La scala santa, or, A scale of devotions musical and gradual being descants on the fifteen Psalms of Degrees, in metre : with contemplations and collects upon them, in prose, 1670.

For the Se∣cond of Sep∣tember and October.

〈♫〉〈♫〉

Here shall I seek for aid? where shall I set mine Eyes? mine Eyes and Pray'rs, like Birds afraid, up to the Hills would rise.

But whither would they rise? un—to some dangerous height? O no, this Quarry thither flies, whence springs our help, and light.

Nor hath our Health and Light From things below their Birth: But from the highest Rock of Might, Who made both Heav'n and Earth.

Therefore, though false foul Earth Thy Soul with Foes surround: Shall it be mov'd from holy Mirth? Shall Cares run it on Ground?

* 1.1Christ is the Ark to ground Thy Heart on, when distrest: From head to foot he'll make thee sound; * 1.2On him did Jacob rest.

* 1.3But he doth never rest From doing good, nor sleeps: * 1.4That with such Guards thou may'st be blest, As he his Israel keeps.

* 1.5Good Shepherd he doth keep His Flock, ev'n in Death's shade: See then (if thou art of his Sheep) How on thy side he's laid.

Though Dangers have way-laid Thy going out, or in: See how thy Husband's Arm's display'd, * 1.6To save thy very Skin.

* 1.7Like the three Children's Skin, Thine shall be scorch'd by none: Whatever Heat thou may'st be in, Whatever Star hath shown.

Nor shall the Moon, nor Sun Hurt thee, by Night or Day: No Mischief seen, nor closely done, Shall touch thee any way.

God shall preserve thy Ways And Mind, from all that's ill In Youth: And when thy Life decays, Blessed thou shalt be still.

Then trust and bless him still, Who endless Safety sends: God through this Vale of Sorrows, will Guide us to joyful ends.

The Entrance, Progress, Ends, Public and private Pow'rs; Labours, and Studies of his Friends, God blesses at all hours.

Then trust and bless him still, Who still did us defend: God doth, and ever will, * 1.8Give Blessings without end: (Give Blessings without end,) God doth and ever will; He still did us defend, Then trust and bless him still.

The Entrance, Progress, Ends, Public and private Pow'rs: And Works of all his Friends, God blesses: Lord bless Ours.

Gloria Patri, &c.

To God the Father, and the Son, And to the Holy-Ghost, Be Glory: And let ev'ry one Strive who shall praise God most.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Gen. 8.11.
• * 1.2

  Gen. 28.11.
• * 1.3

  Non dormita∣bit, multo minù•• dormiet, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: quamvis 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, & ex impatientiâ lu∣gentis Deus ob∣dormire dicitut. Psal. 44.24.
• * 1.4

  Gen. 32.2.
• * 1.5

  Psal. 22.1, 4.
• * 1.6

  Isa. 54.5.
• * 1.7

  Dan. 3.27.
• * 1.8

  Antistrophe.