Hymn XXIII. For Ember-weekes.
[_]
These are our publique Fasts, kept at the foure Seasons
of the yeere, that by a Christian humiliation
we might move Almightie God to vouchsafe
the needfull Blessings of the Season; to strengthen
our constitutions against the Humours then
predominant, and to be pleased, that they who are
called to the
Ministry of the Gospel, may be
faithfull and fit
Labourers for his
Vineyard.
For, the
Lords Day next every of these
Fasts, are the times which were anciently appointed,
for
Laying-hands on such as were called to that office.
Sing this as the Lords Prayer.
[1]
Thou dost from ev'ry Season LORD,
To profit us, Advantage take.
And, at their fittest houres afford,
Those Gifts for which, requests we make.
At Winter, Summer, Fall, or Spring,
Thou dost confer each needfull thing.
2
A part, therefore, from each of these
Religiously hath been reserv'd,
By Pray'rs, and Fastings to appease,
That wrath, which often, is deserv'd;
Lest els, thou, for our many Crimes,
Destroy the Blessings of the Times.
3
Vouchsafe, that our Devotions, may
With true sincerenesse be perform'd.
And, that we may not for one day,
But, all our Life-time be reform'd.
And mortifie each Lust and Sin,
Which we have lov'd, and lived in.
4
Our Constitutions temper so,
That, whatsoever humours raign,
They nor impaire nor overthrow,
That Health which we might els retain.
Or, if the Season, sicknesse brings,
Lord, comfort us, in other things.
5
And since these Churches do appoint
These Times, their Pastors forth to send,
Lord, let thy Spirit them anoint,
That they thy Flocks, may well attend.
Yea, Lord, let those who called be,
And, those that Call, be blest of Thee.
6
Informe the One, oh blessed Lord!
Whom they should for thy Service chuse,
Confirme the Other, by thy Word,
And so, to Both, thy Grace infuse.
That, both in Words, and Works, they may
Persever in a Blessed way.
