| [The Courte of Vertu | ||
An example of a contemplatiue minde in the seruice of God,
out of the xxv. Psalme.
The
noble king Dauid by name,
Hauing the spirite of truthe,
Who euer truly serued God,
Euen from his very youth:
Hauing the spirite of truthe,
18
Euen from his very youth:
He knowyng that by humblenes
He sonest should aspyre,
To haue his prayer heard of God,
And obteine his desyre.
He sonest should aspyre,
To haue his prayer heard of God,
And obteine his desyre.
Disdeined not vpon his knees
Hym selfe to prostrate lowe,
For sithe the harte must humble be,
Let outwarde members knowe
Hym selfe to prostrate lowe,
For sithe the harte must humble be,
Let outwarde members knowe
That they shal not them selues refrain,
Their dutie to expresse:
My knees therfore shall doe their due,
So shall my handes no lesse.
Their dutie to expresse:
My knees therfore shall doe their due,
So shall my handes no lesse.
Myne eyes shall vpwarde also tourne
The heauens to beholde,
With stretched handes and bowed knees
My prayer to vnfoulde.
The heauens to beholde,
With stretched handes and bowed knees
My prayer to vnfoulde.
My voyce I wyll not silent kepe,
But wyll expresse with tongue,
The meaning of a faythfull harte,
And sing it in a song.
But wyll expresse with tongue,
The meaning of a faythfull harte,
And sing it in a song.
Debating with him selfe this thing,
Directing all aryght:
In this wyse he began to sing
To god with all his myght.
Directing all aryght:
In this wyse he began to sing
To god with all his myght.
[18]
Ad te dominum leuaui.
To
the oh lorde I lyfte my soule,
My god I truste in thee:
O suffer not myne enemies
To tryumphe ouer me.
My god I truste in thee:
O suffer not myne enemies
To tryumphe ouer me.
Ne yet let such as in thee truste.
Rebuke or shame susteyne:
But rather confounde scornefull men,
That spitefully dysdeyne.
Rebuke or shame susteyne:
But rather confounde scornefull men,
That spitefully dysdeyne.
To the I praye my kyng and god,
O shewe to me thy wayse:
And teach thy pathes O lord to me
Thy name that I may prayse.
O shewe to me thy wayse:
And teach thy pathes O lord to me
Thy name that I may prayse.
O lorde leade me to speake thy truthe,
And learne me to be iuste:
Myne only god and sauyng health,
All daye in thee I truste.
And learne me to be iuste:
Myne only god and sauyng health,
All daye in thee I truste.
Forget not lorde but call to minde
Thy tender mercy pure,
Let not thy louyng kyndnes slacke
That euer hath ben sure.
Thy tender mercy pure,
Let not thy louyng kyndnes slacke
That euer hath ben sure.
Forget my sinnes, remember not
The fraylnes of my youthe:
For thy goodnes and mercy lorde,
Thynke vpon me with ruthe.
The fraylnes of my youthe:
For thy goodnes and mercy lorde,
Thynke vpon me with ruthe.
O ryghteous lorde with frendlynes,
wytsafe to shewe thy myght:
Wherby thou shalt the sinners teache
To walke thy waye a ryght.
wytsafe to shewe thy myght:
19
To walke thy waye a ryght.
The simple thou doest teache & guyde
Thy perfect wayes to knowe,
And thou doste suche instructe aright
As humble be and lowe.
Thy perfect wayes to knowe,
And thou doste suche instructe aright
As humble be and lowe.
Thy wayes O lorde are mercifull,
Thy faythfulnes is bent,
To all that kepe thy couenant,
And faythfull testament.
Thy faythfulnes is bent,
To all that kepe thy couenant,
And faythfull testament.
For thy names sake therfore O lorde
Be mercifull to me,
And to my synnes that are so great
And myne iniquitie.
Be mercifull to me,
And to my synnes that are so great
And myne iniquitie.
Who so therfore doth feare the lorde,
He wyll hym shewe I saye:
His hyghe and his diuine preceptes,
His pure and chosen waye.
He wyll hym shewe I saye:
His hyghe and his diuine preceptes,
His pure and chosen waye.
His soule shall euer be at ease
His wayes shal prosper well:
His sede also shall styll possesse
The lande, therin to dwell.
His wayes shal prosper well:
His sede also shall styll possesse
The lande, therin to dwell.
The lorde his secretes dothe shew forth
To suche as feare him styll,
Declaring them his testament,
His couenant and will.
To suche as feare him styll,
Declaring them his testament,
His couenant and will.
[19]
O lorde my god to the therfore,
I wyll myne eyes dyrecte,
And praye to thee tyll thou haste losde
My fete out of the nette.
I wyll myne eyes dyrecte,
And praye to thee tyll thou haste losde
My fete out of the nette.
O turne thee vnto me therfore
Now for thy mercies sake,
Consider lorde my mysery
Howe I am desolate.
Now for thy mercies sake,
Consider lorde my mysery
Howe I am desolate.
The sorowes of my harte are great,
Ryght sore they doe me greue:
O ryd me from these troubles all,
For in thee I beleue.
Ryght sore they doe me greue:
O ryd me from these troubles all,
For in thee I beleue.
O loke on myne aduersitie,
And my great mysery:
Forgeue me all my sinnes also
Where I offended thee.
And my great mysery:
Forgeue me all my sinnes also
Where I offended thee.
Consider how myne enemies
Are many and peruearte,
That towardes me maliciously
Are bent with hatefull hearte.
Are many and peruearte,
That towardes me maliciously
Are bent with hatefull hearte.
Oh preserue thou my soule therfore
Within thy kepyng iust:
And let me not confounded be,
For in thee doe I truste.
Within thy kepyng iust:
And let me not confounded be,
For in thee doe I truste.
Let iust dealyng and innocent,
O god styll with me dwell:
And from all vyle aduersitie
Delyuer Israell.
O god styll with me dwell:
And from all vyle aduersitie
Delyuer Israell.
20
An example how that we should alwayes be thankefull vnto almighty God for his benefites,
out of the xxxiiii. psalme of Dauid.
As
in our streightes of nede
We all are glad and fayne,
Some comfort at the handes of god
By prayer to obtayne.
We all are glad and fayne,
Some comfort at the handes of god
By prayer to obtayne.
So when we haue recevd
Of god our whole desyre,
That we should therfore thankfull be,
Good reason doth require.
Of god our whole desyre,
That we should therfore thankfull be,
Good reason doth require.
For who so benefites
At mortall men receaue,
It afterwarde the geuer dothe
Ingratitude perceaue:
At mortall men receaue,
It afterwarde the geuer dothe
Ingratitude perceaue:
The same will streyght withdrawe
His liberalitie,
From suche a stubberne blocke hed beaste,
As can not frendshyp see.
His liberalitie,
From suche a stubberne blocke hed beaste,
As can not frendshyp see.
If vyle ingratitude
To men be suche a cryme,
That it wyll frendly loue kepe backe,
Against an other tyme:
To men be suche a cryme,
That it wyll frendly loue kepe backe,
Against an other tyme:
What beastly dogges are they?
Howe can we call them lesse?
That for great kyndnes of the lorde,
Doe paye vnthankfulnesse?
Howe can we call them lesse?
That for great kyndnes of the lorde,
Doe paye vnthankfulnesse?
[20]
Whiche asketh nought of us
But honour laude and prayse,
For all the good he doth bestowe
On vs a thousand wayes.
But honour laude and prayse,
For all the good he doth bestowe
On vs a thousand wayes.
Wherfore that noble kyng,
And prophet of the lorde
Dauid, who dyd after Gods harte
Agree and well accorde,
And prophet of the lorde
Dauid, who dyd after Gods harte
Agree and well accorde,
Gods glorie doth expresse,
In doyng of his due:
And for the benefites of God
His harte declareth true:
In doyng of his due:
And for the benefites of God
His harte declareth true:
Not only in hym selfe
To flee ingratitude,
But other also to instructe
That are vnlernde and rude.
To flee ingratitude,
But other also to instructe
That are vnlernde and rude.
In darke obliuion
Gods goodness for to hyde.
Or to forget his benefites
Dyd neuer hym betyde.
Gods goodness for to hyde.
Or to forget his benefites
Dyd neuer hym betyde.
His harpe he toke in hande,
And thus began to synge:
That with gods honour laude and prayse,
All Israell dyd rynge.
And thus began to synge:
That with gods honour laude and prayse,
All Israell dyd rynge.
Benedicam dominum.
I wyll
unto the lorde
Be geuing thankes alwayes,
My mouth and tungue shall euer be
A speakyng of his prayse.
Be geuing thankes alwayes,
21
A speakyng of his prayse.
My soule shall make hyr boste,
In God the lorde of myght,
That poore oppressed men may here
The same, them to delighte.
In God the lorde of myght,
That poore oppressed men may here
The same, them to delighte.
Together let vs nowe
In honor doe our partes,
His name to prayse and magnifie,
With meke and humble hartes.
In honor doe our partes,
His name to prayse and magnifie,
With meke and humble hartes.
For when I him besought,
He heard my prayer so,
That he did streyght delyuer me,
From all my care and wo.
He heard my prayer so,
That he did streyght delyuer me,
From all my care and wo.
Receaue therfore the lyght,
And to hym drawe you nere:
And so without all shamefastnes
Your faces shall appere.
And to hym drawe you nere:
And so without all shamefastnes
Your faces shall appere.
For I poore man made once
To him my playnte and mone:
He heard me crye, and dyd me ryd,
From troubles euery one.
To him my playnte and mone:
He heard me crye, and dyd me ryd,
From troubles euery one.
His angell pytched hath
His tente about his shepe,
I meane all suche as feare the lorde,
In saftie them to kepe.
His tente about his shepe,
I meane all suche as feare the lorde,
In saftie them to kepe.
His frendshyp proue and see,
And take therof a taste:
For they that truste in hym are sure
Most happy at the laste.
And take therof a taste:
[21]
Most happy at the laste.
O feare the lorde all ye
His saynctes of him electe:
For such as feare him lacke nothyng,
He doth them well protecte.
His saynctes of him electe:
For such as feare him lacke nothyng,
He doth them well protecte.
The lyons ofte doe lacke
And hunger for their foode:
But they which seke the lord, shal wante
Nothyng the whiche is good.
And hunger for their foode:
But they which seke the lord, shal wante
Nothyng the whiche is good.
Ye children all I saye
Come harken to my voyce:
I wyll you teache to feare the lorde,
And in him to reioyce.
Come harken to my voyce:
I wyll you teache to feare the lorde,
And in him to reioyce.
If thou to lyue in ioye
And see good dayes be fayne,
Thy lyppes & tongue from guyle & wrōg
See that thou doe refrayne.
And see good dayes be fayne,
Thy lyppes & tongue from guyle & wrōg
See that thou doe refrayne.
Se that thou doe none ill,
In goodnes neuer cease:
But se thou sake and folowe faste
On quietnes and peace.
In goodnes neuer cease:
But se thou sake and folowe faste
On quietnes and peace.
The lorde doth fixe his eyes
On iust men louingly,
And to their prayers openly
He doth his eares applye.
On iust men louingly,
And to their prayers openly
He doth his eares applye.
22
Contrariwyse the Lord
Doth bende his countenance,
Of from the earth ill men to moue
And their rememberance.
Doth bende his countenance,
Of from the earth ill men to moue
And their rememberance.
But to the iuste the lorde
Doth so inclyne his eare,
That when they praye he wyll them ryd
From all trouble and feare.
Doth so inclyne his eare,
That when they praye he wyll them ryd
From all trouble and feare.
The Lorde is nyghe to suche
As are in harte contrite,
And he wyll saue suche as be meke,
And of an humble sprite.
As are in harte contrite,
And he wyll saue suche as be meke,
And of an humble sprite.
Though iust mens troubles be
Both manifolde and great,
The lord from care wyl make them free,
When they doe him intreate.
Both manifolde and great,
The lord from care wyl make them free,
When they doe him intreate.
Their bones he wyll defende,
And kepe so free from cryme:
That not so muche as one of them
Shall breake at any tyme.
And kepe so free from cryme:
That not so muche as one of them
Shall breake at any tyme.
Misfortune or ill happe,
The wicked men shall kyll,
And suche as doe the iust men hate,
Shall peryshe in their ill.
The wicked men shall kyll,
And suche as doe the iust men hate,
Shall peryshe in their ill.
The Lorde will saue the soules
Of all that doe hym serue,
And all that put their trust in hym
Shall not in peryll swerue.
Of all that doe hym serue,
And all that put their trust in hym
Shall not in peryll swerue.
[22]
An example that God heareth all suche prayers as are made with a faithfull harte,
out of the .liiii. Psalme.
Euery
good phisicien,
That doth a medcyne proue
To take effecte in curyng well,
Is striken streyght with loue,
That doth a medcyne proue
To take effecte in curyng well,
Is striken streyght with loue,
Not only to geue god the prayse
For his vertue and grace:
But dothe the same in wryting put,
To comfort all his race.
For his vertue and grace:
But dothe the same in wryting put,
To comfort all his race.
That all whiche after folowe hym
In that moste godly arte,
May proue the lyke and prayse the lorde
In lyke case for their parte.
In that moste godly arte,
May proue the lyke and prayse the lorde
In lyke case for their parte.
Noble kyng Dauid in suche wyse
Doth godly loue bestowe,
By wryting medcines for the soule,
That other men may knowe.
Doth godly loue bestowe,
By wryting medcines for the soule,
That other men may knowe.
As if they doubte at any tyme
Howe he dyd health obteyne,
He dyd the same declare abrode
In wryting to remayne:
Howe he dyd health obteyne,
He dyd the same declare abrode
In wryting to remayne:
That when to others lyke distres
Here after may betyde,
With cleane hartes that they may prepare,
And lyke medcines prouide.
Here after may betyde,
With cleane hartes that they may prepare,
And lyke medcines prouide.
23
But I will neuer teache (quod he)
In darke or doubtfull waye,
But suche as I in practice dyd
By perfect proofe assaye:
In darke or doubtfull waye,
But suche as I in practice dyd
By perfect proofe assaye:
And of my selfe probatum est,
Suche medicines I bryng:
And in example to you all
In this wyse wyll I synge.
Suche medicines I bryng:
And in example to you all
In this wyse wyll I synge.
Deus in nomine tuo.
O God
I call to thee for helpe
In my distresse and nede
For thy names sake, & in thy strēgthe.
Auenge my cause wt spede.
In my distresse and nede
For thy names sake, & in thy strēgthe.
Auenge my cause wt spede.
For strangers full of tyranny
Against me ryse and raue:
Suche folyshe folke as feare not God
Doe seke my lyfe to haue.
Against me ryse and raue:
Suche folyshe folke as feare not God
Doe seke my lyfe to haue.
But lo God is my helpe at nede,
Yea only it is hee,
That doth my soule vpholde and saue,
From their iniquitee.
Yea only it is hee,
That doth my soule vpholde and saue,
From their iniquitee.
And euell shall the lorde rewarde
Upon myne enemyes,
And in his truthe destroy them all
That vertue doe despyse.
Upon myne enemyes,
And in his truthe destroy them all
That vertue doe despyse.
With offrynges of an harte most free,
Now wyll I prayse thy name:
Because O lorde my comfort styll
Consisteth in the same.
Now wyll I prayse thy name:
[23]
Consisteth in the same.
For thou lorde didst delyuer me,
From troubles manyfolde:
So that vpon my foes myne eye
Doth his desire beholde.
From troubles manyfolde:
So that vpon my foes myne eye
Doth his desire beholde.
For this to geue glory to god
Shall be my hartes delyght,
To the father, and to the sonne,
And to the holy sprite:
Shall be my hartes delyght,
To the father, and to the sonne,
And to the holy sprite:
As it from the begynnyng was,
And at this time is sure,
And as it shall worlde without ende
Continue and endure.
And at this time is sure,
And as it shall worlde without ende
Continue and endure.
An example that the thankefull age gaue prayse to god, for al his benefites geuen to his creatures,
out of the lxv. Psalme of Dauid.
I herde
a preacher once declare,
Two partes to be in prayre,
The one to god in all our nede
For succor to repayre,
Two partes to be in prayre,
The one to god in all our nede
For succor to repayre,
And aske of hym with stedfast fayth
All wherof we haue nede:
For Christ surely promysed,
That therof we shall spede.
All wherof we haue nede:
For Christ surely promysed,
That therof we shall spede.
24
The second part of perfect prayre
Is geuyng thankes and prayse,
To God for all his benefites.
That we receyue alwayes.
Is geuyng thankes and prayse,
To God for all his benefites.
That we receyue alwayes.
This is the lyvly sacrifice,
The lyuing God to please:
As prayer of the penitent,
His anger doth appease.
The lyuing God to please:
As prayer of the penitent,
His anger doth appease.
And sure (quod he) the very cause
That god ofte wyll not here,
Is that men for his benefites
Unthankfull doe appere.
That god ofte wyll not here,
Is that men for his benefites
Unthankfull doe appere.
For when we praye in tyme of nede
For plenty of our foode,
Howe can we thinke that God to vs
Will geue ought that is good?
For plenty of our foode,
Howe can we thinke that God to vs
Will geue ought that is good?
If we in tyme of plentie be
Unthankfull and ingrate,
To geue him praise and honor both,
According to the rate?
Unthankfull and ingrate,
To geue him praise and honor both,
According to the rate?
Yea I may also farther saye,
This lyuing without awe,
Ingratitude doth cause the lorde
His goodnes to withdrawe.
This lyuing without awe,
Ingratitude doth cause the lorde
His goodnes to withdrawe.
And surely Dauid in this Psalme
Lykewyse doth well declare,
That to prayse God we neuer should
Any tyme cease or spare.
Lykewyse doth well declare,
That to prayse God we neuer should
Any tyme cease or spare.
[24]
But for the goodnes whiche god doth
On mortall men bestowe,
In prayse of his most holy name,
Some thankfull psalme to showe.
On mortall men bestowe,
In prayse of his most holy name,
Some thankfull psalme to showe.
Howe men shall with a faythfull harte
Gods holy name agnise,
He doth instruct all Christen men
By synging in this wyse.
Gods holy name agnise,
He doth instruct all Christen men
By synging in this wyse.
Te decet hymnus deus in Sion.
To
the O god in Sion still
Great prayses are in store:
To the also they vowe and kepe
Their promyse euer more.
Great prayses are in store:
To the also they vowe and kepe
Their promyse euer more.
My prayer lorde sithe thou dost heare,
And art my whole comfort:
All fleshe to the for succour shall
In their due tyme resorte.
And art my whole comfort:
All fleshe to the for succour shall
In their due tyme resorte.
My mysdedes and my wickednes
Against me doth preuayle,
Oh to my sinnes be mercifull,
That thus doe me asayle.
Against me doth preuayle,
Oh to my sinnes be mercifull,
That thus doe me asayle.
For thei are blest whom thou dost chose,
And in thy house retayne:
Or doste elect, within thy court
To dwell and to remayne.
And in thy house retayne:
Or doste elect, within thy court
To dwell and to remayne.
25
For he shall leade a plesant lyfe
Within thy holy place:
Thy temple shall hym satisfie
With goodnes and with grace.
Within thy holy place:
Thy temple shall hym satisfie
With goodnes and with grace.
For wonders great thou doest declare
In truthe to teache vs ryght:
O god of our saluation
In the is our delyghte.
In truthe to teache vs ryght:
O god of our saluation
In the is our delyghte.
Of all thynges how thou arte the hope
It can not be discuste:
All that on earth or sea remayne,
In the doe hope and truste.
It can not be discuste:
All that on earth or sea remayne,
In the doe hope and truste.
Thou gyrded haste thy selfe also,
With myghty strength and powre,
And hast the myghty mountaynes sette
As they stande at this howre.
With myghty strength and powre,
And hast the myghty mountaynes sette
As they stande at this howre.
Thou of the sea stillest the waues,
Their roryng and their rage,
The madnes of the multitude
Thou also canst aswage.
Their roryng and their rage,
The madnes of the multitude
Thou also canst aswage.
The outmoste dwellers on this earth,
Thy signes doe see and feare:
By the mornyng and euenyng starres,
Thy prayses doe appeare.
Thy signes doe see and feare:
By the mornyng and euenyng starres,
Thy prayses doe appeare.
The earth eke howe thou visitest
With good it for to blesse,
And bryngest plentie on the same,
We knowledge and confesse.
With good it for to blesse,
And bryngest plentie on the same,
We knowledge and confesse.
[25]
For the ryuer of god doth flowe
So full of water pure,
That on the earth plentie of corne
For man he doth procure.
So full of water pure,
That on the earth plentie of corne
For man he doth procure.
The forowes he doth water so
That clotts doe breake in pece,
Swete drops of rayne doth soften them,
And cause ful great increce.
That clotts doe breake in pece,
Swete drops of rayne doth soften them,
And cause ful great increce.
The yere thus doth he crowne & blesse
With plentie and goodnes,
The clowdes do drop great fatnes down
Ingendring plentiousnes,
With plentie and goodnes,
The clowdes do drop great fatnes down
Ingendring plentiousnes,
The dwellinges in the wyldernes
Are fat in lyke maner:
The little hilles on euery syde
Doe plesantly appere.
Are fat in lyke maner:
The little hilles on euery syde
Doe plesantly appere.
The fouldes with shepe, ye vales with corne,
So ratefie this thing:
That in thy prayse for very ioye,
All people laughe and synge.
So ratefie this thing:
That in thy prayse for very ioye,
All people laughe and synge.
An example howe happye and blessed they are that faythfully feare god,
out of the .Cxii. Psalme.
Suche
good historiographers
As wryte the dedes of men,
Of kynges & lordes, some good some ill,
That reigned nowe and then:
As wryte the dedes of men,
Of kynges & lordes, some good some ill,
That reigned nowe and then:
26
As they doe wryte of euell men
In rebuke and disprayse,
That lyuing men may lerne to flee
And voyde suche wicked wayes.
In rebuke and disprayse,
That lyuing men may lerne to flee
And voyde suche wicked wayes.
So doe they prayse and muche cōmend
Suche men as lyued well,
The worthy and the noble actes
Wherin in they did excell.
Suche men as lyued well,
The worthy and the noble actes
Wherin in they did excell.
That others they myght so prouoke
To folowe in lyke wyse,
To wynne the spurres of godly fame
By vertues exercise.
To folowe in lyke wyse,
To wynne the spurres of godly fame
By vertues exercise.
So Dauid to prouoke all men
To godlynes and grace,
Doth vse the lyke, that all men may
The feare of god imbrace.
To godlynes and grace,
Doth vse the lyke, that all men may
The feare of god imbrace.
In fayth howe that the feare of god
All goodnes styll dothe bryng,
He vsed in an holy Psalme
In this wyse for to syng.
All goodnes styll dothe bryng,
He vsed in an holy Psalme
In this wyse for to syng.
Beatus vir qui timet.
The
man is blest and happy which
Doth feare the Lorde aryght,
And to kepe his cōmaūdementes,
Dothe set his whole delyght.
Doth feare the Lorde aryght,
And to kepe his cōmaūdementes,
Dothe set his whole delyght.
[26]
His streene or sede vpon the earth
With myght shall be increste,
Thus shall the kynde of faythfull men
Eternally be bleste.
With myght shall be increste,
Thus shall the kynde of faythfull men
Eternally be bleste.
For ryches ioye and plentie great
His house shall wynne and gayne,
His iust dealyng and ryghteousnes
For euer shall remayne.
His house shall wynne and gayne,
His iust dealyng and ryghteousnes
For euer shall remayne.
For to the godly in darknes
great lyght there doth aryse:
Whiche sheweth loue and mercy both
In vertuous exercyse.
great lyght there doth aryse:
Whiche sheweth loue and mercy both
In vertuous exercyse.
A good man sure is mercifull
And lendeth where is nede,
And doth discretly waye his wordes
Before they doe procede.
And lendeth where is nede,
And doth discretly waye his wordes
Before they doe procede.
And suche a man for no distres
From god wyll moue or flee:
Wherfore his ryghteousnes shall haue
Eternall memorie.
From god wyll moue or flee:
Wherfore his ryghteousnes shall haue
Eternall memorie.
Of ill tydynges or heauy newes,
Suche one is not afrayde:
His hearte doth stande faste and beleue,
The lorde to be his ayde.
Suche one is not afrayde:
His hearte doth stande faste and beleue,
The lorde to be his ayde.
His harte I saye is stablyshed,
And wyll not shrynke, vntyll
That he vpon his enemies
Hath his desire and wyll.
And wyll not shrynke, vntyll
That he vpon his enemies
Hath his desire and wyll.
72
He from his store abundantlye
Disperseth to the poore:
For righteousnes are all his workes
And doynges euer more.
Disperseth to the poore:
For righteousnes are all his workes
And doynges euer more.
With honor shall his horne or strengthe
Exalted be on hye:
Whiche when the vngodly beholde,
They wyll the same enuye
Exalted be on hye:
Whiche when the vngodly beholde,
They wyll the same enuye
Which in their hate shal gnash their teeth
And so consume away:
Thus in their owne luste wycked folke
Shall peryshe and decaye.
And so consume away:
Thus in their owne luste wycked folke
Shall peryshe and decaye.
An example of the prayse of God, for his omnipotencie,
out of the, Cxiii. Psalme.
Kyng
Dauid knowyng well,
Howe vertue dyd excell
All other worldly thyng:
Did chiefly in Gods feare,
All wyckednes forbeare,
That may gods anger brynge.
Howe vertue dyd excell
All other worldly thyng:
Did chiefly in Gods feare,
All wyckednes forbeare,
That may gods anger brynge.
For god is of suche powre,
That nothyng at no howre
Can hym withstande or byde:
For he may worke his wyll
All mortall men vntyll,
At euery tyme and tyde.
That nothyng at no howre
Can hym withstande or byde:
For he may worke his wyll
All mortall men vntyll,
At euery tyme and tyde.
[27]
Therfore we are al bownde,
That dwell in this worlde rounde,
To prayse the lyuing lorde:
And in that lorde of myght
To set our whole delight,
And in his holy worde.
That dwell in this worlde rounde,
To prayse the lyuing lorde:
And in that lorde of myght
To set our whole delight,
And in his holy worde.
Wherfore this noble kyng
Studied aboue all thyng
His dutie to walke in,
To syng Gods laude and prayse,
He maketh no delayes,
But thus he doth begynne.
Studied aboue all thyng
His dutie to walke in,
To syng Gods laude and prayse,
He maketh no delayes,
But thus he doth begynne.
Laudate pueri dominum.
Ye
seruantes prayse the lorde,
And with hartye accorde
Se that ye doe the same:
Loke that ye render store
Of prayses euer more,
Unto his blessed name.
And with hartye accorde
Se that ye doe the same:
Loke that ye render store
Of prayses euer more,
Unto his blessed name.
His name that we should prayse
He is worthy alwayse,
Euen from the rysing tyme
Of the sonne fayre and bryght:
Untyll it be in sight,
That downe he doth inclyne.
He is worthy alwayse,
Euen from the rysing tyme
Of the sonne fayre and bryght:
Untyll it be in sight,
That downe he doth inclyne.
The lorde is hie of myght,
There is no kynde of wyght,
That can with hym compare:
His gloris certainly
Aboue the heauens hye
Remayne and euer are.
There is no kynde of wyght,
28
His gloris certainly
Aboue the heauens hye
Remayne and euer are.
Who is lyke vnto him,
Or wyll presume to clymme
Where he so hygh doth dwell?
Yet is this lorde so meke,
To beholde and take kepe
Of earth and heauen well:
Or wyll presume to clymme
Where he so hygh doth dwell?
Yet is this lorde so meke,
To beholde and take kepe
Of earth and heauen well:
Whoe doth the symple take
Out of the myery lake,
To set them vp agayne:
He takes out of the dust
All that in him doe truste,
To ryd them from their paine.
Out of the myery lake,
To set them vp agayne:
He takes out of the dust
All that in him doe truste,
To ryd them from their paine.
So that he may them sette
Among the prynces great,
By his great powre and myght:
The prynces all among,
Whiche gouerne doe the thronge
Of people daye and nyght.
Among the prynces great,
By his great powre and myght:
The prynces all among,
Whiche gouerne doe the thronge
Of people daye and nyght.
He doth redeme also
The woman from hir wo,
That barayne long hath bene:
A mother full of blys
Of children nowe she is,
Hir housholde may be sene.
The woman from hir wo,
That barayne long hath bene:
A mother full of blys
Of children nowe she is,
Hir housholde may be sene.
[28]
An example how Dauid praysed God, for his delyueryng of Israell, by great miracles, out of Egypt.
Out of the .C.xiiii. Psalme.
Who
so in Exodus wyll reade,
Shall see what wonders god there wrought:
From Egypt when as he dyd leade
His people, and from thence them brought.
Shall see what wonders god there wrought:
From Egypt when as he dyd leade
His people, and from thence them brought.
What myracles by Moses hande,
To Pharao was expressed playne:
That he therby myght vnderstande,
No more gods people to restrayne.
To Pharao was expressed playne:
That he therby myght vnderstande,
No more gods people to restrayne.
And how God by his mighty powre
And stretched arme did bryng them thence:
And howe the red sea dyd deuoure
Kyng Pharao for his recompence.
And stretched arme did bryng them thence:
And howe the red sea dyd deuoure
Kyng Pharao for his recompence.
And howe God did in wyldernes,
Prouyde his people drynke and meate:
So that they lackte in their distres,
No kynde of thynge to drynke or eate.
Prouyde his people drynke and meate:
So that they lackte in their distres,
No kynde of thynge to drynke or eate.
Whiche Dauid bearyng well in mynde
Did with a Psalme geue god the prayse:
And doth therto all good men bynde,
With godly harte lo thus he sayes.
Did with a Psalme geue god the prayse:
And doth therto all good men bynde,
With godly harte lo thus he sayes.
29
In exitu Israel de Egypto.
From
Egipte lande when Israell,
(where they lōg tyme weare thraule & bonde)
From among people strange and fell.
When Iuda gan to scape the honde:
(where they lōg tyme weare thraule & bonde)
From among people strange and fell.
When Iuda gan to scape the honde:
This Iuda then I saye was made
His holy people and his flocke,
And Israell was in lyke trade
Becomde his lordship all the stocke.
His holy people and his flocke,
And Israell was in lyke trade
Becomde his lordship all the stocke.
Whiche when the ragyng sea behelde,
It fled as one should it desire:
And Iordan in lyke case dyd yelde,
And backwarde did turne, and retyre.
It fled as one should it desire:
And Iordan in lyke case dyd yelde,
And backwarde did turne, and retyre.
The mountaynes at the sight of this,
Could not be styll but skipte lyke rammes:
The little hylles eke would not mis,
But leaped lyke the playing lammes.
Could not be styll but skipte lyke rammes:
The little hylles eke would not mis,
But leaped lyke the playing lammes.
If one myght aske what ayled thee
Thou sea, that thou dydest so forbeare?
And Iordan what cause myght there be,
That draue the backe in suche a feare?
Thou sea, that thou dydest so forbeare?
And Iordan what cause myght there be,
That draue the backe in suche a feare?
Ye myghty mountaynes in lyke case,
Why skipped you lyke rammes I saye?
Ye little hilles, why from your place
Gan ye to leape as lammes doe playe?
Why skipped you lyke rammes I saye?
Ye little hilles, why from your place
Gan ye to leape as lammes doe playe?
All the whole earth it shall behoue,
When Iacobs God shall be present,
To tremble shake and muche to moue,
And in his sight hym reuerent.
When Iacobs God shall be present,
[29]
And in his sight hym reuerent.
For at his wyll he turned tho
The hard rocke in to water clere,
Conuertyng harde flynte stones also
To springyng welles as dyd appere.
The hard rocke in to water clere,
Conuertyng harde flynte stones also
To springyng welles as dyd appere.
An example of praier against idolatrous tyrātes, that set vp false worship, in the reproche of Gods true worshyp.
Out of the .Cxv. Psalme.
If
vnto vs poore mortall men
No prayse is due of very ryght,
Howe are they mockte and blynded then,
How farre are they from perfect sight?
No prayse is due of very ryght,
Howe are they mockte and blynded then,
How farre are they from perfect sight?
That to a stocke or dead Image
Wil geue such laude as god should haue?
How vayne is he howe doth he rage
That doth Gods glorie so depraue?
Wil geue such laude as god should haue?
How vayne is he howe doth he rage
That doth Gods glorie so depraue?
The whiche sinne and most vyle offēce.
Dauid did so abhorre and hate,
That he a Psalme in Gods defence
Compiled hath: that eche estate
Dauid did so abhorre and hate,
That he a Psalme in Gods defence
Compiled hath: that eche estate
May vnderstande howe farre awrye
They wandred be from righteousnes,
The lyuing God that doe denye,
By an Image or false lykenes.
They wandred be from righteousnes,
The lyuing God that doe denye,
By an Image or false lykenes.
30
And therfore doth all men exhorte
To feare the lorde and in hym truste:
Whiche is a true and sure comforte
To all that in his hope are iust.
To feare the lorde and in hym truste:
Whiche is a true and sure comforte
To all that in his hope are iust.
His harpe in hande he therfore tooke,
And on his knees this noble kyng
(As it is in the Psalter booke)
This holy Psalme began to synge.
And on his knees this noble kyng
(As it is in the Psalter booke)
This holy Psalme began to synge.
Non nobis Domine.
Not
vnto vs lord, not to vs
But to thy holy name alwayse,
For thy mercy & truthe done thus,
Ascribed be all laude and prayse.
But to thy holy name alwayse,
For thy mercy & truthe done thus,
Ascribed be all laude and prayse.
These heathen folke that faythles be,
Why should they saye to vs in spighte?
Where is their God let vs hym see,
In whom these Christians haue delyghte
Why should they saye to vs in spighte?
Where is their God let vs hym see,
In whom these Christians haue delyghte
For their false Gods their chiefe & best,
Are nothyng but syluer and goulde:
The handes of men both most and lest,
Haue forged them out of the moulde.
Are nothyng but syluer and goulde:
The handes of men both most and lest,
Haue forged them out of the moulde.
Yet haue they for their idols made
Mouthes, wherwt they can speak nothing
And eyes also wherof the trade,
Is to be blynde from all seyng.
Mouthes, wherwt they can speak nothing
And eyes also wherof the trade,
Is to be blynde from all seyng.
Suche eares also in them are wrought
As heare nothyng that one can tell:
And noses whiche are likewyse nought,
For they with them can nothyng smell.
As heare nothyng that one can tell:
[30]
For they with them can nothyng smell.
Uayne handes haue they and fete also,
For with their handes they handle not:
Nor with their feete they can not goe,
Nor sounde no voyce out of their throte.
For with their handes they handle not:
Nor with their feete they can not goe,
Nor sounde no voyce out of their throte.
Wherfore suche as doe Idols make,
Doe their owne workes resemble iust,
And they also that doe them take
For Gods, or haue in them their truste.
Doe their owne workes resemble iust,
And they also that doe them take
For Gods, or haue in them their truste.
Let Israell then in the lorde
Set all their truste and confidence:
And Araons house therto accorde
For he is their most sure defence.
Set all their truste and confidence:
And Araons house therto accorde
For he is their most sure defence.
All ye that feare the lorde aright,
Truste in hym well be not afrayde:
For he will surely shewe his myght
To succoure you and be your ayde.
Truste in hym well be not afrayde:
For he will surely shewe his myght
To succoure you and be your ayde.
The lorde will not forget doubtles,
But haue vs in his mynde full well,
The ryghteous houses he wyll bles
Of Araon and of Israell.
But haue vs in his mynde full well,
The ryghteous houses he wyll bles
Of Araon and of Israell.
Ye that doe feare the lorde therfore,
Are blessed both the great and small:
The lorde increase you more and more,
Both you and eke your children all.
Are blessed both the great and small:
The lorde increase you more and more,
Both you and eke your children all.
31
For sithe ye are his chosen sorte,
And haue the lord whole in your thought,
He wyll you blesse with great comforte,
Both heauē & earth that made of nought.
And haue the lord whole in your thought,
He wyll you blesse with great comforte,
Both heauē & earth that made of nought.
The heauens and the firmament
Are his and at his holy wyll:
But the rounde earth he hath forth lente
The sonnes of mortall men vntyll.
Are his and at his holy wyll:
But the rounde earth he hath forth lente
The sonnes of mortall men vntyll.
The dead O lorde that are gone hence
Can not in graue expresse thy wayes:
Nor suche as downe are in sylence,
Can honor thee or geue the prayse.
Can not in graue expresse thy wayes:
Nor suche as downe are in sylence,
Can honor thee or geue the prayse.
But we O lorde that be alyue
Thy prayse wyll spreade and ramifye,
And in our hartes due thankes contryue
Unto thy name eternally.
Thy prayse wyll spreade and ramifye,
And in our hartes due thankes contryue
Unto thy name eternally.
An example of prayer from a repentant harte
out of the .Cxxx. psalm.
Sythe
in this worlde all men doe fall
And none from sinne is free and clere:
It doth behoue we study all,
In humblenes for to appere.
And none from sinne is free and clere:
It doth behoue we study all,
In humblenes for to appere.
For in this lyfe we dayly see,
By stoutnes none can wynne nor gayne,
But rather it in eche degree
Doth purchase woe and cruell payne.
By stoutnes none can wynne nor gayne,
But rather it in eche degree
Doth purchase woe and cruell payne.
[31]
Who is so fonde if he offende,
To stande hymselfe to iustifie?
And rather doth not knele and bende
Tyll he haue pardon and mercy?
To stande hymselfe to iustifie?
And rather doth not knele and bende
Tyll he haue pardon and mercy?
The noble prynce Dauid therfore,
Knowyng the frutes of humblenes:
Did frō his harte powre forth great store,
Of teares and contrite gentilnes.
Knowyng the frutes of humblenes:
Did frō his harte powre forth great store,
Of teares and contrite gentilnes.
Because he would all men should lerne
The lyke to doe in their great nede:
He sheweth howe his harte did yerne,
Tyll he had felte mercy in dede.
The lyke to doe in their great nede:
He sheweth howe his harte did yerne,
Tyll he had felte mercy in dede.
Him selfe prostrating in due wyse
For sorowe of his greuous sinne,
In prayer was his exercise:
Thus doth his humble sute begynne.
For sorowe of his greuous sinne,
In prayer was his exercise:
Thus doth his humble sute begynne.
De profundis clamaui.
From
care of harte that caue so depe,
So hath my soule my sinnes abhorde:
Repentantly I humbly crepe,
And call to thee for helpe O lorde.
So hath my soule my sinnes abhorde:
Repentantly I humbly crepe,
And call to thee for helpe O lorde.
O lorde witsafe my voyce to here,
I thee beseche to bowe thyne eares.
Suffer my prayer to appere,
Pourde forth to thee wt piteous teares.
I thee beseche to bowe thyne eares.
Suffer my prayer to appere,
Pourde forth to thee wt piteous teares.
For if thou wylt for euermore
Our wyckednes laye by thy syde,
Or kepe a note of them in store:
Oh lorde who then mayest abide.
Our wyckednes laye by thy syde,
32
Oh lorde who then mayest abide.
Thy mercy lorde then make vs taste,
Whiche is to thee most naturall:
That graciously forgeue thou mayste,
And rayse them whiche by frailtie fall.
Whiche is to thee most naturall:
That graciously forgeue thou mayste,
And rayse them whiche by frailtie fall.
This made me on the lorde to wayte,
My soule also on hym to byde:
His promise is without deceyte,
And from his worde he wyll not slyde.
My soule also on hym to byde:
His promise is without deceyte,
And from his worde he wyll not slyde.
My soule hath more earnest delyghte
Upon the lorde to watche and staye,
Then watchmen, whiche wake al ye night
And long ryght sore tyll it be daye.
Upon the lorde to watche and staye,
Then watchmen, whiche wake al ye night
And long ryght sore tyll it be daye.
Let Israell the Lordes electe,
(The iust that godly be and wyse,)
Haue to the lorde their whole respecte:
For mercy is his exercyse.
(The iust that godly be and wyse,)
Haue to the lorde their whole respecte:
For mercy is his exercyse.
This Israell I saye he shall,
All wickednes from them expell,
From sinnes he shall redeme them all,
Though thei be more then tongue can tel.
All wickednes from them expell,
From sinnes he shall redeme them all,
Though thei be more then tongue can tel.
Glory be to our god aboue,
The father whiche of myght is moste,
And to the sonne as doth behoue,
And also to the holy ghoste:
The father whiche of myght is moste,
And to the sonne as doth behoue,
And also to the holy ghoste:
[32]
As it from the beginning was,
And yet doth to this tyme extende,
And shall be still as tyme shall pas
For euer more worlde without ende.
And yet doth to this tyme extende,
And shall be still as tyme shall pas
For euer more worlde without ende.
An example that as wel penitent prayer, as ioyfull thankes and prayse, haue their due tyme and place,
out of the .Cxxxvii. Psalme.
As
eche thinge hath his due tyme here,
On this earth where we goe:
So is ther tyme for ioye and glee,
And eke for care and woe.
On this earth where we goe:
So is ther tyme for ioye and glee,
And eke for care and woe.
For as we ioye in tyme of welth,
Praying the lorde therfore:
So in the tyme of pensyvnes,
Of myrth we make no store.
Praying the lorde therfore:
So in the tyme of pensyvnes,
Of myrth we make no store.
In one subiecte two contraries
Can neuer well agree:
Both myrth and wo at once in one
A strange thyng were to see.
Can neuer well agree:
Both myrth and wo at once in one
A strange thyng were to see.
It would be thought a great madnes.
In ioye to wayle and wrynge:
Neither can it be coumpted les
In sorowe for to synge.
In ioye to wayle and wrynge:
Neither can it be coumpted les
In sorowe for to synge.
As when the Iewes in Babylon
Where they were captiue all,
Commaunded were to playe and synge,
Of suche as made them thrall.
Where they were captiue all,
33
Of suche as made them thrall.
Which vaine request of their great foes,
These miserable Iewes
Would not accomplyshe in no wyse,
But did the same refuse.
These miserable Iewes
Would not accomplyshe in no wyse,
But did the same refuse.
They hangde asyde their instrumentes
And laide their songes awaye,
And knewe it was not tyme to synge:
But rather for to praye,
And laide their songes awaye,
And knewe it was not tyme to synge:
But rather for to praye,
That god would them delyuer once,
From that their bondage vyle:
Wherin they had bene punyshed
A long and wery whyle.
From that their bondage vyle:
Wherin they had bene punyshed
A long and wery whyle.
But after thre score and tenne yeres,
When God them home had broughte,
With holy psalmes to prayse his name,
They diligently sought.
When God them home had broughte,
With holy psalmes to prayse his name,
They diligently sought.
And in remembrance of the wo,
And bondage, where they were,
And ioye of their deliuerance,
They songe as ye shall here.
And bondage, where they were,
And ioye of their deliuerance,
They songe as ye shall here.
Super flumina Babilonis.
Once
as we by the ryuers sate
That runne in Babylon,
With byttter teares waylyng our wo,
When we thought on Sion:
That runne in Babylon,
[33]
When we thought on Sion:
We layde a syde our thankfull tunes,
Of honour laude and prayse,
And hung our harpes on wylow trees,
That grew there in those dayes.
Of honour laude and prayse,
And hung our harpes on wylow trees,
That grew there in those dayes.
Therfore our foes whiche to that land
As captiues did vs bryng,
(The more our sorowes to augmente,)
Required vs to sing.
As captiues did vs bryng,
(The more our sorowes to augmente,)
Required vs to sing.
Cōmaunding vs with spightful scorne
And great derision:
Sing vs (quod they) some hebrue songs
Of your blessed Sion.
And great derision:
Sing vs (quod they) some hebrue songs
Of your blessed Sion.
As though it were conuenient
Contrary to gods wyll,
Suche vayne preceptes of wycked men,
To folowe or fulfyll.
Contrary to gods wyll,
Suche vayne preceptes of wycked men,
To folowe or fulfyll.
In suche a lande gods laude to singe
With songes of his swete worde:
Where Images the honor haue
That due is to the lorde.
With songes of his swete worde:
Where Images the honor haue
That due is to the lorde.
If euer we Ierusalem
So from our myndes consume:
We wysh our right handes might forget
Our harpes to touche in tune.
So from our myndes consume:
We wysh our right handes might forget
Our harpes to touche in tune.
34
And that our tongues within our mouth
May cleue we are content,
When we should vtter any thyng,
That mynde may vs inuente:
May cleue we are content,
When we should vtter any thyng,
That mynde may vs inuente:
Thy prayses oh Ierusalem
If we preferre not styll,
Before the moste or greatest ioye
That hap may vs vntyll.
If we preferre not styll,
Before the moste or greatest ioye
That hap may vs vntyll.
These Edomytes our enemyes
Oh lorde remember them,
Their wyckednes when they destroyde
Thyne owne Ierusalem.
Oh lorde remember them,
Their wyckednes when they destroyde
Thyne owne Ierusalem.
Among them selues thus gan they say,
Our citie to confounde:
Destroye and sacke it, down with it,
And rase it to the grounde,
Our citie to confounde:
Destroye and sacke it, down with it,
And rase it to the grounde,
And thou O daughter Babylon,
(Well worthy of no les)
Thy mirthe shall turne to misery,
And thy ioye to distres.
(Well worthy of no les)
Thy mirthe shall turne to misery,
And thy ioye to distres.
And he shall be a happy man
That with suche lyke agayne
Shall the rewarde, as thou didst vs,
With great reprofe and payne.
That with suche lyke agayne
Shall the rewarde, as thou didst vs,
With great reprofe and payne.
Ye blessed shall he be in dede
That shall rewarde the once,
In takyng of thy suckyng babes
And dashe them to the stones.
That shall rewarde the once,
In takyng of thy suckyng babes
And dashe them to the stones.
[34]
An example of Gods prayse, for his great care ouer his elect, in disapointing their enemies & delyueringe them.
out of the .Cxl. Psalme.
What
can the mortall man
Inuente deuyse or skan,
Against the wyll of god?
Or howe can we withstande,
Of god the heuy hande,
His myghty plague and rod?
Inuente deuyse or skan,
Against the wyll of god?
Or howe can we withstande,
Of god the heuy hande,
His myghty plague and rod?
What nede we then to care,
What wicked men prepare,
With crafte vs to destroye?
Sythe god the Lorde of all,
Can bryng vs out of thrall,
And turne our care to ioye?
What wicked men prepare,
With crafte vs to destroye?
Sythe god the Lorde of all,
Can bryng vs out of thrall,
And turne our care to ioye?
The noble kyng Dauid
The lyke thyng hath proued,
That who so feare the lorde,
There shall no wyght preuayle
Though they doe vs assayle:
With workes of god abhorde.
The lyke thyng hath proued,
That who so feare the lorde,
There shall no wyght preuayle
Though they doe vs assayle:
With workes of god abhorde.
For in his tyme of nede
He prayed with all spede,
To god for helpe and ayde:
As it doth folowe here,
And ryght well doth appere,
What he therin hath sayde.
He prayed with all spede,
To god for helpe and ayde:
As it doth folowe here,
And ryght well doth appere,
What he therin hath sayde.
35
Eripe me domine.
Deliuer
me O Lorde
Accordyng to thy worde,
Lorde let me not be shent,
On me some pitie haue,
From subtyle wayghtes me saue,
Of enmies violent.
Accordyng to thy worde,
Lorde let me not be shent,
On me some pitie haue,
From subtyle wayghtes me saue,
Of enmies violent.
In heart they thynke myschiefe,
And seke to doe me griefe:
Their tongues they whet so sharpe
As aders venym vyle:
That they may vs beguyle,
Full wycked wyles they warpe.
And seke to doe me griefe:
Their tongues they whet so sharpe
As aders venym vyle:
That they may vs beguyle,
Full wycked wyles they warpe.
Kepe me O lorde therfore,
From enmies euer more,
Whiche wicked be and ill:
Thy helpe let me not wante,
For they would me supplante,
From doyng of thy wyll.
From enmies euer more,
Whiche wicked be and ill:
Thy helpe let me not wante,
For they would me supplante,
From doyng of thy wyll.
These proude men they haue sette
For me a pryuy nette,
Where I should out and in:
Yea and in my pathwaye
My soule for to betraye,
They laye bothe snare and gyn.
For me a pryuy nette,
Where I should out and in:
Yea and in my pathwaye
My soule for to betraye,
They laye bothe snare and gyn.
Lorde therfore haue I sayde
Thou art myne only ayde,
Lorde here my depe desyre:
O Lorde thou art my welth,
O God my sauing health,
Graunt me that I require.
Thou art myne only ayde,
Lorde here my depe desyre:
O Lorde thou art my welth,
[35]
Graunt me that I require.
Let not these men vnpure
On me take their pleasure,
Destroye their ill intente:
They are so proude and haulte,
That they them selues exalte,
Therfore let them be shente.
On me take their pleasure,
Destroye their ill intente:
They are so proude and haulte,
That they them selues exalte,
Therfore let them be shente.
I meane suche men as be
Of their great subtiltie,
At no tyme vnpreparde:
Lorde in their owne deceyte,
Wherwith they layde suche weyte.
Let their owne fete be snarde.
Of their great subtiltie,
At no tyme vnpreparde:
Lorde in their owne deceyte,
Wherwith they layde suche weyte.
Let their owne fete be snarde.
Let coles of fyre fall downe,
And cast them on their crowne,
And throwe them into hell
From whence howe for to ryse
There is no tongue so wyse,
That can them rede or tell.
And cast them on their crowne,
And throwe them into hell
From whence howe for to ryse
There is no tongue so wyse,
That can them rede or tell.
Let nothyng prosper well
On earth where suche men dwell,
Reproue their ryche renowne:
To mischiefe they be wunte.
With plages therfore them hunte
And hedlong throw them downe.
On earth where suche men dwell,
Reproue their ryche renowne:
To mischiefe they be wunte.
With plages therfore them hunte
And hedlong throw them downe.
I knowe the lorde will wounde,
And vtterly confounde,
All men to pryde adicte:
And wyll auenge in dede
The poore that stande in nede,
And are thus sore afflicte.
And vtterly confounde,
All men to pryde adicte:
36
The poore that stande in nede,
And are thus sore afflicte.
The ryghteous verely
Shall prayse and magnifie
Thy holy name therfore:
The heartes of pure pretence,
Shall dwell in thy presence,
Good lorde for euer more.
Shall prayse and magnifie
Thy holy name therfore:
The heartes of pure pretence,
Shall dwell in thy presence,
Good lorde for euer more.
An example howe to prayse God for his almyghty powre, and gentlynes.
Out of the .Cxlv. Psalme.
As
he that would set forth to men,
The prayse of some good kyng,
To cause his subiectes hym to loue:
And obey in all thynge,
The prayse of some good kyng,
To cause his subiectes hym to loue:
And obey in all thynge,
Doth shew to them his great goodnes,
His powre and all his myghte
That therby he may cause all folke,
In him to haue delyght:
His powre and all his myghte
That therby he may cause all folke,
In him to haue delyght:
And also that his enemies
The more may stande in feare,
And where perhaps they would rebell
To cause them to forbeare:
The more may stande in feare,
And where perhaps they would rebell
To cause them to forbeare:
So Dauid doth gods glory shewe,
And powre omnipente,
To make harde hartes that feare not god,
To soften and relente.
And powre omnipente,
To make harde hartes that feare not god,
To soften and relente.
[36]
That they myght come in vnitie
Of God and of his lawe,
And leaueth no good meanes vnsought,
Them to intyse and drawe.
Of God and of his lawe,
And leaueth no good meanes vnsought,
Them to intyse and drawe.
That vniformely mortall men,
Whiche in this worlde doe dwell:
Myght all agree praysinge the lorde,
And in vertue excell.
Whiche in this worlde doe dwell:
Myght all agree praysinge the lorde,
And in vertue excell.
Whiche if ye staye or stande in doubte
Howe to begynne this game,
Take here a Psalme, which will instruct
And leade you in the same:
Howe to begynne this game,
Take here a Psalme, which will instruct
And leade you in the same:
Exaltabo te deus.
O God
that arte myne only kyng,
I wyll thee magnify:
and so set forth thy laude & praise
To dure eternally.
I wyll thee magnify:
and so set forth thy laude & praise
To dure eternally.
From daye to daye euen euery daye,
Great thankes I wyll thee gyue,
And prayse thy name for euer more,
Whyle I haue tyme to lyue.
Great thankes I wyll thee gyue,
And prayse thy name for euer more,
Whyle I haue tyme to lyue.
Great is the Lorde and meruaylous,
And worthy of all prayse:
There is no ende of his greatnes,
Or magnificent wayes.
And worthy of all prayse:
There is no ende of his greatnes,
Or magnificent wayes.
37
From tyme to tyme for euer more
Eche generation
To others shall thy powre declare,
And thy workes evry one.
Eche generation
To others shall thy powre declare,
And thy workes evry one.
And as for me myne only talke
Shall worshyp styll thy name,
Thy glory and thy wondrous workes,
And prayse the for the same.
Shall worshyp styll thy name,
Thy glory and thy wondrous workes,
And prayse the for the same.
Men of thy workes so meruaylous
To speake shall haue delyght:
And alwayes shall be talkyng of
Thy greatnes and thy myght.
To speake shall haue delyght:
And alwayes shall be talkyng of
Thy greatnes and thy myght.
Of thyne abundant kyndnes we
Wyll kepe memoriall,
And syng of thy great ryghteousnes
From henceforth all men shall.
Wyll kepe memoriall,
And syng of thy great ryghteousnes
From henceforth all men shall.
For thou O lorde art gracious
Yea mercifull and meke,
Long suffring and of great goodnes
To them that doe hym seke.
Yea mercifull and meke,
Long suffring and of great goodnes
To them that doe hym seke.
To euery man lyberally,
The lorde doth shewe his loue,
And ouer all his goodly workes,
His mercy styll doth moue.
The lorde doth shewe his loue,
And ouer all his goodly workes,
His mercy styll doth moue.
And they expresse thy glory great,
Thy kyngdome and thy powre:
To men that all these myght be knowne
At euery tyme and houre,
Thy kyngdome and thy powre:
To men that all these myght be knowne
At euery tyme and houre,
[37]
Thy kyngdom euerlastingly
A kyngdome is ryght sure,
Thy lordshyp shall from age to age
Eternaly endure.
A kyngdome is ryght sure,
Thy lordshyp shall from age to age
Eternaly endure.
For in his dedes he faithfull is,
(What so he take in hande)
His workes be all holy and iuste,
Both vpon sea and lande.
(What so he take in hande)
His workes be all holy and iuste,
Both vpon sea and lande.
The lorde vpholdeth all that are
In danger for to fall,
Them that be downe he lyfteth vp
When they on hym doe call.
In danger for to fall,
Them that be downe he lyfteth vp
When they on hym doe call.
The eyes of all on thee O lorde
Doe wayte and put their trust,
And thou dost geue to them their meate
In season due and iuste.
Doe wayte and put their trust,
And thou dost geue to them their meate
In season due and iuste.
Thou openest thy holy hande,
Thy powre and thy good wyll,
All lyuing thynges plentifully,
Therwith that thou mayst fyll.
Thy powre and thy good wyll,
All lyuing thynges plentifully,
Therwith that thou mayst fyll.
The lorde is righteous in his wayes,
His workes be holy all:
And he is nyghe to faithfull men,
When they on him doe call:
His workes be holy all:
And he is nyghe to faithfull men,
When they on him doe call:
Suche as feare him, he will fulfyll
To them their whole desire.
He will them here and helpe also
When they doe hym require.
To them their whole desire.
He will them here and helpe also
When they doe hym require.
38
All suche as loue and feare the Lorde,
Them styll preserueth he:
And he wyll scatter all abroade
Suche as vngodly be.
Them styll preserueth he:
And he wyll scatter all abroade
Suche as vngodly be.
My mouth shall speake & prayse ye lorde
And that abundantly,
Let all fleshe thanke his holy name
With laude eternally.
And that abundantly,
Let all fleshe thanke his holy name
With laude eternally.
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