Hymn XXX. For the Day of the Purification.
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The blessed Virgin Mary having fulfilled the dayes
of her Purification, according to the Law, presented
both her Son, and her appointed Off-spring
in the Temple. This Anniversarie is to commemorate
her exemplary Obedience, and the presentation of our Saviour.
Sing this as the Lords
Prayer.
[1]
No doubt but She that had the grace
Thee, in her wombe Lord Christ to bear,
(And, did all woman-kinde surpasse)
Was hallow'd by thy being there:
And, sure, the Birth could not pollute
Where Holinesse became the Fruit.
2
Yet, in Obedience to thy Law,
Her Purifying-Rites were done;
That we might learn to stand in awe,
How from thy Discipline we run:
For Souls they have unpurifi'd;
Where due Obedience is deni'd.
3
Oh! keep us Lord, from judging vain,
What, by thy Word, thou shalt command.
Let us nor censure, nor complain
On what we do not understand:
And guide thy Church, that she may still,
Command, according to thy Will.
4
With pious uniform consent,
Let us thy Praises ever sing;
And keep that seamlesse-Robe unrent,
For which Prophannesse, Lots would fling.
Preserve us, in thy Love and Fear,
From our pollutions, alwaies clear.
5
And, as thy blessed Mother, went,
(That holy and beloved Maid)
Thee, in thy Temple, to present,
With perfect humane-flesh arraid;
So, let us unto thee be brought
With heavenly Graces, fully fraught.
6
Yea, let thy Church our mother-Dear
(Within whose wombe, new borne we be)
Before thee, at her Time appear,
To give her Children, up to Thee:
And Lord! receive, as hallowed things
Her, and that Offring, which she brings.