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 78.

MY Thoughts, run o'er the Passages you have met to Day; or rather forget such impertinent things.

What have we seen but distracting Va∣nities? and what brought home but un∣profitable Fancies.

How oft have we selt our Minds di∣sturb'd? how oft endanger'd by unhappy Accidents?

Sometimes we frowardly throw our selves down; and like sullen Children will not stand.

Sometimes the Tempest throws us down; and like weak Children we can∣not stand.

Yet are we venturing still among the Snares; entic'd by the appearance of some present delight.

We weary our selves with running af∣ter Flies; which are hard to catch, and Trifles when they are caught.

This we pursue, and follow that; but nothing that we can meet can fill our Hearts.

Till we have found out thee, O gracious Lord! our only full all-satisfying Good.

Till we have found out thee, not by a dark belief; but clearly as thou art in thine own bright self.

Remember, O my Soul, this Truth of the World we live in; which our own Experience too evidently proves:

The Eye is not fill'd with seeing its Va∣nity; nor the Ear with hearing all its Harmony.

Remember this Truth of the World we hope; made sure to our Faith by the Word of Jesus:

The Eye hath not seen such beauteous Glories; nor has the Ear heard such ra∣vishing Charms:

Nor can the Heart it self conceive such incredible Joys; as our God has prepar'd for them that love him.

As our blessed Jesus has purchas'd for his Servants; and even for thee, my Soul, to crown thy Patience.

Wherefore in Peace lay down thy head, and rest secure in the Protection of thy God.

Whose Mercy has so graciously singled thee out; and so strongly establish'd on himself thy hope.

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