Hymn XXV. For a Woman in generall.
[_]
Women are otherwhile uncivilly upbraided by imprudent
men of the frailties of their Sexe. To comfort
against such Reproaches, some things illustrating
the worthinesse of their Sexe, are here expressed, and mixt with divine consolations.
Sing this as the 1. Psalme.
[1]
My Grandame Eve, I curst not Lord,
Nor vilifie her Name;
Though, for her Sin upon record,
Her Sons our Sexe defame:
For, what without my fault was lost,
I may again possesse
Repurcha'st at anothers cost,
Without my Righteousnes.
2
Our Sexe was first in that offence,
For which Mankinde was shent;
And, we have suff'red ever since,
The greatest punishment.
The vilest of our humane race,
Vpbrayd us for that Sin,
So aggravating our disgrace,
As if they cleare had bin.
3
For, giving passage, to our Lust,
Thy Curse abideth still.
And our Desire, subject we must,
Vnto anothers will.
In sorrow, our conceptions are;
And, oftentimes in vain.
With sicknes were our children bore;
And bring them forth with Pain.
4
Yet, LORD, we have a Joy in thee,
Which none can take away.
And Hopes, which cannot frustrate be,
Till we our selves betray.
The greater Crosses we sustain,
(Whil'st in the Flesh we bide)
The greater honour, we shall gain,
When we are glorifide.
5
Thy meanest Hand-maid in distresse,
If she in Faith complains;
Shall in her sorrowes find redresse,
And, ease for all her pains.
Both Hannahs plaints, and Hagars cries,
Thou graciously didst heed.
And ev'ry Woman, who relies
On thee in time of need.
6
Though foolish men our Sexe despise,
And hold us in contempt;
From thy most holy Mysteries
We never were exempt.
By some of us, thy Messages,
Have to thy Church bin sent;
And, men have born with good successe,
A Womans government.
7
Yea, by the Womanside he came,
Whose grace hath means procur'd
To free us from the death and shame,
Which all had else endur'd.
What e're, to others we may seem,
With Him, nor Bond, nor Free,
Nor Male, nor Female want esteem,
If they shall faithfull be.
