Hymn LV. For Shrieves, Baylies, Sergeants, &c.
[_]
Some of these Officers may perhaps become better in
their condition, and prevent some scandals (which
they are lyable unto) if they otherwhile remember
themselves of their duties by the repetition of this, or the like Meditation.
Sing this as the former.
[1]
What ever Equitie commands,
To punish things misdone,
Hath execution by our hands;
By whomsoe're begun.
We are that Arme, whereby the Law
Doth hold on sinners lay:
And few thereof would stand in awe;
If we were took away.
2
To Death, to torments, or to thrall,
We do Offenders bear:
And why such things on them befall,
We oft confessed here.
Yet otherwhile, our conscience may
(While we perform our part)
To us in secret truly say,
Their doom is our desart.
3
If we therefore, who often view
What Sin on Sinners drawes;
And are the men who do pursue,
The sentence of the Lawes;
If we our dangers will not see,
By what on others lights;
The greater will Gods vengeance be,
When he in anger smites.
4
LORD, so inspire my heart with grace,
Reform, renew me so;
That with good conscience in my place,
My duties I may do.
From being partiallie inclinde,
For gain, for love, or fear;
From harshnes where I may be kind,
Preserve me ever clear.
5
So when to call me to my doom,
Thy Sergeant thou shalt send;
I need not be afraid to come,
But gladlie thither wend.
For though no Righteousnes of mine,
Thy Censure may abide:
It being vailed ore, by thine
I safelie may be tride.
