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

IT is out of all controversy,¹ and a matter agreed upon among all godly persons, that no family can be well ordered, or any common wealth rightly governed, unless thou (O most mighty god) doest further and prosper their proceedings. We therefore who are not ignorant but thou wilt do far better for thy holy Church then for any house of honour, or most large City of this world, know assuredly that the same can by no means ⟨image 221⟩continue without thy mighty preservation, and that especially in this time, when as both so many of the devils engines, and also of Antichrists subtle policies, do much invade us. For that thing therefore which could not be achieved by the painful labour, careful watchings, and great industry of men, we do most earnestly require of thee (O heavenly father) by continual prayers, who hast been accustomed to grant unto thine, as it were in their sleep, the thing which seemed otherwise to be exceeding difficult and almost impossible. First and foremost, take away our grievous iniquities which are the chiefest let and stay why thou relievest not the present wretchedness and miserable calamity we are in, for it is they and none other thing that do dissever and withdraw us from having confidence in thy unspeakable mercy. Now at what time thou shalt have pardoned them (as our earnest desire is, that thou wouldst) be so good as to increase thy blessed Church with a plentiful issue: for if she shall engender children unto thee, let them (who are worthy of thee and thy blessed spirit) be sent out like arrows, through