Hymn XCI. Against Despaire.
[_]
Sometime good Christians (though not overcome of
such an evill) are strongly tempted unto Despaire.
Therefore, that such as feel any motions, this way,
may be warned and assisted, to resist the Devill in
his first attempts, inclining to this hellish Passion; We prepared this Hymn.
Sing this as Te Deum.
[1]
What hellish Doubt! what cursed Fear,
Is that which now begins,
Vnto my Conscience to appear?
And threats me for my Sins?
In me methinks I somwhat feel,
My heart, oppressing so,
That Faith and Hope begin to reel,
And faint my Spirits grow.
2
Assist me, Lord! for I perceive
My Ghostly-Foe intends
Of that Assurance to bereave,
Whereon my Soul depends.
He whispers to my troubled mind,
Suggestions of Despaire;
And, sayes, I shall no mercy find,
Though I to thee repair.
3
But all untruth in him is found,
And Truth it selfe doth say;
That, Thou in Mercy dost abound
And heareft those that pray.
Oh ! hear me, Lord! oh hear me now,
And (since my God, thou art)
Against Despaire, enable Thou,
My much oppressed heart.
4
Say to my Soul, thou art her Friend,
Her Comfort, and her Aide.
From those Distresses me defend,
Which make me now afraid.
For, weake, and sick, and faint, alas!
My Faith begins to be;
And LORD, without thy saving-grace,
There is no hope for me.
5
My Sinns before my face appear,
In their most lothsome Dresse,
My Conscience tells me when, and where,
And how I did transgresse.
Thy Law declares, what for my sins,
Thy Justice did foredoome;
And, Sathan layes a thousand Gins,
That snar'd, I may become.
6
That Hell which in my soule I find,
Is to my friends unknowne.
The world her owne affaires doth mind
And leaves me oft alone;
And, but that I to Thee, as yet,
Remember to repaire.
My Passions would in me beget
A mercilesse Despaire.
7
Preserve, oh Lord! preserve in me,
(And all men, thus opprest)
A hopefull heart to seek from thee,
Our much desired Rest.
And, still, when Satan snares doth lay,
To work our overthrow,
Still, frustrate what he doth assay;
And, stronger make us grow.
