Hymn XXXVIII. For a Musician.
[_]
Many Musicians are more out of order then their
Instruments: such as are so, may by singing this
Ode, become reprovers of their own untuneable
affections. They who are better tempered, are hereby
remembred what Musick is most acceptable to
God, and most profitable to themselves.
[1]
What helps it those,
Who, skill in Song have found;
Well, to compose
(Of disagreeing notes)
By artfull choice
A sweetly pleasing sound;
To fit their Voice,
And their melodious throats?
What, helps it them,
That they this cunning know;
If most condemn
The way, in which, they go?
2
What will he gain
By touching well his Lute,
Who shall disdain
A grave advise to hear?
What from the sounds,
Of Organ, Fife, or Lute,
To him redounds,
Who doth no sin forbear?
A mean respect,
By tuning strings, he hath,
Who doth neglect,
A rectified-path.
3
Therefore, oh Lord,
So tuned, let me be
Vnto thy word,
And, thy ten-stringed-law,
That in each part,
I may thereto agree;
And, feel my heart
Inspir'd, with loving awe:
He sings and plaies,
The Songs which best thou lovest,
Who does and sayes,
The things which thou approvest.
4
Teach me the skill,
Of him, whose Harp asswag'd
Those passions ill,
Which oft afflicted Saul.
Teach me the strain
Which calmeth mindes enrag'd;
And, which from vain
Affections, doth recall.
So, to the Quire,
Where Angels musicke make,
I, may aspire,
When I this life forsake.
