Hymn LXXXI. For Deliverance from Temptation.
[_]
To be delivered from Temptation, is one of the six
petitions in the Lord's
Prayer, which we
daily repeat; and therefore that God may deliver
us from the evill thereof, we shall do well to invoke
him by a speciall Jnvocation according as this
Hymn putteth us in mind.
Sing this as the 4. Psalme.
[1]
How hard is it for Flesh and Blood,
When Lusts the Heart assaile,
To wish that Vice, may be withstood;
And, Vertue, still prevaile!
How hard is it, when we do burn,
With evill-kindled Fires,
Our Eies from Vanities to turn!
Or quench our loose Desires?
2
So hard oh Lord! so hard it is;
That few can truly say,
They for thy timely ayd (in this)
With true Devotion pray.
But, rather, many are afraid,
(When they to pray are mov'd)
Lest by thy Grace, they should be staid,
From Sins, too well belov'd.
3
Of this, if others have been free,
Thy Mercy, let them blesse:
For, that this fault hath been in me,
I freely do confesse:
And, (seeing better thoughts, I have)
Occasion, thereupon,
I, now, assume, thine ayd to crave,
Before, this Mind be gon.
4
Thy Grace, oh Lord, in me did breed
This motion, not in vain.
Oh! let it be the blessed Seed
Of an immortall Gain.
And, Grant, that getting somwhat loose,
From Sins imperious hand;
My heart with willingnes, may chuse
The wayes of thy Command.
5
From Sathans Baits, from Follies Lures,
From ev'ry cause of Ill,
Preserve me clean, whil'st life endures,
In Action, and in Will.
At least, when I shall tempted be,
Protect thy Servant so,
That, evill overcome not me;
But, Victor let me grow.
6
Vaile then mine Eies, till She be past,
When Folly tempts my sight:
Keep thou my Pallet, and my Tast,
From Gluttonous Delight.
Stop thou mine Ear, from Syrens Songs:
My Tongue from Lies restrain.
Withhold my Hands, from doing wrongs;
My Feet, from courses vain.
7
Teach, likewise, ev'ry other Sense,
To Act an honest part;
But, chiefly settle Jnnocence,
And purenes in my Heart:
So, nought without me, or within,
Shall work an ill effect;
By tempting me to act a Sin,
Or, Vertues to neglect.
