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 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
12
The third Hymn, proceeds to a thankful Illustration of GOD's deserved Praise, by acknowledging his Almightiness; his observing what hath been openly and secretly done in every part of the World, by both the said Nations, and that no praise is justly due to either of us, but shame rather, for ought performed in the said Ingagement.
[Most Almighty LORD of Hoasts]
[1]
Most Almighty LORD of Hoasts,High Protector of our Coasts,
Who command'st, as thou dost please,
Fire and Water, Earth and Seas;
Who lookst down from Heav'n, upon
All that here on Earth is done,
And survey'st her darkest parts,
Ev'n the Crannies of mens hearts.
2
Thou beheldst the PreparationsOf these wilful Neighbouring Nations;
Thou hast heard what they have spoken,
Heedest what such words betoken;
Thou hast search'd out their Designs,
With what thereto them inclines,
And knowst whether of the two
Is the worst, if one be so.
3
Thou observest what was done,Not in Africa alone,
Or both Indies; but what was
Done likewise in ev'ry place:
Why the English and the Dutch
Are divided now so much:
13
And to which most blame is due.
4
Thou remembrest what RelationsHave been long between these Nations,
What Professions to each other
They did make when knit together;
Yea, what they profest to thee,
Which now seems forgot to be,
As if they were not such men,
Or such Christians now, as then.
5
To prevent what is begun,Much, by thee, was timely done;
But, their Avarice and Pride
Them did more and more divide.
To self-will they did adhere,
Like men without wit or fear;
So thou leftst them both to do
What they were enclin'd unto.
6
Then with Streamers and with Flags,Foolish vaunts and shameless brags,
They weigh'd Anchors from the shoar,
Which by some was seen no more;
And, with an unchristin a rage,
'Gainst each other did engage;
Fire and Water, in that hour,
Striving which should most devour.
7
Dread of Death, that man amazes;Noise, and smoke, and sudden blazes
This man blinds, and deafneth so,
That he knows not Friend from Foe.
14
Wise-men speed as ill as Fools:
Here a Valiant Souldier dies,
There a Coward sprawling lies.
8
Loud the thundring Guns did roar,Sails, and Masts, and Keels were tore;
Ships were either split or fir'd;
Men by thousands there expir'd;
This man sinks, and that man swims;
Some escap'd with loss of limbs.
But to whether best befel,
Thou alone, O Lord, canst tell.
9
Horrid sights, and sounds without,Them assaulted round about,
Which, in some, did thoughts begin,
That rais'd greater Frights within;
And, though wounds did grieve them sore,
That tormented them much more;
For their pains none can declare,
Who in spirit wounded are.
10
This we know that thou art just,As is ev'ry thing thou dost:
Thou art kind, and lov'st so well,
That by woundings thou dost heal.
Thou art wise, and actest so,
That we thereby wise might grow;
And by what was lately done,
Might new Mercies be begun.
11
Not to Us, LORD, for the same,Be the praise, but to thy Name:
15
Nought belongs, but shame alone.
We were so much terrify'd,
That, we knew not what we did,
Nor yet seem to understand,
What work thou hast now in hand.
12
This Correction was in love,Which, if both should so improve
As (if they had grace) they may
By true penitence this day,
Our endeavour to be Friends,
To thine honour so much tends,
That, it would for both these Nations,
Prove the best of their Oblations.
13
Victories do not belongTo an Arm of Flesh, though strong.
Tis nor Policy nor Force,
Ships, nor Troops of Men and Horse;
No, nor formal thanks and prayers,
That prevents Death, or Despairs;
But it is thy powerful Arm,
That secures from fear and harm.
14
Therefore praise, for all well done,I ascribe to thee alone:
All that men have brought to pass,
Merits nothing but Disgrace;
And the best that we can do,
Will but Ruine add thereto,
If we keep our crooked wayes,
Or shall grudge at thy due praise.
| Miscellaneous works of George Wither | |