Hymn XXII. For a Husband.
[_]
The Knowledge, Conscience, Prudence, and Affection
becoming a husband, is here partly expressed
in hope, that by the perusall and use of this Hymn;
some shall be the better continued in their conjugall
amitie; and some become better husbands then they were.
Sing this as the 1 Psalme.
[1]
Confession of the same I owe,
And, thanks, oh Lord, to thee.
That, thou art pleased to bestow
A helper, fitting me.
For, they that wed, and then repent,
(Though others they condemn)
Were cause of their own discontent,
And, had what fitted them.
2
A wife sometime, is thought a curse,
(And therefore disesteem'd)
When, he that ownes her had been worse,
If she had better seem'd.
As, good examples breed, in some,
More vertues, then they had;
Some, likewise, better do become,
By finding others bad.
3
Lord, let me alwaies mannage well
The blessing, I have got;
And, so with my companion dwell;
That, her, I injure not.
Preserve us, to each other kinde,
With so much true respect,
That, we may no occasions finde,
Of doubtings, or neglect.
4
Let me not yeeld up my command,
To her, that should obay;
Nor, on my pow'r, more strictly stand,
Then Love, with Reason may.
But, let me still so act my part,
And, be so well advis'd;
That, I may neither grieve her heart,
Nor make my self despis'd.
5
Though other Women may be thought,
With more endowments blest,
Let me beleeve, that mine hath brought,
What shall befit me best.
And, at her frailties, if I shall,
In word, or thought, repine;
Let me consider there withall;
What she may think of mine.
6
When other women shall appear,
More pleasurefull, to be,
Make me suspect that Sathan there,
Hath laid a baite for me:
And, give me grace the same to shun,
And, earnestly to pray,
That, ere a folly may be done,
Thy Love, prevent it may.
7
Our Saviour Christ, hath signifide,
What love, a husband owes,
By that, which on his holy-Bride,
He graciously bestows.
Therefore, so neer, as unto that,
Imperfect Love may reach,
Lord, give me grace to imitate
What his examples teach.
