Hymn XII. For Parents hopefull of children.
[_]
In this Hymn Parents are instructed how they
should be affected toward their Children; what
endowments they should most desire for them, and
what Patrimony they should most labour to procure them.
Sing this as the 1 Psalme.
[1]
The propagation of our kinde,
Our Nature moves us to;
Yet, few of us, can rightly minde,
The end, of what we do.
Like brutish Creatures, most fulfill
What Flesh and blood desires;
But, think not, either good or evill,
Of that, which God inspires.
2
And, when our Children reach the birth;
Of most, receiv'd they are,
Like Sons and Daughters, of the Earth,
In whom no Spirit were.
For to their flesh more love we bear,
Then to that blessed Spark,
Which, being gone, their Bodies are
Like Dunghils in the dark.
3
If they be faire, and streightly limb'd,
Great pleasure we can take:
To keep their bodies nearly trim'd,
Much needlesse work, we make.
That, Rich, or noble they might be,
No labours we do spare:
And, if of these no hope we see,
We seem opprest with care.
4
But of the Soul (that heav'nly seed)
So carelesse, many seem,
As if it were not worthy heed,
Much lesse, of their esteem.
And, had not God, from whom it came,
His holy Church prepar'd,
To be a Mother to the same,
Full hardly, had it far'd.
5
Blest Father of that blessed-part,
My just request receive,
Who beg of thee, with yearning heart,
For that which now I crave;
Let from my Loines, no fruit descend,
That, happy shall not be,
By perseverance to the end,
In dearly loving thee.
6
I beg not for them, wit, or wealth,
Nor long, nor easie life;
Nor Beautie, honour, strength, nor health,
Nor Husband, Child, nor Wife;
These, for themselves, let them request,
And, those Requests acquire,
As they in proof, to them, are best
In furthering this desire:
[7]
Though Nature longs for somewhat more,
Lord, let thy Will be done.
I cannot now, for ought implore,
Not granted to thy Son;
Some other time, perhaps I may
For, other things, entreat:
And, that obtain, for which I pray,
Because, thy love is great.
