Hymn XLVII. For Saint Matthias his Day.
[_]
This Day is observed in memoriall of Gods
Justice,
manifested in discovering and punishing Judas
Iscariot for abusing his Apostleship; and,
for his Mercy in electing Matthias, a faithfull
Pastor in his Roome. It gives us Occasion also,
to consider what hangs over their heads, who abuse
their Divine-Calling.
Sing this as the 4 Psalme.
[1]
When one of thine, did false become,
And, his high place abuse;
Thou left'st him, Lord, and in his Roome,
Didst just Matthias chuse,
So, if within thy Church this day,
Vnfaithfull Pastors dwell,
To them, Repentance grant, we pray,
Or, them, with speed, expell.
2
Though, horned like the Lambe they show,
Though, Sheep-like, cloth'd they be;
Let us their Dragon-language know,
And, Woolvish-nature see.
And, cause thy Lots to fall on those,
(Thy Flocks to undertake)
Who shall their manners well compose,
And, thereof Conscience make.
3
Let us likewise, his fall, so heed
Whose Place, Matthias got;
And, with such loving Awe proceed,
That, we deny Thee not.
For, Titles be they nev'r so high,
Rare-Gifts, or Sacred-Place,
Shall no mans Person sanctifie,
Without thy Speciall-Grace.
