Adams garden A meditation of thankfulnesse and praises vnto the Lord, for the returne and restore of Adam and his posteritie: planted as flowers in a garden, and published by a gentle-man, long exercised, and happilie trained in the schoole of Gods afflictions.

ADAMS GARDEN .

I. OH my most mercifull Lord , who hast enforced my returne , after my running away from thee , euen by the call of thy tender compassions , whereby I was wonderfully affrighted & confounded , out of mine owne guiltie wounded conscience , for disobaying thy word ; & thereby losing thy freelie bestowed glorious garden vpon mee : and now at the last , doest exercise me in my desires of thankfull obedience , for so great a fauour and deliuerance receiued ; to plant and present ( for thy delight ) euen a new second Garden , ( far exceeding that of Eden ) out of the choice of thine owne created flowers in my verie sinnefull heart , where thou hast pleased to leaue , some little sparks of the first creation .

II. Good Lord helpe mee , to plant , to square , and frame euerie quarter ; in such seemelie sort and proportion , as beeing furnished with varietie of thy sweete and fragrant created flowers , I may please thee , and vndergoe my calling , to digge and delue still , by penaltie from the first Adam , and may bee acceptable and delightfull vnto thee , in and by the second Adam ; euen to make an habitation , where thou and the Lambe may please to dine , and sup , and euen dwell still .

III. Nothing is hid from thee , thou readest in the tables of my heart , and well seest how my compunction , and sorrow for abusing thy fauours , euen load and presse mee downe : yet heerein bee pleased , to enlarge my cheere and confidence , that much greater is the glorie of my returne and repaire , then was the fruition of Eden to Adam .

IV. For therein , as wofully appeareth , I had power to lose , both garden and blessing ; and indeed was no more but a priueledged creature for a time , made of clay , dust , and the basest earth ; but now thou hast otherwise bewtified and shrined mee , by thy loue vnto mee .

V. And of thy free mercie and gratious bountie , now hast giuen mee a dignitie , prioritie , and priueledge ; whereby I am not onelie set free , from satans subduings , the worlds snarings , & deaths woundings , ( to hinder my now happy calling & progresse ) but am in those combats of theirs , made an open conqueror ouer them al : for thou hast affoorded me a dignitie , farre exceeding my first Creation : So that I cannot be mooued , though I bee shaken and tossed , to trie my victorie ouer them : for what conquest , without opposition and combate ?

VI. Now I can lose my kindred and garden no more : Now I can fall finallie no more : I can lose my vnion with Christ Iesus no more , nor bee separated from him any more : So true it is , that whom thou calledst , thou hast iustified and glorified : whereby , I am in thee so highlie aduanced ; as not onelie to bee Lord of all the workes of thy hand ; but conqueror of all enmitie arising against thy blessed will : yea , euen of that proposed enmitie , which must continue till there bee no more time .

VII . So that , not onelie his descending and death is mine ; but his Rising and Ascending also : yea his verie righteousnesse , is mine by imputation ; whereby I am able to satisfie the whole lawe , out of my owne crucified flesh , in and by him who loueth mee . Who or what shall I feare now ? since all the world trembleth at his voice , who speaketh and ruleth , out of my verie flesh .

VIII . O mercifull Lord , bowe downe and heare my crie and sighes , for obedience and humilitie , that the knowledge of this happie vnion , make me not bold , but onlie in the causes of thy glorie , against that deuouring Satan , that I may once deale large spoiles , from that conquest which thou wilt giue mee ouer him , euen for thy names sake , and in fauour of this thy new reconcilement and couenant , which thou hast made betwixt thy Christ and my sinnefull soule .

IX . For alasse , hee smarteth when I draw penaltie vpon me by disobedience : In all my troubles he greeueth with mee and is troubled with mee . For so long as this vnion lasteth ( which is foreuer ) that Christ Iesus is my head and I his member , how can it bee , but hee endureth my miserie euen with mee .

X. Oh wonderfull and vnspeakable bountie ! a secret hidde from many . Hee hath not onelie made mee Lord ouer the whole earth , but by his consecration hath communicated his glorious and passible spirit , to bee wounded for my declinings . Oh hearts of men and women , where be they ? Oh , that loue of Marie was great and sweete : Tell me , saith she , where they haue laide him , that I may fetch him . Oh seeking , Oh hungrie , Oh bedroughted zeale , to drinke deep in the fountaine of his vnspeakable kindnesse ! Marie , saith hee , Rabbonie , saith she : Oh harmonie ! indeede sweete harmonie : Seeke thou my face : I will seeke thy face O Lord . Ps. 27

XI . O Lord increase my faith , that once I may be swallowed vp , by sense and sweete power of thy sauing health ; let it conuince and mollifie my stonie and drowsie heart , by thy helpe O Lord ; and let euen shame driue mee into admiration of thy exceeding compassions . For , hast thou not O Lord , made thy selfe my most mercifull father ? Christ Iesus my happie Redeemer ? The Holie Ghost my euer present Comforter ? The Angels my ministring spirits ? All thy creatures my seruants ? The earth my soiourning place ? & the heauens for my home ? What couldest thou haue done more to thy friend ? and yet I liue at a wofull enmitie with thee , and by open frailties am euen enuious of thy glorie .

XII . Oh how trulie ( though most vnworthily ) may I say againe and againe , all the workes of Gods hands be mine , and I am Christs , and Christ is Gods , to the euerlasting glorious admiration of his grace and goodnesse ? and yet I sinne still , prouoke him still , and euen crucifie the Lambe still , & make the Comforter weepe still : For to dwell in my former disobedience , what else is it , but euen to call Christ againe vnto death , and euen fight against his Resurrection ?

XIII . Alas for pittie , that neither the experience of his goodnes will hold mee in obedience , nor the feare of his greatnes rouse mee from securitie . Returne O Lord and bee mightie in mee , for thy names sake : Let thy face shine vpon mee , let thy presence breath life and strength into mee , that I may bring glorie vnto thy name , in making knowne by the moderate and holie vse of this my life , that it is another life I looke and attend for ; in regard whereef I desire to be stripped of all those impediments ( how delightfull soeuer vnto nature ) that may debar and stop my neere familiaritie , with thee most mercifull Lord , and the gentle Jesus , by the ministerie of the Comforter .

XIV . Oh that I could find the state of my happinesse , by reason of thy promises , and bee more deeplie touched therewith , and sing with Ezekias : The Lord hath saide it , and the Lord hath done it . Hee hath knitte the care of his people , euen vnto the glorie of his name ; and for my encouragement and comfort , professed , that as hee will not giue his glorie and name to be polluted ; no more will he forget to shew mercie vnto his people , euen vnto me .

XV. Renew mee therfore O Lord for this thy names sake , and establish a right and stable iudgement in me of this thy mercie : and when thou hast renewed mee , doe not then I beseech thee forsake me ; but put a bridle in my mouth to the end I may by abstinence , keepe my selfe in modestie and feare , ouer my euill heart ; and free mee from surfetings and vaine perswasions , which pricke mee forward to voluptuousnes , that in a godlie care to serue thee , still admiring thy face , which beholdeth me continuallie in all my waies , I may zealoushe set spurres to the flankes of my slothfull and impure negligence , to awake and rouze mee from secure sleeping and sitting in thy displeasure , with this carelesse and vnreformed world .

XVI . Appease therefore all countenance of thy Iudgments ( for passed offences ) O mercifull Lord ; and now be pleased that I deale with thee vpon a new couenant , to seale vp the certaintie of my interest in thy promises , euen in a deuoted and resigned preparation vnto thy will . I confesse that I haue deserued most iustlie , to bee totallie and finallie cast away , and raced out of the Record of the liuing : But seing J haue a long while called vpon thy goodnesse ; euen for thy exceeding gentlenesse , O Lord , I beseech thee deliuer me from all those euills which do enuiron me : For behold ( my gracious Lord ) I doe ( thou knowest ) lead my life in a most pitifull manner , for that I cannot serue thee as I would : I desire nothing but to please thee ; and on the contrarie , my wicked nature lusteth continuallie to greeue thee . This I call and feele a most miserable life , my gracious Lord , which receiue mercifullie into thy pittie , and redresse compassionatelie of thy grace , euen when it may best please thee , for all thy mercies sake .

XVII . O mercifull Lord , who hast vouchsafed to vnseale the eies of my vnderstanding , to see the mysterie of my Redemption and Returne : make me O Lord to tast the fruits thereof , which ( flourishing vpon the tree of the crosse ) shall with the force thereof , quicken and giue life vnto my fainting dead soule . Preserue and warrant me for euer from the ruine , which hath so miserablie brought together the race of mankind , and ouerflowed them by disobedience .

XVIII . Establish in my heart , O Lord my God , an habitation for thy holie Spirit ; to the end I neuer heereafter , breath or vtter forth any thing but tending to thy praises ; and let thy will bee alwaies printed in my mind , and thy glorie grauen vpon my lippes , that my lippes being opened my mouth may shew forth thy praise .

XIX . I doe humblie thanke thee my mercifull Lord , for my Election , Calling , Creation , Redemption , Regeneration , Iustification , Sanctification , Preseruation , Glorification , Resurrection , Righteousnes : But most especiallie , for that most ancient loue of thine , wherein thou hast continuallie watched ouer mee , gathered me with thine arme , and carried me in thy bosome , in such exceeding loue and care ; as when I had bestowed all my daies in open disobedience , & was vtterlie vndone by my fraile delights ; euen then in a verie moment , thou brokest the heauens and scatteredst the cloudes to come down and plucke me out of the mouth of the deuouring Dragon , taking mee by the hand , and giuing me this large time of repentance , to the end I should declare thy name vnto my brethren .

XX. Nay , my mercifull Lord , more then this , thou hast not onely seene my vnrighteousnesse , and been patient euen to be prouoked by me , but hast couered my open offences from the eies of men , and kept me reputed as vnspotted and blamelesse in the world , when many a time for my wilfulnes in many things thou mightest haue infl●cted an open and fearefull penalty vpon me : Thus most gratiously preuenting in thy vnspeakeable fauour that the blemishes of my fraile youth , should not scandall or defame thy calling , and the most humblie desired Returne of my Age.

XXI . It is verily true indeed that I haue sinned most vnwoo●…tedly and audaciously : I lay open vnto thee and the whole world the very bottome of my heart : Thou knowest my whole life , I haue sinned in the sight of Heauen and Earth , I will neuer stand in defence or pleade excuse before thee , For my grace and pardon is in thy hand onely , and I looke for peace and redresse onely from thee .

XXII . For thou hast granted vnto me , behold a token of thy owne bloud sealed in the image of my flesh ; which for my Redemption thou hast imprinted in the weakenesse of my substance : So that now thou requirest nothing but obedience and loue ; and alasse I grieue thee day by day , blaspheme thee day by day , and euen weary my selfe in the waies of darknes and shadow of death . And what haue I gained by al those my carelesse actions , and proceedings wherof I am now ashamed ?

XXIII . Truely O Lord , I gaine euen this , to giue open sentence against my selfe for abusing thy mercies , and account my selfe that vntimely fruit that shameth the tree that bore it , and the earth which nursed it , and the heauens which ripened it . Therefore O Lord I will take vp my Crosse in penalty , and where others look for their fruit after the budding and blooming times , I will looke for mine after the fall of leafe : for after the leafe of this body shall be gathered , I hope that my soule shall budde in a new fruit and bee cloathed againe with the Verdure of Immortality .

XXIIII . Behold therefore O Lord , that the open acknowledgement of my sinne , I presently beare vpon my head & as men who fetch water at a well doc put the mouth of the bucket downe , and close it vp ; so will I my gracious Lord keepe silence vnto thee . For he that will ascend must first fal downe , and to kisse the heauens , he must first kisse the earth , and he that will haue a Crown with God must be first beaten and wronged with men .

XXV . And now my most gratious God , to the end I may appeare so honourably apparelled as such a magnificence deserues to see immortality , I beseech thee throw downe the huge mountaine of my sinnes , and burie them in the centre of the earth , and separate me for euer from mine iniquities , which at this present I do repudiate , and sweare a perpetuall diuorce betweene them and my soule .

XXVI . Thou knowest most mercifull Lord , and hast taught mee to know , that the humble and iust man is the very tutor of nature , restrayning and moderating all natural appetites by stability and wisedome . And since I would thus preuaile against nature , wilt thou not , ( O Lord ) which vnderstandest the bottomlesse pitte of Hell , wilt thou not heare my poore fainting desires , which by sighing reacheth and beateth the heauens , and wherewith I haue long entreated thee ? Shall all the world heare me but thy selfe alone ? Oh no my God , thou hast too long stretched out thine arme now to re●ect me , when J aske nothing but to glorifie thee .

XXVII . Alas my sweet Lord , I haue setled my whole power and strength vpon the loue and obedience of thy countenance , which I haue so many times prouoked : and if thou please not to assist me in this seruice , alas what manner of fight shall I ●e able to make against the strong enemies of my soule ? O p ttifull pittifull will be my preuailings ; nay my assured backslidings . Say therefore vnto my soule , I will not faile thee , I hold thee by thy right hand , and thou shalt neuer be forsaken .

XXVIII . Thou knowest , O Lord , men haue had mee in great reregard , and loe how now I am desputed and befoiled with their scorne and contempt : for in stead of sorrowing with me they haue coniured against me , and doe adde sorrow vnto my heauines , and make me a laughing stock and a matter of derision , saying , verily he can neuer rife . Again , He called vpon God very much indeed , and see what he hath gained . But I will be still ; for the daies be euill , and my silence shall speake vnto thee by continuall desires , sighes and groanings .

XXIX . Yet doe I not for all this lose my hope ; no no my good God , for thy power is infinit , and thy mercy vnmeasurable , which wil spread it selfe euen as a roabe ouer such as trust in thee , and the Lambe shal know the roabe by thy righteousnesse therof , and shal say , thou art mine O despised Iacob , O thou Castaway Sion , whom no man regardeth : I haue called thee by thy name , thou art mine , feare not , thou shalt not perish , though they fall on euery side of thee .

XXX . Heereupon , mercifull Lord , I gather courage and assurance that thou hast not lifted thy selfe vpon so high and eminent a place to dismay thy seruants , but that they might see thy ouerruling power and hand of their propitiation farre beyond the touch and controll of man , yea of al Monarchs , for the better assurance and confidence of thy seruants , for their reioycing and hope by the priority and preheminency of their election : for they must follow the lamb and see his face , that their ioy may be full .

XXXI . O thou most mercifull Lord which doest not remember wrongs , hast seene the dangers which by violent sway of sinne I haue cast my selfe into , forgetting all thy mercies , prouoking thy glorious face , traducing the Redeemer , and greeuing the Comforter : O returne and make hast O Lord for my recuring and cleansing from this huge prouocation , euen for thy gentlenes , and because thou hast spared mee thus long , and now beginnest to touch my heart .

XXXII . I did neuer so soone thinke to confesse my sinnes , but thou presently gauest pardon : I did neuer so soone returne vnto thee as thou wast ready to offer thy selfe vnto mee : I did neuer make open or secret acknowledgement of my deserued penalties , but thou didst remit them presently : I haue taken the rods to haue scourged my selfe , when thou hast pluckt them out of my hand : I did thinke thou wouldst haue proclaimed warres , and behold open peace and pardon brought me , with charge and trust to trimme vp and keepe the mansion of my soule heereafter for thee , and to feare nothing but sanctifie thy name in my heart ; for thou wilt be a refuge vnto me , therefore I feare not all changes .

XXXIII . Oh what an acceptable sacrifice before thee is a broken and contrite heart , that out of the voice of a iust man passeth aboue the heauens , & the sweet sighing comforter presenteth the same before thee . This humble acknowledgement from a wounded heart in the sinner wilt thou neuer reiect , because thou findest in this state the greeued image of the lambe , from which thou canst neuer turne thy face .

XXXIIII . And further , mercifull Lord , my hope receiueth good reliefe , because the Saints ( which are the holy men and women liuing ) haue praied , doe pray and will pray for mee ; those are they which do beseech thee for me . Oh it is time that they doe attend thee for me , since impiety of my hart hath so blinded my senses by euill thoughts , that my soule cannot lift vp her selfe towards heauen , nor stretch out her hand vnto thee , who art onely both able and willing to deliuer and ransome the Captiues that sit in darknesse and deep discourage .

XXXV . Therefore hast thou prouided that such as thou vouchsafest to come neere vnto thee by faith and holinesse of life , may pray and beseech thee , that thou wouldest satisfie my soule , and purge my thoughts so preseruing & warranting me foreuer from that ruine and calamitie which hath so miserably imbondaged and pinioned together the race of transgressors , and holden them in irkesome slauery , as chained and designed to a great and irkesome Captiuity .

XXXVI . As for my selfe , who am mine owne Capitall enemy , I haue neuer had skill or will to pray for my trespasses , but euen wandred in dreadfull expectation vnder a heauy burthen : yet heerein I am somewhat cheered , that by this experience of my estate thou hast let me see what a blacke and foule conscience I haue , and hast mollified my heart that I might lodge contrition in my soule , to obtaine grace and fauour with thee , that in thine owne time , merciful Lord , thou wilt please to purge and wash it .

XXXVII . Thou O my good God which hast beene from all eternities , art neuer changed , whereupon it is that wee bee not confounded , but art euer one and the same , without anie shadow of change : for age & time which consume al things , serue for no other purpose but to confirme thine euerlastingnesse : and men seeme to remaine heere vpon earth , for no other cause , but to behold thy incomprehensible greatnesse ; vnchangeable on the one side , and their certaine dissolution , approching out of their mortalitie on the other side .

XXXVIII . For a man changeth not his shirt so often , but the earth changeth her inhabitants more often ; yet thou my God art euen the same at this day that thou wert at the first , which the heauens and earth continually sing vnto thee ; and that neither time past , present , or to come , shall euer change thee .

XXXIX . Keepe mee therefore O Lord in a stable and sober exercise of my faith and assurance , that I do not wauer or shrink in the stormes of my mortalitie , neither despaire at any time , by sense of apparances , or smart of feelings . For hee which despaireth for his sin ( vnlesse thou please to designe that afflicton by desertion , to giue experience of faith thereby ) he euen doth giue ouer his soule as already condemned , and is like that abominable vsurer , who hauing sustained some losse in his goods , by and by bereaueth himselfe of his life also : Make thou therefore strong steppes for my faith O Lord , that I neuer dishonour thy name , by the deceitfull sleights of my senses , but euen stand fast armed with thy promises for euer .

XL. And so prepare mee vnto the chastisements of my peace ( these same sweete healing potions and appliances ) that the smart thereof neuer driue me from thee ; but euen rather as the lashes light vpon mee , I may kisse the rod and say it is too little , for I haue deserued much more , but that of thine owne indulgence and pitie thou sparest me : Giue me therefore O Lord to learne obedience by thy stripes ; and most welcome and sweete euen shall bee vnto mee thy afflictions , yea , euen the changes of my afflictions , the lot of thy children .

XLI Thus instructing and nurtring mee in thy owne most holy schoole of discipline , let me feele O Lord thy wil , to take more rule and soueraignety ouer my will , then it hath done in former times , that I may tast and experience that pleasure , which hee feeleth that is deliuered from the bond of captiuitie , and set at libertie out of prisonne and thraldome wherein his enemies had long held him chained .

XLII For thou hast alreadie done verie much for my soule O Lord ; thou hast taken and held mee fast by the hand in all my dangers , and set mee gentlie againe in the way of thy will , with greater compassion then euer Paul did embrace Eutychus , and madst mee vnderstand thy will and purpose : Nay thou hast done more then that , for mee thinks thou hast both opened mine eies and the heauens all at once , that I should see the mightinesse of thy glorie , as I do at this present sensiblie feele the goodnesse of thy grace .

XLIII Thou hast O Lord made mee se , I say , the mightinesse of that thy power , whereunto no mortall man can attaine without thee : for alasse , should I poore sillie worme thinke , that I am more then I am , to go to seeke for that in the heauens which I cannot well see at my feete ? the eies of my body be duskie & mistie , and the eies of my soule be much worse : but thou the mercifull Lord , delightest to bring light forth of darknesse for manifestation of thy power , euen thy blessed power .

XLIV . And mens thoughts are maruellous vncertaine and wauering ; for the earthlie and corruptible bodie , dulleth and maketh idle our spirits , and tieth and bindeth our senses fast to the earth : so that without thee my gentle Lord , I can hope for no light heere belowe , to know or discerne any thing aright : But Christ Iesus is the way , the truth life and light , whose renewed obedience is still fragrant in thy presence ; euen hee is my light and portion for euer .

XLV . And by him most mercifull Lord , thou doest supplie my wants , and leadest mee by the hand to see the counsels of thy eternall wisdome , and hast heaued & violently mooued my soule to make it capable , and sensiblie to feele thy light and commiseration .

XLVI . Wherefore O Lord touching my enemies and those who haue wrongfully oppressed mee , and closed mee in much obscuritie and blemish of estate ; I do humblie and with all my verie heart intreat thee for them , that thou please not to blow vpon them the wind and blast of thy curse ; but tarie sweete Lord , if so it seeme good to thee , to see if thy patience will bring them to do their duties : nay rather draw them O Lord , to repent their causlesse wrongs orphanings and violent outrage that they haue committed against me .

XLVII . And as for mee , though I bee couered ouer with their wounds , and defamed with their iniurious dealings ; yet had I rather haue them subiect vnto thy mercie , then once to feele thy iudgement ; and desire of thee , if thou think good , that their vnmercifulnesse vnto mee , might rather serue to trie mee withall , then for their condemnation .

XLVIII . Thou knowest O Lord my desires , & takest view of them out of my most secret priuities and thoughts , and that I neuer called on thee for vengeance for my receiued wrong : No no , the feelings of thy mercies vnto my vnworthy selfe , make mee deepelie desire to bee farre from thinking of others smarts offered vnto me . Indeed most mercifull Lord , my vowes do importune nothing but thy mercies , and my thoughts are addressed vnto nothing but vnto peace , & reconciled brotherlie fellowship .

XLIX . The verie end of all my desires O Lord ( if thou please I report it ) is , that I may passe my daies in seruing thee faithfullie , and that thou wouldest grant mee thy holie house to dwell in , euen in the congregation of thine owne chosen wife and spouse the church ; and that all the while I am separated from thee , and a great waie off from thy heauenly tabernacle , tied vnto the earth by reason of the counter poise of this my bodie , I might vnite and tie all my thoughts vnto thee , & conforme my selfe whollie vnto thy most righteous will .

L. Oh blessed habitation , that is able to couer mee from all worldlie passions , from all the lusts of the flesh and assaults of Satan ; for there O Lord thou art present with mee , and comest downe from the heauens to keepe companie with mee ; and fillest mee with thy selfe that I might bee fenced against sinne , and this my carnall will , and conuerted into a heauenlie , liuing , and quickning spirite .

LI. That I may once feele effectually thy maruellous works , comprehend thy mercies , and conceiue of thy power and almightines : Reueale therefore vnto thy seruant this thy will , & lay it vp in my heart , that I may there keepe it most deerelie , and in the midst of thy church may set vp an altar vnto thee , euen in my mouth , for an offering , vnder the vaile of thy most holie word .

LII . And to this end O Lord , I beseech thee helpe mee continuallie : for as mine infirmitie striueth commonlie against mee , so also haue I neede of continuall helpe on euerie side : Therefore good Lord when thou hast comforted mee , doe still exercise mee and bee with mee , I beseech thee , and tary with mee ; knead , mould , and frame this lumpe of earth , euen as thou wilt , to thine owne seruice and worship .

LIII . And now my most mercifull Lord , hauing pleased thee , so as thou art reconciled with mee , and I with all mine heart resigned vnto thee , euen to doe thy will : what shall I neede to feare , seeing all the world doth dread and fall down before thee ? that defendest thy seruants , and hast assured mee to watch still ouer mee euen night and daie , and keepe mee vnder the shadow of thine owne wings : thou wilt giue the angels charge ouer mee , that I hurt not my foote nor faint in my way , nor bee wearie in my iourney vnto thy holie hill .

LIIII . Thou art the mightie defender of the poore and orphaned ; and who is able to resist thy power ? Thy forces O Lord are not armies of men , but Legions of Angels : thy ministers are not onelie Princes and Captaines , but thundrings , lightnings , and stormes : thy wrath is not blowes and hurts , but Earth-quakes , swallowing v● of Cities and drowning of Countries ; so triumphant , victorious , and glorious , art thou in all thy waies .

LV. But my Lord , because thou doest hold backe this thy redressing hand of power and maiestie ; comfort me still with a sure hope that thou wilt not forsake me , and giue me such a measure of faith , as may lead mee vnto the hauen of thy promises , and therein compact mee as a stone well squared for the masters building , sited vpon Mount Zion , which shall neuer be remooued .

LVI . And me thinks thou saiest vnto me continually , tarie a little , for the time is not yet come that I haue appointed , & in the meane while trust thou assuredly vnto my promises , and looke whatsoeuer wrong , disgrace or affliction , thou shalt beare , I will bee with thee , and giue thee strength to ouercom it : thou hauing learned that all things woorke together for the best , to them that loue mee . I haue not laid thee in the fire to burne and consume thee , but to fine thee , and make thee orient in my sight , euen as the Diamond , by much and often rubbing is more beautifull .

LVII . Heereby my courage ( O Lord ) encreaseth , when I see my selfe thus seconded by thee ; and this thy fauour and gentlenesse , doth more embolden mee vnto patience , then all the applause of the people , doth him that fighteth a combat , when he is most strong and lustie in fight , and seeth the victorie alreadie by his fainting aduersarie .

LVIII . Certainelie , I know the conscience of an innocent man , that is founded and grounded vpon thy grace ( my Lord ) is more stable and sure then all the greatest rockes , and cannot bee shaken or mooued by any wrong , or inflicted violence whatsoeuer : No no , that mans inocencie is not to be wounded , with any , or all the practices of the vngodlie , who are forced in the end to retire all wearied , fainting and gasping for breath .

LIX . O Lord their wofull plight ! they lie groueling vpon their bellies ; they bray , grinne , and mutine with verie anger , bereaued of all power ; for thou hast broken , both their armes , teeth , and their iawes ; and what not ? So that the onlie weapon left them , is euen a will to continue in euill : A thing so hatefull vnto thy diuine nature and maiestie . O Ephraims God! that thou shouldest take all their iniuties as done vnto thy selfe , and so in thy iustice throw the mountaines vpon them , vtterlie to roote out the memorie , of such an vnmercifull , scoffing brood , from amongst men .

LX. O Lord what a loue is this , when a father shall not spare his owne onelie sonne , but giue him to bee slaine and tortured , to redeeme the miserie of his slaue ! wherefore , O most louing holie one of old ; seeing that thou hast pleased to frame and traine mee vp with thine owne hand , bought me with thy blood , and purified mee by thy mercie ; forgiue euen now all my presumptuous offences , cancell the hand-writing of euidence against mee , purge my conscience that it accuse mee not ; and since I desire to forsake all the world to enioy thee , thy presence , and promises ; I do beseech thee reiect mee neuer , for then will the wicked say , Where is his God , and the promise of his comming ? and manie other preiudiciall blasphemous speeches , against thy name .

LXI . O Lord I haue long since , and euen now doe sacrifice my heart , consecrate my affections , and deuote my thoughts vnto thee , violentlie plucking them out of the bottome of that euill heart of mine ; so that my onlie desire now is to serue thee faithfully with all my whole strength , my soule and spirit , and to loue my neighbour as my verie selfe . But as it is not possible to write any thing vpon writing tables , vnlesse that bee rubbed out , which was written before : Right so , ( my mercifull God ) vnlesse thou purge and wash this same old besoiled contagion of my heart , it is not possible to engraue thy word and will in it .

LXII . Plucke vp therefore by the rootes those customary pollutions of my wicked vncleane course , and according to thy gratious promises , Make me heare of ioy and gladnes of heart by earnest of thy spirit : Assuring me that my request standeth among the Angels , tendered by the gronings of the comforter in the name of the Redeemer , and shall haue a gratious answere . Heare therefore O Lord , my groanes and sighes , which doe testifie thy goodnes , and doe publish thy mercies . Encrease my strength and courage , that I may straine my cries and euen mount vp vnto thee ; and graciouslie incline vnto the same , that out of a chaunged heart , I may sing a new song of prayses vnto thee .

LXIII . Satisfie me O Lord I beseech thee in casting downe all my sinnes vnder thy feete , that no eye may bee able to see them by piercing through the same : for I doe not onely blush to think vpon them , but euen hate my selfe for committing them : The remembrance thereof grieueth me ; the times that I took very vngratiously therein , be as a very vomit vnto my soule , and my thoughts are sore wounded with the heauie representation thereof .

LXIIII. Pardon and deliuer me therefore , mercifull Lord , who through frailty haue yeelded my selfe vnto the bondage of sinne , and with the onely twincke of thine eie my manacles shall flye from my wrests . For when I poore sinner shal once fall downe and lift vp my thoughts heauie and sad before thee , thou doest pittie me , heare and accomplish all my desires , and makest me enioy whatsoeuer J aske : For what is thy delight ? But to fill the hungry with good things .

LXV . But herein I faile wofully , not for that thou changest thine ancient pittie and purpose , but because I my selfe do keepe no couenant with thee . No no , I doe not that which I might verie well doe , to keepe in the sweet warme worke of grace begunne in my heart , and affoorded vnto mee : whereupon thou mercifully Lord , art euen forced to let me feele the want of the comfort I had , and so J mournefullie and with bashfulnes returne vnto thee , as the tiewant of the schoole doth to be hissed at vpon his returne .

LXVI . For alasse , my most mercifull Lord , as I haue said before , so againe and againe I testifie : It is my selfe that am an open enemie to my selfe , by my fraile wandring , vanities and vnstable hart , that in thy very care thou takest mee vppe and correctest me in the open schoole , by disgrace thereof seeking to worke compunction , filiall feare and a more faithfull returne vnto thee my very sweet heart , and to thy holy schoole . But alas I am still weake and wauering , so that if thou shouldest heare my request and forgiue me when I aske pardone , without correction ; alasse let all men iudge what this is else but to pray thee giue mee leaue to continue in sinne still Alas my Lord , my holy one , thou knowest with what greefe I set down this censure vpon my selfe and others ; but I dare not but doe it faithfullie , because I write vnto thee in the spirit of the second righteous Adam , and ●…aue vnto thee all redresse and pitty , euen in the shade of death : for thou wilt doe it in time vnto such as are grieued with their frailties .

LXVII . And therefore my mercifull Lord let not mee be shaken with the rods of thy schoole and academy : but giue mee to reioice in all the stripes of my strayings , yea euen in the changes of my changes , which will keepe mee sweete and acceptable , by the often scowring and purging of that inherent corruption , which is diffused and dispersed through my verie marrowe .

LXVIII . For otherwise running astray still in a sinfull secure dangerous peace of my affections ( such as the world only hath ) I shall grow like a puddle , infected with manie foule stremes and stinkes , in thy sacred nostrels : afflict mee therefore my gentle Lord , hold mee fast behind and before , and lay thy hand vpon mee , euen with all my verie heart ; for that which thy afflictions take from mee , is nothing but my vanities , and workes of sin and Satan : for the nakeder I am before thee , the more beautifull euer , my gratious Lord .

LXIX . So that whatsoeuer thou laiest vpon mee , it is onely to make easie the way vnto thy holie hill , thereto receiue sanctification and holy moderation in all my conuersation : for thou knowest both the daies and liues of all those that depend vpon thee , and wilt guide them in thy waie , & giue vnto them whatsoeuer is needfull : they shall lacke no good thing , but possesse all peace , plenty and ioy in their daies .

LXX . For I know that all thy afflictions , as those same happie roddes of thy schoole , they are euer in thy owne most mercifull hands , and measured in all pittifull moderation , both in quantitie , qualitie , and continuance of time : for quantitie , thou propinest to each of thy poore wounded seruants , a cuppe and portion conuenient for his brusing and incurable disease , whereunto no man can applie a plaster but onelie thou the Lord alone . And as for qualitie ; physicke must be a little bitter or else it is of no worth ; yet therefore doest thou temper it with the blood of the immaculate lam be , the most happie Redeemer of the world , to make it both settle , nourish , and heale the poore wounded creature .

LXXI . And as for time , thou giuest but daies of triall and affliction , & houres of tentation according to thy good pleasure : and euen in this smal induring , neuer any Goldsmith did so watch ouer his gold in the fire that it wasted not , as thou tendest vpon thy children , that in due season thou mightest draw them out . O that same sweete zealous rebuke of the Lord Iesus vnto Satan ! Is not this a brand taken out of the fire ? the Lord rebuke thee Satan , euen the Lord that hath chosen Ierusalem rebuke thee .

LXXII . Thou hast mercifull Lord made it knowne vnto me , that thy seruant Iaacob wrestled with thee , no longer then vnto the dawning of the day ; and that thereby I may be assured my troubles haue an appointed time for rest , that weeping may abide in the euening , but ioy commeth in the morning : though Shadrach Meshach and Abednego be cast into the fire , an Angel of thine owne presence shall goe with them , and releeue them in due time : So that neither fire nor floodes shall harme thy afflicted ones , whom thou hast called by their names .

LXXIII . For whatsoeuer thou most mercifull Lord , doest exercise thy children withall , it is but to make them know that t●eir blessednes is prepared in an other place , and laide vp for them from eternitie ; And no man shall take them out of the Lambes hands ; for thou Lord who gauest them vnto him art greater then all ; and therefore in those same very times , that thou goest away and leauest them to sorrow , yet they shall possesse the inheritance whose riches is infinite : An inheritance which beeing diuided amongst all the children , will continue sound and whole for euer and euer , whose parts shall be as great as the whole inheritance .

LXXIV . Make vs strong therefore O Lord , and in admiration of such a high and pretious price , to scorne all the vaine things in the world ; all the countenances of men , and the vttermost rage of persecuting tyrants : For let Peter , who denied thee by occasion of a weake woman , haue thy presence with him , and he will auowe boldly , the crucified Lambe before those who put him to death ; so Lord shew vs the light of thy countenance , and no alteration shall dismaie vs .

LXXV . Oh what a spectacle hast thou made for mine eies to behold ! nay , I am now so assured of thy mercies , and comforted by reason of the care I see thou hast of mee ; as , though I should see the greatest Armie that possiblie may be prepared , yet would I not be afraid , but stand still vpon the vnchangeable written word , and my owne happie experience of thy truth , power , and promises , which are euer yea , and amen .

LXXVI . O Lord couer mee vnder the grace and fauour of Christ Iesus ; make his mercies my buckler and my shield , that I may learne and follow his steppes , and hope in nothing but thy gracious goodnesse , springing afresh out of his continuallie renewed and fragrant obedience , still orient in thy glorious face ; that I may be euer zealous of his will , whereby the dropping and sweating faintings of my afflictions , may prepare and establish mee , in the whole accomplishment of my sanctification .

LXXVII . For the knowledge and obedience of thy will , my Lord , is all my verie whole desire , and the thing which must lead me , and guide me , through the windings and turnings of the labyrinth of this mortallitie ; for this same verie obedience of thy will , is the verie path-way vnto euerlasting life , which I so incessantlie gape and wish for .

LXXVIII . Reueale vnto mee therefore this thy will , and laie it vp in my soule , that I may there keepe it most deerelie , and in the midst of the congregation , I may speake of thy goodnesse and righteousnesse by an open changed and renewed conuersation ; rendring all holie acknowledgements of thanks and praises vnto thy name , and thereby bring many children vnto thee , to which onelie end I desire to liue .

LXXJX . I know O Lord , that death is the penaltie of originall sinne and disobedience : but since I am now planting a garden for thy delight , for thou saiest , thy heart shall reioice when my mouth speaketh righteous things : spare mee therefore my God , suffer me not to go downe all belowe , but euen at the mouth of darkenes and death , plucke mee out of danger ; & mercifull Lord bee content , with my humble abashed and melting heart , without imposing penaltie for my deserued thraldome .

LXXX . Heare therefore O Lord my sighes , and take in good part my broken voice , which testifieth thy euerlasting and vnchangeable mercies : and since thine eare is neuer shut vnto those that call vpon thee sincerelie , & seeke thy face mourninglie , encline the same thy amiable face and countenance vnto mee : for all sorts of felicities follow thy presence continualie ; afford the same vnto me my deere God , euen vnto this wounded heart of mine , and say and speake peace vnto mee : behold , I am readie to seeke thy face .

LXXXI . O Lord , thou hast promised this mercie of thine , & how often hast thou from thy pittie sustained mee , when I haue spoken neuer a word vnto thee ? by hearing my secret thoughts or rather the sighing desires of the spirite , calling vpon thee for grace and strength that I might be deliuered : How manie perils haue I passed , when I did not so much as regard thee , in the violent rage and sway of my miserable youth , euen by thine owne gentlenesse and care ouer me ?

LXXXII . For since thou art that vncreated word , which hath made all things which doe a parte of thy will , and thy will is a part of thy selfe : doth it not represent it selfe vnto mee as thy face , in such beautifull and excellent lineaments of diuinitie in the heauens and earth , as shine most brightlie in euerie part thereof , especialie in the places of thy pure worship ?

LXXXIII . Alas what daie , time , or instant of my life , should I cease to be waile and sorrow for my sinnes , which haue so much estranged mee from thy grace , fauour , and familiaritie , which the humble and meeke sorte haue with thee their God ? whose armes are displaied still , and euer calling , Come , see and tast your rest , and be wearie of your fruitles toiles : and when euer thou pleasest to depart , to take view of our sorrow and seeking care after thee ; thou doest still by the extent of thy wings , by a secret instinct of grace , to follow thee with our eies , calling come , come , and see .

LXXXIV . O Lord my God , which from the beginning hast reached out this carefull hand of thine vnto the afflicted , which hast alwaies gathered into thy armes the oppressed , & comforted the iust vniustlie vexed ; grant me O Lord both strength and courage , that I may take my spirits againe vnto mee , which are halfe in a dead sleepe and slumber , by the continuall distractions and vnprofitable cogitations , which my long exile and banishment from my countrie ( where I was able to haue done thee some little seruice , and shew loue vnto my neibours ) hath made vsuall vnto mee .

LXXXV . Grant mercifull Lord , that I may be cheered to glorifie thee with all my heart and spirite , & strangle by the strength of thy voice , the blasphemies and vnrest of the wicked , who goe about to defame thine honour , and make a net for my soule , by speaking euill of thy equall , righteous , and most gentle yoake ; and not beeing able to reach vnto thee , yet go about violentlie to rush vpon those thy poore afflicted ones , who desire to liue peaceablie , & serue thee faithfully .

LXXXVI . Oh what ransome shall I offer vnto thee for my election ( whereby I haue assurance of a more quiet peaceable dwelling heereafter . ) Alas , I confesse to my great griefe I haue not one good worke , neither cleane thought , but all adulterated and defiled with inherent vnrighteousnes , concupiscence , ignorance , and with the contagion of a long audaucious prouocation , by open transgression in thy glorious presence : Shall I offer vnto thee the treasures of the earth ? no , hell is full of them . No no my mercifull Lord , I faithfullie beleeue thou thy selfe wilt bee the price of my redemption : Thou wilt deliuer thine owne bodie , to ransome thy seruant .

LXXXVII . Thou wilt put vpon thee and cloath thy selfe with the dolours of death , to giue mee the state of immortallitie ; for certainerie whereof , thou sustainedst thy hell heere , thy fathers wrath , agonies and bloudie sweate , that ! might appeare in thy presence blamelesse and without spot , to the praise of thy euerlasting grace , for euermore Amen .