Hymn XXXI. For the Time of Lent.
[_]
This Observation was first instituted, partly to commemorate
our Saviours miraculous Fasting,
whereby he satisfied for the Gluttony of our first
Parents: partly to coole the Blood, which at
this time of the yeare is subject to be inflamed
to the endangering of our Health; but it was
chiefly ordained to prepare us rightly to meditate
the Passion of our Saviour, which is usually commemorated
at the end of our Lent. The Abstinence
from Flesh at this season, is onely a civill
Ordinance for the better increase and preservation
of the Creatures upon the land, for our temporall profit.
Sing this as the 10. Commandements.
[1]
Thy wondrous Fasting to record,
And our unruly Flesh to tame,
A Holy Fast, to thee, oh Lord!
We have intended in thy Name.
O sanctifie it so, we pray,
That Honour may redound to Thee;
And so dispose us, that it may
To our advantage, likewise be.
2
Let us not grudgingly abstain;
Nor secretly, the Gluttons play.
Nor openly, for glory vain,
This usefull Discipline obey.
But, let us Fast, as thou hast taught,
Thy Rule, observing, in each part,
With such Intentions as we ought;
And with true singlenesse of Heart.
3
So, Thou shalt our Devotions blesse,
And make this Discipline to be
A means those Lustings to suppresse,
Which hinder us in serving Thee.
And, though our strictest Fastings faile,
To merit, of themselves, thy Grace;
Yet, they, to make for our availe,
By thy Deservings, may have place.
4
True Fastings, helpfull oft have bin,
The wanton Flesh to mortifie:
But, they take off no guilt of Sin;
Nor can we merit ought thereby.
It is thine abstinence oh CHRIST!
And thine alone, that merit must:
For, when our works are at the best,
We perish, if in them we trust.
