Classic Poem

Lord, Thou sacred Unitie,
In an undivided Trine,
Those combin'd in Mercy see;
Whom thy Justice doth disjoyne.

Save me from dissenting Foes,
Who my Pray'rs and pity need;
And each other now oppose,
Though to fight with me agre'd.

All discording parties guide,
To the Peace from which they sway,
Whil'st they serve or Court a side,
Not the voice of Law obey.

Make me willingly to goe
Where thy Providence will lead:
And the change of things below,
In thy constant Presence read.

Make me by thy skillful Hand,
Such as thou would'st have me be;
Then waft me safely to that Land,
Where Peace ever dwells with thee.

Spare our Cities (Lord) impure,
Through their Wealth and Plenty made;
In their multitude secure,
By Security betray'd.

Make them see, weigh, choose and do
For thy Glory, and our Peace.
Lest affliction like a Foe,
Arm'd for slaughter on them seize.

Enemies their sins excite,
Long unfoyl'd they cannot be,
Who (their conscience thwarting) fight
More against themselves than Me.

Guilt thy Justice has pursu'd,
And for Rapin Wealth makes way:
Tumults grow from multitude;
Those to confusion betray.

Though with mutuall forwardness,
They have set malicious Snares
Me in mischief to oppress:
Be not yet my Ruine theirs.

Let me not so much debate,
What they do, or what I bear;
As my Saviour imitate,
And their Advocate appear.

That when longer Me to live,
These extremities forbid;
Pray, Father them forgive!
For they knew not what they did.

Tears which to my Misery,
They deny'd, to theirs deplore:
Which the less they spend for me,
For themselves they need the more.

My Blood light not on their Head,
Who my Crucifixion sought:
By the fraud of some misled,
Not by generall malice taught.

But thou, Lord, can'st with thy Care,
Me by suff'rings elevate;
Where thy Mercys have more share,
Than thy Justice, or Mans hate.