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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A00321) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 26402) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1806:11) The psalme of mercy, or, A meditation vpon the 51. psalme by a true penitent. I. B. Bate, John. Bennet, John, Sir, d. 1627. [14], 363 p. Imprinted by Felix Kyngston, and are to be sold by Matthew Lownes, London : 1625. Epistle dedicatory signed: I.B. Sometimes attributed to John Bate and to J. Bennet.--Cf. NUC pre-1956 imprints. Signatures: A⁸(-A1) B-Q¹² R². Page 49 misnumbered as 94. Includes marginal notes. Reproduction of original in the Magdalene College (University of Cambridge). Library. Includes bibliographical references. eng Miserere -- Meditations. eebo The psalme of mercy, or, A meditation vpon the 51. psalme by a true penitent. I. B 1625 392 46926 649 0 0 0 0 0 138.3 F The rate of 138.3 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2000-00 Assigned for keying and markup 2001-09 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-06 Sampled and proofread 2002-06 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-07 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE PSALME OF MERCY : OR , A MEDITATION vpon the 51. Psalme , by a true Penitent .

LONDON , Imprinted by Felix Kyngston , and are to be sold by Matthew Lownes . 1625.

TO MY REVEREND FRIEND Mr. IOHN DOWNAME , Bachelar in Diuinity and Preacher of Gods Word . REVEREND SIR .

WHen first I fell into my grieuous affliction , as a man surprized with a mighty Tempest , I did in the midst of mine astonishment , bethinke my selfe , how to apply my courses to the appeasing of Gods anger , ( whence 〈◊〉 crosse proceeded ) and the sauing of my perplexed soule , the mayne marke whereat 〈◊〉 aymed . In that case I suddainely and strongly resolued to take Gods Booke into my hand , & by it , as by the true Card and compasse ; to saile safely thorow the sea of this worlds troubles , in hope ioyfully in the end to arriue at the hauen of rest and true 〈◊〉 . Among the bookes of holy Writ , I 〈◊〉 mine eyes and thoughts specially vpon the Psalmes of Dauid , which are a short and sweete 〈◊〉 of all Scripture , and 〈◊〉 mysteries therein comprized . Among the Psalmes I conuersed more frequently , in those that are singled from the rest , and stiled by a speciall title , The Penitentialls , as the fittest medicines for my malady , which are ( as one saith ) the Anatomy of the spirit and the heart , as it were , of the new man . True it is , ( which I confesse ingenuously , though to mine own reproach ) that albeit I had very often heretofore heard and red those Psalmes ( wherein Dauid his pangs and passions , are liuely described ) with a kinde of 〈◊〉 delight , and pleasing regret , as men behold Tragedies on a stage , and reade lamentable stories : Yet could I not fully rellish , and truly tast them , whiles I liued in quietnesse and contentment , nor indeed , vntil I had by personall experience , felt in some proportion Dauid his 〈◊〉 and wounded spirit . So true is that , which sundry of the Fathers haue obserued , Bern. ad frat . in Mon. and Saint Bernard deliuers in these words ; You shall neuer rightly vnderstand Dauid , vntill by experience , you haue put on the very affections , in which Dauid his Psalmes were endited ; for none can expresse a passion that feeles it not , neither can the penne deliuer but what it copieth out of the 〈◊〉 .

Now being best acquainted with mine owne disabilities and defects ; I did 〈◊〉 chuse this Plaine-song to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , being the prime 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Penitentiall , and a liuely Character of a true Mourner , though shaped to the particular condition of Dauid , yet fitting euery penitent sinner , because it seemes to require the compunction of the heart , rather then the consideration of the head ; an imitation rather then an interpretation , an application , rather then an explication .

This is The Psalme of Mercy , by excellency , so called , because it beginneth with Miserere , which prisoners indicted , and conuicted , for lesser fellonies , at our Assizes and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , doe so often call and 〈◊〉 for , at the Iudges hands . For 〈◊〉 that can neither vnderstand nor reade the Latine tongue , can say it by rote ( as they say ) and doe craue mercy , in desiring to be put to reade , this Psalme of mercy . But without all question , the most holy , and iust man vpon earth , had neede to beg of the great Iudge of heauen and earth , that hee will 〈◊〉 to heare him read with his tongue , and tune with his heart , this sweete , though 〈◊〉 Psalme of mercy in his daily 〈◊〉 , lest he be condemned when hee comes to be arraigned at the grand Assizes : When all offendors without witnesse or Iury , are to be accused & conuicted 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of their own consciences ; 〈◊〉 not to appeare , it will bee impossible , and to appeare without this Psalme of mercy , it will be intolerable .

For who is he among the sonnes of men , that may not truly say , with that ancient Father ? A sinner I am , spotted Tertul. de Paenit . with all manner of staines , borne for nothing else , in this life , but to act repentance all my life ( what other person 〈◊〉 I sustaine ) vpon the stage of this world .

Vpon perusall of the Psalme , and some few 〈◊〉 thereof ( for I did not 〈◊〉 many ) chewing the Cud , as it were ; I haue cast it and them into mine own mold , expressed the sense in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plaine language , and paralelling mine with Dauids perplexities , applied his plaisters to my sores : I 〈◊〉 with the same measure of spirit , I hope with the like successe of grace .

If you meruaile , that I being no Diuine should aduenture the conceiuing , much more the publishing of a Meditation of this nature : My answere is briefely ; That the subiect of it belongs to the art of Christianity ( which euery man is bound to know ) and not onely to the profession of Diuinity ; and that , in absence of the Master , one 〈◊〉 now and than teacheth another , and he that learnes of his Schoolefellow , will sometimes apprehend it sooner from 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 from his Master .

And I hope to suffer the more gentle censure , for suffering this weake Essay to see light in this Age , which is actiue in scribling and printing , euen to ryot and excesse : because I see mens wills of their gifts to charitable vses daily printed , to incite others by their example , to the like courses . Why then may not any man declare & publish , the pious bequest of his soule , ( as it were ) and set the presse on worke , to expresse and record his repentance , build his tombe of black-Marble , & erect it in the Temple of Gods people ; that by looking vpon 〈◊〉 Ensignes , and reading the Epitaph , others may be mooued , as in Christian affection to condole with him , so by a kinde of reflection , to mourne for themselues .

If a man would prouide a mourning suite for his sorrowfull heart , what hurt or losse were it , to see diuers formes and fashions to make choyce of for patternes ? The more course the Stuffe , and lesse curious the fashion , the fitter for the grat Dueil or solemne mourning . My model may better please some mourner , then a better . If no other vse be made , The often iteration , and frequent renouation of this matter , 〈◊〉 vsuall and ordinary resort to houses of mourning , may giue occasion to refresh and reuiue that diuine passion , which should euer liue in vs , till it dye with vs , to wit , Repentance .

What fruite others may reape by this my meditation , I know not , but sure I am , that by entertayning the time , and employing my thoughts vpon this subiect , I haue excluded a world of idle fancies , and tumultuous cogitations ( which otherwise would haue seized vpon me ) and swallowed many indignities , and discontentments that would haue disturbed the peace of my soule , had it not beene foreprized , by an exercise of this nature , as an Antidote against such poisons .

The cause why I present and submit it to your view and censure , is not only for that I reuerence your great learning and singuler piety , well knowne to our whole Church by your sundry books ; but specially in a recognition of the much contentment I found in that worke of yours , which deseruedly beares the Title of Consolations for the afflicted , or the Third part of the Christian Warfare , which gaue the first ouerture to our accquaintance , and begat sundry conferences , betweene vs sithence , to my no small comfort , as I doe in all thankefulnesse professe . Whether it shall dye in your hands , vpon your priuate perusall , or liue a while , and so passe further , through the hands of others , I leaue wholy to your discretion . You shall beare the blame on the one side ; howsoeuer , you bee like , to receiue small thankes on the other .

The God of all consolation , returne with interest , into your owne bosome , those comforts , which you so freely and plentifully haue imparted vnto other .

Yours in true Christian affection . I. B.
THE PSALME OF MERCY , OR A MEDITATION vpon the 51. Psalme , by a true Penitent . To the chiefe Musician . A Psalme of Dauid , when Nathan the Prophet came vnto him , after he had gone in to Bathsheba .
THE ARGVMENT .

AFter that Dauid in many successefull battailes was become a Conqueror , and had defeated and destroyed the Syrians and Mesopotamians , who came to succor the Ammonites his Opposites , hauing now no enemy abroad , of any account to encounter withall , he was surprized by his dangerous enemy at home , and taken prisoner by Securitie , he grew by Plenty and Prosperity , ( as it commonly fares with men , in such case ) forgetfull of his former miseries , and God his singular mercies , and was captiuated wholy , by his lustfull desires , and sinfull concupiscence . For not contented to take by stealth , Vriah his wife from him , in his absence , while hee was imployed in his seruice , but ( which is the nature of sinne , still to increase and multiply ) to his foule Adultery , hee added cruell Murther , giuing order to his trusty Commaunder Ioab , to marshall him in the front and poynt of those Israelites , who did assaile the Suburbs of Rabbah , when there was no possibility , at least , no probability of preuailing , and ( which could not but bee , more displeasing to God ) was wittingly contented that many other his best seruants and soldiers , vnder Vriah his command , should perish with Vriah for company , to cloake and disguise his particular wicked designe against him . To omit his practice , in calling Vriah from the Warres , and sending him home ( both sober and drunke , though he went not at all ) to couer the shame , and shadow the sin , which Dauid had committed , ( she being then with child by him : ) no sooner was Vriah slaine , but hee married the widdow , whom being a wife , hee had defiled ; and so securely enioyed the forbidden fruite of his filthy pleasure , and mischieuous Policie , till Nathan the Prophet was specially sent , as an Herald , to summon and challenge , checke , and reprooue him , for these manifold defections , and manifest rebellions against God .

Now the time of Nathan his comming to Dauid , is purposely recorded , to shew that Dauid was in a kind of Lethargy for about a yeeres space ( as it is collected by the story ) which is a strange and remarkable thing , that so great a person , so endued with God his excellent Spirit , could sleepe and snort in the bed of security , as if he had beene quite bereaued of the sence and life of Piety , and out of his wits , ( as it were ) for so large a time . For who would not thinke and say , he was bewitched by Satan , & benummed with the spirit of slumber , & growne , if not obstinately contemptuous , yet retchlesly careles of God his Iudgements ? Which circumstance , as it doth much aggrauate his fault , that hee felt not true remorce of conscience , till the Prophet Nathan came to rowze and raise him ; so doth it exceedingly amplify the mercy and goodnesse of God , who when ordinary meanes of Prayer , reading and meditating of Gods Word , could not worke and preuaile with him , ( for who can imagine , that such a person could altogether in that time want such helpes , ) addressed an extraordinary Ambassador , euen one of his Prophets ; a Prophet , to a Prophet ; a Phisicion , to a Phisicion ; but to a sicke Phisicion , who could not cure himselfe , to handle and search his wounds , to touch him to the quick , and so to reduce him to a sound and sincere repentance .

Now , who on the one side , doth not tremble and quake , to thinke of this fearefull example , that so holy a Prophet , so worthy a King , could , after so foule a fall , lye so long , in this dyrt and myre , and bee so ouerwhelmed with such a beastly and sencelesse sluggishnesse ?

On the other part , whose heart is not rauished with delight , and euen resolued into teares of ioy and comfort , to behold such a mirrour of Gods mercy , in Dauid , after hee had plunged himselfe into so many and manifold great and grieuous sinnes , as were folded vp in those capitall crimes of Adultery and Murther , that hee should yet finde grace to rise againe by Repentance , obtaine pardon of all his sinnes , and be restored and reintegrated into God his speciall loue and fauour ?

So then the Title tells both the tyme and occasion of composing this Psalme , which doth passionately declare , and liuely expresse Dauid his humiliation , sorrow and discontentment , for the offences he had done , and publish , and record to posterity , a forme and Modell , ( as it were ) of penitent prayer , to be vsed , by Sorrowfull Sinners , in all succeeding ages .

This excellent Ditty of the sweet Singer of 〈◊〉 , was ( as the Title purports ) recommended to him that excelled , to wit , the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 Chanter , to be 〈◊〉 into a note 〈◊〉 tune fit for it , and to bee played vpon an Instrument of Musike , called Neginoth , that the Art 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 might 〈◊〉 , as all other humane arts ought to bee accessary and seruiceable , to the aduancement of diuine glory . For the fashion was in those times , to sing such Hymnes artificially set and tuned to some Instrument , in the publike Assemblies , that by the melody of the eare , the Iubilation of the heart might be enlarged .

THE ANALYSIS or Resolution of the Psalme .

THis is a penitentiall Psalme , and the chiefe of the penitentials , in common account , a liuely mirror of a true penitent , and a zealous prayer of a mournefull soule , oppressed with the weight , and perplexed with the sight of sinne .

The prayer is either Speciall for himselfe ; such are all the petitions to the 18. verse . Generall for the whole Church , in the 18. verse , and so to the end . As repentance hath two parts , To lament and 〈◊〉 sins past . To preuent and auoide sin to come . So the petitions of the Psalme , are either for Iustification by pardon of sinnes committed , to the 10. verse . Sanctification , by future holinesse , in the rest .

But the 〈◊〉 doth not exactly pursue this method , but rather the order of his own iudgement , often iterating and varying his petition for one & the same thing , by the Metaphors of washing , cleansing , purging , blotting out and doing away his sins , and in the middest of his prayer for sanctification , abruptly and passionately interlacing his sute , for pardon of his crying crime of Murder .

O Miserable wretch that I am , what shall I say ? What shall I doe ? Which way shall I turne ? To whom shall I addresse my selfe ? Hell will not ; the earth cannot relieue me , and I dare not lift vp mine eyes to Heauen , hauing so highly offended against Heauen , and before thee the great King of Heauen . I am assailed on euery side , assailed by mine own iniquities , assailed by thy graces . Where may I shrowd my selfe from my sinnes ? How can I hide mee from my selfe ? Where may I expect succour ? Whence may I hope for helpe ; sithence thy graces , which I haue turned into wantonnesse , doe conuince me of foule ingratitude , doe multiply iniquities vpon me , and euen arme thy mercies against me ? The extremity of my Condition is such , as will afford no long time of deliberation . In briefe , there is one onely way left of escape , and euasion , and that is , by flying from thee , to fly to thee ; to appeale from thy seate of Iustice , to thy throne of Mercy , as to thy Court of last resort , which is alwaies open . Either that way or no way , can I be rescued from vtter destruction . The most odious sinne of desperation , wil but plunge me further , into the depth of damnation . But with the Lord , there is maruailous mercy , and plenteous redemption . By this meanes it is possible ; without it , impossible to saue my sinfull soule . Wherefore my resolution is ; in the lowest degree of humiliation , in the deepest straine of contrition , faithfully , ( and yet , ( in a sort ) fearefully ) to repose my selfe vpon his infinite , and vnspeakeable compassion . I will pierce mine entralles , and pricke the heart of my corrupt heart to the quicke . I will let out a flood of teares , which are the bloud of my soule : I will mingle my zealous and humble prayers , with those salt and brackish teares : I will knocke hard at his mercy gate , and cry aloud , Miserere .

A MEDITATION VPON THE PSALME of Mercy .
1. Haue mercy , vpon me , O God , according to thy great mercy , and according to the multitude of thy tender compassions , blot out my transgressions .

THAT which I begge at thy hands , O God , is mercy : for of many properties in thee , which are all essentiall to thee , there is none so vsefull , none so delightfull , to my perplexed soule , as is thy mercy .

Were it not for thy Mercy , thy Maiesty would affright , thy Wisedome confound , thy Iustice condemne , and thy Power destroy me ; as on the other part , through the sweete mixture of thy Mercy , thy Maiestie will reuiue , thy Wisedome enlighten , thy Iustice acquit , & thy Power preserue me , and euery of thy other Attributes will contribute to the aduancement of my inestimable benefit , and endlesse good .

In Mercy all my prayers and petitions are comprized ; by Mercy all my defects and desires are satisfied ; for Mercy all my prayses and thankes are returned .

Euery thing that hath being , doth naturally affect continuance , and well being .

Euery Man doth or should desire his chiefe good , and true happinesse , which consists in thy remission of his sinnes , in his reconciliation to thee , and that is the blessed , and kindely fruite of thy gracious and tender mercy alone .

A sinner I am , and who is not ? Therefore I cannot seeke for happines in freedome from sinne ( that is aboue the nature of man , ) but in the free pardon of my sinne , by grace , which surmounts all the sinnes of all the world . Thou didst looke downe , O Lord , from all eternity , out of thy highest throne of Heauen , by way of Suruey , among the sonnes of men in all ages and generations , ( all things and persons being euer present vnto thee ) to see , if there were any , that would vnderstand and seeke after thee . But vpon exact enquiry returne was made , they were all found corrupt and abominable , There was not one that did good ; no not one . Which for greater vehemency and euidence of the truth , is repeated the second tyme , and purposely recorded , by an infinite foresight , to take away all colour of doubt , and to impose perpetuall Silence , to such as afterwards might deceiue themselues , and abuse others with an opinion of their owne iustice and holinesse , as answerable to thy diuine law , and meritorious of thy louing fauour .

Wherfore I present this lamentable supplication , and sing this dolefull ditty , though framed for my selfe 〈◊〉 , yet fitting euery of the sonnes of Adam generally : Haue Mercy vpon mee , O God . I call vpon thee , O God , at this time , by the name of Elohim , which purports the Trinity of Persons ; and not of Iehouah , which denotes the Vnity of substance , in the Godhead : for my threefold sinne doth iustly occasion mee , to fixe mine eyes vpon the Three persons distinctly . Vpon thee , O Father , who art power , against whom I haue offended , by abuse of my regall Power , in murdering Captaine Vriah , and his whole troope ; Vpon thee , O Sonne , who art Wisedome , by vsing finenesse and fraud in carrying closely , and cunningly contriuing the murder . Vpon thee , O holy Ghost , who art goodnesse , whom I haue grieued , by defiling my hands with blood , and body with 〈◊〉 , which is , or should be thy temple and habitation .

When I implore thy great Mercie , I imply my great misery . The Phisick Aug. in 〈◊〉 . 51. of the body must be attempered to the malady . If the receipt be giuen vnder the due Dosis , it may moue , but it will not remoue the peccant humors . Desperate diseases must haue soueraigne 〈◊〉 : for meane medicines will neuer cure great griefes . If the plaster bee too skant for the sore ; If the wound be not throughly teinted , and wholy couered , it will neuer bee well cured , or soundly recouered . As it is in the diseases and sores of he body ; so is it also in 〈◊〉 of the soule . One deepe 〈◊〉 another : the depth of sinne requires the depth of grace ; and a depth of misery calleth for a depth of mercy .

If I aske my selfe , why is thy Mercy great ? for that , there is no cause of thy mercy , but thy Mercy . I must answere by the effect , Because thou canst 〈◊〉 my soule from the nethermost hell , from such anguish of body , from such perplexity of spirit , from such terrors and torments , as are ready to ouerwhelme mee , in the pit of destruction .

If I aske how great is Chrysost. in hunc Psalmum . thy Mercy ? I must giue an answere answerelesse ; I know it to be meruailous great , but how great it is , I cannot comprehend . The immensity of it I haue assayed to shadow out , by such resemblances as the world affords to outward sence , for the shallow conceits , and weake capacities of mortall men , being not able with my thoughts to reach , much lesse with my tongue or penne to expresse it .

The height of thy mercy I 〈◊〉 to the altitude of the Heauen aboue the Earth , the bredth Psal. 103. to the distance of the East from the West , the depth , to the affection of parents to their children : butalas , these are no euen matches : for that which is limited and finite , hath no proportion at all , with that which is vnlimited , and infinite .

Thy Mercy , O Lord , is as thou art : thou art great without quantity , as thou art good without quality . Thou art not merciful , but mercy : not good , but goodnesse : not louing , but Loue it selfe , in the abstract . The extent of thy goodnesse , loue , and mercy is such as hath no bounds , the depth is such as hath no bottome .

The influence of it , will make me feele that which no eloquence can vtter , no Melius impressum quàm expressum innotescit . intelligence can containe . No man can tell how sweete hony is , but hee In his non capit intelligentia , nisi quantum attingit 〈◊〉 . Bern. in Cant. 3. that tasteth it .

I see , O Lord , great fruite of thy rich roote of Mercy . For were not thy mercy exceeding great , few or none could liue Qui non gustauerit , non intelliget , quàm 〈◊〉 sapit mel , Aug. in Psal. 30. here the life of grace , or there , the life of glory . Looke how many Saints there be in heauen or on earth , by inchoation here , in perfection there : So many worthy examples , so many infallible demonstrations there are , of thine vnspeakeable mercy , without which , they should 〈◊〉 haue perished and sunke downe to Hell .

If therefore thy Iustice lift vp it selfe as the high Mountaines , to eclipse the light of thy gracious countenance from mee , I will raise my selfe yet higher , in confidence of thy Truth , which reacheth to the clouds , and thy Mercy , which mounts euen to the heauen of heauens . I will frame this comfortable consequence to my distressed soule : if thy mercy bee magnified aboue thy Iustice , it must needs bee farre aboue my transgressions .

O Lord , I haue caused my sinne to abound , farre beyond the bankes and bounds of thy Law , but it is thy property , to pardon , and the property of thy Mercy , where sinne abounds , Rom. 5. there to superabound .

Thy mercy doth euen crosse and controule thy Iustice ; and as the highest Orbe doth by violence carry with it the inferior Spheres , against their proper inclinations and motions ; So the force of thy powerfull mercy doth ouerrule my naturall and wilfull courses , running to wickednesse , and in that race , hasting to iust condemnation .

My sinnes therefore , how great soeuer , cannot stop the flowing of thy vast Ocean of Mercy .

When I fall into computation , and comparison of my sinnes on the one side , and thy mercies on the other ; I finde by diuine Arithmetike , and the true Iacobs-staffe , ( to my singular comfort ) that my sinnes , how great , and how many soeuer , yet may bee both measured and reckoned ; but on the other part , that neither the magnitude nor the multitude Miserationum Dei , nec magnitudo mensurari , nec multitudo numerari potest , Basil. of thy mercies can be either fathomed or numbred .

I beg thy great Mercy , because thy lesser mercies will not doe the turne , which my miserable condition requires . For they may ease me of lesser miseries , of afflictions in body , of distresses in estate , of other incumbrances in the world ; but it is thy larger Mercy that must forgiue , not my lesser only , but my greater sinnes , which haue prouoked thy iust and heauy indignation against me .

Thy wayes , O God , are not as mans wayes , nor thy mercies , as mans mercies . Mans mercy is short and scant , mingled with hardnesse , and maymed with sundry imperfections . In ciuill matters some man will forgiue the interest , but not the principall : some man will forgiue the halfe , but not the whole debt : some man will forbeare to demand the debt , yet will not forgoe the Bond ; hee will keepe that , to curbe his debtor , vpon all occasions . In matters criminall , one will forgiue the fault , but not the punishment : another will remit a part , but not all the penalty : a third will forgiue , but not forget the iniury . But thy Mercy , O Lord , is great & large , free and absolute , intire , and indefinite , or rather infinite ; Thou forgiuest both the fault and punishment royally and really : all is acquitted and discharged at once , in accomplishment of that comfortable clause in the cloze of thy new Couenant , Thou wilt remember our Ierem. 31. iniquities no more .

The multitude of my sinnes occasions me , to parallel them with the multitude of thy mercies , that there may bee a medicine for each malady , a salue for euery sore . I touch still vpon one and the same string , though with some variety , because the meditation and modulation of this mercy of thine , is as sweet Musicke in mine eare , and a ioyfull Iubile in my soule . I striue to expresse one and the same thing in diuers words or phrases ; great mercy , and a multitude of mercies , being all one in sence and meaning : for great mercy comprehends a multitude of mercies , and a multitude of mercies amounts to one great masse of mercy .

The greatest mercy , that the greatest person can doe to the most miserable wretch vpon earth , is not to bee compared to the least of thy mercies , which thou affoordest to the holiest man that liues , in regard of the infinite disproportion that is betweene the Offendor and the Offended , the Creator of Heauen and earth , and dust and ashes . Howbeit , euen in thine infinite mercy , as it hath relation to sinfull man , there be degrees , whereof we cannot better take the skantling , then by our greater or lesser offences committed against thy diuine Maiesty : for the Law of gratitude amongst men , teacheth mee to acknowledge , that thy loue is greater to them , to whom thou forgiuest greater , than to such as thou acquitest of smaller debts . Therefore as my more heynous sinnes , at the Tribunall of thy iustice , do call for seuerer punishment ; so at thy throne of mercy ( which is aboue thy seate of iustice , and to which I appeale , as to thy Court of last resort ) they begge and craue , for thy more great and tender compassions .

Debt is a burthen ; and a great debt , is an heauy burden : hee that beares an honest minde , cannot be quiet in minde , so long as hee continues in debt . My sins are my debts , and that scoare runnes still in my minde , whereon I haue runne so fast and so farre ; I professe truly , that my sins haue gone ouer , not my Psal. 38. body only , but my head also , and that they are a burden too heauy for mee to beare . I know , O Lord , thou keeper of men , that thou markest Iob. 7. what is amisse in me , thou scorest vp my sinnes , my wilde and wandring thoughts , my vaine and wicked words , my foule and filthy actions ; thou keepest a day and a debt-booke of them , to charge mee by way of account , whensoeuer it pleaseth thee : thou settest them downe in capitall and red letters , ( to declare thine anger : ) thou grauest them with the poynt of a Diamond , and writest them with a pen of Iron , both in thy Registry of Heauen , and in the Tablet of mine own conscience on earth , placing on the right side thereof , the straight rules of thy Law , and mine Obliquities on the left , each as a foile to set forth the other : Debts must either be paid or forgiuen , else they cannot be discharged . Pay , O Lord , I cannot , I am become bankrupt , I am not able , ( no not , by way of composition ) to answer thee one for a thousand . Therefore it remaines onely that I beseech thee , whose propertie it is to haue mercy , and forgiue , to crosse this debt-booke , to wipe out the score , to cancell the hand-writing , and deface the record that is against me , to put away and blot out my transgressions , that there may remaine no memory of them , either to prouoke thy heauy vengeance , or to affright my distressed soule .

Wash mee , wash mee againe and againe , or wash me throughly from mine iniquity , and cleanse mee from my sinne . As my sinnes , being in nature of debts , are registred in thy book , and set vpon thy score : so like spots and staynes , they blemish and deface the Image of thy diuine nature , ingrauen in my soule at the Creation of it , in such sort , as thou canst hardly discerne it to be thy workemanship : and therefore I intreate thee , to wash me often and throughly , that I may appeare cleane and holy in thy pure and piercing eyes .

There is nothing so pure , ( O Lord ) as thou art in thy diuine nature , nothing so foule , as I am by naturall and actuall corruption : Wherefore I thinke nothing too much , to bring the most defiled thing on earth to the 〈◊〉 Essence in heauen , and that makes me to beg againe and againe , that thou wilt wash me againe and againe .

Sinne is filthy to thinke of , more filthy to speake and heare of , most filthy to act and commit ; there is nothing in it , or any part or passage of it , but vilenesse , basenesse , and filthinesse .

All the washings in thy Leuiticall Law , were types and figures of this Spirituall washing in the blood of the Lambe , slaine from the beginning of the world .

Wash me , O Lord , with the water of thy grace , with that water , whereof whoso drinketh , shall neuer thirst : wash mee with the water of mine owne teares , with the water of thy Word , with the water of thy Sacraments . I know , O Lord , that vnlesse thou wash mee , I can haue no part or portion in the. e Wherefore I beseech thee to wash , not my feete Iohn 13. onely , but my head also , and all the parts and members of my body ; yea to rince and scowre my soule and all the powers and faculties thereof , that I may present both soule and body , an holy and acceptable sacrifice Rom. 12. vnto thee .

It is thy blessed busines , O Christ , to 〈◊〉 me in this worlde , that thou maist render me spotlesse to thy Father in another world . I sinne daily , and therefore had neede of daily washing : I sinne continually , and therfore had 〈◊〉 of continuall washing ; for the word including a multiplication of washing , doth imply a multiplication of sinning . For if my soule lothing the filth and mire wherewith shee hath soiled her selfe , euen to vglinesse , take a course by the teares of contrition , for the cleane washing of her face , how soone doth the old dirt of sinne spurt into her visage againe ? So that the businesse of the soule in this life , ( if it be a life of repentance ) is neuer at an end , being indeed nothing else , but the washing of that which is foule , and the fouling of that which was washed .

There be ( as it is reported in the story of nature , ) certain flying fishes , whose wings by flying waxe dry , and being dry , lose their flying ; so as they must euer and anon returne to the Sea , by the moisture thereof , to enable their flight againe . Euen so my soule , washed in the lauer of regeneration , and mounting vp towards heauen , through this wicked world , her wings , euen her best purposes , cogitations and conceptions easily grow dry , by the contagion of earthly conuersation , vnlesse they bee often bathed and moistened in the waters of repentance , to carry her thorow to her iournies end .

So then , my case and condition is such , as in regard of many sports howerly falling , and deepely staining my ill fauoured and disfigured Soule , 〈◊〉 haue iust cause to pray earnestly , that I may bee both often , and throughly washed , and by thee , who canst alone make me cleane , and clense me from my sinnes .

As I haue a great debt to be discharged , much filthinesse to bee washed , so haue I a loathsome Leprosie of sinne , to be clensed ; wherefore I pray thee , O Lord , to clense mee from from my sinnes .

This Leprosie , and the cure of it , were shadowed out , and figured also by sundry purgations & clensings in thy Leuiticall law , all poynting to that blood of the Lambe , whereby my sinnes are purged .

The Leprosie ( as Physiicans tell vs ) is an hereditary disease , descending from the Father to the Child . An ignominious and odious disease , banishing the Leper from all company ; a contagious disease , spreading from man to man , 〈◊〉 then the Plague ; a dull and stupid disease , that makes him insensible altogether ; and a dangerous , or rather desperate disease , 〈◊〉 or not at all to be cured .

In all which 〈◊〉 , sinne may fitly bee resembled to a 〈◊〉 : for sinne comes by propagation from our first Parents , to all their posterity . It separates vs from thy presence , from the company of thy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , of Angels , and all good men . It infecteth others , and poyloneth not onely with the breath , but with the sight of it too . It benums vs so , as wee feele not thy fearefull iudgements . It is vtterly incurable , otherwise then by the blood of the Lambe . It hath been obserued , that the teares of a Vine , when it bleedes , are a very good medicine for curing of the bodily Leprosie . 〈◊〉 so the teares 〈◊〉 . of the heart , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and lies lowe , as doth 〈◊〉 Vine , that 〈◊〉 and mournes in humility for sinne , auaile much to 〈◊〉 clensing of this Leprosie of the soule . My sinne , as a Leprosie , doth ouerspread both my soule and body , from the crowne of the head , to the sole of the foote , from the highest faculty of my vnderstanding , to the lowest affection of my will , there is no sound part in mee , my disease is growne to the height , to full ripenesse , or rather foule rottennesse : it hath put out the scabbe ( as they say ) by enormious and scandalous actions . Wherefore I beseech thee , who art the prime and soueraigne Physician , to looke vpon me with the eye of pitty , and to clense , and cure mee of my Leprous sinne and sinfull Leprosie .

2. I know mine owne wickednesse , and my sinne is euer before me , or , my sinne is euer against me .

BEfore the Prophet Nathan was sent as a speciall Bailife , to summon me , by a writ , ad meliùs inquirendum , I cast mine eye carelesly , I did not fixe it fully , I looked slightly and superficially , as in passage , not sadly and mournefully , vpon my grieuous sins : I did not behold them so seriously as I ought to haue done : I saw but the Epitome , or grosse summe of them : I did not viewe them in the large volume , written at length , or rathere painted out as now they are , in their true shapes and colours .

Euery man , by the light of nature , must needs see somewhat of this kinde , in the glasse of his owne conscience ; but through the corruption of nature , no man is willing to take a perfect suruay , and make a full portraiture of his own transgressions .

There is in man an affected Ut liberiùs 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 ignorant . Bern. de grad. humi . ignorance and blindnesse , in this behalfe : and who so blinde , as he that will not see ? who so ignorant , as hee that will not know ? As wee put off the euill day so long as we can ; so we put by the euill obiect , so farre as wee may , from our sence and sight .

I knew , I had offended ; but I knew not , that I had so highly offended : I thought thou diddest see my sinnes ; but I did little thinke that thou haddest taken such speciall and exact notice of them , as to send an Herald , or extraordinary Ambassadour , of purpose to challenge , and reproue me for them , and to rowze me out of my sound sleepe and snorting security , in them .

It was thy great mercy , ( O God ) to send a Prophet , to check , admonish , and correct mee ; and it is of thy gracious goodnesse that crosses , which are thy Messengers for that purpose , afflictions of body or mind , outward or inward , one or other , are ordinarily laid vpon thy children , to make them know themselues ; and by knowing themselues , to know thee ; and by knowing , to loue thee ; and by louing thee , to bee beloued of thee .

This is that golden chaine , euery linke whereof is fastened within another , whereby a man is tyed and nexed to thee : this is that Ladder of Iacob , by which thou descendest to him , and hee ascends to thee .

None is so dangerously Nemo est 〈◊〉 insanabilior , qui sibi sanus 〈◊〉 . Greg. in 〈◊〉 . sicke , as hee that doth not finde , and feele himselfe to be sicke . I know mine own maladies , and therefore Initium salutis , notitia 〈◊〉 . resort to thee the great Physicion , to be eased and Qui peccarese nescit , corrigi non vult . cured therof . It is in vaine to seeke health and helpe , vnlesse I lay open my 〈◊〉 . Frustrà medicantis auxilium expectat , qui valnus non 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . wounds , and discouer the malignity of my disease , which is , morbus complicatus ( as the Physicions terme it ) not a simple or single , but a compound disease , wherein many diseases are folded , and wrapped together : so as , if there Non 〈◊〉 scire quo modo morbos curare conueniat , qui vnde hi sunt ignorat . Cornel. Cels. de Re 〈◊〉 . lib. 〈◊〉 . be not extraordinary care taken , to apply somewhat , to each ill affected part , respectiuely , I may soone come ad diliquium animae , to the fainting , and failing of my spirituall life .

I know my sinnes in the plurall number , which albeit they flowed from one and the same fountaine ; yet ranne they into diuers streames , for as much as to my adultery , I added both trechery and murder ; neither did I betray and expose to slaughter , one man alone , or a few persons , but a whole band and troope of men , fighting in mine owne quarrell , and in defence of thy Church . Wherefore it is not without cause , that in one grosse body of sinne , I represent vnto my selfe , many seuerall branches , and kindes of sinne , by multiplication , and seuer it into sundry parts , by diuision .

He that knowes his sin , knowes himselfe : which the Heathens held to be a 〈◊〉 coelo descendit , &c. diuine lesson , and most profitable instruction . For what can hee vnderstand that knowes himselfe , but that the imaginations of his heart , the words of his mouth , the workes of his Gen 6. hands , are euill onely , and wicked continually ?

On the other part , he is not a sinner onely , that is , one that hath sinne in him , and somewhat also besides sinne : but hee is a great lumpe and intire masse of Chrysol . sinne : nothing but sinne , that doth not know himselfe to bee a sinner ; and that , hee hath committed many and manifold sinnes .

Hee that knowes himselfe and his sinnes , cannot but displease himselfe , and thereby please thee ; as also , he that neither knows himselfe nor his sins , may haply please himselfe , but he cannot possibly but displease thee .

Hee knowes his owne sinne ( as is fitting ) who is sorry for it , and displeased with it ; he that is readie to abide Gods chastisement , and mans reprofe , for his amendment ; he that resolues for the time comming , to auoid sin , and all occasions of sinning ; who seriously considers what the malignity of sin is , of what good things it bereaues him , to what penalties it makes him liable , how venemous 〈◊〉 poison of it is at home , how contagious the example of it is abroade .

Thou hast giuen me ( O Lord ) the knowledge of thy Law , and by the knowledge of thy Law , the knowledge of my sinne . Rectum index sui , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . For that which is right and straight , doth both shew it selfe , and that which is crooked also . But if thy written Law were silent , and dumbe , and did conceale it selfe , or my sinnes , from me ; yet thy vnwritten Law grauen in euery mans heart , both Iew and Gentile , doth accuse me , so oft as I transgresse the limits thereof , and leaue me without excuse . Mine owne conscience cryes alowde , and layes wide open , before mine eyes , the Booke wherein my enormous sinnes are 〈◊〉 in capitall Characters , so that I may runne and read them . It stands Centinell in the watch-towre of my soule , and doth keepe me waking , when my sence or sensuality would faine be sleeping , it doth restlesly rayse , and rowze my dull , and dead spirits , out of the deepe dungeon , and spirituall Lethargie of carnall security .

The true fence and full knowledge of my sinnes , makes me so anxious and ardent , in begging pardon , because I cannot rest , till I haue made my peace , and wrought my reconciliation with thee . The extremity of my danger and distresse , doth cause mee incessantly to importune thee , for reliefe and remedy ; and my strong hope is , that this force will not be displeasing to thy tender mercy .

My sinne is euer before me . ] I doe not onely know and vnderstand my sinnes , and there leaue the matter : I doe not , vpon a bare enumeration and cogitation of them , cast them carelesly behind my back , but I muster them before my conscience daily , I behold them as in a Table set before mine eyes continually , that vpon sight of the vglines of them , I may be humbled and cast downe ; of the terror and horror of them , I may tremble and quake for feare ; of the basenesse and filthinesse of them , I may loath them , & my selfe for them .

For sinnes committed , being truly felt , and liuely represented to the conscience , like furies or ghosts of hell , fright their beholders away , with their vgly shapes , & deformed forms .

Sinne is of that ill nature and condition , that it will cast him that hath done it , in the teeth ( as they say ; ) it will lye vpon the conscience , as vnsauory oyle floates vpon the stomacke , it will neither bee disgorged , nor digested . Thou toldest Cain , If thou Gen. 4. dost euill , sin lies at the dore : it is restles , it will not be stil , it wil not keep house , it wil not hide it selfe in a corner of the heart ; it will lye in the way , so as thou canst neither come in , nor goe forth , but thou must needs stumble vpon it .

A sinner is fitly resembled to a dreamer , not only Peccatores somniantibus similes . Ioan. Her . because the pleasure of sinne doth quickly and lightly vanish away , like a shadow , or dreame , but also , because the shapes and formes of his day-sinnes , doe represent themselues to him in the night , the pleasurable actions thereof for the time , doe beget hideous apparitions afterwards .

On the other part , a sinners conscience , is like a graue , that casts vp the earth againe , as fast as hee casteth it in . It is a graue Insepulta sepultara . euer open , though hee cloze it neuer so often .

It is reported of the Indian Bracmanni , that to the end they might still be occasioned to thinke of their end , they kept their graues ready digged , and alwaies open before their houses , that at their comming in , and going out , they might bee euer mindfull of their iourney and passage to death .

If those Heathen , by the light of nature , tooke so wise a course ; how much more ought Christians , by the lampe of grace , still behold their sins as their Graues , wherein their soules must lye eternally buried , vnlesse they bee timely raised , and thorowly renewed by repentance ?

As the sight of the Brazen Serpent , did cure the sting of the serpents ; so the 〈◊〉 and displeasing sight of my sins , doth take away the biting of these serpents .

So then , in the middest of the discontent which I finde in this fearefull and wofull sight of my grieuous sins , there is this singular comfort , that thou in mercy turnest thy face from them , thou castest them behinde thee , while I set them before mee . They doe not deepely displease thee and me , at one and the same time ; when they procure my sorrow and humiliation , they cease to prouoke thine anger and indignation . My sins Peccata non nocent , si non placent . August . de temp. neuer 〈◊〉 mee , but when they delight mee ; they neuer displease thee , but when they please me ; Wherefore as fóule as the obiect , as odious as the 〈◊〉 is ; in my better iudgement , I am contented with an impatient patience , still to represent it to my soule ; because howsoeuer in it selfe vgly , it vshers me by degrees , to the view and contemplation of thy vndeserued loue and fauor , which at length , as the bright sun , dispels all the cloudes of care , and mists of Melancholy , and raises my deiected heart , to the participation of vnspeakable consolation .

Wretched and vnhappy I was , in committing so great and grieuous sinnes ; but I am happy in a sort , in this vnhappinesse , if I haue eyes to see my sins , being committed , to see them as it were thorow a perspectiue glasse , so as they may seeme in ful proportion , as great to mee , as they are in deed .

Satan deales with his vassales , as the Rauen doth with the Lambe ; the Rauen first picks out the silly creature his eyes , and then carries him out of the way , securely to deuoure him . First , Satan blindes me in sinne , and then hee bindes me in the chaines of darknesse , as fast as hee can , of purpose to throw me into vtter darkenesse .

When after shippewracke , I see the Rocke , which I could not foresee , before I fell vpon it ; I striue by all meanes to auoyde it the second time .

When I see my sinnes past , in the true lineaments of their vgly shape , I cannot but bee shie and wary to shun the like monsters euer after .

When the bayted hook of sinne is cast before me , I see the baite of pleasure only , but not the hooke of thy iudgements : but after I haue beene catched , and felt and seene the bare hooke without a bayte , I become circumspect , and suspect euery bit I swallow , for feare lest I be ensnared againe .

My sinne is euer against me ; ] ranged as it were , and marshalled in battaile aray against me . My sinne doth proudly affront , and directly oppose mee , nay it doth euen outface mee shamelesly .

Before Nathan came vnto me , I had cast my sinnes behinde my backe ; his message hath caused mee to transpose them ; for now they are set before my face , they stand stoutly against me , euen to my face .

My sinne ( O Lord ) as it is a witnesse , so is it an informer against my conscience , it charges and conuicts me before thy iudgement seate , I haue no hope of preuarication , I see no way of euasion . It makes hue and crie against mee , with eager pursuite ; it will not giue ouer , till I be apprehended , and deliueted into the hands of iustice .

When there is no man to vexe mee outwardly , I torment my selfe inwardly , as holy Iob confessed in those words ; Why hast thou Job . set me ouer against thee ? I am become burden some , euen to my selfe . Thou diddest set his sinnes against him , which made him conceiue that thou diddest set him against thee , as a marke to shoote thine arrowes of anger at ; but when 〈◊〉 began thorowly to feele , thou diddest begin graciously to ease him of his burden .

My sinne as it opposes against mee ; so it interposes betweene thee and me , in such sort , as neither my prayers can ascend to thee , nor thy graces descend to mee , vnlesse thy mercy interuene to keepe the peace , and cleere the passage betweene vs .

Against thee , thee , only , haue I 〈◊〉 . ] Now my inclosed sorrow must haue vent , my oppressed conscience must be disburthened : This knowledge , and Meum cognoscere , Meum agnoscere , Tuum ignoscere . representation , breeds an acknowledgement and recognition of my sin . The contrition of my heart forceth August . Explorandum , 〈◊〉 Implorandum . 〈◊〉 . Syst. from me , a confession of my mouth : I can hold no longer , but must needs , with teares in mine eyes , and anguish in my soule , crie out , Peccaui , and with an ingemination , by way of aggrauation : Against thee , against thee , onely ; to declare my iust indignation against my selfe , for committing so foule and grieuous faults against that great Maiestie , and that gracious goodnesse , which I haue so highly offended .

And thus doe I limit , and ( as it were ) appropriate my offences , as committed against thee alone , for many causes : For , although I haue sinned against Heauen , and against Earth ; yet is there no witnesse of my sinne on earth , but thou , O God , in Heauen ; so closely and cunningly haue I carried it . That I defiled the wife , & ( to conceale that ) destroyed the life of Vriah , was not knowne to the world , that I so treacherously and cruelly exposed to slaughter , a great troope of Souldiers , fighting for mee and vnder my command , ( to couer my wicked designe against Vriah , ) was hidden from the eyes of men . Thou knowest and seest all things ; wherefore against thee onely haue I sinned .

Againe , though there bee no man that dare reprooue mee , that will accuse me , that can punish me , being a King , and aboue Omne sub regno grauiore regnum est . 〈◊〉 . the Law ; yet euery King and kingdome vpon earth , is subiect to thee the King of Kings , and thy soueraignety ; I must render thee an account of my demeanour , which I tremble and quake to thinke of .

Moreouer , although I haue not onely sinned against thee in Heauen , but scandalized men on earth also ; yet it vexeth mee beyond all comparison , that I haue wittingly and presumptuously offended thee .

Although all the world should 〈◊〉 emee ; yet it is too too much to me , to finde and feele thee my Iudge , that mine own conscience doth summon mee before thy Tribunall , and frame my proces against me , before thy Iudgement seate . In this case , no flattery of my seruants ( who ( according to the fashion of Court ) doe sooth and claw their Masters ) can lessen my paine , asswage mine anguish , or pacifie my conscience . Say what they will or can , I must say still ; Against thee , against thee , only , I haue offended .

Furthermore , none but thou that art iust and without sinne , hast of right the Chrysol . cognizance of sinne , and coertion of offenders . Sinners are not competent Iudges of sinners . Men doe murmur and grudge to giue account of their sinfull actions to sinfull men , who are tainted with the same , or greater vices ; but the nocent cannot but yeeld and submit to such , as in the same and in all other kindes , are innocent and faultlesse . Wherefore against thee onely , haue I offended , who only maiest aske confidently ; Who can reprooue me of sinne ?

Now , albeit thou know ( O Lord ) my sinnes , not only before I confesse , but before I commit them too ; yet I finde , that thou art well pleased to take knowledge of them , by my acknowledgement , and Fac illum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 . that thy Saints haue euer held it a poynt of honest policy , to make thee propitious , by confessing , whom they could not find ignorant , by denying or concealing their faults .

Finally , though the hurt redound to many men ; 〈◊〉 the sinne is committed a gainst thee onely , because thou art supreme Lord and soueraigne King , the transgression of whose iust Lawe , giueth being and birth to all sinne . In which regard I may truly say , that against thee , thee only , I haue sinned .

I haue done this euill in thy sight . ] Since , I professe to know mine owne wickednesse ; I will yet confesse it more freely , because the more vile I am in mine own , the more acceptable I shall bee in thine eyes . By doing this euill , by falling into this enormous sinne , I haue fallen into a kinde of Atheisme ( at the very name whereof I tremble , ) for although I haue not blasphemously and shamelesly spoken with my mouth : yet haue I impiously , and sinfully said in my heart ; There is no God ; or , which is tantamount , all one in effect ; God hides his face , and will neuer see . Which when I call to remembrance , mee thinks , I heare Nathan the Prophet againe , fearefully thundering , and directly charging me , Thou art the man that thinkest , There is no God .

For to deny expressely , or tacitly , thy science and wisdome ( who art all eye , and wisdome it selfe ) is to deny thy very essence and being . Whereupon , my soule euen melteth within me , and resolueth it selfe into teares , to thinke that I could bee so impudently bold , and insolently carelesse , as in thy sight and presence ( thogh none else beheld ) to commit such foule and vgly offences .

Hee is held a desperate Chrysol . Malefactor , that commits an outrage in presence of the Magistrate , and before the Iudge his owne face . Such ( in true iudgement ) is my case ; and this consideration alone ( if there were nothing else , ) ought to be , instead of a bridle to restraine , and in stead of a bogle to terrifie me from all sinfull and wicked actions .

I was loth that man should see me ; and yet not afraid that thou shouldest behold mee , whilest I did those foule and odious facts , which ( in my better iudgement ) I finde to bee so grosse an absurdity , as I am exceedingly , both agreeued and ashamed , that I forbare not , to doe that , when thou lookedst on with thy pure eyes , which I should haue bin abashed to haue done , if the meanest seruant in my house , or the basest groome in my stable had been by .

A franke and sincere confession , ( such as this ) is a full and direct conuiction in it selfe , and of it selfe , in courts held vpon earth , Chrysost. and before men , in foro fori , ( as the Lawyers speake . ) Wherupon the Iudge hath no other part to act , but to pronounce sentence of condemnation .

But in foro Poli , in thy court of Heauen , the course of proceeding is far otherwise ; the best way there , is to confesse before accusation , or when thou art impleaded , by and by , to pleade guilty ; for a free confession , moues thy gracious compassion : and that , without any more adoe , grants forthwith a full and finall absolution .

This confession of mine Confessio peccati , est professio desinendi . Hilar. doth imply of congruitie , or rather of necessitie , a profession , and a kinde of obligation , of forsaking such sins in time to come , as I confesse my selfe to haue heretofore committed . Else is my confession idle and counterfeit , such as may deceiue mee that make it , but not mocke Thee , to whom it is made .

The heathen man , by the dusky light of nature , deriued from the nature of thy supernaturall light , can say ; If I were assured that Seneca . neither men should know , nor gods would punish what I did ; yet would I disdaine to commit an act , in it own nature foule and filthy .

How much more ought a faithfull man , who besides the obscure glimpse of nature , hath the pure light of thy Spirit , and the bright lampe of thy Word shining vnto him , to bee carefull and wary , that he doe not wittingly and willingly , or rather wilfully offend in the sight of thee , the omnipotent and omniscient God , who dost not only threaten the losse of thy fauour , but the execution of thine eternall vengeance , for the breach of thy commandements ?

That thou maist be iustified in thy sayings , and pure when thou art iudged . ] And thus I make this franke acknowledgement of my foule faults , as to ease mine oppressed soule , so to vindicate thine honour from all vniust aspersions . For as the scandall lies vpon the Iudge , when punishment is Reatus redundat ad iudicem si Poena percellat innoxium . Chrysol . inflicted vpon an innocent person ; so the ingenuous and voluntary confession of the partie , touching his owne guilt , preuents and excludes all imputation that may bee cast vpon the Iudge or iudgement . My desire is , as it is my dutie , to take my sinnes wholly to my selfe , and vpon my selfe . I will yeeld the glory to thee , to whom it is due ; I will reserue the shame to my selfe , to whom it appertaineth . I know , O Lord , that thy iudgements are right ; that thou hast afflicted me iustly . I cannot impute any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . thing to thee , O most iust God , ( whose will is perfect iustice ) that thou hast either prouoked me to this enormous euill , or consented to the committing of it ; for euen thy permission of this , was a iust punishment for my other sinnes ; Mine owne fraile and peruerse nature , my inbred corruption cast in the seed : mine owne will , or wilfulnesse rather , cherished and nourished it ; mine own consent and delight fashioned it in the wombe of my sinful soule ; and , at last , brought it to light , as one of Satans bastards , to my iust confusion . But thou , O Lord , art euer , and euery way iust , and so to be esteemed . Thou hast dealt iustly in all that is come vpon me ; it is I that haue done wickedly . I cannot say , that thy seueritie or rigour is ouermuch against mee . I haue deserued more then is laid vpon me . He that is aware of his owne ill desert , and weigheth it in an indifferent ballance , doth rather thankefully wonder at thy indulgent mercie , then vnpatiently repine at thy rigorous seuerity . O Lord , thou art iust when thou speakest , pure when thou iudgest .

True it is , that the wicked cease not to grunt and barke against thee , though they cannot bite thee . There is an ouer-great boldnesse and naughtinesse in men , that they desire nothing more , then to lift vp themselues , and cast out ill words against thee at all aduentures . The creatures Nisi homini Deus placuerit , Deus non erit . passe their bounds so farre , that thou the Creator , must needs be blasphemed Homo iam Deo propitius esse 〈◊〉 . Tertul . Apolog. and reproched , and thy creatures ( O indignity ! ) must become thy Iudges . But yet for all this , thou art , and euer shalt bee found iust and pure : and it is my part , as , to beleeue there is equity and iustice in all thy proceedings , ( 〈◊〉 sometimes , through my blindnesse I cannot , sometimes through my 〈◊〉 , I will not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; ) so , euen when 〈◊〉 doe most bitterly smart , to bridle my vnruly passions , and with a calme and subdued heart , to kisse the rod wherewith I haue been scourged , and to indeuour by all meanes , that thy righteousnesse , as it is indeed , so it may shine cleere and bright , to the face of all the world .

Behold , I was borne in iniquitie , and in sinne hath my mother conceiued me : ] Vpon the straight inquisition , and exact suruay of my selfe , and my sinnes , searching and ransacking euery corner of my house of clay , I haue found a noysome sincke , and filthy puddle , or rather a poysoned and poysonous spring , a paternall , or a parentall sinne , an hereditary , a radicall , and originall sinne , whence all the sinnes of my thoughts , words , and deedes , are continually and plentifully deriued . This is that canker of sin , which being bred in the bone , will neuer out of the flesh . This is the law of my members , which doth alwaies resist the Law of my minde ; the euerliuing seed of rebellion , which maintaines the implacable warre , betweene the flesh and the Spirit ; which will neuer 〈◊〉 , till mortality hath put on immortality , and death , the last enemy , be swallowed vp in victory . This is peccatum peccans , a sinning , or a spurning sinne . It is a sinne , a punishment Peccatum , poena peccati , causa peccati . of sinne , and a cause of sinne . Aug. contra Iuli. 〈◊〉 .

Which yet I do not alleadge , to excuse or extenuate , but rather to accuse my selfe , and aggrauate my sinne ; knowing right well , that the viler I am in mine owne , the more acceptable I shall bee in thy sight , and hoping , that the franke confession of my miserable condition , proceeding from true humiliation , and contrition , will the rather moue thy tender compassion ; as beggers Chrysost. vpon earth , to stir the bowels of pitty in their beholders , lay open to their view , their grieuous sores , and lothsome diseases . The greater misery is , the fitter obiect of thy greater mercy ; & the more desperate the malady , the more honourable will the cure bee to the Phisician . Where my sinne abounds , thy grace delighteth to superabound .

For the onely and singuler sinne of Adam , as of him that bare the person of all his posterity , is iustly the sinne of the whole posterity ; and all being guilty of sinne , by his singuler sinfull act , thou , O God , in thy Iustice , diddest permit the naturall propagation of sinne in his off-spring , which deserued such a punishment , for such a sinne . Hereupon it commeth , that my inbred corruption , and the inherent sting of sensuality , in mee ( who sinned in Adams , as Leui tithed in Abrahams loynes ) is not the first cause of my guilt , but a fruite or reward thereof , according to thy iust iudgment , whence it may well bee termed , the penalty of sinne . For that prime sin , the chiefe source of sinne , which the further it runneth , the faster it increaseth , by this streame falling into it , growes in the end , to such a strong and forcible current , as doth euen carry , and compell me violently to sinne , if thy grace do not resist the 〈◊〉 thereof ; because hence doe flow my sinfull passions , my euill affections , my sinister inclinations , and from them , my sinnes of action , or omission ( which are sins of action also ) in their full perfection , or imperfection rather , which I daily , or rather hourely and continually commit . In which regard , ( my woe arising from mine owne wickednesse ) my case is most deplorable , euery way . Wherefore I beseech thee , with the eyes of pitty and mercy to behold it .

I was conceiued in sinne : ] And therefore there is no Aug. 〈◊〉 . sinne that I am not apt and ready to conceiue , yea , to engender , and produce from imagination , to assent ; from assent , to delectation ; from delectation , to resolution ; from resolution , to execution ; if thou , O Lord , doe not beget me anew , by the immortall seed of thy Word ; if thou doe not quell and extinguish in me this old seede , which will alwaies be springing and sprouting in the ranke soyle of my sinfull flesh .

When my mother first warmed me in her bowels , shee conceiued sinne ; when she brought me forth into the world , she was deliuered of a child of sinne .

The child in the mothers wombe , is held to be a part of the mother ; and vndoubtedly the mother hath a great share in the Child ; before shee depart with it , besides her nature and substance , shee imparts vnto it her qualities , inclinations , and dispositions , being as it were a scion taken from her tree , and a collop cut out of her flesh . That which is borne of flesh , is flesh : and therefore holy 〈◊〉 , asketh this vnanswerable 〈◊〉 14. question ; Who shall appeare cleane before thee ? or , Who 〈◊〉 bring a cleane thing out of an 〈◊〉 ?

Not onely actuall 〈◊〉 , but 〈◊〉 , and naturall ; not the second motions of it onely , put into forme , but the first , that are vnshapen , doe plot and contriue the treason , are authors , if not actors of it ; they bring fewel to the fire , which afterwards is kindled and set a burning ; that fomentation of sinne , is not onely the cause of sinne , and the punishment of sinne , but sinne it selfe . This is that threefold cord , euery part and piece whereof is sinfull , that bindes me fast to the barre of thy iustice : First , Adam his primitiue sinne ; then , the diriuation of sinne to all his posterity : and afterwards , the particular actions of sinne , proceeding from them both .

Now , if I were a sinner 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . in my mothers wombe ; when , and where shall I be faultlesse ? If I were so bad , before I saw the light , how should I not be much worse , when through the corruption of the world , and the contagion of sin , I haue sucked in the infectious aire thereof ? How can it bee , but that my inbred naughtinesse must needes gaine strength , and gather increase ?

And what can the progresse and end bee , when the beginning of my life is so 〈◊〉 and sinfull ?

If I bee cast out of my mothers wombe , into the roade-way of sinne , and trauell the iourney of sin , still onward : let mee but recount the vanity of 〈◊〉 childhood , the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 my youth , the slips , or rather falls of my 〈◊〉 age , the infirmities of my old age , and I shall 〈◊〉 finde , that from my 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 , to my death and 〈◊〉 , I trod the way , not of life , but of sinne .

5. 〈◊〉 , I was conceiued in sinne . 6. Behold , thou louest Truth , &c.

IN these two Ecce's , which are happily sorted together , I desire to intimate two remarkeable things . The one is , the misery of my wretched condition : The other , the largenesse of thy tender affection . The first Ecce , is on thy part : Behold , O Lord , my conception and birth in sinne ; behold mee drowned and ouerwhelmed in a sea of sin . The other Ecce , is on my part : I behold in thee , O Lord , a fire of loue , because thou louest the least sparkles of grace in mee , ( which mounting vpwards , make me looke towards heauen ) thou doest nourish and cherish them , thou art vtterly vnwilling to quench or extinguish them , and when thou findest but such an inclination in my will , thou doest strengthen it with wisedome in my vnderstanding . When the vnderstanding and wil concurre , that I both know what to doe , and am desirous to do it , then doe I bring it to effect , or ( which is all one in effect ) thou in thy gracious goodnesse doest accept it , as if it were effected .

Thou louest truth , O Lord , ] for thou louest thy selfe , who art Truth it selfe , essentiall Truth , Truth , not in words onely , but in actions , and euen in thoughts also ; that is to say , Veritie and Sinceritie in all things .

Thou louest truth in the reines ] not in the shaddowes of my outward actions ( which I can disguise at pleasure ) but in the most hidden , close , and couert imaginations of the heart , which thou seest continually , and knowest exactly .

Thou art , by a paramount power , and a peculiar attribute , stiled , The searcher of the heart and reynes , ( Who knowes my heart , but thou alone ? ) therefore thou canst not but loue truth in the heart and reynes ; that is the most pleasing and delightfull obiect , thy pure and All-seeing Eye can fixe vpon .

As thou louest trueth and sincerity in the heart and reynes ; so thou hatest all dissimulation and hypocrisie . Thou canst not abide that which is faire in shew , and foule in deed .

Thou canst not abide dissembled holinesse , fained repentance . Thou abhorrest such as make a sowre face , & hang downe their heads like bulrushes , that they may seeme to fast and mourne ; that make false semblance of piety , in Sapiens 〈◊〉 Deus est , 〈◊〉 fractumnon recipiet . 〈◊〉 Bernard . de gradib . obed. their outward fashion , and in the sight of men , when thou seest their hearts to bee farre from that they should , or pretend to be .

The light ( faith Iob ) is Iob 36. as the shaddow of death , to such , the hollow-hearted doe but heape vp and increase wrath .

No man deserues 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 meretur , quàm amicum simuans inimicus . 〈◊〉 . de Conuers . cap. 27. of God , or man , then 〈◊〉 enemy pretending friendship : yea , thou so louest truth in the inward parts , as thou acceptest them for iust and righteous , who 〈◊〉 such onely , in respect of their desire , study and indeauour , though their practice bee most imperfect , Tota vita honi Christiani , est sanctum desiderium . Aug. in 〈◊〉 . such as sincerely and heartily affect to serue & please thee , though they come farre short of the due performance of thy Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tota posita est in voluntate faciendi bona . Lact. 〈◊〉 . l. 6. and will .

As a husband passeth by with conniuence , and beareth with patience , many faults and imperfections in his wife , so long as she is true and loyall , and keepeth her selfe chastely and solely to him : Euen so , thou ( O God ) winckest at many errours , and pardonest many offences in thy people , ( to whom thou hast married thy selfe in mercy ) so long as they bee such as they ought to bee , in the mayne point : that is , in the truth of their affection , and the sincerity of their deuotion towards thee .

To increase the comfort , which I apprehend , in this sweet Meditation and Admiration , I follow the scent ( as it were ) and represent to my minde and memory , the sundry traces and footsteps of thy maruellous mercy .

First , That it is not so much the quantity , as the 〈◊〉 ; not so much the 〈◊〉 , as the sincerity of grace , which thou regardest .

A little 〈◊〉 and course Melius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 auri 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . in Cantic . gold , is of much more value , then much bright copper , then much shining brasse . An 〈◊〉 of gold is true gold , 〈◊〉 it bee mingled with much drosse . Nor will a man Nec vinum 〈◊〉 etsi fecem habeat , 〈◊〉 aurum , quamuis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . de 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . that is in his right wits , cast away his gold for the foulenes , be it but a graine or two , wrapped vp in a great masse of other earth , but will keep the one with the other , till hee haue fined and seuered the one from the other .

In like maner , thy grace in the hearts of thy children , though it bee still mixed with many imperfections , and corruptions too ; yet it is true grace , and 〈◊〉 all the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 shewes of it , that are 〈◊〉 in the liues , either of Heathens , or 〈◊〉 .

〈◊〉 , I hope strongly , 〈◊〉 wilt not reiect it , though it bee neuer so small in 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and refine nee ; so as my 〈◊〉 osse may be 〈◊〉 , and thy grace more and more 〈◊〉 in me .

〈◊〉 , that in thy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , thou art wont to 〈◊〉 the wil , for the worke ; and the desire , for the deed . As in euill , Voluntas pro facto 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . Ep. 77. 〈◊〉 . Iuris . the very desire and indeuour of ill doing , makes me to stand guilty before thee , though the euill bee Res mira ille viuit , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 homicida . Illa casta , tu tamen 〈◊〉 . Aug. de verb. Dom. not actually done ; ( Hee that lusts after a woman , He that hates his brother ; the one is an adulterer , the other a murtherer : ) So in goodnesse , the settled study , true desire , and earnest indeauour of holinesse and piety , causes me to bee esteemed pious and holy in thy sight , though I cannot attaine to that measure of it , that I would and should ; for thou , Lord , regardest more what I affect , and desire to be , then what I am ; more what I indeauour and striue to doe , then what I doe .

Such , vndoubtedly , is thy disposition , such ought to be my apprehension , vnlesse I will needs , to thy Nisi fortè putetur in 〈◊〉 , quàm in bono , &c. dishonour , and mine owne disaduantage , peeuishly and peruersly imagine , that Thou ( being Loue it selfe ) art more prone to punish , 〈◊〉 to pardon ; that Thou ( being Mercy it selfe ) art more forward to reuenge , then to reward thy seruants and children .

Thirdly , that thou doest Nos etsi 〈◊〉 minus diligimus quá 〈◊〉 ; diligimus 〈◊〉 qu〈◊〉 valemus , 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 vt à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vnde amplius diligamus . 〈◊〉 . Epist. 85. exact no more of thine , then thou hast bestowed vpon them . For I obserue , ( to my singular contentment ) in the legall sacrifices and oblations , how low thou doest , in mercie , descend . Thou art content to accept a Sheepe or two , or a Lambe or two , for a Sacrifice ; or if a man bee not 〈◊〉 to bring so much , thou 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pleased with one , or if he want meanes for a Lambe , thou art not 〈◊〉 . 5. 6 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , 14 , 21 , 30. vnwilling to take a paire of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or two little Pigeon , instead of it : yea , if a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not able to 〈◊〉 so farre 〈◊〉 ; a handfull or two of flowre , with a 〈◊〉 of salt or two , doeth s 〈◊〉 , where it is offered with an honest heart .

There is a curse laid vpon the coozener , who Mal. 1. 14. 〈◊〉 a sound or a fatte male in his flock , bringeth a corrupt carrion , or a leane starueling to thee , for a sacrifice : But hee is not accursed who bringeth no better , because he hath no better to bring . And I finde it often iterated for the comfort of poore and weake ones , that being not able to offer as the rich did , might therfore doubt of the like acceptation : Leu. 14. 22 , 30 , 31 , 32. Looke , what he is able , according to his ability , euen what his hand is able to reach vnto , and it shall be accepted : for thou measurest the gift , not by the worth or greatnesse of it ; but by the might and minde onely of the giuer . Thou doest not so much 2. Cor. 8. regard , what I should , as , what I can , and am willing to doe . What I would , but Quic quid vis & non potes , 〈◊〉 Deus reputat . Aug. cannot doe , thou doest account it as done . Thou crownest willingnes , when thou findest not ablenesse in me to performe .

Cain offered sacrifices , Gen. 4. but thou didst not accept them , because thou didst see his cruell heart . But Abel his sacrifices were pleasing , because they were offered with a louing and sincere heart vnto thee .

Thou doest not accept the person for the sacrifice , but the sacrifice for the persons sake . The truth and sincerity of the heart is all in all with thee .

Lastly , that it is not so Si 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ea , quae 〈◊〉 merita nostra , sunt spei quaedam seminaria . bernard . de 〈◊〉 & lib. arbit. much any vprightnesse in me , in regard of the worth and dignity , much lesse of the perfection and purity of it , that ministers this comfort vnto mee , but as it is a fruit of thy fauour , and a token of thy loue , not it selfe so much , as that whereof it giueth me assurance , and that in two respects .

First , as it is a signe and seale of my Adoption ; assuring me , that I am thine adopted child : For my regeneration , whereby this sincerity is wrought in me , doeth ratifie and seale vp my Adoption ( the old man harboureth no such ghest . ) None are thy Adopted , but such as are thy regenerated children ; and on the other part , all that are thine by Regeneration , are thine by Adoption also . Now as earthly Si non dilexisset 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amicos . Sicut nec quos 〈◊〉 . essent , si non dilexisset , qui nondum erant . Bern. in Cant. 20. parents loue their children , not so much for their wit and comelinesse , as because they are theirs ; so doest thou , O God , loue thy children , because they are thy children . If thou doest not loue them before they haue , they shall neuer haue any thing , to Qu 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 inuenit , neminem saluat , nisi quem 〈◊〉 . idem de 〈◊〉 & li ber. a. b 〈◊〉 . 10. make them bee loued of thee . So then , this beginning of true grace argueth thy child ; and a weake child of thine , being yet thy child as well as a strong , may , in that regard , expect a childes portion , in thy heauenly inheritance .

Secondly , as it is an earnest , Arra potius , quàm 〈◊〉 , quia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , arra 〈◊〉 . or Gods-penny of my glorification . For this sincerity is the earnest of that Spirit , which thou giuest August de 〈◊〉 . Apost. me before-hand , for full 〈◊〉 of the faithfull performance of all thy gracious promises afterward . Therefore as a penny giuen in earnest , bin deth as strongly , as a pound , ( the person that giueth it , being a sufficient man : ) Euen so the least measure of true grace , being thy earnest , bindes thee to the faithfull ac complishment of all thy Pignus donum est verbo 〈◊〉 ( vt Iureconsulti ) nec potest esse sine pacto pignus . fauours , promised to all thy faithful seruants whatsoeuer .

It is thou only ( ô Lord ) that preparest my heart , and workest this truth in it , and thou wilt neuer frustrate the desire , that thou thy selfe hast there wrought . As no man canseeke thee , but hee that hath found thee ; so no man can desire grace , but hee that hath grace : for euermore hee that desireth Grace , hath grace to desire it .

It is thy gracious Proclamation : Ipse vt diligeretur dedit , qui non dilectus dilexit . Aug. in Joan. The Lord God will be mercifull , yea , hee hath beene alreadie , and is mercifull to those , that set their hearts aright , that desire to feare his name . Whereupon I take heart , and say : Then shall I not bee Psa. 119. 6. confounded , when I haue respect to all thy precepts , and when I am vpright with my God .

The louing kindnesse of the Lord is from euer , and for euer vpon those that thinke vpon his commandements to doe them : and therefore vnto such also , is ioy , in plaine termes promised ; The righteous Psal. 64. shall bee glad in the Lord , and trust in him , and all , ( without exception ) that are but vpright in heart , shall reioyce . And therefore hauing by warrant of the blessed Spirit , pronounced them blessed , not that neuer sinned , but that haue sincerely repented their sinnes , and in whose soule there is no guile , I conclude with an Iniunction , awarded vnder the seale of the same Spirit , and laid Psal. 32. vpon all such ; to reioyce : Be glad , ye righteous , and reioyce Psal. 32. 11. in the Lord : be merry ( not onely in your owne selues : and soules ) but euen with acclamations and iubilations : shout for ioy , all you that are vpright in heart .

The summe of all is : I doe not finde my heart so free from sin , or so full of grace , as it would and should bee ; but I finde it to be true , plaine , and vpright ( wherein I appeale to thee , O thou searcher of hearts ) not such as hath no sinne , ( for it hath in a manner nothing but sinne ) but such as loues no sinne , not such as wants no grace , but such as is hum bled for want of grace , hauing the grace to feele that want .

6. In the secret of my heart thou shalt teach me wisdome : or , Thou shalt teach the seacrets of wisdome in my heart , or hidden part .

THe conscience of my vnfained sorrow for sin , on the one side , & my true desire to serue thee better hereafter , on the other , doe raise my dciected soule , and make me beleeue and hope , that thou in thy gracious goodnesse wilt teach me more wisedome , euen the mystery of godlinesse , and art of Religion ( which is the soule of the soule ) in the secret of my heart ; I say , thou shalt , because I begge earnestly , and hope confidently , that thou wilt teach mee such Wisedome .

The teaching of the inward man , by the true instruction of heauenly wisdome , the end wherof is eternall saluation , belongeth to thee alone . It is thy proper and peculiar worke ; whereupon thine elect ones are termed , The taught of God : for flesh and blood reueales not these things vnto me . Hee hath Cathedram in Coelo habet , 〈◊〉 docet . August . his chaire in heauen , that teacheth the heart : and to thy schollers , it is only giuen to know the secrets of thy Kingdome .

Therefore , I trust , thou wilt teach me thy wayes , and thy statutes , thou wilt open mine eyes , that I may sce the wonders of thy Law , thou wilt giue me true vnderstanding , and send me thy good Spirit , as a perfect Pylot to leade and guide me into all truth & goodnesse .

This is the wisedome of Sol non omnes , quibus lucet , etiam calesacit . the heart and brest , not of the head and braine : whereby I shall become , Sic sapientia 〈◊〉 , quos docet 〈◊〉 sit facien dum , non 〈◊〉 accendu ad 〈◊〉 . Bern. in Cant. Non 〈◊〉 sapientem , sed timor facit , quia & afficit . Grego . not more learned or politicke , but more godly 〈◊〉 vertuous ; not more able to discourse and dispute , but to doe , and liue well : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 become righteous , that is , ( by a little variati on of the word ) right wise . For when all is said & done . That is right wisedome , which makes me wise vnto Saluation : That is not seeming and shining , but sound and solid wisedome : that is reall and operatiue , Nunquam nimis dicitur , quod nunquam satis dicitur . not speculatiue and formall wisedome . The true information , and thereby Reformation of the soule , is the soule of wisedome .

It is neuer taught enough , which is neuer sufficiently learned ; and this wisedome is of that nature , that the soule is neuer satiated therewith , but is still hungry , and couetous of more . I haue heard and read many lessons , by way of instruction , in this wisedome ; but either through my dulnesse , I could not apprehend them ; or through my obliuion , I could not remember them ; or through my infirmity , I could not practise them : Howbcit , by the supereminent authority of thee , the Teacher ; the excellencie of the matter taught , and the increase of my diligence ( all happily concurring together , ) I hope at length , to attaine the depth of wisedome , in the deepe and secret corners of my heart .

7 Purge me with Hysope , and I shall be cleane .

THe tongue wil be licking , Lingua sequitur dentem dolentem . where the tooth is aking ; the finger will be touching , where the paine Vbidolor , ibidigitus . is fretting .

The Leprosie of my sinne is so irkesome and lothsome vnto mee , as I cannot but it erate my earnest Petition , and re-enforce my humble Prayer , to bee purged thereof , and for the fitter application , and better operation of the purgation , to bee purged with Hysope .

Thou , O Lord , didst appoint Hysope to be vsed in thy Law for diuers purposes . In the institution of Ex. 12. 22. the Passeouer , the blood of the Lambe was appointed to bee sprinkled vpon the doore cheekes , with a bunch of Hysope , and with a Scarlet lace . In the purgation of the Leper , Leu. 14. 6. the bunch of Hysope was to bee dipped in the blood of the Sparrow . In the burning of the red Heifer Num. 19. ( which was to bee chosen without spot or wrinckle ) the Priest was to put in Hysope , besides Cedar wood and Scarlet .

By the blood of the Lambe , the Sparrow and the red Heifer , the blood of that immaculate Lambe was vndoubtedly prefigured and represented . By the bunch of Hysope , the besprinkling of the soule with that blood ; and the applying of it thereunto by faith : by the red , or crimson lace , the vnion and communion of thy Saints was shaddowed , who are tyed together by a True-loues knot , and sprinkled with that same blood , for the remission of their sinnes .

Whiles I suruey the vertues and qualities of this herbe , ( to vnfold this riddle of thy Law ) I may iustly take occasion , as to magnifie thy goodnesse ( O God ) who hast prouided so powerfull a medicine , to cure all mans corruptions ; so to obserue thy wisedome , who , for our better apprehension , hast so fitted the signe and figure to the thing signified and represented thereby , Hysope : whence I borrow , this Allegory hath many things whereby it doth aptly and neerly resemble Christ .

It is obscure , base , and low ; the Hysope , as the Prouerb . lowest herbe , is opposed to the Cedar , as the tallest tree . In the person of Christ , I haue said , I am a Vermis , non homo . worme , and no man , the reproach of men , and despised of the people : all they that see me , doe scoffe at me , they 〈◊〉 a mowe with the lip , and they wagge the head . Hysope growes of it selfe , among stones , not planted by man : Christ was hewne out of the Rocke , without hands .

Hysope is bitter and sowre , vnpleasing to the taste ; so Christ his Crosse , by which we are crucified to the world , & the world vnto vs , is harsh and vnsauourie to flesh and blood .

Though Hysope bee sowre , it is wholesome for the body : The bitter medicines are euer the better : so the Recipe of repentance , albeit odious to the flesh , is most profitable to the soule . The doctrine which is seasoned with salt and Hysope , is fitter for vs , then that which is sweetened with honey : For on the one side , honey was neuer appointed to be vsed in any sacrifice ; on the other side , not any sacrifice , Omnis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . but was to bee seasoned with salt .

Hysope ( as Physicians 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . tell ) is powerfull to purge the lungs . The humility of Christ , like Hysope , doth purge our pride , which floteth in the lungs , and is discouered by the fuming , puffing , and blowing thereof .

Hysope , being hot in operation , Cyrill . doth cut and extenuate the grosse and flegmaticke humours of the body . So true grace takes away all the dulnesse and drowzinesse of my Spirit , makes me feruent in prayers , and zealous in holy duties .

Hysope euacuateth the Hug. Card. Lorin . in Psal. 51. body , nourisheth the natiue colour , cureth the biting of Serpents , prouoketh the appetite , sharpeneth the sight , warmeth the blood , cooleth Feauers . So grace purgeth by contrition , spitteth foorth by confession , warmeth by charitie , seasoneth by temperance , quencheth the fiery inflamations of vnruly passions , maketh vs hungry after righteousnesse , quicke-sighted to discerne our own errours and faults , yeeldeth remedies against the stings of concupiscence , restores againe that spirituall vigour , which we daily lose by our manifold transgressions .

Hysope hath many vertues and properties , ( if well vsed ) for the health of our bodies . But that which is shaddowed by it , towit , the bloud of Christ , cures all the diseases of the soule , and clenseth vs from all our sinnes .

With Hysope this blood is sprinkled vpon vs , that is , by faith it is applied to our consciences , to purge and purifie them from dead workes .

7 Wash me , O Lord , and I shall be whiter then snow .

BEcause I finde my selfe so spotted with the staines , so polluted with the dirt and drosse of my sinne , so soone soyled againe after my washing , euen in the teares of repentance ; so prone , with the Dog , to returne to my vomit , with the Hog to the myre , wherein I formerly wallowed : therefore I harpe still vpon this string , which I touched before , I doe iterate this Petition also , and cry againe ; Wash me , &c.

If thou , Lord , bee pleased to wash mee often and thorowly , I shall not onely be freed from the foule blacknesse which my grieuous sinnes haue cast vpon mee , but I shall become neate , faire , and white , yea , whiter then snow .

If I wash my selfe with Iob 9. 30. snow water , ( saith holy Iob ) and make my hands neuer so cleane ; yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch or myre , that is , thou shalt discouer an vncleannes in me ( which was not perceiued before ) and mine own clothes shall abhorre me . But if thou , Lord , bee pleased to wash me , I shall be whiter then snow ; that is , I shall abandon all euill affections , and preserue my heart pure and holy , consecrating all the faculties of my soule , and members of my body , to thy true and sincere seruice .

Can the Blackamore Ier. 13. 23. change his skinne , or the Leopard quit his spots ? If that cannot be ; yet thou , O Lord , canst so wash me , that I shall be whiter then snow .

That which is impossible by nature , is possible and factible by grace . That foulenesse which is propagated to mee by discent , and bred in me by naturall generation , as also nourished and increased by continual actuall transgression , is not only remooued , but quite changed by free iustification , and supernaturall regeneration .

If my sinnes bee as red as Esay 1. skarlet , thou canst make them as white as wooll ; if they bee like crimson , thou canst make them whiter then snow . O wonderfull mysterie ! O incomprehensible miracle ! that blood should make me white , that the washing and bathing of my soule in the blood of that immaculate Lambe , should make wee whiter then snow ! that euen the garments Reuel. 7. of thy Saints , by washing in this blood , should become white , which yet shall bee reuealed to , and wrought vpon thy Saints !

I shall bee white heere by grace , yea , whiter then snow ; I shall bee bright heereafter in glory , brighter then the starres , yea , then the Sunne in the firmament ; grace heere shall be the beginning of glory there , and glory there shall bee the complement and perfection of grace here .

This is arcanum 〈◊〉 diuini , a secret of thy Diuine state and gouernement , which thou shalt ( I am hopefull , thou wilt ) not onely teach by infallible demonstration , but also worke by thy blessed Spirit , his powerfull operation in the secrets of my heart .

The cause of the snow his whitenesse , is held ( by Philosophers ) to bee the store of ayre , shut vp , by the extremity of cold , in the cleere water that distilleth from the cloudes .

Thy celestiall ayre and light , which surpasseth all bodily and naturall whitenesse , being gathered into my soule , when it is melting into the teares of repentance , makes it cleere and bright , euen to admiration .

Christ , by washing my soule , hath taken my spots out of mee , vpon himselfe : hee himselfe remaines all 〈◊〉 and stained with my sinnes ; insomuch , that the Spouse is amazed at it , and wondring demands ; Wherfore doest thou weare garments all spotted and dyed with blood , like vnto them that Esa. 63. stampe grapes in the wine-presse ?

Thy seruant Moses , out Num. 12. of his kinde and vndeserued loue , tooke an Aethiopian woman to his wife . No wife is deformed in Nulla vxor proprio marito deformis . 〈◊〉 . her owne husbands eyes , if he be such a husband as he ought to be .

The mysticall Moses , who in loue hath married himselfe vnto his Spouse the Church , not onely blacke and deformed , but vgly and filthy in her selfe , hath by his gracious election of her , though neither by her beauty nor manners recommended vnto him , made her ( because he so esteemeth her ) faire , comely and graceful , he hath changed her color and complection , yea , and her nature and condition too , so as she sticks not to say , I was black by nature , Nigra & formosa . Cantic . 1. 5. but I am faire by grace .

Can that which is blacke as Pitch , or Ebeny , become perfectly white , and whiter then snow ? yes verily , for my state by adoption and regeneration in Christ , is of more perfection , then Adam his happiest condition in Paradise ; This might and did faile : that can neuer alter or decay , but abides firme and sure , to all eternity .

Blacke by the art of man , can take no other hue : nor can this whitenes by the fraud or force of the prince of darkenesse , be euer either darkned or defaced .

Snow is white without and within , on euery side . Thy Grace will make mee , not like a painted sepulcher faire without , and foule within , not hypocritically specious , but really sound and sincere , and the beauty of the soule thus washed , will infinitely exceede the whitenesse of any body , yea , euen of snow it selfe .

Make mee to heare of 〈◊〉 and gladnesse , &c. ] O Lord , I beg of thee the whole tree of life , growing by the riuer side in the Garden of Eden , whose roote is iustification , by remission of my sinnes , and whose fruite is true ioy and consolation , in thy gracious fauour . There may bee a Potest esse radix sine 〈◊〉 , stipes sine fructu , sed nec stipes nec fructus sine radice . roote without a stocke , as when a Tree is hewne downe : a stocke without 〈◊〉 , as in the winter season : but nor fruite nor stocke , where no roote is . The forgiuenesse of my sinne is the root of all my ioy . O Lord , giue me the fruite of that roote , and that will assure me of the roote of that fruite .

Vnlesse thou make me , I cannot heare ; Vnlesse thou open mine eare , the voice of gladnesse will not enter ; or if it goe in at the one , it will go out at the other eare , I shall be neuer the better for hearing . Thou must not only tel me the tale , but finde me eares also ; thou must not onely present the obiect , but enable my faculty also , to perceiue , or receiue it .

The Adder or Cockatrice , is ( as some say ) naturally , ( as some others ) cunningly deafe , laying the one eare close to that ground , & stopping the other with his tayle , purposely to preuent the skill of the Charmer , who seekes to enchant him in such sort , as he shall not be able , either to bite , or sting .

So man , in his pure , or rather impure naturals , is either sencelesly deafe , and cannot , or voluntarily deafe , and will not heare any voice , that tends to the spirituall solace of his soule , no not the sound of sound ioy , not the melodious noise of true gladnesse , vnlesse thou that sendest the tidings of Grace , doe giue him the grace also to entertaine those tidings .

Now what is the end and indeuor , either of this corruption by nature , or peruersenesse by will , but that none of thy words or spels ( O God ) none of thy holy Spirit his motions or inclinations may haue power ( wickednesse being so powerfull ) to charme or inchant me , but that I may still bite , and sting , still hurt and annoy , both my selfe and others .

I desire ioy and gladnesse doubled , that is , both of soule and body , and I cannot rest contented with one or two , or a few comforts ; I seeke to haue them multiplied , that as my tribulations were increased , so , in like proportion , my consolations may be inlarged ; and I terme this ioy and gladnesse indefinitely , because this is the onely solid ioy , and true gladnesse . All other ioyes are but toyes , like false fires , and counterfet 〈◊〉 , such as deserue not the name of ioyes at all .

I beseech thee , O Lord , not onely to blot out my transgressions , and to take away the guilt of my sins , but ( for the raising of my deiected , the relieuing of my distressed soule ) to let me know so much , also : let me heare this ioyfull Word , in the eare of my heart , from thine owne mouth , by thine holy breath and Spirit , Thy sins , Mat. 9. 2. are forgiuen thee .

Not onely bee vnto me a Sauiour , but say vnto my Psal. 35. 3. soule ; I am thy saluation . For I may stand pardoned and iustified in thy gracious , 〈◊〉 and certaine resolution , and yet not know so much ; and not knowing it , how can I be but grieuously perplexed , & fearefully distracted in my conscious & distrustfull cogitations ? Wherefore , O Lord , let thy Spirit certifie my spirit , that All is peace . Let my soule sensibly feele , though it cannot fully conceiue this peace , which passeth all vnderstanding .

To a Prisoner conuicted and condemned for high treason , to cruell death , and euery houre expecting execution , according to course of Iustice , what greater ioy can there bee , then to heare of a gracious and free pardon , of all his offences , from his Soueraigne ?

This is the true character of my selfe , and euery other sinner , in respect of our spirituall condition . Wee were damned before 〈◊〉 antequam nati . Bern. wee were borne in sinne : since our birth wee haue liued in sinne , we haue multiplied sinne vpon sinne , wee haue drunke vp iniquity , Iob 15. 16. as a fish drinketh vp water , wee haue committed sundry hainous and horrible treasons against thy diuine 〈◊〉 : ( to say nothing of other capitall crimes ) wee haue after all this , wilfully drawne downe thine indignation , and called for thine eternall vengeance vpon vs : In this deplorable , and euen desperate case , what more welcome tydings , then to heare of this Iubile ?

Sinne doth not onely bring me into a dull slumber , but euen into a dead sleepe also . In sleepe all my sences are bound vp , as it were , in chaines ; when I am fast asleepe , I heare nothing at all . Wherefore awake me , O Lord , and make me to heare .

Make mee to heare thy Word ( the conduit of comfort ) openly taught , with such diligence and deuotion as is meete ; make mee to heare the secret whisperings of thy blessed Spirit , with such reuerence and obedience as is requisite : make me so to heare , as I may beleeue ( faith commeth by hearing with thy blessing ) and then I shall not faile to heare of this redoubled ioy and gladnesse , which my sorrowfull & perplexed soule doth so much hunger and thirst after .

I doe the more earnestly desire , and affectionately long to heare of this ioy , because it is an assay and foretaste of that ioy , which I hope fully to enioy in heauen : it is not the 〈◊〉 redditur , arra 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . pawne or pledge ( that must bee returned againe but the earnest , or Godspenny ( which continues still with the receiuer ) of a farre greater ioy heereafter , and where thou giuest earnest , thou neuer failest to performe the bargaine . This ioy is great in Bernard . Gaudium in praesenti exhibitione . Gaudium in futurâ expectatione . the present exhibition , far greater in the future expectation , no meane ioy in the meane time , while I liue in this valley of teares , the life of grace , but glorious Et res plena gaudio , & 〈◊〉 . Idem . Gaudium in fine , sed gaudium sine fine . Bernard . and vnspeakable ioy hereafter in the life of glorie ; such ioy in the end as shall be without end , in the heauenly 〈◊〉 , where there shall be peace without trouble , plenty without want , light without darkenesse , health without sickenesse , melody without discord , security without feare , felicity without misery , ioy without interruption or intermission , ioy vpon ioy , ioy exceeding all ioy , without , or beyond which , there is no ioy at all .

If I heare this word of comfort in this life , which giueth mee title and interest ; ( Thy sinne is forgiuen thee : ) I shall be sure then to heare the warrant for possession and fruition ; ( Enter , good seruant , into thy Masters ioy . ) Without this ioy , there is nothing but disquiet and discomfort , nothing but 〈◊〉 and horror , nothing but apprehension of wrath and vengeance .

The wicked , who heareth nothing of this ioy , feeleth no serenitie or tranquillity of minde , but ( as holy Iob saith ) is like a Iob 15. 35. woman that is alwayes in trauaile , like the raging sea , Esa. 57. 20. still foaming and casting vp dirt and myre ; on the other part , the penitent sinner , who in anguish of soule harkeneth after these tydings , deriueth ioy from the wel-head , where there is Gods plenty ( as they say ) fulnesse of most sweet and delightfull comforts , euen a torrent , or strong running streame of pleasures , flowing perpetually .

He shall haue incomparably more ioy than the worldling , whose corne , and wine , and oyle , are increased , and therefore may lay him downe in peace , Psal. 4. and rest in security , because thou makest him to dwell in safetie .

Such as the matter is , Cùm de transitorijs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 non poterit non transire laetitia , 〈◊〉 ijs , de 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ignis . 〈◊〉 . de Temp. whereof ioy ariseth and consisteth , such is the ioy it selfe . If the matter bee slight , flitting , and momentary , ( as the world and the flesh are , ) how can the ioy be constant , solid , and durable ? On the other side , the ioy that is grounded vpon so precious a foundation , as remission of sinne , and reconciliation with thee , how can it bee but vnchangeable and inexplicable ?

This ioy will eate vp all false ioyes and flitting delights which men fansie , to take in the pleasures of sinne , as the Rod of Aaron Exod. 7. 〈◊〉 . did deuoure the rods of the Aegyptian Sorcerers . This ioy , like water , will quench and extinguish all the hot desires and fiery lusts of the world and the flesh whatsoeuer .

That the bones which thou hast broken , may reioyce . ] I made my moane heeretofore , that my bones were Psal. 32. sore vexed , that there was no peace or rest in them , by reason of my sinne . I now professe , that they were not only crushed and bruized , but euen disioynted and broken , that is , the most strong & able powers and faculties of my soule and body ( which I describe by the name of bones ) haue been oppressed , & battered , as it were , with the terrible pangs and restles tortures which I haue suffered , by the hammer of thine indignation , conceiued against my grieuous and enormous transgressions .

But if thou , Lord , wilt now be pleased , after my vnfained repentance , to make me heare of this ioy and gladnesse , all these bones , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the 〈◊〉 and marrow of thy 〈◊〉 , shall in iust 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , cry out , Lord , who is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vnto thee ?

It is thy 〈◊〉 and manner of proceeding , O Lord , with thy dearest Deut. 32. children . Thou makest the wound , and bindest it vpagaine ; thou smitest , and healest againe ; thou killest , and quickenest againe ; thou castest downe to the nethermost hell , and thou raisest vp againe to the heauen of heauens , shewing and declaring thereby , thine irresistable power , to worke mine humble obedience ; 〈◊〉 vnspeakable wisedome , to breed my reuerent admiration ; thy seuere Iustice , to beget mine awefull feare ; thy supereminent tender mercy , to purchase mine affectionate loue towards thee .

The deeper mine humiliation is , the greater will bee mine exaltation ; the sowrer the sorrow is , the sweeter will the succeeding gladnesse prooue , when thou shalt please to affoord it vnto me : for not my spirit onely , but all the parts of my soule and body , will exceedingly reioyce , when after these tempestuous stormes , I shal safely arriue at the hauen of rest and contentment .

For as water is more grateful to the way-faring man , after a long drought , and a calme more 〈◊〉 to a sea-faring man , after a terrible tempest : so will my deliuerance bee , after my tribulation . O how beautifull will thy mercy appeare , after the depth of my miserable affliction . How shall I reioyce , 〈◊〉 euer I was sorrowfull . How shall my bones bee glad , that euer they were broken ! I shall gratefully acknowledge , that thy 〈◊〉 Psal. 23. and thy staffe haue 〈◊〉 mee ; that is , I shall take comfort that euer I was chastized with them , and that according to the multitude of my griefes , thy consolations haue made my minde ioyfull , that is , for euery sorrow that I receiued in time of my tribulation , I shall receiue a consolation after my deliuerance .

O then what a madnesse is it , to buy a little vaine , idle , frothie , and momentany pleasure , at so deare a rate , as the vexation and anguish , the terrors and tortures , both of soule and body ? which none can conceiue by imagination , but he that feeleth , and he that feeleth , is not able by any representation to expresse .

Hide thy face from my sinnes , and blot 〈◊〉 all my transgressions . ] Because my sinne is the source of my sorrow , and the bane of my blisse , I make this the burthen of my song , and doe reiterate my Prayer , for pardon : I beseech thee once againe , O Lord , either to remooue thy sense from the obiect , or the obiect from thy sense ; hide thine eyes from such an vgly sight , looke another way , behold any thing rather then it ; or if being all Eye , thou canst not but see all things that are , and so all my sinnes , ( if they be at all ) O Lord , blot them out , let not them be to be seene , blot them out all , and at once , vna litura , with one dash of thy pen , efface all my transgressions .

Hide thy face not from me , but from my sinnes : Thou hast charged me louingly ; Seeke my face ; and Psal: 27. 8. I haue answered resolutely ; Thy face , Lord , will I seeke . If thou withdraw thy face from me , woe is me , I shall bee like those that goe downe into the bottomlesse pit : wherefore still shew me the light of thy countenance : looke vpon thy creature , which thy hands haue made and fashioned ; looke vpon thine owne Image , which thou hast stamped vpon me ; looke not vpon my sinnes , which haue blemished and disfigured my soule , which haue almost quite defaced that thine Image , and in stead thereof haue placed the very portraicture of Satan .

Although custome of sinning haue made my sin another nature in me , although I be so compassed with infirmities , so inclosed in my corruptions , as they may seeme to be incorporated in me , and become my very substance ; yet thou , O Lord , canst distinguish between the 〈◊〉 and the rust , between thine owne and Satans worke , between man and a sinner . Duo nomina ; Homo , Peccator . August . Thou canst looke on that which thou hast made , and look off that which I haue marred , with one and the same Eye of pitie and mercie .

When thou seekest a Chrysol . sinner , thou 〈◊〉 the man , and not his sinne , that thou mayest despise the sin , which is mans worke , and not lose the man , which is thy worke .

Hee that loseth a precious Chrysol . Iewell , seeketh it in all the sluts corners , and stickketh not to rake the kennell , and stirre the dunghill to finde it .

The Iudge , when he will Chrysol . pardon , lookes vpon the man , & not vpon his fault : the father , when he is disposed to pitty his child , thinkes vpon his owne affection , and not vpon his sonnes transgression : Euen so , O Lord , thou art mindfull of thine owne worke , that thou mayest forget the worke of another ; thou turnest thy face to the tone , that thou mayest hide thy face from the tother .

O Lord , at least hide thine angry face from me . I cannot deny , but that I neede correction , and am not therefore altogether vnwilling to beare it ; if thou holdest it meete . Correct me , but not in thy fury ; chastize me , but not in thy displeasure ; let mine August . in Psal. 103 afflictions be instructions , & not destructions ; rather medicines , then punishments ; castigations , not condemnations . Let them 〈◊〉 a diligentis . be the wounds of a louer . Let me perceiue thy grace euen when thou doest seeme to frowne vpon me ; let me discerne the sweete sunshine of thy mercy , thorow the thickest cloudes of thy fiercest wrath .

I will follow the way , which thou hast taught me ; I will set my sinnes before mine owne face , that thou mayest hide thy face from them ; I will remember , that thou maiest forget them : I will confesse , that thou mayest forgiue them .

I am much ashamed and agreeued to see mine own sinnes : I am much more ashamed and agreeued , that thou with thy pure eyes , and bright face shouldest behold the fowlenesse and filthines , the folly , and madnesse , the absurdity and grossenesse of them . Yet , O Lord , let mee behold my sinnes alwaies , so as thou wilt be pleased to hide thy face from them altogether .

Thou canst , but thou doest not alwaies , because thou wilt not , sometimes in fauour , see the faults 〈◊〉 thy people . Thou diddest not , because thou wouldest not see iniquity in Jacob , nor , peruersenesse in Israel .

If thou canst not , in Iustice but looke towards my sinnes ; yet I beseech thee in mercy , to suffer the Blood of thine Immaculate Lambe , to interuene betweene thy glorious face , and my lothsome corruptions . Let that spectacle either diuert or restraine thy sight , and hinder the representation of the vgly shapes of my faults , to thy pure and perceiuing eyes : Looke vpon that precious obiect first , and there stay and terminate thy sight ; or , at least , looke through it , as men looke through a coloured glasse , that the foule obiect may appeare in the colour of the glasse , and not in his owne colours . Let the robe of the Lambes innocency , couer the shamefull nakednesse of my vnrighteousnesse , so as it may be hidden from thy angry face and fearefull countenance .

Blot out all my transgressions . ] When a man feeles his soule laden with the burden , and his 〈◊〉 affrighted with the apparition of some one or two grieuous offences lately done , hee begs earnestly for pardon of those sinnes in particular , or 〈◊〉 his sinnes indefinitely , 〈◊〉 falls not at the first , into computation or consideration of the rest of his sinnes , in former times committed . The fresher wounds seeme , euer the more fearefull ; and the new terrible obiect doth so dazle and confound the soules sight , as it cannot looke either beyond or besides it .

But the more grieuous and enormous sinnes , after awhile doe occasion vs to make a more narrow inquisition , and take a more exact suruey of the whole course of our sinfull life ; whereby wee cannot but finde , that we haue runne into many errors , and manifold crimes , the remembrance and recognition whereof wee had formerly , in a sort neglected .

Then we beginne seriously to consider , that in this generall muster , there is not any one sin , ( seeme it neuer so light or slight ) but being an offence against an infinite Maiesty , and a violation of the whole Law of God , deserueth an heauy iudgement , in the seuerity of 〈◊〉 , and that , if some of our sinnes 〈◊〉 bee remitted , and others retayned , we remaine still in a most wofull condition ; & therefore doe not content ourselues with a praier that some , or many of our spots and sinnes may bee wyped out , but craue , with a note of vniuersality , an abolition of them all . Blot out all my transgressions , my sinnes in thought , word and deede , my sinnes of omission , and my sinnes of action ; my sinnes of childhood , youth , middle-age , and elder yeeres ; my sins of infirmity , and my sins of presumption ; my sinnes within , and my sins without my body ; my bloody and my vnbloody sinnes ; my sinnes committed in mine own person , and my sins committed by others through my ill example : ( for they are mine too ) my single sinnes committed by me as a priuate person , my double sinnes committed by me as a publike magistrate , ( who when hee sinneth , doth rather teach then act sinne ) my lesser and my greater sinnes ( the sins of Soueraignes , are 〈◊〉 sinnes ) my secret and open , my knowne and vnknowne sins , ( who can tell how 〈◊〉 he offendeth ? ) my sinnes past , present , yea and to come , ( for whilst I liue in this body of death , I cannot but sin ) all my sinnes whatsoeuer , when I say all , I except none ; no minyon or darling sinne at all .

Thou diddest command 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Leuit. 〈◊〉 . be 〈◊〉 away . Who is not sinfully 〈◊〉 ? and whose sinnes are not more in number then the haires of his head ? Let them all come vnder the Raisor of true repentance , and then they will come within the reach of thy free remission . Not one Egyptian escaped , out of the red Sea . Saul was 1. Sam. 15. commanded to kill all the Amalekites ; men , such as offend of malice , women , such as offend of infirmity , children , such as transgresse out of ignorance onely .

Create in mee a cleane heart , and renew a right spirit within me . ]

Whoso beggeth Iustification , which is the foundation , will seeke Sanctification also , which is the goodly frame 〈◊〉 thereupon , and cannot but after sinnes committed and remitted , shine and flourish in holinesse of life and conuersation . Hee that hath that fire , cannot bee without this heate ; he that hath that Sun , cannot be without this light .

When my great and enormous sinnes had plunged me into the sea of misery , finding no other meane of helpe in that fearefull danger , I catched vp , and tooke hold of the planke , or boordof Repentance , to saue me from drowning .

Repentance hath two faces , and so looketh two wayes , backward and forward , to sinnes past , and holinesse to come . I haue grieuously lamented my offences formerly done , and importunately begged pardon for them , accounting this remission ( because thou art pleased , O God , so to esteeme it ) my iustification .

I now earnestly craue a cleane heart , and a new spirit , that being clensed , I may keep my selfe cleane ; that being renewed , I may entertaine newnesse of life for my sanctification .

For if I fall againe vpon the same rock of presumption , which caused my shipwracke before ; it will plainely appeare , that I haue not really acted , but formally counterfeited repentance ; in which case I must pronounce an heauie doome against my selfe , for dissembled holinesse , is Simulata aequitas non est aequitas , sed duplex iniquitas , quia & 〈◊〉 , & simulatio . August . in Psal. 63. double wickednesse ; wickednesse masking vnder the sinfull vayle and vizard of hypocrisie . Repentance neuer attaines her Crowne and Garland , till shee haue brought forth amendment of life ; after lamentation for sin , to make some kind of reparation .

That which thou requirest of me , O God , is my heart , and how can I deny thee one thing , that hast giuen me all things ? for what haue I , that I haue not receiued of thee ?

Well then , I resolue ( as it is meet ) to giue thee my heart : But when I looke into my heart , by the helpe of thy suruey ( for it is thou that declarest vnto man , what , and how ill his heart Amos 4. is ) I finde it so foule and full of corruption , as I am ashamed to present it vnto thee in that plight . Nay , I tremble to thinke , that thy Pure and Radiant Eyes , should behold such a puddle and sincke of sinne as lurketh in my heart . For , alas , euery imagination of the thoughts of my heart , is onely euill continually . Were my heart such as it should be , I would cheerefully giue thee my heart . O Lord , therefore , create in mee a cleane heart . Thou madest my heart first in Adam ; hee marred it , ( and I in him ) by disobedience ; from him to all his posterity , the contagion of this pollution is spred and propagated ; wherefore create my heart againe , create it a cleane heart , either a cleane heart , or no heart at all .

I affect purity of heart by thy grace : for indeed I cannot so much as affect , much lesse effect it , without thee . Vnlesse thou take the worke in hand , it will be vndone . My heart , that is originally and totally vncleane by naturall generation , and daily soiled by actuall transgression , cannot become cleane and neate , without spirituall washing , and supernaturall regeneration , and that is thy proper operation .

Seeke not to new make & mould my defiled hart , out of the forebeing matter thereof . ( That may seeme a strange enterprize and fruitlesse worke . ) But thou , O God , who by thy power madest the world of nothing , by thy powerfull grace , Create ( which is thy peculiar attribute ) a cleane heart within me .

To create , is not to make a thing out of the power of any subiect or matter formerly being . But to create , is to make a thing of nothing , and that is an act of diuine power , that is a case excepted , and a prerogatiue reserued to thee alone . The production of grace in a gracelesse heart , is a wonderfull and gracious creation .

Create in mee powerfully , and of nothing , without any 〈◊〉 matter ; create in me 〈◊〉 , and for nothing , without any precedent merit of mine , a pure heart ; so 〈◊〉 thou crowne in mee , not my deserts , but thine 〈◊〉 gifts , if ought proceed from my heart , to my tongue or hand , not displeasing vnto thee .

Worke this worke thy selfe , and take the praise of Psal. 115. it to thy selfe alone , O God . Not vnto mee , not vnto me ( I doe iterate and ingeminate my disclaymer ) but vnto thy Name giue all the glory .

It is another manner of power to make the quality , then the substance of the heart ; yea , it is a harder taske to make a heart cleane , that hath beene soiled with the filth , and tainted with the putrifaction of sin , then to make a pure and innocent heart at the first . The more shall be my thankfulnesse , if thou , O Lord , vouchsafe me so great a fauour .

I will not curiously enquire into the meanes or manner of atchieuing this worke . Let me henceforth really finde , by the imaginations and inclinations of it , that it is a cleane heart , conformed ( as it may be in the frailty of 〈◊〉 flesh ) 〈◊〉 thy holy 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 all is well .

As a woman 〈◊〉 by the stirring of the 〈◊〉 in her wombe , that 〈◊〉 hath conceiued : so 〈◊〉 me feele , by the effectuall motions of thy good 〈◊〉 , that I am begotten anew vnto a liuely 〈◊〉 , by the resurrection of Christ , according to his abundant mercy .

The summe of all is ; Giue me , O Lord ; what thou enioynest , and then enioyne mee what thou pleasest . I am of no ability to do what thou commandest , and therefore am enforced to beseech thee thy selfe to do in me , what thou requirest to bee done of me . Create a cleane heart in me .

If my heart , as the spring and conduit head , be pure and cleane ; the waters that flow thence , though conueighed in earthen pipes , will be cleare still : my secret thoughts , my open words , my visible workes , though they sauour somewhat of earth and flesh , will not be altogether vncleane and vnsauoury .

A man must bee twice borne , ere he can enter into the kingdome of heauen . As he is made to the 1. Cor. 15. similitude of the first Adam , so must he be made to the similitude of the second Adam : and the regeneration is a more excellent worke then the generation ; the re-creation , then the creation . In the first , man was wrought out of clay ; in the other , God workes grace out of sinne . In the former , he breathed a soule into the dead body ; here he breatheth his holy Spirit into a dead heart . In the creation , he made man perfect in all his members . In this re-creation , not only all the members of the body , but the faculties of the soule also , must be framed anew . It is a greater matter to raise a man dead in sinne , then to raise a rotten carkasse out of the graue .

In the one birth and the Primum 〈◊〉 . Arist. other , the heart is the first 〈◊〉 that is enlyued : my 〈◊〉 must first take fire , 〈◊〉 can I neuer bee 〈◊〉 with the true zeale of 〈◊〉 glory , and mine owne saluation .

In the first creation , this 〈◊〉 Chaos and darke 〈◊〉 , was couered by thy 〈◊〉 , without any contradiction or resistance : Thou spakest but the word , and all was readily done , and perfectly framed . But in my re-creation , my flesh or my spirit , or my fleshly spirit , doth oppose and incounter thy holy Spirit , grieueth and maketh it sad , laboureth to quench it , euen then when it striueth to reuiue , repaire , and reforme me . This is notoriously verified , not onely in the aliens & reprobates , but euen in the domesticks of the houshold of faith , in thy most inlightned and best disposed children , euen in the Elect themselues , and those that are sealed vp for the Day of Redemption .

Wherefore I must say freely , as I may truly , I am thy workemanship , not onely of thy power , ( as all other creatures are ) but of thy mercy also , created in Christ vnto good workes , whereof he is the sole Author and Actor , working effecaciously in mee , both the will and the deed , according to his good pleasure .

O Lord , giue me a liuely Faith ( thy Gift alone ) which hath power , to quicken my dull , to enlyue my dead , to purifie my impure heart : Giue me grace stedfastly to beleeue thy Word , to take sure hold of thy promises , euermore to cleaue and sticke fast to thy goodnesse : Kindle this fire in my soule , which will inflame my loue of all good duties on the one , and on the other side , waste and consume , eate vp and de uoure my concupiscence , and all my carnall desires , and cause them to returne into that dead sea , whence they were first exhaled .

Renew a right Spirit within me . ] Hee whose spirit is deserted by Gods Spirit , loseth the vigor and viuacity of his spirit , his spirit waxeth old & crooked in him . Sinne , where it inuades , makes such spoile and hauocke of all goodnesse and vertue in the soule , as it cannot subsist , vnlesse it be timely repaired , and truly renewed by repentance .

When a man lyes groueling vpon earthly , and houering vpon fleshly desires : his spirit , which should directly 〈◊〉 vpward , is bowed downe and made crooked . A 〈◊〉 spirit then , is a sincere and vpright heart , raysed and lifted vp into heauen and heauenly things .

What is sinne else , but an obliquity , a depriuation or deprauation of that rectitude , and vprightnesse , which was originally , and should be continually , in the soule ; if it were throughly purged and purified ?

I haue impayred this rectitude and vprightnesse , which once I had in some measure , by my heynous and enormous transgressions , and therefore , resort to thee for helpe , who onely art able to renewe and repaire it againe .

Giue me , O Lord , a spirit rectified in it selfe , directed by thy Spirit , corrected by thy discipline , and erected to thy glory ; a spirit firme without failing , constant without varying , and durable without decaying ; that I may happily choose new waies , walke in them carefully , and perseuere in them constantly : giue me grace to turne ouer a new leafe ( as they say ) to abandon the old man with the lusts and affections thereof , and to put on the new man , and so to serue thee in holinesse and newnesse of liuing , all the dayes of my life hereafter .

I doe wittingly and thankefully ascribe the purity of my heart , to thy Creation , the vprightnesse of my spirit , to thy renouation alone ; as to giue thee thy due honour , so to preuent and anticipate the proud and fond conceit of those men , ( if any such there be , or shall be hereafter ) who to grace themselues , wil abate the power , & diminish the lustre of thy grace , who though they cannot but confesse , that they neede the assistance of thy Spirit , & that they are holpen by thy , both preuenting and following , grace ; yet betweene those two graces , ( for their own credit ) will needes vainely interpose , or rather violently intrude mans reason , whereby he chuseth what is good ; and mans will , whereby he assenteth to thy diuine power , in the blessed worke of regeneration .

But hereby , I take secret comfort in my selfe , to preserue my perplexed soule from vtter despaire , that I discerne the foulenesse of my heart , & feele the weaknes of my spirit ; and therefore pray earnestly , for a purification of the one , and a renouation of the other : for I know , I cannot craue either of those graces , without some measure of grace . As the sunne cannot be seene but by the Sunne , nor the light be perceiued , but by meanes of the light ; so neither can I begge a full cleansing of my heart , without some cleanenesse in it , nor a through-renouation , without some newnesse , in my decayed spirit , at least , in true affection , and vnfaigned desire .

Cast me not away from thy presence , and take not thy holy Spirit from me . ] I feare , and cannot but feare thy face ; and yet I feare withall to be cast from thy face 〈◊〉 presence . Mine owne 〈◊〉 makes me , on the one side , to feare the face of a seuere Iudge , and my worthlesse weaknesse on the other , ( being not able to subsist at all , without the light of thy countenance , ) makes mee desire thy presence and sight .

What-euer thou doe with me , while thou lookest vpon me , I shall indure , though not without feare and perplexity ; But if thou cast me quite away from thy presence , I am vtterly vndone for euer .

The presence of the Physicion is a present , if not helpe , yet comfort to the sicke patient . But thy presence , Lord , being the soueraigne Physicion , ministers all comforts , and cures all maladies both of soule and body .

Therefore I loue the habitations of thy house , and the place where 〈◊〉 honour dwelleth .

As the hunted and chased Psal. 42. Hart desireth the water brookes ; So longeth my soule after thee : When shall I come and appeare before thee ?

O how amiable are thy Psal. 84. Tabernacles ? My soule euen longeth , and fainteth for the courts of the Lord . One day in thy Courts ( where thou art present and resident , ) is better then a thousand elsewhere . I had rather bee a dorekeeper there , then to dwell at liberty , and in iollity , in the tents of the vngodly .

The priuation of Gods presence , is the position of all misery , and the withdrawing of his countenance , drawes with it all manner of discomforts .

Heauen it selfe were not heauen , if thou wert not there present , and Hell could not be hell , if thou wert not absent thence .

To bee cast out of thy presence , is to be cast out of ioy , into sorrow ; out of light , into darkenesse ; out of life , into death ; ( not the first onely , but the second also ) out of heauen , into hel .

The very sight and vision of thee , is of it selfe , and in it selfe , the height of happinesse . In thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy , and at thy right hand is plenty , without satiety of pleasure and delight , for euermore .

Wherefore though I haue multiplyed and increased my contumacie beyond all measure ; yet I beseech thee , O Lord , not to excommunicate me . I submit my selfe , with teares in mine eyes , and anguish in my heart , humbly and wholly to thy discipline ; I am content to endure any penance , rather then to bee banished from thy presence .

What the want of this presence is , none can know but he that feeleth ; and he that feeleth , cannot make another know by any relation . Hee may indeuour to shaddow it out slenderly , but hee is not able fully to expresse it .

If the Master turne his seruant out of doores ; if the Father abandon his sonne from his fight ; if the King command his subiect from the Court , ( that hee come not within the Vierge ) how grieuous and irkesome will the damage and disgrace be , to euery , or any of these respectiuely ? Thou , O God , art our Master , and to serue thee , is to raigne with thee . Thou art our Father ; and what greater preeminence then to bee the Sonne of God ? Thou art our King , and to be in subiection to thee , is our chiefest dominion . How then doth it concerne me , being an vnfaithfull Seruant , a prodigall Childe , and a trayterous Subiect , to beg earnestly of thee , my bountifull Master , my louing Father , my gracious Soueraigne , that thou wilt not take away thy 〈◊〉 , banish me from thy fight , nor expell mee from thy Courts ?

As the soule doth excell the body , and the 〈◊〉 the flesh , beyond proportion ; so the one losse is incomparably greater then the other .

Thou , O God , art present with me , by thy good Spirit ; and so long as I haue this Ghest in my soule , I haue the fruition of thee and thy presence ; wherefore suffer not this noble Ghest to be dislodged and taken from mee . Thou and thy Spirit are vndeuided companions : If thou cast me from thy presence , thou takest thy holy Spirit from me ; and if thou takest 〈◊〉 Spirit , thou takest thy selfe from me .

I doe yet enioy thy presence , in a sort ; I behold thy countenance , though full of anger ; I feele thy Spirit within mee , though sad and grieued : for I find contrition in my heart , confession in my mouth , and confusion in my face , for my grieuous offences . I hate my sinnes , and my selfe for my sinnes . This smoake cannot ascend , but from that fire of thy Spirit ; this fruit cannot grow , but from that roote of repentance . Howbeit , when I behold the vglinesse of my offences , with an vnpartiall eye , and consider how hard & harsh a thing it is , for Purity and Holinesse , to dwell or abide with wickednesse and filthinesse : I tremble and quake in an awefull feare , that thou wilt ( as iustly thou mayest ) depriue me of thy gracious presence , and bereaue mee of thy blessed Spirit .

Lord , thou art in all things by thine Essence , thou art in all places , and at once , by thy Power and presence . I may well bee asked ; Whither wilt thou Psal. 1 39. flye from his Spirit , or whither wilt thou goe from his presence , & c ? If thou shalt say ; The darkenesse shall couer me , euen the night shall bee light about thee . Yet thou canst , and wilt cast me from thy presence , and withdraw thy holy Spirit from me , if I be settled vpon the dregs of my sinnes without remorse , in contempt of thy Maiestie , and abuse of thy mercie . If thou in thy iust iudgement and wrathfull indignation , abandon mee from thy presence , thou castest me out of thy prouidence and protection , thy blessed Spirit doth quite desert mee , I am banished out of the land of the liuing , into the Desert of desolation , ( which is without the compasse of the whole Vniuerse , that thou didst create , and d'st vphold . ) In that case , happy were I to bee no more , but I shall be most vnhappy , to bee and continue helpelesse and hopelesse in endlesse misery .

Thy holy Spirit is , by a speciall title , stiled , The Comforter , by excellencie , because all other comforters and comforts , are cold and vncomfortable , without and beside it . I haue ( I confesse with griefe ) many times checked this Spirit , when it hath presented good motions to my minde , and good desires to my hart ; I haue grieued it exceedingly , while I carelesly neglected , and stubbornely refused the good counsell it ministred vnto me . Howbeit , sithence without this Comforter , I must bee for euer comfortlesse in the depth of discomfort , I 〈◊〉 thee , not to take vtterly and finally thy holy Spirit from me .

Thy gifts , O Lord , are 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 without repentance ( therefore I trust I shal neuer be without repentance ) whom 〈◊〉 . 13. 1. thou louest once , thou 〈◊〉 . 31. 3. doest euer loue ; if thou begin , Semel 〈◊〉 , semper 〈◊〉 . thou wilt perseuere to loue . Although I doe not Mulier soetum conceptum non semper molitantem 〈◊〉 ; vbi tamen semel & iterum 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 se esse non ambigit . Spin. de 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . alwayes feele the graces of thy Spirit in my sinfull soule ; yet I shall ( 〈◊〉 trust ) haue 〈◊〉 euer , because once I had them . My sinne may take away the sence and 〈◊〉 for a while , but not the interest and property ( if I may so say ) which I haue in thy blessed Spirit : Which notwithstanding , the fruition of this Spirit being so precious , and the losse of it so inualuable , I cannot but in feare and anxiety of soule , instantly pray , that it may not be taken from me .

Although the seed of 1. Pet. 1. 23. thy Word , whereby I am begotten againe to a liuely Hope , be immortall and incorruptible ; yet it is so choked with the weeds of fleshly desires , so intangled with worldly allurements , it lyeth so buried in the furrowes of my hard and stony heart , as I may much doubt , and , in a manner , distrust the shooting and springing of it vp againe , without an extraordinary influence of thy heauenly grace , which cannot descend vpon me , vnlesse my humble and earnest prayers ascend vp to thee . Wherefore retaine mee , O Lord , in thy fauour , and permit thy blessed Spirit , not onely to soiourne for a season , but to remaine continually with me . Let me so keepe a doore in the Sanctuary of my soule , ( which is one of thy Courts ) as I may neuer suffer this Ghest to goe out of it .

12 Restore vnto mee , the ioy of thy saluation , and vphold mee with thy firme Spirit , or stablish mee with thy free Spirit .

I Doe not say ; Giue mee what I neuer had , but restore vnto mee what I had , and haue lost by mine owne fault and folly . It is a greater fauour to restore Tertull. de poenit . then to giue , in as much as it is a greater vnhappinesse to lose a Iewell Quid boni sanitas habet , languor ostendit . Hier. which I had , then neuer to haue had it . Priuation is a greater punishment then want : It is the height of Gratior est reddita quam retenta sanit as . misery to haue beene happy . To come out of darknesse Post tempestatem dulcior serenitas . Quint. Desiderata dulcius obtinentur . into light , out of sicknesse into health , out of perplexity into security , out of sorrow & sadnesse , into ioy and gladnesse ; and so by the contrary , to August . de Verb. Dom. come out of cheerfulnesse into pensiuenesse , sets out more liuely , and causes to be felt more sensibly , both the one and the other condition . One contrary is a foyle vnto another .

We then make the tru . Quoniam ob bona 〈◊〉 , gratias Deo non agimus , necessaria nobis est priuatio , vt quid habutrimus sentiamus . est valuation of thy greatest mercies , O Lord , when we are for a time depriued of them , which is one speciall cause why thou takest them from vs , that by the want , we may learne the worth of them , Basil. Plus sensimus quod habuimus , postquam habere desinimus . Hier. in Consol. and shew our selues accordingly thankefull , because thou diddest vouchsafe vs the fruition of them so long , and much more ioyfully imbrace , and charily preserue them , when thou pleasest to restore them to vs againe .

For as the eyes cannot discerne a goodly obiect when it is held close vnto them , but when it is remoued in some distance ; so our vntoward & vnthankfull hearts cannot iudge of the excellency and sweetnesse of present graces ; but when they are withdrawne a while from vs , then doe we more cheerefully behold , and fully obserue the riches of thy bounty & mercy in them .

This ioy of thy saluation , consisteth in an assured hope and hopefull assurance of eternall happinesse . This hope , is the heart of my soule , and the very life of my life . It putteth spirit into my decayed spirit , and vigor into my dead heart ; for a hopelesse , is a heartlesse life , and were it not for this hope , ( amidst the inward and outward crosses of this life ) my very heart would breake .

All the ioyes vpon earth cannot make me cheerfull , vntill I bee seized of this ioy , nor can all the crosses and calamities which the world affoords , dishearten me , while I finde and feele this ioy of thy saluation .

What greater ioy to an afflicted soule , lying 〈◊〉 oppressed vnder the heauy apprehension of thy wrathfull indignation , and for a long and tedious time , suffering euen hell out of hell , then to receiue a gracious pardon of all his sinne , freely granted vnto him by thee , through the mediation of thy Christ , sealed by thy blessed Spirit , and deliuered to his spirit into the hand of faith .

Wherefore turne , O Lord , my mourning into dancing ; loose my sackcloth , and gird mee with gladnesse , O Lord ; let me shout out songs of deliuerance from the captiuity and thraldome of sinne and Satan .

I haue wilfully put my selfe out of possession of this ioy , which I so happily enioyed . O Lord , restore it vnto me againe , by a new order & iniunction , out of thy Court of equity and mercie ; let mee returne into it , by Remitter , & hold it , as in my former ancient right .

I haue iust cause to stile it , Thy saluation . For I am the patient onely , thou , O God , the onely agent : thou hast not the greatest share , but all the interest , in this affaire . Thou art the sole , not only Author , but also actor in it . For the purchase thereof , I neede thy first grace of Initiation , and thy second of Confirmation , thy preuenient and thy subsequent grace , thy accompanying , and thy perseuering grace . All is thy grace , and thou art all in all , and therefore to thee alone , I ascribe all the honour and glory . It is meerely and intirely thy saluation .

Christ his righteousnesse imputed and imparted to me , is the true roote ; ioy and peace are the happy fruite ; and faith is the rooting of it in my soule . Though there come a winter of affliction , to restraine the sap , and hinder the shewe : yet the Summer of cheerefulnesse will make all to flourish againe in perfect lustre .

But how can I expect the serenity and Sunshine of this ioy in the valley of teares ? Why should I desire this garment of gladnesse , when my heart ought continually to weare the sables of sadnesse , and the mourning weede of repentance , for my daily or rather howrely sinnes ? how can there be any time or place left for ioy , when there is almost a 〈◊〉 of sorrow enioyned ?

He that will reconcile himselfe to thee , O God , may easily reconcile these different passions , & make them dwell together in his soule , with amity and vnity . Else thou that hast required mee oft-times to mourne , wouldest neuer haue commanded mee to reioyce alwaies . The faithfull man hath a sorrow mingled with ioy , and a ioy mingled with sorrow . There is a griefe in ioy , as there is a ioy in griefe , nay ( which may yet seeme more strange ) the greater griefe sometimes , the greater ioy , and the greater ioy , the greater griefe ; for one and the same man , at one and the same time , may bee exceeding sorry for his sin , and excceding ioyous with the apprehension of thy mercy , in the free forgiuenesse of his sinne .

The greater griefe hee conceiueth for his sinne , the more comfort he may iustly take , euen in that regard . And the greater ioy hee feeleth in the hopefull assurance of thy fauour , the greater sorrow must hee needs conceiue for his sinne , that bred thy displeasure : for , the more assurance hee hath of thy loue towards him , the more hee will loue thee : ( Loue is the loadstone 〈◊〉 loue , and will draw loue euen from an yron heart ) and the more hee loueth thee , the more his soule must melt into teares , when he recounts & considers , how by his wicked and rebellious courses , he hath demeaned himselfe , wretchedly and vnworthily , towards that God whom he findeth so graciously and pittifully affected towards him .

Sorrow may bee sometimes vnseasonable , but this spirituall ioy ( as wee say of some kinde of meates ) is neuer out of season .

The precept of reioycing , though conceiued in the affirmatiue , doth alwaies binde , & at all times . Reioyce in all things , and 1. 〈◊〉 . 5. 16. euermore reioyce .

The grace I beg , is the complement , crowne and garland of all the graces I haue formerly craued . For although I be washed neuer so cleane from my former staynes ; though my hart be neuer so throughly purged from old corruptions , my spirit neuer so well renewed and rectified for the time to come : yea , though I obtaine a full restauration of the ioy of thy saluation , which I had and haue lost ; yet , vnlesse thou bee pleased to confirme and stablish me with thy firme and free 〈◊〉 none of those blessings apart , nor all of them 〈◊〉 together , can much auaile me .

For without this 〈◊〉 and establishment , I 〈◊〉 neuer be able to 〈◊〉 and perseuere in true Piety of Religion , in sincere probity of 〈◊〉 . Well I may , like a bankrupt Marchant ( supplied by friends or credit , ) set vp my trade of godlinesse awhile , but I shall soone be enforced to shut vp shop againe . Well I may beginne to runne the race of godlinesse , but I shall neuer get the goale ; well I may enter the lists afresh , with my old and deadly enemy , the Deuill , and his two valiant Champions , the World and the Flesh ; but I shall quickly be foyled , I shall neuer 〈◊〉 the victory fully and finally .

Wherefore do not onely raise mee that am falne , but vphold me when I am raised ; sustaine mee continually with thy firme Spirit , that I may not onely begin well , and proceed cheerefully , but also perseuere constantly , and end happily .

I did endeauour when time was , in some sort to serue and please thee ; I frequented publike assemblies in thy holy Tabernacle ; I sent vp sundry Prayers from my priuate Oratory , and the secret closer of my heart , vnto thy Maiestie ; I laboured to gouerne my people with Iustice and equity , to punish wilfull offenders seuerely , to reward well-deseruers cheerefully , to deliuer the oppressed , to relieue the needy ; but ( this notwithstanding ) how soone , alas , was I taken with the sight of Bathsheba , and , through my frailty , carried captiue into Adultery , to satisfie my 〈◊〉 ; and into Murther , to conceale my Adultery ! Wherefore settle , confirme , and establish me , O Lord . I haue directed generally .

All you that trust in the Lord , be strong , and hee shall establish your heart ; he keepeth the faithfull , and vpholdeth the iust ; by him alone the steps of men are established , that is , firmely directed and perfected .

My spirit , which must bee wrought vpon by thy Spirit , through the contagion of my flesh , and the carnality of it , is become almost wholly carnall , and by that meanes weake and fraile , soone weary of well doing ; it quickly slips from good Meditations and Actions ; slides from honest purposes and proceedings , vnlesse it bee sustained by thy Spirit .

But being quickned and enlyued by thy Spirit , though otherwise dead , I shal liue in thee , by thee , & for thee : all my thoughts , words and workes shall breathe continually thy praise and glory .

Thy Spirit , O Lord , is the life of my soule , as my spirit is the life of my body ; if my spirit faile , my body perisheth ; if thy Spirit desert my soule , my soule cannot but fall irrecouerably . Wherefore vphold mee with thy Spirit .

Thy Spirit is free in it selfe . As the winde bloweth , so the Spirit breatheth where it listeth . As it is a free , so it is a freeing Spirit , a Spirit of liberty , which deliuereth me from the bondage of Sinne ; a Spirit of Adoption , whereby I cry , Abba , Father . As the Spirit Rom. 8. 15. is free , so are those that are led by the Spirit , free , ingenuous , bold , and couragious : it infranchizeth and naturalizeth me in the heauenly Hierusalem .

This Spirit hath power to helpe all my infirmities ; it hath skill and will to frame my Supplications within me to be expressed , if not by tongue & voyce , yet by sighes and grones vnutterable , but still intelligible to thee ; it can preserue mee from falling ; it can raise mee after I haue falne ; and then so establish mee , that I shall neuer come againe into danger of relapse or recidiuation .

My spirit , thus vpheld and established by thy free Spirit , what is it else but a cheerefull alacrity and forward disposition to imbrace any thing that is good , for it owne sake , and for thy sake , without any by or secondary respect whatsoeuer ; banisheth all drowzy dulnesse and vntoward listlesnesse in thy seruice ; that putteth wings to my obedience , and maketh it not to walke slowly , but to flye nimbly in the accomplishment of thy errands and directions ; that causeth me to doe ingenuously what becommeth me , for loue of vertue , and not for feare of the whip , basely ?

When thou hadst appointed that the first 〈◊〉 of euery beast should bee set apart to thee ; thou diddest specially ordaine , Ex. 13. 13. that if it were the Foale of an Asse , it should be redeemed with a Lambe ; if it were not , the necke of it should bee broken ; thou wouldest not haue it sacrificed vnto thee at any hand . Surely , it may well seeme , that this is , alterius rei 〈◊〉 , a kinde of riddle ; and that by this shaddow , thou wouldest shew thy 〈◊〉 of slothfulnesse and 〈◊〉 , want of life and cheerefulnesse in thy seruice , that an Asse being one of thy dullest creatures ( Sloth is wont to bee pictured riding on an Asse ) thou wouldest not bee honoured by the sacrifice of such a beast .

Thou , O Lord , louest a swift hearer , a cheerefull giuer , a zealous Petitioner , a voluntary Souldier , and a diligent 〈◊〉 for all which purposes , thy free and firme Spirit will strongly enable and support mee continually . Wherefore establish mee with thy free Spirit , O Lord .

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy wayes , and sinners , or impious persons , shall be conuerted vnto thee .

WHen thou hast vouchsafed graciously to bestow vpon mee those graces , whereof I haue gracelesly 〈◊〉 my selfe , then will I 〈◊〉 my selfe gratefull vnto thee , I will 〈◊〉 that dutie of thankefulnesse , so sutable to humanity , so agreeable to piety ; it being a thing good and commendable , 〈◊〉 and profitable , pleasant and dilectable , 〈◊〉 & gracefull to returne praises and thankes to thee for thy mercies , duly to acknowledge , and truly to 〈◊〉 thy singular fauours ; in such manner as I can , and by such meanes as are within the reach of my weake and worthlesse ability .

I will not follow the common fashion of worldly men , who , like barrels , sound when they are empty , but are still when they are full ; who craue earnestly when they feele want , but are dumbe and silent when their turne is serued . I solemnely vow , and will really performe thankfull acknowledgement for so great benefits , when I haue receiued them .

Thou , O God , by difburthening man of his sin , Onerat nos Deus 〈◊〉 , quando 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Aug. in Ps. doest impose a burthen of gratitude vpon him . A benefit is a burthen to an ingenuous minde , that cannot rest quietly , but lyeth shut vp ( as it were ) in prison straightly , till it haue procured liberty , by venting some kinde of retribution .

Although there can be no proportion betweene thy infinite goodnesse , and my , not onely finite , but infinitely weake meanes of requitall ; yet inasmuch , as for a more bountifull fauour , a larger returne of 〈◊〉 is ( of congruence ) required , and the greatest blessing that can bee bestowed vpon a mortall man in this life , is peace of conscience , intended by the ioy of thy saluation , and implyed in the firme support of thy free Spirit : I will indeauour , in way of 〈◊〉 , to doe thee the best seruice that any man can performe vpon earth ; that is , I will teach thy wayes to Transgressors , and cause ( as much as in me lyeth ) sinners to bee conuerted vnto thee .

I will teach such as wander and goe aftray , how to come into the way : Againe , those that goe by-wayes , I will teach thy wayes ; that is , the wayes of thy directions , which leade vs by a right line ( as it were ) through the maze of this miserable world , to the land of Canaan , that happy country , which we should so loue and long for . Conuerted sinners , are 〈◊〉 iniquorum 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 quia tales 〈◊〉 . the fittest conuerters of sinners . The sickly Physician , who hath not onely read in his Booke , but felt in his body , the maladies whereupon hee is consulted , is the likeliest man to worke a cure vpon his patient .

Goodnesse of it owne Bonum naturá sui diffusiuum . nature , is apt to spread and inlarge it selfe . It is the Naturalis . opus viuen . gignere sibi simile . Arist. most naturall and kindly worke of each liuing creature , to engender a like vnto it selfe . As in nature , so is it in nurture also . An honest well-disposed man , will striue as much as hee can , to make others good and godly . A chast and sober man , will endeauour to restrayne and reclayme others from wantonnesse and drunkennesse ; the like may bee said of all other vertues and vices .

The rule of Charity requires , that he , who hath beene raysed out of the dyrt , and reskued out of the myre , should lift vp others , who lye wallowing therein . If we be once inflamed with the loue of God and godlinesse , wee shall labour to kindle the zeale of others , & set them on fire also . Bad men are , and why should not good men much more become , Incendiaries .

This is the matter and effect of my gratitude , which though it may seeme to be no great matter : For my goodnesse extendeth not to thee , neither art thou any whit the better , for my being better any way , ( the grace is thine , the good is mine alone , ) yet I know it to bee very aceptable and highly pleasing vnto thee , being so louing and gracious , so couetous of mans saluation , as thou dost euen hunger and thirst after his conuersion . Thou dost euen long for our returne home , from out of those farre remote countries , wherein wee haue wandred , and spent our patrimony of thy gifts , in wickednesse , to the house of thy habitation .

I , euen I that lost my way in my pilgrimage , and fell among theeues who robbed me of my garment of godlinesse , of my 〈◊〉 of righteousnesse , of my girdle of gladnesse , and wounded mee with bitter Arrowes , and 〈◊〉 darts , almost to death ; I ( I say ) being reduced into the way againe , refreshed and comforted , raysed and set on horsebacke ( as it were ) will teach others , carefully to kepe themselues in the right way , to shunne idlenesse , and security , and all other occasions of sinne , to auoyde such inconueniences , as by wofull experience I haue found , and felt with intolerable griefe .

I will teach Transgressors Homines malunt exempla quam verba . 〈◊〉 . act . 〈◊〉 ver. sap. Validior 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quàm oris , oratio . Greg. by instruction , and 〈◊〉 will teach them by example also . Men are more effectually perswaded by the workes they see , then by the words they heare ; Regis ad exemplum nec sic inflectere 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 edicta valent , ac vita regentis . Claud. by Princes acts , then by their Edicts . I will ioyne both precept and practice together ; my words shall bee working words , and my deeds shal be speaking deeds . Nay , I will not only Habent & opera suam linguam . teach them , by my words , and by my deedes , Author de dupl . martyr . but by my writings also . I will cause my Psalmes ( the webs which my restlesse soule hath wouen ) to be sung in Gods Tabernacle , while I liue ; & when I die , bequeath them to God his Church , to be vsed in all succeeding ages ; which ( I hope ) will bee of some force , to mollifie and qualifie the hard and stony hearts of retchlesse and impenitent sinners .

I will vse all the wayes I can , to teach sinners , in thy wayes , and I will endeauour to reclaime all sorts of sinners from their euill wayes , As there bee seuerall sorts and degrees of transgressors ; so I will apply my counsailes and admonitions , in seuerall kindes , respectiuely .

I will teach sinners of Sinne of infirmity . infirmity ; that they yeeld not at all to the assaults and allurements of sinne ; that they fight couragiously in that neuer-dying combate betweene the flesh and the Spirit ; that in no wise they suffer themselues to be carried away Captiues to sinne ; that they let not sinne raigne , howsoeuer it will remaine , Rom. 6. in their mortall bodies . I can , and will tell them ( out of knowledge and experience , ) that if they giue the water passage but a little , they shall not bee able to withstand the Current of their owne concupiscence ; that a little sparke of a wanton looke vpon Bathsheba , bred such a huge flame of lust in mee , as I could not quench . That Satan is subtile and will cunningly insinuate himselfe euery way ; hee will seeke to make the breach where thy fortification is weakest ; hee will vndermine , if hee cannot batter thy strongest castle ; if he see where thou mynest , he will countermine : That he makes semblance sometimes to strike at one place , when he intends to hit another ; that now and then he faignes to make a retraite , when he returnes suddenly againe , to finde thee the more vnprouided . That he is like those Pyrates which alwaies carry in their shippes , flags of peace , when they intend nothing but warre ; that when they hold out those flagges , their enemies may hold them for friends , and so become their prisoners ; and that therefore it behoueth them to watch continually , and carefully to keepe Centinell ouer themselues , and in time of peace , more then in time of warre . The shippe that saileth , many times incurres more danger when the Sea is quiet , then when stormes arise : for in the calme water , the Saylers ride without care , or dread of danger ; but in time of tempest they prouide for euery mischiefe that may befall .

I will tell them , that sinners Vitia catenata inter se. are linked and chayned , nexed and twisted together , so as one still draweth on another , and the lesser euer a greater ; that Satan that foule thiefe , and old Setter , hath in each pack of Theeues , little sins , 〈◊〉 . in lib. Sapient . like little boyes , to creepe in at the windowes , or other narrower passages , & then open dores for greater sinners , like greater theeues , to enter sreely , & so spoile the goodman of the house of all goodnesse & vertue , at their pleasure .

I will teach sinners of Sinne of presumption . presumption , that as God is mercifull , so hee is iust ; that wee must not so remember Volo te praesumere , ne diffidas , 〈◊〉 praesumere , ne torpescas . Bern. Ep. 87. his mercy , as we forget his Iustice. Our Lord is sweete , but yet vpright . All his wayes are mercy and truth . These bee the two feete , whereby hee walketh Psal. in his wayes ; that euery sinner that will truly turne to God , must lay handfast on both these feete : for if he lay hold on Bernard . mercy onely , letting passe iustice and truth , he must needes perish by presumption ; If he apprehend Iustice onely , without mercy , he cannot but perish by desperation . Let him therfore kisse both these feete , that hee may , in respect of Gods iustice , retaine feare ; & in respect of his mercy , conceiue hope . I 〈◊〉 teach them to tune their notes to my ditty ; I 〈◊〉 Psal. 101. 1 sing of mercy and 〈◊〉 I will not sing vnto thee 〈◊〉 mercy alone , nor iudgement alone ( O God ) 〈◊〉 mercy and iudgement ioyned together . I will teach Absit vt redundantia clementiae coelestis , libidinem faciat humanae temeritatis . them , what an absurd consequence , and vnkindly kind of reasoning it is : In as much as God is merciful , louing and long suffering , therefore I will abuse his Tertul. de poenit . mercy , and continue my Prauicordis est ideò 〈◊〉 esse , quia Deus bonus est . Bern. in Cantic . wicked courses ; I will doe what liketh my wilfull appetite ; that , the Argument , in morall congruity , as well as logicall diuinity , holds strongly in the quite contrary forme ; God is gracious , and expects my conuersion ; and the longer he expecteth , the heauier will bee my punishment when it commeth , if I neglect , or rather contemne the riches of his patience and gentlenesse ; and therefore I ought , euen to day , before to morrow , to heare his voyce , and presently to accept of his vndeserued mercie .

Whereunto I will adde another consideration , of great waight and much feare ; and that is , Though Qui 〈◊〉 poenitenti veniam , non 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . August . God promise pardon to him that repents , yet hee doth not promise repentance to him that offends : ( Repentance is his gift alone . ) Though hee offer thee grace to day , thou knowest not whether hee will offer it againe to morrow ; though hee affoord thee life and memory this weeke , little doest thou know whether thou shalt enioy these fauours the next .

Finally , I will teach them to take my whole period together , and not to catch at one piece onely , for their aduantage , or disaduantage rather , ( which is against the rules both of Law and Logicke , ) for when I haue said ; The eyes Psal. 34. 15 of the Lord are vpon the iust , and his eares are bent to heare his prayers : I adde on the other side , in the same sentence : But the face of the Lord is against them that doe euill , to roote out their memory from off the earth .

My last Corollarie and conclusion shall be ; Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord : Therefore serue the Psal. 2. 11. Lord in feare , and reioyce in him with reuerence .

I will teach transgressors Sinne of Desperation . in all kindes and degrees , that they doe not at any hand , through the terrour of their owne sinnes , or apprehension of Gods displeasure , either by cowardize or carelesnesse , quite despaire of Gods abundant mercie . I will vse my best skill , and bestowe the most powerful perswasion I can deuise or find 〈◊〉 for the purpose . I will tell them of my Soliloquie , and the secret conference between me and my soule , to this effect ; Though , vnhappy man that I am , I haue not alone slipped , but falne ; and not falne onely , but falne fouly too : though I haue not onely done much euill carelesly ; but This Euill ; This Euill in Gods sight contemptuously , ( This Euill , which is a massie chaine of enormous iniquities , nexed and linked together , strongly binding , and grieuously burthening my soule : ) yet will I not doe worse , or rather , what is worst of all ; I will not still adde sinne vnto sinne ; I will not fill vp the full measure of my wickednesse , with that horrible sinne of sinnes ; I will not stab my soule ( if I may so say ) with the deadly dagger of finall impenitencie ; for the depth of desperation , is the height of impious abomination . I will not wilfully wayue , and scornefully reiect his general , free , and gracious Pardon , proclaimed to all penitent sinners , without any exception or limitation at all . His benefits are infinite , endlesse , and inestimable ; therefore the Origen , fountaine , and well-spring of all these fauours , graces , and good-turnes , is infinite , vnmeasurable , and farre surpassing all the compasse of mans vnderstanding . But specially , he loueth soules , which are his by a manifold interest ; created by him , when they were not ; saued by him , when they were lost ; marked for his , with the stampe of his owne Image . Farre be it therefore from me to fall into that desperate resolution , which , of all other offences vpon earth , doeth most exasperate his anger , and doth depriue his diuine Maiestie of that most excellent propertie , wherin hee chiefly delighteth and glorieth , which is , his infinite and vnspeakable mercie .

I am his workemanship ( his hands haue made me , and fashioned me : ) The workeman cannot chuse but bee fauourable to his owne worke , especially so excellent and bountiful a workman as he is , towards such a worke as man is , framed to his owne shape and likenesse . He is my Creator , and thereby priuy to my frailety , of how brittle and weake a metall I was 〈◊〉 1 3. made . Hee is my Father , ( which is the title of the greatest loue and coniunction that nature hath left to men in this world ; ) and Facilè impetratur quod filius 〈◊〉 . Tertul. de 〈◊〉 . therefore cannot but affect his child : His diuine Maiestie is so earnest and vehement to giue assurance in this behalfe ; that being not contented to represent his loue vnto vs by the loue of a fathers heart ; hee goeth further yet , and protesteth that his heart is more tender towards vs , then the heart of any mother can bee to the onely child of her owne wombe . Can the mother Esa. 49. forget her owne infant ? if she could , yet can I not forget or reiect thee . Nay , he is my heauenly Father , who in Tam pater nemo , tam 〈◊〉 nemo . 〈◊〉 . depoenit . this perfection of true fatherly loue , so farre exceedeth all earthly parents put together , as in power , clemencie and goodnesse he surpasseth the infirmity of his feeble creatures ; and therefore his bowels and entralls of tender and endlesse mercy , will be mooued ( I know ) in commiseration towards mee , vnfaignedly returning vnto him .

Nay , I haue yet a further claime , and title to his gracious fauour & compassionate mercy , in that hee is not only my Creator , and Father , but my Redeemer Iob 19. 25. also . I know ( with holy Iob ) that my Redeemer liueth , for I haue 〈◊〉 it by his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; that 〈◊〉 will 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 16. 1. hell , nor suffer his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to see 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 this be not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 by the act 〈◊〉 execution and performance 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 in the fulnesse of time , it will bee accomplished and acted , to the admiration of all the earth , and the amplification of his eternall glory . Not his Sonne onely , but his onely Sonne , will take my nature vpon him , become flesh of my flesh , and bone of my bones , will vouchsafe to bee borne of a Virgin , descended of mine owne race and pedigree ; hee will conuerse vpon the earth , in the similitude of sinfull flesh ; hee will , in the nature and property of man , not onely suffer hunger and thirst , but also all manner of indignities , affronts , and disgraces ; hee will be content to be beaten , and buffeted , launced , & pierced , wounded and crucified for mee , and for my sake ; hee will shead his blood vpon the Crosse , as a malefactor , to satisfie Gods iustice , and to purchase my freedome from hell , and euerlasting damnation . And sithence he hath in his immutable decree giuen him , and will in his time , apparently giue him to such a shamefull death , for gayning me vnto him ; how should he not , but with him giue all Rom. 8. 31. things else whatsoeuer ? I know and am assured , that he who beleeueth in Christ to come , hath as 〈◊〉 and full interest in his excessiue loue , and this inestimable benefit , as hee who shall beleeue in him , when and after he is come . The times must bee changed , 〈◊〉 variata 〈◊〉 , non fides . August . in Psal. 51. but it is and will bee one and the same faith , yea and one & the same obiect of faith , in substance , in all times .

His promises of pardon , whereby he hath obliged himselfe to sorrowfull sinners , are affectionate , absolute , and vniuersall . First , Whosoeuer shall 2. Cor. 6. depart from his wicked wayes , & turne vnto him , shall bee receiued of him . Secondly , At what time soeuer Ezek. 18. a sinner doth repent him of his sinne , and turne to him , his wickednesse shall not hurt him . Thirdly , If your sinnes were as Esa. 1. red as scarlet , they shall be made as white as snow .

How then can I mistrust my selfe to bee excluded from this assurance of mercy , wherein all sorts of people , all kinds of sinnes , all times and seasons are comprehended ? His Loue , that calls mee to repentance , is inexplicable . His Truth , and certainty of promise , is infallible . His Power of performance , is omnipotent and endlesse .

This threefold cord , or rope ( which cannot bee broken ) bindeth mee fast to the barre of his mercy , and will not suffer mee to slip away , or start a side , till I haue obtained full remission of all my sinnes .

Cain , my vnhappy precedent Gen. 4. in murther , did more offend God , by those words ; My sinne is greater , then that I can August . hope for pardon , then , by all his former iniquities . My confidence in this mercy is assured , and my hope inuincible ; therefore I resolue , though he kill mee , Job 13. 15. yet to trust in him , with holy Iob.

I will tell such hopeles , and retchlesse persons , that my sinnes are set before them , for caution ; my repentance , for imitation ; that they which stand , may warily looke to their August . in Psal. 51. footing , that they fall not ; and they that haue 〈◊〉 , may rise hopefully and speedily , by 〈◊〉 , and not ingulfe themselues into the depth of all detestable enormities , specially the gulfe of desperation .

I will tell them , that their vouching of my example , to extenuate , is an August . ibid. odious circumstance , to aggrauate , such sinnes as I haue committed . So as he that shrowdes himselfe vnder this sinfull shaddow , offends , euen in that respect , in a higher degree then I did ; because he wittingly propounds an vnwarrantable precedent to warrant his wickednesse ; wheras I fell only through frailety , without alleadging , or thinking of any such pretence or patterne . I will tell them , that Nathan the Prophet was sent to rowze me out of security , but I am sent as a Prophet August . in Psal. 51. to raise them to repentance , and to rescue them from 〈◊〉 : I will aduise them , that are prone to 〈◊〉 God his bundant mercy , to heare 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 ; to heare 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 with me ; to heare me wayling and weeping , and to ioyne their teares 〈◊〉 mine ; to heare me reformed , and to reioyce with mee ; that howsoeuer 〈◊〉 could not stay the current of their own sins , they stop not the 〈◊〉 of Gods mercy , 〈◊〉 they haue sinned ; that howsoeuer they could not bar sin from entring in , they exclude not hope of pardon , out of the doores of their sinfull soules .

Hast thou sinned ? Repent , Chrysost. in Psal. 51. Hast thou sinned a thousand times wretchedly ? Repent a thousand times vnfainedly . This is the onely Oyle , that may be powred into thy wounded soule , and afflicted conscience , to reuiue , and refresh it at all times . This soueraigne salue is of power , to cure , and recouer thy most incurable , and desperate sores , and diseases of sinne , yea , if thou be vpon thy death-bed , and ready to breathe out thy soule and spirit , euen at the last gaspe , feare not to repent , Nec enormitas criminis , nec extremit as temporis . for that Gods mercy is not restrained , either by the enormity of Crime , or extremity of time ; and for that , betweene the bridge Inter pontem & fontem . and the brooke ( as they say ) when thou art falne from the one , and not falne into the other , Gods grace may interuene , to saue thee from downing .

Howbeit , let not this ftrong water , and most comfortable Cordiall of the teares of repentance , make thee negligent , to delay thy conuersion to God ; both , because repentance will not come at thy becke and call , ( being by custome habituated in sinne ; ) and because also , though true repentance be neuer too late , yet late Sera 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 vera . repentance is seldome true , and such as it should be : but let it onely reuiue and animate thy confidence in Gods bottomlesse mercy , if , and when thou art in the greatest straights , and come to the last exigent , to preserue thee from vtterly fainting , and falling into the deadly swoone of desperation .

The impious persons , or sinners shall bee conuerted vnto thee . I doe not , I may not , say , I will conuert sinners vnto thee ; for conuersion of sinners , is a peculiar belonging to thine owne Iurisdiction ; a case reserued to thy power alone ; a branch of thy Prerogatiue and honour , which thou wilt not impart to any other . Well I may plant by my instructions and admonitions ; I may water by my practice and example : but it is the influence of thy grace , that must giue the increase . I will by the assistance of thy Spirit , do my best and vttermost indeauour , with fidelity and diligence ministerially to helpe , and co-operate with thee the prime Agent and principall Efficient in this most difficult and important affaire : for a greater businesse it is to regenerate , then to create ; to build a new house vpon a false and rotten foundation , then it was to erect the first Fabricke . And I hold my selfe the more obliged to this seruice , because I haue not only scandalized thine owne people , the Iewes , by my heathenish iniquities ; but I haue caused thy holy name to be blasphemed among the Gentiles also : for mee thinkes , I heare thine own people whispering and murmuring among themselues , in this sort ; If this King and Prophet did beleeue what hee pretends and professes , his behauiour would be sutable to his beliefe ; his actions answerable to his profession ; his words and deeds would better tune together , and not make such a harsh discord as they doe . Surely , sithence workes are surer testimonies then words , of our hearts affections , we may iustly conceiue , that hee vseth Religion only , as a stalking horse , to serue the turne for policie and worldly respects , that he thinkes and sayes in his hart , though not with his mouth , There is no God .

The Gentiles , on the other side , who are Aliens from God his couenant , & strangers to the Common-wealth of Israel , me thinks , I heare them boldly , and broadly speaking to this effect : That King that seekes by all meanes , both of prowesse , & policie , to reduce vs vnder his obedience , to the worship of his God , and the embracing of his Religion , we see how hee carries himselfe ; wee can discerne by our light , that he violates the law of nature imprinted in all mens harts ; that he shamelesly defiles the beds of his Subiects , and kills them cruelly and treacherously , at his pleasure , to attaine his lustfull desires . Wee will be still irreligious , rather , of no religion , then his religion ; wee will submit our selues to any Princes yoke ; we will fall into any mans hands , rather than his .

To make amends for these faults , and to repaire these ruines , I will teach at home and abroad , Iewes and Gentiles , such as erre either in Religion , or conuersation , the wayes of God and godlinesse , by instruction , by discipline , by example ; what hath fallen to the ground by my euill , I will build vp again by my good demeanour ; my light shall so shine before Domestickes & Forreigners ; before mine owne Subiects , and before others , both Princes & people , as they shall glorifie the God of Israel , they shall beleeue Psal. 48. 1. & 95. 3. and say , Great is the Lord , and worthy to be serued aboue all gods ; Blessed is the Lord , euen the God of Israel for euer .

14 Deliuer me from bloud 〈◊〉 , O Lord , thou that art the God of my saluation .

AMong all my sinnes , which are sans number , & many of them heinous in their quality ; this horrible and crying sinne of murder lyeth heauiest vpon my distressed soule , in the generall muster of my sinnes ; the shedding of so much innocent bloud , makes the most fearefull and hideous apparition to my tormented conscience . In regard whereof I cry out , Deliuer me , not from bloud , but from blouds , in the plurall number .

I begged first indefinitely , 〈◊〉 2. that God would clense me from mine iniquities ; then , that hee would blot out all my transgressions vniuersally . Verse 9. I presented and iterated this petition in humility and faith , knowing that my prayers , if they were not so accompanied , could not preuaile . Howbeit , because this sinne seemes so enormous , so exorbitant , that it can hardly be comprized and inuolued in the generality of all my sinnes ; I send vp a single petition as a speciall messenger for more surety , in no other errand , but to sollicite at the Court of Heauen , that this grieuous , this bloudy sinne , may be not onely necessarily implyed and infolded , but expressely named and specified in my generall and gracious pardon .

Thou diddest in thy Leuiticall Leuit. 7. 26 27. Law forbid thy people to eate any flesh , with the bloud thereof ( whatsoeuer soule eateth any manner of bloud of Fowle , or Beast , that soule shall be cut off from the people ) that thou mightest make them so much the more to abhor the bloud of man , wherein his life consisteth .

Deliuer mee ( O God ) from the guilt of that bloud which I haue spilt by the 〈◊〉 of Captaine 〈◊〉 , and so many Souldiers vnder his commaund , from the punishment of that sinne threatned by Nathan , ( that bloud should not depart from my house ) and finally from future bloud , that I may neuer embrew my hands in bloud hereafter .

The teares of those widdowes , whose husbands were slaine in that disastrous assault made at Rabbah ; the cryes of those children , whose Fathers then lost their liues ; haue mounted vp to 〈◊〉 , do frame my Enditement , and make my Processe against me before thy Tribunall , and doe call instantly for iudgement , according to the iust law of Retaliation ; He that sheddeth mans bloud , his bloud shall be shed .

Wherefore , that I may the sooner obtaine my pardon in such latitude as I desire it , I doe re-enforce my prayer with all manner of zeale and earnestnesse . Deliuer me , O God , thou that art the God of my saluation . I double thy Name , when I tender this single supplication , hoping by my affectionate insinuation , and vehement compellation , to draw thy gracious compassion towards me : I take hold of thee , as it were , with both my hands : I cry incessantly for pardon of this sin , which cries so eagerly in thine eares for vengeance against me .

Thou God of my saluation . Psal. 3. 8. I said elsewhere , that saluation is the Lords , because it can flow from no other fountaine ; but here I desire to apply it particularly , to draw the water to mine owne Mill , and to appropriate it , as it were , wholly to my selfe . Thou art of that gracious nature , as wee cannot better please thee , then by challenging a speciall interest in thy loue , by assuring our selues that thou art ours : so that howsoeuer our premisses be generall for remission of sins , our conclusion must be speciall , proper , and peculiar : Thou art my God , and the God of my saluation .

I will sing ioyfully , or aloud of thy Righteousnesse . ] The satisfaction should be answerable to the trespasse done , and the retribution to the benefit receiued , in some proportion . As to a greater sinne , a deeper repentance is due ; so for a more bountiful fauor , a larger returne of thankefulnesse is , ( of congruence ) required . I haue grieued beyond measure for my bloody sinne ; for the inestimable benefit of my free pardon , I know not what to render againe . In briefe , I can returne nothing but praises and thankes ; ( a poore requitall for so rich a mercy : ) But sithence I can yeeld no better , no other ; it is meete I should improoue this , and set it forth to the vtmost aduantage . Wherefore I will sing ioyfully , with a liuely spirit , with a cheerefull heart , I will sing vocalissimè Alleluia . My tongue shall become a Trumpet of thy praises , which shall sound them out lustily and loudly : I will bestow all my breath and strength in proclayming thine honour : I will become a chiefe Chanter : I will eleuate the note in the highest straine : I will so chant out thy praises , as thou shalt take notice of it abundantly , and so , as the noyse may be heard , not only in my priuate Chappell , or Oratory , but in the chiefe Cathedrall Churches , in the greatest congregations on Earth , yea , euen in the blessed Synode of Angels and Saints in heauen . Nay , I will not onely sing my selfe , but I will call in others also to make vp a full Quire : O come , 〈◊〉 vs sing Psal. 95. loudely , let vs 〈◊〉 reioyce , &c.

Thy righteousnesse , that is , Thy faithfulnes and truth , in accomplishment of thy gracious promises to such , as truly and sincerely repent , and humbly & hopefully craue pardon for their sinnes : for true iustice doth much consist in the due performance of promises . Thou thy selfe hast made thy selfe our debtor , Debitorem se fecit , deus non accipiendo , Sed 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , &c. not by receiuing from vs . but by promising to vs . No man can say vnto thee , Render , Lord , what thou hast receiued : but euery Augus. Psal. 25. 10 man may , and must say ; Performe , O Lord , what thou hast promised .

All thy waies are mercy and truth ; Mercy , whereby thou forgiuest sinners , and Truth , whereby thou makest good thy promises . O then , how happy are the people , whose God is the Lord , who by his 〈◊〉 promise is become their faithfull debtor , and whose iustice giues assurance of his mercy , whose mercy and truth are met together , and whose righteousnesse and peace haue kissed each other ! So as by a reuerent confidence , and a holy kinde of boldnesse , I may 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thee in this 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 by the worth of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , but by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of thy promise , not to lay my sinnes to my charge ; bee they neuer so many , neuer so great , I may pleade my interest in the death of my Sauiour , and in thy faithfull promise , and free pardon , to this effect :

O my God , thou that art the God of my saluation ; it is agreeable to diuine and humane iustice , to keepe promise , to performe couenant . In the new and sacred couenant , it is the Article of Inprimis ( as they say ) that thou wilt forgiue the sinnes of thy people : & remember their iniquities no more . Make good then thy word , and full agreement , really and effectually . It stands not with thy iustice to exact twice one and the same debt of mee . My suerty and elder Brother Christ Iesus , hath paied the debt which I owed , hath suffered the punishment which I deserued : wherefore enter not into iudgement with thy vnworthy seruant , O Lord ; but for the 〈◊〉 of his death and passion , accepted by thee ; with free consent , for full satisfaction , let me be acquited and discharged of all my transgressions whatsoeuer . I will rely and repose my selfe securely , vpon thy word and promise , because thou hast ratified and confirmed it with an oath , with a solemne oath . Thou hast sworne by thy selfe , ( because there is no greater to sweare by ) by thy 〈◊〉 ; the Lord Iehouah Psal. 132. 11. sware vnto Dauid ; Truth , that is , a true oath , a faithful promise : or Truth , that is , God sware vnto Dauid ; He will not turne away the face of his Anoynted , his seed shall indure for euer : thou hast sworne by thy life ; I will not the death of a Ezech. 33. 11. sinner , if he repent , he shall liue . Oh happy people , for O nos soelicis quorum causd Deus iurat ! O nos 〈◊〉 , si nec Deo , &c. Tertul. 〈◊〉 . whose cause thou vouchsafest to sweare ! Oh most miserable wretches , if we beleeue thee not when thou swearest ! Thy word ( O Lord ) is an 〈◊〉 in it selfe and of it selfe , ( so faithfull thou art ) but to giue vs full 〈◊〉 , thou dost condescend to our capacity and infirmity , thou makest assurance to men , after the manner of men ( with whom , a promise clothed with an oath , seemes of greater strength and validity , then a bare and naked word ) and therefore out of abundance of thy loue , dost vse a protestation , or adiuration ( otherwise needlesse ) to remooue out of our incredulous hearts , all distrust , and colour of dubitation .

15 Open thou my lips , O Lord , and , &c.

BVt I haue beene too forward ( now I thinke of it ) to engage my selfe , so deepely , to sing ioyfully , and sound loudly thy righteousnesse . I confesse I haue promised more than I can performe ; I haue assumed and presumed , to doe that 〈◊〉 is out of my power , vnlesse thou ( O Lord ) bee pleased , by thy gracious fauour , to enable me for accomplishment thereof . It is gracefull to me to shew my sefe gratefull to thee ; yea , it is iust , that for the singular benefit of thy Iustice , in performing promised and vndeserued mercies , I 〈◊〉 render all possible thanks , and returne all manner of prayses , vnto thee ; but this I am not able to make good , without thy goodnesse . As I could not repent , nor beleeue ; so neither can I yeeld thankes or prayses , but by thy gifts & grace alone .

I am blinde , and cannot see ; deafe , & cannot heare ; dumbe , and cannot speake thy wonders , thy words , thy praises , vnlesse thou open mine eyes , eares , and lips . It is thou alone that must speake in mee , that must worke in mee , both to will and to do , nay , thou must do in me , and for me , what thou requirest to be done by me ; else it will be vnsaid , and vndone ; thou must be all in all to 〈◊〉 , else all will be nothing .

Who is hee among the sonnes of Adam , that cannot sing and say any thing that is euill , by his owne power and will , by Satans instigation , ( howbeit , not without God his permission ) that cannot speak vaine and wicked words , that cannot sing wanton and ribald songs , scandalous and scurrilous libels , that cannot blaspheme thee , slander his neighbours , that cannot flatter his superiours basely , lye to his equals cunningly , reproach his inferiours scornefully , that cannot say and vnsay , sweare and forsweare , and what not ? But it is a good thing to sing prayses to thee ; That he cannot do , nor say ought else that is good , vnlesse thou put the thoghts into his heart , and the words into his mouth . Wherefore open thou my lips , O Lord , circumcise them , vnty the strings of my tongue , and 〈◊〉 , ( not before ) my mouth shall shew forth thy prayse , My lips shall speake thy praise , when thou hast taught me thy statutes .

It is possible for a man , that is stirred vp and preuented by thy grace , to thinke and conceiue well , what is to be said : but to vtter & deliuer that well , is a further blessing , and requires a new supply and helpe of grace , for guiding and gouerning the tongue , in that behalfe . Nay , there is yet a further and subsequent grace required , to take a fit occasion and opportunity , seasonably to vtter what is well conceiued and digested , both in regard of the speaker and hearers , that all interuenient impediments may bee remoued and taken away . And in our case , this is the more requisite , because our prayers and prayses commonly goe together ( as is meete ) so as at one and the same time , we are , both to encounter Satan ( who is then most busie to distract and disturbe vs , ) and God himselfe , to whome by the feruent importunity of our prayers , we must offer a kinde of violence , as Iacob did , when he was said to haue wrastled with thee .

Wherefore there is required a long Chayne , fastened by many seuerall linckes of grace , to binde together this blessed worke , of setting forth thy iust and due prayses .

My mouth shall shew forth thy praise , ] not onely in Psalmes and Hymnes , with all manner of Iubilation , but in the instruction , admonition and correction of wicked and impious ones , and the reduction of them to thy law and lore . Nay , I will play the Aduocate , & open my mouth for widdowes , orphanes , and other miserable creatures , such as are tongue-tyed and cannot , as are ouer-awed , and dare not speake for themselues . I will in earnest and effectuall manner recommend the care and protection of them also , to all my subordinate Magistrates and Ministers . He that speakes for such Clients , may bee said to be thine owne mouth , because thou 〈◊〉 the Patrone of all those that are oppressed , for want of assistance and defence , and men vndertake their causes by thy speciall assignement and deputation , which redounds to thy prayse and glory , in an extraordinary manner .

True it is , that the thankfulnesse of the heart , is the heart of thankefulnesse ; there is the well-spring . The heart , as a King , commands this duty to bee done ; the tongue , like an Herald , sounds the Trumpet . As the heart is the hart , & the tongue the trumpet ; so the life , is the life of thankfulnes , it must be acted indeede , as well as proclaimed with the mouth . Then will the tune be perfect , when there is a true consort , betweene the heart , and the tongue , and the deede . The thankes and prayses must bee cordiall , vocall , and reall , all together .

I doe sometimes , in contemplation and admiration of thy wonderfull blessings & bountiful fauours , wherewith thou hast laden my soule ( as it were ) breake out into this exclamation and interrogation ; Quid retribuam ? What shall Quid retribuam . I render to thee , Lord , for all Psal. 116. 12. thy mercies ? In an amazed astonishment , when I can giue my selfe no satisfactory answere , knowing , that all I can doe , is lesse then nothing , in comparison of what thou hast done to me , or I should and would doe to thee ; yet thinking Inuenit 〈◊〉 aliquid . Aug. that I finde ( as it were ) something , I resolue to make some shew of returne at least , and to take the Cup of saluation , or of health , and call vpon the name of 〈◊〉 , according to the custome of our Church and people , who for benefits receiued , vse to offer peace or thanke-offerings , whereof they eate and reioyce before the Lord , and at their banquets take vp the Cup of wine , in their hands , and blesse God ( called thereupon , The Cup of Blessing . )

When I seeke seriously what I might render vnto thee , I finde nothing but what is thine already , and therfore I must desire thee to giue mee , to giue thee , & when all is done , I must giue thee of thine own , els I can giue thee nothing .

For who hath preuented thee , or beene aforehand with Iob 22. 2. thee ? Who hath giuen thee first ? Wherefore , when 1 Cor. 4. 7. the question is pursued and pressed yet further , who hath giuen me this Cup of saluation ? I must ingeniously confesse , that euen thou hast furnished mee with this kinde of retribution , I cannot make this good without thy goodnesse ; I cannot praise thee , vnlesse 〈◊〉 open my lips with the key of thy grace , and tune my tongue and voyce to sing ; Praise thou Psal. 103. the Lord , &c. O my soule .

I haue nothing of mine own to giue but my sin , and that may not be presented vnto thee . My sin is mine indeed , and not thine , ( I haue the full interest and ownership therof . ) Whatsoeuer I haue else is thine , and not mine , thou art the sole Author and proprietary thereof . Mine is only the fruition and vse by thy permission , and as a Tenant at will . I am but instrumentum animatum , a meere instrument , liuing by thy breath .

Thou must open my lips , else my mouth cannot vtter thy praises . The very sound and voyce in me , is thine , I am but the Eccho to resound and returne it againe . As the Riuers flow from the the sea , and reflow backe into it : so euen thy praises must come from thy 〈◊〉 , to set forth thy glory .

Thou desirest not sacrifice , else would I giue it , or had giuen it . ] In regard of the heauy burthen of many sins , oppressing my soule , and the feareful apprehension of thy iust indignation conceiued against me , to ease and free my selfe , to appease and please thee , what would I not doe ? what would I not suffer ? what would I not offer ? But I haue nothing whereby I might redeeme thy fauour towards mee . For if I had Mountaines of Gold , if I had Riuers of Oyle , if I had tenne thousand sacrifices to bestow vpon thee , it booted mee nothing ; they are all thine owne already ; and besides , thou makest not account or esteeme of any of these things at all , which I doe not deliuer to disallow , or altogether disualue all kinde of 〈◊〉 , by slaughter of Beasts and Birds , appointed by thee , and prescribed by thine owne Law ; but because these are signes onely , and representations to the weake capacities of mortall men , of that reall , effectuall , renowned , and eternall sacrifice , once to be offered for the redemptition of mankinde . I know ( O Lord ) by the illumination of thy holy Spirit , that it is an inward and internall , not an outward or externall sacrifice , which thou ( being a spirit ) delightest in : Thou lookest vpon the heart , and pious affections thereof alone .

I conceiue , that to draw 〈◊〉 . cont. Mar cio. thine owne people from the superstitious Idolatry whereunto the Gentiles ( through the blindnesse of their vnderstanding , and the delusions of Satan ) were so prone , and so much addicted , and to teach them to embrace such worship of thee , as thou shouldest prescribe , not themselues 〈◊〉 , thou hast instituted sundry kindes of sacrifices , vpon seuerall occasions to be offered vnto thee , with an indulgent respect to our infirmity , ( who being carnall , delight in outward shewes , without which wee cannot so easily comprehend those inward seruices and spirituall duties , to bee performed by vs ) and euer with relation to the true substance of the hearts affections , to be erected , and consecrated wholly to thine honour .

For thou hast not 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for thy selfe . 〈◊〉 wouldest not drinke the bloud of Bulls and Goats . 〈◊〉 . 50. The eternall God doth neither hunger nor thirst , &c. But a single and sincere minde fearing God , of those that offer such things as they haue from thee , is a sweet smelling and well-pleasing sacrisice to thee , by thy gracious acceptation : who dost not so much regard the thing that is done , in this kinde , as the minde where with it is done , and the end wherfore it is done , to wit , thine owne glory .

Thou dost not respect the shadow , but the substance ; not the shel , but the kernell ; not the chaffe , but the corne ; not the signe , but the thing signified . At least thou doeft not esteem the type without the truth , nor the figure in any degree of comparison , with that which is represented thereby , and therewith to be presented vnto thee , that is , a broken heart .

The sacrifices of God ( in the plurall number ) because this one is many sacrifices , this one is all the sacrifices that thou expectest at our hands .

A broken heart , a contrite spirit , ( diuers words importing one and the same thing ) is a heart wounded , a spirit deiected and perplexed with the sight and sense of sin committed , mourning and melting into teares , through the remorse of conscience , grieuously lamenting that it was so wretched and wicked , as gracelesly and vngratefully to reiect the iust lawes of so powerfull a Iudge , and to neglect the kinde inuitations of so pittifull a Father , and all for a little vaine , idle , foolish , frothy , and fruitlesse pleasure , which was mingled with 〈◊〉 in that little time , wherein it was so greedily 〈◊〉 , and pleasingly 〈◊〉 .

Now , 〈◊〉 doth thy gracious goodnesse wonderfully shew and 〈◊〉 forth it selfe , that thou not only 〈◊〉 to teach vs what to doe , and what to say , how to 〈◊〉 our actions , and frame our supplications , that , both in word and deed , wee may please thee ; but also when we haue offended & displeased thee ; to tell vs how to pacifie and appease thee againe ; The Sacrifices of God are , &c.

Nay further , thou dost not require such a sacrifice , as must be procured and purchased from abroad , with much care and cost , farre fetcht and deare bought ( as they say ) but such a sacrifice as we haue , or may haue , in our owne bosomes . 〈◊〉 à te extrâ 〈◊〉 . PP. to quaeritur : Thou requirest nothing from mee , but what is within mee .

Beyond all this , thou doest vs the honour , and trustest vs , with the office of Priests that wee may be sure to see this Sacrifice duly performed . We must our selnes , for our 〈◊〉 , offer vp our 〈◊〉 , in humility & contrition ( which is 〈◊〉 only 〈◊〉 and vnbloody 〈◊〉 ) 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thee .

Euery 〈◊〉 as a 〈◊〉 Priest , 〈◊〉 a victime 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Aug in 〈◊〉 . within 〈◊〉 , to offer the franke-Incense that must be put vpon the Altar , in his owne bowells ; in his owne heart , a Sacrifice , that is of force , to 〈◊〉 and winne thee to compassion , he neede not seeke for a beast abroade to slaughter , and burne to ashes , he hath within himselfe , that hee may and should kill . He may slay sin , he may mortify his earthly members , he may strike with the hammer of sound repentance , vpon the hard Anuile of his stony heart , till it be mollified , bruised , and brayed to pieces , and then it will be thy time & turne ( as it is thy greatest honour , ) to binde vp and heale the wounded and broken hearted . ) Hee may kill and sacrifice to thee , his Bull of pride , his Goat of lasciuiousnesse , his Ramme of stubbornenes , his Birds of flying and wandering imaginations , and so the rest of his carnall & sensuall affections which being beastly , doe turne men into beasts , defacing that Image of thee , wherein they were created to holinesse , and righteousnesse ; The morall whereof , is this ; He may , in a life of vertue and piety offer vp , the death of his vices & iniquities to thee .

He that repents his sins , Omnis quem poenitet , rixatur secum . Aug. in Psal. 33. doth chide and braule , quarrell and brabble , hee doth expostulate and fall out with himselfe , in this tune ; Oh vnhappy wretch , why wouldest , how couldest thou , so basely stoope , to the lure of fleshly wantonnesse , of wordly profit , of spitefull reuenge , of trecherous infidelity ? how couldest thou be induced to sell thine inheritance for a mesle of Pottage , thy euer during treasure in heauen , for a little flitting and vnconstant trash of the world ? What fruite hast thou now of 〈◊〉 the forbidden fruite , of enioying those sinfull and momentany pleasures , whereof thou art so much ashamed ? was not the terrible voice of the Law , thundring out hell and damnation , of power to fright thee from rebellion , were not the sweete promises of the Gospell , of force to inuite thee to the 〈◊〉 and constant seruice of God ?

Nay , beyond chiding and brauling , a true penitent , must chastise and punish himselfe . Thy Lustice , O God , although it be fully satisfied , by that all sufficient obedience and propitiatory Sacrifice of the Lambe , slaine from the beginning of the world , yet as a fruite of our repentance , expects from vs a holy reuenge vpon our selues . We must iudge our Peccatores , vindica 〈◊〉 , exige de te poenas , crucia teipsum , &c. Aug. in Psa. 140 selues , that wee bee not iudged , and least our iudgements become fruitlesse and elusory , We must put them in execution , seuerely , without pitty , or partiality . Let vs therefore preuent his face of Maiesty , his countenance of Authority , by confession , ( wich confession , is a profession of forsaking our former faults . ) The Iudge Currat poenitentia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sententia . Cbrys. we cannot , the iudgement we may preuent , if we take the opportunity , and repent truly and timely of our sinnes , thou wilt mercifully and graciously repent thee of the iudgements , denounced & doomed against vs . Therefore it be houeth euery man , to keepe a Court at home , and therin to sit , as chiefe iustice , to indict and arraigne himself at the barre of his owne conscience , & where he findes the fault , there to inflict punishment . In as much as at these Assizes , the heart must needes be found the greatest offender , because from the heart doth flow , all vaine and sinfull imaginations , all idle and wicked words , all lewde and scandalous actions ; let him doe Iustice vpon his heart , in the first place , let him correct the pride of it , by humiliation , the wantonnesse of it , by contrition , the iolity of it by sorrow , the stubornenesse of it by weeping , the gluttony of it by fasting , the couetousnesse of it by almes-giuing ; and so according to the rule of Physicke , cure each contrary by his contrary affection .

The physicke must bee applied to that part of the body , which is ill affected , the salue laid vpon the place that is sore . Where the sinne breedes & swels , there must the sinner cut and launce . He must pricke his heart to the quicke , and let out store of teares , as the former , and latter rayne . As our hearts haue beene fatted and pampered ( as it were ) with sinne ; so they should grow leane and meagre againe , by sorrow for sinne .

Looke how much the In quantum tibi non peperceris , in tantum tibi Deus parcet . Tertul. de poenit . lesse I spare my selfe , so much the more wilt thou spare me . My repentance doth in a sort execute thy vengeance , and with a temporall vexation , doth preuent and auoide thine eternall damnation , by casting me downe , it lifts me vp , by making me vgly in mine own , it presents me pure in thine eyes , by accusing , it doth excuse , by condemning , it doth acquite me .

It is a kind of vnhappinesse , to be seared and cauterized with an hot yron , and fretted with an eating powder ; but those meanes and medicines , which doe cure by sharpenesse and sowernesse , by the benefit which they procure , doe excuse their distastfulnes , and by the succeeding profit , do allay the present paine .

By sin , thy spirit takes occasion to increase grace , not by the nature of sinne , but by the soueraignety of that spirit , which euen of sinnes makes a plaister against sin . For I being as sicke of sorrow as of sinne , may hopefully resort to thee , the Physitian of my soule , whose end of comming into the world is , to cure the sicke , especially such as feele themselues sicke , enen at the heart .

I must breake my golden Exod. 32. Calfe , that is , any idoll of sinne , which my corrupt heart doth serue and worship , I must burne it with zeale , and with contrition grinde it to powder , and then strowing it vpon the water of teares , drinke it vp againe . By this thy gracious meanes , an Antidote will bee drawne out of poyson , the oyle will cure the bitings of Scorpions , the worme wil gnaw the wood , the moth the cloth that bred it , the very excrements of my sinfull soule , like dung and mannor , will fatten and make it fruitefull in goodnesse .

The hunted and wounded Tertul. de poeniten . Hart , by eating of an herbe knows how to helpe 〈◊〉 . and heale himselfe , and to make the arrow that pierced his ribbes , to fall to the ground .

The Swallow when she hath put out the eyes of her young ones ; knowes by an herbe of her owne name , how to restore their sight againe .

Thy herbe of grace , the iuyce whereof , is our repentance , doth expell the fiery darts of Sathan shot by sinne into our soules , and this eye-salue doth cause vs though neuer so much blinded with sinne , to see , both our error , in committing , and thy mercy in pardoning our offences .

The most powerfull rhetoricke , to mooue thee to pitty , is repentance , and the most delightfull Musicke in thine eares , is that dolefull ditty , tuned to a trembling tongue and a quauering voyce , peccaui in coelum , &c. Against thee , against thee onely , I haue offended .

The string bends the Nerue curuabitur arcus . Igne Chalibs . strongest bowe , the fire mollifies the hardest steel , the Goates blood breakes Adamas , Sanguine , corde Deus . Mantuan . euen the Adamant ; I hope my harts humble and melting repentance , will appease thy hottest and heauiest indignation conceiued against me .

The most worne and torne linnen , by contusion and grinding in the Mill , makes smooth and white paper . Euen so , my most base and rotten ragges of vanity and wickednesse , by true contrition ( with thy benediction ) will produce a cleane heart , and renew a right spirit within mee . The corruption and consumption of the one , will prooue the generation or regeneration of the other .

To sacrifice & to kill , are expressed by one and the same word , in holy writ , because euery sacrifice was slaine in thy Leuiticall lawe , but this breaking of my heart , and offering my body in sacrifice to thee , is an Euangelicall sacrifice , because therin ( which may Hostia 〈◊〉 ctatur & viuit . Crysol . in 12. Rom. seeme strange ) the sacrifice is slaine , and yet liueth : For it is my faith , not my death , which thou seekest , thou thirstest for my holy desires , not my polluted blood , thou art appeased with my willingnesse to renounce the world , not with my departure out of the world . This was Abraham the Father of all thy faithfull ones , his sacrifice , which thou requiredst of him . For what did Abraham , but offer his owne body in his Son ? What didst thou require of him but his Faith , who , as thou diddest command Sicut offerri iussit sic non 〈◊〉 occidi . Chrysol . his Sonne to be offered , so thou wouldest not suffer him to be killed . I hold it a wise and an aduantageous course in any man , to dye to sinne that hee may liue to righteousnesse , to mortifie the old man , that hee may bee quickened in the new , to dye daily , that hee may liue eternally . Wherefore I will dye , that I may not dye , I will wound my hart with temporary contrition , that I may auoyde the deadly wounds of 〈◊〉 , who desires my euerlasting destruction . I will liue a dying life , that I may not dye a 〈◊〉 death : For thy sake are we killed all the day long , and right deare in thy sight is this death of thy Saints . Here I can bee contented to stirre vp an holy emulation betweene those that thus dye , and such as are stoned , burned , or otherwise done to death for defence of thine honor and testimony of thy trueth , Cyprian . de dupl . 〈◊〉 . who , by excellency are termed Martyrs . These dye but once , and at once , their paine is soone past , but the other dye a lingering death , they dye daily and continually . It is accounted Genus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cito occidere . Seneca . a mittigation of cruelty , and a kind of mercy , to put men to death quickely . This Martyrdome Morsque minus poenam quam mora 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Maxim Eleg. of mortification , God doth highly prize , without that other , which is by effusion of blood ; this must goe before that , Non Mar 〈◊〉 Sola sanguinis effusio consummat nec solam dat Palmam , exustio illa 〈◊〉 . Multi ducunt 〈◊〉 , in 〈◊〉 Aug. and that without this , is of no worth , nor deserues the name of Martyrdome at all . Whose Martyrdome shall I dare to compare , with the various , hideous and tedious sufferings of holy Iob ? The best is ; this contention for immortalitie , Auth. de dupl . Martyr . will not onely be mortall , but soone at an end . The Martyrs of both sorts ( so I tearme them , because they dye in , and for thee ) shall haue fulnesse of felicity to satiate their largest desires , for they both shall haue , both , ioy without measure , and life without end , they shall both enioy abundance of pleasures , at thy right hand for euermore .

The summe of all is , I must drench and drowne my sinnes , and the corrupt affections of my wicked heart , in the sea of sorrowfull repentance , and then my soule will nimbly and swiftly swim to the land of promise , and hauen of happinesse .

They that will offer this sacrifice , their hearts must fall from the high mountaine of pride , downe into the lowest valley of humiliation , and they must bee bruised with the fall , & pained with the bruise . I will present an humble , bruised , and sorrowfull heart vnto thee .

Thou , O Lord , art nigh to them that are of a contrite Iob. 30. 29. spirit , who speake to thee , in bitternesse their soule , who crye like the Draggon and Ostriche , for griefe of their sinnes committed . They who cry , De profundis , out of the August . in Psal. deepe , are not in the deepe their very crye reares and raises them vp . Thine eare is within mans heart , thou perceiuest the hearts first relenting , before it come to the tongues relating . I did purpose , and say , within my selfe , I will confesse my Psal. 32. sinne ; and thou tookest notice thereof , and forgauest the iniquity of my sinne .

Thus saith the High and Esay 57. lofty One , that inhabiteth eternity , whose Name is holy , 〈◊〉 dwell in the High and holy place , with whom ? with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit , to what end ? to reuiue the spirit of the humble , and to reuiue the heart of the contrite ones .

Thou wilt not despise , nay , thou wilt highly prize , graciously receiue , 〈◊〉 and comfort thou wilt giue them beauty for Esay 61. 3. ashes , the oyle of ioy for mourning , the garment of gladnesse , for the spirit of heauinesse . As a bone in the arme , or legge once Firmior est fides quam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . 5. broken , and being well set againe , growes stronger then if it had neuer beene broken : so our hearts , being well and soundly healed by true repentance , of the sores and bruises of sinne , become more firme and stable then euer they were before . Thus my foule fall becomes foelix culpa , I am after a sort happy in my vnhappinesse , for out of my great misery , through thy greatest mercy , a greater happinesse doth arise , then euer I felt before .

18 O be fauourable to Sion , for thy good pleasure .

HEE that prayes to thee , must not pray for himselfe alone . Howsoeuer hee beginne with prayer for himselfe ( when he hath gained some interest in thee for himselfe , hee may the sooner preuaile for others ) hee must end with prayer for thy Church , hee must not end till hee haue recommended the whole Church in his prayers vnto thee . He that is a liuely and feeling member of that mysticall body , whereof thy Christ is the head , must pray for the whole body . As in the naturall body the heart feeles the akeing of the head , and the head the oppression of the heart , the heart and head both doe resent a fellon in one of the fingers , and the gowt in one of the toes , the stomacke simpathizeth with the braine , and the braine with the stomacke ; so , and much more is it in the mysticall body . True Christians are like those Twynnes , who are reported to haue wept and laughed , slept and waked , liued and dyed together . They must weepe with them that weepe , mourne with those that lament , suffer hunger , thirst , nakednesse , and imprisonment , with others their brethren afflicted with such crosses , participate with them in all their miseries and aduersities what soeuer . Captaine Vriah mine honest seruant could say ; The Arke , and Israel , and Iudah abide in Tents , and my Lord Ioab , and the seruants of my Lord are incamped in the open field ; and shall I then goe into my house to eate and drinke , and lye with my Wife : While they are in ieopardy , I cannot be in iollity ; while they liue in feare , I cannot enioy security .

Wherefore be fauourable to Sion , to thy Church and chosen ; I being one of them , must abide one and the same fortune and condition with them .

This is that vnion of the Saints in thy Christ , that communion of them among themselues , which cannot easily bee comprehended , much lesse fully expressed , and yet must it bee constantly belieued , and will be in some measure continually resented .

The Church is represented by the name of Sion . Sion the holy Mountaine in Hierusalem , which thou louest , from whence thy lawe should come , and where thou wilt dwell for euer . Iehouah hath chosen Sion , and desired it for his Psal. 132. 14. seate , and said , This is my rest , here will I sit , euen to perpetuity .

But besides this generall , I acknowledge my selfe tyed by a speciall obligation to pray for Sion : for there was no let , on my part , but that the whole kingdome of thy Christ might haue fallen to the ground ; for , I being raised from the dunghill , to the Diadem ; from the Parke , to the Pallace ; from following the Ewes great with young , to feede thy people , and anoynted King , to the end I should gather thy Church together , by my Apostasie haue scattered and wasted it , so farre forth as there is great cause to feare the vtter ruine and desolation thereof .

Wherefore by force , and in remorse of conscience , I beg for the sustentation and preseruation of thy Church , through thy free and vndeserued mercy . Thou , O Lord , art the onely founder of this choise Company and corporation . As out of thy loue onely thou didst single and select them from other refuse people , before the foundation of the world , as by the same loue thou hast supported and preserued them ( amids all dangers and disasters ) euer sithence ; so , I beseech thee still to continue thine ancient , accustomed , and affectionate fauour to them . Let not my vnhappinesse impeach their happinesse ; let not the darke and foggy mists of my wickednes , ecclipse the light and luster of thy countenance towards them ; let them be still as deare vnto thee as the apple of thine owne eye ; doe not spill them for my faults , but spare mee and them for thine owne sake .

Thou doest often , and mayest alwaies punish the people for the sins of their Princes . Wherefore I beseech thee not onely to pardon my sins to my selfe , but to be fauourable to my people also , and not to suffer them to smart , and suffer for my offences .

It is I that haue sinned and done euill indeed , but as for these sheepe , what haue they done ? let thine hand bee on mee , and my Fathers house , but not on thy people , that they should bee plagued . Let not the contagion of my corruption spread vnto them , let not the punishments which I ( their head ) haue deserued , fall vpon their heads ; be fauourable to them , howsoeuer thou be displeased with me .

I doe acknowledge , that looke how farre Kings do exceed other men in place and dignity ; so farre doe their sinnes surpasse other mens sinnes in quality . Their sinnes , though lesse in their owne nature , are greater by reason of their persons , they are crying , capitall , and sinning sinnes . Wherfore it behooues me to repent more deepely to pray more earnestly , not onely for my selfe , but for my people also , whom I haue scandalized by my ill example , and exposed , as much as in mee lay , to thy heauiest vengeance .

For thy good pleasure , in thy good pleasure , according to thy good pleasure . I can propound no other motiue , to induce thee , I can name no Saint , nor Angell in heauen , for whose 〈◊〉 I should intreate thee . Therefore for thy good pleasure , be fauourable to Sion . No sacrifice , either without or within mee is sacred enough , no sincerity in my thoughts , no holinesse in my words , no vprightnesse in my actions , is of power to merit the least grace from thee . I for my selfe , and as Procurator for thy Church , doe renounce all right , disclaime all desert , by meanes of any 〈◊〉 all of these . It is thine own louing kindnesse that must ouer come thee . There is no reason of thy loue , but thy loue , no reason of thy good will , but thy good pleasure . Stat pro ratione voluntas . Saluian . Thy will is perfect Saluian . iustice , & stands for a law . Thou art not only louing , but loue it selfe , for thou Non Elegit 〈◊〉 , sed &c. Aug. didst loue thy Church and chosen first , thou didst not chuse them worthy , but by chusing , didst make them worthy to inherit thy Kingdome , thou didst Quare gratia ? quia gratis datur . Quare gratis datur ? quia merita tua non 〈◊〉 , sed beneficia Dei te 〈◊〉 . Aug. in Psal. 30. loue them gratis , freely . Grace is not grace any way , vnlesse it be free and gracious euery way , without any precedent merit , or so much as loue , on our parts .

Build thou the walls of Ierusalem . ] I pray as for thy Church , so for thy Common-wealth , Sion , thy Chuch , Ierasalem , thy Citty , Sion , thy holy habitation , Ierusalem , the mother City of the Kingdome of Israel . I haue done wrong to both , and therefore desire to make reparation , to both . That I can in no wise make , but by thy gracious fauour , vpon mine humble and earnest supplication . Ierusalem , though a City of peace ( as the word Salem imports ) yet must bee prepared and fortified for warre , It must haue Castles Towers , and walles , to defend them against the encounters of their enemies , which are many and mighty . There be walls of this City , which the world sees not , for thou , O Lord ) art a wall of brasse about her , and a wall of fire , to consume her foes , thine Angels pitch their tents about her Inhabitants . Shee hath also visible walles , framed of a number of liuely stones , which being first rough , are hewne by affliction , in the quarry of this world , squared by repentance , and cemented by loue , and so pollished and made fit for the heauenly Ierusalem , that truly glorious City . But I will not pray onely for the defence and safety , but also for the peace and prosperity of the earthly Ierusalem . O pray for the peace of Ierusalem , they shall prosper that loue her , peace bee within her walles , and plenty within her pallaces ; because of my brethren , neighbours and companions , for the loue I beare them out of naturall affection and ciuill respect I pray for Ierusalem ; but chiefely and mainely , for thy House sake , O Iehouah . This house is the heart of this body , it puts life into all the outward parts and members thereof and in a 〈◊〉 relation ( though not in like proportion ) those outward parts , doe guard , and defend and cherish his heart .

Thine Israel must needes be in much affliction and reproch , whiles the walles are vnbuilded . Thou hast forbidden thy people to offer in euery place . There thou art well pleased to haue thy name called vpon .

I haue much battered these walles , I haue made large breaches in them , by my haynous offences , O Lord , I beseech thee who art the Arch-builder , to re-repaire these breaches , to build vp these walles , that Ierusalem may continue in safety , and 〈◊〉 in prosperity , not 〈◊〉 a few moneths or 〈◊〉 , but euen till the comming of thy Christ .

Sion is the ioy of the the whole earth ; not only all the creatures , but all other men also , are created , 〈◊〉 and disposed for her good . For thy loue of them , I must loue them , for I cannot loue thee , vnlesse I loue thy spowse , in whome thou delightest , which is mystically , yet really , one flesh with thee ?

I pray for fauour to Sion , in the first place , for building the walles of Ierusalem , in the second place , for good to the Kingdome in regard of the good that will thereby accrew to thy Church , the prosperity whereof , is the the prime obiect , and last complement of my desires .

Then when thou art become fauourable to Sion , thy Church and chosen , when the place is builded , which thou hast singled out for thy seate and seruice , then wilt thou accept , and the people offer their sacrifices , inward and outward vnto thee . This correspondency , and restipulation , as it were , betweene thee and thy people , that they shall offer cheerefully , and thou graciously entertaine their seruices , is the foundation and height of true felicity .

But they must be right sacrifices , or the sacrifices of righteousnesse , such as are required by thee , and in faith tendred vnto thee , else will they not hit the marke whereat they ayme . For it is not the deede done alone , that will auaile , or worke any good effect : it is not enough that the thing that is done bee good , but it must bee well done also . Bonum , benè the Noune without the Aducrbe , is of no value , or vertue at all .

The burnt offerings of beasts and birds and other things wholy giuen vp , in fire , by the Priests , and consumed to Ashes ; the other oblations of peace and thankesgiuing , made by the Laity according to thy prescription , though thou do not esteeme them at all , when they are disioyned from an humble and penitent heart , yet being happily conioyned & consorted together , will be most gratefull , and highly pleasing vnto thee .

They shall offer Bullocks vpon thine Altar , and there slay them ( which is the signe & figure ) they shall withall , tender the calues of their lips , in praises and prayers , which is the substance and body thereby repesented . Thy Christ as their high Priest shall offer himselfe the sasacrifice , and vpon him as their Altar they shall put their Incense of heartie deuotion , by that meane , to become sweet smelling , in thy nostrils . Hee shall be the Priest , the Sacrifice Altar , all in all , himself . To him & be all honor and glory , &c.

A SVMMARY PRAYER FRAMED OVT OF the Psalme , and Meditation together .

O Most powerfull wise and mercifull , God , who hast created all things in heauen , & earth for the seruice of man , and man for thy seruice , who hast disposed all things , in number , 〈◊〉 and measure , who hast caused all things contained in holy Writ , to be recorded for the instruction and direction of thy Church and chosen : giue me grace so to behold this mirror of humane frailety , and diuine mercy , with the eye of true iudgement , that I may not with the Spider draw poyson , to the destruction , but with the Bee , sucke such honey , as may bee gathered out of it , to the solace of my sinfull soule .

Thou diddest permit Dauid , being an holy Prophet as well as a mighty King , aduanced & anoynted specially for the gouernement of thy people , to fall fouly into the heynous and grieuous sinnes of Adultery and Murder , that no man might presume of thy fauor or confide in his owne strength ; but euermore serue thee in feare , and reioyce in thee , with reuerence .

Thou didst also endue him with grace after his fall , by humiliation and repentance , to rise againe and recouer his former estate , notwithstanding his long security and carelesse continuance , vpon the dregs of his wickednesse , ( as it were ) in contempt of thy Iustice ; that no man might dispaire of thy rich and tender mercy .

Thou didst propound his fall , for caution ; that all men might shun that dangerous racke , whereon he suffered shipwracke : his repentance , for imitation ; that euery man plunged into the sea of sinne , might catch hould of the planke of repentance , to saue himselfe from drowning .

As thou didst bring light out of darkenesse , and life out of death , so dost thou , in an incomprehensible manner draw good out of euill , & turne the very sinnes of thy seruants to thy glory , and their good .

Farre be it from mee , to vouch this example , by way of excuse , or defence , much lesse warrant to offend , as hee did , howbeit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hope confidently with Dauid , when and after I haue offended ( through thy gracious , goodnesse , and free promise by the teares of mine eyes , the contrition of my heart , and prayer of my spirit , ) to obtaine a full and gracious pardon , of all my offences whatsoeuer .

Thou canst not , O Lord , but be highly displesed , when wormes of the earth , dust and ashes , rottennesse and corruption , hauing , without any desert at all , beene adorned with thy gifts , and enlightened with thy graces , shall presume of thy fauour , so farre , as vngraciously and vngratefully instead of thankes and prayses , to returne contempts , and dishonours , to thy diuine Maiesty .

But on the other side , thou canst in no wise endure , that the most wretched caitiffe , the most shamefull and wilfull sinner that Satan can furnish out of hell , should despaire of thine endlesse and bottomelesse mercy , wherein , aboue all other things thou dost so much delight and glory , & which doth so farre surmount thy iustice , as thou dost continually wooe , & inuite , thy greatest enemies , to the participation thereof .

O Lord , being a sinner , as Dauid was , I cannot but pray for mercy , as he did , and because I haue grieuosly sinned , pray for great mercy , and because I haue Haue mercy vpon me , O Lord , &c. many times , and many waies , multiplied my sins , so as they are growne to a number numberlesses , pray for a multitude of thy tender mercies , that the whole debt-booke , wherein my sinnes are registred , may be quite crossed and defaced .

I must begge againe and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. againe , that thou wilt wash me againe & againe , wash mee thorowly , from the pollution and filth of my sinne .

Giue me grace , O Lord , I know my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , &c. to see my sinnes fully , to confesse them freely , intirely to giue thee the glory to take the shame to my selfe deseruedly .

Giue me leaue to lay open Behold , I was borne in iniquity , &c. my festred wounds , and lothsome sores , to thy viewe , in abasement and humiliation , to stirre thy bowels of tender commiseration .

Make me to loue in my Behold , thou louest truth in the 〈◊〉 , &c. selfe , what thou louest inme , to wit , truth and sincerity of heart , accept , O Lord , my honest study , and faithfull indeuour , for true and full performance . Let me solace my soule , in the conscience of my vnfained sorrow , for my sins past , and my true , though , weake , desires to serue thee And in the 〈◊〉 of my heart , &c. better in time to come , for which purpose , enable me with wisedome , teach me the art of godlinesse , and the mysteries thereof , in my hidden parts .

And because the Leprosie Purge mee with Hysop , &c. of sin , hath infected mee from top to toe ; temper and prepare for mee a powerfull purgation , with those ingredients , which are of strongest operation , that is , ( without shadowes or figures ) the bloud of that Immaculate Lambe slayne from the beginning of the world , applied by a liuely faith , to my diseased soule .

Be pleased to bathe my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and I 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 , &c. vgly soule in thy Lauer of Iustification till I become white and bright , in thy pure and piercing eyes .

Let mee , when I am Make mee to heare of ioy , &c. confounded in my selfe , and cast downe into the Dungeon of Sorrow , through the sight of my sinnes , yet hopefully and zealously seeke ioy and comfort , in thee , and thy saluation .

Let mee so place my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sinnes , &c. sinnes , before mine owne sorrowfull face , that thou mayest hide thy face , at least , thine angry face from them , or rather , so quite deface them , that they may 〈◊〉 be to be seene hereafter , that they may 〈◊〉 rise vp in iudgement , either to shame me in this , or condemne me , in the next world .

And because my iustification , which consists in Create in me a cleane heart , &c. thy free remission of my sinnes , cannot subsist without sanctification , and holinesse of conuersation , as the light of that Lampe , and heate of that fire : And because it is impossible to draw a cleane out of an vncleane thing ; I beseech thee , Lord , to worke a wonder on me , that is , to create a cleane heart within mee . Purge the fountain , and then the streames which 〈◊〉 from it in my thoughts , words and actions , will be clearer and purer .

Giue mee a 〈◊〉 spirit , Renew a right spirit within me , &c. that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 carry my selfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thee , and for 〈◊〉 this spirit 〈◊〉 becomes decayed and distorted by the peruersnesse of my nature , and obliquity of my transgressions ; vouchsafe to renew it in me from time to time , by a continuall supply of thy heauenly grace .

Although I haue many Cast me not away from thy presence &c. wayes and times deserued thy iust indignation ; yet for thy mercies sake abandon me not from thy presence , banish mee not from thy Courts ; let me behold thy face , though ouerclouded with a storme of displeasure .

Although I haue grieued , Take not thy holy spirit from me &c. yea , and despighted thy good spirit ; when it endeauoured my reformation , direction , and consolation ; yet I beseech thee , not to take it vtterly from me , let not that holy fire , though raked vp vnder the ashes of my sins , bee quite extinguished .

When thou doest for Restore vnto me the ioy of thy saluation , &c. my sinnes bereaue mee of the comfortable confidence I found in the assurance of thy saluation , giue mee leaue to claime still mine interest in it , euen when I tremble and quake at thy iudgements : and thereby to craue a restitution of that tranquility of minde , and peace of conscience , which I formerly enioyed with contentment , make mee by the want rightly to value the worth of so great a fauour , then which a greater cannot be bestowed vpon the soule of man , whiles it is confined within this valley of teares , inclosed within this bodie of death .

And because through Vphold me with thy free , or firme spirit . the frailty of my flesh , and the fraud of Satan , I am so prone to recidiuation and backe shding , so ready to fall away from thee , ( euen 〈◊〉 many Apostasies pardoned ) vnlesse I be still vpheld and supported : giue me thy free spirit , that 〈◊〉 may cheerefully ; thy firme spirit , that I may constantly accomplish thy blessed will , and 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 good duties that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vnto me .

And for that thankefulnesse Then will I teach 〈◊〉 , &c. is the best returne for benefits receiued , and the strongest meanes to purchase new fauours ; giue mee grace , as to promise , so to performe gratitude euery way , and euermore highly to esteeme , and zealously to affect the reducing , reclaiming , and conuerting of sinners , and impious persons , those that erre in their religion , or conuersation , or both , as the most acceptable seruice that can be done vnto thee vpon earth .

Teach me to vse all earnest Deliuer me from bloud , &c. compellation , and powerfull insinuation , to Thou , God , of my saluation , &c. winne thy fauour againe , when I haue forfeited it by committing some grieuous sin , especially quicken mee by faith , to make a particular application and appropriation ( as it were ) of thy saluation to mine owne soule ; which pious presumption and holy ambition thou art well pleased withall .

Giue me grace with the I will sing aloud of thy righteousnesse , &c. deepest straine of my hart , and the loudest tone and tune of my voyce , to magnifie thy marueilous goodnesse . Though I be lesse then the least of thy mercies ; yet teach me in duty and discretion for more bountifull fauours , to returne more plentifull praises . If I be deliuered from a crying sinne , I ought ( of congruence ) to sing aloud of thy iustice , which giuing assurance of thy mercy , by performance of thy couenant of grace , cannot but produce an exultation of the heart , and an exaltation of the voyce and tongue , in the celebration of thy iust praises .

But alas , how can I make that poore returne for thy O Lord , open thou my lips , &c. rich mercies , which mee thinkes I ought to vowe and promise ? When all is done , I must therein also craue thy blessed assistance , that thou wilt be pleased to open my lips , and to vntie my tongue strings , I must owe thee for that grace also , and goe on thy score euen for those praises , which onely by Eccho I resound vnto 〈◊〉 .

Blessed be thy name , O The sacrifices of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Lord , who in my deepest distresse , and heauiest condition for my sinnes , when I seeke for ease and reliefe , tellest mee the meanes whereby thine anger may be appeased , and thy fauour redeemed . Thou requirest no sacrifice that with labour and charge should bee purchased abroad , but such as is or should be at home , and within me ; thou expectest no other satisfaction from me , but the humiliation of my proud heart , and the sorrow of my rebellious soule , O wonderfull goodnesse ! O vnspeakeable mercie ! What more fauourable termes , can be deuised , or propounded , then that thou wilt accept my submission , and reconciliation ? so as I will aske thee forgiuenesse humbly , and freely professe , and expresse effectually mine hearty repentance , for the manifold sinnes , I haue committed against thy divine Maiestie . Out of the the apprehension of this louing kindnesse and tender compassion ( if there A broken and a contrite heart , &c. were nothing else ) I ought to melt into teares of griefe , breake my heard hart , bruize my obstinate spirit , which haue transported me , so farre , and plunged me so deepe , into thy displeasure .

O Lord , inable mee , whom thou hast ordained a Priest , for this purpose , to offer daily and duly , this acceptable sacrifice vnto thee , which I should the more willingly present , because it no way intends the destruction of my body , but the correction of my soule . I am only to slay my sensuality , to quell my vnruly affections , and subdue them to thy holy will ( for mine own good ) not to impech nature , but to increase grace ; and for my better incouragement to this mortification , thou art graciously pleased , to vse this protestation , that If I iudge my selfe thou wilt not iudge me , if I chastise my selfe , thou wilt not condemne mee , if I execute my owne iust and vnpartiall sentence against mine owne heart ( the capitall offender ) thou wilt fauourably spare , and mercifully pardon mee , for euer .

O Lord , I pray not for my selfe alone , but for thy whole Church , wheresoeuer dispersed , howsoeuer distressed , vpon the face of the earth . As I pray that thou wilt bee mercifull to mee particularly ; so I beg also , that thou wilt be fauourable Be fauourable to Sion , &c. to Sion vniuersally . Being a member of that mystical body , whereof thy Christ is the head , so long as I haue spirituall life in me , I cannot but resent , such afflictions , as any of thy chosen , do sustaine : ô Lord , I pray thee for Ierusalem , the kingdom wherein I liue , that peace may be within her walls , prosperity Build 〈◊〉 the walls 〈◊〉 Ierusalem , &c. in her palaces , I cannot but out of honest affection , wish well to my brethren neighbours and companions , that their persons may be protected , their walls ( of wood or stone ) reedifyed , so often as neede requireth , & that not for necessity onely , but for comelinesse also . But I must still professe , that I regard the Case for the 〈◊〉 sake , which is compassed therewith , the Common-wealth for thy house , and that portion of thy Church , that is preserued therein ; I respect chiefely Sion , thy darling , and the ioy of the whole earth . My precious goods are imbarqued in that ship ; What fortune betides them , I am contented shall befall me ; I will sympathise , reioyce , and mourne with them , vpon all occasions . I doe acknowledge , no neerer affinity , no deerer consanguinity , no better fraternity , then is Christianity , nay , my spirituall kindred is of more esteeme with mee , 〈◊〉 any naturall or legall coniunction whatsoeuer .

O Lord , shew thy fauor For thy good 〈◊〉 , &c. to Sion , for thy good pleasures sake , shee hath no other motiue to induce thee , no other mediator to intercede with thee . Bee gracious to her , for his sake , in whom thou art well pleased . Be pleased of thy selfe , thine owne goodnes ; for thy selfe , thine owne glory , to shew this loue , vnto thy Spouse , though foule in her owne nature , yet faire , by thy gracious acceptation .

These graces , O Lord , Then 〈◊〉 thou accept , &c. which I begge zealously , for my selfe and others . I beseech thee to grant mercifuly , that I may 〈◊〉 thee with prayse , and prayse thee with loue , that I may thankefully acknowledge thy gracious goodnesse , and in testimony thereof , render vnto thee , all honour and glory , all manner of prayses and thankes , all the dayes of my life , euen for euer and euer .

Amen . FINIS .
Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
Notes for div A00321-e70
Notes for div A00321-e1470
Notes for div A00321-e10690