The Song of Songs, which was Salomons metaphrased in English heroiks by way of dialogue. With certayne of the brides ornaments, viz. poeticall essayes vpon a diuine subiect. Whereunto is added a funerall elegie, consecrate to the memorie of that euer honoured Lord, Iohn, late Bishop of London. By R.A.

THE SONG OF SONGS , WHICH WAS SALOMONS , Metaphrased in English Heroiks by way of Dialogue .

With certayne of the Brides Ornaments , viz.

Poeticall Essayes vpon a Diuine Subiect .

Whereunto is added a Funerall Elegie , consecrate to the memorie of that euer honoured Lord , IOHN , late Bishop of LONDON .

By R. A.

REVEL. 21. 9. Come hither , and I will shew thee the Bride the Lambs wife .

LONDON Printed by William Stansby . 1621.

TO MY MOST BELOVED AND WORTHY GOOD FRIEND , Mr. HENRY KING , Arch-Deacon of Colchester .

IT pleased you long since at my request , to present this holy Song to my honourable good Lord , and your most deare and louing Father . Whose worthy approbation hath encouraged me to publish it , intending the Dedication to his euer-honoured memorie . But God hauing now taken him to himselfe , and left vs to bewaile our inestimable losse ( it being printed before his Death ) I resolue not to alter the Dedication , but desire you his liuing Heire to accept it in his Name : praying the Lord of all Grace ( who hath made you Heire of his Graces and Vertues ) to make you Coheire with him of eternall Happinesse , resting alwayes

Your owne , R. A.

TO THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD , IOHN , LORD BISHOP OF LONDON . ACcept ( my Lord ) into your Treasurie Of Wisedome , Learning , this deuoted Mite ; In Widdowes offering out of penurie ; Thy Lord did more , than richest gifts delight . Your Lordships worthy fauours did inuite Mee to this boldnesse , when you first did raise My lot which in obscuritie was light , In better Fortunes for to spend my dayes , For which I blesse your bountie , and my Maker praise . As little Brookes which from the Ocean wide Receiue their Source , thence watering hollow vaines Of fruitfull Earth , backe to the Sea doe slide , Yeelding some Drops of Tribute for their gaines : Euen so a thankfull heart my Muse constraines , This Tribute to your Bountie to repay , And consecrate my labour and my paines Vnto your Seruice , which I humbly pray , Like Mite , to Treasure ; Drop , to Ocean , answer may . My Muse once rashly sought to enterprise , To ranke thine Honour in the Court of Fame ; But knowing Thou such Glorie didst despise , ( In white stone seeking a new written Name , Which he knowes onely that receiues the same : ) I chose this Song of Christ and 's Church to sing , Where if mine ignorance commerit blame , I doe submit it to thy censuring , Who art in pardoning , and giuing like a King . With Spirit of Moses , Iosuahs fortitude , The Faith of Abram , Isaacks happy peace , With Dauids heart , Iobs patience be indu'd ; With Salomons wealth , and wisdomes good increase , From Samuels dealing Iustice , neuer cease Be blest like Iob in his last happy broode , With Pauls content , be it in paine or ease , Let Churches hidden Manna be thy food , Thy daies and strength , like Calebs , happy , long & good . Your Lordships most bounden and deuoted , R. A.

The Pastor to the Authour . I Out of Pulpit oft haue beene thy Teacher ; Now in this Booke thou art to me a Preacher , God grant what 's there and here deliuered , May daily in our liues be practised . Io. Whyte .

To The Authour . THis Worke diuine to paint with commendation , Were sure a worke of supererogation In mee , yet in plaine english I say this , The Booke 's the theorie , the practice His. B. L.

WHen I at home thy Practice doe behold , Me thinks it goes beyond all contemplation , But soone this Booke hath that conceit control'd , And rays'd my soule to heau'nly admiration , Thy skill so here thy Practice doth transcend , I see there 's none so good but may amend . W. B. Affinis-domesticus .

OF making many Bookes there is no end , And too much reading wearieth the flesh , But more that I to reading these intend , They more my Soule and Spirit doe refresh . I. A.

YOu carelesse Church-men , that your time mis-spend In idlenesse , or worldly cogitation , Learne of the Learned in the Lawes , to spend Your idle time in holy Meditation . Denout Ciuilians of our English Nation , Besides their true discharge of publique place , Giue faire example , worthy imitation , By learned Pen , to season soules with grace . Hayward , in Prose ; our Authour here in Verse , Both Doctors of another facultie , Doe sacred heau'nly Mysteries reherse , As if they did professe Diuinitie . Goe on ( braue Spirits ) while your deuouter Lines Shame them that falsly call themselues Diuines . A. Magirus .

Pag. 10. Stan. 1. Lin. 6. for shine , r●ade shone . pag. 11. stan. 2. li● . 7. for amidst , r. amisse . pag. 23. stan. 2. lin ▪ 6. for confesse , r. confessed . p. 31. stan. 2. lin. 2. for will , r. nill . p. 67. stan. 3. lin. 1. for fellowes , r. followes . p. 75. stan. 1. l ▪ 2. for heau'n . r. hau'n . p. 111. stan. 1. lin. 1. for assay'd , r. as●ail'd . p. 〈◊〉 . sta. 2. l. 1. for within , r. which in . p. 123. stan. 1. lin. 5. for abye , r. abyes . pag. 135. stan. 3 lin. 7. for religious , r. Religions . p. 139. stan. 3. lin. 9. for imperfections , r. impe●fection's . p 140. stan. 1. lin. 3. for fand , r. fend . p. 145. stan. 4. lin. 8. reade so mis-spend . p. 152. stan. 1. l. 5. for ioynes , r. ioynts . pag. 187. stan. 3. lin. 7. for will dread , r. wildred .

THE SONG OF SONGS , WHICH WAS SALOMONS .

The Argument . MY Muse , that whilome , swaid by lust of youth , Did spend her strength in idle wanton toyes , Now viewes her vanity , with mickle ruth , And as awak'd doth seeke for solid ioyes , Such as pure soules to blessednesse conuoyes : This is the cause why shee so much doth long , Act. 2. 3. His grace implor'd who in a mighty noyse Appear'd in clouen tongues , to teach my tongue To sing these sacred mysteries , this SALOMONS song .

CHAP. I. The Churches loue to Christ shee doth defend , And cleere her selfe from all indignitie : She cals her Spouse , who shewes her how to wend , They bothdelight in sweet communitie . WIth kisses of thy mouth doe thou me kisse : Church . Thy loue is better vnto me then wine , Thine oyntments sauour good and pleasant is , A sweet perfume is that blest Name of thine , Therefore the Maydes all in thy loue combine . Oh draw me , and we after thee will run , If to thy treasures thou our hearts incline , We will reioyce , and in that ioy begun , We will recount thy loues , with all that errours shun . Scorne me not ( Sions Nymphes ) though I seeme browne For I am faire and comely , as a Rose , I ( till Sunnes scorching beames on me did frowne , ) Was like those that in Salomons tents repose : My Mothers sonnes my beauty did expose To the Sunnes heate , and raging , me abiected , So did they me a baser way dispose To keepe strange Vineyards not to be respected , Whil'st mine ( ay me ) lay vnmanur'd quite neglected . Oh tell me where , thou whom my soule doth loue , Thou feed'st thy Sheepe , and rests them at noone day : For why alas should I a strag'er proue , And feede my flocks with them that goe astray ? Fairest of mayds , Christ . since thou know'st not the way Tread not in steps that into errours moue ; But leade thou forth thy Kids to leape and play Vpon the hills , the Shepheards tents aboue , To Pharaoh's Hoste and Charrets I compare my loue , Thy comely cheekes are deckt with orient stones , Thine iu'ry neck with spangles all is graced , Yet will we make thee farre more precious ones Of gold and siluer ioyntly enterlaced . When as my King is at the table placed , Church . He sends forth smells most odoriferous : By night he like a bunch of Myrrhe embraced My loue is like a Cypresse berry'd bush , Which in the gardens of Engaddi men doe crush . Faire is my loue , Christ . behold my loue is faire , Thine eyes are like the eyes of turtle doue , And my beloued is most debonaire , Church . Pleasant and fruitfull flourishing in loue : Our house with Cedars all is seel'd aboue , And all our walkes are planted like a Cypresse groue ,

CHAP. II. Their mutuall commendation , and their feast : His fainting Spouse with loue Christ doth refresh ; He calls her forth to Gardens neately drest : The Church doth Faith and Hope in him professe . I Am the field Rose , Church . and the Lilly white . Eu'n as a Lilly which the thornes doe throng , Christ . So is my loue amongst the daughters dight : And as an Apple tree the woods among , Church . So 's my belou'd mongst men . Oh how I long Vnder his pleasing shadow to abide ! His fruit delightfull is vnto my tongue , He sets me at the banquet by his side , And with sweete loue as with a Banner doth me guide . Stay me with flagons , comfort me with smells Of frag●ant Apples ; I am sicke of loue , His right arme with embracements me compells ; About my necke he doth his left hand moue . O Daughters of Hierusalem aboue I charge you , by the Roes , and champaine hind , You stirre not to displease , or wake my loue : I heare his voice , behold he comes behind , And leapes and skips o're hils and mountaynes like the wind . Like a young Roe , and like a youthfull Hart , Is my belou'd : he stands behind the wall , And from the window beames of loue doth dart : See through the lattice he to me doth call Oh come my loue ( the fairest aboue all ) The winter's past , Christ . the summer is at hand , The Birds doe chirpe , the rayne doth cease to fall , The earth embellisht all with flowers doth stand , And eke the turtles voyce is sounded in our land ; The Fig-tree putteth forth her blossomes greene , The tender blooming Vines doe sweetely smell , Arise my loue , the fayrest to be seene , My Doue , that in the cliffes of Rockes dost dwell , Come from the secret corners of thy Cell , Oh , thy sweete counten●nce to me vnfold , And let me heare thy voyce , that sounds so well . Thy voyce is pleasanter then can be told , And eke thy countenance most comely to behold . The Foxes take , the little Foxes take That spoyle the Vines , that tender Grapes doe beare , My well belou'd is mine , Church . I am his Make ; Alone amongst the Lillies feedes my deere , Vntill the shadow's flye and day appeare . Turne my belou'd , and be thou like the Roe , And Hart , that on the Mountaynes here and there , Like the young Harts that in Mount Bether goe , And like the Hinds and Roes that there make goodly show .

CHAP. III. The Church her Spouse in bed doth seeke , not find : Shee doth arise , and seekes him in broad wayes ; The watchmen askes : At length , with ioy of mind , Shee finds him out , and glories in his praise . BY silent night as in my bed I lay , Church . I sought to find him , whom my soule doth loue : I sought indeede , but could not finde that way : I said then , I will rise now , and goe proue , If I can finde him , whom my soule doth loue , About the Citie , streetes , and broade wayes round : But all in vaine my labour lost I proue , The Watchmen that doe walke the streetes me found , I ask't , saw you not him whose loue my soule doth wound ? It was but little , that I from them past , But I did find him , whom so long I sought : I would not let him goe , but held him fast , Vntill him to my Mothers house I wrought , And to her Chamber , that conceiu'd me , brought . Daughters of Salomons Citie , Christ . Prince of Peace , I charge you driue out your faire Flocks so soft , Your Harts and Hindes , that they doe not disease , Nor my belou'd awake vntill her selfe doth please . Behold , who 's shee that fro● the Wildernes ( Like cloudy pillars of sweet smoke ) ascends , Perfum'd with Incense , Myrrhe , and Aloes , And all the spices which the Merchants lends ? See Salomon his bed , Church . which to defend , Full sixty valiant men , by night at hand , Most valiant men that Israel can send , Each with his sword girt on his thigh , doth stand , All expert men , as euer were in any land . Salomon made a Throne of Libane wood , Whose Pillars siluer , and whose seate was gold , The couering purple ; floore , whereon they stood , All pau'd with choisest loues , and stories old , Which Daughters of Hierusalem had told , With cunning needles ; Sions Nymphs , I say , Come forth , and your King Salomon behold , Crown'd with the Crowne , which for his marriage day His Mother made , a day of ioy , of sport , and play .

CHAP. IIII. Christ here the graces of his Church commends ; His rauisht heart with loue to her doth sh●w : Into his Garden he inuites his friends , Where in abundance all delights doe flow . HOw fayre art thou my ●oue ! Christ . behold , how faire ! Within thy locks , thy Doues eyes shine most cleere : Like to a flocke of Goates is thy fine Haire , That from the Mount of Gilead appeare : Thy Teeth be like a flocke of sheepe , that are Eu'n shorne , which from their washing vp doe come ; And e'ry one amongst them twinnes doe beare , Amongst them barren ( loe ) there is not one , Thy Lips , like scarlet Ribband , round about them shone . Thy speech is comely , and thy Temples are Within thy locks , like a Pomegranate side : Thy Necke is like the Tow'r that Dauid reare , On which a thousand shields doe hang beside , ( All shields of mightie men in armes well tride : ) Thy Brests ate like two twinling Roes , close by Feeding on Lillyes neere the Ri●●er side : Vntill the day appeares and shadowes flie In hills of Myrrhe and Mounts of Incense let me lie . Thou art all faire ( my loue ) in thee 's no spot : Christ . Then come with me ( my deare ) from Lebanon : My Spouse , from Lebanon why cam'st thou not ? And from the top of Amana looke on The top of Shenir , and the hill Hermon From Lyons dens , and from the Leopards hill , Thou rauish't hast mine heart , my louely one , One looke from thee with ioy my heart doth fill , Thy necke in golden chaines cu'n through my hart doth thrill . My Spouse , Christ . my Sister , how faire is my Loue ! Oh , how much better are thy brests than wine ! The sauour of thine oyntments is aboue All Spice ; and from thy Lips drops hony fine , Hony and Milke vnder thy tongue doe line , And all thy garments smell like Lebanon , A fenced Garden is my Spouse , a Vine , A Spring shut vp , a Well seal'd with a stone , Her plants are Spikenards , Saffron , Camphire , Cynamon . All pleasant fruits , Spikenard , and Calamus , There trees of incense , Myrrhe , and Aloes dwell , With all the spice most odoriferous . My Loue 's a Spring of Gardens and a Well Of liuing Waters , that from Lebanon fell . Awake , Church . thou North winde ; come , thou South , and blow Vpon my Garden , and her plants compell In plenty to my best belou'd to flow , When he to eate his precious fruits doth thither goe . Into my Garden now , Christ . beh●ld , I come , My deerest Spouse , my Sister , and my Loue , I eate mine Hony , with mine hony-combe , My Myrrhe , and Spice , I vp together goue : I drinke most pleasant wine , as sweet as loue , Mingled with Milke ; Oh Milke and Hony deere ! My fr●ends , of all my Wine , Fruit , Spices , proue : Oh , eate and drinke , I say , and make good cheere , Yea , drinke aboundantly , Oh , my belou'd , my deere .

CHAP. V. Christ doth his Church out of her slumber wake : Her slouth doth turne her heart to mickle woe : Shee suffers persecution for his sake : And to her Maides describes from top to toe . BY night I slept , Church . but ah , mine heart did wake , When ( loe ) I heard the voyce of Him I loue ; He knockt , Christ . and call'd ; Open to me , my Make , My loue , my vndefiled , and my Doue : My head is moyst with dew from Heau'n aboue ; The night , with droppings , all my locks doth fill , My coate is off ; Church . how should I on it proue ? My feete are wash'd ; how should I them defile ? Yet seeing's hand within the doore , mine heart did smile . To open then to my belou'd I rose , And ( loe ) the Myrrhe did downe mine hands distill , Sweet smelling Myrrhe , which from his hand did wooze , And all the handles of the locke did fill ; I open'd then to my belou'd at will , But my beloued had himselfe withdrawne , My loue was gone , my heart grew faint and ill , I sought him , but alas , I sought in vaine ; I call'd him ; but no answere gaue he me againe . The Watchmen , that about the Citie went , Found me , and smote me , and they wounded mee , The keepers of the Walls my vaile off rent . O Daughters of Hierusalem that bee , I charge you , if you my beloued see , To tell him how that I am sicke of loue . What 's thy belou'd ? Daugh. fairest of Maides , what 's hee , For whom such questions thou to vs dost moue ? Tell vs , what 's thy belou'd other belou'ds aboue ? Ruddy and white is my beloued one , The chiefest of ten thousand : Church . of fine gold His head is ; and his locks are bushy growne , Blacke as a Rau'n ; his eyes ( if you behold ) Are like Doues eyes , which by the Brookes doe fold : Their feathers washt in milke , and fitted neate ; His cheekes , spice beds , sweet as the Marigold ; His lips , like Lillies moist , with Myrrhe all wet : His hands are like gold rings , with stones of Berill set . His belly is bright Iuory , in-laid With Saphires blew ; and his faire legs , whereon He stands , like marble pillars , vpright staid By golden sockets , and like Lebanon , His face : and faire as Cedars thereupon . His mouth ( behold ) most comely is and sweet ; He is the loueliest one that can be showne . Thus my belou'd is knowne , if you him meete , O Daughters of Hierusalem , him fairely greete .

CHAP. VI. The Church her hope doth to her Maidens cleere : Her Spouse is rauisht with her glorious sight ; Before the Queenes and all doth her prefer , And likens her vnto two Armies bright . FAirest of women , Daugh. whither is he gone ? Where did he turne ? that we may seeke with thee . Into his Garden , Church . my belou'd alone Descended is , to 's beds of spicerie ; In his delightfull Gardens feedeth hee , And gathereth Lillies beautifull and yong . I my beloueds am , and hee to mee Beloued onely is ; for him I long ; Behold , I see him f●ede the Lillies faire among . My Loue , Christ . thou art , as Tirza , beautifull ; And as Hierusalem , comely and gay ; And , as an Host with banners , terrible ; Thine eyes haue ouercome me : Turne away ; Thine haire is like a flocke of Goates , that stray Vpon Mount Gilead ; and thy teeth doe shine Like to a flocke of Ewes , which make their way Vp from their washing place ; by euery one Are twinnes , and , loe , amongst them barren there ar● none . Thy comely cheekes within thy locks appeare Ruddie and white , like a Pomegranate side : Queenes sixtie , fourescore Concubines there were , And Virgins without number , which did ride About my Loue , my vndefil'd , my Bride : Yet her , the Mothers onely happinesse , The choice of all her Mother bare beside , When as the Daughters saw , they praise and blesse ; And all the Queenes and Concubines could doe no lesse . Who is 't that lookes like Morne ? faire as the Moone ? Cleare as the Sunne ? as banners terrible ? When I to view my pruned Gardens come , The Valleys , Fruits , and budding Vines fruitfull , The Pomegranate , that beareth faire and full , My soule vnwares me on the Chariot pight , Of people vnto me most dutifull : Returne , returne , le ts see the Shulamite ; Returne , what will you see ? shee 's like two Armies bright .

CHAP: VII . The Churches comely graces are descride : Shee doth professe her Faith , Loue , and desire ; And shewes how to the marriage of the Bride , All things that are in heau'n and earth conspire . HOw comely are thy feete within thy shooes ! Christ . ( O Princes Daughter ) junctures of thy thigh● Like jewels are , which cunning hands did close : Thy nauell , like a goblet round , replyes , I want no liquor : and thy belly lyes Like to a heape of wheate with lillies dight : Thy brests ( Roe twinnes ) like tow'r of Iuory's Thy necke ; thine eyes , like pooles in Hesbon bright ; Thy nose , like Lebanons tow'r , that towards Damascus light . Thine head 's like Carmel ; with thy purple haire , Eu'n Kings within their galleries are bound : How pleasant art thou ! for delights how faire ! Thy stature's like a Palme tree , straight from ground : Thy brests of grapes are like to clusters round . I said , I would into the Palme tree climbe , And prune the boughs which there amidst I found : Thy brests are like the clusters of the Vine : The odor of thy nose , Apples . is like sweet sops in wine . Thy palate is like wines of sweetest smell , Which downe the throat goe pleasantly and sweet , Causing the lips , that drinke thereof , to tell Tales in their sleepe . ❀ ❀ Church . I my belou'd doe greet , And his free loue with true affection meet . Let 's to the fields , and lodge in countrey cell , And earely in the Vine-yards dew our feet , And see if that the Vines doe prosper well , And how the Grapes doe bud , and Pomegranates doe swell . There plentie of my brests I will thee giue : Behold the Mandrake sweetly smelling ay : Looke , at our gates all ple●sant fruits doe liue , Both new and old , which I for thee vp lay , For thee ( ● my belou'd ) against our marriage day .

CHAP. VIII . Her vndefiled loue the Church makes knowne , And doth describe the force of iealousie : The Gentiles call'd , by Sisters wooing , showne : Shee hastes her Christ to come in Maiestie . OH , that thou wert eu'n as my brother deere , That suckt my mothers brests : when I without Thee found , I would thee kisse : and none should heere Despise mee : then I would thee leade about Eu'n to my mothers house , that first mee taught . I would thee cause to drinke of spiced wine , And iuyce , that from the Pomegranate runnes out : Thy left arme vnderneath my head should line ; Thy right arme with embracements should my loue intwine . Oh , Sions daughters , I you charge no lesse , Stirre not to wake my loue , vntill he please . Who is 't that comes vp from the wildernesse , Christ . Leaning on her beloued at her ease ? From vnder th' Apple trees I thee did raise , Whereas thy mother did thee first conceaue , Whereas thy mother first began thy dayes . Oh , Church . let thine heart me as a Seale receaue , And as a Signet on thine arme doe thou me cleaue . For Loue is strong as death , and Iealousie Cruell as graue ; her coles be brands of fire , Whose raging flames consume most violently : No water can asswage her direfull ire , Nor any floods can drowne her hot desire : No , though a man all that he hath would sell , And let himselfe for wages out to hire , Yet house and substance all shee would refell , Yea eu'n c●ntemne : No worldly thing can Loue compell . Wee haue a little Sister , and no moe , Whose brests as yet lye in a narrow rome : Tell vs , What snall wee for our Sister doe , When as the time of wooing her , is come ? When as the time of wedding her , Christ . is come , A siluer Palace , with a doore most sound Of Cedar boords , wee 'le make for her alone . I am a wall ; Church . my brests are towers round : So am I in his eyes as one that fauour found . A fruitfull Vineyard had King Salomon ; Christ . In a most fertile place this Vineyard lay : To Dressers he it farm'd , that euery one , For fruits thereof receiu'd , should yearely pay A thousand siluer peeces at their day : My Vine before me I doe dresse alone . If they to thee a thousand must defray , A thousand siluer peeces , Salomon , They for their paynes must haue two hundred euery one . O , thou that in the Gardens sweet dost dwell , My name to thy Companions forth sound ; Oh , cause me heare thy voyce , that sounds so well , And make it from the Hills and Rocks rebound . Make haste then ( my beloued ) to confound Thine enemies : Church . Be like vnto the Roe And youthfull Hart , that on the mountaynes bound , The mountaynes whereon Myrrhe and Spices grow , Make haste , ô my belou'd , thy glorie here to show . FINIS .

WHen Da●id his Ambassadours did send , Wise Abigal vnto his a a 1. Sam. 2● . 39. & 40. wife to take , The Lady lowly to the ground did bend , Offring to wash their feete for her Lords sake : Learne here what high account we ought to make , Of messengers that vs glad tidings bring , Which trauell great and labour vndertake , For to espouse vs to our Lord and King , To be b b 1. Sam. 18. 18. allyde vnto a Prince is no small thing . They that c c Mark . 1. 3. to desert hearts send forth their voyce , And make his paths streight , and his wayes prepare , Shall as the Bridegroomes d d Iohn 3. 29. friends with him reioyce , And be * * Matth. 22. 9. inuited to his heau'nly cheare . Oh , how my soule is rauished , to heare Herselfe inuited as a welcome ghest , By come f f Can. 2. 14. & 3. 7. my Spouse , my Loue , my Doue , my Deare , Behold , our marriage bed is richly drest , And all things are g g Ca● . 5. 1 ▪ 2. prepared readie for the feast . Selected Vessell , blessed Paul , who h h 2. Cor. 12. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. rapt Aboue the triple heau'n , such things didst eye , As here the soules of men in darknesse wrapt , Cannot conceiue , What didst thou there espie ? i i Matth. 22. 2 , 3 , 4. The Bridegroome cloth'd in loue and majestie , Hasting vnto his marriage consummation , Whose louely'st Bride the Wise man doth k k Ca● . 7. 1 , 2 , &c. descrie , With all the marriage solemne preparation , The l l Luk. 2. 32. Gentiles light , and glorie of the Iewish nation . Then let no m m Luk. 14. 17 , 18 , &c. yokes of Oxen , Farme , or Wife , Hinder thy comming to this marriage feast . Where n n Apoc. 22. 1 , 2. Water thou shalt taste , and bread of Life ; The King will bid thee o o Can. 5. 1. welcome as his ghest , And thee inuite to p p Can. 4. 12. & 6. 2. Gardens neatlier drest , Than that of Eden , planted by Gods hand ; There is true happinesse and q q Apoc. 21. 4. endlesse rest , There * * Apoc. 5. 11. glorious Angels doe by millions stand , All readie at the Bridegroomes and the Brides command .

THE BRIDES ORNAMENTS : Poëticall Essayes vpon a diuine subiect .

THE FIRST BOOKE .

Viz. of Loue , Humility , Repentance , Faith , and Hope .

1. COR. 2. 2. I esteemed not to know any thing , saue Iesus Christ , and Him crucified .

LONDON Printed by W. Stansby . 1621.

TO HIS MOST WORTHY , LEARNED , AND EVER-BELOVED FRIEND , Mr. IOHN ARGALL , Esquire . THe Authour doth his Passe-times dedicate , Whom he indeauouring to imitate , These Graces all , doth in the practique see , Which here in Theorie described bee . By your owne , R. A.

THE BRIDES ORNAMENTS .

The first Booke .

THE CONTENTS . The Porter of Loues Gate , Humilitie : Her Treasurer , Knowledge ; Fortitude , Generall ; Mercy , her Chancellor ; Truth , Secretarie : Iustice , chiefe Iudge ; Prudence directeth all . Temp'rance , Comptroller ; Repentance , Marshall . Bountie , the Almoner ; Faith , Hope , Patrons are ; Patience , Obedience , Meeknesse , Maides I call , Attending Loue : Ioy , priuy Seale doth beare ; Gods word ▪ sword-bearer is ; Zeale , Prayer , chaplens there .

THE PROEME . 1 THose sublime Wits , that in high Court of Fame Doe seeke to ranke themselues by Poesie , Eternizing the glorie of their name By prayse of Honour , and of Cheualrie , To some great Princes Court their youth apply , Knights honourable actions to behold ; Chaste Ladies loues , and Nobles courtesie . Of such haue Homer , Virgil , Spencer told , And haue thereby their names in Fames faire Court enrold . 2 But had they waited on the glorious Court Of Heauenly Loue , by some call'd Charitie , And seene the order there , and gracious Port Of this great Queene and her faire Companie , Her gentle Gouernement and Maiestie , This sure their most Heroicke Muse might raise , As farre aboue their moderne pitch to flie , As candle-light's surmounted by Sunnes rayes , Or as the Creatures boasting is by Makers praise . 3 Nor had their stately Muse beene rais'd more high , By this employment in Loues Meditation , Than their owne soules , which vp to ●●auen would flie By this delightfull heau'nly Contemplation , Where they might view th' eternall Habitation , Prepared for the faithfull Friends of Loue , That by her Lawes frame life and conuersation , As Members of one glorious Head aboue , Which here vpon the Earth by it doe liue , be , moue . 4 Long time I sought Loues Court most carefully , And on her noble Actions set my mind , That , in her praise , my Muse might soare on high , I sought in vaine , but could no entrance find , Vntill a courteous Lady then assign'd To keepe the Court Gate , hight Humilitie , Well knowing what I sought , lowly declin'd , Assuring me I neuer could descrie , Loues honourable Court , but by Humilitie . 5 Shee was a louely Lady cloth'd in gray , Of russet wooll , which her owne hands did spin , Nor would expend her state in garments gay , Her care was to be glorious within ; Yet had this Lady goodly commings in , Which for Loues sake shee dealt amongst the Poore , To fill their bellies shee look'd leane and thin , Would stoupe to heale the meanest Lazars sore , Yet when shee had done all , grieu'd shee could doe no more . 6 Shee soone in me espies a dangerous sore , Most dangerous , because it was least seene , But inwardly did fester more and more ; It was Ambition , which eu'n from my Spleene Vnto mine heart had sent her poysonous teene ; To cure which sore , shee med'cine streight applyes , Before I came in presence of her Queene . Who gaynes , saith shee , grace in my Soueraignes eyes , By meekenesse , not ambition , seekes , as I , to rise . 7 Many good med'cines did this Maid deuise , Whereby shee might recure my dangerous sore , As good examples , words eke of the wise , But none of these did yeeld me profit more , Than mine owne wretchednesse ; which shee before Me laid ; that I might humbled be thereby , And though my flesh first spurn'd against this lore , Yet shee so gently did this salue apply , That my proud heart it made stoupe to Humilitie . 8 Thus humbled , I was to Repentance brought , Who was the Marshall , wondrous graue and sage , Ah! shee , at first , me●ickle sorrow wrought , And shew'd how I vnworthy was to wage , Or be admitted to Loues equipage . Shee then my conscience forthwith did demand , To bring my Sinnes and Follies on the stage ; Who , streight-wayes , did obey her great command ; And , loe ! my sinnes appear'd in number like the Sand. 9 Sinnes done in secret , and long since forgot , Shee there exhibited plaine to bee seene , And straight me to the Barre of Iustice got , Accusing of high treason to her Queene : Iustice was chiefe Iudge , in the Law well seene , Yet limited by bounds of her Commission ; Law was her rule , not what shee did esteeme , To extend Mercy shee had no permission : They that haue sinn'd must be condemn'd without remission . 10 But Faith and Hope , two Patrons neare at hand To all distressed soules that craue their aide , Aduis'd me not on mine owne workes to stand , But on His merits that had fully paid The ransome of my sinnes ; and further said , From Iustice I to Mercy might appeale . This done , the Court most willingly conuaid Me to the Throne of Mercy , which should heale , And all by Iustice done against me , would repeale . 11 Mercy a Princesse was of high degree , And neare vnto the Queene of Loue allide ; Most pleasant was her countenance to see : Knowledge the Treasurer sate by her side ; But Prudence most of all her Grace did guide . The Secretarie Truth her Acts did write , Shee Mercy yet with Iustice did diuide , To all those Suitors that did craue their right ; And were , by Faith and Hope , taught how to plead aright . 12 I had good audience at my first appearing , But when Faith , Hope , began my suite to moue , Repentance crau'd another day of hearing , And shee would all my sinnes before them proue ; I answer'd , that this let I would remoue , For I confesse all against me laid , And streight by Faith and Hope did plainely proue , My Sauiours merits , all my debts had paid ; Then all the Court gan cry , I need not be afraid . 13 Yet Mercy with her counsell would aduise , Before that shee to sentence did proceed , And first with Knowledge , Prudence , Truth deuise , The same which was long time before decreed ▪ And though damnation be thy sinnes iust meed , Yet seeing thou so rightly dost apply Christs merits , thou , from guilt of them art freed : Wherefore by Faith , Hope , and Humilitie , In Loues Court to abide , thou hast free libertie . 14 I thus absolu'd , by Mercies gracious dome Was brought to Meekenesse and Obedience , That they might me instruct , ere I should come Into the Chamber of their Queenes presence : And by the way I met with Patience ; These three sweet Ladies many precepts giue , With charge the same t' obserue with diligence , And all my wrongs past and to come forgiue , If in this Court of Loue , with honour , I would liue . 1● Then Fortitude , this Queenes great Generall , Taught me'gainst all afflictions to stand fast , For he that loueth well endureth all ; And Temperance enioyned me to fast , And all immoderate lusts from me to cast ; This Temperance , Comptroller of the Hall , Of slender dyet is and body chast ; Bountie the Alm'ner next to me did call , To doe good , and distribute to poore Saints 'boue all . 16 Then Lady Laetice , that staid all this while , Longing and wishing me this good successe , On me began most graciously to smile , And comfort after my great heauinesse : Shee is of high trust and great noblenesse , And keepes the priuy Signet of her Queene , Which on the hearts of all shee doth impresse , Absolu'd by Mercy from Lawes direfull teene : Shee is call'd Inward Ioy , more to be felt then seene . 17 There met I Zeale without vaine superstition , Who neuer , without Knowledge , durst come there , So hot and fiery was her disposition , As shee in peeces could stone tables teare ; Shee in graue comely habit did appeare , As of the Tribe of Aaron shee were borne ; Gods Name dishonoured shee could not beare , Her haire was all discheuelled and torne , Which she had rent to hear wretches her queenes loue scorne . 18 Shee was most earnest and patheticall , And like Ioy , did enflame mine inward parts : Then Courtesie a Lady faire and tall , Instructed me in her most pleasing Arts , How first I should my lookes suite to mine heart , And next according to mine heart should looke , Vnfeignedly the head and euery part , To loue , who for loue my sinnes on him tooke ; This Ladies louing heart , you might reade in her looke . 19 Then came Gods Word , of all the rest , the Guide , From whose Mouth went a sharpe two edged sword , Which did from me all sinne and lust diuide , And in my bleeding wounds sweet hony powr'd : Last , Prayer needes this fauour would afford , My suite vnto Loues Highnesse to present . Then falling on my knees , shee did record My words , and eu'n my secret hearts intent , And them , by Mediation , to Loues presence sent . 20 Thus was I to Loues glorious presence brought , Which was beyond imagination great , Who gently me enquired what I sought : Madame , said I , This now I doe intreat , Your Grace will giue me licence to repeat The goodly glorie I doe here behold : Shee granted me I should of her entreat , And all her Courtiers , whereof I haue told , Which by Gods grace I meane in order to vnfold . 21 And that I may an order due obserue , The first that comes forth is the Queene her Grace , Then follow on such Ladies as her serue , In their due order , ranke , and proper place . Humilitie first leades the Vertues trace : Loe , next Repentance , Faith , and Hope haue rome : These three are Ladies which doe guide our race , Till we into the armes of Loue doe come ; But , loe , they leaue vs there ; for then their charge is done .

MEDITAT . I. Of Heauenly Loue . 1 THose learned spirits that spend their youthful prime In writing Volumes large of wanton Loue , Find , in the end , they lose most precious time , And all their labour , and , though late , oft proue , That had their soules beene mounted vp aboue , Whence they were sent to this fra●le house of clay , They there had found the obiect of true Loue , God , true , eternall , which ne're fades away , But when Loue there begins it doth endure for ay . 2 Whom as we loue 'boue all things by him wrought , So all his glorious Workes in him we loue , And eu'n that Word , whereby to passe he brought This all , in whom eu'n all doe liue , bee , moue ; The same is Authour , Finisher of Loue , The Sea from which all streames of Loue doe flow , Which here refresh the tender plants , and proue Most soueraigne medicine to the Saints below , Whereby in goodnesse , loue , and vertue , they may grow . 3 And as the Brookes their tribute-streames doe send Vnto the boundlesse Ocean , whence they moue ; So though on Saints and Poore we freely spend What we receiue ; yet to this Sea of Loue We must tend alwayes , as the steele doth moue With Load-stone touched , to the Arctique Pole ; All other motions violent doe proue , This is the obiect of true Loue : this s●le The Center is of Loue , on which all Loue doth roll . 4 Authour and Finisher , Thou Word of power , Center and Load-stone , Obiect , Sea of Loue , Sweet drops of Grace vpon mine heart downe shower , Attract my steely thoughts tow'rds heau'n to moue ; Teach me , the complement of man , true Loue , O helpe me to expresse , what I conceaue Of thine affection , which thee from aboue Made to descend , and all thy Glorie leaue , And to the cursed Crosse for loue of man to cleaue . 5 Of that dread loue by which the Trinitie , Ineffably doth in it selfe delight , Of Persons three making one Vnitie ; I dare not vndertake so high to write : My Muse here onely labours to indite , Of that free Loue , which doth from thence descend , That Loue which from the head on members light , And that which from them ought againe ascend ; Lastly , that Christian loue we each on other spend . 6 But as th' eternall Godhead is but one , Quaere . Yet is by Persons three distinguished , The Sonne is of the Father all alone , The Spirit from Sonne and Father doth proceede ; So though a threefold kind of Loue we reade , Yet is this true and heau'nly Loue but one , For , with that Loue from Father doth proceede , Christ loueth those he chooseth for his owne , And we the selfe-same loue to Head and Members showne . 7 Thou that did'st in thy Fathers bosome wun , Eternally begotten , vncreate , Let me begin where first thy Loue begun To be vnto vs manifest : when Hate And Pride , the Dam of mischiefe and debate , Had caused those celestiall Lamps of light , The Angels that kept not their first estate , To be deiected from thy Palace bright , Reseru'd in euerlasting chaines of darkest night . 8 Then first thy free Loue did to Man appeare , Whom after thine owne Image thou didst frame , And blessedst him to multiply and reare Much fruit on Earth : and gau'st him power to tame Thy handie workes , to which he gaue a name , Which they receiu'd as Vassalls of their Lord ; Adam then Lord of all thy workes became , Each herbe , fruit , seede , thou gau'st him for his board , Thus Lord of all ; Hee 's onely subiect to thy Word . 9 God saw that all he made was very good , Yet 't was not good that Man should be alone , ( I dare not thinke Man could alone haue stood In his integritie ) thou gau'st him one To be his helpe , of his owne flesh and bone , For whom he should Father and Mother leaue ; Behold ! now Adam with his Paragon , Walke in the Garden , where they haue good leaue , The fruit of euery tree there growing to receaue . 10 Hadst thou him set in Gardens , ready planted With all v●●etie of rich delight , And for his care to keepe them had but granted , He might take pleasure onely in their sight , And foode from one to feede his appetite , Nature had beene content with competence : Thou gau'st him leaue of all the trees to bite , Thou onely one tree from his lips didst fence , To shew thy Lordship , and proue his obedience . 11 But , loe , that pride which mischiefe did conceaue , First in the Court of Heau'n , brings forth below ; And in disdaine such exc'llent Spirits must leaue , Their glorious Mansions vnto one they know , Was fram'd of slimy earth : Behold ! they grow To tempt the weaker by a false pretence , You shall not die , saith he , for God doth know What day you eate , you shall be gods from thence , Loe , thus was all mankind made guiltie of offence . 12 Adam , where art ? What art ? Hid , naked , vile ; Now thou hast eate of the forbidden Tree , My Wife did me , a Serpent her beguile , Cannot excuse thee nor thy Progenie : Curst is the Serpeat for his subtiltie , The Ground is curst and all that on it goes , Serpents and Womans seede at enmitie , The earth , from whence thou cam'st , thee vp must close , Thy Garden 's lost , thy Subiects now become thy F●es. 13 O miserable Man , in losse , in paine , Looke but from whence , and whither thou dost fall : Who now hath power to raise thee vp againe ? Breach of one Law , thee guiltie makes of all , Hell is thy Guerdon , miserable thrall , Driu'n from the presence sweet of God aboue , Which thee to such a height of blisse did call , The Serpents speech , thou now too true dost proue , And to thy cost know'st Good and Euill , Hate and Loue . 14 God is most mercifull , yet True and Iust , His Mercy shined in thy first Creation , His Law is broken , now he punish must ; Here Loue , behold , beyond all expectation , Will draw them both to reconciliation ; God becomes Man , Iustice to satisfie ; His Death shall pay the price of our damnation , No height of Verse this great Loue can des●ry , This Sunne is too resplendent for my Muses eye . 15 Most glorious God , Wise , Happy , Vncreate , Absolute , Perfect , Pure , Omnipotent , Here humbly to conuerse in meane estate , And as a Malefactor to be rent , To saue eu'n those that sought him to torment , Captiuitie thus Captiue for to l●ade , And giue such gifts to Men , and Hell preuent , Thy workes of power , Lord ! can 〈◊〉 Creature reade , But this of Loue and Mercy doth them all exceede . 16 Three sorts of Loue wise Sages haue obseru'd , Loue of true Friends , of Kindred , Coniugall ; Of which amongst them friendship hath deseru'd To be first rank'd , this Loue surmounts them all : These Starres doe rise , these Starres againe doe fall , But when this Sunne of heau'nly Loue doth shine Once in our hearts , it is perpetuall , And when it lowest seemes and to decline , It then is highest rays'd , and nearest to Diuine . 17 This Loue 's an vndiuided Vnitie , A concord that diuision will admit , Diuided yet to all abundantly , And doth this all into one body knit ; The Head that eu'n aboue in heau'n doth sit , It ioyneth to the Members on the ground , And all those Members in one Body knit , Loue like her selfe the same is euer found , Though in one Member more than other shee abound . 18 As Soule of Man doth from the Head to Heart , And all the Members life and motion send , Being ●l in all , and all in eu'ry part , Eu'n so doth Loue her Power diuine extend On eu'ry part that on the Head depend , And as the Members soone rot and decay , To which the Soule her vertue doth not lend ; Eu'n so the Man whose loue doth fall away , Doth straight in errour , darknesse , and delusions stray . 19 Those that by reasons force , and strength of wit , Draw true Conclusiont by firme Argument , First striue the Causes , with th' Effects to fit , Else they will hardly grant the Consequent . To say , I loue , is not sufficient , Except I shew the reason why I loue ; I know , ô Lord ! thou art Omniscient , But know no cause to loue mee should thee moue , Onely I daily feele that which I cannot proue . 20 God is Loues very Authour ; Life and Spring , Yea , God himselfe is also stiled Loue ; From him all Streames of Loue are issuing , As from the Sea all other Waters moue : He first fills all with Loue in Heau'n aboue ; Which Water plenteously the Vales below . So God loues first before we doe him loue , Loe , what exceeding great loue he doth show : God loues his Enemies first , before they doe him know . 21 The cause of all this Loue proceeds from thee ; Thou didst vs loue yet being Enemies , Bond-slaues to Sinne and Satan : but now ●ree , And made thy Friends by Grace ; our loue doth rise From thee as from the Spring , and multiplyes , Growing from strength to strength , till by thy Grace , We workes of Loue in thee doe exercise ; Thy Members here for thee wee doe embrace , Eu'n as ou● owne , till we behold thy glorious Face . 22 Into one Body we by Loue doe grow : Into one Building we are all combin'd , Loue that doth from the Head to Members flow ▪ And all the stones hath in this building ioyn'd ; Where eu'ry Members office is assign'd ; And eu'ry stone an others weight doth beare ; All liuely Stones the choisest of mankind , All liuing Members of one Head which here By Loue in one close cemented and ioynted are . 23 My lowly Muse , dares not presume to prie Into Gods holy happy Habitation , Where Loue three Persons ioynes in Vnitie , And makes one Godhead , to mans admiration ; I leaue the Mysterie of th' Incarnation , Where Loue doth make both God and Man in one , And eke the power of Spirits regeneration , Where Loue makes Man eu'n of Gods flesh and bone , Thus Loue all things in Heaue● and Earth vnites in one . 24 Such as Loues cause is , such are Loues effects , Holy , Transcendent , Supernaturall , Which publique good , not priuate most respects . The weakest member seruice doth to all , And the most Honourable doth not call The meaner base , as he did him despise , They all agree in one , and one in all , Vnto one glorious Head by loue to rise , And in him workes of Loue and Grace to exercise . 25 This Loue 's long suffering , gentle , not enuies , Not striuing , boasting , shamelesse for her owne , Bitter , ill-minded , ioying in iniuries , But most glad to doe right when Truth is knowne ; Endures , beleeues , hopes , suffers all alone , Though tongues doe cease , and prophecyings faile , And knowledge vanish , yet Loue holds her owne ; We know and prophecie in part , as fraile , But when the perfect comes , th' imperfect nought auailes . 26 Had I the tongues of Men and Angels , and Could prophecie , and knew all mysteries ; Had Faith to remoue Mountaynes , t' vnderstand All knowledge , and should all my goods out size Amongst the Poore , my body should deuise Eu'n to be burn'd ; yet if I want this Loue , It profits not , this Loue which doth arise From a pure heart ; oh thou then , that dost proue And tr●e the hearts of Men , season mine heart with Loue . 27 And euer let the Obiect of my Loue Be the true indiuiduall Trinitie , The Saints on earth , and Angels all aboue , That still persist in their integritie ; I mention here the happy memorie Of thy deceased Saints and Martyrs all , Which here their Loue to thee did testifie , Whom thou by Loue didst first vnto thee call , And dost in heau'n reward with blisse perpetuall . 28 But 't is the heart from which this Loue must flow , There Loue her Court keepes , there 's her Royall seate ; 'T is not enough with wordes this Loue to show , Or fayned lookes ; God doth the heart intreate ; That must b●● clens'd from sinne , made sweet and neate For him that standeth knocking at the dore , Then open ; he will enter in and eate , And bring with him of heau'nly foode such store , As thou shalt neuer thirst nor hunger any more . 29 Clense my deceitfull heart defil'd with sinne , Make it a Temple for thy Spirit of Loue , Fit for the King of Glorie to come in , That all my words , thoughts , actions , pure may proue , As Riuers which from purest Fountaynes moue , Oh , since thou wert so bountifull to spend Thy precious Blood for vs thy Foes , still loue And cherish vs , and 'gainst all harme defend . Who will die for his Foes , cannot denie his Friend . 30 In all that Nature hath indued with life , We find desire with like to companie : Againe wee see di●●●●tions , jarres , and strife , 'Mongst those that are of different qualitie ; We oft 〈◊〉 - inclinations may descrie , By company they either keepe or shunne , They haue of manners such a sympathie , I therefore shew what heau'nly Graces wonne With royall Loue , which sweetly link't together runne . 31 These Vertues are Loues deare Concomitants , Repentance , Knowledge , Faith , Humilitie , Fortitude , Iustice , Prudence , Temperance , Meeknesse , Obedience , Truth , Hope , Curtesie , These a most sacred 〈◊〉 Societie , Doe on the Court of royall Loue attend , These Hate expell , and her base progenie , Wrath , Aua●●● , Pride , 〈◊〉 , and contend Gainst Glutto●e , 〈…〉 which on Hate depend . 32 These Impes which of this hellish Hagge are bred , Begot of her by Lucifer in Hell , In wayes of errour and of darknesse leade , Where damned spirits in torments euer dwell ; And though on earth they beare away the bell , Of all one day there will a reckning bee , Then shall appeare who hath done ill , who well ; The louely Bride shall ioy her Loue to see , But they which follow Hate , with her shall damned bee . 33 Such doe ill iudge of Loue that cannot loue , Nor in their hearts feele heate of liuely flame , Loue is the gift of God from heau'n aboue , Sent downe mans proud rebellious heart to tame , And yeeld obedience to his holy Name , Though scorn'd by those , whose hearts are made so blind With this worlds god , they cannot see the same , This World they loue , and on Lusts set their mind , And neuer seeke this true and heau'nly Loue to find . 34 The reason is , they doe not seeke to know Gods Wisedome , Mercy , Bountie , Goodnesse , Loue , And these though Preachers daily to them show , And their slow vnbeleeuing hearts reproue , Their hearts of flint to loue they cannot moue ; Ah! How can they loue God they haue not seene , When as their brethren here they cannot loue ? To loue the Head , and yet to beare a spleene Vnto the Members , is a thing vnknowne , vnseene . 35 Should they with Paul behold the glorious sight Of th' Head , whose Members they doe cause to rue , They would fall downe amazed with such light , And humbly prostrate with submission due , Crie , Lord , Who art ? and with affection new , That Head and Members would intirely loue , Which lately with such spite they did pursue : Then would they set their hearts on things aboue , And all base worldly cares out of their mind remoue , 36 Or be as 〈◊〉 , Iohn , and Iames affected , When on the Mount their Lords Transfiguration They saw , and thenceforth worldly cares reiected , Desiring there to make their Habitation : Or could they see the Bridegroomes preparation , When clothed all in Maiestie and Loue , He hastens to his marriage consummation , How would they all their former thoughts reproue , And striue to be ioyn'd to their Head by Faith and Loue ! 37 When Loue like Moses holds vp both her hands , We , gainst our spirituall Amal●c preuaile ; And , lest shee faints , like H●r and Aaron stands , Both Faith and Hope to stay them , lest they faile ; These three transcendent Vertues , loe , can quaile All that our passage to the holy Land Oppose by force , or else by flight assaile ; Loe , two of them , ten thousand can withstand , The third triumphs o're Sinne and all the Deuils band . 38 If when good 〈◊〉 saw Goliah slaine , His loue to valiant Dauid was so great , That they did as one soule from thence remayne ; How should we loue our Lord that did defeat Our spirituall Goliah ? How intreat Our Ionath●● that doth his Fathers ire Appease , and though he drops of blood doth sweat , Will vindicate vs from eternall fire , And make Coheires with him ? Angels this Loue admire . 39 And father Iaco● thought it much , to send His dearest Benia●●● to Egypt land , Hauing ten sonnes vpon him to attend , To loose their brother Simeon then in band : How doth Gods loue it selfe to vs expand , Who hauing but one onely Sonne , him gaue Vs to redeeme from Satans cruell hand , And vs his enemies as his Sonnes to saue , In whom , and by whom , he will grant vs all we craue ? 40 And as the Child that sucks his Mothers brest , Is in all dutie to her euer bound , For bearing him with paine and losse of rest , With many troubles shee in nursing found : So should our Loue vnto our Lord abound , By whose Crosse we are new borne from aboue , And nurs'd with Blood that floweth from his Wound , His Flesh we eate , his Blood we drinke , and proue Flesh of his Flesh , Bone of his Bone , by Faith and Loue . 41 Behold , here is a Sea of Mysterie , Where Lambs may wade , and Elephants may swim , And both be drown'd , except sweet Loue stand by ; By Faith we onely wade about the brim Of this deepe Sea , by Loue vp to the chin . It is a mysterie , which to vnfold , No speech is able , 't is the heart within , To which this mysterie is plainely told : This secret , Babes and Sucklings doe through Loue behold . 42 Loue 's like to Oile , that , in Zarepta's Cruse , By spending on the Prophet , did increase ; Like Sunne , which light doth into all infuse , Yet doth thereby his light no whit decrease , Like boundlesse Waters of the bounteous Seas , Which faile not , though on all the Flouds they spend ; Like Leaches skill , by vse which gaynes increase , Like feruent Prayer , which the Cloudes transcend , Yet by her daily vse in strength and growth doth mend . 43 Loue 's like pure liuing Streames in Pipes , which flow From some faire Conduit built vpon a Hill , Which though they moisten all the Vales below , And many Offices with Water fill ; Yet to as high a pitch remounten still , As is the Fountayne from whence first they fall , Eu'n so Loues streames , which from our head distill Vpon the lowest Member here of all , Mount vp , from whence they came , with source perpetuall . 44 But why seeke I by simile's t' expresse , The heau'nly Nature of this glorious Queene , Since Men and Angels greatest noblenesse , But eu'n as shadowes to the substance beene , If with her most celestiall splendour seene : Let dust and ashes dare then be so bold , His Maker to compare with Loues great Queene , So I her heau'nly graces may vnfold , And you the plainlier may her glorie great behold . 45 God's vncreate , eternall , infinite , Loue 's boundlesse , sans beginning , without end : And as Gods Throne aboue in Heau'n is pight , Yet 's Pr●●dence doth on meanest Worme attend ; So th●●gh Loues habitation doth transcend ; Shee dwells with meanest Creature here below , And ●n them her most gracious Beames doth send ; G●d eu'n the secrets of mans heart doth know ▪ And Loue the secret things of God to Man doth show . 46 The King of Heau'n , for Man , did on him take A Seruants forme , eu'n so this heau'nly Peere , Her selfe a Seruant vnto Man doth make . The whole Law God for vs fulfilled heere , And Loue vs from the guilt thereof doth cleare ; If you will grant similitudes may proue , By thousands I can make it plaine appeare , Loue 's like in all to God in heau'n aboue , Yea , Loue is God himselfe : for God is called Loue . 47 As in the Frame and Microcosme of Man , The Soules great power all other motions sway , And the whole Frame which of the Chaos came , To the prime Mouer alwayes doth obay ; So doe all spirituall heau'nly Vertues ay , Depend vpon this gracious Queene of Loue , And eu'n as Man and the whole World decay , When Soule departs and Spheres doe cease to moue , Eu'n so all Vertues die not quickened by Loue . 48 Two things obserue in Loue , longing , delight ; Longing to get ; Delight , when we obtayne : Loe , Loue with longing doth our hearts inuite Vnto the feast , where Christ shall entertayne ▪ Virgins that in their Lamps sweet Oile maintayne ; Those that are in the wedding Garment drest , Where they with him shall euermore remayne , In solemnizing of this marriage feast , Where they enioy true happinesse and endlesse rest . 49 As is Loues Obiect , so indeed is Loue , Constant , delightfull , happy , permanent , If we affection set on things aboue , And treade in his steps that before vs went , Delight shall euer last with true content : If for this pearle of Loue , we all doe pay , And let no Wife , Farme , Oxen vs preuent From comming to the marriage at the Day , Then like Loues Obiect , so delight shall last for ay . 50 Th' examples of this Loue are manifold , In holy Men , when yet the Law had place , As Abram , Moses , Iob , and Dauid bold , But they haue shined more now vnder Grace Amongst those that haue seene our Sauiours face , But most since he the Comforter hath sent , Stones , Fagots , Swords , Sawes , Crosses they embrace , As if they did their Sauiour represent , Shewing by losse of their deare Blood their true intent . 51 In eu'ry Age , examples doe abound Of Gods loue t 'vs , and ours to God againe ; Yea , when most en'mies seeke Loue to confound , Shee doth her owne most valiantly maintayne , No horror , death , cold , hunger , losse , or paine , Saints , from their Loue to Christ , can separate , Their Martyrdome's their Crowne ; their losse , their gaine ; Their Captaynes death Souldiers doth not amate , They know this is the way in at the narrow Gate . 52 Oh! let this one example serue for all , For Loue , a Seruants forme , God on him takes , To raise vp Man , eu'n God receiues a fall , Himselfe a Suiter poore to vs he makes , Enduring paine and hunger for our sakes , Going from house to house : in eu'ry place Doing of good , our sinnes vpon him takes , Opes wide his Armes , his Church for to embrace , And humbly vs intreating to accept of grace . 53 It hath beene knowne , that sometimes for a Friend A man would die ; some shorten'd haue their life With griefe for losse of Children , or their kind : Some , for their Minions losse , haue dyde with knife : Iacob would serue eu'n seu'n yeares for a Wife , Our Sauiour for his Foes his Bloud doth spend ; Vs Children to adopt , layes downe his Life ; To saue his Spouse doth on the Crosse depend , Seru'd for her fiue seu'n yeares : His Loue doth neuer end . 54 Behold ! by all these Names , he doth inuite Vs to embrace his mutuall heau'nly Loue , And calls vs Friend , Child , Sister , Spouse , Delight ; His Seruants sends vs curteously to moue , To royall Banquets and sweet beds of Loue , By grace adopting vs , to be Coheires Eu'n with himselfe , of glorie great aboue , No cost or paines , not his owne Blood , he spares , But like a Father , Husband , Friend , for vs he cares . 55 I here had ended , had not holy Steuen , The first of Martyrs , that did testifie His Masters Resurrection : of the seuen The chiefest Deacon : Had he not falsely Beene next accus'd of wicked blasphemie , Whose witnesses their cloth 's at Sauls feete lay , And then him stone with stones , whil'st he doth crie , Iesu receiue my Spirit : And Loue doth pray Aloud , Lord to their charge this sinne doe thou not lay . 56 Why seeke I out ? let vs within abound , Towards the Saints in loue and charitie , Which doth to Gods high glorious grace redound , When by releeuing them in poue●tie , They for our bountie Gods Name glorifie : He that vnto the Sower giueth seede , Bread to the hungrie , he will multiply Vs with increase , if to poore Saints in neede We giue with cheerfulnesse : such gifts God likes indeede . 57 Who sparingly doth sow , reapes sparingly : His Righteousnesse for euer shall remayne That doth disperse and giue abundantly : What doe we saue if we the world should gayne , And lose our Crowne which vp in Heau'n is layne ? Who hauing this worlds good , and doth behold His brother want , yet doth his hand retayne , How can it be but Loue in him is cold ? For whereas Loue doth dwell , her fruits are manifold . 58 Oh! come all yee then , that forget the Lord ; Behold his loue to Man with admiration ! Oh , let our loue such fruits to Saints afford , They may blesse God for such refocillation . Mount vp my soule by heau'nly contemplation , Behold him in his Maiestie aboue ! Behold him in his wonderfull creation ! In 's Wisedome and his Prouidence , and proue If all these counterpoise his Bountie , Mercy , Loue . 59 And if his loue 's so great and wonderfull , Most precious sure 's the Obiect of his loue , Out of this Worlds great treasurie to cull One , whom he would eternally aboue Make happy with his presence : and to proue So kind a Father , Him Coheire to take To his owne deare beloued Sonne : to loue Him as his owne , for his owne Sonnes deare sake . Learne here what high account we of our soules should make . 60 Why dost , my Soule , then grouell on the ground , Since in respect of thee this World is base ? No thing created in the World is found , Which God vouchsafed hath so much to grace . His free Loue doth aduance thee to this place , Requiring of thee this one complement , Thou him and his againe with loue embrace , For Loue fulfilleth the Commandement , Command Lord what thou wilt , Loue makes obedient . 61 But ah my Soule ! Where is thy Loue ? thy feare ? How doth the World bewitch thee ? How possesse ? How are thy thoughts tane vp with worldly care ? Breeding of heau'nly Loue a sensel●snesse : Dost thou misdoubt Gods gracious promises ? Farre be such Atheisme and impietie ; Oh , neuer let such dismall heauinesse Cleaue on my Soule , through vnbeliefe to die , For which Christ offred vp himselfe so louingly . 62 Hast thou not , oh my Soule ! most plainely seene , That all things in this World are vanitie , No true content to mortall e're hath beene , But that which doth endure eternally ? As Primum mobile Loue doth employ All other Graces in their proper motion , And as all Spheres are mou'd perpetually By the prime Mouer , so Loues purest Notion , Swayes all the other Vertues in their due deuotion , 63 Wilt then despise his friendship , kindnesse , loue , Wherewith thy Lord inuites thee vnto Grace ? And as a Father , Husband , Friend thee moue , His Loue with like relation to embrace ? And all thy minde on things aboue to place , Abandoning vaine wealth and worlds delight , The World and all things in it are but base , To ransome one poore Soule all is too light , In this Gods Loue doth more then all his Power and Might . 64 Oh! that I could despise Worlds vaine promotion , And follow heau'nly things with all my might , My whole life consecrating to deuotion ; Oh , that I might liue euer in thy sight ! Where fulnesse is of ioy and pure delight , Oh , that mine heart were on thy Law so set ! To meditate thereon both day and night , Thy Statutes then I neuer should forget , Nor at the wickeds vaine and false preferments fret . 65 Oh , that my dearest Husband , Father , Friend , His heau'nly Loue into mine heart would shower ! That my Loue may againe to him ascend , And that I may with all my might and power , Loue and defend his Members from each stower ; His Saints which in this wandring wildernesse In danger of the Wolues are eu'ry hower , Visit the Widdowes and the Fatherlesse , And walke vnspotted here in Truth and Holinesse . 66 But though , alas , this heau'nly Loue I feele Abundant grace vpon mine heart to shower , Loue of this World my soules eyes vp so seele , To loue the things aboue , I haue no power : And though I feele sweet flashes euery hower Of heau'nly Loue : I cannot loue againe The Head nor Members , which in earthly Bower Most deare and precious in his sight remayne , But hardly can from Enuie , Hatred , Pride refrayne . 67 I doe confesse my debt of Loue so great , I neuer able am my score to pay , For if I should Gods kindnesses repeate , And all his fauours in one summe conuay , I might begin them earely before day , But could not cast the number vp by night . Accept my will and readinesse for pay , Accept my sorrowfull heart and humble sprite , Which made the Widdowes poore , an acceptable mite . 68 Let me thy loue so liuely apprehend , That I may ready be with cheerefulnesse To die for thee , who thy deare Blood didst spend , To vindicate my soule from wretchednesse ; And raise me to such height of happinesse , That I may gladly wish my dissolution ; And cast from me all wretched world●inesse , Prepared with a holy resolution , To stand vndanted at the Worlds great deuolution . 69 Frame in me such an habit of thy Loue , As I for loue may seeke thee to obay , More than for feare I should thine anger moue , Whereby thou should'st my sinnes with vengeance pay ; And grant that all the good I doe , I may Performe it well , with good and due respect Vnto thy gracious Loue , which me alway In eu'ry good and perfect thing direct : And not for pleasure , gayne , vaine glorie , worlds respect . 70 Set my delight on hallowing thy great Name , And longing for the comming of our King , Thy Will on Earth to doe , eu'n as the same Thine Angels doe in Heau'n : such nourishing As we haue need of , daily to vs bring . Forgiue our faults as we by loue forgiue Them that offend vs ; From the entising Of Sinne and Satan and the Flesh releeue ; From euill set vs free , in Ioy and Loue to liue . 71 O Lord ! I doe but aske , what thou to giue More readie art , than I am to receaue ; Thy Life thou laidst downe , that my soule might liue , Didst cleaue to flesh that I to thee might cleaue ; My Soule thou wilt not now in darknesse leaue , Which to redeeme thou suffredst many a wound , And Hell and Satans malice to deceaue , Suffredst thy Body three dayes in the ground ; But rais'd vp now to Heau'n , thy Loue doth more abound . 72 For there thou mak'st continuall intercession For vs , thy Seruants which doe wander here In this vaine World , subiect to base oppression Of Satan , World , Flesh , which about we beare : Thou send'st thy Comforter our hearts to cheare , That sayes , Thy Grace is all-sufficient , Esteeming nothing for thine Owne too deare , For them which to thee bee obedient , And loue and serue thee with a faithfull true intent . 73 Then , oh my Soule ! be bold and confident , Though of this Loue thou haue the smallest taste , He gaue it , that will daily it augment , Cherish it carefully , let it not waste : D●st thou desire to loue ? loe , loue thou hast ; He surely shall fulfill thy whole desire , Looke all the Ages that are gone and past , God neuer yet was found like Man , a lyer , But what he promiseth , we boldly may require . 74 Should I with Iob be throwne downe in the dust ; With Ionas drown'd in belly of a Whale ; With Ieremie into a Dungeon thrust ; Should I with Dauid walke , eu'n in the vale Of cruell death , with Ioseph set to sale , And without cause in prison spend my dayes , Should damned ghosts stand readie for to hale My Soule to Hell : all this me not dismayes : I know whom I haue trusted , he my soule will raise . 75 Should my sinnes be in number as the Sand , And my forefathers sinnes , my sinnes exceed In weight and number : yet I firme would stand , What though eternall fire be sinnes iust meed ? Much is forgiu'n , where is much loue indeed ; Wherefore mine Heart and Soule shall euer praise My Maker , that in me such loue doth breed , That doth my Soule from hellish horror raise Aboue the Heau'ns , to liue the life of Loue alwayes . 76 As alwayes for thy loue , so at this time I praise thee for this holy Meditation Of heau'nly Loue : of all the Graces prime , Which by thy grace doe worke out our saluation ; And pay the score and price of our damnation : I alwayes will acknowledge and confesse Thy Power and Bountie in our first Creation ; But now mine heart vnable to expresse Thy Loue in our Redemption , here with ioy doth cease . 77 And pray's that whilst I Loue to others preach , My selfe may not become a reprobate , Like as I oft haue seene a skilfull Leach , Carelesse of his owne health and fraile estate ; But grant that as this Song I doe relate Of heau'nly Loue , it may my Soule here moue To be as true as Turtle to her Mate : That neuer worldly cares my heart remoue From this most precious Pearle : this true and heau'nly Loue . 78 Had I not told , you wonder might , how I So meane a wretch , in presence came of Loue ; But , as I said , Madame Humilitie Me first directed to her Court to moue ; And from mine heart Ambition did remoue ; For , from my youth , I had a great desire , To view th' estate and blisse of glorious Loue , But , oft in vaine , I did thereto aspire , Till Humblenesse me taught : of whom I next enquire .

MEDITAT . II. Of Humiliti● . 1 MY boundlesse thoughts , that in a restlesse mind , Depriue my body oft of naturall rest , And vrge my soule true happinesse to find , And that once found therein to set my rest , Doe often to my purer Soule suggest , To seeke for pleasures , honour , wealth , promotion ; But more of them I gayne , the more opprest I am with worldly cares , and mindes commotion , So that to nothing in this World I haue deuotion . 2 And yet I see , all Things that being haue , Vnto their Bene esse doe intend , Their Summum bonum 't is that all doe craue , First sought for , though they last it apprehend : Loue is that good I seeke to apprehend , As all Things being to their end doe moue ; But none but by Humilitie can wend Into Loues Court , without her none can proue What is the end and finishing of all true Loue . 3 Therefore I sing next of Humilitie , The lowly Porter of high Loues Court gate , Who brought me first Loues glorious Court to see , And all her Courtiers , as I told of late : Humilitie the poorest beggars Mate , Yet equall to the highest Peere of Loue , And by her vs'd in all affaires of State , Humilitie which doth so gracious proue To all good Men on earth , and Angels pure aboue . 4 God! second Person in the Trinitie , Whose being is immortall , vncreate , Who in the dayes of thy Humilitie , Didst here conuerse with Men in meane estate , That we thy lowlinesse might imitate , Direct my Muse most liuely to expresse Humilitie , that opens wide Loues gate To those , that doe confesse their wretchednesse , But shuts close 'gainst all proud and vaine ambitious ghests . 5 Humilitie that vertue is , whereby We vile and lowly seeme in our owne eyes ; Despising our owne worth and dignitie , Since of our selues we nothing haue to prise : The first and certayne step whereby we rise , And climbe the Hill of Ioy and Happinesse ; Stranger to fooles companion of the wise . Of Folly , Pride ; of Grace comes humblenesse ; One head-long leades to Hell , the other vnto Blesse . 6 This modest Lady , Humblenesse of Spirit , Her selfe vnwise and ignorant doth deeme , And neuer thinkes shee able is to merit , In Loues high Court to be in such esteeme , Shee farre inferiour to her selfe doth seeme , And neuer thinkes shee Knowledge can attayne , Disgrace or losse shee sweetly doth redeeme With Humblenesse , and holds it greatest gayne , Her Peace , not Place ; true Loue , not Glorie to maintayne . 7 Most fruitfull Lady like the fertile Vine , Which euermore when shee most fruit doth beare , Her goodliest branches lowliest doth decline , And as the fairest clusters doe appeare , Hid vnder leaues ; eu'n so this gracious Pee●e Couers all Vertues vnder lowlinesse : Of Fortunes stormes shee neuer stands in feare , Nor troubled is with want or with distresse , For shee hath learn'd to be content in paine or ease . 8 Inward and outward's this Humilitie , In words and actions , lookes , thoughts , and attire , The inward by the outward we descrie . It is hypocrisie for to desire Lowly to seeme , and secretly aspire Vnto a Crowne , by legs , with Absal●m : Such complement let Pagan Courts admire , Neuer such basenesse yet had any roome In Court of heau'nly Loue , where heart and looke is one . 9 For true Humilitie is vndiuided , Shee alwayes lookes , speakes , does , seemes , thinks the same , And though shee bee by scorners oft derided , Shee 's alwayes humble like vnto her name : Nor doth shee vertuous deeds to purchase fame , But for themselues , and for her Lords deare sake , Who with her suffred much reproch and shame , When he a Seruants forme did on him take , And Lord of all , himselfe of none account did make . 10 The Sonne of God from all eternitie , Most holy , happy , wise , whose glorious Station Being pight in Heau'n , thought it no robberie To be with God of equall estimation ; Himselfe to make here of no reputation , His glorie great in highest Heau'ns to leaue , And liue here in the meanest seruants fashion , And when the Heau'ns did him againe receaue , Her here vnto his Spouse for an ensample leaue . 11 Oh! could we but this wondrous Grace conceaue , And honour Loue hath done Humilitie , Would it not cause vs vnto her to cleaue , And her embrace with all integritie , Keeping her in our hearts most carefully , That from our humbled hearts , as from a Well , There might flow forth vnfayn'd humilitie , That when we are hence summon'd by the bell , We in Loues Court with ioy eternally may dwell ? 12 This is the finall cause of Humblenesse , To gaine true Blisse , and Gods eternall Loue : The formall is vnfayned Lowlinesse , In and without , which God and Man approue ; The knowledge of our selues vs well may moue As the efficient cause , her to embrace : Thoughts , manners , lookes , words , tires materiall proue ; For by the words , eye , act , attire and face , A wise man may discerne what in the heart hath place . 13 But now if we vnto th' effects proceede , What gaynes a man by all his lowlinesse ? Wee see what mickle sorrow it did breede Vnto our Captayne , when in great distresse Hee 's humbled to the Crosse : and we no lesse By his ensample looke to vnder-goe His scoffes and scornes , his gall and bitternesse : If this be all Humilitie can doe , Of all they are most wretched that are humbled so . 14 But loe ! our Leader that did her embrace With such affection , God doth him regard As his deare Sonne : behold , he doth him grace Aboue the Angels ; and he hath prepar'd Such ioyes for him as cannot be compar'd : With glorie and with honour hath him crown'd , And though a while on earth he meanely far'd , All now vnto his honour doth redound , At naming of his Name all knees must kisse the ground . 15 And vs that in our Captaynes steps doe treade , And follow him in true Humilitie , He will to endlesse blisse and glorie leade , And honour here with true nobilitie : And as he captiue led captiuitie , And did from lowest earth to heau'n ascend , So from the dust and graue shall we on high Be rais'd , where we in glorie shall transcend The Angels : which on Head and Members must attend . 16 But soft , my Muse , thou now dost farre transcend The subiect of thy song , Humilitie , Now homeward to thy selfe thy thoughts intend , And view the subiect where shee doth aby . The heart 's the seate of true Humilitie , And in thy body seated is thine heart , Both made of basest Clay : thy soule from high , The highest by thy nostrils did impart , Which is there all in all , and all in eu'ry part . 17 The bodi 's base ; the soule it doth transcend , And were 't not here immur'd in house of clay , Against her nature shee would re-ascend To him that gaue her : Then , my Soule , I say , Into her Makers presence would away , And be accepted by his mediation , Who humbled to the Crosse , for her did pay His dearest blood for reconciliation . For after humblenesse doth follow exaltation . 18 Nay eu'n our flesh , though humbled in the dust , By vertue of our Sauiours Resurrection , Againe shall be vnited : and the iust Which haue beene humbled here by his direction , Shall be deliuer'd from worlds base subiection , Into the libertie and glorious light Of Gods owne Sonnes , vnder whose safe protection , They euer shall enioy the happy sight Of God and 's Saints , which here haue humbled beene aright . 19 But Humblenesse is not the onely way To bring vs to this glorious exaltation , End of our hopes : but first doth vs conuay To wholesome true Repentance to saluation ; Which is from filthy sinne the best purgation : Mercy the meeke and humble man doth saue , Though Iustice vs condemne to dire damnation , If Faith and Hope for vs we Patrons haue , Whilst Bountie grants vs all things needfull we doe craue . 20 The Treasurer Knowledge , who hath alwayes vow'd Her selfe true seruant to Humilitie , Hath her with precious and rare gifts endow'd , Yet still more meane and lowly shee will bee : For well shee wots , in whom the Treasuree Of Wisedome and of Knowledge all did dwell , Became a seruant meane of low degree , Truth often vnto her ( what shee knowes well ) That shee hath nought but what shee hath receau'd , doth tell . 21 Thus Meeknesse , Patience , true Obedience , Ioy , Doe alwayes with Humilitie abide , Shee is most kind and curteous , neuer coy Vnto the vertuous ; and shee opens wide Loues gate vnto the Humble ; but doth hide From th' enuious , vaine , and the ambitious wight , Truth , Prudence , Knowledge , which should be their guide ; Thus Humblenesse guides all to Truth and light , But Pride , Ambition , leade to darknesse , errour , night . 22 This Monster , foule Ambition , cursed Pride , Who , enuying Man , eu'n in his first creation , Did like a subtile Serpent smoothly slide In t' Edens Garden , Mans sweet habitation , Where by malicious , subtile , false perswasion , He then perswaded simple E●e to trie Forbidden fruits , and by false application Assur'd her shee should knowledge get thereby , Such knowledge gayne they that eq●iuocate and lie . 23 Oh! had Humilitie true Knowledge brought To Eue , before shee did commit this sinne ! Shee ne're had entertayn'd so base a thought , Nor we of Pride and Satan bond-slaues bin ; See here the end of all , that doe begin In pride and in ambition : they must fall , Pride first betray'd vs to the Fowlers gin , But Humblenesse deliuers them from thrall , That doe vnfeignedly with her for mercy call . 24 What ? Be as gods ? For to be proud and poore , Is a base sinne , hated of God and Man , Behold , eu'n as Humility's the doore , That leades to Happinesse , eu'n so began At Pride the miserie and smart of Man : Which still in him remaynes a dangerous sore . For honour here a Worldling what you can , His greedie thoughts will neuer count it store , Ambition , like to Hell and Graue , still gapes for more . 25 Thus Poets tell of an ambitious Snaile , That golden weather-cocke on steeple high Espying , from sweet Garden , would assaile , And for vaine glorie life would ieopardie : He by fast hold and winding subtiltie , Mounts slily vp the steeples highest spire , Whence he the poore Bird throwes downe cruelly , And doth to his place vaine-gloriously aspire , Till Boreas brasen wings him throwes downe in the mire . 26 Thus vaine fond youth left his sage Fathers lore , And by his borrowed wings did soare so high , ( Loe here their end that seeke so high to soare ) The Sunne beames heate his waxen wings did frie. Proud Bryar that safe and secure did lie Vnder stout Oakes most safe protecting armes , Supplanted him by treason cunningly , Then to Sunnes heate expos'd and Winters stormes , He 's trod downe by wild beasts , and eaten vp of wormes . 27 Once had the feete the noble Head defide , Grieuing to beare his burthen any more , And Brawny armes their helping hands denide , To feede the belly with conuenient store : But hands and armes forthwith grew weake and poore For want of stomacks strength'ning nourishment , And now the legs that able were before , To beare both Head and Bodies wonderment , Became wrang , stumbling , lame for want of gouernment . 28 When Ioth●ms trees went out t'annoint a King ▪ I●dg . 9. 8. They first besought the Oliue tree to raigne , But he , his fatnesse highly valewing , Refus'd to leaue it for a Kingdomes gaine : Next Fig-tree sweet to rule they would constraine , Who nould his sweetnesse leaue for Kingdomes glee : Last to the fertile Vine they doe complaine , Who fruitfulnesse loues more than Sou'raigntee , But Bryar base will raigne and the anointed bee . 29 Like as on Mountaynes which doe breake the clouds , Sand , grauell , and vnfruitfull earth doe lye , But in the fruitfull Valleyes lowly shrowds Fruit good for meate , and to delight the eye : And as the brackish Waues doe mount on high , Whilst fresher Waters silent slide away ; Eu'n so it fares with sweet Humilitie , Which like the fruitfull Meadow's fruitfull ay , And like fresh Brookes , whose sweetnesse neuer doth decay ▪ 30 And as tall ships which beare too high a saile , Are soone o'returned by a boystrous wind , Whilst smaller Vessels 'gainst the Waues preuaile , Arriuing safely at the Port assign'd : So they , that to ambition are enclin'd , And Phaeton-like to guide the Sunne aspire , All things consume that vnder them they find , Till from their Coach they tumble in the mire . Till fewell failes , Ambition neuer slakes her fire . 31 And as mans eye , the higher he doth stand , The things which are beneath doth lesser deeme , So he that doth Gods greatnesse vnderstand , In his owne eyes , doth vile and nothing seeme , An humble man 's a gemme of high esteeme , Which ignorant men doe trample in the mire , Vntill the skilfull Ieweller redeeme It from the dust , and clense it in the fire , Then those that trod on it before , doe it admire . 32 Those that in Princes seruice purchase fame , And thereby would raise their posteritie , Seeke great allyance to confirme the same , And of the Heralds get a Pedigree : But they that would gaine true nobilitie , To doe Christ's heau'nly Fathers will must seeke , For such his Mother , Brother , Sister bee , No honour or allyance can be like To this : yet sure such are the humble and the meeke . 33 Humilitie's the Basis and foundation Of Vertues all into one building brought , Which for to raise on high by contemplation , Must deepe and low within the ground be wrought : If one desire to mount his house aloft , And workes his vnder-pinning slight below , He builds vpon the sands : all comes to nought , For if the floods doe come or wind doe blow , Affliction , Persecution , all doth ouerthrow . 34 The thing which God or Nature doth decree In secret : Man , oft b' innate augurie Vnwittingly foretells , which shewes to bee Betweene our soules and heau'n a sympathie ; Hence is it , that this Dame * Humilitie Hath her denomination from the ground : For though , as shee is spirituall , shee can flie Aboue the highest heau'ns , yet shee is found The lowliest wight on earth , though highly to be crown'd . 35 The ancient Latines Homo , Man did name , By deriuation from Humilitie , To teach him that he should become the same In Truth , as in names Etymologie ; And let a man looke through Antiquitie , Loe ! all the Men , whose vertues are commended For paternes good vnto posteritie , In humblenesse they haue begun and ended , When Pride , as basest sinne , is alwayes reprehended . 36 Abel and Cain , firstlings of humane ●eede , Ambitious Cain , but Abel meeke and mild , His offring was accepted , which did breede Such wrath in Cain , that he the ground defil'd With his owne brothers blood , which he hath spoil'd ▪ Moses is call'd the meekest man aliue , Abram himselfe but dust and ashes styl'd , When he besought his Maker , for twice ●iue Iust men there found , to saue the Sodomites aliue . 37 Iacob fed Labans sheepe , the Patriarchs all Like trade of husbandrie did exercise ; The Iudges with the Prophets great and small , And all good Kings were low in their owne eyes . Iohn Baptist the Messias-ship denyes , And humbly doth himselfe vnworthy deeme To be him , that stoopes and his shooe vntyes , Christ did it no disparagement esteeme , To wash their feete , whom with his blood he would redeeme . 38 Ah what an humble mind did Mary beare , When with salt teares that flowed from her eyes , Shee wash'd Christ's feet , and wip'd them with her haire , Great Volumes I suppose would not comprise Names of all humble Saints : let it suffice , Their names are written in the Booke of Life , They here vaine worldly glorie did despise , Free from Ambition , Malice , Enuie , Strife , And now by Faith and Hope in Loues Court leade their life . 39 Oh! could we but this Vertue truely taste , And as w' are dust and ashes apprehend , How he that in the highest heau'n is plac't , And did of nothing to vs Being lend , And one condition vnto all men send , Vouchsafes spirituall communication , Calls vs his Spou●e , his Children , Host , and Friend , We n'ould despise the honest conuersation Of meanest brother , that 's Coheire of like saluation . 40 Dares dust and ashes thus expostulate ? Shall not the Lord of all the World doe right ? And yet dares dust and ashes in his state , Denie his brother poore to come in s●ght ? Shall dogs licke Lazar's sores ? whilst thou no bite Or crummes which vnderneath thy table fall , Wilt to him giue ? Behold , he shall be site In Abrams bosome : thou the Deuills thrall , For thus the Humble rise , and thus the Proud must fall . 41 No better obiect of magnificence , Can there be found here , than an humble heart , Who still ascribes all to beneficence , That he receiues , not to his owne desart : Vnto thy humble brother then impart Part of thy substance : with true courtesie Intreat the least : The lowlier that thou art , God will thee higher raise : Humilitie Mounts vp to heau'n , whilst Pride in hell doth burning lie . 42 But ah ! Ambition still cryes for a name , Like Giants proud that Babels Tower would raise , Whence followes sure confusion , losse and shame : Alas ! how few there be now in our dayes , That seeke by humblenesse anothers praise , Humilitie , no entertainment finds , But poorely 'bout Court , Citie , Countrey strayes , And in her roome faign'd complement her winds , Who ne're minds as shee sayes , nor e're sayes as shee minds . 43 Base Complement ! hatcht of Pride and Ambition , Faire Dame Humilitie to emulate , Whose onely pietie is superstition , And ▪ by pretence of friendship , couers hate ; Cain by her did worke his brothe●s fate , Ioab slue Abner in the time of peace , In Court shee styled is a trick of State , In Church and Citie shee doth so increase , For Catholique and Vniuersall shee doth prease . 44 Nay , goe vnto the meanest beggars cell , And there as proud a heart you often find , As those that vnder Cedar roofes doe dwell , And did his purse but answere to his mind , He would despise the proudest of mankind . Where shall you see more Enuie , Malice , Strife , Than is betweene the Seruant and the Hind ? Where more dissembling than twixt Man and Wife ? The Sword is not more keene , than is the bloody Knife . 45 Ambition ! How dost thou possesse the mind Of restlesse Man , whilst , in an idle vaine , ( Which thou call'st Honour ) thou dost nothing find But vanitie and vexation for thy paine ? Know'st thou not Godlinesse is greatest gaine ? And that the Merchant was pronounc'd most wise , That sold all that he had this Pearle t' obtaine , Oh , would'st thou seeke to buy this merchandize , Humilitie is shee can helpe thee to such prize . 46 Then , ô my Soule , couet Humilitie : Dost thou seeke Knowledge , Pleasure , Wealth , Promotion ? All these shee will thee bring assuredly , Shee 's like the Master-spring , that first giues notion To eu'ry wheele , that in the Clocke hath motion , Like Salt that sauours eu'ry dish we eate , Shee 's Sugar sweetning eu'ry bitter Potion , Promotion , Knowledge , Pleasure , Wealth , Drinke , Meat , Humility's all these , and yet shee is not great . 47 Oh , neuer let me seeke to emulate , Except in Goodnesse , and with more desire To follow , than in hope to adequate , And like a Tree low planted neare the Mire , Bring forth much Fruit , not Fewell for the fire : With little let me euer be content , Patient of miseries ; for my sinnes require , Than I haue had , farre greater punishment , And farre thy smallest fauours my deserts out went . 48 For , I confesse , that too ambitiously I hunt for worlds entisements base and vaine , Which clogge my Soule so , that shee cannot flie Aloft , where sound ioyes euermore remaine : And though I basely thinke of gold and gaine , Yet Honours glitt'ring shewes so daze mine eyes , That still I 'm tainted with ambitious staine , And wish I might to worldly honour rise , But this in me the Flesh , not Spirit doth deuise . 49 For shee hath learn'd , that not from East or West Promotion comes , The higher one is plac't The greater cares and troubles him infest , And as thou more or greater Talents hast , The more thou art to count for at the last . Thou art a Steward here : 'T is not thine owne , But as thee 'boue thy fellowes God hath grac't , So must thy Faith and care 'boue theirs be showne , We doe expect best Crops whereas best Seede is sowne . 50 These things , ô God! I aske , doe not denie , Let me depend vpon thy Prouidence In paine and ease , losse and prosperitie , My selfe submit with all obedience Vnto thy Will : performe with diligence Charge publique , priuate : Let Humilitie Be vnto me a Rocke of sure defence , Against Mens malice , and Worlds iniurie , And where my weaknesse failes , let thy good Grace supply . 51 Oh thou , that Lazarus from Diues gate , Didst into Abrams blessed bosome raise , There to enioy eternall happy state , That here , on earth , was humbled all his dayes ; Direct mine humble heart in all thy wayes , The meeke , in iudgement , thou delight'st to guide , Turne all I doe vnto thy glorious praise , Preserue me from Ambition , Enuie , Pride , And though with Lazar's sores , in thy Loue let me bide . 52 Thou hast , ô Lord ! proclaymed Blessednesse To all the meeke in Heart and poore in Spirit : Blest are the Meeke , they shall the earth possesse , The Poore eu'n now Gods Kingdome doe inherit . Lord ! I acknowledge freely my demerit , It is thy Grace whereby I am , liue , moue , Thy humbling to the Crosse , for me , did merit , That I should be exalted to thy Loue , And liue with thee in blisse eternally aboue . 53 I aske that which thy blessed Martyrs had , Which here haue witness'd their Humilitie , And of that cup of gall to taste were glad , Which first their Master swallow'd willingly , Thy Grace , ô Lord ! which thou wilt not denie , For they haue found it all-sufficient , Humble me how thou wilt : Abilitie Yet grant in sorrow to be patient , And strength with Paul , in paine or ease , to be content , 54 Grant me thy Grace , but to conceaue the end And certayne fruits of my humiliation , Then shall I plainely see and apprehend , That it prepares me fit for exaltation ; And to make sure with feare mine owne saluation , Whereby I may stand firme and confident 'Gainst wicked Men , Hell , Deuils , and damnation , Who neuer shall be able to preuent Thy loue in Christ , which thou on humble men hast bent . 55 Now for that thing which worldlings doe deplore , I yeeld to thee most heartie laud and praise , That thou art pleas'd to humble me therefore , On earth , that thou againe to heau'n might'st raise , Oh teach me , Lord , to number so my dayes , That I my life may labour to amend , Oh , teach me lowlinesse in all my wayes , To thinke of my beginning and mine end . Prince , Beggar , borne alike , and to their graue descend . 56 And since that sweet Humilities condition I haue so learned by this Meditation , That now I hate Pride , Enuie , and Ambition , With complements base subtile machination : Grant me to follow Christs humiliation , Who from the Crosse to Glorie did ascend , Whose suffrings make a reconciliation For those , that by true Faith him apprehend , And after him in lowlinesse and meeknesse wend. 57 You may remember how I earst you told , That when Humilitie had clear'd the score , Whereby t' ambitious Pride my heart was sold , Shee led me to Repentance : who before The chiefe Iudge Iustice brought , and my foule sore Discouer'd to my more humiliation , Till Faith and Hope at Mercies seate therefore Did pleade Christs Blood my reconciliation . But this I leaue vnto another Meditation .

MEDITAT . III. Of Repentance . 1 THe Highest that created first of nought A Chaos vast , and out thereof did take The Earth , whereof he noblest Creature wrought , Eu'n Man , and made all Creatures for his sake , Him first pure , iust , and righteous did make , But since , their owne inuentions they obay , And in a right path set , their way mistake , And as blind ; fooles and slaues haue gone astray , Nor can , without the true Light , find againe the way . 2 For whilst they doe yet in their sinnes remaine , Their Soules in errour and in darknesse bide , They know not how they should be borne againe , For Sinne this mysterie from them doth hide ; And till Humilitie their trustie Guide , Shall them to wholesome true Repentance leade , They misse their ayme , and striuing stray more wide ; Repentance quickneth men in sinne cleane dead , And teacheth new-borne Babes in path of Life to tread . 3 Shee is the Mid-wife , that with keenest knife Our Nauell cuts , whereby we cleaue to sinne , Who though shee cruell seeme , yet giues sweet life , When first to liue in Spirit we begin ; Shee , vs polluted and defil'd within , Doth clense in Fountayne of Regeneration ; Vs new-borne Babes , shee teacheth to let in The milke sincere to sure Iustification ; Till stronger meate make strong our Faith to sure Saluation . 4 And though in chaine of Gods most f●●me Decree , First sauing linke is his Predestination , Election next , then Calling , yet wee see No certayne pledges here of our Saluation , Till true Repentance workes Humiliation : Loe ! then we doe , by right degrees , proceede Vnto the highest linke , Glorification ; So that Repentance first to vs doth reede , What is eternally in Heau'n by God decreed . 5 Thou , that dost Hearts with true Repentance season , Making them view their owne vile wretchednesse , That cast downe with Apostasie and Treason , We may of thee seeke endlesse Happinesse ; First grant me true Repentance : next to expresse What sou'raine Vertues I in her haue found . And though at first my soule with bitternesse Were ouerwhelm'd ; yet Grace did cure that wound : So where most sinne there is , Mercy doth most abound . 6 Repentance is a holy worke of Grace , From godly Sorrow : by which Man from sin Is turn'd : Gods promises in Christ t' embrace , And Fruits fit for Repentance to begin : Repentance is Gods holy worke within , To worke our Righteousnesse , and Sinne deface , And no Man can be exercis'd therein , But he that standeth in the state of Grace ; For no Man turnes to God , till God him first embrace . 7 Grace and Repentance are in time conioyn'd , As Fire and Heate : but as Heate first appeares To vs , when Fire in Embers is confin'd , Eu'n so when sparkes of Grace our Heart first cheares , Repentance manifests her selfe by teares . Grace is the sap in heau'nly vegetation , Repentance is the prime bud , which it beares , The first sure signe of true Regeneration , Then follow leaues , flow'rs , fruits , as certayne demonstration . 8 This godly Sorrow differs from the care And griefe a worldling in his heart receaues , By sense of Gods iust wrath or great Mens feare , Or ought that their good names or goods bereaues . This godly Sorrow griefe of mind conceaues , That he hath sinn'd , and that he did displease So good and kind a God ; which so close cleaues To 's heart , that though no feare did him disease , Of Iudge , Hell , Deuill , yet nought but Grace can him appease . 9 Man was most faire , in Gods owne Image built , Had with him sweet communion at 's Creation , Whereby in God , and God eke in him dwelt , But sinne hath since enforc'd a separation , And made vs sonnes of wrath by alienation ; Now we like prodigall and lost sheepe stray , Till Grace and true Repentance restauration Doth make of all , sinne doth in vs decay , Then we returne , and our Creators hests obay . 10 But true Repentance doth repent of all , And not of many or one onely sinne : Herod conuerted thus at Baptists call , Him gladly heard , and hearing did begin For to doe many things : but would not lin The sinne of incest with his brothers Loue ; Some , like th' Adulterer , doe turne from sinne , When they want strength : from bad to worse some moue , As when the prodigall a couetous man doth proue . 11 Shee hath two hands , with one , loe ! shee beginnes To presse vs downe to true mortification , Whereby we may returne from all our sinnes ; Vs th' other rayseth by Regeneration To a new life , and to Sanctification . One from all actuall sinnes makes vs abstayne , Suppresseth , weakens , natures deprauation ; Makes the Mind purpose , and the Will full fayne , And all our whole indeauours from sinne to refrayne . 12 The other hand Mans purged mind doth raise Vnto a serious firme deliberation , To yeeld sincere obedience to Gods Sayes , And worketh in the will an inclination Him to obey , as at our first creation . This doth Mans life and best indeauours frame , To walke here in a holy conuersation , Though all , we doe , vnperfect is and lame , Yet if the Heart be right , God will accept the same . 13 And as shee hath a double energie , Men head-long to th' infernall Pit to throw , And them againe by Faith to viuifie : So though of this great worke , one cause we know , Gods Spirit , that whereas it list doth blow ; Yet vseth it a twofold instrument , The Law , which Death to vs for sinne doth show : The Gospell , that doth preach attonement ; Thus both the Law and Gospell teach vs to repent . 14 The Law first pierceth eu'n the very heart , And doth by little and degrees proceede ; Till Knowledge foure things needfull doth impart , Gods Law ; the guilt of Sinne ; and Sinnes iust meede , Which is eternall Fire by God decreed : Then we these rightly to our selues apply , Which doth in vs a feare and horrour breed , Except on Gospels comfort we rely ; For without that we die in hell eternally . 15 Then doth the Gospell make vs comprehend Gods mercy , for it seriously enquire , And by the gifts of Knowledge to contend , That though I iustly haue deseru'd Gods ire , If I my selfe denie yet , and desire My trust in Christs sole merits to repose , I shall thereby escape eternall Fire : Thus doth Repentance griefe and ioy impose , Griefe for my sinnes : but Ioy , God doth me from them loose . 16 Thus godly Sorrow in our heart being wrought , Which brings Repentance with true change of mind , We are resolu'd neuer in word , deed , thought , So to offend God in our wonted kind , But a new life to leade ; loe , then we find Within our selues a wondrous alteration , Not that it changeth substance of our mind , Or body , in the matter or the fashion , But doth reforme their powers as in their first creation . 17 Shee worldly griefe to godly sorrow turnes , Our Wrath and Anger into temp'rate Zeale , Presumption into Faith , their heart that burnes In wanton loue , to heau'nly Loue appeale : Mad laughter shee with Christian ioy doth seale , Mildnesse of nature turnes to spirits meeknesse , Soules faculties doth all repaire and heale , And brings them vnto their first perfectnesse : Thus shee makes crocked streight , and what 's wrong doth redresse . 18 Then bring we forth fruits worthy amendment Of life ; the truth whereof we doe expresse , When , by good workes , we shew how we repent , Repenting soules be Trees of Righteousnesse , Planted by God which Riuers doe refresh , Eu'n flouds that from the Sanctuarie flow , Whose boughes doe lowly stoope with fruitfulnesse : There fruits for meate ; leaues good for medicine grow , Else to the roote the Axe is laid them downe to throw . 19 Repentance Subiect is a grieued heart , A conscience wounded with the sight of Sinne , Which nought but hell and horrour doth impart , When to lay open conscience doth beginne Our sinnes without , and wicked thoughts within : And ' lesse shee to vs hope in Christ reueale , We may with Iudas hang vp by the chin , But like a skilfull Surgeon shee doth deale , First corrasiue the sore , and then it gently heale . 20 Shee hath a double Obiect , guilt of sinne , And sinnes iust meede , eternall condemnation , Which terror breedes without , horror within ; The second is our Sauiours blessed Passion , Made eu'n our owne by a right application : This brings true inward ioy and sound delight , And doth deface th' hand-writing of damnation , This brings vs out of darknesse into light , This Sunne of Righteousnesse doth chase away our night . 21 As Pharaoh with his Butler and his Baker , So deales shee with the wicked and the iust , They both alike offended haue their Maker , And both alike into one Dungeon thrust : But , loe , shee lifts to place of highest trust The Butler , but the Baker doth forsake , And leaues him to the meede of the vniust : Thus , with her left hand , shee vs drownes in Lake , But with her right vs into endlesse ioy doth take . 22 Neare to her fellowes , gracious Restitution , A Lady of a conscience wondrous tender ; That of all benefits makes retribution , And for a wrong done , double mends will render ; Sorrow , Teares , Kindnesse , Bountie , doe attend her , Sighs , Prayer , true Deuotion on her wait , If shee wants these Associates , God amend her , Shee 's but Hypocrisie , the Deuils bait , To catch poore soules with false pretences and deceit . 23 For , loe , two Hags of hell would like her seeme : One outward is and ceremoniall , Which like proud Pharisee her selfe doth deeme Aboue the Publican : And shee will fall To prayer on her knees amongst them all : The other eu'n my pen trembles to write , Mine heart to thinke of : her , Despaire we call , Oh! shee our Sauiours suffrings doth despite , Counting His satisfaction , for her sinnes , too light . 24 Many there be that will repent of 〈◊〉 , When they are scourged by th' Almighties hand , But when to spare his rod he doth beginne , They stay repenting , and themselues doe band Against the Righteous : And though God command , They will resist him like proud Egypts King , Which notwithstanding ten Plagues did withstand His Makers will , his Heart still hardening , Till on himselfe and people he confusion bring . 25 A cursed sinne 's finall impenitence , When as a man himselfe so iust doth take , As he needs not repent for his offence : This like a lethargie our soule doth make Vnsensible of sinne , till we awake : And as 't is a disease most dangerous , Which vs insensible thereof doth make , So of all States it is most perilous , To be dead-sicke of sinne , yet thinke we are righteous . 26 Foure things obserue in this great worke of wonder , Grace , horror , sorrow , comfortable peace , Which I resemble to tempestuous thunder , Lightning shewes first , next cracks , then shower● increase , But all in comfortable Sunne-shine cease : So in this worke of our Regeneration , The Spirit first lights ; Hell doth like thunder prease , Then sorrowes , clouds , teares , showers make inundation : Lastly , like Sunne shines ioy , which seales vp our saluation . 27 And as in course of humane generation , Conception , trauell , lastly birth wee see ; So in this worke of our regeneration , The Spirit , Soules-horror , inward ioy agree : The Spirit first giueth life and power to bee , The Soule then trau●ileth in griefe and paine , Then followeth our glad natiuitie , Which recompenceth all our losse with gaine : Thus as at first the Flesh , the Spirit begets againe . 28 And as some women , though they doe conceaue , And quickning ioy doe feele within their wombe , Yet by disorder oft a hurt receaue , And so miscarry ere to birth they come , So that their wombe become the infants tombe : So in vs oft a quickning Spirit doth moue , As if Repentance were in vs begun , Yet in the end it doth abortiue proue , This is when we resist the holy Spirit of Loue . 29 Some , as I say , conceaue an embrion , But lose their fruit eu'n in the vegetation , Some in due time to trauell haue begon , But wanted strength eu●n in the procreation , And in this weaknesse falne to desperation , Like Iudas they haue strangled their owne brood , Before it had in new life respiration , Who did deplore's betraying innocent blood , Well he began , but ended in a desperate mood . 30 But if our trauell doth to birth proceede , And that there is a liuing Child forth brought , Oh then what ioy and comfort it doth breede , Then we employ our care , and eu'ry thought How we may nurse and feede it as we ought ; We therefore pap and milke to it first giue , And after stronger meates for it are sought , Till it vnto a perfect man doth thriue , Loe then he can beget , that earst began to liue . 31 Eu'n so a new borne Babe in Christ proceedes , There 's wondrous ioy at 's first regeneration , On Gospels Milke he young and tender feedes , Till he grow strong : Then from Predestination He can discourse eu'n to Glorification , Thus doth he to a height and fulnesse grow Of age and strength by Spirits Illumination , Till he all Mysteries in Christ doth know , Then is he able vnto others them to show . 32 Men are like Horses wild , who sure had bin , As at the first , to Man obedient , Had they not beene corrupted by mans sin , And would haue beene seruants most diligent , Now they grow Rebels , disobedient , Till we with bit , yoke , bridle doe them tame : So Man growes'gainst his Maker insolent , Till by Repentance he doth him reclame ; Then he becomes as at the first God did him frame . 33 Mans heart is like the ground , which for mans sinne Is cursed , Thornes and Thistles for to reare , Which first the skilfull Plow-man doth beginne , With a strong Teame of Oxen vp to teare ; Fallowes and Harrowes it for to prepare , It sweet and cleane for to receaue his seede : Loe then , in stead of Thornes it Wheat will beare , Repentance thus ploughs Hearts to kill Sinnes weede , And Tils it , fit and sweet for Grace to sow Faiths seede . 34 If a man sowes and doth not Till his ground , Or if one Till his ground and doe not sow , On first kind , Thornes and Thistles doe abound , Which choke the seede so that it cannot grow ; And from the vnsowne tilled ground , we mow Nothing but stinking weedes fit for the fire : Eu'n so , except with sorrow we doe plow Our hearts , and Word to sow therein desire ; Sinne chokes all grace , & weeds therein grow ranke & higher . 35 Repentance like an Axe is , that hath praid On all the Cedars that on Lebanon stand ; And eu'ry one downe on the earth hath laid , The sound shee hewes and squares with her right hand , Making them posts and pillars fit to stand In Gods owne house : But eu'ry hollow crust Shee teares and cleaues for fire with her left hand : Thus doth Repentance trim and square the iust ; Despaire th' vngodly rends , and into Hell doth thrust . 36 Behold ! we thus with trembling and with feare , In paine and griefe worke out our owne saluation , But some when as Repentance draweth neare , And calls their conscience to examination , Like Ahab , fall into this bitter passion , What , hast thou found me ? Oh! mine enemie ? Despising godly Prophets reformation , And rather vnregenerate chuse to die , Than pangs and bitter throwes of a new birth to trie . 37 Latines and Greekes giue her a diuers name , Which haue in them a twofold true notation , And yet in her they both employ the same ; Latines from * * P●nitentia . Paine doe make their deriuation . Next is a * * 〈◊〉 . new mind by interpretation ; Both these describe her nature wondrous right , In paine and sorrow is her inchoation , When shee with Flesh and powers of Hell doth fight , Then followes change of mind which bringeth sweet delight . 38 For shee is bred in paine , brought forth in gladnesse , Sorrow is ouer-night , but in the morne Comes soundest ioy , to chase away nights sadnesse , And when we thinke that we are left forlorne , Then comfort 's nigh to lift on high our horne , And though a while the Worldlings vs doe deeme The off-scumme of the people , and the scorne Of wicked men : yet God doth vs esteeme , And by this change , most precious in his eyes we se●me . 39 Thus haue all holy men in former ages , By griefe and change of mind obtayn'd Gods grace . This eke is shadowed in those grand Sages , That tooke great paynes and care to find the place , Where Christ was borne , that they might see his face ; Who after , in a dreame , forwarned were Not to returne againe in their first trace : Thus after trauell long , great paines and care , With ioy and change of mind another way they fare . 40 Of all the 〈…〉 Eu'n from 〈…〉 that ●its in her T●●one , To low Humilitie , that keepes her 〈◊〉 , Our blessed Sauiour hath vs paternes showne , Onely because no sinne was euer knowne To be in him , He cannot well be said For to repent of sinnes that be his owne ; But sure for ours a ransome deare he paid , And felt the wrath of God which on vs should be laid . 41 His Soule was heauie eu'n vnto the death , He fear'd to drinke this cup of bitternesse , God did on him such wrath and vengeance breath , That he sweat drops of blood in his distresse : Such horror , by Gods curse , did him depresse , That he cry'd out as if he were forsaken , Such horror doth repenting ●oules oppresse , But not in so great measure are they shaken , For Christ the edge of Gods displeasure off hath taken . 42 This was his way to heau'n ; This must be ours , Before we be to true Repentance brought . Consider now with are the bitter stowers , Whereby our Fathers haue Repentance sought , Let Abram tell , from natiue Countrey brought Into an vnknowne Land , to be a stranger , Where he indured hunger , cold , and drought , Whom Cana●●● famine made an Egypt 〈◊〉 , Where of the losse of Wife and Life he was in danger . 43 Afflicted Iob , modell of true Repentance , How was he plagu'd without ? frighted within ? Who though he seem'd most happy in his entrance , Yet his last dayes were best : Dauid did sin Most desp'rately : but after did begin Sadly to crie , when he Gods anger found , Purge me without , and make me cleane within . When Solomon felt his sinnes accursed wound , He a whole 〈◊〉 of true Repentance did compound . 44 Good 〈◊〉 chattered like a Swallow , Or like a Crane , and mourned like a Doue , And though his sonne Man●sses long did wallow In much foule sinne , yet bondage did him moue To true Repentance : Peter more did loue His Master a●ter vnaduis'd denyall : Thus all Gods seruants better Saints doe proue , After they haue endur'd the fiery tryall . Experience of Gods loue makes holy men more loyall . 45 I should seeme partiall , if I onely tell Of men , who in this worke haue happy beene , Since Women for this beare away the bell ; Witnesse her eyes which like two Fountaynes dre●ne To wash her Sauiours feete : And Ri●●as teene , When vnder sackcloth shee her life did lead , Till the wish't raine from heau'n to fall was seene , So long shee did defend the bodies dead , That for the Gibeonites were hang'd vp by the head . 46 But why seeke I for witnesses without ? Looke in thine heart if there thou hast not found This smart of horror , thou maist iustly doubt , Thy soule 's not yet vp in Lifes bundle bound : Therefore vnto thy selfe with speede propound , To view Gods wrath and thine owne wretchednesse , Then griefe of heart and sorrow will abound , Which thee vnto the brinke of hell will presse , Till Faith thee raise by inward ioy to happinesse . 47 Thou shalt not find her like fruit , which to th' eye Was wondrous faire , and pleasant to the taste , Which poyson'd Adam and his Progenie ; Shee bitter is at first , sweet at the last : And when the cloud of sorrow 's ouer-past , Shee brings of ioy and comfort so great store That all become new : loe , old things are past , Shee is the Antido●e , that doth restore What Adam lost , when he forsooke his Makers lore . 48 No , th' Antid●●● is Christs most precious Blood , Repentance is but the preparatiue , To make our soules taste this most heau'nly food , Than which no other can keepe vs al●●e : And till Repentance out of vs doth driue In-bred corruption , and all actuall sin , This Balme of Gilead will not make vs thriue , Oh then Repentance ! purge me cleane within , And make my stomach fit this Manna to let in . 49 The Spirit 's willing , but the Flesh is weake , Oh a most bitter pill is this temptation , None but they that haue felt it , right can sp●ake What pangs it breedes in our regeneration : Well , let men-pleasers onely sing saluation , Let not vaine fruitlesse hopes thine heart deceaue , We must first taste the curse of our damnation , Before saluation truely we conceaue ; As head , so must the members that to it doe cleaue . 50 We here must taste it , or then , when w'appeare At Christs Tribunall : From which none can hide Himselfe ; but all stand forth themselues to cleare ; When Bookes are brought forth , and are open'd wide , In sight of God , Christ , Angels , and the Bride , When Satan and thy conscience thee accuse , And no gold can an Aduocate prouide : Oh , who thinks of this day and can refuse To taste here of Christs Cup , and scape the Deuils Cruse ? 51 Wherefore against thy selfe an Action bring , And thus accuse , examine , iudge , and trie , Lest thou beest iudged of the righteous King : First before ❀ ❀ Christs . Gods Tribunall prostrate lie , And if he then beheld thee with his eye , Confesse thy in-bred sinnes , knowne , and vnseene , Against thy selfe pronounce vnfeignedly Damnation , hell , and horror : when we seeme Most vile in our owne eyes , God doth vs best esteeme . 52 Death , to all men , the wages is of sin , But vnto those , the Heau'n of happinesse , That thus on earth condemne themselues within , And after bring forth fruits of Righteousnesse ; But to those that goe on in wickednesse , Death is the Port and entrance into Hell . Lord giue me here this pill of bitternesse , Which may corruption from mine heart expell : No wound can be so deepe , but thou by grace canst heale . 53 And though shee seemes like fiery two-edg'd sword , That keepes from Man the way to Tree of Life , Because her fiery triall is abhord , And Cowards heart doth faint to see her knife ; Swouning away at Flesh's and Spirits strife : Oh neuer yet let feare my courage quaile , To hinder me from that sweet Tree of Life , Better Repentance thresh me with her flaile On earth ; than hellish Dragon breake me with his taile . 54 But , I confesse , I tremble at her rod , As Moses did at his when he it cast On ground , by the commandement of God , And it became a Serpent , that in haste He fled from it : but all his feare was past , When God him bid to take it by the taile ; Then it became a Staffe to stay him fast , And wonders worke : So though our hearts shee quaile At first , we yet at last by Faith 'gainst her preuaile . 55 We are as Satan hop'd Iob to haue found , When as he said , Doth Iob serue God for nought ? Whilst God doth hedge vs in on each side round , And prospers all that by our hands are wrought , Whilst by our flocks are multitudes forth brought , So long we seeme his bountie to embrace ; But take away our goods and leaue vs nought , Behold , I say , we curse him to his face , Except , as vnto Iob , he grant preuenting grace . 56 This is of wicked men the punishment , That all their life Repentance haue despised , Eu'n at their end they thinke not to repent , This trade must in thy youth be exercised , As Abel of his Firstlings sacrificed . They that from sinne abstaine not till their last , And to Worlds pleasures haue their ❀ ❀ Strength . Youth deuised ; Are like those , that being sicke , professe to fast , When as alas ! they haue no appetite or taste . 57 Such late Repentance seldome is or neuer , We one example in the Scripture reade Not to despaire , repent what time so euer , But onely one example , lest it breede Presumption : 'T is meate and drinke indeede To Satan , for to see youth doe his will , And on the other side great ioy doth breede To th' Angels , for to see young men fulfill Gods Statutes in their ❀ ❀ Strength . Youth , and eke obay his Will. 58 Oh! then embrace her whilst 't is call'd Today : For most vncertayne is our life and fraile , The longer I the lusts of sinne obay , Against them I the hardlier shall preuaile ; Late med'cines of their cures doe most what faile , Which would yeeld remedie in season taken ; The Serpent in the head , not in the taile Is quickly kill'd : young twigs are easily shaken , But grow hard to remoue when they deepe roote haue taken . 59 If in due time thou seekest to repent By godly sorrow , which ne're comes too late , And thou hells pangs dost feele ; Be confident , Thou art by Faith in Christ regenerate , Assure thy selfe , most happy is thy state ; If thou least drop of Mercy dost obtaine : The danger 's past ; sinnes stinging will abate , The Spirit of thy mind 's renew'd againe , And from least shew of sinne hereafter now refraine . 60 Though , like 〈◊〉 seruant , first thou 〈◊〉 Nought but Hostilitie , thee to confound , If that thine eyes with his once open'd bee To looke vp to the Mountayne : There abound Horses and Charets fiery about thee round , Crie but alas ! Master , What shall we doe ? Loe , more for thee , than there for them are found : Thy light with blindnesse so confounds thy Foe , Thou mayst them captiue leade , and vnto others show . 61 Thy Groat is found , which thou before hadst lost ; Thy Sheepe's brought home , that earst hath gone astray ; Thy dead sonne hath againe receau'd his ghost ; The prodigall 's come home that ranne away : Vashti's deposed from the Scepters sway , And humble Hester now hath got her place , The workes of darknesse now are chac't away , And in their roome are workes of Light and Grace , Faith by Repentance shewes vs now Loues smiling face . 62 Ioy after Sorrow , after labour rest , And after shipwrack the desired Port , All men loue safety : they discerne it best That lately haue escap'd some eminent hurt . Loe ! light is pleasing vnto eu'ry sort , To them most that in darkest Dungeon bee , To passe from death to life , doubles the sport Of 〈◊〉 : But 〈◊〉 all the ioyes I see , Is when ●●om wounded conscience , Grac● doth set 〈◊〉 . 63 And now , o Lord , vnab●● to ●●presse Thy wondrous bountie in 〈◊〉 first creation ; And much more here vnworthy to confesse Thy Loue and Grace in our regeneration , Begun here first in vs by renouation , And true Repentance : Lord , now cure my wound , The sting of conscience by sweet application Of Faith : the fruits whereof may still abound , And to the riches of thy glorious Grace redound . 64 You may be pleas'd with me to call to mind , How when the humble Lady first me brought To Dame Repentance , harsh I her did find , And shee most strongly on my conscience wrought , Yea , though with teares , I oft her Grace besought , That I might iudged be at Mercies seate , Shee mee , by force , before Dame Iustice brought , Where all my sinnes and faults shee did repeate , But Faith me iustifide , of whom I next entreate .

MEDITAT . IIII. Of Faith . 1 ONe Beeing that from all eternitee Most happy is , Wise , Iust , Omnipotent , And from eternitie all things did see , As present , though long after they were meant , Of nought created Aire , Fire , Firmament , With all the Spirits and Powers that are aboue , Made and replenished Earths Continent , The Sea , and all that in them both doe moue , All these he made for Man ; Man him to serue and loue . 2 Man sure a Creature was most excellent , Being of all created things the end , To whom that Being onely being lent , That he to 's Makers seruice might intend , And in his ioyfull Presence his life spend ; Wherefore He him in goodliest Garden plac't , And one Fruit onely did from him defend , Of which Fruit onely he presum'd to taste , Wherefore God him for eu'r out of the Garden cast . 3 But as the glorious riches of his grace , Was the sole-mouing cause Man first to make ; So gracelesse Man he leaues not in this case , But to repaire his losse , will vndertake A new worke likewise for his mercies sake : To free him from sinnes guilt , and Satans wile . God will Mans flesh and guilt vpon him take , And purge him from the sinne doth him defile , Thus Satan is beguil'd , that sought Man to beguile . 4 As 〈…〉 Can●'d Man from earthly Eden to be cast ; So true Beliefe and 〈◊〉 Obedience , Cause 〈…〉 : And as on paine of death he was to fast From one fruit onely ; so this gracious King Commands vs now , one onely fruit to taste , Life to restore , and for to kill Death's sting : This fruit is Faith in Christ , whereof I next doe sing . 5 Thou , that when Man most blessed was created , But by sinne falne from his high happinesse , Thine owne Sonne sent , that he regenerated Might be ; and winne againe more perfect blesse . Who here eu'n humbled'st God in humane flesh , That thou by Faith might'st Man to thee vnite , And safe deliuer from all wretchednesse , Direct my Muse of Faith to sing aright , And grant me first 〈◊〉 Faith , before of Faith I write . 6 Faith is a wondrous gift of God , a Grace , Whereby th' Elect apply particularly Christ right , and all his benefits embrace : By her our hope subsi●ts most certainely ; Shee shewes vs things vnseene , most euidently : Faith of the Gospell is a firme beliefe , Whereby , Christs benefits offred , we apply , And rightly doe receiue : So Faith in briefe Is a right application , and a sound beliefe . 7 Faith is the Bucket which hangs on Hopes string , Whereby the most deepe liuing Well we sound , Which if the Rope hold out , vs vp will bring Such liuing Water , as doth there abound , When Christ his sauing Graces doth propound . Faith is the Hand whereby we them receaue ; Faith healeth vp the clensed purged wound , Beginneth where Repentance doth vs leaue , Who without her seekes Faith , 〈◊〉 doth himselfe deceaue . 8 Faith as it 's t●ne for credit or beliefe , Is when we credit giue to God or Man , Thus he with men most Faith hath that is chiefe , And in his coffer hide most money can : But when to God it reference hath , we than It ordinary or extr'ord'nary call . By this we miracles and wonders can . Ordinarie Faith is hight historicall , Or iustifying Faith , in some but temporall . 9 But this most precious Faith , whereof I write , And which I formerly aright define , The Faith of Gods Elect is truely hight , Which when one hath doth wholly ne're decline ▪ This iustifying , sauing Faith doth ioyne Vs to our Head , and is the instrument And meanes , whereby Gods Spirit doth refine And purge our hearts from sinfull excrement : This Faith doth make Gods Children bold and confident . 10 This Faith , though not diuided , hath degrees , Beginning , first , encrease , and consummation ; A little Faith to greater doth encrease , Till built and rooted on a sure foundation : Yet neuer had this Faith so sure a station , Which conscience and hels terrours haue not shaken : Remember Christ our Head his bitter passion , How he cry'd out as God had him forsaken , When he the guilt and curse of sinne had on him taken . 11 Such as the Head , the Members must endure , Thus in their soules they totter , faint , and reele , Though the foundation of the Lord stand sure And firme , and hath vpon it set this seale , The Lord knowes who are his : yet he doth deale With vs , as doth the Finer with his gold , Which he doth seu'n times in the furnace neale , Thus tries he those , whose names he hath enrold , But will heape comforts in their bosomes manifold . 12 In Men and Plants , and 〈◊〉 , three soules wee see Of Reason Growing , and the 〈◊〉 , So in this Christian soule , 〈◊〉 Faith , there bee Three qualities alike cooperatiue : And as in Man all three into one 〈◊〉 , So in th' Elect , both Faith historicall , Temporall , and the true Faith are aliue , And but one sauing Faith together all : This Soule , Mans forme , this Faith 〈◊〉 Christians life we call . 13 As vegetation sheweth most in Plants , So in the worldlings Faith historicall , Faith temporall in false Professors hants , True Faith vpon th' Elect doth onely fall : And as no Plant or Beast , be it great or small , The things that are in Man right apprehends , Yet Man , what is in Beasts and Plants knowes all , So those two Faiths ( which serue to other ends ) Know ●●t true 〈◊〉 Faith , yet shee both comprehends . 14 God Authour is , and Cause efficient Of eu'ry good and perfect gift and grace , His good Will moues him first : But his Intent And chiefe end is the glorie of his Grace , And our saluation in the second place , But when He in our soules doth Faith beget , Whereby Christ and his Merits we embrace , A double meanes he here on worke doth set , Inward and outward , whereby sauing Faith we get . 15 The outward is his Word and Sacrament : One workes , the other strengthens what is wrought ▪ The inward is Gods Spirit into vs sent , Our hearts to quicken , sanctifie , make soft , Wherein the Word may sowne be as it ought , The Gospell , whereupon stands Faith's foundation , Though we , by Law , to see our sinnes are brought , As the Schoole Mistris to regeneration ; Yet 't is the Gospell 〈◊〉 vs wise vnto saluation . 16 The 〈◊〉 , most what worketh by the Word , Not , but without , 't is all sufficient , But this instruction it doth vs afford , That we in hearing should be diligent : The Word , without the Spirits enlightenment , Is as good Seede sowne on vntilled ground , That neuer brings forth fruit that 's excellent , For without Grace , Faith temporary's found , And neuer doth in good and holy workes abound . 17 Prayer is not the meanes Faith to obtaine , But it preserues and strengthens Faith to pray : For without Faith our Prayers are in vaine , Yet after Faith is wrought in vs , we may Pray that Faith failes vs not : wherefore , I say , We must giue Prayer her due commendation , For by her we discourse with God alway , And haue with him familiar conuersation , Though none can pray aright before regeneration . 18 Faith 's like the Hand , and Prayer like the Key Which doth th' Almighties Coffers open wide , Wherein his richest Treasures lockt vp lye . The Key vnprofitably hangs beside , Except that Faith it take in hand to guide : Likewise the Hand doth vse her strength in vaine , The Barre without the Key gainst Wards to slide : Both ioyn'd , the Locke to open doe constrayne , And vs most glorious view of heau'nly Treasures gayne . 19 'T were infinite of all Faiths fruits to tell , All duties towards God , all charitee Towards our Neighbours , done aright and well From her proceede : A holy mother's shee Of Graces all , that sanctifying bee : Therefore 't is plaine they want her , that doe striue To make good workes Faiths mother , and doe flee Vnto Saints merits ; For were Faith aliue In them , all Pietie and Charitie would thriue . 20 They 〈…〉 from Rome : For then a quiet conscience and a cleare , ( A faithfull euidence ) to them would come , Then with true inward ioy would soone appeare Holy Securitie , to cast our care Vpon the Lord : for if Faith iustifie , We are at peace with God : Loe , then our feare Is turned into sweet Securitie , And inward ioy doth by afflictions multiplie . 21 But if this peace and ioy doe not appeare , But rather terror , stormes , and di●●idence , Let 's labour yet our conscience may stand cleare , Which is to doe Gods Will , and shun offence : Here God beholds our will , not impotence , And if we doe indeauour to approue Our selues to God ; Faith workes in vs a sence Of heau'nly Loue : whereby we plainly proue That God loues first , whereby we doe begin to loue . 22 Behold ! thus eu'n a fruit of Faith is Loue , For many one whose Faith is weake and faint , And cannot in themselues Spirits earnest proue , Nor their hearts with true inward ioy acquaint , So as in true beliefe they seeme to faint ; Yet find within their brests this Spirit of Loue , Which is to them from sinning a restraint , And 't is an euidence doth surely proue , Faith's seede is sowne within , when as we truely loue . 23 And as Faith growes , eu'n so doth Loue encrease , Loe ! first we them that are in want releeue , With spirituall comfort troubled soules appease , Loue makes vs ( if we constantly beleeue ) That for our brethren we our liues will leaue . By this indeed we know God's charitie , That did himselfe of life for vs bereaue , We therefore for our brethren ought to die . This great Loue in vs comes from Faiths plerophorie . 24 The Subiect of true Faith is a pure heart , Her Obiects are Christs sufferings , sanctitie Fulfilling of the Law in eu'ry part . If these three by true Faith we can apply : They are against all ill the remedie , These are the Balme a wounded soule can heale , And not the Churches store , Romes trumperie , These onely can to vs our Pardon seale , Merits Mens fancies are , these Scripture doth reueale . 25 Eu'n as three ills , inherent be in sin , Originall vice , Sinne actuall , condemnation ; So Faith three parallel benefits le ts in , Whereby effected is Iustification , Christ's sufferings pay the price of our damnation , His perfectest Obedience satisfies For actuall sinnes ; th' exquisite Sanctification Of 's humane Nature in vs all destroies Originall sinne : This threefold way , Faith iustifies . 26 He that is able out of stones to raise Vp children vnto Abram : He , I say , Can onely make our hearts melt at the rayes Of his Sunne beames : He to a heart of clay Can turne a stony heart : And though this may Seeme very hard and strange to flesh and blood , Yet he that feeles his heart melt with the ray Of spirituall Grace , Faith there doth proue this good : By those whose hearts world blinds , th●s is not vnderstood . 27 Three qualities true Faith accompany , Which shee doth vse in eu'ry worke well wrought . First shee doth good , not for to please Mans eye , But for his sake , whose blood her dearely bought ▪ Next by Gods Law , each action , word , and thought Shee squareth : For shee knowes Obedience , Then Sacrifice is better by her wrought : All to Gods glorie last hath reference , To these we guided are by Spirit , not by Sense . 28 Shee 's swift to heare : The holy Sacrament Of Baptisme once : The Eucharist oft receaues , Releeues the Poore , in Prayer diligent , In which shee still persists and neuer leaues ; Lastly , shee to some lawfull Calling cleaues , To be ●fore God and Man without offence , If these faile in her , shee herselfe deceaues ; Shee 's temporary , and a false pretence , To walke licentiously without Obedience . 29 Other Companions are of Faith likewise : As grieuous , manifold , and great tentation , With these sound Faith herselfe must exercise , These part not from her till soules separation . For Satan prosecutes with infestation , His hatred to our head continually , Vpon his Members to their great vexation , Besides Tentations , true Faith purge and trie , Preparing hearts for Grace by sweet Humilitie . 30 These often come of diffident distrust , When sight of sinne makes vs faint , stagger , reele , Or when by our vnworthinesse and lust , We of this precious Faith a coldnesse feele ; These for a while our spirituall eyes vp seele , So as true inward comfort , life , and loue As in times past in him we cannot feele , Who is our Head , and hereby doth vs proue , And make vs when we feele his want , the more to loue . 31 Behold , two other Deepes on either hand , On right , Presumption proud ; on left , Despaire ; Which like two red-Sea walls of waues doe stand , And for the Faithfull a faire way prepare , That through the Deepe they may eu'n drie-shod fare ▪ But loe ! the miscreant and presumptuous Wight , They drowne in ouer-weening and much care , Here God against th' Egyptians seemes to fight , Out of the fiery Pillar that to Faith giues light . 32 These two are like the Cities of the Plaine , Gomorrha proud , and Sodom base in lust , On which God fire and brimstone downe did raine . The first is Pharisaicall , ouer-iust : The other doth Gods promises distrust . But Faith , like little Zoar Lot doth saue , Though vnbeliefe doe turne his Wife to dust , These three be they that seeke Faith to depraue , These three so hinder Faith , shee nothing right can craue . 33 Presumption proud on her owne merits stands , Despaire lookes downe on her vile wretchednesse , But neuer Gods great goodnesse vnderstands , Nor his great power , free grace , and willingnesse To ease all those whose sinnes doe them oppresse : But Infidelitie seekes to entise To Atheisme , and all vngodlinesse , And make Faith folly seeme to worldly wise , Who nought beleeue , but Sense and Reason must deuise . 34 Despaire to great Goliah I resemble , But Faith doth like to little Dauid fare , At whom though Saul and all his Host doe tremble , Yet all his threats bold Dauid cannot scare . He that hath giu'n the * * Presumption . Lion and the a a Infidelitie . Beare Into his hands , he surely doth beleeue , This b b Despaire . rayling Philistim will neuer spare , But will him vnto like destruction leaue , Thus off with his owne sword Dauid his head doth cleaue . 35 Oft haue I seene some grieued patient Languishing of some desp'rate disease , Not fe●ling it till Natures helps were spent , Then thinks his graue onely can's griefe appease , Yet if he hopes of skilfull Leech some ease , He him intreates to vse his vtmost skill , To cure his maladie and sore disease , Himselfe referring wholly to his will , Till he such Balme apply that cures him of that ill . 36 All men are 〈◊〉 of the disease of sinne , Which till 't is past mans cure , they not perceaue . But when of helpe they to despaire beginne , If by true Faith they vnto Christ can cleaue , Their soules Physician : and vnto him leaue The cure alone : of his most precious Blood , A plaister they to cure their sore receaue ; This onely is the Balme can doe them good ▪ And not Saints m●nts , Pardons , Dirges , woodden Rood . 37 Faith to the blind man may be well compar'd That feeles the heate , but cannot see the flame Of fire , which in the winter is prepar'd , The tyra●nizing cold thereof to tame : Faith , Hope , are like two Men , one blind , one lame , Blind Hope , weake Faith on shoulders doth sustaine , Faith , Hope directs her steps aright to frame , Both labour top of Zions mount to gaine , And both by mutuall aide their wished end attaine . 38 Our hearts are like vnto the parched Land , That three yeares drought endur'd in Ahabs dayes , Faith like the Cloud is little as mans hand , That in the end great stormes and wind doth raise , And many showers abundantly displayes ; Loe then the Land that earst was drie and waste , Abundantly her fruit and grasse repayes , So Faith though small at first , yet at her last Growes wondrous great , & poures down heau'nly showres ful fast . 39 Faith is like to a graine of Mustard seede , Which of all graines at sowing time is least , But growes so high that Birds therein may breede , Yea Fowles of th' aire therein doe make their nest ; Shee 's like an O●en plant that winds infest , Which more 't is shak'd rootes faster in the ground , So more tentations haue true Faith opprest , Shee stands more resolute , secure , and sound ; And as her rootes hold fast , her leaues and fruit abound , 40 We are on earth like Wind-mills all , whose grist Are workes of Pietie and Charitie , Our Faith like Sailes , which if the wind be whist , And aire calme , doe stand vnprofitably , But when tentations rise , shee instantly Swayes all the inward powers by her commotion , To all the workes of Loue and Pietie , Loue to our Neighbours , to our God deuotion ; But if Faiths sailes doe faile , all faile in their true motion . 41 Faith is our spirituall Sunne in Firmament , Which Clouds may darken , not put out her light : Shee is swe●t Oile , that giueth nutriment Vnto our Lamps , vs to direct aright : Shee is our strong Shield , vnder which we fight Safe and secure'gainst all the powers of Hell ; Which though our brest-plate oft by force or slight , They pierce of Righteousnesse : Faiths shield doth quell Yet all Hells fiery darts , and Satans force expell . 42 Shee Morter is , vs liuing Stones to ioyne , In that great Building to the corner Stone , The Pins and Ioynts which euery peece combine Into one goodly Frame : By Faith alone Members on Earth and Head in heau'n is one , Shee doth espouse the Bridegroome to the Bride , Shee vs the earnest of his Spirit hath showne , Shee sets vs at the Banquet by his side , Then Loue vs to embrace , her Armes doth open wide . 43 Faith like is to the holy Martyr Steuen , Who when before the Councell he did stand , Look'd vp and saw Gods glorie great in heau'n , And Iesus standing by on his right hand ; Shee 's like Tobi●● Angell , at command For to direct vs in our iourney right , And free from danger both by Sea and Land , Shee doth endue vs with such heau'nly light , That we to Friends and Parents may restore their sight . 44 Like Aduocate , who not for priuate gayne Pleades for all sinners to Repentance brought , Whom neither feare nor fauour can restrayne From pleading , till our Pardon shee hath wrought : Shee neuer leaues vs till shee hath vs brought To the most glorious happy Court of Loue , Into his armes , whose Blood vs dearely bought , For Faith and Hope cease further there to moue , Our state there is immutable without remoue . 45 Faith , like to Moses , out of Egypt leades All Israelites that vnder bondage grone , Baptiseth them that in her foote-steps treades , As in red Sea : Faith cleaues a ❀ ❀ Heart . Rocke of stone , From which gush liuing Waters : Faith alone The hidden Manna makes from heau'n descend , Which who by Faith eate , Bone become of Bone , Flesh of his Flesh : Faith doth before vs wend Through this worlds wildernesse : but there she makes an end . 46 Yet Faith , like Moses , doth from Mount behold , And view from farre the blessed promis'd Land ; But leaues vs there vnto our ❀ ❀ Iesus . Iosuah bold , T' expell the Amorite with mightie hand , And giue vs seisin of that blessed Land , Loe then , Faith to sure Knowledge is return'd , Then we in state vnchangeable doe stand , Not that Faith , Hope as needlesse off are turn'd , What Faith beleeu'd , and Hope did waite for , is confirm'd . 47 Like when some friend doth promise thee to giue , After his death , a faire Inheritance , Thou must beleeue and hope whilst he doth liue : But when his change thy fortunes doth aduance , And thou possessest this Inheritance , Loe then thy first beliefe , and hope d●crease , Thou hold'st it now by good assurance : So when we Hea●●n possesse , Faith , Hope , doe cease , It is our owne for euer , not a Farme by lea●e . 48 Faith is as much as when we credit say , Which is as sure as money in our hand , If we trust one that able is to pay , And to what he hath promised will stand : If rightly then Gods power we vnderstand And Truth , which fast like him hath euer stood , We haue most firme assurance of heau'ns Land , Yet least weake Faith make doubt of this as good , Loe , his last Testament sealed with his owne Blood . 49 If with th' incredulous these cannot preuaile , Who will beleeue no more than they can proue By Sense and Reason : None of these shall faile Thee to a true and liuely Faith to moue : Behold , the Father vs hath shew'd such loue , That we the Sonnes of God should called bee . ❀ ❀ By reason . If Sonnes , we be Coheires of heau'n aboue ; ¶ ¶ By sense . If we beleeue but what we taste and see ; To Sense in Sacraments exhibited is hee . 50 With these authorities why should I sort Saints Monuments , which in Worlds wildernesse , By Faith obtayning here a good report , Are now arriu'd at th' Hau'n of blessednesse : Millions which haue and constantly professe , And for this Faith , land , honours , life doe leaue , Accounting it their greatest happinesse They are worthy found , not onely to beleeue In Christ , but for his sake their liues , goods , friends , to leaue . 51 See Abraham , in whose most holy Seede All Nations of the earth most happy are , How Faith did arme him to performe a deede Against the promise God vnto him sware : His sonne , his onely sonne , not Isaack spare ? See Iacob , with his Maker hand to hand Wrestling to get a blessing , nor doth care To lose his limbs , so firme his Faith may stand , Loe , Faith brings Iosephs bones from Nile to holy Land . 52 Moses by Faith the red Sea doth diuide , So stroke the Rocke that Waters g●shed out , Calls food from Heau'n with God on Mount doth bide Full fortie dayes : Loe , Iosuah bold and stout Commands the Sunne to stand still , while he fought Gods Battailes : Loe , Kings , Iudges , Prophets all , By Faith inuincible did neuer doubt Blessings , Raine , Haile , and Foode from heau'n to call , With fire and vengeance on Gods enemies heads to fall . 53 Loe , Christ himselfe , when he on earth did preach , And mightie miracles to passe forth brought , What thing did he more here vnto vs teach Than Faith ? By which great miracles he wrought , He that had Faith neede not despaire of ought . Lepers by Faith are cleans'd , issues are stayd . Blind see , Lame walke , the Deuils are cast out , Her Faith so great 's growne that for crummes earst pravd , That , Be it as thou wilt , to her by Christ is said . 54 Yea , after that our Sauiour did ascend , And had the promis'd Comforter downe sent , His Church by Faith wrought wonders that transcend : Loe , Peters shaddow heal'd eu'n as he went . Partlets and Napkins from Paules body sent , Expell'd ill spirits ; did Blind and Lame restore : Cur'd all diseases of the patient : So that th' Apostles by true Faith did more , And greater miracles , than Christ had done before . 53 I doe beleeue the World could not contayne The Bookes , if one all Monuments should write Of Saints , which Clouds of witnesses remayne Of Faith's great power , her glorie , grace , and might : Which though they laid their liues downe in this fight ; Their glorie euer doth in Heau'n remayne , Where Victors they triumph in the Lambs sight , And for their losse of life and mortall payne , True immortalitie and endlesse pleasure gayne . 56 And though in these last times and 〈◊〉 dayes , Her force and vertue seeme for to decline ; Yet he that feeles the comfortable rayes Of her Sunne-beames vpon his heart to shine , Infallibly perceaues some power Diuine In him , that World of wonder hath effected , Which is both God and Man in one to ioyne : For this they know and feele that are elected , But Satan blinds the eyes of those that are reiected . 57 Oh! What great wonders worketh Faith within , When first shee rayseth by regeneration , And quickneth soules that lay long dead in sin , Vnto the life of Grace sanctification : This second farre exceedes our first Creation , To passe from darknesse to the glorious light , And libertie of Heires of true saluation , When loos'd from Satans bands we walke aright , And with this shield of Faith 'gainst all our enemies fight . 58 My ioynts doe tremble , and mine heart doth quake , When I Faiths wondrous workes begin to write ; Shee from the sleepe of sinne doth me awake , Into sweet libertie and glorious light : My Members that in sinne did earst delight , And worldly lusts shee maketh to obay , Defacing in me th' old Mans image quite , Sinnes fogs and mists of errour driues away , And turnes my night of griefe to ioyfull Sunne-shine day . 59 Like Enoch , now me thinkes with God I walke , And haue with Angels happy conuersation , Like Abram I with God doe friendly talke , And wrestle by diuinest Meditation : Loe , rapt to the third heau'n by contemplation , I there such ioy and glorie bright behold , As Peter did at 's Lords Transfiguration : Such glorie bright and ioy cannot be told , Faith this to true Beleeuers onely doth vnfold . 60 And now with 〈◊〉 , Iohn , Peter , I could say , Vpon the Mount , 'T is good Lord to be here : And wish our Mansions there may last for ay , Where such delight and happinesse appeare , Where I like St●●'n behold most plaine and cleare Heau'n open , and Christ sit at Gods right hand ; The glorious Bridegroome longing for his Deare , Hierusalem the glorie of the Land , The head , whose members are in number like the Sand. 61 But ah , we all , like 〈◊〉 fond , desire To Righteous later end for to attayne , But neuer for to liue like them enquire ; But seeke for Balaaks honours , gifts , and gayne : But they that will with Christ in glorie raigne , Must looke with him on earth to beare his Crosse. The Coward neuer Honour doth obtaine , Who from his Captayne runnes for life or losse , All in comparison of Christ is dung and drosse . 62 Yet I alas ! doe oft like F●●lix fare , Tremble to heare of Iustice and damnation , Or thinke Paul mad : And if it doth pr●pare Mine heart fit for good tidings of saluation , I am withdrawne by Worlds negotiation , To put it off vnto another day , I oft like Peter make great protestation To die for Christ , but come I to the fray , I deeply him forsweare , or else I runne away . 63 Yea oft when I some inward flashings feele , As if Faith now were to some measure growne , I straight waxe cold , faint , totter , stagger , reele , As if Faith's seedes were scarcely in me sowne ; Or I true inward comfort ne're had knowne , Nor tasted spirituall Grace : yet I beleeue , Lord helpe my vnbeliefe ! Thy power 's showne Most in my weaknesse : Lord then me releeue , And from Sinnes baits and Satans malice me reprieue . 64 Nor would I onely wish for to obtaine The faithfuls glorie , and her Garland weare , But if neede be , would beare my share in paine , Not that I able thinke my selfe to beare Those grieuous ●orments as thy Martyrs were ; But let me measure like of Faith receaue , My body cut , broile , scal'd , hang , saw , sterue , seare , 'T is Gods great grace , we in him may beleeue , But greater , for Christs sake , vnto his Crosse to cleaue . 65 Why then should I wish Honour , Wealth , Promotion ? Which in this World are transitorie , vaine , And in mine heart no roome leaue for deuotion ▪ Or godlinesse , which is the greatest game ? He that to all things needfull would attaine , Must seeke Gods Kingdome first and Righteousnesse , Loe , then all other things doe come amaine , But ah ! it is my fault , I must confesse , To looke on present shewes , and not on good successe . 66 So that when of the grand Mogull I reade , Great Lord of misse-beleeuing India , Whose wealth and Empire farre out-strip indeede All Kings of Europe and of Africa , Great China's King ; Ch●● of Tartaria , The least of which the grand Mogull exceede ; That potent Prince Sophie of Persia , Great Turke , Virginia's Po●hatan , these breede In me such doubting oft , I stumble at my Creede . 67 Th' whole World to God compar'd , than point is lesse , Earth to the World , to the Earth Christendome : And but a Point of these Christ ●right professe , Of these Professors but a Point become Beleeuers true : So that the little summe Of all Christs flocke , as Point is to compare With those that headlong to the Deuill runne : What then ? All these huge troupes in errour are , And thus Point onely in the true and right way fare . 68 Why then doe Fooles of Vniuers●ll 〈◊〉 , As note infallible of sound beliefe , Seeing the Deuill hath the worst and most , And few , alas ! acknowledge Christ as chiefe ? But soft , my Muse , thou merit'st iust repriefe , To draw in matters here of disputation : Thy taske of Faith is to discourse in briefe , And to erect thy thoughts by meditation : Disputes are fit for Schooles , not Muses recreation . 69 Lord make me one of this thy little Flocke , Of that small number that beleeue aright , That fall not downe before a stone or sto●ke , But being by Faith endude with heau'nly light , Know they are alwayes in their Makers sight : That wheresoe're we lift pure hands to pray To thee , or whensoeuer , by day or night , To thee alike are both the night and day , True Faith in Christ to God our prayers prese●teth ay . 70 Grant that by Faith I may a heart obtaine , Chams , Moguls , China's glorie to despise With all Worlds pompe , wealth , honour , lustre vaine . By Faith so clearely open thou mine eyes , To see thy Sunne of Righteousnesse arise , That glorious Sunne whose beames doe neuer fall Vpon the proud , ambitious , worldly-wise , But on the meeke , obedient , that with Paul Doe not consult with flesh and blood , when thou dost call . 71 Lord , thou hast promised , thou wilt not quench The smoking flaxe , nor breake the bruised Reede , Thou mak'st a weake Faith grow from strength to strength , Vnto her fulnesse and ripe age indeede : Thou plant'st and watrest so this little seede , That it doth grow to infini●e increase , Like the fiue Lo●ues that did fiue thousand feede ; Yet did into twelue baskets-full encrease : By vsing , grace and vertue grow , and not decrease . 72 Who then soe're he be that doth beleeue , Perish shall not , but haue eternall Life : The calling and the gifts which God doth giue , Without Repentance are : The Bridegroomes Wife Is lou'd for euer : Neuer any strife Can separate Christs loue : He that can free Vs from the fiery Furnace , Saue our life From Lyons hungrie iawes , We know that he Is wise , and better knowes , what 's good for vs than we . 73 And now by Faith I dare my Maker call Father , Christ brother , Heau'n my Inheritance ; The Angels mine attendants , lest I fall : Behold , I dare my shield of Faith aduance Against Despaire , the Deuils keenest lance . Death , Angels , Life , Powers , Principalities , Things present , Things hereafter for to chance , Height , depth , no Creature 's able to deuise , To turne from me Gods loue which doth in Christ arise . 74 What shall we say ? if God be on our side , Who can against vs be ? If he not spare His owne Sonne for vs : What can be denyde ? Who dares condemne , who by him saued are ? For whom his Death and Rising doth prepare Eternall blisse : Shall anguish , tribulation , Nakednesse , famine , perill , sword or feare , Vs sep'rate from the Horne of our saluation ? In these Faith makes vs conquer by Christs mediation . 75 My prayer , gracious Lord , shall euer bee , Increase my Faith : And as now , in some wise , Thou her faire Lineaments hast made mee see , For which I praise thee : Open so mine eyes , That seeing I her worth may truely prise , And for her sake most willing be to loose My life , and all this wicked world despise ; And rather bondage here with Faith to choose , Than liue in Egypts Court with vaine deceitfull showes . 76 Now as a valiant Souldier , strong and wise , That would in open field defeate his Foe , Suffers no sleepe to come within his eyes , But keepes continuall watch : For he doth know , His En'mie , Lyon-like , about doth goe , By force or sleight his life for to surprize : Eu'n so , good Lord , grant thou me grace to doe , That though sleepe often close my bodies eyes , My Soule may still keepe watch 'gainst Satans subtilties . 77 Hope was the Patron that with Faith did ioyne , When to my triall me Repentance brought , Who all their might and forces did combine , Vntill my absolution they had wrought : These not their owne good , but their Clients sought , And pleaded not for friendship , fees , or gayne ; Loues fauour was their vtmost ayme and thought , They shew'd no Law their Causes to maintayne : But Pardons wrote in 's Blood that for our sinnes was slayne .

MEDITAT . V. Of Hope . 1 REpentance , Faith , and Hope be graces three , Which no where but in Israel are knowne : Of other Vertues some resemblance wee Do find amongst the Heathen : which are showne To them by Natures light , and first were sowne Most pure , till they corrupted were with sin , But now they most vnlike themselues are growne , For till Faith , Hope them to restore begin , They glorious seeme without , but foule and vile within . 2 For though of Knowledge , Loue , Truth , Patience , Right , Mercy , Fortitude , Humilitie , Prudence , Zeale , Temp'rance , Bountie , Obedience , There doe in them remayne some memorie ; Yet wanting Faith and Hope , like either eye , Their blinded soules for to direct aright , In all their actions they doe moue awry , For Faith and Hope like Sunne and Moones cleare light , Direct repenting Soules which wander else in night . 3 And though by reading in Dame Natures booke The Heau'n and Earth's most wonderfull creation , They vpwards to their Maker oft did looke , And saw his Power and Wisedomes manifestation , And their owne wretchednesse : Yet Humiliation For sinne , in them no true Repentance wrought : For missing these chiefe Agents of saluation , The worke could not be to perfection brought ; For without Faith and Hope , Repentance profits nought . 4 Thou that the Finisher and Authour art Of eu'ry good and perfect Gift and Grace , Who look'st not on the worke , but on the heart , Where eu'ry Vertue holds her seate and place , Who lately hast me guided in the trace Of Faith the Mother : now direct aright My Muse , to follow on the Vertues chase , And first of Hope Faiths daughter next in sight : And make my Hope stand stedfast whilst of Hope I write . 5 Hope is of things to come an expectation , Which God hath promis'd , and Faith doth beleeue , For when th' Elect of their Iustification By Faith , stand sure : Then Hope doth them releeue With Patience , to expect till God doth giue All the good things which he hath promised , So that no crosse affliction can them grieue , For by this Hope they stand assured , The day will come their Hope shall be accomplished . 6 Some , Faith Hopes Mother , some her Sister call , Howsoe're , betwixt them is so neare relation , That if one faile , the other needes must fall ; Faith brings forth Hope , the Anchor of saluation , But Faith is nourished by expectation , A thankfull Daughter to a blessed Dame , Who nonrisheth her Mother in this fashion , And oft when Faith growes cold , blind , faint , and lame ; Hopes brests , Assurance , Patience , her restore againe . 7 A blessed paire , like Na●mi and Ruth , Faith doth direct , and Hope goes forth to gleane , Faith searcheth first , beleeues , and finds the Truth , Then Hope at Booz feete expects the meane : And though at first a small reward shee gayne , Yet being content Gods leisure for to stay , Shee in the end doth to her Hope attayne ; Ruth●nto ●nto Booz married is that day , And now may Naomi in her lap Obed lay . 8 Hope is so like Faith , and so neare of Kin , As hardly we discerne a difference ; Faith is the ground whereon Hope doth begin ; Both haue alike assurance , Patience : From the same Spirit both haue their influence , Both sauing Graces purge and purifie The heart , and season with obedience : Both last alike : By both we'our selues denie ; Both make our conscience sound : By both for Christ we die . 9 But Faith is first , for loe , shee is Hopes ground , Hope onely future sees , but Faith things past : Faith seales our euidence and makes it sound , Hope waites till shee possession take at last : Hope is the Helmet that on th' Head is plac't , But Faith the Shield doth all the body hide , And though our Faith oft faint , our Hope stands fast , From off the Shield full many a blow may slide On Helmet : but there farther entrance is deni'de . 10 Thus haue I shew'd how they are different . The cause now : As of Words immortall seede The Spirit begets Faith , to giue firme assent Vnto Gods Promises : Eu'n , so indeede , That Spirit out of those Promises doth breede A liuely Hope : whose end is our saluation , And that we shall haue all things which we neede ; In the meane time , we haue our conuersation By Faith and Hope with Christ , in heau'nly habitation . 11 Similitudes make plaine and illustrate Things , that are else mysterious , darke , obscure : As when th' immortall Workman did create At first , Man without helpe , alone and pure , He made him then a deepe sleepe to endure , And tooke stuffe from him ere he did awake , Of which he made for him a helpe most sure . So the same Spirit that Faith at first did make , To make now Hope , Faiths help , doth matter from Faith take . 12 As Body , Spirit , Faith , Lord and Baptisme's one , So but one true and liuing Hope we find : But as her Obiects infinite become , We may distinguish her in different kind . If heau'nly Obiects be to her assign'd , Shee like the Obiect is , Celestiall , If shee on worldly Obiects set her mind , As doth the Obiect , shee doth rise or fall , Loe then , the Obiect of our Hope is all in all . 13 We hope for that for vs in Heau'n's vp laid , We hope to see Christs glorious Exaltation , We hope for all things , that Christ for vs praid , We hope in Gospell that brings vs saluation , We hope of all in Christ a restauration ; We hope Soules , Bodies , shall immortall liue : We hope to reape what 's sowne in expectation , The faithfull Pastor hopes his Flocke shall thriue , Faith Author is of Hope , but Hope keepes Faith aliue . 14 When Faith beleeues , Hope hopes gainst Sense and Reason . Gods Promise is her soundest Argument , His leisure to attend , is her best season , Though Faith beleeue 'boue Hope yet shee 's content To hope : Present to her are things absent : Shee neuer faints , but holds out to the end , Shee to encrease and grow is diligent , Shee 's pure and cleane : No shame doth her attend , By Patience and Experience shee doth daily mend . 15 Faith 's like Elias that by God was sent , Elisha to anoint him to succeede : Hope , like Elisha , waits most diligent , And leaues her not , till fiery Charets leade Faith vp to Heau'n : Then Hope stayes in her stead ; Loe then , Faiths Spirit on Hope is doubled found , And though by Faith our Soules on Heau'n now feede , Hope still sustaynes our Bodies on the ground , And waits till all that Faith beleeues , shee true haue found . 16 Yea after that our bodies turne to dust , It seemes that Hope still with our soules remaine : What else doth meane the * * Reuel. 6. 10. 11. crying of the Iust , Which for Gods Word lie vnder th' Altar slaine , How long wilt thou ( Lord ) to auenge refraine Our blood , on those , that on the earth it spilled ? To whom this answere is return'd againe , They should rest , till the number was fulfilled Of those which for the Word , as they were , should be killed . 17 Hope's subiect is each heart , that Christ hath knowne , And where in glorie he vouchsafes to dwell , Shee best by Obiects is conceau'd and showne , For as they doe transcend , Hope doth excell : All Gods good Promises which one can tell , Her Obiects are , which if one right would reade , He must begin with that when Adam fell , Gods Promise to the Woman , that her seede , Though Serpent bruis'd his heele , should breake the Serpents head . 18 Like this , was that promise to Abraham , All Nations should be blessed in his seede : And him that King of Israel became God promis'd , one should ne're want of his breede , To sway great Iuda's Scepter in his stead , Till Shilo came , who was his Lord and Sonne : Sonne , as his flesh did from his Loynes proceede , Lord as the God-head in the flesh did won , Thus he was Dauids Christ , Sonne , Lord , and yet but one . 19 Loe , God perform'd all his good Promises In Christ his sufferings , birth , and exaltation , All tending to bring wretched Man to blisse ; But now , behold , new tidings of saluation , The Gospell shewes , our reconciliation Is finished : as after shall be showne , When all in Heau'n and Earth haue restauration : What we beleeue and hope , shall then be knowne , Hope then shall reape in ioy , what shee in teares hath sowne . 20 For as the promises that God had sw●re , In Christs first comming were accomplished : Eu'n so all those that in the Gospell are , In 's second comming shall be finished : And since that Good to Adam promised , Was full foure thousand yeares ere consummation ; Why then should Hope that 's thus experienced , Faint in lesse then two thousands expectation ? Nearer , than when we first beleeu'd , is our saluation . 21 Oh! had I here Hopes wondrous memorie , Then should I able be soone to make knowne , All 's Promises which God cannot denie , Eu'ry of which Hope doth account her owne . Behold , in briefe , them all vnto thee showne , All Faith beleeues , ( And what doth he distrust ? In whom this little seede of Faith is sowne ) All these , I say , Hope doth together thrust , And in them puts assured confidence and trust . 22 Therefore these Vertues alwayes her attend , Assurance , Confidence , and Patience , With Perseuerance alwayes to the end , And of Gods faithfulnesse Experience : These , and the like , are her most sure defence 'Gainst troubles , s●●ffes , her weaknesse , long delay Of many Promises , which made long since Are not accomplished vnto this day ; And when shee 's like to faint , these her refresh alway . 23 They that would make faithlesse vncertaintie , So necessary to attend Hopes trayne , And on coniect'rall probabilitie Lay Hopes foundation : They demonstrate playne , True Faith and Hope did ne're in them remayne : And though like Faith , Hope sometimes wa●er may , ( As who can to a perfectnesse attayne ) Yet , Hope encreasing , Doubting doth decay , Vncertaintie and Hope together cannot stay . 24 No more than in the Water cold and heate , For as the heate all coldnesse doth expell , So Hope all doubting out of vs doth beate . I grant , that as in luke-warme Water dwell Both heate and cold , so in the hollow Cell Of vnsound , luke-warme Libertines false mind , Vncertaintie and wau'ring Hope doe dwell : But this no true and stedfast Hope we find , Else true and feigned Hope would differ in their kind . 25 Though Hope hath many an open Enemie , None wrong her more than her familiar Friends , As Merits , Doubtings , false Securitie In ciuill honest dealing : who depends On these quick-sands , more danger him attends Than if he split on Rocke of fierce Despaire , Or to distrust Gods promises intends , Because so long a finishing they are ▪ Ciuill Defection hazards more than open Warre . 26 Oh! who can point out all the subtilties Satan doth vse this Lady to depose ; How he all worldly Obiects doth deuise , That shee may in them confidence repose ; And thereby may her heau'nly Obiect lose ? Who are more miserable , Satan sayes , Than those on things to come their Hopes repose ? And who liue longer and more ioyfull dayes , Than they whose Hope on wealth and Princes fauours stayes ? 27 As Iewes two Theeues did hang on either hand , When as they crucifi'd the Lord of Life , So two extremes on either side Hope stands , And both of them haue each with other strife : On left hand stands Despaire with bloody knife , On right Presumption bold doth ouer-weene . Hope , oftentimes may saue Despaires life : Presumption railes , and thinketh in her spleene , If Hope could others saue , shee ●ould endure such teene . 28 Hope is like Iacob that went out but poore , But free from danger vnto 〈◊〉 Land ; But when he doth returne with Wi●es and store , Laban pursues behind : Esau with band Of full foure hundred doth before him stand : But Angels as Companions him attend , And eu'n with God he wrestles hand to hand , Who doth from churlish Laban him defend , Nor suffers cruell Esau Iacob to offend . 29 So when our Hope , alas , is faint and poore , It forward walkes most free from all tentation : But when it gets some strength , Despaire before , Behind , Presumption seekes our supplantation , Loe then Gods promises of our saluation , Like Angels are to comfort vs at hand , We wrestle with the Spirit by supplication , Whereby we are inabled to withstand Despaire , Presumption proud , and all the Deuils band . 30 Men in this World , are like to ships at Sea , Which stormes haue beaten and t●e waues haue tost , That , when they come to harbour in the Lea , Cast Anchre out : where if they find the coast Consist of ❀ ❀ Mens merits . quick-sands , all their labour 's lost : Loe ! then Hopes Anchre there can get no hold , So they with stormes and waues againe are tost : But if they find firme Land , they then grow bold , No wind , stormes , waues , can beate them from their Anchre-hold . 31 Faith as the Sunne , and Hope is as the Moone In Heau'n both glorious Lamps this World to light , So in mans soule Faith , Hope , like two lights shone , Their little world towards blisse to guide aright . As Moone doth borrow from Sunnes glorious light , So Hope from Faith : And as when Sunne to shine On Moone forbeares , shee 's scarce discern'd by sight ; So when Hope wants Faiths glorious light Diuine , Shee wanes like Moone , and all her beautie doth dec'line . 32 Hope signifies a constant expectation Of some good thing to come , from such a one Of whose Loue , Pow're , and Truth a firme perswasion We haue that all we wait for shall be done : Loe , first Hope onely is of things to come , It is no Hope to hope for things we see : Next in her selfe Hope confidence hath none , Last , all our hope and refuge is to flee Vnto Gods grace , pow're , wisdome , Truth , which certaine bee . 33 Here in examples may my Muse transcend : For whatsoeuer things are writ of old , Are for our learning and instruction pend , That we , through Patience , comfort may behold In Scriptures : And haue Hope for to lay hold On all Gods Promises and Dealing kind , By him shew'd to our forefathers of old , And those which to our owne times are assign'd , Last of all , those which we within our selues doe find . 34 These three may breede in vs experience , Experience Hope , Hope maketh not asham'd ; Loe first th' examples all haue reference To Hope , which I in Faiths discourse haue nam'd , Kings , Prophets , Iudges , Martyrs all enflam'd With Loue , in Hope and Faith most firme doe stand ; Without the one , the other may be blam'd , Both able are Hels malice to withstand , For if one faints , the other lends her helping hand . 35 This generall briefe narration shall serue , For all Hopes noble famous acts of old . Now if you will be pleased to obserue , Whilst I th' examples of our times vnfold , And those which our forefathers haue vs told ; God neuer hath so de●lt with any Nation , In giuing temporall blessings manifold , In our deliuerances 'boue expectation , Lastly , in yeelding vs such meanes for our saluation . 36 He sets vs in a blessed Land , where flow Hony and Milke , and all good things abound , The Plough-man reapes the Crop which he doth sow : Here Peace and Plentie eu'ry where are found ; Here dreadfull trump of warre doth neuer sound , No leading here into captiuitie , Here no complayning in our streets is found , Here 's health of body with prosperitie , And all these lasted haue beyond mans memorie . 37 I hope here is for vs sufficient ground , To trust in God for all things temporall ; How many plots hath Hell and Rome out found , Vs to betray to bondage spirituall ? Yet God hath vs deliuer'd out of all , Besides that secret cruell trayt'rous broode , Priests , that themselues Catholique Champions call , Shee hath prouok'd to make her quarrell good , Great Kings to open warre and shedding innocent blood . 38 Witnesse th' Armada huge of Eightie eight , Which b●eathed nought but cruell desolation , And was inuincible in Mans conceit , Whom nought could satisfie but th' extirpation Of Protestants , and all the English Nation : Home-treason , forraine warre vs to betray To Popish , cursed , hellish machination : Nought could this Phara●hs crueltie allay , Till Death , Hell , and Destruction swept them all away . 39 This quail'd the spite of Egypt : but of Rome , Though pow'r grow weake , her spite growes yet more strong ; When force and open warre doe vaine become , Shee seekes by treason to maintayne her wrong : Loe , Iesuites and Seminaries throng In Court , Church , Citie , and in euery Place ; To sow seedes of Sedition vs among , To bring Prince , Counsell , Prelate in disgrace : To credit Superstition , and the Truth out-face . 40 How many were their plots of cursed Treason Deuis'd against our late dread Soueraigne Queene ? Impatient to expect the time and season , When shee should hence goe and no more be seene : That time they look'd to wreake their spitefull teene , On opposites of Popes Supremacy , Oh! this a bloody day had surely beene , Had not the Lord vs succour'd from on high , And whence we hop'd for least , did vs most helpe supply . 41 Loe , whilst shee liu'd shee seem'd a weake defence , A Woman to defend so great a Nation From secret treasons , open violence , Fill'd all the World with ioy and admiration : But when by her most happy commutation , Shee leaues this Earth : Behold , that prouidence , Which made this weake Sexe strong for our saluation ; Brings in a stronger and more sure defence , With Gladnesse , Plentie , Peace , without all violence . 42 Oh! that my Muse were able here to flie , The high pitch of my Soueraignes commendation , Who Solomon-like in all his Royaltie , Brought Peace and Plentie to this happy Nation : At whose most blessed , glad Inauguration , No Shimei barkes , nor Sheba lifts his hand , But all him meete with ioyfull salutation , God saue King IAMES , sole Monarch of our Land , And set thy seate as fast as our late Queenes did stand . 43 This was a gracious worke of Prouidence , A thing vnparallel'd , before not seene . But can this stop the Dragons virulence ? No it encreaseth more his spite and teene ; For the same cause he hated our late Queene , He doth Faith's great Defender now infest , But against Loue , Faith , Hope is all his spleene , And all that will not fall downe to the Beast ; With those that Antichristian supremacy detest . 44 Many a cursed plot and cruell treason Hath beene attempted 'gainst our gracious King , Before and since the happy time and season , God him in peace to rule this Land did bring ; But neuer yet was hammer'd such a thing , By Pope , Turke , Iesuite , or in Hell below , As was the powder plots fierce lightening , Which in one instant all should ouerthrow , King , Counsell , Nobles , Citie , Commons , Priests vp blow . 45 Oh barbarous wretches ! cruell instruments Of Death and Ruine to their natiue Nation ! What heart of steele or flint that not relents To apprehend the dreadfull desolation , ( Besides of men ) of that faire habitation , Those seates of Iustice , Houses for deuotion , Great Brittaines glorie , Strangers admiration ? Shame is reward , Gods wrath the bitter potion , Of all that had their heads in this most hellish motion . 46 But leaue them to their punishment and shame . Behold a worke no older than the yeare , Wherein Gods Loue to vs ( blest be his Name ) No lesse than in the former doth appeare : I meane our Soueraignes sicknesse , who was neere To the last act of all mortalitie , But when all physicke fayl'd , God did him cheere , His health restoring with prosperitie , And adding length of dayes to him that look'd to die . 47 Nor onely doth this Antichristian Bore , Seeke to roote vp the Vine of Gods right Hand ; But there be Foxes , little Foxes store , Which 'gainst her bloming Grapes in ambush stand ; Those that against Church gouernement doe band , * * Separatists . Churches illit'rate Vermine , who disclose Their enuie to the Prelates of our Land , When against their Succession they oppose , Tithes , Prayers , Order , Titles , Ceremonies , Clothes . 48 These humorous Nouellists haue oft assay'd , From her youth vp , our Church vnto this day : But neuer hath their subtiltie preuayl'd Church discipline to alter , though I say , Martin their spite and malice did bewray , When he in scoffes and rayling spent his wit , Not sauouring of the Spirit , which should pray For Kings and those that at the Sterne doe sit ; And not ranke Martinisme in Rulers faces spit . 49 These first , as Theudas-like , some great Man rose ; To whom great multitudes themselues combine , And Iudas-like Church tribute did oppose , But they are perisht : And our fruitfull Vine Yet prospers still and yeelds abundant Wine : Which proues it planted is by Gods owne Hand , For were 't Mans policy , not power Diuine , Shee neuer could such furious Beasts withstand ; But long since had destroyed beene out of this Land . 50 Was e're in Israel knowne or Iuda's coast , So long peace and such plentie temporall ? Can any of the Nations like vs boast , Deliuerances from bondage spirituall ? Our God , who did vs out of bondage call , Protects our Leaders by his power diuine , 'Gainst Hell , Pope , Iesuites , Sep'ratists and all : And lest our Faith and Hope faile or decline , Loe , in Prince Charles new hope , and all that Princely Line . 51 But some may say , What 's this to spirituall Hope ? These were deliuerances temporall : But who knowes not , by these Hell and the Pope , Sought the destrnction of the Spirit and all ? Loe , Faith and Hope now banisht from the stall Of Romes foule Beast , for aide flyes to our Land , Where Prince , Priests , People ioyne together all , In the defence of Faith and Hope to stand , And in their quarrell spend their liues , their goods and land . 52 Here both haue dwelt safe neare a hundred yeare , Since they from Rome were banisht to this Land ; Where many Saints haue lost their bloods most deare , Whilst constantly in their defence they stand , And though , for neare sixe yeares , Romes cruell hand Did in this Land true Faith and Hope assaile ; Yet since Elizabeth did all command , The Champions of true Faith did neuer faile , But 'gainst close treason and force open did preuaile . 53 And though we lately lost the likeliest Prince That euer liu'd , Faith and Hope to defend , Yet loe , our Hope is more encreased since , By Royall Charles , whom God doth seeme to send , Like Charlemaine his Church secure to shend 'Gainst Antichrist , Hell , Schisme , and Saraceen : And all from vs that would Hopes Anchre rend . But here my Muse in order should begin ▪ To melt away in teares for losse of Anne our Queene . 54 Most peerelesse Lady ! Nobles surest friend , The Peoples safetie ; Clergies firme defence , Who constantly did Faith and Hope defend 'Gainst subtile Schisme and Papists virulence : Church Patronesse 'gainst the violence Of couetous Sacrilege and griping hands , Who spoile Church-liuings vnder false pretence , It 'gainst the thrift of true Deuotion stands ; That Churchmen should haue large possessions , goods , & lands . 55 But as when Death from Sonne and Father rent A carefull Mother , and a faithfull Wife , Isaac Rebecka brought to Sara's Tent , To comfort both the Sonnes and Fathers life , So we doe hope , our Prince will take a Wife Into his Mothers Tent , who shall begin Like her to comfort Sonne and Fathers life . But soft , my Muse , this thread too long doth spin , Now will I sing of Hope that ought to be within . 56 These presidents of Gods Grace , Faith , Truth , Loue , Power , Wisedome , Prouidence , and dealing kind With those that trust in him , vs well may moue Vnto a stedfast Hope ; which if we find Within the secret Closet of our mind , It is the earnest that to vs doth proue , Here all things needfull shall be vs assign'd , And we shall haue Hopes end , eu'n Heau'n aboue , Where Faith and Hope shall leaue vs in the armes of Loue ▪ 57 But Faith and Hope implicite generall , Brings not to vs this blessed Habitation : It must be inward , liuely , spirituall , With true particular right application Of all Christs merits , wrought for our saluation ; Else , with vntemper'd morter stones we lay , And build vpon vnsound and weake foundation ; Fie on the Clerkes that so abuse the Lay , ( They vnderstand not what they hope , beleeue , or pray . ) 58 Which thus would seale vp all in ignorance , That they might seale their Pardons vnto all ; Thus they their state doe mightily aduance , By binding or by loosing them that fall : Mortall offences and sinnes veniall , Differ not in their nature but their pay : As sinnes abound , their Markets rise and fall , So wide to Heau'n they open now the way , That , loe , the richest men with most ease enter may . 59 The rellish and true taste of Faith and Hope , They turne to ignorance and superstition : Gods written Word that wont to be their scope , Must now giue place to humane vaine Tradition : Their inward Hope is honour , wealth , ambition , And how they may all earthly Kingdomes sway , Emp'rours and Kings to them must yeeld submission , Else they their Subiects licence them to slay , Thus Peters keyes , like swords , cut all out of their way . 60 How doe these foule flagitious crying sinnes Transport my Muse from holy Meditation , Which erst in Hope aboue the Seraphins , Tooke sweet delight in heau'nly Contemplation ! ( Hath shee too long staid in this deuaition ? ) Loe , now shee doth to Hope returne againe , To heau'nly Hope , and glorious expectation , Which firme and stedfast euer shall remayne , Till her in Loues high Court her Sauiour entertayne . 61 See here , how graciously our God doth deale With his , in sending them such enemies ; Else would Worlds vaine entising pleasures steale Away our hearts to all impieties : Such trialls doe the Vertues exercise , Of all that set on God their confidence , The greater ills that wicked men deuise , The faster we doe cleaue to our defence : So Hope becomes most firme by such experience . 62 And therefore I might better here complayne Of too much Ease , Peace and Securitie , Luke-warmenesse , hollow Dealing : these doe trayne More soules to Hell , than Popes hostilitie . Loe Satan not by force , but subtiltie , Made our first Parents guiltie of transgression , Whom Priests and Iesuites follow cunningly , In plotting by auricular Confession , Against States , Treason , and against poore Saints oppression● 63 O let me wish here more than I can hope , All Enuie , Malice , Au'rice laid aside , We would make Heau'n the Obiect of our Hope , And Faith and Truth may euer be our Guide : Thus from Gods Statutes we shall neuer slide , Thus We , Pope , Sep'ratist shall meete in one : Whom Truth doth ioyne , no Power can diuide , Oh! why should Flesh of Flesh , and Bone of Bone Differ ? where God and Christ , Faith , Baptisme , Hope is one . 64 Would our owne willing be , but to confesse Their errour , and returne vnto the right , Aband'ning wilfull , peeuish , singlenesse , And censuring things whereof they haue no light , Oh , would they striue with all their force and might . To hold Spirits Vnitie in bond of Peace , And not thus with indifferent things to fight ; Touch , taste not , handle not , which doe encrease Schismes and Diuisions , which are Enemies to Peace . 65 So long and hot hath beene this feruent strife For Apples , things of order , decencie , That we , alas ! neglect religious Life , Faith , Hope , Repentance , Ioy and Charitie : Of things indifferent iudge indifferently , The smaller things , the greater consequence There is , we should with all Humilitie Yeeld vnto them vnfeign'd obedience : Not we the Law : The Law must rule our Conscience . 66 Now could I , with Compassion , Prayers , Teares , Beseech you all as to a common flame , To lend your Hands , your Heads , your Hearts , your Eares , And all your aide and helpe to quench the same : 'T is to our Church a foule reproch and shame , Christs Coate that is without Seame to diuide , When we in substance all doe hold the same : Lets humbly in one Hope , Faith , Loue abide , And not fall out for shells , to make whose peace Christ di'de . 67 But they say Ceremonies now are dead , Why should we them againe then viuifie ? I grant all were in Christ accomplished , Which his last Sacrifice did typifie : But those of Order and of Decencie , Doe for our imitation still remayne , As Ephods , Offrings , Tithes , Prayers , Prophecie , Kneeling : such as Deuotion true maintayne , The first we doe forbeare : The last we doe retayne . 68 But now I stray from Hope , b●t not from Peace , Which is the thing I hope for and desire , What shall our strife for Ornaments encrease ? Whilst Aduersaries in our gates conspire To burne our Townes , and blow vs vp with fire , Now by our Hope that vp in heau'n is laid , I instantly you pray , beseech , require , To lend your publique and your priuate aid , That Rulers not for feare , but conscience be obaid . 69 Hope still pricks on my Muse in this discourse , In hope hereby Peace to our Church to gayne . But method here doth stop her farther course ; Who preacheth Order , Order must maintayne , Hope must not passe her Mother Faith in trayne , Lest I doe hope for more than I beleeue , For which if I doe pray , I pray in vaine ; God without Faith no prayers doth receaue , Hope , Prayer , without Faith , doe oft poore soules deceaue . 70 Thou then that art of Faith and Hope the Spring , I ●lesse thy Name for this sweet Meditation , This light of Hope which thou to me dost bring , Oh let true Faith direct my Supplication Vnto my Hope thy holy Habitation , That Port of blisse , purchas'd by thine owne Blood , Spent on the Crosse to finish our saluation : This is my Hope , This is my heau'nly Food , On this faire Hope to rest , I hold my chiefest good . 71 And here , I hope , I may haue leaue to rest , And stop my Muse a while from following The Vertues praises , late so readie prest , In Loues high Court , for my true welcomming : Yet , by Gods grace , I promise here to sing Of all their praises , in their ranke and place ; If this mine entrance and first hanselling , Shall but obtayne amongst those Readers grace , Who , by these Vertues aide , hope to behold Loues face . FINIS .

THE BRIDES ORNAMENTS : Poëticall Essayes vpon a Diuine subiect .

THE SECOND BOOKE .

Viz. of Iustice and Righteousnesse . Truth . Mercy . Patience . Fortitude .

LONDON Printed by W. Stansby . 1621.

TO MY MOST LOVING , AND TRVELY BELOVED WORTHY GOOD FRIEND , Mr. PHILIP KING . IN whom for complement there is no roome , With him doth so much honesty abound , And Iustice to thy Patronage will come , Whom I of all men haue the iustest found : Thou art no curious Critick , nor of those That nothing like in Verse , but all in Prose . All yours , R. A.

MEDITAT . I. Of Iustice and Righteousnesse . 1 WHen first Gods mouing Spirit forth had brought Beasts , Fowle , Fish , creeping things after their kind : Loe , then He Man in his owne Image wrought , And him a Ruler ouer all assign'd , Writing within the Tablet of his Mind His Law , which should eternally endure , And all the Creatures in Obedience bind To Man their King , and knit his heart as sure To King of Kings . This Law was naturall and pure . 2 Here first the right of Soueraigntie began , All subiect to the Monarchy of one , For euery Creature subiect is to Man , While he is subiect vnto God alone . This Monarch now is seated in his Throne , And the whole World doth with his Scepter sway : Here 's the first president that e're was knowne Of gouernment . From hence , loe , Princes may Learne rightly how to rule , and Subiects to obay . 3 Thus Man of this great World the little King , To shew his Soueraigntie , gaue all a name , And they their Lord as Subiects reu'rencing , True Vassals to this little King became : Yet Man in honour could not hold the same , But did become rude , disobedient : Breaking that Law , he merits hell , death , shame , When he offends that hath the Regiment , His double sinne deserues a double punishment . 4 In all his workes before , the Lord had showne , His Loue , Power , Wisedome , Truth and Prouidence : But now Mans sinne his Iustice must make knowne , Though most notorious was the Mans offence , God will not iudge till he makes his defence ; Man cited then , appeares vile , naked , lame , There needes no witnesse but his conscience , And though on others he would lay the blame , The more his cause is heard , the more appeares his shame . 5 Besides th' eternall Law within the heart Of Adam God had wrote with his owne Hand , He did one Precept vnto him impart , Which was indifferent , till God did command Of all the Trees that in the Garden stand , From one , on paine of death , he must refrayne . Lawes made we may not question or withstand : Who breakes them , beares the forfeit of the payne ▪ When Rulers cease to punish Vice , they sinne maintayne . 6 Thou that the hearts of all Men dost dispose , Of Kings to rule , and Subiects to obay , From whom all Power proceedes to bind and lose , Who humble Men in iudgement guidest ay ; Thou Iudge of all the World , direct , I pray , Thy humble Seruant , to discerne aright Of Iustice , that I her delineate may In her true shape vnto the Peoples sight , That teaching I may learne and practise to doe right . 7 Shee is a constant and perpetuall Will , That giues to euery Man what is his right ; First free from passion , shee continues still Constant in her disposing things aright . In action next shee taketh most delight , And not alone in idle speculation , There 's no respect of persons in her sight , The same to all without vaine alteration , For Law 's the Rule and Square of her administration . 8 Iustice the Vertue , Law 's the Rule and Square , Whereby we truely Iustice exercise : Wherefore if in the abstract you declare Lawes Nature , shee 's perpetuall , constant , wise , And so with God in heau'n for ay abye : But if you view her in the concrete Would , Shee varies as the Subiect her employs , Then blame not Lawes when wrong we doe behould , It comes from Man that 's made of corruptible mould . 9 As when pure Wine in putrid Vessell put , Becomes vnwholesome , ranke , vnsauory , The fault 's not in the Wine , but in the Butt , Which doth the sweetnesse of the Wine destroy : Eu'n so it fares with Law and Equitie , In their owne nature they are perfect , pure , But if in Subiects of Iniquitie They are contayn'd , they cannot so endure , But like the Subiect they become corrupt , impure . 10 Three kinds of Lawes from God I doe obserue ; Morall , Iudiciall , Ceremoniall : Which three the Iewes did constantly preserue , As bound in conscience to obay them all . The Ceremoniall , and Iudiciall , Cease , but remayne paternes for imitation : The Morall is the same perpetuall , That most pure Law , which from Mans first creation , Continues still to vs without least alteration . 11 And though the Rule of Right , now doth not tie To the Iudiciall Lawes strict obseruation , Yet it doth bind vs to the equitie Thereof ( as fittest for our imitation : ) Though Blasphemie , Theft , Murder , Fornication , Haue not amongst vs now the punishment Which Iewes inflicted by Gods ordination ; Yet 't is a Rule in all good gouernement , The paine vnto the sinne must be equiualent . 12 As Lawes right to maintayne , and wrong redresse , Should be conform'd to the Iudiciall , So rules of order and of comelinesse , Should imitate Lawes Ceremoniall : The Morall Law ( by some call'd Naturall ) Is Gods eternall Law , by which aboue He things in Heau'n and Earth disposeth all . These God ingrau'd in Stone , the Iewes to proue , But in our hearts they all now written are by loue . 13 Mistake me not , that I maintayne hereby Grosse Iudaisme , or out-worne rudiment , Which Christs last Sacrifice did typifie , ( Such Ceremonies long agoe are spent ) But those whereby we should our selues present In publique Preaching , Sacraments , Deuotions , It well becomes vs all with one consent , To imitate without strife or commotions , 'T is sinne to disobay Lawes in indifferent motions . 14 I know full well there is a Law beside This Morall Law , which some call Naturall , Which vnder God by Nature is impli'de To rule Heau'ns Spheres and Motions , which they call The Law of Nature ; By which rise and fall Sunne , Moone , and Starres , in Motion necessarie , But from the Law of Reason , whereby all That Reason haue are Agents voluntarie , By some call'd Reasons Law , my Muse now will not varie . 15 From hence , as from a Nurserie , doe come All Lawes , which by good Christian Politie And lawfull Power , to vs as bonds become , To keepe vs in the bands of Charitie , And vs preserue from wrong and iniurie , And not by others losse to raise our gayne , But leade our liues in Truth and Honestie , As not enough from euill to restrayne , Except we good performe , and others right maintayne . 16 Eu'n as we see things wanting life and sense , ( But Agents naturall ) striue to maintayne The preseruation of the common Ens , And 'gainst their naturall course themselues constrayne , Eu'n Motions against Nature doe darraigne , As heauie stones will vp from Center flie , Rather than all a Vacuum entertayne , So reasonable men should rather die , Then suffer any harme to Vniuersitie . 17 And hence come Lawes of Nations , which maintayne Leagues betwixt Princes , Freedome , Seruitude : Next ciuill Law , whose equitie did gayne Command of all Romes Empires amplitude . The Canon Law , whose wi●edome did conclude All other Lawes , till Pride and Superstition Amongst those sacred Sanctions did intrude , So Antichristianizing by ambition , That holy Writ must now giue place to their Tradition . 18 Thus Statutes of each Countrey , Citie , Land , Which they themselues doe call Municipall , All Lawes which now in force with vs doe stand , The Common , Ciuill , Ecclesiasticall , All these doe come from the pure Naturall , And tend true Right and Iustice to maintayne , Respecting Gods true worship aboue all , Next Magistrates , peace publique , common gayne , And last that each man may in peace his owne retayne . 19 But as from Fountayne seated on a Hill , Pure siluer streames in sundrie Channels flow , First cleare like Spring from which their waters rill , But passing farther thicke and miry grow , ( Defiled by their Channels soile below ) Eu'n so , all Lawes which from th' Eternall come , First like the paterne are , as pure as snow , But doe in time corrupt and base become , By Mans corrupted heart , through which Lawes streames doe run . 20 Base Dust and Ashes dares not be so bold , As to define of Righteousnesse Diuine , That Iustice pure which Flesh cannot behold , But as some rayes here seeme below to shine , As farre aboue the reach of humane eyne , As infinite Loue , Truth , and Maiestie , Transcends the measure of a finite Line : Yet Man at first was fram'd thus righteous by The Righteous God , from whom comes none iniquitie . 21 For nothing that 's vnrighteous or vniust , Hath e're or shall be in his Presence seene ; Wherefore renouncing all our rags , we must In Christs pure Righteousnesse all clothed beene . It is a wicked fond conceit to weene Mans righteousnesse , once able is to stand Before the Righteous Iudge , where our most cleane And perfect acts , as vile , vnpure , are scand : Oh wretched Man whom thus Presumption holds in band . 22 My feeble Spirits and Soule amaz'd become , When I contemplate of the Righteousnesse , That with the most Iust God doth euer wonne , My Muse vnable farre is to expresse His Iustice , which is Truth and Holinesse : Therefore I backe now will retire againe To Iustice , that brings Man to Happinesse , And here on Earth doth Peace and Loue maintayne , And first her Nature by her Causes will explayne . 23 Out of bad causes good effects to draw , Peculiar is to Prouidence Diuine , From whence it comes that many a wholsome Law From euill manners seemes to draw her Line ; But they no causes are ; For power Diuine Is the first Cause of Iustice and of Right , Eu'n as the Sunne , which giueth powre to shine To all the glorious Lamps wee see by night , Though darknes seeme the cause of their pure twinkling light . 24 Yet as the Sunne , the Fountayne of all Light , Doth of his beames to all those Planets send , Which in the absence of the Sunne by night , Direct all Trauailers aright to wend : So righteous God such Righteousnesse doth lend To Kings , and Rulers all , that iudge below , That they may Right and Iustice true extend , And in Gods stead both Light and Guidance show To Men , which else to all obliquitie would grow . 25 At first when Kings and Princes gan to sway , And that no Lawes as yet were on record , All did their Princes will and mind obay , And the whole Law came from the Princes word : Law therefore Kings this Title doth afford , And stiles them liuing Lawes by grace Diuine , Sent vnto Men to be their Liege and Lord , With power to make new Lawes and old define , The Head , which Members all in politique Body ioyne . 26 Thus God first giues Kings power Lawes to ordayne , Which power Kings to the Iudges delegate ; By their Lawes , Right and Iustice to maintayne : All Power from God doth first begin her date , And therefore all ought him to imitate , And thereby to doe right , and wrong redresse ; Not onely to encrease their owne estate , And liue in Plentie , Pride , and Wantonnesse , For so we make God cause of our vnrighteousnesse . 27 So we abuse the Power God doth giue , To Pleasures , Pride , Vnrighteousnesse , and Wrong , As if we onely to our selues did liue , When Iudgement onely doth to God belong , Who eu'n the Kings and Iudges sits among , To doe the Orphane and the Widdow right , To breake delayes that Clients suites prolong , Nor suffering Right to be borne downe by Might , But truely first discerne and then proceede aright . 28 These true effects of righteous Causes are Like God , first cause of Iustice to proceed , Who pulleth downe the Mightie from his chaire , And sets the Meeke and Humble in his stead . Loe , Iustice hath a sword to make sinne bleede , As well as Scepter for to rule in Peace ; Besides our sowing we must also weede , If we expect a plentifull encrease , So long as Vice growes strong , the sword must neuer cease . 29 * * 〈…〉 Sixe seuerall Serieants wa●● on Iustice Throne , Which shee in seuerall duties doth employ ; By first , shee doth command things to be done : By second , punisheth what 's done awry : The third forbids : the fourth giues leaue to trie : The fift exhorts : last doth the right aduise : All these respect haue to lifes honestie , And that no hurt gainst others we deuise , Lastly , things that are due to euery man to size . 30 But not men onely in authoritie , May Subiects be of doing wrong or right , But eu'n weake men in want and pouertie , As when a poore man doth his Neighbour smite , Or workes to man or beast the least despite ▪ To wish the least hurt , is vnrighteousnesse : And who workes ought by open force or slight 'Gainst Neighbours goods or credit , doth no lesse Offend against the perfect Rule of Righteousnesse . 31 Yea Subiects sinne against the Rule of Right , When double honour , vnto Rulers due , They doe not tender in the peoples sight ; Rulers are Ministers , set in Gods lieu , For good of those that euill doe eschew ; Who seekes Authoritie for to out-face , Deserue sharpe punishment in open view , Though , as a Man , I can beare all disgrace , Yet should I not endure dishonour to my place . 32 Loe , here I could by subiects fiue expresse Fiue seuerall degrees , which Meditation Suggests to me of this pure Righteousnesse . First is of God , from which by deriuation The other foure haue life and sustentation ; Of Angels , Kings , and Iudges all , which ●ee Authorised by Princes delegation ; Lastly , of Subiects . But the latter three , Corrupted often are by Mans impuritie . 33 As plants , which haue sole power vegetatiue , Iudge not of Beasts which motion haue and sense , Nor Beasts of Men , that doe in reason thriue , Nor Men of Angels pure diuine Essence , Nor Angels infinite Omnipotence : So Subiects iudge not Iudges vprightnesse ; Nor Iudges , Kings ; Nor Kings , the excellence Of Angels Iustice ; And Angels no lesse Vnable are to iudge of Gods pure Righteousnesse . 34 Thus euery Soule by right we subiect see To higher Powers , for conscience , not for feare : The Powers that are , by God ordayned bee , And , but by God himselfe , no Powers are . Who then resists the Power , doth not spare Eu'n Gods owne Ordinances to resist , Which is for good to those that right doe fare , But for their punishment that doe persist In wickednesse , nor from wrong doing doe desist . 35 Wherefore we must giue eu'ry Man his due , To whom Tithe , Custome , Honour , Feare , belong : We ought to render them most iust and true , Or else thereby Gods Ministers we wrong : We must owe nought , but Loue to old or yong , For he that loues fulfils the whole Lawes will , Abstaynes from Murder , Lust , Detraction , Wrong . In briefe , commanded good ( forsaking ill . ) By louing Neighbours as our selues , we all fulfill . 36 Of all the 〈◊〉 that attend this Shee most of all in Truth 〈◊〉 take delight , Who is alli'd in Righteousnesse so neere , And link'd in Loue , that from each others sight They neuer part , but eu'n with all their might Ioyne their 〈◊〉 seruice to their Queene t' approue . Obedience , Knowledge , Prudence , wait on Right , Braue Fortitude and Zeale resolued proue , To maintayne all Right doth for their great Queene of Loue . 37 Thus all the Vertues that on Loue attend , Companio●● are of Iustice and of Right , All single and in one their forces bend , Her to assist against vnlawfull might . Great Enemies with her doe daily fight ; Ambition , 〈…〉 Wrong ▪ Seeking by 〈◊〉 force and secret ●●ight , To weaken hers , and make their owne part strong : Yet shee the pro●dest of them all oft layes along . 38 As many as are Enemies to Peace , Publique or 〈◊〉 , are her Enemies : For whereas Discord , Warres , and Strife encrease , There follow Wrong , Reuenge , and Iniuries : And though 〈◊〉 ouer-vainely d●e aduise Braue Spirits to bloodie warres to purchase Fame , Yet who so vndertakes such enterprise , Vnlesse it be for Peace in Iustice name , By shedding guiltlesse blood deserues eternall blame . 39 Therefore the Pirate iustly did retort Reproch of Thiefe to Grecian Monarchs shame , Who the whole World sought to subdue by tort , To purchase proud vaine glorie to his name , Assuring him he was as much to blame , To rob by Land , as he on Sea to pill , The Monarch wronged all for idle Fame ; The Pirate for his gayne did rob and kill ; Each 'gainst the 〈◊〉 of Right by force maintayn'd his will . 40 Some great 〈◊〉 glorie like to ●ikes in Pond , All other vnder Fishes to deuour , That they alone inherit may the Lord , And all the World subdue vnto their power , As neuer thinking of their latest hower . When , as they came , they must returne againe , Why should the Highest on the Lowest lower ? The greatest Prince the meanest Slaue disdayne ? Both borne a●●ke , breath , die , and in their graue remayne . 41 Besides , Vice oft in Vertues shape appeares : Iniustice vnder Mercies name doth goe : Therefore must Iudges not be mou'd with teares Of Sinners in calamitie and woe : Rulers in Discipline may Mercy show , And Meeknesse , so they leaue not loosely light The raynes vnto Offenders , ill to doe Whom Feare , not Loue , from doing hurt doth fright . For hope of pardon doth lewd minds to sinne inuite . 42 The Iudges then that such Offenders free , To Iniurie betray the Innocent . Three kinds of doing Almes , some say , there bee ; First to releeue the poore and impotent ; Next to remit all wrong vnto vs meant ; The last is , Malefactors to represse . Who so deferres deserued punishment Vpon Offenders 'gainst Gods Righteousnesse , To anger doe prouoke his patient gen●lenesse . 43 Therefore let Iudges Grace and 〈◊〉 show , In pardoning their priuate iniuries : But for offences publique let them know , They there eu'n Gods owne Iudgement exercise . The ancient Romanes wisely did deuise To punish facile Iudges with that payne , Which Law against Offenders did deuise , Thus wisely foolish pitty to restrayne , For that seuere vprightnesse Peace did best maintayne . 44 For surely 〈…〉 Then fayned Mercy , Pity , Conscience , Grace , Who all their wrong entitle Iust and Right , And the right 〈…〉 of Law deface , Whereby each Man ought to direct his p●ce : From which to stray is foule iniquitie . I grant that Conscience may rule in some case , But not against the Law , whose equitie ( If not against Gods Word ) hath good authoritie . 45 For as in eu●ry Towne and common Mart , There is of Weights and Measures but one s●ze , And Standard , which true right to all doth part , And Weight and Measure iustly doth comprise ; Eu'n so in this Worlds Market men deuise One Law to mete out eu'ry Man his due , And by that Law the Iudges ought assise All their Decrees and Iudgements iust and trew , And not in stead of Lawes to ●roach Opinions new . 46 But as in Man we soule and body find , So Lawes consist of Letter and true Sense : And as the body place giues to the mind , So the Lawes Letter with Obedience , To the true Sense and Soule of Law consents . Who Letter of the Law seeke to maintayne , And leaue her mind and meanings excellence , Are like them that their bodies good to gayne , Both Soule and Body hazard to eternall payne . 47 Some Painters Iustice without eyes describe , That shee might know no Man in doing right ; Some without hands , that shee may take no Bribe ; Some without pockets , that may gifts inuite ▪ For gifts of wisest men doe blind the sight , And words eu'n of the Righteous doe peruert , Making them wrest the Law , and take delight In base rewards , which doe corrupt the Heart , Which being once amisse doth all the rest diuert . 48 But vaine it is to thinke by likelinesse Of earthly things , to type out things Diuine , Since none her heau'nly Nature can expresse , But who the God-head can aright define . O let the Sunne of Righteousnesse then shine Vpon my blinded heart with his bright rayes , Which may direct my Muse aright to line , And leuell out this heau'nly Ladies wayes , That searching , I may learne and follow Right all wayes . 49 No earthly subiect now my Muse contaynes , Behold , of Righteousnesse Diuine I sing , That Righteous Iudge that searcheth Heart and Reynes , Most gracious God , and yet most righteous King : Who on his owne deare righteous Sonne did bring The bitter cup of wrath and indignation , Due to Mankind for their dire trespassing ; Thus satisfying Iustice by his Passion , And shewing wondrous Loue in working Mans saluation . 50 This Righteousnesse in vs may be defin'd A sanctifying holy Qualitie , By Gods owne Spirit vpon our Hearts consign'd , To shew to Gods Law true conformitie , And square our words and actions all thereby . Loe , thus we giue to euery one their due , To God and Man , for by Gods Law we trie And vnderstand what to them both is due . So that conformitie thereto is Iustice true . 51 To this most perfect Iustice can attayne None , but our Head , surnamed , THAT IVST ON● . Indeed , God made Man righteous , and againe In Heau'n we iust and perfect shall become : But amongst Men so righteous there are none . Yet reade we of a two-fold Vprightnesse ; One Legall , which the Law to vs hath showne : The other , which the Gospell doth expresse , Where Grace ac●epts our will by Faith for Righteousnesse . 52 The Law requires perfect Obedience , Eu'n in that Man that seekes to liue thereby : The Gospell , Faith , and a good Conscience ; By Faith Christs Righteousnesse especially Imputed is , which rightly we apply . That , of the Conscience doth the whole Man frame , Willing in all things to liue honestly ; This , of Gods Spirit a powerfull worke I name , And none but the regenerate obtayne the same . 53 For Righteousnesse that thus from Faith doth runne , Let me referre you to that Meditation , Which I of Faith haue formerly begunne , Whereas Christs Merits ( ours by Imputation ) Stand before God for our Iustification . And thus Christ is of the whole Law the end : For what the Law exacts for our Saluation , Christ hath fulfilled for vs as a Friend , And by the Gospell to Beleeuers doth extend . 54 The Righteousnesse of a good Conscience , In two things doth consist especially ; First , to abstayne from ill with diligence ; Next , to doe good willing and constantly : To doe good and auoid iniquitie , Are two essentiall parts of Righteousnesse : Except they both concurre , they both doe die . Loe , thus old Za●hary and Elizabesse , Were righteous before God , and walkt with men blamelesse . 55 We Righteousnesse of Faith from Christ receaue : That of the Conscience , is a worke of Grace : The Righteousnesse of Faith will not there cleaue , Where Righteousnesse of Conscience hath not place : This right of Conscience rightly we embrace , When true Repentance working change of mind , Doth the old Man of sinne in vs deface , With resolute purpose in a holy kind , Henceforth to frame our liues as Gods Law hath assign'd . 56 If thus the mind be truely altered , And change of resolution throughly wrought , Then the whole Man is fitly furnished , To put Faiths Righteousnesse on as he ought . Without true change of mind we soone are brought Like Dogge vnto his vomit to retire ; By sinne corrupted Nature's easily caught Againe like Sow to wallow in the mire . High God doth first this inward Righteousnesse require . 57 Thus by true Faith and a good Conscience , With true Repentance we our selues doe presse , And arme to proofe for sure and firme defence , With brest-plate spirituall of Righteousnesse , Which gards vs from all mortall sinfulnesse . For as the brest-plate hides each vitall part , So that no mortall wound can them oppresse , Eu'n so this Righteousnesse defends the Heart And Conscience , that no mortall sinne can thorough dart . 58 Thus strongly arm'd , we most assured stand Of our effectuall calling and saluation : For as we God most righteous vnderstand , So know we that the righteous Generation , Are borne of him which brings true exultation , Cladding our Names with happy memorie , Makes much for true religious confirmation , Doth it with Infidels much dignifie , Who seeing our good workes our Maker glorifie . 59 As are the windings of slie Errours trayne , So are the ●y-paths of Iniquitie ; Yet in two Heads we may them all contayne , To Neighbours wrong , to God impietie ; Here I some ouer-iust Ones passe not by , ( Such as must haue all Bowes by their owne bent ) Who by pretence of Christian libertie , Allow nought but what their owne braines inuent , Correctors curious of things indifferent . 60 Two other Gulfes here I will onely sound ; One is of Pharisaicall Righteousnesse ; The other with false Libertines is found , Who doe abuse Gods grace to wantonnesse : The last , Faith onely with their tongue professe , But let their conscience wind at libertie . The other make great boast of Vprightnesse And Merits , trusting to be sau'd thereby : Both put asunder those God doth together tie . 61 ( Thus Hymeneus did and Alexander , Who first did put away good Conscience : And then in Schismes and Heresies did wander , Till they made shipwracke of Faiths firme defence . Thus some giu'n ouer to a reprobate sense , Doe fall to senselesse base Idolatrie , Putting in stocks and stones their confidence : And in the mysterie of Iniquitie ; Who boasts himselfe to haue of Heau'n and Hell the Key . ) 62 Not but Christ's immense Coate of Righteousnesse , Sufficient is to cloath all that beleeue : But we our Faith by good workes must expresse , If of his Fulnesse we hope to receaue : Yet let Presumption no Man so deceaue , The rags of his inherent Righteousnesse With Christs , in our Redemption for to weaue . By ours we must not hope to come to blisse , Nor euer without ours attayne true Happinesse . 63 Our Righteousnesse no cause is , but the way , Whereby we to our Heau'nly Citie come : He that doth misse this path , doth walke astray , And head-long with Iniquitie doth run . As in some narrow passage to a Towne , He that will thither passe , one way must treade , Which if he misse , he wanders vp and downe , No path but one the right way him can leade : Yet we the path no cause of comming thither reade . 64 This path's like Iacobs Ladder , which did reach Eu'n vp to Heau'n , yet stood vpon the ground ; From top whereof Christ out his Arme doth stretch , To helpe vp all that in good workes abound . A streight long way and many steps are found , Before we scale the top of Righteousnesse : Gods gracious Spirit doth first this way propound , And guides our feete to moue aright to blesse , But onely Christ aboue doth vs thereof possesse . 65 In this way Enoch's said to walke with God , And Men began then holy inuocation Next Noah in his Makers grace abode , A iust and perfect Man in 's generation . Thus Iob , Lot , Abram , haue their commendation For Iustice , Iudgement , Faith , and Righteousnesse , Walking with Men in vpright conuersation , And towards God in Truth and Holinesse , Thus shewing by her fruits the Faith which they professe . 66 Thus Patriarchs , Prophets , Iudges , Priests , and Kings , That did beleeue Gods future promises , First fear'd and honour'd him aboue all things , Next walk'd on earth in Truth and Righteousnesse , Labouring in Life and Doctrine to expresse Their firme beliefe of Christ that was to come , Who since is manifested in the Flesh , And doth the end of Righteousnesse become , Which cannot be obtayn'd , vnlesse on earth begun . 67 Loe , Moses had an eye to this reward , When he left Egypts pleasures , wealth , promotion , The three chiefe baits which Worldlings most regard , Three greatest Enemies to true Deuotion : Ioseph for this despis'd his Mistris motion , And rather chose that stocks his limbs should lame , Than he would taste of Lusts vnrighteous potion . Loe , Christ a wretch for Righteousnesse became , And for the Iusts reward endur'd the Crosses shame . 68 If I should count all the Authorities , Which of this Vertue in Gods Word abound , One Volume to hold all would not suffice , In eu'ry Booke , Verse , Chapter , to be found : But most of all , the holy Psalmes propound Abundant matter for this Meditation ; The which my Reader I doe leaue to sound , That willing is to make right application , And follow Righteousnesse in life and conuersation . 69 But though I tremble whilst I heare Paul reason Of Temp'rance , Iudgement , Truth and Righteousnesse , Yet carelesse take a more conuenient season , Like Foelix , in my life it to expresse , And grope for Bribes the wronged to redresse ; I cannot tell how soone of this my rome , My Maker will a iuster Man possesse , And then to strict account I needs must come , And be rewarded as to others I haue done . 70 Were mortall eyes but able to behold , The glorious splendour and the light Diuine , The Crownes , Ioyes , Honours , Pleasures manifold Prepar'd for them that liue by righteous Line , And how the Righteous like the Sunne shall shine With Sonne and Father in eternall blesse , We nould at Crosse , reproch , or shame repine , Which though they seeme some burthen to the flesh , More free our soules hereby conuerse in Holinesse . 71 But ah , Sinne on our Nature hangs so fast , And pricks with honour , pleasure , wealth , and ease , That Coward-like our Armour off we cast , And for promotion flatter , fawne , and please . Then Satan takes aduantage vs to seise As Captiues , being naked and vnarm'd , Whom though before perhaps he might disease , Yet neuer could vs mortally haue harm'd , If with brest-plate of Righteousnesse we had beene arm'd . 72 Oh , but 't is too great burthen to the flesh , To keepe this Armour on continually , And to our nature breeds great wearinesse , To so great watchfulnesse our soules to tye : But since it doth assure vs victorie , Who would not beare this burthen for a while ? Besides , the burthen of Iniquitie Is heauier , and doth our soules defile , Though for a time with pleasures false it vs beguile . 73 Oh , let this brest-plate then of Righteousnesse Be on my Soule and Body alwayes prest : The more this burthen doth my Body presse , My Soule is sure to find more ease and rest : No paine , shame , or reproch , that vs molest , Are worthy of the Crowne most glorious , Which God the Righteous Iudge hath readie drest , For to bestow vpon the Righteous , Made so by God his acceptation gracious . 74 For I confesse it is thy acceptation Which makes our Righteousnesse ( though dung and losse , Compared to the Lawes strict obseruation ) Most perfect : Thou hast nayled to Christs Crosse All our offences : By him all our drosse Is turn'd to purest Gold in fire tried . Where God accepts , no power of Hell can crosse , If by true Faith our hearts be purified , Our imperfections by Christs perfectnesse supplied . 75 Oh then , most perfect Sunne of Righteousnesse , Vouchsafe that now thy Spirit of Grace may shine Vpon mine Heart , by Truth and Holinesse , Temp'rance , Faith , Hope , Obedience , Loue Diuine , That all my words , thoughts , actions , I may line , And leuell out by thy pure Rule of Right ; All errour , lying , iniurie decline , And hauing of thy Lawes a most cleare sight , I may to walke therein place all my hearts delight . 76 Make me conceiue the profit , vse , and end Of righteousnesse , and the necessitie I of this brest-plate haue , my Soule to fand Against the furie of mine enemie : And grant , my conscience good may testifie The armes whereby I may stand fast and sure , And not those fain'd ones of Hypocrisie , Which neuer can hold out me to secure , Or any of the fierie darts of Hell endure . 77 But it is not in him , that wils or runneth , For to attaine the Crowne of righteousnesse , From whom each perfect gift and good grace commeth , His grace it is that guides to happinesse : We find amongst those gracious promises , And grants , which in thy holy Word we reade , That who seekes first thy Kingdomes righteousnesse , Shall haue , all things whereof he stands in neede Doe thou , Oh Lord me forth then in this right way leade . 78 Thou the whole Scripture gau'st by inspiration , Apt to instruct , improue , correct , represse , To make the man of God wise to saluation , And perfectly instruct in righteousnesse : And when the wicked turne from wickednesse , Thou promisest their Soules aliue to saue : So many are thy gracious promises , To grant all good things that the righteous craue , That I this righteousnesse doe begge and hope to haue . 79 Then , as a Lyon , shall I be most bold , My righteous way shall shine eu'n as the light , The eyes then of the Lord shall me behold And he will grant me eu'n my hearts delight . In all his Statutes I shall walke aright , And all his iudgements iust and true obserue , My death shall be most precious in his sight , My righteous memorie he will reserue , Yea eu'n the righteous seede he will on earth preserue . 80 To praise God for the blessings manifold His Word assures vnto this righteous Nation , Would in discourse my Muse for euer hold , And be too long for this one Meditation . Oh , hold me then to more strict obseruation Of Time to come , than I haue had of past , That I may make a daily examination Of my whole life and all my sinnes vp cast , As mindfull of th' account I am to giue at last . 81 And teach me , that this Grace of Righteousnesse Is as a Chaine of many links close ioyn'd , By which we would ascend from hence to blesse , Whereof if but the least linke doth vnbind , Loe , the whole Chaine is to the earth declin'd : Eu'n so in this strong Chaine of Law and Right , Though most of all our acts be rightly lin'd ; If one Iniquitie our Hearts delight , This one makes all the rest vnrighteous in Gods sight . 82 But I vniustly my discourse extend : Now I beseech the Authour of this Grace , I all my force to practise it may bend , And first doe Right and Iustice in my place , Respecting not the Person but the Case , In my Commerce with all Men dealing right . Last , that I may true Righteousnesse embrace , That with true Faith and a good Conscience dight , I in these spirituall Armes vnto the end may ●ight . 83 Thus hauing chalked out the Rule of Right , I should by my first Method next proceede To sing of Mercy : but Truth doth inuite My Muse first her great power to areede , Who doth in time eu'n Righteousnesse preceede . Besides , none can approch dread Mercies Throne , But those whom Truth and Iustice thither leade , And sure their Nature links them so in one , As one without the other neuer goes alone .

MEDITAT . II. Of Truth . 1 SVch is the nature and sweet inclination Of heau'nly Graces all , whereof I sing , That with most kind and mutuall relation , They all seeme ioyn'd together in a ring , So close each one another following , That who gets one doth all the rest obtayne . For , from one Fountayne all of them doe spring , All link'd together in so strong a chayne , As where one Vertue dwels , there all the rest remayne . 2 'T is vaine to thinke that single Graces can Make vp complete the Man spirituall , More than diuided Members of a Man Can grow , or thriue , not ioyn'd together all . Hence Poet● the three Graces twins doe call , Ioues Daughters , and them in one ring doe ioyne ; And hence they make the Virgins musicall All but one consort , which are Sisters nine : Thus by their fables shadowing things Diuine . 3 For they discern'd by Natures dimmed light , One Authour sole of eu'ry goodly Grace , Whom Father they and King of all doe hight , And him Lord ouer all their gods doe place . Loe , thus as in a mist they Truth did trace , But missing the true path of Righteousnesse , In stead of Truth they Errour did embrace , For neuer was Dame Iustice Errours guesse , Nor euer Truth did dwell with false Vnrighteousnesse . 4 For seeming Truth , without the 〈◊〉 of Right , Like Summum 〈◊〉 is greatest iniurie : And Righteousnesse not guided by Truths light , Is Curiousnesse or false Hypocrisie , Faith that brings forth fruits of Iniquitie , Is base Presumption ; Loue , Diffimulation ; That worketh not in vs by Charitie , All from one Head haue life and sustentation , And therefore all together make their habitation . 5 But none more like are , or of Kin more neare , Than this faire paire of Truth and Righteousnesse ; The blessed Mother and her Daughter deare ; For Truth the Mother is of Vprightnesse : And surely , Truth and honest Simplenesse To eu'ry Vertue doth so needfull grow , That all faire shewes not done in Singlenesse , And Truth of Heart , are but a false vaine show , A splendid sinne corrupted by Mans heart below . 6 Thou , in whose Lips was neuer found least guile , Whose Heart hates lying and iniquitie , Whose Hands did neuer God or Man beguile , Whose Hand , Heart , Word , and Thought , is Veritie , Whose blessed Spirit of Truth doth testifie Vnto our Spirits true way of Righteousnesse , By which we come to liue eternally , Direct my Muse Truths nature to expresse , That Truth may guide my steps to endlesse Happinesse . 7 My bounded Muse here dareth not define Of boundlesse Truth from all Eternitie , Which as impossible's to mete by Line , As Persons three , which in the Trinitie Make but one Truth and perfect Vnitie . But as one God consists of Persons three , And each participates of Deitie ; So we one Truth communicated see To Persons three , which but one in the God-head bee . 8 Of Father , 〈◊〉 , and Spirit of Truth we reade But as one God , so but one Truth alone ; Into which Truth the Spirit of Truth doth leade , Who sent is from the Father and the Sonne . The Word of Truth that gloriously did won With Spirit and Father from eternitie : Flesh here tooke of our flesh , bone of our bone , To free vs from errours captiuitie , And chalk't vs out a way to walke in Veritie . 9 This is the Truth whereof I meane to write , Which ought to be of our whole Life the square , To leuell out our words , thoughts , acts aright , And eke our Iudgements to Gods Word to square : For of this Truth foure parts there onely are , Of Iudgement , Action , Speech , and of the Heart , The want of one , the rest doth all impaire ; Wrong iudgement , words , and actions doth diuert , But a false heart doth iudgement , action , speech peruert . 10 And that I right and plainely may proceede , I will all foure thus singled out define ; And first the Truth of Iudgement I doe reade , Truth of Iudgement . A power inlightning of Gods Spirit Diuine , Which doth Mans vnderstanding part refine , And settles in the Doctrine of his Word : Behold , when Truth doth in our iudgement shine , All Heresie and Schismes by vs abhord , This Truth of Iudgement sacred Knowledge doth afford . 11 Truth of the Heart is a sweet singlenesse And sincere meaning , Truth of Heart . whereby Man constraynes His Heart to approue it selfe in Holinesse , To him that searcheth both the Heart and Raynes . This in the inward Man the Truth contaynes , And is to God most acceptable treasure : This Truth from all Hypocrisie refraynes : Here doth the Deuill soonest take his seasure , For , loe , the Heart of man's deceitfull aboue measure . 12 The Truth of Speech is when our hearts agree Vnto the matter and vnto our mind : Truth of Speech . For if it from our Heart doe disagree , Or from the thing whereto it is design'd , The first to be plaine lying is defin'd . The second , falshood at the best we name : One doth abuse the Conscience and the Mind ; The other brings the Authour vnto shame ; Both falsifie the Truth and are alike to blame . 13 The Truth of Actions , Truth of Action . honest dealing , plaine , Faithfull in all without dissimulation : With God and Man whether we lose or gaine , When we doe not deceiue by simulation , And feigning things without determination ; Or else dissembling whereabouts we goe : These are from Truth a wicked declination , And when we God or Man deceauen so , What we would vnto vs , to others we not doe . 14 But as a naturall body doth consist Of quarters foure , to make a man complete , And if but one of all those foure be mist , The other three lose all their life and heate : Eu'n so it is with Truth , whereof I treate , If of these foure substantiall parts want one , The other three are vainenesse or deceat ; For Truth of Iudgement , Heart , Speech , Action , Make but one Truth without dissimulation . 15 But Truth of Iudgement ground is and foundation Of all the rest : For be our Hearts sincere , Our words and deeds without dissimulation , If Errour in our Iudgements doth appeare , With Paul we may eu'n persecute the deare And holy Seruants of the Sonne of Truth , And thinke we doe to God good seruice here . Fie then on Fooles that misse-spend their youth , They neuer seeke to know or learne the way of Truth . 16 But be our Iudgements eu'n as right and sound , As Christs Disciples by their Master taught ; Yet if within vs Iudas hearts be found , On vs the greater iudgement shall be wrought . Who knowes his Masters will and doth it nought , Oh , what doth he by this his knowledge gayne , But eu'n the sting of his owne conscience brought To desperation and infernall payne , And to put out this sting puts on an hempen chayne ? 17 What shall we say of those that doe professe Truth of Religion , and a Heart sincere ? Yet in their dealings nothing lesse expresse , But for their gayne deceaue , lie , and forsweare : Surely , these men a double heart doe beare : For were the Heart , which is a liuely Spring , Whence flow our words and deeds , oh were that cleare , Then all the streames from thence forth issuing , Would be pure like the fountain , from whence they do spring . 18 But things we best of all by causes know : God is the Cause of each good gift and grace , But here more mediate Causes I may show , Whereby he in the Truth doth guide our pace . By 's Word we Truth of Iudgement doe embrace , Which is to wandring Soules a guide and light , His Spirit vpon our Hearts doth Truth enchase , Then Truth of Iudgement makes vs speake aright , And Truth of Heart makes all our actions true and right . 19 Thus ( as Effects ) true Speech and Actions flow From Truth of Iudgement , and the Truth of Heart , As all Mankind from Eue and Adam grow : But if the subtill Serpent can peruert Our Hearts or Iudgements , as he did diuert Our two first Parents , then as all their seede Defiled is with their corrupted part , So from our Heart and Iudgement will proceede Corrupted words and actions which such fountaynes breede . 20 Therefore to set our Iudgement true and right , We to the ground and pillar ought to come Of Truth , which is the Church of God , so hight , Because the treasures of all Truth there won , Of all Gods Oracles which there haue rome . From which all Truth of Iudgement we deriue , The Church a carefull Keeper doth become : There 's Truth that able is to saue aliue , And away Errour , Darknesse , Superstition driue . 21 O blessed Truth , that holy Church preserues From Satans malice , and the Moth of time , O glorious Church , whose soundnesse pure reserues Truth of Religion , which doth make thee shine In Righteousnesse , Faith , Hope , and Loue Diuine , More then Pompe , Wealth , Vniuersalitie : For Truth doth decke Christs Spouse more trim and fine Then Time , Consent , Succession , Vnitie , Now foild with Superstition and Idolatrie . 22 With these false Ornaments the Church of Rome , Like painted Harlot , shuns the open Light : Nor will vnto the Ground and Pillar come Of Truth , to trie if shee bee wrong or right . Therefore , poore Laiks neuer must haue sight Of holy Writ , to frame their Iudgement by : Traditions and false Miracles them light , And on the Churches word they must relie : Thus Ignorance the Mother is of Poperie . 23 But as sound Truth abhorres such Ignorance , Eu'n so presumptuous curiositie Shee doth decline , nor euer doth aduance Her purest thoughts to things that be too high : Her subiect is no higher Mysterie , Than Spirit of Truth is pleased to reueale : Into Gods secret Counsell for to prie , Is like the Thiefe that fire from Heau'n did steale , To whom eu'n Heathen iudgements endlesse torments seale . 24 So vniuersall is Truths glorious Fame , That all things that the Heau'n and Earth contaynes , Delight to be adorned by her Name : Yea , God himselfe Truths title not disdaynes : Loe , He Lord God of Truth for ay remaynes . The Word of Truth , the Spirit of Truth , likewise Wayes , iudgements , works commandements Truth retaynes In this , Saints , Angels , with God sympathize : But Satan and his broode delight in contraries . 25 Thus as shee is adorn'd by Titles high , So with her Glorie shee doth all adorne : Nothing vnto perfection commeth nigh , Except by them the badge of Truth be borne . And though some Worldlings doe her Liuerie scorne , As things against their pleasure , ease , and gayne , For that plaine dealing is a Iewell worne , But he that weares it , beggerie shall gayne ; Yet Truth her credit still doth with the best retayne . 26 Yea Truth amongst the Writers of all times , Hath beene in such great honour and account , As without Truth yet neuer Prose or Rimes To any Praise or Honour vp did mount . The holy Writ , wherein Truth doth surmount , Shee safely doth'gainst all her Foes defend . How oft doth Dauids muse Gods Truth recount , Whereby her glorie lasts to the Worlds end ? Ah , my poore Muse , see thou alwayes on Truth attend . 27 There 's not one Vertue that with Loue doth dwell , But honours Truth , and seekes her company : Begin eu'n at Humilities low Cell , And mount to Mercy that doth sit on high , All seeke the companie of Veritie . Eu'n Loue must be without dissimulation , And Righteousnesse without Hypocrisie , Vnfaigned Faith , true constant Expectation . No Vertue without Truth comes neare Loues habitation . 28 Faire glosing shewes without Dame Veritie , Are but as falsely feigned Holinesse , Which surely doubles the iniquitie , And neuer leades the way to Happinesse . My Muse is farre vnable to expresse The prayses all of Peeres that Truth attends , Whom shee adornes with wondrous Noblenesse : But Righteousnesse vpon her most depends , And Mercy now and Truth haue met & growne great friends . 29 But surely Truth hath not so many Friends , But shee doth find as many Enemies : For Satan all his malice 'gainst her bends , Supplanting Her by force or subtilties . He father is of errours and of lyes , And seekes herewith Truths glorie to distaine , And therefore they maliciously deuise Interpretations false , and glosses vaine , Traditions , mens inuentions , 'gainst her to maintaine . 30 As Purgatorie first they did deuise , Purses for Pardon of mens sinnes to gleane : So Limbo's they for Writers haue likewise Wherein to purge and make their Writings clean● , ( Index expurgatorius I meane ) In which if any Writer disagree From their Traditions , whereupon they leane , They in this Limbo Patrum purg'd must bee , Or falsely else condemned to burne for Heresie . 31 Thus moderne Writs , sacred Antiquitie , The Fathers , Schoole-men , Doctors , Histories , They all of them in Purgatorie frie , And sore against the Truth doe tyrannize . The ancient Fathers , Truths antiquities , That like Iohn Baptist beare to her record , They doe behead , or else them circumcise , None scapes their Index but Gods holy Word , And that must be translated with their Church t' accord . 32 But Errour striueth not more to deface Our Truth of Iudgement , than Iniquitie , And proud prophanenesse seeketh to disgrace True Dealing , Speech , and Hearts sinceritie : Them branding with foule Follies infamie , As none could liue but those that can dissemble , Reproching them for Truth and Puritie , That seeke hereby their pure Head to resemble , When eu'n in Gods pure sight the purest Angels tremble . 33 Not that I goe about here to defend Those feigned pure Ones , that most wickedly Much Truth and Puritie in words pretend , But in their Actions deale dishonestly ; Nor those , that like the boasting Pharisie , Call to their brother farther off to stand , Which soone discerne a Mote in Brothers eye , But eu'n Beames in their owne not vnderstand ; These for some false pretended Spots leaue Church and Land . 34 Such rau'ning Wolues oft in long clothing goe , And therefore hard by outward shewes to find ▪ We best them by their fruits may learne and know , 'T is dangerous to censure in this kind ▪ For those that haue a true pure Heart and Mind , Make shew thereof as they that doe dissemble , Therefore till all their Actions false I find , To iudge them Hypocrites mine heart doth tremble , Lest to the Wicked I the Righteous should resemble . 35 For dealing true's like Touch-stone , which doth trie The baser Mettall from the purest Gold : Discernes a true Heart from Hypocrisie , And fayned Puritie doth soone vnfold . And as by Touch-stones touch is easily told What is pure Gold , from what is gilt for show ; Although the Gilt's more glorious to behold ; So Truth of Heart by Truth of Words we know , And by the Actions which from them doe daily flow . 36 Truth 's like the Treasure wh●ch the Hu●bandman , As he was digging in the Field , did sound , Which he keepes close , and sells all that he can , And with the Money goes and buyes the Ground . Shee 's like the precious Pearle the Merchant found , And then sold all , this Gemme for to obtayne . The wise Man heau'nly Counsell doth propound , That wills vs vse all meanes her to obtayne , And buy the Truth with losse of honour , pleasure , gayne . 37 Truth is like Salt that seasons eu'ry thing , And makes it sauoury to God and Man ; Preserues our Soules from Breath putrifying Of busie Flies , that labour what they can To breede corruption in the inward Man . Shee leauens all the whole Lumps preparation , The Soule and Body , Flower and the Bran , Affection , Reason , Will , Communication , Heart , Mind , Opinion , Iudgement , Life , and Conuersation . 38 As precious Ointment powr'd on Aarons head , Ran downe vpon his Beard and did not stay , Till all the Skirts it of his clothing spread : So sacred Truth her vigour doth display From head , whereas our Iudgement makes her stay Vnto the Beard and Tongue , where speech haue place , Then to the Heart and Hands shee holds her way , From whence our Actions all haue life and grace ; Thus to the Skirts of our long clothing Truth doth trace . 39 Gods Truth compares her to a Belt or Zone , Which Souldiers vse for strength and ornament , Whose golden Studs most gloriously shone , And ioyne the Armour in faire complement● Loe , whilst this Girdle is about vs pent , Christians whole Armour hangs on fast and sure : But if this Girdle from our Loynes be rent , Off falls our Armes , and Satan or Worlds lure Then wounds vs desperately , or makes vs sleepe secure . 40 Diuinest 〈◊〉 , thou didst shadow well In Legend of true Loue and Chastitie : By girdle faire of fairest Florimell , This sacred Belt of Truth and Veritie , Which none on looser Ladies loynes could tie , Yet their faire Limbs that had li●'d true and chaste , It did adorne most rich and gloriously , And was most fitting for their slender waste , But they , Vngirt vnblest were that had beene vnchaste . 41 For as the girdle doth inclose around Mans body , where our soules high powers doe dwell : Wherein , as good or euill doe abound , Eu'n all our actions flow thence ill or well : So Truth about our soules keepes Centinell , And eu'ry act we doe , shee doth make knowne To that iust Iudge , from whom we can conceale Not eu'n the secret thoughts that in vs growne : For nought so close or secret is to Truth vnknowne . 42 Thus Touch-stone , Treasure , Pearle , Salt , Leauen , Zone , Doe all fall short with faire Truth to compare : For Truth in all 's compar'd to God alone , And none but God her glorie can declare : Who for Truths sake his owne Sonne did not spare , But offerd him , false man to reconcile , That Truth and Mercy might meete and prepare Strict Iustice on poore wretched Man to smile , Whom Satan with false lyes and errour did beguile . 43 What doth the Word of Truth to vs commend , More than this inward Truth and Singlenesse ? Abram for this is styl'd by God a Friend , And Iob 〈◊〉 of Truth and Perfectnesse . If I should here the Readers patience presse With all examples therein to be found , Surely , my Verses should be numberlesse : Wherefore a few I for the Truth propound , That you like men of Ber●a may the Scripture found . 44 Where you shall fi●d of Truth examples store , Eu'n Christ himselfe for Truth was crucifide , Baptist beheaded , Paul endured more For Truth , than the Apostles all beside . When Peter had the Lord of Truth denide , He went out and did weepe more bitterly , Than when his Master to him signifide By girding him , what death he ought to die , Whereby he should the Truth of God much glorifie . 45 And this hath made the Martyrs of all Ages ( Till death , their Truth of Iudgement to maintayne ; ) Sealing with blood the Truth of sacred pages , And whilst they here endur'd most cruell payne , They ioyfull were in hope of glorious gayne , Yea many haue embraced losse and shame , In singlenesse of heart Truth to maintayne . But what though here they doe endure some blame ? The true in heart shall gayne an euerlasting name . 46 Dauid a man call'd after Gods owne heart , For inward Truth and Singlenesse within . No beautie , eloquence , or outward part Can so commend a man : For Truth doth winne The loue of God and Man : But that foule sinne Of lying Lips and a deceitfull Heart , Is an abomination vnto him . In eu'ry triall Truth maintaynes her part , But all dissemblers Adam-like ) aside doe start . 47 Loe , many Daughters haue done vertuously , But glorious Truth doth farre surmount them all . Yet if I onely sing of Veritie , And labour not to practise it at all , But from my Loynes her Girdle loosen shall , It had beene better I had neuer knowne The way of Truth , than afterwards to fall And leaue the Light , that vnto me was showne , Choking those seeds of Grace the Spirit of Truth had sowne . 48 But ah , the Deuill and his Instruments Continually doe seeke our Truth to spoile : And by feare , force , and Worlds allurements , Our Soules of this rich Iewell to beguile . Loe , Romanists adulterate and defile Eu'n Truths pure Fountaynes and sweet liuely Spring : And Worldlings true sinceritie doe soile With odious name of false dissembling , And eu'n with basest termes Gods Priests dishonouring . 49 Ah , now we with the fashion all doe run ; As Buildings , Wares , Apparell , are for show , So is Religion and Deuotion ; Where is most pompe and glorie , thither flow The greatest multitude ; From whence doth grow To such a height the name of Poperie ; Yea , many of vs seeke for praise to know ; But leaue true practise in sinceritie , When not to know , but doe Gods will is charitie . 50 Fashion and Custome now so tyrannize , As comely honest Truth they doe out-face : If it the Fashion be vs to disguise , It as a comely Custome we embrace ; That which Paul thought a Womans foule disgrace , Like Man to haue her head vncouer'd , shorne , Amongst our Women holds a goodly grace , Like vnto mens their garments now be worne , As they in Truth the frailtie of their Sexe did scorne . 51 But I could wish with all our power and might , As in Gods presence pure we all did stand , We would goe , thinke , know , speake , and practise right In Truth of Iudgement , with Tongue , Heart , and Hand ; This God did vnto Abraham command , To walke before him and to be vpright : Walking before God makes vs vpright stand ; Vprightnesse shewes we walke as in Gods sight : Who thinks God him beholds , how dares he doe vnright ? 52 Let me here tell you , how a holy Man A Harlot did diuert from filthy quest ; Who by her comely feature many wan To leaue their owne , and foile her filthy nest . Himselfe in habit of a Gallant drest , Agreed and paid , desir'd a secret rome , Shee him vnto a Chamber streight addrest , So close that therein not the least light shone , But ah ( said he ) Gods eye vs here may see alone . 53 Alas ( said shee ) no place can be so close , That can vs hide from Gods all-seeing Eye : Dost thou beleeue ( saith he ) God sees thy grosse , Thy beastly foule sinne of adulterie , And fear'st not lest his furie should destroy , Eu'n whilst in this presumptuous sinne thou art , And thee condemne to Hell eternally ? My Authour saith , hereby he did conuert Her wicked life to Truth and Singlenesse of Heart . 54 Though many imperfections we doe feele , And our corruptions downe so sore vs presse , That Vice into our Hearts doth often steale , And vnawares deceaue with sinfulnesse ; Yet if by sorrow true and humblenesse We purge our Hearts of what is entred in , And after seeke by carefull watchfulnesse , Them to preserue hereafter from like sinne , We may grow to some perfectnesse of Truth within . 55 But I confesse , that though with all my might I labour for true puritie of mind , And would doe nothing but as in the sight Of God and Angels , and of all Mankind ; Yet often my deceitfull heart I find Tempting me secretly such things to doe , Which I should not dare venture in that kind , If some Man present were the same to know : Yet Truth the closest of them all to God doth show . 56 What , shall man● presence make me true and iust ? And shall not Gods , that ●ees my secret thought , To whom for all one day account I must , And be rewarded as I here haue wrought ? Shall not his presence me deterre from ought , That may offend his sacred Maiestie ? The Sonne of Truth whose blood me dearely bought , And grieue the holy Spirit of Truth , whereby Seal'd and redeem'd I am from Hels captiuitie . 57 Oh thou that Truth requir'st in inward parts , Vs secretly mak'st Wisedome vnderstand , Renewing Spirits aright and clensing Hearts , By whom in Truth and Righteousnesse we stand , My way direct right to the holy Land , Through Deserts wide of this Worlds wildernesse ; Feede me with heau'nly Manna from thine Hand , With water from a Rocke my soule refresh , And thorough Iordanes flood conduct to endlesse blesse . 58 The humble thou hast promised to guide , And to direct his path aright for ay . Who seeke vnfeignedly in Truth t' abide , Thou neuer sufferest to goe astray ; Oh then direct my goings in thy way , My iudgement , heart , hand , tongue , in Veritie ; Thou readier art to heare then I to pray : Then grant me Loue , Faith , Hope , Humilitie , And season eu'ry Grace with Hearts sinceritie . 59 God is my Shepheard , How then can I stray ? He is my Light , Truth , and my righteous Guide , His rod and staffe my slipperie feete doth stay , Lest they at any time doe slip aside : His Truth and Mercy euermore abide ; Though Wine and Women and the King are strong , I nothing feare if Truth be on my side ; Thy Truth and Mercy shall my dayes prolong : Of thy great Truth and Mercy euer be my song . 60 Oh , let thy Word of Truth my Iudgement sway , Thy Spirit of Truth mine inward Man inlight , Incline mine Heart to learne , will , to obay , And on thy Truth set thou my whole delight , On it to meditate both day and night : That whether I eate , sleepe , walke , watch , or pray , I may remember I am in thy sight , So shall I conscience make of euery way , And be most carefull what I aske , doe , thinke , or say . 61 But , ah , dread Mercy , I too long forbeare To tune my Dittie to thy sacred praise , Who wert so gracious vnto me whileare , When I appeal'd from Iustice stricter Sayes , Vnto thy Throne of Grace where though my wayes Were all discouer'd , by thy gracious dome I was absolu'd . But next I will thee praise , Now I with Truth and Righteousnesse haue done : For none without these two to Mercies grace can come .

MEDITAT . III. Of Mercy . 1 IF any mightie Monarch chance enquire , Why I sweet Mercies seate doe place so high , Since shee the lowliest Cell doth most desire , Her selfe delighting sole in miserie , The onely Object of her pitying eye : He hence for greatnesse may this lesson gaine , That as he growes in Pow'r and Maiestie , To Poore he ought the greater Mercy daine , Thus imitating him by whom eu'n Princes raigne . 2 For though this Dame be of such wondrous grace , So neare in fauour to the Queene of Loue , That next to her s●ee gaynes the soueraigne place , Both here below , and in the Heau'n aboue ; Yea though to heau'nly Loue so like shee proue , That scarse the one from th' other can be knowne , ( Though to be mercifull , and truely Loue Doe differ much , as after shall be showne ) Yet her great bounty 's not to meanest wretch vnknowne . 3 For as the Sunne , from highest firmament Vouchsafes on good and bad alike to shine , And clouds of Heau'n doe raine indifferent On fertile Land , and on the barren Mine ; So vnto all shee offers Grace Diuine : But as the Cause is not in Sunne nor Raine , But in the Soile , why it doth fruitlesse line , So sinne 's the cause some cannot Grace retaine , Which shines and waters bad and barren hearts in vaine . 4 A depth all bottomlesse I now doe sound , A height which higher than the Heau'ns doth reach , So wide as nothing it can compasse round , For Mercy ouer all Gods workes doth stretch ; So farre beyond mans limited fraile reach , As to conceaue of Gods Eternitie , Or how he all doth out of nothing fetch , Darknesse from Light , Ioy out of Miserie , From Warre true Peace ; high Honour from Humilitie . 5 Thou , God of Mercy ! blessed Trinitie ! Who first in thine owne Image didst create Man pure and good : But when Hels subtiltie Had him deiected from so happy state , Abandoning to endlesse Bale and Hate , That riches of thy Mercy might appeare , Didst for thy Mercies sake regenerate , And all his score by thy Bloods price didst cleare , Grant I may rightly sing and practise Mercy here . 6 Which is a certayne pitifull regard , Which we of others miserie conceaue , Whereby our hearts are moued and prepar'd , Them , what we can , to succour and relieue : That Passion and Affection which doth grieue Mans heart , to see anothers miserie , Doth not vnto th' Almighties Mercy cleaue , No more than Anger , Hate , and Iealousie , As they distempers are , be in the Trinitie . 7 No words indeed can properly expresse Gods Mercy , Anger , Hate , or Iealousie , But as wee see their fruits wee them confesse , To be in God by Anthropopathy : Gods punishment of foule iniquitie , We call reuenge : But when he Grace doth show To those which are in woe and miserie , We call that Mercy : Not but we well know , No passion or distemper in Gods Nature grow . 8 That Mercy may the plainelyer be descri'de , And we her diuerse Nature better know , I her into two Currents doe diuide ; The Mercy God on Creatures doth bestow , And that which he requires of vs below : For as God is by Nature pittifull , So he delights in them that Mercy shew ; For he by Nature is most Mercifull , And therefore vnto all in Fruits most plentifull . 9 Gods Nature is Eternall , Infinite , So is his Mercy stretched out to all , Eu'n as the Sunne to Man and Beast giues light , And Raine on bad and good alike doe fall : But this we call Gods Mercy generall , Which lasts but for a time . But on the Iust He shewes his Mercy more especiall , Which euerlasting is : wherein we trust , And whereby He to Blisse will rayse vs from the Dust. 10 But here we must haue an especiall Care , Lest diff'rence of Gods Mercy we confound , Not speciall euerlasting Grace to share , Where he but common , generall , doth propound : This is a firme Position , true and sound , That God in Vnbeliefe hath shut vp all , That his great Mercy might to all abound ; Vnto the Wicked , common , generall , Eternall vnto them , that on him rightly call . 11 God grant to Me this Mercy speciall , That of Mans Mercy I may right enquire , That teaching , I may practise it withall , The Mercy that God doth of vs require , Of which , a two-fold kind make one entire ; First towards Sinners , that doe goe astray , The next to Poore , and those that Helpe desire ; First pitties Soules , and leads them in right way , The last supplyes their Wants , that Need haue eu'ry Day . 12 For as Mans soule is his most noble part , Whereon his sole eternall Blisse depends , So he the greatest Mercy doth impart , Who to poore wandring Soules his Mercy sends : He that giues to the Poore , he surely lends To God , that will foure-fold his gift repay ; But who to saue poore Soules his Mercy spends , Shall sure obtayne those Crownes at that great Day , Which God doth vp in store for such Soule-sauers lay . 13 In men we diuers outward causes see , Which them to Mercy and Compassion moue ; Some by remembrance of like miserie , Which in themselues they formerly did proue ; Some Kindred , Youth , Acquaintance , friendly Loue , Learning , Nobilitie , to Pitie leade : But none of these cause Mercy from aboue , But it from Gods sole goodnesse doth proceede , And not from any thing that in our Natures breede . 14 Therefore as God doth on vs Mercy show For the great riches onely of his Grace , So we no other cause of Mercy know , Whereby our Fellow members we embrace , But his sole Grace : whose Mercy did deface Eu'n Works hand-writing once against vs brought , No works of Mercy can in heau'n haue place , In Faith and Charitie that are not wrought : Then Mercies works for shew , or Merit come to nought . 15 None can to Mercies perfectnesse attayne But onely God , whose Mercy 's ouer all ; No number can our miseries contayne , Yet God in store hath Mercy for them all : Onely in words , Gods Mercy doth not fall , But most in fruits and comforts doth abound , As Mercy hath no measure , so withall , Her fruits and works all numbers doe confound , Mans life a daily exercise thereof is found . 16 'T is not a heauie Heart or grieued Mind , Compassionate of others miseries , Whereby afflicted Soules no profit find , But as our Heart , so our Abilities Must minister to Saints necessities ; They that the Heart and Hand in this disioyne , Faith and good Workes to sunder doe deuise . If first our Hearts to Mercy true encline , Good Words & Works from thence as true Effects will shine . 17 For in the heart of Man is Mercies Throne , The Subiect , where true Mercy doth abide , All streames of Mercy that from thence doe flowne , Are as the Fountaynes pure from which they slide , Then like Gods Mercy they doe spread out wide , First , feeding Soules that pine for heau'nly Food , Next for the Poore and Hungrie they prouide , For all in Neede that of our helpe haue stood , And like to Widdowes Oile encrease by doing good . 18 Then we them truely workes of Mercy call , When from vnfayned Mercy they proceede : For sure it is the Heart that seasons all , Which maketh mercifull in word and deede . Thus we releeue the Poore that are in neede , And Widdowes , Orphanes , Strangers , entertayne ; We clothe the Naked , and the Hungrie feede , Visit the Sicke , the Captiues that remayne In bonds , we loose : And comfort those that mourne in payne . 19 Though all the Vertues of Loues Royall Court Delight to keepe sweet Mercy companie , As Patience , Iustice , Faith , Hope , good Report , Repentance , Meeknesse , Truth , Ioy , Chastitie ; Yet shee delights most in Humilitie , Vnseparable Adjunct of this Peere , With whom shee workes all deeds of Charitie , Those which our Hearts from Sinne doe purge and cleere , And those whereby the Needie we doe succour heere . 20 By her is daily great prouision made For Blind , Old , Lame , all People that are poore , Not those that doe of begging make a Trade , And loosely idle walke from dore to dore , A worke of Mercy shee it deemes to gore Such Vagabonds : their Passe with blood to seale , Vnfruitfull Vermine that consume our store , The Catterpillers of our Common-weale , Which to maintayne base ease , and lust , begge , lie , and steale . 21 But shee , directed by Humilitie , Into deepe stinking Dungeons will descend , To visit captiu'd thralls in miserie , And them instruct in wayes of Truth to wend , Exhorting them their bad liues to amend ; If any for well-doing bound doe lie , Shee for His ransome her estate will spend , All Malefactors wants Shee doth supply , For well shee knowes Christ did for Malefactors die . 22 Shee next like Lot and Abram entertaynes Strangers all Day , at Noone , and eke at Night : Not that shee hopes from them least gold or gaynes , Or that with double mends they will requite : But those which harbour want shee doth inuite Humbly to Meate , and Drinke , and Lodging meete , Where shee to wait vpon them takes delight , And brings faire water for to wash their Feete , And them for her sweet Sauiours sake doth fairely greete . 23 Then shee the hungrie Bodies of the Poore With her faire Hand of plentie full doth feede , And drinke vnto the thirstie powreth store , Shee feares not once her selfe to stand in neede . Who to the Sower ministreth his seede , And bread vnto the humble , will prouide For those which of her Body shee doth breede , Shee with no future want is terrifide , For others oft to feede , shee hunger doth abide . 24 Oh , should you see th' abundance eu'ry day Of clothes , shee for the naked doth prouide , To keepe them from the cold , and to aray Gods Images which here in Clay abide , And if that any naked shee espide , After shee all her clothes diuided had , Shee would her owne coate cut out , and diuide To those that want ; most chearefully and glad That shee had such a shift , poore naked Soules to clad . 25 With those that mourne in Sion shee will mourne , And beare a part with them in miserie , Whether they weepe , by friends as left forlorne , Or grone with weight of their iniquitie , Shee wondrous salues of comfort doth apply , And when they weepe , shee mourning not forbeares , And oft in Psalmes and Hymnes makes melodie , Sweet Psalmes and Hymnes that drie vp all our teares , And like to pleasant Wine , make vs forget our cares . 26 But , most of all , sicke persons shee doth tend , And comfort them in point of death that lay , For there most needed comfort sweet to lend , When Sinne , Hell , Death and Conscience doe dismay The Soule that now departing is away : First spirituall comfort shee to them doth deale , How on Christs merits they should onely stay , Balme that applide aright , their sores should heale ; And prayes the Spirit within the Truth hereof may seale . 27 'T were infinite to tell the wondrous store Of heau'nly comforts Mercy can apply , For Mercy hath a salue for eu'ry sore : Soules burthened with their iniquitie Shee handeleth most soft and tenderly ; The smoking flaxe , nor yet the bruised reede Shee will not quench or breake vnwarily ; Such heau'nly comforts can thus Peere areede , That shee makes Soules 〈◊〉 when Bodies are halfe dead . 28 Best skill to cure the Body shee doth vse , And to his former health againe restore : No Office meane or base shee doth refuse , That may the payne asswage , or heale his sore , All miseries lie open her before , That shee may lend to all her helpe and aid , She physicke sends , and meate vnto the poore , With beds of downe , whereon he may be laid , And though her med'cines faile , her prayer's neuer staid . 29 But if their Soules from Bodies once depart , In seemely sort shee cares them to engraue , Last worke of Mercy that we can impart Vnto their corps when God their soule doth saue , Which though now dust , yet most sure hope we haue , God will the same a glorious Body rayse , And decke it for her Spouse most fine and braue , The Deads memoriall shee doth often prayse , The Liuing to prouoke to walke in righteous wayes . 30 Thus when shee hath in Graue him seemely laid , With much lamenting , and with many teares , To tender Orphanes and to Widdowes aid , Shee doth employ the vtmost of her cares , In whose defence no great Mans frownes shee feares , But stands in iudgement for their firme defence , And if both Parents die , as oft it fares , Their tender Babes shee soone remoueth thence , And feedes , and puts to Schole eu'n at her owne expence . 31 Therefore shee large Almes-houses hath erected , Faire Colledges for Muses habitation , And Churches , by prophaner sort neglected , Adornes and decks in honourable fashion : Shee holds it much against her reputation , In goodly seeled Houses to abide , And see Gods Temples ruinous prophanation . If in her any sparing be descride , 'T is that shee works of Mercy may dispread more wide . 32 But ah ! no pen is able 〈…〉 The fruits of Mercy by Humilitie , But in one worke I all the● vp doe count , To succour those that are in miserie : As there is infinite varietie Of miseries in Soule and Body found , So without number shee doth helpes supply , But for her end Soules health shee doth propound , And in such heau'nly comforts shee doth most abound . 33 Rebuke , admonish , suffer , and chastise , Her very stripes are corra●●●es to heale , And when in most distresse the Body lies , Most comfort then to Soule shee doth reueale . Thus Christ did vnto her a paterne seale , With mortall foode he thousand Bodies fed , But those to whom he Bread of Life did deale , Like huge Sea sands cannot be numbered , Whereby their Soules now liue , though yet their Bodies dead . 34 But though this Peere is mercifull to all , Yet almost all become her Enemies , Ambition , Pride , Hate , En●●e , Malice , Gall , All that delight in wrong and iniuries , From whence oft come most horrid cruelties : But amongst all they doe her greatest wrong , Who vnder shew of pitying miseries , Punish not those that doe in Vice grow strong : The Iudge that spares the wicked , doth the godly wrong . 35 Iustice and Mercy both doe well accord , And in one Subiect may contayned bee , For iust and mercifull is God our Lord , Iust as a Iudge , but as a Father , hee Is pitifull and tender : So ought wee In our owne cause , as Fathers , Mercy show , And our deare Brethren of all wrongs to free , But when we sit in iudgement , we must know , We are Gods Ministers to punish sinne below . 36 Eu'n as a Iudge in his owne Familie Vnto a gracelesse sonne may pardon giue , Though he his Coffers rifle priuily , And doe conspire of life him to depriue ; But if as Traytor to his Prince he liue , And one before his Father him arraigne ; The Iudge there cannot his owne Sonne forgiue , But must condemne to his deserued paine , For Magistrates ought not to beare the sword in vaine . 37 I Mercy here and Iustice may compare Vnto a Gardners spade and pruning knife , The knife luxurious branches off doth pare , That for vaine shew grow fruitlesse , ranke , and rife ; The Spade vnto Vines roote , giues heate and life , By dunging , opening it to Sunne and Raine : Ne yet betwixt them discord is or strife , One prunes the boughes , the other doth maintayne The Roote . Both haue one end the Bodies good and gayne . 38 In this Worlds Schoole we all like Scholers are , Fitted below for Fellowships aboue , Mercy , our Patronesse , doth vs prepare Foode , Rayment , Bookes , all things that needfull proue , We all haue but one Lesson here : to Lou● : Which none can better teach than this sweet Peere , Yet our vntowardnesse doth oft her moue , To suffer Iustice to correct vs here : Which sure doth vs more good than all her daintie cheere . 39 So as Correction truely may be said To be a worke of Mercy : For as hee That most affects his Sonne , is not afraid To scourge him oft for his impietie , Eu'n so our gracious God , to whom wee bee Than Sonne vnto his Father farre more deare , Doth oft chastise to purge and purifie Vs from sinnes guilt , whereby we may appeare Before him perfect , pure , and liue more holy here . 40 For Mercy doth like skilfull Surgeon deale , That hath for eu'ry sore a remedy : If gentle drawing Plaster● cannot heale The wound , because it festreth inwardly , He sharper corra●iues must then apply , And as he oft cuts off some member dead , Or rotten , lest the rest should putrifie , So Mercy wicked Members off doth shred , Lest they should noysome proue to body and the head . 41 Mercy is like the glorious Cherubins , Which in the holiest place their wings extend , And vnder their broad spreading golden ●ins , Arke , Mercy ●eate , Rod , Manna comprehend ; So glorious Mercy doth her Grace forth send . By ruling , workes of Mercy , poores defence , The Arke , Gods Statutes doth to vs commend ; The Rod , his Pow'r : Manna , his Prouidence : Mercy them all contaynes in wings circumference . 42 Eu'n as one totall summe it selfe extends To all the Credits in the Merchants Bill ; So Mercy doth all Vertues comprehend , And Men of Mercy with all Graces fill : And as from foule corrupt depraued will , All wickednesse abundantly doth flow , So from a Heart of Mercy doth distill , All Graces that in Loues faire Garden grow ; Mercy 's the summe of all I doe , or wish to know . 43 But all in vaine I seeke by Simi●e To shew the nature of this Grace Diuine ; Since earthly things , to Her , all shadowes be . Thy Mercy , Lord , no where so cleare doth shine , As sending of that blessed Sonne of thine : Vnspotted Lambe , slaine from Eternitie , To saue all that their hearts to him incline , From Hell , Death , Bale , and endlesse Miserie : This Mercy is without all like or paritie . 44 Here will I striue to cleare the difference That I of Loue and Mercy doe conceiue . To other each haue so neare reference , That we one for another oft receiue : Gods Loue vpon th' Elect doth onely cleaue , Mercy on them in Miserie that lie . Till Satan our first Parents did deceiue , God them embrac'd in Loue and Charitie ; No Mercy needed them that felt no Miserie . 45 Gods Loue doth most in our Creation shine , In our Election , and Predestination : But his great Mercy seemes to draw her line From our Redemption and Iustification : Not that I hence exclude Loues operation , For Loue is as the Prince and Soueraigne , Of all the Graces needfull to saluation ; And Mercy is the chiefest of her traine , And seemes in Mans Redemption like her Queene to raigne . 46 As that great Peere that in his Princes grace , For Vertue and for Learning high doth stand , And next to him obtaynes the second place , And chiefest gouernement of all the Land , In Court of Mercy doth eu'n counter-mand Acts that are sped in Iustice highest Plee : So Mercy here , who is Queene Loues right l●nd , Doth vs from sentence of damnation free , Which Iustice doth pronounce : A hard , but ●ust Decree . 47 But as this Peere deriues authoritie From Prince , by whom all Regiment doth moue ; So speciall sauing Mercy doth relie , And first proceed from Gods eternall Loue . O deepe rich wisedome of our God aboue , Vnsearchable thy Iudgements , and thy Wayes Past finding out ! more hard the more we proue , Most glorious Sunne of Loue which wide displayes , Thy beames of Mercy bright like Phoebus golden rayes . 48 But ah ! such knowledge soareth ●arre aboue The reach of my weake Muses waxen wing , I now Mans Mercy and his heau'nly Loue Seeke to compare for their discouering● Where heau'nly Loue sends her sweet lightening , Shee doth of thing belou'd like Loue require : But when we Mercy shew to any thing : We seldome Mercy of that thing desire , Mercy stil downward goes , Loue most what mounteth higher . 49 Mercy doth most in Miserie consist : Loue reacheth Heau'n with her high mounting wing , And Head and Members all in one doth twist , But downe againe I my discourse must bring To Mercy ; which from Heart hath life and spring , Whence shee receiueth her denomination : For Misericordia , whereof now I sing , Is one with Mercy , and is by translation A miserable Heart , or piteous inclination . 50 And though indeed no Miserie can fall Vpon th' eternall Being , blest for ay , Yet he that bare the Miserie of all , And hath before vs lin'd out Mercies way , His part in Miserie for vs did play , When as he saw or heard of Miseries , He to compassion moued was streight-way , And to them ministred best remedies , And oft with teares bewayled our infirmities . 51 Hierusalem ! Oh poore Hierusalem ! ( His Heart full sad , his Eyes eu'n flowing teares ) How oft would I you gather as a Hen , Her Chickens vnder her warme wings vpreares ? Not inward grones and weeping he forbeares , When Iewes and Mary Lazarus bemone , Vpon the Crosse all Miseries he beares , And cryes out for our woes , not for his owne , Such cryes were neuer heard : Such Mercy neuer knowne . 52 As our high Priest , all our in●●rmities ( Excepting sinne ) he in his Body bare , Whereby he learn'd to know our Miseries , And to releeue them that in anguish fare : He now his Blood and Body doth not spare , But deales it out in blessed Sacrament , For Meate and Drinke to those that grafted are Into his Body by sweet couplement . Sound Meate and Drinke for Soules and Bodies nourishment● 53 As Ointment sweet that powr'd on Aarons head , Ran downe and did perfume his garments all , So this sweet Oile of Mercy doth dispread , From Christ our Head and on his Members fall : If I should here to your remembrance call The Names of all , whose Mercies did abound ; I might as well here make memoriall Of all Saints Names that Bookes of Life propound , Who shew'd true Mercy here , in Heau'n haue Mercy found . 54 Noe , Abram● , Lot , Iob , Isaac , Israel , With all the righteous Men before the Flood , Good Ioseph , Moses , Iosua● , Samuel , All Kings , Priests , Prophets , Iudges , that were good : Behold it was sweet Israels Singers food To chant Gods Mercy earely and at night . Apostles , Martyrs , that for Truth haue stood , In workes of Mercy set their whole delight , In preaching Faith , Hope , Loue , in Almes , and doing right . 55 No Father on his Child more pitie takes , Then doth our heau'nly Father shew compassion On vs , and loues our Children for our sakes , Which lasteth to the thousand Generation . Oh! had he not it showne on this our Nation , We had long since consumed beene with fire , And brought like Sodom vnto desolation , These wicked dang'rous times when sinnes conspire , To draw on vs Gods vengeance and eternall ire . 56 But why seeke I outward A●thorities ? If we stand right , we in our hearts shall find Of heau'nly Mercy such testimonies , That all Soules , Bodies , Powers will be inclin'd To magnifie Gods Mercies wondrous kind , That like his Truth for euer doe endure , Which hath all outward needfull things assign'd , And giu'n vs earnest , which doth vs secure , That Mercy ●●re began , shall stand for euer sure . 57 And that we may the eas'lier apprehend , And taste Gods Mercy ; He it maketh knowne To vs familiarly : And doth commend It to vs by examples of our owne . As Father hath to Child his Mercy showne , As Mother 〈◊〉 of her owne wombe doth loue , As Birds their young-ones feede till they be flowne : So mercifull the Lord to vs will proue ; And though all these should faile , God will not faile aboue . 58 This also serueth for our imitation , That like our God we Mercy here should show , And as he tenders vs with sweet compassion , We should his Members here in Mercy know : It equall is we pitifull should grow , And Mercy shew , where Mercy we receaue : He is to Mercy swift , to Anger slow , Most mercifull to them that to him clea●e , And kind , where Ignorance , not Malice doth deceaue . 59 But ah ! so carelesly we Mercy show , And succour those that are in miserie , That we by all meanes doe auoid to know Their wants , that are in woe and pouertie , When as indeed to see calamitie Of others , doth Mans heart to pitie moue . We swimme in Plentie and Prosperitie , Regarding not what hardnesse others proue , And farre the sight or thought of wretchednesse remoue . 60 Our Captayne did not thus that went before , But in much anguish , paine , and tribulation Conuerted Soules , heal'd Sicke , releeu'd the Poore , Himselfe without a house for habitation , In workes of Mercy was his conuersation , What Member suff'red , and he did not grone ? Where saw he want and shewed not compassion ? What ? did our Head this by himselfe alone ? No , His Apostles all with him in this haue gone . 61 Oh , that we would in this Him imitate , And Mercy eu'n with open Armes embrace With our whole heart , strength , substance and estate , Aide and releeue the Poore in wretched case ; 'T is not a pitious heart that makes men base : For they that are most valiant , noble , wise , Most readie are Mercy to shew and Grace , When Cruelty's the badge of Cowardize : Good Kings rule all by loue ; Vsurpers tyran●ze . 62 In stead of Mercies bowels , kindnesse , loue , We put on Worldlinesse , Securitie , And off from vs the euill day remoue , Liuing in pleasure , ease , and vanitie : Banishing farre the Poores calamitie , As Enemies to profit , thrift , and rest , And when we smitten are we will not crie : As if no griefe or pitie ought in●e●t , Or harbour in a hardie , valiant , noble brest . 63 Yet the most Mightie that doth ●it on high , Of Valour and Nobilitie the Spring , Delights to see and helpe our miserie , That we might take delight in pi●ying ; Thus God by his example would vs bring To Mercy , and considering the Poore , He Mercy before Iudgement here doth sing , Wherein than Sacrifice he ioyeth more , That as we doe receiue , we might againe restore . 64 And since 't is not in outward workes alone , But inward Bowels that God doth delight , ( Though by the one the other is best knowne ) We often should desire to haue a sight , Of poore Mens wretchednesse and pitious plight , Which our hard Hearts might to compassion moue , And yeeld them remedie with all our might . What neede hath God of Mercy or of Loue ? But by poore Members here our Mercy he doth proue . 65 For though God's able by his onely Word , To succour all that are in Miserie , And in abundance daily Bread afford , To those that are in want and pouertie ; Yet more to show his Liberalitie , And that his wondrous Bountie might appeare , Vs for his Stewards he doth dignifie , And good Dispensers of his bounteous cheere : Happy is he whose Lord him findeth faithfull heere . 66 Lord , of those faithfull Stewards make me one , Yet for no hope of Merit or Desert , But for the Glorie of thy Grace alone , And riches of thy Loue , who Authour art Of eu'ry Grace that commeth from the Heart : With temporall afflictions exercise Me , that I may escape eternall smart , And learne by griefes and mine infirmities To succour all that are in woe and miseries . 67 Though Mercy God againe doe not desire Towards himselfe , as he doth Loue for Loue ; Yet to his Members all he doth require , We should most bountifull and gracious proue : That our Affections inward should vs moue Like heau'nly Father mercifull to bee , Our Brothers garment pawn'd we must remoue From vs , before the Sunne be set , lest hee Doe crie to God that pities all in miserie . 68 No Man so poore but he may Mercy show , And succour those that are in miserie : For though his worldly substance ebbe so low , He seemes to liue in want and penurie ; Yet may he lend Diuine sweet remedie To those that doe in Hell and Darknesse sit , And heau'nly comforts to their Soule apply , Whom Conscience throwes into th' infernall Pit . More Mercy from Hels jawes , than earthly cords to quit . 69 Doe but conceiue what Mercy may be found With mercifullest Man that ere did liue , And we may know farre greater doth abound With God , who 's not more willing to releeue Than able , all things needfull vs to giue , Besides , in Mercy he doth take delight , Most readie their Offences to forgiue That doe relie vpon his Truth and Might , And on his gracious Prouidence doe rest aright . 70 And therefore thou this life appointest here For Mercy ; but in Life that is to come Thou as an vpright Iudge wilt then appeare , And render eu'ry Man as he hath done : Oh should'st thou here with Iudgement haue begun , We all had beene the Vessels of damnation , And but for Mercy we had long agone Beene swallowed vp of Hell and Desperation , Thy Mercy that begun , must finish our Saluation . 71 So eu'n the Iust no cause to boast shall find , By Mercy all must be deliuered , Thy Iudgements iust , for thy forbearance kind , By Reprobates shall be acknowledged , How can his Grace sufficiently be read ; Who good by Nature , Iust , Eternall , Wise , Thus sinfull , mortall , base , flesh honoured , And to such height of Glorie makes to rise , As Angels wonder to behold such Mysteries . 72 What Pen of Praise is able to commend The wondrous gracious Force and Energie Of Mercy , which eu'n God made to descend From his great Glorie , Ioy , Felicitie ? The God of Wisedome , Power , and Maiestie , To shew such Grace on Wretches vile below , To haue compassion on Mans miserie , Base corruptible Dust , which here doth grow , Swift to reuenge and wrath , but to compassion slow . 73 Nothing but thine owne goodnesse could thee moue On Man to shew such Mercy and Compassion , Thou art most glorious , he most base doth proue , Thou iust , he sinfull by his deprauation ; Thou Lord of blisse , he He●re of dire damnation , Oh Lord ! as thy sole goodnesse thee did moue , To pay our price of Reconciliation , And vs exalt from Earth to Heau'n aboue ; So let thy goodnesse cause thee alwayes vs to loue . 74 How should my Muse of Mercy make an end , Which like thy Truth and Loue endures for ay ; And most abundant comforts here doth send To all , but most to those that in right way Sincerely walke , and doe thy Hests obay ? Lord grant that as I of sweet Mercy sing , Her in my heart , deed , word , I practise may , Not for vaine praise or any outward thing , But for thy Mercy sake , my good and gracious King . 75 Next Loues great Generall , braue Fortitude Should enter Lists : to shew her wondrous might , But Rashnesse 't is , not Valour , to include A Christian Souldier in such dang'rous fight , Till all his Armour be about him dight ; His vpper parts I armed haue elsewhere With Girdle , Brest-plate , Shield and Helmet bright , But Feete and Legs I naked left and bare ; Now Patience them shall arme , as you shall after heare .

MEDITAT . IIII. Of Patience . 1 WEll hath our valiant Guide Mans life compar'd Vnto a warfare , where we alwayes stand In complete Armour , readie and prepar'd The force of cruell Foe-men to withstand , Where Satan , World , and Flesh together band , By open force and treason to subdue , And leade vs captiue by their mightie hand , And all vnarm'd , or out of order due They fetter'd dragge to Hell with cursed damned crue . 2 Which to auoid , he wills vs to be strong In God , and in the Power of his Might ; And the whole Armour that doth here belong To Christian Souldiers , on our Soules to dight : For here with Flesh and Blood we doe not fight , But Empires , Powers , Principalities , The worldly Gouernours of darkest night , Sublime spirituall subtile Enemies ; Which to resist , he ghostly Armour doth deuise . 3 The Belt of Truth , Brest-plate of Righteousnesse , Faiths Shield , and Hope the Helmet of saluation , Sword of the Spirit , Prayers feruentnesse , Feete shod in Peaces Gospels preparation : These be the Weapons of our Militation . Of Helmet , Brest-plate , Shield , and Girdle , wee Alreadie haue conceau'd a Meditation : These foure the vpper parts arme to the knee , But Patience , Legs , wh●reon the rest supported bee . 4 For so the Learned seeme to giue the Sense , This preparation of the Gospels Peace , To be the brasen Bootes of Patience , Which doth defend from Thornes and Stones disease Our Legs and Feete : And where the Belt doth cease , These Bootes of Patience Armour doe supply , By which in complete Armour we doe prease , And stand vndanted 'gainst our Enemie ; This Vertue is the next my Muse seekes to descrie . 5 Which well is call'd the Gospels preparation ; For neuer any Patience true and sound Can be , but by the Gospels mediation . The Heathen built not on this certayne ground , And therefore this true Patience neuer found , Which but by Peace of Conscience none attayne : This Peace the Gospell onely doth propound By reconcilement of the Lambe ( Christ ) s●aine ; Without this Peace of Conscience Patience all is vaine . 6 Thou glorious God of Peace and Patience , ( Who sent'st thine onely Sonne our sinnes to beare , And by his Suffring and Obedience Vpon the Crosse from guilt of sinne to cleare All those to whom his Crosse is sweet and deare ) Direct my Muse this Grace aright to reade , That knowing , I may neuer once forbeare To practise Patience in thought , word , deede , But to the end my Life in Peace and Patience leade . 7 Which is a gift of God , whereby weare Inabled willingly and constantly All crosses that God layes on vs , to beare , For Goodnesse , Godlinesse , and Honestie . Impatience 't is to beare vnwillingly , And but an idle feigned false pretence , To boast of Vertue without Constancie : Her parts be foure ; of which some difference May seeme at first , yet all make but one Patience . 8 The first part is , from Anger to abstayne ; The second is a constant Expectation ; The third is , to the end Right to remayne ; The last consists in willing Sustentation Of all afflictions here , and castigation . But Man to these foure parts we onely tie : For the last part , which doth consist in Passion● Vnto th' eternall Being comes not nigh , Who 's free from all Affliction and Calamitie . 9 Yet is he rightly call'd the Patient God , And doth in first three named parts transcend : First , farre from Anger , when he spares his Rod , He doth expect and wait till we amend : And last , abides the same vnto the end : He fruitfull Times and Seasons of the Yeare Vnto the good and bad alike doth send ; Most patiently doth with our Follies beare , And where he 'gins to loue , he neuer doth forbeare . 10 Thus Mercy , Zeale , Repentance , may be said Inexplicably in God to bee ; Zealous , yet not offended or dismaid : Most Mercifull , yet griefe did neuer see : Repenting , yet without remorse is hee : Most Patient , yet without least payne or passion . Of Vertues parts , which are of Frailtee And Weaknesse , God hath no participation , Yet want they not in Man their vse and commendation . 11 As is the Cause and End of Patience , So we her true or counterfet esteeme ; The Cause and End doe make the difference : If we for Fancy , Glorie , Lust , Wealth , seeme To beare with Patience , Hunger , Payne , Cold , Teene ; This suffring , missing her true Cause and End , As falsely feigned , counterfet we deeme : But if for doing well , or to defend The Truth we suffer , this our Patience doth commend . 12 The greedie 〈…〉 For Lust , some doe endure 〈◊〉 basest shame ; The Souldier spends his blood for glorie vaine ; Th' Ambitious venture all to purchase Fame ; Loe , there we carnall Ends and Causes name . True Patience causes , honest are and iust , When for ill-doing we doe suffer blame . Take paine for Glorie , Honour , Gayne , or Lust , Rewards like to the Cause and End expect we must . 13 But true immediate ground of Patience Is the sweet Gospell ( as I said ) of Peace : For Man , deepe plung'd in sinne and foule offence , No Creature could Gods wr●●h but Christ appease . In stead of Loue , Gods wrath on Man did seise , Till Christ concludes our Reconciliation , And vs of our offences doth release , Of which the Gospell is th' A●●unciation : Therefore is Patience call'd the Gospels preparation . 14 And therefore as her Cause and End is Peace , So all her works to inward Peace doe tend , Which in the inward Man doth most increase , When outward Warres seeme most him to off●nd , Shee doth o●r Soules most valiantly defend , By patient bearing crosses , paine , and shame , Which shee with Patience suffers to the end , Except they crosse the Glorie of Gods Name , Or Neighbours good , which to endure deserueth blame ▪ 15 One euill is of Sinne , and one of Payne ; That ill of Sinne this Dame cannot abide , But that of Punishment shee counteth gayne . Gods holy Name blasphem'd or Truth deni'd , Or wicked Men Gods holy Saints deride , Is no true Patience patiently to heare : But on our selues when crosses doe betide , Then Patience true doth patiently forbeare , For shee her owne , not others wrongs , delights to beare . 16 If one will take her Co●te iniurio●●ly , Shee suffereth such losse with Patience : But if of Faith , Loue , Truth , or Honestie One would depriue her , that is such offence As cannot stand right with her Conscience . Shee priuate wrongs most willingly doth hide , But faults admitteth vnder no pretence . Shee can endure Men should her selfe deride : But her Profession scorn'd shee no wayes can abide . 17 Compell her to a mile , shee will goe twaine ; Strike her on one , shee turnes the other Eare : All wrongs done to her selfe shee can sustaine , But none done to her Neighbours shee can beare : If shee to l●ue her selfe commanded were , Shee euill would resist with ill againe ; But , loe , her Lord resistance did forbeare , When he was scoffed , scourged , beaten , slaine , And open'd not his Mouth to curse or to complaine . 18 Afflictions are her Obiects , which we find Diuers , as they in diuers Subiects rest , Afflictions of the Body and the Mind , Which Mind and Body dang'rously infest . Against these , Patience is alwayes prest , And them as well-come Friends doth entertaine : More crosses shee endures , more shee is blest , And knowes through anguish , trouble , griefe , and paine , Her ayme , eternall rest , shee in the end shall gaine . 19 Thus Heauinesse and Sorrow proue her Heart , How willingly , how long , shee will abide ; How lowly , humbly , shee endureth smart ; How void shee is of Ha●tinesse and Pride , Anger , Reuenge , selfe Loue , and Enuies gride . If minds afflictions shee could not withstand , How could shee beare such as her Flesh betide , Plagues , Torments , Labours , Paynes , Diseases , and Death , Fastings , Watchings , Prisons , Cold , and Yron band ? 20 Most sweet 〈◊〉 and most welcome Ghest , To eu'ry payre combin'd in Amitie : The chiefe Maintayner of each ioyous feast , Begun in Wedlocke , Friendship , Charitie , Sweet Patronesse of each Societie ; Continuing all that Loue begins in Peace : Most sacred Twin with sweet Humilitie , For as one growes the other doth encrease , And to attend on Loue and Mercy neuer cease . 21 What doth the Loue twixt Husband and the Wife , Than Patience , more fast and firme maintayne ? Who keepes true Friends from discord , iarre , and strife , And Children in their Parents loue retayne ; Shee Masters fauour doth to Seruants gayne , And tells them they a Master haue aboue , Who God most patient doth ay remayne , Though they to wrath him eu'ry day doe moue : Thus Patience preserues all Peace begun by Loue . 22 None can ascend to glorious Court of Loue , But he must clime by Patience , beare with payne ; Without this Patience , all the Vertues proue False shewes , which doe no substance true retayne . What Loue , Faith , Hope ? What Grace did ere remayn● Constant ? without this gift of Patience , Therefore shee is the Glorie of Loues trayne , The Vertues all attend her Excellence , And shee againe attends them all with Recompence . 23 Those most Heroike Vertues , Fortitude , Prudence , Ioy , Iustice , Bountie , and the rest , What are they if you Patience exclude , But eu'n so many torments to molest Mans Soule , if with affliction once distrest ? Zeale without Patience doth like Furie spurne : Eu'n heau'nly Knowledge doth our minds infest : Repentance , like Hell fire doth Conscience burne : Wer 't not for Patience , all would to Confusion turne : 24 As Christ is Authour of true Patience ; So of Impatience , Satan and his brood , First shew'd in Garden in Mans innocence ; Whilst he in Makers Grace and Fauour stood : For when the Serpents base impatient mood Mans glorie in Gods Image could not beare , He them seduc'd to eate forbidden food , Whereby our Blessings chang'd to Curses were , Till Patience in the Garden vs againe did cleare . 25 Since this these two doe worke by contrarie , By Patience we our Soules possessen here , And we them lose by our Impatiency : One heares sound Doctrine ; th' other stops her eare . One suffers all ; the other nought will beare . For Loue , Christ , Godlinesse , or Honestie , By Patience more than Conquerors we are : Impatience makes vs cowardly to flie ; True Patience , brings all Grace ; all Vice , Impatiencie . 26 There 's an extreme besides Impatience , ( Because by Vertue clok'd ) most dangerous , Which is a light R●gard and stupid Sense , Not feeling crosses which God layes on vs ; Such as doe vant themselues so valourous , That by Gods punishments they set most light , Plague , Famine , Sword , Fire , Wiues and Childrens losse ; Nor will be scourged when the Lord doth smite , But scorne his chastenings all , which doth his wrath incite . 27 Such neuer looke at God , who these doth send ; Nor on their sinnes , the Cause of all our smart ; Nor on the End , that they their liues might mend : But with rebellious will and stubborne heart , Gods Father-like chastisements doe peruert , Whereby they doe themselues the fruit denie Of Gods corrections , which should them conuert : Like Beasts and Blocks they vnder burthens lie , Referring all to Heathen Fate and D●stinie . 28 These the Almighties Patience prouoke , ( Like Pharaoh ) Iudgements on their heads to send , And turne his scourging stripes to fatall stroke , Bringing a fearefull and a desperate end . Of two extremes from this Lord me defend , Oh , rather let me fainting take a fall , Then as incorrigible thee offend , Which is most wicked dang'rous sinne of all . Into the first thy Saints ; the last , the Deuils fall . 29 This Heath'nish , blockish , base impatience , ( Which is a froward dull Stupiditie ) Doth ( like to Opium ) amase the Sense , And makes Men as dead drunke all senselesse lie ; Ah , how can he his Armes or Legs emply Like Christian Souldier , valiantly to fight Gods Battailes , whom such Drugs doe stupifie ? Or how can he of Christs Cup taste aright , That doth in such dead cursed drunkennesse delight ? 30 This World 's the Field where all Saints Souldiers are , Assaulted daily by Gods Enemies , Who therefore must by Christian Pa●ience beare , Payne , Hunger , Cold , all incommodities , Wayting for Victuall , Ease , and new supplies . They constantly must hold out to the End , One bearing with others infirmities : To faint or flie before the Battaile end , Is worse , than if to fight they neuer did intend . 31 Loue is the Mother , Patience the Nurse Of eu'ry linke and band of Amitie : And though Hate and Impatience ban and curse , Seeking to choke all good Societie ; Yet Patience nurseth all in Charitie : Her sincere Milke is patiently to beare , And suffer wrong and harme most willingly . Ah , but for Patience , Malice all would teare Kings , Husbands , Fathers , ●ould their Subiects , Wiues , Sonnes , spare . 32 Nothing her Nature better can expresse Than her to Bootes and greaues of brasse compare , Which doe the Feete and Legs of Souldiers dresse That in the fore-front of the Battaile are ; Thus shod , on Speares , Pricks , Goades , Pikes , treade we dare ; Losse , Shame , Crosse , Fire , Griefe , Sword , and Banishment , Which would o'rethrow vs , if our Legs were bare : But Patience armes them with such hardiment , They passe them ouer all with courage and content . 33 As Temples , Arches built by cunning hand Of Artist , skilfull in Geometrie , More weight on them is laid , more firme doe stand ▪ So Patience , more opprest most sure doth lie . No Stormes , Wind , Weather , can our House destrie , Erected on such sure and fast foundation : Afflictions doe ioynts more strongly tie , And knit most firme by patient sustentation : For more shee suffers here , more is her consolation . 34 And as the soundnesse of a firme foundation Is best discern'd when most weight on is laid ; And Faith vnfeign'd best tryed by temptation , Mercy most seene , when Poore doe want our aid : So Patience is most gloriously displaid By Crosses , Paynes , Disgrace , Indignities , Which without her our Soules would haue dismaid , And Bodies grieu'd with basest iniuries : All Vertues fairest shew , oppos'd by contraries . 35 Her very Name and Etymologie Describes this Ladies Nature wondrous right : For Patience , Sufferance doth signifie , Forbearance , farre from Anger , and to fight Gods Battailes with true courage and delight . Hee 's stronger that can ouer-come disgrace , Cr●sses and iniuries by patient sp'rit , Than he that walled Cities doth deface , And Monarch-like doth sway the whole World by his Mace . 36 Like as the heau'n abo●e is garnished With Sunne , and Moone , and glistering Starres by night , So hath Gods Church beene alwayes furnished With patient Mirrours to direct vs right ▪ Yea though we had no Scriptures vs to light , Examples of th' Elect might be our line , To walke in Patience with all our might , So they before to vs , that follow , shine ; That number Starres , he may that can their names define . 37 Begin we with our Sunne before the Flood , Our patient Maker ; How did he forbeare ? Though Enochs prophecying they withstood , Yet God with their iniquities did beare , Vntill the Deluge vp the Arke did reare . Next see his Patience and forbearance kind , To them that vnderneath the Couenants were : But most his suff'rance vnder Grace we finde ; As Father most to loue his youngest is inclin'd . 38 Our Sauiour next , whose Life , Death , Suffring , shame To vs , all Patience doth represent : Whereby all Christians ought themselues to frame , Following his foote-steps who before vs went , Who ne're did sinne , nor euer guile inuent : Yet when he suffer'd , threatned not to smite , But dumbe like to a Lambe most innocent , Commits his Cause to him that iudgeth right , Bearing on Crosse our sinnes , that he redeeme vs might . 29 Now follow Starres , which doe receiue their light From that most glorious Sunne of Patience ; Meeke Abel , slaine by cruell Cains despite ; Noe , Preacher to th' old World of Penitence , Bearing scoffes , scornes , for his Obedience ; Abram forsakes his Kindred , House , and Land , And patiently a stranger dwels in Tents : At ninety nine is circumcised , and His deare sonne Isaa● offers at his Lords command . 40 See Isaac patient to embrace the Knife : Iacob enduring churlish Lab●●● wrong ▪ His Di●as Rape , his Sonnes most cruell strife ; With Ioseph , who endured prison strong , For doing well ; who can expresse his long True Patience , that did Pharaohs pleasures leaue To suffer payne his Brethren among ? The meekest Moses did stone Tables cleaue , When Zeale of Gods great Glorie did his sense bereaue . 41 How patiently did holy Dauid beare Sauls persecutions , wayting for his Crowne ? When he his skirt cut off , tooke vp his Speare ; Yet would not let Abisai smite him downe . But none for Patience like to Iob is knowne : Loe , Christ himselfe the Patience doth commend That Prophets , Priests , and Martyrs haue vs showne , All which in briefe the Truth for to defend , Haue without grudging held out constant to the end . 42 All wrestled in this Field of Patience : Some scornes , stripes , fetters , prisonment sustayne : Some racking , sawing , broyling , banishments ; Some scourg'd with rods , with sword some haue bin slayne : In Sheepe skins , Goate skins , some to walke were fayne , Of which the World in no wise worthy were , All will dread on the Mountaynes and the Playne , In earthly Dens and Caues lay hid for feare ; These all by Faith in Christ of Patience followers are . 43 I should doe wrong vnto all Women-kind , Should I the praise of Patience them denie : So many for the Truth with constant mind , In flames of fire haue let their body frie : Besides continuall payne and miserie , In bearing , nursing , Children they abide , Whereby they doe maintayne Posteritie . O blessed Maid , what griefe did thee betide , To see thy Sonne on Crosse his Armes to open wide ? 44 But I too farre the Readers Patience presse With multitude of Paternes from without ; Since onely inward Patience can vs blesse , And make vs like to Lyons bold and stout , Preseruing vs from perill , dread , and doubt , Whilst patiently we here all crosses beare , To th' end with Christian courage holding out , And neuer Mans pride or Hells malice feare , For by this suffring , more than Conquerours we are . 45 We reade that Socrates did Patience gayne By patient bearing his impatient Wife : And we this Grace by suffring may attayne , If in Faith , Hope , and good Workes we be rife . Doubtlesse our paynes here , crosses , griefe , and strife , Are nothing if they rightly be compar'd Vnto the Ioyes , Crownes , and eternall Life , Which God aboue for all those hath prepar'd , That with true Patience of his comming haue regard . 46 But ah , we of farre other spirit are , In our hot blood we cut off Malchus eare ; But if our liues be question'd , then we dare The Truth denie , and eu'n our Christ forsweare . Mans mind possest with furie or with feare , Falls from the meane to all extremitie : For want of courage he no crosse can beare , Or for reuenge doth offer iniurie , Both which alike are guiltie of Impatiencie . 47 When I the liues of holy Martyrs read , And what great torments here they suffered , As Members sympathizing with the Head ; Saint Lawrence on a gridyron tortured , Who at 's Tormenters neuer murmured , But pray'd them onely turne the other side , For one was broyl'd enough and martyred : And ❀ ❀ Pota●iana her that did most paynefull death abide , Whom with hot scalding pitch from top to toe they tride ; 48 Should I here wish their Patience or their Payne ? No sure , I wish both Payne and Patience : The more I suffer here , the more 's my gayne ; The greater losse , the greater recompence . Ah , this to flesh and blood is sore offence , And vnto carnall minded , enmitie , That take delight in pleasing of the Sense , Their Nose with smels , their Touch with luxurie ; Their Taste , Eyes , Eares , their Heart and all with vanitie . 49 Though thou escape crosse , scourging , sword and fire ; Yet surely , if thou liu'st the life of Grace , And walk'st vprightly as Gods Lawes require , Flesh , World , and Deuill thee will seeke to chace , As peeuish , singular , vaine , foolish , base ▪ Yea , wicked Men thy Patience to trie ; Will thee deride , dishonour , scorne , disgrace : We Patience shew in bearing iniurie For Christ , as well as those that for the Truth doe die . 50 But I confesse I nothing here doe find More pleasing then reuenge , to flesh and blood : Like this , was Iohn and Iames reuengefull mind , When entrance was at Citie Gates withstood , Because their Faces towards Sion stood ; Shall we Elias-like from Heau'n fire craue , For to consume this base rebellious brood ? To whom Christ said , Know yee what Spirits yee haue I came not hither to destroy and spoile , but saue . 51 Lord grant me Pauls true constant resolution , Not onely for thy Names sake to be bound , But willingly to suffer dissolution . Some scortching flames like beds of downe haue found , In some such inward comfort did abound , When as they suffred for Christs holy Name , For signe of inward ioy and comfort found , Their hands they lift vp to expresse the same , Till they consumed were eu'n by the scortching flame . 52 It was th' Apostles triumph and delight , To be accounted worthy for Christs sake To suffer scourging , prison , shame , despite , Which did them way to Crownes and Glorie make : More happy 't is to suffer at a stake For Truth , than end our dayes in ease and rest : Paul for a wondrous fauour did it take , That he not onely to beleeue was blest , But that he suffered more for Christ than all the rest . 53 The abiect and off-scowring of the World , A gasing stocke to Angels and to Men , Perill on Land , on Seas , with Tempest whirld , Perill of Beasts , and of false Bretheren , Mock'd , scourg'd , bound , stock'd , cold , hungrie , naked , thin , Last , Satans buffetting spirituall : I here should tyre my Reader and my Pen , If I his crosses all to mind should call , Yet he with constant Patience conquered them all . 54 So they that truely loue , will ought endure For his sake onely they so truely loue . Lord grant me Loue , for then I may be sure , In all afflictions patient to proue : No power of Men or Hell their soules can moue , That build vpon so good and strong foundation , Temptation may vs shake but not remoue From Loue , the ground and pillar of saluation , Loue is the Cause of ours , as of our Sauiours passion . 55 This seasons all afflictions , crosses , payne , Makes Death our Gate to Heau'n ; the Graue , our rest . This makes our Patience perfect , and doth gayue Vs Heau'n as sure , as if we were possest . The God of Patience be euer blest , The End and Authour of my Meditation , And grant I constantly may euer rest Vpon his Loue in Christ , my sure foundation , Whose Patience paid my price of Reconciliation . 56 Thus of true Patience hauing laid the ground , I thereon Christian Fortitude will raise : For neuer any valour true and sound Can well abide , but where true Patience stayes . No perill , payne , or shame that soule dismayes , Where these two Vertues doe themselues combine , Both ioyfull make vs walke through dreadfull wayes , And like two Sunnes in Firmament doe shine ; Most glorious Fortitude : but Patience most Diuine .

MEDITAT . V. Of Fortitude . 1 AL valiant Captaynes of the sacred Hoast Of Loues high Queene ; that fight 'gainst Hate and Hell , Christs Souldiers muster vp from eu'ry coast , And them to stand in complete Armes compell , That Satans fiery darts they may repell . But as in worldly Batta●les , Armes are vaine , If Cowards hearts doe faint , or courage quell ; So in this spirituall Warfare , all are slaine , That with true Fortitude this fight cannot maintayne . 2 I therefore her , Loues valiant Generall , And chiefe Commandresse of her Forces name ; For that the most braue Sp'rits heroicall , Haue alwayes beene most honour'd by the same ; Amongst the Heathen men , that sought vaine Fame , This Vertue was in such great estimation , Of heau'nly Seede they thought their Heros came , Expecting not from humane propagation Such worth : except the Gods concurr'd in Generation . 3 And therefore those , whose valour did transcend The ordinarie reach of humane Race , By Pedigrees are lin'd out to descend From Ioues , or some great Deities embrace : Thus in a mist they seeme the Truth to trace , For Vertues all ( but chiefly Fortitude ) Are not begotten , but infus'd by Grace , And in Kings hearts in larger amplitude , As they it more doe neede than common multitude . 4 For as small Waters faire and goodly seeme , When little Channels doe their course maintayne , Yet would a Man them scarsely Waters deeme , If they ran drissing in some Riuer mayne : Eu'n so a Subiects heart , that doth contayne True Fortitude , but in a measure small , Great glorie to himselfe thereby may gayne , But if in Princes heart the same should fall , It scarsely would be counted Fortitude at all . 5 Wherefore , the Hearts of Kings are said to bee Like mightie Riuers in th' Almighties hand , From which as from a little Ocean , hee Disposeth Water ouer all the Land : His Nobles , which , him round , like Brookes doe stand , Refresh and water eu'ry Dale and Plaine , As from their Soueraigne they haue command , But all their Waters haue from Ocean maine , Where all their Tribute must re●urne with praise againe . 6 And therefore since I find it all but vaine To seeke for any good and perfect Grace , But from the bountie of my Soueraigne , I here beseech th' Almightie guide my trace , In finding out this Vertues royal Race , That I her wondrous Glorie may expresse So here , as all may striue her to embrace , As th' onely strength of humane happinesse , Till with Loues gracious Trayne shee bring vs vnto blesse . 7 Thus , strong in God , and Power of his might , ● F●rtitude doe truely first explaine To be a strength of mind or valiant Sprite , Whereby couragiously we doe sustaine Hard things , for Vertues sake , and not for gaine : Betwixt B●ol●nesse and Feare , a moderation , True Fortitude doth from base Feare retaine Meeknesse from murmuring at Gods castigation , And Patience mitigates the know of our passion . 8 Patience is past , and Meeknesse comes behind , I therefore Fortitude here twofold name , One of the Body , th' other of the Mind : This Fortitude of Body is the same We common haue with Beasts both wild and tame , Encreast by feeding , strength , good constitution ; In stout sustayning is her greatest fame , Next in on-setting with braue resolution : This helps in Warre , but minds it best in persecution . 9 I twofold likewise call that of the Mind , One true , the other that which men doe fayne , When for false ends we nobly are enclin'd , Or when these Causes following constrayne ; Passion , Experience , Ignorance , Art , Gayne , Passion of Feare , of Fu●ie , Hope , and Anger : By these we mightie things doe oft darraigne , Experience , Art , make vs to dread no danger , By Ignorance , and for Gayne we boldly Life endanger . 10 For feare of danger , and t' auoid disgrace , The Coward faint will like a Dragon fight ; Who can withstand the furie of the Base ? Experience , Art preuaile oft against might ; And Ignorance of danger doth incite The fearefull , great atchieuements to aduenter , Custome of winning makes vs oft in spite Of Fate and Fortune into Battles enter : By Sea , for hope of gayne , some to the Indies venter . 11 But Fortitude , which doth prepare the Mind For God and Goodnesse chearefully to die , Is that braue Vertue formerly defin'd , Which Death nor Hell it selfe can terrifie : By this we onely on the Lord relie , And strong in God , and Power of his might , Put on our armes to fight most valiantly , Faith , Hope , and Truth , with Patience , Iustice Right , And with the spirituall Sword vndantedly doe fight . 12 Though , of our selues , we no more able are These mightie Armes to weare and w●ild aright , Than little Dauid was King Sauls to beare , When he Goliah met in single fight ; Yet , if Gods power we consider right , And set by all the worldly strength we haue , Relying on his prouidence and might , As Dauid , we may say , with courage braue , Who me from Beare and Lyon , from all harme shall saue . 13 For from the Lord is all sufficiency , Our Enemies in Christ we nothing feare , But fight Gods Battailes most couragiously , In whom we able to doe all things are : And as he shame endur'd and crosse did beare , So Souldiers of our valiant Generall , We with vndanted resolution dare Oppose the World , Flesh , Sinne , and Deuils all : Whose Faith stands firme in Christ , what dread can him apall ? 14 Though spirituall Enemies doe more abound In number , Malice , Strength , and Policy ; Yet by these spirituall weapons we confound Them all , triumphing on them valiantly : This spirituall strength growes in vs inwardly , As doth the new and inward Man reuiue , Which stronger growes as our corruptions die , And by the Fleshes weaknesse most doth thriue , And when the Body's dead preserues our Soules aliue . 15 Our Soule , the subiect of true Fortitude , Not giu'n by Nature , but infus'd by Grace , The spirit of Man it is , that doth include This most heroike Vertue : 'T is not place , Wealth and preferment , or a noble Race , And Breeding , that doth raise so high the Mind , To count all fading Obiects vaine and base , And wholly be to heau'nly things inclin'd , Whereby our strength aboue all earthly things we find . 16 True Fortitude is home eu'n from aboue , And in Loues Court is of such high regard , That none couragious are , but they that loue , And of their valour hope for Loues reward . Loue conquers all : oh ! What can be compar'd To mightie Acts of Loue ? whose iealous ire Consumes all that her Grace doe not regard , Oh! what is stronger than Loues hot denre ? None e're without her did to noble acts aspire . 17 Loue , Fortitude her valiant Generall , In all her spirituall Battels doth employ , On whom these Graces wait , and follow all To fight against our spirituall Enemy , Long-Suffering , Patience , Magnanimitie , Assured Faith , Hope , Constancy and Peace , But most of all , shee loues Humilitie : For as great 〈◊〉 her glorie more increase , So shee inclines to Meeknesse , and true Lowlinesse . 18 What is 't that I haue not receau'd ( saith shee ? ) All help 's from God ; Mans strength is weake and vaine : If he be for vs , Who can 'gainst vs bee ? Oh , who can to true Fortitude attaine , But he that from aboue doth it obtaine ? Boldnesse therefore and Intimiditie , Which leaues Gods glorie , seeking priuate gaine , Is to true Fortitude an enemie , As well as Cowardize and Effeminitie . 19 For as all Cowards timorous and faine , Discourage Friends and hearten Enemies , So foolish , rash , vnexpert , vnacquaint With spirituall Battailes , and the policies Of cruell Satan , and his complicees , Doe desp'rately themselues and fellowes traine , Vnarm'd where Satan in close ambush l●es , Where some are stung , some poyson'd , and some slaine , All as his capti●'d Slaues in bands hee doth retaine . 20 Thus those that on their owne strength doe relie , And haue within them selues vaine confidence , Proud Boasters oft Goliah-like defie Their Enemies : but take a fall at length . God onely is our Rocke of firme defence . Beastly presumption 't is for to depend On fleshes arme , in things of consequence : But deuillish madnesse 't is , for to defend Our spirituall strength , and as our owne it to commend . 21 This spirituall Pride of all most dangerous , As bodily , in them doth harbour most , Who are least valiant and couragious . Thus Braggadochio himselfe doth boast , To be fit Leader of a mightie Hoast ; And Merit-mongers out of foolish Pride , Will merit more than their first Father lost , And lay vp store , for many Soules beside , Who for their money may to heau'n haue entrance wide . 22 ( No floods of teares are able to disgrace The resolution of braue Fortitude , Which like pure Diamonds adorne her face . And from her all hard-heartednesse seclude : Oh , may mine eyes like Fountaynes bee endude With floods in Warre my panting Soule to coole . 'T is Satans policie first to exclude From quenching waters the besieged Soule , Then burn the town with fire , when he hath stopt the Pool● . 23 When valiant Gideon went out to fight With Midian , God made a Proclamation , Who dreaded or did feare the Enemies might , Returne should to their People and their Nation , And shall we in this spirituall dimication , Hope to withstand our ghostly Enemies , Except our Hearts be strengthned 'gainst tentation , To fight with Powers , Principalities , And by true Fortitude to treade downe iniuries ? 24 Wherefore the Sonne of Sirach , doth compare The heart of Fooles to an high plast'red wall , Which stormes of wind and winter cannot beare , But shaking , tottering , at length doth fall ; Imaginations vaine his heart apall : But a wise heart , that is established By counsell , to a strong and stately Hall , With Beames and Ligaments so coupeled , As it of Winds and Tempests neuer stands in dread . 25 As Harts huge Hornes him profit not at all , By reason of his faint and fearefull heart ; So Christian Armour yeelds defence as small , If diffidence our Fortitude peruert , And as none proudlier march than stately Hart , In Summer faire of his prosperitie , But if he heare a Dogge , or see a Dart , Doth faint for feare and flyeth cowardly , So doth the Man whom God doth Fortitude denie . 26 The heart of man's like Pilot in a ship , Whose cunning in calme weather is vnseene , But if Winds blow , and Waues to Heau'n vp skip , And all in danger great of drowning beene , Then both his skill and courage may bee seene : Then though the Sailes be rent and Ship be torne , He faints not till the wished Port he win : So though our Flesh here 's tortur'd and forlorne , Yet by true Fortitude we to our Hau'n are borne . 27 As Branches of the Palme , the more opprest With burthens , nearer Heau'n themselues doe raise ; So Fortitude in valiant Christians brest , The more assaulted , merits greater praise : And as those Boughes are stronger found alwayes , That are oppos'd to Boreas boystrous blast , Than those on whom the South and West wind playes , So that Mans mind doth stand most firme and fast , Who hath through greatest torments and tentations past . 28 Three wise men wrot : 3. Esdr. 4. King , Women , Wine , are strong , But aboue all , Truth beares the Victorie : Earth great , Heau'n high , Sunnes course is swift and long , Yet Truth contaynes all in 's imensitie . Earth , Heau'n , Sunne , all obey Truth chearefully ; To Truth I perfect Fortitude compare , Both one : most perfect in the Deitie , As Iustice , Loue , and other Vertues are , God onely here to vs some sparkes of them doth share . 29 Now onely of this Sparke is my discourse , This Vertue , * * 〈◊〉 Manlinesse the Grecians call ; For they that ran not valiantly their course , The Heathen scarse accounted men at all : By Latines ; Fortitudes originall Comes from a Body strong , and valiant Mind ; They therefore count those most heroicall , Who most in warre to valour are inclin'd , Or whom most resolute 'gainst Fortunes stormes they find . 30 With them a Man of warre was seldome found , Able in Peace to conquer Iniurie ; The godly in examples doe abound , Of suffering and doing valiantly . Let captiu'd Lot declare how valourously , From mightie Kings him Abram succoured , Which shewes his strength and magnanimitie , But his mind's valour , when he suffered Cold , Famine , Banishment , his owne Sonne slaughtered . 31 Most Princely Iacob with God wresteled , And therefore better might with men preuaile , Yet how was he by Laban iniured ? His brother Esan did his life assaile , Yet strong in God his heart did neuer faile , Not , Gen. 32. 33. when at Mahanim he met Gods Hoast ; And Esau , with foure hundred , did he quaile . Of Ios●ahs valour may all Iudah boast , But of them all herein may Da●id glorie most . 32 Apocryphall are Stories , not the Facts , Of machabaeus and his Bretheren ; Whose noble Fortitude and valiant Acts , Transcend the courage of all mortall Men. Oh! wondrous prowesse which they shewed then , For to defend their Lawes and Libertie , Their Temples , Cities , Wiues , and Children , From prophanation by Idolatrie , And from the bondage of an Heathen enemie . 33 I might of Moses , Caleb , Gedeon tell , Ieptha , Iob , Samson , Dauids Worthies three , That through an Hoast drew Water from a Well ; Eu'n millions of examples you may see Of Saints , which in Gods Booke our paternes bee , As Children three which would endure the flame , Before they would commit Idolatrie ; Of all the Apostles onely Paul I name , Whose Fortitude in God deserues eternall fame . 34 What ? are the Seruants greater than their Lord ? No : all the strength that did in them abound , He of his fulnesse did to them afford , In whom all perfect Fortitude was found : Whom when he did conuerse with Men on ground , No Deuill , Power , terror could dismay : And that he might , at last , Hels powers confound , His Life , on cursed Crosse , eu'n downe did lay : Sad Night ! But loe : His rising brings a ioyfull Day . 35 Which to sweet Nectar turnes our Cup of Gall : Loe ! This is true braue Fortitude of mind , That as Christ chearefully did suffer all , That God for our Redemption had assign'd ; So all our strength and will must be inclin'd , All crosses valiantly to suffer here , But where we them against Gods glorie find : For with such iniuries Christ could not beare ; And therefore Merchants did with whips from Temple scare . 36 What ? Shall I here all Woman-kind exclude , As Subiects meane for this heroick Grace ? No : In the mind is seate of Fortitude , And oft in Female brests obtaynes high place , 'T is not proud Looks , mens Tire , stout Speech , bold Face , Can Women for true Fortitude commend : No Vertue like to Modestie doth grace That Sexe , and best their Honour doth defend : In this the brauest Women alwayes did transcend . 37 See faire Rebecca couer'd with a vaile ; Iudge Debora vnder an Oken tree ; Most modest Iudith durst the Head assaile Of Holofernes : H●ster next I see Bring Haman vnto shame for Mardochee : Shall I name one that doth surmount them all ? Loe , our late Queene Elizabeth was shee , Yet was most modest , shamefac't , Virginall , All Female boldnesse Impudence , not Grace we call . 38 This * * Woman-Man . Androgune , Masculine-Foeminine , Sometimes of Doubtfull , oft of Common Gender , Who turn'd her face where Womanhood should shine To bold out-facing : And her locks did tender Vnto the * * Cutter . Scisers : Our Faiths great Defender , Because shee was of Fortitude the scorne , And Ape of Manhood , did so reprehend her , As now all vertuous Ladies haue her lorne , Forgotten , and disgrac'd , as shee were neuer borne . 39 Great Faiths Defender ! who dost here defend , As Faith , so Valour and true Fortitude ; Oh , were my Muse but able to commend Thy Princely Heart , and Minds braue magnitude , Wherewith th' Almightie hath thy brest indude ; Or tell the courage of thy valiant Sonne Our Prince ; which stretcheth to such amplitude , That had my Song with his great Praise begun , My Life on Earth had ended ere my Muse had done . 40 But we returne to Fortitude within , By which we fight 'gainst spirituall enemies , World , Deuill , Flesh , and our originall Sinne , Hell , Empires , Powers , Principalities , To our spirituall Peace all enmities : Against these , for our safegard , we embrace All spirituall Graces , as sure remedies ; Ah! how dare they looke Satan in the face , That are quite destitute of all true sauing Grace ? 41 Alas ! What strength haue they then that depend Vpon the Pope and his Supremacie , Or hope his holy Water can defend Them from this strong and subtile enemie : Saints Reliques , Bulls , Beades , and such trumperie , Are now the onely weapons they must weare ; Their Agnus Deies doe so terrifie The Deuill , and away ill spirits scare , For other spirituall Armour , now they neede not care . 42 How hope they to be able to withstand The Serpents malice , and the Worlds despite , Who lay by Armes , and loose and idle stand , Not buckeling themselues vnto the fight ? As Armes were , like apparell , for delight , Or for sport onely , and a glittering show , These fainting hearts that are afraid to fight , Vaine Fooles that neuer yet Hels strength did know , Which at the first encounter them will ouerthrow . 43 Alas ! eu'n too too many now a dayes , Like Gallants of our time , make goodly show In glitt'ring Armes , and bragge great might in Frayes ; But come where danger to their life may grow , They then away both Armes and Weapons throw . Thus they abuse the knowledge God doth lend , Vnto their ruine and their ouerthrow , Wanting true valour Truth for to defend , And Christian Fortitude , to hold out to the End . 44 My onely wish is , euer to be strong In God and in the power of his Might , Casting off all things that doe not belong Vnto the Christian Battaile I must fight : Oh! who in warres can serue his Prince aright , That doth himselfe with Worlds affaires entangle ? With spirituall Weapons we maintayne this fight , And not with cunning at the Barre to jangle , We here must fight for Life , and not for profit wrangle . 45 I here confesse mine inward strength is vaine , Vnable to withstand such enemies , That I to seeke out of my selfe am faine , For helpe against Hels powr's and policies ; So many are my knowne infirmities , I mine owne strength doe vtterly distrust , Hoping thy Grace , that all our wants supplies , Will strengthen me against Hell , Sinne , and Lust , Since in no finite Power , but infinite I trust . 46 Oh , grant me firme on thine Omnipotence , In crosses and afflictions to relie , And wholy to renounce all confidence , Mans strength , or hope in Princes , can supply : Who , vnder shadow of thy Wings doe lie , No forraine Power , nor inward dread need feare , Thy strength is most seene in infirmitie , In thee wee able to doe all things are , By force of thy great Might we all aduenture dare . 47 God is my Refuge , Strength and Fortitude , My Rocke , Shield , Buckler , and in whom I trust , Who hath my Foes all vnto me subdu'd , Making our Enemies to licke the dust . Most firme defence vnto the Meeke and Iust ; All superstitious vanities are vaine , Who put in God their confidence and trust , Firme , stable , sure , like Sions Mount remayne , No powres of Hell can snake where this foundation 's layne . 50 Great is the Power wherein we doe trust , A mightie Power and exceeding strong , Able to raise our Bodies from the dust , And to Eternitie our life prolong : All pow'r from God , to God all doth belong , Why then should'st thou my Soule distrust or quaile ? On him relie , and none can doe thee wrong : Thine Heart and Conscience Satan may assaile , But by Gods helpe , thou shalt against them all preuaile . 51 So by this mightie Power we shall at length Be Victors , though Sinne seeme vs here to foile : Lord , grant me this spirituall Pow'r and Strength , That though my Body suffer here a while , And like a Coward oft doth take the foile ; I may with courage so my Soule defend , No Power me of spirituall Armes despoile . Lord , grant I practise may , what I commend , So I , with prayse my Booke and Meditation end . 52 Thus as one of the Bridegromes meanest Friends , I to adorne the Bride doe offer here These Ornaments : The gift no worth commends , But He to whom the Widdowes mite was deare , Because shee all her substance offred there , Will well accept of this poore Offering , That when I shall at that great day appeare Before the Iudge , to giue my reckoning , This time may be allow'd me for Gods honouring . FINIS .

The third Booke consisting of fiue MEDITATIONS ,

viz. 1. Knowledge . 2. Zeale . 3. Temperance . 4. Bountie , and 5. Ioy .

And The fourth Booke , of viz. 1. Prudence . 2. Obedie●ce . and 3. Meekenesse . 4. Gods Word , and 5. Prayer .

Were Likewise intended by the Authour at this time for the Presse . But the euer-lamented losse of his most honored Lord ( which hath changed all his Ioyes into Sorrowes , and Songs to Lamentations ) hath beene the cause of deferring their publishing .

A FVNERALL ELEGIE , Consecrated to the memorie of his euer-honoured Lord , IOHN KING , Late Lord Bishop of London . LEt others call their Muse to helpe them mourne , And books of Tragique Scenes and Stories turne : My Heart abundant matter shall indite , If but the halfe ( I of my sorrow ) write . Were it a priuate losse of mine alone , I could it smother with a priuate grone : But ah ! I ring my Fathers Fathers knell , The Charet and Horsemen of Israel . Happy Elisha , when the fiery Horse And Charets thee did from thy Master force ! Whilst he in Whirlewind vp to Heauen ascends , His Spirit doubled downe on thee descends : But ah ! I haue no Spirit but to mourne , And wash with teares this sacred Fathers Vrne , His 〈◊〉 is not left me to diuide Mine Eyes from Teares , as Iordanes floods were dride . Yet had I but his Spirit here to tell , How stoutly he opposed Iezabel , And all her Baalling superstitious crew Of Prophets , and their Idols ouerthrew , How firmely he in his Religion stood , Readie till Death to seale it with his blood , Without least Bastard thought to change that Truth , Which was in him firme , rooted from his youth ; I then might ius●ly hope my feeble Verse Had done full right vnto thy wronged Herse , For I should muzzell those that wrong thy fame And die them , like their whoare , scarlet in shame , Should force into their face that modest blood , That left them , ere since they left Truth and Good . Yet why should I thinke much that Calumnie , Labours to cloud thy Names bright memorie , Since that Iust One , thy Sauiour , after Death Could not auoid Slanders envenom'd breath ? And if thy Lord and Masters fate were such , Let not thy Ashes grieue to beare as much . Oh sacred Spirit enclos'd in frailest mold Of britle Clay ! when I did thee behold Praying Elias-like ; thou couldst constrayne The Heau'ns to water all the Earth with rayne . And when thy zealous tongue touch'd with the flame Which Seraphin had from the Altar ta●ne ; Thou like to Paul or Peter didst diuine , Three thousand Soules conuerting at a time . When thou didst sit on Iustice sacred Throne , Thy Prudence shin'd like that of Solomon , And Samuel-like so equall didst diuide , Thou often gau'st content to either side . Like Aristotles thy Schole Disputations , Thy Speeches Tullies eloquent Orations , Thy Lectures all Ideas most diuine , Where Arts like Starres in Firmament doe shine . Did ● behold thee in thy Familie , Thy House a Temple of the Deitie . Thou Dauid-like didst to th' Almightie sweare , No wicked riotous Person should come there . You worthy Tribe of Leui , when you want And find your shorne allowance all too scant , His 〈◊〉 which refresht you often , blisse And gaue you Liuengs free as they were his . You Poore lament whom he so often fed , Not with his Doctrine onely , but his Bread . And Strangers when you want ; his losse lament Who vnto you such large allowance sent . One and the same Rule in things Temporall , He did obserue as in Spirituall , Who so on Earth doth plentifully sow , May well expect a like increase to mow . Most happy Man , if Vertue , Honour , Right , Or any worldly Blisse make happy wight , Home , and abroad honour'd , belou'd and fear'd , Him Grace and Learning vnto all endear'd . But oh ! what Mortall stands so sure and fast , That here may be call'd happy , till his last ? To whom the People erst Hosanna cride , When he in triumph doth through Sion ride , Ere many dayes was on the Crosse so shaken , As if he fear'd himselfe of God forsaken : So when this Saint ( like Paul the ●ged ) sung To build vp Sions ruines with his Tongue , The rauish'd Hearers with thy message strooke , Sate as they had no powr's , but Eare and Looke , Both which did yeeld thy Worth such loud applause , As if an Angels Trump had lent thee voyce , I thinke their strict attention did fore-see , They neuer more should heare so much from thee . A Swan-like Dittie , for it was his last , For ere the Sunne had round his circuit past , He that for Sions building vp did pray , Did in his owne fraile Temple feele decay ! My Soule eu'n trembles but thy groanes to heare : Alas ! how couldst thou them with Patience beare Afflictions , which would breake a brasen Wall , And hardest Milstone grin'd to powder small , But Hee in Heau'n that heard thee groane and weepe , And all thy teares did in his Bottle keepe , When it was full , doth take of thee compassion , And freed thee from thy paynes and bitter passion . Eu'n on that Day whereon we celebrate His Passion , whom thou liu'dst to imitate ; Loe , God doth millions of his Angels send , Thy sorrowes here with heau'nly Ioyes to end . Shall we bewaile thy happy commutation , Now chang'd from Earth to heau'nly Habitation ? Where as thy Ioyes the Angels farre surpast , Which neuer of thy Miseries did taste , For there thou dost that Psalme of comfort ring , Which none but Saints afflicted here can sing ; That Ioy which neuer had in Heau'n beene knowne , But by those Saints that vnder crosses groane : That Ioy , which feeles God comfort vs againe , After he hath vs plagu'd on Earth with paine ; And for a few yeares of aduersitie , Rewards in Heau'n with Ioyes eternitie ; Which giues for Sorrow , Ioy ; for Labour , Rest ; A Hau'n to vs whom Shipwracke erst distrest : From Danger , Safetie ; Light vnto the eye , Long blind in Dungeons obscuritie . Life after Death doth make our liues more sweet , Who here Christs plentifull afflictions meet . Shall haue in him a plenteous consolation : Then let vs all , that wait for like saluation , In Body like this Saint the dying beare Of 's dying Lord ; and let him neuer feare But his Lords life shall be made manifest In Him , when He our Labour turnes to Rest. But more : my Muse is as vnfit to write As are my sorrowes stupid to endite ! Onely , Shee thus the publique losse bemones , And what Shee wants in words , supplyes with grones .

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