Hymn XCII. VVhen Oppressors and wicked men flourish.
[_]
Many Godly men (as was David) are much troubled
and offended to see Tyrants and wicked persons
prosper in the world, to the oppressing of Innocents,
&c. Therefore this Hymn is provided to comfort
such; and to preserve them patient in times of Oppression.
[1]
My heart, why art thou sad?
VVhy art thou pierced thorow?
And wherefore art thou Joylesse made,
By causelesse Fear and Sorrow?
Or why should'st thou repine,
(As helplesse, and unblessed)
Because in Honours Orbe, they shine,
By whom thou art oppressed?
2
What though thou hast perceiv'd
That Ryot, Pride, and Folly,
Have of their needfull dues bereav'd
Endevours Good, and Holy?
And, what though thou observe
Vnworthy men ennobled?
When they which better things deserve,
Are for well-doing troubled?
3
Thereat, repine thou not;
Nor this vain Fancie cherish;
That Righteousnes, is quite forgot,
Because the wicked flourish.
But, with a constant mind,
In doing-well persever;
And, profit, thou, e're long shalt find
In thy upright endeavour.
4
The Righteous for a space,
By troubles are depressed;
That, so the precious Fruits of Grace,
May be the more increased.
And, carnall men obtain,
The Portions they have chused;
That, they, at last, may know with pain,
What Blessings they refused.
5
To seek, thou shalt not need,
By searching Times preceding,
Or ghesse what will on them succeed,
By hear-say, or by Reading:
For, if thou patient be,
By Sight shall proof be gained,
In more, then One, or Two, or Three)
What is for such ordain'd.
6
Perdition, they bestride;
Yet can they not perceive it:
Therefore, Good-Counsell they deride,
And, injure them who give it.
For which, ev'n in their height,
Of Glories, and of Pow'r,
They see their Hope, destroyed quite,
And perish't in one hou'r.
7
This day (like Phar'ohs Hoast:
(Poore harmles men pursuing)
Of their large pow'rs they proudly boast,
No sign of terror shewing.
Anon (with fear enough)
They feel their kingdome falling.
Their Plumes, and Charriot-Wheels fly off,
And, they in mud, are sprawling.
8
Then, vexe no more my heart,
Because a Tyrant thriveth.
And, that whil'st thou oppressed art,
Thy Foe, in Honour liveth.
But, thine own waies observe;
And, so let them be fram'd,
That whatsoever some deserve,
We may remain unblam'd.
9
For what will it availe
In Courses to persever;
Whereby men Joy but for a while,
And then lament for ever?
Or, why should he complaine
Who, for a scratch, procureth
That health and saftie to obtaine,
Which evermore endureth?
