Hymne XXIIII. For safe return, from a Voyage.
[_]
Men that are in want and danger (farre from their
homes) have many longings for a safe return; But,
being arived where they would be, a vain Jollitie,
or negligence, puts (oftentimes) out of minde all remembrance
of due thankfulnesse; which we desired to prevent by this Hymn.
Sing this as the 100. Psalme.
[1]
How great! how gracious have I found
Thy Favours, Lord my God, to mee!
How, for thy mercies, am I bound,
With all my Powr's, to honour thee?
For, that whereto my wish aspir'd,
To me thou, timely, granted hast,
(As fully as my heart desir'd)
And, all my Fears are gone and past.
2
Me, thou hast hither, from a far,
Through many Streights and perils brought;
And, now, in presence, those things are,
Whose Absence, overlong I thought.
How often! hath my heart been sad,
Whilst Hope did suffer by delay?
And, ô! how faine would I have had
A sight of what I view this day.
3
The Place desir'd, the Friends belov'd,
And, many wished pleasures more,
From which I lately was remov'd,
Thy Mercie doth to me restore.
Nor didst thou, only, thus preserve
And blesse me, Lord, beyond desart;
But, when disfavour I deserve,
My kinde, and constant Friend thou art.
4
Permit not, ô permit thou not
These overflowings of thy grace,
To be abused or forgot,
In any future Time, or Place.
But, let me all my life time-long,
My Will, my Wits, and Strength bestow
As well in Action, as in Song,
Thy Wisdome, Powre, and Love to show.
5
And, when those Travels have an end,
Which for mine own advantage, here,
(Or for thy service) I attend,
Make my last Voyage without fear.
Yea, when my Iourney I shall take
Vnto my last, and longest-Home;
A Joyfull Passage, let me make,
And, blessed in thy Rest, become.
