Hymn VIII. For a Master or Mistresse.
[_]
It is a great happinesse to have good Servants to ease
our labours: Wee are hereby therefore put in Remembrance
to be thankfull for that blessing, when
we have it; and how to behave our selves toward
our Servants. If a Woman sing it, let her change
the word Master into Mistresse.
Sing this as the 100. Psalme.
[1]
In that a Master, I was made,
God's favour doth to me appear,
And, sure this grace, I never had,
Injuriously to domineer.
But, rather that with better ease,
I might my Calling undergoe;
And, thankfully him seek to please,
By whom I am befriended so.
2
How great a blisse do many share,
(Without regard what they enjoy)
That, they their heavie lodes to bear,
The Limbs of others may employ?
And, that their pleasures to purvay,
(Aswell as for their daily meat)
Their Servants travell out the day,
And, labour both in cold and heat?
3
Lord! cause me thankfully to mind,
This gracious bounty of thy hand;
And, to be mercifull and kind,
To them, whose bodies I command.
Let me remember, that we are
One flesh, and branches of one stem.
And, that, as well as I, they bear
His Image, who redeemed them.
4
When frowardnes in them I see,
When they without a cause repine,
When negligent or false they be,
Or Prodigall of what is mine;
Let me by these their failings view,
How, in thy service, I offend:
How many wayes I am untrue;
And, wink at them, till I amend.
5
Far be it, from me to detain
My Servants hire; or, to deny
Due rest; or, when he shall complain,
To grieve him with a harsh reply;
But, since thy Servant, Lord I am,
To them so gracious let me be,
That (though I often merit blame)
Thou may'st be mercifull to me.