the bottom of the heart) to bring to pass, that thy blessed people may be defended from these terrible dangers, in such wise as they come not to utter ruin.
Remove our heinous sins out of thy remembrance (we humbly beseech thee) neither impute this thing chiefly unto us, that where as thou hast called us unto thee, and set before our eyes an order of true godliness, and made the same free for everyone of us to lead our life according to thy blessed word and Christian profession, we have not only behaved ourselves coldly therein, but have most unthankfully cast away the discipline and trade of living which the faith thou enlargest us with and bestowest upon us, is worthy of. Regard not therefore the number of our heinous sins, neither how great our deserts be, nor yet what thy justice might rightfully require at our hands: but (for our Lord Jesus Christ's sake thy most dearly beloved son) be merciful unto us, and set forward thyself to defend us against our most vehement and outrageous enemies, and publish that abroad to their shame, which is rightful and exceeding just, when it shall seem good in thy sight. Thou upholdest the earth and whole world, and every creature depend only upon thee: wherefore if thou dost stand on our side, nothing can so hinder us, but that we may be safely preserved. The very foolish and ungodly
Antichristians have not only lift up their horns, but also are wonderful outrageous against us, who utter horrible and unspeakable blasphemies against thee, and with a stiff neck cast away from them every yoke or burden that thy sacred word bringeth. Our help (O good God) which is of any force, cometh neither from the East, nor from the West, nor yet from any other part or coast of the world: but thou only oughtest to be our judge, who canst at thy will and pleasure both raise us up and cast us down again. But forsomuch as the cup is in thy hand, let them drink and suck out the dregs thereof, wherewith they may be so brought a sleep, as thy blessed Church may be no more hereafter troubled of them. We will then talk of thee, and sing Psalms unto thy glorious name, when as the horns of the ungodly shall be broken in pieces, and the righteous take quiet and peaceable rest in thee, through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) For this intent and purpose (O most mighty God) are we determined to honor and extol thee, because thou art always ready to hear those that call upon thy glorious name with a right sincere faith, and dost manifest thy presence by the bestowing of notable and excellent gifts. We render most hearty