Hymne XLIIII. For a Contract.
[_]
This Hymn is tendred to those who purpose a Contract
of Marriage; in hope it may so remember
them, to consider what they intend; that it shall
keep them from proceeding farther then they lawfull
may; and from professing more then they mean.
Sing this as Te Deum.
[1]
Lord, in thy Name, and in thy Feare,
Our Faith we plighted have;
And, that our meanings are sincere,
Thy witnesse, now, we crave.
We come not, only to repeat
Our Vowes, before thy face;
But, that we may likewise intreat
Thy Favour, and thy Grace.
2
For, mutuall helpers whil'st we live,
(According to our might)
Our selves, we to each other give,
So far, as we have right.
And, we professe that free we are,
(For ought that we do know)
To be each others wedded Peer,
If thou permit it so.
3
We see no contradicting Cause,
But, that we may be join'd,
Without infringment of the Laws,
Whereby we are confin'd.
Nor any such Infirmity
In us do we suspect,
As that our Marriage-Band, thereby,
Shall prove of no effect.
4
We have no guilefull Dealings us'd,
Our purpose to acquire:
Nor one anothers Trust abus'd,
To gaine what we desire.
But, our Affections are sincere,
And, as they have been true,
Vpright those Courses likewise are,
By which, we them pursue.
5
If both have, now, ô Lord! profest
What may not be denide;
Let our Affection so be blest,
That, nothing us divide.
Let nor by Beauty, Wit or Wealth,
By high, or low Degree,
By want of Riches, or of Health,
Our Hearts estranged be.
6
But if that either of us, now,
Hath trod a faithlesse Way;
Or, shall infringe this holy Vow,
Before our Wedding day;
Lord, let the party Innocent,
From blame and guilt be free:
For, Truth a Contract, never ment,
Where, nought but Falshoods be.
