That you have us presented
With many happy
Virgin-Rows,
Who without nunnery, are close to Jesu's heart cemented.
This is a bliss which is sure
To secure
Virgin-carriage,
In the state itself of marriage."
It is obvious that this is an amended version. I believe these hymns were translated by persons not very familiar with the English language. The versification is occasionally good and harmonious, but generally lame, and the language abounding with Hebraisms and Germanisms. The matter is often indescribably puerile; and, though composed bonâ fide, would look profane and licentious in quotation.
I have another edition, "chiefly extracted from the Larger Hymn-book," London, 1769. It has bad English, bad verse, and puerility; but is not indelicate.