Hymne XX. When we cannot sleep.
[_]
When we cannot sleep at seasonable times, vaine muzings,
and want of right meditating on God is frequently
chiefe cause of unrest. Therefore this Meditation
directeth to the remedy of such untimely watchfulnesse.
Sing this as the former Hymne.
[1]
VVhat ayles my Heart, that in my brest
It thus unquiet lies?
And that it, now, of needfull Rest
Deprives my tired eies?
Let not vaine Hopes, griefs, doubts, or feares
Distemper so my mind;
But, cast on God, thy thoughtfull cares,
And comfort thou shalt find.
2
In vaine that Soule attempteth ought,
(And spends her thoughts in vaine)
Who by, or in her selfe, hath sought
Desired peace to gain.
In vain, as rising in the morne,
Before the Day appeare:
In vain, to Bed we late returne,
And lye unquiet, there:
3
For, when of Rest, our Sin deprives,
When Cares do waking keep,
Tis God (and he alone) that gives
To his Beloved, sleep.
On thee, ô Lord, on thee, therefore,
My musings, now I place:
Thy free remission, I implore,
And thy refreshing grace.
4
Forgive thou me, that when my mind
Opprest begun to be,
I sought elsewhere, my peace to find,
Before I came to thee.
And, gracious God, vouchsafe to grant,
(Vnworthy though I am)
The needfull rest which now I want,
That I may praise thy Name.
