Paraphrase vpon the seaven pen[i]tentiall psalmes of [t]he kingly prophet tra[n]slated out of Italian by I.H.

PARAPHRASE VPON THE SEAVEN PENTENTIALL PSALMES OF THE KINGLY PROPHET .

Translated out of Italian By I. H.

Qui eminant in lachrymis in exulta●… metent .

M. DC . XXXV .

TO THE RIGHT HON. BLE FRANCIS BROWNE VISCOVNT MONTAGVE OF COWDREY . RIGHT HO. BLE

TAKE serious notice of this rare Copunct . Heere true Contrition is deciphered in its practise , to the life . See this afflicted with ●…arpe anguishes . & most direfull agon●…e S●…e this ouercast with darknesse , as tr●…passes , and in su●…h plight , as ●…u horror , now 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of comfort to th●… height .

Reade him again●… , For heere appeareth hee , and most assuredly , through the benignitie , sweete grace , and boundelesse mercie of The Allmightie , a Man glorified , a Man ( though formerly a greiuous sinner ) sanctified .

Attentiuely then obserue , the curious Theorie , which from him a Patterne may bee well extracted : For it rightlie teacheth what ; and of whom is to bee craued aught , and earnestly besought ; and when soe it ; and how ; then what is true felicity ; then solid rules as to conseruation of such possessed dignitie .

The Penitentialls of the Kingly Prophet , as they are found by him penned , are by diuers iudged to be parcell difficult , nay each of them abstruse , and hidden . To other some , they make shew indeed , of being ●…oo succinct . Verily therein I doe not mer●…ile mu●…h at the vulgar●… since that in th●… soe sublime mysteries are deliuered , and with such breuitie . Therefore for the better satisfying , and enlightning them to their end : They are heere by Paraphrase layed open both perspicuouslie , & at large : which primarily was compiled , and divulged in the Italian tongue , by a Florentine as well literate , as elegant . I lately ( to my power ) haue made it English . The learned kinde of Commentators , often giue light vnto their Authors . Too frequently doe Translators eclipse diuerslie , the genuine meanings of what they wrote . For the most part at least , they are deficient in the rendring them , with a curious manner of expression , and eake lustre .

I cannot but mise-giue : that I much faile therein . Reallie I misdoubt : that I am too farr out , not nigh alas , the grace , & puritie of his stile soe worthie . Nay that the ●…me appearing vnto m●…ne , will clearely shew ●…y weakenesse . And yet truely it admitteth ●…ot aught of strange to me : since I well perceiue ; that low are my talents : then no●… lesse that the taske is hard , for any one , though of what soeuer rare endowments , to giue an Author his embellishments . But I will hope that in the version of this Treatise into our owne speach , I haue rendred its true sense . For the rest ; I assume confidence in your Honors connivence , at my defects in cloquence : since well it s Knowne to me , and many more , that y●…ur right Noble , and sublime spirit , doth cheifely valiew what in reall substance , nay , little , careth it for aught of shadowe , which solely doth conferr , to an attraction of some sort of Readers to attention .

And emboldned thus ; humblie I ●…ffer vp This Piece vnto your Honors charitable intention , to our Nation . By this , many ●…ay proo●…e enabled diverslie to perfection : who lik●…ly will from hence with much faciliti●… vnderstand the matter in hand , an its consequence : and heereby discerne th meanes , and manner how properly , they may breathe out sighes of inward compunction , and send forth words from sincere deuotion , to their vnexpressible releifes ; as euen thence to the winning of De●…ine grace ; thence to the obteyning of pardon of their severall delicts ; yea and then●…e euen to the compleate acquisition of Beatifique vision .

Syr , I rest Your Honors devoted servant . IOHN HAWKINS .

THE PREFACE . GENTLE READER ,

TAke in good part my counsaile ingenuouslie heerein tendred vnto thee ; convert it to thy vse . Contemplate on the subiect following , & that leriouslie . Indeed , it cannot likely bee : but that in soe doeing thou freely vendicate thy selfe , of time it 's losle : For verily ; there is to bee read the dolefull lamentations , and noe lesle ; there is shewen through euen most curious shadowes , then conspicuous lights , the heart its comforts of the Kingly Prophet . Thou mayest well apprehend , if there vnto thou lend thine eare : that it , though written , may bee taken , foreuen a Figure , an Embleme , yea rather , a more liuely Image as well of deepe griefe , as also meruailous reliefe . Beholde a true Compunct deciphered there . What more ? and such an one , as on whom thence shined Devine inspirations : which by him sweetlie received , made him an evected , with that high dignitie , of a Registred , in the booke of sanctitie .

Qui seminant in lachrymis ●…in exultatione metent

Printed at Paris

THE MEANING OF THE EMBLEME SEE griefe 's true modell , In this horrid Caue Is Israel's Prince , as living in his graue . Behold his Harpe that speakes his woe : Those streames Not from the Sunne , but immateriall beames . The craggs & pearly drops that from them rise , Seeme to vye grones with him , teares with hi●… eyes . His royall ensigne scattre'd on the flore , Seeme forfeite to his Liege Lord ; His no more . Herby wee learne sin's nature : Hence we know Her stings are true her ioyes but ioyes in show : Bereft of ioy by sinne , by teares suppli'de , He gaine 's true ioy , which pleasing sinne deniede .

THE courteous Reader , vpon notice that the Printer of this Treatise vnderstoode no English , will easily pardon what errours he finds against orthograph●…e , the ioyninge of two wordes together , or dis - ioyninge the same word into two , &c. Wherefore I onely desire without puttinge accordinge to common course a table of Errata's , that he will please to vnderstand in the 36. page and fift line , the wordes not through the workes of contrition , formally .

HAEc expositio septem Psalmorum poenitentialium , ex Italico in Anglic●…num sermonem conuersa , pia & catholica est , nihil habens fidei , aut bonis moribus aduersum . Datum Duaci 26. Septembris 1635.

Georgius Coluenerius S. Theol. Doct. & Regius , ordinariusque , ac primarius Professor , Collegiatae Ecclesiae S. Petri Praepositus , Duacensis Vniuersitatis Cancellarius , & Librorum censor .

THE PROLOGVE OF THE FIRST PSALME .

LOVE taking his stand in the eyes of Bersabe , to giue lawes to gentle and flexible spirits transformed himself , in a glaunce cruelly piteous , and making through-passe to King Dauid , first casting a mist before his eyes , then after breathed into him poison , and in a seeming sweet touch of his senses , had accesse , yea ingresse to his very bones , and there dispersed his fire . No sooner perceiued be the effect , namely that these were altogether inflamed , but that by a liquid poison , he entred into the whole body of his heart , and there fixed himselfe , not without his soules affright . For he bowed to this image , which in its first presenting it's obiect , made impression in his breast . Hence the minde of this so great a man , was become slauishly enthrald , and an adorer of a new picture of beauty ; so surprised was hee , that forgetting all true iudgmēt●… ab ! w●… to these kingdomes whose Kings want it ) entangled with desire and loue ; neither reguarding the Mai●…sty of God almighty , nor his owne state , vnder pretext of scnding Vrias the Hittite , husband of this his Idol to secure victory , gaue him vp a prey to the enimies sword ; that he being made away , he migh become husband to the others w●…fe , whom he loued more then God or himselfe ; and such his desire obteined , that lasciuious bed enioyed ( by whose like the world's conceiued notable offence , and heart-burning hath often turned Empires and Kingdomes ) Nathan the Prophet deeply weighed his enormities , yet compass●…onating him , in plaine termes , laid before his understanding , his iniustice , aswell in murder , as also in adultery , contrary to his Maker's commands . The good old man astonished with the punishments which Heauen prepared for his sinne , felt aswell from his soule , heart , as also his senses , his desire , his fire , & his ouer weaning delight , to for sake him , to departe , to vanish , euen as heate from the limbs , and the heart , in the encounter of ought which maketh it shake for feare , yea miserably tremble ; sowas he taken on the sodaine , so liuely and sprightly was his apprehension , that he forth with rent from his head , and body his crowne , & royall purple garment , flung his scepter on the ground , made an exchange of the great height & pride of his dignity , for an humble p●…nitency , couering againe his euen naked body with sackeloth ; the haire of his head , and venerable beard negligently disordered , the one and other white in honor of his age , thinking with himselfe that he was a sinner , not a King , he seemed in his countenance euen penitence it self ●… .

He tooke to him his Harpe , which instrument euermore offered vp his lamentations , sent from his heart , to the happy blessing of his soule . Moreouer he retired himselfe into an obscure place vnder ground , as it were a prison of his sinne . No sooner entred he , but his thoughts were further affrighted by the darkenes of the caue : He notwithstanding neglecting these horrors , without any delay , tooke deeply , yea and to heart , how he ought to doe to appease his God ; he humbly kneeled , tooke his instrument , aptely placing it to his breast , rarely composing his countenance , & erecting it to Heauen ( the sorrowfull sound of his sighes acquieted ) touching the strings , and most tenderly , with a sweet feruour , deliuered to God these following words .

THE FIRST PSALME OF THE PENITENCY OF DAVID . Domine , ne in furore . Psalme 6.

LORD , since thou giuest leaue to me to pronounce thy name , and that my tongue may call thee my Lord ; my heart hence taking an happy coniecture , fauoureth my hope , that it's penitency , hath in thy clemency and mercy , where with thou doest comfort those who are truely sad for their offences against thee . Hence I am emboldened , with my voice and teares , in such manner to conjure thee , by thy goodnes , that thou please not ( although th●…u art incensed against me for my sinnes ) to chastise me in thine anger . O God I feare thee , and repent me from the bottome of my heart that I haue not feared thee , and am fully resolued to feare thee truely ; hence behold me not with that wrathfull aspect , with which thou lookedst on humane kinde , when as the pride of their wickednes thought not onely to equalize , but to trālcēd thy mercy : for which cause thy then present will and command did scatter the clouds through the ai●…e , and did breake the prisons of the winds , laid open the cataracts or sluices of the heauen , tooke dayes light away , confounded all by whales , and shooke it by thunder & lightning , trees crashing by stormes , human kinde rooted out , with all liuing creatures ouerthrowne , beaten downe .

Thou did'st not onely drowne the face of the Earth , but the brow of the Alpes , and tops of the mountaines in like manner : Hence tookest thou away the foule soile , wherewith the common and generall vice had sullied , and defiled all the parts of the vniuerse , the most abominable ofspring of the people destroyed , thou did'st in such sort purifie it , as I desire by meanes of my penitency to cleanse , yea purifie my soule : lo as behold me not with the countenance wherewith thou lookedst on the rebells , in that time when Noah , and the rest were saued in the A●…ke : but reflect on me be mindefull of me , as thou wert of him , whom thy diuine favour , and singular benignity saued from the dreadfull deluge , and cleare my minde , too too much busied with phantasies , and those yea such most vaine , euen as sometymes thou clearedst the heauens troubled by clouds , which lay ouerthwart before the lampe of the world : and let it please thee to secure me from the punishment , which is euen ready to be inflicted on my sinne : the reflecting on which mooueth in me a quiuering , not vnlike to a twigge in the water . Let it suffice that I confesse my errors , my greiueous offences , the feare which I apprehend of thine anger at the day of Iudgment ; at which time the teares and sighes of the culpable , of the wicked , shall haue no more place in thy mercy , nor wilt thou in their behalfe be further for them , as now benignely thou art , and thou wilt be for euer and euer , our good , and pious Lord .

Lord euen for feare , meditating on thy iudgment , which possesseth me , yea euen all my spirits , keepe back , retaine altogether thy word in that dire●…ull day . Vouchsafe not onely , not to chastise me , but also not too seuerely inflict on me punihment , conformable to the tenor of thy iust ire , prouoked by our greiueous faults ; which although thou pardonest vs whilst thou correctest vs for our offences , make me yet not withstanding tremble . For the corrections of the sinne of makinde , are conflicts , banishments , plagues , stripes , hunger , wants , bondage , dishonor , hostility , losse of children , and stings of conscience .

Pacifie thine ire good Lord , with which my greiueous trespasses haue inflamed thee , for the good that I am ready to worke ; & by thy pitty haue mercy on me , for that I , alas ! am sick . My very heart is wounded by that selfsame arrow , which the bow of feare of damnation hath shott at it : my soule bewailing languisheth , for that my infirme body giueth it an inckling , yea as it were a notable signe of estrangeing it selfe from it , not ought reguarding the state of my disgrace wich thee . My senses are not sensible , my tast hath no tast , mine eyes see not , my sense of feeling doth not apprehend it's obiect , my smelling doth not distinguish odors , nay smell at all , my hearing heareth not , my infirmity is such , as that it is not content with the help of plants , nor the force of charmes : Earthly physiek cannot be a salue to my sores , in it there is no validity to cure my such heauy suffrances , for thou onely canst cure them , and if thou composest not remedies for my maladies , I cannot recouer my health , hence lament I , and with the teares which euen come from my heartes veines , I beseech thee my Lord , that thou deigne to heale me fully and compleatly . My senses and my soule , whi●…h are in their hot , and cold fitts , promooued by the force and desire which I haue of my not hauing power , and of my willingnes , to be reconcilled to thee , are full of vaine , empty , idle phantasies , doe dote like one who is besides himselfe , become such by the great affliction , occasioned by his feauer , in so much as he is one while hot not vnlike to fire , another while cold as ice ; and the same heate which dryeth , yea parcheth his lips , is found in me , who onelie desire to drinke of the fountaine of thy mercy , which doth more comfort him who drinketh thereof , then doth water prejudice the sick , Alas ! my good Lord , grant vnto me that I may moisten my mouth from thy grace and goodnes , for that elswhere is not health for me . I doubt Lord lest I heape offence on offences , by my importunity , being vnworthy to craue thy mercy : but my sinne which pierceth me quite though , in such sort that it hath seated it selfe in my bones , and marrow , maketh me ouerbold , and indeed as it were impatient : my bones troubled , notably disquieted , yea wasted through my insupportable griefe , are vnknit , their sinnewes are vntyed : but peraduenture the danger is more greiueous than the sicknes , for that I being composed of flesh , and sensible of it's suffering , doe feare lest I proue not valiant in the combate , in which if I faile my eternall losse of soule might follow : and vndoubtedly I shall yeild to the force of it's assaults , if so be thou defend me not vnder the buckler of thy mercy .

Lord , my soule is beyond measure troubled so many and such like are the temptations which asseige it . It hath for a receptacle , yea and castle , weake human flesh : the hostile armes of wordly vanities haue conspired , & vsed stratagems against it , and the senses which reanswere to their flatteries , corrupted by stately , and most magnificent sights , by hearing the harmony of flattery , and selfepraise , by sweet and most odoriferous smellings , by tasting the delicacie of meates , and by feeling sensibly voluptuousnes , endeauour to render it a prey to the pleasure of the world : Hence the miserable soule flyeth for refuge to , and vnder the shade of the hope , which it hath in thee , euen as a child vnder the skirt of his mothers garment : The Hart so much feareth not the cruell and mortall bitings of doggs , who is euen then ready to be sharply nipt , as my soule feareth my aduersaries who inveigle it . Since so it is with me , support it with thy mercy , if not I shall faile , yea euen fall into my irrecouerable and vtter destruction ; and though it were so , that I cannot at present merit so farre , that thou grant me my petition , how long wilt thou please to deferre thy such gratious aspect , with which thou doest fill with joy , and blisle the Angells . Thou moouest the Heauens , assignest bounds to the Elements , giuest motion to the Planets , makest the Sunne to shine , giuest light to the Moone , & brightnes to the Starres ! Alas ! yea and alas ! ô Lord , take in thy attentiue consideration , the misery into which the not hauing known ( as I might haue donne through thee ) to bridle my proud will , hath brought me to , I say , and the not hauing hetherto reflected on my selfe knowingly , who being composed of earth , must necessarily returne againe to my mother earth , and hence restored to my flesh and bones , for my greater confusion , must appeare before thy Iudgment , in the presence of all such , who haue been , who are , and who ( as yet not in being shall hereafter be . Grant vnto me Lord that I may imagin , but not see that thou forgettest me , for by meanes of such imagination I shall learne to put thee in minde of my exigents , my great wants , extreame necessities , as well by fasting as prayer : in seeing here of I might not vnlikely despaire of pardon & mercy , which they finde , who though they haue disobayed thee , yet chastise themselues with the scourge , working to amendment of life .

Looke againe on my soule , my Lord , with the selfe same benigne countenance with which thou fauourably dost behold him , who by long penitence is more worthy then am I poore wretch , and consider it to haue more shame , and confusion , in it's trangresse of thy commandements , then in it's feare of eternall banishment and vtter losse , which attend's it for it's foule sinnes . My hearts quelling heauines would bee singularly cheered , if so be that thou wouldst with thy fauorable aspect appease the contestation afflicting it , which presents to my Phantasie , to my minde , thoughts raised from the day-booke of my sinnes ; Surely I shall henceforth be more solicitous to serue thee then heretofore I haue been , as hauing been slow , carelesse , and altogether dully sottish . O my Lord , if without all feare and trembling I might call vpon thee , would'st thou not vouchsafe an answere to me ? at least should my dayes proue long , which thou lendest me to liue , I should truely hope that sack cloath , teares , sorrow , watching , fasting would obtaine , yea winneso much in my behalfe , that thy grace would shower on me , in such manner that I should be receiued no otherwile then as they are , who through their truely humbling themselues haue returned into thy grace , their peace so made . My sinnes indeed deserue any whatsoeuer paine may be inuented , yea but it would not be conuenient , it , alas , would be my vtter vndoing that thy benignity should retard it selfe , be slow , ought remisse to shew it selfe vnto me , and that with plentifull mercy on my greiuous offences : which I deny not , I hide not , but if sinne were not , thy clemency would not appeare what it is ; admitt that there is no clemency , by which way should sinners acknowledge their good God in his mercy ? Euen now Lord giue quiet to the soule , which with an adue●…se eye of enemity troubledly gazeth on the body , not without iust cause of offence , for that through it's inordinate appetites , the soule is eu●…n condemned to the euerlasting punishments of Hell ; & as for my body which dayly , nightly , incessantly is gnawne and worne by its consciences affliction , soone will fall , soone become ashes , if thou be not to it , it 's sustentacle , it 's strength , it 's full vigour , alas ! my my soule dying in such state , will goe to a place which I haue horror to name , yea to thinke of .

But if I dy my Lord , not being among the dead who can call thee to minde , how shall I make mention of thee ? how shall I call on thy name ? on whose name neuer any called in vaine , vnprofitably ; and most true it is , that there is no comfort so fully consoling the heart , so restoratiue to it , as is the hearing voiced the harmonious sound thereof . Thy name appeaseth the afflictedst vexations , greifes , and addeth increase of ioy , yea euen to those who were before in state of comfort : Hence let me not peri●…h vntill I write of the great vertue , the swetnes , the ioy , the power , the health which is in it : Let the world heare and vnderstand by my words , with what confident security , with what grace , and with what abundant felicitie , hee liueth , who hath it alv vaies in his mouth .

Alas ! yet what shall I say of my state , I shall dye the death , I shall make my passage to Hell , and goeing thither , it being not allowed but otherwise decreed , that any there being loue thee , for that thou wilt not be beloued of such , how shall I publish and praise thy infinite goodnes to them there abiding ? which who so should attempt to define or circumscribe , he should seeme to prescribe an end to infinity .

How shall I being lost , voice forth thy mercie ? which through thy goodnes dost please not onelie to helpe & ease , but to aduance , to preferre with great dignitie him who hath been refractorie , yea a hundred yeares , for the contrition of one moment offered vp .

And how can I Lord deliuer vnto the world as a perpetuall memoriall , the benefits conferred by thee , if so I goe from thee banished , exiled , vtterly forsaken ?

Conserue my life ô Lord that I may publish thy benefits , whereof my being is a part , which thou hast giuen me according to thy similitude , thy likenes , thy heating of my prayers , long and quiet life , the loue of my neighbours , patience in aduersitie , temperance and moderation in prosperitie , modestie in daughters , vertue and courage in sonnes , peace and concord , encrease of goodnes , renowne of charitable workes and hope of Paradise .

What haue been my endeauours , my greate labours to deplore my state , to weepe on it bitterlie , this my body which I carry about with me well knoweth , which not withstanding a thousand promises it hath made me , to be continent , to containe it selfe within the limitts of thy law to all purposes , hath not , yea in any one , been answerable to it's word . This earne●…ly by me sued vnto , deliuered vnto me with greate asseuerations , that in the midst of the spring , it would leaue the soft feathers of it's nice couch to confesse by feruent prayers it's foule offences : but no sooner had it put forth the foote out of bed , but it retired it selfe to it's warme place , so was it giuen ouer to slothe , neither by allurements of the benefits which hence would redound from thee , nor for the threats of the iniuries , which by so slugging id did to thee , cou●…d I att all thence moue it , nay rather it remained in such drowsines , as if neither death nor Hell , had any relation to it . It came to dinner , and supper : I forbad it wine and meate , it cast such a looke on me , as doth a sick man on him who taketh from him that which ( though with preiudice of his health ) infinitelie pleaseth him . Strange & harsh seemed it vnto it , to be dispoiled of it's golden , and purple garment , alas ! to be cloathed in rude rough cloath , I not giuing attention to the reprehension that by disrobing my selfe , my royall dignity hath checkt me with ( which for that it obserued it selfe to be adored by men , emblodned it selfe in competencie with that of thy eternall Maiestie ) haue taught it to valiew at nought it's delights , and these very eyes which were wont to looke cheerfullic , so made liuely by laughter , so soon●… as they apprehended their objects of delight , haue relinquished that their liuely spirit , yea now ouerflow with teares in this obscure place , for hauing donne , if not so much as they owe , so much at leastwise as they can . My pallace is this tombe , this hollow darke place ; the place of my rest , is this earth . My meate , the anguish of Compunction ; & drinking my teares , I will extinguish my appetit's greedines , & the hard earth shall mortifie the tendernes of my bones ; and if euer I shall lay downe these my limbes on my bed , I will so wash it with the raine from myne eyes , that being such in it 's luke warme moisture , it may not giue time to sleepe , to destroy , and poison me by rest ; hence my dreames will not ensnare me , enueigle me vnder their deluding maskes , but such like visions , whereby I might be shewen reward , in thy propitious and serene aspect , which they deserue according to thy stating it , who call themselues in , into themselues , to ouercome themselues .

Lord not for feare of thy fury wherewith thou chastisest and inflectest punishments , but of thine anger , wherewith thou correctest , & admonishest mine eyes euen through weeping haue lost their sight , as the day it 's light by night's obscuritie , & my eyelids are so so●…e , as if I were buried in a ●…er , & my heart seemeth to rend in sund r , and my sou'e to be torne ; meane space I ( whilst I take notice of my miseries ) breath forth sighes , & some p●…slages I haue in deepe quelling thoughts hereon , thate mine enim es still perseuer against me , those of my al●…ke yeares remaine bad , euen as ●…hey we●…e , they open their hearts to me , I am reallie a●… hamed of my wh●…te haires , that they haue seduced me , and withdrawn me from thee , euen as the good are enticed from goodnes by the wicked ; and now hauing found out new snares against my repentance , euermore assemble themselues & make it their discourse , in what manner I am to finish my dayes , taking me yet to be in hold of lasciuiousnes as are they , & I am really troubled at their whisperings , which they buzzein in mine eares . One of them presenteth to mine eyes , the rare image of her whose comelie graces , and beautie , on me haue heaped more then many sinnes , another tell●…th me of her harmonious speech , how sweete it was ; which now so bitterly re●…oundeth in mine eares a third sheweth me the Trophees and spoiles which my armies necessarly will inuest me with ; one promiseth my heade a double Diadem , another my right hand a new scepter : there is not wanting who will incircle and adorne my neck with a chaine of infinitevaliew ; likewise who placeth before me a golden throne , most magnificent pallaces sumptuous pauements , and other Kingly pompes : in such manner each one of then vse all art , all subtilties to entrap me , to besott me with vaine glorie . I that make a fence impenetrable by their hookes , and eschew the baites of their guiles , their fraudes , by the flouds of teares gushing from mine eyes , stopping mine eares to these Sirens of the world , hope to suppresse them , to confound them in the greatest height and furie of their assaults , and I likewise hope to be free from their netts , which with much craft and most wily ambushes they haue pitched : yet not by mine owne guifte , mine owne skill , but through the grace and care that thy bounty hath of him who by the scourges of penitency hath broken his sinnes wilfulnes and obstinacies , which I hold in my hands by meanes of these , to disincumber my selfe of the deceipts of mine aduersaries . And forasmuch as I am become gray-haired continuing in sinne ; that I mav recouer my monethes and yeares spent in vaine , I will doe like a Traveller who obseruing that hee went out of his way in the euening , recouereth his way the next day at noone , by the solicitude of one houre . And while I touche my faults with the torture of a contrite heart , I finde , I know not what , that aduanceth and promooueth the repentance that doth me good , & represseth the sinnes which endamage me . But now I see them all confounded as it seemeth to me that they attempt to forsake & leaue me , so troublesome , and hideous seemeth my prayer vnto them .

Get yee gonne farre from me , yee wicked flattering enticers , awoide yee , vanish yee out of my sight , yee wretched counsellors , your incitements , your instigations , haue no place in me , mooue me not ought , for that God hath propitiouslie heard the voice of my wailings , my deeplie sorrowfull mournings , take yee notice that his grace is powred on me , whence my spirits sensiblie possesse fullie enioy a new comfort . I finde my selfe now aboue the earth , and earthlie vanities , and am become all spirit , and my soule repriued yea ransomed from all feare , into which calamitie , it 's sinne brought it , now being all cheerefull , seemeth not ought vnlike to one , who is cleerlie got of from danger , into which hee was euen as it were falling . Now I finde a full and most compleat recouerie , in so much as I begin to breath , as one who is arriued to what he long hoped for , my ●…erie bones which not long since languished , are comforted , nor is my flesh infirme and feeble as it was , nor doe I giue anie attention to wickedlie enticing memorialls ; now all displeaseth me , which before pleased me , I am not ( as now it is with me ) puft vp with ambition , nor am I through the blandishement of flatterie banished from thee my Lord .

From my Lord who hath heard my prayer I speake with which I haue dispersed and discharged my se●…fe of that torment , which my misled life had prepared for me , & I haue not onelie appeased both his present displeasure , as also his further wrath by my prayers , but I haue fully extinguished them ; and the force of my prayers & acclamations endighted and sent from my soule , deliuered by the tongue of my heart , haue moued my Lord to pardon fully in an instant all the misdemeanors and wrongs which in the course of so many yeares , without once reflecting on my well being or my vtter losse , I haue donne against him . And his goodnes shall defend me with the weapons of his mercie , the sense ouercom●… by that reason , which so often it hath carryed on it's triumphant charriot , is now with confusion , amazed , and I hope , more I say that vndoubtedly it will come to passe , that our Lord will make it seruant , yea slaue to my penitencie .

At this instant without any further delay , let the whole crue , and fraudulent swarme of them be ashamed , and let them feele in themselues a confusion , and folding vp againe the ensignes , which as vanquishers of my liberty they displayed in the principall place of my forefront , let them be conuerted and blush at their run course of life , & let them not further glory therein : For the goodnes of my Lord doth well require and deserue , that they lend their eares of vnderstanding to him , that they returne to him , and when as the frailty of these such , doth sting them , when it importuneth them , and when it vrgeth them , let them arme themselues with patience & reflect on it , nor let them giue themselues ouer to their vaine pleasures , let them glory to become disdeigners of politenes , ouer-nicenes of their scarlet , of their treasure , of their armies , of their Citties , and of their Crownes : for that all the happines that wee seeme to contemplate on earth , is a certaine kinde of an incomprehensible miserie●… & all florid beautie of the world may well bee compared to the flowers of a meadow , which fade , yea dye whilst they are then sprouting forth , in their growing . Againe the world is a cup of Gold curiouslie adorned and enriched by jewells of great estimation , whole sight doth allure . And in such sort by it's splendor are mine enimies surprised , that the miserable wretches are not cautelous take no notice of a Serpent which therein is cou●…hed , which therein lurketh , wich with the fire of his eyes enflameth desires , and with his win●…s mounteth them on high towards heauen , and then poisoning them by his breath , reioyceth to see them destroy d●…n ●…he bottomlesse pitt of Hell . And therfore you the attendants on vice , reconcile your selues , as I haue donne , lay aside your deceipts and snares , follow the tracts of my way : nor be disanimated if the wayes be rough , and craggie by which 〈◊〉 leade you : when so you shall arriue to that your iourneys end , you will forget your wearisomnes , which is of no long continuance , but short , and you shall exchange it for eternall rest .

The end of the first Psalme .

THE SECOND PROLOGVE .

WHosoeuer hath seene a sick man immediately after hee hath made truce , and an attonement with the heate and cold ( compagnions and symptomes of his disease ) and in like manner when his paines hath altogether left him , with which he languished , yea was euen tyred out , contemplateth Dauid the most iust , through the benefit of his prayers : the moisture which hee powred from his eyes staunched , hee as one marueilously comforted made a period to his complaints ; and laying aside his harpe for a while , the horror of his sinne did no more terrifie , affright , lessen aught the hope which hee had in the mercy of his Lord ; which with threats , was wont to appall him before , hee resolue d to be waile with abundant teares greiueous offences : And now the place of his penitency , seemed the house of deuotion ; The Pastor of the Iewes gazing wistly on his eyes , those his eyes bedewed , nay ouerflowne with teares , valiewed him worthy of reuerence and honor , esteeming him to deserue the same honor , which holy things are worthy of , are crowned with . But assoone as hee had taken breath , & taken vnto him more Spirit , more viuacity , more courage , being now free ; with a sigh from the bottome of his heart , opening his lips , and with the harmorny of the strings , his voice cleared , taking it's height , it 's compasse , curiously applying himselfe to various motions of his fingers vpon the hollow wood , in such manner hee earnestly deliuered this which followeth .

THE SECOND PSALME OF THE PENITENCY OF DAVID . Beati quorum remisse sunt . Psalme 32.

OBLESSED they whose iniquities God pardoneth , leauing the vnpunished , not through the workes of contrition , nor other acts hence arising , as austerities , and denying themselues , although without them , our finnes acquire not remission , but through the benefit of his grace , whose goodnes taketh mercifull notice of a tender mollified heart , & by meanes of his compunction inclineth to hide his sinnes vnder the skirts of his mercie . Really are they blessed who well obserue that God doth not punish them for their faults , for they knowing their desert , through their conceiued feare of not falling into the wrath of our Lord , with bridles vndiscouered by any : retaine , keepe themselues from wickednes , which couertlie they formerlie did put in practise with dishonest and effrene concupiscences ; whence the wrath , the disdeigne which God prepareth against the like , appeareth not , and hence the defects , the greiueous sinnes , which produce not in others ill examples , remaine vnpunished , sheltred ; for such like sinners make themselues cautelous by hauing sinned : and with a penitent heart are not seene in the troopes of the wicked . Wicked sinners are they , who not onelie in their ill effects & other course of life offed , but doe also sinne in vaunting that they sinne not at all , yea euen in sinning , that they haue not sinned . And such like iniquities , which displease the Maiestie of God , euen to the very shadow of an ill affect , and peruerse will , are punished and discouered in the light of each one , aswell by the scourge of their losse , as also by the confusion of their shame . From whence they are torne and transfixed , as enimies of that well liuing , by the labours wherein one ouercommeth and discardeth vice ; which who entertaineth is not happy .

Happy is the man on whom God imputeth not the delight of sinne , rather looketh on him as one cleansed from the filth of the world hauing seuered himselfe a loofe from sinne ( euen as a serpent who latelie hath cast his old skinne : ) and with his cleare sight , such as it not dimmed by any misty foggs cast before it , taketh most singular content to behold his spitit , his minde , the state of his soule , which glittering bright lighteth , yea and stationeth it selfe , as doth a purelie white doue , who hauing set in order , and fully pruned her feathers by the riuers side , comforteth her selfe through joy , clapping her wings , that shee hath bathed , purified her selfe : and taking exact notice hereof in good earnest , and fully feruent in his duty , taketh singular pleasure to see the wayes he walketh in , and of his approach to his God , directing his stepps in a better way , as light in night's obscuritie directeth one .

For that hetherto I haue beene too too silent not confessing my sinne , I through my selfe am hurt , and I seeme not vnlike to him who ashamed to shew his wounds , findeth himselfe for is not disclosing them , to be in the state of perishing irrecouerably , who would haue seene recouerie , perfect health by his laying open his greife . Alas ! what shall I say my Lord ? Such is my state , that my bones are growen aged in weaknes , haue long been seazed on by infirmityes ; nor can human assistance availe , to an inueterate miserable sicknes : The vndoubted salue for my recouerie is the oyle of thy mercie : which can lenifie , yea cure the fierces and crueltie thereof , allodged in the maine pillers of my body , which boyleth with a dangerous , permanent , and lurking heate , which imperceptiblie consumeth it . And whilst it suffereth , I haue neuer ceased to call out , and that aloud , with the voice of a stout man , whom future losse shaketh not , affrighteth not ; notwithstanding my sinnes against thee , my lasciuious carriage wherewith hatherto I haue offended thee , not onelie with all my senses , buth with all my heart : and herein appeare I not onelike to chickens , who no sooner taught to open their billes , to nourish themselues , to flutter with extension of their wings , newlie come from their nest ; but that euer after they leaue to take notice of the bird ( the hen that bred them ) who taught them the vse of meate and wing . Lord , I say that I haue with great earnestnes diuulged to the world my worth , my merit , but not alas my faults against Heauen , it seeming vnto my depraued iudgment ( I being a King ) that I might not onelie giue way & consent to sinne , but that thou shouldest in my greatest offences , giue way to me , reguard had to my kingly rank , not to my ill and sensuall courses contrarie to thine Honor : which haue been so much maisters of me , that now I may truelie say , that for these many yeares I haue been bōdman to sensualitie . Nor would it euer haue come to passe that I should haue taken notice of my miserie , if thou hadst not caused me to reade the booke , the greate volume , wherein my trespasses of all which I must giue account to the , are registred .

Moreouer for that thou hast night and day laid thy heauy hand on me , willing that I feele of many & those diuers kindes of miseries , vnhappinesses , where with my minde which hath alwaies led a life with much disquiet , and hath been conturbed with the stormes of perplexed thoughts , is become languide , euen very weary , through the stings of conscience , which euen to the midst of my heart , and euen to the inward cabinet of my soule , haue made their through-passe . I haue clearlie made known my defects , and haue them readily to shew at a beck . Behold these my greiueous defects , my enormities , but so as it be without thy wrath whereof I am certaine , for that the teares of mine eyes haue extinguished the fire of thy iust disdeigne . And when all is said that can be , am not I the worke of thy hands ? am not I like vnto thy likenes ? and if it appeare to thee , that I know not how to afflict my selfe , so much as my duty ought , teach me I beseech ●…hee the way to punish my selfe , in such sort that in thy sight and the worlds , my faults may be satisfied by my sufferings , not inflicted by thee , but willinglie elected by me .

I haue discoured vnto thee all the sinnes which heretofore I hid from the : I , and the feare which I had in hiding them , whilst I doe discouer them vnto thee , is converted into hope to haue remission of them : and con●…iding in thee , I am like to him who making known his sore gazeth wistlie on his Phisician , and looking on him passeth of the feare he apprehende●…h of the violence of his probe , with the hope of his cure : and I reioyce exceedinglie , that I abhorre the sinnes , wherewith I was so much taken heretofore , euen as sick men loath meate ; And I am ashamed now of that , whereof I was formerlie proud ; for that hence my soule , was evidentlie exposed to the danger of it's perdition : and blessed be that instant wherein I was first compunct , and sorrowfull for my sinnes ; and I acknowledg that it proceded from thy goodnes , who seeing vs euen lost through our disordinate life , with the plenty of thy bounty dost inspire into vs , what thy will would we should doe ; and let it please thee that the content I take in denying my selfe may euer be with me , and may fully take me vp with delight , for if so that I take such liuely , and reall pleasure in the sorrow of my penitency , as I haue had in the iocundizing mirth of my sinnes , my blessings notvnlikely will participate those of the glorious Angells , so shall I be compleatly happy , in that I haue not hidden my iniustice , my wretchednes from thee : and when so that I shal be receiued in the armes of thy mercy , as are those who beate downe their owne sinnes , I shall see after the teares of my amendement moued through my penitency , a happy good exchang with my fore-runne v●…ces .

But Lord , who●…e imagination can arriue to the thousandth part of thy bounty , and of thy mercy , which is not comprised , but within it selfe ? Loue aboue all loue , inexpressible fulnes , and height of all loue , thou art truely sweet , for a●…loone as I thought to haue recourse to thee , and to confesse against my selfe all my sinnes , willing tho choose to me austeritie , rather then thy scourge , I onelie addrest my selfe vnto thee with my humble prayers for mercy , for that thou more willinglie dost pardon than punish , thou hast receiued me into thy grace , with that feruent charitie , with which the father receiueth into fauour his humbled sonne who himselfe abstaineth not euen from teares , in tendernes of heart , hearing his sonne 's well expressed promises of amendment , of not farther transgressing , and of not straying out of the boundes of obedience . And alas ! my heart ( the memorie of whose impieties thou hast most mercifully laid aside ) is euen wasted with the desire it hath to consume it selfe in the feruour of thy holy name , and it panteth alwayes , it is so inflamed by benefit receiued from thee , and it selfe , it selfe onelie accuseth , saying , such was my will , so was I lulled asleepe , euen so did I.

And yet what shall I say of this my impiety , which with obstinate ingratirude I did put in practise against thee my Lord ; mine was very fortunate . For this cause euery deuout person shall pray whilst time is granted oportunely . But who is hee that could require further , or could craue more of thee , all iust , all worthy through his merits , to the obtaining from thee what fauour soeuer ? since that the wretchednes of my heart , masked , soyled a while since with the wicked conceites which haue seduced it from thy knowledg , hath great neede that they who are neere thee , thy beloued who haue interest , priuiledg of moving thee to pardon whom soeuer they interceede for , offer vp their prayers for me , for me who hetherto as mine owne enimie , haue not weighed my state , nor haue had will to pray for my selfe .

Howbeit I am comforted in the joy I take of hauing through my amendment mollified my stubbornes , although not speedily , at least not so late that thou for this wilt not pardon me , and that thou canst not receiue me , as thy wont is to take into thy fauour and grace , those penitents who repent in time : from hence followeth it , that they who shall prove slow to repent , and to poure forth floods of teares from their eyes , hauing not demurred ought to entertaine sinne , shall not approach thee : for that thou wilt not further heare theire lamentations , thou wilt not take notice of their fastings , not regarding farther their too late compunction , wilt giue them to vnderstand in what manner God can be moued to wrath with men , who wilfully will professe though their disloyalty , and perfidiousnes that hee commiserateth not those their prayers , those their teares which the lingring and not entring into themselues , and warily bethinking themselues of timely amendment causeth their acts either from their eyes or voice in vaine , of no force to them , yea euen too late .

But thou who solely art my refuge , and the end and full scope of my hopes , and my onely comfort in tribulation , which hetherto hath compassed me about , held me fast , & bound me in such sort , euen as the Feare of death seizeth on one , who seeth himselfe arriued to the vttermost point of his exe●…ution : make me now at length all cheerefull with the incomprehensible joy which maketh it's passe through the breast ouerflown , ouercome with comfort , issuing from their hearts and soules who vnexpectedly , yea and without all hope are freed from bonds and fetters , from prison , from tortures , which their enimies haue long time inflicted on them , who perlever to deride , to scorne them , the snares and prisons of their aduersaries being broken , euen as mine enimies deride my well-being , my lafety , in my hauing made my recourse to thee , who solely canst in a moment not onely free me from them , but acquit me and saue me from danger of their strong assaults , which they haue made with the blandishment of vaine delights , on my wauering and fond desire which maketh euen bitter all those sweets which it gaue me to drinke of in the cup of voluptuousnes . Me think 's euer more I see , t●…y admirable countenance , wi●…h fauourable motion to cast a glimp●…e on me the stormes of Heauen , of Earth , & of the Sea appeased , to light , and leate it selfe on me ; and so placing it selfe it seemeth vnto me that I heare deliuered from thee to me , & with such more then most harmonious accents , which not destroying me , yet ouercome me with delight : I will giue thee such like vnderstanding , as I giue to those who are good , who deserve to vnderstand how immense , and what is the renown which hee gaineth in my glo●…y , who learneth first , who prefe●…reth the pleasing of me , before my displeasure . Lord yet not withstanding I see a way shewed me by thy goodnes , which I am to obserue , to follow , and to trace to thee , hence is it that mine eyes alwaies looke on thine , as Pilots on the two starres , which in the passing the dangers of Seas , are their guides . Owhat repose will that bee , wherewith I shal be made happy so soone as I shall haue walked the way which thou wilt direct me in as a Pilgrim , who lost the way , which leadeth each one to the place where thou keepest , where thou liuest . Alas ! a while since my footing was in a wood , a desert , where they stray who loue the world more then God : and I had lost my selfe in the world's labyrinth , had I not conuerted my selfe to my Lord , from my him craning in●…uctions by what path , by what valley I should walke ; now in thy seruice , and to my singular benefit , I walke in those wayes taught me by thee ; alwaies thanking , alwaies piaising thee : otherwise I should be vnjust to him , who giuing me my being in the world , hath made me distinct from brute beasts , and hauing made me man , hath placed me in a farre higher degree then are any of them , and I hauing been hetherto scarce sensible hereof , yet hath hee giuen to me such lenght of life , and so much illumination , that I hope in regard of the repentance of my former sinnes , and for the punishment I will inflict on my selfe hereafter , that I shall come to be enrolled in the lyst of his seruants .

Bee yee like the ackowledgers of the benefits receiued from the bountifull hands of God , & for this forme which wee haue answerable to his similitude , let vs giue all thankes , endeauoring , to the height and full extent of our power , not to resemble in ought the horse , or the mule , in whom is no distinct perceiuance , no vnderstanding ; and for that through the defect of their natures , they are vnthankfull , rather ( I should say ) returne no voluntary seruice , no prompt and ready will , and duety , for benefits rece●…ued ; it is before expedient , yea most necessary to tye th●…m vp , to courb them w●…h rough ●…naffle , with headstall and reines , to the end that they bite not , and that they kick not , that they hurt n●…t their masters , who v●…uallv punish their resty tricks with rough and smarty cudgellings : thus handled they are restrayned & courbed , in despight of their ill condition , alwell of heeles as of bi●…ings , euen as wee are , who ●…ffend our Lord , by our maledictions , our transgressions , and by our per●…dious stubbornes , yea stony hardnes of heart , as●…oone as hee smiteth vs with crosses with feares , with d●…structions , with deepe Melancholies , & with being more infortunate from day to day , from ill state to worse , making our treasures of no benefit , no profit to vs , nor our ran●…ks , our seruants , our delights , as also the glory of them , who are the proud fauourers of the world , not without the great offence to Heauen .

Euen as the Starres , the sands of the Sea , and the leaues , are without the compasse of number , so are the punishments innumerable to sinners . In the tread of a foote , in the mouing of a hand , in the very straining to expectorate from the lungs ought , in sleepe , in meate , in walking , in standing still , the●…e is danger ready at hand to encounter with for any one to stumble at ; who so failes in punishing himselfe , and the affliction , the mortifying the body , & the so●…row , yea languishing of heart , and the earnest attention of the minde , foreteller of it's ill , neuer cease to molest him who liueth in sinne . But they who confide in our Lord , whose bountifull goodnes is a spring euer florishing , euer floridly greene to the leauy branches of our hopes , are environed , fully endowed , plentifully enlarged , by his mercy and gratious benefits , and his benignities are alwaies watchfull , tenderly solicitous on their necessities , their vrgent and pressing wants : and whether they sleepe or wake , yet doth his fauour accompany them , to their conseruation , be it whatsoeuer they doe , the benignity of our Lord is clearly shewen on them , who conserueth them in tranquilitie , in peace , in ouerflowing most-abundant he●…rts comfort , they being such who keepe themselues in the loue of God , who is the onelie comfort , the onelie free distributer of the hearts consolation of those , who vnderualiew , yea vilifie all vainelie esteemed happines in comparison of his seruice .

Reioyce yee in our Lord , let your hearts consolation adde lustre , make serene and cheerefull your countenance . O to yee doe I add●…esse my speech , who euermore walke in the right way , in the well directed path , and with vpright heart , looke on those heauenlie lights , those his eyes : and liue without furious o●…trages , without enuy , and without fraudulency , whose life is prolonged by him , who is infinitelie pleased with such perfections of the good and the vertuous , and no lesse is appaied and rejoyceth at the iust punishment of the wicked . And yee each one of true and sincere heart , glorie in that yee are iust , and that you feare our Lord more then correction , yea death it selfe , for the sweat , the intensiue paines , of your seruice tendred to God , is of more worth , then the quiet possession , & full enioying of all the free Monarchicall Kingdomes , and Empires of the Vniuerse . But I pray what comfort , what hearts delightfull rapture may that bee said to bee , wherewith they are possessed , nay therein dissolued , and seasoned , yea wholy fermented with : who to obey the soule , to serue it , to giue it it's satisfaction , alwayes and incessantlie displease , yea totally , and euermore abridge the bodie 's inclination and will ? It cannot be esteemed a litle while , for the reward which wel-doing hath from God cannot be measured by the capacitie of humane imagination , and euermore when wee exalt our spirits with joy , with which our heart abundeth , so soone as it is purified , & gratiouslie looked on by God's illumination , wee doe not onelie participate of the joy of the heauenlie troopes , of the heauenly Army , but of that very selfe ●…ame in expressible ioy , which is in the countenance of our Lo●…d whilst he beholdeth the sonnes of men tru●…y feruent to their procuring , and winning of grace .

The end of the Second Psalme .

THE THIRD PROLOGVE .

NO sooner had David harmoniously & with great feruour breathed forth the aboue writte words , but that for a time he imposed deepe silence to his voice , and in this his holy suppresson of his speech his silence seemed as if it enterchanged discourse with the dungeon , or grott , wherein hee was inclosed and namely of the peace which hee had made with God , and he euen as a bondman , who perceiueth in the eyes of him , to whom hee is slaue the forgiuenes of his fault , wherein hee transgressed formerly ; hee powred forth some teares , which ouerflowing ioy , through the merit of his penitency swetely extracted from his heart . Here might you with astonishment behold a strang spectacle , for he seemed in one posture , in one scituation , as well with his hands devoutly lifted vp to Heauen , as also his eyes ; the figure , the statue of an old man ( to whom nothing more could be added to delineate reuerence and fulnes of honor ) cut in stone , which by art is made seeme to breath , and weepe , expressing most intensiue greife . In the meane time while hee was in this rapture ; a ray of the sunne which neuer goeth downe penetrated the Caue , and with such a splendor enlightned it , that it made the place delightfully cheerefull , euen as Aprill doth it's spring , and faire weather the aire : and glimpsing on the strings of his Harpe , which he bad placed to his breast , made them send forth irradiations , glistering beames , in like manner as doth pure gold , exquisitely burnish't , by whose splendor the light begetteth light , and his eyes strucken with the lampe , his soule hence felt comfort , yea as we may say , it was oueriored , for that his Royall heart in an exta●…y , rapt infulnes of piety , deuotion , and f●…uent zeale , was now more inflam●…d with the loue of God , then was he erst with the fond and wretched loue of Bersabe Hence fully possest with a certaine hope of his safety , setling his right knee vpon the ground , his left foote on the 〈◊〉 , his boay inclining to the left side , his inst●…ument well tuned ( euen as it often happeneth with one who delight●…th , and pleaseth himselfe with diuers a c●…rds ) hee meditateth in the meane while , and wistly l●…oketh o●… the record of his memory to finde what hee would sing , which at the present hee hath forgott ; clearing his voice , remembring himselfe againe , lowly sang thus .

THE THIRD PSALME OF THE PENITENCY OF DAVID . Domine , ne in furore . Psalme 37.

OH ! alas ! as I haue besought thee , and euen as with all humble petition , I doe now againe , earnestly craue of thee , that thou rebuke me not in th●…ne anger , which euermore is eternall damnation to the wicked , for it will import Hellvnto them Ah! farre be it otherwise with thee , that thy mercie looke on my teares , my plaintes , my hearts deepe greife , with alike disdaine , with which the selfe same mercy will looke on them with scorne and derision , who gaue not foode to thy hunger , nor water to thy thirst , nor cloathes to thy vncloathed nakednes , nor visited thee sick , nor lodged thee a stranger , thee a Pilgrim ; nor releiued thee a prisoner , nor gaue any comfort to thee comfortles , and afflicted . But let all thine anger conuert it selfe into thy mercy ; what say I ? I firmely ackowledg that thou wert alwaies , that thou now art , and euer wilt be , mercifull ; and that which they giue to thee as attributes of anger , is no other then a punctuall and an exact iustice in all respects prescribed , fore-determined , so destined by the infinity of thy goodnes , for their punishments who first dye , and then repent . My Lord I ought to haue satisfied thy seruants hunger with foode , with drinke their thirst ; I should haue supplyed their wants , releiued their sufferances , aswell in cold , in weakenesses , in want of repose , in imprisonings , as also in all their aduersities and tribulations , and reflecting that I haue not donne herein my duty , I finde my selfe euen to the quie●… wonnded by the compunction of my penitency , and by the feare that I haue deeply conceiued , to be swallowed vp , into the whirle poole of the bottomelesse pitt of Hell ; and since such is my hearts greife for my transgressions , accept me a penitent , let my complaints , and my distressed lamentable moane makings , make me worthy of pardon ; & let it neuer come to passe , that I feele what is that anger which our sinnes in offending thee , operate in thee . Hence thou punishest vs with thy scourges , for that we doe not chastise our selues , with our owne inflictions , in such sort as I correct my selfe euen now , who am not vnlike to such a bondmon , to such a slaue whose trangressions haue disquieted his maisters minde , yea farre aversed it from him , who being in such state , in such disgrace , redoubling aswell with humble sorrow , as also his solicitously attentiue seruice , with all earnestnes commandeth , yea euen forcibly compelleth himselfe to worke in such sort that he may procure to himselfe a selfe forgetfulnes of his passed offences through the goodnes of his euen then painfull solicitous and faithfull seruice , by which hee striueth to winne in him hope of himselfe to proue a singular good seruant in time ensueing .

For that thy darts , for that thy disdeignes , and thy affrights , which terrifie , which amate one as lightning ( for these haue the rayes , the sprightly beames , of fire , of sword , of sicknes , of dearth , of hearts-greife , of death ) haue deeply struck me ; I haue raised my selfe through their scourges , from the miserable sinck of sinne , euen as a horse plunged in a durty heauy bogge , is by the sharpe incitements of spurres released & fully acquited thereof : And knowing that the calamities thou inflictest on man kinde , is for that thou wouldst it should learne , to forsake sinne , to returne to better , to liue well . I am fully resolued that the seeming shadowed beautie of pleasure , ( which dureth much lesse , is more momentary then is the continuance of a gentle and spetious flower ) ( a rose it selfe ) shall not dep●…iue me the winning the possession of that eternall blessing , that eternall reall good , which he enjoyeth euerlastingly , who taketh the course , and hence well apprehendeth the way , yea feareth and loueth God , whose mercie is of so great extent , as euen the sinner could wish it to be . Hence the hope that reuiueth me , deepely meditating on thee my Lord , doth take vigour , and hopeth ( though I am burthened with sinne , ) to acquire through meanes of contrition , eternall beatitude , which all those soules attaine to , which feruentlie desire to be invested therewith : and I confesse thy darts , thy thunderbolts , sensible warnings to me haue been the meanes to stirre me vp to contrition : and that thou hast pleased to lay thy hands on me , as the good Surgeon doth on the sick , I am beyond measure comforted ; for I haue the same need which hath a body whose wounds haue not been for three dayes continuance opened , the emplaisters of the first day as yet there remayning .

Alas ! in what state am I , there is not the least portion of health in my bodie , and for that , it remaines onely in thee to cure me , I am bold to haue recourse to thy goodnes , and from thee doe I onelie expect my health , which will so consolate me , as day is made happie by the Sun : and to declare my selfe yet farther , my infirmities are not to be enstyled nauseousnes , or loathing of foode , they are not feuers , are not paine of spleene , but in summe there is not in me any health , I am all ouer distempered , yea sick to the death . How so ? Ah! sinne which euen breketh my heart , hath euen thus depriued me , brought me vnto this state ; and through the feare which my considerations of thine anger draweth on me , I languish no otherwise then a man whom human remedies cannot availe , and for that my bones are 〈◊〉 , which are sustentacles to my body , euen as are the mightie columnes , the great pillers to Theaters ( ah ! poore wretch that I am ) so farre is it that I am at quiet , that euen as yet y feare , that I am not reconciled to thee , I am afraid to fall into the pit of Hell , through my transgressions , the vnspeakable monstruslie-he adlong peruersenes of which doeth euen call on themselues thy justice , thine anger , thine implac●…ble wrath .

For that all mine iniquities , and all the occurrents , the causes , which haue induced me to transgresse thy lawes , are on my head , alwaies threatning to hurt it , and vtterly to spoile it , I am reduced to such an exigent , as that I cannot lift vp my deiected face to Heauen , and by how much the more I endeauour to lift it vp , by so much more doth it incline downeward : and those things are wrought by my sinnes , which euenly heauy on my head , as if thy were an immoueable lumpy weight , in so much as I yeild , and bow vnder the burthen , euen as a bow drawne by a strong arme ; and for that there is no weight , which equalizeth the heauines of sinne , to which gold and lead must in weight giue place , in me there is left no health , nor strength : for vnder the heape of my heauy sinnes , my faculties and my strength is euen spent with weary somnes , euen as a Pilgrim through the long way and roughnes of his iourney , is enfeebled , worne out , and in such sorte weake through the tediousnes of his trauaile .

The scarres which on my liuing body are found , testimonies of the woundes which sinne inflicted on me , reliques of my foule offences are putrified a new , euen as vlcers to soone skinned , and hence it comes , for that my contrition , my truely hearts deepe sorrow , which I make my buckler against it's blowes , hath not bin able so to defend me , as that I doe not feare that my wounds wil be opened againe , which through voluptuousnes I drew vpon me : and that which doth greiue me more , and whi●…h with more inwa●…d sorrow doth contristate me , is that their corruption is so putrified , so extremely rotten , that none but good & patient men can endure me : But alas ! for my offence to Heauen , my Lord is hidden from me . Ah! the corruption of this my soule , doth moue his displeasure , which hee gaue me vnspotted , nor doe I wretch accuse my frailty , nor any oc●…asion whatsoeuer presented to me , but I lay iustly all my ouerweening indiscretion and folly , which hath giuen it selfe ouer to be led by the snares of the world ; yea euen to making it selfe a prisoner of sinne , whose flatteries , whose allurements , doe entice me in such manner , that I am not aware of the danger that the putrefaction which breaketh forth of my wounds do drawe on me , which my vaine ●…ottishnes , mixt with madnes , hath opened againe with late trespasses .

In the opening of my searres I haue clearlie discerned t●…e milerie into which my not ser●…eing God hath brought me , the pr●…de of my minde ( raised on the wings of worldlie felicitie , wordlie delight , in so much as I seemed to be full possessor , full Lord of all worldlie contents is now come downe , stoopeth , is become lovvlv humble , euen as trees branches sprouting out boldlie heauen-ward , are wrought downe , are made lower , when the Sheepheard will bend them downeward ; and I being become euen crooked vnder the weight of the pleasures of my losse , will leaue to stoope vnder the heauy burthen of hearts-greife , for my saluation , euen to my liues end , and the deepe conceiued melancholie which I tooke to my selfe of my trespas ( whence all the day I walked in such a manner heauilie sadde , with much vnquietnes , as doth hee who is afflicted , yea torne to peece with the stings of conscience , which are more fierce , more cruellie sharpe , then are the torments of the strapado , of the gallowes and scourges ) for that it was the motion , the instigation to make me remember my selfe , let it be vnto me conuerted , turned into fulnes of joy : for I am determined to arme my reason with the teares of penitencie , and I am sure that it will ouercome with them the pride of sense , which more feareth the shadow of correction , then doth the braue Coursier the rod.

But since that my loines are fraught with illusions , for that my soule is environed with reflections vpon the vanities , of vanities , where with it is possessed , in which it is so much ouerweeningly enthraled , I may well say that I enioy no health , that I am weake and feeble in●…eede : that in my limbs there is no soundnes : the faculties of my senses are cleane lost , my hands , mine eyes , mine eares , my mouth , and my nose , are depriued of their due operations : brieflie all the faculties which God hath giuen me , as guifts of his bountie , I finde corrupted , to haue lost their validity ; and to the end that I should know him onelie , and my health onelie , from which I shall alwaies be farther and farther of , for that I haue been estranged from my Lord ( vntill th●…t I framed my selfe to lay open my sinnes in song with teares ) if I doe not mortifie my selfe in the afflictions of penitency .

I haue afflicted my selfe , and humbled my selfe exceedingly , with teares sent from the bottome of my heart , for that reflecting on thee , I euidently saw mine offences , the knowledg of which hath turned my felicities , into miseries , & hath made humble my pride , and hath mollified the hardnes of my heart , and by the waies of trueth , and sincerity , hath purified all my senses which were co●…upted , neuer resting but in the mansions of goodnes , nor want I ought but the fortitude and constancy , which commeth from thee and from thy largesse , together with that ve●…ue , which thou giuest for guide to all them who earnestly craue it of thee ; as now doe I , with all my faculties , which abandon occasions , and grounds , & all leading subiects to sinne , werefore let not thy aide be wanting to me , or in ought remisse . I know surely , most vndoutedly , that thou art more clement then I am vniust , and no lesse know I , that thou wilt be more commiserable to me , then I haue been wretchedly cruell against thee ; and blessed were Dauid if he could frame his petitions , craue his pardon , proportionable to the extent of what thou canst grant , canst forgiue : and thrice happy shall I be if so that I be patient in the bewailing my sinne , answereably to thy longanimitie and patient suffering of me a greiueous sinner .

O my gratious good Lord , before thee , apparant to thee , ( who through the foggie mistie darkenes seest that which to any other eye is impossible to be seene ; and who●…e eyes through-passe the inmost Cabinets of hearts , as the Sunne penetrateth pure christall ) all my desire is transferred ; which not hauing other voice then it , which is euen ouerflowne with teares , cannot duelie , and as it ought expresse all my trespasses , all that I would it should And therefore it is hence dispatched as a messenger from me to the sight and throne of thy Majestie , car●…ying with it engrauen in the blank of my heart , what my prayers cannot deliuer , so is it that my disabilitie by wordes to performe so much , as from my soule I desire the selfe same words not vocally breathed forth , remaine insculpt in it , through the true feruour of my contrition , ah ! looke on my willingnes , which hath taken it's seate in my heart , and thou shalt clee●…ly reade the purpose , the resolution , it 's minde hath made , to enroll it selfe vnder thy banners , to bee thy soldier , to fight thy fight , with a more then most determinate will neuer to disobey thy discipline ( glorious Leader ) neuer to sinne against thee . Ah! poore wretch that I am ! my eyes weepe , yet distill they such small drops , that they are not sufficient to extinguish the fire which my ardent desire is taken with of crauing , yea impetrating of thee mercy : and to account my teares of weight enough to ouerpoise my sinnes in scale of iustice , my new faults would weigh down , transcend my amendment , so farre , as greater is the omnipotent power of God , them the ( alas ! ) weake strength , weake power of terrestriall Kings : but it sufficeth me that I am penitent , & then my Lord behold with what will , with what true and zealous resignation my heart is all ouerflowne , ( as was the world in it's deluge ) by invisible teares which are evident to thee , who knowest when it weepeth , when it is aggreiued , and when it reioyceth , more valuing one tea●…e , and the least sadnes of it , then a thousand from the eyes .

My heart whose teares haue appaied thee ( as one who is good , is satisfied by the candid and sincere meaning of any one ) is troubled , contristated , for that the faculties and the strength , columnes , pillars of my soule , haue abandoned me , haue vtterly forsaken me , and I am miserably shaken with feare of my destruction , and vtter losse , since that I finde , I am depriued of such sustentacles , such maine supporters . Ah! hereon speake who will sensibly deliuer their mindes , who I say will , who is hee and who would not feare to be depriued of such like associates , such companions ? Fottitude , and the vertue , & faculties of the minde , are the weapons wherewith the fallaces , the enticements , and snares of the world are ouercome and brought to nought ; herewith the aduersaries of all good ( I meane by aduersaries , the Deuill , and his fiends ) are troden vnder foote , and were it not that my soule euen assured it selfe , and were confident in our Lord , I should be a thousand times more heauy , sad , lumpish , then is the Pilgrim in the verie midst of a wood , where no path appeareth ; but I take courage and full vigour , for my soule is come to another state , then erst it was , it is euen ouer ioyed for that my eyes obey me now , no vanities take them vp , their light is estranged from voluptuousnes , in so much as now , happilie it is with me , I see not , or at least take no notice of the poisoned baites , masked with delicate and well tasted Manna , which formerly allured me , possessed me by mine eyes ; the raies of others beauties doe not now astonish , do not now as vnproportionable obiects dimme my sight , which might well be termed , the nets and entangling birdlime of soules : I take no pleasure but in my sorrow , and my God , for I take no notice , I take no delight in the liuelie green of the boughes of trees , nor in the flowers of the meadowes , nor of the pleasant currant of a cleare faire riuer , I as litle reguard the luster of gold , or sparkling gleaūces , glitterings of gemmes , rare jewells : nor doth the sight , the ouer-glorious splendor of solemnities touch me ought , I gaze not on the worlds carriage , be it neuer so miniard , so in times liking , in fashion howsoeuer , for that my contrition for my sinne , and the many anxieties in the way of winning grace and pardon through penitencie , haue so fullie entertained my eyes with the vaile of repentance , that I am to them happilie blinde .

Whilst my soule , my gratious Lord , doth rise against sense , doth maister it , that so it is , I take and receiue it from thy light , and by thy raies , thy irradiations , thy beames my Lord , hereby I rise againe , I am releiued euen as a flower ( hanging it's head by nights cold drooping ; and farther so stated by the heauines of the dew , at the sunn's shining on it ) is succoured , raised vp , held vp , by thy prouidence , by thy vertue , in such manner doe thy commands sound in my tongue , such force haue they on me , and allies to my losse , to my great wrong haue applyed their ill endeauours against me , yea and to hurt me notablie they haue donne their vttermost ; but these following words of thine doe I interprete and deliuer with the spirit of prophecie which thou hast endowed me with , for I seeme to see euen now the troopes of thy favourites , of those on whom thou hast euen accumulated , & plentifullie heaped graces & most aboundant benefits , armed with sword , & fire to assaile thee vnthankfullie , returning for thy most pious , tender , & most iust helpes assistances , graces , rare workes nought but pure ingratitude , nor seeme they moued otherwise to reguard thee , to appeare before thee , but to interpose a veile of their ignorance , to the alseing eyes of thy truth , which shall appeare , shall spring forth , rise againe in the punishments , prosecution of their iniquities ; euen as the Hydra's heads cut of , appeare : and the same trueth is made a lookin-glosse of men to contemplate . Woe ! yea all woe ! to those transgressors who in God shall see , contemplate , behold clearly the full expression and liuely image of their harshnes , their crueltie , and of the perfidiousnes of their hearts ; and blessed is hee that euer hee had being who shall see in the truely representing glasse , the faithfull loyaltie of his beliefe and confidence in our Lord .

Yet farther continueth Gods word by my voices deliuery , and hee hath deigned that myeares , heare ●…hesoūds of his accents prompting me as followeth . They who were nigh haue eslonged themselues , are gonne farre from me , and with all speede possiblie , euen as a stone from a sling , is flung farre from him who flingeth it , hence shewing vnto me , what the world is , that they were not my friends , although they kindled the lampes and burnt incense , vpon the holie altar ; their hearts are not true , sound , and feruentlie zealous , they are not where they are ; as euidentlie appeareth , as may be clearly demonstrated : for that their speech seemeth to honor me , but with an ill meaning , ofsuch like friends as they are , whose hearts fly from me , as smoke from the winde , & to make appeare their farther wretchednes , their greater perfidiousnes , whilst I taught than what is trueth , they fullie endeauoured by docttines of men , to empouerish & weaken the vnderstandings of men , to depraue them vtterlie , to ouerthrow them , to make good their false assertions , and to peruert them who sincerelie desired to vnderstand my meaning , that is to say , my true intentions , as flocks of sheepe , and heards of beasts doe seeke for water and grasse .

But my glorious good Lord , by what deserts of mine commeth it to passe that I am allotted to speake with thy tongue , which maketh me continue in prophetizing . And they who endeauoured to finde ill in me , with more sollicitude , then doth weariesomnes seeke rest ; haue against me spoken their idle fancies from their invented chimeraes , windy , empty vanities , most false things not with vnlike rancour , but with the same which wicked and most wretched men vse to speake : and all day long humming like bees , riuers , and the windes , and scandalizing my goodnes , endeauouring to peruert others with dislike of my sincere trueth , meditated with strange imaginarie waies , a throusand var●…ties of deceipts against my innocencie , and with sharpe reprehensions , and with m●…ligne accusations , molesting me daylie & nightlie , they more then most earne●…lie endeauoured to finde a fault in my bountie , in my goodnes ; and euen as the wicked and peruerse , they called my prayers blasphemies , my examples malices , and my miracles witchcrafts .

But I like a deafe man , who heareth not the noyse of other pratles , or brawles , heard not the shrill iangling prate of the enuious , who most injuriously , most vniustlie spake despightfully of me , who all zealous in their behalfes desired to make them know the trueth and no otherwise , then if so that I had been borne without a tongue from my natiuitie , or otherwise dumbe , I was silent , I was still : notwithstanding I heard their false testimonies asseuered by oathes : and surpassing with my humilitie their pride vnder the shower of lyes which tempestuouslie powred on my head , euen as a tempestuous shower of haile , & raine , falleth impetuously on the ●…yles on the top of an house , I seemedlike a gentle meeke lambe , who with head inclined without bleating , suffereth himselfe to be shorne by the shepheard , who whilst hee fleeceth him , threatning h●…m to take away his life also , for that the poore beast vnderstandeth not the noise , the horror of his danger , of his state and being , he is not affrighted a jott , as I am not terrified , and for that I may not heare the conspiracie of calumniation , that my enimies deuise against me , I will stop my eares as doth the serpent against inchantments .

Thou yet my Lord speakest againe further : and sayest . And I am like to a man who heareth nothing which can ( entring his ares ) passe to his heart : for it is the manner of the just , not to giue audience , not so much as to heare the vniust speake , who vugratefully oppose them selues against the great favours , singular graces , which were giuen them : and I am as it were a servant , who not willing to transgresse the commandements of his Maister , although he is tormented by the peruerse malice of his competitors , his envyers , hath not in his mouth those wordes , which the innocencie of them who are causleslie injured , is wont to frame : and somewhat strang is it , that I suffer the malice and the ignorance of others , I not hearing the ●…hatterings of the crowes , nor thee creaking noise of the crickets , which burst fo●…th in their nights neuer ceasing molestation .

O goodnes of God thou art great indeed , and thou art truelie benigne , for thou by thine owne sufferings , teachest vs to ouercome the c●…osses and disquietnesses inflicted on vs by the wicked , and to acquire thy grace by meanes of patience : and to giue vs example , thou gauest way for calumnyes , to ouerrunne thy iust , pure , and vnspotted head : and sure I am that thou for farther demonstration of thy constant prudence , desiredst , that the number of thy accusers , who with false inventions , with lying testimonies , did molest thee , diuerslie afflict thee before the tribunals , in which seates were placed wretched Iudges , might be multiplied ; wherefore I heare that thou comandest me to speake in thy name , in thy person , as followeth ; I care not false swarme , false route for your wicked persecutions . Hence haue I hoped in the merits which my sufferances haue prepared for me , which will proue to the benefit , to the health of soules , which would perish if I dye not . But for that I sensiblie perceiue that thy grace is wanting in me , which hath thus farre made me speake with thy tongue , with thy voice . I recommence , I returne againe most humblie to my deuotions , which thou my Lord and my God wilt heare with attention and fauour .

For I haue besought thee with such an heart , which thou well knowest , which thou cleerlie seest , not requiring , not crauing ought els then fortitude against enimies , now I call againe with all the organs , instruments of the voice of my soule , I humblie & earnestlie , suppliantlie , craue againe : that thou vouchsafe that those who cruellie byting me , stand ouer me , no otherwise then doe vultures ouer the harmelesse innocent beasts , may not scorne and de●…ide me seing me as an edifice without sustentacles , columnes , or supporters , headlonglie falling into the hideous darke sepulcher ofsinne , but let it be so , that they greiue and frett themselues , to see my joy , my good state , vnder the shadow of thy bounty ; gnawing one another , through the sharpe bitings of their perfididiousnes , loosing themselues in their wretchednes , whilst the wicked condemne me with that earnestnes , with which the good pronounce safety to me . Incredible is the malice of the wicked , for that at each least motion of my foote , at each stray which I walking make , scarce obsoruing the going out of my right way , they haue deliuered such obloquies in my preiudice , which ( wicked as they are ) by them should not haue been spoken , nay euen against them who had obstinate wil , neuer to returne to thy waies : But I am content , I am appaied , that I am converted , that , I am turned to thee , ready to satisfie for my sinnes , to banish sinne , yea to treade it vnder foote , through feare which I am well taken with , of thee my glorious good Lord .

For that I am prepared for punishment euen as a beast readie at the altar for sacrifice , thy afflictions , thy scourges , are not to me at all heauy , yea rather I may well say I receiue them in the bosome of my past life , as fruits ' , and effects of it's patience . And were it not that the greife which I haue , for hauing offended thee in my disordered error , from thy wayes , and in my wickednes had not laid open the leafe where in thy booke it is registred , I would enforce my selfe with serious attention , with all my power to lay it open before thee , with more bewailings , moaning , as from my heartie sorrow , and then should flow from mine eyes showers of teares : but since that all what I am is in thy sight , I onelie say , that since I haue acknowledged the manner of my trespasses , I haue not , neuertheles borne patientlie thy corrections , but yet I haue chastised my selfe , without any regard or compassion of my selfe , with compunction so farre as I could , cloathed with human body ; as is well known vnto thee ; nothing seemed to strike me more , to displease me more , then that my enimies should triumph ouer me , seeing me buried in the depth of my vtter ruine .

Let my aduersaries be assured that I will confesse mine iniquities , and that I will tenderlie and carefullie thinke of my transgr●…ssions , the sorrow of which is humbly prostrated before thee ; let them rather be assured that after my acknowledgment of them , I shall so meditate of my selfe , as that I shall be so sollicitous of them , and of my zealous duty to my Lord , that the hearts-greife that I shall take deeply to my selfe for them , shall be so intensiue , that my heart hauing broken & passed ouer all it's stubborne hardnes , shal be so enabled with the clemencie of thy mercie , that the painefull inflictions on my sinnes , shall proue no other then the suffering the paine I shall haue of my not being able to grieue so much as I would ; and through the merit of so fervent , so vigourous , so profound a heart-quilling greife , and yet without which there is no accesse to thy kingdome ; I hope to ascend by those such steps by which the feate of the starres is arrived to , heauen come to ; for that my complaints , my moanings , my extreame afflictions , my showring teares , which I will tēpe●…uously through the anguish of my greiued soule powre forth both day and night incessantly , shall be my scourges , my Purgatorie , my Hell .

But alas ! mine inimies liue , they are established , remaine stout , and pertinacious , no otherwise then is pride against humilitie , and there are more risen vp , euen as Ants in corne and flies in milke , who wickedly hate me : and yet I am not hence shaken at all , troubled ought thereat . For I , whilst they become peruerse and mischeiuous , will winne thy iustice , with me dolefull teares , whence the wicked , and those who care more for the terrestriall world , then for Heauen , ( not as yet destroyed according to their sinnes wretchednes ) shall fall into the extremitie of miserie , in whose armes they so much reioyce , as litle infants in the bosomes of their mothers , for they know not the fourd , the passage that they come from , that tender , preserue , and sollicitouslie keepe the wings of their soules , from the entanglings of it's birdlime , in which ensnaring labyrinths confounded is hee for euer , who acnowledgeth no other God then wordlie pleasures : hence reallie is it that such an one may most vndoubtedlie be called miserable : for that hope doth blaze , nay twinckle any ray , beame of it's safety on him , euen so much as hee is punished by the selfe fame his sinne , as are the envious by their selfe same rancour , their selfe same envie . But I my good and gratious Lord , will neuer staunch my eyes weepings , nor will euer impose stilnes or silence to this my tongue , nor euer will take to me a minute of repose from my greife , and heauy heart's throbbs , vntill that euen here where I breath forth and that earnestlie , my lamentations , thy mercy shew some signe at least , that thou hast pardoned me .

All they who vniustlie returne euill for good ( who are most l●…ke to the keepers , the watchers of bees , who when so that they haue had from them tribute of hony , & vaxe , they chasse them from their hiues , their houses , with fire and smoke ) haue torne me in the sight of the people , with the tallones of their wickednes ; and for that I followed not the waies , which their crooked steeps had made , they would praise the semblance of my iust workes with the spittings of iniquitie , in publique as●…euering , baselie esteeming my feare of God , & prouoking me to shew my dislike of the stings of their fal●…nesses ; their waies I decline , bending my body , and fixing mine eyes , on the ground , my head downeward , and altogether contracted with in my selfe bearing with the stings which sometimes haue notably hurt me , with the s●…lfe-same patience , where with wisemen suffer the boldnes and want of witt of fooles ; it sufficing me to be iustified in the iudgment of our Lord , vpon which piller doth all my hope rest , for I am most assured , that hee will alwais be such , and the same to me .

Abandon me not my Lord , my God , who am without thee as is a horse without a courbe , yea euen without a bridle , a ship without a rudder : and as that moued by the fiercenes of his nature , is wont to be resty , to runne away with his rider ; and this made ouer-swif●…ly glideing through the impetuous windes , often abutteth , striketh against the rocks : Euen so I prouoked , enforced , by the perfidiousnes , & vexation which my persecutors impose on me , shall likelie fall headlong into my precipice , be broken in pieces , and vtterlie ruined , if thou hide thy face , subtract but thy fauorable assistance from me , with the twinckling of whose eye-brow , thou gouernest the gouernors and the celestiall and terrestrial regiments . O Lord for pittie-sake deigne to be my Leader who am blinde , & vouchsafe , not to seperate thy selfe from me , who beseech thee , by the teares , and the deepe sighes which my sorrow powreth forth , and frameth for no other cause , but to seperate my selfe from sinne , which hath brought me to such miserie that I am vnworthy to lo●…ke thee in the face , whose splendor o●…lie is consolation to the distressed , afflicted as am I.

Encline then to help me , as charitie doth assist the needie , & the mothers milke the child's hunger . Haue reguard my Lord to my health to my safety , for it is all in thee onelie , who art my way , my trueth , and my life , and likewise of all those who apprehend the way of conseruing themselues from the snares of sin , as from sword , and fire : and although they sin they know with more affect to lament their defects , than can the good soule rejoyce in their perfections . I beseech thee with my heart euen come vp to this my tongue , which deliuereth what it dictateth , in such sort , that it is not in thee to denie , that pittie , that mercie , neuer denyed by thee to any , who craues it in such sort as doe I. For otherwise I should be a prey to the fraudulencies of my enimies , greedy of my losse , yea of my vtter destruction , were it not that I had reacknowledged my selfe , were it not for the hope which I haue had in thy infinite goodnes .

The end of the third Psalme .

THE FOVRTH PROLOGVE .

ASSOONE as David ended his third song , hee seemd not vnlike a Pilgrim , who calculating within himselfe , measuring in his minde , and silently casting vp the length of the way hee is to walke , and hauing ouercome a great part thereof already , reposeth himselfe vnder the shade to whose cool●…es , the pleasant gently whisking winde invited him , there somewhat taking his breath , which the toile of painefull trauaile had partly bereft him of . And as a Pilgrim's minde is all bent , all taken vp , meditating on the iourney which hee is to make ; so was hee all converted to God , his thoughts w●…re onely entertained , and intensiuely on God , and neuertheles playing or rather carelesly dallying with the strings , moving his fingers here and there on them , without any whit reflecting on their sound , which hee hearing , yet well might I say , heard not ; resting his chin on his breast , the hottest and bitterest teares that euer issued , eued rained , or were euer powred forth , from the eyes of any one that neuer so deeply greiued ; hee let fall . One might take notice so farre of his distilling , his melting in teares , as of wa●… me water in a large bason , which receiueth the blood of a veine opened may be taken notice of as water all ouer bloody : and to this his plentifully powring forth of teares , were interchangably mingled some sighs deeply fetched ; so greiuous , that if the fall of such floods of teares , and the sound of such sighs had been heard by any man breathing , hee would euen haue sworne , that in the Cauerne or grott there was a windy raine , a sharpe and bitter tempest : and vndo●…edly if the windes could haue had ingresse they would haue made fly , would haue scattered , and made knowne , the complaints deliuered by his eyes , his tongue , and his breast , and carrying them to the eares of all the people of Israël , each one of the would haue made all hast to comfort their poore King ; who ( some grosse and heauy teares swallowed vp , blubbering , yexing , throbbing ) in an instant turned his eyes as a man affrighted , extreamelie possessed with feare and terror of wbat came then to his minde , what then was presented as object to his phantasie , or rather impressed , and it seeming to him that the horrible and obscure shadow of his transgressions , would hastilie , and most violently snatch him away ; hee with feruency equivalent to his conceiued misery , cryed out aloud , in an high straine singing thus .

THE FOVRTH PSALME OF THE PENITENCY OF DAVID . M●…serere mei Deus s●…cundum . Psalme 50.

HAVE mercie on me God , not according to the propo●…tion of my litle , my poore , my alas ! poore , my feeble merit , yea alas ! I may say euen my scarce no desert , either through my fasts , or prayers , or wearing sack cloath , signes though of denying my lelfe , or for my bitter teares , but according to that thy great mercie , wherewith thou dost surpasle in height of magnificencie , ( and in what not ? ) Heauens beautifull vault , the braue seeming comelie boult of the mountaines , the sea 's armes , the earth's bosome , the bottomlesse deepes , and the measure and extent of the vniuerse : insomuch with thee , let trespasses be , whatsoeuer possiblie they may be , they are lesse then a litle pointe in the midst of a circle of great capacitie , of marvailous compasse : euen poison which in it selfe engendreth sinne , sometimes maketh it swell in such manner that it though mouing thee to disdaine , boldlie lifteth it selfe vp in such sorte , that it seemeth it would aspire to the top of the height of that thy mercie . But for that I am sure that thy mercy ouercommeth the seueritie of thy justice , I finde not my sin 's so desperate which heretofore feared to come too late to finde pardon , for thou willest that a contrite heart say onelie , I haue sinned . And so much onelie said from a contrite heart , thou endowest them with such plentie of thy grace , that their hearts , yea and their very soules ioynt ie bewaile , bitterlie bemoane themselues , for the iniuries that their hardnes , their such peruersenes , wrought to their miserable preiud●…e , and to their vnspeakable greife against thee ; my hardnes my peruersnes , differeth not a whit , from what is spoken of , wherewith hetherto I haue offended thee ; ah ! but alas ! whatsoeuer poore wretch I am , I seeke to hide me vnder the braue ample shrowding-wings of thy mercifull indulgencie and pittie , by it's goodnes I beseech thee most humblie that thou succour me .

O Lord help me , and according to the multitude , the infinite reach , large extent of thy mercie , thy commiserations , which are more then are the flakes of the snow , then are the drops of the raine , blott out , cancell mine iniquities , my crimes , which although iustlie acknowledged to be infinite , yet they arriue not to the number of thy pitties , of thy commiserations ; by which thou sauest trespassers . And the bridles , the restraints wherewith fasting courbeth gluttonie , wherewith chastitie curbeth luxurie , humilitie checketh and restraineth pride , charitie coueteousnes , and true good-nature , well disposed humanitie envie ; and the spurres , the liuelie stirrers vp awaken and chase away sloth and lazines , are the guifts , which these compassions doe giue , which thou hast on distressed miserie and ignorant errors which daylie are donne in thy sight : thy clemencie mercifullie shineth with more fauorable and cheerefull aspect on him , who after transgression reasumeth himselfe , then on any one , who hath neuer t●…espassed : and there is nothing to be far●…her herein deliuered , for true it is that there a●…e more acts of vertue , as more resignanations to thy will , more earnest endeauours , and more merit it amendment after sinne , then is there for such to haue abstained from sinne ; and the feare which a man is sensible of whilst hee is contristated , deeplie sad , extremelie afflicted for his sin●…e ; his such like heart's deepe compunction is more availeable , then the securie of him , whosoeuer hee be , of Paradise , reioycing in his not hauing trespassed : And for that , ô Lord , my mercifull God , I would tender such a sorrow , as might be answerable to my greiuous offences , and that I know all to be in vaine , of no validitie , without the fauour of thy grace ; I the same coniure thee , call thee to accounte on that ground , that tenent of the ioy known , that thou hast of the moanes , lamentions , and hearts-gri●…fes of sinners , that thou cleanse me in the font , and euer-flowing-cleere spring of thy infinite mercie .

Wash me , and wash me againe cleane , wich the water of that mercifull spring in all , and all fully wholesome , full of grace ; full of health , whose least channells , whose least veines bedew , besprinckle the heads of the just , with grace and health . Let the earnest petitions of me a poore distressed man , soe farre take place with thee my Lord , my God , that I may bathe my selfe , wash my selfe , cleanse my selfe in water of such qualitie which is good against rustines , and mire which my sin's and imperfections haue wrought and contracted on me , euen as drops of raine , of a sweet gentle shower powred from Heauen do please , marvailously comfort , yea conferre to the better being of a bird , after it hath suffered the Sunn's heate . Here is the full state of what I humblie craue , that thou wash and cleanse me from sinnes ; for the blotts , blurres , staines , they haue made on me , are foule & filthie to abhomination , & whilst they are seene on this my flesh , my soule ( that abhotreth them , as those things which prompt vnto it the danger of it's health ) can neuer enjoy the tranquilitie , the entire peace , which they enjoy , who serue thee with a pure & cleane heart . But be it so that thou wash me , and cleanse mo often , my soule each hower be comming more pure , more vnspotted , white , hence , will receiue that comfort , which will the limbs of one euen now releiued , & released from an infirmitie , in washing himselfe in a bath of costlie and odoriferous spices .

For that lastly I haue opened the eyes of my minde , closing those of my body , I know that my sinne ( which I cast behinde me and was carelesse of , hauing taken the world's delights for my counsaile , for my directions ) is alwaies against my selfe ; and whatsoeuer at any time hath fallen out against me , hath been drawne on me for my trespasses : hence I to keepe of it 's heauy burthen from me , to make it stand farre of , and to secure my selfe of it , haue made me a buckler , a defence framed of the feare I haue of thee , my Lord : & the perfidious , and wicked , neuer cease to molest me with shrewd and importunate snares : but because I am well aduised how to carry myselfe against them I am able , assisted by thee , held vp by thee , to keepe my selfe from being ought deceiued by them , and keepe my soule from their frauds , their foule deceipts ; and with the hope that I conceiue , and vnderstand more in God , then in my teares , I shall make them fly farre from my face , as I desire to fly farre from it ; the which sweet and faire though it seeme , is both sharpe and brutish , most horridlie vgly . But thou yet Lord seest with what gestures , and in what manner , they ( they wicked ) flatter me , and endeauour to make me such as they are , by their diuers waies of drawing me to be alike to them , laughing at my teares , & shewing at the selfe same caue , where I praise , giue laud , and glorie to thee , the pallace where thy despisers keepe in , incessantlie vil●…fying , scorning the patience of my pen●…tencie ; whilst I crush , euen burst my knees on the earth , they lye at ease and pleasure on their downy coutches ; I who neither see them , now heare them as earst I was wont , my thoughts entertained by my phantasie farre otherwise them to giue attention to them , strengthning my selfe with guifts of thy vertue , hope with my spirit to transcend as farre my bodie , as the bodie doth surmounte , command , and ouer●…ule the spirit , for being oppresied , burthened by it , I was in imminent danger , there was litle , alas ! wanting that it had not made me fall vnder thine anger , thy heauy wrath .

But here behold the propheticall spirit , which entreth into me againe , I am hereof truely sensible , I perfectlie know it Lord , yea euen as the eyes of a dimme sight , yea of a man almost blinde sensiblie distinguisheth the appearance , and disappearance of light and therfore I acknowledg & perceiue that I haue sinned against thee , in thy sight ; but the ill which I haue donne in thy presence , shall maintaine , make good , yea iustifie thy word , which thou hast so often sent forth , spoken by the tongues of thy Prophets , in which thou didst lay open , all the sublime subiects , the hidden , the profound , and vnsearchable mysteries of thy trueth ; hence thy Sonne , all taken vp , all enamored , with loue to humane kinde , descending of my lineall stocke , will come to suffer , cleansing , yea purelie purifying by his death , the foule spotts which Adam contracted on it . And in the same instant , that thou shalt be arraigned , yea adiuged , thou shalt ouercome thy persecutors , being wretched against thee , in so much as that they astonished , and altogether possessed with admiration , with a cleare , loude , & high strained voice shall deliuer , this is the Sonne of God indeed . And therfore my Lord pardon me , who come to thee , my onelie refuge , in such manner let thy forgiuenes be , as thy Sonne in his preaching , teaching , shall state , shall ordaine . Alas ! my good and gratious Lord , pardon me my transgressions for that ( so long as my heart is prompt , & most readie to repent , and my tongue liuelie quicke & nimble to pray to the , and my eyes well disposed , altogether bent to poure forth teares ) I am not in state euer to want faith , in my well apprehended confidence of thy mercie .

Not to couer , not to excuse my trespasses and crimes ô Lord , but to demonstrate to what exigent I am reduced , what neede I haue of thy mercie , I say that I am conceiued in iniquitie : whence it consequentlie followeth that thy iustice truelie forget not my sinnes of frailtie , which are in numerable , as also those of my Ancestors , and howbeit in carnall delight , wherein each one is conceiued , is no damnation , yet from the same proceedeth our hereditarie stray , our error , euen such from the first of men for which wee are punished with co●…porall death , and by reason of the worlds growing worse and worse , there and worse , there would also follow vs that of the soule ; if thou hadst not prescribed by foredecree the comming of him , which by thy grace I haue spoken of before . But what miracle or wonder is there in a sinners transgression , being borne in sinne ? my mother conceiued me in sinne , hence sinned I , before I was borne , and comming into the worlds light , sinne accompanied me , which is multiplied on me , as my houres , dayes , monethes , and yeeres , in such sort , that the haires of this my beard , and the haires of this my head , and tresses of it , are very few , compared with the number of my sinnes , and to attempt to disburthen my selse without the assistance , and fauour of thy grace , is for one man's strength , one man's force , to make mountaines euen , to lay mountaines flat , to roote , to grubbe vp the woods , and make the Seas d●…y . Behold for that thou hast alwaies loued trueth and iustice , yet hast not thou made me know that no sinne , and that no desert is euer without its punishment , or without it's reward from thee ; but by thy makeing me returne to the understanding of my selfe , which is sounde verie difficult , in a man invested with humane flesh , thou hast declared to me the vnknown , obscure , and the altogether hidden things , and the misteryes of thy wisedome : & deigning to enroll me among the Prophets , I haue foretold and will Prophecy , that which cannot be otherwise , that which cannot faile to be so , and what sometimes taketh not effect , by the meanes of grace granted by God , to the desert of repentance . Truelie my Lord the apprehension , the vnderstanding I haue of the state of thy juslice , hath made me lament , weepe on , and for my sinnes , which transgression I doe bewaile , and will ince●…antlie , yet so long as I may haue leaue and license so doe : and this my holie resolution hath made me , and further will make me worthie of thy mercie , and of thy wisdome , and hence issueth , ariseth , springeth that constancie for which I alwaies besoúght thee , onelie to be enabled in the perseuerance of thy seruice and in abstaining from Sinne.

Therfore that I may keepe , my selfe from all that which moueth , and with great temptations inciteth a man to forget thee , thou shalt cast all ouer me hysope , the meanest of herbes , to the end that I through example of it's meanesse , and vertuous lowlines , may correct by such a patterne , my pride : or giue me it to drinke , as doth the ●…hisitiā in forme of potion , who knoweth that the infirmitie is inward , I shall be purged , released of any defect whatsoeuer shall be found about my heart : and after thou shalt haue purged away my such inward infirmities , with the juice expressed by the presse of thy pious hands , and gathered from the same herbe growing and nourished in the garden of thy mercie ; thou shalt wash me outwardlie with the water which leaping , casteth forth , twinckleth , and gurgleth , in the fountaine and euerlasting spring of thy mercie ; hence shall I be cleansed of any whatsoeuer least deformitie , which my conscience might haue contracted on me , through the feruour of my repentance , which donne I shall in whitenes surpasse , farre exceede , & excell the snow , which flaketh on the top on the bosome , & foote of a mountaine , which is not forciblie carried by any winde : and so cleansed , purified , in wardlie expurged and washed , I will appeare in thy presence , as a soule euen now come from Heauen , and taking beames , irradiations , from the lampe of thy grace , as a man who though ouer ioy keepeth no meane , is become euen now not himselfe , I will open my mouth , and with al feruour , thanke thee , and praise thee with my voice , and with the full straine of my hearts true affect .

I who ruminating on my losse , my destruction am become humble in that pride , and sad in that ioy , in which ( to my great preiudice ) I was vnhapie , when as heretofore I was both proud and merrie , in so much as I shall neuer be happie , neuer merrie ( as it seemed to me I was in times past ) vntill thou cheerest me vp with that fauour , that superabundant grace , which may from thee proceede to the assuring me of my safetie , of my saluation . O then , and not before my humbled bones will exult , will take comfort , will expresse their great ioy , then truelie , reallie , all the spirits , all the faculties of my soule , shal be reioyced , with a true , and most vnfained gladnes , lessened , yea formerlie depressed though the fault of sinne , by meanes whereof the sustentacles , the maine columnes of my life , are afflicted , perplexed , enfeebled , euen as the stemmes of the flower de-luces by winde and raine : and onelie for that the power of sense weakeneth the minde , & the power comming f●…om the minde , represseth the sense , and subdueth the body , hence is it that vertue , ouercome by vice of sense , can onelie be sustained , can onelie and solely be releiued through the helpe of thy grace : which no sooner commeth to anie body , but that the soule maistereth the body in all his reasons , auersions and fullest powers : so that pronunce , aswell ioy to me , as also sprightly and fully possessing comfort , and exceeding gladnes by the tongue of that thy grace , thy mercie , without which each repentance is of no effect , is altogether in vain , were it not for that litle comfort , which the teares of my penitencie affordeth me ; which were it turned into despaire , will be to my vtter losse , yea both death and Hell to me .

Looke not on my sinnes , hide not thy face from me , for my humbled bones are rejovced , haue taken comfort , and since that hysope hauing been vsed in my behalfe , hath had the effect of a wholesome medicine to me , and that I am washed , yea cleansed with the waters of thy grace ; grant I humbly beseech thee my Lord that so it be . For thy presence whilst it looketh on a sinner , iudgeth his sinnes , his greiuous transgressions , and adiudging them , likewise inflicteth on them condigne punishment : Hence be it that thou take no farther notice of them , for if thou dost not marke them , thou wilt neuer call them to thy memorie , nor record at all their iniquities ; which are so greiuous whensoeuer they are laid open and displaied before thy sight , that though thy mercie haue forgiuen them , thy iustice might punish them . O yeild my Lord so much vnto me though a miserablie distressed wretch that thou not onelie not looke on my transgressions , but looke not at all on them , turne aside thy eyes from my peruerse will : & doeing me such like fauour , such indulgence ; my trespasses , all which are registred before thee , may become cancelled : Hence they will be no more seene , hence not adiudged , hence not punished : and I haue not a wauering but a confident hope , that thou wilt entirelie , and most compleatlie fulfill these my ardent desires , for that I haue changed my selfe , I am transformed , for that I now am become , a new man , another man : nor am more hee , who hath so much sinned , alas no! farre otherwise is it now with me , my being other then formerly I was , my being better is through the ptiuiledge , the prerogatiue of thy grace , which hath so inexpressible a qualitie and force , that no sooner hath it inclined it selfe , euen sprinckled it selfe on any who craue it humblie , but that it so rectifieth him , yea in such waies , in such inclinations , as that hee hence becommeth a man of good will , a man who desireth nothing more then to take vp thy commands , to obserue them , to honour and loue thee , yea for thy goodnes , as a contrite doth .

Lord now , yea euen now , newlie create me , make vnto me euen now a cleane heart , and propitiouslie grant that I may make my selfe such an one , that I may become through the meanes of sorrow for my transgressions such an one that standing by thee I may seeme like to a litle boy by his father side , who laughing and weping is full of deuises in his mi●…nardizing tricks & daliances , which puritie , and innocentie moueth in him . And for so much as thou knowest my heart , which cannot be said to be cleane ( respect had to the old sinne ) notwithstanding through thy grace , do thou please to let it be so , that it be enobled , made worthy to be the place of abiding yea euen the lodge of thy grace , and the organ or instrument of thy profound secrets , and roote of those branches , from whence must spring the fruite of vniuersall redemption of mankinde . Forme , shape , make in me a new heart , such an one as is cleane , most candide , in manner of such of theirs who neuer transgressed against thee , for I am now another manner of man , then earst I was for so much as concernes my particular ; hee who is a sinner hee who is loaden with sinne , is no companion for me , I desire to haue no conversation with him , hee is not fit for me to conuerse with . Ah! since so it is , most expedient it is , that the hand of thy mercie alone , doe not onelie create in me a new , and cleane heart , but that also with the selfe-same act , thou do newlie make in me a spirit , a soule iust , vpright , and clearlie purelie good , which voide and free from the enthralments , the miserable subiection & slauerie of sense , may be enabled , become hence fully , and compleatly endowed with guifts , with vndoubted abilities , to preach ; to teach forth to the people of the world what , and of what condition , of what rare nature , is thy grace , thy bountie , and thy mercie .

Oh! alas ! my Lord , euen as thou art pleased to digne me , through thy singular fauour , to hide thy face from my transgressions ; disdeigne not also , yea voutchsafe gratiouslie , not to chase me from thy aspect , from the glorious sight of thee , let thy animaduersion , thy taking notice fall more attentiuelie on my good will , my good-meanings , my zealous desires , then on my wicked transgressions ; and for the fault of my sinne , bereaue me not , depriue me not , of that thy blessed presence , thy blessed aspect , from the lights of whose irradiations , euen showers of inexpressible consolation , are powred on the lust , thy saints ; let me not be a cast of an abandoned of God , let not thy holie spirit be taken from me , which through thy goodnes thou hast enlarged me with , hast freelie giuen me ; which is that remorse of conscience which maketh me lament and bitterly weepe for my sinnes , and that perce●…uance I haue knowing how to confesse them interceding for my selfe through thy great mercie . But be it so , thou doe not giue me leaue to see thy countenance , shutting thy eares , in so much as that thou heare not my voice I shal be reduced into such an estate , that I shall proue to haue no remorse of conscience , nor ought of knowledg , which hath made me haue recourse to thee ; hence should I become the miserablest of men , alas ! a prey of desperation , the case altred , changing holie spirit into a peruerse , wicked , and reprobate spirit . So that my Lord take tender care of me , for my case is full of danger . Turne thy gratious benignitie towards me , my Lord , grant vnto me that I may affixe myne eyes , on those thine eyes , rare lampes , euen as the Eagle looketh on the Sunne , and let me contemplate in thee , that thy countenance , thy blessed vision , my safetie .

Giue vnto me againe the ioy of my being saued , which through sinne I had lost . Be it so that thou doe not gratiouslie giue it me againe ; I am more then assured that I shall neuer recouer it . When thou shall through thy bountie haue giuen it me , make good , make safe , confirme in me that principall spirit , that is , that spirit which is now full entertainer in me , of me , which wholie and fullie possesseth me ouercommeth me ; for thou well knowest that in vs are two incitements , two spurres , one of sense , the other of reason , which are the good and ill spirits , and within vs they continuallie contest , fight it out for the prey of the soule . Conserue in me therfore that good which may well guide me , and be a certaine , and most perfect directorie to my well-being and giuing it strength and vertue , grant vnto it that it may remaine constantlie victor of it's aduersarie , and I through the securitie of my safetie , and through the grnce I am enlarged with of this my good spirit , which will be as an effect of my thankfulnes , I will teach to the vniust , to the wicked , the meanes by which the fauour of God's mercie is acquired , is vudoubtedlie wonne .

I will instruct wretched transgressors in thy Law , ( not men of vpright heart , who haue no neede of my teaching , my directions ) the fordes of thy holie and most sacred wayes ; in which each one who taketh for guide the lampe of the just , may be assured , walking on , perseuering , to arriue to thy glorious pallace . And I will labour with earnestnes , with such ardent feruour , that euen impious and most vngodlie men , who feare not thee , are not affrighted , and are not shaken , at thine anger , thy wrath , and thy furie ; shal be conuerted , shall returne to thee , become other , new men : and thy being come to such passe , so reclaimed , speedilie they wil be fauourablie heard , for in thy presence is seene I know not how to call it , human wit cannot atriue to expresse it , that , which teacheth one to know ones ●…elfe , and to call , craue humblie beseech thee for mercie , on the effect whereof , the issue whereof , doth the safetie of each one depend and hence be it that thou conserue in me that spirit which I haue spoken of , which frequentl●…e repeate to thy goodnes , and by the meanes thereof I will cease farther to wepe for my sinnes , to bewaile them anie more , and I will make an end of all my lamentations , and become thy friend , hence will follow , will succeede a doctrine and wisedome , a fulnes of knowledg , which will shew score out , euidentlie demonstrate the waies , the pathes , yea the trackes , the foot steps , of thee our good and glorious Lord to all future ages .

Yet againe my Lord , whilst fauorablie thou lende●…t thine eare to these my prayers , my most humble petitions , free me , acquitt me , ô my e●…er good and gratious Lord , from the wicked , lewd , cruell , and ab●…ominable villanie of murther , which ministreth deserued●…ie occasion of thy disgrace towards me : and therefore free me my Lord from it , for being that I am appointed to preach , to declare to the Vniuerse , to the whole world , thy mercie , by which hereticks shal be conuerted , and the peruerse wicked also , it is necessarie that thou pardon me , giu●…ng me full remission of all my trespasses : and so doeing and giuing pardon to me so hainous a transgressor of thy lawes , through this one example of me who haue sinned , to the swing , to the full extent , of what man can miserablie arriue to , each sinner allured , all possessed of desire , and of hope to saue himselfe , will haue speedie recourse to thee , to craue , to humblie beseech thee , of thy such grace and mercie , euen as I haue donne , euen as I haue called on thee my Lord , and God of my saluation , whose innate connaturall goodnes , and bountie ( when so that thou shalt haue freed me from the guilt of my carnalitie , as also from the blood of one , when as , ah ! wretch that I was through my effrene , disordinate , & restie vnbridled appetite , I immersed , drownd my selfe in murder ) my tongue expeditelie with all promptnes , shall exalt & shew forth thy name , preach thy iustice . Hence ●…hould I be well known to sinners , ●…ho recalling themselues into them●…elues , who conuerted , will deplore , and miserably lament their trespasses , euen as I doe mine .

Lord , since that I am invested , seated in the place , in the degree , in the ranck of the good , through the bountie of that thy bountie , and not through the merits of ought good I haue donne , and being so changed , as that from a wicked and wretched man , I am become a new man , a iust man , euen raised through thy grace ; thou the selfe same benigne Lord , shalt open my lipps , by thy holie spirit , infusing into them guifts of speech , euen such which may be best agreeable to thy will , expedient , yea necessarie : thou hauing so enabled them , giuen vnto them such power , such facultie , I shall no sooner be hereof aduertised , but that my mouth shall breath forth hymnes , shall exalt , and magnifie thy praise . For that one●…ie and indeed is true and entire laud , which is sent fo●…th to thee our Lord , our God , others are vaine , deceiptfull and meere shadows , howbeit the praises which thou deseruest , are incomprehensible , and cannot be taken vp , be reached vnto by human capacitie , by human vnderstanding , for that thou art the moouer , and Author of all guifts , all vertues , and of all graces which wee know ; hence is it that in all my composements of P●…almes , and singing them I haue alwaies giuen attributes to thee , of glorie , and praise : and the glorie and praise which deseruedlie and duelie I haue giuen the , haue been the hostes , oblations and sacrifices vpon the eleuated parts of thy Temple , and vpon thy Altars .

Praise and glorie by tongue and heart I haue sacrificed to thee my Lord , and wouldst thou haue had other sacrifice , truelie , reallie , I would haue offered vp other ; but I see in spirit most euidentlie , and am satisfied fullie , that thou wilt not be appeased , pleased , like of holoca●…sts , & the time will come that thou shalt dislike , be displeased at such sacrifice ; for that they are ceremonies which outwardlie make a shew ; and otherwise is it with thee , for the mindes good intent●…ōs are receiued , entertained , and gratefull to thee : & therfore wouldst thou that Abraham should sacrifice his pure heart , his simplie good and sincere intentions , and not his sonne ; howbeit the sacrifice of the old law , was no other then a meere figure of that sacrifice that the Sonne of God will make & offer vp to his Father in redemption of human kinde : But if thou art not pleased , art auersed from the sacrifices made of beasts , them shall not there be any offered but vnto thee ? & how then shall wee appease thee ? when thou shalt be euen ready to inflict on vs scourges for our trespasses , when they are euen miserablie falling on vs , shall then thy mercie be in vaine , of which wee can take no benefit at all ? and shall wee no way penetrate so farre , inuestigate , finde out how , by what meanes possibly , to acquire it ? if so thou please that sacrifice bee our meanes by which wee may arriue to it , fully attaine it , gaine it acquire it .

Looke here , obserue well , for that I doe foretell with the spirit of prophecie , what ought to be the sacrifices now spoken of : the sacrifice pleasing , accepted of , gratefull to God , is a spirit a soule contribulated , a troubled and afflicted heart , not vnlike to a beast brought to be sacrificed , which is killed on the Altar which bleateth , beloweth , and kicketh strugleth in his fall , which is wrought by the sharpe , violent instrument of knife , and fire , suffering in the same manner as will thy most blessed Sonne : and hence is it that the lamentions , the heauy teares of an heart contribulated , much greiued , ruminating seriouslie on it's offences , in meane while praising our good Lord , demandeth , craueth his grace , is accepted by him in place , in liew of a beast , victimed , offered vp in sacrifice . The simple , pure , cleane , sincere , and sanctlie minde , is alwaies readie , through it's loue to suffer martyrdom , death , and that sacrifice which God willeth : such a readines of a sincere minde , and purelie taken , fullie enamored with true repentance , not farther ouerwhelmed in wickednes , is that host , that sacrifice which doth reconcile man with God : from a contrite and an humble heart God will neuer looke of , or despiset ; but will not reguard oxen , sheepe , and lambes offered vnto him without zeale , and without the teares and sorrow of the heart . And assure as anie thing can be true foretold , infalliblie it will come to passe , that the Messias to come shall say with a loud voice , shall giue notice to the vniuerse , to all the world : Bulls , and beasts I haue at times receiued as sacrifices to me offered , but the hearts and minds , their pure and sincere meanings , not alwaies : then my Lord since that I sacrifice my heart , and my minde , enritch me with thy mercie .

Through thy infinite goodnes , be bountifull , gratious and mercifull to Sion , which such name haue I giuen to the contemplation and speculation of them , who though their desire of trueth will obtaine , will arriue to the knowledg of thy Sonne . Alas ! my Lord let it be so , I humblie craue at thy mercifull hands , that the walls of Hierusalem , may be built , which I conceiue as a shew of peace , and vnion which ought to be with human kind in human kinde , to the praising , honoring , and adoring thee onelie . Stay not , delaie not to performe this thy benignitie heretofore within thy selfe resolued of , fullie decreed : and send thy Sonne , by whom , on whom this our new Church must be instructed , taught , built , and grounded : and in such manner building , raising the walls of Hierusalem , there will be built , raised in their soules , the excellencie , the vertue of thy sapience , thy wisedome which will improue them so much enl●…ghtē them , will so build and frame in themselues that such understanding which giueth the perceiuance , the cleare light , and euen the verie vision of eternall peace , without which their soules would perish together with their bodyes , aswell through the generall ingratitude , as also by reason of the sinne of the first father , whose faults would haue proued Hell & damnation to all human kinde , were it that with thee , thy bounteous decree , mercifull benignitie , had not otherwise stated a supplie , a redresse , to this inexpressably wofull misery , through the hands of that thy selfe-same clemencie , and of thy proper bountie ; who art more inclinable to shew benignity to Sion , then that of the raising of the walls of Hierusalem , which I craue not , who am all teares , all penicencie , and all scourge of repentance , to confirme and assure my selfe in the grace of my Lord and God , who when he shall haue sent his Sonne to the world , will verifie with his trueth my wordes .

When so thy sonne shall descend into the world , thou wilt accept the sacrifice of iustice , for it will be iustly expedient , and it shal be offered vp vnto thee , in memorie of his passion , and of his death . I say that thou wilt accept holocausts , sacrifices laid on the Altar and oblations : guifts by which meanes God is acknowledged rendring him glorie , apparantlie , most euidentlie , not without the singular , and inexpressible ioy of heares comfort , which oftentimes made all cheerefull , doth visiblie appeare in the sight of it's sacrifice . Lord , then worthilie calues shal be laid on thine Altar , for that they who then shall sacrifice to thee , may become illuminated by thy trueth ; hence thou shalt receiue from them , not onelie victimes , beasts killed for sacrifice , oblations , and holocausts , but likewise the sacrifice of a sincere heart , the entire loue of a pure soule , and the holocaust that the light , yea fire of charitie , and true zeale of faith , together with the other perfect and holie vertues will offer vp to thee : and all those externall demonstrations those outward workes wil be receiued from thy goodnes in signe of those inte●…nall , and true ones of the minde and heart . These wil be the sacrifices and presents , wherewith thou shalt be honored , & where with thy Majest●…e shal be glorified , and appeased , & here I end for that thy sprit doth not dictate , or prompt me with more which hitherto hath caused me to speake .

The end of the fourth Psalme .

THE FIFTH PROLOGVE .

AFTER that the Prophet had earnesily importuned , yea e●…en conjured the great mercy of God to take compassion of him , to haue ●…ercy on his trespasses , hee was yet on his knees , moued not place , and fearing that he ●…ght yet againe see the image of his sinne whi●…h gaue signe of punishment , euen poin●…ed at the place thereof , Hell : hee durst not ●…ift vp his head , his countena●…ce to heauen , ●…hich hee contemplated more with hidden , ●…hen hee did with open eyes ; and standing without any motion , h●…e recited , recorded ( with his heart to God , his lips mouing not ●…t all ) the forewritten , fore deliuered Psalme ; and who liuing had seen him , and obserued his posture , in that venerable gesture , would not onely haue beheld a sinner truely penitent , but he might likewise haue learned , how one ought sincerely to repent , being burthened with sinne : and for that it seemed to him , that he was vnworthy of pardon , in such sort his thoughts on his trespasses did greeueously oppresse him , that hee bewailed , piteously groned , sighed and sobbed deeply . Imagin the inexpressible greife , for no otherwise was it , then as if hee had heard a c●…rtaine voice deliuer vnto him that God almighty had ranged him among the reprobate , that hee had altogether abandoned him and had vtterly forsaken him , in so much as that hee was for all eternity depriued of his grace : and whilst thus hee was astonished , confounded yea meruailously abstracted from himselfe hee measured with the arme of his phantasy , of his deepe thoughts the largenes , the extent of the body of his trespasses ; his diligent inquisition finding them immesurable , insomuch as hee could not by any meanes giue accounte of the immensity thereof , at once hee shooke and trembled all ouer , and in that shaking and trembling hee seemed to be a si●…kman , now being taken with quiuering shakings and the rigorous pangs of death : and much fearing that his scattered and weake prayers , through want of words and manner of their deliuery , had no audience from God , preparing his sorrowfull and deeply aggreiued heart , yea making it redouble it's contrition touching againe the strings , now newly reviving , and quickning his voice , clearing his pipes , which had already moued to commiseration of his case , the seate of his penitency , humbly vttered .

THE FIFTH PSALME OF THE PENITENCY OF DAVID . Domine exaudi orationem meam . Psalme 101.

FAVORABL●… heare my prayer 〈◊〉 my Lord , my gratious Lord ; in which thou sees the contrition of 〈◊〉 heart contribulated , contristated , aggreiued to the height , the full extent and vttermost period of a sad , ah ! 〈◊〉 sad soule , for it 's hauing sinned against thee . Alas ! let it be so that my lamentations , my moanes , my dolefull cryes , may come to thee in such their state : nor let for thy goodne●… sake , that distance of place be an obstacle to them , nor let windes transferre them , or violentlie carrie them away ; let there not be any impediment which may haue power to interpose it selfe betweene thine eares , and my voice ; any thing which may disuiate , turne another way thy hearing from my ( oh ! ) such lamentations : rather receiue the prayers I send forth to thee , con●…ormable to the nature of thy mercie , and obserue me , looke on me how it is , for I pray more with my heart , than call I loudly out with my tongue . For I right well know that who turneth himselfe to God with sincere , with vnfained intention , fulfilleth , accomplisheth his prayer , before the wordes are vttered : thy goodnes , not expecting that the words appeare before thee . So that let the clouds be dispersed which through this aire , haue made the foggs of the pride of my transgressions , and let my cry through-passe vp thither , where thou abidest , that I may with it testimonie , giue thee assurance of my minde most attentiuelie , seriously , and with fulnes of spirit , contrite .

Oh! my Lord , hide not thy face from me , as those Ma●…sters hide their faces from their seruants , who trespasse against them , who for that they take themselues to be iniured , by such their transgressions , doe not onelie denie their countenance which they humbly craue , but also denie the hearing of them speake , and to giue them leaue to aske for pardon , for mercie , therfore doe they so , to the end that they may learne to correct themselues , of their neglects of duety , euen as I haue learned who deseruedlie should haue inflicted on me my selfe onelie , for my not fearing of thy chastisements all the scourges wherewith God punisheth the infinite coute of the wicked . But though so it be , though I deserue such inflictions , doe not hide thy selfe from me : rather at what time soeuer I am oppressed , encline thine eare to me , not answerablie to my peruersenes , but according to what becommeth thy mercie , in such sort that in the tribulations , extreame afflictions which my soule shall feele through repentance , and in these , which my body shall suffer in penitencie ; heare thou with a friendlie eare , and if so doing thou commiserate not , thou be not moued to mercifull pitty on my prayers , which my miserie will desiuer , will send , will make known to thee , I am then euen content to stand to my miserie , to abide in this miserable state . But if thou heare me , for that thou art pitty it selfe , I am then free from fetters , from bonds , in which sinne made accounte to hold me for euer .

Though the great the ardent desire I haue to be free from the snares , the entanglements of sinne , I revnfold my selfe to thee , and beseech thee againe my Lord that in what day soeuer I shall inuoke thee , call earnestlie on thee , thou heare me fauourablie , and that speedilie , I say that thou please to grant vnto me thy grace , at what time soeuer the light of well knowing of well discerning , distinguishing , shal be with me , my eyes being freed , disincombred of obscurities , obfuscations , which euen at noone day , the vaine windes , the puffes of vaine glorie , doe blast , doe blow on them .

And for that my daies faile , vanish as smoke , not producing , not bringing forth in my seasons , in my harnests any thing but fruite of damnation , I might well doubt to finde peace and attonement with thee ; but still ●…auring confidence in my penitent sufferance , and my contrition , one whereof argueth my outward sorrow , the other giueth credit and testimonie of my inward hearts greife , my compunction of soule I doubt not , I feare not ought : For the strength of thy great mercie doth secure me . But it greineth me verie much that pride hath conuerted them into such smcke , into which their thanklesnes , their careles●…es , euen aiming to haue will to raise themselues to Heauen are turned , returning their puffe of vanitie into that nothing at all , into which are dissolued mists , foggs , and clouds , the winds aduersaries , enimies of their condensitie , of their grossnes , sharplie blowing . And my daies being that is my vaine workes , my vaine deedes , in which I spent my time , deficient , ill pas●…ed ouer , vnworthily consumed , my bones inflamed by the fire of wordlie pleasure , are become no otherwise then a thing quite burnt : for that the soule retired , altogether recol●…ected into it ●…elfe , hath bereft them of that nourishment ; hence they remained in continuall heate : and in their last burning heare , not vnlikely had they offended , and notablie hurte the faculties and the vertues of the soule , had not ●…eturnd to thee my Lord , who helpest the poore , the beggars , supplye●… them , makest the strong feeble , and exaltest and raisest vp the humble .

My heart hath been smitten and is dryed in me not vnlike hay , and hence falleth on me all this , for that I haue forgotten through my wretched carelesnes to eate my bread . The true bread of our life , are the commandements of the Law , the workes of mercie and other pious offices , which are spirituall foode on which the soule is fed , to the end it perish not , it 's vtter losse and death follow not , which hence commeth and hence onelie , for that it eateth not of this foode , for other nourisheth not , but poysoneth . But I who timelie haue reflected on my selfe , & in time make my recourse to thee confessing to haue fallen greiviously , to haue offended mortall●…e , for not hauing accustomed my selfe , for not hauing vsed and made election of such forde , yet despaire I not of my safetie , of my saluation : But rather like a man who hath druncke poyson , whose heate extreamelie burneth his heart , and all his bowe●…ls , his entrailes , and suddainlie hauing recourse to helpe , hath put himselfe , into the hands , and skill of a learned , expert , and prudent Phisitian , by whose presence hee finde●…h himselfe to be alleviated , eased ( though the hope hee hath ) of the greatest part of his sufferance , of his g●…iefe : I requiring , humbly crauing assistance , cure , helpe of thee , finde promised vnto me through my p●…nitencie , and through thy commi●…eration , thy mercie , the health , the safety , which I seeke for my soule , which recomforted , newly reioyced , in the compunction , the deepe griefe of it's heart .

Through the continuall and incessant voice of my plaints , my greiuous lamentations , my bones are in such manner so clung to my flesh , that I seeme to be a bodie hunger-starued , consumeth for want of foode , in which is shutt vp a spirit so weake , so ouertyred with faintnesse , that with much difficultie can it send forth so much vitall breath , that may shew that it liueth , and to this state am I reduced , to this passe am I come , for that I haue not nourished my soule with thy foode , hence is it that my bones are destroyed , my strength gonne , and ( the forces , the vertue of my soule , each day more and more consuming through my faults , my trespasses ) I am reduced to such an estate , that I am as it were a man who lying on the earth , can hardlie be thought either to be aliue or dead : and through thus such like weaknes , I haue so litle breath , so litle strength , in me , that I fere I cannot open my mouth to comfort me with the bread of health which the hope giueth me which my teares haue in thee , I say those teares which my heart powreth forth to make thee fo●…get my transgressions .

I am become like a Pellican saist thou by my tongue , & I apprehend it , I vnderstand it right well ; for that in enlightning me , and giuing me grace , that I may conceiue it , thou dost througlie purifie my spirit , dost giue light & force to such a tenor , to such being , to such an height , that I returne , reassume to speake in thy name , in thy person , and hence thus doe I speake ; I am like a Pellican ; I will open my breast with the bill of my mercifull will , and in the sollitude of the world ( which well may be so termed , for that in it , respect had to thee , relation to thee weighed , each one is dead ) with my bloud will I resuscitate , raise againe Nations , the Gentiles , as doth the Pelcan , his young ones , who dead reassume life in the blood of the bird , which hath brought them forth : but euen as the Owle in his place of abiding , in his perching place , seeth nothing but darknes , so I in the world shall see no other but obscuritie , heauy , gloomy darkenes of sinne , fogḡs , mists of pride , and smokes of vanity .

Yea yet and againe thou speakest ( my Lord ) saying , I awaked , watched , and am become like a sollitarie sparow vpon the roofe of an house : thy word meaning that when others shall esteeme thee dead , thou wilt watch , thou wilt awake , which is asmuch to say that to our seeming , resuscitating , rising againe the third day , thou shalt haue seemed to haue slept , but in the dayes that thou shalt sleepe , imposing end , making completion of thy miraculous workes , which thy will hath decreed to expedite , to finish compleatile , with thy workes thou shalt euen sweat , take heauie paines for the common good , the common safetie of all the Vniuerse , of all the world , and breaking , rending a sunder and in peices , the gates of Hell , with the force of thy pitty , thy tender mercie , binding , banishing , and to euerlasting fire condemning our old aduersary , thou shalt demonstrate in this such like slumber , in this such like sleepe , that thou wert attentiue , that thou wert alwaies watchfull , that thou didst fully watch for the publique benefit of thy creatures . And in so doing thou w●…lt resemble a louelie retired solitarie sparrow , who after his flight from el●…where , strangerlike , alone , one onelie , pitcheth himselfe , allighteth , and remayneth , as in a place of rest , in a house , wherein are manie people allodged . I say that thou hauing disposed , consummated those affaires which thou hast to doe on the earth , thou shalt aduance thy selfe , and mounte to Heauen , remayning euer after in Paradice with the Angels , and among the soules , as one onelie God , and one onely Sauiour of the world : But thou procedest further in my wordes .

At all times euen they who most especially should remember themselues of the benefits they haue receiued from my larges from my greate bounty , calumniated me , laid to my charge falslly & malitiously crimes , in such sort as if my good workes were wicked and those who praised me in my presence , speaking ill of me behinde my backe , yea tearing me to pieces with their spightfull malitious tongues , conspired against me as if I were not a Sauiour , but a Tyrant of their well-being , their safetie , their saluation ; and it shal be true , Lord that the vnfaithfull , and they whose hearts are perfidious , and blinde at the light of thy miracles , taking in ill part thy wonders , which they cannot infringe , cannot denie ( height of the worst of damnable wretches , then whom none exceede ) will come , will arise against thee as wol●…es doe against a simple & most innocent lambe ; hauing no will to take notice , to remember themselues , to haue known the trueth of those thy misteryes , in thy presence , which they praised , they extolled ; and farre otherwise , farre from that trueth , they made a head , they made a congregation , and sect against thy most just , thy most precious blood , yet shed for them , so that they confesse , and penitentlie acknowledge that they wrongfullie iniured thy innocencie with their enuie , their malitious heart burning , which was invented against thee , vpon those their false grounds , which one day thou wilt deliuer and expresse thy selfe .

For I most humbly did eate ashes , as bread , I mingled my drinke with teares , thanking them heartilie , yea further enriching them with my fauours , whosoeuer made me hott with the fire of charitie , and sprinkled and dropped on me these ashes , and these teares , giuing me them to dinner & to supper : The enuie and wickednes of the vnjust disquieted me , molested me with the iniuries of reprehension , rebuke , controll , it displeasing them that I should re ceiue into my grace sinners , by reason of the vertue of their repentance . And not onelie will they seeke in such manner , by such ill offices , to calumniate me to detract from me , and to forge crimes against me , but they will machinate , worke , prepare death to me innocent , for my , innocencie . And as sure as ought can haue infallibilitie , this shall follow , shall happen , for that thou sayst it ; and for the falsenes , the perfidiousnes , and heighth of disloyaltie , of the mindes of Princes of this people ; in their knowing that the preaching , letting be divulged , and declaring thy trueth , is the end of destroying wicked custome , which they will bring in practise to thy Church , to depriue the poore of their meanes , vnder pretext of great deuotion , greate zeale to sacrifice their guifts to thee , by charge whereof , their purses emptied , they sha be open enimies of thy iustice , and of thy trueth . And for that that will be , that thou willest be , I speake in the person of human kinde , who speaketh with the tongue of the first father .

Through thine anger , and thy disdeigne , thy wrath , moued in thee , through my sinne , which I Adam transcending the bounds of obedience , committed , I was depriued , be●…eft of the principallest state of happines , of felicitie , and beatitude of the blessed yision of all goodnes of God : and I was through mine error , my fault , my sinne cast downe into ruines from a precipice , I was cast headlong downe to a miserable state through such my lamentable fall . And so is it that the magnificent aduancement , which v●…ithout any merit of mine I receiued from thy bountie , through fault of my ill and peruerse malitious will , and ingratitude hath been my vtter and last ouerthrow and ruine ; but thy mercie will not , that the punishment of my trangression , of my gre●…ueous faults ( if we will not our se●…ues , prouoking thy displeasure , th●…ne anger , by new trespasses ) be the losse of the soule , but onelie of the bodie , hence may I say , that .

My daies are declined as the Sunne , when it goeth downe towards the Euening , and they are become euen as shadowes . And well deliuereth hee the trueth : For if there had not been transgression in our first farher , our daies , that is asmuch to say , our liues , who haue our descent from him would haue been eternall , and not short , not suddainlie past ouer as a shadow ; whence the sonnes of men would not liue with that care , and with that feare , which they inceslantlie haue of their graues , and of death ; and I Dauid should not haue come vnder the yoke of time , of yeares , arid , dry as hay : who before ouercome in grenenes the Emeralds , and if so it were I should not haue to expect the sacrifice of the sonne of my Lord , nor were I to suffer , to participate of the punishment of this transgression , through which thou hast not onelie shortned our life , but wee are subject , and lyable to the scourge of pennance and sigthe of death .

But thou my Lord shalt not faile , nor come to nothing as a shadow , thou shalt neuer be lessened , thou shalt neuer be changed , be otherwise then thou art , rather thou shalt be and remaine for euer and euer , and euen as then thou wert powerfull to punish vs , so likewise thou shalt without end be powerfull to free vs , and the memorie of thee shall remaine from generation , to generation , in all ages and times : nor shall the Heauen euer be beheld , be gazed on , nor Sea , nor Earth , but that each one shall wonder at the power of thy vertue , and for that thou art that mercifull God ( the memorie of whom ought to last together with thy power to all times , and ages ) thou will deigne to recouer vs againe to receiue vs gratiouslie , being the workes of thy hands , into the bosome of thy mercie , to the end that through all ages , all times , in the hearts of people susteined and made happie therewith the memorie of thy goodnes , and of thy power , which is infinite , as art thou shall remaine , who .

Rising againe shalt haue mercie on Sion , although the trespasses of our first father , and of vs are infinite ; When thou shalt rise againe , I am assured , that thou wilt pittie , commiserate , and haue mercie on Sion , which I figure for human generation , for human ki●…de : and for that at length the time is come to haue mercie thereon , let sinners reioyce , who through the comming of thy Sonne into this world , doe rise and come forth , from the place of their sepulchers , through the hand , of the power of thy merits , mercifullie conferred on them : Let them reioyce , who will know to suffer the persecution of the wicked . Giue them courage my Lord , and comfort them with the hope of arriuing to thy kingdome , for that thou hast laid open to them the gates wherebie they may ascend thether , through the vertue of faith , and their endurance , their sufferance , their patience : and well deserue they to be with thee pertakers of Paradice , since that Martyrdomes for thy sake are dearly wellcome to them .

I say Lord , that there will arise manie Apostles , and seruants of thy sonne resuscitated , risen againe , to whom the stonnes of mountaines shal be more pleasing , than the iewells , then the gemmes of the East : an●… these such ( enamored , altogethe●… taken vp , fullie possessed , rapt wit●… Marty●…domes , by which meane●… they may haue place in thy grace , they may please thee , winne thee t●… them , despising sword , stones , gallowes , crosse , and prisons ) will divulge , will preach the trueth , dictated , deliuered , appointed to be in th●… tongue of the Gospell ; and after their passions suffered , and at an end , to exalt thy name , moued through example , which thou our Lord wilt giue them , praying for their Crucifiers , they shall haue compassion of the countreys wherein they suffered : I say that the Martyrs shall be moued to pittie , to sensible commiseration of them who do put them to death , doe Martyrize them , praying thee that the authors of their pesecutions , be conuerted , who although they are wicked , were yet not withstan●…ing framed , moulded of the same ●…arth , which were they themselues ●…amed of by thee .

And for that thou wilt haue an ●…mcomprehensible compassion , an ●…credible mercy on human kinde , & ●…r that thy most iust seruants shall ●…ke delight , & singular consolation in Martyrdome , which shall be impo●…ed on them , inflicted on them in thy ●…eruice , Oh blessed truth to appeare , ●…o shine in thee with more splendour , ●…nd with much more cleare light , ●…nd countenance , then doth the Sun ●…ake shew of , when it is euen newly ●…sen from the Ocean , the maine ●…ea , and through the faithfull meanes ●…f thy preachers , all Nations shall ●…ot onelie honour thy name , but ●…ey shall tremble at it , and feare it : ●…nd all the kings of the earth , perceiing that their splendor , and geeatnes compared to thine , are farre lesse then the light of the starres , whilst the beames of the Sun enlighten the firmament , with their bright resplendent rayes ( which imitating thy goodnes , with the same bounty , doth shine on the wicked as on the good ) shall feare ●…hy glory , more then their subiects , their people shall feare them , vnder whom they are in obedience , in duetie , whom they obey , for that in it , in that thy trueth is seated , the height of iustice which seuerelie doth execute iustice on all their transgressions , which without ought fearing thee , haue been hainouslie and mortallie committed , in thy sight , before , or after the knowledg of trueth .

For our Lord hath built Sion in the pure , and sincere hearts of men chosen , elected by the holie Ghost thanks for Sion , thanks for this ne●… speculation , and this new Church there wil be laid open a way , an euen path , by which with fewer , readier , shorter steps , Heauen may be arriued to , Paradice acquired : and that this is true , hee wil be seene in his glory : Hee shall euidentlie be seene , in that direfull , most dreadfull day of doome , of vniuersall iudgment , in which will appeare as to his glorie , how hee she wed himselfe , what hee did , what hee suffered to redeeme vs , it will be then seene , how hee dyed for vs , how hee dyed that wee might ●…ue and not dye ; it wil be also shewen , that if it depend not on our obstinacie , as to his glory , the Deuill shal be ouercome , and tyed vp in his proper chaines , for that the mercie of redemption , ought to extend it selfe to the sauing of vs all , and so ought to be and is of such nature , for that he loueth vs each one eqnally ; and if so that yet not withstanding the desert of our wicked wretched trespasses transgressions , greiuous sinnes , shall condemne vs to the pitt of Hell , yea euen that is agreable , & conformable to his glory ; for herein shall his power be demonstrated , cleerlie shewen , to all and each one of those who would , that so farre as concerne them his blood should be lost , be of no worth , spi●…t in vaine , and remaining alwayes in perfidiousnes , in peruersnes , in wretchednes , are neuer consoled , comforted with liuelie hope of sauing themselues : hence is it that God doth neuer turne the such eye of his mercie , with which he looketh on them who are humble .

Hee hath respected the prayers of the humble ; and so hath hee donne , for that the irrecouerable cause of losse , is not the burthen , the weight , the greiuousnes , nor the number of sinnes : but the danger is placed , hath his being and seate , in the hardnes of minde , hardnes of heart , in that iniquitie , that wretchednes of not being of good will to be conuerted , and to remaine in such pride , as not to haue recourse to God : from hence ariseth it , that they who liue in such like obstinacie , are necessarilie damned , for they lying downe , wallowing in the dreggs , the mire of sinne , without euer turning themselues either with heart , eyes , or workes to God , it is all to nothing , it is impossible to be otherwise , than that they dye in Gods disgrace , as perfidious wretches , and enimies of their owne safety , and of their soules . But they who looke not on the weight , the burthen , nor on the number of their trespasses , but rather rectifie , and turne aright their mindes , to his immense and inexhaustible mercie , imploring humbly crauing pardon of their transgressions committed against him ; procure vnto themselues , through teares & through penitent hearts-griefe , that God neither will nor can refuse them , deny them the grace of his mercie , and be their sinnes as heauy burthesome , greate as imagination can conceiue , as much , & as fully , as farre as can be passibly , he hath not onely not despi●…ed their prayers , though coming from sinners voices , but not hiding his face from them , hath giuen full hearing , full audience to them , and fauorably hee heareth them , he inclineth his gratious attentiue eare , as hee doth to the benedictions , and prayses , which those who are perfect in heart , and spirit giue to his blessed name . And such bounty of God shal be known to such an one , who shal be worthy to know it .

These deliuered shall be written in another generation , hereafter , for the Iewes , through their most wicked and perfidious pertinacie , obstinacie , shall know them ; as the day is discouered by the Moles , and the Sun by the owles ; and the wilfullie blind not seeing the lights of the new Testament , shall not receiue the trueth preached by the word , the Sonne , to the justice of the first , shall God's mercie assist : nor hence can it be otherwise , but that by the lewes hee suffer death , whence the knowledg of this new law is taken away from them . But the Gentiles which shall be certainlie thine , faithfully thine , on whom shall be transferred , translated , turned ouer , this thy trueth , will praise thee their Lord , receiuing each part , each parcell of it , & obseruing it , as the lawes of diuine mercie ought to be obserued , which will neuer despise the prayers of what sinner soeuer , who is contrite , & humbled , euen as a people ( so farre as concernes the light of trueth ) new he created , who heretofore were possessed , altogether in beliefe of false Gods ; hence they will giue praise and thanks to thee Lord , for that thou hast been to them bountifull of those thy graces , through which thy bounty man is made secure from death , and from Hell ; and all this will come to passe , wil be in it's time ; for that God hath vouchsafed to looke on them .

For our Lord hath looked downeward from on high , for that he hath looked from Heauen on Earth , ou●… soules are made inhabitants , Citizens of his kingdome ; and this guift hath his goodnes bestowed on vs , wh●… looking on the world foreseeth th●… eternall danger on vs the woorkes o●… his hands , & for that hee reguardet●… those his workes , loueth them with that affection , with which God loueth him , who alwaies loued him , moued tenderlie to pitty , commiseration of human kinde , made his Sonne man , and dying as man , taking man out of the deepes , hath receiued him in the bosome of his great mercie . But I feare , I tremble , to thinke on what will become of vs , if God did not looke on vs , from his residence on high ; if hee did not seriously affixe his eyes on the necessities of human kinde ; or if hee looked on vs with lesse affection , then hee hath heretofore donne , wo ! yea wo indeed to our soules , nothing but los●…e & vtter perdition , for that would haue been another greife , and torment , another inexpressible-lamentable calamitie which Hell would haue made for them , then is that which time worketh , and the bringing to nothing these tresses , this flesh and bones . But in considering what thou hast donne from Heauen on Earth , thou compleatlie finishedst , gauest full effect to that which thou thoughtest on , decreedst on the day in which thou createdst the world ; and the miserable lamentations of human kinde ( who seemed with loud voices , to call out vpon thy Sonne to their helpe ) as it were , enforced thee .

The hearing of the pittifull moanes of bondmen , occasioned in thee , caused in thee , bred in thee the effect , the issue of thy most sublime , and most profound care , hence thou vouch●…afedst to send thy sonne for our Redemption . O my good and gratious Lord , it being that all things that euer shal be , are present to thee , thou didst heare the waylings , the moanes , the compassionable outcryes and teares of Limbus , which showred like a tempest from their eyes , who confined in darkenes , were fauoured , assisted by the goodnes of their workes ; which they had donne in their liues time , and deseruing pardon for the trespasses , made by Eve's husband , by Adam , thou determinest , thou decreest , that they should taste of the fruite of ●…hy mercie , as the sonnes of them who were dead , likewise haue tasted : I meane Christians , whose ancestors dyed before that attonement v●…as made , & fully established betweene God and man , who liued in thy disfauour , in thy disgrace , through the sinne of him , who was the first who disobeyed thee ; and were it not that thou did'st humble thy selfe , to incarnate thy diuinitie with thy humanitie , neither from Limbus , nor from Hell , were they to be vntyed , nor euer were they to be freed , discharged , no not thy friendes , nor the sonnes of them that haue not known Christ .

Thou shalt illuminate with thy grace , the sonnes of them , who are dead without thy light ▪ to the end that they declare in Sion , the name of thee our Lord , and thy praises in Hierusalem , vndoubtedlie these selfe same will preach thy name , to the bene●…it , to the safetie of soules : for that from fruite of preaching succeedeth praise and to Gods glorie the conuersion of Nations , and to Hierusalem and Sion peace , and the speculation , the contemplation shall bring ioy & singular hearts-comfort , ( true faith obtained ) the true , & most perspicuous light of trueth , by meanes of the seruants , and friends of Christ , & then shall the world triumphe , in it's perfect ioy , for that God shal be accorded , God shall haue made attonement with man , in testimonie whereof , hee shall forget the disobedience of him that was expelled , banished , from terrestriall Paradice , for hauing valued an aple at an higher rate then God's commandement .

But when so the name of our Lord , shal be preached through all the world , congregating and gathering together contemplation , speculation , and peace in one , both kings & people , to the end they may serue God , the Christ Turrian Church , into which shall be collected , assembled , the people as also Kings .

Maketh this answere to God , who in the way of his goodnes , his vertue called it his spouse , it pleased him to see it held in reuerence , much honored by the selected number of the good . Shew me the length of my dayes , sincel perceiue , I clearlie see my accrease , aduancement , and glorie , Kings and people coming to me , for no other end but to serue thee . And so much doth it say alwaies , beholding it's greatnes , as if it had before it all Hereticks , all Antichristians , & all false Apostles , who will come to molest it , to displease it , to wrong it , to trespasse against it , with the malitious peruersnes of their deuillish doctrines , with the power and might of their abominablie wretched worckes , and with the deceipt of a fained goodnes : And thus earnestly encited , prouoked with a sensible feare , conuerting it selfe to thee with all it's feruour possiblie , yet againe thus proceedeth .

Let not thy goodnes call me away in the midst of my dayes : Lord thy dayes , thy yeares , thy time shall out last all generations , and shall transcend all ages ; but I who perceiue dangers to be hanging ouer me , which tongues , ill example , and wretched mindes of wicked Christians , will attempt to make me headlonglie fall into , am in great feare lest I become les●…ened , and faile in the midst of my dayes , as doe the lambs of a flocke decrease in number , trhough the rott . For it seemeth to me , alreadie to be gouerned , by the rod of some pastors , much more greedie , desirous of my blood , & of the blood of my flocke , then will they be , of my firmenes , my strength , my constancie , and their safetie , their saluation hence trembling not without reason , not without great cause , I humblie craue that thou let not me become lesse , faile in the fairest bloome yea flower of my youth , and remember , reflect hereon , that I am thine handmaid , and thy spouse : hence is there no reason that I faile to flourish . Grant vnto me that I may liue euer joyned to thee ( who shalt euer be , alwaies liue ) at least as long as the world and human generation lasteth : and that shall so be , if so thou from age to age , from nation to nation mainteine me in the hearts , & in the vnion of kings and people .

Thou Lord in the beginning didst make the Earth , and the Heauens are workes of thy hands : and in the labours of such operations , of such workes thou shewedst thy power , thy glory , & thy eternitie ; & so didst thou to the end that wee might liue here below , vntill that our workes might deserue there aboue their reward : so boundles is the loue , that thou who art the maket of all things dost beare to vs , who setting aside the priuiledge which wee haue of being of thy making , wee are euen as things of nothing . Thou my Lord God madst the Sunne , the Moone & the Starres , with other Heauenly workes of thy euerlasting hands , and all for vs , for our soules to speculate on , to looke on , to contemplate , whose soules free in their election , in their choise , are able , if willing , to be accepted of , admitted , and to be receiued in the Colledge , in the fellowship of Angels in the order , in the state , and ranke of Archangels , in the number of Cherubins , in the quire of Seraphins , and in the societie of all the military troopes of Heauen , treading vnder our feete the Celestiall signes & Planets , which shall haue an end , if so it shall please thee .

They shall perish , but thou shalt alwaies be , thou shalt alwaies remaine , and they shal be consumed , come to nothing like garments . It is true Lord , that what participateth not in condition , in qualitie and substance of thy eternitie , shall become fume , shall resolue it selfe into smoke , shall come euen to nothing : but those things which haue measure , haue quantitie , and substance from thee , shall remaine entire : for that thou onelie art eternall , and the Heauens participaters of thy vertue , shall remaine , together with all other things that thy omnipotencie please remaine , as our soules , which thou createdst , for ( if that they through themselues be not deficient ) they eternally dwell with thee . But each other thing shall decline , be worse and worse , euen as daylie worne cloathes , are become at length through continuall wearing , nought worth , altogether worne out , consuming , as doe all terrestriall things . And in this second death wherewith time , armed with yeares , beateth downe and maketh an end of all things , thy power and eternity is demonstrated , is clearly shewen , which can doe what it will , hence if it please thee , thou wilt likewise change the Heauens .

So that it please thee , if thou wilt , thou shalt remoue the heauens out of such their now place , and thou shalt change them as a garment : for the same power thou hast on the world , thou hast on the Heauens : thou hast made them and thou canst destroy them , thou canst pull them all to pieces , vnioynt them , remoue them from their proper spheres , and in a moment thou canst make other axeltrees , new Poles , and other lights , other Sunn 's , other Starres , & other Moones , and the Heauens with it's lights shal be subiect to change , and increase of number if it so be thy will . But thou art alwaies the same without being vnder any other power but thine owne selfe-same , and thy yeares will not faile , for time hath nothing to doe with them , they are not subjects to time ; hence they shall alwaies haue being , they shall neuer haue end nor though there pa●…e , it importeth not how many lusters , how many ages , how many hundred yeares ; to thee the accompte , is euen of one day , is not diminished , is not wanting : for thou art hee , who is author of the selfe same Eternitie , which ought necessarilie , must be with thee alwaies in it's proper state , in it's proper power .

And for that thy pitty , commiseration , thy mercie is infinite , answerable to the affection , to the great loue , thou bearest vnto vs ; the ofsprings , the sonnes of thy seruant shall liue and inhabite with this thy eternity , and the generation of them shall euer remaine , be conserued for euer ; and from hence thy graces , occasion that thy mercie dilate , extend it selfe to iust men , and to such persons who will employ all their time and labours in obeying thee , both fearing thee , and louing thee : from whence the good soules , alwaies remaining shall haue more felicity than the Heauens themselues , which thou peraduenture wilt make a new , but these shall alwaies liue with thee , and this hath not onelie been largesse of thy bounty to thy seruants , but also to their childrens children , for euer , if so be by their default they faile not to make election at all , to liue well .

The end of the fifth Psalme .

THE SIXTH PROLOGVE .

AFTER Dauid had vttered the aforesaid prayer , the last sound of his voice , of his harmonious tunes , made a murmuring , a like to what is heard in the Heauens , and in the aire , when it beginneth to thunder : and falling of , breaking of by a seeming stealth by litle and litle , as it were insensensibly , no otherwise then doth the last enclining , lowly and couert sound , in the silent murmure of instruments of musique , whenas the skilfull art of the Musitiàn leaueth to touch them ; the penitent King receiued into his soule an vnvsuall consolation , an vnspeakable comfort , which denoted to him , gaue him so cleare vnderstanding , as that he found in himselfe an infallible , and most vndoubted certainty , that God had opened his eares to his prayers , and receiued him by them , with that clemency , wherewith the prayers of his true and faithfull seruants finde entertaiment . But not withstanding it not seeming apparantly vnto him that his penitency was yet arriued to the completion and period of the remission of his sinnes , not abstracting a jott , not turning of his minde a whitt , from serious , and most attentiue contemplation , consideration of the mercy of God , he was astonished , and in deepe suspence , re●…apitulating in his minde , taking into his thoughts againe casting vp againe the accounts of his first life , how formerly he had liued , and thinking within himselfe , of his good and just enlightning thoughts , which moued him to giue credit , to the wholesome and sound Counsailes and threats of Nathan : for from hence came it that hee entombed , enterred aliue , enclosed within the horride darkenes of the Caue , deploring his greiuous transgressions with such like affect and feruency , which God requireth at the hands of a siuner ; hauing been all time taken vp with such pleasures which the world willingly giueth vs ; for that wee loue it , as we ought to loue Heauen ; yet reposing some what his right hand on his beard , and his fore-finger ouerth wart his lips , he well knowing , being most ascertained , that onely breathing forth , yea pathetically singing hymnes of his penitency , could set him againe in state of well being , in the grace of God returned to him with his heart , with his face lifted vp , with the countenance of a penitent , with words well and harmoniously deliuered straight vtered these .

THE SIXTH PSALME OF THE PENITENCY OF DAVID . De profundis clamaui ad te . Psalme 129.

FROM the deepes I haue called out to thee my Lord ; ô Lord my Lord fauorably heare my prayers : for now I beseech thee , as I haue many times ●…arnestly implored thee , and this my petition , my supplication , my humble prayers , which I ofter at thy feete , arise from the depth of my hainous transgressions , and for that they haue as it were ouer cast , ouer whelmed , yea euen buried my soule in the bottomlesse pitt of Hell , I come to thee , alas ! I haue recourse to thee , with a voice rendring forth words , drawne , sent from the bottome of my heart , and framed in the bottome of this Caue , this dungeon , onely to mooue thy mercies , pardon vnto me , for all the sinnes I haue miserably and wretchedly trespassed in , which I haue humbly acknowledged from the houre , from the moment of my reassuming my selfe , euen to this verie instant . In such sort that my prayer may be registred in the booke where are recorded the transgressions forgiuen to them who know to sinne , and who knew to repent themselues , who hauing sinned , yet ran the course to recouer themselues by repentance .

Let thy eares be attentiue to the voice of my supplica●…ions , for there is no center so discost , so farre of , so deepe , which controlls thy hearing of them , who invoke thee , call vpon thee for helpe , for aide from their hearts . The words my Lord framed by them who haue some diffidence , doubt , mistrust in thy grace , are not blown away by winde , or dissolued into winde through the distance which is from thy height , to our low , & deepe places , it is farre otherwise , for thou hearest them in such sorte , as if they who send them vp to thee were at hand , present : and so being it , that we are in thy sight , in thy presence , through the infinitenes of thy bounty , although we are most vnworthy to be nigh thee , thou dost saue vs . And therfore good God heare me attentiuely , who call on thee with my heart , whilst also I waile , I moane , I weepe in this obscure and darke Caue : Heare me with such fauourable audience , as thou didst hearken and lend thine eare to Ionas , who from the bottome of the Whales belly , called on thee his Lord , earnestly , fervently , and with a truely contrite heart ; O then my Lord let me also be heard , fauourably heare me , yea and heare me in such manner , that hearing me thou grant me my requests , my humble petitions ; for ô my Lord now it is long sithence that I haue with my prayers invocated thee , called vnto thee , with a loud and earnest voice : and though so it be , that thou art in the height of thy glory , and 〈◊〉 in the Center of my sinne , let it please thee , deigne that thy eares heare me compassionatly , to whose eares it is euen harmony to heare their prayer who in this life pray with their hearts , as is delectably sweet in that other life , other state and being , the hearing the lauds , the thanks , which the Angells tune to thee , and melodiouslie send forth , with exalted voices .

But if so that thou shalt take stricte notice of iniquities , of trespasses Lord , ô my Lord , who soyled with them , who so burthened , shall be able to sustaine thee ; who such can looke on thee ? not any such vndoubtedly will there be who can support thy justice , if thou doest not forget , lay aside the taking notice of the sinnes of such : for that there is not any so just , nor so perfect in this horrible sea of tribulation , who can ( if so be it thou dost adiuge him , with the seueritie , the rigour of thy justice onelie ) sustaine , beare the burthen ( although hee doe couer himselfe , defend himselfe , vnder the buckler of the vert●…e of heart & fortitude of minde ) of his trespasses , for on the head of him that transgresseth thou doest inflict thy terrible punishments , thy horrible scourges . But for that thou hast made thy mercie companion of thy ju●…ice , and for that each of them is infinite , I being not able to haue accesse , re●…ourse to thee , by meanes of this , make me worthy that I may arriue to thee by meanes of the other . Truelie there is not any who through his owne deserts , and through his innocencie , being in such state of sinne , could susta●…ne , vndergoe thy judgment , if so that on such an one , thou hadst put in practise ▪ in execution thy iustice onelie : But because thou knowest Lord what , and of what qualitie , what condition , is human frailty of , thou hast ma●…e vs know thy mercie , hence are we confident , hence are we appeased , hence rest we sure in it , thankes be to it through thee .

For with thee is mercie , for thy law haue I sustained thee : I say in demonstration how much , yea and what is the mercie of thy gratious commiserating goodnes , thou shalt send downe thy Sonne into the world , whence I who through thy grace and vertue know this new law , and this new order , this new disposition of things , whereby each one who will may be saued in thy decreed mercie , haue in sustaining , supporting placed my hopes in thee , and I am not confounded , I am not in despaire , but if thou so wert not pleased , that I know to recount the goodnes of thy grace , which thou hast giuen me , as also that thou wilt not pardon euerie one , but yet wilt send thy Sonne to dye for the saluation of sinners , I should not haue been this present day to be confounded and to despaire of my selfe , onelie thincking on the demerit of my most greiuious transgressions .

My soule hath sustained it selfe in thy worde , my minde hath hoped in our Lord through the stable hope , which I haue had in God , my soule is held vp , lifted vp , mainteined in thy word , which hath dictated , which hath spoken that which thou hast willed I should speake of , and concerning Christ , who will not onelie come to preach his mercie to them , who hope in it , but hee will likewise teach it to him , who after him hath Commission , command , and is bound to make it known in his name as I deliuer it cleare , who am all consolated in the hope which I haue alwayes had in thy mercy : and it seemeth to me that I haue donne much hauing sustained on my selfe the burthen of these my such so great transgressions : but I should not haue been able to vndergoe so much had not my soule hoped in it's Lord , and had it been bent , employed , working in so feruent a penitencie , which with thee is of some merit , which thou so prisest , thanks be to thy goodnes ; thy grace , which enlargest it with , to the end it deserue ; but I hence forward will yet further bring forth fruite worthy of penitencie , not onely repent me to haue been a trespasser , to haue been wreched .

From the morning watch vntill night let Israël hope in our Lord : for that God is fullie mercifull , and for that he loueth vs so much from the beginning , to the end of our life , let the elected people , that is , those who seeke for their health , their safetie , their saluation in God , hope in our Lord , who from the instant that a man is borne , vntill the instant of his death , is alwaies mercifull ; nor supporteth hee that the sinner sheed in vaine any of the teares proceeding from his repentance , nor anie of the wordes of his prayers ; no , no ; for they are safelie laid vp in the Eschequer , where are carefullie conserued , surelie kept , the treasures heaped vp , laid vp in store in Heauen , to adorne with sempiternall , with euerlasting magnificence and glorie the soules of the elected . And let not the good onelie hope , and sinners in God alwaies , and at all times of their liues , but let them hope , watching euermore on their safetie , their saluation : euen as a seruant doth in the watch which his maister hath appointed him to , who not for that he began to execute his charge , but for the hauing fullie discharged , what hee was appointed to doe , to the very time that hee called him from it , atcheiueth , winneth the reward prepared , appointed for him .

For that in our Lord is mercy and most copious , most fully abundant redemption , I haue alwaies hoped in him , & I haue euermore confided , put my sure and most vndoubted trust , in my castigation , in my reclaime , in my amendment , and in the health , in the saluation which the coming of his Sonne shall bring to vs . And for that I without all vncertaintie know , that I shall make attonement with him , ( notwithstanding I was masked vnder the disguise , the weed of sinne , which had so estranged me , that I vnderwent imminent danger , to haue neuer reassumed my selfe , neuer reacknowledged my selfe ) I will reioyce in the height , in the depth of my pensivenesie , of my greiuous heavines , and whilst that I shall endeauour , heartilie labour to praise my Lord , and to render thanks to my Lord alwaies imploring pardon , peace , and tranquilitie , thy ordinances ô God , thy decrees will hasten to giue happie dispatch to the safetie of Israël , which trustethin thee our Lord , fulfilling , accomplishing thy trueth as I by my voice haue deliuered .

Let the elect confide in our Lord , and this our mercifull and gratious Lord will redeeme Israël , will free Israël from all it's transgressions ; and sending into the world his onelie begotten Sonne , all the trespasses , all the hainous sinnes of mankinde shal be bought out , be redeemed , by his most pretious blood : and through the merit of it , wee shall not onelie reape the fruite , the great benefit of hauing our old sinnes forgiuen vs , but in like manner all our offences which by vs hauue been possibly able to be trespassed in , in his sight , who will alwaies be indulgent , fauourable , cleare in aspect , to any one who shall endeauour to behold with a pure minde , and a feruent will of a contrite heart , the peaceable mild and rarely fauorable cast of his admired and dreadfull countenance ; from whose eyebries , raies , beames are cast , are sent forth of that glorie , which his mercy dispenseth to anie who desireth to glorifie himsel●…e in him .

The end of the sixth Psalme .

THE SEAVENTH PROLOGVE .

IF so be that at any time the petitions , the humble supplications , the most feruent importuning prayers of his seruants were acceptable , pleasing , gratefull to God , then were these of Dauid , who pulled vp them by the rootes , from the bottome of his heart , no otherwise then doth the winde roote out , grubbe vp , from the Earth's deepes , the roots of t●…es , which it by the great force , the vi●…ce of it 's tepestuous motion , throweth downe . And well made he shew of it , in him it was e●…idently seene , that his prayers had fauour able hearing , and were pleasing to God , for hauing opened his benigne , mercisull , and most commi●…erating eares to his heartiest wishes , hee struck him with such an inexpressible joy in an instant , spr●…g and framed in his heart ( hee being in a kind of an exta●…ie , not knowing how so ) that hee seemed a man whose minde hath apprehended some what , such as hee cannot expresse , giue a denomination to , declare what it is , which not with ●…anding proceedeth so farre that it marvailously taketh him , extreamely possessed by ●…ght of hearts-ioy , yea , and to ouerjoy 〈◊〉 such like as are they , who are ascended to the height , to the compleate fulnes of Beatitude , which they desired . And in this his suddaine surprise of hearts sala●…e , hearts inexpressible comfort , his spirit attentiue , nay fixed on diuine ●…ontemplations , hee saw as it were in a vision the word of God to come downe from Heauen , and to proceed from the mouth of the Angell incarnating it selfe in the blessed Virgin , hee saw Christ borne , hee saw him adored by the Magj . The three Kings , he saw him dispute in the Temple , hee saw him fly with his Mother into Egipt , hee saw him baptized in Iordan , he saw him with his Apostles , he saw him h●…ale the ●…ick , raise the dead , and cast out Dewills , and traunced , extased in a Propheticall vision , he saw him anointed by Magdalen , saw him at his last supper w●…h his Disciples , saw him pray in the garde●… ; saw him betrayed , saw him scourged , saw him crowned with thornes , saw him adjuged to death , saw him nayled on the Crosse ; and in seeing him breake the gates of Limbus , hee was taken , and fully possessed with that joy , that vnspeakabls hearts-comfort , which hee was to feele a s●…oone as Christ should redeeme him out of the darkenes together with his ancestors , his forefathers ; and hee being sanctified in his merits , hee saw him rise againe , and in seeing him ascend to Heauen , and to sit at the right hand of his father , anew breake forth into these words .

THE SEAVENTH PSALME OF THE PENITENCY OF DAVID . Domine exaudi orationem meam , auribus . &c. Psalme 142.

LORD , fauorably heare my suppliant petitions , my humble prayer ; stitre vp thy selfe , awaken , be thou moued to looke with the gratious eyes of thy mercie on my heart's sincere repentance , which through the desert of prayers , which is tendred vnto thee , is not vnworthy of thy gratious and fauorable audience , thy trueth and thy iustice well weighed : not according to the trueth & iustice of thy Lawes , which condemne , and inflict sharpe punishments sodainelie on sinne , according to the qualitie , the greatnes , the hainousnes of the demerit ; but according to thy trueth and ●…ustice , with which is ioyned that thy mercy , which is absolutelie and ●…olely in thee , for thou being the author of the Law , thou onelie through the height of thy boun●…ie ca●…st forgiue the transgressors , acquit them of it . There are many valued by thee iust , who are accounted by the iudges of the world delinquents : but the contrary seemeth to be in me , for by the people I am deemed iust , and in thy sight I know my selfe so burthened with tresp●…sses , that vntill I perceiue thou hast forg●…en me , acquitted me of them , I will neuer dry mine eyes , they shall alwaies wepe , and I will neuer close vp my month , I will alwaies call on thee , and I will neuer be at repose of heart , which imploreth it's Lord , that hee .

Enter not into Iudgement on his seruant for to take notice of each fault , trespas●…e on a seruant , is not a worke worthy of a maister , and to take animaduersion , strict accoun●…e of each our trippings , our stumblings , would be to make vs all despaire : for if thou weigh the multitude of the fault we commit , the weight of them would be such , that nothing would be found so bur●…nsome ; hence wee should be all lost : and therefore , forg●…t patcell of our trespasses , let them not be brought , and laid open before the Tribunall of thy most iust iudgment , for that all those who hold themselues iust , in the other life when all human generation shall bee iudged , thy shall not be iustified by thee .

Enlarge me , be bountifull vnto me , and make me worthy of the gu●…fts of thy grace whereof by thy goodnes , and thy bountie , euerie man is made worthie who offereth the purenes , and innocencie of his soule , by t●…e meanes of a contrite hea●…t , so shalt thou our God as it were substitute thy goodnes to my correction , in reguard that it maketh for my saluation and thy glorie : Nor for this cause shall thy iustice be impaired or lessened , which were it not in so g●…eat a Majestie ( so greate is the presumption of mankinde ) that they would receiue as from a firme deed , that the infinite benefits which they receiued of thee were due to them by obligation : whence it would follow that there were no way , whereby those that are wicked , might come to amendment of themselues , to correct themselues , and those who are incorrigible , who neuer wil be good , but are peruerse and refractory ( who liuing haue not beleeued in thee ) shall in nothing be dif●…erent from the good , and those who haue recouered goodnes ; for as much as workes are not paid according to deserts : & herein it is necessary that thy justice faile not , but whilst wee are in this life , which is the place of our race , which we must runne ouer to come to thee , for this cause ought wee each one ( the reward being certaine and eternall , extending it selfe , beyond the bonds of sinne ) alwaies to determime time , to abtaine the sett downe price , which is not allotted to one onelie , but to all those who shall come the goale , to the bounds of the race . Let damnation fall on them , who haue depised so great a gaine , so great a reward , which thou h●…st published to be run for , and to be rewarded , though yet for their so small , so slender desert , when the time commeth of each one's receiuing r●…ward , they doe not onelie finde themselues farre●… of from receiuing ought of valuation , ought of price , ought of reward : but euidentlie they perceiue that they haue ●…rayed , yea , that they are altogether out of their way , and hence so it happeneth , for that they pursued lesse worthie ends , and lesie honorable .

O Lord and my God , the effects , the fruits of sinne , haue reduced me , haue plunged me in obscuritie , in darke places , euen as are they who are dead for time and ages . My sinne Lord hath seated me in darkenes , for there is no greater obscurity , then that which is interposed betw●…ene the way of good , and the eye of our perceiuance . Hence strayed we , and lost the light which directeth vs , sheweth vs the way , the meanes to come to our true end . And certaine it is , that a ma●… blinded in the night , the obscuritie , the darkenes of sinne ; parteth not yet from day , from light of vertue , and trueth , but hauing contracted custome and habit in the clouds , the mists , and foggs of vice , he is best and onelie pleased , with them : and onelie hateth the Sonne , the light , which ariseth from the bosome of vertue and liuing well ; on which if I had contemplated , my spirit had neuer proued anxious , full of greiuous care , and my heart would neuer haue so much , ( alas ! ) for me been troubled , contribulated . Truely if I had opened mine eyes to the light of trueth , ●…hutting them from the obscurities , the darkenesses of falsenes , of lyes : contribulations , and those anxious , rising & taking ground from feare of damnation had not moued my spirit to reflect on it selfe : From whence my heart , my soule which seeth in me nothing els but sinne , would not be so conturbated , so much out of frame , by reason of the contemplation , of the thought of the miserie of it's sinnes .

I haue reflected on other past and former times , and recording them , remembring my selfe of them , I haue thought of the felicitie in which thy largesse , thine infinite bountie stated our first Father : and likewise shall I weigh how hee was punished by thee for the transgression of thy Commandement , not onelie that hee should dye , but also that liuing , hee should sweat , feare , be a cold , be hungry , bashfull , and should haue all other such like passions , with which each man is borne through sinne , drawing on himselfe such thy disdeigne . And further meditating on all thy workes which giue vnto vs health , conserue our liues , saue our soules , heare fauourablie our prayers and make vs worthy of thy grace , and ruminating also , on , the day , night , moone , starrs , sunne , water , aire , fire , Heauens , deepes , mountaines , vall●…ys , plaines , woods , birds , brute beasts , on the hot , the cold , the temperate season , the winds , the haile , the snow , the Clouds , raine , and on all that which is apparent , besides what is vnder the phantasy , and human imagination : and knowing that such admirable mysteries are workes of thy hands , to the end onelie that our soule , ( to which thou bearest an immense and vnspeakable loue , for that it is made to thy likenes ) may enioie thy Paradise , and among thy Angels ; in this knowledge I haue lamented the infelicitie the ●…nhappines into which my sinne hath brought me : and each day fearing the sword of thy iustice , which hangeth ouer my head , it was doubtfull , that I had not been ruinated , and vtterly ouerthrown in despaire ; but the sinne , the stedfast hope of my safety , which my desert leadeth mee to , my desert through my most profound , my most deeply conceiued greife , which I haue for that sinne , which first drew mee from thee , teacheth me to implore mercie at thy hands .

I haue vnfolded my hands to thee , and in such manner , and in such carriage , in such act I haue demonstrated , the lowlines of my heart , and the disposition , the inclination of my minde , & in so doing , I haue made appeare that I was vnlike to brute beasts , who haue their hearts fixed on the earth , without any spirit or sparke of rea●…on : and in such remorse of it's se fe●…l haue opened the mouth of it , cra●…g of thee , calling vnto thee , imploring remission of my transgressions , and to shew vnto thee , that I onelie desire , and nothing so much as to be returned into thy fauour , into thy grace ; behold here my Lord , that euen now newly and againe , I doe beseech thee , with mine armes extended , and with m●… tongue , and wi●…h my lowly humble minde , that thou please to shower , poure downe on mee thy grace , and mercy : for my soule is euen , yea and no otherwise then a●…d , dry earth , without water , in thy presence ; water mee I say , shower on mee , cast on me thy grace , which if so thou doe , I shall bring forth to my saluation most plentifullie and abundantlie fruite , as doth the earth replenished with it's moisture , when the heauens in it's due season powre on it raine , whence Aprill all jocund , all delightfully pleasant , taketh pleasure , singular content to see it's meadowes , & it's gardens , which by meanes of the waters , bring afterwards forth roses and flowers , and likewise fruites of all kindes .

Heare me fauourablie , yea and speedilie , my Lord , and let fall vpon me the irrigations , the waterings of thy grace , for I am prepared to receiue them in my soule ; and that hence onelie for that the intention of my extreame bad will is now changed , is not now wretchedlie bent and maligne , desire teacheth me no more , she weth me no more to flie into the bosome of vice ; it flyeth its inticements , euen as sence flyeth reason , and the bodie the scourge ; hence maist thou shower on me thy diuine grace ; for I shall receiue it in my soule with that proper and euer seene greedines , that dry and barren land , and the a●…d , and parched sands , receiue , drinke vp , & blesse the showers of raine , which fall from Heauen in the mid●…t of sommer ; and the fruite , which the land promiseth thus enabled , thus notablie supplied by the waters which haue been verie singular helpes , and welcome guests to their welfare , slaking , yea satisfying their thirsts , doth my penitence promise to thee , Lord , so let it be that thy grace which I so much call out for , and with a lowd voice , abundantlie fall on me , for with earnestnes and fulnes of sinceritie I craue it , I implore it .

Hide not thy face from me , depriue me not of thy gratious aspect , although I am vnworthie to contemplate it , to be such a fauourite of thy benignitie ; for if so that I perceiue my selfe to be bereaued thereof , I should then cleane loose my selfe , I should then be out of my witts , I should not know what to judge aright , euen as a Pilot , whom the impetuous , furious and outragious windes haue bereaued of helpe , and all judgment ; and I should become like to those who goe downe into the Lakes . Truelie Lord , if I should once take notice that I were banished from thy sight , I should be drowned in desperation , and so my wickednes , my abhomination by which I am insulted on as the Mariner by tempests , and fearefull and terrible waters : , in whose furious merciles depthes , hee is alwaies , yea , euen readie to be swalloued vp . So that I humblie beseech thee withdraw not , retire not , no way hi●…e thy face , thy gratious aspect from me , in which is seated the hope , the helpe , and the beatitude , that blessing , and the inexpressible ioy of each one who good is : to the end that I fall not miserablie into the profound deep●… Center , bottomlesse pit , horride ●…ulfe of despaire . I am sure that though my sinne , through it's hainousnes hath passed the bounds of anie remission , yet is God inclinable , disposed , readie to pardon me , for that I haue learned , yea I know how to implore him for mercie : farther I am vndoubtedlie ascertained , that hee will neuer slake , neuer deferre , put of the forgiuing of anie , who is not sluggish to craue , who loytereth not to repent himselfe : for his clemencie hath such power , that it can in one moment , in one instant , cancell the sinnes of many long runne yeares .

In this , euen now in this present morning , let me know the nobility , dignitie , exce●…lencie of thy mercie , and remitting all my greiuous offences , shew vnto my repentance , & to my hearts sorrow , that it availeth any one , to haue hoped in thee , to haue put trust in thee : but if so that thou heare me not fauourablie , gratiouslie , what example would they patterne by , who think , resolue to returne into thy grace , through meanes of punishing themselues , for their former wickednes , girding themselues with sackcloath , so cloated ? Pardon me ô my Lord , my God , and retard not , delay not , prorogue not . For besides that the weake body is inclined to sinne , as fire to burne flaxe , or whatsoeuer that fullie dry is , as tinder and the rest , the danger , the ( alas ) great hazard of despaire , which attempteth to drown me in it's lake , is as thou seest , well knowest yet imminent , hanging yea yet ouer me , and vnhappie for me , if thou doe not direct my feete by the said wayes .

Instruct me in the way , draw its lines for me demonstratiuelie , by which I am to walke , since I haue eleuated , lifted vp my soule vnto thee , my way ought to bee charitie , simplicitie , sinceritie , pietie , goodnes , trueth , pouertie and faith : and when so thou shalt haue remitted my former transgressions , teach me from thence forward how , and in what manner I may restraine my selfe , courbe my selfe , keepe my selfe from offending thee , and sustaine , be a sustentacle , strength , and a columne to my soule eleuated raised vp in thy seruice , not now at all valuing vaine pleasures , which vsuallie entice , entangle yea enthrall the bodie , and forsomuch as it is now fullie solicitous , tenderlie vigilant in obeying thee , confirme it , enable it , sprinkle it , yea powre out on it , thy fauonr : that so assisted , yea strengthned , in it 's vpright and iust carriage , in it 's well doing , vice enter not , nay come not nigh it , but that it seeing it selfe in hope of its saluation , it be farre more contented then it was in the ouer-weening delights of it's damnation , that it may fly from them , euen as the will to sinne hath left me , is extinguished in me , fled from me , as also all the affections which I haue borne to the disports of sinne , which gaue me vp a prey to it's associates , and my enimies , from whose hands free me ô Lord .

Discharge mee of mine enimies , free me from them , my Lord my God , for that I who heretofore estranged my selfe , alienated my selfe , went farre from thee , flying from thee vntill this present , through their allurements I who conjured , conspired against my safetie , my saluation , am now , ô now my Lord altogether returnd to thee , and from thee doe I expect my ioy , my hearts gladnes , and in thee solelie , and onelie doe I hope , confessing my sinne , and my ingratitude ; and therfore free from the hands of the wicked , & wretched aduersaries Dauid , thy seruant : and when so that thou shalt haue endowed mee with so much abilitie , so much fortitude , that I may be able to defend my selfe from their assaults , yet farther teach me to doe thy will , to alleternitie , instruct me to obeie thee , to feare thee , to serue thee , for thou art my Maker and my God . And for that thou hast created me , conserue me in the obedience of thy will , & make me such , that I may withdraw myselfe from the societie , companie of my enimies , who greiue for that I perseuer not in working iniquitie conformable to their maligne , most malitious , and wretched desires , whose perfidiousnes , made mee lay ●…side yea forget my obligations , my duetie to thee , and as if there were ●…ot a ●…oule in me , they enticed me to place all my care in giuing ease , in giuing pleasure to my bodie , ( which being of earthlie mould , ought to be despised as dust ) striuing by all meanes to procure an eternall habitation for an immortall soule .

Thy good spirit , shall conduct me into the right land : for thy name sake Lord , thou shalt reuiue me , make me liue againe , in thy equitie in thy justice , thy vprightnes , since that the peruerse spirit , a while since , which had drawne meto the depths of Hell , is passed of , is gonne , is no more to be found : the pure and perfect spirit of God shall giue vnto me , allotte me a place , a degree in the congregation , in the companie of the just , and shall exalt me , aduance me in the regions of the liuing ; and in such manner , through thy bountifull goodnes , not for any vpright office of mine , thou shalt raise me , make me liue though I be a sinner , which is not to be enstyled other then a proper iustice , annexed with the clemencie of the same diuinitie , and for that euen now I am extinguished , put out , through such desert of my greiuous transgressions , reduce me into grace , enlighten me with thy grace through thy mercie : & in ●…o doeing , it will be euen a rendring me that life which sinne hath bereaued me of , which so often killeth the soule , as often , as it trusting to it , giues it way , power , and po●…ession of it selfe . And to be willing to raise it againe , it is necessarie that my contrition employ it selfe , by meanes of equitie , wherewith thy most benigne and clement minde , without preiudicating , foreiudging , the reasons the grounds of iustice dost forg●…ue vs , and returne vs againe to life .

Thou shalt deliuer my sonle out of tribulation , anguish , griefe , affliction , and in thy mercie thou shalt disperse myne enimies . When so thou shalt haue restored me againe in state of thy grace , Lord , ô my Lord deliuer my soule from those heart-greifes , and from the passions wher with the sting of conscience doth quell it , subdue it , vtterlie ouerthroweth it at all howres , at all times ; for there is no heauie burthensome greife , which may be compared in anie proportion , can anie waies , yea euen seeme to arriue to the height of that inexpressible sorrow , alas ! deeplie and inlie conceiued , meditating , ruminating fully of the losse of so inestimable a iewell , of that excellentlie sublime , that incomp●…ehensible , and perpetuall felicitie , and for what ? for his demerit , his iust desert , contracted on himselfe , for which they are punished with the miserable depthes of Hell and damnation . But yet looke on againe , Ah! behold here whilst wee liue in this world , we are recōsoled , we take courage again , so soone as we doe but euen so much as reflect on thy illimited , thy boundlesse mercy and goodnes , into whose armes my repentance hath cast mee , for which , thou shalt disperse , cast of from mee , & acquit me of all my transgressions through thy clemencie : euen as winter shall let fall and scatter the leaues of trees , and faire weather the waters of the Sea with it's billowes , and so shall I be free from tentations , and from molestations and vexations , which our common aduersarie machinateth , and alwaies worketh against our soule , his end being to conduct it , to carrie it , to eternall horrid punishment , to Hell .

Strengthen mee against all those occurrences , which disturbe , disquiet , & put my soule out of frame , disperse all my enimies who euermore molest mee and afflict mee , for I am thy seruant : nor am I affrighted or daunted , although the number of them , who lie in waite to molest & to intrap me is infinite , for that thy power , thy arme onelie can with it's least motion , suppresse , cast downe , vtterlie destroie what army soeuer , what force soeuer there be . So that Lord haue care & regard of thy seruant , defending him , protecting him from the hostilitie , that his enimies moue against him , who are enimies likewise of thee Lord . It is the office of a true Lord and Maister ( so much the rather , if so hee be powerfull as thou art ) not to suffer any to wrong to iniurie his seruants , for in protecting them , he salues , he conserueth his owne proper honor . And were it not that I deserue that thou applie thy mercie for other respect , the desert , the merit in acknowledgment that reallie I am thy seruant might take place : and into this such like seruitude , the sinne of the first man , hath brought mee , who so farre as concerneth him deserued eternall death , but thy clemencie hath donne , as doth a seuere , vpright and iust father , who being offended most greiuouslie by his sonne , abstracting the loue of his flesh and blood , yet pittie , commiseration , mercie , giueth not way to him to punish him conformablie to the greatnes of his transgressions , but depriuing him of his paternall inheritance , by no meanes will he giue way that he be at all about him , except onelie in the nature of seruants , who necessarily must labour for their liuings with industrie , much paine and sweat , through continuall toyle . Whence he who is iustlie punished through his fathers wrath , remaineth in such a meane estare , in such a low condition of life vntill such time that mercie ( time ouer coming disdeigne ) returneth him againe through his fauour , into his first well being . Lord I through my old former disobedience , am become of a free man , a ●…laue , and I shal be like to the Sonne that hath prouoked his fathers wrach against him : hence it is expedient , that I passe my daies , in this state , sweating , labouring to appease thee : vntill thy Sonne come to release me from the yoke of neck and soale , which the seruitude , into which human kinde is fallen into , through the first transgression of thy commandement , hath contracted . Then wee receiued againe into our first happines , thou wilt not receiue vs , not account vs then , aliens , strangers , not slaues or bondmen , but being made by thee Citizens of thy glorious Kingdome , and Empire of Heauen , thou wilt receiue vs through thy grace as sonnes of adoption .

The end of the seauenth Psalme .

THE EPILOGVE To the Seauen Psalmes of the penitency of David .

AFTER , that attract●…ue loue of winning heavenly glory , and the terrible feare of horrid punihment had moued Dauid , in Seauen Psalme●… to be waile his transgressions , the hope of reward , and the comfort of hearts-ioy inwardly conceiued , for the fruites which hee was hence to reape , to gaine , to winne ( thanked be his penitency ) he suddainely raised himselfe from the ground , and standing bolt vpright on his feete , first taking vp his harpe , and placing it vnder his left arme , now armed with courage as 〈◊〉 man freed , set at full liberty , hee was so strangely enlightned that h●…e heard with the eares of his minde all the Psalmes , which hee had with teares sung ; rehearsed , recorded , and rarely war●…led by the Angells , and being thus seriously attentiue to the harmony of their notes , which were deliuered by the Angelicall tongues , voiced with an incomprehensible , and vnspeakeable swetnes , in an instant he found himselfe , eased , discharged of the burthen , that his trespasses had laid on him , & hereby perceiuing that God had receiued him through his mercy into the bosome of that grace , which h●…e so fervently implored , he retired himselfe , issued out of the tombe , made hot by his ●…ighes , and moist by his teares . No sooner came hee to the light , but that the aire it selfe seemed to cleare vp , in the cheerefull splendor of his countenance ; which though it were pale through fasting , and obscure , muddy , swarthy , cloudy through his penitency , his eyes seeming as it were without motion through his teares ; his spirits not withstanding were so purified by hauing entertained the grace of God ( which made pure his soule , with the selfe-same resplendent light , that the Angells a●…●…luminated withall ) that his face seemed the face of Moyses , glistering bright with that diuinity which God had thereon impressed , when as his magnificent , his most high & mighty majesty , within a Cloud of fire , whose fllames hee composed of the streaming fulgore of the Sun , and of the heate of the starres , yet vouchsafed not to speake ; but gaue way , granted that hee might behold those his most sacred and holy shoulders wherewith hee holdeth vp the Heauens , & all the Hemispheares . Now Dauid inflamed with the holy Ghost with which our Lord had infused him for his repentance , ●…eturned to instruct and correct his people , who moued by the example of their good King , all their endeauours , their workes turned to make themselues perfect in the ●…ight of him their God . But what fortunate ages , what blessed times , would happily fall vnto their shares who so should be crowned with such happines , as is to liue vnder the lawes of those Princes , who laying aside the height of minde , and the pride of their Kingdomes , confesse the transgressions which they commit to the prejudice of men , yea , & to the dishonor of God ? True●…y people would be more blessed then are they miserable , if so that they who raigne , I say not lame●… their cruelty , injust homicides , and adulteries , with the same feruour of minde which David did his , but if so that they ( no otherwise then if God were not , or being ha●… no power ouer their pride ) at least would not glory in their adulteries , in their m●…thers , and in their impieties , which da●… they grei●…ously and hainously offend 〈◊〉 with open de●…ng of him who first 〈◊〉 last punisheth or rewardeth each one .

The end of the Epilogue .