The glorious lover a divine poem upon the adorable mystery of sinners redemption / by B.K., author of War with the Devil.

front y title . I. Oliver● Scu● The Pirgin drest vp in her Gallant●● The glorious state e'th soul doth 〈◊〉 Before the Fall . Her outward Robes 〈◊〉 Her inward Beauty was beyond compa● But naked stri●● , when satan did deceive her And Hells wide jaws stood read● to receive 〈◊〉 frout y title . I. Oliver Scu●

THE Glorious Lover .

A DIVINE POEM , Upon the Adorable Mystery of Sinners Redemption .

By B. K. Author of War with the Devil .

Psalm 45. 1. My Heart is inditing a good matter .

LONDON , Printed by J. D. for Christopher Hussey , at the Flower-de-Luce in Little Britain . 1679.

The PROEM . YOV Gentle Youths , whose chaster Breasts do beat With pleasing Raptures , & Love's generous heat ; And Virgins kind ! from whose unguarded Eyes Passion oft steals your hearts by fond surprize ; All you who Amorous Stories gladly hear , And feed your wand'ring Fancies by the Ear ; Those treacherous Delights a while lay by , And lend attention to our History : A History with Love and Wonders fill'd , Such as nor Greece nor Rome could ever yield . So great the Subject , lofty the Design , Each part is Sacred , and the whole Divine . If you its worth and nature well shall weigh , 'T will charm your Ear , your best Affections sway , And in dark Minds spring an Eternal Day . My Muse is rais'd beyond a vulgar flight : For Cherubs boast to sing of what I write . I write — But 't is , alas , with trembling hand : For who those boundless Depths can understand ? Those Mysteries unvail , which Angels do With dread Amaze desire to look into ? Thou glorious Being ! from whose Bounty flows All good that Man , or does , or speaks , or knows ; Whose Altars once mean Turtles entertain'd , And from the mouths of Babes hast strength ordain'd ; Purge with thy Beams my over-clouded mind ; Direct my Pen , my Intellect refine , That I thy matchless Triumphs may indite , And live in a due sense of what I write . And you , dear Sirs , , that shall vouchsafe to read , Charity 's Mantle o're my failings spread . High is my Theme , but weak and short my Sight ; My Eyes oft dazled with Excess of Light . Yet something here perhaps may please each Guest ; 'T is Heavenly Manna , though but homely drest . Paul became all to All : and I would try By this Essay of mystick Poesy , To win their Fancies , whose harmonious Brains Are bettrr pleas'd with soft and measur'd strains . A Verse may catch a wandring Soul , that flies Profounder Tracts , and by a blest surprize — Convert Delight into a Sacrifice . — How many do their precious time abuse On cursed products of a wanton Muse ; On trifling Fables , and Romances vain , The poisoned froth of some infected Brain ? Which only tend to nourish Rampant Vice , And to Prophaneness easie Youth entice , Gilt o're with Wit , black Venom in they take , And 'midst gay Flowers hug the lurking Snake . Here 's no such danger , but all pure and chast ; A Love most fit by Saints to be imbrac'd : A Love 'bove that of Women : Beauty , such , As none can be enamour'd on too much . Read then , and learn to love truly by this , Vntil thy Soul can sing ( Raptur'd in Bliss ) My Well-beloved's mine , and I am his .

BOOK I.

CHAP. I.

The Excellencies and Perfections of the glorious King , the Lord JEHOVAH , discovered : Shewing how he had but one Son , the express Image of the Father , the delight and joy of his Heart ; and of the glorious and eternal Design of this most High and Everlasting JEHOVAH to dispose of his Son in Marriage . Moreover , how the matter was propounded by the Father , and whom he had chose to be the intended Spouse . Shewing also how the Prince readily consented to the Proposal ; and of his first grand and glorious Atchievements in order to the Accomplishment of this happy Design .

IN the fair Regions of approachless Light , Where unmixt Joys with perfect Love unite ; Where youth n'ere wasts , nor Beauty ever fades , Where no disease , nor paining-grief , invades ; There reigns , and long hath reign'd , a mighty King , From whom all Honours , and all Riches spring ; His vast Dominions reach from Pole to Pole , No Realm nor Nation but he could controul ; So great his Pow'r , there never yet could be , An absolute Monarch in the World but he . What e're seem'd good to him , he freely did , And nothing from his piercing Eye was hid . To him the mighty Nimrods all did Bow , And none durst boldly question , What dost Thou ▪ Justice and Wisdom waited on his Throne , And through the World his Clemency was know ▪ His Glory so Illustrious and Bright , It sparkled forth , and dazled Mortals sight . Immense his Being ; for in every Land He present was , and by each Soul did stand . No Spies he needed for Intelligence In Foreign parts , to bring him Tydings thence . And vain to him was Court-dissemblers Art , He saw each corner of the subtlest heart , View'd acts unborn , and plain discoveries wrough ▪ E're labouring Fancy once could mould a Though ▪ Beheld mens minds clearly , as were their faces , And uncontain'd , at once did fill all Places ; His awful frown could make the Mountains shak ▪ And Stoutest hearts of Haughty Princes quake . All things were his , who did them first compose , And by his wisdom doth them still dispose ; To serve his Friends , and to destroy his Foes . His Azure Throne with Holiness is spread , The pure in heart alone his Court may tread ; No vitious Gallant , Proud , Imperious , Vain , In Court , nor Kingdom will he entertain . He 's th' essence of true Vertue , spotless , pure , And no ungodly one can he endure . No wicked person to him dares draw nigh , Though ne're so Rich , so Mighty , or so High ; 'T is Righteousness his blessed Throne maintains , Who all Injustice utterly disdains ; Nay , Holiness doth this great Soveraigne cloath , And such as weare it not , his Soul doth loath . But above all the Glories which did wait Upon this High and Peerless Potentate : His Pity did the most transcendent prove , Matchless his Power , but greater still his Love ; Such bowels of Compassion ne're were known , Nor e're such proofs of vast Affection shown ; His kindness beyond all that Pen can write , Or Heart conceive , or nimblest Brain indite . This Sovereign Love our wond'rous Subject brings , Our Hist'ry from those melting Ardours springs . For this great King had a most lovely Son , And had indeed no more save only one , Who was begotten by him , and brought forth E're Heav'ns blew curtains did surround the Earth ; Before the World's foundations yet were laid , Times glass turn'd up , or the Sun's course displaid , This Prince was brought up with him , and did lye , In his dear Bosom from Eternity . He was his only Joy , and hearts delight , Who ever did behold him in his sight . And as he made his Father's heart most glad , He was sole Heir to all the Father had ; Who freely gave all things into his Hand , And made him Ruler over every Land , Designing still to raise his Dignity Above each Earthly Prince , or Monarchy , And him intitle with a glorious Name , Which none of all the Heav'nly Host dare claim . What glory is there in each Seraphim ! Yet must they all do Homage unto him ; The Cherubims likewise must all submit , And humbly worship at his Royal Feet , With trembling Reverence ; for he d●th bear The express Image of his Father dear ; And his Majestick Glory doth unfold , Too● right for any creature to behold , Untill transform'd into an Heav'nly mould . The Lus●re of his Face , the loveliness Of compleat Beauty , and of Holiness . His Personal Sweetness , and Perfections rare , No tongue of men , or Angels , can declare : For , 't is recorded by unerring Pen , He fairer was than all the Sons of men . Which in its proper place will more appear : But mind at present what doth follow here . This mighty King , whose Glories thus did shine , Had long on foot a very great D●sign , Which was , in Marriage to disp●●● this Son , The blessedst Work that ever could be done : This Secret then to him he does disclose , And whom for him he had already chose , Tells him the way , and means , whereby to bring About this strange and most important thing ; What he must do ; and all things doth declare : To which the Son doth lend attentive ear , Who never did his Father disobey , Nor him displease , would not in this say nay ; But straight-way shew'd with joy & chearful mind He was that way himself long time inclin'd : For with a Heav'nly smile he made reply , This Creature is the Jewel of mine eye . Great King of Kings , thy Sacred Sovereign Will With greatest Joy I 'm ready to fullfil . My heart 's inflam'd with love , and will be pain'd Till she for my imbraces be obtain'd . With secret transports long have I design'd That happy Match in my Eternal Mind , To people with a new and holy Race Th' Immortal Mansions of this Glorious Place . Such is the Love which unto her I have , 'T is strong as Death , and lasts beyond the Grave . Where e're she be ( for well I understand She 's spirited of late to a strange Land ) Winged with Love I 'le search the World about , And leave no place unsought to find her out . If any Foe doth Captive her detain , I'lebe her Rescue , and knock off her Chain : Or , if half stifled , she in Prison lye , I 'le break the Bars , and give her liberty . I will refuse no Labour , nor no pain , Thee ( dearest Soul ! ) into my Arms to gain . Such was this Prince's love , and now t is fit We tell you who the object was of it . Within the Limits of the Holy Land , Whose Glory once shone forth on every hand ; And near the Borders of rare Havelah , Where Creatures of each kind first breath did draw Where Pison's streams with Euphrates did meet ; Where did abound all Joy and Comfort sweet , Without the least perplexity or wo ; Where Bdellium and the Onyx Stone did grow ; Did a most choice and lovely Garden lye , Renowned much for its antiquity : For Sacred Story has proclaim●d its name , And rais'd up Trophies to its lasting fame . Within that Garden dwelt in Ancient time A very lovely Creature in her Prime , Mirror of Beauty , and the World 's chief glory , Whose rare composure did out-vy all Story : Fair as the Lilly , e're rude hands have toucht it : Or snow unfal'n , before the Earth hath smucht it : The perfectst work which wondring Heav'n could see , Of Nature's Volumn , blest Epitome ; Her glorious Beauty , and Admired Worth , What mortal tongue is able to set forth ? True Vertue was the Object of her will , There was no stain in her , no Feature ill , No sca●r , nor blemish , seen in any part ; Her Judgment uncorrupt , and pure her Heart ; Her thoughts were noble , words most wise , not lavish ; Her natural sweetness was enough to ravish All that beheld her ; from her sparkling Eye , A thousand Charms , a thousand Graces fly : No evill passion harbour'd in her breast , Or with bold Mutinies disturb●d her rest ; For what 's not borne yet , needs not be represt . Her Lineage Noble , of such high degree , None e're could boast a greater Pedigree : A Dowry too she had , a fair Estate , Conferr'd upon her at an easy Rate . In brief , in all Indowments she did shine , Stampt with his Image , who is all Divine : But that which most unto her bliss did add , Was the great Honour which some time she had , Of the sweet presence of a glorious King , From whom alone true Happiness doth spring ; He oft declar'd her his grand Favourite , And that with her was his endear'd delight : For precious love to her burn'd in his heart , And nothing thought too dear for to impart , Or unto her most freely to bestow , Of all the Treasures he had here below . This was her state at first , none can gain-say ; But then , mark what befell her on a day . She did not long in this condition stand , Before a cursed and most traiterous Band Of Rebels , who shook off Allegiance , And 'gainst their Sovereign did bold Arms advance ; Intic'd her to their Party , and destroy'd All those rare Priviledges she injoy'd . Which grand offence did so the King displease , That she his wrath by no means could appease ; Nor had she any Friend to speak a word , To stay the Tortures of the Flaming Sword . No purpose 't was , alas ! for her to plead , Why Sentence should not against her proceed ; Who well knew in her conscience 't was but right She should thenceforth be banisht from his sight , And his most glorious Face behold no more , As she with Joy had seen it heretofore . The rightful Sentence passed , though severe , Which might strike dead the trembling Soul to hear , Exil●d she was from him with fearful Ire , And laid obnoxious to Eternal fire : Turn'd out of all her Glory with a curse , No state of Mortal Creatures could be worse . And now she 's forc'd to wander to and fro , Finding no rest , nor knowing what to do . A foreign soile , alas ! she must seek out , And where to hide her self she looks about . A wretched Fugitive she straight became , A shame unto her self , to all a shame . Yet this vile wretched Creature , so forlorn , The Subject of contempt and general scorn , She , she 's the Object of this Prince's Love , She 't is to whom his warm Affections move . 'T was in her fallen state he cast his eye , Although he lov'd her from Eternity . Who wandring thus into a Foreign Land , Far off of him : he soon did understand There was no other thing for him to do , But must a Journy take , and thither go . If he 'l accomplish this his great Design , Of making Love , a Love that 's most divine . The Father now doth part which his dear Son , Who 's all on fire , and zealous to be gone : And what though it a grievous Journy be , Its bitterness he is resolv'd to see . His high Atchievements nothing shall prevent , His mind and purpose is so fully bent , That he in his own Kingdom will not stay One Minute after the appointed Day . But that you may more fully yet discover The matchless flames of this most glorious Lover , Permit us to present unto your view , The Court he left , the Dungeon he went to . The Kingdom , where this Hi●h-born Prince did dwell , All other Countries vastly doth excel , Its Glory splendid is and infinite , It cannot be beheld with fleshly sight . Ten thousand Suns , ten thousand times more bright Then ours is , could never give such light . None ever there beheld a Cloud , nor shall ; Nor ever was there any Night at all . No cold or heat did ever there displease , No pain nor sorrow there , nor no disease . No thirst nor hunger there do any know , Nor any foes to seek their overthrow , Disturb their peace , or them i' th least annoy ; Nor is there any Devil to destroy . And if one would that Kingdom searth about , There is no finding of one poor Man out . No sooner any such do thither get , But on their Heads a glorious Crown is set . Congratulating Angels round them wait , And cloath them all in long white Robes of State . They live in boundless Bliss , with such content , It raises Joy unto a Ravishment . There 's Rivers too of Pleasures , fil'd to 'th Brim , In which the Prophets and Apostles swim . There Beauty fadeth not , nor Strength decayes ; No weary old Age , neither end of Dayes . Impossible it is for them to dye , Whose Souls have tasted Immortality . All there is Love , and Sempiternal Joys , Whose sweetness neither gluts , nor fullness cloys . Friends always by ; for absence is not known , Their loss , or departure , none can bemoan . Within the confines of this blissfull Land There doth a spacious foursquare City stand , The noblest Structure 't is that e're was rais'd , By men admired , or by Angels prais'd . The Founder of it was a mighty King ; Yet without hands t' was built , amazing thing ! As for th' Marterials , which did it prepare From a good Author this description hear : The Luke-warm Blood of a dear Lamb being spilt , To Rubies turn'd , whereof its parts were built ; And what dropt down in a kind gellied Gore , " Became rich Saphire , and did pave her Floor . " The Brighter flames that from his Eyebals ray'd , " Grew Chrysolites , whereof her walls were made , " The Milder glances sparkled on the ground , " And grounsild every Door with Diamond : " But dying , darted upwards , and did fix " A Battlement of purest Sardonix . " Its Streets with Burnisht Gold are paved round , " Stars lye like Pebbles scattered on the ground . " Pearl mixt with Onyx , and the Jasper Stone , " The Citizens do alwayes tread upon . Here he with 's Father in great state did sit , Whilst millions bow'd themselves unto his Feet . Here 't was he kept his Court , here was his Throne , From hence through all the World his Glory shone . And if ought could unto his Greatness add , Mark what a rich Retinue there he had . He Servants kept of very high Degree , Who did bow down to him continually . Though they were Nobles all , and far more high Than proudest of the Roman Monarchy ; And mighty great in Power too are they ; For one alone did no less Number slay Than near two hundred thousand in one night , Of Valaint Souldiers , trained up to fight . These Troops still ready stood at his command , To execute his will in every Land . Of them he 'd an Innumerable Host , Though some of them in ancient times were lost : Yet the selected number Millions were , Who still to him do true Allegiance bear : True Love and Zeal burn'd in their breasts , like fire ▪ To do his Will 's their business and desire : 'T is his gre●●●●●'rest which they wholly mind , Aiding his Friends , 〈◊〉 welfare they design'd : And likewise evermore to frustrate those , Who did their Prince's Soveraignty oppose . Their Nature's quick and clear , as Beams of light : Creatures too pure for Mortals grosser sight . And if we shall consider well their worth , Meer Empty Nothings are all Kings 'o th Earth , When to these Servants they compared be ; So much excells their glorious Dignity . What of their Sovereign Lord then shall we say , On whom they do attend both night and day ? When they before his dazling Throne appear , Their Heav'nly faces straight way cover'd are ; As if not able on his Face to look ; Or else with glorious blushings , Heaven-struck . Such , such his Court , such his Attendants were : Who could with this great Prince of light compare ? Oh what Celestial Glory didst thou leave , Almost beyond mans credence to believe ! That thou shouldst thus thy Fathers house forsake , And such a tedious dismal Journey make ! Could not that charming , Melody above , Allure thy thoughts and , hinder thy remove ? Oh no! there 's nothing can retard thy Love . Hark how the glorious Seraphims do sing , Whose warbling notes do make the Heavens ring ! What Mortals ever did such Musick hear ? Spirits made perfect , are quite ravisht there . Oh! how they listen whilst the Strains rise higher , And joyning gladly with th' All-charming Quire , Sing forth aloud , inspired with his flame , All Glory , Glory , Glory to his Name . One strain of this Celestial Harmony , Could Mortals hear , they soon would thither fly : They straight would shake off all their carnal shackles And quit these dull and loathsom Tabernacles ; Like towring Larks , still upwards would they soar , And ravished , would think of Earth no more : Or like to herds of Cattel , great and small , They●d leave their feedings , and run thither all . But yet could not this lovely Paradise , These Honours , or this Melody intice The love-sick Prince unto a longer stay , So much he longed for the Marriage day : No thing could his Design divert , or move ; So constant was he in his Royal Love . His Travels next will you be pleas'd to hear Which raises wonder in me to declare . Ten thousand millions , and ten thousand more Of Angel-measur'd Leagues from th' Eastern shore : Of Dunghil Earth this glorious Prince did come . Did ever Lover go so far from Home To seek a Spouse ? What brave Heroick Spirit That e're did love of vertuous Princess merit , Would not have found his trembling heart to ake , So vast an Enterprize to undertake ; Such dangers to expose himself unto , Such pleasure , and such glory to fore-go ! But some 't is like may ask a question here , Unto what Parts or Region did he steer ? Or whither did he travel , whither go ? A very needful thing for all to know . Was 't to some Goshen-Land , of precious Light ? Or in to some Elysian Fields , which might With Boundless Pleasures thither him invite ? Was it a Kingdom somewhat like his own For Bliss and Glory ? or what kind of one Was this strange Land , to which this Lover went ▪ To find the Soul , forc'd into Banishment ? Alas ! dear Sirs ! this may you still amaze , And to a higher Pitch your wonder raise . As far as Darkness differs from the Light , Or dolesom Earth falls short of Heaven so bright ; As Heavens higher are than Earth or Seas , A thousand times , ten thousand of Degrees ; So far that place where this sweet Prince did dwell The other ( to which he travel'd ) did excel . As that transcends for loveliness most rare : So this in wickedness exceeds compare . Egypt was once a dark and dolesom place , When no one could behold his brother's face . Though there the sacred stories plainly tel 't , The darkness was so great , it might be felt . Yet was that but a figure , you must know , Of the black horror of this Land of Wo , Whither the wretched wandring Soul was gone , And whence her Lover now must fetch her home : It was indeed an howling Wilderness , A Region of dispair , and all distress : Where Dragons , Wolves , Lyons , and ravenous Beasts Had their close Dens , and Birds of Prey their Nests . Besides , throughout the ruinated Land A Black and fearful King had great Command , Who had revolted many years before From his Liege Lord , and to him since has bore Most cruel spight and curs'd malignity , Assuming to himself the Soveraignty ; The greatst Usurper that e're being had : Sylla , nor Nero never were so bad . For 't is well known he was th' original Syre Of Tyrants all , and taught them to aspire ; Ambitious through the World to spread his Arms , He fill'd the Earth with Blood and sad Alarms : And like a ravenous Lyon rang'd about To seek his Prey , and find new Conquests out . Full of State-Policies , and Subtil wiles : Where 's Force attempts in vain , his Fraud beguiles . Most cruel to those Slaves he can betray , And yet the Fools , besotted to his sway , Court their own ruine , and blindly obey . His Antient Lord he hated most of all , And such as were his offspring , great and small , He was resolv'd to be reveng'd upon , And them for to destroy e're he had done , From whence his name was call'd Apollyon . A name which doth his Nature full express , And you of him thereby my further guess . This greedy Dragon , hungry of his prey , With wide-stretcht Jawes stood waiting for the day , When this dear Prince should come ; nay for the hour , That so he might him instantly devour . Oh Tyrant Love ! dost thou no pity take ! Wilt thou the PHAENIX of both worlds thus make A prey to such a Fiend , who by some snare Hopes to entrap this long expected Heir , And then to take Possession , and alone Rule on an undisturbed Hellish Throne ? See how the Troops of his Infernal Power Combine , this Sacred Person to devour . Needs must that be a sad and dismal Land , Where this damn'd Monster hath so great Comand . What Prince would come from such a Mount of bliss Unto a Cave , where Poysonous Serpents hiss ? Come from his Father's Bosom where he lay , To be the Wolves and Dragons chiefest prey ? To leave his glorious Robes and Cloth of Gold , And clothed be with Raggs and Garments old ! From ruling men and Devils , now to be Tempted by both of them , scarce ever free ? To leave a Paradise of all Delight , And come into a Land as black as night ? A glorious Crown and Kingdom to forsake , That he his bed might on a Dunghil make ? To leave a sweet and quiet Habitation , To come into a rude distracted Nation ? Where Wars , Blood , and Miseries abound , Where neither Truth , nor Faith , nor Peace is found ? To leave his Friends , who loved him most dear , To dwell with such as mortal hatred bear To him , and to his blessed Father , and All such as do for them most faithful stand ? To come so many Millions of long miles To be involv'd in Troubles and sad Broils ? And all this for a Creature poor and vile , A Traiterous Vagabond , and in Exile ? Yea , one that still remain'd a stubborn foe , ●ating both him and his blest Father too ? Who ponders all in extasy , can't miss To cry out , Oh! what manner of Love is this ? Sure this is Love that may our Souls amaze , And to the height our wondring Spirits raise , In grateful Hymns to celebrate its praise .

CHAP. II.

Shewing what entertainment the Prince of Light me● with at his first arrival . How there being no room for him in the Inn , he was forced to lie in the Stable , and make his bed in the Manger . As also how he having laid aside his Glorious and Princely Robes , was not known by the people of that Country ; and how he was wronged , and abominably abused by them .

AWake my Muse ! I hear the Prince is come ; Go and attend him , view the very Room Where he at first doth lodg : see how they treat A King , whose Pow'r is so exceeding great . Much Rumor of his coming , I am told , Was spread abroad amongst them there of old , And many waiting for him , long'd to see What kind of King and Person he should be . Oh! what provision now to entertain Him did they make ? my Soul 's in grevious pain To hear of this . Doth not the Trumpet sound , And Joy and melody sweetly abound I' th hearts of all , who heard of this good News ? How did they carry 't to him , or how use This lovely One , whom Angels do adore , And Glorious Seraphims fall down before ? Ah! how methinks should they now look about Some curious stately Structure to find out , Some Prince's Palace for his Residence , Or strong fair Castle for his safe Defence ! Don't people leap for Joy , whil'st Angels sing , To welcome in their long expected King ? Do not the Conduits through all streets combine , In stead of Water , wholly to run Wine ? Do not great Swarms of people 'bout him sly , Like to some strange and glorious Prodigy ? What dos't thou say , my Muse , Art wholly mute ? Doth this not with thy present purpose suit ? Ah! yes , it does , but how shal't be exprest ? The grief that seizes on my panting Breast , My heart into a trembling fit doth fall , To think how he contemned was of all . The Savage Monsters did this Prince reject . And treat him with affronts and disrespect : When he for them had taken all this pain , They neither would him know nor entertain : The very Inn , where first he went to lie , For to vouchsafe him Lodging did deny . No Room ( alas ! ) had they ; but if 't were so He would be there , to th' Stable he must go . To' th' Stable then goes he contentedly , Without the least reflection or reply . The silly Ass , and labouring Ox must be Companions now to Sacred Royalty ; Expos'd by Greater Brutes , he must ( alas ) Take up with the Dull-Oxe , and painful Ass , Who their great Maker and Preserver was ; And in the Manger's forc'd to make his bed , Without one Pillow to support his Head . Let Heav'n astonisht , Earth amazed be At this ungrateful Inhumanity Let Seas rise up in heaps , and after quit Their Course , these Barbarous people to affright . Oh! what a mighty condescention's here ! What story may with this , with this , compare ? Is this the entertainment , they afford ! And this a Palace for so great a Lord ! Is this their kindness to so dear a friend ! Do they him to a filthy Stable send ! Is that a Chamber suiting his Degree ! Or fit the Manger should allotted be , For him to lay his Glorious Body in , ( Of whom the Prophet saith he knew no Sin ? ) Whose footstool's Earth , and Heaven is his Throne , What ne're a better Bed for such an one ! That has so vast a Journey undertook , And for their sakes such Glory too forsook ! Is this great Prince with such mean Lodging pleas'd So that he may of love-sick pains be eas'd ! O what a Lover's this ! Almighty Love ! How potently dost thou affections move ! What shall a Prince be thus ore-come by thee , And brought into contempt to this degree ! Sure this may melt an heart of hardest Stone , When 't is consider'd well and thought upon . But no less worthy note is it to hear The manner how this Soveraign did appear . Was it in Pomp and outward Splendor bright ? Which doth the sensual heart of man invite , To cast a view , and deep respect to show , As unto haughty Monarchs here they do : Like to a Prince , or like himself , did he His beams display that every eye might see In his blest Face most radiant Majesty ? No , no , so far was he from being proud , That he thought fit his Glories all to shroud ; And , like the Sun , invelop'd in a Cloud , Did vail his Heav'nly Lustre , would not make Himself of Reputation , for the sake Of that poor Soul he came for to seek out : He saw 't was good , that he might work about His blest Design , himself thus to deny , And shew a pattern of humility . His glorious Robes he freely did lay off , Though thereby made th' object of men's scoff , Who viewing his despised mean condition , Welcom'd him with contempt , scorn , and derision : For 't was 'i th form of a poor servant he Appear'd to all , the very low'st degree , Which amongst all the sons of Adam are And doth not this still wondrous Love declare ! The people of that Country too I find To gross mistakes so readily inclin'd , They judg'd him a poor Carpenters Son born , And stigmatiz'd him with it in great scorn . Nay , some affirm he worked at the Trade , For which they did him mightily upbraid . How ever this we must to all proclaim , He that all Riches had , most poor became ; That so the Soul through his sad poverty Might be enriched to Eternity . The Foxes of the Earth , and Birds of th' Air Had more ( alas ! ) than fell unto his share . In holes the one , in nests the other fed ; But he , ( poor he ! ) no where to lay his head . Not one poor Cottage had this precious King , Although the rightful Heir of every thing . The meanest man almost of Adam's Race Seem'd to be in as good , nay better case , Respecting outward Wealth and Glory here ; Those things no Price in his affections bear . Silver and Gold the Muckworm Wordling's Gods ▪ He knew to be but more refined Clods Of that same Earth , which he himself had made Ripe by a Sun , scarce fit to be his shade . No Mony , doubtless , had this Prince at all In purse or coffer : for , when some did call For Cesars Tribute , then , behold , must he Dispatch in haste a Servant to the Sea In an uncertain Fishes mouth to spy A piece of Coyn ( Oh wondrous Treasury ! ) With which he straight did Caesars Tribute pay ▪ ( Though small Engagement on the Children lay Rather than hee 'l be disobedient thought , To raise the Tax , a Miracle is wrought . But here t is like some may desire to know The cause why he abas'd himself so low ? The Answer to which Query's very plain ; His Errand so requir'd , if he 'd obtain The Soul , for whom his Country he did leave , He of his Glory must himself bereave . 'T was Love that brought him into this disguise , To come incognito to haughty Eyes , To lay aside awhile his Robes of State , And thus in Pilgrims weeds upon her wait : Without this Form assum'd , these Raggs put on , The mighty Work could never have been done . She grov'ling lay below , unable quite Once to aspire unto his Glorious Sight . Therefore must he a Garb suitable take To raise her up , and his dear Consort make ; He must descend , that she might mount above , And joyn in a fit Entercourse of Love . So the kind Sun beams do the Dunghil gild , That it to Heaven may Exalations yeild , With pregant Show'rs to fertilize the Field .

CHAP. III.

Shewing how upon the arrival of the glorious Prince , th● Vice-Roy of that Country contrived in a barbarous maner to take away his Life . And of the horrid Massacre that fell out upon it in the Town of Bethlehem . And how the Prince escaped and fled nto Egypt . Also discovering how the Creature he came ; to be a suiter to was preingaged by the black King to the Monster o● def●rmity , a Bastard of his own begetting , calle● Lust . And of the great and fearful battel that fell ou● between the Prince of Light , and Apollyon Prince of Darkness ; and how Apollyon was over-come and , after three amazing Incounters , forc'd t● fly .

THough Goodness still 's oppos'd by envious Hate ▪ Vertue ( like Palms ) thrives by th' oppressing weight ▪ Our Princes Welcome is in part exprest , But what ensues is worse than all the rest . Of his sad usage further I 'le declare , And the curs'd cruel Foes he met with there . No sooner flutt'ring Fame the news had told Of his arrive ; and that some Seers of old ( Heralds of Fate ) proclaim'd him on Record To be a high-born Prince , and mighty Lord : But presently the Voyce-Roy of that Land Was fill'd with Indignation on each hand ; Fearing , 't is like , he might deposed be , Or much diminisht in his Dignitie ; That this great stranger might assume his Crown , Or quite eclipse his perishing Renown . For when the Sun doth rise and shine so clear , The Moon and Stars do all straight disappear . Not knowing what strange evils might arise ; He therefore did a bloody Plot devise . Such was his Rage and undeserved spight , He needs would butcher this sweet Lamb of Light ; Who though to none he thought one dram of ill , Yet he resolves his precious Blood to spill : But failing of one Treacherous Design , He and his Gang do in a worse combine : Which was by strict Inquiries for to hear , When this bright Star did first to men appear ? That so he might exactly know the Day When he arriv'd , and in a Manger lay . Which known , to make all sure he straight contrives To sacrifice a thousand harmless Lives , And kill the Males , yea every one of them Which had been born in famous Bethlehem , From two years old or under , ever since The late prediction of this new-born Prince . Judging this way ( 't is like ) might be the best To cut off him , unknown , amongst the rest . Which horrid Massacre he brought to pass , And one more bloody sure there never was : If Circumstances were but weighed well , Both what they were , and why that day they fell On the poor Babes ; they no compassion have , But hurle them from the Cradle to the Grave . The weeping Mothers rais'd a swelling flood Of their own tears , mixt with their Childrens blood ; In every street are heard most dismal Cries , Be wailing those untimely Obsequies : As had been prophesied long before , By Rachel's moans , refusing to give o're , She sighs , and weeps , and has no comfort got , Because her hopeful Children now are not . Great was the slaughter ; yet their hopes were crost , The precious Prey these raging Blood-hounds lost : For th' Prince of Peace had notice of this thing , And fled to Egypt from this wrathful King ; And there remaining , graciously was fed , Until this Savage Murderer was dead . And when he heard what had that wretch befel , He hastned back to 'th Land of Israel . But news being brought of Archilaus's Raign , Soon found it needful to remove again . So being warn'd of God , to Galilee He turn'd aside ; and there at present we Shall leave him , whilst we may more fully hear The great design of this his coming there . Some possibly may say , was 't not to take Unto himself a Kingdom , and so make Himself Renowned , Great and very High , Above each Prince and Earthly Monarchy ?

〈…〉

Was 't not to take the Crowns of every King , And all their Glory to the Dust to bring , To set their Diadems on his own head , That so the Nations might be better led ? Was 't not to take Revenge upon his Foes , And grind to Powder all that him oppose ? Was it not to commence his glorious Raign , That so he might the pride of Nations stain ? Herod , t is like , as you before did hear , Such things might dream , and it might vainly fear : But wholly groundless : for ( alas ) he came Not as a King to punish , but a Lamb , To offer up in sacrifice his Life , To put an end to all tormenting strife , And only gain a poor , but long'd-for Wife . His sole design , I told you , it was Love , 'T was that alone which brought him from above , These hardships , and these pains to undergo , And many more , which yet we have to show : For these are nothing , in comparison Of those which must be told e●re we have done . He in those parts had been but thirty year , And little had he don that we can he●r About obtaining of the Creatures love , But gloriously did then the matter move , Unto the Soul , who little did it mind , For she ( alas ) was otherwise inclin●d : For the Black King that had usurp'd that Land , An Ill shapt Bastard had , of proud command , Whom having drest up in a much Gallantry , He did appear so pleasant in her Eye , That he before had her affections won , And in her heart established his Throne ; Though he design'd no less than to betray And murder her in an infidious way : Of which the silly Soul was not aware , But fondly blind could not discern the snare . Too like ( alas ) to many now a dayes , Whom fawning , words and flattery betrays . This Imp of Darkness , and first-born of Hell Transform'd by Witchcra●● , and a cursed Spell , Like a brisk gawdy Gallant now appears , And still false locks , and borrowed Garments wears : Then boldly sets upon her , and with strong And sweet lip'd Rhetorick of a Courtly tongue Salutes her Ears , and doth each way discover The Amorous Language of a wanton Lover . He smiles , he toyes , and now and then le ts fly Imperious glances from his lustful Eye ; Adorns her Orient Neck with Penly charms , And with rich Bracelets decks her Ivory Arms : Boasts the extent of his Imperial Power , And offers Wealth and worldly pleasure to her . Jocund he seem'd , and full of sprightly Mirth , And the poor Soul never inquir'd his Birth . She lik'd his Face , but dream't not of the Dart Wherewith he waited to transfix her Heart . There is no foe to such a Dalilaw , As pretends love , yet ready is to draw The Poysonous Spear , and with a treacherous kiss Bereaves the Soul of everlasting Bliss . If you would know this treacherous Monster 's name ( As you before have heard from whence he came ) 'T is he by whom thousands deceiv'd have bin , Heav'ns foe , and Satan's cursed Off-spring , SIN . A violater of all Righteous Laws , And one that still to all Uncleaness draws ; Author of Whored omes , Perjuries , Disorders , Thefts , Rapines , Blood , Idolatries , and Murders . From whom all Plagues , and all Diseases flow ! And Death it self to him his be'ng doth ow. This Monster of Pollution , the undone Poor Soul too long had been enamour'd on ; And by the Craft his Sire Apollyon lent , Doubted not to obtain her full Consent . But when Apollyon saw this Prince of Peace , His wrathfull spight against him did encrease : So brave a Rival he could not endure , But sought all means his Ruine to procure . Shall I , saith he , thus lose my hop'd-for prey , See my Designs all blasted in one day , Which I have carried on from Age to Age , With deepest Policy , and fiercest Rage ? My utmost Stratagems I first will try , And rather on the very Spot I le dye . Thus Hellishly resolv'd , he does prepare Straight to commence the bold and Impious War , And now the sharp Encounter does begin A Fight so fierce no eye had ever seen , Nor shall hereafter ere behold agen . But first be pleas'd to take a prospect here , Of the two Combatants as they appear : The first a Person of Celestial Race , Lovely his shape , ineffable his Face ; The frown with which he struck the trembling Fiend All smiles of humane Beauty did transcend : His head 's with Glory arm'd , and his strong hand No power of Earth or Hell can long withstand . He heads the mighty Hosts in Heav'n above , And all on Earth , who do Jehovah love . His Camp 's so great , they many millions are , With whom no one for Courage may compare , They are all chosen men , and cloath'd in white , Ah! to behold them , what a lovely sight Is it ! And yet more grave and lovely far To joyn and make one in this Holy War . The other was a King of Courage bold , But very grim and ghastly to behold ; Great was his power , yet his garb did show Sad Symptoms of a former overthrow : But now recruited with a numerous Train , Arm'd with dispair , he tempts his fate again . Under his Banner the black Regiments fight , And all the Wicked Troops which hate the light : His Voluntiers are spread from North to South , And flaming Sulphur belches from his Mouth . Such was the grand Importance of their sight , It did all eyes on Earth and Heaven invite To be spectators , and attention lend : So much did ne're on any Field depend ; No not Pharsalia's Plains , where Caesar fought , And the Worlds Empire at one conquest caught . Alas , the Issue of that famous Fray , May not compare with this more fatal Day . Should the Black monstrous Tyrant Prince prevail , The Hearts and hopes of all man-kind must fail : But above all , she who caus'd their contest Would be more miserable than all the rest ; Shee , she , poor soul ! for ever were undone , And never would have help from any one ; T was for Her sake alone the War begun . Some fabulous Writers tell a wonderous story , And give I know not what St. George the Glory Of rescuing bravely a distressed Maid From a strange Dragon , by his Generous aid . This I am sure our blessed Captain fought With a fierce Dragon , and Salvation wrought For her , who else had been devoured quite By that Old Serpents subtility and spight . But now t is time their Combate to display Behold the Warriers ready in Array . Apollyon well stor'd with crafty wit Long time had waited for a season fit , That so he might some great advantage get . And knowing well the Prince of Light had fasted Ful forty days , then presently he hasted To give him Battle , and a Challenge makes , Which no less cheerfully Christ undertakes . The King of Darkness the first onset gave , Thinking his foe to startle , or out-brave . He flung at him a very cruel Dart , And aym'd to hit him just upon the Heart . He 'd have him doubt or question , if t were so ? Whether he were the Son of God or no ? But the blest Lord did use his Sword so well , That down the others weapons straight way fell : It made him reel , and forc'd him back to stand , And beat his Lance at once out of his hand . At which this disappointed wrathful King Doth gnash his threatning teeth , and shews his sting ; Is mad and foams , and fain the Dog would bite : He swells like to a Toad , enough to fright A mortal man , on him to cast an eye And then breaks out with sad and hideous cry .

Apollyon King of Darkness . Shall I be foiled thus ? or thus give o're , Whom never any could yet stand before ? Have not the Mighty fallen by my hand , Enforc'd to yeild to me in every Land ? Whole Kingdoms ( Sir ) have trucled to my pow'r ▪ If once I 'm mov'd , Millions I can devour . Nay , with one stroke , thou very well dost know , I all the World at once did overthrow . My very Name is frightful unto all , Who trembling fly , if I upon them fall . My voyce is like unto a mighty Thunder ▪ And with a word I keep the Nations under . See how they faint , and shrink , and shreek for fear , If of my coming once they do but hear : They quiver all , and like a Leaf do shake , And dare not stand when I approaches make . Besides all this , much more I have to boast : Which of the Champions of thy Earthly Host Have I not overcome , and put to flight ? None ever able were with me to fight . Noah that Servant ( Holy Just ) of thine , I did o'recome by 'th juce of his own Vine : And Righteous Lot I next may reckon up , A Trophy unto my victorious Cup , Whereby he into Incest fell two Times : And these thou know'st are no Inferiour Crimes ▪ Thy Jacob too , though he could wrestle well , Yet by my Arm most grievously he fell : And so likewise did his most Zealous Mother : By Lies I made him to supplant his Brother . Joseph for thee , although he was sincere , I quickly taught by Pharoah's Life to swear . And Judah , from whose Loins thou dost proceed , I worsted much , do but the Story read . Moses himself , thy Captain Generall , By me receiv'd a shrew'd and dismal fall , Although so meek , when I did him engage , I mov'd him into passion and great rage , By which I did so vex his troubl'd mind , That he could not the Land of Promise find . Sampson was very strong , I know , yet he Was overcome by Dalilah and me . And David , though a King , and most devout , Sustain'd by me almost a total Rout ; Although he slew a Lyon , and a Bear , And my Goliah likewise would not spare , But with his sling that Champion did destroy , Who did the Camp of Israel annoy : For all these mighty Acts , when once I came To try his strength , I brought him unto shame : The people numbred , and his God forsaken , By Adult'ry and Murder over-taken . And Solomon , a mighty King and wise , Did I by force and subtilety surprize ; I planted for him such a curious Net , As soon Intangled his unwary feet ; Strange Womens charms withdrew his heart from thee To doting Lust , and curs'd Idolatrie . The time would fail me , should I number all The Noble Worthies , I have caus'd to fall . Ne're any yet upon the Earth did dwell , But by my conquering sword they vanquisht fell . And thinkst thou , Man , that I to thee will yield , When slesht with Vict'ories , basely quit the Field . Mistake not thus , I le have the other blow , I want no strength nor Courage thou shalt know .

Prince of Light . Thy pride , Apollyon , and thy Hellish Rage , Long since thy utter Downfal did presage . Vain are thy Boasts , these Rants no good will doe , I know thou art a cowardly bragging Foe . Forbear with Lies my Servants to condemn , 'T were only foils , not falls , thou gavest them . Lurking in Secret , thou didst treacherously At unawares sometimes upon them fly ; But rallying straight they did renew the Fight , Quencht all thy Darts , and soon put thee to slight : And now beyond thy reach , in full renown , For their reward , enjoy an endless Crown . And though on some thou hast prevail'd too far , With me thou art unable to wage War . 'T is for their sakes that forth my wrath is spread ; Thou bruisdst their Heels , but I will bruise thy Head .

Apollyon . Stop there I pray , let 's try the other Bout , And see if thou canst me so quickly rout . I am resolv'd my utmost force to try , For all my hopes I find at Stake do ly : E're I 'le be baffled thus , and lose my Prey , Upon thy back still sharper Strokes I 'le lay .

Prince of Light . What is the Cause thou art so furious now , And thus on me dost bend thy Brazen brow ? What is thy fear ? why dost thou rage ? or why Dost tremble thus , and look so gashfully ? Why doth thy fading Colour come and go ? Speak , Hellish Fiend ! what I command thee , do .

Apollyon . Great Reason's for't ; I partly understand The Cause why thou art come into this Land : And having found what thy intentions are , Needs must the same me terrify and scare . I do perceive what did thee chiefly move To leave the Glory which thou hadst above ; 'T was love that thou didst to a Creature bear , Which unto me in truth is very dear ; And I will make my glistering Spear to bend , E're I to thee in this will condescend ; Before I will her lose , I 'le tear and roar , And all Infernal Pow'rs I will Implore , That I Assistance of them may obtain , Against a Foe I do so much disdain .

Prince of Light . But why should this stir up thy hellish rage , If I in love am moved to engage The precious Soul , and her betroth to me , What wrong can that ( vile monster ) do to thee ? Thy horrid pride hath wrought thy overthrow , And thou wouldst fain have her be damned too . But know this Match in Heav'n's made , & thy hand Can not prevent nor break this Sacred Band.

Apollyon . She 's preingag'd to one , whom I do Love , And I concern'd am ; for 't was I did move The question to her , did first the Contract make , And I 'm resolv'd she never shall it break . The party too is my own offspring dear , And I to him most true Affections bear : And reason there is for 't , 't was he alone Founded my Kingdom , and first rais'd my Throne . 'T is he who every where doth for me stand , Yea and maintains my Cause in every Land . My Subjects he brings in both great and small ; Without his Aid soon would my Kingdom fall . And if this contract should be broke , I see But little Service more can he do me . Blame me not therefore , if I grow inrag'd , And thus in furious battel am engag'd .

Prince of Light . Thou canst not hide from me thy curst design , Most horrid hatred is that love of thine . Thou seek'st her life , her blood , nought else will do But her most desperate final overthrow . I likewise see how the sad game is laid , How she by treacherous Loves to Sin 's betraid : But I that League resolve to break asunder , Dissolve your Charms , & quickly bring thee under ; Although I know thou art a Son of Thunder . I 'le spoyl all your designs , and make appear That only I that Soul do love most dear . I 'le spill my dearest blood upon the Ground , But your Infernal Plots I will confound . I am her friend , and will so faithful prove , That all shall say I 'm worthy of her love . My Life is in my hand . I le lay it down E're she shall miss of the Eternal Crown . Thou damned art , and wouldst ( I fully know ) Bring her into the same eternal wo : But know , vile Fiend , 't is more than thou canst do , Unless thou can'st this day prevail o're me , Those dreadful Torments she shall never see . At this Apollyon's parched Lips did quiver , These words , like darts , struck through his heart and liver , He gnaw'd his very tongue for pain and wo , And stampt , and foam'd , and knew not what to do , Till e're a while , like to a Lyon bold , Upon his Spear he furiously takes hold , And doth the second time the Lord engage , With greater violence and fiercer rage . As when loud Thunder roars , and rends the Skie , Or murdering Cannons let their Bullets fly : So did he cause as 't were the Earth to quake , When he at him the second time did make ; And by the force of his permitted power , Snatches him up , as if he would devour Him , like the prey which hungry Lyons eat ; But not prevailing , down he did him set Upon a Pinacle 'o th Temple high , And then again upon him does let fly : But finding he no hurt to him could do , He strives him headlong down from thence to throw Pretending if he were so great an one , His foot could not be dasht against a Stone . But then our Prince did draw his Sword again , Not doubting in the least he should obtain Another victory against this foe ; And did indeed give him so great a blow , That he fell down , being forced to give ore , And shamefully retreated , as before , Now would one think the Battel quite were done , And time for the black Prince away to run : But he reviv'd , and did fresh Courage take ; As men would do , when all doth ly at stake , And a third Battel was resolv'd to see , What ere the fatal Consequence might be . Apollyon now to his last shift was driven , Almost of all his Magazine bereaven . But one poor Weapon more he had to try ; If worsted there , resolved was to fly . And here indeed God suffer'd him once more To take him up , as he had done before . Ah! t was a sight most dismal to behold , What foe was e're thus impudently bold ! That so was bafled , forced to retreat , And found his Enemie too wise and great A thousand times for him , yet would essay By force of Arms to carry him away . Don't Heaven and Earth , and all amazed stand To see the Prince of Light in Satan's hand , Or rather in his Arms carry'd on high , As if he would have kill'd him secretly ; But on a mighty Mountain him he set , Hoping he might some great advantage get ; A cunning Stratagem he did devise , Thinking thereby our Saviour to surprize , And him 'orecome by subtile Policy , And that was to present unto his Eye The Glory of this World , the only Snare By which poor Mortals often ruin'd are . This Hellish Prince is full of Craft and Wiles , And with 's inventions all the World beguiles . From him the Politick Achitophel , And our more modern famous Machiavel , With other States-men learn't their puzling Arts To plague the World , that Science he imparts , To imbroil Nat'ions , and cheat honest Hearts . Sly Stratagems in War , most wise men know Have oft prevail'd , where Force no good could do . The Walls sometimes of Castles down do fall , When n'ere a Bullet hath been shot at all , Unless discharged from a Silver Gun ; Thousands ( alas ! ) this way have been undone . Strong Citties Gates ( we know ) have open'd been With Golden Keyes , and Enemies let in , Which force nor strength could ne're have made to fly , Nor been broke down by fiercest Battery . The Maxime's true , which frequently we read , That Policy doth very far exceed The Strength and pow'r of great & haughty Kings ; And to subjection mighty Nations brings . But all the Strength , nor Craft , nor power either , Which Satan hath with all his fiends together , Could with this Glorious Lord prevail i' th least , Who hath the strength of Heaven to assist , And was himself Omnipotent in power : Doth Satan think he can a God devour ? Can fading Glories of vile Earth intice , Or break his purpose off , when Paradise Could not upon him any Influence have , To turn his love from her he came to save ? How soon deep Policy is overthrown , And crafty fraud to foolish madness come ! Art thou , Apollyon , such a wretched Sot ? Hast thou no other Bait , nor weapon got ? Is this thy wit , and can'st thou do no more Than give him that which was his own before ? How prodigal thou seem'st ? wilt thou bestow At once on him all Kingdomes here below ? What then will all thy flattered Subjects do ? If thus thou rashly giv'st them all away , What wilt thou do thy self another day ? What! is poor Soul worth more than all the world ? That all thou hast shall thus away be hurld , Rather then thou of Soul would'st be bereav'd ? 'T is time for her to see she ben't deceiv'd . What! all the Kingdoms of the world ! Pray who Did give them all , or any unto you ? Ah! what a Traytor 's here ! Is 't not a shame Before thy Soveraign's face to make a Claim Unto those Kingdoms , where thou hast no right ? Thou know'st they do belong to 'th Prince of light . Thine if thou call'st them , 't is by Usurpation , No other right hast thou to any Nation . But we discourse too long : behold a sight , Apollyon rallies all his scattered might . Now nothing else than a full Conquest will The haughty Wretch his wild Ambition fill . How fain would he Majestick Steps have trod , And worship'd be , nay worship'd by a God ? But the wise Prince of Light doth straight advance To check his bold and vain Extravagance , Declares his pow'r , and shakes the awfull Rod ; Thou shalt not ( what ? ) tempt ( who ? ) the Lord thy God ? This well-plac'd stroak did Satan quite confound ; He cannot stay , yet 's loth to quit the ground . But seeing that he needs must now be gone ; Looks back , and grins , and howling , thus goes on .

Apollyon . Although I find thou art for me too strong , Yet I 'le revenged be , for all the wrong I have sustain'd , either on thee or thine ; For which the powers of Hell shall all combine , T' engage thee in another sort of Fight , Although at present I am bafled quite . Moreover , this I further have to say , So long as thou dost in this Country stay , Be sure of troubles thou shalt have thy fill , I 'le sett my Servants on thee , and they will , By help from me , add sorrows to thy dayes , Strew all thy Paths with Throns , and cross thy ways . I 'le render thee as odious as I can , That thou mayst be disown'd by every man . What I , and all Infernal Powers can do , To make thee miserable , or o'rethrow The great Design , which thou art come about , We are resolved now to work it out . And though thou thinkst this Soul for to obtain , I tell thee now I have her in my Chain ; And doubt not but I there shall hold her fast , Till tired out , thy love be over-past . Nay let me tell thee further in thine Ear , She unto thee doth perfect hatred bear : Thee , nor thy Portion doth she like at all , Although for her thou dost thy self inthrall , And into Troubles and afflictions bring : What wise man ever would do such a thing ? What love , where thou no love art like to have , Tho thou the same a thousand times shouldst Crave ? If this proves not most true , then me you shall The Father of Lies hereafter Justly call . Boast not this Conquest , though I go my way , I 'le meet the better Arm'd another day . A hideous Clapy of Thunder then was heard , And streight the cursed Spirit disappeard .

CHAP. IIII.

Shewing what joy there was in Heaven amongst the Angels , upon the great Victory obtained over the black King . Shewing also how affectionately in a sweet heavenly manner , the Prince of light after this saluted the Soul he came to save , for whose sake he had passed throw all these sorrows . And how the ungrateful blind & deluded wretch slighted and dispised him in her Heart ; choosing rather to hearken to , and side with Apollyon , King of Darkness , and to entertain the Monster of pollution , sensual Lusts , than to become a Spouse to so glorious a Prince ; pretending she knew him not , neither would she believe he was the son of God , the blessed and eternal Potentate ; demanding signs of him . Shewing upon this what strange and wonderful Miracles he wrought amongst the people , who notwithstanding all , went about to kill him . And how he was forc'd to fly from one Country to another , to preserve his life . And what hardships and difficulties he passed through , for love he bore to the poor Creature .

NO sooner had this Overthrow been given , But Troops of Angels did descend from Heaven , Unto this Prince with great Congratulation , Yeilding to him all humble Adoration . Ah! how the glorious Seraphims did sing , Bringing fresh Bayes of Triumph to their King . They come to serve him , as was just and right , Because his En'emy he hath put to flight . Let Heaven rejoyce , and Earth resound his praise , For victory or'e him , who did always Disturb the Earth , and whom none could withstand ; Such was his strength and force in ev'ry Land . Now might one hope the Prince from trouble 's freed And quickly will in his Affairs succeed , Wherein he hath such great obstructions met , Since first his feet upon the Earth were set . Kindly he now doth the poor Soul salute , And with such fervency begins his suit ; And in such sort he did himself declare , That none in Woing could with him compare . No Orator on Earth like him could speak , So powerfully , and sweet enough to break And melt a breast of Steel , or heart of Stone , If well his words be weigh'd and thought upon . He to this purpose doth salute her Ears Some times with sighs , sometimes with bitter tears .

Prince of Light . Look unto me , dear Soul ! behold 't is I , Who lov'd thee deeply from Eternity ; Who at at thy doors do stand , oh let me in , And do not harken to that Monster , SIN . Refuse me not , because my thoughts descend Below themselves , so far to recommend My dearest Love to thee ; although that I No Beauty can at all in thee espy : I love not as your Earthly Lovers doe ; 'T is Beauty that engages them to woo , Or the great Portion , or the Vertuous mind : There 's none of these in thee that I can find . Yet my Affections burn , and Love 's so much , No mortal ever did experience such . Why dost thou frown ? Ah doth thy hardned Brow , Not made at first to wrinkle , wrinkle now ? I am a Person of no mean Degree , Although my heart is fixt and set on thee . My Father , who hath sent me , is most high ; He rules above , and all beneath the Sky . All Kingdoms of this World they are his own , Whether inhabited , or yet unknown . To this great Monarch ( Soul ) I am most dear , What ere he has is mine , I am his Heir , His choice Delight , his Joy , and only Son , Moreover , He and I am only one . My Father is in me , in him am I , And was with him from all Eternity . There 's many Mansions in his House , and there Of all Delight thou shalt enjoy thy share . I 'le raise thee unto Honour and Renown , And arch thy Temples with a radiant Crown : In Robes of State I 'le clothe thee every day , All glorious within shall thy Array Be wrought of finest needle-work so bright , As shall transcend and dazle mortals sight . Then clear thine Eyes , and purifie thy Mind , Accept my Love , and to thy self be kind , All these Advantages thou sure shalt find . But oh ! such stubborn dulness who can bear ? This Soul seem'd not to mind , or lend an Eare To any thing the Lord did thus declare ; But lay like one a sleep or rather dead , Being by other Lovers falsely led . She rather entertains him with a scoff , And frames slight Answers for to put him off ; Would not believe he was of such descent ; His sighs , nor Tears , could move her to relent , But joyns in League with other bitter Foes , Who did contemptuously his Grace oppose . Signes they demand , and tokens to be given , To make it known that he was sent from Heaven . He graciously to this did condescend , That from Reproach he might himself defend , To manifest he no Deceiver was , Strange things in sight of all he brought to pass . The Miracles he wrought did all amaze , And highest wonder in the People raise . The Lame and Impotent he made to walk , The Blind he caus'd to see , the Dumb to talk ; Nay , such as were born blind , he made to see ; Which never any did , nor could , but he . His Love was such , he daily went about To find the Sick , and the Distressed out All kind of sad Diseases he did heal ; No Friend like him unto the Common-weal . The Feaver , Phrensy , and the Leprosy , Were all remov'd by him most speedily ; Yea , Bloody-fluxes too by him were cur'd , When all the Doctors could no help afford : Though all they had were on Physicians spent , Yet whole by him they all were gratis sent . 'T was meer Compassion , Bowels , and sweet Love , And not Reward , did this Physician move . By these bless'd deeds he soon obtain'd a Name , And all the Country Eccho'd with his Fame ; So that vast multitudes did daily croud After Him , and implore his Help aloud . Poor wretches who with Devils were possest ; And sorely griev'd , could see no hopes o● rest , Were all deliver'd by his mighty Hand . Such Pow'r had he Hell's power to Command , That if he said , Satan , come out , straight-way He forced was this Prince for to obey . Thus as with smallest touch he heal'd their Evils , He with a word cast out the foulest Devils . Nay , more than this , that he might quite remove All doubts from her he did so dearly love , That she might know he power had to save , He rais'd the dead to Life , though in the Grave The Corps had buried been full four days ; This very thing must needs his Glory raise . He still went on , and more strange things did do , Though very few to him did kindness show . Is it not plain he can do what he list , Who holds the mighty Winds as in his fist ? He that gave bounds unto the Sea and Land , What is not in his Power to command ? He that doth suck the Clouds out of the Seas , And makes them fall again where e're he please ; He that doth brake th' amazing Thunder-Crack , And bid the raging frightful Seas go back ; That doth the dreadful angry Ocean still , And call Heavn's Meteors to obey his Will ; That counts the Sands , and doth the Stars survey , And Hills and Mountains in a Ballance weigh ; No other Name for him can be Assign'd , But God most high , Jehovah unconfin'd . The precious Name , which to this Prince is given , Shews who he is ; he 's call'd The Lord from Heaven . Another Title doth the same express He is Jehovah , our Righteousness . Do not his Works , and his most glorious Name , His blessed Nature unto all proclaim ? Shall not the Soul this gracious Lord receive ? Who worketh Wonders , that she may believe . Sure if the Soul did doubt of his descent , She now has cause with sorrow to repent . The vilest Atheist it might satisfie , Touching his glorious Birth and Dignity ; But notwithstanding this those Evil men In most base sort did this great Prince contemn : Him impiously they grand Impostor call , And with foul Blasphemies upon him fall . Though in his life there was no stain nor spot , Yet they would needs his Conversation blot : Behold , said they , a person gluttonous ! You seldom read of any charged thus . But that 's not all , Drunkenness next did they Unto the charge of this Just Person lay . They did him often a Wine-bibber call , That odious they might render him to all . His holy Doctrine too they did despise , And horrid things on that Account devise , As if he taught all men to violate God's holy Law , and thereby tolerate All kind of sin , pollution , and offence ; Though of the Law he had such reverence , As none had more , and daily shew'd his Love Unto the same , in striving to remove Those false and evil Glosses , whereby they Its purer spiritual part had thrown away . His Company and Country they upbraid , Yea , and the Education which he had . But that which may all persons most amaze , Was those Reports which they of him did raise , As if that he some curs'd Familiar had . They cry , he hath a Devil , and is mad : When he the unclean spirits does cast out , By th' Prince of Devils he brings it about ; Those strange and wondrous things we see are done , Are all perform'd by Belzebub alone . Thus did Apollyon shew his hellish spight , And them to coyn Black-slanders still invite , Against this glorious Prince of Peace and Light . But though they did blaspheme , and him disdain ; He bore it all , reviling not again ; But still retains his kindness , hopes to find The Soul hereafter in a better mind . For now he saw she was of sense bereav'd , And by the Devil grievously deceiv'd . But oh ! consider what a Lover's here , Who all these oft-repeated wrongs would bear , And not be gone in fury and disdain , Leaving her subject to Eternal pain . To suffer thus in 's Person , and his Name , And undergo all this Reproach and Shame , And yet continue constant in his Love , This from her breast might sure all scruple move ; Nor was this all , for still he 's tost about , And Malice daily finds new projects out , How to torment and grieve his tender heart , Yet nothing could from her his kindness part . They now with slie temptations on him set , To draw him in , and some Advantage get . This with kind Anger curled his blest Blood , To see how stoutly they withstood their good . It fill'd his Heart with sorrow , made him grieve , They so hard-hearted were not to believe ; Tho he most mighty works among them wrought , Yet to ensnare him they occasions sought . Their tempting him , I find did grieve him more , Than all the vile Affronts he met before . Here might I stop , to reason with the Jews , Who him deny , and slight the Gospel news . May not his Miracles convince you quite , He was the true Messias , Prince of Light ; How dare you to deny matter of Fact , That he those great and mighty things did act ? For they were not in private Corners done , But before all , in open face 'o th Sun . Your Fathers might with ease laid o'pe the cheat , Shame the Imposture , and the plot defeat , If any grounds they had for to decry , The Man himself , or his strange works deny . Besides ( you know ) Josephus he doth own , There was at that same time such a blest One , And for him had so great a veneration , That thus I find of him he makes Relation : In the time of Tiberius's Reign ( saith he ) One JESVS liv'd , a Man ( if 't lawful be To call him so ) For He strange things did do , Yea mighty Miracles — This Records show . But you perhaps in your forefathers stead , Are apt to think he by the Devil did Those great and wondrous things of which we read . Now this is so absurd , ridiculous , And vain , 't is strange men should be cheated thus . Can any think the God o' th Universe Would be unfaithful , as to change the course Of Nature , meerly to assert a Lye ? What Odium here is thrown on 's Majesty ! Could Satan all these real Wonders do , He all Religion quickly might o're-throw : The foulest Errors make the world believe ; And him for the ●ue God men would receive . This is to set the Devil in God's place , And bring the Holy One into Disgrace ; T' ascribe his glorious Attributes to one That fain would be exalted in the Throne . What Help or Touchstone then can Mortals have , Their precious Souls from Satan's wiles to save , If real Miracles perform he can ? This too would show God mindless were of Man : And Moses who in Egypt Wonders wrought , Might into Shame and great contempt be brought ; If this once granted be , which you would have , Moses of old your Fathers might deceive . Why might not he by th' Devil's power do Those mighty Miracles , which Scriptures Show He wrought in Egypt , and at the Red-Sea ? Against your Law 't would be as strong a plea , And thus both Testaments 't would throw away . To the Magicians could the Devil have given Such power as Moses had receiv'd from Heaven , He would such equal works have made appears ; None should have cry'd , The singer of God is here . But now as Moses did this way confute His faithless foes , who did with him dispute , By greater deeds , and all their Arts o're-throw , The self-same thing did JESVS also do . The strongest Arguments he then did use , For to convince the unbelieving Jews , Were the great Signs & wonders which he wrought , And did this way refell what e're they thought , Against his Person , or his Doctrine either , And they thereby were silenc'd all together : My works , saith he , to me do witness give , And for their sake you ought me to believe . For if that I such mighty works do'nt do , As none e're did or can pretend unto , Believe me not : but if they witness give , How unexcusable then will they you leave ? He also had a witness from Great John , Besides his works which were divinely done ; And God himself from Heaven witness bore , So great a Witness ne're was heard before . The written Word likewise this Truth did tell , If they the same would have consider'd well : And therefore search the Scriptures , Sirs , saith he , For they are those which testifie of me . Thus every way you see the proofs are plain , He was the true Messias you have slain , Therefore repent you unbelieving Jews ; With fained scandals longer don't abuse● Your blessed Lord , nor 's Gospel more refuse . The dangerous troubles of the Prince of Light , The scandals that he met with , and the spight ; The hatred by that Soul unto him shown , Whom he design'd the Consort of his Throne ; Her weak pretences for this causeless scorn , And with what wond'rous patience it was born ! How she receiv'd him with a scornful Brow , We have in part set forth , and also how By mighty Signs and Wonders he did prove Both his divine Ascent , and matchless Love . But now the Reader with attentive Ear , And longing mind , desires ▪ 't is like , to hear How the poor blinded Soul behav'd her now : Does she not straight unto his Scepter bow ? Doth she not yield , and readily consent To close with him , and heartily repent She ever did his precious Love abuse , And such a Proffer wilfully refuse ? He ample proof and witness now hath given , That he was sent down to her out of Heaven ; His Noble Birth , and Sovereign Dignity Sure now she can't , nay dares not to deny : What can she further say , I pray what more Hath she to urge , to keep him out o' th Door ? Or , has he left her , and will come no more ? What Prince would ever put up so much wrong , Or wait upon a stubborn Soul so long ? Or who would ever make another tryal , That has so often had such flat denyal ? Ah , no! he can't his Love 's so great and strong , He hopes still to obtain her Love e're long . See how with tears and sighs , and melting heart , He woos , intreats , and doth his Love impart , As one resolv'd he 'l no denial have : True Lovers press their suit ev'n to the Grave .

Prince of Light . 'T is not Ungratefulness which yet can change My purpose , or my heart from thee estrange . My strong Affections on thee are so fixt , That nought has them remov'd , or come betwixt My Soul and thine ; but had'I lov'd thy face , And that alone , my kindness had giv'n place ; My slighted suit should long e're this have ended , And never more on thee had I attended . Or , did I love thee for thine Heav'nly Eye , I then might court Angelick Majesty : Or , if the smoothness of thy Whiter Brow Could charm mine eyes , or mine affections bow To outward Objects , pollisht Marble might Have given as much content , as much delight . No , no , 't is neither brow , nor lip , nor eye , Nor any outward thing I can espy , That has or could surprize my tender heart : I know thy Nature , who , and what thou art . Nor is it Vertue a homely Case ; Wherein lies hid much rich and precious grace , Together rarely mixt , whose worth doth make Me love the Casket for the Jewels sake : 'T is none of this ! My eye doth pierce within , But nothing there can I behold but Sin . The reason of my Passion wholly lies Within my Self , from whence it first did rise . And though thou canst not it at present see , Thou shalt , if thou wilt hearken unto me . O come , poor Soul ! and give me but thy heart , And unto thee choice Love I will impart . I come to call thee , and do call again : O shall I not of thee my Suit obtain ! Dost not perceive what I for thee endure ? And may not all this thy Love to me procure ? The Soul seem'd not at all to mind this Friend , Nor would she yet to him attention lend : She could not in him any beauty see , Nor did she know her own sad misery . She bid him then depart , and said to all , He had no form nor comeliness . And shall I 'gainst my fancy foolishly admire , Where I no beauty see to tempt desire ? Whilst he was thus extending forth his Love , And studying all obstructions to remove , That so he might the Souls affections get , Behold , his Enemies with malice set Themselves against him with such horrid rage , It seems no less than 's ruin to presage . Ah! for this Prince methinks my heart doth ake , To see what head against him they do make . But that which doth the greatest trouble bring , Is to see th' Soul combine against the King . Did ever creature deal thus by a Lover , Or ever such inhumaneness discover ? What hurt did this dear Prince unto her do . That she would seek his utter overthrow ? Is this to recompence his fervent Love ? What will she now a Traitor to him prove ? If she his Love will not accept , must she Expose him thus to shame and misery ? Is love to Sin , and filthy Lust so sweet , That Jesus must be trodden under feet ? Because he would that Contract break asunder , This surely is Earth's shame and Heavens wonder . What ? he that went about still doing good , And in the gap of danger always stood Them to Defend from Ruin , ah ! shall he The object of their Rage and Malice be ? He that to them no harm did do or think , And yet must he this bitter potion drink ? Ah , precious Lord ! how doth my spirit grieve , To think what wrong from them thou didst receive : So strange their malice , and so fierce their spight , That if God's Word did not the same recite , Who thereunto would any Credence give , Or the Relation of their Deeds believe ? But , how was he expos'd , what did they do ? 'T is that ( say some ) that we would have you show . Their hearts were fill'd with wrath , & up they rise , And thrust him out o' th City : then devise To get him up to th' brow of a great Hill , And cast him headlong down , from thence they will Break all his bones , and kill him out o' th way ; This they designed Holy Authors say . Not that their Cruelty performed was , For through the midst of them he free did pass . His Pow'r Divine did his Protector stand , And rescued him from all this treacherous Band. Again , as he stood tendering his Love , Striving their vain Objections to remove , That so they might not all be ruin'd quite , And blind-fold led to shades of endless night . The common Rabble in a Tumult got , Threaten to kill him on the very spot ; With hearts more hard than stone , up stones they take , And throwing , vow they 'l his Sepulcre make : By which cruel show'r of Flints he now must die , Unless through them he 's able to 'scape by ; Which by his mighty Power indeed he did , And carefully from them himself he hid : And yet all this was on no other ground , But because he their wisdom did confound : 'Cause he stood up the Truth to testifie , And witness to his own Divinity : Because he said , he was sent down from Heaven , From Place to Place this Prince was daily driven . No sooner were his feet out of one snare , But ten i' th room thereof devised were . Of killing him in Jury was a talk , To Galilee therefore he thought fit to walk . But staid not long , for to Jerusalem He quickly went to shew himself to them : And though he knew his Life they daily sought , Yet in the Temple openly he taught , And did again his Suit of Love renew , Yet would the Soul no kindness to him shew . Long had he not been here , but presently The Scribes and Pharisees did him espy , And straight agreed their Officers to send , Him without any cause to apprehend : But when they came , and did him see and hear , Poor Souls ! they all most strangely smitten were With awful Reverence , and trembling fear ! Untoucht , they leave him , and return again To tell their Masters , Violence was vain ; They highly spake in his just Commendation , And told his Wonders , worthy Admiration . Have you not brought him then ? the Scribes do cry : No Sirs , ( alas ) we see no reason why ; We never saw , nor heard the like : Who can Lay hands on such a blest and God-like Man ? Thus did the Prince escape their Rage that day , But other Snares Apollyon still did lay .

CHAP. V.

Shewing how the people of that Land in a base manner used John the beloved servant of Jesus , the Prince of Light , who ( for his Master's sake ) was barbarously murthered ; And how narrowly the Prince himself escaped . As also shewing how he again and again tendered his indeared love to the Soul , and how unkindly she denied his Suit . Moreover , how Vicinius - ( a Neighbor ) hearing of this great News , enquired of Theologus concerning the Creature this Prince in such a manner had set his affections upon . The miserable and deplorable condition of the Soul discovered and laid open , being infected with a loathsome Disease full of Vlcers and Running sores from head to foot , naked , wounded , and in her blood , her eyes also being put out ; and this the Prince knew before he came from Heaven , his own Country : shewing , that as she was in her fallen state , she was the object of his love and desire .

BEfore this Prince did in that Land appear , His servant came his way for to prepare . Such an Ambassadour he was indeed , That we of him in Sacred Story read ; That of all those that born of Women are , None was so great , nor with him might compare . Yet was the King of that same Land so bold , As on this gracious Person to lay hold , And into a vile Prison cast is he , For witnessing against Iniquity . Herod would marry one most near of Kin , But John affirms that 't is an horrid sin . For him to have his Brother Philip's Wife : And for asserting this , he lost his Life . To please a wanton Harlots Dancing pride , The Prophet's head from 's body they divide . This doubtless did his Master greatly grieve , To see they should him thus of John bereave ; His servant John , whom all the people own To be a Prophet , yea a mighty one ; Though the chief work that he was sent about , Was to describe and point this Saviour out . He faithful was , and show'd his constant Love , Told them his Prince descended from above : So Great , in pow'r , the Latchets of his shoes He was not worthy to unty , or loose . The loss of such a Servant needs must be Great ground of sorrow . But , alas ! If we With care do mind what after came to pass , We shall conclude with him much worse it was . For Herod now , like to his Predecessor , Proceeds from sin to sin , until no lesser A Crime he does attempt , than for to kill The Prince of Light himself ; Thereby to fill His measure up , as some before had done , For seeking the dear Life of this Just one . But of this Plot he had such Information , As quite defeated their black Combination . Ah! to and fro , how was he daily hurld , Whilst he abode in this ungrateful World . His persecutions were so great , that He Was often forced for his Life to flee , To flit from Town to Town , from place to place ; For , Blood-hound like , they did him daily chase . From Jury to Samaria he did go , And down from thence to Galilee below . From Nazareth he fled to Capernaum , And long he siaid not when he thither came : For he was tost about continually , And found no Harbor nor security . Sometimes quite beyond Jordan he would get , Yet even there with dangers was beset . Small Rest , alas , he had in full three years , His days were fill'd with sorrow , sighs and tears ▪ Oft may we read he wept , but never find He laught , or was to merriment inclin'd . The Prophet said , with grief he was acquainted , When long before he forth his Person pointed . And few there were did him at all regard , So blinded were their Eys , their Hearts so hard . He was despis'd almost by every one , Rejected scornfully and trod upon . And the poor Soul , for Love of whom he came , Expos'd him daily to the greatest shame No countenance would she to him afford , Although so high a Prince , so great a Lord . She bid him hold his peace , his Suit desist , And all 's indearing proffers did resist . No more would she vouchsafe his face to see , But hid her self from him continually . Far from his presence with delight she rouls In filthy Puddles , and in Loathsom holes : Nay , did combine with his most Cruel Foes , To lay upon him stripes and bitter Blows ; To break his heart with often saying Nay ; Or by surprize him bloodily to slay .

Object . But some may ask , Why th' people of that Land Did rise against him thus on every hand ? Why should they manifest such causeless hate , When he 'd not injure them at any rate , But sought their peace and everlasting good ? 'T is pity such a Prince should be withstood .

Answ. One Reason , Sirs , of this their baneful spight , Was meerly 'cause he was the Prince of Light . 'T was from that bitter enmity you read Between the Serpent's and the Woman's seed . Another cause of the Contempt they show , Is 'cause they neither him , nor 's Father know . But that which most of all their Hatred breeds , Is his reproving of their Evil deeds : Because he did expose each horrid Sin , Yea , and ript up their filthiness within : Through each Religious Mask , and trim disguise , Their canker'd Breasts lay open to his Eys . He knew their Hearts , & them he would not spare , And thence to him such Malice they did bear . But 't was Apollyon , ( whose deceit and Lies Abroad amongst the people did devise ) Most of these Troubles which on him did rise . No stone that Monster left unturn'd , that he Might bring this Soveraign Prince to misery , Though all in vain : For he miscounts his sum , Alas ! the fatal hour 's not yet come . Christ still persists the stubborn Soul to woo , Intreats her , not her self thus to undo . He is not gone , behold , he 's at her door , And patiently Admission doth implore . He knocks , he calls , and doth his Suit renew , Until the Heavens his gracious Head bedew , Until his Locks with drops o' th Night are wet , And yet from her can no kind Answer get . Oh! hark I pray unto his melting words , Enough to pierce ones heart , like sharpest swords .

Prince of Light . Soul ! Harken to me or thou art undone , I cannot leave thee thus , nor yet be gone , I see thy state ; thy state I pity too , Thy treacherous Lovers seek thine overthrow . It is in vain for me to ask thy Love , Until thou breakst with them , and dost remove Thy Heart from those that thy Affections have , Who to vile Lusts thy Faculties inslave . What dost thou think I can have in mine Eye ? What self-advantage will accrew thereby ? What gain I , if thou grantest my request ? All that I beg's thy greatest Interest . I ever happy was , and so shall be , Although at present thus distrest for Thee . How can'st thou , cruel Soul , thus let me stand , Barr'd out of Doors , whilst others do command The choicest Room within thy yielding Breast , Lodgings too good for such destructive Guests . Believe me , poisonous Toads and Serpents lurk Within thine Arms , which will thy ruin work : Those Lovers which thou keep'st so close within Are Murderers . Trust not that Monster SIN , Nor any of his Hellish Company ; For though no harm thou dost at present spy , But wantonly presum'st to sport and play , And canst not see the fatal snares they lay : Soul ! o'pe the Door , and I 'le discover all The secret Plots , devised for thy fall ; Or , push the Window back , let in some light , And I will shew thee a most dismal sight : Thy self I 'le shew thee , which couldst thou behold , Thou 'dst see thou art undone , betray'd and sold To slavery , from whence there 's no Redemption , Torments , from wch ther 's not the least exemption . Then wake , look now , behold thy wretched plight , Or straight thou r't seized with eternal Night . The Soul is deaf , or certainly she 's dead , Or by some pow'rful Magick Charms misled : For she no Answer in the least doth give : Sad 't is with them whom Satan doth deceive . How blind are Creatures in their natural state ? Oh! how insensible and desperate ! They sleep securely , and will never hear , Till direful Thunder bore their stupid Ear : Boldly they frollick on Hell's smoaky Brink , And never on its gaping dangers think , Till swallow'd down , to endless flames they sink . But silence now ! Here comes a Reverend Friend , A Servant to the Prince , pray , Sirs , attend : He 's sent about the Business that 's depending , Oh! that it might obtain an happy ending : He is a man his Master loves most dear , And he to him doth like Affection bear : His int'rest he will now be sure t' improve , That all obstructions he may quite remove , Which in the way of the poor Soul doth lie , For whose sad state , lo ! tears stand in his Eye : His Heart is full , his Spirit greatly griev'd , To think how she by crafty Sin 's deceiv'd ; And seeing what his glorious Master bears , His Soul●s almost dissolved into Tears .

Theologue . I from the Great and mighty Prince am sent , To see , vile Soul ! If thou wilt yet repent , And o'pe thy Eyes to view what thou hast done ▪ In piercing the dear heart of such an one , As is that Soveraign Lord thou dost abuse , And all his offers shamefully refuse . Two things consider throughly : first of all , Thy sad and wretched state under the Fall , Which thou receivedst many years ago , When Eden's Groves bewail'd thine overthrow . Ah! Didst thou know thy lost undone Condition , Sure it must move thee unto great Contrition ; 'T would make thee roar , and mightily condole Thy woful state , O! thou condemned Soul ! The second thing is this , O! mind with speed , The worth of him whose Soul for thee doth bleed ! Didst thou but know his Dignity and Birth , Soon wouldst thou say , none's like him upon Earth . Nor is this all : for further I declare No other help thou hast , far off , or near ; 'T is he who is thy choice and only Friend ; Reject him still , and sad will be thine end . Shall he such grief and sorrow undergo ? And unto him wilt thou no kindness show ? Would he thy guilty Soul from Treason free , By making of a marriage-League with thee ? Shall not his Love , nor thy distressed Case , Court thee in prudence to his safe Embrace ? Will nothing work upon thee to Relent , Nor be a means to bring thee to Repent ? I pray thee , Soul ! these things lay to thy heart , And unto me thy true Resolve impart .

Soul . What mean you thus to vex and grieve my mind ? My Heart●s to other Lovers more inclin'd . It lies not in your power , to command Against my will : and well I understand What 's best for me ; I am for present case : He suits not my Conditions , doth not please My curious fancy ; I●le content mine Eye . Will you the liberty of Choice deny ? You must indeed have some mysterious Arts , To change the secret sympathies of Hearts : If that you ever make me to comply , So as to loath the Jewel of mine Eye . What! force Affection ? who can violate The Law of Nature ? weigh my present state : Can Earth forget her burthen , and ascend ? Or yet , can Flames aspiring downward bend ? For if Fire should descend , and Earth aspire ; Earth were no longer Earth , nor Fire , Fire . Even so , dear Sir ! I find it is with me ; Consenting , I no more my self shall be . As Love is free , so are its bonds as strong As Death ; to break them is a grievous wrong . Can the kind Heavens do a damage greater , Than to destroy and ruin their poor Creature ? Or , shall I think the Righteous God will fill me With such strange Joys , which if enjoy'd , will kil me ? Can I believe things 'bove my sense and reason ? And ignorant be when guilty of high Treason ? How can I think my self a Criminal , When of the fact I nothing know at all ? My present state is good , I know no cause To blame my self for breach of unknown Laws . Why shall injurious Friends such things alot , To have me place my Heart where I love not , And break the League with those I love so dear ? These hardships are too great for me to bear . Those Joys therefore in which I have delighted , Shall not for fancied sweetness e're be slighted . He whom you call The glorious Prince of Light , Is not a person lovely in my sight ; He 's not so modish , pleasant , Debonair , As those brisk Gallants , whom my Fancy share . I must have other Eys wherewith to see , Before he can be countenanc'd by me . This said , away the foolish Soul doth ●ly ; Will hear no more , but with a scornful Eye Neglects her Bliss , & Deaths dark paths doth trace . Rather than saving Truths of Life imbrace . Who being gone , a Neighbour does appear , That would be glad fully her Case to hear ; And that he clearly might have it exprest , He thus himself to Theologue Addrest .

Vicinus . Grave Sir ! Since in your Reverend face I read All works which do from Curtesy proceed , I am emboldned to desire of you Some satisfaction in a point or two . I late have heard some Rumours of such News , As puts my wondring spirits to a muse : 'T is of a Prince unparallel'd for Love , That took a Journey down from Heav'n above To seek himself a Spouse ; and as I hear She unto him will no Affection bear ; Though for Descent , Riches and Beauty too , Never the like did mortal Creatures know . This Soul-amazing , Sense-bereaving story , Has fill'd my ravisht Ears : What matchless Glory Is his , whose Love is far beyond Expression ? And what Creature is this must have possession Of such a glorious Heart ? Sure she 's no less Than one of High Descent , some Emperess , Or Virgin Queen at least , whose Beauty 's rare , Mixt with choice Vertue , both beyond compare : The total sum doubtless of every Grace , Makes a composure in her Heav'nly Face ; And there all true Perfection is united , To make one Phoenix , that has thus invited This mighty Prince to do her so much Honour , As seek her Love and set his Heart upon her , To sue so earnestly , and undertake Mighty Atchievements only for her sake ; For to encounter with a wrathful Foe , That sought an universal overthrow Of mortal Creatures , and in every Land Subjected all unto his proud Command . The strangeness of it sets me all on fire , And kindles in my heart a strange desire , Impatient of delay , till you discover The Creature that has got so rare a Lover .

Theologue . To put a period to thy Admiration , Come let thy Wonder-smitten Cogitation ; Now give attention , and I soon will show The truth of what thou dost desire to know . The Creature whom this mighty Prince doth grace With Love , lives very near unto this place . We all do her as our next Neighbour own ; Much is she talkt of , yet but seldom known . You sure have heard before , she was by Birth Of high descent , the splendor of the Earth , Unblemisht Beauty , neither spot nor stain , Whilst in her Virgin state she did remain . To speak her pedigree , in Truth she springs From no less Root than from the King of Kings : Whom Scriptures call The Father of all Spirits ; And none but he that Blessed Name inherits . From him she did at first derive her Name , And Heaven and Earth eccho'd her glorious Fame : Fair Cynthia , Illustrious Queen of Night , With all her borrowed Rays , ne're shone so bright . The King 's true Image in her face did shine . No Glory like to Glory that 's Divine . But that which doth the greatest Wonder raise , And may the quick'st profoundest Wits amaze , Is the sad change , and miserable state She 's in , since first she did degenerate ; Her Lustre tarnisht , and her Beauty faded , Filth and Corruption every part invaded : Oh! it was then on her this Prince did look , When of her God and guide she was forsook : For though she was indeed thus nobly born , Her Blood is tainted , and her state forlorn . She that in splendor once appear'd so bright , Is now deform'd , and blacker than the Night . Foul putrifaction doth her Beauty cover , She 's full of Ulcers , and defil'd all over . Th' infection spreads it self in every part , Her eyes , her hands , her head , but most her heart ; Her feet , whose loyal steps she once divided To follow the great God , have so backslided , That they most swiftly from him run astray In every sinful and forbidden way . Her Arms are filled with unchast Embraces , She 's stain'd her Beauty , and lost all her Graces . Her Breath once sweeter than Arabian Spices , Whose rare Perfumes make Houses Paradises , Offensive is to all that come but near her , Her Tongue is so unclean , God loaths to hear her . Which was her Glory in her youthful days , When she with joy sung forth his blessed Praise . But that which may sound stranger in thine Ear , And seem indeed too hard for Love to bear , Is her Adult'ries , her unchast delights Her Amorous Kisses , wherewith she invites Her wanton Lovers ; nothing else can prove So much distastful to unspotted Love ; As when the Embers of Lusts raging fires Burn in the Bosom of unchast desires .

Vicinus . But stay , Dear Sir ! What Lover is 't would kiss A Creature loathsom , and so vile as this ? And how came she into so sad a Case , That once adorned was with so much Grace ?

Theologue . If you kind Neighbour , please to lend an Ear , These things in order I will fully clear . Her Lovers are more loathsom far than she , With whom she 's joyned in Affinity . From them she took the foul disease at first , And ever since remains vile and accurst . The Serpent did beguile her with such fruit , As did her Vitals poison , and pollute . Not that the fruit in ' moral sense was evil : But 'cause she took it , tempted by the Devil , After on pain of Death it was forbid : Ah! t' was from hence it so much mischief did . Besides , she 's guilty of another Deed , She 's made a League with one that did proceed From Hell's black Region , where her wanton Eye Could see no Object but Deformity ; A Contract she has made , I say , with one , Begot by proud , but curs'd Apollyon ; Monstrous by Nature , and as vile by Name , Ah! she has chosen him unto her shame : His nature 's poisonous , his very Breath Is so infectious , that it threatens Death To every one to whom he is united ; Yet with this Monster is her heart delighted : Who to my Prince is a most desperate Foe , And to speak plain , the cause of all his woe . Since first the Soul was with base Lust acquainted , From Top to Toe all over is she tainted . She that was once so rare a comely Creature , Sin has not left her now one lovely Feature . The Splendid Beauty of the whole Creation , Is thus become a meer Abomination . For since her self to Lust she prostituted , Her inward Faculties are so polluted , That she 's become unto Jehovah's Eye , The truest pourtraict of Deformity . She that sometimes no Evil understood , Is now become an Enemy to Good : For this vile Monster by Apollyon's pow'r , Did not only corrupt the Soul all ov'r , But very cruel they did further prove , Whilst they pretended kindnesses and Love ; For they most wickedly put out her Eyes , She might not see her own Deformities : And being thus both blinded , and defil'd , Was also rob'd , and treacherously spoil'd Of all the Jewels which her Soveraign gave her , Whilst she remained in his Love and favour ; Of all her goodly Vestments they bereft her , And stript her naked , she had nothing left her . Nothing to hide her shameful nakedness , But filthy Rags , how loathsom you may guess . Besides all this , they wounded her full sore , And left her sadly weltring in her Gore , Expecting Death each moment she did lie , A loathsom spectacle to passers by , Unhelpt , unpitied too by every Eye . Each humane Soul that is not born again , In this sad state doth certainly remain . The rich , the poor , the wise , the old , the young , Though ne'r so high , so beautiful and strong They seem , or think themselves , in truth they are In as bad Case as we 've described here .

Vicinus . Sir ! You have fully answer'd my Desire ; Yet let me be so bold as to inquire One passage more , since happily I see You can informall such as ign'rant be Of these weighty Affairs ; blest be the Lord That so much Wisdom doth to you afford . O! that there were more of you in our Land , That to the Truth might always faithful stand . But tell me , if it mayn't too tedious prove , Whether this Prince that manifests such Love , Knew her sad state when he came from above ? Did he her filthy bad Condition know Before he came from Heaven , or did show That precious kindness which his Breast retain'd Unto her , even after she was stain'd ? May be his Eye upon the Soul was plac'd , Before God's Image in her was defac'd : And as consider'd so , then doubtless he Might find some Cause to her so kind to be . But , if as she did in pollution lie , And so consider'd , he did cast his Eye Upon the Creature ; then I must declare It may astonish all that of it hear .

Theologue . The Question you propound is very good ; And would t' were throughly weigh'd and understood . The Answer 's easy ; But I greatly fear Some mind it not enough , who chosen are . Before the World was made he fully knew Ev'n what below would afterwards insue : He knew the Creature , Man , would sin and fall , And in sad misery himself inthral . The time therefore when first he cast an Eye To be her Suiter , ( our Security ) It was not when she did her Grace inherit , Then one would think she might his favour merit ; 'T was not when she was in prosperity , But when she in her Blood and filth did lie . Her time of sorrow , was his time of Love , Her misery did bring him from above . Whilst she in actual bold Rebellion lives , His Grace and offer'd Pardon then he gives .

Vicinus . Sir ! You have said enough , I am amaz'd , Strange wonderment within my Spirit 's rais'd . The nature of his Love who can conceive ? Such Love as this no mortal Creatures have . I pray go on , and further now let 's know Concerning her estate , her Bliss , or Woe .

Theologue . You 'l find it worse and worse ; and what 's behind Will strange Impressions make upon your Mind : For now you 'l hear what Justice has to say , What horrid Crimes he to her charge will lay . And though she seems undaunted without fear , Once more I 'e try if she will lend an Ear.

CHAP. VI.

Shewing how Theologue , the Prince's Spokesman , indeavour'd to obtain the love of this poor Creature for his blessed Master , by whom the aggravation of the Creatures sin and misery is layed open ; the Soul is in debt ten thousand Talents , worse than nothing . Moreover , shewing how the Creature was guilty of high Treason against the Soveraign Lord Jehovah ; is also Arraigned and condemned to be burned alive . A Dialogue or discourse between the Divine Attributes : Justice cryes for Execution , to have the fatal blow struck ; Mercy steps in . Justice must be satisfied . Goodness and Mercy will not lose their Glory , being alike esteemed by God . Divine Wisdom reconciles all the other Attributes , and makes them meet together in a sweet harmony : the Soul being condemned to die , the Prince sees no other way to obtain her for his own , but by satisfying Justice , and becoming Surety , and yielding himself up to die for her .

Theologue . HOW is it Soul ! art minded yet to leave Thy Lusts , and Lovers , and to Jesus cleave ? Dost not perceive the sad state thou art in By curs'd Apollyon , and his off-spring , SIN ? Wilt thou for evermore thy self destroy , And not accept of Health ? wilt not enjoy One who in value doth all Worlds excel ? Wilt thou refuse in Paradise to dwell ? Dost see thy state , thy bloody state ? oh speak ! My bleeding heart for thee doth greatly ake .

Soul . You had my Answer plain enough before : Forbear , I pray , and trouble me no more . I do ' nt believe what you have said is true ; Such pains I never felt , nor sickness knew : But if my state were worse than yet I see , I will not have you thus to trouble me . I have all things which naturally delights me , And from them you shall not deter , nor fright me ; You know the Proverb used in our Land , Each Tub shall upon its own Bottom stand .

Theologue . Soul , b'not so rash , be more considerate ; Ponder on things before it be too late . Sith what I said before no good can do , More of thy wretchedness I now will show ; And if that fails , then afterwards I 'le leave thee , And o're into the hands of Justice give thee . First , from God's Word I have Authority To lay before thee thy great poverty . Thy Soveraign Lord most highly is distasted For all the precious Treasure thou hast wasted . First , of his Glory thou hast him bereav'd , And to rebel against him been deceiv'd . Next , thy whole self to him 't is thou dost owe , Yea , all thou either art , hast , or canst do , Which thou hast not regarded hitherto : But to thy self , and not to him dost live , Who did thy self at first unto thee give , And from whom thou dost ev'ry thing receive . Thy knowledg , judgment , and thy memory , Th' excellent nature of each Faculty , Should all have to , and for him , been laid out , As being all his Goods ; Soul ! look about , For time , for Health , and for the day of Grace ; Thou must be brought before the Judge's Face : And for thy Riches , and all things thou hast , Which thou Imbezel'st , and dost vainly wast , A strict Account must at the Bar of Heaven By thee in a short time be surely given . Ten Thousand Talents doth thy God demand ; Which thou canst neither pay , nor yet withstand His dire proceedings , 'cause he is most Just , And thou but sinful Ashes and vile Dust . Thou wilt be seiz'd , and in a Prison laid , Till the last Mite be satisfi'd and paid . Canst thou , poor Soul ! dost think quit the old score , When thou contractst new debts still more & more ? Would not a Friend that 's able to defray All thy vast Debts , and a full Ransom pay To thy just Creditor , most welcom be , If such an one could be found out for thee ? But things yet worse , I fear , there are behind , The truth of which most certainly thou l't find . Hark , trembling Soul ! thou to the Bar art cited , And for high Treason there dost stand Indicted , Committed by thee 't was in antient time , When thou didst dwell in Eden , in thy prime : When thou hadst flourisht there but a short season , Thou didst contract that guilt of horrid Treason Against thy Soveraign , in whose Princely Eye Was Grace and favour mixt with Majesty : Gracious to pardon many great Offences , And yet severe to punish Insolences . But thou both Grace and Justice didst despise , And in thy Heart didst evil things surmise Against thy Soveraign Lord , and secretly Join'st with his Foes in close Conspiracy . 'T was with the King of Darkness thou didst close , Obeyd'st his will , and didst thy God oppose . A dreadful Sentence then against thee past , Which ne're by humane Art could be reverst . Thy Sentence was in Prison long to lie , And for thy fact at last Condemn'd to die . And Death on thee did seize the self-same time , When thou commitst that high and fearful Crime ; The sad effects of it I this Day see , Thou still ly'st dead in thine Iniquity . Ah! I may preach untill my heart doth ake , And it on thee will no Impression make . Thou art depriv'd of Life and Light of God , And long hast thou in this estate abode . But a worse Death doth in thy Sentence lie , ( Though very few on it will cast an Eye ) Condemn'd to suffer everlasting pains , And on thee then were fastned heavy Chains . And though thy Execution be delay'd , Yet 't is by means of Jesus only stay'd . His precious Grace preserves thee from that fire , Whose torments once begun , shall ne'r expire . That Soul-amazing Sentence who can bear The thoughts of it , and not let fall a tear ? What Malefactors are Condemn'd to die , But on the sense of Death's approaching nigh , Contracts not horrour on thier Souls thereby ? What then to suffer Death for evermore , Where Torments ne●re abate , nor will be o're ? To be a thousand tedious Ages Rackt , Not Dead , yet always in the dying Act. A fiery Furnace with a sevenfold heat We read of , yet its flames were not so great , But that they soon would languish and grow cold ; Whereas these Tortures , still increasing , hold . If e're thou shouldst be cast into that place , Before thou dost take hold of Love and Grace , There 's this will then thy sorrows aggravate , None will thee pity in that wretched state . Never was Malefactor in distress , But met with pity either more or less ; And though it do not take away the grief , Yet where there 's pity , there 's some small Relief . But if thou dost this fearful Sentence bear , There 's none to pity , none to shed a tear . O think of this , alas ! thy wretched Eyes Are blinded now , thou basely dost despise The best of Comfort , Joy and Consolation , For love to Sin , horrid Abomination ! Thou swell'st in pride , unmindful of thine end , And seest no need of comfort from a Friend : But what wouldst thou for such a Friend then give , And for those Comforts thou mayst now receive ? Dost not thou tremble at this frightful news ? Tremble at least at that which next ensues . Three things there are , three Circumstances great , Which much thy final woe will aggravate : Which severally unto thee I 'le relate , That thou mayst think upon thy future state . First , from thy high Descent thy birth did crown Thee with the greatest Honour and Renown , That ever any had upon the Earth , Thou being own'd a Soveraign Queen by Birth . Yet that which did so much advance thy fame , Was not alone the Honour of thy Name , As the rare properties of thy sweet Nature , A most transcendent and accomplisht Creature ; An Heav'n-composed frame , as if thou 'dst bin Deriv'd from some Celestial Seraphim . When great Jehovah's fruitful Word had made The whole Creation , touching thee , he said , This Creature shall alone our Image bear , Whom all things else shall reverence and fear ; Our Sacred Portraiture we solely place , In this sweet Creatures Heaven-erected face . And when he sent his first begotten down , No other form or Image must he own . The Angels Nature wholly he refuses , And rather Humane Soul and flesh he chuses . Alas ! there 's not a greater aggravation , Than for a person of the highest station To be thrown down into the deep'st Abyss Of woe and sorrow ! oh ! how sad is this ? Thy self caus'd change a miserable Creature , Will surely make thy Torments far the greater . The second Circumstance of Aggravation , Is worthy of thy serious observation . And that I may more fully make it known , Under two Heads I 'le briefly lay it down . First , from the timely notice that was given , By thy most Soveraign Lord , the King of Heaven , When with his glorious Image he had grac'd thee , And in fair Eden's fruitful Garden plac●d thee ; Ordain'd thee Mistress of that famous Bower , Where thou mightst see his Glory every hour ; Granting whatever might accommodate Thy pure perfect spotless Virgin state ; Excepting one reserved Fruit alone , Which did indeed of Right belong to none But to himself ; that hidden Mysterie , Which in the midst of Paradise did lie ; To know what Evil was as well as Good , Which never could by men been understood , But by an Art of the most horrid Evil , And hearkning to , and siding with the Devil ; The dire effects to thee were told most plain , The danger and the loss thou shouldst sustain ; The loss of Life , the loss of Eden's Glory , The loss of God ; a lamentable Story . Warning was giv'n , God strictly did require , On pain of Death , thou shouldst not once desire , Nor tast , nor touch , nor cast a longing Eye Upon this fatal Fruit , which certainly Would straight procure thy final overthrow : This timely notice shall augment thy Woe . Fore-warn'd , fore-arm'd , you know we use to say : Thou wast fore-warn'd , and yet didst go astray . Contemptuous Soul ! alas , how couldst thou think The mighty God would at Rebellion wink ? Though he is said to wink at Ignorance , Presumption is a different Circumstance . Thou knew'st before-hand if thou didst trangress , Assured Death would follow , and no less ; The Lord had said it , he that gave us breath , Said , thou shouldst die , & yet thou feardst not Death , This is the height , as well as spring of Evil , To doubt and mistrust God , yet trust the Devil . Against God's sacred Truth to shut ones Eyes , And credit blindfold th' Father of all Lies . Ah Soul ! 't was listning to a wanton lust , That was the cause thou didst at first distrust The glorious Lord , and falsely to surmise , He was unwilling that thou shouldst be wise ; Afraid that thou shouldst know as much as He , And grow a Rival to his Deity . This blasphemous Conceit the Devil first , In thine already wicked fancy nurst : " 'T is ( saith this Prince of Darkness ) God's inten " In this unjust Restraint , but to prevent " Thy being like himself : for he doth know " If once thou taste this Fruit , it will be so . " Do thou but try , and taste , and presentlie " Thou 'lt find thy dim , dark Eye shall open'd be . " This hidden Secret will be understood , " And thou●●t know Evil , as thou now know● Good " You shall become as Gods : and I pray when " 'T is so , what fear you ? who can punish then ? " Your wisdom may the threatned Death evade , " And with an equal pow'r Heav'ns pow'r upbraid . Thus spake the Tempter , and thou straight didst yield , And treacherously to him didst quit the field . Forthwith the fatal Fruit with impious hand , Thou pluckst , and eatst , against thy God's command , Branding thy self , and thy posterity , With Treasons Guilt and endless misery . And here , vile Soul ! I cannot chuse but tell Thee one thing more that will increase thy Hell , The Devil had no power to compell Thee to have tasted this his poisonous Feast , But wilfully thou hast God's Law transgrest : For though thou hadst a pow'rful Sword to weild , Tempted to Lust , thou cowardly didst yield : Thou to thy self dost thy destruction owe , And this doth greatly aggravate thy woe . If want of strength or weapons , if oppression Do force a Man to give up his possession , He is excus'd , and his unhappy fall Condol'd , lamented , and bewail'd of all . But he deserveth neither love nor pity , That unconstrain'd surrenders up a City ; When he has pow'r to make strong opposition , Furnisht with Arms and warlike Ammunition , Yet at one slender Summons yields his Fort ; The mis'ries he sustains in such a sort , Reflect upon himself , and do redouble His conscious Anguish , self-accusing Trouble . Just as the Southern Sun with burning beams , Reflecting from a Wall with fierce extreams , Above its natural strength or wonted course , Scorches and burns with a far greater force : So do those Flames , first kindled with desire , Grow dangerous , and prove the stronger fire . The wounds receiv'd from self-confounding Arms , Have ever done poor Souls the greatest harms . There 's yet another Circumstance behind , That aggravates thy smart , which , prethee mind . When once thy fearful Torments are begun , Thy fatal Glass will never cease to run ; Years fill'd with months , and months with weeks retire , Weeks fill'd with days , & days with hours expire ; And hours in nimble minutes swiftly fly Unto their End . But in Eternity There is no End , nor will thy woes diminish , Although years , moneths , weeks , and hours finish . The toilsome Day when once it does expire , All Creature here to pleasing rest retire , Slaves , Bondmen , Prisoners , Captives , all have ease , No Drudgery so great , but then doth cease , Each bustling Day ends in a Night of peace . But thou must look to be with pains opprest , Where mid-day torments find no night of Rest . Death puts a period to the greatest grief , I' th silent Grave the weary find relief : But wish't-for Death from thee shall fly away , Eternity's a never-ending Day . Where th' angry mouth of Justice loud doth cry , Here must thou ever , ever , ever lie . How miserable ! ah how sad's thine end ! When thou in vain shalt court Death for thy friend . Men now do fly from Death , whilst Death pursues , But then shall seek to Death , who will refuse At their Request such favour to afford , As frees them from that Breath giv'n by the Lord . Death knows no pity : Nay , observe it well , ●Tis Death that opens wide the Gates of Hell , Where thou must be tormented with the Devils , As the just punishment of all thy evils . Distressed Soul ! oh unto what shall I Compare thy caseless , endless misery ! In various Volumes of the World's Records , Strange Tortures we may find exprest by words , But Oh! so great , so fore is thy distress , As flesh can't bear 't , so words can't it express . Devils rejoyce , and welcom in the Day That crown'd their Conquests with so rich a prey ; To see thee thus quite buried in thy spoils , Berest of Earthly joys , and Heav'nly smiles ; And I do fear th' incensed God above With direful Wrath will quickly thee remove Into that place — , But hark ! methinks I hear Some dreadful noise — see how the Mountains tear , And rending Hills , do into pieces fly , Whilst Thunder bellows through the troubled sky : The Stars and Planets in confusion hurl'd , Have banisht Natures order from the World . See how the melting Orbs of Heaven sweat , Like Parchment parch'd , & shrivel'd up with heat , Swift Lightning flashes through the Air appear , And now , O hark ! the dreadful Trump I hear , It sounds exceeding loud , enough to make The Dead from their deep silent Graves awake , And stoutest Sinners stubborn hearts to quake . Ah! 't is Mount Sinai , God himself is come Now to convince thee of thy final Doom . The Law and Justice will thee now Arraign : Poor Soul ! for thee my Soul 's in bitter pain . From them be sure no Mercy thou wilt meet , Although thou shouldst turn Suppli'nt at their feet . Their method is so rigid , so severe , The Guilty by no means they ever spare . Awake , awake , poor Soul ! and look about , Jehovah doth command the Sinner out , And active Justice having seiz'd her fast Doth hale her to the Judgment-seat in hast .

Justice . Most Soveraign Lord ! who dares i' th least gainsay What thou commandst ? thy Word I must obey . Lo ! here I bring this wretched Prisoner forth Unto thy Bar , who mad'st both Heaven and Earth , See! with what dread the trembling wretch doth stand , To know thy Sacred Pleasure & Command .

Jehovah . Justice , What is her Fact ? her Crimes declare : I patiently will now the matter hear .

Justice . Then will I legally , my Lord , proceed , And presently her black Indictment reade . Come forth thou Conscious wretch , and hear thy Crimes , In wicked deeds thou didst begin betimes . By th' name of Soul , thou standst indicted here , Being without true Grace and godly fear , Most treacherously in Eden long ago , Didst then and there , with God's most horrid Foe , Conspire against his Soveraign Majesty , To the dethroning of him privily ; Then setst thou up a Traitor in his place , And traiterously his Image didst deface , And ever since hast in Rebellion stood , Pursuing Evil , and forsaking Good . For Treason , Murder , Theft , thou standst Indicted : These Crimes were all in thy first fact united . Nay , more then this , yet worser is thy Cause , Thou art Arraign'd for breach of all those Laws , Which in thy Nature God at first ingrav'd , The same thou hast in every point deprav'd . This Royal Law much hast thou violated , And every Day thy Crimes are aggravated . That Spirit 's still in thee which was at first , When God did thee out of his Garden thrust ; Thou sid'st with Satan , and dost him obey , Not minding what , or God , or good men say . All Evil Rebels in thy House remain , And nobly there thou dost them entertain , Whilst God thou hat'st , his proffer'd Love refuse , And precious Patience daily dost abuse . Therefore , my Lord ! she worthy is of Death , As ever any that on Earth drew Breath .

Jehovah . Soul ! What dost say , hold up thy guilty head , Thou unto this Indictment now must plead : Guilty , or not Guilty , I charge thee , speak ; Lest Justice doth severer Courses take .

Soul . I dare not say I am not Guilty , Lord , Of some of these foul Crimes which I have heard Read in my Charge , 't is vain for to deny , My Conscience makes me Guilty , Guilty , cry . Thy Law is broke , which doth all Lust forbid , My Sin I know from thee cannot be hid . Although methinks Justice seems too severe , For the whole Charge hee 'l scarcely make appear .

Jehovah . Art guilty of that first and hainous Crime , Which was committed , Soul , in Ancient time , By him who was thy Representative , From whom thy evil Nature didst derive ? If guilty of that one horrid Offence , 'T is easie for thee to perceive from thence Thou art under my Just and fearful Curse , Condemned by thy God , what can be worse ?

Soul . To Adam's Sin , Lord , I must guilty plead ; Nay , and to many an actual Evil Deed.

Divine Justice . The Prisoner does confess her vile offence , And now there needs no further Evidence . Shall Execution , Lord , on her be done ? How canst thou bear such a Rebellious one ? Lord , let me straightway strike the fatal blow , Let her with vengeance to Hell-torments go . She 's guilty , even by her own Confession , Of heaping up Transgression on Transgression . She 's in my Debt , she cannot it disown , And I demand my Right , Come , pay it down . Ten thousand Talents ; Soul , thou owest me , Which must be paid , and that full speedily .

Soul . That I am in thy Debt I don't gainsay , But I have not one farthing now to pay . Some pity show , I for forbearance cry , Since thy Demands I cannot satisfy .

Justice . Full satisfaction 't is that I must have , In vain from me you compositions crave ; My Name is Justice , and my Nature so , I never did , nor can I mercy show .

Soul . If there 's no mercy , then my state is sad , And never was there any News so bad For Adam's seed , who under Sin do lie , All then must perish to Eternity .

Theologue . That God is gracious , Soul , is not deny'd , Yet Justice will also be satisfy'd . Consider if thou canst the matter reach ; One Attribute God never will impeach To magnify another ; He 's so Just , As to take vengeance on each Sin and Lust ; Each Attribute know thou assuredly Must meet together in sweet Harmony .

Soul . What will thy Wrath , O Justice ! then appease ? Upon what terms wilt thou afford some ease To me , after this terrifying News ? Vouchsafe to tell the means that I must use , To satisfie a Judge that 's so severe , And will not of sweet Acts of pardon hear .

Justice . There 's nothing can appease me , that is less Than a compleat and perfect Righteousness ; Like that thou hadst whilst thou in Eden stood : Nothing , save this , will do thee any good . What e're is due to me of the old score , Must be paid down , or never any more Will the great God with thee concerned be On gracious terms of Peace and Amitie ; A Sacrifice can only make thy peace , That , that alone , will cause my wrath to cease .

Soul . If that be all , I 'le get a Sacrifice ; Let me consider , what shall I devise ? A thousand Rams , and Rivers of sweet Oil , I 'le offer up but for one gracious Smile ; With fat of firstling Lambs I 'le Heaven invoke , And purest Incense up like Clouds shall smoke ; Each Morn I●le sacrifice whole Hecatombs , With Frankincense , and sweet Arabian Gums . I these , O Lord ! I offer up to thee ; M●● they atone for mine Iniquity ?

Justice . Oh no! give o're those trifling low designs ; The Eastern Spices and the Western mines United , are too mean an Offering To satisfy this great incensed King . In such poor offerings God does take no pleasure ; Couldst Thou therefore procure all Europes Treasure ; Nay , all the Wealth that in the World has bin , ‛ Tould not his wrath appease for one small sin . Shouldst thou thy dearest Son or Daughter take For Sacrifice , 't would no Atonement make : The fruit of thine own Body were in vain For thy Soul's sin a pardon to obtain . No Friend or Brother can'st thou now find out To pay thy Ransom , or release thee out ▪ Their Riches never can be help for thee , Nor once redeem thy Soul from misery . Nay , couldst thou yet ascend to Heaven above , And holy Angels with compassion move For to engage for thee , and signify That in thy stead , and for thy sake they 'd die , It would not do ; for in them 's no such worth As to remove thy guilt , appease God's wrath . Their Glory 's great , as holy Scriptures show ; Yet all they have and are to God they owe. They cannot help thee in thy great distress , Nor satisfy the Law thou dost transgress . In brief , look where thou wilt ; no Balsam's fou● In any Creature for to cure thy wound . No Surety can'st thou get ; then come away , Eternal Torments must thy Reckoning pay .

Soul . Hold , hold , thou art too hasty and severe , To one word more I pray thee lend an Ear. I will amend my life , if this be so . The Promise runs to such as truly do Their Evil courses leave ; I hope hereby Thou wilt some pity show , not let me die .

Divine Justice . ●ond Soul ! though such thy promises indeed So often broke , deserve but little heed ; Yet grant thou shouldst henceforth with strictest care Endeavour thine offences to repair , Couldst thou so live , as never to sin more , Will this , dost think , pay off thy former score ? Can thine imperfect Righteousness to come , Discharge of by-past ills , so vast a sum ? When even that which thou callst Righteousness It self wants pardon , and must Guilt confess . When thy Bond 's su'd , thou dost thy self forget , To offer menstruous Rags to pay thy Debt ; For what is past , not future , I demand , And thou shalt feel the rigors of my hand .

Soul . Lord ! then I 'm drown'd in an Abyss of seats , If hearty Sighs , nor penitential Tears Can wash me clean , nor yet relieve my wo : My case is desp'rate , what shall Mortals do ?

Divine Justice . If thou with Tears couldst the vast Ocean fill , Or grieve till thou thy self with sorrows kill , And make ten thousand Rivers with thy blood , 'T would not contribute the least dram of Good . Nay , couldst thou live , and never more offend , Yet for old sins to Hell I must thee send , To th' place of Execution thou must go : Lord , shall I strike , O shall I strike the blow ? Lo , here the Soul , condemned wretch doth stand ▪ My Ax is up , if thou but giv'st command , I presently will cut her down with Ire , Fit fewel for an Everlasting fire .

Divine Mercy . Stay , Justice ! hold , forbear to strike ; shall I My Glory lose to all Eternity ? Though thou art just , as just as God can be , Yet something Mortals still expect from me . 'T is gracious Love and pity I afford , In me shines forth the Glory of the Lord : In me God doth ( O Justice ) take delight , Though thou art pleasant also in his sight . How shall we both then meet in Harmony , And shine in spendor to Eternity ?

Divine Wisdom . I have found out the way , which will you both With equal Majesty and Glory cloath . God is as just as Justice doth require , And yet as kind as Mercy can desire . Here is a glorious Prince come from above , Who all obstructions quickly will remove , Which in the way of the poor Soul doth lie , And you appease , and jointly satisfy ; To save her now from the infernal pit , I have a Ransom found , a Ransom fit .

Divine Justice . I cannot hold , — I 'le strike the fatal Blow : Hell she deserves ; with vengeance let her go Unto the place appointed for all them Who do God's holy Laws and Grace contemn .

Jesus Prince of Light . O who is this ? What Traitor 's at the Bar , That is condemn'd , and Justice wo'nt defer The Execution ? speak , hold up thy head ; Hast any thing to say ? What canst thou plead ? Methinks , methinks , I should this Creature know : Ah! Soul , is 't thee ? What shall I for thee do ? I told thee what thy state would be i' th end , When first my Love to thee I did commend . Soul ! Speak , 't is I , why dost thou not look up ? I 'm sorely griev'd to think upon the Cup That is prepar'd for thee ; What dost thou say ? Shall I step in , that Justice may delay To strike the stroke , for then too late 't will be To show my Love and pity unto thee ? Hast any kindness for me in thine Heart ? I doubt that still thou the same Creature art Thou wast before ? and hast no love at all : Why speakst thou not ? shall vengeance on thee fall ? Ah! how can I see Execution done , And Tears not from mine Eyes like Rivers run ?

Divine Justice . Lord , be n't concern'd , she is thy bitter Foe ; Oh let me therefore freely strike the blow . There 's nought in her but Sin , and poisonous Evil ; To God a Foe , and Friend unto the Devil .

JESVS . I know not how to let this stroke be given , For I am come on purpose down from Heaven To make Atonement , and to satisfy For all her sins and foul Iniquity . Though she to me doth no affection bear , Yet her I pity , and do love most dear .

Justice . Blest JESVS ! hold , 't is my just Master's sense , Abused Mercy must have recompence . There is no other way but she must die , Unless thou wilt be her Securitie : If in her stead thy life thou wilt give up , Then mayst thou save her from this bitter Cup. The price which thou on that account wilt pay , Will make a Compensation , and defray All her vast Debts , yea plenarily God's wrath appease , and Justice satisfy . What must be done ? Who is 't the stroke must bear ? Is 't not most fit such should who guilty are ? I cannot hold my hand , nor longer stay , Law must be satisfy'd , what dost thou say , Thou wretched Soul ? behold the knife and spear ! Can'st thou dost think , God's fearful vengeance bear ? Now , Soul ! look to thy self , this Spear I 'le run Into thy Bowels , ere I it return .

JESVS . Stay Justice , stay , withold thy furious Dart , And , let its glitt'ring point first pierce my Heart , Her guilty state aloud calls for relief , It wounds my Soul and fills my Heart with grief . My Bowels yearn , my inward parts do move , Now , now 's the time to show her my great Love . Let Law and Justice be suffic'd in me , 'T is I will die , to set the Sinner free . Behold me , Soul ! my life shall go for thine , I will redeem thee with this Blood of mine , Although most Precious , Sacred , and Divine .

CHAP. VII .

Shewing what Consultations there were amongst the infernal Spirits to bring Jesus , Prince of Light , under the power of Death ; a Council called in Hell : the Princes of the fallen Angels in a deep combination against him , for fear their Kingdom should fall , and the poor Creature be delivered . The grand Counsel of Old Satan is taken . He enters into Judas . Judas's sin discovered . Jesus is apprehended . A terrible battel , or Christ's Agony before his Passion . Sin and Wrath combine together : shewing the Prince's Conquests over them both . Seven aggravations of Christ's sorrows in the Garden ; and a Dialogue between the Devil , King of Darkness , and Death , the King of Terrors .

HEre let 's a while reflect with careful heed ; What! doth the guiltless for the guilty bleed ? This may astonish all , here 's Love indeed ! Do Mortals ever greater love extend , Then to lay down their lives for a dear Friend ? But for a Prince , a mighty Prince to die , Not for a Friend , but for an Enemy , Convicted and condemn'd for horrid Treason , Thus to step in at that most Critick season , When just the fatal blow was to be given ; This Love 's above our Reach , higher than Heaven , Deeper than Ocean Seas , so Infinite , As well deserves our wonder day and night . What ? Was the Father free his Son to give , His dear and only Son , that she might live ? And doth the Son i' th midst of Enemies Yield up himself to be a Sacrifice ? Yet who can be so bold to lay their Hands Upon this Prince , that Heaven & Earth commands ? How shall this thing be now accomplished ? And by , what means shall his dear Blood be shed ? Let 's now inquire who is 't that will consent To be the grand and chiefest Instrument To execute this precious spotless Lamb , Who for this purpose down from Heav'n came ? Has he on Earth any such spightful Foe , As dare's attempt this 'mazing thing to do ? You heard before he daily was beset , And with what Enemies he often met ; But now his hour is drawing very near . Great Consultations 'mongst his Foes there were , How they might take his blessed Life away , Who seem'd himself impatient of delay . He long'd until his work were finished , Which could not be until his blood were shed : And though he had most raging Enemies , Yet knew they not what project to devise To bring this bloody traiterous deed to pass , Which long before by them designed was : Until Apollyon finding by his Art The dire Intentions harbour'd in their Heart , Doth rouse them up , and first the matter start To the Infernal powers , to wake them ●l A second time upon this Prince to fall . Then Belzebub , Satan , and Lucifer , Consult afresh how to renew the War , And to this purpose wee 'l suppose they spake :

Apollyon . Shake off your fears , and speedily let 's make The strongest Head that possibly we can Against this strong , this Devil-amazing man . Now , now 's the day , let 's bring him to Death's sting , And then with shouts of Triumph we may sing : For over Death 't is we the power have , And we may sure secure him in the Grave . 'T is he alone who frights us in our station , And puts us all into great Consternation . Our Kingdom by this means is like to fall , And we thereby be ruin'd great and small . I have engag'd him once , but could not stand , I know his strength , he has a pow'rful Hand .

Belzebub . My Sentence is for War ; this Enterprize Well managed , will make our Kingdom rise , And re-inthrone us in our Antient Skies , To a great Height and flourish , as before : When he is down , we 'l let him rise no more . Can we but once deprive him of his Life , 'T will put an end to all our fears and strife .

Lucifer . Dominions , Pow'rs , and Principalities You all in danger are ; awake and rise From off your Seats , and lazy Beds of Down : Sleep you secure , or , fear not the dread frown Of him who cast you down , and joys to see Your abject state confess his Victory ? Shall all our brave infernal Regiments yield , And basely quit the even yet doubtful Field ? What ? by one man shall such a pow'rful Host Be overcome , and all at once be lost ? Come , shew your valour , I 'le command the Van , Tho we 're to engage withone that 's more than Man , Yet fear him not ; why doth each spirits hand Shake thus ? why do you all amazed stand ? Has none found out a way to make him yield , And either by fraud or force to quit the Field ? At this old Satan rose from off his Seat , Ready to burst with Rage and Malice great , And cast a terrible look ( if minded well ) Enough to fright all th' Devils out of Hell .

Satan . You mighty Lords of the Infernal Lake , Hark unto me , who for our Empires sake Have now devis'd a Stratagem , that may ( If I mistake not ) prove the only way To bring about the Ruin of our Foe , Whom I both hate and dread , as you well know . There is his Servant Judas , he 's our Friend , And into him forthwith will I desc1end , Who by my strong persuasions soon will do That which may make for 's Master's overthrow . He will betray him to our Servants hand , Who will secure him safe at your Command , And put him unto Death , who when destroy'd , We never any more shall be annoy'd . They all agreed to what old Satan said , Combining jointly to assist and aid Him in this great , though cursed enterprise , And bid him make what hast he could devise . Delays are dangerous , Devils well know that : But why need they Grim Satan instigate ? He needs not be provoked to make haste , When 't is to injure Souls ; or them to waste ; Or wreck his Malice , Rage , and Hellish spight On the sweet person of the Prince of Light . For now , alas ! is come the dismal hour , The time of Darkness . And Hell 's direful pow'r No sooner spoke , but Satan flew away , Winged with spight , impatient of delay . He takes possession of poor Judas heart , And unto him in secret doth impart The grand Design of this Cabal of Hell ; Who presently consents , and likes it well . Away he goes , resolv'd the work to do : A work , Lord , did I say ? sad work ! Oh who Could think that a Disciple could do this , Betray his Lord with a false treach'rous kiss ? Perfidious wretch ! what villany is here ? Who can conceive the Crime ? or who declare The horrid nature of this vile offence ? Transcending all degrees of insolence . No treacherous Act like it was done on Earth , Since Man first from enliv'ned Clay took breath . Where was thy Conscience , wretch , it did not fly Into thy face for this Impiety ? Were all his wondrous works out of thy mind , His tender Love and pity to mankind ? Betray the Son of Man ! Can this be so ? What hadst thou in thine Eye ? what made thee do This horrid deed ? Was 't mony did thee move To forfeit thy Allegiance , and thy love ? 'T was from that filthy Root , Root of all Evil ! Base forbid Gain , thou soldst Christ to the Devil ; ( That is to those vile men he did employ To perpetrate this cursed Tragedy . ) This shew'd thy malice , and how thou didst hate him ; But tell us , Judas ! at what price didst rate him ? What price didst set upon his blessed Head ? Are Thirty pence enough ? What , valued At this low price ? — Is Jesus worth no more ? Such a sad Bargain ne're was made before . A Box of Ointment's worth , in thy esteem , Three hundred pence ; and dost thou value him Not to amount in worth 'bove the Tenth part ? Thou shew'st how blind , and how deceiv'd thou art ? He whose most precious personage out-shines The fading Lustre of all Ophirs Mines . And carries sweeter Odours in his Breast , Than all the Spices that perfume the East ; He that 's Omnipotencies choice delight , Whom trembling Angels worship day and night ; He that the Saints above all Worlds do prize , In whom all worth and true enjoyment lies ; Shall he be sold at such a rate ? O fie ! Thou wilt repent it to Eternitie , That thou didst ever such a Bargain make : What ? Thirty Bits of cursed Silver take For th' Pearl of matchless price ; thou forbid Sot ! Wilt thou be trading , when thou knowest not What 't is thou sell'st ? Fool , 't is a precious stone , The Indian Quarries yield not such an one , Worth more than Heaven & Earth . But it is gone ? So rich a Jewel lost ? — Go howl and cry ; Thou 'lt hang thy self ; next in Hell-torments fry . And who can pity thee ? I prethee who To such a Traytor will compassion show ? Now 't is too late thou dost begin to mourn ; Better ( vile wretch ) thou never hadst been born . Under incensed wrath , ah ! now he lies , Where flames torment , and Conscience terrifies . Be not offended , Sirs , I judg him not ; But his own Master's words can't be forgot , Who speaking of his sad and sinful fall , Doth him the S●● of black perdition call , And says that he is lost . Christ is the Judge , And to repeat his Sentence who can grudge ? But to proceed — how can my spirits hold ? I need Relief , my heart ( alas ) grows cold , Whilst I with wonder look on what 's behind , Soul-melting pity overwhelms my mind . Who can of such heart-breaking suff●rings hear , And not dissolve each Eye into a Tear ? But , ah ! methinks something doth intervene , The thought of which puts me to as much pain , As doth the sad , but useful Contemplation Of his unhappy happy bloody passion . Then let 's ret●●at , and to the Garden go , For in that place began his grievous woe : Before he doth with th' King of Terrors fight , Another King sets on him full of spight , Whose powr's great , by cursed usurpation , He domineers and rules o're every Nation ; He brings the Mighty down unto his feet , And makes them all with rigour to submit : The good , the bad , the wise , the old , the young , The rich , the poor , the beautiful , and strong , All that live , ore're liv'd , have worsted bin By this proud lofty one , whose name is SIN . A Bastard Devil of most monstrous Birth , Begot in Hell , by Satan first brought forth ; Already you have of his Malice heard , And how in wrath he never Mortal spar'd . A crafty Foe , who oftner steers his course In all his wars , by fraud than open force : 'T is he that keeps the Soul in Iron Chains , And robs her of all Sense ; lest those great pains She otherwise might feel , should make her cry To be deliver'd from his slavery ; Unless our Jesus doth this Foe destroy , The Soul he loves he never can enjoy . He had with him before oft a hard Duel , And worsted him , escaping all his cruel Attaques , but rallying now with other Foes He joyns , to lay on more impetuous blows . Well may we dread here an amazing Fight , For lo ! with him confederate in our sight The Wrath of God , most fearful to behold : Both these sad Enemies , with courage bold , Are making all the Head that e're they can Against this blessed Prince , the Son of Man . Oh! let our Souls be arm'd with courage bold , Whilst we this furious Battel do behold . Before the Fight begins , do you not hear How he doth cry unto his Father dear ; O let this Cup from me , Lord , pass away , If it be possible ; Let it , I pray , Pass from me , that of it I may not drink . Until this time he never seem'd to shrink From any pain , conflict , or suffering ; This Combat is , alas , a different thing , From what before he ever met withal ; From hence he did unto his Father call Once and again , repeating of his cry , It 'h sense of what was now approaching nigh . Some may at this 't is likely much admire , That our dear Saviour should so loud desire To be deliver'd from that bitter Cup , Which was prepared for him to drink up . It did not rise for his unwillingness ; But from the pain , the anguish , and distress 'T would bring him to : this humane Nature's weak From thence he might such supplications make . Ah! wrath Divine , what humane Soul can bea● ? But of Divinity he hath his share , Which doth again his fainting spirit chear . And such support he needs — Cast but an Eye , See how the Combatants with fury fly Upon each other ; What a Battel 's here , Enough to melt our Souls into a tear . Lo ! the first blow that Sin and Wrath doth give , It is the worst he ever did receive . Behold ! how frightfully grim Wrath doth frown ; Nay , more , the Prince seems by their strength cast down . Now Sin & Wrath upon him both do lie , Which makes him groan , and bitterly to cry , With panting breast , and half-expiring Breath , My Soul is sorrowful , ev'n unto Death . Can the great Prince of Earth and Heaven feel Such heavy strokes , as thus to make him reel ? The dismal weight of Sin this doth declare ; None but a JESVS ▪ could it fully bear . Happy are we , as the blest Prophet said , Our Help was upon One that 's mighty laid . Could man or Angel ev'r have born all this , And not have been cast down to th' deepst Abyss ? Nay of this mighty One , Saint Mark hath rais'd Our Wonder higher , He was sore amaz'd : Nay more than this , he fell upon the Ground : No Soul before such anguish ever found , To see the Lord of Life brought to the Earth , Under the pressure of God's heavy Wrath ; And that he suffer'd all this in our stead , May make our Souls to stand astonished ; Especially , if to these Trials we Shall add his great and bloody Agony , Wherein the sweat fell from him as he stood , In Crimson dy , like trickling drops of blood . Ah! precious Lord ! this work was very sore ; But still thy Love , and it s blest Vertue 's more ; Through all these Toils thou graspst at Victory , And Captive lead'st at last Captivity . If Sin that day had not receiv'd a fall , Grim Death and Hell had quickly swallow'd all The race of Man ; we all had been undone , No help , no hope , no life for any one ; Sin was condemn'd , it had a fatal blow , That now to Saints it little hurt can do . But to proceed , here I shall now relate Some things which very much do aggravate The sufferings which Christ in 's Soul indur'd , When he this Conquest for our Souls procur'd ; No greater sorrows did he ever know , Than those which then his Soul did undergo .

Several Circumstances which demonstrate the Greatness of our Saviours sufferings in his Soul in the Garden .

First . They did not seize him with the least surprize , From thence oft-times doth great Amazement rise Unto poor Mortals : we are not aware Oft-times what 's nigh , know nothing of the snare . But thus 't was not with the blest Prince of Light ; What can be hid from Great Jehovah's sight ? He knew full well what would upon him fall ; Yet when it came , so great , surpassing all Were th' Griefs he felt , he in amaze doth call Unto his Father dear most earnestly , If 't were his will to let that Cup pass by .

Secondly . It was the very thing he came to do , And yet cry'd out in such sad sort ; O who Can then conceive what he did undergo ? He freely did his precious Life give up ; And yet he 's ready to refuse the Cup. He takes it ( as it were ) into his hand Most willingly , but presently doth stand Pausing a while : then puts it to his Lip , And after he had took one bitter sip , Looks up to Heav'n , and cryes , O may it be Thy will , dear God , this Cup might pass from me .

Thirdly . He knew unless he drank it up , that we Must perish All to all Eternitie ; And that his coming would prove all in vain , If he refused for us to be slain ; And yet with sighs and groans how did he cry , In sense of wrath , and that extremity , Which he beheld would quickly overtake him , When once his blessed Father did forsake him !

Fourthly . The Angels which did there to him appear , Demonstrate plain how great his sorrows were : For like as one distressed , makes complaint , Quite tired out , and all his spirits faint , Needs to be strengthned by some faithful Friend : So God to him did Holy Angels send , For to relieve and comfort him that Day , When Sin and Wrath so heavy on him lay .

Fifthly . But what 's Assistance from an Heavenly Host , To the great Power of the Holy Ghost ! Some little measure of the Spirit hath Caused blest Saints to triumph over Death . How have they sung with flames about their Ears , Contemning pains , regardless of all fears ? This Spirit rested on him bodily , Without measure ; and yet how doth he cry ! As scarce well knowing which way to bear up , Whilst he partakes of this most painful Cup. This greatly doth his suff'rings amplify To humane sense , if weighed seriously .

Sixthly . O Lord ! what means these melting sighs and Tears ? Why is thy Soul amaz'd , why fill'd with Fears ? Ah! 't is enough to break our hearts to think Upon that bitter potion thou didst drink ; Thou knewst thy sorrows would be quickly o're , And then thou shouldst ne'r sigh nor suffer more ; 'T was from thy worth , both Wrath and Justice cryes , We are appeas'd with this thy Sacrifice . Might not the shortness of this Conflict yield Thee some Relief ? Besides thou knew'st the Field Thou shouldst obtain , the Conquest was thine own , And quickly too the Conflict would be gone . I' th midst of Wars , or anguish , Men indure , If any can them certainly assure , That in short time their Troubles will be over , They straight rouse up their spirits to recover , And patiently resolve to bear the smart , For this is like a Cordial to the Heart . All this thou knew'st , and more abundantly ; Yet Sins dire weight so heavily did lie , That with strong groans & horror thou didst cry . The Torments , Lord ! of Hell took hold on thee , Our Souls from that devouring Wrath to free . But why didst thou into a Garden go Thus to encounter with the hellish Foe ? Was it because there first began our woe ? Or , was it , Lord , to have us call to mind When we in Walks and Gardens pleasures find , What thou didst for us in a Garden bear , To take our Hearts from slitting pleasures here ? But stop , my Muse ! look back , and let us s●e What did succeed Judas his Treachery . O mind , what Joy's amongst th' Infernal Crew , In hopes of what is likely to ensue . Not once , but many times ? this makes me quake : We are undone , should he refuse to take Part now with us in this Extremity , When all we have and are at stake doth lie . To this Advice the Devils all consent , And call for Tyrant Death , who doth present His gastly face , and boldly do's demand , What 't was they would have him to take in hand ? Then soon Apollyon , King of Darkness , breaks Silence , and to this purpose gravely speaks .

Apollyon . Dread King of Terrors , if thou stepst not in , Down goes our Hell-bred Monarchy of Sin . We now can walk the spacious Earth about , And have we Friend or Foe , we find him out . Where e're we see a person that 's upright , We seek his ruin with the greatest spight . When we by fraud or craft can't him intice To yield to Pride , or Lust , or any Vice , But that he 'l watch us with a wary Eye , And persevere in all true Piety ; Then on him do we bring outward distress , To make him lose , or leave his Holiness . Our Kingdom by this practice is made strong , Potent and large , and so has prosper'd long . But now thy help we need , for much we fear The downfal of our Kingdom draweth near . Upon the Earth there now appears in sight A mighty Foe , one call'd The Prince of Light .

〈…〉

And for what end should he from Heaven come , If not to execute on us that Doom Which Heav'n long since decreed ? To end which strife , We are resolv'd to take away his Life . Already he 's betray'd ; if things hit right , And then we 'l yield him up unto thy Might . For thy Assistance , Death , we do implore , Else to these mischiefs this will happen more , That Creature we so long have captivated , Will in her Pomp again be re-instated . The thoughts of which there 's none of us can bear , Speak , speak , pale Monarch ! for we long to hear What 's thy Advice ? Thou mighty art in pow'r , And canst , we know , whole Nations soon devour .

The King of Terrors . Great Prince of Darkness , you must understand We are not wholly at your proud Command . For there 's a mighty Pow'r in Heaven high , Which you are subject to as well as I : 'T is true , from him I cannot say at all That I derive my strange Original ; Yet by his pleasure am circumscrib'd , And 'gainst his Will cannot be forc'd nor brib'd . Wherefore , if he this Prince of Light protect , In vain at him shall I my shafts direct . Besides , in this Exploit methinks I find Some strange foreboding ills possess my mind , As if engaging thus against your Foe , I should but hasten mine own overthrow . Take mine Advice then , meddle not at all ; Better sit still , you know , than rise to fall . 'T is true indeed , as you have well observ'd , Your threatned Judgment has been long deferr'd : But if your Execution-Day be come , You can't escape , but must abide your Doom .

Prince of Darkness . Thou pale-fac'd Traytor ! shan't we have thy Aid ? Then all our Hellish Projects are betray'd . How oft have we stood by thee ; sent thee forth To do our will and pleasure on the Earth ? The first that ever thou hadst in thy hand , Committed was by me , at my Command , I caused Cain to slay his godly Brother ; And so taught thee how to bereave the Mother Of her most dear , of her most hopeful Son ; And shall not now my will in this be done ? 'T was I which did thy being to thee give : How many Subjects dost each day receive From me and mine ? who do in every Land Promote thy State , and lend their helping-Hand . Therefore consent , and show thy angry Brow , And make this Conqueror to thy Scepter bow , Yielding himself to thee , strike him with speed , And pierce his very Heart until it bleed . Then some dark Cave near the Earths Centre find , Where Light ne're pierc'd , nor Phoebus ever shin'd , There , there , the vanquisht Foe do thou retain Close Prisn'er with an Adamantine Chain . When e're thou strik'st , be sure strike home thy blow , Lest he revive and work our overthrow . Be bold , attempt , and let thy pow'r be known , Thy Glory of this Deed shall be thine own .

King of Terrors . I must confess I have been often sent By Hellish means unto the Innocent . To satisfy your Envy , Pride , and Lust , Some thousands I have turn'd into the Dust . Yet never did I strike , but on Condition , As Heaven did permit , in my Commission . And though by Thee , and by that Monster , Sin , The Child of Hell , I first of all came in ; Yet am I not subservient still to thee , But bounded by Jehovah's own Decree : For had I wholly been at thy Command , Poor Job had fell before thy pow'rful hand . Where my dread Sovereign Lord do's give me charge , To stay my hand ( though my Commission 's large ) I must forbear ; But if he once permit , The Just , and the Unjust , alike I hit .

Apollyon King of Darkness . Wilt thou eclipse my Glory and Renown ? Destroy my Pow'r , and tread my Kingdom down ? Fy Death ! for shame forbear thy Insolence , And do'nt dispute the Mandates of thy Prince . Strike ! I conjure thee ; do not vainly think 'T will be thy Int'rest from this work to shrink . That hand , that powerful hand that conquers me , If he prevail , at last will vanquish thee . Though now on Earth thou dost in triumph dwell , If he o'recome , he 'l cast thee down to Hell . Thou fro'n thy Monarchy shalt then be driven , And shalt abide in no place under Heaven . Thou that hast been a Conqueror heretofore , Shalt conquer'd be , and never conquer more . Ah! lend thy Hand , shew forth thy mighty pow'rs , 'T is for thy Int'rest , Death , as well as ours . If Arguments and Reason may convince Thee ; try thy weapons on this dangerous Prince .

King of Terrors . Say , say no more . If you find things agree In order to his downfall , I will be His Executioner , do you not fear , I tremble at the thoughts of what I hear .

Damned Spirits . Bravely resolv'd ! At last they all Reply'd , Swelling in Wrath , in Malice , Envy , Pride , Wee 'l now proceed , and craftily prepare All things in readiness to end this War .

Apollyon . Though Judas has a party for our turn , Yet we have more to do e're we adjourn . If we should bring this Enterprise to pass , Yet when all 's done , I shall be where I was . We must seek out some persons to defame His so much honour'd and unblemish'd Name . He 's Just and Virtuous , and esteem'd so high , Who dares charge him with th' least Impurity ?

Satan . At this an envious Devil strait jumpt in ; I 'le lead the people on , let me begin ; I 'le stir them up to Envy more and more , Such Envy that he shall not stand before .

Belial . These are but sparkles from an hasty Fire , Which will for want of fuel soon expire . His Glory still encreases , ours decays . Words without Actions are but faint delays . The rarest Wit amongst us must look out , With wariness to bring this thing about . I 'le tell you what I newly have contriv'd : Let my Lord Lucifer , the King of Pride , Make one amongst their Rulers in the Seat Of seeming Justice ; Tell them they are Great And Prudent men , yea Learned ones likewise , And in their Breasts alone true Wisdom lies . Yea , tell them that the Soveraign Lord of Heaven To them the name of Gods on Earth hath given , Tell them both God and men have though it fit , That they like Gods should in this Grandeur sit ; And , answerable to this lofty station , The people have them in great veneration . Thus , when h' has put their Honours in a Heat , And swell'd them up with Pride and self-conceit , Tell them 't is much below their high Degree , That such a low inferiour Man as he Should be their Prince , or 〈◊〉 them bear sway , Who rather ought their 〈◊〉 to obey . Then , when the uncontrouled ●reath of Fame Has spread abroad the Glory of his Name , And fill'd each Eye and Ear with Admiration , Giving to him Applause and Veneration , Then let our envious Friend once more take's place , And sit as pale as Death in every Face ; And let him tell them , if they do not take Some speedy course , their Honours lie at stake ; He grows so famous in the peoples Eyes , They shortly will their Soveraignty despise .

Satan . Nay , I can tell them yet another thing ; The people seek by force to make him King . Which if the Roman Pow'r should understand , They 'd quickly come and take away their Land . This sure will work , or other ways I 'le find ; Good Mariners can sail with every wind . Thus these Infernals seeking to prevent Their future , but deserved punishment , Far swifter than the lofty Eagle flies , Did set upon their Hellish enterprize . The King of Pride threw forth his poisonous Darts , Which did not miss to pierce the yielding Hearts Of those that sat at Stern , who should delight To do the thing that 's equal , just , and right : But disregarding great Jehovah's Laws , They sought ( poor Souls ) for popular Applause , Puft up with Pride , and swoln with vain Ambition ( That Tympany of th' Soul ) They had suspition That if the Prince of Light were once affected , They by the people soon should be rejected . For first they saw his Miracles were great , His Vertues rendred him still more compleat , And made him so illustriously to shine , He gain'd the Appellation of Divine . Nay , furthermore , they heard now some did sing , Hosanna in the Highest to the King Of Israel ! the fragrant Flower of Jess , The Root of David ; Oh! who can express The depth of Envy which in them did burn , With-raging flames , almost at every turn ? Close Consultation in their Courts appears , And i' th mean while strange Rumors fill their Ears . The Miracles which he before had wrought Into the minds of people fresh are brought , Those wond'rous things did much encrease the strife : He rass'd , said some , the Dead again to Life : Gave sight unto the Blind , who from their Birth Had never seen the Light that guilds the Earth : The Dumb , the Deaf , the Lepers , and the Lame , In all Distempers , whosoever came , Had perfect Cure in every Disease ; Nay , he could hush the Winds , and calm the Seas ; Could dispossess the black Infernal Rout , And cast whole Legions of fierce Devils out . Of five mean Barly loavs , and two small Fishes , He made above five thousand plenteous Dishes . Thus many talkt what he before had done , Grieving to think what now was coming on . His gracious words , and vertuous Life commended Him to the Multitude , but much offended Th' inraged Rulers ; yet his Innocence Was still so sure a Guard and strong defence , That they could not their wicked ends obtain . Yet from their malice would they not refrain . How often did they in clandestine way Endeavour their blood-thirsty hands to lay Upon this Sacred Prince ? yet still through fear The people would rise up , they did forbear . Sometimes they thought to trap him in his words , That Law & Justice then might draw their Swords And cut him off . And then again devise Another course , charg'd him with Blasphemies Against the God of Heaven , by which way They surely thought they might his Life betray . But never could they over him get pow'r Untill his time were come : Now , now 's their hour . The work must needs be carried on with speed , When Heaven and Hell about it are agreed . Though different ends in these great Agents are , Yet in the thing they both consenting were , That Christ should be of his dear Life depriv'd . Though Hell alone the guilty Act contriv'd , Yet God indeed from all Eternitie , Knowing what rage and curs'd malignity Would be in their base Hearts , resolved then He would permit and suffer these vile men , To bring his Purpose and Decree to pass , Which for our Good , and his own Glory was .

CHAP. VIII .

Shewing how the Lord Jesus died in the Sinner's stead . Such was his love , and yet the Soul an Enemy at that time to him , and hated him . A full discovery of Christ's bloody Passion , enough to make a heart of stone to melt . The Prince gives up the ghost . Death the King of Terrors , insults over Jesus , Prince of Light . Death is threatned with Death : shewing also what fear there was amongst the Devils , lest the Prince should rise again , and overcome Death . A second Council held in Hell : the Devils , tremble . Death subdued . Heathen Oracles cease . The Devil 's destroyed upon the Prince's resurrection , and put to open shame . Joy in Heaven . Angels sing . Saints rejoyce . The end of the First Part.

BUT to proceed , Will you lift up your Eyes , And view the Rage of Hellish Enemies ? The final troubles of the Prince of Light Are coming on ▪ Behold a frightful sight ! A multitude with Clubs , and Swords , and Spears About his Sacred Person now appears . This wretched Rabble's come on a design , Which wounds and breaks this stony heart of mine To think upon 't ; behold , they are conducted By the grand Traitor , and by him instructed How to proceed on this great Enterprise , Which he by Hellish power did devise . Arm'd , as you heard , they seiz'd on him , as if He had indeed been some notorious Thief . Fond men ! If you this Prince's Nature knew , Your Weapons are too many , or too few . As Man , so meek , you need no rescue fear ; As God , so strong , he can in pieces tear A thousand Troops that should approach him near , Of which a present Instance did appear . Some little rays of his dread Deitie He caused to break forth , and suddenly They stagger'd , and fell backwards on the ground , That they might see he quickly could confound Them utterly , and lay them at his feet , But that he saw it better to submit Unto his Father's Will , and take the Cup Which was prepared for him to drink up . But they recov'ring strength , got up again , Regardless of all dread , and now amain Resume their purpose , and with wicked hands Take hold of him , w●o Heav'n & Earth Commands . He 's taken Prisoner , and strongly bound , Who in one moments time could quite confound send . The Universe , and all that him offend Down to Hell's bottom quick with vengeance Yet like a Lamb he 's to the slaughter led , And , as a Malefactor , suffered . Most dreadful sorrows did his Soul indure That peace and Joy for her he might procure ; To bring his purpose to an happy end , He manifests himself indeed a Friend , A bounteous Friend , who thinks his Life not dear , But freely lays it down , doth freely bear The stroke of Justice , that he might recover Her forfeit Life again . Oh! Sacred Lover ! Oh! Matchless Love and Grace ! Let every Eye Open its Sluces , draw its Fountains dry . If he for us such bitter sorrows felt , Then let the thoughts of his strong Passion melt Our sin-congealed hearts , our hearts of stone . What was the reason why this Sacred One Did bear all this ? Were not our sins the cause ? He suffers , but 't was we had broke the Laws . Is he betray'd to Death ? Weep o're his Herse , who only di'd our Death for to reverse . You Sin-sick Souls , think on his bloody Passion , And then take up this bitter Lamentation : Dear God! I sin'd , and did a Saviour need , And must the Lord of Life and Glory bleed ! Ah! must his dear and precious blood be spilt , To free me from my vile and horrid Guilt ? Didst thou , sweet Lord , my heavy burthen bear ? And shall not I lament , nor shed a Tear ? Shall not my hard and flinty heart dissolve , To think how nought but thy own blood could salve My fester'd wounds ? What heart is so condens'd , That cannot by these thoughts be influenc'd And mov'd unto remorse and great Contrition , I' th sense of the Lord Jesus's Crucifixion ▪ They hal'd him ( bound ) unto the High Priests Hall , Where Priests and Council did for witness call . They search'd about for such , but none could find , Who did agree together in one mind . They us'd him like a Thief , put him to shame , Who bore it with great patience , like a Lamb. They blindfold him in a disgraceful sort , And ignominiously made him their sport . They smote him on the face , pluckt off his hair , And bid him prophesy then who they were That did him strike , that so they might thereby His Office of a Prophet vilifie . His own dear Servants in this dismal Day Did him forsake , and from him fly away . They , they in whom his Soul took sweet delight , His cursed Foes did so amaze and fright , That they disown'd him too , and left him all To stand alone , or otherwise to fall . Yea , Peter , who would have his Lord confide In him above the rest , stoutly deny'd He ever knew him ; nay , and furthermore , To put it out of doubt , he curst and swore . Ah! What is man when God withdraws his hand ? A Peter then one moment cannot stand . This doubtless did add grief unto his Heart , To see his own Disciples to depart , And leave him thus in his Adversitie , When in their stead it was he came to die . He after this bore much rebuke and shame , Scoffs , blows , reproaches , stripes , oh who can name The many Cruelties he underwent Before his painful Death , and not lament ? They cru'lly smite him on his precious Cheeks , Which he with patience bears , and never seeks To free himself from this their Insolence , Although he knew his spotless Innocence . O gracious Lord ! how , how wast thou abus'd , Unjustly judg'd , and falsely too accus'd ? Accus'd as guilty of some grievous fact , Who thoughtst no Evil , none didst ever act ? No stain nor spot of sin was found in thee , Though thus thou suffer'st for Iniquity . The Injuries which thou that Night did'st bear , How great , my God! how numberless they were ? When he had past away that tedious Night , Early next morning they with Hellish spight , Like some great Malefactor , him present To Pontius Pilate : where with innocent And pleasant Countenance he then did stand , To know what 't was of him they did demand . Then with an humble Silence held his peace , Which made the sury of his Foes increase . Next was he unto wicked Herod sent , Who at his presence seemed much content , Hoping he might some Miracle behold , Because he had been of strange Wonders told . But he that knew the secrets of all Hearts , Who tries the Reins and views the inward parts , Knew well his curious , but presumptuous mind , Was only unto wickedness inclin'd . Christ Answer'd not when he lookt for Replies . Which made King Herod and his men despise Our precious Lord , the Prince of Peace , whilst he Became the pattern of Humilitie . Thus Sinners contradict , and dare reprove The Lord of Life , who quickly could remove The lofty from their Seats , and them confound ; But nought but Love and Mercy doth abound . This was the Day of his Humiliation , He 's first abas'd , then comes his Exaltation . But , oh ! that ever men should be so vile , To smite those Lips that never utter'd guile ! He at whose great Command the Seas were still , Is now commanded by each Tyrant's will . He●s sent to Herod , then sent back again Unto the Judgment-Seat ; But oh ! what pain Did he indure there by most wicked men , Pen What Heart can think , what Tongue express , what Can set it forth ? Their sacrilegious Hands Bound him about with strong and cruel bands : They mock'd and did deride him shamefully , And then aloud set up a cursed Cry , Hold , hold him fast , deliver Barabbas , Who a notorious Malefactor was . A Barabbas is now prefer'd before Him , whom the glorious Angels do adore . A Murderer shall spared , saved be , When JESVS shall be hanged on a Tree . With torturing whips they scourged him most sore , Until his flesh was dy'd with Purple Gore . O dreadful dismal Cup ! what heart can think On what he underwent , and 's flesh not shrink ? The Blood that once run through his sacred Veins , Is now let out by Soul-tormenting pains , And all the blushing Pavement gilds , not stains . Ah! don't you see how it fell trickling down , Yet unto him was no compassion shown . The Blood that issued forth from every wound , Descends in pearly drops unto the ground . Oh Earth ! that didst receive that holy Blood , Nor fruitful Nile , nor Tagus golden Blood Could ever yield like Vertue , or such good ; Ne●re such a stream did water thee before , Nor shall again refresh thee any more . Nor were these cruel barb'rous scourgings all That he endur'd in that remorsless Hall ; For after this they clothed him in scorn With Purple , when his flesh was lasht and torn , And in derision of his Princely State , Their impious hands a Crown of thorns did plate , Pressing it on his gracious Head with pain , Till Sacred Drops did issue forth again In ruful sort , as they had done before , Spreading his precious Neck and Face all o're . Thus like a Lamb amongst those Wolves he stood , From head to foot besprinkled o're with blood . His Kingly Office further to debase , ' Stead of the Scepter due to Judah's Race , They put a Reed in 's hand , then kneel before him , And in Derision feignedly adore him . Thus , thus did they the Sacred Prince abuse , Crying in scorn — All hail , King of the Jews : Then in Disdain they spit in 's his lovely Face . Could Devils offer God a worse Disgrace ? Oh depth of Love alone , that knows no bounds , To suffer such dire stripes , such mocks & wounds 'T was we that sin'd , 't was thou that sufferst shame , To free us from the guilt . Oh let thy Name Thy Sacred Name for ever honour'd be , Who thus wast us'd , to set poor Sinners free . But yet , alas ! these sufferings were not all , More bitter things did unto him befall . Off next they took the Robe , his own put on , And now as if their malice fresh begun , Not satisfy'd their God for to deride , They loud cry'd out , Let him be Crucify'd . His Blood they thirst for . Pilate gives consent , Though Conscience told him he was Innocent , And had deserved neither Death nor Bands , Yet up he gives him to the Rabbles hands . He knew of malice they had brought him thither , Yet he and they at last combine together 'T imbrew their guilty hands in guiltless Blood , Who never did them harm , but always good . Rather than Pilate will displease the Jews , Hee 'l stifle Conscience , utterly refuse All Admonitions ; though his bosom Friend A timely warning unto him did send , Uses Intreaties , urges Arguments , But nothing would prevail , nothing prevents Their wicked purpose . Sentence being past , Unto his Execution now they hast . Though he was wounded very much before , His flesh , his Virgin flesh , with stripes made sore , Yet they upon his Martyr'd shoulders lay His heavy Cross ; till fainting by the way By reason of th' intolerable pain His bleeding wounds procured , they constrain A Country-man of Cyrene ( who did pass Along that way ) to bear his pond'rous Cross . And coming up to dismal Golgotha , Without remorse of Conscience , dread , or awe , They still persist in putting him to Death , A Death the worst that e're stopt humane Breath ; The cruel Death o●th Cross , matchless for pain , And by God's Curse most liable to shame . To cause the Just to die was crueltie , But Crucifixion's more than 't is to die . Prodigious Rage ! strange metamorphos'd mind ! What ? kill the Lord , who was to you so kind ! What was his Crime ? what his so great offence ? That not contented to remove him hence By violent Death , but you must look about Whereby to find exquisite torments out ? The vilest wretch that ever did draw breath , Or in the strictest sense deserved Death , Could never meet with more severitie From barb'rous Foes and brutish Tyranny . He meets with no compassion , every heart , And every hand is set to throw a Dart. So far from shame in this their villany , They chuse for time to act the Tragedy , Their chiefest Feast , when to Jerusalem From every part thousands of people came ; Then , then they chose this cursed work to do . That he the greater shame might undergo . When Priest and Pilate finisht had their Court. Dear Jesus must be fetcht to make them sport . And now behold ( if yet thy delug'd Eyes Can stay to see so sad a Sacrifice ) Behold him lift up on the cursed Tree . Expos'd to Torture , Death , and Infamy . His Arms spread wide , as ready to imbrace His bitter'st Foes , if they 'd accept his Grace ; Quite through each hand & foot sharp nails they drive , And fix him there to wait for Death alive . Hanging betwixt two Thieves , Numbred among Transgressors by the giddy partial Throng : For passers-by did rail on him with scorn , Wagging their heads , who ought rather to mourn . With taunts and scoffs the vulgar him abuse , Prompted by the Chief Priest , and barb'rous Jews . And when he thirsts through his excessive pains , Behold what favour at their hands he gains ; All they afford to quench his drought withal , Was Vinegar , mixed with bitter Gall. Was ever such a perfect hatred known ? No Dram of pity , but all malice shown . He that for them had Water turn'd to Wine , And shown his Pow'r and Charity Divine ; Now Wine , nor Water now could be allow'd T' asswage his thirst from this ungrateful Croud : But into 's tender side they thrust a Spear , From whence there came both blood & water clear . Thus hand , and foot , and head , and every part , They pierce and wound , for to encrease his smart . Ah! see that stream wch from his Heart-blood flows , The precious Balm and Cure of all our woes ! Each pious Soul , which truly doth believe , It s Soveraign Vertue freely may receive . One drop of that most Sacred Blood is worth Ten thousand Thrones & Kingdoms of the Earth . When you by Sin do see your selves undone , Think on that Blood which from his Side did run . Those cordial Drops apply'd unto thy heart , Will heal thy Soul , and cleanse thy inward part . Ah! canst thou of Christ's dismal passion hear , And not dissolve thy Soul into a Tear ? But to return — There 's something still behind , Which makes strange meltings in my grieved mind , That 's worse than all the rest , oh hear his moan , And how his poor distressed Soul doth groan ! His Father hides his face , that gracious Eye Casts forth an angry frown , which made him cry ( After he had these bitter torments felt From cruel hands , and found his Soul to melt , His spirits fail , and wounded heart to break ) Why , why , my God ? Oh why dost thou forsake Me in this needful hour ? Hard is the case When thou , my God , from me shalt hide thy face . My Servants who forsook me , are but Dust , Poor flesh and blood , alas ! what stay , what trust Is there in man ? the best of men are frail ; Such as conside in them , their strength will fail . But , ah ! My Trust , my Hope , my Confidence , Thou , thou that art my Rock and safe Defence , Even thou , my God! O thou , O thou hast left me , And this at last has of all Peace bereft me . Whilst Souls can see their Interest in their God , They can bear up under the sharpest Rod : But when thy face is hid , as 't is from me , They sink , they die , they die Eternally . Thus , thus the Prince of Peace in sore distress , His bitter moan doth unto God express . Great depths of sorrow did oppress his Soul , When his sad portion thus he did condole . He saw himself forsaken and forlorn , When in our stead this anguish great was born . That which was due for our Iniquity , Did heavy on our gracious Saviour lie . For Justice spar'd not , but laid on her Hand , Whilst in the room and stead he seeks to stand Of the poor Soul , he came from Heaven to save ; Justice , alas ! will the last farthing have . The torments Saints have born's another thing From what befel their Soveraign Lord & King . His Spirit 's gracious , great , magnanimous , Yet ne're was any Soul distressed thus . That much renowned holy Martyr , Stephen , He had so glorious a prospect from Heaven , As fill'd his Soul brim-full of Consolation , And by that means with joy he bore his passion . Should I attempt to walk the spacious Field Of instances , how many would it yield , Where flames of Fire were like to Beds of Roses Through Heav'nly Rays , wch gloriously composes Their spirits so , that they in Triumph sing , When half-consum'd in Fire , they felt no sting . God smiles , and Heav'n appears so clear & bright , All fears and terrors were extinguisht quite . But he who for our sakes his Life laid down , Is forc'd to bear his Father's angry frown ; And in our stead he felt his Indignation , The bitterest part of all his bitter Passion . How heavy is that stroke , how sharp that Rod , That 's lifted up by men , laid on by God ? When Heav'n and Earth , and Hell do all agree To lay on stripes with greatst severitie ? That grief , that pain , that anguish must be sore ; And yet all this for us blest Jesus bore . Who that beholds Heav'ns glorious lamp of Light When in his strength , obscur'd from our sight By the dark body of the pale-fac'd Moon , Making black shades of Night appear at Noon , But would conclude from thence the Sun were gone , And had forsaken quite our Horizon ? And yet we know he 's but eclips'd a while , And soon will lend the World another smile ; Disperse those shades that counterfeited Night , And fill the Earth again with splendor bright . Lo , thus our Sun in his Celestial Sphear Is near his setting , yet but lend your Ear Unto the Voice , th' amazing Voice of Heaven , You 'l find an universal notice given Unto the world when this bright Sun went down , Heav'ns lightfoot Herauld quickly makes it known . Christ lies a bleeding , nailed on the Tree , And now the universal World shall see Heaven act a part in this black Tragedy , The Worlds great Eye , the natural Sun , whose Rays Each day throughout the Universe displays From East to West , from North to South , his face Visiting and refreshing every place , No sooner doth he spy the Prince near dead , But straightway he withdraws his blushing Head . That horrid sight bright Sol abhor'd to see , And hides his face from Noon till after Three . At Three Christ's matchless Torments made him cry , Eli , Eli , lama sabachthani . Then was the Temple Vail rent quite asunder , The earth did shake , the rocks did roar like thunder , The Clouds grew thick , and such as scatter'd were , Conjoin'd to darken all the Hemisphear . Thus for three hours Darkness great remain'd , All hearts now tremble , every spirit 's pain'd . Th' Astronomers , who starry motions trace , And read Earth's wonders in Heav'ns various face , ( Eusebius , and other Authors write ) Were much amaz'd at that unusual sight ; Their Learning could no natural Causes spy , Nor give a Reason of that Prodigie . The Moon being then at full , just opposite , Could not in Natures course eclipse Sol's Light . 'T was supernatural what he suffered , And that was it which fill'd them all with dread . Some smote their breasts , whilst others in confusion Drew from the premises this just Conclusion , Either the God of Nature suffers now ( When Sol in Sables muffles thus his brow ) Or the whole frame o' th World in a short space , Will be dissolv'd and end its painful Race . These dreadful things which then did come to pass , Do fully prove He the Messiah was . And many when they saw those Wonders done , Cry'd out indeed he was God's only Son . Had not this obvious been to every sight A real thing , with what great ease then might The Foes of Christ and Christianity , Detected all as horrid Forgery ? But matt'r of Fact being so very clear , The Jews and Heathens thereby silenc'd were . Thus he yields up at last his painful breath , And for a while lay conquered by Death . Conquer'd , said I ! forbear my lavish Muse , Recall that word , and be not so profuse . What , shall we say , The Lord of Life is dead ? 'T is but a slumber , he 's not conquered . He only for a while Retreat hath made , To bring his Foes into an Ambuscade , And soon will rise more gloriously Array'd . Thus did the Glory of the World lay down His precious Life , to purchase a rich Crown Of Life and Glory for his Spouse , whom he Found under Wrath , condemn'd eternally , Who had receiv'd that Sentence full of Ire , Goe , go thou Wretch into eternal Fire . But he has bail'd her from Hell's gaping Jaws , And satisfy'd Justice's strictest Laws By this his Death , where he in her stead stood , And ransom'd her even with his dearest Blood . But hark , my Muse ! What Triumph dost thou hear ? What Voice is that hoarse sounding in mine Ear ? 'T is Death , doubtless 't is Death that ghastly King , Who over Christ doth now insulting sing ; Now he has got him down , I prethee hear How he o're him doth vaunt and domineer .

The King of Terror's boasting Triumph over Christ whilst he lay in the Grave .

King of Terrors . What am I ? or from whence ? For though I be , Yet know I not my self ; nor why to me The mightiest Monarchs bend . I rule , I raign , And am the High and Lofty's Soveraign . All tremble at the thoughts of my grim face , They look , they run , yet cannot find a place To hide themselves . My Powr's very great , Yet know I not who set me in this Seat . There 's none that live , have liv'd , or ever may , But I o're them an awful Scepter sway . But , oh ! what kind of subject have I here ? A Subject , t' whom no Monarch is a Peer ; Ah! how I smile to see 't ; I 'le never fear Being worsted now . Alas ! dost thou submit ? Art thou likewise brought down unto my feet ? Who 's able my dread Power to withstand ; Since thou canst not escape my pow'rful hand ? Now I have seiz'd thee , be assur'd that I Will keep thee down , for ever thou shalt lie In the dark Regions of eternal Night . Lo ! here , proud Mortals , an amasing sight ! What can't I do , since he that made the Day , By my strong hand is turned into clay ? If thou can'st not thy self from me deliver , The hope of Creature-man is gone for ever . None out of these close Regions can repair , Nor re-salute again the ambient Air. I never did so great a Conquest gain , O what a mighty Monarch I have slain ! Now , now let me be crown'd victoriously ! For what is done , which none could do but I. Who dares my Triumphs lessen or defer , Since I am now a perfect Conquerour ? Here , here , Great Prince , with me in this dark Cell My Captive thou with other Kings shalt dwell .

Prince of Light . Thou proud Imperious Tyrant , prethee hear ; Don't boast too soon , nor vainly domineer . A feeble Warriour may the Field obtain , When his strong Foe is willing to be slain . My Life , proud Death , thou didst not take away By any strength of thine : for I did lay It freely down , as God did me command , This made me yield my self into thy hand .

King of Terrors . I 'le not contend , let that be so or not , I have thee safe in my Dominions got ; And e're thou do return , I 'le make thee know What pow'r I have , what 't is that I can do . My Prisoner thou art , and here shalt lie In these dark Cells unto Eternitie , Whilst worms on thy most lovely flesh are fed , And with Corruption thou art covered .

Prince of Light . Stay , stay , pale Death , that thou canst nev'r do , For I must not the least Corruption know .

King of Terrors . Strange speech ! who 's this ? or how can this thing be ? What 's in the Grave shall not Corruption see ? Though with rich Spices thou imbalm'd dost lie , Old hoary Time shall make thee putrify . Kings fortifi'd by Lead and Searcloth's aid , In precious heaps of fragrant Odours laid , To stench and rottenness I soon betray'd . None ever into these low Vaults do come , Who can escape that sad and dismal doom , Of being turned into Dust ; — I will Thy mouth with filthy putrefaction fill . The holiest man I e're depriv'd of breath , I turned into loathsom stinking Earth . And dost thou think thou shalt escape this fate ? No , thou must share of all my Subjects state .

Prince of Light . Is 't fit I should be threatned thus by thee ? Shall Death prevail and triumph over me ? Dost know , grim Tyrant , who 't is thou treadst down ? I am thy lawful Prince , and thou shalt own My Soveraignty ; thou must , O Death , submit , And yield thy self , as conquer'd at my feet . On me thou shalt not have thy proud desire ; No sooner shall three Days and Nights expire , But I will make thy bonds and chains to fly , And thereby spoil thy Principality . But for thy insolence this thou shalt gain , To be thy self , o're-thrown , vanquisht and slain . The tidings which I bring will make thee quake , For I resolve on thee Revenge to take . O Death , I 'le be thy Death , 't is even so , Thy utter ruin , and great overthrow Is near at hand ; I 'le rouse up from the Grave , And make the stone to fly that 's on the Cave . Let Hell and Devils all combine to do What 's in their pow'r to save thee from this blow , I mind it not ; I 'le tear and rend them all , And cause them with great vengeance down to fall . Captivity a Captive I will take , And him a slave and Captive ever make . The Devils fearing what would come to pass , Great consternation straight amongst them was . Their Chief amaz'd , with envious horror cryes , And to the rest with hast himself applies .

Lucifer . Dominions , Pow'rs of the Infernal Host ! Awake , attempt with speed , or all is lost . Death's like to lose our great and hop'd for prey , Secure him fast , more Chains upon him lay . Harklare there not strange tremblings under ground Mixt with a cry , enough for to confound All the whole Host of this amased Lake , Fear seizes me , I quiver , oh , I quake . What shall we do ? make speed , let him not rise . Help , Satan ! help , canst thou no way devise To hold him under ground ? now , now , or never , I● he awake , we are undone for ever . Should be the cords of Death to pieces burst , Our 〈…〉 will far exceed the first . 〈…〉 all the hellish Fiends do stand Aga●● 〈…〉 each holding up his hand ; Bew●●●ing 〈◊〉 sad fates , their hearts grow cold , With thoughts of what they fear'd they should behold , Which was the Resurrection from the Dead Of him who for poor Mortals suffered . Belzebub he cryes out to Abaddon , Ah! what a day is this ! all will be gone . Satan doth gnash his teeth , perplext in mind , Because they could no more Inventions find Their Kingdom to support , cryes out , alas , We never were before in such a case !

Apollyon . Ah! what a dismal day , Great Lords , is here ! The Grave doth o'pe , that sight doth just appear Of which you talk , of which you stand in fear . Now all our hopes , and expectation 's gone . Ah! who is it has rould away the stone ? All proves in vain that ever we have done . We must our selves in Chains of darkness lie , And be tormented to Eternitie . Now from the Earth fresh Light doth gild the skies Thick darkness vanishes ; awake , arise , Ye Mortals , and with joy open your Eyes ; Behold the morning of that long'd for Day ; The Grave doth o'pe , whilst Devils fly away To hide themselves , but cannot find a place , For Vengeance hastens after them apace . The first Day of the week is now come in , The Glorious Prince has made an end of Sin . See how he rouses up from the dark Grave , The Soul from thence , from Sin and Hell to save . Ah! how the damned Spirits cry and houl , Their fearful fall with anguish to condole . Hell's Principalities are spoiled quite , And all infernal Pow'rs put to flight . See what an open show is made of them , And how great JESVS doth their Pride contemn . See how he doth triumph over them all , He 's on his back who gave the Soul its fall . See Death 's by Death destroy'd ; a wond'rous sight , Which doth the hearts of Angels much delight . They p●y into , and wonder at this thing , Accomplisht thus by our victorious King . How like a sneaking , conquer'd , spoiled Foe , That 's quite o●recome and brought to utter woe , Doth Satan look . Ah , see the fatal Rout , And how the ●rince doth drag these Dogs about , He makes a show of them ; Come , take a view O' th conquer'd , bloody , baffled Hellish Crew . What a victorious Conqueror is here ? What Victor may with this great Prince compare ? All Warriours you admir'd heretofore , Let them not be so much as thought on more . CHSIST JESVS he is risen from the Dead , Sin , Wrath , Death , Hell , Devils , and all are fled . This glorious Conquest o're th' infernal crew , Is yet more plain by that which doth insue . Some passages from ancient Records show The truth of this their final overthrow . Upon this rising of the Prince of Light , The Heathen Oracles were silenc●d quite . Although their Priests and Prophets cry and call , Henceforth they 'r dumb , and answer not at all . Which Accident and unexpected change Amaz'd them all ; 't was so prodigious strange , It made them look about to find the cause Of such their silence and surprising pause . Surely , saith Plutarch , they are either dead , Or else Wise men are risen in their stead , Which in these days diviner Secrets know , That Oracles before were wont to show . Yet he knew better things , and did deny . That Spirits either could wax old , or die . Some higher Reason therefore must find out E're he resolve this sense-confounding doubt . Had he conver'sd with John , he might have known By whom , and how those Gods were overthrown . Christ was reveal'd ( saith he ) unto this End , That he the works of every Hellish Fiend Might bring to nought , destroy and ruine quite , Confining them to their eternal Night . That this is truth , from Authors of their own Might be made good , and evidently shown ; Sharp Juvenal * * Sat. 6. Cessant oracula Delphis to speak it out is pleas'd , All Oracles at Delphos now are ceas'd . And lofty Lucan long since did complain That they their Deities invok'd in vain , The Gods ( saith he , † † Excessere omnes Adytis Arisque relictis Dit , quibus Imperium hoc steter , ●t , &c. ) by whom this Empire stood Are from their empty Temples now remov'd . Their Altars too they have abandon'd quite , And left the places of their old delight . But with one instance more I may conclude , Though I indeed might urge a multitude ; 'T is that which Plutarch doth affirm , and I Esteem above what e're Antiquity Hath left recorded , or most curious Eyes Can view in best approved Histories , Relating to the matter we have stated , Which follows thus , as 't is by him related . About the period of Tiberius's Raign Who at Christ's Death was Rome's proud Soveraign Strange hideous Cries , shriekings and howlings be Heard with amazement , in the Grecian Sea , Complaining that their great God Pan was fled , From whence great Con●●ernations followed . No sooner did the louder Trump of Fame This news of their great Pan ●s Retreat proclaim , But it was brought unto the Emperours Ears , And unto him a certain Truth appears . Who being startled at the strange Relation , Falls with his Wisemen into Consultation ; Who sought by Magick to resolve the doubt : Which all their Art and Skill could not find out . Yet Christians in those days could quickly spy The way to open the whole Mysterie . Comparing times , they found this strange Relation Did just fall out upon Christ's Death and Passion ; And then concluded straightway b● the ●all Of their great Pan , which signifieth All ; All Spirits by Christ's Death were so afflicted , Their utter Ruin thereby was p●●●icted . Yea others of their own Recon●● still do Confirm the truth of this their overthrow . How one of them constrain'd sometime before By God himself , their fall did thus deplore : " An Hebrew Child that shall be born , will be " The final downfal of our Dignity . " All our usurpt Dominions by that Child " Shall come to nought , and utterly be spoil'd . " He strikes us dumb , and nonplus's our Art , " Henceforth in vain no further Questions start , " But sad and silent from our Shrines depart . Thus God doth force Devils sometimes to speak , That which doth much against their Int'rest make . But stay , my Muse ; the Cherubs chant again , O listen to this more melodious strain . The glorious Angels do sweet Triumphs sing , Upon the Conquests of our Heav'nly King ; They clap their wings , and leap for joy to see This total Rout and happy Victorie . Shall Heav'n rejoyce , and more concerned Earth Not sing aloud Jehovah's praises forth ? O happy Day , blest hour , the best of all Poor Mortals ever saw since Adam's fall ; Christ of a truth is risen from the Grave , No Pow'rs of Hell could keep him in the Cave . Yet are there some in these in these last evil days Deny that he from Death himself did raise . The Jews also , with their Forefathers , say , 'T was a Deceit ; for he was stoln away Whilst drousy Soldiers fell into a sleep , Who the Sepulchre had a charge to keep . A thing themselves , no doubt , could not believe , But was forg'd by the Devil , to deceive And blind mens Eyes , who wanted that inspection They might have had touching his Resurrection . 'T was the last game the Devil could devise , To hinder Christ's most glorious Enterprise . They knew that if his Resurrection were Received for a truth , no hope was there , But all that they had done , it tumble must : So the last Evil would exceed the first . But if they had believ'd it , certainly The Souldiers had with great'st severity Been punished , for being so remiss , About a thing so weighty as was this . Besides , were they asleep , how could they tell What things there came to pass , or what befell ? Or , if awake , why did they not prevent Those men who came with such a strong intent ? And can one think , if the Disciples durst Attempt that thing , they should have stript him first ? Would they not take the body in the cloaths , Lest e're they 'd done , the Sould'ers should have rose , And caught them doing it ? and then be sure Great sufferings for it they must endure . Nay , had these men been guilty of such evils , They 'd been no better than seducing Devils , The worst of Mortals : and how was it then That God should own and witness to such men , By aiding them ? Would Heavens Pow'r have gone To prove a Cheat , when Miracles were done ? Again , they were of such Integrity , As none could brand with the least infamy . And they 'i th face of Foes , without least dread Declare that he was risen from the Dead ; That they convers'd with him full forty days , Whilst he instructed them in all his ways , Before he did ascend . And then agen , In Galilee at once five hundred men Saw him with joy , and in their witness gave , That he indeed was risen from the Grave . Here stop again , my Pen , Time calls away , Upon this Theme thou must no longer stay ; Leave them to perish , let them fall and die , That this blest Resurrection do deny . Shall God , his Saints , and Angels , witness bear Unto this thing , and yet shall Mortals dare To call the same in question , or deny What is confirm'd by such Authority ? No , firm as Earth , or Heav'ns more stable poles , Let this great Truth be fixt in pious Souls . Without it Faith 's a Fancy , and the best Of men more wretched than the vilest Beast . But now , awake my Muse , no longer slumber The Day doth dawn , and joys which none can number Are rushing in upon the Prince of Light ; This sorrow 's gone , nought now but Glory bright Shines forth in him ; now is he rais'd on high , Far out o' th reach of all malignity . Nor men nor Devils can annoy him more , He 's safely landed on the long'd-for shore . Go Turtles , go , whilst thousand Joys betide The glorious Bridegroom and his purchas'd Bride . That Sun is risen who will ne're go down , Who will his Spouse with light of Glory crown . But where 's the Soul ! O where , alas , is she , For whom he dy'd and hung upon the Tree ? What greeting ? O what Joy , when they do meet , There will abound ! the thoughts thereof are sweet . He that was Dead is come to Life again , And ever shall in bliss Eternal raign . Thrice happy is that Soul which he hath chose To be his Love , his Dove , his Sharon's Rose . But where is she , and what is her Estate ? For nothing of her we have heard of late . Doth she not wait ? doth she not long to see His lovely Face , and to embraced be In his dear Arms ? O do'nt she greatly crave One sight of him , one visit more to have ? Doth not her Soul dissolve then into tears , With thoughts of him who freed her from all fears ? Read the next Part , and you will quickly find The Fruit of Sin , and nature of the mind That is corrupt , and fill'd with carnal Love , How nothing can those vile Affections move ; Oh how unkind to Christ do Sinners prove ! The End of the First Book .

Behind this Curtain 〈◊〉 suppose to be such Glory ▪ which 〈…〉 can see Besides , the Day being 〈…〉 too , If wee 〈…〉 yet more 〈◊〉 dare not 〈◊〉 see Death and Devils , sin & World cast down Whilst Heaven doth the glorious Victor crow● 〈…〉

BOOK II. The Glorious Lover . A Divine POEM .

CHAP. I. Shewing how Christ renews his Suit again and again , which is done either by the ministration of the Gospel or by his various Providences , and yet the Soul refuses to receive him . THUS have you heard a Sacred Story told , Fill'd full of Wonders , Wonders , which unfold Such depths of Wisdom , depths of Grace and Love , Which none can comprehend , it is above The reach of men ; no knowledg is so high That can conceive of it ; nay , Angels pray Into this thing , this Myst'ry is so deep , It all the glorious Seraphims doth keep In holy admiration , they 'r amaz'd To see how all the Attributes are rais'd In equal Glory , and do sweetly shine In their own proper Sphere , alike divine . Here by diviner Art you all may find What was in our great God's eternal mind , Before the Earth's foundation long was laid , Or e're bright Sol his glorious beams display'd , Respecting Man , whom he foresaw would fall , And bring his Soul thereby into sad thral : Here may you with much ease and joy espy The great result of the blest Trinity . In that eternal Council held above , About the Soul , the object of Christ's Love . Here also , here 's a proof of true affection , And how to love from hence let 's take direction . Who ever had or shew'd such love as he , Who for his Love was nailed to the Tree ? But , hark ! some do enquire , they , long to hear What is become of th' Soul he loves so dear ? Lo , from the Grave he 's come , he looks about , He searches every place to find her out . What is the fled ! and where ? in what strange Is●● Of 〈◊〉 and darkness lurks she all this while ? Good Reader , urge me not , I 'le let thee hear That which may melt thy Soul into a tear . Excuse my Pen for what its lines shall speak . Such Marble hearts as cannot melt , must break . To leave off here , I 'm sure it is not fit , Nor would I write what you would have unwrit . But since it doth upon the Soul reflect , It matters not how much we do detect The folly which doth in the Sinner lie , When Soveraign Grace exalted is thereby . My Heart and Pen seem both to be at strife , To paint unkindness forth unto the life . Wilt Thou , who dost the Muses aid , afford Divine assistance , that each pow'rful word May rend a heart at least , and every line Turn Kingdoms and whole Nations into brine ▪ Of their own tears ? teach me , O Lord , the skil T' extract the spirit of grief , O let my Quil , Like Moses Rod , make Adamants to fly , That tears may gush like Rivers from each eye . How can it once be thought that such a Friend , Who loveth thus , doth thus his love commend , And in such sort so strangely condescend , Should when all 's done by her contemned be , Though he 's most high , and she of base degree ? The grand design , the end and reason why This Prince from Heaven came , was scourg'd , did die , Was to redeem the Soul , and so endeavour To get her love , and marry her for ever , As is before declar'd . But will you hear How things are carry'd , how they manag'd are ? The time is come , you 'l find , by what ensues That this great Lord his Suit a-fresh renews . When Sacred Love runs thus with greatest force , What pity is 't ought should disturb its course ? How can the Soul refuse to entertain A Lover , which for her with shame was slain ? But stop again , my Muse , thou must give o're , The Prince is come , lo he is at her door .

Jesus Prince of Light . Most precious Soul ! I now am come again , Behold 't is I , who for thee have been slain . How is 't with thee , hast thou not heard the news , What for thy sake I suffer'd by the Jews ? That through a Sea of blood , and sorrows great , I now am come with bowels to intreat Thee to embrace the offer I present . And , first of all , with tears do thou repent That ever thou hast entertained Sin , That has to me so very bitter bin .

Soul . Repent ! This is a melancholly strain ; It suits with such whose lives are fill'd with pain , And guilty are of some notorious crime , Whose glass is near run out , whose precious time Draws to an end ; 't is good for such indeed To look about them , and repent with speed : But thus 't is not with me , I know no sorrow I 'le wave that work , I 'le wave it till to morrow ; To morrow , I mean , till some fitter season : I see no cause , alas , I know no reason To hark to thoughts that may disturb my peace , When joys abound , and sweat delights increase . Repent ! of what strange kind of voice shall I Amazed stand , yet can no danger' spy .

JESVS . No reason why ! Ah Soul , art still so blind , Wounded from head to foot , and canst thou find No ground of grief , no cause to lay to heart Thy horrid guilt , nor yet the bitter smart Which I indur'd for thee , to prevent Severer Wrath , severer punishment , And dost not savour this sweet word , Repent ? 'T is well there 's room , a call , a season fit ; There 's thousand Souls who are denied it . Dar'st , dar'st adventure still to live in Sin ? What , crucifie thy dying Lord agin ! Were not my pangs sufficient ? must I bleed Afresh ? O must thy sinful pleasures feed Upon my torments ? and augment the story Of the sad passion of the Lord of Glory ? Is there no pity in thee ? what , no remorse Within thy breast ? Seek , seek a firm divorce Betwixt thy self and Sin ; do thy endeavour To break that league , depart , depart for ever . Did I not suffer to dissolve the knot Between thee and all Lust ? and wilt thou not Regard me now , but entertain my Foe ? What , cruel unto me , and thy self too ! I prethee , Soul , bethink thy self , and yield , And let thy Lovers for my sake be kill'd ; Ah , let them die , who if they live , will be Thy death at last , who have bin death to me .

Soul . Thos● joys are sweet , which do delight my heart ; Ah! how can I and sinful Objects part ? Must gainful Lusts , and those which honour's yield , At once be put to th' Sword ? And those be kill'd Which so much pleasure unto me afford ? How can it be ? alas , it is too hard : The thoughts of it's a perfect death to me ; Lord , say no more , I cannot yield to thee .

Jesus . Ah! Didst thou know , poor Soul , what 't is to sin , And how my Soul for it has tortur'd bin , Thou wouldst revenged be on it , I 'm sure , And a divorcement speedily procure . Or , didst thou know what grief it is to me To be contemned and despis'd by thee ; Such churlish Answers wouldst thou not return To him , whose soul fervent love do's burn To thee , poor wretch , and only for thy good , 'T is that I seek , and sought with tears of blood . Once more I ask thy love , I cannot leave thee , Until my everlasting Arms receive thee .

Soul . If I may have those pleasures which delight me , Whose amorous glances sweetly do invite me To love them dear , who stollen have my heart , J am contented thou shouldst have some part Of my affection : Worldly joy is sweet , And I resolve to take some part of it .

Jesus . Ungrateful Soul ! did I not wholly give My self for thee ? and shall I now receive A piece of thine , nay but a little part , That have deserved more than a whole heart : 'T is all the heart , or none ; do'st think it fit Sin and the Devil should have part of it ? Would any Lover such strange love receive , To be contented that his Spouse should have , Some other Suiters , and to them should cleave ? What sayst , deceived Soul ? why standst thou mute ? Disclose thy inward thoughts , and grant my Suit . O speak ! or , if thy doubtful mind be bent To silence , let that silence be consent . If thou wilt grant me that whole heart of thine ; We 'l exchange hearts , I 'le give thee all of mine . She look'd about , she mus'd , she paus'd a while , Whilst he on her cast forth an Heav'nly smile , Sweet rays of Glory glanced from his Eye , Enough to ravish all the standers-by ; So great a lustre from his garments shone , It dazl'd all weak eyes to look upon . Like as the Sun his glorious beams displays , Dispersing every way his sparkling rays , When in his strength & splendor bright doth shine , So glister'd forth his Glory all Divine . Ne're such a beauty carnal eyes beheld . Ah! one sweet sight of him has wholly fill'd The greatest Soul that liv'd , and there is still Enough in him millions of Hearts to fill . And none but Him alone can satisfie The Soul of Man , the Soul-enlightned eye . But stay and hear the Answer which is given By the deceived Soul . O let the Heaven And Earth astonish'd stand , whilst stubborn she Deny'd his Suit , will not persuaded be To o'pe her door , who longs to enter in , To fill her Soul with joy , destroy her sin .

Soul . Strange 't is to me such beauty should be there ! What , so amazing glorious , none so fair ! When I no loveliness in him can see The World , and outward pleasures , seem to me More rare and spriteful , far the better choice ; Such things I like : but for this Lover's voice , His Face and Favour I ca'nt so esteem , Nor can I leave all things for love of him . Therefore be gone , and cease thy suit ; for I Have fixt my mind elswhere , my heart and eye Is set on that which outward eyes can see . Lord , let me not be troubl'd more with thee . O stay , my Muse ! reach me an Iron Pen , T● engrave this on the marble hearts of men . Let Sinners look within , then let them read Themselves ungrateful , blind , and dark indeed . Would not each Soul conclude this Creature were Besides her self , or else deserv'd to bear The great'st contempt , and pity'd be by none , That bids such a dear Lover to be gone ? How oft has he by precious motives try'd The Soul from sin and evil to divide , And make her too obdurat heart relent , And take such ways as Wisdom do's invent ? His Passions , Sighs and Tears are ready still , As the officious agents of his Will , To work her to a sence of her estate : But she 's ( alas ) so dark and desperate , That his sweet voice , of so divine a strain , So moving , mov'd her , but seems all in vain . He sighs for her , he knows her sad distress , He asks her love , but still without success . Ah Sinners ! view your rocky hearts , and then Smite on your breasts , lament , and read agen . The glorious Lord his love 's so strange , so great , He knows not how to think of a retreat . His soul is griev'd , yet takes not her denial , But makes a new Essay , another Trial.

Jesus . Did , did I love thee from Eternity ? And my celestial Kingdom leave for thee ? Did I Man's humane nature freely take ? Did I my bed in a poor Manger make ? Did I engage the cruel'st of all Foes ? Did I from men and Devils meet with blows ? Did I such kind of tortures undergoe Which men nor Angels can't conceive or know ? Did Wrath pursue , and Justice fall on me ? And did I bear it all for love to thee ? Ah! did I sweat great drops of Sacred Blood , Until the ground was sprinkled where I stood ? And were my feet and hands nail'd to the Tree , Whilst my dear Father hid his Face from me ? Have I with joy , delight , and chearful heart Indur'd all this excessive pain and smart , And out of precious love to thee I bore ? And must I still be kept out of thy door ? Shall , shall I leave thee then , and take my flight Into some foreign Land , and let the Night Of dismal darkness be thy lot for ever , Where direful Wrath all graceless souls do sever From all sweet shines of my Eternal Face , That thou mayst there bewail with shame thy case ? When shades of frightful darkness thee do cover , Thou wilt condole the loss of such a Lover ; Must I be gone , must I my farewel take And leave thee to thy self ? my heart doth ake To think upon thy state , when I do leave thee ; Far rather would I have these Arms receive thee . What , slight a Saviour thus , a Friend indeed , An early Friend , a Friend , who chose to bleed For thee , and in thy stead , that so thereby He might enjoy thee to Eternitie ! Farewel , false Soul , I bid thee now adieu ; Take what will follow , dread what will insue . Grief , sorrows , sickness and a troubled mind , Will thee pursue , until thou com'st to find A changed heart ; and vengeance do's allot Ruin to those thou lov'st , who love thee not . I 'le kill them all who have insnar'd thy heart , Before from thee for ever I depart . Ah! how my Soul with a tempestuous tide Of tears is overwhelm'd , whilst I 'm deny'd My Suit by thee ! my passions overflow To see thee slight me , and my passion too : What , tread me underfoot ! whilst vanity , And worldly joys , are Jewels in thine eye ! As if best good , and sweet'st content lay hid In that gay fruit , which is alone forbid . He woo's , the Soul says no ; he still replies ; He sweetly sues , she wickedly denies . He woos afresh , she answers with disdain , I cannot love , but he intreats again . At last he leaves her , and his Suit adjourns ; He views the Soul , and griev'd , away returns : He bids farewel , and yet he bids it so , As if he knew not how to take her No. He bids farewel , but 't is as if delay Did promise better farewels , than his stay . He now withdraws , but 't is with a design His absence might her heart the more incline To th' love and liking of him , or to see What by some other means perform'd may be . As Lovers often times by rules of Art Devise new ways to gain upon the heart Of such they love , to bring them to their bow ; Like things sometimes doth Jesus also do . T' incline the Sinners heart , he hides his face , And brings them into a distressed case . He lays them on sick beds , for to discover The worth and need of such a Sacred Lover . Poor Sinners , ponder well what you do read , And mind those thoughts which woo you to take heed How you neglect & slights the day of Grace , Or to base lust and vain delights give place . Now sickness comes , & Death begins to fright her , And 't is no marvel if the Lord do slight her . Her drousy Conscience also now awakes ; Alas , she startl'd much , she weeps , she quakes , She crys out for a Christ , but non's in sight , And all her other Lovers fail her quite . She yields , she loves , but with a servile heart , When other Lovers slight her and depart . She loves thee not , Lord Christ , for what thou art , But what thou hast : and should she spared be , She 'd shew her love to Sin , more than to thee . No sooner the sad Soul her state laments , But bowels mov'd in Jesus , he relents . In her afflictions , he 's afflicted too , And can't be long e're he 'l compassions shew . He sent relief , he eas'd her of her pain , And rais'd her up to former health again . But as 't was hinted , so it came to pass , The wretched Soul proves vile as ere she was . Affliction will not bring to Jesus's feet , Unless great Pow'r do go along with it . The Soul 's like Phar'oh : crys when smitten sore ; Then , then for Christ , and O'twill sin no more ! But when rais'd up , and has sweet health restor'd , It cleavs to Sin afrecsh , forgets the Lord . But the affections of the Prince of Peace Abated not , but rather did increase . His love and patience both alike shine forth , To 'stonishment of all who live on Earth . And that he might obtain the Soul at last , His Servants call'd and sent away in hast To recommend his love , and in his stead To o'pe those precious Glories , which lie hid To her and to all those who carnal be : Alas ! they ca'nt behold , they cannot see Those high perfections which in Jesus are , Nor can they think his beauty is so rare , Exceeding all conception , all compare . Dear Reader , prethee mark what here insues Mind , mind the Arguments this man dos use To move the Soul to tears of true contrition , Fetch'd from Christ's love , and from her lost condition .

Theologue . By Jesus sent ! by such a Prince as he ! Ah! 't is a work too great , too high for me . What glory , Lord , hast thou conferr'd on those Thou do'st imploy , thy secrets to disclose ! What! be a Spokesman for a Prince so great , To represent his Love , and to entreat Poor Sinners in his stead , to entertain His Sacred Person ! Lord , I 'le try again ( Since thou command'st me forth ) what may be done ; Thou bidst me go , my duty is to run . Did Abraham's Servant readily comply With his Command with great'st fidelity ? And shall I be unfaithful unto thee ? No , Lord , I will not ; do but strengthen me , Prosper my way , and let me have success , That I with him thy Sacred Name may bless ; And how shall I , poor nothing I , rejoice To see the Soul , thy Spouse , thy Father's choice . What next thy love 's so sweet , Lord , unto me , Than to bring in poor Sinners unto thee ?

CHAP. II. Shewing the evil of Sin , and how compar'd . HAIL , precious Soul ! once glorious , noble born , But now debas'd , defil'd , in garments torn ; Nay , naked quite , yet mindst it not at all ; Thy wounds do stink , and Vipers in them crawl . So many sins of which thou guilty art , So many Serpents cleave unto thy heart . What●s Sin ? is 't not a frightful Cockatrice ? No Serpent like the Serpent called Vice . And dost thou love to play with such a thing ? Ah fool ! take heed , view , view its poisonous sting , Brute Beast by Natur 's instinct are aware Of the gilt bait and sence-beguiling snare , Though it seems ne'r so sweet , or ne'r so fair . And art thou such a fool to hug a Snake , And in thy breast such great provision make , That it may harbour there both day and night ? Ah! Couldst thou see , or hadst a little sight , 'T would soon appear a very loath'd delight . No evil like the evil called Sin , Which thou dost love , which thou tak'st pleasure in . For what is Sin , is 't not a deadly evil , The filthy spawn and off-spring of the Devil ? And is thy mind on folly wholly bent ? What , love the Devils odious excrement ! Shall that which is the superstuity Of naughtiness , be lovely in thine Eye ? What , dost thou value Christ , and all he hath Not worth vain joys and pleasures on the Earth ? Has he so much esteemed thee ? and must Thou value him less than a cursed Lust ? Dost thou more good in that soul Brat espy , Than is in all the glorious Trinitie ? That which men judge is best , they strive to chuse , Things of the smallest value they refuse . O wretched Soul ! what thoughts dost thou retain Of thy dear Lord and blessed Soveraign ? Come , view thy choice , see how deprav'd thou art In judgment , will , affection , thy whole heart Is so corrupt , defiled , and impure , Thou canst not Christ , nor Godliness indure . Again , what 's Sin ? is 't not a trait'rous Foe , A Traytor unto God , and Rebel too ? It first of all against him took up Arms , And made his Angels fall by its false charms . Nought is so contrary to God as that , Nor more the perfect object of his hate . The Devil was God's Creature , good at first ; 'T was sin that made him hateful and accurst . Sin ne'r was good , its essence is impure ; Evil at first , so now , so will indure . And darest thou , O Soul , conceal this Foe ? Nay , hide him in thy house , and also show Such deared love to him , as to delight In his base company both day and night ? Nay , sport and play , and merry be with him , What Gods dos hate and loath , dost thou esteem ? Dost not , O Soul , deserve for this to die ? What greater crime , what greater enmity Canst thou be guilty of , or canst thou show , Than thus to harbour God's most traitrous Foe ? The chiefest room he can always command , Whilst my dear Master at thy door must stand , And can't one look , nor one sweet smile obtain , Who is thy Saviour , and thy Soveraign . What 's Sin ? a thing that 's worser than the Devil . Sin made him so , sin is a thing so evil , 'T is worse than Hell , it dug that horrid pit , 'T is sin that casts all Sinners into it . No lake of Fire , no Tophet had there bin For souls of Men nor Devils , but through sin : 'T is that which lays them there heap upon heap , Sin was the cause 't was made so large and deep . Sin is the fuel that augments Hell-fire ; Wer 't not for sin , Hell-flames would soon expire . And wilt thou dandle sin still on thy knee ? Wilt make a mock of it ? wilt jolly be ? Wilt sin and say , alas ! I am in sport ? Ah! see thy folly , ere thou pay'st dear for 't . Is sin God's foe ? and is it so to thee ? Then part with sin , break that affinitie : Dissolve the knot with speed , do thy endeavour ; Which will destroy thee otherwise for ever . Nay , what is Sin ? it is a Leprosy : When Scripture so compares it , may not I Call it a sickness , or a loathsom sore , That quite covers the Soul , and spreads all o're , Like to an Ulcer , or infectious Biles , That do corrupt , that poisons and defiles The Soul afflicted , and all others too That dwell with him , or have with him to do ? Oh how do men fly from the Pestilence ? And wilt not thou learn wisdom Soul , from thence ? Sin is a plague that kills eternally All souls of men , unless they swiftly fly To Jesus Christ , no Med'cine will do good , Nor heal this plague , but this Physicians Blood . What blindness is there then in thy base heart ? 'T is not the plague , th' Physician must depart : Thou shutst the door , wilt not let him come in Whose purpose is to heal the plague of sin . Nay , what is sin ? 't is poison in a Cup , That 's gilt without , and men do drink it up Most earnestly , with joy , and much delight , Being pleasant to the carnal appetite . Sin 's s●cet to him whose soul is out of taste , But long , alas , its sweetness will not last . Sin 's sweet to th' flesh that dos it dearly love , But to the Spirit it dos poison prove . Hast , hast thou suck'd this deadly poison in , And dost not see thy vital parts begin To swell ? art poison'd , Soul , look , look about To get an Antidote to work it out , Before it is too late . The poison 's strong , Don't stay a day , twelve hours is too long . One dram of Grace mixt with repenting tears , The grace of perfect love , that casts out fears , Mixt with that Faith , which kills all unbelief , Took down with speed , will ease thee of thy grief , Will purge thy soul , and work by vomit well , And all vile dregs of venom 't wil expel . Unless thou vomit up each dreg , be sure No hope of life ; one sin will Death procure Unto thy soul . Repentance is not right , Till sin , nay , every sin 's forsaken quite . Not only left , but , as a poisonous Cup , They greatly loath what e're they vomit up . No evil like the evil called Sin , Which thou dost love , which thou tak'st pleasure in . Again , what 's sin ? it is an horrid Thief , Or a Deceiver ; nay , it is the chief Or grandest Cheater too that e're was known , He has rob'd thousands ; nay , there is but one That lives , or e're has liv'd , but rob'd have bin By this great Thief , by this Deceiver , SIN . No petty Padder , his ambitious Eye Doth search about , he subtilly does spy Into the place where all the Jewels lie . The first he seizes is the Jewel Time . He 〈◊〉 robs each Soul of all their prime And chiefest days , which mercy doth afford , Which should be dedicated to the Lord . And more then this , not one good thing they have , But them of it does this curst Thief deceive . Sweet Gospel Grace , nay and the Gospel too , And all that glory which they also do Confer on us , Souls are deceiv'd hereby , And yet they know it not , they don't espy The way it works , it 's done so secretly . Sin robs the soul of its sweet Jewel Peace , And in its room do's grief and anguish place . Who ever doth this grievous loss sustain , Can't have it made up unto him again By Treasures of all Kingdoms here on Earth , No valuing it , no knowing of its worth . Another thing this Thief has in his Eye , And lays his Fingers on , then by and by Doth bear away , it is the Jewel , Soul , A loss which mortals ever shall condole . For had a man ten thousand worlds to lose : The loss of them far better had he chose , Than lose his soul , why would you think it strange ? What shall a man for 's soul give in exchange ? There 's one rich Jewel more , and 't is the chief That is aim'd at by Satan and this Thief , Ah! 't is a thing more worth than all the rest : How , how can then the value be exprest ? It is a precious Stone that shines so bright , It doth the heart of the great God delight . He loves it dear , 't is that his eye 's upon , And nought he prizes like this precious Stone . This Stone , poor Soul , he offers unto thee , What sayst thou to 't , canst thou no beauty see , No worth in that which God accounts so rare ? Strange ' t is ! shall I the cause of it declare ? Sin blinds thine eyes , and dos beguile thee so , Thou for a Pepple lets this Jewel go . This stone ( know thou ) is the Pearl of great price , Let not this base Deceiver thee entice To slight dear JESVS : wilt be such a fool , To lose thy time , thy Christ , peace , and thy soul ? Be thou more wise , and more considerate , Thou dost , alas , thy pleasures over-rate . Let 's go to th' ballance , prethee , Soul , let 's weigh The Pearl of price ; make hast , and quickly lay Into the scales , the flesh , and loads of pleasure ; For honour , all the acts of mighty Cesar , And cast whole mines in too , whole mines of treasure ! Add world to world , then heap a thousand more , And throw them in , if thou canst find such store ; And see which ballance of them is too light ; Lo it is done , and thine 's such under-weight , It seems as if thy scale was empty quite . Let 's take the Pearl out , and then le ts put in An airy bubble ; now let 's weigh agin . See , see , fond Soul , thy scale aloft dos fly , There 's nothing in 't , 't is less than vanity . What folly was 't to make the first compare ? What weigh the world with Christ ! no need is there To run that parallel , thou now mayst find Thy self deceiv'd , thou labour'st for the wind . For sin 's compos'd of nought save subtil wiles , It fawn's and flatters , and betrays by smiles . It 's like a Panther , or a Crocodil , It seems to love , and promises no ill ; It hides its sting , seems harmless , as the Dove , It hugs the Soul , it hates , when vow 's tru'st love . It plays the Tyrant most by gilded pills , It secretly insnares the Soul it kills . Sin 's promises they all deceitful be , Does promise wealth , but pay us poverty : Does promise honour , but dos pay us shame ; And quite bereaves a man of his good name . Does promise pleasure , but does pay us sorrow ; Does promise Life to day , pays Death to morrow . No evil like to th' evil called Sin , Which thou dost love , which thou tak'st pleasure in . Again , what 's Sin ? a second Dalilah , Which in the bosom lies , does tempt and draw The Soul to yield unto its cursed ways , And resteth not until it quite betrays It's Life into the proud Philistines hands , Who take and bind it with base churlish bands , Nay , and most cruelly puts out its eyes , Makes it grind in their Mill. Devils devise All this , and more then this , when they do get The poor deluded Soul into their net . Lastly , what 's Sin ? read thou the former Part Of this small Book , O view the bitter smart Thy Saviour bore , it pierc'd his very heart . Think thou upon his bloudy Agony , 'T is that opes best its hellish mysterie , And shews the venom which in it dos lie . No evil like the evil called Sin , Which thou dost love , and tak'st such pleasure in . Had evil man's fool-hardiness extended No further than himself , and there had ended , 'T were not so much , but O! I do espy Another is much injured thereby , Ten thousand times more excellent in worth : For the great God , who form'd the Heav'n & Earth , Doth look upon himself as wrong'd thereby , For he that sins , doth little less than fly I' th very face of his blest Majesty . And when the Son of Glory hither came , O how was he exposed unto shame ! It brought his Sacred Person in disgrace , When Sinners vile spat in his Heavn'ly face . They taunt him with base terms ; and being bound They scourged him ; he bled : but the worst wound Was in his Soul , occasioned by Sin ; And thou thereby woundst him most sore agin . O wilt thou paddle in the pure stream Of precious Bloud ! contemn it ! O extream And hideous Monster ! dost thou hug the Knife Which wounded him , yea took away his Life , And will let out thy blood , though now it be Delighted in , and loved much by thee ? Of Wonders strange , and Prodigies that are Amazing unto all who of them bear , None can come nigh , or be compar'd to this , A Prodigie of Prodigies it is . Of Love and Lover , ne'r the like was known , Nor was the like Ingratitude e're shown . The one doth love beyond all admiration , And suffer'd things beyond humane relation . And he a King , but she a filthy brute , A beggar vile , and yet denies his Suit !

Question . From whence is it ? O why will she not close With this great Lord ? how can she still oppose His oft-repeated proffers ? how , not yet ! Yield unto him ? pray what 's the cause of it ?

Answer . 'T is not in her own power to dispose Her self in marriage : also here are those Who dwell with her , and her Relations be , Who spoil the match , or the affinitie , Which otherwise in all appearance might Be throughly made with Jesus Prince of Light . Two proud Relations loftily stand off , Who urge her to reject him with a scoff . The one is Will , a very churlish piece , Who all along for Sin and Satan is . The other's Judgment , once most grave and wise , But now with Will both cursed Enemies ; To God and Christ true Piety oppose , And lead the Soul with evil ways to close . 'T is they who must dispose of her , if she E're yield to Christ his dearest Spouse to be . But Sin has so by craft corrupted them , And drawn them to its party , they contemn This glorious Lover , and will not consent The Soul should yield to him , or should repent , And so break off with other Lovers , who She yet doth love , and loth is to for-go . Besides them , in her house doth also dwell An Enemy call'd Old-man , known full well To be a grand and horrid Instrument , To keep the Soul from granting her consent . O! he 's the cause of all the inward strife , And hates the thoughts she should become his Wife . And will prevent it , if he can find out Meet ways and means to bring the same about . Nay such a Foe this Old-man is indeed , That till he 's slain by th' Spirit , or does bleed , Or weakned in his power , ne'r will she With the Lord Christ firmly united be . Slight wounds wo'nt do , he must be slain out-right , Such is his rage , his subtilty and spite Against this happy match ; till he 's near dead , It cannot be in truth accomplished . Therefore expect to hear of his black doom , Before the sweet espousal Day doth come . There 's also yet another Inmate , I Perceive dwells in her house ( which by and by You 'l hear much of ) who all her secrets knows , And can her very inward thoughts disclose , His name is Conscience , whose Power 's so great , That in her house he hath a Regal Seat . These three Allies by Old-man so corrupted , Have all along the business interrupted , They naturally are opposite to Grace , And are far more inclined to give place To sensual Objects , and the Prince o' th Night , And so betray the Soul , for want of light , Into their hands , of whom you heard before , Who secretly design for ever-more To take away her life , and quite undo her , Whilst flatteringly they promise peace unto her ; The Soul 's deprav'd and captivated so , It chuses Evil , and lets Jesus go , The chiefest good , and takes the chiefest evil , Being by nature acted by the Devil . This well consider'd , may the cause discover Why she denies to entertain this Lover . The Soul is dead , and cannot see , nor hear , 'T is sensless as a stone ; a stone can bear The greatest weight , and neither break , nor melt : Souls dead to God , ne'r love-sick passions felt Unto this day ; nor can they love , until They are convinc'd of sin and all the ill They have committed 'gainst his holy Will. Being sensible hereof , then with strong cryes They fly to God for salve to o'pe their Eys ; The Eys affect the Heart , when thou canst see Christ will be dear , and not till then to thee . The Conscience first is always wrought upon , Which never is effectually done , But by the Spirits Pow'r and operation , Which sets it equally against transgression . But lest I should be tedious , I 'le forbear , Craving attention to what follows here .

CHAP. III. Shewing Christ's Heavenly and admirable Beauty , Riches , Bounty , Power , and Wisdom .

Theologue . WILT thou be cruel to so dear a Friend ? Upon thy self 't will fall , poor Soul , i th' end . Did not Rebeck● yiel'd , and chuse to go With Abram's servant ? and wilt thou say no ? What was an Isaac unto him , whom I Desire thee to fix thy tender Eye Upon ? was Isaac fair and wealthy too ? Or was he great ? Ah Soul ! will such things do ? If beauty , wealth , or honour thou dost prize , I do present one now before thine Eys , That is the Object , this alone is he ; None , none like him did ever mortals see . He is all fair , in him 's not one ill feature , Ten thousand times more fair than any Creature That lives , or ever lived on the Earth , His Beauty so amazingly shines forth ; Angelick Nature is enamor'd so , They love him dearly , and admire him too . His Head is like unto the purest Gold , His curled Tresses lovely to behold , And such a brightness sparkles from his Eys , As when Aurora gilds the Morning skies . And though so bright , yet lovely like the Doves , Charming all hearts , where r●●is diviner Loves , Look on his beauteous Cheeks , and thou 'lt espy The Rose of Sharon deckt in Royaltie . His smiling Lips , his speech , and words so sweet , That all delights and joy in them do meet ; Which tends at once to ravish ear and sight , And to a kiss all heavenly Souls invite . The Image of his Father 's in his face ; His inward parts excel , he 's full of grace . If Heaven and Earth can make a rare Complexion , Without a spot , or the least imperfection , Here , here it is , it in this Prince doth shine , He 's altogether lovely , all Divine . 1. His Beauty is so much desirable , No Souls that see it any ways are able For to withstand the influ'nce of the same ; They 'r so enamour'd with it , they proclaim There 's none like him in Earth , nor Heav'n above ; It draws their hearts , and makes them fall in love Immediately , so that they cannot stay From following him one minute of a day . The Flock is left , the Herd , and fishing Net , As soon as e're the Soul its Eye doth set Upon his face , or of it takes a view , They 'l cleave to him , whatever doth insue . 2. Christ is the Spring , or the Original Of earthly beauty , and Celestial . That Beauty which in glorious Angels shine , Or is in Creatures natural , or Divine , It flows from him : O it is he doth grace The mind with glorious Beauty , as the face . 3. Christ's Beauty 's chast , most pure , and without snares , Not like to other's , which oft unawares , Like Josephs , most treacherously betrays Poor wanton Souls , and leads them to the pit , Before they are aware , or think of it ! Here may'st thou look , and love , and take thy 〈◊〉 ( Yea every one who hath a heart , a will ) Whose sweetness ne'r will glut , furfeit , or 〈◊〉 4. His Beauty 's real , 't is no glistering 〈◊〉 That suits vain Sinners , this affects the Saint . The painted face pleases the carnal ●y● , But none but Saints through faith can this espy That 's a vain show , but this a precious thing , In sight of which Celestial joy doth spring 5. This Beauty fills , and fully satisfies . The hearts of all who have enlightned Eyes He that sees Christ , doth say , Lord , now I have What e're I long●d to see , no more I crave , I have enough , my heart and I are fill'd , Which was not so before , whilst I behold Things with a sensual heart and outward eye . There 's nothing here , save Christ , can satisfie That precious Soul , which lieth in thy breast ; Reject him , and ne'r look for peace nor rest . 6. Christ's Beauty●s hidden , 't is so 〈◊〉 ; No glimmerings of it can appear at all To carnal Souls . This is the cause why he Is thus deny'd and slighted still by thee 7. There 's one thing more which I'l● to thee impart , Touching Christ's Beauty , by diviner . 〈◊〉 , He doth transmit his beauty unto those Who are deform'd , as soon as e're they close With him in truth , in a contract of love , He all their homely features doth remove . Oh! he can make those lovely , very fair , Who ne'r so filthy , ne'r so ugly are . 8. This Beauty fadeth not , 't will not decay . 'T will be as rare to morrow as to day . Not like to that , which as a fading flower , Ev'n now shines bright , but wither'd in an hour .

Riches of Christ . Or , is thy heart on Riches set ? know then , Christ is more rich than all the sons of Men. The Father hath to him all fulness given In Earth beneath , and all that is in Heaven . All Kingdoms of the world they are his own , Whether inhabited , or yet unknown . He 's heir of all things , and the time is near When he will make his Right most plain appear . All Potentates his Tenants are at will ; And such who wast his goods , or govern ill , Account must give to him , and then will find What 't is to bear to him a treach'rous mind . Christ's glorious Riches are discovered Yet further unto thee ; for all are fed By him alone that on the Earth ●'reliv'd , Both food and clothes they all from him receiv'd , And still receive ; 't is at his proper charge They are maintain'd , as might be shew'n at large . I 'le only give a hint or two at things , His Treasures far surmount all Earthly Kings . He has paid all the debts of every one That clos'd with him . O do but think upon This very thing , and wisely then account To what a sum this payment will amount : Suppose each Soul ten thousand Talents were In debt to God : some little time we 'l spare To cast it up . 'T is done , and lo 't is found Eighteen hundred sev'nty five thousand pound . And less than that what sinners ow'd that 's clear'd , As often-times , I doubt not , you have hear'd . What did they altogether , think you , owe ? Who 's able to account it ? who can show The quantity of that great debt , which he Paid at one single payment on the Tree ? The quality too of his Riches are So great in worth , O so transcendent rare , Their Nature Men nor Angels can declare . No other Coin would with God's Justice go , To satisfie for debts which Sinners owe. Nay the whole World , nor yet ten thousand more , Could not discount one farthing of that score , But had Christ's worth and Riches only bin Sufficient to discharge from debts of Sin , And had he not more Treasure to bestow On such who do believe , or truly do Cleave unto him , it might be thought to be A lessening of his vast Treasurie . But 't is not so ; for he enriches all , Who are discharged from sin's bitter thral . None comes to him , nor ever came , but they Receive , besides such sums that very day They are espous'd , that holy Truth relates , They●r made more rich than earthly Potentates . A golden Chain about their necks he places , And them with Rings , and precious Jewels , graces . And clothes them also in rich Robes of state , Whose sparkling glory far exceeds the plate Of beaten Gold ; nay Ophir's Treasury , And all the Wealth which in both Indies lie , Must not compared be ; alas , they can't Equal in worth the Robes of one poor Saint . He Heirs also doth make them every one Of a most glorious Kingdom , and a Crown He doth assure them that they shall obtain , And when they come to age , for ever raign With him triumphantly , and tread down those Who were their Enemies , or did oppose Their rising up to such great Dignity . Or treated them on Earth with cruelty . He 's rich in every thing , no good is found , No wealth nor worth , but all in Christ abound . Few in all kind of Riches do exceed : But there 's in him whatever Sinners need . Ca●t but a look , O view this Treasury , Riches of Life , Love , Pardon , all dos lie , Laid up in Christ , in him t is hid , for those Who do with him in true affection close . These Riches do enrich the Soul of Man , Which earthly Riches never did , nor can . Nay prethee hark to me , I 'le tell thee more , Although Christ has paid off our former score , He han●t consum'd one farthing of his store . Though he has made some millions rich and high , He hath with him such a redundancy Of glorious Riches , that let come who will , Their Treasuries with substance he can fill . The Sun is not more full of precious Light , Whose sparkling rays do dazle mortals sight ; Nor is the great , the vast and mighty Sea More fill'd with water than ( in truth ) is he With Grace and Riches , yea of every kind : Which if thou close with him , and dost not find To be a truth ( Soul ) then let me obtain Reproach from all , yea an eternal shame . Christ's Riches are so great , St. Paul knew well No tongue could set them forth , no Angels tell Th' nature of them , they unsearchable be ; Men may find out the bottom of the Sea , As soon as they can learn or comprehend How rich Christ is , who is thy dearest Friend . Nay , more than this , his Riches are so stable , Moths can't corrupt them , nor can Thieves be able To rob us of them . Nay , yet further-more , He that hath them , what e're comes , can't be poor . His Riches can't be spent , his Treasury Cannot exhausted be , nor yet drawn dry . These Riches will rejoyce thee , make thee glad , Revive thy heart ; and God will never add Sorrow with them whilst thou dost live on earth ; They 'l quiet thee , and fill thy Soul with mirth ; They 'l be a breast of such sweet Consolation , That when all other dwellers in the Nation Shall be perplext through loss of earthly gain , Thou shalt be satisfied , and remain In perfect peace ; nought shall distress thy mind , When they shall nought , save horrid anguish find . Though Gold and Silver will not satisfie The Soul of Man , yet this I do espy , The loss of them , and other earthly things , It grief and sorrow to the Spirit brings . And so uncertain are things of the world , Though here to night , e're morning all are hurl●d Away from him who now possession hath ; Like to a bubble are all things on Earth . He that on wordly Riches sets his mind , Strives to take hold on shadows , and the wind . But if Christ's Riches once thou dost obtain , The loss of them thou never shalt sustain , Nor will they leave thee when thou com'st to die , But cleave unto , and thee accompanie Beyond the Grave , ev'n to Eternitie . What dost thou say ? canst make a better choice Than close with Christ ? O hearken to his voice , And don 't with fraud the proffer made to thee , If any good thou dost in Riches see .

Christ's Bounty . What sayest thou ? what hast thou in thine eye ? Will not Christ's Riches move thee ? then I 'le try To gain thee by some other property . He 's bountiful , and of a generous heart , Most free and noble , ready to impart What e're he hath unto the Soul he loves . O see how his Heroick Spirit moves In him , whose generous , whose bounteous hand , Holds forth to thee what e're thou canst demand . 'T is thine for asking ; do but speak the word , Thou hast it done . O! none like this dear Lord , Some mens great Riches seem to overflow , Who do a base ignoble Spirit show . They treasure up their bags , lay heap on heap , Yet with a narrow covetous spir't keep All from the poor : Nay their own Wives can get . But now and then a little in a fit ; In a good mood sometimes perchance they 'l be Kind unto them , though but unfreely free . But Christ's rich Bounty does to all extend , He stretches forth his hand to Foe and Friend . Refined Gold , Eye-salve , and Rayments white , Ev'n all choice things for profit and delight ; Sweet Frankincense , Spicknard , Calamas fine , Myrrh , Saffron , with all choice of spiced Wine , He freely gives to all : O come who will , He 'l bid you welcome , and your Treasures fill . O what doth he then to his Friends impart , Unto his Spouse , the Soul who has his heart ? Come , eat , O Friends , and drink abundantly , Beloved ones , 't was for your sakes that I This Banquet made . There 's nought ( says he ) too good For those that I have purchas'd with my blood . Take Grace and Glory ; all I have I give you , And to my self I will e're long receive you . Ask , that your joy may now be full : for I Can't any thing that 's good your souls deny .

The Soveraign Power and Dignity of Christ . What can I now do more , if still thou art Resolved to deny Jesus thy heart ? If Beauty will not move thee to incline To close with him , who longs till he is thine : Strange ! Beauty oft prevails great Conquests gains , Like to a mighty Victor , binds in chains Those wch would not by other means e're yield . Such is the nature of his pow'rful Shield , Triumphantly it has obtain'd the Field . No standing out against its piercing Darts , It hath a secret way to wound those hearts , Whose constitution leads them naturally To steer that course , and on it cast an Eye To search the sweet , which Fancy says doth lye Hid in the same . For human Beauty's vain , Which some have sacrific'd their lives , to gain . But Christ's sweet Beauty is a real thing , And doth substantial joys and pleasures bring ; Such pleasures also which will still abide For evermore , like Rivers by thy side . Shall Beauty which is spotless , without slain , Nor Riches neither , sweet Imbraces gain ; Nor generous Bounty , win thy purer love ? Then let Ambition thy affections move . Is Greatness barren quite of solid joys ? Are all her Merchandize but empty toys ? If it be earthly , 't is an Airy thing , Though 't were to be a Spouse unto a King . But let it not be so look●d on by thee To be espous'd to that great Majestie , From whom alone true Honour dos descend , This Greatness lasting perfect , ne'r will end . Come , Soul , let us most seriously now pry Into Christ's Pow'r and regal Soveraignty , And next let me his glorious Pow'r show By which he works , and all great things can do . Some have a Pow'r whereby they can command , But to accomplish things do want a hand : But Christ in both excels , 't is he alone Hath regal Pow'r ; and what he will have done He can effect i' th twinkling of an eye , Though all combine against him far and nigh . He 's over Angels , ( as thou heardst before ) They gladly him do rev'rence , and adore . The Head o' th Church makes Laws , and governs it , According as he sees 't is best and fit . His regal Pow'r also doth descend , And over all the Devils doth extend . The Keys of Hell and Death to him are given ; 'T is he alone can shut and open Heaven . Power to Rule , to command , to forbid , To punish , or deliver , they 'r all hid In him alone ; 't is he can bind or loose ; To damn or save , 't is all as he doth chuse . He 's King of Kings , all mighty men below To him their Princely Crowns & Kingdoms owe. Yea such an universal Monarch's he , Commands the mighty Winds , and stils the Sea . 'T was by his hand the glorious Heav'ns were made , And wondrous Earth's foundations first were laid . The Sun , the Moon , and Stars receiv●d their light From him at first , to rule both Day and Night . His Power 's absolute without controle , He governs all the World from Pole to Pole . His Soveraign Pow'r was not gain'd by fight , Or Usurpation , but a lawful Right ; As he is God , 't is his essentially , Born Heir of it from all Eternity . And as he 's Mediator , th' God of Heaven This glorious Power unto him has given . His Pow'rs Infinite , it hath no bound , No ends , or limits of it can be found . He made the World , which by him doth subsist , Nay he can make ten thousand if he list . He can do more than we can think or know , Can kill , and make alive , save , or o'rethrow . The Conquests he has gain'd , demonstrate The matchless Pow'r of this dread Potentate . Sin is ore-come , the Devil 's forc'd to fly , Nay , 〈◊〉 hath obtain'd a perfect Victory O're Death , o're Hell , o're Wrath , & o're the Grave , And from them all he able is to save . If thou wilt but consent , grant his request , Thou never more by Foes shalt be distrest . Ah Soul ! is 't not a very glorious thing , Daily to be thus courted by a King , And such a King ? shall Jesus woo in vain ? Shall such a Prince not thy sweet love obtain ?

The Wisdome of Christ . What say'st to Wisdom , from whose Odour springs That wch makes glorious inferiour Men , as Kings : This spreads the sweet perfume of Solomon's fame ; 'T was this that rais'd his most illustrious Name . The noise of Wisdome made so great report , 'T was heard as far as Sheba's Princely Court . It made the Lady's Charriot-wheels to run Most swift , like to the new-rais'd Eastern Sun , M●unting aloft , and vanquishing black Clouds : She hasts away , and through obstructions crouds ; Defying danger , she 's resolv'd to see What Fame reports touching this Prodigie . The emulous Queen 's arriv'd , she stands amaz'd , She lessens , wonders , and be'ng over-daz'd With this great Beam , she breaks forth , could not hold But must express , that what to her was told In her own Country , was in no wis● nigh Half what she found did in his Wisdom lie . What 's Riches , Bounty , Honour , Beauty rare , Unless true Wisdom also do dwell there ? If Wisdom may a person recommend , Christ is all Wisdom . Shall I now descend Into particulars ? wilt lend an Ear Whilst I endeavour to make it more clear ? Alas , I stand amaz'd ! Can Infinite Perfections be exprest ? what shall I write ? He 's wise , all-wise , only wise ; shall I speak ? Wisdom it self i' th' abstract . Can I take Upon me then to ope this Mystery , When in him doth all depths of Wisdom lie . The Wisemans wisdome , if 't compar'd might be , Was like a drop of Water to the Sea ; Nay , far a greater disproportion's there , Should we Christ's wisdom once with his compare . 'T was he which did to Solomon impart That wisdom , and that understanding heart . 'T is he which makes all good men grave and wise , To hate all evil , and true Vertue prize . He to our Fathers doth right knowledg give , And 't is by him all pious Judges live . Th' infinite wisdome of th' Eternal One Shines forth in him ; nay , 't is in him alone All is laid up ; he is God's Treasury , Where Wisdom and true Knowledg both do lie . He knows all things and persons here below ; Nay , perfectly does he the Father know , And all Decrees and Counsels , which of old Have been , and their events he can unfold . He knows each glorious purpose , and design , In him alone do all Perfections shine . The frames the thoughts , the ways , the fears , the wants , Temptations , burdens & the grief of Saints Most perfectly he knows , and quickly can Save and de●end from th' greatest rage of Man . For Counsel and wise conduct he exceeds , And in the midst of paths of Judgment leads . The crafty Counsel of Achitophel He can defeat , though laid as deep as Hell . He over-turns the wisdome of the wise , Confounds their plots , and shews what folly lies In their grand Councils , making them to know Their purposes can't stand , if he says no. He orders things , that no design shall take Further than 't will for his own Glory make . None like to Christ , he is without compare , He 's wise as well as wealthy , great and fair . What 's thy opinion , Soul ▪ canst not espy All Glory hid in his blest Majesty ? What hinders then but that without delay Triumph may celebrate th' espousal day ?

CHAP. IV. Shewing how the Conscience of the Sinner comes to be effectually awakened ; together with the effects thereof . THIS being said with bowels of Affection , Tho often mixt with gall of sharp detection , Her former stubbornness being all laid o'pe , Yet this , nor that , nor nothing , gave much hope He should prevail , which put him in a maze , And did his voice and spirits higher raise . He still went on with sweet commiseration , Yet was his pity mixt with some small passion , And to this purpose did this good man speak , Not knowing how his last farewel to take .

Theologue . Poor stupified Soul ! Alas ! alas ! What is the cause ? whence doth it come to pass Thou art so sensless ? why dost thou despise All those Soul-melting tears , those sighs and crys ? What , is thy heart more harder than the Rocks , That thou canst bear these oft repeated knocks , And never break at all ? O strange ! O strange ! Thy heart , poor Soul , is●t harder than a stone , That feeble drops of water fall upon , And makes impression . What , shall stones relent , And yield themselves , and as it were consent These frequent droppings should impression make ; And showers move thee not ? Awake , awake , Before the dreadful Message I impart , Shall rouse thy hard and sin-congealed heart . Thy night comes on , thy Sun 's a going down , Thy seeming favourites begin to frown . So all thy pleasures with their wanton charms Are flying from thee Death spreads forth his Arms , To take thee hence unto another place : Canst thou , poor wretch , this ghastly King imbrace ? What will become of all thy wealth and pleasure ? Behold ( alas ) Death 's come to make a seisure Upon thy poor deceived Soul this night ! Then all thy joys , and empty vain delight Will vanish like the smoke , and thou shalt be Cast iuto Prison for Eternitie ; Where thou shalt evermore bewail thy loss , In changing Gold for that , that 's worse than dross . Shall Beauty ▪ Wealth , or Honour make thee yield ? Much more that Wisdom wherewith Christ is fill'd . Shall Love and Patience be so ill rewarded By thee , by whom he should be most regarded ? And sensual Objects harbour'd in thy heart ? Then wilt thou hear what further I 'le impart ? Soul , now thou must be anathematiz'd ; And when Christ comes , how wilt thou be surpriz'd ? For those that love not Jesus , are accurst , And when he doth appear , for ever must That fearful doom and sentence then receive . O may the thoughts of this cause thee to cleave To him with speed , before this day is gone . I ; le now break off , adieu , this think upon : Poor drousy wretch , let sin no more deceive thee , Give me thine Answer now before I leave thee . O may these Soul-confounding terrors break , Thy stony-heart , and make thy Conscience speak ! Eternal God , do thou thy Spirit send , 'T is he which must the Soul in pieces rend . The work 's too hard for weakness . Alas ! I Shall not prevail , if help thou dost deny . Speak to her heart , set home the Word with Pow'r . Shall this be the good day , the happy hour ? Her Conscience touch , O wound her , let her see What 't is to be a Captive unto thee . Open her Eyes , blest Spirit , thou canst do it . Sad is her state ; O come , and let her know it . Let not my pains nor labour quite be lost : For dear she has my Master , Jesus , cost . Thou canst effectually change her bad mind , Which unto sensual Objects is inclin'd . O shed and scatter precious Love abroad , And unto her some of that grace afford . Moral persuasions barely ne're will bring The Soul to love and like our Heav'nly King . But I 'le return and speak yet one word more Unto her Conscience , e're I do give o're . Speak Conscience , if alive ! thou us'd to keep A faithful watch : what art thou now asleep ? Hath she not slighted Christ , like unto those That him reject , and cleave unto his Foes ? What dost thou say ? speak , I adjure thee , rouse ! Conscience , I speak to thee , shake off thy drouse ; Gripe this deluded Soul , who puts her trust In those that seek her Life , 't is thou that must Stop her vain course : what , shall the Sinner die When Conscience , God's Vicegerent , is so nigh , And gives not one sad sigh , nor groan , nor cry ? Strange ! what 's befallen thee ? art lost , o● fled , Who shouldst the tidings bring that all are dead ? Like Job's last Messenger , thou shouldst declare , How all the faculties corrupted are . Wilt thou betray that trust repos'd in thee , And lose thy regal Right and Soveraignty ? Wilt thou connive and wink at such a crime , Or fault which she commits ? O no , 't is time Now to awake , and fiercely her reprove . What , hate that Prince whom she pretends to love ? Immediately the Spirit sweetly spake , And touch'd her heart , and Conscience did awake .

Conscience . What Soul-amazing voice is this I hear ? What Heav'n-rending Thunder fills mine Ear ? Awake , why do I sleep ? can Conscience nod , That keeps a watch betwixt the Soul and God ? If so , yet when Heav'ns voice cryes out amain , That will awake and make me rouse again . I have most basely ( Sir ) corrupted bin , By Satan and that poisonous Evil , SIN . A Register I kept , but then alas It has so fallen out , so come to pass , That I unfaithful was : for always when I should have set down scores , I set down ten ; Nay , to their party so entic'd have bin , That I have often winked at her sin . And when my Office was for to accuse , 'T was to wrong end● , her Light I did abuse . My faults I see , I 'le watch that no offence May pass the Soul without intelligence . Sir , Strange it is , it puts me in a muse , As one amaz'd to see the Soul refuse To hearken to your voice , which constantly , Like pointed Darts , against her breast doth fly . I 'le take up Arms , and fight for Jesus now , And make her bend to him , if I know how . I now declare my self , though for a season I silence kept , to hear what Goodman Reason Could find to say , whereby he might excuse her , But he 's most blind , and surely doth abuse her . I know her byass'd Judgment will conjecture She 's not oblig'd to hearken to that Lecture She lately heard , although it was Divine , Her will and judgment doth with Hell combine To work her ruin ; do you what you can , Till Judgments rectifi'd , and the Old man Be put to death , she 'l be rebellious still , Yield to her lusts , and please her vicious will .

Theologue . Doth Conscience yield ? Blest day ! I 'le try again , With hope of a full Conquest to obtain . Good service may'st thou do , act well thy part : Whilst the great King doth thus besiege the heart ; Keep thou a narrow watch , look well about , Observe who doth come in , and who goes out . In one thing am I glad , I know from hence I shall by thee have true intelligence . How things are manag'd in her house always ; Thou know'st her thoughts , h●●●st all the words she says .

Apollyon Prince of Darkness . Apollyon , that degraded Seraphim , And Grand-fire of that Hell-bred Monster , Sin , No sooner did of these late tidings hear , How Conscience was awakened , but in fear Presently calls a Council to advise Which way they might the Soul by craft surprize , And hinder her from being crowned Queen . Which to prevent , successful have we been , Saith he , till now , but I am in great doubt Much longer we shall hardly hold it out . The Preacher doth his business follow so , I am afraid of some great overthrow .

Satan . Dread Prince ! fear not , we yet possession have , And want no skill . Can't subtilty deceive ? Can't strength subdue ? besides , she 's in our chain ; Though one links broke , we 'l fasten it again . And if grave Judgment will with us abide , Conscience will not be able to decide The diff●rences , nor right dicision make ; No matter then which side the fool doth take . But since , my Lord , I see what grieves your mind , No safety shall these Gospel-Preachers find : Our Vassals we 'l prepare with Hellish rage , Them to extirpate , and drive off the stage .

Lucifer . I do approve of that last Counsel given ; Let not a place nor corner under Heaven Be found for those our int'rest dare oppose , Or once attempt to move the Soul to close With him whom we account our mortal Foe , Satan , for this I bless and thank thee too . The brave design which we have now in hand , Will soon effect this thing in every Land . That Enterprise let us pursue with care , But mind us w●ll how things more inward are . To Judgment look , lest he from us should run ; If once his Eyes are ope , we 're all undone .

Soul . Lord , what sad gripes and lashes no I feel ? My courage fails , and resolutions reel . Strange thoughts disturb my mind , no rest , alas , Can heart or eyes obtain ; whole nights do pass , Whole weeks and months , and nought can I possess But horror great , sad grief , and weariness . What 's my condition now ? who 'le shew to me My present state and future misery ? Hark , what 's within , a very frightful noise , It mars my hopes , imbitters all my joys . My mo●n's ore-cast , my fair day proveth foul , My Conscience terrifies , and makes me howl : Lash after lash , and blows succeeding blows , He 's void of mercy , and no pity shows , Here ends my joy , and here begins my woes . O how my mind is hurried to and fro ! I know not where to fix , nor what to do . My unresolv'd resolves do greatly vary , This way one while , and then the quite contrary . Who is 't will counsel give ? to whom must I Go for some case in this perplexity ? My Conscience says I wickedly have acted , Not breaking , the vile contract I 've contracted With those sweet Lovers which my sensual heart So long a time has lov'd , how shall we part ? Must I be forc'd , by Conscience to imbrace One whom I cannot love ? 't is a hard case . Yet have I cause to love him dearly too ; But how shall I for him let others go ?

Depraved Judgment . Poor silly Soul ! and is thy choice so hard ? In two extreams can thy weak thoughts reward Two so unequal , with the like respect ? Know'st thou not which to slight , which to affect ? Submit to me , ●tis Judgment must advise , In this great case take heed and be thou wise . Fix where thou wilt , thy doubt-depending cause Can ne'r expect a Verdict 'twixt two Laws Which differ , and are opposit in kind , Yet a fit medium I 'le attempt to find To ease thy sad , and sore perplexed mind . Divert those thoughts by some rare Speculations , And vanquish all these dolesome cogitations . Look , look abroad , and view the world , pray mark The Wise and Prudent , and the Courtly Spark . Will they direct thee so , such counsel give That thou an Hermits life on Earth shouldst live ? What , marry one that in possession hath Not one small house , or foot of Land on Earth ; When Wealth , and Honour , Dignity and Power Are offer'd to thee , as a present Dower ? Thou may'st be deckt with Bracelets rich and rare And live on Earth free from perplexing care ; If thou dost look about and take advice , And suffer Men nor Conscience to entice , Or thee allure , such a choice to make , Those joys to leave , and utterly forsake ; Which most men do , nay all accounted wise Pursue amain , esteem , and highly prize : But if thou hast a thought to change thy state , Be wise and stay , don't holy Writ relate , He that believes , doth not make hast : O why Shouldst thou have thoughts to mind it presently ? Come , pause a while , be not so hot , alas By inconsiderateness it comes to pass , So many Souls are spoil'd and ruined , Be wary then , not rashly be misled . Nay , furthermore , I 'le speak to thee again , Thou mayst love him , and yet mayst thou retain Respect and love to other Objects too . Love thy God well , but why shouldst thou let go This world , with all the precious joys therein ? But don't mistake , thou must leave off thy sin ; For Holiness I must tell thee is right , And very pleasant in Jehovah's sight ▪ But know , O Soul , yet over and above , Thy Soveraign Lord and Prince hath set his love So much upon thee , that his gracious Eye Will overlook thy smaller vanitie . Ne'r doubt but thou shalt have his favour still , Though in some things thou satisfie thy will . Dost think that he who came down from above , And dy'd for thee , will ever quite remove His dear affection from thee , or e're hate , And leave the Soul he bought at such a rate ? It is enough , and happy wilt thou be , If thou escap'st all gross impurity . Thus the base heart be'ng inflam'd by the Devil , Vndoes the Soul . No Enemy's more evil Than that curst Foe we harbour in our breast , Which all enlighten'd ones have oft exprest . Corrupted Judgment blindly would inform her , Christ having dy'd , her sins can never harm her . Alas , saith Reason , do not all men sin ? Nay , more than this , the very best have bin To blame in many things , and yet esteem'd As righteous ones , and as the Lord 's redeem'd ? If famous Men of old offenders were , What needst thou be so nice , what needst thou fear ? The glorious King is filled with compassion ; Besides he sees in thee great reformation : Thy love to sinful lusts is but in part To what it was , and thou must know thou art Plac'd in this world , and therefore must comply In some respects with smaller vanity . When Reason to the vicious Will gives ear , How can the Vnderstanding then be clear ? When vile Affection thus corrupteth Reason , All works and thoughts are turn'd to perfect Treason . O see how blind poor Souls by Nature are , How vain their thoughts , how ready 〈◊〉 insnare Themselves are they with false Imaginations ▪ With earthly toys and idle speculations . To learn and understand all humane Arts Most apt they are , they 'l magnifie their parts ; How very quick and dext'rous are they when They talk of things that appertain to men ? But things of God are quite above their sphere , Can 't them discern , nor do they love to hear Of God , or Christ , they count that man a fool That daily goes to learn at Jesus's School . Vnto the blindness of the natural mind Add this besides , most evident you 'l find It doth resist the Truth , 't will not receive it ; Nay 't is incredulous , 't will not believe it . Apt to believe false tales , and stories vain ; Nay , like to Eve , 't will quickly entertain Suggestions of the cursed Prince o' th Night , But what God says , seems evil in their sight . Nay , more than all , this treach'rous faculty Is so deprav'd , St. Paul doth plain descry Much enmity to God therein to lie . Vnto God's Law it will not subject be ; For in the mind is great malignity . But I must not the Reader here detain ; Because that our old Friend is come again .

CHAP. V. Shewing how the Judgment of the Soul comes to be enlightened , and the effects thereof .

Theologue . MY patience's not yet tyr'd , my bowels move , With bended knees shall I now gain thy love To Jesus Christ ? how shall I leave thee quite , When I behold such terrors , which afright My trembling Soul ? wch soon will thee o're-take , Unless thou dost with speed this Contract make . Thy Judgment 't is which I would fain convince . Thy danger 's great , I do perceive from thence : When Conscience had almost ( in truth ) persuaded Thee to repent , it was straightway invaded By thy blind Understanding , and dark mind , From whence thou art to evil still inclin'd . Thou ofen-times hadst listen'd unto me , And left thy sin : but they deceived thee , And chang'd thy thoughts ( as Conscience doth relate ) Till thy condition 's grown most desperate . Wilt thou once dare to harbour such a thought ; Because with bloud thy Soul by Christ was bought , Thou mayest sin , and take thy pleasure here , And prize the world as equal , nay , more dear To thee than him ? How canst thou be so dark This to imagine , Soul ? I prethee hark ; Did he not bleed , and die upon the Tree Thee to redeem from all iniquitie , And that to him thou shouldst espoused be ? Should a great Prince love a poor Virgin so , As for her sake ten thousand sorrows know , And be content at last when all is done , Another should enjoy her for his own ? Oh! ope thine eyes , imbrace the chiefest Good ; Let him be dear to thee , who with his Bloud Hath thee redeem'd from Sin , the chiefest ill , Be not unto thy self so cruel still , And void of Reason , foolishly to chuse The greatest Evil , and chief'st Good refuse . The good in Christ with every state agrees , It suits the Soul when troubles on it seize . When thou art sick , he 'l thy Physician be , He all distempers cures . Nay , it is He , And he alone , that heals the precious Soul , And with a word can make the Body whole . Art dark ? O , he can straightway make thee see ; Nay , if born blind , he can give eyes to thee . If thou art weary , he alone 's thy rest . Or , art thou sad , and grievously deprest ? He is thy comfort , and thy joy will be , Like to the deep and overflowing Sea . If thou an hungry art , he is thy food . O tast and see , and thou wilt find him good . The Fatling's slain , and all things ready are ; Thou'●t welcome too ; O come , and do not spare , But freely eat , and drink his spiced Wine , Wch will make glad that drooping heart of thine , The Father calls , the Spirit says , O come ; And Christ doth say , here 's in my heart yet room , O Sinner ! come to me : hark , he doth cry , O come to me , poor Soul , why wilt thou die ? Art thou in Prison , he will ope the door , He 'l pay thy debts , and wipe off all thy score . If thou a Widow or an Orphan be , Husband and Father both he 'l be to thee : A Husband that does live , yea , live for ever : Match here , poor Soul , where Death can part you never . Or , art thou weak , & canst not go alone ? He is thy strength , O thou mayst lean upon His mighty Arm ; for that is thy support . Art thou beleaguer'd ? he 's thy Royal Fort. In times of danger and of trouble great , Unto his holy Name do thou retreat : Which is a Tower strong to all that fly With care and speed from all iniquity . Under his wings he 'l hide his purchas'd One , Till these calamities are past and gone . Or , art thou dying , and dost fear the grave ? He is thy life , from Death he will thee save ; They cannot die , who such a Husband have . Or , art a Sinner ? he 's thy Righteousness ; He 's more than I can any ways express . The good in Christ is so exceeding sweet , None understand until they tast of it . He is a Good which none can comprehend , He is a Good which doth all others send ; The chiefest Good , good of himself alone , When carnal joys and pleasures all are gone . That 's not the good that fills not the desire , That can't be chief , if there be yet a higher . God is so good , noughts good if him we want ; Small things , with him , will satisfie a Saint● He is so good , that nought can bitter make him Unto that Soul , who chearfully does take him , And his sweet love and precious grace enjoys ; Yet this rare Good ne'r gluts , nor sweetness cloys . The best of earthly sweets , which fools do prize , By sin and sickness doth much bitter rise . They loath them straight , and can't abide to hear Of that which lately they esteem'd so dear . That , that 's the Good on which thou shouldst depend , That is desired for no other end Than for it self ! O tast of him , and try , And thou 'lt be filled to Eternity . That 's not the Good which suddenly doth leave us , That 's not the Good of which Death can bereave us , Christ is a Good that 's lasting , and abides ; All other Good , alas , will fail besides . Make him thy choice , dear Soul , O do but try How sweet it is in Jesu's Arms to lie . Make him thy joy , and thou 'lt see cause to sing , Whatever days or change may on thee bring .

Soul . Sad times , alas ! here is a sudden change ; Nought can I hear of now but rumors strange , Of Wars and Tumults , with perplexity , Which do encrease and swell most vehemently Within the regions of my inward man , Which causes tears , and makes my face look wan . Cross workings in me clearly I discover , I am distrest about this glorious Lover . The counsel which my heart did lately give I cannot take , I dare not it receive . Great slaughters there will be in my small Isle , For without bloud be sure this fearful broil Will never cease ; which side now shall I take ? I tremble much , yea all my bones do shake . Some of my sins which I have loved dear , Are forc'd to fly , and others can't appear , Lest Conscience should upon them fall : for he Crys out , Kill all , let not one spared be . Nay , Judgment too is all-most at a stand , Which doth amuse me much o' th other hand . Yet Will and Old-man , are resolv'dly bent To hinder me from granting my consent . Yet if I could but have some glimm'ring sight Of this great Prince , I know not but it might Work strange effects in me : for I do find My Eyes are out , my Understanding blind . Lord , pity me : for I a wretch have bin , To slight thee thus , and love my cursed sin . Thus whilst God's Word was preacht , and she also Began to cry ; I did observe , and lo , A Friend was sent from the blest Prince of Light , The glory of whose Face did shine so bright , That none were able to behold , for he Seem'd not infer'our to the Majesty Of the great God , and his eternal Son : For they in Essence are all three but one . His Power 's great , and Glory is his merit ; His nature 's like his Name ( most holy Spirit . ) Who to the Soul did presently draw near , And toucht her heart , and then unstopt her ear ; And from him shone such glorious rays of light , Some scales flew off , and she recover'd sight . Which straitway did her judgment rectifie , Who to this purpose did himself apply Unto the Soul whom he had led astray . I must confess my faults to thee this day .

Judgment . For want of light false judgment I have given , And treacherously conspired against Heaven ; And 'gainst thy life and happiness have I Been drawn into a vile conspiracy Of th' highest nature : for I did consent With thy base Foes , who hellishly are bent , To tear thee into pieces , quite undo thee , Whilst smilingly they proffer pleasures to thee . And now though not t' extenuate my sin , I 'le tell thee how I have been drawen in . Thy heart 's corrupted , and from it proceeds The cursed Old-man , with his evil deeds . They with Apollyon jointly did unite To draw a Curtain 'twixt me and the light . And thus though I sometimes was half inclin'd To judge for God , they b●sely kept me blind . T hey've me corrupted with thy wilful Will , Who , I do fear , remains most stubborn still : Which if 't be so , and he 's not made to bend , Conclude the match thou canst not wth thy friend And I , poor I , can't make him condescend : Some higer Power 't is must make him yield , Or he 'l stand out and never quit the Field . For he 's a churlish piece , and thou wilt find To what is evil , he is most enclin'd : But hath no will at all to what is right , A very Traytor to the Prince of Light . But as for me , my thoughts are clearly now Thou oughtst forthwith to yield , and meekly bow To the great King , thy mi●hty Lord and Lover . And more then this to thee I must discover ; Now , now I know thy Soveraign Lord will pry Into thy very heart , his piercing Eye Will find that 〈◊〉 amongst the Company Who wants the Wedding-garment , and will sever That unprepared man in Wrath for ever From his sweet presence : Soul , his Word doth shew Nothing will serve but universal new . He is a jealous God , will not endure To see thee only counterfeited pure ; O now I see he will not take a part , But claims both ears , eyes , hands , yea , the whole heart . Now , now I see 't is pure simplicity That is alone accepted in his Eye . That sin which has been like to a right hand , For profit sweet , thou must at his command Cut straight-way off . Nay , Soul , look thou about ; For Right-eye sins must all be pulled out . Though they for pleasure have to thee bin dear , Yet must they have no room , nor favour here . Of every sin thou must thy self deny ; One sin will damn thee to Eternity , If thou to it dost any love retain . Nay , hark to me , Soul , listen once again ; The Law must also unto thee be dead , And thou to it , or never canst thou wed With Jesus Christ . If thy first Husband live , Who to another Husband can thee give ? The smallest sin thou ever didst commit , The Law 's so strict , it damns the Soul for it . Let this divorce thee from it , 't is severe , No life nor help ( alas ) canst thou have there . And therefore unto Jesus come with speed , For such a Bridegroom 't is which thou dost need . And th' glory of the blessed Bridal-state , Will far exceed the greatest Potentate . What 's he ? Ah Soul ! what grace and favor's this ? Where dwels that Queen , nay where that Emperess , Whose splendent glory can e're equal thine , When thou canst say , I 'm his , and he is mine ?

● Consultation held between the Prince and Powers of Darkness , hearing how the Judgment was rectified , and the understanding of the Soul somewhat enlightened .

Apollyon . Most mighty Pow'rs , who once from Heav'n fell , To raise this Throne and Monarchy in Hell ; Do not despair , rouse up , all is not gone , The Conqueror han't yet the Conquest won . 'T is far below your noble extract thus To stand amaz'd ; is there no pow'r in us , For to revive our scattered force ? let 's try What may be done , we can at last but fly . Ne'r let us yield that she should raised be To such a height , to such great Soveraigntie . What , she , whose birth and pedigree was mean To what our's was , shall she be crowned Queen , Whilst we are made the Objects of her scorn , Hated of God and Man ? This can't be born . What , shall eternal Arms embrace the Soul , Whilst we in chains of Darkness do condole Our former loss ? in spite of Heaven let 's try Yet once again to spoil th' Affinity .

Satan . Bravely resolv'd ! and if in Hell there are A legion of such Spirits , never fear But we the Conquest yet o're Heaven shall gain , And all the hopes and pride of Mortals stain . We venture very little , yet shall win All at one blow , if we prevail agin . And there 's great hopes methinks ; for ev'n success ▪ Makes foes secure , and makes our danger less . Lo ! don 't you see how the fond Soul doth lie ▪ Ope to our Arms in great security ? And though some ground is lost , yet seek about , View well our force within , and that without . We in her house have a strong party yet , Who in our bands keep her unwary feet . Let 's make a search , and now more careful be , For sad it is the wretch such light should see . Without all doubt there has been some neglects , Which has produc'd such undesir'd effects . Could none keep out the light ? or has her heart , Always so true to us , play'd a false part ? Sure Will and Old-man both do stand and pause , Or some grand Foe hath quite betray'd our cause . We must be-stir us , and give new directions , And by all means keep fast the Soul's affections . Affection's still by Old-man is directed ; And Will to us does yet stand well affected . Let us pursue our present enterprize , With all the craft and pow'r we can devise . Our Prince , I see , is very much offended , And thus in short the Consultation ended . Apollyon with whole troops of hellish Fiends Immediately into the Soul descends , To raise sad storms and tempests in her breast , Who being curst , hates any should be blest . And that he might the better have his ends Accomplished , he thus bespeaks his Friends : The Flesh with all its lusts , to whom he said , Old-man , my grand Ally , I am afraid ●y tottering Kingdom has not long to stand , 〈◊〉 to my aid thou dost not lend thy hand . 'T is thou ( old Friend ) that must my cause maintain . Or otherwise thou wilt thy self be slain . Hark! dost not hear that flesh-amazing cry , " Kill the Old-man , O kill , O crucifie " The Old-man with his deeds , rise up and slay , " Let not that Foe survive another day ? " It is that cursed Old man works our bane , " Then let him die , let the Old-man be slain . Be stir thy self , and try thy utmost skill , Undoubtedly thou must be kill'd , or kill . 'T is not a time to pause , or slack thy hand , Negligence will not with thy int'rest stand . Tell , tell the Soul , in vain thou dost deny Thy self of that which satisfies the Eye ; Adorn thy self with Pearl , be deckt with Gold , Such pleasant things are lovely to behold ; Avoid all those penurious Nicities , That makes thee hateful in thy Neighbour's eyes ; Delight thy self in that the world ' counts brave , And let thy senses have what e're they crave . Say to the Soul , let not thine Ears and Eyes Be satisfy'd alone , but please likewise Thy Appetite , grant all the Soul desires . And if it chance to kindle lustful fires , Tel her the earth was fil'd with boundless treasures ▪ That she thereby might take her fill of pleasures . And for that end the senses are united In one fair body , there to be delighted . And tell her , if she do restrain one sense Of what it craves , she offers violence Unto her self , and doth her self deny Of the best good , and chief'st felicity .

The Old-man's Reply . This Hellish Lecture past , the Old-man breaks His Silence ; and , half Angry , thus he speaks : Renowned Father ! let thy Servant borrow A word or two to mitigate my sorrow . This Counsel might have done some time ago , But now enlighted Judgment lets her know All these are painted pleasures , and their date Ends with her life : dread Prince ! it is too late To mind this Counsel , she will not receive it , Her Understanding now will not believe it . I by thy Aid have oft endeavoured In ●itter times such kind of things to spread Before her eyes ; but now of late we find There is an alteration in her mind ▪ Could you have took the Gospel quite away , 'T would not have been as 't is , you do delay .

Apollyon . No more of that — Old-man , take my direction Improve thy int'rest now with her affection , I know Affection still 's inclin'd to love That which the Understanding doth reprove . This being so , if we improve our skill , And can but keep firm unto us the Will , If he 's not over-powr'd , thou maist gain , Thy former strength , and long thou mayest reign . For Conscience thou may'st once again hereby Lul● fast asleep , and then also her Eye Will grow so weak , her light diminished , That Judgment by Affection shall be led . And if thou canst but once this way persuade her , Will and Affection quickly will invade her To please her senses ; and for those intents Affection may use weighty Arguments ; And thus being overcome , she will be more Intangled in our fetters than before . Lusts of the eyes , and pride of life , these be My Agents both , they are employ'd by me . Old-man , therefore proceed , the Intrest's mine ; But be victorious , and the Conquest 's thine . Once lose the day , and thou be sure must die . Which being lost , thou 'lt suffer more than I.

Old-man . Most dread Apollyon ! thou must understand , As I have ever been at thy command , And am thy Servant , so I will remain ; And fight until I slay , or else am slain . Yet let me lodg this secret in thy breast , Canst thou be ignorant , how she 's possest With such a Soul-convincing beam of light , That I do seem a Monster in her sight . I shall not overcome her now , unless I do appear to her in some new dress . Time was indeed when I have been respected , But now , alas , I greatly am suspected Of being thy great favourite ; nay , she Affirms that I am wholly led by thee . These things consider'd , I must be advis'd , Fear lest I should be unawares surpriz'd .

Apollyon . Thou hit'st the case , and I agree thereto ; Thou shalt be clothed new from top to to : And I 'le transform my shape , and will appear , For thy assistance ; haste , and nothing fear . With specious shews of love , do thou pretend , Thou com'st to reason with her as a Friend , Not meaning to perswade her to remove , Or to withdraw in any case her love From her great Soveraign , whom thou maist confess Can only her advance to happiness ; Yet tell her she 's too strict , she 's too precise , She 'l never hold it ; bid her to be wise : Soft pace goes far ; an over-heated zeal Ruins the Soul , and spoils the Common-weal . Go bid her carry 't in her Princes sight With Saint-like sweetness ; bid her to delight In his presence , and there demurely stand ; But when she 's absent , let both heart and hand Be still delighted , as they were before , With sense-deluding Objects . Furthermore , Tell her he 's not so strict as to debar Her of these joys below , for her 's they are : Of which Paul rightly speaks , this is the sum , All things are yours , both present and to come ; Thus we 'l combine , and all our pow'rs unite , And in this mode and curious dress incite Th' enligten'd Soul to play the Hypocrite . The flesh being thus with th' pow'rs of Hell agreed , The inward Foe bestirs himself with speed ; Vile Traytor like , a Panther doth become , To work about the Soul 's eternal doom . A cruel Serpent , in a Saint-like guize , The better to trapan the long'd-for prize . As Balaam , once , and Balak , so do they Seek to find out some curst infidious way , The poor unwary Soul for to betray To the last Death's dark and eternal shade . Balaam advises Balak to invade God's Heritage , 't was by the beauteous train Of Moabite Damsels , who he thought might gain The Israelites affections , and thereby Make them offend against the Majesty Of God All-mighty , by whose powerful hand Jacob prevails , and Moab could no wise stand . Ah! see how the wise Fowler lays his snare To catch the poor enlighten'd Soul . Beware , And do not close thy new-inlighten'd Eyes ; Under the Golden clew the Panther lies . The Eye-intangled Creature stands to gaze Upon the lovely Panther in a maze , Till the deluded Beast doth by his stay Unwillingly become the Panther's prey . Just as you see sometimes the nimble fly , Dancing about the flame , advance so nigh , Until it 's taken and doth burn its wings . Thus from it self its own destruction springs . Or like two Men , who running in a Race , With hopes the Golden Diadem shall grace The Victor's Temples , in the way doth lie A Golden Ball ; one of them casts his Eye Upom the same , makes but a little stay To take it up , the other hasts away , And never turns aside to fix his Eyes On this or that , but runs and wins the prize : The other he the Ball espies , is loth To let it lie : in hopes to get them both , He loses both : for when he comes to try , Doth ●●nd the Golden Ball deceiv'd his Eye ; For when he thought to lay it up in store , Finds it an Earthly Ball , but gilded o're . O! then he grieves , but then it is too late His Eye 's the cause of his unhappy fate . A fit resemblance : for thus stands the case With every Soul . This mortal life 's the Race . A blessed Kingdom crowns the Victor's brow With endless glory , but whilst here below We 're tempt by Earthly pleasures , that 's the Ball ; Satan's the Sopister , who lets it fall . Now look about thee , Soul , thy time 's at hand , Thine Enemies approach , ●ay , ●o they stand Ready prepared , and resolv'd to try Both strength and craft to get the Victory . Thy precious Lord is the eternal Prize , Mind well thy Mark , take heed of wanton Eyes , If Pleasures thou , or Honours , shouldst espy , Stop not to gaze , run swift , and pass them by ; Take no regard unto that painted Ball , Which Satan , to deceive thee has let fall . The Old-man's near ( the flesh ) in a new dress , And whose with him ? Ah! thou mayst eas'ly guess . 'T is to deceive thee he appears so trim , And thou mayst see the Devil plain in him . The pow'rs of Hell in thee will try their skill For to insnare Affections , and the Will ; Nay , Satan has got them to take his side ; Thus treacherously thy heart they do divide . Thus though the Soul obtains inlightned Eyes , Whilst thicker darkness vanishes and flies , Yet is she vex'd with sore perplexities 'Twixt two extreams and two contrary Laws , Judgment is led by one , Affection draws The other way ; she can't tell which to please : She knows what 's best , but strong temptations seize Upon her so , that she 's at a great stand , This way she goes , then to the other hand . Her faculties fall out , they disagree . O look , methinks I in the Soul do see Four mighty Warriours draw into the Field To try their Valour , and refuse to yield Unto each other : here 's two against two : Judgment with Conscience are united so , That Will and the Affections do resolve The trembling Soul in Wars still to involve . Will rouses up , refuses to give way , That his great opposites should have the day ; Apollyon also with him doth take part , To hold his own , and to beguile her heart . They meet , they strike , & blows exchange for blows , Darts are let fly , they with each other close . The conflict's sharp , 't is very hard to know Which will the other beat and overthrow . Will 's hard put to 't , nay , had lost the day quite , But that more Traytors join'd him in the Fight . Th' Old-man rouses with rebellious flesh , And these domestick Wars renew afresh . They fight about the Soul , would know who must Have th' heart and its affections , Christ , or Lust . Satan by inward motions straight reply'd , My sentence is , we 'l equally divide , And give alike , both can't have the whole heart ; Christ take a piece , and I the other part . He 'd have the question by the Sword decided , Knowing the Soul lies dead whilst 't is divided . Thus 't is with many . Ah! look well within , Judgment convinc'd may be , yet may thy sin In thy affections live , and also thou Mayst not to th' pow'r of Grace and Jesus bow . Thou mayst have light , and speak as Balaam did , Whose Eyes Jehovah so far opened , That he cry'd out , O happy Israel ! How goodly are the Tents where thou dost dwell ! He ( like to many Preachers ) did commend God's holy ways , and wish'd that his last end Might be like his , who righteously doth live , And his whole heart doth unto Jesus give . He to this purpose spake , yet ne'r-the-less , Lov'd best the wages of unrighteousness . The Understanding may much light receive , And yet may not the Soul rightly believe , Nor be espous'd to Christ , may not rely On him alone in true simplicitie . But to proceed ; with careful Eye let 's view What follows here , what 't is doth next ens●e . As Combatants sometimes a Parly beat After some sharp Encounter , or retreat . And with each other do expostulate About their rising , or their sinking fate . Even so likewise do these strong inward Foes , They pause as 't were , parly , then fall to blows .

Old-man . The Old-man moves , and presently he meets With the poor Soul , and thus Affection greets : Thou for my Int'rest ever yet hast been , And sweet ( says he ) Ah! sweet's a bosom sin ; Thou never yet deny'dst to yield subjection Unto my will ; and now , indear'd Affection . Our Master , great Apollyon , doth command That we unite our force , and faithful stand Against our Fo●s ▪ thy int'rest is invaded , Thou ●eest by whom , thou knowst who are inraged : Hold safe thine own , ne'r let those Objects go Thou lov'st so dear , 't will be thy overthrow , And thereby too the Soul will unawares 〈…〉 involv'd in more vexatious cares ; And those delights which thou we●t wont to have Will be obscured in the darksom Cave Of black Oblivion , buried out of sight , Should once the Soul close with this Prince of Light . Not that we think thou canst'ith ' least approve Of thi● , whereby she should withdraw her love Quite from those things which we esteem so dear ; For Heart and Will some ways do yet adhere Unto our Int'rest ; yet basely misled She is , 〈◊〉 since she 's been enlightened . We are content she should cry up the choice She thinks to make , let her in that rejoice ; Yet there 's a secret we would fain reveal , She 's blinded by her over-fervent zeal . It i● enough since she has made such vows To love him 〈…〉 to become his Spouse , Why should she not have yet sweet sensual pleasures , To please the flesh , to whom the greatest treasure ; Of right belongs that ever were poste it ? How can her glory better be exprest , Than to imbrace what is so freely given , Joys here below as well as bliss in Heaven ? Let her not fear to spend her days in mirth , That 's Heir of Heaven , and Lady of the Earth . This think upon , and secretly impart So sweet a Message to the yielding heart . Affection hears , and willingly consented ▪ And strives with this to make the Soul contented , Nay , with it too , the Soul began to close , Until poor Conscience did them both oppose . Affection , Will , and Conscience talk a while ▪ Apollyon straight starts up , and with a smile Salutes them all , seeming as if he were One unconcern'd with any matters there : Who well observing how th●se three contended , Begs leave to speak a word , as he pretended , In favour to them all , desiring he Might at this time their Moderator be . At this they seem'd to pause , and stand all mute , At length the Soul , but faintly , grants his Suit : The Devil having thus obtain'd his end , Salutes the Soul , Fair Virgin , I commend Thy happy choice , almost , if not quite made ; Yet , if all matters were but wisely weigh'd , Thou 'lt find Affection has advis'd thee right ; And 't can't be safe such Counsel now to slight . The greatest honours oft , for want of care In just improvements , have been made a snare . What bount'ous Heav'n & Earth affords , refuse not ; Be not so nice ; ye 'buse the things you use not . What , is thy Soveraign willing to receive thee Into Celestial Joys , yet quite bereave thee Of present sweetness ? Tush ! this cannot be ; He will sure ne'r such wrong do unto thee . Reflect not what thy former state hath been , But what 't is now , a Saint , more than a Queen . Things present , and to come , nay , all are thine ; Come , merry be , drinkof the choiest Wine . Thine honour 's great , and let thy joys abound ; Chant to the Viol , hear the Organ sound ; Let the melodious Lute and Harp invite thee , And each transcendent joy on Earth delight thee . A sweet is , ( What ? ) a thing reproacht , call'd Sin ; It in the bosom lies , has harbour'd bin By chiefest Saints : O then , do not deny The present good , that 's pleasant to the Eye . But it thou fearst thou shouldst thy Lord offend ; Observe this Rule , which I shall next commend : Let all thy words be pleasant , smooth , and sweet , When him thou dost in daily Duties meet . Seem to be chast , and let no Saints espy The smallest sign of Immoralitie . Be ●rave in speech , and lowly when thou meetst them . And call them thy dear Brethren , when thou greetst them . And if thy Soveraign seek to have thy heart , Let him have some yet must the World have part . Call him thy Friend , thy Saviour , own him so ; And to poor Saints thou must some kindness show , Or else thy covetousness they will espy , And 〈…〉 be charg'd , ( with what ? ) Idolatry . Thus mayst thou keep his love : but when thou go's Amongst thy old acquaintance , ( yet his Foes ) Let them know nothing , let no sentence fall Which may discover this to them at all . Thus having spoken briefly , be thou wise , And with thy Friends , my Agents , now advise . Thus ends the Old-man , and Apollyon's suit , And the poor Soul in this assault stood mute , Not well discerning who these thoughts did dart Into her yielding and divided heart . Nor hath she got that grave and good inspection What 's best to do , and where to take direction , But goes to th' Flesh , with that doth she consult , Which quickly brings her to a sad result . I hitherto , saith she , have been deprest ; What shall I do , how may I be at rest ?

The Flesh , or corrupt Affection . What 's the reversion of a Prince's State , When 't must be purchas'd at so dear a rate ? 'T is but arriving at a seeming pitch Of Honour , and to be c●nceited Rich. If there 's no way to get this promis'd Crown , But to incur the world'ds vile scoff and frown , With loss of life , and all we call our own ; 'T would folly be to seek for such a prize : For what we have is pleasant in our Eyes . A real thing , and present , as 't is dear , To part with it , is more than flesh can bear . But by the way , mind what our Friends propound : A Medium to enjoy them both , is found ; Wherefore 't is best in this perplexing case , For to unite , that Counsel let 's imbrace .

Soul . Hast thou forgot , or knowst thou not , mine eyes Have been enlight'ned ? let us first advise With Judgment , lest this over-rash conclusion Turn all our Consultations to confusion . It would be well could we ( I must confess ) Those sinful sweets and present joys possess , Without the loss of those transcendant pleasures That 's in Jehova's unconfined Treasures . But what if Judgment says it must not be , Nor Truth nor Conscience with us will agree ? If so , what shall I do , what shall I choose ? Whilst I secure one , I both may loose .

The flesh , or corrupt Affection's Reply . One word I 'le briefly drop , and speak no more . Thou 'st put thy case to Conscience heresofore ▪ And what redress pray had you , what didst gain ? Did he not gripe thee sorely for thy pain ? Wilt thou neglect so sweet advice as this ? Judgment and Conscience both may judg amiss . But if thou lik'st it , and canst be contented , By knawing Conscience still to be tormented , Then I 'le be silent , and improve thy skill , Yet will I love and like where I did still . ●adst thou been counsel'd to forsake the Lord , Would I , do'st think , have spoken the least word , Once to dissuade thee from so just a thing ? Nay , Soul , thou oughtst , nay must respect this King : But whilst he 's absent , whilst he dwells on high , Thou hast no other Object for thine Eye Then these — Consult with Conscience , now do what you please , But as for me I am for present case .

CHAP. VI. Shewing the policy of Satan in keeping the Soul from a full closing with Christ . Also the nature of a bosom sin . NO sooner was this sharp Encounter over , But in a little time you might discover The Soul half vanquish'd by her weak opposing , Sometimes resisting , and then faintly closing . Sometimes you 'l see her just as 't were consenting , And presently you 'l find her much lamenting , Beset on every side with troops of fears ; Which makes her to bedew her cheeks with tears , Complains to Conscience , hoping for relief , Till Conscience cheeks her , and renews her grief . Sometimes she 's drawn to fix her tender Eye Upon the Gospel's pure Simplicitie . Her love-sick thoughts at ●its seem to aspire , As if she could pass through hot flames of ●ire , And say with Peter , Though all should deny Thee , my blest Lord , yet so will never I. But when the Soul once comes to see the Cross , Its courage fails , O! 't is at a great loss . When she perceives she and her lusts must part . O that sticks close , go's to the very heart . The thoughts of that is hard ; 't is Self-denial That puts the Soul upon the deepest tryal . Some ready are to make a large profession In hopes of somewhat , perhaps the possession Of Heav'n at last ; but straight sounds in their Ear , Deny thy self ; come , part with all that 's dear For Jesus sake . Ah! this they cannot bear . The Young-man ran , he seem'd to be in haste , But news of this , did all his courage blast . The gate is strait ; O! 't is no easie thing To for-go all in love to this blest King . The way is narrow which leads unto life , 'T is Self-denial , that begets the strife . 'Twixt Flesh and Spirit there 's a constant War , They opposite , and quite contraries are . As Fire and Water , Light and Darkness be , Such diff●ring Natures never can agree , So between these is like antipathie . The flesh is like the Young-man , give 's attention To what the Preacher says , until he mention His bosom-sin , the Lust he so much loves ; This makes him face about , and back removes . He goes away , yet lov'd to hear Christ preach Up Legal works ▪ but when he came to reach His Dalilah , that blow so griev'd his heart , That Christ and he immediately must part . His great possessions could not give to th' poor , Though he had th' promise of abundance more Treasures above ; but being not content To pay that price for Heaven , away he went . How loth's the Flesh to yield , that Grace may win The happy Conquest of a Bosom-sin ? How will it plead , how wittily debate , Excuse , or argue , to extenuate The Crime ? at length it yields , forc'd to give way . But first cry's out , O give me leave to stay A year , a month , a week , at least one day : Put when it sees it cannot that obtain , The loser looks , and pleads yet once again : Ah! let my fond , my fainting , breaking heart Hug it the other time , before we part . Much like Rebeckah's Friends , the flesh appears ; It parts with sin , but 't is with floods of tears . Each has his Darling , his beloved sin , Whilst unconverted , much delighted in . Give me , say some , but leave to heap up Treasure , And I 'le abandon all forbidden pleasure . Others again there be that only prize The popular applause of being wise , A name of being learn'd , judicious , grave , Able Divines , 't is this too many crave . Some boast their natural and acquired parts , Which take the ears of some , seduce the hearts Of many simple Souls who go astray ; While others are for feasting day by day . There 's some delight in drinking choice of Wine , Whilst others are to Gaming more inclin'd . That sin that finds more favour than the rest , That is thy darling sin , thou knowst it best . O search thy bosom well , pry , pry within , Till thou findst out thy own beloved sin , That gives thee kisses , that 's the lust that slays thee . O that 's the cursed Judas which betrays thee . Ah! see how blind , how foolish Sinners are ; Like to rebellious Saul , they●l Ag●g spare , They entertain this Lust close in their heart , And are indeed as loth with it to part , As with a Hand or Eye ; and therefore she Crys out with Sampson , O this pleases me . Ah! I will freely part with all the rest , Might I but hug this Darling in my breas● . Souls once convicted , quickly do begin To hate , detest , and leave all grosser sin ; Sins visible unto the natural Eye , Such which are of the black and deepest die , They are possest with such a dread and fear , They 'l not touch them , nor venture to come near These foul defilements — nay , such spots disdainf Then presently conclude they 'r born again , And shall be sav'd , though bosom lusts remain . And if at any time some beams of light Discover secret Sin , or Conscience s●ite , Or touch the Dalilah , they then begin To think of making covers for such sin , ( Which in the secret of the bosom lies ) With the fair Mantle of Infirmities . But if at any time the searching Word , Which cuts and trys like a two-edged Sword , Pierces the heart , and will divide asunder The soul and spirit , and e're long bring under These Soul-deluding Covers , and espies Those secret Lusts which in each corner lies ; And doth unmask those evils , and disclose , The Soul's hypocrisie , yea and expose It's nakedness to view , unto its shame : Now , now the Flesh begins to change the name Of every Lust that lies so closely hidden , Soul , touch not , saith the Lord , 't is Fruit forbidden . O! saith the Flesh , 't is pleasant in mine eyes ; Yea , says the Tempter , Soul , 't will make thee wise ; Taste , it is sweet , the liberty is thine ; And Wisdom is a Vertue most divine . And Vertue , saith the flesh , will make thee shine . Christ he prohibits Souls from taking pleasure In laying up their bags of Earthly Treasure ; For these things have in them a secret Art , To steal away th' affections of the Heart : Christ tells the Soul , Our Hevenly Father knows What 't is we want , and so much he allows Which he sees best , which we contentedly Should take from him , who will our wants supply , And no good thing from us will he deny . But hark ! What saith the Flesh ? O Soul , saith she , In this give ear and harken unto me : 'T is not unlawful here to lay up Treasure , Provided thou therein tak'st no great pleasure . The World thou seest disdains those wch are poor ; And if thou 'rt Rich , thou●lt be ador'd the more . Nay , if thou once arrivest at the pitch Of being by the World accounted Rich , Thy words will far the greater influence have , And may'st thereby perchance more rich ones save . Besides all this ; when Rich , thou mayest feed With thy abundance such who suffer need . And this also will take thee off from care , Which is to some a most perplexing snare , And thou for God may'st the more hours spare . If thou art poor , and of strict conversation , That will not be a fit Accommodation To draw men by ; for some thereby are frighted , Who might by temporizing be invited . Accommodate thy sel● to all , become All things to all men , that thou mayst gain some . These subtil Covers doth the Flesh devise , To hide those sins which in the bosom lies ; And by this crafty course perhaps a while The poor unwary Soul it may beguile . And if Apollyon sees the Creature yield In this respect , he 's Victor in the Field ; He glory's in the Conquest he has gain'd , As if a Diadem he had obtain'd . But now , behold , here comes her former Friend ' Christ's precious Love this once to recommend . True Ministers are filled with compassion , As their long patience's worth all commendation . The preciousness now of the Soul you 'l hear , And how things go within he will declare . He 'l call her Conscience to examination ; For Conscience 't is must give a full Relation Of all false Covers — Nay , and will reveal Those secret Lusts the Flesh seems to conceal .

Theologue . Conscience , thou knowst , and privy art to all The secret strivings , and the words let fall To bring the Soul to join in bonds of love With Jesus Christ , and finally remove Her heart from sin , yea from the smallest evil ; One sin belov'd will send her to the Devil . Speak therefore now , her inward parts reveal : What faith hath she , what love , and O what zeal , What indignation , care , and what desire ? Is she inflamed , is she all on fire In love to him , who out of love did die , Her to espouse , and save Eternally ?

Conscience . She loves , ( but who ? ) she sighs , Sir , shall I speak ? She 's doubtfull still , she knows not which to take . Some kind of love , some faint desires do rise Within her breast , but then the Enemies Immediately such great disturbance cause , That she 's amaz'd , and put into a pause . Although she dos love Christ , I must confess , Some secret sin is favour'd ner'theless . She wants some glorious Rays , her eyes are dim , She never yet had a true sight of him . I must speak all , e'en the whole truth impart ; Alas ! she has new Objects in her heart . Her love is treach'rous , her affections burn Chiefly to self , loves Christ to serve her turn . And such a Legalist she 's become now , To her own drag she blindfoldly do's vow To offer Incense ; in her seeming grace She glory 's much , nay , sets it in the place Of Jesus Christ , and on that Idol pores ; This is the Object now she most adores .

Theologue . Wilt thou expose thy self to scoff and shame . And bring a blot for ever on thy name ? A Monster ( thou ) in Nature wilt appear , To all who of thy faults and folly hear . Canst be so vile , so impudent , and base ? Disloval Soul ! how canst thou still give place To Jesus's Foes , and up an Idol set ? What , offer sacrifice to thy own Net ? I stand ama●'d ● what guilt is on thy head ? Remember that black Bill , what crimes are spread Before thine Eyes already . But , now , further , 〈◊〉 to charge thee with another Murther , Committed on a spotless Man ; nay , worse , Thou letst him be betrayed to the Curse Of a most shameful Death ; nay , what exceeds , His hands , feet , sides die , and his Soul still bleeds ; And what is worst of all , he is God's Son , On whom this bloody Tragedy was done ; Thy Friend ( O Soul ) who came down from above , To sue to thee for kindnesses and love . And yet doth he , whose blood thy hands have shed , Sue unto thee ; nay his deep wounds do plead For mercy , and he 's able to forgive : He 's God as well as Man ; dead , yet doth live , What Object is 't thou hast got in thine eye ? Dost think the Law can help thee ? make hast , fly ; For 't is by that thou stand'st condemn'd to die . Seek a Divorcement : stand'st thou still in doubt 'Twixt Law & Grace ? strange ! canst thou not find out What Judgment told thee ? sure thou knowest better : It is severe , O! 't is a killing Letter . 'T is time to leave that Husband , and for-go All hopes from him , who seeks thy overthrow . Christ has fulfill'd it , he alone has life ; And if thou once art his espoused Wife , Thou wilt receive a full discharge from all Those Debts , those Deaths , and dangers wch inthral The Souls of those , whose blind deceived breast Seeks to self-righteousness for peace and rest . Thou canst not ( Soul ) become a Virgin Spouse , Until thou art divorced from all vows To that , nay to Relations , though they 're dear Must thou the lesser love , and kindness bear . Thy Fathers house , and all , thou must forsake , If thou this happy Contract e're dost make . Yield thy whole heart to Christ , bend to his feet In pure simplicity ; there 's ground for it : For he that lay within a Virgins Womb , And who was buried in a Virgin-Tomb ; He that alone did lead a Virgin-Life , Must have a chast and holy Virgin-Wife . Needst thou more motives still ? what shall I say , What shall I speak to move thee ? I will lay The nature of the Soul unto thy view : Wouldst know its worth ? read then what dos ensue ,

First . 'T is capable , such is its nature , State , On Great Jehovah's Pow'r to contemplate : It searches , prys and nicely looks about On Nature's frame , and finds the former out . David's amaz'd when he doth cast his Eye On all the glorious things beneath the skie ; He looked up and down , above , and under , And stood astonish'd , seeing cause of Wonder ; And then reflecting his own frame , did see Nature's great Volume , blest Epitome . Fearfully am I made : how canst tell ? His Answer is , My Soul knows it full well . We should have known no more of Earth , or Heav'n Than the brut● beasts , had not Jehovah given This precious Soul to us : O then be wise , And it secure as the chiefest Prize .

Secondly . Nay more then this , the Scripture makes relation 'T is capable of glorious Inspiration . There is in Man a Soul , a Spirit do's live And move in him , to which the Lord doth give By Inspiration , Wisdom , Knowledg , Fear , That fools know more than the Philosopher . The Soul's God's Candle , a light of acceptation , But from himself must come its Information . Shall not this Candle ( pray you ) lighted be ? O let God's Spirit ( Soul ) inlighten thee .

Thirdly . Nay , once again , it 's Nature to declare , 'T will sweet Impressions take , God's Image bear . It bore it once , O then , how did it shine ! A glorious shadow of him , who 's Divine : But now 't is blurr'd , and soil'd by filthy dust ; O 't is defac'd and spoil'd by means of Lust . But he who stamp'd it there at first , can make It once again a new Impression take : He can wash off the soil , refine the Ore , And make it shine fairer than heretofore , O what a glorious thing ! how rare 't will be , When God renews his Image once in thee ? Lose not the Soul , ( the wax ) for nought can bear This Image then , nor can that loss repair .

Fourthly . The Soul 's glorious Piece , wherein doth lie So great an Excellence , as doth out-vy All outward Glory : for 't is only she That 's capable of so great Dignitie To be espoused to the Glorious Three . Strange condescention ! an amazing thing ! What joy and ravishment from hence may spring Up unto thee , when into 't thou dost pry ; Will the high God take sweet complacency In such a one ? What , doth he please to chuse Thee for his dear Consort , make thee his Spouse ? May'st thou in Christ's dear Arms and Bosom lie ? Ah! is the Soul the Jewel of his Eye ? Can any joy and sweetness be like this ? Can worldly Comforts raise thee to such bliss ? What , is thy Soul capable of such Union ; And doth there flow from thence such rare Communion ? Admire it ! is not one kiss worth more , Than all the Riches of the Eastern shore ? O! lose not then thy Soul ! Ah! who would miss Of this sweet Union and Eternal Bliss ?

Fifthly . It 's nature , worth , and rare transcendency , Appears in that great i●congruity , And weakness of all Creatures to suffice it ; And from this ground great cause hast thou to prize it . Nothing but God himself can satisfie That precious Soul , which in thy breast do's lie . The Univers●s too little , th' whole Creation Will not appease its longing expectation . How vast's the Deeps ? how lotty the desires Of Man's poor Soul , above all bounds aspires ▪ It seeks , it prys , and views all kind of Treasure , And still it craves , its wishes know no measure . It walks again , it rambles , O it flies , And ransacks all the secret Treasuries Of Art and Nature , hurried , nay 't is driven To and fro , being restless , till to Heaven It casts a look , and Jesus does espy , And then full soon with greatest joy doth cry , O there 's the Pearl ! I must have him , or die . Thou must expect no peace , there 's nought can still it , Nor give it rest till God himself do's fill it , Hark to its sighs , do not befool and cheat it , Nor of its wishings baffle and defeat it : For nothing but that God that made it , can Suffice the Soul , the precious Soul of Man .

Sixthly . What thinkst thou of that price , that price of blood Which Christ laid down ? does it not cry aloud ? O precious is the Soul ! it cost full dear : Doth not this noise sound always in thine Ear ?

Seventhly . Don't Satan's rage , his enmity , and wrath Against the Soul , shew forth its precious worth ? Take pleasures here , and Coffers fill with Coin , The Shop with Wares , & Cellars with rich Wine : Let him but have the Soul , he does not care , Take what you please besides , and do not spare . He rages when one Soul escapes his paws ; Ah! that 's the Prize his black and bloody jaws Are open for . These Demons grin , and swell With venom great , and Councils hold in Hell , ( As hath been hinted ) that by craft they may Catch the poor Soul , and this Pearl bear away , That , that 's the Morsel , that 's their only prey .

Eighthly . Its blest Infusion , and God's constant care For food and Ornaments which he does spare , For to adorn her on th' espousal day , Fully declares this Truth , therefore we may Amazed stand , and wondring all ways cry , O precious Soul ! thy worth and exc'llency Is very great , who can it comprehend ? It 's that which does oft-times to Christ ascend In strong desires , and longings : O! 't will pry Into all places for his Company . She in his sight rejoyces , and is glad ; But when once gone , she sighs , she mourns , is sad . All other joy 's but meer perplexity ; Without his love , 't will swoun'd away , nay die . Nothing but Grace , Heaven's off-spring , can revive it ; And nought but sighs of Jesus can ●nlive it . These things considered , may make thee see Its worth , nay more , how also 't is with thee .

Ninthly . How shall we prize the Soul ? what rate shall we Upon her set ? O what against her weigh ? Come , bring the ballance , and now let us try What further worth or preciousness doth lie In the fair Soul : 't is done , all Golden Ore Of both the Indies are i th' seales , yet more We still do want , more Riches pray put in , All precious Stones and Pearls ; now weigh agin . Alas the ballance flies , here yet wants weight , The Soul out-vi●s them all : Lord , here 's a sight Th' whole world at once is in yet 't is too light . Add world to world , and heap ten thousand more , Were there so many , could you find such store , Yet would the Soul in worth exceed them far . Nay , I might multiply , and yet not e●r . Oh! then take heed thou dost not chaffer so , To get the World , and in exchange let go This precious Soul : nor let it be thought strange , What shall a Man for 's Soul give in exchange ?

Tenthly . She is Immortal , O she cannot die ; Though 't was not so from all Eternity . She was created , but in such a state , Man can't her kill , nor h●r annihilate . Her Beings such , h●r Life shall still remain ( Although the body die ) in bliss or pain . Then hast then not good ground to watch & ward With wary eye , and set a constant guard Upon the portals of the treach'rous heart , Lest of this Jewel thou dec●ived art ? What Man to gain a shilling , would let go A Pearl of such great price and value ? who Would think that Men , accounted grave and wise , ●or toys and trifles should their Souls despise ? Many , I fear there be , who day by day , To gain a Gr●●at , unjustly , giv●t away ; Whilst others prostitute it to their lust : Nay , do by it , as by a bone or crust That 's cast unto the Dog for him to knaw . This Dog 's the Devil , whose wide stretcht●out jaw Stand gaping for 't : his Eyes are upon all , Knowing when e're they sin , they let it fall . O then take heed ; and if this Dog should fawn , Or wag his Tail , let not so sweet a pawn Of future Glory be contemn'd or lost , Think , think from whence it came , & what it cost .

CHAP. VII . Christ's Love Epitomiz'd , the Old-man wounded , Will made willing : shewing also the nature of the Soul's Espo●sal to Christ . IF all that hath been said yet will not move thee To close with Christ , I once again will prove thee , By making of a brief or short collection Of his sweet Love and wonderful Affection ; And then I trust thou wilt with sacred Vows Contract thy self to him , become his Spouse , Whose left hand 's full of Treasure , in his right Are Honours great , and Pleasures infinite . A Prince ( you know ) dispos'd to make Election Of a Consort , before he 'l place Affection , Will first enquire if the Virgin be In Person , Parts , Estate , or Pedigree Equal unto himself : but if in case She be of low descent , of Parents base , Compar'd with his ; or not so noble born , Or has debas'd her self , or is forlorn ; He thinks it is below him once to place , Or fix his love on her , he fears disgrace : But if the Lady chance to equalize him , She 's not so much oblig'd to love or prize him ‛ Yond common bounds , because , saith she , I am No whit inferiour unto him ; my name Records the noble stock from whence I came . But if a Prince should chance to set his love Upon a person that has nought to move So great a Lord to make that choice , then she Amazed , yields with all humilitie ; Can do no less than humbly give consent , Yield up her self with great astonishment ; But she who doth reject such love , is acted Like one bereav'd of sense , nay quite distracted . Misguided Soul ! and is not this the case ? What worth 's in thee to him ? O! vile , and base ! Instead of love , deservest to be hated , Since from thy God thou hast degenerated , And yet the blessed Jesus don't despise thee , But from thy loathsom dunghil fain would raise thee . But to proceed , I now will give to thee Of Christ's sweet Love a short Epitome . 1. 'T is a first-love , as soon as he past-by , And saw thee in thy blood , he cast his Eye Whilst thou in that sad gore didst weltring lie . Nay , unto thee most precious love he had Before the fabrick of this World mas made . 2. It is attracting Love , its nature 's such , 'T is like the Loadstone ; hadst thou once a touch , 'T would make thy Iron-heart with speed to move , Nay , cleave to him in bonds of purest Love . 3. 'T is a free Love , there 's nought at all in thee Which can deserve his favour , yet does he Not grutch thee his dear Love , although so great , The glorious King of Kings does oft intreat Those Souls to his imbraces , who contemn His proffer'd grace , and still love shews to them . 4. 'T is ' bounding Love , like Nilus , overflows All banks and bounds , his Grace no limit knows . 5. 'T is a delighting Love , there 's nought more sweet , She found it so who washt his precious feet . He takes delight and sweet complacency In those he loves , his heart affects his Eye . He resteth in his love ; and who can turn His heart away , or damp those flames that burn In his dear breast ? none ever lov'd as he , Who for his Spouse was nailed to the Tree . 6. It is a Victor's Love ; he 'l wound and kill All Enemies who do oppose his Will ; Where he lays Siege , he 'l make the Soul to yield , By love he overcomes and wins the Field ; His Captive ( Soul ) thou certainly must be : His love is such , 't will have the Victorie . 7. It is abiding and Eternal Love , 'T will last as long as he , nought can remove His love from such on whom he casts his Eye , And for whose sake alone he chose to die . The love which did appear to Saints of old , Did graciously this glorious Truth unfold . I with an everlasting Love , saith he , Have set my heart upon ( or loved ) thee , And therefore I have drawn thee unto me . Know he who thus doth his sweet love commend To his dear Saints , loves them unto the end . 8. 'T is a great Love , most powerful and strong ; Hence 't is he thinks each hour and minute long , Till he imbrace thee in his Sacred Arms , Where he 'l secure thee from all the harms And dangers great , by Men or hellish charms . Fathers , although they love their Children dear , Yet never did from them such love appear . David lov'd Absolom , yet gives consent , Nay he himself decrees his banishment . A Mother may forget her sucking Child , As some have done , although of nature mild , Yet forc'd by famine , cruelly have shed Their Childrens bloud , and of their flesh have fed : But Ah! his Love 's so free , so strong , so great , He gives his bloud to drink , his flesh for meat Unto the Soul ; and those who it receive , Shall never die , and none but such can live . 9. His Love is matchless , 't is without compare , Who neither flesh , now bloud , nor life did spare . The love of Women , which the World esteems Most strong in sweet affection ; their love seems An empty shadow , and not worth regard , When with his Sacred Love it is compar'd . The Husbands , Wives , and Fathers may abound , Yet no such love as Christ's was ever found . Abraham and Isaac both lov'd their Wives , Yet neither of them sacrific'd their lives . Jonathan's love to David did exceed The love of Women ; 't was a Love indeed ! But what was Jonathan ●s great love to this ? Ah! less than nothing , when compar'd to his . Christ's love exceeds all natural Love as far As bright Aurora doth the smallest Star . But Oh! in vain do we compare his Love With any thing below ▪ no , 't is above Comparison , 't is so immense , so great , We cannot find it out : though Man's concert Is larger than expression , though profound , Yet Man's conception never yet could sound The depth of Love's unfathomable bliss , So great , so deep , so bottomless it is . Betwixt his Love and ours , the disproportion Is like one drop of Water to the Ocean . Or as the smallest dust that 's fiercely driven , To the whole Globe ; or like as Earth's to Heaven The Sun for clearness with his splendent face , The Moon for swiftness in her Zodiack Race ; The Sa●ds for nomber , and the Heaven for height The Seas for depth , the ponderous earth for weight Yet with more certainty ▪ and with less doubt Be weigh'd and measur'd ▪ than Christ's love foun● out O depth ! O heigth ! O breadth ! O wonderous length Of this great Love ! O uncompared strength Of true affections ! Love that is Divine ! What 's natural love ; Lord , when compar'd to thine ? Such a redundancy of Love is found , Whoever dives into these depths is drown'd . Ten thousand Sea , ten thousand times told o're , Add to these Seas , ten times as many more , Let all these Seas become one deep Abyss , They'd all come short in depth compar'd to this . The Moral , Natural , nor the Spiritual Man , With all their Understanding , never can Find out the Nature of Christ's Love ! alas , It doth all Knowledg' nfinitely surpass . O may these Depths & Heigths have pow'r to move On thee , till thou art swallowed up in Love . That , that which cannot comprehended be By Men nor Angels , may comprehend thee ; And thou being fill'd with it , may'st sweetly lie In depths of Love unto Eternitie . The Spir't with this let fly a piercing Dart , Which wounded dreadfully her stubborn heart , It pierc'd to th' very quick and made her smart . Now , now she mourns , Ah! how she weeps , she crys , And water runs like fountains from her ●ys . Now her whole Souls dissolved into tears By Love-sick passions ; yet she 's fill'd with fears , Lest Christ should now with angry frown deny To give her one sweet aspect of his Eye : Because his love she had so long refus'd , And wondrous patience shamefully abus'd . Oh! now she spends whole days & nights in prayer , She sighs and grieves , but can●t see Christ appear . The panting Hart ne'r long'd for Water-brooks More than does she for some reviving looks From the great Prince , the God of Love & Grace ; But he at present seems to hide his face . But stop , my Mus● , hark how the Winds do roar , All storms i' th Soul alas● are not yet o're . No sooner did the Old-man cast his Eyes , And view'd this change ▪ but in great wrath did rise For to renew the War ▪ he joins afresh With scatter'd force of Will and Lusts of th' flesh , To make what strength they can , with hellish spite . The Devil 's with these conquer'd pow'rs unite , Arm'd with despair , and like to Lamps , wch make The greatest blaze at going out , they take Their blunt and broken Weapons in their hand , Resolving Christ in her shall not command ; Nor she desert their cause , nor break her Vows With Sin and Self , and so become Christ's Spouse . But now , I find in vain they do resist : True Grace is come , the Spirit doth assist . Sin , World , the Flesh , nor Devil , can long stand Before the Spirits strong and pow'rful hand . See how the Spirit now doth search about To find each Sin , and cursed Darling out . Did you never behold in what dread sor● The wide-mouth'd Canon plays upon the Fort , And how by whole-sail it doth batter down The shattered walls of a besieged Town ? Even so the Spirit with his powerful Sword Makes glorious slaughter , will no Truce afford , Kills all before him , will no Quarter give , Nor will he suffer any Lust to live . The Strong-man , ( Satan ) quakes ; good reason why ▪ A stronger's come , a stronger he doth spy Is enter'd in — O therefore he 's much pain'd ; All , all is gone , and he himself is chain'd . The Old-man trembling , likewise thinks to fly Into some lurking-corner , secretly To hide himself : but th' Spirit 's piercing Sight Discovers him , and now with heavenly might Laid on such strokes , and gave him such a wound , Wch with dire vengance brought him to the ground ▪ Now the Affections's chang'd , and Will doth yield , Being willing made , says Grace shall have the Field . O happy season ! and thrice long'd-for hour ! This is the day of God's most mighty Power Upon the Soul . But hark , methinks I hear Most bitter sighs and groans sound in mine Ear. The Soul 's afflicted ! it is she doth mourn , To think what sorrows for her Christ hath born . She hates , nay loaths her self to th' very dust , And seeks to mortifie each former Lust . And something more doth still perplex her mind , Him whom she dearly loves , she cannot find . Her heart I fear will quickly burst asunder , If any long time she should be prest under This heavy weight : no grief like hers , is there : Who can ( alas ) a wounded Spirit bear ? She 's almost swallow'd● up in deep despair . You next shall hear ( if you attention lend ) How she bewails the absence of her Friend .

Soul . Ah me ! I faint , my Spirits quite decay , And yet I cannot die : O who can stay My sinking Soul , whilst I these sorrows feel ? My feeble knees under their burden reel . Inf●rnal deeps , black gulphs , where horror lies , Open their ghastly mouths before mine Eys . O wretched Soul ! curs'd Sin ! I might have been The Lamb's fair Bride , and a Celestial Queen , Had I imbrac'd my Lord , my King , my Love , ( Who was more faithful than the Turtle Dove . ) O had I then receiv , d him in mine Arms , He would have sav'd me from eternal harms . But now I fear those happy days are past , And I poor wretch shall into Hell be cast , Bound up in fetters , and eternal chains Of burning Wrath , and everlasting pains . O sinful Soul ! I who have lightly set By the blest Prince , who would have paid my debt O he that would have freely quit my score , Ah! Now I fear I shall ne're see him more . Could I but once more hear his Sacred Voice , I would make him my joy , and only choice . But 's Wooing-time I fear is out of date ▪ 〈…〉 ▪ but dread it is too late . I m●lt , Lord , into tears , whilst thou the Sun Of precious Light , art hid , where shall I run For Light and comfort in this dolesom hour , Whilst I lie drenched in this brinish shower ? More would she speak , but her great passion stops Her mournful speech , whilst her eys stood-gates ope● , Smote with despair ; so faint , she scarce appears To breath or live , but by her sighs and tears . A Friend amidst this passion straight arriv'd , Whose shining beams and lustre much reviv'd The troubl'd Soul on every side , that she Cry'd out , O heavenly Spirit , it is thee , Who with Diviner and mysterious Art Did such illustrious beams of Glory dart , Which did not only tend to joy and peace , But much inflam'd her heart , made love increase , And lo , before her Eys she doth behold The Prince to stand , whose Glory to unfold Is 'bove the reach of Man , or Seraphim ; And thus had she a blessed sight of him . Like as the Sun breaks forth beneath a Cloud , Whose conqu'ring light cast off each envious shroud , And round about his beauteous beams displays , Making , her Earth like Heav'n with his bright rays . This glorious Aspect of his lovely Eye , Which she through Faith beheld , did by and by With such transports , or Raptures , on her seize , And from her former sorrows gave her ●ase : Yet could she not be fully satisfy'd , Until the Marriage-knot was firmly ty'd ▪ A Promise she endeavours to procure , To make Christ's Love and Pardon to her sure . She to this purpose does her self address To him she loves , with sweet composedness Of heart and mind ; tho thinking what she 'd bin , She 's under fears , and oft distrest again ; Much questioning ( for want of Faith ) how he Could e're forget past wrongs and injurie .

Soul . Life of my life ! alas , Lord , what am I ? A wretched Creature ; who deserves to die A thousand deaths , nay , and a thousand more , For wounding thee within , without , all o're , In every part : O this doth make me mourn , It melts my heart to think what thou hast born For a vile worm . But wilt thou view the wound That 's made in me ? Lord , I am drench'd & drown'd In bloud , and brinish tears , my wasting breath , And sighing Soul , will period soon in Death , Unless thou seal , and dost confirm to me Thy Love by promises ; O! shall I see Thy hand stretch'd out ? or shall I hear thee say , Come , come to me , poor Soul , O come away ? 'T is thou that wilt not bruise the broken reed , Hurt not my sores , nor crush the wounds that bleed . O let my chilled Soul feel the warm fires Of thy sweet Voice , that my dissolv'd desires May turn a soveraign Balsam , to make whole Those wounds my sins have made in thy dear Soul . Ah! wilt thou let me swoun'd away and die , Whilst thou standst looking on ? Lord , cast an eye On me , for whom thou on the Cross didst bleed ; Some comfort , Lord , now in my greatest need : No Corrosives , some Cordial Spir'ts , or I For ever perish must ; Lord , hear my cry .

Jesus . Afflicted Soul ! the purchase of my Bloud , Come , hear , come hear a consolating Word . Shall I who have through sore Afflictions past For love of thee , refuse thee now at last ? No , no! I cannot , Soul , I cannot bear Such piercing moans that wounds my tender Ear ▪ Now will I magnifie my Pow'r and rise To scatter thy malicious Enemies ; I 'le thee enlighten with my glorious Rays , And make thee happy , happy all thy days . Who will betroth , or give this Soul to me ? Let 's Celebrate with great'st Solemnity , And glorious Triump , the espousal Day : Come , come , my Dear , let us no longer stay .

The Father . 'T is in my Pow'r , 't is I , I give her thee , As th' fruit of my own Choice , Love and Decree .

CHAP. VIII . The mutual and blessed Contract between Christ and the Sinner .

Jesus . GIVE me thy heart then , Soul , I do betroth Thee unto me , that no approaching Wrath May any ways be hurtful unto thee , In Righteousness I thee betroth to me . In Judgment also thou betrothed art , And all I have to thee I do impart In faithfulness and tender mercy , so That thou thy Lord , thy Friend , & God shalt know . I do betroth thee unto me for ever , And neither Death , Nor Earth , nor Hell shall s●ver Thy Soul from me . If thou wilt pay thy vows , I will be thine , and thou shalt be my Spouse . I take thee now for better , and for worse : Give me thy hand , let 's jointly both of us With mutual love tie the conjugal Knot , Which , on my part shall never be forgot . My Covenant with thee is seal'd by bloud , 〈…〉 than the Oath at N●ah ●s ●lood . 〈◊〉 my folded 〈◊〉 I now do take thee , 〈…〉 that I never will forsake thee . ●spand● cast behind my back , and I Will 〈…〉 future in●●●mitie .

The Sinners closing with Christ . Soul . Upon my bended knees I do this day Accept of thee , my Lord , my Life , my Way ▪ By whom alone poor Sinners have access Unto the Father ; nay , and do confess , Declare , pronounce i' th' sight of God , that I Do enter now with all simplicity Into a Contract with thee , make my Vows That I will be to thee a faithful Spouse . O blessed Jesus , I 'm as one undone . A naked , vile , loathsom and guilty one , Unworthy far to wash the very feet Of th' Servants of my Lord ; O how is it That thou , the glorious Prince , shouldst ever chuse Such an unworthy Worm to be thy Spouse : O what 's thy Love ! O Grace , beyond expression ▪ Doth the great God on me place his affection ? But sith 't is so , this I engage to do , I 'le leave all for thy sake , and with thee go . And in all things own thee alone as Head , And Husband dear , by whom I will be led , And in all states and times will thee obey , What ever comes , unto my dying-day . I take thee as my Prophet , Priest , and King : And my own worthiness in every thing I do renounce , and further vow that I Upon thy Bloud and Righteousness will lie ; On that , and that alone , will I depend By Faith always until my life shall end . I covenant with thee , and so I take thee , And whatsoe'r falls out , I 'le ne'r forsake thee , But run all hazards in this dolesom day , And never from thy holy ways will stray . All this and more I promise shall be done , But in thy strength , Lord , in thy strength alone . Th' Solemnity thus ended , presently The glorious Prince , the Bridegroom , casts his Eye Upon the Soul , and bound up all her sores , Nay healed them , and cancell●d all her scores : But be'ng her self defil'd , she soon espy'd A precious Fountain flowing from his side , A Fountain for uncleanness to wash in In which she bath'd , and wash'd away her sin . Then gloriously by him she was array'd With Robes imbroid'red , very richly laid With Gold and Diamonds , that she did seem Like an adorned Heav'nly Seraphim . One V●sture was especially most rare , Without a seam , much like what he did wear ; It is the Wedding Robe , both clean and white , Whose lustre far exceeds the Morning-light ; And other garments also , which she wore , Curiously wrought with Silk , and spangl do're With stars of Gold , or Pearl , of precious Stone , Enough to dazle all to look upon : Which be'ng made up of every precious Grace , Did cause a splendent Beauty in her Face , That whilst he did behold her , could discry His Father's Image clearly in her Eye , Which did so please him , that he now admires , And after this her Beauty much desires . O see the change , she which was once so foul , Is now become a sweet and lovely Soul . Her beauty far 〈◊〉 what it had been In ancient days 〈…〉 Eye hath seen So sweet a 〈◊〉 ▪ no such Virgin Queen . Yet all her Beauty ●ow's but spots and stains , To what it will be when her Saviour raigns . O hear the melody ! Angels rejoice , Whilst she triumphs in th●● most happy choice . Who would not then all Earthly Glories slight , To gain a minutes taste of such delight ? No sooner did Apollyon cast his Eyes On what was done , but furiously did ' rise To damp her joy , or cause her mirth to cease , And by some stratagams to spoil her peace . He first stirs up the Old-man's broken force For to estrange her : if he can't divorce Her from her Friend , yet raises inward strife , How to deprive her of those joys of life , Which do abound in Lovers every way , Betwixt th' espousal and the Marriage-day . A thousand tricks contriv'd before had he How to delay or spoil th' Affinitie . But if he can't rob us of inward joy , Our name , or goods , or life he will destroy . For failing in the first , he stirs up Foes To lay upon her persecuting blows . He that will follow Christ , must look each day To have his worldly comforts took away . Besides , the Old-man being not yet slain , Great troubles in her mind there rose again . But her dear Friend so faithful is , that he Will never leave her in Adversitie . And to the end her joy may more abound , A way by him immediately is found To free her from the Old-man's hellish spite , He must be crucify'd ; but first they cite Him to the Bar to hear what he can say , Why now his life should not be took away . But hear , before that 's done , how the blest Lover Doth his dread threats and awful frowns discover Against the Fo●s of her he loves so well , Who e're they be , Men , Lusts , or Fiends of Hell . He reads his great Commission , lets them know He in a moment can them overthrow .

The dread Power and awful frowns of Jesus Prince o● Peace over his Saints Enemies . When Man transgress'd 't was I , Eternal I , Give forth the Sentence , Thou shalt surely die . 'T was I that curs'd the Serpent , who remains Unto this day , and shall in lasting Chains . When Cain did shed his righteous Brother's bloud , I sentenc'd Cain ; 't was I that brought the ●lood Upon the Earth . By me the World was drowned Proud Babels Language was by me confounded . I am Jehovah's everlasting Word , Who in my hand do bear th' two-edg'd Sword . 'T was I , and only I that did Command The dismal darkness in the Egyptians Land . 'T was at my Word the Seas divide in twain , And made an even passage through the Main . At my Command Pharaoh and all his Host Were utterly within the Red-Sea lost . 'T was I that made Belshazz●rs joints to quake , And all his Nobles tremble when I spake . 'T was I that made the Persian Monarchs great , And threw them with the Grecians from their Seat . I say the Word , and Nations are distress'd ; I spake again , and the whole World 's at rest . Let all Men stand in fear and dread of me ; I was the first , and I the last will be . All knees shall bow to me when I reprove , And at my Voice the Mountains shall remove . The Earth shall be dissolved at my Threat , And Elements shall melt with fervent heat . My Word confines the Earth , the Seas , the Wind , I am the great Jehovah unconfin'd . 'T is I divide between the joints and Marrow ; No place so close , no cranny is so narrow , But , like the Sun 's bright beams , I enter in , Discovering to each he●rt , the darling Sin That lodges in the Soul . 'T is I alone , Who by my piercings make them sigh and gro●n ▪ If from true sense and sorrow they complain , I graciously bind up those wounds again . 'T is I that save the humble and contrite , And do condemn the formal Hypocrite . My circuit's large , I coast the World about , No place , nor secret , but I find it out . All Nations of the World I rule at pleasure , To my Dominion's neither bound nor measure . Therefore , dear Soul , chear up , and do not fear , I 'le confound all thy Foes both far and near . And now I do command to bring to th' Bar That inward Foe , Old-man , I wo'nt defer His Tryal l●nger , his Indictments read , And he had leave and liberty to plead , And on his Trial he deny'd the Fact ; But Conscience swears she took him in the act , And other witness too ; but to be brief , All prove him the Soul's Foe , nay and the chief And only cause of all the horrid Treason Acted against the Lord unto this season . He was deny'd to speak , the Proofs being clear , You shall therefore his fatal Sentence hear : Come thou base Traytor , impure Mass of Sin ; That , Villain-like , dost seek revenge agin Upon the Soul , and striv'st to raise up strife , Nay thirsts again to take away her life ; Hear , hear thy Sentence , Old-man , thou must die , I can no pity shew , nor mind thy cry : Thy Age ! away , 't is pity thou hast bin Spared so long , when guilty of such Sin . Soul , thou must see to bring him in subjection , With every evil lust , and vile affection . This heap of Sin thou must strive to destroy , That so thou maist all perfect peace enjoy : Under the strictest bonds let him abide , Till he is slain , or throughly crucify'd . The Old-man being sentenc'd , and confin'd , The Soul is consolated in her mind . Affection , Judgment , Will , do all rejoyce , And are united now : O happy choice ! Ah! she admires the excellence and worth Of her Beloved , that she sets him forth , As one that 's ravish'd in the contemplation Of his great Glory , and her exaltation , In this her sacred choice : and this so raises Her ravish'd senses , that Angelick praises She thinks too low ; O now she doth discover , And not till now th' affections of a Lover . There 's nothing now so tedious as delay , Betwixt the 'spousal and the Marriage-day , Her former joys in which she much delighted , She treads them under-foot , they are quite slighted , Nay altogether loathsom in her Eye , Compared with his sacred Company . Unto the place where he appoints to meet her , Thither she runs with speed , there 's nothing sweeter ; Nay there is nothing sweet , nothing is dear Or pleasant to her , if he be not there . O! saith the Love-sick Soul , in such a case May I but have one kiss , one sweet Imbrace , O how would it rejoyce this heart of mine ! His Love is better than the choisest Wine . His Name is like an Ointment poured forth , And no such Odour e're enrich'd the Earth . The Eastern Gums , Arabian Spices rare , Do not perfume , no● so enrich the Air , As the Eternal 〈◊〉 renowned Fame Of his most preci●●s and most glorious Name ▪ Perfumes my Soul , 〈◊〉 elevates my voice , Whilst gladness fills my heart : O happy choice ! My sacred Friend , my Life , my Lord , and King , Doth me into his secret Chambers bring ; Although ten thousand fall on either hand , My Soul in sa●ety evermore shall stand . Tell me , my Lord , tell me , my dearest Love , Where thou dost feed , whither the Flocks remove , And where they rest an Noon in soultry gleams , Bring me into those Shades , where silver streams Of living Waters flow , most calm and still , There , there I 'le shelter , there I 'le drink my fill . The Fountains ope , O see it runs most clear , Green Pastures by ; a ●●odg is also near , To hide in ●afety , and to sa●e from fear Of scotching heat : ●●der . this shade I 'le rest , My Love shall be inclosed in my breast . My heart sha●l be 〈◊〉 lodging-place for ever , Nothing shal me from my Beloved ●ever . The terrors of the Night shall never harm me , He saves from heat , in ●rosts his love doth warm me You Virgins who yet never felt the smart Of Love's soul-piercing and heart-wounding Da●t . If all these sacred Raptures you admire , Know , Virgins , know that this Celestial 〈◊〉 That 's kindl●d in my breast , comes from 〈◊〉 ▪ And sets my Soul into this frame of Love O he that has endured so much pain To gain my Love , is worthy to obtain Ten thousand times more love than his poor Spouse Is able to bestow ▪ yet shall my Vows Be daily paid to him , in whose sweet breast My love-sick Soul shall find eternal rest . Know , know I ne'r obtain'd true peace , befor● My soul cast 〈◊〉 on this sacred shore . All earth●y pleasures are but seeming mi●th , His presence is a Heaven upon Earth . How heavy , O how bitter was the Cross Once unto me ? to think upon the loss Or temporal comf●rts , made me to complain But no● I 〈…〉 my gain . Terrestrial joys , as dross to me appear ; My joy 's in Heaven , O my treasure 's there . Had I all Riches of both th' India's shore At my command , ten thousand times told o're , My soul would loath them , they should be abhor'd Being worse than dung , compared to my Lord . O may these Sun-beams never cease to shine , By which I see that my Beloved's mine . He is my flesh and bone , therefore will I Rejoyce the more in this Affinity . He is my All , my soul 's to him united , As Jonathaen's to David , who delighted So much in him that in his greatest trouble Dear Jonathan did his affections double : When David was in great distress and fear , Then did his love and loyalty appear . So when my dear Beloved is distrest , My love to him shall chiefly be exprest . But why , said I , distrest ? What , can my Lord , Who hath consuming power in his Word , Be touch'd by Mortals ? what , can he be harm'd , Who with all strength of Heaven and Earth is arm'd ? No , no ; I must recall that lavish strain : No hand can touch him , he cannot sustain The smallest injury from th' greatest Pow'r ; For in a breath he can his Foes devour . But now , methinks , I presently espy Upon the Earth the Apple of his Eye ; Which are his servants , nay his members dear , Which wicked men do oft oppress ; O there My Lord 's distrest : for if his Children smart , O that doth pierce and wound his tender heart . If cold or nakedness afflicts their souls , He sympathizes , and their state condoles . It sick they be , or if by cruel hands They are in Prison cast , and under bands , And there with hunger and with thirst opprest , He feels their grief , he is in them distrest . What wrong soever they on Earth receive , 'T is done to him , for which my soul doth grieve To see th' afflictions of his servants here ; This is the fruit true loyal Love does bear . Her sorrows are his woes ; for they alone , Being his members , are my flesh and bone . And all make but one Body , he 's the Head , From whence all flows , 't is he alone has shed His love abroad , in this my love-sick ●eart , Whereby I feel when any members smart . My bowels move and tender heart does bleed , Which makes me for his sake supply their ●eed ▪ Thus for my Christ , and for his Children's sake I 'le suffer any thing ; yea I do take My life , and goods , and all into my hands , To be disposed of as he commands But know for certain evermore that I For aid and help on him alone rely . These pleasant Fruits , O these delight the King And hereby 't is that we do honour bring Unto his Name ; all souls of the new birth , Who are sincere , this precious fruit bring ●orth ▪ ●et not these things seem strange , because to few Do bear such ●ruit , believe the Maxim's true , That as the Sun doth by its warm reflection Upon the Earth , produce a resurrection Of all those Seeds , which in the Earth do 〈◊〉 Hid for a time in dark obscurity : Ev'n so the Sun of Righteousness doth shine Into this cold and barren heart of mine ; The precious seeds that have been scattered there Take root and blossom , nay their branches bear Sweet fruit , being the product of those Rays , Which that bright Sun into my soul displays . 'T is precious and most lovely in his Eye , Both 〈◊〉 it ▪ Beauty and Veracity ▪ You Vi●g●●● all who are by Love invited Into his 〈◊〉 ▪ where he is delighted With all his pleasant Fruits ▪ come , come and see , ●ow choice , f●ir , sweet , and 〈…〉 they ●e : One cluster ●ere's presented to thy view , That thou mayst s●e , and then believe 't is true . The●e be 〈…〉 which I 〈◊〉 n●w 〈◊〉 , ●●ve , Joy , and Peace , ●ong 〈◊〉 , Holiness , ●aith , Goodness , Tempera●●● a●d Charity , ●hese are the products 〈◊〉 th' A●●inity That 's made between me and my dearest Friend ; Nay , mo●e than these , Eternal 〈◊〉 i' th' end . But i● ( through sin ) thou canst not cast thine Eye On these 〈◊〉 Fruits , then know assuredly When th' Vintage comes , and thou beginst to crave For one small taste , one taste thou canst not have . The ●ruitful Soul it is the King will ●●own With th' Diad●m of Glory and Renown . O let the●e things the Soul's affections raise , In grateful Songs to celebrate the Praise Of great Jehovah , who is King of Kings , Wh●se glorious Praise the heav'nly Quire sings ▪ ●hen let us sing on Earth a Song like this , 〈…〉 , and I am his .

An Hy●● of Praise to the Sacred Bridegroom . PRaise in the Highest , Joy betide The sacred Bridegroom , and his Bride , Who doth in spendor shine : Let Heaven above be fill'd with Songs , In Earth beneath let all Mens Tongues sing forth his Praise Divine . 〈◊〉 sullen Man refuse to speak , 〈◊〉 Rocks and Stones their silence break ; for Heaven and Earth combin● To tie that sacred Bridal Knot , O let it never be forgot , the Contract is Divine . You holy Seraphims above , Who do admire Jesus's Love , O hast away and come , With Men on Earth your joys divide ; Earth ne'r produc'd so fair a Bride , nor Heaven a Bridegroom .

Another . 'T is not the gracious lofty strain ; Nor record of great Hector's glory , Nor all the conquering mighty Train , Whose Acts have left the World a story ; Nor yet great Cesar's swelling fame , Who only look'd , and overcame . Nor one , nor all those Worthy Nin● , Nor Alexander's great Renown , Whose deeds were thought almost Divine , When Vic'tries did his Temples crown ▪ But 't is the Lord , that Holy One , Whose Praises I will sing alone . My Heart and Tongue shall both rejoyce , W●il●t A●g●ls all in Consort sing Alo●d with a melodious voice The praises of sweet ●ion's King ▪ O 't is his praise , that Holy One , I am resolv'd to sing alone . My Heart indites whilst I proclaim The Praises of the God of Wonder , My lips still magnifie his Name , Whose Voice is like a mighty Thunder : I 'le praise his Name , and him alone , Who is the glorious Three in One. Whose feet are like to burning Brass , Whose Eyes like to a flaming Fire , Who bringeth mighty things to pass , 'T is him I dread , and do admire : I●le magnifie his Name alone , Who is the glorious Three in One. My Heart and Pen shall both express , The Praises of great Juda's ●ion , The sweet and fragrant Flower of Jess , The holy I 〈◊〉 , the King of Zion . To him that sitteth on the Throne , Be everlasting praise alone . Whose Head is whiter than the Snow That 's driven by the Eastern Wind , Whose Visage like a flame doth show , 〈◊〉 all , yet unconfin'd : For ever prais'd be Him ●●one , Who is the glorious Three in One. I 'le praise his Name , who hath reveal●d To me his everlasting Love , Who with his stripes my Soul hath heal'd , Whose Foot-stool's here , his Throne above , Let Trumps of Praise be loudly blown , To magnifie his Name alone . This sacred Subject of my Verse , Though I poor silly Mortal should Neglect his Praises to rehearse , The ragged Rocks and Mountains would Make his deser●ed Praises known , Who is the glorious Three in One. You twinkling Stars that Day and Night Do your appointed Circuit run , Sweet Cynthia in her monthly flight , Also the bright and flaming Sun , Throughout the Vniverse make known The Praises of the Holy One. Let every Saint on Earth rejoyce Whom Christ hath chosen , let him sing , Whilst I to him lift up my Voice To sound the Praises of my King ▪ For He it is , and He alone , Hath made me his Beloved one . FINIS .

There will be suddenly Publish'd another Treatise of this Author's , intituled Zion in Distress ; or The Groans of the true Protestant Church .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

Notes for div A47509-e1270