Psalm 9: Against Our Enemies in Persecution
(Prayer 2) Thy magnificence and renowned glory (O almighty God) is well and sufficiently set forth by these things which through thy excellent power and divine providence, be done both in heaven and earth, notwithstanding for the more and better stirring up of our gross and leaden hearts, thy power would set out itself also in babes and young children. Even from our childhood we are miserable and wretched, not by the workmanship and creation, by the which thou hast made and formed us, but through our original and natural sin, and an infinite number of faults that we ourselves have added thereto: for the which nevertheless, we humbly beseech thee, be not so displeased with us, but that (according to thy accustomed mercy) thou wilt often visit and look upon us, and those whom thou hast made little inferior unto Angels, make them partakers of thy own nature. Finally, seeing that thou haste in lawful wise made us Lordes over all thy creatures, grant that we may use them to the praise and glory of thy name, so as thy sacred word and Gospel may be spread abroad amongst all Nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 9: AGAINST OUR ENEMIES IN PERSECUTION
(Prayer 1) If thou (O good God) wilt take our cause in hand, and revenge us upon the enemies of thy glorious name and of man's salvation, we will (from the bottom of our heart, and with an exceeding great gladness) show forth and celebrate thy wonderous and excellent acts: who be afflicted in deed with temptations and other like oppressions (by reason of our heinous sins) but we beseech thee O high and mighty God (for thy goodness and mercies sake) that as thou hast accustomed to be a Sanctuary and sure defense for the oppressed which fly unto thee for succor, so now forsake us not, neither seem to be forgetful of the prayers that we unfeignedly pour out before thy divine Majesty. Have mercy upon us (O good God) deliver and rescue us from the Gates of death, least we be swallowed up therewith: being aided and helped by thee, we shall show forth thy worthy praises in the congregation, namely, because our trust hath not been reposed in thee in vain. Arise therefore, and suffer not impiety, unrighteousness,
and sin to prevail against us, but grant also, that we bearing well in mind our own estate and condition, may with a modest and lowly mind, be always obedient to thy will and pleasure, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) It happened very often in our fathers days (O most mighty God) that thy people were filled with a wonderful and unspeakable gladness, who being replenished with exceeding great joy, did set forth thy glorious name with songs, and celebrated thee with high praises, and that with their whole heart, because they (having thee for their rock of defense) drove their enemies back in the day of battle, who fell and perished at thy presence. Neither hast thou only once given sentence on the behalf of thy saints, or defended their cause, but didst oftentimes rebuke and destroy the Heathen that purposed in themselves to subvert the famous Cities of thy people with an utter ruin, and hast puissauntly overthrown such wicked men, insomuch, as even the very name of them is also abolished. Seeing therefore that thou reignest eternally, and hast always a seat prepared for judgment, to the intent thou mayest presently try out the truth, as touching the spilling and shedding of thy Saints blood. Despise not neither yet contemn our hearty prayers (O mighty God) nor be thou forgetful of them. We know verily that we have sinned and offended thy excellent majesty divers and sundry ways, which now we are both heartily sorry for, and also do openly confess the same: yet through the confidence we have conceived by the things which thou (O Lord) hast done for our fathers, (though of their parts undeserved) we draw near unto thy divine Majesty and humbly beseech thee to be favorable unto thy Church: have a regard (we heartily pray thee) unto her great trouble, and deliver the same from the cruel gates of death, so that it may daily be able to celebrate thy worthy praises more fervently. Extend thy wrath towards them that are forgetful of thee: let them perish in their own crafts and deceits, and be taken in the nets that they themselves have laid, which (with such greedy endeavor and violence) seek thy people's destruction and utter undoing. But let us (that are helpless and grievously afflicted) take a little breath and receive some comfort under thy strong defense and mighty protection. Up lord and suffer not vile mortal men to have the upper hand of thee and thy holy Gospel. Put our enemies