Hymne XIX. When we put off our Apparell.
[_]
Whilest we are putting off our Apparell, the singing of
this briefe Hymne, will be neither tedious nor unprofitable;
seeing we may thereby prepare aswell
our Minds as our Bodies for the better enjoying of a comfortable Rest.
Sing this as the 33, or 34. Psalmes.
[1]
As e're I downe am couched there,
Where, now I hope to rest;
I, first, from what I daily weare,
Begin to be undrest.
So, in my Grave, e're I shall be
In blest reposure layd,
Of many Rags, yet worne by me,
I must be disarayd.
2
My fruitlesse Hopes, my foolish Feares,
My Lust, my lofty Pride,
My fleshly-Joyes, my needlesse-Cares,
Must quite be laid aside.
Yea that Selfe-Love, which yet I weare
More neare me then my skin,
Must off be pluck'd, e're I shall dare
My last-long-sleep begin.
3
Of These, and all such Rags as these,
When I am disarayd
My Soule and Body shall have ease,
Where ever I am layd:
For Feares of Death, nor Cares of Life,
Shall then disquiet me;
Nor dreaming-Joyes, nor waking Griefe
My Sleeps disturbance be.
4
Therefore, instruct thou me ô God!
And give me grace, to heed
With what vaine things, our selves we lode;
And what we rather need.
Oh! help me teare those Clouts away,
And let them so be loth'd,
That, I, on my last-rising-Day,
With Glory may be cloth'd.
5
And, now, when I am naked layd,
Vouchsafe me so to arme;
That nothing make my heart afrayd,
Or doe my Body harme.
And guard me so when downe I lie,
And when I rise againe;
That (sleep, or wake, or live, or die)
I, still, may safe remaine.
