Hymn IIII. For a Magistrate.
[_]
The corruption of Magistrates, is the more frequent
through defect of some to remember them of their
duties. Therefore, because it is not safe, nor thought
comely, for every one to undertake that office, we
have added this Hymn, that they might otherwhile,
be thereby Remembrancers to themselves.
Sing this as the X. Commandements.
[1]
Fvll well, that person, it beseems,
Who should reform the Sinners way,
To rid his eyes, of motes, and beams;
And, live as blamelesse, as he may:
For, he that lewd example shews,
The Rod of Rule, in vain doth bear;
And with his left-hand overthrows,
What, with his Right hand, he doth rear.
2
If, justly, I reprov'd may be,
For that, which I in others blame;
It is a double-sin in me,
That meriteth a double-shame.
Or if I should for Friend or Foe,
For bribe, for favour, fear, or hate.
In doing Justice partiall grow;
As great a plague, is due, for that.
3
A Bribe, hath pow'r to fool the wise:
Pride, scorns to hear the poor-mans mone:
Lust, putteth forth discretions eyes:
Hate, cannot see when wrong is done:
Self-love, prefers her proper cause:
Fear, will his dearest Friend betray.
Ambition, will pervert the Laws.
And sloth all duties will delay.
4
From these things Lord, preserve me clear;
And, from their proud and foolish wit,
Who, at offenders, scoffe and Jeer,
When on the Judgement-seat they sit.
And, this moreover, I desire;
Me, from their basenesse still defend,
Who dare to publike-place, aspire,
That, it may serve a private-end.
5
With wisdom, so my minde indue,
That, I my passions may subject;
And, by examples, alway, shew
What things in others, I expect.
With courage, arme, likewise, my heart:
That, (having laudably begun)
I do not cowardly depart
From perfiting, what should be done.
6
And, teach thou me, to temper so
Faire-means, with discipline-severe,
That, Mercy may with Justice, go;
And, in correction, Love appear.
Yea, so meek-hearted make thou me,
That, when offenders I condemn,
My heart may feel how sad they be;
And, suffer grief, in judging them.
