Hymn XXXIII. For a Physitian.
[_]
It may be some Physitians will not despise to preserve
in themselves a Remembrance of their duties,
by such a means as this Hymn: howsoever, it is here
inserted, that it may purposely or accidentally performe that office.
[1]
Oh my God! what helpeth lesse
To preserve us from the Grave,
Then that Art which I professe,
If it please not thee to save?
And, when sicknes I oppose,
By what cunning, could I see
In what secret path it goes;
If I had not light from thee?
2
By thine ayd I must discern
Where my Patients grief doth lie;
I, from thee must also learn,
What, thereto I should apply:
And, when such weak things as these,
Leaves, and Roots, of Plants, and Weeds,
Shall remove a strong disease,
From thy Virtue, it proceeds.
3
Therefore, let thy blessing still,
With my Practise, go along;
And, so guide, so blesse my skill,
That no Patient may have wrong.
And, their boldnes let me shun,
Who, when Art is at a pawse;
Desp'rate Courses dare to run,
For their profit, or applause.
[4]
Let the grievance of the Poore,
Be, for Charitie, of me
As much tendred, evermore,
As the Rich-man's for a Fee.
And in me, their mind prevent,
Who prolong an easie Cure:
And, their profits to augment,
Make men griev'd, more grief endure.
5
But, such Conscience let me make
(In the Calling I professe)
What I give, and what I take,
That my Practise thou may'st blesse.
And, that when I sick shall be,
I no cause may have, to fear
That, Revenge will ceaze on me,
For neglect of love, or care.
