Three grains of spirituall frankincense infused into three hymnes of praise, and humbly offered toward the publike thanksgiving, commanded by authority of Parliament to be celebrated throughout the Commonwealth of England, the 30 of this present January, 1650. Wither, George, 1588-1667. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A66783 of text R11665 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing W3196). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 22 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 8 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A66783 Wing W3196 ESTC R11665 12930366 ocm 12930366 95643 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A66783) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 95643) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 993:28) Three grains of spirituall frankincense infused into three hymnes of praise, and humbly offered toward the publike thanksgiving, commanded by authority of Parliament to be celebrated throughout the Commonwealth of England, the 30 of this present January, 1650. Wither, George, 1588-1667. [14] p. Printed by R. Austin, London : 1651. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Attributed to George Wither. cf. NUC pre-1956. In verse. eng Great Britain -- History -- Puritan Revolution, 1642-1660 -- Poetry. A66783 R11665 (Wing W3196). civilwar no Three grains of spirituall frankincense, infused into three hymnes of praise; and humbly offered toward the publike thanksgiving, commanded Wither, George 1651 3673 1 0 0 0 1 0 30 C The rate of 30 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2005-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-08 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-01 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2006-01 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THREE GRAINS ▪ OF Spirituall Frankincense , Infused into Three Hymnes of Praise ; AND Humbly offered toward the publike Thanksgiving , commanded by Authority of Parliament to be celebrated throughout the Commonwealth of England , the 30. of this present January , 1650. IF Scorners term these Ballads , 't will not much Regarded be , though there be many such : For , they , perhaps , are Fools , or Children , yet ; And may be wiser , when they shall have wit . If any thinks these Odes are over long , Let him not do his credit so much wrong , To say it , till he sees what may be spar'd ; And , passe thereon his judgment , afterward . There can arise no great discommendation , By lengthning out a pious Recreation : Nor merit they much heed , that can be weary To sing of Dangers past , and to be merry . LONDON , Printed by R. Austin . 1651. To the Right Honourable JOHN BRADSHAVV Esqu . LORD PRESIDENT OF THE Councell of STATE . My Lord , THe Parliament having lately graciously considered my humble Suit and long patience ? ( and I , by the refreshment thereby obtained , getting some leisure to entertain my naturall Genius ) an earnest Desire immediately possest me to perform somwhat , which might shew me thankful to God , and to those friends , by whose Mercy , I and my Family have been preserved , from perishing under our late Pressures ; and he who wrought that Desire in me , offered therewith to my thought , an Undertaking sutable to my inclination ; with hope , that he would inable to the perfecting thereof in due season , though interruptions will be many , and the time , whereto I must confine my self , very short . The Supreme Authority hath enacted a publique Thanksgiving throughout this Common wealth , on the thirtieth of this January ( being the last day of the late Kings life , as also the first of Englands resuming her long lost Liberty ) a Day , which may by good reason be made an everlasting Anniversary , in remembrance of that , and other great Deliverances . And , therefore I thought it would neither be an impertinent expression of my Gratitude , nor unacceptable where I owe it , to prepare proper Hymnes for that daies Celebration , with some other brief Commemoration , to keep in mind GODS late Mercies to this Republique , when that daies solemnity shall be forgotten ; and thereupon composed ( among other assaies , yet unfinished ) the three following Hymnes , which I thus communicate , before the perfecting of what is further intended ; in hope it may be a means to prepare the hearts of some for a more due observation of that Day , by giving them space to consider , how pertinent they are to the duty then required ; and that they may be thereby in readinesse for those who shall be willing to make use of such helps to Devotion . Hymnes are so proper to publique acknowledgements of extraordinary Deliverances , and Mercies ( spirituall , or temporall ) that by the Primitive Churches , Jewish and Christian , they were this way commemorated , and left upon record even to this day ; as appears in Holy Writ , by the Hymns , Songs , and Psalms , of Moses , Deborah , Hannah , David , Esay , Hezekiah , Simeon , Zachary , and Mary , with others . The practise also of Christian Churches , in , and after the Apostles time , makes it evident , that they sung Hymnes and Songs upon the severall occasions , happening from time to time . And though Scorners , and ignorant persons do in this Age vilifie , or contemn the gift of Poesie ; yet the most knowing , and most pious , among all Nations , have alwaies practised , and do still approve the use of that Faculty , to rouze up spirituall affections in the soul , toward the illustrating of Gods Praises : and they who dispise it , are dispisers of that Gift , which God hath given for his own glory , with our advantage : For , it is none of those accomplishments , which may be acquired by meer human industry , ( though it may be much better'd thereby ) but is one of Gods Peculiars , and infused in the mothers womb , as is generally confessed by learned and understanding men , many of which have long studied for it in vain , by meer helps of Art . Upon these considerations , and by the example of many Prophets and Poets , ( for in some other languages , one word signifies both ) who very well knew that advantages may be made by the right use of that Faculty , upon such occasions of praise as have been vouchsafed to this Nation ; I have thereby sought to illustrate Gods Mercies ; with an assurance , that it shall prepare the hearts of many , to a more cheerfull performance of what is commanded , and help to charm down those distempers which trouble the Common Peace , and hinder our reconcilement , both to God , and to each other ; and I hope it will not seem Arrogance in me to offer them to that use . For , though it be no rare thing to see many run on errants before they are sent ; and to obtrude their undigested Conceptions upon publique Auditories ; yet private persons , qualified by their Education , Conversation , and Gifts , may with modesty and submission make tender of that which they conceive edifying ; yea , and ought , ( as I think ) so to do , their consciences perswading it to be their duty : because I find it was a Liberty , Apostolically allowed , and taken for private Christians to communicate their severall Gifts in publique Congregations ; and that he who brought a Hymn , brought that which was acceptable , as appears in that place , where the Apostle prescribes what Order is to be observed at such Meetings . According to that approved practise , I offer the ensuing Hymnes , composed and fitted to the Meridian of vulgar capacities ; and yet ( I hope ) not so inartificially composed , as to make them despised of the learned . I have also out of such tunes as the people are acquainted withall , chosen those which are best sutable to the matter and occasion , sitting the first Hymn to a strain , beseeming the beginnings of Exultation : The second , to higher straines of rejoycing , and the last to the fulnesse of praisefull Thanksgivings ; all which I humbly submit to your grave Censure . And I dedicate , and first send them to your Lordship , for many good Reasons . First , by your approbation of their usefullnesse , I shall be the more comfortably confirmed in that hope which I have thereof already . Secondly , your exemplary respect may make others perhaps take the more heed of them ; and by growing acquainted with them for your sake , respect them afterward for their own . Thirdly , you were one of the most eminent personall instruments under God , of that Justice upon which the many Mercies followed , which are the subject of these Hymns ; and I thought they would be the more acceptable unto you , in regard no man had been in greater danger , if God , by not appearing for us , had permitted our Adversaries to prevail . Lastly , an Obligation lies upon me , to give you some visible testimony of my thankfullnesse for benefits conferred . For , Sir , notwithstanding it offends your modesty , to hear me make offers of acknowledgements , ( though it be in private ) yet I will now take the boldnesse to tell it openly , that , if God by his compassion , moving in the heart of your Lordship , and one other Noble Friend , ( whose modesty hath likewise yet stopt my mouth ) had not freely vouchsafed supplies during my late streights , I and my Family , ( considering in what hazzard all my other hopes then lay ) had , in probability , long since been quite ruined , or exposed to most despicable wants ; as would be manifest , if the circumstances of my suffering should be fully declared , and I should not now perhaps have had courage enough in me to have composed these Hymnes , or to have sung a joyfull song in the Land of the Living , this day . They are , therefore , not so much mine , as yours , and his ; Take them therefore at your own , and with them my prayers , that God would return your mercies a thousand fold into your bosomes , And make them comfortable unto you , both all the daies of your lives , and at the hours of your death . I have nothing else to retribute but Prayers , except it be by adding so much to the honour of your Justice and Mercy , as the single testimony of an honest man ( never aspersed with flattering ) may confer : If that be any thing worth , I can truly say , that I have seen you active in the most eminent prosecution of human publiqke Justice under the Sun ; and that I am a witnesse also of your extraordinary private mercy , by being twice thereby delivered from probable destruction . Vpon contemplation whereof , I am warranted to assure you from him who can make it good , that if you persevere ( whereof I doubt not ) in your heroicall progress , all the power , threats , and mischievous practises of your most inraged and malicious Adversaries , shal be but as fire and materialls co-operating with better Ingredients to make refined Gold for your immortall Crown ; and that their revilings , snarlings , and detractions , shall make it more glorious then Diamonds , Pearls , and Rubies , & shine brighter many Ages hence , then it can now . It shall questionlesse be so ; and therefore if ought happen hereafter , that may seem bitter to the flesh in more then ordinary measure , or threaten any terrible event , be assured , they are but operations of that Fire which is used in preparing the essentiall Materialls of your expected Crown . He so presageth , whose predictions you have seen verified in more dubious matters ; and he is also unfainedly Your Lordships most humble servant , GEORGE WITHER . Hymne 1. This first Hymne ( prepared for the publike Thanksgiving , injoyned on the thirtieth of Jan. 1650. ) may , most properly , be sung at the beginning of Divine Exercises , publike or private , the same day . Sing this as the 100 Psalm . 1. WIth aweful Joy , and joyful Fear , To sanctifie , O Lord , this day , Before thy Foot-stool we appear ; And , our Thank-offrings here to pay : Which though it be no other thing , Then thy Free-mercies to confesse ; Or , Songs , unto thy praise to sing ; Vouchsafe acceptance , nay-the-lesse . 2. Within our selves , we are so poor , That , we have nothing of our own , But , what we had from thee , before ; Which , by our sins impair'd is grown : For , our wit , beauty , strength , and health , ( The goods of body , and of mind ) Our time , our honours , and our wealth , To serve our lusts , have been resign'd . 3. And , therefore , till thou shalt renew Thine Image , by our fault defac'd , We , and our Offrings , from thy view , Deservedly , may forth be cast . There is no musick in our Songs , That 's worthy to be heard of thee ; Because , our hearts , eyes , ears , and tongues , Prophaned , and untuned be , 4. Yet , by those favours , heartned on ; Which were on us bestown , of late , A Hymn , we joyntly have begun , To sing this Day , at Mercies gate . Lord ! those eternall doores unclose , Through which thy speciall graces flow ; The cords of our Corruption lose , And , let thy Spirit on us blow . 5. Then , ev'ry word , we hear , or say , With ey'ry thing , that 's done , or thought ( In celebrating of this Day ) Shall do thee honour , as it ought : And , they that study publike harms , Or , flout , what we are doing here , Shall be so bound up , by these Charms , That when they flout us , they shall fear . Hymne 2. This other Hymne ( composed for the same Day ) may be sung before the Sermon ( or , between the Sermons , where two are preached ) or , before the second Chapter ; or , after any pause ( or change of Exercises ) in Devotion . Sing this as the 113. Psalm . 1. OH God! how good ! how kind art thou ! What help , what grace , dost thou bestow On us , in our distrest estate ! Our tears to triumphs , thou hast turn'd , We now do sing , who lately mourn'd , And , by our Foes , were jeered at . When we were weak , poor and forlorn , Expos'd to dangers , fears and scorn , Our Comforter , thou didst become : And , when we dreaded shame of face ; Spoils , death , or wounds , joyn'd with disgrace ; Those fears , we were deliver'd from . 2. As thou , from base and servile bands , And out of cruel Pharoahs hands , Thine Heritage redeemd'st of old : Ev'n so , from those , who sought our harm , Thou broughtst us off , with out-stretch'd arm , With signs and wonders manifold . They so , were blinded , Lord , by thee , Who , might have seen , but vvould not see ; Nor hear when they were counsell'd well : And He that fraud , and force imploy'd , To make our Lavvs , and Freedomes void ; In our own view , like Pharoah , fell . 3. This is the Day , whereon our Yoke Of Norman Bondage , first was broke ; And , England from her chains made free . This is the Day , vvhereon the Lord , Did manumit us by the sword , And , 't is novv signall , by decree . Slaves , they deserve to be , therefore , And to be bar'd for evermore , The Freedoms of this Commonweal , Who shall not thankfull , now appear , And vindicate with sword and spear , Gods just Replies , to our Appeal . 4. By thee , our Freedoms , Lord , vve got ; Oh! to our keeping , leave them not : But , still their Guardianship retain . And , let not those , vvho under thee , Sub-keepers , of those Freedoms be , Nor , our sins , forfeit them , again : On those alone , that are unjust Or shall be traytrous to their trust , To this Republike , or to Thee , Let thy avenging justice fall ; And , on all those who hinder shall , That Peace , with Truth , may setled be : 5. Write in our hearts , thy sacred Law ; And , let no future failings , draw Our former cursed bondage back : But , our depraved wills renew , And , to thy service , keep us true ; Which , wil our Freedoms perfect make . The Kingdom , Power , and Praise be thine , As long as Moon , and Sun shall shine : Be , likewise , thou our Heritage : And , in this Nation , let there be No other King , or GOD , but thee , What e're they are , who thereat rage . Hymne 3. This third Hymne , may most properly be sung the same day , after the conclusion of the last Sermon ; or , at the consummation of any other Devotion . Sing this as the 148. Psalm , doubling the last strain of the Tune . 1. ALl you , that present are , Come , let our hearts , and tongues , The Praise of God declare , In new-Thanksgiving songs ; Come , let us sing Strains , that may make , the walls to shake , The Roofs to ring : Still sounding higher , Till thereby , we , with Angells , be Joyn'd in one Quire . 2. Related , we have heard , What he , for us , hath done ; With how much disregard , Our Foes , he looks upon : And , we have seen , How , he befriends , when righteous ends Pursu'd have been VVe , likewise vievv VVhat will befall , to those that shall Their lust pursue . 3. We see , or may behold , That , he our Armies leads ; And ( as in times of old ) His Banner o're them spreads , And for our sakes , Through threats and spights , through depths and heights , Their passage makes , VVhilst , to his praise Their Foes to nought , are justly brought , In plainer waies . 4. He , made both Seas and Wind , To them assistance lend ; And , what they had design'd , Sun , Moon , and Clouds befriend . Force , he repells ; He makes them bold , to march where cold , And hunger dwells : And , when their fear Did most abound , they mercy found , And Victors were . 5. To him doth Praise belong ; For , he did them subdue , Who num'rous were , and strong , When we were weak , and few ; And , when our Foes Came bragging on , and thought all won , They all did lose . Still , be it thus ; Lord ! alway , so , them overthrow VVho malice us . 6. His wise-foresight prevents , The Politicians wiles : He , crosses their intents , He , at their Projects smiles : In his due time , Contrived by them : And , in that snare , VVhich , for our feet , they closely set , Still caught they are . 7. Vain sons of men , therefore , Your bruitish grumbling cease ; Pursue false hopes no more , But follow after peace . More prudent grow ; Reform your waies , and sing his Praise As now we do : Oh! whilst you may In God rejoyce , and hear his Voice VVhile 't is to day . 8. Let all men do the same , Of whatsoe're degrees ; And magnifie his Name , As all obliged be . His Righteousnesse , His Power and Grace , in ev'ry place Let all confesse : And lay aside Their own deserts , their selfish hearts , Their stinking pride . 9. Your strength to him submit , You , that have conquests won : Wise men ascribe your wit , To him , ev'n him alone . For , he supplies The Fool with skill , and , when he will Befools the wise . And , certainly , Unto to your Foes , he , gives the blows By which they die . 10. Rich-men , your precious things Bring forth , your Thanks to show ; Before him , ( Oh'ye Kings ) Your Heads , and Scepters bow ; And , as 't is meet , Come from your Thrones , and cast your Crown : Beneath his feet : For , Kingdomes all To him pertain , and he again Resume them shall . 11. Oh! let all things that were , That are , or shall ensue ; ( Or , but in thought appear ) Thy Praise , O God , forth-shew ; Till Times last bound : And , let it run , when time is done , An endlesse Round ; Where , needs not be Privations Night , that we true Light May better see . 12. Mean time , let not his praise Be meerly , in our Voice , As if vve thought to raise A Trophy , out of Noise : But , let us more Our Thanks expresse , in Righteousnesse , Then heretofore : Els ( this is plain ) False shows we make , and , do but take GODS Name in vain . FINIS .