Hymne XXV. When we are upon the Seas.
[_]
Death is alwaies within a few ynches of those who
continue on Ship-bord: yet, most men, in their Sea-passages,
are vainly employed, & insensible of their
perils. This Hymn, therefore, offers their Condition,
and Dutie, to consideration.
Sing this as the 48. Psalme &c.
[1]
On those Great Waters now I am
Of which I have bin told,
That whosoever thither came,
Should Wonders there behold.
In this unsteadie place of feare
Be present Lord with mee,
For, in these Depths of water here,
I depths of Danger see.
2
A stirring-Courser now I sit;
A headstrong-Steed I ride,
That champs and fomes upon the Bit,
Which curbs his loftie pride.
The softest whistling of the winds,
Doth make him gallop fast,
And, as their breath increas'd he finds
The more he maketh hast.
3
Take thou ô Lord, the Reines in hand;
Assume our Masters roome:
Vouchsafe thou at our Healme to stand;
And Pilot to become.
Trim thou the Sailes, and let good-speed
Accompany our hast:
Sound thou the Channells at our need,
And anchor for us cast.
4
A fit and favourable wind
To further us, provide;
And, let it waite on us behind,
Or lacky by our side.
From Sudden Gusts, from Stormes, from Sands;
And from the raging-wave,
From Shallowes, Rockes, and Pirates hands,
Men, Goods, and Vessell, save.
5
Preserve us from the wants, the feare,
And Sicknesse of the Seas;
But, chiefly from our Sins, which are
A Danger worse then these.
Lord, let us, also safe arive
Where we desire to be;
And, for thy Mercies, let us give
Due thanks, and praise to thee.
