Hymn LXII. The Authors Hymn for himselfe.
[_]
He praiseth God for converting his many troubles
and afflictions to his advantage; desiring those Meditations
may not be prophaned by his failings; but
that he may live so in this life, that he may be admitted
to the Quire of Angels in the life to come.
[1]
Great Almighty King of Heav'n!
And One-God, in Persons-three;
Honour, Praise, and Thanks be giv'n,
Now, and evermore to thee.
Who hast more for thine prepar'd,
Then by words can be declar'd.
2
By thy Mercies I was taken
From the pits of mirie clay;
Wherein, wretched and forsaken,
Helples, hopeles, too I lay.
And, those comforts thou didst give me,
Whereof no man can deprive me.
3
By thy grace, the Passions, troubles.
And what most my heart opprest,
Have appear'd as aierie bubles,
Dreams or suff'rings but in jest:
And with profit that hath ended,
Which my Foes for harm intended.
4
Those afflictions, and those terrors,
Which did Plagues at first appear;
Did but shew me what mine errors,
And mine imperfections were.
But they wretched could not make me;
Nor from thy Affection shake me.
5
Therefore, as thy blessed Psalmist,
When his warfares had an end,
(And his dayes were at the calmest)
Psalms, and Hymns of Praises pend;
So my rest, by thee enjoy'd,
To thy Praise I have imploy'd.
6
Lord, accept my poore endeavour;
And assist thy Servant so,
In well-doing to persever,
That more perfect I may grow;
Ev'ry day more prudent, meeker,
And of thee a Faithfull-seeker.
Let no passed sin or folly,
Nor future fault in me
Make unfruitfull or unholy,
What I offer now to thee:
But with favour and compassion,
Cure and cover each transgression.
8
And with Isr'ls Royall Singer,
Teach me so Faith's Hymns to sing;
So thy ten string'd Law, to finger;
And such musick thence to bring,
That by Grace I may aspire,
To thy blessed Angell-Quire.
