JOHN MASON. DIED 1694. AMONG the numerous later writers of Hymns few have equalled this pious nonconformist. He was the grandfather of the more popular author of the "Essay on Self.Knowledge." Towards the close of his life he became the victim of some strange delusions, in regard to the imaginary millenial reign of our Lord upon earth, not altogether unlike those which have been revived in our own times. This circumstance, however, ought not to prejudice the reader against his poems, which are remarkable for a pure and sound, though high-toned devotion. JOHN MASON. A SONG OF PRAISE FOR CREATION. THOU Wast, O God, and thou wast blest, Of thine eternity possest Before Time's glass did run. Thou needest none thy praise to sing, Couldst thou have needed any thing, Great and good God, it pleased thee And what thy goodness did decree, Thy greatness did prepare: Thou spak'st, and heaven and earth appear'd, As if their Maker's voice they heard, Thou spak'st the word, most mighty Lord, Thy word went forth with speed: Thy will, O Lord, it was thy word, Thou brought'st forth Adam from the ground, And Eve out of his side: Thy blessing made the earth abound With there two multiplied. Those three great leaves, heaven, sea, and land, Thy name in figures show; Brutes feel the bounty of thy hand, But I my Maker know. Whose creatures serve me here? To whom, Lord, should I sing, but thee, Lo other lords would seize on me, As waters haste unto their sea, So let my soul return to thee, From whom it had its birth. But, ah! I'm fallen in the night, Yet speak the word, "Let there be light" It shall enlighten me: And let thy word, most mighty Lord, Thy fallen creature raise: O make me o'er again, and I Shall sing my Maker's praise. A SONG OF PRAISE FOR PROVISION. COME, let us praise our Master's hand, Which gives us daily bread : Thy house, my Lord, is full of guests, Earth is thy table, where thy guests Thy hand carves every one his part, Naked came I into the world, Thy bounty gives me bread with peace, The vine and olive-branches too |