Hymn LIIII. For, Taylors, Millers, and Weavers.
[_]
Most men of these Trades, are either greatly slandered,
or very guiltie of deceit and falshood: Therefore,
that such as be faultie may reprove themselves;
and, that such are innocent may be
cherished in their honesty; this Hymn was composed.
Sing this as the former.
[1]
It is too much, that, in my heart,
Corruptions I retain,
Which make me from those waies depart,
Wherein, I should remain.
Yet, in my Calling; Stumblings are
By other men espide,
Whereof, unlesse I can beware,
I, soon may swarve aside.
2
Occasions of a shamefull sin,
Are offred, ev'ry day.
And, few of us have backward bin,
To put the same away.
Long custome, doth in most beget
Opinion and belief.
That 'tis no fault, or else not great,
To be a daily-Thief.
3
The Devill finds excuses out,
Which being used long,
Perswade us to become in doubt,
If thieving be a wrong.
And at the length, so impudent,
It causeth us to grow;
That we do fearleslie assent
To act what ill we know.
4
From this degree of guiltinesse,
Preserved let me be;
From Sins by custome seeming lesse,
Oh Lord deliver me.
If I be good, no trade so bad,
But yeelds an honest gain:
And him that's naught, no course or trade,
Will honestlie maintain.
5
If love to Goodnes, move me not
Vprightly still to deal;
Make me observe their Lowsie-lot,
Who use to filch and steal:
For they are beggers in the end;
Or if they wealth obtain,
On lust and pride, their children spend,
What they by thieving gain:
6
For love of Righteousnes therefore,
Let me be still upright.
And though I still continue poore,
In Truth let me delight.
So shall to me my Trade, become
A Calling without blame:
And though it be abus'd by some,
Shall never bring me shame.
