Hymne XXII. When we ride for Pleasure.
[_]
We make use of God's Creatures, aswell for pleasure,
as for necessity. Therefore when we ride forth
for pleasure, it will become us to mix, now and then
such thankfull Meditations with our lawfull Pleasures, as are in this Hymne.
Sing this as the 10. Commandements.
[1]
My God, how kind? how good art thou?
Of Man, how great is thy regard?
Who do'st all needfull things allow,
And, some for Pleasure, hast prepar'd?
With what great Speed? with how much ease?
On this thy Creature, am I borne,
Which at my will, and when I please
Doth forward goe, and backe returne?
2
Why should not I, ô gracious God!
More plyant be to thy command,
When I am guided by thy word,
And gently reined by thy hand.
Asham'd I may become to see
The Beast (which knowes nor good, nor ill)
More faithfull in obeying me,
Then I have been, to do thy will.
3
From him therefore, Lord, let me learn
To serve thee, better then I do;
And minde how much it may concern
My welfare to endeavour so.
And, though I know, this Creature lent
Aswell for Pleasure, as for need;
That I the wrong thereof prevent,
Let me, still, carefully take heed.
4
For, he that, wilfully shall dare
That Creature, to oppresse or grieve,
Which God to serve him doth prepare,
Himselfe of mercy doth deprive.
And He, or His (unlesse in time
They doe repent of that abuse)
Shall one day suffer for his Crime;
And want such Creatures, for their use.
