Hymn XLII. For a Handicrafts man.
[_]
All handicrafts being gifts of the holy Ghost, it
were fit men did better know it, and more often
praise him for it. To that end, this Hymn was
devised; and, perhaps, if it were devoutly, and
frequently used, Crafts-men, would be more
thriftie, and lesse deceitfull, in manufactures then they now are.
[1]
Thy Gifts most, holy-Spirit, be
So great, so manifold,
That, what we have receiv'd from thee,
No language, can unfold.
The meanest Sciences in use,
As well as famous Arts,
Thy Prudence, did, at first produce;
And, still, to men imparts.
2
Embrodry thy Invention was,
(Though many think it vain)
The skill to Grave in steel, and brasse,
We did from thee, obtain.
For not Bezalaels hands, alone,
Didst thou with cunning fill;
But, yet, instructest ev'ry one,
That is endow'd with skill.
3
That little which my hand can do,
Was learned first, from thee:
Thou, first enabled me thereto;
And, alwaies work'st with me.
My knowledge, more and more encrease,
Till perfect it appear:
And, let the Science I professe,
My needfull Charges bear.
4
Preserve in me, an honest minde,
That, well my work be wrought.
For, them, whose wares false made, we finde,
An evill spirit taught.
It may a while encrease their store,
But, mischiefs it will breed;
And, leave men both defam'd, and poore,
In times of greatest need.
5
For all thy Gifts I give thee praise,
And, I acknowledge will,
That, thou dost ayd me many waies,
In my Mechanick skill;
Yet, since those Arts vouchsafed be
Alike, to Good and Bad;
Of thy more speciall-Grace, let me
Partaker, Lord! be made.
6
Oh blessed-Spirit, alwaies, daign,
That, through thine ayd, I may
The sanctifying gifts obtain,
Which thine Elect enjoy.
Yea, though my Works be not so pure,
Thy Censures to abide,
Yet let my Faith, so firm endure,
That, Grace, be not denide.
