Hymn LVI. For a Jayler.
[_]
Jaylors have at one Time or other, men of all estates
and conditions in their custody, as well good
as bad; Therefore, it is not impertinent to encrease
the means whereby they may be made or preserved
honest and mercifull men; which may be somewhat furthered, by this Meditation.
Sing this as the X. Commandements.
[1]
Though, we have got an evill-name,
And, cruell-men reputed are;
We may not be so much to blame,
As, to the vulgar, we appear.
With such as have not well been taught,
We chiefly deal; and, such as they
On us, an Ill-report, have brought;
Which, will not soon be blown away.
2
If we be kinde, to such as these;
They, for our kindnesse, us undo:
If then, we give them little-ease,
They, raile at us, for doing so.
And, most, who their just suffring see,
(Misjudging that, which they perceive)
Suppose us mercilesse to be;
When, better things, they should beleeve.
3
The Common-wealth doth alwaies need
That service, which it calls us to,
And, many mischieves would succeed,
Should all men, unrestrained go.
Good-men, have this way, been employ'd:
And, by the tender hearts, of such,
Good-men, have, likewise, ease enjoy'd;
And, comforts, which they needed much.
4
Yea, though fooles count it, no disgrace
Offenders, thus, to keep in hold;
An Office, of that Trust, it was,
And honourable, thought of old.
And, if we be not men of trust,
To whom, such places, now, belong:
They, who conferd them, are unjust;
And, much, the Common-wealth, may wrong.
5
When Joseph was in prison bound,
(Though great he were, who laid him there)
He, kindnesse in the Jayler, found;
Because, he guiltlesse did appear.
Yea, many blessed Saints of God,
When they by Tyrants, were opprest;
(And no compassion found abroad)
Found mercy, in a Jaylers breast.
6
Oh Lord! let mercy never faile
Within my heart, a place to finde.
Though I be Keeper of a Jayle,
Yet, let me keep, an honest-minde.
Discretion give me, to perceive
What men, I strictly should restrain:
And, when I libertie may give,
Yet, in my place, upright remain.
7
Keep me, for evermore, a friend
To those, that are sincerely thine;
And, thy compassion, Lord! extend
In life, and death; to me, and mine.
And, let my Servants, all, I pray
Be faithfull-Servants unto thee:
That, at the great Assizes-day;
I, and my houshold, sav'd may be.
