Hymn XCVII. When our Fancies affright us, with Illusions, or dreadfull Apparitions.
[_]
Though few are disposed to sing, when they are terrified
with fearfull Visions; yet, some have that
Christian Stoutnesse: and they who attain not to it,
may perhaps be strengthened by meditating this
Charme, either amidst their Terrors, or before they appeare.
[1]
Blesse me, oh God! and be thou near
To help me at this dreadfull hou'r.
My Heart confirm against my Fear,
And, guard me by thy Saving pow'r.
I feel my Flesh begins to quake;
But, thou my Spirit strengthned hast;
My Heart in Thee doth Courage take;
Vnto thy Grace, it cleaveth fast.
Whereof, since I assured am,
My Foe, thus charge I, in thy Name.
2
Foul Fiend avoid, and carry hence,
Those vain Impostures, wherewithall
Thou seekest to delude my Sense,
And bring my Reason into thrall.
The Father, Son, and Holy ghost,
(One blessed God, in Persons three)
Whose Favour, justly, thou hast lost,
Commands thy absence, now by me.
Depart, and for thy frightfull showes,
Expresse his wrath unto his Foes.
3
By that great God, who did not scorn
Our Nature; but the same hath took:
By Him, that of a Maid was born;
By Him, whose pow'r thy head hath broke:
By Him, that for my Ransome di'de;
By Him, that conquer'd Death, and Hell;
By Him, who now is glorifi'd,
Where all the blessed Holies dwell:
By Him, I charge that thou forbear
To Harm, or put my Heart in Fear.
4
Depart with all those Bug-bear Sighs,
Whereby thou do'st abuse our Sense,
Depart, with all the cursed Sleights,
Whereby thou givest us offence.
Depart, with all those craftie Gins,
Whereby thy malice doth assay,
To tempt us to those damned Sins,
Which, to destruction, are the way.
Depart thou to thy Heards of Swine;
And, trouble thou, nor me, nor mine.
