Hymn XXVIII. For a Widower, or a Widow delivered from a troublesome Yoke-fellow.
[_]
Because deliverance from a troublesome Yoke-fellow,
is a benefit neither to be despised nor undiscreetly
rejoyced in; this Hymn teacheth with what moderation,
with what tendernesse of heart, and
with what desire we should be affected in such cases.
Sing this as the Lamentation.
[1]
Rejoice not without fear, my heart,
That, thou by death's impartiall stroke,
Discharged from thy Partner art,
And, freed from an unequall Yoke.
Yea, though by means of this divorce,
Thou may'st escape much discontent;
Yet, both with pittie and remorse,
Consider well, of this event.
2
For, as when first the Jewish-Lawes,
Divorcements, tolerable made
The hardnes of their heart was cause,
That such a Course permission had.
So, an obduratenes of thine,
Some cause might peradventure, be
That God, (who sees when men repine)
Hath from thy Mate, released thee.
3
Triumph not, therefore, in thy lot,
As if thy merits were the more;
But, use the freedome thou hast got,
With meeknes; and thy Sins deplore.
For, if Gods eye had bin severe
In marking how I gave offence,
He had prolong'd my torment here;
Or else, in wrath remov'd me hence.
4
When Man and Wife shall disagree,
Though one of them lesse guiltie prove,
Yet, neither of them, quite are free
From breaking of the Law of Love.
And, to be blamelesse, doth sometimes
Those proud, or foolish thoughts infuse,
Which make more guiltie, then the crimes,
For which we others do accuse.
5
Vnto the Soul-departed, Lord,
(Although it often hath transgrest)
I hope, thy mercy doth afford,
Well-being, in a place of rest.
And, for each wrong sustain'd by me,
Whil'st in the Flesh it did remain,
(As also for my wrongs to thee)
I beg thy pardon to obtain.
6
And, that I may conclude my race
With lesse offence, and more content;
Vouchsafe me thy assisting-grace,
Ensuing errors to prevent,
And, if thy providence allowes
Another helper unto me;
LORD, keep us faithfull in our vowes,
Both to each other, and to thee.
