The divine wooer, or, A poem setting forth the love and loveliness of the Lord Jesus and his great desire of our welfare and happiness, and propounding many arguments ... to persuade souls to the faith and obedience of him ... / composed by J.H. Horn, John, 1614-1676. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A44493 of text R27420 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing H2799). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 545 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 177 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A44493 Wing H2799 ESTC R27420 09847292 ocm 09847292 44243 2264208294

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. Searching, reading, printing, or downloading EEBO-TCP texts is reserved for the authorized users of these project partner institutions. Permission must be granted for subsequent distribution, in print or electronically, of this EEBO-TCP Phase II text, in whole or in part.

 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A44493) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 44243) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1360:14) The divine wooer, or, A poem setting forth the love and loveliness of the Lord Jesus and his great desire of our welfare and happiness, and propounding many arguments ... to persuade souls to the faith and obedience of him ... / composed by J.H. Horn, John, 1614-1676. [26], 324 p. Printed for R. Taylor and T. Sawbridge, London : 1673. Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library. eng eebo The divine wooer; or A poem, setting forth the love and loveliness of the Lord Jesus, and his great desire of our welfare and happiness, and propoundi Horn, John, 1673 354 90605 206 0 0 0 0 0 22.74 C The rate of 22.74 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2009-01 Assigned for keying and markup 2009-03 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2011-09 Sampled and proofread 2011-09 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2012-05 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE DIVINE WOOER ; OR A POEM , Setting forth The Love and Loveliness of the LORD JESVS , and his great desire of our welfare and happiness , and propounding many Arguments full of weight and power , to persuade Souls to the faith and obedience of him ; and Answering divers Objections that are made there-against , and that hinder many there-from .

Composed by J. H. a servant of God in the glorious Gospel of his well beloved Son .

Psal. 45.1 . My heart herein a good thing doth indite , The things pertain to Christ which here I write : A ready writer's pen may my tongue prove , Imprinting on the Readers heart Christ's love . Psal. 34.8 , 11. O taste and see how good 's the Lord , and just , O happy man that maketh him his trust ! Come children unto me , give heed , I 'll teach You how to fear the Lord , his grace I preach .

Quis leget haec !

Persius .

Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci ,

Horat. A verse may find him , who a Sermon flies , And turn delight in●● a sacrifice . Herbert

LONDON , Printed for R. Taylor , and T. Sawbridge , and are to be Sold in Little-Brittane , 1673.

THE DEDICATION . LOrd I would dedicate this work to Thee , For its materials are mainly thine ; And those endowments too , thou gav'st to me , Through exercise whereof it became mine ; But yet that exercise of mine 's so short Of what ought t' have been , that thou mayst abhor't . II. I do confess that unto Thee I owe , My self , and all that I am , or can do ; For all that 's good in me Thou did bestow , And in my wants it is to Thee I go : Therefore 't is meet , that I devote to Thee , My self , my works , and all that is in me . III. But I 'm a very sinful dirty thing , So much defil'd in heart , mind , head and hand ; That I no offring meet for Thee can bring ; Nought that before Thee thou mayst bear to stand : If Thou do'st look upon it with pure eye , And mark its many swervings narrowly . IV. O wash me in the fountain of that blood , Which thy most blessed Son for me hath shed : Renew me with thy grace , that can make good And clean , both heart , and mind ; both hand and head . Then shall I better offrings bring to Thee , Than either I , or this my work now be . V. The spring whence flowed out those streams , which here Together gathered I have by study : Is with what flows therefrom , both pure and clear , But ah ! the channel they ran through is muddy . Thy words are all most pure , but in my mind While they received are , there dirt they find . VI. Mistakes , and earthiness , carnal desires , And selfish ends , therein so frequent are ; That what results therefrom , greatly bemires The heav'nly liquor , and it almost marres : Yet Lord let not thy wine be thrown away , Though of the cask something it rellish may . VII . But let the Readers such good strainers find , Of piercing judgment , as to seperate What 's mine from thine , so as what 's thine to mind , And nothing thereof for my sake to hate ; Yea , what in them or me thou seest amiss , Pard'ning and purging , to us both it bliss . VIII . Oh cause both me , and them who read or hear , Of what 's here writ of thy beloved Son ; The truth thereof behold so bright and clear , As unto him at all times we may run : And unto him resolve so fast to cleave , As him by no means we may ever leave . IX . And O might all the musings of my mind , And words , or writings , which from thence proceed ; Be such as may with Thee acceptance find , And useful be , to who them hear or read : To what 's good therefore , Thou my strength , Lord be , And from what ill inthrals me set me free .
TO THE READER . THere is a Proverb , saith , Blest is the wooing , That is soon over , or not long in doing : This Proverb hath its truth and verity , In this same woing ; which unto thine eye , And mind , I here present , if we respect The party wooed . He that dont' reject Christ's profer'd kindness , or his patience tire , But quickly yields himself to his desire ; Without excuses or delays is Blest , And sooner of much happiness possest . Whereas He that stands dallying long , and gives Frequent denyals , of much good deprives Himself mean while , and many griefs sustains , While between two , He in suspense remains : Yea and endangers the Great Wooer too , To turn away in anger ; and then woo And anguish will succeed ; for there is none With whom the soul can live well , but this One . Though in respect of him that 's woo'd , it s well That Christ upon his suit long time doth dwell : That He 's not quick to anger , but doth wait To shew his mercy , even to such as hate To be reproved , and do long resist That grace of God , without which none is blist . That He vouchsafes to call , and knock , and stay , At the long-closed-Heart , from day to day ; Till by his goodness and long-suffering , He Subdues its unkind hardness , makes it see Its folly ; Him so to oppose , in whom All good and happiness to it doth come : And without whom it must sustain such woe , As it can neither bear , nor get therefro . Which patience and long-suffering , doth commend This Wooer much , that He will so attend , Vpon such sorry persons , and so long Before He leave his suit . His love is strong , Which led him hither through so many tryals ; And leads him too to take so oft denials : When as He is so Great and perfect too , That He no need hath any one to wooe ; Nor is there any worthy of his love , Or to injoy him ; He 's a match above The Highest creature ; none in Heaven or Earth , Can equal him in greatness , goodness , birth . But who is that that 's wooed ? whom doth He court ? Is' t only some of the more wealthy sort ? Is' t only the brave gallants ? or is 't those Whose wit and breeding other mens out-goes ? Or is it such as are set up on high , Invested with some great Authority ? We might suspect indeed , that He some such Would take to him , that in these matters much Come nearer to his greatness . But alas ! For none of all those things He ought doth pass . Nor do they make those who them have to be , Any whit nearer to him in degree , Than those who have them not : they bear no sway With him at all ; that more of his heart they Then others should obtain : but whosoere Do heartily him love , to him are Dear . It 's any soul in general that He Doth call and Woo , that saved it might be ; To whom He by his works and words doth show , His truth and goodness that it them may know ; And by his holy Spirit , them evidences In any measure . But men oft their senses So stupifie with pride and lust , that they Do not perceive what he to them doth say : But do neglect his voice till He them leave , The fruits of their own folly to receive . But wheresoere men hear him , and do heed Those heavenly words which do from him proceed ; Believing on him , He them all doth take Into a nearer union , and doth make An everlasting Covenant with them , Their sins to pardon , their souls not condemn ; He 'll be their God and guide , their portion great , Their Head and Husband ; they with him shall eat , And drink , and rest , and dwell , and see his face ; He will them dearly love , He 'll them embrace : He 'll kiss them , satisfie their souls with good ; He 'll over flow them with a mighty flood Of peace and happiness ; and they remain Shall ever with him , ever with him reign . The Soul of Man like to a female is , Anima . f. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And its desire is strongly after bliss ; And to some other thing , as to its male It doth subject it self ; for it would fail , If left alone as by it self to dwell ; For then it doth sink down to death and Hell ; And many things there are like Males to it , To which it turns it self , seeking to get From them its pleasure and subsistance , and Subjects it self too unto their command . The World ( or Spirit of it , Mundus . m. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that magnifies The things below , and such vertue as lies In them ) that courts the soul , which nat'rally Since it from God is fallen , sets its eye Vpon its pleasures , pomps , riches , and fare , And what the objects of its senses are . To this it turns it self , to this it flies , On this for peace and safety it relies . For this it lusts , and its imbraces wishes ; Opens it self thereto , likes well its kisses . In it delights , and to it it self yields , Desires its gifts of Money , Houses , Fields ; What ere may please it and protection give , And make it in good plight and rank to live . But this World 's empty , fading , false and vain , And if the Soul match to 't 't will prove its bane . The Wicked one , even the soul spirit , Diabolus . m. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that sets The heart on Mischeif , when He therein gets Possession ; stirs up unto strife , debate , Oppression , violence , pride , envy , hate : He courts the Soul too , and it s oft beguil'd By him , and with those wicked seed's defil'd ; Conceiting sweetness oft in any thing , Which unto other men may mischief bring . A Spirit of error and false Prophecy Is He ofttimes , to Heaven ; but by a lye , Pretending , and in divers shapes appears , And some great ( how and port He often bears , As if he came from Heaven and led thereto . Yea usually the name of Christ also He can assume : though 't is but in deceit , Th' unwary Soul the easlier to cheat . For He doth always turn the Soul away , From the true Christ , who down his life did lay For our offences , and from that good word , Th' Apostles preach't , and what it doth afford ; Not singly leading it to Christ , that He Its Lord and Saviour in all things might be : On him to trust , his counsells to observe ; But to some fancy leadeth it to swerve ; Or else some other work , law , power , or name , Doth joyn with Christ ; Adultery with the same , Leading the Soul to practise , whereby it Misseth Christ's blessing , and his wrath doth get . For Christ , indeed the only one is , Chirstus . m. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who Hath power received from God , the Soul to woo ; And He alone that for the Soul hath done , And that can and will do for it , that none Besides him could or can ; and therefore He Alone its Bridegroom worthy is to be . He all things hath that may the Soul enrich , Content and cherish . He from all things which May danger it , will safely it defend , And bring it to an happy glorious end . But naturally the Soul doth not Him know , Nor what a one He is , but looks below To things unto its senses manifest , Thinking in their enjoyments to be blest . And if it see a need of any thing Beside , to after-Bliss it for to bring ; Then usually it plays the wanton whore . Some form of godliness it will adore ; Wherein the World and Devil too , it may Have fellowship withal , and with them play , And sport it self , and yet be godly too , And some fine easie outside service do . Or if some stricter course it yields to take ( As it can be at cost and pains to make It self a graven Image : as of old The Israelites to make a Calf of Gold , Would with their Jewels part ) its the design ( While with the Spirit of error 't doth combine ) To be its own Redeemer , or to get A righteousness or Name , wherewith commit Adultery it may ; for oft with more Than one false Spirit , the Soul doth play the Whore . But only Christ is worthy it to have , Who from the Heavens descended it to save , From Sin and Death , and pow'r hath all to give , Which may make Soul and Body both to live . And He by 's Word and Spirit , and those in whom , These are , and work , unto mens Souls doth come , Inviting them to him ; but not that He With other things only should partner be , In their affections and their worships ; but That all things else from the heart being shut , He might alone the Sovereign power obtain , It to command , and over it to reign . That it to him its love and confidence May singly give , in the belief and sense Of his great worth and goodness ; and submit In all things to his wise dispose of it . The Spirit of Wisdom which comes from on high , And doth of Christ and his things testifie ; And into their hearts who have him received , Inspired hath the Truth to be believed : And by them wrought such miracles , as none Besides them in the World have ever done ; He calls men unto Christ , his voice is , Come To Christ for Righteousness , and for Wisdom , For Pardon , Peace , for Strength , for Holiness , For Freedom from all evil , for all bliss . The Church , or Spouse , the Bride of Christ who knows , And singly to him cleaves , she him forth shows , And not her self ( as the false Church ) she wooes For him alone . Yea every one his voice That hears , and in his goodness doth rejoyce , Is both allow'd , and bid to call men to This Blessed one , and them for him to woo . It 's only the false Church , that magnifies Her self , and hides his glory from mens eyes . Oh come ye , come ye then to Christ , I pray ; Come all that thirst , all that want help and stay , Support , life , comfort , guidance , righteousness , And what may satisfie the Soul with bless . All that are heavy laden and opprest , Come unto Christ , and He will give you rest . Come , come , here is a Fountain open set , Exposed to you all , whence you may get Freely what good you want . Here 's what will make You fully happy ; Come these waters take , Here 's no restraint , ye may all come and buy , Wine , water , milk , without price or Money . Only let go your lusts , your Idols , and What with the love of Jesus will not stand . Part with your sloth , with diligence attend , At all his posts and pillars ; in the end Ye shall him find , and whatsoere ye want , That is good for you , He will freely grant . He 's full , and free , and none will turn away That come to him , and on his Name do stay . To Him I call thee Reader , Thou art He Who art invited , and spoke to by me , Who ere thou art , rich , poor , wise or unwise , I call Thee unto Christ , do not despise What I present Thee ; though as 't is from me , Thou many weaknesses therein mayst see . Yea Christ doth call Thee by me ; in the main It is his language , do not it disdain ; Slight not his love , it 's He that doth Thee woo : I 'm but his spokesman , but the Trunk where thro He sends his voice to Thee , do thou it hear : Peruse this Book , and mark well what is there Propounded to Thee ; Read it to the end , And much good do 't Thee ; so desires , Thy Friend April 30. 1673. JOHN HORNE .
Another to the READER , of the Contents of this BOOK . 1. REader , If thou do'st look , into this Book For wit , and for high strains , Thou 'lt loose thy pains . 2. It was not my intent , strains to invent , Or witty phrases which some men count rich . 3. 'T was not thy lust to feed , while thou dost read , Nor yet to satisfie a vain fancy . 4. But 't was thy Soul to win , from vice , and sin , And woo thee unto Bliss , that I writ this . 5. The mind and fancy have their lust , and crave Food for their pleasure too , which may undo . 6. But here they will not find , their sails with wind To fill ; I do not ride in state and pride . 7. My wit runs plain and smooth , yet doth not sooth , Nor lull thy Soul a sleep , to fall i th' deep . 8. I do not soar , or fly up loftily , In words and phrases where all Stars appear . 9. I go low near the ground , both sure and sound ; My lines are not too heady , but square and stedy . 10. The matter which I write , doth want no height , But mounts up very high , 'bove Stars and Sky . 11. It opens Heaven to thee , where thou mayst see , Such excellencies as mans wit do pass . 12. It treats of his high love , who 's from above , And who above is gone , and 's on the Throne . 13. Yet by the way doth tell , the woes of Hell , And warns thee for to keep , from that sad deep . 14. It shews the lovely face , and glorious grace , Of Heavens high heir in part , to take thy heart . 15. Though who can him declare , He is so fair ? No pencel can set forth his wondrous worth . 16. These great things to express , I sought no dress Of flaunting eloquence , nor great expence 17. Of wit and art : for they cannot display Their glory more but hide , their native pride . 18. Is not his labour lost , and all his cost , Who would the Sun make fine , and gild its shine ? 19. The finest cloth of Gold that may be sold , Yea Pearls and Diamonds sure would it obscure . 20. Rich lines , with rich wits suits , such tree such fruits , Such as I have I give , read well and live .
An Apology for writing the following Poem in Verse , and at such a time as wherein I left my living , it being writ in Anno 1662. after August 24. therein . What 's hear ! ( thou 'lt say ) A Preacher turn'd a Poet , A marry'd man in 's Elder days to woo it ? What doth He dote ? Is this a time for him , When He hath lost his Living to go rime . As if He was well satisfi'd and pleas'd , That He of Fourscore pounds by th' year is eas'd ? Alas ! He is not for a Poem fit , His scull's too thick , He wants both Art and Wit. What can this Babler say ! can ought proceed From him that worthy is that we it read ? To this I something briefly answer shall , And then commit it to thy perusal . TO Poetry I do not much pretend , Though at that time I found my Genius bend Somewhat thereto when this I wrote : my skill Is small , having but little dipt my quill In those still waters , which do qualify The soul best for the Art of Poetry . Yet to my inclination at that time , A little I gave way to write in rime ; I scarcely can tell why , but I did find That sort of Spirit , or Muse to court my mind . To which it having sometimes by the by , Yielded it self a little amorously , And yet divinely too ; at length it fell Vpon this subject , wherewith it did swell ; Till far beyond what I did first intend , It did this large production here forth send . Wherein that happ'ned to me , which sometime Befals young mayds or women in their prime : Who while they tick and toy , and to young men ( Perhaps their lovers ) they do now and then Yield up themselves after a wanton sort , To taste the pleasures of the Nuptial sport ; Not thinking or desiring ( although wild ) Thence to conceive , and to bring forth a child . Yet after sometimes scaping ( which doth make Them bolder of those pleasures to partake ) Before they are aware they 're oft deceived , Begin to swell , and find they have conceiv'd . Even so it far'd with me ( saving that I In my attempts did act more honestly , And therefore not asham'd of what I did , I have not sought to keep its product hid ; As is their wont , who acting sinfully Are fill'd with shame , and therefore seek to fly From peoples knowledge of it ) but while to That Spirit which my mind sometime did woo , I somewhat pleasingly my self inclin'd , It did insinuate into my mind . That though I thought but only by the by , To exercise my wit , yet sodainly I felt my self to swell , grow big and sick Of my conceptions ; that I see I quick Was prov'd before I thought so , and perceived That something from that Spirit I had received , That had the nature of an heavenly seed , And this same Embrio in my mind did breed . Which as it dropt into my mind in verse , So I in meeter do it here rehearse . A way which holy men have sometime took , As may be shewed from Gods holy Book : They holy things conceiv'd and pend in song , Which their sweet singers did sing , among The people at their solemn meetings oft , As in the Book of Chronicles we 're taught . Vnto the pure all things be pure ; and they May any gift of God use , any way May take , he leads them to , thereby to draw Themselves and others more to mind his law . And this of verse doth some men more delight , Then if the same in prose peruse they might . For I conceive that something there is found , In most mens minds that doth of musick sound : That it s much wrought on by , and suiteth best With what in measur'd numbers is exprest . And some where we are willed to our King , Not only praise , but skilful praise to sing . The holy Spirit of Wisdom judges it , A practise also for him not unfit ; To condescend to men in any ways , Whereby He them from Earth to Heaven may raise . And leads his servants to be All to any , That they thereby may unto God win many . That I should go a wooing now may be , Perhaps an unbeseeming thing for me . Except it be in that more doleful sense , So as men do when they use penitence . But if it be well minded , for to woo In the more pleasant sense agrees well too With my profession , for what other is A Preacher , who doth Christ set forth with his Excellencies , and men to him do call ; But such a wooer ! and such wooers all Right Preachers be , what else have I been doing , All the time I have Preacht but been so wooing ? If any thing beside almost , a miss I did , which matter of Repentance is : Which I am sorry for , that I have not So lov'd the Bridegroom as I ought ; nor got So many Souls to him espoused , as I might have done , since I a Preacher was . For my neglects wherein , He justly may Have ord'red to me as at this day ; That such things were impos'd by those on High , As did occasion my laying by : Wherein his goodness too I do adore , In that He since as well as heretofore , Hath me supply'd and kept with such content And safety , as I don 't at all repent My loss of honour , or estate , or ought That of advancement my Church living brought . Oh that my heart to him were more upright , So as in him to take my whole delight . And more to give my self to do his will , And as I may my ministry fulfil : Trusting him with my self , to do with Me Whatever pleasing unto him shall be . While I his work do , obey his command , He can me save , because He in his hand Hath all , both things , and persons ; and can do , What ever his Wisdom directs him to . However let his will be done for it Is good , and to it I submit . Only I crave his mercy , wherein I May any thing herein , that is too high For me have written ; or if ought there be Therein contained , which his eye doth see To be amiss , in manner , or in matter , For I do not my self so vainly flatter ; As to conceive I so divinely write , As nothing may be therein but what s right , Or at the least , that as it came from me , Hath nothing whereby it defil'd may be . That I his glorious person personate , And introduce as one that doth relate ; The doleful waylings of the damned throngs , Or represent the just's melodious songs , And great rejoycings ; when on sentence past , They shall possess those dooms that ay shall last . Therein I pardon crave , if any thing There 's therein found , that is unbefilting His greatness , or their glory ; what I writ Therein , was for my exercise ; as fit I did conceive those things that are to come , To contemplate , both good and bad mens doom . Endeavouring to express them , as may well Consist with what thereof the Scriptures tell : And unto others so them to present , As might them best awaken to repent . And that such as are just may still be so , And never may the ways of truth forgo . And much refreshing it unto me brought , While I unto those things , my mind and thought Did exercise ; nor hath there any time Befallen me , wherein to verse and rime I found my self disposed more ; for though I My Living parted with then , yet thereby My Conscience I kept free , from what would Have more disturb'd my mind , had I made bold To act above its liberty , for then Though I more elbow room , might amongst men Have had , and some more money in my purse ; Yet I was fearful that my soul , much worse Would then have been at ease ; which now hath not , It to disquiet , upon it this blot . That I for living sake did that profess , Which I conceived not to be blameless . Not that I do condemn , what they above Have judged needfull , or well to behove For future peace : or that I fault all those Who , with what I did scruple at , do close . To their own Master they must stand or fall , By whom at last we must be judged all . But I no cause find to repent that I Fear'd to offend the Lord , but quietly Bearing my cross and burthen , to be glad I was preserv'd from what I judged bad . As for this Treatise , what 's therein , to Thee Who read'st it , I leave censured to be . Read and Consider it , no more I say , But only God to thee it bless I pray . J. M.
A Commendatory Epistle to the Reader . Written by a lover of the Reverend and Judicious Author of this BOOK . ALthought this Poem doth not stand in need Of my poor Commendations : which indeed Are of small value , since I am , and seem One of so little Learning or Esteem , That small regard , or credit , given will be , To ought that is expressed here by me . Touching his Book , which is not Mean , nor Weak , But fully able , for it self to Speak , And to command Respect , in spight of them , That shall the same through prejudice contemn : Yea , to convince , or put to silence , Those Who shall presume , or dare it to oppose : All which might be as Reasons , why I should My hand and pen from this employment hold . Yet notwithstanding , when I did peruse That Heavenly Dialogue , which here ensues And is the subject of this following Tract , Observing too , how well it was compact And firmly built upon God's Holy Word , With which the substance of it doth accord : Giving the Reader much good help and light , The Scriptures for to understand aright , In those most weighty and important things , Which to the Soul , most good and profit brings ; Clearing away those Fogs and Mists which rise , To cloud and hide Christ's beauty from our Eyes ; Whose kindness , goodness , love , and loveliness , Incomparably he doth here express ; And his good-will to us so far imparts , As well might make our hard and frozen hearts Melt into Tears ; and willingly embrace Our dear Redeemer's proffered love and grace , Which is most rich , and free , as doth appear , And is as richly represented here . I also heeding how industriously He labour's and indeavour's to unty , And break those snares the World , and Devil makes To hold us Pris'ners ; and what pains he takes To set us free : and earnestly doth strive Our much deluded Soul 's to undeceive ; And also with what Scriptural replies He answers all those Reas'nings , which arise In our vain carnal Atheistick heart ; As causes why we are so loth to part With our false lovers , and our selves betake To Christ , who only can us happy make : Declaring how absurd , and reasonless It is for men to seek their happiness , In ways which do so much debase the Soul , Namely , to live as Beasts without controule , Only to feed their sensual appetites , With worldly , sensual , perishing delights . And how he by plain reason , overthrows The Atheistick Principles of those Vain , foolish Worldlings , who in heart deny The Power , and Providence of the Most High , Who Made and Rules the World , and will likewise Most certainly cause all the Dead to Rise , And come to Judgment . At that dreadful Day , When Christ most infinitely will repay His friends , and foes , far otherwise then here They ever in this World repayed were . A glimpse of which Reward and Punishment , He doth beforehand lively here present : Shewing what dreadful Horror shall surprize , All who to Christ , and his , are Enemies : And have them Persecuted , scorn'd , or slighted . How such shall stand amazed and affrighted , At that strange turn , and ( though 't will nought avail ) Their former foolish , sinful ways bewail ; And with most bitter lamentations , rue That they , their lusts and pleasures to pursue , Should God neglect : and what might have prevented Their being so unspeakably Tormented . And how the Saints in their most blessed state , Their dear Redeemer's praise shall celebrate , With Songs of Tryumph , reigning gloriously , As Kings with Him , to all Eternity . And then from both doth strongly reinforce His former suit , that we would take the course Which he perswades ; namely , with Christ to close Unfainedly ; not fearing wants or foes . Which fears and doubtings , in us to prevent , Christ to us he again doth represent , As all-sufficient to preserve and guide us , And all things necessary to provide us . Shewing Christ's tender love , and special care , Which he for all his Servants will declare ; That they shall have no reason to repent Their choice ; and then gives great incouragement That though we many strong corruptions have , Christ's grace shall us from those corruptions save ; That we o're them , through him , shall conquest get , And also over whatsoever let , May interpose : And that the only thing Which Christ desires is , that we be willing To give our selves wholly to him , and then He will give back himself to us agen ; And with himself whatever good thing he Shall needful for our souls and bodies see , This and much more ( our hearts for to allure ) The Author doth I' th' Name of Christ assure . These , and many other things , no less Remarkable then these , which to express Or over them particularly to run , Were but to light up candles to the Sun ; Since you in Reading may them find and see More fully , then if hinted here by me . On which ( I say ) when I had cast mine eye Observing also how judiciously , Full and compendiously he doth express Each thing ; me thought that I could do no less Then leave some small memorial of my love , To signifie how highly I approve The Authors Labour in this following Book , Although I know not how it may be took , Only i 'll hope the best ; desiring thee Who Read'st this Book , thou would'st not tired be , Nor grutch thy labour , though it seemeth long , Lest in so doing thou thy self do'st wrong , And to thy shame declare , how little thou Esteem'st of Christ : Whose Excellence to shew , This Author much more time and pains did spend , As knowing none can him enough commend , By all the Words , or Books that can be writ ; Considering also there 's enough in it To Recompence thy labour , if thou hast A Spiritual heart , to relish and to taste Those Spiritual dainties , and that Heavenly chear , Which by this Author is presented here . Or if as yet thou hast not , yet through grace , Whil'st thou herein behold'st , with open face , As in a glass , that Glorious Love Divine , Which in this Sun of Righteousness doth shine ; Who courts , and wooes thee here , with him to wed : Thou may'st ( I say ) be Metamorphosed Into that Glorious Image , whence we fell ; And then , I know , such Books will please thee well , And to thy soul much joy and solace bring , Yea , thou wilt in a feeling manner sing , That Song of Loves , * * p. 257 compos'd by this thy Friend ; And from thy own experience Christ commend , As far more lovely than thou can'st conceive , Which wishing to thee , I shall take my leave . March 10. 1672. R. T.
If you would know my NAME , This Accrostick shews the same . Reader , this Book presents a Match unto thee , One of great Worth , who for his Bride would have thee , By this his Servant , earnestly doth wooe thee , Eternally to dignifie and save thee : Refuse not then , but take him at his word , The whole World can't thee such a Match afford . Think not his terms propos'd , too strict and hard , Or that he bids thee to thy loss ; But know Without him , thou art quite undone and marr'd , Since none but he can pay what thou do'st owe , Or stand thy Friend , at Death and Judgment day ; No more will he , except thou him obey .
By Another . SIR , I have read your ex'llent wooing fit , And find it coucht in plain but soaring wit . The truest wisdom , Sir , your lines unfold , How to make Christ the Husband of our souls . Let Momus carp , let Sycophants revile , At this thy plain but Heaven aspiring stile : We 'll leave them as they are , and wave their scorn , In his good time God will exalt his Horne . Jn this thy heavenly wooer thou hast shown , Our Saviours mercy and his love in one . Here soul thy Christ to thee proposeth Heaven , Nay he doth wooe thee to 't , let not sins leaven Harbour in thee t' obstruct thy way to bliss . O Soul admire that Christ thy wooer is ! Render him thanks for this his mercy great , Never refuse so glorious a seat . Eternal horrour will be thy retreat .
On the ensuing Poem . THis Author minding God's great Love to us , Was thereby mov'd to represent it thus : No flaring dress nor gaudy Robes here worn , And yet enough to keep his Muse from scorn : Not a-la-Mode , yet handsome , neat and spruce , To gain respect , and stop or dam the sluce Of that prophaness , which licentious rimes Sets ope , in these our sad declining times ; The wooing here Divine , no complement Needed nor us'd by way of supplement , It treats of high and heavenly misteries , Brought down to suit meanest capacities ; The heir of all God's first begotten Son Is here commended , yet when all is done That all 's too short , his praises to set forth , Much here 's exprest , but more admire his worth : Praised be God for this sweet Melody ; Thanks also to that Instrument whereby The Match is here advis'd , well may he speed In such endeavours , and at every need , Find such supplies of mercy from the Lord , As he hath promis'd in his Holy Word , May they , too , profit who shall read these Songs . Praise be to God , to whom all praise belongs . James Horne .
On the foregoing Commendations of the following Poem . OThers affect that by some Learned men , Some Doctors , Students , Preachers , or the pen Of some great Person , what they put to Press Should be commended ; or delight to dress It with some curious Frontispeice : my mind In good men's approbation more doth find It to content ; that such as God believe , And his instructions likewell to receive Who godliness endeavour after , fleeing What ever things are therewith disagreeing , Commend my studies and endeavours : for Such Persons praises God doth not abhor . By such he 'll be commended , when by those Who to true godliness are real foes : ( Though great , and rich , and learned too they be ) To be extolled , much disdaineth he . Nor did that Kingly Poet David , whose Praises were great in songs , who did compose The sweetest Poems , unto him invite The great or Learned Persons , that they might Turn in to him and his Companions be ; But such as fear'd the Lord , thereto did he Invite and call : they in God's mysteries Have the best judgment , are the truly wise . Nor God nor good men for their poverty Do any such despise , why then should I ? Better by one poor good man prais'd to be , Than by a thousand bad of high degree . In such ( though mean men in this World ) God's treasures Have oft been put , and they of divine pleasures Have oft the largest deepest draughts ; the Saints Or holy men ( what ever outward wants Have them attended ) Christ's inheritance With all its glorious riches doth advance . If such then like my works , if what I 've pen'd Those that be truly pious do commend , It is enough ; if they be pleas'd , I much Pass not for their accounts that are not such . Though that 's the lot of goodness too , that oft Some such it praise too , who themselves are naught . Such virtu's beauty that it oft attracts , Their eyes and tongues , who yet refuse its acts . Who loving sensual pleasures , can't endure Themselves unto those labours to inure Whence those good fruits are reap't , which who so taste , Shall joys injoy which evermore shall last . Such forcedly , though th' act not , praise what 's right ; But vertues foll'wers praise her with delight . J Horne .
THE Divine Wooer .
Canto . I.

A wake thou that sleepest , and stand up from the dead , and Christ shall give thee light ,

Eph. 5.14 . The Call . The man upon his Soul doth call , To view it's state original , And what it 's now through Adam's fall . The Soul it 's bad estate espies , And ready to despair out cries : A Minister thereto replies . Directing it to Christ , He shews Of him the gladsome heavenly news ; Yea Christ himself for its love sues . Declares his worthy facts , his love , And what to close with him might move ; And shews what doth it most behove . Then warns it of it's subtle foes , Who seek to bring to it great woes ; And there this Canto hath it's close . Man . ROwse up thy self my Soul , consider well What of thy state I herein do thee tell ; What was thy first condition , what it 's now , That what behoves thee , thou mayst better know . Good was thy state at first , before thy fall , For thou from God hadst thine original : A pure off-spring of his heavenly breath ; Thou wast ; not subject unto sin or death , Or grief , or fear , or any thing might harm thee , Till the old Serpent from thy God did charm thee . For we in Gods own image and likeness , At first were framed , and he did express Great love and bounty to us , he withheld Nothing of good from us ; our state excel'd All creatures here below , for to us he Gave the Dominion over Land and Sea , And all that in them were ; yea all above He made also for us , such was his love . A pleasant Garden , even a Paradise Of pleasures also , full of rarities He for us planted , and therein a Tree Of life , by which we might from Death been free . Yea whatsoever might yield us delight , To Soul or Body , touch , or taste , or sight : He therein did provide , with different sex , For more content , and off-spring , nought did vex Or cause disquiet then ; yea thou didst know The nature of all things , and couldst it show ; And such agreeing names on them impose , As might their inward properties disclose . Yea even with God himself , thou to converse Wast fitted , and his praises couldst rehearse . And hadst thou still obey'd his just commands , And had'st not broke by Sin , the sacred bands ▪ Of friendship wherewith to himself he ty'd thee , Nothing should ere have power had , to divide thee From his affections : nor should any thing Befaln thee , but what good to thee should bring . But now alas ! thy state is altered , Since thou by sinning from thy God hast fled . By listning to the Serpents subtlety , And giving heed to his false glozing lye . Of all the good thou had'st thou art berest , And nought but what 's bad now in thee is left . The Image of thy God wherein did stand Thy cheifest glory , thou hast marred , and Like to the Beasts that perish , now hast made thee , And Satans lies to ruine have betray'd thee . His poyson hath thy heart infected so , That nought but wickedness therefrom doth flow . So that of God thou nought deserv'st but hate , Yea and all creatures thee to ruinate May well conspire ; since thou so wretchedly Hast turn'd away from God , their enmity Against thee is but just ; that as before Thou waft Heavens favourite , and all things bore Respect unto thee ; now they should neglect thee , And unto answerable woes reject thee , To what thy blesses were ; for oh ! my Soul , Thou art become a Dungeon very foul ; Nasty , and dark , and loathsom●sin , and evil , Have got possession in thee ; and the Devil Hath thee inslav'd so to his will and lust , That thou art full of all that is unjust , And hateful unto God ; who therefore hath From Paradise expel'd thee in his wrath , And unto Death hath thee condemned so , That from the force thereof thou can'st not go . Of unclean Birds thou art become a cage , Thy lusts and passions in thee rule and rage , And drive thee to and fro , and thee expose Unto the Malice of Infernal foes . All thou do'st mean , think , love , or joy in now , What is it but what 's vain and brutish ? Thou In whom Gods Wisdom sometime had delight , Art now become a very loathsom sight ; Wholly for her pure fellowship unmeet , And for his service ; for from Head to Feet , Thou full of sores and ulcers art . In thee Nothing that 's right or lovely can He see . Thou neither knowest him , nor thy self , nor how Thou may'st thy self recover ; nor can'st thou His favour re-obtain by any thing , Which thou by way of off'ring can'st him bring . For unto him no reall love thou hast , Nor any virtuous thing ; of all good waste , And empty now thou art : To Sathans power , And to Gods wrath , obnoxious every hour . Oh then how sad's thy state ? where ere thou go , Thou art in danger of eternal wo. While thou art in thy sins , over thy Head Gods wrath doth hang ; his wrath whom Angels dread , And all the Creatures ; and whose furious ire , When poured forth is like devouring fire . So as the Rocks are thereby rent , and fall Asunder ; for it 's able to turn all Into its Antient Chaos , and to bring The whole Creation to a mere nothing . Bethink thee then my Soul what course to take , Is there no way thy peace with God to make ? Is there no way his wrath to pacifie ? To scape his vengeance ? that thou may'st not die ? Not die for ever ? while thou yet hast space , Mayst thou not seek for and implore his grace ? Soul . And is it so indeed ? is this my case ! Doth sin in me Gods image so deface , And render me so loathsom in his eye ! Is his wrath so provok't ! am I to dye , By his just law so doom'd ! oh whither then Shall I betake my self ! what can we men Devise or do , whereby his anger we May pacifie that saved we may be From his destroying hand ? If I 'm so vile , That all I think or do , sin doth defile . How is it possible that any thing I can perform , that may me safety bring ? If I had all the World at my command , To offer up to him , nought at my hand Needs He to take , whose all things are ; nor could I it so bring , as He accept it would From me that am so vile : but alas ! I Have nothing of mine own , but misery And sin ; I must therefore lye down forlorn , Bewailing that sad day when I was born ; And wishing that some Hills or Mountains might Fall on , and cover me from his dread sight ; That He might not how sinful I am see , Nor I Him , who so angry is with me . But oh alas ! these bootless wishes are , Nought they avail me , nothing but Despair Remains as my sad lot ; in wretchedness To perish evermore without redress . O wo is me ! what shall I think or do ? I am undone , I sink , I perish : Oh! Minist. Despair not Soul : But hear and listen well , Unto a true story that I shall tell ; Tidings of joy and gladness I do bring ; Tidings of peace , that well may make thee sing . Incline thine ear therefore and bend thy mind , That of my words thou may'st the comfort find . Though thou most wretchedly , from thy Creator Hast run , and play'd vile prevaricator From his just laws ; hast sin'd against him still , And hast not set by his most holy will ; Unworthy art of love , most worthy wrath , Yet He to thee a strong affection hath ; Loves thee intensively and thy welfare , To bring about no cost or pains doth spare . One only Glorious and dear Son hath He , Begotten of him from eternity . The brightness of his Glory , light of light , The Image of his person , His delight . His word eternal , his wisdom most pure , By whom He all things made , and makes t' endure . Yet him did He send forth when He saw fit , To expiate the sins thou did'st commit ; To ransom thee from thrall to Death and Devil , To raise thee up , and free thee from all evil : To bring thee from thy woful lost estate , In which thou must else lain time without date . And thee restore again unto his grace , That thou might'st see his sweet and glorious face ; Injoy his favour , sit under his wing , And his high praises evermore might'st sing . That glorious splendor of his Majesty , Who in his Bosom was eternally ; According to his will determined , Was born of a poor Damsel , espoused Unto a Carpenter of mean degree ; Laid in a Manger , where there use to be The Ass or Oxen feeding , other room The Inn affording not for his welcome ; When that poor Damsels time was come , that she Of this unheard of birth untwin'd should be . Even like as if some mighty Prince by birth , Should quit his Fathers Pallace , and the mirth He there injoy'd : should lay his robes aside , His Princely robes ; and the better to hide His high-born dignity , and great degree , With Pilgrims or poor beggars rags , should be Meanly attir'd and so himself betake , To travail through great dangers , for the sake Of some of his poor subjects ; who allur'd By some false Traytor had his Realm abjur'd : Joyn'd themselves in confederacy , to His Fathers and his own most hateful foe ; Till thereby they upon their heads had brought , By means of that rebellion they had wrought , Some dreadful punishment , and deadly thrall , Indangering the ruine of them all . That He might in that strange disguise unknown , Vanquish those foes who had them overthrown ; And unexpectedly a pardon bring , Unto them from their own much injur'd King . And by such love declared , win their mind Unto himself , that they with him combin'd ; Might from those Traytors who had them seduced , Into his Fathers Kingdom be reduced ; Under his conduct as their Prince and guide , Whose love and care of them they had so try'd . Even so this mighty high-born Son of God , Into this World down by a path untrod ; Descended in a garb unknown , wherein He wore the badges of our loathsom sin ; Cloath'd with great poverty , infirm and weak , Fil'd with reproaches which his heart did break . Through swelling Seas of sorrows travail'd He , In the strength of his love to seek up thee ; And save thee from that wretched state wherein , Thou ready wast to perish in thy sin . In this disguise made under law , and so Exposed to indure that curse and woe ; Which was thy due , when he was set upon By all the powers of Hell , the field He won In an unusual manner ; not by strength But weakness rather : where through He at length After some combates yielded up to Death , His spotless body , and his blessed breath . Wherein the laws demands He so fulfil'd , That it's condemning power thereby He kil'd ; For so the bonds He cancel'd , and the debt Discharg'd , that bound thee ore to death ; and set Thee free from under Sathans power and force , That thou may'st now again have free recourse To thy Creators presence ; for He hath By this his pilgrimage and Death , the wrath Of his displeased Father pacified , So that his anger He hath laid aside ; And holds thee now no longer as a Foe , Bound ore to Death , but freely lets thee go ; Keeps thee not at a distance any longer , But calls thee back ; and by his Son , who stronger Is then thine enemies ( as by the way And leader too by whom the weakest may Strongly and safely walk , against the worst Endeavours and resistance of that curst Infernal crue , who seek to keep thee back ) He thee invites , and prays thou wilt not slack Thy pace unto him , but return again Into his heavenly Kingdom there to reign ; Over thine enemies in glorious state , For everlasting time beyond all date . That safely to him thou might'st back be brought , This Royal Prince of glory , who thee bought From thraldom by his blood , doth thee invite To hear his pleasant voyce , behold his light In which he sets himself , in glorious state Before thy view , beseeching thee to hate Those enemies who did thee overthrow , And brought thee from so high to be so low . And Him to listen to , believe , and love , Who for thy sake descended from above ; And worst of Deaths and dangers did sustain , That He might thee restore to life again . He with his words puts forth his mighty hand , To turn thee and to make thee understand ; To give thee strength to lean on him , and go The good way after him which He doth show . He loves thee dearly , wooes thee with his heart , Intreats thee from thine Idols to depart , Which will undo thee ore again , if yet Thou wilt thy self to their advise commit . Beseeches thee to save thy self , or rather Be sav'd by him , who came forth from his Father , To save poor sinners ; bring them safe and sure , Unto those joys which ever shall endure . He condescends unto thee , though thou be'st Viler then any thing that here thou seest , As in thy sins , unworthy of him , yet He Disdains not to address himself to thee . Incline thine ear O Daughter , give good heed Unto those gracious words , which do proceed From his most holy lips , in such like wise As here doth follow , do not them despise . Christ . Dear Soul , the price of my most precious blood , Which I have shed for thee , and for thy good ; For I my self a ransom gave for all , And now I to repentance do thee call . Hearken to me , and to my voice give ear , Turn not away from me ; why should'st thou fear To listen unto me : I am thy friend , Thy Lord , thy Saviour , did not stick to spend My life and blood for thee ; and now I have Through painful cross , and through the silent grave , Obtain'd my Fathers Kingdom ; am ascended Unto the throne of glory ; where attended I am with millions of the heavenly Host , The glorious Angels , yea the Holy Ghost , Immeasurably upon me doth rest , And with all heavenly blessings I am blest . I 'm heir of all things , yea in me doth dwell All fulness of the Godhead : Heaven , and Hell , And Earth , and Seas , and all things else that be , Are put into subjection under me . And all that I have suffer'd and sustain'd , 'T was for thee , and thy good ; all I have gain'd Thereby , I gain'd for thee , thee to possess Of endless joys and everlasting bless . Behold me then , behold me , turn thine eye From other objects ; see what Majesty , What glory , and what beauty are in me , What riches , and what fulness , and how free I am , the same to all those to impart , Who me imbrace , and love with all their heart . Behold me then , dear Soul , and wistly view My matchless virtues , see how good , how true , How powerful too I am ; I 'm rich to all In mercy , who sincerely on me call . None that repair to me do I cast by , But them relieve , and cure their misery . I 'm alsufficient , able every way To make thee happy to an endless day . Turn then away from empty things thine eye , From lies , from falshood , and from vanity , Which cheat thee , and deprive thee of all good . Oh turn to Me , who for thee shed my blood ; Look towards me , dear Soul , behold and see , Hath any other such things done for thee As I have done ? hath any condescended , And stoopt so low ? hath any else expended , And laid out so much , to obtain thy love As I , that came to th' earth from Heaven above ; And laid down all my riches and my life , That I might thee redeem from all that strife 'Twixt God and thee , and take thee for a Wife ? That I might free thee from th' infernal foe , That held thee captive , and fills thee with woe ? Can any give to thee such gifts as I ? Can they advance thee to like dignity ? Can any so inrich thee as I can ? Can any thee so satisfie ? what man Or Angel may with me compare ? Can or will do for thee as I will do ? Oh turn thee unto me my darling dear : Open thine eye on me , incline thine ear ; Give me thy heart , it is thy love I seek , And I deserve it ; I am lowly , meek , And merciful ; no one is like to Me , Yet I have set my heart and love on thee . See , See , I that am heir of all things , and Have Sovereign power , and all things do command : I who thee can save or destroy with ease , Can make or break thee , or do what I please ; Who happy am without thee , and no need Have of thee , or of ought that can proceed From thee ; do suit and court thee , and request That thou wilt love me , that thou may'st be blest . It 's not to be by thee advanc'd , made great , Or rich , or safe , that I thy love intreat : But 't is because I love thee , and do wish Thy everlasting happiness and bliss , It 's not because that thou art fair and fresh , For thou art all deform'd , thou art but flesh ; Defil'd with sin as with a Leprosie , Of which unless I cure thee thou wilt die . I can without thee live and happy be , For I my Fathers joyful face do see ; Where fulness of delights I have , and where Dwells neither want nor grief , danger nor fear . But thou poor wretch can'st not without me live , It 's I alone that life to thee can give : Yet I am free to give my self , and all I am to thee , or that as mine I call . A Covenant I with thee will gladly make , An everlasting Covenant thee to take ; And love and live with thee as mine , for ever To be thy Head and Husband ; none shall sever 'Twixt thee and me . I will thy portion be , And want of good things thou shalt never see . For here and for hereafter , I 'll take care Of thee ; and as my life I did not spare , Thee to redeem from Death and Hell : so now I will withhold nothing from thee , that thou May'st want or need . I 'll wash thee from thy dirt , I 'll make thee clean and handsom ; I 'll thee girt With robes of glory , and with rich attire ( My righteousness and virtues ) thy desire I 'll fill and satisfie . Thou shalt be fed With finest of the wheat , with Angels bread , With honey from the rock , butter and oyle ; The choisest things of Heaven , and thou the spoil Of all thine enemies shalt take , and wear Them as thy Ornaments ; and thou shalt bear My name upon thee , shalt my consort be , Thou shalt in Me rejoyce , and I in thee . I will thee joynture in my portion great , And set thee with me on my Royal seat : Bring thee unto my God and Father , He Will entertain , imbrace , and welcome thee In and with me : He 'll the same love impart To thee , wherewith He loves me in his heart . He and all his is mine , and all shall be Thine , that is mine if thou 'lt accept of me . Minist. Oh matchless match ! Oh peereless Prince of life , That wilt accept of such a homely Wife . Come then , dear Soul , since Christ himself will give , Give him thy self too and for ever live . Christ . I 'll feed thee with my flesh , and blood , my heart And body too , I will to thee impart : And no good thing will I with-hold from thee , But freely give 't , if thou 'lt accept of me . Behold I stand with patience great and wait , With much long suff'ring , at the clos'd up gate Of thy hard heart , where I behold and see What is within , and whom thou hast with thee . How with thy mortal foes thou mak'st a rout , Sporting thy self , while me thou keepest out . While I with patience stand , I call and knock For entrance in , but thou the door do'st lock And bolt against me . Both by works and words , I call and knock ; my very rod affords Low'd calls unto thee ; if thou wilt me hear , And open unto me my Sister dear , I 'll come in unto thee : I 'll soon drive out That wicked company , that rebell rout , Which now oppress thee , and do wound thee sore , Urging thee , against Me , to shut thy door . Yea I will soon subdue them unto thee , And thou from their dominion shalt be free , If thou wilt hear , and open unto me . I 'll come in to thee , I with thee will sup , I 'll spread thy Table , I will fill thy cup , I 'll put thee to no charge ; I 'll bring my meat And freely give to thee , that thou may'st eat And drink abundantly of that blest wine , Which will thee satisfie with joys divine . Open therefore to me my Sister dear , Open thy heart to me , Oh taste my chear . Give me thy self , let me thy body have And heart also , I will them bless and save . It 's all I ask of thee , I crave no more ; Give me thy self , do but thou me adore . Give me thy love and thy affections , and Be thou but subject unto my command . Cleave to me with thy heart , put all thy trust In me ; believe in me , for I am just , I will not fail or leave thee . But thou none Must entertain besides me ; I alone Challenge thy love and service , and it 's fit That none besides me , none from me them get . I parted for thy sake with all I had , To ransom thee from thy forlorn and sad Condition ; and I , all that I again Receiv'd have of my Father , not disdain Upon thee to bestow ; my self I gave To ransom thee ; my self I give to save Thee too ; and therefore I alone deserve , That thou should'st me alone both love and serve . The Devil and his works thou must forsake , Thou may'st not serve him , his suggestions take For truth , use divinations , witchcrafts , charms , Inchantments , times observe for good or harms ; Consult familiar Spirits , believe his lies , Ask counsel of the dead , Idolatries Practise , or what ere crafts He doth devise . He in the disobedient beareth sway , Inticing them to sin and go astray From my right paths . Thou must resist him , and In nothing yield thy self to his command . Thou must forsake this wicked World likewise , Not list'ning to their counsels , who despise Me and my doctrine ; nor associate Thy self with them , who my good ways do hate . It 's pomps and pastimes , shows and braveries , Vain customs , fashions and formalities , Thou may'st not dote on ; neither may'st thou take My gifts or Ordinances , and them make Idols , as is the guise of worldly men Who do despise me , and my laws contemn . Their Silver , Gold , their Riches , Houses , Lands , Their Kings and Governors , and their commands They Idolize ; while after them they lust , And in them secretly do put their trust : Prefer them before me , and fear them so , That in my straight ways oft they durst not go . The flesh with it's desires also thou must Renounce , even every sinful cursed lust . Thy bruitish appetites to satisfie , In Drunkenness , Uncleanness , Gluttony , Excess of Riot , Sports or rich Attire , Or what else thy corruptions do desire . My words thou must receive , and them hold fast , No Article of them thou by may'st cast . But howsoere thy reason they may pose , Thou in thy heart must truly with them close , And firmly them retain : My holy will Take heed unto , that thou may'st it fulfill . No Gods but Me in my sight may'st thou have , However secretly ; for none can save Thee , but the holy Trinity , who all Do meet in me ; on none else may'st thou call , Or look , or trust to ; nor thy Conscience May'st yield to them upon any pretence . No image may'st thou to thy self invent , Nor may thy heart or knee thereto be bent . No false imaginations of me , or Devised worships , for I them abhor . But worship God in Me , and as my Word Doth thee direct , for I 'm a jealous Lord . Thou may'st not take my holy Name in vain , Nor it with Blasphemies or false Oaths stain : Or with a vain Profession , without fruits Produced thereby , such as with it suits ; Or blemish it with any sinful way , For I 'll not such hold guiltless . The seaventh day Thou must observe , in me to take thy rest , Who am the substance by that day exprest , That I may sanctifie thee , thou be blest . To Father and to Mother while they live , And to all thy superiours thou must give , Due honour and subjection too in me , Giving to Caesar what things Caesars be . To all men owing nothing , but to love Cheifly those loving who are from above . All Murther , with all Malice , Envy , Hate , See thou avoid , with all Strife and Debate . Thy body keep in Chastity thou must , Flee Fornication and unlawful Lust . Thou must not others Wrong , or from them take , Ought that is theirs , nor them Calumniate . But yield thy self to Me , and be content With Me , and what I give ; letting no bent Of Avarice , possess or stain thy mind , Thou shalt in me all satisfaction find . All which I certainly will work in thee , If thou wilt but yield up thy self to Me. I put on thee no hard nor grievous task , What I require , I 'll give too , if thou ask It of me , and for it on me depend ; My Spirit to work it in thee , I will send . And wherein thou through weakness goest astray , The vertues of my blood shall take 't away . Be thou but upright , and chast unto me , I am and evermore will be for thee . If thou refuse this offer , thou must die , And perish in thy sins eternally . None other Lords or lovers can thee save , What ere they be , or seem they ne'r so brave . For they be vanities of vanities , Their strength is weakness , their promises lies : Their words are wind , and all they meditate , Is from a feined love , a real hate . Their smoothest language is false flattery , Their best imbraces are but treachery . Their kisses of thee are but like to his , Who sometimes me betrayed by a kiss . And when he said Hail Master , yet even then He me deliver'd up unto those men That sought my life ; to whom he had me sold , For thirty pieces not of yellow Gold , But whitely silver : or like his who while He feined love to Abner did beguile , And smite him with a Weapon on his side , Under his fifth rib , that thereof he died . And on another time , as one well verst In that accursed craft , Amasa pierc't With warlike Sword to th' heart , while friendlike He Saluted him ; and as one with him free , Did with his right hand take him by his beard And kist him , till his blood him all besmear'd . Such are the soft imbraces of those foes To thee and Me , who do my words oppose ; Suggesting to thee that I am austere , And put upon thee more then thou can'st bear . That they are thy best friends and wish thee well , And many pleasing stories to thee tell . As that thou art whole , strong , wise , holy , just , May'st live without me , may'st follow thy lust . That to deny thy self of thy desire , Is foolishly thine own death to conspire With me , who love thee not , but wish thy loss , And take delight to bring thee to the cross . Where like unto my self thou may'st be made , A publick scorn 'mongst those that drive the trade . Of robbing by the high-way-side , or those Who unto Kings and Magistrates are foes . Rebelling against them and their commands , And seeking in their blood to wash their hands . Or else amongst such Hereticks most vile , As make it their great business to beguile Unstable Souls , leaving them in the lurch , To perish in contempt of God and 's Church . Or those who God blasphem , and thereby draw Upon themselves the sentence of the law . To be expos'd to ignominious shame , And unto after ages bear the Name , Of some seditious Traytor , Heretick , Blasphemer , Schismatick , or some such like : And in the mean time , for sometime to lye In some vile prison , and at length to dye Upon a rack or gibbet , at a stake , Or some such vile accursed end to make . That by such ways conformable to me , To whom such things befel made thou might'st be . They therefore thee advise , my company , And my instructions totally to fly ; As tending to thy ruine , and t' imbrace Their better counsels ; utterly deface The Image of my words out of thy mind , That so thou pleasure , all thy days may'st find . Oh! see , say they , the glory and the wealth , The sweet delights and pleasures , both by stealth And openly , which those brave men injoy , Who turn their backs of God , nought doth annoy Their calmer life ; they quietly do sail , On fortunes streams ; with what a prosperous gale Of popular applause , and smoothest ayr Of most respective language , void of care , Of melancholly dumps , of faces sowre , Of nipping blasts which make the Soul to lowre , Of scorns , and scoffs , reproaches , and derisions , Of persecutions , nicknames ( as precisians , Roundheads , or Puritans , or Sectaries , Or such like names , as witty men devise To brand my followers with ) as they did use My well deserving person to abuse ; When I in weakness amongst men did dwell , Oft they me Devil call'd for doing well . Or a Samaritane ( or misbeliever ) Or glutton , wine-bibber , or a deceiver . Beware of them , for upon thee they 'll throng , Thee to inchant with their bewitching song .
Canto II. Temptation .

Your adversary the Devil goeth about like a roaring , Lyon , &c.

1 Pet. 5.8 .

See that ye walk circumspectly ,

Ephes. 5.16 . The Soul consid'ring what is said , Is somewhat chear'd , but yet afraid To entertain the motion made . And while loath to part with its lusts , Flesh , World , and Devil , on it thrusts , To blow 't away with their strong gusts . Presenting baits of diverse forts , Whereof each one to sin exhorts ; Christ warns of them , and gives supports . Himself , and Minister declare , What falshoods in their speeches are , And how they seek the Soul to snare . God's Being , and his Providence , And divers other things from thence , The Soul against its foes to fence . They diversly to it do clear , And that all 's judgment is not here , And so the Canto breaks off there . Man . Come Soul , what thinkst thou of what thou hast heard ? Soul . The tidings I confess my heart have chear'd , For now I see there 's hope I may be saved , Though hitherto I much have misbehaved My self in divers ways : though yet I fear Least all should not be true in what I hear . Can God so much good mean me ? or if so I know not how my pleasure to forgo , Which I in other objects oft have found ; But hark me thinks I hear another sound , Flesh , World , and Devil , all rush in , Strongly inticing still to sin . Hark hither Soul , do not those pratlers hear , For they all happiness from thee will tear . Listen to us , we are thy friends : and tell To thee the way wherein thou mayst do well . Seest thou not plainly those wise men , who are The Worlds profest adorers ; and take care Of no Religion , further then may stand , With the professed Laws of every Land ; And hath an humane stamp upon it set , Whereby it publick countenance doth get ; And is attended with the friendly love , Or those in every age which are above : How they besides the Rocks of Shipwrack ride , And sail securely both with Wind and Tide . They know not what the prison bands do mean , Nor are they in those places often seen . They weaken not their strength by taking care , Least they should fall into the Devils snare ; Or sin against the Lord ; or else by keeping God's ways , or by temptations , fasting , weeping : But their strength doth abide , they quietly Do pass their days in wealth , until they dye . Such troubles as those godly ones sustain , They prove not ; neither feel they any pain , But what 's to nature common : they 'll be sure , For Conscience toward God they 'll naught indure . And yet they serve God well enough , for He Doth give them good success , as all may see . Their eyes with fatness often out do stand : What their heart wishes for , with bounteous hand He gives them ; for they live and become old , They get great pow'r ; they Silver have and Gold , Houses and Lands , and plenty of all things , That either Earth , or Sea , unto men brings . They children do beget , a prosp'rous breed Often they see , that doth from them proceed . Their Houses and their Families are sure , And free from fear ; for why ? they dwell secure , And they be freer from the angry rod Of God , then they that talk so much of God , And careful are his favour to obtain ; They have less losses , sickness , grief , or pain : Their Bull doth gender , and he doth not miss , Their Cow doth calve , and not abortive is . Their Corn and Cattel thrive , and they send out Their little ones , who dance and play about . They take the Timbrel and melodious Harp , Joy in the Organs sound ; nothing that 's sharp Or bitter them befals , in mirth they spend Their days , and when they dye , like Lambs they end . Thou fool , seest thou not plainly with thine eyes , That these Men are no fools but truly wise ! Wilt thou be singular , and tread a path , Which but few walkers in it always hath ? That 's full of difficulties , hard to find . Hath many cross turns in 't ; about doth wind : Is full of Bryers and of pricking Thorns , Beset with Lyons , Bears , and Unicorns ; Dogs , Wolves , and Tygers , Serpents , Dragons fell , Where Poverty , Reproach , Disgrace do dwell ? Who would his safety for such dangers sell ? Is it not better that thou keep the road , And walk with company in a way broad , And smooth and pleasant , strew'd with flowers sweet , Where thou shalt have innumerable feet , Of Kings and Counsellors , Learned and Wise Of Polititians , and of such as rise Unto the top of honour ; low and high , Both rich and poor ; the generallity Of all estates , degrees , and all Languages Of Nations , Families , both graver Sages , And younger Sparks ; where thou shalt never want Such men , as in thy way will thee warrant ? Oh wilt thou foolishly such a way balk , In a wild howling wilderness to walk , Where few have wandred ? in a path untrod , Under pretence of worshipping their God After his own mind ? where ( except a few Which this Worlds greatness and breeding near knew , Nor were up in a way of Learning train'd , Nor by fames trumpet ever have obtain'd , To be emblazon'd with men of renown , Or rank't amongst the worthies who the crown . Have worn upon their Temples , which she uses , To give her favourites by the nine Muses . ) Scarce any 's found , except some two or three , Who rank't among the greatest Hero's be , For some strange facts which are of them recorded . And yet their present ages scarce afforded Such honour to them ; because they did foil Their actions , by that humour which doth spoil All it possesses , because it declines The common road where the Worlds glory shines : Though they the hap had by the after ages , To be inrol'd among the wiser Sages . But think'st thou that the World is now the same , It was before it had the Christian name ? Nay sure , for then it was not as yet drencht , In that religious water which hath quencht Its former fiery Meteors , and hath taught , How men may freed be from all that 's naught , Though yet they practise it ; for being wet With that same water , they a new form get . For that suffices any to make clean , Especially if they the golden mean ; Of moral virtue joyn'd with pollicy , And a prudential conformity Unto the most and greatest therewith hold , And to reprove their faults be not too bold . Now the broad way is best , though heretofore When men were blinder and did stocks adore , The narrow way was best . The case is not The same it was , because we now have got God and the World in one so reconcil'd , That nothing may be counted now defil'd , But what the common road doth go beside ; Yea now the World it self is Deifi'd : Its power , its ways , its pleasures , all are Gods ; What now is joyn'd in one , set not at odds . Bow down and worship therefore without fear , The power , the greatness , and the customs here . Do as the most do , and as those that be The greatest in esteem , and thou shalt see , Nothing but good betide thee ; what dissents Therefrom avoid . Be sure thou make no rents In that great body , nor to other spirit Incline thine heart , then what it doth inherit . Swim down the tide , fear not but it runs even , And carries thee the direct way to Heaven . Think of no other Heaven or happiness , Then what the World doth now and shall possess . Dream of no other pow'r of God , then what Doth in the Worlds great persons terminate . Nay give thy heart and senses scope , enjoy What pleases them , avoid what doth annoy . Come do as we do , be not overwise To think of things unseen , believe thine eyes . It 's a fanatick fancy to believe In , and for things that thou canst not perceive By verdict of thy senses and thy Reasen , Against their Soveraignty commit not Treason . Still those loud noises then , that thou dost hear So frequently to sound in fancies ear ; Alluring thee to mind strange things unseen , Which they do promise thee ; there ne'r hath been , Nor shall be greater happiness and bless , Then what thou now in this life mayst possess . For sinee the old Fathers have faln a sleep , We see all things their wonted courses keep . And all those glorious things they promised , Appear but fancies of some doting head . Let not vain hopes into thine heart intrude , And of thy present comforts thee delude . Nor let vain fears prevail upon thee , so As to cause thee those pleasures to forgo , Which here thou mayst enjoy ; while thou do'st gaze After unseen enjoyments , and amaze Thy self with dismal fears ; while Heaven and Hell Thou think'st on , thou thereby away do'st sell Those opportunities the World doth give , A merry pleasurable life to live . Take hold thou fool o' th' opportunity , And be not gul'd so as to pass it by . Go joyn thy self with yonder gallant boys , Go hawk and hunt with them , go taste their joys . Roysters . Come on , young man , with us , cast in thy lot ; Do as we do , come , take a pipe and pot . Let 's lay in wait for blood , let 's take a prey , Let 's rob some innocent that rides this way . We 'll swallow them alive , whole as the pit ; Rich spoils and booties to our selves we 'll get . We shall all pretious substance catch , and find Such booties as will satisfie our mind . Cast in thy lot amongst us , le ts have all One purse , in whatsoever shall befall We 'll share alike ; come , we shall such fruits reap , As will rejoyce our hearts and make them leap . Christ . Take heed , dear Soul , avoid them , do not go , In the same way with them , it leads to woe . However sweet and profitable , it May seem to thee , thou there wilt ruine get : For they do lay in wait for their own blood , They 'll loose their Souls in stead of getting good . Roysters . Come let us feast and frolick , let us dine At yonder Tavern , ther 's a cup of Wine , Most rarely brisk , it moves it self i th' cup ; It 's generous Wine , and saith come drink me up . Let 's have a game at Billiards , or at Cards ; Be merry now , think not of afterwards . Christ . Take heed , dear Soul , mind what will be the end ; Thou may'st thy self a while in pleasures spend , But in the end thou wilt it sadly rue ; Be warned by me , what I say is true . The Drunkards and the Gluttons poor shall be , They shall be cloth'd with rags . Look not to see The colour of the Wine , or whatsocre To sight or Taste delightful may appear . T' will sting thee as an Adder at the last ; Bite as a Serpent when the pleasure 's past . Woe , sorrow , and contentions , and babling ; Wounds without cause , redness of eyes 't will bring ; Hardness of heart too , so that on thou 'lt go , And nothing fear , till thou art drown'd in woe . They that love pleasures , will be poor at last ; And they not rich , who love good chear to taste . F.W.D. While life , and youth , and strength , & wit do last , Do not thou them in Melancholly waste . In thinking of a God , and Heaven , and Hell , And such strange Objects , as on man can tell What kind of things they be ; embrace the breasts Of this brave World , frequent her costly feasts . Let not the pleasant flowers of the Spring Pass by unpluckt , away thy fancies fling . Possess the joys this present World affords : Break thou the bands and east away the cords , Which that religious Spirit doth bring , to bind Thy Soul withal so strait . Set not thy mind On those conceits it doth to thee suggest , Shake out those blacker motions from thy breast . See yonder 's a brave Damsel , a spruce Lass , Ready to court thee , can'st thou let her pass ? See what an amorous look she hath , her eyes Sparkle like Diamonds , beauty in her cheeks lies ; Her lips drop Honey , and her mouth 's like oyle ; No Wen or blemish , her fair face doth soil . Her very garments sweet perfumes do breath , Sure she is more delightful underneath . What do'st thou think , that witty nature , made Thy senses and thy members to be laid Aside as dead , and stupifi'd , while yet Thou art alive ? shall such a fancy get Possession of thee , as thy self to make Like to those images thou do'st forsake ? That thou should'st eyes have , and nought with them see ; Ears , and not hear the things that spoken be ; Or what may please thee ? shalt thou have a tongue , And not say what thou wilt , or right or wrong ? What Lord should thee controul ? what hast a nose , And is 't not made to smell , the sweetest Rose , The bravely sented posies , sweet perfumes , Which may disperse such vapours , as consumes Thy vital spirits ; or that do bind them , so That they are not at liberty , to go After those objects which may please the sight , And ravish all thy senses with delight . Which nature doth present thee with ! what hast Thou Nerves and Sinews , Flesh and Blood , to waste In melancholly dumps , religious frames ; In dwelling upon words , adoring names ? Were they not made to touch , and taste , and feel , The pleasures of the Flesh ? ar't made of Steel Or Stone , that thou should'st not affected be , With what Dame Nature doth present to thee ? That patiently thou up thy self should'st yield , To bear those burthens , which thou well might'st wield Thy self from under ? as if thou wert made To be an Ass , or like some Hackney Jade ? Listen to that fine spritely Lass , and hear Her court-like language boldly , do not fear . Harlot . Well met , sweet Sir , I 'm glad to see your face ; I love you at my heart , come let 's embrace : Let 's joyn our lips , fear not ; I 'm all-ore sweet , Nothing but pleasures dwell from head to feet . I have peace-off'rings with me , I a feast Have ready made for thee ; where 's not the least Thing wanting , that may give thy heart delight , Come let me have thy company to night . I have prepar'd my bed , with Tapestry And with fine Linnen , there let 's softly lie , And take our fill of Love ; perfum'd it is With Myrrhe , and Cinnamon , and Aloes . Come then let 's take our fill of Love and Pleasure , There 's none to interrupt ; we may have leisure , The good man 's gone from home , nor will he yet Return again ; we time enough may get To satisfie our selves , with all delights Which Love afford us may , these days and nights . Chr. Take heed , dear Soul , to my good counsels ; Let That Harlots speeches no advantage get Upon thy heart ; give me thine eyes and heart , Let not my words out of thy mind depart . For Harlots are deep ditches , narrow pits , He scarce gets out again , that in them gets . Her lips drop like the Honey-comb , her mouth Is smoother then the Oyl , but yet in truth Her latter end more bitter is then gall . Unhappy Man who into her doth fall ; His after-misery no tongue can tell , For why ! Her guests are in the Depths of Hell . Look off from her to me , far better I Thy hearts desires and wants can satisfie . If thou lovest beauty , beauty dwels in me ; I 'm fairer then mans children : Look and see , I 'm white and Ruddy ; God and Man in one , With me to be compared there is none . If pleasures thee delight , with me is pleasure , My ways are all delightful above measure . For I those that imbrace me do possess , With rich assurance of eternal bless . The pleasures of this World , in endless pain Do end , my pleasures evermore remain . They do give Life in Death , and ever dwell With mine when rais'd again ; when those in Hell , Shall ever more lie down who me despise , To everlasting torments they shall rise . Let neither riches , honours , pleasures , or What ere this World can give inchant thee ; for With better riches , honours , pleasures , I Will satifie thee to Eternity . F.W.D. Poor Man ! what can'st thou hope for after death , When nature spent with sorrows , shall thy breath Yield up into the gentle air to vanish , And thy dead corps , the living men shall banish From their society to lie and rot , Within its grave till it be quite forgot ? Think'st thou it possible that after it , Unto the Earth or Sea men shall commit , And there it is consum'd to slime or mold , Or eat of Worms or Fishes , rise it should ? Or that thy vanish't breath and rotted flesh , Can life resume again , and live a fresh , Either in joys or pains ? Let Reason rule . Let not fond faith , worse then the Horse or Mule Thee make , by giving credit to such things , As from deluded fancy only springs . For they enjoy those pleasures and contents , Which bounteous nature unto them presents . Shall man alone who capable was made , The World more to enjoy , be so betray'd Into a fancy , by too light belief , With his own senses so to play the theif ; As them to rob of all those pleasures rare , Whereof above all other things they are Most apprehensive ? Oh no! stop thine ear , Against those sounds , that thou so oft do'st hear From that same Spirit , which oft is Wisdom stil'd , Of such as by her sayings are beguil'd . Come , give thy self the reins , and do not fear , Come , come , we say , and taste the dainty chear The World presents thee ; Waters stoln are sweet , Pleasures they have , who Bread in secret eat : Who satisfie their senses to the full , And please their appetites , untill they lull Their minds a sleep from those fanatick fears , Which make men spend in grief their youthful years . This World 's the Paradise , where grow all fruits Fit for delight , and thy desires best suits . Come pluck , and take , and eat of them thy fill , None other after these succeed there will . Christ . Thus oh my Dear , thy subtle enemies Suggest unto Thee , setting forth their lies With fair pretences both of love and reason : But trust them not , their words are full of Treason . These are the same that thee at first de●eved , Oh let them not be any more deceived . Unto thy misery they Thee betray'd , And like to Beasts which perish they thee made ; So that unless I had thee ransomed , Thou in their snares hadst wholly perished . Minist. Their voice and language doth of him proceed , Of whom in the beginning thou do'st read ; The subtle Serpent who of old allur'd , Mankind unto his snares , and so procur'd His utter ruine ; drew him into sin , By which a flood of miseries came in . By him was hatch't and begot in mans mind . A spawn or seed like to himself in kind , Whose Head 's the carnal mind , its Heart is lust , These with the old Serpent combin'd do thrust Men into mischief ; and while these to guide Him do presume , they lead him quite aside . For they are void of truth , a hellish light Possesses them ; like unto that i th' night , Which William with a wisp some men do call , An ignis fatu●s , which leads to fall Into some dangerous downfal , ditch , or pit , Those who as their sure guide do follow it . Such errour is , or Fleshly Wisdom which Stept up in place of truth , both poor and rich Misleading to their ruine ; because blind It is , and knows nought of Gods holy mind : And yet conceits it self the only wise , And that it sees aright with open eyes . And knows what 's good , what 's evil , and can tell A man the way how he may prosper well . Especially if it improved be , And somewhat more then ordinarily Inlarg'd , with learned Sciences , and Arts , Which when they added be to nat'ral parts , Do much adorn a man , and make him shine , And lift him up , as if he were Divine , Both in his own esteem , and others eyes , Who as a Demi-God account him wise ; Though when all this subserves the flesh and evil , It brings men to be fitter for the Devil . Chr. This carnal wisdom 's that that doth mislead The world ; this the false Prophets which are dead , Misguided , and seduced , while thereon They lean'd , and learn'd there-from their vision : The which while unto others they it told , They led them into mischiefs manifold . Yea 't is no other then that foolish Woman , Which Solomon speaks of , which doth undo Man . The worldly spirit that is clamorous , And lowd , and subtle , and industrious , To call in passengers , who go right on The path that leadeth to Salvation , To her deceits ; which though she nothing know Aright , pretendeth unto men to show The better path : Yea the old Serpent , by it Deludeth those that simply magnifie it . And who with these possest are , hearten on Themselves , and others to destruction ; While by their fond inticements , and their rude Examples , wicked counsels , and most lewd Temptations , many poor Souls they draw in , Into the snares and false deceits of sin . To turn their backs on me , and on my calls , Despise my counsells , and leap o're the walls And bounds I set , to keep them from the ways Which lead to utter ruin , all their days . But oh , dear Soul , beware and take good heed , Of all the flatt'ries which from them proceed . They speak of pleasant things , their words are smooth , They tickle thee , and in thy sins thee sooth , Their way is easie , broad and wide ; but mind And I will tell thee what an end thou 'lt find , If thou adhere to them they will deceive thee , And of all happiness they 'll quite bereave thee ; And to eternal woe they 'll surely bring thee , And to provoke me quite away to fling thee , Into that lake prepar'd for those that scorn My Counsels : Better thou had'st nere been born , Minist. That thou may'st this believe , I will thee shew Wherein they do abuse thee , and what 's true . Attend unto me therefore yet again , And mind how we the matter do explain . Do'st thou not hear , how they in their discourse Do talk of nature , thereby to inforce Thee to conceit that there 's no God : but that All things that are , do happen by some fate Or fortune , or some other way , which by The name of Nature they call wickedly . Though sometimes too , the word God , they do name , The better thee t' insnare their talk to frame . Lift up thine eyes , Behold the Heavens above , The Sun , the Moon , the glistering Stars , which move In their due constant motions , and do give Their light and influence to all that live . See what great glory is on them . How rare Their beauty , and their comely order are . Doth not their glory , beauty , order , all Their motions , and their influences call Thee to confess a greater power , which gave Them what Beings , and what virtues they have ? Look down below , behold the Earth which bears So many various creatures on 't , and wears Such party colour'd garments , and brings forth , Upholds , and cherishes of diverse worth , Innumerable things , inanimate , Stones , Mettals , Minerals , and animate ; Indued with various formes , and different Degrees of life ; ( which both the continent And Isles produce ) either Vegetative , As Plants of divers kinds , or things alive , Which Sense and Loco-motion have , as Beasts , And Birds , and creeping things , things reasonless . Behold the Seas , their ebbings , flowings , waves , Where many thousands oft have made their graves ; Where fishes of all sorts do swim and play , Where many gallant Ships do find a way , Through divers dangers all-about to coast From port to port , to seek out where the most Advantage to their owners they make , For all the pains and hazards they do take . Behold thy self , and mankind , who obtain An higher excellence of life , the main Endowments of a reasonable Soul , And understanding whereby to controul The greater creatures , which both Land and Sea Produce ; and into all the things that be Assay to peirce , and there about discourse And descant , which is better which is worse . From whence are all these things ! who to them gave Those various formes and properties they have ? Can'st be so blind , as not clearly to see By all these things , that there 's a Deity ? An unseen Power and Mind that is most wise , And is Almighty too ? that could devise So glorious and so great a Fabrick , and Them in that order set wherein they stand ? What! can it be believed to be true , That by some Atoms which together flew , By some strange hap , their Beings they received ! Whence came those Atoms ! or can't be believed That these things could each other make ! whereas We see that Man can nothing bring to pass , Or make of nothing ; though he greater be Then any other thing that thou can'st see ; In active power to contrive and do Such things as th' other can't attain unto ? Nay he can neither life give , nor preserve Unto himself or others ; they much swerve Who think there is not some thing far above , Which doth him marvailously in his love Uphold , and save through all the dangers great , Which death and ruin often to him threat . Now if thou this believe , which all things Preach , That there 's a glorious God ; ( which to impeach , Is the great thing thine enemies endeavour , That so they might thee wholly from him sever ) Consider well , why should He man endue , With such like faculties by which , what 's true , What 's false , he may inquire and search into , And understand , as it is given also ? By which also he 's capable of choise And may obey or disobey the voice Of such a law , or rule as may impose Upon him to do these things , forbear those ? At least when , and so far as he 's set free , From such intanglements as on him be . Is it not , that as he hath power to give Laws to himself and others : He might live Under the Law of that great power Supreme , Which over all the rest advanced him ? When he commands his fellows , shall not he By his Creator too commanded be ? Shall he receive from him such benefits As to oblige him , and be lawless ? It s But meet he should acknowledge him , from whom His life , strength , reason , and his knowledge come . And who all things daily provides and gives , Of his mere bounty whereupon he lives ; Seeing he is made capable thereof As no creature besides is . Is' t enough That he live as the Beasts , after his will And brutish appetite , who hath the skill To act much higher , and hath such a spirit As may be made Religious , may demerit Gods bounty by ingratitude ; or can So well or ill act towards God or Man , As to offend his maker , or obtain Approvement from him ? shall it be in vain That he is capable to understand And to receive of God divine command ? Why should it not be believed be , that when God such capacities hath given to men , He should so further gracious to him be , As to reveal himself to him , that he Might exercise his heart and mind , to have The pleasure him to know , who to him gave Those other excellent endowments , which Do him above the rest advance , inrich , And dignifie ? that unto him he should His will and his commandment unfold ; That he might ordred be by him , and give Obedience to him , so as he might live ? Doth it not God become to be so good To mankind ? or shall it be understood To be an happiness to man , to be Lawless and from ingagement God-ward free ? That he like to brute Beasts without controule Be led by Lust , and so debase his Soul , And rob it of its glory , which consists In fellowship with God . Oh how great mists Do overspread their minds , who do account The way unto the top of bless to mount ; Is to live like the Beasts , to satisfie Their appetites a while , and then to die ; At most to use their reason like to men , In things humane and earthy like them , when They capable are of Divine converse , And may after a sort their minds immerse Into the things of Heaven ? Oh crooked minds , And void of judgments , which such pleasures finds In things that perish , and contemn the prize Which would immortalize them , were they wise ! But mind again , how they in all they said , Have the old Serpents head further bewray'd , Whose grand design it was with man at first , That he might make him like himself accurst ; Into mans mind t' insinuate amiss , That God who made him did envy his bliss . As if 't had bondage been , to be forbid To do the thing , which when done , him undid . What else do they , when they do represent , As if it were matter of discontent , Not to have liberty at will to use Thy parts , and senses so as them t' abuse , By serving lawless brutish lusts , which take Thy mind and soul from him , who did thee make . As if they were as dead and useless quite , Unless they be exorbitant , and might Have liberty to do , and act those things Which God offend , and men to ruine brings ! Do they not therein , greatly injury Gods goodness , and great liberallity ; While wickedly they from thy view withhold Those many uses more then can be told , Which God affords to man , in all those things Which to God glory , and to man good brings ; Both unto other men and to himself , What! is there noting else besides the pelf , And garbish of the World , for mind , and senses , And members to be us'd in ? vain pretences : God gives the hearing , taste , smell , touch , and sight , Both for necessity , and for delight ; Though not to satisfie that brutish lust , Which dwells within man and makes him unjust . May'st thou not see the wondrous works of God , And use thine eyes to look out all abroad Upon them ? may'st thou not with them his words Peruse , which lively instances affords , Both of the ways and ends of good and bad , How well good men have fared , and how sad The end of evil men ? may not thine eyes Behold thy way and work , and see what lies Before thee , or discover foes or friends ! What to thy well-fare , or thy ill-fare tends ? May'st thou not with them too , bewayle with tears Thy many sins , and mispent days or years ? Mayst thou not use thine ears , God's words to hear , And such instructions , as unto his fear May thee provoke ; and his commandments too , Which shew thee what thou should'st , or should'st not do ; That from destruction they might keep thee , yea Both what divine are , and what moral be ? Are not thy other senses too allow'd Of God , for to distinguish in that crow'd Of objects , which present themselves unto thee , What is good for thee , or what may undo thee ? What thou may'st chuse as things that wholesome are , And what refuse as things that may impair Thy health or safety ? so thy palate meats Distinguishes ; thy feeling , colds , or heats , Soft , hard , rough , smooth , and other properties Which diversly in divers bodies lies , And render them as good and grateful , or As things may hurt thee , and thou them abhor . Thy nose and smell is given thee , that thereby Thou may'st distinguish things which differently Do smell , that thou may'st this chuse , that refuse . How many ways may'st thou thy senses use , With God's allowance to thy benefit , And give him thanks and praises too for it ! Great use them to every thing he gives , Which in the World , indued with them lives . But unto mankind for more noble ends , Then other creatures can have , to what tends Unto God's praises and mans happiness , To seek and walk in the way unto bless . Yea man perceive may from th' use of his sense , That there 's a good God , and wise providence . As also man his mind , his heart , his brains , May exercise in what to bless pertains . Christ . Yea God who all things made for man at first , And blest them to him , till the cords he burst Of such ingagements as between them were , By casting from him God's most holy fear , Hath by my Death and Blood again restor'd , That use of all things to him , may afford Much benefit unto him many ways , And give him cause with joy his Name to praise . All things are cleansed now by my dear Blood , And lawful made for man to do him good , God him allows a sober use to have , Of all things which at first he to him gave , According to the uses he ordain'd Them to at first . He only hath restrain'd The lawless use , which goes beyond the bounds Which he hath wisely set , and so confounds Mens properties and rights , to what he gives , And so each other of their right deprives ; Or what doth cherish his concupiscence And hellish lust , which ( as experience Doth often show ) both leads into excess , Robbing God of that part he should possess ; And dangerous diseases breeds , whereby Mans days are shortned , and he worse doth dye . How many men through a voluptuous life , Giving themselves to pleasures ; or through strife , Which love of riches or ambition breeds , And such pursuit of them as right exceeds , And bounds of due sobriety , have brought Innumerable troubles on them oft ? And have by divers Deaths with greater pain Been snatcht away , then many do sustain , Who suffer for the truth of God , because They dare not violate his sacred laws . Is it not now become an usual word , More perish by the Throat , than by the Sword . And yet of those who by the Sword do dye , Most perish by some lust most usually , By which they pull it on them , with more shame Oftimes too , then the men who for my Name False judgment undergo ; and what more just , Then that they who through voluntary lust , Have hated all my counsels and commands , Should meet with such like measures at my hands ? Which yet is but a very small pittance , Of that sad doom and most direful vengeance , Which hangs over the scorners ; as I may Further declare , in what I have to say .
Canto III. Providence and Judgment .

The Lord is known by the judgments that he executeth ,

Psal. 9.16 . Of Providence and Judgment too , This Canto fullyer doth show , That men must reap as they do sow . Which by examples manifold , Both in the bad and good is told , Where all God's justice may behold . Yet that nor good nor bad have here , Their full rewards , is here made clear , Till Jesus Christ to judge appear . Which that he shall is here exprest , The Resurrection , and the Rest Of the just too made manifest . IT being reasonable , that the Lord Who doth such eminent favours afford To man , should give to him a holy law , Requiring that of him he stand in awe ; Him worship and obey with thankfulness , For all the love he doth to him express : He will too ( as with men its usual ) Him in due time forth unto judgment call , And render to him as his works shall be Rewards and punishments ; as ye may see All Laws and Governmens are guarded so , By promising rewards , and threatning woe ; To those that under them do live , as they Those laws do either keep or disobey . To what good purpose should laws order'd be , If they who break them may yet escape free ; And not for any thing they do , sustain Due punishment by either loss or pain ; And if th' observers thereof be neglected , And nothing better be therefore respected ? Even so God who his laws unto man gave , Observes too how men do themselves behave : Whether they do submit their necks unto them , Believe his sayings readily to do them ; Or whether they the reins to lust do give , And to themselves and their corruptions live . And them accordingly he will reward , As they regard him , or him disregard . See'st thou not this discovered oftentimes , While evil men who do commit great crimes , Though they do think themselves to be secure Are brought most heavy judgments to endure ? Is not God by his righteous judgments known , While wicked men are thereby overthrown In their devises ? witness that great flood , Which overflow'd the old World , and which stood Above the highest mountains , when the World Which wicked was , was into ruine hurl'd ; For those abominations which they Committed stubbornly from day to day ; Refusing by good Noah to be warn'd , Yea me in him they set at naught ; and scorn'd . For it is I the Wisdom and the Word , Of the Almighty and eternal Lord , Who by my Spirit do dwell in holy men , And lead them forth with boldness to condemn , And fault the Worlds great wickedness , because They take no heed unto my righteous laws . It was my judgment executed in Those five great Cities famous for their sin , Sodom and her near neighbours overthrown , By Fire and Brimstone , so as ne'r was known Before or since ; because they cast away My counsels from them , would not me obey , The Word and Wisdom of my Father high . Who to the sons of men do use to cry . To shew them what is right and what is wrong , What doth to them , and what doth not belong . My words those sinful Cities thrust away , And after strange flesh vilely went astray : Pride , idleness , and riotous excess Was in them , and the poor they did oppress ; And lewdness they committed , therefore I In flames of Fire from Heaven did make them fry . What should I mention Egypts haughty King , Who proudly my commands away did fling ; And with his people , badly did intreat My people , and did them abuse and beat ? How did I judge them and with plagues them break , Because their bad ways they would not forsake , Making them warnings to all Tyrants , that In after ages me and mine should hate ? I Plung'd them strangely into that great flood Or Sea , whose waves mean while on both sides stood Of my Elect , whom I had chose to be , A special lot or people unto me ? What should I speak of Saul , and Haman , and The Jewish Nation ? for in every Land Such monuments of judgment oft have been , In whom and what befel them , 't may be seen That there 's a God above , whose eyes behold The proud who him contemn , and are so bold To break his laws , and walk in their own pride . Nought can them from his powerful vengeance hide . Whereas on th' other side He doth protect , And shew his favour unto his Elect , His worshippers , all such as do him fear , And to my wholesom counsels do adhere . Though He be pleas'd their faith sometimes to try , Them from the dross of sin to purifie . And divers ways to exercise them , till His gratious purpose He on them fulfil ; That so their vertues might more brightly shine , And God more fully shew his pow'r divine , In their support , and in that inward might , Wherewith He them indues in the Worlds fight . When all the old World , who from me had swerv'd Was drowned , how was righteous Noe preserv'd , And in an Ark was with his houshold kept , From that great deluge , which the wicked swept Away without escape ? so Righteous Lot , When Sodom was consum'd was not forgot ; But by an Angel was deliver'd out , From that strange show'r of fire , which round about All things burnt up , so soon as he from thence Was carry'd out . And what a sure defence To Abraham , Isaac , and Jacob too , Was the Almighty Lord when they did go Into strange Countries , few , and strangers ? how Did he defend them , because they did ●ow To him , and his words keep ? yea how did God Rebuke Kings for their sakes , and with his rod So frighted them , that they durst nothing do Against them , which their harm might tend unto ? How did he help chaste Joseph , and him keep In those great suff'rings , and those dangers deep , To which his envious brethren did him sell , And by his wanton Mistress him befell , Who falsly him accus'd , because he did Refuse her unclean lust , of God forbid To satisfie , at her unchaste request , Preferring a clean conscience in his brest , Before the amorous kisses of a whore , Which would have ruin'd him for evermore ? How did the Lord in him his power display , And goodness too , both in the time he lay In prison-house , where irons pierc'd his Soul ? ( God gave him patience in that sad , and foul , And painful tryal , and was with him so As that he favour found , the Jaylour fro ) And when God from the prison him released , Having him thereby tryed as he pleased ? For unto such great honour he him brought , As never by him could have been forethought . To make him Ruler over all the Land Of Egypt , that all men might understand , That though God try his friends , and them prepares Thereby for mercies , yet he for them cares . And when they fitted are , he them advances Above their foes designs , and all bad chances . Did he not Israel in Egypt too , And in the Wilderness cause him to know , To be their mighty helper , and their aid , Their strong Redeemer from those griefs , that made Them sigh and grone ; and from those dismal fears , Which them encompassed for may years ? How did he bring them out , from that hard Land Of bondage , by his great and mighty hand ? What wonders wrought he for them at the Sea And in the Wilderness ? what things did he In leading them there-through , by day and night , Both by a shady cloud and fiery light ? In giving them from Heaven Angels bread , Wherewith for forty years they were all fed ? In causing flinty Rocks to give them drink , When they through thirst seemed to be at pits brink ? How did he by a Serpent made of brass Erected , heal their wounds ? and made them pass Safely through mid'st of swelling Seas and floods , Drave out seaven Nations , and their lands and goods Divided to his people to possess , That they his Name for evermore might bless : And all might see , That they who serve God , have A great preserver , who them all will save , And recompence with good ? and that To Bliss The only certain way to serve God is . How did he ruddy David while a youth , Because he served him in upright truth , Take from the sheep-folds , and with oyl anoint him , And to rule over Israel appoint him ? And though he from Saul's envy suffred much , While he Gods favour did unto him grutch , And many dangers too of death sustain'd , Before the Crown and Kingdom he obtain'd ; Yet how did God him keep , uphold , and save , In many a desert , mountain , hill , and cave ; Till having humbled him , he his promise Remembred , and cut off his enemies ; Gave him the Sovereign power and government , So that he ruled long with great content ; Inlarg'd his Territories , and increast His power among the great ones of the East ? Till in his great prosperity , he fell Into the sins whereof the Scriptures tell . When that it might appear , that God regards Mens actions , and unto them gives rewards And punishments , according thereunto He met with sad corrections , and much woe ; Though mixt with mercies manifold , because He did through grace repent , and to my laws Return . How strangely did he Mordecay And the Jews help , whom Haman sought to slay , Turning upon his Head , those evils which He for them had devis'd ? into the ditch He for them dig'd ; he himself was cast down , That thereby both Gods favour and his frown He might at once declare . How helped he Those worthies which are call'd the children three ? They walkt in mid'st of fiercest flames , no smell Of fire their garments had , when they down fell Dead at the furnace mouth , who east them in . Such difference is 'twixt righteousness and sin . How helpt he Daniel in the Lyons den , And him deliver'd , when those very men Destroy'd were , who devis'd his ruine ? How Did he oft help his servants when brought low , In times of Macchabees , and all along When they dispersed were , and suff'red wrong ? How helped he the holy men that dy'd In faith of me , whom the World crucifi'd , Through many Storms and Tempests , by the rage Of persecutors rais'd in every age ? For love of me , they willingly did yield To Death , so as by Death they won the field . Triumphing over every worst torment , That was devised by the curst Serpent , And his inraged instruments ; until By their deaths and their doctrine , they did fill The World with fruits , and made proud error fall , Before the truth confessed by them all . For those same ignominious Deaths and crosses , Those heavy sufferings , and most grievous losses , Whereat the World doth stumble , and whereby They with the Devil in confederacy , Endeavour to affright thee from my Word , More comfort and more glory far afford , Then all those pleasures , and those braveries , By which they do bewitch the mind unwise . Yea many have more peace and joy exprest In cruel Deaths through me , then they who rest And quiet in the World injoy , as far As a glow-worm's exceeded by a Star Of greatest magnitude ; or by the Sun Which with great glory doth its courses run . Which moved Moses , though both Learn'd and Wise , The riches of all Egypt to despise , And all its pleasures , to take part with those Who suff'red great oppressions from their foes For sake of me ; because he well perceived That greater glory then can be believed Is thence received ; yea more then can be found , Form all the best injoyments of this Round . Who are more honour'd in this World's esteem , Then they who do their life and blood out teem ; And many watchings , fastings , combates great , And hardships suffer , which each hour them threat , To do their Countrey service , or maintain Its liberties , or greater rule to gain Unto it ? and shall those , who for the sake Of their most high creator , undertake His truth and Kingdom to assert , be thought The only persons to be set at nought ? Or be the worse accounted , because they Do many cruel things sustain all day ? Are they not therefore far more worthy praise , For suff'ring so great things so divers ways ; The worst of Deaths and Torments , that the wit And malice both of Men and Devils , knit Together could devise ; and bear the shame Of vilest imputations for my Name ? Shews it not forth their greater love to me ? And is 't not meet I should so loved be , Who for their sakes my state of glory left , And suffered my self to be bereft Of all things , even of life ; and to sustain The greatest agonies in Soul , and pain In body , even the dreadful curse to bear , Of God's most righteous Law , because they were Thereof the breakers , and thereby concluded To be from Gods most joyful sight extruded ? Is it not too , a commendation to My person and my kingdom , that they so Dare suffer for them ? for therein they show , That they such excellencies in them know , That for the sake thereof they do contemn , The greatest mischeifs can be done to them , Rather then be thereof depriv'd ? yea sure The patience too wherewith they do endure ; Their gloryings also and great joys therein , Which often in that case exprest hath been ; Unlike to those who suffer otherwise , Some excellency clearly testifies In what they suff'red for ; and that they found Some such strong satisfactions to abound , As nothing in this World can them afford , But only the Divine power of the Lord . And sure if they who for their Countrey dye , With Monuments and Trophies gloriously Are honour'd ; and the more by how much they More willingly , and greater suff'rings may Have undergone : those ignominious things Which the confession of my doctrine brings , Through Sathan's and the World's malice upon My followers ( as oft times it hath done ) Their glory , and their praise esteemed should be . And so they are esteemed too of me And of my Father , who will recompence Such glory to them , as such patience And love to him and me may challenge ; yea According as of us they taken be , Of our great grace and favour , who account Them worthy of such glories , as surmount All humane merit , and ( though they do owe Such service to us , yet ) great things bestow By way of recompence ; such as surpass All humane understanding , as far as The Heavens exceed the Earth , or th' Ocean large Exceeds the compass of some Boat or Barge . For 't is the glory of the Majesty Of God to give rewards exceeding high . As Kings give gifts like Kings , and not like those Whose greatest riches is a suite of cloaths . Min. For though the righteous God his judgments now Both on the good , and on the bad doth show ; Yet they are but a small part of that Doom , Which shall at length to either of them come . A little demonstration of a Judge , And of a judgment , which shall them that grudge Against Gods Being and his Providence , ( Which both of good and bad hath perfect sense ) Wholly confute and strike into silence . A Judge who judgment too doth execute , According to mens doings and their fruit . But yet that all the Judgments doth not here , Pass upon Good or Bad may hence appear . Firstly , for that all those who wicked be , And whose great wickedness all men may see , Receive not here condigne punishment For their offences ; but oft having spent Their times in vanity , the poor oppressing , And widdows of their rights too dispossessing ; Contemning God , yea who blasphem'd his Name , Women and Maids defil'd , and in the same Have gloryed , and many other crimes Have perpetrated , yet such oftentimes Are taken hence with no such stroke as may It evidence that God on them doth lay , The punishment of their offences great ; But they dye quietly in their own seat : Even as that gluttonous rich man , who far'd Deliciously each day , and never spar'd To satisfie his lusts , but yet the poor Suff'red to lye neglected at his door ; Even he his days in pleasures spent , and when His time was come to dye , like other men , He died , and was buried in great state , So as men could not therein see Gods hate . Can it be thought the righteous Judge of all , Will suffer those whom he doth wicked call , And against whom his wrath 's upon record , To scape unpunished and break his word ? Will he be partial ? punish but a few , The greatest part dispense with of that crue ? No verily ; There is a time to come , When every wicked man shall have his doom . Again , when every wilful breach of law , Doth dreadful punishments upon men draw ; Who so offend and are impenitent , Can it be judg'd to be sufficient For millions of such sins , that one such stroke Should take away the sinners , who provoke God every day to strike ? shall such an end As something of just vengeance doth portend . Not very much beyond the common fate Which all mankind abides , be for the hate Of God and goodness , which they always bear From day to day ; yea oftimes many a year , Full recompence ? for how much greater pain Did Pharoah , when drown'd in the Sea sustain , Or Haman when he was hang'd up on high , Then is the common pain of all that dye ? There was some publike shame and sodainness , And some such violence as might express , A righteous hand of God ; but yet the same Occurrences of violence and shame , Are but what men by their laws oftentimes Do judge men to , for some such hainous crimes As treason and rebellion against them : And shall such persons as do God contemn , Sustain no greater punishment then they Deserve , who mortal men but disobey ? Nay verily , but as God greater is Then greatest men , so they who do amiss Against his law and government , shall such Great punishments sustain , as do as much Exceed the punishments from men , as he Exceeds them in his power and high degree . And what befals them now , is far from all The punishment that shall upon them fall . Besides , though they who serve God , find supports In their afflictions , and have great comforts From him , when they are persecuted for His name and truth confessed by them : or For tryal of their faith , or for increase Of virtue , or to cause that they may cease From what offends him , though they do sustain Much trouble and affliction , grief and pain : And though ofttimes he signally them save From greatest dangers ; yet they sure shall have Far greater things then those , a recompence Beyond what here they have ; for they go hence Ofttimes with great reproaches , crosses , shame , And dye reputed worthy of great blame : Yea are cut off by cruel Death , because They durst not violate Gods holy laws . Can it be thought that that great God , whom they So constantly through so great griefs obey , Will not their service and their love regard , So as the same openly to reward ; With such rewards as with his greatness suite , And may to all eternity confute His enemies , that do blaspheme his Name , And put his service to rebuke and shame ? Yes verily , as his with patience Bear greatest troubles , with great confidence Of an after reward sufficient , To recompence the blood which they have spent , And all that they have parted with and born For his Names sake , a Crown that shall be worn By them to all eternity , a Crown Of heavenly glory , eternal renown ; A recompence beyond the thoughts of man , Yea such as no Angel express it can , They shall receive from him ; who notice takes Of all their suff'rings , and inquiry makes After their blood . He 'll not their hope deceive , But give them even beyond what they believe . Christ . Know then dear Soul , that there 's another day , A time when Heaven and Earth shall flee away , When God shall judge the World in righteousness , And give to them who here his truth confess Unspeakable rewards ; and the unjust , Into eternal fire and torments thrust . Unto which purpose I who was abas't , And suffer'd so great things for to lay waste , The pow'r and kingdom of the enemy , And for the sakes of sinful men did dye , And being raised up , went up on high , And am set down in royal Majesty On Gods right hand , shall in great glory come , To execute the judgment and the doom , Of my eternal Father , and to give Rewards to men according as they live . Those who with hate repay me , I 'll destroy And fill my lovers with eternal joy . And who so fit as I man's Judge to be , Who am both God and Man , and all things see In God and Man ? Being Gods glorious Word Made of man Flesh , and am made sovereign Lord Of Men and Angels , and do fully know What God hath done for man , what man doth owe To God again ? Man may be sure I will Not undeservedly him destroy or kill , Seeing I his most loving Saviour am , Who him to save down from my Father came : Yea into Death and Hell went down , that I Might thence redeem man , and l●ft him on high . Nor can I be unrighteous , both for that I 'm one with God , and all unright things hate : And 't was unrighteousness for to destroy That I appear'd ; in righteousness I joy . Yea 't is a just reward , that I who were Unjustly judged and condemned here , Should be exalted to that glorious height , To sit as Judge of what is wrong , what right , And judge my Judges ; yea since I thereby The power have to forgive sins ; who as I So fit to judge ? To which in Gods season , I shall appear in glory on the Throne , With honour and with Majesty bedeckt , When all before me without all respect Of persons , I shall call both quick and dead , And give to them as here they have lived . Minist. For whereas thy malicious foes suggest , Among the other things they have exprest , That it 's a fancy to conceit , that they Who in their graves are quite consum'd away , Should ever possibly be rais'd again , To live in glory or to suffer pain ; It 's like the rest of what blind error saith , Leaning to its own thoughts , devoy'd of faith , By which the reason should be rectifi'd , And which in all things it should make its guide . For as man's things , only man's spirit can know , So none but God's spirit can his matters show . But when the fallen fool saith in his heart There is no God , how can he but depart From that divine light of his holy Word , Which right direction only doth afford ? But seeing there 's a God , a power divine , As all things both in Heaven and Earth combine , To manifest a glorious power , that made The Heavens , the Earth , the Seas , and them hath stay'd , And held up to this moment ; can it be Unreasonable thought by men , that he Should act like to himself , and such things do As may his power and greatness clearly show ? And is 't a greater or unlikelier thing , The dead and rotten back to life to bring ; The 't was at first all things to make of nought ? Can any thing for God too hard be thought ? For him that is Almighty ? is 't not right , To think that Greatest things become his might ? Yes verily ; It 's like himself to do Such mighty things , as far surpass and go Beyond the shallow model of man's wit To comprehend ; and what can be more sit , For his Almighty power to bring about , Then from their graves to make the dead come out To judgment ? and such recompence bestow , As may his heigth and greatness greatly show ? And seeing it may well supposed be That unto man ( as was foreshewed ) he Would give his precepts , and his mind declare , With motives to obey him , such as are Great , and his Greatness do become , why should It once be doubted of what he hath told , But that it 's true and right ? what is 't because They are so great things that he saith ? why , pause A little on 't again , and see if that Can any just ground be to stumble at : Such declarations , promises , and threats , Because they may be rank't among the Greats . As if with Greatness , great things did not suit , Or such a Tree could not bring forth such fruit . Nay verily those things God best become , That are so great as wholly to strike dumb The mouth of Reason , and to pass the mind Of men and Angels their method to find . Chr. Believe it then dear Soul , that there shall be A Resurrection of the Dead , by me Who am the Son of God , and do possess The fulness of his power and happiness . I by my Death have so the law fulfil'd , Which bound men o're to Death , that I have kil'd Its power to hold men under ; yea I have Not only my self risen from the grave , But have a passage also from it made For all mankind ; because the sin that laid Mankind so low , I have destroyed so , That it shall not them hinder thence to go . Yea being raised and gone up on high , I have received highest dignity Over all things , in Heaven , in Earth , in Hell ; The fulness of the Godhead doth all dwell In me . I have the keys of Hell and Death , All things above , and all that is beneath , Are subject to my power , and as I have Destroyed by my Death both Death and Grave , So I can them command , and in due time Will do it also : Neither Grace nor Crime Shall thereby be from their reward back kept : But at my voice who ever there have slept , Or yet shall sleep , shall from their graves come forth , Even from the East , and West , and South , and North. They shall not keep my worshippers , and them Who for my sake their own lives do contemn , That they should not receive those great things which I promised , wherewith them to inrich , And gloriously to honour and advance , Even an everlasting inheritance , Where they in glory great shall ever shine , And shall possess the Kingdom that is mine . Shall me behold , and with me joy for ever ; Where mixture of adversity shall never Impair their happiness , or it abate . Where they shall be void of all strife and hate , Of enmity , and envy , death or pain , And without all disturbance ever Reign ; Fulness of joy and glory in the sight Of God they shall injoy , with full delight . Rivers of pleasures shall them satisfie , Of which they all shall drink eternally . No tongue can utter , no heart can conceive , The joy and glory which they shall receive , And have for ever who on me believe . When I that joyful sentence utter shall Come oh ye blessed of my Father all , Inherit ye the Heavenly Kingdom , now Before the World's foundations for you Prepared : for when I hungred ye me fed , When sick and prison'd ye me visited ; Ye gave me drink when thirsty , intertain'd me When I a stranger was , and men disdain'd me . When in my members thus it was with me , Even with my meanest Brethren here that be , Ye shew'd me favour . Come therefore possess My Kingdom now in everlasting Bless . The World despis'd you , and thrust you away , Accounted you accursed ; oft ye lay In Streets , and Prisons , poor and thinly clad . But now the time is come , wherein I glad Will you for ever make ; ye shall be now Exalted high , when they shall all lye low . I 'll feed you with my fat things not disdain you , But in joys and glories entertain you . My glory shall you cloath , and ye in white Shall with me walk , because ye did the right . Now you shall no more thirst , for I 'll you make Of the fountains of living water take And drink your fills ; nor shall you hunger more , I 'll feed you at my Table ; nor be poor For I 'll inrich you . And ye who were strangers Wandring about , expos'd to many dangers , I 'll take you now to me , and sit ye shall Upon my throne of glory eternal . Oh come ye Blessed of my Father , now Possess the Kingdom sore-prepar'd for you .
Canto IV. The Dreadful Canto . The last judgment and Doom of the Wicked .

Our God will come and will not keep silence , a fire shall devour before him , and it shall be very tempestuous round about him ,

Psal. 50.3 . This Dreadful Canto doth relate The doleful Doom and sad estate , Of such as God and goodness hate . How Christ and his shall laugh at them , As they with scorn did them contemn , When he to woe doth them condemn . What horrour at the glorious sight Of Christ , and his shall on them light , And how it shall them all affright . What doleful wailings they shall make , When they go down into the Lake Of vengeance , which none ere shall slake . NOR on the other side shall Death , or Grave , Or Hell , be able those my foes to save From my just judgments , who my counsels slight , Hate my reproofs , and my good Spirit despite . Who do the World and their own Iusts prefer , Before me and my grace , loving to err From my good ways , refusing to return : They shall be rais'd again , and judg'd to burn In that eternal Lake of wrath and woe , Which was prepar'd for the Infernal foe ; The Devil and his Angels who seduced Them to rebel , and not to be reduced . Before my dreadful judgment seat , they shall Stand trembling then , yea then both great and small Shall judged be ; and when my Saints rejoyce Then they shall weep and wail , hearing that voice Depart ye cursed ; ye who have refused , My profer'd grace , and all my love abused : Who would not come to me when I did call you , Though I did tell you then what would befall you . Ye who then put Me from you , and to me Did say Depart , for we desire not thee Us to instruct or teach , or to reprove us , We care not whether thou do'st hate or love us . We value not thy love , nor fear thy wrath ; We will not know thy ways , nor tread thy path . Thy words do cross our wills , we 'll break thy cords ; Thou shalt not reign o're us , for we are Lords ; We 're owners of our selves , and all we have : We need not thee , nor like that thou us save From our corruptions ; for we like them so , We take thee that reprov'st for our foe . Thy company we like not , nor that sort Of frantick fools , who do with thee comport , Pressing thy laws ; we hate them in our heart , And put them from us , let them too depart . They are a burthen and a trouble to us , And we 'll destroy them , least they should undo us . This then your manner was to me and mine , Ye were contented we should starve or pine . When we were hungry , ye would not us feed ; Nor would ye give us drink , when we did need ; Nor when we wand'red , would ye take us in ; Nor cloath us , when we naked were and thin ; When we were sick or cast in prison , ye Neglected us to visit or to see . Nay ye did thrust us from you , ye did beat us , And by your cruelties did slay and eat us . Ye mockt our counsels , because being poor , We trusted in the Lord , did him adore : Depart from me therefore ye cursed crue , And from my lovers . Take ye now your due , With your curst Counsellors , the Devil and His wicked Angels , whose will and command Above mine ye prefer'd . For ever be A seperated company from me , And from all mine , in that great dreadful lake Of Fire and Brimstone ; where I 'll vengeance take For all your wickedness , and great despite Ye shew'd against me , and those who did right . Ye trod me under foot , my blood ye slighted As common , and my spirit of grace despited . Now I will tread you in my wrath ( for I The wine-press of the wrath of God mighty Do tread ) I 'll in my fury trample you , And all to pieces crush and squeaze you now . What! think you now a share with us to have , Whom ye thrust from you , when we counsel gave To leave your evils , and with us take part ? Ye judg'd our counsels over sharp and tart , To your pride and corruptions ; when ye were Ashamed of me , and my reproach to bear ; Ashamed of my followers , because they Reproached were , poor and despised lay , Would ye now fain your selves insinuate With us , when we are glorious ? 'T is too late : We will not own you now , but are asham'd Of such accursed caytiffs , who are nam'd Ungodly , wicked , unclean , hypocrites , Ambitious , worldlings , proud men , Sodomites , With many another such like wretched name , As into my Book of life never came . Away ye Caytiffs , as ye sow'd , now reap ; As ye have brew'd , now drink . Go howl , and weep , Lament your folly , cry now Fools we are , Who counted us the fools , and did not spare To make us cry and weep , and sigh and groan , And unto God make our complaint and moan ; When ye us slighted and abused so , As made us with sad grieved hearts to go . Solace your selves together in those flames Of dreadful fire , which all proud rebels tames . Ye laught at us , and in our griefs took pleasure ; Now we will mete out to you the same measure . When we were from our houses hal'd and outed , Of Synagogues for righteousness , ye shouted ; When we were mockt and scorned by men , ye houted , And when we answer'd for our selves , ye flouted . When we condemned were , and cast in bands , Then ye rejoyced much and clapt your hands . When we were hang'd , and burn'd , and crucifi'd , Then ye did triumph o're us , us deride . These trusted in the Lord , ye us'd to say , These were the persons used much to pray . In houses to that purpose they would meet , And oft of God be talking in the Street ; Let 's see now where their God is , and what he Can and will do for them to set them free . Let 's see if he them from our hands can save , Let him deliver them , it them he 'll have . Now we again do over you rejoyce , At your distress we now lift up our voice . We triumph over you , and do deride Your folly , madness , stubbornness , and pride . Now we your confidences boldly flout , And over your destruction we do shout ; To see our mortal foes who were so stout , From God and all his holy ones thrust out Into eternal torments ; we 'll now taunt Your Idols , and those places ye did haunt , To work your wickedness ; where be your Gods Whom ye did use to worship , and with odds Prefer before your Saviour ? what 's become Of all your stocks and stones , and Idols dumb ? Where are those mighty men , under whose wing Ye put your trust ? of whom ye us'd to sing ? Whose power and greatness ye did magnifie , Trust in and fear , and lift up to the sky ; Whose Laws , and whose commands , ye did prefer Far before me and mine ! ye did deter My people from their service to me , setting Their greatness and their threats before them , getting Commissions from them us to persecute : Why do ye not to them now make your suite , And pray them to befriend you in your needs , And bear you out in all your wretched deeds ; Ye acted against God , and against us , For which ye stand by me condemned thus ? Where are your potent Kings and Emperors ? Your Popes , your Cardinals , your great Doctors ? Your gallant Lords and Ladies , Learned men Of whom , and whose authority ye then Did make your boasts , and with their names us frighted ? And in whose countenance ye much delighted ? Where are their Crowns ? their Scepters ? & their Miters ? Their crosier Staves ? their Councils ? and their Writers ? Their dreadful weapons which they oft abused Against us , from those ends they should have used Them to ( as against theives and high-way robbers , Seditious persons , felons , and disturbers Of publick peace by wicked acts , abusers Of Gods good creatures , and of men mis-users . ) What is become of all that greatness now , Before the which ye us'd your selves to bow , And flusht with which , and leaning whereunto Ye did your pleasures , sought us to undo ? Let them arise and help and save you now , But ah alas ! themselves too are brought low . They 're turn'd off from the stage , and their high looks Are humbled , all their weapons , and their books Of Learning , Wit , of Merriment , of Laws ( In which they being searched , many flaws Were found ) are all consumed and quite burn'd , And they themselves too , many of them turn'd Into destruction with you , and their pride , Their pomp , and their high looks we now deride . Their gallant garbs , their feather'd caps , their train And pompous equipage are now all vain . All nought avails them , but they must abide The due deserts of all their lordly pride , Their riots and oppressions , wantonnesses , Their beastly lusts , and all their great excesses , With whatsoever they have done amiss . Now they may see their folly , now we hiss At all their madness , whereby they abused Those many mercies they injoy'd , refused . The bless they might have had , and walked in Their brutish lusts , and wallowed in their sin ; Rejecting and conteming me and mine , And would not to my words their ears incline . Where now are all those treasur'd heaps of store , Your Lands and Lordships upon which ye bore Your selves in your abuses ? where now are Your silver and your gold , and jewels rare ? Your stately palaces , or seiled houses ? Your down beds , gay attire , and your fair Spouses ? Your pomps and pageants ? yea your punks and whores , With whom you lost your souls , and oft with sores Did mar your bodies ? where 's your hawks and hounds ? Your monstrons oaths , your Damm'es , blood , & wounds ? Where are your great attendants ? where those laws By which ye us condemn'd and kil'd , because We cleaved to our God , and would not start From his commands ; or 'cause we did depart From that excess of riot , or false way Of worship , wherein ye did go astray ? Where are they all become ? will none of them Help you at this strange turn , when we contemn And slight you ? where be all those men of law , Who could by their fine subtle pleadings draw And wrest the laws to speak what ere they pleas'd ? Have they not now a word whereby you eas'd May of your torments be ? what are they dumb , And mute , and tongue-less at this turn become ? Can ye not bribe them now , as ye did use , When many a poor man ye did abuse , Oppress , impoverish , and undo ? we fear The sight of other Angels , now do blear Their eyes , that they cannot behold your case , Or they 're afraid to look the Judge i' th' face . They 're found so false , that they 're turn'd o're the bar , Or what befals them , that they are so far From pleading now your cause ? what do they know The Judge is so impartial , that how now To bribe or to pervert him they are pos'd ? Or is the air so cold , their tongues be froz'd ? Where are those flaunting Preachers ? smooth Divines , Those witty fellows , who use with the times To turn their tongues , and fond distinction find , Their own and other Consciences to blind ? Dispense with my commands great men to please ? Cast burthens upon others , themselves ease ? Make oaths to bind or loose as they see good ? Or as it with their own preferments stood ? Loos'd subjects from their due obedience Which I requir'd of them unto their Prince ? And Princes oft provok't to persecute My people who with their wills can not suit . Made error pass for truth , and truth for error ? Made void my threats , and fil'd their own with terror ? Made sad the hearts of my poor servants by Urging mens precepts , and the authority Of their old councils 'gainst them , to make good The doings of those men who sought their blood ? Can they not now alledge some Fathers old , Some Council , or some custom , why ye should Not be thrust down to Hell ? can they not find Some good distinction now my eyes to blind ? Can they not now pervert some Scripture , to Make void my judgment and prevent your woe ? Is all their skill and Learning laid a sleep ? Or are they fain themselves to howl and weep , Because they minded not my work to do , To seek , that they themselves my grace might know , And others thereof might with them partake , But their lusts minded , and my laws did hate ? Where are your lofty looks ? your grievous words ? Your strength of hands ? your ponyards , and your swords , Wherewith ye us'd to terrifie us , and Obtain your pleasures , or force your commands ? Can ye not now out-brave the Judge , whom ye Did vilifie and scorn , when him ye see Both in himself and members , at the bar Of your Injustice stand ? whom ye did mar With spittings , taunts , and many foul affronts ? What have ye now at length left off your wonts ? Can ye not lay about you , beat away Your enemies ? for so we are to day , This day of vengeance ; because formerly Our friends ye would not be , but did deny Me , and mine hate . Can ye not with strong hand Defend your selves , or break that chain or band Of God's most righteous and most dread Decree , By which bound to perpetual woe ye be ? Were ye not wont to boast your selves , and say Our tongues they are our own , and what Lord may Controule us or command us ? what 's become Of those your lawless tongues ? are they quite dumb ? What ? not one word to say , wherefore ye should Not be thrust down , into that dreadful hold Of damned Spirits , whose suggestions ye Prefer'd and followed far before me . Some of you did suppose your fleshly birth Of Abraham or others , who on Earth Were godly persons , or were men of might , Would help you now , although that which was right Ye put away ; and others of you thought , Because ye did some good works ; as ye taught My laws or heard them , or profest my name , Or built some Hospital for blind and lame , Or did a Chanter found , or give a gift To build a Church or it adorn , you shift Might off my judgment ; though I did foretel That they would nought avail , unless ye well Demean'd your selves . Can ye not those pleas now Make good ? or what before ye would not know , Do you now well perceive at length I can't By any thing , a liberty to grant To sin be bribed ? did ye think such things , As oft times blear'd the eyes of mortal Kings , And of their Judges ( as affinity Or gifts , or some great services whereby They might oblige them ) would with me prevail , So far as to give leave without all fail , Some secret sins to harbour in your brest , And that nevertheless ye might be blest ? And therefore you presum'd unrighteously To live and practise , and my words cast by . Where they against some of your lusts did stand , Or something which ye lik't not did command . Thence many of you did the poor oppress , Sought your own glory , liv'd in covetousness ; And thought to scape my judgments , if you gave Part of your unjust gaine your souls to save . Some of you Preach't my Statutes , but refus'd Them to obey , but all my grace abus'd . Or if in some things ye seem'd to obey , Somethings forgive , or give , or fast and pray ; Yet secretly ye did your neighbours cheat , Oppress your servants , wrongfully them beat ; Defraud the labourers of what they earn'd , Took part with theives when ye have them discern'd , Or kept a whore in secret , or did love To practise closely , what ye did reprove More openly in publick ; sought the praise Of men in what ye did ; did slanders raise Against your Brother , thereby to deprive Him of the comfort , which he did derive From the love of his neighbours , while he kept That credit with them , which ye from him swept . And think ye , that I who for all sins dy'd , And in my word against all testifi'd ; To nourish any of them would give way , Or that the workers of such evils may Indure in my pure sight ? ye 're much deceived If any such things of me ye believed . I did not come to save by halves , and make Clean of some spotts , procure that men forsake Some evils , and retain some other ; no I came and taught , that men should all forgo , For love of me and righteousness ; and I Afforded that effectual grace , whereby Ye might have perfectly been purified , And all ungodliness and lusts denyed ? Which seeing it hath not been done by you , I from my presenee you for ever throw . Oh what amazement , and what horrour , then Shall seise on , and surprise those wretched men , When they shall see me in my Majesty , ( Which then shall visibly to ev'ry eye Be manifest , though now they will not see , What of it in my works and words may be Discerned by them ) when they shall behold That all is true of me that they were told ; Yea that it shall many degrees exceed All they had heard , and by what they did read Recorded of me , either could conceive , Or firmly of me in their hearts believe . When in my Fathers glory , they me see Attended with those Angels , all that be Mighty in power , and in holiness Compleat ! oh who their horrour can express ! When me they see in so great glory , as The pomp of all this World doth more surpass , Then doth the Sun in all its brightest shine Exceed the smallest rush-light ; and when mine Whom they in scorn contemn'd , and spitefully Intreated , they shall see exalted high ! How shall they gnash their teeth for envy , and For grief , that their own light did stand . And for a little seeming joy and pleasure , A puff of honour or some earthy treasure , Which then are past and gone , never to be Recal'd again ; and which they then shall see Were nought but vanity and lies , and bubles , Affording little when they were but troubles : And nothing then but anguish in the thought , That by such empty things they should be caught ; And should so foolishly such glory sell , For such poor toys as leave them then to Hell ? Yea when they see my angry face , my brow Against them knit , and call to mind how now I like a Lamb behave my self , and wait With much forbearance , at the clos'd-up-gate Of their hard hearts , and do all meekness show ; Great evils passing by , to anger slow : And see me arm'd with vengeance , and appear In flaming fire ; and when the voyce they hear Of that most dreadful sentence fore-exprest , Who can conceive what anguish in their brest They then shall feel ? what griefs shall them possess , Or what shall be their doleful wretchedness : When sore against their wills thrust from me , they Down to the Lake shall go , and such things say . Oh wo , wo , wo , wo , wo , and well-a-day , Wo , wo , oh wo , wo , wo , wo , wo , who may Our misery conceive ? oh wretched state , What heart can reach it ? what tongue it relate ? Wo worth the time that ever we were born ! Wo worth the time that ever we did scorn , And turn our backs upon the word of God! Hated to be reprov'd , slighted his rod ! Wo worth the time that ever it was said Such and such men were born ! oh had we made Our graves within our Mothers wombs ! or that Our Mothers or our Nurses had forgot , To give us nourishment ! or else had dasht Our heads against the Stones , and out had pasht Our wretched brains , by which we did devise Those ways of sinning those deceits and lies ; Which we prefer'd before Gods holy truth , Which we heard or might have heard , from the mouth Of God and of his servants ; oh accurst Those times in which , those ways by which we burst The cords of God's law , and his love asunder ! Oh might we hills and mountains now lye under , And bear their weight upon us , might we be Hid from that angry face which now we see ! Accursed be those eyes wherewith we saw , Those vain delights and objects which did draw Our minds from God , and from his word and ways . Oh had we rather been blind all our days ! Accurst those objects all , accursed too Out ears , wherewith we heard those things , that do Increase our misery ; refus'd to hear Those things which might have mov'd us God to fear , And kept us from sustaining torments here . Accursed be those falshoods did us snare ; Wo , wo , accursed be those who did spare And not destroy us in our infancy . Accursed be our tongues which us'd to lye , And swear , and brag , insult , blaspheme , deride . Oh had we pluckt them out : wo worth our pride , Our lust , our wantonness , our avarice , Accursed our ambition , and all vice . Accursed be our lewd companions in Our wickedness ; accursed who to sin Did us intice , incourage , or compel . Accurst the places wherein we did dwell And act it ; cursed be our hands which wrought Iniquity ; accurst our feet which brought Us to the Taverns , Whore-houses , and Plays , In which we spent our times , consum'd our days . Accursed all our members and our parts , But above all accursed be our hearts ; The magazines of mischief , where we fram'd All sorts of wickedness that may be nam'd Which thence to every part and member flow'd . Wo , wo , they be accurst , had we bestow'd Our riches on the poor we had done well , For our abuse of them we be in Hell . For them we sware and ly'd , and strove , and fought ; For them we ran , and rode ; for them we wrought . For them we spent our time , and strength , and lost Our wretched souls , which to redeem them cost The blood of Christ ; they help't us to be proud , They lifted up our hearts , to them we bow'd . They were the Gods we worship't , and for them God's word , and ways , we did slight and contemn . We talkt of God sometimes , and outwardly We worshipped him with lips and body ; But it was riches which possest our heart , And moved us from God's truth to depart . Or else our pleasures , or our dignities , Our honours , and preferments . But they lies Do now appear to be , oh woe to us That we for such things fool'd away Heaven thus , And plung'd our selves into this woful Lake , Where we this doleful lamentation make . Wo worth the time , that we despised those Who us admonish't , counting them our foes , When with their hearts they sought to do us good . Had we them heard we might have understood , That goodness in Gods ways , which would have made Us for the sake thereof , aside t' have lay'd Our sins . But wo is us , we fools them counted , But now we see how they on high are mounted : Whereas we fools in midst of flames do lye , Dying perpetually yet never dye . Wo worth the time that we did slight the poor , Neglecting them when they were at our door . And to the hungry did not deal our bread , Nor cloath the naked , nor sick visited . Wo worth the time we slothful were , and spent Our time in idleness and merriment : And thereby gave advantage to the Devil , To rob us of all good , fill with evil . Wo worth the time we did our selves content To hear , or Preach God's word , but never meant It to obey ; or else therefrom we fell Through carelesness , when we had begun well . Wo to the pomps and wordly vanicies Which did bewitch our hearts , our ears , our eyes . Wo worth the time we clos'd our eyes , and when Our hearts we hardned ; cursed be the men Who did mislead us , and contemn the truth , Or that perverted us , debaucht our youth , Or any other ways were instruments Of bringing upon us these punishments . Wo worth such Kings , and Counsellors , as made Us to commit such things as have betray'd Our souls to Hell , while we them judged wise , And flatter'd them we did God's laws despise . We took them to be Gods on Earth , their will We thought a law , which we ought to fulfill , Without considering whether their command , Did or did not with Gods law and will stand . Wo worth the publick places of resorts , Wo worth the Chancery , and the Innes of Courts , The Universities and places where We learn'd to gent it , and our selves up bear By our great breeding , learning , learned pride , To contemn honest Christians , and deride The simple meaning man , whose care it was To fear the Lord and their time well to pass . Wo worth our curious Arts , Opinions , And thoughts that we alone were wisdoms sons : Alas ! we see for all the Learned Schooles , We were simplicians , and did play the fools . Wo worth contentious Lawyers , who did set Us upon strifes , our monies for to get . Fomenting differences and causless Suits , Whereof we with them now do reap these fruits . Wo worth the foolish fashions and devices , Which Sathan introduc't to nourish vices . Wo worth the play 's and interludes , that we Did take delight and spend our time to see : Where we did learn much wantonness and lust , And how to scoff at honest men and just . Wo worth the Taverns , Alehouses , and Innes , They were the shops where we did trade in sins . Wo worth the pleasant Wines , strong Ale , and Bear , And other liquors , wherewith oft we were Made like the Beasts ; and wherewith flusht , we sung Our songs against good Men , making them dung . Wo worth the Whores and Harlots , with whom we Consumed our estates , and wofully Mispent our times ; debaucht our selves , and spent Our bodies , and our strengths , with great content . Wo worth their rowling eyes , their wanton glances , Their flatt'ring speeches and lascivious dances . Their smoother fore-heads , and their painted faces , Their light behaviours , their flanting laces . Their beautiful eye lids , their cheeks so fair , Their naked bosoms , and their well set hair . Accursed their temptations , and their Arts , To take our minds , and draw away our hearts . Accursed their allurements , and embraces , Their whorish fore-heads , and impudent faces . Wo worth our wanton hearts , and wandring eyes , That were allured by such vanities . That look't upon such objects , and did lust , Such things with them to do as were unjust . That by our wanton carriages and doings , Our painted speeches , and our earnest woings , Did draw poor silly women into snares And oftentimes surpris'd them unawars . Wo worth those flames of lust wherein we burn'd ; Wo worth us that therefrom we never turn'd . For now we burn in Hell , in endless flames , Of such a vengeance as our lust quite tames . Wo worth our ceiled Houses , rooms so warm , Our costly furniture , they help't to charm Our hearts and our affections them unto , That we could not abide them to forgo ; When we were call'd for Christs sake them to leave . Our love to such things helpt us to bereave Of better satisfactions , where we see Yon then despised men in glory be . Wo worth unrighteous laws , and them that did Them wickedly devise , us to forbid Christ to confess according to his will , And armed us with power his Saints to kill . Branding them as Male-factors , or as those Who did their lawful Governors oppose . Wo worth Seditious persons , who did band Themselves against the powers of the Land , Ordained of God to govern , on pretence Of Reformation using violence . Sheathing their Swords in Kings and Rulers sides , Or it assaying ; by which means the tides And floods of high severity was rais'd Against such quiet innocents , as prais'd Both righteousness and truth , and prayed for Redress of evils , but yet did abhor Rebellious courses thereunto to take , Or any such disturbances to make ; Only from such defilements they abstain'd , As being practis'd would their souls have stain'd . Whether by custom or authority Commended or commanded , though thereby They being also lookt upon as men , Who did the lawful Governours contemn , Were by us sundry ways wrong'd and abus'd , Imprison'd , persecuted , and misus'd . And godliness was for the sakes of some , Who themselves misbehaved , made to come Into suspition , and neglected so As with the stream of vice we chose to go , And to assure those over us , that we From all seditious practises were free , Of false mifguided zealots who did not Christ's doctrine follow , but it quite forgot , And his instructions ( not by carnal sword To force his kingdom up ; but by his Word , And by a patient suff'ring , whatsoere For his Name sake they should be made to bear ) We thought it best for us to Swear and Rant , Carouse or Whore , or Warrants out to grant Against Religious persons , because they Did meet in private oft to hear or pray : Whereby we ran into th' other extream , And made our selves as bad or worse , then them Seditious persons , with whom now we bear This dreadful Doom to be tormented here . Accursed be those persons who presum'd Upon their greatness ; and thereby assum'd , To Lord it over our poor Consciences , And bow them to their wills on vain pretences . Wo worth also those persons who were stil'd The Ministers of Christ , and yet beguil'd Our now lost souls by their great ignorance , Their blindness , and their supine negligence ; Feeding themselves , and vexing us with Suits , Or bringing forth many unrighteous fruits : Neglecting us to teach or Catechise , And by their life and doctrine make us wise . By their perverting of the Scriptures , and By their false glosses , bearing us in hand That if we were Elect we must be saved , However we our selves then misbehaved . And that some men were then rejected so From all eternity , and unto woe Destined that for them there was no grace Nor possibility to have a place Amongst the saved ones ; which made us bold Our sinful courses and vain ways to hold , Believing that if saved we might be , We must be turn'd in irresistibly : And if not so , we should but toil in vain Against the stream , from vices to abstain ; And to obtain the Kingdom of the just , For do we what we could perish we must . Or otherwise their life and doctrine did Imbolden us to do the things forbid . They made us to believe , that because we Baptised were with water , we must be Happy at last , if we did but comply So far with the Churches authority , As therein to be kept : though we did rest But in formalities , we must be blest . Or if but once we true believers were , We could ne'r fall away , of that no fear However we might sin , and do such things As upon others swift destruction brings . Wo worth false Prophets who have us deceived , While we them as true Prophets have believed ; Because they were the men that had the voice Of those that were impowred to make choice Of men to teach us ; and had publikely Approvement by humane Authority , Though they were Ministers only of men And knew not God , how could they teach us then Gods truth sincerely ? They were but time-servers , Men pleasers , and from God's good doctrine swervers , And of the Souls of men they were the starvers . Wo worth them that they did not us reprove When they did see us sin ; they no such love Had to our Souls ; but seeking gain from us They sooth'd us up , and now we are lost thus . Wo worth the loose Professors , Hypocrites , Who oft lay'd stumbling-blocks before our sights ; While they did their profession fouly stain By falshood , cheating , or behaviours vain ; Which made us all Religion to detest , And think those who had none to be the best . Wo worth our manifold Idolatries , Wherein , forsaking God , we worship'd lies . Made Idols of the Angels , Devils , Men , Both dead and living : yea and now and then Our fancies , bellies , works , them bowing to , And other creatures looking help them fro . Our worshipping the Beast and his Image , Our beastly wills , and those in every age Who lording it over our Conscience , Imposed on us their own will and sense . Wo worth those superstitions , and devis'd Ways and conceptions , whereby men disguis'd God and his worship , causing us full low To those things God forbad , our selves to bow . Wo worth our taking of God's name in vain , By oaths and perjuries , and by prophane Abuses of it , and formality ; While resting in the formes , we did deny The power os godliness , and not such fruit Bring forth , as with that worthy Name did suite . Wo worth our breaches of Gods Sabboaths , and Our disobedience to the command Of Kings and Princes , which they lawfully Imposed on us : that Authority We did despise , contemn the Magistrates , Seditions , and Rebellions , wrought in States . Our Parents disobey'd , or did not give The honour due to them while they did live . Wo worth our envy , murther , strife , debate , Our malice , slanderous words that sprung from hate . Wo worth our fornications , uncleanness , Our thefts , oppressions , bearing false witness . Wo worth the time that we were discontent With what God of his goodness to us sent , And coveted our Neighbours ; wo that we Did in our selves trust righteous to be ; Did justifie our selves in our own eyes , Thought our selves wise and good , Did Christ despise . Accursed be these wicked wretched Devils , For they inticed us to all these evils . Accursed be the Heavens over our head , Accurst the Earth whereupon we did tread . Accurst the Sun that gave by day its light , By which such objects were unto our sight Made visible , as moved us to do The things that have occasioned this woe . Accursed also be the Night and dark Thereof , wherein what places we did mark , I' th' day time we brake through , or went unto , The deeds of darkness therein for to do . Accurst the bread we eat , the nourishment Our food afforded ; oh him that it sent , Who made the Heavens and Earth , and Seas , and all , And-suff'red Adam into sin to fall ; And gave such laws as would not sin permit , And that doth now so greatly punish it . Oh wretched Caytiffs that thus blaspheme God! Because we feel his just deserved rod. Oh 't is our selves that we may blame for this ! We , we were wicked , and we did amiss . God we despised , his will we contemned , We lifted up our selves and him condemned . All might have been to us too for mercy , As well as unto those that are on high . God gave us Heaven , and Earth , and Seas , and all The creatures that therein were , great and small , Of his great bounty for to do us good , But we abus'd them and against him stood . We lov'd them more then him who gave them , and Priding our selves in them , we his command Did disobey . Him who is infinite In greatness , and in goodness , we did slight ; Did chuse what wrong was , and refus'd the right . Against such things 't was just there should be laws , The penalties are just also , because He 's infinite in greatness we abused ; And his infinite goodness we refused . Yea he was infinitely merciful , For he his Son sent down , us for to pull Both from our sins and miseries , and he Was ready us to succor . But we , we , Neglected him also , his help we scorn'd , Slighted his mercy ; and though oftn warn'd , We would not be admonish'd by him , but His gratious counsels all we from us put . Oh what good days , what opportunities Did he afford ! but we did them despise . At such a time , in such a place , we heard What us almost perswaded to regard His counsels : but we stopt our ears and quencht Those motions , oft we went our ways , and drencht Our wits in Wine or Ale , or went away Unto our Farms , our Merchandise , our play . We were not well at quiet , or at rest , Till we those motions had shakt from our brest , Which we did hate like Serpents ; oh had we Been willing to have let them there to be . Had they abode with us , they might have brought Us to repent of those bad things we wrought . When we should have God's word heard , oft we went To other places , and our times mispent : Or if we went and heard we did not mind , That we God's gracious will therein might find . We soon forgot it , or did rest in knowing But practised it not , as nothing owing Of duty ; when we should have pray'd and wept , We turn'd away , or lay'd us down and slept . At such a time we did our ways discern And see their vileness , and began to learn The knowledge of the Lord , but liked not It to retain , and therefore soon forgot Those things again ; we threw the glass away That shew'd our spots : Wo , wo , and well-a-day , 'T is we , 't is we are guilty ; oh what sense Have we now of it in our Conscience ! Oh how it gnaws us as a worm , and tears Our bowels worse then Lyons teeth or Bears ! Oh now we see that God was good indeed In all he did ! our woes from us proceed . It was not long of him or of his creatures , Their parts , their sweetness , beauty , goodness , features . Nay , Nay , these Devils though they at us thrust , By their inticements moving us to lust ; Are not the reason of our punishment , For God against them did us so prevent , That had we him but minded and obey'd , We had resisted them also , and made Them flee away . But wo , wo unto us , We were the reason why we perish thus . Though it be true that we in Adam fell , Yet we are not for that damn'd to this Hell . Though thereby we fell into death and grave , Yet Christ from that Destruction did us save . So as from them we were rais'd up again , And shall not those things any more sustain ; That Death and Hell have given us up , and we Now in a worser pit tormented be . Though we were dead in sins and trespasses , And could not our selves quicken or redress . Yet Christ who died for us , and doth live , Did by his quickning Spirit such power give ; When he did call us in the day of grace , That then we might been able to imbrace His counsels and instructions . 'T was our will , Our wilful choice of evil did us kill . The creatures which we sinned by were good , Had we by Christ's assisting power , withstood Our lusts , and the temptations of the Devil , Christ would us have defended from all evil . Oh had we now again those things which we Abus'd to our destruction , we would be More thankful for them ! and would better use them , And not as we have done before abuse them . How would we serve the Lord with all our store Which we unjustly kept or spent before ! Oh we would be more righteous and more just ! Deny our selves , and would not serve our lust . Oh had we but those opportunities We have mispent before , we would be wise ! How would we hear and read , and fast and pray , Watch against sin , our Idols cast away ? None should by force or flattery , withdraw Our hearts and service from God's holy law . We would obey the Laws and Magistrates , So far as in the Lord we might . Debates And strifes , and hatred , avarice and lust , We would detest with all that is unjust . Oh how would we serve God! we would him fear , And have a care never to come more here . But now it is too late , the Door is shut , The time of grace is past , and we are put Here by an irreversible Decree Whence never more delivered we shall be . This is that Tophet prophecy'd of old , 'T is large and deep indeed , for it doth hold Innumerable more then may be told . And for the King , the greatest sinners it Prepared was , and they are in this pit . The cursed Serpent with his Angels all , Who did from their first habitation fall . And mightyest men who mightily have sin'd , Most mighty miseries do herein find . The mighty Spirit of God , his mighty Power , Like to a stream of Brimstone , every hour Doth seed these dreadful flames ; while it doth show And make us feel , that we do justly owe The bearing of these torments : because we Rebel'd against his light and would not see , But wilfully reject his profer'd grace , Would not his counsels nor his love embrace . Which things he doth to us so evidence , And set so strongly on our conscience , That we can't now out of our breasts them shake As we were wont ; Oh none these flames can slake , These flames of wrath ! God's wrath did burn before But Christ did quench it by his sufferings sore . But we by our rebellions , have again New kindled it , and we must bear our pain : No other Sacrifice doth now remain , For Christ will no more dye for us : Oh we Must bear for evermore God's just decree . Had we been but admonished before The time of grace was out ; before the door Of mercy was bar'd up , we might have lived ; But now of all hope we are quite deprived . Now we be helpless , hopeless , easless too , Nothing can now avail that we can do . Nothing is here but wrath , nothing of love ; No help , nor hope of help now from above . And all our earthly comforts are quite fled , With which we all our days sins committed . While we did live on Earth , we had our health , Meat , drink , cloath , fire , warm lodgings , houses , wealth . Yea many of us rich attire did wear , Had great attendance , lived without fear . And if at any time we were not well , Yet many mercies still with us did dwell . We had our beds to ease us , neighbours and Friends oftentimes were ready at our hand . Servants to wait upon us and attend us , Chyrurgions and Physitians to amend us . We had our mitigations , intermittings , Changes of postures , lyings , walkings , sittings ; Varieties of meats or drinks , to see Whether with this or that we pleas'd might be . But now alas ! these comforts all are gone , And mitigation of our pains here 's none . No variations here to lessen grief , No intermissions , nothing for relief . We us'd to guzle down excessively Cup after cup , but now we are thirsty For something to refresh and cool the tip Of our now flaming tongues ; but none may dip His fingers end into cold water , but All means of easing us are hence out shut . We cannot now call for this or that meat , This or that cooler to allay our heat . No sweet perfumes , or odoriferous smell , Nothing but Brimstone and the fire of Hell . Immixed wrath , and which doth yet extend Our misery , there is thereof no End . Eternal punishment , eternal grief ; Oh never , never end , never relief ! Oh might we live ten thousand years as slaves , Might we but then go back into our graves ! Or twenty times ten thousand years might lye In these most dreadful flames might we then dye ! Were we but mortal as we were before , But oh this Endless Wo , this Evermore , It sinks and breaks us ; Yet we cannot dye To sense of torment to Eternity . This us up swallows ; 't is the Hell of Hell , And passeth all things else that we can tell . Wo , wo , wo , wo , oh wo and well-a-day , Wo , wo , unto us ; wo , wo , wo , who may Our misery conceive ; oh doleful state ! No heart can it conceive , no tongue relate . Oh doleful state of those that wicked are ! Hear oh dear Soul , be warn'd , and keep thee far From what doth lead thereto ; be rul'd by me , And this Condition thou shalt never see .
Canto V. Or the Joyful Canto . The joys of Heaven , and Songs of the Righteous .

Awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust ,

Isa. 26.19 . This Joyful Canto doth declare The happy state , and great welsare , Of those that in Christ's joys shall share . What songs may fit that happy state , Though their injoyments then so great Will be , as no pen can relate . First songs the Father cheifly eyes , The second the Son magnifies , And praises his great victories . The third songs wholly to this tend , The Holy Spirit to commend , And then this Canto hath an end . BUT on the contrary the Righteous men Shall have great pleasures and rejoycings , when They go into eternal life ; then they Shall shout and sing , and well they may thus say , Oh , oh , oh , Hallelujah ! oh this day ! Oh , oh , Hallelujah , Hallelujah ! who may Our happiness conceive ? oh happy state What heart can reach it ? what tongue it relate ? Minist. Yea well they may as Harpers strike their string , And with great triumph thus , and better sing . I. HAllelujah , oh happy day , That ever we were born ! Oh well are we that we do see This everlasting morn ! II. Oh what are we That we should be Thus lifted up on high ? We did not merit Thus to inherit Honour and dignity . III. Blest be the Lamb That here we came Rais'd up from Death again . 'T is by his blood We have this good Ever with him to reign . IV. Blessed for all that did befall Be God for evermore : Oh blessed be , that one in three , Whom ever we adore ! V. Who can set forth His wond'rous worth ? It doth all things surpass . It doth exceed All that we read And all that ever was . VI. Oh happy we who do him see , Who all perfection is . No Potentate , no Monarch great Ever had joy like this . VII . Rivers of pleasures Beyond all measures , Unto our lot doth fall . No mixture is In this our bliss , But it is blessing all . VIII . All things we have That heart can crave , And more then heart can reach : None ever could This joy unfold , None ever could it preach . IX . Our joy surmounts On all accounts , All that we could believe : All praise is due To God most true ; He did us not deceive . X. Oh glorious sight ! Oh great delight ! None ever did behold So rare a sight , A light so bright ; Our glory can't be told . XI . All 's infinite , All is delight ; We have no sorrow here . Nothing of dark No fading spark All is most bright and clear . XII . All , All is love , All things above , And all that is below : We see no evil , We fear no Devil ; Nothing but good we know . XIII . Nothing but joy , Nought to annoy , Here we are void of fear . For we are sure We shall endure For ever happy here . XIV . Oh Majesty ! Oh glory high ! What one is like to thee ? We 've our desire , Thee we admire . To all eternity . XV. Our blessedness None can express ; It is an ocean great : All that excels For ever dwells In this most glorious seat . XVI . Blest be the Lord ? Blest be his Word . Blest be his holy Spirit . How happy we In this One-Three Our portion to inherit . XVII . Oh mighty King Everlasting Beginning thou had'st none . When nothing were , Then thou wast there ; Thou wast thy self alone . XVIII . In thy self blest Thou had'st thy rest , Of us thou had'st no need . Thou did'st possess Full happiness , Thou' rt happiness indeed . XIX . Of thy good will It to fulfil , The Worlds foundation sure By thee was lay'd , Thou it up-stay'd At thy will to endure . XX. The Word thou said'st All things thou mad'st . Oh blessed be that Word , Which did Being To every thing In thy good time afford . XXI . Blest be that love That did thee move Before the World was made ; To be the seat Of thy works great Or its foundations laid . XXII . To think of this Eternal bliss And it prepare for us . Oh what were we That then by thee We should be car'd for thus . XXIII . Blest be that thought That us out sought And our great happiness ; We do admire The great desire Thou had'st us thus to bless . XXIV . Could we be dear Who nothing were Unto thy Majesty ? Thou did'st possess That word express Which was with thee on high . XXV . All things were made By him , and lay'd On their foundation fast . That they might stand At thy command And at thy will might last . XXVI . 'T was for his sake That thou did'st make Invisible Beings ; The Angels , Thrones , Dominions , And all visible things . XXVII . That him thou might , And his great height , Most gloriously display : And his fulness Thereby express , That others know it may . XXVIII . But cheifly man When thou began Thou gratiously did'st view : From him all which The Seas did rich , And on the Earth that grew . XXIX . Yea the Heavens bright , With all their light , And all the hosts therein ; Thine hand did frame , And gave the same To serve and honour him . XXX . Whom thou in thine Image divine Did'st good and upright make : And from his side Did'st frame a Bride , Whom he to him did take . XXXI . A comely pair , And very fair , For though they naked were , They found no shame While void of blame , Nor had they any fear . XXXII . A Sabboath day , For rest had they The seventh , when thou didst rest From thy works all , Both great and small , And therefore thou it blest . XXXIII . A day wherein They without sin Might with thy Majesty Have sweet converse , Thy praise rehearse , And view thy great glory . XXXIV . A Garden sweet , With pleasures meet , Thou put'st them in also , Wherewith delight Thy will they might Learn of thee and it do . XXXV . Of life a Tree Was given by thee , That they might live for ay . A River large Which did discharge Its streams forth every way . XXXVI . All things that might Give them delight Thou on them didst bestow . One only Tree Withheld by thee Was , good and ill to know . XXXVII . Thou gav'st them food Was only good ; Not good and evil both . If both they would Know , thou them told Thou would'st with them be wroth . XXXVIII . Thou death didst threat , If they would eat , That so thou might'st them scar : That free from ill They might live still , And from death keep them far . XXXIX . Yet them to try Thou prov'dst them by A Serpent subtly wise : Who thee did fault Them to assault , And cheated them with lies . XL. The Woman first The bonds did burst Wherewith thou did'st them tye Unto thee fast . The Man did taste By her means ; both did dye . XLI . How happy a state Did'st thou create And set them in , while they Were innocent , Without intent Thy laws to disobey ? XLII . Man then was Lord Of what thy word Created for his sake : Of all things he Had leave from thee , But one Tree , to partake . XLIII . Pleasures he had To make him glad , Sabboath and River too : A spotless Wife , A Tree of Life , What should'st thou for him do ? XLIV . How great his good ! How might he stood ! How was he bound to thee ! His glory much ; No creature's such . But oh more happy we ! XLV . Our state exceeds , Beyond all needs , There was a Serpent there : They did aspire To be yet higher ; But here 's no Tempter here . XLVI . We are not in Danger of sin Nor need we to aspire : Here 's injoyment Of all content We nothing more desire . XLVII . Tempted we were But before here We came to be thus blist : Our tryal's past , Sathan's down cast , And we his snares have mist . XLVIII . Now we do rest For ever blest From all temptations free : Our danger 's past , Our joys shall last , To all eternity XLIX . This is the day That we did pray And wrestle to obtain : From sin set free With thee to be And never part again . L. Nothing we want That thou did'st grant To Adam heretofore : Yea he far less Then did possess Then we now evermore . LI. We have a Rest , A day that 's blest A Sabboath day to be : With thee we 'r blest , Thou art our Rest , And change we ne'r shall see . LII . Hallelujah , Oh blessed day ! Who can thy glory speak ? This Sabboath we Perpetually Keep , and it never break . LIII . Therein we sing , To thee our King ; Thy glory we behold . Our work is this Thy Name to bliss , Thy praises to unfold . LIV. A Paradise Wherein there lies All pleasures sweet and great : With liberty Perpetually Thereof to take and eat . LV. An Heavenly Tree Of life have we Which doth us ever feed ; It doth us give Ever to live And nothing can we need . LVI . A River pure Of Waters sure , Doth clear as Chrystal run , We with it meet In every Street : Our City needs no Sun . LVII . God is our light , He shines most bright , No Cloud doth him obscure : All things we see Just as they be , Our knowledge is most sure . LVIII . It s always full , It s never dull ; Our comforts ever flow . Our Suns bright beams , Our Rivers streams , No damp , no ebb , do know . LIX . All manner fruits Which with us suits , And may give us delight ; Our Tree doth bear Throughout the year , Most pleasant to our sight . LX. All is most sweet With which we meet ; Here 's nothing sharp or sowre . Pleasures we have , We can't more crave ; They 're constant every hour . LXI . We need no Wives To make our lives More comfort us afford : We never dye Nor company Need we at bed or board . LXII . No different sex Nothing to vex , Nothing to tempt we know . All perfect is , All 's full of bliss , Our tides are never low . LXIII . We do all reign And Lords remain Over all creatures : We never shall From our heigths fall , Our Kingdom ever dures . LXIV . We have no night Nor borrowed light , No Moon or Candle here : For it alway Is perfect day The Sun is not so clear . LXV . Oh blessed King From whom doth spring This state of happiness ; We 'll sing thy praise All our All-days Thy goodness we 'll confess . LXVI . When Adam fell What tongue could tell What was our misery ? In him we were , He did us bear , And in him we did dye . LXVII . Branches were we Of him the Tree , The root wherefrom we grew A flood of woe Did us ore flow When his fall made us rue . LXVIII . Our root did rot Having forgot The hand that did it plant , The branches must Then turn to dust For they their life did want . LXIX . In him we fell As low as Hell ; Death upon us did seise . Woes in us bred , Away quite fled All comfort , joy and ease . LXX . Great was our fault At one assault , And when ingaged thus ; God to reject And in effect To thrust away from us . LXXI . Great misery Therefore did lye Upon us by desert ; Of good bereft To be quite left To utmost grief and smart . LXXII . We were beguil'd , Sin us defil'd And had so filthy made , That God and we Could not agree : Of him we were afraid . LXXIII . Mortallity Did by and by Seise on us ; oh what pain Did we procure For to endure Till dust we turn'd again ! LXXIV . Yea God we lost Which was the most Sad loss could us befall : His wrath also We fell into , And into deadly thrall . LXXV . We lost that light Which gave us sight And ceast to understand : And led by lust Became unjust Subject to sins command . LXXVI . The old Serpent A false light lent Which made us judge amiss , And in vain things To seek the springs Of everlasting bliss . LXXVII . By those inslav'd We misbehav'd Our selves in every thing ; We acted evil , We serv'd the Devil , Took him for guide and King . LXXVIII . Lust was vice-King That was the spring Of actions light and grave , Our subtlety That was the spy Which us false counsel gave . LXXIX . These did conspire To make us higher , In our false fond conceit : For Heaven the show'd False pleasures strow'd And therewith did us cheat . LXXX . Oh woful plight ! Oh ruful sight ! This was our fallen case : In thraldom dwelt Seldom it felt But took it for solace . LXXXI . In darkness deep , In dangers steep , Perplexities and fears : In depths of Hell Then did we dwell And spend our woful years . LXXXII . God was but just Us out to thrust From him , we left him first : And then a Hell Of woe befell Because of him accurst . LXXXIII . In which sad state Objects of hate And enemies to God , Without his sight And destroy'd quite , We ever had abode . LXXXIV . But that the Lord Though he abhor'd Then fellowship with us , Yet pittiful , In love did pull Us out , and help us thus . LXXXV . The mighty Word Of this great Lord By whom he did us make ; Tha Wisdom high Our sins did spy , But not with them partake . LXXXVI . A fountain pure He did endure , In whom God took delight ; He was beloved And well approved , For he did always right . LXXXVII . Angels some fell And down to Hell Were thrust 'cause they rebel'd : God past them by And let them lye In chains of darkness held . LXXXVIII . But he by whom All good doth come , Most holy did abide . By him God now His love did show And mercy glorifi'd . LXXXIX . Him he decreed In this our need , That saved we might be , To be sent forth This one of worth Able to set us free . XC . The Womans seed , Of David's breed To be : He was ordained A man of grief To bring relief That we might be regain'd . XCI . Oh loving Lord ! Oh mighty word ! The source of all our bliss ! To be ador'd With one accord For evermore in this . XCII . This grand devise , Ground of our rise , Let men and Angels praise : Angels admir'd And much desir'd This to behold always . XCIII . This we admire This with desire Now fully satisfi'd We look upon , We make our song ; Its praise we cannot hide . XCIV . Here fully we Behold and see Gods admirable love ; And perfectly We here descry , All his perfections move . XCV . In this we live , This all doth give , Which we injoy and have . Can we forget To set forth it Which did us help and save ? XCVI . This God fore-teld ; This all forth-held Both Law and Prophets too . This all upheld , This we beheld To raise us up from woe . XCVII . This with a blow Did overthrow The Devils Kingdom quite ; This did destroy What did annoy , What kept us from the light . XCVIII . This to declare Let us not spare ; This is the mystery We now behold And can unfold With all its treasury . XCIX . With eye to this The God of bliss Ere since our dreadful fall , Before it was Yet brought to pass In act , did order all . C. What mercies we Receiv'd , we see Proceeded all here-fro : We that have bliss They who did miss Beholden were hereto . CI. Though justice them Who did contemn And slight it doth destroy ; To us that live Mercy doth give And Justice too all joy . CII . Mercy did all Respect i th' fall And help for them provide ; They who refus'd And it abus'd His justice must abide . CIII . Those things that we Could not so see , While mortal flesh we had , ( For then our sight Was not so bright Though we saw what did glad ) . CIV . These things we now Do clearly know Their reason now we see . Our vails are gone , Darknesses none Within our hearts now be . CV . We see it 's true In time most due , God sent his only Son Of woman made , As he had said , As ne'r before was done . CVI. Angels it see And did agree With joy it to declare : Angels and we Agreed now be , And knit together are . CVII . Though in our flesh Us to refresh , It was that Christ appear'd : For us to dye Our death thereby To vanquish which we fear'd . CVIII . Angels had not Our flesh , or spot Of sin therein , as we : Yet they who stood I' th truth were good And joy'd our good to see . CIX . Under the Law The Word us saw ; Under the Law came he ; That he that way Our debts might pay And by Death set us free . CX . Our bands to break He did them take And with them he was bound : God's cords we burst , Christ was accurst , That he might heal our wounds . CXI . We were condemn'd Who had contemn'd God's holy Word and will : He was contemn'd , Misus'd , condemn'd , Our evils did him kill . CXII . For us he dyed , Being crucified Sustain'd a cruel death : Was broke with grief Us'd as a thief , Till he gave up his breath . XVIII . His grave was made And body laid With the rich and unjust : His honour high Despis'd did lye , All cover'd up with dust . CXIV . Oh wondrous sight ! Oh love most bright ! Never the like was seen . That one so high So low should lye Poor caytiffs to redeem . CXV . Of men what one For men undone His Son would so abase ? For enemies That him despise That they might be in place ! CXVI . Yet such a love The Lord above To us when poor did show : For bankrupt us He made him thus To pay what we did owe. CXVII . His wisdom here Did strange appear The World was pos'd hereby : Its eye was blind And could not find Hereof the mystery . CXVIII . This it befool'd , This it quite gull'd , This cross so cross did lye ; They stumbled here , And could not bear That 't was God's Son did dye . CXIX . It did deride And crucifi'd This mystery again ; As if that he God could not be That such things did sustain . CXX . This wisdoms height Did dim the sight O' th' Serpents eye so sore , He could not see Those heights here be Yet did against them roar . CXXI . This brake his head , This down did tread His craft and power , who Had man brought down And quite ore-thrown Into a pit of wo. CXXII . Here wisdom we And power did see When God did clear our eyes ; The law fulfil'd Its curse was quel'd Whon Christ from grave did rise . CXXIII . For here it was That God did pass Sentence upon our sin : He judg'd it here . Christ did it bear For us who fell therein . CXXIV . This vanquisht Death , Appeased wrath , Did justice satifie : Pardon for more Then Adam's score Was purchased hereby . CXXV . Great pleasure here ( As did appear ) God took , who the third day Without delays Did him up raise From the grave where he lay . CXXVI . And did him take Even for the sake Of what he suffered To be on high In his body , And of all power the Head . CXXVII . Here God did lay A certain stay And sure foundation Of all his acts And mighty facts For man's salvation . CXXVIII . Of all our hope The under-prop , While we had not attain'd : Of all the bless We do possess Now we the end have gain'd . CXXIX . Here lay the ground , Here God did found Our slidden hearts and feet , Hence all the flood Of all the good Wherewith we ere did meet . CXXX . Yea on this ground God did new found The Earth and World again : Both as it was Till it did pass , And as it doth remain . CXXXI . Here he fulfil'd What was forth-held Of a prepared Feast . All ready here That might us chear So as no want i' th' least . CXXXII . The holy Spirit As he did merit Fully God did him give . That for his praise He might us raise From Death , and make us live . CXXXIII . From darkness great Wherein we sate From Death to Life , from Thrall To Liberty , Of his mercy Thereby he did us call . CXXXIV . He sent forth light , He gave us sight , And turn'd our hearts to mind What he held forth , That so its worth And goodness we might find . CXXXV . He gave his speech And did beseech Us to consider well : He gave an ear That we might hear The things that he did tell . CXXXVI . Full oft when we His light did see We winked with our eyes : It did displease us It did dis-ease us Faulting our vanities . CXXXVII . Ofttimes we heard But then we fear'd Least what we heard should mar Our false pretences , Wrong confidences , And put it from us far . CXXXVIII . Ofttimes we felt The power that dwelt In him and in his truth : Almost we turn'd And yet oft spurn'd ; Thus dealt we from our youth . CXXXIX . Oh how we lov'd What he reprov'd ! How loath with it to part ! From idols vain How loath t' abstain Although they caus'd us smart . CXL . But oh his love ! That did him move To pass by our misdeeds . He did forgive , And made us live , His gratiousness exceeds . CXLI . In misery That we should dye He had no will at all . He interceded And for us pleaded ; And yet again did call . CXLII . His patient Good deportment , His lamb-like gentleness , His suffering long Our many a wrong , Oh what tongue can express ! CXLIII . How oft his love Did our hearts move And make us to him look ? How oft did we Look back to see The Idols we forsook ? CXLIV . It was the strength The power and length Of his dear love unto us , His words of grace His pleasant face His constancy to wooe us . CXLV . His excellence , His love immense , The freeness of his grace Which caught our heart And made us part With all him to embrace . CXLVI . Oh had he not Ofttimes forgot Our great unkindnesses : And look't away From what each day We acted quite amiss . CXLVII . If with his eyes Iniquities Against us he had markt , How we rebel'd Our lusts fast held , The light he gave us darkt . CXLVIII . We had been then Like yonder men Who cast out of his fight , Do yell and cry Most hideously Throughout their endless night . CXLIX . But there is none Save him alone , None like him constant is ; His constancy Was our safety And brought us to this bliss . CL. Can it be told How manifold Our stubbornesses were ? Our great neglects , And disrespects Committed year by year ? CLI . How much to do He had to wooe Before he did obtain ? How oft in heart We did depart , When wooed , from him again ? CLII. What vanities Did draw our eyes From looking him upon ? How often we Refus'd to see His great salvation ? CLIII . How dull we were His voice to hear , How oft we stopt our ears ? How we gave way Day after day , To lusts , or cares , or fears ? CLIV. How oft , when he Had cleans'd us , we Did us again defile ? How oft confest Yet not redrest ? How much we hid through guile ? CLV . A spring of sin We had within Running continually ; No good in us , How marvailous Was his love and mercy ? CLVI . To each good deed That did proceed From us through his good grace Sin did adhere And it besmear Such was our wretched case . CLVII . But oh his love Did not remove ! But constantly abide ; Love made him blind And not to mind Our sins but them oft hide . CLVIII . So as that God Ofttimes his rod Forbore on us to lay : And passing by Iniquity He turn'd his wrath away . CLIX. A fountain great He open set , And there us purifi'd . And if he chode Yet love he show'd And did not always chide . CLX . Sometimes he hid His face , and did An angry count'nance shew . That he might make Us sin forsake And be to him more true . CLXI . Oft by some cross Some grief or loss He made us him to seek , And then we felt His love to melt How gentle he and meek . CLXII . His loving mind Unto mankind Appearing did us save . That did us make Those things forsake Which did us fore-inslave . CLXIII . Nor did he grieve Us to receive When unto him we came . But readily Did justifie And wash us in his Name . CLXIV . He by his power Us every hour Did keep in his great love . Which every way He did display As he did see 't behove . CLXV . What he did by Pleading on high God's mercy to obtain ; And what from thence He did dispence Made us with him remain . CLXVI . To him to cleave Him never leave : Or if we went astray , Our good shepheard Did us regard And reduce to his way . CLXVII . His love us drew , And made us true , And hid us when we fail'd : Him to forgo Who lov'd us so Nothing with us prevail'd . CLXVIII . To him we nought , That good was , brought , No good thing we could do : He who us bought All in us wrought And helpt us against our foe . CLXIX . What we did want , He did us grant , We could but ask and have ; Askig aright And in his light , Yea much unaskt he gave . CLXX . He to us clave , He did us save Or else we had been gone ; He did begin And never lin Till all things he had done . CLXXI. He in his armes Kept us from harmes He did us safely bear : He did us feed , Keep , save , and lead , Untill he brought us here . CLXXII . Something we wore On Adam's score As we from him did spring : So long as Death Held us i' the ' Earth From whence he did us bring . CLXXIII . The Serpents seed Which he did breed Within us and without , Did dog us too Us to undo And compast us about . CLXXIV . Through Christ our shield We won the field , He was our Captain brave : Down fell our flesh We sprung up fresh ; He brought us out from grave . CLXXV . Oh faithful friend Unto the end Who did us never fail ? Through him we stood 'Gainst all the flood , He made us to prevail . CLXXVI . Our Prophet he Who made us see The way of truth and right . He sent that guide That did abide With comfort , strength , and light . CLXXVII . He did as Priest Upon his Breast Us in the Heavens present : Our good procur'd , Our weal assur'd ; Our evils did prevent . CLXXVIII . He was our King , All good did bring : Gave Laws , made us them chose . Rul'd with his arme , Kept us from harme , Subdued all our foes . CLXXIX . Yea all our wound He up hath bound As our Phisitian good . Our maladies With remedies He cured by his Blood . CLXXX . Yea Prophets he Made us to be , And Heavenly Priests and Kings : To offer praise , And raign always Over all other things . CLXXXI . Oh happy we This day that see When nothing doth annoy ! We have no pain Nor grief sustain ; But we are fil'd with joy . CLXXXII . Oh blest be he By whom this we For ever do possess , Let creatures all Before him fall And him for ever bless . CLXXXIII . But we much more Will him adore Who are his choice delight : Whom he doth fill Of great good will With pleasures in his sight . CLXXXIV . Were every part Of us a heart Yet he should have them all . Were each a tongue And his praise sung By each , 't would be too small . CLXXXV . To this our King Who did us bring To this All-Happiness , Let 's sing a song Eternal-long His praises to express . Hallelujah .
Another to Christ . I. Oh holy glorious King The Mighty Prince of Peace ! Thou art the Lamb , by whom we came From sin to have release . II. To thee we owe our selves , To thee all praise is due : To thee O King , we 'll praises sing A song of praises new . III. Oh mighty Word of God , Gods dear and only Son ! Thou did'st us know when we were low , When we were quite undone . IV. Thou had'st no need of us , For thou wert God above : And we nothing to thee could bring , And yet thou did'st us love . V. Thou in the form of God Wast high and rich indeed : Therefore of us who were but dust Thou could'st not stand in need . VI. Thou , thou , all glorious art , The Father thee possest When he began his works , even then Thou laydest in his Breast . VII . Before his works of old Were either fram'd or wrought , The ancient hills , or fruitful fields , Or Earth , thou wast forth brought . VIII . The Father purposed His purposes of old In thee ; who art , and do'st impart His wisdom manifold . IX . When he the Heavens prepar'd , And the foundations lay'd Of the vast Earth , in joy , and mirth , Thou ever by him stay'd . X. Before the World was made , The day , or darksom night ; Fountain or deep , or Mountain steep , Thou , thou wast his delight . XI . By thee the Worlds he made , And all things more or less ; Without thee nought to pass was brought , Thou worthy art of bless . XII . By thee he made us men , And in thine Image clean ; All things we see , were made for thee , And all the things unseen . XIII . Thou art the heir of all , And in thee all things stand , The Life that lasts , and Death out-casts ; Thou all things do'st command . XIV . Thou art th' eternal truth , The everlasting light , The unity ; all without thee Be falshood , strife , and night . XV. The Angels thou did'st make , Those which did not abide , Worthily fell down into Hell , The recompence of pride . XVI . We by thee made , fell too By listning to the lies Which th' old Serpent , did first invent , Aspiring to be wise . XVII . Wisdom we had in thee , And wise thou did'st us make ; Wiser to be foolishly , we Presum'd thee to forsake . XVIII . While we thy holy Word And thy command divine Departed fro , and our selves to The Serpent did incline . XIX . Great was the misery Which we were plung'd into , For from thee gone God we had none : Our state was full of woe . XX. God gave us what was meet , And that whereby we might The Tempters wiles which did beguile us Have all avoyded quite . XXI . Our fall was of our selves , It did not come from thee : We willingly the way to dye Did chuse ; but thou wert free . XXII . Yet blessed be that will That did permit our fall : And whatsoere permitted were To any of us all . XXIII . For now we see 't was well That God did so permit , And not withhold that Serpent old From tempting us to it . XXIV . For hereby he hath shew'd His attributes most clear : How foolish we , how dear to thee And unto him we were . XXV . That so we in our selves No more might put our trust , Or listen to what led us fro Thee , to fulfil our lust . XXVI . Yea thereby to himself Our hearts he doth indear , While we do see what for us he Hath done , while such we were . XXVII . And so it hath ingag'd Us wondrously to thee : That thou so high vouchsafest to dye To set such caytiffs free . XXVIII . When we all helpless were , And hopeless were become , Thou did'st us save , our foes out drave , Brought'st us to thy kingdom . XXIX . There 's nothing in these acts But big with love it is ; From first to last , we love do taste , And thee for ever bliss . XXX . No shorter date can be Sufficient to express Our hearty sense of so immense A love , and it confess . XXXI . Yea wisdom too we see In suffring that our fall It was , O King , glory to bring To thee in our recal . XXXII . That thou might'st be made known , And the Father in thee ; That thy love might shine forth most bright , And we more happy be . XXXIII . We never can express Our thanks sufficiently , That thou O King did'st back us bring , And to that end did'st dye . XXXIV . Let 's then strike up our strings , As Harpers full of skill , And sing our song All our ay-long , Till we do sing our fill . XXXV . What one is like to thee , Oh holy glorious one ! What did thee move us thus to love , When we were all undone . CXXXVI . Thou in thy self wast blest , Thou character express Of Gods person , his only Son , His Glories full brightness . XXXVII . It was exceeding love And goodness to us when I' th' dust we lay , and were but clay To make us living men . XXXVIII . In thy divine Image And to be like to thee A living soul , and to controule All things in Earth and Sea . XXXIX . How could the dust deserve To be preferred so ? It was only thy pleasure high Thus thereunto to do . XL. Yet as it did no good Such favour to procure , So it no bad within it had ; For all thy works were pure . XLI . Whereas we not only Void of all goodness were ; But had done ill , yet 't was thy will Favour to us to bear . XLII . All those expressions great Of love , when we were dust , We valued not , but quite forgot To satisfie a lust . XLIII . The Serpent , who no good Had done for us at all , Far before thee preferred we When we from thee did fall . XLIV . For without any shew That it was true he said We took his lye , threw thy truth by ; Thy love aside we laid . XLV . Oh great ingratitude ! Folly and madness great ! So easily to throw thee by , And suffer such a cheat . XLVI . Whereby we were defil'd And made thine enemies : Very unjust and fil'd with lust And all things good despise . XLVII . Yet that thou might'st us save Thou wast content to be For us made flesh , in our likeness , Such sin except , as we . XLVIII . Thou did'st not take the form Of some great King or Lord : Like a servant , poor and in want , Thou we'rt of men abhor'd . XLIX . In which abased forme Great grief thou did'st sustain ; Yea for our good to shed thy blood Thou didest not disdain . L. Oh wond'rous love indeed That one so great and high , Who did proceed from God , should bleed And for us sinners dye . LI. Besides reproaches , blows , Abuses , shame and scorn , Thy bloody sweat , agony great , Whereby thy life was worn . LII . The curse which was our due Thou also did'st endure : In the grave lay , till the third day Our freedom to procure . LIII . Yea also thou went'st down Into the lower Hell As one bereft of God , and left ; Thy griefs no tongue can tell . LIV. It was no gain from us That thou could'st get thereby ; When we most had we could not add Unto thy Majesty . LV. But how much less when we Had lost what thou did'st give , And nothing had , but what was bad And were unfit to live ! LVI . Oh what was sinful man That thou should'st him so love ? At such a cost to save the lost What pitty did thee move ? LVII . How can we but confess That thine of right we are ? Since thou us made , thy life down laid , Us when sinners to spare ? LVIII . And yet that was not all , Thy love did so exceed ; 'T was not only least we should dye That for us thou did'st bleed . LIX . Thou like to us was 't made , And our deserts did'st bear , That we might be made like to thee , Thy robes of glory wear . LX. Oh depth ! oh heigth of love ! None may compare with thee ; So low to lye , that we so high , Who were so low , might be . LXI . Which thing to bring about God raised thee again ; For pangs of death , or Hell beneath Could not thee long detain . LXII . Because thou art the life , The life eternal , and Against that life no mortal strife Of Death or Hell could stand . LXIII . The Serpent and his slaves , Did strive thee down to hold ; But all in vain , thou rose again , As was of thee foretold . LXIV . Oh mighty conqueror ! A glorious conquest here , Thou o●●● evil , sin , World and Devil , Triumphantly did'st bear ! LXV . This was the glorious fight , This was the day indeed Which God did make for his Names sake , This did from him proceed . LXVI . These were the wars of God , A battel bravely fought , 'Twixt th' innocent , and the Serpent , Whereby our peace was wrought . LXVII . No war was like to this , This the foundation laid Of all the blows and overthrows Upon the foes since made . LXVIII . Those were the mortal foes Of God and mankind too ; 'Gainst God's glory and Man's safety , Their malice thy did show . LXIX . Oh Prince of might elect , God's dear and only Son , Thou them withstood unto thy blood , Wherethrough the field was won . LXX . This field for us was fought ; Their helpless prey were we . But thou them foil'd and their plot spoil'd , Ransom'd we were by thee . LXXI . We were thy lawful prize And thou our lawful Lord ; Oh happy day then all did say Who did believe thy word . LXXII . How deadly was that thrall In which before we lay ! No Tyrants fell be so cruel To use their slaves as they . LXXIII . Here was the coming in Of all our future good : Our hopes of all that since did fall On this foundation stood . LXXIV . We never had come here , Or this glory possest , Unless thou Lamb had'st overcame And given us this conquest . LXXV . Here through thou took'st the spoiles Of all thine enemies ; And went'st on high triumphantly With those thy victories . LXXVI . Oh who this victory , This Conquest gotten thus , Can so set forth as suits it's worth ? Here 's work enough for us . LXXVII . Thy mighty arme O Lord Did to thy self obtain This vishory , though we thereby The benefit did gain . LXXVIII . Thy glorious Father who Had chosen thee to this ; Who thee beheld , and in 't upheld , Then took thee up to bliss . LXXIX . Oh how his soul was pleas'd To see this field thus won : Such conquest got , over that plot , Which had us all undone ! LXXX . Oh how he did delight Thee to receive up then ! Placing thy Throne his right hand on Above Angels and Men. LXXXI . And as he had thee chose This battel for to fight ; So did he chuse thee still to use In all his acts of might . LXXXII . He made thee to be Lord O're all things low and high , That they should be subject to thee To all eternity . LXXXIII . And that thou might'st us bring To all this happiness , Thee he appointed , and eke anointed To glorious Offices . LXXXIV . A Prophet he thee made To us to prophecy : To shew the way which to thee lay And guide us in 't safely . LXXXV . And our High-Priest to be , Having such sacrifice Up-offered , so accepted As God will ne'r't despise . LXXXVI . And that thou may'st always Before his face appear , For men to plead and intercede , Their sins away to bear . LXXXVII . And be the way whereby We might an access have To th' holy place , to see God's face ; And fully us to save . LXXXVIII . And also to be King Of Saints and Nations too : Such to protect as be subject , And all their foes ore-throw . LXXXIX . To all which Offices As Man he thee ordain'd , As a reward of that most hard Service which thou sustain'd . XC . And that unto all these Thou might'st well furnish'd be ; That his fulness thou should'st possess , He granted unto thee . XCI . Of which he did thee judge Most worthy , so do we Angels and Men , both now , and then That thou should'st highest be . XCII . Thou only worthy art Oh Judah's Lyon stout ! To take that Book and on it look That 's seal'd within , without . XCIII . The Book of Prophecy Or of God's counsels deep , That none unseal 't could , or reveal 't , None now have cause to weep . XCIV . Thou Lamb was 't found most meet To open it and read : It to unfold thou may'st be bold Who for our sins did'st bleed . XCV . And by thy blood us bought From every Land , to be God's Priests and Kings ; and o're all things On Earth now reign do we . XCVI . Yea all the Angels too Fully agree to this ; That thou who was 't slain for us , hast Most worthily all bliss . XCVII . Power , wisdom , riches , strength , Who may like thee possess ? Thou art worthy Kingly glory , And as a Priest to bless . XCVIII . That what thou did'st obtain Thou may'st distribute too ; Such honour bear as every where Thy Fathers will to do . XCIX . For such was this exployt In which thou won'st this field , That every thing to thee as King All honour well may yield . C. And worthily thou hast In all thy power behav'd Thy self in all did since befall , Wherein thou hast us sav'd . CI. For other battels yet Remain'd for thee to fight In which thou too thy love did'st show Thy wisdom , strength and might . CII . When thou had'st won that field , And right to us had'st got ; Such yet our state we did thee hate Or to thee yielded not . CIII . Although the Serpent had No right to us at all , His arms were gone , law he had none , To keep us still in thrall . CIV . Yet by his subtlety He still did hold us fast , And to him we subject would be And freedom would not taste . CV . For what we had from him Received formerly , Did yet remain in every vein Working effectually . CVI. We yet were ignorant , Errour our minds possest : Lust in us lay and bare the sway , No good was in our brest . CVII . For yet we knew no thee , Who such things for us wrought , Yea falsly we conceiv'd of thee In our vain mind and thought . CVIII . Oh what a do had'st thou To gain us to thee here , For through the lies of th' enemies We much bewitched were . CIX . So much a●hored we To their false flatteries , Our eyes we clos'd , our selves oppos'd Against thy verities . CX . Against us then to fight We caused thee , that we Our foes might leave , and thee receive Our God and guide to be . CXI . Though not against us so As what did us mislead , And us detain'd fast bound and chain'd Did'st thou therein proceed . CXII . It still was thy design Our sinful souls to save ; But to destroy what did annoy Our souls , and them inslave . CXIII . A double edged sword Proceeded from thy mouth , One edge kil'd sin , and did us win To love thee and thy truth . CXIV . The other edge cut down Those who held fast their lust , Cleaving to it into the pit Of wrath thou them hast thrust . CXV . And such our folly was , Our loathness sin to leave , That with th' unjust we might been thrust Our portion to receive . CXVI . But blessed be thy love The spring of all our good , And blest thy truth which from thy mouth We heard and understood . CXVII . And blest thy patience , And thy forbearance great , Away to throw us thou wast slow , But thou did'st for us wait . CXVIII . Oh had'st thou been but quick Our many faults to mark , We had our lot with those forgot Who perish in the dark . CXIX . And blest thy holy Spirit Which ●o thy truth display'd That by his hand it t' understand At length he us all made . 120. Blest be thy wisdome too And thy great skilfulness , In ordering all that did befall In all occurrences . 121. Thou hast the Learned's tongue In skill thou art expert , Both to imbrace and hide thy face To kill and to convert . 122. Thy way is in the deep Thy footsteps who hath known ? Hadst thou nere frown'd and us nigh drown'd We had been overthrown . 123. By Chastisements , Reproofs , Darkness and waters deep Thou hast us oft fought out and taught , And us from Hell distd keep . 124. By them thou us hast oft So nurtur'd from our youth , As us inclin'd and bow'd our mind To listen to thy truth . 125. Which through thy gentleness And grace therein display'd , Though oft withstood yet 't was so good As us 't obedient made . 226. Thou rod'st on prosperously In meekness truth and love , Which did us melt when we it felt And our hearts to thee move . 127. Such were the ways whereby Our hearts thou didst subdue ; Error expelling and Sathan quelling And making us anew . 128. Though divers methods thou With us was pleas'd to take , As thou didst see might meetest be Thy people us to make . 129. When thou didst us espouse To thy self by thy grace , Us in thee planting , and to us granting To have a fixed place . 130. Wherein thy love was rich Surpassing every thought , That we of thee branches should be ; Who formerly were naught . 131. For we deserv'd ●●ave been Cut down and wholly cast , Into the fire , to have the hire Of all our evils past , 132. Herein thou didst again , A noble conquest make : Us from our sin we lived in , Unto thy self to take : 133. Oh noble Conqueror , Thy power and might we see ; Oh Lord of Hosts throughout all coasts : What one is like to thee . 134. Herein we do admire The force of thy great love , Our stubborn hearts , and bad deserts , Which got so much above . 135. And here began our bliss , Our happy state , in which Thou didst us bring unto a spring , And Fountain sure and rich . 136. Here our new life began , Because we planted were ; Into a stock which did not mock , But made us fruit to bear . 137. A Root most free of Sap And living juice where from , We did inherit both Life and Spirit , Yea all good thence did come . 138. A Root which did us bear , And give us living fruit ; Thy word declar'd it , thy Arm unbar'd it , And made us with it sute . 139. Thence all our Springs were found ; And all our fruits were good : For all our own away were thrown , Being unfit for food . 140. Oh what an happy state , Were we advanced to , When into thee planted were we ; And made in thee to grow . 141. We one with thee became , And of thy bliss partook ; Better we had , and what did glad : More than what we forsook . 142. God pittyed us before , But now he did us own , He in his love , did us approve : And of him we were known . 143. The special love that was , Thy lot thou didst impart , Gods loving face , that secret place Which thou hadst in Gods heart . 144. This was a happy Change , While we in Adam were : Our case was sad , and very bad , But now 't was blessed here . 145. We had not God before , Because we had not thee ; In whom he is and gives his bliss : Then wretched men were we . 146. For though thou wert the hope , And help of lost mankind : Yet without Thee , hope had not we : Nor solid peace of mind . 147. But when in Thee thou gavest , Sure title to all good : Because in Thee , the living Tree , And Root of life we stood . 148. We were to Thee espous'd , And Thou our Husband wert : In thine Estate , for love and hate : We thenceforth had our part . 149. Thy Father ours became ; Thine Angels were our guard : Thy Riches ours , thy Wisdom Power : And thine was our reward . 150. Thine Enemies thence were ours , And thy friends our friends too ; In Thee Elect God did respect , And favour to us show . 151. Yea hence is all the joy , And glory we possess ; Hence Worlds abuse , and Gods good use , In joy and happiness . 152. Thence God us took for Sons ; All former things were gone : No wrath abode , his love He show'd , His face upon us shone . 153. But Thou hadst other fights , Wherein a share had we ; At thy command , with Thee to stand , Against the Enemie . 154. In which Thou wert our help , Our Captain and our Guide : Thy grace and love , they did us move , Still with thee to abide . 155. The same that did at first , Our hearts to thee subdue ; Was it prevail'd when Joes assaild , And made us to Thee true . 156. In which thy grace supply'd What in us wanting was ; Our weaknesses , Miscarriages ; There throught thou by didst pass . 157. Doubtless had'st thou not been So cloth'd with Charity ; Our many halts , Retreats , and Faults : Had made Thee cast us by . 158. But none is like to Thee , No Captain so will bear , His Soldiers faults , retreats , and halts ; Or can their hearts so chear . 159. Thou wast the prize for which We fought , thy prize were we : Our Enemies Plot was us t' have got Quite out again from Thee . 160. Therefore they us inticed , To leave the Faith wherein , We one with Thee were made , and free Were set from all our fin . 161. That was the bed of love : The bond of Amity . Therefore from that , to separte Us sought the Enemy . 162. By many a Stratagem , He did us oft assail , By flatteries , and batteries , Yet could he not prevail . 163. Although he had the world As a great Magazine , Of fiery Shafts fit for his Crafts Our souls to undermine . 164. From whence on either side , He did us oft assault , With pleasing sights , or dreadful frights ; Yea we had many a fault . 165. From which he oft-times rais'd , By his great policy Such over casts and dreadful blasts , As made us like to fly . 166. Oft-times us to allure To take part against thee , Pleasures He brought into our thought , Or glory made us see . 167. And sundry other things , Which with our flesh did sute , From Trees to sight fit for delight , Moving to pluck the fruit . 168. Sometimes to puff us up , That down he might us throw ; Our godliness , gifts , parts , graces , Or works he would us show . 169. Sometimes again by Cheats , Which he thereto abus'd : Some crooked way , He forth would lay , Which was of Thee refus'd . 170. Sometimes this art he us'd , The easly'r us to take , As if of light , an Angel bright He were , He shew would make . 171. Oft-times He also shew'd , What dreadful things should be , From instruments of his intents , If we would cleave to Thee . 172. The world he stir'd to wrath , Against us for thy sake ; So that of mocks , Scourges or Stocks , Oft times we did partake . 173. Yea many hardships thence , He pressed us withal ; By many losses , and divers crosses , Moving from Thee to fall . 174. Not only our Estates , He sometimes from us caught ; But even our blood , like to a flood , Was powred out full oft . 175. But Thou by thy good grace , And help which thou didst give , Our Enemy , did make to fly , And made our Souls to live . 176. Armour of righteousness , On each hand us did fend : Thy glory bright , stood on our right ; O' th' eft wrath without end . 177. If to Thee and thy Word , Thy right and perfect ways ; Firm we would cleave , and not thee leave , Thou shew'dst us endless praise . 178. But if Thee we would leave , And turn to van●●ie ; For worldly good , or fear of blood , We endless torments see . 179. Which things eternal while , Thou mad'st us keep in view , Things temporal , we slighted all ; And not from Thee withdrew . 180. Thou wert our strength and stay ; Our help was of thy grace : Through thy defence , no fond pretence , Did move us out of place . 181. Here also Thou didst get . The conquest o're our foes : The victory , and the glory , Unto thine honour goes . 182. We had been wholly foild , And driven from Thee again ; But that our heads thou covered'st , And didst our hearts sustain . 183. To thee we give the praise Of our safety untill , Through manifold perils untold , Our days we did fulfill . 184. When yet one combate more , Abode us generally : To yield our Breath , passing through death , And in the grave to ly . 185. Nor had we any might , Against that Enemy : Give way mus we , to Gods decree ; That mankind once must dy . 186. Whereto by several ways , We did arrive at length : Diseases some made thither come , Or some decay of strength . 187. By persecutions some , Through many deaths , much pain , Who for thy name , slaughter and shame ; Did valiantly fustain . 188. For every one of which , Praises to God and thee , The lamb , by whom , all that did come , Well ordered was we see . 189. Through thee it was for good , That such things we did bear : Yea sins also whence griefs did flow , As they permitted were . 190. By our unrighteousness , And our offences sore , Thy righteousness , was more express , And our ingagements more . 191. Thou turnst them all to good , Though from us they were ill : And thou thy praise from thence didst raise , By thy great power and skill . 192. It was for good that Death Thou didst to us ordain : Diseases , pains , and such remains ; As brought to dust again . 193. For by the thoughts thereof , And sights , and feelings too ; Thou didst us wake , more hast to make , To scape from endless woe . 194. They moved us the less , The flesh and world to mind : And unto thee the more to flee , And seek thy Grace to find . 195. They made us less to prize , What did from thee allure : Death did present , their injoyment Falling and unsecure . 196. They made us less to dread , What men us scared by ; While Temporal , we see them all , And that no way but dy . 197. Yea while we also see , That common Death no less ; Torments had oft , then what down brought , Those that did Thee confess . 198. Yea further , Death and grave , This good unto us brought ; They gave us rest , from what opprest , When all our work was wrought . 199. We bless thee for them all , For all together wrought ; For our great good , even death and blood , And more joy to us brought . 200. While greater proofs we had , Of thy great faithfulness : How great each hour , thy love and power , To help our weaknesses . 201. For as our tryals did , Thereby abound and grow ; So thy supports , and our comforts , Did more upon us flow . 202. Oh happy was that time , Happy the means by which ; Perswaded we , became by Thee , To take a course so rich . 203. Thy words to intertain , And thy servants to be ; Sustain the loss , and bear the cross , And follow after Thee . 204. Oh blessed be that grace , That power , and truth , and love ; Which did us draw , and keep in awe , Notletting us remove . 205. For herein also Thou , Our mighty Captain stood ; Our Enemy foild , his Armies spoild , And filledst us with good . 206. For though our flesh fell down , And Death it overcame : And Fire or Grave , did it outbrave , Yet we receiv'd no shame . 207. Yea more than Conquerors , In all those things we were : Through thy great love , which did Thee move , Our sin and Death to beare . 208. This was our victory , The faith we had in Thee : That turn'd to meat , what did us eat , And made us life to see . 209. But yet the full conquest , Over that Enemie ; Thou didst not make , till thou didst take , From Grave our dead Body . 210. Though when Death had us seis'd , And Bodies dead did ly , Our Spirit with Thee , thou took'st to be , In thy joy and glory . 211. Where safety thou us gav'st , And freedome from all ill . In peace to rest in thy sweet brest , Our rising time untill ; 212. Yet Death and grave had so , Our Bodies quite deprav'd : As that it seem'd not to be deem'd , That thence they could be sav'd . 213. Such transmutations they , Did so long time sustain , They were so jumb'd , disperst and crumbl'd How could they rise again ? 214. But all this made but way , For greater glory yet ▪ And to compleat thy Conquest great ; Which thou could'st not but get . 215. For by thy powerful voice , The Graves and place all , Where we lay hid , presently did , Yield us up at thy call . 216. They had no power and might , Against thy power and will ; Us to retain , and make remain : Under corruption still . 217. Thy Angels thou sentst forth , And gatheredst thine Elect : That we by thee might honoured be , With great love and respect . 218. And now we do injoy , The Kingdom gloriously , With Thee we raign and shall remain ; To all Eternity . 219. Oh what a Warriour stout , Art thou , Thou meekest Lamb ! There 's none could stand against thy hand ; But thou them overcame . 220. And Thou hast given to us , Thy Victories each one ; Our Enemies all , thou mad'st to fall ; And would'st not reign alone . 221. Thy Conquests now are full ; The field is fully clear : There is no moe , left any foe ; Not one doth now appear . 222. For now thou hast them all , Destroyed totally , They down are gone , where help is none ; In endless flames they fry . 223. And we , we reap the fruits , Of all thy wars so great : We have the end we did intend ; Thy pleasant fruits we eat . 224. Now we are fully sav'd , From all our miseries : Broke is the Net , and we are set ; Above our Enemies . 225. All praise is due to thee , Thou all things hast well done : Thou first and last , hast all outcast , Now sorrows we have none . 226. A toilsome path we trod ; A tedious journey had : A Wilderness of great distress , But now thou 'st made us glad . 227. In all our Pilgrimage , And great temptations thou ; Didst with us bide , hast us supply'd , And we be happy now . 228. Oh happy now our state , Our joys who can express , Well sing we may , Hallelujah ; And thee for ever bless . FINIS .
Another to the same Tune . 1. A New triumphant Song , Fil'd full of mirth and praise ; To Thee our King , now will we sing ; Extolling thee always . 2. And well we may rejoyce , O're all that wretched crue ; Who took delight , with great despight ; Our ruine to pursue . 3. Where are they all become , That did us sore oppress ; They all are gone , left there is none , That may impair our bless . 4. Where is that old Serpent , That dreadful Dragon fell ? Hallelujah , hee 's not to day , For Hee 's thrust down to Hell . 5. He and his Angels all , That vexed us full sore ; Lying in wait , for us with hate , Destroy'd are evermore . 6. That dreadful burning Lake , Of wrath so large and deep ; They 'r thrown into , to bear their woe , Where Sinners wail and weep . 7. Where are those dreadful Beasts , That were his instruments ; With horns and heads , so full of dreads , Breathing out punishments ? 8. Where is their pompous train , Their Names of blasphemy ? There 's not a Crown , unfallen down , There 's none of them on high . 9. Where now 's the false Prophet , Who all the World deceiv'd ; Who up did cry , and magnifie , The Beast and him believ'd ? 10. Who did him worship give , And to his Image fall ? Name , Image , Mark , are all ' th' dark ; And their Adorers all . 11. Both Beas and Prophet false , Are gone into the lake ; To bear their hire , in that great fire , Whose burnings never slake . 12. Where is that painted Whore , Which rode in Pomp and State ? Her gilded Cup , which was fil'd up , With poysonous liquors late ? 13. Whom Earthly Kings ador'd , As if she sure had been ; The only fit , in State to sit , As Soveraign Lady-Queen ! 14. Who sought and suckt out blood , As if it had been sweet ; Greatest and least , she caus'd the Beast , To trample under feet . 15. Because we liked not Th' intoxicating wine , Which from her Cup , the World suckt up , As if 't had been divine . 16. Wher is she now become , Shee and her Lovers too , Who did commit , what was not fit , With her , and whoredomes doe ? 17. Alas they are long since , Burnt up and quite destroy'd : Their Market's gone , and they did moan , Who in her greatness joy'd . 18. Yea all the train of foes , Who in our sorrows laught , Who Thee refus'd , and us abus'd , Destruction hath them caught . 19. Thou hast them overcome , O Lamb , of Kings the King : Well may we say , Hallelu-jah , And praises to Thee sing . 20. Where now is all that lust , That had in us a hold ! It s subtle Heads , Delights and dreads , And branches manifold ? 21. Which service challenged , And over us would reign : Did us molest , and oft opprest , And cau'd us smart and pain . 22. And where 's the carnal mind , That subtly did devise , To draw us in , to commit sin , Through its deceits and lies . 23. And where s the whorish heart , Which oft withdrew from thee : And did us cheat , with many a feat , Making us sorrow see ? 24. These foes are all destroy'd , And we from them are free : By thy sharp sword , thy powerful word , They all consumed be . 25. No errour in our mind , Nor ignorance hath place : Our hearts retain , nothing that 's vain , Thanks therefore to thy grace . 26. Nothing of unbelief , Or of unlovingness : No envy , hate , strife or debate , Pride , falshood us possess . 27. Thou hast us made so clean , That in us there 's no spot : No wrinckled skin , no jot of sin , Nor weakness in our lot . 28. Thou our good husband art , Who didst our faults so bear ; And them reprove , with words of love , As made us Thee to hear . 29. And what we heard of Thee , Did wash us wondrously : But now thy sight , makes us so white , No blemish thou canst spy . 30. Hallelujahs we sing , Sin us no more annoys : Hallelu-jah , Hallelu-jah , We no● have perfect joys . 31. Where is mortality ? All our Diseases , pains ; Our Massiness , which did us press ? Nought of them now remains . 32. Oh death where is thy sting ? Grave where 's thy victory ? Where be our fears , wrings , strains and tears , And all that made us cry ? 33. Where are our oft complaints ? Our brui●es , breaches , wounds ? Our sighs and moans ? Our sobs and groans ? Our famtings and our swounds ? 34. Where are our sleepless nights ? Where are our toilsome days ; Our gastly siglus Or ●udain frights ? And what 〈◊〉 us amaze ? 35. Where be our lamenesses ? Deafness and Dumbness too ? Dimness of sight , our want of light , Crutches wherewith to go ? 36. Where are our pangs and throws ? Our cruel ach's and smarts ? Our weary beds ? Our dizzy heads ? Our sad and doleful hearts ? 37. Where are our Prison bands ? Fetters ? and Pillories ? The hurtful stocks ? The taunts and mocks ? And furious outcries ? 38. The Gallows and the racks ? The Gibbets ? Beasts ? and Fire ? With whatsoe're , did rend and teare , Or did us ver and tire ? 39. Where is that rottenness , That after Death took hold ? The stinking smell ? The jaws of Hell ? And what else may be told . 40. Not one of these appears , They are all fled and gone ; Hallelu-jah to Thee we say ; For 't is from Thee alone . 41. All enemies thou subdu'dst , Oh who is like to Thee ? Thou Lord of Hosts , art in all coasts , And thou hast made us free . 42. Thou the stout Warriour art ; In Battel mighty strong : The man of War , by whom all are Subdu'd ; Thou art our Song . 43. By Thee we have escap't , Whatever ill befell ; By Thy goodness we now possess , Such joys as none can tell . 44. Thou from the midst of foes , Hast brought us now to be ; With Angels bright , in Heav'nly light , Companions with Thee . Deut. 33.26 , 27 , 28 , 22. 45. NOw we may sing and say , What one is like unto ; Jesuruns God , I' th' Heavens who rode , To save us from all woe ? 46. Th' Eternal God Thou wert , Our refuge ; and thine armes ; Under us were , us up to beare , From all dangers and harms . 47. Thine everlasting armes , Whose strength doth rever fail : With them th' unjust , thou out hast thrust , And made us to prevail . 48. Thou hast destroy'd them all , Who did us injury : And now there 's none , we dwell alone , And are in great safety . 49. New Heavens and Earth have we , A Land of Corn and Wine : Thou' rt our fountain , and Thou dost rain , on us thy dew divine . 50. Oh happy Israel , What one is like to us : Sav'd by the Lord who is the sword , And shield most marvellous . 51. To which our foes are all , At length as Lyers found : Their planes high , where in safety , They dwelt , we 've trod to th' ground . 52. How glorious now our State , Praises to Thee therefore : Who can express , the blessedness , That we have evermore ? 53. Our Body is become , All glorious like to thine : Thy glory bright , more than the light ▪ Or Sun doth make us shine . 54. Like Angels now we be , With whom we do converse : As nimble , and light , as pure and bright , And through all things do pierce . 55. We need no Marriages , More than they for increase : Our Company can never dy , Our joys shall never cease . 56. Nay now we Angels judge , Such is to us thy heart , Thy very Throne , which Thou sit'st on , Thou dost to us impart . 57. Our pleasures now are full , Immived , pure and clear : We feel no cold , we wax not old , Nothing our strength doth wear . 58. No Winter time we have , No withering or decay ; No Frost nor Snow , No storms do blo● , We have all Summers day , 59. Yet without parching heat , Or ought that may annoy : No scorching Sun o●●e us doth run , Nought to allay our joy . 60. Great joy we also have , In our society : Each one in other , as in our Brother , Have great felicity . 61. Here Abel we injoy , Who suffered first for Thee : Enoch , Noah , and all thy way , Who kept , our Partners be . 62. The holy Patriarks , Before and since the flood ; Father renown'd , with glory crown'd , And all their children good . 63. Thy holy Messengers , Martyrs and Confessors : Who faithful were , with us are here , Of life inheritors . 64. But above all the rest , Thy presence glorious ; Doth satisfie , eternally , And make us triumph thus , 65. Like a City compact And fully one are we : Where without rent , or discontent , We perfectly agree . 66. And perfectly we joy , In one anothers good ; All perfectly , Thee glorifie , Who for us shed'st thy blood . 67. In Thee for evermore , We all have full content ; Thee to behold , Thee to unfold , Is all our merriment . 68. No one doth seek himself ; Or in himself delights But every one , is fixed on , Thy glorious beauty bright . 69. Thou art our All ; in whom , Father and Spirit both ; And all good else , with us now dwells : Thy glory doth us cloth . 70. In Thee we were compleat , And had all good before : Compleatly we , now injoy Thee , And thine for evermore . 71. All excellencies which , In the Creation were ; From Thee they flow'd , and Thee they show'd , In Thee we have them here . 72. Thou the beginning art , Of Gods Creation good : The ground most strong and firm , whereon All things were built and stood . 73. Thou art the perfect LIGHT , Thou our of carkness shone ; And made us see , things as they be . Light out of Thee there 's none . 74. In earth , Thou art the Plant , Of honour and renoun : The righteous root , whence issu'd out , What ever God doth own . 75. Thou Root of David art , Whence all his hopes did spring ; Of that Kingdom , which now is come , Whereof Thou art the King . 76. Thou art the fruitful Vine , That doth that grape forth beare , Which God and man , heartily can , And have refresht with chear . 77. Thy full obedience , And pretious blood out shed ; Reliev'd our hearts , in all our smarts . And God fully pleased . 78. Thou art the stately Palm , And Olive fresh and green ; With weights opprest , thou grewst up best , Thou' rt always lively seen . 79. Thou art the green Firt-Tree , Whence all our fruits abound , And the Apple-Tree , where under we , Have fragrant shadow found . 80. Thine Apples oftentimes , Have us most chearful made : Flagons of Wine , from Thee our Vine , Oft times our hearts have staid . 81. Like Cedar tall and strong , Which useth not to rot : Such is thy raign , which doth remain , Firm and decayeth not . 82. The stone of Israel , And aged Rock thou art : The precious stone , Foundation , To stay and strength the heart . 83. Thou art the Pearl of price , For whom we all things sold : The Silver of strength , whence days of length , Thou' rt the most precious Gold . 84. Among the waters thou , The Sea and Ocean art : Whence all do flow , to which all owe , The good they do impart . 85. All good from Thee proceeds , And unto Thee again : It is but meet , that all retreat , Who dost all good contain . 86. Thou art the Fountain too , And Spring of waters pure , Which run and live , Thou all dost give , Thy Streams are allways sure . 87. All other things beside , Are Cisterns , Pipes , and Pools ▪ Who Thee forsook , and of them took , Were all deluded fools . 88. Thou art the Life indeed , All Life from Thee doth flow : The Life and love , wherein we move , We wholly to Thee owe. 89. For we were dead in sins , No living act could doe : Till thy fresh sent , did us prevent , And reach our souls unto . 90. In Heaven the Morning Star , Which in our darksome night ; When helpess we , No hope could see . Arose and Brought us light . 91. Thou art the glorious Sun , Light , Heat , and life from Thee ; To all to whom , thy vertues come , Sweetly imparted be . 92. The Sun of righteousness , Which hath upon us rose : And in thy wings , all healing brings , And all our wounds hast clos'd . 93. Oh what were we if Thee , We did not now injoy ? Sure like to those , who are thy foes , And whom thou dost destroy . 94. It s glorious to behold , Thy glorious countenance ; It gives us sight , fills with delight , And doth our souls advance . 95. In thy light we do live , And walk for evermore : In Thee we play , and joy all day , Hallelu-jah therefore . 96. Amongst those things on Earth , Thou mad'st to live and move ; Like to the tame and harmless LAMB , Thou wert in thy great love . 97. Gods Lamb most innocent , Most meek and spotless , who Clothing and food , affordest good , And ill didst undergo . 98. With greatest patience , Not answering again ; Though Thou defil'd wast , and revil'd , By men , and put to pain . 99. Gods Lamb indeed thou wert , That sacrifice whereby ; Our peace was made , wrath aside laid , And we receiv'd mercy . 100. Thy flesh thou gav'st for food , Thy blood was drink indeed : Feeding on that , we comfort gat , And strength in every need . 101. Thy righteousness us cloth'd , And thy vertues so high ; And most divine , do make us shine , Always most gloriously . 102. Thou art the Lyon too , For strength and power : so those Thee oft have found , unto their wound , Who were thy mortal foes . 103. In thy great strength Thou hast Upon them roard , whereby They were thy prey , and behold they , Torn and devour'd now ly . 104. Oh it was well for us , That Thou our General : A Lyon wer'● , else we like Harts , Had soon been r●uted all . 105. Thou art the UNICORN , Thy Horn is stately high : Thy power and might , alone to flight , Hath put the Enemy . 106. Thou art the Glory , and The sum of all the rest . The Man thou art , who hast the heart , With understanding best . 107. For Thee were all things made , And they were given to Thee : In Heaven and Earth , above beneath , And in the Ocean Sea . 108. Thou art the Male to us , And we thy Femal be : Thou the Husband , us to command , And we the spouse to Thee . 109. For Thee we framed were , And of Thee secretly : While thou didst sleep , a sleep so deep , As for our fins to dy . 110. Out of thy flesh we are , And out of thy bone too : One Soul we have , which thy Breath gave , Thy Heavenly things to know . 111. In us thou tak'st delight , And our delight thou art ; Thou with thy grace , dost us embrace , And lay'st us in thy heart . 112. While thou didst us embrace , And we submit to Thee ; There did proceed , from Thee that Seed , Which made us fruitful be . 113. Which in thine own Image , Thou didst beget , we bear ; Thy Company , makes us happy , All our eternal year . 114. Thou art the Angel too , The Messenger by whom ; The Heavenly grant , Gods Covenant , Down unto us did come . 115. Yea all the things of weight , We in the Scriptures read ; Compleatly be , fulfil'd in Thee , As might be mentioned . 116. The Sabboath or the Rest , Thou art , and Thou dost give : Thou art our rest , God hath Thee blest , Joyful in Thee we live . 117. From all his mighty works , God ay in Thee doth cease : Thou art the end , whereto they tend , Thou art our Rest and peace . 118. In Thee by us injoy'd , Our works are ended all : No travail more , or labour sore , Or grief shall us befall . 119. We also are thy Rest , For now that us thou hast : Thy works are o're , for evermore , Thy labours all are past . 120. Thou the sweet Garden art , The Garden of delight ; The Paradise , where pleasure lies , And what doth please our sight . 121. And we thy Garden are , In us thou pleasure tak'st : Us to possess , Tast of and dress , Thou oft thy business mad'st . 122. Thou art the TREE of LIFE , Which pleasant fruits doth bear : Whereof we leave , have to receive , And Death we cannot fear . 123. The River too thou art , Of living waters pure : Thy streams go out , and run about , With joys both full and sure . 124. Thou hast been unto us , The ARK ; wherein we were Shut up and kept , not to be swept , Away , with floods of fear . 125. Thou art the Covenant too , Made between us and God : In Thee we be , for ever f●ee , From fears of future flood . 120. Yea Thou that Covenant art , In which we are the Lords : And God our Tower , by his great power , All bless to us affords . 127. In and with Thee He hath giv'n The everlasting Land : Whereof we be , The heirs with Thee , In whom our lots do stand . 128. In Thee from all our flesh , We circumcised were : The Blessed seed , thou art indeed , Whence we be blessed here . 129. Thou art the high Father , And we thy Children be : We are the Kings , and the off-spring , Proceeded out of Thee . 130. Thou art the Isaac , The heir of promise , who Our laughter art , Thou mak'st our heart Rejoyce after our woe . 131. Thou art the Israel , The Prince with God and Man : By both assail'd , thou hast prevaild , With both the field thou wan . 132. Thou the true Joseph art , First by thy Brethren sold : To sufferings by , their great envy , Exposed manifold . 133. But from those great suffrings , Thou wert exalted high ; To have the store : to Thee therefore , All had resort to buy . 134. Thou the meek Moses art , Drawn out of waters great : Whom also thy , People thrust by , And badly did intreat . 135. Thou unto us wast sent , A Prophet , Priest and King ; From dreadful thrall , us out to call , And hither us to bring . 136. Thou shewd'st thy mighty signs , On Pharaoh and his Land ; The Dragon fell , to us cruel , And who with him did stand . 137. Thou brought'st us forth from thall , And lead'st us through the Sea : Of troubles great , which though they beat , Thou mad'st a wall to be . 138. A means of safety from , The Dragon who pursu'd ; Thou didst us save , where they their grave , Did make , by thee subdu'd . 139. Thou ledst us through the wide , And howling wilderness : Thou us stoodst by , led'st us safely , Through fears and great distress . 140. Yea there thou all things wert , To us that they injoy'd ; The Paschal Lamb , Through thee we came , From the world undestroy'd . 141. Even through thee crucify'd , Besprinkled with thy Blood ; Through faith we eat , thy flesh as meat , And in all slaughters stood . 142. Thou our Lawgiver wert , A Law of Life and grace : Thou gav'st from on , the Mount - Sion , Thy high and holy place . 143. Which in our fleshly hearts , Thou too imprintedst so ; That we clave fast , unto the last , And would not from thee go . 144. Thou that great Prophet art , By whom the Father did : Those things reveal , which under Seal , Lay in his bosome hid . 145. Thou wast our Ark of strength , Gods presence in thee was : By Thee we were , safe in each fear , And safely on did pass . 146. Thou wast that Tabernacle , Where God with us did dwell : He would in Thee worshipped be , And there his mind did tell . 147. Thou wast the Sacrifice , Our sins to take away ; Us to atone , and make at one , With thy Father for ay . 148. Yea Altar and Incence , And Mercy-Seat thou wert ; Laver and Priest , Shoulder and Breast , Thy holy Priesthoods part . 194 The Light and Candlestick , The Table and Shew-bread ; Thou to us wert , though Thou impart , Thy glory as our head . 150. Thou wert our Manna while , In Wilderness we were ; Dayly did we , pertake of Thee , Till we arrived here . 151. And oft we guilty were , Of slighting Thee through lust ; Which made us crave , such things to have , As were for us unjust . 152. Through which sometimes we did Gods wrath upon us bring ; So as to send , the fiery Feind , Our Souls to vex and sting . 153. Against the which Thou wert , Our Brazen Serpent sure : While we betook , ou● selves to look , To Thee thou didst us cure . 154. Thou art the Rock from which , By Moses Rod , when smore ; By curse of Law , Thy blood to draw , Fresh waters issu'd out . 155. Even Heavenly Doctrine , And Heavenly comforts sweet , Where with in all , that did befall , We every where did meet . 156. Nay all the Types were short , Of thy perfections great ; Thou didst exceed , and dost indeed , All things that thee forth set . 157. Moses did fail and dy , Before the peoples rest : But thou dost live , and to us give , The land that s ever blest . 158. For Thou our Joshuah art , Who Finishedst our way : Thou dry'dst the River , Even Death for ever , And here thou mak'st us stay . 159. Thou our Great Captain art , By thee and thy command , Our battels fought , and we are brought , Into this pleasant Land . 160. This glorious Land of Rest , Where we all fulness have : What ever thou , didst promise , now , W'injoy , and more can't crave . 161. Thou' rt our Deliverer , The Judge who didst us save : By thy just Doom , we here are come , This glorious Rest to have . 162. Where all in and with thee , We have this endless day : Therefore O King , to Thee we sing , Hallelu-jah alway . 163. Thou the true David art , Over all Israel set : His Royal Throne , Thou first upon , Thy Kingdom 's very great . 164. To which Thou art advanc'd , From Sheol's dreadful hand : From suffering by , the great envy , Of those that rul'd the Land . 165. Thou art th' Anointed King , That hast beat down our foe : A City great and built compleat , Thou hast us brought unto . 166. Where thou the beauty art , The Sun and glorious Light : For here we thee , enjoy and see , Thy Majesty most bright . 167. In Thee we God injoy , And his Sons fully are : With us he dwells , our joy excels , Our City is most rare . 168. Its Gates are precious Pearls , Its Streets are finest Gold . All things are pure , precious and sure , And glorious to behold . 169. For Gods own glory here , For evermore doth shine : And us to fill , with pleasure still , All things do here combine . 170. O happy glorious state , Who can it all declare ? Beyond all wishes , beyond all blesses , Our happinesses are . 171. Thou art our Solomon , In peace and glory , raign'st : B● none disturb'd , for thou hast curb'd , All that rose thee against . 172. And in this Kingdome we , As Kings with thee do sit ; In Stately seat , and glory great , As thou hast thought it fit . 173. That glorious Pomp and State , Of Solomon of old : Though it was found , greatly beyond , All that of him was told , 174. Yet was but a short type , Of this thy glory high ; In which thou raignst , beset with Saints , In glorious Majesty . 175. In which ten thousand fold , Ten thousand times nombred ; Thou dost regard , us to reward , For all we suffered . 776. Our sufferings were but light , And momentany ; but They 'r weighty Crowns , endless renouns , Which Thou hast on us put . 177. Thy Wisdome too exceeds , Wise Solomon's by far : Thou all things know'st , and clearly shew'st , None may with Thee compare . 178 That stately Temple which , By Solomon was made , Thou dost excel , in whom doth dwell : All fullness o' th' Godhead . 179. All his perfections here , Are gloriously displayd ; And we them see , beyond what we , Ever heard of them said . 180. Yea Thou to us impart'st , This glory too : for we , An holy place , for Gods good Grace , Are builded up by Thee . 181. Thou the foundation art , And precious Corner Stone : Thou dost us bear , and cause t' adhere , To God and every one . 182. Through Thee God also dwells With his perfections pure ; In us always , to his great praise , For ever to endure . 183. And that 's the top and height , Of all our happiness ; That God with us , we enjoy thus , The Fountain of all bless . 184. All which we have in Thee , And with Thee perfectly ; Who can Thee reach , or who can preach , All thy perfections high ? 185. Oh thanks for evermore , To God and to the Lamb : Through Gods grace good , and the Lambs blood , It is that here we came . 186. Where sulness of al● joy , And pleasures evermore ; Our portion be , therefore we Thee , For ever do adore . 187. The Scriptures we need not , In dark they were our light : Thou art our book , on Thee we look , And all things see aright . 188. Tou art our GENESIS , In Thee we were create : Thou' rt our Beginning , without Beginning , And End beyond all date . 189. By thee we out of dust , Or nought our beings had : All things in Thee , to us are free , And we have nothing bad . 190. Thou art our EXODUS , Our goings out of thrall . Thou didst us save , deliverance gave , By thy high heav'nly call . 191. Thour' t our LEVITICUS , Through Thee to God we clave : Through thy Priesthood , and offrings good , He never did us leave . 192. We also to be Priests , Were all by thee anneald : Our Leprosie , is cleans'd by Thee , And all our issues heal'd . 193. Thou art our NUMBERER , In thee inrold we be : Where God doth own , in thee is shown , Our Genealogie . 194. Thou art our Second LAW , A perfect summary : Of Gods mercies , and our duties , We do in thee descry . 195. Thou art our JOSHUAH , Our Saviour , Judge , and King : What we omitted , or else forgetted , Thou to our mind dost bring . 196. It s thou in EPHRATA , That hast done worthily : Poor Gen iles thou , when they did bow , Hast lifted up on high . 197. Thou art the perfect Scribe , The writer of Gods Law : Freedome declar'd , and all repaird , By thee , we also saw . 198. The poor and patient JOB , Made poor and rich again , Who thee opprest , at thy request , Yet mercy did obtain . 199. Thou the sweet Singer art , The chief Musitian , who : The Instrument , didst first invent , And play'st upon it too . 200. Thou art our PSALM and Song , Our hearts and tongues always : Thou through thy love , dost tune , frame , move , To sing forth all thy praise . 201. Thou only fulness hast , All without thee is vain : Thou art the Preacher , and heavenly Teacher , Who dost in Salem Raign . 202. Thou' rt the Beloved one , The swift Roe , or young Hart : The Song of Songs , to Thee belongs , Who its chief Subject art . 203. Thy Testimony is , Of all the Prophets old ; The quintessence , and thou the sense , Of Proverbs dost unfold . 204. Thou from a low degree , Hast rais'd us to the Throne ; The Righteous seed , Thou hast all freed , Here 's Lamentations none . 205. Thou art the Gospels sum , The tidings of great joy ; Blessings have we , and peace in Thee , Nothing doth us annoy . 206. Thou Gods Epistle wert , His mind in Thee He writ ; When we absent were , he thee sent , And Thou discoveredst it . 207. Thou art the end of all , In Thee God doth unfold ; And hath reveal'd , what lay conceal'd , In Thee we All behold . 208. Thou all art , and in all : ALPHA and OMEGA : Wherefore to Thee , ever do we , Sing , Oh Hallelu-sah .
To the Holy Spirit . 1. ANd yet again wee 'll sing : and strike our strings , Wee 'l shew forth whence the spring Of joy that makes us sing , Oh 't is a glorious Fountain whence it springs ! 2. It is the Holy Spirit which he inherits , Who did redeem us when , We all were but lost men ; And purchast us to God by his great merits . 3. The Spirit of Life which hath , fil'd up our Faith ; And quenched all our griefs , With his Cordial reliefs : Hee 's Author of our good , rejoyc'd us hath . 4. He fils us with divine life , as with wine : And always flows into us , And doth such glory show us ; That to rejoyce we jointly do combine . 5. And cannot but rejoyce , with pleasant voice : And that continually , And to Eternity ; With joys and gloryings in him rare and choice . 6. That holy Spirit we will With utmost skill , Set 〈◊〉 and magnifie , And 〈◊〉 his love glory : By whom God and the Lamb did all fulfil . 7. He one is of the three in whom do we , Live , love , and whom we doe , Worship and bow unto ; Whose glory 't is our happiness to see . 8. The glorious Father wild the word as skild , ( Being that deep wisdom , In which the will doth come ) Dev●'d , the Spirit of might it all fulfil'd . 9 The Father and the word with one accord , Decree'd , devis'd to give , Being to all that live , And was the Spirit that being did afford . 10. He is the mighty hand which the command , Of the Father and the Son , Which did through all things run , Effected : gave the world to be and stand . 11. He the Heavens high out spred and adorned , According as Gods will , Holy and wise in skill ; Pleas'd to determine : He them fashioned , 12. The very crook't Serpent , to his intent , He form'd ; and all beside That was or doth abide , According to Gods great commandement . 13. He man to understand , and to command , All things in Earth and Sea That he did make to be ; Did form and fashion by his mighty hand . 14. He is the fulness which is the most rich , Forth-going of the High , Father and Son whereby , All things He built , and as a tent did pitch . 15. In him there is no less then all the bless , And blessed vertues high , Which do dwell perfectly In God and in the word , and they possess . 16. The fulness of all good like a great flood , From the Ocean going , And all overflowing ; Yea fuller 't is than can be understood . 17. He from God and his word , ( with them one Lord ) Searcheth the things most deep , Which God in Christ doth keep ; The knowledge of them t is he doth afford . 18. One with them tw●●● was He ( As well know wee , ) In all their councels old , Most high and manifold ; Therefore they all by him declared be . 19. Blest be that Spirit of grace who in its place , Did both a body frame , For the Word , and th same Sanctifie , that no sin might it deface . 20. The eternal Spirit the same who did us frame , Seeing us in sin dead And helpless , pittyed Us all : and ( blessed be his holy Name . ) 21. He that we might from sin , be freed wherein , We lay condemn'd , prepar'd , ( As He had fore declar'd ) That blessed body unto us a kin . 22. And fild it with his power that in the hour , Of death and darkness He Upheld was , did not flee ; From that great cup of vengeance sharp and sour . 23. To which he by this Spirit that he might merit , For us Redemption , Accurst the Cross upon ; Did yield himself that we might Life inherit . 24. Thou Spirit most blest didst raise within three days , That body up again , ( Loosing of Death the pain ) To justifie us ( for which we thee prasse . 25. And for those infinite perfections bright , That are in Thee ; and all Thy works both great and small ) Thou carryedst up that body to heavens height . 26. To glorious dignity and Majesty , And him also thou dost , Fill full ( oh holy Ghost , The fulness of the Godhead ) bodily . 27. Through him Thou gifts did give That we might live , Even Thou from him sent forth , Gav'st heavenly gifts of worth ; Whereby men through thy grace errour outdrive . 28. And 't was all times before Upon that score , Of that great sacrifice ; Which Thou didst fore-promise , That thou didst testify the love God bore . 29. Thou blessed Spirit forth came And in Gods name , The spirit of Truth thou did , What before time lay hid : Take , and unto Men didst declare the same . 30. Yet not to all that were Didst thou so clear , Their minds , and manifest Gods councels ever blest , But unto some as thou pleas'dst didst appear . 31. Through Christ the Father did , his counsels hid , By thee declare to some , To whose minds thou didst come , And with whom as thou pleasedst thou abid . 32. And those things to be writ , thou didst commit Moving those thereunto , To whom thou didst them show ; According as thou wisely didst judge fit . 33. Though Thou didst also go convince and wooe , The world of mankind bad , When they by their sins had Themselves destroy'd in a great overthrow . 34. Thou art the wisdome high Of God whereby , All called were to turn , Though many men did spurn ; Yea we rebelled also grievously . 35. That Spirit which did strive with men alive Before the flood of old , With reproofs manifold ; Who did their souls of happiness deprive . 36. Of that sweet peace , comfort and great support , Thou gave'st to those that clos'd With thee and not oppos'd ; With them thou dealt'st after another sort . 37. Thou would'st not strive with them who did contemn , Thy counsels always , but Did'st give them up , and shut Them up in blindness ; yea did'st them condemn , 38. But unto those that turn'd ( though they had spurn'd Sometimes against thee too ) Thou didst declare and show , The secrets of the Lord with love that burn'd . 39. Thou art the Spirit of love From God above , Who 's love it self : and from The Word , his only Son , And thou in great love did'st reprove and move . 40. That thou to good might'st move thou didst reprove , And where thou found'st a way , ( Thou man'st it ) didst convey ; Thy grace like waters , even thy sweetest love . 41. 'T was love thou shew'dst from God when as his rod Sometimes upon our bace , ( Because we were so slack To goodness ) he did lay , in love thou chod ; 42. Thou art that power and strength whereby at length , We ( though we stubborn were ) Were brought to approach neare To God , to see and hear him . Thou gav'st strenght 43. Thou wrestled'st with us so ( Oh there is no , Such wrestler as thou art ) That thou o'recame'st our heart . And made'st us from our sins depart and go . 44. In and from thee we felt Gods love to melt , And bow our hearts , and draw Them when they frozen were . In thee power dwelt 45. And dwels for evermore Thou heald'st our sore , For 't was by Thee , our Lord In and by his good word , Did heal us : we thee laud and praise therefore . 46. As thou gav'st forth Gods mind ( Thou did'st it find : Also ) in this good word So , it was thou O Lord ; That mad'st it of such force , to break and bind . 47. Thou mad'st it powerful to convince us so , That what we were as we Were in our selves , we see That we did nothing rightly see or know . 48. Nor that we could that do that us unto God , might bring back ; or keep Us from the dreadful Deep Of Hell : or us again redeem therefro . 49. Thou therein did'st display , and 'fore us lay The glorious things of Christ , ( Worthy ay to be blist ) So as thou mad'st our hearts on him to stay . 50. 'T was thou , and Christ in Thee , whom so long we Provck't and made to wait Upon us at the gate , Of our hard hearts . Blest let that patience be . 51. It was thy long-suffring that did us bring Salvation : while thou there Our many faults didst bear , Thou brak'st our stiffness , well we may thee sing . 52. Hadst thou been , quick and rough T 'had been enough , To have destroy'd us quite : For cause enough thou might Have found to have destroy'd us , much bad stuff . 53. But 't was thy truth , thy grace , and that sweet face Of Christ which thou didst show Which did prevail to bow , Us to thee : while thou gav'st us such good space . 54. Thou wer 't that strength and power whereby each hour , We were supported all , And kept from that sad fall , Which would us have destoy'd . Thou sweet'st our sout . 55. Thou art that strength whereby the victory Over our Enemies , We gat and did arise , Up from our foiles and falls ; and did not dy . 56. Thou wert our Comforter , by thee we were In all our sorrows chear'd ; By thee our eyes were clear'd , Thou didst us in thine arms carry and beare . 57. All good from Thee we had , ( for we were bad ) Love , joy , peace , patience , Meekness , faith , abstinence ; All our good fruits , and all that made us glad . 58. 'T was thou that drew us so as made us go , After the Lamb , although Through much sorrow and woe ; Losses , crosses , and what the world could doe . 59. Thou art that Spirit of hope , which at the scope Didst make us look : the Rest , And great reward possest Now by us , Thou did'st shew 't beyond all trope . 60. Thou shew'dst it , and our eye it to espy , And wistly to behold , Whereby we were made bold Thou didst direct and fix continually . 61. When Death had seis'd upon , Our flesh and bone And grave had unto dust Converted us , Thou just And holy Spirit , raisedst us alone . 62. By the Good will of God and him that trod , The grave down in his strength Thou didst us up at length Raise and revive , Thou art the mighty God . 63. Thou art that River claer that free from fear , Hast set us fully , and Mak'st us firmly to stand ; With joy in presence of the Lamb most Deare . 64. A mighty River pure constant and sure , Thou with thy sorce hast thrown All oppositions down ; Ans Thou us fill'st with joys that shall endure . 65. With joy , with peace , with good ( as with a flood , Fed from the Ocean great , The mighty Throne and seat , Of God and of his Lamb which shed his blood . ) 66. Thou fillest us for ever : for they can never fail , or abate , but flow Without all end , no low Ebb shall befall us Nought from God shall sever 67. Nought from that Ocean , and Sea without Sand ; Those wates Christalline , Most pure and most divine ; In their enjoyments we shall ever stand . 68. For Thee in every heart , evern thee who art Th' eternal powerful spirit , We do and shall inherit ; A band so firming us as we can't part . 69. From God or Christ or each by any breach , From other , thou dost give Us without change to live , Eternally ; and ever Thee to preach . 70. Thy glory 's infinite , thy glory bright , Oh Fountain of de ight ! Oh Ocean infinite ; Oh infinite Light , might , love infinite ! 71. To Thee oh Trinity in unity , Eternal happiness , Eternal endless Bless ! That art without all change eternally . 72. We sing and shout alway Hallelu-jah , Praise thee we will always Throughout our endless day , And sing with heigth of joy : Hallelujah , Hallclujah .
Such things , but far more pure and excellent , Then any humane tongue or pen can vent ; Or any heart of man , while here alive , Can by all he may hear or read contrive ; Conceive or think of ; shall those gloriously Blest persors utter , when they shall their high And everlasting Kingdome have and hold . For their great joys and glories can't be told . They 'r far above what mortal man can speak . Thine heart to apprehend them is too weak : For never any since the World began , Hath ever heard , no nor Angel nor man : Hath by the care perceiv'd , or by their eye Have seen the greatness of the dignity , Or brightness of the glory foreprepar'd , For those who unto God give due regard : Who love him and , for his appearance wait , None but God see 's and knows their happy state .
Canto VI. The Worlds Vanity .

Seek ye first the Kingdome of God and his righteousness , &c.

Matth. 6.33 . In the sixth Canto Christ presents , In brief the former two's contents ; The Damneds woes , Saints merriments . Perswades the Soul to chase the best . The Man consults with his own brest ; Cou●s●ls the Soul the way to rest . Chri●●s Servant doth the same perswade , The Soul inclines , but is afraid ; To its Objection answer's made . By Christ and by his Minister , Christ doth himself and Name declare : Gives Counsels which the safest are . Renews ● is suits with earnestness , With arguments the Soul doth press ; Him more to value , the World less . And by some instances 't is plain , That their both ways and ends are vain ; Who judge this world to be the Main . Chr. SEE I have set before Thee good and ill , I say not , chuse whither of them thou will ; But chuse the Life and good that thou mayst be Happy for ever , and destruction flee . Think on these things , the doleful state of those ; Who do rebel against me , and oppose My truth , and my most equal government How dreadfull then will be their punishment . Think , if thou canst be able to endure So woful torments as sinners procure , By sin unto themselvs ; think how great bless , If me thou closest with thou shalt possess . Accept my profer'd kindness , me embrace ; Submit unto my Doctrine , so my grace And favour thou shalt have , and never know The woful plight of them that ly below . Oh be perswaded now to let go all , That doth pollute Thee , and obey my call . Follow my counsels , let me have thy heart ; Thou shalt have mine , and il'le ne're from thee part . I 'le be thy friend for ever , thou shalt have More happiness , than thou canst think or crave . Man . Hast thou not heard , my Soul , what thy great Lord Proposeth to thee in his holy word ? Such things thou there hast heard , wilt thou not then , Unto his wholesome Counsels say Amen ? Consider with thy self how bad thy state In Adam was , how thou deservedst hate : What sinfulness unto thee yet doth cleave ; How good the Lord hath been who did not leave Thee in thy fallen state , but such an one Hath sent forth for man , even his only Son . What he hath done for thee , how he thee woes Unto himself that thou with him wouldst close . How in his word and what it doth contain , He answers the Objectors cavils vain . That unto Atheism would thee fain move ; Shew's what will be hereafter : dost approve His profer'd love ? Wilt thou of him accept ? Part with thy Idols ! or shall they be kept ? Without all doubt its best to let all goe , To close with Christ who doth thee love and woo . Consider with thy self , if thou him slight , All besides him to help thee have no might : For they 'r poor sorry vanities ; can 't give Thee solid comfort ; or cause thee to live For ever : or with full content while here , They cannot satisfie thy soul , not chear T●y drooping Spirits , when Death shall draw nigh , And summons thee to yield thy breath and dy . Alas how short ; and how uncertain be The lives of men as we may daily see . How many dy while yet their bones are moist , With marrow ? Even while they have much rejoy●'t In their firm strength ! while milk was in their brest How suddainly hath pale death them opprest ? Mini. If thou an Atheist wer 't and couldst not tell Whether in truth there be an Heaven or Hell , Yet were it not far better so to think , And seek for Heaven , than only eat and drink : Injoy this world a while , and then down ly In a forgotten dark obscurity ? For if there be such things as thou hast heard , If Heaven be never sought for , Hell ne're fear'd , Gods way and word despis'd , his truth neglected , And all his profer'd love and grace rejected . Thy case must needs be sad , for it doth tend Unto those miseries that never end . And that there may be such things , reason can't Any good warrant fancy not to grant , Seeing the being of the world and all Therein , with many things that do befall Evince a Deity , and what so great , But may be well conceiv'd , as well as that This so great world a being given it had ? He that sees and believes this , sure is mad To think impossible what e're beside , Is as from him that made it testify'd . Whereas if no such things should be ( which yet , Who can suppose except that he can get All principles of Reason blotted out , And wholly all those things which round about He sees so great , denie to be ) yet then What shall he loose who them believeth , when He comes to dy ● 't is but uncertain joys , Which when Death comes , men look upon as toys . Some poor and fanc●●d injoyments , which Do either ly without men , and the pitch Of inward worth doth nought advance ; nor give Increase of quietness while men do live . Yea oft increase disquiets , fears and troubles . Or if they something add within , 't is bubbles ; Which swell a little and a while appear : And then if looked for , they are not there . When as also they that perswaded be , To chuse Gods ways , and trust in him we see To live as well oft-times in outward state , As they that mind this world , and Gods ways hate . And commonly express more inward peace , When they afflicted be , and when they cease Here to abide in life , with joys far more Depart , than they who have themselves up-bore By worldly riches , honours , injoyments Of pleasures , or of any Earth-contents . Man . Sure , 't is the best , mysoul , with him to close Who with such love , and promises thee wooes . Seeing such bless he gives as none besides , Can give even bless that evermore abides . Soul . I do his promises like well , and what He saith unto me , they are very great . It s my desire him to imbrace and take , No better choise or bargain can I make . But here 's a world so hard that if I do Him chuse , and after his advises go ; How shall I live ? for I have heard that He , Hath told his followers that they shall be Hated of all men , and shall troubles find : The world will persecute , oppress and grinde Them all to pie●es . How then shall I live ? Or what can comfort in such cases give ? Besides I many things for this Life want , A Wife or Husband ; Riches , Honour , shan't I first look after these , and have a care I don't deprive my self of things that are Most reedful for , me here ? I hope I may First seek these things for my support and stay , And afterwards seek after God and find him : But till I have those things I cannot mind him . Man . But mind , my Soul , what He who doth thee love And suits thee s●●ll-hereto , it doth behove Thee well to weigh whither against these things He any Antidote sufficient brings . Lord cause my Soul to understand and know , What to such fears and cares thou dost us show . Chr. Dear Soul , consider me , life up thine eye From what s about thee there , and see what I Am , and have done for thee , and then mind well , What to assure thee of welfare I tell . I am the WONDERFUL , and wondrous things I have effected whereof the World rings : Such as none else besided the i● , 〈…〉 Both God and Man hypostatically Or in one person . The Immanuel . God so in me , as in none else doth dwell . Such things I 've done and do as none else did , My worth and name , though much d●● ar'd , is hid , So that it cannot all seen or known be , None but my Father fully knoweth the. I am the Counsellor , with me is skill , And Wisedom how to manage what I will . I know what things have been , what are and shall Hereafter unto any man befall . I know thy mold and temper , what thou art And what thou want'st , whither what s sweet , or tart Be better for thee , what is in thy mind : And wherein thou felicity mayst find . What or who are against thee , who befriend thee , What may indanger thee , and what may mend thee . How Harm thon may'st incur ; and how avoid it , What this or that would be if thou injoy'd it . There 's nothing hid from me ! I , I can tell How to dispose of Thee , and thy things well . And I 'm so good and faithful that nothing I will advise Thee but what good may bring . I am the MIGHTY GOD , all power I have To order and dispose , to kill or save . None greater is than I , because in me All fulness of the Godhead dwells , and he With all his power and glory doth me fill So that I can do what soer'e I will . My Fathers will is mine , and mine is his , But one will only in us both there is . And I can execute it all with ease , Because I can do whatsoer'e I please All power in Heaven and upon earth is mine , I can make all things together combine To bring about my purpose . Angels , men , Yea and infernal spirits I can , when And as I please , make use of and imploy , To bring about thy sorrow or thy joy . For I 'm th' ALL-MIGHTY GOD , and I can do Whatever I do purpose , there is no Thing to be done , or word that I do say But I can do it too : and in what way I please ; whither with many or with few , With means or without means . I can renew , The heart though it be foul ; 〈◊〉 and rain : And I can raise thy ●●dy up again , When dead and turn'd to dust and rottenness , I can do all things : my power is boundless . And I 'm the LORD of Hosts , all things below 〈◊〉 Be put , and do their best obedience owe me . All that my Father hath is mine ; and I Invested am with full authority Over all things , the earth is mine and all That is therein ; and I can for them call : And use them and imploy them as I will , Even the whole World , what heav'n , Earth and Seas fill . And I the Everlasting Father am , Though as a Child into the World I came : Born of a Woman , given a Son to be To mankind ● comfort unto them and Thee That I might bring ; yet from Eternity I was brought forth , and liv'd in great Glory . Yea on me now the Goverment , as made A Child and Son for man , is wholly laid . And both for ancientness , wisdome and care , To see and to provide for thy welfate , I may a Father from of old be stild , And Thou on me depend mayst as a Child . For I 'm the Faithful God , th' Amen am Who never fails my friend , not tell a ly : But speak in righteousness , and am upright , And Truth , and Uprightness are my delight , Falshood and lies , I perfectly do hate , Deceit and wickedness abominate . There 's nothing wreathed or perverse from Me. No guile defiles my heart , no flattene Proceedeth from my lips ; what 〈◊〉 I say , For just and true all men believe it may . I 'm full of goodness and of mercy too ; I 'm Love it self , and all in Love I doe . To those that listen to me all my ways , Are Truth and Mercy , every one doth praise Me , and my works , and doings who me know ; And all my Saints my worthiness do show . For I 'm the PRINCE of PFACE too , by my blood I took away what against mankind stood . To keep him out from God , fin , law and death : And I create Peace by my holy Breath . What ever is mans trouble or his sear , If he 'll obey me , I his heart will chear . I will dispel his dumps , errours , mistakes , And what annoys ; my powerful word it makes Peace and gives quiet . I the floods controul : And I with goodness satisfie the Soul . My works declare my Name , they clearly shew My wisdom , Greatness , Goodness ; that I 'm true And kind , and loving . See what I for Thee And all have done . Let my works speak for me . I for mans sake , and for thy cause came down From Heaven , laid by my Royal R●bes and Crown ; Was made a man , yea poor and full of grief : Sustain'd your curse and death , that so relief To thee and mankind I thereby might bring , Oh many griefs and agonies did wring , And pierce my Spotless soul I passed through Many temptations : way both smooth and rough . To Grave , and Hell ; that so I might obtain , Freedom there from for you● I rose again , And up to Heaven ascended , there to be With and from God a SAVIOUR unto Thee . There I appear for the an HIGHPRIEST great , To intercede for mercy , and intreat Gods favour towards thee , thy sins to cover , And to obtain that God may pass them over . A Merciful High-Priest who mercy can , Shew forth and exercise to sinful man Tender his weakness , and conpassionate Those that are in a poor afflicted State . Yea I did therefore suffer , and did prove Many temptations is it did behove ; That so the tempted and the miserable To succour and relieve I might be a●le . All which of my mere merey did proceed ; For of mankind I had at all no need . By which means seeing I the conquest 〈◊〉 , O're death and hell , and overthrew the plot Of the old Serpent subde and crafty , Let those my doings of me testify . They show my love , my power , and wisdom too ; And they my faithfumess and truth do show . Would I have 〈◊〉 in any thing I say Sure it would there have been wherein there lay So many diffi●●●●ties in my way . Behold me then , dear Soul , and duty mind What I am and have done , and thou ●halt find Encouragement enough against these things Which do occasion those my wavering● . Why dost thou 〈◊〉 or care for things below ; Seeing thy wants and dangers all I 〈◊〉 And I can any thing on thee best●●● ? What if men should thee hate and 〈◊〉 And band themselves against thee 〈◊〉 I Secure thee from all harm that may befall To thee or thine from any of them 〈…〉 Are they not in my hands ● their 〈◊〉 hears ; I can dispose and order , all their part , And power , and time , and breath are in my hand , And I can that of 〈◊〉 way the●● command , And If thou mindst ●●y love , thou mayst be sure , That in obeying me 〈◊〉 thee 〈◊〉 From what may harm thee although , because I All-wise am , I shall thy security And safety in such manner prosecute As may best with thy after we sare suit , In which , because tho● childish art , or blind , Or foolish , and canst not in thy wear mind Discern or comprehend my ways , or see The method of my walkings towards thee ; Nor canst well judge what may be for the best , And that the rather because in thy b●est , Lust bears so great a sway ( which covereth , After those things that ●●nd unto thy death . Shrinking away from that wherein thou mayst Find more felicity ) if then thou stay'st , Thy self upon me , and on me sely Plucking quite out and casting by that eye , ( Though thy right eye which seeing things amiss , Moves thee to stumble at my ways , in this Or that thing which I order ; and suspect That I do not things for the best effect , Thou shalt do wisely . And thou may'st , me trust With thee and thine 〈◊〉 since I am just And righteous : and sind● I love thee too , And being to order thing to thy best good , As may in what in said ; be understand . If thy ways please 〈◊〉 , I thine enemies Can and will make thee to befriend their eyes Shall towards thee be good , thee for to spare , For their affections too in my hunds art , If great men hate thee , I can safely hide Thee from their malio● . I can curb their pride , Or break their power , or take away their breath , Or thee from them ( for by such ways I Death Make mine befriend ) or else I can divert , Their enterpriser ( as when Saul begirt Poor David , I the Philistins , did send , To find Saul other work , and so befriend My persecuted Servant ) or I can , ( And often ime● I doe ) the wrath o● of man Turn to my praise , and that that doth remain , Beyond what may me praise I can restram . See how the Sparrows though of value small Among the Birds of prey do live : ●●one fall , No not one of them , to the ground , 〈◊〉 by My Fathers pleasure , though they often 〈◊〉 In midst of dangers If my Father hath Such care of ●parrows where is then thy saith To crost me with thy safety , and him who Doth value and esteem of mankind so : As all the Birds and Bea●ts too never were As what ●suff'red for you makes appear ? Trust me then with thy safety ; verily , Except I see it good thou shalt not dy ; Or suffer by the hands of men , I will Be shield end Buckler to thee ● and thee still Will hide and 〈◊〉 so that though men fret And do themselves also against thee ser ; They shall not harm thee . But if , I do 〈◊〉 That it will for thy good be , that I thee Deliver up into their hands to 〈◊〉 Imptison , banish , take away th● right ; Or kill thy body , do thou them not fea● , For all their malice shall be ended there . For more they cannot do then kill the 〈◊〉 : And when that 's done I 'le raise it up 〈◊〉 , And seeing I so love thee , thou may'st know For certain that if me thou dost follow , I will not let them ●ill 〈◊〉 , except Do see I may advantage thee thereby . For such my pow'● is , that even Death and Hell , And all their torment I can easly ●●●ll ; Make them ser●● my designe those to advance , To glory who are my inheritance . Feare nothing therefore of what may befall thee But yeild thy self and go where ere I call thee , And do my service cheatfully , with Thee I , I thy Saviour evermore will be I that Almighty am and can desend thee , I that do love thee well will succor send thee . Thou shalt not be alone , I will not leave thee . I will go with thee and will not deceive thee . I 'le strengthen thee to bear what shall befall thee ; I 'le thee support and ●●ear , where ere I call thee . In all afflictions my love that s better Then wine thou shalt rast of . I that am greater Then all against thee will in my arms bear thee : And mitigate the sense of what may dear thee . I gave my self for thee , and grief sustained ; A bitter death I bare in love unfeigned For thee and for thy sake , fear not to give Thy life and body to me , as I live I 'le take the care of them . I will thee cherish , And no hair of thy head shall from thee perish . In life and death I will be faithful to thee : And notwithstanding Death ●onor I 'le do thee . I 'le make thy sufferings bearable and sweet ; And with my good spirit thou shalt surely meet , If I into deep waters do thee lead , I will go with thee and bear up thy head , So as they shall not overflow , or drown thee , No though they should no ev'ry side surround the● Into the fire if I do lead thee , yet No dammage thou from its fierce flames shalt get . For I 'le safe keep thee , bear thee in my armes ; And I 'le secure thy soul from all ill harms . Fear none of those things then that unto thee By Sathan or his Servants done may be . Though into prison they ten days thee cast , And there with chains of Iron make thee fast : I will be with thee there , and bring thee out ; Be confident of me , my love don't doubt . Be faithful unto me , and I will give A Crown of life to thee : and thou shalt live . And as for other things why should'st thou care . Seeing my Father for thee did not spare To give me up to Death , and gives me too To be thy Head and portion ? How canst thou Suspect or fear that any thing He will Withold from thee that 's good . No. He will fill Thy cup , with what 's who some for thee to drink , If thou away from my words dost not shrink . All things are mine , and what I have shall be Thine : and I 'le give of them what 's good for thee . The Earth with all it's fulness mine is : and Subject they be to my will and command : And all that 's mine , is the Irs who are in me , And I will thereout to their welfare see . Why take'st thou care for meat or drink ? Behold The Birds of Heav'n ( though more than may be cold ) They neither plow , nor ●o●e , not reap , nor get Laid up in Storehouses provisions , yet My Father doth for each of them provide , So that in hardest 〈◊〉 they wide . And canst thou fear that he with thee neglect , Since unto man he hath shewd such respect , As far surpasses all the care he hath , Of Birds and Beasts . Oh thou of ●●tle saith ! And why for raiment ●●●'st thou thought , as fearing God will not give thee clothes fit for thy wearing Behold the Lillies or the Tulips fine , How bravely they be colour'd , how they shine , Though they do neither ●oy● , nor spin , not do Any thing which their clothing tends unto ; Yet they so gallantly assayed are , That Solomon himself they cutted 〈◊〉 In bravery : though he for Ornament , And Royal garments was most ominent : As having Gold and Silver , precious stones , And whatsoever they that sit on Thrones Do highly prize and porgeously array ! Themselves with , their heigth and worth to display : And canst thou be so faithless as to fear . That God will not vouchsafe thee clothes to wear ; If thou dost yield thy self to serve him , and Bee'st ready to obey my just command ? Seeing those fairest flowers be nought but grass , Whose form and beauty soon away doth pass ; And though to day they florish , yet to morrow They 'r burnt i' th Oven , or wither in their furrow . Wereas He Thee , and Mankind , so doth prize , As cannot be declar'd in any wise . Take thou no thought therefore for those things : but For them and all things thy trust in me put : And first Gods Kingdom and his right coufness Seek after ; and be sure He will thee bless . And all things for this life , as them for thee He seeth meet administred shall be . It s not thy way first to seek other things And afterwards me , that confusion brings , And many mischiefs to those who so doe ; And much pro●●●es me and my Father t To just displeasure : because foolishly They undervalue things that are so high Yea and what can be more preposterous , Then that men do themselves disorder thus Shall not the better things be prized most , And greatest care be had they be not lost ? What shall some poor and for●y painted cloth , Which is grown old and eaten with the moth , Be so esteemed , as the chiefest care , When the house is on fire , shall be to spare It from the burning while in the mean time , For want of care upon the house to climbe , And quench the fire that 's breaking out in 't all , The stately building likely is to fall , And be consum'd ? especially when too , In case the liouse be safe , the fire can do No hurt unto the paited cloth ovithin ; Or were it lost , one might much sooner spin Or buy a better cloth and with less cost , Then to rebuild the house if that be lost . Is not my love and 〈◊〉 better ●●rn Then all the best injoyments on earth are : I happy make the soul that doth me find : I fill their 〈◊〉 fures ; satisfie their mind , Who me embrace . I give them lengch of days ; Eternal life , peart is in all my ways . Riches and honours , pleas●●● sweet and true , And lasting they shall have whom I renew . All things thou canstsdefire are far below Me and what I on my lovers bestow . Fulness of joy they shall enjoy who come , To be inheritors of my Kingdome . Rivers of pleasures shall them satisfy , At my Fathers right hand 〈◊〉 . Whereas wives , hono●●●s , pleasures , friends , riches : And what the world can give , men may possess And yet be miserable , they may dy Soon , and go down to hell for wretchedly . Live if they live , so as small joy they shall Have , much less what 〈◊〉 satisfy , from all Those their injoyments : foe of times some moth Or worm breeds in those earthly things which doth Eat out the pleasure ; or fill with such grief , As there against no earthly thing relief Can give , and at the bestin D●●th they fail , And in the dread full judgment nought avail , Beside , we cannot take it well , to see Our love so slighted . He is not of me Worthy , who will not all things else forsake For love of me : Seeing that I to make Him safe and happy , all forsook that I Injoyed with my Father in glory . And I alone the man that doth me take , Do so inrich , that I him happy make Noting with me may be compar'd . Beside This very often hath been prov'd when try'd , That while men other things use to prefer Before me and my grace , and so defer Till those things they have got , to seek for me With those things they prefer , their hearts so be Besotted , and ●●●ar'd ; that afterward They ner'e find in their hearts to have regard , Unto my words to seek me seriously , But vainly spend their days untill they dy . And t is a just reward from God , that they Who me so ●●ght , as that they won't obey My counsels , but do hearden their own heart , Should hardned be so as ne're to convert But fall into destruction , though so full Of mercy is my Father , as to pull Sometimes such men too out of those their snares And dangers Which their foolish lusts and cares , Run them into , because no pleasure He Doth take that wicked men destroyed should be : But it s a dangerous presumption To slight his grace when offered , upon A thought uncertain that they after may And will do better on some after-day . How often is it found that God justly Doth give such over to believe a ly , And always to presume that afterward , To morrow and to morrow they 'l regard , And turn to him ; but never that time find , In which they seriously do set their mind . To seek him till Death sodainly them take , From hence , and then in hell their beds they make . Min. It is the nature too of lust in men As often times it hath been prov'd , that when It gets its head into mens hearts , Its tail It draws in after , and doth so prevail , That when in one thing its fulfil'd , it brings Other new lusts forth : and as t were by strings , Draws on a whole throng one after another , Till all desires of good they wholly , smother ; Choking the seed was sown , that never it Takes root or perfect fruit doth e're beget , He that now wants a wife and must her have Before he can attend on God and crave , And seek his Kingdome and his righteousness , Thinking could He that one desire gossel He nothing elss should want ; but be at ●easure To seek the Lord , and in his wans ta●e pleasure . But when on such accounts He God neglects And more the getting of a Wife resnects , If ( as sometimes it doth fall out ) his life , Be not first gone before He gets his Wife But he obtains his wish : yet many things He then wants not fore-sees , with her she brings A many other wants or sond desires , Now she his company and heart requrires ; Now he her will must sarisfie ; his pleasure With her must take , so that he , hath no leisure Now left to seek the Lord ; on her to wait And her to hu on it sit and char or prate With her he must , or else go walk or ride : Go build her a fair house maintain her pride ; This thing to alter , or that thing to mend , In Gardning , Planting building his time spend . Take care he may maintain her in good fashion : Take heed he put her not into a passion , By taking of such courses God to find , As cross her principles , disturb her mind : He must think how to live ; his Family Provide for : Children get and multiply ; So bring them up and get such means for them As credit they may have , none them contemn . So that he who would not attend before To seek and walk with God , hath now much more To keep him back : and thinkd he may excuse Himself when bidden , and the feast refuse , Whereto God calls him . He may stay at home , Send word , I have a wife , I cannot come . As if he badly might obey the call , Before : but now he cannot come at all . So 't is with women too ; if they cannot Mind to seek God till they have husbands got ; Conceiting then they shall be better fit , The knowledge of the Lord to seek and get . They do deceive themselves , for when they have An husband , then his consent they must crave ; They must seek him to please and not offend . This for him they must make ; and that thing mend . Do nothing that may not 〈◊〉 with his mind , For fear they make him unto them unkind : Unless ( as 't is sometimes the Womans guise ) Thinking themselves for their Husbands too wise . They scorn to be rul'd by them . Strive to get The Master-ship as for them far more fit . They must conceive in ●o●●ows , and bring forth With pain and anguish , such as oft woe worth Those pleasures brought those pains they haply cry . Yea , many things they need to make or buy Before the Birth-time , have many 〈◊〉 bo●●ts , Bufie themselves to make their Children Clouts , Trim up their houses , after nurse their young , Gossip sometimes their neighbours too among . Oft times conceive again ; bring forth another , Before the former children can call Mother . That now less time they have to hear and mind The Word of God , and seek his grace to find , Then formerly , and such things doubtless made Th' Apostle to advise such as were stayd And could contain themselves , rather t' abide In single life than change their state and bride . So likewise when a man must riches get , Before he can in serious manner set His heart to seek the Lord ; he either never Attains to riches , though he them endeavour , ( At least to what he riches thinks and calls ) Or if he doth , yet usually he falls . Into so many snares , and foolish lusts , By them , while secretly in them he trusts , And makes then as his Gods , and takes delight To have them often in his thoughts or sight ; Or is so fil'd with cares how them to keep , Or fears of losing them that oft his sleep He thereby breaks ; and fils his Head and heart , With many cumbring thoughts and pa●●ful smart He must when rich now all things else provide Suitable to his state . He now must ride On a well m●●●ed Steed , must at his hand Have one or two to be at his command . He must inlarge his house , or it new build , And garnish ; all thing both in house and feild Must be in form and figure . He must get Acquaintance with such persons as be fit For his now better company ; and them He then must humour , least they him contemn . He must now keep such correspondency With greater persons , as he may thereby Some reputation in the world obtain , He must take heed of too godly a strain . Least he thereby his riches should neglect , Or purchase with the World some disresnect . Yea riches fills his head , his heart , his hands , With so much caercise ; oft as it stands Not with a serious giving up his mind , To seek to know the Lord and him to find ; Or in the knowledge of him rightly walk , For his estate to save he oft must balk , Such uprightness as grace would lead him to , And make such shifts as bring his overthrow His house , his landy or living now doth bind , Him so unto the earthy his heart so wind ; Into the love of them that very oft He is away from God for ever caught . So that while men do think to mend the matter , And make their cases better , they but flatter Themselves with vain pretences ; and will find That they have much mistaken in their mind : And what they thought , were they but pleased there Would further them , doth now a let appear . Chr There was a certain rich man who had ground The fruits whereof , when grown , did so abound , That he far more then for the present year Provided was : yet did not his heart there , Find such content as that with thankfulness , To God because his Grounds he did so bless Receiving what was sent : and laying by What thereof might be fit for his supply He what beyond his room for it was more , With cheerfulness divided to the poor . And gave himself on Gods word to attend , And so receive as his life to mend . And yield himself to serve the Lord : nor sought How he unto his Kingdom might be brought . But on the contrary , finding that he Should want some room wherein his fruits might be All stored up ; perplered was in mind , How room sufficient for them all to find , And after many thoughts thereof at last , Thus for his satisfaction he forecast . I 'le pull my Barns down , thinks he ; and I 'le build , Far bigger up : where what my lands do vield I 'le treasure up in safety , and though 't will Take up some time this purpose to fulfill , And put me to some cost and trouble ; yet When that is over , I this fruit shall get . I 'le then compose my self to rest and ease , Eat , drink , be merry ; and so I will please , My soul for all its troubles . I will say , Soul thou hast goods laid up for many a day ; Nay here s enough to serve thee many a year , Thou mayst all further care and toile forbear ; No fear of want : but in the mean time , lo A voice from God came this rich man unto , Which thus bespeaks him . Ah thou silly fool , Thou shalt not live another day , thy soul ( For which thou only hast provided here , Upon the earth , and nought in heaven where Wise men for it provide ) this night shall be By my grim messengers requir'd of thee . And then who shall all those thy fruits possess , With thoughts whereof thou dost thy soul so bless . And with the cares whereof thou now thy soul , So exercisest like a silly fool . And such a fool is every one who makes , Much of the creature and the Lord forsakes . For what advantage can it be unto , The soul when it its body shall forego , That it had Wife or Husband , House , or Land , Riches , Honours , or pleasures at command , Yea Crowns and Scepters while the body it Inlive'ned ! Oh what profit will it get From any or from all those things when in The depths of Hell oppressed with its sin It shall have its abode ? can they relieve Its misery , when it shall mourn and grieve And wail its folly ? No alas ! too gross For it a Spirit they are ; its sad great loss Of me and of my favour cannot be Made up by any thing it here could see . For then no drop of comfort can it have How ever earnestly it may it crave . This that thou may'st the better see , mind well Another true story that I shall tell . There was a certain rich and wealthy man Who far'd deliciously each day that ran Over his head : was clothed with the best And finest silks and linnens ; wherewith drest he glitter'd bravely , and all things he had , Which this world could afford to make him glad . There also was a poor and piteous man Cal'd Lazarus , a Cripple , lean and wan And full of sores , who used to resort To th' rich mans dore , and beg for some comfort , His hunger-starved body to relieve : But the hard hearted Churl would little give . His dogs more kind , than he , would very oft His sores lick gently Death at length hence caught Poor Lazarus , whom Angels did attend , To guard his soul from every evil Fiend . And carred him to Heaven , where he did rest , With great content in Father Abrahams brest . Soon after 't came to 'th rich mans turn to dy . And leave the world , for no satiety And fulness of this world could always keep Him here alive ; but the black dismal sleep Of Death surpris'd him : when a quiet end He seem'd to have , circled with many a friend , Amending on him till his life did fail , When they did seem his death much to bewail . Although his heirs were glad enough at heart , That they might share to each of them a part Of those vast heaps which he had laid in store For after times , and witheld from the poor : From all which now they beare him to the grave , Where rich and poor like intertainment have . Save that they on his Funeral bestow'd More cost and worship : and his greatness show'd On a more stately Tomb or Monument , Whereon they ingrav'd his name , to the intent It might not be forgot , but before then , His wretched Soul was hurri'd to the Den Of damned Spirits : even to the pit of Hell , Where what his torments were what tongue can tell ? This wretched man stript of his pomp and state , And all his riches which he had of late . Lay then in flames of fire , tormented sore Because he had abus'd his wealth before Spent it on 's lusts , relieved not the poor . Had slighted God , his truth and grace contemn'd : Therefore to torments he was there condemn'd . Where not one drop of water could he get , Whereby he might allay the burning heat Wherein his wretched tongue , that us'd to boast Great things , blaspheme God , curse the poor , did roast And fry in flames , which caused him to cry And howl , and roar , and yell most hideously . When lifting up his woful eyes aloft , He ' spyed that poor Lazarus ( whom oft , He had disdained to behold before When he lay lame , and begging at his doore ) In Abrahams bosome full of peace and joy , Disturb'd with nothing , that might him annoy . Then calling out to Abraham he did cry : Oh Father Abraham hither turn thine eye For I was of thine off-spring ; and from thee And thy blest stock deriv'd my pedegree . Father shew forth thy pitty now , behold ! I ly in torments here that can't be told . My Soul is on a flame with scorching wrath , Nothing in it now ease or quiet hath . That tongue wherewith it secretly did speak , More wickedness than ever forth did break From out my bodies lips , see how it fries , And flames , tormented in these miseries . Dear Father Abraham even for the sake Of those thy bowels whence I issu'd , take Some pitty on thy child , and Lazarus Send from thee , to help me , tormented thus . Oh let him but one drop of water fetch , One drop of comfort me to ease poor wretch ! Oh might he but the very end and tip , Of one poor finger in cold water dip , And to the tip of my scorcht tongue apply , Which flames of fiery wrath do wondrously Afflict with sharpest pains ; 't would mitigate , Somewhat these wofull torments , 't would abate My heat a little . Oh dear Father send , That Beggar hither me now to befriend . To whom that good old Patriarck reply'd , Ah Son ( for that thou wast so 't is not deny'd ) Remember how thou didst thy self abuse , In thy life time ; and Gods good gifts misuse . When this poor man lay begging at thy doors , Unpitty'd by thee , hungry , full of sores . Thou hadst enough wherewith to have reliev'd His penurie then , yea therefore thou receiv'd Gods gifts of bounty , but thou letst him ly Neglected then , thou scornd'st his poverty . Now therefore he with me doth rest possess : And thou hast torments now without redress . Yea now a gulf is fixt twixt us and thee , So that though we each others state may see We cannot change them ; so as that we may , Pass hence to you your torments to allay , Nor can you come to us , us to molest , Or take part with us in our endless rest . We joys have whereof you may not partake , You endless burnings which we may not slake . Your riches now have end , your pleasure 's past , Your torments and your miseries shall last . Learn hence that ; 't is not riches nor great State , Nor any fleshly priviledge will bate , Nor yet preserve from endless misery , Those persons who in sin do live and dy : Who me neglecting and my gifts abusing , And my now profer'd grace and love refusing , Prefer their lusts and riches thereunto , And in vain worldly ways do chuse to go . All their now present injoyments shall fail them : And after death none of them shall avail them . Be now advised by me , Dear Soul , therefore If thou wouldst happy be for evermore . Seek first Gods Kingdome and his righteousness . So shalt thou have them and therein Gods bless . Accept my profer'd love : imbrace my grace ; When I say seek the Lord , seek thou my face . Get wisdom ; get true knowledge in thy heart , Receive my words , and let them not depart Out of thy heart and mind , but let them ly , Between thy tender breasts continually . Then other things as they will lead thee , thou May'st better look for and shalt find them too . It is but reason that I do propoud : No better course can for thy good be found . For if thou seekest first the world , or what Of it thou likest ; before thou hast got That which thou seekest thou may'st chance to dy And perish from my presence endlesly . As in the former parable even now , I did for admonition to thee show . But if thou hast me first thou happy art , When or however thou dost hence depart , Yea and I pow'r have every other thing As I see good for thee to pass to bring . If Husband , Wife , or friends or riches I Do see thee want , I can thy want supply . They 'r all at my dispose , thy way lies fair , If thou l't be rich be marryed to the heir . All things are theirs who have me theirs to be They heirs of all are by vertue of me . Men , , Angels , Paul , Apollo . and Cevhas , World , life , Death , things that are , and what to pass Shall come hereafter though 't is in my dispose And they may not take any thing of those But as I give it them , even as an heir , To some great Lord though under Age and bare As to his own possession , yet hath all In 's Guardians dispose , and he may call Or ask for what he wants , but he must have His Guardians grant for that which he doth crave . And may not take but what he will allow , Who being wise and 's Father well doth know His Childes desires and needs , and consident , The Child may be of 's Fathers good intent . In all he doth , and that he will supply Him with what 's good in his necessity ; And give what he doth ask : or else what he , As wiser than the Child , doth better see . So that the child may well himself submit Unto his Fathers will , judging what 's fit For him hee 'l give him and nothing deny ( If pleasd with him ) that good is in his eye . Such is the case between my Father and Those that me loving obey my command . Or as the Wife who from the Dunghill base , Nought having of her own , if by the grace , And special favour of some Prince shee 's took Into the bond of marriage , well may look On his estate as hers especially If he a joynture hath her made whereby He hath her interessed in it all And may it thenceforth also hers well call And thence expect to be maintained too And have her wants supplyed all ; although Her Lord do its dispose keep in his hand And will have her depend on his command For the receipt of all supplies , and not Turn out his Tenants , take away their Lot Or rights therein ; and do here pleasure ; but Go to him for allowance , to him put The ord'ring of her maintenance , even so An interest thou shalt in mine have , though I the dispose keep in my hand , and thou Must come to me for what I will allow ; Resign thy wil up unto mine , and pray Thy will be done , Give me Lord day by day What needful is , and there s no cause to fear I will thy needs regard ; thy pray'rs I 'le hear . I 'le give thee what is meet , do but thou me , Imbrace and follow and then thou shalt see I will be thy good Lord ; a husband loving That will deny thee nothing that 's behoving . May'st thou not trust me , seeing I did give My very lise for thee , that thou might'st live And when thou wast of me most ignorant And did'st not love me , I to thee did grant The knowledge of me , canst thou think that I Can any thing that s good for thee deny When thou to me art reconciled , and Espoused too ? surely that cannot stand With my good honour . Nor think thou it will Be any hindrance to Thee to fulfill , My good advise and pleasure , it will be A very great advantage unto thee , Like as if some poor woman would have all : Her wants supplyed : should a rich man call Her to him and make tender to espouse her , Unto him for a wife , and with him house her ; Could her accepting him an hindrance be , To the supplies of her necessitie ? Nay were 't not the best way them to obtain , Far better than with Vagabonds and vain Poor Raskals her self to associate Thinking by them to get a good estate ? Even so thy seeking first my Kingdome and My righteousness , will excellently stand . With thy best having other wants supply'd For I am rich in grace , and on thy side I then shall stand , and give thee what is best For thy injoyment , that thou mayst be blest I wise am too , and better understand , Then thou thy self dost what in Sea or Land May be best for thee , and I power have too What ere I see best for thee that to do . Doth not that child do better who doth take His Father to be with him and to make Cho●se of a Hat or suir , then for to go Without his Father and his own will do ? Especially if he be weak and childish , Or led away by vain men being wildish ; Or have to do with cheats who will a prey , Make of him and get from him what they may But hath a Father loving , wise and willing To chuse the best for him and for his shilling ? Such is thy case here , for I have more skill , To know what s for th● good or bad ; what will The consequent of this or that thing prove , And as I oft have said I do thee love . Whereas thou led by blind affection , art In danger to run upon thine own smart : And this most wicked world is false and double , And where it pleasure promiseth gives trouble . WISEDOME with an Inheritance is good , But an Inheritance not understood Or without wisedome , proves the hurt and harm Of him that hath it and of times doth charm Him into snares and troubles which undo him , While into divers noysom lusts they throw him . Besides all things remain in my dispose , Whither thou dost with me or dost not close . Thy folly may thy self indammage , but It hurts not me , nor possibly can put Me our of my possession , thererefore I Can and may justly , if thou me deny , Give or deny thee what thou dost prefer , Before me and my love in mine anger To be a snare , and by what thou dost chuse Can punish thee , because thou dost refuse My guidance and my blessing , as I did The Israelites , who oft times with me chid , And would have meat their lusts to satisfy , I gave it them , and punisht them thereby . And when a King they would from me extort , Against my mind after the Heathen sort : A King unto them in my wrath I sent , To be unto them for a punishment . Alas ! I can thee blast in thy injoyments , And curse thee in thy ways and thy imployments , If thou neglecting me thine heart dost set , Upon the things below how them to get . I can give thee a wife may make thee poor , A sickly , costly wife , an arrant whore . If thou for beauty chuse preferring that Before my grace , I can give one shall hate Thee , and her self to others prostitute , There 's many a Crab that looks like pleasant fruit . I can an husband give if one thou l't have Without me , that shall prove a very knave . Riches with snares , vexations suits and trouble , Or pleasures mixt with griefs and forrows double . I can give children , if thou must them have That may , as Rachels , bring thee to thy grave . And I can give those things in mercy too And unto them that fear me , often do . Or if I do those things deny unto them , By those denyals greater good I do them . For it is in my power to blast or bless , I can do what I will bee 't more or less . Yea if all things thou hast to thy desire , And hast not mee , they 'l fit thee more for fire : Even for that endless misery which shall , On all such as rebell against me fall . And therefore it s thy best to follow me , Walking in my good paths , for so I thee Will care for , and will guide in all thy ways , To do the thing which shall tend to my praise And to thy profit . I to thee will give What shall be for thy good while thou dost live ; And fit thee for the world to come also That into life eternal thou mayst go Seek then my favour first , to Godliness Addict thy self : for that the promises Of both lives hath , both this and that to come ; So that thou may'st most certainly me from Expect all good for both : Be thou upright I 'le be thy Sun and Shei●d . I 'le give thee Light And I 'le defend thee too . I 'le chear and warm thee And keep thee in my ways from what might harm thee Both grace and glory I will give , nothing Shall be witholden from thee ; that may bring Advantage to thee ; and conduce unto Thy having that great bless to which I woo . Give up thy self to me , and so I will Thy wishes and thy prayers all fulfill , So far as is good for thee ; and nought shall That may be prejudicial thee befall . If with bad Wife or Husband I thee try , Ill Neighbors , losses , or with poverty , I 'le turn those waters of afflictions too Into the Wine of comfort . I will do All for thy good , thou shalt not need to fear That I will harm thee , if thou wilt me hear . Deny thy self and lusts , yield up to me , And my salvation thou shalt surely see . In stead of what thou lustest after I Will give thee what is good assuredly . Better a little with my love then more With my displeasure , hear thou me therefore , In me put all thy trust and do what s good , Thou then shalt surely have both house and food Delight thy self in me . I 'le satisfy Thy soul with good ; and all thy needs supply . Commit thy way to me , wholly depend Upon me and I 'le always thee defend And bring thee to great glory in the end
Canto VII . Or the closing Canto .

I will say of the Lord , he is my Rock , my Fortress , my God , in him I will trust ,

Ps. 91.2 . The Soul approves what 's said , yet adds Some other fears , and what yet sadds , But in his answers Christ it glads . The difficulties in the way , How eas'ly it may go astray , How its corruptions do it sway ; These be its fears . But Christ replies What helps against all those fears lies , In him and what his grace supplies : The Soul prevail'd with at the last Complies with Christ , on him doth cast It self , and praises him full fast . Prays for his further favour , He Accepts it and most willingly , Receives it his Consort to be : Yet tells it that he must it try ; That so He may it purify , Before the full solemnity . The Soul submits , only do'h pray His love and help in all his Way : And then to hast the Marriage day . Soul . LORD I have heard thy words ; and they be good So far as yet I have them understood . By which I also verily believe , That they much better be than I conceive . But there 's another thought yet in my brest , Which hath me oft times with sad fears opprest . The things which thou requir'st and call'st me to Are very difficult for we to do The way is narrow , and I quickly may Step out of it aside , and go astray . Yea there so many false pretenders be , Which take thy name and come in stead of thee ; And I so weak and foolish am , that I May easily be cheated with a ly , And take it for thy truth . I hear the gate Which leadeth unto life is very straight . I must deny my self : mine own right eye , Where it offends pluck out and cast it by . Cut off my right hand , or right foot when they Prove an occasion that I go astray . Yea thou so pure and holy art , thou dost Require of me to part with every lust . A God thou art of eyes so clear and pure , That no iniquity thou canst indure . But on the other side I am so bad , That on my lusts and Idols oft I 'm mad . My lasts do stick so to me that they are As dear or dearer then my life I care . Not it to hazzard sometimes them to spare . I am so weak , I cannot go the way Wherein such difficulties find I may . Yea I am dead in sins , dead to all good How can I serve thee then against a flood Of violent assaults of sin and Devil , And world on all hands tempting me to evil ? Thou say'st thou loving art , and just and wise , Wilt thou require impossibilities ? Chr. Be not discourag'd Soul , though weak thou be And sinful too , there 's help enough in me . Though straight the gate , though narrow be the way Fear not , for yet through me enter thou may . My power is seen in weakness , 't is my praise Even sinful souls to save , the dead to raise . It is a true and faithful saying , and Worthy to be receiv'd on every hand That I into the world did therefore come , That I might sinners save ; the chief of whom I oft have saved too , my glory lies In doing of impossibilities . Such things as be beyond the strength of man And Angels too , and none but I do can . For sinners and for dead men I did dy , And over sin and death the victory I have obtain'd , and now I am become A quickning Spirit . I raise the dead , the dumb I make to speak , the deaf I make to hear , Blind men to see , the timerous not to fear . I am the chosen one , my God upheld me , In all my agonies : and now hath fild me , With all the fulness of the Spirit ; which He Hath caus'd for evermore to rest on me . Because he hath appointed me , that I Should in his Soveraign Authority And power , unto the Gentiles ( void of skill And judgment to discern and do his will ) Judgment bring forth , and cause them to discern His excellencies , and his ways to learn : That all his pleasure I might do , and 't is His will that my beholders I should bliss . That who submits to me should never perish ; But I should evermore him love and cherish , Work all his works in and for him till I Make him compleat , and save him perfectly . And I am faithful : I do never fail ; I 'm not faint hearted ; nothing shall me quail . Nought me discourage which in him I find , Of death or weakness who my words doth mind Such a Physician I am as can cure The sickest patient , and can endure To bear their frowardness , for I am meek , And with all gentleness their welfare seek . I neither cry , nor lift up angry voice Against dull Scholars , but I do rejoyce To take pains with them , them to teach and show My Doctrine , till I cause them it to know . The bruised Reed I break not , though it be Weak and unprofitable unto me , Nor quench the smoking wiek or snast , but strive With all long-patience to keep it alive . I can the smoke and stanch of it endure Untill I blow it up and do it cure . For power and meekness , skill and faithfulness None like to me there is , none in distress Or can so pity , or can so pass by What they discern may of iniquity . None is so blind as I that perfect am And who to open blind eyes hither came . I many things do see yet don't observe : 'T is not because I cannot see men swerve , ( For I see all things perfectly what e're They be : both good and bad to me are cleare ) But 't is because I love them , and no mind Have causes of destruction for to find , In and against them , for should I with eye Too vigilant their many sins espy . Who then should stand before me , and avoid By my most heavy hand to be destroyd ? Do but thou then yield up thy self to me I nothing else desire or seek of thee . Be but thou willing and obedient , And I shall therewith fully be content . I 'le keep thee through all dangers in the way , I 'le overcome in and for thee what may Thee hinder , or in danger thy perdition : I 'le bring thee to a fully safe condition . Though the way narrow be , thou shalt not err I 'le be thy guide therein , and I 'le confer My Spirit , do but thou heed my commands ; Keeping them he shall keep thee in his hands Yea in his arms shall carry thee . I 'le show My truth to thee , and thou my ways shalt know . So as no false Christs , or false Prophets shall Prevail to make thee e're from me to fall . Be but upright in what I make thee see Not winking with thine eye , putting from thee , My heavenly light and truth made known away , And I will keep thee that thou shalt not stray . And though the gate be strait so as into it Thou canst not of thy self , though crowding , go , yet I 'le so put forth my hand and pull thee to me , That there is nothing shall withold thee fro me ; Remember what I said before , that I Came to save sinners . not only stand by And bid them save themselves : do but thou yield Thy self to me and I will win the field . I 'le take away that greatness in conceit That makes thee for the gate of life too great . I 'le circumcise thee , take away that mass Of flesh from thee , that will not let thee pass . I le make thee such as through the gate thou shalt Most safely enter . Nor shall any fault Deprive thee of my Kingdome , for I will Not fail my Fathers pleasure to fullfil . I l'e pardon what is past , and I will make Thee for the future clean , thou shalt forsake Thy sins and Idols that so dear are to thee , And which if cleaved to will quite undo thee . If thou wilt hearken unto me there shall , No strange God be in thee , I 'le rid them all Out of thee : those false thoughts which do so hold Thy soul in bondage , while I do unfold My truth and grace unto thee , I 'le destroy , So that they shall not thee thenceforth annoy Or captivate , my truth shall make thee free , To leave thy sins , to follow after me . And if I set thee free thou shalt indeed , From what doth now imbondage thee be freed . I 'le soon subdue thy foes within thee that Do war against thy soul , and those that hate Both thee and me bring under , and I will With choisest bread thee feed ; thy soul I 'le fill With sweetest honey , wisdome thou shalt find More sweet by far then honey to thy mind ; That I may make thee pleasing unto me , I 'le wash thy staines and spots clean off from thee . I 'le take the pains to make thy soul as white As snow or wool , as pure as is the light . Thou dost mistake thy self to think it shall Be left to thee and unto thy lot fall To bring thy self to Heaven , or to make clean Thy heart in thine own strength . I don't so mean . The difficulties in the work are mine I came to do them , do but thou incline , Unto my words thine ears , and yield to me , And thou with patience all well done shalt see . When I by Joshuah did my people lead Into the Land of promise , thou may'st read , How they were to pass over Jordans stood , When as above the banks the waters stood . Yet while my Priests who bare the Ark did but At my command into the waters put Their Feet-soles , by my power I made the flood Give way unto them as I thought it good So as before them that great stream became , Dry land , so that most safely through the same My people marched over , that so I All others might instruct and teach thereby To follow me with courage wheresoe're I shall them lead , and not to doubt or fear , Draw back through unbelief , or halt or stay Demurring at what may seem in the way Too hard or dangerous for them to do ; But only me obey , after me go . The like I did when Pharaoh did before Pursue them with his Chariots in his sore Rage to reduce them , when before they had The Sea to hinder them : yet when I bad Them march into it , it to them gave way And was a means of safety too that day . Standing as walls on either hand , while through Its waves as on dry land they past ; which rough , Growing against their foes , which them pursu'd , Destroy'd and drowned all their multitude . Never did any that my voice obey'd , By any thing of danger that afraid Might make them , or impossible might seem In my way ever perish : but I them Have ever helpt in their obedience , and Remov'd their obstacle at my command . Dispute not but obey , Look not what thou Art or canst do , but do thou mind me , how I am accomplisht those things for to do For which I call thee to me and thee woo . Have I not power to make a Cammel pass Even through a needles eye , to whom there was Ne're any thing too hard ? cannot I guide thee ? Shall I thee woo and shall not I abide thee If thou accept ? art thou not now to day As bad and fowl as may be ? doth that fray Me from seeking thy love ? if thou consent Canst think that I my bargain will repent ? I 'me not like poor blind men that things pursue , With eagerness which afterwards they rue . Because they knew not how they should them find , Or were themselves unstable in their mind . I 'm not like man that I should so repent . Therefore obey me and yield thy confent Unto me wholly : I will surely do , What needful is for thee . I 'le wholly to My self conform thee , for although thou be , Or weak or dead there 's life enough in me , Who am the Resurrection and Life too , So that though men be dead yet if they do , Believe on me , I Life to them will give , And living and believing they shall live For ever , why dost thou thy weakness plead To this or that ; or tell me thou art dead ? There 's the more need on that account that thou Yield up thy self to me : down thy self bow To my dispose , who all things fully have That may supply thy wants and thy soul save , I know thou' rt weak and dead , and all that 's naught : I need not what s in man by Thee be taught . Nay I do therefore woe thee that I may By curing thee remove those things away . If such a one thou wert not , then no need For me so seek thee , or that thou take need To me to save thee , but if thou l't be mine ( As I have often said ) I will be thine : And what s mine shall be thine also , and sure My things are able thy weal to procure . My wisdome thou sha●t ha●e the way to show And thee to help we●lthy concerns to know , And to direct thee how to make thy choice In every thing , do but thou hear my voice . My strength shall strengthen thee to walk my way Enter the straight gate , and my will obey . Though thou be weak and in the strength tha●s thine Canst not do this or that , canst not in mine ? I 'le be thy holiness ; my Spirit I 'le give To thee that therein thou mayst act and live , Or rather acted be and live , cannot My holy spirit fetch out every spot , That cleaves to thee , and so display my love As thee from all thy Idols to remove ? It s not in thine own self that I require , Thee this or that to do or ought desire : It s in me and what s mine which I therefore Freely thee give because I know thou' rt poor . Naked , and dead , and weak and wretched too Nothing that s good hast , nought that s good canst do . I 'le be thy husband ; and I am so good I 'le bear with all thy badness , till my blood And grace hath betterd thee : I will ( thou l't see ) Demean my self so gently toward thee That with my gentleness I 'le break thine heart And make thee cleave to me , and to depart From all thine Idols , do but thou consent ; My Grace shall be for the●e sufficient . The fountain of thy sin is great indeed , But of my grace the fountain doth exceed . No weakness , death , or badness that 's in thee , No difficulties in the way that be , Shall hinder thee from bliss : If thou l't but give Thy self unto me freely , thou shalt live . Oh take my yoke upon thee , it shall bow thee And bear my burthen , it shall not ore-throw thee . For my yokes easy , give consent and go Forth in my strength : all things for thee I 'le doe● In all things be for me and then I will Be for thee too and and all thy works fulfill . Lean on mine arm or shoulder I 'le sustain thee ; And though thou homely bee'st I 'le not disdain thee . As upon Eagles wings I will thee bear And carry thee through all , do not thou fear : Only yield unto me my voice to hear . Through all the Wilderness I will thee guide , In every danger I 'le from ill thee hide . I 'le never , never , leave thy soul untill All my good pleasure I in thee fulfill . All things are ready : only yield thy will . Incline thine ear and hear me , do not stop It against me , and I 'le my doctrine drop . So thereunto , that even thy very heart It shall make willing and thy soul convert : And cause thee from thy Idols to depart . Do but so hear me as to know my name , That known thy heart to trust in me will frame . Soul . And is it so dear Lord , then what shall let But that to thee I yield my self and set My heart upon thee , wholly I refign , My self up to thee to be only thine . Help me herein for thou art good indeed . None is like to thee , while thy words I heed Marrow they are and and fatness to my tast : Oh thou my soul , affected with thee hast . Seeing thou camest to save even sinners chief , Lord I believe , help thou my unbelief . None is like thee , thou art the only wooer , Thou' rt worthy love , oh thou most worthy doer ! Oh take my heart , dear Lord , for thou alone Art worthy of it , and besides thee none . There 's none hath done for me such things as thou , There 's none besides hath made me such things know , There 's none so lovely or so fit for me Therefore , dear Lord , I yield my self to thee . I 'm thine to love and praise thee , and thee serve , Oh never let me from thee stray or swerve . Oh thou art very fair , the white and ruddy , None may with thee compare , make it my study , Thee that I may more know , and more delight in My self to thee I ow , Me thou hast right in . When I was damn'd to●dy thou didst redeem me , And though unworthy I Thou didst esteem me , So as thy self to give for me a ranlome That so my soul might live . I am unhandsome Worthy great shame and blame , but though I naught be Yet blessed be thy name thou hast upsought me . Oh that I knew thee more , and more did love thee That I might thee adore , as 't doth behove me . Oh shew thy self to me , make me to know thee . Make me thy f●ce to see , and to follow thee . I am a sinfull man , unworthy of thy love I nothing good do can , but what thy wrath may move Yea what of thy good grace thou give'st me power un●o Sin hath in me such place as otherwise I do . Yet seeing I am thine , though I am nothing worth , Do thou my heart incline after thee to go forth . Set thou my heart and eye with all intensiveness Upon thy Majesty , that without pensiveness I may go wheresoe're thou goest me before ; May unto thee adhaere , and ever thee adore . Thou all art and in all . Thou gav'st thy self for me And whatsoe're befall , its meet I be for Thee . It was thy pleasure , Lord , so for my soul to do , Oh do thou yet afford , thy heavenly grace thereto . Those lusts that be in me , and which do thee offend , Drawing my heart from thee , subdue , and meamend . For I am much amiss ; and very full of spots , That I thy Name may bliss , purge thou away my blots . Remove my sins away , that I to thee may cleave , Let me not go astray . Do thou me never leave . I cannot trust my heart , 't is so full of deceit It s apt from thee to start , it is a very cheat , Do thou it recti●●e , make it to thee upright That I may heartily love thee , in thee delight And though I wretched be , do not thou me disdain : Since thou hast loved me let me thy love retain . Thou art the All in all : stay my soul upon thee ; And let me never fall by my iniquity . My hope is all in thee ; and in thy great goodness : I nothing have in me that may deserve thy bless . Help me thy name to praise , as it is right and due : Do thou thereto me raise thy goodness for to view . Dear Lord , thou worthy art of all my heart and love : Oh let me not depart from thee my Lord above Unite my heart to thee that I may fear thy name : And let me never be put to rebuke and shame . Oh flow thou into me . Thou art an Ocean . Though I a poor one be Thou art the wealthy man . Set my heart toward thee : and make it open stand , Come thou Lord into me and wholly me command . Oh do thou live in me , and fill me with thy grace ; That I may joy in thee ; and ever see thy face . Thou art the lovely one : all things are black to thee : Fix mine eye thee upon , make me thy beauty see . Thou only fulness art . I am an empty thing , Do thou thy grace impart ; and me unto thee bring . Be evermore with me where er'e thou mak'st me go : Let me thy glory see ; and thy will ever do . Thou art the mighty God , thou canst subdue my foes , Thou hast them all down trod , all things that thee oppose . Thou art the holy one . Thou canst me holy make : Make me love thee alone ; and all for thee forsake . Oh be thou all to me , who rothing have that 's good : Oh frame my heart to thece ; whshing it in thy blood . Oh there is none to thee . Thou all things dost excell . What er'e is good for me , doth in thee fully dwell . None ever served thee but thou them satisfy'd : None thy grace ever see but they it magnify'd , Thou Lord art far above all I can say of thee , Thou art the God of love . All praise be unto thee . Chr. Dear soul I do accept thee : and thou art Most welcome to me , it doth glad my heart To see a soul it self unto me yield More than when some stout Champion wins the field , And takes the spoils of all his enemies , Which up against him us'd in arms to rise . Since thou thy self to me dost yield be sure , My love shall ever toward thee i● dure . Be but thou constant , nothing shall me draw , Those to reject that cleave unto my law . I 'le order over thee my government , So as thou ●ere shalt have cause to repent Of thy submission to me , every thing Which I shall do to thee shall blessing bring . Thy forepast sins I blot out and remit , And of them all I wholly thee acquit . How many or how great so er'e they were . Thou mayst me freely serve without all fear Of my impu●ing any of them to thee : I pass them by , and they shall not undo thee . I own thee as my own and thee present As in my self to him who me forth sent , Even as a Branch in me into whom now , Thou art ingraffed and henceforth shalt grow . Or as a member of mine own body , Which is recast of curse and mi●ery . I am thy Head and Root unto thee I Henceforth will minister all full supply Of grace and spirit , nothing shal● thou want , What may be good for thee I will it grant . Open thy mouth and ask of me I will , All thy petitions verily fulfill . What ever thou shalt in my name desire , Or of my Father for my sake require , So be thou dost to me adhaere and cleave , And firm in me abiding dost receive And keep my words within thee asking so , And for such things as they direct thee to . Thou shalt receive it , and thou may'st be bold To come and ask ; for why , mine eyes behold Thee , and thy needs and wants , and unto thee And all the righteous mine ears open be . I will do more for thee than thou canst ask , I 'le help thee every where . I 'le put no task Upon thee but what I shall easy make , Do but in me abide ; my counsel take . I am thine Head and Husband ; lean on me : My grace thou shalt enjoy ; my glory see . To me thou art most welcome , very dear Be confident of me , and nothing fear But to neglect my counsels : for as me My Father loveth , so do I love thee . I who for thee did shed my pretious blood , Will nought deny that may for thee be good . Since thou art come to trust under my wings I interest thee in all my good things . My Father is thy Father too , and He That my God is , thy God likewise will be . My Angels shall thee guard for thy welfare , And of my glorious Kingdome thou shalt share And all the endless joys thereof , my merit Is thy rich stock day pledge thy holy Spirit , Whom I will pour on thee , and in thy heart Will put , that from me thou mayst never start . He will conduct thee safely till thou hast , All dangers of destruction wholly past . He shall abide with thee and to thee show My things , inlightning thine heart them to know . My goodness , and my glory , what I have Done for and to thee that I might thee save . What is in me for thee ; what things are mine And how in and with me they all are thine . Yea He shall wash , make clean , renew thy heart ; And keep thee to me ; and to thee impart My grace and blessing , therefore do not fear : Only to him attend , to him adhaere . He shall thy works work in and for thee , and Strengthen thee that thy foes thou may'st withstand . He shall thee comfort , fill with peace and joy ; And keep thee safe from what may thee annoy . I 'le do all things for thee ; I 'le be thy lot Thy portion , and thy riches ; fear thou not . He who thee touches , toucheth me ; for I Tender thee as the Apple of mine eye . My heart is larget to thee than the Sea : Or then by any words exprest 〈◊〉 be . Fear not Dear soul , thy state is happy now Since thou thy self dost to my scepter how . Only I must inform thee that I must Take such a course with thee as may thy lust Destroy ; and make thee suitable to me That thou partaker of my joys may'st be . I must thee sometimes try , that so I may Prove whither Thou indeed wilt me obey . I will into a Wilderness thee lead That so I may thee to thy Idols dead : And that when stript of them I more may show My grace to thee ; and make thee it to know To be sufficient for thee , do not fear For I 'le not leave thee , nor forsake thee there . I will be with thee , and be all supplies To every one of thy necessities . I will be better unto thee than all Egyptian Flesh-pots wherefrom I thee call . I 'le there speak comfortably to thy heart And make thee know how dear to me thou art . I 'le give thee there in all thy way mine arm , To strengthen ●he● to walk on , and from harm I 'le thee protect and keep , untill I see It meet to take thee hence to be with me . But thou must follow me , and not look back As did Lo's Wife , thy pace thou must nor slack , For fear thy love grow cold and so decay , That thou from after me turn quite away . Thou must thy flesh ●ield up to be subdu'd And mortify'd by me because its rude ; And full of stubbornness , and oft hath broke , Both of my laws and of my love the yoke . Yea so rebelhous against me it is , And hath led thee so much to do amiss , And with so high a hand 〈◊〉 had I not , Been merciful to thee ; as 〈◊〉 to Lot , When he in - Sodom lingred ●eath to part Therefrom when call'd ; ( thou there through hast thy heart , So often hardned ) thou destroyd hadst been , Through it much hurt and forrow thou hast seen . I must therefore for thee it came , that it May not grow rank sti'd and make thee unfit For fellowship with me , who holy am , And unto thee to make thee holy came . But if at my reproof thou wi●t let go , Its lusls , the less grief I shall put thee to . Oh yield it up , Dear soul at every turn , Be not offended that I parge or burn It o●t of thee , thy self now offer up A sacrifice to me , drink of my cup , I give to cleanse thee from thy filth within , And from what ther●e breaks forth upon thy skin Like to a Leprosy , and doth defile , Thy person , and dotli make thee very vile . Yield but thy self to me , and i●le thee cure , I 'le make thee like my self both white and pure . So shall I in thy beauty much delight , And thou shalt always dwell in my blest sight . And therefore do not fear , I will not harm thee But only cleanse thee from thy filth ; and arm thee Against what may destroy thee . I must prove thee , And humble as my spouse because I love thee . That so I may thee fashion to my mind , Make thee fit for me : and that thou mayst find More favour in mine eyes . I may be for thee And that thy fil●h may not make me abhor thee . But fear not : when I have thee fully try'd , Thou shalt with me also be glorify'd . Fear not , l' th wilderness I will thee feed , And by my right hand I will there thee lead . And by thy right hand too I will thee hol● , Nothing shall harm thee . I thy frame and mold Do fully know , and will not on thee lay , More than what by my strength endure thou may Only resign thy flesh and self to me ; And thou shalt my Salvation surely see . I now unto my self do freely spouse thee , But I shall not as yet so fully house thee As I intend here fter , thou must tarry , And wait a while before I fully many Thee to my self , before unto that place Those royal Mansions , which for thee my grace Hath fitted I thee take ; where I receive , And entertain all that in me believe . Thou hast been very whorish , and thou art , Polluted with thy whoredomes at thy heart . Thy flesh and body is defil'd with what , Thou from thy lovers whoredomes oft hast got And I cannot into my Bride-bed take thee , Till I first wash thee white , and clean do make thee . Thou must the time of purifying stay , Before our solemn joyful wedding day . In the mean time constant to me and chast , Thou must abide and thou mayst not make hast . After injoyments of delights so that With other pleasures thou thee satiate ; And turn thee from me to some other lover Thee to content , thou mayst let none be over Thy heart and conscience , besides me who am Thy only Lord and Saviour : that meek Lamb Who bought thee with my blood , and thee did call To me that I might be thy All in All If thus thou dost then I will be for thee , And all I am and have it thine shall be . Soul Dear Lord , thy words in every thing are right , My soul approves them , finds therein delight . Make me them more to know further to see , Into the wondrous things that in them be . Thy love is wonderful , worthy receit , And to be fed upon more than our meat . It s better far than wine , doth me refresh , Although it rellish not unto the flesh . Who would not such a lover as thou art Imbrace with both his arms with all his heart ? Who can like blessings give , like comforts bring , Above all GODS Thou art the mighty KING . Oh who can fathom , who can comprehend The greatness of thy love ? there 's no such friend Or lover as thou art , none can forgive The soul its sins like thee , or make it live . Oh who am I , that I should welcome be , Or be accepted unto life by thee ? That thou shuld'st call and woo me , and imbrace Me in thy arms , cause me to see thy face Thy pleasant face , and own me as thy own , And in thy words thy love to me make known ? Yea both thy words and love cause me to know To draw my heart from off the things below And fix it on thy self and things above ! Oh there 's no sweetness to that of thy love ! Its tasts at present most delightful are , All other pleasures it surpasses far . But as if all at present was but small Thou holdst forth such a portion too as all For future time , yea to eternity , For ever to injoy thy Majesty . I less am than the least of thy mercies Which thou dost give , wilt not thou me despise . But passing by all my unworthiness , And many mighty sins such love express As passeth knowledge ? Oh that I again With my whole heart thy love may intertain . And love for love return perpetually And never shrink from thee , no , though I dy . Oh Lord thy love ingages me to be Wholly devoted and given up to thee . For it s but meet that I be wholly thine And for thy sake give up all that is mine Who for my sake didst not the cross decline . It s meet that I a sacrifice should be Wholly devoted and given up to thee , A living holy sacrifice , whereby Thou may'st be glorifyed and lift on high . For great thy love to me is I confess , Nor can I by my tongue or pen express The great des●r●s of love and service too , Which far beyond all my returns I ow. I do acknowledge too thy words be true In all they say of me , that nothing's due To me of praise or approbation , for I am so loathsome thou mayst me abhor , I am polluted with a whorish heart , So as I jealous am least I depart Away from thee , it oftentimes indeed , Hath play'd the Harlot and brought forth a breed Of hateful Monster full of venome fell Against thy purity . The brats of Hell Unchast desires and lusts , self-love and pride , Ambitious thoughts , a loathness to be ty'd Up to thy just commands an evil eye Of envy against such as I could spy Prefer'd before me , often at them fretting , With covetous desires to be getting More of this worlds injoyments ; profits , pleasure ; Slothfull , mispending of that time and leasure Thou hast afforded me for better things , From which much other mischief oft times springs : Such things my bowels oft have eat , and vext Me with disquiet , and my soul perplext . That bruitish lust that dwells in me I fear , Least it prevail against me , and me bear Away from that subjection to thee due , And cause me with much sorrow it to rue . I am indeed nolluted and ore-spread As with a leprosie from heel to head . Diseas'd within and full of sores without , I am more vile than any menstruous clout ; Have need to be renew'd made white and clean , And yet when all is done , I am too mean , To be so honoured by thee and exalted , In every thing I 'm worthy to be faulted . Worthy to be disdained and rejected Unworthy utterly to be respected , By thy so glorious eye that puter is Then to behold and like iniquities . Shouldst thou then treat me like some royal Q●een As if for thy consort I bred had been ? Oh 't is a dignity above me far , I fitter am that thou shouldst me debart , From coming near thee , medling with thy Name , Least I pollute it and expose 't to shame . As too much I have done already . Oh I dont deserve to be respected so . But if thy pleasure be me so to love , Well mayst thou take such course as 't doth behove , Tha thou may'st fit me for such dignity , As thou confer'st , and for thy company Which thon vouchsafest of thy wondrous grace , To me who am of pedegree but base . It is but meet that thou shouldst make we white . And cleane , that thou in me may'st take delight . That thou should'st cure those sores and ulcers great , Which make me ugly and for thee unmeet . Yea and its wondrous grace that thou wilt take , Such pains with me , me whole and clean to make . Oh what am I that thou should'st stoop so low , To do such offices such love to show ? Thou rather might'st throw me out of thy sight , Than so to make me meet for thy delight . Who meeter am that thou should'st make me dwell , Among that cursed crue that be in hell . It s meet also that there a time should be For purifying , before unto thee Thou dost receive me with thee to remain , In those high Mansions where thou and thine reign . It needful is that thou me separate , From all those Idols which thy Soul doth hate . And that thou should'st purge out my dtoss , although A fire thou make and me into it throw . I 'm thine , and meet it is that thou should'st do , What ever is thy pleasure , Lord even so Be it as thou dost please , thou art so just , So kind and careful that I well may trust . My soule and body with thee ; and yield up To take out of thy hands what ever cup Thou seest it meet to temper and to give , In cleaving to thee I shall surely live . Thou who hast loved me , and done such things , As everlasting consolation brings . And gives good hope through grace , wilt doubtless do , Nothing unto me which may cause my woe . Do with me as thou wilt : for I am thine And thee to love I doe my heart incline . Through thy good grace , do thou incline it more Making it chast to thee , thee to adore . For I can nothing do that may thee serve , Delight or honour as thou dost deserve . I 'm thine : Lord save me ; and me sanctify . Unite my heart to thee continually . Unto thee evermore make me adhaere That I thy holy Name may love and fear . May lean upon thine arm , thy Spirit mind , So as I may his help at all times find Through thee I any thing may do 〈◊〉 , But in my self have only cause of 〈◊〉 No fears shall 〈…〉 pleasures me 〈◊〉 , If thou dost hold me and 〈…〉 And cure . It s mee● I 〈◊〉 thee and I Desire I may my self thereto apply My Cross up taking 〈◊〉 Dear 〈…〉 How thrald I am furthe then thou 〈…〉 How I the least good thing 〈◊〉 not perform . Nor stand upright against the mild ●●●storm Of troule that unt●● my lot may fall , I need that thou should'st be my ALL in ALL. I 'm poor and blind , naked and wreteched , and My heart 's dece 〈◊〉 , will not to thee stand , Unless thou me 〈◊〉 , and keepest so In thy strong 〈◊〉 , as not to let me go Unless thou purge out my hypocrisy , Make me sincere , give me a single eye . Unless thou be my strength , my goodness and Dost hold me to thee by thy mighty hand . But seeing thou appointed art , dear Lord , To look to and thy saving help afford To those that come to thee , and on thee trust , And thou art loving , faithful , kind and just , And all-sufficient for me I resign ; My self unto thee . I am wholly thine . Thou wiser art than I , thou knowest best What to my good pertain● , and thou art blest ; Dear Lord thy will be done in every thing , Take thine own course me unto thee to bring . Only do not me in thy wrath chastise . But let my soul find favour in thine eyes . Yea thou so good art , and so gracious too , That thou all things wilt for my profit do . Oh cause thy face upon my soul to shine , And my heart unto thee allways incline . Oh kiss me with the kisses of thy mouth : Oh bliss me with the blessings of thy truth : Inspire my heart with thy good spirit , and breath The breath of life into me , things beneath Cause me for to despise , the things above , To seek and to affect and thee to love . Let me thy love tast , better 't is than wine , It s full of comfort , courage , life divine . 'T will chear the hear● , 't will make the lips of chose Who tast it talkative , free to disclose Thy heavenly vertues , let me thereof tast , Forgiving all my mis-demeanours past : My undue loves which unto other things , And persons I have born , which to me brings Both grief and fear when thereupon I think , Least they should make me in thy nostrils stin●● . And cause thee to abhor me , oh forgive All forepast follies , and that I may live Let me injoy thy loves , and tast how sweet And ravishing they be , oh let me meet With them ; with them be filled , that I may In thee delight my self ; and on thee stay And fix my soul no other pleasures so Affecting as from thine to them to go . Thine ointments wherewith thou anointed art , And unto those that love thee dost impart . Most odoriferous are , oh they do smell , Unto the upright hearted wondrous well . Let me them find and smell , thy precious Name , An ointment poured forth is , that good fame And great renown thou hast , oh 't is most sweet , And spread abroad that we with it may meet . And therefore thee the Virgins Chast do love , Thy Name their hearts desires to thee doth move . Oh make me know it , and its sweetness find , That it may draw me with a single mind Unto thee . Draw me , Draw me , we will run After thee , though I somewhat have begun Towards thee to incline , my mind doth stick , Yet to my Idols , so as t is not quick . Enough towards thee , oh let that sweet sent , Of thy good ointments , thy Name excellent More strongly draw , me , oh I am too slack , In seeking thee , yea woe is me I 〈◊〉 From thee have run apace , since I begun To move toward thee . I 'm too apt to run Toward my Idols , in the ways of sin . Yea Lord thou know'st how since I did begin , To court thy favour I have run apace , In wicked ways wherein had not thy grace , And mercy me prevented I had been Or'e thrown forever , this day never seen . But oh my pace toward thee is so dul● , That need I have that after thee thou pull My sluggish Soul , oh bring thou me into Thy Chambers of defence and delight , so As in thy love I such delight may take , As never thee any more to forsake . Let me be so inclosed as with walls Of sure defence , that whatsoe're befalls I never may again from thee withdraw , But allways may thee fear and stand in aw , Least I offend thee , oh that I to thee May swiftly run with all that upright be , And in thy Chamber may with them abide , Where thou dost all that love thee safely hide . Wee 'll then be glad in Thee , and much rejoyce , Oh King wee 'l sing thy praise with chearful voice . Wee 'l think upon thy loves which do excel The choisest Wine . Oh we remember well , The sweetness of its tast , who be upright , They do thy person love , in thee delight . Not in themselves , their parts their gifts , nor yet Those pleasures only that from thee they get . Like to the Concubines which love to be , Delighted with thy loves ; courted by thee ; But thee and thy concerns do slight ; neglect To seek thy glory ; don't thy name respect Sincerely , but make thou me upright so As my heart wholly after thee may go . Oh thou whom my soul in some measure loves Do thou me show what me to know behoves . Tell thou me where thou feed'st thy flock : and make Me go upright . Let me not thee forsake , With sinners in their dainties to per●ke . Let me not turn aside from thee to go , After the flocks of thy companions who Lift up themselves into equallity Of power or worth unto thy Majesty : But shew me thy good ways and make me see , The thing that is acceptable to thee . Stay me with flagons of thy love : and let Me of thy apples too the comforts get , For I desire thy love , oh do thou show it And cause thou me more clearly yet to know it . Under my head put thou thy left hand , and Therewith support me , and let thy right hand Embrace my soul , and keep me safe , untill I have fulfil'd my course , perform'd thy will . And oh that then thou wouldst make hast unto My soul : and be thou swifter than a Roe : That so our union may compleated be ; And I may full fruition have of thee . Make hast oh my beloved like a Roe ; Or a young Hart that on the Mountains go : That leap upon the Mountains and o're Hills Come skipping . Thou art he alone that fills The souls of those that love thee with delight , And mak'st them fully happy in the sight Of thy most glorious person , do not tarry Help me to hast to thee , then hast to marry Me to thy self ; that I with thee may dwell Who dost in all excellencies excell . And in the mean time make me chast and true Unto thee , what opposes thee subdue . Working my works in and for me , yea al Thine own good pleasure whereto thou dost call And counsel me , the work of faith with power , That I may persevere unto the hour , And in the hour of death ; till unto thee , Thou tak'st me up in joys for a●e to be . I leave my self to thee oh do thou what Is good for me . Chr. I will so , fear not that . Amen . HALLELUJAH .
FINIS .
A Song of Loves . Lord grant that in a right renewed mind , I may such love to thee and thy things find ; As to say of and to thee this behind . 1. I Am my well beloveds , My well-beloved's mine : He is a person lovely , Excellent and divine . 2. For he is the Immanuel , Both God and man in one : The Mighty God , the wonderful ; And like him there is none . 3. His excellence surpasseth , What one may it declare ? Or who among the mighty , May with this one compare ? 4. Oh all ye that in love are , Your lovers who commend ; Is any of them able , To match with this my friend ? 5. Hath any of them ever , So great things for you wrought ! Or is there any of them , Hath you so dearly bought ? 6. Is any of them so high , Either in Rank or birth ? No , there is none so glorious Either in Heaven or Earth . 7. Ther 's none of them is so great : There 's none of them can do , So great things and so wonderful , Or can inrich you so . 8. As this my Lord and Saviour Can and will do for me ; If I be upright with him , And do not from him flee . 9. Ye that in Kings and Princes And mighty Potentates Do make your boasts , come tell me Hath he there any mates ? 10. Can any of them match him ? Nay they are all below : The greatest of those great ones Their service to him owe. 11. They 'r short in understanding , Their pow'r also is less : Their rule extends not so far , Nor yet their happiness . 12. They are but men as others ; Their lives are but mortal : Their breaths must pass out of them And then they perish all . 13. But this my Lord and Lover , Doth live for evermore : His understanding's perfect , All creatures him adore . 14. Nothing for him too hard is : For he can all things do , Nothing from his eyes hid is ; For he all things doth know . 15. He ruleth over all things , Both in the seat and land : Yea and all things In heaven be , Subject to his command . 16. He heir of Heav'n and earth is He is lord of all glory : His brith's above all creatures , There 's none can match his story . 17. His excellence excels all That 's either hard or seen : One half of what s true of him Never declar'd hath been . 18. Go glory of your Princes , And Benefactors great : Tell of their great majesty , Their royal train and seat . 19. I none of them shall envy , This one 's mcuh better far Whom my soul hath desire to : They can't with him compare . 20. He hath far greater glory Than any one of them : Though yet he is so lovely , That none he doth contemn 21. Though they be poor and little If unto him they flee . He none of them disdaineth But they accepted be . 22. Those whom ye use to boast of Be proud and lofty too ; And oft in words and carriage Great haughtiness they show : 23. Though they be far below him Who my beloved is ; And like to meaner persons , He them re●roves I wiss . 24. For in his hands they all are , To do with as he please ; And he can make or break them , Or change their state with ease . 25. Oh there is none so lovely As this Beloved one : In pitty , love and goodness , Like to him there is none . 26. He higher than the Heavens is , Or brightest Angel there , In dignity and glory ; Yet he appeared here . 27. ( That he might save us sinners ) Like to a Servant poor : Where of our miseries too , The liveries he wore . 28. Yielding himself to death up And great indignities , To ransome us from ruine : Nor doth he now despise . 29. The meanest that obey him , To take into his grace : Though he on high's ascended Unto his holy place . 30. He such invites unto him ; With him they may be bold : His secrets he unto them , Most free is to unfold . 31. Whoever him doth follow , Shall see his pleasant face Hee 'l not disdain their lowness , But kindly them imbrace . 32. Hee 'l not despise their prayers , Nor turn away his ear : But being full of mercy , He their complaints will hear . 33. The sweetest of all persons ; Better than all is he . The meekest and the gentlest , Fairer then mens sons be . 34. The highnest and the lowest , The white and ruddle one . In greatness and in goodness , Like to him there is none . 35. Come ye Queens and Princesses , Whose Birth is great and high , Who think yuor happinesses Do reach unto the sky , 36. Because your Lords be great ones And have a great command ; For that their rule extendeth , Both unto Sea and Land , 37. Do ye not highly extol Your great good fortunes here ? Do ye not use your selves too Oft up thereby to bear ? 38. Do ye not think your great Lords , To be so great and high , And such advancements to you , That ye for them could dy ? 39. Or else endure great hardships For them and for their sake , With whom in their high honours , So greatly you partake ? 40. Behold ye him whom I praise And whom my soul desires , As its friend to delight in Can give what it requires . 41. Lo , Ho is much more noble , In Birth and in degree : And there 's not any Monarch , Who 's of his gifts so free . 42. Nor are the gifts which they give So pretious or so rare , They all are but his Stewards , And can't with him compare . 43. Himself above all gifts is , The Richest pearl of price , His love cannot be valued The soul it satisfies . 44. Oh he my love deserves more , And to be followed , Through every condition Whereto by him it s led . 45. Then any of the greatest , And highest Potentates , Who have the largest Empires , And rule the greatest states . 46. I 'm his by way of purchase , Who made and bought me too ; By that most precious blood , which Did freely from him flow . 47. Which he also discovered And call'd me of his grate , There through , that I might know him , And might him too imbrace . 48. And him I own to be mine , My Lord and Saviour . And his I am to care for And serve in every hour . 49. My soul and body his are And whatsoe're I have : And he is mine to give me , What good for me I crave . 50. Oh that I were more truly And heartily indeed , Given up to love and live to Him who doth so exceed 51. All other lovely objects Be their worth ne're so great ! I should need not to fear then What ever may me threat . 52. For I am his and of me He hath the care and charge , And his disire toward me , Is very full and large . 53. Hee 's able to protect me From what may do me harm And 's ready to infold me Within his mighty arm . 54. Oh that I were devoted More unto him , and were More willing to be always To him chast and sincere ! 55. I 'm his not sins and Sathins ; That them I should obey ; Oh that when they intice me , My heart might always say 56. Christ is my well-beloved He must my service have : He 's only worthy of it , Who only doth me save . 57. For He , He also mine is A portion may suffice , To satisfie me always , Your promises are lies . 58. I 'me his : and not a Servant Unto the world or men ; That I should yield my Conscience To be inslav'd by them . 59. I may not to their pleasures My life and will compose , To follow their desires : So I my self might lose . 60. For they cannot protect me When my Lord shall appear : If he should then reject me , They cannot me upbear . 61. No , no , I 'm his who loves me And bought me by his blood , From all that conversation Which is not just and good . 62. He 's mine too to command me , And be my sure defence Who certainly will keep me , And glad my Conscience : 63. For he will give assistance , Of safety in his love , And hold me in his hand so , As nough shall me remove . 64. He only may do with me ; What unto him seems best : For He hath right unto me , And will lead me to rest . 65. Oh that he would imbrace me , And give my soul a kiss Whose love than wine is better , And fills the soul with bliss . 66. His love the love of women , Surpasseth very much ; How ever pleasing that is , Its pleasures are not such . 67. No nor is strength not fervour ; Much less its beensitt ; As those that he that 's loved Of this Beloved 〈◊〉 . 68. Their love to this is empty Its pleasores be but short : Although they 'r prerry creatures And 〈…〉 69. Their favour is deceitful ; Their beauty 's but a blast ; Their kingnesses soon vanish ; Their sweetness doth not last . 70. Their embraces are bruises ; Their kisses oft are bites : The vanity that s in them , Exceeds oft their delights , 71. The love of Christ excelleth ; It s constant , firm , and sure : It s very full of comforts , And pleasures that indure . 72. His words are full of kindness , Yea when they are most tast : Yet grace and love is in them , Which floweth from his heart . 73. His kisses and imbraces ; Are full of ravishment : Filling the soul with goodness , And riches of content . 74. His beauty never changeth ; His strength doth 〈◊〉 ne're decay : He is the same for ever , Yesterday and to day . 75. Oh that my Soul were fitted , His kindness to receive ! That I by my unkindness , His Spirit might not grieve ! 76. Oh may he count me worthy Of his inamourments ; Forgiving all my follies , Causes of discontents ! 77. His soul it is spiritual Most holy , just and pure All wickedness he hateth , He can it not indure . 78. But I poor wretch am sinful And full of vanity : How can I be delightful , And pleasing in his eye ? 79. Dear Lord I am unworthy To be owned of thee , That thine I should be stiled , And thou accept of me . 80. Yet do not thou disdain me ; Do thou me lovely make : That so thou may'st imbrace me , And pleasure in me take . 81. Be thou mine , me to purify And to make 〈◊〉 and white : Make me more thine , and cause me , In thee to take delight . 82. Prepare my soul unto thee , That I may thee imbrace ; And give thee intertainment , And the● may'st me s●late . 83. Lay thou me in thy bosom , And keep me in thine arm , So shall I rest securely Void of all fear of harm . 84. Oh cause my soul to kiss thee , And lay thee in my heart : That thou mayst me imbracing Thy loves to me impart . 85. And all the night of darkness Mayst lodge within my brest : And I in thy imbraces May find sweet peace and rest . 86. Oh make me subject to thee , That thou mayst be above : Uniting me unto thee , And fill me with thy love . 87. And let , my loving-kindness Such love again beget , That I my heart and bowels May open to thee set . 88. And thou thy Word put in me , As an immortal seed , Fil'd with that Life and Spirit Which doth from thee proceed . 89. That thou mayst make me fruitful , With fruits of righteousness ; An of-spring which thine Image May livelily express . 90. That thou thy pleasure in me , Subject to thee mayst take ; And I have pleasures in thee , Which may me chearful make . 91. Oh make thou me so lovely , That thou mayst count me meet For such communion with thee As is so pure and sweet . 92. That chaste I may be to thee , And content in thee find , That none else I may look to , Or covet in my mind . 93. May never go a whoring From under thee my Lord ; But may be fully pleased With what thou dost afford . 94. Nor only let me love thee Like to some Concubine , So as for pleasures only Me to thee to incline . 95. But as a Spouse and chaste one Though thou shouldst them withhold , Yet I may love thy person And vertues manifold . 96. And thine affaires take care of As things that are mine own : And faithfully observe what Thou shalt to me make known . 97. Leaving it to thy wisdom Those pleasures to impart , Which cannot but be pleasing , And satisfie my heart . 98. But let me not love pleasures So as if thou delay , Thine to impart unto me I should to others stray . 99. But make me ever willing To stay and waite for thee : Who when thou seest it fitting Will thine impart to me . 100. Thou art the only worthy To be lov'd and obey'd : Oh that my heart upon thee More fixed were and stay'd . 101. Oh sanctifie me to thee And my soul purifie : Bless rods and mercies to me That I to sin may dye . 102. And unto all that from thee Would steal my heart away : That I may live unto thee In what I do and say . 103. Thou art the lovely portion , Riches and honour dwell In thee , with whatsoever Delights and doth excel . 104. Oh were my heart reduced To that simplicity , That I might chuse and love thee And cleave to thee only . 105. I would not change my lot there For any of the heigths , Of highest greatest persons . My earnest groans and sighs 106. Shall reather be through suff'rings To have thy company , Then live else where without thee In greatest jollity , 107. With all the greatest fulness This World to them affords , Who live in its embracements As high and mighty Lords . 108. Yet thou hast room for them too In thy high palaces , Oh make thou them acquainted With thy sweet embraces ! 109. Oh make them see how empty All things without thee are ! That they may flock unto thee Seeing thee only fair . 110. All honour be unto thee Thou only worthy one , For it is due unto thee And unto thee alone . 111. In oneness with the Father And with the holy Spirit , Thou worthy art all blessing For ever to inherit . 112. To thee it 's my desire To leave my self and all I am , with whatsoever I through thy gift mine call . 113. Lord pardon my abuses Of thy great love to me : And make my soul both upright And constant unto thee . 114. So that thy blessing ever May on my soul remain : And cleanse me so as that thou Mayst not my work disdain . 115. Purge out what doth offend thee And make me white and pure , That thou mayst ever own me And I be ever sure . 116. Of thy love and thy favour Which life doth far excel , And in thine heavenly mansions May with thee ever dwell . Amen , and Amen . FINIS .
A Posie Improved . UPON THE POSIE of a RING , Love , Love , Love . EPAVCIS MVLTA . I. AMongst the pretty Poseys I have seen , Which either friends or lovers have invented , I have on none to discant tempted been , Nor hath any my fancy more contented , If rightly 't be apply'd , then this above , This one word thrice repeated ; Love , Love , Love . II. What man it was who did the same invent ; From whom ; or unto whom the token came ; Whether some Love ; to his Love it sent ; Or for what other cause some did it frame It matters not ; nor what they did thereby Intend unto their friend to signifie . III. Perhaps some young man who his Mistress loved . Or else some Mistress who did love her Friend , And want of love again , or fear'd , or proved In them they loved , did this token send Their love to quicken , and their constancy To them the better to provoke hereby . IV. Like as some person who while he assays , To do , or reach for something , and doth fall Into some danger , whence he cannot raise Or save himself , most earnestly doth call Help , Help , Help , tripling it vehemently , As like to suffer greatly else thereby . V. So possibly some lover , while he sought The pleasing object of his love to gain , Being into some doubt or question brought Thereof , or meeting with slights or disdain , Might in his earnestness cry as above , As one else like to perish , Love , Love , Love . VI. Perhaps some wanton who had lust mistook For love , seeking his lust to satisfie , Might send it to his Harlot , to provoke Her fond affection unto him , thereby Exhorting her to love , love , love again , That oft his will with her he might obtain . VII . Perhaps some person , who had lov'd too much Some other person , and loves flames had felt Sadly to scorch him , when they did him touch , His folly wailing on this subject dwelt . As crying out upon a thing so hot , Whence He much heart smart , and much hurt had got : VIII . That carnal love I mean , wherein the creature Is made the object of a blind affection , Doteing upon its beauty , parts , or feature ; Which when it meets with slighting and rejection , ( As oft it s foolishly misplac't on what Either's unlawful , or repays with hate . ) IX . Brings forth instead of pleasure , doleful grief , Stinging the soul with fears and sad despairs , Distractions , jealousies without relief , And many fruitless dumps and waking cares ; Causing such one out of this love to cry , Bewailing thus his fortune bitterly . X. Love , Love , Love , thou art a most cruel thing , When fixt on some disdainful one thou' rt found , Thy sweets are bitter , thou leav'st many a sting ; Infusest venom , and the heart dost wound . Oh had thy fond deceits my soul ne'r tainted ! Oh had I with thy force ne'r been acquainted ! XI . Love , Love , Love , that fond thing which men so call , Woe worth the time I did thee intertain , Expecting sweetness where I meet with gall , And pleasures where I nothing find but pain . Unhappy soul that longedst after fruit , That may not be obtained by any suit . XII . Would I had hardned against thee my heart , And made it harden thon the flinty stones Against thy flatteries , then should no dart Of thine have driven me to these sighs and moans . Let none be tempted by thy speckled skin , Or slily windings more to let thee in . XIII . Oh had I fixt mine eye and heart , upon Those happy objects where no love is lost ! Had I been ruled by discretion , Then had I never with these blasts been tost . Who loves unduely's rightly thus rewarded , The more he loves , the less to be regarded . XIV . Who loves inordinately , puts his heart Into anothers hands it to command ; Who when they list may play a Tyrants part . Who love 's in measure keeps't in his own hand : And if 't is slighted he can then withdraw't , And place it beeter then on thing of naught . XV. And yet it 's better , when love 's badly set Upon unlawful objects , t' have it crost , Then that its satisfaction it should get : For then the soul 's in danger to be lost . Who can the mischiefs number which insue , When unchast love injoys pleasures undue ? XVI . What guilt unto it self the soul contracts ? What stings of conscience , frightful fears of Hell ? What horrour , shame , reproach , spring from such acts ? What other mischeifs , where 's the tongue can tell ? Hoe many loose not only name and place , But even their lives , seeking to shun disgrace ? XVII . How many have been cast down wounded sore ? How many strong ones hereby have been slain ? How many rich ones hath this love made poor ? How many sober ones hath it made vain ? Yea Cities through unchast love have been sackt , And Common-wealths , and Kingdoms hereby wrackt . XVIII . This brought the Deluge on the World of old , And Sodom and her Sisters over-turn'd ; So as the like beside was never told , By fire and Brimstone from Heav'n being burn'd . This many thousand Graecians did destroy , While they beseig'd the here-through ruin'd Troy . XIX . On this I more inlarge , all men to warn How they their loves misplace , and let them run , Least they do gather thence both scath and scorn , And wail too late when it hath them undone . Give God thy heart i' th first place ; there 's great odds 'Twixt putting 't in a creatures hands and Gods . XX. Perhaps some friendly soul , whose heart was knit Unto his friend , or neighbour , in loves bands , Desiring love again this posie writ , And grav'd it on a ring , that on the hands Of his friend worn , or by him read , it might Their hearts in mut'al love firmely unite . XXI . Perhaps some man who true love 's worth admir'd , And found thereof within himself some want , Cry'd out thus as a man that love desir'd , Invoking love her self to him to grant , Making his moan as if he thus should say , Love , Love , Love , come and make with me thy stay . XXII . Perhaps some living in this frozen age , And seeing charity to be waxt cold , Himself and others thereto to ingage , Did grave these words upon a Ring of Gold . But be it as it will , I hope I well May good instructions to my self thence spell . XXIII . This threefold mention of this word to me , Love's excellency rightly may imply , That there is nothing in the World may be , So good as hearty love and charity . If other things with true love we compare , Its excellencies superlative are . XXIV . Love ( not that thing which springeth out of dust , And on some outward glosse doth fix the eye , Which wantons call Love , but the Scriptures lust , For that is full of sin and vanity ; Chaining the soul to things that do it harm , And oft to their destruction men doth charm . XXV . But ) that Divine and Heavenly frame of soul , Which fills it full of goodness , and inlarges Its motions ; and doth lead it to controule What 'ere as evil a right judgment charges . A pure and heavenly flame inkindled from That holy fire that down from Heaven doth come . XXVI . Which at the good of the beloved aims , And not a man 's own will to satisfie , To all good offices the mind it frames , And leads it all mischeivousness to fly . Faith , hope , joy , patience , meekness , fortitude , And justice good are ; Love doth all include . XXVII . Love both believes , and hopes , and long indures , With courage bearing and performing all That the beloveds good or praise procures , Strongly resisting all that cross doth fall . Love joys to do what 's right , hates to do ill , Yea love the law it self doth all fulfil . XXVIII . Love hath its rise from He'ven , and Heaven 's its seat , Where on a stately throne it s plac't on high ; Needs must the worth of love be very great , When such its birth is , and its Majesty . Yea God himsld who all things is above , Is not call'd power , or strength , or faith , but Love . XXIX . Love is a vertue therefore pure and clean , That from all filthiness and vice is free , Producing all that 's good ; the heart can't mean Ill , where love ruleth ; for love could not be A child of Heav'n or there its seat retain , If free it were not from all spot and stain . XXX . Needs must it also unto God be pleasing , Since it in him hath its original , And to the heart it dwels in , its most easing Of all d'sturbing passions that inthrall . To self , and others , it 's a very spring Of ev'ry wholsome advantagious thing . XXXI . Yea Love's eternal , seeing in the brest Of God , from everlasting 't was conceiv'd ; And it for evermore shall be possest , When other vertues have their end reciv'd . So long as God is who doth live for ever , Love shall abide , and end it shall have never . XXXII . When what we now believe , and hope for , we Shall fully have , and nothing more expect , Yet we shall love , and ever loved be , We never shall God , or God us , reject : Nor one another , but eternally Shall live in love and perfect unity . XXXIII . When all out suff'rings shall be o're and past , And patient courage have no further place , Yet Love shall flourish and for ever last , Therefore then Love there is no choiser grace , After all vertues press we , but above Them all lets follow after fervent Love . XXXIV . But yet again this thrice repeated word , Love , Love , Love , hath another mystery ; At least to me , me-thinks it may afford This observation not unusefully , That of right Love , there are right objects three , God , neighbours , and our selves should loved be . XXXV . The first Love God respects ; Love God , for He Above all other things our Love deserves ; If any other thing more loved be , Our love from its right order greatly swerves : God far above all other things excels , Because in him all excellency dwels . XXXVI . If lovely beauty may our love attract , And cause our eyes and hearts thereon to gaze ; Such lovely beauty dwels in him , in act , As may with admiration us amaze . A perfect fitness for to satisfie Our souls with goodness to eternity . XXXVII . Beauty doth stand in a just symmetry , A fit composure and proportion due , Of parts and of appearances to th' eye ; Such as a loveliness presents to th' veiw . Such justice , wisdom , pow'r and goodness , are In God , and so agreeing , None 's so fair . XXXVIII . Behold his lively image , Chirst our Lord , Where God himself unto us doth present ; He 's white and ruddy , his face doth afford What ever may our souls like and content . Power , wisdom , greatness , riches , glory , grace , And all that suits our wants dwells in his face . XXXIX . What ever we can wish , desire , or crave , That may promote our hearts content , or ease , In God we may behold it , and it have , Yea so as perfectly our hearts to please , When healed so as we can see aright ; All beauty 's far below his glory bright . XL. If love and bounty may challenge , as due Affection from us : He the first is there . God loves so , and his favours old and new Are such , as none like them there ever were . We nothing have that 's good , but He it gave us , We no ill scape , but He therefrom doth save us . XLI . Oh who God's love and goodness can set forth ! Who can his benefits justly repeat ? Their number 's numberless , and such their worth As cannot be exprest , it is so great . Behind , before , about us look we round . Above , beneath , we see his love abound . XLII . Where shall we first begin ? where make an end ? If with the world's beginning , that 's too late . Before the World God did us good intend , Sure then his love is of an elder date . And it 's his desire we should do well for ever , His love 's eternal then , and endeth never . XLIII . When God did make this World , and Being give Unto each thing therein , it was for man That He might be well , and contented live . Yea h's thoughts to make it before it began , Were with an eye to us , that we might Be ; And might his goodness and his glory see . XLIV . What a well furnisht house did God provide , With all accomodations that might make Our lives most comfortable ! yea beside We of his heav'nly Image did partake . God gave us pow'r and rule over the rest Of creatures ; and with fitness for 't us blest . XLV . Wisdom he gave to manage such a pow'r And such a manly courage , majesty , And countenance , as well might make them lowre That would but dare t' oppose his Sovereignty . Yea male and female , for each other meet He made us , that our converse might be sweet . XLVI . Yea further , he did also us create Capable with himself converse to have ; And did his mind to us communicate . What could we more of him desire or crave ? How great his love and goodness to us then , When we were innocent and upright men ? XLVII . But yet his love he shewed forth more sully , When we by sin were fallen into woe , And sins curst fruits did soul and body sully , And we deserv'd he should have been our foe . When we were helpless and had ever perish't , Unless his love had us reliev'd and cherish't . XLVIII . When the whole World could not relieve our case , But more then a whole World it did require , To ransom us from ruin , that his face We might behold with joy and 'scape his ire . Then more then all this World he for us gave , ( Oh how he lov'd us ! ) that he might us save . XLIX . He to redeem us sent his only Son , Cloth'd with our flesh and blood , made poor and weak , Made sin and curse for us , as one undone , That he the pow'r of sin and curse might break . He him deliver'd to death on the cross , That by his death he might repair our loss . L. Yet neither did his love , and goodness , here Take up and cease , but knowing that we wanted A quickning pow'r us up again to rear , And keep from death , that quickning pow'r he granted . For raising up his Son again from dead , He fil'd him with all fulness o' th' God-head . LI. Set him upon the throne of Majesty ; Made him a quickning spirit , and so gave Him cloth'd with pow'r and all Authority , To bring us back again from sin , death , grave ; Yea rescue and defend us from the Devil , Fill us with blessings , free us from all evil . LII . His Son , his only Son , by whom he made This World and all therein ; he thus did give A gift beyond the World , it can't be said How great a gift he was , that we might live . For he a person is excelling far , All things that by him either were of are . LIII . Through him he daily doth us feed , and cloth , And bountifully lade with benefits ; Upholds us in our tryals , don't us loath , Though bad requitals oft from us he gets . Yea Heaven he opens to us , and displays His glory to us , thither us to raise . LIV. Through his dear blood he hath prepar'd a way : And grace affords , that we his Sons may be . Injoy his favour , see his face alway ; Be satisfied with good , from ill be free . Yea and in glory ov'r other things , Reign to eternity with him as Kings . LV. The good , and glory , which he hath prepared For us unworthy , sinful , wretched men , In our return to him , can't be declared . Oh what a lover of us , is He then ! Yea all his rods and chastisements do tend , To bring us to those joys that have no end . LVI . And to impow'r and move us to repent , And close with him , his Spirit doth us give With that grace and those means which us prevent , That we though dead may hear , and hearing live . So that but yielding our obedience to him , He 'll work our works , & nought shall pluck us fro him . LVII . He calls us to him ; bids us ask and crave , What ever good we want us to supply , Cleaving to him we shall it surely have ; For nought that 's good for us will he deny . Yea much he freely gives unaskt , that so To hope in him , and ask he might us wooe . LVIII . And more then we can ask or think , he 'll give ; Yea more then now our narrow hearts can hold , If we believe on him , and to him live : The glory he will give cannot be told . What love 's like his ? or where is such a lover Amongst all persons that we can discover ? LIX . There 's none in Earth beneath , nor Heaven above , That loves like him , his love if we do heed , 'T will us convince , that him again to love It 's meet ; yea love to him in us 't will breed . The first love to him then rightly belongs ; Let him be first in all our praising songs . LX. Yea he 's so worthy love , that well we may Treble the exhortation with respect To him ; and to our selves , and others say , Love , Love , Love God , who ever we neglect . He 's worthy , and we 're backward him to love , Need therefore fervently thereto to move . LXI . Yea , love 's his due in the highest degree , Because his goodness is superlative : With all things that we have , with all we be , He 's worthy love , so long as we 're alive . Love God therefore with all thy mind , heart , soul . Love , Love , Love , and let nought that love controule . LXII . Love God with all thy mind , to him attend ; Consider what of him we hear , and find : Yea set our selves to seek to know him , bend Our thoughts to him , and keep him in our mind . With greatest earnestness his praises view , To think on him , bid all things else adieu . LXIII . Love God with all thy heart , as him we know ; Let our affections close with , and embrace , Him freely , fully ; all things high and low , To the injoyment of him must give place . Resign our wills to him , on him rely , Joy and delight we in his Majesty . LXIV . Seek his approvement , fellowship , and grace , Joy in his word and service , and adhere Firmely unto him , seek his strength , and face , Above all things , and the loss thereof fear . Yea love the places whereon be his name , His paths , posts , statutes , and frequent the same . LXV . Love God with all thy soul , the life and might , Which soul united with the body gives . To put forth all our strength , it is but right , Seeking and serving him who ever lives . Remiss and slothful seeking him , implies That our love to him 's cold , and cold love dies . LXVI . Yea yet again , we may be thrice put on To love the Lord , because a Trinity There is in him : He 's three , though yet but one , As Scriptures do expresly testifie . Love God the Father , Son , and holy Spirit , For each of them thy fervent'st love do merit . LXVII . For each , and All , are love in one ; and have Joyntly , and severally , their love exprest To us poor mortals ; that they might us save , And that our miseries might be redrest . In love the Father sent the Son unto us ; In love the Son came , and the Spirit doth wooe us . LXVIII . In love the Father his Son yielded up To be made flesh , and poor , despis'd , and dye : 'T was He that gave to him that bitter cup , Which wrung his Soul with many an agony . In love to us he rais'd him up again , And hath exalted him on high to reign . LXIX . In love to us the Son our flesh and blood , Did at the Father's just appointment take ; And in our room , and stead , as surety stood , And by his dying did atonement make . And rose , and off'red up himself on high , Living to plead for us continually . LXX . In love to us he sent the holy Ghost ; And gifts did give to men as he thought good : That so by them his Name in ev'ry coast Might be proclaim'd , and his grace understood . And unto those who do his grace retain , He 'll come in glory , and raise them to raign . LXXI . In love to us the Holy Ghost comes forth , In Christ his Name , and doth his truth make known : Shewing the things of Christ , and their great worth ; Wooing us to him , that we might him own . Waiting with patience for our turning in ; Ready to wash and cleanse us from our sin . LXXII . He guids us into truth , he gives support , Strengthneth in services and sufferings ; Unto our fainting Spirits , he gives comfort ; Yea he all life and blessings to us brings . Will raise us up from death , and grave , and give In glorious bodies us with Christ to live . LXXIII . Love , Love , Love God therefore intensively , Who was , and is , and who is yet to come . Love every person in the Trinity : Oh that he had in my heart all the room ! Thus in the first place , love to God is due ; But let us now a second Object view . LXXIV . Love secondly our Neighbour ; for the Text That bids us first of all to love the Lord , Tells us the second precept ( which is next ) Is love our Neighbours , and we in God's Word Good reason for it find ; because they are Our brethren , though with God they can't compare . LXXV . All men are sprung from out one common stock ; Branches of the same root , made of one blood ; Rais'd from one common mold , chips of one block ; Fram'd by one hand , capable of one good . We had at first the same original : And must at last into the same dust fall . LXXVI . Indeed there is in us such backwardness , To love our Neighbours , that this thrice repeated Word , Love , may be apply'd with earnestness , That our cold hearts to love them may be heated . God we so little love , our selves so wrong ; That Neighbours get not what to them belong . LXXVII . 'T would be as good for them happy to be , And to be miserable full as sad ; As to be happy will be good for thee ; And to be miserable for thee 's bad . Seek to promote their good , prevent their wooe : Do to them as thou wouldst be done unto . LXXVIII . Especially since it is God's good will And precept , that thy Neighbour thou should'st love : And that he might thee move it to fulfill , His own example gives thee from above . He hath both loved thee , and others too ; As he hath done to thee , to others do . LXXIX . God's love to thee obliges thee again , Readily what he bids thee to obey . To Love thy Neighbour then do not disdain , Whatever lust of thine thereto say nay . Though of thy love unworthy he doth seem , Worthy of thine obedience God esteem . LXXX . But who 's our Neighbour ? surely every man Distinct from us , at least till fil'd with evil Any we find , that clearly see we can , That they are thereby made one with the Devil . For they that are God's enemies so far , Out of our loves we lawfully may bar . LXXXI . But for all others , they should loved be , Whither they be our friends , our foes , or strangers : Their good we should indeavour , joy to see ; Defend and seek to rescue them from dangers . Grieve for their harms , and do what in us lies , Their happiness to further any wise . LXXXII . Me thinks , three sorts of Neighbours I espy , God's friends , our own , and they that neither be ; Respectively to whom this trinity Of love-commands , again apply may we . Love those that love God , love friends and allies ; Love other men , strangers or enemies . LXXXIII . Love those that love God , for they 'r worthy love ; In that they do the thing that 's good and right : They are God's friends , he loves them , that may move Thee therefore in them to take much delight . They love not God , who do not love his friends , And they are faulty , who e'r them commends . LXXXIV . For in asmuch as any loves God , He God's image in him in some measure bears : They are Christ's vertues which in him we see ; God's and Christ's liv'ries he upon him wears . And he that loves not God , as seen in 's brother , Loves not , but hates God , howe'r he it smother . LXXXV . If God thou lov'st and seek'st desirously , Acquaintance with , he with his people dwels : In cleaving to their heavenly company , Thou shalt meet with him as the Scripture tells . If thou hast no desire his face to know , Thou lov'st him not , what face so e'r thou show . LXXXVI . Amongst all men , they the first place should have In our affections , because God's in them ; They 'r nearest to him , what they of him crave , He 'll give , for he their pray'rs will not contemn . They then who him neglect , and them despise , He needs must take to be his enemies . LXXXVII . They be Christ's favourites , he doth them own As his dear friends , his Mother , Sister , Brother ; They of him in a special sort are known ; They 'r honour'd of him far above all other . How can he brook it from us , if we them Who are so near and dear to him contemn ? LXXXVIII . Them as his Pearls and Jewels he reputes , His lot , his portion , his inheritance ; His garden of delights , which pleasant fruits Bring forth to him , and he will them advance . Yea he is their lot and portion too , Nothing he thinks too great for them to do . LXXXIX . Love them therefore as thine own choisest friends , Consort with them , and walk in their good ways ; Do for them all that to their welfare tends ; When they are cast down , seek them up to raise . Spare not for them thy wealth , strength , life to spend , For that 's the way to make the Lord thy friend . XC . For such an unity with him they have , That he doth take what e'r to them thou do'st , As done unto himself . It 's he doth crave Thy charity , when they be almost lost , Through want of some relief , or in some danger ; If thou neglect them , thou mak'st him a stranger . XCI . Grace teaches thee to love God's friends , yea all In whom man's nature savable is found : Nature doth teach thee to those thou do'st call , Thy friends and kindred in love to abound . If Gods , and thine , they 'r both , a double tye , To love them dearly , upon thee doth lye . XCII . Grace , natural affections , don't destroy , But rectifies , making them clean and right : To love thy friends and kinsfolks , and to joy In their prosperity , it doth excite . And it allows and leads thee soberly , With them to sorrow in their misery . XCIII . Yea usually more then in other folks , Because more nearly knit and joyn'd to thee . Grace , love from every several tye provokes ; Where it doth find more grounds , it makes more free . Who loves not all is short in grace , his friends Who loves not , grace and nature both offends . XCIV . Yea grace will lead to love , both strangers to us ; ( As God us while to him we strangers were : ) And enemies who labour to undo us , Seeking all comforts from us quite to tear . For God us loved while his enemies , And while we did him and his laws despise . XCV . While we against his truth and holiness Did act continually , and him so hated : That in our hearts we liked nothing less ; Yea could have wished him annihilated . 'T was then his kindness to us , that did slay Our enmity , and it remove away . XCVI . That any are our enemies , 't is not Essential to them , because men they be : But it 's because errour of them hath got The mastery , or ill in us they see . Endeavour them to cure , our selves to mend , And then their enmity will have an end . XCVII . And if our love will cure them of their ailments , And turn their hearts to us , we gainers are : Our friends they 'll be , because we so their failments By love have cur'd , and had of them such care . Who hates his enemy , but makes him worse , And makes himself too partner in the curse . XCVIII . Who loves his enemies , doth imitate The God of love , who us his foes to save , Lay'd down for us his life ; and nought doth hate , But that corruption which doth us inslave . Where love doth conquer , men best get their ends ; Their foes they overcome , and make their friends . XCIX . Oh noble love ! who while thou mak'st men yield Unto their foes , in all may do them good ; Not overcome of ill , do'st win the field , And oftimes draw'st thine enemies heart blood : Not to be shed in anger to their guilt , But boil in love , and for their good be spilt . C. Thus Christ did conquer Saul , while he did spare His life and soul from ruine , and imploy Him in the ministry ; a conquest rare On him he got , wherein they both had joy . And he who 's life did forfit , as Christ's foe , In love to him did freely it forgo . CI. Thus thou thy will upon thy foes may'st have , If thou do'st conquer them by charity . However thou that way thy soul shalt save ; And if not their's they shall more sorely dye . Them and thy self by hatred thou mayst kill , And near-the-less mayst fail to have thy will . CII . Love 's the best weapon wherewith we can fight , Against what ever persons us oppose ; While it in their welfare seeks its delight , We may them conquering win , and nought shall lose , But what shall be repaid and hundred fold , With that which far exceeds the choicest gold . CIII . Oh that of that blest Lamb who lost his life ! And powred forth his dearest precious blood ; That by his love he might o'rcome our strife , And his fierce persecutors bring to good ; We willing were to learn this lesson well , To strive in love each other to excell ? CIV . That others evils may not quel our good , But we with goodness may o'rcome their ill ; That though of mischiefs they cast out a flood Upon us , we may seek their welfare still ! Who lives in love , and love intirely keeps , Shall laugh when he who lives in hatred weeps . CV . But yet a third time love may lead us , yet After another object to inquire . Love we our selves : Can we our selves forget ? Or can we fail our own good to desire ? We are not bid to love our selves , because It is suppos'd we 'll do that without laws . CVI. That we should love our selves , God doth imply , When love unto our neighbours bid doth he . Making love to our selves , the rule whereby Love to our neighbour measured should be . To love our Neighbours as our selves , what 's that ? But if we hate our selves them too to hate . CVII . And yet so brutish we our selves have made , That other things we love , our selves neglect : Yea all our times and strength are oft out laid , On what our own destruction may effect . The love wherewith we love our selves , is hate Indeed , though love we it do nominate . CVIII . For there 's a love to self , that oft destroys The soul ; which God therefore forbiddeth to us , Branding self love as sinful ; 'cause 't annoys , And in the consequent doth but undo us . When so our selves , and what 's ours we affect , That God , and Neighbours , we to love neglect . CIX . Of such a love to self , the World is full ; And every where it's fruits are to be found : It 's that which from all goodness men doth pull , And makes them in all wickedness abound . Men so themselves , and their own lusts , do mind , It 's rare an honest godly man to find . CX . Some men their wisdom , goodness , strength , and parts , So much do overween and magnifie , That unto God and Christ , their minds and hearts , For grace and mercy they do not apply . Yea and what wholsom counsels unto them Others do give , they proudly do contemn . CXI . Some men their will and purpose cleave to so , That what God doth require , they don't regard : Yea every one they do account their foe , Who their will cross , or their designs retard . Yea many one that he may have his will Cares not God to blaspheme , and men to kill . CXII . Some men their praise with men , and reputation With fools so love , that so they may them get , They 'll shape their manners into any fashion , And faith and conscience too to sale they 'll set . Turning their backs on all that God prescribes , Rather then bear therefore some taunts or jibes . CXIII . Some for their honour so ambitious are , That rather then they 'll loose a cap , or knee , They 'll fret and sume , yea for it they don't care , A Mans , or Nations ruine if they see . Because unto proud Haman , Mordecay Would not bow down , he all the Jews would slay . CXIV . Some men for their inriching are so set , That so they may but their estates increase , Though by oppressing others , they it get By lying , cheating , breaking of the peace , They matter not ; nay they 'll for money sell Both God and Heaven , and give themselves to Hell . CXV . Some men their own delights , their pleasures , ease , So love and value that they matter not , For God or men , so they themselves may please , And have their belly-chear , punk , pipe and pot . Give them their hawks , hounds , pastimes , sports & plays , They matter not what God's laws , or Man's says . CXVI . Some folks their forms and handsomeness so prize , That all their care is wholly thereon set , How they some pretty fashion may devise , Their hair trim , or their cloths i' th' new cut get . Yea so thy be but fashionably fine , Their souls may perish , and the poor may pine . CXVII . Some men their own inventions so set by , Or their own fancies in Religion , That of true godliness the heart may dye , So be their ceremonies go but on . Let others rack their conscience , let them kill Their bodies , loose their souls , they 'll have their will . CXVIII . Nay many who do honest men appear , And from gross acts of wickedness are free , Who by no means will lye , be drunk , steal , swear , Yet their own things so mind from God they flee . Their Oxen , Farmes , Trades , Merchandise , or Wives ; God of their Love , Heaven of their Souls deprives . CXIX . But this unto mens selves is no right love , But hatred rather it may well be stil'd ; Beause their hearts from God it doth remove , And their souls are thereby of life beguil'd . A man's soul is himself ; who that neglects Himself doth hate , what ever he respects . CXX . It 's something else that men do love indeed , In this false self love , it 's a self of sin , Which did from Sathan at the first proceed , And at this motion Adam first let in . Sin so in man dwells , and 's with him so one , That is as a man's self is oft spoke on . CXXI . Thence we are bid our members on the Earth To mortifie ; when he that bids us so , Uncleanness , fornication , lawless mirth Therein forbids , and what may us undo . It 's this indeed that man so likes and loves , And it 's the love of this that God reproves . CXXII . The true love to our selves it is imply'd . In that which God requires of us ; as that The Lord we seek , love , serve , his will abide With patience , love our neighbours , all ill hate . Himself he truly loves , who doth indeavour , For what his soul will happy make for ever . CXXIII . He that regardeth not God's holy Word , To hear and learn , and carefully obey : Who seeketh not to know , and have the Lord , His Father , friend , his comfort , help and stay . Who hates his neighbours , and doth love his lust , Loves not himself , but 's to himself unjust . CXXIV . He that doth truly love himself , doth take The course that tends directly to his good : Doth seek to know it , doth inquiry make For it , not resting till 't is understood : Above his sense , and body , loves his soul , And whatsoere would harme it doth controule . CXXV . Who loves himself , indeed doth hate all sin , In love to Christ , his lust he will deny ; Will walk in all good ways : the World to win , Would not offend God , or men injury . Commits himself to God , on him doth stay ; And from his holy fear turns not away . CXXVI . Thus if this posie thou do'st understand , Thou mayst do well to bear it in thy mind : Yea did'st thou wear it then upon thine hand , And practise it , thou thence much good might'st find . Love not thy lusts , the world , or worldly pelf , But love God , love thy neighbour , love thy self . CXXVII . But if God thou neglect'st to love , and for True love to others , and thy self do'st place , Some blind affections to their friendship , or Their proper stature , fair or comely face . Which being of the flesh , though green and fair They now do seem , but grass and flowers are . CXXVIII . Or if thou thine own wit and parts adoring , Thy will , thy pleasures , beauty , strength , or ways , Or with thine own invention go'st a whoring , Or dot'st on thine own honour , name , or praise ; Or any like affection , in the stead Of true love placing , do'st this posie read ; CXXIX . Then thou this posie do'st not well apply , Nor need'st such iterations to incite Thy love ; but rather need'st that to deny , Then to foment , because thy love 's not right . Love not , love not , love not , well may we say When ours or other mens affections stray . CXXX . Love not the World , nor things thereof , so saith The holy Ghost : from fleshly lusts abstain ; They fight against our souls , lead from the faith , Deprive us of all good , and make us vain . Lord all unlawful love purge out of me , And make me love my self , my neighbours , Thee .
Another POSIE , O. M. W. R. God first doth try , then satisfie . I. HOW wondrous are God's ways ? He is most worthy praise . His counsels all are very deeply laid , The fool can't in his mind , His methods see or find . Who of his judgments may not be afraid ? Through Seas and Wilderness his ways lie , Yet when he hath try'd , he doth satisfie . II. His works are so i' th' dark To us , who can them mark . Till he doth bring them forth unto the light ? Though he i' th' dark begin , Yet doth he never lin , Till by his lustre he dispel the night . Then they who fear'd and sorrow'd , may espy How much they err'd , and praise him heartily . III. This is that way of God , With all his Saints oft trod . As at the first light out of darkness sprung ; So through much darkness , he Hath made his people see The light of life , where-through thy oft have sung . Christ fills his vessels first with water , and Then waters turns to wine by his command . IV. And this he doth , that so He might make us forgo Those lusts and Idols whereunto we cleave . And those sins mortifie , Which else would make us dye . He proves whether for him we them will leave ; And may we not when try'd , as dross be found , God will us save , and our joys shall abound . V. God tryed Abraham , When out of Vr he came , From 's kindred and his country made to go : But yet he did him save , And better lands he gave , Then that was which he call'd & brought him fro . An heavenly country he before him set , Which caus'd his mind the earthly to forget . VI. And his dear Sarah too Who out with him did go , Beside her many wandrings , tryals had , Twice she did scarcely scape , From Heathen Kings a rape , Her barren womb , and bond-mayd , made her sad . Yet when by many tryals she was taught To trust in God , she brought forth , and she laught . VII . Though Jacob was decreed , To Lordship as we read , Yet how great hardships did he first sustain ? Through Esans great hatred , He unto Laban fled , Where as a servant he did long remain . On the cold earth , on an hard stone he slept ; Converst with God , yet afterwards oft wept . VIII . He saw Heaven opened , Whence God himself preached , From top of ladder greatest blessings to him : Which before he injoy'd , Great sorrows him annoy'd , How many griefs sustain'd he like t' undo him ? Yet in the close of 's tryals he did meet , With many an heavenly satisfying sweet . IX . That chaste and pious lad , Joseph , after he had In dreams great dignity unto him shew'd ; Was by his brethren sold , And sorrows manifold , Sustain'd in Egypt , by his Mistress lewd . Many a doleful heart smart , stinging grief , Prisons and irons , small hopes of relief . X. Yet when God had him try'd , He him well satisfi'd : Rais'd him to honour , made him to command , With great Authority , Over both low and high , Next to the King throughout all Egypt's Land . Thus God through tryals manifold prepar'd him , And after with great honour did reward him . XI . Moses in rushy boat , Did on the waters float , Before he was receiv'd in Pharaoh's Court : Whence put to flight again , He was in Midian fain To act the shepherd in an homely sort . Yet thence God brought him to be Israels head , By whose hand out of Egypt he them led . XII . Where they had strangers been , And great oppressions seen , After the promise of the pleasant Land . Brought whence at length they were Through Wilderness fear , Seas , flood , and many tryals with high hand . And after all at length they did possess The Land of promise with great quietness . XIII . That Ruddy youth , the sheep Of Jesse that us'd to keep , He was anointed King of Israel : But before he did reign , Great griefs he did sustain , In Caves and Mountains , through what him befel . Yet God at length his enemies destroy'd , He reign'd in state , and in God greatly joy'd . XIV . Behold we Christ our Lord : How much was he abhor'd Of men ? a man with many sorrows try'd . In 's birth laid in a stall , His Life and Death with gall Was fil'd , with malefactors crucifi'd . He as i' th' wine-press of God's wrath was trod , Yet now is glorifi'd , worshipt as God . XV. Then let it not offend us , If God , that he might mend us , Do exercise us after any sort : Let us but to him cleave , He never will us leave , Till he hath satisfi'd us with comfort : Since this his method is , he first doth try , ( And so prepare for bless ) then satisfies . XVI . Yet ev'ry one that 's try'd , Is not so satisfi'd , But they who tryals patiently abide : Continuing in God's way , And trusting in him , they Shall with a crown of life be dignifi'd . They who through unbelief , impatiently Depart from God , deprive themselves and dye . XVII . In Israel of old , They who had manifold Proofs of God's love and graciousness receiv'd , And yet through unbelief , Put his good spirit to grief , And turn'd aside , thereby themselves depriv'd . Not patiently abiding to the end , They perisht in those judgments God did send . XVIII . They had not been o'rethrown , Had they this truth well known , And kept in mind , that this is God's good way , By tryals to prepare Those that his people are , And then his satisfactions to convey . This ruin'd them that being try'd , they thought God hated them , and their destruction sought . XIX . But God did never fail , Those where grace did prevail , To make them patiently to him to cleave . Though failings oft they had , Yet God did make them glad ; Pard'ning their sins , he never did them leave . 'T is not infirmities , and failings many , Where men are true to God shall deprive any . XX. Then let us courage take , And never God forsake , For whatsoever tryal us be●al : Our sins let us bewail , And hope , though thoughts assail , Since God through tryals led his people all . Only when God doth try us , us to prove , To try our selves too it doth us behove . XXI . That we may see what dross We yet retain ; which loss Will bring unto us , if not purged out : And when seen , with it part ; So God will fill our heart With heavenly satisfactions without doubt . And let none leave God's way , because they 'r try'd ; Who keeps it shall at length be satisfi'd , When by their tryals they are purifi'd .
To a Stationer who being asked for a Bible , replyed , Will you have one with the Service in it ? SIR , Whether you ask't this question in a jear , Or seriously you have my Answer here . MY Service is not bound up in a Book ; For then I might sometimes have it to look . For so some man might put it in his pocket , Or lay it in his desk , and from me lock it , So that I might not get it when I should Perform it ; or it might in time grow old : It might be lost , burnt , dirty'd , rent or torn , Or be with too much thumbing quite out-worn . At best as clos'd up in a Book it 's dead , And so not such as should be offered Unto the living God ; who now requires , A living sacrifice , not dead desires , A reasonable service unto him , And such a service he will not contemn . My service Sir I 'd bear it in my heart , Whence it may issue out to ev'ry part . It is the yielding of my whole body , To do God's will , or bear it chearfully . That is the service we ought to perform , And not our selves to this World to conform ; As in the twelfth to t' Romans you may read , The World it self and its service is dead . They like to serve the Devil with their hearts , Their tongues , hands , heads , and all their other parts ; To give their bodies unto lust , or pride , Their mouths to curse , boast , scoff , jear and deride , Blaspheme and lye ; themselves they sacrifice To drunkenness , whoredom , or avarice . And yet they think they serve God bravely too , For they their service in a Book can show . Their service is a thing that lies without them , And they can carry it sometime about them , Unless their Book 's too big , or lay it by When they have said it o're , and let it lye . They can present it unto God i' th' morn , And all the day beside his counsels scorn . Or else perhaps present it but one day In six or seven , and all the week else lay It at a distance ; giving God what 's dead , While with what liv's their lusts are worshipped . Oh gallant service ! like to the Idols old , Which Heathens made of Silver or of Gold : Which might be carryed from place to place ; And had th' appearance of an humane face : But yet were life-less , void of inward breath ; And could not keep their worshippers from death , Either of body or of soul , though they Did do their service to them every day . Dead fouls with dead things suit ; the living God Who quickens what is dead , and with his rod Corrects the Nations , living things likes best ; Even living groans of an inspired brest . The World such living service can't perform : It hates the pow'r and only likes a Form Of Godliness ; which they may leave or take , Use or lay by , as for their turn 't doth make . Mistake me not herein , as if I thought , Or else intended to judge , all pray'rs naught , That are taught by a Book ; or as if none Might pray acceptably , who pray thereon . It is the Worlds bad guise I here reprove , Who serve God with pretences , their sins love : Which many too may do , that pray without A Book ; and so too many do no doubt , Delight themselves in their own gifts and parts , While yet their lusts they love with all their hearts . Witness the pride or avarice of some , Who yet as Saints into God's presence come . I know a Book that service may hold forth , Which God requires and shews to be of worth . And so each sacred Bible doth declare , What worship God requires of praise and pray'r , Or other ways of service ; but no ground Of any such distinction so is found . As if some Bibles did not shew the way , How we should serve God , and unto him pray . I do suppose it was some other thing , That you did signifie in your saying . Likely those Form's of Pray'r you meant thereby , That are injoyned by Authority . If so , pray know , that I the words of them Do not except against , much less condemn . The Prayers are pithy , Orthodox and good , More gen'rally if rightly understood : And such as whereto I Amen can say Heartily , when with them I hear men pray . And so may others too I think ; although Some few things there among scruple I do . Unto the pure all things are pure and good , But that must warily be understood . For what I am not satisfied in , I cannot say I am , without my sin ; Nor would I thereby stain my Conscience , Or unto others give cause of offence , But why you , Sir , those Prayers the Service call , I can't well tell , nor much inquire it shall . I call them not my Service , they that do May lay them on the Altar , I think so They might be off'red up , although they there Should lye untouch't , or unread all the year , As a sum of the Churches pray'rs and praise , And so less grief to some men they would raise . And they the same are , and as pithy too , Though never read , as when men read them do . Though I the reading of them too allow , To such as please , if any would them know ; Or in those words would their desires express , I can mine sometimes too with readiness . Though I profess I ne'r could find it yet , In any passage of the holy writ , That God requires , or holy men did use To read their pray'rs to God ; but pray excuse That passage in me , I leave others free ; Let others leave me so , and we agree .
Sententious Verses of an unknown Author . COnfession is to cure our sin , A very present Medicine . Thy Saviour on his Cross did choose To save thy life , his own to loose . Our Saviour cry'd , Repent , Repent , As John who , fore our Saviour went . Blessed be the Name of Jesus , Who tormented was to ease us . The grace of Jesus is to me , The only true felicity . Christ's Cross my Crown , I do esteem , What ever earthy men do deem . My hope in Christ is fixed sure , Who wounded was , my wounds to cure . My hope shall never be confounded , Because my hope on Christ is grounded . My soul cleave fast to Christ above , For nought on earth deserves thy love . Fear not my soul , be not dismaid , For Jesus Christ thy debts hath paid . The Death of Christ is life to thee , If thou a Christian truly be . Faith is not faith , unless it be A faith that works by charity . Christ is by marriage knit to thee , If thou to him by Sanctity . Admire my soul , the mystery Of Jesus Christ's nativity . Christ was conceiv'd i' th' Virgins womb , That thou might'st a Son of God become . Christ unto thee , if thou be his , Both light , and food , and Medicine is . If thou polluted art with sin , The fountain's open , enter in . He that doth eat and drink by ●aith , Christ's flesh and blood , salvation hath . Be wise , do not too far inquire , For what thou rather shouldst admire . Christ is ascended up on high , And we must up as Eagles flie . God sealeth by his holy Spirit , As many as shall life inherit . Great is the Churches dignity , That chosen is Christ's spouse to be . In Christ we are of God elect , What 's out of Christ God doth reject . Our prayers do pierce the starry sky , And fetch down blessings from on high . The Angels of the Lord protect , All those that are the Lord 's elect . The Devils treacheries who knows , A thousand ways he seeks our woes . He 's only wise who God doth know , And doth by life his knowledge show . To live it is not , but to dye , To live in sin securely , Christ's life must be a Rule to thee , If Christ's Disciple thou wilt be . Thou from thy self must first depart , Before thou can'st in Christ have part . Thy soul can nothing satiate , But God who did the same create . Labour to have thy conscience pure , When all things fail that will endure . What is a bubble ? such is man , Whose life in length is but a span . The man that Covets , is but poor , Although he riches have great store . The sign by which the Saints we know , It is by love their faith to show . The soul that chaste is , is Christ's Spouse , His bed of rest , his lodging house . The life of man's a rolling stone , Mov'd to and fro , and quickly gone . Love not the World , the World is vain , But love the things that will remain . The Palme-tree grows the more prest down , And crosses prove the Churches crown . Take up thy cross and it endure , Then of a crown thou shalt be sure . Let not tentations cast thee down , For perseverance will thee crown . Think every day to be thy last , And when that 's come thy life is past . Grieve not when Christian friends do dye , They gain by Death eternity . Remember that Christ Jesus shall , Thoughts , words and deeds , to judgment call . All earthly things tread under thee , And let thy thoughts in Heaven be . The Saints are Pilgrims here below , And towards Heaven their country go . If thou beest here a child of grace , 'Mongst Angels thou shalt have a place . If into Hell thou would'st not fall , Think dayly on 't and mind God's call . The pains of Hell do far extend , Beyond all time , World without end . Doth Adam dye , Christ in thee live ? Christ shall eternal life thee give .
Upon the carelesness and covetousness of some that regard not to Read , much-less are willing to buy good and useful Books ; and the wickedness of others that traduce them . Quis leget , aut emet haec . SEE here my friends , that which with much expence Of time and money ( if without offence I may suggest it ) I prepared have , Your good to further , and your souls to save : Is here exposed to you ; will you read it , So as with seriousness to mind and heed it ? Will you with little charge and cost that buy , Which doth me in far greater charges lye ? Your pains in Reading it will be far less , Than mine it to Compose , and in this dress To make it ready for you ; and your gain Will far exceed your cost , if it remain , Upon your Reading it , in memory : And if unto the practise , you apply Your hearts , of what it tends to , as you ought , You will not then repent that you it bought . But I observe it some men's humour is , To slight and undervalue things like this . They 'll rather idle Ballads buy and read , Or such bad Books as vice do breed and feed ; And what their souls tend to spoil and destroy . For pride or belly chear , they will imploy Their time and money : and it is a grief To find such humours in some men so brief . To see no more regard , to what with pains And cost prepar'd is for their endless gains . Yea sometimes I with such could angry be , When such like carriages in them I see . Or marvail at their stupidness to slight , What their own welfare much advantage might . But then when I look higher , and reflect Upon the sad regardless disrespect , That too too commonly we all express To God and Christ , who far more for our bless And endless happiness , than any man By all his study and expences can , Have done and have prepar'd , and tender to us , Whereto with much long suff'ring they do wooe us . It doth allay my grief and wonder too , As to my labours , or what others do Of like import ; for what am I , or any Who labour in such studies , whereby many Might benefitted be , with him compar'd , Who hath eternal life for us prepar'd By such a costly way , as by the Death Of his dear Son , who for us spent his breath , And 's life and soul expos'd to many a grief , To bring unto our souls endless relief . Find we not Christ himself sometime complain , That he had labour'd and his strength in vain Had spent , while they among whom he had wrought , Did all his love and labour set at naught . Though he doth freely tender all the good Which he hath bought by his most precious blood , For mankind , unto whosoever will , Accept thereof , and take thereof their fill . Yet because something he again requires That men do value , and which their desires And love are bent upon , they should forsake , That of his better things they might partake ; Because he bids us of him his things buy , Men do refuse them too too generally . Though all he doth require us to forgo , Or unto him to offer up , that so We might be happy in what he doth give , And might with him in joys for ever live , Is nothing worth ; nor worthy to be ey'd , Compar'd with what he gave , when as he dy'd For us and for our sins ; his life and blood More precious far than can be understood . Or else compar'd with what he gives again , Even joys and glory that ever remain . If we resent it if our labours be , And cost neglected ; Oh then what may he ? With whose both pains and cost , if we compare Any or all of ours , they nothing are . His labour and his patience very great , Beside his agonies and bloody sweat : He went about by Land and Sea , that good He might do unto those who shed his blood : Which he most freely poured out , that we Drinking thereof might blest for ever be . Yet amongst men how slender his reward , How few his love or labours do regard ? Such is the Worlds guise , such it constantly Hath been , to cast their best concernments by , While vanity they love , and follow after Mere leasings , or fond things of mirth and laughter . Yea not only such things they disrespect , As tend their greatest weal most to effect . But oft repay with hatred and disdain , The greatest love , and things of greatest gain . Whereof , as Christ himself the Sovereign Lord Of glory , so his choise servants afford Sufficient proof and evidence : how great Their pains and labour , the World to intreat , To save their souls ! how great their diligence By Preaching , Writing , Travail , Patience , In good and bad reports ! and yet how bad Their intertainment every where ! how sad Their ill requitals ! oh at how great cost Have we our Bible truths ! how many lost Their precious lives , laid out their strength and time , That we might know the way whereby we climb May , up to Heaven and happiness ! yet who Will even for Heaven it self their lusts forgo ? Well then may I not grutch at cost or pains , Nor grumble at any neglects , disdain , Or what like things me for my labours shall From any man , at any time befall . Yea , if I for my labours disrespect May meet with , it may make me to reflect Upon my self , and smiting on my thigh , To say , Thus , thus too much and oft have I Requited God , Christ , and the holy Ghost , And those his servants who unto our coast With pains and travail God's truth carried forth ; Truths of unspeakable and boundless worth . Why then should I complain , if I should find Such disrespects as suit less with my mind ? Or why should I expect , respect , or look For better likement unto any Book , Than usual is for all good things to have ! Hatred they must expect , who souls would save . When I and others mend and better be To God , they will deal well enough with me .
AN EPITAPH UPON Mr. THOMAS LILLY Of South-Lin . I. THou that go'st by , cast here thine eye ; I sometime walked there . I was a Flower , I stood my hour , And now I 'm fallen here . II. I in my time was of the prime That lived in this Town ; A Lilly fresh , but I was flesh ; And Death hath cut me down . III. ALl flesh is grass , it 's grace doth pass ; The best is but a flower : The stoutest man do what he can , Must dye when 't is his hour . IV. If riches could Death's force withhold , I had not dyed yet : Riches good store I had , Death's sore Yet thence no cure could get . V. I thought of this , I sought for bliss , I good attention gave To what I heard ; the Lord I fear'd ; And as I sought I have . VI. O man thou must return to dust What ever now thou art , Dust was thy breed , and 't is decreed Thou and the World must part . VII . Yet thou may'st live , if thou do'st give Good heed to mend thy ways . For though thou dye , yet certainly God will again thee raise . VIII . For Death came in by loathsom sin , But Christ for all did dye , And unto those who with him close , He 'll give the victory . IX . Nothing beside will long abide , But soon will fade away . Consider well ; Take heed of Hell , Think on thy dying day . X. So farewel friend , and God thee send To live so holily , That Heaven may be a place for thee When 't is thy turn to dye . FINIS .
Reader there be too many mistakes of Words , Letters , and Points ; the chief of them thou hast here a note of and how thou may'st correct them , viz. as follows .

IN the Title page vers . last for inot r. into . In the Epistle p. 1. vers. 14. for . too r. two . v. 16. r. woe . In the Apology p. 3. l. 32. r. such woers . p. 4. l. 36. r. I my self submit . In the body of the Poem . p. 2. l. 30. put out the full stop at bands . p. 5. l. 30. r the vile . p. 6. l. 33. for to r. so . p. 8. l. 14. put out the stroke of the parenthesis , and put it in l. 17. after back . p. 11. l. 22. r. the better , and their talk . p. 34. l. 13. r. they may make . p. 39. l. 14. r. good God . p. 42. l. 30. r. naught . p. 44. l. 20. for vow r. bow . p. 54. l. 14. for left r. lift . p. 58. l. 10. r. in my joys . p. 60. l. 20. r. reprov'st us . p. 65. l. last , for can r. did . p. 66. l. 1. and 3. for make r. made . p. 69. l. 24. r. that they in their . p. 72. l. 34. r. fill us . p. 111. l. 14. for whom r. when . p. 131. l. 4. for once r. over . p. 139. l. 17. for abhorred r. adhered . p. 138. al. 140. l. 33. for to r. so . p. 148. l. 9. for is r. if . and l. 29. put out is . p. 151. l. 30. r. fading . p. 161. l. 15. for nosh r. now . p. 164. l. last r. do pierce . p. 167. l. 14. r. show'd . p. 172. l. 15. for best r. blest . p. 181. l. 24. for but r. by . p. 186. l. 15. the word Lamentations should have been in a great and different character , as also diverse other words in the foregoing pages . p. 211. l. 22. r. death , honour . p. 224. l. 33. r. between . p. 228. l. 5. for thy r. thee . p. 232. l. 26. for caret r. care . p. 234. l. 16. r. stinch . p. 235. l. 6. r. though . p. 244. l. 30. r. thy pledge my holy . p. 243. l. 27. for fashion r. fathom . p. 254. l. 6. put our the stop at so . p. 259. l. 27. r. heart . p. 256. l. 22. r. ay . p. 260. l. 4. for . lovely r. lowly . p. 264. l. 4. for this r. his . p. 267. l. 28. put out not . p. 268. l. 7. for soul r. love . p. 276. l. last for oft r. oft . p. 295. l. 6. r. and their portion .

Other mispointings I leave to thy discretion to observe and rectifie in thy Reading .