Hymn XI. For a Day of publike Rejoycing.
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It is usuall upon dayes of Rejoycing to expresse more
folly then Thankfulnes, to him who hath vouchsafed
the cause of our Exultation. Therfore to rectifie
that oversight, and to direct our mirth to the glory of
God, this Hymn is provided.
Sing this as the Magnificat.
[1]
Lord, thou hast fil'd our hearts with Joy
And, that hath mov'd our Tongues,
Their Tunefull Voices to imploy
In singing Praisefull-Songs.
Rejoycings, in our dwellings are;
With mirth our Cups are crown'd;
And Shouts of Gladnesse, ev'ry where,
Throughout our streets do sound.
2
Lord! whence comes all this merriment?
Whence flows it but from Thee?
From whom all pleasant things are sent,
To those that Thankfull be.
Our Faithfull Hopes, thou hast made good,
Thou hast made voyd our Fears:
Our Foes desire, thou hast with stood;
And, dri'de up all our Tears.
3
Let not this Joy, by Fires, and Bells,
By Noise, alone, be known;
By Feasts, or Healths; but, someway els,
(And better wayes) be shown.
Yea, since thy Mercy from on high,
This Joy, on us bestow'd;
Let Works of Mercie, sanctifie
The Gladnesse, we have show'd.
4
Let us, to those that are Distrest
A word of Comfort Speake;
Relieve the Needy, and Opprest;
Add Strength unto the weake.
So, God will change our Outward Mirth,
To such Internall-Ioy,
That, nothing, whilst we live on earth,
Our Comfort shall Destroy.
