Hymn XXVI. For Virgins.
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This Hymn teacheth Virgins to behave themselves
with discreet and chaste moderation, according
to the gift they have received; neither
striving for the Garland of perpetuall Virginity,
beyond their power, nor shunning it, being made
capable thereof; but, rather submitting both mind
and bodie, to what God calls them unto.
[1]
Zeal to God-Almighties praise,
And, his worship to attend,
Hallow'd some in former daies,
To be Virgins to their end:
Virgins, firme in Age and Youth,
To the love of spotlesse-Truth:
Nor defil'd, nor drawn aside
By the baits of Lust, or Pride.
2
These, are they whom Grace ordaines
To be present day and night,
Where the blessed Lambe remains;
And, to wear long Robes of white.
Robes, more white then mountain snow;
Or, the Lillies, where they grow:
Robes more glorious, then those are,
Which Earth's greatest Princes wear.
3
LORD, my Bodie yet is free,
From a wanton fleshlie touch;
Happie will my portion be,
If I still may say as much.
For, when toyous we begin,
Lust will quickly enter in:
And though first, the breach be small,
That, at last, will ruine all.
4
If a Virgin to remain,
For thy service, may be best;
Make me able to contain;
That no Longings me molest.
Let our Pride, nor causlesse Fears,
Dread of Want, or outward Cares,
To that life, a motive be;
But meer Love of serving thee.
5
Though, some skoffingly, upbrayd
Those that aged Virgins are;
Let not that which fools have said,
From a praisefull course deter.
Neither let a Virgins name,
Make me dote upon the same,
Till those raging fires begin,
Which provoke to deadly-Sin.
6
To keep chast the marriage-bed,
Is a virtue more of worth,
Then to keep a maiden-head;
Though, some set it fairer forth.
ANGELS, Virgins are, they say,
So, are Flowers, as well as they;
And, as much (for ought I know)
Merit praise for being so.
7
If a Helper, help me may,
Better to perform thy Will;
Such a one, for me purvay,
And, be then our Helper still.
I desire not to obtain,
What meer Fancie seeks to gain;
But, in that would spend my daies,
Which may most advance thy praise.
8
Some, unfit for Wedlock seem,
Others, Virgins cannot live:
Ev'ry gift should have esteem,
Which it pleases thee to give.
Whatsoe're, therefore, it be
Which thy Love confers on me,
Make me, so my gift to prize,
That, no other, I despise.
9
To what state so e're thou hast
Me, for time to come, design'd;
Keep thy servant ever chast,
Both in Body, and in Mind.
For, if Chastitie be there,
Both estates made equall are:
And, ev'n that, which best is thought,
Wanting this, proves worse then naught.
