Three decads of diuine meditations VVhereof each one containeth three parts. 1 A history. 2 An allegory. 3 A prayer. With a commendation of the priuate countrey life. By Alexander Rosse his Maiesties chaplaine in ordinarie.

THREE DECADS OF DIVINE MEDITATIONS . Whereof each one containeth three parts . 1 A History . 2 An Allegory . 3 A Prayer . With a commendation of the priuate Countrey life .

By ALEXANDER ROSSE his Maiesties Chaplaine in Ordinarie .

LONDON , Printed by A. M. for Francis Constable and are to be sold at the Signe of the Crane in St. Paules Church-yeard

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE AND VERTVOVS LADY , THE LADY KINLOSS . I Neuer drunke of Aganippes Well : I neuer sleept vpon Parnassus Hill . Arcas I neuer heard , I haue not seene Ioues daughters dance in the Pierian greene : I leaue the Muses and the Delphick rockes For those that beare green bayes , & weare high sockes . I write no lofty stile , I 'm plain & simple For why I'dwell farre from Apollos Temple . Yet Madam , Ipresume you 'l not disdaine To read these verses though they be but plaine . For they containe sweet Meditations And Antydots against tentatious For you alone I made them , they are yours , Then read them when you haue some idle houres . Accept them as a token of that zeale Which I doe carrie to your Honours weale . Vnto your Husband , mirror of these times , By right I should haue off●ed not these rimes To whom I owe a greater obligation , Then euer I did to any of our Nation , But that I haue reserued greater straines To him who hath deserued all my paines , Whose vertues claime far more then now I will Expresse to you , by this my rurall quill . Because he hates vaine ostentation , And I likewise hate assentation . But to be briefe , according to our powers My Muse and I , will honour you and yours . Your Honours to command , ALEXANDER ROSSE .

The First Decad. The Riuer of Paradise . Christ and Adam compared . Noahs Doue . Noahs Drunkennesse . Isaac offered vp . Rebeccas twins . Iacobs Ladder . Iacobs wres●ling . The fiery bush . The Cloud and firy Piller . The Second Decad. Manna . The Rock . Arons Rod , Sarah , the Virgine Mary . Ierichos walls . Gedeons Fleece . Sampson . Dauid and Goliah . Eliah . Gods ●parition to Eliah on mount H●reb . Eliahs assumption . The third Decad. Elisha's pot of Salt , and m●ale , Moyses his rod ▪ The Sunami●es Sonne . The Wise men and Starre . The touching of Christs garment . The good Samaritane . The lost Sheepe . The Prodigall . Christs Coate parted . Ghrists side pearced . Christ and Mary speaking togeath●r . The commendations of the priuate Countrey life ▪

THE FIRST DECAD.

I. The Riuer of Paradise . Gen. 2. THis Garden was refresh'd with that sweet Riuer , Which out of Eden sprang , and which did seuer His Azure channell i● foure christall streames Which haue from diuers Authors , diuers names . This Garden is the Church of Christ , and Hee The Riuer is , which watereth euery tree Full of spirituall waters , full of graces , And doth diuide these ●treames into all places . From two maine springs this riuer doth proceed As God from God , as man from womans seed . O Well of Life , pure Riuer , water mee With grace , that I may proue a fruitfull tree .

Gen. 2. II. Christ and Adam compared . THe Woman out of Adams side was formed : So was the Church out of Christs sid reform●d Adam did loose a ribbe , but Christ his blood Hee in a Garden , Christ on a Crosse of wood . They both were cast vnto a heauy traunce , Mans side was op'ned , so ●hrists , but with a Lance. The Church did cause Christs bitter death & Passion , As Eua was the cause of mans transgres●ion , But by a tree man fr●m his honour fell , Christ by a tree hath daunted death and hell . My soule Lord is thy wife , for thou did'st take her Out of thy side , then doe not now forsake her , Flesh of thy flesh she● is , bone of thy bone , Thou art her Husband , leaue her not alone .

Gen. 8. III. Noahs Doue . NOah , the doue out of the Arke let f●y , To s●e if that the waters still were ●ig● . But ●hee could finde no resting ●or her ●●ete , Because the earth was yet wi●h waters weate : With wea●y wings shee flutters in the a●re . Then to the Arke againe makes he● repaire . God s●nt his onely Sonne , of his meere loue , Out of the Arke of Heauen ; this is the Doue That brought the oliue branch , the si●ne of Peace And caus'd the waters of Gods wrath to cease . O Lo●d my soule like Noah : weary Doue , Can finde no r●st , but in thine Arke aboue : Thēsince she l●athes the world , when thou thinks best Stretch out thine hand , & take hir to thy rest .

IIII. Noahs Drunkennesse . Gen. 9. AFter the Floud , Noah was greeu'd and sorry , To see the earth spoyld of her former glory : He plants a vineyard , and with wine ref●esh'd , His heart which was with so much greefe oppres●'d But being drunk he fell a sleepe , them Cham Vncouer'd in the T●nt his Fathers shame , Noah perceiued that he was made naked : And cursed Cham as soone as he awaked . But bl●ssed Sem and Iapheth who did hide , His shame , which Cham tooke pleasure to deride When sin had spoyl'd the world , God se●t his Son To plant vnto himselfe a Church , whic● done , He dranke the red wine of his F●thers wra●h , Then sleep'd , & on the crosse gaue vp his br●ath . The Iewes , his wicked Sons , did laugh and scorne , To see his body naked , wounded , torne : But godly Ioseph greeued at this sight , Came straight to Pilat when it was nigh night , And beg'd his corps : and as it was most meete , Wash't , and wrapt it in a linnen Sheete . But when he did awake , he blessed those , That honour'd him , and cursed all his fo●s , This bitter Cup , Lord , could not passe from thee , But thou wast forc'd to drinke it vp for mee ▪ Iniquity like water is drunke vp , And Kings are drunke with Babels poys'ned Cup. The Church is drunke with gall and wormewood & thou hast made proud Rome to drinke her blood But now Lord bring her , vnto thy Wine seller Stay her with Flagons , and with new wine fill her : Giue her of thy best graces a good measure , And let Rome drinke the dreggs of thy displeasure

Gen. 22 , V. Isaac offered vp . ABram vpon the Mount with his owne hands , Must kill his only Son , so God commands : Isaac did carry wood , the fire is made , The Child is bound , and on the Altar laid . Abram pulls out the k●iffe and lifts his arme , To giue the blow , yet Isaac had no harme : For Abrams good intention was accepted , And by Gods voice , the blow was intercepted . In stead of Isaac , Abram kills a Ram , Caught in a bush , but knew not whence it came . Iesus , Gods onely Sonne , vpon a Hill , Must suffer death , such was his Fathers will . He bore the crosse , as Isaac bore the wood , And did bedew this Altar with his blood , As God he could not die , as man he suffred , This is the Ram , which was for Isaac offred . The Ram was slaine and burned in the fire , So Christ as man was scorched with Gods Ire . The same God that from death did Isaac saue , Did also raise Christ Iesus from the graue . ô thou whose sacred head with thorns was croun'd As Abrams Ram amongst the thornes was found ▪ My heart is barren as the briar or thorne , Make her of thy good seed bring forth good corne Lord bind my sins , and on thine Altar lay them , Pull out thy sword , and in thy mercy slay them . Make me to offer them with like affection , As Abram did his Sonne by thy dir●ction .

Gen. 25. VI. Rebeccas Twins . REbeccas Twins no sooner were aliue , But in her wombe they did begin to striue . And w●ēher time was come that she should bear Her Twins , the one was redd , and full of haire . This came our fi●st , and afterward the other , Who by the heele , held fast his elder brother . The one was cunning , greedy , fierce and wilde , The other simple , honest , plaine , and milde . This was a Shepheard , and dwelt in a Cottage , And bought the Birthright for amesse of pottage . Esau seru'd Iacob : for the E●omits , We know , seru'd Dauid and the Is●aelits . The Iews our Elder Brethren were Elected Before vs , yet they are to vs subiected . As in Rebeccas wombe so still there are ; Strifes in the Church of Christ , and ciuill warre . Between rough Esau and his younger Brother , Strugling withi● the belly of their Mother . I mea●e the Sonnes of God and Satans brood , These alwayes hunt and persecute the good . But yet at last , Gods children shall subdue them , And Christ out of his blessed mouth wil spue them And as Rebbeccas twins did much perplexe ●er , So in my heart are twins which always v●xe her . The ●lesh and spirit are concei●'d in me , Though th●y be ●wins yet they cannot agree . The fl●sh like Esau , is the elder brother , But yet the Spirit doth best please his mother . The flesh is rough & r●d , and hunts for pleasure , And romes abroad , and 's cunning aboue measure . The mild and simple Spirit is conte●t To liue here in this world , as in a Tent. O Lord command the Flesh to serue the Spirit , Grant him the Bi●●h-●ight that he may inherit Thy bl●ssing ; lo , ●e brings thee sauoury meat , The sins which he hath ●ill'd : then rise and eat . Command him to draw n●re to thee , & kisse him And in the name and cloathes of Iesu , blesse him .

VII . Iacobs Ladder . Gen. 28. AS Iacob trauel'd towards Haran Towne , ●e stay'd one night at Luz , and there lay down , Heau●ns starry curtain ouer him was spred His pillow was a Ston● , the Earth his b●d . H● slept , and thought he saw a Ladd●r there , R●aching from earth to heauen in the ayre . On which the Angels vp and downe did moue , And God stood on the top himselfe aboue . Iacob awoake out of his sleepe , and sayd , How fearefull is this place ; and was a frayd , This can be nothing els ( quoth he ) but euen , The very house of God , and gate of Heauen . He did anoynt the stone on which he lay , And call'd it Bethel , then he went his way . Chirst is this Ladder , who hath ioyn'd in one , The Earth and Heauen by his passion . His foote is on the Ear●h , in Heauen his head , Hee 's God and man , Emanuell indeed . As God he is from Heauen without a Mother , As Man he is of Earth , our elder Brother . By him from God , Angels to vs descends , By him to God , Prayers from vs ascends . He is like wise the Churches corner stone , It is on him , on whome we rest alone . O sweet Redeemer of my soule I pray , Seeing thou art the truth , the Life , the way . Lead me to Bethel , to that sacred place , Where I may sleepe all night and see thy face . Thou art the God of consolation , Then comfort me in my tentation . And when the night of death shall ouer take me , When all my friends and neighbours shall forsake me Be thou with me , Lord leaue me not alone , But let me sleepe with Iacob on the stone .

VIII . Iacobs Wrestling . Gen. 32. When Iacobs people ouer the brooke were gone , He wrestled with a Man that night alone . And did preuaile , and when it was neere day , He would not let the Angell goe a way . Till he had blest him fi●st , which instantly He did , and touch'd the hallow of his thigh . And then he named Iac●b , Israel , And Iacob named that place Peniel . The Sonnes of Iacob in this latter●age , Against the Sonne of God did storme and rage . They Wrestled with him , and they did preuaile , And to the Crosse his blessed Corps did naile . But the third Morning after he was Slaine , They let him goe , for then he Rose againe . He blessed Iacobs Sonnes that fear'd his name , But such as would not , he did wound and lame . These wrestle with him still , and still they halt . O Iew , yeeld to thy Lord , conf●sse thy fault . Sticke not , so closely to the Lawes dead Letter : Beleeue the Gospell , for that is much better . My Soule like Iacob is afraid of Esau , I meane the Flesh , then comfort her sweet Iesu. For now she is alone , now it is night : Shee trauells homeward , let her see thy light , Thou wrestles with her still , by feares and cares ; And she againe doth wrestle with thee by prayers . Lord grant her faith , and then she shall preuaile , Pray to thy Father , that it may not faile . Weaken her carnall lusts , and make them lame , Blesse her before thou goe , then change her name . Marke how she holds , and will not let thee goe , Vntill thou giue her strength against her foe . Lord make thy Church a Peniel , or place Wher●in my soule may see thee face to face .

Exod. 3. IX . The Fiery Bush. MOses vpon Mount Horeb saw a flame Which burn'd the Bush , but not comsum'd the same . To which when he drew neere to see the wonder , From thence he heard the voice of God to thunder . Moses put off thy shooes , and hide thy face , I am the Lord , this is a holy place . He troubled at the splendor of Gods presence , Straight hid his face , and did him reuerence . The Church is like this Bush : fire may annoy her The Crosse I meane , but it can not destroy h●r . For why ? God dwels in her , hee 's her defence , She needes not then to feare fires violence . O Lord be thou my helpe and sure protection , Make me to cast off euery foule affection . Make me to walke in feare as in thy sight , And in the midd'st of darkenesse be my light , When thou with fire shall trie me , I presume , Although I burne , yet I shall not consume .

X. The Cloude and firy Pillar . Exod ▪ 1● FVll forty yeares in feare and pensiuenesse , The people wandred in the Wildernesse , Vntill ●hey came vnto the holy Land , Whi●h God did giue them , by his mighty hand ; And all the while , because they knew no way , Fir● wa●●heir guide by night , a Cloud by day . Christ I●sus is ●●hadowie Cloud to those Tha● l●ues him , but a fire vnto his foes . He is to al● the Children of the day A Cloude to coole and guide them in their way ; Betweene them and the Sun , their great Creator , He is a Hedge , a Cloude , a Mediator ; But to the Sonnes of darkenesse there 's a fire , And will like chaffe consume them in his ire . This Cloude was not begot of Sun or showres , Neither was Christs conception like ours : But he was formed of the Holy Ghost , As this Cloud was by God , to guide the Host. O thou who on Mount Sin in clowdes descended , And on Mount Oliue in a clowde ascended : Who rides vpon the Cl●wdes as in a Waine , And in the Clowdes will come to vs again● . Be thou my Clowde , my shelter , and defence , Against Gods wrath , and Satans violence . And to that heauenly Canaan be my guide , Where I with thee for euer may abide .

The Second Decade .

Exod. 16 I. Manna . WHen Israel had thought themselues nie lost God rained Man from heauen vpon the host With which for fortie yeares he did them feed , In forme it was l●ke Coliander seede : And that this wonder might not be forgot , Some of it was kept in a golden pot . Christ is this Man : which in a mist did fall On Mary , for his birth was misticall . This is a better bread then that white hoare Which fell vpon the Desart in such store . He shall not dye that eateth of this bread , By Faith , but shall be raysed from the dead . Lord with this Manna feed my soule therefore , T●at I may neuer hunger any more . Then I will not forget this mercy , but My minde shall keepe it as the Golden Pot.

Exod. 17. II. The Rocke . THe Rod of Moses gaue the Rocke a blow , Which caused Christall waters thence to flow . The Churches Rocke receiued in his side A wound , which caused gently thence to glide Water and Bloud , a double Sacrament Of Christs last Will and blessed Testament . I 'm faint and foule : then feed Lord & refresh me , Feede with thy Blood , and with thy water wash me

III. Arons Rod , Sarah , the Virgin Mary . Num. 17 Gen. 21. Luk. 1. THis wither●d rod brought forth fruit , leaues , & flowres Without the help of Sun , or dropping showres It was as great a wond●r that a Maid , Should beare a Child without Mans h●lpe and a'de Sarah though Barren , though her Lord was old , Yet had a Child at last as God foretolde . As great a wonder on my soule as these , Thou can performe O Lord , if so thou please , Shee is a Maide she is a Withered Rod , Shee is a Barren Sarah : then O God , Giue Children , or with Rachel else she dies , Marke how with Hanna for a Child she c●ies : Make her a fruitfull Mother of good actions , Make her to bud with cleane and sound affections .

IIII. Iericos Walls . Iosuah 6 : NOt men of warre but priests did tumble douw Th● lofty walls of this most wretched Towne In stead of Engines they did vse the sound , Of Rams-hornes which did beate them to the ground The preaching of the Gospell is these Hornes , A silly meanes and which the world scornes . Yet by it God exhalteth hum●le ones . And doth cast downe the mighty from their thrones When Gods most blessed wordbegan to sound , Then Satans Kingdome fell flatte to the ground . Lord let vs heare continually this Trumpet , Sounding against the Babilonish Strumpet . Beate downe her lofty walles , and we d●sire , That thou wilt burne vp her Towne with fire . Destroy all those that would this whore adore , And let their flame asc●nd for euermore .

Iudg. 6. V. Gedeons Fleece . When all the Earth was dry then dew did fall Vpon the flee●e , but afterward when all , The Earth was wet with dew , the fleece was dry , Which is to Iewes and Greekes a mistery . The Iewes that little fleece was wet at first , With dew of Grace , but now they are a thirst . The Gentiles who atfirst were dry , are now , We●e with this grace , they know not why nor how But that it pleased God some for to choose , Of his free grace , and others to refuse . O thou whose haire is full of dew , whose locks , Are wet with night drops watching ouer the flocks Water thy Church with grace from heauen still , As thou wast wont with dew high Hermon hill . Or as proud Babels king with dew was wet When he was forc'd with Oxen grasse to eate . Let Iacobs bl●ssing fall vpon her , euen The fatnesse of the earth and dew of Heauen ▪

VI. Sampson . Iudg. 14.15 , 16. AS Sampson went to see his Wife one day , He kills a Ramping Lyon by the way . His Wife was faire but yet shee was a stranger , And brought her Husband ofte●times in danger . And by her meanes the riddle was expounded . Which Sampson to the Philistims propounded . Their corne and fruits he burned vp with firebrands And breake the cords a sunder from his hands , And with an Asses iaw bone which he found , He knockt a thousand of them to the ground . But this same bone which had so many kill'd Did vnto thirsty Sampson water yeeld , He bore away Azzas posts and doore , And was at last betraied by his whoore : Who cut off Sampsons haire , and so at length , He lost his eyes , his liberty , and strength . But being led to Dagons house , he cries To God for strength , for to reuenge his eyes . God heard his prayer , then Sampson laid his hand Vpon the Posts on which the house did stand : And so to make an ende of all his woes , He pull'd downe Dagons temple on his foes . Thus by his glorious death he kill'd far more , Then he had done in all his life before . Iesus that blessed Nazari●e did tarry Here with the Church a while , whom he did marry , He tooke her though a stranger for his Wife , And for her sake , he did forsake his life . Death was the Lion which he ●ill'd by death , By it he g●ue the Church spirituall breath ; From this strong eater , he brought out sweet meat . Th● bread of Life for euery soule to eate . This Riddle to his wife he did impart , And likewise all the counsels of his heart . He will with fire all Her●ticks deuoure , Which with false doctrine would his Church deflowre . The wicked doe account his word , alas , No better then the Iawbone of an Asse . Yet this same word doth many thousands kill , But is to thirsty soules a springing well . Christ slept a while within deaths gates , but rose , Againe betimes in despite of his foes . He bore away deaths mighty posts and doores , He spoyled principalities and powers . His followers which then were bu● aleauen , Did see him from the Mount , mount vp to Heauen The Romans ouer the Iews did rules as Lo●ds , At whose command they bound Christs hands with cords They cut his haire & head with thornes , and cast , Him in the prison of the Graue at last . Christ pull'd the T●mple of his body downe , But rais'd it vp againe with great renowne . Which Sampson could not doe : he loos'd the bands Of cruell death fro● off his feete and hands . O happy day wherein that Temple f●ll , Which by the waight thereof crush'd death & hell . The Philistines O Lord my sinnes , doe binde My soul with cords , loe how they make her grinde . Here in this body as it were in prison , They haue pull'd out her eyes of wit and reason . Lord giue her strength againe , and heare her cryes , That she may be reuenged for her eyes . These Philistines to my great griefe and shame , And to the great dishonour of thy name . Are met within the Temple of my breast , Where at my wretched soule they laugh and ies● . Lord shake the pillars of this house , and burie These wicked sinnes in thy iust wrath and furie .

VII . Dauid and Goliah . 1 Sam. 17 WHen none of all the people durst encounter With great Goliah , Dauid did aduenture : Though younger , though a Sheepheard , though in stature But little , and effeminate in feature . Though Eliab dehorts him , yet he feares not , And for the greatnesse of Goliah cares not . Thither he came by Iesses owne direction , And was assured of the Lords protection . Before he kill'd a Lyon and a Beare . Then why should he that boasting Giant feare . Sauls Armour and his Raimeut he refuseth , And fiue smooth stones out of the brooke he chuseth . Then runs vnto the Campe and with his sling , A Stone against the Philistine did fling , With which he smote the Giant in the head , Who with that blow fainted , and fell downe dead : Thus little Dauid without sword or speare , Did kill the Giant as he did the Beare . Christ by his Fathers will came downe to see , His Brethren which lay long in Misery , Vnder the fearefull slauery of the Deuill , And k●ew not who would free them from the euill , Till Christ the Sheepe-heard , and that little one , By his Almighty power , and with a Stone , Had kill'd the Giant , and had set vs free , And by his death had slaine death on the tree . Death was the Giants Sword , but Christ indead , Hath with this Sword cut of the Giants head . The Iewes our elder Brethren were right sorry , That Christ by death should get vs life and glory , What is there done ● Iew , was ther not cause That Christ by death should saue vs from deaths iawes O Sonne of Dauid ! Satan's in the fielde , Armed against my soule with speare and sheeld . Shee 's almost brought to desperation , So greeuous Lord is her tentation , Come downe and helpe her then , thou art her brother You both haue but one father & one mother . Knocke downe this boasting Gyant to the ground , Pull out thy sling , giue him his deadly wound . Cut off his head , and let him rise no more To vexe my soule as he hath done before . Then shall my soule acknowledge thee her King , If thou will kill the Gyant with thy sling . And shee shall praise thee as it is most meete , For thou can tread downe Satan vnder feet .

VIII . Eliah . 1 Kings 17.18 , 19 ELiah from his Queene and Countrey fled , And was by Rauens in the Desart fed . To God vpon mount Horeb he complain'd Of all his wrongs which there he had sustain'd . To the Sidonian widow God did send him , And from his raging foes did still defend him : He raisd the Widdowes sonn , increasd her meale , And killd the Priests of Baal in his zeale . By his vncessant prayer he did optaine From God for three yeares space , and six monthes , raine . He built an Altar vpon Carmel hill , And to the Lord a Bullock there did kill . Fire on the Beast , fire on his Foes descended , And he on wheeles of fire to heauen ascended : Christ the great Prophet did re●●ct the lewes His Country men , because they did refuse To hearken to his voyce ; from them he fled Vnto the Gentiles , and by them was fed . These were at first blacks as the Rauen or Crow , But now by grace they are made white as snow . The widowes house Christs church doth represent , To which this great Prophet for harbour went . Her children all were dead , but he reuiues them , And with encrease of graces still releeues them . Three yeares and six moneths hee did preach with pain , His words fell on the Iews l●ke drops of rain . He by his mighty word false Prophets slew , All heathnish Priests and rites he ouerthrew . The worke of pure redemption being ended , On white bright cloudes our Lord to heau'n ascended . I am a Widow Lord , I am alone , Come make my soule thy habitation . Encrease my meale and oyle , O Lord encrease My faith and loue to thee : grant me thy grace . Reuiue my Son , my works are dead I know , Then raise them vp , that they may liue and grow . Pray to thy Father Lord that he may powre Vpon my barren heart a heauenly ●howre . Cut off false Priests ; send fire from heauen O Christ , And burne my sinnes , I humbly thee request .

IX . Gods aparition to Eliah on Mount Horeb. 1 Reg. 19 ELiah on Mount Horeb could not finde The Lord in fire , earthquake , & whirlewinde : But in a soft and still voyce him did heare , And then to God with reuerence drew neere . Thy Spirit Lord dwels not in violence , Thou dwells in mercy , mildnesse , innocence . Lord make me milde , take from me strife & malice Then dwell in me , my soule shall be thy Palace .

X. Eliahs assumption . 2 Reg. 2 FIrie Eliah in fire and whirlewinde Went vp to heauen , but left his cloake be●inde ; So Christ our Lord ascended vp on high , But left behinde him his mortality . Lord let my soule on firie wheeles of loue , And whirlewinde of zeale still mount aboue . Teach me to shake off care of worldly things , For that s the cloake which still about me hangs .

The Third Decade .

● Kings ● . and 4. ● ●xod . 15 I. Elisha's pot of Salt , and Meale . Moses his Rodde . THe bitter waters , and the barren ground , Were by Elisha's Salt made sweet and sound . So did the same Elisha strangely heale The noysome Pottadge with a little meale . So Moses sometimes with a piece of wood , Did Marahs waters sweeten and make good . O Lord this Wood , this Salt , this little Flowre , Doe shew that thou can bring sweet on t of sowre . This Wood did sweeten Marah ; So that Tree , On which thou diedst , hath giuen life to me . Lord season my afflictions , heale my fault , Either with sweet or sowre , with meale or salt .

2. King . 4 II. The Sunamites Sonne . GEhazi from the Mount came downe apace , And laid the Staffe vpon the Infants face . But that could not restore to life againe The Childe , therefore Elisha must be faine To come , who ouer the Childe himselfe extends , And ioynes his mouth to mouth , & hands to hands Then presently the Childe began to sneeze , And on the Prophet lifted vp his eyes . The world was dead in sinne , but thou , O God , Didst send the Prophets with the Word , thy Rod. But they could not to the dead Childe restore Spirituall life , thou camst thy selfe therefore . Thou kiss'd vs , thou assum'd our stape and feature , Thou did enjoyne thy selfe to our base nature . Lord ioyne thy hands to mine , ioyne eyes to eyes , And mouth to mouth , that I from sin may rise . Neither the staffes nor seruant can giue breath , To my dead soule , but thou by thy sweet death .

III. The Wise Men and Starre . Mat. 2. THree wisemen came to Bethlem from a farre , They were conducted thither by a Starre . To Christ Frankincence , Myth , and Gold they bring To shew he was both God , and Man , and King . The Gentiles once farre off do now begin , To draw n●ere to the Church , and to come in . The Church is Bethl●m , or the house of bread , Where Christ the Bread of life is borne indeed . This Starre shin'd all the way that these men came , But did not shine vpon Ierusalem . The Gentiles saw it , though thy dwelt so farre , Yet Iacobs Sons could not see Iacobs Starre . O wretched Iewe● you haue beene euer blind , You groope at noone , yet Christ you cannot finde , On you he shin'd , and you could not perceiue him Yet strangers whom he knew not , did r●ceiue him . Lord bring me vnto Bethlem and protect me , And with thy word as with a Starre direct me . Sweete Babe accept the gifts which here I offer , To thee out of my heart , my choisest coffer . Not gold , but loue ; not incense , but good actions ; Not Myrrh , but all my mortified affections .

IIII. The touching of Christs garment . Thousands did press on Christ , both poore & rich But onely one poore woman did him touch . Her touch was faithfull , but the peoples pressing , Was carnall , therefore they rec●iu'd no blessing . Shee by the faithfull touching of Christs garment , Was cured of her twelue yeares griefe & torment . The faithlesse Papists in their carnall masse , Touch not Christs hem , but rudely on him presse . Faith , faith is it ▪ which only doth him please , Lord grant me faith , and then I shall haue ease , For till I touch , till to my soule thou say , Be of good cheere , my griefe will not away .

V. The good Samaritane . Luke 10. THe Priest and Leuite did not helpe the man Whom theeues did wound , but the Samaritan Who powred in his wounds soft oyle and wine , Doe thou the like sweet Iesus now to mine . Spirituall theeues , my mortall sinnes haue hurt me , Then with thy grace and mercy Lord support me . For men and Angels neither will nor can Cure me , but thou O sweet Samaritan . Powre in my wounds the oyle of thy good Spirit , And wash them in the new wine of thy merit . Then binde them vp with loue , and bare my sinne Vpon thy flesh , then bring me to the Inne , I meane thy Church ; speak to the hoasts thy preachers That they will be my comforters and teachers ; Till thou returne againe , for then I know That thou wilt pay the debts which I doe owe .

VI. The lost Sheepe . Luke 15. THe man that hath a hundreth Sheepe , forsakes Ninety and nine , to seeke out one that lakes And goeth after still , vntill he findes That sheepe , and then reioyceth with his friends . Christ left his Angels , and without delay Sought out mankinde , that had gone long astray , And findes him out the same d●y of his birth , Which caus'd in heauen & earth great ioy & mirth . Old Simeon , and Ann , and Mary sung , And heauens bright roofe with songs of Angels ●ung . Sweet Shepheard of my soule I humbly pray , Seeke out thy sheepe , for shee is gone astray : Anst bare her on thy shoulders , as sometimes Thou did thy crosse , bare all her sinnes and crimes . And through the dangers of this life conduct her , Be thou her food , and with thy word instruct her . Then bring her home , & when she is come thither , Call all thy Saints and Angels straight together . They are thy friends , make them reioyce and sing All Halleluiah to their Lord and King . Who sought me vp & down with griefe and paine , And did at last finde his lost sheepe againe .

Luke 15. VII . The Prodigall . HAuing spent all , and being in great want , His former course of life he did recant . Home he returnes , and his fault confesseth , His father meetes him , and his sonne embraceth . The best robe was brought forth at his command , Shooes for his feete , a gold ring for his hand . Then sent for musick , and caus'd kill the Calfe , Which made the elder brother fret and chafe . The Iewes did murmur at the Gentiles calling , Therefore the Gentiles rising was their falling . My soule hath left his natiue soile , and liues Here in a strange place full of whores and theeues ; To spend his heauenly portion they bewitch him , With which sometime his Father did enrich him . Lo● all is spent , and now he 's forc'd to serue Vnder a Marchant , where he 's like to starue : Satan I meane who feeds him with his swine , Whose cheere was wont to be oyle , milke , & wine . For all the dainties of this world are But husks with Gods chiefe blessings to compare . My soule then being in this wofull case , Begins to call to minde his wonted grace . His fathers house , his cheere , his wealth & treasure , His hired seruants with their ease and pleasure . Sweet Father loe thy prodigall returnes Naked and torne , marke how he sobs & mournes . He doth confesse th● faults that he hath done , That he 's vnworthy to be call'd thy Sonne . He hath offended heauen , and thee , yet make him Thy seruant Lord , and doe not now forsake him . Meete and preuent him with preuenting grace , And by a kisse make him enioy thy face . Cloath him with thy best robe of innocence , And giue him shoo●s to runne with patience His race . Put on a Ring and make him free From ●inne , and death , and Satans tyrannie . Then set him downe , and l●t his soule be fill'd With that fat Calfe , which for his sins was kill'd . Come in O brother Iew , doe not disdaine , My soule once dead , but now aliue againe .

Iohn 19. VIII . Christs Coat parted . O Thou whose life the wicked Iewes derided , Whose seamlesse Coat by Souldiers was deuided , Thy church was once a coat without a seame , But now she is deuided to our shame . So is that coat of perfect holinesse Which thou lent me to cloath my nakednesse . My cruell sinnes to my great griefe and scorne From my poore soule this blessed coat haue torne . And now to me it is both shame and torment To see my naked soule without this garment . Figge leaues of merits will not hide my sinnes , Nor yet that coat which Adam had of skinnes . But I am counsell'd by the Church my mother , To put on thy faire cloathes deere elder brother . That I may in thy name , and cloathes , and sauour , Receiue my Fathers blessing and his fauour .

Iohn 19. IX . Christs side pearced . O Lord thy heart was pearced with a Lance , It was for mine , but not for thine offence . Pearce then my heart with sorrow for my sin , And bath it in the blood which thence did spin . For here is Iacobs Well , there flowes from hence These waters which can wash my conscience . Here is the doore of life , and heauens high way , Then let me enter Lord while it is day : And suffer me with Thomas for to hide My sinfull hand within thy wounded ●ide .

X. Christ and Mary speaking together . Ioh● 2● . C.

Touch me not Mary .

Why dear Iesus ? why ?

C. I am not yet ascended vp on high . Thou comes to touch me with thy carnall hand , It is not hands but faith that I demand . But now , thou art ascended , thou art gone To sit with God thy Father in his Throne . ● Permit me then by faith O Iesus sweet , To touch , and kisse thy wounded hands and feet .

The commendations of the priuate Country Life . O Hills and dales , woods , groues , and christall springs , The best delight of transitory things . I more esteeme your Tempe shades and flowers , Then Princes Courts , proud townes , & lofty towres . Heere may the minde talke freely with her Maker . Shee needes no helpe of Priest or Romish baker . To bake or make him of a piece of bread , His body is in Heauen , so saith our Creede . His spirit euery where that may be seene , In euery bush , in euery medow greene . Here may the minde with admiration , Contemplate euery constellation . That Heauenly hoste of Starres , theire restlesse motion , There light , and might vpon the Earth and Ocean . And higher yet she soares with faiths swift wings , Aboue all Heauens vnto the King of Kings . Shee heares not Trumpets sound , nor Cannons roare , Shee feares not Neptune beating on the shoare . For those the birds in Parti-coulerd cotes , Sound in her eares variety of notes . She scornes the Courtiers life , his sweete perfumes He cl●t●es , his curled hayre , his shaking plumes , To see the medowes spring , the Riuers glide , Doe more delight her then their painted pride . Shee needes not walls and forts for her defence , But shades of trees and peace of conscience . Heere is not to be found that misery , Which raignes in Citties , I meane Vsery . No enuy heere , no wrongs , no vanity , No treason , slander , pride , nor flattery . But innocence , truth , and a quiet life , Are found in woods ; in Citties care and strife . Sound bodies men haue here contented minds , Which seldome in great Citties any findes . Heere no corruption doth infect the aire , Men are content with vnbought simple fare . With many sinnes great Citties still are tainted , With many cares rich Marchants are tormented . But here the harmelesse , carelesse merry Swaine , Sits singing , whistling , piping on his cane . By day he leades and guides his silent sheepe , By night no cares disturbs his quiet sleepe . Thus liu'd our Fathers in the golden age , They spent in woods and caues their pilgrimage . FINIS .

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