Hymn XXIIII. For a Man in generall.
[_]
Few men so consider the Priviledges of their Sexe as
to be thankfull for the same, by which neglect
they sometime abuse their Prerogatives. The
amendment of which oversights was aymed at by
offering this Hymn to be sometime used.
[1]
Great (oh Lord) thy favour was,
That, a Being I have gain'd.
Greater was in this thy Grace,
That, therewith I life obtain'd.
But, in that, the Soul I had
Thou with Reason, hast endow'd;
And, to Reason, Faith didst add,
Greater Mercy hath bin show'd.
2
These large favours, I confesse;
And, consider their esteem.
Yet, I value nev'rtheles,
Those that lower-prized seem.
Therefore, Lord, (in what I can)
Thanks I now to thee return,
That, I was brought forth a Man,
Rather, then a Woman born.
3
Not that I their Sexe despise;
Or, too much exalt mine own:
For, in these I were unwise;
And, more Pride, then Thanks had shown.
But (the Truth to thee I'le speak)
Though men strongest counted are)
I confesse myself too weak,
Female Suff'rings well to bear.
4
For, when I observe the pains,
Which, pursue a childing-wombe,
And, the torments it sustains
When the hour of Birth is come;
When I heed the nightlie care,
Which the nursing-mouths procure,
Grievous things, methinks they are,
Which a Woman doth endure.
5
To submit my knowing-Soul,
(As they oft are fain to doe)
To a churl, a fools controul,
And perhaps dishonest too.
There my Bodie to subject,
Where I loath to draw my breath;
And, by Nature disaffect,
Would be worse to me then death.
6
I will thankfull therefore be,
That, at better ease I seem;
And, expresse my thanks to thee,
In a due respect of them:
For, as first a womans blame,
Was occasion of our Fall:
So; first, by a Woman came
That, which makes amends for all.
