Most godly prayers compiled out of Davids PsalmsMost godly prayers compiled out of Dauids Psalmes

Thou hast showed unto us (O most good and mighty God) through that severe sentence of thine, by what thing mortal ⟨image 79⟩mens causes are to be decided before thy high judgement seat, and it liketh thee nothing at all to make inquisition for burnt offerings, or outward sacrifices, seeing the Calves, Goats, wild beasts, and finally all living things that be in the world, are in thy mighty hand and power, neither was it thy good pleasure at any time that these things should be offered unto thee, any otherwise, but as manifest tokens of reverent awe, pure religion, and inward godliness. But thou hast chiefly required this of mankind, that they should yield and render most hearty thanks for the benefits they have received, and to ascribe all the good things they enjoy unto thee only: but let them diligently annex and join this thereunto, that whatsoever they pretend or purpose to do, it may (according to their faithful promise) greatly redound to the glory of thy blessed name, and call upon thee only in their great distress and miserable calamities. We do in this point (as thou O good God right well knowest) err very grievously: and therefore our hearty desire is, that (for thy infinite goodness sake) thou wouldest pardon and ⟨image 79⟩forgive whatsoever we have wickedly and after a lewd manner committed against thee, so as we handle not thy sacred word to our condemnation, least we be, through thy upright sentence, pronounced wonderful arrogant, strange children, exceeding covetous, given to fleshly lust, and cursed speakers, but rather that we may earnestly offer unto thee an acceptable sacrifice of thanksgiving, and fashion our whole life according to the square rule of thy blessed commandments, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.