Psalm 82: For a Good Magistrate
our grievous sins and tyranny of the Devil. Seeing that therefore we acknowledge thee to be our only God, we earnestly desire thy gracious goodness to grant us thy request, that we may give ear only unto thy divine majesty, and honor thee alone, neither make any thy equal, or prefer anything before thee. For in that we have been of such boldness as to do so already, thou (who are the true God) hast caused us to suffer no light or common punishments, forsomuch as we being left unto our selves, have condescended unto our own lewd desires, and followed our wretched lusts then the which plague, we know now assuredly that nothing could happen unto men more miserable and noisome: where by we are taught to desire with all our hearts for to give ear unto thee, and that we may walk hereafter in thy blessed commandments, which being obtained, we understand for a certainty that thou wilt perform thy faithful promises, insomuch as thou repellest and keepest under the fierce enemies of our salvation, and wilt at length, perpetually feed us with thy most pleasant and unspeakable dainties, through Jesus
Christ our Lord, Amen.
PSALM 82: FOR A GOOD MAGISTRATE
(Prayer 1) The government of all kingdoms and earthly power appertaineth unto thee (O most good and merciful God) who neither minister justice nor right unto their people, unless they be ruled and guided with thy blessed spirit.
Wherefore we earnestly require thee to help mortal men's causes which be far out of order, both by multiplying and maintaining of good Princes: and also by correcting the lewd and outrageous, so that poor men's suits be not neglected, that the oppressed may be set at liberty, and that godliness in especial may flourish and greatly go forward. And as thou hast vouchedsafe through thy divine power to beautify our Magistrates, Princes, and King, with thy heavenly name, even so we heartily require thee also (of thy unspeakable goodness) to cause their work and ministry to be such, and so duly executed, as the faithful (so long as they live in this wretched world) may honor thee purely and lead a right virtuous and godly life, so that together with them they may be brought unto thee (who art
king of kings and Lord of Lord's) where they may jointly be partakers of eternal good things, and most excellent felicity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) We heartily acknowledge and earnestly confess (O most mighty God) that thy chosen people who have neglected their obedience towards thee are very often enforced to be in subjection unto wicked rulers, and unbelieving
Princes, neither is there any cause why we should complain of injury proffered unto us in so doing. For we have so grievously and after such a froward manner sinned against thee, as we have not only deserved these, but also much more heinous punishments. Notwithstanding, the assured hope we repose in thy blessed words and loving promises, we most heartily and with much fervency beseech thee to succor thy sacred Church in these most troublesome times. And thou who hast vouchedsafe to beautify the superior powers and Magistrates with the name and title of God's, vouchsafe also to overlook their counsels with thy justice, showing thyself as an upright judge amongst them, least they (being left unto their own sensuality and lewdness wherewith man's corrupt nature is of it self greatly overcharged) do not very wrongfully persecute thy holy Church, and yield unto ungodliness those things which be neither meet nor convenient. If thou O most dear father, do (according to our earnest prayers) intermeddle thyself amongst them in ordering the common wealth, we doubt not but thou wilt
(by thy direction and furtherance) revenge the poor and fatherless, and set such at liberty from their most grievous and extreme perils, as be exceedingly afflicted and very sore oppressed. Our earnest request is, that thou wouldest not deliver thy blessed Church under their rule and dominion which walk in darkness, who, having no manner of understanding, nor perseverance of their duty, go about so much as in them lieth to overthrow all right, justice, and godliness. Now when these men (who are so highly promoted by thee, as to be called God's, and the Sons of the most highest) do neither perceive nor yet understand the same, they deserve to be cast away, and die like most vile persons. The Church (O good God) is thy chosen heritage, wherefore mightily assist it, and take thou thyself upon thee her case to maintain and defend, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.