The forme of prayers and ministration of the sacraments, &c. vsed in the Englishe Congregation at Geneua and approued, by the famous and godly learned man, Iohn Caluyn.

Audite haec Psal. XLIX. Th. St.

¶ The holy ghoste calleth all men to the con¦sideration of mās life, shewing theym not to be moste happy, that are moste wealthy, and ther∣fore not to be feared: but contrariwise, he lif∣teth vp our myndes to consider how all thyn∣ges are ruled by godes prouidence, who as he iudgeth these worldely mysers to euerlastyng tormentes: so dothe he preserue his, and will rewarde theym in the day of the resurrection. 2. Thess. 1.

〈♫〉〈♫〉ALL people hearken and geue eare, to that that I shall tell, both hygh and lowe bothe

〈♫〉〈♫〉riche and poore that in the world do dwell. For why my mouth shall make discourse of many thinges right wyse: In vnder∣standyng shall my heart his stu∣dy exercise.

* 1.14 I wil enclyne myne eare to knowe the parables so darke: and open al my doubtful speche, in Metre on my harpe.

[verse 5] 5 Why should I feare afflictions, or any carefull toyle? or els my foes which at my heeles are prest my lyfe to spoyle?

[verse 6] 6 For as for such as riches haue wherin their trust is moste: and they which of their treasure great, them selues do bragge and boste:* 1.2

[verse 7] 7 There is not one of theym that can his brothers deathe redeme: or that can giue a price to god sufficient for hym.

[verse 8] 8 It is to great a price to pay none can therto attayne: [verse 9] 9 Or that he might his lyfe prolong, or not in graue remayne.

[verse 10] 10 They see wise men as well as foles subiecte vnto deathes handes: and being dead straungers possesse their goodes, their rentes, theyr landes.

[verse 11] 11 Their care is to builde houses fayre,* 1.3 and so determine sure: To make theyr name ryghte great in e∣arth, for euer to endure.

[verse 12] 12 Yet shal no man alwaies enioye high honor welth and reste: but shall at length taste of deathes cup, as well as the brute beaste.

[verse 13] 13 And thogh they trie these folishe thogh¦tes to be moste lewde and vayne:

* 1.4their children yet approue their talke, and in like synne remayne.

[verse 14] 14 As shepe into the folde are broght, so shall they into graue: Death shall them eate, and in that day the iuste shall lordship haue.

Their ymage, and their royall porte, shall fade, and quite decaye: when as from house to pitt they passe, with wo, and weale a waye.

[verse 15] 15 But god will surely preserue me from death & endles paine. Because he will of his good grace, * 1.5my soule receyue agayne.

[verse 16] 16 If any man waxe wonders riche, feare not I say therfore: Althogh the glory of his house, increaseth more and more:

* 1.617 For whē he dieth, of al these thinges, nothing shal he receiue, His glory wil not folow him, his pompe wil take her leaue.

[verse 18] 18 Yet in thys lyfe he taketh hymselfe, the happiest vnder sunne: and others likewise flatter hym, sayng, all is well done.

[verse 19] 19 And presuppose he lyue as longe as did his fathers olde: yet moste he nedes at length gyue place, and be broght to deathes folde.

[verse 20] 20 Thus man to hounor god hath called, yet dothe he not consider: but like brute beastes so doth he lyue, which turne to duste and powder.

Notes

• * 1.1

  he will treat of waighty matters and great impor∣tance.
• * 1.2

  The terme of mans lif is one¦ly in gods han¦des.
• * 1.3

  The dreame ā immortalitie in this life, al∣thogh daily the see the contra∣ry by experi∣ence.
• * 1.4

  Solab
• * 1.5

  Selab
• * 1.6

  Iob. 27. 1. Tim. 6.