A sacred memorie of the miracles wrought by our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ. Written by Samuel Rowlands

A SACRED MEMORIE OF THE MIRACLES wrought by our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ .

Written by Samuel Rowlands .

IOHN . 10 :

If you beleeue not Mee , beleeue the works that I doe ,

depiction of Christ performing miracles

LONDON . Imprinted by Bernard Alsop , and are to be sold at his house by Saint Annes Church neere Aldersgate . 1618.

TO ALL SORCERERS , ENCHAVNTERS , CHARmers , Nigromancers , Coniurers , Magitians , Southsayers , Witches , Fortune-tellers ; And all the rest of the Deuils Iuglers , Whatsoeuer , and Wheresoeuer . MOnsters of men , whose soules damnation claymes , Appeare , come forth , and answere to your names ; Like Pharao's blacke Enchaunters all assemble , And like vnto his drowned hoast , all tremble : What are the wonders that you vndertake ? But lying signes , amazed fooles to make , The meere illusions , false and fained showes , Which Sathans power vpon his sonnes bestowes ; A miracle , most truely to define , Is a rare worke , wrought by sole power diuine . Apparantly against th' instinct we finde Of any course in Natures cause or kinde : And in it selfe a true worke it must be , Most sensible , and visible to see : Not on Illusion to deceyue the eye ; Such as the Deuill still deludeth by ; Neither is it celerity of hand , No Iuglers trickes with miracle will stand , Actiuity containing what they doe ; And meere deceit the onely helpe thereto : The miracles of God no such things need ; But are most reall true in power and deed : Those wonders which the Lord himselfe hath done , And miracles of Iesus Christ his Sonne , All by the Prophets and Apostles wrought ; Doe vtterly confound , and bring to nought The counterfeites of Sathan and his route , Which they euen like Gods apes doe goe about , And therefore when strange things to sence appeare , To know the power , and bee resolued cleere , ( Whether it doe proceede from that great might , Which onely worketh miracles aright ) Examine if in actions true esteeme , It be a worke , or onely so do seeme ; A worke that rarely is admirde of all , Which for distinction sake , I rare doe call , Because of Gods great works , some vsuall Bee , Which all of vs , doe ordinary see , As is the preseruation of mankind , This euery one continually doth finde , By Gods eternall counsell and decreeing ; In him we liue , and moue , and haue our being ; But since it is effected day and houre , By his great prouident protecting power , No Miracle this properly is found , That with amazement doth mans sense confound ; For miracles haue in them operation , To ouercome the mind with admiration ; As when our Sauiour Christ wrought miracle ▪ The holy blest Euangelists doe tell Th' effect thereof , thus present did befall ; The people were with feare astonied all , And said ; How can he that a Sinner is , Performe the works of such a power as this ? Thereby insinuating , there was none Could worke true miracles , but God alone : Vanish therefore like vapours of the night , You that would robbe the Lord , of power and might , Confounded be all Hell-hounds , howle and barke , And fall as Dagon fell before the Arke , Idolaters , that vnto senselesse things , Will giue the honour of the King of Kings . You Coniurers with circle and triangle , That boast you can the fiends of hell outwrangle , And make them come obedient at your call , Herein old Sathan doth deceyue you all : For is he such a friend to come at becke , Or can you ouer-rule him with a checke ? No , you are much mistaken ; by this way , He doth misguide , and leade your soules astray : You that depend on miracles and signes , And will see wonders ere you be Diuines : Know all the miracles that Iesus wrought : Confirme that doctrine his Apostles taught : And they which doe relie vpon the same , Within the Booke of life shall find their name , Sa: Rowlands .

TO ALL TRVE FAITHFVLL CHRISTIANS , Beleeuing and beloued Seruants of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ . DEere Christian soule , with humble mind and thought , Admire the wonders that thy Sauiour wrought , The most true miracles that haue beene done , By Gods beloued de●re and onely Sonne , When he for sinnefull man ( without intreat ) Descended from Gods owne right hand and seate ; The mansion of the blessed Cherubins : To dye on earth for our accursed sins , When no inducing merite , thine or mine , Could thus procure his mercy to incline : But when free loue , his lifes free ransome cost , To saue the sinners that themselues had lost : Then liuing lowly in contempt and scorne , Despised of the world , most poorely borne , With painefull trauell , preaching vp and downe . On shore , in ship , in mountaine , field and towne ; Confirming , that he taught to be diuine , By many a wonderfull admired signe , Euen such as the beholders did confesse , The very hand of God , and no power lesse Effected , for so wonderfull they were , That all spectators stood amaz'd with feare , They saw his works to be so strangely rare , So Admirable , and so past compare ; Those ( that borne blind ) did neuer see worlds light , To haue perfection giuen them of sight , Dead Lazarus that lay foure dayes in graue , Calde forth from thence , his life againe to haue , The dumbe to speake , the cripples sound to goe , The figge-tree cursde , to dye and neuer grow , The winds and seas when they outragious swell . At his rebuke turne calme as any well : The diuels driuen out of men to Swine , The water turned into purest wine , The Souldiers ( in the false betraying howre ) All strucken to the ground by Iesus power ; The dropsie healed , and the Leapers cured , His presence by the Diuells not endured , His walking on vnfirme and liquid water , His giuing life vnto the Rulers daughter , His healing Malcus eare most perfect sound , When Peters sword had lopt off to the ground : And many more ( as those fowre holy men , Which did the life of our Redeemer pen ) Haue registred , of wonders Iewes did see , Which Iesus onely wrought , that we might bee Faithfull , and true beleeuers in his name ; And in our liues expresse and show the same . These Myracles for Christians may suffice , Not any thing of truth in actuall deed ▪ And therefore as the Scripture warnings giue , Those men that will not in obedience liue Vnto the truth , but doe the same despise , They shall by strong deceyuings , follow lyes , False Christs shall come , and shall such wonders show , That many will beleeue them to be so , Not hauing knowledge to discerne aright Gods power , true working from the wicked sprite . But Christian soule , most constantly abide , Let not the Deuill draw thy heart aside , For that which Christ and his Apostles taught , And all the miracles which they haue wrought , For to confirme what they had preach'd before , Is all sufficient , and we need no more : And he thou mindfull what S. Paul doth say , Within thy soules best treasurie it lay , If I , saith he , strange doctrine should defend , Nay should an angell from the heau'n descend , And preach another Gospell then the first , Receyue it not , but hold him for accurst ▪ Remember God of his free loues intent , Hath left an euerlasting testament Vnto vs all , in Christ our Sauiours bloud : In this alone consisteth all our good ; All Prophesies had hereunto relation , All miracles to this gaue confirmation , Therefore if any take in hand to frame A miracle in Saint or angels name , If any mortall creature vndertake His power that makes the earth and heauens quake , If Sathan and his Ministers endeauour To worke strange wonders , this beleeue , that neuer , Can any miracles bee truely done , But by the power of God , and Christ his Sonne : To which eternall maiesty and power , Ascribe we , till the worlds last ending howre , Till Sunne and Moone decay , past date of dayes , All honour , glory , Worship , endlesse prayse . Sa: Rowlands ▪

And take of them those gifts himselfe did giue : If all the Monarches that the earth containes , All Kings and Princes with their noble traynes , Were to a royall feast assembled all , To make some wedding most maiesticall ; Yet were that presence very meane and base Vnto those guests that Gallile did grace ; As thus with men , the Sonne of God did dine , The bloud of grapes , the sad-heart chearing wine , Began to fayle , which blessed Mary seeing , Spake thus to him , in whom all things haue being ; They haue no Wine , knowing his power could graunt A ful supply , in needes extremest want ; Sixe earthen vessels there were standing by , As the Iewes custome was to purifie , Those pots of stone , our Sauiour Christ did will Vp to the brimme with water they should fill , And to the Gouernour present the same ; Which instantly true perfect wine became ; He ignorant what power the same had made , Vnto the Bridegroome thus in priuate sayd ; At the beginning men present the best , And worst at last , vnto the well-fed guest ; But contrary to vsuall custome , thou Set'st forth the worst , and kep'st the best till now . This was the first of wonders Iesus wrought , Euen by the power that formed all of nought , Which miracle at marriage he began . To show himselfe true God and perfect man ; As man to eate with men he did encline , As God he turned water into wine .

depiction of Christ performing miracles

A Leaper is clensed , the Centurions seruant healed , Peters wiues mother cured of a Feauer , diuers dispossed of Deuils , the windes calmed with rebuke , two men possest of Deuils , and beeing cast foorth , they enter into Swine . Math. 8.

DEscending a most hie cloud-checking hill ; From painefull preaching of his Fathers will : To saue those soules which hell ( for sin ) did clayme , A Leaper met him , and himselfe did frame In humble manner falling at Christs feet , With such due worship as to God was meet , Oh Lord he cryes , of health the onely meane , If so thou wilt , t is thou canst make me cleane ; T is in thy power , and in no power but thine , Most blessed Iesus , to my helpe incline . The Sonne of God no sooner heard the crie Of this poore wretch , plagued with leprosie , But in his mercy , of which none doe fayle That aske by faith , ( Faith euer doth preuayle ) Replyed thus , and did his sute fulfill ; Because thou saist I can , I say , I will , Then toucht him with his holy hand most pure , And absolute he wrought a perfect cure : So to the Priest to offer being sent , As Iesus into Capernaum went , Came a Centurion , and besought him thus ; O Lord , my seruant lyeth grieuous , Pain'd with a palsie : Iesus did reply , When I doe come , i le cure his maladie : The Captaine answeres , Lord , that paines forbeare ; I am vnworthy that thou shouldst come neere The place of my abode , great Heauens King , That hast thy seat where Cherubins doe sing ; Speake but the word , I know thy onely breath Can heale my seruant , and giue life in death ; For I my selfe that at thy fauour stand , By power impos'd , haue souldiers at commaund , I bid one come , he comes , another goe , A third doe this , and they performe euen so , When Iesus heard his faith , our Sauiour sayes , In peace doe thou depart , and goe thy wayes , And as thou hast firmely beleeu'd on me , So I le extend my grace , and doe for thee . To Peters house then did our Sauiour goe , His god-like power , by myracle to show , Whereas the mother of th' apostles wife ( Subiect as others in this mortall life To frayle diseases ) lay with griefe opprest Of Feauer fits , most painefully possest Her Iesus , with his healing hand did touch , And presently her healthfull state was such , That she arose , praysing the King of Kings ; And ministred vnto them needfull things . When glorious Phaebus with his shining light , Was drawne to West , at the approching night , They brought to Iesus many wofull wights , That were possest with Deuils and foule sprites , Which with his powerfull word he did expell , And sent them to their Habitation , Hell , With his Disciples then forsakes the shore , Betakes himselfe where stormy tempests roare , Where ship is tost with hazard vp and downe , And raging waues doe ouerwhelming drowne , Where great Leuiathan in deepes doe sayle ; And all the rest that swimme with finne and tayle , Doe keepe their watry common-wealth together , There in the great extreames of foulest weather , The frayle Disciples all amazedly Expected nothing but to drowne and dye : Those blessed eyes that watch of all things keepe , Were then ( as God was man ) closde vp with sleepe , Helpe master helpe , the poore Disciples call , Arise , and saue vs , or we perish all : He that made wind and waue vnto them sayth , Why are yee fearefull , yee of little faith ? And then arose their frightfull thoughts asswaging , And did rebuke his creatures for their raging ; Which instantly were calme and quiet sound , As if the waters were secure like ground , Causing beholders strangely to admire , To reason with themselues , and thus enquire ; Why , who is this that beares such powerfull sway ? His very word makes wind and sea obey . Being arriued on the other side , Two men with Diuels met him , and they cry'd Iesus , that sonne of God art known to be , What haue we ( hellish fiends ) to doe with thee ? Before the time dost thou intend preuent vs ? Wherefore art thou come hither , to torment vs ? Thy power doth make vs tremble , dread and doubt , From our possession thou wilt cast vs out : Which if thou doest , thus much to vs encline ; Graunt we may enter yonder heard of Swine , That are a feeding , if we part these men , Of those same hogs giue vs possession then ; Suffer vs , as our fellow diuell sayd ; When he a spoyle of all Iobs substance made , Then sayd our Sauiour to the Deuils , goe , And they into the Swine departed so , Carrying them in a fury from the ground , Into the sea , and there they all were droun'd : The Heards-men at this fight with terror runne Reporting in the City what was done , How from those men ( that put them all in feare ) The fiends ( by Iesus ) dispossed were : Then getting leaue of that great power diuine , Into the Sea they carryed all their swine , Which when they heard , they all came forth to meete him , And suing for his absence , thus did greet him ; Iesus of Nazareth , with one mind and heart , We doe entreate , that hence thou wilt depart .

depiction of Christ performing miracles

One cured of the Palsie , lying sicke in his bed , the Rulers Daughter raysed , a woman healed of a bloudie Issue , two blind men receyue sight , a dumbe man possessed , healed . Math. 9.

FRom Brutish Gergesenes our Sauiour goes , That were so farre their owne soules mortall foes , They from their coast did banish the most high'st , Esteeming more their cattell , then their Christ , Who leauing those ingratefull , wicked men , By ship did passe to his owne City then , Where being come , the people to him brought , One sicke in 's bed of palsie , and besought That he would heale him ; when he saw their faith , To the distressed creature , thus he sayth , Sonne , be of comfort , and reioyce herein , For I remit and pardon all thy sinne : Whereat the Scribes within their hearts did say , This man blasphemeth , and is farre astray . When Iesus saw , in thought they did him blame , ( For with hearts hid from him that made the same ) He thus reply'd ; Why doth this ill arise ? Which you in cogitation doe deuise : Tell me , which speech is easiest , for to say , Arise , and walke , or sinnes are done away ? But that you all may know the truth of this ; My power on earth can pardon sinnes amisse , Then sayd he to the sicke , thy selfe prepare , Take vp thy bed , and to thy house repayre . Then came a man of woe , with sorrow pain'd , A Ruler of the Iewes , and he complain'd , Iesus , my daughter euen now is dead : But thou that lifes true path doest onelie tread , Come , and vpon her doe but lay thy hand , And she shall liue ; giue death a countermaund : The Lord was moued with his sad lament , And as he sorth with his Disciples went , A woman with a bloudy issue greeued , That could not be in twelue yeeres space releeued : Behind him came , and toucht his vestures hem , Being assured faith could helpe all them , Which did beleeue ; resoluing thus in thought , If I but touch his garment , health is wrought : This faith with Iesus such a comfort found , He turn'd and sayd , Daughter thou art made sound : And as he spake , that very instant houre , She was made perfect by his perfect power . Then came he to the Rulers dwelling place , And ( as the custome was , in mourning case ) He found the Minstrels , and much people there , With noyse of dolefull musicke to the eare : Those he did will forbeare such quoyle to keepe , The mayde ( quoth he ) is onely but a sleepe , She is not dead , I le life to her restore ; But scornfully they laugh'd at Christ therefore , Being all thrust out from thence and put away , He came whereas the breathlesse body lay , And tooke her by the hand , wherewith she rose : And this great wonder to the people showes , Who to behold her in amazement stand , And spred the fame thereof throwout the land . As Iesus passed from the wondring crow'd . Two blind men met him , and they cryde alowde , Oh sonne of Dauid , some compassion take ; Haue mercy on vs , for thy mercies sake . To whom he sayde , doe you belieue aright , That I haue power to giue you both your sight : Yea , Lord ( they sayd ) besides thee no man can Giue sauing health , which art true God and man . Iesus reply'd , vnto your faithfull mind , As you beleeue , so cease from being blind . Then brought they one possessed that was dumbe , But when the people vnderstood the same , Forth of all Cities vnto him they came ; Which when the Lord beheld ( as he is euer A gracious God to all that do endeuour ) He tooke compassion , and did heale their sicke , Their blind , their lame , their deafe , dumbe , lunaticke ; Vntill dayes glory did begin decline , And gaue the world no longer cheerefull shine ; Euening approaching neere with darksome shade , Then the Disciples to their Master sayde . This place is solitary , vnfrequent ; We are belated , and the time farre spent , The multitude of people being great ; Let them depart , and so prouide them meat . Then Iesus sayd , ther 's no such cause of need ; Doe you prouide them whereupon to feed : They said , our poore prouision is but small , Fiue loaues , two fishes , onely this is all ; Bring them to me said Iesus , then he wil'd The people all sit downe , with eyes vpheld To heauen , he did blesse , then bread he brake , And that to his Disciples did betake , Which did deliuer it the people there , Who fed , and all full satisfied were , Fiue thousand stomackes had their hungry wishes , Contented onely with fiue loaues , two fishes , Besides the quantity that did remaine Of broken meat , twelue baskets to containe : Then Iesus his Disciples sent away By ship , while he went priuately to pray ; Into a mountaine , when at sea betost , The poore Apostles euen well nie lost , Were all amazed , most distressed sayling , And grieuously their masters want bewailing , About the fourth watch ( while the winds did roare ) They saw one walke on sea , as if on shore , Which put them all in an amazed fright , For they supposed it had been a Sprite ; Crying with terror fearefully confounded , Perplext in thought , and deepely inward wounded . Till Iesus with a word their dread allay'd ; Be of good cheare , feare not , t is I , he sayd , Quoth Peter Lord , if it be thou we see , Commaund , and giue me power to come to thee . Iesus said , come , Into the Sea he goes , And as the mighty wind and tempest rose , Peter began to sinke ; Helpe Lord he cryes ; Oh saue thy seruant , or thy seruant dyes ; Then Iesus stretched forth his hand and caught him , And with rebuke more constancie he taught him : O thou of little faith , blame thee I must , Why didst thou doubt ? that I would faile thy trust ? So when they came into the ship together , Their storme was chang'd into a fayre calme weather : Then those that were aboard came reuerent all To worship Iesus , and did on him call , Saying with one consent of soule and heart , We doe beeleue that Gods true Sonne thou art . Passing then ouer to the other side , Which hight Genezaret , being there discri'd , Those that about the Coast were resident ; Notice of him thorow out the Country sent , How Christ was come ; when this was once reuealed , Sicke people came from all parts to be healed : They brought of all diseases various kinds , And each sicke Patient speedy cure there finds : And therefore paine they desired no more , But for to touch the garments hem he wore ; Which all that did , were most assur'd to gaine A true release from euery kind of paine ,

depiction of Christ performing miracles

The woman of Canaans daughter healed , foure thousand fed with seauen loaues and a few fishes , the sicke are healed , two blind men receyue their sight , the withered Figge-tree . Math. the 15.19.20.21 . Chapters .

FRom conference with Pharisies and Scribes , And others of their wilfull blinded Tribes , Which of Gods offre'd grace had no desire ; Our Sauiour goes to Sidon coast and Tyre , And as he went a woman Cananite , That had her daughter vexed with a Sprite ; Cry'd after him , saying , Haue mercy Lord , Thou sonne of Dauid , doe thy helpe affoord , My child is by the Diuels power tormented ; By thy farre greater power be he preuented , Heare me and helpe vs , doe not turne thy face : Oh take compassion on our grieuous caes , But notwithstanding all that she could crie , Our Sauiour silent made her no replie : Then the Disciples did intreat him thus , Send her away from crying after vs , And rid this noyse and clamour that she makes , Said Iesus , I am sent but for theyr sakes , That are the lost sheepe of the chosen race , To Israel I must extend my grace . But she adoring , downe before him fals , And constant in her hope , for mercy cals , Saying , Lord helpe me , and encline thine ayde . Woman , it is not meet , our Sauiour said , To take the bread that Childrens food should bee , And cast it vnto dogges , true Lord , quoth she , Yet grace and fauour , may the whelpes affoord , To eate the crummes fal from their masters boord . Oh woman , Iesus sayd , thy faith is great , Thou shalt obtaine that which thou dost entreat , And in the instant that our Sauiour spake , The cursed fiend her daughter did forsake . Then Iesus passed nie vnto the sea , That is denominate of Gallile , Where he vp to a mountaine did ascend , And there sate downe his Graces to extend , For multitudes of people thither came , Of blind and dumbe , of maimed and of lame , And many others that in humble wise , At Iesus feet presented mournfull cryes , Which for his helpe in their extreames did call , And he miraculous did heale them all , That the great company assembled there ( Being filde with wonder and admiring feare ) To heare dumbe speake , see lame to goe vpright ; The maymed whole , and blinde receiue their sight , With hearts more ioyfull then their tongus could tell , Did glorifie the God of Israel . When Iesus calling his Disciples , sayd , My pitty and compassion doth perswade , ( Because this peoples company hath lasted Three dayes with me , and all that time haue fasted , ) That they haue somewhat to supply their need , Least in returne , such danger it doe breed , They faint by hunger on the weary way , But his Disciples vnto him did say , How shall we get in this most desert hill . The bread that may so many thousands fill ? Quoth Iesus , what prouision is your store ? They said seauen loaues , a few small fish , no more . So causing all the people downe to sit , Iesus tooke bread and fish , gaue thanks for it ; And then he brake it , after hee had blest , And gaue the twelue , to giue vnto the rest , All being therewith so well satisfied , That after their necessities suppli'd , There was remaining ( which they could not eate ) To fill seuen baskets full of broken meate : Yet was the number of the feeders then , By computation found foure thousand men , Besides of others that repast did find , Which were of children , and of women kind . Hauing with Soule and bodies food fed them , Our Lord departed towards Ierusalem , And as he iournyed from Ierico ( With multitudes that onwards with him goe ) Two blind-men sitting by the high-way side , That heard of Iesus passage , to him cry'd ; Oh Lord , thou sonne of Dauid mercy show , Mercifull Lord , thy grace on vs bestow ; So vehement and earnest they did call , And so importunate they were withall ; Still inuocating on his glorious name , That people did rebuke them for the same : But they the more do eleuate their voyce , And make such pittifull complaining noyse . Iesus stood still , and calling of them two , Did say , what is it you would haue me doe ? Oh Lord ( quoth they ) let vs behold the light ; He touching them , gaue present perfect sight ; Of which desired sence , being now possest , They followed Christ , most ioyfull with the rest . Then on a borrowed Asse meeke Christ did ride , And all the multitudes about him cri'd , Hosanna to the sonne of Dauids fame ; Blessed is he , comes in the highest name . And entring the famous City thus , The people all admiring wondrous ; Sayd , this is Iesus , which is knowne to be Of Nazareth a Prophet ; this is he : Entring the temple then , which did containe Buyers and sellers , w●cked and prophane ; He cast them out , and sayde , this house of prayer , Is made by you a den of theeues , a Faire . Then came into the Temple for his ayde , The blind and lame , and impotent decay'd , And whatsoeuer their diseases were , He healed all that came vnto him there , That children cheerefull did Hosanna sing ; And with sweet voyces made that temple ring . From thence he did depart to lodge at night In Bethanie , and with the mornings light , As he return'd at dawning backe , next day Sustaining hunger , found vpon the way A figge-tree , vnto which for fruit he went , But the greene boughes had nothing to present , Saue onely leaues , no more but goodly show . ( Like Hypocrites which doe on men bestow , Faire , sweet enchanting words vnto the eare ; But neyther heart nor action once comes neere ) When Iesus did behold the barrennesse , Sentence against it thus he did expresse , Neuer may fruit vpon thee more be found , And with these words it wither'd to the ground : When the Disciples did this wonder see , The pleasant greene a present dying tree : They said with maruell and great admiration , How strange and sodaine is this alteration ?

depiction of Christ performing miracles

A man possessed with a Deuill healed , diuers healed , and deuils cast out of many , A blinde man healed , that first saw men walk like trees , & after saw them clearly , The possessed healed , Blinde Bartimeus healed , The draught of fishes , The Widdowes son restored to life at Naim , Mark . 1.8.9.10 . Luk. 5.7 . Chap.

TO Capernaum Iesus tooke his way , Where being entred on the Sabboth day , He went into the Synagogue to teach . And one amongst the rest that heard him preach , Vext with a Spirit in most fearefull wise , Deliuered forth outragious hellish cryes ; Let vs alone , remaining where we be , Wilt thou destroy vs ; we know thou art he , Of Nazareth , Iesus Gods holy one ; In our possession leaue thou vs alone : Be silent Sathan , hold thy peace , Christ sayes , ( Deuils are not ordayn'd to giue God prayse ) Come forth , depart , whereat he loude did roare , And the possessed , felly rent and tore ; So leaues him then , which such amazement wrought , That all the people were in terrour brought , Saying , with power , is this of matchlesse wonder ? That with a word , brings Sathans outrage vnder ▪ Come to Bethsaida , there they bring one blind , Intreating Iesus they might mercy finde , That he would touch him , so his hand he takes , And leades him forth ( for their beleeuing sakes ) From out the towne , where onely he applyes , Spittle , as medcine to his closed eyes , And did demaund what obiect then he sees ; Who looking said , men walking like to trees . Then Iesus touch'd his eyes , and made them cleare , That euery thing did perfect true appeare . That Hill descending , where those blessed three , Iohn , Peter , Iames , did Iesus glory see . ( When as his rayment , in bright shining show , Was seen in whitenesse to exceed the snow ; Where Moses and Elias did appeare . And Peter said , Lord t is good being here ) One came to Iesus , and his sonne did bring ; Saying , oh Master , heare a wofull thing : This sonne of mine , a spirit that is dumbe , Hath with great torments strangely ouercome , He teareth him with foming fits most fell , And gnashing teeth as fiends are said in hell , To vse with horrour , this poore man I brought To thy Disciples , and I them besought , That they in thy all powerfull holy name , Would cast him out , who could not doe the same ; Then answered he , O faithlesse generation , How long shall I endure your Prouocation ? Bring him to me , which done , outragiously The Spirit did torment him instantly , Euen in vnwonted manner , fearefull , strange , With cruell fits , and torments interchange , For inwardly he did him rent and teare . And falling on the ground , lay foming there , And wallowing vp and downe , said Iesus than Vnto the father of this wofull man ; How long hath he bin thus from peace exilde ? Who answer'd , euer since he was a child , And like as now he casts him on the ground , He throwes him oft in water to be droun'd , And otherwhiles into the flaming fire ; But if thou canst , O Lord , I thee desire , Helpe , helpe , haue mercy , dispossesse this fiend ; That nothing but destruction doth intend : Then Iesus said , if thou hast faith in this , Of my expected helpe thou shalt not misse . Whereat Christs poore petitioner did cry , With sorrowes voyce , and teares excessiuely ; O Lord that art the great , the good , the chiefe , I doe beleeue , helpe thou mine vnbeleefe . Then Iesus sayd , thou Deuill deafe and dumbe , I doe commaund and charge that forth thou come , And neuer to reenter any more ; Who crying low'd , and hauing rent him sore , Departing , left the man as seeming dead , And all beholders sayd , his soule is fled : But Iesus rais'd him by the hand from ground , And no infirmity in him was found . Then on the way that leades from Ierico , As he along with multitudes did goe , ( That admiration to his wonders gaue ) There sate a begger that for almes did craue , Call'd Bartimeus , who when he did heare That all the people followed Iesus there , Making amongst them an vnwonted noyse , He with a loud and eleuated voyce , Cry'd , Iesus , sonne of Dauid mercy show ; Iesu of Nazareth thy grace bestow : His cryes were such so vehement and shrill , The Lord of life was moued to stand still : And wil'd the people for to call him then , Who like most kind and charitable men , Said , be of comfort man ( vnto the blind ) He calleth thee , and thou shalt fauour find : Incouraged with that the people spoke ; Hasting to Christ , he cast away his cloake : Who sayd , what wilt thou that I doe for thee ; Good Master ( quoth the blind ) that I might see ; And Iesus said , in peace depart away , Thy constant faith is thy assured stay . So he immediately receyued sight , And followed Iesus with a ioyfull Sprite . As he was teaching neere vnto the Lake , That from Genezareth its name doth take ; The multitude of people was so great Of those that came to Christ for heau'nly meate ; ( Which pressed on him with their throng so sore ) He entred Simons ship and left the shore . When finishing his speech , an end did make , To Simon Peter , thus our Sauiour spake ; Launch out into the deepe , and cast thy net , That forth the Sea of fishes thou mayst get : Then Peter said , Master , last night in vaine , For nothing we haue spent our toyle and paine ; But yet at thy commaund , obey we will : So cast and drew the net , which fish did fill Vntill it brake , and they for ayde did call Vnto their fellowes , wherewith ioyning all , They laded both their ships with such a fraight , Both ready were to sinke with fishes waight . Then Peter fell at Iesus feet with feare ; Iohn , Iames and all the rest amazed were : But vnto them our blessed Sauiour sayd , Let not your hearts with terror be dismay'd , Take constant courage , I will make you then , From henceforth fishers of the soules of men . As Christ proceeded to extend his grace , In seeking out lost sheepe from place to place . He came to Naim , where euen at the gate , He met an obiect of our mortall state ; A liuelesse body carried to the graue : A son , whose death sad teares of sorrow gaue , Vnto a wofull widdow that did beare him : Who went with weeping , chiefest mourner near him : Much people followed her deare onely sonne , To show their loue in this last office done To a dead friend , their latest tooken paine , In giuing mother earth her owne againe . Which when the Lord beheld , the sight did moue , And make him willing to expresse his loue . Weepe not he said , but stint thy vse of teares , Then toucht the Coffin ; wherewith those that beares The burden of the dead , stood still to see What the euent of this strange stay would be . Whilst all on Iesus fixt their gazing eyes ; He sayd , Young man I say to thee arise . And presently the dead-man sate vpright : And spake to all that did behold the sight , Then to his mother , Christ her sonne did giue , Who seeing now her sorrowes cause to liue , Had such a fulnesse of a ioyfull heart , That neuer woman sharde a greater part . The wondring multitude of people there , Strangely possest with mixed ioy and feare , Gaue all the glory that they could expresse To Gods dread name , saying with thankfulnesse , A Prophet great is risen vnto vs , And God hath visited his people thus . Sayd , is it lawfull on the Sabboth day To heale this man , or send him sicke away : But they replyed not a word againe : Then did he take the man and cur'd his paine , A cure that was no longer time in hand , Then fingers touch or breath of tongues commaund ; His body perfect , absolute was well , And he no more of ache or griefe did tell , Releast of all the misery he had , And made to his great comfort healthfull glad . As the most iust , meeke , holy , innocent . Towards the sanctified City went , Which did containe his Fathers house of prayer , Vnto a village as he made repayre , There met him certaine sad afflicted men , Diseas'd with leprosie , in number ten ; Who when they saw the soueraigne cure of griefe , They stood far off , imploring his reliefe : Lifting vp voyces with such wofull cries , As from constraining sorrow did arise . Iesus , they sayd , master , behold and see The great extreames wherein poore wretches be , Of thy accustom'd clemency and grace . Haue mercy on ten lothsome Leapers case . Iesus beheld them with compassions eye , And for their comfort thus he did reply ; Vnto the Priest doe you forthwith repaire , ( As law appoints for such as Leapers are ) And shew your selues to him ; so as they went , The grace of Iesus did their griefes preuent : And all were cured , of which number one Returned backe ( poore wretch ) himselfe alone , Falling most meekely with his face on ground , Deliuering with a thankefull voyces sound , Gods glorious worthy and renowned praise , To whom our blessed Lord and Sauiour sayes , Are there not ten infectious creatures cleane , Of whom this poore Samaria stranger , meane , Onely returnes , and thankfull doth encline : What is become of these vngratefull nine ? Is there amongst so many cur'd , no more But onely one , that giues God prayse therefore ? Arise , depart , thy selfe in soule perswade , By true and liuely faith , thou whole art made . A certaine ruler , that of Iewes bare sway , Hauing a sonne which very grieuous lay , In extreame sicknesse , and by common fame , Hearing that Iesus out of Iewry came , To Cana , where by miracle diuine , He made of perfect water purest wine ; Went to the Lord , and earnest sute begon , That he would please to come and heale his sonne , At Capernaum , where he then did lye In all mens iudgement at the point to dye : Iesus replyed , except that Signes you see And wonders wrought , you haue not faith in me : The Ruler answered , si● affoord thine ayde , Ere deathes hard hand vpon my child be layde : My dearest sonne is breathing out his last , Oh come and helpe before his life be past . Then Iesus to his heart did comfort giue : Doe thou depart , thy dying sonne doth liue , Because thou hast a faithfull constant mind , At thy returne in health thou shalt him find , As with great ioy he from our Sauiour went , Some of his seruants came incontinent , And met their master cheerefull on the way , With voyces full of comfort , thus did say , Thy son ( whose sicknesse caus'd vs all complaine ) Is wonderfull restor'd to health againe : He liues and all his former griefe is past , Which lay most wofull breathing out his last , Then he demaunded at what time and howre , He was deliuer'd from Deaths fatall power , And they replyed , yesterday at seuen The feauer left him , prais'd be God of heau'n . Then knew the father t' was the time direct That Iesus of his mercies free respect , Said vnto him , thy dying son doth siue , That instant he restoring life did giue , And hereupon he and his houshould all Beleeu'd , and faithfull did on Iesus call . At Poole Bethesda where attending lay Of blind and lame , and withr'ed , that each day Expected cure , when heau'nly Cherubin , Did touch the waters , then to get them in , And wash away all griefes they did sustaine : A man that eight and thirty yeare in paine , Endeuour'd helpe , amongst the Lazars there ; Yet wofull wretch , not any whit the neare , For still when he entended to haue good , By entring that same sanctified floud , Alwayes by others he was thrust aside , Where euery man did for himselfe prouide , And got before him , so that he put by , In most perplexed state , distrest did lye . Christ comming there , and knowing well how long , He had sustained this preuenting wrong ; Sayd to the sicke , wilt thou haue helpe at all ? Oh sir , ( quoth he ) I know not how I shall : I haue no friend , that will so much befriend me As an assisting hand at need to lend me ; When waters moue by holy Angels touch , To get me in , there 's none will do so much , But when I seeke with all my best endeuour , Some one or other doth preuent me euer , Stepping before me ; thus am I kept backe , To doe me good all helpe of friends I lacke . Then Christ ( whose word to heale him did suffice ) Said but vnto him , take thy bed , arise : Depart away , who cheerefully arose , Tooke vp his burden , and from thence he goes : This gracious worke vpon the Sabboth done , The Iewes would quarrell for it with Gods sonne ; His sinnefull creatures which he made of clay , Would question him , who made both night and day ; Not thinking how his word fram'd all that s wrought : And how that word can bring that all to nought . A man borne blind vpon the way did lye , Asking for almes as Iesus passed by , And the Disciples to their Master said , Lord tell vs why this punishment is layde , On that blind creature , what hath he misdone , Is it for Fathers trespasse , or for sonne , Iesus reply'd , the cause he wanteth sight , ( Depriued of the day adorning light ) Is not for any wicked works of sinne , That Parents or himselfe haue liued in ; But that the mighty power of God might be Made manifestly knowne in such as he , I am to worke the works of him that sent me , While it is day , before darke night preuent me , As long as I within the world abide , I am the light that vnto glory guide , When thus the Lord had spoke , spittle and clay He mixt together , and the same did lay Vpon the eyes of him that was borne blind ; Whose hope resolued , with a faithfull mind , That Christ had power to giue those eyes true sight , Which neuer yet had seene what thing was light . Then Iesus sayd vnto the blind-man goe , And wash thy selfe within the Poole Siloe , Which by interpretation is call'd sent : He with more ioy , then can be vttered went , And did according , hauing sight as cleare , As euer did to glorious light appeare : Whereat great wonder present was in all ; Which saw what to the begger did befall , Borne blind they knew ( of none to be denide ) And most miraculous , now perfect ey'd Yet question'd him , and fell to great debate , And wickedly from Christ did derogate , Denying him his owne eternall might ; More blind in soule , then was the man of sight .

depiction of Christ performing miracles

Lazarus raysed from death : The Souldiers at Christes betraying cast to the ground . Malcus eare cut off by Peter , healed , The temples veile rent , stones diuide , graues open , the dead arise . Iohn . 11. Iohn . 18. Luk. 22. Mathew . 27.

Two holy sisters had theyr brother lying , In Bethany , euen at the point of dying ; One blessed Magdalen ( that with her teares Did wash Christs feet , & dri'd them with her haires ) The other gratious Martha , these sent thus To Iesus , for their brother Lazarus , Oh Lord behold he whom thou louest deere , Is grieuous sicke , affoorde thy presence here , His danger will admit of no delayes , Yet Iesus tarried where he was two dayes ; Then said to his Disciples , our kind friend Lazarus sleepes ; but wake him I entend : Lord they reply'd , if he but sleepe , we know He shall doe well , there will no danger grow : But then he plainely spake , his breath is fled , And soule departed , Lazarus is dead ; And I am glad for your sakes in this case That I was absent with you from the place , Because you may belieue , now you and I , Will goe and visite him at Bethany . When they came thither , there they notice haue , That he had lyen foure dayes within his graue , And many of the Iewes ( whom loue did lead ) Were comforting the sisters of the dead . Martha saw Iesus , and alow'd she cride , Had'st thou been here my brother had not dyed , Yet this I know assured truth to be , What thou dost aske of God hee le giue it thee . Then Iesus sayd , arise againe he shall , I know it Lord ( quoth she ) and so must all At that great day of Resurrection , when All shall arise , both good and wicked men . I resurrection am , and Life doe giue , He that beleeues in me , though dead shall liue , And he that liueth and belieues in me , Shall neuer dye . Beleeu'st thou this ( quoth he ) Yea Lord , she said , thou art Gods sonne I know , Should come into this world , and grace bestow . Then Mary came , fell downe and grieuous wept , Saying , deare Lord , our brother we had kept , Hadst thou been heere , his life preseru'd had bin , And these woe teares we had not bathed in . Then Iesus groned in the Spirit , and said , Show me the place , where is the body layd ? They said , come Lord behold , and therewithall , From his most holy blessed eyes did fall The teares of pitty ; quoth the Iewes , Oh see How deere he lou'd ; affection this must be . Being come vnto the deads mans house , the graue , He bad remoue the stone from off the caue : Quoth Martha Lord , he loathsome will be found , For lying all this time within the ground . Did I not say ( sayd Christ ) this instant hower , If thou hast faith , thou shalt behold Gods power . Then they remoue the stone which on him lyes . While vnto heauen Iesus lifts his eyes , And God the Father thankfull glorified , Then with a loud voyce , Lazarus he cri'd , Come forth , at which life-giuing breath and sound , The dead arose , being in graue clothes bound , His hands and feet , a napkin on his face , Amazing all with wonder were in place , To see a man restor'd to life againe , That did with death foure dayes in graue remayne , Committed to corruptions rotten roome , There to haue rested till the day of doome ; This sight put all beholders in great feare , And many Iewes that came with Mary there . Beleeu'd on Iesus , giuing God the prayse , Whose onely power , the dead to life did rayse . When all those glorious Lampes , adorne the skie , Were hid with sable cloudes from mortall eye , And euery creature hauing vitall sprite , Mourn'd at the darkenesse of blacke vgly night , Perditions child ( whom Sathan did insence , ) Bribed against his Lord with thirty pence . The way by night , with armed troupes he tooke , To meete his Master towards Cedron brooke ; Where comming to him giues all hayle , and kisse . To make him knowne vnto the Iewes by this ; When Peter saw the villany intended , His Lord most traytrous to be apprehended : He champion-like did thinke to fight it out , And drew his sword and valiant lay'd about , With such a manly resolution than , He made a crop-eare of the High-Priests man , And wounded Malcus ; which when Iesus saw , He thus reprou'd rashnesse in him to draw . Put vp thy sword into the sheath againe , Who therewith woundeth , shall therewith be slaine : By Prayer , downe from my Father I could call , More then twelue Legions , Spirites Angelicall , But how shall then the Scriptures be fulfilde , As God hath in eternall counsell wilde : Then Iesus healed Malcus eare so sound , That there appear'd no signe of any wound ; With Miracle with them preuay'ld no more , Then striking all vnto the ground before , Which onely but demaunding whom they sought , All falling backwards , to the earth were brought . No flames of lightning to amaze withall , No bolts of thunder to procure them fall ; But that most powerfull word that spake and made , Vnto this band of armed souldiers sayde , Whom looke you for , at which as men strooke dead , They fell at once , yet hardned had no dread . When the most iust , vniust was doom'd to dye , Expos'd by Pylate , to Iewes cruelty , With whips tormented , and by sinners scornes Reuiled , spit vpon , and crownd with thornes , Buffeted , blinded , and compel'd to beare The Crosse , which Christians for their badge do weare When all his sences suffre'd for the sinne Which Adams sences had offended in : Whose sight did like the fruit which was forbidden , For which Christs sight was blinded and eyes hidden : And for his touch that to take hold consented , Christs feeling was with whips and nayles tormented : His smell , that to the rest did liking lincke , At Golgotha was choak'd with lothsome stincke . His hearing , that did Eues bad counsell chuse , Brought Christ to heare the raylings of the Iewes . His taste , which eating he did sinne withall , Made Iesus taste of vineger and gall . When all these great and grieuous paines were ended , And Spirit to his Father recommended ; When that great darknesse neuer seene before , From sixe to nine , obscur'd the earth all ore , Extinguishing the sunne ( dayes golden eye ) Because that day the sonne of God did dye . Wonders were wrought that did mens harts confound The temples vayle from top vnto the ground , Was rent quite thorow , to beholders feare , Which saw that Curtaine admirable teare , The sollid hardest flint and marble stones , Vnder whose massie burden , ground-worke grones , Diuiding , cleaue , and into pieces fall ; Which were supporters to the strongest wall . And monuments that in them did containe , Flesh made of clay , turning to dust againe ; The Sepulchres of Saints ( that resting lay From all their labours ) on this nere like day , Did open , and deliuer liue , with breath The bodies were receyued dead from death , In such a true perfection found and showne , As if mortality they nere had known . Within the holy City they appeare , To manifest Gods mighty power more cleere Vnto Beholders eyes , many did see Their resurrection from the dead to be , Like that which when the Angels trumpe doth call , Shall cause a rising vnto life of all , That euer in this world ( since world began ) Haue been the ofspring of the first made man . When the Centurion with his armed guard , Which were the men for bloud & death prepar'd , Beheld the fearefull wonders that were wrought , And how gainst nature , things to passe were brought : Day turn'd to ●ight , darkned before theyr eyes . The graues to open , and the dead arise , The vayle diuide , the 〈…〉 mbling earth to quake , The cleauing stones how they in sunder brake ▪ Both Captaine and his cursed crue confesse With inward terror of soules guiltinesse , That Iesus which by Iudas trechery , Was false betray'd , vniust condemn'd to dye By wicked Pylate , and by their misdeed , His precious wounds were opened wide to bleed ; Was Gods most true , and deere and onely son , And hell was due for what their sins had done . FINIS .