Hymn III. For a Subject.
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Subjects are apt to complain if they seem to suffer by
their Soveraigns; but, few examine what cause
they themselves are of their own Grievances; as
few are thankfull for the Benefits received by Good
Princes; for prevention whereof this Hymn is tendred.
Sing this as the former.
[1]
A sov'raigntie, though some obtain,
Who use their pow'r amisse;
Yet, when the same they shall obtain,
Thy Gift, oh God! it is;
And, those whom thou dost raise thereto,
We, therefore, should obay,
In all that Subjects ought to do,
To suffer, or to pay.
2
VVhen Tyrants over us are set,
They for our Sins are sent;
And, righteous-Princes, we shall get,
When we our faults repent.
But whether good or bad they be;
Thy Rod, and Sword, they bear;
And, we in them, shall honour thee,
If still, we loyall are.
3
Our stubborn hearts, oh Lord! incline
This dutie, to fulfill.
To ev'ry Substitute of thine,
Subject our froward will;
But, teach us, chiefly to beware,
We grieve nor injure those,
Whose Prudence, Justice, love and care,
Protects us, from our Foes.
4
Let us afford them all supplies,
Which their Affairs may need;
Admitting no such Tales or lies,
As may suspition breed.
But, let us praise, where praise is due;
And (when they merit blame)
Not prove, like Noahs cursed Son,
Divulgers of their shame.
5
So, they our Pietie, shall blesse,
VVhen they their error see;
And, thou oh God! wilt give us peace,
Because we loyall be.
For, when a people, conscience makes
Their Soveraign to obay;
God makes him gracious, for their sakes,
Or, takes him, soon, away.
