The penitent publican his confession of mouth. Contrition of heart. Vnfained repentance. An feruent prayer vnto God, for mercie and forgiuenesse.

THE PENITENT PVBLICAN . ON bended knees , and with a broken heart , Eyes cast on earth , hands beating of my brest : I come to act a penitentiall part , Before th' almightie , who is pleased best With sinfull soules , when they are thus addrest : In whose dread presence ( caitiffe that I am ) Prepared thus ( till now ) I neuer came . Knees euer bow , and standing beare no more , Eyes euer weepe , and nere be drie againe : Hands beat my brest , and make it euer sore , Heart neuer cease , but sigh and sob amaine : Tongue , euer pray , and for my sinnes complaine . Till teares , blowes , sighs , sobbs , prayers , and complaints , Haue freed my soule from all her foule attaints . Humbling my selfe , may in Gods fauour raise me , Weeping for sinne , may him to mercy moue : Beating my brest , most sorrowfull displaies me , Sighing , and sobbing , my hearts griefe approue : Playning , and praying , may procure Gods loue . His loue is life , which causeth me to craue it , And stedfast faith , doth tell me I shall haue it . Great wonder-worker , worthiest worthie one , By whose assistance Henocke walkt with God : Thou that wert Abrahams righteousnes alone , Thou that mak'st men moue mountaines like a clod : ( Euen h●apes of sinne ) from of their old abode , Thou pretious one , proceeding from aboue : Soule-sauing faith ( our euidence of Gods loue . ) By which we doe his promises imbrace , By which we apprehend Christs righteousnes : By which we doe , sinne , death , and hell , deface : By which we are assured of redresse , ( If we repent and waile our wickednes ) By which our prayers are to God conuaid , And without which , all suppliants are gain-said . Oh blessed faith , my fortresse and my shield , My onely comfort in calamitie : Which dost resolue me I shall win the field , And orecome , Sathan my arch-enemie , I le thanke my God ( for thee ) continually : Cause t is his grace , and goodnes that I haue thee , ( Which art a signe , he will in mercy saue mee . ) Thou that art God of gods , and King of kings , Thou whom the Sun , the Moone , and Stars obay : That fill'st the poore and hungry with good things , And dost the rich ones , emptie send away : My soule shall magnifie thee day by day , And all the powers that doe remaine in mee , Shall onely praise , and euer pray to thee . For thou hast vow'd ( and that most solemnely ) As thou dost liue ( which art the life of all ) Thou dost not will those that doe wickedly , And into many grieuous sinnes doe fall , Should die the death , but rather will'st they shall Returne and liue , oh sweet , and gracious Lord , Which to thy foes saluation dost accord . With Salomon , I now see all is vaine , Youth , beautie , strength , health , wealth , and honor too : Long life , and all , that doth on earth remaine , And all that man , with all of them can doo : Onely thy word , which worldly wights doth woe , From earthly toyes , to seeke for heauenly treasure : Is to be lik'd , and loued without measure . Thou hast ordain'd a time to gather stones , And eke a time wherein to cast away : A time likewise thou giu'st vs wretched ones , To laugh and sing , a time to mourne and pray : Most finde the bad , few doe the best assay . But oh teach me ( that long in sinne haue ioy'd ) To mourne and pray , sinne may be now destroy'd . Euen as a poppie that doth hang the head , Or like a Bull-rush beaten downe with winde : So I , sur-chargd with sinne ( more sad then lead ) Looke carefully , but can no comfort finde : Yet faith , and hope , doe both perswade my minde , That thou ( oh Lord ) wilt mercy haue on mee , If I repent , and rightly call to thee . Thy holy prophets bid vs seeke thy face , And that ( I take it ) is thy fauour ( Lord ) Thy louing kindnes , mercy , and thy grace , Which are reuealed to vs in thy word : Oh them seeke I , to me do thou accord . And let me finde them , for in them doth rest All that I want , to make me euer blest . Lord , I no presents , no oblations bring , Onely my selfe I offer vnto thee : A broken heart , is all my offering , The which although it far vnworthy Bee , Yet Lord accept it , for behold and see , In true deuotion and in perfit zeale , It prostrate here , for mercy doth appeale . I know right well thy Angels will reioyce , And be full glad before thy maiestie : To see thee heare a sinfull creatures voyce , And in thy mercy cure my maladie . Oh heare me then , and daine to purifie My impure soule , with thy pure spirit of grace , For that 's the mercy that I would imbrace . Like Naaman I am a Leaper Lord , My soule , and body , both infected Bee With filthy sinne : yet if thou speake the word ▪ There will a wonder straight appeare in mee , From all corruption I shall soone be free . Yea and be cleaner then the Christall glasse , And far more white , then snow on Salmon was . Abanah cannot , nor yet Pharper cure me , Nor all the waters in the world beside : Onely true faith doth ( by thy grace ) assure me , That if I take thy spirit for my guide , And follow it , I shall be purifide . For by the same , men are regenerate , And from a bad , borne to a blessed state . As Dauid counsels , Lord I come to tast , How sweet thou art , and how beyond compare Thy louing kindnes ( which for aye shall last ) And more than mirh-sweet-smelling mercies are : Oh pardon me , although thus much I dare , It is no proud , nor yet presumptuous thought , But t' is thy grace , which this good worke hath wrought . Which grace , were it not super-aboundant ( Lord ) ▪ My all-abounding sinne would still keepe backe Me from obeying of thy blessed word , And in this action it would make me slacke , But thy good spirit supplieth what I lacke . And at this instant doth inable mee : To come , to croutch , to crie , and call to thee . For mercy Lord , for mercy Lord I pray thee , For mercy Lord , I humbly do intreat thee : I am a sinner , oh do not denay mee : Nor yet ( in anger ) either chide or threat mee : Although ( I know ) thou hast iust cause to beat mee . Yet mightie Lord ( for thy great mercies sake ) Send mercy downe , and some compassion take . On me vilde wretch , and most vnworthy man , The very worst , that euer was created : A sillie soule , a sinfull Publican , In whom no grace , nor goodnes is innated : Nor euer yet was truely imitated , Vntill this houre : in which thy spirit hath Taught me to pray , thus to appease thy wrath . Thou that dost ride vpon the Cherubins , Thou at whose presence all the mountaines shake : And hills doe melt , oh pardon thou my sinnes , And in thy vinyard me a labourer make : Do so sweet Lord , and ( for thy Christ his sake : ) Oh let me haue the hire thou giu'st to all , Though it be euening ere to worke I fall . With the lost sheepe , though I haue gone astray , And wandered through the wildernes of sinne : Lord let me not become a cast-away , But by repentance let me pardon win : And once againe ( good father ) take me in . And from henceforth i le so obedient bee , That thou thy selfe shalt take delight in mee . Looke soueraigne Lord , from thy celestiall throne , Ah looke ( I say ) and with thy sacred eye , See how my soule doth sorrow : sigh , and mone , And what cumpunction there is inwardly In my poore heart , which of thy maiestie , Doth hourely beg that thou wouldst pardon mee : Which oft haue sinned gain'st sweet heauen and thee . Which oft haue sinned gain'st sweet heauen and thee , And therefore hence-forth am vnworthy far , Thy sonne ( oh Lord ) intituled to bee , Or once bespoke of , where thy seruants are : Gain'st mercies gate my sinnes are such a bar , That they keepe backe all heauenly benediction , And yeeld me nought , but shame and sad affliction . Lo , as a still , full fraught with leaues of Roses , ( Through force of fire , made vnderneath the same ) Le ts fall ( by drops ) the moysture it incloses : Euen so mine eyes , for'ct by a feruent flame , Of godly zeale ( for so 's the fires name ) Do shed forth teares ( extracted by repentance ) From follies flowers , whereto my heart gaue entrance . I neede not aske , why thou art sad my soule , Or why thou art disquieted in mee : I haue more cause to bid thee still condoule Thy selfe for sinne , which sore oppresseth thee . Oh mourne ( I say ) still sad , and heauie bee , Yet trust in God ( who is thy comfort giuer ) And ( in good time ) he will thee safe deliuer . As Moses said . Lord I am slowe of speech , No eloquence haue I to plead my cause : But with my soule , I humbly thee beseech , ( Wretch that I am ) though I haue broke thy lawes : Yet into iudgement enter not , but pause . And ( since no flesh is righteous in thy sight ) Let my repentance , all my sinnes acquight . I cannot boast ( Lord ) as this Braggart doth , This selfe-conceited and proud pharasie : Simple I am , and loue to say good sooth , For oh , why should I either cogge or lie : Knowing what harme my soule might haue thereby ? Or wherefore seeke , for to excuse my sinne , When by confession I may pardon winne ? If so I ioyne , contrition therewithall , Or else confession small or nought auaileth : T is not enough that I for mercy call , And shew how much it is , my fraile flesh faileth Of what it should do , but repentance bayleth From death and hell : for God grants no remission , But vnto those that do vse true contrition . Therefore Lord grant , that I may often vse it , Cause Dauid tells me , thou wilt not despise A contrite heart , nor yet wilt thou refuse it , If it come to thee in an humble wise , Laying aside all sinfull vanities , With full intent for euer to refraine them , And from thence-forth , nere vse nor entertaine them . Humilitie , thou helper towards heauen , Thou guide to grace , step to eternitie : Thou fruit of faith ( which from aboue art giuen ) Thou that put'st Cammells through a needles eye , ( For all their bunches of iniquitie ) Thou balme of blisse , thou gate to lasting glory , Teach me repentance , make me truly sorie . As once thou did'st the king of Niniuee , When Ionas cried by the Lords command : That he , and his , should all destroyed bee , And fortie daies their citie should not stand , Yet by thy meanes , Iehouah staid his hand : And of the king , and people tooke such pittie , As their repentance mou'd him spare their citie . Oh could as many teares come from mine eyes , As there are drops of water in the Sea , I feare me all of them would scarce suffice , To wash my soule , and filthy sinnes away : Therefore oh Lord , to thee I humbly pray , That thou ( in mercy ) would'st forgiue the same , And let me liue , to laud and praise thy name . All-seeing searcher of the heart and raines , From whom no secret thing nor thought is hid : By ought that heauen , or earth , or Sea containes , Or any thing in them Inuellopid , Thou that know'st all , that all men euer did , Full well thou knowest , that vnfainedly I pray to thee , without hypocrifie . Wring hands , wayle face , cleaue knees vnto the ground , Sigh soule , sob heart , nay split , for very griefe : Shake flesh , quake ioynts , in you no strength be found . Cry voyce , call tongue ( my hearts atturnie chiefe ) Beat vaines , bend sinewes , humbly seeke reliefe : That so , with feare , and trembling thus , I may Worke out saluation , wash my sinnes away . Looke how a child , that hath done naughtily , With feare , doth crie , and craue to scape the rod : Euen so my selfe , that haue done wickedly , And oftentimes offended thee sweet God , By doing that thy holy lawes forbod . Now quake with feare , least I should punish'd bee , And crie , and craue , that thou would'st pardon mee . But see the nature of this Pharisie , He stands , and brags , and boasts , what he hath done , Thinking therewith himselfe to iustifie , But thou ( oh Lord ) dost tell vs by thy Sonne , That by those works , he no reward hath wonne : And therefore bid'st our left hand should not know , What deeds of mercy , with our right we show . For when we haue done euen the best we can , We are vnprofitable seruants all : And Dauia saith , the iust , and righteous man , Seuen times a day , from God ( by sin ) doth fall : Then why should we ( offenders cappitall ) Brag of our prayers , our fasts , and almes deeds , When from our selues ther 's nought but sin proceeds ? For if sometimes to our poore brethren , wee Do any good : ( as oh ti 's sildome when ) It is not of our selues , but Lord from thee , Those good gifts come , and those good motions then : We of our selues are miserable men , Which neuer could so much as thinke good thought , Then by our deeds , how can we merit ought ? Yet to do good ( I know ) ti 's commendable , For so the Patryarks and Prophets did : And Christ himselfe ( then whom ther 's none more able ) Shewes by examples , and by word doth bid , Our light should shine to others ( not be hid ) Who seeing our good workes might glorifie , Thy holy name ( Lord ) which dost sit on hie . Like leadn epipes , through which pure water runnes , Or like the quilles ( cald lacks ) in virginalls : Are all the sort of sinfull Adams Sonnes , Through whom much good vnto the world befalls , Yet they thereof are no originalls . But thou ( oh Lord ) hast them as meanes elected , By which to worke , what thou wilt haue effected . Then let the praise be onely giuen to thee , Let euery tongue extoll , and laud thy name : Not vnto vs , not vnto vs , ought bee , But to thy selfe , which dost deserue the same , To thee all glorie , and to vs be shame . For thou art he , from whom all good proceeds , And we the workers of all wicked deeds . As sweetest Rose , on thornle stalke doth grow , And purest Lawne is not without some spot : So godliest men , haue some defects ( I know , By holy Dauid , Abraham and Lot ) None liue on earth , can say he sinneth not : Vnles he lie , and so himselfe depriue , Of that sweet mercy , which he might receiue . Could I rehearse all my bad deeds , and good , And should I then compare them both together : The one would seeme , like to a spacious wood , Th' other like a light and little feather , That 's blowne about with euery blast of weather . My sinnes exceed , ( like riuers ouerflowing ) But my good deeds , are scarcely worth the showing . Then tongue be mute , and talke no more of merit , For man doth merit nought but death and hell : Wherefore ( good Lord ) direct me with thy spirit , Vnto that place where perfit truth doth dwell . Oh bring me thither , and I shall be well , I am a stranger , teach me thou the way Vnto that life , that neuer shall decay . If thou conuart me , I shall be conuarted , Or else ( by sinne ) I shall be sure confounded : For why there is no sauing health imparted , To ought that is , in earth or heauen bounded , To salue my soule , which grieuously is wounded . Onely thou canst doo 't , therefore Lord I pray , That thou would'st saue , what sinne doth seeke to slay . The Saints blood-shedder persecuting Saul , By grace ( deare God , which doth abound in thee ) Became a preaching and professing Paul : Oh blessed deed , Lord do the like by mee , Open mine eyes , that I the truth may see . And ( with that chosen vessell ) magnifie Thy mercy , might , and endles maiestie . Mary Magdalen had much euill in her , Yet came to Christ ( thy Sonne ) and did confesse Her selfe to be a great and grieuous sinner , That long had liued in Laciuiousnes : And lo , he let her touch his holines , And wash his feet ( he washt away her sin Displac'd her euils , and put his graces in . ) But Mary did not with trickt trammels goe , With ourled locks , nor yet with broyder'd tresses : When she vnto Christ Iesus came , ( ah no ) But with disheu'led haire ( which griefe expresses ) She came to him in midst of her distreses : And kneeling downe , she ( with repentant teares ) First wash'd his feet , then wip'de them with her heares . Thrice happie heares , that such an office had , To wipe the feet of that most holy one : And thrice blest teares , oh well might she be glad , That she ( with them ) might come and make her mone To her deare Lord , and be restrain'd by none . But suffer'd , wash , and wipe , and kisse his feete , Which were not honie , but most heauenly sweet . And humbly now ( like Mary ) Lord come I , As sad , and sorie , as e're she could bee : And for my sinnes repenting hartily , Yet though my teares I cannot powre on thee : As Christ to her ( oh Lord ) do thou to mee . Remit my sinnes , and ere I leaue this place , Expulse my euill , and fill me with thy grace . For old in euill , but young in vertuous lore , ( I do confesse ) I am , more caitiffe I : To shun the best , and set the bad before , To flie from vertue , follow vanitie : And bring my soule into captiuitie , Vnder th' arch enemie of all mankinde , Who will it aye , in chaines of darknes binde . In chaines of darkenes , and in dungeon deepe , Where stinging serpents , toads , and terror dwells : Where hideous diuels , and dreadfull fiends do keepe , Where nought is heard , but horred cries and yells : And where no tongue , of ought but torture tells . There will he keepe , and euermore torment mee , Vnles ( in time ) I hartily repent mee . God Ieremie , with thee , I wish I had A cottage placed in the wildernes : Where I ( vnseene ) that am exceeding sad , Might sit and weepe , and waile my wickednes : Oh sighing soule , heart full of heauines , There you might mourne , and powre out all your griefe , To God alone , in whom doth rest reliefe . Oh that my head were full of water now , And that mine eyes , two flowing fountaines were Of trickling teares , oh then ( to God I vow , Who doth behold me here , and euery where ) Such hatred now vnto all euill I beare , That I would weepe for that I haue committed , Both day , and night , vntill it were remitted . As Hager mournde , and wept , because she was From forth her maister Abrams house exiled : Euen so my scule doth mourne and crie alas , Because she is with filthy sin defiled : And ( through her folly ) hath her selfe beguiled , Of many good things , that she might haue tasted , In Gods owne house ( if she had thither hasted . ) But with th' adder I haue stopt my eare , And would not listen to the charmers voyce : Though wisely he hath charm'd both here , and there , Yet shamelesse sinne ( wherein I did reioyce ) Kept me from hearing his harmonious noyse , For feare his words should haue allured mee , To flie from vice , and vertue follow thee . Thus like to water powred on the ground , Which none ( but God ) can gather vp againe : I am ( by sin ) insnared , taken , bound , And euer must in miserie remaine , Vnles thou Lord acquight me of that paine . Oh take me vp , and with thy holy hands , Daine to vntie sinnes trebble-twisted bands . For Lord in sin my mother me conceiued , And brought me forth in foule iniquitie : Since when the world hath often me deceiued , Yea and the flesh hath labour'd mightily , So hath the diuell ( and that most cunningly ) To wound my soule , and to confound it too , Which Lord I pray thee , let them neuer doo . A bruised reed , Christ saith he will not breake , Nor will he set the smoking flaxe on fire : The sorrowing soule , that scarce ( for sobs ) can speake , Hee 'le not reiect , nor yet will he in Ire Punish our faults , if pardon we desire . The sicke , the sore , the lame , the halt , the blinde , Come all to Christ , and all shall comfort finde . For lo , he tells vs that he did not come To call the righteous , but the sinfull sort Vnto repentance , and amongst that some , I of my selfe may , ( to my shame ) report , I am the chiefest , yet being sory for 't , Most humbly now sweet Lord I come to craue , That on my poore soule , thou would'st pittie haue . Euen for thy sonnes sake , who instructeth mee To flie from sinne , and seeke to thee for grace : For his sake Lord , let me preuaile with thee ; To looke with mercie , on my mourning face , Where teares ( for sinne ) do trickle downe apace . Behold them Lord , and be compassionate , Else wretched I , am in a wofull state . My righteousnes is like a ragge , polluted , Needs must my sinnes then , vilde and vgly bee : For if my purest be with puddle suted , Most odious is th' impure that is in mee . For best being bad , the worst ( in their degree ) Must of necessitie be extreame ill , Beyond compare , and passing humane skill . Yet though my sinnes be crimson coloured , Thou Lord canst make them white as any snow : And though ( in graine ) they be like scarlet red , ( Dy'de , oh too deepe ) Yet neretheles ( I know ) Thou canst make them as pure as wooll in show . From all corruption thou canst set me free , For nothing is impossible to thee . Oh thou Almightie , maker of mankinde , In whom all grace and goodnes doth consist : That doest the waters in a garment blinde , And hold'st the winde within thy wondrous fist : Thou that in heauen , and earth , doest what thou list , Bow downe thine eare , ( Lord ) and Auspicious bee To my poore soule , which humblie sues to thee . That thou would'st please to pardon my offences , Which ( as the starres ) are infinite in number : Ah woe is mee , that euer euill pretences , Enter'd my heart , that Inner roome to cumber With wicked motions , whilst good thoughts did slumber , And not so much as dream't of dangernie , Till I was wounded by mine enemie . That murtherous minded , all-assaulting sin , Who with his venom'd teeth hath bit me so : That all my flesh is putrifide within , And I ( like Iob. ) from toppe vnto the toe , Am full of soares , and know not where to goe . For ease , or helpe , but onely Lord to thee , Who ( if thou wilt ) canst cure and comfort mee . Soules Balsamum , and hearts holie-water , Sweet-smelling Sacrifice of th' inward man : Thou purest Incense powred on th' hye Aulter , Thou , key vnto the heauenly Canaan ; Prayer ( I meane ) which to th' Almightie can Haue free accesse , alwayes to pleade our case , That Mercie may , vs in her armes imbrace . Oh thou more worthie , and more worth then golde , Then gold of Ophyr , or the Onix stone : Thou whom the Lord delighteth to behold , Thou that ( like to Eliahs fierie Throne ) Conuey'st to heauen . Thou blest , and powerfull one , Plead thou my cause , and oh my sute nere cease , Vntill ( from GOD ) thou getst me full release . Of all my sinnes , and of the punishment Which for the same I ought to vndergoe : And for m' assurance , and my soules content , Oh get me thou , his Seale of grace to show ; That for what 's past , I doe him nothing owe ; But loue and thanks , ( which till my dying day ) My hart , and soule , shall neuer cease to pay . As from the hand , Diomedes did wound , A dulcid humor , Homer . daintilie distilled : So from the heart , where sinne did once abound , Prickt by Repentance , ( wherewith sinne is killed ) Sweet motions issue ( by Gods grace instilled ) Which ( like as Arons oyntment did descend ) Vnto each member straight-wayes do extend . Teaching the tongue , what words it ought to vse , Teaching the eies , what things they ought to viewe : Teaching the eares , what sounds they should refuse , Teaching the hands , what things they should eschewe ; Teaching the feete , the perfit pathes and true , That leade to life . Thus ( like a King ) the hart Doth rule , direct , and order euery part . Blessed are those , that walke not sinners way , Nor take delight to sit in scorners chaire : But cursed I , not once but euerie day , Vnto those odious places did repaire ; For oh , ( to me ) they seem'd exceeding faire . Gainefull and good . But now I see right well , Hee that retires not , shall arriue in hell . Didst thou not loue vs Lord exceedinglie , Thou wouldest not haue giuen thy lawes vnto vs : Nor bid thy Prophets in our eares to crie , What mightie fauours thou didst meane to doe vs ; Much lesse haue sent thy blessed Sonne , to wooe vs . Which breake thy lawes , thy Prophets doe mis vse , And Christ thy Sonne , each day and houre abuse . Yet doth hee pray for vs his enemies , And at thy right hand Intercession make : That thou wouldst pardon our iniquities , Euen for his death , and painfull Passions sake ; Oh blest be hee , that did such pittie take On sinfull soules , that hee himselfe would giue , To die for vs , that wee with him might liue . Great was that loue , great was that mercie Lord , And farre more great , then euer man expected : Vntill thy selfe did blaze that blessed word , That though thou hadst mankinde ( for sinne ) reiected , Yet thou ( in mercie ) hadst a meanes selected , Whereby againe , we should restored bee , And be adopted sonnes and heires to thee . Mine eyes haue seene that sweete saluation , Though fully ( yet ) I haue not him imbraced : But now that Christ , that consolation , Shall in my heart , for euermore be placed , That so my sinnes ( like cloudes by Phoebus chased ) May vanish hence . And I ( with Simeon ) say , Lord now in peace , let mee depart away . Thou that art more then most delitious , Thou that for sweetnes , doest all sweets exceed : Thou whom the Angells hold most precious , Thou vpon whom the soules of men doe feed , Thou that most pure and perfit art indeed . Thou word of Truth , by which all things were made , Thou , which shalt stand , when heauen and earth shall fade . Be thou to mee a Lanthorne and a Light , Be thou my Rocke , and Castle of defence : Be thou my sword , against foule sinne to fight , That I may put the diuell from his pretence , And by thy power expell him quite from hence . That so my selfe ( poore Byrd insnarde ) may say , The Net is broke , and I escap'd away . Ti 's mercy Lord , for which I thus implore thee , Ti 's onely mercy , that I humbly craue : Because thy lawe saith , if I come before thee , Except thy goodnes ( which no end can haue ) Send mercy forth , my sin-sicke soule to saue : I shall by iustice , be condemned to die A liuing death , that lasts eternally . Like to a mastlesse shippe vpon the Sea , Tost too and fro , by force of forward windes : That euery houre lookes to be cast away , Yet lo ( at length ) she happie harbour findes : Such is my soule , when sin so beats , and blindes , So toyles , and turmoyles , that hell seemes to haue her , Yet faith steps forth , and saith Gods grace will saue her . And by that grace I boldned am to beg , And in submissiue manner Lord to pray thee : Thy grace may breake that Cockatrices egge , Which serpent breeding sin ( that would betray mee ) Hath in my pathes on purpose laid to slay mee . If I come neer 't ( as by defect of nature I cannot shun that soule-consuming creature . ) Vnles thy grace ( which all-sufficient is ) Vouchsafe to lead me in the waies of truth : Which hitherto haue alwaies gone amis , Led by my folly and fantasticke youth : Of which repentance onely now ensuthe , For that 's the fruit of 't , if we looke into it , And happie 's he , that hath the grace to do it . For looke how spices , when th' are pounded small , Doe in our nostrills smell more excellent : Then those that neuer broken were at all ; Euen so a sinner when his heart is rent , With the remembrance of his life fore-spent . His prayers are , more pleasing vnto God , Then their 's that ne're were beaten with his rod . For whom he loueth , them he doth correct , And thereby brings them to obey his will : But as for them whom he doth not respect , He lets them : follow their owne fancie still , And headlong runne into all kinde of ill . As I did Lord , till thou did'st ope mine eyes , And let my soule see her infirmities . Great is thy goodnes I must needs confesse , To giue me grace , ( that grace-lesse euer was ) To see , and waile my sin , and wickednes , Which blessed deed , hadst thou not brought to passe , My soule , and body , both of them ( alas ) Should haue bin damned in the pit of hell , Which ( by thy grace ) now hope in heauen to dwell . For now i le breake off sin by righteousnes , I l'e o'recome lust , by vsing chastitie : By abstinence , i 'le punish greedines , And foule intemperance , by sobrietie : Euict iniustice , by integritie . Euill affections , and vngodly motions , I 'le purge by prayer , and hearts pure deuotions . I 'le banish plasphemie , by blessed words , By patience , I my anger will o'rethrowe : Boundlesse desire , by what content affords , Base Auarice , by bountie , i 'le bring lowe . By zeale , I will hypocrisie o'reflowe . Fraude and deceit , good dealing shall expell , And where vice did , there now shall vertue dwell . By following truth , my errors i 'le subdue , By deeds of mercy , i 'le kill crueltie : I 'le plant sweet pittie , where oppression grewe . I 'le put out pride , and place humilitie , By doing right , i 'le beat downe iniurie . Distrust by confidence , harted by loue , And thus by good , I will my euills remoue . Each night with Dauid , I will wash my bed , With trickly teares , distilling from mine eyes : Each day with Daniell ( by Gods spirit led ) I 'le kneele , and pray , in spight of enemies , Both day , and night , ( with Iob ) in humble wise . My soule shall fast , that teares , fasts , prayers may , Appease Gods wrath , and wash my sins away . I 'le mourne in sack cloath , like the Nineuites , Vpon my head , i 'le dust , and ashes strowe : Like Iosuah , the cursed Cananites , ( I meane those sins , that seeke my ouerthrowe ) I 'le beat downe , kill , and make to coutch full lowe , That soule , and body , may in safetie stand , And peaceably possesse the promis'd Land . As from the eater ( Sampson said ) came meat , And from the strong one sweetnes did proceed : Euen so from sin , ( which vulter-like doth eat ) This hunnie-suckle happily doth breed : Euen godly sorrow whereon I do feeed , That I may purge out ( with this earbe of grace ) Those filthy things that would my soule deface . Vnder sins burthen I doe lie and grone , For I am wearie of my wickednes : Therefore oh Lord , to thee I make my mone , Oh heare me thou , and helpe me in distresse : And let not sinne , nor Sathans subtilnes , Subuert my soule , nor bring her vnto shame , Because she hopes , and trusteth in thy name . With the proud Pharisie should I excuse My guiltie conscience : say my selfe were iust , I should my sauiour and my soule abuse : And tread the merits of Christs death in dust , Whereby ( alone ) both I , and all men must Be iustifi'd , and purged from our sin , ( Vpon repentance ) or else die therein . Which were most fearefull , who dare venture on it ? What wretch is that , would vnrepentant die ? My heart doth tremble for to thinke vpon it , Oh mortall man , confesse thy miserie : And eke repent thee , and that speedily . For he that hides his sin within his brest , He is the man , whom God doth most detest . And wherein is it , wee offend not all ? What man is that which doth not doe amisse ? Nay more , what member , but to sinne doth fall ? The hart to that , the head , and hand , to this . Thus euery part , with sinne defiled is , I know 't ( too well , ) and needes I must expresse it , For t' would confound mee , should I not confesse it . Mine eares haue sinn'd , by hearing prophane things , Mine eyes haue sinn'd , by viewing vanitie : My tongue hath sinn'd , by telling of leazings : My heart hath sinn'd , by thinking wickedly , My hands haue sinn'd , by dooing iniurie . Wherefore to free my soule from future feares , I 'le punish all , hands , hart , tongue , eyes , and eares . Mine eyes ( for sinne ) shall weepe continuallie , Mine eares attend to nothing but thy word : My tongue shall speake Truth , and that magnifie , My hart shall ( aye ) to all good things accord , My hands shall labour for to please the Lord . And thus those parts , wherewith I did offend , Shall each of them their seuerall faults amend . Because thou Lord , amendment dost require , Of euery man , as well as to repent : Amendment is the thing thou doest desire , And without that , thou wilt not be content ; But still wee stand in dread of punishment . Wherefore I am resolued ( by thy grace ) Both to repent , and to amend apace . Repentance , and amendment are two twinnes , Somewhat resembling Esau and his brother : Repentance first , with shame sets forth our sinnes , Vpon whose heele , hangs the more happie other , I meane amendment ( which all faults doth smother . ) The first of these , God little doth regard , Without the last , and that hee will reward . Wherefore I 'le imitate Zacheus now , And straight restore what I haue leaudly got : Yea , foure for one , I freely will allow , The rest I doe vnto the poore allot , For golde and siluer , now I loue you not . Cause you are Cankers , that corrupt the hart , Kill men with care , and bring their soules to smart . With th' vnrighteous Mammon , I 'le make friends , That when my day to be dissolu'd doth come : Their prayers , ( to whom my bountie here extends ) May me receiue into Eternall roome . Thrice blessed Treasure , that doth there intombe , Your owners soules ; but oh more blessed they , That saue themselues , by casting you away . I le giue Earths fruits , that I may heauenly haue , I will forgiue , that I may be forgiuen : I will not turne away from them that craue , But giue to sixe ; and also vnto seauen , Knowing full well , I shall be pay'd in heauen , With great aduantage , Christ himselfe doth say 't , And hee that speaks it , will most surely pay 't . As the sweet sauours of the male Palme tree , The female quickens , and doth fruitfull make : By breathing on it , so Lord , grace in thee , Freely extended ( for thy mercies sake ) All backwardnes , and barrennesse will take From mee , in whom , sinne ( yet too closely lurks ) And make mee fresh , and fruitfull in good works . For Faith without works , is like to that tree , That cursed Figge-tree , which when Christ did spie : Flourish with leaues , hee there look't fruit should bee , And went vnto it , but when hee drewe nie ; And found none there , hee curs'd it by and by . Therefore of Faith , t' is vaine to make a showe , Vnles good works , vpon that tree doth growe . Then Faith , spread forth , and euer fruitfull bee , Hope , keepe thy holde , distrust , and feare defie : Loue , be thou strong , let nothing conquer thee . Zeale , be thou feruent , flee hypocrisie . And ( mongst the rest ) most blessed Charitie , Doe thy indeuour , and be slacke in nought , And you shall see my soules desire wrought . Thus dooing well , I shall haue good reward , But dooing ill , sinne lyeth at my dore : And from thy presence , I shall be debar'd , Wherefore ( sweete Lord ) oh set thy feare before My wandring eyes ; and oh , for euermore , Doe thou my wayes , so order and direct , That shunning euill , I may good things effect . Thy promise is , ( and thereon I relie ) What time so ere a sinner doth repent From thy remembrance , his iniquitie Thou wilt blot out , and hee shall not be shent For ought is past , if truly he lament . And from the bottome of his heart intend , To leaue all leaudnes , and his life amend . With which intention , now oh Lord come I , Hartilie sorie for my former sin : Beleeuing in thy promise steadfastly , That for what 's past , I shall thy pardon win ; And therewithall , get grace for to begin . A better life , directed by thy spirit , Which none but thy deere seruants doe inherit . And this new life , resolued on by mee , As to begin , so likewise to perseuer : I craue thy ayde , Lord let thy spirit bee My guarde , my guide , and my directer euer ; And oh let nothing in this vaine world seuer , My hart from thee , but let it be inclinde , For euermore , according to thy minde . Poore Lazer I , Lord at thy mercies gate , Wil lie and begge , vntill the houre I die : And not a word , but mercie will relate , Mercie shall be my song continuallie ; For mercie , mercie , will I euer crie . Vntill thy mercie ( like the Sunnes bright rayes ) On sinfull mee , her sacred beames displayes . Christ Iesus bids me aske , and I shall haue , He bids me seeke , and saith that I shall finde : He bids me knocke , and though I haue bin slaue To beastly sin , yet ( saith he ) thou art kinde , And wilt set ope according to my minde . Then now behold ( as Christ doth counsell mee ) I aske , seeke , knocke , for mercy Lord to thee . Amphions harpe did nere sound halfe so sweet , As would the voyce of mercy in mine eare , Which like the spouse when she her deare doth greet : Opening vnto him , in a loue-sicke feare , To see his deaw'd head , and his dropping heare . From whose faire hands , mirh falls vpon the bar , So sweet sounds mercy , such her sauours are . Kinde spouse , to ope the doore of thy owne hart , ( In darkesome night ) to let in Christ thy loue : But blessed mercy acts a better part , Opening to men , the gates of heauen aboue , ( Through which who enters , kings for euer proue ) Kinde spouse , kinde Christ , that to his spouse doth go , And most blest mercy , that sau'ft sinners so . King Hezekiab turn'd him to the wall , And wept full sore , when he heard death drewe neere : And mourning so , he did for mercy call , Vnto whose daies thou addedst fifteene yeare , Lord now againe , let the like grace appeare . And vnto me ( that dying am to sin ) Adde a new life , to laud and praise thee in . For in the pit , ther 's none doth giue thee praise , None thanke thee there , nor speake good of thy name : They onely curse , and ban : and cry alwaies Woe to those sins , wherewith they wrought their shame , And brought their soules , into that burning flame . From whence , sweet Lord , for aye deliuer mee , That mong'st thy saints , I may sing praise to thee . Eliah being hungry , he did pray , And lo , both Rauens , and Angels , brought him food : Daniell , when in the Lions den he lay , He praide , and lo , those cruell creatures stood , Like lambes by him , and would not sucke his blood . But rather sought by dalliance to delight him , Then with grim lookes , sharpe teeth , or clawes to fright him . As was Eliah , I am hungry , Lord , My soule , is almost staru'd , for want of food : Oh send me succour by thy sacred word , And for thy mercies sake , be thou so good , And beat downe sin , that monsterous man of blood . Which would into the clawes of Sathan throw mee , From whom sweet Lord , a safe deliuerance show mee . Good Sydrach , Mysach , and Abednego , When they into the fierie Ouen were throwne : Thy praid to thee , and thou preseru'dst them so , As on the earth , the like was neuer knowne : For not a haire , or garment they did owne . Was either burnt , or scorched in the flame , Such was thy might , and mercy in the same . They to the golden Idol would not kneele , Because they lou'd , and onely honor'd thee : But I am worthy hells hot fire to feele , Cause I haue yeelded to all euills that bee : Yet mightie Lord , be not aueng'd on mee . Nor let my sinnes induce thee vnto Ire , But ( for Christs sake ) defend me from that fire . When Ionas , in the belly of the whale , And in the mid'st of the maine Ocean : To thee , did from that depth of danger call , ( Miserie makes men full of true deuotion ) For mercy Lord , for mercy made he motion . And gracious thou ( which hast all grace in store ) Did'st make that whale to set himselfe on shoare . Like Ionas , I haue often gone astray , And troad those pathes , wherewith thou art displeased : The world , the flesh , and Sathan shew'd the way , Ah woe is me , they all at once haue ceazed Vpon my sicke soule , which is sore diseased . And with sins poyson so much putrifide , That nought can cure it , but Christ crucifide . Of whose deare blood ( sweet Lord ) let me partake , And then though sin ( which long hath raign'd in mee ) Labour to throw me downe into the lake , Whereas the diuell ( that dreadfull whale ) shall bee , Gaping to get me , yet I shall goe free . For spight of all powre , sin , and Sathan haue , One drop thereof , my sinfull soule will saue . I 'le now put on the Armour of my God , The helmet of saluation i 'le take : My feet shall be with preparation shod , Of righteousnes I will my brest-plate make : Sword of the spirit which mak'st sin to shake . I le gird thee on , and most couragiously , Vse thee against my spirituall enemie . Thou many-headed-monsterous Hydra sin , That canst not be by mortall man subdu'd : Vnles Gods spirit do vs aid therein , For why thy strength , is sundry wales renew'd : And to thy power ther 's such supplies accru'd . That if Gods mercy were not great vnto vs , Thou wouldst for euer , vtterly vndo vs . Oh thou more cruell , then was murthering Caine , That slew his brother Abell in the field : For whom thou killest , them thou kill'st againe , And plai'st the tyrant ouer them that yeeld : Labouring and laughing to see hell fire filde , With soules , and bodies , of those sillie wretches , Which thou dost conquer with thy cunning fetches . Thou that dost vse those that yeeld to thee so , And them likewise , whom thou dost ouercome : Making no difference twixt friend and foe , But bring'st them all to vndergoe one doome , And putst them all into one tortering roome , Who would not hare thee , with his hart and soule , And vse all meanes thy mallice to controule ? Who would not shunne thee , more then anie snake ? Who vould not flie from thee with all his might ? To eschue thee , whoo 'd anie paines forsake ? Who would not pray to God both day and night , That his good spirit , would aide vs in the fight ? Against so foule a monster as thou art , Which seek'st the soules of all men to subuart . And thou deceitfull , and bewitching world , Thou most false-harted , flattering Crokadile : About whose bosome there is nothing hurlde , But that which doth our purest parts defile ; Euen vaine delights , ( which Sathan doth compile ) And on thy face , ( the mart of all delusion ) Doth set to worke our shame , and sadde confusion . Thou common couz'ner of thy kindest friends , That ( Iudas-like ) doest with a kisse betray : For vnto whom thy fauours most extends , Hee is the man , whose soule thou seek'st to slay , With heaps of gold , thou hinder'st graces way . And with a faire showe , of soone-fading pleasure , Thou doest depriue men , of heauens peerlesse Treasure . Thou tempting whore , which doest intice to sinne , With faigned smiles , and with thy flattering lookes : Thou painted Idole , putrifide within , Though with sweet hunnie , thou doest bayte thy hookes , Most blest are they that keepe out of thy crookes . And vse thee so , as if they vs'de thee not , Least ( by thy meanes ) damnation be their lot . And thou fraile flesh , fraught with infirmities , Though thou art subiect to a sort of woes : Yet to thy selfe , thou coyn'st calamities , And on thy soule , sadde burthens do'st impose , By filthie lusts , from foule-desire that flowes . By which ( alas ) both bodie , soule , and all , For euermore , thou to the Diuell mak'st thrall . Who ( like a roaring Lyon ) runs about , Subtillie seeking whom hee may deuoure : And of saluation would make all men doubt , By telling them , euen in their liues last houre ; ( Vnles Faith stifly then withstand his power ) That GOD is so iust , and so bent gainst sinne , Prayer , and repentance , can no pardon winne . Heare heauen , and earth , and all yee powers in both , Heare mee ( I say ) and helpe mee instantly : For to subdue this Serpent olde that go'th , Vpon his bellie , creeping cunningly ; And eates the dust of our iniquitie . Which is , to him , more pleasant food ( by farre ) Then all the dainties , that on earth there are . Sweet Bread of life , oh let me eat of thee ▪ That I may neuer hunger any more : Water of life , that canst not prized bee , Which Christ , the Way , the Truth , the heauenly dore , Is Fountaine of , oh thee , I long for sore . As Dauid did , for that true Type of thee , Euen Bethlem's water , fetcht by Worthies three . But sillie soule , ah whome haue I to send , Vnto that Rocke , that Spring , that holie Well : Onely true Faith , which will to heauen ascend , In spight of all th' angrie powers of hell ; Then Faith goe thou , beat downe my foes , pell-mell , And fetch mee drinke , from that most blessed Riuer , Whereby ( from death ) I may my soule deliuer . Riuer ( said I ? ) true , through the world it runnes , Rocke , did I tearme it ? true , t' is strong and hard : Yet it yeelds comfort to all Adams sonnes , Which of Gods grace , are not ( by sinne ) debar'd ; Vnto a Spring , it may be well compar'de . A Riuer , Rocke , a Spring , a most pure Well , Is CHRIST , our Lord , with whom I long to dwell . Behold Lord , I , that hitherto haue bin , Onely addicted vnto vanitie : And day by day , haue heaped sinne on sinne , And ( as t' wer water ) drunke iniquitie With greedinesse ; behold I say , euen I Am now , become a conuertite in hart , Which earst did play , none but th' vngodlies part . For like th' ill seruant , which within the ground , Did hide the Talent , that hee should haue vsed : And to his Maislers profite made redound , Euen so haue I , ( O Lord ) thy gifts abused ; And many times , most blessed meanes refused . For to put forth thy Talent lent to mee , So as it might , returne with gaine to thee . Nay worse then so , Lord , I haue wasted much , Of what ( I must confesse ) I haue receiued : For which , remorce my conscience now doth tutch , And grieues me sore , that I haue so deceiued , My Lord and Maister , and my selfe depriued Of manie good things , I might haue enioyed , If what thou gau'st mee , had bin well imployed . Yet am I bolde ( most humbly ) to desire , Thou would'st not marke , what I haue done amisse : Nor yet correct mee when thou art in Ire , Or in displeasure , punish that , or this ; For why thy wrath like burning Aetna is . None can abide it , therefore doe not show it , Nor yet let any that repent them , know it . But let thy mercie , which is farre more sweet ▪ Then Hibla's honie , or Himettus deawe : Daine with thy Iustice in the way to meet , And let her to repentant sinners shewe ; ( Of which I feare mee , there are oh too fewe ) That though thy Iustice be seuere to all , Mercie shall saue them , that for mercie call . For as on black-lead , Diamonds shewe most bright , Rich pearles most rare , when on base things they lie : And starres shine clearest in the darksome night , Euen so sweet mercie ( issuing from on hie ) When it vouchsafes to light on such as I. Doth then shew clearest , rarest , and most worth , And most of all , doth set thy glorie forth . Dauid did mercy craue , and nothing more , In all his troubles , and aduersities : Cause mercy paies sins debt , and cleares the score , Leauing no signe of our iniquities , To feare our soules , or to offend our eyes . Wherefore , with him , I will for mercy craue , That of my sins , I may remission haue . Mercy 's the summe , and substance of my sute , Mercy 's the marke , at which I aime by prayer : Mercy 's soules Manna , heauens sacred fruit , Mercy 's the Idea of th' onely faire , Mercy's God s seat , his hie , and holy chaire . Mercy 's the Loadstone , that to life doth drawe , Mercy 's the Gospell , that fulfills the lawe . Mercy 's the obiect of the Angels loue , Mercy 's the Arke , doth in sins deluge saue : Mercy 's the martirs Oliue-bringing doue , Mercy 's the meanes that men saluation haue , Mercy 's the most good , that a man can craue . Mercy 's the salue that cures sins vgly sores , Mercy 's the porter of heauens precious dores . Mercy mou'd Christ , to come , and die , for man , Mercy moues man to deeds of Charitie : Mercy may saue me ( sinfull Publican ) Mercy the Saints pray for continually , Mercy doth pardon mans iniquitie . Mercy 's most royall , bred , and horne in heauen , Mercy's God s gift , the best that e're was giuen . Oh thou more sweeter then the sweetest honie , Thou odoriferous , and most excellent : Whom kings must beg , but cannot buy with money , Thou admirable , rich , and Orient Ambassador : from the Almightie sent , To publish peace , and Ioy , and loue , to all , Which doe repent , and to amendment fall . Euen peace of conscience ( oh happie newes ) Ioy of the holy Ghost ( oh blessed saying ) The loue of God ( which graciously accrues ) All three , sweet comforts , of Gods owne conuaying , Into mans heart ( the priuate place of praying ) Through thy hand mercie , which each moment brings , To sinfull man , such sweet , and sacred things . Oh let my soule , which thirsteth after thee , ( Euen as the heart doth for the water brooke ) Drinke of thy sweets , and so refreshed bee , That I no longer may feare deaths fell looke , Nor yet th' opening of my conscience booke . But free'd from both , may say couragiously , Death , wher 's thy sting , hell , wher 's thy victorie ? Remember not my foule offences , Lord , Nor the offences of my fathers old : But to my prayer , graciously accord , And let thy mercies ( which are manifold ) Into thy fauour ( oh most happie hold ) Bring my poore soule , and there establish it , Amongst thy saints , whose Ioyes are infinit . With that sweet-sounding simball of thy praise , Organ of excellence , in Israel : That euery day , did sing delitious laies , In praise of thee , that onely dost excell , Whose words , and works , did please thee wonderous well . With him ( oh Lord ) this one thing I require , And with my soule , most humbly doe desire . That I may dwell within thy Tabernacle , In which thy selfe art present euermore : Because it is thy Angells receptakle , Full fraught with pleasure , yea and plentie store , Oh there had I ( Lord ) rather keepe a dore , Then in the tents of thee vngodly sort , My dwelling haue , in pompe : and princely port . Ierusalem , peace be within thy walls , And in thy pallaces let plentie bee : For blest is he , whom thy sweet soueraigne calls , And doth confirme free denizen in thee , Where such ioyes are , as th' eye did neuersee , Th' eare ne're heard , nor can mans heart conceiue it , Most blest , and happie they that shall receiue it . Oh thou that art , of that great citie , King , Thou life , thou light , and glory of the same : Thou in whose honour , quires of Angells sing , Thou that art great , and excellent in fame , Thou onely good one ( holy is thy name ) Though I bee sinfull , yet ( sweet Lord ) in pittie , Make my soule free of that most sacred cittie . As thou art holy , heare my prayer Lord , As thou art good , and gracious , pittie mee : As thou art true , and faithfull of thy word , Forgiue my sins ( though infinite they bee ) And let me liue , to laud , and honour thee . To whom be giuen , all glory , power , and praise , Euen to the end , of neuer-ending daies . FINIS .