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.

Miserere mei Deus. Psal. LI.

¶ when Dauid was rebuked by the Prophete Nathan for his great offences, he dyd not only acknowlage the same to god with protestation of his naturall corruption, and iniquitie: but also left a memoriall therof to his poste∣ritie. Therfore first he desireth god to forgiue his synnes and renewe in him his holy spirite: with promesse that he will not be vnmyndfull, of those great graces. finally fearinge lest god wolde ponishe the whole churche for his faute: he requireth that he wolde rather increase his graces towards the same.

〈♫〉〈♫〉O Lorde consider my di∣stresse, and now with speed some pitie

〈♫〉〈♫〉take: my synnes deface, my fautes redresse, good lorde, for thy great mer¦cies sake. Washe me ó lorde, and make me cleane, from this iniuste and synnefull acte: and purifie yet once againe, my hainous crime and bloodie facte.

[verse 3] 3 Remorce and sorrowe do constrayne me to acknowlege myne excesse: My synne alas, dothe still remayne before my face withowte relesse.

[verse 4] 4 For thee alone I haue offended, comittyng euell in thy sight: and if I were therfore condemned, yet were thy iudgement iust and right.

[verse 5] 5 It is to manifest alas, that first I was conceyud in synne: yea of my mother so borne was, and yet vile wretche remaine therin.

[verse 6] 6 But notwithstanding thou doest loue, the inwarde trueth of a pure hart: therfore thy wisedome from aboue, thou haste reueld me to conuert.

[verse 7] 7 If thou with hissope purge this blot, I shalbe cleaner then the glasse: and if thou washe away my spot, the snowe in whitenes shall I passe.

[verse 8] 8 Therfore o lorde suche ioy me send, that inwardelie I may fynde grace: and that my strength may now amend, which thou haste swagd for my trespas.

[verse 9] 9 Turne backe thy face and frowning ire, for I haue felt ynough thy hand: and purge my synnes I thee desire, which do in nomber passe the sand.

[verse 10] 10 Make new my harte within my brest and frame it to thy holy will:

thy constant spirit in me let rest, which may these ragyng enmys kill.

[verse 11] 11 Cast me not owte lorde frō thy face, but spedelie my torments ende: take not from me thy spirite & grace, which may from daungers me defend.

[verse 12] 12 Restore me to those ioyes agayne which I was wonte in thee to fynde: and let me thy free spirite retayne, which vnto thee may styre my mynde.

[verse 13] 13 Thus when I shall thy mercies knowe, I shall instructe others therin: and men that are likewise broght lowe, by myne ensample shall flee synne.

[verse 14] 14 O god that of my health art lorde, forgyue me thus my bloodie vice: my harte and tongue shall then accorde to synge thy mercies and iustice.

[verse 15] 15 Touche thou my lippes, my tōg vntie, ò lorde which art the onlie kaye: and then my mouthe shall testifie, thy wōdrous woorkes and prayse alway.

[verse 16] 16 And as for owteward sacrifice, I wolde haue offred many one: but thou estemes theym of no prise, and therin pleasure takest thou none.

[verse 17] 17 The heauie hart, the mynde opprest, ò lorde thou neuer doest reiecte: and to speake truthe it is the best, and of all sacrifice theffecte.

[verse 18] 18 Lorde vnto Zion tourne thy face, powre owte thy mercies on thy hill: and on Hierusalem thy grace, builde vp the walles, and loue it still.

[verse 19] 19 Thow shalt accept then our offrynges of peace and rightuousnes I saye: yea calues and many other thynges, vpon thyne aulter will we laye.

Notes

• Rom. 3.
• Nu. 19. Iea. 14. Isa. 1.