THE BOOK OF PSALMS

COLLECTED INTO ENGLISH meter, by THOMAS STERNEHOLD, JOHN HOPKINS, and others: conferred with the Hebrew; with apt Notes to sing them withal.

Set forth and allowed to be sung in all Churches, of the people together, before and after Morning and Evening Prayer: As also before and after Sermon; and moreover in private houses, for their godly solace and comfort, laying apart all ungodly Songs and Ballads, which tend only to the nourishment of vice, and corrupting of youth.

JAMES V.

If any be afflicted, let him pray: if any be merry, let him sing Psalms.

COLLOSSIANS III.

Let the word of God dwell plenteously in you, in all wisdom, teaching and exhorting one another, in Psalms, Hymns, and spiritual Songs, and sing unto the Lord in your heart.

Veni Creator

One holy Ghost eternal God, proceeding from above, both from the Father and the Son, the God of peace and love. Visit our minds, and into us thy heavenly grace inspire, that in all truth and godliness we may have true desire.

Thou art the very comforter in all woe and distress: The heavenly gift of God most high, Which no tongue can express. The fountain and the lively spring of joy celestial: The fire so bright, the love so clear, and unction spiritual.

Thou in thy gifts are manifold, whereby Christ’s Church doth stand, In faithful hearts writing thy Law the finger of God’s hand. According to thy promise made, thou givest speech of grace: That through thy help the praise of God may stand in every place.

O holy Ghost into our minds send down thy heavenly light: Kindle our hearts with fervent love, to serve God day and night. Strength and ‘stablish all our weakness so feeble and so frail, That neither flesh, the world, nor devil, against us do prevail.

Put back our enemies far from us, and grant us to obtain: Peace in our hearts with God and man, without grudge or disdain. And grant O Lord, that thou being our leader and our guide: We may eschew the snares of sin, and from thee never slide.

To us such plenty of thy grace, good Lord grant we thee pray: That thou maist be our comfortess at the last dreadful day. Of all strife and dissention O Lord dissolve the bands: And make the knots of peace and love, throughout all Christian Lands.

Grant us O Lord, through thee to know, the Father most of might, That of his dear beloved son, we may attain the sight. And that with perfect faith also, we may acknowledge thee: The spirit of them both alway, one God in persons three.

Laud and praise be to the Father, and to the son equal: And to the holy spirit also, one God coeternal: And pray we that thy only Son, vouchsafe his spirit to send. To all that do profess his name, unto the worlds end.

O Lord of whom I do depend, behold my careful heart, And when thy will and pleasure is, release me of my smart, Thou seest my sorrows what they are,

my grief is known to thee: And there is none that can remove or take the same from me.

But only thou whose aid I crave, whose mercy still is pressed: To ease all those that come to thee, for succor and for rest. And sith thou seest my restless eyes, my tears and grievous groan: Attend unto my suite O Lord, mark well my ‘plaint and moan.

For sin hath so enclosed me, And ‘compass me about, That I am now remediless, if mercy help not out: For mortal man cannot release, or mitigate this pain: But even thy Christ my Lord, and God, which for my sin was slain.

Whose bloody wound are yet to see, though not with mortal eye: Yet do thy Saints behold them all, and so I trust shall I. Though sin doth hinder me a while when thou shalt see it good, shall enjoy the sight of him, and see his wounds and blood.

And as thine Angels and thy saints, do now behold the same: So trust I to possess that place, with them to praise thy name. But while I live here in this vale, where sinners do frequent, Assist me ever with thy grace, my sins still to lament.

Least that I tread in sinners’ trace, and give them my consent, To dwell with them in wickedness,

where to nature is bent.

Only thy grace must be my stay, least that I fall down flat. And being down, then of myself,

cannot recover that.

Wherefore, this is yet once again, my suite and my request, To grant me pardon for my sins, that I in thee may rest. Then shall my heart, my tongue, and voice, be instruments of praise, And in the Church and House of Saints, sing Psalms to thee always.

Sing this as the Benedictus.

O Come and let us now rejoice,

And sing unto the Lord, And to our only savior: Also with one accord.

O let us come before his face, With inward reverence, Confessing all our former sins, And that with diligence.

To thank him for his benefits, Always distributing: Wherefore to him right joyfully, In Psalms now let us sing

And that because that God alone, Is Lord magnificent, And eke above other Gods, A King omnipotent.

His people doth not he forsake, At any time or ride: And in his hands are all the coasts Of all the world so wide.

And with his loving countenance He looketh every where: And doth behold the tops of all The mountains far and near.

The sea and all that is therein Are his, for he them made: And eke his hand hath fashioned, The earth which doth not fade.

O come therefore and worship him, And down before him fall, And let us kneel before the Lord, The which hath made us all.

He is our God, our Lord, and King, And we his people are: His flocks and sheep of his pasture, On whom he taketh care.

This day if ye will hear his voice, Yet harden not your heart, As in their bitter murmuring, When ye were in desart.

Which thing was of their negligence Committed in the time Of trouble in the wilderness: A great and grievous crime.

Whereas your fathers tempted me, And tried me every way: They proved me and saw my works, What I could do or say.

These forty years I have been grieved, With all this generation? And evermore I said they erred In their imagination.

Wherewith their hearts were sore cumbered Long time and many days, Wherefore I know assuredly, They have not known my ways.

To whom I in my anger swore, That they should not be blessed, Nor see my joy celestial, Nor enter in my rest.

Gloria Patri.

All laud and praise be to the Lord O that of might art most: To God the Father, and the Son, And to the Holy Ghost. As it in the beginning was, Forever heretofore: And is now at this present time, And shall be evermore.

We praise thee God, we knowledge thee, the only Lord to be, and as eternal Father all, the earth doth worship thee: To thee all Angels cry, the heavens and all the powers therein, To thee Cherub and Seraphim, to cry they do not lin.

O holy, holy, holy Lord, of Sabbath Lord the God, Through heaven and earth thy praise is spread, and glory all abroad. The Apostles’ glorious company yield praises unto thee: The Prophets’ goodly fellowship praise thee continually.

The noble and victorious host of Martyrs found thy praise: The holy Church throughout the world, doth knowledge thee always. Father of endless Majesty they do acknowledge thee: Thy Christ, thine honorable, true, and only son to be. The holy Ghost the Comforter, of glory thou art King. O Christ and of the Father art the son everlasting.

When sinful man’s decay in hand thou tookest to restore, To be enclosed in virgin’s womb thou diddest not abhor. When thou hadst overcome of death the sharp and cruel might, Thou heaven’s kingdom didst set up to each believing wight. In glory of the Father thou doest sit on God’s right hand: We trust that thou shalt come our Judge, our cause to understand.

Lord help thy servants whom thou hast bought with thy precious blood: And in eternal glory set them with thy Saints so good. O Lord, do thou thy people save, bless thine inheritance: Lord govern them and Lord do thou For ever them advance.

We magnify thee day by day, and world without an end Adore thy holy name, O Lord, vouchsafe us to defend. From sin this day. Have mercy Lord, have mercy on us all: And on us as we trust in thee, Lord let thy mercy fall.

O Lord, I have reposed all my confidence in thee: Put to confounding shame therefore, let me never be.

O all ye works of God the Lord,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O all ye Angels of the Lord,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye starry heavens high,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the waters above the sky

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O all ye powers of the Lord

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the shining Sun and Moon,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the glistering stars of heaven,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the showers and dropping dew,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the blowing winds of God,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye fire and warming heat,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. Ye winter and the summer tide,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the dew, and binding frosts,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the frosts and chilling cold,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye congealed ice and snow,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the nights and lightsome days,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever.

O ye the darkness and the light,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the lightnings and the clouds,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O let the earth eke bless the Lord,

yea bless the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the mountains and the hills,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O all ye green things of the earth,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the ever springing wells,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the seas, and ye the floods,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. Whales and all that in the waters move,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O all ye flying fowls of the air,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O all ye beasts and cattle eke,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the children of mankind,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. Let Israel eke bless the Lord,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O ye the Priests of God the Lord,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever.

O ye the servants of the Lord,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. Ye spirits and souls of righteous men, Ye holy and ye meek of heart,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O Aanias bless the Lord,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. O Azarias bless the Lord,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever. And Misael bless the Lord,

bless ye the Lord, praise him, and magnify him forever.

The only Lord of Israel be praised evermore: For through his visitation and mercy kept in store,

His people now he hath redeemed, that long hath been in thrall: And spread abroad his saving health upon his servants all.

In David’s house his servant true, According to his mind: And also his anointed King, As we in Scripture find.

As by his holy Prophets all, Oft times he did declare: The which were since the world began, His ways for to prepare.

That we might be delivered From those that make debate: Our enemies, and from the hands, Of all that do us hate.

The mercies which he promised Our fathers, to fulfill, And think upon his covenant made According to his will.

And also to perform his oath, Which he before had sworn To Abraham our father dear, For us that were forlorn.

That he would give himself: for us, And us from bondage bring, Out of the hands of all our foes, To serve our heavenly King.

And that without all manner fear, And eke in righteousness: And also for to lead our lives In steadfast holiness.

And thou O child which now art born, And of the Lord elect, Shalt be the Prophet of the highest, His ways for to direct.

For thou shalt go before his face For to prepare his ways: And also for to teach his will And pleasure all thy days.

To give them knowledge how that their Salvation is near, And that remission of their sins Is through his mercy mere.

Whereby the Day-spring from on high Is come us for to visit: And those for to illuminate, Which do in darkness sit.

To lighten those that shadowed be With death and eke oppressed: And also for to guide their feet The way to peace and rest.

My soul doth magnify the Lord, my spirit eke evermore, Rejoiceth in the Lord my God, which is my Savior.

And why? because he did regard, and gave respect unto, So base estate of his handmaid, and let the mighty go.

For now behold nations all, And generations all, From this time forth forevermore Shall me right blessed call.

Because he hath me magnified Which is the Lord of might: Whose name be ever sanctified, And praised day and night.

For with his mercy and his grace All men he doth enflame, Throughout all generations, To such as fear his name.

He showed strength with his great arm, And made the proud to start, With all imaginations That they bare in their heart.

He hath put down the mighty ones From their supernal feat: And did exalt the meek in heart, As he hath thought it mete.

The hungry he replenished With all things that were good: And through his power he made the rich Oft times to want their food.

And calling to remembrance His mercy every deal Hath holpen up assistantly His servant Israel,

According to his promise made To Abraham before, And to his seed successively, To stand forevermore.

Whom thou mercifully hast set, Of they abundant grace, In open sight and visible, Before all peoples face.

The Gentiles to illuminate, And Satan over-quell: And eke to be the glory of Thy people Israel.

What man soever he be that, salvation will attain, the Catholic believe he must

before all things retain: Which faith unless he holy keep and undecidedly: Without all doubt eternally, he shall be sure to die.

The Catholic belief is this, that God we worship one In Trinity, and Trinity in unity alone. So as we neither do confound the persons of the three. Nor yet the substance whole of one, in sunder parted be:

One person of the father is, another of the son: Another person proper of the holy Ghost alone. Of father, son and holy Ghost, but one the Godhead is: Like glory coeternal eke, the majesty likewise.

Such as the father is, such is the son in each degree And such also we do believe the holy Ghost to be. Uncreate is the father and uncreate is the son: The holy Ghost uncreate so, uncreate is each one.

Incomprehensible father is, incomprehensible son. And comprehensible also is the holy Ghost of none.

The father is eternal, and the son eternal so: And in like sort eternal is

the holy Ghost also.

And yet though we believe that each of these eternal be;

Yet there but one eternal is, and not eternals three.

As ne incomprehensible we ne yet uncreate three.

But one incomprehensible, one uncreate hold to be.

Almighty so the father is, the son almighty so:

And in like sort almighty is the holy Ghost also.

And albeit that everyone, of these almighty be:

Yet there but one almighty is, and not almighties three.

The father God is, God the son, God holy Ghost also:

Yet there are not three Gods in all But one God and no mo’e:

So likewise Lord the father is, and Lord also the son,

And Lord the holy Ghost yet are there not three Lords but one.

For as we are compelled to grant by Christian verity:

Each of the persons by himself, both God and Lord to be.

So Catholic Religion, forbiddeth us alway,

That either Gods be three, or that there Lords be three to say.

Of none the father is ne made, ne create nor begot,

The son is of the father, not create, ne made, but got.

The holy Ghost is of them both the father and the son: Ne made, ne create, nor begot, but doth proceed alone.

So we one Father hold not three, one Son also not three: One holy Ghost alone, and not three holy Ghosts to be. None in This Trinity before, nor after other is, Ne greater any than the rest, ne lesser is likewise.

But everyone among themselves, of all the persons three, Together coeternal all, and all coequal be: So unity in Trinity, as said it is before, And trinity in unity, in all things we adore.

Therefore what man soever that salvation will attain: This faith touching the trinite, of force we must retain. And needful to eternal life, it is that every wight Of the incarnating of Christ our Lord believe aright.

For this the right faith is, that we believe and eke do know, That Christ our Lord the Son of God, is God and man also: God of his father’s substance got before the world began, And of his mother’s substance born, in world a very man.

Both perfect God and perfect man, in one, one Jesus Christ, That doth of reasonable soul, and humane flesh subsist, Touching his Godhead equal with his father God is he, Touching his manhood lower than his father in degree.

Who though he be both very God, and very man also: Yet is he but one Christ alone, and is not persons two. One not by turning of Godhead, into the flesh of man: But by taking manhood to God, this being one began.

All one not by confounding of the substance into one, But only by the unity, that is one person, For as the reasonable soul, and flesh but one man is. So in one person God and man, is but one Christ likewise.

who suffered for to save us all, to hell he did descend: The third day rose again from death! to heaven he did ascend, He sits at the right hand of God, the Almighty father there. From thence to judge the quick and dead, again he shall retire.

At whose return all men shall rise, with bodies new restored: And of their own works they shall give account unto the Lord. And they into eternal life shall go, that have done well, Who have done ill shall go into eternal fire to dwell.

This is the Catholic belief, who doth not faithfully Believe the same, without all doubt, he saved cannot be. To father, son, and holy Ghost, all glory be therefore, As in beginning was, is now, and shall be evermore.

O Lord turn not away thy face, from him that lieth prostrate, Lamenting fore his sinful life, before thy mercy gate,

which gate thou openest wide to those, that do lament their sin, Shut not that gate against me Lord, but let me enter in.

And call me not to mine accounts, How I have lived here: For then I know right well, O Lord, How wise I shall appear:

I need not to confess my life, I am sure thou canst tell: What I have been, and what I am,

I know thou knowest it well, O Lord thou knowest what things be past, And eke the things that be. Thou knowest also what is to come, Nothing is hid form thee:

Before the heavens and the earth were made Thou knewest what things were then: As all things else that hath been since,

Among the Sons of men.

The Lords prayer, or Pater Noster

Our father which in heaven art, Lord hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, even as the same in heaven is.

Give us, O Lord, our daily bread this day. As we forgive our debtors, so forgive our debts we pray. Into temptation lead us not, from evil make us free: For kingdom, power and glory thine, both now and ever be.

And can the things that I have done, Be hidden form thee then? Nay nay thou knowest them all, O Lord, Where they were done and when.

Wherefore with tears I come to thee, To beg and to entreat: Even as the Child that hath done evil, And feareth to be beat.

So come I to thy mercy gate Where mercy doth abound, Requiring mercy for my sin, To heal my deadly wound.

O Lord, I need not to repeat, What I do beg or crave: Thou know’st , O Lord, before I ask, The thing that I would have.

Mercy good Lord, mercy I ask, This is the total sum: For mercy Lord is all my suite, Lord let thy mercy come.

Hark Israel, and what I say, give heed to understand, I am the Lord thy God that brought thee out of Egypt land, even from the house wherein thou did’st in thralldom live a slave: None other Gods at all before my presence shalt thou have.

No manner graven image shalt thou make at all to be, Nor any figure like by thee,

shall counterfeited be, Or any thing in heaven above, nor in the earth below:

More in the waters beneath the earth, to them thou shalt not bow.

Nor shalt thou serve. The Lord thy God, a jealous God am I, That punish parent faults unto, the third and fourth degree, Upon their children that me hate, and mercy do display To thousands of such as me love, and my precepts obey:

The name thou of thy Lord thy God, in vain shalt never use For him that takes his name in vain, the Lord will not excuse, Remember that thou holy keep, the sacred Sabbath day: Six days thou labor shalt and do, thy needful works alway.

The seventh day is set by the Lord, thy God to rest upon,

No work then shalt thou do in it, ne thou, nor yet thy son:

Thy daughter, servant, nor handmaid, thin Ox nor yet thine Ass:

Nor stranger that within thy gates, hath his abiding place:

For in six days God heaven, earth and all therein did make:

And after those his rest he did upon the seventh day take.

Wherefore he blessed the day that he for resting did ordain:

And sacred to himself alone, appointed to remain.

Yield honor to thy parents that, prolonged thy days may be:

Upon the land the which the Lord, thy God hath given thee:

Thou shalt not murder: thou shalt not commit adultery:

Thou shalt not steal, nor witness false against thy neighbor be.

Thou shalt not covet house that to thy neighbor doth belong:

Ne covet shalt in having of his wife to do him wrong.

Nor his man-servant, nor his maid: Nor ox, nor ass of his,

Nor any other thing that to thy neighbor proper is.

Where righteousness doth say, Lord for my sinful part. In wrath thou shouldst me pay, Vengeance for my desart, I can it not deny, but needs I must confess, how that continually thy laws I do transgress, thy laws I do transgress.

But if it be thy will With sinners to contend, Then all thy flock shall spill, And be lost without end. For who liveth here so right, That rightly he can say, He sins not in thy sight, Full oft and every day?

The Scripture plain tells me The righteous man offendeth Seven times a day to thee, Whereon thy wrath dependeth. So that the righteous man, Doth walk in no such path, But he fall’th now and then In danger of thy wrath.

Then sith the case so stands, That even the man right wise Fall’th oft in sinful bands, Whereby thy wrath may rise, Lord I that am unjust, And righteousness none have, Whereto then shall I trust, My sinful soul to save?

But truly to that post, Whereto I cleave and shall, Which is thy mercy most, Lord let thy mercy fall. And mitigate thy mood, Or else we perish all, The price of this thy blood, Wherein mercy I call.

The Scripture doth declare, No drop of blood in thee. But that thou didst not spare, To shed each drop for me. Now let those drops most sweet, So moist my heart so dry, That I with sin replete, May live and sin may die.

That being mortified, This sin of mine in me: I may be sanctified, By grace of thine in thee: So that I never fall, Into such mortal sin, That my foes infernal, Rejoice my death therein.

But vouchsafe me to keep From those infernal foes, And from that lake so deep, Whereas no mercy grows. And I shall sing the songs Confirmed with the just, That unto thee belongs, Which art mine only trust.

Finis.

Beatus vir. Psalm 1. T.S.

This Psalm is set first, as a preface to exhort all godly men to study and meditate the heavenly wisdom: for they are blessed that so do, but the wicked condemners thereof at length shall come to misery.

1 The man is blest that hath not bent, to wicked read his ear: not led his life as sinners do, nor sate in scorners chair.

2 But in the Law of God the Lord doth set his whole delight: And in that Law doth exercise himself both day and night.

3 He shall be like the tree that grows fast by the rivers side: Which bringeth forth most pleasant fruit, in her due time and tide. Whose leaf shall never fade nor fall, but flourish still and stand: Even so all things shall prosper well that this man takes in hand.

4 So shall not the ungodly men, they shall be nothing so: But as the dust which from the earth the wind drives to and fro. 5 Therefore shall not the wicked men in judgment stand upright: Nor yet the sinners with the just, shall come in place or sight.

6 For why? the way of godly men unto the Lord is known: And eke the way of wicked men shall quite be overthrown.

David rejoiceth, that albeit enemies and worldly power

rage, God will advance his kingdom, even to the farthest

end of the world. Therefore he exhorteth Princes humbly

to submit themselves under the same. Herein is signified

Christ and his Kingdom. Sing this as the 1 Psalm.

1 Why did the Gentiles tumult raise, what rage was in their brain?

Why did the Jewish people muse, feeling all is but vain?

2 The kings and rulers of the earth conspire, and are all bent,

Against the Lord and Christ his son, which he among us sent.

3 Shall we be bound to them, say they? let all their bonds be broke:

And of their doctrine and their law let us reject the yoke.

4 But he that in the heaven dwells their doing will deride:

And make them all as mocking stocks throughout the world so wide.

5 For in his wrath the Lord will say, to them upon a day:

And in his fury trouble them, and then the Lord will say:

6 I have anointed him my King, upon my holy hill:

I will therefore, Lord preach thy laws, and eke declare thy will.

7 For in this wise the Lord himself did say to me I wot:

Thou art my dear and only son, today I thee begot.

8 All people I will give to thee, as heirs at thy request:

The ends and coasts of all the earth, by thee shall be possessed.

9 Thou shalt them bruise even with a mace, as men underfoot trod: And as the potters sheards shalt break, them with an iron rod. 10 Now ye, O Kings and rulers all, be wise therefore and learned: By whom the matters of the world be judged and discerned.

11 See that ye serve the Lord above in trembling and in fear: See that with reverence rejoice to him in like manner. 12 See that ye kiss and eke embrace

his blessed Son I say: Least in his wrath ye suddenly perish in the midway.

13 If once his wrath never so small, shall kindle in his breast: Oh then all they that trust in Christ shall happy be and blest.

David driven out of his kingdom by his son Absalom, was greatly tormented in his mind for his sin. Therefore he calleth upon God, and is bold in his promises, against the terror both of enemies and present death. Then he rejoiceth for the victory given to him and the Church, over their enemies.

1 O Lord, how are my foes increased, which vex me more and more? 2 They kill mine heart when as they say, God can him not restore, But thou, O Lord, art my defense, when I am hard bested: My worship and mine honor both, and thou holdst up mine head.

4 Then with my voice upon the Lord, I did both call and cry: And he out of his holy hill did hear me by and by. 5 I laid me down, and quietly I slept and rose again: For why? I know assuredly The Lord will me sustain.

6 If ten thousand had hemmed me in, I could not be afraid: For thou art still my Lord, my God, my Savior and mine aid. 7 Rise up therefore, save my God, for now to thee I call: For thou hast broke the cheeks and teeth of these wicked men all.

8 Salvation only doth belong to thee, O Lord above: Thou dost bestow upon they folk thy blessing and thy love.

Cum inuocarem. Psal. 4. T.S.

David persecuted by Saul, calleth upon God, with assured trust, reproveth his enemies for resisting his dominion, and preferreth the favor of God before all treasure.

Sing this as the 1 Psalm.

1 O God, that art my righteousness, Lord hear me when I call: Thou hast set me at liberty when I was bound and thrall. 2 Have mercy Lord therefore on me, and grant me my request: For unto thee incessantly to cry I will not rest.

3 O mortal men how long will ye, my glory thus despise? Why wander ye in vanity, and follow after lies? 4 Know ye that good and godly men, the Lord doth take and choose: And when to him I make my ‘plaint he doth me not refuse.

5 Sin not but stand in awe therefore, examine well your heart: And in your chamber quietly see you yourselves convert. 6 Offer to God the sacrifice of righteousness, I say: And look that in the living Lord you put your trust alway.

7 The greater sort crave worldly gods, and riches do embrace: But Lord grant us thy countenance, thy favor and thy grace. 8 For thou thereby shalt make my heart more joyful and more glad, Then they that of their corn and wine, full great increase have had.

9 In peace therefore lie down will I, taking my rest and sleep: For thou only wilt me, O Lord, alone in safety keep.

David persecuted by Doeg and Achitophell, Saul’s flatterers, calleth upon God to punish their malice. Then assured of success, he receiveth comfort.

Sing this as the 3 Psalm.

1 Incline thine ear unto my word, O Lord my ‘plaint consider: 2 And hear my voice, my King, my God, to thee I make my prayer. 3 Hear me betimes Lord tarry not, for I will have respect, My prayer early in the morn to thee for to direct.

4 And I will trust through patience, in thee my God alone:

That art not pleased with wickedness, and ill with thee dwells none. 5 And in thy sight shall never stand

these furious fools, O Lord: Vain workers of iniquity thou hast always abhorred.

6 The liars and the flatterers, thou shalt destroy them then: And God will hate the blood-thirsty, and the deceitful man. 7 Therefore will I come to thy house, trusting upon thy grace: And reverently will worship thee, toward thy holy place.

8 Lord lead me in thy righteousness, for to confound my foes: And eke the ways that I shall walk, before my face disclose. 9 For in their mouths there is no truth, their hearts are foul and vain: Their throat an open sepulcher, their tongues do gloss and faine.

10 Destroy their false conspiracies, that they many come to naught.

Subvert them in their heaps of sin, which have rebellion wrought.

11 But those that put their trust in thee, let them be glad always:

And render thanks for thy defense, and give thy name the praise.

12 For thou with favor wilt increase the just and righteous still:

And with thy grace as with a shield, defend him from all ill.

Domine in furore. Ps. 6. T.S. to their rebuke and shame.

David for his sins felt God’s hand, and conceiveth the horror of everlasting death. Therefore he desireth forgiveness, and not to die in God’s indignation: then suddenly feeling God’s mercy, he rebuketh his enemies, who rejoiced at his affliction.

Sing this as the 1 Psalm.

1 Lord in thy wrath reprove me not, though I deserve thine ire: Nor yet correct me in thy rage, O Lord, I thee desire: 2 For I am weak, therefore, O Lord, of mercy me forbear: And heal me Lord, for why? thou knowest, my bones do quake for fear.

3 My soul is troubled very sore, and vexed vehemently: But Lord how long wilt thou delay to cure my misery? 4 Lord turve thee to thy wonted grace, my silly soul up take: O save me not for my deserts, but for thy mercies sake.

5 For why? no man among the dead remembreth thee one whit. Or who shall worship thee, O Lord, in the infernal pit? 6 So grievous is my ‘plaint and moan, that I wax wondrous faint: All the night long I wash my bed, with tears of my complaint.

7 My sight is dim, and waxeth old, with anguish of my heart: For fear of those that be my foes, and would my soul subvert. 8 But now away from me all ye, that work iniquity: For why? the Lord hath heard the voice of my complaint and cry.

9 He heard not only the request, and prayer of my heart: But it received at my hand, and took it in good part. 10 And now my foes that vexed me the Lord will soon defame: And suddenly confound them all,

Domine Deusmeus. Ps. 7. T.S.

David falsely accused by Chush Saul Kinsman, calleth God to be his defender. First, for that his conscience did not accuse him of any evil towards Saul. Next that it toucheth God’s glory to award sentence against the wicked. And so upon God’s mercies and promises he waxeth bold, threatening that it shall fall upon their necks, that which his enemies purposed for others.

Sing this as the 3 Psalm.

1 O Lord my God I put my trust, and confidence in thee: Save me from them that me pursue, and eke deliver me. 2 Least like a Lion they me tear, and rent in pieces small: Whilst there is none to succor me, and rid me out of thrall.

3 O Lord my God, if I have done the thing that is not right: Or else if I be found in fault, or guilty in thy sight, 4 Or to my friend rewarded ill, or left him in distress, Which me pursued most cruelly, and hated me causeless:

5 Then let my foes pursue my soul, and eke my life down thrust Unto the earth, and also lay mine honor in the dust. 6 Start up, O Lord, now in thy wrath, and put my foes to pain: Perform thy kingdom promised, to me which wrong sustain.

7 Then shall great nations come to thee, and know thee by this thing: If thou declare for love of them thyself as Lord and King. 8 And thou that art of all men Judge, O Lord now judge thou me According to thy righteousness, and mine integrity.

The second part, (Psalm 7)

9 Lord cease the hate of wicked men, and be the just man’s guide:

Buy whom the secrets of all hearts are searched and descried.

10 I take mine help to come of God, in all my grief and smart:

That doth preserve all those that be of pure and perfect heart.

11 The just man and the wicked both God judgeth by his power:

So that he feeleth his mighty hand even every day and hour.

12 Except he change his mind, I die, for even as he should smite:

He whets his sword, his bow he bends, aiming where he may hit.

13 And doth prepare his mortal darts, his arrows keen and sharp:

For them that do me persecute, whiles he doth mischiefs warp.

14 But lo, though he in travel be of his devilish forecast.

And of his mischief once conceived, yet bring forth naught at last.

15 He digs a ditch, and delves it deep, in hope to hurt his brother,

But he shall fall into the pit, that he digged up for other.

16 Thus wrong returneth to the hurt of him in whom it bred:

And all the mischief that he wrought shall fall upon his head.

17 I will give thanks to God therefore, that judgeth righteously:

And with my song will praise the name, of him that is most high.

Domine Deus noster. Ps. 8. T.S.

The Prophet considering the excellent liberality, and fatherly providence of God towards man, whom he made as it were a God over all his works, giveth thanks, and is astonished with the admiration of the same.

Sing this as the 3 Psalm.

1 O God our Lord how wonderful, are thy works everywhere? Whose fame surmounts in dignity, above the heavens clear. 2 Even by the mouths of sucking babes, thou wilt confound thy foes: For in these babes thy might is seen, thy graces they disclose.

3 And when I see the heavens high the works of thine own hand: The Sun, the Moon, and all the Stars,

in order as they stand. 4 What thing is man, Lord, think I then that thou dost him remember? Or what is man’s posterity, that thou dost him consider?

5 For thou hast made him little less than Angels in degree: And thou hast crowned him also with glory and dignity. 6 Thou hast preferred him to be Lord of all thy works of wonder: And at his feet hast set all things, that he should keep them under.

7 As sheep, and neat, and all beasts else that in the fields do feed: 8 Fowls of the air, fish of the sea, and all that therein breed. 9 Therefore must I say once again, O God that art our Lord: How famous and how wonderful, are thy works through the world!

David giving thanks for his manifold victories received,

desireth the same wonted help again, against his new

enemies, and their malicious arrogancy to be destroyed. Sing this as the 4 Psalm.

With heart and mouth unto thee, Lord, will I sing laud and praise:

And speak of all thy wondrous works, and them declare always.

2 I will be glad and much rejoice, in thee O Lord most high:

And make my songs extol thy name, above the starry sky.

3 For that my foes are driven back, and turned unto flight:

They fall down flat, and are destroyed by thy great force and might.

4 Thou hast revenged all my wrong, my grief and all my grudge:

Thou dost with justice hear my cause, most like a righteous Judge.

5 Thou dost rebuke the heathen folk, and wicked so confound:

That afterward the memory of them cannot be found.

6 My foes thou hast made good dispatch, and all their towns destroyed:

Thou hast their fame with them defaced, Through all the world so wide.

7 Know thou that he which is above, for ever more shall reign:

And in the seat of equity, true judgment will maintain.

8 With justice he will keep and guide, the world and every wight:

And so will yield with equity, to every man his right.

9 He is Protector of the poor, what time they be oppressed:

He is in all adversity their refuge and their rest:

10 All they that know thy holy Name, therefore shall thrust in thee:

For thou forsakest not their suite, in their necessity.

The second part.

11 Sing Psalms therefore unto the Lord, that dwells in Zion hill: Publish among all Nations his noble acts and will. 12 For he is mindful of the blood of those that be oppressed. Forgetting not the afflicted heart, that seeks to him for rest.

13 Gave mercy Lord on me poor wretch, Whose enemies still remain: Which from the gates of death art wont to raise me up again. 14 In Zion that I may set forth thy praise with heart and voice: And that in thy salvation Lord, my soul may still rejoice.

15 The heathen stick fast in the pit, that they themselves prepared: And in the net that they did set,

their own feet fast are snared. 16 God showeth his judgments which were good

for every man to mark: When as you see the wicked man lie trapped in his own wark.

17 The wicked, and the sinful men go down to hell forever: And all the people of the world, that will not God remember. 18 But sure the Lord will not forget the poor mans grief and pain: The patient people never look for help of God in vain. 19 O Lord arise, least men prevail that be of worldly might. And let the heathen folk receive their judgment in thy sight. 20 Lord, strike such terror, fear and dread

into the hearts of them, That they may know assuredly they be but mortal men.

He complaineth of all the wrongs which worldly men use because of their prosperity, who therefore without all fear of God, think they may do all things uncontrolled. He calleth for remedy against such, and is comforted with the hope thereof.

Sing this as the 3 Psalm.

What is the cause, that thou, O Lord, art now so far from thine: And keepest aloof thy countenance, from us this troubles time, 2 The poor do perish by the proud, and wicked men’s desire: Let them be taken in their craft, that they themselves conspire.

3 For in the lust of their own heart, Th’ ungodly doth delight: So doth the wicked praise himself, and doth the Lord despite. 4 He is so proud that right and wrong he setteth all apart: Nay, nay, there is no God, saith he for thus he thinks in heart.

5 Because his ways do prosper still, he doth thy laws neglect: And with a blast doth puff against such as would him correct. 6 Tush, tush, saith he, I have no dread, least mine estate should change: And why? for all adversity to him is very strange.

7 His mouth is full of cursedness, of fraud, deceit, and guile: Under his tongue doth mischief sit, and travel all the while. 8 He lieth hid in ways and holes, to slay the innocent: Against the poor that pass him by, his cruel eyes are bent.

9 And like a Lion privily, lies lurking in his den: (If he may snare them in his net) to spoil poor simple men. 10 And for the nonce full craftily he coucheth down, I say: 11 So are great heaps of poor men made

by his strong power, his prey.

The second part.

12 Tush, God forgetteth this, saith he, therefore may I be bold:

His countenance is cast aside, he doth it not behold.

13 Arise, O Lord, O God in whom the poor man’s hope doth rest:

Lift up thine hand, forget not Lord, the poor that be oppressed.

14 What blasphemy is this to thee, Lord, dost thou not abhor it?

To hear the wicked in their hearts say, Tush, thou carest not for it.

15 But thou seest all their wickedness, and well dost understand:

16 That friendless and poor fatherless are left into thy hand.

17 Of wicked and malicious men, then break the power forever:

That they with their iniquity may perish altogether.

18 The Lord shall reign forevermore, as King and God alone:

And he will chase the heathen folk, out of his land each one.

19 Thou hearest (O Lord) the poor men’s

‘plaint their prayers and request:

Their hearts thou wilt confirm until thine ears to hear be pressed. 29 To judge the poor and fatherless, and help them to their right:

That they may be no more oppressed with men of worldly might.

This psalm showeth first what assaults of temptation and anguish of mind he sustained in persecution. Next, he rejoiceth that God sent him succor in necessity, declaring his justice as well in governing the good and wicked men, as the whole world.

Sing this as the 3 Psalm

I trust in God: how dare ye then say thus my soul until, Fly hence as fast as any fowl and hide you in your hill? 2 Behold the wicked bend their bows, and make their arrows pressed, To shout in secret, and to hurt the sound and harmless breast. 3 Of worldly hope all stays were shrunk, and clearly brought to naught: Alas, the just and righteous man, what evil hath he wrought? 4 But he that in his temple is, most holy and most high: And in the heavens hath his seat of royal majesty, The poor and simple man’s estate

considereth in his mind: And searcheth out full narrowly the manners of mankind.

5 And with a cheerful countenance the righteous man will use: But in his heart he doth abhor all such as mischief muse. 6 And on the sinners casteth snares, as thick as any rain: Fire and brimstone, and whirl-winds thick, appointed for their pain. 7 Ye see then how a righteous God doth righteousness embrace: And to the just and upright man shows forth his pleasant face.

Saluum me fac. Ps.12.T.S.

The Prophet seeing the miserable decay of all good order, desireth God speedily to send reformation. Then comforted with the assurance of God’s help and promises, concludeth that when all orders are most corrupted, then God will deliver his.

Sing this as the 3 Psalm.

Help Lord for good and godly men do perish and decay, And faith and truth from worldly men, is parted clean away. 2 Who so doth with his neighbor talk, his talk is all but vain: For every man be thinketh how to flatter, lie, and faine.

3 But flattering and deceitful lips, and tongues that be so stout, To speak proud words and make great brags, the Lord soon cuts them out. 4 For they say still, we will prevail, our tongues shall us extol: Our tongues are ours, we ought to speak, what Lord shall us control?

5 But for the great complaint and cry of poor men and oppressed, Arise will I, now saith the Lord, and them restore to rest. 6 God’s word is like to silver pure, that from the earth is tried: And hath no less than seven times in fire been purified.

7 Now since thy promise is to help, Lord keep thy promise then: And save us now and evermore from this ill kind of men. 8 For now this wicked world is full of mischiefs manifold, When vanity with mortal men so highly is extolled.

David, as it were overcome with afflictions, flyeth to God his only refuge, and encouraged through God’s promises, he conceiveth confidence against the extreme horrors of death.

Sing this as the 3 Psalm.

How long wilt thou forget me Lord? shall I ne’er be remembered? How long wilt thou thy visage hide,

as if thou wert offended? 2 In heart and mind how long shall I with care tormented be? How long eke shall my deadly foe thus triumph over me?

3 Behold me now O Lord my God, and hear me fore oppressed: Lighten mine eyes least that I sleep, as one by death possessed. 4 Least thus mine enemy say to me, behold I do prevail: Least they also that hate my soul rejoice to see me quail.

5 But from thy mercies and goodness my hope shall never start: In thy relief and saving health, right glad shall be mine heart. 6 I will give thanks unto the Lord, and praises to him sing, Because he hath heard my request, and granted my wishing.

Dixit insipiens.Ps.14.T.S.

He describeth the wickedness of men, so grown to such licentiousness, that God was brought to utter contempt, for which albeit he was greatly grieved, yet persuaded that God would redress it, he is comforted.

There is no God, as foolish men affirm in their mad mood: Their drifts are all corrupt and vain, not one of them doth good. 2 The Lord beheld from heaven high the whole race of mankind: And saw not one that sought indeed the living God to find.

3 They went all wide and were corrupt, and truly there was none: That in the world did any good, I say there was not one. 4 Is all their judgment so far lost, that all work mischief still: Eating my people even as bread, not one to seek God’s will?

5 When they thus rage, then suddenly great fear on them shall fall: For God doeth love the righteous men, and will maintain them all.

6 Ye mock the doings of the poor, to their reproach and shame: Because they put their trust in God,

and call upon his name.

7 But who shall give thy people health, and when wilt thou fulfill: The promise made to Israel from out of Zion hill? 8 Even when thou shalt restore again such as were captive lad: Then Jacob shall therein rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Domine quis? Ps.15.T.S. that in the world do dwell:

Here is taught why God chose the Jews his peculiar people, and placed his temple among them, which was, that they by living uprightly, might witness, that they were his holy special people.

Sing this as the 3 Psalm.

O Lord within thy tabernacle who shall inhabit still? Or whom wilt thou receive to dwell in thy most holy hill? 2 The man whose life is uncorrupt, whose works are just and straight: Whose heart doth think the very truth, whose tongue speaks no deceit.

3 Nor to his neighbor doth none ill in body, goods, or name: Nor willingly doth move false tales which might impair the same. 4 That in his heart regardeth not malicious wicked men, But those that love fear the Lord he maketh much of them.

5 His oath and all his promises that keepeth faithfully: Although make his covenant so, that he doth lose thereby. 6 That putteth not to usury his money, and his coin: Ne for to hurt the innocent, doth bribe or else purloin.

7 Who so doth all things as you see, that here is to be done. Shall never perish in this world, nor in the world to come.

Conseruame. Ps. 16. T.S.

David prayeth to God for succor, not for his works but for his faith’s sake, protesting that he hateth all idolatry, taking God only for his comfort and felicity, who suffereth his to lack nothing.

Sing this as the 14 Psalm.

Lord keep me for I trust in thee, and do confess indeed, Thou art my God, and of my goods O Lord thou hast no need. 2 I give my goods unto the Saints

And namely to the faithful flock in virtue that excel.

3 They shall heap sorrows on their heads which run as they were mad

To offer to the Idol Gods: alas it is too bad.

4 As for their bloody sacrifice, and offerings of that sort:

I will not touch nor yet thereof my lips shall make report.

5 For why? the Lord the portion is of mine inheritance:

And thou art he that dost maintain my rent, my lot, my chance.

6 The place wherein my lot did fall, in beauty did excel:

Mine heritage assign to me doth please me wondrous well.

I thank the Lord that caused me to understand the right:

For by this means my secret thoughts do teach me every night.

8 I set the Lord still in my sight, and trust him over all:

For he doth stand on my right hand, therefore I shall not fall,

7 Wherefore my heart and tongue also, do both rejoice together:

My flesh and body rest in hope, when I this thing consider.

8 Thou wilt not leave my soul in grave, (for Lord thou lovest me)

Nor yet wilt give thy holy one corruption for to see.

9 But wilt teach me the way to life, for all treasure and store

Of perfect joy are in thy face, and power forevermore.

Here is complaineth to God of the cruel pride and arrogancy of Saul, who rageth without any cause, therefore he desireth God to revenge his innocency, and deliver him.

Sing this as the 3 Psalm.

O Lord give ear to my just cause, attend when I complain: And hear the prayer that I put forth with lips that do not faine. 2 And let the judgment of my cause proceed always from thee: And let thine eyes behold and clear this my simplicity.

3 Thou hast well tried me in the night, and yet couldst nothing find, That I have spoken with my tongue, that was not in my mind. 4 As for the works of wicked men, and paths perverse and ill, For love of thy most holy word, I have refrained still.

5 Then in the paths that be most pure, stay me Lord and preserve: That from the way wherein I walk

my steps may never swerve. 6 For I do call to thee O Lord, surely thou wilt me aid: Then hear my prayer, and weigh right well the words that I have said.

7 O thou the Savior of all them that put their trust in thee: Declare thy strength on them that spurn against thy majesty. 8 O keep me Lord, as thou wouldst keep the apple of thine eye: And under covert of thy wings defend me secretly.

The second part.

9 From wicked men that trouble me, and daily me annoy:

And from my foes that go about my soul for to destroy.

10 Which wallow in their worldly wealth, so full and eke so fat:

That in their pride they do not spare to speak they care not what.

11 They lie in wait where I should pass, with craft me to confound:

And musing michiefs in their minds, to cast me on the ground,

12 Much like the Lion greedily that would his prey embrace:

Or lurking like a lion’s whelp within some secret place.

13 Up Lord with haste prevent my foe, and cast him at my feet:

Save thou my soul from the ill man, and with the sword him smite.

14 Deliver me Lord by thy power, out of these tyrants’ hands:

Which now so long time reigned have and kept us in their bands.

15 I mean from worldly men, to whom all worldly goods are rise:

That have no hope or part of joy, but in this present life,

16 Thou of thy store their bellies fill’st with pleasure to their mind:

Their children have enough, and leave to their the rest behind.

17 But I shall with pure conscience, behold thy gracious face:

So when I wake I shall be full of thine image and grace.

David giveth thanks, entering into his kingdom extolling the marvelous graces of God in his preservation: wherein is the image of Christ’s Kingdom, which shall conquer through Christ, by the unspeakable love of God,

though all the world resist.

O God my strength and fortitude, of force I must love thee: Thou art my castle and defense in my necessity. 2 My God, my rock, in whom I trust,

the worker of my wealth: My refuge, buckler and my shield the horn of all my health.

3 When I sing laud unto the Lord, most worthy to be served: Then from my foes I am right sure that I shall be preserved, 4 The pangs of death did ‘compass me, and bound me everywhere: The flowing waves of wickedness did put me in great fear. 5 The sly and subtle snares of hell were round about me set: And for my death there was prepared a deadly trapping net. 6 I thus beset with pain and grief, did pray to God for grace. And he forthwith did hear my ‘plaint out of his holy place.

7 Such is his power that in his wrath, he made the earth to quake: Yea, the foundation of the mount of Bashan for to shake. 8 And from his nostrils came a smoke, when kindled was his ire. And from his mouth came kindle coals, of hot consuming fire.

9 The Lord descended from above, and bowed the heavens high: And underneath his feet he cast the darkness of the sky. 10 On Cherubs and on Cherubims full royally he rode: And on the wings of all the winds came flying all abroad.

The second part.

11 And like a den most dark he made his hid and secret place: With waters black, and airy clouds environed he was. 12 But when the presence of his face in brightness shall appear: The clouds consume, and in their stead, come hail and coals of fire.

13 The fiery darts and thunder-bolts, disperse them here and there: And with his often lightenings he puts them in great fear. 14 Lord at thy wrath and threatenings, and at they chiding cheer, The springs and the fountains of all the world appear.

15 And from above the Lord sent down to fetch me from below: And plucked me out of waters great, that would me overflow. 16 And me delivered from my foes, That would have me thrall: Yea, from such foes as were too strong for me to deal withal.

17 They dit prevent me to oppress in time of my great grief: But yet the Lord was my defense, my succor and relief. 18 He brought me forth in open place, whereas I might be free: And kept me safe because he had a favor unto me.

19 And as I was an innocent, so did he me regard: And to the cleanness of my hands he gave me my reward.

20 For that I walked in his ways, and in his paths have trod: And have not wavered wickedly 28

against the Lord my God.

The third part (Psalm 18).

21 But evermore I have respect to his law and decree:

His statutes and commandments, I cast not out from me.

22 But pure and clean and uncorrupt, appeared before his face:

And did refrain from wickedness, and sin in any case.

23 The Lord therefore will me reward, as I have done aright:

And to cleanness of my hands, appearing in his sight.

24 For Lord with him that holy is wilt thou be holy to:

And with the good and virtuous man, right virtuously wilt do.

25 And to the loving and elect thy love thou wilt reserve:

And thou wilt use the wicked men, as wicked men deserve.

26 For thou doest save the simple folk, in trouble when they lie:

And doest bring down the countenance of them that look full high.

27 The Lord will light my candle so that it shall shine full bright:

The Lord my God will make also my darkness to be light.

28 For by thy help an host of men discomfit Lord I shall:

By thee I scale and overleap the strength of any wall.

29 Unspotted are the ways of God, his word is purely tried.

He is a sure defense to such As in his faith abide.

30 For who is God except the Lord? for other there is none:

Or else who is omnipotent saving our God alone?

The fourth part (Psalm 18).

31 The Lord that girdeth me with strength, is he that I do mean: That all the ways wherein I walk doth evermore keep clean. 32 That made my feet like to the Harts, in swiftness of my peace: And for my surety brought me forth into an open place.

33 He did in order put my hands, to battle and to fight: To break in sunder bars of brass he gave my arm the might. 34 Thou teachest me thy saving health, thy right hand is my tower: Thy love and familiarity doth still increase my power.

35 And under me thou makest plain the way where I should walk, So that my feet shall never slip, nor stumble at a balk. 36 And fiercely I pursue and take

my foes that me annoyed: And from the field do not return, ‘til they be all destroyed.

37 So I suppress and wound my foes, that they can rise no more: For at my feet they fall down flat, I strike them all so sore: 38 For thou doest gird me with thy strength to war in such a wise: That they be all scattered abroad that up against me rise.

39 Lord thou hast put into my hands, my mortal enemies’ yoke: And all my foes thou doest divide, in sunder with thy stroke: 40 They called for help, but none gave ear, nor helped them with relief: Yea, to the Lord they called for help, yet heard he not their grief.

41 And still like dust before the wind, I drive them under feet:

And sweep them out like filthy clay, that sticketh in the street.

42 Thou keep’st me from seditious folk that still in strife be led:

And thou doest of the heathen folk, appoint me to be head,

43 A people strange to me unknown, And yet they shall me serve:

And at the first obey my word, whereas mine own will swerve.

44 I shall be irksome to mine own, they will not see my light:

But wander wide out of the way, and hide them out of sight.

45 But blessed be the living Lord, most worthy of all praise:

That is my rock and saving health, praised be he always.

46 For God it is that gave me power revenged for to be:

And with his holy word subdued the people unto me.

47 And from my foe delivered me, and set me higher than those:

That cruel and ungodly were, and up against me rose:

48 And for this cause, O Lord my God, to thee give thanks I shall:

And sing out praises to thy name, among the Gentiles all.

49 Thou gavest great prosperity, unto the King I say:

To David thine anointed King, and to his seed for aye.

He moveth the faithful to glorify God by the workmanship, proportion, and ornaments of the heavens, and by the law wherein God is revealed familiarly to his chosen people.

Sing this as the 14 Psalm.

The heavens and the firmament, do wondrously declare: The glory of God omnipotent, his works and what they are. 2 The wondrous works of God appear, by every days’ success: The nights likewise with their race run, the selfsame thing express. 3 There is no language, tongue or speech, where their sound is not heard: In all the earth and coasts thereof, their knowledge is conferred. 4 In them the Lord made for the sun, a place of great renown: Who like a bridegroom ready trimmed, doth from his chamber come.

5 And as a valiant champion, who for to get a prize: With joy doth haste to take in hand, some noble enterprise. 6 And all the sky from end to end, he ‘compasseth about: Nothing can hide it from his heat, but he will find it out.

7 How perfect is the law of God, how is his covenant sure? Converting souls and making wise

the simple and obscure. 8 Just are the Lord’s commandments, and glad both heart and mind: His precepts pure and giveth light to eyes that be full blind.

9 The fear of God is excellent, and doth endure forever: The judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 And more to be embraced always, than fined gold I say: The honey and the honey comb, are not so sweet as they.

11 By them thy servant is forewarned, to have God in regard; And in performance of the same, there shall be great reward. 12 But Lord what earthly man doth know the errors of this life: Then cleanse my soul from secret sins, which are in me most rife.

13 And keep me that presumptuous sins prevail not over me: And then shall I be innocent and great offenses flee. 14 Accept my mouth and eke my heart, my words and thoughts each one: For my redeemer and my strength, O Lord thou art alone.

The people pray to God to hear their King, and receive his sacrifice, which he offered before he went to battle against the Ammonites, declaring that the heathen put their trust in horses, but they trust only in his Name: wherefore the other shall fall, but the King and his people shall stand.

Sing this as the 14 Psalm.

In trouble and adversity, the Lord God hear thee still: The majesty of Jacob’s God, defend thee from all ill. 2 And send thee from his holy place his help at every need: And so in Zion ‘stablish thee, and make thee strong indeed, 3 Remembering well the sacrifice, that now to him is done. And to receive right thankfully thy burnt offerings each one: 4 According to thy heart’s desire, the Lord grant unto thee: And all thy counsel and device full well perform may he.

5 We shall rejoice when thou us savest, and our banners display: Unto the Lord which thy requests fulfilled hath alway. 6 The Lord will his anointed save, I know well by his grace: And send him health by his right hand, out of his holy place.

7 In chariots some put confidence,

and some in horses trust: But we remember God our Lord, that keepeth promise just.

8 They fall down flat, but we do rise, and stand up steadfastly: Now save and help us Lord and king, on thee when we do cry.

David in the person of the people praised God for the victory given them against the Syrians and Ammonites, 2. Sam. 21, when he was crowned with the crown of the king of Ammon, 2. Sam. 12, and endued with the manifold blessings of God.

O Lord how joyful is the King in thy strength and thy power?

How vehemently doeth he rejoice in thee his Savior?

2 For thou hast given unto him his godly heart’s desire;

To him nothing hast thou denied, of that he did require.

3 Thou didst prevent him with thy gifts, and blessings manifold:

And thou hast set upon his head, a crown of perfect gold.

4 And when he asked life of thee, thereof thou made’st him sure.

To have long life, yea such a life, as ever should endure.

5 Great is his glory by thy help, thy benefits and aid:

Great worship and great honor both, thou hast upon him laid:

6 Thou shalt give him felicity, that never shall decay:

And with thy cheerful countenance, wilt comfort him always.

7 For why? the king doth strongly trust in God for to prevail:

Therefore his goodness and his grace, will not that he shall quail:

8 But let thine enemies feel thy force, and those that thee withstand:

Find out thy foes, and let them feel, the power of thy right hand.

9 And like an Oven burn them Lord in fiery flame and fume: Thine anger shall destroy them all, and fire shall them consume. 10 And thou wilt root out of the earth, their fruit that should increase, And from the number of thy folk, their seed shall end and cease.

11 For why? much mischief they do muse, against thy holy name: Yet did they fail, and had no power, for to perform the same. 12 But as a mark thou shalt them set, in a most open place: And charge thy bow-strings readily against thine enemies’ face.

13 Be thou exalted Lord therefore, in thy strength every hour: So shall we sing right solemnly, praising thy might and power.

David complaineth of his desperate extremities, and

declareth whereby he recovereth himself from

temptation. Under his person Christ is figured. Sing this as the 21 Psalm.

O God my God wherefore doest thou forsake me utterly?

And helpest not when I do make, my great complaint and cry?

2 To thee my God even all day long, I do both cry and call:

I cease not all the night and yet thou hearest not at all.

3 Even thou that in thy sanctuary, and holy place doest dwell:

Thou art the comfort and the joy, and glory of Israel.

4 And he in whom our fathers old, had all their hope forever,

And when they put their trust in thee, so didst thou them deliver.

5 They were delivered ever when they called on thy name:

And for the faith they had in thee, they were not put to shame.

6 But now I am become a worm, more like than any man:

An out-cast whom the people scorn, with all the spite they can.

7 And me despise, as they behold me walking on the way:

They grin, they mow, they nod their heads, and in this wise they say;

8 This man did glory in the Lord, his favor and his love:

Let him redeem and help him now, his power if he will prove.

9 But Lord, out of me mother’s womb I came by thy behest:

Thou didst preserve me still in hope, while I did suck her breast.

10 I was committed from my bird, with thee to have abode:

Since I was in my mother’s womb: thou hast been ever my God.

The second part.

11 Then Lord depart not now from me, in this my wretched grief: Since I have none to be my help, my succor and relief. 12 So many bulls do ‘compass me, that be full strong of head: Yea, bulls so fat, as though they had in Bashan field been fed.

13 They gape upon me greedily, as though they would me slay: Much like a lion roaring out, and ramping for his prey.

14 But I drop down as water shed, my joints in sunder break: 15 My heart doth in my body melt

like wax against the heat.

16 And like a potsherd drieth my strength, my tongue it cleaveth fast Unto my jaws, and I am brought to dust of death at last. 17 And many dogs do ‘compass me, and wicked counsel eke Conspire against me cursedly, they pierce my hands and feet.

18 I was tormented, so that I might all my bones have told: Yet still upon me did they look, and still they me behold: 19 My garments they divided eke in parts among them all: And for my coat they did cast lots, to whom it might befall.

20 Therefore I pray thee be not far from me at my great need, But rather sith thou art my strength, to help me Lord make speed. 21 And from the sword Lord save my soul by thy might and thy power: And keep my soul, thy darling dear from dogs that would devour.

22 And from the Lion’s mouth that would

me all in sunder shiver: And from the horns of Unicorns Lord safely me deliver.

23 And I shall to my brethren all thy majesty record: 34

24 All ye that fear him praise the Lord, thou Jacob honor him:

And all ye house of Israel, with reverence worship him.

25 For he despiseth not the poor, he turneth not away,

His countenance when they do call, but granteth to their cry.

26 Among the flock that fear the Lord, I will therefore proclaim

Thy praise and keep thy promise made for setting forth thy name.

27 The poor shall eat and be sufficed, and those that do their ‘deavor

To know the Lord and praise his name, their hearts shall live forever.

28 All coasts of earth shall praise the Lord and turn to him for grace:

The heathen folk shall worship him before his blessed face.

29 The kingdom of the heathen folk the Lord shall have therefore:

And he shall be their governor, and king forevermore.

30 The rich men of his goodly gifts shall feed and taste also:

And in his presence worship him, and bow their knees full low.

31 And all that shall go down to dust, of life by him must taste:

My seed shall serve and praise the Lord, while any word shall last.

32 My seed shall plainly show to them that shall be born hereafter,

His justice and his righteousness, and all his works of wonder.

Dominus regit. Ps.23.W.W.

David having tried God’s manifold mercies diverse times, gathered assurance that God will continue his goodness forever.

Sing this as the 21 Psalm.

The Lord is only my support, and he that doth me feed: How can I then lack anything whereof I stand in need; 2 How doth me fold in coats most safe: the tender grass fast by: And after drives me to the streams, that run most pleasantly.

3 And when I feel myself near lost, then doth he me home take, Conducting me in the right paths, even for his own name sake. 4 And though I were even at deaths door, yet would I fear none ill: For with thy rod and shepherd’s crook I am comforted still.

5 Thou hast my table richly decked in despite of my foe: Thou hast my head with balm refreshed, my cup doth overflow. 6 And finally while breath doth last, Thy grace shall me defend: And in the house of God will I my life forever spend.

Sing this as the 21 Psalm.

My shepherd is the living Lord, nothing therefore I need: In pastures fair, with waters calm he sets me for to feed. 2 He did convert and glad my soul, and brought my mind in frame: To walk in paths of righteousness, for his most holy name.

3 Yea, though I walk in vale of death, yet will I fear none ill: The rod, thy staff doth comfort me, and thou art with me still. 4 And in the presence of my foes, my table thou shalt spread: Thou shalt O Lord fill full my cup, and eke anoint my head.

5 Through all my life thy favor is so frankly showed to me: That in thy house forevermore my dwelling place shall be.

Domini est terra. Ps.24.I.H.

The grace of God being now uttered in the temple more glorious than before in the tabernacle. David with exclamation, setteth forth the honor thereof moving the consideration of the eternal mansion prepared in heaven, whereof this was a figure.

Sing this as the 21 Psalm.

The earth is all the Lord’s, with all her store and furniture: Yea, his is all the world, and all that therein doth enquire. 2 For he hath fastly founded it, above the sea to stand: And laid a-low the liquid floods, to flow beneath the land.

3 For who is he, O Lord, that shall ascend into thy hill? And pass into thy holy place,

there to continue still? 4 Whose hands are harmless, and whose heart,

no spot there doth defile: His soul not set on vanity, who hath not sworn to guile.

5 Him that is such a one, the Lord shall place in blissful plight: And God his God and Savior, shall yield to him his right. 6 This is the brood of travelers in seeking of his grace: As Jacob did the Israelites, in that time of his race.

7 Ye Princes open your gates, stand open the everlasting gate: For there shall enter in thereby the king of glorious state. 8 What is the king of glorious state? the strong and mighty Lord: The mighty Lord in battle stout, and trial of the sword. 9 Ye Princes open your gates, stand open the everlasting gate: For there shall enter in thereby the King of glorious state, 10 What is the King of glorious state? the Lord of hosts he is:

David grieved at his sin and malicious enemies, most fervently prayeth forgiveness, especially of such sins as he committed in his youth.

I lift mine heart to thee, my God and guide most just. Now suffer me to take no shame, for in thee do I trust, 2 Let not my foes rejoice, nor make a scorn of me: And let them not be overthrown, that put their trust in thee.

3 But shame shall them befall, which harm them wrongfully: Therefore thy paths and thy right ways unto me Lord decry. 4 Direct me in thy truth, and teach me I thee pray: Thou art my God and Savior, on thee I wait alway.

5 Thy mercies manifold I pray thee Lord remember: And eke thy pity plentiful, for they have been forever. 6 Remember not the faults, and frailty of my youth: Remember not how ignorant I have been of thy truth.

Not after my deserts let me thy mercy find: But of thine own benignity Lord have me in thy mind. 7 His mercy is full sweet, his truth a perfect guide: Therefore the Lord will sinners teach and such as go aside.

8 The humble he will teach his precepts for to keep: He will direct in all his ways the lowly and the meek. 9 For all the ways of God are truth and mercy both, To them that keep his testament, the witness of his troth.

The second part.

10 Now for thy holy Name, O Lord I thee entreat:

To grant me pardon for my sin, for it is wondrous great. 11 Who so doth fear the Lord,

the Lord doth him direct: To lead his life in such a way, as he doth best accept.

12 His soul shall evermore, in goodness dwell and stand: His seed and his posterity, inherit shall the land.

13 All those that fear the Lord, know his secret intent: And unto them he doth declare, his Will and Testament.

14 Mine eyes and eke my heart, to him I will advance: That plucked my feet out of the snare, of sin and ignorance: 15 With mercy me behold, to thee I make my moan: For I am poor and desolate, and comfortless alone.

16 The troubles of my heart, are multiplied indeed: Bring me out of this misery, necessity and need. 17 Behold my poverty, mine anguish and my pain: Remit my sin and mine offense, and make me clean again.

18 O Lord, behold my foes, how they do still increase: Pursuing me with deadly hate, that faine would live in peace. 19 Preserve and keep my soul, and eke deliver me: And let me not be overthrown, because I trust in thee.

20 Let my simple pureness, me from mine enemies’s shend, Because I look as one of thine, that thou shouldst me defend: 21 Deliver Lord thy folk, and send them some relief: 39

David injuriously oppressed and helpless, yet assured of his integrity to Saul, calleth God to defend him causeless afflicted, then he desireth to be in the company of the faithful in the congregation of God, when he was banished by Saul, promising godly life, open praises, thanksgiving and sacrifice for his deliverance.

Sing this as the 14 Psalm.

Lord be my judge, and thou shalt see, my paths be right and plain: I trust in God, and hope that he,

will strength me to remain. 2 Prove me my God I thee desire, my ways to search and try:

As men do prove their gold with fire, my reines and heart espy.

3 Thy goodness laid before my face, I durst behold always:

For of thy truth I tread the trace, and will do all my days. 4 I do not lust to haunt or use,

with men whose deeds are vain: To come in house I do refuse, with the deceitful train.

5 I much abhor the wicked sort, their deeds I do despise: I do not once to them resort, that hurtful things devise. 6 My hands I wash and do proceed, in works to walk upright, Then to thine altar I make speed, to offer there in sight.

7 That I may speak and preach the praise, that doth belong to thee: And so declare how wondrous ways, thou hast been good to me. 8 O Lord thy house I love most dear, to me it doth excel: I have delight and would be near, whereas thy grace doth dwell.

9 O shut not up, my soul with them, in sin that take their fill: Nor yet my life among those men,

that seek much blood to spill. 10 Whose hands are heaped with craft and guile

their lips thereof are full, And their right hand with wrench and wile for bribes doth pluck and pull.

11 But I in righteousness intend, my time and days to serve: Have mercy Lord and me defend, so that I do not swerve. 12 My foot is stayed for all assays, it standeth well and right: Wherefore to God will I give praise, in all the peoples sight.

David delivered from great peril, giveth thanks, wherein we see his constant faith against the assault of all enemies, and the end why he desireth to live, and to be delivered: Then he exhorteth to faith, and to attend upon the Lord.

Sing this as the 18 Psalm.

The Lord is both my health and sight, shall man make me dismayed? Sith God doth give me strength and might, Why should I be afraid? 2 While that my foes with all their strength begin with me to brawl: And think to eat me up, at length themselves have caught the fall.

3 Though they in camp against me lie, my heart is not afraid, In battle plight if they will try, I trust in God for aid. 4 One thing of God I do require, that he will not deny: For which I pray and will desire, ‘til he to me apply.

5 That I within his holy place, my life throughout may dwell: To see the beauty of his face, and view his temple well: 6 In time of dread he shall me hide, within his place most pure, And keep me secret by his side, as on a rock most sure.

7 At length I know the Lord’s good grace, shall make me strong and stout: My foes to foil and clean deface, that ‘compass me about. 8 Therefore within his house will I, give sacrifice of praise: With Psalms and Songs I will apply, to laud the Lord always.

The second part.

9 Lord hear the voice of my request, for which to thee I call:

Have mercy Lord on me oppressed, and send me help with all.

10 My heart doth knowledge unto thee, I sue to have thy grace:

Then seek my face lay’st thou to me, Lord I will seek thy face.

11 In wrath turn not thy face away, nor suffer me to slide:

Thou art my help still to this day, be still my God and guide.

12 My parents both their son forsook, and cast me off at large:

And then the Lord himself yet took, of me the care and charge.

13 Teach me, O Lord, the way to thee, and lead me on forth right:

For fear of such as watch for me, to trap me if they might. 14 Do not betake me to the will, of them that be my foes:

For they surmise against me still, false witness to dispose.

15 My heart would faint but that in me this hope is fixed fast.

The Lord God’s good grace shall it see, in life that aye shall last.

16 Trust still in God whose whole thou art, his will abide thou must:

And he shall ease and strength thy heart, if thou in him do trust.

Being in fear and pensiveness to see God dishonored by wicked men, he crieth for vengeance against them, and being assured that God hath heard him, he commendeth all the faithful to his tuition.

Sing this as the 21 Psalm.

Thou art, O Lord, my strength and stay, the succor which I crave: Neglect me not least I be like to them that go to grave. 2 The voice of thy suppliant hear, that unto thee doth cry, When I lift up my hands unto thy holy Ark most high. 3 Repute me not among the sort, of wicked and pervert: That speak right fair unto their friends, and think full ill in heart. 4 According to their handiwork, as they deserve indeed. And after their inventions, let them receive their meed.

5 For they regard nothing God’s word, his law, ne yet his lore: Therefore he will them and their seed, destroy forevermore. 6 To render thanks unto the Lord, how great a cause have I? My voice, my prayer, and my complaint, that heard so willingly.

7 He is my shield and fortitude, my buckler in distress, My hope, my health, my heart’s relief, my song shall him confess. 8 He is our strength and our defense,

our enemies to resist: The health and the salvation, of his elect by Christ.

9 Thy people and thy heritage, Lord bless, guide, and preserve: Increase them Lord and rule their hearts, that they may never swerve.

Afferte Domino. Ps.29.T.S.

David exhorteth Princes, (who for the most part think there is no God) at the least to fear him for the thunders and tempests, for fear whereof all creatures tremble. And albeit it threateneth sinners; yet it moveth his to praise his name.

Sing this as the 30 Psalm.

Give to the Lord ye Potentates, ye rulers of the world, Give ye all praise honor and strength, unto the living Lord. 2 Give honor to his holy name, and honor him alone: Worship him in his majesty, within his holy throne.

3 His voice doth rule the waters all, even as himself doth please, He doth prepare the thunder-claps, and governs all the seas. 4 The voice of God is of great force, And wondrous excellent: It is most mighty in effect, and most magnificent.

5 The voice of God doth rend and break, the Cedar trees so long: The Cedar trees of Lebanon, which are most high and strong. 6 And make them leap like as a calf, or else the Unicorn: 7 Not only trees but mountains great, whereon the trees are born.

8 His voice divides the flames of fire, and shakes the wilderness: It makes the desert quake for fear, that called is Cadesh. 9 It makes the hinds for fear to calve, and makes the covert plain: Then is his temple every man, his glory doth proclaim.

10 The Lord was set above the floods ruling the raging sea: So shall he reign as Lord and King, for ever and for aye. 11 The Lord will give his people power, in virtue to increase: The Lord will bless his chosen folk, with everlasting peace.

When David should dedicate his house to the Lord, he fell extreme sick, without all hope of life, and therefore after recovery he thanketh God, exhorting others to do the like, and to learn by him that God is rather merciful than severe towards his, also that adversity is sudden: Then he prayeth and promiseth to praise God forever.

All laud and praise with heart and voice, O Lord I give to thee: which didst not make my foes rejoice, but hast exalted me. 2 O Lord my God to thee I cried, in all my pain and grief, Thou gavest an ear and didst provide to ease me with relief.

3 Of thy good will thou hast called back my soul, from hell to save: Thou didst revive when strength did lack, and keep’st me from the grave. 4 Sing praise ye Saints that prove and see the goodness of the Lord, In memory of his majesty, rejoice with one accord.

5 For why? his anger but a space doth last and slack again: But in his favor and his grace, always doth life remain. Though gripes of grief and pangs full sore shall lodge with us all night, The Lord, to joy shall us restore, before the day be light.

6 When I enjoyed this world at will, thus would I boast and say: Tush, I am sure to feel none ill, this wealth shall not decay. 7 For thou, O Lord, of thy good grace, hast sent me strength and aid: But when thou turn’dst away thy face, my mind was sore dismayed.

8 Wherefore again yet did I cry, to thee, O Lord of might: My God with ‘plaints I did apply,

and prayed both day and night. 9 What gain is in my blood said I, if death destroy my days? Doth dust declare thy majesty? or yet thy truth doth praise?

10 Wherefore my God some pity take, O Lord I thee desire: Do not this simple soul forsake, of help I thee require. 11 Then didst thou turn my grief and woe into a cheerful voice: The mourning weed thou tookst me fro, and made’st me to rejoice.

12 Wherefore my soul incessantly, shall sing unto thy praise. My Lord my God, to thee will I, give laud and thanks always.

David delivered from great danger, showeth first what mediations he had by the power of faith, when death was before his eyes, and how the favor of God is always ready to those that fear him. He exhorteth the faithfull to trust in God, because he preserveth them.

Sing this as the 18 Psalm.

O Lord, I put my trust in thee, let nothing work me shame, As thou art just deliver me,

and set me quite from blame. 2 Hear me, O Lord, and that anon, to help me make good speed. Be thou my rock and house of stone,

my fence in time of need.

3 For why? as stones thy strength is tried, thou art my fort and tower: For thy name’s sake be thou my guide, and lead me in thy power. 4 Pluck forth my feet out of the snare, which they for me have laid: Thou art my strength, and all my care is for thy might and aid.

5 Into thy hands Lord I commit my spirit which is thy due. For why? thou hast redeemed it, O Lord my God most true.

6 I hate such folk as will not part, from things to be abhorred: When they on trifles set their heart,

my trust is in the Lord.

7 For I will in thy mercy joy, I see it doth excel: Thou seest when ought would me annoy, and knowest my soul full well. 8 Thou hast not left me in their hand, that would me overcharge: But thou hast set me out of band, to walk abroad at large.

The second part.

9 Great grief, O Lord, doth me assail, some pity on me take: Mine eyes wax dim, my sight doth fail, my womb for woe doth ache: 10 My life is worn with grief and pain, my years in woe are past. My strength is gone and through disdain, my bones corrupt and wast. 11 Among my foes I am a scorn, my friends are all dismayed,

My neighbors and my kinsmen born, to see me are afraid, 12 As men once dead are out of mind, so am I now forgot: As small effect in me they find, as in a broken pot.

13 I heard the brags of all the rout, their threats my mind did fray: How they conspired, and went about, to take my life away. 14 But Lord I trust in thee for aid, not to be over-trod: For I confess and still have said, thou art my Lord my God.

15 The length of all my life and age, O Lord is in thy hand: Defend me from the wrath and rage, of them that me withstand. 16 To me thy servant Lord express, and show thy joyful face: And save me Lord for thy goodness, thy mercy and thy grace.

The third part.

17 Lord let me not be put to blame, for that on thee I call, But let the wicked bear their shame, and in the grave to fall. 18 O how great good hast thou in store, laid up full safe for them, That fear and trust in thee therefore, before the sons of men. 19 Thy presence shall them fence and guide from all proud brags and wrongs: Within thy place thou shalt them hide, from all the strife of tongues. 20 Thanks to the Lord that hath declared, on me his grace so far: Me to defend with watch and ward, as in a town of war.

21 This did I say both day and night, when I was sore oppressed: Lo I was clean cast out of sight, yet heardst thou my request. 22 Ye Saints love ye the Lord I say, the faithful he doth guide: And to the proud he will repay, according to their pride.

23 Be strong and God shall stay your heart, be bold and have a lust: 46

Beati quorum.Ps.32.T.S.

David punished with grievous sickness for his sins, counteth them happy to whom God doth not impute their transgressions, and after that he had confessed his sins and obtained pardon, he exhorteth the wicked men to live godly, and the good to rejoice.

Sing this as the 30 Psalm.

The man is blessed whose wickedness, the Lord hath clean remitted. And he whose sin and wretchedness, is hid and also covered. 2 And blessed is he, to whom the Lord, imputeth not his sin: Which in his heart hath hid no guile, nor fraud is found therein, 3 For whilst that I kept close my sin, in silence and constraint: My bones did wear and waist away, with daily moan and ‘plaint. 4 For night and day thy hand on me, so grievous was and smart: That all my blood and honors moist, to dryness did convert.

5 I did therefore confess my fault, and all my sins discover: Then thou O Lord, didst me forgive, and all my sins pass over. 6 The humble man shall pray therefore, and seek thee in due time: So that the floods of waters great, shall gave no power on him.

7 When trouble and adversity, do ‘compass me about: Thou art my refuge and my joy, and thou dost rid me out. 8 Come hither and I shall thee teach, how thou shalt walk aright, And will thee guide as I myself, have learned by proof and sight.

9 Be not so rude and ignorant, as is the horse and mule: Whose mouth without a rein or bit, from harm thou canst not rule. 10 The wicked man shall manifold sorrows and grief sustain: But unto him that trust in God, his goodness shall remain.

11 Be merry therefore in the Lord, ye just lift up your voice: And ye of pure and perfect heart, be glad and eke rejoice.

He exhorteth good men to praise God for creating and governing all things, and his faithful promises, for scattering the counsel of the wicked, teaching that no creature preserveth any man, but only his mercy.

Sing this as the 30 Psalm.

Ye righteous in the Lord rejoice, it is a seemly sight: That upright men with thankful voice, should praise the Lord of might. 2 Praise ye the Lord with harp and song, in Psalms and pleasant things: With Lute and instrument among, that soundeth with ten strings.

3 Sing to the Lord a song most new, with courage give him praise: For why? his word is ever true, his works and all his ways.

4 To judgment, equity and right, he hath a great good will, And with his gifts he doth delight, the earth throughout to fill.

5 For by the word of God alone, the heavens all were wrought, Their hosts and powers everyone, his breath to pass hath brought. 6 The waters great gathered hath he on heaps within the shore, And hid them in the depth to be, as in a house of store.

8 All men on earth, both on left and most, fear God and keep his Law: Ye that inhabit in each coast, dread him, and stand in awe. 9 What he commanded wrought it was, at once with present speed: What he doth will is brought to pass with full effect indeed.

10 The counsels of the nations rude the Lord doth bring to naught: He doth defeat the multitude, of their devise and thought. 11 But his decrees continue still, they never slack nor swage: The motions of his mind and will take place in every age.

The second part.

12 And blest are they to whom the Lord, as God and guide is known: Whom he doth choose of mere accord to take them as his own. 13 The Lord from heaven cast his sight on men mortal by birth: 14 Considering from his seat of might the dwellers on the earth.

15 The Lord I say, whose hand hath wrought man’s heart, and doth it frame: For he alone doth know the thought and working of the same. 16 A King that trusteth in his host shall not prevail at length: The man that of his might doth boast shall fail for all his strength.

17 The troops of horsemen eke shall fail their sturdy steeds shall sterve: The strength of horse shall not prevail the rider to preserve: 18 But lo the eyes of God intend, and watch, to abide the just: With such as fear him to offend, and on his goodness trust.

19 That he of death and great distress, may set their soul from dread: And if that dearth their land oppress, in hunger them to feed. 20 Wherefore our souls do still depend on God our strength and stay: He is our shield, us to defend, and drive all darts away.

21 Our soul in God hath joy and game, rejoicing in his might: For why? in his most holy name we hope and much delight. 22 Therefore let thy goodness, O Lord, still present with us be: As we always with one accord, 48

do only trust in thee.

Benedicam Dom. Ps.34.T.S. no lack shall be to such.

David having escaped Abimelech (1 Sam. 21) praiseth

God for his deliverance, giveth others example to trust in

God, to fear and serve him, who defendeth the godly with

his Angels, and utterly destroyeth the wicked in their

sins. Sing this as the 30 Psalm.

I will give laud and honor both unto the Lord always:

And eke my mouth forevermore shall speak unto his praise.

2 I do delight to laud the Lord in soul, and eke in voice: That humble men and mortified may hear, and so rejoice.

3 Therefore see that ye magnify, with me the living Lord:

And let us now exalt his name, together with one accord.

4 For I my self besought the Lord, he answered me again:

And me delivered incontinent from all my fear and pain.

5 Who so they be that him behold, shall see his light most clear:

Their countenance shall not be dashed, the need it not to fear.

6 This silly wretch for some relief unto the Lord did call:

Who did him hear without delay, and rid him out of thrall.

7 The Angel of the Lord doth pitch his tents in every place:

To save all such as fear the Lord, that nothing them deface.

8 Taste and consider well therefore, that God is good and just:

O happy man that maketh him, his only stay and trust.

9 Fear ye the Lord, ye holy ones, above all earthly thing:

For they that fear the living Lord are sure to lack nothing.

10 The Lions shall be hunger-bit, and pined with famine much,

But as for them that fear the Lord

The second part.

11 Come near therefore my children dear, and to my words give ear: I shall you teach the perfect way how ye the Lord should fear. 12 Who is the man that would live long and lead a blessed life? 13 See thou refrain thy tongue and lips from all deceit and strife.

14 Turn back thy face from doing ill and do the godly deed: Inquire for peace and righteousness, and follow it with speed. 15 For why? the eyes of God above upon the just are bent: His ears likewise do hear the ‘plaint of the poor innocent.

16 But he doth frown and bend the brows, upon the wicked train: And curse away the memory that should of them remain. 17 But when the just do call and cry, the Lord doth hear them so: That out of pain and misery forthwith he lets them go.

18 The Lords is kind, and straight at hand, to such as be contrite: He saves also the sorrowful, the meek and poor in spirit, 19 Full many be the miseries that righteous men do suffer: But out of all adversities the Lord doth them deliver.

20 The Lord doth so preserve and keep his very bones alway, That not so much as one of them doth perish or decay. 21 The sin shall slay the wicked man, which he himself hath wrought: And such as hate the righteous man shall soon be brought to naught.

22 But they that serve the living Lord, the Lord doth save them sound:

Saul’s flatterers persecuted David, who prayeth for revenge, that his innocency may be declared, and that such as take his part may rejoice, for which he promiseth to magnify God’s name all the days of his life.

Sing this at the humble suite of a sinner.

Lord plead my cause against my foes, confound their force and might: Fight on my part against all those that seek with me to fight. 2 Lay hand upon the spear and shield, thyself in armor dress: Stand up for me, and fight the field, to keep me from distress.

3 Gird on thy sword, and stop the way, mine enemies to withstand: That thou unto my soul maist say, lo I thy help at hand. 4 Confound them with rebuke and blame, that seek my soul to spill: Let them turn back, and fly with shame, that think to work me ill.

5 Let them disperse and fly abroad, as wind doth drive the dust: And that the Angel of our God, their might away may thrust. 6 Let all their ways be void of light, and slippery like to fall: And send thine Angel with thy might, to persecute them all.

7 For why? without my fault they have in secret set their gin: And for no cause have digged a cave to catch my soul therein. 8 When they think least, and have no care, O Lord destroy them all: Let them be trapped in their own snare, and in their mischief fall.

9 And let my soul, my heart, and voice, in God have joy and wealth: That in the Lord I may rejoice, and in his saving health. 10 And then my bones shall speak and say, my parts shall all agree: O Lord, though they do seem full gay, what man is like to thee?

The second part.

11 Thou did’st defend the weak from them that are both stout and strong: And rid the poor from wicked men, that spoil and do them wrong. 12 My cruel foes against me rise, to witness things untrue: And to accuse me they devise, of that I never knew.

13 Where I to them do owe good will, they quite me with disdain, That they should pay my good with ill, my soul doth fore complain: 14 When they were sick I mourned therefore and clad myself in sack: With fasting I did faint full sore, to pray I was not slack.

15 As they had been my brethren dear, I did myself behave: As one that maketh woeful cheer, about his mother’s grave. 16 But they at my disease did joy, and gather on a rout: Yea abject slaves at me did toy, with mocks and checks full stout,

17 The belly gods and flattering train, that all good things deride: At me do grin with great disdain, and pluck their mouths aside. 18 Lord when wilt thou amend this gear why doest thou stay and pause; O rid my soul mine only dear, out of these Lions’ claws.

19 And then I will give thanks to thee, before thy Church always: And whereas most of people be, there will I show thy praise. 20 Let not my foes prevail on me, which hate me for no fault: Nor yet to wink or turn their eye,

that causeless me assault.

21 Of peace no word they think or say, Their talk is all untrue: They still consult, and would betray all those that peace ensue. 22 With open mouths they run at me, they gape, they laugh, they fleer: Well, well, say they, our eye doth see the thing that we desire.

23 But Lord thou seest what ways they take cease not this gear to mend: Be not far off nor me forsake, as men that fail their friend, 24 Awake, arise, and stir abroad, defend me in my right: Revenge my cause, my Lord, my God, and aid me with thy might.

25 According to thy righteousness, my Lord God set me free: And let them not their pride express, nor triumph over me. 26 Let not their hearts rejoice and cry, there, there, this gear goes trim: Nor give them cause to say on high, we have our will on him.

27 Confound them with rebuke and shame, that joy when I do mourn: And pay them home with spite and blame, that brag at me with scorn. 28 Let them be glad and eke rejoice, which love mine upright way. And they all times with heart and voice, shall praise the Lord and say,

29 Great is the Lord and doth excel,

for why? he doth delight To see his servants prosper well, that is his pleasant sight.

30 Wherefore my tongue I will apply, thy righteousness to praise: Unto the Lord my God will I, sing laud and thanks always.

Dixit injustus. Ps.36.I.H.

David vexed by the wicked, complaineth of their malice, but considering God’s great mercy to all creatures, specially towards his children, by faith thereof, he is comforted and assured of his deliverance.

Sing this as the humble suite of a sinner.

The wicked with his works unjust, doth thus persuade his heart, That of the Lord he hath no trust, his fear is set apart. 2 Yet doth he joy in his estate, to walk as he began: So long ‘til he deserve the hate, of God and eke of man.

3 His words are wicked, vile and naught, his tongue no truth doth tell, Yet at no hand will he be taught, which way he may do well. 4 When he should sleep then doth he muse his mischief to fulfill: No wicked ways doth he refuse, nor nothing that is ill.

5 But Lord thy goodness doth ascend, above the heavens high: So doth thy truth itself extend, unto the cloudy sky. 6 Much more than hills so high and steep, thy justice is expressed: Thy judgments like to seas most deep, thou savest both man and beast.

7 Thy mercy is above all things, O God, it doth excel: In trust whereof as in thy wings, the sons of men shall dwell 8 Within thy house they shall be fed, with plenty at their will: Of all delights they shall be sped, and take thereof their fill.

9 For why? the well of life so pure, doth overflow from thee: And in thy light we are full sure, the lasting light to see. 10 From such as thee desire to know, let not thy grace depart, Thy righteousness declare and show, to men of upright heart.

11 Let not the proud on me prevail O Lord, of thy good grace: Nor let the wicked me assail, to throw me out of place. 12 But they in their devise shall fall, that wicked works maintain: 54

Because the godly should not be daunted to see wicked men prosper, David showeth that all things shall be granted even with hearts’ desire, to them that love and fear God: But the wicked albeit they flourish for a time, shall at length perish.

Sing this as the 23 Psalm.

Grudge not to see the wicked men in wealth to flourish still Nor yet envy such as to ill have bent and set their will. 2 For as green grass and flourishing herbs are cut and wither away: So shall their great prosperity, soon pass fade and decay.

3 Trust thou therefore in God alone, to do well give thy mind:

So shalt thou have the land as thine, and their sure foot shalt find. 4 In God set all thy heart’s delight,

and look what thou wouldest have, Or else canst within all the world, thou needest it not to crave.

5 Cast both thyself and thine affairs, on God with perfect trust: And thou shalt see with patience, the effect both sure and just. 6 Thy perfect life and godly name, he will clear as the light: So that the Sun even at none days, shall not shine half so bright.

7 Be still therefore and steadfastly, on God see thou wait then, Not shrinking for the prosperous state, of lewd and wicked men. 8 Shake off despite, envy and hate, at least in any wise, Their wicked steps avoid and flee, and follow not their guise.

9 For every wicked man will God destroy both more and less: But such as trust in God are sure, the land fore to possess. 10 Watch but a while and thou shalt see no more the wicked train: No nor so much as house or place,

where once they did remain.

The second part.

11 But merciful and humble men, enjoy shall sea and land:

In rest and peace they shall rejoice, for naught shall them withstand:

12 The lewd men and malicious, against the just conspire:

They gnash their teeth at him as men Which do his bane desire.

13 But while that lewd men thus do think, the Lord laughs them to scorn.

For why he seeth their term approach, when they shall sigh and mourn:

14 The wicked have their sword out drawn, their bow eke have they bent:

To overthrow and kill the poor, as they the right way went.

15 But the same sword shall pierce their hearts which was to kill the just:

Likewise the bow shall break in shivers, wherein they put their trust.

16 Doubtless the just man’s poor estate, is better a great deal more,

Then all these lewd and worldly men’s, rich pomp and heaped store.

17 For be their power never so strong, God will it overthrow:

Where contrary he doth preserve the humble men and low:

18 He seeth by his great providence, the good man’s trade and way:

And will give them inheritance, which never shall decay.

19 They shall not be discouraged, when some are hard bestead:

When others shall be hunger-bit, they shall be clad and fed.

20 For whosoever wicked is, and enemy to the Lord:

21 Behold the wicked borroweth much, and never payeth again: Whereas the just by liberal gifts, make many glad and faine. 22 For they whom God doth bless shall have the land for heritage, And they whom he doth curse likewise, shall perish in his rage.

23 The Lord the just man’s cause doth guide, and gives him good success: To everything he takes in hand, he sendeth good address. 24 Though that he fall, yet is he sure, not utterly to quail, Because the Lord stretches out his hand at need, and doth not fail.

25 I have been young and now am old, yet did I never see, The just man left, nor yet his seed to beg for misery. 26 But gives always most liberally, and lends whereas is need, His children and posterity, receive of God their meed.

27 Fly vice therefore and wickedness, and virtue do embrace: So God shall grant thee long to have, on earth a dwelling place: 28 For God so loveth equity, and showeth to his such grace, That he preserves them evermore, but ‘stroys the wicked race.

29 Whereas the good and godly men, inherit shall the land: Having as Lords all things therein, in their own power and hand. 30 The just man’s mouth doth ever speak, of matters wise and live: His tongue doth talk to edify, with truth and equity.

31 For in his heart the law of God his Lord doth still abide: So that where ever he go or walk, his foot can never slide. 32 The wicked like a ravening wolf, the just man doth beset: By all means seeking him to kill,

if he fall in his net.

The fourth part (Psalm 37).

33 Though he should fall into his hands, yet God would succor send, Though men against him sentence give, God will him yet defend. 34 Wait thou on God and keep his way, he shall preserve thee then: The earth to rule, and thou shalt see destroyed these wicked men.

35 The wicked have I seen most strong, and placed in high degree: Flourishing in all wealth and store, as doth the Laurel tree. 36 But suddenly he passeth away, and lo he was quite gone: Then I him sought but could scarce find, the place where dwelt such one.

37 Mark and behold the perfect man, how God doth him increase:

For the just man shall have at length, great joy with rest and peace. 38 As for transgressors woe to them,

destroyed they shall all be: God will cut off their budding race, and rich posterity.

39 But the salvation of the just, doth come from God above: Who in their trouble sends them aide, of his mere grace and love. 40 God doth him help, save and deliver, from lewd men and unjust: And still will save them while that they in him do put their trust.

David sick of some grievous disease acknowledgeth himself to be chastised of the Lord for his sins: and therefore prayeth God to turn away his wrath, but in the end with firm confidence commending his cause to God, hopeth for speedy help at his hand.

Sing this as the humble suite of a sinner.

Put me not to rebuke (O Lord) in thy provoked ire: Ne in thy heavy wrath (O Lord) correct me I desire. 2 Thine arrows do stick fast in me, thy hand doth press me sore: And in my flesh no health at all, appeareth any more.

3 And all this is by reason of thy wrath that I am in: Not any rest is in my bones, by reason of my sin. 4 For lo my wicked doings Lord, above my head are gone: A greater load than I can bear, they lie me sore upon.

5 My wounds stink and are festered sore, as loathsome for to see: Which all through mine own foolishness betideth unto me. 6 And I in careful wise am brought in trouble and distress: That I go wailing all the day in doleful heaviness.

7 My loins are filled with sore disease, my flesh hath no whole part: 8 I feeble am, and broken sore, I roar for grief of heart. 9 Thou know’st Lord my desire, my groans are open in thy sight: 10 My heart doth pant, my strength hath failed mine eyes have lost their light.

11 My lovers and my wonted friends stand looking on my woe: And eke my kinsmen far away are me departed fro. 12 They that did seek my life laid snares, and they that sought the way To do me hurt, speak lies and thought

on treason all the day.

The second part.

13 But as a deaf man I became, that cannot hear at all: 14 And as one dumb that opens not his mouth to speak withal. 15 For all my confidence, O Lord, is wholly set on thee: 16 O Lord, thou Lord that art my God, thou shalt give ear to me.

17 This did I crave, that they my foes triumph not over me: For when my foot did slip, then they did joy my fall to see And truly I poor wretch am set in place a woeful wight: And eke my grievous heaviness is ever in my sight.

18 For while that I my wickedness

in humble wise confess: And while I for my sinful deeds my sorrows do express.

19 My foes do still remain alive, and mighty are also: And they that hate me wrongfully in number hugely grow.

20 They stand again’ me that my good, with evil do repay: Because that good and honest things I do ensue alway.

21 Forsake me not my Lord my God, be thou not far away Haste me to h