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450

Vespers for Saints.

Hymn XXXVIII.

[Tell me You bright Stars that shine]

Tell me You bright Stars that shine
Round about the Lambs high Throne;
How, through bodys once like mine,
How are you thus glorious grown?
Hark with one voice they reply;
This was all our happy skil:
We on JESUS fixt our ey,
And his emi'nent followers stil.
As we clearly saw their mind
Set and rul'd, we order'd ours:
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Both This state alone design'd,
Up towards this strem'd all our Powers.
Taught by Temp'rance we abstain'd
From all less for greater Goods:
Slighting litle drops, we gain'd
Full and sweet and lasting Floods.
Arm'd with Fortitude, we bare
Lesser Evils, worse to fly:
Mortal death we durst outdare,
Rather then for ever dy.
Iustice we observ'd by giving
Every one their utmost due:
That in peace, and order living,
All might freely Heav'n pursue.
Prudence govern'd all the Rest;
Prudence made us still apply
What was fittest, what was best,
To advance great Charity.
On those golden wheels of grace,
That loves fiery Chariot bear;
We ariv'd at this bright place;
Follow us and never fear.
O sure truth! O ble'st Attesters!
O that all the world may prove
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Of both these such strong digesters,
That both these may feed their love.
Him who made us all for This;
Him who made Himself our way;
Him who leads us in't to Blyss;
May all praise, and all obey.
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