Let us not corrupt or neglect thy worship; nor take thy holy name in vain. Keep us from blasphemy, perjury, profane swearing, lying, contempt of thy ordinances, and from false, unworthy, and unreverent thoughts and speeches of God, or holy things; and from the neglect and profanation of thy holy day.[233]
Put it into the hearts of the kings and rulers of the world to submit to Christ, and rule for him as nursing-fathers to his church: and save them from the temptations that would drown them in sensuality; or would break them upon Christ as a rock of offence, by engaging them against his holy doctrine, ways, and servants.[234]
Have mercy on thy servant Charles, our king, protect his person, illuminate and sanctify him by thy Spirit, that above all things he may seek thine honour, the increase of faith, and holy obedience to thy laws; and may govern us as thy minister, appointed by thee for the terror of evil-doers, and the praise of them that do well, that under him we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.[235]
Have mercy upon all the royal family, upon the lords of the council, and all the nobility, the judges, and other magistrates of these lands. Let them fear thee, and be ensamples of piety and temperance, haters of injustice, covetousness, and pride, and defenders of the innocent: in their eyes let a vile person be contemned, but let them honour them that fear the Lord.[236]
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, and not resist; let them obey the king, and all in authority, not only for wrath, but for conscience' sake.[237]
Give all the churches able, holy, faithful pastors, that may soundly and diligently preach thy word, and guide the flocks in ways of holiness and peace; overseeing and ruling them not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; not as being lords over thy heritage, but the servants of all, and ensamples to the flock; that when the chief Pastor shall appear, they may receive the crown of glory.[238]
Let the people know those that are over them in the Lord, and labour among them, preaching to them the word of God; let them highly esteem them in love for their work's sake, account them worthy of double honour, and obey them in the Lord.[239]
Let parents bring up their children in holy nurture, that they may remember their Creator in the days of their youth; and let children love, honour, and obey them. Let husbands love their wives, and guide them in knowledge and holiness; and let wives love and obey their husbands. Let masters rule their servants in thy fear, and servants obey their masters in the Lord.[240]
Keep us from murders and violence, and injurious passionate words and actions.[241]
Keep us from fornication and all uncleanness, from chambering and wantonness, from lustful thoughts and filthy communications, and all unchaste behaviour.[242]
Keep us from stealing or wronging our neighbour in his property, from perverting justice, from false witnessing and deceit, from slandering, backbiting, uncharitable censuring or other wrong to the reputation of our neighbours.[243]
Keep us from coveting any thing that is our neighbour's. Let us love our neighbours as ourselves, and do to others as we would they should do to us.[244]
Cause us to love Christ in his members with a pure and fervent love, and to love our enemies, and do good to all, as we are able; but especially to the household of faith.[245]
Give us our necessary sustentation and provision for thy service and contentedness therewith. Bless our labours, and the fruits of the earth in their season, and give us such temperate weather as tendeth hereunto. Deliver us and all thy servants from such sickness, wants, and other distresses, as may unseasonably take us off thy service. Keep us from gluttony and drunkenness, slothfulness, unlawful gain, and from making provision for the flesh to satisfy its lusts.[246]
When we sin, restore us by true repentance and faith in Christ. Let us loathe ourselves for our transgressions; forgive them all, and accept us in thy well-beloved Son; save us from the curse and punishment which they deserve, and teach us heartily to forgive others. Convert our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and forgive them.[247]
Cause us to watch against temptations, to resist and overcome the flesh, the devil, and the world; and by no allurements of pleasure, profit, or honour, to be drawn from thee to sin. Let us patiently suffer with Christ that we may reign with him.[248]
Deliver us and all thy people from the enmity and rage of Satan, and all his wicked instruments; and preserve us to thy heavenly kingdom.[249]
For thou only art the universal King; all power is thine in heaven and earth: of thee, and through thee, and to thee are all things, and the glory shall be thine for ever. Amen.[250]
Concerning the Psalms for public use.