The Song of Zacharias, called Benedictus

The onely Lord of Israel,
be praised evermore.
For through his visitation,
And mercy kept in sotre,
His people now he hath redeeme'd,
That long have been in thrall
And spread abroad his saving health,
Upon his servants all.

In David's house his servant true,
According to his mind
And also his annointed King,
As we in Scripture find.
As by his holy Prophets all
Oft times he did declare:
The which were since the world began,
His waies for to prepare.

that we might be delivered
From those that make debate:
Our enemies, and from the hands
Of all that do us hate.
The mercy which he promised
Our Fathers to fulfill,
And think upon his covenant made,
According to his will.

And also to performe the oath
Which he before had sworne,
To Abraham our Father dear,
For us that were forlorn.
That he would give himselfe for us,
And us from bondage bring
Out of the hands of all our foes,
To serve our heavenly King.

And that without all manner feare,
And eke in righteousness,
And also for to lead our lives
In stedfast holiness;
And thou (O Child) which now art born,
And of the lord elect;
Shalt be the Prophet of the Highest,
His waies for to direct.

For thou shalt go before his face
For to prepare his waies,
And also for to teach his will,
And pleasure all thy daies.
To give them knowledge how that their
Salvation is neare.
And that remission of their sins
Is through his mercy meere.

Whereby the day-spring from on high,
Is come us for to visit;
And those for to illuminate,
Which do in darkness sit,
To lighten those that shadowed be
With death and eke opprest;
And also for to guide our feet
the way to peace and rest.

Source: The Whole Booke of Psalmes: collected into English meeter #F6

• MIDI file from The Whole Booke of Psalmes: collected into English meeter #F6