Devotions in the ancient way of offices. With psalms, hymns, and prayers for every day of the week and every holiday in the year. / Reformed by A person of quality, ; and published by George Hickes, D.D.

Psalm 121.

'TIS true, I see a glorious State pre∣par'd above, for the Spirits of the Perfect.

But how should we, poor Dust and Ashes, and laden too with the burden of our Sins:

How should we hope to ascend those higher Regions; or claim a Portion in that Holy Land?

Fear not, my Soul, ask the bright An∣gels, what made them happy; and strait they'll answer with a sprightful Voice:

We readily obey'd our great Creator; and he fix'd us here to shine for ever.

Ask the blest Saints, what brought them to Felicity; and immediately they'll tell you in the same glad tune:

We faithfully lov'd our dear Redeemer; and that love has plac'd us here.

Ask both together, what bred those ex∣cellent Vertues? and both together will proclaim aloud:

Blessed for ever be the Grace of our God; which alone has wrought all our Works in us.

Blessed for ever be the Bounty of our Lord; which gave us freely first, then crown'd his own Gifts.

Hear also how the Saints sweetly tell us; Fear not (say they) who dwell be∣low, and sigh under the weight of Flesh and Blood:

Fear not to ascend at last to this place of Joy; and take your happy Seats among our Quires:

We too once liv'd in that Valley of Tears; and were set to strive with the same unruly Passions.

He that made us Overcome, can as easily strengthen you; He that hath crownd our Victories will as surely glo∣rifie yours.

Fear not, the way is smoother than you are made believe; and the time shorter than perhaps you wish.

'Tis but to love your own true Interest, which seems no hard Command; and that but while you live, which you seldom think too long.

This once well done, you have no more to do; but to come, and sing, and rejoice with us.

And thou, O Sovereign Lord of univer∣sal Nature on whom the whole celestial Court continually waits!

Command thy vigilant Angels to watch about us; and carry us strongly to the place of our Desires.

Save us, O thou whom the Sea and Winds obey; save us, O merciful Lord, or we perish.

Save us, who call on Thee in all our Distresses; save us, for whom thy immor∣tal self did die.

Save us, O Lord, we most humbly be∣seech Thee; and graciously receive us in∣to thine own blest Arms for evermore.

Glory be to the Father, &c. As it was in the beginning, &c.