sayeth that he was hanged on a tree to the intente that he myghte take vpon hym our curse Deu. 21. Gal. 3. and so dyscharge vs. for that kynde of deathe was accursed of God ¶ The minister What is it not a greate reproche and dyshonoure vnto our Lorde Iesu to say that he was accursed and that before God ¶ The childe No not a whit for he through hys almyghtye power by taking the curse from vs vnto hymselfe did in such sort make it voyde and of none effecte that he hymselfe neuertheles continued still so blessed that he was able to fulfyll vs also with hys blessynges ¶ The minister Make an exposiciō of that that foloweth ¶ The childe In so muche as deathe was a cursse or punyshement appointed vnto man for synne Christ euen in sufferinge death vainqueshed death therfore our sauiour Christ did suffer death and by suffering ouercame it And to the entent also to make it the more certaynly knowen vnto vs that his death was not a coloured or counterfaited thing it pleased hym also to be buryed after the common maner of other menne ¶ The minister But it appeareth not that any profyte cummeth to vs by thys that Christe hathe wonne the victory of death seing that we it not withstanding cease not to dye ¶ The childe The death of the faithfull is a right passage to life euerlasting That doth not hinder for the deathe of the faythfull is nowe nothing elles but a readye passage to a better lyfe ¶ The minister It foloweth then necessarily hereof that we oughte in no wyse to be afrayde of deathe as though it were a dredefull thīg but rather it behoueth vs willingly to walke the trace of oure heade and capitayne Iesu Christ who hath walked and troden the same waye before vs not to the entente to leade vs to our destruction but to procure vs an euerlastynge sauegarde ¶ The childe It is euen so ¶ The minister Sonday 10 What is the sence of that clause whiche is putte to afterward as touchyng his descendyng into hell ¶ The childe The vnderstāding of this Christe went down into hel The ryghte meanynge therof is that Christ dyd not onelye suffre a naturall deathe which is a departyng and goyng asunder of the body and soule but also that his soule was in woōderfull dystresse beyng wofully pressed and enduring grieuous tormentes and as it were hellyke paynes Actes 2. which Sainct Peter calleth the sorowes or pangues of deathe ¶ The minister For what consideration sustained he those paynes and in what sorte ¶ The childe Becawse he presented hymselfe before God to be a sacryfice satisfactory and to make amēdes in the behalfe of synners it was mete that as he did beare the wayght and burthen of our synnes so lykewyse he shoulde feele this horryble anguyshe and greuous tormente of conscience whiche synne bryngeth beyng in case as if God had vtterlye forsaken hym and ben haynously displeased agaynste hym And in verye deede he was brought to suche extremytye of anguyshe that he was dryeuen to crye my God my God Matt. 27. Mark 15. why haste thou forsaken me ¶ The minister Why was God then angry with him ¶ The childe Nay howbeit it was cōueniente that God shoulde punyshe hym in suche sorte Esa 53. 1. Peter 2. to veryfie ād performe the wordes of Esay the Prophet who saieth that he was beatē with the hāde of his father for our sinnes ād that he dyd suffer the punishmente due to oure trangressyons ¶ The minister But howe coulde it be that he was in suche dreadefull anguyshe as though God hadde vtterly forsaken hym seing he was God hymselfe ¶ The childe We must vnderstande that he was in such destresse onlye as touchīge his humanitye And to the intente that he myghte feele these panges in hys manhoode hys Godhead dyd in the meane tyme for a lytle space kepe it selfe close as if it had bene hydd that is to saye it dyd not shewe not vtter the mygh therof ¶ The minister But how could thys be that Christe who is the health of the world could bee vnder such condemnacion ¶ The childe He was not so vnder it that he shuld cōtynewe in the same For he hath in suche wise felte these terrors whiche wee haue spoken of that he was not ouercome of the same but hath rather therby made battayll agaynst the power of hell to breake and destroye it ¶ The minister Hereby then we see the difference betwene that anguish or vexacion of mynde whiche Christe dyd suffer The difference betwene the anguishe of Christes spirit and the conscience of the wicked and that whyche the impenytente synners dooe abyde whome God doth punyshe in hys terryble wrath for that verye payne whiche Christe sustained for a tyme the wycked must endure continually and that whych was vnto Christ but a goade as it were to prycke him is vnto the wycked in steade of a glaiue to wound them to death ¶ The childe Trueth it is for oure sauyoure Christe notwithstandynge these vexations euē in the myddes of his tormētes did not ceasse to put a ful trust euermore in God but the damned synners do dispaire withoute al confydence in Goddes goodnes yea they stomake agaynste God in so muche that they blaspheme hys maiestye ¶ The minister Sonday 11 Maye we nowe gather suffyciently of this that is sayed what fruite or profite cōmeth to vs by the death of Iesus Christe ¶ The childe Yea very well The profite ād vertue of Christes death stādeth in .iii. pointes and fyrste of all we see that it is a sacryfice wherwith he hath fully aunswared and satysfyed hys fathers iudgement in our behalfe and therby also he hath appaised Goddes wrath whiche worthely hanged ouer vs hath broughte vs into his fauoure againe Secōdlye that he shedde his bloud to purifie ād clense our soules from al maner of spottes fynally that he hath so cleane wyped awaye oure synnes through his precyous death that God wil neuer hereafter haue remēbraunce of them to call vs to any reckoninge yea euenso that the obligation or hande wrytynge whiche was to be shewed forthe againste vs to oure cōdemnation is nowe cleane cancelled and vtterlye made voyde ¶ The minister Haue we no other profite besydes this of his death ¶ The childe Yes verely that is if we be true membres of Christe our olde man is crucyfyed and our fleshe is mortyfied to the ende that no euyll lustes or affections doe herafter beare rule in vs. ¶ The minister Expound the article folowing ¶ The childe 1. Peter 3. He rose the thirde daie frō death to lyfe wherī he shewed that he had vaynquished gottē the victorie of death and synne For through his resurrection he swalowed vp death he broke asōdre the chaines wherwith the deuill did holde vs in captyuitie fynally he destroied all hys power and kyngdome ¶ The minister Tell me how many
The forme of prayERS AND MINISTRAtion of the Sacraments c used in the Englishe Congregation at Geneua and approued by the famous and godly learned man Iohn Caluyn INTRATE PER ARCTAMVIAM The way to life is streicte and fewe finde it Mat. 7. They haue forsaken me the well of the water of lyfe and dygged theym selues pyttes yea vyle and broken pyttes that can hold no water Iere. 2. IMPRINTED AT GENEVA BY IOHN CRESPIN M.D.LVI THE CONTENTES OF THE BOOKE 1 The coâ—â—â—â—â—ion of the Christian faythe 33 2 Th order or electinge Ministers Elders and Deacons 42 3 Thassembly of the Ministery euery thursdaye 49 4 An order for the interpretation of the scriptures and answeringe of dowtes obserued euery mundaye 50 5 A confession of our synnes vsed before the sermon and framede to our state and tyme. 52 6 An other confession for all states and tymes 55 7 A generall prayer after the sermon for the whole estate of Christes Churche 57 8 The ministration of Baptisme and the Lordes Supper 62. 71 9 The forme of Mariage the Visitation of the sycke and the Maner of Buryall 80. 87. 88 10 An order of Ecclesiasticall Discipline 89. 11 One and fyftie psalmes of Dauid in metre 1. b 12 The Catechisme of M. Caluyn etcet 1. c. TO OVR BRETHERNE IN ENGLANDE AND ELS Where Which loue Iesus Christe vnfaynedly mercie and peace IT IS MOre euideÌ„t and known to all men theÌ„ well coÌ„sidered and thaÌ„kfully receyued of many with what greate mercies and especiall graces god enduede our countrye of England in these latter days when from 1 Ose 2. d. Rom. 9. e. 1. Pet. 2. b. idolatrie he called vs to the knowledge of his gospell and of no people made vs his people a holie people the people of god sendinge vs a kinge moste godly learned zealous wyse and such one as neuer sate in that royall chaire before Gods woord vniuersally spred ouer all the lande repentance preached Christes kingdome offered sinne rebuked so that none coulde excuse him selfe either that he had not hearde or els was not taught gods holy ghospell yet it came to passe and this day that is verified on vs which the lord reproued Israell fore sayinge 2 Esa 65. a. Rom. 10. d. I haue stretched forthe my handes all the day longe vnto a people that beleueth not but rebelleth againste me aÌ„d walke after their owne ymaginations For whose ways were not corrupt eueÌ„ from the 3 Esa 1. b. 7. Hier. 2. b. highest to the lowest from toppe to toe there was no part sownde Suche conteÌ„pt of gods word aswell on their behalf to whoÌ„ charge of preachinge was coÌ„mytted as on the other syde negligeÌ„ce to heare and learne to frame their lyues accordiÌ„ge ther vnto that yf the lord had not hastened this plague and preuented it wolde certeÌ„ly haue come to passe whiche those wycked meÌ„ of Anathoth sayed to the prophet Hieremie 4 Hier. 11. d. speake no more to vs in this name of the lorde The which vnkyndnes and contempt wold god we coulde as earnestly repent as we nowe feele the lacke of these accustomed mercies for nowe the day of our 5 Luke 19. f. visitation is come and the lorde hath broght the 6 Leu. 26. c. Deut. 27.28.30.7 1. king 22. c. 2. Chro. 18. e. Eze. 14. e. plagues vpoÌ„ vs wherof before we were admoneshed and moste iustely menaced For the false 7 prophets are sent forthe with lies in their mouthes to deceyue EnglaÌ„d and the scarsetie of gods worde is so great that althogh they seke it from one 8 Amos. 8. d. sea coaste to an other yet they can not finde yt but as men affameshed deuoure the pestiferous dounge of papistrie to the poisoninge of their owne sowles Let vs therfore bretherne 9 Ioel. 2. c. Psal 68. a. Ion. 3. d. 4. a. tourne wholy to the lord by repentance fastynge and prayer earnestly besechinge him to receyue vs once agayne to his fauor who willeth not the death of a synner but his amendement offeringe him selfe to all theym that in their necessitie seeke vnto him and like a moste mercifull father proueth all 10 2. Chro. 36. c. remedies for our betteringe not cruelly ponishinge to destroy vs but gently chastisinge to saue vs. Esa 5. a. Prou. 3. b. Heb. 12. b. Reuel 3. d. Beware then ye 11 Heb. 3. b. 4. b Psal 94. c. harden not your hartes agaynst this mercifull lord and tempt hym as the stubburne Iewes dyd whom he therfore delyuered vp into their enymies handes to perishe with the swoorde hunger and pestilence for god wyll not be 12 Gal. 6. b. mocked but lyke a 13 Heb. 12. g. Deu. 4. d. consuminge fier will destroye aswell the wicked contemners of his worde as the craftie dissemblers which go abowte to measure god by their fantasies not consideringe that they 14 Rom. 2. a. Iam. 5. a. heape damnation against theim selues in the day of his anger which nowe already is kindled and begynneth to flame to the condemnation of their sowles and bodies who knowinge Iesus Christ to haue 15 Heb. 9. a. Rom. 5 b. 1. Pet. 3. c. once fully satisfied for our synnes cease not dayly either in hart mowth or owtward coÌ„sent to blaspheme his precious death aÌ„d asmoche as in them lyeth 16 Heb. 6. a. 10. c. 1. Cor. 6. b. crucifie him a newe Do you not remeÌ„bre that 17 Gal. 5. c. Apo. 21. c. 22. c. Esa 66. g. Mark 9. g. idolaters haue no portion in the kiÌ„gdome of god but are throwne into the lake of fyer and brymstone where their worme shall neuer dye Can not the examples of gods fearfull 18 2. Pet. 2. a. b. Iude. a. Iob. 4. d. iudgements moue you who spared not his verie angells when they trespassed but hitherto reserueth theym in hell chaynes to be tormented in the day of the lorde and wyll he then fauor idolaters dissemblers blasphemers mockers contemners and not rather in this lyfe verifie that which the holie ghost pronownceth against the children of gods wrath who becawse they do not receyue the 19 2. Thes 2. c. Ioh. 3. c. trueth for their saluation are led by lyes to their endeles condemnation at the least let gods forwarnings some what moue you to pitie your owne state who for your instructions suffereth your owne bretherne emongst you to die so terribly some in dispaire others to kyll theym selues aÌ„d many vtteringe moste horrible blasphemies euen to their last breathe The which thinges are so fearfull for vs to heare that we treÌ„ble in thinking ther vpon yf you wyll therfore be counted in the nombre of gods people and be so in deede loke 20 Luk. 9. g. 2. Pet. 2. d. Pro. 26. b. Rom. 11. a. 3. kyng 19. b 1. Cor. 6. c. not backwarde frome the plough returne not to your vomit bowe not your knee to Baal pollut not the temple of the holie ghost
Likewise after supper he toke the cuppe sayīge This cuppe is the newe testamēt or couenāt in my bloude doo ye this so ofte as ye shall drinke therof in remēbrance of me For so ofte as you shal eate this bread and drinke of this cuppe ye shall declare the lordes deathe vntill his cōminge Therfore whosoeuer shall eate this bread and drinke the cuppe of the lorde vnworthely he shal be giltie of the bodye and bloud of the lord Then see that euery mā proue ād trye hym selfe ād so let hym eate of this bread ād drīke of this cuppe for whosoeuer eateth or drinketh vnworthelye he eateth and drinketh his owne damnation for not hauinge due regarde and consideration of the lordes bodye THIS done the minister proceadith to the exhortation DEARELY beloued in the lorde forasmoch as we be nowe assembled to celebrate the holy communion of the body and bloud of our sauiour Christ let vs consider these woordes of S. Paule how he exhorteth all persons diligently to trye and examine thē selues before they presume to eate of that bread ād drinke of that cuppe For as the benefite ys great if with a truly penitent hart and liuely faith we receyue that holy sacrament for then we 1 Ioh. 6. g. spiritually eate the fleshe of Christ and drinke his bloude thē we dwell in Christ ād Christ in vs we be one with Christ and Christ with vs so is the daūger great if we receyue the same vnworthely for then we be giltie of the bodye and bloud of Christ our sauiour we eate ād drīke our own dānation not considering the lordes bodye we kīdle godes wrath agaīst vs ād prouoke him to plague vs with diuerse diseases and sundry kindes of death Therfore if any of you be 2 Gal. 3. d. a blasphemer of God an hinderer or slaunderer of his worde an an adulterer or be in malice or enuie or in any other greuous cryme bewaylle your synnes and come not to this holy table lest after the takynge of this holy sacramēt the diuell entre into you as he entred into 3 Ioan. 13. ◠Iudas and fill you full of all iniquities and bring you to destruction bothe of bodye and soule Iudge therfore your selues bretherne that ye be not iudged of the lorde 4 Matth. ◠c. Titus 2. c. repent you truly for your synnes paste and haue a lyuely and stedfast fayth in Christ our sauiour 5 Act. 4. c Gal. 2. d sekinge onely your saluation in the merites of his death and passion from hensforth refusinge and forgettinge all 6 1. pet 2. a. 1. Cor. 14. d ephe 4. a. d malice and debate withfull purpose to liue in brotherly amytie and godlye conuersation all the dais of your lyfe And albeit we fele in ourselues muche frailtie and wretchednes as that we haue not our faith so perfite and constant as we ought being many tymes readye to distruste Godes goodnes through our corrupt 7 rom 7. d. nature and also that we are not so throughlye geuen to serue God neyther haue so feruent a zeale to set forth his glory as our duetye requireth felinge still such rebellion in our selues that we haue nede dayly to 8 Gala. 5. c fight against the lustes of our fleshe yet neuertheles seinge that our lorde hath dealed thus mercifully with vs that he hath printed his 9 Hebr. 8. d Iere. 31. f. Isa 59. d gospell in our hartes so that we are preserued from falling into desperatiō and misbeliefe and seing also he hath indued vs with a 10 Rom. 7. c. d phil 1. a. 2. Cor. will and desire to renownce and withstand our own affections with a longing for his righteousenes and the keping of his commaundementes we may be now right well assured that those defautes and manifolde imperfections in vs shal be no hinderance at all against vs to cause him not to accept and impute vs as worthie to come to his spirituall table For the ende of our comming thyther is not to make 11 luk 18. c. protestation that we are vpright or iuste in our liues but contrariwise we come to seke our life and perfection in Iesu Christ acknowledging in the meane tyme that we of our selues be the children 12 Ephes 2. a. luk 18. c. of wrath and damnation Let vs consider then that this sacrament is a singuler medicine for all poore sicke creatures a comfortable helpe to weake soules and that our lord requireth no other worthines on our parte but that we vnfaynedly acknowlege our noghtines and imperfection Then to the end that we may be worthy partakers of his merites ād moste comfortable benefits which 13 Ioan. 6. f. ys the true eatinge of his fleshe and drinkinge of his bloud let vs not suffer our mindes to wander aboute the consideration of these earthlie ād corruptible thynges which we see present to our eies and fele with our hādes to seeke Christ bodely presente in thē as if he were inclosed in the breade or wyne Transsubstantiation Transelemētatiō Transmutation and Transformation as the papistes vse them are the doctrine of diuells or as yf these elementes were tourned and chaunged into the substaunce of his fleshe and blood For the only waye to dispose our soules to receiue norishment reliefe and quikening of his substance is to lift vp our mindes by fayth aboue all thinges wordlye and sensible and therby to entre into heauen The true eatyng of Christ in the sacrament that we may finde and receiue Christ where he 14 1. Timo. 6. d dwelleth vndoutedlye verie God and verie man in the incomprehensible glorie of his father to whome be all praise honor and glorye now and euer Amen The exhortation ended the minister commeth doune from the pulpet and sitteth at the Table euery man and woman in likewise takinge their place as occasion best serueth Math. 26. c. Mark 14. c Luke 22. b 1. Cor. 11. e then he taketh bread and geueth thankes either in these woordes followinge or like in effect 1 Apoc. 5. c. O Father of mercye and God of all consolation seinge all creatures do knowlege and confesse thee as gouerner and lorde it becommeth vs the workemanship of thyne own handes at all tymes to reuerence and magnifie thy godli maiestie first for that thou haste created vs to thyne own 2 Gen. 1. d. Image and similitude but chieflye that thou haste deliuered vs from that euerlasting 3 Ephe. 2. b Gala. 1. a. Gen. 3. c. death and damnation into the which Satā drewe mankinde by the meane of synne from the bondage wherof neither man nor angell was 4 Act. 4. e. heb 1. d. Apoc. 5. a able to make vs free but thou ò lord riche in mercie and infinite in goodnes haste prouided our redemption to stande in thy onely and welbeloued sone whom of verie 5 Ioan. 3. c. loue thou didest giue to be made man lyke
6 Hebr. ◠d. vnto vs in all thynges synne 7 Heb. 4. d. 7. d. except that in his bodye he myght receiue the ponishmentes of 8 1. peter 2. d. Isa 43. d. 53. a. our transgression by his death to make 9 Matt. 3. d. 17. a Hier. 31. f Heb. 8. d. Rom. 5. a. satisfaction to thy iustice and by his resurrection to 10 Hebr. 2. d destroye hym that was auctor of death and so to reduce and bring agayne 11 Iohn 6. e life to the world frome which the whole ofspringe of 12 Gene. 3. d Rom. 5. b Adame moste iustly was exiled O lord we acknowlege that no creature ys able to 13 Ephe. 3. c. comprehende the length and breadthe the depenes and height of that thy most excellent loue which moued thee to shewe mercie where none was 14 Ephe. 2. ◠deserued to promise and giue life 15 Ioan. 6. d. 17. a eph 2. b. where death had gotten victorie to receue vs into thy grace when we could do 16 Gene. 6. b. rom 3. b. Isa 64. b. psal 5. b. 14. a. Rom. 7. c. nothyng but rebell against thy iustice O lord the blynde dulnes of our corrupt 17 Math. 16. c 1. Cor. 2. d luk 11. c Math. 10. nature will not suffer vs sufficiently to waye these thy moste ample benefites yet neuertheles at the 18 Math. 26. b. c. luk 22. b. commaundement of Iesus Christ our lorde we present our selues to this his table which he hath left to be vsed in 19 1. Cor. 11. e remembrance of his death vntyll hys comming agayne to declare and witnes before the world that by him alone we haue receued 20 Ioan. 8. d Gala. 5. c libertie and life that by hym alone thou doest aknowledge vs thy chyldren and 21 Rom. 8. d. 1. peter 1. b Ephe. 1. d heires that by hym alone we haue 22 Ephe. 2. d Hebr. 4. c Rom. 3. entrance to the throne of thy grace that by hym alone we are 23 Math. 25. a. Ioan. 14. a luk 12. d possessed in our spirituall kingedome to eate and drinke at his 24 luk 22. ◠Apoc. 2. a table with whome we haue our 25 Philip. 3. d. Ephe. 2. b. conuersation presently in heauen and by whome our bodies shal be reysed vp agayne frome the dust and shal be placed with him in that endles ioye which thow ò father of mercye hast prepared for thyne elect 26 Ephe. 1. b Apoc. 13. b before the foundation of the worlde was layde And these moste inestimable benefites we acknowlege and cōfesse to haue receaued of thy 27 Rom. 3. c. Ephe. 2. b Titus 3. b free mercie and grace by thy onely beloued sonne Iesus Christ for the which therfore we thy congregation 28 Rom. 8. d moued by thy holy sprite render thee all thankes prayse and glorie for euer and euer Matth. 26. c. Mark 14. c This done the minister breaketh the breade and delyuereth it to the people who distribute and deuide thesame amongst theim selues luke 22. b. 1. Cor. 10. d accordinge to our sauiour Christes cōmandement and in likewise geueth the cuppe Duringe the which tyme 1. Cor. 11. e Iohn 13.14 some place of the scriptures is read which doth lyuely set forth the death of Christ to the intene that our eyes and senses may not onely be occupiede in these outwarde signes of bread and wyne which are called the visible woorde but that our hartes and myndes also may be fully fixed in the contemplation of the lordes death which is by this holy sacrament representede And after the action is done he geueth thanckes saing MOSTE mercifull father we render to the all prayse thankes and glorie for that thou hast vouchsafed to graunt vnto vs miserable synners so excellent a gifte and threasor as to receaue vs into the 1 1. Cor. 10. d felowship and company of thy deare sonne Iesus Christ our lorde whome thou 2 Rom. 4. d deliueredst to deathe for vs and haste giuē hym vnto us as a necessarie 3 Ioan. 6 f foode and norishment vnto euerlastynge life And now we beseche the also ò heauenly father to graunt vs this request that thou neuer suffer vs to become so vnkinde as to forget so worthy benefittes but rather imprint and fasten them sure in our hartes that we may 4 luke 17. b growe and increase dayly more and more in true faithe which continually ys 5 Gala. 5. b excersised in all maner of goode workes and so moche the rather ò lord cōfirme vs in these 6 Timo. 4. a Ephe. 5. d 2. peter 3. a perelous daies and rages of satan that we may constanly stande and continewe in the confession of the same to the aduancement of thy 7 Matth 5. b 1. peter 2. b glorye which art God ouer all things blessed for euer So be it The action thus ended the people singe the 103 psal My soule giue laud c. or some other of thancks giuynge which ended one of the blessings before mencionede is recitede and so they ryse from the table and departe To the reader IF parchaunce any wolde maruell why we followe rather this order then any other in the administration of this sacrament let him diligently consider that first of all we vtterly renownce the error of the papistes secondly we restore vnto the sacramētes theyr owne substaunce and to Christe his proper place And as for the wordes of the lordes supper we rehearce theym not bicawse they shuld chaunge the substaunce of the bread or wyne or that the repeticion therof with the intent of the sacrificer should make the sacrament as the papistes falselie beleue but they are read and pronownced to teache vs how to behaue our selues in this actiō ād that Christe might witnes vnto owr faithe as it were with his owne mowthe that he hath ordayned these signes for our spirituall vse and comforte wee do firste therefore examyne owr selues accordyng to saint Pauls rule and prepare our myndes that we may be worthie partakers of so high mysteries Then takyng bread wee geue thankes breake and distribute it Mat. 76. c. 1. Cor. 11. c luk 22. b. as Christe our sauior hath taught vs. Fynally the ministration ended we gyue thankes agayne accordyng to his example So that without his woorde and warrante there is nothyng in this holy action attempted THE FORME of Mariage AFter the banes or contracte hathe byn publisshed thre seuerall dayes in the congregation to the intent that if any person haue intereste or title to either of the parties they may haue sufficient tyme to make theyr chalenge the parties assemble at the begynning of the sermon and the minister at tyme conuenient saythe as followeth Of Mariage The exhortation DEARLIE beloued bretherne we are here gathered together in the sight of God and in the face of his cōgregation to knytt
verse 10 10 He is protector of the poore what tyme they be opprest He is in al aduersitie theyr refuge and theyr rest verse 11 11 Al they that knowe thy holy name therfore shall trust in thee For thou forsakest not theyr “ we seeke god other by prayer or by vpright and godly life sute in theyr necessitie verse 12 12 Sing psalmes therfore vnto the lord that dwelth in Syon hill Publys he among all nations his noble actes and wil. verse 13 13 For he is myndefull of the bloude of those that be opprest Forgettyng not thafflicted hart that seketh to hym for reste verse 14 14 Haue mercie lorde on me poore wretche whose enmys still remayne which from the gates of deathe art wont to rayse me vp agayne verse 15 15 In Syon that I might set foorth thy prayse with hearte and voyce And that in thy Saluacion lord my soule might still reioyce verse 16 16 The heathen sticke fast in the pit that they themselues preparde And in the net that they did set theyr owne feete fast are snarde The hebr willeth men to meditate diligently on this thinge 17 God sheweth his iudgement which were good for euery man to marke When as ye see the wicked man lie trapte in his owne warke verse 18 18 The wicked and the sinfull men goe downe to hel for euer And al the people of the worlde that will not God remembre verse 19 19 But sure the Lorde will not forget the poore mans griefe and payne The pacient people neuer looke for helpe of God in vayne verse 20 20 O lord aryse lest men preuayle that be of worldly might And let the Heathen folke receyue theyr iudgement in thy sight Lorde stryke such terrour feare and drede into the heartes of them That they may knowe assuredly they be but mortal men Domine vt quid recessisti Psal X. Th. Ster ¶ He complayneth of the fraude rapine tirannye and all kindes of wronge which worddely men vse assignyng the cawse therof which was that wicked men being as it were dronke with wordelie prosperitie and therfore settyng aparte all feare and reuerence towardes god thynke they may doo all thynges without controwlyng Therfore he calleth vppon god to send some remedy agaynste these desperat euels And at length conforteth hym selff wirh hope of delyueraunce VVhat is the cause that thou o lord art now so far frome thyne and kepest close thy countynāce from vs this troublous tyme The poore doth perish by the proud and wicked mens desire let them be taken in the craft that they themselues conspire verse 3 3 For in the lust of his owne hart thungodlie dothe delite so dothe the wicked praise hym self and dothe the lorde despite verse 4 4 He is so prowde that right and wronge he setteth all aparte nay nay there is no god sayth he for thus he thynketh in harte verse 5 5 Becawse his wayes do prosper still he dothe thy lawes neglecte and with a blaste dothe puffr agaynst suche as wolde hym correcte verse 6 6 Tushe tushe saithe be I haue no dreade leaste myne estate shoulde chaunge and why for all aduersitie to hym is very straunge He meaneth that wickednes is so farre ouergrowen that god most nedes now helpe or neuer 7 His mouth is ful of cursednes of fraude disceate and guile Vnder his tong doth mischief sit and trauayle al the whyle verse 8 8 He lyeth hid in waies and holes to sleay the Innocent Agaynst the poore that passe hym by his cruel eves are bent verse 9 9 And lyke a lyon prieuely lyeth lurking in his denne If he may snare them in hys nette to spoyle poore simple men verse 10 10 And for the nones ful craftely he crowcheth downe I say So are great heapes of poore men made by his strong power his pray verse 11 11 Tushe god forgetteth this saith he therfore may I be bolde His countenaunce is east asyde he doth it not heholde verse 12 12 Aryse O Lorde O god in whome the poore mans hope doeth rest Lift vp thyne hande forget not Lord the poore that be opprest verse 13 13 What blasphemy is this to thee lorde dost not thou abhorre it To heare the wicked in theyr heartes say tushe thou carst not for it verse 14 14 But thou seest all thys wickednesse and wel doest vnderstande That frendlesse and poore fatherlesse are left into thy hande verse 15 15 Of wicked and malicious men than breake the power for euer By the heathen he meaneth the hypocrites which gloried as if thei had bene of the churche That they with theyr iniquitie may perishe altogether verse 16 16 The lorde shall raigne for euermore as king and god alone and he will chase the heathen folke owte of his lande eichone verse 17 17 Thou hearest o lorde the poore mās plaite they re prayers and requeste they re hartes thou wilt confirme vntill thyne eares to heare be preste God helpeth when mans ayde ceaseth 18 To iudge the poore and fatherlesse and helpe them to theyr right That they may be no more opprest with men of worldly might In Domino confido Psal XI Th. Ster ¶ This psalme contayneth two parties In the first Dauid sheweth how harde assaultes of tentacions he sustayned and in how great anguishe of mynde he was whē Saul did persecute hym Then next he reioyseth that God sent hym succor in his necessitie declaryng his iustice aswell in gouernyng the good and the wicked men as the whole worlde I Trust in god how dare ye then say thus my soull vntill flee hence as fast as any foull and hyde you in youre hill Beholde the wicked bend their bowes and make theyr arrowes prest to shute in secrete and to hurt the sounde and harmles brest verse 3 3 Of worldlye hope all stayes were shrōke and clearely broght to noghte Alas the iuste and rightuous man what euell hathe he wroght verse 4 4 But he that in his temple is most holy and most hye And in the heauen hath his seate of royal maiestie All thinges are gouerned by Gods prouidence The poore and simple mans estate considereth in hys mynde And searcheth out ful narowly the maners of mankynde verse 5 5 And with a cherefull countenaunce the righteous man will vse But in his heart he doth abhorre al suche as mischiefe muse As in the distruction of Sodome and Gomorro 6 And on the synners casteth snares as thicke as any rayne fire and brymstone and whirle wyndes thicke appoynted for theyr payne verse 7 7 Ye see then how a ryghteous God doth righteousnes embrace And to the iuste and vpright man sheweth furth his pleasaunt face Saluum me fac Psal XII Th. St. ¶ The Prophet lamenting the miserable estate of the people and the decay of all good ordre desiereth God spedely to send succor to his children Then comfortyng hym selff and othere with the assuraunce of Godes helpe he commendeth the constant veritie that god
obserueth in kepyng his promyses Concludyng that when all orders are moste corrupted then will God deliuer his HElpe lord for good and godly men do perish and decaye and fayth and trueth frome wordly men is parted cleane away whoso doth with his neybour talke his talk ys all but vayne for euery mā bethinketh how to flatter lye and fayne verse 4 4 But flatteryng and deceitfull lyppes and tonges that be so stoute To speake prowde wordes ād make great bragges the lorde sone cut theym oute verse 5 5 For they saye still we will preuayle our tonges shal vs extolle Our tongues are oures we ought to speke what lord shal vs control verse 6 6 But for the great complaynt crye of poore and men opprest The lord doth delyuer his frō all dangers Aryse wil I now sayth the lorde and them restore to rest verse 7 7 Gods woorde is lyke to siluer pure that from the earth is tryde And hath no lesse then seuen tymes in fyre bene purifyde God can not deceiue them that put their trust in him 8 Now synce thy promes is to helpe lorde kepe thy promes then And saue vs now and euermore from this il kynde of men verse 9 9 For nowe the wicked worlde is full of mischiefes manyfolde Whan vanitie with mortal men so highly is extolde Vsquequo Domine Psal XIII Th. Ster ¶ Dauid as it were ouercorne with sondrie and newe afflictions fleeth to God as his onelie refuge and so at the lengthe beyng encoraged through godes promesses he cōceyueth moste sure confidence agaynste the extreme horrors of deathe HOw long wilt thow forget me lord shall I neuer be remembred how long wilt thow thy visage hide as though thou were offēdid In hart ād mynde how lōge shall I with care tormented be how long eke shall my deadly foe thus tryumphe ouer me verse 3 3 Beholde me now my lorde my god and heare me sore oppreste lighten myne eies leste that I sleape as one by deathe posseste verse 4 4 Lest thus myne enmye saye to me beholde I doe preuayle Lest they also that hate my soule reioyce to see me quayle The mercie of god is the cause of our saluation 5 But for thy mercys and goodnes my hope shall neuer starte in thy relief and sauyng helthe right glad shal be my harte verse 6 6 I will gyue thankes vnto the lorde and prayses to hym synge becawse he hathe hearde my requeste and granted my wysshyng Dixit insipiens in corde Psal XIIII Th. Ster ¶ He describeth the peruerse nature of men which were so growen to lycentiousnes that god was bro ght to vtter contempte for the which thyng althogh he was greatlie greaued yet beyng perswaded that God wolde send some present remedy he comforteth hym self and others THere ys no god as folish men affirme in their mad mode theyr driftes are all corrupt and vaine not one of them doth good the lord behelde rome heauen high the whole race of mankynd and saw not one that sought in dede the liuyng god to fynde verse 3 3 They went al wyde were corrupt and truely there was none That in the world dyd any good I say there was not one verse 4 4 Is all theyr iudgement so farre loste that all worke mischief still eatyng my people euen as bread not one to seeke godes will verse 5 5 When they thus rage then sodenly great feare on theym shall fall for god dothe loue the rightuousmen and will mayntayne theym all verse 6 6 Ye mocke the doynges of the poore to they re reproche and shame bycause they put their trust in god and call vppon his name verse 7 7 But who shall gyue thy people helth wher wicked men raigne all felicitie is but verie slauerie like to Aegypt or Babylon and when wilt thou fulfil The promise made to Israel from out of Syon hyl verse 8 8 Euen when thou shalt restore agayn suche as were captiues lad Than Iacob shall therin reioyce and Israel shall be glad Domine quis habitabit Psal XV. Th. Ster ¶ This psal teacheth on what condicion god dyd chuse the Iewes for his peculiar people and wherfore he placed his temple amonges theym which was to the intent that they by lyuyng vprightlie and godlie might wittenes that they were his speciall and holy people O Lord within thy tabernacle who shall in habit still or whome wilt thou receaue to dwell in thy most holy hyll The mā whose lyfe is vncorrupt whose workes are iuste and strayght whose hart doth thynke the very truth whose tong speaketh no disceyte verse 3 3 Nor to his neighbour doth none ill in body goodes or name Nor willinglie dothe heare false tales which might empere the same verse 4 4 That in his heart regardeth not malicious wicked men But those that loue and feare the lord he maketh much of them His othe and al his promises that kepeth faythfully Although he make his couenaunt so that he doth lose therby verse 5 5 That putteth not to vsury his money and his coyne Ne for to hurt the innocent doth brybe or els purloyne Thē the which do not this shal be cast out of the churche with Ismael and the hypocrites Who so doth al thing as ye see that here is to be done Shal neuer perishe in this worlde nor in the world to come Conserua me Domine Psal XVI Th. Ster ¶ Dauid prayeth to god for succor not for his workes but for his faithes sake protestyng that he hateth all Idolatrie takyng God onely for his comforte and felicitie who suffereth his to lacke nothinge LOrde kepe me for I trust in thee and doo confesse in dede thou art my god and of my good ò lorde thou hast no nede I geue my goodnes to the sayntes that in the world do dwell and namely to the fayth full flock in vertu that excell verse 4 4 They shall heape sorrowes on their heads which runne as they were madd to offer to the idole gods alas it is to badd As for theyr blouddy sacrifice He wold nether by outward profession nor in hart consent with Idolatres and offringes of that sort I will not touche nor yet therof my lippes shall make reporte verse 5 5 For why the lord the porcion is of myne inheritaunce and thou art he that doest mayntayn my rent my lot my chaunce verse 6 6 The place wherein my lot did fal in beauty did excel Myne heritage assynde to me doth please me wonderous wel verse 7 7 I thanke the lord that counseld me to vnderstand the right for by his meanes my secret thoghtes do teache me euery night The faithfull are sure to perseuer to the end verse 8 8 I set the lorde still in my sight and trust hym ouer all for he dothe stand on my right hand therfore I shall not fall verse 9 9 Wherfore my hart and tong also do bothe reioyse together my fleshe and bodie reste in hope when
me oute of this myserye necessitye and nede verse ך ך Beholde my pouertye mine anguyshe and my paine Remit my synne and myne offence and make me cleane agayne verse ך ך O lorde beholde my foes howe they do styll increase Pursuyng me with deadly hate Ioh. 15. d that fayne woulde lyue in peace verse ש ש Preserue and kepe my soule and eke delyuer me And let me not be ouerthrowen because I truste in thee verse ח ח Let my simple purenes me from myn enmies shende because I looke as one of thine that thou shuldest me defende verse פ פ Deliuer lorde thy folke and send them some reliefe I meane thy chosen Israell from all their payne and griefe Ad te Domine clamabo Psal XXVIII Th. St. ¶ Being in great feare and pensiuenes to see god dishonored by the wicked men he desiereth to be rid of theym and crieth for vengeaunce agaynste theym and at lengthe assuereth hym selfe that god hathe hearde his prayer vnto whose tuicion he commendeth all the faithefull THou art o lord my streīgth and staye the succour whych I craue neglect me not lest I be lyke to them that go to graue The voyce of thy suppliant heare that vnto thee doth crye when I lyft vp my handes vnto thy holy arke most hye verse 3 3 Repute not me among the sorte of wycked and peruerte That speke right faire vnto their frendes and thinke ful yll in heart verse 4 4 Accordyng to their handy worke as they deserue in dede And after theyr inuencions let them receyue theyr meede verse 5 5 For they regard nothing gods workes his lawe ne yet his lore Therfore wil he them and their seed destroye for euermore verse 6 6 To render thankes vnto the lorde howe greate a cause haue I My voyce my praier and my complaint that heard so wyllynglye verse 7 7 He is my shyelde and fortitude my buckler in dystresse My hope my helpe my heartes releife my song shall him confesse verse 8 8 He is “ meanige him selfe and his companions our strength and our defence oure enmyes to resiste The health and the saluacion of his elect by Christe verse 9 9 Thy people and thyne herytage lord blesse guide and preserue encrease them lord rule their harts that they maye neuer swerue Afferte Domino Psal XXIX Th. St. ¶ An excellent Psalme wherin the Prophete exhorteth the very princes and rulers of the worlde which other wise for the moste parte thynke there is no god at the leaste to feare hym for the thunders and tempestes for feare wherof all creatures tremble And thogh therby god threateneth synners yet is he alwayes mercifull to his and moueth theym ther by to prayse his name GEue to the lorde ye potentates ye rulers of the world geue ye all prayse honour and strēgth vnto the lyuinge lorde Geue glory to his holy name and honour hym alone worship hym in his maiestie within his holy throne verse 3 3 His voyce dothe rule the waters all euen as hymselfe doth please He doth prepare the thunderclappes He meaneth the thūderings and tempestes and gouerneth all the seas verse 4 4 The ‖ voyce of god is of great force and wonderous excellent it is moste mighty in effecte and muche magnyficente verse 5 5 The voice of god dothe rent and breake the Cedre trees so longe the Cedre trees of Libanus which are moste high and stronge verse 6 6. And maketh theym leape like as a calf or els the vnicorne not onely trees but mountayns great wheron the trees are borne verse 7 7 His voyce deuideth flames of fyer and shaketh the wildernesse the lightening verse 8 8 It maketh the desert quake for fear that called is Cades verse 9 9 It maketh the hinds for feare to calue and maketh the couert plaine Then in his temple euerye man hys glory doth proclayme verse 10 10 The lorde was set oboue the floodes rulyng the ragyng sea so shall he raigne as lorde and kyng for euer and for aye verse 11 11 The lord will geue his people power in vertue to encrease The lorde will blesse hys chosen folke with euerlastinge peace Exaltabo te Domine Psal XXX I. H. ¶ when Dauid shoulde haue dedicated his house to the Lorde he fell so extreme sicke that he was without all hope of lyf and therfore after his recouerie he rendreth thancks to god exhortinge others to do the like and learne by his example that god is rather mercifull then seuere and rigorous towards his children and also that the fall frō prosperitie to aduersitie is sodeyn This done he retourneth to prayer promisinge to praise god for euer ALL laude and prayse with hart and voyce ò lorde I geue to the which didst not make my foes reioyse but haste exalted me ò lorde my god to thee I cried in all my payne and griefe thou gauest an eare and didst prouide to ease me with reliefe Of thy good will thow hast cald back my soule frome hell to saue thow didst reuiue when strēgth did lack and kepte me frome the graue verse 4 4 Sing praise ye sainctes that proue and see The goodnes of the Lorde In memory of his maiestie Reioyce with one accorde verse 5 5 For why hys anger but a space Doth last and slake agayne But in his fauour and his grace Alwais doth life remayne Thogh gripes of grief and panges ful sore Shall lodge with vs all night The lord to ioy shal vs restore Before the day be light verse 6 6 When I enioyed the world at wil Thus would I boast and saye Tushe I am sure to feele none ill This wealth shal not decay verse 7 7 For thou O Lord of thy good grace Hadst sent me strength and ayde But when thou turnedst away thy face From prosperitie to aduersitie the fall is sodayne My mynd was sore dismayde verse 8 8 Wherfore agayne yet did I crye To thee O Lord of might My god with playntes I dyd apply And prayde both day and nyghte verse 9 9 What gayne is in my bloud sayde I If death destroye my dayes Doth dust declare thy maiestie Or yet thy trueth doth prayse verse 10 10 wherfore my God some pitie take O Lorde I thee desyre Doe not this simple soule forsake Of helpe I thee require verse 11 11 Than dydst thou turne my grief and woe Vnto a chereful voyce The mourning weede thou tokest me fro and madest me to reioyce verse 12 12 Wherfore my soule vncessauntly Shal syng vnto thee prayse My Lord my God to thee will I Geue laude and thankes alwayes Beati quorum Psal XXXII Th. St. ¶ Dauid ponished with greuous sickenes for his synnes counteth theym happy to whome god dothe not impute their transgressions And after that he had confessed hys synnes and obtayned pardon he exhorteth the wicked men to lyue godlie and the good to reioyse THe man ys blest whose wikednes the lorde hath cleane remitted and he whose synne
aÌ„d wretchednes ys hyd and also couered aÌ„d blest ys he to whom the lorde imputeth not his sinne which in his hart hath hid no gyle nor fraude is founde therin verse 4 4 For whiles that I kept close my sinne in silence and constraynte My bones did weare and wast awaye with dayly “ Heb. roaringe mone and playnte verse 5 5 For night and day thy hande on me so greuouse was and smerte That al my bloud and humors moist to drynesse did conuerte Selah verse 6 6 I did therfore confesse my faute and all my sinnes discouer Isa 65. d. Then thou ò lord didst me forgiue and all my synnes passe ouer Selah verse 7 7 The humble man shall pray therfore and seeke thee in due tyme So that the floudes of “ The iuste maÌ„ shall not fhrincke for any aduersitie Selah waters great shall haue no power on him verse 8 8 Whan trouble and aduersitie doe compasse me aboute Thou art my refuge and my ioye and thou doest rydde me out verse 9 9 Come hither and I shall thee teache how thow shalt walke aright and wil thee guyde as I my self haue learned by profe and sight verse 10 10 Be not so rude and ignoraunte as is the horsse and mule Whose mouth without a rayne or byt from harme thou canst not rule verse 11 11 The wicked man shall manifold sorrowes and grieues sustayne But vnto him that trusteth in God hys goodnes shall remayne verse 12 12 Be merye therefore in the lorde ye iuste lyft vp youre voyce And ye of pure and perfecte hearte be glad and eke reioyce Exultate iusti Psal XXXIII I. H. ¶ He exhorteth good men to praise god for that he hath not only created all things and by his prouidence gouerneth the same but also is faithfull in his promeses He vnderstandeth mans heart and scatereth the counsell of the wicked So that no man can be preserued by any creature or mans strength but they that put their confidence in his mercie shall be preserued from all aduersitie YE righteous in the lord reioyce it ys a semely syght that vpright men with thank full voyce shuld prayse the god of might Prayse ye the lorde with harpe and songe in psalmes and pleasant thinges with lute and instrument amonge that soundeth with ten stringes verse 3 3 Syng to the Lorde a song most newe With courage geue him prayse verse 4 4 For why his woorde is euer true His woorkes and al his wayes verse 5 5 To iudgement equitie and ryght He hath a great good wil And with his giftes he doth delyght The earth throughout to fill Gen. 1. a. 6 For by the woorde of God alone The heauens al were wroghte Their hostes and powers euerychone Hys breath to passe hath broghte verse 7 7 The waters greate gathered hath he On heapes within the shore And hyd them in the depth to be As in an house of store verse 8 8 Al men on earth both least and most Feare god and kepe his lawe Ye that inhabite in eiche coste Drede hym and stand id awe verse 9 9 What he commaunded wroght it was At once with present spede What he doth wil is broght to passe With ful effect in dede verse 10 10 The counsels of the nacions rude No couÌ„sell can preuaill againest god but shall haue euell successe The lord doth dryue to noght He doth defeate the multitude Of theyr deuyse and thoght verse 11 11 But hys decrees continue stil They neuer slake or swage The mocions of his mynde and will Take place in euery age verse 12 12 O blest are they to whome the Lorde As God and guyde is knowne Whome he doth chose of mere accord To take them as hys owne verse 13 13 The lord from heauen cast his syghte On men mortal by byrth verse 14 14 Considering from hys seate of might The dwellers on the earth verse 15 15 The lord I say whose hand hath wroght Mans heart doth it frame For he alone doth know the thoght And woorking of the same God only deliuereth and preserueth his people 16 A kyng that trusteth in hys host Shal noghte preuayle at length The man that of hys migth doth bost Shal fal for al his strength verse 17 17 The troupes of horsemen eke shal fayle Theyr sturdy stedes shal sterue The strength of horse shal not preuaile The ryder to preserue verse 18 18 But loe the eyes of God entend And watche to ayde the iust With such as feare hym to offend And on hys goodnes trust verse 19 19 That he of death and all distres May set theyr soules from drede And if that darth the land oppresse In hunger them to feede verse 20 20 Wherfore our soule doth stil depend On God our strengthe and staye He is the shielde vs to defende And dryue all dartes awaye verse 21 21 Our soule in god hath ioy and game Reioysing in hys myght For why in hys most holy name We hope and much delyght verse 22 22 Therfore let thy goodnes ò Lorde Stil present with vs be As we alwayes with one accorde Doe onely trust in thee Benedicam Domino Psal XXXIIII Th. Ster ¶ After Dauid had escaped Achis accordyng as is written in the 1. Sam. 21. whome in this title he calleth Abimelech which was a generall name to all the kynges of the Philistynes he prayseth god for his delyueraunce prouokyng all others by his example to trust in god to feare and serue hym who defendith the god lie with his Angels and vtterlie destroyeth the wicked in theyr synnes I will geue laude × and honour both vnto the lord alwayes and eke my mouth foreuermore shall speake vnto his prayse ב I do delight to laude the lorde in soule and eke in voyce that humble men and mortified may heare and so reioyce verse × × Therefore see that ye magnifye with me the lyuyng lorde And let vs now exalte his name together with one accorde verse ד ד For I my selfe besoghte the lorde he answered me agayne And me deliuered incontinent from all my feare and payne verse ×” ×” Whoso they be that hym beholde shall see his light moste cleare their countenance shall not be dashed they need it not to feare verse ן ן This sely wretch for some reliefe vnto the lord dyd call Gen. 19.31.32 4. kyngs 6. Hebr. 1. who did him heare without delay and rydd him out of thrall verse ×— ×— The Angel of the lorde doth pitche his tentes in euery place To saue all suche as feare the lorde that nothyng them deface verse ט ט Taste and consider well therefore that God is good and iuste ò happie man that maketh him his onely staye and truste verse ו ו Feare ye the lorde his holye ones aboue all earthlye thynge For they that feare the lyuynge lorde are sure to lacke nothyng verse × × The lyons shal be hongerbit and pined with famine muche
lordship haue Their ymage and their royall porte shall fade and quite decaye when as from house to pitt they passe with wo and weale a waye verse 15 15 But god will surely preserue me from death endles paine Because he will of his good grace Selab my soule receyue agayne verse 16 16 If any man waxe wonders riche feare not I say therfore Althogh the glory of his house increaseth more and more Iob. 27. 1. Tim. 6. 17 For whē he dieth of al these thinges nothing shal he receiue His glory wil not folow him his pompe wil take her leaue verse 18 18 Yet in thys lyfe he taketh hymselfe the happiest vnder sunne and others likewise flatter hym sayng all is well done verse 19 19 And presuppose he lyue as longe as did his fathers olde yet moste he nedes at length gyue place and be broght to deathes folde verse 20 20 Thus man to hounor god hath called yet dothe he not consider but like brute beastes so doth he lyue which turne to duste and powder Miserere mei Deus Psal LI. ¶ when Dauid was rebuked by the Prophete Nathan for his great offences he dyd not only acknowlage the same to god with protestation of his naturall corruption and iniquitie but also left a memoriall therof to his posteritie Therfore first he desireth god to forgiue his synnes and renewe in him his holy spirite with promesse that he will not be vnmyndfull of those great graces finally fearinge lest god wolde ponishe the whole churche for his faute he requireth that he wolde rather increase his graces towards the same O Lorde consider my distresse and now with speed some pitie take my synnes deface my fautes redresse good lorde for thy great mercies sake Washe me ó lorde and make me cleane from this iniuste and synnefull acte and purifie yet once againe my hainous crime and bloodie facte verse 3 3 Remorce and sorrowe do constrayne me to acknowlege myne excesse My synne alas dothe still remayne before my face withowte relesse verse 4 4 For thee alone I haue offended comittyng euell in thy sight Rom. 3. and if I were therfore condemned yet were thy iudgement iust and right verse 5 5 It is to manifest alas that first I was conceyud in synne yea of my mother so borne was and yet vile wretche remaine therin verse 6 6 But notwithstanding thou doest loue the inwarde trueth of a pure hart therfore thy wisedome from aboue Nu. 19. Iea. 14. Isa 1. thou haste reueld me to conuert verse 7 7 If thou with hissope purge this blot I shal be cleaner then the glasse and if thou washe away my spot the snowe in whitenes shall I passe verse 8 8 Therfore o lorde suche ioy me send that inwardelie I may fynde grace and that my strength may now amend which thou haste swagd for my trespas verse 9 9 Turne backe thy face and frowning ire for I haue felt ynough thy hand and purge my synnes I thee desire which do in nomber passe the sand verse 10 10 Make new my harte within my brest and frame it to thy holy will thy constant spirit in me let rest which may these ragyng enmys kill verse 11 11 Cast me not owte lorde frō thy face but spedelie my torments ende take not from me thy spirite grace which may from daungers me defend verse 12 12 Restore me to those ioyes agayne which I was wonte in thee to fynde and let me thy free spirite retayne which vnto thee may styre my mynde verse 13 13 Thus when I shall thy mercies knowe I shall instructe others therin and men that are likewise broght lowe by myne ensample shall flee synne verse 14 14 O god that of my health art lorde forgyue me thus my bloodie vice my harte and tongue shall then accorde to synge thy mercies and iustice verse 15 15 Touche thou my lippes my tōg vntie ò lorde which art the onlie kaye and then my mouthe shall testifie thy wōdrous woorkes and prayse alway verse 16 16 And as for owteward sacrifice I wolde haue offred many one but thou estemes theym of no prise and therin pleasure takest thou none verse 17 17 The heauie hart the mynde opprest ò lorde thou neuer doest reiecte and to speake truthe it is the best and of all sacrifice theffecte verse 18 18 Lorde vnto Zion tourne thy face powre owte thy mercies on thy hill and on Hierusalem thy grace builde vp the walles and loue it still verse 19 19 Thow shalt accept then our offrynges of peace and rightuousnes I saye yea calues and many other thynges vpon thyne aulter will we laye Quid gloriaris Psal LII I. H. ¶ Dauid describeth the arrogant tyrannie of his aduersarie Doeg Sauls chief shepherde who by false surmises caused Achimelech with the rest of the pryestes to be slayne Dauid prophecieth his distruction and encourageth the faithfull to put their confidence in god whose iudgements are moste sharpe against his aduersaries And finally he rendreth thanks to god for his deliuerance In this psal is liuely set fourth the kyngdome of Antichriste VVhy doest thou tyrant boast abroad thy wicked workes to prayse dost thou not know ther is a god whose mercies last alwayes why doth thy mynd yet styll deuyse such wicked wiles to warpe thy tonge vntrue in forginge lyes is lyke a rasour sharpe verse 3 3 On mischiefe why settst thou thy minde and wilt not walke vpright Thou hast more lust false tales to fynd Selah than bring the trueth to light verse 4 4 Thou dost delite in fraude and guile In mischief blood and wrong Thy lippes haue learnde the flatteryng style O false disceitful tong verse 5 5 Therfore shal God for euer confound And pluck thee from the place Thy seede roote out from of the ground Selah And so shal thee deface verse 6 6 The iust when they beholde thy falle with feare wil prayse the lord And in reproche of thee withal “ hebr shall laugh or mocke Crye out with one accord verse 7 7 Behold the man which would not take The lord for his defence But of his goodes hys god did make And trust his corrupt sense verse 8 8 But I an Olyue freshe and greene Shal spryng and sprede abrod For why my trust al tymes hath bene Vpon the liuyng God verse 9 9 For this therfore will I geue prayse To thee with heart and voyce I wil set furth thy name alwayes Wherin thy sayntes reioyce Deus Deus meus Psal LXIII Th. St. ¶ Dauid after he had bene in great daunger by Saul in the desert of Ziph made this psalme wherin he giueth thankes to god for his wonderfull delyuerannce in whose mercies he trusted euen in the myddes of his myseries propheciynge the destruccion of godes ennymies and contrariwise happynes to all theym that trust in the lorde 1. Sam. 23. O God my God I watche betyme to come to thee in haste for why my soule and
wayes this resurrection of Christe doeth profite vs ¶ The childe Thre maner of ways the firste The benefyte and vertue of Christes death standeth in .iii pointes that we haue fully obtained to be ryghteous therby Secondly that his risinge frō death is asure gage and certaine assuraunce unto vs that we shall ōce ryse agayne into a lyfe without ende and moste glorious Thyrdely Rom. 4.6 1. Cor. 15. that if we be in dede truely partakers of his resurrection we ryse nowe in this present worlde in to a new kynde of lyfe addicted wholy to serue God and to leade an holye conuersation agreable to his wil and pleasure ¶ The minister Sonday 12 Let vs goe forwarde to the reste ¶ The childe He ascended vp into heauen ¶ The minister Wente Christ vp into heauen in suche sort that he was no lōger abydinge in the yearth ¶ The childe Yea Christ ascended into heauē for whan he had performed whollye all thynges that were enioyned him by the commandement of his father and had accōplished all that was necessarie for our health it was not nedefulle that he shoulde remayne any longer in the worlde ¶ The minister What profyte haue wee by hys ascension ¶ The childe The Profytte of Christes ascension stādyth in two pointes We receyue double profyte thereby for since that our sauyoure Christe is entred into heauen in our name euen inlyke maner as he came downe from thēce for oure sakes onely he hath thereby made an open entrye into the same place for vs geuynge us withal an assured knowledge that the gate of heauen is nowe wyde open to receiue vs whych was before faste shutte through our synnes The seconde profite is that he sytteth there presente alwais in the syght of God the father to make intercessyon for us Rom. 6. Hebr. 7. and to be our aduocate to make answere for vs. ¶ The minister But is oure sauioure Christ so gone out of the worlde that he is no more here with vs ¶ The childe Matt. 28. No dowteles for he hymselfe sayeth the contrarye that is that he wyl be here presente with vs vnto the worldes ende ¶ The minister Is it meant of his bodely presence that he maketh promise so to cōtynue with vs ¶ The childe No verelye Luke 24. Actes 1. for it is a nother matter to speake of hys body which was lyfte vp out of this worlde into heauen and to speake of hys godlye power whiche is spred abrode throughout the whole worlde ¶ The minister Declare the meanīg of this sentēce He sytteth on the ryghte hand of God the Father ¶ The childe The vnderstandyng of that is Matt. 28. to signifye that he hath receyued into his handes the gouernance of heauen and yearth whereby he is kynge and ruler ouer al thynges ¶ The minister What signifieth this worde ryghthande and the fyttyng on the ryghthande whereof mention is here made ¶ The childe It is a similitude or a maner of speache borowed of earthly Princes To sit on the right hande of God whiche are wonte to place on their right side suche as they substitute nexte vnder them to see to the execution of lawes and to supplye their roume and offyce in their steade ¶ The minister Then thou meanest nothing els therby Ephe. 1. but that whiche S. Paule speaketh to the Ephesians that he was constitute and appointed head of the Churche set in authoritie aboue all powers Philip. 2. and that he hath receiued a name or dignitie passynge all other ¶ The childe My meanynge is none other ¶ The minister Goe forwarde to the residue ¶ The childe Sonday 13 From thence he wil come to iudge the quycke ād the dead that is to saye he will come doune from heauē and shewe himselfe visibly once agayne in iudgement euen in that shape Actes 1. wherin he was seen to ascend ¶ The minister Seynge the iudgemente of God shal be in the ende of the worlde how maye that be whych thou saiest some shal be a lyue and other some shal be dead namely since also it is a thing most certainly oppointed vnto all men Hebr. 9. to dye once ¶ The childe S. Paule maketh answer to this questiō himselfe saying that they which at that time shal be lefte on liue 1. Cor. 15. 1. Thes 4. shal be sodainly chāged in a momēt of time to the end that their corruptible nature maye be altered and that they may receiue a newe body whiche shal be no more subiect to corruption ¶ The minister Thy meaninge is then that this alteratiō or change shal be vnto them in steade of a death in somuche as it shal do a way abolyshe their former nature and make them ryse againe in a newe more glorious state ¶ The childe It is euen so ¶ The minister Doe we receyue any comfort by this that our sauiour Christ will come once to iudge the worlde ¶ The childe Yea verely and that a synguler great comforte for we are taught certeynly that hys commyng at that tyme shal be onely for our saluation ¶ The minister Wel then there is no cause why we shoulde be afrayde of the day of iudgement or wherfore we shoulde lothe the cummyng thereof ¶ The childe No truely Christe shal both Iudge vs and aunswer for vs. forsomuch as we shall appeare before no other iudge but him who is our aduocate and hath taken vpon hym to defende our cawse ¶ The minister Sonday 14 Let vs nowe come to the third parte ¶ The childe That part cōcerneth our fayth confidence in the holy goste The third parte of the crede ¶ The minister And to what purpose doth it serue vs ¶ The childe It doth vs to vnderstād that euen as God hath first redemed vs Of the holy gost and his giftes geuen euerlasting health vnto vs in Iesu Christ euē so it pleased hym to make vs partakers of these his graces ād benefites through his holy spirite ¶ The minister How so ¶ The childe In lyke maner as the bloud of Christe is the onelye thyng that pourgeth oure soules 1. Peter 1. euē so the holy ghost must sprinkle ād moysten our cōsciences with the same to make them pure and cleane ¶ The minister Yet this needeth a more euident declaration ¶ The childe It is no more to saye but that the holye spirite of God dwellyng in our heartes doth make vs feele the vertue and goodnes of our Lord Iesus Rom. 5. for it is he that doth open the eyes of our hearte to beholde gods benefites towardes vs he doeth seale and imprint his aboundante graces in our soules and this spirite doeth also regenerate vs and make vs new creatures in such sort Ephe. 1. that by his meanes we receiue to our most cōfort al those giftes and benefites which be offered vnto vs so plentifully in Christ our sauiour ¶ The minister Sonday 15
What foloweth now next ¶ The chide The fourth part of our beliefe The fowerth part which is of the churche where it is sayde I beleue that there is a Catholique or uniuersal churche ¶ The minister What is this Churche ¶ The childe It is the felowship or congregation of them that belieue what the church is whom God hathe ordeyned and chosen unto life euerlasting ¶ The minister Is it necessary that we beleue this artiticle ¶ The childe Yea it is a thyng very necessarye onlesse we mynd to make Christes death vtterlye voyde and of none effect and to make all those thiÌ„ges superfluous aÌ„d to no purpose whiche we haue rehearsed alreadye for the church is the verye fruite that proceadeth of all Christes dooinges ¶ The minister This is thaÌ„ thy sayiÌ„g that all which hither to hath bene declared For what purpose Christe suffered deathe doth touche the cause aÌ„d grownde of our saluatioÌ„ insomuche as God hath receiued vs into his fauoure by the meanes of our sauiour Iesus Christ hath stablished this grace in vs through his holy spirite But nowe the effect that cuÌ„meth of all this is declared vnto vs to geue the more euideÌ„t assurance therof ¶ The childe It is euen so as you say ¶ The minister What meanest thou by saying The holy churche ¶ The childe I call the Churche holy in this sence because that those whoÌ„ God hathe chosen he iustifieth renueth vnto holynes aÌ„d innoceÌ„cy of lyfe to make his glory to shyne in theÌ„ Ephe 5. And also oure sauiour Christe hath saÌ„ctified his churche which he redemede to the ende it myght be glorious and without spot ¶ The minister What meaneth this worde Catholique or vniuersall ¶ The childe The meaning of this word catholique Ephe. 4. 1. Cor. 12. It serueth to put vs in remeÌ„braÌ„ce that as there is but one head of the righte beleuers eueÌ„ so it behoueth theÌ„ to be knit together in one bodye iÌ„ such sorte that there be not diuers churches but one churche alonely disê‘sed thorowout the whole worlde ¶ The minister Declare as touchiÌ„g the communioÌ„ of sainctes ¶ The childe The communioÌ„ of the faithfull That clause is putte to for a more playne declaration or setting furth of the vnitie and coupling together of the membres of Christes church Moreouer it doth vs to vnderstand that al the benefites that Christe hath geueÌ„ and all the good that he hathe done for his church belongeth to the profite and saluacion of euerye faithfull personne for so much as they haue all a common partaking together ¶ The minister Sonday 16 But where thou namest the churche holye is the holinesse therof now alreadi vpright and perfecte ¶ The childe No verely for it is in contynuall battayll so longe as we are in this world and laboreth alwaye vnder imperfectioÌ„ aÌ„d infirmities which shal neuer be cleane taken a way vntill we be al together coupled to our head Iesu Christ by whome we are perfitly sanctified and made holy ¶ The minister Is there no other way to knowe this church but by beliefe or faithe ¶ The childe Yes verely there is a church or coÌ„panye of Goddes people which may be sene to the eye forsomuch as God hath geueÌ„ outwarde tokens and SacrameÌ„tes by the whiche we may knowe the same But here in this place meÌ„cioÌ„ is made onely of the peculiar and chosen coÌ„pani of Goddes childreÌ„ whoÌ„ whom he hath chosen to euerlasting lyfe the whiche feloweshyppe cannot be perfectely discerned here by our sences nor by outward tokens ¶ The minister What is there more ¶ The childe Touchinge the forgiunes of sinnes I beleue the remission of our synnes ¶ The minister What is the ryghte or proper signification of thys woord Remissyon ¶ The childe It signifyeth properlye that God doeth freelye forgeue al the sinnes of them whiche beleue in hym in suche sorte that they shall neuer be called to any accounte neyther shall they make anye aunswere before Goddes iustice seate therby to receyue any punishement ¶ The minister It is easy than to be gathered of this that we doe not merite or deserue by any satisfaction or amendes that we can make that God shoulde pardon our synnes ¶ The minister Ye say true for oure sauiour Christ hath made the full payment himself and hath sustayned the payne due vnto the same for we of our parte be not able to make anie maner of recoÌ„pence but we are drieueÌ„ to seeke vpon God that of his mere liberalitie we may obtayne this benefyt frely ¶ The minister Wherefore doest thou make mencion of remissyon immediatelye after that thou hast spoken of the churche ¶ The childe Because that no manne can receyue forgeuenes of his sinnes vnles he be incorporated Ther is no remission of synnes without the body of the churche and ioyned in the felowshyp of Goddes people and so continue in the vnitie common partakynge of Christes benefites with the same hys bodye euen to th ende lyke a true membre of hys Churche ¶ The minister By thys saying than without the churche ther is nothing but hel death and damnacion ¶ The childe That is most certayne for all such as do deuide disseuer them selues from the body of Christe to the intente to make a sect and breake the vnitie therof are vtterly destitute of al hope to enioy euerlasting lyfe whiles they kepe themselues so diuided and a parte ¶ The minister Sonday The 17 What foloweth more ¶ The childe Of oure resurrection The rysyng agayne of the body and lyfe euerlasting ¶ The minister Whereto serueth thys article in our beliefe ¶ The childe It doeth vs to vnderstande that our ioye and felicitie consysteth not in anye thynge vpon earthe the which knowledge maye serue vs for two necessary purposes The firste it serueth to teache vs to passe through this transitory world as if it were through a strange countreye settyng litle by the thynges of thys worlde and not settyng oure affectyon on thynges of so vnstable continuaunce Then secondarily it putteth vs in couÌ„fort that although as yet we haue no full taste or enioying of the felicitie which our Lord god hathe freelye prepared for vs in our sauiour Christ that yet we oughte not for that to dyscourage our selues but paciently to wayte for hym vnto the tyme that he shall appere ¶ The minister What shal be the maner of our resurrection ¶ The childe Al they which be dead before that tyme shal then take theyr own bodyes agayn vnto them 1. Cor. 15. howbeit they shal be of a nother sorte or fashion that is to wete they shal be no more subiecte to death or corrupcion and yet notwithstanding they shal be of the selfe same nature and substaunce as before And suche as shal then remayne alyue God wyll rayse them vp maruelously and sodainely chaunge theyr bodyes in the twinklinge of an eye as we haue sayd before ¶ The minister
that it was partly ordeined for the recreation and ease of seruauntes ¶ The childe To thintente that they whiche be vnder the authoritye and power of others myght be released somewhat and lyghtened of theyr paynful laboures the whiche thyng also serueth to the furtheraunce of the common wealth for somuch as euery man hath iust cause to be the readyer willynglye to trauayle the other sixe days when they consider that they may take their rest in the seuenth ¶ The minister Goe to then let vs nowe also see how this commaundement belongeth vnto vs. ¶ The childe As touching the ceremony ther of Col. 2. The ceremoniall Sabbot◠ys ended we haue nothing to do with it for the vse of al ceremonyes ceassed at the cumming of Christe who was the ende and substaunce of them ¶ The minister How so ¶ The childe For our old man vnto whome the ceremonies belonged is now crucifyed by the vertue of his death Rom. 6. through the merite of his resurrection we rise agayn into a newnes of lyfe ¶ The minister What is there than in this comaundement that concerneth vs ¶ The childe We are bounde to obserue the politique ordre appoynted in the churche for the hearyng of Goddes woorde for cumming together to make common prayers and for the ryghte vse of the sacramentes ¶ The minister And dothe the fygure profytt vs no more ¶ The childe Yes veryly for it leadethe vs to the trewth of that thing wherof the sabboth day is a figure which is that we being made the true mēbers of Christe ought to leaue of from doing the woorkes of our owne will to commit our selues wholy vnto his tuicion gouernance ¶ The minister Sonday 28 Lette vs come now to the seconde table ¶ The childe HOnor thy father thy mother ¶ The minister The 5 cōmaundement What doest thou meane by this woord Honour ¶ The childe what honor is due to our superiours The meaning is that children are of duetye bounde to vse humble obedience and lowlynes towardes their father and mother bearynge a reuerente minde towardes them ready to assyst and ayde thē and willyng to doe after theyr commaundementes according to their dutie ¶ The minister Proceade farther in thys commaundement ¶ The childe God ioyneth also a promes to this commaundement sayng that thou maist leade a prosperous lyfe many yeares in the lande whiche the lord thy God hath geuen thee ¶ The minister What is the meanyng of this promes ¶ The childe That God will indue them with a long lyfe here in thys worlde whiche haue theyr father and mother in due reuerence ¶ The minister How cummeth it to passe that god promiseth man to prolong hys life here in thys world as if it were a speciall benefite since this life present is so ful of al kynd of misery ¶ The childe Though our lyfe here in thys world be neuer so full of wretchednes yet not with standing a long life A longe life is a blessing of God vnto the faithfull for somuche as god doth shew furth his fatherly affection towardes his in that they knowe they are vnder hys protection and defence ¶ The minister May a man gather of the contrary parte that he who liueth not manye yeares is accursed of God ¶ The childe No but rather it cummeth to passe manye tymes that oure lord taketh them soneste of all out of thys world shortenyng theyr lyfe whome he loueth most dearely ¶ The minister Since he doeth thus It semeth that he keepeth not alwayes promesse ¶ The childe Benefites of this worlde are promysed with cōdicion Yes verelye for what promes soeuer god maketh vs touching the benefites of this world we ought to take it with this condicion so farfurth as it shal be expedient for the health of our soule For it were a meanes to haue the promes of god in smal reputacyon if the eyes of oure mynd wer not directed further then to cōsidre onely the state of thys present lyfe ¶ The minister And what is to be sayd of them that be disobedient vnto father and mother ¶ The childe The ponyshement of childrē whyche disobey their parents God will not onely punish them with euerlasting payne in the day of iudgement but he wil execute also punishmente on theyr bodyes here in thys worlde eyther by shortnynge their life eyther by procuring them a shameful death either at the least a life most miserable ¶ The minister Doeth not God speake expresly and namely of the lande of Canaan in thys promesse ¶ The childe Yes verely as touching the children of Israel vnto whom the commaundement was first geuen but since it hath pleased god to receyue vs also into the noumbre of hys people Psal 14 Psal 88. Psal 3. we must take it in a more general significatyon so that in somuche as the whole earthe is the lordes we ought to acknowledge that what countreye soeuer we do inhabite god hathe geuen vnto vs the same for a dwellinge place ¶ The minister Is there nothyng elles to be vnderstande in this commaundement ¶ The childe Yes for notwithstandyng no mencion is made in it expresly but of the father and mother yet we must vnderstand in them al magistrates rulers superiours for so muche as there is one maner of consideracion of theym all ¶ The minister What is that ¶ The childe AS God hath geuē vnto them all theyr authoritie and preeminence and because there is no prerogatiue of superioritye neither of father nor mother neyther of prynce or ruler magistrate or maister neyther anye other offyce or tytle of preemynence Rom. 13. but suche as God hath ordeyned therfore they require al by one maner of reason theyr due obedience ¶ The minister Sonday 29 Goe nowe to the sixt commaundement ¶ The childe The .6 commaundement THou shalt do no murther ¶ The minister Is there nothyng forbydden here but open murther ¶ The childe Yes verelye for consideryng that it is god who geueth thys in commaundemēt the which hath chiefe regarde vnto oure heartes he doth not only geue vs a law to restrayne our outward dedes but principally to brydle the affections of oure mynde ¶ The minister Thy meanynge is then that there is a certayne kinde of murther lying prieuelye in the heart the whiche is forbydden here of God ¶ The childe It is euen so and that is a malicious hatred or rancour and a desyer to doe hurt vnto our neyghbour ¶ The minister Is it inough then if we beare no hatred nor malice towardes any man ¶ The childe No for in that that god forbyddeth hatred it is to be vnderstand also that he requireth of vs to loue all men that vnfeynedly from the bottome of the hearte procuryng by all meanes theyr welth ¶ The minister Rehearse the seuenthe commaundement ¶ The childe THou shalt not commit adultery The .7 Cōmādement ¶ The minister What is the summe and